 The Environmental Services monthly employee newsletter
The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to rapidly adapt how we lived our lives. We had to shake loose our perspectives of what our workplaces were and how we accomplished our work. Environmental Services is taking this disruption as an opportunity to rethink and redesign how, when, and where all MCES employees across all worksites do our work. What would you change to make your workday better? What improvements can technology offer us? How can we truly balance needs both in the workplace and in our personal lives? In a new project, called Workplace 2.0, these are some of the questions that MCES staff will delve into and share their ideas.
Through a series of conversations in July, the goal is to have recommendations that lead to implementation, experimentation, and innovation in the subsequent 12 to 18 months.
More about Workplace 2.0
Building Water's Future Leaders
 2020 and 2021 Core Growth program graduates, their mentors, and managers
MCES celebrated 16 graduates of the national Core Growth program on June 10. These employees dedicated six months to developing their leadership skills as part of a 2020 or 2021 regional learning community.
"I learned I needed to be more bold to be the leader I want to be and know I can be," shared 2021 program participant Sara Hanson, lab technical coordinator 2, Analytical (Lab) Services. "I need to not shy away from expressing my ideas and not worry about whether others may see them as crazy ideas. You never know, a crazy idea might lead to a great outcome."
"Having the opportunity to work with a mentor was one of the best aspects of this program," said Nanette Ewald, 2021 program participant and senior program coordinator, Industrial Waste Data Management & Revenue. "My mentor, Cristine Leavitt, helped me focus on the fundamentals of the program and pushed me to think about how I could apply my learnings to my current or future roles within MCES. I found it was equally important for me to offer what I could in return, even if that simply meant displaying a different perspective or insight into a specific topic."
During the graduation program, Leisa Thompson, general manager, expressed her gratitude for their commitment. "Environmental Services is facing complex challenges. We need leaders throughout the organization working together to find the best solutions. Each program participant stepped up and said 'yes' to leading us through these challenges."
Since 2017 when MCES began participating, 32 employees have graduated from the Core Growth leadership development program. Thompson has made employee participation in the program a priority. She believes every employee can lead and learn from where they are in the organization. "Your growth is our growth," she said.
Meet the graduates and more about the program
Brad Warm, construction inspector in Construction Services, is now one of only seven certified public infrastructure inspectors (CPII) in Minnesota. Warm earned his CPII this June after passing the 3.5-hour exam.
"I pursued the certification as way to challenge myself and grow as an inspector," Warm said. "The certification increases my level of knowledge in the construction industry. After passing the certification test, I must continue my education in order to keep the certification valid."
All new MCES construction inspectors participate in the eight-session initial American Public Works Association – MN Chapter Underground Utility Construction Inspection School. Warm took his experience to another level. The APWA – MN Chapter offered Warm a scholarship to complete the certification process, funded the exam costs, and provided support from other certified inspectors to help prepare for the exam. The certification promotes quality infrastructure throughout the community by advancing the knowledge and practice of construction inspection to benefit the community and public agencies.
Congratulations Brad!
As we emerge from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's clear that MCES's focus on bringing employees together to collaborate and quickly respond to the new challenges helped prevent spread of the coronavirus in our workforce and allowed us to maintain our essential service.
Of note is the divisionwide teamwork during COVID-19 building safety evaluations and implementation of specific plans for each MCES worksite. The evaluations and implementation addressed the health and safety needs of staff who continued to work on-site during the pandemic and included measures for the eventual return of teleworkers to their on-site locations.
The building safety evaluation process included essential input from numerous employees in functions such as planning, engineering, operations, maintenance, contracted services, safety, the lab, and more. James Mangowi, an engineer in Plant Engineering who helped assemble the plans, said the team conducted site visits early in the process. They did architectural and building ventilation evaluations for employee workspaces and generated a draft evaluation report for each facility.
Facility managers reviewed the draft reports and gathered comments from employees at their sites. Facility managers had a chance to discuss their reports with an on-site COVID-19 safety planning team, and comments were incorporated into a final report for each facility manager.
More on MetNet
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Four years after it began, a regional partnership of water quality experts is growing stronger – even during the COVID-19 pandemic – thanks to leadership and commitment to a collaborative process by several MCES staff in Water Resources Planning.
The Twin Cities Water Monitoring and Data Assessment Group helps coordinate and share information about regional water-quality issues facing cities, counties, townships, and watershed groups, as well as state and federal agencies.
A 12-person steering committee directs the group's activities, but much of the ongoing legwork is handled by environmental analysts Jen Kostrzewski and Emily Resseger, with support from principal environmental scientist Cassie Champion (pictured). All three helped initiate the group and serve on its steering committee.
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The group's mission is "collaborating to establish and promote standard practices for water monitoring, analysis, and data stewardship" in the metro area. By drawing together professionals who are addressing similar water problems across the region, the group shares a like-minded focus on finding practical solutions. For instance, its online forum quickly crowdsources answers to problems (e.g., equipment borrowing, monitoring suggestions, posting open positions). The group also has provided multiple case studies at its events to amplify local experts and connect them with people who have similar issues in their work.
The collaborative strategy seems to be working. By opening the group to all public-sector water professionals and encouraging each to spread the word, participation grew rapidly. Participation at regular trainings and workshops increased from around 40 to more than 60 people. Special events draw even more. Private-sector water professionals can participate if they meet certain guidelines.
Read more about the Twin Cities Water Monitoring and Data Assessment Group.
Three Keystone Awards were given to employees for their outstanding work.
Team creates diversity, equity, and inclusion awareness and events
 Clockwise from top left: Corey Coutier; Kristi Goble; Suidi Hashi
 A team that promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion goals by creating programming and awareness opportunities has earned a Keystone Team Award. The team members are Kristi Goble, program coordinator, and Suidi Hashi, associate outreach coordinator, from Workforce & Equity and Corey Coutier, assistant manager of Maintenance Planning & Scheduling at the Empire Plant.
Over the last year these employees highlighted racial and gender equity-related issues and concerns both from a historical perspective and bringing in current examples. They embodied MCES's collaborative nature by working closely with staff in Community Development in developing and delivering their programs. Their work quickly gained interest by others across the Met Council and resulted in an expanded partnership with Metro Transit. All three divisions collectively created and promoted their materials and events across the Council.
"This small and diverse team created something for the organization that was innovative, truly helped to bring the conversation of equity and inclusion to the forefront, and helped us move toward a more inclusive environment that celebrates all of our differences," said Jenn Zuchowski, Workforce & Equity manager, in nominating the team for the award. "Employees across the Council are looking at MCES as an example of what an inclusive workplace means. This team's work should serve as a model to others across the organization as to how they, too, can create a space to have dialogue and understanding."
Ray Smith leads East Bethel facility
For filling in to manage the East Bethel Water Reclamation Facility, a Keystone Award was presented to Ray Smith, senior program supervisor in the Training & Program Supervisors group.
Smith spent more than half of his time for over three months managing the facility while the assistant business unit manager was on leave. He also covered while the business unit coordinator was on leave for part of that time, with help from backup business unit coordinator Rob McCurry from the Rogers Plant. For a significant period of time, both facilities were without an operator who was on leave.
While dealing with staff shortages, Smith implemented the MCES COVID-19 site safety plan for East Bethel and procured personal protective equipment and equipment to properly store flammable chemicals at the facility. Smith also dealt with process issues, such as a valve that was left open over a weekend causing higher influent flows and incorrect flow data. Smith and McCurry dealt with a loss of all HVAC boiler pressure on a Sunday night, discovering a leak in the support piping. Smith also reviewed landscape plans for the two land application basins where the facility returns reclaimed water to the environment, which included work with native plants, weed control, and a prescribed burn. He also monitored the work done by a vendor at the facility.
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Mel Mortimer averts damage from water leak
For his work on detecting a water leak in a tunnel at the Metro Plant, a Keystone Award was presented to Mel Mortimer, a maintenance operator at Metro, who retired June 2 after 33 years with MCES.
After discovering the water leak this spring and contacting his lead, Mortimer stayed at the site and followed the water flow. He found additional water issues that were the root cause of the leak. His investigation led to repairing the leak and protecting equipment in the tunnel from water damage.
"Mel's dedication to environmental stewardship showed with his performance daily," said Dan Fox, assistant manager of Facilities & Fleet, in nominating Mortimer for the award. "He took great care to observe and investigate all situations he came across. This is the second time in three years that Mel found underground water leak issues."
See full award details on MetNet.
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A recap of recent Met Council announcements relevant to MCES
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Leadership change this month: Mary Bogie has been named the next regional administrator, overseeing all Met Council divisions and operations.
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COVID-19 update: Masks not mandatory: The Met Council is no longer requiring face coverings in our facilities. You may continue to wear a mask if you choose to, and to protect yourself you are encouraged to continue to wear a mask if you are unvaccinated.
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June info sessions on the Met Council's Affirmative Action Plan: If you missed it, you can watch the recording of the June 14 session.
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Global computer shortage causing delays: At the Met Council, it is sometimes taking several months to fulfill computer equipment orders, and we are about nine months behind on our refresh schedule. Information Services is trying several strategies to speed things up and will provide updates as the situation develops.
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Microsoft updates and tips: Guest access is now available in Microsoft Teams, allowing staff to invite people outside the Met Council to participate within a Microsoft Team. Live trainings are available this summer on a wide range of topics. Read the full story linked below for more Microsoft updates and resources.
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All staff invited to volunteer for marketing pieces: The marketing departments for the Met Council and Metro Transit are seeking out models from among our employees for photo shoots, video shoots, and voice-over work. Fill out the intake form if you are interested in participating.
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Human Resources updates: The Benefits info series continues in July with a session on life insurance. A recording of the May session on retirement planning is available on MetNet. Fit For Life announced staff are able to take select prenatal and new parent classes for free with Amma Parenting.
Full information on MetNet.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Anniversaries
Congratulations to these employees celebrating milestone anniversaries!
35 YEARS
Charlene Collins, assistant manager, Analytical (Lab) Services, Metro Plant
15 YEARS
Jean Elmore, senior administrative specialist, Analytical (Lab) Services, Metro Plant
Jessica Nye, manager, SAC Program, Robert Street
Staffing changes
Posted by Human Resources since the May Update
NEW HIRES
Jack Acomb, intern, Wastewater Planning and Community Programs, Robert Street
Madison Bowes, intern, Performance Excellence & Analytics, Metro Plant
Mehdi Harley, intern, Water Resources, Metro Plant
Anthony Huss, electrician, Electrical Planning & Maintenance, Seneca Plant Construction Field Office
Nieta Jackson, intern, Performance Excellence & Analytics, Metro Plant
Laeticia Malungu, intern, Process Computer, Metro Plant
Kiana Martinez, intern, Environmental Health and Safety, Metro Plant
Amber Orr, intern, Industrial Waste & Pollution Prevention, Metro 94
Omar Porte, intern, Industrial Waste & Pollution Prevention, Metro 94
Hayley Ringhand, intern, Performance Excellence & Analytics, Metro Plant
Maxwell Savage, intern, Performance Excellence & Analytics, Metro Plant
William Scofield, intern, Process Engineering, Metro Plant
DEPARTURES
Gary Beaulieu, plant operator, Metro Plant
Camila Ciampolini, assistant business unit manager, Empire Plant
Lisa Dyste, business systems analyst 4, Performance Excellence & Analytics, Metro Plant
Scott Joseph, assistant business unit manager, Blue Lake Plant
Thomas McGinnis, plant operator, Metro Plant
Mel Mortimer, maintenance operator, Metro Plant
Thomas Norton, lead electrician, Blue Lake Plant
Meridith Richmond, lab analyst 2, Analytical (Lab) Services, Metro Plant
POSITION CHANGES
Negawo Ansha, business analyst 1, Asset Planning and Management, Metro Plant (formerly intern)
Justin Scearcy, machinist mechanic, Mechanical Planning and Maintenance, Metro Plant (formerly apprentice machinist mechanic)
Bradley Tobritzhofer, lead electrician, Electrical Planning & Maintenance, Blue Lake Plant (formerly electrician)
Story idea? Contact Deb McKinley by email: deb.mckinley@metc.state.mn.us.
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