A thought for the day …
"If you could get up the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed."
– David Viscott (1938–1996), American psychiatrist
 IN THIS ISSUE
Guest notes from Lesley Kandaras
Chief of Staff, Metro Transit
The following is an excerpt from the column published in Insights on Nov. 19.
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, police agencies across the country were called to examine how they could maintain and build trust in the communities they serve.
At Metro Transit and the Met Council, Chair Charlie Zelle responded by calling for a comprehensive review of the Metro Transit Police Department.
Today, that review is being informed by important, ongoing conversations being led by a group of Metropolitan Council members serving on the Metro Transit Police Work Group. This group has been meeting regularly over the past several months and will bring recommendations to the full board next February.
Central to their work is hearing the experiences and voices of customers and employees. While this work continues, some themes have emerged.
Read the full column in Insights.
Learn more on MetroCouncil.org:
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Met Council employees collectively pledged and contributed more than $50,000 through this year's Charitable Giving Campaign, which ended earlier this month. In addition, more than 2,500 pounds of food were collected and distributed to area food shelves.
During the annual campaign, employees are encouraged to sign up to have a portion of each paycheck directed to one of four participating federations or to any eligible nonprofit organization of their choice. This year, the campaign also included a food drive, two silent auctions, a basket raffle, and competitions and small fundraisers through various Met Council locations and work units. Highlights include:
- Environmental Services raised $530 at its third annual charitable giving event, which included a pumpkin-toss contest.
- The basket provided by the Office of General Counsel raised $855 from 36 raffle entries.
- The silent auctions and events across the organization raised $3,703.27.
- Met Council employees pledged a total of $46,465 for 2022! For those interested in some friendly competition, here are the division breakdowns: Environmental Services pledged $9,505, Regional Administration/Robert Street pledged $13,942, and Metro Transit pledged $23,018.
Thank you to everyone who donated! Your contributions will make a difference in the lives of many in our region.
The Met Council is changing the way junk email is handled. Currently, any email that gets detected as junk by Microsoft is put into "quarantine." You can release messages from quarantine, but it is not an intuitive process. Moving forward, all junk messages will be sent to your Junk Email folder in Outlook.
This change will make it simpler for you to review your own junk email in an easy-to-find location alongside your Inbox. Emails that pose a potential security risk will continue to be placed in quarantine. This change will provide visibility without increasing security risk.
This change means Met Council junk messages will be handled like a typical junk folder, where emails are flagged one of two ways: either the Microsoft filter thinks it’s junk and sends it to your Junk Email folder, or you received it in your Inbox and marked it as junk. If anything is sent to the Junk Email folder incorrectly, you can mark the email or sender to go to your Inbox instead. Emails in your Junk Email folder are automatically deleted after 30 days.
To help keep your email folders organized and clean of junk, make sure you understand these Outlook options when you use the "Report Message" button (see image at right) or right-click on an email:
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Mark as Junk – The message will be moved from your Inbox to your Junk Email folder, and a copy of the message may be sent to Microsoft to help update their junk filters.
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Block Sender – From now on, all emails from this sender will be flagged as junk and sent to the Junk Email folder.
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Phishing – The message will be moved from your Inbox to your Junk Email folder, and a copy of the message may be sent to Microsoft to help update their phishing filters.
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Not Junk – This single email will be moved to your Inbox and will not be flagged as junk.
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Never Block Sender – From now on, all emails from this sender will be sent to your Inbox and will not be flagged as junk.
If you are using Outlook through a web browser, the junk email options and steps are a little different than the desktop application. For detailed instructions and screenshots on how to manage junk mail and suspicious emails, review the Reporting Phishing and Junk Messages in Outlook guide (PDF).
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The Learn system – our platform for professional development for all Met Council employees – recently implemented some changes, including a new and improved navigation for the site. This update includes a streamlined top navigation menu and a "control panel" on the left side of the screen that provides quick navigation icons for Learn users based upon their role.
Updated guides are available to help learners and managers get up to speed in the new system and learn how to navigate the site. Visit the Talent Hub on MetNet to learn more, review the guides in the "How To's" section at the bottom of the page, and access Learn.
Please email Learn@metc.state.mn.us with questions or concerns about Learn.
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The following highlights 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 every other week on Thursdays.
Read the most recent bulletin (Nov. 23), which includes:
- Follow the CDC's guidelines to help stay safe during the holidays, and check out MDH's six simple tips for talking with friends and family about the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The Met Council established a new COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave Procedure, effective Nov. 13, to assist vaccinated employees if they cannot work for COVID-19-related reasons.
- The deadline was Friday (Nov. 26) to submit and verify proof of vaccination to receive a one-time payment of $150 in December.
- Booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine are now available to all Minnesotans age 18 and older.
- The Met Council is not currently collecting COVID-19 vaccine booster information.
- The CDC has approved a version of the Pfizer vaccine for children age 5 to 17.
- Staff must follow the COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Requirement Procedure if they will be onsite for any reason for more than 10 minutes.
- Employees who need to test each week must complete their test by 11:59 p.m. each Thursday. Staff may use Council-facilitated testing options, which update their employee record automatically, or choose another way, which must be entered manually in Employee Self Service.
- Teleworking staff must complete two required trainings in Learn before their teams implement their new work schedules. Teleworking staff should check the Telework Transition FAQ page on MetNet for information on technology, workspaces, planning, and more. Check out the optional training for teleworking employees on Dec. 2.
Tools to help you find vaccine appointments:
COVID-19 testing:
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Metro Transit is charting a course towards a zero-emission future, starting with the Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan. The plan will identify opportunities, risks, and implementation strategies to make this transition and is guided by three principles: technical viability, equity and environmental justice, and cost.
This plan is informed by multiple stakeholders, including the community and the staff who will ultimately be responsible for operating and maintaining the buses. It will be presented to the Minnesota Legislature early next year.
Tell us what's important to you
You're invited to take a survey about the plan, which is open through Dec. 12. Find more information about the Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan at MetroTransit.org/Electric-Buses, including a video from a recent online summit, and read the Nov. 5 Insights column introducing the planning effort.
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How do Twin Cities-area residents value the water they use and interact with? What specifically about water and water services do they value? How do different cultural beliefs and experiences affect the way people interact with and value water? The answers to these questions are at the heart of the Water Values project being led by Water Resources Planning staff John Clark, senior environmental scientist, and Jen Kostrzewski, environmental analyst.
The project, a partnership between Environmental Services and the University of Minnesota, will assess water values and perceptions of water challenges across the Twin Cities metro area. Demographic and social variables such as age, gender, cultural identity, and community identification will help to show how and where people's values and perceptions differ. This is the first attempt to gather insights from residents across all seven metro-area counties on their perceptions about water resources.
To be applicable and effective, our regional policies should reflect our regional values. Survey results will be used to inform planning and build stronger relationships with communities. Outside of the Met Council, watershed organizations and communities will be better able to prioritize spending on resource protection efforts, improve local outreach and engagement, incorporate resource and water system resiliency into their long-term plans, and better balance water infrastructure and demand needs with resource sustainability goals.
Tell us how you value water
You're invited to add your thoughts and contribute to this important work. Everyone at the Met Council has a connection to water through our professional, personal, and cultural connections. If you would like to participate, take the survey by Dec. 30.
 From left to right: Joy Ahern, Crystal Felten, Taylor Ghere, Dan Roiger, and Laura Vedder. Not pictured: Carol Critchley.
Earlier this month, six Regional Administration employees received 2021 Unsung Hero awards for exemplary performance. In a challenging year when every employee went above and beyond, these six stood out for process improvements, outstanding results, or positive contributions to the work environment.
Regional Administration's team and individual Unsung Hero award winners were included in the Met Council's annual employee recognition event on Nov. 15. Watch the recording of the one-hour event to hear from division leaders, or download the event program (PDF) for the full list of this year's honorees across the Met Council.
Read the last issue of The Wire for details on the seven teams who received Unsung Hero awards.
Congratulations to these six employees, and thank you for your outstanding contributions!
Joy Ahern, Health Promotions Supervisor, Human Resources
Crystal Felten, Fitness and Health Specialist, Human Resources
Joy and Crystal lead the employee wellness efforts for the Met Council through the Fit For Life program, and they consistently develop programming with a strategic lens that embodies respect, inclusion, and building a positive work culture. In collaboration with partners across all divisions, including multiple employee work groups, they align Fit For Life's efforts with employee feedback, current events, and coordination of services and requests. They each adapted quickly to the pandemic, ensuring that Fit For Life's offerings were accessible and relevant to support employees through stressful changes and difficult situations mentally, emotionally, and physically. Joy and Crystal put such care and intention into designing and implementing Fit For Life's resources, and the entire organization benefits. They support individual employees and help create a positive work environment across the Met Council.
Carol Critchley, Videographer, Communications
Carol's videos consistently "wow" staff with her ability to demonstrate their work in a way that is relevant, relatable, and understandable. Although many people are intimidated by video, Carol puts colleagues at ease, helping them understand what we are trying to accomplish and how, working together, we can tell the story of the Met Council’s work and benefit to the region. She has developed fantastic videos for internal and external use this last year, working collaboratively with staff to achieve excellent results – even when the pandemic made it more challenging to shoot in-person interviews and acquire indoor video.
Taylor Ghere, Associate Purchasing Agent, Procurement
In the short amount of time since he joined the Met Council in 2020, Taylor has made an incredible impact. Taylor came into a new role here and has done a fantastic job creating and molding the position. Through his efforts, Procurement now has a more consistent and efficient process for orders, and he is the point of contact for resolving issues with purchase orders, shipments, and payments. Because of his success, this new role is being used by not just Procurement but also other departments that need purchasing assistance. Taylor’s hard work, responsiveness, and teamwork have greatly improved order processing and relationships with our suppliers.
Dan Roiger, Technical Support Specialist 3, Information Services
Dan consistently provides stellar customer service in troubleshooting, repairing, and resolving technology issues, which allows his team to work efficiently and effectively. Once he has identified the issue, he does a great job of explaining the problem and the options for fixing or troubleshooting in the future. He is responsive, professional, and does whatever it takes to ensure a positive outcome, including being onsite during the pandemic and thinking outside of the box.
Laura Vedder, Assistant Director, Procurement
Laura creates a positive workplace, cultivates relationships with other divisions and departments, routinely works to improve employee morale, and is committed to continuous improvement. She has worked toward rebuilding a fully staffed and more efficient Contracts team, and she provides a positive, healthy work environment that, in turn, allows staff to grow, develop, collaborate, and build a community of service. This allows her team to provide efficient and accurate service to the rest of the organization. The Met Council as a whole has benefitted from Laura's leadership.
 Trade Time For Fitness final deadline of the year Dec. 1
The final 2021 claim submission deadline for the Trade Time For Fitness program is tomorrow (Dec. 1). Trade Time for Fitness is a health and wellness program that allows you to trade in your annual leave hours to receive up to $2,000 (gross) per payroll year in reimbursements for eligible health and wellness-related expenses, and now includes additional eligible home office items. Visit the Trade Time for Fitness MetNet page to learn more, review a list of eligible purchases, and access the online claim form.
Purchases made in 2021 cannot be processed in 2022 due to IRS rules. This means if you make a purchase between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31 it will not be eligible for reimbursement. So, either make your purchase in November or wait until January.
Teleworking staff: Complete required and optional trainings (Dec. 2)
All teleworking staff are required to complete two trainings in Learn before their teams implement their new schedules: one on teleworking at the Met Council and one on working in the new hybrid workplace (for managers/supervisors, and for employees), with some staff onsite and some remote.
Since many employees will continue to work remotely at least occasionally, LOD is hosting a course to enhance remote employees’ skills and confidence in getting and staying organized, productive, and connected. Employees can register for the virtual, instructor-led course in Learn by browsing the “LOD Classes Open for Registration” section or searching for the course by name in the search bar. A similar training was held for managers and supervisors on Nov. 12.
Still Remote: Staying Successful in a Remote Work Environment
Thursday, Dec. 2
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Webex
Police chief nominated to serve as U.S. Marshal
Metro Transit Police Chief Eddie Frizell has been nominated to serve as U.S. marshal for the District of Minnesota. Frizell’s nomination now goes to the U.S. Senate for approval. If approved, a search for a new police chief would begin. Frizell joined Metro Transit in August 2019, following a 26-year career with the Minneapolis Police Department. He is also a 30-year veteran of the Minnesota Army National Guard and currently holds the rank of colonel.
Environmental Services earns APWA-MN Project of the Year Award
The Minnesota Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) has honored Environmental Services with a Public Works Project of the Year Award for the successful completion of the Minnehaha Park Area Regional Sewer Improvements Project. Completion of the project is the result of more than eight years of planning, design, and construction.
"We knew this was going to be a challenging undertaking, but the whole team stepped up and delivered a very successful project," said Chad Davison, principal engineer and project manager, Interceptor Engineering. "We are very proud of the work put into the planning, funding, design, and construction related to this project."
Read more about the award-winning project on MetNet.
Marie Henderson recognized among 'Top Women in Finance'
Deputy chief financial officer Marie Henderson was named to Finance & Commerce's 2021 Top Women in Finance list. The program "recognizes the outstanding contributions and dedication of women to their profession, their communities, and society at large." Henderson was celebrated with other award winners at an event held earlier this month (see photo at right).
Henderson's leadership and critical problem solving during the COVID-19 pandemic were praised in the recognition, as she helped the Met Council address challenges and remain agile. Also highlighted was her commitment to servant leadership.
"She is a devoted team member, who is committed to helping her coworkers problem solve and navigate challenges," her nomination shared. "Her leadership role at the Met Council ensures that staff have the financial support and resources needed to carry out their roles and responsibilities, that residents in the region are well served, that the Met Council is a good steward of taxpayer dollars, and that our operations are continuous."
Read the feature on Finance & Commerce's website, or check out the supplement of the November issue online.
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Stay up to date with Metro Update
Looking to hear more about the fantastic work your colleagues are doing in other departments or divisions? Check out the Met Council's external newsletter, Metro Update.
Read these stories and more in the November issue, published today:
- METRO Orange Line service opens Dec. 4
- Hastings Wastewater Treatment Plant to be moved away from downtown area
- Test the beta version of the Growing Shade interactive tool
- New technology could expand transit access for blind, low-vision customers
Nicholas Barnes
HRA Inspector
Metro HRA
Primary duties
I inspect the homes of the families we serve to ensure they meet federal housing quality standards.
Started
Sept. 27
How does it feel to start a new job when many employees are working from home?
I have enjoyed it. It has been a bit of a steep learning curve, but the staff has all been wonderful.
Hometown
Maple Grove
Current residence
My wife and I just bought our first house in North Branch.
Family
My wife and I have a daughter, age 14, and a son, 12, and a bunch of animals.
Education
Bachelor's degree in graphic design from Brown College in Mendota Heights; CRMT certified from MHA; EPA certified; CPO certified
Experience
I have been in the multi-family housing industry since 2009. I have worked as a caretaker, maintenance tech/supervisor, and property manager. My main knowledge comes from my time in maintenance.
Other interests
My interests are fishing (in all seasons), camping, hunting, and snowmobiling.
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Fire dance
Mary Anderson, program technical specialist in Human Resources, was enjoying a bonfire with friends along White Bear Lake a few years ago when she snapped a photo of this "Lady of Fire." "Something kept trying to jump out of the fire," she said. "I was able to capture this lady who decided to join in on the fun with us for a second."
Looking for your cool photo!
Do you have photos to share? The Wire is always looking for the next cool photo from staff, from a close-up in your flower garden, to scenic vistas up north, to exotic travel adventures, or more artful fare like reflections and silhouettes. The only criteria is that it's a cool photo! Just email the editor at the address below.
The Wire is published every two weeks for employees of the Met Council. Everyone is invited to submit comments and story ideas. Contact the editor at TheWire@metc.state.mn.us.
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