Maitland City Talk

Quiet zone update

Quiet zones are portions of train track where trains approaching crossings are not required to sound train horns. In order for train track to be designated as a quiet zone, public crossings need to be equipped with:

• Flashing-light signals

• Warning train detection circuitry

• Power-off indicators visible to the train crew

• Four-quadrant gates with median separators

• Crossing enclosures

In June 2015, the City Council and the Florida Department of Transportation entered into a local funding agreement. Since then, FDOT has issued a request for proposals for the work and materials of the four-quadrant gates and median separators. At the present time, FDOT is working with their project contractor to negotiate costs.

Public works: Always there

Every year in the third week of May, the American Public Works Association recognizes the public works profession with an annual community awareness campaign called National Public Works Week. This year’s theme is “Public Works: Always There.”

The APWA describes this year’s theme: “It showcases the pervasiveness of public works. Communities depend on public works, and the men and women of the profession are always there and always ready.”

The city of Maitland recognizes the 60 employees in the public works department who protect the city’s capital investment and maintain its infrastructure. Public works performs crucial city services. Public works employees provide Maitland residents with drinking water, water for irrigation, and fire protection. They maintain a wastewater collection system, and maintain roads, rights-of-way, sidewalks, and all city-owned properties. And, they do so much more. Descriptions of the nine public works divisions and a snapshot of their fiscal year 2015 performance measures follow. Take the time to thank a Public Works employee today.

Arbor Services delivers plant healthcare. Last year, Arbor Services performed 162 inspections of street trees.

Fleet Maintenance maintains all city vehicles and small equipment to the highest possible safety standards. Staff performs preventative maintenance on at least 120 vehicles a minimum of four times a year.

Grounds Maintenance maintains aesthetically pleasing landscapes for residents. In FY 2015, Grounds Maintenance maintained 187 acres of city property, the equivalent to 141.1 football fields.

Lakes Management provides counsel and maintains the city’s lakes, canals, stormwater system, and aquatic weed control. Last year, staff surveyed 2,049 acres of lakes, canals, retention ponds and creeks.

Stormwater Services staff maintains the infrastructure that collects, transfers and treats stormwater runoff.

Streets and Facilities Maintenance maintains 59.1 miles of city streets, rights-of-way, sidewalks, boardwalks, bicycle paths, traffic signs, and 127 city structures.

Transportation staff reviews plans, provides engineering support, issues right-of-way permits, and inspects construction within the ROW.

Wastewater Services is tasked with the collection and safe transportation of sanitary waste. Last year, two million gallons of wastewater flowed daily in Maitland. Several large wastewater collection system projects are underway.

Water Production and Distribution staff distributes water. Maitland has an active backflow prevention program and staff continuously monitors water quality. In FY 2015, 936 million gallons of water were processed and treated.