Backsights & Foresights: 2017 Fall/Winter

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WHEN THE MOUSE ROARED INSIDE THIS ISSUE NDSU Student Housing................................ 4 Rock Riffles .................................................. 5 Esri Web AppBuilder ................................... 6 Featured Service Area ................................. 7 Remembering Roger .................................... 8 Employee Spotlight......................................10 News and Events..........................................12

2011 was the year the Mouse roared. “Boil the Damn Water!” made national news, as well as kickstarting a pretty humorous YouTube video. But for our friends and neighbors in Minot impacted by the flood’s devastation, it was anything but funny.

Refusing to lose was a theme for the City of Minot. Staff working around the clock to protect as much as possible, then doing the same to fix what was lost or broken. At the same time, the City faced the challenge of history—how do we avoid the outmigration experienced in 1969 following the last devastating flood event? How do we ensure that Minot will emerge from this disaster stronger and safer than ever?

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A new, vibrant downtown

83 benches 2.43

miles of roadway replaced (1,292 truck loads received)

826 new road signs of 143,293 feet electrical wire

18 bike racks MINOT ROARS BACK Recovery efforts were amazing to watch and to be part of—as one Corps of Engineers consultant said, “I’ve noticed you guys don’t wait around for the Government to do it for you.” Leadership on a local, State, and Federal level worked together to prioritize and fix what the river destroyed and identify how to make Minot better than ever, all the while planning to muzzle the Mouse once and for all.

THE HEART OF A CITY One obvious target to ensure the future of Minot was renovation of the Downtown infrastructure. Aged and aging underground and surface infrastructure could simply not support the vision of a modern, vibrant, revitalized heart of the City.

With input from local leaders and the business community, Minot’s own Senator John Hoeven spearheaded the effort 2

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to secure the cornerstone Economic Development Administration funds for the Downtown Revitalization efforts, with additional critical funding from Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funds, and ND State Water Commission funding. A large part of the project funding was provided locally as well, through storm sewer and street lighting district special assessments, utility bonds, and surge funding—demonstrating Minot’s commitment to its future and refusing to lose.

access. Downtown stayed open throughout the three-year construction period, meeting one of the most critical and ambitious project goals.

DOWNTOWN MINOT OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Developing and implementing state-ofthe-art software tools to expedite project design and help manage construction while working closely with the City and fellow Downtown businesses to revitalize the heart of Minot enabled us to do what we do best—provide sustainable, cost effective infrastructure solutions.

Throughout the project development and construction process, City officials, administration, and staff worked together with the Downtown Business and Professional Association to minimize project impacts and rapidly communicate construction activity to maintain business

PART OF HISTORY From the perspective of the technical team—the joint venture of Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) and MWH Americas (now part of Stantec), with partners Odney, Inc. and 505 Design—being a part of this historic effort was both challenging and satisfying.

REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION Completion of the Minot Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program project is another example of Minot refusing to lose to the 2011 Mouse River Flood. An inundated well field plus flood water intrusion into the WTP clearwell forced the North Dakota Department of Health to issue a boil order for the City’s water supply as a health precaution during the flood.

While the necessity of the boil order was debated at the time, it served an underlying purpose beyond waterborne pathogen protection—reducing water use from the system. It is apparent that many people to this day don’t know how close the City was to evacuation during the 2011 flood.

15 MINUTES FROM EVACUATION During a frenzied search for a large leak beneath the flood waters—after a rigorous, systematic valve closure process to attempt to isolate the leak and maintain system pressure and storage—City staff were faced with the grim reality that the entire Valley zone would soon be contaminated, compounded by no available water in storage. With floodwater intrusion into the distribution system and no storage available for operations or firefighting, evacuation would be the

next logical step. Thankfully, a City water system operator identified a possible but unlikely connection that turned out to be the leak location; upon closing an isolation valve the water system began to slowly recover, filling reservoirs while maintaining service.

MAKING SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING As a water treatment plant not using surface water, let alone flood water, the City of Minot staff were unable to meet the regional demands as the NAWS water supplier after losing the well fields. This forced the member water systems and communities to utilize their marginal water supplies until the City system was back online.

During the flood, however, the WTP operators treated flood water to a level that, except for several administrative and a single monitoring requirement, was fully compliant for potable consumption under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The level of skill demonstrated by the facility staff was exemplary and expedited the directional flushing program necessary to enable Minot residents to not have to “Boil the Damn Water” before use.

SAFE WATER AND SAFETY FROM WATER The HMGP project’s intent was to protect this critical infrastructure from future flood events. The combination of levees and floodwalls, plus incorporating ultraviolet light as an additional treatment process, ensured that should the well fields become inundated again the Minot WTP can treat Mouse River water to a level that will meet Safe Drinking Water Standards and avoid system contamination. Further, improvements incorporated under this project to the Minot stormwater collection system enabled reducing overland flow into the protected area resulting in a more cost-effective solution for the City.

Supporting this critical project for the City of Minot and the NAWS region while providing sustainable fiscally effective solutions was the goal of HEI and our partners Stantec and PCI; we are proud to have served the City of Minot and the region in accomplishing that goal.

HEI team with North Dakota dignitaries during the WTP ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Safe water and safety from water. Residents have peace-of-mind knowing the critical Minot WTP is protected from future flood events. houstoneng.com

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construct 2- and 4-bedroom options. Research conducted on behalf of the Foundation shows that students of nearly all age who were interested in the new housing had a preference for 2- or 4-bedroom arrangements.

The students also showed overwhelming support for private bedrooms over shared rooms, placing an emphasis on privacy and independence within their dwellings. With this in mind, every single bedroom will have one bed as well as its own private bathroom. This means that every student living in the new housing will essentially have his or her own master bedroom.

HOUSING THE GROWING HERD

Added privacy still did not diminish the housing footprint. The Foundation initially requested a plan for 250-300 beds; PROffutt’s plan will provide nearly 350.

3D modeling of The Bridges Student Edition

NDSU Foundation Student Housing Students depend on colleges and universities to provide far more than what’s found inside the classroom. Students need access to expert faculty in their offices, and they need handson education opportunities. Students depend on well-stocked libraries and access to digital information so that they can pursue their research efforts.

But one of the needs that institutions of higher learning have the greatest challenge meeting is student housing. Students need affordable rooms close to or on campus, but that is neither simple nor cheap to provide.

Now, thanks to a clever approach and partnership, North Dakota State University (NDSU) has found a way to better meet that need.

MEETING NDSU'S HOUSING NEEDS Over the past several years, NDSU has had its largest student enrollments in the University’s history, holding steady at more than 14,000, creating a great need to provide housing for these students. While funding has not been readily available to construct the necessary housing, the NDSU Foundation and Alumni Association (Foundation) has acquired properties near campus over the past 20 years with the vision of one day converting the land into student housing.

In 2016, the Foundation released a request for proposal with the intent of creating new housing to provide for the unique needs of students. The Foundation saw the need to reduce their direct risks while still

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producing the housing necessary for students’ needs. This led to an investment structure in which PROffutt Limited Partnership (PROffutt) would take on the burden of developing and managing the housing—named The Bridges Student Edition.

This division of risk and investment is proving beneficial for all. The Foundation, out of necessity, has limited its own direct involvement; PROffutt has found a new investment opportunity; and, most importantly, NDSU’s students will gain access to nearly 350 new beds across the street from campus.

PROffutt will own and manage the housing units themselves while leasing the land from the Foundation. The lease will last 50 years, and the Foundation has the right to buy out the properties at any point during that time at a depreciating amount. At the end of 50 years, the properties will transfer ownership to the Foundation at no cost. While the agreement is in effect, PROffutt takes on all responsibilities for managing the housing property, including marketing and renting to students, operations and maintenance, improvements, and so forth.

PRIORITIZING THE STUDENTS

The Bridges Student Edition will include a green space for students to use that provides an outdoor area for recreation and activities while maintaining students’ privacy. The green space will be in the center of the housing, with the students’ rooms on all sides. There will also be more than 6,000 square feet of commercial space available on the ground floor focused on student interests (books, food, etc.).

TAKING THE JOB ON THE ROAD After meeting NDSU's housing needs, PROffutt has taken this model and shown other institutions how they can meet their own housing needs in a similar way.

HEI is providing all civil engineering services for the PROffutt-led team and assisting with planning efforts. HEI is also providing a different kind of assistance through 3D modeling. By converting concepts and sketches to 3D models, it has become easier for stakeholders to gain a fuller understanding of the concepts and plans going forward.

This project also hits home for many of HEI's staff that includes 79 NDSU alumni. The project is currently under construction by B.C. Contracting and is expected to open up to students in August 2018.

By using a similar funding approach and a team that has done this before, universities and colleges around the region—even without flexible budgets—now have one more way they can meet the housing needs of their students.

The Bridges Student Edition was designed and is being built with student needs in mind.

See HEI's 3D models and learn more about the That all starts with its location along north project online: https://bridgesndsu.com.

University Drive just across from campus.

This area is already popular with students and hosts the Sanford Health Athletic Complex/Scheels Center, fraternities, and sororities along the same roadway.

But PROffutt has chosen to make this housing a little OPENING 2018 different. Perhaps the On July 14th, the project’s groundbreaking ceremony was most telling studentheld to celebrate the start of construction with plans to open focused element is the decision to mainly to students in August 2018.

See the river in action!

Watch our drone video at http://bit.ly/YouTubeHEI

ROCK RIFFLES

A Natural Passage to Cleaner Waters SETTING THE STAGE 60 YEARS IN THE MAKING

1950s: River is straightened and drop structures are built

The Sand Hill River, a 101-mile tributary of the Red River, is known for its natural, meandering path across northeastern Minnesota. However, local farmers also knew it to be an area prone to frequent flooding. So in the 1950s the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) channelized the area to speed up its current to move water out of farm land in the hopes of minimizing flooding. The project went according to plan and flooding in the area was reduced, but a negative side effect from the steep ditch gradeline caused severe erosion and eventually increased flooding along the river.

In an effort to reduce erosion, USACE built four concrete drop structures to slow the river’s flow in the hope of decreasing erosion rates.

DEFINING THE ISSUE Though the drop structures effectively slowed the river’s current at their locations, they couldn’t undo the damage done in other areas. When the project began over 60 years ago, the engineers had no idea of the effect this project would have on the future biology of the river.

In 2014, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) found that the five-foot drop structures effectively blocked fish passage and their typical migratory behavior. The Red River is a prime spawning habitat for many fish species, yet it was out of reach due to these drop structures. The lack of diversity and lack of reproduction of the fish negatively impacted the river's biology. Fish that typically make the trek up to the Red River Basin to spawn were only found in downstream portions of the Sand Hill River. No fish diversity equals poor river biology.

Locals have also noticed the decline in fish throughout the Sand Hill River. For the past 30 years, recreational fishing has been almost

2014: MPCA completes stressor report

non-existent due to a drought in 1988 as well as the blockages that prevented fish from swimming upstream. Sturgeon have been wiped out in the Red River Basin; without corrective actions, other species could have followed suit.

FINDING A SOLUTION To restore the biological diversity and protect the quality of the Sand Hill River, the Sand Hill River Watershed District (SHRWD) and USACE called on HEI and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) to collaborate on undertaking a large restoration.

The primary goal of this project was to reduce erosion by stabilizing and leveling the river’s slopes while providing a fish passage. To do this the project partners proposed a series of natural rock riffles to replace the drop structures. These riffles will lower the drop heights and speed of the current while giving fish an easier journey up the river.

Another notable benefit of these riffles is their role in reducing the amount of sediment entering the Sand Hill River every year. By reducing erosion, it’s estimated that the riffles will cut the amount of sediment in half every year. That’s about 6,000 tons of sediment removed each year!

2017: Rock riffles are constructed

2019: Project fully completed and erosion reduced

RAISING THE FUNDS With all the time, effort, and work needed to get this project done, funding was a top priority. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources' (BWSR) Clean Water Fund program played an integral role by providing more than eight funding partners, including BWSR, SHRWD, East Polk SWCD, West Polk SWCD, and Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage, who stepped up to the plate to provide substantial funding for this project.

FINISHED PROJECT After three years of studies, planning, and construction, the rock riffle project was completed in July 2017. The rock riffles give fish access to 50 miles of the river previously blocked by the drop structures and will improve the diversity and quality of the fish in the river and basin.

With a slower, stabilized river, erosion will slow to a more natural rate, reducing the risk of flooding and the amount of sediment entering the waterways. By 2019, this project will be able to deliver the goals USACE hoped for when it all began more than 60 years ago.

PROJECT BY THE NUMB3RS

60+ years in the making

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funding $ources

drop structures reconstructed into...

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rock riffles

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project partners

50%

reduction in sediment loading

100

landowners

6,000 TONS of sediment removed from river annually houstoneng.com

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EVERYTHING'S COMING UP MAPS Esri ® Web AppBuilder

Y

ou’re in an unfamiliar place, looking around for the landmark you could have sworn was right here when you walked by an hour ago. No one else is in sight and there are no signs to help you find your way back. So what do you do? Grab your phone for your trusted map application to get you back where you belong!

Checking in to your favorite cafe, looking up local recommendations, searching for directions, it seems everything’s coming up maps!

Companies, agencies, and networks across the nation have taken notice and invested in developing interactive maps to give users a more meaningful experience.

One convenient way to develop interactive maps is Esri’s Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS®. With this easy-to-use application, anyone can build 2D or 3D maps without writing any code. However, to make it your own the level of programming required to personalize maps and out-of-thebox widgets is hard to come by. That’s

Go Anoka Parks App for Anoka County 6

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when HEI is called to create these one-of-a-kind applications.

Some of the custom layouts and widgets we’ve created for our clients include: • Advanced search widgets • Dashboard widgets • Edit widgets • Filter widgets • Print widgets • Display widgets • Configurable mailing label widgets • Charting widgets • Pictometry widgets • Basemap toggle layouts Whether it’s upgrading an existing website or creating a brand new product, HEI has a tried and true system for developing applications our clients can be proud of.

These projects always begin by ensuring our client’s vision is translated well on the screen. To do that, we develop wireframes and other mockups of what the application will look like once it’s launched.

WI TCS Management App

The wireframes and mockups show what the finished product will look like, giving you an image of their application before the creation process. This gives you the opportunity either to approve the application or give feedback on how to make it meet your needs.

Once approved, HEI provides internal testing and assists in launching the final application. To learn more or visit with one of our programmers, check out www.heigeo.com.

Blue Earth County Restorable Wetlands Viewer AOI Widget

WATER TREATMENT PLANTS

RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Water treatment plants are at the heart of a community’s reliable water system. If these facilities fall short in their duties, people become cut off from the water they depend on. That’s why HEI works with cities to retrofit and upgrade their water treatment plants, keeping these facilities running smoothly and efficiently.

Those of us who live within city limits might take clean drinking water for granted, but rural residents certainly don’t. Many people who live in rural areas don’t have or haven’t always had access to reliable and treated water, instead often depending on private wells. HEI has long worked to bring rural water supplies to these residents in the regions we serve.

HEI has served as the lead engineer for the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) project since the 1980s. This is a $200-million project that will bring rural water to 60,000 people in northwest North Dakota.

HEI upgraded the filtration system for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) Water Treatment Plant. This increased the plant’s filtration capacity, improved the chemical feed systems, and included the installation of a new high-service vertical turbine pump.

Featured Service Area WATER SUPPLY & TREATMENT A dependable water supply is often taken for granted. Like our clients, HEI knows that this sort of luxury is only thanks to the existence of reliable and sufficient infrastructure. Infrastructure that will treat the water; transport it to and from homes and businesses; and store it in case of droughts, floods, and other natural disasters. Explore the various facets of our water supply and treatment solutions.

ER TOWER AT S W Water towers provide pressure and make water supply systems significantly more reliable. HEI works with municipalities to design new and reliable water towers to ensure the water keeps flowing in these communities.

WELLS HEI designed seven More new wells for the people TMBCI as part means greater of a series of demands improvements for water. As to their water the demands supply on systems in the system. region grow, HEI has

HEI designed a 2-million-gallon water tower that is the largest in the FargoMoorhead area and also designed a 1.5-milliongallon water tower currently under construction that is the largest in Minot.

MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPPLY

helped clients design and construct new and more

efficient wells to meet those demands.

Quickly or slowly, communities around the region are growing. And that growth in population will require more expansive water supply infrastructure. HEI has long helped cities replace or expand their water supply infrastructure, helping to better serve these growing populations. fda sd

HEI replaced municipal water supply infrastructure for the 26-squareblock area of downtown Minot, including 156 water service hookups and 12,974 lf of water line. houstoneng.com

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Remembering ROGER HAGEN One of HEI's beloved, long-time employees passed away this August. His quality of character and vision shaped many of the values our firm still upholds today.

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In late November of 1973, a young engineer named Roger began a career at HEI that would span more than 40 years.

Like most of the engineers at HEI in the 1970s (and many still today), Roger came as a graduate fresh out of NDSU. Roger retained a strong tie to NDSU at the time, and these ties (driven by Roger’s own ingenuity) introduced a new kind of technology to HEI’s engineers: computers. As part of his graduate studies, Roger had developed a computer program that helped size pipes for rural water systems. While this sounds like par for the course with today’s programs, Roger’s program was cuttingedge at the time. His work helped HEI pursue rural water projects throughout North Dakota, which in turn helped HEI gain its reputation as a leader in water resources.

While Roger was a dedicated and talented engineer, those who knew him well and spent decades working alongside Roger are far more eager to describe the quality of his character than his engineering designs.

AN HEI LEADER Roger became the first shareholder at HEI to join the three original owners (George Houston, Bob Muscha, and Hank Transgrud). During his time as an owner and member of the Board of Directors, Roger developed a reputation for possessing a particular tenacity in his effort to provide for the wellbeing for those who worked for him, and he was said to bring a “steady presence.”

Roger helped ensure that the company never strayed from its original philosophy aimed at taking care of all employees.

And as HEI grew from its small, independent roots to a company with greater resources, Roger worked to ensure the wellbeing of the employees grew, as well.

WORK LIFE BALANCE Perhaps equally admirable was how Roger always struck a balance between work and life. He was always eager to

breakout a fellow engineer over lunch and whisk them off to one of dozens of lakes in Minnesota for an afternoon (and evening) of fishing.

A MAN OF CHARACTER It's easy to say that Roger embodied the culture and spirit of HEI; but the truth is that HEI embodies the ideals set forth

by Roger and those like him.

Roger’s actions have had lasting effects, brought on through his personal connections and contributions to those who worked alongside him.

It's easy to say that Roger embodied the culture and spirit of HEI; but the truth is that HEI embodies the ideals set forth by Roger and those like him.

While the personal stories can’t faithfully be documented here, Roger clearly cherished his personal friendships and, above all, his family. Roger often made 10:00 break even after retirement, and he spent much of his retirement traveling with and visiting family—kids and grandkids alike.

Roger was a passionate fisherman traveling across the globe on various fishing trips with friends and family.

Roger pictured with Brian Pattengale (L) and Rick Gunderson (R) showing off their shining personalities.

Roger with his wife Deb at a social gathering in 1977. They were married for 43 years.

Roger was an avid Bison fan traveling to games across the country and his family shared his passion for the game.

Roger passed away on August 16, 2017. Roger’s influences will be evident for years to come—in his family, in his friends, and in his coworkers.

Left to right: Roger Hagen, Mark Deutschman, Lawrence Woodbury, Rick St. Germain, and Jeff LeDoux in 2005. houstoneng.com

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Getting to know

NIC CULLEN

Nic Cullen, PE, CFM, wears many hats in and out of the office. He joined HEI’s team in 2011 as a civil engineer serving out of our Bismarck office.

There, Nic manages, designs, coordinates, and oversees construction of various municipal and land development projects. He specializes in hydraulic analysis, watershed modeling, and stormwater master planning.

He's currently working on a number of flood protection projects that will provide permanent flood protection to more than 200 rural residential properties in western North Dakota.

When Nic isn’t working or spending time with his family, he is giving back to his hometown of Bismarck. He is a strong community advocate, involved with the Dakota Zoo and Special Olympics for two decades by volunteering, serving in leadership roles, and applying his engineering expertise to assist these organizations. Nic also volunteers for a number of other community events throughout the year, such as Discover Engineering and MATHCOUNTS. Before joining HEI, Nic interned for the City of Bismarck’s Engineering and Public Works Department and first heard about HEI through several peers while attending North Dakota State University. “It seemed like it was the place to be, and I wanted in on it!” stated Nic, “One of the best decisions I have ever made!”

Q&A

What has been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on thus far?

Honestly, county drainage complaints are where I feel the most rewarded and have been shown the most gratitude. I enjoy helping people who are being adversely affected by someone else’s mistake and helping them find a solution to fix the problem.

What do you like most about working at HEI? The people! Everyone is so friendly, kind, and willing to help you out whenever needed!

Our Leadership takes care of its employees and their families, allowing for a perfect work-family balance that I am extremely grateful for.

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Any advice to share based on what you've learned?

Do not take on everything yourself. There is a good chance that someone at HEI has dealt with a similar project before and there is no need to recreate the wheel. You have a companywide team with a vast amount of knowledge! With the people and tools that we have, I believe, we can solve any of today’s most extreme engineering problems.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve traveled and why?

Valea Lui Mihai, Romania, on a mission trip with my father and grandfather. For a month, we built a church in a small town within the countryside of Romania. The history of the area

was amazing and it was great to experience the difference in cultures and technology between there and back home.

What was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had before joining HEI? I worked at Crystal Springs Camp, near Medina, ND, for two summers. It was definitely the most interesting in many ways.

The different people of all ages, the activities that were done, the games that were played, and the relationships that were created all made for an extremely memorable summer and job.

FUN FACTS Catch him on the pontoon. Nic’s family lives on the Missouri River in Bismarck, so they enjoy their time on the water during the summer months.

Outdoor enthusiast. Nic enjoys spending his free time outdoors doing activities such as climbing, hiking, camping, skiing, and snowboarding.

Growing family.

Nic and his wife Brittany, pictured with their 3-yearold daughter Emma, are expecting their second child in January.

Getting to know

Donna Bye Earlier this year, Donna Bye joined HEI’s team in Minot as a planner. She previously served as Minot’s City Planner for 15 years and was the first to inhabit the newly created position of Chief Resilience Officer. Growing up, Donna lived across North Dakota in various towns such as Williston, Bismarck, and Minot during the oil boom of the 1980s.

Donna loves being outdoors and experiencing nature. This passion guided her degree choice in landscape architecture and environmental design which she obtained from North Dakota State University. What sparked Donna’s love for planning began during her time working for the City of Rapid City, SD, where she designed landscape areas with the goal of beautifying the city.

She brings her extensive experience to HEI’s team by assisting clients with getting their projects approved through their local jurisdiction, assisting with landscape planning, leading and organizing neighborhood meetings, and providing other support as needed. She’s currently involved with the Strategic Plan for the City of Burlington and a student housing project for Minot State University.

Q&A What has been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on thus far? Being able to discover so many qualities in Burlington. It was a joy to uncover things I never knew about the City and am proud of our team that put that plan together.

What do you like most about working at HEI? The team concept. HEI brings an array of specialties to the table to assist in all types of projects. It has provided me the opportunity to work with other employees that specialize in different fields.

What have you learned from your experience as a planner?

I have enjoyed the consulting world immensely. I particularly like meeting with clients to determine their needs and help them complete the approval process with the local jurisdictions. It’s a great feeling to help get their project started.

What book are you currently reading?

I just finished a series about the Red River Valley written by Lauraine Snelling. I loved this series and truly appreciate why my ancestors settled in North Dakota and why I’ve never wanted to leave.

Are you involved in your community?

My son (Aiden, 9) and I attend church at Bread of Life and enjoy volunteering for Sunday school and other programs they offer to the community. I sit on the International Peace Garden Board and have for more than 10 years. I’m also an advocate for autism and help run a parent support group.

Our daughter (Amelia, 11) was diagnosed when she was two so I spend time with parents after their diagnosis and help to find answers to their questions and just be there for support.

Do you have an interesting or memorable story that would be fun to share?

When I started working at HEI in January, I shared my interest of recycling inspired by my son. I saw how much was going in the trash and volunteered to collect it. Now when I return from a conference or long weekend, my office is usually filled with recyclables. All sorted but usually lining my desk as a little joke.

FUN FACTS Avid golfer. Donna and her husband have been members of the Vardon Golf Club for the past 12 years. She started a ladies league that now has more than 130 ladies playing!

Rock solid family. Many of Donna's family members like rocks; from gathering, stacking, and displaying rocks to watching prospectors mine for them. "It's an odd hobby, but one we can do together."

Blues fan. Donna loves to listen to blues music, such as Joe Bonamassa (pictured above). She's traveled around the crounty to see him six times.

The Bye Family's recent addition: a doxi-poo named Bailey

houstoneng.com

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NEWS AND EVENTS 30

20

years

years

Years of

Service

Jay Kulla, CST

Jerry Bents, PE

Survey Crew Chief

Senior Project Manager

Our employees are the core of our company, and we value their commitment and contributions. Congratulations to the following employees on their milestone work anniversaries!

Mark Deutschman, PhD, PE

Erik Jones, PE, LSI

Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

Wade Opsahl

Gregg Thielman, PE, CFM

Senior Civil Technician

Senior Project Manager

15

years

Michael Gunsch, PE, CFM Senior Project Manager

Julie Jerger

Jeff Lansink, PE

Mike Love, PE

Kevin Martin, PE

Administrative Assistant

Project Manager

Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

Jim Schlieman, PLS, CFedS

Adam Walker, PE Sherwin Wanner, PE Project Engineer

Project Manager

Project Manager

10

5

years

years

Jay Anderson

Randi Askegaard

Survey Technician

CAD Technician

Kevin Cochran

Janae Hardina

CAD Technician

Accounting Assistant

David Kirkpatrick, GISP GIS Analyst

Jeanmari Moy

Dave Olson

Administrative Assistant

IT Support Technician

Kiah Sagami, GISP GIS Analyst

WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES Bjorn Berg, PE Civil Engineer

Dan Bogart, MS, EI Civil Engineer

Naomi Disrud Proposal Manager

Thomas Eskro, PE Civil Engineer

Jared Friedt, LSI Senior Survey Technician

Julie Capasso Safety Specialist

Jeremiah Jazdzewski, PE Civil Engineer

Aaron Kalberer

Larry Kramka

Suzy Lindberg

CAD Technician

Sr. Environmental Project Manager

Technical Writer II

Sean Mike Seminary Andrew O'Brien, MGIS, Business Development Sheppard GISP Manager Software Engineer GIS Analyst

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Josh Donato Software Engineer

Josh Hinds, PE, PTOE Traffic Operations Engineer

Dennis McAlpine, PE Project Manager

Cole Wagner, EI

Jacob Wognum, PE

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineer

Devon Libby GIS Technician

Nick Olson Civil Technician

Charlie Sawdey Watershed Planner

Mark Steele CAD Designer

Gail's Story

Gail transitioning from a t ypewriter to a CPT computer in 1 9 8 8 .

An HEI legacy retires

When you walk through the front door of most businesses, you’re greeted with a smile and a friendly conversation.

Continue deeper into the offices and you spy someone hard at work on a marketing document. Move one more office down and you find the company veteran who remembers all the old stories and everyone’s birthday.

In most offices, there is a small army of people who take up these professional and social roles. At HEI, there is Gail.

Gail Zehren joined HEI as an administrative assistant in 1974, just a few years after George Houston first opened the doors. In the years that followed, Gail’s responsibilities and the company’s needs evolved alongside each other. There were always new, first-time projects that required a point person, but the workload and size of the company couldn’t always justify hiring new staff to take those responsibilities on full time.

And so Gail became HEI’s jack-of-all-trades, pioneering and serving in positions years before they were officially created within the company’s infrastructure.

Where Gail truly set herself apart over the years, though, was through her sincere interest in the people at HEI. She always seemed to know when one of the staff had become engaged or when a new baby was on the way. She helped record those events and company stories when few others thought to. She even hosted officewide contests for all to participate in (only to walk away the victor of her own challenge weeks later).

Gail always brought a very human element to everything she engaged in at HEI, and her personal contributions can never be replicated.

After more than 43 years with the firm, Gail will be retiring at the end of the year and a party will be held in her honor on January 11, 2018. Visit our website for further details.

Administrative Assistant

Supervising Administrative Assistant

Senior Administrative Assistant

1994-2000

2011-2012

2000-2010

Marketing Coordinator

2013-2016

Proposal Assistant

Gail volunteering with Roger Hagen and Wade O psahl.

FUN FACTS First administrative assistant at HEI

Gail's Roles Throughout the Years

1974-1994

Gail and Jayne Olson at B ob M uscha's retirement in 20 01 .

Proposal Specialist 2016-2017

Worked under all of HEI's presidents Worked in all of HEI's Fargo offices houstoneng.com

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HEI hosts a tailgating spot during North Dakota State University Bison football home games for employees and their families to enjoy each season. Friends and clients are encouraged to visit! Look for the HEI flags.

On August 21, 2017, all of North America was treated to a solar eclipse. Several staff got to experience nature's most awe-inspiring sight.

For the second year, HEI staff attended the Sauk River Watershed District’s WaterFest to educate fourth-grade students on water quality and conservation. Students also learned about drone technology and how it's used in the field to find blockages and other issues along rivers.

HEI's Fargo office employees and families enjoyed bouncy houses and games during our annual summer picnic.

Kristin Michels received the Rookie Lion Award from the Lions Club for being involved in a number of club and service activities throughout the first year of her membership.

Dennis McAlpine was voted onto the Executive Board of the South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association as a Vice President during their annual conference. Dennis previously served for two years as a general board member. He helped organize a mini golf fundraiser event during the conference and also moderated one of the sessions.

Team HEI was a proud sponsor and participant in the River Keepers Catfish Cup Golf Scramble.

HEI staff in Thief River Falls passed out candy and gifts at the annual parade for the Pennington County Fair in July.

For the fourth consecutive year, Prairie Business Magazine recognized HEI as one of the 50 Best Places to Work in the northern Great Plains. HEI couldn't have received this honor without our wonderful employees!

HEI's Maple Grove office took advantage of the sunny, summer weather by grillng up a tasty lunch for staff.

The Madison Park Dedication celebrated the park's successful transformation from an unwelcoming green space to a thriving, kid-friendly place for the Golden Ridge/Madison neighborhood residents in Fargo to enjoy. HEI donated nearly 50 hours in designing the pavement foundations for the brick sculptures in the park that include a brick archway at the entrance and a 30-foot-long playground lizard, which turned out to be the largest brick sculpture in North America!

HEI has always been a supporter of many local community events throughout the year, such as park programs and nonprofit organizations. We believe in supporting the enrichment of communities we're proud to call home.

The rainy weather couldn't dampen HEI's Fargo staff spirits as they enjoyed a day on the green during our annual golf tournament.

HEI got into the spooky spirit on Halloween. Several staff dressed up and many brought their kids to the office as staff passed out candy.

A ribbon cutting in October marked the end of the three-year downtown infrastructure improvements project in Minot, ND—the largest reconstruction project in the City's history.

The Minot Water Treatment Plant flood protection project celebrated its completion with a ribbon cutting this summer.

Each October, HEI hosts a fundraising campaign for the United Way of Cass-Clay through various activities, such as Egg Russian Roulette, trivia, and free-will donation for popcorn. This year's campaign raised $7,193. Staff also volunteered during the United Way's Day of Caring event, helping senior residents get their homes ready for winter through yard and household chores.

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1401 21st Avenue North • Fargo, ND 58102 houstoneng.com

Minnesota Maple Grove | Thief River Falls Bemidji North Dakota Fargo | Bismarck | Dickinson Grand Forks | Minot Iowa West Des Moines

South Dakota Sioux Falls

Hello, South Dakota and Iowa!

HEI is Turning 50!

As 2018 nears, HEI will be celebrating 50 years of providing civil engineering, environmental, planning, and technology solutions to our clients across the nation.

Founded in 1968 by George Houston, we have always striven to provide you with intelligent solutions, to stay hungry in our search for new techniques, and to remain humble as your chosen consultant. We're excited to celebrate this milestone with our remarkable staff who have contributed to our success during these five decades.

Follow our social media to learn about HEI history throughout the year.

HEI is proud to announce we’re expanding into the South Dakota and Iowa markets with David Burwitz, PE, joining our team as the office manager in Sioux Falls, SD, and Mario Fenu joining our team as the Iowa business development manager in West Des Moines, IA. David brings more than 30 years of engineering and management experience to HEI’s team, previously working as a senior associate and office manager for an engineering firm in Sioux Falls. Mario has overseen million dollar projects and previously worked as the Director of Operations for a company providing drinking water.

“We look forward to being in South Dakota and Iowa to serve clients even better and to improve the quality of life in our communities,” states CEO/President Jeff LeDoux.

Visit our website for details on these new office locations beginning January 1, 2018.

Thank you for choosing HEI and we look forward to 50 more years of providing you with solutions for your tomorrow.

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David Burwitz, PE Sioux Falls Office Manager

Mario Fenu Iowa Business Development Manager