Monday Memo for Sept. 9

September 9, 2013

A message from MDOT's Good Government Team:

"Today's the day! Sometime today, all State of Michigan employees will receive an e-mail invitation from PricewaterhouseCoopers to take the 2013 State of Michigan Employee Engagement Survey. The survey runs through Monday, Sept. 23, and only takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. For more information on the survey, including videos featuring Gov. Snyder, MDOT COO Greg Johnson, CAO Laura Mester, and a Q&A with Director Steudle and Communications Director Jeff Cranson, check out the Spotlight Section of inside MDOT. Don't miss this quick and easy opportunity to provide your feedback on the workplace here at MDOT and the State of Michigan."

 

Now playing: MDOT YouTube video about roll-on bike service on Amtrak trains

Amtrak and MDOT introduced roll-on bicycle service last week for Amtrak's Blue Water trains. This long-awaited service involves railcars that have been specially modified to securely transport up to four bikes per train on a popular route that serves two large state universities and several bicycle-friendly communities. It's already a hit, as this Adventure Cycling Association blog entry indicates.

Check out the video on MDOT's YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqTWDLBJNa0.

 

System to replace MPINS gets a name

The votes are in and the new system that will replace MPINS has a new name: JobNet. The MPINS Modernization team has been working hard to determine how the new system will work, consulting with more than 70 employees from across MDOT to better understand user needs. This high-level "to-be" phase of the project is complete, and the team currently is working to identify detailed system requirements. JobNet will be constructed using a methodology called "agile." An agile project is broken into "sprints," each of which lasts about a month. During each sprint, the team collects detailed requirements for a portion of the system, and then that portion is constructed and tested. The team wishes to extend their thanks to those who helped with the to-be process. During the next phase of the project, the JobNet team will be reaching out to MDOT staff for more input and for help with testing. Suggestions for the new system are welcome - please submit them via e-mail to MDOT-JobNet-Project@michigan.gov.

 

Reminder: SECC campaign starts today

The 2013 State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC) fundraising campaign has begun. The SECC supports a variety of causes, from health care, education, and the environment to programs for kids and seniors. MDOT kicks off the campaign today from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Lakeshore Learning Center at the Van Wagoner Building in Lansing. Lunch coupons for local restaurants will be available to the first 100 employees who sign up to participate through payroll deduction. For more information, questions or the name of your work area volunteer, contact Paula Wiese at wiesep@michigan.gov.

 

Aldrich of Aero to receive national award

Carol Aldrich, P.E., of the MDOT Office of Aeronautics is being recognized by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) with the 2013 State Aviation Distinguished Service Award. This national award honors a single staff member from the combined aviation agencies of all 50 states who has excelled in service and dedication to aviation progress and development in their state. It is the highest honor that the organization can bestow upon an employee of a state aviation agency. Aldrich will accept the award at NASAO's convention in Sioux Falls, S.D., later this month.

 

Space Management news:

Gary Smith has been named temporary acting supervisor of the Space Management Unit. If you have questions concerning modular installations or ergonomic adjustments, please contact him at 517-204-6025 or smithg@michigan.gov.

 

MAIL CALL 

› Bay Region's Bay City TSC Manager Jack Hofweber and his staff deserve credit for the work described in this e-mail a motorist sent to MDOT on July 31:

"I was pleased to see that the Zilwaukee Bridge was open northbound last Saturday morning and open southbound Sunday night. Someone in government thinking -- wow -- I'm impressed."

 

› In August, a Mecosta resident was appreciative for work performed by the Youth Development and Mentoring Program workers under the guidance of Curtis Perkins, Grand Region Special Crews:

"What an excellent job done by the summer crew of students. Not one leaned on a shovel at any time! Masterful job by Curtis Perkins keeping things moving along. Thanks to all involved." 

 

 

NOTE: Monday Memo is a weekly electronic newsletter for dissemination of information to MDOT employees and encourages contributions from MDOT employees. This newsletter is an official publication of MDOT, and is intended for internal use only. Send all articles and messages to the Monday Memo mailbox by Wednesday noon preceding the date of publication. Questions? Contact Barbara Hicks at 517-335-2482.