Subject:
Title
Accreditation Agreement with the American Public Works Association, Accreditation Council.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Accreditation Agreement with the American Public Works Association (APWA), Accreditation Council.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
5.4 Strive to exceed customer expectations
Summary:
Approval of this agreement provides an opportunity for the Public Works Department (Department) to become accredited by the APWA following the outcome of an on-site assessment of the Department’s policies and management practices.
Background/Explanation:
The APWA is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services. The APWA has created the Accreditation Council to recognize public works agencies in having policies and practices addressing subject areas as set forth in the Public Works Management Practices Manual.
The accreditation process involves an on-site review of the Department’s management practices against other public works’ management practices as approved by the APWA. Achieving accreditation by the APWA provides acknowledgment that: 1) the Department is recognized as one of the premier, best-managed, professional Public Works Department in North America, 2) the Department’s management practices and policies have been tested against nationally-established practices through an independent review by public works professionals from across the nation, 3) citizens of the County can feel confident that their Public Works Department is committed to continuous improvement in providing responsible stewardship of the County’s infrastructure, 4) the Department is providing services in the most efficient manner possible, 5) the Department is in compliance with the best available, nationally-recognized management practices, and 6) ensures the Department is adhering to the most sustainable methods of conducting its operations.
The term of the accreditation is four (4) years from the date of issuance of the accreditation, with renewals every four (4) years thereafter.
Fiscal Impact:
The cost for the accreditation is $19,000. Funding is available in the Public Works, Customer Service Division operating budget for FY 18, which is funded through the following cost center allocations: General Fund (22%), Transportation Trust Fund (70%), and Surface Water Fund (8%).
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Rahim Harji, Director/Assistant County Administrator, Public Works
Partners:
APWA
Attachments:
Agreement
Application