March 2025 League of Nebraska Municipalities
Making Presentations to City Councils or Village Boards
By Lash Chaffin, Utilities Section Director
One of the most terrifying tasks that a municipal utility or public works staff member can ever face is a presentation to the Village Board, City Council or Board of Public Works. Many utility and public works staff members are hired for their technical skills but rarely for their presentation skills. However, effective communications between elected officials and staff members are essential to the operations of your municipal utility or public works operation. Over the years, I have talked to numerous Nebraska utility and public works staff members who are very comfortable telling League of Nebraska Municipalities staff about how their operations function, but freeze up when they face their own elected officials. Here are a few tips that will hopefully help someone talk as easily and effectively to the Council or Board as they can talk to a League staff member.
Remember That People Want To Hear What You Have To Say. I have known utility and public works staff members who are reluctant to talk to their Council or Board because they know that the Council or Board is very busy and often have dozens of controversial items on their meeting agenda. By the time the meeting gets to the staff reports, everyone is tired and sometimes a little distracted. They are not looking forward to a report that is filled with possibly boring
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technical information. Being an elected official is a tough and thankless task. But the public knows they need to hear what you have to say. I have talked to hundreds of Nebraska elected officials and have yet to meet one who doesn’t understand how important utility and public works operations are to their municipality. They may all disagree on how the policies of the utilities and public works departments are carried out, but they do understand the importance of the departments. So, no matter how tired your audience is, try to keep a positive speaking attitude, because your audience does want to hear what you have to say.
What Are the Points That Need To Be Made? If you want your presentation to be effective, you need to ask yourself two questions before you stand up to give your presentation: 1) Why am I delivering this presentation, and 2) What points would I like to emphasize in this presentation? Before the presentation ever starts, have a clear answer to these two questions. If you are clear on these points, you can always return to the focus of the presentation no matter how many questions you get. It is very discouraging to talk for 20 minutes and discover that you
didn’t make any of your key points to the Council or Board. No matter where the discussion goes, always try to return to the answer to these questions.
Make The Important Points Up Front. Cut to the chase. Tell the Council or Board up front what important decisions they have to make, and give them the information that will help them make those decisions. Other information can be handled in handouts or later in the presentation.
First Few Seconds Are Important. Do not let their minds wander in the first few seconds. Do not spend this important time fiddling around with a projector, lights, or handouts or telling a story that doesn’t have anything to do with the points that need to be made. Think ahead so you can be prepared to start your presentation in an organized manner so you can catch people’s attention before those elusive few seconds disappear.
Face Your Audience. It is important that you catch the attention of your audience. When you give your presentation, face the audience. Do not stare down at your handout. Do not look only at the screen. Do not stare down
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Sash
Lash Chaffin
Making Presentations to City Councils or Village Boards
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into the overhead projector. Do not hide behind the computer monitor. Again, Councils and Boards are interested in what you have to say. Make sure you let them know you are interested in talking to them.
Don’t Begin Your Presentation
With An Apology. I see many speakers begin their presentation by apologizing because they feel they are not the best speaker on a particular subject, or that they do not have the data needed to make a good presentation. DON’T DO THIS! You only have a few seconds to make an impression. Start your presentation with information on an
issue that requires Council or Board decision-making. The information that is part of the apology might be relevant to the presentation, but it can come later in the presentation. Don’t Mumble. Speaking to a Council or Board doesn’t require a different speaking voice than a chat with the other employees or the League of Nebraska Municipalities staff. Just talk the way you normally do. If is effective with your coworkers and others, it will be just as effective with the Council or Board. When many people try to sound more formal, they just end up mumbling. Do not fall into this trap. Just think about “talking to people”
rather than “making a speech.”
Use Comparisons And Metaphors To Help People
Understand. Utilities and public works are complicated. However, the important concepts can be understood better if you compare elements of the operations to things that people know, like, and understand. Every Council and Board is different. Take the time to listen to the Council and Board and know what they are interested in. Compare your utilities to the things that are important to them. This will help them visualize what you do, and how you do it.
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Utilities Section Newsletter
Making Presentations to City Councils or Village Boards
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Avoid The Use Of Acronyms. NDEE, DEC, SDWA, NDOH, HHSS, AWWA, APPA, CWA, PPM, Mg/L, KW, KWH, NMPP, DOR, EPA, USEPA, and DNR. It has become a world of acronyms and it is confusing. It doesn’t take much more time to say the words. Your presentation will be far more effective if your Council or Board aren’t spending their time trying to figure out if USEPA and EPA are the same thing.
Don’t Underestimate The Intelligence Of Your Audience. One of the biggest mistakes that a speaker can make is making the audience feel that you think they are stupid. Not only will you lose their attention for the presentation, you
might eventually lose your job. The voters of your municipality thought that the members of your Council or Board could serve as decisionmakers for your utility and public works operations. It is important that you recognize this and act and speak accordingly.
Always Have Handouts. Good handouts can have multiple benefits. First, they will allow you to get additional information to the Council or Board if you only have time to cover your most important points. Second, your Council or Board will often find answers to their questions in the handout while you are speaking. If they find the answer in the handout, they will not ask a question which could potentially take the presentation in
a different direction and away from your main points. Third, handouts give your Council or Board an opportunity to take home the information and read it many times. If you have made your main points in an effective manner, the handout will serve as an important resource to make your next presentation on that subject even more effective. Watch The Time. Your time is valuable and the time of the Council or Board is valuable. Be careful to understand how long your audience wants to talk about your subject. It might only be a few minutes or it might be much longer. If you make your main points first and have good handouts, you can deliver an effective presentation in one minute or one hour.
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.
Ideas Transform Communities
At HDR, we’re helping our clients push open the doors to what’s possible, every day.
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SAFETY/HEALTH CORNER
Silicosis: A Gradual but Preventable Hazard in Utility Work
By Jackson Sash, Utilities Field Rep./Training Coordinator
Silicosis is not often top of mind in municipal utility operations, but it remains a serious occupational hazard—especially for those working with concrete, dry soil, aggregate materials, or demolition debris. It develops slowly and silently, but once it takes hold, the damage is permanent.
Silicosis is caused by inhaling fine particles of crystalline silica. This mineral is found in materials like sand, stone, concrete, and mortar. When these materials are cut, drilled, ground, or disturbed—common tasks in water, wastewater, street, electric, and landfill operations—fine silica dust can become airborne. These dust particles are small enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses and settle deep into the lungs, where they cause inflammation and scarring over time.
Early symptoms can include a persistent cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath, which can be mistaken for a seasonal illness or general wear and tear. But silicosis is a progressive disease,
and in its advanced stages, it can severely impair lung function and increase the risk of other respiratory illnesses. There is no cure, and the damage is irreversible.
Fortunately, the risk is manageable with a few practical precautions. The most effective method is to reduce the amount of dust generated in the first place. For example, using water while cutting or grinding concrete can significantly lower the amount of airborne dust. Dust collection systems—such as vacuums or local exhaust—can also help capture dust at the source. In situations where dust cannot be fully controlled, properly fitted respirators should be used.
Other practices, such as keeping dusty materials damp during handling and cleanup, storing dry materials in closed containers, or limiting unnecessary dry sweeping, can further reduce exposure. These steps are practical and effective, especially when they’re built into regular routines. Many utility crews are already doing tasks that line up with best practices for dust control—it’s often just a matter of identifying where a few small adjustments can make a meaningful
difference.
Raising awareness about silicosis can also support these efforts. When team members understand how fine dust behaves and the long-term risks it can pose, they’re better equipped to make informed decisions in the field. A brief conversation during a safety meeting or a review of dust-generating tasks during planning can go a long way toward reinforcing the importance of protective measures.
Silicosis may take years to develop, but it is entirely preventable. Any operation that involves cutting concrete, trenching in dry conditions, or handling construction debris should consider the potential exposure and take steps to reduce it. Small changes in how tasks are approached can make a significant difference in protecting the health and safety of municipal utility workers.
Engineering a world where everyone thrives.
Utilities Section Newsletter
Classifieds
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 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.
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
Seasonal Reminder: Overflow Towers to Prevent Stratification
By Jackson Sash, Utilities Field Rep./Training Coordinator
As warmer temperatures settle in, now is the time for operators to pay close attention to elevated storage tank performance—specifically, the risk of thermal stratification. When incoming water is cooler than the sun-heated water at the top of a tank, a temperature gradient forms. Without adequate mixing or turnover, this can result in pockets of stagnant water with low disinfectant residuals, promoting microbial growth and, in some cases, nitrification.
Ideally, tanks should be turned over every 3 to 5 days to maintain good water quality. Infrequent turnover or “dead storage” is often associated with taste and odor complaints, as well as reduced chlorine effectiveness. Systems using chloramines are particularly vulnerable to nitrification under these conditions, which can require extensive remediation efforts once underway.
A controlled overflow strategy is one of the most effective tools small systems have to prevent stratification. By overflowing the tank periodically—either manually
or through SCADA-controlled set points—operators can ensure that warmer, upper-layer water is actively cycled out of the tank and replaced with fresh, treated water from the plant. This improves residual maintenance and helps prevent biofilm development along the tank walls.
Operators should verify that overflow outlets are clear and discharging safely and ensure that tower fill and draw levels are sufficient to promote mixing during normal daily operations. In systems with low demand or
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Utilities Section Newsletter
2025 Training calendar
Visit our website for a complete list of workshops and conferences.
April
April 30 ......... Backflow Workshop .............................................. Civic Center, Seward
August
Aug. 12 .......... Backflow Workshop .............................................. Valentino's, Beatrice
Aug. 13 Backflow Workshop Fire Hall, Wayne
Aug. 14
Water Operator Training Workshop South Sioux City
Aug. 19 .......... Backflow Workshop .............................................. MidPlains Community College, Ogallala
Aug. 20
September
Sept. 9
Sept. 10
Sept. 11..........
Backflow Workshop Full Circle Venue (downtown), Grand Island
Water Operator Training Workshop Sidney
Water Operator Training Workshop Imperial
Water Operator Training Workshop ...................... Pleasanton
Sept. 24-26 League Annual Conference Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln
Seasonal Reminder
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Spring and early summer are
critical periods to establish these practices before water temperatures peak. With simple proactive steps like overflow management, many small systems can avoid larger water quality issues down the road.
Utilities Section Executive Board
President
Pat Heath
City Administrator
Gering
1st Vice President
Gary Thurlow
Utility Superintendent
Atkinson
Check out the League’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/leaguene. Be sure to “Like” us.
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