Jan. 23, 2023

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Reminder: Take the Culture Survey

Notes from Charlie Zelle Met Council Chair Our Councilwide Culture Survey opened last week. It’s an important way for you to let us know what’s working and what we can improve. Watch a short video on the importance of sharing your voices in the Culture Survey. I’m committed to making the Met Council one of the best places to work. But I need your help. We can only make real change if we work together. We need to hear from all of you! Thank you to the members of the Culture Survey Taskforce for their work in promoting the survey to our teams. A special thanks to Metro Transit folks for making sure that our frontline staff have access to the survey and understand the process of taking the survey on paid time.  As of Friday, Jan. 19, we are at a 27% Councilwide response rate with 1,084 online survey responses. However, this does not include the printed surveys from Metro Transit that have yet to be counted. Let’s continue the momentum this week. A few important details you should know: The survey is anonymous. Our vendor, Employee Strategies, will be collecting the survey information and providing us with a summary. The vendor will only be providing data based on one or two criteria, which should prevent combining data in a way that could identify individual responses. Confidentiality is critical to this process, and we want you to tell us your experiences. You should use work time to take the survey. This is one of the most important things we can do to steer the Met Council on the right path forward. You can access the survey from any computer or smartphone. Paper surveys will be available for Metro Transit staff who don’t regularly access a computer for their work. In addition, Metro Transit employees who can’t access the survey on their regular shift will receive an additional 15 minutes of paid time to complete it. Learn more on the MetNet FAQ page. You should have received an email (and a reminder) from the vendor’s Survey Monkey account with the link to take the survey (if you have a work-related, Met Council email). The email will include the image below. This email is safe. Use the link when you’re ready to take the survey – you should only need seven or eight minutes to complete it. You should have also received a postcard in the mail at home with a QR code you can use to take the survey. Either method works, we’re just hoping to make it easy and accessible for you.

• The survey is open through 5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31. But don’t delay! We have ambitious participation goals and we need your input! Watch for onsite events to encourage participation and encourage your colleagues to take the survey, too.

We want to make changes. We know we need to make changes, but it only works if we hear from everyone.

Now go take the survey!

A thought for the day …

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn."
– Hal Borland (1900–1978), American writer, journalist and naturalist

In this issue

• New Lactation Support Procedure
• W-2s now available in Employee Self Service
• Regional Administration town hall Feb. 7
• Retain books from fifth floor library by Feb. 13

New Lactation Support Procedure

A new Councilwide Lactation Support Procedure has been published. This procedure, supporting lactating employees and their families, is part of our commitment to advance equity and build a more respectful workplace. The Met Council recognizes the health and wellbeing benefits provided by human milk for infants and milk expression for lactating people, so we want to support those who choose to express milk in the workplace during work hours. The procedure describes lactation support roles and responsibilities to ensure all lactating employees have equitable access to lactation time, private space, resources, and workplace emotional support. The procedure also provides practical guidance to ensure each person’s different workplace lactation needs are met. The procedure is aligned with Minnesota’s workplace protections for expectant and new parents expanded in July 2023 and is also aligned with the federal PUMP ACT, or Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act, which became law in 2022. Read about tips for speaking with your employer, and answers to frequently asked questions on the Department of Labor and Industry’s website. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, supporting breastfeeding or chest-feeding employees in the workplace has bottom-line benefits for employers including: Supports work/life balance Decreases employee absences Lowers healthcare costs Reduces turnover rates Improves productivity and loyalty Contributes to an employer’s positive reputation and workplace culture For previous updates on the Lactation Support Project, read the Aug.8 and Aug. 23 editions of The Wire. Met Council recognized as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace On Jan. 4, the Met Council received recognition from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace. The Met Council’s Lactation Parent Support Team has been working toward this recognition since 2021. The MDH recognizes workplaces and county health departments that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding families by creating a workplace lactation support program. View a full list of Breastfeeding Friendly locations. The Met Council received MDH recognition as a breastfeeding-friendly workplace because we have implemented a very thorough framework enabling all employees to be fully supported throughout their lactation process. Managers have key responsibilities in providing time and access to private lactation space. Coworkers can do their part by building a respectful workplace culture (PDF). The Met Council’s Lactation Support Team is available to help coordinate these efforts.

Additions to the Met Council’s lactation support framework coming this year: The Lactation Support Project is continuing to make progress and improve the breastfeeding experience for working parents including: Developing training materials for managers and employees to ensure a workplace culture of support for lactating employees. For more tips and reminders on how managers can support their staff, refer to the Aug. 23 Wire. Expanding lactation rooms at Environmental Services worksites and including lactation rooms in facility construction projects. Throughout all Met Council facilities, the project team continues to improve the employee experience by upgrading rooms and adding accessories, including chairs, art, and sanitation supplies. Pictured top right: Heywood Garage lactation room. View the Lactation Room Guide (PDF). The Lactating Support Team is recruiting new members, especially from Community Development and Metropolitan Transportation Services, to achieve representation across the Met Council’s diverse workplaces. Please email LactatingParentSupport@metc.state.mn.us to join the Lactation Support Team, or if you have any questions, requests for the lactation rooms, feedback, or experiencing barriers to meeting lactation needs at work.

W-2s now available in Employee Self Service

W-2 tax forms are now available in Employee Self Service (ESS).   Electronic consent is required to view and print your W-2 tax form. If you've already granted consent for receiving your W-2 electronically, you can easily access and print the form by logging into ESS. If you haven't consented to electronic W-2 delivery, login to ESS and follow the instructions to give electronic consent.  Employees who have not consented for electronic W-2s, or have left Met Council service, will receive their W-2 mailed to their home no later than Wednesday, Jan. 31.  Direct questions about W-2 forms to Payroll@metc.state.mn.us  Tax Form 1095-C, which provides proof of health insurance, will be available online in ESS to employees by Saturday, March 2. Tax returns can be filed without the 1095-C. Questions about 1095-C's can be directed to Benefits@metc.state.mn.us

Regional Administration town hall Feb. 7

Regional Administration is holding a hybrid town hall Wednesday, Feb. 7. The agenda includes 30 minutes of division updates and information followed by a 30-minute discussion/Q&A with staff.

Employees in Regional Administration are encouraged to submit questions anonymously in advance via webform or participate in person or virtually via the Microsoft Teams chat, which will be monitored and facilitated by Communications staff.

Regional Administration town hall
Wednesday, Feb. 7
9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Robert Street Chambers and Microsoft Teams

Retain books from fifth floor library by Feb. 13

The dissolution of the non-records library on the fifth floor is in its final stages. The remaining inventory will be donated to Saint Paul College.

If you need to retain any of the books for department use only, contact Enterprise Content Management (ECM) with your request by the end of the day Tuesday, Feb. 13. Do not remove anything without ECM approval.

Spotlighting different departments and workgroups across the Met Council. Email TheWire@metc.state.mn.us if you'd like your department or workgroup spotlighted!

Human Resources celebrated their 2023 accomplishments on Jan. 11 at an all-staff meeting. Above are accomplishments from each workgroup - Administration, Benefits, Labor Relations, Learning and Development, Occupational Health, Talent Management, and Workforce Development.

Cultural and heritage events this month

Each month, you'll find updates on cultural and heritage events in The Wire. 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 Idman Ibrahim, equity and equal opportunity intern, at Idman.Ibrahim@metc.state.mn.us. 

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. This January, Metro Transit Equity and Inclusion is working with the Minnesota Department of Health’s Safe Harbor division to display messaging on approximately 1000 buses and trains about what to do if riders are experiencing sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. There are four different images and messaging in English, Somali and Spanish. Read more in the Jan. 5 edition of Insights.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a formative figure in the fight for civil rights, and his legacy looms large in the work of all those who follow him in his cause. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and is remembered each year on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday since 1986. This year, the holiday fell on Jan. 15. More information about Martin Luther King Jr. Day can be found on MetNet.

February celebrations

Other upcoming events include: 

• Black History Month
• Transit Equity Day (Feb. 4)
• Lunar/Chinese/Tibetan New Year (Feb. 10)
• President’s Day (Feb. 19)

Advancing Women in Transit welcomes new leaders

The Advancing Women in Transit (AWT) Employee Resource Group will be led by an all-new leadership team this year. Congratulations to the new AWT leadership team (above, from left to right): 

Quick Reminders

Badge photo deadline extended to Friday, March 29

The deadline to submit a new badge photo has been extended to Friday, March 29. 

Due to new card access technology, all Met Council employees will receive new badges. 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.

Submit a passport-style photo into Employee Self Service by Friday, March 29.

Applications for MentoringWorks due Feb. 15

Applications to become a mentor and a mentee are due Thursday, Feb. 15.  

The program will start in April with an in-person kickoff session, during which mentees and mentors meet, learn about the program, and receive resources for a successful experience.   

Applications are used to match mentors and mentees. Obtain your supervisor’s approval and complete the application by Feb. 15. To apply, click on Be a Mentor or Be a Mentee. Visit the MentoringWorks site on MetNet for program information and testimonials of past participants. 

For more information or if you have questions, please email MentoringWorks@metc.state.mn.us. 

Cool photo!

Chasing the Aurora Borealis

Missy Vanghen, P-Card/Travel Administrator, has always been fascinated with the sky. After several unsuccessful attempts at viewing the Aurora Borealis, Missy found her opportunity last November when the lights were predicted to be visible as early as 8:00 p.m. She headed north with a good friend and finally got to see them, capturing this photo at 9:40 p.m. in Pine City over Pokegame Lake on Nov. 12. For those who are also interested in viewing the Northern Lights, she put together some tips she found helpful as a new Aurora Borealis chaser:

• Monitor cloud cover maps.
• Have a light pollution map handy so you can head to a low-lit area.
• A public boat launch at the south end of a lake, facing north can be a great spot to try.
• The lights can be visible anywhere between sunset and just before sunrise.
• Keep warm clothes, blankets, winter gear, etc. in your car while chasing.
• Turn your headlights off immediately once you find your spot.
• Use a tripod and long exposure/night mode to capture the lights.

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.

Meet new staff

Rachel Oestreich Pronunciation: RAY-chul AYE-strike Pronouns: She/her/hers Business Analyst 2 Information Services

Primary duties
I'm joining the service owner team to help drive Service Portfolio Management (SPM) adoption throughout Information Services. As the service owner for Collaboration and Virtual Engagement, I'll be supporting the tools and software that help council employees do their jobs, whether they're working onsite or from home. 

Started
Nov. 6

What has the transition been like starting this new job?
The transition has been great! Everyone in the department has been extremely helpful and welcoming. It's very refreshing to work with so many smart and talented folks who truly care about making a difference in the Twin Cities metro. I'm grateful to be a part of the team and look forward to learning from their shared wisdom.

Hometown
Just across the Mississippi River from downtown Saint Paul in West Saint Paul.

Current residence
North of Minneapolis in Columbia Heights.

Family
My partner, Andrew, and I are approaching our seven-year anniversary. We live with our 15-year-old cat, Joey, and are hoping to expand our family in 2024 by adopting a dog. 

Education
I attended Bethel University in Saint Paul, where I double-majored in studio art and environmental science. 

Experience
I've benefited from a non-traditional career path, gaining experience in education, healthcare, hospitality, sales, customer service, and advertising. I've spent the last seven years working in marketing and communications, working at Haworth Marketing + Media, broadhead co., and most recently at World Savvy, a local 501c3 organization. 

Other interests
My partner and I bought our first home together in 2021, and I've since been cultivating the property to create our own little urban farm. This season, I grew approximately 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, and built a water runoff native pollinator garden. I love to bake, cook, pickle, and preserve, especially using food that we've grown. My neighborhood is designated as a food desert, so in 2024, I'm hoping to increase crop yields enough that I can open a serve yourself food stand. When I'm not in the garden, I love to support the local food and beverage scene, go to concerts, comedy and art shows, explore the outdoors, and travel.

Kristin Kreyer Pronouns: She/her/hers Training Specialist Human Resources

Primary duties
I am a part of the Learning and Organizational Development (LOD) team. I’ll primarily be working on new employee orientation for Metro Transit. I’ll also be facilitating classes for the Met Council and working with our business partners to support any learning needs. 

Started
Dec. 4

What has the transition been like starting this new job?
It has been a warm welcome!  My team has been very supportive and helpful. Excited to dive in and continue to learn as much as I can!

Hometown
My Dad was in the military, so I spent most of my childhood traveling across the United States. We came back home to Minnesota when I was in fourth grade and settled in Coon Rapids. 

Current residence
I currently live in Woodbury and our kids attend Stillwater schools, so we are actively involved in the Stillwater community.

Family
I am Married to Jason who I met in High School. We have two kids, Evan (12) and Charlotte (9). We also have a doodle named Hank (3). 

Education
I went to the University of North Dakota for business management with an emphasis in Human Resources. 

Experience
I spent the last 17 years at Farmers Insurance, eight of which were in the Training Department. My favorite part of my job was welcoming new employees and supporting them through their onboarding experience.

Other interests
We spend most of our time traveling with our kids watching their sports. When we aren’t in a hockey rink or on a lacrosse/soccer field, we spend time at our cabin enjoying lake life. We also love traveling and exploring national parks as a family.

Salute to service

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

30 years

Paul Colton, Fleet Services Manager Metropolitan Transportation Services, Metro Mobility Service Center

15 years

Jerilynn Sushko, Learning and Organization Development Senior Manager, Human Resources

10 years

Marie Henderson, Chief Financial Officer, Finance

5 years

Missy Vanghen, P-Card/Travel Administrator, P-Card

New staff

Clete Erickson, Dec. 26, Information Services Manager, Information Services Rachel Hawley, Jan. 8, Senior Administrative Specialist, Metro Mobility
Steven Nyame, Jan. 8, Senior Auditor, Audit
Jessica Spiess, Jan. 2, Program Technical Specialist, Environmental Services
Floyd Walker, Dec. 18, Systems Engineer 2, Information Services
Peter Wilfahrt, Jan. 2, Principal Researcher, Community Development

Departures

Craig Bantz, Dec. 29, Chief Information Officer, Information Services
Jeff Godderz, Jan. 6, Information Services Manager 1, Information Services Elizabeth Ngoy, Dec. 16, Program Technical Specialist, Procurement
Abdiasis Osman, Jan. 20, HRA Coordinator 2, Community Development
Bradley Tobritzhofer, Dec. 22, Lead Electrician, Environmental Services
Bridget Toskey, Jan. 23, Executive Assistant, Regional Administration

Retirements

Vivian Garvey, Jan. 20, Contract Administrator, Environmental Services
Jean Johns, Dec. 9, Program Technical Specialist, General Counsel
Joe Mulcahy, Jan. 13, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Services
Dan Schueller, Dec. 23, Principal Financial Analyst, Environmental Services

Everyone is invited to submit comments and story ideas. Contact the editor at TheWire@metc.state.mn.us.