2026 SUMMER
INTERN
EXPERIENCE
ENGINEERING & PLANNING/ZONING DEPARTMENTS BY MICHAEL DEBALSO & ALANA PIGULA
RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) Major: Architecture Why I was Interested: The built environment and municipal management contains skills that are relevant to my areas of interest, and I believe that the built environment and the compexities of working with it are extremely important going into any major relating to sustainability and community development.
Miami University Majors: Geography, Environmental Science Minor: GIS Why I was Interested: What drew me to this internship was the prospect of gaining experience in the public sector. I was also very excited to conduct work in the field as well as increase my knowledge of ArcGIS and learn how it was used in the real world.
What did we work on? Completed over 250 Outfall Inspections: (f illing out reports and documentation for each outfall) SWPPP Site Inspections Sewer/Storm Lateral Inspections Downspout Inspections Site and Conditions Assessments of Properties in WD (Waterf ront) District of Lake Road (created an Executive Summary Report of our f indings) CSC (Climate Smart Community) Registration/Certif ication Research Performed Research into Residential Park Districts and License Agreements and created resident informational materials Mobile Vendor Permit Conservation Board flyer
the point of discharge, or pipe end, where water from a storm drain flows into a stream What we looked for during inspection How we found them Interactive GIS maps Asbuilts for easements and best point of access Why we did this NYS DEC MS4 requirement What we did with this information Survey123
Map we used to generally identify outfall locations
Updated Map of actual recorded outfall locations on Survey123
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan We both have received our NYS DEC 4 Hour Erosion and Sediment Control Training. We evaluate developments around the town to ensure their compliance with stormwater and sediment control practices.
What we look for during inspections Street cleanliness Silt socks Silt fences Vegetative cover of idle lots and topsoil pile Concrete washout area
Lateral/Downspout Inspections Go to booked inspections at housing developments around town Inspect pitch and placement of pipes Fill out report on site including pictures File report in the office Example downspout inspection report
After the foundation is put in, this is the second inspection of the house.
Consists of two pipes: stormwater and sewer. This will be the first inspection of a house.
Conditions Assessments of Properties on Lake Road Site Conditions Analysis Form
Analyze exteriors of properties along Lake Rd WD district using the Site Conditions Analysis Form above. Assessments will aid in identifying the statuses of vacant properties and open code violations. Research: Evaluate factors such as building age, potential hazards, occupancy, and other property characteristics for each parcel in our study. Outcome: Inspected 61 properties along the road and produced an Executive Summary Report summarizing our findings.
Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Research What actions has Webster already completed & how many do we need?
What are the costs to be involved?
Webster has already completed 24 actions which has garnered us 82-239 points towards CSC registration/certification (a community needs 120 to be bronze certified).
Since Webster has already completed all the necessary actions to be involved, it would require no extra cost for us to register and become certified.
Extra burden on town staff
The benefits to becoming a CSC
We have reached out to over a dozen communities about their experience with CSC registration/certification, many have designated existing boards as the Task Force with no extra unnecessary burden on staff.
Being a CSC gives municipalities better recognition; putting Webster at an advantage in potential grant funding (only 185 municipalities state-wide are certified CSCs).
Park District Research/Information Informational flyer example
Gathered information and research on Park Districts, to help better inform our residents who reside within them
Mobile Vendor Permit and CB Flyer
Alana’s Highlights What have I learned: I have gained a much better understanding of how a municipality runs and the relationship between the Town and residents. It has been so interesting to see all the different departments working together that are involved in the day to day practices of the Town. Key skills gained: Data collection - utilizing Survey123 for outfall inspections and conditions analysis. Professional communication - formatting the Executive Summary Report for Lake Rd, Esri Water User Conference. Favorite project: Conducting research on the Climate Smart Communities program and gaining insight from other municipalities on their experiences. Other highlights: While doing outfall inspections, we had the opportunity to explore dozens of diverse neighborhoods and I loved looking at all the houses and surrounding nature. Attending Town Board meetings.
Michael’s Highlights What have I learned: Complexities of municipal infrastructure Holistic view: Coordinating with many departments and staff Office dynamics, work hours, and general workforce skills
Data collection: utilizing Survey123, Excel, and research to compile data from inspections, the town code, etc. Introduction to GIS software Effective and professional communication: from formatting professional reports, to compiling information into informational materials
Favorite Project:
Outfall Project!
Application to Webster (specific Town projects) Town Board Meetings
Questions