A thought for the day…
Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart … live the questions.
– Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist
 IN THIS ISSUE
Notes from Mary Bogie
Acting Regional Administrator
Fall is a busy time at the Metropolitan Council, with our annual effort to adjust or enroll in employee benefits and our annual campaign to support community charities and activities through employee giving.
This year is very different, since we’re all working under different circumstances than we ever have, and I know many of us are feeling disconnected.
But now, more than ever, it’s important for us to invest in our health and wellness, our mental health, and the communities in our region.
First, let’s consider our overall health. Starting next week, you’ll get the opportunity to change or update your benefits choices, including your health plan, dental plan, and flexible spending accounts for health, parking, and childcare, in addition to vision plans and life insurance.
I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to review our benefits and make sure you have what you need moving forward. There will be several virtual information meetings, and you can take a few minutes to examine websites for some of the providers for helpful tips as you plan for the year ahead.
Let me also put in a plug for using these benefits in the coming months. In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, our health care providers did recommend caution to limit contact and spread the virus. But too many of us are avoiding our regular check-ups and check-ins with our health professionals.
A national study shows that in the early months of the pandemic in the United States, regular visits to doctors were down 60%. Since then, people have started returning for regular visits, but they’re still down about 30% from previous years.
Please make sure you are getting your regular check-ups and physicals. Our Well@Work Clinics at Robert/Jackson and Heywood are open and ready to help. There are critical health screenings that may prevent a serious illness. As we wrap up October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I can’t say enough how important those cancer screenings are. As a Breast Cancer survivor, I know that your life may depend on it. Make that appointment.
And there’s still time for you to get a flu shot this year. Our Well@Work Clinics are open for appointments, and many other clinics, retail locations, and pharmacies are also providing flu shots. Flu shots are covered 100% under our Met Council health plans when you see an in-network provider.
Please attend to your mental health and physical wellness, as well. This is especially important as the winter months approach. Our Fit for Life team is working hard to make sure we have opportunities to learn and tips to help us through this winter. I also encourage you to connect more intentionally with your colleagues and teams. As so many of us work remotely, it’s critical that we connect with one another.
And our SandCreek employee assistance program offers several free resources and referrals to meet with a professional. Please use these when you need them.
These needs for support extend to our communities, as well. Last Friday, we kicked off our Council-wide charitable giving campaign, where we have the opportunity to support so many worthy causes in our communities. The giving campaign focuses on ways we can financially support those in need, and we know that the pandemic has made some of those needs even more significant.
Take a few minutes to learn more about the organizations that we’re supporting with our giving as you decide how you’ll participate. You have through Nov. 13 to pledge. I was excited to see additional organizations that are focusing on social justice concerns in our communities. I know this is a significant concern to many of you, as we continue to navigate issues of racism and injustice. And this is one small way we can make a difference.
Thank you for the ways you support each other, your investments in your communities, and your commitment to justice and equity. Let’s take care of each other and stay strong and resilient in the months ahead.
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State bonding bill will support...
 State bonding will support future projects benefitting Environmental Services (top left and right), Metro Transit (lower left) and Regional Parks (Big Marine Regional Park, lower right).
Governor's bonding bill will provide nearly $1.9 billion in coming years
The bill signed by Gov. Tim Walz last week will providing critical funding for metro area investments in rapid bus lines, grants to address clear water in the wastewater system, and grants for regional parks and trails.
The law includes $1.377 billion in general obligation bonding, the largest general obligation authorization in state history. Among allocations for Met Council activities:
- $55 million to construct the METRO D and B lines, providing rapid bus service
- $5 million for grants to address inflow and infiltration, which is clear stormwater and groundwater that enters the wastewater system
- $5 million for regional parks and trails grants
- $28.5 million in pass-through grant funding for the 10 regional parks implementing agencies throughout the region
“We’re grateful the legislature and the governor have supported our requests for funding these important infrastructure needs,” said Chair Charlie Zelle. “In particular, the funds for transit will provide the critical final piece to complete two lines that have been designated for development for many years.
“This milestone is a credit to our partners and advocates throughout the region. We’re so grateful to keep this important investment in our region’s economy moving, particularly as it directly benefits two corridors that have been significantly affected by the unrest in our community this summer.”
Read more about the bill.
Please make your pledge by Friday, Nov. 13
The 2020 Charitable Giving Campaign opened Oct. 23 and will end Friday, Nov. 13.
During the campaign, employees are encouraged to make a pledge to support an organization of your choice. Your contributions will make a difference in the lives of many in our region.
Last year as an organization, we pledged more than $80,000 to support local nonprofit organizations and raised over $4,000 through worksite events. You can choose to pledge to one of six participating federations or to any 501(c)3 nonprofit organization of your choice. Visit the Charitable Giving MetNet page to see more information about participating federations, to make a pledge online, or to download a printable pledge form. If you have questions, email the Charitable Giving Campaign Committee.
Met Council e-cookbook Remember to submit favorite recipes to charitablegiving@metc.state.mn.us. Use this template document. Submissions will be compiled into a cookbook PDF and any donation amount will get you a copy of the cookbook.
Please make your pledge by Friday, Nov. 13.
Your contributions will help better the lives of your fellow Minnesotans. Thank you for your support!
...And runs through Friday, Nov. 20.
It’s a good time to get serious about weighing your options. Here’s a quick overview of the choices available.
MEDICAL PLAN
The plans available to you can vary, depending on your bargaining unit. To see your options, check the Open Enrollment packet that was mailed to you. To learn more about the medical plans, take a look at these videos. Health Plan Basics explains definitions and provides general information. Health Plan Specifics provides information on each medical plan and tips on how to choose one. See a video with a more in-depth description of the medical plans and cost comparisons of the plans.
DENTAL PLAN
There’s one dental plan – Dental Distinctions – that's available to employees, except for those in certain bargaining units. Three coverage levels are available under the dental plan.
VISION PLAN
This plan helps pay for eye glasses and contact lenses. Care for illness or injury to the eyes is covered under the medical plans. Two options are available – a basic plan and a “buy-up” plan.
MORE INFORMATION
Changing who’s covered.
You can add or drop yourself or family members from the medical, dental, and vision plans.
Flexible spending account.
You can enroll in any of the three flexible spending accounts:
- Healthcare (for eligible expenses not covered by insurance)
- Dependent care (daycare), and
- Parking (for those who have to pay to park).
If you want any FSAs for 2021, you must sign up during the Open Enrollment period. You can’t enroll after the deadline.
Life insurance
Additional life insurance is available to employees, except for those in certain unions.
Enrollment instructions
How to enroll is explained in the Open Enrollment packet that will be in your mailbox early next week.
We're going virtual this year
Mark your calendars for the Council-wide employee recognition event, which is going virtual this year on Monday, Nov. 16. That means everyone will get the chance to celebrate our colleagues and learn about the organization’s accomplishments.
The event will feature photos, videos, and information about the award winners in Community Development, Environmental Services, Metro Transit, Metropolitan Transportation Services, and Regional Administration. We’ll also hear from our leaders as they highlight the accomplishments of this past year.
If you have a Met Council Outlook account, you should have received an invitation to join the Microsoft Teams live event. If you didn’t receive an invite, or you have questions, contact Paula Crane in Human Resources.
As you go about your work, you may see, hear, or otherwise be aware of behavior that you think or know doesn’t align with Met Council policy or established standards.
If you feel you should report it to someone in authority, talking to your manager or supervisor is often your first, best option. Another good option is to report it directly to Human Resources, the Office of Equal Opportunity, or Internal Audit.
And now, a new option is available – EthicsPoint, the Met Council’s new online reporting tool. You can use EthicsPoint to report suspected fraud, waste, abuse, unethical conduct, or violations of Met Council policies and procedures in your work environment.
You can make a report anytime – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – by using the EthicsPoint online form or by calling their hotline. You can be confident that reports to EthicsPoint are secure, and you can remain anonymous if you choose.
After you file a report, it will be promptly reviewed by Met Council staff in HR, OEO, and Internal Audit who are responsible for assessing and investigating matters of wrongdoing. If appropriate, they will investigate or refer the matter to the relevant manager or senior manager for resolution within the department.
With this new reporting tool, employees have another trusted avenue to report an issue that is easily accessible online and over the phone. EthicsPoint is another tool the Met Council will use to support employees by identifying issues and effectively addressing them before there’s further harm.
Used by a wide range of companies and organizations, EthicsPoint can reinforce the Met Council’s organizational values of honesty and respect. Go to MetNet to first read the FAQs and more information, or go directly to EthicsPoint to make a report.
Another new system, Policy Central, acquired from the same vendor, launched Oct. 12. Policy Central will help in managing the Council’s library of policies and procedures. Policy Central will also will it easy for employees to browse, find, and read the Council’s policies and procedures.
LGBTQ resource group will meet Nov. 10 for discussion
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are groups of employees sharing a common characteristic or interest, such as gender, ethnicity or race, sexual orientation, generation, or other special interest. There has been interest in establishing these groups across the Met Council, and staff in the Office of Equal Opportunity have created some guidelines and expectations for creating and staff involvement with the resource groups. Among the basics are creating a charter, establishing leadership, and creating a plan for activities.
An event you may be interested in is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Equity and Inclusion staff at Metro Transit have begun forming an LGBTQ employee resource group, after the enthusiasm and cross-divisional collaboration in creating the Pride lunch-and-learn this summer. Are you interested in taking a leadership role, joining a conversation about the mission and vision, or submitting ideas for a permanent name for this ERG? Contact Sarah Berres at Metro Transit by Friday, Nov. 6, to learn more or to receive the meeting invite. Also, if you missed the Pride lunch-and-learn, check out the Pride Committee’s presentation from this summer.
Stay tuned to a future edition of The Wire for more information about ERGs or contact Mitzi Kennedy in OEO.
 Fresh snow October 20 left behind a surreal and silent landscape at Lake Phalen Regional Park.
How do like the regional parks system? What would you like to see there? How can they be improved?
Public comments are due Friday, Oct. 30, on a new draft plan that calls for, among many things, expanding the region’s network of parks and trails, considering a few “water trail” parks for paddling creeks and rivers, and new features that foster equitable access to parks by underrepresented populations, including people of color.
Take the video challenge
New this year is that parks staff have issued a “Video Challenge,” encouraging park enthusiasts to use their imagination to submit videos of comments recorded on their computer or cell phone.
Other ways to comment by Oct. 30, 5:00 p.m.
- Fill out a public comment form and survey
- Write to the Met Council, Public Information, 390 Robert St. N., Saint Paul, MN 55101
- Email info@metc.state.mn.us
- Record a comment on the Public Comment Line at 651.602.1500 (TTY 651.291.0904)
Learn more about the draft parks plan.
One future improvement in the Regional Parks system will include more bike connections between parks and trails across metro
Just one day before the early winter blizzard, Chair Charlie Zelle (with his bike, right) enjoyed a ride to a groundbreaking for the Dakota-Edgewood Bikeway and Bridge Project in St. Louis Park.
Regional bike planners are ramping up their efforts to make more bike connections between regional parks across the metro area, helping create an integrated park and trail system that will increase access for all riders.
The Council supports these important amenities with long range planning and funding assistance.
A few highlights in St. Louis Park:
* The city's Dakota-Edgewood Bikeway and Bridge Project will increase safety and better connections with local city parks and trails, and with regional parks and trails.
* The North Cedar Lake Regional Trail is an important amenity managed by Three Rivers Park District that connects the city of Hopkins through St. Louis Park to the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and many other regional trails.
(In the photo, Chair Charlie Zelle, right, visits with Deb Heiser, St. Louis Park's engineering director.)
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Read on for updates on some of the recent and upcoming changes and trainings for Microsoft 365. If you have any questions about these or other Microsoft products, please email Enterprise Content Management (ECM).
Read full announcements for these and more on ECM’s MetNet home page.
Microsoft Tools Engagement Survey
Enterprise Content Management is interested in learning more about how and what you would like to learn about Microsoft tools. Please take this short survey by Nov. 30.
New! Microsoft FindTime
Microsoft FindTime will be rolled out starting Wed., Oct. 28, and completed by the end of day Friday, Oct. 30. FindTime is an Outlook add-on to help organize meetings with external collaborators. To find out how to use FindTime, please visit the How to create a FindTime poll page.
Keep your work/life balance by setting quiet hours in your Teams mobile app!
The Teams mobile app allows you to set days and times to help keep your work on track. To configure settings: (1) go to your mobile app; (2) select the options menu; (3) select notifications; (4) select quiet hours; (5) set the hours as desired.
Microsoft Lists for Teams
Microsoft Lists for Microsoft Teams has been activated and available for use. Lists in Teams allows you to create custom lists, lists from a template, or a list from an Excel file within a Team Channel. To learn more about using Microsoft Lists in Teams, check out this how-to guide.
New Graphic Resources Page on MetNet
ECM and RA Communications created a resource on MetNet where you can download Council-provided custom backgrounds to use in Teams Meetings. Backgrounds include current awareness initiatives like Breast Cancer Awareness. More backgrounds will be added soon.
Join the Microsoft 365 Champions Team!
Enterprise Content Management has created an open Microsoft Team that anyone can join. This Team is a place you can ask questions about the Microsoft productivity suite, share your knowledge with others, get tips and tricks, and learn more about the tools we have to help you reach more productive and successful outcomes. Join the Microsoft 365 Champions Team!
Live training sessions are available in September, October, and November!
Check out the available Microsoft training webinars on the ECM Microsoft Training Calendar. Trainings available include Introduction to Teams, Teams Meetings, Teams Live Events, Apps Integration (Forms, Planner, Stream, List), Best Practices for Team Owners, OneDrive, and SharePoint with Teams, and Introduction to Stream.
You can also learn more about these tools and watch recorded training on the Enterprise Content Management site.
Check out the Microsoft 365 roadmap on MetNet
With the roadmap, you can learn more about what features are available or are coming soon. Access the road map.
Employees across the organization are doing their part to keep Met Council services and programs running at full steam, despite the coronavirus and state lockdown. But we’re all in this together. To help share a little virtual camaraderie, we’re asking staff how their work has changed and what it’s like to serve during a pandemic.
To share your story or suggest someone who is doing outstanding work, please email thewire@metc.state.mn.us.
Elaine Koutsoukos
TAB Coordinator
Metropolitan Transportation Services
How has the pandemic affected your day-to-day work?
Primarily my day-to-day work has been the same. My work time is spent working on the computer or in meetings. Meetings are now all virtual, so all my time is now on the monitor. I used to organize my meeting materials to drop off and pick up going between meetings. Now I end a meeting, move materials to the side, move the next set over, and click to join the next meeting. With all meetings virtual, I have to make an effort to get up and move occasionally. While virtual meetings have saved time transition time, setting up/coordinating meetings has added time.
What’s it like working through a pandemic?
Working from home has been going well after receiving a work laptop. Initially, I set up a “work” table in my lower level family room to separate work from daily home life. After three months, I upgraded my home office from a small desk and purchased an L-shape desk to have space for my personal laptop and files on one section, and work laptop and files on another. Now all “work” is done in one room. There are fewer distractions working from home, making it easier to concentrate on projects. Now that school has started up again, I occasionally hear my son on his online college courses next door.
How has your life changed outside of work?
I am involved in a few organizations outside of work – two local chapters of a Greek philanthropic organization, the board of a six-state Educational Foundation, and the Greek Dancers of Minnesota. More virtual meetings. It was quite the learning curve to learn several virtual platforms, then work with others to help them connect with their technology. The meetings run smoothly now. For the Educational Foundation board, scheduling meetings became easier, without having to factor in travel time for a board member in Waterloo, Iowa, and another in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Even our Greek dance group is “meeting” weekly. We thought we could keep up the practices virtually, but found that everyone just wanted to chat and keep connected. All our Greek dance performances were cancelled, and I gained seven weekends so far. I used my gained time to do a major overhaul of my deck this summer. I have a few indoor projects that have been on my to-do list for a while, and they'll fill up my fall and winter free time.
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After a delayed start due to the pandemic, a small cohort of college students was brought on staff in June for the Met Council's summer intern program. Here we're introducing students, to share their Met Council experience.
Charlotta Prestine
DBE Intern, SWLRT Project Office
U of M – International Business, Marketing
What is your current job assignment?
I work with the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) on the Southwest Light Rail Transit project. My work involves coordinating, conducting, and following up with the DBE virtual site visits to verify that they maintain compliance with the DBE program. This summer, I had the opportunity to go out to the project sites to conduct field visits with DBE employees and see the work they do on-site.
(In the photo, intern Charlotta Prestine, middle, with OEO consultants Tracey Jackson and Jon Tao.)
Currently, I am assisting DBE outreach for contracting opportunities. Additionally, I am taking a DBE certification training course to provide me with a deeper understanding of the DBE program.
What are you learning?
This role has given me the opportunity to see how someone has started their business, the type of work they have done, and their path to certification with the DBE program. I am learning more about the needs of the small business community and how the DBE program has given them value by offering a level playing field. In my position, I have been able to experience the foundation of this program by seeing how these important business relationships are formed between certified DBEs and their prime contractor.
What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of your job?
I love meeting with the DBEs on the project. When I meet the owners or employees, they tell me more about where their business began. I think it is amazing to hear their backgrounds because everyone has a different story. However, all these visits were videoconference calls due to COVID-19 safety precautions. While I am thankful that we have technology in this day to be able to turn on our cameras and see each other, it would be an exciting opportunity in the future to meet the DBEs in person post-COVID-19 and see their equipment, employees, and more.
What two or three new skills will you take forward?
I have been working my way on navigating and adapting through this virtual world. Even though I am working from home, I am still strongly communicating with my peers and supervisors through many Microsoft Teams meetings and messages every week. I have also worked my way up to confidently conducting virtual visits with DBE firms and reflecting after these meetings. Going forward, I feel more confident that I will be able to adapt to different working environments and be able to take initiative in my team.
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Just before the early snow...
 A good day to ride
Former Council Planner Tori Dupre took advantage of a beautiful fall day for a long ride in the countryside near Pine Point Regional Park recently, riding her favorite gelding, Jessie James Magic. Dupre, who retired in May 2019 after 35 years of service, said she misses her old Council friends but enjoys her new wide-open schedule. Winter may be coming, but Dupre’s not worried. “Winter also is a fine time to ride,” “she said.
Teleworking will continue into 2021, following State of Minnesota guidance
Teleworking staff will continue to work off site through at least June 2021, following guidance from the State of Minnesota. Limiting on-site staff helps protect those who need to be on site for critical operations by reducing the risk of transmission. Questions can be directed to the Employee Resource Center.
Food Drive accepting your donations this month
To help others in need, please consider donating nonperishable items at collection sites through Oct. 30 or in person at the one-day drop off event at Metro Transit's Heywood Campus on Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also view a detailed list of needed items at Amazon Wish list.
Collection sites include: Metro Plant WWTP, Seneca WWTP, Heywood Office, Heywood Garage, Transit Police East & West Command, Northstar (Big Lake), LRT (O&M and OMF), Nicollet, South, and East Metro.
Also please sign up to help out at the Charitable Giving Food Drive. "Now more than ever, it's important for those of us that can give to do so," said Julie Obedoza of Metro Transit, who is helping coordinate the food drive.
Questions? Please contact your division coordinator. For RA, Liz Sund; for ES, Britni Kesselring.
'MentoringWorks' will return in 2021 in virtual space
Being a mentor or a mentee can be a valuable experience in our professional lives.
For the fourth year, we are offering the MentoringWorks Program. The 2021 program will be virtual, and it will look and feel different than previous ones. But the program is still focused on fostering professional development through cross-division relationships and transfer of knowledge and skills.
Visit the MentoringWorks web site to learn more about the program and gather details on how to participate.
Applications will open in December and will be accepted throughout 2021.
Survey of Metro Gold Line Station Design
METRO Gold Line project planners and engineers have refined the route and station site designs to 60% completion, and are seeking feedback on the updated station site plans until Nov. 16.
The feedback will help project staff refine the stations’ design and ensure that the Gold Line project best serves the community’s needs. We expect the final project design to be completed in summer 2021 and construction to begin in 2022.
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SALUTE TO SERVICE
Hearty congratulations to the following employees who in November celebrate major milestones in their service to the Met Council. This recognition includes only Robert Street employees and Regional Administration employees working off-site. For recognition of Metro Transit and other Environmental Services employees, see Insights and ES Update, respectively. The information is shared when it is made available from Human Resources.
Years of Service
40 Years
Randy Rosvold, Senior Project Administrator, Metropolitan Transportation Services
5 Years
Steve Hack, GIS Systems Administrator, Environmental Services
Dan Hoff, Senior Project Administrator, Central Services
New Staff
Mark Thompson, Oct. 5, Senior Manager Finance, Treasury, Finance
Michael Frencl, Oct. 12, Systems Engineer 1, Information Services
Walter Atkins, Oct. 19, Associate Engineer, Environmental Services
Departures
Michelle O’Blenes, Oct. 15, Applications Developer 4, Information Services
Tomi Schuldt, Oct. 31, Administrative Coordinator, Environmental Services
 Sunset on the River, photo by Ricki Vang
A typical weekend bike ride along the Mississippi River became somewhat atypical for HR Benefits Administrator Ricki Vang when he struck gold with this photo on his cell phone. “I went on a bike ride along the Mississippi River past Lilydale to Saint Paul recently and stopped to take a photo of the setting sun,” he said. “I lined up my shot when the speedboat suddenly came into view at just the right moment for my photo. What a great surprise – I was really lucky! The scene makes me feel warm, especially with the change in season.”
The Wire is published every two weeks for employees of the Metropolitan Council. Everyone is invited to submit comments and story ideas. Contact the editor at thewire@metc.state.mn.us
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