Issuu

TAPS & JETS Vol. 92 No. 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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

pg. 2 pg. 3 pg. 4 pg. 5

Next Phase for Taps & Jets Preventive Maintenance on Water Mains New GIS Tool Enhances Safety Diversity & Inclusion Program

pg. 5 pg. 7 pg. 8 pg. 9

Natural Gas Pricing News District Brand Resources Available Platte South Land Purchase Service Recognition Update

QUARTERLY PUBLICATION TRANSITIONING TO ONLINE NEWSROOM The end of the year is quickly approaching, and with that comes the final issue of Taps & Jets as we know it today. This publication, which originated in 1926, has been through many changes over the years. What started as Muny Ups & Downs was later renamed to Taps & Jets. The newsletter, focused on communicating employee and District news, once existed as a printed monthly publication, later adjusting to quarterly. As technology advanced,

TAPS & JETS VOL. 92 | No. 3 Fall 2021

so did the newsletter. In 2020, the decision was made to transition to a digital-only publication, saving thousands of dollars in printing and mailing costs each year. The District is excited for the future of Taps & Jets, which entails an online newsroom with fresh content on a more frequent basis. News stories will be shared as the news is happening. Feature articles will make regular appearances and employees will be recognized

for their achievements in a timely manner. Employees, retirees and customers will all have access to this content through our external website. This transition is scheduled to occur in conjunction with an overall website refresh in 2022. For nearly a century, the District has focused on communicating about employees and their achievements. And with this transition, opportunities to tell our story and share our successes abound.

When the online newsroom is live, email communication will be sent to all employees, as well as retirees on our distribution list. We will also post updates on social media. In the meantime, we want to ensure you continue to receive the latest news and information. If you’d like to sign up for these monthly communications – and to be notified when the online newsroom is live – please complete the signup at bit.ly/tapsandjets.

TAPS & JETS is published to inform current and retired employees about the activities and accomplishments of the District and its employees. Your comments are welcome. Please send comments and suggestions to: TAPS & JETS, Metropolitan Utilities District, 7350 World Communications Dr., Omaha, NE 68122 OR Jessica Heidebrecht: jessica_heidebrecht@mudnebr.com | 402.504.7204. Board of Directors: Chair Mike McGowan, Vice Chair Jack Frost, Jim Begley, Tim Cavanaugh, Tanya Cook, David Friend and Gwen Howard. President: Mark Doyle |

Produced and published by Corporate Communications

Facebook: /mudomahane | Twitter: @mudomahane | Instagram: @mudwaterontap

ON THE COVER:

GOING BENEATH THE SURFACE, LOOKING FOR POTENTIAL PIPE PROBLEMS In mid-October we went in the field for a closer look at the District’s preventive maintenance program. The morning started with a meetup on a grassy embankment just west of I-480 at Pacific Street. The unassuming location revealed a manhole open and ready for us to enter. The group peered inside, shining flashlights and checking the air quality to make sure it was safe for us to venture into the dark depths. First down the ladder was Engineering Technician Dan Iliff, followed by Lisa Whorley, a corrosion engineer. Both are members of the Infrastructure Integrity team at the District. On this day the two-person team is armed with lights and cell phone cameras, ready to document what they find. As they lower onto the ladder and slowly step down it’s clear this is a painstaking process. Some 30 feet down, the space opens into a tunnel housing a 36-inch water main that TAPS & JETS | VOL. 92, NO. 3 | FALL 2021

runs all the way under the interstate. In the moment it seems surreal to think that no one in the thousands of cars that are zipping by just above knows we are there or that the tunnel even exists.

day. Along the corridor through downtown we looked at mains running inside panels along overpasses and crawled into smaller passageways protecting pipes inside the bridge decking, right under the sidewalk.

Once in position and unhooked from their harnesses, the duo quietly walks the length of the massive main, only the slight audible hum of traffic high above. They closely investigate each segment of the steel pipe, scoping it out for any small imperfection that could lead to a big problem. “We’re checking for things like this – where the original tar coating may be gone – and we’re making sure there isn’t any material loss or corrosion,” said Lisa.

Lisa said, “This level of preventive maintenance is a key point of emphasis as the cost of infrastructure is squarely in the spotlight on a national level. We want the public to know that we are working hard every day to make the best decisions possible and put our community in a better position.”

Together with Lisa closely evaluating, Dan takes dozens of pictures and notes, compiling important data that will hopefully save M.U.D. customer-owners money in the long run. As it turned out, this tunnel was just the beginning that

Masa Niiya, director, Infrastructure Integrity, isn’t just relying on the eyes of his team members though. He’s also using what is called “remote field technology” to run condition assessments on thousands of feet of pipe across the M.U.D. system. Most recently we worked with the Pipeline Inspection and Condition Analysis Corporation (PICA) to review a large stretch of water main along Dodge Street

near Children’s Hospital. In a days’ time the team from PICA used what they called a “seesnake” to give an impressive picture of every inch of the pipe. The “see-snake,” which is about as long as a car, is inserted into a main. The device then is pushed through, feeding back data including the thickness of the pipe and detecting pitting, corrosion or cracks that could lead to weak spots or failure. Masa said, “This is a great service because it’s getting us valuable information, but it’s also low-impact with minimal traffic disruption.” In the long run, Masa says each of these assessments gives the company better perspective. “In the face of issues with aging infrastructure it’s so much better for us and our customer-owners to be in a position where we can prioritize and plan for possible repairs. That ultimately means we can avoid outages or at the very least prepare and notify those that may be impacted.” 3

IMPROVING EMPLOYEE SAFETY BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY Metropolitan Utilities District is leading the charge when it comes to how gas utility workers and emergency crews respond to natural gas-filled structures not only in the Omaha metro, but across the United States. A groundbreaking project recently taken on by several employees is now being billed as a game-changer. One of those employees is Shane Hunter, vice president, Safety, Security and Business Continuity. Shane is also the chairperson for the Gas-Filled Occupancy Task Force for the American Gas Association. His participation eventually led to a task force focused on improvements that could be made to gas company employee safety, as well as improving public safety response during an emergency. The task force evaluated gasfilled structures over a 10-year period nationwide to research what common denominators may exist, all to enhance awareness of safety. With so much information available today, the question was asked: How 4

could we take the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that M.U.D. crews already use every day and maximize the data to improve situational awareness and safety in the field? “The Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook has evacuation distances for every chemical imaginable, and for a natural gas leak it’s 330 feet. So we started with that,” said Shane. Armed with data from the AGA task force, the group then looked at additional distances of 100 feet and 200 feet with corresponding policy and procedure changes locally. Working with the idea of safety zones for certain distances from a gas-filled structure there was one big question – Can we represent these zones on our GIS map in real time for our gas utility crews going to these scenes? The answer, it turned out, was “Yes.” And with the help of the M.U.D. GIS team it has become a reality. Enter Lindsay Dreckman, manager of the District’s GIS

program. After months of back and forth, getting feedback from field crews and the safety division, a viable option was developed. Together, Lindsay and Jordan Scupien, ERP technical/functional analyst, began connecting the dots. They worked with representatives from Esri, a software company focused on mapping and spatial analytics. With support from Debbie Fenn, director, Enterprise Applications, and Chief Information Officer Sue Lobsiger, they were building a new product. Lindsay said, “As I met with our safety team, I just kept thinking about how important this work really is. It’s something that we take great pride in.” Fast forward to the fall of 2021 and a first-of-its-kind drill with members of the safety department. From a quiet neighborhood near 156th and Dodge came a simulated radio call made by Safety Manager Shane Docken. He reported to dispatchers about a gas-filled structure. The call put the typical

emergency response in motion with Gas Distribution employees routed and ready to assess the situation. This time, however, they had a new view of sorts. Focused on their iPads, the new GIS tool created by M.U.D. was giving them that distinctive outline. Different safety zones, color-coded and overlayed to see where various valves and pipes were, showing them how they could best react. Shane Hunter said, “We want all of our employees to go home to their families the same way they came to work in the morning, which is healthy and uninjured, and this tool helps us get there, aligned with procedures and policies that focus on employee safety.” Last month, the project was featured at the Esri Infrastructure Management & GIS Conference. Lindsay presented it all in detail, giving hundreds of others in the infrastructure sector a chance to learn more and potentially make a difference in their communities too.

DISTRICT LAUNCHES D&I PROGRAM A focus on diversity and inclusion (D&I) work among employees kicked off earlier this fall. Human Resources hosted sessions to introduce employees to D&I in September. Staff from the Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity (CODE) presented, sharing basic definitions and discussing how we can work together toward expanding the District’s D&I program.

Bonnie Savine, vice president, Human Resources, said, “M.U.D. is one of the most recognizable organizations in the community, and we want all of our employees to be proud to work here. Having an active and engaging D&I program will add value to current and new employees’ experience at the District.”

calendar of events is available, as well as a monthly spotlight for various diversity and inclusion topics. The creation of two employee resource groups (ERGs) was also announced – Cultural ERG and Women’s ERG. These groups are voluntary and employeeled with a goal of fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace.

On October 1, a page dedicated to D&I was launched on myMUDConnect. A global

Employees have the opportunity to join the ERGs as a way to support long-lasting D&I

work within the District. Chief Operations Officer Gina Langel is senior sponsor of the Cultural ERG and President Mark Doyle is serving as senior sponsor of the Women’s ERG. To join a group, visit the ERG section of the D&I page on myMUDConnect or email diversity&inclusion_@mudnebr. com. Members will meet to set intentions and create mission statements for each group.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: NATURAL GAS PRICING AND THE WINTER OUTLOOK Natural gas prices made news headlines this fall, and the District shared its own information to help customers prepare for higher bills this heating season. During interviews with local media, District spokespeople explained why natural gas prices are expected to increase and ways customers can conserve energy to better manage their heating costs this winter.

In an Omaha World-Herald “Midlands Voices” column, President Mark Doyle discussed the District’s strategies to maintain reliable, cost-effective gas services to its customers. The column is posted on our website. Tips to lower your bill and information on utility assistance were featured in the November customer billing insert, social media and the website blog.

Information was also shared during the October 26 large customer meeting and the October 29 Water Cooler Chat, featuring a presentation by Dave Bellairs, director, Energy Acquisitions, and discussion with President Doyle. A recording of the live chat is available on myMUDConnect for employees who were unable to attend.

Talking points were developed and posted to myMUDConnect for employees to use if they receive questions from customers, neighbors, family or friends. If you have any questions or suggestions to update the talking points, please email corp_comm@mudnebr.com.

Nearly 450 employees and retirees attended the District’s annual Benefits Fair October 26. The event, hosted at the Firefighters Union Hall, included representatives from various benefit vendors, IBEW 1521 and Human Resources. Employees also had the opportunity to update their employee photo and contribute to the annual Community Giving Drive. Kohll’s Pharmacy gave 245 vaccinations, including COVID-19, influenza, pneumonia and shingles. Twenty-one mammograms were conducted via the Methodist Mobile 3D Mammography Service. TAPS & JETS | VOL. 92, NO. 3 | FALL 2021

DISTRICT SPONSORS HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S GLOBAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION Cultures from around the world will be celebrated at the Douglas County Historical Society’s “From the Globe to Our Home” now through January 14, 2022. Experience the General Crook House Museum beautifully adorned with holiday decorations in every room while enjoying free cider and cookies. M.U.D. is the kitchen sponsor, which has a Scandinavian theme.

Employees and retirees can gain free admission to the museum by showing their District I.D. card. Additional guests are $8 for adults and $3.50 for children. Constructed in 1879, the museum is the authentically restored home of General George Crook. The Italianate-style house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, puts you in the

rooms and life of a commanding officer living on the edge of the frontier in the 1880s. Located at 5730 N 30th St, #11b, the museum is open weekdays 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., and weekends 1-4 p.m. Directions: Enter Historic Fort Omaha at the 32nd and Sorensen entrance. Continue to follow on the entrance road. The museum

Photo of museum provided courtesy of Douglas County Historical Society. 6

is on the left, with a historic marker in front of the house. For more information, visit douglascohistory.org.

WELCOME TO THE M.U.D. BRAND RESOURCE SITE ON MYMUDCONNECT The M.U.D. Corporate Communications team has spent the past year developing a complete set of guidelines for the new M.U.D. brand. These guidelines are intended to ensure consistency throughout all communications and materials created at the District. We believe that investing in this single visual identity – one that is consistently reinforced – is the most effective strategy and best use of resources for sharing our story.

TAPS & JETS | VOL. 92, NO. 3 | FALL 2021

And now, all the information about the new brand is available on myMUDConnect for all employees to use as a resource. On the site (Located under the For Work menu), you will find guidelines for:

No matter your role at the District, every employee can play a part in strengthening M.U.D.’s reputation, building further trust and recognition with our audiences, and elevating our collective efforts.

•O ur new primary and secondary logos • Our brand fonts • Our brand color palettes • Our writing style • The Home Fund mark • The On Tap! mark • M.U.D. apparel

Every time you communicate with a customer, vendor, partner or colleague, you are representing the M.U.D. brand. From emails and letters, to business cards and advertisements, how we present ourselves matters. The brand is meant to bring a

consistent message to all our audiences, and it is imperative that every employee plays a role in these efforts. Our team also created a brand email – brand@mudnebr.com – for any employee to send in their questions about the new brand, send us the project they are working on for brand review and/ or put in a request for our team to create materials for them.

LAND NEAR PLATTE SOUTH PLANT ACQUIRED FOR FUTURE GROWTH The District’s Platte South Water Treatment Plant, home to 40 wells supporting the production of 60 million gallons of treated water per day, is surrounded by agricultural land to the west and residential developments to the east. In September, the District participated in an auction for 99.85 acres directly west of the facility’s west boundary and north of the wellfields. The addition of the property was identified as benefiting the District for future development

Human Resources hosted the District’s first Internal Career Expo in September. More than 100 employees visited with other employees from various departments about the work they do and potential opportunities. The expo took place at Headquarters and the Construction Center.

of a solids reduction facility to comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations, and the reduction or elimination of pesticides and herbicides used in farming operations. The land also will provide a greater security barrier for the existing wells. Closing for the purchase – with a final price of just over $1.4 million – was scheduled for the end of October. The Platte South Plant has been in operation since 1968.

Customer Service employees celebrated Customer Service Week in October with various activities. Employees received boxed lunches and gifts, and participated in various games, including a dunk tank fundraiser. Money raised from the dunk tank was matched by management and donated to M.U.D.’s Home Fund.

ANNUAL SERVICE RECOGNITION DINNER CANCELED

As a result of the ongoing pandemic, the decision was made to cancel the 2021 Service Recognition Dinner. Eighty employees were eligible to celebrate their service anniversaries at the 2021 dinner. Additionally, 101 employees were to be recognized this year as a result of the 2020 dinner being postponed. All 181 honorees are being recognized with a special thank you gift. Employees commemorating 15 to 45 years of service with the District in 2021 include: 45 YEARS OF SERVICE

20 YEARS OF SERVICE

15 YEARS OF SERVICE

Ron Charvat, Field Services

Jerry Anderson, Field Services Susie Barrett, Customer Service* David Bellairs, Gas Operations Keith Beyer, Field Services Mary Clapp, Customer Service Travis Crawford, Water Distribution Greg Frost, Water Pumping Lois Gosch, Customer Service Dave Hall, Meter Services Cleo Harris, Water Pumping Patricia Lewis, Field Services Troy Mace, Water Pumping Jared Merksick, Construction Dave Miller, Gas Production Rich Miranda, Construction Bob Orth, Platte West Plant Steve Ramacciotti, Water Distribution Roger Richter, Construction Jean Taylor, Gas Distribution Bob Urbach, Field Services Joe Waldron, Field Services* Laurie Waldron, Field Services Jason Wicken, Construction Dallas Wilson, Construction Joe Wilson, Construction Jon Wollenburg, Construction Mike Yates, Water Pumping

Jon Bazar, Construction Lettice Blair, Purchasing Randy Carey, Meter Services Tracey Coty, Customer Service Juanita Fort, Customer Service Chris Frederick, Water Pumping Al Gansemer, Construction Anita Hayes, Information Technology Bob Hazuka, Platte South Plant Tiffany Hudson, Stores Scott Johnson, Construction Loren Kanost, Information Technology Keri Kasun, Facilities Yanira Lopez, Customer Service Sandy Lovgren, Contractor Services Jerry Markham, Field Services Sumit Mathur, Information Technology Zach McDonnell, Construction Bryan McKulsky, Construction Dayton Seidenglanz, Construction Candice Shockley, Meter Services Randy Sibert, Field Services Nikol Smith, Dispatch Office Joe Stock, Safety & Security Jeff Vondra, Water Distribution Paul Weiss, Construction Tim Williams, Construction Joe Wynn, Water Distribution

40 YEARS OF SERVICE Teri Crowell, Infrastructure Integrity Mark Masek, Engineering Design 35 YEARS OF SERVICE Cory O’Brien, Engineering & Construction Bill Sandhoefner, Gas Production John Sutton, Stores Julie Thacker, Customer Success Michele Thompson, Customer Services 30 YEARS OF SERVICE Donald Graham, Maintenance Sean Kelley, Field Services Mike Murcek, Water Pumping Jim Wemhoff, Plant Engineering 25 YEARS OF SERVICE Rowland Alcala, Field Services James Bartels, Water Operations Dave Bojanski, Construction Bill Brennan, Gas Distribution Ken Clifford, Construction Kirk Garside, Maintenance Darrin Jensen, Gas Production Scott Madison, Gas Production Annette O’Brien, Information Technology Mike Renner, Construction Jeff Schovanec, Engineering Design Jim Wilson, Water Pumping Jon Zellars, Procurement & Enterprise Services *Indicates the employee is retired.

TAPS & JETS | VOL. 92, NO. 3 | FALL 2021

KUDOS

John Barna

Field Services

Leatha Bland

Customer Service

Willie Carrera

Gas Distribution

Shane Docken

Safety & Security

Deb Haley

Customer Accounting

Jerry Barrett Field Services

Rena Bobier

Customer Service

Lorena Chaidez

Customer Service

Jeff Dotson

Veronica Bautista Customer Service

Jocelyn Bray

Paul Bertrang

Customer Service

Kat Brousseau

Tim Burk

Randy Bird

Construction

Susan Caldwell

Gillian Blackson Customer Service

Pattie Cannon

Customer Service

Construction

Customer Service

Ron Charvat

Jason Chevalier

Brandon Christensen

Kayla Cleveland Customer Service

Field Services

Lois Gosch

Dave Graham

Chad Haffke

Dan Hussey

Amanda Incontro

Field Services

Meter Services

Customer Service

Juanita Fort

Mike Freeman

Dan Hall

Pete Hartley

Kevin Hensel

Field Services

Keith Beyer

Field Services

Construction

Customer Service

Field Services

Customer Service

Ron Diaz

Field Services

Carol Jackson

Customer Accounting

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

Scott Johnson

Nick Kiscoan

Luke Matulka

Colton Meador

Frank Pyzdek

McKenzie Quinn

Randy Sibert

Chris Simpson

Construction

Field Services

Water Distribution

Field Services

Ja’Nelle Traylor

Customer Service

Field Services

Construction

Customer Service

Construction

Howard Krula Meter Services

Field Services

Kory Kuszak

Stuart Longmeyer

Lisa Mills

Rick Moreno

LaSherrie Palmer

Maria Rangel

Forrest Roos

Angelique Sancho

Scott Spurgeon

Austin Swartzendruber

Mike Szymczak

Customer Service

Water Distribution

Field Services

Construction

Customer Service

Field Services

Ryan Lord

Customer Service

Dave Peters

Field Services

Hope Scott

Cort Lovato

Plant Engineering

Kim Plummer

Customer Service

Paul Sherry

Customer Service

Field Services

Julie Thacker

Avalon Thompson

Customer Success

Customer Service

Mike Vazzano

Gas Distribution

TAPS & JETS | VOL. 92, NO. 3 | FALL 2021

NEW EMPLOYEES

Parker Albaugh

Lane Andrews

Loren Ascher

Stephen Baldauf

Michael Bauersachs

Water Plant Engineer

Auto Service Person

Pipe Layer Trainee

Apprentice Mechanic

Platte South Plant

Transportation

Construction

Transportation

Venkateswarlu Bethapudi

Jacob Brown Construction

Information Technology

Pipe Layer Trainee

ERP Technical/Functional Analyst II

Samuel Deisz

Jerry Dekay

Jayson Dimauro

Engineer I

Apprentice Mechanic

Tommy Hernandez Pipe Layer Trainee

Plant Engineering

Construction

Nik Dinges

Jeremiah Fisher

Aaron Halagarda

Gage Hartline

Pipe Layer Trainee

Water Maintenance Trainee

Auto Service Person

Pipe Layer Trainee

John Hubbard

Manvil Jamerson

Joel Kincaid

Christian Kubat

Daniel Lockard

Mike McGillen

Pipe Layer Trainee

Transportation

Construction

Water Distribution

Construction

Transportation

Construction

Hello, Neighbor! M.U.D. is excited to be on Nextdoor! Watch for project updates, service announcements and the news that matters most to you and your neighborhood. Click HERE to learn more.

Construction

Jacob Menard

Andrew Mentzer

Pipe Layer Trainee

Robby Robinson

Andrew Rynders

Pipe Layer Trainee

Construction

Terri Morrow

DaMon Pettigrew

Safety & Security

Engineering Design

Brian Wagner

Cody Weddon

Water Plant Engineer

Water Plant Operator

Emergency Planning, Business Continuity Manager

Platt South Plant

CAD Technician I

Water Pumping

Mathew Polsley

Nicholas Raver

Water Maintenance Trainee

Water Plant Operator

Water Distribution

Derek Wikoff

Infrastructure Integrity GIS Technician I

Water Pumping

Cesar Rivera

Transportation

Auto Service Person

Kristine Zeitner

Customer Accounting

Supervisor, Customer Accounting – Receivables

BEST CARE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) Employees are eligible for multiple free services through EAP, including: • Free and confidential counseling • Training classes • Online webinars To schedule a counseling session for you or an eligible family member, call 402.354.8000.

402.354.8000

TAPS & JETS | VOL. 92, NO. 3 | FALL 2021

Training, webinars or other support programs are available online. Visit bestcareeap.org/member-login and enter the following login information: • Member ID: bcMUDe • Password: MUD

bestcareeap.org

PROMOTIONS & TRANSFERS LOBSIGER PROMOTED TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Sue Lobsiger

The board of directors promoted Sue Lobsiger to senior vice president, Chief Information Officer, at the September 1 board meeting.

President’s Office

Most recently serving as vice president, Information Technology, Sue has been with the District since 2018. Prior to joining the District, she spent more than 20 years at First National Bank. Sue served our country for eight years as a U.S. Army Signal Officer. She earned a master’s degree in Management Information Systems

from the University of NebraskaLincoln and a bachelor’s degree in General Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Sue is a former board member of the Latino Center of the Midlands, has served on multiple collegiate advisory committees and recently served on her church council.

Senior VP, Chief Information Officer

James Bartels

Kyle Baughman

Steven Bonge

Jack Bowman

Water Supply Engineer

Material Handler

Pipe Layer

Virgil Craig

Lynn Crawley

Water Plant Engineer

Administrative Clerk III

Trent Hastings

Ron Henderson

Machine Operator I

Water Plant Operator

Water Operations

Platt West Plant

Construction

Stores

Accounting

Platt West Plant

Nickie Brandis

Alex Cervantes

Meter Mechanic

Senior CAD Technician

Customer Service Technician

Brian Daehling

Shawn Dewitz

Christopher Ethen

System Controller

Pipe Layer

Meter Reader – Car Route

Tel-Michael Hess

Darrell James

Ben Johnson

Pipe Layer

Customer Service Technician

Construction

Systems Control

Construction

Meter Services

Construction

Field Services

Engineering Design

Meter Services

Field Services

Leo Garcia

Gas Distribution

Gas Leak Assistant

Jeff Jones

Transportation Stores Clerk III

Jessica Couture

Human Resources Manager, Employee Relations

Adam Gartner

Plant Engineering Design Engineer

Kyle Krause

Engineering Design

Senior Design Engineer

David Lanum

Jamie Marotta

Luke Matulka

Colton Meador

Water Laboratory Technician

Customer Service Technician

Pipe Layer

Jarod Ponticello

Jacob Poteet

Joey Rachwalik

Engineer II

Pipe Layer

Machine Operator I

Water Quality

Tony Pirrucello

Field Services

Construction

Engineering Design

Jefferson Schaecher

Joe Simpson

Engineering Technician – Estimator

Pipe Layer Welder

Pipe Layer

Engineering Design

Construction

TAPS & JETS | VOL. 92, NO. 3 | FALL 2021

Field Services

Construction

Pete Suski

Safety & Security

Senior Utility Locator

Construction

John Miller

Joe Nuernberger

Information Technology

Cesar Rivera

Vanessa Salinas

Rick Scarpello Carpenter Tradesman

System Controller

Manager, Enterprise Applications

Meter Services

Construction

Transportation Stores Clerk II

Meter Reader Re-read

Jared Svagera

Trent Volenec

Nathan Williams

Senior Insfrastruture Engineer

Pipe Layer Welder

Design Engineer

Infrastructure Integrity

Annette O’Brien

Systems Control

Construction

ERP Technical/Functional Analyst Trainee

Maintenance

Plant Engineering

RETIREMENTS

DEB BAKER

KATHY COX

RON DIAZ

Deb Baker, manager, Enterprise Applications, Information Technology, plans to retire December 31 with 26 years of service. Deb joined the District in 1995 as a programmer I. She was promoted to senior programmer/analyst in 1997, project leader/ analyst in 1998 and director, Information Systems, in 1999. Deb became manager, Enterprise Applications, in 2017.

Kathy Cox, gas service scheduler, Construction, retired September 10 with 41 years of service. Kathy joined the District in 1979 as an adjustment clerk-typist, Customer Accounting. She was promoted to customer service clerk, Customer Service, in 1981 and named order clerk, Purchasing, in 1985. In 1988, Kathy was promoted to temporary mobile radio operator, Dispatch Office, before being named communications clerk I. She became a customer service clerk I, Customer Service, in 1989 and was then promoted to gas service scheduler, Construction.

EVERETT HORTON

Ron Diaz, customer service technician, Field Services, retired November 2 with 31 years of service. Ron joined the District in 1990 as a meter reader, Meter Services. He was named water maintenance trainee, Water Distribution, in 1992 and promoted to water maintenance worker in 1994. Ron became a customer service technician trainee, Field Services, in 1994 and advanced to apprentice customer service technician in 1996 and customer service technician in 1998.

Barb Efferding, director, Internal Auditing, Accounting, plans to retire December 31 with 24 years of service. Barb joined the District in 1997 as an accounting clerk II. She was promoted to accountant II in 1998 and accountant I in 2000. Barb was named supervisor, Accounting, in 2005 and became director, Internal Auditing, in 2014. BARB EFFERDING

RICK GREENHAGEN

PAM JEPPERSON

Rick Greenhagen, leak detector operator, Water Distribution, retired November 9 with 29 years of service. Rick joined the District in 1992 as a water maintenance trainee. He was promoted to water maintenance worker in 1994 and valve repair inspector in 1999. Rick was named general maintenance mechanic in 2000 and advanced to valve maintenance mechanic in 2003. He became a leak detector operator in 2008.

Everett Horton, industrial water meter mechanic, Meter Services, retired October 6 with 24 years of service. Everett joined the District in 1997 as a systems computer operator II, Information Technology. From 1999 to 2001 he worked as a meter reader, Meter Services, before going back to Information Technology as a systems computer operator II. In 2004, Everett became a casher II, Remittance Processing. He was promoted to apprentice meter mechanic, Meter Services, in 2009 and advanced to meter mechanic in 2010. Everett was promoted to industrial water meter mechanic in 2013. He was named meter mechanic in 2015 and industrial water meter mechanic in 2020. Everett and his wife, Lisa, have three sons, two daughters and six grandchildren.

Pam Jepperson, administrative clerk III, Water Distribution, retired November 3 with 19 years of service. Pam joined the District as a steno clerk II, Purchasing, in 2002. She was promoted to administrative clerk II, Water Distribution, in 2005. Pam was named administrative clerk III in 2011 and was promoted to laboratory field technician in 2014 before becoming administrative clerk III.

Loren Kanost, manager, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, plans to retire December 31 with 15 years of service. Loren joined the District in 2006 as director, Quality Assurance, and was named manager, Quality Assurance, in 2017.

LOREN KANOST

Prior to joining the District, Loren worked for Harris Laboratories, Nebraska Public Power District, Searle Pharma and U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Kansas State University.

GREG OLIVA

Loren and his wife, Cathy, have a daughter, two sons and five grandchildren. In retirement, Loren plans to travel and spend time with his children and grandchildren.

Gary Troutman, manager, employee relations, Human Resources, retired October 16 with 10 years of service. Gary joined the District as a human resources generalist in 2011 and was promoted to manager, employee relations in 2015.

Coffee: December 23, 10 a.m., Headquarters, 2nd Floor

STEVE KNUTSON

Steve Knutson, system controller, Systems Control, plans to retire December 15 with 19 years of service. Steve joined the District in 2002 as a water maintenance trainee, Water Pumping. He advanced to water maintenance worker in 2003 and was promoted to water plant operator trainee in 2004. He advanced to water plant operator before being named water plant engineer in 2007. Steve became a system controller, Systems Control, in 2010.

Cindy Miranda, customer account clerk V, Customer Accounting, plans to retire December 31 with 31 years of service. Cindy joined the District in 1990 as a customer account clerk III. She was promoted to customer account instructor in 2005 and to customer account clerk V in 2015.

Greg Oliva, machine operator, Construction, retired July 31 with 31 years of service. Greg joined the District in 1990 as an auto service person, Transportation. He was named pipe layer trainee in 1991 and advanced to pipe layer in 1993, machine operator in 1995, utility worker in 1996 and crew leader in 2000. Greg became group leader in 2009 and was named machine operator in 2017.

GARY TROUTMAN

Laurie Waldron, customer service technician, Field Services, plans to retire December 28 with 20 years of service. Laurie joined the District in 2001 as a meter reader, Meter Services. She became a customer service technician trainee, Field Services, in 2009 and was promoted to apprentice customer service technician in 2010 and customer service technician in 2012. LAURIE WALDRON

CINDY MIRANDA

TAPS & JETS | VOL. 92, NO. 3 | FALL 2021

IN MEMORIAM

CHARLES BEAL

Charles Beal, 90, died November 7. Charles was vice president, Gas Operations, when he retired in 1993 with 31 years of service. He joined the District in 1961 as an assistant design engineer, advancing to design engineer in 1965 and to supervisor, Engineering, in 1968. In 1972, Charles was named project director on the construction of the LNG Plant. He returned to supervisor, Engineering, in 1976 and was promoted to manager, Services, in 1979, and to vice president, Gas Operations, in 1990.

LAURIE SUTEJ

Leonard Gray, 89, died August 12. He was a crew leader, Construction, when he retired in 1994 with 33 years of service. Leonard joined the District in 1961 as a laborer. He was promoted to pipe layer II in 1964, utility worker in 1977 and crew leader in 1990.

LEONARD GRAY

MARY ANN SWANEY Gerald “Jerry” Meyer, 73, died August 14. He was foreman, Stores, when he retired in 2008 with 40 years of service. Jerry joined the District in 1967 as a meter reader, Meter Services. He was named tool clerk, Stores, in 1974 and became stores clerk IV in 1983 and stores clerk V in 1996. Jerry was promoted to odorant technician, Gas Production, in 1998 and advanced to foreman, Stores, in 2002.

KENNETH WAGNER

GERALD MEYER

STEVE PROCIW

Steve Prociw, 75, died July 27. He was a night senior customer service technician, Field Services, when he retired in 2005 with 38 years of service. Steve joined the District in 1967 as a laborer, Water Distribution, and was promoted to hydrant and valve mechanic in 1969. He was named mechanic’s helper, Field Services, in 1978 and was promoted to junior mechanic in 1980, senior mechanic in 1982, utility mechanic in 1986 and night senior customer service technician in 1989.

Laurie Sutej, 64, died August 25. Laurie was an industrial gas meter mechanic, Meter Services, when she retired in 2017 with more than 31 years of service. She joined the District in 1985 as a clerk, Customer Services, and was promoted to adjustment clerk in 1986. Laurie was promoted to meter reader, Meter Services, in 1990 and transferred to customer service technician trainee, Field Services, in 1992. She transferred to apprentice meter mechanic, Meter Services, in 1994, advancing to meter mechanic in 1998 and to industrial gas meter mechanic in 2010.

Mary Ann Swaney, 69, died August 27. Mary Ann was an administrative clerk V, Meter Services, when she retired in 2014 with 35 years of service. Mary Ann joined the District in 1978 as a clerk, Customer Services. She was promoted to adjustment clerk in 1978 and customer service clerk in 1981. Mary Ann was named customer service clerk I in 1988 and became meter reading clerk, Meter Services, in 1989. In 1990, Mary Ann was named administrative clerk II and she was promoted to administrative clerk V in 1997.

Kenneth Wagner, 75, died August 15. He was a machine operator, Construction, when he retired in 1997 with 28 years of service. Kenneth joined the District in 1969 as a laborer, advancing to pipe layer II in 1971 and to pipe layer I in 1978. Kenneth was promoted to machine operator in 1980.

Fred Woolstrum, 86, died August 20. He was manager, Rates and Regulatory Affairs, when he retired in 1999 with 35 years of service. Fred joined the District in 1964 as an accountant II, Accounting. He was promoted to manager, Rates and Regulatory Affairs, in 1966.

FRED WOOLSTRUM

M.U.D. WINS BEST TASTING WATER AWARD AT NSAWWA CONFERENCE Doug Whitfield, director, Platte South Plant, accepts the Best Tasting Water Award on behalf of the District from Mary Poe, chairperson of the Nebraska Section American Water Works Association (NSAWWA), at the annual fall conference in Kearney. The District’s water was judged best tasting in the state and will go on to represent NSAWWA at the national competition in San Antonio, Texas, in June 2022. The District placed first among entries from across the state. Entries were judged on appearance, scent, taste and aftertaste.

TAPS & JETS | VOL. 92, NO. 3 | FALL 2021

“Congratulations to our employees who work diligently to help provide safe, reliable, cost-effective – and great tasting -- water to our community every day,” said Mike Koenig, vice president, Water Operations. “Thank you for your ongoing support as we strive to maintain the confidence of our customer-owners.”

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