Ubits July/August 2018 by Tacoma Public Utilities

Ubits July/August 2018

We’ve got it in the bag

Sept. 22 Habitat Build Supports Habitat for Humanity Pierce County

In this issue

TPU to centralize collection of employees’ trash Garbage bins will disappear from individual workspaces across TPU’s Main Campus by the end of 2018. A recent waste audit found that replacing personal trash bins with centralized waste collection will save about 500 plastic bags per day. Those bags rarely reach capacity. Part of the City of Tacoma’s Environmental Action Plan, the waste audit identified two major areas of non-recyclable waste – paper towels and plastic garbage bags. “The majority of waste by volume comes from the paper towels in the restrooms, which is unfortunate since these paper products are currently not recyclable,” says Facilities Manager Terry Coggins. “Those paper towels make up

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Partnership for EV fast chargers

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35% of what goes to the landfill. The team was shocked to find a significant amount of material we throw away is actually the plastic garbage bags themselves.” Centralizing trash collection will begin on the Main floor of the Administrative Building North. Once personal trash bins have been removed, employees should toss waste in larger common containers found in areas such as the kitchenettes available on each floor. Employees will get to keep their individual recycling bins. Some work groups began early and have already started using centralized containers. It’s good for the environment and one way you can take a few extra footsteps.

United Way campaign starts

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Tacoma Rail makes a wish come true

Plug-in to everything EV

Electric vehicles are a clean alternative to traditional vehicles – especially when the electricity that fuels them comes from renewables like hydroelectric power. Tacoma Power customers interested in lowering their carbon footprint by switching to an EV have a unique advantage. Our community’s electricity comes from local dams and is 96% carbon-free. Charging EVs with electricity from Tacoma Power lowers your carbon footprint. Free EV events are being hosted in September. Attendees can learn about the benefits of EVs and test drive the latest models.

RIDE & DRIVE EVENTS Sept. 8: National Drive Electric Week Downtown Steilacoom, 1700 Lafayette St., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 15: Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive LeMay–America’s Car Museum, 2702 E. D St., Tacoma, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Leadership training now for all employees TPU launched a management training series in January – L.E.A.D., which stands for Leadership, Engagement, and Development. Participation was intended for managers, supervisors and leads, but it became clear that the program’s overarching concepts are important for all employees. A condensed 3.5-hour version of the training was developed for all employees to learn: • What makes a great workplace culture and how they’re part of it • Self-awareness techniques • About adaptive skills and to grow emotional IQ • How to: • be a good listener • receive feedback nondefensively • give feedback effectively • avoid triangulation and negativity

Test drive an EV during a Tacoma Power Ride & Drive event.

Ceremony celebrates Tacoma Powers partnership to bring EV fast chargers to Tacoma

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The largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington state comes from the transportation sector. Tacoma Power has been working to make it easier than ever for drivers to make the switch to carbon-free commuting. During a recent community ceremony, Gov. Jay Inslee joined Tacoma Power, EVgo, Forth, WSDOT, LeMay – America’s Car Museum, local elected

officials, and business leaders to celebrate the public-private partnership and dedication of two new public fastcharging stations for electric vehicles installed at LeMay –America’s Car Museum. EV drivers stopping in Tacoma can now power their EVs with clean, renewable, hydropower. That makes Tacoma the best place in the country to own and charge an EV!

By the end of the year, all employees and managers will complete a version of the L.E.A.D. training, and have consistent tools, practices, and expectations to become better coworkers and leaders. TPU agreed to a three-year commitment with Nash Consulting to provide the training, embed itself in the organization, and help create a foundation for changing the utility’s culture. The L.E.A.D. focus for 2019 and 2020 is under development and includes measuring progress and training emerging leaders.

United Way campaign starts soon TPU has partnered with the United Way for decades to help fight poverty through its annual United Way campaign. In 2017, 24% of Pierce County households were ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, and employed) and 12% were in poverty. That means 36% of TPU’s customers struggle to live daily, which includes struggling to pay their utility bill. Last year, TPU employees gave more than $164,000 to help customers in need. Employees can

participate in this year’s campaign • Oct. 10 – United Way campaign closing ceremony – TPU by pledging and participating in the Auditorium – 2 to 3 p.m. – following fun events: See who won the basket raffle • S ept. 19 – Morning Kickoff – and hear the campaign results. coffee and morning snacks • Oct. 10 – Celebrity Waiters at on your way in to work. The Swiss Pub – 5 to 7 p.m. – Remember to pledge! We will battle General • Wednesdays, Sept. 19 – Oct. 10 Government again for bragging LIVE UNITED T-shirt – If Prize rights. Each of us has two teams Patrol catches you in your T-shirt, of celebrity waiters; the team you’ll win a prize. raising the most money wins. • The basket raffle – Buy your tickets; win a chance! Last year’s raffle raised more than $17,000.

Community Connection

SEPT. 19 - OCT. 10

Second Taste of TPU supports seniors Community Connection’s second annual Taste of TPU bake sale and appetizer cook-off raised just over $1,300 for the Senior Assistance Fund. Customer Solutions uses donations from the employee event to support one-time $100 utility bill grants to senior customers who need help paying their utility bills. “We appreciate all of the bakers, chefs, and eaters that contributed to our second annual Taste of TPU event,” said Vallene Pearson of UTS. “We could not have done it without them, and were overwhelmed with the contributions and turnout.” Audra Schindler’s Reese’s Rice Krispies and Jack Zeiger’s cheesecake put them in a tie for Best Baker. Best Cook went to Rebekah Wotton for her pasta salad. Each won a $25 gift certificate to BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse. Michelle Brown of Rates Planning and Analysis won the Sounders FC2 tickets graciously donated by Carmen Justin of Click!.

thank you

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bits & pieces

MAKE-A-WISH

Tommy’s wish comes true at Tacoma Rail Tommy B. looks like an average kid having the time of his life. But what you can’t see is that the seven-year-old almost lost his battle to cancer. When Tommy was two, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. “One of the first things I did, is buy a little train set and brought it to him in the hospital so that we could set it up on his bed and play with it,” said Tommy’s dad, Joel B. “And that provided very needed distractions.” While his parents drove him to chemotherapy on bad days, Tommy only expressed hope to see a train.

“When the chemotherapy was so strong, when we couldn’t be around people, we would just go and park and watch trains,” said Tommy’s mom, Kelly B. “And that was a joy for him.” It was no surprise when the Make-A-Wish Foundation asked Tommy, “If you could be anything for a day, what would it be?” His answer came immediately, “A train conductor.” “We briefed the train crew and the excitement of those three guys, was bar none,” said Tacoma Rail Supervisor of Operations Josh Banks.

Safety training comes first before working atop the Murray Morgan Bridge

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High atop the Murray Morgan Bridge in downtown Tacoma, power lines rise 207 feet above water. The last time the lines were serviced was in the1970s; it’s time for an upgrade. To make that happen, Tacoma Power trained eight crews for high-angle rescue to ensure every wire worker knows how to save one another – including apprentices. “We don’t just have one job to do up there. That means we’ve got to do a lot more training,” said Wire Electrician Apprentice Marco Gonzales. “Tacoma Power is proactive in taking care of our guys.” When asked how Marco felt about his rescue training, he said, “I feel real good. That was the second time and I want to do it again.” Training is part of Tacoma Power’s commitment to safety.

Tommy didn’t just get to see the trains during his visit to Tacoma Rail, he got to conduct one. Tacoma Rail set up a special route for Tommy complete with his own crew. “My head was shaking so much,” said Tommy. “I was that excited.” You might have heard it. Tommy blew the horn all around the Port of Tacoma smiling the entire way. “Thank you to Tacoma Rail very much for making this happen for Tommy,” Joel said. “It’s really the only way we ever could’ve done it. He’ll never forget it.”

Leap of faith leads line equipment operator to new career By Isobel Grant, summer intern, Foss High School “I didn’t want to look back and regret not trying one last time,” said Tacoma Power Journeyman Ken DeHut. The former line equipment operator had applied to Tacoma Power’s Apprenticeship program three times in the past decade. “This was my last attempt,” he said. Ken was accepted to the T&D Wire Apprenticeship Program after applying three times. He previously worked as a line equipment operator, but says the bold change was for his girls and wife. “The biggest challenge was the uncertainty, the unknown.” On average, the line, wire, and meter apprenticeship programs receive over 1,000 applicants per year from across the nation to fill the open positions. The program prepares graduates for success as journeymen with extensive training. Graduates must complete more than 7,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 after hours of classroom instruction over three and a half years. Training and Apprenticeship Supervisor Sheryl Brown said each of the eight 2018 graduates were “dedicated, focused, and passionate about their commitment to the apprenticeship program.” “Ken is already giving back to the wire shop by instructing incoming wire apprentices, which is wonderful,” Sheryl said. The future of the program will continue to grow as the utility increases new initiatives and ways to let people know craft programs exist to fit their needs. Ken now provides for his family in a way that he has always hoped for, while doing something he loves.

Mossyrock Park’s longest-serving campground hosts retire

Pat and Sherry Carmody have spent their summers as full-time camp hosts at Tacoma Power’s Mossyrock Park for 12 years. They are the utility’s longest-serving camp hosts. They now say it’s time to spend summers at home. “This has been a part of our life for years,” Pat says. “So, we’ll miss it. But we’ll get used to it too.” The Longview couple first visited Mossyrock Park 35 years ago, right after its’ opening then camped at the park on the weekends during their summers. Serving as camp hosts seemed a natural transition once their friends no longer joined them camping each weekend and Pat retired as a millworker. Hosting has since kept them busy staffing the entrance station, cleaning campsites, and fixing picnic tables. Park staff says the Carmody’s have been invaluable and will be missed. “He’s on the go all the time and loves to have projects,” Mossyrock Park Supervisor Larry Jones told TV Tacoma. “He’s been maintaining picnic tables for I don’t know how many years. He loves to get on that tractor and just keep busy.” “I don’t like to sit idle; it drives me nuts,” says Pat. “We enjoy it up here and we enjoy helping out. Always have.” Pat notes people most frequently ask, “Where on Riffe Lake do you go to catch fish?” He tells them, “You’ve got to find them.”

Wood ducks get a duck, duck boost Clean hydroelectric power doesn’t just happen at dams. It also occurs in the trees at Alder Lake where Mother Nature gets a little help from two moms who are part of Generation’s Natural Resources team. Pam Hefley and Jackie Gonzales go miles by land, by boat, and by tree to ensure wood ducks have a safe place to lay their eggs. Three times a year they check and clean 40 hand-built nest boxes hoping to see their hard work, working.

“I love coming out here to Alder Lake and checking these wood duck boxes, and finding warm eggs and incubating hens. It’s a favorite thing that we get to do,” says Pam. I love being outside and improving wildlife habitat. It brings me joy.” There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes that ties into responsible hydropower. The wood duck project is part of Tacoma Power’s commitment to preserve and protect the land it manages. Pam started the project 16 years ago.

“When I first heard about this job I asked the question, 'What does a biologist do for a power company?' and the answer is why I’m still here today.” Since then, more than 900 wood ducklings have fledged the nest. Our biologists count every single one. Watching wood ducks leave their nests makes moms like Pam and Jackie feel proud. This is what sustainable, clean energy looks like.

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Jonesing on 125 years of TPU history with Jones Soda

70%

Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

150 % Daily Value

Total Fat 0g Sodium 30mg Total Carbohydrate 36g Total Sugars 35g Includes 35g Added Sugars Protein 0g

0% 1% 13% 70%

INGREDIENTS: CARBONATED WATER, INVERTED CANE SUGAR, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE (AS PRESERVATIVE), MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, POTASSIUM SORBATE (AS PRESERVATIVE), ESTER GUM, YELLOW 5, RED 40. © 2017 JONES SODA CO.

Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

City Light workers replace insulators on the Tacoma Narrows Crossing transmission line on May 18, 1967.

Completed in 1963, Mayfield Dam’s penstocks carry 13,000 cubic feet of water per second to the powerhouse, a total capacity of 162 megawatts.

Who’s ready to relax ◗ Robert Collins, Tacoma Power assistant section manager, retired in July after 25 years.

◗M arsha Batie-Hopkins, TPU lead customer service representative, retired in July after 43 years.

◗ Mike Creamer, Tacoma Water senior IT analyst, retired in July after 25 years.

◗ T eresa Hargrove, TPU customer accounts supervisor, retired in July after 31 years.

◗K en Foster, Tacoma Power wire electrician, retired in July after 30 years.

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INGREDIENTS: CARBONATED WATER, INVERTED CANE SUGAR, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, PHOSPHORIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE AND POTASSIUM SORBATE (AS PRESERVATIVES).

◗K athy Jonker, Tacoma Water financial assistant, retired in July after 17 years.

Nutrition Facts Serving size 1 bottle (355 mL)

Amount per serving

Calories

160

Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat 0g Sodium 35mg Total Carbohydrate 36g Total Sugars 35g Includes 35g Added Sugars Protein 0g

0% 2% 13% 70%

Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

INGREDIENTS: CARBONATED WATER, INVERTED CANE SUGAR, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, PHOSPHORIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE AND POTASSIUM SORBATE (AS PRESERVATIVES).

For over 90 years, Tacoma Water has managed the 147,394-acre Green River watershed located in the Cascade Mountains between Chinook and Snoqualmie passes.

150 % Daily Value

Total Fat 0g Sodium 30mg Total Carbohydrate 36g Total Sugars 35g Includes 35g Added Sugars Protein 0g

0% 1% 13% 70%

Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

BOTTLED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JONES SODA CO. 66 S. HANFORD SUITE 150, SEATTLE, WA 98134

Serving size 1 bottle (355 mL)

Calories

70%

Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Linda McCrea made history at TPU with lots of female firsts: > First engineer > First superintendent > First director

Nutrition Facts Amount per serving

2% 13%

In 1997, the Tacoma City Council approved Tacoma power’s $100 million plan for a fiber-optic network. Construction began in January 1998. BOTTLED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JONES SODA CO. 66 S. HANFORD SUITE 150, SEATTLE, WA 98134

Biologist Jamie Murphy uses a coded wire tag detector at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery to determine if this coho salmon has a tag in its snout.

INGREDIENTS: CARBONATED WATER, INVERTED CANE SUGAR, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, PHOSPHORIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE AND POTASSIUM SORBATE (AS PRESERVATIVES).

BOTTLED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JONES SODA CO. 66 S. HANFORD SUITE 150, SEATTLE, WA 98134

2% 13%

% Daily Value

Total Fat 0g Sodium 35mg Total Carbohydrate 36g Total Sugars 35g Includes 35g Added Sugars Protein 0g

Serving size 1 bottle (355 mL)

Amount per serving

Cowlitz River Project crew captures smolts in its Merwin Trap in Lake Scanewa. Smolts get transported and released below the Barrier Dam.

◗ B ryan King, Tacoma Water operations manager, retired in July after 33 years.

Nutrition Facts Serving size 1 bottle (355 mL)

Amount per serving

150

Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat 0g Sodium 30mg Total Carbohydrate 36g Total Sugars 35g Includes 35g Added Sugars Protein 0g

0% 1% 13% 70%

Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Tacoma Railway Track Maintenance Worker Brandon Gallagher replaces railroad ties in Puyallup, 2018.

◗ S hannon Quiroz, TPU customer service representative, retired in July after 19 years.

◗R ickey Labouve, Tacoma Power building maintenance worker, retired in July after 30 years.

ike Riley, Tacoma Water ◗M management analyst, retired in July after 23 years.

◗ B art Minnitti, Tacoma Power line electrician, retired in July after 17 years.

◗ S cott Sanderson, Tacoma Power painter crew lead, retired in July after 33 years.

BOTTLED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JONES SODA CO. 66 S. HANFORD SUITE 150, SEATTLE, WA 98134

160

Calories

Nutrition Facts

% Daily Value

Total Fat 0g Sodium 35mg Total Carbohydrate 36g Total Sugars 35g Includes 35g Added Sugars Protein 0g

Serving size 1 bottle (355 mL)

Amount per serving

160

Calories

Nutrition Facts

BOTTLED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JONES SODA CO. 66 S. HANFORD SUITE 150, SEATTLE, WA 98134

Serving size 1 bottle (355 mL)

Amount per serving

Nutrition Facts

BOTTLED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JONES SODA CO. 66 S. HANFORD SUITE 150, SEATTLE, WA 98134

If you missed TPU’s 125-year anniversary employee celebration in July, you missed some of the fun. TPU gave away bottles of Jones Soda with historical photos on them in four flavors. Label colors matched the individual utilities’ brands. Below is a small sample of the 38 photos placed on the bottles and the stories accompanying.

Calories

160 % Daily Value

Total Fat 0g Sodium 30mg Total Carbohydrate 38g Total Sugars 38g Includes 38g Added Sugars Protein 0g

0% 1% 14% 76%

Serving size 1 bottle (355 mL)

Amount per serving

150

Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat 0g Sodium 30mg Total Carbohydrate 37g Total Sugars 37g Includes 37g Added Sugars Protein 0g

0% 1% 13% 74%

INGREDIENTS: CARBONATED WATER, INVERTED CANE SUGAR, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, SODIUM BENZOATE AND POTASSIUM SORBATE (AS PRESERVATIVES), MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, ESTER GUM, RED 40. © 2017 JONES SODA CO.

Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

From 1985 to 1987, Belt Line track caused 17 derailments costing $165,000. A 10-year track and upgrade program followed.

◗ Mark Schmidt, Tacoma Power construction inspection supervisor, retired in July after 31 years.

◗ Gayleen Wederquist, TPU lead customer service representative, retired in July after 20 years.

◗ Mike Sorum, TPU customer service operations manager, retired in July after 30 years.

◗ E mma West, Tacoma Power electrical meter and relay technician, retired in July after 38 years.

◗ Gordon Watson, Tacoma Power vehicle and equipment shop attendant, retired in July after 33 years.

160

Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat 0g Sodium 30mg Total Carbohydrate 38g Total Sugars 38g Includes 38g Added Sugars Protein 0g

0% 1% 14% 76%

Who’s new around here Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

INGREDIENTS: CARBONATED WATER, INVERTED CANE SUGAR, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, SODIUM BENZOATE AND POTASSIUM SORBATE (AS PRESERVATIVES), ESTER GUM, BLUE 1.

A welder works on the Green River replacement line’s last 1.25 miles of steel pipe that were cut into service in September, 1952.

Nutrition Facts

With its freight business growing, Tacoma Rail’s Belt Line bought its first steam locomotive secondhand for $1,000 in 1939.

Serving size 1 bottle (355 mL)

Amount per serving

◗ Grant Whitely, Tacoma Water utility service specialist, retired in July after 39 years.

Greg Chiszar Kingsley Chung Operations Manager Management Analyst Tacoma Public Utilities Tacoma Power Nutrition Facts Serving size 1 bottle (355 mL)

Amount per serving

Calories

150 % Daily Value

Total Fat 0g Sodium 30mg Total Carbohydrate 37g Total Sugars 37g Includes 37g Added Sugars Protein 0g

0% 1% 13% 74%

Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

INGREDIENTS: CARBONATED WATER, INVERTED CANE SUGAR, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, SODIUM BENZOATE AND POTASSIUM SORBATE (AS PRESERVATIVES), MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, ESTER GUM, RED 40.

BOTTLED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JONES SODA CO. 66 S. HANFORD SUITE 150, SEATTLE, WA 98134

Tacoma Water’s first Women’s Tapping Team competed at the American Water Works Association Pacific Northwest Section’s 2017 event recording its fastest time of 2:45.

INGREDIENTS: CARBONATED WATER, INVERTED CANE SUGAR, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, SODIUM BENZOATE AND POTASSIUM SORBATE (AS PRESERVATIVES), ESTER GUM, BLUE 1.

BOTTLED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JONES SODA CO. 66 S. HANFORD SUITE 150, SEATTLE, WA 98134

Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Nutrition Facts

BOTTLED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JONES SODA CO. 66 S. HANFORD SUITE 150, SEATTLE, WA 98134

Serving size 1 bottle (355 mL)

Amount per serving

BOTTLED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF JONES SODA CO. 66 S. HANFORD SUITE 150, SEATTLE, WA 98134

Nutrition Facts

John Gaines Government Relations Analyst Tacoma Public Utilities

Jeff Gascoyne Conservation Program Manager Tacoma Power

Tim Gordon Locomotive Mechanic Tacoma Rail

Jennifer Murray Financial Assistant Tacoma Water

Benjamin Pierce Locomotive Mechanic Tacoma Rail

Troy Saghafi Engineer Tacoma Water

Melora Shelton Natural Resources Biologist Tacoma Power

Devan Warner Line Electrician Apprentice Tacoma Power

Mike Whitney Locomotive Mechanic Tacoma Rail

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Tacoma Public Utilities PO Box 11007 • Tacoma WA 98411

Christine Cooley joins Public Utility Board Pierce Conservation District’s Climate Resiliency Program Manager Christine Cooley recently began serving as TPU’s newest Public Utility Board member. Appointed by the Tacoma City Council, she entered her new role with some understanding of TPU. “I believe staff is knowledgeable and dedicated, and I know there’s a lot to learn,” she says.

“I am open-minded, and I also love data.”

Ubits is a publication for Tacoma Public Utilities employees and is provided as a courtesy to retirees. Sonja Bert, editor cms@cityoftacoma.org • 253-502-8223

Christine participated in the stakeholder meetings for Tacoma Power’s Integrated Resource Plan, chairs the Sustainable Tacoma Commission, and coordinated the planning for the South Sound Sustainability Expo. She has been active in numerous other community organizations as well, including the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild, South Sound Collaborative and International Living Future Institute. As a board member, Christine says her top priority is to learn. “I am looking forward to finding and elevating the good ideas that already exist and find out how I can support them as a board member,” she says. “I am open-minded, and I also love data.”

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TACOMA WA PERMIT NO 2