Ubits September/October 2017
Feel the burn
Employees can now get fit in the new Wellness Centers
Oct. 16-27 H.U.G.S Drive In support of HopeSparks
In this issue
For the first time, TPU and City of Tacoma employees have two convenient places to pursue their fitness goals. As of the print date of this publication, the new Wellness Center at TPU was scheduled to open Sept. 12. Each Employee Wellness Center offers equipment for aerobic training and strengthening. Employees can also access online exercises through Beach Body and Daily Burn projected on overhead screens. Lockers and showers are also available in or near the facilities. “The new TPU facility offers a host of machines, strengthening bands and weights to accommodate anyone’s fitness level,” said Facilities Planning Supervisor Jordan Friedberg. There really is something for everyone.” All employees can use either of the Wellness Centers on their personal time. TPU’s is located
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The toils of soils
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at the southwest corner of the Administrative Building South, and the downtown location is in the basement of the Tacoma Municipal Building North below the City Clerk’s office. The centers are open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. “The cost is only $5 a month and occurs through payroll deduction,” said Employee Wellness Coordinator Shannon Carmody. “After filling out and turning in a Release of Liability form from wellness.cityoftacoma.org, employees can access the Wellness Centers with their City-issued employee identification badges.”
For questions or more information contact Wellness Coordinator, Shannon Carmody at 253-591-2002 or scarmody@cityoftacoma.org.
Story of meaningful giving
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A piece of history
THE TOILS OF SOILS
Utilities join forces to clean dirty dirt Three years ago, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the Washington State Department of Ecology began requiring utilities to contain, store and test excavated soil before disposal to ensure contaminants in the dirt – like lead and arsenic from the Asarco smelter plume – don’t permeate other soil or get into groundwater. The Asarco plume refers to air pollution from the Asarco Company’s
Pierce County decant facility. 100-year copper smelter operation in Tacoma, which contaminated about 1,000 square miles of soil with lead and arsenic. More than half of Tacoma Water and Tacoma Power’s service areas are affected by that pollution. That makes the health requirements relevant to the utilities because they do constant excavation and disposal of soil. Tacoma Water excavates beneath the streets when repairing water mains and other pipes. Tacoma Power digs to place or replace power poles and utility lines. The process often creates a wet slurry of soil that cannot be put back into the hole because it may contain contaminants, and the soil slurry isn’t stable enough to hold pipes or poles. The utilities must store, test and dispose of this soil properly. The utilities can dispose of excavated dirt at two locations. The Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center accepts the clean dirt because it reuses it. Tacoma Water can also reuse clean dirt at the McMillin Reservoir. A landfill in Graham can take low-level contaminated soil.
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Gary Gates, operations manager for Tacoma Water’s Distribution Operations and Maintenance program, was a key player in seeking a solution for storage and testing. His team is Tacoma Water’s main end-user dealing with the Asarco soil testing program. “We couldn’t just dispose of soil anywhere,” Gary said. “It had to be properly contained and tested to determine which landfill that we could take it to.” Tacoma Water and Tacoma Power began collaborating in late 2015 to design a jointly owned and operated permanent soil handling facility at Tacoma Power’s Southwest Substation. The $2.6 million permanent facility will allow the utilities to comply with regulations while saving costs. The facility provides more room for proper and effective storage, space for decanting – a
Concrete pads separate soil and water. process that separates and contains water from excavated dirt – and testing of all soil and water before disposal. In the meantime, a temporary facility was built at the same location to comply with existing health department and Department of Ecology regulations. However, the capacity of the temporary facility to fully handle the storage and decant process is insufficient. “The new facility will solve a lot of the soil management challenges we experience at the temporary facility,”
said Eric Green, assistant Tacoma Power section manager in charge of the line construction team on the project. “We will have more area to work with, which will make the processes more safe and efficient.” With access to 12,000 square feet of new space, the utilities can more effectively manage runoff, store dirt, and
Water settling pools. contain potentially contaminated water. The design and permitting phases for the permanent facility are almost complete. Construction began in late summer and is expected to be complete near the end of this year. In addition to the requirements by the county, the Department of Ecology is in the process of revising state laws related to solid waste handling, and anticipates those changes will go into effect by the end of 2017. Tacoma Public Utilities is working to stay apprised of the changes, and much of the soil sampling and storage facility plans in motion are expected to comply with the revisions. “Essentially, our utilities joined together to keep contaminated dirt from making clean soil dirty,” said James Bozic, senior environmental compliance specialist for Tacoma Power. “The most fascinating and unique part of the project is watching two very different utilities work together with parallel goals of cost savings, human health and environmental compliance.”
“Essentially, our utilities joined together to keep contaminated dirt from making clean soil, dirty.”
KEEPIN’ IT REAL
Customer Solutions shares a story of meaningful giving Customer Darrel L., 69, went to the Customer Solutions office in late July for help with his utility bill. Darrel had been working up until a year ago when he received a cancer diagnosis. He tried to maintain his job and had every intention of working a few more years, but chemotherapy took a toll. Since then, his wife of 47 years has also been diagnosed with cancer and now they both undergo treatments. “I’ve never been in a position where I had to ask for help until now,” Darrel told Customer Solutions Manager Francine Artis, who notes those were the very first words he spoke after walking into the office. Francine hoped Darrel and his wife would qualify for TPU’s Discount Rate, but their income was just above the limit to receive a discount. However, Francine
could help them through the Senior Assistance Fund – money raised through Community Connection activities. The couple is one of hundreds in need that Customer Solutions assists through the time and donations of many employees. “Darrel was extremely thankful for the assistance. After explaining TPU employees raise the funds to help seniors in need, he got a little teary-eyed and kept saying, ‘God bless you all,’” Francine said. “I share this story because I want the Community Connection team to know the amazing impact they have on others through their ongoing fundraising efforts. Thank you; thank you; thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
Community Connection
Fun foodie fundraiser helps seniors in need
Community Connection’s Leadership Team recently held its first Taste of TPU event – a bake sale and appetizer cook-off that raised money for the Senior Assistance Fund. Customer Solutions uses the fund to support one-time, $100 utility bill grants for senior customers who need help paying their utility bills.
The first fundraiser brought in over $1,725
Itty-bitty bookworms get a bit o’ books TPU’s literacy effort through its Community Connection book drive supports early childhood development in partnership with Communities in Schools of Tacoma. The value of employees’ book contributions came to $3,700. The books support the organization’s Ready, Set, Read – Tacoma! program with an infusion of literary inventory that will help children prepare for kindergarten. Kids in 22 preschools and Head Start programs throughout the Tacoma School District will receive a fresh variety of books they can read during their mentoring or tutoring sessions.
Those attending got to vote for the Best Baker, which went to Amanda Rowley in Customer Services for her Knock Your Socks Off Brownies, and Best Cook went to Jessie Wells in Transmission and Distribution for her Fire Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. Each won a $25 gift certificate to BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse for their efforts. Margo Fengler-Nunn in Customer Services also generously donated an autographed Peyton Manning football to support the event. The team held a raffle for the football and Georgia Riddle from Building Maintenance won. “A giant thank you to Margo, Amanda, Jessie and everyone else who cooked and baked for the event,” said Community Connection Program Manager Erika Tucci. “We were overwhelmed by our first turn out.”
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bits & pieces
Andrew Ollenburg.
MAKING HISTORY
A big thumbs up for Tacoma Power’s first sockeye release Cushman Fish Facilities Manager Andrew Ollenburg (a member of Generation’s Natural Resources team) was thrilled to help release the first sockeye salmon ever reared at the utility’s new Saltwater Park Sockeye Hatchery into Lake Cushman in June. Once the 30,000 fish are oceanbound, the team will gather them in the floating fish collector and transport them for release into the North Fork Skokomish River.
Natural Resources has about 220,000 more sockeye waiting for release later this year. The team also raises spring Chinook, coho and steelhead at the North Fork Skokomish Salmon Hatchery. These hatcheries are key components of the utility’s ongoing efforts to help restore fish populations and meet federal licensing goals. Tacoma Power is the first utility in Washington state to manage its own hatcheries.
EVERGREEN OPTIONS
$50,000 grants available for renewable e
evergreen options
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Tacoma Power recently began accepting applications for a grant of up to $50,000 to build on-site renewable energy projects – like solar, wind and geothermal. Nonprofits, schools, government agencies and organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation who participate in Evergreen Options can apply. Evergreen Options is a voluntary program that enables customers to support local renewable energy by paying an additional monthly charge on their electric bill. Participants can choose a specific amount (minimum $3 per month) or a percentage of their electric use, up to 100 percent. Tacoma Power will award one grant in 2017, and two grants next year.
How the grants work: 1 Nonprofits, schools and government agencies that want to build renewable energy projects sign up for, or validate their participation in, the Evergreen Options program.
2 Qualifying organizations identify a renewable energy project for their location, get three bids and submit an application by Oct. 17.
3 Tacoma Power screens and scores applications to ensure they meet the qualifications.
30-year old TPU Auditorium SPACES FOR FACES
The skinny on space planning Tacoma Public Utilities plans to pare down work spaces to provide more space options and flexibility, and allow for effective and efficient use of space in a modern working environment. TPU’s Facilities group is leading a TPU Administration Complex Masterplan to map out the workplace environment on campus and set new standards for workspaces that will help better meet work group needs. The plan will better accommodate various types of work and changing work group activities while making better use of technologies available to facilitate collaboration. Smaller workspaces will help make room for more open work group meeting spaces, private meeting rooms and collaborative work spaces equipped with new technologies. A study completed in June compiled information from work groups about how they use their spaces. TPU plans to review that study, which will inform decisions about establishing workspace, workplace, and allocation standards. By the end of March 2018, Facilities expect to have a recommendation for space allocations, locations and new configuration plans based on the 2017 study. Facilities intends to develop a schedule for moves in mid-2018.
Remodel begins for 30-year old TPU Auditorium Say goodbye to the ‘80s mauvestricken wash of the old TPU Auditorium and hello to a new space with a similar look and feel to the adjacent Chief Imo Conference Room dedicated in June of this year. The sprucing up of the relic space, which is home to Tacoma Public Utility Board and various employee meetings will begin in midSeptember. The venue will get a host of upgrades including new energy-
efficient lighting, security and audio visual system, doors, wood walls, paint, carpet, multi-level stage and platform, lecterns, dais, seat coverings and more. During construction, Public Utility Board meetings will temporarily move off-site to the Metro Parks Tacoma headquarters until completion. The Auditorium is due to reopen in December just in time for the holidays.
Rendering of new Auditorium.
energy projects 4 All Evergreen Options participants vote on the grant recipient.
5 The organization that receives the grant builds its renewable energy project.
6 Any unused electricity generated by the renewable energy project will reduce the organization’s utility bill.
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OUT WITH THE OLD
21st Street to get major upgrade next year Big projects are afoot in 2018, including replacement of the lattice towers and power transmission line on North 21st Street in Tacoma. At 91 years old, the deteriorating towers can no longer support the operational flexibility Tacoma Power needs to best support its customers. The towers are part of the Potlatch Transmission Line, which was built in 1926 to bring power from the Cushman Hydroelectric Project to Tacoma. Tacoma Power replaced the lines across the Narrows waterway in 2006 and North Bay lines in 2014. The utility plans to replace the Henderson Bay towers and lines at Purdy in 2018 as well. Twelve galvanized steel monopoles and a new transmission line will replace the existing 19 lattice towers, which stand about 75 feet. “Having worked closely with the City of Tacoma Public Works Engineering, we are placing the new poles in the best locations to accommodate future improvements to the N 21st Street corridor,” said Project Manager Joe Rempe. The new poles will range from 90 to 120 feet, placed on concrete foundations up to 30 feet deep, to accommodate greater length between the new towers and larger wires. In addition to the
new steel poles, the utility will add, modify and remove wood poles and lines in and around Cushman Substation. Tacoma Power will disconnect the aging Cushman Substation from the electrical system
“ This project is a longtime in the making.” during the second half of 2018. By eliminating the need to use the Cushman Substation, reliability and operational flexibility will improve the electrical system managed through the Pearl, Hilltop and Cedar substations. Between now and the end of the year, the project team will focus on design, procurement, and permitting. Tacoma Power expects construction to run from April 2018 through the fall of 2018. Removal of the equipment and structures within the Cushman Substation fence is scheduled for the end of 2018. “This project is a longtime in the making,” Joe said. “People who live in that area have told us for years they would love to see us replace the old, ugly towers; we’re finally fulfilling their wish.”
New poles on N. 21st Street will look similar to this.
A piece of history Cushman Substation, known for its striking architecture that is a reflection of the mid-20s when it was built, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on N. 21st Street between Adams and Washington Streets, it’s also known for the role it played in Tacoma’s growth in the early 20th century. The Tacoma City Council voted in June to add portions of the Cushman Substation to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, including: • The exteriors of both the Cushman and Adams substations (Adams is across the street from Cushman) • The sites surrounding both buildings (not including the non-historic electrical switchyard equipment)
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Cushman Substation.
The Cushman Substation continues to serve a number of important purposes for customers, including large equipment storage and a 50-ton capacity crane, which allows Tacoma Power crews to repair and maintain mobile substations and other large equipment. The Council-passed resolution also outlines a process to encourage timely redevelopment of the two properties. TPU will continue to work with the Public Utility Board, City Council and other key stakeholders to determine the future of the building. For now, we all can celebrate its significance to the utility and our customers.
How to spot a shrewd scam and not get double-duped Falling victim to fraud can happen to many at least once, and the scammers get more sophisticated by the day. Whether the scammers plot to take your money under the guise of the utility or by some other sham, knowing what to look for will help prevent financial loss and identity theft, and will protect your credit. TPU and the City of Tacoma suggest you ignore and report these three common scams:
1 Utility billing – Callers pose as a utility employees’ disguising their caller ID to show up as TPU or use a 1-800 number. Upon answering, the scammer will threaten to shut off your utilities if payment isn’t made immediately. In this scenario, scammers will pressure you to provide a pre-paid gift or credit card, cash payments or your personal information and a credit card number. 2 Tax audit or police investigation – Callers will ask you to pay money to stop or prevent a police, FBI or other federal investigation and ask for your bank account number and personal information. 3 Prize/winnings – Callers will ask you to pay a fee to claim a prize or winnings from charities or contests. Scammers will ask for money to cover taxes or insurance costs associated with the prize.
Where to report scams • Report utility scams to TPU at
253-502-8606 and local law enforcement at 253-798-4721 or https://tacomasafe.org.
• Report financial scams to the
Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint.
• If the scam is via email or online, also report to www.ic3.gov/complaint.
Scammers will also send links via email, false advertisements and phone calls. Always use your browser to type in the legitimate website address for updating and changing personal information.
Who’s new around here
Joshua Craig Management Analyst Tacoma Water
Michael Petrie Water Division Manager Tacoma Water
Toby Holland Water Utility Worker Tacoma Water
Scott Pries Watershed Inspector Tacoma Water
Robert Kenny Hydro Utility Worker Tacoma Power
Jonathan Schlaudraff Management Analyst Tacoma Water
Sabrina Nelson Management Analyst Tacoma Power
Matthew Walker Power Engineer Tacoma Power
Who’s ready to relax The following employees recently retired: | S eig Boettcher, Tacoma Power supervisor, retired in July after 19 years. |C hang Choi, Tacoma Power assistant section manager, retired in August after 19 years. |G ary Cox, Tacoma Power grounds maintenance crew leader, retired in July after 34 years. |W anda Felton, Tacoma Power Network Operations Center technician, retired in August after 19 years. |M arc Fuller, Tacoma Power T&D work practices specialist, retired in July after 22 years. | T homas Hilsendeger, Tacoma Power vehicle and equipment shop supervisor, retired in July after 32 years. |B eth Jones, Tacoma Power supervisor, retired in July after 39 years. |Y ork Kempe, Tacoma Power wire electrician, retired in July after 30 years. | T im Ross, Tacoma Power supervisor, retired in July after 30 years. |B ill Sugiyama, Tacoma Water operations manager, retired in July after 38 years. |R ick Wessel, Tacoma Power line electrician, retired in July after 34 years. |R odney Culley, Tacoma Power wire electrician, retired in July after nine years.
We Remember Megan Buck, who worked as an engineer and supervisor for T&D for 19 years, passed away July 26.
“So many of us were touched by Megan’s friendship, joy and humor, and we’ll miss her greatly,” said her supervisor Mike Allen.
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Tacoma Public Utilities PO Box 11007 • Tacoma WA 98411
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UTS LAUNCHES HELP HUB
A new home for services
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
TPU employees now have a one-stop online shop for technology services. Called Help Hub, the new online portal is the place for employees to ask UTS for help, browse self-help tutorials, and request new devices or services. Help Hub is part of a much larger effort within UTS – the group’s IT Service Management project, which aims to help UTS become a better service provider by focusing on the right mix of people, processes and technology. “We’re developing an improved customer service model to ensure working with UTS is quick, reliable, consistent and measurable,” said Manager John Lawrence. “As part of that effort, we’re implementing Help Hub to better manage service requests from employees. With improved reporting capabilities, we’ll fine-tune our scope of services and length of time it takes to deliver the products we support.”
Program Manager Johnny Rivera. “However, Help Hub’s benefits can’t be fully realized unless all the work we do is accounted for, prioritized and assigned through the system.”
Feature rich
When UTS receives a request for help, it is entered into the system and prioritized based on whether it’s a technology issue that stops an employee’s work or is a less urgent request like adding access permissions or software. The prioritized work is then assigned to the appropriate team, which could be the UTS Service Desk, City IT, Communication Shop or other groups. Once a team is assigned the request, a service technician gets to work, starting with an email to the employee who needs help. From there, all the work, resources and communications are logged and tracked in Help Hub until the issue is resolved.
Help Hub offers more than UTS’ previous ticketing system. Employees who use Help Hub can: •C heck when a request is assigned and to whom; • Monitor the status and progress of a request; • See a running log of comments from anyone who’s worked on the request; • Get notifications about planned outages and service disruptions. “It’s a feature-rich tool for all employees, and especially UTS staff who use the backend features to manage requests and workloads,” said UTS
New way of doing business
To ensure UTS can use the tool to its full capability, all service requests get entered and tracked through Help Hub, whether employees submit a request online, call, email or stop by the Service Desk. “We need everyone to use Help Hub,” said Jonathan Concepcion, who manages the UTS Service Desk team. “Based on how technology services were provided in the past, some people are used to contacting UTS employees directly for help. I know old habits are hard to break, but we’ve outgrown the ability to provide service that way.”
How it works