Annual Conference Review

“There is no ‘I’ in Teamwork” – the conference theme came to life!

ool, dry, spring representatives often weather was the “There is no ‘I’ in Teamwork” exclaim, “We appreciate the welcome awaiting ample time to visit with and conference attendees in the broad range of operators Wichita the last week and decision makers that of March for the 41st attend. This is the first Cannual KRWA Conference conference we mark on the and Exhibition. The KRWA calendar every year!” Conference is mid-America’s All of the displays’ largest and is held at heavy equipment, tools, Wichita’s Century II computers, brochures, Convention Center. premium items, treats, The dates of March 25-27 games, brochures and saw an influx of nearly 2,200 included a total of 25 states and the marketing items were water professionals jolt the Wichita country of Germany. unloaded and wheeled into each economy by topping off the 14 The exhibition portion of the display space by KRWA staff official conference hotels there. conference is second to none in the starting early Monday before the Attendees included water and country. The vendors that conference. This welcomed wastewater operators; city, county completely fill EXPO Hall at assistance takes the edge from a and rural water district Century II subsidize the food and vendor’s hectic travel schedule and administrators; council, commission fun events during the conference allows an Associate Member’s and board members; representatives making KRWA’s yearly marketing team the much

The 2008 Conference saw an attendance of extravaganza more affordable for appreciated extra time to take a 2,189. Attendees came from 25 different small city and RWD people to breath, stretch their legs and polish states and the country of Germany. They their smiles before the 4 p.m. represented 295 cities and 183 rural water attend. Attendees eat better, have districts and privately-owned systems. more fun and learn more about Tuesday opening deadline on the critical current issues in their EXPO floor. from the public, related industry; industry because of the loyal 199 Pre-conference roundup and local, state and federal Associate Members and agencies Tuesday’s eight day-long government agencies. The that displayed their wares of sessions and the Attorney’s Forum geographic profile of attendees products and services. Company

50 THE KANSAS LIFELINE July 2008 guarantee a day packed with the training exercise, management were discussed as a method to details that can bring a system up to improvement with the KanCap reduce tank chlorine loss. the next level! These sessions are program and skill development in Sam Atherton, PWWSD 4, the chance for some to learn more reaching alternative dispute resolutions. Cherryvale; James Brookshire, about critical management and The eighth annual KRWA Cunningham Sandblasting and governance issues and for others to Attorney’s Forum saw the round Painting, Joplin; Terry Brown, Below: KRWA’s Shane Holthaus provides table fill with 35 system attorneys Butler RWD 5, Benton, and Jayson Monday morning move-in service with a smile! and presenters from around the McMaster PWWSD 13, Mound Right: The Chlorine Residuals pre-conference state. City, all made presentations on session is standing room only for attendees. Although the day-long sessions related subjects. The successes and Bottom: An attendee visits the Palm Reader exact a toll, after the last session, associated problems with actual at the Tuesday Carnival Night and BBQ. the start of “Carnival 2008” situations were also discussed.

recharges everyone’s batteries with Wastewater Collection System a delicious plate of BBQ and all the Evaluation and Rehabilitation fixings. Communities depend on the The evening’s entertainment efficient operation of sanitary sewer saw door prizes awarded and systems. Discharges other than at attendees enjoying rides, games of the plant or lagoon are prohibited. skill, games of chance, music, Efficient plant management is a dancing and beverages for kids and must! The presentation team of Gail adults alike. Abney, Mayer Specialty Services, Goddard; Mike Younger, JCI Pre-conference sessions Industries, Wichita; Billy Strong, benefit attendees The Strong Company, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Brian Smith, Insituform Maintaining Chlorine Residuals in Technologies, Belton, Missouri, and Distribution Systems Mike Kelsey, Professional Public water supplies are Engineering Consultants, Wichita, required to maintain chlorine defined for attendees just what a gather needed continuing education residuals throughout the entire ‘sanitary sewer’ is, what a ‘lift hours. The in-depth training distribution system. Storage facility station’ is, and reviewed sessions ran the gamut from monitoring of residuals, high and maintenance requirements for both. maintaining chlorine residuals, low water levels, flushing tanks, During the afternoon session the wastewater system evaluations and and dumping tanks were team focused on evaluation of rehab, GIS/GPS capabilities and highlighted as a means to reduce or collection. They discussed a variety benefits to systems, Web site eliminate the chlorine loss of options to use in determining creation and improvement, rate problems. Also, modifications to good system functionality that setting for the future, a NIMS water flow into and out of tanks

July 2008 THE KANSAS LIFELINE 51 Annual Conference Review

included: manhole rehab, I & I new online service was on the Web site purpose and focus, control, regaining structural demonstrated during the session. how to organize and select content, stability, corrosion protection, and graphic and layout do’s and don’ts, Building Blocks for Creating or cured-in-place-pipelining. They what software to use for Improving a Web Site also presented an overview of development, creating a site that safety issues. With 71% of homes in America grows with the organization, getting having access to the Internet, it is help and maintaining a Web site Development of GIS for clear that an online presence has easily but inexpensively. Improved Digital Management become increasingly important for Services all businesses and organizations, Rate Setting for the Future Presenters Ivan Weichert, including cities and water districts. An advocate for utility rates that Kansas Geographic Information Award winning Web designer fulfill just what the title says – the Systems, Topeka; Ken Nelson and and presenter Jen Sharp of future, Carl Brown, Jefferson City, Eileen Battles, Data Access and JenSharp.com, Ottawa, took Missouri, saw good attendance for

Above left: Carl Brown makes a Support Center, Lawrence, made point during the rate setting presentations on the benefits of session. collecting GPS data and developing Above right: Jackson County GIS a basic geographic information Director Chris Schmeissner makes system or GIS. They updated the his project presentation during the class on data available and Improved Digital Management downloadable from state and Services session. Others shown federal databases. They also are KRWA GIS Tech Pete Koenig, detailed what the State of Kansas is Ivan Weickert, Kansas Geographic Information Systems, Ken Nelson doing to assist in the acquisition and Eileen Battles, Data Access and sharing of data sets such as and Support Center. property records, roads and Left: Jen Sharp helps Benton addresses, aerial photography, Police Chief Charles Hefton with a topography and political problem on a Web site after the boundaries. session stopped for the mid- GIS Director Chris Schmeissner morning break. and Cartographer Kristen Jordan, Jefferson County GIS Department, attendees through the paces of this critical session. He explained Oskaloosa, gave an overview of thinking and checking out examples how great service, a well trained their project that will host the in Web site development and staff, strong maintenance, and county mapping service on their maintenance. The presentations timely capital improvements are all secure server and explained how were geared for both beginners and very important but won’t happen utility staff can access it from intermediate levels of expertise and over the long haul if cities and anywhere there is Web access. The covered topics including: deciding RWDs don’t fund them adequately.

52 THE KANSAS LIFELINE July 2008 Board and council members, the components of the Incident taught board and council members utility managers, finance directors, Command System. This was about water utility finance and city clerks, planning commission taught by presenters Fireman management issues. Participants members, engineers and others Kevin Jones, Chanute, and Steve also received the unique KanCap professionals attended the funding Paige, KDHE, Topeka. They interactive CD and 300-page hard session. Attendees learned that as explained how NIMS is a unified copy companion guide.

Above left: Linda Hepburn, Butler RWD 5 and a participant of the Alternative Dispute Resolution session, makes a point during one of the session’s skills exercises. Above right: Robert Conley, City of De Soto, has his lucky number come up and the winner makes the point at Carnival 2008. Left: The Tuesday noon lunch featured a Mexican buffet. Here, Greg Griswell of Salina gives an approving smile with a full plate of good food.

approach to incident management Alternative Dispute Resolution that emphasizes preparedness, The principals of mediation and mutual aid and resource facilitation have high value in management. negotiating agreements. These skills The afternoon tabletop exercise sets were demonstrated with dealt with an emergency situation exercises taught by presenters in a town that could have been Kirsten Zerger, Director of Education anyone’s hometown. The different & Training for the Great Plains scenarios included ice storms, Consensus Council and its affiliate, costs go up, rates must follow and tornadoes and floods – all very the Kansas Institute for Peace and most importantly, how to familiar to system people in Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR), demonstrate why an increase is Kansas. North Newton, and Ken Grotewiel, needed to boards, councils and Former Assistant Director, Kansas ratepayers. KanCap: Improving Management of Kansas Water Systems Water Office, Lawrence. System managers, RWD board and city NIMS, Emergency Tabletop Presenters Gary Armentrout, council members learned processes Exercise KRWA and John Haas, Ranson including: improving the dynamics Every public water or Financial Consultants, presented of board/council member relations; wastewater system’s emergency two of the three KanCap course contract negotiations for water that response plan should incorporate sections: management and satisfy both the supplier and the the standard terminology and financial. The third component, customer; right-of-way and easement structure that is outlined in the technical, will be taken at a later work; and developing regional public National Incident Management date at a site closer to each water supply strategies. System (NIMS) – which contains attendee’s hometown. The session

July 2008 THE KANSAS LIFELINE 53 Annual Conference Review

Eighth Annual Attorneys’ Forum spoke on “Open Meetings and The Forum concluded with a The round table setting in the Open Records – A View From the second roundtable discussion, Part Hyatt Trail Rooms seated 35 Outside In.” II “Update on Territorial Disputes system attorneys and presenters. After lunch, Part I of a Around the State.” The forum was again hosted by roundtable discussion included KRWA appreciates the high Gary Hanson, JD of Stumbo several current hot water industry level of interest in the Attorneys' Hanson, Topeka. The session topics. Then recently retired from Forum. Attorneys who attend earned seven hours of continuing KDHE, Don Snethen, PE, benefit – and hopefully their education for participants and followed with a presentation titled client members of KRWA do also. kicked off with Constance C. “Watershed Management and Owen, Overland Park, making a Source Water Protection Science presentation, “A Water Rights for Water Attorneys.” Steven

Above: Attorneys’ Forum host Gary Hanson answers a question before the session begins. Above right: Carnival Night lights are evident as these three take a spin on the Ottaway Carnival crew’s Cliff Hanger ride. Right: Jeffrey Gartrell, Veolia Water, has a smile that shows what being in the bubble will do! Far right: An attendee takes aim at a balloon with a dart as the girls show encouragement. Far right below: An attendee shows final four form at the Carnival Night Basketball Toss.

Update: Are We Really a ‘Use It Harris of Doyle Harris or Lose It’ State?” A presentation, Davis and Huaghey, “Communications: Antenna Tulsa, Oklahoma, is an Leases of Water Towers” was authority on territorial made by Katharine J. Jackson, disputes and made an Morrison, Frost, Olsen & Irvine, hour-long presentation LLP, Manhattan. titled “Update on After the mid-morning break, Territorial Disputes Michael W. Merriam, JD, Topeka, Involving 1926(b).”

54 THE KANSAS LIFELINE July 2008 Shirley Garrett keynote charges Kansas professionals to serve from the heart hirley Garrett, the “Tap Water Girl in a Bottled Water World,” and conference keynoter, launched Sthe Wednesday morning General Session with stories from her book of the same name. She drew timely comparisons from her hardscrabble early years as an orphan wanting to belong, to the realities of providing clean water to so many people in Kansas – with teamwork! As Shirley explained about singing with her new adopted family she said, “I encourage you to serve like we sang, from the the top of your lungs to the bottom of your heart!” “How exciting, years ago when you ran the first water line and could be there when the family first turned the tap for that first drink of water! I’m sure there are many of you here that were able to experience that.” function happening in the Concert Hall, where the “But truly, your job is not about what you’ve done opening session is usually located. Shirley followed in the past – but what may happen in the future. And him to the hall to discover table cloths needed to be that requires teamwork, bringing good water to difficult spread at the floor seating for the morning session – it’s places!” rare to find the keynoter willing to set up tables. Besides rocking the crowd on Wednesday morning, Shirley also helped by being a water taste tester for Shirley seemed to be everywhere. General Manager the 2008 KRWA “Best Tasting Water in Kansas” Elmer Ronnebaum was surprised to find Shirley, out for competition. her morning walk, at 5:30 in the morning passing KRWA staff and board appreciated Shirley Garrett through the lobby of the hotel. Elmer was on his way to and her reinforcement of teamwork in the water check on the set-up of the Century II West Hall because profession, shown by her quality involvement with the there had been a change of location due to another 2008 Conference.

s an affiliate of the National Rural Water positive impacts in support of developing legislation Association (NRWA), KRWA members benefit or reauthorization. KRWA annually provides an A from the legislative representation by the opportunity for conference attendees to support the national organization in Washington D.C. NRWA NRWA political action committee, WaterPAC, works in support of reasonableness for regulations through a raffle at the conference in Wichita. In dealing with water and wastewater utilities. NRWA, 2008, the attendees contributions totaled $4,692, in concert with other organizations, has made many which was sent to WaterPAC. WaterPAC raffle prize winners

July 2008 THE KANSAS LIFELINE 55 Annual Conference Review . . .

Gail Abney Mayer Specialty Services, LLC Gary Armentrout Kansas Rural Water Association Sam Atherton Public Wholesale 4 Eileen Battles Data Access & Support Center 2008 Conference Presenters Tony Belden EAI Central, Inc. Bill Biron Pump & Power Equipment, Inc. Eric Broce Professional Engineering Consultants Volker Brohm Metrotech Corporation A special thanks is directed to the 84 presenters James Brookshire Cunningham Sandblasting & Painting Carl Brown Carl Brown Consulting, LLC who made the 2008 conference the learning Terry Brown Butler RWD 5 Bill Callaway Clay Center Public Utilities experience it was intended to be. Marsha Carpenter Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment William Carr Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment Carol Cast Kansas Department of Labor Kevin Cowan Gilmore & Bell Sherry Davis Healthy Ecosystems - Healthy Communities Elizabeth Dietzmann Aqualaw PLC Salih Doughramaji Kansas Department of Commerce Sharon Dwyer Douglas RWD 5 Margaret Fast Kansas Water Office Lisa French Cheney Lake Watershed, Inc. Paul Froelich City of Enterprise Shirley Garrett Rod Geisler Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment Tom Giefer Neosho RWD 4 Jaime Goering Professional Engineering Consultants Michael Harris Michael Merriam Tony Grant EAI Central, Inc. Jim Grimes Metrotech Corporation Ken Grotewiel John Haas Ranson Financial Consultants, L.L.C. Brett Hanes Hydra-Stop Gary Hanson Stumbo Hanson, LLP Steven Harris Doyle & Harris Michael Harris National Rural Water Association Bernie Hayden City of Manhattan Leo Haynos Kansas Corporation Commission Garry Hill Brenntag Southwest, Inc. Jacob House Century II Convention Center Donald Huggins Kansas Biologicial Survey Katharine Jackson Morrison, Frost, Olsen & Irvine, LLP Kirsten Zerger Jeff Lamfers Kevin Jones Mid West Fire Training Associates Kristen Jordan Jefferson County GIS Kelly Kelsey Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment Dan Knupp Kansas Rural Water Association Pete Koenig Kansas Rural Water Association Jeff Lamfers Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment Daniel Mason Stumphauzer, O'Toole Pat McCool Kansas Rural Water Association Jayson McMaster Public Wholesale 13 Brad Mears Kansas Municipal Utilities Kevin Menning Hach Company Michael Merriam Roof Garden Suites Ken Nelson Data Access & Support Center Don Osenbaugh League of Kansas Municipalities Don Osenbaugh Monica Wurtz Connie Owen Constance C. Owen, Attorney At Law Steve Paige Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment Clare Paul Professional Engineering Consultants Susan Pilgram Underground Solutions Tina Rajala Kansas Water Office Rusty Redding Layne-Western Company Kevin Rood Professional Engineering Consultants Chris Schmeissner Jefferson County GIS Jen Sharp JenSharp.com Gary Smith USDA Rural Development Mike Smith Office of the Attorney General Brian Smith Insituform Technologies USA, Inc. Don Snethen Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment Allan Soetaert Johnson RWD 7 James Brookshire Gary Armentrout Brian Spano Wilson & Company, Inc. Billy Strong, Jr. The Strong Company, Inc. Dan Traveny Chlorinators Incorporated Robert Vincent Ground Water Associates Ivan Weichert Kansas Geographic Information Systems Vickie Wessel Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment Craig Wheeler Commerce Bank Merle Windler Thoroughbred Systems, Inc. Kim Winn League of Kansas Municipalities Joe Wise United Rentals Trench Safety Chris Withers Coffey RWD 3 Monica Wurtz EPA, Groundwater/Drinking Water Branch Mike Younger JCI Industries Kirsten Zerger Great Plains Consensus Council Jen Sharp Donald Huggins Steve Zink Kansas Department of Labor

56 THE KANSAS LIFELINE July 2008 Former Governor discusses aging Kansas Reservoirs

ildlife and Parks Director and past Kansas Kansas is one, to enable the downstream states to Governor Mike Hayden was the special have river navigation. Governor Graves even sued Wguest speaker at the Thursday luncheon at the Corps in order to get a temporary injunction to the KRWA 41st Annual Conference. Governor stop this. Our Kansas delegation of the Water Hayden spoke about the looming problems facing Authority met with officials in Washington to lay the our state public water supply as the groundwork to get this changed. We 24 federal reservoirs in the state need to get this changed because continue to age. The following are we are expending water resources some of his comments: needed here from which we are “I am most proud of the getting neither credit or money in funding of the State Water Plan, return to float a limited number of which was very controversial, in barges and benefiting little. 1989. It put about $20 million a “If you are in the Neosho Basin, year into Kansas’ water planning principally at John Redmond and development. The Kansas Reservoir, you should be doing Water Office’s job is to look at the something about its future because long range need in Kansas of the sedimentation has taken a looming issues surrounding water significant amount of its water that we’re facing today, but more storage. You want to know where importantly we’re going to face in the future sedimentation problems the future generations and to get will occur? Look to John Redmond, ourselves prepared both mentally Toronto, Kanapolis, Tuttle Creek and financially. and to a lesser degree, Fall River. “Public water supply systems Why should we be concerned? receive a lot of water from the 24 After all sediment is a natural part federal reservoirs in Kansas. They have numerous of stream action. Two-thirds of the Kansas uses but they are aging. The truth is we aren’t population rely on drinking water from reservoirs. building any new ones and just like the infrastructure New industry and jobs rely on water being available. in an RWD, the infrastructure of our 24 reservoirs is There is also a growing demand for water recreation. aging and will have long-term impacts on public “Over the next 40 years we will lose 40% of our water supplies, in particular on rural water districts. reservoir water if we don’t do something about it. “Another important issue and one that is very “The greatest public water supply pressure is in controversial is one which causes a tremendous the Kansas River Basin that has tremendous growth amount of water to be transported out of the state is projections and is coupled with a limited and for navigation. The Kansas River reservoirs have a declining water supply. The many water skirmishes purpose of being used by the Corps of Engineers to that we’re seeing now are just the beginning of what float barges down stream from Kansas City. So we major confrontations will be over the water supply in are essentially using water from the upstream states, the years to come.” Grand prize winners

Winners of the three grand prize pieced quilts are from the left, Terry McDaniel who picked the ‘Falling Leaves” quilt and works for the City of McFarland. David Wilson, center, picked the “Prairie Paths” quilt and represents the City of Lyndon. At right, Sara Ralston won the “Spring Sunshine” quilt and represents Butler RWD 8. The quilts were pieced by Kate Ronnebaum.

July 2008 THE KANSAS LIFELINE 57 Conference awards

Award winners for 2007 – teamwork builds the best! he awards evening is still a surprise after all these years. KRWA staff trickery and a bit of stalking during the early part of the conference lead the The Best in Kansas surprised winners to the stage to be applauded for their Tdedication to service and old fashioned hard work. One photo of a winner couldn’t be taken until the day of the awards dinner so staff took his picture on the floor of the EXPO Hall. The presentation announced the winners one by one, by giving a short bio-sketch of the winner noting achievements and then finally a system name and winner’s name. Then KRWA President Sharon Dwyer handed each a plaque on stage signifying the winner’s achievements. Members, family members and associate members and all, enjoyed the show, enjoyed the good food and continued to build working relationships. With a little anticipation the audience then retired to the Little Theatre to listen to some musical revue performance of Johnny Cash’s classic works by the Crown Uptown Theatre’s ‘Ring of Fire.’ Those receiving awards during the evening are pictured on the next four pages, with a narrative of their winning stories following their portraits. Exhibition held at Century II Agencies and a Member of the Friend of Rural Water Convention Center, Wichita. Rep. House Appropriations Committee. Tiahrt addressed the conference on Rep. Tiahrt is in a unique position Wednesday, March 26. (A transcript to fight for the interests of all of Representative Tiahrt’s entire Kansans and for fiscal conference address can be read, responsibility in the federal budget starting on page 14.) process. All discretionary spending The Friend of Rural Water bills pass through the House Award is a special award presented Appropriations Committee. to people who many may not see as “Rep. Tiahrt has been a very being directly involved in helping strong advocate for funding water systems. It’s presented to programs that help small towns and those who have helped the water rural communities,” said Sharon and wastewater industries through Dwyer, President of the professional support. Rep. Tiahrt Association. “The administration Todd Tiahrt has supported funding for water and and board of directors of Kansas US Representative wastewater utilities and for the Rural Water Association recognize National Rural Water Association’s that it requires people like Rep. nited States Representative training and technical assistance Tiahrt who are willing to work with Todd Tiahrt was named programs that benefit water and people and provide the leadership U“Friend of Rural Water” by wastewater utilities across Kansas. needed to capitalize on the Kansas Rural Water Association Rep. Tiahrt is presently Ranking opportunities for growth that will (KRWA) during the Association’s Member of the Subcommittee on sustain rural Kansas communities,” 41st Annual Conference & Interior, Environment, and Related Dwyer said.

58 THE KANSAS LIFELINE July 2008 the Kansas Forest Service in the unaccounted for loss reached as City Administrator developing a planting scheme for much as 70%. In 2007, the city the tree park and the city park. He began an intense search for the has coordinated with various cause of its high water loss. By organizations to develop an overall repairing mains, De Soto reduced plan for the city park that included loss by an average of 350 gallons new play equipment, basketball per minute, or down to just over court and shelter house mural. 11% in February 2008. In recognition of this small town’s Most Improved persistence to get ahead of water loss, KRWA is pleased to name De Soto the Most Improved Water System in Kansas in 2007.

City Clerk Brett Frakes City of Valley Falls The Kansas Rural Water Association (KRWA) awarded its 2007 City Administrator of the Year Award to Bret Frakes, city of Valley Falls. Frakes administers the $1.5 million annual city budget, prepares Clarence Brunk for the monthly financial reports, invests City of De Soto idle funds and prepares and The Kansas Rural Water administers federal and state grants. Association awarded its 2007 Most He is the city zoning administrator Improved Water System Award to responsible for recommendations the city of De Soto. The Donna Wixon City of Baxter Springs on land use changes, building presentation was made to De Soto permits and enforcement of Water Department Superintendent The Kansas Rural Water building regulations. Clarence Brunk at the awards Association awarded its 2007 City During his tenure as city ceremony. Clerk of the Year Award to Donna administrator, the city has Founded in 1857, De Soto Wixon, City of Baxter Springs. embarked on a three phase, $2.1 celebrated a sesquicentennial in Hardworking and dedicated; million water treatment plant and 2007. Its first settlers established "she always puts the interests of the infrastructure improvement project. the town around a steam saw mill citizens first" – that’s how people He is conscientious and cares about on the nearby Kansas River. The describe Baxter Springs City Clerk. the employees that he supervises town became a third class city and During Wixon’s tenure as city clerk and works with them to obtain the established a mail route in 1902. for the past nine years, she has best results for the city without In the early 1900s, the city went moved from a manual record compromising his beliefs or those from having individual wells at keeping system using the old of the employees. resident’s homes to a city owned, ledgers to a state-of-the-art computer Frakes also serves on the large well field north of town. billing program using handheld Jefferson County Planning and De Soto, like most communities in recorders for the entry of meter Zoning Commission and has since Kansas, had only modest increases reads. In addition to improving the 1997. For the last three years he has in population up until the 1940s. efficiency at city hall she has been been the chairman of that board. Then sudden population growth put actively involved in numerous For the city of Valley Falls, he has a great strain on housing and other projects the city has undertaken in been involved over the years with resources in the city. In 1997, the recent years, being responsible for the plotting and rezoning of city took control of a project that all of the paperwork and finalizing annexations for the city. ended up being the cause of rather of all projects using state and Through his efforts, Valley Falls horrific water losses. The city had federal funding sources. Residents has been a Tree City USA for 10 or experienced water loss of 25% or in the town that she calls home feel more years. Frakes has worked with less annually. But in recent years, fortunate to have such a person

July 2008 THE KANSAS LIFELINE 59 Conference awards . . .

working on their behalf. She has hunting and fishing, especially his outage. It is not uncommon for her attained certification as a city clerk hunting trips to Colorado to hunt to remain at the office after hours so through the Certified Municipal deer and elk. He also has the someone can stop in and settle a Clerk Program. reputation as putting on the best fish payment or file a new application Something else about Donna is fry in the area and he's a contender for service. She is very much that she sets a standard of community for making the best chili in the appreciated for her professionalism service for her family that is evident county. There must be something to and the work effort that she has based on the fact that both of her this as the annual party that he and provided to the water district for sons are actively involved in the his family hold each year during nearly 20 years. community through volunteer Council Grove’s Wah-Shunga-Gah service with the local fire department. Days Festival has grown from about 30 to 80 participants over the years. Wastewater Operator Water Plant Supt. RWD Office Manager

Gilbert Berryman City of Wellington Jim Masters City of Council Grove Joyce Humbolt Sedgwick RWD 3 The Kansas Rural Water The Kansas Rural Water Association awarded its 2007 Association awarded its 2007 Water The Kansas Rural Water Wastewater Operator of the Year Treatment Plant Superintendent of Association awarded its 2007 Rural Award to Gilbert Berryman, city of the Year Award to James Masters, Water Office Manager of the Year Wellington. city of Council Grove. Award to Joyce Humbolt, Sedgwick Berryman’s outstanding Masters is a lifetime resident of County RWD 3. leadership skills were recognized Kansas having grown up on a farm Humbolt has adapted Sedgwick soon after he was hired by the City in the Burlingame area. After RWD 3, a rapidly growing water of Wellington, as he was soon finishing high school, he held system, to the computer age. She appointed to the job of wastewater several jobs including working for a has worked tirelessly, including after plant supervisor after completing his time for the Santa Fe Railroad. In hours and on weekends to see that a certification for a Class III Operator May of 1975, he began employment large expansion project could be for Wastewater Treatment facilities with the city of Council Grove as a prepared. She’s obtained easements, by the State of Kansas. water plant operator. Soon after, he filed petitions and taken With a strong commitment to found himself in the water applications; she has learned to excellence, Berryman has superintendent position; he has held understand engineering, and legal demonstrated his leadership abilities that position since. Masters has issues, construction policies and all as he has worked to improve the witnessed a great deal of change that goes with successfully condition of the plant as well as the over the years and his extensive managing and operating a growing growth and expertise of his staff. He experience proved very beneficial water system. She has helped train has maintained a strong capacity to during the recent upgrades at the new employees. She calls every meet the many challenges in water plant. The most significant customer who is late on their bill operating an aging treatment plant addition to the process was the use payment, trying to keep them off the and wastewater system. He has kept of ozone as the primary disinfectant. disconnect list. She alerts customers up with current issues by continuing Work has not been his entire life about water line repairs and advises to participate in various educational though as he thoroughly enjoys them how long to expect any opportunities and seminars designed

60 THE KANSAS LIFELINE July 2008 to help the city continue to be a new filter building, filters and healthy, safe place to live and work. Operator controls, larger detention tank and According to Wellington City new aeration tower, two new Manager Gus Collins, Berryman has lagoons and a revamping of the been and remains a valuable asset to district’s existing plant. The cost was Wellington. Collins said, “I have $1.4 million financed through the been very impressed by Gilbert’s Kansas Public Water Supply Loan diligence and work ethic, as well as, Fund and contributions by the district. the respect he has gained from his Houser is never one to boast or co-workers and peers.” even one to speak up and take credit when rightly deserved. He is humble about his abilities, making him even Rural Water Operator more worthy of recognition. He is known to go the extra mile for his customers. Never one to complain Jon Houser about heat or cold, he is quick to Cherokee RWD 3 respond and stay with each problem that arises until resolved. He has The Kansas Rural Water been known to walk as far as 20 miles Association awarded its 2007 in one day to find and repair a leak. Operator of the Year Award to Jon Houser is highly regarded in the Houser, Cherokee Rural Water community he serves making his District (RWD) No. 3. family proud to call him husband, In 1971, Houser, a graduating father and grandpa. Jon's wife Betsy salutatorian, declined a scholarship has also been very helpful in from Missouri Southern State ensuring that Cherokee RWD 3 Rick McDaniel College to work the family farm. provides quality water and service to Bourbon Cons. RWD 2 Finding a need to supplement his district patrons. The Kansas Rural Water income, he took part-time work with the rural water district. After a 30- Association awarded its 2007 Rural Special Recognition Water Operator of the Year Award to day training, he found a plant which Rick McDaniel, Bourbon County was operating, but in serious need of Consolidated Rural Water District 2. maintenance. This 22-year-old Operator of the Year McDaniel is immediately began completing both able to help maintain an average minor and major repairs as allowed water loss percentage less than 20% by the district’s board members only consistently. This is a daunting task to find contracted labor was considering there are more than 900 depleting the district’s funds. Even miles of pipeline in the district at his young age this employee serving nearly 3000 connections. realized the need for organizational restructuring and took on additional During McDaniel’s employment duties of repairing water mains with the district he has worked with along with plant operations. the installation of three new water Through these efforts the district towers and a pipeline extension of was able to save enough funds to Rick Koenig 50 miles. The district sells water not only purchase a backhoe and City of Hiawatha wholesale to four communities. Also trencher but also increase the the district has implemented a meter The Kansas Rural Water customer base from 350 to 800. change-out program and created new Association awarded its 2007 That growth resulted in the plant maps for the entire district replacing Special Recognition Award to Rick being inadequate to keep up with outdated originals. Koenig, city of Hiawatha. customer usage. Fortunately because McDaniel also raises cattle on his KRWA’s Special Recognition of this operator’s diligence, skill and Award goes to someone who has farm, is a member of the local hard work a plant that was intended volunteer fire department, monitors worked hard to improve many to last 15 to 20 years has remained utilities in the community. Koenig the river level for the National in operation for 40 years. Weather Bureau and in his rare spare has worked to educate the public as In 2007, the district completed an time like to hunt, fish and ride ATVs. to various utility costs; he developed improvement project. It included a

July 2008 THE KANSAS LIFELINE 61 Conference awards . . .

the city’s first backflow ordinance outcomes. Having top certifications hours of work for his church and his and he worked to make sure there in both water and wastewater, he’s community. Koenig donates so were licensed testers available to do given up evenings, weekends, much time to others that his wife what was necessary for the city to holidays, school and church said, “He’s married to the city – and enforce that ordinance. He worked functions to come out and repair just lives with me!” to educate the public about leaks and perform other backflow and the potential maintenance. He donates many

Wilson County RWD 11 is awarded the 34th USDA Rural Development Silver Faucet Award

For the 34th consecutive year, the Kansas USDA Rural Development Office awarded an annual Silver Faucet Award to an exemplary and deserving Kansas rural water system. Wilson County RWD 11 is the 2008 Award Winner. Board Chair Clay Brahman accepted the award from USDA’s Business and Community Programs Specialist Steve Tharman at the 41st Annual KRWA Conference Awards Ceremony Wednesday evening March 26 at Century II Convention Center in Wichita. USDA Rural Development presents the annual Silver Faucet Award to a rural water supply system in Kansas that exemplifies the qualities of cooperation, dedication and leadership in providing both high quality and quantity water service to rural water users. “Thirty one years ago, this water district was founded when key community members stepped up to take action to make their drinking water safe, clean and affordable. Starting in the early 70s, area water supplies were in a decline and the decision was made that hauling water was not acceptable. Board members worked with USDA Rural Development receiving loan and grant funding to develop a new water system, to locate a water source and to build storage and distribution systems. The RWD also completed expansions in 1989 and 2006 for a total of $2.5 million in loans and grants from USDA Rural Development,” Tharman explained. Steve Tharman presents the Silver Faucet Award “This year’s winner knows the meaning of responsibility, dedication and customer plaque to Clay Brahman of Wilson RWD 11. service.” Wilson RWD 11 provides water to rural residents located primarily north and west of Fredonia. The district has increased benefit users by nearly 30% in the last five years and sells bulk water to the City of Fall River. Users of the system include the Honor Camp in Toronto, and the western portion of the Kansas State Park at Toronto.

City of Parsons wins the 2008 Best Tasting Water in Kansas

The best tasting water in Kansas is produced by the City of Parsons, Kan. So says the team of professionals who judged water from Parsons as the Best Tasting Water in Kansas during the judging of samples during the 41st KRWA Annual Conference. The city of Parsons Water Department produces water from Labette Creek which flows from Lake Parsons. In 2001, the city constructed a new membrane filtration plant with a capacity of 3 million gallons per day. Upon receiving the award, City of Parsons Utilities Director Derek Clevenger said, “Our success is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our plant operators; Joe Steverson, Delmar Webb, Steve Smith, Christopher Holding, and Richie Housley. They constantly strive to provide the best quality water they can. This is definitely an honor. Residents should be commended for allowing the city to invest in the plant making it what it is today. “ The team of professionals holds the winning entry in the 2008 The city of Parsons is committed to providing an adequate supply Taste Test. The KRWA team of judges included, (back row, left to right): Darrel Plummer, Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment; of safe drinking water for all citizens, protecting the environment Lane Letourneau, Division of Water Resources; Carl Carroll, through effective wastewater treatment, water conservation and former KRWA director; Douglas Brune, US EPA Region 7. infrastructure maintenance and providing quality customer service Seated are Shirley Garrett, Keynote speaker for the 2008 and maintaining full compliance with all legal and regulatory conference and Tina Rajala, Kansas Water Office. requirements.

62 THE KANSAS LIFELINE July 2008 “Ring of Fire” – sure fire hit with KRWA audience he 2008 Conference entertainment, Ring of revue about love and faith, struggle and success, Fire, gave a capacity-filled Little Theatre rowdiness and redemption, home and family. Cast TKRWA audience another show-stopping members were Kimberly Dugger, Kelcy (Fowler) production. The eager, eight-member cast under Mohr, David Goins, Mike Long, Thomas Murphy, the direction of Ted Morris of Crown Uptown Marija Reiff, Tara Tucker and Victoria Whitlow. Band members were Donna Woolery, Rylan Fowler, Collin Featherston, Robert White, Phil Snow and Keith Woolery. Fowler, only 16 years old, sawed an Orange Blossom Special that brought everyone to their feet. “Ring of Fire” proved to be another classic production for KRWA conference-goers. The KRWA conference features some of the best theater that many people have an opportunity to see all year – and it is complimentary with the awards banquet. It's absolutely unique. Thanks to Crown Uptown for producing “Ring of Fire” for the 2008 conference.

Theatre lived up to every expectation and more – and KRWA showed appreciation with two roaring, standing ovations. Even though no one played the legendary Man in Black, that was okay with everyone. Ring of Fire recounted Johnny Cash's life through 30 songs he made famous, from his days as an unknown from Arkansas to teaming with his future wife, June, to the top hits of his career. These included Country Boy; Five Feet High And Rising; Daddy Sang Bass; If I Were A Carpenter; Ring of Fire; Jackson; Cry, Cry, Cry; I Walk The Line; I’ve Been Everywhere and others. Ring of Fire was a

Support Associate Members When a city or rural water district needs products or services, SHOP ASSOCIATES FIRST! Associate Members support the Kansas Rural Water Association. For a current directory, with contact, e-mail addresses and Web site information for Associate Members, check out www.krwa.net, then under “membership.”

July 2008 THE KANSAS LIFELINE 63 More prize winners . . .

Carnival Night BBQ prize winners

Associate Member door prize winners

64 THE KANSAS LIFELINE July 2008 What attendees thought about the conference – the good the bad and the rest

What did you like best? • Shortage of seating in some classes • Not enough sessions for bookkeepers • Wide variety of classes • Not enough sessions for • Financial impact on water loss Exhibits bookkeepers session went through presentation • fast and could not understand Keynote was exceptional • Classes run too long, need more • time for exhibits • Variety of topics What should we do different • Registration cost for spouses. They next year? • Getting water district involved in don't attend sessions for the most presentation sessions. Sam Atherton part, so why not allow access to trade • Reduce prices for spouses to attend presentation was excellent; need more show or spouse program for a carnival for less than $100 like it discounted rate? • Put presentations on KRWA Web site • Exhibits • Class on maintaining chlorine residuals • Like a class on determining, • Knowledge of speakers giving Tuesday evening was too loud detecting and dealing with water loss presentations • No coffee or tea at Wednesday's meal • More sessions for wastewater • Exhibits • • Chlorine residual class went too • Centering of screen for projection • Ring of Fire long shows • Everything about the chlorine • Chlorine safety “Which form is • Put numbers on tables during lunch problems and some solutions in safest?” so we can find out seats again solving them Could not hear speaker at lunch • Acoustics at Wednesday lunch need Proper installation of tracer wire • to be better. Could not hear speaker • Territorial agreements with the • very well • Information presented was very exception of Soetaert was long on useful story and short on remedy and actual • Possibly a bit more in depth look at • The approach and presentation of solutions water loss and leak detection. This appears to be a major issue Perspectives on Water Service Financial impact of water • everywhere Territories was refreshing and loss...needs to speak better English. excellent Workplace Safety session had nothing • More classes for beginners, basics • Table top exercise for NIMS to do with safety..it was for employers • Problems with small systems • Monica Wurtz session on and who to turn the insurance paper financially Stage II Rules work to. • Start earlier on Tuesday, open • Operator forum • Choices of wastewater sessions exhibits at noon, cancel Thursday. Get • Variety of topics, excellent speakers; • Workshops not meeting power points from presenters and impressive exhibits, outstanding descriptions keep them on KRWA Web site for a couple of weeks after the conference. entertainment and activities • Dealing with disaster did not touch • KRWA put on the best show that I on enough of what didn't work • Backflow prevention have ever attended! This conference is • Need handouts at sessions, not able • Need to have recycling for bottles one of a kind! Thanks for the to take notes fast enough • More wastewater sessions opportunity to be here! • Some presenters did not give good • Better classes for water test practical information, just a lot of Presentations need more handouts What did you like the least? computer jargon. • Some classes seemed too short to • Define areas of what deals with • • Centrifugal pump session was too municipalities versus RWDs cover material crowded • Start sessions on time • Not enough on wastewater • Allow more time for math in • The two guys behind me who would operator forum not stop talking • Workplace safety. Speaker refused to • Cost prohibitive for spouses to use mic and was hard to understand attend carnival

July 2008 THE KANSAS LIFELINE 65