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Fall is a busy time of year for internal programming at the Met Council! So to help you keep track of the various deadlines, events, and activities, we will include important dates near the top of each issue of The Wire for the next couple months.
Quick roundup of upcoming events and important dates:
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September – October = flu shot clinics at many Met Council facilities; check the onsite clinic schedule (PDF)
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Oct. 16 = annual employee recognition event; this year's event is in person and invite-only for award winners
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Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 = Leadership Forum on Sexual Harassment for all managers and supervisors (attendees pick one day to attend)
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Oct. 30 – Nov. 17 = annual Charitable Giving Campaign (see teaser below)
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Oct. 30 – Nov. 17 = Open Enrollment period (more details to come)
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Dec. 11 = performance evaluations due (see HR Connect)
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Dec. 31 = deadline for submitting a new photo for your employee badge
Remember you can always check the Councilwide calendar on MetNet for internal programming and events, as well as Met Council and committee meetings, pay days, and holidays.
Once there, you can also find quick links to other internal calendars on MetNet for program-specific events and trainings, like equity events and Fit For Life wellness events.
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A thought for the day …
"Rest and self care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel."
– Eleanor Brown, inspirational writer, public speaker, and educator
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In this issue
A new chief human resources officer will start Monday, Sept. 25. The Met Council welcomes Cassandra Tabor!
Cassandra is well known throughout the region as an executive who builds high-performing teams. With more than 23 years of human resources and organizational leadership experience, she specializes in organizational planning and workforce development. She also has advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of public personnel administration, change management, culture development, and class and compensation.
Before joining the Met Council, Cassandra served as director of Administrative Services at the City of Blaine, where she oversaw five divisions, including Human Resources, Communications, Clerk's Office, Senior Analyst, and Administrative Floats.
Her key responsibilities at the Met Council will include developing and executing human resources strategies that support the overall direction of the organization. She will also provide daily oversight to Human Resources functions, including talent acquisition, labor relations, learning, organization development, workforce development, occupational health, compensation, and benefits.
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Following up on the staff survey from August, Communications will continue holding focus groups throughout September and October on internal communications and various employee-focused tools. Topics include the four internal newsletters (The Wire, HR Connect, ES Update, and Insights), MetNet, bulletin boards, digital signage, and staff meetings. Thank you to those who have already participated!
We will be holding four focus groups the week of Oct. 2 that are open to anyone interested from any area of the Met Council.
Monday, Oct. 2, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., virtual
Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., Robert Street, Lower Level A Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., virtual
Thursday, Oct. 5, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Robert Street, Lower Level A
If you would like to participate in one of these focus groups, please fill out the Microsoft Form using the button below and indicate which session you’d like to attend. Communications will follow up with a confirmation and calendar invitation.
Additional dates may be added if interest and participation are high.
If you would like to invite the Communications team to a meeting with your work group, please contact Emma Sroda at emma.sroda@metc.state.mn.us. We will accommodate different shift times and dates, including early mornings and weekends, and virtual or onsite meetings.
Once completed, we will sort through the feedback from the focus groups and the survey, and we will present the results and initial planned changes later this year.
Last spring, Enterprise Content Management (ECM) transitioned out of Information Services and now reports to the enterprise risk officer. Since then, the team has added a new work unit, Knowledge Management.
The mission of the Knowledge Management group is to help make content and other knowledge assets accessible to people who need them, when they are needed, while prioritizing collaboration and communication among systems, individuals, and teams.
Together the Knowledge Management team and the existing Records Management team are tasked with helping Met Council staff efficiently capture, store, and retrieve information by implementing best practices while ensuring compliance with state and federal records management laws.
ECM is here to help you and your team! Check out this brief summary of services ECM provides and reach out for assistance. A more comprehensive overview can be found on ECM's MetNet page.
ECM services
Content migrations and consulting: Helping work groups streamline content workflows and migrating information from shared drives to, or between, platforms such as Application Enhancer, SharePoint (MetNet), and Teams.
AppEnhancer (AX) and Captiva support: Assisting staff with Application Enhancer requests including setting up new applications and troubleshooting technical issues.
Policies and procedures administration: Managing the policies and procedures program and assisting staff in drafting, approving, and publishing policies and procedures.
Retention schedule management: Working with all Met Council departments to ensure retention schedules are up to date and in compliance.
Physical record management: Managing offsite records storage, digitizing and indexing physical records, and providing logistical support.
If you would like to connect with ECM staff, please fill out a help request form or reach out using the ECM Teams Channel.
The Procurement team is continuing to offer quarterly trainings to educate staff on the policies and procedures to procure goods and services at the Met Council. Below is the full schedule for fourth quarter.
If you are interested in attending one of these virtual Ask Procurement sessions, add the event to your calendar or at the scheduled time use the link below to join on Microsoft Teams. If you have questions, email Tara Rasch at Tara.Rasch@metc.state.mn.us.
Ask Procurement: Small purchases
Thursday, Oct. 5, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join)
I need to buy something small – help! Learn when to use a P-Card vs. a requisition.
Ask Procurement: Contract management 101
Thursday, Oct. 12, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join)
This training will share project management tools and information on how our new support unit can help.
Ask Procurement: Conflict of interest
Thursday, Oct. 19, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join)
Understand where conflicts occur related to contracts and procurement.
Ask Procurement: Procurement 101
Thursday, Oct. 26, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join)
I need to purchase something, but what do I do? Learn the rules and procedures of completing procurements at the Met Council.
Ask Procurement: Sole source
Thursday, Nov. 2, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join)
Don’t force a sole source. Understand when, how, and why sole source contracts can be awarded – and when they cannot.
Ask Procurement: MCUB purchases
Thursday, Nov. 9, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join)
Support small and diverse businesses! How to find opportunities for underutilized organizations.
Ask Procurement: Procurement construction 101
Thursday, Nov. 16, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join)
Build it and they will come. Learn the rules around construction solicitations.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending anyone over six months of age get the newly approved COVID-19 booster shot, available through pharmacies and other providers.
"COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to give the body the ability to keep the virus from causing significant harm," the CDC director writes. "Extensive studies and real-world experience have shown that they are safe and they work."
The Met Council's Well@Work clinics are expected to offer COVID-19 booster shots in the coming weeks.
Flu shots are now available at the Well@Work clinics and are also being offered through a series of onsite clinics (PDF) for a few more weeks.
Friendly reminders:
- Stay home if you test positive for COVID-19 or are sick, and seek testing if you're experiencing symptoms or may have come in contact with someone with COVID-19.
- The state of Minnesota is once again offering free at-home tests. Every home in Minnesota is eligible to order four rapid at-home COVID-19 tests once a month for free, while supplies last.
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During the Met Council’s annual Charitable Giving Campaign, held each fall, employees are encouraged to sign up to have a portion of each paycheck directed to an eligible charity of their choice. The campaign also includes fundraising events, silent auctions, drawings, and more.
This year’s campaign will run from Monday, Oct. 30, to Friday, Nov. 17. Watch for more details in October!
Donate items to the silent auction
As part of the campaign, Metro Transit will host a silent auction, but all Met Council employees are welcome to participate by bidding on items and submitting items to be auctioned off. Bidding will be online, and items can be viewed on the auction website and in person at Heywood.
Start thinking – do you want to contribute any items to the silent auction?
Each year, individuals and teams provide themed baskets – large and small – to the silent auction. And new this year, the auction welcomes homemade craft items*.
Time to start planning your baskets! They are due by Oct. 24.
*If you would like to submit a homemade craft, please sign up – both so you stay committed and so organizers have an idea of the items and quantity that are expected. Examples of crafts include sewing, painting, canning food items, candles, jewelry, and woodworking (e.g., bird houses).
Join the Charitable Giving team
Interested in helping out? Area-specific teams plan out the events for their facilities or work areas, and together they form a cross-divisional committee that coordinates the entire campaign.
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On Sept. 1, the new Creative Asset Library launched, replacing the old platform with a centralized solution for all creative assets used by Met Council employees, including templates, logos, icons, photos, and more. An overview of the new software ran in the Sept. 5 edition of The Wire.
The project team is hosting two information sessions on the new software solution and the valuable features it offers to users. Bring your questions!
Thursday, Sept. 28 (add to calendar)
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
Thursday, Oct. 26 (add to calendar)
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
Questions can be directed to Shawn Jacobson, Communications, at shawn.jacobson@metc.state.mn.us or Sharon Feiner, Metro Transit Creative Services, at sharon.feiner@metrotransit.org.
In The Wire's second issue of the month, you'll find updates on cultural and heritage events. This feature aims to increase cultural awareness, foster inclusivity, and engage all Met Council employees. Special thanks to the Cultural and Heritage Embracement Committee and employee resource groups for providing content. For information or suggestions regarding cultural holidays or events, please email Suidi Hashi, associate outreach coordinator in Environmental Services, at Suidi.Hashi@metc.state.mn.us.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
In September, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. Mental health is a vital part of our well-being, and it's important that we create a safe space for conversations surrounding this topic. Learn more about Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and find resources.
Labor Day
Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the contributions of laborers to the U.S.
Rosh Hashanah
This year, Rosh Hashanah began at sundown on Friday, Sept. 15, and ended at sundown on Sunday, Sept. 17. Rosh Hashanah, literally the “head of the year,” is the Jewish New Year. It is a time of inner renewal and divine atonement. The two-day celebration is held annually on the first and second days of Tishrei – the first month of the Jewish year. Find more information on Rosh Hashanah.
Yom Kippur
The 10 Days of Awe end with Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. This year, the holiday will be observed from sundown on Sunday, Sept. 24, through sunset on Monday, Sept. 25. Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day of the Jewish year. Read more about Yom Kippur.
Pride potluck Sept. 30
Join the Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) for an end-of-summer potluck!
End-of-summer potluck
Saturday, Sept. 30
Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
Tacos will be provided; however, participants are encouraged to sign up and bring a dish to share! Questions can be directed to PrideERG@metc.state.mn.us.
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October celebrations
Other upcoming events include:
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Filipino-American Heritage Month
- Indigenous People's Day (Oct. 9)
- National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11)
- White Cane Safety Day (Oct. 15)
- International Pronouns Day (Oct. 18)
- Halloween and Día de los Muertos (Oct. 31 and Nov. 1)
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.
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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.
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
An Outlook calendar invite was sent to staff last week. These events are open-house style, so join as you can and bring your questions.
Managers: Register by Friday for the Leadership Forum
All general managers, directors, managers, and supervisors must attend the Met Council's management conference: Leadership Forum on Sexual Harassment.
Managers received an invitation email Aug. 15 and reminder emails 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 this 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.
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 Sun-sational
During the rail shutdown between Terminal 2 and the Mall of America on Aug. 16, 2022, Michaela Ahern, service analyst, Metro Transit, captured this photo at sunrise while serving as a Metro Transit ambassador helping riders get from trains to the bus bridge.
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.
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Casey Hamill
Systems Engineer 1
Information Services
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Primary duties
I am one of the new engineers in the Networking team.
Started
Aug. 28
What has the transition been like starting this new job?
This has been a bit of a culture shock for me as I have lived and worked in rural Minnesota for my entire career. Navigating the cities and parking has been an exciting event for me.
Hometown
I was born in Chicago and lived in the Twin Cities until I was 13 when we moved to Pine City.
Current residence
I live just outside of Milaca.
Family
My wife, Kim, and I are animal people. We have many pets from dogs and cats to chickens that refuse to lay an egg to random wildlife that moves through the property. We have a bear that comes to visit a couple of times a year. He ransacks all the feeders and moves on.
Experience
I have been in the information technology field for over 20 years. I am excited to put my skills to use in a new environment.
Other interests
I have many interests including motorcycles, cars, and Jeeps. If it has an engine and wheels, I’m probably into it. Other things include adventures with my dogs and wife, cooking, and house restoration.
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A bi-monthly publication for Metropolitan Council employees |
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