Ubits September / October 2018
Happy homecoming
Oct. – Dec. Adopt-aFamily In support of Comprehensive Life Services
In this issue
First Cushman program fish return to North Fork Skokomish River It’s a monumental milestone more than 90 years in the making: spring Chinook returned to the base of Cushman Dam No. 2 on the North Fork Skokomish River this summer. They are the first returns for Tacoma Power’s new Cushman fisheries program. The fish originate from Skagit River stock. Tacoma Power released the spring Chinook into the river two years ago, and they have returned from their ocean adventures to spawn. “This is an exciting milestone for us and our partners as we work toward our common goal of introducing and rebuilding fish populations,” said Cushman Fish Facilities Manager Andrew Ollenburg. “It took the support of many people, especially nearby tribes, to bring this run back.”
Page 2
New director’s “listening tour”
Page 4
There’s a new fish in town
The Cushman Hydroelectric Project provides clean, renewable electricity via two dams and three powerhouses. However, when the dams were built, they blocked fish migration. As part of its federal license to operate the dams, the utility has invested $62 million in two hatcheries, adult and juvenile collection facilities, and enhanced fish and habitat monitoring and evaluation programs. The utility also raises steelhead, coho, and sockeye. ”Our supplemental program is not just about hatchery releases,” Ollenburg said. “It’s about true introduction; getting wild fish back in the river and helping those fish successfully reproduce.”
Next steps for Click!
Continued on page 2
Page 6
Newsline gets a new look
Director’s 100 days of listening TPU Director Jackie Flowers has been busy achieving the 100 days of listening she promised. During her visits with employees, she’s learning about the many jobs throughout our utilities. Jackie’s shown support for corporate social responsibility through Community Connection by participating in its events and raising money for its causes. Our director has engaged in rates outreach to the public and been meeting with business customers. The momentum of her outreach continues as she absorbs the collective knowledge of our organization and looks ahead at TPU’s future. Pausing with a “there’s no turning back now” smile before rappelling 245 feet down the face of the Hotel Murano in downtown Tacoma, Jackie raised $1,569 for Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity during its Habitat Challenge and matched that amount with $1,000.
“When I interviewed to be TPU’s new director, I committed to the Public Utility Board, that in my first 100 days, I would dedicate myself to listening. So when I started Aug. 1, I kicked off my ‘100 Days of Listening Tour.’ It’s been so fun getting to know employees and learning about all the amazing work they do. Here are some highlights of my journey so far.” — Director Jackie Flowers
A morning welcome and thank you shared by Jackie at the start of the Habitat for Humanity Build on an early Saturday morning in September ends in a feel good porch pose with the team of dedicated volunteers.
Fish return continued from page 1 Fish trek: The next generation
Pg. 2
Staff collected about 115,000 eggs from the 100 hefty spring Chinook that returned this year.
“The Natural Resources staff is dedicated to doing the right thing, not just because of the license, but because
this is something we’re passionate about and want to do to the very best of our abilities,” Ollenburg said. “We’re taking
began by making rounds
Jackie spots gear-worthy wear winners (left to right) Tina Cline, Ramona Goree, Ronda Martin, and Melissa Young-Williams at the Residential Customer Energy Programs counter in the TPU lobby. With her bag full of Prize Patrol goodies, she hands out clappers and other fun gifts during the United Way campaign. It appears Jackie told Chris Gleason to “doughnut” count on her for a single bite during her break the morning of the United Way kick-off before heading back out on her rounds to greet employees with pastries.
TPU Director Jackie Flowers (second from right) and IBEW 483 business manager/financial secretary Alice Phillips (second from left) help Line Apprentice Zach Lane (far left), Line Electrician Dan Wonderly (center), and Line Electrician Justin Hamilton (far right) showcase a new logo on Tacoma Power T-shirts as they gear up for the Annual International Linemans’ Rodeo Oct. 13 in Kansas City, KS. Competitors not pictured include: Senior Line Electrician Brandon Parlacoski, Line Electrician Colten Wesen, and Line Apprentice Landon Byman. TPU’s largest business customer, Westrock, welcomed Jackie with a grand tour of the paper mill by the mill’s General Manager Steve Devlin and Power and Recovery Manager, Bruce Martin. The trio stand at the front end of a paper machine as Jackie learns a bit about how the WestRock mill works.
Correction corner every step to be good environmental stewards and to ensure the success and health of future fish generations.”
The article, “Leap of faith leads line equipment operator to new career,” in the July/Aug. issue of Ubits has had factual updates online since publication. Ken DeHut is a former line equipment operator who applied three times to Tacoma Power’s Apprenticeship Program. Ken is now a journey wire electrician. To read the updated story, visit https://issuu.com/tpuemployees.
Pg. 3
bits & pieces
Tacoma Water “Does the Puyallup” for more than two decades Tacoma Water customers get a hands-on chance to learn about their clean, reliable water at the Washington State Fair every fall. This is the 20th year that Water Quality Operations Manager Scott Hallenberg has coordinated and staffed the utility’s booth. He receives help from employees and other local utilities. The space is donated to the Northwest Outdoors Alliance, of which Tacoma Water is a participant. “We interact with thousands of attendees,” Scott said. “We reassure them how safe and reliable their water is, and teach them how they can help protect it.” Visitors can see filtration facility and groundwater models in action. Scott said, “The best part is when kids see the simulated effects of our actions on groundwater and then tell
their parents, ‘I told you not to put that on the ground!’” He also enjoys dispelling myths, like there’s a “magic box” underground that produces water.
“You see the wheels start turning,” Scott said. “Our personal outreach has a positive impact on how customers perceive us and, ultimately, the value of their water.”
TPU Board, City Council provide direction on next steps for Click! Policymakers in Tacoma agree on a path to determine the future of Click!. At the end of July, the City Council and Public Utility Board passed motions directing negotiations with three companies that responded to a Request for Information/Qualifications for offering cable TV, internet and other advanced telecommunications services using the city-owned Click! network: Rainier Connect, Yomura, and Wave. Called the Public/Private Collaboration Model, the approach is similar to the existing business model used today with Rainier Connect and Advanced Stream — private companies that use the public-owned network to provide service. With a goal to explore all feasible next steps, the Board and Council considered another option — the Public
Pg. 4
Model — in which the city would offer internet service directly to customers. Although the Public Model advances many of the policy goals, it includes some risk to the city, ratepayers, taxpayers, and the community. Policymakers determined the Public/ Private Collaboration Model better meets the goal to leverage the network in the best way possible while still retaining public ownership of the network. The model removes the financial, legal, and technical risks Click! has faced over the years and enables upgrades and enhancements of technology that have not previously been pursued due to cost. “We are moving forward with the direction provided by the City Council and Public Utility Board, and expect negotiations to continue at least through the end of the year,” said TPU Director
Jackie Flowers. “In the meantime, policymakers have asked for a public outreach process to understand how the community prioritizes the 12 policy goals they developed during the RFI/Q development process.” Over the next couple of months, TPU will work with the Board and Council to define the outreach process, including identifying key stakeholders. “We anticipate a review of the negotiations and recommendation for moving forward in early 2019,” Jackie said. “Our shorter-term goal is to keep Click! as stable as possible while looking for ways to provide opportunities for Click! employees.” To date, 19 Click! employees transitioned to other jobs within the city, six retired and two moved to other organizations.
Utilities work to help Tacoma meet its urban tree canopy goal Tacoma Power and the City of Tacoma Department of Environmental Services — Urban Forestry Program look to help the City increase its urban tree canopy cover 30 percent by 2030. The utilities created a Tree Coupon Program in partnership with local garden centers and nurseries that provides deep discounts to participants who want to help the City improve the environment. The Tree Coupon Program offers residents living in Tacoma-Pierce County $30 off per tree (limit five), up to $150, on five-gallon trees and larger of any species. Participants must use the trees to plant on their properties. Planting more trees reduces stormwater runoff and pollution, and keeps overall temperatures more moderate according to staff from the City’s Urban Forestry Program. “When located near homes, the right trees can cool temperatures, provide shelter from summer sun, and more light during the winter when trees shed their leaves,” it said. A limited quantity of coupons are available while supplies last. Coupons expire April 1, 2019 or when funds run out for the 2018-2019 season. Funding for Tacoma residents comes from Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma stormwater utility fees. More information about signing up for the program and tips about planting trees have been posted at MyTPU.org/ShadeTrees.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Gearing up for giving this holiday season Seasons change but some activities never do — like TPU employees volunteering to change lives throughout Tacoma-Pierce County. “Our employees care deeply about the customers we serve,” said Community Affairs Manager Erika Tucci. “It is their mission to support as many individuals as possible during the holiday season so no one goes without the gift of recognition and compassion.” Community Connection kicked-off the giving season again this fall with TPU’s annual United Way campaign. As TPU awaits its campaign results, a few more activities have been lined up over the next couple of months that will help support customers and families in need for the remainder of 2018. HUGS Drive — O CT. 22 TO NOV. 2 Supports HopeSparks with donations of hats, underwear, gloves and socks for the organization’s HopesCloset — a place its clients can “shop” for clothing free of charge. The drive serves children in therapy services, as well as children being raised by relatives. In 2017, employees donated over $8,365 in goods. Adopt-a-Family — O CT. TO DEC. Helps Comprehensive Life Resources provide its clients with needed services like therapeutic foster care and homeless outreach. Employees adopted over 145 individuals in 2017 and donated more than $31,600 in basic needs. Salvation Army’s Mall Giving Tree & Gift Wrap — D ECEMBER In its longstanding partnership with the Salvation Army, TPU hosts two Salvation Army Giving Trees — one in the Director’s Office and one at Tacoma Rail. Employees also volunteer to work in the Giving Tree and Gift Wrap stations at the Tacoma Mall. Children and seniors received 311 gifts totaling $7,775 from employees who volunteered nearly 200 hours in 2017.
Several Tacoma Water employees, Superintendent Scott Dewhirst, and TPU Director Jackie Flowers took a break from laying sod during the 2018 Habitat for Humanity Build to spy on Lakewood Water District’s Automated Metering Infrastructure.
Pg. 5
Line electricians take third in Washington for safety rescue skills Tacoma Power’s Justin Hamilton and Daniel Wonderly took third place overall against teams of linemen from the electric utility industry that recently participated in Washington state’s annual Pole Top Rescue Competition held during the annual Governor’s Industrial Safety & Health Conference. The event requires competitors to safely rescue a victim from a utility pole during a mock industrial accident. Justin and Daniel stepped up as the first team to battle among 12 for spots in the top four facing off for final honors. Remaining teams received a problem or situation that made the final rescue more difficult and required them to think about the safest, most effective way to conduct the rescue. Participation in this event spotlights Tacoma Power’s commitment to safety.
Left to right, Line Electricians Daniel Wonderly and Justin Hamilton showcase their winning buckles.
Newsline enters its fourth decade with a new look Each Thursday, TPU employees have expected to receive Newsline in their email inbox or find it on the tables in the Cafeteria. However, most may not realize the weekly newsletter has been the place for employees to find relevant news, read stories about employee’s successes, look for opportunities to get involved in the community, and for those with hungry bellies to seek the lunch menu for over 40 years. But 40 is the new 20. With the help of a new email platform, the Newsline tradition continues, thanks to a design and functionality refresh! The publication’s new format allows employees to view more images, watch more videos, dive deeper into the content of interest, and interact with colleagues through social features. “We hope the updated design and functionality of the publication helps keep employees informed, engaged, and inspired,” said Digital Communications Specialist Emily Carlyle. Emily says Newsline’s platform also allows the Communications Office to see and measure the performance of each piece of content it publishes. “It has the ability to show us what information is most popular and important to employees so we can continue delivering a compelling weekly publication.”
TPU vanpools get a charge In 2019, select TPU vanpools will commute to work in style. Pierce Transit selected Tacoma Public Utilities as its recipient of eight 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Touring Plus vanpool vans. Powered by an electric motor and gasoline engine, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid automatically switches between electric power and hybrid power, giving drivers a 566 mile range. With individual passenger smart screens, leather seats and a panoramic sunroof, these eco-friendly minivans might make your coworkers green with envy. Want to learn more about Vanpool opportunities? Log on to Unet and go to the Rideshare Program under the Services tab.
Pg. 6
Who’s new around here
Jeremy Anderson Heavy Equipment Mechanic Tacoma Power
Berkley Bachmeier Utility Worker Tacoma Water
Liz Beauregard Senior Economist Tacoma Water
Emily Carlyle Media Specialist Tacoma Public Utilities
Isolde Chatman Supervisor Customer Services
Sharon D’Andrea Office Manager Tacoma Water
Jorden Doerflinger Railway Conductor Tacoma Rail
Tyrone Emerson II Railway Conductor Tacoma Rail
Trinie Finik Custodian Tacoma Power
Jackie Flowers Director Tacoma Public Utilities
Garrett Guglielmetti Utility Worker Tacoma Water
Bizhan Hooman Engineer Tacoma Power
Daniel Hunter Railway Conductor Tacoma Rail
Jason Jones Heavy Equipment Mechanic Tacoma Power
David Kennard Telecom Utility Worker Tacoma Power
Nathan Lawson Utility Worker Tacoma Water
Steven Manier Railway Conductor Tacoma Rail
Steve Mann Railway Conductor Tacoma Rail
Wyndi May Administrative Assistant Tacoma Power
Daniel Moore Utility Worker Tacoma Water
Julie Moulton Administrative Assistant Tacoma Water
KayLyne Newell Management Analyst Tacoma Water
Richard Walloch Supervisor Tacoma Power
Aaron Whitfeldt Training Analyst Tacoma Public Utilities
Who’s ready to relax Pete Kandrin, Tacoma Power Vehicle & Equipment Shop supervisor, retired in September after 14 years of service. Stephen Merriam, Tacoma Power telecom engineer, retired in September after 18 years of service. Edward Munoz, Tacoma Power, communications system technician, retired after 4 years of service. Alvin Whitmore, Tacoma Power custodian, retired in September after 20 years of service.
Pg. 7
Tacoma Public Utilities PO Box 11007 • Tacoma WA 98411
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TACOMA WA PERMIT NO 2
Three major Tacoma Power construction projects bring long-term benefits
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
Tacoma Power tackled two projects over the summer that offered a unique perk for Tacoma Power’s crews: breathtaking views around some of the area’s most beautiful waterways. The Henderson Bay tower replacement and Murray Morgan Bridge projects did more than give employees the opportunity to take in incredible scenery; the work helps ensure reliable electricity for our customers. Eight towers at Henderson Bay in Purdy helped carry electricity to Tacoma from the Cushman Hydroelectric Project for over 90 years. The towers did their job, but deteriorated over time and needed replacement. The utility replaced the four in-water towers with one steel pole, replaced the four land-based towers with four new poles, installed a new nesting platform for osprey, and refurbished an existing nesting platform. Our engineers estimate the new poles will last at least 75 years. Visit MyTPU.org/HendersonBay to learn more about the project, see pictures, and watch construction videos.
Meanwhile, in downtown Tacoma, crews worked about 200 feet above the Thea Foss Waterway to replace the electrical cables that transverse the Murray Morgan Bridge. The new lines will support future economic development in Tacoma. Extending the capacity of our electrical system will help ensure reliability into the future. Speaking of economic growth, Sound Transit is extending the current light rail route in Tacoma. The new route will run from downtown Tacoma through the Stadium District, past Tacoma General Hospital, and go all the way to St. Joseph Hospital. To prepare for the 2.4-mile extension, crews moved or replaced poles at seven locations along the route. The work required power outages, so crews worked in the middle of the night to minimize impacts on businesses and residents. These are a few of the examples of how TPU invests customers’ utility bill payments in the electrical system to provide reliable service for generations.