Dec. 2024 Raleigh Water Employee Newsletter

Pullen Park Holiday Express City of Raleigh and the Rotary Club host scheduled times for a “ Holiday Express ” children's train ride during December at Pullen Park with activities and winter themed experiences available including Santa Claus, the Reindeer Food, and the Crafty Elves stations

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TABLE OF CONTENTS RW Employees Spread Holiday Cheer ………….…………………….………... pg. 3 - 4 A Roadmap to Water Affordability ……………………………….....…….………. pg. 5 Lead and Copper Rule Revision ……………………………….………...…….…….. pg. 5 City of Raleigh Environmental Awards Program ……………….……………... pg. 5 Employee Spotlight ………….………………………………...…………….……...... pg. 6 - 7 This is What We Do: Resource Recovery Division ....…………….…... pg. 8 - 14 (Special Divisional Guide of programs/responsibilities, facilities, and staff) New Employee Orientation …..…..……….……………………………………….... pg. 15 Retirement News/Kudos ..……………..…….……………………………………….. pg. 16 THANK YOU so much to everyone who contributed items to the employee newsletter, including Jake Barnhart, Tamika Black, Jeff Bognar, Kelvin Brown, Michael Carpenter, Patricia Creech, Sarah Gornick, Kimberly Holmes - Iverson, Nathan Howell, Kathleen Jordan, Lisa Joseph, Olivia Joyner, Michael Loveless, Haley Page, Josh Parrish, Christopher Sauls, James Sleeper, and Susy Spencer

If you have any items of interest that you would like to submit for the employee newsletter, please contact sarah.weisenburn@raleighnc.gov

“ Mr. H2O Elf of DEB is at it again …. he just can ’ t stay still and pops up in unexpected places! ”

Contributed by: Susy Spencer

KUDOS! Contributed by: DeEtte Thomas and James Sleeper

Mr. Mohd, a customer, called in to give a note of thanks for Kyle Stephens who came out and installed a meter and said he went above and beyond. He did an amazing job and the customer wanted Kyle ’ s supervisor, Mr. Martinez, to know the kind of wonderful work Kyle did!

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Contributed by: Kimberly Holmes - Iverson

We're incredibly proud of Michael Carpenter , a dedicated Raleigh Water employee, for his inspiring initiative! Carpenter organized a toy drive to bring joy to children in need in Western North Carolina, exceeding his initial goal of assisting the Marines in reaching 700 children. Click HERE to see the pilot (dressed as Santa) in his chopper! Partnering with organizations like The Pantheon Project and the Marines, Raleigh Water employees ensured children in areas severely impacted by Hurricane Helene experience the warmth of the holiday season. The toys, destined for remote and underserved communities, were airdropped by the Marines near Spruce Pines. The toy drive was a resounding

success! Carpenter collected more than 1,200 new, wrapped toys, including 23 bikes and

four tricycles (with helmets). Click HERE to see a video of some of the kids excitedly waiting for one of the toy drops to arrive! In early December, Jarrett Zeigler , accompanied by his retired military dog Shiva and his mother, Julie Zeigler, (pictured right) picked up 185 toys to jumpstart distribution. Carpenter and colleague, Jeff Clark , (both pictured above) delivered the remaining toys.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible effort. Your generosity has brought smiles to countless faces!

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(pictured in top left: Jacquelyn Colangelo , the COO of the Pantheon Project , top right: RW Sewer Maintenance Division/crew who assisted with the toy drive collection)

We're also grateful to partners who helped make this possible: • Garner Fire Department • SECU (Stonehenge Branch) • New Hope Baptist Church • Romanoff Electric Residential Heating & Cooling LLC • Network Building + Consulting • IQVIA • Sterling Pharma Solutions • Infrastructure Solutions Group • Equipment Repair Solutions • SPG Plumbing • The US Composting Council • The Collective: Luxe Beauty Boutiques • Dukes Root Control Together, we've shown the true spirit of the holidays. Let's continue to inspire each other and make a positive impact on our community! • Peak Performance • Blackmon Farms • New Hope Wilders Grove Exchange Club

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A Roadmap to Water Affordability: Lessons from Louisville and Raleigh

Contributed by: Raftelis (Joe Crea and Melissa Levin)

Ensuring access to affordable water and wastewater services is a critical challenge for many municipalities. Louisville Water and the Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (Louisville MSD) in Kentucky and Raleigh Water in North Carolina, have taken significant steps to address this issue. Raftelis collaborated with Louisville Water, Louisville MSD, and Raleigh Water to evaluate the affordability of their services and Develop a roadmap for promoting service affordability through policies, strategies, and customer assistance programs. The studies examined household income levels and customer bill patterns, the effectiveness of existing customer assistance programs, and objectives that each utility prioritized relative to customer afford ability. The projects included interviews with key stakeholders for each organization, including executive leadership, billing and customer service staff, and community partners. The information gathered from these discussions was instrumental in developing action items that form the basis of the affordability frameworks. The affordability frameworks present strategies and tactics based on their priority to each organization, the time required to examine and implement them, and the level of impact they may have on the community. Lead and Copper Rule Revision Project: What ’ s It Mean for You and Our Customers? We care about the health and safety of our community Raleigh Water is making sure our water supply is safe by following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ’ s (EPA) updated rules about lead and copper in drinking water. Customers of Raleigh Water can be confident that their tap water meets strict EPA standards, which now include new rules to lower lead and copper levels in public water systems. It is also important to note that Raleigh Water does not have any lead service lines. To find out more about the EPA ’ s Lead & Copper Rule Revision and what Raleigh Water is doing to protect you and our customers, visit raleighnc.gov and search ‘ lead ’ . You can also check out our annual Water Quality Reports to see how we test the water to keep it safe for everyone. City of Raleigh Environmental Awards Program: Raleigh Water is There for It! Raleigh Water has become part of the city ’ s environmental awards program in an exciting new way. The ‘ Project Share Champion for Sustainability and Water Equity ’ award honors people, groups, schools, or organizations that have made important contributions to the Raleigh Water Project Share program. This award recognizes those who are dedicated to environmental sustainability and improving the community's well - being. It particularly highlights efforts to raise aware ness and fund projects that support the program. This is a great opportunity to acknowledge those who have significantly impacted the Project Share program. For more information about how to apply for or nominate someone for the award, visit raleighnc.gov and search for ‘ Environmental Awards Program. ’ To read more, click HERE. Contributed by: Jake Barnhart

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National Apprenticeship Week Contributed by: Kay Willis

National Apprenticeship Week kicked off Monday Nov 18 th with a celebration at Finch Park in Lexington NC. Raleigh Water proudly participates in the NC Rural Water Association apprentice program. Two apprentices at E. M. Johnson water treatment plant, Patrick Kenny (pictured on left) and Kyle Restaneo , are wrapping up and ready to graduate the program. Both have achieved getting their B - Surface certification. Kyle has also achieved his B - Distribution certification. Patrick has his C - Apprentice Distribution certification. Grace Gonzalez , an apprentice at Dempsey Benton water treatment plant (pictured below right) is halfway through the program and achieved her C - Surface and C - Distribution certifications. All have been

great additions to the Raleigh Water team. The NCRWA apprentice program has been a great opportunity to develop water professionals. During the celebration, the Mayor of Lexington, Mr. Jason Hayes

and others spoke. An ice breaker game of social bingo was a good kick off to meet others. Two City of Raleigh employees, Grace Gonzalez and Jeremy Ennis, were part of a three - way tie in the photograph contest. In attendance at the event was Grace Gonzalez and her mentor Ken Cheek, Supervisor Jeremy Ennis, Patrick Kenny with mentor and Supervisor Kay Willis, as well as Mike Jones, but his mentee, Kyle Restaneo, was unable to go due to attending school to achieve his A - Surface certification. There were several mentors and mentees in attendance from all over the state. After the event attendees were invited to tour the wastewater and water plants in Lexington. Mike, Grace, Patrick, and Kay went to tour the 102 - year - old Lexington plant. Their tour was given by one of the many mentee ’ s employees with the Lexington municipality. All in attendance at the event are proud to partner with NCRWA and the apprentice program and have positive experiences with the program!

New Equipment Certification Contributed by: Jason Tibbrine

The Building Maintenance team at Raleigh Water recently acquired a new scissor lift, an exciting addition to their equipment lineup. This is used at all of the RW facilities and can be up on a trailer. Since this was a new tool for the team, comprehensive training was essential. To earn their certifications, team members had to pass a written test and demonstrate their ability to safely operate the lift. The training was conducted by United Rentals, ensuring the team is well - prepared to use this new equipment effectively and safely. As a reminder, training is required for all new equipment to ensure safety and proper usage.

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Raleigh Water Staff Wins Meter Challenge Contributed by: James Sleeper We want to congratulate Shannon Pickett from Raleigh Water for winning the Meter Challenge during this year's CONNECT Meter School. The goal of 'Meter Challenge' is to assemble all components of a water meter with the fastest time. Shannon had the overall record time of 0:57 and in the end, took home the trophy in the head - to - head final!

Raleigh Water Employee Helps Lost Child Find Mother On Thursday, Oct. 17, Raleigh Water employee, Geoffrey Fish , saw a three - year - old boy walking barefoot alone on the side of the road. He pulled over and attempted to communicate with the child. After sharing his snacks and letting the boy warm up, they walked in the direction of the child's house looking for his parents. Several neighbors guided the child in the right direction before reuniting him with his mother. A big thanks to Geoffrey for setting a wonderful example of serving the community by going above and beyond the call of duty!

Special Recognition: Michael Falk “ I wanted to take a moment amidst this busy (Western NC/Hurricane Helene) response effort to recognize the exceptional work that Mike has been doing. Typically, NCWaterWARN handles a limited number of missions during these operations. However, due to the severe impact that Hurricane Helene has had on the region, particularly on the water sector, the requests for assistance have reached unprecedented levels. As you're aware, the infrastructure breakout room has been overwhelmed with tasks, and I was assigned to support WARN. When I took over, the desk was disorganized, with missions being carried out without proper communication or awareness at the state level. Thanks to Mike's leadership and dedication, he has transformed the situation, centralizing mission tasks and streamlining the flow of information into a clear and efficient process. Missions are now executed with full state oversight, and information is being relayed accurately and consistently. Even when Mike is not officially scheduled at the WARN desk, he continues to provide crucial oversight and direction to ongoing field missions. I want to emphasize that I would not have been able to establish the streamlined, effective process we now have for WARN operations without Mike ’ s outstanding support and initiative. Thank you for your time, and please know how critical Mike's contributions have been to the success of this response. ”

- Tommy Wendelgass FEMA Integration Team - North Carolina Operational Planning Branch | Response Division | FEMA Region 4

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Resource Recovery Division

(8) Programs (3) Offsite Facilities (128) Remote Pump Stations Contributed by: Patricia Creech, Olivia Joyner, Lisa Joseph, and the Management and staff of the Resource Recovery Division

Operations (602): Wastewater, Biosolids & Gas Treatment Systems Contributed by: Nathan Howell

The Resource Recovery Division Operations staff focuses on improving public health, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable water management by effectively removing contaminants from wastewater before it is returned to natural water systems or reused for various purposes. The key objectives of Operations are: 1. Pollution Reduction : Removing harmful substances such as debris, pathogens, chemicals, heavy metals, and nutrients from wastewater to prevent pollution of water bodies, soil, and the air.

2. Public Health Protection : Ensuring that treated wastewater is safe for reuse or release, thereby protecting communities from waterborne diseases and other health hazards. 3. Resource Recovery : Encouraging the reuse of treated water, recovery of valuable resources (like energy, phosphorus, nitrogen, and biogas), and reducing reliance on fresh water for irrigation, industrial use, and even potable water. 4. Sustainability and Innovation : Implementing advanced treatment technologies (such as biological treatments, membrane filtration, and UV disinfection) to increase treatment efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 5. Energy Efficiency : Incorporating energy - efficient practices to make wastewater treatment facilities self - sustaining, for example, by harnessing biogas for energy production. This also reduces our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

(pictured above: Hwy 50 pump station) 6. Regulatory Compliance : Meeting state and federal environmental standards and regulations to safeguard water quality.

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Operations (602): Wastewater, Biosolids & Gas Treatment Systems —cont ’ d

(pictured left: Jude Sebastien , Plant Operations Specialist, Night Shift Operator, and right: Matthew Herrera , Plant Operations Specialist/Day Shift Operator, watching the plant flow & equipment process at the filter building desk)

Laboratory (603): Contributed by: Tamika Black

The Neuse River Resource Recovery Laboratory has 8 staff members, consisting of Laboratory Supervisor, Laboratory Scientist Senior, Laboratory Scientist, and Laboratory Specialist. The laboratory

perform analyses on samples from wastewater, groundwater, surface water, stormwater, and biosolids regulated by the EPA, Standard Methods, International Organization of Stand ards 17025, and the State of North Carolina. The lab is certified in 86 methods to report monitoring data to the Division of Water Resources (DWR) for compliance with NPDES effluent, surface water, groundwater, and pretreatment regulations. Approximately 11,000 analyses are performed a year by the laboratory team. Each year the laboratory is required to

perform blind analysis studies, known as proficiency testing in order to maintain certification of each method. The laboratory is also required to maintain a Quality Assurance program that is based on NC Administrative Code 15A NCAC 15A.0800, 40 CFR Part 136, which refers to good laboratory practice and method specific requirements. The Neuse River Resource Recovery Laboratory is committed to excellent professional practice and the quality of its service to our customers. The laboratory strives to provide high quality analytical data that is accurate, reliable, and compliant in efforts to protect the environment and prevent pollution.

(pictured top left: Brandon David , Chemist - Lab 146 – Organic Sampling such as Ammonia, Nitrates, Phosphorus, Cyanide, & TKN, top right: Emma Bancroft (temp) - distributes samples received for analyses throughout the lab, and bottom right: Tamika Black – Sr. Chemist– Lab 137 – Wet Chemistry Analyses)

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Laboratory (603): Warehouse C ontributed by: Josh Parrish

The Resource Recovery Division Warehouse plays a crucial role within the Division as the flow of parts needed to keep our wastewater treatment plants and 130+ remote pump stations operational. They manage three warehouses stocked with over 3,000 items, ranging from very small parts to large spare pumps and motors, totaling over $4.5 million worth of inventory. (pictured left is Josh Parrish , Procurement Analyst who processes all RIFF contracts and oversees the warehouse process). Not pictured is: Fenner Harding , Inventory & Warehouse Supervisor, who handles all incoming deliveries and manages the warehouse inventory)

Laboratory (603): Industrial Pretreatment Contributed by: Sarah Gornick

Pretreatment Specialists are sampling specialists; they are always out and about collecting samples. Industry sampling is used to judge Industrial permit compliance and provide accountability for surcharge billing. It is

also used to calculate loadings and support permitting decisions. The specialists are the eyes and ears of the City on Industry sites, conducting inspections of permit holders and surveys of businesses that may have a significant waste stream. They conduct complaint investigations when issues arise in the plants, lift stations, or collection system. The NRRRF is a large site with a long history and near constant construction activities. Pretreatment Specialists sample wells, streams, and stormwater to keep the NRRRF compliant with state regulations. They also conduct inspections of these sites and coordinate needed maintenance. You may also see Pretreatment Specialists managing Universal Wastes and issuing Septage Hauler permits, RFID stickers, NOVs, and hosting our annual Industrial Pretreatment Day. (pictured right: Jacob Holt, Pretreatment Utilities Specialist and Sarah Gornick , Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator)

Maintenance (604) / Remote Facilities (608): Contributed by: Jeff Bognar

The Resource Recovery Division Maintenance Program consists of two teams: Plant Maintenance and Remote Facilities Maintenance. These two teams consist of 36 mechanics and electricians, 4 supervisors, and one superintendent. These skilled tradespeople are proficient in pump maintenance, electrical & instrumentation work, plumbing, HVAC, and a variety of other tasks. The Plant Maintenance Team is responsible for the reliability of equipment and infrastructure at our Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility (NRRRF) – the largest wastewater treatment plant in NC with the first thermally hydrolized solids processing facility in the state. They ensure treatment processes

run smoothly, safely, and efficiently 24/7 by performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, welding & fabrication, repairs, and installing new equipment. The Plant Mechanic ’ s role supports high equipment operability and maximizing equipment efficiency. (pictured: Teriney “ T ” Sutton, Sr. Plant Maintenance Specialist– working with a representative from Hach company at the basins)

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Maintenance (604) / Remote Facilities (608) - cont ’ d:

The Remote Facilities Maintenance Team is responsible for the reliability of equipment at our two smaller wastewater treatment plants – Smith Creek Resource Recovery Facility (SCRRF), Little Creek Resource Recovery Facility (LCRRF) – as well as approximately 130 sewer lift stations nestled throughout Wake County. These stations help convey wastewater to each of our three treatment plants. Our NCDEQ State - issued Collection System Permit requires that each week staff make regular visits to every facility, document the findings, and generate work orders for repairs. These mechanics are highly skilled in the operation and maintenance of lift stations with automated pump controls and Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) telemetry. They play a vital role in protecting the environment and public health by making sure we “ keep it in the pipe. ”

Both teams adhere to the highest standards of safety and compliance. They go through rigorous emergency response training, ensuring

quick and effective solutions to maximize uptime and maintain plant and/or station operations. Their work is captured within our Cityworks Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) for use in condition assessment and asset management decisions.

(pictured above: plant maintenance mechanics, Cameron Newcomb and Brian Craver , work on a grit pump at NRRRF headworks, on right: Bryan Johnson , Plant Maintenance Supervisor, Leo Lima , Utilities Coordinator, and Wendy Gresham , Senior Electrician)

Land Management (605): Farm & Biosolids Management Contributed by: Christopher Sauls

Resource Recovery's Land Management Program has a multi tude of responsibilities which include the land application of biosolids and residuals on and offsite, farming hundreds of acres which include land preparation, planting and harvesting, and spray irrigation. This includes maintenance of the interior grounds of the NRRRF plant as well as the acreage surrounding the farm fields and road sides. They market and distribute water plant residuals and class A biosolids to interested third party farmers as an organic and nitrogen source for crops, as well as hauling rags and screenings from multiple locations to an onsite debris drying bed to dispose of it at the landfill. They have a crew of two mechanics that are heavily involved in keeping up with the constant need for heavy equipment

maintenance on site and some off site equipment as well. As always, staff are prepared to assist in storm preparation with high rainfall events and ensure that plant roads are clear during winter weather. (pictured above in truck: Eric Batchelor , Equipment Operator III, Milo Harvest)

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Land Management (605): Farm & Biosolids Management - cont ’ d

(pictured above: Hay rolls, bottom left: Michael Gregory , Sr. Fleet Maintenance. Specialist - working on speed rower, bottom middle: Chris Sauls , Land Management Superintendent, bottom right: Emily Fentress , Land App. & Maintenance Supervisor)

Administration (610): Contributed by: Kathleen Jordan

The 5230 Administration Program (610) helps support internal customers in identifying project and data reporting needs and aids in building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Key responsibilities include managing resources to ensure collaborative and accurate data analytics and metrics reporting, providing professional support with research and analysis related to Resource Recovery performance, and tracking regulatory deadlines to ensure timely compliance.

Additionally, this group guides and oversees employee onboarding and offboarding, training, professional development, and travel coordination. They also offer support across various software platforms (i.e. Cityworks, Microsoft Office/SharePoint, NeoGov, and PeopleSoft), handle inventory and invoicing, manage access/badging, and support other departmental initiatives. (pictured above: Lisa Joseph , RRF Plant Manager, top right: Olivia Joyner , Administrative Specialist, bottom right: Patricia Creech , Fiscal Analyst)

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Resource Recovery Division ’ s Environmental Management System (610):

The Resource Recovery Division earned ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) certification in 2017, reaffirming its commitment to advancing sound environmental performance. This certification highlights the division's dedication to systematically managing and reducing the environmental impacts of its operations.

The EMS was specifically designed to integrate environmental considerations into the organization's daily activities. It provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, managing, and mitigating environmental risks while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, the EMS plays a key role in fostering ongoing improvement in organizational performance and environmental outcomes. The Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility is proud to be an ISO 14001:2015 certified facility, exemplifying its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability at the highest standards.

The Resource Recovery Division recognizes the responsibility to protect the environment and public health focusing on products for beneficial reuse by: • Meeting or exceeding compliance obligations • Seeking continual improvement • Promoting positive relations with interested parties • Protecting the environment, including prevention of pollution

Smith Creek (624): Contributed by: Michael Loveless

The Smith Creek RRF staff operate and maintain a 3.0 MGD wastewater plant that serves the Wake Forest area. They collect compliance samples twice a week and deliver them to the Neuse River laboratory. They also perform process control sampling and testing daily to maintain the correct Dissolve oxygen and solids level in the oxidation ditches. Operators are on site for 10 to 12 hours during the week and 4 hours on the weekend. One operator is on - call for afterhours alarms as well as weekends. (pictured top left: Stephen Smith - Plant Operations Specialist– checking amps on the variable frequency drive / Checking Sludge Levels, bottom left: Juan Saa Hurtado - Maintenance Worker– preparing tractor to level gravel. Top right, Smith Creek RRF aerial, bottom right: John Silveri - Sr Plant Operations Specialist – Laboratory testing for Process Control – Ammonia, Phosphorus, MLSS Solids, Alkalinity and turbidity)

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Little Creek (626): Contributed by: Kelvin Brown

The Little Creek RRF consist of mechanical screen, grit removal system, Equalization basin, Oxidation ditch, 2 secondary clarifiers, 2 effluent filters, post aeration tank, Ultraviolet disinfection system, aerobic digester, and sludge holding lagoon. The Little Creek staff consist of 3 operators, 1 mechanic helper and one plant operations supervisor. All 3 operators are licensed by the state.

Operators monitor wastewater treatment system operations; read charts and gauges; note operational problems; and recommend adjustments to maintain system balance, as well as Inspecting pumps, sump pumps, and air supplies; and priming pumps as needed. Follow ing proper procedures, they gather samples at appropriate sampling points and record information; and perform basic laboratory tests, as needed. Staff perform a variety of preventive maintenance tasks; clean and monitor the operations of automatic sampler checks and maintain proper oil levels in equipment; and fill oil reservoirs to maintain proper levels. They also check flow patterns of water and sludge; ensure proper operation of stand - by - generators; measure sludge depths and troubleshoot the sludge pumping system. Staff also handle Inspecting and cleaning lift stations facilities and grounds, maintain the facility in a clean, orderly, and safe condition; and perform routine grounds maintenance work as needed, including painting and landscaping work; and perform preventive maintenance as assigned. Staff safely operates a variety of equipment and hand power tools and use a variety of testing equipment following related procedures. As well as maintaining a variety of records and reports related to wastewater system operations. Under supervision, they operate computers for process control and monitor SCADA systems, and to maintain the daily operational logbook. In conclusion, Little Creek RRF stands on its Environmental Policy Statements to meet or exceed compliance obligations, seek continual improvement, promoting positive relations with interested parties, and protecting the environment including the prevention of pollution.

(pictured top left: Josh Eller , Plant Operations Specialist, cleaning aerator disk on the aeration basin, bottom left to right: Jennifer Holmes , Sr Plant Operations Specialist - Laboratory Testing, Kelvin Brown , Plant Operations Supervisor, Elliot Smith , Plant Operations Specialist– transferring sludge from aeration basin to the digester)

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Contributed by: Haley Page New Employee Orientation

Performance and Quality Assurance always has fun with New Employees creating paper chains while teaching everyone about the “ Plan, Do, Check, Act ” continuous improvement framework and our Department Business Plan! A special congratulations to David, Sarah, Elizabeth, Tyler, and Jodaris for making the longest chain (pictured in left pic below)!

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Raleigh Water staff held a retirement party on Fri, Nov. 22 nd at DE Benton WTP for Perry Allen to commemorate his 21 years with the Capital Improvement Projects Division in Raleigh Water. Many current and former co - workers, as well as acquaintances from several companies that he works with attended to share memories and wish him well. The event location had special meaning as it was one of the projects that Perry was involved with during the entire planning, design, permitting, and construction phases. Prior to working with the City, he also had a notable career in the private sector for 26 years. Perry currently serves as a Senior

Engineering Supervisor and is responsible for project management over the larger and more complex CIP projects. He works closely with external consultants and contractors to execute numerous vital water and sewer projects for Raleigh Water and handles on - call duty for emergency water and sewer issues. Perry is known by everyone in the office as a “ jack of all trades ” and the person you can always count on when you need something! We all appreciate his genuine warmth, humor, and expertise and

know Raleigh Water won ’ t be the same when he leaves. During his retirement he plans to spend extra time with his wife, (Jennifer) and his 4 children, and now he will have a chance for extra time to work on home projects and to enjoy getting to hang out more especially with his 6 grandchildren. We hope he will have many happy things to look forward to with his future plans!!

Holiday Toast to Jacob: Jacob Barnhart Contributed by: Kimberly Holmes - Iverson

In Raleigh Water's halls, where stories unfold, There's a hero named Jacob, worth more than gold. A comms team of one, for a year he did shine, Keeping our message alive, an online lifeline. With curly locks of brown, a sight to behold, He spreads the good word, brave and bold. Media alerts buzzing, advisories too, He spreads the good word, of the work that we do. From capital projects to community cheer, Jacob's web stories, kept the world near. He crafts "Kudos" with care, for each division's deeds, Celebrating kindness, planting positivity's seed. But now it's our turn, to sing Jacob's praise, For his tireless efforts, in these busy days. A heart big and true, making sure voices are heard, With the Language Access Collaborative, he amplifies every word. A smile that's contagious, a helping hand so kind, Jacob's a treasure, the best you could find.

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