Ronald A. Neal
231 Park Ave, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 51503
(712) 328-8977 Home, (712) 242-7870 Cell, Ran2444[at]Gmail.com
Professional Experience:
City of Council Bluffs, Iowa, (10/2008-08/2009) 40 hrs/wk.
City Engineer
Professional engineer responsible for the administration of over $25 million/year in street, sewer, levee, wastewater, traffic, and lift station projects. This includes the application of civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering disciplines. Attend and represent the Department at meetings with officials, consultants and organizations to provide and exchange information and resolved problems. Monitors and manages project design and construction, directs, organizes and exercises control over AE firms and subordinate employees to complete the work.
Responsible for following work areas: construction, traffic, waste water treatment, development services, bridges, ARRA funding, levees, and I-80 relocation.
Managerial experience over six employees. Supervisor duties including assigning work based on priorities, type of assignment, and employee capabilities. Develops performance measures, evaluates and rates employee performance. Identifies, arranges, and provides opportunities for development and training needs of staff. Takes necessary disciplinary actions such written reprimands to correct personnel problems. Addresses subordinates’ concerns expediently, with appropriate action to correct the situation and ensure the workplace is free from all forms of discrimination.
Accountable for the success of staff functions, monitors and evaluate the progress of organizational tasks, goals, and outcomes.
The City of Council Bluffs had many problems, delays, cost over-runs, and citizen complaints on City construction projects. Investigation showed there was a basic lack of respect between the City personnel, City consultants (AE), and the utility companies. Symptoms were poor communication, poor coordination, and apathy. To improve relationships, I convinced key stakeholders to attend a monthly coordination “clubâ€. At the first meeting, I established ground rules, goals, and vision to ensure success. The club has been an exciting success. Attitudes are now positive. Utility engineers have begun to work with AE firms in the design phase to resolve conflicts efficiently. Utility companies have begun to relocate facilities prior to construction. Reducing conflicts and making City construction project more efficient.
Accountable for the City’s Stormwater Management Program required by the EPA. Authored the City’s Post-Construction Stormwater Ordinance.
Write scope of work and request for proposal to hire engineering firm (AE). Reviewed and selected AE firm. Negotiated AE fees and schedules. Managed AE schedule, payments, and supplemental agreements.
Frequent contact with members of the business community, the general public, higher ranking managers, representatives of local interest groups, technical employees of state and local governments. Exchanged information in face to face meetings, telephone, and e-mail. Negotiated in an environment of significant controversy with people of differing viewpoints and objectives. Used consensus building and collaboration to reach decisions.
City of Omaha, Nebraska, 1993 to 2008.
Manager of the Structures Section (05/2000 to 10/2008) 40 hrs/wk
Program Manager responsible for all assets concerning construction, maintenance, and management of the City’s 94 bridges, 104 other structures and storm sewer projects. This position required technical, administrative and professional engineering work encompassing Omaha, Nebraska, the 40th largest metropolitan area in the United States.
Developed program planning by identifying potential projects, evaluating, conducting preliminary cost estimates, selecting, and prioritizing the most effective solutions. Organized results into a six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Distributed the CIP to all key stakeholders and negotiated modifications. Planned and programmed over $13 million in Federal Aid projects between 2003 and 2008.
Exercised and delegated managerial authority to ensure annual and multiyear work plans and schedules for in-house and contracted work. Set goals and outputs to lead to desired Program outcomes and mandates. Determined tasks that needed emphasis. Made decisions on work problems presented by subordinate supervisors, team leaders, and contractors.
Responsible for program budget and resources. Monitored, approved, and reported all expenditures in the Structures Section. Analyzed expenditures, encumbrances, and the program schedule to ensure adequate resources for the program. Conferred with supervisors to resolve budget issues.
Coordinated program with affected stakeholders such as, other City departments, utilities, neighborhood group, businesses, and regulatory State and Federal agencies. Organized and represented the City at meetings with local officials, the public, and consultants to provide and exchange information and resolve problems.
Vice-President of a 270-member management bargaining group. Advocate of principled bargaining methods. Hearing and resolving group grievances and employee complaints.
Project Manager responsible for all program construction and maintenance on major bridge, highway, and sewer projects. Highlights: 83rd & Western Bridge re-deck, and 84th & Grover Bridge rehabilitation, solving transverse cracks in new bridge decks and rapid bridge construction.
Design responsibility from conception to completion. Designer of project or wrote scope of work and request for proposal to hire engineering firm (AE). Reviewed and selected AE firm. Negotiated fees and schedule. Managed AE schedule, payments, and supplemental agreements.
Directed contract preparation, including Federal requirements, bidding, award, pre-construction conferences, utility relocation, public meetings, notice to proceed, shop drawing review, and compliance with plans, design, and specifications. Independently authorized pay estimates and change orders. Delegated tasks to subordinates when appropriate. Reviewed contractor’s Federal safety, personnel, and material requirements. Accepted work and closed out Federal Aid contracts.
Resolved AE errors and omissions and contractor mistakes. Reviewed and approved PC based construction schedules. Organized weekly meetings to resolve issues between on-site stakeholders and to anticipate and avoid future conflicts.
Identified, interpreted, and evaluated complex regulatory factors and related natural, cultural and social conditions and evaluated the adequacy of environmental documentation, such the National Environmental Policy Act, (NEPA), Migratory Bird Act, and National Historic Preservation Act.
Managerial experience supervising three employees. Duties including assigning work based on priorities, type of assignment, and employee capabilities. Develop performance measures, evaluated and rated employee performance. Identified, arranged, and provided opportunities for development and training of staff. Team member that interviews candidates for subordinate positions, recommending hiring, and promotions. Took necessary disciplinary actions such written reprimands to correct personnel problems. Addresses subordinates’ concerns expediently, with appropriate action, ensuring adequate information, resources, and a workplace free from discrimination.
Delegated tasks and goals persistently, pushing responsibilities to lower organizational levels. Monitored, evaluated the progress of the tasks and goals, coached, encouraged, and trained staff to complete the job. Investigated innovative ideas, planned and introduced several to the staff to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Delivered engineering studies for a variety of purposes through collaboration with expert consultants, supervisors, and elected officials. Wrote scope of work and request for proposals for the studies. Evaluated and selected AE using team approach. Negotiated schedule and fess. Oversaw the schedule, payments, and results from conception to completion.
Liaison to F.E.M.A. for reimbursable work due to disasters. Verify the accuracy and completeness of all City reports submitted to F.E.M.A. Assured the City received the maximum reimbursable amount.
Manager of the Combined Sewer Separation Program (CSSP) (03/1993 to 05/2000) 40 hrs/wk
Program manager responsible for project design and construction manager on over 25 major municipal projects. Including the application of civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering disciplines. I evaluated the problems, developed alternatives and selected cost effective solutions. Hired surveyors, conducted hydraulic studies, and designed the projects. This position required technical, administrative and professional engineering work encompassing Omaha, Nebraska, the 40th largest metropolitan area in the United States.
Developed program planning by identifying possible projects, evaluating, conducted preliminary cost estimates, selecting, and prioritizing the most effective solutions. Organized results into a six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Distributed the CIP to all key stakeholders and negotiated modifications when necessary. Planned and programmed over $50 million of projects between 1996 and 2000.
Frequent contact with members of the business community, the general public, higher ranking managers, representatives of neighborhood groups, technical employees of state and local governments. Exchanged information in face to face meetings, telephone, and e-mail. Negotiated in an environment of significant controversy with people of differing viewpoints and objectives. The individuals included AE consultants, contractors, government officials, utilities, and the public to justify, negotiate and settle controversial issues. Actively participated in conferences, meetings, and presentations involving problems or issues of importance to the CSSP program.
Managed the program through a very dynamic time. Lead change from 1993 to 1999, when program construction increased 240 %, but we limited staff increase to 20%.
Exercised and delegated managerial authority to ensure annual work plans and schedules for in-house and contracted work. Set goals and outputs to lead to desired Program outcomes determined by department manager. Made decisions on work problems presented by subordinate supervisors, team leaders, and contractors.
Conferred with supervisors to resolve budget issues.
Coordinated program with affected stakeholders such as, other City departments, utilities, neighborhood group, businesses, and regulatory State and Federal agencies
Project Manager responsible for $6 million annual construction program. Highlights: 13th & Jackson storm sewer, Adams Park Rehabilitation, maturity method introduction, and program expansion.
Designed over 25 projects from conception to completion. Designer of project or wrote scope of work and request for proposal to hire engineering firms and surveyors. Reviewed and selected firm. Negotiated fees and schedule. Managed AE and surveyor’s schedule, and payments.
Directed contract preparation, including Federal instructions, bidding, award, pre-construction conferences, utility relocation, public meetings, notice to proceed, shop drawing review, and compliance with plans, design, and specifications. Independently authorized pay estimates and change orders. Reviewed contractor’s Federal safety, personnel, and material requirements. Accepted work and closed out contracts.
Resolved AE errors and omissions and contractor mistakes. Reviewed and approved PC based construction schedules. Organized weekly meetings to resolve issues between on-site stakeholder and to anticipate and avoid future issues.
Managerial experience supervising six employees. Supervisory duties including assigning work based on priorities, type of assignment, and employee capabilities. Evaluated and rated employee performance yearly. Identified, and provided opportunities for development and training. Part of a team that interviews candidates for subordinate positions, recommending hiring, and promotions. Took necessary disciplinary actions such written reprimands to correct personnel problems. Addresses subordinates’ concerns expediently, with appropriate action, ensuring adequate information, resources, and a workplace free from discrimination.
Delegated tasks and goals continually to staff when practical. Monitored, evaluated the progress of the tasks and goals, coached, encouraged, trained staff as necessary to complete the job. Investigated innovative ideas, planned and introduced several to the staff to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Delivered engineering studies for a variety of purposes through collaboration with expert consultants, supervisors, State, and Federal officials. Wrote scope of work and request for proposals for the studies. Evaluated and selected AE using team approach. Negotiated schedule and fess. Oversaw the schedule, payments, and results from conception to completion.
City of Ames, Iowa
Civil Engineer II 12/1990 to 03/1993 40 hrs/wk
Program manager on many multifaceted federally funded highway, drainage, and airport projects. Coordinated several Federal Aid projects through the Iowa DOT and Iowa State University. Supervised three engineering technicians. Evaluated and rated employee performance yearly. Assisted in the yearly budget preparation for the Division.
Project manager responsible for contract preparation, including Federal regulations, bidding, award, pre-construction conferences, utility relocation, public meetings, notice to proceed, shop drawing review, and compliance with plans, design, and specifications. Independently authorized pay estimates and change orders. Reviewed contractor’s Federal safety, personnel, and material requirements. Accepted work and closed out contracts on Federal aid airfield, highway, and culvert projects.
Researched and proposed a creative solution for runway rehabilitation to the Federal Aviation Administration. Convinced the FAA Central Region to use Cold in-place asphalt recycle on Ames Municipal Airport to alleviate reflective cracking. Managed this $1.4 million federal aid project, which was completed on time and within budget. The project won the 1992 smoothness award from the Iowa DOT. Speaker at the 1991 Iowa Asphalt Paving Conference at Iowa State University.
Other Full Time Professional Experiences:
Department of Defense, Lowry Air Force Base, Denver, CO., Civil Engineer, GS-11.
City of Kansas City, Kansas, Civil Engineer I
Education:
Masters of Public Administration, 2005, Univ. Nebraska at Omaha. GPA 3.88, Pi Alpha Alpha
Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering, 1986, University of Nebraska, Omaha.
Master level civil engineering classes completed:
Pre-Construction Engineering, Construction Contract Law, Hot-mix Asphalt Pavement Design
Construction Specification Writing, Construction Methods and Equipment
Professional Licenses:
Professional Engineer: Iowa PE-12105 and Nebraska E-7775.
Federal Highway Administration Team Leader for inspection of in-service and fracture critical bridges.
Other Information:
Active in American Public Works Association since 1987 and National Society of Professional Engineers.
Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio, Google Documents, AutoCAD, and ESRI GIS.
Very good public speaking skills.
Knowledgeable in interest-based “principal†negotiations.
Sensitive to cultural differences and work easily with people from various ethnicities and economic backgrounds.
Novice Spanish language speaker.
Volunteer History:
CEO and President of Council Bluffs Talented and Gifted, Inc. 2007 to present
Church Council member. 2005 – 2008
Mentor for the Council Bluffs Community Schools, Iowa. 2004-2006
Mentor for the Society of American Military Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska. 1998-2003
Missionary in Mexico, Missions International, Denver, Colorado. Summer 1990
Joe Ficenec, P.E., (402) 551-0631 Colleague
Manager, Structural Engineering
E & A Consultant Group
Clark Squires, (402) 670-8027 Co-worker
Construction Manager
City of Omaha, Nebraska
Scott Belt, (712) 388-2452 Council Bluffs, Iowa
Heartland Property, Council Bluffs, Iowa City Council Member
Chaplin (Captain), Dave Meyers, (910) 988-5769 Personal
US Army, 9th Psychological Operations Battalion
Fort Bragg, NC 28310
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