270 likes | 576 Views
Self-Assessment: A Process for Improvement. Self-Assessment Phase Results of the American Public Works Association Accreditation ProjectPresented toAllegheny County Council Public Works CommitteeJune 26, 2007. Welcome and Introduction. Tom Donatelli, P.E.DirectorAllegheny CountyDepartment of Public Works.
E N D
2. Self-Assessment:A Process for Improvement Self-Assessment Phase Resultsof the American Public Works Association Accreditation Project
Presented to
Allegheny County CouncilPublic Works Committee
June 26, 2007
3. Welcome and Introduction
Tom Donatelli, P.E.
Director
Allegheny County
Department of Public Works
4. APWA Accreditation Began accreditation project in 1st Quarter 2003
Self Assessment and Improvement Phases completed this year
Evaluation phase begins in July, with final on-site evaluation in October
Accredited Public Works agency by November 2007
5. What is self-assessment? Definition:
The evaluation of an agency’s existing management practices in comparison to recommended best practices.
6. “…recommended best practices.” The Public Works Management Practices Manual is a collection of 529 recommended practices developed by knowledgeable public works professionals throughout North America.
The fifth edition was published by the American Public Works Association in September 2004.
7. What is self-assessment? A process to improve public works performance and the provision of services
An opportunity to find new ways to provide services in a more efficient and effective manner
An opportunity to increase professionalism
A tool for building teamwork
The first step in the accreditation process
8. Why did we do it? Find ways to do more with less
Identify strengths and weaknesses
Not about “What are we doing wrong?” rather “What can we do better?”
Provide opportunities for improvement
9. Why did we do it? Involve employees at all levels in continuous improvement
Provide community services in the most cost-effective, responsive manner
Contribute to the strategic planning process
10. Self-Assessment Results Improved Processes
Technological and Operational Advancements
“Side Effects”
11. Improved Processes: Administration & Operations Mission Statement
Reviewed and revised to ensure public needs/expectations are addressed
Communications
In the Works Newsletter / Annual Report / Internet / Intranet
Disseminate important news/information to employees
Keep public informed
12. Improved Processes: Administration & Operations Standardized procedures
Pulled the best of the best from divisions, districts and/or parks operations
Snow & Ice Reports
Heavy Equipment Maintenance
13. Improved Processes: Administration & Operations Centralized Operations
Work Management Center
Work order/service request tracking system
Fleet & Equipment Parts Inventory
Parts and fluids inventory maintained by First Vehicle Services’ FMIS
Employee Training Records
Identify employees with skills/certifications necessary for specialized tasks or emergency response
14. Improved Processes: Administration & Operations Updated practices
Written practices modified
Regulatory requirements
Non-compulsory best practices
MUTCD, DEP, ASCE, etc.
15. Improved Processes: Administration & Operations Workforce Development
NIMS Certification for first response personnel
Employee skills/development training
Provide more training opportunities through EAP, APWA, etc.
16. Improved Processes: Administration & Operations Possible Future Initiatives
Enhanced Soft Skills Training
Basic supervision
Customer service
Performance evaluation program
Enhance work incentives
Improve employee recognition
17. Improved Processes: Maintenance Division Roads, Bridges & Parks
Developed work order system for Districts and Parks
Interfaced with Cityworks to manage County assets on GIS
Enhancing pavement management system
18. Improved Processes: Maintenance Division Facilities
Implemented work order system for Trades
Improving preventive maintenance and inspection programs
Developing County-wide facilities management database
19. Improved Processes: Maintenance Division Fleet
Contracted with First Vehicle Services to maintain centralized parts and fluids inventory
Standardized heavy equipment maintenance based on First Vehicle’s practices
First Vehicle Services is ISO 9000 certified
20. Improved Processes: Engineering Division Permits
Implemented HOP module in Cityworks to track permits
Developing an online permit manual for permittees
Consultant Guidelines
Revising County guidelines to be consistent with new PennDOT guidelines
Expedites review and approval process
21. Improved Processes: Engineering Division Contracting Procedures
Revised to reduce costs and improve efficiency
Provided electronic access to and distribution of PennDOT publications
Revised newspaper notification requirements
Implemented electronic distribution of bid packages
22. Technological and Operational Advancements Cityworks
GIS-based asset management system
Work order/service request system
Preventive maintenance programs
Inspection programs
Inventory control
Resource allocation
Highway Occupancy Permits
23. Technological and Operational Advancements Work Management Center
Centralized Call Center
Centralized work order/service request system
24. Technological and Operational Advancements Operations Manuals
Winter Operations Manual
Updated and includes GIS maps
Serves as departmental EOP for disaster/weather events
Fleet Vehicle Manual
Public Works Contracting Manual
25. Technological and Operational Advancements More Operations Manuals
Consultant Guidelines
Permit Manual
Safety Manual
Available on APWA’s website as a model forother public worksagencies
26. Technological and Operational Advancements Guidelines
Pennsylvania Green Building Operations and Maintenance Manual (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)
Turf Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices (Irrigation Association)
Snowfighter’s Handbook (Salt Institute)
Salt Storage Handbook (Salt Institute)
PennDOT Publications
27. “Side Effects” Promotes staff and community pride
Enhances department’s image
Encourages interdepartmental coordination
Promotes teamwork and staff development
28. Are We Finished Yet? After five years, look at it with suspicion.
After ten years, throw it away and start over.”
- Alfred Edward Perlman
29. Strategic Plan