January 2026

Utilities Section Newsletter

January 2026 League of Nebraska Municipalities

2026 Utilities/Public Works Section Annual Conference

By Lash Chaffin, Utilities Section Director

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Utilities/ Public Works Section Annual Conference in Lincoln. One of the highlights of the conference was the election of Gary Thurlow , Atkinson Utility Superintendent, as the 2026 Utilities Section President. Other officers elected include:

• 1st Vice President Sarah Sawin, Director of Utilities of Kearney

• 2nd Vice President Matt Owens, Water & Wastewater Supervisor of Imperial

• Past President Pat Heath, City Administrator of Gering

• Board Member Jeramie Van Leer, Utility Superintendent of Ord

• Board Member Ryan Schmitz, Utilities Director of Grand Island

• New Board Member Joel Hansen , Street and Planning Director of Wayne

• Ex Officio Member Kyle Svec, City Administrator/Utilities Supervisor of Geneva The conference kicked off with an optional Preconference Seminar on Maintenance, Maintenance, and More Maintenance! Conference attendees also enjoyed educational sessions on:

• Failure to Train Your Employees. What Can Happen?

• Lead Line Replacement Inventory and Replacement Update

1335 L Street

Lincoln, NE 68508

(402) 476-2829

info@lonm.org

• Asset Management Plans that Actually Make Sense

• The Devastating Effects of Rechargeable Batteries on Solid Waste, Drinking Water, and Wastewater Systems

• The Sustainability of Your Municipality if Directly Related to Your Utility Maintenance

• Understanding an NPDES Permit

• Enhanced Health Care Options For Municipal Employees

• Cybersecurity As Asset Management

• Data Centers and Bit Coin Mining: How to Integrate Into Your Municipal Electric Load

• Hey!! Someone is Messing With the Meter. What Can I Do?

• The Importance of Bicycle Transportation to Your Municipality

• Making a Road Out of Trash. Can it be done?

• Colossal Workplace Accidents That Can Be Avoided

• Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act Updates

• Municipal Utility and Public Works Legislative and Regulatory Update Operators attending the Preconference Seminar could receive up to 5 hours of water grades 1-4 and 5 hours of wastewater. A

Utilities Section Executive Board President Gary Thurlow of Atkinson presented 2025-2026 Utilities Section President Pat Heath of Gering with a plaque in honor of his service.

total of 14 hours of wastewater and 13.5 hours of water grades 1-4 were available for attending the Preconference Seminar and the remaining day and a half of the conference. Credit hours given to the state for the conference also will be posted on the League’s website at lonm.org/utilities/water-andwastewater-credit-hours.html.

Participating systems included: Alma, Ashland, Atkinson, Auburn, Aurora, Blair, Bridgeport, Broken Bow, Coleridge, Cozad, Douglas, Elba, Emerson, Falls City, Garland, Geneva, Gering, Gibbon, Grand Island, Hastings, Hickman, Holdrege, Imperial, Kearney, Loup City, Nebraska City, North

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Lash Chaffin

Utilities Section Director

Jackson Sash

Utilities Field Representative

(From right to left) Incoming

 Utilities Section Newsletter

Wastewater Operator Certification

This article was written by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. More articles, tools, and resources can be found at dee.ne.gov or email the NDEE public information office at ndee.moreinfo@nebraska.gov.

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment’s Wastewater Operator Certification Program ensures Nebraska’s wastewater treatment facilities are staffed by properly certified operators. This, in turn, helps protect public health and the state’s surface water.

Since 1988, DWEE has certified over 3,082 Nebraska wastewater operator professionals across nine levels of certification. Operator certification requirements are outlined in Title 197 – Rules and Regulations for the Certification of Wastewater Treatment Operators in Nebraska

Those seeking wastewater operator certification must submit an application for certification and examination, along with an application fee, to DWEE. Applicants will sign up for a scheduled exam when they submit their application.

The type of certification an operator earns is based on the classification of the wastewater treatment facility they operate.

• Wastewater treatment facility classification is determined using point rating systems provided in Title 197 and based on complexity of

treatment, population served, and downstream water course conditions.

• Municipal and commercial facilities with biological treatment processes are classified using the municipal rating system (Title 197, APP. A - Page 17).

• Compatible industrial facilities with biological treatment and non-compatible industrial facilities with chemical/physical treatment are classified using the industrial point rating system (Title 197, APP. B - Page 19)

Certified operators are required to renew their certification and earn a minimum of 20 approved continuing education (CE) hours every two years. DWEE will notify operators 60 days before their certificate expires. The agency also maintains a list of approved training for continuing education and operators are responsible for submitting their CE hours to the agency.

This certification and continuing education process helps operators stay up to date on their trade, which ensures public health and proper stewardship of Nebraska’s waters.

2026 Utilities/Public Works Section Annual Conference

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Platte, O'Neill, Ord, Oxford, Papillion, Pender, Peru, Plattsmouth, Ponca, Schuyler, Scribner, Shelby, South Sioux City, Stromsburg, Stuart, Superior, Sutton, Trenton, Uehling, Utica, Valley, Wakefield, Waterloo, Wayne, West Point, and Wisner.

Thanks to the following conference sponsors:

• ACCO Unlimited Corporation

• Altec

• Core & Main

• Dutton-Lainson Company

• gWorks

• Hamilton Business Technologies

• HOA Solutions

• IMEG

• JEO Consulting Group, Inc.

• JJ Kane Auctions

• Johnson Service Company

• League Association of Risk Management (LARM)

• League Insurance Government Health Team (LIGHT)

• Lincoln Winwater

• Maguire Water

• Miller & Associates Consulting Engineers, P.C.

• Nebraska Energy Federal Credit Union

• NMC Cat

• NMPP Energy/MEAN

• NPPD

• Olsson

• Pro-Tech Power Sales

• Rose Equipment

• SEH, Inc.

• Wildcat Blockchain

Be sure to mark your calendars and attend the 2027 Utilities/Public Works Section Annual Conference on Jan. 13-15 at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln.

SAFETY/HEALTH CORNER

OSHA’s Top 10 Citations in 2025

By Jackson Sash, Utilities Field Rep./Training Coordinator

As 2026 is kicking into gear, let’s look back at what the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been up to for the last 12 months. Earlier this year at the 2025 National Safety Council Safety Congress and Expo, OSHA revealed the top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety standards (according to preliminary data). While Nebraska is not an OSHA state and most utility personnel are not subject to their regulations, the hazards that caused their creation may still show themselves. Reading through these top 10 cited categories, think about where you might encounter (or have encountered already) similar hazards in your own workplace and how you might protect yourself from them (or already do).

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 5,914 Violations. Fall protection sits atop of this list for the 15th consecutive fiscal year. Some of the most common reasons why fall protection is cited is because of a lack of

railing, net, or harness when there is a drop of six feet or greater. This could be seen on construction sites, during roofing operations, or just simply where a railing once stood, but has rusted away over time. Sometimes these violations can be as simple as an unmarked hole.

2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 2,546 Violations. Hazard communication involves chemical hazards and how the employer is required to communicate that information to its employees. Safety Data Sheets are one of the best resources for distributing information about a specific chemical. It is required by OSHA for these Safety Data Sheets to be available for any hazardous chemical that you might be working with, yet this is a common reason for citations in this category. Improper labeling of chemical containers is another common reason to receive a citation.

3. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,405 Violations. Number three on our list is exactly what it sounds like –Ladders. The number one reason for citations involving ladders is lack of proper support for the ladder.

This could be insufficient extension above the upper landing surface, not secured to a rigid support, or excessive ladder deflection under load. Other reasons for citations include using ladders for other purposes than which they were designed for, using the top step, or using a damaged ladder.

4. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,177 Violations. Lockout/Tagout is a process by which an employee can physically interrupt the normal operation of a machine for their own personal safety. This is usually done via a physical cage or lock that prevents the power plug from being used, a lock that prevents a circuit breaker from being flipped on, or a lockout tag that indicates that this machine should not be powered on. Tags are usually used in addition to locks to give more details about the situation. Most violations in this standard are due to not using Lockout/Tagout devices, improper training or communication from the employer, or failure to do periodic inspections.

5. Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 1,953 Violations. The Continued on page 4

OSHA’s Top 10 Citations in 2025

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respiratory protection standard includes everything from training, respirator selection, use, and repair. Respirators can be a critical piece of PPE in many environments, so ensuring their correct use is critical as well. Most of the citations for this standard are due to not providing medical examinations to employees who are required to wear a respirator, not providing adequate training for respirator use, and not fit testing tight-fitting facepiece respirators. There were also a bit under 200 citations for

not providing employees who voluntarily wear a respirator with the information contained in Appendix D to this section (Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard ) or for not ensuring the employee voluntarily wearing the respirator is medically able to use that respirator or that it is cleaned, stored, and maintained properly.

6. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503); 1,907 Violations. While we already have seen fall protection once on

this list, this standard is specific to fall protection training. As you might expect, most of the citations under this standard are due to lack of proper training. This could be that no training was given, training was given but it was inadequate, or that an employee has been unable to retain the understanding or skill necessary to use fall prevention systems effectively. There was also just under 500 citations for failure to verify compliance with paragraph a of this section which can be summarized into “the

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 Utilities Section Newsletter

OSHA’s Top 10 Citations in 2025

Continued from page 4 employer must provide a training program, and each employee must be able to identify fall hazards and how to correct them.” Typically, compliance is verified with a written record of certificates that prove attendance and completion of a sufficient training course.

7. Scaffolding (1926.451); 1,905 Violations. Scaffolding violations just barely beat out respiratory protection for seventh place by just two less violations in 2025. The scaffolding standard covers most aspects of scaffolds. Mainly general safety, who can design scaffolding, how scaffolding is constructed and loaded, and protection from falling off or from falling objects. Violations in scaffolding are mostly made up of employees who are 10 ft or more above a lower level of scaffolding and are not protected from falling to that lower level, scaffolding is not supported by acceptable foundations, accessing scaffolding via cross braces, and improper decking or guardrails.

8. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178); 1,826 Violations. The powered industrial trucks standard covers the design, maintenance, and operation of these trucks as well as

any operator training. Forklifts and motorized hand trucks are included in this standard. The most cited sections all involved safe operation, refresher training and evaluation, certification of training, and failure to remove a damaged powered industrial truck from service.

9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and face protection (1926.102): 1,665 Violations. This standard involves personal protective equipment for employees who may be exposed to hazards that could harm the eyes or face. This includes flying particles, chemical vapors or gases, high power lights or lasers, molten metals, or any other recognized hazard. 1,648 of the 1,665 violations under this standard were for the employer failing to ensure that workers were using appropriate eye or face protection for the hazard they were working around. The other 17 violations in 2025 were all some form of improper PPE, but they are a little more specific. For example, there were eight violations in 2025 due to a lack of side protection of the eyes when there is a hazard from flying objects.

10. Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,239 Violations. The

January 2026

final item on our list is machine guarding. This standard is all about using guards on machinery to protect workers from hazards. These hazards include those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, and flying chips and sparks. Most of the violations involving machine guarding are due to inadequate or a complete lack of guarding. The other violations seen were due to guards being secured improperly, failure to anchor machinery that has the potential to walk or move during operation, and exposure to blade from a fan which sits too low. Now that we have gone through this list, I hope that you did look back and reflect on the last year. While I may not encounter many serious hazards in my day-to-day life, while writing this, I began to think about some of my own incidents and close calls over the last year. All were very mild and had no lasting consequences, though if the right circumstances presented themselves, any of these situations could have gone very differently. So please, as you also look back and reflect, think about what you can do differently in 2026 to better keep yourself and others safe.

Engineering a world where everyone thrives.

 Utilities Section Newsletter

Classifieds

For Sale

2003 GMC C7500 with Salt/Sand Spreader Body. https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/list/ current?orgid=361015

• Condition: FAIR

• 2003 GMC C7500 C7C042 Chassis & Cab

• Stainless steel Henderson Salt/ Sand Spreader body (new in 2013/2014)

• Force American Hydraulic over Electric controller for spreader (installed in 2019)

• Cab/Chassis purchased new by municipality; and used as a salt spreader truck by Street Maintenance Division

• Vin: 1GDM7E1C73F518624

• GVWR 29,000 LB

• 2,290 + Hours / 26,370 + Miles

• Runs and spreader works

• Fuel tank has a leak

• Decals/logos on body will be removed

City Administrator. The City of Burwell is accepting applications for the position of City Administrator. The City of Burwell is the county seat of Garfield County and has approximately 1,200 residents. Burwell is located seven miles from the Calamus Reservoir in Central Nebraska. The municipality owns, operates, and provides electric, water, and wastewater services to its residents. Law enforcement is under the direction of the County Sheriff’s Department. This position requires comprehensive knowledge of municipal finance, expertise in city, state, and federal laws, regulations and guidelines, strategic planning, and supervisory skills. Individuals should possess a degree in a related field and/or possess a level of education that together with experience and training gives the required knowledge and experience to perform the duties as City Administrator. This person serves the community at the direction of the Mayor and City Council. Salary is negotiable based on experience and qualifications and includes competitive benefits. Interested candidates should contact the City Office at 404 Grand Avenue (PO Box 604), Burwell, NE 68823 or phone 308-346-4509. Completed application along with a cover letter and resume should be mailed or delivered to the city office address above or emailed to cityofburwell@nctc.net and will be accepted until the position is filled. The City of Burwell is an equal opportunity employer.

Village Superintendent. The Village of Campbell is seeking a qualified and experienced individual for the position of Village Superintendent. The Superintendent will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the Public Works Department, which

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 Utilities Section Newsletter

Classifieds

Continued from page 6

includes water, water-waste, streets, and parks. This role ensures our Village operates efficiently and safely. Qualifications include: ability to obtain and maintain a Nebraska Water Operators License Class 4 minimum; ability to obtain and maintain a Nebraska Commercial or non-commercial applicators license with category 09; and a valid driver’s license. To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to the Village of Campbell, PO Box 215, Campbell, NE 68932 or Campbell Clerk's

office. A full job description is available at the Clerk’s office. The Village of Campbell is an equal opportunity employer.

Utility Office Manager. The City of North Platte is seeking a Utility Office Manager to direct the daily operations of the utility office; manage and participate in customer service activities; interpret administrative decisions and policies as they apply to the operation of the utility office. Supervise utility office personnel; plan, organize, and assign the work of customer service

representatives, utility billing and collection employees; direct smooth office workflow. Coordinate the scheduling of utility office staff to ensure uninterrupted service to the public. Full-time exempt. Salary range $91,000–$122,000 per year. For the complete job description, abilities, qualifications, and to apply, please visit www.northplattene.gov/ Jobs.aspx and click on the full description for the Utility Office Manager or on Indeed at https:// www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=959 6bbc2c5f13a37&from=shareddes ktop_copy

 Utilities Section Newsletter

2026 Training calendar

Visit our website for a complete list of workshops and conferences.

January

Jan. 27 Water Operator Training Workshop

Holiday Inn, Kearney

Jan. 28-29 ..... Snowball Conference ................................................. Holiday Inn, Kearney

February

Feb. 11 .......... Solid Waste Transfer Station Workshop ..................... Fire Training Center, Norfolk

Feb. 17-18 .... Nebraska Meter School .............................................. Holiday Inn, Kearney

Feb. 23-24 Midwinter Conference Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln

March

Mar. 17 Water Operator Training Workshop Chadron

Mar. 18 ......... Water Operator Training Workshop ........................... Ogallala

April

Apr. 21..........

Water Operator Training Workshop ........................... McCook

Apr. 22.......... Water Operator Training Workshop ........................... Holdrege

Apr. 23 Water Operator Training Workshop Hebron

Utilities Section Executive Board

President

Gary Thurlow

Utility Supt.

Atkinson

1st Vice President

Sarah Sawin

Director of Utilities Kearney

2nd Vice President

Matt Owens

Water & Sewer Supervisor

Imperial

Past President

Pat Heath

City Administrator Gering

Board Member

Jeramie Van Leer

Utility Superintendent Ord

Board Member

Ryan Schmitz

Utilities Director Grand Island

Board Member

Joel Hansen

Street and Planning Director

Wayne

Ex Officio Member

Kyle Svec

City Admin./Utilities Supervisor

Geneva