Archive for September, 2009
Continuing Education Credits available for TAUD Members in 2010
Friday, September 25th, 2009 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments
On September the 22nd, the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts held a meeting with members of Safety Engineering Consultants along with Kirk Smith of Next Generation Underwriters Inc. in Murfreesboro. Staff members from TAUD included, Executive Director Bob Freudenthal, Office Manager Penny Funk, Member Services Director Beth Hardeman, Education Manager Brent Ogles, Source Water Protection Technician Larry Lewis and Groundwater Specialist/IT Specialist Greg Baker. In attendance from SEC were Tom Montgomery, Chris Stites and Mark Bilyeu.
As water operators and wastewater operators require continuous education credits to keep within the State Laws for compliance, TAUD wants to develop the opportunity for all Utility Districts a Safety recommendation program to help with CE Credits. This CE program would allow for water operators and wastewater operators a chance to get CE Credits without cost to the Utility District they represent. The programs will take place following designated scheduled Region Meetings across the State beginning in 2010. The safety programs will follow the regular Region meeting lunch and start around 12:30 or 1:00 depending on the schedules. The programs will conclude around 3:30 to 4:00 depending on time needed to obtain the 3 hour credit.
We believe that this type of arrangement to offer the services of Safety Engineering Consultants can help improve the pro-active approach that each of our members should take very seriously when it comes to safety in the workplace. Utility Districts are constantly under the heavy regulations from TOASHA and TDEC to maintain compliance and safety is paramount.
Preliminary plans are to schedule the meetings following the Region 2, 8, 9 and 10 meetings. In looking at the dates and places already scheduled for Region Meetings in 2010, we want to make it accessible to each Utility District to not have to travel a great distance to attend these training seminars said Larry Lewis of TAUD. The dates picked for the training are: Region 2 June 2nd, Region 8 July 8th, Region 9 June 24th, and Region 10 May 26th. We are in the process of contacting all the Region Leaders involved to make sure the dates are acceptable and that we have room to continue a meeting after lunch in the same location. In the event that a date and place should change, the information will be posted on the TAUD website at: www.taud.org. TAUD is also planning to have all upcoming meetings, events and conferences for 2010, posted on the website to allow for Utility Districts the needed time to plan ahead.
Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com
Region 9 Holds Quarterly meeting at Dickson County Club
Monday, September 21st, 2009 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments
Local flooding conditions during the month of September has utility districts watching their water and wastewater plants with caution. This could also be a contributing factor to the small turnout for the Region 7 meeting held on September 17th in Dickson, Tennessee. Scott Miller serves as Region Leader and had put together a very informative program for the TAUD members from Stewart, Houston, Dickson, Cheatham, Hickman, Humphreys and Montgomery Counties.
Leading off the program was Kathy Quartermaine of TN811. Kathy presented a power point presentation about the importance of contacting TN811 before you turn over any earth. She stated that while most utility contractors are aware of the service, many homeowner’s are unaware of the nature to contact TN811. We take every opportunity to conduct speaking seminar’s to civic groups and Chambers of Commerce to help get the word out along with ads in utility district monthly statements and newspaper print. We also have run TV commercials and radio ads to help inform the public of our service.
Next, Bruce Trotter of TAUD gave a report on the upcoming training sessions available for CE Credit that will take place at the Training Center in Murfreesboro. Larry Lewis of TAUD gave the attendees a report on Legislative Updates involving new regulations for U.D.
A report was given by a member of the Nashville Field Office of Rural Development on low interest loans and the terms available.
Dave Monday of Proxima in Nashville and a vendor for Wascon presented a power point presentation on pressure management valves to help with water loss.
At the conclusion of the programs, Glen ‘Piggy’ Parks of ADC made a heartfelt announcement that he will be retiring before the end of the year. ‘Piggy’ has been with ADC and Mike Wetherington since the inception of the company. Piggy has many friends and customers across the state of Tennessee and Kentucky and if you would like to send him a card, contact ADC at www.adc-chem.com. Piggy informed attendees that he will always have his cell phone on him and for any utility district that needs assistance to contact him. We wish Glen ‘Piggy’ Parks many happy days in his retirement.
A lunch followed the program at Dickson Country Club and it was sponsored by Wascon and TN811. A round of Golf was also on the scheduled but due to the inclement weather conditions and the course holding water, it was canceled.
Next Generation Underwriters participates in all of the TAUD Regional Meetings to inform and educate the utility districts about the benefits of membership into the Tennessee Risk Management Trust.
Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com
TAUD Members Gather at Cove Lake State Park
Friday, September 11th, 2009 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments
Water and Wastewater Utility Districts located in Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Morgan, Scott and Union conducted their quarterly meeting at Cove Lake State Park in Lafollette on Sept. 10th at 10:00. With Region Leader and General Manager of Luttrell, Blaine & Corryton Utility District, Jimmy Langley provided a program for the members Sponsored by McGill Associates and Lafollette Utilities. The setting was Cove Lake State Park which has hosted numerous Region 3 meetings in the past and it seems to be a good all around spot for members to gather. Kenny Baird of Lafollette Utilities states that many members have found that this facility for this type of meeting is equal for all members to travel plus, it provides good parking and a nice meeting room to use.
The program go started with Jimmy Langley welcoming the members and giving them updates on Federal, State and Local guidelines and policies. Jimmy also spoke about the MEMS Training that will soon be available to members of TAUD at the Murfreesboro Training Center. Next, Steve Roberts with TDEC spoke on the new Drought Management Plan that the state has put in place. John Hall of TAUD introduce the newest member to the TAUD Staff, Will Taylor who serves Middle and Parts of East Tennessee as a Circuit Rider.
Kathy Quartermaine of TN811 gave members updates on requirements before you dig and how to obtain information on utility underground data.
Members of McGill Associates presented a presentation on Pumps and Maintenance for wastewater equipment and systems. Jimmy Langley provided a presentation of the Z-Noune Filtration System they use at LBC Utility. A discussion on calibrating, turbidity, chlorine and fluoride meters followed the program.
Kirk Smith of Next Generation Underwriters Inc. attends all TAUD meetings to provide support information about the insurance programs and opportunities with the Tennessee Risk Management Trust.
The lunch was provided by McGill Associates from Classy Threads and Catering.
We thank Jimmy Langley and Kenny Baird for their hospitality in hosting another outstanding program.
Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com
Region 2 conducts Quarterly Meeting in Bearden
Friday, September 4th, 2009 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments
Wayne Watson serves as General Manager of First Utility District of Knox County and Region Leader which includes Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon and Sevier Counties in East Tennessee. The Bearden Banquet Hall which is owned by Buddy’s Bar-B-Que was the sight for the September 2nd gathering of TAUD Members. The program presentation for the meeting started with Ken Jones of the Corps of Engineers Nashville Field Office. Ken described the long range plan for Waterways and Wetlands involving Corp of Engineer Lakes and Streams in East and Middle Tennessee. Next, Scott Bueher with TN811 gave a report on new rules involving residential property owners guidelines to using the TN811 System before new ground is turned. Roger Booher of the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts gave members updates on the training opportunities in Murfreesboro and offsite training coming up this fall.
Dan Martin of TAUD gave members a report on wastewater updates and introduced the newest member of the TAUD Staff, Will Taylor who will serve as a Circuit Rider for Middle and East Tennessee. Next, Steve Roberts of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation(TDEC) gave a report to members on changes that will effect utility districts as of July 1st. The final presentation involved Kirk Smith of Next Generation Underwriters and Jason Baggett of the Tennessee Risk Management Trust. Kirk spoke on the importance of knowing your coverage’s while Jason gave a power point presentation on ‘Behavioral Safety’ in the workplace.
Gary McGill of McGill Associates gave members some updated news on water utility districts getting to know the electrical power source utility district in your area.
The meeting was co-sponsored by Next Generation Underwriters Inc. and McGill Associates which provided the lunch for the 50 member plus turnout.
We thank Harold Corum, Wayne Watson and the Bearden Banquet Hall for their hospitality in hosting this event.
Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com
South Blount County Utility District Chooses Tennessee Risk Management Trust
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments
(Maryville, Tn.) South Blount County Utility District has joined the Tennessee Risk Management Trust programs of insurance through Next Generation Underwriters. We are extremely pleased to welcome Henry Durant Gen. Manager, Al Scott Assistant Gen. Manager and Carol Bellisle of South Blount County Utility District to the program states Kirk Smith of NGU. I also want to thank Mark Clinton of Tellico Area Service System for his input in helping us work with South Blount. Our best response always comes from ‘Trust’ members who share their experience with the service we provide them Smith states.
After a brief presentation in Mid-August with the Board of Commissioners, (Virginia Morton, Marshall Hurst, Tom Abbott) recognizing the need to install a risk management program was a key ingredient along with quality pricing structure that would save South Blount County Utility District on their cost of insurance. They also wanted a program that was more focused on their business and that is what our service can provide them.
For opportunities to see if your Utility District qualifies for Membership into the Trust, contact Kirk Smith with Next Generation Underwriters Inc. at 877-822-6161 for more information.
Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com