The Water Connection News for Clayton County Water Authority Employees & Retirees January 2015 For Plant Services Staff, It is Safety First G eneral Services’ Plant Services staff knows that it is Safety First at CCWA. The repair and replacement of plant equipment in both water production and water reclamation is a daily order for the crews. According to Plant Services Supervisor Brent Taylor, the Plant Services staff strives to maintain CCWA’s plants and facilities in top working condition by following three simple rules: First and foremost, work safely. Always wear your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) because it may save your life. Work efficiently. Get in, get the job done, and move on to the next one because it’s right around the corner. Work smart. Always plan through the job before you even start. Allow for contingencies and always plan to work safely and efficiently. The dangers of their job include confined space entry, high-voltage shock, mechanical entanglements, fall hazards, crushing hazards and machinery opera- tion. “While the work varies each day, we are exposed to almost every potential hazard at any given time,” adds Brent. A good example of the type of work they perform is the recent replacement of the primary fan at Pelletizing (as shown in the photos below). Staff had to secure the 30' of discharge pipe above the old fan, break loose and remove the old fan and housing, install the new fan assembly, and secure everything back. “While it is not overly complicated, it is dangerous since this fan pulls the finished pellets from the dryer drum into the final process, says Brent. “It is our duty to watch out for the crew member next to us and to make sure that everyone complies with CCWA policies and all PPE requirements,” he adds. We all want to be able to go home at the end of the day.” Shown above, front row: Brent Taylor, Mike Harp, Bob Martin, Rob Rhew and Beau Jackson. Back row: Donyel Patton, Jimmy Brown, Joe Barnett, Cody Davidson, Ron Haney, Denver Huey, Victor Bros, Doug Thomas and Justin Tucker.
Transcript
The Water Connection News for Clayton County Water Authority Employees & Retirees
January 2015
For Plant Services Staff, It is Safety First
G eneral Services’ Plant Services staff knows that it is Safety First at CCWA. The repair and replacement of plant
equipment in both water production and water reclamation is a daily order for the crews.
According to Plant Services Supervisor
Brent Taylor, the Plant Services staff strives to
maintain CCWA’s plants and facilities in top working
condition by following three simple rules:
First and foremost, work safely. Always wear
your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
because it may save your life.
Work efficiently. Get in, get the job done, and
move on to the next one because it’s right around
the corner.
Work smart. Always plan through the job
before you even start. Allow for contingencies
and always plan to work safely and efficiently.
The dangers of their job include confined space entry,
high-voltage shock, mechanical entanglements, fall
hazards, crushing hazards and machinery opera-
tion. “While the work varies each day, we are exposed to
almost every potential hazard at any given time,” adds
Brent.
A good example of the type of work they perform is
the recent replacement of the primary fan at Pelletizing (as shown in the photos below).
Staff had to secure the 30' of discharge pipe above the old fan, break loose and remove the old fan and housing, install
the new fan assembly, and secure everything back.
“While it is not overly complicated, it is dangerous since this fan pulls the finished pellets from the dryer drum into the
final process, says Brent.
“It is our duty to watch out for the crew member next to us and to make sure that everyone complies with CCWA policies
and all PPE requirements,” he adds. We all want to be able to go home at the end of the day.”
Shown above, front row: Brent Taylor, Mike Harp,
Bob Martin, Rob Rhew and Beau Jackson.
Back row: Donyel Patton, Jimmy Brown, Joe Barnett,
Cody Davidson, Ron Haney, Denver Huey, Victor Bros,
Doug Thomas and Justin Tucker.
2
MLK Holiday
All CCWA Offices
will be closed on
Monday, January 19
in observance of
Martin Luther King Day
Hicks Water Production Plant
Supervisor Jeff Smith and his
new bride Wanda were married
on November 27, 2014.
Just Married
Graduates of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP)
Leadership Academy Level 2 were invited to a “ Breakfast of Champions”
by General Manager Mike Thomas on December 16 to recognize their significant
achievement.
The six graduates included: Assistant General Manager Bernard Franks,
Water Production Manager Kendra Stanciel, Water Reclamation Lab Coordinator
Jennifer Brandon, D&C Foreman Joey Martin, Stormwater Foreman
Marcus McLester and J.W. Smith Plant Supervisor John Patterson.
While in the intensive 50-hour program participants focused on key topics related
to the water industry: business ethics, utility finance and governmental relation-
ships, as well as strengthening interpersonal relationships. During the breakfast,
Mr. Thomas acknowledged their individual commitment to completing the
program and outstanding effort to develop strong leadership skills.
Shown above, left to right: Assistant General Manager Jim Poff, Mike Thomas,
Marcus McLester, Kendra Stanciel, John Patterson, Jennifer Brandon, Bernard
Franks, Joey Martin and HR Director Ed Durham.
Marcus McLester commented, “ I enjoyed the networking with other
utilities. Also, I was able to learn about my leadership and decision making
style”.
John Patterson said, “ I personally enjoyed the session, Professional
Perspectives: Utilities, Consultants, Contractors and the Environmental
Community which, too me, was an executive summary of what we really
need to know about water utilities. I also learned that there is plenty of room
and opportunity for me to grow as a leader.”
GAWP Leadership Academy Offers Unique
Professional Development Opportunities
There are two levels of scholarship. Both levels include six half-day sessions
taught by leaders in the water industry. Participants broaden their understand-
ing of the industry as well as learning about current and future water issues.
The classes also provide an opportunity to network with fellow professionals.
*Supervisors interested in attending the 2015 program can check out the pro-
gram on the GAWP website http://www.gawp.org/. Contact Pat Heinzerling for
Water Reclamation’s Environmental Compliance staff of Jim Powell, Troy Usry
and Jennifer Brandon won the Georgia F.O.G. Alliance’s F.O.G. Program of the
Year Award. They scored a 99.2 out of 100!
Congratulations to Donny and Angie Bennett (Finance) on their son Chad
Bennett. Chad graduated on December 13, 2014 from Southern Polytechnic
State University with a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering.
Warehouse Manager Mandy Lindow received her Bachelors of Business
Administration (BBA) in Managerial Science from Georgia State University on
December 17, 2014. “We are all so very proud for her and to have her in the
General Services department,” says General Services Manager Marshall
Maddox.
A customer sent a thank you card to Executive Coordinator Cary Santoyo
thanking Cary for her recent assistance and the rest of the CCWA staff, “A special
word of thanks to all of you who work so hard to help us have good water
services!”
It’s hard to believe that another year has passed and we have reached the middle
of another decade – makes me feel old! I want you to
know that with each year of service here at CCWA that I
come to appreciate our people more and more.
This year as part of our General Manager tour, I was able
to reflect on some of the history of CCWA and the people
who have served our organization and community for so
many years. I was surprised to learn that we have 45
current employees who have served at CCWA for over 25
years! What a wealth of knowledge and experience they provide. We also have
a lot of people who are new to CCWA who have brought great enthusiasm, expe-
rience and new ideas to our organization.
One thing that is consistent with our world and industry today is that it is constant-
ly changing. One area we have seen a lot of change is with our Management
Team. Half of our 16 member team are new this year. Although they are all still
learning some of their new responsibilities, I am excited about our team and the
potential they have to re-energize the organization and keep us on top of our
game.
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Clayton County
Water Authority. A review of our history shows that we have always been an
innovative, award winning, professional organization.
I look forward to a new chapter in our history as we work hard on rebuilding our
pipeline assets, improving our product – quality water, and continuing to be an
innovative leader in our industry.
4
~ New Hires ~
Steven Silver
SCADA Administrator
Hire Date: 11/24/2014
Cody George
Utility Service
Mechanic
Hire Date: 12/15/2014
Les Rogers
Stormwater Mechanic
Hire Date:12/15/2014
Arlando Jester
Stormwater
Mechanic
Hire Date: 12/16/2014
Joel Soriano
Desktop Technician
Hire Date: 12/29/2014
CCWA’s Distribution & Conveyance staff has an impressive number of state
licensed Distribution and Collections Operators with more than 78 holding a state
license.
This accomplishment is the result of a collaborative approach that started back
in 2002 when there were approximately six (6) licensed staff and most staff taking
the exams were having trouble passing.
A round table meeting discussing the difficulty in passing these exams revealed it
was not the material covered as the staff were very knowledgeable. Instead, the
problem involved the actual process of taking the exam. It was decided that a
class focusing on how to take the exam and build confidence with class
participation would be the best way to empower employees.
In-house training classes spearheaded by Compliance Specialist Charles Ecton
started that year on a voluntary basis. The first round of students passed the
exam and used exit poll discussions to help the next round of student’s better
study for the exam.
Test-taking methods and round table discussions became a key focus for the
study classes. Each class helped the next group prepare for the test.
Over the years, students from various departments including Stormwater,
General Services, as well as D&C, have successfully passed the exams.
To date more than 60 employees have been through the class with a passing rate
of 98%. Some recent class members who passed the exams include: Al Loftis,
Martin Green, Reginald Jester and Torrey Mund.
This collaborative approach to improving test taking skills is another example of
CCWA employees taking initiative and raising the bar a little higher.
~ Transfer ~
Jeremy Storm Backflow Technician
D&C’s Collaborative Approach Proves Successful
Supervisors 1/6/15 The Principles of Genuine Leadership (new supervisors) 1/21/15 Managing Violence/Harassment & Inclusion at Work (new supervisors) 1/28/15 The Genuine Leadership program: Correcting Performance Problems
All employees 1/13/15 PowerPoint Skills - Level 1 1/22/15 Interviewing with Confidence – Part 1
For additional information about these classes, check the training catalog posted in your department or look on SharePoint.
January 2015 Training Classes
Congratulations to the
following winners from our
December drawing:
Mike Crabtree (Water Rec.)
Gene Beaber (D&C)
Japelyn Wilson (Meter Services)
Don Huie (D&C)
Cody George (D&C)
D&C’s State Licensed Operators
5
Leaders Fare Better By Thinking Together
By The John Maxwell Company
He that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master.
~ Ben Johnson
He who builds to every man’s advice will have a crooked house.
~ Danish Proverb
The twin dangers for a leader are to refuse advice from anyone or to take advice from everyone. Smart leaders navigate
between these two extremes, selectively choosing people from whom to seek input and counsel. The success of a
leader depends on the quality of questions she asks and the caliber of person to whom she asks them.
Young leaders often believe they need to have all the answers. No matter how far out of their expertise a matter may
fall, they feel obligated to supply an answer in order to validate their position of authority. However, the “fake it ‘til you
make it” approach to leadership seldom works. When you’re ignorant about something, you eventually won’t fake it well
and others will be able to tell you’re a phony.
A leader’s job is not to know everything but to attract people who know things that he or she does not. Great thinkers do
not birth brilliant ideas in isolation. Rather, they form their thoughts through interaction and communication with others.
Shared thinking matures the mind by allowing people to access experiences and perspectives that they do not personal-
ly possess. As people bounce ideas off one another, they inspire a higher level of thought than is possible through solo
thinking.
Shared thinking is faster than solo thinking. When we try to find the way alone, we fail to recognize dead-ends, and we
take unnecessary detours. Relying on our own wisdom, we suffer delays that could easily be avoided by simply inquiring
into the experiences of others instead of slogging down the slow road of trial-and-error by our-
selves.
Shared thinking is more innovative than solo thinking. We tend to think of great thinkers and inventors as soloists, but
the truth is that the greatest innovative thinking doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Innovation results from collaboration. At the
beginning, no idea is great. A great idea results from the synergetic interactions of several good ideas. Shared thinking
returns greater value than solo thinking. Not only does shared thinking generate stronger solutions and better strategies,
it’s personally rewarding as well. The higher you go up in leadership, the more you realize that true significance and suc-
cess are found by setting aside personal ambition for the sake of a common vision
