Utilities Section Newsletter League of Municipalities March 2019

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities earns national accreditation

The American Public Works over the past seven years that led data connections through Association (APWA) March 4 to accreditation, including: broadband infrastructure offi cially recognized the City • Emphasizing a department and technologyservices; of Lincoln Transportation and culture focused on custom- • Modernizing the Transit Utilities Department (LTU) for er service and core values; Development Plan to in- achieving national accredita- • Expanding transparency corporate environmentally tion. The APWA accreditation and community involve- responsible CNG-fueled program recognizes public ment in planning and op- vehicles and expand ser- works agencies that go above erations, including unveil- vices. and beyond the requirements of ing the UPLNK phone app “To Lincoln residents, put- the best management practices for non-emergency service ting your trust in an accredited established nationally. requests; agency like LTU means you will “Achieving this level of distinc- • Refreshing the decades-old get excellent service, best prac- tion demonstrates that Lincoln winter operations plan in- tices based on the latest industry Transportation and Utilities is cluding public engagement research, continual improvement focused on delivering excellence and expanding the use of and most importantly, public in infrastructure operations and the city’s almost patented servants to the core who work services and consistently adheres brine solution to increase for the good of their commu- to nationally recognized and safety and snow removal nity,” said Lincoln Mayor Chris recommended practices,” said eff ectiveness; Beutler. Chuck Williams, APWA Region • Updating master plans The accreditation process was VI director. in solid waste, water and one of the 24 recommendations “It also recognizes the agency’s wastewater and pursuing made by the 27-member Lin- commitment to a continuous rate studies and engineer- coln Citizens’ Transportation review and improvement process ing design standards and Coalition in 2018. The coalition for all management plans, poli- specifi cations; recommended a combination of cies and procedures.” • Introducing the cutting- cost savings, adherence to best LTU is the fi rst agency in the edge Traffi c Management practices to ensure high-quality state to meet the rigorous na- Master Plan that gave rise infrastructure and additional tional requirements and the 150th to the Green Light Lincoln funding through local option department to be accredited in initiative; sales tax to help the city meet its North America. • Developing master plans growing backlog of street repair “During our APWA self-assess- in transportation access and maintenance needs, particu- ment, we learned who we are and management, high-speed larly in neighborhoods. LTU will who we wanted to be, and we set continue to maintain and im- our goals accordingly,” said LTU prove its practices in order to be Director Miki Esposito. Esposito re-accredited in four years. highlighted several milestones Source – City of Lincoln

1335 L Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 Lash Chaffi n (402) 476-2829 Utilities Section Director Fax (402) 476-7052 Rob Pierce Utilities Field Representative  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019

Crow Line: A line of positive communication that all can share Congratulations! 2019 marks Operator Award” from Andy the 130th year since the City of Kahle, Doug Woodbeck and Tekamah started installing a Dave Jundt of the Department of water system. By October 1892, Health and Human Services. the water system had three bored Best Tasting Water Com- wells with water pumped by a petition Winner! The City of Barr Duplex pump (14x7x12) Auburn Water Department was Congratulations also goes out to to a reservoir (13x60 ft) located selected as the “best tasting the City of Clay Center for plac- on the hill. The system had three water” in Nebraska at the Annual ing second at the national Rural miles of four-, six- and eight-inch Nebraska Rural Water Confer- Water Association water taste mains and 19 double hydrants. ence. The panel of judges chose testing competition held in Wash- Congratulations on your 130 year Auburn over the other 10 systems ington, D.C. Clay Center was anniversary! that provided water for the com- the 2018 winner at the Nebraska Congratulations! To the fol- petition. The judges included Erin Rural Water Association Confer- lowing awardees at the Nebraska Ress, EPA; David Fulton, USDA; ence, which qualifi ed them for the Rural Water Association’s 41st Doug Woodbeck, DHHS; Rol- national contest. Congratulations Annual Banquet held in Kearney lin Davis, City of Ord; and Rob Clay Center! Note: The City of March 12, 2019: Clint Johnson Pierce, League of Nebraska Mu- Curtis won the national competi- of Pawnee City received the Rus- nicipalities. By winning this com- tion in 2014. sell Topp “Doing it Right Award”; petition, Auburn is now qualifi ed Congratulations! The City Milo Rust of Chadron and Kevin to enter the National Rural Water of Bayard received recognition Holcomb of Loup City both competition in Washington, D.C. from the Nebraska Department of received the “Outstanding Water Congratulations, Auburn! Continued on page 3

2019-2020 Executive Board

President Past President Bob Lockmon Paul Markowski Utilities Superintendent Utility Superintendent Stuart Ord Board Member 1st Vice President Board Member Bill Bischoff Larry Brittenham Dallas Nichols Utility Superintendent Utility Superintendent Water Superintendent Wauneta Superior Cozad Ex Offi cio Member 2nd Vice President Board Member Tobias Tempelmeyer Eric Melcher Brian Newton City Administrator and City Administrator City Administrator BPW General Manager Aurora Fremont Beatrice

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 2  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 Classifi eds

Journeyman Line- the operation and main- program. man. The City of He- tenance of the City’s Experience bron has an immediate distribution system in metering, opening for a Journey- including overhead and transformer man Lineman. The City underground. confi gura- of Hebron (population The successful can- tions, and 1501) is located in didate will have gradu- general Southeast Nebraska. ated from an accredited construction Under the direction of utility line school and is required. the City Administrator, have completed an ac- The ability the Journeyman Line- credited Journeyman to obtain a man is responsible for Lineman apprenticeship CDL is a must. The position will ployer. Applications may be required to participate be requested by email at in the on-call rotation cityofhebron@hotmail. Nebraska Breaktime Trivia and be willing to assist com or by calling City other departments of the Hall at 402-768-6322. “Just For Fun” municipality as needed. The City of Hebron The position will provides excellent pay, Q-1. How many remain open until fi lled. benefi ts, and maintains a municipalities in The City of Hebron is an positive working envi- Nebraska start with Equal Opportunity Em- ronment. the letter “K”? Q-2. How many cities of the fi rst class are listed in the 2018 Crow Line: A line of positive Nebraska Directory of Municipal communication that all can Offi cials? share Q-3. In what city in Nebraska is this Continued from page 2 ment or facility have “Boy Scout” liberty Economic Development something to crow statue located? Answers on page 8. (DED) as a Leadership about? Received an Certifi ed Community. award, had an article Only 25 communities in written highlighting an Nebraska have quali- event or person? fi ed for this program Have a project worthy since it was started in of acknowledgement 2011. More information in the Utilities Section on this program can Newsletter? be found by contact- If so, please send your ing Kelly Gewecke information to any of at Kelly.Gewecke@ the League/Utilities staff nebraska.gov or (308) so we can share your 627-3151 or visit www. excitement or pride of neded.org. Congratula- an award, noted article tions, Bayard! or project with other Do you, your depart- members.

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 3  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 SAFETY/HEALTH CORNER Chlorine Safety By Rob Pierce, LNM Field Rep./ most combustible materials burn watery eyes, and nausea/vomiting. Training Coordinator in the presence of chlorine as Other signs may include diffi culty they do in oxygen. breathing or burning pain, redness, A common disinfection chemical • Reacts explosively with many blisters, and frostbite in cases of is chlorine and with Nebraska’s re- chemicals commonly used, liquid chlorine. Resource mate- cent fl ooding, many may be using including acetylene, turpentine, rial is from the AWWA Chlorine chlorine to disinfect wells, mains ether, ammonia gas and fuel gas. Safety participants guide (1991). and a variety of storage containers. • Is not corrosive by itself but More information on chlorine Care must be taken when working when moisture is present, chlo- can be found by referring to your with chlorine. Listed below are rine produces highly corrosive “Safety Data Sheets” on chlo- some facts about chorine: hydrochloric and hypochlorous rine or by assessing the website: • Is an extremely reactive chemi- acids. https://www.chlorineinstitute.org. cal. When transporting, handling For those with domestic wells, • Is 2.5 times heavier than air, it and storing chlorine, be sure to the University of Nebraska has tends to collect at low spots. wear/use proper safety equipment, excellent resources such as the • Has a strong, sharp, unpleasant inspect containers for leaks and NebGuide on “Shock Chlorina- and penetrating odor. know and implement the proper tion of Domestic Water Supplies.” • Is 1.5 times heavier than wa- fi rst-aid procedures. Some chlo- This NebGuide describes proce- ter. It evaporates quickly when rine exposure signs may include dures for introducing chlorine to exposed to the atmosphere. coughing, chest tightness, burning eliminate bacteria in private water • Is not fl ammable by itself, but sensation in nose, throat, eyes or systems.

Safety Committee focus By Rob Pierce, LNM Field Rep./ trip hazards and proper foot wear violent acts must not be ignored Training Coordinator may need attention. Falling from as it seems to rear its ugly head heights such as ladders, equip- more than we would like to think. Has your safety committee met ment and stairways can be from Society appears to have become this quarter? Did your system an accident, inattention to the more aggressive to the day-to-day have any incidents to review? Re- task or possibly faulty equipment. issues such as bill paying (or lack view how your system compares These incidents/accidents can be of), who does what and common nationally. minimized or eliminated with the courtesy toward others. Someone The number one safety topic use of proper personal protection once told me we are living in an among employers is overexer- equipment, knowledge from train- entitlement society. I just wonder tion injuries, which includes work ing and by employee awareness. when and how that came about? injuries related to pulling, lift- Some other areas to discuss/ Regardless, we need to address ing, pushing, holding, carrying cover in your safety meetings may the fact that a violent act may and throwing. Overexertion has involve reaction injuries, fall- occur and how best to handle the been consistently the number one ing object injuries, walking into event. workplace injury and one of the injuries, machine entanglement, If your safety committee needs most expensive. It may be related and repetitive motion injuries. more topics to discuss, please to an aging workforce and lack of An area almost every workplace let me know. Accidents don’t overall fi tness. has to deal with involves vehicle just happen and 99.9 percent of Slips, trips and falls are the accidents due to the diff erent them can be avoided or at least number two cause of workplace types of vehicles used in munici- minimized greatly. Safety should injuries. Wet, slippery surfaces, palities. The topic of on-the-job always be number one!

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 4  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 Nebraska utilities history

The Utilities Section Newsletter will continue to feature histories of both utilities and associate members. Any historical data and/or photos of your utilities, a specifi c facility, or articles already written are welcome, along with permission to print. If you have questions, contact Rob at 402-476-2829 or [email protected].

By Rob Pierce, LNM Field Rep./ fi rst of its kind in the territory. The owned (stock company) gas sys- Training Coordinator Illinois and Mississippi Telegraph tem. In the spring of 1869, the gas reached Omaha in 1861 and by system was completed for about In the 1840s-1850s, the Missouri 1862, the “Lower Ferry” ceased $150,000 with a capacity of 40 River traffi c crossed at the area operation. In 1862, a railway million cubic feet (cuft) of gas per (currently Omaha). An “Upper was discussed and by 1863, the year. The gas system was leased to Ferry” operated several miles Union Pacifi c Railroad was under the fi rm of Baker, Purnell & Fry north of the Omaha site, a “Mid- construction. The post offi ce name in 1869 with the lease to expire in dle Ferry” operated in the Omaha/ changed July 7, 1865 to Omaha 1882. The brick gas works facil- Council Bluff s area, and a “Lower and the “Railroad Omaha” west ity was located on the corner of Ferry” (or Traders Point Ferry) construction began. Water was 16th and Leavenworth Streets, was operated by Peter Sarpy at stored in cisterns for use in fi ght- which served 198 gas users and the Bellevue area. Omaha, which ing fi res. By 1866, an off shoot about 100 gas street lights. Omaha is located in Douglas County, was organization was started called was declared a fi rst class city by platted in 1854 with a post of- “Fire King No. 1.” Also that year, the Legislature in 1869 and the fi ce established May 5, 1854 as the Union Pacifi c Transportation Omaha Street Railway Company Omaha City. On July 4, 1854, the Company was established with a was operating. Council Bluff s and Nebraska Fer- private ferry to move railroad con- By 1870, the population was ry Company was founded. Banks, struction material from Council 16,083, the Omaha & Grand hotels and many other businesses Bluff s to Omaha. An ordinance Smelting Company was estab- were rapidly established. By 1857, was passed to create a police force lished and two hospitals were built the population was about 500 and by 1867, street cars were (Clarkson and St. Joseph's). From and Omaha was incorporated as operating and a military barracks 1873-1897, the Nebraska State a village by the Legislature Feb. was established (later called Fort Fair was held in Omaha. About 2, 1857. The fi rst movement for a Omaha) in 1868. The Omaha 1872-1873, the Union Pacifi c city water works was started and weekly Herald newspaper was Railroad bridge was completed by 1860, the population increased published. The 18-member police across the . Omaha to 1,833. On May 2, 1860, the force adopted uniforms and the soon became a transportation Pioneer Hook & Ladder was population was about 16,000. In point of eight railroads. In 1873, organized and was noted as the the fall, work began on a privately Continued on page 6

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 5  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 5 the alleys and streets because they fully developed until 1895. About bonds were issued for a water- didn't want to clean them out. In 1879-1880, Florence water works works system. The Omaha Bee 1877, the fi rst attempt of pav- was constructed by the City Water newspaper was operating by 1875 ing was a few blocks of Farnam Works Company. and due to economic reasons, the Street covered with a crushed- By 1880, the population was city cut off gas for street lights rock surface called "macadam." In 30,518 and a contract was and reduced the police force to September 1877, a fl ood put awarded for the construction, four men. Prior to the 1870s, in- land on the west side of the Mis- maintenance and operation of a dividuals had outhouses (privies). souri River (Carter Lake). Tele- water works for 25 years. By early Cesspools also were in the area phone Service was introduced in 1881, there was no city water sys- and sometimes backed into the 1878 and an ordinance was passed tem due to issues with contracts streets. By 1876, there were com- for a bid/contract with S. L. Wiley and bribery. Omaha had about 118 plaints of open privies and backed & Co. to install a waterworks miles of streets with only ¼-mile up cesspools as many residents system. A sewer system was pro- paved by 1881. In August 1881, routed waste from their privies to posed in 1878 by the city, but not Continued on page 7

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 6  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 6 fi rst power house in the Strang On July 1, 1887, the City Water the fi rst water was pumped from Building at 10th and Farnam Works Company defaulted on the Missouri River to custom- Streets. It was the fi rst company in loans and was purchased by ers in Omaha with 17 miles of Nebraska to operate arc and incan- American Water Works Company pipelines. The City Waterworks descent lights. From 1883-1887, (formerly the American Water Company of Omaha owned the grading around the courthouse Works & Guarantee Company) of waterworks system. The system was completed because the grade Chicago with $4 million of capi- was a direct pressure reservoir was so steep in the area. The tal. That year, construction began system with two large engines Union Stockyard Company was on the Minne Lusa pumping sta- in pumping works, a Knowles established in 1883 and the Sperry tion, which opened Aug. 1, 1889. compound pumping engine with a Electric Company was organized. The water plant was located along daily capacity of 3 million gal- On Dec. 16, 1884, Ordinance Pershing Drive in north Omaha, lons of water to a height of 300 #826, a perpetual franchise, was which was surrounded by set- feet. The original plant had 20 granted to Northwestern Electric tling basins, the main source for miles of pipe, a 5 million capacity Light and Power Company. DUR- pumping, fi ltering and distributing pump with storage capacity of 10 ING THE NEXT 20 YEARS, 23 Missouri River water throughout million gallons. The ELECTRIC UTILITIES WERE the City of Omaha. In 1888, the Reservoir was part of the original FORMED TO PROVIDE ELEC- Douglas Street Bridge opened Omaha Water Works (1882). The TRIC SERVICES IN OMAHA. from Omaha to Council Bluff s reservoir drew water from the Some never began operation. The and the Omaha Cable Tramway Missouri River near downtown, Cable Tramway Company was in- Company re-organized. By April, bringing it uphill to North 40th corporated in 1885 and the Forest 1889, the fi rst electric street trol- and Hamilton Streets. By 1883, Lawn Cemetery was established. ley cars were operating with 30 only half of the city streets were In July 1886, the City Waterworks miles of street railway with an paved and the water system daily Company's stock was sold to a investment of $1 million. On Aug. consumption by 1884 was 1.2 Boston Syndicate for $1.3 million 1, 1889, the Florence plant was million gallons. School boys were and upgrades were made. In 1887, dedicated (formal opening) at the paid to light (turn on and off ) the the Omaha Motor Railway Com- Minne Lusa pumping station, cost gas street lamps each night. The pany (electric street railway) was $1.5 million. In the late 1880s, the Northwestern Electric Light and organized and the UGI acquired population was over 100,000 and Power Company was awarded a the Omaha Gas Manufacturing street paving surfaces included fi ve-year street lighting contract. Company from the Omaha Gas sing cedar blocks, granite blocks They began establishing the city's Company. Continued on page 8

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 7  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 7 Company. In September 1891, the to provide ice, which was dis- and brick. Construction began Waterworks Company, owned by tributed throughout the region. (1889-90) on the fi rst permanent American Water Works Company Disputes arose with the city over red sandstone city hall located of New Jersey, added pumps and hydrant rentals. It was eventually at 18th and Farnam Streets (cost settling basins. In December, the agreed to pay $85,000 per year $550,000) and, according to one American Water Works Company for this form of fi re protection. source, completed in 1893. of Omaha was sued by St. Louis An amusement park was founded The population increased to creditors. In 1892, the four-story by Charles Tietz in 1895 and by 140,452 by 1890, another electric brick Boyd’s Opera House, built 1896, meetings were held for a lighting system began operation in 1881, was destroyed by fi re. municipal water system to be and a new grand post offi ce was The Henry Doorly Zoo was started. erected on the northwest corner founded in 1894 and the Creigh- Frederick Krug Brewing Com- of 16th and Dodge Streets. It took ton Theater opened on 15th-16th pany purchased the Tietz Amuse- 14 years to complete the one city and Harney Streets in 1895. ment Park in 1902 and operated it block facility at a cost of about In 1895, the Omaha Water as Krug Park. On June 30, 1903, $2 million. By 1890, the 10-story Works took over the waterworks the Omaha Electric Light and New York Life building and tower and contracted with several others Continued on page 9 was built with the city's fi rst el- evator. By November, daily water consumption was 48 million gal- lons. The Omaha Public Library was in operation by 1890 and a building was erected in 1891 at “Just For Fun” Answers 19th and Harney Streets. On Jan. 1, 1891, the water system consisted A-1. Five (Kearney, pal Offi cials of 159 miles of cast iron mains, Kenesaw, Kennard, A-2. Thirty. Reference: 2018 1,344 fi re hydrants (Mathews & Kilgore and Kimball. Nebraska Directory of Gaskill), Ludlow valves and about (Utilities Section mem- Municipal Offi cials th 7 million customers. The 10 bers are listed in bold.) A-3. Falls City, located on Street viaduct opened and by July Reference: 2018 Nebras- the southwest corner of 1891, six street car companies ka Directory of Munici- courthouse square. were operating, including the In- ter-State Bridge & Street Railway

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 8  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 8 funds to purchase the land later Omaha Gas Company. The North- Power Company was organized called Fontenelle Forrest. In 1917, ern Natural Gas Company was and took over all interests of the the Nebraska Power Company, a founded (1931) in Omaha with Thompson-Houston Company. Maine Corporation, had a fran- headquarters at 16th and Harney The new company furnished the chise for the sale and distribution Streets. They soon began supply- city with 2,600 street lights, that of electricity in the Omaha city ing natural gas to 44 communities included 1,400 arc and 1,200 in- limits. On June 1, the Nebraska in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas. candescent lights. Omaha Electric Power Company acquired the The Joslyn Memorial Art Museum Light & Power Company also property of the Omaha Electric was built in 1930 for $2.1 million provided power to a large number Light and Power Company, a and was given to the city in 1931. of private consumers and manu- property value of $14,500. In In 1932, the Saddle Creek Road facturers. In 1904, the fi rst steam 1915, the Hotel Fontenelle opened was paved and on Aug. 27, 1936, turbine-driven generator was and in 1916, the Blackstone Hotel parking meters were installed in installed in the Jones Street sta- was built. was desig- Omaha. In 1938, the Knights of tion power plant. Several streets nated as the nation’s fi rst military Ak-Sar-Ben bought the Douglas were bricked in the early 1900s. balloon school and in 1918, a Street Bridge, which crossed the In 1908, Levi Carter Park opened swimming pool was added to Missouri between Omaha and (Lake Nakoma was renamed Krug Park. Street improvements Council Bluff s, Iowa. On Sept. 19, Carter Lake). The Nebraska Trac- of paving and curbing (1917) were 1939, Omaha was in a three-way tion and Power Company consid- underway along with grading on contract with the American Power ered an extension from Papillion Boulevard from Fontenelle Park and Light Company, the holding to Springfi eld in 1909. and Miller Park. In 1919, the last company for the Nebraska Power From 1880-1890, the population horse-drawn equipment was used Company. The contract was not increased from 30,518 to 140,452, by the fi re department and Willow fulfi lled and the Nebraska Power but decreased to 102,555 by 1900. Springs became a bottling (soda) Company was granted a day-to- On July 1, the City of Omaha company. day license to operate in Omaha acquired the private water plant By 1920, the population was and rates were set by the city for $6,319,000, which included 191,601 and UGI sold the gas council. the Florence Water Works and its plant and system properties to the The early 1940s saw a building Minne Lusa Station. A metered City of Omaha for $4.6 million. boom with 50 buildings built and system was installed and operated The Aksarben Horse Race Track the population reaching 223,844. by the newly formed Metropolitan was built in 1920 and in 1924, By 1941, the American Tele- Utilities District (MUD). About an 11-story building was erected phone and Telegraph installed 1913, South Omaha, Florence, at the stockyards (completed in underground cable. In 1943, the Benson and Dundee had been 1926). In 1928, the 350-room, Nebraska Legislature formed the annexed. Saratoga was annexed $2.5 million Paxton Hotel opened Omaha People's Power Commis- in 1887. Omaha was classifi ed as at 1403 Farnam Street and the sion supported by American Pow- a Metropolitan City by 1915. By fi rst hangar at the municipal er, Nebraska Power and Omaha 1913, the Omaha Electric Light & airport was dedicated. On Jan. 1, offi cials to acquire the Nebraska Power Company had the perpetual 1929, there was a price reduction Power Company for municipal franchise to sell electric current in gas and Omaha was declared ownership in Omaha. to Omaha for light, power and the largest municipally owned Controversy existed concerning heating purposes, according to a manufacturing gas plant in the this legislation because of the fact unanimous decision of the U.S. United States. The population that no vote was required from the Supreme Court. Also that year, increased to 214,006 by 1930 as people to acquire property. By De- the Nebraska Legislature granted the Metropolitan Utilities Dis- cember 1944, the Omaha Electric incorporation to the Fontenelle trict was formed, which merged Committee purchased the Nebras- Forest Association, which raised the Omaha Water Works and the Continued from page 10

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 9  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 9 American Power and Light Com- the Off utt Air Force base was ka Power Company from its par- pany. The Omaha Public Power home to the headquarters of the ent company, the American Light District (OPPD) was formed and Strategic Air Command. In 1945, and Power Company. On Dec. 26, by 1946, had 83,507 custom- the city fi nally outlawed privies a contract was signed between ers with a generating capacity of and cesspools, although some Loup River Public Power Dis- 119,000 kilowatts (kW). On Oct. existed illegally until the 1970s. trict and Central West Irrigation 19, OPPD acquired the Nebraska A municipal baseball stadium was Company (later Omaha Electric Power Company property from built in 1948-49 when 40 acres of Company Inc.) to accomplish this the Omaha Electric Company Riverview Park was purchased at purpose. This action was fi nanced for $42 million. Shortly after, the a cost of $1 million (later became by $15.6 million in bonds issued bond issue was sold at an interest Rosenblatt Stadium). In 1949, by the Eastern Division of the rate of 1.98 percent to complete the St. Louis Cardinals Class A Loup River Public Power District. the fi nancing of the purchase. Western League played in the new On Feb. 13, 1945, Omaha can- The Nebraska Power Company municipal stadium. celled its franchise contract with supplied electric power to Omaha The population increased from Nebraska Power Company and the past 29 years. In the 1940s, Continued on page 11

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 10  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 10 the Peony Park Amusement Park. old “City Hall” built in 1889-90 223,844 in 1940 to 251,117 In January 1965, the Eastern was demolished in 1966 after be- in 1950. The Q Street viaduct Nebraska Public Power District ing vacant for seven years. Also was opened that year and a merged with OPPD, doubling the in 1966, the I-480 bridge over civic center was built about 1954 size of service area to 5,000 square the Missouri River was built. In (dedicated Jan. 2, 1955). The last miles. With the merger, four coun- 1968, the Westroads Mall opened street cars operated in 1955 and ties were added to OPPD's service at 102nd and West Dodge Streets Krug Park was landscaped into a area, which now covers all or part and the Omaha Royals were traditional style park and renamed of 13 counties in southeastern established by the KC Royals. Gallagher Park. In 1956, the city Nebraska. It extends from Herman The population rose from 301,598 changed from the commission and Hooper in the north to the in 1960 to 346,929 by 1970. By form of government to the mayor Kansas border to a point midway 1972, the city began looking for form. In 1958, Omaha annexed between Ashland and Lincoln. The land to build a third water treat- ment plant. Land was purchased in 1992, which was located fi ve miles north of the confl uence of Milestone celebration recognition the Platte & Elkhorn Rivers. The birth site gardens in Gerald Ford Is your municipality or utility etc. If your utility is celebrating Birthplace Park was dedicated in celebrating a historic milestone? a 25, 50, 75, 100-year milestone, 1976. By 1980, the population We are encouraging members let the Utilities Section help you was 313,939 and up to 345,786 to provide any information on celebrate by recognizing it in the in 1990. In 1999, MUD had more milestones being celebrated such newsletter. than 20,100 water fi re hydrants, as 75 years of operating the elec- Remember to recognize your more than 169,000 customers with tric system. About 1942, private employees’ anniversary mile- more than 2,200 miles of mains in electric systems were phased out stones. The League provides its service area (Omaha, Bellevue, in Nebraska and several munici- certifi cates for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, Off utt Air Force Base, Elkhorn, palities took over the systems in 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65. La Vista, Ralston, Carter Lake, the 1940s. You can request them by and Papio-Missouri River Natural When was your water, wastewa- contacting the League offi ce by Resources District which includes ter, electric, power generation sys- email [email protected], fax Fort Calhoun). The city also had tem established? When were fa- 402-476-7052 or call 402-476- 13 repump stations and more than cilities built, improvements made, 2829. Continued on page 12

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Utilities Section Newsletter, page 11  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 11 OPPD operates four base-load Dirty Wicked Town: Tales of 19th 115 million gallons of reservoir plants that generate electricity on Century Omaha"; MUD Internet storage located throughout the a full-time basis. They are North site, 2004-2018; OPPD website, service area. Omaha Station, Fort Calhoun 2004, 2007; MGLW Hometown The city population was 390,976 Station, Nebraska City Station Energy Survey, 2004; Maps Tell by 2000 and MUD served 2,248 and Elk City Station. MUD has Nebraska's History, 1991; Ency- miles of mains to Omaha, Bel- operated the water system for 106 clopedia Britannica, 15th Edition, levue, Bennington, Waterloo, Elk- years and the gas system for over 1982; Atlas of Nebraska, 1895; horn, La Vista, Ralston, Off utt Air 88 years. Merrick County Atlas & Plat Force Base, Carter Lake and the References: Nebraska Direc- Book, 1921; Municipal Journal Papio-Missouri River Natural Re- tory of Municipal Offi cials, 1956, and Engineering, 1912 Nebraska sources District. By 2004, OPPD 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964-75, U. S. Census, 2010; Engineering had more than 330,000 electric 1977-87, 1990-2018; Nebraska & Contracting, Technology and customers in southeast Nebraska. Municipal Review, 1967; Ne- Engineering, Habert Powers Gil- Work began on the $300 million braska Life Magazine, 2001; lette, 1917; NELA Bulletin, Issue Platte West Water Treatment Plant Nebraska’s Forest Service News- 3, 1919; Electric Review, Vol. located at 216th & O Streets in letter, April 2002; History of 73 No. 12, September 21, 1918; 2004. MUD, in 2004, maintained Omaha and South Omaha, 1894; Municipal Journal and Engineer, 24,200 fi re hydrants and 26,809 Lincoln Journal Star, 2003, 2004, Vol. XXVII, No. 17, 1909; Depart- by 2016. By 2008, the third water 2006-2018; Omaha World Her- ment of Labor and Department treatment facility was completed. ald, 2000-2018; Public Power of Compensation, 1917-18 and Omaha had a total peak capacity Magazine, Vol. 51, Number 1, Nebraska Blue Book, 1928, 1942, of 334-million gallons per day. January-February 1993; "A 1946, 1978. The Platte West facility increased MUDs water treatment capacity to 334 million gallons per day. In 2015, the city maintained 4,500 Writing an article for the Utilities Section miles of streets with 150 street department employees. MUD Newsletter had 2,798 miles of gas lines and 224,950 gas customers in 2016. In Are you interested in writing swer the simple who, what, when, 2016, the average customer used an article for the Utilities Section where, why and how questions. 88,000 gallons per year. The cost Newsletter? We are interested in Some examples are: for 88,000 gallons in 2016 was articles on the past, present, and • When did the utility begin off er- $361.04, among the lowest in the future of your municipal utilities. ing service? United States. MUD had 2,895 Articles can be written on a spe- • Who were the employees? miles of water mains serving cifi c department or an overview • Why was the utility/department 208,256 customers. of the history of the entire utilities started? Omaha has a population of department. Items of interest may • Where is the facility, offi ce, 450,144 (2018), has been incorpo- be information on the fi rst well in warehouse or utility located? rated for 161 years, and is a long- your community, number of ser- • What service does the utility time member of the League of Ne- vices, service fees, the equipment off er to the public? braska Municipalities. Omaha had used, and also the employees that • How does the utility or depart- representatives present in the fi rst worked in the various utilities de- ment operate? founding meetings of the Utili- partments. Photos would enhance These are just some of the ques- ties Section in 1931. OPPD has the articles and will be returned tions to be answered in order to operated the electric system for unless otherwise instructed. write an article highlighting your the past 73 years (1946-present). When writing an article, just an- utility’s past, present and future.

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 12  Utilities Section Newsletter March 2019 Training calendar Visit our website at www.lonm.org for a complete list of workshops and conferences. June June 12-14 ...... Municipal Accounting & Finance Conference .... Graduate, Lincoln

July July 11 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... City Hall, Sutherland

August Aug. 20 ...... Backfl ow Workshop ...... Fire Hall, Ogallala Aug. 21 ...... Backfl ow Workshop ...... Boarders Cobblestone Hotels, Grand Island Aug. 22 ...... Safety Workshop ...... Fire Hall, Aurora Aug. 27 ...... Backfl ow Workshop ...... Valentinos, Beatrice Aug. 29 ...... Backfl ow Workshop ...... Fire Hall, Wayne

September Sept. 10-12 ...... Rubber Gloving Workshop ...... Wheatbelt Training Facility, Sidney Sept. 18-20 ...... League Annual Conference ...... Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln

October Oct. 1 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Christensen Field, Fremont Oct. 2 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Plattsmouth Oct. 3 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Community Center, Seward Oct. 24 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Fire Hall, Tecumseh

December Dec. 10 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Grand Island Dec. 11 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Lincoln

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 13