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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - July 2020 Monthly Project Highlights1 City of Ames - July Project Highlights - 2020 Fire Storz Hydrants: The Fire Department worked with Public Works on a process improvement project to help improve fire ground efficiency by installing a new type of fire hydrant that comes with a fire department connection (Storz connection) already installed on the fire hydrant. The Storz connection allows the Fire Department to connect its supply hose to the hydrant in a quick quarter-turn action instead of having to first thread on a Storz connection to the hydrant. The action is fast and smooth so Firefighters can get to their tasks quickly without the thread alignment, cross threading, or leakage problems sometimes associated with threaded connections. Crews have reviewed and trained on the new hydrants and appreciate the simplistic process to increase efficiency and streamline the hydrant connection process. Public Works have updated their hydrant specifications to require all newly installed/replaced fire hydrants to come with a Storz connection. These new hydrants were recently installed on Murry Drive, Burnett Avenue, and at the JC Penny Parking Lot / Strip Mall. Boat Operations: All Fire Department members recently completed Boat Operations training at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. The training allowed members to review the different steps associated with loading/unloading along with practical application of operating the boat on the water. The knowledge gained during the training allows for increased familiarity and comfort to a low frequency type event. The Rescue Boat is located at Station 1 and allows for quick access to Ada Hayden Heritage Park and other bodies of water within the City of Ames. 2 Parkapalooza: Ames Fire crews cohosted a Parkapalooza event with Library Staff at Hutchison Park. Kids were invited to play different water games and run through a large sprinkler (fire hose). There were about 15 kids and a dozen or so parents in attendance. Water & Pollution Control Water Demand • As of July 21, nearly all of our watershed and aquifer is in an area classified as being “Abnormally Dry”, with the area right over Ames considered to be in a “Moderate Drought” (as determined by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s US Drought Monitor). The area of “Severe Drought” has extended to now touch our western city limits. With forecasts calling for seasonably hot temperatures and little rain over the next few weeks, we can expect the drought coverage to continue to expand. • In mid-July, a new peak three-day water demand record was set, and the second highest single-day demand was recorded. We are on pace to set a new monthly demand record for any month. This is in sharp contrast to April of this year, which was the lowest April monthly demand in over 20 years. 3 • Shortly after setting those new peak demand records, a modest rainfall resulted in demand dropping from a daily total of 9.47 million gallons to 6.85 million gallons. This is another piece of evidence showing that summer peaks are driven by irrigation. • The new Water Plant and water supply wells are not significantly stressed, and there are no concerns about meeting the demand in the foreseeable future. Total City Perspective • The Water Plant and Fire Department jointly reviewed the “confined spaces” at the new Water Plant, and developed some improvements that can be made to make it safer for employees working in a confined space as well as for emergency responders should a confined space rescue be needed. • Public Works Utility Maintenance shared their equipment and labor to help repair a valve at Well #7. • The Water Pollution Control Facility loaned a pressure washer to the Water Plant, eliminating the need to rent equipment or hire an outside contractor. • The Water Pollution Control Facility also loaned a gooseneck trailer and truck to the Resource Recovery Plant for their conveyor belt replacement project. Risk and Resilience Assessment On July 22nd, staff participated in a physical security assessment with assistance from a representative of the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Agency / Department of Homeland Security (CSIA/DHS). A separate cybersecurity assessment will take place in the near future, focusing on the plant controls and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. The results of these two DHS assessments will be incorporated into a comprehensive Risk and Resilience Assessment for the Water Plant. Highway 30 Force Main Replacement Work to replace a major portion of the Highway 30 force main (at the north end of the Hunziker Youth Sports Complex) is nearing completion. In the first few days of operation, it appears that the energy consumption by the pumps at the lift station has decreased as a result of having less friction in the pipeline. WPC Digester Cover Repairs Repairs to the welds on the Water Pollution Control Facility’s Primary Digester Number Two (PD2) cover is nearing completion. The welds were damaged when the outlet pipe became clogged and the sealed digester became pressurized. 4 North River Valley Dam Improvements Work on the Low Head Dam safety improvements is proceeding at a robust pace, thanks to low flow rates in the South Skunk River. As of July 23, the northern recreation side of the channel improvements was complete, and the southern fish passage portion is progressing quickly. A change order will be processed at the staff level to adjust quantities of materials used (some up; some down). Water Plant Remote Site Antenna Upgrades Our contractor is nearing replacement on this project that addresses intermittent loss of communication between the Water Plant and remote sites (water towers, wells, pump stations). They are awaiting a warranty replacement of a faulty master radio antenna located atop the Power Plant. If the new radio antenna resolves the remaining problems, the project will be complete. COVID-19 Testing at the Community Scale City staff are partnering with researchers at Iowa State University to conduct testing for the SARS- CoV-2 virus (the culprit behind COVID-19) at a macro scale. The testing would be performed on the influent into the Ames Water Pollution Control Facility. Conceptually, an increase in the density of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater could indicate a community spike in cases days before patients become symptomatic or receive a positive test result. It could provide an early warning for schools, employers, and the health care infrastructure of our community. Public Works Follow Ames Public Works on Facebook for updates on construction projects, resource recovery, maintenance activities, traffic, storm water and more! 5 Construction updates can also be found at www.cityofames.org/construction ISU Research Park – Phase IV The sanitary sewer and water main extensions along S Riverside Dr are being installed this week and the roadbed subgrade preparation has begun. In the coming weeks, storm sewer will be installed along S Riverside Dr and the roadway will be graded and rocked for paving. Campustown Improvement Project (Welch) Go to www.cityofames.org/welch to watch the updated video on Welch Phase IV. The fourth stage of the reconstruction and redesign of Welch Avenue, from Lincoln Way to Chamberlain Street, will begin on Wednesday, July 15, with pavement removal and underground utility improvements extending south on Welch Avenue from the CVS/Kingland driveway to the middle of Fire Station No. 2 driveway. The entire project will include replacing original infrastructure that is more than a century old, along with Welch Avenue pavement reconstruction and water quality improvements. 2019/20 Collector Street Pavement Improvements, Bloomington Ave The project has been awarded to Manatts and they plan to start August/September 2020/21 Seal Coat Street Improvement (Franklin Ave)/ 2020/21 Seal Coat Street Improvement (East 8th St) View plans and information at www.cityofames.org/sealcoat Final construction plans will go to City Council for approval July 28th . Construction will start this summer. 2020/21 ROW Restoration (Standard Vegetation)/ 2020/21 ROW Restoration (Native Vegetation)  Various locations to clean up and seed ROW after upcoming CIP projects  Final Plans and Specs go to City Council on Tuesday, July 28 for approval  Native grass for the Little Bluestem project  Final Plans and Specs go to City Council on Tuesday, July 28 for approval 6 Vet Med Trail Vet Med Trail paving work begins the week of July 27th from S. 16th Street to N. Loop Drive. Vet Med Trail is already closed between S. 16th Street and S. 3rd Street due to the S. Grand Avenue Extension project. University Boulevard is being used as a detour. This detour will be extended down to Airport Road given the new construction activities. How many guys does it take to install an international crosswalk? Well, in this case, several! The Traffic division of Public Works installed a new international crosswalk at the intersection of North Dakota and Delaware Avenues. This material is 5 to 7 times more durable than traditional waterborne paint, holds up to snow plow blades better, and maintains its brightness and retro reflectivity for the duration of its life span. It costs more and is a bit more labor- intensive to install, therefore, Public Works will do a cost benefit analysis to see if it makes sense to continue using this type of material. Safety aspects will also be considered in that this type of material maintains its retro reflectivity whereas the glass beads we apply in paint wears off rather quickly. Concrete and Asphalt crews continue maintenance activities around the city. Public Works Facebook gives locations each week. A crew was gifted some early morning coffee this month! 7 Resource Recovery Plant Shutdown projects Out with the old, in with the new! RRP’s C-5 vibratory conveyor, installed in 1996, was removed after running more than 1,103,173 tons over it; a new conveyor weighing 17,000 pounds was installed! The Komptech shredder door was replaced: Household Hazardous Material appointment times are now available Saturday mornings as well as Wednesday afternoons. We have more appointments now than ever. The scheduled maintenance on Boiler #7 is complete and the Resource Recovery Plant is now open to commercial and residential haulers. The RRP staff wants to thank everyone for the support during the maintenance activities and using alternative waste options reducing trash and food waste. 8 Police Animal Shelter The COVID-19 closure gave animal shelter staff time to focus on a BIG project: a new building called Purr-Villa. To increase our cat housing, a mobile office was purchased that was refurbished into a new cat intake housing building. Staff cleaned and painted, and Iowa Home Consulting donated the time and supplies to put in new flooring and reseal the windows. New cat arrivals now have a quiet building to adjust in, and our kennels for cats in the Working Cats Program (feral cats) increased from just two kennels to eight. Donation funds were used to purchase cat portals for many of the kennels in Purr-Villa. Fleet Services staff helped cut the holes in the stainless-steel kennels so that we could install the portals. The portals give staff the flexibility to either have the portal closed to house two separate cats, or open to give one cat access to two kennels. A complete dog kennel replacement is in the works and should be completed by the end of September. Parks and Recreation Fitness Programming A new session of indoor classes began Monday, July 6 and currently nine classes are being held at the Community Center with most classes being held in the gym. Of the indoor classes offered, only 21% of them are being held. On the contrary, 100% of the outdoor classes offered had enough registrations in order to conduct them. Participants are enjoying working out in the parks during this time and have asked for increased offerings which will be provided in August! Additionally, four deep water aerobics classes were offered at the Municipal Pool beginning Monday, July 6 and all four classes filled. The cardio and weight room opened to the public Wednesday, July 1. Some of the cardio equipment was moved into the gym to allow for social distancing. Patrons must sign up to use the cardio equipment or the weight room. 9 Sunset Ridge Park (325 Wilder Avenue) – Dedication Work is progressing on the development of Sunset Ridge Park. A contractor completed the grading for the playground, shelter, and concrete path. Electrical conduit and water lines were also installed. A contractor is completing playground installation along with a two-bay swing set. City staff has erected the shelter and is working on completing the roof. Concrete will be installed in early August and finishing touches will be completed for the dedication on August 23 at 5:30 PM. Parkapalooza Neighborhood Parkapaloozas started on Wednesday, July 8. These FREE family events in neighborhood parks are hosted by the Fire Department, Police Department, Parks & Recreation, and Ames Public Library Thus far, Fire, Parks & Recreation, and Ames Public Library have hosted Water Day, DIY Birdhouse, and Story & Dance at Bandshell Park, Daley Park, Franklin Park, Hutchison Park, and Country Gables Park. Police was scheduled to host an Obstacle Course at Greenbriar Park that was cancelled due to inclement weather; this event is rescheduled to July 29. Homewood Golf Course The golf course has been busy since we opened May 1. There were 2,120 rounds in May, 2,825 in June, and 2,682 in July through the 23rd. This has resulted in greens fee revenue for May and June to be almost $4,000 higher in 2020 than in 2019. On the flip side, season pass revenue for 2020 is $9,500 less than in 2019. Homewood Clubhouse Burning and Groundbreaking R.H. Grabau Construction, Boone, Iowa, will be starting construction on the Homewood Clubhouse in late August. Ames Fire Department is going to utilize the structure for training in mid-August and will complete the final burn on August 21. A groundbreaking is scheduled for 5:00 PM on August 28. Construction of the clubhouse is expected to be completed by April 1, 2021. Brookside Park Restroom Renovation – Ribbon Cutting Henkel Construction Co., will be completing the restroom in the next couple of weeks. They hope to have the restroom completed the first week of August. Work has not progressed as quickly as City staff would like however it will be ready for the ribbon cutting that is scheduled for August 17, 2020 at 5:00 PM. 10 Inis Grove Park Restrooms HPC, Inc., is completing final touches for the restroom along Duff Ave which is expected to open the first week of August. They are also making progress on the new restroom (pictured left) being constructed north of the tennis courts. The roof framing was installed and painted, and the roof decking has also been installed. City Manager’s Office Cyclones Care In an effort to reduce the transmission the COVID-19 virus through Story County, the City of Ames is partnering with community organizations through a unified, collaborative public health campaign developed by Iowa State University. “Cyclones Care” is a public health education campaign focused around four pillars of healthy behavior. Developed by Iowa State communicators with input from experts on behavioral change, accessibility, and diversity, Cyclones Care promotes responsible decision-making to reduce COVID19 transmission. While initially created for the campus community, other organizations, such as the City of Ames, have embraced the message and are promoting it. With community-wide compliance, these four actions make the greatest impact in ensuring that our local health care facilities can keep up and treat sick people who need medical attention: 1. Wear a face covering 2. Maintain physical distancing of 6 feet or greater 3. Wash/sanitize your hands frequently 4. Stay home if you’re sick The Ames City Council recently approved joining Iowa State University, the Ames Area Chamber of Commerce, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Story County, the League of Women Voters, and others in financing a marketing plan to promote compliance with the Cyclones Care message. The plan includes interior and exterior CyRide bus boards, a billboard, social media, digital media, and some traditional communication tools (print, radio, etc.). 11 Electric SunSmart Ames Community Solar Project Groundbreaking Ames Electric Services held a groundbreaking ceremony recently to begin construction on the SunSmart Ames Community Solar Project located north of the Ames Municipal Airport on Airport Road. Implementing a community solar project has been a long-established goal of the Ames City Council. The 2-megawatt community solar farm will allow Ames Electric Services customers to invest in clean, solar energy. Despite delays due to the need to re- evaluate and mitigate risks to construction crews, SunSmart is still on track to be producing electricity by the end of the year. The solar generation facility will be built and operated by ForeFront Power of San Francisco, Calif., and Ames Electric Services will purchase all electricity provided by the solar panels. Ames Electric Services also purchases wind energy and use refuse-derived fuel in the Ames Power Plant to provide electricity to customers. It’s not too late for Ames Electric Services customers to get involved in SunSmart. Subscribe to the solar farm by buying energy shares or “Power Packs” for a one-time investment of $300. Customers will receive a small monthly credit on their utility bill for 20 years based on the amount of energy generated. Electric Vehicle Chargers Ames Electric Services has received three grants totaling $157,200 to install one DC fast charger and two Level 2 community chargers for electric vehicles from Iowa’s Volkswagen Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust. These planned charger installations will serve Ames residents, visitors to the community, and travelers passing by Ames on Interstate 35 and U.S. 30. There are currently Level 2 charging stations available at Ames City Hall and Bandshell Park. The new chargers will serve Campustown and the area West of campus on Lincoln Way. The DC Fast Charger will be installed near the intersection of Interstate 35 and U.S. 30. Supporting adoption of electric vehicles in Ames reduces tailpipe emissions in our community, replaces gasoline with locally and regionally sourced energy, and supports City Council’s goal of reducing citywide greenhouse gas emissions.