Taps & Jets, Volume 90, No. 3

&

Taps Jets Vol. 90 No. 3

inside this issue

A publication for current and retired employees of the Metropolitan Utilities District

>>>

pg. 3 | Melville promoted to VP

pg. 6 | Tanya Cook appointed to board

pg. 4 | Dedicated IR efforts

pg. 7 | United Way Drive begins

pg. 5 | More sustainable future at new HQ

pg. 10 | Employees recognized for service

pg. 6 | Self-service coming to SuccessFactors

pg. 11 | Community events recap

ON THE COVER...

The District began providing customer-facing operations September 3 in the lobby of Omaha Public Power District. Nine employees made the transition to OPPD as the District’s new Branch Team. Employees are, from left, Sheena Sanders, Susie Dew, Nancy Gaytan, Steffanie Sorensen, Yanira Lopez, Leatha Bland, Susie Barrett, Cheryl Miller and Emilio Llibre-Berriel.

In September, cashiers assisted 1,257 walk-in customers and processed 6,773 payments.

Customers made 763 payments using our kiosks.

Raied Stanley, senior vicepresident and Chief Information Officer, said, “We have some tremendous employees who made this transition. Their dedication, professionalism and resolve has been extraordinary and I just want to personally thank them.”

2019 CORPORATE CUP TEAM VOL. 90 | No. 3 Fall 2019 TAPS & JETS is published quarterly for current and retired employees to inform them about the District, activities and accomplishments of its employees.

Your comments are welcome.

Please send comments and suggestions to: TAPS & JETS, Metropolitan Utilities District, 1723 Harney St., Omaha, NE 68102-1960; email jessica_heidebrecht@ mudnebr.com or call 402.504.7204.

Follow us on Twitter (@mudomahane), Facebook (facebook.com/mudomahane) and Instagram (@mudwaterontap).

Board of Directors: Chair Tim Cavanaugh, Vice-Chair Gwen Howard, Jim Begley, Tanya Cook, David Friend, Jack Frost and Mike McGowan.

President: Mark Doyle Produced and published by Corporate Communications

2

TAPS & JETS

Employees and their families participated September 8 in the 39th annual Fight for Air Corporate Cup benefiting the American Lung Association. The 10K and 2-mile walk took place at Aksarben Village. Pictured from left: Ann Boesen, Human Resources; Jay Roberts and Jessica Heidebrecht, Corporate Communications; Bob Hazuka, Platte South Plant; Cherie Shryock, Stores; Carrie Hunter, Customer Service; Dave Smith, Engineering Design; Anna Bennett, Information Technology; Chris Franck, Customer Service; Annette O’Brien, Customer Accounting; Castro Okuom, Information Technology; Stephanie Lemonds, Accounting; Gene Siadek, Water Distribution; Jo Stephens, Accounting; Nathan Williams, Plant Engineering; Jordan Scupien, Information Technology; and Adam Gartner, Plant Engineering. Jo Stephens placed first in her age division.

RETIREMENTS

KRIS HARTLEY Kris Hartley, senior engineering technician-design, Engineering Design, plans to retire November 26 with 35 years of service. Kris joined the District in 1984 as a customer service clerk, Customer Service. In 1986 she became a cashier before being promoted to Engineering Design as a drafting technician IV. Kris advanced to drafting technician III in 1988, drafting technician in 1989 and to senior drafting technician in 1991. She was named senior engineering technician-operations

RICK LAMB in 1994 and senior engineering technician-design in 2011.

Kris has a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Iowa State University. She enjoys gardening, silversmithing, pottery, fishing and genealogy. In retirement, Kris plans to garden, create an art studio and work on the house. She also plans to fish with her family, vacation to Arizona and visit her parent’s birthplace in Lithuania.

Kris and her husband, Pete, have a daughter and three sons. The

DEB OETKEN

JERRY RANDALL

couple lives at 13018 Mullen Cir., Omaha, NE 68144; kjhartley13018@ gmail.com.

with five years of service. Deb joined the District in 2014 in her current position.

Rick Lamb, transportation specialist, Transportation, retired September 20 with five years of service. Rick joined the District in 2014 as a customer service clerk I, Customer Service. He transferred to Transportation as a transportation specialist in 2015.

Jerry Randall, group leader, Construction, retired July 27 with 32 years of service. Jerry joined the District in 1986 as a special laborer, Construction. He was named pipe layer trainee in 1988 and was promoted to pipe layer in 1989, pipe layer-welder in 1993, utility worker in 1994 and crew leader in 1999. Jerry was named group leader in 2012.

Deb Oetken, supervisor, scheduling and analytics, Customer Service, retired August 1

MELVILLE PROMOTED TO VICE-PRESIDENT The District’s board of directors promoted Andy Melville to vice-president, Field Service Operations, at its August meeting.

Andy joined the District as an engineer in Plant Engineering.

He spent two years in the management training program in Gas Production as the assistant superintendent of gas production.

In 2001 he was promoted to supervisor of gas plants before being promoted to senior design engineer, infrastructure replacement and relocations, Engineering Design, in 2013. Andy became director, Construction & Transportation, in 2014.

ANDY MELVILLE

He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska and has been a licensed professional civil engineer since 2002.

Prior to joining the District, Andy worked at Ash Grove Cement, National Soil Conservation Service and the Custer County Surveyor’s Office.

Committee in 2010 and is a long-time member of the Omaha Engineers Club, including a stint as president in 2013.

Andy enjoys spending time with his family at their cabin, where they boat and play water sports.

Andy is a member of the American Gas Association Supplemental Gas Committee and has served in multiple officer positions, including chairman in 2014 and 2015. He was appointed to the National Fire Protection Association-59 Standard Technical

FALL 2019

3

DEDICATED CREW ADDED TO RAMP UP IR EFFORTS It’s no secret Metropolitan Utilities District is increasing the amount of water infrastructure it’s replacing across Omaha.

The current plan outlined by President Mark Doyle calls for M.U.D. and contractor partners to replace at least 30 miles of water pipe annually by 2024. This past June the District advanced efforts to meet that goal, launching the first dedicated crew for water infrastructure replacement (IR).

The group, which includes five employees, is comprised of a group leader, utility worker, two machine operators and a pipe layer. After initial assessments, a third pipe layer was added for optimal workflow.

4

TAPS & JETS

“The expectation is that you can have two excavation sites while prioritizing safety and keeping things moving forward,” said Cory O’Brien, vice-president, Engineering and Construction.

Plans are now in the works to not only budget for the six-person water IR crew moving forward, but also a second, sixperson crew to begin IR projects starting in 2020. The expectation is that the dedicated crews will contribute significantly with other M.U.D. crews in completing 10 miles of water pipe replacement each year.

Engineers research the latest materials for installation, like HDPE (High Density

Polyethylene) pipe that is extremely strong and suitable for high pressure situations. In the field, crews combine the materials and new equipment to help enhance their productivity.

Two million dollars’ worth of new machinery, including a rubber-tracked mini excavator and a larger boring rig, enable the crew to maneuver more efficiently at each job site. “We’ve been able to almost double the amount of pipe that we can shoot in at a site,” said Cory.

Throughout every step a field engineer is available to support and document the process. They can update records including the GIS system, locate utilities and communicate progress with the city.

A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AT THE NEW HQ “The new building changes everything.”

This is how Sarah Jones, utilization engineer, Marketing, describes the possibilities for increased sustainability at the District’s new headquarters.

The Sustainability Master Plan, which was released in December of 2018, was put together before the decision was made to sell the downtown headquarters. So, instead of updating an inefficient building and changing sustainability practices, Sarah sees the new building as a chance to put new sustainability practices in place from day one.

The move to 7350 World Communications Drive aligns with one of the plan’s goals: zero waste, or 90 percent waste diverted from the landfill.

Following the launch of the plan, a waste audit was conducted by Verdis Group in partnership with Facilities Management. This audit looked at what employees are throwing away and how they are throwing it away. Based on the data, the biggest area M.U.D. is looking to improve is by recycling cardboard. The plan is to have specialized bins for cardboard implemented at the new headquarters. These bins are already in place at the Operations Center.

In addition, trash and recycling bins will be centrally located on each floor and employees will no longer have personal trash bins. The hope is that employees will become more intentional when they are disposing of their

M.U.D.’s FIVE SUSTAINABILITY GOALS:

unwanted items. As a bonus, it will also get people up and moving throughout the day.

Another major opportunity lies with carpooling.

Employees who choose to participate will enjoy dedicated, closer parking stalls at the new headquarters. In order to help employees find others to carpool with, a matching program based on location has been discussed. This program could also utilize Metro Rideshare lots around town as meeting points for employees who want to carpool.

A few other sustainability initiatives on the horizon are indoor and outdoor bike racks, video conferencing tools to cut down on travel for meetings and an emergency ride home program. The latter would provide rides for employees if their carpool partner(s) had to go home suddenly, or an unforeseen circumstance occurred.

At the forefront of these sustainability initiatives are the Sustainability Implementation Program (SIP) Ambassadors, led by Sarah. The group was formed in June and consists of 21 OAC and SPA employees from different departments.

Put simply, they assist departments in adopting the five sustainability goals (right) and educate employees about their role in helping the District become more sustainable.

If you are interested in becoming a SIP Ambassador, contact Sarah at sarah_jones@mudnebr.com.

2023 Goal #1 35% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

2023 Goal #2 Zero Waste (90% Diversion Rate)

2023 Goal #3 20% Use of Active Transportation

2023 Goal #4 Sustainability Engagement Score of 73

2023 Goal #5 40% Reduction in Water Consumption

TAPS & JETS IS GOING DIGITAL

SIP Ambassadors include, standing, from left: Dustin Hiner, Measurement; Nancy Ross, Plant Engineering; Julie Thacker, Customer Success; Carol Jackson, Customer Accounting; Bill Rice, Gas Production; Jared Svagera, Marketing; and Keri Kasun, Facilities Management. Seated, from left: Sarah Jones, Marketing; Annette O’Brien, Customer Accounting; Brenda Zapata, Contractor Services; and Jessica Heidebrecht, Corporate Communications.

In an effort to better align with our sustainability goals, Taps & Jets will only be available online starting with the first issue of 2020.

FALL 2019

5

SELF-SERVICE FEATURE COMING TO SUCCESSFACTORS Do you wish there was a quicker, easier way to submit personal information updates to Human Resources?

Have you sent a form through inter-office mail, only to later find out it never arrived?

The Human Resources department, along with Information Technology, is excited to launch Employee Central this December.

Employee Central is a SuccessFactors update that allows for easy, more efficient employee self-service changes.

Today, SuccessFactors is used to apply for internal jobs, view the District’s organization chart, access mandatory e-learning videos and see employee profiles. Soon there will be so much more we can do!

Currently, changes to personal profile data must be submitted to Human Resources using

paper forms. In the future, you will make these changes yourself in SuccessFactors.

With the release of the upgrade, you will see additional tabs with more detailed personal and job information. These tabs will make it possible for you to update your personal information, such as name, phone number, address, beneficiaries, emergency contact(s), marital status and more. Some changes will require you to upload additional documentation (i.e., birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, etc.).

Bonnie Savine, vice-president, Human Resources, is a project sponsor. She said, “This self-service feature enables employees to update their own personal information 24 hours a day without the need to visit the HR office. Instead of printing, scanning and mailing forms to HR, employees can make changes on

their own, resulting in more efficient processing time and a reduced chance of error.”

The team recognizes that not every employee has computer access to SuccessFactors or utilizes it frequently. Syed Sartaj, senior ERP technical/functional analyst, Information Technology, is responsible for leading the overall successful implementation of the Employee Central project. He said, “We are working to create step-by-step training to make this transition as easy as possible for everyone.” More information on training opportunities and tutorials will be shared with all employees.

Bonnie added, “We are excited to launch Employee Central and look forward to an improved experience for all employees.”

M.U.D. BOARD APPOINTS TANYA COOK TO SUBDIVISION 5 VACANCY who were interviewed at the September 4 board meeting. Tanya will serve the remainder of the term which runs through 2020.

She served two terms for the Legislature’s District 13 from 2009 to 2017, co-chairing the Business and Labor Committee and serving on the Appropriations, Urban Affairs and Long-Term Planning Committees.

“I’d like to thank the current M.U.D. board members for their confidence in me. [The board] has a long track record of sound leadership. I welcome the chance to continue my own public service as a member of the M.U.D. Board of Directors,” Tanya said.

Former Nebraska State Senator Tanya Cook was appointed by the M.U.D. Board of Directors to fill the board vacancy for Subdivision 5 created by the recent death of Tom Dowd.

She holds a master’s degree in adult and continuing education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgetown University.

The board received 16 eligible applications for the vacancy and narrowed the list to six finalists

Tanya is president of City Girl Communications, designing and leading systems mapping

BENEFITS FAIR 6

TAPS & JETS

processes for urban planning and civic water infrastructure construction projects. She previously served as Director of Urban Affairs for the Nebraska Governor’s Office from 1999 to 2006 and was an administrator at Metropolitan Community College from 1995 to 1999.

Tanya currently serves as a board member for Film Streams and formerly served on the boards of United Way of the Midlands and Girls Inc. She served on several committees for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and received the organization’s Legislator of the Year award in 2016.

Her interests include travel (she has visited 35 countries), golf, theater productions, movies and contemporary art.

OCTOBER 22 FIREFIGHTERS’ UNION HALL 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM 60TH & GROVER

PANCAKES, DIAPERS HIGHLIGHT ANNUAL UNITED WAY DRIVE

WAYS TO SUPPORT THE UNITED WAY:

PLEDGE CARD Enjoy pancakes from The Pancake Man and grab your pledge card!

October 9: Downtown Lobby, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

October 10: Construction Center Garage, 6:30–10 a.m.

October 11: Outlying Facilities, times vary Pledge cards must be returned by October 31

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES Committee members lend a helping hand September 20 in the United Way’s Day of Caring. Pictured, from left, Geneva Patterson, Rates; Bill Sargent, Plant Engineering; Padma Chigurupati, Information Technology; Janetta Walker, Meter Reading; Kyle Crum, Construction; Stephanie Lemonds, Accounting; Melissa Polito, Water Pumping; Caleb Sturgeon and Darrell James, Field Services.

The District kicks off its annual United Way of the Midlands fundraising drive this week.

Geneva Patterson, manager, Rates, was selected to chair the campaign. She and nine other employees form this year’s committee.

Employees and retirees of the District generously give to the United Way each year. Over the past five years, more than half a million dollars has been donated.

This year the committee is optimistic that employees will continue to support the drive. They set a fundraising goal of $110,000 and have planned several ways for you to be involved.

Back by popular demand, the Pancake Man will be on-site serving up pancakes and sausage. Pledge cards will be distributed during these breakfast events.

In addition to traditional pledges, the committee is planning a diaper and wipe drive, benefitting the Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS). Diapers and wipes will be collected throughout the month of October.

NCHS offers adoption and fostering assistance and provides family support services. The organization also provides early childhood education services at their North Omaha location on Fontenelle Boulevard, and until recently, their Millard location.

Committee members spent the morning of September 20 at NCHS’s Millard facility as part of United Way’s community-wide Day of Caring. The group sorted through items from the daycare and organized them for other non-profits to use.

In keeping with the spirit of the season, football squares will be sold at various events with money benefitting the United Way. Additionally, we have partnered with Nothing Bundt Cakes, who will be on-site to sell their products. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sales will be given to our campaign.

“We are excited to kick off the campaign and engage our employees,” said Geneva.

“I know our employees care about the needs of our community, and I am confident we can meet our goal of raising $110,000.”

Who doesn't love CAKE?! Nothing Bundt Cakes will be on-site October 24 selling their cakes and 20% of all sales will benefit our campaign. Join us in Classroom B (Operations Center) from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Payroll deduction, credit card and cash accepted.

DIAPER DRIVE Help us help those in our community! We're collecting diapers for the Nebraska Children's Home Society. Each package donated equals one entry into our prize drawing!

BENEFITS FAIR Swing by our booth at the Benefits Fair on October 22 at Firefighters' Union Hall from 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. We'll be collecting pledges and diapers, and have giveaways!

FALL 2019

7

PROMOTIONS & TRANSFERS

Jeremy Bach

Cindy Bacon

Supervisor, Scheduling & Analytics

Customer Service

Kasey Corum

Water Distribution

Water Maintenance Worker

Adam Kriegler

Water Distribution

Water Maintenance Trainee

Bill Sargent

Plant Engineering Engineer II

Jim Bewley

Troy Bostwick

Jeff Carman

Raksha Chhetri

John Connolly

Marketing Specialist

Director, Gas Distribution

Customer Service Technician Trainee

Stores Clerk I

Biologist I

Meter Reader - Car Route

Shane Docken

Chris Frederick

Marketing

Safety & Security

Gas Distribution

Field Services

Roger Groen

Manager, Safety

Water Pumping

Water Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Platte West Plant

Doug Lewis

Jesse Norman

Brad Quedensley

Water Maintenance Trainee

Pipe Layer

Stores Clerk IV

Ron Schell

Jason Stanek

Director, Enterprise Services

Director, Marketing & Builder Services

Water Distribution

Rick Scarpello

Facilities Management Maintenance Mechanic Trainee

Construction

Facilities Management

Plant Foreman

Stores

Marketing

Stores

Water Quality

Trevor Groenjes

Jeremy Jensen

Water Mainenance Worker

Crew Leader

Water Distribution

Tyler Reed

Field Services

Customer Service Technician Trainee

Bob Urbach

Field Services

Customer Service Technician

TAPS & JETS

Kyle Krause

Construction

Plant Engineering

Bill Rice

Forrest Roos

Director, Gas Production

Crew Leader

Gas Production

Tom Vacek

Safety & Security

Foreman, Quality Assurance Utility Locating

Employee Assistance Program • 402.354.8000 • bestcareeap.org

8

Meter Reading

Engineer II

Construction

KUDOS

Nicole Anzalone Meter Reading

Dan DePorte

Customers recently wrote or called to praise the work performed by these employees.

Jon Bazar

Construction

Gail Dominski

Jake Benak Construction

Deric Ewer

Field Services

Customer Accounting

Construction

Dennis Gramps

Chad Haffke

Trent Hastings

Jeff Kuhn

Curtis Matthews

Ricardo Moreno

Field Services

Construction

Construction

Construction

Construction

Field Services

Tim Burk

Jorge Cardenas Construction

Water Distribution

Construction

Jim Fleming

Nick Foreman

Pete Georges

Dave Graham

John Jackson

Gene Jaworski

Jeremy Jensen

Scott Kaluza

Kim Polen

Jon Randall

Construction

Field Services

Customer Accounting

Dan Murcek

Field Services

Construction

Construction

Dave Peters

Field Services

Kasey Corum

Field Services

Construction

Field Services

Marc Davis

Field Services

Field Services

Construction

OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS THIS MONTH!

Enrollment runs October 22 through November 22. Watch for more information from Human Resources Paul Sherry

Field Services

Caleb Sturgeon Field Services

John Velehradsky Plant Engineering

Ted Wiles

Field Services FALL 2019

9

EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE

Nearly 60 employees attended the District’s annual Service Recognition Dinner October 2 at Anthony’s Steakhouse. Eighty-three employees were eligible to attend to commemorate 15 to 40 years of service with the District.

25-year honorees include, standing, from left: Judy McMahon, Engineering Design; Jim Thieman, Facilities Management; board members Dave Friend and Mike McGowan; Stephanie Henn, Plant Engineering; Chris Walter, Meter Reading; Steve Bridwell, Water Distribution; Karen Merrill, Remittance Processing; Tim Burk, Construction; Scott Bobier and Mike Flynn, Water Distribution; Angelo Bravo, Plant Engineering; Greg Andrade, Stores; Damian Blackwell, Plant Engineering; and Brenda Kastens, Stores.

Seated, from left: Board members Jim Begley and Tanya Cook; board vice-chair Gwen Howard; board member Jack Frost; and board chairman Tim Cavanaugh.

40 YEARS OF SERVICE

• Kathy Cox, Construction • Norine Hoffman, Transportation • Howard Krula, Measurement • Frank Pyzdek, Water Distribution • Dave Roberts, Facilities Management (retired 05.15.19) • Terry Slauter, Facilities Management (retired 04.26.19) • Jean Turner, Purchasing • Tom Vacek, Safety & Security

35 YEARS OF SERVICE

• Jim Bewley, Gas Distribution • Bill Dudzik, Facilities Management • Shelley Hansen, Dispatch Office • Kris Hartley, Engineering Design • Todd Lambert, Facilities Management • Barry Morse, Water Pumping • Tom Todd, Field Services • John Wheeler, Platte South Plant

30 YEARS OF SERVICE

• Dennis Gramps, Field Services • Pete Hartley, Field Services

10

TAPS & JETS

• Jeff Kohn, Facilities Management • Perry Lightfoot, Plant Engineering • Chris Walz, Field Services

25 YEARS OF SERVICE

• Greg Andrade, Stores • Damian Blackwell, Plant Engineering • Scott Bobier, Water Distribution • Angelo Bravo, Plant Engineering • Steve Bridwell, Water Distribution • Tim Burk, Construction • Curt Crews, Facilities Management • Dave Dalhoff, Meter Reading • Susie Dew, Remittance Processing • Mike Flynn, Water Distribution • Paul Hartman, Platte South Plant • Joe Heim, Gas Production • Stephanie Henn, Plant Engineering • Brenda Kastens, Stores • Judy McMahon, Engineering Design • Karen Merrill, Remittance Processing • Jeff Petry, Construction • Rob Ruth, Platte South Plant • Jim Thieman, Facilities Management • Chris Walter, Meter Reading

20 YEARS OF SERVICE

• Jason Bomer, Plant Engineering • Tracy Clark, Platte South Plant • Frank Colabello, Gas Distribution • Cory Erspamer, Systems Control • Jim Fleming, Field Services • Pete Georges, Field Services • Steve Guardiola, Field Services • Bob Haite, Gas Distribution • Jena Hall, Dispatch Office • Mike Hall, Field Services • Tom Hicks, Water Distribution • Rick Irwin, Gas Production • Jerry Johnson, Transportation • Shelley Kraniewski, Meter Reading • Tim Kuehn, Stores • Curtis Matthews, Construction • Andy Melville, Field Services • Mark Oswald, Facilities Management • Kim Plummer, Customer Service • Jeff Priebe, Field Services • Bonnie Savine, Human Resources • Steve Slezak, Engineering Design • Dave Turnbo, Field Services • Mike Ulmer, Water Pumping • Dave Zapata, Field Services

15 YEARS OF SERVICE

• Brendan Brown, Field Services • Paul Contreras, Gas Distribution • Brian Foral, Platte West Plant • Deb Lehman, Engineering Design • Alan Leigh, Transportation • Bob Peters, Water Distribution • Brad Quedensley, Stores • Ted Reis, Transportation • Mark Rolfzen, Information Technology • Ron Taylor, Safety & Security • Joe Thiessen, Construction • Tara Virgilito, Contractor Services • Tammy Watkins, Water Quality • Diane White, Dispatch Office • Sophia Winfrey, Information Technology • Hanguang Wu, Information Technology • Joe Ziska, Water Pumping

PROUD TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY

Employees have been busy serving in the community the past several weeks. Events we’ve been a part of include the Habitat for Humanity 2019 Home Builders Blitz, United Way of the Midlands Day of Caring, World O! Water and the Nebraska Humane Society’s Walk for the Animals.

SAFE DIGGING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

M.U.D. teamed up with Nebraska 811 to celebrate National 811 Day in August. Some District employees received Gatorade, granola bars and 811 giveaways. Construction crews working downtown on the redevelopment of Gene Leahy Mall were treated with a hot dog lunch and water from our hydration station. From left: Dave Stroebele, Plant Engineering; Jill Geyer, Nebraska 811; Stephanie Mueller, Megan Murray and Veronica Walker, Customer Success.

FALL 2019

11

IN MEMORIAM

TOM DOWD

Tom Dowd, an attorney who served more than 40 years on the board of the Metropolitan Utilities District, died August 7, 2019, at the age of 81.

“He understood the board’s role is to provide their judgment to make well-informed decisions. Tom also always made sure customers received the same fair treatment, regardless of economic means or social position.”

Tom was first elected to the board in 1974, at the age of 35, and served as chairperson six times.

IBEW Local 1521 President Teri Crowell, Engineering Design, added, “Tom was not only a pillar in our community but also a great friend of IBEW 1521 as well as all of labor. We will miss him greatly.”

“Tom was a leader on our board and was a mentor for me personally,” said M.U.D. Board Chairperson Tim Cavanaugh. “He was a fine gentleman, husband, father, attorney and a close friend who will be missed tremendously.

He has left us a legacy that will live on for years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sally and his family.”

Dowd’s expertise in the fields of law and employee relations, coupled with his passion for public service, contributed greatly to the successful operation of the District over his considerable tenure as a board member.

“Tom’s deep, wide-ranging knowledge of issues affecting the District was impressive,” said M.U.D. President Mark Doyle.

made sure customers received the same fair treatment, regardless of economic means or social position.

Dowd earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Creighton University in 1961 and a law degree, also from Creighton, in 1963. Following graduation, he served as a prosecutor for the National Labor Relations Board in Kansas City, Denver and Los Angeles.

During his time on the board, the District added Platte West, the third water treatment plant, which helps provide the metro Omaha area with a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water.

In the mid-1960s, Dowd returned to Nebraska where he received an appointment as Assistant U.S. Attorney. He later served as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Omaha where he handled labor negotiations and litigation.

After that role ended, Dowd went into private practice.

Tom encouraged the growth of our natural gas system and the introduction of compressed natural gas as a vehicular fuel.

A veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve, Dowd was a member of the Omaha Bar Association and the Nebraska Bar Association.

He also supported the strategy and funding in 2008 for an infrastructure replacement program to improve the safety and reliability of our gas and water systems.

He and his wife, Sally, were married for 58 years and have four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

All the while, he would consider how decisions would impact our customer-owners. Tom

Services were held August 12 in Omaha.

Memorials can be directed to CUES (Christian Urban Education Services) or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Left: Tom reacts during a board meeting in 1981.

Right: During a video shoot at the Heartland of America Park in 2008, Tom talks about the planning involved to build the Platte West Water Treatment Plant.

12

TAPS & JETS

Ralph J. Diggins, 70, died July 12. He was a field engineer I, Plant Engineering, when he retired in 2009 with 36 years of service. Ralph joined the District in 1973 as a drafting technician, Engineering Design. He was promoted to utility locator, Plant Engineering, in 1990, to field engineer II in 1993 and to field engineer I in 1994.

Darrell Brock, 80, died October 3. He was a water plant maintenance mechanic, Water Pumping, when he retired in 1997 with 26 years of service. Darrell joined the District in 1971 as water plant operator II, advancing to water plant operator I and then maintenance mechanic. He was named water plant maintenance mechanic in 1977.

DARRELL BROCK

RALPH DIGGINS

Milton Fields, 82, died August 21. He was a gas plant engineer, Gas Production, when he retired in 1999 with 38 years of service. Milt began his M.U.D. career in 1960 as a laborer, Construction. He also worked as an operator at both the Florence and LNG plants. He was named stationary engineer, Water Pumping, in 1977 and advanced to gas plant engineer in 1987.

MILTON FIELDS

Charles M. “Charlie� Giddens, 80, died August 23. He was a customer service clerk IV, Collections, when he retired in 2001 with more than 39 years of service. Charlie served in the U.S. Navy before joining the District in 1961 as a laborer, Construction. He was a customer service clerk and a collector before advancing to customer service clerk IV in 1989.

CHARLIE GIDDENS

Jim Janda, 76, died July 26. He was a water system controller, Systems Control, when he retired in 2004 with 42 years of service. Jim joined the District in 1961 as a laborer, Water Distribution.

He was promoted to hydrant and valve mechanic in 1967. He advanced to operator I, Platte South Plant, in 1968; stationary engineer, Gas Production, in 1969; stationary engineer, Platte South Plant, in 1971 and water system controller in 1987.

COREY JANZEN

JIM JANDA

STAN LOGAN

Corey Janzen, 31, died July 15. Corey was a pipe layer trainee, Construction.

He joined the District in May.

J. Stan Logan, 96, died September 28. Stan was a water system controller, Systems Control, when he retired in 1988 with 36 years of service.

An Army veteran of World War II and Korea, he joined the District in 1952 as a laborer, Water Pumping. Stan served as an operator at the Florence Plant for 15 years and as a stationary engineer at the Platte South Plant for 20 years before his promotion to water system controller, Systems Control, in 1987.

Laverne Stevens, 88, died July 8. He was a gas plant utility person, Gas Production, when he retired in 1993. Laverne held positions in Construction for 30 years before moving to Gas Production in 1982. He was promoted to gas plant utility person in 1990.

LAVERNE STEVENS

FALL 2019

13

Reservations Accepted for the Annual Children’s Holiday Party Sunday, December 8

Nebraska Electrical Worker’s Building 13306 Stevens St.

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Employee's dependent children (12 and under)

Meet Santa* | Face painter | Magician | Cookie decorating | Enjoy hot dogs, chips & punch | Children receive a gift

RESERVATION DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 AT 4 P.M. Dependent children of union members, non-union and SPA employees may attend for FREE. If you want to bring a child (12 or under) who is not a dependent, there is a $15 per child fee, payable at the door. *one photo included

Complete, sign and send form to Teri Crowell in Engineering or Lisa Riley in Dispatch by Wednesday, October 30 at 4 p.m.

Employee Name

Employee Number I understand if I register for the party and do not attend, the District will deduct $15 per child through payroll deduction.

Employee Signature Child’s Name

Boy/Girl

Age (12 or under)

Dependent (Yes or No)

NEW EMPLOYEES

Richard Arenas

Steven Bonge

Larry Bowers

Jack Bowman

Shawn Dewitz

Richard Erlandson

Christopher Ethen

Meter Reader- Car Route

Pipe Layer Trainee

Pipe Layer Trainee

Pipe Layer Trainee

Pipe Layer Trainee

Pipe Layer Trainee

Pipe Layer Trainee

Steven Gyhra

Tel-Michael Hess

Stefan Medel

Juan Montes-Flores

Shane Moultroup

Building Operator

Pipe Layer Trainee

Meter Reader - Car Route

Human Resources Assistant

Pipe Layer Trainee

Apprentice Meter Mechanic

Brent Paine

Eliseo Perea

Tony Pirruccello

Water Analyst

Pipe Layer Trainee

Pipe Layer Trainee

Meter Reading

Kevin Goldman Construction

Pipe Layer Trainee

David Olson

Information Technology Senior Software Developer

Jacob Poteet Construction

Pipe Layer Trainee

Construction

Facilities Management

Water Quality

Construction

Construction

Construction

Construction

Beth Klaus

Meter Reading

Construction

Construction

Human Resources

Jake Placzek

Meter Reading

Meter Reader - Car Route

Construction

Construction

Wes Poore

Corporate Communication Communications Specialist

Construction

Measurement

Charles Post

Meter Reading

Meter Reader - Car Route

Zach Valentine

Safety & Security Manager, Security

FALL 2019

15

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 101 OMAHA NE 1723 Harney St. • Omaha, NE 68102 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

STAY TAPPED IN. FOLLOW US.

@mudwaterontap mudomaha.com

/mudomahane

@mudomahane