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One place where time seemingly stands still is the mechanic's shop. Regardless
of the year, oil must be changed; tires need to be rotated; vehicles break down.
But even the Shakopee Public Works shop is
moving with the times.
Earlier this year, the department began using
a new fleet management software, AssetWorks,
that tracks repairs and maintenance service; alerts
mechanics about upcoming service; and compiles
invoices, memos and mechanics notes in one place.
"Rather than digging through a file cabinet
hoping to find records, a mechanic can now view
a vehicle's repair history simply by using search
functions," said Lead Mechanic Tom Larson. "It's a
big-time saver and reduces the use of printers and
paper that are a costly expense."
In addition, the shop is also using a vehicle
tracking program, called Network Fleet, which
monitors city vehicle use. For example, the software
alerts mechanics if a vehicle's check engine light is
flashing so the mechanic can call the vehicle in for
service before it becomes a bigger issue.
The software also tracks vehicles, informing
supervisors where city equipment has been and how it's been used. For example,
Public Works supervisors can track where a street sweeper is, how much time is
spent on a given street, how fast the sweeper moves or idles and which direction
it travels. All this information can create better tracking and greater efficiencies.
"Managing a fleet is about more than changing oil," Larson said. "We want to use
technology to ensure we get the most out of our equipment."
For more information about the city's Fleet Management Division, visit www.
ShakopeeMN.gov/publicworks.
Summer 2017 9
GRASS ANDWEEDS
Do not let grasses or weeds grow greater
than 8 inches or go to seed.
OVERHANGING TREES AND BUSHES
Trim trees and bushes overhanging
on public property (streets, alleys and
sidewalks). Streets and alleys should
have an overhead clearance of 15 feet;
sidewalks 9 feet.
LAWN MOWING
Keep grass clippings and leaves out of
the curb and gutter in the street.
PET WASTE
Immediately pick up pet waste on public
or private land. Dispose in the trash or
flush it down the toilet. Never put it in
the storm drain.
FIREWORKS
Leave the fireworks displays to the
professionals. When using legal fireworks,
abide by the city noise ordinance.
NOISE ORDINANCE
Observe city quiet hours from 10 p.m. to
7 a.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.
on weekends and holidays.
WASTE CONTAINERS
Remove containers from the street by 7
p.m. on collection day. Store in a garage
or place on the side of a building, not
visible from the street.
Being a good
neighbor
Technology at work in the shop
VEHICLES GET BRANDED
City vehicle decals have
recently been updated
to feature the city logo.
Previously, the vehicles only
used text. The update is one
small way the city is striving
to build community pride
and a stronger Shakopee
brand.
Mechanics Joe Ostlie, left, and Tom Larson diagnose an issue with a police vehicle using its wireless
communication technology. Vehicles have become so smart these days, mechanics need a variety of
electronic tools to maintain and manage them.