Like much of the rest of the Met Council, Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) had to quickly and dramatically change how we do business when the pandemic began last spring. Our entire division has been working at home since March, and each unit of our division (Transportation Planning, Finance, and Contracted Transit Services) was impacted differently based on how they work with partners or customers.

Our planning group works extensively with local agencies through advisory committees and planning studies. This work all became virtual, but it continued as planned except for losing the ability for direct public input and requiring alternative ways to connect. Finance was already set for remote work, but COVID-19 and the financial challenges meant their work doubled overnight. Our contracted transit unit changed everything about how they normally work and how services were designed and delivered in a safe manner.

Fortunately, because of technology we had in place at the Met Council, MTS could transition our work to home quickly and effectively. Customer calls from Metro Mobility were rerouted and managed from home, meetings were held virtually, and monitoring of transit operations became a remote service. By having all our MTS staff working remotely we have also become more efficient in our internal meetings. Staff are more likely to send an email or utilize Microsoft Teams to resolve a matter quickly, and this has helped show us what work requires meetings and what work needs only an email. When we return to the office, I think this is a positive habit we will bring back with us.

MTS brought its 2021 workplan to the Met Council this week, and we are happy to report that it looks very similar to previous years. The planning staff and finance staff will spend time considering the impact that COVID-19 has had and how that necessarily changes future actions. Contracted services staff will begin to evaluate when the additional duties they’ve taken on can be phased out as our community re-emerges from this pandemic.

Looking back, we completed almost all the work we set out to conduct when 2020 started, in addition to all the new work added by COVID-19 and the civil unrest last summer. Everyone stepped up to make sure work continued, they adapted to their new work environment even if it was less than ideal, and they found new ways to work together to make up for the important daily interactions we were missing.

While we have done exceptional work under difficult circumstances, and many of us don’t miss the commute to the office, we certainly miss the ability to authentically connect with co-workers, customers, and stakeholders. For that reason, many of us look forward to returning to Robert Street when it is safe.

The Met Council recently approved dozens of transportation projects for federal funding.

As the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Met Council distributes about $200 million every two years to projects that meet regional transportation needs.

Read the full news release.

Image: The map above shows the location of a proposed bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Coon Rapids Boulevard in Anoka County that was funded this year. The goal of the project is to create a safer crossing for walking and biking and create a connection to the Coon Creek Regional Trail.

Governor’s proposed budget continues funding support for Met Council

Gov. Tim Walz recently released “Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget” for the 2022-2023 biennium. His priorities include:

• Ensuring students catch up on learning by expanding summer school opportunities and mental health supports, increasing funding to schools, extending the voluntary prekindergarten program set to expire under existing law, and several other investments.
• Supporting small businesses through an emergency COVID-19 support fund, aid to small businesses, broadband development, workforce stabilization grants, and additional business assistance programs.
• Supporting working families by providing a one-time Minnesota Family Investment Program payment of $750 to more than 32,000 families, expanding access to child care, expanding the working family tax credit, expanding the first-tier tax bracket, and several other initiatives related to assistance programs, family and medical leave, and housing stability.

The Governor’s budget includes new revenue from establishing a fifth-tier income tax for the wealthiest filers and increases in the capital gains and corporate tax rates. Information on all the revenue changes and the full budget and supporting documents are available online.

Transit, parks, environment garner support

Specific to the Met Council, the Governor’s budget recommends continuing base funding levels for Metro Mobility and transit operations, and authorizes the Met Council to issue regional transit capital bonds in 2021 and 2022 for fleet replacement and other capital enhancements. For Regional Parks, the budget would continue current funding levels for Operations & Maintenance general fund and lottery-in-lieu revenue for regional parks and trails. The Governor recommends continuing the 40-40-20 split of revenues from the Parks & Trails Legacy Fund between the Met Council, Department of Natural Resources, and Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails. From the Legacy Clean Water Fund, the Governor recommends continued support for the Met Council’s water supply sustainability program and the water efficiency grant program.

Zelle, Barajas present to legislative committees

Chair Charlie Zelle recently provided an overview of the Met Council’s transit operations and planning responsibilities in the Senate Transportation Committee. The presentation reviewed the types of services that the Met Council provides, short-term and long-term planning responsibilities, ridership trends, and future plans for the METRO system. Chair Zelle also spoke about the Met Council’s efforts to protect riders and operators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Development Director Lisa Barajas testified in House and Senate Legacy Finance Committees about regional parks. In addition to providing an overview of the regional parks system, she was joined by representatives from the Department of Natural Resources and Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails to speak about impacts of the pandemic on parks and trails across the state, including substantial increases in usage and new visitors.

Because an in-person celebration cannot be held this year, the Black History Month Committee is inviting staff to watch featured speakers from past years' events over the coming weeks.

Recordings from previous events will be shown via Microsoft Teams starting at 11:30 a.m. on upcoming Fridays: Feb. 12, Feb. 19, and Feb. 26. Committee members will introduce each viewing.

The Feb. 12 event will be a replay of the presentation by storytellers Vusi and Nothando Zulu (right). 

Email Traci Williamson for an invitation and a link to tune in.

Other opportunities to reflect on Black History Month

The Met Council's Pride Employee Resource Group will explore the intersection of Black history and the LGBTQ movement at its next weekly meeting, on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from noon to 1 p.m. For more information about that meeting email Nia Colebrook.

Environmental Services and Community Development will host a virtual Black History Month presentation at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23. The featured guest is T. Mychael Rambo, a vocalist, arts educator, and community organizer. For more information, email Suidi Hashi.

The newest and most complete information is available in the COVID-19 update emailed to all staff on Thursdays. (Read the most recent bulletin, Feb. 4.)

Vaccine availability for Met Council employees

Last week, state officials noted that they are not yet ready to officially begin vaccinating groups identified in phase 1B. Met Council leadership have advocated for our frontline employees, particularly those in transit, wastewater treatment, and housing operations, to be in the 1B group. As soon as we receive confirmation about who will be in phase 1B, we will communicate next steps out to staff, including specific access to the vaccine for Met Council employees. The Met Council has no plans to require employees to get the vaccine.

The state of Minnesota is still administering vaccines primarily to individuals in phase 1A categories, with some additional people added, based on guidance from the federal government. If you are in one of these prioritized groups and want to learn more about how to receive the vaccine, visit the state’s Find My Vaccine site.

Returning teleworking employees to onsite

Met Council leaders are assessing timelines for returning teleworking employees to working onsite, based on what we know about the pace of vaccine rollout and further guidance from the state. We had previously announced that we would not be having teleworking employees return to onsite work until at least June. We'll have an update in the next few weeks about whether we extend that timeframe out to later in the year.

Federal mask requirement on transit now in effect

Anyone using transit must wear a properly fitted face mask while waiting for and riding transit under a new federal requirement that took effect last week. The requirement is expected to remain in effect until at least May 11. Face coverings have been required on all regional transit vehicles since last spring. Learn more about the federal requirement.

Reminders: 

• COVID-19 leave benefits continue. Read our COVID-19 Leave policy 3.0, which went into effect Jan. 1.
• Mask requirement continues at Met Council worksites. Follow our procedure when in the workplace or public service environment. 
• Download the COVID-19 notification mobile app, COVIDaware MN, to get alerted if another user with whom you've had close contact tests positive for COVID-19. The app is voluntary and anonymous.

COVID-19 testing:

• Free COVID-19 community testing locations throughout the state: Make an appointment and learn more on the Minnesota Department of Health website. 
• 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. 

Cybersecurity is easy and straightforward, right?

Not always, but there are certain things that will always help you defend against the bad cyber actors.

Take a look at this video from the SANS Security Awareness Community for a humorous take on confusing cybersecurity advice, followed by some helpful and simple guidelines.

Watch the video on YouTube (4 min.).

Miriam Lopez-Rieth

Program Technical Specialist

Procurement

How has the pandemic affected your day-to-day work?
It has been completely different and I never thought I’d be able to do it, mainly to have the discipline of staying focused on my job, but it really has proven that working remotely allows me to get more done. I make sure I remain professional on getting my work done, even though “no one is watching." I’m very grateful that our department was well prepared and had provided us with a Council-owned laptop way before the pandemic was official, allowing us a smooth transition to telework right away. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to use Microsoft Teams as a way of communicating and meeting with staff by voice and video. All in all, we continue to be in this together! My house has also been “affected” since our dining room is now my office. 

What’s it like working through a pandemic?
I miss the interactions with my immediate coworkers and the rest of the Robert Street building, having the opportunity to get up and talk to someone, ask questions, or simply say "hello" in passing. I also miss going to the YMCA during my lunch hour, or going for a walk along the skyway or along the river, or grabbing lunch, and taking the bus every day. Though, it’s nice to have my husband (Environmental Services employee Mike Rieth) to be my coworker, and sometimes after work, my walking partner.

How has your life changed outside of work?
My life, as well as everybody else’s, has temporarily changed because I lost the freedom I had of going places, meeting friends, celebrating, and shopping (the latter is saving me a lot of money!). I miss seeing my daughter and her husband (both school teachers), and haven’t had the chance to travel to Washington, D.C., to see my other daughter who lives there. On the positive side, my son, who lives with us, likes seeing us every day. I’ve learned that going for long walks on the trails near my house in Woodbury is way more doable than I thought when it’s cold, icy, and snowy. Walking outside has allowed me to enjoy sunsets and the changing of seasons in Minnesota.

Mike Rieth

Principal Engineer

Environmental Services

How has the pandemic affected your day-to-day work?
Because I can telework, a good part of my job remains the same. New tools like Microsoft Teams have actually made my job more satisfying, for example working meetings; although I don’t get my daily dose of hands-on and social interaction. I really miss walking over to the shop and “chatting” with other staff. And, working from home, it’s tough to leave the office.

What’s it like working through a pandemic?
It’s much easier to get to and from work. I just walk downstairs. I have a lot of time to analyze and think things through.

How has your life changed outside of work?
I get to see much more of my wife and son (and do online crossword puzzles together), though I don’t see my daughter who is an in-classroom elementary teacher. My wife and I have played approximately 700 hours of Dr. Mario. (The games are highly competitive!) I don’t go to the gym, but I do take long walks. I don’t have dinner with friends or host wild parties. I miss that. But several WhatsApp friends’ groups help keep me in touch and as social as I normally get. I don’t roam through supermarkets or stores; I don’t miss that. And we haven’t taken a vacation since February 2020. Time to plan one? Most of all, I really understand how fortunate I am. I appreciate others back at the Metro Plant who are keeping things going. And, I pray for others going through real tough times.

Upgrading Microsoft Edge browser

Information Services will be rolling out the newest version of Microsoft Edge beginning Feb. 15. All Met Council computers should have the new version of the web browser by early March. When you get this version, you will notice the new icon for Edge (right).

Once installed, the new Edge browser will automatically update on your computer about every six weeks. Edge is available on all supported versions of Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. To learn more, watch these videos on how to use Microsoft Edge.

The improvements, aimed at improving the customer experience, include reducing stops, improving accessibility, and providing more shelters.

These changes, both on and off the bus, are designed to make trips better, faster, and more reliable.

Customers may provide feedback in an online survey at surveymonkey.com/r/BBR-3 or by emailing CommunityOutreach@metrotransit.org.

Any improvements to Route 3 would be implemented in August 2021. Visit metrotransit.org/route-3 for more information. The survey ends March 12.

Council employee wins rare spot at national photography competition in New York City

New Year’s Eve was an especially good one for Purchasing Agent Natalie McGuire.

That's the day she was notified that one of her photographs was one of 30 selected from among 667 considered for a national photography competition at Fotofoto Gallery in New York City.

McGuire’s photo, “Danger,” shows a warning sign attached to a tree many, many years ago that is being swallowed up by the tree as it aged. “I found this funny because the sign needs to heed its warning,” she said.

McGuire has won numerous awards over many years for her photos and also for her unique "photomosaics," which combine her own photography with a heavy border of small stained glass pieces that appear to extend key lines from the photo into the glassy border area.

The free, virtual photo exhibit is available for viewing until March 6.

Visit the Fotofoto Gallery online.

Mike Frencl

Systems Engineer
Information Services

Primary duties
I'll be working with the ETS Infrastructure Team on build/support/configure tasks in the various Met Council data centers. My focus will be on Linux servers – environment buildout, standardization, and support – but will also support various Windows servers as well as assist with the virtualization and storage environments as needed.

Started
October 12

How does it feel to start a new job when everyone is working from home?
There are both challenges as well as benefits, but it has been made fairly easy given the friendliness and accommodation of everyone I've worked with from the Council thus far.

Hometown
Monticello

Current residence
Eden Prairie

Family
Just my dog, Poppy

Education
B.S. polymer chemistry, M.S. physical chemistry, and A.S. information technology

Experience
Worked for 15+ years as an analytical chemist at various testing/manufacturing facilities around the Twin Cities prior to switching careers to information technology in 2013. My IT experience has had a broad focus, including Linux and Windows server administration, VMware environment administration, Middleware support, Networking, Storage, and Big Data.

Other interests
I enjoy kayaking, working out, astronomy, hiking and walking with my dog, as well as fishkeeping and reefkeeping in my two aquariums. I'm also an avid watcher of a plethora of movies and streaming shows, and like to geek out with video games and tech gadgets.

Sharon Benkufsky

Workers' Compensation Claims Rep
Risk Management

Primary duties
I process employee compensation claims. 

Started
January 11

How does it feel to start a new job when everyone is working from home?
It’s interesting and different. Some things are easier to learn in person, and I do miss the person-to-person contact. However, Microsoft Teams does make it very easy to ask questions and interact with new co-workers. 

Hometown and current residence
Hastings

Family
Married, no children just puppy dogs!

Education
University of Minnesota, also Texas Adjuster License

Experience
I have been in the insurance industry for over 24 years. I started working in the legal department at St. Paul Companies/Travelers, then transitioned into a compliance role. I then began handling litigated workers’ compensation claims for Travelers. I also handled workers’ compensation claims for CNA Insurance. Working for a self-insured is a new and unique experience.

Other interests
My husband and I have a lake home in Pequot Lakes where we spend a lot of time. I love the outdoors, which includes fishing, boating, hiking, and hunting. I enjoy long walks with my dog. With COVID-19, I was very lucky to be able to get away from the house during the shutdown and spend time up at the lake.

Walter Atkins

Associate Engineer
Environmental Services

Primary duties
I work in Wastewater Planning and Capital Project Delivery and will be assisting across the board with hydraulic capacity analyses, inflow-infiltration, capital programs, and more.

Started
October 19

How does it feel to start a new job when everyone is working from home?
It’s strange to work in a new department without having physically met any of my colleagues, but I’m thankful for Microsoft Teams meetings where I get to have some “social” interaction outside of my household. Working from home, I miss my bicycle commute the most, so I’ll often cruise a few miles to pick up some donuts just to get out of the house a little before work begins.

Hometown and current residence
Minneapolis born and raised! I’ve lived in eight or nine different neighborhoods; currently I am in Central.

Family
Partner, Maia, and my eight bicycles

Education
Bachelor's in environmental engineering from the University of Minnesota, EIT

Experience
I interned with Research and Development at the Metro Plant the previous two years, where I helped develop a novel pretreatment process for a recalcitrant fraction of phosphorus, and later assisted in developing a protocol for measuring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Before that I worked as a research assistant in chemistry laboratories.

Other interests
Riding bikes and other outdoor stuff, socializing (pre-pandemic), creating art/music, urban planning. I spend a lot of time near the Mississippi River, so it feels good to help keep it clean.