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Messages & Articles
Articles.......
PAST CHAIR - Shyam Mohanka, PhD, PE
PRESERVE SECTION LEGACY & BUILD THE FUTURE
It has historically been the water professionals (Water Operators, Scientists, Engineers, Educators, Planners, and Water Utility Managers) who have stepped up to the plate when the going gets tough. We must ask ourselves “where will the section leadership and talent come from to solve the most critical issues facing the water industry?”. The AWWA 2008 State of the Industry Report survey identified water resources (source water supply and protection), infrastructure (aging & failing infrastructure), regulatory issues (complying with new regulations), workforce (lack of qualified workers, aging workforce and loss of industry knowledge) and business factors (financing repairs, replacements and upgrades) as the most critical issues facing the water industry. As the leading water supply organization in New York State, we must do our best to assist the water industry with exploring new technologies, actively managing assets and resources, and finding creative solutions to complex water supply problems.
The NYSAWWA is celebrating its 95th year of service, and with this milestone we have both a legacy to preserve and a future to build. The legacy is manifested in providing adequate supply of safe drinking water. To preserve a legacy and build a future, NYSAWWA Leaders established Long Term Goals (2005-10) during the planning workshop in July, 2005. Section long term goals include:
With the help of board members, committee chairs and staff, work is in progress to meet and/or exceed these long term goals. To further support the Sections’ long term goals and improve our communication, I have already proposed several new initiatives and issued a monthly E-Newsletter to our section leaders and volunteers.
In anticipation of the NYSAWWA’s 100th anniversary in 2014, Section leaders are considering a 6 year future vision (2009-2015) plan to move the section further toward its second century of service. Based on my own experience in the Section, I have developed a list of critical areas which I believe the Section should be focused on when we revisit our long term plans and develop a future vision.
Vision – To be recognized as a leading not-for profit organization of water professionals in New York State and beyond. This plan is based on two simple principles:
By promoting and working with water industry professionals across New York State, we will continue to lead this organization and meet expectations of water utilities, service providers, water users, regulators and individual Section members.
(1) Grow membership and retain current members – Membership is the bedrock for all programs and activities of NYSAWWA. NYSAWWA must meet the 21st century challenge and strive for the membership growth. Build the future of NYSAWWA with vision and action.
(2) Establish long range training plan for New York State. Plan & Implement alternate ideas to further reinforce the NYSAWWA Education Fund to investigate ways of providing lower cost training including a proposal to ultimately hire a full time training program coordinator.
(3) Educate K-12 and college students on careers in water supply – This effort will have positive impact on the membership growth of young professionals in AWWA.
(4) Strengthen Relationship with Local Water Works Conference (LWWC) in New York State – We must build a stronger partnership with LWWC and increase AWWA involvement at the local level, keeping LWWC members informed, connected and involved.
(5) Plan for 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2014 - The 100th anniversary is five years away and our celebration ideas/activities will need to be thoroughly developed and implemented as time gets closer.
(6) Develop Leaders Capable of Serving in NYSAWWA and Beyond
(a) Develop Section Leadership Plan – Incoming Section Leaders will use this document to evaluate past performance, current programs and services including bylaws, policies and procedures, current structure of training for section leaders and plan for future programs and activities.
(b) Continue to Maintain and Improve Orientation Manual for Section Volunteers -Knowledgeable members can become immediately involved in section activities. Educated members feel more comfortable handling programs and activities leading to increased volunteerism on Association and Section levels.
It is with mixed emotions I prepared my last message as a chair. It will take unrelenting concerted effort on the part of each and every one of us in NYSAWWA to achieve our annual and long term goals. Stepping into the job as a Chair of the New York Section AWWA makes one reflect upon the superior leadership that has been exemplified by the past chairs. It is my sincere desire to be able to measure up to the excellence of past section chairs.
In closing, I would like to express my appreciation for help and support received from board members, committee chairs, volunteers and section staff during the past year. With their support and hard work for the past year it was possible to offer programs and services including implementation of one or more chair’s initiatives during the 2008-09 year.
It is time to look back with pleasure and say “Thank you.” And it is time to look forward with hope and say best wishes to Connie Schreppel as our next section chair. Thanks for the memories!
PRESENT CHAIR - Connie Schreppel, PhD
I am very excited and proud to take over as Chair of the New York Section this year. I appreciate all that Shyam has done the past year and look forward to having another successful year. It is with great pleasure that I take on the role of Chair this year, and I look forward to facing the challenges, both old and new, to help create a stronger organization. In the coming months we will continue to face the challenges that an ever changing water industry presents as well as dealing with the problems that the ever-looming economic crisis brings to us. As you read in Marian Salmon’s article, it is with great regret that we will be looking for a new Executive Director this year. We will also be working toward the creation of a long range training plan to meet all the needs of the Section in the future. This plan is already under development, and will be reviewed by our volunteer network at the Summer Planning Workshop, August 17-18, 2009. We hope to finalize the Long Range Training Plan by the Tifft Symposium in November.
One of the focuses that I look forward to is expanding the WARN program in New York State. It is a project that is very near and dear to my heart. For those who are not familiar with WARN, it is the Water or Wastewater Agency Response Network, which promotes mutual aid between utilities in times of crisis and natural disaster. The progress of the mutual aid network is going along quite well, and I look forward to helping instill it more throughout the state. In 2009 the administration of the WARN program will be funded by grant money, and administrative tasks will move to the Section office. We look forward to introducing a new and interactive website sometime during my year as Chair. If you are interested in learning more about WARN or are interested in having your utility become a WARN member, feel free to contact any member of our WARN committee, the Section Office, or myself.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on the path to Chair, and I assure you that I will give it my best effort. I look forward to this year and hope you do as well.
SECTION DIRECTOR - Jeff Zdrojewski
It has been a very busy time for the Association. Over the last few months several major action items have been developed to improve the business operations of the Association, improve member’s services, address the upcoming workforce issue, and weather the present economic situation.
The Association recently developed an updated draft for a new strategic plan. The draft plan was developed using the 2008 State of the Industry Report and 2008 Member Tracking Study. The draft plan was discussed at length at the 2009 Winter Board Meeting and has been sent out to Sections for their review and comment.
The Association also recently developed and approved (January 2009 Board Meeting) a draft proposal for an Affiliation Agreement between the Association and our Sections. The proposed Affiliation Agreement will help to assure mission alignment between the Association and the Sections, while providing increased liability protection, and clarified responsibilities between both parties. The NYSAWWA Board has reviewed the draft Affiliation Agreement and has sent a letter of “intent to sign” the final agreement to AWWA.
The Association is presently revamping the customer service software. The update of software will allow for a friendlier experience when utilizing the AWWA website to update member information, join or renew your membership, and purchase services or materials. Some of the improvements will include:
Ultimately, this new customer service software will help the Section better assist members with inquiries as well.
As part of the Committee on Water Sector Workforce Strategies, AWWA recently hosted a Workforce Forum with other governmental and industry associations to share best workforce practices and identify opportunities for collaboration. Representatives from major water sector professional organizations, including Water Environment Association, Association of Safe Drinking Water Administrators, Association of Boards of Certification, Rural Community Assistance Program, American Association of Community Colleges, and governmental agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor, Department of Education, National Sciences Foundation and Veterans Affairs also attended.
Three potential collaborative efforts between the organizations were identified:
Other projects that were identified from the committee included the need to:
These efforts are in line with some activities already undertaken by the Section via our participation on a statewide Education and Outreach Committee. The results of this committee’s first projects is a “Careers in the Water and Wastewater Industry” brochure which was sent to all high schools in New York State, and many technical and 2-year programs too. The Education and Outreach Committee will keep future projects aligned with goals set by AWWA’s Workforce groups.
As you all are aware, the present economic conditions are putting pressure on every aspect of our business. It is no different for AWWA. The Association is presently looking to hold the line on costs for the remainder of 2009. Some of the cost savings which have been implemented so far include reduction of staff and volunteer travel, not filling some vacant staff positions and reduction of committee and council meetings to be held in the fall of the year. To date we have not seen any trend in reduction of membership in the Association, and we remain strong economically.
In addition, our Executive Director, Gary Zimmerman, has recently offered his resignation to the Association citing personal reasons. The Executive Committee has accepted his resignation, and the Association is presently running under the successful guidance of Paula MacIlwaine as Acting Executive Director.
So as you can see, the beginning of 2009 has been a challenging year, but the Association continues to serve our members as the Authoritative Resource for Safe Water, we will weather the economic storm and will be a stronger organization under the leadership of Paula.
On a lighter note, we elected a new President-Elect at the Winter Board Meeting; Joe Mantua from the Chesapeake Section will assume that office at ACE09. We also elected Charles Anderson and Debra Kaye as Vice Presidents, and Marie Pearthree as a Director-at-Large.
I also want to extend an invitation to you to attend ACE09 in San Diego this year. Once again there is a strong technical program and the destination city is truly remarkable. Among the topics covered will be the management in tough economic times, climate change, conservation and water efficiency, infrastructure management, legislative and regulatory issue, public affairs and more. Additionally there will be more than 500 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services. I hope to see you there.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Marian Salmon
I am not originally from New York State. I grew up in the Twin Cities and my family relocated to Louisville, Kentucky when I was a senior in high school. I ended up in Syracuse after graduating from Oberlin College and when it came time to choose whether to leave Syracuse or stay here, I stayed: because I love this association and I love my job. I can hardly believe I’ve been here nine years already!
But now that I have kids, I don’t want to be so far from my family. I miss my mom terribly. My husband (who is from Syracuse) and I are constantly facing a major problem of having no one here to help us, and this winter was the sickest, toughest, most awful winter I have ever been through. To top it off, our 1-year-old had to be hospitalized for four days in February, and our 2-year-old was just diagnosed with celiac disease. We can’t do this by ourselves anymore. And we don’t want to either.
It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I will be leaving the association soon so our family can relocate to Louisville. This position has truly evolved during my time here: the Section has changed and grown tremendously as we continually enhance our services to the members. The volunteers and staff of this association are dedicated, caring people who tirelessly promote our mission of providing safe drinking water to our communities.
New leadership is a great opportunity for reflection, as well as growth and positive change. It also can be a time of uncertainty and anxiety. I will wholeheartedly assist the Section to ensure a smooth transition to our new Executive Director. We anticipate transitioning to a new Executive Director sometime within the next six (6) or so months. If you know of anyone who may be interested in the position, please have them email their resume with a cover letter to our Chair, Connie Schreppel: cschreppel@mvwa.us. You may contact Connie or me with any questions about the position.
Articles
100TH ANNIVERSARY PLANNING - Amanda Bauner, Chair
Happy 95th Anniversary to our New York Section! Just think - in 5 short years, the New York Section will celebrate our 100th Anniversary in New York City – what a tremendous milestone! We want all of our members there to celebrate this historical occasion. The 100th Anniversary Committee is dedicated to making the 2014 Centennial convention a very special and memorable event, one that will epitomize the past 100 years of progress and achievements, and also an event that will preview any challenges and opportunities the New York Section may encounter in the next 100 years.
In February, the Site Selection Committee toured hotels in New York City to see where our members would best be served. We are now in the process of receiving proposals from the hotels and will soon present a recommendation to the Board.
The New York Section Board of Directors is dedicated to making certain that the 100th Anniversary is affordable to everyone. Fundraising is underway, with a Centennial Fund Account set up by the Board. As you may have seen in previous Aquarius issues or on the New York Section website or blog, t-shirts will be sold with a 100th Anniversary logo chosen from an ongoing design competition. Other fundraising ideas are being considered by the Committee.
As 2014 draws closer, more plans will finalize with members’ input and the hard work of the 100th Anniversary Committee. Please contact Amanda Bauner if you are interested in serving on this committee, or if you have any ideas for this Centennial Celebration.
23RD ANNUAL BEST TASTING WATER CONTEST - Manoj Ajmera, Coordinator
That’s right. This year’s Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest will be the 23rd annual contest in New York State. There are still many counties who have never participated, and this is the special invitation to them. Since the first round is at the county level, either the county/district health departments, or chamber of commerce need to initiate the process. If that doesn’t work, a group of public water suppliers can organize and conduct the contest. Another easy option is to plan the contest at a local water works conference. If more information is needed on how to organize and conduct the contest, email Manoj Ajmera at manorita12@yahoo.com or call him at (518) 371-3737.
The first round should be done no later than the third week of July… but the earlier the better. Hey! You never know.
2010 - 2011 NOMINATIONS FOR THE BOARD - John W Frazer, Chair
The Trustee Nominating Committee is responsible for presenting nominations for Trustee and Trustee-at-Large to the Board of Governors. The Committee consists of the five Past-Chairs of the Section. As the longest-standing Past-Chair of the section, I am the current chair of the committee which also includes Dennis Kelleher, Cindy Kransler, Randy Cairns and Shyam Mohanka.
This year the opportunity to nominate a member for the six-year Trustee position lies within the Central Region of the State. This region includes the Central New York Water Works Conference, Southeast NY Water Works Conference and Southern NY and Northern PA Water Works Conference which includes Cayuga County, Tompkins County and the western half of Tioga County in New York and Tioga, Bradford and Sullivan counties in Pennsylvania. Letters have been sent to each of the Conferences requesting potential candidates for consideration by the Trustee Nominating Committee.
On behalf of the Committee, I have also sent letters to each of the Water Works Conferences across the state regarding the Trustee-at-Large position. This is a three-year position, renewable once for a second term. The Trustee-at-Large A position is currently filled by Nicholas Kochan of J.L. Moore, and the committee will be considering his nomination for a second three-year term.
Each of the potential candidates for the Trustee and Trustee-at-Large positions will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee and a candidate or candidates for each position will be presented to the Board of Governors by November 1st of this year. If only one candidate is forwarded to the Board of Governors, no general membership election would be required. However, if two or more nominees are presented to the Board of Governors, or if a qualifying petition of a member is presented in accordance with the Bylaws of the Section, a general membership election would be required.
The deadline to be nominated by a Water Works Conference, or to nominate yourself, is August 14, 2009. Following this deadline, the Trustee Nominating Committee will meet to review all candidates. If you have any comments or questions regarding the Trustee nominating process, please contact me via email at frazerj@colonie.org, or contact Marian Salmon in the Section Office (phone 315/455-2614 x1 or email mariansalmon@nysawwa.org).
LONG ISLAND WATER CONFERENCE - Dennis M Kelleher
The LIWC has been busy on several fronts over the past few months. The Conference issued a Request for Proposal for the Energy Demand Response Program. Over 12 water suppliers joined together to select the most cost-effective private demand response provider. Under this program, the public water suppliers can receive payments of over $250,000 for reducing their energy demands or utilizing their on-site generator during peak period events.
The LIWC is also in the process of updating their website to include interactive features that will allow for on-line registration of water plant operators to attend education workshops. Hopefully, the new website will be available by Fall 2009.
The LIWC annual charity golf outing is scheduled for September 10, 2009 at the West Sayville Country Club Last year’s event raised over $4,000 for Water For People. The details of the event will be presented at www.liwc.org later this Summer.
TOP OPERATOR'S COMPETITION - Dennis M Kelleher, Coordinator
The 3rd Annual NYSAWWA Top Ops Competition was held at the Spring Meeting in Saratoga Springs. A total of four (4) teams competed including Monroe County Water Authority, The Finger Lakes Water Conference, United Water and the Long Island Water Conference. The Long Island Water Conference Team pulled off an impressive performance to win the New York Section Competition. Team members included Joe Renta and John Nappi of the Garden City Park Water District.
The Long Island team will now compete in the National Top Ops Competition at the ACE ’09 in San Diego.
Noting that three (3) person teams can enter the National Competition, the Long Island team has asked a member of the 2nd place team (Finger Lakes Water Conference) to join them in San Diego. Steve Johnville from the Town of Ontario will be joining the Long Island team.
The Section wishes the New York Section Top Ops team good luck in California.
FINGER LAKES WATER WORKS CONFERENCE
Feb. 5, 2009 started the 50th year of the Finger Lakes Water Works Conference. 220 operators, engineers, manufacturers’ representatives and health department personnel gathered at Club 86 in Geneva for the Annual Business Meeting and Operators Training.
The conference's Board of Directors include:
This year the Conference plans to have 4 training meetings with CEU's available to operators, these include the February meeting in Geneva, April in Newark, June in Watkins Glen/Montour Falls and December meeting in Waterloo. Special events include the Annual Golf outing in May and the Annual Picnic and Manufacturers Showcase in Penn Yan in August. Special thanks to Ryan Colvin who coordinates speakers for the Conference. We hope to defend our title as Top Ops Team for New York at the Annual Section Meeting in Saratoga. Team members (2008) included Jim Bromka, Steve Johnville and Gail Holcomb. Conference members were saddened by the passing of Robert J. Wykle of the Town of Ontario in November.
A NEW LEGISLATIVE REALITY - Tom Shanahan
A newly structured state Legislature, particularly in the State Senate, has come to power amid a financial crisis, and a spate of turnovers among high statewide office holders in the last two years, including the Governor, Comptroller, and junior U.S. Senator.
Although it achieved control of the Senate for the first time in more than 40 years, the new Democratic majority has only a slim 32 to 30 seat advantage. This means a single defection on any given issue renders that majority unable to prevail in a contested vote. Needless to say, this is a far more likely result on controversial issues.
That means issues where there is a great deal of public concern on either side of the equation, such as funding for the MTA, or budget reductions, must be handled carefully, or not at all.
On the other hand, the Assembly Democrats, with control over more than two-thirds of the seats in that house, can operate with a comfortable margin. Members of the Democratic conference who feel the need to deviate from the conference position on any particular vote, can do so with no great effect on the outcome of that vote.
For the first time since the early 1970’s, the office of the Governor, and both branches of the Legislature, are now controlled by one party.
The change in control has also engendered a distinct swing towards legislation and issues of concern to New York City. For instance, last year, the value at which a public works construction project triggers the Wicks Law was raised to $3 million for projects in the 5 boroughs, $1.5 million for Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester, and half a million dollars for the rest of the state. The Governor’s proposed budget would again raise the trigger, to $10 million, but for New York City projects only. Raising the Wicks Law trigger will save money for municipalities and other municipal corporations. If that same percentage increase were applied statewide, it would set the trigger for projects in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester at $5 million, and for the rest of the state at $1.67 million. Such proportionate increases in the Wicks law trigger could easily be made for public entities across the state, including publicly owned water supply systems, without any resultant harm to New York City.
How the new governing majority, particularly in the State Senate, learns to operate over the next year and a half, will play a big role in how the water supply community, as well as all New York, fares.
Several budget issues which would have affected various members of the water supply community were stripped from the budget. These include: A provision which would have eliminated all forms of compensation for commissioners, except for "actual and necessary expenses." Prohibited forms of compensation would have included stipends, vehicles, insurance, or any other fringe benefit. In addition provisions which would have made consolidation of special district easier were removed.
The Governor proposed raising the trigger value at which a public works construction project triggers Wicks Law provisions, to $10 million, for New York City projects only. The trigger value for the rest of the state would have been unchanged. The provision was removed.
SPDES Fees were tripled for P/C/I facilities going from $100 to $300 for those discharging less than 100,000 gallons a day, and go from $200 to $600 for those discharging more than 100,000 gallons. Fees for industrial permits are also being increased, but at a much smaller percentage.
S 265 Little / A 639 Hoyt Rank: 2 - Pertains to the composition of county and part-county boards of health; relates to municipal consolidation or dissolution petitions. I am told by staff for the sponsors that this legislation is unlikely to be considered. However, Attorney General Cuomo is reportedly preparing a program bill to accomplish many of these same goals.
A 248 Magnarelli Rank: 3 - Authorizes the lieutenant governor serving as an ex-officio member of every public authority. This is an unfunded mandate which would affect the operations of every public authority in the state. LIWC Position: Oppose
A 1701 Englebright (MS) Rank: 3 - Prohibits the storage or pumping of water into the Lloyd Sands. Unlike what is indicated in the short caption, this bill would actually prevent any water from being withdrawn from the Lloyd, for any reason other than chloride contamination. LIWC Position: Oppose
A 2170 McEneny (MS) Rank: 3 - Creates the crime of unlawful defilement of a water supply. LIWC Position: Support
A 2359 McEneny (MS) Rank: 3 - Provides for annual school lead-copper tap water testing; publishing of reports of contamination and abatement of such contamination. LIWC Position: Monitor
A 2391 Gantt Rank: 3 - Exempts bottled water sold to individual for human consumption or use from sales and use tax. Bottled water, as opposed to tap water, is a luxury. Just as food bought at the supermarket is exempt from tax, while a meal at a fancy restaurant is taxed, the luxury of bottled water should be subject to sales tax. LIWC Position: Oppose
S 474 Lanza / A 3630 Cusick (MS) Rank: 2 - Provides that all governments and municipalities shall comply with all local, state and federal laws and rules in constructing or leasing facilities. This would subject water suppliers to such ordinances as local zoning codes, which would unduly interfere with their ability to supply one of the most important necessities of life. LIWC Position: Oppose
S 4596 Monserrate / A 3642 Pheffer (MS) Rank: 1 - Prohibits the sale or offer for sale at retail of bottled water in this state in a beverage container unless such container includes on its label certain information, LIWC Position: Support
S 3237 Flanagan / A 4762 Morelle (MS) Rank: 2 - Relates to tort claims against water authorities of Erie, Suffolk, Monroe and Onondaga counties. LIWC Position: Support
S 1116 Marcellino Rank: 5 - Establishes the profession of geology; provides for professional licensing for geologists. LIWC Position: Support
S 2784-A Thompson / A 4774-B Englebright (MS) Rank: 1 - Establishes the profession of geology; provides for professional licensing for geologists. LIWC Position: Support
S 173 Kruger Rank: 3 - Prohibits bonds or notes of public authorities and public benefit corporations from extending beyond period of probable usefulness. This places a state mandate on an exchange which should be the subject of negotiation between the bond issuer and bond purchaser. LIWC Position: Oppose
S 1730 Schneiderman / A 4272 Brodsky (MS) Rank: 1 - Grants private citizens broad authorization to commence civil judicial actions under certain titles of the environmental conservation law. LIWC Position: Oppose
S 995 Marcellino / A 1317 Colton (MS) Rank: 2 - Provides for the recycling and regulates the sale of certain electronic equipment. LIWC Position: Monitor
A 5657 Rosenthal (MS) Rank: 3 - Creates central procurement offices for each public authority. Water Utility Council Position: Oppose
A 5811 Brodsky (MS) Rank: 3 - "The Mercury-Free Water Resources and Mercury Reduction Management Strategy Act of 2007"; repealer. Water Utility Council Position: No Position
A 6357 Miller (MS) Rank: 5 - Directs public service commission to provide a discount to benevolent and fraternal organizations for utility services.
A 6527 Latimer Rank: 3 - Allows the Westchester joint water works, a non-profit utility, the authority to increase the per meeting compensation of the members of the board of trustees. LIWC Position: Support
S 3071 Oppenheimer Rank: 3 - Allows the Westchester joint water works, a non-profit utility, the authority to increase the per meeting compensation of the members of the board of trustees. LIWC Position: Support
S 840 Marcellino Rank: 5 - Enacts the landscape irrigation contractor certification act. LIWC Position: Support
S 3071 Oppenheimer Rank: 3 - Allows the Westchester joint water works, a non-profit utility, the authority to increase the per meeting compensation of the members of the board of trustees. Compensation could be increased up to the amount of $300 per meeting.
S 3573 Perkins / A 4671 Benjamin Rank: 1 - Relates to requiring utility companies to include a notice of public hearings concerning rate increases.
S 3776 Thompson / A 1588 Englebright (MS) Rank: 1 Requires landowners to be notified of a petroleum discharge. Water Utility Council Position: Support
Following is the ranking scale:
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