The Solution
Although Newcastle was using a paper-based process, most of its assets were already in GIS. The city had worked with OpenGov on a data collection project, but had not yet implemented the operations management software. The audit notice helped convince the city council that Newcastle would not be able to capture the required information on schedule without implementing OpenGov — and quickly.
Gallardo had prior experience with OpenGov and had a plan for organizing the data. Referencing the Washington stormwater manual, she set up condition categories to reflect every potential deficiency for every asset. Their software was up and running by the end of May.
“We were able to show the state which tasks we would do to comply and how we would track maintenance,” says Gallardo. She documented the built-in task schedule with automatic notification; for example: clean basins within six months, fix facilities within one year, perform inspections every May, control cattails in September, clean-in-place next year.
The city had to hire on extra workers to meet the demands, but everyone was ready to use OpenGov after a brief training session on their iPads. Throughout the process, Gallardo updated the state on their progress. And just 6 months after the audit, she wrapped it up by reporting that all deficiencies had been addressed.
“I knew it was going to be terrible that we got audited, but I knew it would be better after. It would help our elected officials understand why we needed these resources,” says Gallardo. “Now the city is in a much better place. We’re compliant—which we haven’t been for years, so that feels good.”
The Results
Now that the audit is over, the city is using OpenGov’s asset management software in its day-to-day operations.
If a routine asset inspection reveals an issue, the worker simply taps on that asset in the iPad, creates a task, and adds a photo if desired. If they have a question, they can reference the maps and asset data at their fingertips. Then tasks are assigned, prioritized, and notifications set up.
“The crews always worked hard, but now they get credit for their work.”
Newcastle has experienced other benefits, such as: Back in the office, OpenGov’s software makes it easy for Gallardo to see if scheduled work has been performed, track progress, and prepare reports. “Ican filter data by type of task or by person,” she says. “I can pull before-and-after photos to show, for example, how an oil spot has been cleaned up.”
Time savings. Before implementation, an intern would spend three hours each day making maps, studying as-built plans, and preparing materials for field inspections. Now all of those pieces can be accessed directly in the field.
Versatility. In preparing for a new vactor contract, Gallardo did a search for all assets with a vactor task assigned. These were exported for the contractor, who was then given temporary access to update the data as he completed the work.
Employee morale. OpenGov software has helped move the team’s focus from deficiency to accomplishment. “The crews always worked hard, but now they get credit for their work,” says Gallardo. “Also, we can show the city when there’s a need for additional resources.”
Now, Newcastle is the go-to city for other municipalities struggling to comply with the new regulations. “I tell them if you have GIS data in place as required, OpenGov is really easy to implement,” says Gallardo. “It’s a great choice for any jurisdiction.”
