Weird Things in the “Internet of Things”

City Weekly
St. Joseph, Missouri
City news & information....
Weird Things in the “Internet of Things”
May 30, 2013
www.stjoemo.info
Channel 19
(816) 279-4YOU
by Mark Townsend, Associate Director of Technology
The internet is slowly creeping into every part of our lives, so much so that it’s becoming easier to look
around the house and find objects that can be connected to the internet. In just a few short years, we
probably won’t think twice about connecting most of these objects to the internet, but others will likely
take some more time to get used to.
So, what is the “Internet of Things (IoT)?” The term carries a number of definitions. But, in general, the
IoT refers to uniquely identifiable objects, such as corporate assets or consumer goods, and their virtual
representations in an internet-like structure. Current or potential examples of the IoT include a vast array of
objects: fleets of trucks, medical equipment, vending machines, construction equipment, gas and electric
meters, thermostats, household appliances, advertising display signs, and many others. Below are a few
weird examples of the IoT:
Diapers. A startup called 24eight dreamed up the wireless diaper, which features an embedded chip that sends SMS messages to
parents or babysitters when the diaper is wet. The connected diapers only cost an extra two cents to produce than normal diapers,
the Wall Street Journal reports.
T-shirts. Ballantine’s developed a T-shirt made out of ultrathin LED display technology
that connects to the internet via the wearer’s smartphone and essentially acts as a larger,
body-worn display.
Breathalyzer (that tweets). This breathalyzer prototype can transmit the user’s blood
alcohol level to his Twitter account, automatically making it available for everyone to see.
While most people wouldn’t want their drunkenness publicly available, it could be a good
deterrent for repeat drunk drivers.
Shoes. One of the more well-known connected pieces of apparel is footwear. Nike may
have gotten the most recognition for it, but several others, including Google and fashion
company WeSC, have developed shoes that connect to social media and even talk to the
wearer as exercise motivation when he has been standing still for too long.
Toothbrush. While one toothbrush model currently sends dental hygiene data to the internet through a Bluetooth-connected
smartphone, researchers expect most toothbrushes to come directly internet-enabled pretty soon, making it even harder for kids
to lie to their parents about brushing their teeth.
Mirrors. Essentially turning a mirror into a giant reflective tablet, the Cybertecture
Mirror overlays application interfaces on a reflective mirror and comes with a peripheral
sensor pad that registers, records, and displays personal health data over time.
Christmas tree. Dubbed The Lonely Christmas Tree, the project connects the lighting
on a small Christmas tree to the internet and automates it to respond when the owner
receives emails or social networking updates, as Make Magazine reports.
Sidewalks. A Spanish company called Via Inteligente has developed Wi-Fi emitting
pavement stones, dubbed iPavement. The goal is to literally pave the ground of city
streets and sidewalks with Wi-Fi, so no one is without internet access
Parking meters. Solving a problem felt by many residents, San Francisco connected its
parking meters so drivers can find open parking spots without driving around the same
block several times.
Toys. Several children’s toys connect to the internet, but don’t be surprised to see
internet-connected toys on your boss’ desks. A company called reaDIYmate has designed interactive paper used to build toys that
can be programmed to react to emails or social networking updates or controlled remotely with a smartphone.
Green, Gray or Artichoke
by Roger Sparks, City Engineer
Every year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) increase their focus on water quality and waterway habitat restoration and preservation. This means that to some as yet undetermined extent, the city, developers, and every citizen will
have to help improve the water quality and habitat.
I have started to recognize and even use words that I never thought I would be concerned with only
a few years ago. They are words previously reserved primarily for biologists; words such as riparian,
benthic, expotranspiration, and fluvial geomorphology.
Cities across the nation have opted for different approaches
to this issue. Some decide to provide primarily a solution that
involves pipes, concrete basins, and other manmade devices.
Generally, these systems are traditionally made from concrete so the name given to these solutions is gray Infrastructure. While these solutions are tested and long lasting they
do not provide the benefit of the beauty of a more natural
solution or the accompanying habitat. They will provide the
water quality improvement at the end of a pipe and will have
a positive impact on the receiving stream.
Other cities have chosen to install numerous areas of natural plants, ponds, wetlands, and swales to filter and treat the
storm water instead of using pipes and manmade products.
These types of systems have become known as green infrastructure.
Which one is best and least expensive is a highly debated
topic. Industry conferences are full of case studies with varying results. Out of the swirling green versus gray controversy
a couple of things are clear. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each community will have to make its own decision based on costs, desired appearance, and availability of space. Probably the most important thing to note is that no community that has taken primarily either a green or gray approach has had
tremendous success in terms of resident satisfaction, cost and benefits.
I think the popularity and choice between gray and green is much like a see-saw.
The solution to increase water quality started at the extreme gray and is now
plunging toward the extreme green. It will eventually rise back to a point in the
middle that balances the benefits of both green and gray. I am calling this the artichoke point. A color that blends gray and green.
For more information on green infrastructure go to http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure.
What’s Happening?
City departments at a glance...
Fire Department...
City Manager’s Office...
The City Council appointed Public Safety Tax
citizens committee held its first meeting this
week. They will develop a campaign to inform residents of the issue and market it to
the community to be voted on August 6.
Administrative Services...
• Approximately 5,200 letters were sent to
sewer customers whose accounts have been
delinquent since February and prior. These
delinquencies are from the time the city took
over billing.
• Firefighters assisted Heartland ambulance
and San Antonio fire department with an extrication on Highway 6 early Sunday morning.
• Construction on the new apparatus bays at
Station 4 has started with footings being
poured last week.
Police Department...
Members of the department participated in the
Special Olympics Torch Run on Tuesday.
Planning & Community Development...
• New dependent/family/buy-up premiums
have been entered into payroll as well as
changes to those in the FLEX plan. Employees
should verify deductions on their paycheck,
June 6.
• City Council approved a grant from Missouri Department
of Conservation this week to assist with a street tree
inventory program.
• The first phase of the Accela Automation
software is expected to go live next week.
• Last week, crews completed eighteen weed, six trash, and
three brush abatements.
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities...
• Crews were busy again this week with debris cleanup
from last week’s storms.
• This week’s storms have caused the closure of the Riverwalk trail between the Remington Nature Center
and downtown.
• The Spring Parkway Run last Saturday was a huge
success. Four hundred runners and walkers plus more
than 50 volunteers enjoyed the un-forecasted perfect
weather.
Legal Department...
Legal and public works staff and consultants have successfully negotiated the voluntary acquisition of property necessary for the Eastside Wastewater Improvement Project from six of fourteen property owners. In
order to assure the project timelines are met, an Eminent Domain Petition affecting the remaining properties was filed on May 10.
Public Works & Transportation...
Health Department...
Heavy rains have steadily been raising the Missouri
River, with gauges predicting levels above 21-feet this
week. Unlike years previous, the new effluent pump
station is now operational, which protects the operation of the plant even during high river stages, eliminating the need for temporary (and expensive) pumps
to be brought into service to maintain operations.
April Edwards RN and Stevie Smith RN are participating in the Head Start Screenings held at
the Keatley Center this week. They are providing
various health department information to the
participants including immunization updates
and upcoming Tdap clinics as well as child care
health consultation information and activities.
Money, Money, Money Did You Know?
The police department went out for bid for a price agreement for uniforms and duty gear. The price agreement
is for various uniforms, jackets, raincoats, police hats,
clip on ties, and the various duty gear such as cuff case,
key holder, radio holder, and other items. The bids were
opened on April 30 and were received from Galls, LLC,
Alamar Uniforms, CPR Savers, and First Aid Supply and
Ray O’Herron Co., Inc. The price agreement is for a period of one year and allows the department to order
uniforms and duty gear for new officers or replacement
items without having to rebid each time. The award of
the price agreement was split between Alamar Uniforms
and Galls, LLC.
CIP
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
Your Tax
Dollars At Work
• Google and fashion company WeSC, have developed
shoes that connect to social media and even talk to
the wearer as exercise motivation when he has been
standing still for too long.
• The city used gray construction for the ongoing
Whitehead bypass project, however, anticipate using a
much more green approach to the Blacksnake bypass
project, which design will begin in approximately two
months.
Creature Feature
This 5- to 8-year-old, neutered male chihuahua mix
is as friendly as can be.
The cost associated with
adopting him is approximately $55 (adoption $10,
vaccines $15, fecal $5,
heartworm $12.50, city
tags $5, microchip $7.50).
Concrete is being poured at Fire Station 4 for the future bay
area for the trucks. This project is funded by the half-cent
CIP sales tax and is scheduled for completion fall 2013.
For information call 271-4877
Hours of operation:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 - 5:30pm
Wednesday 1:00 - 6:30pm
Friday & Saturday 1:00 - 4:30pm
Property Maintenance Update
3102 North 9th Street
A notice was sent to the owner
of 3102 North 9th Street to cut all
weeds and rank growth of vegetation from the property. Upon reinspection, the owner had not complied so the property was cleaned
by a work crew and the bill sent to
the owner.
BEFORE
AFTER
To Your Health
Getting Enough Sleep
Everyone needs to sleep. A good night’s sleep helps keep
your mind and body healthy.
• Most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If
you are having trouble sleeping, make changes to your
routine to get the sleep you need.
• Kids need even more sleep than adults.
• Teens need at least 9 hours of sleep each night.
• School-aged and preschool children need 10 to 12
hours of sleep.
• Newborns sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day.
There are many benefits to getting a good night’s sleep:
• You are less likely to get sick and more likely to stay at
a healthy weight.
• You can lower your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
• It boosts brainpower and your mood. You can think
more clearly, do better in school, and work. A person
can make better decisions, and avoid injuries. For example, sleepy drivers cause thousands of car crashes
every year.
Public Safety Corner
Storm Preparedness
Spring has already brought severe weather to the midwest
causing power outages, millions of dollars in damage, injuries, and death. Below are a few key terms you should understand and be prepared to act upon for your family’s safety
during severe weather.
A severe thunderstorm watch tells you when and where
severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and
stay tuned to NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, or
television for information. A severe thunderstorm warning is
when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life
and property of those in the path of the storm.
Tornado watches are when conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. A tornado warning means a tornado has
been sighted and to take shelter immediately!
Learn how to build an emergency supply kit that includes everything your family needs by contacting local emergency
management, Red Cross, or FEMA.
Parks, Recreation
& Civic Facilities
Featured Activities...
Krug Park
Northside Festival
Dates:
Time:
Phone:
May 31 – June 2
Friday at 5:30pm
Saturday at Noon
816-678-8494
The Northside Festival offers food, beverages, crafts, kid’s
games, rides, fireworks, parade, and live music. Live music
kicks off the festival at 5:30pm at Krug Park Amphitheater.
Saturday night Eliminator plays at 8:30pm. There are numerous other acts throughout the weekend. The event is
free to the public and family friendly. The festival is hosted
by the Northside Community Association.
JRP Senior Center...
Weekly Cafeteria Menu
Located at 100 South 10th Street - St. Joseph, MO
CAFETERIA HOURS:
Tuesdays - Fridays from 11am - 12:30pm
CAFETERIA OPEN TO ALL AGES
Meal is $4.00 and includes entree, two side dishes,
bread, and coffee or tea.
MENU June 4 - 7
Tuesday
Chicken Patties
WednesdayChimichangas
Thursday Fish
Friday
Country Fried Steak
Menu Subject to Change
Groups of 7 or more, call for reservations.
Get Connected
City of St. Joseph public meeting information ...
EVENT
LOCATION
DATE
TIME
June 4
7pm
Landmark Commission
Council Chamber, City Hall
7pm
Community Police Advisory Committee
1904 North Belt Highway
3:30pm
Disability Services Board
Council Chamber, City Hall
5:30pm
Downtown Review Board
Council Chamber, City Hall
Aviation Board
241st Air Traffic Control Squadron (ATCS), 705 Memorial Drive,
Building 301.
June 5
7pm
Full-Time City Job Opportunities
Visit www.stjoemo.info for more information ...
POSITION
WAGE
DEPARTMENT
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Firefighter
$31, 233 - Annually
Fire
Applications taken year-round
Police Officer
$14.51 - Hourly
Police
Applications taken year-round
Airport Maintenance Specialist
$14.63 - Hourly
Public Works & Transportation
May 31, 2013
Seasonal City Job Opportunities
Visit www.stjoemo.info for more information ...
POSITION
WAGE
DEPARTMENT
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Seasonal Laborer - Golf Course
$7.35 - Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
May 31, 2013
Referee - Youth Basketball
$9 - $14 Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
June 7, 2013
Referee - Youth Volleyball
$10 - Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
June 10, 2013
Recreation Attendant - Bode Sports Comlex
$7.35 - Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
June 28, 2013
Cashier - Pools
$7.35 - Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
August 31, 2013
Aquatic Coordinator
$10 - Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
August 31, 2013
Headguard
$8 - Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
August 31, 2013
Lifeguard
$7.35 - Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
September 1, 2013
Pool Manager
$9 - Hourly
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
September 1, 2013
Informational Segments
Current video segments running on Channel 19 ...
TOPIC
DEPARTMENT/ORIGINATOR
Combined Sewer Overflow
Public Works & Transportation
Get Connected
General
Red Light Cameras
Police
St. Joe FIT!
• Channel 19 •
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
Spring Rain - Prepare Your Home
General
St Joseph Aquatic Park Now Open
Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities
City Talk - June 17
General
Parties on the Parkway
General
Around Town...
Take advantage of what our community has to offer...
DATE
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
May 31
6 - 9pm
Sounds of Summer presents Swift Kik
Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix
Street Square
May 31 - June 2
varies
Northside Community Association Northside Festival
Krug Park
June 1
10am
Northside Community Association parade
St. Joseph Avenue and Middleton
June 7
6 - 9pm
Sounds of Summer presents Money for Nothin’
Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix
Street Square
June 8
10am
St. Joe FIT
Krug Park Bowl
June 8 - 9
All Day
AmeriKids National Championship Gymnastics meet
Civic Arena
June 8 - 9
1pm, 7pm
Dance Arts Center Dance Recital
Missouri Theater
Parties on the Parkway presents Tequila Mockingbird
SW Parkway and 28th Street
Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival
Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix
Street Square
Kids Tour of St. Joseph
Civic Center Park
June 13
June 14- 15
5 - 8pm
varies
June 15
9am - 1pm
June 15
3pm
Studio Palms Dance Recital
Missouri Theater
June 15
6pm
Black Snake Roller Girls present June, Jump & Jab
Civic Arena
June 20
11am - 2pm
Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon
Civic Arena
June 21
6- 9pm
Sounds of Summer presents Friends & Family
Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix
Street Square
June 22
10am
St. Joe FIT
Felix Street Square
June 28
6 - 9pm
Sounds of Summer presents Scruffy and the Janitors, Jerkface, and Missouri Homegrown
Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix
Street Square
June 28
7:30pm
Impact Wrestling Live!
Civic Arena
St. Joseph 2010 - 2014 City Council
Mayor Bill Falkner
(816) 271-4640 • bfalkner@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Deputy Mayor Byron Myers Sr.
(816) 273-3108 • bmyers@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Donna Jean Boyer, Councilmember-At-Large
(816) 279-5259 • djboyer@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Jeff Penland, Councilmember-At-Large
(816) 341-4502 • jpenland@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Pat Jones, District I
(816) 244-6229 • patjones@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Joyce Starr, District II
(816) 244-3906 • jstarr@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
PJ Kovac, District III
(816) 261-2934 • pjkovac@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Gary Roach, District IV
(816) 341-4506 • groach@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
Barbara LaBass, District V
(816) 233-9838 • blabass@ci.st-joseph.mo.us
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