IAMU will be holding a preconference on electric vehicles as part of our 7th Annual Energy Conference. The preconference, scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23 is titled, “Iowa’s Emerging Electric Vehicle Market: Impacts and Resources.”
 
During the last hour of the preconference (4 to 5 p.m.), IAMU would like to host an electric-vehicles exhibit in the parking lot of Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel, where the conference is being held. We would like to have as many members as possible bring and display some of their electric vehicles. If you would be willing to do so or have any questions about the exhibit, contact Jeremy Caron, IAMU Director of Energy Services, at 515.289.1999 or by email at [email protected]

IAMU has hired Jared Masker as the new Electric Services Coordinator. Jared started in his new position on Monday, Sept. 23. 
 
Jared comes to IAMU with several years’ experience as a journeyman lineman with Greenfield Municipal Utilities. Prior to GMU, Jared worked at Anita Municipal Utilities. He completed lineman school at Northwest Community College in 2010.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is presenting a series of technical assistance webinars to highlight best practices for addressing noncompliance at small wastewater treatment plants.
 
This training, which is for owners and operators of small plants, was originally presented in 2016 by Ohio’s Package Plant Initiative. That initiative focused on small mechanical treatment systems that were in significant noncompliance (SNC) with their NPDES permits.
 
Webinar attendees will learn how to fine-tune their systems and troubleshoot common non-compliance issue using cheap, easy, and effective process control tools and methods to return the wastewater treatment plants to compliance.
 
This is the first of two webinars on this topic. This webinar will cover conversion problems (i.e., ammonia noncompliance). The second webinar, scheduled for November 13, will cover separation and disinfection issues.
 
Webinar Time: October 17, 2019 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Central
 
Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5775464501807506946
 
Audience: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators, NPDES technical assistance providers and compliance staff from states, tribes, and US EPA. While all plant operators may find this useful, it is geared more toward smaller systems with flow of less than 1 million gallons per day.
 
Presenter: John van Dommelen, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Compliance Assistance Unit.
 
NDPES Expert Q&A Support: Louis Salguero and Cornell Gayle, US EPA Region 4, Science and Ecosystem Support Division Laboratory, Athens, GA.
 
References: Activated Sludge Process Control and Troubleshooting Training Manual, which includes a self-diagnostic troubleshooting chart.
 
Sponsors: EPA’s Office of Compliance Water Branch and the EPA-State Reducing SNC with NPDES Permits National Compliance Initiative (NCI) Workgroup.

Electric and Natural Gas Members, it’s getting to be that time of year: Time for Public Power Week and Public Natural Gas Week.
 
These two national observances both take place Oct. 6 - 12. This is a time when you can bring awareness to what electric and natural gas utilities do for your communities. Both the American Public Power Association and the American Public Gas Association make customer-outreach materials available for use.
 
Public Power Week

• For more information and materials, click here.

 
Public Natural Gas Week

• For more information and materials, click here.

 
IAMU will share electric and natural gas posts on social media throughout the week of Oct. 6 – 12. If you don’t already follow our social media accounts, consider doing so and then feel free to share any of our posts on your social media.
 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAMUpage/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAMUTweets
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/iamu
  

It was brought to IAMU’s attention by an IAMU member updating his utilities’ IUB Emergency Notification Contacts that other utilities may need to update their contacts with the IUB and the railroads. If you haven’t checked on your contact information recently and have had any staff changes, you may want to review your contact information with these groups.

This yearly training is a must for any water and wastewater professionals wanting practical information to help them do their jobs.
 
The workshop will take place Nov. 19-21 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Des Moines-Northwest in Urbandale.
 
The three-day workshop includes basic and advanced topics on water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater. Attendees can earn up to 1.2 CEUs toward certification, plus get a chance to connect with other municipal water professionals from around the state as well as check out products and services from water-related vendors.
 
For more information about the workshop or to register, go to: https://members.iamu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1278708&group=

Mark your calendar and plan to observe Energy Efficiency Day on Oct. 2. Energy Efficiency Day is a time to bring awareness to being as energy efficient as possible all year long.
 
For more information about the day and free resources that you can use, visit: www.energyefficiencyday.org. There, you will find social media posts and templates for media releases and proclamations.
 
IAMU will make social media posts on Energy Efficiency Day on the IAMU Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/IAMUpage/
 
Feel free to share what we provide or create your own post. Be sure to use #EEDay2019 in your post.

The deadline for hotel reservations for IAMU’s 7th Annual Energy Conference at the special conference rate is 5:00 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27.
 
The Energy Conference takes place Oct. 24-25 at The Meadows Events & Conference Center at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel in Altoona.

A preconference workshop, “Iowa’s Emerging Electric Vehicle Market: Impacts and Resources,” takes place from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23.  
 

• For online hotel reservations, visit: https://reservations.travelclick.com/108113?groupID=2452003#/guestsandrooms
• To call in a hotel reservation, dial (515) 957-3000 or (800) 325-9015.

 
Use Group Code: 10222019IAM
 
Conference hotel rates through 5:00 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27 are --

• King: $110
• Double Queen: $110
• Junior King Suite: $130
• King Suite: $150
• Executive King Suite: $170

 
For more details about the conference (including the tentative agenda) and/or to register for the event, visit: https://members.iamu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1278311&group=

Ladders lead to injuries, perhaps because they appear to be such a simple tool. Just open it or lean it against a wall, then climb up to extend your reach. It’s easy to forget that climbing above the floor, especially if you are carrying tools and heavy items, is dangerous. And because they are ever-present and shared among many employees, it’s also easy to neglect them, and not notice when they are damaged or unsteady.
 
If your company relies on traditional ladders, you must ensure employees are following your ladder safety program in their use and maintenance. For more on ladder safety, check out the the EMC Insurance Loss Control Insights article.

October 15-18 at locations across the state
 
Your water rates are the most important source of revenue for your water system. Are your rates sufficient to cover the cost of providing water service today and into the future? And are your rates structured in a way to best meet the priorities of your community?
 
This free workshop will explore several important aspects of water system finance, including:

• How to structure appropriate rates for your community
• How to plan for the future
• How to measure financial health
• How to find available loans and grants.

 
Anyone involved in the financial management of your water system is invited to attend, including board members, town managers, budget and finance staff, utility managers, and operators. The workshop is geared toward small water systems. We welcome multiple attendees from the same community.
 
Cost:
A day of your time, plus travel, and food expenses. There is no charge for the workshop itself
 
Presenter:
Glenn Barnes, Director, Water Finance Assistance
 
Logistics:
Four one-day workshops are being offered across the state of Iowa. The content will be the same at each workshop. Please choose the day and time that works best for you!
 

• Tuesday, October 15: North Liberty Water Treatment Facility, North Liberty (map)
• Wednesday, October 16: Newton Des Moines Area Community College, Newton (map)
• Thursday, October 17: Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, Ankeny (map)
• Friday, October 18: Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, Ankeny (map)

 
All workshops will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
Credits:
This workshop has been approved for 0.6 Iowa Drinking Water Certification Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).
 
To register, visit: https://www.waterfinanceassistance.com/iowa?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

IAMU invites its members to attend a 4-Part Insurance Webinar Series.

During each webinar, Jester Insurance's Heith Hockenberry will review a few of the different coverages that IAMU members should purchase as part of their insurance coverage.

Dates
Sept. 26 - 1-2 p.m.
Oct. 28 - 1-2 p.m.
Nov. 18 - 2-3 p.m.
Dec. 16 - 1-2 p.m.

Topics
Property and Inland Marine (equipment)
General Liability, Public Officials, Law Enforcement & Umbrella
Auto (Physical Damage & Liability) and Crime
Cyber

No charge to attend, but registration is required.

To register, go to www.iamu.org -> Events -> Register For An Event (Scroll through the calendar and register for one or more webinars)

The 6th annual Fall Broadband Meeting provides an update on key broadband topics and a chance to “compare notes” with your peers. This year we’re at a new venue, Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. Also new for 2019, IAMU Associate Member Vendors can purchase a sponsorship that includes a 6’ tabletop exhibit.

Cost is just $35.00 per person.  Register online here.

Questions?  Contact Curtis Dean at (515) 650-0251 or [email protected].

The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Safety Services department will be holding mobile crane certification and examination classes for digger derrick, service truck, and mobile crane operators.  OSHA’s updated crane standard REQUIRES that operators of lifting equipment be trained, evaluated and tested in order to obtain certification.

Background Information:
Although the new standard, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, specifically exempts the digger derrick and the operator from meeting the requirements of the standard, the exemption applies only when it is used for work within the provisions of the power generation, transmission and distribution standards, or for construction work within the telecommunications standard.  The exemption does not apply if the digger derrick is used for lifting materials or to operate in working environments outside the scope of the standard because the equipment is essentially being used as a mobile crane.  For example, unloading materials from a truck, lifting a motor from a pump house to assist your water department, or providing assistance to any other city department will mean that the exemption no longer applies.  When equipment is used as a mobile crane, all provisions of the standard apply, including the operator certification rule.  OSHA also now requires that an operator be certified in specific areas when they operate equipment outfitted with a boom and winch and able to lift at least 2,000 pounds.  This includes service trucks in your public works, or water departments.

The new standard has very specific operator requirements, one being to obtain operator certification from an independent testing organization accredited by a nationally recognized organization.  OSHA’s updated crane standard, 1926.1427 in Subpart CC, requires that for a testing organization to be considered accredited to certify operators, it must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency based on that agency’s determination that industry recognized criteria for written testing materials, practical examinations, test administration, grading, facilities/equipment and personnel have been met.  IAMU is an Accredited Assessment Center through the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER).  We are authorized to conduct both hands-on assessments and practical examinations which are part of our Mobile Crane Operator Certification Program.  Additionally, we are offering Qualified Hand Signal Person and Qualified Rigger programs (available at a future date).

Who Should Attend:
Digger derrick and service truck crane operators who do not currently hold a mobile crane operator’s certification.

What Do These Classes and Certification Consist Of:
Classes will be a week long, requiring classroom instruction, an on-line exam that has a 80% pass requirement, a practical exam for certification of mobile crane, and then finally a short class and practical exam for the signalperson and rigging qualifications. Students who pass the written and practical exams receive nationally recognized certification from the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER).

Where Do These Classes Take Place:
IAMU Training and Office Complex
1735 NE 70th Avenue
Ankeny, IA  50021

When Will Classes Be Held:
Dates have been scheduled for 2019 at the IAMU complex (unless otherwise noted).  Please click HERE or visit the IAMU website for available dates.

October 7-11
December 9-13

Mobile Crane Operator Certification/Examination Class Schedule:
 
Class Day
Times
Classroom/Exam

Monday
9:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Classroom

Tuesday
 8:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Classroom

Wednesday
8:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Classroom/Exams

Thursday
8:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Practical Exams

Friday (if needed)
8:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Retake Exams
Class/Exam
Examination retakes are $100 and may be taken during any scheduled exam date.

Additional Notes:

• Registration for all dates is open
• There is a maximum of 12 participants per class session.
• Lunch will be provided Monday through Thursday.
• All participants will attend classroom days. Exams will take place on the Thursday of each class session. Depending on the number of participants, Wednesday evening and Friday may also be used for exams.
• Each participant will need to create an account with NCCER before class; step-by-step instructions are included with the study guide.  Please bring your account number with you to class.

For additional information about the classes and online registration for each event, click HERE.

Cancellation Policy:
IAMU will issue a full refund for a registration cancellation up to 30 days prior to class date.  Cancellations within 30 days of class date will result in a refund less a $50 cancellation charge per registration.

If unable to attend, IAMU will allow a registration to be transferred within the same organization for the registered class date at no additional charge.

Questions?
If you have any questions in regards to the classes, or requirements, please contact:
Margret Meade, IAMU Safety Specialist ([email protected])
Phone:  (800) 810-4268

Do you have a customer who has recently completed a significant energy efficiency or renewable energy project that you would like to nominate for an award? IAMU will recognize these customers for their efforts in conjunction with the IAMU Energy Conference to be held October 23-24, 2019. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize and publicize a valued customer in your community. Up to five awards will be provided.

The awards will be announced at the Energy Conference, but you will give the award to your customer back home in your community. IAMU will also publicize the awards in the Informer and notify APPA, APGA, and AWWA. There is NO cost to your utility for these awards.

To submit a customer for award recognition, please send in your nomination to Jeremy Caron ([email protected]) or FAX (515) 289-2499 the following information:

1. Name of utility and contact person, with email and phone number.
2. Name of Customer.
3. Brief description of customer’s project that explains the significance of the project and the savings that they were able to achieve.
4. JPEG or PNG of customer and utility logos.

Please return your nomination no later then Friday, September 27. If you have any questions, please email Jeremy Caron ([email protected]) or call him at 515 289-1999.

IAMU has finalized the results of the salary survey that was sent out a few months ago.
 
Members may access the report by going to: https://members.iamu.org/page/WaterWWSalarySurvey. You may also locate the survey report under the Resources tab on the IAMU website (https://members.iamu.org).
 
If you are not currently logged in to the IAMU website, you must first do so before you will be able to access the report or see the report listed at the bottom of the Resources tab.
 
IAMU often gets requests for salary information, so we developed a short survey to collect basic starting salary information for water and wastewater system employees (electric and gas ones were done earlier this year). Although no two systems are the same and there are many other benefits to consider, the survey numbers will give members a starting point when evaluating their wages.