Lynnwood University: Delving into the Operations and Maintenance Center

Cena Conteh poses before one of the city's tractors at the Lynnwood Operations and Maintenance Center. (Photos courtesy of Julie Moore, City of Lynnwood)
Cena Conteh poses before one of the city’s tractors at the Lynnwood Operations and Maintenance Center. (Photos courtesy of Julie Moore, City of Lynnwood)

By David Pan/Lynnwood Today editor

A tour and discussion about the Lynnwood Operations and Maintenance Center might not seem exciting, but plenty of interesting information was conveyed to Lynnwood University participants during their third week of classes.

The sewage system was a topic of discussion and Lynnwood resident Cena Conteh learned at least a couple of important facts. Though there are numerous products that are advertised as being flushable, the city generally does not recommend they be flushed down the toilet.

“They don’t degrade or dissolve,” Conteh said. “They plug the sewer system.

“Check with the authorities who work with the system. A lot of stuff is not good.”

The city recommends that only human waste and toilet paper be flushed and that other products be thrown in the trash, Conteh added.

The other piece of information that stood out for Conteh was the city’s responsibility for pipes. The city will cover any problems related to pipes in the street. But the homeowner is responsible for problems related to any pipes that are going through his or her own property.

“The city covers out in the street. If it bursts in the yard, you have to cover that,” Conteh said. “You need to have that inspected.”

Lynnwood University participants toured the city's Operations and Maintenance Center.
Lynnwood University participants toured the city’s Operations and Maintenance Center.

The class took a tour of the mechanics shop where city vehicles, such as police cars, are fitted with various pieces of aftermarket equipment. The class also was shown where city maintenance vehicles dump the street waste they collect.

The infrastructure of the city’s streets and how the traffic lights work was discussed. City officials showed the cycle of the traffic lights and how they went in a certain order.

It’s important for vehicles to be in the proper position at a light so the traffic system can detect that the vehicle is there.

“It won’t catch you if you’re sitting there waiting to go and you are not far enough up,” Conteh said.

Lynnwood Today is following Cena and Peter Conteh as they learn more about their city government in Lynnwood University.

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Public Works Deputy Director Les Rubstello, leads Lynnwood University students on a tour of the Lynnwood Operations and Maintenance Center.

 

 

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