VOL. 18, NO. 1 FALL/ 2001 Drain Commissioner tours new ... - ImageEvent

Photo by: Paul Gomez, Public Relations

Published by and for the Employees VOL. 18, NO. 1

of the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department FALL/ 2001

Drain Commissioner tours new treatment plant

"Impressive," remarked Oakland County Drain Commissioner John McCulloch, while on a recent tour of Water Works Park II, a state-of-the-art water treatment plant under construction on the site of Detroit's first historic water treatment plant. The $275 million plant will produce up to 320 million gallons of water per day when completed in Fall 2002.

"I represent a number of Oakland County communities. I felt it was important to see the significant investment being made by DWSD," said McCulloch, who began his term of office last January. "I felt it was important to meet the policy makers and work with them on delivering the best quality water to the communities."

Water Commissioner Marilynn E. Gosling ? who represents Oakland County ? arranged the tour to give McCulloch a chance to meet DWSD's Interim Director, Kathleen Leavey, and other key personnel. Also on hand were Water Works Park Superintendent George Thomas; Assistant Directors, Beverly Ingram; James Heath; Awni Qaqish; A.B. Davis, Jr.; James George; and Public Affairs Manager, George Ellenwood.

The group toured the new administration building and water treatment plant, which is situated on the site of a 30-million gallon reservoir constructed in 1910, and later abandoned. The plant will be the first DWSD facility to use ozone ? which will be inexpensively produced on site ? as a primary disinfectant. "Unused ozone will be turned back into oxygen, which will go back into the atmosphere," said Gary Meyerhofer, Detroit Water Team Project Director.

The Detroit Water Team is a joint venture formed to design, and build Water Works Park II.

Ozone will allow DWSD to reduce its reliance on chlorine, and the byproducts of the chlorination process, which

Betsy Spratt, BOWC member Marilynn E. Gosling, and Oakland County Drain Commissioner John McCulloch check out a model of the new treatment plant during a tour of Water Works Park II.

growing numbers of scientists consider harmful.

The new plant will feature a pilot plant, a small-scale water treatment plant on top of the ozone contactors basin. The mini-plant will be used to test the effectiveness of new treatment processes. Meanwhile, work progresses on a new eight-million gallon reservoir, while another, existing 20-million gallon facility undergoes renovation.

McCulloch, who once worked with Gosling on the Oakland County Commission, was equally pleased. "The city recognizes the increased demands caused by development, both inside (Detroit) and (outlying) cities and neighborhoods. DWSD is taking a proactive approach in addressing those demands.

by Betsy Spratt Public Affairs Division,

Audiovisual Unit

Two smaller historic buildings will be renovated as a water museum and learning center. The former pavilion will be reassembled and relocated to the northwest corner of the park, which will be reopened for public use.

"When we had the ground breaking (in 2000), I had not envisioned the magnitude and state-of-the-art planning," said Gosling, "I'm pleased with what is happening."

Inside . . .

Good Luck .................. 3 One of It's Own .......... 5 What A Blast! ............. 6 Identity Theft ............. 8 DWSD Diva .................. 9 Winners ...................... 11

FALL/ 2001

WATER POWER 1

A fond farewell

Photo by: Paul Gomez, Public Relations.

Water Commissioners salute David S. Robinson, Jr., who resigned from the Board to accept an appointment to a judgeship on the 36th District Court bench by Gov. John Engler. The ceremony took place in the fifth-floor Board Room in late August and featured non-alcoholic champagne. Left to right: Robinson, Interim Director Kathleen Leavey, Marilynn E. Gosling, Warren Cleage Evans, William Westrick, Carla Walker-Miller, and Mary E. Blackmon.

by Michael Daisy Public Affairs

Community Outreach

"Don't be afraid to ask dumb questions. They're more easily handled than dumb mistakes."

--William Wister Hanes, in "High Tension" (Little, Brown)

"The degree of one's emotion varies inversely with one's knowledge of the facts ? the less you know the hotter you get."

--Bertrand Russell

I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!

Think about it. Are you making yourself clear in what you say? Listen carefully to what others have to say. Concise, understood communications are what makes any organization great!

submitted by George Haberer, ICB

2 WATER POWER

UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE

? ? ? Election Day Tuesday, Nov 6

Veteran's Day Monday, November 12

Thanksgiving Thursday, November 22

Day After Thanksgiving Friday, Nov 23

$$Longevity Pay$$ Friday, Dec 7

Christmas Eve Monday, Dec 24

Christmas Day Tuesday, Dec 25

New Year's Eve Monday, Dec 31

New Year's Day Tuesday, Jan 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, Jan 21

Detroit Water & Sewerage Department

VOL.18,NO.1

FALL/ 2001

DWSD BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS

Warren C. Evans, President Mary E. Blackmon, Vice-President

Marilynn E. Gosling Hilliard L. Hampton Carla Walker-Miller William G. Westrick

Kathleen Leavey, Interim Director

PRODUCTION STAFF Publisher/Executive Editor

- Kathleen Leavey Senior Editor-Dorothy Mann Managing Editor-Michael Daisy

Associate EditorLynnetta Blackwell-Brown Sports Editor-Kelly Nance-Harris Graphic Designer-Gregory Smith Photographer-Paul Gomez Production-Barry Jennings

Water Power is published quarterly by the Public Relations Section,

Main Office Building, 735 Randolph Suite 1203, Detroit, MI 48226-2830

phone: (313) 964-9570; fax: (313) 964-9580.

FALL/ 2001

Commentary

Goodbye and good luck

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

-Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

A nd today is the time for me to say goodbye; goodbye to my many DWSD co-workers, after 17-plus years; goodbye to city, and civil service after 43 years!

My first civil service job was as a correctional matron at the Detroit House of Corrections (DEHOCO), Female Division. I was next a Supervising Counselor Aid with Total Action Against

Poverty, which later became the Mayor's Committee Against Poverty. During more than 10 years with that program, I developed (with the help of a few hundred volunteers) "Operation Understanding," a youth-focused program for residents of the Brewster-Douglas Housing Project. It was a one-of-a-kind program that has never been duplicated, and never will!

I was the first female of color to head a major non-federal female prison after being appointed Superintendent of DEHOCO's Women's Division by Mayor Coleman A. Young in 1974. After "the Joint" ? as it was known by employees and inmates alike ? was transferred to the jurisdiction of the State of Michigan, I chose to remain with the city. I was vested by then, and had too much to lose by leaving.

Since 1978, I've been Supervisor of Environmental Control at DPW, Manager of the Packard Building (Summer Youth), and manager of DWSD's Public Relations Division; now part of Public Affairs.

I am grateful for the many interesting experiences I have had these past 17 years. The newsletter and upgrading of the Annual Report are accomplishments I cherish.

I've been fortunate to work with some exceptionally, bright people over the years. Two of the longest-serving were Mary Mazur (now a communications manager in Wayne County government), and Gregory Smith (still working in PR). I thank them, as well as current and former PR staffers for their support.

I wish Public Affairs' new manager, George Ellenwood, much success. I thank Interim Director Kathleen Leavey and Assistant Director James Heath for helping me to survive those 17 years! And thank you, employees and readers of this newsletter, for contributing to the greatness of this Department. As said above, it is now a time to say goodbye!

by Dorothy Mann Public Relations Manager

Stop the presses!

Mary Mazur, Water Power's long-time editor, left DWSD at the end of July for a position across the street as Director of the Office of Communications for the Wayne County Commission. Mary, who earned her BA in Journalism from Michigan State University, came to the Department in 1989. She was a whirl of activity on such tasks as the Department's Annual Report, media point-person, writing press releases, and public service announcements. She worked closely with other departments, notably the Mayor's Office on projects such as Angels' Night and Clean Sweep. She considered Assistant Director James Heath her

biggest mentor, who "taught me how to deal with water supply issues at a moment's notice and keep my cool, which helped greatly with the media."

When asked to summarize her time at DWSD, Mary said, "I'd like to believe that in my role at DWSD, I helped some people along the way, just like some people helped me. I think everyone needs to realize the importance of supporting each other cooperatively for the benefit of

all, and understand that no one can accomplish everything by themselves."

Currently, Mary is responsible for directing public relations and communication activities for the 15-member Wayne County Commission. "I consider being selected for this position an honor and view it as a great opportunity for future growth," she said.

by Michael Daisy Public Affairs

Community Outreach

FALL/ 2001

WATER POWER 3

Giving back to the community

Many within DWSD have gotten a glimpse of the future over the past several months thanks to a pilot program launched in November 2000. Since then, over a dozen students from Detroit Public Schools have been on the job in a number of key areas.

The School-To-Work Partnership program ? which pairs DWSD and Detroit Public Schools ? are components of the economic development portion of contract PC-744. Students at four vocational technical centers (Breithaupt, Crockett, Golightly and Randolph) are eligible. This program differs from previous programs because of its open-ended nature. Interns can remain in the program for years. Students' competitive wages are paid by the Department.

"Our goal is to integrate these development programs into large infrastructure projects and make a difference in the lives of people who live within the community," said Gabriele Mack, Detroit Wastewater Partners' Local Economic Development Manager for PC744. Mack's efforts are focused on existing labor laws to allow the program to be institutionalized.

"The program is designed to help students grow in their chosen professions, and to encourage them to come back to spend their careers at DWSD," she said.

Gil Lee ? Assistant Superintendent of DWSD's Mechanical Maintenance Division ? is a former skeptic, who's become an enthusiastic supporter. "Originally, I had some doubts about getting involved," he said, "but now that it's working out so well, I'm glad I took the chance. It's exceeding my expectations."

The 28-year DWSD-veteran said his students have come to him with excellent credentials. "They developed good backgrounds at school, understand the fundamentals, and get involved pretty good," he said. "They follow orders and do a good job."

Photo by: Paul Gomez, Public Relations

"This is a great opportunity for youth to see what true work is all about," said Jackie Dixon, a Control Instrument Tech Sub Foreman at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. "These students attend safety classes just like regular employees, and get a chance to go out in the field to experience real world scenarios. The experience gives them the criteria to determine if they truly want to become city employees."

Candice Hobson, a 2001 graduate of Cass Tech, is assigned to the electrical shop at Central Services. "I like it at (DWSD)," she said. "The work we do is sometimes strenuous, but it can be fun and interesting."

She's made a believer of her immediate supervisor, Electrical Sub-Forman Marion Fortson. "Candice is a quick learner. She will make a good journey person if that is her goal," she said.

Gil Lee's enthusiasm is tempered by a single concern. "You want to get (the students) into an apprenticeship program; then four years down the line, they will become viable city employees," he said. "Otherwise, the Department is in real danger of losing a lot of skilled future employees."

Some of DWSD's student interns,- who attended a "School-to-Work" orientation in June. Standing left-to-right: Britanny Watkins Accounting (daughter of Gary Watkins in Finance), and Candice Hobson - CSF. Seated left-to-right: John Marks ? CSF; Kue Yang ? Engineering, Wastewater Design; Kaleel Lewis ? Field Design; and Alicia Brown ? Opma.

Despite his concern, he is planning to acquire additional student interns. "You've gotta give something back to the community, and this is a good way to invest in the community through the youth," he said.

by Michael Daisy Public Affairs

Community Outreach

DWSD basketball!

Fall is once again upon us and another season of DWSD basketball is about to start. Because details were not finalized as this issue was heading into production, we're unable to provide much in the way of information. However, keep an eye out for the posters that will be going up on a wall near you. You can also get the information by visiting the Special Projects Unit's Web page via the Department's intranet page ().

4 WATER POWER

FALL/ 2001

DWSD honors one of its own

Photo by Raymond Warrior Public Affairs Division, Audio-Visual Unit

In July, Frank Hayden ? the

Ingram, A.B. Davis, Jr.,

recently-formed Public

and Awni Qaqish. It was

Affairs Division's first

an emotional experience.

manager ? retired from

Beverly thanked him for

DWSD to accept a position

sharing his expertise,

as Director of Procurement

Awni wished him well,

for the South Florida Water

A.B. expressed his

Management District. It

genuine fondness for

was a move to greener

Frank, and a teary-eyed

pastures ... as in the Palm

Kathleen Leavey

Beach variety.

Frank and Interim

discussed the many

Director Kathleen Leavey

innovative programs

A capacity crowd was on

implemented by Frank,

hand for the party held in his honor in the and presented him with a Palm Pilot as a

fifth floor Board Room shortly before his going away present. ADs Gary Fujita and

official last day. Frank's wife, Marcia;

James George were also present and

daughter, Taria, and sons, Frank, Jr.,

accounted for.

Robert, and Derek were there. Many of his

DWSD family members were there,

Mayor Archer's representative, Juan

including: Interim Director Kathleen

Martinez, came bearing a Proclamation

Leavey, and Assistant Directors, Beverly from the Mayor, and Joelle Gwynn

Close call at California water pump test

presented a Testimonial Resolution in behalf of City Councilwoman, Alberta Tinsley-Talabi.

Finally, it was time for the guest of honor. Frank spoke about the difficulty in choosing between staying at home or moving on. He concluded that everyone reaches a point in his or her life where he or she chooses to change. He then closed by expressing the deep respect he holds for each and every one of his DWSD comrades.

Frank will always hold a special place in the collective hearts of members of his DWSD family.

by Lynnetta Blackwell-Brown Public Relations

Bob Aysola ? Senior Assistant Mechanical Engineer Bob Aysola, of ICB ? and Mohamad Jaber ? Associate Engineer and Project Manager, Water Works Park ? were in California in July at the testing site of the 800 hp, 80 MGD low lift pump currently being constructed for the Water Works Park II project (WW534) by the Cascade Pump Company of Santa Fe Springs, CA. Chains used to support the discharge column broke, destroying the testing column and flooding the test site. One moment, all was fine. The

next, the entire 100-by-100-foot test area was flooded by a torrent of water

electrified by 4,200 volts transmitted from the, now, submerged power source. The area flooded is shown prior to the mishap. Fortunately, no one was injured, despite the fact that, only moments before, at least eight people were standing very, very close to the pump, feeling its vibration with ears inches away and listening for any unnatural pump sounds!

Submitted by Venugopal Kidapparambil, Assistant Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Maintenance Division

DWSD water is health advocate's choice

Florine Mark, local entrepreneur and health guru ? best known for founding Weight Watchers in 1966 ? is a big fan of DWSD water. As CEO and President of the WW Group, she regularly touts the benefits of the Department's liquid elixir and fills her plastic bottle straight from the tap; consuming at least eight glasses daily. She recently toured the Department's Northeast Water Treatment Plant, where she taped a special health report with Channel 7 news reporter Mary Kay Kleist about the importance of drinking enough H20. The report aired in June, and helped dispel some of the myths

Reporter Mary Kay Kleist, Florine Mark, and Water Plant Superintendent Les Opachak in the lab at the Northeast plant.

Photo by: Paul Gomez, Public Relations

concerning DWSD water vs. bottled water. Florine gave DWSD's water a vote of approval and encouraged everyone to drink more of it for their overall good health. As a businesswoman who travels internationally, she's sampled more than her share of drinking water, but her choice is crystal clear: Detroit water is her favorite! Florine was presented with an official DWSD mug and bottle for her continued use. Cheers!

by Mary Mazur

FALL/ 2001

WATER POWER 5

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