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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-26-85 i Y " -. CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT R. DUPUIS, P. ENG., DIRECTOR HAMPTON,ONTARIO TEL.(416)263-2231 LOB 1J0 987-5039 REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 1 , 1985. REPORT NO. : WD-26-85 SUBJECT: PUBLIC WORKS WEEK - MAY 19 - 25, 1985. I RECOMMENDATION: It is respectfully recommended: 1. That this report be received; and, 2. That advertisements advising of Public Works Week and , inviting members of the public to contact the Works Department for information about the activities of the Department be placed in the local newspapers. 3. That such ads include the following proclamation: Whereas the health, safety and comfort of the community is greatly dependent on the facilities and services provided by the Public Works Department; and, Whereas the support from the community is vital in the continuing efficient operation of the Public Work' s Services such as street maintenance, refuse collection, water and sewer systems, road construction and snow removal ; and, Whereas the quality and effectiveness of these facilities and services are dependent on the continued efforts and skills of Public Works Department Staff; Page 2 REPORT NO. : WD-26-85 Now therefore, the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Newcastle does hereby proclaim May 19th to May 25th, 1985, "Public Works Week" in the Town of Newcastle to recognize the efforts of the Public Works Department in providing for health, safety, and comfort in the community. 5. That letters be sent to area school boards inviting them to arrange student tours of Works facilities and that such invitations request a response by May 10, � 1985. REPORT: In 1983 and 1984, The Town of Newcastle and other municipalities in Durham Region (Durham Region, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax and Pickering) gave recognition to Public Works Week. Throughout North America, the week of May 19th to 25th will be recognized as Public Works Week. Different approaches were taken by the above municipalities with varying degrees of success. Some, like the Town, made a proclamation and advertised, inviting the public to contact the Works Department for information. Others presented displays in shopping plazas or arranged tours for school children and other interested groups. A concensus as to the most effective way to involve the public has determined that the approach through schools seems most appropriate. While the schools were not contacted in either of the previous two years, it is intended that they be given an opportunity in 1985. . . .3 i Page 3 REPORT NO. : WD-26-85 Arrangements for school tours should be made well in advance so that staff and equipment are ready, therefore, an indication from the schools as to their desires for participation should be received by May 10, 1985. Similarly if groups or individuals respond to newspaper ads and show interest, we will certainly respond to their requests. Also, as a courtesy, the Works Department will make arrangements for persons interested in viewing or enquiring about services provided by the Region. The Works Department has an ongoing program of public relations which promotes both the department and the Town throughout the year. Evening tours have been conducted for Scouting groups, participation in the co-operative education programs of local schools , by providing on-job training for students, and participating in the Regional Snow Plow Competition have all contributed in a positive sense. However, a more concentrated participation in Public Works Week will increase the visibility of the Works Department and provide interested citizens with an opportunity to gain more insight into the intricacies of its operation. We cannot drive a car, turn on water, or even dispose of trash without coming into contact with some services provided by Municipal Public Works Departments. It is, therefore, considered worthwhile to encourage recognition through promoting and advertising "Public Works Week". /Respectfully submitted, "XI r' jY R.G. Dupuis, Eng. , Director of Public Works. RGD:jco March 25, 1985.