A thought for the day …
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."
– Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968) American minister and civil rights leader
 IN THIS ISSUE
Guest notes from Georges Gonzalez
Deputy Regional Administrator and Chief Financial Officer
After joining the Met Council as the new deputy regional administrator and CFO on Dec. 1, I quickly had to embed myself in the budget process (though at the end stage of it). I listened in on calls and to staff so I could quickly get up to speed on priorities and organizational and staff needs, all while onboarding into a new organizational culture.
I quickly learned from Mary Bogie and other staff that aligning our behaviors with our values is of the most importance. Our approved annual budget drives the impact we make in our communities. What an organization chooses to prioritize, where it spends its money, how it supports its employees, and what it bakes into its budget says a lot about their vision and values.
Prior to my arrival, the organization went through the process of developing and finalizing the 2022 budget, and it was approved in early December. The budget includes our cost of operations, pass-through funding programs, and debt service, and it reflects the Met Council’s legislative charge, overall mission, goals, and priorities for the year.
I truly believe every staff member – whether you support our mission in a finance and accounting role or in a different capacity – should understand our budget and how we spend dollars allocated for our mission. If you aren’t familiar with the Met Council’s budget and funding, our website has a great overview, or you can check out the full budget report (PDF).
But don’t fear if you are not a finance person (though I think we all are to some extent); I plan to work with staff in the coming months to ensure everyone interested can have a role in the 2023 budget process. That means allowing for ideas to flow from every corner of the organization.
It excites me and it's incredible to look through the approved budget and see so clearly the large scope of our operations and services and understand how foundational the Met Council is for this region’s prosperity and livability. This is one reason I wanted to join our team, and I am humbled and honored to serve along with you.
As you read about percentages and dollar amounts, I hope you don’t lose sight of what this all represents or feel the budget is something separate from you and your work. Our plan is both shaped by us and guides us. It plays out in our everyday work. I encourage you to read the highlights of our 2022 plan and see where your own work fits in and learn more about the amazing work being done by you and your colleagues across the organization.
Some staff members may not understand this, but the annual budget is also one place where results from the employee engagement survey, which just closed on Friday, can inform our priorities and efforts. Your feedback on your experiences and your ideas for improvements and new initiatives – whether big or small – help us identify tangible and deliberate organization changes we can implement to make the Met Council a truly great place to work. And those changes can find their way into our organization’s fiscal plan.
I will soon begin working with the budget team on the 2023 budget, including prioritizing site visits and conversations with staff at all levels to gain insights on what the next budget should focus on. Your voice matters, and know that I will be listening.
Through ongoing challenges – not least of which is the ever-shifting pandemic – we remain committed to our mission, values, each other, and the region. Looking ahead at the year, I see so much potential for the region represented in our budget, and I’m excited to hear what you have to share and what we can imagine and build to set us up for continued success.
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FSA now with TASC
If you elected to participate in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for 2022, you should have received a letter and new debit card in the last couple weeks from TASC, the Met Council’s new FSA administrator. This is your debit card for FSA funds (health, daycare, and parking) for plan year 2022. You should have also received a welcome email with a link to the TASC website and instructions for use.
- Please note the letter is very generic and does not say “FSA card” on it.
- The new card has the TASC logo in the upper left corner and the Met Council logo in the upper right.
- Once you have received the card you will need to register on the TASC website and activate your card. Follow the link provided in your email or call TASC at 800-422-4661.
- Your letter will include a TASC ID number. Save this, as you will need to use it every time you contact TASC.
HRA still with HealthPartners
If you participate in the HRA as well as FSA, remember the debit cards are now separate for these plans. If you are currently enrolled in Empower HRA or have an HRA with funds from a previous year, you will continue to use the HealthPartners debit card for HRA in 2022. If you are not enrolled in HRA and do not have funds left from prior years, you may dispose of the HealthPartners card.
Claim deadlines and rollover amounts
If you participated in FSA in 2021, you have the following deadlines to submit any final claims to HealthPartners: Jan. 31 for parking FSA and March 31 for health and daycare (dependent) accounts.
You cannot use your debit card for prior year expenses; you must submit electronically or on paper to HealthPartners.
The rollover rules have not changed:
- Health FSA – Any balance up to $550 from your 2021 health FSA will roll over to TASC in April.
- Parking FSA – Any parking FSA balance from 2021 will roll over to TASC in February.
- Daycare FSA – Funds in the dependent care FSA do not roll over.
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• Flex spending accounts are now managed by TASC.
• HRA card is still through HealthPartners; FSA card is through TASC.
• Submit your final 2021 claims, and make sure you don't lose any funds that don't roll over! |
To align better with Information Services internal processes and allow for better tracking of customer requests, the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) team is no longer accepting requests for assistance through the ECM@metc.state.mn.us email address. Instead, requests should be sent to the Service Desk at ServiceDesk@metc.state.mn.us, and they will be routed to the appropriate group in ECM: Collaborative Business Solutions or Records Management.
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Several local events will be held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, next Monday, Jan. 17.
- The Met Council's Equity Change Teams will celebrate King's legacy during an online event at noon on Friday, Jan. 14. The event will include a showing of an interview with the late Congressman John Lewis, a panel discussion, and time for open discussion. Join the event using this link.
- The state's 36th annual celebration will be held online at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 17.
- The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will host its annual celebration from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 17, at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center on Nicollet Avenue.
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Minneapolis Community and Technical College is hosting a virtual event featuring student essays about Martin Luther King, Jr. at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20.
Learn more about new BIPOC Employee Resource Group
All employees are invited to learn more about a new Employee Resource Group (ERG) that will serve as a resource for those interested in supporting and networking with staff who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). The BIPOC ERG is in the process of being recognized by the Met Council. Once that occurs, staff will be able to commit paid time to attending group meetings and other group-related activities.
Virtual kickoff meetings will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18 (add to your calendar), and at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 19 (add to your calendar). For more information, email Victoria Dan at Victoria.Dan@MetroTransit.org.
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If you’ve heard us talk recently about construction of the METRO Green Line’s extension out to Eden Prairie, you may have noticed that we no longer call the segment Southwest LRT. Southwest light rail was the name for the project as it went through all the phases of planning, approval, and groundbreaking, and we are now shifting our focus to look ahead toward the completed line, connecting Saint Paul and Minneapolis to St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie.
The Green Line Extension reminds us that these additional 14.5 miles of light rail will connect our region like never before. This investment connects one city to the next, creating jobs for people from across Minnesota, building homegrown economies, and providing reliable transportation for thousands of residents.
Check out our website for more on the Green Line Extension.
Keeping track of construction
We made a lot of progress on construction last year – the structures and station construction phase is 60% complete – and you can watch the transformation for yourself in the 2021 Year in Review video (4 min.). More than 200,000 cubic yards of concrete and nearly 95 miles of piles have been installed, 11 of the 16 stations are under construction, and the first tracks are in place.
Looking ahead, 2022 will bring continued station construction, more track, work on bridges and underpasses, street reconstruction, and more.
One thing that has been clear during construction is that big projects have big challenges, as has been shown across the country with other infrastructure projects of this scale. As the Green Line Extension has progressed, we acknowledge we have not kept you – our employees – better informed, and we are committed to providing more information moving forward. Keep an eye on The Wire for future updates, or sign up to receive construction updates by email or text.
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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 (Jan. 6), which includes:
- To comply with new OSHA requirements, the Met Council implemented changes to our COVID-19 Face Coverings Procedure and COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Requirement Procedure, effective Jan. 10. See email for details.
- Teleworking staff should continue working remotely until further notice. The Met Council will give employees at least 30 days' notice prior to fully transitioning employees back into the office, and no return-to-office date has been set at this time.
- Reminders and resources:
- Staff must follow the COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Requirement Procedure if they will be onsite for any reason for more than 10 minutes. Submit proof of vaccination in Employee Self Service (ESS).
- 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 ESS.
- The Met Council established the COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave Procedure in November to assist vaccinated employees if they cannot work for COVID-19-related reasons.
- Teleworking staff must complete two required trainings in Learn before their teams implement their new work schedules. Check the Telework Transition FAQ page on MetNet for information on technology, workspaces, planning, and more.
Tools to help you find vaccine appointments:
COVID-19 testing:
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In 1970, the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the first of four Super Bowls the team would lose during the decade. Gary Trudeau’s comic strip, Doonesbury, made its debut. Houston hosted the first women’s-only professional tennis tournament. The U.S. celebrated the first Earth Day.
And Leigh Homstad started work at the Metropolitan Council, a fledgling planning agency created by the Minnesota Legislature just three years earlier. He had graduated from Carleton College in 1967 with a degree in English and spent two years in the U.S. Army, including combat service in Vietnam. After returning home to Eau Claire, he started making the rounds at various employers in the Twin Cities and was soon snatched up by the Met Council’s small communications department.
Last week, Leigh put down his "red pencil" for the last time and retired, having served longer than almost any Met Council employee – surpassed only by a former employee who worked here for 53 years, starting with a predecessor of Metro Transit.
In the first decades, Leigh wrote for and edited various Met Council newsletters. But over time he became the department’s go-to employee for editing longer, more complex reports and policy documents, including many iterations of the Met Council’s Regional Development Guide and system policy plans.
The rewards of his work have been many. "I like learning about topics that I’m not familiar with, and I enjoy working with people and learning to negotiate editorial changes," he said. "I enjoy problem solving, and that’s a lot of what editing is, really."
Leigh served under 9 governors and 17 chairs and saw the agency’s workforce grow from about 200 in 1970 to more than 4,000 today.
In that time, the tools and methods used to communicate with our stakeholders have changed, and our jobs are more complex than they were, Leigh reflected. But the goals of clarity and building understanding and consensus for action have remained.
Read Leigh's full story on MetNet and hear tributes from current and former Met Council employees.
Anthony Payne, Helper
Anthony Payne, a helper at Nicollet Garage with 23 years of service, recently passed away from complications related to COVID-19.
Payne was remembered by his eldest daughter, Crystal Ross, as a hardworking, family-oriented man who never took anything too seriously and was happy to help anyone in need. “He was always willing to lend a hand,” Ross said. “Even if he didn’t have a hand to lend, he found a way.”
Reflecting his strong work ethic, Ross said many of the photos she and her siblings have shared since Payne’s passing show him in his tan work uniform.
Payne was a father of six children – Crystal, Anthony, Natalie, Michael, Brea, and Nashon – and had four grandchildren. Outside of work, he enjoyed cars, riding his motorcycle and cooking.
Ross said Payne was diagnosed with COVID-19 in late-November and went to the hospital soon after. He was described by medical workers as one of the hardest fighters they’d seen, she said, but a combination of factors took its toll.
Services were held on Dec. 22 in Minneapolis.
This in memoriam was originally shared in Insights on Dec. 17.
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John Humphrey, Deputy COO-Rail
John Humphrey, who began his career as a second-generation bus operator nearly 33 years ago, passed away last week.
John was among the first train operators who helped begin light rail service. After serving in rail supervisory and management roles, he became deputy chief operating officer-rail in 2014. Co-workers remember John for his persistent smile, generosity, and leadership.
"He had such a depth of experience in the organization," remembered Adam Harrington, director of service development. "He had an understanding of the operator and customer experience that was really invaluable as a leader."
John is survived by his wife, Kim; six children; and five grandchildren. Additional information about John's life and career will be shared at a later time.
Services were held on Jan. 6 in Oakdale.
This in memoriam was originally shared in Insights on Dec. 31.
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Support available
Free counseling services are available through Sand Creek, our employee assistance program. For more information, call 888-243-5744 or visit SandCreekEAP.com. To sign up for the member portal, use company code "metcouncil."
2022 calendars on MetNet for payroll and other programs
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Head to the Payroll MetNet site and download the 2022 payroll calendar to make sure your own calendar is complete with this year's paydays and holidays.
You can also visit MetNet for the master internal calendar for the Met Council, where you'll find dates for Council and committee meetings, paydays, holidays, and internal programming and events.
Note that general holidays are marked on both calendars, but employees should check their own benefits plan or bargaining unit for which holiday dates they receive.
Check out these other internal calendars on MetNet for program-specific events and trainings:
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MentoringWorks info session tomorrow
Join a virtual information session tomorrow to learn more about the MentoringWorks program. MentoringWorks committee members will discuss details of the program and show how you can leverage it to achieve your career objectives.
MentoringWorks info session
Wednesday, Jan. 12, 10 to 11 a.m.
Microsoft Teams (use this link to join)
Applications to become a mentor or mentee will be accepted from Jan. 12 through Feb. 4 for the six-month program that will begin March 1. Visit the MentoringWorks MetNet site to learn more about the program and submit your application. Email MentoringWorks@metc.state.mn.us if you have any questions.
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Teleworkers: LOD can help you maximize your remote work
LOD is offering two instructor-led, online classes for employees working remotely and managers and supervisors with teleworkers on their team. See the Career Enrichment flyer for enrollment instructions (PDF). Need help enrolling? Email Learn@metc.state.mn.us if you need assistance.
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Open to those with direct reports: Still Remote: Supervising & Staying Connected with Your Virtual Teams, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. In this class, managers will identify ways to manage off-site employees’ results, rather than their day-to-day activities, and gain tips to facilitate meetings that engage and direct staff using brain-based strategies.
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Open to everyone: Still Remote: Staying Successful in a Remote Work Environment, Wednesday, Jan. 26, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Attending this class will help employees understand the common challenges to being productive in remote work environments and identify strategies to combat pitfalls, improve efficiency, and increase effectiveness.
Finalists named for open Council seat
The Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee has forwarded the names of three finalists for the open position for District 6 Council member to Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for consideration. Once the Governor has chosen a replacement, he will notify the Minnesota Senate of his intention to appoint a Council member to serve District 6, which includes the cities of Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, St. Louis Park, and a portion of Minneapolis.
The individuals being considered as finalists for the position (listed alphabetically and in no other priority order) are Anne Mavity, Aiysha Mustapha, and John Pacheco, Jr. To hear from these three finalists, watch the recording of the December interviews with all seven candidates.
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 December issue:
- From Chair Zelle: Pandemic and progress: 2021 in review
- Applications open for the METRO Blue Line Extension Anti-Displacement Workgroup
- Wastewater sampling at Metro Plant monitoring Omicron variant
- Solar-for-Vouchers pilot program wraps up with new housing units, lessons learned
- Parks Legacy Fund has big impacts on regional park development
Sheila Holbrook-White
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program Manager, Waiver Transportation
Metropolitan Transportation Services
Primary duties
To develop, deploy, and measure innovative pilots that connect persons with disabilities to their communities, while also leveraging new and additional funding that supports the sustainability of the critical contracted services managed by Metropolitan Transportation Services.
Started
Nov. 22
How does it feel to start a new job when many employees are working from home?
Having been a mobility manager for nearly three years in Washington County, I had a distinct advantage when I joined the Met Council: I had already worked with and collaborated with many of my current colleagues. They were great when we worked in person and now as we work in a hybrid setting.
Hometown
The suburbs of Washington, D.C. The "love affair" with transit started there when I used the Washington METRO to skip school.
Current residence
Saint Paul
Family
A lovely husband of 22+ years; two cats – both shelter adoptions – with whom we are privileged to live; and a ton of nieces, nephews, and godchildren who I have successfully managed to convince are each my very favorite.
Education
My educational background is in English, social work, and sociology – all academic concentrations that have enriched the transportation, organizing, and engagement work that has been my career.
Experience
I've worked on mobility issues across the country. Working with faith community and economic development leaders in a very rural Alabama county to create mobility options for very low-income residents with children to get to work and training was my initial entry into transportation – still a banner experience. In Texas, I partnered with key stakeholders to pilot a person-centered transportation initiative that provided low-income older adults and persons with disabilities with a choice in transportation services and the financial supports to connect to their communities. Here in Minnesota, I collaborated with Transit Link to close the significant mobility gap between Washington County residents and the Fairview Lakes Medical Center in neighboring Chisago County – an initiative that highlighted the mission and strengths of partners that had not traditionally worked together.
Other interests
Volunteering with innovative organizations that are actively addressing food insecurity using an equity lens; riding horses; hiking; and attempting to ski while remaining vertical ... I love the first and am much better at the riding and hiking than what appears to be skiing.
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Years of Service
20 Years
Phil Walljasper, Director, Risk Management
15 Years
John Lee, Technical Support Specialist 3, Information Services
10 Years
Joe Selander, HRA Inspector, Metro HRA
5 Years
Sam Ntor-ue, Applications Developer 3, Information Services
Jon Tao, Equal Opportunity Consultant 3, Office of Equal Opportunity
New Staff
Brian Pilon, Dec. 6, Equal Opportunity Consultant 3, Office of Equal Opportunity
Brian Jorgensen, Dec. 20, Senior Communications Specialist, Communications
Ramain Gohar, Dec. 27, Equal Opportunity Consultant Supervisor, Office of Equal Opportunity
Kao Moua, Dec. 27, Accountant, Finance
Ashley Whiting, Jan. 10, Talent Acquisition Specialist 1, Human Resources
Bethany Brandt-Sargent, Jan. 18, Senior Planner, Metropolitan Transportation Services
Kelsey Schultz, Jan. 18, Training Specialist, Human Resources
Gretchen White, Jan. 18, Director of Infrastructure and Operations, Information Services
Departures
Adedayo Adeniran, Dec. 11, Associate Project Manager, Information Services
Linnae Nelson-Seys, Dec. 22, Workforce Development Coordinator, Human Resources
Deborah Manning, Jan. 1 (retiring), Assistant Manager, Plant Engineering, Environmental Services
Leigh Homstad, Jan. 4 (retiring), Principal Communications Specialist, Communications
James Gonsoski, Jan. 8 (retiring), Applications Developer 3, Information Services
Cool photo Really cold photo
On his way to work a few years ago, Neil Brogger, material planner in Metro Transit, was in the right place at the right time and captured this remarkable photo of a sun dog, an atmospheric optical phenomenon. Sun dogs are most common on very cold days, as sunlight refracts off ice crystals floating in the air and – in this case – creates a perfect circle around the sun as it's near the horizon.
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 to 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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