Shakopee Snapshot: Summer 2024

PUBLIC WORKS

The unsung heroes of sustainability How retention ponds protect our environment

Did you know that retention ponds play a critical role in effectively managing stormwater and environmental sustainability?

These inconspicuous ponds serve as vital tools in mitigating flood risks and controlling pollutants. They capture stormwater runoff— which often contains debris and can be polluted with contaminants from nearby roads—and allow it to be slowly released into the sur rounding soil. The City manages the maintenance of many retention pond inlets and outlets, which ensures the ponds function properly. Inspecting and clearing waste and vegetation from inlets and grates prevents buildup of debris, which can impede water flow and lead to pond overflow during heavy rains. Similarly, keeping outlets clear of buildup ensures proper drainage and prevents accumulation of pollutants in the pond, preserving water quality and supporting our community’s ecosystems. Neglecting this type of maintenance can have detrimental conse quences. Clogged or blocked inlets and outlets can lead to increased flooding, erosion, and water pollution, endangering both humans and the surrounding wildlife habitats. The City is proud to continue investing in the upkeep of these vital water management infrastructures so our community can safeguard against the negative impacts of stormwater while supporting envi ronmental resilience and sustainability. The Public Works Department recently purchased a new ballfield paint sprayer that is equipped with next-level GPS technology and automation capabilities. When it comes to Public Works vehicles, this paint sprayer is the parks maintenance version of the moon landing. By harnessing the power of GPS technology, the paint sprayer eliminates the need for manual measurements and labor-intensive tasks. Our parks maintenance crew’s days of wrestling with strings to main tain straight lines or worrying about rain disrupting the painting schedule are over. With the touch of a button, operators can now effortlessly navigate the sprayer to precisely paint the field lines, while the system handles the steering and application of paint. The impact of this innovation is profound. Not only does it ensure perfectly straight lines, but it also slashes paint costs by nearly half and saves up to 200 hours of labor during initial designs. This trans lates to significant savings for the City—and thus, taxpayers—and allows resources to be allocated more efficiently. Ultimately, this new technology not only meets the needs of field users but also elevates the standard of excellence in Public Works maintenance. This is a testament to the transformative power of technological innovation in driving progress and efficiency across various sectors.

Retention ponds like the one pictured here help with storm water filtration and proper drainage.

Revolutionizing ballfield maintenance Public Works unveils cutting-edge GPS paint sprayer

The new GPS paint sprayer will cut paint costs in half and save up to 200 hours of labor.

12 Shakopee Snapshot