December 2017.Indd

Utilities Section Newsletter League of Nebraska Municipalities December 2017

Rob Pierce, longtime League employee, receives George Warren Fuller Award from AWWA

ob Pierce, League of Ne- Lash Chaffi n, Rbraska Municipalities Utili- Utilities Section ties Field Representative/Training Director, LNM. Coordinator, received the George “If something Warren Fuller Award Nov. 9 from good happens at the American Water Works Asso- a city or village, ciation. Pierce, a longtime League he celebrates that employee, received the award at a victory. If some- joint conference in Kearney of the thing bad hap- Nebraska Section American Water pens, he mourns Works Association, Nebraska alongside the Chapter American Public Works city. This at- Association and the Nebraska Wa- titude shows up Photo taken Nov. 9 at joint conference in Ke- ter Environment Association. every day in his arney of the Nebraska Section American Water “Since his fi rst day on the job, approach to his Works Association, Nebraska Chapter American Rob has shown an extremely high work and people Public Works Association and the Nebraska level of empathy with municipali- can sense it im- Water Environment Association. From left: Jim ties and their employees,” said mediately.” Meyer, friend; Richard Pierce; Erica Pierce, George Warren brother and sister-in-law; Rob Pierce; Marilee Fuller Awards Hoppner; John Hoppner, sister and brother- are presented in-law; Marjean Green, sister. Photo by Lash annually by the Chaffi n, Utilities Section Director, LNM. American Water Works Asso- ciation to the sections’ respec- tive selected members for their distinguished service to the water supply fi eld in commemoration of the sound engineering skill . . . the brilliant diplomatic talent . . . and the constructive leadership which characterized the life of George Warren Fuller. Mark Coleman, Michigan Sec- Congratulations, Rob! tion Director and a former Fuller Award Winner, presents Rob Pierce, LNM, with the George Warren Fuller Award.

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 December 2017 2017 National Bioenergy Day On Oct. 18, 2017, the 5th An- the “National 2017 nual Bioenergy Day was held in WAPA Adminis- South Sioux City at the Delta Ho- trator Award” by tel (formerly Marina Inn). Hosts Mark Gabriel CEO of the Bioenergy Day included the of Western Area City of South Sioux City, Green Power Administra- Star Gasifi ers LLC and the Ne- tion (WAPA). When braska Wood Energy Team. all projects are up Topics included: and running, South National 2017 WAPA Administrator Award being • Renewable Energy in South Sioux City's goal is presented to the City of South Sioux City. Sioux City to reach 57 percent • Challenges and Opportunities of its energy to be for Biomass Energy in Nebraska supplied by renewables: 5 percent manufacturing facility to be con- • Biomass Energy Research solar, 33 percent wind, 12 percent structed in 2018/2019. • Forest Management Opportuni- wood energy and 7 percent hydro- The afternoon wrapped up with ties through Wood Energy electric (water) energy. the following sessions: • Economic Benefi ts of Renew- Following the award presenta- • Green Star Vision and Opportu- able Energy tion, an “Unveiling Ceremony” nities for Public Private Partner- • Renewable Energy in Nebraska by Green Star Gasifi ers offi cially ships to Solve Today’s Energy • The Importance of Renewable announced the unveiling of its Challenges Energy Diversifi cation innovative eight-megawatt woody • Small Scale Gasifi cation Tech- In the afternoon, the City of biomass power plant and 100,000 nology and Applications South Sioux City was awarded ton per year torrefi ed wood pellet Continued on page 3

2017-2018 Executive Board

President Past President Anton “Tony” Jelinek Dennis Smith Director of Utilities Public Works Director Kearney Norfolk Board Member 1st Vice President Board Member Dallas Nichols Paul Markowski Larry Brittenham Water Superintendent Utility Superintendent Utility Superintendent Cozad Ord Superior Ex Oﬃ cio Member 2nd Vice President Board Member Tobias Tempelmeyer Bob Lockmon Eric Melcher City Administrator and Utilities Superintendent City Administrator BPW General Manager Stuart Aurora Beatrice

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 2  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017 2017 National Bioenergy Day Continued from page 2 vested in four electric cars and is • Utility Generation Using Bio- one of the original eight commu- mass nities to install electric recharge The classroom sessions were stations in Nebraska. The other followed with a bus tour of some communities include Albion, of the many projects underway in Bellevue, Kimball, Lexington, South Sioux City, such as the Gas- Nebraska City and Ogallala. ifi er project at the Riverside RV The Bioenergy Day was a suc- Park, the Community Orchard, the cess and a thank you goes to the 21-acre Solar City project, the Big following event sponsors and OX (wastewater to methane facil- partners: Siouxland Chamber of Torrefi ed wood pellets. ity), the future site of the Green Commerce, Green Star Gasifi ers, Star Plant and the Ethanol Plant The Siouxland Initiative, South west of Jackson. Sioux City, Nebraska Forestry ciation and the Nebraska Wood Note: South Sioux City also in- Service, Biomass Power Asso- Energy Team.

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 3  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017 Classifi eds Lineman. The City Offi ces, 1280 Center must establish of Mitchell is accepting Avenue, Mitchell, NE residency within applications for the posi- 69357, 308-623-1616, or a 15-minute tion of Line Worker until cityadmin@mitchellcity. response time of the position is fi lled. This net. AAA/EEO Mitchell and must position is responsible Services Foreman possess or be able for maintaining the cities and Heavy Equipment to obtain a mosquito electrical system. The Operator. The City of spraying certifi cation. city.net. successful applicant Mitchell is accepting Applications and com- The City of Mitchell is must establish residency applications for the posi- plete job descriptions, a veteran-friendly com- within a 15-minute re- tions of Services Fore- are available at the City munity and we would sponse time. man and Heavy Equip- Offi ces, 1280 Center encourage those who Applications and com- ment Operator until the Avenue, Mitchell, NE have served in the armed plete job descriptions, positions are fi lled. The 69357, 308-623-1523, services to apply. AAA/ are available at the City successful applicant or cityclerk@mitchell- EEO

Nebraska Breaktime Trivia “Just For Fun” Q-1. In 1932, what city/village in Nebraska showed oﬀ one of the largest municipal electric plants built in the United States by exhibiting an impressive electric fountain that played jets of water lighted by colored ﬂ ood lights? Q-2. What was the fastest growing city in Nebraska by percentage from 2010-2016? Q-3. The Finch Memorial Public Library is in what Nebraska village? Q-4. Do you know where this municipal power plant is located? Answers found on page 12.

Hello Progress The greatest accomplishments start with the smallest details. This is where great begins.

hdrinc.com

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 4  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017 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./ operation and the Gaylord House Training Coordinator was built. In August, the fi rst elementary school session was un- airmont, located in Fillmore derway and that fall, a Burlington FCounty, had settlers in the & Missouri Railroad depot was area by 1870 and a post offi ce built. One source noted that Fair- called Hesperia was established mont was reclassifi ed as a village June 29, 1871, at a farm located in 1872 and another had papers northeast of the current site. In fi led for incorporation on May 26, October, the site was surveyed 1873. In 1873, a park was laid out (laid out) by the South Platte Land on seven acres and a new two- Company on Section 30, Town 8, story school was built for District range 3 west consisting of 188.67 19. In 1875, the E. B. Branch & acres. On Oct. 15, the fi rst store Company Bank was established. was opened where the Cubbison On Jan. 1, 1878 the Fillmore Block now stands. It may have County Bank was organized and been the building removed from was incorporated April 1, 1880. Fillmore City to the new town A suspected arson fi re destroyed site. By fall 1871, several build- several buildings in town in 1878, ings were constructed, including a the same year the Fairmont steam Methodist Episcopal Church and fl ouring mill was constructed. By Fairmont water tower; 2000 the Burlington Railroad built lines 1880, the population was 1,029 photo. through the area. and several businesses were Fairmont Creamery Company was On Jan. 26, 1872, the post of- operating, which included a large organized as a stock company. fi ce changed from Hesperia to grain house, a steam elevator, The Fairmont Dairy Association Fairmont and relocated to a store fl ouring mill, machine shops, a was formed and began operating north of the Cubbison Block. The lumberyard, hotel, merchandise a cheese factory, which made 250 population was about 600 at this stores, a bank and a newspaper. pounds per day or about 80,000 time with 40 buildings. On May On Oct. 27, 1881, the Nebraska pounds per month. Several trees 1, the Fillmore County Bulletin Signal newspaper started with a were planted in the park and the newspaper began. The commu- total of three newspapers publish- population was around 800. In nity soon had three brickyards in ing papers. On Feb. 1, 1882, the Continued on page 6

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 5  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 5 and a packing plant were built in erly covered) was built. (Note: 1882, Fairmont included two 1883. In 1884, two grain elevators one source listed a water storage banks, two grain elevators, two were operating and Fairmont was standpipe installed in 1878.) The lumberyards, eight grocery stores, said to have been incorporated well had a pumping apparatus able three general stores, a dry goods, (possibly as a city of the second to pump 250 barrels per hour and two hardware stores, three drug class). water mains and a hydrant were to stores, a boot/shoe store, three Before 1885, each home and be installed for $8,390. In August, hotels, two bakeries, two saloons, business had its own well for the fi rst water mains were laid via two harness shops, a furniture water supply. In May 1885, the contractor Williams, which were store, two livery stables, two village sold bonds to construct a constructed of wooden well- blacksmiths, two meat markets, city waterworks. A water stor- tubing, worm grooved wrapped three coal yards, a marble works, age tower was to be built with with wire and painted with tar. It a fl ouring mill, a cheese factory a 30-feet square at the base and was said the fi rst pressure popped and several small shops. Also, that 16-feet square at the summit. A the mains like egg shells. The year, the school had fi ve school 92-foot-tall tower with a 350-gal- fi rst telephones were installed and teachers, the Telephone Exchange lon standard barrel tank (prop- Continued on page 7

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 6  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 6 department was organized with rial delivery delays. In October, the dirt street had crosswalks to 20 fi remen. From 1891-1895, the two new water wells were dug to content with the mud. In 1886, the Fairmont Creamery Company pur- a depth of 250 feet. The 100-foot post offi ce building was destroyed chased the creameries in Friend, steel water standpipe was built by fi re. That year, the Farm- DeWitt, Fairbury, Geneva, Milford and in operation by January 1902. ers State Bank was established and Hebron. The population in Also, a steam plant was acquired and the Fairmont building was 1895 was 1,233, but by the 1900 to operate the well pump and the constructed. A two-story South census, dropped to 784. city bought lots 392 and 393 west Ward and a two-story North Ward In 1900, additions were made of the standpipe for $26.50. The Schools were built in 1887. That to the school building and in Burlington Railroad completed a year, a windmill was constructed November, the ladies of Fair- new water tower in 1903. In 1905, and it was said that the water mont collected $115 for the city T. J. Bender traded a farm for the system began. A new pump was to purchase new street lamps. In Fairmont water plant. The Corpo- installed at the city well in 1888 December, the city purchased rate Fairmont Creamery Company and the population was estimated four gasoline street lamps for offi ces, which moved to Crete in at 1,800. That year, a traveling $60, once again with the help of 1894, and then moved from Crete library was in operation and the the Fairmont ladies. These lamps to Omaha in 1907. The gas plant fi rst Fairmont High School student were powered by the city gas in 1908 was enlarged with a new graduated. A fi re in 1888 burned plant located next to city hall. air compressor and a six horse- the Cubbison Block and several High winds damaged structures power (HP) engine taking the businesses on Fillmore Avenue, around the city including toppling place of the water motor. On April partly due to the wooden water the Burlington water towers and 15, 1909, the mayor signed the mains bursting under pressure wrecking the city waterworks privileges and franchises to T. J. needed to control the fi re. In 1889, windmill. On June 6, 1901, the Bender for establishing, construct- a bell was installed for $25. In seven-acre park land was sold to ing, enlarging, maintaining and 1890, the population was 1,029 purchase land for a park closer to operating a power, heat and elec- and by 1891, new city wells were town. On July 9, 1901, Ordinance tric light plant with all necessary completed. In 1892, contracts Number 12 was signed, which equipment including poles and were let and new cast iron pipe provided a franchise to Bertise wire. The ordinance required that mains were installed, replacing E. Aldrich of Fairmont for con- service to the city and consumers the wooden mains. In April, work struction and operation of a water extend from sundown to 12 a.m. in the city park included plow- works system. Construction began and from 5 a.m. to sunrise, except ing and the planting of 200 ash with a modern steel standpipe but Sunday evenings when service and elm trees. By 1893-94, a fi re was interrupted because of mate- Continued on page 8

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Utilities Section Newsletter, page 7  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 7 the light rates were a minimum of gas. In 1933, the Bank of Fair- shall extended from sundown to $1.20 with the fi rst 10 kilowatts mont and the Farmers State Bank 11 p.m. Later, service extended (kW) at $0.175 per kW, the next consolidated. In 1934, Fairmont to Monday and Tuesday when 10 kW at $0.15 per kW, next 10 was a member of the League washing and ironing was done. kW at $0.125 per kW and over at of Nebraska Municipalities. In On June 28, 1909, construction $0.10 per kW. Later, the city sold 1939, a sanitary sewer system was began on the electric plant and in the power plant to the Blue River installed by the Public Works Ad- November, electricity was turned Power Company and electric cur- ministration (PWA) for $19,000 on. Also in 1909, a new two-story rent was purchased from them. and used 120,000-man hours to brick school building was built for In 1920, the population was 785 build. There were 18,000 man- $33,000. and a new (125 feet x 180 feet) hours spent to build a disposal The population in 1910 was 921, swimming pool was completed by plant. All lines were surveyed and the fi re department had a fi re cart, Ed Hall called "Fountain Beach" accurate grades established as hook and ladder and hoses. In that had a crushed rock and sand vitrifi ed clay piping was installed. 1911, the Bank of Fairmont was bottom. Also in 1920, the street Planks were used for preventing established and the school with lighting was changed from gas to cave-ins, brick manholes were 82 high school students had a new electricity. In 1922, the Fairmont installed and then the trench was maple fl oor installed in the gym. Library Association organized and fi lled and soaked with water. The Also that year, the city erected a the 1920s saw new buildings built, disposal plant project included new 85,000-gallon water stor- such as the Chronicle Newspa- installing a trickling fi lter with pri- age tower. On Jan. 22, 1912, the per building (1924), the United mary and secondary clarifi cation Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Methodist Church (1925) and the and an estimated cost of $85,000 Company bought the Nebraska Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph (45 percent grant) with Scott & Telegraph Company. In 1915, the building in 1929. In 1928, the Scott as consulting engineers. Fairmont Electric Light & Water water plant and distribution mains Before 1939, outdoor privies and Company plant had a 230 HP boil- were publicly owned with rates cesspools made up the means er, an 85 HP steam engine with of $0.30 per 1,000 gallons and a of sewage disposal. In 1940 the a generator rating of 40 kilovolt minimum of $1 per 1,000 gallons population increased to 810 and amps (kVA). A new swimming per month. Electric current was in 1941-42, an airbase (one of 11 pool was built in 1919 and water provided via transmission lines built in Nebraska) with fi ve han- rates were a minimum of $1 with with rates of $0.06 to $0.153 per gars, runways and a water tower excess at 1,000 gallons per $0.15. kilowatt hour (kWh). was constructed on an 1,840-acre In 1919, the city took over the The population in 1930 was 740 site along with a 350-bed hos- electric plant from Mr. Bender and and by 1932, the city used natural Continued on page 9

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Utilities Section Newsletter, page 8  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 8 electrical system and 300 meters a meter deposit of $10 and for pital. On Dec. 1, 1942, the base in 1958 were owned by the village residential a fl at $1.50 per month. opened and housed B-24s, B-17s and supplied by Consumers Public The electric system in 1962 had a and B-29s, there were 600 offi cers Power District with a $10 meter meter deposit of $10 and residen- and enlisted men, and 100 civil- deposit. tial rates of fi rst 8 kWh at $1, next ian workers. From 1943-1945, The population in 1960 in- 11 kWh at $0.07 per kWh, next the base served as home to almost creased to 829 and the electric 30 kWh at $0.05, next 250 kWh 6,000 offi cers and enlisted men. system with 350 meters in service at $0.03 per kWh and a minimum By 1946, the airport was declared was owned by the village with of $1. Power rates were fi rst 200 surplus by the Army. In 1948, the current supplied by Consumers kWh at $0.08, next 700 kWh at air base was turned over to the Public Power District. A meter $0.03 and the balance at $0.0125 state aeronautics department. The deposit was $10 with residential per kWh with a minimum of $1 site was added to the National rates of fi rst 8 kWh at $1, next 50 per month. For years, the garbage Register of Historic Places in kWh at $0.0334, next 100 kWh at was hauled by Frank Willey with 2003. In 1948, the city fi re depart- $0.0484, next 300 kWh at $0.1034 his wagon and team of horses. ment purchased a new fi re truck. per kWh with a minimum of $1. He retired in 1966. In 1962, the In 1950, the population dropped Power rates were fi rst 200 kWh garbage was collected by a private to 729 and in 1952, the Fillmore at $0.04, next 800 kWh at $0.03 collector with a charge of $1 Chronicle newspaper ceased and all over 1,000 kWh at $0.025 per month. In 1963-1964, a new publication. In 1953, several rural per kWh and a minimum of $1. elementary school was completed school districts consolidated and The natural gas was supplied by and the population was estimated the population was estimated at Western Power & Gas Company at 829. In 1964, the city purchased 750 in 1956. In 1956, a fi re truck with rates of fi rst 500 cubic feet the 1929 Lincoln Telephone & was purchased and the fi re depart- (cuft) per month at $1.25, next Telegraph building for use as a ment also served the rural area 1,500 cuft at $1.013 per mcf, next city offi ce building. They leased with 30 volunteer fi remen. The 3,000 cuft at $0.763 per mcf, next space back to the telephone com- natural gas system was supplied 5,000 cuft at $0.593 per mcf, pany until 1967 when the building by the Central Electric & Gas next 40,000 cuft at $0.593 per was designated as city hall. In Company. The water plant and mcf, next 50,000 cuft at $0.573 2006, it was placed on the Nation- meters in 1956 were owned by the per mcf, and over 100,000 cuft al Register of Historic Places. In village with a fl at rate of $1.50 per at $563 per mcf with a minimum 1969, a library was built and the month. The public sewer system charge of $1.25. In 1962, the old building razed in 1968. and disposal plant were main- public water distribution system In 1969-1970, the electric sys- tained by a one mill tax levy. The and 300 meters in service had Continued on page 10

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 9  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017 Nebraska utilities history Continued from page 9 NPPD had about 93 electric cus- had 3,000 creameries across tem was owned by the village and tomers. By 1997, the fi re depart- the United States. In 1947, the supplied by the Nebraska Pub- ment had 12 volunteer fi remen. company was known as Fair- lic Power District (NPPD). The The activated sludge AERO MOD mont Foods Inc., and in 1974 the population in 1970 was 761 and wastewater treatment facility de- corporate offi ces were moved to by 1973, a new swimming pool signed for 0.12 million gallons per Houston, Texas. Just goes to show was constructed. Gary's Refuse day, used aerobic sludge digestion you that some things with roots Service of Milford provided col- treatment. In 1999, the village from a small village can grow and lection service and the disposal considered a new sewer system prosper! plant located 1/2-mile south of for an estimated $1.3 million to References: Nebraska Directory Fairmont stabilized wastewater change from a mechanical sys- of Municipal Offi cials, 1956- rates. In 1973, electric light rates tem to a lagoon system. In 2000, 1966, 1968-81, 1984, 1986, 1989, were fi rst 8 kW at $1, next 17 kW the population was 691, but by 1991-2015; Nebraska Municipal at $0.08 per kW, next 100 kWh at 2010, dropped to 616. In 2011, the Review, 1928, 1946, 1991; Fair- $0.06, next 150 kWh at $0.05 per Fairmont School became part of mont Nebraska 100 Years, 1873- kWh, next 225 kWh at $0.03 per the Fillmore Central School Sys- 1972; Fairmont Nebraska 125 kWh, next 1,000 kWh at $0.025 tem, with K-4 in Geneva, middle Years, 1873-1998; Water Resourc- per kWh and all over at $0.0175 school in Fairmont and the high es of Nebraska, December 1936; per kWh. In 1979-1980, the 1909 school in Geneva. Fairmont Internet Website, 2000, school building was torn down. Today, Fairmont has a popula- 2004; Andrea's History of the By 1980, the population was tion of about 560 with mostly State of Nebraska, 1882; John- 767 and a new gym and one-story curb less gravel streets with about sons History of Nebraska, 1880; addition was made to the school. 22 percent paved mostly on H Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper, In 1981 the village upgraded the Street and 6th Avenue. The village 2006, 2007; Public Power Maga- existing sewer plant to an AERO maintains a swimming pool and zine Vol. 51, Number 1, January- MOD activated sludge extended park with shelters, playground February 1993; Nebraska Our air treatment facility with a capac- equipment, a bandstand and a Towns...Central Southwest, 1991; ity of 120,000 gallons per day ball fi eld. The village has a public Nebraska Place Names, 1960; for an estimated $215,000 and library and a volunteer fi re depart- Pages of History, Nebraska High fi nanced by municipal bonds. ment with about 30 volunteer fi re Schools, Past & Present 1854- The work was to be completed and rescue personnel. The vil- 1994 Maps Tell a Story, 1991; by 1982. In 1990, the population lage owns and maintains a water NEDED Website, 2005; Electric decreased to 709 and in 1991, and wastewater system and owns Power Development in the United the village received a $200,000 the electric system. Fairmont is States, Dept. of Agriculture, Janu- Community Development Block a wholesale electric customer of ary 1916 and Community Fast Grant (CDBG) for a new water NPPD, supplied natural gas by Facts NPPD Internet site, 2011. well, water distribution system Black Hills Energy and private upgrades and new 200,000-gallon collectors provide solid waste spheroid elevated water storage collection. Fairmont has been a tower replacing the old standpipe. longtime member of the Utilities The total cost of the water project Section and an incorporated vil- was $575,000. In fall 1991, Fair- lage/city for 131 years. Mark your calendars mont Recycling was organized Note: The Fairmont Cream- for the Snowball and solid waste collection was ery was started in Fairmont but Conference on Jan. by private hauling contractors. In quickly outgrew the village. The 1992, the hospital built in 1961 head offi ces were moved to Crete 24-25, 2018 at the was remodeled. The village- and then Lincoln. By 1930, the Kearney Holiday Inn. owned electric system supplied by Fairmont Creamery Company

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 10  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017

Crow Line: A line of positive communication that all can share

Correction: Ken Swanson, one the Water Environment of the TOPOPs winners at the Federation (WEF). Annual NS-AWWA Conference, Scott Wilber Awards was listed in the November 2018 This award recognizes Utilities Section Newsletter as well-operated facili- being from Nebraska City. Ken is ties within Nebraska. from Auburn. Sorry and congratu- Recipients of this award lations, Ken. included: Columbus, Fremont, event or person? Have a project NWEA Wastewater Systems Grand Island, Lincoln North- worthy of acknowledgement in Receive Safety Awards east Facility, Minden, Norfolk, the Utilities Section Newsletter? Congratulations to the following Tyson Fresh Meats-Lexington If so, please send your infor- wastewater systems that received and Wilber. (There were 11 ap- mation to any of the League/ safety awards at the Annual plicants this year.) Utilities staff so we can share your NWEA Conference banquet Nov. NWEA-Best in Class for large excitement or pride of an award, 8, 2017 in Kearney. systems ( >5 million gallons per noted article or project with other • 1-4 operators – Gold: Scotts- day) – Lincoln Theresa Street members. Too often we read about bluff ; Facility, for medium systems (2-5 negative news in our local news- • 1-4 operators – Silver: Minden; mgd – North Platte and for small paper, but the positive should be • 5-9 operators – Gold: Norfolk systems (<2 mgd) – Scottsbluff . celebrated, embraced and shared. and Columbus; Congratulations! Optimism can be contagious and • 5-9 operators – Bronze: North Do you, your department or others may fi nd positive ways Platte and Lincoln; facility have something to crow to use your success to enhance a • 10+ operators – Gold: Papio about? Received an award, had project or event in their munici- Creek-Omaha; and an article written highlighting an pality, department or facility. • 10+ operators – Silver: Grand Island. Congratulations to Keith Kon- Solid Waste Screening Workshop scheduled tor of Fremont for receiving a quarter-century award for 25 years A Solid Waste Screening Waste Screening” and two hours of service with the NWEA. Workshop is scheduled for Jan. on operations and safety. Todd Boling of Norfolk and 30, 2018, at the Hastings Airport The workshop is sponsored by Jim Condon of Olsson Associates Terminal. The workshop will in- the League of Nebraska Munici- received volunteer awards from clude three hours on “Hazardous palities Utilities Section.

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Engineering More information on upcoming seminars and Architecture workshops can be found Surveying on the League website 800.723.8567 Planning at www.lonm.org. jeo.com

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 11  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017 Looking back at 2017 The year 2017 was once again • Water System Funding & a busy year for the Utilities Sec- Loan Upgrades; tion staff . Over 50 workshops, • Fall Tree Planting; conferences and safety meetings • Employee Service Recogni- were held. In the past 14 years, tion; over 14,000 people participated • Recycling Grants; and in training workshops and con- • Valentine's Advanced Me- ferences sponsored or co-spon- tering Infrastructure (AMI) sored by the Utilities Section. Program Implementation. The monthly Utilities Section Safety articles featured: Newsletter featured the follow- • heart attack awareness; • offi ce and shop safety. ing topics for the year: • backfl ow safety videos; Monthly member history ar- • Numerous Legislative Bills • head protection safety; ticles highlighted several munici- Aff ecting Utilities/Public • material handling safety tips; palities with an emphasis on their Works Departments; • safety awards; utilities including: • Annual Conference High- • landfi ll safety programs; • Sargent; lights; State Mileage Reim- • weed trimmer safety; • Ruskin; bursement Changes; • playground safety; • Stella; • County Highway/City Street • eye protection safety; • Holbrook; Superintendent Licensing • safety workshops; • Colon; Training; • APPA safety manual; • Franklin; • Head Protection Safety; • parks & recreation safety tips; • Broadwater; • Kearney Ultra-Violet Disinfec- • fall prevention; • Scottsbluff ; tion Implementation; • fi re prevention; and • Mason City; • Upland; • Clatonia; • Broken Bow; • Daykin; and • Fairmont. Milestone celebration recognition “Just For Fun” Is your municipality or systems in the 1940s. utility celebrating a historic When was your water, Answers milestone? We are encourag- wastewater, electric, power ing members to provide any generation system established? information on milestones When were facilities built, A-1. Hastings. (data supplied to being celebrated such as 75 improvements made, etc. If casde.unl.edu by Catherine years of operating the electric your utilities is celebrating a Renschler) system. About 1942, private 25, 50, 75, 100-year milestone, A-2. Hickman at 29% with electric systems were phased let the Utilities Section help Ralston second at 23% out in Nebraska and several you celebrate by recognizing it growth. Reference: www. municipalities took over the in the newsletter. usnews.com A-3. Arnold. A-4. Callaway.

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 12  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017

SAFETY/HEALTH CORNER Space heater safety Reprinted from December 2013 in cabinets or behind curtains or could result in a fi re or damage Utilities Section Newsletter drapes. Some offi ce heaters have to equipment. A heater should be safety switches that shut down if unplugged when not in use and By Rob Pierce, LNM Field Rep./ the heater tips over. Don’t operate especially when you leave the Training Coordinator a heater that has a damaged plug area. Air monitoring and proper or cord and don’t run cords under ventilation may be needed as During cold weather, we use rugs or carpeting. some heaters such as those using space heaters in a variety of build- Most heaters are not intended gas can deplete oxygen or produce ings or enclosures such as the for use in wet or moist areas and carbon monoxide which can lead shop, offi ce, well house, garage, avoid areas where a heater could to CO poisoning. trench, basement, duck blind or fall into water, as electricity and Remember that if a portable a chemical storage room/facil- water should not meet. If a heater heater must be used, be sure to ity. Heaters come in a variety of blows a fuse or trips a circuit take the proper precautions as to types which can use gas, wood, breaker, don’t refuse with a larger not endanger yourselves, your kerosene or electricity. The most fuse or breaker. Have a licensed coworkers or the public. Don’t let common portable electric heaters electrician check the circuit your action lead to a reaction from are either radiant or convective. before using the heater as there a fi refi ghter or emergency rescue Portable heaters can be economi- may be electrical problems that worker. cal, but also can possess hazards if not used properly. Hazards of using space heaters include fi res and burns by contact 2017 Host Thank You or close proximity to a heating element, fl ame or the hot surface A special “thanks” to the 2017 host a workshop, contact Rob at area. Selecting heaters with guards workshop/conference host cit- the League offi ce 402-476-2829 around the fl ame or heat elements ies and villages. The Utilities or email [email protected] help protect against incidental Section would like to take this contact by people, clothing or opportunity to thank the com- burnable items. Flammable liquids munities, their management and such as gasoline should not be staff for their dedication, hard Common safety stored or used around space heat- work and hospitality in eff orts to ers. Gases of any type can ignite host Utilities Section sponsored incident errors causing a fi re to start. seminars, workshops and confer- The following items are all er- Sizing a heater for the area ences in 2017: Alma, Auburn, rors when it comes to avoiding an which you are heating is important Blair, Beatrice, Chadron, Kear- accident: and avoiding the use of exten- ney, Fairbury, Franklin, Fremont, • Eyes or mind not on the task at sion cords is usually a plus. If an Gering, Grand Island, Hastings, hand; extension cord is used, it must Kearney, Lawrence, Lincoln, • Lack of attention and putting meet the ampacity (amps) and McCook, Nebraska City, Nor- yourself in the line of fi re of an voltage of the space heater. The folk, North Platte, Ogallala, accident waiting to happen; heater should be stable and used in Omaha, Ponca, Ravenna, Schuy- • Loss of balance, poor footing the upright position with at least ler, Sargent, South Sioux City, or lack of reaction times to stay 30 inches between the front of the Stuart, Tecumseh, Valentine, and out of hazard's way; and unit and another surface. Heaters Wayne. • Lack of using adequate personal should not be run under furniture, If your system would like to protective equipment.

Utilities Section Newsletter, page 13  Utilities Section Newsletter December 2017 Training calendar January Jan. 4 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Library, Blair Jan. 11 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Library, Pawnee City Jan. 17-19 .....Utilities/Public Works Section Annual Conference ...... Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln Jan. 24 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Holiday Inn, Kearney Jan. 24-25 .....Snowball Conference ...... Holiday Inn, Kearney

February Feb. 6-7 ...... Meter Conference ...... Holiday Inn, Kearney Feb. 13...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Norfolk Feb. 14...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Columbus Feb. 15...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Beatrice Feb. 26-27 .... Midwinter Conference ...... Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln

March March 6 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Chadron March 7 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... Gering March 8 ...... Water Operator Training Workshop ...... North Platte

2018 Electric Training Workshops More information on Hot Line (Rubber Gloving) Workshops upcoming seminars and May 1-3 – Norfolk workshops can be found Sept. 11-13 – Sidney on the League website at Electric Underground www.lonm.org. Sept. 5-6 – Sidney

Water and Wastewater Operators licenses are due at the end of this year. Did you get your hours? Water operator (grades 1-4) hours as of 11/1/2017 can be found on the DHHS website at: http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Documents/ContinuingEducationGrades1_4.pdf.

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