matters spring 2015

Montana’s Answers To Technical Education of Roads & StreetsVol. 33, No. 2

Spring 2015Spring 2015

LTAP

MATTERS 23 4 & 56 & 78 & 910111112

From the Director2015 Road Masters/Road ScholarsSpring Cleaning - Jefferson CountyCalendar of Events2015 MACRS Spring ConferenceMACRS Scholarship Montana LTAP LibraryMontana LTAP Recorded WebinarsParting Shot . . . Wayne Waarvik

Montana LTAP Spring 2015 2

Steven Jenkins, P.E.Directorstevenj(at)coe.montana.edu

Genevieve HouskaAdministrative Associate/Conference Coordinatorgalbert(at)coe.montana.edu

LTAP Matters is published by the Local Technical Assistance Program. LTAP is located at Western Transportation Institute, College of Engineering,Montana State University,Bozeman, Montana.

We can be reached at the following:

Phone: (800) 541-6671 or (406) 994-6100FAX: (406) 994-5333E-Mail: MTLTAP(at)coe.montana.edu

Local Technical Assistance Program

From Montana LTAP Director

Our website lists upcoming training courses, registration forms, library information, our contact information, newsletters, various links, and MACRS information. Please go to: http://www.coe.montana.edu/ltapv2/index.html

The Local Technical Assistance Program/Tribal Technical Assistance Program (LTAP/TTAP) is a nationwide network of 58 centers - one in every state, seven serving Native American tribal governments and one in Puerto Rico.

Michele BeckGraphic Designer/Librarianmbeck(at)coe.montana.edu

Steve AlbertWTI Director

Harold BlattieMACo

Kris ChristensenMontana Dept of Transportation

Thomas DanenhowerMMIA

Kelly ElserTown of Ennis

Eric Griffi nLewis and Clark County

Justun JuelfsMontana Dept of Transportation

TBAMontana League of Cities & Towns

Phil HauckCity of Helena

Russ HuotariRichland County

David MumfordCity of Billings

Jim MuskovichMACo

Jim ReardenCity of Great Falls

Bob SeliskarFederal Highway Administration

John Van DelinderCity of Bozeman

The Advisory Board meets annually to make recommendations and evaluate the effectiveness of the Montana LTAP program.

MT LTAP ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Front Page Photo: Work Zone in Spring Road Construction, Bozeman, MT by Michele Beck

The LTAP/TTAP Mission is to foster a safe, effi cient, and

environmentally sound surface transportation system by improving skills and

increasing knowledge of the transportation

workforce and decision makers.

Spring came early to Montana this year which made for a very enjoyable MACRS spring conference. Most Montana counties were represented at the MACRS conference by county commissioners and county road department personnel. We appreciate your contributions to this great organization and hope the education and camaraderie rewarded you for your efforts.

Please stay involved with MACRS through the of icers, your district representative or through any of us here at the LTAP of ice. We need your input to continue to provide quality education where and when you need it.

With the onset of spring, we are reminded that our gravel roads need attention very quickly. This time of year we try to restrict heavy loads on soft roads, especially those with frost heaves. County road departments try to make sure they have quality material available for the upcoming construction season. The county road department shops maintain equipment and get ready for rebuilding gravel roads. There is a planned schedule to meet top priorities irst. But have counties spent the time, resources, and energy preparing employees for the upcoming maintenance and construction season?

We want to remind everyone gravel roads courses are being held in Townsend (May 6), Baker (May 26), and Roundup (May 28). Please make sure all of your new employees receive this valuable training and invite your experienced employees back for a refresher course. If you have been involved in this training in the past, we need your experience and input at the class. This greatly enhances other counties’ abilities to respond to the public’s requests. So come prepared to learn or come prepared to contribute.

Again thank you for your involvement with our program,

Steve Jenkins, Montana LTAP Director

•PresidentJohn Stokes, Road SupervisorPondera County40 4th Ave SWConrad, MT [email protected]

•1st Vice PresidentJohn AndersonRoad SupervisorFergus CountyPO Box 878Lewistown, MT [email protected]

•2nd Vice PresidentDoug NisbetRoad & Bridge Superinten-dentLewis & Clark County3402 CooneyHelena, MT [email protected]

•Secretary/TreasurerLloyd OmdahlRoad SupervisorToole County226 1st St. S.Shelby, MT [email protected]

•Past PresidentOvila ByrdRoad & Bridge SupervisorFlathead County1249 Willow Glen DrKalispell, MT 59901406-253-8668obyrd@ lathead.mt.gov

District #1Jeff FrieszRoad SupervisorSanders County District 2PO Box 664Hot Springs, MT [email protected]

District #2Dana RauserRoad & Bridge SupervisorBroadwater County515 BroadwayTownsend, MT [email protected]

District #3Dirk DruggeRoad SuperintendentBlaine CountyPO Box 715Chinook, MT [email protected]

District #4Bobby WiedmerRoad SupervisorFallon CountyPO Box 1155Baker, MT [email protected]

District #5Tim MillerRoad & Bridge Director3321 King Ave E.Billings, MT [email protected]

Montana Associa on of County Road Supervisors - Offi cers 2015-16Training Committee Reps:Sandra BroesderCounty CommissionerPondera County20 4th Ave SWConrad, MT [email protected]

Jerry OttoRoad SupervisorHill County1405 2nd Street WestHavre, MT [email protected]

MACo Reps:Eric Grif in Public Works DirectorLewis & Clark County3402 Cooney DrHelena, MT 59602406-447-1636grif [email protected]

Jeff FrieszRoad SupervisorSanders County District 2PO Box 664Hot Springs, MT [email protected]

Dana RauserRoad & Bridge SupervisorBroadwater County515 BroadwayTownsend, MT [email protected]

3

2015 Road Masters & Roads Scholars

Spring 2015 Montana LTAP

Montana LTAP Director Steve Jenkins presented four Road Masters and thirty-one Road Scholars their awards at the recent April MACRS Banquet held in Great Falls.

“Our Roads Scholar Program continues to grow,” Jenkins said. “We now have a total of 286 Roads Scholars and 15 Road Masters. In our data base, we have over 2,500 county road and city street personnel working toward their Roads Scholars awards. Just contact our of ice for information.”

2015 Road Masters, L to R: Doug Nisbet, Lewis & Clark; Dana Rauser, Broadwater; Ovila Byrd, Flathead; Shane Esco , Madison

Jason Schaeff er, Lewis & Clark CountyJohn Schreiber, Dawson CountyEllis Shammel, Madison CountyPaul Shaw, Madison CountyOscar Thompson, Yellowstone CountyCJ Thornberg, Rosebud CountyWillie Tipton, Yellowstone CountyGordon Wetzsteon, Madison County

2015 Road Scholars, L to R, Back Row: Travis Leslie, Kraig Bergum, Paul Shaw, Gordon Wetzsteon, Robert Kirby, CJ Thornberg, Chad Cavender, Doug Hecker, Larry Gibson, John SchreiberFront Row, L to R: Tom Sarrazin, Kip Harris, Jason Schaeffer, Andy Dean, Brad Hallman , Dave Prunty

2015 Road Scholars, L to R: Ray Reynolds and Clint Dumas2015 Road Scholar: Dwight Miller

Brad Hallman, Rosebud CountyBernard Hansen Rosebud CountyKip Harris, Jeff erson CountyDoug Hecker, Richland CountyDavid Hoge, Teton CountyCurt Holter, Valley CountyRobert Kirby, Sheridan CountyTravis Leslie, Lewis & Clark County

Roads Scholars - Class of 2015Kraig Bergum,Fergus CountyChad Cavender, S llwater CountyAndy Dean, Yellowstone CountyClint Dumas, Hill CountyPaul Franzel, Rosebud CountyHerb Fullerton, Valley CountyLarry Gibson, Richland County

Jeff Mielke, Flathead CountyDwight Miller, Sanders CountyBruce Neill, Cascade CountyEd Pepos, Richland CountyDavid Prunty, Flathead CountyWarren Quinlan, Rosebud CountyRay Reynolds, Hill CountyTom Sarrazin, Park County

Not Pictured: Paul Franzel, Herb Fullerton, Bernard Hansen, Dave Hoge, Curt Holter, Jeff Mielke, Bruce Neill, Ed Pepos, Warren Quinlan, Ellis Shammel, Oscar Thompson, Willie Tipton.

4 Montana LTAP Spring 2015

Spring Cleaning

Continued on Page 5 . . .

In the early spring while working to clean ditches and reclaim material along dirt roads, Jefferson County Road Department crew members have developed an innovative way to separate desirable road material from vegetation, debris and oversized material.

By utilizing a PTO-driven rotary rock rake, they are able to reclaim usable material that has been lost from the road surface. Following is the sequential order of how it’s done:

Step 1: Using motorgrader, pull material from ditches onto the road. Then take all materials to center of road as a windrow.

Step 2. Pull rock rake through windrow to break up clumps and remove vegetation, oversized rock and debris to downhill side of road.

Step 3. Using grader, pull raked material back to center of road as a windrow, and then lay out material as desired.

Using this rock rake allows operators to recover material lost from road surface and put it back on the road surface.

Photo 1: Material pulled from ditches with motorgrader

Photo 2: Material windrowed in center of road

Photos 3A and 3B: Tractor and rock rake

By Pat Kountz, Jefferson County

5Spring 2015 Montana LTAP

Photo 4: Road surface a er pass with rock rake.

Photo 5: Raked material windrowed in center of road

Photo 6: Road surface a er material is laid out.

The other advantage is ending up with clean ditches that will allow water to easily low to culverts.

Photos by Pat Kountz, Jefferson County


Safety Meeting Webinars from Montana LTAPApril 21, 2015: Electrical Safety

May 19, 2015: Gravel Road StabilizationJune 16, 2015: Mobile Equipment Safety

Monthly Thirty-Minute Safety Webinars held at 7:30am on Tuesday MorningsCall Montana LTAP at 1-800-541-6671 for more information!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Montana LTAP Quarterly Newsletter

Going Electronic January 2015

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Some dates and locations are subject to change. Call Genevieve Houska, LTAP, 1-800-541-6671 to con irm.

Calendar of Events • January 2015 - June 2015January 2015 February 2015

May 2015 June 2015

S M T W Th F S S M T W Th F S


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1: New Year’s Day - MT LTAP Of ices Closed11-15: 94th Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC12-16: Safety Fest, FVCC, Kalispell - http://www.safetyfestmt.com/19: Martin Luther King Day - Of ices Closed20: MT LTAP Safety Webinar-Temp. Traf ic Control 7:30am-8:00am26-28: 12th Annual Safety Congress - Great Falls, MT (MT LTAP): 26am: Work Zone Tech 26pm: Traf ic Control Supervisor 27: Traf ic Control Supervisor 28: Roadway Safety Training

12: Asphalt Institute - Helena, MT (MT LTAP)16: President’s Day - Observed (Montana LTAP Of ices Open) 24: MT LTAP Safety Webinar - Leadership- 7:30am-8:00am

6: Gravel Roads Maintenance & Design - Townsend7: Work Zone Tech/Flagger Certi ication - Helena, MT14: Telecom Webinar - Work Zone Flagging17-23: National Public Works Week(APWA) http://www.apwa.net/discover/National-Public-Works-Week19: MT LTAP Safety Webinar: Road Stabilization/Dust 7:30-8:00am 25: Memorial Day - Of ices Closed26: Gravel Roads Maintenance & Design - Baker28: Gravel Roads Maintenance & Design - Roundup

2-4: Safety Fest, Butte - http://www.safetyfestmt.com/9: Work Zone Flagging Course - Bozeman (MT LTAP)10: MACRS Executive Meeting, 1-5pm - Bozeman11: MT LTAP Annual Advisory Board Meeting, 9am-12pm - Bozeman16: MT LTAP Safety Webinar - Mobile Equipment 7:30am-8:00am

March 2015 April 2015 S M T W Th F S S M T W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

9-13: MSU Spring Break10-12: Safety Fest, Lewistown - http://www.safetyfestmt.com/16: Work Zone Technician - Butte (MT LTAP)17: Work Zone Technician- Great Falls(MT LTAP)18: Work Zone Technician- Havre (MT LTAP)19: Work Zone Technician- Billings (MT LTAP)20: Flagging Certi ication Course - Billings (MT LTAP)23-27: National Work Zone Awareness Week (ATSSA) h p://www.atssa.com/Events/Na onalWorkZoneAwarenessWeek.aspx24: MT LTAP Safety Webinar Slips/Trips/Falls - 7:30am-8:00am30 - April 2: MACRS 35th Annual Conference- Heritage Inn, Great Falls, MT (MT LTAP)

1-2: MACRS 35th Annual Conference Heritage Inn, Great Falls, MT (MT LTAP)12-15: APWA North American Snow Conference - Grand Rapids, MI More info: http://www.apwa.net/Snow21: MT LTAP Safety Webinar: Electrical Safety 7:30-8:00am19-23: NACE Annual Conference 2015, Daytona Beach, FL

SAVE THE DATES: MACRS 2015 Spring Conference

March 30 - April 2, 2015


Calendar of Events • July 2015 - December 2015 July 2015 August 2015

November 2015 December 2015



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

4: Fourth of July Holiday - Of ices Closed14: MT LTAP Webinar: First Aid-7:30-8:00am20-23: National LTAP/TTAP Summer Conference, Savannah, Georgia

Training on Request: Forklift Sign Safety Road Audits

11: Veterans’ Day - Of ices Closed16-20: Safety Fest, Billings - http://www.safetyfestmt.com/TBA - LTAP Leadership - TBA 8am - noonTBA - MACRS Planning Meeting, 1-5pm and 8am -noon; 25: MT LTAP Safety Webinar: TBA 7:30am - 8:00am26 - 27: Thanksgiving Holiday - Of ices Closed

TBA: LTAP Leadership - Miles City15: MT LTAP Safety Webinar: 7:30am-8:00am24 & 25: Christmas Holiday - Of ices Closed

12-14: SafetyFest - Havre (www.safetyfestmt.com/)18: MT LTAP Webinar: Noise Safety- 7:30-8:00am

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

MACRS Fall District Meetings: TBA 7 - 9: 84th League of Cities & Towns - Bozeman, MT7: Public Works Directors Meeting - Bozeman, MTPut The Brakes On Fatalities Day - 15th Anniversary (go to: www.brakesonfatalities.org)12: Columbus Day - Observed (Montana LTAP Of ices Open) 20: MT LTAP Safety Webinar: Gravel Pit/Trenching - 7:30am-8:00am 21 - 22: 30th Regional Local Road Coordinators Conference, Rapid City, SD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

September 2015 October 2015 S M T W Th F S S M T W Th F S

2 & 3: 26th Annual Equipment Safety Training and Snow Rodeo - Great Falls, MT (MT LTAP) Brochure available in July7: Labor Day Holiday - Of ices Closed20-24: MACo 106th Annual Conference, Holiday Inn, Missoula, MT www.mtcounties.org or MACo’s Karen Houston 406-449-436022: MT LTAP Safety Webinar: Health Safety 7:30am-8:00am

Some dates and locations are subject to change. Call Genevieve Houska, LTAP, 1-800-541-6671 to con irm.

Training on Request: Summer Survival Hand Safety Slips, Trips, & Falls

Training Opportunities at Montana LTAP Website:http://www.coe.montana.edu/ltapv2/training/index.html

If you injure or kill someone while DUI, you can be convicted of vehicular homicide while under the infl uence. Expect a prison term up to 30 years andfi nes up to $50,000, or both. DON’T DRINK & DRIVE! § 45-5-106, MCA


MACRS Spring Conference 2015Great Falls was the host city for MACRS 2015 Conference held March 30-April 2, 2015. According to MT LTAP Conference Coordinator Genevieve Houska the registration participation exceeded last year’s numbers with just over 370 attending.

This year’s preconference on Monday, March 30, was well attended with the opening topic on gas tax and GIS- based inventories addressed by Brian Andersen, Montana Department of Transportation. Following this session Doug Nisbet, Lewis & Clark County, informed all about the PTH Crusher and how his county has found this piece of equipment to be able to crush “in place” gravel and assist in providing savings to the county.

On similar topic, Steve Jenkins, Montana LTAP Director, covered county road standard speci ications. Then was joined by Ovila Byrd, Flathead County Road and Bridge Supervisor, reviewing several recent gravel roads rebuilt in Flathead County. Byrd noted the importance of having gravel standards and holding the materials company to these gravel standards.

To wrap up the last topic at the Preconference, Jenkins presented on understanding how to calculate quantities, importance of compaction, why the necessity to be able to measure proper moisture in materials, and what factors enter into keeping a gravel road stabilized.

On Tuesday morning, opening the conference was Presentation of Colors by the Marine Corp Honor Guard followed by the singing of the National Anthem by the Turner Elementary Choir from Blaine County. MACRS President Ovila Byrd then welcomed the conference attendees followed by comments from Gary Krueger, Flathead county Commissioner, Cascade County Commissioner Joe Briggs, and Madison County Commissioner and MACo President Dave Shultz. US. Senator Steve Daines provided a video message to the

L to R: Brian Anderson, MDT, explaining interactive maps to Blaine County Commissioner Frank Depriest.

Steve Jenkins covering Gravel Road Speci ications during pre-conference session.

conference participants. Robyn Madison spoke on behalf of U.S. Senator John Tester. Mike Waite provided information on behalf of U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke.

Colonel Monte S. Harner, Commander of the 341st Mission Support Group, Malmstrom Air Force Base, addressed the importance of maintaining missile site roads within counties and appreciated the cooperation of county road departments.

Keynote speaker, Mark Willmarth, Vision West Consulting, presented on “Seeking and Retaining Excellent Employees.” He covered the importance of how to provide support and appreciation for those employees who excel while also dealing with troubled employees

who may need to be transitioned to another department or out of the organization.

Ed Burlingame, Northwest Region Fire and Rescue Trainer covered various aspects of emergency management and how protocol of contacts is key for county road departments to play their part in emergencies such as grass ires and forest ires.

The afternoon session began with weight and speed limits on county roads. This hot topic session was led by Steve Jenkins, Montana LTAP, who engaged the participants to discuss their experiences on what their resolutions were and how they accomplished setting speci ic weight limits on particular county roads as well as deciding on how to determine speed limits.

Mark Willmarth, Vision West Consulting

L to R: Ovila Byrd, MACRS President and Flathead County, and Ed Burlingame, Northwest Region Fire and Rescue Trainer


MACRS (Cont’d from Page 8)

The afternoon session split into Machines and Truck Maintenance by Dave Fowler, recently-retired Gallatin County Road Supervisor.

Dave’s wife, Della, wrote a special poem for the audience:

“Boots on the Road” by Della Fowler:To all you county employees,welcome to this class.I’m sure you are si ng there, Thinking, “I hope he talks real fast.”

Whether it’s the equipment, or the employees,Dave has always shown great care.He was always a good leaders,And always treated everyone fair.

Do a walk-around, check the res,And treat your equipment like your baby.When you put the pedal to the metal,She’ll be your best lady!

Take it easy, take it slow,And you’ll get the job done.You’ll keep the taxpayers happy,It takes each and everyone.

So sit back, relax, we hopeYour “equipment Maintenance” improves.Keep your “Boots on the Road”,It’s you whose in those shoes!

The other split session had Samantha Morris, Chemnet, covering drug testing and DOT regulations.

On Wednesday morning after the Prayer Breakfast where all irst-timers were welcomed

by President Byrd, Dave Johnson from the Asphalt Institute presented on tack coats that are essential for longevity of asphalts. He also covered various aspects of warm mix asphalts.

Dave and Della Fowler, Gallatin County

Dave Johnson, Asphalt Institute

The morning session ended with a panel on drainage innovations and solutions by these agencies: Jeremiah Theys, Great West Engineering; Greg Benjamin, Stahly Engineering; and Chad Knuth, Robert Peccia and Associates.

The afternoon session started off with Montana Association of Counties Harold Blattie explaining various legislative bills they have been working on as well as what was happening with Payment in Lieu of Taxes funding for counties. This was followed by County Liability with Brian Hopkin, MACo. Patrick McJannet, Montana Department of Transportation, reviewed CDL requirements for county road department truck drivers. Jim Muskovich, MACo, explained the different types of training available from MACo.

Telematics on Heavy Equipment panel ended the afternoon session with the following representatives: Paul Jones, RDO Equipment; Clark Coulter, Tri-State Truck and Equipment; and Kraig Pester, Tractor and Equipment Company.

The Wednesday evening banquet began with President Byrd and his of icers drawing for banquet door prizes. Following was a tribute thank you to Wayne Waarvik who recently retired from Valley County. Byrd also thanked his board and LTAP for their unconditional support. Steve Jenkins, MT LTAP, presented Road Masters and Road Scholar awards. The evening entertainment was the Ringling Five enjoyed by all.

Far Right: President Byrd with MACRS Board at Banquet

L to R: Wayne Waavik and Steve Jenkins

Andy Dean, Yellowstone County, with Ringling 5 Entertainer


MACRS Scholarship

At the recent April 2015 MACRS Board meeting, the publicity of the MACRS Scholarship was discussed. Following is information regarding this Scholarship that was established last year. MACRS of icers will be working diligently to try and award this scholarship to a student in the coming year.

General Applica on and Qualifi ca on Informa on Montana Associa on of County Road Supervisors Scholarship

Amount$1,000 maximum per academic year, $500 per semester

DeadlineFall Semester Deadline – August 15th Spring Semester Deadline – December 15th

Descrip onThe scholarship will be awarded to a student with a declared major of either: equipment operations, mechanics, civil engineering or other transportation related studies. Priorities will be given to students who are serious about seeking employment in the transportation industry within the state of Montana and who have a connection to the MACRS organization.

Basic RequirementsStudents must be seeking a degree in a Certi icate, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, or Bachelor of Science program. This scholarship meets the needs of adult learners and those who are continuing or beginning their educational endeavors. The MACRS Scholarship is a one-time awarded scholarship.

Qualifi ca ons• Students must be residents of Montana. • Students must be degree-seeking and enrolled in at least six credits. • GPA of 2.5 or better• If the student does not have a previous grade point average (GPA) to submit, the Scholarship Committee will review GED, COMPASS, ACT, or SAT scores to determine academic eligibility. • Applicants will be reviewed and awarded up to a $1,000 Scholarship.

Materials to submit when applying for the MACRS Scholarship: • High school and college (if applicable) transcripts • One letter of recommendation from a non-relative assessing your abilities, character, motivation, and potential for academic success. • Submit an essay not exceeding 500 words of how you will bene it from receiving the MACRS Scholarship. • The completed and signed Scholarship application.

Please submit the completed application packet to:

Montana LTAPAttn: MACRS ScholarshipPO Box 173910Bozeman, MT 59717


Montana LTAP LibraryWelcome to the LTAP Lending Library where publications, videos, DVD’s, and software may be borrowed for a two-week period. We have a limit of three videotapes or DVD’s for a rent-free two-week period. Some publications are free or for a nominal charge upon request.

For information or checkout procedures, please call Genevieve Albert or Michele Beck, LTAP, 1-800-541-6671. If you have computer access, please e-mail us: mtltap(at)coe.montana.edu.

We have new lists for the library publications, software, DVD’s, and videos at our web site, just click on Resources: h p://www.coe.montana.edu/ltapv2/ (Note: Many of our publica ons are electronically available.)

At this web site, you can also keep track of upcoming workshops, past and present newsletters, and workshop announcements.

Our 2014-2015 Needs Assessment Survey is available at this web site. Thank you in advance for taking time to complete it.

LTAP welcomes contributions to LTAP MATTERS. Those wishing to submit relevant material to be published in the next newsletter can submit their ideas and articles to:

Michele BeckLocal Technical Assistance ProgramPO Box 173910Bozeman, MT 59717-3910

LTAP MATTERS is published quarterly. Funding for this program is provided by the Federal Highway Administration, Montana Department of Transportation, Montana State University, and a portion of Montana’s gas tax revenues.This newsletter is designed to keep you informed about new publications, techniques, and new training opportunities for you and your community. •Present and past issues are available at http://www.coe.montana.edu/ltapv2/newsletter/index.html or by calling 1-800-541-6671.•Approximately 100 copies of this public document were published at an estimated cost of $2.19 per copy for a total cost of $218.82 for printing. Several copies have been distributed but the majority are now electronically disbursed to over 350 agencies and available on our website.•LTAP attempts to provide accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person participating in any service, program or activity. Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided upon request.•Please send us any comments or concerns you may have regarding this newsletter with your name and address in order that we may respond in a timely manner.

(800) 541-6671 or (406) 994-6100Fax: (406) 994-5333email: mbeck(at)coe.montana.edu

Street Address:MT LTAP2327 University Way, Room 230Bozeman, MT 59715

Editorial Contributions Welcome

p-275 Performance-Based Contractor Prequali ication as an Alternative to Performance Bonds (FHWA August 2014) FHWA is interested in ensuring that State transportation departments select contractors that can complete projects cost-effectively. One potential method to help select quali ied contractors is to use a performance-based contractor prequali ication process. FHWA commissioned this study to evaluate the wisdom of expanding the use of this process. This report presents the results of this study, which examined relevant literature, evaluated the bene its and costs of performance bonds and performance-based contractor prequali ication, and recommended a model performance-based prequali ication approach. (178 pages) (Online tech brief available at this time)h p://www. wa.dot.gov/publica ons/research/infrastructure/pavements/14035/index.cfm

p-840 Roadway Safety Guide, A Primer for Community Leaders (Roadway Safety Foundation March 2014) This Guide is designed to provide community leaders and local elected of icials with basic information to improve roadway safety in their communities.(92 Pages) h p://www.roadwaysafety.org/

LTAP Recorded WebinarsOver the past few years, at the recommendation of MACRS Training Committee, Montana LTAP has held safety training webinars for about a half hour once a month, usually the third Tuesday at the beginning of the day (7:30am), dependent on availability to the webinar platform and particular training events being held.

The topics for these webinars vary and are sometimes tied in with the particular season, such as winter safety or winter maintenance being held in late fall/winter or gravel road materials and speci ications in the early spring.

Many counties have told us these recorded webinars have proven to be very effective for their monthly safety meetings. They use the half-hour webinar as a jumping off point for discussion on whatever topic they are covering at the time at their safety meeting. Others have said hearing counties ask questions during the webinar regarding issues they have been dealing with has assisted in solving some of their issues. Both Montana Association of Counties and the city insurance vendor, Montana Municipal Insurance Authority (MMIA), have asked we cover the three-point contact safety rule regarding ingress/egress on equipment due to numerous insurance claims iled on foot, leg and shoulder injuries.

To access these safety webinars, go to:h p://www.coe.montana.edu/ltapv2/resources/webinars/index.html

If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-800-541-6671.

Presort StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 69

Bozeman, MT 59718

Montana LTAPPO Box 173910Bozeman, MT 59717-3910


Parting Shot . . . In order to share their wisdom, this special column is dedicated to those who are retiring, or recently retired, and wish to pass on some gems from their years dealing with county roads or city streets. The following comments are from Valley County Road Supervisor Wayne Waarvik, who just retired in 2014:

I was hired by Valley County in 1981 to run a mower. At that time Valley County had a crew of 32 people. The next summer I learned to run a 631 scraper and built roads for several years.

I spent the next eight years on the Bridge crew, building and repairing bridges. During my time at Valley County, I learned how to run every piece of equipment from the mower to the scraper and everything in between including maintaining a crane license.

In 1999 I participated in the APWA Snow Rodeo and Equipment Safety event held in Great Falls where I placed First in the Front-end Loader competition.

In 1996 I was asked to be the County Road Supervisor. This transition was very hard as I was the youngest employee at the Road Department. I started going to MACRS at that time and quickly realized that employees and commissioners would also bene it by attending.

We began participating in LTAP training as well. Employees then started to feel that they were part of the solutions out on the road, took more pride in their work, and shared ideas on improvements.

Participation in MACRS and LTAP provided knowledge for me as a Supervisor and for my employees. The networking provided by these events is invaluable as well as the great relationships that are gained.

I encourage every county road department employee in the State to become actively involved in MACRS when you are asked. Participation is very rewarding and you will not regret it.

Valley County was a great job for me over the years and I truly enjoyed my job over the thirty-three years.

I want to thank each and everyone of you for your help over the years. I’ve made a lot of great friends by working for the public.

Thank you,Wayne Waarvik

matters spring 2015

Documents