HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainabilitySpotlight On Jon ReslerWhat does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability to me is being a good steward of the
planet. It is awareness of what you’re doing, how
you’re doing it, and what impacts your actions have on
the environment and society. The idea is to maintain
and even improve the planet for future generations.
How is sustainability
incorporated into your position?
The Streets Division is definitely starting to look at
things from a sustainability standpoint. Implementing
some of these sustainable practices takes effort and
resources, so in some ways I feel the division is behind due to limitations on
resources. However, we will catch up and I do know of several projects where the division is moving in a positive
direction. For example, we use a salt/sand mix for winter maintenance. Studies show that the salt, and even the sand,
are affecting water quality. As a result, we are working toward a reduction in the City’s salt and sand usage. We would
like to use something called an AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) system on the plow trucks, which would track where
the vehicles have been, as well as where and how much material is being placed on the roads. This system would allow
us to look at different areas of the City and determine where we can reduce the amount of material used. We are also
looking at using salt brine to pre-treat the roads during the winter months. Both systems would allow us to reduce the
amount of salt and sand used, which we believe will have a positive impact on reducing the amount of resources used
and improving water quality.
What actions have you taken to improve sustainability within your position?
One of the ways we’re improving sustainability is by changing equipment and where it’s stored. Certain street sweep-
ers do a better job of getting the larger materials off the roadway but not necessarily the finer materials. It has been
found that the fine materials will wash into waterways and pollute as much or more than the larger materials. As a
result, we are considering the use of a mixed fleet of street sweepers that would allow us to collect both large and fine
materials. A mixed fleet has the potential to improve both water and air quality. In addition, we are currently in the
process of completing a public works facility master plan. The City currently leases the Johnson County fairground
buildings in the winter to provide heated storage for the City’s plow trucks and other equipment. The problem with
the arrangement is that there is no insulation in the building housing the plow trucks, so much of the heat is lost.
Upgrading and constructing the City’s own facilities to have proper insulation and advanced heating and ventilation
systems are other ways I feel the Streets Division can be more sustainable.
In your opinion, what efforts can be made to improve
sustainability within your position or within our community?
Improving sustainability within my position and the community is about being
aware of the decisions we make and their long-term impact on the community and
the environment. For example, if a street is improved, how is the repair made? Is it
a quick fix, or are we finding a more sustainable solution to the problem?
Sustainability Spotlight:
Jon Resler
City of Iowa City Streets Superintendent