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Meeting Minutes

The Nevada Board of Certification for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators is operated for the State of Nevada by the Nevada Water Environment Association (NWEA). We post our Meeting Minutes for your convenience.

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  • Meeting Minutes August 2009

    Nevada Board of Certification
    Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    Meeting Minutes
    August 13, 2009
    TMWRF
    Reno, NV

     

    Meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM

    Attendees:  John Solvie, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Starlin Jones, Joe Crim, Jennifer McMartin
    Via Phone:  Bill Shepherd
    Absent: None

    Item #1
    Introduction of guest
    • Bob Foerster, NVRWA
    • Dr. Evan Fulton via phone

    Item #2
    • Nevada Training Coalition Report – Bob Foerster, NVRWA
    o There is a vacancy on the NTC Board.  NTC has quarterly meetings.  Bob described the makeup of the NTC Board.  The purpose of the Board is to promote training.  Bob will give a presentation at the NWEA Executive Board meeting.

    Item #3
    • UNR Cooperative Extension – Dr. Evan Fulton
    o The Cooperative Extension is in the process of researching the feasibility of offering wastewater training to inmates.  If they move forward, the program will be pilot tested for 1 year.  California’s prison system has a similar program already in place.

    Item #4
    Approval of minutes of April 14, 2009 meeting.
    • Harvey Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, John Solvie 2nd.
    o Motion carries.

    Item #5
    Program Administrator report
    • Computer exams update


    Item #6
    Assistant Program Administrator Items
    • NDEP Contract – more than likely NDEP will need to complete a Request for Proposal for the next contract. 
    • Board member terms expiring.
    o Harvey Johnson & John Solvie’s terms expire in December.  Both have expressed a desire to remain on the Certification Board.
    • Video/Teleconference Certification Board Meetings? 
    o The contract includes travel for the Board members to attend the quarterly Board meetings.  The Board agreed that a face to face meeting is better than a teleconference.  At this time the Board agreed to continue to have quarterly meetings in person.
    • Wastewater Operator vs. Industrial Waste Operator experience. 
    o Presented the Board with examples of WW and IWO experience.  The Board agreed with the current procedure.
    • Indirect Experience Examples
    o Presented the Board with examples of indirect experience that has already been granted.  The Board agreed with the current procedure.  A document has been created.  As new situations arise they will be added to the examples.
    • ABC Annual Conference 
    o The APA will be attending.  We have the budget for a Board member to attend.  The invitation was extended.  Board members will check their schedules and get back to APA. 
    • November NWEA newsletter – articles needed
    • Wastewater exam prep class in Las Vegas?
    o The southern Nevada members will discuss.

    Item #7
    Continuing Education for certification renewals
    • Continuing education endorsement sticker examples
    o Board approved
    • Course approval/pre-approval
    o APA will prepare something for review
    • List of courses on the website?
    o Pre-approved courses will be posted on the website under training opportunities.
    • Use ABC Relevancy list as a guide when review continuing education courses.
    • Tracking of continuing education  
    o APA will create a spreadsheet/database to track continuing education.

    Item #8
    Policies & Procedures
    • John made the motion to adopt policy effective 1/1/2010 offering a voluntary continuing education program on for all certifications that expire January 2010 or after pending Executive Board approval.  Harvey seconded.
    o Motion carries.

    Item #9
    Training Update
    • There is no report.

    Item #10
    Water Certification Board Update
    • NDEP is looking for a replacement for Steve Brockway.
    • The Water Board went over the ABC exam results/exit questionnaires. 

    Item #11
    ABC Update
    • Stormwater Article
    o An ABC article has been published in the September edition of Stormwater Magazine that discusses the difference between certification programs and certificate programs.  The article was co-authored by John Solvie and Suzanne De la Cruz.  ABC Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida January 26th – 29th 2010
    • John will be representing ABC in a panel discussion on water conservation certification at the upcoming WaterSmart Innovations Conference in Las Vegas.  John will also be meeting with CA/NV AWWA to discuss emerging certification disciplines.

    Item #13
    Website Update
    • Training calendar includes all classes.

    Item #14
    New Business for Consideration at next meeting
    • CEU Participation Update

    Item #15
    Next Board Meeting
    • November 19, 2009 at CCWRD in Las Vegas, NV

    Adjourned
    1:30pm
     

  • Meeting Minutes April 2009

    Nevada Board of Certification
    Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    Meeting Minutes
    April 14, 2009
    South Point Hotel
    Las Vegas, NV

    Meeting was called to order at 3:30 PM

    Attendees:  John Solvie, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Bill Shepherd, Starlin Jones, Joe Crim, Jennifer McMartin
    Absent: None

    Item #1
    Introduction of guest
    • David James

    Item #2
    Approval of minutes of February 5, 2009 meeting.
    • John Solvie makes motion to approve the minutes as presented, Kelvin Ikehara 2nd.
      o Motion carries.

    Item #3
    Program Administrator report
    • Computer exams update
    • The number of Certified operators is staying even.
    • Low passing percentages on the grade III & IV Wastewater (more training may be required in these areas)
    • Ely and Elko will no longer proctor exams at no charge.  They will be charging $15.00 per examinee to proctor an exam.
    • Arizona is now using ABC exams.  We can now accept Reciprocity from Arizona provided the examinee took an ABC exam.
     

    Item #4
    Assistant Program Administrator Items
    • New grade I wastewater exams that were modified by the Certification Board to incorporate additional pond questions should be ready for the June exam cycle.
      o Computerized versions will be ready in 6 weeks from the date submitted to AMP.


    Item #5
    CEU’S for certification renewals
    • Results from the NDEP meeting 02/19/09
      o Given the political and economic climate, adding a mandatory CEU requirement is not likely at this time.
      o NDEP asked the Board to do more research regarding continuing education.  They mentioned the possibility of adding a voluntary CEU requirement.

    • Discussed conducting a survey of ABC testing clients regarding voluntary CEU’S & the transition they went through when adding continuing education.  
      o It was decided to hold off on this for now.

    • Discussed conducting another survey of the operators regarding value of continuing education.
      o In past surveys operators have expressed overwhelmingly that they would like to have CEU’S so it was decided to hold off on this for now. 

    • Discussed a grandfather rule for grade I operators
      o One discussion was that everyone who holds a current certification will be grand fathered.  The Board discussed administrative and fairness issues, and tabled the discussion.

    • Professional Engineers – ICE program
      o Further investigation revealed that Nevada Profession Engineers Board does not have an ICE program.

    • The Board decided to add a voluntary continuing education requirement for all of the certifications that we offer.   
      o Draft a new policy for voluntary continuing education.  Decided to use the same CEU requirements that the water certification program has.
      o Discussed issuing a sticker for individuals that submit CEUs - CEU endorsement sticker.

     
    Item #9
    Policies & Procedures
    • 3 revised policies were sent to NDEP per the Scope of Work


    Item #10
    Training Update
    • There is going to be grade III & IV training available at the NWEA Conference.

    Item #11
    Water Certification Board Update
    • At their March meeting it was decided that more operator and post secondary training was needed. They are going to improve the exam notification process. They are in the process of designing a new brochure for Water Professionals.

    Item #12
    ABC Update
    • New Website
      o ABC has a new and improved website. 
    • Stormwater certification
      o There is an ABC article being published in the September edition of Stormwater Magazine that discusses the difference between certification programs and certificate programs.  The article was co-authored by John Solvie and Suzanne De la Cruz. 
    • The 2011 ABC conference is going to be held in Phoenix/Scottsdale Arizona

    Item #13
    Website Update
    • The website is new and improved

    Item #14
    New Business for Consideration at next meeting
    • None

    Item #15
    Next Board Meeting
    • August 13, 2009 at TMWRF in Reno, NV

    Adjourned
    6:00 PM

  • Meeting Minutes February 2009

    Nevada Board of Certification
    Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    Meeting Minutes
    February 5, 2009
    TMWRF

     

    Meeting was called to order at 8:45 AM

    Attendees:  John Solvie, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Bill Shepard, Starlin Jones, Joe Crim & Jennifer McMartin

    Absent: None

    Item #1
    Introduction of guest
    • David Bruketta

    Item #2
    Approval of the November 13, 2008 meeting minutes.
    • John Solvie made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Harvey Johnson   2nd.
       o Motion carries.

    Item #3
    Program Administrator report
    • Computer exams update
       o Going well with a passing rate of about 83%
     
    Item #4
    Assistant Program Administrator Items
    • New AMP Security Procedure Option
       o AMP is offering fingerprinting as another security option
    • Frequency of pin inventory
       o Jennifer will do inventory once a year in December
    • Ely proctoring fee
       o Great Basin Community College in Ely is going to start charging $15.00 per exam to proctor the exam. 

    Item #5
    Experience Policy
    • State survey results
       o Discussed how other States deal with multiple certifications and determining    experience.  Some use a percentage of time worked to calculate the experience.  Most used a percentage of time up to 50% for the secondary certifications.  The Board will draft a policy similar to what the majority of the states are doing.  A draft policy will be emailed to the Board for review and approval.  
    • Definition of duties
       o The Board decided not to define operational duties at this time.

    Item #6
    SWWS Exam Review
    • Discuss the results of the review and how to proceed.
       o ABC’s standardized exam policy will allow us to replace 10 core questions from the grade I wastewater exam with 10 pond questions from the SWWS exam.  The Board decided to go forward with the change.  A review of the grade I core questions and the grade 1 SWWS exam will be conducted at April meeting.

    Item #7
    Certification Exam Exit Questionnaire Results
    • Some useful information was obtained. The Board agreed to have an exit questionnaire at the 1st testing cycle of each year since historically it is the largest testing cycle.
                                                                                                                                                                                  
    Item #8
    CEU’s for certification renewals
    • Meeting with NDEP 02/19/2009 to discuss the survey results.
       o Members of the NWEA Executive and Certification Boards will meet with NDEP to discuss mandatory CEU’s.
    • Should we require mandatory CEU’s for voluntary certifications?
       o This will depend on NDEP’s decision regarding mandatory CEU’s.  The Board will discuss at the April meeting.
     
    Item #9
    Policies & Procedures
       o Draft a new Multiple Certification Policy.  The policy & procedures will be reviewed to see if there are any additional modifications that need to be done.

    Item #10
    Training Update
       o RCAC has 2 day training upcoming.

    Item #11
    Water Certification Board Update
       o NVRWA conference at Lake Tahoe (March 10-12, 2009) at Harvey’s.

    Item #12
    ABC Update/Conference Overview
       o John Solvie received an award for all the hard work he has done on ABC’s Board. ABC’s new website will up and running in March.  The ABC Board governance changes were approved.  
       o The ABC Annual Conference was a huge success.  There were some great sessions.  There was an open microphone session regarding proctoring.  Some great information was shared on possible ways examinees try to cheat. 
       o Other states have training calendars on their websites.  This is a great resource to the certified community.  Jennifer will discuss the possibility with the webmaster.
       o Discussed some new language for signature blocks on the applications.  The Board voted to update the applications with the new language.

    Item #13
    Website Update
       o Jennifer is learning how to update the site, as this will speed up the process of getting the website updated.

    Item #14
    New Business for Consideration at next meeting.
       o Should we update the Testing Eligibility Policy to allow examinees to take the exam 90 days prior to meeting the experience requirement?  Currently the policy is 30 days.  The Board voted to change the policy to 90 days.  This will allow an applicant to take the exam 1 testing cycle early.  Once they meet the experience requirement their certification will become effective.

    Item #15
    Next Board Meeting
       o 04/14/2009 in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa

    Adjourned
    2:00 PM
     

  • Meeting Minutes November 2008

    Nevada Board of Certification
    Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    Meeting Minutes
    November 13, 2008
    CCWRD

    Meeting was called to order at 10:30 AM

    Attendees: John Solvie, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Bill Shepherd, Starlin Jones, Joe Crim, and Jennifer McMartin

    Absent: None

    Item #1
    Introduction of guests
    • Mike Workman, Lyon County Utilities and Steve Cottrell, ENCO Southwest

    Item #2
    Approval of August 7, 2008 meeting minutes
    • John Solvie makes motion to approve the minutes as presented, Harvey Johnson 2nd.
      o Motion carries.

    Item #3
    Mike Workman, Lyon County Utilities
    • Discussed the Certification Board policy regarding full time experience.
      o Mr. Workman is requesting that the Board consider modifying the current FTE requirements. Mr. Workman gave a presentation on this matter. The Board will send Mr. Workman a letter of response.

    Item #4
    Program Administrator report
    • Computer exams update
      o 18 exams have been taken. The overall response has been good.

    Item #5
    Assistant Program Administrator Items
    • Exit interviews for examinees
      o It was decided to ask examinees to complete an exit interview for the December exam.
    • Wastewater training details
      o The Board agreed more training is needed in wastewater as well as collections. A webinar was suggested for all grades.
    • National passing rates
      o Nevada’s average is higher than the National Average.
    • SWWS Exam review update
      o NVRWA will prepare a presentation for NDEP. Once the Board receives the presentation, the Board will decide on a course of action.
    • EST Certification – Operation vs. PMT
      o This conversation was tabled for the next meeting.
    • Acceptable Plant Maintenance Experience
      o Any relevant experience will be accepted.

    Item #6
    CEUs for Certification Renewals
    • Operator survey results
    • Facility survey results
      o Response was very good. Only a few facilities did not respond.
      o It was discussed how to present the results from both surveys to NDEP.
      o Send the results to the NWEA Executive Board for review/comment.
    • ABC Continuing Education Course Relevancy List
      o It was discussed to use ABC’s relevancy list as a guidance document for reviewing continuing education courses.

    Item #7
    Policies & Procedures
    • Continuing Education research results
      o 1.5 CEU’s per college credit is the norm.
    • Continuing Education review policy
      o Board voted to accept the new policy. It will be sent to the Executive Board for approval.

    Item #8
    Proctor Recognition

    • It was suggested to give the 5 Proctors a $25.00 gift card with a thank you letter.

    Item #9
    Training Update
    • None

    Item #10
    Water Certification Board Update
    • CA-NV AWWA will start using ABC testing for Treatment and Distribution beginning in March 2009.


    Item #11
    ABC Update
    • ABC Contract – Testing fees
      o When the new contracts become effective there will be an increase for the paper and pencil exams from $29.00 to $36.00 for each exam scored.
    • ABC Annual Conference Agenda
      o The Conference will be held in La Quinta, CA January 27-30 2009.

    Item #12
    Website Update
    • The new website is up and running with some small changes suggested.

    Item #13
    New business for consideration at next meeting
    • None

    Item #14
    Schedule next Board Meeting
    • February 5, 2009
      o 9:00AM

    Adjourned (1:30 PM)

  • Meeting Minutes August 2008

    Nevada Board of Certification
    Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    Meeting Minutes
    August 7, 2008
    TMWRF


    Meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM
    Attendees: John Solvie, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Bill Shepherd, Starlin Jones, Joe Crim, Jennifer McMartin
    Absent: None
     

    Item #1
    Introduction of guests
    • Bob Foerster and Curtis Duff from NVRWA
     

    Item #2
    Approval of minutes of May 14, 2008 meeting.
    • John Solvie made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Harvey
    Johnson 2nd. Motion carries.
     

    Item #3
    Program Administrator report
    • Computerized exams update.
       o The exams are up and running with a few people trying them.
     

    Item #4
    NVRWA presentation regarding pond certification.
    • Bob Foerster and Curtis Duff gave a presentation regarding pond certification exams/small wastewater system exams. After a brief discussion it was decided to compare the small wastewater system exam to the Wastewater operator I exam to see if they are comparable. A future date will be set to evaluate the exams.
     

    Item #5
    Assistant Program Administrator Items
    • Pin requests have been received.
    • Computerized exams pass/fail percentage spreadsheets.
       o Send pins out with certificates.
    • Jennifer will send the Board three quarterly pass/fail
    % reports: computer exams, pencil and paper exams and overall.
     

    Item #6
    CEUs for Certification Renewals
    • CEU implementation questions
    • Draft survey questions 
       o Types of training
       o Limit the number of safety hours
       o Procedure for failure to submit
       o Review process
    • The survey will be emailed to every certified individual with an email
    address.
     

    Item #7
    Policies & Procedures
    • CEU review policy
    • The Board asked the APA to conduct some research. This
    conversation is tabled until next meeting.
     

    Item #8
    OIT Certificates
    • Request for 2 year non-renewable OIT certificates.
    • No change in policy will be made at this time. Starlin made motion,
    John 2nd. Motion carries.
     

    Item #9
    Training Update
    • More training needs to take place based on the WW 3 & 4 pass
    percentages. The Board discussed offering training 1 month before the exam.

    Item #10
    Water Certification Board Update
    • There are 2 new Board members.
    • Review of CEUs for individuals with multiple certifications.
     

    Item #11
    ABC Update
    • New TPO and IWO standardized exams developed.
    • Upcoming workshops/meetings:
       o January 1, 2009 the TPO and IWO exams will be available.
     

    Item #12
    Website Update 
    o None
     

    Item #13
    New business for consideration at next meeting 
    o New brochures.
     

    Item #14
    Schedule next Board Meeting 
    o November 13, 2008 (CCWRD) 
       Adjourned (12:00 PM)

  • Meeting Minutes May 2008

    Nevada Board of Certification Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    May 14, 2008 - Meeting Minutes

    NWEA Annual Conference

    Meeting was called to order at approximately 03:00 PM

    Attendees: John Solvie, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Bill Shepherd, Starlin Jones, Joe Crim and Jennifer McMartin.

    Absent: None

    1. Item #1: Introduction of guests: None
    2. Item #2: Approval of minutes of January 24, 2008 meeting:
      • John Solvie made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Starlin Jones 2nd. The motion carries.
    3. Item #3: Certification Program Update: This item can be removed from the agenda.
    4. Item #4: Program Administrator Report:
      • Computerized exam update:
        • The computerized exams start date was held back due to a small glitch in the system. When the online exams are ready Jennifer will notify the Board.
        • Letters will not be sent to operators without an email address. An email will be sent to all operators with an email address.
        • Talk to NWEA President about putting a blurb on the website regarding computerized exams becoming available.
        • Email notification to NVRWA regarding computerized exams.
      • Discussed the pass/fail % for the grade III and IV exams.
      • The number of certified people continues to increase.
      • Wastewater applications are being submitted to NWEA in error. A letter in sent with the returned check and application to the operator.
    5. Item #5: Assistant Program Administrator Items
      • Upcoming Board meeting dates
        • Discussed moving the meeting day to Thursday. February (Las Vegas or Reno – Opposite of the NWEA Conference), May (NWEA Annual Conference), August (Reno), November (Las Vegas)
      • CEU Review – Do we need a policy?
        • After discussion the Board decided that a policy was needed. Starlin asked Jennifer to draft a policy because of her experience.
    6. Item #6: CEUs for Certification Renewals:
      • NWEA Conference – CEU Panel Discussion
        • A panel discussion will be held on Friday, May 16, 2008 and Certification Board participation is encouraged.
        • The NDEP will need assistance in developing regulations for CEU requirements.
    7. Item #7: Policies & Procedures: Computerized testing policy will probably need to be updated after the online testing begins.
    8. Item #8: Training Update: More training will be given to assist the operators taking the grade III and IV exams.
    9. Item #9: Water Operator Certification Advisory Board Update: The Board now reports to NDEP instead of the SEC.
    10. Item #10: ABC update:
      • New regulatory questions.
        • Plant Maintenance Technologist exam status:
        • Plant Maintenance exam for grade 1 & 2 will be out in late 2008.
      • Industrial Waste exam status:
        • There will be an exam development workshop in the summer of 2008.
    11. Item #11: Website update: Jennifer is now updating the website.
    12. Item #12: New Business: No new business.
    13. Item #13: Schedule next Board Meeting: Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 9:00AM (TMWRF)
  • Meeting Minutes January 2008

    Nevada Board of Certification Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    January 24, 2008 -     Meeting Minutes - CCWRD Conference Room

    Meeting was called to order at approximately 09:30 AM.

    Attendees: Joe Crim, Jennifer McMartin, Bill Shepherd, John Solvie, Starlin Jones, Kelvin Ikehara, Adrian Edwards, and Harvey Johnson.

    Absent: None

    1. Item #1: Introduction of new the Board members:
      • Kelvin Ikehara, Douglas County Sewer Improvement District
      • Adrian Edwards, City of Henderson Water Reclamation Facility
    2. Item #2: Approval of minutes of November 9, 2007 meeting:
      • The minutes were approved as presented.
    3. Item #3: Certification Program Update:
      • The election of Board officers was moved to after the website update on the agenda.
      • The certification contract was forwarded to the NDEP. The Assistant Program Administrator (APA) will follow up with Val King from the NDEP.
      • The new members of the Board were updated on the certification contract process.
      • Election/re-election of Board members results:
        • Chairman – Bill Shepherd
        • Program Administrator – Harvey Johnson
        • Vice Chairman – Joe Crim
    4. Item #4: Program Administrator Report:
      • The PAR was distributed to the Board.
      • The number of collection system certifications increased considerably over the past year.
      • The pass/fail report is included in the report.
      • Computerized exam update:
        • ABC is preparing a new two party agreement with the AMP Testing Service for standardized exams.
        • ABC will set up the program for our use absorbing the $1000 fee.
        • Exams can be taken at AMP centers throughout the USA.
        • The cost is $68 per exam in addition to the standard exam fee.
        • A 30 day waiting period is required before retaking an exam.
    5. Item #5: Assistant Program Administrator Items
      • The NVRWA Conference is scheduled for March 11-14, 2008 at Harvey’s Resort in South Lake Tahoe.
      • The NWEA Conference is scheduled for May 13-16, 2008 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.
      • The APA is giving a presentation regarding the changes to the wastewater certification program at the NVRWA Conference. The APA will also be proctoring an exam at the NVRWA Conference.
      • OCT agreed to teach operator classes at the NWEA Conference. The Board stipulated that OCT needs to teach to ABC need-to-know criteria. The APA will ask OCT if they can change their format to accommodate the ABC criteria.
      • WE&T magazine has approved questions that can be used as subject material.
      • The Board asked if higher grade (III & IV) level training can be done at the NWEA Conference.
      • The Board voted to add an exam to the NWEA conference. The APA will have increased time commitment with the extra test at the NWEA Conference.
      • The Board discussed and passed that an operator with a certification suspension period noted in the certification database will be cleared of the suspension upon the next certification renewal.
      • The APA will develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for her position as time is available. The APA will develop a list of SOPs by February 2008 including an SOP project estimate of completion.
    6. Item #6: CEUs for Certification Renewals:
      • Nevada is one of two states that do not require CEUs.
      • Not requiring CEUs is an issue for reciprocity to states that require CEUs.
      • A round table discussion will be held at the NWEA Conference on CEUs.
      • An NDEP representative will attend the round table.
      • The NWEA Executive Board is sponsoring the round table with cooperation of the Certification Board.
    7. Item #7: Policies & Procedures Manual:
      • Draft revisions of the Policies and Procedures manual were presented to the Board. These included the computerized testing policy, renewal policy, invoice approval policy, and the exam proctor policy.
    8. Item #8: Training Update: There is no update since the last meeting. Higher level training is possible at the NWEA conference.
    9. Item #9: Water Operator Certification Advisory Board Update: The Board was informed of Darrin Price leaving the Water Certification Board.
    10. Item #10: ABC update:
      • Fees have not increased since 2002.
      • The ABC Board is discussing fee increases.
      • The ABC conference in January went very well.
      • Nevada may partner with Ohio and Georgia to produce an Industrial Waste Inspector exam.
      • There is discussion of proctor and certified trainer certifications.
      • The ABC has a new Executive Director.
      • John Solvie started his new position on the ABC Board.
      • Workforce issues were discussed at the ABC conference. The certification program of the State of New York is to send the APA CEU materials from their program. Their CEU program is an accredited training program.
    11. Item #11: Website update: Steve Cottrell is training the APA on maintenance of the Website.
    12. Item #12: New Business:Possible meeting date change to the months of February (Las Vegas), May (NWEA Conference), August (Reno), and November (Las Vegas).
    13. Item #13: Schedule next Board Meeting: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 1:30 PM.
  • Meeting Minutes November 2007

    Nevada Board of Certification Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    November 9, 2007 - Meeting Minutes - CCWRD Conference Room

    Meeting was called to order at approximately 10:00 AM.

    Attendees: Bill Shepherd, John Solvie, Steve Cottrell, Joe Crim, Starlin Jones, Jennifer McMartin

    Absent: Harvey Johnson

    Introduction of guests: Dr. David James, NWEA Executive Board

    Special Presentation: On behalf of the Certification Board and the NWEA Board, Steve Cottrell was presented a plaque for his 24 years of dedicated service on the Certification Board.

    1. Item #1: Approval of minutes of July 20, 2007 meeting:
      • The minutes were approved as written.
    2. Item #2: Certification Program Update:
      • The contract between NWEA and NDEP is going before the Board of Examiners on November 13, 2007.  Once signed it becomes effective immediately. 
      • Some minor changes were made to the scope of work.
      • Notification letters will be sent to all wastewater treatment plant operators after the contract is signed.
    3. Item #3: Program Administrator’s report:
      • The Program Administrator’s report was distributed to the Board.
      • Program Administrator will not renew his term as he was elected to the ABC Executive Board.
      • The Board was updated on the possibility of Nevada working with Ohio and Georgia to develop a standardized Industrial Waste Inspector exam.  Since the process is going to take some time the IWI exam questions were scrambled. 
      • The pins were discussed.  It was decided that pins will no longer be sent out.  The APA will track the number of requests and report to the Board.
    4. Item #4: Assistant Program Administrator (APA) items:
      • Received several requests to offer the exam at Tri-State.   The Board decided not to offer the exam at Tri-State at this time.
      • APA asked for approval to attend the ABC Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX.  The Board approved.  Action pending final approval from the NWEA Board.
      • A backup DVD will be given to the Program Administrator of the Certification files at each Certification Board meeting. 
    5. Item #5: Computerized Exam Survey results attached.
      • Program Administrator presented the information from ABC regarding computerized examinations.  Nevada will utilize the existing contract between ABC and AMP.  ABC will bill NWEA $29 for each exam scored, the same as pencil and paper exams.  The examinee will pay the normal pencil and paper exam fee of $60 for mandatory exams and $150 for voluntary exams.  After the application is approved the examinee will be notified from ABC that they have been approved to take a computerized exam.  The examinee will pay the additional computerized exam fees of $68 directly to AMP. 
      • The examinees receive results at the end of their exam including an exam diagnostic.   
      • ABC will email the results in a password protected file, including the diagnostics, to the APA. 
      • All exams will be available except the IWI exams, as they are not standardized exams.
      • Motion:  Certification Board pursue contract changes with ABC to add computerized testing to our contract.  The Board approved.  Action pending final approval from the NWEA Board.
      • Notify the State regarding the addition of computerized testing.  Customer service option available to operators that would like to test this way.  AMP has testing centers in Las Vegas and Reno, and 135 cities nationwide.
      • The process will take 3 months to set up with ABC. 
      • How soon can an applicant reapply?  The applicant can reapply immediately, but cannot take the test again for 30 days from the exam date.  The fee must be used within 90 days or it will be forfeited.     
    6. Item #6: Voluntary program fee increase:
      • The fee increase was approved by the NWEA Executive Board 9/17/07.  It will become effective 1/01/08.
      • Notification letter was sent.  The brochures and applications are being updated. 
      • Draft Voluntary Program Fee Increase Transition Policy was discussed.  Motion to approve.  The policy was approved.  Action pending final approval from the NWEA Board.
    7. Item #7: Training Update:
      • 47 people attended the Northern Nevada CSO training. 
      • Additional training:  Disinfection
    8.  Item #8: Policies and Procedures Manual: Motion to approve the revisions made to the Policy and Procedure Manual.  Certification Board approved.  The revisions will be forwarded to the NWEA Executive Board for their approval.
    9.  Item #9: 2008 Certification Board nominations approved by NWEA Board on 10/9/07
      • Starlin Jones – Reappointed
      • Joe Crim – Reappointed
      • Kelvin Ikehara – Douglas County (replacing Steve Cottrell)
      • Adrian Edwards – City of Henderson (replacing NDEP Representative position under revised NWEA Bylaws)
    10. Item #10: ABC Update
      • Mark Binney from CCWRD was appointed chairman of ABC’s Plant Maintenance V & E Committee
      • ABC’s Plant Maintenance need-to-know criteria will be posted on the ABC website next week.
      • ABC Conference in January 2008.
      • ABC is currently looking for a new Executive Director.
    11. Item #11: Water Certification Board Update: No report was given.
    12. Item #12: Website – Update: Steve will be training the APA to update the website. 
    13. Item #13: New Business for consideration at next meeting: NWEA provide a computer, printer to the APA? 
    14. Item #14: Schedule next Board Meeting: The next meeting is January 4, 2008 at the CCWRD at 9:00 AM.
  • Meeting Minutes July 2007
    Nevada Board of Certification Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    July 20, 2007 - Meeting Minutes - IVGID Conference Room

    Meeting was called to order at approximately 09:30 AM.

    Attendees: Steve Cottrell, Jennifer McMartin, Bill Shepherd, John Solvie, Starlin Jones, and Harvey Johnson.

    Absent: Joe Crim

    Introduction of guests:
    Donna Bloom, NWEA Executive Director
    Gary Hutchinson, NWEA Treasurer

    1. Item #1: Approval of minutes of April 13, 2007 meeting: The minutes were approved as presented.
    2. Item #2: Certification Program Update:
      • Contract Scope of Work
        • Bill Shepherd, Donna Bloom, Leslie Long and John Solvie met with the NDEP On May 29th. NDEP is satisfied with the draft scope of work but requested some further revisions, which have been addressed. NDEP is working to get a sole source contract approved.
        • The contract is expected to be in place by January 2008.
        • Mandatory certification program fees and applications will go to the NDEP. NDEP will then fund the mandatory program with the NWEA as provided in the contract.  Communication with the NDEP, NWEA & the Certification Board is critical to this process.
        • Certification Board account cash analysis was distributed to the Board.
        • The board discussed future balances and disbursements as covered by the NDEP.
      • Voluntary Program fees
        • The Board received a proposed fee structure for the voluntary program.
        • The fee structure is based on 80 annual exams and 82 annual renewals.
        • The Board discussed proposed fees.
        • The Board discussed costs to the NWEA.
        • The Board discussed avenues of communication with the NWEA Executive Board.
        • The Assistant Program Administrator (APA) will break down the voluntary as compared to mandatory certification activity in future Program Administrator Reports.
        • The Board will submit three fee options to the NWEA Executive Board for their discussion and approval.
      • ABC Contract
        • ABC membership information and the ABC testing contract were updated to reflect the organization name NWEA (formerly listed as the Nevada Board of Certification for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators), as requested by NDEP.  The Certification Board will remain as the primary NWEA contact for ABC membership and testing matters.
        • Future meetings were discussed as to options of meeting locations, including other cost savings measures.
    3. Item #3: Program Administrator Report:
      • The PAR was distributed to the Board.
      • The number of exams increased considerably.
      • There were 68 questions changed in the Grade III wastewater certification exam.
      • There were 65 questions changed in the Grade IV wastewater certification exam.
      • The passing percentage of the wastewater operator exam decreased.
      • The certification checking account was reconciled with the NWEA account.
      • The certification budget will be reconciled with the NWEA budget.
      • The Board approved sending a survey to the certified community on the interest in on-line exams at an additional cost of $75.
      • The Board discussed updating the decertification policy to meet the NDEP requirements once the contract is in place.
      • The Board discussed changes to the NWEA bylaws that are to be voted on by the membership.
    4. Item #4: Assistant Program Administrator Items: The Board discussed New Mexico’s request for certification reciprocity agreement. This would be a variance from current policy. The Board decided to remain with the current policy of considering reciprocity only from programs listed on ABC’s exam equivalency chart.
    5. Item #5: Training Update: The collection system training in Las Vegas went very well. Future training will consist of flow monitoring in September and disinfection in November. The NWEA will include Joe Crim as the training representative in the training conference call process.
    6. Item #6: Policies & Procedures Manual: The Board approved the manual.
    7. Item #7: ABC Update:
      • The Plant Maintenance need-to-know criteria will be developed at the next ABC Plant Maintenance Task Force meeting in August.
      • John Solvie is running for the ABC Vice President position. It is a four year commitment and if elected, he will continue to serve as a Board member but time constraints will require him to step down as Program Administrator.
    8. Item #8: Water Operator Certification Advisory Board Update: There was no update as there was no meeting in June.
    9. Item #9: Website update:
      • There was nothing to update on the website.
      • The Board commended Steve Cottrell for all the fine work he has done on the website.
      • Steve stated to the Board that this will be his last term on the Certification Board.
      • Steve stated that he is willing to continue updating the certification website after his term is completed.
    10. Item #10: New Business: The polling of Board members interested in filling the Program Administrator position.
    11. Item #11: Schedule next Board Meeting: Friday November 9, 2007 at 9:30 AM at CCWRD.
  • Meeting Minutes April 2007

    Nevada Board of Certification Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    April 13, 2007 - Meeting Minutes - TMWRF Conference Room

    Meeting was called to order at approximately 09:30 AM.

    Attendees: Steve Cottrell, Alan Tinney, Diana Silsby, Jennifer McMartin, Bill Shepherd, John Solvie, Joe Crim, Starlin Jones, and Harvey Johnson.

    Absent: None

    Introduction of guests:
    Donna Bloom, NWEA Executive Director
    Gary Hutchinson, NWEA Treasurer

    1. Item #1: Approval of minutes of January 5, 2007 meeting: The minutes were approved as corrected.
    2. Item #2: Certification Program Update:
      • The MOA between the NDEP and the NWEA worked well in 1992, but presents potential legal issues in 2007.
      • The MOA will be dissolved and a contract will be drawn up between the NDEP and the NWEA for the NWEA to continue administering the mandatory operator certification program for NDEP.
      • The NWEA will continue to administer the mandatory operator certification program as a contracted vendor of the NDEP.  The NDEP will work with State Purchasing to develop a sole source contract. 
      • The draft scope of work is near completion. A meeting with the NDEP will commence upon completion of the draft scope of work.
      • The representatives of the NDEP announced this is their last official meeting as members of the Board. The NDEP representative will be replaced by an At Large Representative in accordance with the proposed revisions to the NWEA bylaws. 
      • Starting July 1, 2007, the APA will become an hourly employee of High Sierra Conference Services.  Until that date, the APA will be a contractor of the NWEA at a contract rate of $20 per hour.
      • The NWEA bylaw changes will soon be voted on by the general membership.
      • A CEU program was discussed by the Board. If developed by the Certification Board, it would be submitted to the NDEP for approval. The NDEP would take it through the process of adoption. There is currently no statutory regulation for wastewater certification CEUs.
      • An NWEA Executive Board member will make every effort  to attend Certification Board meetings in the future.
    3. Item #3: Program Administrator Report:
      • 85 exams were taken in the first quarter as compared to 55 exams last year in the same period. This is a new record.
      • ABC Standardized Plant Maintenance exams are still scheduled for completion in 2008, at which time the Certification Board intends to begin offering a Plant Maintenance certification program.
      • There are 6 more operators than last year for a total of 516.
      • The Certification Board is trying to use up the inventory of operator pins.
      • The Board commended Jennifer on her dedicated work on the budget.
      • The CSO passing examinee percentages are commendable.
      • The APA and the NWEA Treasurer will attempt to synchronize their budgets.
      • The Board was updated on ABC’s computerized testing program. If the Certification Board wants to use its own computer lab, LXR can be used for testing. The AMP testing service is currently available only in Reno and Las Vegas. AMP provides certified proctors and partners with H&R Block for computer lab use. The advantages of computer testing are;
        • Immediate results
        • Retest period determined by the Board
        • Very secure
        • Testing on Monday through Friday and one Saturday per month
        • Reduces APA workload
        • The exam can be taken at any AMP Center in the US
      • The disadvantages are;
        • The costs are higher than present examinations, $52.00 additional cost per test
        • $1000.00 annual fee to use the service
      • The Program Administrator will propose alternative fee options for on-line testing from ABC staff.
      • The Program Administrator will send the NDEP the present proctor operating procedure for concurrence on adequate separation of testing candidates and employers. The NDEP will get back to the Certification Board on present proctor procedure.
      • The Board discussed alternatives to using the Social Security number as the exam identification number. Only numbers can be used. No alpha characters can be used. The Board moved and passed to no longer use the Social Security number as the identification number for exams and will establish a unique numbering system for each exam session.
      • Joe Crim has agreed to coordinate with the NWEA Board for future NWEA training efforts. The NWEA is to put on training workshops for operators and other wastewater disciplines. The first workshop will be held in Las Vegas.  It will be a Collections Workshop. 
    4. Item #4: Assistant Program Administrator Items: The APA had no further items to discuss.
    5. Item #5: Policies and Procedures:
      • The Testing Eligibility Policy was distributed to the Board. It was suggested to change the numerical grade designation (I/1) to the word designation (one). The Board approved as amended.
      • The Board approved the Reciprocity Policy.
      • The Program Administrator will develop a policy manual that contains all polices approved by the Certification Board and submit it to the NWEA for blanket approval.
      • The policy manual will be posted on the website upon approval by the NWEA.
    6. Item #6: Water Certification Board Update: The Board was updated on topics the Water certification Board was dealing with.
    7. Item #7: ABC Update:
      • A Plant Maintenance Analysis survey is being developed. It is important to the process that the survey be completed and returned. This will aid in the makeup of the exam. The test will contain questions taken from manuals.
      • An Item Bank Review will be conducted by the APA in the north portion of the state pertaining to wastewater certification grade II and in the south portion of the state by the PA pertaining to wastewater certification grade III.
      • The Board was updated on the Industrial Waste Inspector certification program. Ohio wants to go ahead with the program. Georgia currently has no program but is interested in participating.
    8. Item #8: Website update: Website is acquiring considerable spam events.
    9. Item #9: New Business for consideration at next meeting:
      • Items for the newsletter
      • Training calendar
      • On-line test survey
      • Plant Maintenance Exams are scheduled to become available in 2008
    10. Item #10: Schedule next Board Meeting: Friday July 20, 2007 at 9:30 AM in Incline Village.
    11. Item #11: Work session on NWEA Scope of Work: The Board went into a work session on the NWEA scope of work to continue administering the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Program.