The next Central Texas Section WEAT meeting of the 2025/2026 season will be on February 17, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at, City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (PDC) at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752!
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Prepay For Meeting
Cost for Members and Guests:
$30 – includes dinner
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Cost for Students:
$5 – includes dinner
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Location: Austin Permitting and Development Center (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752)
CENTRAL TEXAS WEAT PRESENTS
Bridging the Gap Between Engineering and Public Works/Utility Operations
Presented By:
Matt Woodard, Public Works Director for City of Manor
Frank Phelan, P.E.,GBA
Imagine a project where engineering and operations work as one team, turning complex designs into practical, sustainable infrastructure. Bridging the Gap Between Engineering and Public Works/Utility Operations explores how collaboration transforms projects from technical exercises into operational successes. When engineering teams engage operations early through planning, scoping, equipment selection, and design, projects align with real-world needs. Involving operators in design reviews, inspections, and commissioning reduces transition pain and improves long-term performance. Regular meetings, clear communication, and accessibility build trust and accountability, ensuring smooth handoffs from bidding to warranty. By embedding operational perspectives throughout the lifecycle, organizations deliver infrastructure that is efficient, sustainable, and ready for the future.
Matt Woodard, Public Works Director for the City of Manor, brings over 31 years of experience in the public works industry. He previously retired from a neighboring city that underwent significant population growth and numerous infrastructure projects to meet increasing demand and prepare for future expansion. The City of Manor is a rapidly growing community, ranked as the sixth-fastest-growing U.S. suburb over the past decade. In his current role, Mr. Woodard is responsible for the comprehensive management of the city’s critical infrastructure, services, and personnel, including Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Streets, Parks, and the Cemetery. He holds multiple professional licenses issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, including Class “A” Wastewater Treatment Operator, Class “A” Water Operator, Landscape Irrigator, Customer Service Inspector, and Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester.
Frank Phelan, P.E., is an accomplished engineering executive with 29 years of progressive leadership experience in the A/E industry, specializing in municipal infrastructure. As Principal at George Butler Associates, Inc. (GBA), Frank leads the Texas Municipal Services Group and serves as City Engineer for multiple Texas cities. He is recognized for delivering complex public and private projects with technical precision and strategic vision, successfully managing multimillion-dollar capital improvement programs. His experience covers every stage of the project lifecycle, including master planning, capital program management, design, construction, and commissioning. Frank’s specialties include water resource planning, hydraulic modeling, water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, utility operations, and regulatory compliance. He earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas.