About MRSC
Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is a private, nonprofit organization based in Washington. Our mission is to promote excellence in Washington local government through professional consultation, research, and information services.
Visit our website at: http://www.mrsc.org
-
Recent Posts
- How May the Revenues from the Sales Tax Authorized for Rural Counties in RCW 82.14.370 Be Used?
- The Sun Is Still Shining: Most Uses of Lodging Tax Revenues are Preserved
- Disqualification: Keeping Unqualified Persons off the Ballot
- What will MRSC be in the future? Update on MRSC’s Strategic Planning Process
- New Public Procurement Laws Approved in 2013 Legislative Session
Archives
Categories
- Best Practices
- Civic Engagement
- Demographics
- Economic Development
- Elections
- Energy and Environment
- Finance
- General
- Governance
- Health and Human Services
- Information Services and Technology
- Land Use and Zoning
- Legal
- Levies
- Management
- Open Meetings
- Parks and Recreation
- Personnel
- Planning
- Policy
- Public Records
- Public Safety
- Public Works
- Transportation and Infrastructure
- Utilities
Author Archives: John W. Carpita, PE
New Public Procurement Laws Approved in 2013 Legislative Session
Mike Purdy has posted on his Public Contracting Blog a great summary of laws passed in the 2013 Legislative Session that impact public works contracting and purchasing. Be sure to take a look.
Posted in Public Works
Leave a comment
Washington’s New Fire Suppression (Hydrant) Law—SHB 1512
Thanks to concerted and cooperative action by a coalition of public and private water purveyors, cities, counties, trade organizations, and fire fighting agencies (FIRE PALS), Washington now has a new fire suppression (hydrant) law.
Posted in Public Safety, Utilities
Leave a comment
Unsung Heroes of the Washington Public Works Community: The APWA Contract Administration Subcommittee (CASC)
As I stated in an earlier blog post, I am quite “plugged in” to the greater Washington State public works community. I’ve had many opportunities over the years to see and to experience the dedication and—well, the devotion—of public works professionals … Continue reading
Posted in Public Works
2 Comments
Some On-Call Contracts ARE Kosher
Last week’s blog post on on-call contracts (and Mike Purdy’s blog as well) generated much interest and many questions and comments. This present blog post is intended to clear up some misconceptions and items of confusion, as well as to … Continue reading
Posted in Best Practices, Public Works
On-Call Contracts Not Kosher
Editor’s note: Please see the followup post “Some On-Call Contracts ARE Kosher,” written to clarify the below article. Over the past two to three years, there has been much interest and discussion about on-call contracts by local agencies, mostly related … Continue reading
Posted in Public Works
10 Comments
Unsung Heroes of the Washington Public Works Community: The APWA Division 1 Subcommittee
Plugged in as I am to the greater Washington State public works community, I’ve had many opportunities over the years to see and to experience the dedication and – well, the devotion – of public works professionals to their craft. … Continue reading
Posted in Public Works
New Indemnification Language for A/E Contracts
Is there a “brave new world” in which architects and engineers have gained the upper hand by limiting indemnification language that can be included in their contracts? Maybe not, but legislation enacted this year should cause local governments to review … Continue reading
Posted in Legal, Public Works
Are We Conserving Too Much Water?
The politically and ecologically correct answer is “no.” Potable water is a relatively finite resource and we – both individuals and communities – should always seek to identify wasteful water usage and reduce it. However . . .
Posted in Public Works
2 Comments
