Careers Jan. 17 Hot Topics
Please Note: This is a copy of an internal PUD newsletter. We provide it here to keep you updated on information going to employees. We have removed links from the original newsletter because the linked content cannot be accessed from the Internet.
To: Commissioners, all PUD employees
From: Communications Department
Subject: Hot topics for discussion the week of Jan. 17, 2011
(This advisory is sent to encourage districtwide discussion and awareness of key PUD issues. The intent is to give managers, supervisors and employees suggestions on topics they might discuss during departmental meetings. Contact Kimberlee Craig, Ext. 4320, or Christy Shearer, Ext. 4258, if you have questions.)
On the District Calendar
· Jan. 18 – Farewell coffee for Ken Sillman, 1-2:30 p.m., Fleet Services
· Jan. 20 – Manager’s Forum, 8:30 a.m., HQ Auditorium
· Jan. 23 – Commission special meeting, 10 a.m., HQ board room
· Feb. 20 – Presidents Day holiday
On the air
Commissioner Dennis Bolz will talk at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday on Chelan’s KOZI Radio(1230 AM/93.5 FM) and at 9 a.m. on KOHO Radio(101.1 FM) about items discussed at Monday’s board meeting including a proposal to help trim the funding gap by adding 6 percent to water and wastewater rates.
Commission meeting news
At Monday’s meeting, commissioners:
- Heard a proposal to help trim the funding gap by adding 6 percent to water and wastewater rates and set informational meetings Feb. 6 in Wenatchee and Feb. 8 in Leavenworth, followed by a rate hearing March 5;
- Decided to stay with the twice-monthly, morning-afternoon schedule for commission meetings (see below for the 2012 schedule);
- Set a hearing Feb. 6 to consider adopting changes to commissioner districts that would match slight changes in the three county commissioner districts that happen every 10 years following a national census.
2012 board meeting schedule is available
Following the decision to stay with the twice-monthly schedule for board meetings, the dates for this year’s regularly scheduled meetings are now posted in the District Calendar on PUDToday. Ifyou are presenting a resolution or issue to commissioners, remember to attend pre-agenda at 9 a.m. on the Wednesday before the board meeting.
Keeping track – time to renew L&I requests
We’re receiving many form letters from the state Department of Labor and Industries about tracking the status of various contractors. Contact Marcia Garton in PCS, ext. 4479, if you’re tracking a contractor who is working on a District project, and she’ll check to see if we’ve received notification.
Tour time: Employees invited to Rock Island and Lake Chelan hydro projects
Following up on the interest shown last year in employee tours at Rocky Reach Dam, tours are planned in March for Rock Island and Lake Chelan hydro projects. Check with your supervisor and then sign up using PeopleSoft (search for “Rock Island Employee Tour” and “Lake Chelan Employee Tour”). Education specialist Bob Bauer will be your guide. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
Best wishes to Ken Sillman
Fleet Services Manager Ken Sillman is leaving the District on Friday for a job on the west side of the state. Co-workers are hosting a farewell with coffee and cake from 1-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Fleet Services and invite fellow employees to come by to wish Ken farewell.
There’s snow in the forecast
With the forecast calling for several inches of snowfall starting Tuesday afternoon, the Facilities staff offers these reminders for staying safe and helping them get snow clearing done safely and efficiently. Crews often start in the middle of the night to remove snow and provide employees and our customer-owners safe access to our offices. We all can help by following these tips:
- Please keep lots clear overnight. If you must leave your personal vehicle at HQ, park at the far south end near Fish and Wildlife.
- Park in areas of the lot already cleared of snow.
- Use the walkways. Crews try to clear and sand these paths early, and it helps keep pedestrians safely out of other work areas.
- Keep “visitor” parking open for customers.
Kudos for Lake Chelan Hydro improvements
The modernizing of generating units and controls at Lake Chelan Hydro Project is in line for recognition by two organizations. The work – along with the Chelan River Projects including the new low-level outlet, new fish habitat and tailrace changes - was named a finalist for “Hydro Project of the Year” in the Excellence in Renewable Energy competition held by Renewable Energy World. The modernizing project is also under consideration for honors in the Engineering Excellence Awards sponsored by the state chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies. Consulting engineer MWH submitted the entries for the awards.
The modernizing work, completed in spring 2010, increased the output of the powerhouse from 48 megawatts to 59 megawatts, plus included a range of other updates, at a cost of about $45 million.
Need to bring your date stamp into 2012?
Contact Kathleen Brooks, ext. 4376, in Office Services to update rubber stamps for 2012. It takes about a week to have the change made. Please include a charge number with your request.
Get a jump on your PureSafety training
PureSafety required training for 2012 is now available online. Please click here to log on to PureSafety. Company name is “Chelan;” user name is your employee I.D. number (it’s listed in “Quick Finder” on PUDToday); password is “pud” followed by employee I.D. number. Please call Erin Roberts, ext. 4173, Tracey Lazzarino, ext. 4126, or Dave Parkhill, ext. 4132, if you have questions.
Retiree sends his thanks
Kip Burke, drafting technician, retired in early January after almost 21 years at the District. He sends his thanks: “To all the employees of Chelan PUD, I would like to thank you for the cards and thoughts and wishes you expressed to me as I retired. I have had a marvelous and blessed experience working with you all.”
Make your plan for 2012
Non-bargaining unit employees can start writing goals for this year using the online template. Employees and managers have two months to set and discuss goals. On Feb. 29, the plan will be entered in ePerformance. Check with Jennifer Taylor in HR, ext. 4704, if you have questions
Safety Poster Contest needs your entry
It’s time to send in your entry for the January 2012 Safety Poster Slogan Contest. The employee with the winning slogan will receive an item of his/her choice valued at up to $45 from Go USA. The deadline for submitting a slogan is Jan. 27. Click here to submit your slogan.