|
Notes from Charlie Zelle
Met Council Chair
Since announcing the Councilwide Culture Assessment initiative to staff in August, we have had meaningful discussions with individual employees and leaders about what the project means, what the survey will entail, how we can get high participation across the organization, and what will happen with the results.
Thank you to our executives and those on the Culture Survey Taskforce for engaging in conversation, asking questions, and helping make sure this is the most effective it can be.
To make sure we have the pieces in place to get the most from this effort, we have decided to postpone the survey and slow down the process.
I am committed to making this the best workplace possible for our current and future employees. This will be the most comprehensive assessment we’ve ever done, but it will only be successful if we get high participation, have the right people at the table, and create a clear pathway toward implementing the changes that we will see are needed.
We will be finalizing and communicating new dates soon, but it will likely move to the first quarter of 2024, to avoid conflicting with the busy schedule of internal programming over the next few months.
In the meantime, we will work closely with the taskforce and our leaders across the organization to carefully plan for the survey rollout, analysis of the results, and prioritization of the outcomes.
With this pause, we have time to be more planful and we are committing even more strongly to this assessment and creating space for positive change.
I look forward to bringing this survey to you all soon and diving into challenging conversations as we work together to make this a better place to work.
|
|
|
A thought for the day …
"September days are here,
With summer's best of weather,
And autumn's best of cheer."
– An excerpt from September by Helen Hunt Jackson (1830–1885), American poet, writer, and activist
|
|
In this issue
The Met Council has a new, one-stop solution for managing digital assets. On Sept. 1 we moved from Asset Bank (our former digital image library) to a new software solution by Intelligence Bank, which we are calling the Creative Asset Library. This new library will be a centralized solution for all creative assets used by Met Council employees, including templates, logos, icons, photos, and other assets.
Why the move?
After 13 years of service with the old platform, we needed to go through the procurement process and rebid. We found a new vendor that will give us more functionality and add-ons. This includes better integration into our other programs and employee workflows, and enables staff to grab assets directly within applications like Word and PowerPoint.
All current photos from the Asset Bank system have been migrated to the Creative Asset Library.
Accessing the new library
You can navigate to the system through:
-
Direct link: metc.intelligencebank.com. It may be helpful to bookmark this site if you’re a frequent user.
- MetNet: In the top navigation menu, go to Workplace Resources > Create Content > Creative Asset Library.
- Microsoft 365 waffle menu: You’ll find the IntelligenceBank app through the menu in the upper left corner when accessing web browser versions Microsoft 365 applications and MetNet.
You can access the site using your Met Council network login by clicking on the “Single Sign On User? Login here” button under the username and password fields.
Key features of the new system
-
Photos reorganized into new subject folders
-
Embed images and share to other Met Council websites through a Content Delivery Network link
- Preset download options
- Single sign-on for all employees
- Open access to all employees with Microsoft accounts
Additional features coming in September:
-
New filter options that will help you find photos faster
-
Printable templates that will allow for self-service products (posters, flyers, digital graphics, etc.)
-
New connector within Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Excel that will allow you to access assets through the Microsoft Office applications
-
Brand guidelines section
The project team will host info sessions on Thursday, Sept. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 26, where you can learn more about the new software solution and ask questions. Watch for meeting details soon. In the meantime, contact Shawn Jacobson, Communications, at shawn.jacobson@metc.state.mn.us or Sharon Feiner, Metro Transit Creative Services, at sharon.feiner@metrotransit.org with questions.
Human Resources is partnering with Information Services and the security teams to upgrade our employee badges and give employees the opportunity to update their badge photo.
Due to new card access technology, all Met Council employees will receive new badges in 2024. Along with this technology upgrade, we are urging all employees – especially those hired before 2020 – to submit an updated badge photo so it is more accurate to their current appearance. This will help provide better security for everyone onsite.
Over the years, HR has heard from staff who want to update their photo, and now with this new technology platform we can more easily facilitate a large photo refresh for staff.
Timeline for updating photos
Between now and the end of 2023, staff can submit a new passport-style photo to HR via Employee Self Service. Due to the volume of requests we expect to see, HR is setting the end-of-year deadline and then new badges will be distributed throughout 2024.
Please note that as per the Met Council’s badge ID procedure (PDF), you can get an updated badge for other reasons as needed, such as if your image has sufficiently changed, your name has changed, or you have lost your badge.
How to update your badge photo
Follow these steps to submit a passport-style photo for your badge:
- Log into Employee Self Service (ESS) using your Met Council Microsoft account.
- Navigate to the METC Photo Upload page by clicking on Personal Information in the menu.
- Click the “Add” button to choose and upload your photo, making sure it follows the guidelines from HR.
- Click “Submit.”
For more details, review the full photo upload instructions (PDF).
After you submit your photo, HR will review the photo to make sure it meets the photo criteria, and you will receive an email confirmation. If HR denies your submitted photo, they will tell you which guideline you didn’t meet and invite you to upload a new photo.
Once approved, your new badge will be created and delivered in 2024. You will receive instructions at that time for returning your old badge.
Onsite photo sessions in Metro Transit
Employees in Bus Operations, Bus Maintenance, Rail Operations, Rail Maintenance, and Commuter Rail (Northstar) can get their photo taken onsite at designated times between Monday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 29. Bus and rail operators must wear their uniform for the photo.
Please see the bulletin posted at your facility for times and details.
Your manager or garage coordinator will submit the photo for you to HR, so all you have to do is show up in your uniform and get your photo taken.
Questions or assistance
If you have any questions about the photo criteria or need help uploading your photo to ESS, email the HR badge photo inbox for your division: hr-photorefreshtransit@metc.state.mn.us for staff in Metro Transit, or hr-photorefreshesra@metc.state.mn.us for staff in all other divisions.
If you have questions about the badge photo refresh project, email Jonathan Sitzer in Information Services at Jonathan.Sitzer@metc.state.mn.us.
The Met Council’s role as leaders of the COVID-19 wastewater surveillance research in the Twin Cities has ended as of Sept. 1. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will be taking over as the leader of viral extraction, lab analysis, and weekly public reporting for COVID-19. Staff in Environmental Services will provide twice-weekly wastewater samples to MDH and the University of Minnesota, who will use the new standardized national monitoring approach for all participating wastewater treatment plants across the state. The University of Minnesota will continue to update the public dashboard weekly. The MDH Public Health Laboratory will also implement a new assay to monitor wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 variants.
At the start of the pandemic, little was known about this new virus. The Research and Development team in Environmental Services stepped up and developed methods so our region's wastewater could provide information about where COVID-19 was spreading and how the virus was changing. Our teams long served as a strong partner in protecting public health.
We remain committed to being an active partner in wastewater-based epidemiology. We will continue to collaborate with MDH to contribute our knowledge about wastewater and wastewater surveillance as needed.
|
Join us for the final Benefits webinar of the year. This session will focus on flexible spending accounts (FSA) and planning for Open Enrollment, which will begin in October. FSAs allow you to use pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for expenses not paid for by other plans. These plans require enrollment each year.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Sept. 20, to learn more FSAs and which plans are available for Met Council employees, the substantiation process (specific guidelines established by the IRS), and how to access and manage these accounts to receive the most benefit.
Benefits series: FSAs
Wednesday, Sept. 20
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
Watch for an Outlook calendar invitation coming soon. These events are open-house style, so join as you can and bring your questions.
The Procurement department is facilitating a presentation from ProcurementIQ to demonstrate their market intelligence tool to Met Council business units. This tool provides reports or summaries on more than 1,000 business categories including buses, general construction products, chemicals, fuels, manufacturing components, and many others.
Users of the tool have reported being able to produce documents more efficiently, with a significant time reduction, such as independent cost estimates and price analyses. Others have been able to use the tool to better understand their negotiating position and efficiently assess contractor responsibility checks, contractor financials, and determine supply chain risk.
Procurement will facilitate two virtual demonstrations of the tool this month. Attend one of the sessions to learn more, ask questions, and offer feedback on the usefulness of this tool and how it can better support your business unit.
Tuesday, Sept. 12
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 26
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Please email Taleah Alldritt, intern, at taleah.alldritt@metc.state.mn.us for the Microsoft Teams invitation. If you have any questions before the presentation, please send them to the Contract Management Support unit at ContractManagementSupport@metc.state.mn.us.
|
As summer comes to a close, we’d like to thank some of the individuals who have made the past few months so special. Seventy interns joined us in late May to develop their professional skills and advance their learning through hands-on projects. It was inspiring to witness the talent, innovation, and adaptability they demonstrated through their work, and we’re thankful to have 21 interns staying on in the fall.
This summer also saw the continuation of the Met Scholars (formerly Urban Scholars) and Ability Internship programs. These 10-week experiences connect student interns and Met Council staff for an equitable and inclusive workforce experience. These programs are designed to help students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and abilities build a professional network and thrive in the public sector through systemic barriers.
The Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity hosted weekly sessions for students in these programs to learn about leadership, empowerment, systemic barriers, and other relevant subjects through curriculum and guest speaker presentations.
Niambi Shakir, senior equity consultant and one of the leaders of the Met Scholars and Ability programs, reflected on the positive impact of these programs.
“The sessions generated a sense of community, inclusion, accountability, and bravery,” she stated. “Thank you to our internal partners who collaborated with us on this work. Cheers to next year!”
Congratulations to all our interns on your accomplishments this summer. Your unique perspectives and skills are invaluable to our work, and we are so thankful you shared them with us. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors at the Met Council and beyond!
Looking ahead
Applications for next year’s internship program will open Monday, Nov. 13. This fall we will release a new promotional video for the internship page on the Met Council website. The video is informed by the insights of interns themselves, with Human Resources and Communications interns having assisted videographer Carol Critchley in the planning and filming of the video.
Communications intern Katie Craig said this experience has been one of her favorite parts of her internship.
“Working with Carol has been an honor and an incredible learning experience all around. I feel like I’ve made a significant contribution to the video, and I’m excited to see how it turns out.”
The video is expected to be posted in October. Keep an eye out to see the end result of this exciting project!
 Communications intern Eleanor Snee and Human Resources intern Estrella Serrano Ortiz film Regional Planning intern Yumi Kashihara for the new promotional video.
Join the Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) for an end-of-summer potluck!
|
In memoriam
Met Council employee Deb Driver passed away on Aug. 15 at the age of 67.
Deb joined the Met Council almost 10 years ago in 2013 and worked in the Risk Management department as a senior manager.
Her obituary shares that Deb dedicated nearly four decades to the workers’ compensation industry, cultivating a successful career and many friendships.
“Deb was such a wonderful person to work with and cared so much about her team and the Met Council. She was also one of the most thoughtful people I’ve ever met,” said Phil Walljasper, deputy regional administrator and enterprise risk officer.
“She knew the power of the department candy dish and made sure it was not only full, but full of everyone’s favorite. Such a great co-worker and friend to so many. She will be greatly missed.”
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, at 3:00 p.m. in Forest Lake.
As a reminder, free counseling services are available through our employee assistance program, Sand Creek. For more information, call 1-888-243-5744 or visit SandCreekEAP.com (to access online resources, log in with company code: metcouncil).
|
|
|
|
Thank you to all the staff members who supported the State Fair this year! The official attendance recorded 1,835,826 visitors.
Register for the Leadership Forum by Sept. 22
Registration is open for the Met Council’s 2023 management conference: Leadership Forum on Sexual Harassment!
General managers, directors, managers, and supervisors received an invitation email Aug. 15 with details on registering for one of the conference days and completing a pre-event assignment in Learn. Please review that information and get the link to register.
2023 Leadership Forum on Sexual Harassment
All managers and supervisors
Pick one: Monday, Oct. 23, or Tuesday, Oct. 24
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saint Paul RiverCentre
The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 22, but sessions have limited capacity so register soon to get the day you prefer! The pre-event assignment in Learn is due in October.
If you cannot attend, you must get your division director's approval to miss the training.
For questions or more information, email LeadershipForum@metc.state.mn.us.
|
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 monthly external newsletter, Metro Update.
Read these stories and more in the August issue:
- EPA awards Met Council $1 million for regional climate-related pollution reduction
- New grant program focuses on reducing inflow and infiltration from private pipes
- Comment on the METRO Blue Line Extension project environmental scope
- Find new homes for unclaimed items is a passion for Customer Relations staff
- Wastewater treatment plants achieve 100% permit limit compliance
From the Chair: Transit: Our commitment to excellence is paying off
It’s been a really encouraging few months at Metro Transit – we averaged more than 135,000 weekday rides in June and, of course, some big event days on Pride Weekend and the Taylor Swift and Beyoncé concerts. Ridership is up nearly 20% over last year.
Much of this improvement comes from investing in the people who operate our system and keep it safe and comfortable for riders. So far this year we’ve added nearly 300 new bus and train operators, and we’re continuing to staff up for future growth in our service. Metro Transit offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and will provide training to obtain the Commercial Driver’s License permit necessary to operate a transit vehicle.
Read the full August column from Chair Charlie Zelle.
|
|
Sunset cruise
Paul Wills, Traction Power supervisor, and his wife, Mary, took a slow pontoon ride around Little Pine Lake in Perham, Minnesota, near their cabin last fall as the sun slipped behind the trees.
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! Email the editor at TheWire@metc.state.mn.us.
Kelly Jameson
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Real Estate Director
Real Estate
|
Primary duties
I get involved with all of the real estate needs of the Met Council. My team helps acquire, lease, or use property needed for Met Council purposes. There are many transactions with Metro Transit and Environmental Services; however we are an important partner to Community Development and Transit-Oriented Development, too. My team also oversees the real estate needs of Regional Administration, including the facilities management of the Robert Street building. Since I started in August, I have discovered many different places Real Estate gets involved and continue to learn from my great team!
Started
Aug. 7
How does it feel to start a new job when many employees are working from home?
In my first few weeks, I have enjoyed coming to the office most days to meet many of the people I work with and have those informal conversations. This position was advertised as hybrid/remote, and I found that flexibility attractive. The Real Estate office team works mostly from home, and the facilities team works mostly onsite. In my last job, I did some training on how to effectively engage hybrid/online and so far have found things to be working great here at the Met Council.
Hometown
I grew up in Orono and graduated from Mound Westonka.
Current residence
Maple Grove
Family
My husband Brady and I have two children, Amelia, 10, and Stewart, 7. We also have two Boston terriers.
Education
I got my master’s in Business Administration from Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and my bachelor’s degree in real estate – business from St. Cloud State University. I also have my real estate license (inactive) and Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation from Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).
Experience
I started my career as a property manager for Welsh Companies (now Colliers) and United Properties (now Cushman and Wakefield) where I managed a mix of office, industrial, and retail properties across the Twin Cities. Then I went to go work for the Saint Paul Port Authority, as vice president of property development. In my work at the Port Authority, I managed our business centers, river shipping terminals, and oversaw brownfield redevelopment turning blighted industrial land into productive use through public-private partnerships and variety of local, state, and federal funding sources. While working at the Port Authority, I was teaching a night class at St. Cloud State University and, after my daughter was born, tried to quit the night class. The university made me an offer I could not refuse to quit the day job, and I spent my last 10 years at St. Cloud State University overseeing the real estate program and teaching a variety of real estate and finance courses.
Other interests
I enjoy spending time with family and getting outside to enjoy parks, trails, hiking, biking, and lakes. Before I had children, I was an endurance athlete and participated in many triathlon and running races, including five marathons and two half-ironman triathlons. My husband and I ran Berlin Marathon for our honeymoon. Now I'm lucky if I can get in a two-mile walk by myself, but I enjoy supporting my kids in hockey, basketball, theater, etc.!
Natalie Clark
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Talent Acquisition Specialist 1
Human Resources
|
Primary duties
I’ll be helping to take recruitments from posting to hire!
Started
Aug. 14
How does it feel to start a new job when many employees are working from home?
Starting a job remotely takes more intentional training, but I love working from home, so it’s worth it!
Hometown
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon. I recently moved to Minnesota from Eugene, Oregon.
Current residence
Saint Paul
Family
I am married – no kids or pets, but I love houseplants (unfortunately, I usually kill them).
Education
University of Oregon (‘Sco Ducks!)
Bachelor of Business Administration
Experience
Talent Acquisition Specialist – University of Oregon
HR Generalist – Franz Family Bakeries
Other interests
Exploring Saint Paul, reading, TV/movies (currently watching Yellowjackets), and taking classes.
Hearty congratulations to the following Met Council employees who celebrate major service milestones this month. This recognition includes Robert Street employees and Regional Administration employees working off-site. Read Insights and ES Update for recognition of Metro Transit and other Environmental Services employees.
The staffing updates are shared when they are made available by Human Resources.
Years of service
45 years
Roger Janzig, Senior Planner, Wastewater Planning and Community Programs, Environmental Services
15 years
Sara Landgreen, Manager, Information Services
10 years
Jeremiah Parel, HRA Inspector, Community Development
Krysten Ryba-Tures, Senior Researcher, Community Development
Matt Schroeder, Principal Researcher, Community Development
5 years
Kevin Bradford, Project Manager, Information Services
Heather Giesel, Finance and Administration Director, Community Development and Metropolitan Transportation Services
Caroline Griepentrog, Project Coordinator, Communications
James Paananen, Technical Support Specialist 1, Information Services
New staff
Natalie Clark, Aug. 14, Talent Acquisition Specialist 1, Human Resources
Jeff Jeska, Aug. 14, Organization Effectiveness Director, Information Services
Matthew Netland, Aug. 21, Infrastructure and Operations Director, Information Services
Rondi Sjoblom, Aug. 21, Accountant, Finance
Departures
Mauricio Leon Mendez, July 25, Senior Researcher, Community Development
Ernest Zahradka, Aug. 15, Manager, Information Services
Akeem Musa, Aug. 16, Principal Financial Analyst, Finance
Kevin Ely, Aug. 26, Senior Auditor, Program Evaluation and Audit
Retirements
Richard Michalak, Sept. 16, HRA Coordinator, Metro HRA
Terri Bopp, Sept. 30, Senior Manager, Human Resources
|
|
A bi-monthly publication for Metropolitan Council employees |
|
|
|
|
