In this issue:
- Solid waste trucks now GPS-enabled
- FAQs
- Water theft: A health risk and illegal
- September is National Prepardedness Month
- Make a kit, have a plan, stay informed
Craig Pruett, operations supervisor for the Solid Waste Division, watches real-time data from the GPS systems installed on solid waste vehicles.
Solid waste trucks now GPS-enabled
Division utilizing system to improve efficiency and customer service
In early 2011, the city began installing new GPS (global positioning system) units in various city vehicles and equipment. The GPS systems are currently being utilized in solid waste, streets and utilities vehicles. The Solid Waste Division is using GPS to improve efficiency in routing and to provide a quicker response to customer inquiries.
Since March, the Solid Waste Division trash trucks have been operating with GPS units. A monitoring software program for the GPS units allows staff to track the trucks daily and adjust routes to save time and fuel. It is also used as a training tool for solid waste drivers and a supervisory tool for performance management. GPS tracks where the trucks are, how fast they are going, and what time they stop and start the trucks.
"It’s really been important that we communicate with the teams about the transparency of the system," said Craig Pruett, Solid Waste Division operations supervisor.
Providing excellent customer service is a priority of the city and the Solid Waste Division. When a customer calls to inquire about their trash service or to report a missed pickup, staff logs on to the GPS software program to look up information such as what time the crews picked up trash in that neighborhood. A supervisor may also search for the closest truck to the missed location and send the truck over to pick up the customer’s trash.
"We’re here for the customer. We’re here to provide a great service," said Pruett.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the next electronic recycling event?
A: The City of Lawrence will host an electronic recycling event on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Free State High School north parking lot, 4700 Overland Drive. Items accepted for recycling include televisions, video and audio equipment, computers, printers, scanners, fax machines, microwaves and other small appliances, cell phones and other hand held devices. There is a $10 recycling fee per computer monitor and a $15 recycling fee per television. There is no recycling fee for other electronic equipment. Fees may be paid by cash or check. Items not accepted at this event include large appliances and household hazardous waste such as fluorescent light bulbs, paint, pesticides, and compressed gas cylinders. For further information, please contact the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at (785) 832-3030 or visit LawrenceRecycles.org.
Q: When is the next woodchip sale?
A: The City of Lawrence will have a woodchip sale October 6-8. It will take place 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. It will be held at the city’s Wood Recovery and Composting Facility, 1420 E. 11th Street, east of 11th and Haskell Avenue, over the railroad tracks. It will be held rain or shine. Cost is $10 per standard pickup load; the price will be more for larger trucks. The woodchip sale is held to distribute woodchips generated by the department throughout the year. The department doesn’t purchase mulch, instead it recycles trees that are cut down. The trees are then run through a chipper and used as woodchips.
Blake Regnier, utilities operator for the Distribution Division, closes a valve on the water line to check a hydrant.
Water Theft: A health risk and illegal
Utilities Department warns about dangers of stealing water from city systems
The Lawrence Utilities Department works hard to provide quality water and sewer services to its customers for the lowest possible cost. Water theft is a serious problem because it increases the health and safety risk to everyone on the system, imposes additional costs on all of our customers, and it’s illegal.
Water theft is dangerous to the system and to everyone in the community. By illegally connecting to the water system, dangerous contaminants and bacteria can be introduced into the system. By circulating these contaminants throughout the city, this can expose the general public to unnecessary health risks. Most significantly, this can unknowingly put public health and safety at risk.
Water theft is unfair. The public water supply in Lawrence is owned and operated by the city. Customer water bills pay for the treatment and delivery of drinkable water throughout the community. When water is stolen, the cost to everyone else increases.
Water theft is illegal. The city has laws that pertain to water and water structures. City Code prohibits the city from providing water, sewer, and fire protection at no cost and makes tampering with mains, hydrants, meters or lines or connecting to the city’s water or wastewater system without permission a misdemeanor and a fine of up to $1000. City Code also provides that a person convicted of a misdemeanor for theft of services (water) can be punished by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or up to one year in jail.
If you need temporary water services, contact the Utilities Department for assistance. Please help us keep your water supply safe and your water costs controlled. If you know of, or suspect a water theft, contact the Utilities Department immediately at (785) 832-7800 for necessary action.
September is National Preparedness Month
Douglas County Emergency Management, in partnership with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical, is pleased to announce National Preparedness Month. During the month of September, Douglas County Emergency Management and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical, in conjunction with numerous agencies nationwide, will encourage all Americans to take simple steps to prepare themselves, their families, businesses, and communities for emergencies or disasters. For you, this may be reviewing what you already have in place or looking at preparedness for the first time.
No matter what stage you are in with your preparedness goals, recent events (severe weather outbreaks, temporary closure of I-70, power outages, fires, extreme heat) remind us of the importance of being alert and prepared for the unexpected – whether natural or man-made. During the month of September, local agencies will focus on remembering our past and preparing for our future through the public education campaign "30 days, 30 ways".
The campaign introduces steps to take to better prepare yourself, family, business, or organization for short-term to long-term interruptions. Join Douglas County Emergency Management at any point during the month by visiting the listed websites or social media sites. Together we can be prepared – let’s work together to ensure a community of cities and citizens that are disaster aware and disaster prepared.
MAKE A PLAN – HAVE A KIT – STAY INFORMED
Douglas County Emergency Management: douglascountyks.org/depts/em/em_home.aspx
Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical: www.lawrenceks.org/fire_medical/
Social Media:
:facebook.com/dgcoem
facebook.com/LawrenceKSFireMedical
Twitter: @dgcoem