By Joseph Palmersheim

Amidst of all of the changes that have come with working in the age of COVID-19, some MnDOT employees have found themselves temporarily reassigned to jobs at other state agencies as part of an executive order allowing staff transfers during the peacetime emergency.

We caught up with some of these reassigned employees recently to see what that experience has been like.

Gary Simon screens for COVID-19 at the Veterans Home

Gary Simon works in the Human Capital Analytics group within the Human Resources department at MnDOT. In that role, he helps produce reports, conducts surveys and builds tools for HR professionals.

Now, he’s spending 60 percent of his working time doing the same thing for the Department of Veterans Affairs onsite at the Veterans Home. He does COVID-19 screenings and works with the Veterans Home staff (including dietary staff, doctors and administrators) to ensure safety precautions like masks and temperature scans are in place.

“I was simply asked if I would ‘help out the vets,’ to which I was happy to be able to do in a situation like this,” he said. “My father was a veteran and I welcome opportunities to help in situations that I believe warrant the help.”

Working in a new location isn’t new to Simon. He did a mobility assignment with MMB, and his roles at MnDOT have allowed him to work with other agencies on projects and committees. At MDVA, it is a bit more unique being at a care facility, he said.

“Learning how a care facility functions has been overall a good experience,” Simon said.

David Haider performs data analysis for Office of Administration

David Haider works as a data analyst within MnDOT’s Emergency Management and Workers Compensation division. His primary role is to build dashboards, perform ad-hoc analysis and act as a data/software point person within the group.

He was recently reassigned to perform the same role at the Office of Administration, and telecommutes from home.

“I am still doing data analysis, just for a different group and with different data,” he said. “I’ve been asked by MMB to augment the At-Risk Population work group. I am still getting my bearings, but I can already tell that this is a devoted and passionate team ready to do their best for the people of Minnesota.”

He’s not sure how long the new assignment will last, but said he was “pleasantly surprised” to be reassigned.

“When I filled out the skills paperwork, I knew there was a chance that there could be a need for me, but it still came out of the blue,” he said. “This represents a unique opportunity amidst an otherwise tumultuous time and I am glad to put my talents to use wherever the powers-that-be see fit. It’s bittersweet to be offered a new opportunity in times like these, but I assure you that the blessing is not lost on me. I see this as another chance to prove my value to my colleagues, supervisors, and the citizens of Minnesota.”

By Sandra Schlagel, District 8 Public Affairs

It isn’t uncommon for MnDOT to partner with local government for a road project, but what happens when a state project involves city, county and federal entities, and private businesses as well?

District 8 has been finding out since the Willmar Rail Connector & Industrial Access Project, known as the Willmar Wye, became reality five years ago. The goal was to build a new rail line on the west side of Willmar to strengthen freight rail networks. Although united in the goal, each entity had different concerns and ways of doing things. However, with a great deal of work and perseverance, steady progress continues to be made since the 2019 groundbreaking.

The partnership that launched the Willmar Wye three-year design-build project includes MnDOT, Kandiyohi County, the city of Willmar, the Kandiyohi/Willmar Economic Development Commission, and BNSF Railway. The Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Rail Administration have also provided assistance.

“Unique to the Willmar Wye is that it’s a true partnership between public and private entities,” said Paul Rasmussen, project manager. “BNSF Railway took the lead with grant funding, and MnDOT led with pre-design and developing the grant agreement. The partners made financial commitments and worked through just about every combination of trading, selling and buying land to make the project work. There were a lot of nuances and getting them all into one agreement was a monumental task. I give a lot of credit early on to Sam Juneau and Ryan Gaulke (Chief Counsel’s office) and Gene East (District 8 project manager) – they did a wonderful job getting everything ironed out to make this project happen.”

One year from the start of construction—which includes the realignment of Hwy 12, reconstruction of Hwy 40, and the addition of two bridges and two roundabouts—the new Hwy 12 will open this fall.

“We’re building the bridge on Hwy 12 now, and the bridge plans for Hwy 40 have been approved,” Rasmussen said. “The Hwy 40 reopening was extended to spring 2021, but it doesn’t affect the overall completion date. When projects are as large and complex as this one, issues sometimes happen that affect progress, but we can move things around to keep the project moving forward.”

Visit the Willmar Wye project website for more information on the project.

By Mary McFarland Brooks

The 2019 Sustainability Report (which publishes next month) will include a new goal for all MnDOT passenger cars and small SUVs to be electric by 2030. Light-duty vehicles generate the majority of transportation greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

“Electrifying these vehicles is one step MnDOT can to take to make progress towards these goals” said Tim Sexton, assistant commissioner and chief sustainability officer. “Electric vehicles also have lower total cost of ownership than many gas- or diesel-fueled vehicles because they require virtually no mechanical maintenance and are less expensive to run.”

MnDOT installed almost 20 EV chargers around the state during the last two years. Some of the chargers have two separate plugs, so MnDOT expects to have around 40 different plugs for charging by the end of this year.

District 7 has been a leader preparing for the transition to electric vehicles. Last fall, the district installed four EV chargers at their headquarters building in Mankato: two for motor pool vehicles and two for guests, including MnDOT staff visiting from other facilities or the general public. Wiring has been installed to add another EV charger in the new vehicle storage garage to service motor pool vehicles later this year. The four chargers, called “Level 2 chargers,” add 20-25 miles of charge for each hour they are plugged in. The district also made two external 110-volt outlets available in the public lot and added signs reading “No Parking Except Electric Vehicles.”

There are 63 electric hybrid vehicles registered in Blue Earth County, according to the MnDOT Electric Vehicle Dashboard. Three of the 29 MnDOT EVs are stationed at the District 7 headquarters. To add to its electric vehicle fleet, District 7 recently purchased two 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrids (PHEV). One is currently used for inspections and the other is part of the motor pool. Two more four-hour chargers were installed this spring in the motor pool area, with wiring installed to allow for a third charger to be installed. A third 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander is used to support a Central Office employee stationed in Mankato.

District 7 will continue to evaluate EV options when replacing light-duty passenger cars and small SUVs. MnDOT has also created guidance to support this type of evaluation and provides EV options that are recommended based on a lower total cost of ownership to the agency.

“District 7 building maintenance staff will continue to add vehicle chargers as the EV fleet grows,” said Steve Marcotte, who manages District 7 facilities and ensure that the EV chargers get installed by a licensed electrician according to national electrical code. “We look forward to employees returning and electric vehicles being mobilized as part of fleet program, which will provide data regarding their efficiencies.”

For more information about electric vehicles check out Accelerating Electric Vehicle Adoption: A Vision for Minnesota. It describes strategies for achieving the goal of powering 20 percent of the light-duty vehicles in the state with electricity by 2030.

By Joseph Palmersheim

The Office of Equity and Diversity is hosting an upcoming series of virtual gatherings (“convenings”) for MnDOT employees to discuss systemic racism and recent events.

The meetings stem from a series of convenings for Employee Resource Group members, D&I Committees and Teams, and supervisors and managers held by Equity & Diversity staff during the first week of June, which were “well received and well attended,” said Gina Kundan, Diversity and Inclusion manager. These additional convenings are meant to include those who were either not ready to participate or not aware the option was available.

“As a result, we have been asked to create additional sessions and expand them for a broader list of participants,” Kundan said in an all-staff email. “Conversations will be focused on recent tragic events like the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. We will use this time to discuss the lasting impact of systemic racism on our daily lives. We invite you to join us when you are able.”

The first of these convenings was held June 22. Other upcoming opportunities are available at the following dates and times:

• Friday, June 26, 10-11:30 a.m. - Join Skype Meeting
• Tuesday, June 30, 2:30-4 p.m. - Join Skype Meeting
• Tuesday, July 7, 10:30 to noon - Join Skype Meeting
• Wednesday, July 8, 2:30-4 p.m. - Join Skype Meeting

No registration is needed to participate. Each session has a capacity of 250 people.

Kundan said listening sessions are part of building and maintaining an inclusive workplace. They are one component of MnDOT’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy, which is outlined in MnDOT’s Diversity and Inclusion Unified Strategic Plan.

Providing opportunities for MnDOT employees to discuss important issues and ask clarifying questions in a facilitated session allows the agency to strengthen a culture of inclusivity, she said.

“We want to acknowledge that we all bring our whole selves to work, and that when tragic events happen, it is not possible to compartmentalize or ignore what has happened,” Kundan said. “We want employees to know that they are recognized and appreciated, and that we understand some will need to process and express their feelings. We have received messages of thanks and appreciation from across the organization. People appreciate the time to listen and share, and to hear from members of the senior leadership team.”

(Editor's note: this story was modified from its original published version to include accurate quote attributions.)

By Erika Mejia, Human Resources

Congratulations to the students working in MnDOT’s Seeds and Phoenix programs who graduated from college or high school in 2020! These are significant milestones in a student’s life, and COVID-19 has made things even more challenging.

We were able to connect with some of our students and ask them a few questions regarding their experience working at MnDOT. Here is what these students had to say:

• Nash Skime mentioned that working in the Phoenix Program has helped him learn many things that are necessary for the surveying and civil engineering field. Nash also said that he would recommend the program because “it’s a great experience for any student.”
• Rhiannon Triggs enjoyed working in the Phoenix Program. “My experience at MnDOT through the Phoenix Program has been a very positive impact on my life. It has introduced me to many new learning opportunities, as well as introduced me to the office professional job world as a high school student,” she said.
• When asked if he would recommend the Phoenix Program, Vincent Bao said, “Absolutely. The Phoenix Program has taught me to be more careful and professional in my daily life and work.”
• We asked Isabel Bergemann if her workload and coursework were manageable, and she said, “Yes. I took all of my courses at the University of Minnesota three days a week. Then two days a week, I would work. Over the summer, I worked full time.”
• Emily Svenson said, “The Phoenix Program has definitely helped me grow as a person and an employee. I have learned so much about what it is like to be in a workplace environment and the skills that I can add to that environment.”
• Kaylee Klein said, “I have had a very enjoyable experience working at MnDOT in the Phoenix Program.”
• Suzanne Scotty said, “The Seeds program has undoubtedly helped me grow as a person and employee.”

Congratulations, graduates!

Phoenix Program graduates:
Vincent Bao, Tartan High School; Isabel Bergemann, South Minneapolis High School; Aksel Fjerstad, Bemidji High School; Sujay Garlapati, East Ridge High School; Hana Hurreh, Step Academy; Faaduma Hussein, Como Park Senior High School; Kaylee Klein, Blaine High School; Tristan Kmoch, Highland Park Senior High School; Renee Lee, Mounds View High School; Nash Skime, Bemidji High School; Emily Svenson, Mankato West High School; and Rhiannnon Triggs, Detroit Lakes High School.

Seeds Program graduates:
Buri Chang, Concordia University; Righsher Jordan, Minnesota State Community & Tech College Moorhead; Galen Kanazawa, Saint Paul College; Kyson Moua, University of Minnesota; Adam Omar, Hamline University; Suzy Scotty, University of Minnesota; Olivia Veloske, University of Minnesota; Gianni Washington, Metropolitan State University; and Kao Soua Yang, University of St. Thomas.

Lorianna Yang and Beth Friberg also contributed to this story.

By Rich Kemp

Tim Hicks is a transportation generalist senior in District 6 out of the Rochester office. He has worked for MnDOT for 12 years. During that time, he’s been assigned to the Rochester sign shop, maintenance and with the construction office.

What do you do in your job?
I am a construction inspector. I work with road construction crews, verifying quantities, running tests and making sure the quality of work is up to MnDOT standards.  

What is the favorite part about your job?
The best part is creating something that will be here for 10 to a 100 years from now. What we build is a part of the state’s history.

What are the biggest challenges?
Keeping up with changing specs and guidelines, and switching projects. We can do a bridge one summer, build a new road the next. Every job has new and different challenges.

What kind of changes have you seen in your job?
Every job is different from the last. But the biggest change I’ve noticed is the hours. In the past, construction workers worked sun-up to sun-down due to the short Minnesota summers. Now, I think 12-hour days are becoming the norm.

Do you or a co-worker have an interesting job to share with readers? Send us your ideas, and we’ll contact you for more information. 

Recent employee profiles: 

• Sophia Yang brings experience, expertise to diversity, professional development training
• Laura Kanten enjoys work in District 8 Human Resources
• Shannon Foss develops MnDOT’s Transportation Asset Management Plan