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December 2024 | Issue 127

Workshop Schedule and Events

Click on the button below to view training opportunities available. We will continue to update the schedule with dates and locations, so check in with us regularly. If you are interested in hosting a class, please email Bethe Greene at bethany.greene@uconn.edu.

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In This Issue

  • Connecticut Public Works Promotions & Announcements
  • Congratulations, Graduates!
  • Safety Matters: Preparing for Winter Driving
  • Marty Maynard and Melanie Zimyeski Recognized for Outstanding Service
  • Innovation Station: Flying Forward - MassDOT's UAS Integration Success
  • NEAPWA Chapter Connects: Ethics in Action - A Guide for Public Works Leaders (Video)
  • Holiday Message from the T2 Center

Town of Coventry

  • Bill Watkins, Director of Public Works, was recently recognized at the 2024 Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) CT Convention at Mohegan Sun for achieving his certification as a Certified Connecticut Municipal Official. The honor reflects Bill’s dedication and leadership in municipal service.

Town of Burlington

  • Scott Tharau, Director of Public Works, was honored as Community Member of the Year by the Town of Burlington Chamber of Commerce. He accepted the award on behalf of his dedicated crew, who work tirelessly each day to support and serve their community.

Let us celebrate your department's successes with our CT Public Works community. Please email Regina Hackett your agency's great news and we will publish it in an upcoming newsletter.

Featured Article

Congratulations, Graduates!

On November 21, 2024, the Training and Technical Assistance (T2) Center, guests, and Connecticut’s top transportation leaders honored 223 professionals who completed one or more of nine certificate programs in 2024.

Programs Completed:

  • Public Works Academy
  • Road Master Program
  • Road Scholar Program
  • Local Traffic Authority Program
  • Transportation Leadership Program
  • Safety Academy
  • Traffic Signal Academy
  • Traffic Signal Technician Certificate Program - Level II
  • Traffic Signal Technician Certificate Program - Level III


The T2 Center's Program Alumni website has been updated with graduates' names, programs, and pictures.

To Read More About the Ceremony, Click Here

More Stories

Preparing for Winter Driving

It’s that time of year again – the winter driving season is upon us. Although we’ve had it relatively easy for the past few years, there is no guarantee this winter will be as gentle or mild as the recent past. Here are some helpful reminders for preparing you and your vehicle for what’s ahead.


Before winter weather arrives, check several of the safety components of your vehicle. In winter weather, all driving should be done with all-season tires or snow tires. Check your tires for tread depth, uneven wear, and tire pressure and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the tire rotation schedule. The correct tire pressure can be found in your owner’s manual and on a sticker that’s visible when you open the driver’s side door – the maximum pressure listed on the tire is the maximum, not the recommended pressure for driving. Be sure to check your windshield wipers for wear and top off your windshield washer fluid. If you’re uncomfortable with these inspections, bring your car to a mechanic. Make a bag with equipment for each vehicle including an ice scraper, blanket, and small shovel. Your trip may take longer than usual, so be sure to fill your tank with gas, bring your phone charger, and any medications needed.

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Marty Maynard and Melanie Zimyeski Recognized for Outstanding Service


Donna Shea had the honor of presenting awards to Marty Maynard and Melanie Zimyeski in recognition of their many years of dedicated service on the T2 Advisory Committee. Their invaluable contributions, expertise, and leadership have made a lasting impact. While their presence will be greatly missed, we wish them the very best in their well-deserved future endeavors.

Flying Forward - MassDOT's UAS Integration Success


The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has demonstrated that Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology improves safety and are effective in supporting bridge inspections, land area management, and construction monitoring. Building on its success and industry advances, MassDOT is taking an innovative approach to optimize infrastructure management.


In 2021, MassDOT received a $1,000,000 Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Demonstration award to deploy the MassDOT Unmanned Aerial Systems Data Analytics & Cybersecurity Program Alpha for Surface Transportation Projects. This project represents the first stage of a three-phase project, using UAS to create a digital software systems infrastructure.

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NEAPWA Chapter Connects: Ethics in Action - A Guide for Public Works Leaders (Video)

This pre-recorded webinar was a one-hour session designed specifically for municipal employees, particularly those in public works management. Led by an expert in public ethics, the webinar explored the importance of ethical behavior in maintaining public trust and examined common ethical challenges faced in municipal public works departments. The session also covered recognizing potential ethical gray areas, applying a practical framework for ethical decision-making, best practices for reporting and addressing ethical concerns, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a transparent and accountable workplace culture. This session provided valuable insights to enhance understanding of ethical gray areas and ensure actions align with the highest standards of public service integrity.

Program Overview

T2 Center Team

Workshop Schedule

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T2Center.uconn.edu

Connecticut Training and Technical Assistance Center

University of Connecticut

270 Middle Turnpike, Unit 5202

Storrs, CT 06269-5202

Phone: 860-486-9373

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