This week we start what will become a series of podcasts chronicling the journey of the City of Shakopee, MN through the APWA Accreditation process. Shakopee decided to take this on several months ago and a couple of months into the process at the time of this recording. This is a great conversation about why Shakopee decided to do this, how they found an internal champion and what surprises they've discovered so far. Joining us are guests Bill Egan (Public Works Director), Alex Jordan (City Engineer) and Barb Kraemer (Administrative Assistant).

AI Generated Description:

Curious about what it takes to achieve APWA accreditation? Join us on this enlightening episode of the Public Works Nerds podcast as we sit down with the passionate team from the City of Shakopee, Minnesota. Hear firsthand from Public Works Director Bill Egan, City Engineer Alex Jordan, and Administrative Assistant Barb Kraemer, each sharing their unique journeys and roles within the city's public works department. From Bill's extensive experience to Alex's fresh perspective from Lakeville, and Barb's transition from Parks and Rec, you'll get a front-row seat to the dynamics that make Shakopee's team tick.

Discover the motivations driving Shakopee's pursuit of the prestigious APWA accreditation. Despite the rarity of such recognition in Minnesota, the team was inspired by an intriguing article and took strategic steps to gain internal support. We break down the APWA's accreditation chapters, exploring the collaborative efforts across various city departments and the anticipated timeline for completion. You'll hear about the significance of mission and vision statements, the role of parks maintenance, and the invaluable support from APWA community leaders that has propelled Shakopee's public works department forward.

Uncover the financial and operational considerations of the accreditation process, including the costs and long-term benefits that justify this investment. We delve into the extensive involvement required from multiple departments, with critical support from city administrator Bill Reynolds. Through specific examples like managing roadkill, we highlight the practical impact of updated policies. This episode emphasizes the importance of teamwork, professional growth, and industry recognition, offering insights and inspiration for public works professionals everywhere. Don't miss this engaging conversation that showcases the power of collaboration and dedication in public service!

Show Notes:
APWA Accreditation:
https://www.apwa.org/resources/accreditation/

Parks and Recreation Accreditation:
https://www.nrpa.org/certification/accreditation/CAPRA/

I was planning on putting additional links here to other accreditation services for other departments such as Finance or Human Resources, but decided against it as I can't vet any of these advertised programs. If you are interested I encourage you to start with a simple Google search for "Public Agency Accreditation" and you will find several options for Police, Fire, Finance, etc.

In our 32nd episode we are joined by the City of Edina's Master Electrician and Supervisor Noah Silver. Noah guides us through this nerd session on Electric Vehicles and the required infrastructure to support them.


Join us for a transformative discussion on how the City of Edina is spearheading the future of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. With insights from our esteemed guest, Noah Silver, Edina's Master Electrician and Supervisor, you'll gain exclusive knowledge on the intricate process of electrifying city fleets and public spaces. Discover the funding opportunities, including the National Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, that can enable other municipalities to follow Edina's pioneering path.

Hear the compelling story of Edina's journey from installing their first Level 2 charging station in 2018 to now managing an advanced charging network with ChargePoint hardware. Learn about the strategic decisions behind setting competitive charging rates and implementing a public charging policy that balances accessibility with efficiency. With 21 electric vehicles in the city’s fleet, including police vehicles capable of enduring 12-hour shifts, you'll get a detailed look at the practicalities and challenges of transitioning to electric mobility within public service sectors.

Finally, get a glimpse into the future of sustainable transportation in Edina, from the innovative CAS fund bridging cost gaps for EV adoption to the latest advancements in electric fire truck technology. Noah Silver, along with key stakeholders, shares their experiences with different EV models and the city's collaborative efforts to expand infrastructure. Whether you're an EV enthusiast or a municipal planner, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that highlight how Edina is setting a benchmark in sustainable urban transportation.

Show Notes:

News item on Edina's first EV
https://edinadocs.edinamn.gov/weblink/0/edoc/74504/CitySlick_December_2013.pdf

City of Edina's Sustainability website:
https://www.edinamn.gov/458/Sustainability

This week we may have to temporarily rename the podcast "The Parks and Recreations Nerds" as we welcome Matt Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Roseville. Along with my guest co-host Bryce Shearan, a colleague of mine at Bolton & Menk and former Parks and Recreation Director at the City of Little Canada. Bryce also hosts another podcast - MRPA On the Air. See the show notes for a link to the podcast home page.

The three of us talk about Roseville's innovative EAB removal and replacement program. We then talk about the Parks and Recreation accreditation standard that Roseville has achieved since 1994. It's a high standard that the Parks and Recreation department continues to meet every 5 years.

Join us as we nerd out about Parks!

AI Generated Episode Description:
Embark on an auditory exploration of urban green spaces with Matt Johnson, Roseville's visionary Director of Parks and Recreation, and guest co-host Bryce Sheeran. Together, we uncover the city's strategic battle against the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, detailing the ambitious tree removal and replacement program that paints a promising future for our urban canopy. Our conversation twirls through the challenges and achievements of managing natural spaces within city bounds, emphasizing the importance of public safety while nurturing the aesthetic and ecological vibrancy of our shared environments.

Have you ever considered the delicate dance of community engagement and practical forestry management? Our dialogue includes a conversation about the contractor Tree Trust that spotlights the collective triumph in saving 250 trees from pestilence and the communal spirit that underpins successful public works projects. We unravel the threads of public and private tree management, revealing the intricate partnerships and initiatives that bolster both the beauty and health of our urban landscapes. The narrative extends beyond Roseville, inspiring neighboring communities to cultivate their own verdant urban retreats.

Wrapping up our journey, we reflect on the enriching pursuit of parks and recreation accreditation. Discover how feedback and peer reviews transform the groundwork of public service, fostering growth, and encouraging equity and non-traditional programming to flourish. As we stray from our usual public works focus, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the nuanced world of parks management, igniting a passion among veterans and newcomers to the field alike. Tune in for an episode that promises to deepen your appreciation for the green oases that grace our cities.

Show Notes:

MN Recreation and Parks Association On the Air Podcast
https://www.mnrpa.org/Podcast

Roseville EAB Response Program
https://www.cityofroseville.com/2006/Emerald-Ash-Borer-EAB

NYT Article: Why One Man Runs a Tree Service That Won’t Cut Down Dead Trees
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/realestate/eco-friendly-landscaping-dead-trees.html