HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-08-001 - 2007 National Public Works Week Event
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Community Services
Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Community Services Committee
January 7, 2008
Greg Hummel, Interim Director of Operations
Janet England and Dennis Lopes
Co-Chairs of Public Works Week Committee
Ward(s) Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
N/A
November 30, 2007
CSD-08-001
2007 NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK EVENT
RECOMMENDATION:
For information only.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Kitchener has participated in Public Works Week for the past eight years. Each year
staff from Development and Technical Services, Financial Services, and Community Services
coordinates a number of events to recognize the work done by staff and educate the public on
the role of "public works". Any proceeds raised from the events are donated to the Children's
Wish Foundation. In 2007, Public Works Week was held from May 22nd to 25th.
REPORT:
Staff annually organizes four events as part of Public Works Week: a charity golf tournament,
educational program, charity barbeque and a truck roadeo.
The annual charity golf tournament provides an opportunity for contractors and developers to
network with staff as well as support a good cause.
As part of Public Works Week, grades 3 and 4 students are invited to participate in an
educational program at City Hall which involves an interactive program that educates the
students on "public works" activities within the city. In addition to the formal presentation there
are also three additional stations the students flow through. Each of the schools gets a chance
to visit Council Chambers and gain a bit of knowledge on municipal government through
educational displays. A heavy equipment exhibit gives the students a close-up look at some of
the equipment used to keep the city running. A traffic display teaches the students about the
meaning of various signage they may encounter within the city. While at City Hall, the students
also take part in the charitable barbeque.
Report No: CSD-08-01
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The charitable barbeque is held annually on the Friday following Victoria Day. It is open to staff
and the public and is an opportunity to raise awareness about "public works". All proceeds
from the barbeque go to the Children's Wish Foundation.
Additional objectives of the Public Works Awareness Week include the opportunity for staff to
interact with the public and demonstrate our accessibility, show real life applications of
curriculum to students, and thank staff for the work they do.
The Truck Roadeo event which took place in September focused on staff participation. Staff
was encouraged to compete in the Truck Roadeo, backhoe, crew cab with trailer and zamboni
competitions. There was also the opportunity for staff to test their skills through an obstacle
course for the trackless sidewalk tractor and smart car. Again there was a charitable barbeque
for staff participating in the event.
All of the events were a success. Staff raised $7,000 which has been donated to the Childrens'
Wish Foundation.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The annual operating budget, totaling $15,000, is split equally between the Community
Services, Development and Technical Services and Financial Services Departments. Any
proceeds that are raised through the golf tournament, t-shirt sales and barbeque are donated to
the Children's Wish Foundation.
CONCLUSION:
The Public Works Week Committee would like to thank Council and the City's administration for
their continued support of this important educational event.
Greg Hummel
Interim Director of Operations
AP