PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITILIES DEPARTMENT

Our responsibility is to provide the City of Port Angeles with electricity, water, wastewater treatment, stormwater and solid waste services - as well as maintaining city streets, and sidewalks.

We also provide citywide engineering support, power management and servicing of the City's vehicle fleet. A variety of programs are also available to help conserve energy and make paying bills easier to manage.

WATER DIVISION FEATURED in NATIONAL PUBLICATION
Posted October 28, 2011 - The City of Port Angeles Water Division - Water Efficiency Program, is the cover story in the November issue of Municipal Sewer & Water Magazine .

Focus Water: “A Delicate Balance”, by Susan Marie Chin, notes “the City's multifaceted program to conserve drinking water; protect its source, safeguard the environment, and serve residents cost-effectively”.

Article available at: http://www.mswmag.com/ezine/2011/11 or http://www.mswmag.com

BROADBAND BENEFITS / TELECOMMUNICATIONS as an ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOL
The City of Port Angeles hosted a special presentation on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, in the Vern Burton Meeting Rooms. 

Lee Afflerbach, P.E. / Broadband Technology Specialist explained how Port Angeles is positioned to capitalize on this new opportunity for growth of the broadband industry and how the City's BTOP grant will impact public safety, residents, businesses, and the entire community.

Mr. Afflerbach is a telecommunications systems engineer with more than 40 years of experience and expertise covering a wide range of broadband wireless and fiber optic technologies. He has developed business plans, designed, and overseen the implementation of fiber networks for federal, state, and local governments, as well as for public safety, educational, and non-profit clients.

Citywide Wireless Initiative
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As a nationally recognized authority on wired and wireless communications, Mr. Afflerbach has served as a consultant and expert witness for public sector clients and has taught numerous courses in broadband communications technology, both in the United States and abroad.

BIKE BOXES on FIRST STREET
The First Street Stormwater Separation Project is completed. Last component installed is a feature called Bike Boxes. Bike Boxes help direct bicycles so that they can better maneuver with traffic, resulting in a more efficient and safer traffic flow. The aim of these new measures is to encourage more cycling by creating a safer, more comfortable road environment.

What is a bike box? The bike box is an intersection safety design to prevent bicycle/car collisions. It is a painted green space on the road with a white bicycle symbol inside. In some locations it includes a green bicycle lane approaching the box. The box creates space between motor vehicles and the crosswalk that allows bicyclists to position themselves ahead of motor vehicle traffic at an intersection.

Why are bike boxes being installed? The main goal of the bike box is to improve safety by 1- increasing awareness and visibility of cyclists; 2- helping cyclists make safer intersection crossings - especially when drivers are turning and bicyclists are going straight; 3 – encouraging cyclists to make more predictable approaches to and through an intersection; and 4 – providing space at the front of an intersection to help cyclists avoid breathing vehicle fumes.

What motorists should know
When the traffic signal is yellow or red, motorists must stop behind the white stop line. Don't stop on top of the green bike box. Keep it clear for cyclists to use. Typically at bike box locations, right turns on red will not be permitted.

When the light turns green, motorists and cyclists may move through the intersection as usual, with cyclists going first. Motorists turning right on green should signal and watch for cyclists to the right, especially in the green bike lane in the intersection.

What bicyclists should know

• When the traffic signal is yellow or red, enter the bike box from the approaching green bike lane.
• Stop before the crosswalk.
• When the light is green, proceed as normal. Be aware of right-turning motorists, especially while in the green bike lane in the intersection.

How to use bike boxes if you are …
A Cyclist - When the light is red or turning red, enter the bike box along the bike lane. Once you are in the bike box, position yourself according to the direction you are intending to go.

Turning left: Move to the left of the bike box and signal that you're turning left.
Going through: Position yourself in front of the through lane.
Turning right: Move close to the right edge of the roadway and signal that you're turning right.

How to use bike boxes if you are …
A Motorist - When the signal is red, you should stop at the stop line marked on the road. The stop line will be located just before the green box.

See a how to use a bike box video from Portland: http://www.streetfilms.org/portland-green-bike-box/

WATERFRONT - OLYMPIC DISCOVERY TRAIL UPDATES

UPDATE - WATER MAIN BREAK / Section of Olympic Discovery Trail Open
Posted February 3, 2012 at 11:25 a.m. - On February 2, 2012, a break occurred in the 8-inch water line located near the Olympic Discovery Trail on the Milwaukee Grade in the area of 10 th and 14 th Streets.  This section of the Trail was closed while City crews responded to make repairs.

This section of the trail was reopened this morning. 

________________

WATERFRONT / OLYMPIC DISCOVERY TRAIL and VALLEY CREEK CULVERT CLEANING PROJECT

Beginning on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 12 p.m., pedestrian traffic revisions will be necessary along the Waterfront / Olympic Discovery Trail near the Valley Creek Estuary Park to allow for sidewalk replacement.

The Trail will remain open with a detour around the construction site. Work is expected to be completed on the afternoon of Friday, February 3, 2012.

Our goal is to complete the project safely with as little inconvenience as possible to the public. The workers appreciate your understanding and patience. Please note that as with all projects - dates may change, and work may be extended depending on weather, progress and conditions.

For more information contact Jeremy Pozernick, Public Works Inspector, at 417-4807.

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WORK DELAYED
Posted December 15, 2011 - Work to repair the section of the Waterfront & Olympic Discovery Trail located between the east side of the Rayonier Mill parking lot at the footbridge, to the approximate area where the trail begins to curve to the south near Morse Creek, has been discontinued for the winter. The trail is open.

The project will resume in early spring to finish planting and repairs to the asphalt.

If you need additional information related to this project, contact Jim Mahlum, Project Engineer, at 417-4701.

NEW ELECTRIC & WATER METERS - the AMI System
The City of Port Angeles will be installing new water and electric meters for all customers in beginning in 2011. These new meters work with a system called Advanced Metering Infrastructure or AMI. AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure.

It's a wireless and fiber optic- based system, similar to wireless Internet and cable TV technologies, for metering both water and electricity...........

The City is installing this new infrastructure because the old meters are wearing out - and many of them are no longer accurate. As a result, it is not possible for the City to fully comply with state and federal mandates, such as water metering accuracy.

Electricity is becoming more expensive. In October 2011, BPA increased the electricity rates they charge the City. AMI will provide all customers ways to control their bills by using power when it's least expensive, so you can minimize the impact of BPA's upcoming rates. And because the system automatically reads both electric and water meters, the City will be able to operate your utilities at their lowest possible cost...............

It's also a fairness issue: with inaccurate metering, some customers may not be paying for all of the power and water they use. The new system is financially sound, future friendly, and fair........

FUEL EFFICIENT REFUSE TRUCKS
December 7, 2010 - The City of Port Angeles Solid Waste Division has taken delivery of the first hydraulic hybrid refuse trucks in the State of Washington. The two new Peterbilt Model 320 trucks feature a patented hydraulic launch assist (HLA) system. This system captures the truck's kinetic energy during braking. The energy is then used to launch the vehicle forward, reducing the diesel fuel requirements up to 30% over conventional trucks.

"We wanted a truck that would save fuel and reduce emissions," commented Jason Paynter, Collections Supervisor, "These trucks are ideal for the stop and go requirements for residential and commercial refuse collections."

The new trucks also hold more refuse with a 27 cubic yard capacity compared to 24 cubic yards in the existing trucks. This reduces the number of trips to unload at the Regional Transfer Station, which further reduces costs and the City's carbon emissions/footprint.

The HLA System works as a brake retarder, helping to slow down the vehicle. As a result of this technology, brake linings last four times longer than conventional brakes. The trucks are expected to go on-route beginning the week of December 13, 2010.

For more information contact Jason Paynter, City of Port Angeles Solid Waste Collections Supervisor , at 417-4876 or at garbagecollections@cityofpa.us

CATCH BASIN MAINTENANCE - How You Can Help
Melting snow and heavy rainstorms can rapidly lead to sand, leaves, and debris covering catch basins and blocking the flow of stormwater, resulting in flooding on streets and/or nearby driveways.

Residents can help by removing debris off of catch basin grates at street corners in their neighborhood. Any assistance the citizens of Port Angeles can provide in keeping catch basins open and free of debris during storm events will be very much appreciated.

~ Thank you from the Public Works & Utilities Department ~

GET IT FIRST! - Sign Up and Receive City News via Email
Interested in receiving City of Port Angeles News Releases via email? All you have to do is send an email to webmaster@cityofpa.us to be included.

City News Releases feature information and updates from all City Departments regarding events, special meetings, programs, services, projects, and other announcements.

Give it a try and sign up today! And then get ready to "Read....or should we say....Email All About It".

~ In Partnership With the Community ~

UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) gives advisory recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to City utility policy and operation.

The Utility Advisory Committee is comprised of three City Council members, one industrial representative, and two community representatives. The members are appointed to four-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms. Members shall be residents of the City, except the member representing the licensed care facilities need not be a City resident but must own or manage a licensed care facility in the City. The Utility Advisory Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month, at 3:00 p.m., in City Hall.

Please Note: Agendas and packet materials are subject to last minute changes that may not be reflected on the City's website.

Utility Advisory Committee Meeting Packet
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CITY'S LIST OF GREEN ACCOMPLISHMENTS
June 2009 - The City of Port Angeles has long been an active participant in finding ways to reduce, reuse, recycle both within City Hall and to take the lead in active education and outreach to the public.

The City is also commited to being good stewards of our environment in a wide variety of ways. Those ways are listed in the City's List of Green Accomplishments available below. This list contains over 100 ways the City is constantly involved in to make our community an even more remarkable place to live, work and play. This list will be updated periodically.

CITY'S LIST OF GREEN ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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New ! Electrical Permits Webpage
A  new webpage is available to answer your questions about the Electrical Permit process. Here, you can find out how to apply for a permit and information about the electrical permitting process.

This new page is designed to keep you informed about code changes, City policies and other information that you might need to be aware of. It is our goal to create relationships based on mutual respect, code compliance, and safety for you and the public........

WINDSTORM PHOTOS
View a sampling of the damage caused by the 2006 major windstorm.

High winds hit the Port Angeles area resulting in several power poles going down and causing power outages throughout the City......

New! Now Available for City Residents
You can now pay or check your utility usage on line!
This new feature allows you to view billing history, payment activity, and service and consumption summaries as well as pay your bill. Save a monthly trip to city hall or the cost of postage. It's quick, easy and secure....give it a try!

To Utility Information Center

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