june 09 - City of Columbia, Missouri

Vol. 39, No. 6june 09insiderthe information source for city of Columbia employeesSister City UpdateFor 25 years, Columbia’ssister city, Hakusan City,Ishikawa, Japan hassponsored an essaycontest in honor of thecommunity’s native son,philosopher and modernthinker Akegarasu Haya.In appreciation andcelebration of diversecultural traditions, childrenfrom Columbia and aroundthe globe are invited toparticipate in the essaycontest. There is an under-19 category and an under-13 category. The essaydeadline is Sept. 7. Cashprizes for the winningessays range between$50,000 - $500,000 Yen($520 - $5,200 USD). Moreinformation about the2009 essay contest isavailable in the “featuredinformation” section ofthe City’s Web site atwww.GoColumbiaMo.com. For more informationabout Columbia’s sistercity program, contactRenee Graham in PublicCommunications at 874-7316 or e-mailRYG@GoColumbiaMo.com.Parks & Recreation employeesready pools for summerLaura Nerling and SJ Idel, recreation specialists for ColumbiaParks and Recreation’s Aquatics Division, prepare for theopening of Douglass Family Aquatic Center on June 6. Inthe last days leading up to the opening of the City’s pools,staff stays busy with lifeguard orientations, safetyinspections and general cleaning. Albert-Oakland Family AquaticCenter opened June 3; therest of the outdoor pools--Douglass, Lake of theWoods and Little MatesCove--opened June 6.Have story ideas for the Insider?Call Shawn at 874-7240 or e-mailSRBRANT@GoColumbiaMo.com.

Insidethe IntranetSam Shelby, E-Government CoordinatorTechnology help isjust a few clicks awayAs dependence on technologyincreases, so does our need tounderstand it. The InformationTechnologies Department knowsthe importance of educating theworkforce and has compiled manyresources to help employees.Log on to the intranet from anyCity computer at www.columbia.mo.gov and select “InformationTechnologies” and then “Helpdesk”from the menu on the left.Learn how to:• change your password, setyour background and screen saver,manage your favorites and othercomputer-related tasks;• properly take care of yourcomputer;• safely use the Internet andprotect your computer from viruses;• use Groupwise and manage“Spam” e-mail;• view your e-mail on a personaldigital assistant;• schedule the use of laptops,projectors, TVs, VCRs, DVD playersand conference phones;• check voice mail, set out-ofofficemessages and forward callson your City telephone; and• select a good printer or scannerand purchase replacement ink.If you still need help, contactthe Helpdesk at 874-6330 or e-mailhelpdesk@GocColumbiaMo.com.The heat is on!Elevated temperatures andhigh humidity are indications ofsummertime weather in the Midwest.These factors not only make us feela bit uncomfortable but also put usat risk of developing a heat-relatedillness. Heat illness develops whenheat generated by physical activityexceeds the body’s ability to rid itself employee healthof excess heat.The human body has two maincooling mechanisms which includeDixie Darnell Dana Jones Cheryl Johnsonsweating and flushing of the skin.Sweating, which accounts for 90 percent of our cooling ability, acts asa natural air conditioner. As sweat evaporates, it cools the body. Whenhumidity becomes high, evaporative heat loss, the most efficient means ofheat transfer, is impaired. The cardiovascular system (flushing) brings bloodcloser to the skin’s surface for cooling.There are two types of heat illness: heat exhaustion and heat stroke.Heat exhaustion takes time to develop and is not usually life threatening. Itoccurs when we exercise or are working for extended periods of time in thesun. Heat stroke can occur suddenly and is life threatening. The body stopssweating and the core temperature can rise so high that brain damage ordeath may occur.Symptoms of heat exhaustion vs. heat strokeHeat exhaustion: cool clammy skin; headache; profuse sweating;fatigue...exhaustion; nausea; lightheadedness...dizziness; muscle cramps;weak rapid pulseHeat stroke: NO sweating; hot, dry red skin; very high coretemperature, 104 and above; dilated pupils; confusion...delirium; loss ofconsciousness; convulsions (may be seen during “cooling down” period)The key difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is changein mental status!Treatment• Get help.....call 911 if it is a life threatening situation.• Move to a cool, shady location.• Remove constrictive clothing.• Apply a cool, wet cloth to head, neck, “arm pits” and groin area.• Mist or spray with water.• Fan yourself or the person you are helping.• Drink or provide fluids, if coherent.Prevention•••••••••When experiencing signs of heat illness, take a break out of the sun.Wear loose, light clothing so that sweat can evaporate.Take frequent drinks of water or sports beverages. (Water is best.It is not recommended that you just drink sports beverages. Look at thenutrition label and choose one a with lower sugar content.)Do not drink caffeine or alcohol; they dehydrate the body and speed upfluid loss.Take more frequent breaks.Wear sunblock, SPF 15 or greater.Wear sunglasses.Wear a hat, wide-brimmed, if possible.Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.2

HR restructures duties; employees now have a primary contactThe Human ResourcesDepartment is changing! Inorder to provide timely customerservice, duties have beenrestructured among the threeHuman Resources technicians(Debbie Dijak, Jackie Lowrey andBecky Wehrman). Employees willnow have one primary contact inHuman Resources for all questionsregarding pay and benefits. Thethree will fill in for each other whennecessary to provide assistance toemployees.Departments have been dividedbetween Lowrey and Wehrman, asfollows:• Jackie Lowrey (874-7678,jdl@GoColumbiaMo.com): CityClerk’s Office, Convention &Visitors Bureau, EconomicDevelopment, Finance Department,Health Department, HumanResources, Law Department,Police Department, PublicCommunications Office and PublicWorks• Becky Wehrman (874-7236,rawehrma@GoColumbiaMo.com): City Manager’s Office,Fire Department, InformationTechnologies, Municipal Court,Office of Cultural Affairs,Office of Volunteer Services,Parks & Recreation, PlanningDepartment, Public Safety JointCommunications and Water &LightDijak (874-7560, drd@GoColumbiaMo.com) will continueto conduct biweekly new employeeorientation and will beginorganizing a training program forCity employees.Two additional staff memberswere added within the last year:Carol Wilson (817-5007,crwilson@GoColumbiaMo.com) isthe new senior rates analyst. Shewill be involved in administeringbenefits and researching costeffectiveways to better utilize theinsurance programs.Natisha Mack, human resourcesspecialist, (874-7596, nlmack@GoColumbiaMo.com) handlesemployee relations, including thegrievance and complaint process.Human Resources hopes thereorganization will prove to be moreefficient in providing service to Cityemployees.McClintic named SOMO Outstanding Law Enforcement OfficerCentral Area Director Diane Brimer presentspolice officer Jason McClintic the 2008Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer award.Police officer Jason McClintic was recognized as theSpecial Olympics Missouri (SOMO) Central Area 2008Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer during the openingceremonies at the Central Area Spring Games April 18at Hickman High School. The award is given to a lawenforcement agency officer within the Central Area whohas made significant contributions to the Special Olympicsmovement in Missouri during the past year.Officer McClintic has been involved in several TorchRuns, Final Leg Runs, State Game Opening Ceremonies andPolar Bear Struts; helped organize two Polar Bear Plungesin Columbia (last year’s was one of the most successfulregional fund-raising events that SOMO has recorded inMissouri with about $32,000 raised); attended InternationalTorch Run conferences; and participated in Trivia Nightfund-raisers.“I began helping Special Olympics several years agobecause of my interest in running. The Law EnforcementTorch Run was a great event to raise awareness in theColumbia Area,” McClintic said. “I then began to see thehuge impact that Special Olympics has on the athletes,families and local communities that get involved. It is reallyamazing to see how much the athletes and their familiestruly appreciate those that can lend them a hand and showthem the respect and admiration they have worked so hardfor.”3

Pope named MAPP 2009 ‘Buyer of the Year’Melinda Pope, buyer inthe City’s Finance DepartmentPurchasing Division, was namedthe Missouri Association of PublicPurchasing (MAPP) 2009 “Buyer ofthe Year” during the annual awardsbanquet and conference at Lakeof the Ozarks May 14. Pope wasMAPP President Frankie Ryan presents the “Buyer ofthe Year” award to Melinda Pope.nominated by the Purchasing staff,with supporting recommendationsfrom multiple City departments.“Melinda is not only a joy towork with, she is creative, energeticand is really committed to gettingthe best value for the City,” saidMarilyn Starke, purchasing agent.“We are very fortunate to have sucha talented individual as part of ourprocurement team.”The “Buyer of theYear” Award is designedto recognize outstandingindividuals in the fieldof procurement whohave made significantcontributions to theentity they serve, thestate and nationalpurchasing associationsand who demonstratehigh standards ofprofessionalism and ethics.Pope processesa variety of goods andservices, such as ITequipment, communicationequipment and supplies,athletic equipmentand supplies, clothingand emblems, financialadvisory services, insurance/riskmanagement, office furniture andmachines and actuarial services.Spring City Golf TournamentThe annual spring City Golf Tournament was held May 16 at Lake of the WoodsGolf Course. The tournament was comprised of eight 4-person teams. Winning theevent with a score of 65 were (pictured l-r): Andrew Baier, Marilyn Thorpe, RonaldWinn and Steve Johnston. The second place team, which shot 66, was made up ofMike DeVries, Joe Nichols, Matt Wamsley and Dan Andrews. Placing third with ascore of 67 was Shelley Mayer, Abe Anderson, Raymond Winn and Spencer Larkin.Jennifer Courtney and Brett O’BrienParks & Recreationwins award for CARPThe Parks and RecreationDepartment received a nationalaward from the American Parkand Recreation Society (APRS) forits Columbia Aquatic RestorationProject (CARP). The Departmentwas awarded a $1,000 check fromAPRS’s grant and scholarshipprogram. According to APRS,“These funds are in recognition ofyour agency’s efforts in connectingcitizens and professionals throughthe Columbia Aquatic RestorationProject.”CARP is a volunteer programdesigned to support Parks andRecreation in implementingan aquatic plant and shorelinemanagement plan. HorticulturistJennifer Courtney led volunteersin her first CARP project inApril. Participants removedinvasive honeysuckle and plantedIris, Spartina, Hibiscus andChasmanthium to stabilize thebanks along Flat Branch Creek.Parks and Recreation isa partner with the Office ofVolunteer Services and the PublicWorks Stormwater OutreachProgram in administration of theprogram. Since its inception in2007, participants have donated883 hours and completed 11 parkaquatic projects.According to Natural ResourcesPark Supervisor Brett O’Brien, theprogram’s originator, the awardfunds will be used to purchase tools,training materials and other itemsin support of the program and itsparticipants.4

STOP on red: theright choice!Starting the second week ofJuly, the City hopes that lasertechnology will lead to saferstreets and fewer serious autoaccidents. Traffic enforcementcameras (also known as “red lightcameras”) will be activated at theintersections of Providence andBroadway and at Stadium andWorley.The activation date startsa 30-day period during whichdrivers who run red lightswill receive warnings only.Enforcement will start the firstfull week of August duringNational Stop on Red Week, withactual citations issued to ownersof vehicles photographed in theact of running a red light.When enforcement starts,the fine and cost for a singleoffense will be $120, if theviolation is paid through theTraffic Violations Bureau. Anindividual may plead guilty orplead not guilty and request atrial. Pursuant to city ordinances,a red light violation is punishedby a fine of not less than $1 normore than $500; or imprisonmentfor no more than three months; orby both a fine and imprisonment.“Stopping on red is always theright choice, and the smart one,”says Assistant City Manager TonySt. Romaine. “Why risk hurtingyourself or your passengers, whomight be your friends or familymembers?”The City will work withGATSO USA, the vendor hiredto manage the camera systemand capture pictures of vehicles(along with plate numbers anddrivers) as they travel throughintersections. All pictures willbe reviewed by the ColumbiaPolice Department before trafficcitations, along with pictures, aremailed to the defendants.in the spotlightAnniversaries20 years: JamesBlaska, Police Department;William Green Jr., PoliceDepartment15 years: TameraAdams, Police Department10 years: ThomasWellman, Public Works;Latisha Stroer, PoliceDepartment; Marc Nichols,Public Works; Steve Hunt,Public Works; Amy Bishop,Police Department5 years: RustinSmiley, Water & Light;Benjamin Roberts,Public Works; JamesMastin, Water & Light;Jenna Gunnell, FinanceDepartment; JanGoodman, Public WorksRetirementsMichelle Duckett,Police Department - 28years; Tara Calvin Cox,Human Resources - 30 yearsPromotionsJohn D’Agostino- Building Inspector to PlanReviewer; Gary Miller- Power Plant Operator III toPower Plant Operator IVNew HiresMay 3: Keith Scolaro,Maintenance Assistant I(Parks & Recreation)May 18: JesseMcReynolds, EngineeringAide III (Public Works);Craig Sullivan,Environmental HealthSpecialist (HealthDepartment)May 26: Mary Smith,Custodian - 773 (PublicWorks); R. Kurt Wallace,Power Plant Operator I(Water & Light)5

AngeeWhitesidesSarah PerrysafetyMATTERSa word from Risk ManagementGeorge HamptonTrenching and excavation safety:Uncovering the facts on excavation hazardsA major cause of utility workerfatalities is the sudden collapseof a trench or excavation wall. Itis difficult to imagine the dramaof digging for a coworker who hasbeen literally buried alive in sucha cave-in. A cave-in generallyrepresents tons of falling earth,which can crush the body and lungsof the worker, even if the face andbreathing passages are left clear.For these reasons, shoring is amust to ensure the safety of thoseworking in trenches or excavations.To focus more attention onthe hazards of excavation andtrenching, the Water Distributiondivision held a trench box shoringsafety demonstration on the Waterand Light farm north of Columbiaon April 24. The class was taughtby Rick Turner, Water Distributionsupervisor III, and assisted byGreg Keimig, Water Distributionsupervisor. All City departmentswere welcome to attend and manydid.Turner and Keimig emphasizedthe importance of always using theproper shoring, shielding or slopingmethods when working in a trenchor excavation, and how critical it isto always do the worksafely…because SafetyMatters.To find out moreabout proper shoring,shielding, slopingtechniques and safety,visit the OccupationalSafety and HealthAdministration’s Website at www.OSHA.gov.Rick TurnerGreg KeimigRick Turner lectures to a group of City employees in front a shoring box properlyinstalled in an excavation dug for training purposes.6