Engineering Department Budget Narrative
FY 2024 Achievements, FY 2025 Goals, and Department Services
Timothy G. Clark, Director
ABOUT THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
The Engineering Department provides general engineering services and oversight for capital and non-capital projects and Township infrastructure, as well as direction and control of engineering matters throughout the Township.
GOALS FOR FY 2025
Goal: Coordinate applications for and the administration of grants to assist the Township in effectively addressing stormwater, infrastructure, and state-mandated MS4 issues. (Focus Areas: Fiscal Sustainability (FS) and Sustainable Infrastructure (SI))
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Strategy: Continue to monitor grant opportunities for alignment with Township stormwater and MS4 needs. (FS 3, SI 4)
Goal: Continue to develop projects to address ongoing stormwater issues throughout the Township. (Focus Area: Sustainable infrastructure (SI))
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Strategy: Identify problem areas for opportunities to develop projects to efficiently manage stormwater. (SI 1, 3)
Goal: Continue to coordinate and manage the Construction Services Team. (Focus Area: Sustainable infrastructure (SI))
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Strategy: Assess and schedule work as needed to effectively improve the infrastructure throughout the Township. (SI 1, 3, 4)
Goal: Assist all departments with Engineering issues and advise accordingly. (Focus Areas: Sustainable Infrastructure (SI) and Excellent Public Services (EPS))
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Strategy: Issues arise pertaining to easements, property lines, etc. Respond to and assist residents on these issues. (SI 1, EPS 6)
Goal: Coordinate and issue permits for all major utility work to be performed within the Township. (Focus Area: Sustainable Infrastructure (SI))
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Strategy: Work closely with the Utility Companies for the replacement of gas and water mains. This includes road closures and detours on local and State roads. (SI 1, 2, 4)
FY 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS
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Under the supervision of the Director of Engineering/Construction Services Manager and assistance from the Public Works Department, the construction services unit continued the successful construction of various Township infrastructure-type projects at a much lower cost than had traditionally been done by outside contractors. This included the completed design and construction of capital projects:
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Corinthian Ave. storm sewer
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Indian Creek stream bank stabilization
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Autumn Road/Washington Lane (AJC 1 & 3) storm sewer
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Cricket Ave. storm sewer relocate
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Washington Lane Phase 1 & 3 upgrades
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Various emergency storm and sanitary sewer repairs.
- Meadowbrook Rd. storm sewer
- Old Huntingdon Pike/Rhodes Ave. headwall repair
- Rockwell Ave/Highland Ave storm sewer adjustment
- Marshall Lane storm sewer upgrade
- BBNC Demolition and Trail
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Continued coordination of the Abington-Jenkintown Connector Trail Phases One (1) through Five (5). Specifically, the oversight and job management of Phase 1 & 3 and 2 & 4.
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Continued coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers on the 566 Grant project.
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Continued work on the Old York Road and Susquehanna Road intersection improvement project.
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Completed the pedestrian improvements for AJC 1 & 3.
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES BY FUNCTION
ENGINEERING ADMINISTRATION
This administration is comprised of the Director of Engineering who is also the Construction Services Manager, Engineering Assistant, and Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Specialist. Their tasks and responsibilities are broad-reaching and include the following:
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Design, management, and assessment of Township infrastructure such as storm sewers and sanitary sewer systems.
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Preparation of capital project plans, estimates for construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repairs of all street, storm sewers, culverts, sanitary sewers, bridges, intersections, sidewalks, curbs, watercourses, and erosion/sedimentation control.
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Bidding and construction administration of capital projects, including construction oversight and inspection, payment certification, and completion certification.
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Preparation of grant applications and proposals for capital projects.
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Respond to One-Call System with respect to storm sewer facilities.
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Working with consultants to achieve MS4 Permit compliance for annual reporting. Preparation of budgeting, planning, bidding, inspection, and preparation of final documentation of projects for compliance with State requirements.
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Liaise with utility companies (PECO, AQUA, Verizon, Comcast, etc.) and residents on utility and Township engineering matters.
- Oversight of "In Lieu Paving Ordinance" for compliance and billing of Township streets.
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Review, process, and inspect highway permits and stormwater permits with respect to Township requirements. Verify stormwater system compliance to plan once a year for first three years then every three years.
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Meet with residents to review and discuss stormwater-related issues.
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Coordination with state and federal agencies (PennDOT, DEP, DCED, EPA, USACE, FEMA/PEMA, etc.), establishment of PennDOT reimbursements, preparation of right-of-way agreements.