From General Manager Wes Kooistra
With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, ongoing workforce challenges, and the snowy and cold weather, I want to reiterate how much I appreciate everything you’re doing to manage and work through the challenges we’re facing. I sincerely thank you.
With so much going on, I wanted to provide a few brief updates to catch you up on some recent events.
Welcoming a new Deputy General Manager – Chief Operating Officer
This week, I was proud to introduce Brian Funk as our next Deputy General Manager-Chief Operating Officer. I want to say again how excited I am that Brian is taking on this new leadership role. He is a proven, tireless leader who cares deeply about our employees and the success of transit in our region. Congratulations, Brian!
Mental health
As a society, we’ve done a lot to destigmatize mental illness and mental health needs. It’s also been encouraging to see us expand on the resources we offer through Fit For Life and initiatives like the Red Kite Project, which help build resiliency among operators.
Some of us have personal struggles with mental health. Chances are many of us experience mental illness among our family members and friends. We also may experience short-term mental health and wellness challenges due to the loss of loved ones, increased work demands, and disruptions and limitations to valued daily routines.
So, I again encourage you to use the resources that are available, including the upcoming January 26 session on grief and loss (details below).
Engagement survey
We received more than 1,300 responses to our recent Employee Engagement & Satisfaction Survey – thank you!
Responses will be reviewed and summarized over the coming weeks, and we look forward to sharing what we heard.
This survey is an important source of input for our Great Workplace Project, and we will be providing more opportunities to share feedback and improve our work culture through this effort in the coming weeks.
State Legislature
The 2022 State Legislature will begin meeting at the end of this month to work out the details of infrastructure investments and public safety measures, among other issues. It remains far too soon to even guess what will happen before the session ends in March, but we have a good start! Gov. Walz has proposed a $2.7 billion infrastructure package that includes $60 million for Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (ABRT) projects.
On the policy side, we plan to again advocate for an administrative citation bill that would provide an alternative to the current penalty for fare evasion.
Coupled with the expansion of our Community Service Officer program, now underway, this law change would help provide a more equitable approach to fare enforcement and improve safety by increasing our official presence on transit.
As the session proceeds, we will be asked to provide a lot of information under very short time frames. Thank you in advance to all of you who support the legislative process by providing timely responses to these requests.
Sand Creek Presents: Grief and Loss
All employees are invited to attend an online session about responding to feelings of grief and loss with self-care and coping strategies. The session will be led by Sand Creek counselor Chrissy Eberly and will run from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26.
Employees can access free Sand Creek services, including short-term counseling and professional counselor referrals, at any time. For more information, call 1-888-243-5744 or visit sandcreekeap.com (company code: metcouncil).
Add the January 26 session to your calendar
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Brian Funk, who will soon celebrate 20 years with Metro Transit, will serve as the agency’s next deputy general manager-chief operating officer. Funk has filled the role in an acting capacity since Vince Pellegrin retired last summer.
The deputy general manager-chief operating officer helps develop budgets, leads labor negotiations and coordinates emergency procedures, among other responsibilities.
“From experience, I know there are hardworking and talented people across the organization who are eager to take us into the future,” Funk said. “One of the most exciting parts of this role is the chance to support and celebrate that work.”
Funk’s career in transit began as a city bus operator while working on his degree at Iowa State University. He joined Metro Transit in 2002 as a Transit Control Center supervisor and has served as an assistant transportation manager, garage manager, assistant director-field operations, and director of light rail operations.
Funk was named deputy chief operating officer-bus in 2016. That position will be posted soon. Other leadership positions in bus and rail transportation will be filled in the coming months.
Funk served as the executive sponsor for the Metropolitan Council’s first Employee Resource Group, Advancing Women in Transit, and has served as a mentor through the Council’s MentoringWorks program. He is a 2019 graduate of Leadership APTA and in 2020 was recognized by the Minnesota Public Transit Association as the state’s transit professional of the year.
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Two longtime operators celebrate their retirements
Two longtime operators celebrated their retirements this week.
• Train operator Harry Mandik, above left, retired with 35 years of service. A St. Paul native, Mandik began as a part-time bus operator at the old Snelling Garage. After 17 years as a bus operator and relief instructor, he joined the first group of operators who moved to light rail. He’s worked on the Green Line since it opened in 2014.
Mandik went his entire career without a responsible collision, won two Rail Rodeos and placed second in three consecutive Bus Roadeos. In 2021, he was named the Minnesota Public Transit Association’s Operator of the Year. This award reflected both his skills and his role as a leader among his peers.
Mandik is the last remaining train operator from the first group that came to light rail. In retirement, he plans to spend more time volunteering and pursuing other interests like personal finance, home architecture and bicycling. “This job has provided a good wage and steady employment for 35 years,” he said. “I’ve done pretty well so now it’s time to give back.”
• East Metro Operator Kelly McKee, above right, retired with 34 years of service. McKee grew up in Iowa and moved to Minnesota looking for work. After a few years at a big box store, he began working as a school bus operator, then came to Metro Transit as a part-time operator at what was then known as the Shingle Creek Garage.
Through the decades, McKee has worked at every garage except South. In retirement, he plans to take a road trip across the United States with his wife.
Congratulations to these employees on their recent anniversaries
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Demetre Muhammad, Operator-Heywood
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Richard Timmins. TIC Representative
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Tanya Young, Train Operator
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David Peterson, Operator-South
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Robert Doerfler, Police Officer (Part Time)
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William Koch, Police Officer (Part Time)
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William Schlumbohm, Police Officer (Part Time)
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Scott Bergevin, Lead Schedule Display Coordinator
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Jeff Freeman, Senior Project Coordinator, Engineering & Facilities
As referenced in last week's Insights, the Omicron surge is being felt across the agency -- almost 270 cases have been reported by staff in January, far exceeding any prior month.
The above chart shows the total number of cases among Metro Transit staff by month. For more detailed information, see the latest COVID-19 case data by worksite.
Here are a few notable updates from this week:
- The CDC and MDH updated their guidelines for quarantine and isolation, which the Met Council is using to determine our return-to-work guidelines. Read more in the latest COVID-19 update for employees.
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Public health officials say people should be wearing the "most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently," and that more protective N95s or KN95s should be worn in higher-risk indoor settings.
- N95s and KN95s are now available for employees through managers and supervisors upon request; additional styles will be available soon.
- Masks are eligible for HRA reimbursement if they are purchased for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- Free N95s will be made available at pharmacies and community health centers beginning next week.
- To be most effective, masks need to be fitted properly. Cup your hands around the outside edges of the mask and check to see if air is flowing from the area near your eyes or the sides of the mask.
- Any mask is better than no mask. But cloth masks, scarves and neck gaiters provide the lowest levels of protection.
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Due to high demand, HealthPartners is only testing those with symptoms or who are in a prioritized testing group. All Metro Transit employees can continue to access testing, even if not experiencing symptoms, by using the employer code 10397 -- use this link to schedule an appointment online.
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Free at-home tests can now be ordered online. Please note these tests cannot be used to meet weekly testing requirements.
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Welcome to these new bus operators, who recently completed their training at the Instruction Center. From left to right: Gwendolyn Stewart, LaTonya Williams and Martin Rock.
Nine operators are currently in training at the Instruction Center and more than two-dozen candidates passed their interviews at one-day hiring events held earlier this week.
As recruitment efforts continue, service adjustments that will take effect in March will further reduce the number of operators needed to provide reliable service.
As a reminder, employees who refer successful bus operator candidates will receive a $600 bonus. Learn more at metrotransit.org/drive.
Lives: Bloomington
Years of service: Nearly 10
How did you come to work at Metro Transit and what do you do?
I used to be a tool distributor and went to the garages where I would talk to the mechanics, who told me how nice it was to work here. When I closed my tool business, I became a part-time operator and drove on weekends. After six months, I liked it so much I went full-time. When the Green Line opened in 2014, I became a train operator.
What do you like the most about being “On the Clock”?
Interacting with the public. Everybody is different, but you treat everybody the same. Growing up on Lake Street, I’ve been around people from all walks of life all my life. My dad had a car dealership on Lake Street at Portland where the Route 21 stopped. I grew up working on cars at the dealership, and I went to school for auto body repair. When I was working for my dad and myself, I didn’t have to answer to anybody, but I didn’t have any benefits. Being an operator can feel a little bit like working for yourself, too, but you also get the benefits.
What are your favorite activities when you’re “Off the Clock?”
I ran my first marathon about the time I closed my tool business. I was about 50 pounds overweight, and my doctor told me we'd better do something about it, so I started running. After adopting a healthier lifestyle, I lost the weight, my sleep apnea went away, and my blood pressure and cholesterol numbers were perfect.
I ran in the Twin Cities Marathon for the first time in 2007 and am looking forward to running it for the 15th time this fall. My best finish was four hours 30 minutes in the 2012 race. And, I just completed my 23rd marathon in Hawaii where I happened to meet new Deputy Regional Administrator Georges Gonzalez at the starting line. It was a small group, and I heard someone saying they were moving to St. Paul. I asked him if he would be taking the Green Line and said, "That’s where I work." We got a good picture at the starting line!
In the summer, I also serve as an umpire for slow-pitch softball in Apple Valley, Bloomington and Eagan. I think my active lifestyle has helped me stay healthy throughout COVID.
Above right: Collins with Deputy RA Georges Gonzalez at the Maui Oceanfront Marathon.
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The Black History Month Committee is inviting employees to participate in an online talent contest to help celebrate Black History Month. To participate, employees are invited to submit short videos showing their talents as soon as possible. The videos will be shared during events that will be hosted on Fridays in February, which is Black History Month.
Videos can be uploaded to YouTube or shared through OneDrive with Traci Williamson and Drew Kerr. For more information, contact committee members Traci Williamson, Devona Love or Demetre Muhammad.
Employees are also invited to order a "soulful dinner" to enjoy during the Friday, Feb. 25, event. Pre-order online here.
Heywood Operator Vedric Amos recently received a commendation for helping an elderly customer.
This driver was extremely nice to everyone onboard. He went out of his way to help an elderly woman board with lots of bags in her hands. He also made sure she could get off the bus safely.
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Help create a new Veterans ERG: Rail Safety Officer Rick Taylor separated from the U.S. Air Force a decade ago. But that experience, he says, remains an ever-present part of his identity. And he knows other veterans can relate. So, Taylor is hoping to start a new Employee Resource Group (ERG) that would give veterans and others with military connections a way to share information and support one another. The group, like all ERGs, would be open to all employees. Once recognized by the Council, group members would be allowed to dedicate paid time to meetings and related activities. For more information, please email Rick Taylor.
W-2s now available in Employee Self Service (ESS): W-2s are now available in Employee Self Service (ESS). If you have not consented to receive this information electronically, login to ESS and follow the instructions to do so. Employees who do not access their W-2 through ESS will receive this document in the mail soon. Questions can be directed to payroll@metc.state.mn.us.
Complete health assessment, earn $40: Employees who complete HealthPartners annual health assessment will receive a $40 gift card. The online assessment poses questions about nutrition, exercise, emotional health, life satisfaction, and sleep. After completing the survey, you will get specific recommendations to improve your health and wellbeing. Responses to the assessment are only shared with the Council as combined data for the organization. To complete the assessment, visit HealthPartners.com/wellbeing and log in with your HealthPartners account.
Learn more about 2020 Census results: The U.S. Census Bureau released new data from the 2020 Census in August, and you might be wondering what we learned or how it can be applied to your work. Community Development's research team is hosting two upcoming webinars where they will discuss the data, trends in racial diversity, and the accuracy and effects of the pandemic and political interference. The Research department will also share resources and offer more detailed consultation on census information and how it applies to your work. For more information, email Research@metc.state.mn.us.
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