Recently Kevin Griffin, Darin Duersch, and myself toured both the Utah Food Bank and the Homeless shelter which is called "The Road Home". It was a sad commentary that these facilities are needed, but it is also a testament to the Utah spirit that many people are willing to give both time and money helping those in need. During the tour of the shelter it was pointed out that the fastest growing population in the shelter is families. Most of the people in the shelter, over 86% are what is call the working poor. Below are a few facts about "The Road Home"
The Road Home Vison Statement
We envision people moving seamlessly from the cold streets into warm housing from despair and alienation toward hope and inclusion.We envision a community that recognizes the inherent dignity of those who live in poverty and homelessness.The Road Home will work with all of our important partners to realize this vision.
The Road Home History
The Road Home, formerly Travelers Aid Society, is a private, non-profit social service agency established in 1923 in Utah to assist stranded travelers, unescorted and runaway youth, and other disconnected persons. Although historically known for its booths in train stations, bus stations and airports, The Road Home positioned itself to assist a wider range of individuals requiring assistance, including homeless people. Case management by a social worker is emphasized as the critical element in providing quality, long-term resolution to challenges that the individual faces.
The Road Home Accomplishments
The Road Home provided support for thousands of people who were homeless in fiscal year 2007-2008. The Salt Lake Community Shelter and Self-Sufficiency Center served 2,400 households consisting of 2,743 persons, including 1,681 single men, 373 single women and 157 families consisting of 219 children and 188 adults. A total of 195,320 shelter stays was provided. Average length of stay was 30 days for single women, 36 days for single men, and 74 days for families. The Community Emergency Winter Housing Program provided shelter to 2,256 single men, 339 single women, and 143 families with 510 family members. A total of 60,134 shelter nights were provided from October 13, 2006 to April 1, 2007. The Emergency Assistance Office served a total of 3,248 individual clients with 7,891 services including bus passes, birth certificates, clothing and more. Through our Housing Program, 162 households were placed from homelessness into housing. Overall, the Housing Program served 336 households this fiscal year.
We often think about charity only during the holiday season, but the need is there all year long. I would encourage everyone to give something every month to help someone in need. Don't ask why someone has found himself without food or shelter as it does not mater. What counts is that when someone is in need you reach out and help. We adopted a family for Christmas and provided hope and joy for a family in need that we will never meet. I am proud of each of you for your part in our holiday endeavor, you were very generous and I thank you.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Innovation Challenge
I would like to define some of the challenges we face and start the discussion on how to meet them. Before we can begin we need to describe what our responsibility is as a Region. Below are some of Cory's comments taken from our Region One website.
"In Region One we manage 942 centerline miles and 2655 lane miles of state roadway. Region One also includes two national forests, one national historic site, seven state parks and three state highways designated "Scenic Byways." Our responsibility is to construct and maintain state roadways in the safest, most efficient manner possible. Our highways are one of the most valued public assets. They provide for the movement of people, goods and services and benefit the local populace as well as visitors to our state. Our customers - the cities, counties and all road users - are important to UDOT and are encouraged to provide feedback and work with us to provide the best roads possible."
Our challenge as a Region is to maintain 942 Centerline miles and 2655 lane miles of roadway with a budget that cannot address all of the needs of such a system. We have all heard that we must do more with less and that the budgets are getting smaller while the needs are increasing. Some customers have asked UDOT to build roads without inconveniencing traffic at all. We have also heard the old adage "That necessity is the mother of invention". We have all become inventors at some point during our time at UDOT. Inventing new ways to save money and still get the job done. We look at what our customer's expect and invent ways by which we can meet those expectations. ABC bridge construction, P+T , CMGC, and design build are just a few inventions that UDOT has used to deliver projects. The new design networks, advances in design software, Projectwise, and digital signatures are ways meant to improve our internal design processes. With every project we invent ways to make it work as fast as possible within budget. The challenge to maintain our system is getting harder every year as the demand increases and the budget decreases. No matter what the circumstances no one in our Region will settle for nothing short of the best. Our traveling public expects the same level of service that they have always gotten, but they want it quicker and cheaper. We are always looking at inventing "new" ways to address the needs, so improving our process is not just an option it is a necessity. We cannot do things the same as always, in fact we can't do things like we did just yesterday. Determining risk and inventing new processes must be our mode of operation not just a one time thing. We must use what we have learned in the past to invent ways to innovate for the future. The innovations that each of you come up with will lead us into the future and improve the quality of life in Region One. This is not an easy task, but I feel that Region One Preconstruction is up to the challenge and can go beyond just making it work. As a team we can make it work better than before.
"We are Working for Tomorrow".
"In Region One we manage 942 centerline miles and 2655 lane miles of state roadway. Region One also includes two national forests, one national historic site, seven state parks and three state highways designated "Scenic Byways." Our responsibility is to construct and maintain state roadways in the safest, most efficient manner possible. Our highways are one of the most valued public assets. They provide for the movement of people, goods and services and benefit the local populace as well as visitors to our state. Our customers - the cities, counties and all road users - are important to UDOT and are encouraged to provide feedback and work with us to provide the best roads possible."
Our challenge as a Region is to maintain 942 Centerline miles and 2655 lane miles of roadway with a budget that cannot address all of the needs of such a system. We have all heard that we must do more with less and that the budgets are getting smaller while the needs are increasing. Some customers have asked UDOT to build roads without inconveniencing traffic at all. We have also heard the old adage "That necessity is the mother of invention". We have all become inventors at some point during our time at UDOT. Inventing new ways to save money and still get the job done. We look at what our customer's expect and invent ways by which we can meet those expectations. ABC bridge construction, P+T , CMGC, and design build are just a few inventions that UDOT has used to deliver projects. The new design networks, advances in design software, Projectwise, and digital signatures are ways meant to improve our internal design processes. With every project we invent ways to make it work as fast as possible within budget. The challenge to maintain our system is getting harder every year as the demand increases and the budget decreases. No matter what the circumstances no one in our Region will settle for nothing short of the best. Our traveling public expects the same level of service that they have always gotten, but they want it quicker and cheaper. We are always looking at inventing "new" ways to address the needs, so improving our process is not just an option it is a necessity. We cannot do things the same as always, in fact we can't do things like we did just yesterday. Determining risk and inventing new processes must be our mode of operation not just a one time thing. We must use what we have learned in the past to invent ways to innovate for the future. The innovations that each of you come up with will lead us into the future and improve the quality of life in Region One. This is not an easy task, but I feel that Region One Preconstruction is up to the challenge and can go beyond just making it work. As a team we can make it work better than before.
"We are Working for Tomorrow".
Monday, November 30, 2009
Lead a Quality Process
Preconstruction Expectations
Why Lead a quality process that meet the needs of UDOT? The importance of your work must be examined in order to answer the question of why. UDOT needs both Region design and planning to ensure that the transportation system is safe, efficient and meets the needs of your State. As the Region's designers and planners you are considered the backbone of UDOT decision making. You make decisions everyday that have a profound effect on the people who depend on the highways for their livelihood and their health and welfare. The way you conduct your business could literally mean life or death to those who depend on you. During your everyday work you make decision that may save historic artifacts or determine how a roadway feature is designed to maximize safety. You are tasked to find the most effective way to spend the taxpayer's money that will provide a safe and efficient transportation system. You are the first line of defence when it comes to ensuring quality transportation in Northern Utah. Without your leadership and dedication the quality of life for everyone in Northern Utah is diminished greatly. So why Lead a quality process that meet the needs of UDOT? The answers are; to promote safety, economic development, communication, and a high quality of life. I have only named just a few reasons why your work is so important and there are many more.
Please lead the way!
Why Lead a quality process that meet the needs of UDOT? The importance of your work must be examined in order to answer the question of why. UDOT needs both Region design and planning to ensure that the transportation system is safe, efficient and meets the needs of your State. As the Region's designers and planners you are considered the backbone of UDOT decision making. You make decisions everyday that have a profound effect on the people who depend on the highways for their livelihood and their health and welfare. The way you conduct your business could literally mean life or death to those who depend on you. During your everyday work you make decision that may save historic artifacts or determine how a roadway feature is designed to maximize safety. You are tasked to find the most effective way to spend the taxpayer's money that will provide a safe and efficient transportation system. You are the first line of defence when it comes to ensuring quality transportation in Northern Utah. Without your leadership and dedication the quality of life for everyone in Northern Utah is diminished greatly. So why Lead a quality process that meet the needs of UDOT? The answers are; to promote safety, economic development, communication, and a high quality of life. I have only named just a few reasons why your work is so important and there are many more.
Please lead the way!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Scoop News letter article
Here is the article that I submitted to Judie for the Scoop Fall 2009
Interesting Times
It is easy to say that in the last several months we have been living in very interesting times. The politics of health has dominated the news and no matter where you sit on any specific issue everyone in the Region Office can agree on at least one thing. Darin Duersch, our Traffic and Safety Engineer, was abducted by alien bears in Yellowstone and replaced by a sleek new Darin who posses superpowers. Darin can now leap over a moving environmental study in a single bound or at least he can run faster than a speeding traffic jam. Darin’s amazing transformation prompted our local movie producer and director Rex Harris to cast the awesomeness of the “Big D” in his next film. I think the film’s working title is “Chessmaster Flash”, or was it “The Tumbling Jedi”? Although still in production, the hope is to premier the epic adventure at the Engineer’s Conference in November. Darin plays some kind of all seeing master in the film showing off his talent to evoke emotion and provide inspiration, or was that perspiration? Other health actors of note are Rex Harris along with Val Stoker showing off their talents that include swimming, running, and generally working out. All kidding aside Darin, Rex, Val, and many others have been examples to the rest of us on what can be done with a little commitment and exercise. Many in the Region have engaged in various activities such as walking, running, biking and yes, even yoga in the attempt to achieve better health. The department encourages these healthy activities because research shows a healthy employee is a happier and more productive employee. Everyone should find ways to improve their health whether it is exercise, diet or just going for a walk. What you do is not only beneficial to the department it also benefits you, your family and according to recent news releases your Country. So “Just Do It” for the old Red White and Blue.
Living in very interesting times also describes the past few months when talking about Project Delivery. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 or ARRA put some pressure on our Project Mangers and Preconstruction Staff to have “shovel ready” projects out to construction in a very short period of time. Because of the pavement preservation backlog and Kevin Griffin’s knack of identifying the right projects, the team was able to meet all the timelines that were given. Project Mangers and Preconstruction Staff completed and advertised all projects on the ARRA list for Region One within the defined schedule. Although during the process Paul Egbert was not sure if the projects were coming or going as Kevin would make changes to the project list on an hourly basis. Kevin’s moves resembled Michael Jordan when he would go to dunk the basketball and then change hands at the last second. Studying the master Paul began to anticipate Kevin’s moves with eerie accuracy. From the environmental clearances to the advertising checklist everyone worked like a well oiled machine. OK a few cogs were rusty, but still the machine worked. The ARRA projects combined with our regular scheduled projects created one of the busiest construction seasons that I can remember. Almost all roads in Ogden were either under construction or on the list to be put under construction this year. The large number of construction projects also created lots of Public interest. Vic Saunders the Region Public Information Manager is still very busy answering questions about on going projects. Our goal in Preconstruction is to put out quality projects that keep Vic and our construction folks busy for a long time to come.
I would like take this opportunity to thank everyone in Preconstruction including Judie and Julia for their persistence, hard work and dedication to the many difficult tasks they were given this year. I was very impressed with the high level of professionalism by which everyone in Preconstruction performed. Thanks!
Interesting Times
It is easy to say that in the last several months we have been living in very interesting times. The politics of health has dominated the news and no matter where you sit on any specific issue everyone in the Region Office can agree on at least one thing. Darin Duersch, our Traffic and Safety Engineer, was abducted by alien bears in Yellowstone and replaced by a sleek new Darin who posses superpowers. Darin can now leap over a moving environmental study in a single bound or at least he can run faster than a speeding traffic jam. Darin’s amazing transformation prompted our local movie producer and director Rex Harris to cast the awesomeness of the “Big D” in his next film. I think the film’s working title is “Chessmaster Flash”, or was it “The Tumbling Jedi”? Although still in production, the hope is to premier the epic adventure at the Engineer’s Conference in November. Darin plays some kind of all seeing master in the film showing off his talent to evoke emotion and provide inspiration, or was that perspiration? Other health actors of note are Rex Harris along with Val Stoker showing off their talents that include swimming, running, and generally working out. All kidding aside Darin, Rex, Val, and many others have been examples to the rest of us on what can be done with a little commitment and exercise. Many in the Region have engaged in various activities such as walking, running, biking and yes, even yoga in the attempt to achieve better health. The department encourages these healthy activities because research shows a healthy employee is a happier and more productive employee. Everyone should find ways to improve their health whether it is exercise, diet or just going for a walk. What you do is not only beneficial to the department it also benefits you, your family and according to recent news releases your Country. So “Just Do It” for the old Red White and Blue.
Living in very interesting times also describes the past few months when talking about Project Delivery. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 or ARRA put some pressure on our Project Mangers and Preconstruction Staff to have “shovel ready” projects out to construction in a very short period of time. Because of the pavement preservation backlog and Kevin Griffin’s knack of identifying the right projects, the team was able to meet all the timelines that were given. Project Mangers and Preconstruction Staff completed and advertised all projects on the ARRA list for Region One within the defined schedule. Although during the process Paul Egbert was not sure if the projects were coming or going as Kevin would make changes to the project list on an hourly basis. Kevin’s moves resembled Michael Jordan when he would go to dunk the basketball and then change hands at the last second. Studying the master Paul began to anticipate Kevin’s moves with eerie accuracy. From the environmental clearances to the advertising checklist everyone worked like a well oiled machine. OK a few cogs were rusty, but still the machine worked. The ARRA projects combined with our regular scheduled projects created one of the busiest construction seasons that I can remember. Almost all roads in Ogden were either under construction or on the list to be put under construction this year. The large number of construction projects also created lots of Public interest. Vic Saunders the Region Public Information Manager is still very busy answering questions about on going projects. Our goal in Preconstruction is to put out quality projects that keep Vic and our construction folks busy for a long time to come.
I would like take this opportunity to thank everyone in Preconstruction including Judie and Julia for their persistence, hard work and dedication to the many difficult tasks they were given this year. I was very impressed with the high level of professionalism by which everyone in Preconstruction performed. Thanks!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October
In reviewing last month I come across several thing on my desk including; Notes that I took during a conference (How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci and Innovate Like Thomas Edison), A traffic Study on SR-252, Several project and staff meeting agendas, A few letters from both the public and local governments, a mountain of business cards from consultants, and various other reminders of work that was generated last month. My approach to these things is simple, I need to clear off my desk. In order to clear my desk I need to first develop a implementation plan that includes a schedule for completion and the resources needed to meet that schedule. Second I need to evaluate what is important and prioritize. So to start I determined what I must do myself and what I can delegate. I need to evaluate what is important information that I need to keep. I also need to develop a list of tasks from notes and meeting agendas or minutes. I will then create a list of things to delegate, such as; Preparing a presentation to the staff on How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci and Innovate Like Thomas Edison, Create a power point using the information from the SR-252 study that highlights the main points in the study, File all correspondence and meeting agendas, and create or update the consultant contact list using the business cards on my desk. My milestone dates are; complete implementation plan by today, evaluate, prioritize and complete task list by tomorrow, Delegate filing task today(task to be completed by early next week), Delegate updating consultant contact list (task to be completed within two weeks), Delegate conference PowerPoint presentation to be given at next staff meeting, and delegate SR-252 study PowerPoint (to be completed within two weeks). My desk will be clear off by early next week.
The same way I have looked at the task of clearing my desk should be the same way we look at our assigned tasks and or projects. We should develop an implementation plan that includes a schedule for completion and the resources needed to meet that schedule. This exercise may take some time upfront, but it will save you time latter in the process. Everyone needs to remember that you can't do everything. We must learn how to delegate tasks and yes sometimes that means using consultant on call contracts. Because you delegate work does not mean you are not capable of doing the work, it means you are smart enough to know the limitations of one person. As everyone knows our schedules never gives us the time we would like to have to complete the task or project. The only way we can meet all schedules all the time is to plan upfront. My desk example is easy compared to some of our projects, but the concept is one that I expect everyone to use. I feel that working smart means using all of our resources effectively both in house and consultant resources. The issue is not us and them, it is the task at hand. As the owners of these tasks or projects we decide how they are done. Sometimes the schedule is driven by other factors and we do not have the choices we would like and that is one of many reasons why we must be innovative. In order to meet schedules, maintain high quality, and not go crazy in the process one needs to use everything available to complete the assigned tasks and/or projects. I will soon start asking for these plans and the completion of the plans will be included in our next performance evaluation. Please plan ahead so you don't get behind.
The same way I have looked at the task of clearing my desk should be the same way we look at our assigned tasks and or projects. We should develop an implementation plan that includes a schedule for completion and the resources needed to meet that schedule. This exercise may take some time upfront, but it will save you time latter in the process. Everyone needs to remember that you can't do everything. We must learn how to delegate tasks and yes sometimes that means using consultant on call contracts. Because you delegate work does not mean you are not capable of doing the work, it means you are smart enough to know the limitations of one person. As everyone knows our schedules never gives us the time we would like to have to complete the task or project. The only way we can meet all schedules all the time is to plan upfront. My desk example is easy compared to some of our projects, but the concept is one that I expect everyone to use. I feel that working smart means using all of our resources effectively both in house and consultant resources. The issue is not us and them, it is the task at hand. As the owners of these tasks or projects we decide how they are done. Sometimes the schedule is driven by other factors and we do not have the choices we would like and that is one of many reasons why we must be innovative. In order to meet schedules, maintain high quality, and not go crazy in the process one needs to use everything available to complete the assigned tasks and/or projects. I will soon start asking for these plans and the completion of the plans will be included in our next performance evaluation. Please plan ahead so you don't get behind.
Monday, September 21, 2009
September Workload
Several things have been happening all at once this September. We had the Employee Appreciation Lunch on the 9th, Labor day weekend, and the end of the federal fiscal year is fast approaching. Everyone is working to get several projects designed and ready for advertisement by December and with construction winding down for the season some are helping with needed field changes. As the weather changes our contractors are working day and night to complete projects before it gets to cold. If they don't make it or they expect to work through the winter into next season the RUE group will be busy checking BMPs and ensuring environmental compliance. So the hope is to complete as many projects as possible before winter. I have been working to keep project designs with Region in house designers. It looks like managing our workload will become very important in the coming months. Those of you who went to the project management workshop will be able to apply some of those skills to help manage project design work flows and help maximize our resources.
The Engineers Conference has begun registration and Region One has been working on several things for the Conference. Be sure and check out the conference logo which several of our group helped develop. The chess tournament will be back this year for you who have the drive to win. Please register for the conference and attend as many breakout sessions as possible. See you there
The Engineers Conference has begun registration and Region One has been working on several things for the Conference. Be sure and check out the conference logo which several of our group helped develop. The chess tournament will be back this year for you who have the drive to win. Please register for the conference and attend as many breakout sessions as possible. See you there
Thursday, September 10, 2009
PM Peer Review and Awards
Some asked during the one on one meetings if the PM group could do a peer review on them. The reason was that some deal with the PM group more then other groups in preconstruction. I have asked the PM group to do our peer review using the same form and questions that the Precon group used. Judie will send the form to the everyone in the PM group and we hope to have results to share in October.
Engineer Conference is just around the corner November 3 - 5 and we are working on awards and breakout sessions. Paul is on the committee that will put the breakout sessions together for the Design track. Brett has been working on a few awards that he will submit for the awards committee to review. The dead line to have the nominations in is Sept. 11th, tomorrow. The short notice has limited our submittals this year.
Engineer Conference is just around the corner November 3 - 5 and we are working on awards and breakout sessions. Paul is on the committee that will put the breakout sessions together for the Design track. Brett has been working on a few awards that he will submit for the awards committee to review. The dead line to have the nominations in is Sept. 11th, tomorrow. The short notice has limited our submittals this year.
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