2026 Technical & Operations Conference: Building the Bench

1:00 pm  Welcome, Mike Willetts, MMUA

1:15 pm  Opening keynote: Breaking the Fourth Wall: The Secret Behind Every High Trust Team, Desiree Petrich
Desiree is a leadership development and team engagement consultant, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. This keynote equips everyone in the room, from high-potential employees to senior executives, with the one thing their team is already waiting for—trust. And when trust is built on purpose, ownership, engagement and hope are the natural byproducts. 

2:15 - 2:45 pm  Keynote workshop, Desiree Petrich

3:00 - 3:30 pm  Managing projects and new technologies, Austin Hoekman, MRES
This presentation will be a deep dive into the new solar field and battery system implemented in Marshall, MN. It will focus on the recent Marshall Solar Plus install, and the value of capacity, energy, and rural electric co-ops, and projected future capacity value for solar and battery from the site. 

3:30 - 4:30 pm  Panel discussion: Project management from the different perspectives, Jason Overby, Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System; Brad Carlson, Shakopee Public Utilities; Austin Hoekman, Missouri River Energy Services

4:45 - 6:00 pm  Welcome reception: Apprentice lineworker recognitions and small city initiative, Brandon Wylie, Northwest Lineman College; Jeremy Parker, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry; Mike Willetts, Jay Reading, and Roger Avelsgard, MMUA

8:30 am  CEO minute, Karleen Kos, MMUA

8:45 am  Don't flinch/the intangible "it", Jack Stahlmann

10:45 am  Roundtable discussions (select two)

1. Department of Labor - Journeyman card, hours, speakers to be announced
2. RP3 application strategies for success, LaJeanna Eckhoff, City of Detroit Lakes 
3. Gopher State One-Call, Dave Hunstad, Hutchinson Utilities Commission
4. DUEL: Crew leader track, Shelly Dau and Dan Nath, MMUA
5. Workplace violence, Vikki Sanders and Andrew Nyman, MNOSHA 
6. Succession planning - Foremen and Supervisors, Mark Hanson, Elk River Municipal Utilities
7. Security - Physical assets and facilities, Christopher Watkins, Minnesota Department of Commerce
8. Legislative update, Kent Sulem, MMUA
9. Electrical safety in water/wastewater, Jim Bruender and Brad Levasseur, MMUA
10. JTS topics for 2027 and equipotential grounding, Tommy Flores, Jessie Lloyd, and Jay Reading, MMUA

12:00 pm  Luncheon

1:00 pm  Learning tracks (select one)
MANAGERS: Digital accessibility and AI: Practical steps toward ADA compliance, Tim McCollough, Rochester Public Utilities
This session walks through a practical compliance pathway: Understand the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG); assess your content and systems; prioritize repairs and replacements; and build accessibility into everyday publishing. Learn where exceptions apply and the potential enforcement and financial consequences of noncompliance. Along the way, discover how AI can be a powerful tool to assist.

CREW LEADERS/FRONT-LINE SUPERVISORS: Building the future: Effective job planning and succession strategies, Jamie VonBank and Matt Griebel, Shakopee Public Utilities
Effective job planning and succession planning are critical to maintaining a safe, efficient, and knowledgeable workforce. As experienced employees retire and new workers enter the industry, organizations must have a strategy for transferring knowledge, developing future leaders, and ensuring operational continuity.

WATER/WASTEWATER: Lead and copper rule improvements: 2027 Readiness, Hannah Mendez, Minnesota Department of Health
The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) become effective November 1, 2027. This fast-approaching new rule contains many changes and updates to lead and copper compliance requirements. In this presentation, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will provide an overview of the changes, what systems are required to do within the next year, and how systems can best prepare for these changes. 

2:00 pm  Learning tracks (select one)
MANAGERS: NERC and FERC: What every utility leader needs to know, Jeffrey Bayne and Sam Whillans, Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP 

CREW LEADERS/FRONT-LINE SUPERVISORS: Developing and Implementing Corrective Action Strategies for Managers and Workers, Travis Denison, Sioux Valley Electric Cooperative
Corrective action planning is a key part of the incident investigation process. It defines how a utility prevents future incidents to strengthen its safety culture. Walk through leading practices for developing and implementing corrective action plans from the perspective of both management and operations personnel. Learn what practical tools and techniques your public power peers are using to enhance the corrective action process and ensure that incidents will lead to a safer work environment.

WATER/WASTEWATER: Water tower maintenance and inspection, Alec Horan, Midco Diving and Marine Services, Inc.
This presentation will provide water utility operators with an overview of best practices for maintaining water towers to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality water service. Topics included routine inspections, structural integrity assessments, coating and corrosion protection, tank cleaning and disinfection, security measures, and preventive maintenance planning.

3:15 pm Learning tracks (select one)
MANAGERS: Working with boards and commissioners, Jeremy Carter, Hutchinson Utilities Commission; Jason Meusburger, Buffalo Municipal Utilities

CREW LEADERS/FRONT-LINE SUPERVISORS: Brand new equipment failures and the importance of testing procedures
As utility equipment continues to evolve, many crews are seeing an increase in unexpected failures of brand-new components. Utilities across the industry have experienced equipment such as switches, transformers, and insulating caps failing right out of the box. When incidents occur, the cause may be human error, equipment failure, or a combination of both. Even when workers follow procedures flawlessly, maintain proper clearances, and wear the appropriate PPE, accidents and near-misses can still occur due to equipment defects or failures.

WATER/WASTEWATER: Pump and motor 101, Travis Traut, Traut Companies 
This session, will cover systematic troubleshooting approaches, including how to isolate mechanical, electrical, and operational problems. The session will cover common failure modes such as valve leakage and actuation issues, pump cavitation and loss of prime, and motor overheating or electrical faults. Emphasis will also be placed on interpreting system symptoms—such as pressure fluctuations, vibration, noise, and flow irregularities—and linking them to root causes.

4:15 pm  Learning tracks (select one)
MANAGERS: FEMA: Recent changes, Mike Willetts, MMUA

CREW LEADERS/FRONT-LINE SUPERVISORS: Drone usage and advancements, Jessie Lloyd, MMUA
This presentation will provide utility operators with an overview of safe and effective drone operations in utility environments. Topics included regulatory requirements, pre-flight planning, risk assessment, equipment inspections, and operator responsibilities.

WATER/WASTEWATER: Electrical safety considerations for water and wastewater treatment facilities, Jim Bruender and Brad Levasseur, MMUA
This presentation is focused on electrical safety awareness and best practices for water utility operators working in water treatment and distribution facilities. Key topics included recognizing electrical hazards, understanding lockout/tagout procedures, working safely around energized equipment, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

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

8:30 am  Impacts of an accident: A first-hand account, Ryan Foster and Tim Stoner, Blue Earth Light & Water Department
Any accident in our communities has the potential to impact our staff, but what happens when it is our staff. Blue Earth Light & Water Department staff will review the recent accident involving a skid loader that was operated by Ryan and was struck by a train in the city of Blue Earth. Ryan will share what recovery has been like and impacts to him and his family. We will also hear from Tim regarding how the staff in this small community was able to get through and step up. From addressing questions on recovery, to getting assistance, and how best to keep the lights on, the presentation will open our eyes to issues that you do not even think of until you are put in this position.  

9:45 am  Closing keynote: Impact of an accident on a train conductor, Operation Lifesaver, Inc

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 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Separate registration is required for vendors to exhibit. Vendors, see details and register here.

I understand that photos and recordings may be captured during this event. By registering, I consent to MMUA's reuse of any image or recording from this event for use in printed or digital marketing materials or posting to the MMUA website. By registering, I also acknowledge and agree that third parties (such as MMUA members, attendees, or media representatives) may take photos or recordings and that MMUA is not responsible for actions taken by third parties.

Cancellations are subject to a $50 cancellation fee per person if received by 5:00 pm on November 25, 2026. Refunds issued to a credit card will be subject to a 3% fee. No refunds issued after November 25.