Q&A
Discussion of Intro 225: Online infrastructure work information
0:57:55
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160 sec
Council Member Holden and Commissioner Aggarwala discuss the feasibility of implementing Intro 225, which requires DEP to post infrastructure work information online. They explore current data availability and potential ways to make more information accessible to the public.
- DEP currently lacks platforms other than open data for checking complaint progress
- The agency is willing to work with the council to identify which existing dashboards could be made public
- There is a need to balance providing information with the dynamic nature of DEP's work scheduling
Robert F. Holden
0:57:55
Thank you, Chip.
0:57:57
You know, I see in your testimony, you said my bill would be almost impossible for you to carry this out.
0:58:05
But that's why we have hearings to negotiate.
0:58:08
So for instance, we have we have a lot of cash based requests, and you said it's on open data.
0:58:15
But are there any other platforms that you have where we can check on the the existence of or at least a progress in a complaint other than open data?
Rohit T Aggarwala
0:58:27
Right now, I I don't think so.
0:58:28
And so your characterization of of of the fact that you are calling us, that your office and others are are calling us is not wrong.
Robert F. Holden
0:58:42
Oh, how do you how do you solve that?
0:58:43
My bill is trying to and it doesn't have to be everything, like, every complaint possible because I understand that can get unwieldy.
0:58:52
But if other agencies like tree maps, can do it or DOT can do it.
0:58:59
I think there's a there's a model already.
0:59:01
So if we can you know, with the with the technology, I think there it's possible.
0:59:05
It's not like an you know, it's not insanely ridiculous to request, you know, some kind of database.
Rohit T Aggarwala
0:59:12
Yes.
0:59:12
And and council member, I I certainly didn't use the word ridiculous in characterizing your bill.
0:59:18
I I said, what I what I mentioned in the testimony is that we do have a number of dash boards that we use in our operation.
0:59:25
And your bill is prompting us to take a look at those to see what of those we might make we might make available.
0:59:33
And we'd be happy to work with you on the specifics.
0:59:36
So I think there are some, you know, for example, we we have a schedule of when cash basins are are due to be inspected.
0:59:44
As I've mentioned in in previous testimony, we we do that based on an algorithm of of risk.
0:59:51
However, that schedule is not necessarily fixed because the same crews sometimes are are the ones who do the cleaning.
0:59:57
And so if you find a lot that need cleaning, that's an inspection.
1:00:01
Then the inspections get delayed, and we do more of the cleaning.
1:00:04
And usually, it averages out, so we we maintain a kind of a predictive schedule, but sometimes that happens.
1:00:11
And then, of course, the cleanings aren't scheduled unless and until there is a finding, either that well, finding that an inspection yields that it needs to be cleaned.
1:00:21
So As I said, and as I appreciated in your statement, you know, I think there's a way for us to work with you to use the data we have, but and and we will be happy to talk with you and you and your staff direct on the committee.
