Technical & Operations Conference

8:30 am  CEO minute, Karleen Kos, MMUA

8:45 am  High stakes teamwork, Drew Moldenhauer, Blue Ethos Specialized Training/Author/Keynote Speaker/Professor
In a time when division and uncertainty dominate the national conversation, the importance of building high-stakes teamwork in the workplace has never been more crucial. Leaders and team members alike must rise to the occasion, fostering an atmosphere where trust, understanding, and care are the cornerstones of their interactions. This presentation will explore how caring about people in the workplace is the number one prevention of workplace violence, how it promotes psychological safety, and how leaders can actively show their teams that they care. 

10:45 am  Roundtable discussions (select two)

1. League of Minnesota Cities and generation, Julie Jelen, LMCIT and Paul Helling, MMUA
2. MMUA's On Site On Demand program offerings, Dan Nath, MMUA
3. HR hot topics
4. Grant opportunities, Clayton Handt, MN OSHA Consultation Supervisor
5. Water meters and lead lines, Hannah Mendez, MN Dept. of Health
6. MMUA's DUEL program, Shelly Dau, MMUA
7. Legislative update, Kent Sulem, MMUA
8. Unexpected visits by OSHA, EPA, Kyle Ven Lent, MN OSHA
9. PCB/SPCC, Joe Schmidt, MMUA
10. Metering services and supply chain update, Chad Backes, Irby

12:00 pm  Luncheon

1:00 pm  Learning tracks (select one)
MANAGERS: Cybersecurity essentials for electrical utilities, Christopher Watkins, MN Dept. of Commerce
In this fast-paced, one-hour session, utility professionals will explore the critical cybersecurity threats facing today’s power grid and learn practical strategies to defend against them. Through real-world scenarios and interactive discussions, participants will gain a clear understanding of how to identify vulnerabilities, respond to incidents, and align with industry standards like NERC CIP. Whether you're in operations, IT, or safety, this class equips you with the tools to help safeguard your utility’s infrastructure from evolving digital threats.

CREW LEASERS/FRONT-LINE SUPERVISORS: Directional drilling pre-plan considerations, Kevin Kolos, Ditch Witch

WATER/WASTEWATER: Rate studies and rural water line extensions, Geoffrey Slick, AE2S
Minnesota will need around $7 billion to fund its drinking water system improvements and over $4 billion for wastewater and stormwater fixes. Funding and financing concerns will be addressed.

2:00 pm  Learning tracks (select one)
MANAGERS: Data centers, Dave Meyer, Glencoe Light & Power and Tim Stoner, Blue Earth Light and Water
With the advent of more Data centers being built throughout the nation, many communities and utilities are questioning what the potential impacts are. This will be an opportunity to hear from a panel regarding their experience with adding data centers to their communities. Discussion will focus around utility impact, power needs, and community support or opposition.

CREW LEADERS/FRONT-LINE SUPERVISORS: GIS locating regulations, Michael Mendiola, MN Office of Pipeline Safety
The new Geospatial Utility Mapping law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026. Is your organization prepared? The law requires utility operators and owners to use geospatial location information or an equivalent technology to develop as-built drawings of newly installed or newly abandoned facilities if exposed in the excavation area. If you had fewer than 10,000 customers in calendar year 2025, this law is effective Jan. 1, 2027. Other One Call laws that went into effect on Aug. 1, 2024 will also be covered.

WATER/WASTEWATER: Chlorine and chemical safety: leaks, releases, responsibilities, Jim Bruender, MMUA
Chlorine and chemical safety is a big part of the water and wastewater systems used throughout the MMUA footprint. Keeping your employees safe while managing these chemicals should always be in the forefront of our minds. This session will review safety practices that can be implemented while handling or storing and documentation and training needs required for your employees. We will also review recent accidental releases and how they were investigated.

3:15 pm Learning tracks (select one)
MANAGERS: Substation maintenance and testing requirements, Jeff Kranz, Rochester Public Utilities; Dave Krause
This session will touch on basic substation features as well as looking at substation testing and maintenance requirements. Subject experts will be presenting on why its important to do these things, and addressing Q and A.

CREW LEADERS/FRONT-LINE SUPERVISORS: SKYWARN, Todd Krause
Weather safety from NOAA, spotter class for inclement weather.

WATER/WASTEWATER: Learn what MnWARN can do for you when mutual aid is needed, Timothy Hewett, MnWARN Chair and Director
Discussion on what MnWARN is and how it works, inventory available, and how you get their services.

4:15 pm  Learning tracks (select one)
MANAGERS: Inside an LMCIT loss control visit: What to expect and why it matters, Julie Jelen and Marc Dunker, League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust
This session offers a clear overview of what takes place during an LMCIT loss control visit, how topics are chosen, why we review your recent losses and experience mod rate, and what happens after the visit. Ideal for leaders seeking to understand the goals, structure, and value of loss control visits in strengthening risk management.

CREW LEADERS/FRONT-LINE SUPERVISORS: Rodeo competitions: Benefits of participating personally and professionally, Pete Wyffels and Tony Mead, Marshall Municipal Utilities; Mike Enright, Owatonna Public Utilities; Angela Hauge and Katy Olson, Elk River Municipal Utilities
A panel discussion regarding the value of participating in the Minnesota and APPA rodeo competitions. Also AWWA Hydrant Hysteria National Competition.

WATER/WASTEWATER: Securing our water sources, Jason Overby, Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System
How do we ensure the protection of our water sources?

5:00 - 7:00 pm  Trade Show and Reception

8:30 am  The road to self care–mental health, fatigue, and driving, Lisa Kons, Minnesota Safety Council
Our emotions affect the way we drive. When experiencing strong emotional agitation, increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash. This session will review how sleep and taking time for your mental health can help keep you and your employees safe on the road.

9:45 am  Closing keynote: The safety journey of an arc flash survivor, Rodney Walker, Walk Safely Training Group
In 1996, Rodney Walker was severely injured in an electric flash. He suffered first-, second- and third-degree burns to his head, face, neck, and arm and sustaining internal injuries. His accident and journey to recovery is a compelling story that inspires, educates, and empowers his audience to understand human performance, recognize hazards, and strive to create a safe, injury-free work environment. Walker is a 27-year employee of one of the largest utilities in the country. He will give his detailed testimony of high voltage arc flash, including discussion of his injuries, treatment, and recovery. During his thought-provoking introspective, he will identify incident pre-cursors and address the importance of remaining diligent against complacency and strengthening the safety culture in the workplace.

12:00 pm  Conference concludes

If your spouse or guest would like to attend the social events held during the T & O Conference, advanced ticket purchase is required. Select from the welcome reception on Tuesday or the trade show on Wednesday.

The trade show will be held on Wednesday, December 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Separate registration is required for vendors to exhibit. Details can be found at this link.

By registering for this event, I/we authorize Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) to photograph me at this event and use such photographs in MMUA marketing materials (both electronic and print). I/we understand that I/we will not be paid for giving this consent.

Cancellations are subject to a $50 cancellation fee per person if received by 5:00 pm on November 24, 2025. Refunds issued to a credit card will be subject to a 3% fee. No refunds issued after November 24.