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November 2001 |
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President’s Column by Ron Borowski We are starting our 2001-2002 year with sorrow. We all share the concerns and sadness surrounding the September 11th tragedy. Our local engineering community has played a major role in building the targeted facilities. Our industry will now be expected to increase the attention in our design practices to intensifying event damage avoidance in our facilities and systems, for example our water supply systems. What has been normal to date will be modified into a new normality. Our sympathies go to the family of Larry and Judy Wade for their untimely passing in the tragic accident on September 12th. Larry provided years of leadership and encouragement to our local and national membership. Larry and Judy will be missed. I encourage our personal and corporate members to donate to our Section’s scholarship fund via a University of Washington endowment. Please send your donations to the Larry Wade Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o ASCE Seattle Section, P.O. Box 24925, Seattle, WA 98124. Some early feedback from the recent Houston National Conference—the Board of Direction has passed a policy in support of implementing the First Professional Degree program. However, the proposed change in governance has been sent back to the drawing board for refinement. You will hear more about these items over the next month, as summaries of policy actions are prepared. We have had a very successful year, in recognition of the diligent efforts of our membership, committee chairs, and our Section Board. Much appreciation is directed towards now Past President Ron Leimkuhler, and Board Members Stan Boyle, Shannon Kinsella, and Susan Gardner. Ron initiated the popular projects award program. I will try my best to emulate his distinguished level of leadership.Susan Gardner will be missed, given her lightning rod work with the awards program, the First Professional Degree debate, maintaining the quality of our Section’s budget, and the YMF student outreach programs, among other multiple activities. On a happy note, I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit China in September. The incredible level of infrastructure investment and the industriousness of the Chinese people struck me. Cities are being rebuilt; construction equipment is omni- present. Beijing is celebrating the coming of the 2008 Olympics by intensifying the building boom. Similar construction was evident in Shanghai, Xian, and Hong Kong. In Shanghai within the past ten years, thy have created an elevated freeway system, replete with decorative neon lighting. I also observed the Three Gorges dam worksite in process—the largest civil engineering project in the world. I cannot begin to describe the enormity of the undertaking. Similarly, I was struck by the industriousness of the Chinese people, as they reshape their world and strive for an expanded market economy. There are many opportunities for our participation in their progress, whether it be consulting opportunities, or hosting our peer engineers to visit the Pacific Northwest to observe our practices in the public and private sectors. Incidentally, I saw the names of several US firms on the construction credit signs. It reminded me that we are one global world. Locally, many topics were covered at our August Annual Planning Meeting—some prominent highlights of expectations and activities from our Board and committee chairs: Ø Maintain a strong professional and technical program in our monthly meetings section meetings and committee meetings, including the interaction with our peer engineering organizations.Ø Support National’s efforts with in the consideration of the change in governance and the gearing up for the 150th Anniversary celebration.Ø Increasing participation by government engineers in local activities and ASCE functions.Ø Increasing our visibility in society through outreach to policy makers and the general public.Ø Enhancing our technical program with more social activities, to have more fun in our engineering family.Ø Expanding the support for the YMF inspiration with investing in the commitment to provide sustainable housing for needy individuals under the Rebuilding Together national community service partnership.Ø Keeping the successful award program going.I look forward to working with you during what will be a productive and exciting year. |
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ASCE Seattle Section Meeting |
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Place:
Ballard Yankee Grill
Spouses and guests are invited.
Reservations must be made by NOON, 11/12. Call 206-926-0482 Program The November ITE/ASCE meeting will feature Tom Madden, WSDOT Managing Engineer, giving his insight on the Seattle Viaduct project. This project has unique engineering challenges to solve under public scrutiny. Many believe tearing down the existing structure is important to improve the appearance of Seattle’s waterfront. The existing viaduct shares the waterfront with the 1-1/2 mile Seattle sea wall. Movement of the structure by earthquakes or other causes could cause soil liquefaction leading to slipping of the sea wall. The existing structure could be rendered unusable. Closing the structure could be devastating to the region’s transportation. Engineers prefer new construction options over retrofit of the existing structure. The project challenges include managing over 100,000 daily vehicle trips until the new facility is in place. Objectives include improving access to the waterfront and downtown from the facility. Urban design concepts will incorporate visual aspects in early stages of the design. Three concepts have surfaced in the studies. These concepts include a bored tunnel, a cut and cover option, and an aerial solution. These concepts will undergo environmental study early next year. Connecting any of these options to the existing facilities while keeping traffic moving will be one of the regions major feats of the decade. Don’t miss this presentation. |
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Scholarship Fund to Honor Larry Wade |
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The Seattle Section has set up a memorial scholarship fund to honor Larry Wade. The Section has a goal of raising $50,000 to establish an endowment to fund a scholarship for an engineering student at the University of Washington. Donations can be sent to: The Larry Wade Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o ASCE Seattle Section, P.O. Box 24925, Seattle, WA 98124. |
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Applications Now Available for 2002 Outstanding Project Awards Program |
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Applications and rules for the 2002 OUTSTANDING PROJECT
AWARDS program are now available on the Section Web page; www.asce.org/gsd/sections/seattle.
Awards will be given in the following categories:
Geotechnical The small project category is for any project with a construction cost under $1,500,000. Projects constructed in 2001, and projects that are almost complete are eligible. The application process is simple and straight forward, the deadline is January 31, but now is the time to identify projects. Given the modesty of most engineers, you might need to remind a friend about that great project. For more information contact Ron Leimkuhler, email: ronl@kpff.com or ph: 206-622-5822 |
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National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Poster |
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The Seattle Section History & Heritage Committee has prepared a poster documenting the ASCE National Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks (NHCELs) in the Seattle area. The four NHCELs are: Railway Tunnels Under/Switchbacks Across Stevens Pass; Lake Washington Ship Canal/Hiram Chittenden Locks; Cedar Falls Hydroelectric Project; and the Snoqualmie Falls Cavity Generating Station. The poster was prepared for display at the ASCE National Conference in Houston, October 10-13. Ron Borowski took the poster to Houston and displayed it as part of the History Congress. The entire History & Heritage Committee worked on developing the poster, but special thanks go to Rik Shafer for his expert help with the graphics. The Committee hopes to add the graphics and text to the Seattle Section website, and will make the poster available for use at any upcoming engineering events. Please contact Cindy Hirsch at Cindy_hirsch@urscorp.com, if you would like access to the poster for an event. |
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PNC Meets in Walla
Walla |
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The Pacific Northwest Council (PNC) met in Walla Walla
for a two-day meeting on Friday and Saturday September 13th and 14th.
PNC includes two representatives from each Section in District 12 which
encompasses Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The Council
meets twice a year to coordinate activities among the Sections, and
serves as a conduit for communication between the general membership and
the National Board. President-Elect, Ray Walton and Past President Ron
Leimkuhler represented the Seattle Section. District 12 Director, Jim
Carlsen from the Tacoma/Olympia Section, was on hand to report National
issues.
Friday morning activities included reports from Chuck Rendall, Zone IV vice president and Jim Carlsen. Rendall reported on the latest preparations to kick off ASCE’s 150th Anniversary. A 10 minute out-reach video is now available for Sections and Branches who want to use it for promotional activities. A traveling exhibit is being prepared, and the Seattle Section will be working with National to see that it makes its way to Washington. The History and Heritage Page is now up on the Society’s web site. On November 11th the West Point Bridge Design contest starts. Last day for submittals is February 28, 2002. ASCE is a co-sponsor of this event which is geared for high school and younger students. Check out your abilities with bridge design and download the software from www.usma.edu/bridgecontest. Fundraising is still underway for ASCE’s Rose Bowl parade float. Anyone wishing to donate should contact Ron Leimkuhler. Preparations are underway to debut the first Worldwide Virtual Conference for civil engineers in July of 2002. On-line communications will enable participants to read papers and engage in chat-room discussions. Requests for papers and content will be out soon. November 5th 2002 is the actual date of the 150th anniversary, and Presidential proclamation is being arranged to make it National Civil Engineers Day" The Seattle Section will be working with state, county and local leaders to designate November 12th as Washington State Civil Engineers Day, since November 5th is election day. Jim Carlsen reported that next year National dues would be going up $5.00. National also plans to layoff staff to help cut costs. The PNC voted to raise its’ due to $2.00 per section paying member Jim also presented the proposed governance changes which would restructure the current 28 member Board of Direction into 2 boards; a 15 member Executive Board of Direction to govern the Society and a 31 member Board of Delegates to lead the profession. Members are encouraged to comment on the proposed changes as they go through the process of being finalized. The general membership will have the opportunity to vote on any proposed changes in July. On Friday afternoon the Council voted to nominate the Experience Music Project to compete for the Society’s Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) award. The EMP beat out five other projects to get the honors. Resolutions to request National Board action or state PNC’s position were drafted Friday evening by the resolutions committee, and discussed on Saturday morning. Resolutions that passed concern;
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ASCE Seattle Section Executive Board Meeting Minutes for October 10, 2001 |
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Attendees: Board Members:
Ron Leimkuhler, Ray Walton*, James Wilhoit*, Susan Gardner, Bob Boudinot,
Stan Boyle, Linda DeBoldt, Susan Chang*, Shannon Kinsella, Arthur
Fleming
*Incoming Board Members Other Section Members: Don Northey, Mary Holland Section President Ron Leimkuhler called the meeting to order at 4:12 p.m. September 12, 2001 Meeting minutes approved. Treasurer’s Report: Report through September 2001 was passed out and reviewed. Service charges assessed for balance dropping below $1,000 were discussed, with several members recommending that funds be transferred from CDs or Money Market Account to checking account when necessary to prevent this from happening. Treasurer’s report was approved. Committee Reports: Shannon Kinsella, Linda DeBoldt, Bob Boudinout, Mary Holland, and Don Northey presented status reports for the Standing Committees, Branches, YMF, and PSEC, respectively, with some other attendees reporting on specific committees. Technical Committees: Shannon Kinsella reported that all committees have chairs. Ron advised that technical committees should begin making plans for contributions to ASCE 150th Anniversary Celebration in November 2002. Standing Committees: Public Relations (Dave Schwegel) has been getting meeting notices into newspapers. Ron Leimkuhler recommended that he confer with Mary Rutherford about publicity on the Infrastructure Report Card. History & Heritage Committee developed a series of posters of area ASCE National Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks, sent with incoming President Ron Borowski to National Convention in Houston. Also sponsoring work party on Iron Goat Trail with Volunteers for Outdoor Washington Saturday October 13. Professional Practices has not been meeting on regular basis, chairman Tom Tobin wants to find out if there is sufficient interest to get these going again (phone 425-861-6013). Ray Walton reported on University Advisory Committee, saying it had met October 5th regarding Mentor Program for Seattle U and UW CE students, looking for volunteer mentors, may seek some funding from ASCE National. Susan Gardner reported on October meeting of Past Presidents (more under Old Business). North and Kitsap Branches: Announced that Ken Thomas, with the City of Bellingham, will become Vice president of North Branch, Kitsap still looking for one. At Kitsap Branch meeting the night before (October 9) program was on the upcoming West Point (Military Academy)/ASCE Bridge Design contest for high school and younger students (Ron Leimkuhler has info on contest from September Pacific Northwest Council (PNC) meeting in Walla Walla which he is putting in Newsletter and web site).
YMF: Mary Holland reported that YMF would be participating with the History & Heritage Committee on the October 13th Iron Goat Trail work party, and that its President-elect Holly Carter would be attending the National Convention in Houston. Also briefly discussed Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition, advising that 18 High Schools had expressed interest. PSEC: Don Northey discussed upcoming Mentor Nights at Seattle University and UW on October 25th and November 27th, respectively. For Seattle U event looking for 3-4 structural or geotechnical engineers, and 8 civil or environmental. UW has greater requirements. Dave Cripin is point of contact for UW, or can contact Don about volunteering for this. OLD BUSINESS: Past Presidents Committee Meeting: Susan Gardner reported that at its meeting the Past Presidents had selected Hammond Collier Wade Livingstone designed project, Bryn Mawr Pump Station Retro-fit & Sewer Main Rehab, for the Local Outstanding Civil Engineering Award. In the process, they noted some confusion between the LOCEA and the Section’s Constructed Project Award, relating to dollar values and category distinctions, which need to be clarified. Committee also tentatively selected a Jones Award recipient (to be announced later), and developed some ideas for meeting Section objectives of suitably recognizing its honorary members, and encouraging student chapter involvement including:
Also, see next item. Section Duties and Procedures Manual: Past Presidents Committee reviewed at October meeting, may be submitting changes to the Board on a piecemeal basis.Outstanding Section and Branch Award: Susan Gardner is preparing submission for an Outstanding Section award, due to National by October 30. Annual Report (for October 1, 2000- September 30, 2001): Stan Boyle awaiting input from Treasurer and some standing committees, needed by end of month. NEW BUSINESS: Larry Wade Memorial Scholarship Fund: Section setting up for award to UW students, with $50,000 endowment goal. Possibility of seeking contribution from ASCE National Foundation discussed. Pacific Northwest Council (PNC) Report: Ron reported on September meeting in Walla Walla which he and Ray Walton attended, relating that it had voted to raise its dues to $2.00 per section paying member (though Seattle reps voted against this), also it will be reducing its subsidy for Section reps to semi-annual meetings (next meeting will be in Reno) Proposed Budget for 2001-2002: Presented to Board and discussed, with recommendations for methods of presenting investment accounts and handling pending expenses from previous operating year. Possibilities for reducing costs, especially for Newsletter, were also discussed, and Ron advised, along these lines, that articles should be kept to minimum length. Prospects of Section dues increases for general and associate members were also discussed, but no changes to budget were made for dues categories. Susan Gardner requested that the format be revised to indicate "pass-through" activities differently. Treasurer Arthur Fleming responded that he would make this and other recommended changes, as well as correct a minor "typo" error, but asked the Board to vote to approve the Budget that evening, conditional on making these changes, which it did, with one abstention, all others in favor. State Public Affairs (SPAG) Grants: Opportunities for application, primarily to supplement YMF budget, were discussed. ASCE 150 th Anniversary Celebration: Ron explained that November 5, 2002 is the actual date of the 150th Anniversary, but the Seattle Section will be working with State, County and Local leaders to designate November 12th as Washington State Civil Engineers Day, since November 5th is election day. He advised that the ASCE National Foundation was seeking contributions from Sections to fund a 150th Anniversary Sculpture at National Headquarters.Contribution to Rebuilding Efforts in New York City: Linda related that she was formulating an idea for some kind of initiative by which we as civil engineers could make a positive contribution. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Meeting minutes prepared by James Wilhoit |