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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMSD_Pipeline_Spring2022According to Stacker.com, St. Louis is already one of America’s top 10 cities with the most green space per capita, including Forest Park and the Gateway Arch, which is part of a 90-acre park. MSD is doing its part to increase green space, including helping to fund the City of St. Louis’s plan to demolish buildings and make room for stormwater absorption. Additionally, MSD Project Clear has rainscaping initiatives, which help improve water quality. Many of these include rain gardens, water features, permeable pavements, sidewalks, and parking lots. Having a community-owned greenspace supports biodiversity, reduces stormwater, and provides a sustainable environment that improves overall public health by creating a safe and high-quality space that residents can use and gather. SOURCE: Underwood, Angela. “Cities with the Most Green Space per Capita.” Stacker, 26 July 2019, https://stacker.com/stories/3343/cities- most-green-space-capita. MSD Project Clear is Increasing Rain-Absorbing Green Spaces EXPANDING RAINSCAPING WITH MSD’S SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM ONBOARDING MADE EASIER FOR MSD EMPLOYEES MISSOURI ISSUES MSD PROJECT CLEAR 2021–2026 STORMWATER PERMIT HEALTH AND WELLNESS UPDATE: BETTER YOUR HEALTH WITH MSD’S PREVENTION AWARENESS CAMPAIGN GRATITUDE: THANK YOU NOTES COMINGS & GOINGS 3 4 5 6 7 8 ENTERING A NEW PHASE: MORE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ON MARKET STREET 2 Inside this issue News for Present & Retired Employees SPRING 2022 2 | PIPELINE Expanding Rainscaping with MSD’s Small Grants Program AN UPDATED APPLICATION PROCESS MSD is working with the Missouri Botanical Garden to help applicants obtain further information on potential projects and advice from contractors on how to build a system. The idea is to slow down rainwater and absorb it more naturally so that it does not wind up in our sewer system where it can cause problems. With our updated process, we are now accepting applications on a rolling basis and have no specific application deadlines. Also, in-person meetings to learn about the application process are no longer required. Applicants can watch a series of videos online, take a short quiz, then complete the application, all without leaving their home. To learn more about the Small Grants Program, please visit https://msdprojectclear.org/what-we-do/rainscaping/small-grants. MSD continues to encourage applications to our Small Grants Program. Incorporating additional rainscaping techniques and rainwater collection systems will help improve water quality. MSD PROJECT CLEAR | 3 Earlier this March, the improvements to MSD’s Market Street entrances reached a major milestone and transitioned from Phase 1A to Phase 1B. Both phases include improvements to the building’s front entrance including new storm sewers and basins, ADA compliant entryways, parking lot improvements, a pavilion, footbridges, and improved lighting. The contractor anticipates completing Phase 1B in late April or early May, after which Phase 2 will begin at the building’s rear entrance. “As this project progresses, we will provide enhancements to the building’s front and back entrances, improved accessibility for both employees and customers, additional green infrastructure, and new educational opportunities for the public,” says Brian Hoelscher, MSD’s Executive Director & CEO. Completion is expected in September 2022. Find out more about the project, view renderings, and watch a Phase 1A construction timelapse video at https://msdprojectclear.org/market. ENTERING A NEW PHASE More Green Infrastructure on Market Street “We are excited about creating a setting that encourages learning, curiosity, and the betterment of MSD employees and the general public. BRIAN HOELSCHER Executive Director & CEO Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District 4 | PIPELINE As we entered 2022, the Human Resources (HR) Talent Development Team implemented an enhanced New Hire Orientation process. This process provides a big picture outlook for our new employees, allowing them to learn about various departments within the District. The new onboarding continues to be facilitated by HR, but also includes presenta- tions from Public Affairs, IT, Benefits, Wellness, Payroll, Security, Risk Management, and our Talent Development Team. New hires spend an additional 1.5 days, completing benefits enrollment, reviewing policies with various departments, and finalizing required training in the Learning District. Feedback from all departments and new hires is welcome to ensure that our new employees have all the information they need to make a significant contribution to our future success. New Employee Onboarding Made Easier “ In the near future, we hope to bring back a treatment plant tour to lay the groundwork for them to understand MSD culture and how they can make an impact in their new role. LISA JUDD HR Specialist Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District MSD PROJECT CLEAR | 5 MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Issues MSD Project Clear 2021–2026 Stormwater Permit In 2003, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required certain areas around the United States, including most of St. Louis County, to develop a phase II stormwater management plan to reduce pollution into rivers, streams, and lakes. Under five-year permit terms, unincorporated St. Louis County, 58 St. Louis County municipalities, and MSD (together termed co-permittees) have successfully partnered to comply with requirements. The St. Louis County Phase II Stormwater Management Plan is the largest co-permittee group in Missouri, and one of the larger groups in the nation. MSD takes the lead in this initiative to ensure a consistent approach, but each co-permittee has the freedom to tailor it to their community’s specific needs. The St. Louis County Phase II Stormwater Management Plan includes award-winning Best Management Practices (BMPs) that address potential sources of pollutants in stormwater as required by federal and state regula- tions. The implementation of BMPs in the Stormwater Management Plan satisfies the six minimum control measures which are: I. Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts II. Public Involvement and Participation in Program Development III. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination IV. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control V. Post-Construction Stormwater Management VI. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations The St. Louis County Phase II Stormwater Management Plan was approved by MDNR in August, and the permit was issued on November 1, 2021. The full St. Louis County Phase II Stormwater Management Plan can be found here https://msdprojectclear.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/SWMP-4th-Term.pdf 6 | PIPELINE Better Your Health with MSD’s Prevention Awareness Campaign This year, MSD is excited to host a Prevention Awareness Campaign as part of your district wellness program. Each month, we will focus on a new health topic so that employees can learn how to make the most of their wellness. In April, we will not only talk about dental health, but we will also host an onsite dental cleaning event! Jet Dental will join us again on April 28th at Market where they will turn a conference room into a dentist’s office, and you can schedule an appoint- ment for a full exam! Angela Tiedemann will share how to schedule your appointment during the month of April. Addressing dental health is important for total health and wellness. Poor dental habits can increase the risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease. Risk factors for developing gum disease include: • Smoking • Diabetes • Poor oral hygiene • Stress • Heredity • Crooked teeth • Underlying immuno-deficiencies • Fillings that have become defective • Taking medications that cause dry mouth • Bridges that no longer fit properly • Female hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives If left untreated, gum disease can lead to more serious dental issues. Stay proactive by visiting your dentist regularly. You can start by visiting Jet Dental onsite at the District in April. SOURCE: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. “Periodontal (Gum) Disease.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease (Last reviewed October, 2018) ONSITE DENTAL CLEANING MARKET STREET THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Tune in to Wellness Wednesday emails from our Wellbeing Coordinator, Angela Tiedemann, to review wellness education and resources throughout the year. HR C.A.R.E.SPREVENTION AWARENESS MSD PROJECT CLEAR | 7 A Thank You Letter from our Customers to Our MSD Employees MSD Employees Care Email to Elizabeth Boughman, Administrative Support Representative: I am in receipt of your two letters today regarding the cave-in and its repair. The repair was successfully completed. I wish to note that I was most pleased by the prompt response of the MSD employees who completed my repair request. This was initiated by computer input two days prior to the appearance of the survey crew from the Maintenance Division, which came the next day. I was pleasantly surprised by the responsiveness and alacrity of MSD to this issue. Please pass on my gratitude to those in the chain of command. Sincerely, Aleda Littlefield A Satisfied Customer Email from Tracy Rodgers, Construction Supervisor to Joseph Schulte, (Heavy Equipment Mechanic Sr.): Hi Joe, I wanted to take the time to thank you for taking care of Deb Jarvis’ car on Friday (when she was having car issues). You went the extra mile to ensure if her car was okay and then called and checked in on her later. It’s great to know you have such caring people working with us. You are very much appreciated. Sincerely, Tracy Rodgers Construction Supervisor GRATITUDE Thank You Notes 8 | PIPELINE DECEMBER Munira Durakovic Associate Engineer (Planning/Prog. Planning) Abigail Donald Account Associate Melissa Colvin Office Associate Tad David Painter NOVEMBER Sean Stone Senior Public Affairs Specialist Ethan Waters Operations Manager Julie Ellis (Transfer) Business Analyst Specialist Jabbar Thomas Operations Supervisor (Plant Operations) Ramona Gordon Billings and Collections Manager JANUARY Bruce S. Bixler Collection Systems Team Leader I 23 years Steve T. DavisCollection Systems Team Leader 31 years COMINGS & GOINGS New Hires Retirees Promotions JANUARY Christopher Linck GIS/CAD Technician Gerald Allen Construction Inspector Senior Miti Sinha Programmer Analyst Senior Kevin Morris IT Support Desk Supervisor DECEMBER Timothy Mullinax Heavy Equipment Operator Sheila Thomas MWBE Compliance Specialist Sever Leone Operations Supervisor (Sewer Maint/Constr/ Rehab) JANUARY Stephanie DeJarnetteOffice Associate Senior Robert J. Santel Maintenance Mechanic III 33 years FEBRUARY James K. FosterPlanner/Scheduler 42 years Alberta WalkerBillings and Collections Supervisor Kyle StammerjohnEnvironmental Engineering Associate FEBRUARY Samuel Hatcher Environmental Engineering Associate Vinay PannalaBusiness Analyst Specialist Lawrence StuckenschneiderAssistant Operations Supervisor (Sewer Maint/Constr/Rehab) Sean LeonardAssistant Operations Supervisor (Plant Maint) Eric KellyAssistant Operations Supervisor (Plant Maint) David J. Gassner Assistant Operations Supervisor 41 years Henry L. Hunter Construction Inspector 29 years Marcus L. JohnsonCollection Systems Team Leader I 32 years Christopher BergmannProgram Manager (Const Mgmt/Cap Const CS) Kevin BussProgrammer Analyst I Matthew NobbeInstrumentation/ Electrical Tech Mark LawsonInstrumentation/ Electrical Tech Blake SchaeferCollection Systems Team Leader I Edwin DotsonCollection Systems Team Leader I Jeffrey VanLeerCollection Systems Team Leader I Daniel MurphyOperations Supervisor (Sewer Maint/Constr/Rehab) FEBRUARY Christopher Patrick Operations Manager MARCH Lester E. Fenton Planner/Scheduler 42 years Janice A. Fenton Office Associate Senior 39 years Lorraine JacksonHuman Resources Specialist 24 years Jessica ThroInstructional Designer Matthew BurtIndustrial Waste Technician Katelyn Bourne Instructional Designer Raiara ZehnleAdministrative Support Representative Steven CaseyAccount Associate Senior Daniel HearstCivil Engineer Senior Tracy JacksonAssistant Operations Supervisor (Sewer Maint/Constr/Rehab) Robin WillisOperations Supervisor (Sewer Maint/Constr/Rehab) Jeffrey StroudResident Inspector Gerald J. Keaveny Principal Engineer/ Operations 31 years Ronald A. Roderfeld Maintenance Mechanic III 16 years Herb E. Thiel Collection Systems Team Leader I 35 years