2006 Water Comprehensive Plan - City of Bellevue

Group 4, serving greater than a 50,000 population. Since Bellevue does not provide any watertreatment, a Water Distribution Manager 4 is required to be responsible for the operation of thesystem. Bellevue has designated two mandatory positions to meet operator certificationrequirements. These positions are the Assistant Director for Engineering (Wes Jorgenson,WDM 4), and the Assistant Director for Operations and Maintenance (Alan King, WDM 3).Bellevue Utilities encourages employee training and recognizes certification as a measure ofskill in providing excellent service. Table 9-1 lists water utility engineering management andother engineering staff that have obtained their state water works operator certifications.Table 9-2 provides information on the water utility maintenance staff.ROUTINE OPERATIONSThe Bellevue Utilities Department obtained APWA accreditation in 2004, demonstratingcompliance with internationally developed and accepted standards for water utility operations.Routine operations involve the development and analysis of procedures to ensure that watersystem facilities are operated properly and functioning efficiently. The utility practicesexcellent operation and maintenance procedures which are well documented and available to allstaff via the City’s intranet. When local water service is interrupted for any reason, the Utility’sstandard procedure is to work continuously until service is restored. Dedicated staff are on call24 hours a day so that necessary repairs to the system can be made promptly. Joe Harbour, theWater and Sewer Operations Manager, is responsible for administering the water utilityoperations. Table 9-3 lists the motor vehicles and other large equipment assigned to the WaterUtility.Meter Reading & Customer BillingThe Operations and Maintenance Division is responsible for reading all commercial anddomestic meters. They work closely with utility Billing staff to assure customers are billedaccurately on a bi-monthly cycle. Meter reading staff are responsible for closing accounts, rereads,and meter shut-off/turn-on.SafetyBellevue Utilities employees are provided with appropriate safety and personal protectiveequipment for the tasks and work environments they encounter as part of their jobs. Staff arealso provided with necessary training to ensure that they understand and practice all applicablesafety regulations.9-5