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Just as spring cleaning and preventive maintenance are important tasks for businesses and homeowners, cities and towns need to tackle public works upkeep during this time of year as well.
Keith Pugh, PE, is WithersRavenel’s Director of Government and worked for many years in public works in North Carolina for the cities of High Point and Greensboro. He recently served as the American Public Works Association (APWA) President, traveling across the country to help advance APWA’s goals and initiatives for thousands of public works professionals.
For Keith, the comparison of a home to a public works facility illustrates easy-to-recognize overlaps – even though the buildings and other sites such as parks have much larger and more complex systems. He noted several specific areas that are vital to address coming out of winter.
AC and Heating
“You need to make sure that your air-conditioning systems are serviced and ready to go,” Keith said, along with getting a check of your heating system to make sure nothing broke or wore out over the winter. A roof check is also prudent, as wintertime can be hard on asphalt shingles and membrane (or rubber) roofs. The facility check should also include gutters, downspouts, ice guards, and drains to be sure they are clear of debris and working properly.
Foundation Examination
Building foundation checks are also important, to check the area’s drainage and be sure the site is watertight and protected against the elements and pests. Check for cracks and bulges, and address trouble spots as needed, Keith said. You should also include attic and crawl space checks as well in this spring maintenance, to check for animal encroachment and any seasonal damage.
Winter Materials and Equipment Checks
Equipment used for snow removal over winter will need to be checked and cleaned before storing over spring and summer. Remove or replace fluids as advised by the manufacturer, and restock supplies as needed. Examine generators for wear and tear.
Landscaping
Examine trees and bushes for low-hanging or dangerous limbs, and trim as needed, Keith said. Pay particular attention to trees around parking lots and in other areas with high-foot traffic, such as greenways, trails, playgrounds, and athletic fields. Removal of any debris from trails and greenways should be on the agenda as well. Check for bare spots on your lawns. Mowing, trimming, and edging will get your grounds, parks, and athletic fields off to a good start in the springtime while also allowing you to check for any potential issues or needed repairs.
Sidewalks and Parking Lots
If you used salt or any chemicals over the winter on your sidewalks and parking lots, you’ll want to consider a good wash or sweeping to remove any residuals. You’ll also want to patch any potholes that developed over the winter and seal cracks as needed, too. Also check the striping on your parking lots for damage from any scraping or winter weather. Examine all the drainage features around your parking lots and throughout facility sites.
Other tasks to consider
Keith also provided a list of other spring maintenance tasks to consider from the standpoint of asset management and best practices to prepare for busier times at municipal facilities and park sites:
- Examine and clean windows
- Inspect exterior door hinges and locking mechanisms
- Check outdoor plumbing and pipes
- Maintain irrigation systems
- Inspect and repair guardrails/handrails
- Check traffic signs
- Power washing siding and decks
- Check trash receptacles/dog poop stations
- Refresh mulch/rubberized materials in playground areas
- Examine painting and refresh as needed
- Inspect lighting
- Plan ahead for summer projects
Investing in infrastructure inspection and maintenance saves money
Checking your many facilities and their associated infrastructure may seem like a daunting task. But spotting problems early is less expensive than waiting until things break. Keith compared the value of inspections and regular maintenance to the old Fram oil commercials, where the actor said, “You can pay me now or pay me later.”
“To rehabilitate something or completely replace it is much more expensive than it is to just do some routine spring maintenance,” he said. Properly managing your municipal assets is ultimately an investment in your community and its future. So, let’s take proper care of what we have and always try to leave things better than we found them.
Want to start a conversation about public works facilities, upkeep and spring maintenance? You can reach Keith at kpugh@withersravenel.com.