A thought for the day…
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
– Mary Oliver (b. 1935) American Poet of The Summer Day
IN THIS ISSUE
Notes from Meredith Vadis
Regional Administrator
“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Devil and Miss Prym
Although my name appears regularly on the COVID-19 e-mail updates you receive, it has been many months since I’ve taken the opportunity to share my thoughts with you directly. As many of you know, I spent the last 10 months at the helm of the state’s COVID-19 testing system, and the talented and tireless Mary Bogie took on my work here at the Council. Today, she’s graciously shared this column space to allow me to announce my departure from the Council.
In the nine and a half years I’ve worked for the Council and served the residents of the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul region, I’ve been blessed to serve alongside all of you. The people of the Metropolitan Council are some of the most talented, committed, and upstanding public servants I have ever met, and I’m proud to call you colleagues and friends.
Like many, the last few years have been a time of deep self-reflection for me. The last few months have especially challenged our hearts, minds, and convictions as we’ve witnessed our country culturally, politically, emotionally, and, at times, violently divided; our friends and loved ones physically impacted by this awful disease in our midst; and the day-to-day routines that give us comfort turned on their heads.
There is no way to go back to what we had. And frankly, who wants to? What we can do is go forward to something new. Something better.
With that in mind, my own reflections led me to the conclusion that at 38, I have yet to really pursue the things I dreamed of doing when I was in college and graduate school. I could not have imagined the many incredible and unique experiences I’ve had at the Council, and I would not trade what I’ve been given for anything. But as I reflect, I know it is time to blaze a different path. For that reason, I’ve tendered my resignation, and I plan to take some time off before I jump into whatever is next.
During my tenure at the Council we have accomplished a great deal – too many things to list here. Some of the things I’m most proud of are the ways in which this organization pivoted to provide new, unique, and expanded service in the face of the pandemic and the ways in which we hold firm to our core mission regardless of political winds. But make no mistake, none of those accomplishments are mine. They are ours and I’m just proud to have been part of the work. I carry those experiences, your mentorship, and all the knowledge you’ve imparted with me as I leave. I’m truly grateful. I am now and will always be a cheerleader for the Council and its extraordinary work in creating effective, efficient, and equitable growth for our region.
As she has for the last 10 months, Mary will continue as Acting Regional Administrator until Chair Zelle nominates and the Council confirms a permanent replacement. I know you will continue to give this organization and our region your very best and that your commitment will help us go forward towards a bright future. Thank you for your work, your support, and your friendship over the years. Be well, stay safe, and never be afraid of bold change for the right reasons.
|
Doing our part ...
 
A Met Council initiative to create an agency-wide Climate Action Plan is moving into high gear. Your work group may soon be engaged to discuss the work you are already doing related to climate change.
The Climate Action Plan will unify efforts across all Met Council divisions to reduce our emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and help us be more resilient to unexpected changes. It will define strategies that will strengthen our ability to plan and deliver services to the region.
The plan also will address efforts to advance environmental justice, which is centered on the idea that all people should have the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their environment and their health.
The plan will be created during 2021 and adopted in 2022.
Plan will recognize current efforts and set goals for further action
Planning Analyst and Project Manager Eric Wojchik (right), Community Development, said the plan will formalize and focus the Council’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship.
“The Council’s climate work began in 2015 after the adoption of Thrive MSP 2040, which directed the Council to act on climate change,” he said. “However, the Council has been performing energy efficiency and environmental stewardship work since its beginning, from wastewater treatment to facility upgrades, to the electrification of buses.
“While the Council is perceived as a state leader in this area, our staff and Council members determined the need to create a cohesive, organization-wide plan to set goals, further coordinate, and evaluate our climate work over time. Climate change is already having an impact on our infrastructure and how we do business, so we need to become more nimble, able to adapt, and resilient as an organization,” Wojchik said.
In December, the Met Council released a Request for Proposals for a consultant to assist with project administration, technical assistance, and integration of an environmental justice framework into the plan.
Staff input will be critical
Met Council staff will have many opportunities to shape the plan during its development.
Prior to the consultant starting work in March or April, the Plan Project Team will engage with staff to gather information on their current climate-related work. This and future engagement with staff will help determine commitments and actions to reduce emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and create more resilient practices and outcomes, Wojchik said.
The team is creating a MetNet site where staff can learn more and stay current on project progress. That site will launch by March.
In addition to Wojchik, project managers are Sara Smith, sustainable operations manager (Environmental Services), and Jeff Freeman, senior project coordinator (Metro Transit). Community Development Director Lisa Barajas is the team’s executive sponsor.
The cross-divisional project team also includes: Cameran Bailey, Katelyn Champoux, Mauricio Leon, and Sarah Gong, Community Development; Jen Kostrewski, Deb McKinley, David Ponder, and Lanya Ross, Environmental Services; Marilyn Porter and Drew Kerr, Metro Transit; Tony Fischer, Metropolitan Transportation Services; and Jeanne Landkamer and Steve Ylitalo, Regional Administration.
|
The Met Council and Hennepin County recently announced a potential delay for the Southwest Light Rail project due to construction-related issues that will most likely push back its scheduled opening date.
During the 2020 construction season the Met Council and its contractor encountered unforeseen conditions in the Minneapolis segment of the alignment that will take longer to overcome:
- Due to the poor soils in the Kenilworth corridor during the initial construction of the tunnel, an alternative construction method is needed to complete the tunnel. We are taking this approach out of an abundance of caution to protect the foundations of adjacent buildings.
- We are constructing an approximately one-mile corridor protection wall for an additional layer of protection between the BNSF freight trains and LRT trains. While this element is not a surprise, we have now completed analysis and design for the wall and have a fuller understanding of the challenges we face in working in an active freight rail corridor.
These are not small changes and require thoughtful and deliberate engineering, design plans, and construction methods. What this means is Southwest LRT will most likely not be meeting its opening day projection of 2023. While these types of setbacks are not uncommon on projects of this scale, we are disappointed by this development. We strongly believe the long-term benefits of this project to the region and state outweigh the short-term challenges we face.
The Met Council remains committed to ensuring the many small businesses and subcontractors working on the project are treated fairly due to the anticipated schedule change. Watch for more information later this year.
|
Since the 2021 legislative session began on Jan. 5, House and Senate Committees have been holding introductory and informational hearings as they gear up to begin crafting the state’s next biennial budget.
The House Ways & Means and Senate Finance Committees received an update (PDF) on the Coronavirus Relief Fund and the COVID-19 Minnesota Fund and reviewed the November 2020 State Budget Forecast.
The House and Senate Transportation Finance & Policy Committees held introductory hearings to review the areas in their jurisdiction and allow members to speak about issues of interest.
Met Council leaders address legislators
In the House, the Transportation Committee held several hearings about “the future of transportation in a post-pandemic world.” Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle testified about the impacts of the pandemic on the regional transit system. The Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Airports Commission, and Department of Public Safety also spoke about the effect of COVID-19 on their operations.
The Committee also heard from transportation researchers at the University of Minnesota and the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis.
Chair Zelle provided an overview of the Met Council’s roles and responsibilities in the House Local Government Division. Community Development Director Lisa Barajas also testified before a legislative committee last week, reviewing the Met Council’s role in housing for the House Housing Finance & Policy Committee.
For questions or more information, please contact Brooke Bordson in Governmental Affairs.
|
The following news briefs provide a summary of important information you need to know related to the Met Council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The newest and most complete information is available in the COVID-19 update emailed to all staff on Thursdays.
New vaccine distribution pilot includes seniors and educators
The state of Minnesota launched a pilot program on Jan. 19 to help prioritize vaccine distribution to individuals age 65 and older, as well as teachers in grades pre-K to 12 and child care workers. Appointments are made weekly, based on the doses made available from the federal government. For more information, visit the Find My Vaccine page. No walk-ins will be accepted.
The state of Minnesota continues to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to health care professionals and long-term care residents identified in phase 1a of the distribution plan. Met Council leadership anticipates the next phase of distribution will include a significant number of frontline employees. We'll communicate the process and availability to Met Council employees as soon as we have guidance from the state. State officials anticipate phase 1b will begin in February, depending on availability of vaccine doses from the federal government. More information from the state about vaccine distribution and progress.
Fitness facilities are open, including Robert Street
Following the updated guidance from Gov. Walz to dial back gym and fitness class restrictions, all Met Council fitness facilities have reopened. The Robert/Jackson Street facility is again open, following recent repairs due to water damage on the lower level of the Robert Street building. Remember, only staff who are working onsite at a facility should be accessing the fitness facilities.
Download the COVID-19 notification app
Don't forget to download and use the state of Minnesota COVID-19 exposure notification mobile application, COVIDaware MN, which alerts you if another user with whom you've had close contact tests positive for COVID-19. The app is voluntary and anonymous. The technology collects no data about users and protects individual privacy.
While we wait for the vaccine, get tested
Free community testing locations throughout the state: Make an appointment and learn more on the MDH website. You're encouraged to make an appointment ahead of time, but walk-in testing is available. If you are not able to sign up online, or need an interpreter, call 1.855.612.0677 for assistance.
At-home test kits offered by the state for all Minnesotans, free of charge: Learn more about the process.
HealthPartners testing for Met Council employees who have a HealthPartners medical plan: COVID-19 care and testing information is at HealthPartners.com/COVID-19. In some cases, you may need to complete a video visit prior to obtaining a COVID-19 test. If you’re a HealthPartners member, HealthPartners is providing coverage with no member cost share for administration of the COVID-19 laboratory test (regardless of where the test is performed).
COVID-19 leave benefits continue
The federal government’s Families First Coronavirus Relief Act expired on Dec. 31, 2020. However, the Met Council will continue to provide benefits to employees through the updated COVID-19 Leave policy 3.0 until further notice.
Mask requirement continues at Met Council worksites
Masking continues to be a key precaution in slowing the spread of COVID-19. The executive order mandating that Minnesotans wear a face covering indoors remains in effect, and all Met Council employees, Council members, contractors, vendors, and volunteers are required to wear face coverings per our procedure when in the workplace or public service environment. Masks are also required when riding transit.
|
The Met Council’s Learn training platform has several courses related to digital and document accessibility for staff to take. Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) provides a series of seven online modules focused on creating accessible Microsoft Word documents. The training shares best practices and empowers participants to try out what they learn in practice documents. Completing all seven modules takes three to five hours. To access the training, follow these instructions:
- Log in to Learn.
- If you are not in MTPD, go to the Talent Hub page on MetNet and click Learn.
- If you are in MTPD, go to the MTPD SharePoint site and click Learn to sign in with your username and password.
- Click the magnifying glass in the upper right of the Learn home page.
- Search using the phrase “Document Accessibility.”
- Click the three dots to the right of the class you want to start and click START.
Note: For full training credit, all modules must be completed in full. Please do not advance to the next module from the last module. You must exit the current module and select the next module from the list in Learn.
Additional accessibility training is also available for staff. Type “accessibility” into the Learn search field to access several Skillsoft accessibility trainings ranging from WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards (which the Met Council has adopted) to making accessible Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
Questions? Please email Guthrie Byard at Guthrie.Byard@metc.state.mn.us.
Whether you’re working onsite at a Met Council facility or working offsite in your home, Information Services staff are now providing contact-free support services. Here’s how it works:
Start by contacting the service desk by phone (651.602.1498 or just 1498) or email (ServiceDesk@metc.state.mn.us). You may be able to get the support you need through a phone call, email exchange, or Teams chat with a technician. If not, the next steps will apply:
- If you’re working onsite, a technician will make an appointment to work on your equipment. You will need to leave the area so there is no contact between you and the technician, and the technician may need to bring equipment to another place to finish the work.
- If you’re working offsite or at home, a technician will make an appointment for you to drop off equipment. Work will be performed remotely, and a technician will arrange a time for staff to pick up their equipment or an appropriate replacement.
Technicians will clean and sanitize equipment before and after they work on it.
Employees must continue to follow safety protocols whether they work onsite or come to the worksite to drop off or retrieve items.
For more, review other tips and the full protocol (PDF).
The goal of this process is to maximize the safety of technicians and their Met Council colleagues.
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.
Brian Davis
Senior Engineer
Environmental Services
How has the pandemic affected your day-to-day work?
Very little, and significantly, depending on the task. As project manager for the Water Efficiency Grant Program and also two projects with the University of Minnesota, I can easily do all financial and some managerial tasks remotely. The most significant changes involve my meetings with University professors and staff, as well as water utility personnel from across the Twin Cities metro region. I have become adept at running meetings through Webex – in fact, my first Webex experience in March 2020 was a "trial by fire" where I was leading a meeting of about 30 people. I figured if I could make it through that, I could make it through anything!
What’s it like working through a pandemic?
As an introvert, working through a pandemic means that I can stay in my head much more easily than I can inside a large building containing hundreds of other people. Most of the intellectual and emotional work of interacting with others is removed (other introverts may feel the same way). What I miss, though, is the camaraderie I feel with the talented people that I work with most closely. That kind of feeling is difficult to conjure through Webex.
How has your life changed outside of work?
My wife, Marianne, and I have found that we are even more aware than before of nature around our home: birds, squirrels, rabbits, insects, our garden, and all the pets being walked (and the cats that show up for a hit of catnip). In the summer I refill the birdbath on an hourly basis – the robins, sparrows, and catbirds are constantly bathing. We’ve become even closer to our wonderful Midway (Saint Paul) human neighbors while remaining at least six feet away from them.
|
Darcy Erickson
Associate General Counsel
Office of General Counsel
How has the pandemic affected your day-to-day work?
The biggest change in my day-to-day work is the predominant use of newer (to me) Met Council technologies, including Teams and Webex. During pre-pandemic times, I interacted with most coworkers, consultants, and outside counsel via in-person meetings, email, and telephone. The pandemic has opened up new ways of communication and collaboration. I feel fortunate to work where there are amazing technologies and support for them.
What’s it like working through a pandemic?
A lot of the work hasn’t changed, which is great! The Met Council is still building transit and wastewater projects, some of which require support and assistance from the Office of General Counsel. There are still easements and agreements that need to be negotiated, drafted, or amended. The pandemic has changed some work. For example, most district court hearings related to my work have become remote during the pandemic.
How has your life changed outside of work?
I have been blessed with more time than I otherwise would have had with my immediate family, which has been great! My 12-year-old twin daughters have had to distance learn during much of the pandemic, and my short commute to work (normally via Express Bus) is even shorter, which means more time with them and my husband. The pace of life is also a bit slower, too, so I have more time to sew and quilt. However, I really miss spending time with my parents – FaceTime just isn’t the same.
|
Internship postings will go live on Feb. 1 and end Feb. 26
The Internship team is gearing up and working alongside hiring managers to get all internship postings ready. More than 40 internships will go live on Feb. 1 and close on Feb. 26. During that time, the Met Council will attend 11 online recruiting events targeting the internship program as well as share the postings with all colleges and universities around the Twin Cities.
If you know someone who might be interested in applying for a Met Council internship please direct them to the Met Council's internship webpage. For general information about the internship program, please visit our News and Updates page on MetNet.
Groomed trails ready for skiers around the Chain of Lakes
In conjunction with ski trail grooming operations, the Loppet Foundation will periodically provide snow rolling to provide an even and packed surface for walking trails around Lake Nokomis and the Chain of Lakes (Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet). The trails will provide extra space for walkers and runners to be outside this winter while maintaining appropriate social distancing. Trail rolling will be done by Loppet volunteers and will be carried out as resources and conditions allow. At the Chain of Lakes, the rolled trails are marked by directional signs. At Lake Nokomis, the rolled trails are on top of the paved pedestrian trails.
Employee resources at your fingertips
Sand Creek, the Met Council's employee assistance program, is available to all employees and members of their households to assist during this difficult time. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, short-term counseling, and professional counselor referrals. They also have thousands of articles, videos, and online seminars available at your convenience. For more information, call 1.888.243.5744 or visit sandcreekeap.com.
Fit For Life offering special health classes
Fit For Life is offering two classes this winter of interest for many employees. Contact FitForLife@metc.state.mn.us to join either or both programs. See more classes at Fit For Life on MetNet.
Parent Education Training, online on Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 17 – April 7
Seating is limited for this eight-week interactive session for employees with children between the ages of 3-13 years old. Participants will learn step-by-step guidance to handle strong-willed, spirited, even explosive behaviors. Get real-time support from a certified parent coach, Samantha Moe. Parents will leave feeling equipped with positive tools to transform challenging childhood behavior. Click here for a 50-minute preview of the series.
Am I Hungry?, online on Thursdays, 11 a.m. to noon, Feb. 4 – Mar. 25
Limited seating is still available for this eight-week program on "intuitive eating" with Rebecca Johnson of Vidl Solutions. People are discovering many new triggers for eating right now. Do you struggle with stress, boredom, loneliness, comfort eating, or scarcity? You are not alone! Learn a non-diet, mindful approach to decision-making. If you are curious about the program you can watch a 45-minute preview of the series that was held on Jan. 20.
Rajan Nayar
Equal Opportunity Consultant
Office of Equal Opportunity
Primary duties
I primarily oversee the MCUB program on transit projects and the DBE program on master contracts. I work with subrecipients who administer the DBE program. I also work with small businesses applying for DBE certification.
Started
September 8
How does it feel to start a new job when everyone is working from home?
Starting a new job while working from home can be difficult. Some things are easier to learn in person. At times working from the comfort of home can help make certain tasks and meetings run more efficiently and ahead of schedule.
Hometown
Woodbury
Current residence
Woodbury
Family
Single
Education
B.S. in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. In May I plan to finish my Master of Study in Law in organizational ethics and compliance from the University of St. Thomas.
Experience
I have enjoyed learning about the Met Council’s initiatives and priorities. I am eager to help the Met Council meet the achievable outcomes it laid out in Thrive MSP 2040, particularly as it relates to equity and working with small businesses in the community.
Other interests
I love to golf in the summer and ski in the winter. During COVID, I became an avid hiker and took trips to Colorado and California to hike around last summer.
|
Teresa Krinke
Benefits Specialist
Human Resources
Primary duties
I work with the Met Council's benefit plans to audit enrollments and payments, answer employee questions, and create educational opportunities for employees.
Started
November 2
How does it feel to start a new job when everyone is working from home?
Weird. It's harder to learn voices on the phone to know who you are talking to than it is to recognize faces in meetings. However, it is also fun as we all have to learn to work via electronics.
Hometown
Roseville
Current residence
Columbia Heights
Family
Single
Education
Bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in human resources / industrial relations from the University of Minnesota
Experience
Twenty-odd years' working with all things benefits, mostly in healthcare and banking. Working in the public sector is a new experience for me; I am enjoying learning about the Met Council.
Other interests
Outside of work I enjoy a lot of crafting, card making, crocheting, painting, and more. Being locked down, I have had a chance to try some new things and am enjoying the creative opportunity.
|
Twilight pandemic walk with the dog
...along the East River Road near Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis last week. Local resident Melody Nelson said, "this is basically how we survive the pandemic – walks with friends! And unfortunately it looks like we’ll be walking for a while!"
(Photo by Jeff Syme)
Continue reading The Wire on MetNet.
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
|
