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American Traffic Safety Services Association
CHAPTER
NEWS
Indiana Chapter
The Indiana ATSSA Chapter meeting was held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral
in Indianapolis, Ind., Dec. 7, 2016.
Chapter President Tim McNelis, of Indiana Sign & Barricade, opened the
meeting with a holiday welcome and introductions. Chapter Treasurer
Hannah Ogburn, of 3M, reported that Indiana is no longer in her territory
and the chapter will need to appoint another treasurer.
Executive Director of the Build Indiana Council Vicki Kitchin covered state
and local road funding issues. Mischa Kachler, of the Indiana Department of
Transportation (INDOT), shared a work zone safety update, Temporary
Traffic Control deployment, as well as technical, and operational practices.
ATSSA Associate Director of Member Engagement Bob Felt, chapter liaison,
updated the group on ATSSA’s 2017 Leadership Program, The Foundation
programs, the $3,500 Northland ATSSA Chapter challenge, the Star
Recruiter Initiative, Tuesday Topics webinars and more.
Joe Bruno, of INDOT, provided brief updates on upcoming projects from his
section. Chuck Muller, of Indiana 811, provided a legislative update on
roadway safety and digging within right-of-way and the opportunities that
exist to raise the safety bar with municipalities and others. The chapter is
tentatively planning a June golf event and chapter meeting. The next chapter
meeting will be held at the Purdue Road School on March 9.
Iowa Chapter
The Iowa ATSSA chapter met on Jan. 24, at the Courtyard Marriott in
Ankeny, Iowa. There were 40 people in attendance, including four public
officials.
Neil Hawkins, P.E., Iowa State University Transportation, discussed a study
of portable rumble strips. The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT)
developed specifications for temporary rumble strips that contain two sets of
three rumble strips. Iowa State University’s roadway study tested the efficacy
and impact of the temporary rumble on motorists and found that the rumble
strips lead to: 1) increased driver braking when approaching the rumble
strips; 2) reduced driver speeds approximately 3-5 miles per hour; and 3)
minimal driver avoidance of the rumble strips.
Mark Bortle, traffic safety engineer, IDOT, discussed IDOT personnel
changes and the use of speed trailers in work zones. Chris Poole, P.E., IDOT,
discussed MASH.
Chapter President Jeff Koudelka expressed gratitude for outgoing President
Marianne Wainwright for her leadership and presented her with the ATSSA
chapter president plaque. Tanner Morris of Quality Traffic Control was
elected for a two-year term as chapter president-elect. Kurt Jirak agreed to
continue for another one-year term as chapter secretary/treasurer.
The chapter held a discussion of the need for training, specifically the
possibility of holding another pavement-marking tech class.
The next chapter meeting will be in conjunction with the chapter’s annual
golf event, which will be held June 8, 2017. The location will be determined
later in the spring.
New Mexico Chapter
The New Mexico ATSSA chapter met on Jan. 18, at San Bar Construction
Corp., Albuquerque, N.M. There were 21 people in attendance.
Christina Bahl, NMDOT work zone specialist, announced that Mike Beck of
A.C.N.M. has paid for the ATSSA Foundation Work Zone Memorial to be
brought to New Mexico. It will first go to NMDOT District 5 for display on
March 10, 2017, in Las Vegas. The Memorial will then begin its tour around
New Mexico.
There was open discussion regarding the types of promotion the chapter
might consider for the 2017 Work Zone Awareness Week, and a committee
was formed to make further decisions.
Richard Mobarak, ATSSA master instructor, gave an update regarding his
efforts to reach out to NM Drivers Education programs to implement Work
Zone Training in driver’s education. He has received push back from some
programs while others have been welcoming. Richard reminded the
members that all material must comply with state guidelines, and he
will work to update the driver’s education presentation provided by
ATSSA National.
The New Mexico ATSSA bylaws were updated by the board of directors
and will be presented at the April chapter meeting for vote and ratification
by the members.
Forty people attend the Iowa ATSSA chapter meeting Jan. 24 in Ankeny, Iowa.
Iowa Chapter President Jeff Koudelka
presents outgoing President Marianne
Wainwright with the ATSSA chapter
president plaque.