Relationships and trust built over the years by including our customer cities in solving Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) Program issues served MCES, cities, and the restaurant industry well when new challenges arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May 2020, the state's pandemic response significantly limited indoor seating at restaurants and many immediately added temporary outdoor seating to maintain whatever business they could. MCES quickly assembled an advisory group of representatives from our customer cities to determine the most customer-friendly approach to account for SAC that would be charged for additional outdoor restaurant seating under normal circumstances. A number of these city officials had served on previous task forces that helped shape improvements to the SAC Program.

"The existing policies would have required new SAC determinations and potentially lead to substantial charges," said advisory group member Dale Schoeppner, chief building official, City of Eagan. "Within hours of learning the challenges, MCES gathered their employees and invited a multitude of stakeholders from municipalities. MCES listened to the concerns and potential solutions from the municipal representatives."

"Within 36 hours of the Governor's order and with critical input from our customer cities, they helped us develop a SAC approach that would work for the cities and their restaurants," said Ned Smith, director of Pretreatment & Finance at MCES.

MCES charges SAC when a residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional property first connects to the regional wastewater system. MCES may charge SAC when a business grows or a property changes use in a way that creates more demand on the wastewater system. We borrow money to build our regional sanitary sewers and wastewater treatment plants large enough to serve both current and future customers. SAC pays the debt for the extra capacity we build into the system. When restaurants grow by adding outdoor seating, we collect additional SAC, but at 25% of the full SAC rate because weather limits how much the additional seating can be used.

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Wide-ranging team improves communications and transparency

Metro Plant staff across multiple business units began working together in fall 2019 on a plan to address employee concerns about airborne incinerator ash in the Solids Management Building (SMB) and the 408 Building. Tackling this complex issue highlights how safety is everyone's job.

Several business units came together to study and address the concerns. The group included representatives from Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and Wastewater Planning and Capital Project Delivery. Also joining the discussion were union representatives, plant leadership, and MCES executive administration. 

"I think some good came out of this study, and I credit it to the persistence of all those involved," said Mel Mortimer, a Local 49 maintenance operator working at the Metro Plant.

"While initially there were challenges concerning communication and some misunderstandings, the perseverance paid off. The result was a heightened awareness of silica dangers, and an increased willingness for workers to take precautions to protect their health."

Addressing air quality

More than two years ago, plant maintenance had a safety meeting where staff raised concerns about potential risk of exposure to the ash dust. Safety staff helped facilitate ash testing during a baghouse bag change out. Following these test results, the larger cross-functional group identified other conditions and tasks where ash needed to be tested. Testing plans were developed and shared with Metro Plant staff to provide feedback. After the testing, the final reports were emailed to staff for full transparency.

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Jeannine Clancy

Jeannine Clancy has been recognized as one of the 2021 Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year by the American Public Works Association (APWA).

The award, now it its 62nd year, is one of APWA's highest honors and recognizes public works professionals from the public and private sectors for their lifetime of professional contributions. They are chosen for their professionalism, expertise, and personal dedication to improving the quality of life in their communities through the advancement of public works services and technology. The award also recognizes their career advancement, contribution to technology or job knowledge, commitment to the profession as evidenced by education, training, certification or registration, and continuing education, as well as professional excellence and service to large and small municipalities.

Trevor Prater

Trevor Prater received an Outstanding Young Professional Award from the Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA) at its 94th annual meeting (held virtually this year).

The award recognizes young water-environment professionals for outstanding contributions to enhancing the activities of CSWEA and to improving the fundamental knowledge of the performance of wastewater collection and treatment systems, water resource protection, and research on water environment issues.

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Kristi Goble, program coordinator in Workforce & Equity

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. To celebrate, Kristi Goble talks about how she celebrates her heritage.

Tell us about yourself and role with MCES.

I'm a program coordinator in Workforce & Equity and have worked for MCES for eight years. My past work experience includes serving six years in the Army National Guard with deployments to Kuwait and Iraq.

I was born in Mitchell, South Dakota. I'm half Korean and a blend of other things. The Korean side of my family is mixed with Mongolian and Japanese. Growing up in America, I always felt disconnected from my heritage. When we went to Korea as children to meet my mom's side of the family, it was a huge culture shock.

What is a favorite food you enjoy at a special celebration?

On Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve and Day, we make several traditional Korean dishes. My favorite Korean dishes are japchae, kimchi, bulgogi, ddukbokki, sundubu-jjigae, and bibimbap. Before these holidays, my mom prepares the traditional Korean drink sikhye. This sweet rice punch is delicious and has a barley taste.

What is a favorite tradition?

We celebrate Korean Solnal -- also known as Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year -- over social media with our family in Korea.

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