Taps & Jets, Volume 91, No. 4

TAPS & JETS Vol. 91 No. 4

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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

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

Headquarters Update Robot Main Inspections Community Giving Drive Recap District Response to COVID-19

pg. 6 pg. 7 pg. 7 pg. 9

Membership Drive Begins March 1 Updated Intranet Available Heat the Streets Now a Virtual Event Promotions and Transfers

ON THE COVER: HEADQUARTERS UPDATE As finishing touches were being made inside the District’s Headquarters, a limited number of employees began setting up their workstations in late December, preparing for reentry into the building.

Employee groups currently authorized to work in the building include Legal, Accounting and the Executive Team. The coronavirus pandemic has a direct impact on continued reentry into the building and

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updates to the reentry plan will be made as advancements are realized in vaccine distribution among employees.

The January 7 board meeting marked the first meeting in the Headquarters’ board room. Although the meeting was conducted in a combined virtual/in-person format, four board members attended in-person. Moving forward, meetings will continue to be conducted in the board room.

Overseeing work associated with the Headquarters is Jon Zellars, vice president of Procurement and Enterprise Services. He said, “So far we have heard really positive feedback from our employees in the building. They’re excited to be in a facility with new, updated workspaces. We look forward to being able to fully occupy the building in the future.”

time. Don Noonan, Contractor Services, joined President Mark Doyle to do the honors of raising the flags. Don is a Marine Corps veteran and has almost 61 years of service with the District.

Final touches will continue to be made over the next several months, including landscaping, signage and roof restoration.

On January 19, the flags were raised at the building for the first

TAPS & JETS is published quarterly for current and retired employees to inform them about the activities and accomplishments of the District’s 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

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GOING UNDERGROUND TO GET AN UPCLOSE LOOK AT VITAL INFRASTRUCTURE In December, we put technology to the test to improve safety all while saving customers money. The scene: about 10 feet below a busy stretch of Pacific Street just east of 144th Street.

There is no broken concrete, rather a brief lane closure to allow easier access – not for a human, but an advanced robot.

On this day, several M.U.D. employees assisted a group from Pure Technologies. They removed the manhole cover, then slowly raised up the futuristiclooking robot with a small crane before lowering it carefully down through a narrow opening. Once in place, it quickly navigated the subterranean landscape.

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“The robot looks like a miniature tank and it drives itself up the main,” said Jared Svagara, Infrastructure Integrity. Jared is the infrastructure engineer helping oversee the operation and use of the robot. “The robot has a tether cord and it sends the data back to the truck where the crews monitor the video and the electromagnetic signal coming from inside the main.”

The bright yellow tether can stretch for miles and miles, this time sending the video feed all the way back to the truck from the intersection about a halfmile away. The cost savings are great in the long run, according to Svagera. “This is a great tool

to save us money. If we can find any issues that we can fix with a planned repair, it is much better than having to respond to a possible emergency failure.”

In last year’s round of inspections, the group looked at nearly five miles of prestressed concrete cylinder pipe.

The large diameter piping has wires embedded throughout.

Jared said, “They drive the robot up and down the water main. They look for any places where some of the prestressing wires may have broken, which are integral in the structural strength of the water main.” If the robot detects a broken wire, it is documented and analyzed,

then a preventative maintenance plan is designed and executed to limit any unexpected service outages for customers.

The advantages of robotic inspections go beyond what have been used in this most recent process. For the first time in 2021, M.U.D. will also use Pure Technologies’ “Pipe Diver.” The company’s swimming robot of sorts allows for longer stretches of pipe to be inspected without taking the pipe out of service (draining it). This stage of the infrastructure project will likely begin in the spring, prior to any peak pumping in the warmest part of the year.

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COMMUNITY GIVING DRIVE RAISES $90,000 Employees and retirees stepped up to provide much-needed support to those in need, raising just over $90,000 for the community.

the Midlands. Giving was split with $42,900 designated to the Home Fund and $47,100 to the United Way.

Megan Murray, Corporate Communications, served as chairperson for the Community Giving Drive. She said, “I am so grateful for all of our employees and retirees who felt compelled to give back during these challenging times.”

Of the 384 employees and retirees who donated as part of the Community Giving Drive, 26 of them are designated as Bridgebuilders, which are donors who give $1,000 or more annually. Employees who gave any amount were entered into a prize drawing, with more than 100 prizes awarded, including gift cards, an Apple Watch, Apple AirPods and vacation time.

For the first time, donors were given the option to support the District’s utility assistance program, the Home Fund, as part of the drive. In years past, the drive specifically benefited programs supported through the United Way of

Since 2015, employees and retirees have donated nearly $620,000 as part of the annual drive.

EMPLOYEES DONATE TO ANNUAL DIAPER DRIVE The season of giving seemed to hold even more meaning in a year hit by a global pandemic. Isolation often felt insurmountable, but it gave many people reasons to reflect on the smallest things they were thankful for. Some looked for ways to help others in times of need, stepping up in difficult circumstances.

Safety Technician Tammie Hineline drew on her past life experiences to bring attention to a very real struggle for some.

Fifteen years ago, the former U.S. Army veteran was homeless and working to care for her child when she received help from the Open Door Mission.

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Fast forward to today and she says she wanted to make an impact for parents dealing with life on the streets. Just after Thanksgiving, with Tammie’s initiative, the District launched a drive to collect diapers and donations as part of the 18th annual Channel 94.1 Diaper Drive.

Employees came together to collect more than 3,500 diapers along with many other donations.

Tammie was ecstatic during drop-off, saying she hopes to continue this tradition. “I would like to extend my gratitude to all who participated in this event. I am so proud to be part of the M.U.D. family and blessed to work with everyone at the District.”

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.

PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION HELP DISTRICT THROUGH PANDEMIC RESPONSE The District continues to proactively manage its response to the coronavirus pandemic to protect the wellbeing of employees and provide essential gas and water services to the community. There are many new developments since the last update in Taps & Jets.

VACCINE UPDATE Recently a vaccine for COVID-19 was developed and is being administered to health care workers. Federal, State and local agencies are working together to distribute the vaccine through three tiers, with priority given to the highest risk groups first.

As a public utility, the District falls under Tier 1B of the State of Nebraska’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. Because of limited supplies, the District likely will not receive enough vaccine doses for every employee who wants to get the vaccine on our first installment.

As part of our business continuity plan, a tiered approach will be used to assist with prioritization of the District’s vaccination administration.

Some of the criteria include: • Direct contact with customers • Work in a 24-hour/emergency response operation • Critical job functions with limited backup

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It is also important to know if employees plan to get the vaccine in this first round. The vaccine will not be mandatory.

In early January, Human Resources (HR) conducted a poll asking employees if they plan to get the vaccine. Of the 767 employees who responded as of January 22, results were: 54% yes; 18% no; 26% undecided and 2% other (medical condition or religious beliefs prevent from getting vaccine).

Once the vaccine doses are received, the District will coordinate with Kohll’s Pharmacy to host on-site clinics for employee convenience.

At this time, the vaccine clinics will only be offered to active District employees, not family members or retirees.

MANAGING THE RESPONSE Despite hitting peak numbers of positive cases in late fall, the District was able to maintain operations. December brought a lower positivity rate and as of January 21, there were only 14 active COVID-19 cases being tracked.

HR continually manages and monitors the notification and testing process. In November, Danette Lodes, temporary human resources specialist, joined the District to serve as the case worker and HR point of contact.

Management uses the incident command structure to oversee the pandemic response and ensure business continuity.

To increase employee communications, all supervisors participate in a weekly briefing call on Mondays.

To offer more in-depth and timely communications, the District organized two “Chat with the President” Webex events, November 17 and December 15, to provide updates to employees and a forum to ask questions of senior management. In addition to the pandemic, other topics included an update on the Construction Center settling issue, the new Headquarters building and a look ahead to 2021. Recordings of the Webex events are posted on myMUDConnect, accessible from the Okta dashboard.

As part of the Webex events, employees were invited to ask questions and provide feedback through several surveys. This information is being reviewed and will help determine the format and schedule of similar events in 2021.

with their utility bills through a variety of resources, including $2 million in CARES Act funding for Douglas County residents. In addition to the federal dollars, the State of Nebraska distributed thousands in assistance and the District’s Home Fund served as another safety net.

M.U.D teamed up with OPPD and Dollar Energy Fund partners and launched the application process August 10, working to reach as many customers in need as possible before the December 14 deadline.

At the end of 2020, Congress passed another coronavirus relief bill. The District continues to monitor the potential impacts for additional utility assistance funds to help customers in need through 2021.

On January 13, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved an additional $2 million in utility assistance (split between M.U.D. and OPPD) for Douglas County residents.

UTILITY ASSISTANCE FUNDS More than 6,200 households (nearly 20,000 people) negatively impacted by COVID-19 received financial assistance

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NEW EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT AVAILABLE Boot Barn is offering a 15% discount to all current employees.

Offer is good on safety toe work boots, shirts, work pants, flame resistant apparel, outerwear, boot

trees, boot treatment and leather care. Must show valid M.U.D. identification badge. Payment is required at time of purchase.

Employees eligible for boot reimbursements as part of the District’s reimbursement policy may submit their receipt to Payroll for processing.

LOCATIONS: COUNCIL BLUFFS | 3271 MARKET PLACE DR.

LA VISTA | 12720 WESTPORT PKWY.

OMAHA | 970 S. 72ND ST.

THE 2021 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE WILL KICK OFF MARCH 1 AND RUN THROUGH MARCH 31 Current part- and full-time employees are eligible for a $50 subsidy toward a membership to one of the following institutions: The Durham Museum, Fontenelle Forest, Lauritzen Gardens, Joslyn Art Museum, Henry Doorly Zoo or 6

the Omaha Children’s Museum. Temporary/ contract and retired employees are not eligible for the subsidy. However, they may buy memberships through the District’s drive to take advantage of discounted corporate rates.

Payment options include cash, check, credit card and payroll deduction.

Membership forms will be emailed to all employees and posted to myMUDConnect, which is accessible via the Okta dashboard.

EMPLOYEES STAY CONNECTED THROUGH UPDATED INTRANET Employees now have a daily “go to” resource for Districtrelated news and information through myMUDConnect, the intranet site accessible through the Okta dashboard.

Last March the redesigned site was rolled out to focus on pandemic-related updates, including a Personal Protective Equipment inventory dashboard and District COVID-19 case updates. On October 1, myMUDConnect was fully launched to include refreshed information and expanded resources.

The site currently averages about 460 unique visitors a week, with more than 6,200 page views.

Employees are encouraged to visit frequently and explore the various pages and links. The home page includes feature stories, videos, announcements and upcoming events.

COVID-19 information was moved to its own landing page. Other menu links are: • What’s Happening includes employee news, calendar of events, Facebook and Twitter feeds.

• For Work has content and reports from Safety and Security, Information Technology Services, Purchasing and Finance.

• For You focuses on employee benefits, health and wellness and discounts.

Champions from Corporate Communications, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Purchasing and Safety and Security provide daily content updates. Employee feedback and questions about the site are welcome.

• The Library includes facility information, forms, policies and procedures, job aid reference materials and enterprise documents.

• Employee Directory includes employee photos and contact information.

ANNUAL WALK MOVES TO VIRTUAL EVENT The 14th annual Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth, scheduled for March 6, has transitioned to a virtual event.

In light of the pandemic, event organizers made the switch to virtual to host a safe event for all participants. Employees from the District team up with OPPD to plan and execute the annual run and walk.

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The event raises funds and awareness for those in our community unable to pay their utility bills. Throughout the past 13 years, the event has raised more than $1.3 million.

While participant registrations and donations make up a good portion of event income, sponsorships play a significant role in securing funds.

M.U.D. Board Director Tanya Cook is serving as co-chair for the event. She said, “The current need for utility assistance in our community is profound, and I am honored to have a role in helping raise funds to help people through this difficult time.” OPPD Board Director Janece Mollhoff and her husband, Wayne, are also serving as co-chairs.

Employees are encouraged to support the event by registering to run or walk on March 6, or by donating.

Employees who register by January 31 will receive a team shirt, and all registered participants will receive a custom neck gaiter. Visit heatthestreetsomaha.com for more details.

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The format for the 2020 Children’s Holiday Party looked a little different due to the coronavirus pandemic. About 80 children and their families drove through the parking lot of the Nebraska Electrical Workers’ Building and were welcomed by volunteers distributing gifts and given the opportunity to take their photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The party was sponsored by IBEW Local 1521, the District and Family Focus Federal Credit Union.

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Top photo: Volunteers include, from left: Tom Todd, Field Services; Bill Dudzik, Central Maintenance; Mike Conrad, Law Department, as Santa Claus; Mary Conrad as Mrs. Claus; Kathy Cox, Construction; Teri Crowell, Infrastructure Integrity; Laura Shaffar, Dispatch Office; retiree Lisa Riley; and Jerry Anderson, Field Services.

Bottom photo: Addie Jones, daughter of Jeff Jones, Transportation, stands through the sunroof of their 2012 Chevrolet Camaro to get her photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

PROMOTIONS & TRANSFERS

Jerod Cleveland

Justin Corcoran

Joseph Cummings

Dave Divoky

Pipe Layer

Senior Customer Service Technician

Construction

Alan Grashorn

Infrastructure Integrity

Field Services

Matthew Guinn

Water Distribution

Transportation Mechanic

Senior Customer Service Technician

Information Technology

Dan Hall

Andrew Johnson

Chad Koehler

Pipe Layer

Group Leader

Field Services

GIS Technician II

Water Maintenance Worker

Customer Service Technician

Stephanie Lemonds

Shane Moultroup

Megan Murray

Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

Industrial Gas Meter Technician

Accounting

John Sutton Stores

Manager, Stores

Gas Operations

Construction

Jaylan Newsome Water Distribution

Corporate Communications

Water Maintenance Worker

Bob Urbach

Chad Warriner

Jeremy Welker

Senior Customer Service Technician

Group Leader

Plant Maintenance Person I

Field Services

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Charan Enugula

Field Services

Manager, Customer Experience

Construction

Water Pumping

Senior ERP Technical/ Functional Analyst

Construction

Roger Sawyer

Information Technology

Senior System Administrator

Linda Wiese

Customer Accounting

Customer Account Clerk III

Julie Fuehring

Allen Gansemer

Customer Account Clerk V

Group Leader

Customer Accounting

Construction

Kory Kuszak

Zachary Lariviere

Senior Customer Service Technician

Water Maintenance Worker

Jay Schnider

Caleb Sturgeon

Training and Quality Assurance Coordinator

Senior Customer Service Technician

Field Services

Customer Accounting

Water Distribution

Field Services

Amy Williamson

Customer Accounting

Customer Account Clerk III

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KUDOS

Rowland Alcala

Customer Service

Jack Bowman

Jorge Cardenas

Construction

Dan Deporte

Veronica Bautista Customer Service

Ron Cerny

Construction

Field Services

Jon Bazar

Construction

Latasha Collar

Greg Beam

Construction

Lynn Crawley

Customer Service

Customer Service

Field Services

Field Services

Joe Flegg

Nick Foreman Construction

Customer Service

Juanita Fort

Mike Freeman

Debi Haley

Amanda Incontro

Mike Jacobson

Ben Johnson

Rosemarie Jones

Ryan Lord

Luke Matulka

Customer Accounting

Buffy Larson

Meter Services

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Kim Ash

Field Services

Customer Service

Customer Service

Field Services

Field Services

Field Services

Lisa Mills

Customer Service

Field Services

Customer Service

Dan Murcek

Field Services

Rena Bobier

Jason Bomer

Customer Service

Plant Engineering

John Davis

Dan Delgado

Joe Guyott

Chad Haffke

Field Services

Field Services

Al Kurz

Field Services

Field Services

Kory Kuszak

Field Services

Field Services

Paul Otto

LaSherrie Palmer

Field Services

Customer Service

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

Eliseo Perea Construction

Field Services

Field Services

Customer Service

Kim Plummer

McKenzie Quinn

Greg Ramirez

Hope Scott

Robert Stewart

Caleb Sturgeon

Mike Szymczak

Avalon Thompson

Dawnielle Turner

Amy Williamson

Dave Zapata

Customer Service

Phil Watts

Field Services

Dave Peters

Field Services

Ted Wiles

Field Services

Ryan Plott

Field Services

Customer Accounting

Field Services

Customer Service

Customer Service

Construction

Customer Service

Tyler Reed

Field Services

Ben Ulrich

Field Services

Field Services

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

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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

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RETIREMENTS Jeff Allen, senior mechanic, Transportation, plans to retire March 19 with 28 years of service. Jeff joined the District in 1992 as an apprentice mechanic, Transportation.

He was promoted to mechanic in 1995 and to apprentice electrician in 1996. Jeff was named senior mechanic in 1999.

JEFF ALLEN

MARIAN FELTES

KEVIN GULLACH

BRENDA HARMON Marian Feltes, chemist II, Water Quality, plans to retire March 16 with 40 years of service.

Marian joined the District in 1980 as an assistant chemist, Water Quality. She was promoted to chemist I in 1989 and chemist II in 2010.

Marian attended Creighton University, where she received her bachelor of science in chemistry in 1980. She served as treasurer for IMC and Catholic Daughters of the Americas and was involved with Engaged Encounter for almost 20 years. In retirement, Marian plans to spend time with family and friends, travel, read and do crafts. She and her husband, Bill, have a son and a daughter.

Kevin Gullach retired October 17, 2020 with 24 years of service. Kevin joined the District in 1996 as a drafting technician trainee, Engineering Design. He advanced to drafting technician in 1998. Kevin was promoted to senior computer aided drafting technician in 1999 and to field engineer II, Plant Engineering, in 2009.

Shelley Hansen, communications clerk II, Dispatch Office, retired January 2 with 36 years of service. Shelley joined the District in 1984 as an adjustment clerk, Customer Accounting.

She was named customer account clerk III in 1990. In 2011, Shelley was promoted to communications clerk II, Dispatch Office.

SHELLEY HANSEN

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Brenda Harmon, customer service clerk III, Customer Service, retired January 9 with 37 years of service. Brenda joined the District in 1983 as a customer history clerk, Customer Service. She was promoted to key punch operator, Information Technology, in 1984 and verifying operator in 1986. Brenda was named data entry clerk in 1988 and was promoted to administrative clerk III, Water Pumping, in 1990. She was named administrative clerk III, Credit Services, in 1995 and promoted to customer service clerk II in 2001 and customer service clerk III in 2005. Her role transferred to Customer Service in 2019.

Prior to joining the District, Brenda worked for Mutual of Omaha as a data entry clerk.

She attended Nebraska College of Business and Metropolitan Community College. Brenda and her husband, Charles (also a M.U.D. retiree), have a daughter, two sons, nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

In retirement, Brenda plans to visit her family and travel as much as possible.

RUSS IWAN

Russ Iwan, water supply engineer, Water Operations, plans to retire March 5 with 34 years of service. Russ joined the District in 1986 as an engineer II, Engineering Design.

He was promoted to director, Industrial and Commerical Marketing, Marketing, in 1990 and to superintendent, Field Services, in 1994.

Russ was named director, Marketing, in 2004.

He became water supply engineer, Water Operations, in 2011. Russ has a civil engineering degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Prior to joining the District, Russ worked as a concrete construction engineer for The Ceco Corporation. Russ is a professional engineer and Grade 1 water system opreator for the State of Nebraska. He served as member, vice chair and chair on the American Gas Association’s Building Energy Codes and Standards Committee and is a member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Nebraska Section AWWA. Russ was a member of the District’s Employee Speakers Bureau for 11 years. He is also a member of the West Omaha Rotary, Knights of Columbus Council 3019 and Easter Seals of Nebraska/ Visiting Nurses Association. Russ and his wife, Renee, have a son, two daughters, two grandchildren and one grandchild on the way.

In retirement, Russ plans to travel, go to the movies, visit grandchildren and work part time.

Clayton Hill, group leader, Construction, retired January 5 with 27 years of service.

Clayton joined the District in 1993 as a pipe layer trainee, Construction. He was promoted to machine operator in 1995, utility worker in 1997 and crew leader in 2002.

Clayton was named group leader in 2010.

CLAYTON HILL

PHIL WATTS Alan Leigh, chief welder, Transportation, plans to retire March 23 with 16 years of service.

Alan joined the District as a welder in 2004.

He was promoted to chief welder in 2006.

ALAN LEIGH Bruce Patterson, water plant engineer, Platte West Plant, retired December 2 with 13 years of service. Bruce joined the District in 2007.

SCOTT WINKLER

Phil Watts, foreman, Field Services, plans to retire March 31 with 40 years of service.

Phil joined the District in 1980 as a special laborer, Field Services. He advanced to apprentice meter mechanic in 1982 and was promoted to meter mechanic in 1984. Phil was named mechanic’s helper in 1988 before being named customer service technician trainee in 1990. He advanced to apprentice customer service technician in 1990, customer service technician in 1992 and night senior customer service technician in 1998. Phil became a senior customer service technician in 2005 and was named foreman in 2013.

Scott Winkler, instrument technician, Gas Production, plans to retire February 17 with 40 years of service. Scott joined the District in 1980 as a laborer, Water Pumping, and was promoted to special laborer in 1981 and to plant maintenance person in 1982. In 1985, Scott became a chemical equipment mechanic II before being promoted to maintenance mechanic in 1986 and chemical equipment mechanic I in 1990. He was named gas plant operator, Gas Production, in 2005 and was promoted to gas plant engineer in 2007 and instrument technician in 2011.

BRUCE PATTERSON

JEAN TURNER

Jean Turner, buyer, Purchasing, retired January 5 with 41 years of service. Jean joined the District in 1979 as a mail cashier, Remittance Processing. She was promoted to adjustment clerk, Customer Accounting, later that year and advanced to review clerk in 1983. Jean was named customer account clerk III in 1988 and was promoted to customer service clerk I, Customer Service, in 1990. In 2003, Jean became an administrative clerk IV. She was promoted to purchasing administrator, Purchasing, in 2010 and to buyer that same year.

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IN MEMORIAM Sharon Holewinski, 68, died November 25, 2020. Sharon was a personnel records clerk, Human Resources, when she retired in 2007 with five years of service. She joined the District in 2001 as a human resources clerk and was promoted to personnel records clerk in 2002.

John “Mark” Clifford, 87, died November 26, 2020. Mark retired as foreman, Water Distribution, in 1995 with more than 45 years of service. He joined the District in 1950 as a laborer, Construction, and was promoted to pipe layer II in 1951 and to foreman, Water Distribution, in 1962. He served four years in the U.S. Navy.

MARK CLIFFORD

SHARON HOLEWINSKI Gerard “Tyke” Darveaux, 88, died November 20, 2020. Tyke was a senior mechanic, Transportation, when he retired in 1994 with more than 38 years of service. He served in the U.S. Navy. Tyke joined the District in 1959 as an auto mechanic II and was promoted to heavy equipment mechanic in 1960. He was named senior mechanic in 1980.

GERALD DARVEAUX

OMAR KAMARA Florence L. Fitzgerald, 106, died December 24, 2020. She worked in Collections (Credit Services) when she retired in 1976 with 29 years of service.

FLORENCE FITZGERALD Ray Gawerecki, 88, died November 18, 2020. Ray was a gas leak survey and detector operator, Construction, when he retired in 1994 with 40 years of service. He joined the District in 1954 as a laborer, Construction, and was promoted to pipe layer in 1955, to machine operator and utility mechanic in 1961, to crew leader in 1966 and to gas leak survey and detector operator in 1980.

RAY GAWERECKI

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JAMES KUBAT

Omar Kamara, 65, died January 1. He retired in 2018 as a building and grounds maintenance worker, Maintenance, with 26 years of service.

Omar joined the District as a building and grounds maintenance worker, Maintenance, in 1991. He was promoted to water plant maintenance trainee, Water Pumping, in 1993 and to plant maintenance person in 1996.

In 1997, he became a water plant operator trainee before advancing to water plant operator in 1998. Omar became a water plant maintenance trainee in 2002 before becoming a plant maintenance person later that year.

In 2005 he transferred to Maintenance as building and grounds maintenance worker.

James Kubat, 69, died October 23, 2020. He was an odorant technician, Gas Production, when he retired in 2012 with 42 years of service.

Jim joined the District in 1970 as a laborer, Construction, and was promoted to meter reader, Meter Services, in 1971. He advanced to water plant utility assistant, Water Pumping, in 1979 and was transferred to pipe layer, Construction, in 1986. Jim was promoted to odorant technician, Gas Production, in 2002.

NEW EMPLOYEES Eugene A. Marcley, 93, died October 21, 2020. He was a gas systems controller, Systems Control, when he retired in 1989 with 37 years of service. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served during World War II.

GENE MARCLEY

David Clark

Patricia Conradson

Tricia Gosson

CAD Technician I

Communications Clerk II

Buyer

Engineering Design

Bob Weinand, 82, died December 4, 2020.

Bob retired as group leader, Construction, in 2000 with more than 39 years of service.

He joined the District in 1960 as a laborer, Construction, and was promoted to pipe layer II in 1963, to machine operator in 1965, to utility worker in 1977, to crew leader in 1979 and to group leader in 1980. Bob served four years in the U.S. Air Force.

BOB WEINAND

Cody Kanger

Engineering Design Engineer I

Dispatch Office

Ryan Risinger

Facilities Management Building Engineer

Purchasing

Jill Schurman

Human Resources Human Resources Generalist

Robert (Bob) Wells, 91, died January 2. He was assistant superintendent, Gas Distribution, when he retired in 1991 with 41 years of service.

ROBERT WELLS

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Register today to join the M.U.D. team virtually on Saturday, March 6 for the 14th annual Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth!

This annual event – which includes a 5K and one-mile walk – is organized by M.U.D. and OPPD to raise awareness and money for utility assistance programs (including our Home Fund). As we know, the need for assistance is greater than ever. M.U.D. and OPPD have seen a 38% increase in applications for assistance, with a record number of first-time customers in need.

We’re going virtual – which means you can represent M.U.D. while participating in your neighborhood, on your favorite trail or on your home or gym treadmill! After you run or walk on March 6, we encourage you to post pictures to social media using #HeatTheStreets.

Click HERE to register today or simply make a donation! Each registrant will receive a custom neck gaiter. Plus, employees who register or donate at least $25 prior to January 31 will receive a M.U.D. team shirt – with your choice of short or long sleeves! (Your donation and a portion of your registration may be tax deductible.)

Children 12 and under may register for the walk for free with a registered adult.

heatthestreetsomaha.com