(COLUMBIA, MO) -
The Columbia Public Works Department was recognized for "model practices" during its recent reaccreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA).
Accredited longer than any other Missouri city, Columbia was the fifth city in the nation to become accredited by the APWA in 2001 and is currently one of only seven municipalities accredited in Missouri.
Evaluators from the APWA visited the Public Works Department on April 14 and 15, 2016. The evaluation team reviewed 216 practices from 34 chapters of the Public Works Management Practices Manual.
"The City Council expressed through its Strategic Plan, the importance of accrediting our departments. It's one of many ways to achieve our goal of making Columbia the best place to live in the nation," said Columbia City Manager Mike Matthes. "Accreditation means that outside evaluators who have experience in city government come to our city, open our books and take a look around, ask us tough questions and require us to document that we are implementing best practices. We're proud that our Public Works Department continues to strive for and achieve the highest standards."
The Public Works Management Practices Manual outlines more than 600 procedures necessary to perform as a successful public works agency. The practices are not standards since they do not dictate how a function or activity should be accomplished. Instead, they provide a systematic method to evaluate every function in the organization.
Two model practices were identified in Columbia by the evaluation team in the areas of organization/strategic planning and occupied facilities. Columbia Public Works was recognized for its review process, i.e. the manner in which it develops and follows a process for reviewing its mission, structure, operational capabilities and services. The department's risk assessment procedure, in which it periodically conducts assessments of all of its facilities, was also commended.
"We are thrilled that two of the areas the evaluators looked at stood out as examples that other cities should follow," said Director of Public Works David A. Nichols, P.E. "In fact, we received high marks from the evaluators in all aspects of our operations, but that doesn't make us complacent. Our objective is continuous improvement in all areas of public works, every day, every year, every project, no matter how small or how challenging."
The Public Works Department has been reaccredited four times since 2001. The purpose of the APWA accreditation program is to provide a means of formally verifying and recognizing public works agencies for compliance with recommended best practices.
This year, the Public Works Department included staff from Water & Light, City Utilities and Community Development to assist with several chapters related to their operations, such as solid waste management, stormwater and flood management, wastewater treatment and disposal, potable water distribution and code enforcement.
Agencies that seek accreditation must document how they comply with all applicable practices.
The Accreditation Department of the American Public Works Association is located in Kansas City. The other accredited cities in Missouri are: Belton, Chesterfield, Lee's Summit, Maryland Heights, Springfield and Grain Valley.
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