Road Officials, Engineers, and Surveyors gathered to exchange best practices, learn new techniques and information, and resolve OACES business at the 2017 Fall OACES Conference held October 16-17 in Bend. Brian Keierleber, President of the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) and Public Works Director for Buchanan County Iowa gave an update on NACE activities as well as information on how his county is dealing with bridge construction and replacements.

Chuck Knoll, Linn County and John Waffenschmidt, Lincoln County were recognized for their on-going contributions and awarded the Road Official/Engineer and Surveyor of the year for 2017. In the presentations it was noted that “Linn County has received millions of dollars in grant funding for bridge projects under Chuck’s leadership, freeing up scare road fund dollars for roadway maintenance and preservation projects.” Vance Swenson, Clatsop County highlighted just a few of John Waffenschmidt accomplishments stating that “His decades-long surveying career includes stints as his county’s GIS manager and IT manager. Most people who attempt to excel in multiple disciplines end up with a broad knowledge that isn’t very deep. (John) is the exception and has a deep knowledge of surveying and many other disciplines.”

OACES thanks all its members for their hard work during the past year.

Chris Munson
Oregon GPS Users Group

Bradley Cross
Wasco/Hood River County Surveyor
New OACES Board Member

Cole Grisham, ODOT

James Lewis, Deschutes County
Property Management discussion