January 2025 League of Nebraska Municipalities
Summer employment of teenagers
By Lash Chaffin, Utilities Section Director
Many Nebraska municipalities have a long-standing tradition of hiring local teens under the age of 18 during the summer to perform a number of jobs. However, some Nebraska municipalities have run afoul of federal labor laws, so it is important to know what job duties are permissible for a teenager. The regulation that often frustrates municipalities is driving by 16-yearolds. The Fair Labor Standards Act is very clear that employees 16 years of age and under MAY NOT DRIVE motor vehicles on public roads as part of their jobs – even if they possess a valid state driver’s license. This restriction includes all types of vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs, etc. More details on 17-year-old drivers later in this article. In general, the Fair Labor Standards Act distinguishes 14- and 15-year-olds from 16- and 17-yearolds but the major effects on a typical Nebraska municipality are outlined below.
Mowing
17-year-olds can operate a mower, weed-whacker, etc., but can only transport the mower from job site to job site under the following conditions:
• The driving is limited to daylight hours;
• The 17-year-old holds a state license valid for the type of driving involved in the job performed;
206 S 13th Street, Suite 800
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 476-2829
Fax (402) 476-7052
• The 17-year-old has successfully completed a state-approved driver education course and has no record of any moving violations at the time of hire;
• The automobile or truck does not exceed 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight;
• The automobile or truck is equipped with a seat belt for the driver and any passengers, and the employer has instructed the youth that the seat belts must be used when driving the vehicle; and
• The driving is only occasional and incidental to the 17-yearold's employment. This means that the youth may spend no more than one-third of his or her workday and no more than 20 percent of his or her work time in any workweek driving.
16-year-olds can operate the mower, weed-whacker, etc, but cannot transport the mower from job site to job site if such transport involves the operation of a motor vehicle including ATVs, UTVs, and similar vehicles.
All 14- and 15-year-olds are prohibited from operating powerdriven lawn mowers.
Swimming Pools
The Fair Labor Standards Act permits the employment of 15-, 16- and 17-year-olds as lifeguards
at traditional swimming pools and water amusement parks when such youth have been trained and certified by the American Red Cross, or a similar certifying organization, in aquatics and water safety. The federal child labor provisions require that a 15-year-old must acquire additional certification if he or she is to be employed as a swim instructor.
A traditional swimming pool means a water-tight structure of concrete, masonry, or other approved materials located either indoors or outdoors, used for bathing or swimming and filled with a filtered and disinfected water supply, together with buildings, appurtenances and equipment used in connection therewith.
A water amusement park means an establishment that not only encompasses the features of a traditional swimming pool, but also may include such additional attractions such as wave pools; lazy rivers; specialized activities areas such as baby pools, waterfalls, and sprinklers; and elevated water slides. Properly certified 15-year-
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Lash
Utilities Section Director Jackson Sash Utilities Field Representative
Chaffin
Utilities Section Newsletter
Summer employment of teenagers
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olds would be permitted to be employed as lifeguards at most of these water park features, but not as attendants or dispatchers at the top of elevated water slides.
Not included in the definition of a traditional swimming pool or a water amusement park would be such natural environment swimming facilities as rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, wharfs, piers, canals, or ocean side beaches. Lifeguards must be at least 16 years of age to be employed at such natural environment facilities.
Clerical Assistance and Cleaning
All minors 14-years-old or older can do office and clerical work, clean-up work, kitchen work, and clean vehicles that does not involve a ladder or scaffolding.
Digging
The Fair Labor Standards Act allows some hand shoveling but bans most jobs in trenching and excavation work, including working in a trench more than four-feet deep.
Helping Load Vehicles
There is a general prohibition against minors acting as “outside helpers” for motor vehicle
operations. Federal rules define “outside helper” as “any individual, other than a driver, whose work includes riding on a motor vehicle outside the cab for the purpose of assisting in transporting or delivering goods.” It is permissible to have minors help load motor vehicles.
Saws and Power Equipment
Employees under age 18 cannot operate most power-driven woodworking machines, including chain saws, nailing machines, sanders, power-driven circular
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SAFETY/HEALTH CORNER
High-Pressure Hazards: How to stay safe with hydraulic systems
By Jackson Sash, Utilities Field Rep./Training Coordinator
Hydraulic systems are essential in utility operations, powering heavy equipment with pressurized fluid. While they provide efficiency and control, they also pose serious safety risks if not properly maintained. Understanding these hazards and following strict safety protocols can prevent injuries and ensure reliable system performance.
One of the most serious hazards is penetrative injuries caused by high-pressure hydraulic fluid. If a hose or fitting fails, the escaping fluid can puncture the skin, leading to internal damage that may not be immediately visible. Hydraulic injection injuries require urgent medical attention, as untreated cases can result in severe infection, tissue damage, or even amputation.
Hydraulic fluid leaks pose additional risks, including burns, eye injuries, and slip hazards. Many hydraulic fluids are also toxic, creating potential health and environmental concerns if inhaled
or absorbed through the skin.
Hose or line failures are another major risk, as aging or damaged components can rupture under pressure. A sudden failure can send high-speed fluid in unpredictable directions, potentially striking workers and causing serious injury, particularly if it enters the eyes or bloodstream.
Essential Safety Protocols
Regular inspections and maintenance are critical to preventing failures. Workers should routinely check hoses, seals, and fittings for wear, cracks, or leaks, replacing any damaged components before they fail. Pressure relief valves must also be checked to ensure they function properly and prevent dangerous overpressurization.
Proper training is essential. Workers should understand how hydraulic systems function, recognize warning signs of failure, and know emergency shutdown procedures. Those performing maintenance should also follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols
to prevent accidental system activation.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in preventing injuries. Gloves, goggles, and face shields protect against unexpected fluid sprays, while proper clothing helps reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals. Emergency Response for Hydraulic Failures
Despite precautions, accidents can still happen. Workers should be trained to quickly contain and clean up hydraulic fluid spills to prevent slip hazards and environmental damage. Burns from hydraulic fluid require immediate flushing with water, while injection injuries demand urgent medical evaluation –even if the wound appears minor.
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Engineering a world where everyone thrives.
Summer employment of teenagers
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saws, band saws, guillotine shears, chain saws, reciprocating saws, wood chippers, and abrasive cutting discs.
Demolition
Employees under age 18 cannot engage in most jobs in wrecking, demolition, and ship-breaking operations, except for remodeling or repair work which is not extensive.
Hours limitations
♦ Youths 18 or older may perform any job, whether hazardous or not, for unlimited hours, in accordance with minimum wage and overtime requirements.
♦ Youths 16- and 17-years-olds may perform any nonhazardous job
High-Pressure
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for unlimited hours.
♦ Youths 14- and 15-years-old may work outside school hours in various nonmanufacturing, nonmining nonhazardous jobs up to:
– 3 hours on a school day;
– 18 hours in a school week;
– 8 hours on a non-school day;
– 40 hours on a non-school week.
Also, work must be performed between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., except from June 1 through Labor Day when evening hours are extended to 9 p.m.
There are many other rules dealing with the employment of minors, but these are the rules that seem to apply to typical municipal operations. Municipalities should consult their
Hazards
If a hydraulic system fails catastrophically, knowing how to perform an emergency shutdown can prevent further injuries or equipment damage. Workers should be able to identify warning signs such as unusual noises, pressure fluctuations, or visible leaks and respond appropriately.
Hydraulic systems are
indispensable in utility work, but their high-pressure nature requires strict safety measures. Regular maintenance, proper PPE, thorough worker training, and emergency preparedness are key to preventing injuries and ensuring safe, efficient operations. By prioritizing these safety practices, utilities can protect both their workforce and their equipment.
municipal attorney on an on-going basis to ensure compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act rules regarding employees under the age of 18.
Milestone recognition
Is your municipality or utility celebrating a historic milestone?
We are encouraging members to provide any information on milestones being celebrated such as 75 years of operating the electric system. About 1942, private electric systems were phased out in Nebraska and several municipalities took over the systems in the 1940s.
When was your water, wastewater, electric, power generation system established? When were facilities built, improvements made, etc. If your utility is celebrating a 25-, 50-, 75-, or 100-year milestone, let the Utilities Section help you celebrate by recognizing it in the newsletter.
Service Awards
Remember to recognize your employees’ anniversary milestones. The League provides certificates for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65.
You can request them by emailing brendah@ lonm.org.
Retirements: Let us help recognize those municipal employees who are retiring after years of service.
2025 Snowball Wastewater Conference held
By Jackson Sash, Utilities Field Rep./Training Coordinator
The 34 th Annual Snowball Wastewater Conference was held Jan. 22-23, 2025, at the Kearney Holiday Inn. The conference was cosponsored by the League of Nebraska Municipalities-Utilities Section and the Nebraska Water Operators Committee (NWOC) of the Nebraska Water Environment Association (NWEA), a member of the National Water Federation (WEF). This year, the conference attendance totaled about 217 with 161 operators in attendance. The past 34 years, more than 7,900 operators, engineers, and wastewater-related company representatives have participated at this conference with over 344 hours of recertification “relicensing” credit for wastewater participants. Licensed wastewater attendees received 10 hours toward their wastewater relicensing, water operators received up to 6.0 hours for grades 1-4, and 0.5 hours for grade 6, if they attended (signedin) the designated sessions. (Eight sessions at this year’s conference received water credits.) Certificates were not issued this year, but hours are posted on the League website (lonm.org) that were
submitted to the state to be posted on the operators’ portal records. The League keeps the past two years of Snowball attendance lists with hours on the website. Each operator is required by the state to keep track of his/her own training hours. If you have questions on credit hours for this conference, contact the League office.
The Jan. 22 morning sessions included: CIPP Lining and Manhole Rehabilitation, Valve and Gate Inspection and Maintenance, Low Pressure Sewer, NDEE Q&A Roundtable Discussion, Sewer Backup Liability, A Cold Wind Blowing: Temperatures, DO, and Aeration Performance, and Backflow. The afternoon sessions included: CISA 101, General Collection System Maintenance, How to Successfully Run an Oxidation Ditch with Very Low DO Levels. Pumping Application, NPDES Support Services, and The CLAWS of Pump Maintenance. The Jan. 23 morning sessions included Utility Disconnect and Connection and PFAS Treatment. This was followed by an update of the NWEA and NWOD programs by Scott Seelhoff of Fremont and of the Wastewater Certification Program and NDEE by Mike McBride of
the NDEE. Speakers included: Monte Dakan, Johnson Service; Lee Dunn and Chris Johnson, Gurney & Associates; Ryan Turnbull, Iowa Pump Works; Fred Wiebelhaus, League Association of Risk Management; Brian Gongol, DJ Gongol & Associates; Warren Hagelstien, CISA; Jake Rink and Nolan Groff, Olsson; Mark Pomajzl, JEO Consulting, Scott Seelhoff, City of Fremont; Mike McBride, Phillip Halstead, Grace Dana, Randol Wehrbein, Jason Windhorst and Jeff Sittle of NDEE; along with Lash Chaffin, League of Nebraska Municipalities-Utilities Section.
A special “thank you” to the Holiday Inn for once again providing excellent facilities and delicious food for the conference event. A special thank you to the following companies (listed alphabetically) that supported this year’s Snowball Conference by providing exhibits, Continued on page 6
Utilities Section Newsletter
2025 Snowball Wastewater Conference held
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speakers, and/or sponsorship, which always ensures the conference to be a big success. Those listed in BOLD are 2024–2025 League/Utilities Section Associate Members.
• Armor Equipment
• Atlas Automation LLC
• Automatic Systems Co
• Core & Main
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
• DJ Gongol & Associates
• Dutton-Lainson Company
• EES (A UFT Company)
• EXPRO Controls
• FirstNet Built by AT&T
• Gurney and Associates
• HOA Solutions, Inc.
• Iowa Pump Works
• JCI Industries
• JEO Consulting Group
• Johnson Service Company
• League Association of Risk Management
• Lincoln Winwater
• MacQueen
• Mellen & Associates
• Microfilm Imaging Systems
• Miller & Associates Consulting Engineers, P.C.
• Modern Coating Solutions/ Tnemec
• Mongan Painting
• Municipal Supply
• Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy (NDEE)
• Nebraska Generator Service
• Northwest Electric
• Olsson
• Rose Equipment
• USDA Rural Development
The following dates for future “Snowball” Wastewater Conferences have been scheduled and contracts signed with the Kearney Holiday Inn:
• Jan. 28-29, 2026
• Jan. 27-28, 2027
• Jan. 26-27, 2028
• Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2029
Utilities Section Newsletter
Classifieds
Public Works Superintendent. The Village of Pender, Nebraska, located in Northeast corner of Nebraska is seeking to fill the position of Superintendent of Utilities. Pender is a progressive community located approximately 40 minutes Southwest of Sioux City, Iowa, approximately 45 minutes east of Norfolk, NE and 90 minutes North of Omaha. The population of Pender is 1,273 and is the County seat for Thurston County, Nebraska. Salary: $50,000 - $73,000 annually dependent on qualifications, paid bi-weekly. Benefit packages which include health, dental, vision, HSA (up to $1,600/yr), life, vacation, 11 holidays, retirement benefits matching up to 3%. The Village of Pender is looking for someone who has a broad range of Utility experience to become the Superintendent of Utilities. The preferred candidate would have at least five years or more previous experience as a superintendent or supervisor relating to the construction, repair, maintenance and operation of the following utility departments: 1. Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution system; 2. Water Treatment
Plant and Water Distribution; 3. Sewer Treatment Plant and Sewer Line Maintenance; 4. Natural Gas Operations; and 5. Street and Various Other Departments. The applicant should demonstrate experience with overseeing personnel, time management, and workflow of the various Village departments. The applicant must be able to file mandatory reports, learn and understand the budget. In addition to at least five years of previous electrical experience, the candidate should either have or demonstrate the ability to obtain the necessary licenses, certificates or qualifications to operate the Water, Sewer and Natural gas departments. The applicant must live within 15 miles of the municipality. Interested people may obtain an application at the Village Office, 614 Main Street, Pender, Nebraska, 68047. Or for further information contact the Village Clerk at 402-385-3232, or email clerk@villageofpender.com. EOE. Position is open until filed. Line Technician. The City of Auburn of Board of Public Works is accepting applications for an Electric Line Technician. Qualifications include successful completion of
an accredited Journeyman Lineman program or consideration for a documented Journeyman Lineman through verifiable experience. Lineman apprentice applications will be accepted. Experience in construction, installation, maintenance and repair of electric transmission and distribution lines. Knowledgeable of and ability to train in electrical distribution and transmission line construction, electrical apparatus such as singlephase transformers, three phase transformer banks, voltage testing, rotation and regulators and line switching clearance procedures and grounding. Compliance with all safety policies and procedures. Valid CDL or ability to obtain an acceptable driving record. Candidates will be subject to
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Utilities Section Newsletter
Classifieds
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a criminal background check. Successfully pass DOT physicals/ drug tests as required. Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Must reside within 30 miles of Service Center at 1604 O Street, Auburn, NE. The starting pay rate for this position is $32.24 - $37.78 per hour depending on experience. Job description is available upon request. Applications are available at auburnbpw.com. Return to: Board of Public Works at 1600 O Street, Auburn, NE 68305. For questions about the position contact Kevin Kuhlmann or Ray Luhring at (402)-274-4981. Position will remain open until filled.
Utilities Superintendent. The Village of Stratton is now accepting applications for a full-time Utilities Superintendent due to anticipated retirement of current employee. The Village of Stratton has a population of 310 and is located in southwest Nebraska, 30 minutes west of McCook. We are located along Highway 34 less than 10 miles from Swanson Reservoir. Successful candidate must possess or be able to obtain a grade IV water operator license through the State of NE. Responsibilities include water and sewer system operations, street maintenance, maintenance of electrical service, and other duties as assigned. A complete list of duties is located at the Village Office. Wage negotiable and based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include: monthly health stipend, clothing reimbursement, up to 3% retirement match, 11.5 paid Holidays, and PTO. Applications or further information can be obtained from the Village Clerk at 308276-2184 or stratton@gpcom.net
or submit resume to PO Box 332 Stratton, NE 69043. Position open until filled. EOE.
Assistant Utility Superintendent. The Village of Exeter seeks qualified candidates for full time, including on-call, position of Asst Utility Superintendent. Hours are flexible. The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications: Ability to learn computer and equipment skills essential to this position; High school diploma or GED is a must; Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with the public, other village employees, and other professionals; Willingness to engage in training to keep up-todate with municipal codes and state statutes; Must have a valid driver’s license; Must have or be able to get a class B CDL with air brakes; and Candidates with a Grade IV Water operator license, grade 6 Backflow license and a Grade 1 Wastewater Operator’s license is a plus, but we are willing to send the right candidate to training for certification within 1 year of Employment. The key duties of this position include but are not limited to: Managing and maintaining water and sewer systems; conducting utility readings; performing locates; supervising road and street maintenance activities; maintaining village owned buildings and properties to include parks and swimming pool; and maintaining all vehicles, equipment, and tools while also keeping accurate records for reporting purposes. The Assistant Utility Superintendent collaborates closely with the Utility Superintendent and operates under the supervision of the Village of Exeter Board of Trustees. Applicants submit a letter of interest and resume to exeterclerk@
windstream.net or Village of Exeter, PO Box 96, Exeter, NE 68351. The applications are due by Feb. 3, 2025 by 5 pm. The Village of Exeter is an EOE.
Utility Superintendent. Due to upcoming retirement, the City of Long Pine is seeking a qualified candidate for the full-time position of Utility Superintendent. The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications: ability to learn computer and equipment skills essential to this position; high school diploma or GED; strong communication skills and the ability to work well with the public, other city employees, and other professionals; willingness to engage in training to keep up to date with municipal codes and state statutes; and be responsible for safety, compliance, record keeping and testing. Must have a valid driver’s license; must have or be able to get a Class B CDL; and candidates with a Grade IV Water operator license, Grade 1 Wastewater Operator’s license is a plus, but we are willing to send the right candidate to training for certification within one year of employment. Duties consist of managing and maintaining water and sewer systems, conducting utility readings, performing locates, road and street maintenance, garbage, maintaining city owned buildings and properties including parks and cemetery. Maintaining all vehicles, equipment and tools while also keeping accurate records for reporting purposes. For a complete job description and application contact, the City of Long Pine during regular business hours at 402-273-4120 or email lpclerk@ longpinenebraska.com. Application must include resume and references. The City of Long Pine is an EOE.
Utilities Section Newsletter
2025 Training calendar
Visit our website for a complete list of workshops and conferences.
February
Feb. 18-19 Electric Meter Conference
Feb. 24-25 Midwinter Conference
March
Holiday Inn, Kearney
Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln
March 18 Water Operator Training Workshop Chadron
March 19 ....... Water Operator Training Workshop .............................. Valentine
March 20 Water Operator Training Workshop Neligh
Utilities Section Executive Board
President
Pat Heath
City Administrator Gering
1st Vice President
Gary Thurlow
Utility Superintendent Atkinson
2nd Vice President
Sarah Sawin Director of Utilities Kearney
Past President
Duane Hoffman
Public Works Director Oxford
Board Member
Matt Owens
Water & Sewer Supervisor Imperial
Board Member
Jeramie Van Leer
Utility Superintendent Ord
Board Member
Ryan Schmitz
Utilities Director Grand Island
Ex Officio Member
Layne Groseth
City Admin./Utilities Mgr. North Platte