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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 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.
  • Meeting Minutes January 2007

    Nevada Board of Certification Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    January 5, 2007 - Meeting Minutes - CCWRD 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
    Jim Devlin, NWEA former Board member
    Cliff Lawson, NDEP

    1. Item #1: Approval of minutes of October 13, 2006 meeting: The minutes were approved as written.
    2. Item #2: Program Administrator’s report:
      • The Program Administrator’s report was distributed to the Board.
      • The Board was notified that the certification renewals are increasing.
      • The Board was updated on the possibility of Nevada working with Ohio and Georgia to develop a standardized Industrial Waste Inspector exam.
      • The Board was advised that the ABC is in the process of terminating its outdated reciprocity agreements, which includes Nevada’s.  This action should not have any negative impact as we now use ABC standardized exams.
      • It was brought to the Board’s attention that there are more reciprocity applications that are from states not listed on the ABC Exam Equivalency Chart.  The Board discussed options for these cases:
        • The Board discussed multiple entry exams and alternatives.
        • The Board approved a person can sit for a test up to an equivalent grade as long as they meet the sequential exam, experience, and education requirements.
    3. Item #3: Assistant Program Administrator (APA) items:
      • The 2006-07 budget with a reconciliation of expenses as of 12/31/06 was distributed to the Board.
      • Office supplies may exceed budget due to the accounting method used.
      • John Solvie and Harvey Johnson were approved for another three year term on the Certification Board.
    4. Item #4: Draft Examination Proctoring Policy
      • A letter from the NDEP to the NWEA Board of Directors in response to a proctoring complaint was distributed to the Board. The letter was discussed by the Board.
      • A draft Examination Proctoring Policy with proposed changes was distributed to the Board. The Board approved the policy and passed it on to the NWEA Executive Board. The NDEP representative abstained from the vote.
      • The ABC Instructions for Administering ABC Exams was distributed to the Board.
    5. Item #5: Draft Mandatory and Voluntary Disciplinary Policy:
      • The Board discussed changes in the policy.
      • The Board discussed the role of the NDEP and the Certification Board in the disciplinary process for mandatory certifications.
      • The Certification Board will rule on disciplinary procedures for voluntary certifications.
      • The policy was approved unanimously by the Board.
    6. Item #6: Status of Operator Certification Program:
      • The three options for the direction of the Operator Certification Board were distributed to the Board.
      • The letter from the NWEA to the NDEP was distributed to the Board.
      • The 14 year certification Program expense report was distributed to the Board.
      • The NWEA will discuss the three options at its next meeting on January 17, 2007.
      • The Board discussed the process to be taken and the options.
      • The Board voted in favor of having NWEA and the Certification Board continue the present program status. The NDEP representative abstained.
      • The Board approved a letter in support of the certification program as it exists be sent to the NWEA Executive Board. The NDEP representative abstained.
      • A list of Potential In-Kind Services the NDEP agrees to provide the Certification Board was distributed to the Board.
      • The APA compensation was discussed.
    7. Item #7: Water Certification Board Update: There was no update to give the Board as there was no Water Certification Board meeting in December.
    8. Item #8: ABC Board Update:
      • The Plant Maintenance certification process is proceeding.  There is an upcoming ABC workshop to develop the job survey.  Standardized exams are expected by 2008.
      • The ABC conference is scheduled for January 16-19 in Savannah, GA.  Jennifer will be presenting “Mandatory Programs Administered by a Third Party” at the ABC Annual Conference.  John will be co-presenting a session on developing voluntary programs.
      • The ballot to approve the ABC bylaw changes was returned the ABC.
    9. Item #9: Website – Update & Discussion: The NDEP asked the Board to continue not to post the Suspended Operator list on the website until further notice.
    10. Item #10: New Business for consideration at next meeting: Items to be presented for the newsletter.
    11. Item #11: Schedule next Board Meeting: The next meeting is April 13, 2007 at the TMWRF Training Facility at 9:00 AM.
  • Meeting Minutes October 2006
    Nevada Board of Certification Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    October 13, 2006 - Meeting Minutes - CCWRD 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
    Jim Devlin, NWEA WEF Director
    1. Item #1: Approval of minutes of July 21, 2006 meeting: The minutes were approved as corrected.
    2. Item #2: Program Administrator’s report:
      • The 2006-07 budget was distributed to the Board.
      • The Program Administrator’s report was distributed to the Board.
      • The Board was notified that the certification numbers are increasing slowly.
      • The Board discussed the number of examinees that did not pass the last exam.
      • It was brought to the Board’s attention that generally the percentage of passing examinees in Nevada is greater than the national average.
    3. Item #3: Assistant Program Administrator (APA) items:
      • The Board discussed a joint meeting with the NWEA Board to possibly convene on March 21, 2007 at 1 PM at the NWEA conference. The Certification Board would give a 15 minute update to the NWEA Board. The Certification Board will also hold their regular certification board meeting in April.
      • A computer backup was given to the Program Administrator, which will be updated quarterly.
      • The Assistant Program Administrator expressed her desire to the Board to present at the NVRWA conference on the wastewater certification program and fee increase.  The Board concurred.
      • A copy of the revised operator examination approval letter was shown to the Board.  A link to the ABC Formula/Conversion Table was added to the letter.
      • The Board discussed ABC Distance education.
    4. Item #4: 2007 Proposed Changes Documentation
      • A draft document of proposed changes to certification fees, APA compensation, continuing education, disciplinary procedures, and the Nevada Administrative Code was distributed to the Board.
      • The only change to the disciplinary procedure was the last sentence was moved to head of the document. The procedure was discussed by the Board. Discipline for voluntary certifications was discussed by the Board and a draft will be presented at the next meeting.
      • The Board discussed continuing education requirements. Matching the potable water certification requirements seemed plausible to everyone. The Board discussed a prioritization schedule with language for the SEC and whether to submit as one package or separate. The Board will continue discussion on this matter. 
      • The Attorney General has not ruled on whether continuing education needs to be included in the regulations.  Regardless of the Attorney General’s decision, the Board decided it would be better if continuing education was included in the regulations.
      • The Board discussed the pros and cons of fee changes and allowable expenses.
      • The NDEP is looking at ways to keep the certification fee cost as low as possible for operators.
      • The Board discussed the APA job description compared to the state employee position grid.
      • The Board discussed three options of where the APA position should fall as an employee. The board asked for a matrix of the pros and cons of the three options that the direction of the APA position could follow to be presented at a future meeting.
      • The APA will form a list of tangible items used by the APA for a determination by the NDEP whether these items can be subsidized by the NDEP to the APA for use in the certification process.
      • The Board discussed the certification fee breakdown on a piecework basis as done prior to 2006.
    5. Item #5: Examination Proctoring:
      • The NDEP is reviewing proctoring complaints received by the Board.
      • The NDEP may propose proctoring requirements to the board.
      • The NDEP will contact the Board on their complaint findings.
      • The Board discussed proctoring concerns and possible alternatives, such as secondary proctors, and utilization of neutral persons for proctors.
      • The Board discussed the ABC proctoring policy.
      • The Board discussed on-line testing.
      • The Board intends to finalize a proctor policy at the next meeting.
    6. Item #6: ABC 2007 Board of Directors ballot submitted: The NDEP submitted the ballot for the ABC 2007 Board of Directors.
    7. Item #7: NDEP Correspondence to Provisional Operators and Treatment Facilities:
      • The NDEP sent three types of letters to provisional operators.  The NDEP will send the first letter to the Operator for action by a specified date. If no response from the Operator, the NDEP will send a letter to the Facility.
      • The APA will send the NDEP Enforcement a list of decertified operators as they meet the decertification requirements.
    8. Item #8: ABC Board Update:
      • A report from the ABC Board of Directors meeting on the Plant Maintenance Certification Task Force was distributed to the Board
      • Kyle Menath & Mark Binney are members of ABC’s Plant Maintenance Certification Task Force.  John Solvie is chairing the task force.
      • Joe Crim attended the TPO Exam Development Workshop in Providence, RI.
      • John Solvie attended the ABC Strategic Planning Workshop.
      • Steve Ballou, the ABC Executive Director, is intending to retire from ABC in September of 2007.
      • Jennifer will be presenting “Mandatory Programs Administered by a Third Party” at the ABC Annual Conference.  John will be co-presenting during a session on voluntary programs.
      • The 2007 ABC conference is on January 16-19 in Savannah, GA. The APA is approved to attend the conference each year.
    9. Item #9: New ABC Contract: The Board received the next contract renewal with the ABC. The term is two years.  Bill Shepherd signed the contract and it will be forwarded to ABC.
    10. Item #10: Status of NDEP Evaluation of the Water & Wastewater Boards: There was no presentation on this topic.
    11. Item #11: Water Certification Board: There was no update on this topic.
    12. Item #12: Website – Update & Discussion:
      • The Board was asked to look at the Frequently Asked Questions portion of the website.
      • The Board meeting minutes are posted.
      • The NDEP will advise whether a Suspended Operator list can be posted on the website.
    13. Item #13: New Business for consideration at next meeting: No new business was discussed.
    14. Item #14: Schedule next Board Meeting: The next meeting will be on January 5, 2007 at CCWRD at 9:30 AM
  • Meeting Minutes July 2006

    Nevada Board of Certification Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    July 21, 2006 - Meeting Minutes - TMWRF Training Facility

    Meeting was called to order at approximately 09:00 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:
    Darrin Price, Nevada Advisory Board to the State Board of Health on Certification of Operators of Public Water Systems
    Gary Hutchinson, NWEA Treasurer
    Ginger Poulson, NDEP

    1. Item #1: Approval of minutes of April 14, 2006 meeting: The minutes were approved as read.
    2. Item #2: Program Administrator’s report:
      • The 2006-07 budget was distributed to the Board.
      • The Program Administrator’s report was distributed to the Board. Additional information on certification numbers for the last three years was included in the report.
      • In the future, all agenda attachments will be emailed to Board members for review prior to Board meetings.
      • The Board discussed WEF practice exam questions to be placed on the website.
      • The ABC contract expires 12/31/06. Updated contact information has been sent to ABC. A draft contract is expected to arrive in September.
      • Gary Hutchinson reported that NWEA changed its IRS status to 503C. Three comparisons of the Assistant Program Administrator commensurate job descriptions and compensations along with a written contract with NWEA are needed to satisfy IRS requirements, which will be worked on prior to the next Board meeting.
      • John Solvie was nominated by the Board for re-election as Wastewater Treatment Division Director for ABC.
    3. Item #3: Assistant Program Administrator (APA) items:
      • The certification program information was updated on the ABC website.
      • The Board was distributed a comparison of credit card costs for certification payments. Paypal is the most cost effective. Seven transactions are needed per month to break even on cost if a $5 per transaction surcharge were assessed. The Board discussed rolling the processing costs into a new fee structure.
      • John Solvie and Harvey Johnson’s Board appointments expire on 12/31/06. Letters stating their desire to stay on the Board are to be sent to Paul Orphan.
    4. Item #4: Proposed 2007 Fee increases:
      • APA compensation
        • The APA compensation documentation was distributed to the Board.
        • The Board discussed the service provided by the APA .
        • The Board discussed other services of similar APAs for comparison.
        • The Board discussed compensation alternatives.
        • An updated APA assessment will be given to the Board at the next meeting.
      • Proposed Fees
        • Proposed certification fee documentation was distributed to the Board.
        • The Board needs comparisons with qualifiers of programs to include as part of the fee increase justification.
        • The Board asked for a five year budget on proposed fees.
        • An updated certification fee assessment will be given to the Board at the next meeting, which will include fee comparisons with other programs and a projected 5 year budget.
    5. Item #5: CEU Requirements:
      • The NDEP legal department is still working on a determination of whether adding CEU’s requires a regulation change.
      • Darrin Price gave a synopsis of the water certification CEU process and the requirements.
      • The Board discussed CEU documentation.
      • The Board was polled as to whether a CEU program was needed. The Board unanimously agreed that adding a continuing education requirement is needed.
      • The Board discussed different avenues of CEU acquisition.
    6. Item #6: Draft Disciplinary Process:
      • The proposed Operator Disciplinary Procedure was distributed to the Board.
      • The NDEP asked that the word “will” be changed to “may” in the third line of the third paragraph.
      • The Board discussed the draft procedure. NDEP will discuss the procedure with staff and provide comment. It was asked that this be added to the October agenda. It will be voted on at that time.
    7. Item #7: Provisional Operator’s Certification Status:
      • The NDEP will write the Provisional Operators to gather information to substantiate their operator status.
      • Provisional Operators with a job title change will get one year to obtain certification.
      • Provisional Operators with employment and job title change will get 6 months to obtain certification.
      • NDEP will track any operators with suspended certifications using the certification database that is sent to them every two weeks. The NDEP is going to be notifying the permittee of suspended certifications.
    8. Item #8: ABC Examination Proctoring Policy:
      • The new proctoring policy for the ABC was distributed to the Board.
      • The Board was updated on the new policy.
      • The proctoring recommendations will be included in the new ABC contract.
    9. Item #9: ABC Plant Maintenance Certification:
      • The ABC Board approved the formation of Plant Maintenance Certification program.
      • The Board was updated on the program.
      • The operational timeframe is 18 months for development of the standardized certification exams, at which time the Board can begin offering Plant Maintenance Certification.
      • John Solvie is chairing ABC’s task force to develop the new program. Two subject matter experts will also be representing Nevada on the task force. Mark Binney from CCWRD will represent wastewater plant maintenance. Darrin Price and Harvey Johnson will select someone from northern Nevada to represent drinking water plant maintenance.
      • The Board thanked John Solvie for his participation in the ABC.
    10. Item #10: ABC Board of Directors Updates:
      • Joe Crim is going to Providence, R.I. to assist in test question review.
      • Arizona DEQ became a member of the ABC.
      • There will be no test fee increase this year.
      • Jennifer will give a presentation at the next ABC conference on mandatory programs being administered by a third party.
    11. Item #11: Water Certification Board: Darrin Price gave a synopsis of the water certification process, challenges, training, and regulation changes.
    12. Item #12: Newsletter update:
      • Starlin distributed the newsletter to the Board.
      • The Board discussed ways of distribution to the operators.
      • The Board discussed posting the newsletter on the website.
      • The newsletter will be emailed to the operators with email addresses.
      • The Board commended Starlin on the newsletter.
    13. Item #13: New Business for consideration at next meeting:
      • Expedition of the payments to the APA.
      • Commendation of Gary Hutchinson for his work
    14. Item #14: Schedule next Board Meeting: The next meeting will be on October 13, 2006 at CCWRD
  • Meeting Minutes April 2006

    Nevada Board of Certification Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    April 14, 2006 - Meeting Minutes - NDEP Conference Room

    Meeting was called to order at approximately 09:00 AM.

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

    Absent: Starlin Jones

    Introduction of guests:
    Valerie King, NDEP
    Frank Johnson, Minden-Gardnerville WWTP

    1. Item #1: Approval of minutes of January 24, 2006 meeting: The minutes were approved as read.
    2. Item #2: Program Administrator’s report: The 2006-07 budget and justifications were distributed to the Board. The Program Administrator’s report was distributed to the Board.
    3. Item #3: Assistant Program Administrator (APA) items:
      • The APA is in the process of obtaining a business license which she recently found out is required.
      • The APA discussed comments from operators alleging that NVRWA was inferring that collection system certification will be mandatory in the near future. The APA advised NVRWA that this is not the case.
      • The list of APA responsibilities that was requested by the Program Administrator was distributed to the Board.
      • An example of Idaho collection system classification was distributed to the Board.
      • A new removable certification renewal sticker was presented to the Board. The sticker now denotes the date the certificate became valid in addition to the date the certificate expires. The new stickers will allow operators and employers to see if there was a lapse in certification. The Board approved using the new sticker.
      • The APA discussed her talk at the NWEA conference.
      • The Program Administrator intends to recommend that the APA present at the next ABC conference, as he serves on the ABC Technical Program subcommittee.
      • The Board discussed the importance of backing up our electronic files. The APA is now doing quarterly backup and giving it to the Program Administrator at the Board meetings.
    4. Item #4: Subcommittee to research commonalities between WWTP Operator Certification Board and the Public Water System Certification Board:
      • Three documents were distributed and discussed: the letter requesting information on operator satisfaction of the certification process from NDEP, the response letter from the Board, and the survey results. Valerie King presented the results of her study of the two Boards to this point. She discussed the comparison of business practices, recommendations from the Board on discipline, fees, and CEUs. She stated NDEP is committed to work with the Board to establish an advisory role for the Board with respect to discipline. The Board explained the decertification/suspension renewal process in place. There was discussion of the Board and NDEP working together to accomplish a fee increase upon justification of need to NDEP by the Board. Also discussed was the possibility of an automatic fee increase or a 5 year review being added to the regulations. The Board will continue to work with NDEP and the Water System Board on CEU’s. The question of a regulation change for a mandatory CEU requirement was discussed. NDEP described the process of regulation change with the legislature. The Board was informed there is 80 days to enter a fee increase for 2006. There was discussion of timing depending on the extent of the regulation change (fee alone or fee and CEU requirement).
      • The Board discussed the possibility of implementing on-line credit card payments using Acteva and PayPal as indicated in question 4 of the survey.
    5. Item #5: Provisional Operator Audit: The findings of the 2006 Nevada Provisional Operator Audit Survey were distributed to the Board. The Board discussed the survey. NDEP will make the final determination as to the current status of each provisional operator’s certification.
    6. Item #6: Proposed 2007 Fee Increases: The APA will begin a spreadsheet to determine the justification of a fee increase and present the information to the Board.
    7. Item #7: CEU Requirements: The Board discussed the requirement of CEUs and the management of the CEU program.
    8. Item #8: Plant Maintenance Certification:
      • The Board discussed the possibility of implementing Plant Maintenance Certification. The Program Administrator has been working with ABC on this, and will be making a formal motion for ABC to implement Plant Maintenance Certification at the ABC Board of Directors meeting in June. The possibility of NWEA implementing CWEA Plant Maintenance certification under a NWEA certificate was also discussed. Due to costs and regulatory constraints, the Board does not desire to pursue the CWEA option at this time.
    9. Item #9: Joint meeting with Water Certification Board:
      • If logistically possible our Board Chairman will attend the next Water Certification Board meeting Our Vice Chairman currently also serves on the Water Certification Board. Our Board plans to invite members of the Water Board to our next meeting in July.
    10. Item #10: ABC Board of Directors Updates:
      • The draft ABC examination proctor policy and the response letter from the Board to the ABC were distributed and discussed. The policy will be voted on at ABC Board of Directors meeting in June. ABC staff and President expressed to the Program Administrator that they enjoyed meeting with the Nevada Certification Board in January.
      • Pretesting was discussed as to the extent of participant interest. Those that participated gave positive feedback.
      • ABC will be updating all wastewater exams this year.
    11. Item #11: Website update:
      • The Board was informed of the new formatting capability of the website. This will allow easier reading of the website.
      • The Program Administrator will send a news release regarding pretesting to be posted on the website.
    12. Item #12: Newsletter update: Starlin will get the newsletter to Steve by the end of May. Starlin is soliciting the Board for articles.
    13. Item #13: Operator Pins: The Board will determine the purchase of new pins when the inventory reduces.
    14. Item #14: New Business for consideration at next meeting: The Board is awaiting an update on the decision from ABC on proctoring and the maintenance certification. The Board will be working on establishing better communication regarding disciplinary procedures between NDEP and the Board.
    15. Item #15: Schedule next Board Meeting: The next meeting will be held in Reno at TMWRF on 7/21/06 at 9:30 AM.
  • Meeting Minutes January 2006
    Nevada Board of Certification for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
    January 24, 2006 - Meeting Minutes - Alexis Park Resort Conference Room

    Meeting was called to order at approximately 08:00 AM.

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

    Absent: None

    Introduction of guests:
    Stephen Ballou, Margaret Doss, and Suzanne De la Cruz from the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC).  David Mendenhall and Ann Rubertino-Beck from the City of Las Vegas.  Leo Drozdoff and Ginger Poulson from NDEP.
     

    1. Item #1: ABC Presentation:
      • Stephen Ballou, Margaret Doss, and Suzanne De la Cruz gave an informal presentation about ABC and entertained questions from the Board.  Items discussed were on-line testing, simulation exams, continuing education course relevancy, biosolids certification, and maintenance certification.
    2. Item #2: Environmental Systems Technician and TPO Certification
      • David Mendenhall gave a presentation on the Environmental Systems Technician position at the City of Las Vegas. He answered questions of the Board. The Board discussed advantages and disadvantages of multi-skilled and specialized training of operators. Based on what was presented at the meeting, the board voted, with John Solvie abstaining, to grant Environmental Systems Technicians 100% full time equivalent qualifying experience towards certification as a wastewater treatment plant operator.
    3. Item #3: Approval of the meeting minutes of October 14, 2005: The minutes were approved as written.
    4. Item #4: Program Administrators Report:
      • The Program Administrator’s report was distributed. A pass/fail report was included in the report. The board discussed the current status of provisional operators. The Board reviewed and amended a letter and audit that will be mailed to all provisional operators to verify compliance with NAC.  The results of the audit will be reported at the April Board meeting for discussion and possible action.  The budget report was distributed to the Board. The Board discussed the budget changes for the 2006-07 budget.
    5. Item #5: Assistant Program Administrator’s Report:
      • The Board discussed representation with the Nevada Drinking Water and Wastewater Training Coalition. The Board discussed changes in operating procedure to enhance customer service by the Assistant Program Administrator. The ABC dues increased this year due to the number of certified operators in the program.
    6. Item #6: Assistant Program Administrator Fee Structure:
      • The costs of operating supplies exceeded the budgeted compensation amount by $218.27 during the first half of the budget year. The Board unanimously approved to reimburse the Assistant Program Administrator $218.27 at this time. The Board unanimously approved to reimburse the Assistant Program Administrator during the second half of the budget year for any operating supplies that exceed the budgeted compensation amount.  After discussion, the Board also unanimously approved to eliminate the $150.00 APA monthly maintenance fee and begin reimbursing APA operating costs monthly beginning the next budget cycle.
      • A report was presented demonstrating that the compensation paid to the APA during the past 3 years averaged approximately $15.00 per active certification each of the 3 years.  After discussion, the Board unanimously approved to begin calculating future APA compensation based on how many active certifications exist at the end of each calendar year prior to the next budget year.  APA compensation for future budget cycles will be calculated by multiplying $15.00 by the number of active certifications that exist at the end of each calendar year prior to the next fiscal year.  The APA compensation will be evenly paid on a monthly basis. 
    7. Item #7: Related Experience Policy: The Board discussed related experience as credit toward certification. The Board unanimously adopted the policy as amended.
    8. Item #8: Expired Certificates; Policy & Procedures – modify database & add renewal:
      • The Board unanimously approved to adopt the revised certification renewal policy.  The Board also unanimously approved revising the renewal sticker to incorporate the certification renewal effective date.  The database will now also reflect suspended certifications that have been reinstated.
    9. Item #9: NWEA Conference Update & Outreach Training: The Board was updated on the 2006 NWEA Conference and the training opportunities provided. The conference is March 22-24, 2006.
    10. Item #10: Subcommittee to research commonalities between WWTP Operator Certification Board and the Public Water System Certification Board:
      • The Board was presented with a letter from NDEP asking us to access the operator’s satisfaction level of the certification program.  The Board will reply with its own assessment and also create a customer satisfaction survey, the results of which will be sent to NDEP.  
    11. Item #11: Proposed 2007 Fee Increases & CEU Requirements: The Board tabled this item until the next meeting.
    12. Item #12: Status of the Website/Sample Exam Questions: The Board complimented Steve on the website. The new policies will be posted on the website.
    13. Item #13: Disciplinary procedures – other program review, Code of Ethics – Subcommittee recommendations:
      • Starlin presented the Board with the research done by the subcommittee. The subcommittee was asked to email the links to The Nevada Public Water System Certification Board and the CWEA’s Certification program.  The subcommittee will continue to research. 
    14. Item #14: ABC Board Update:
      • The Board was updated on items the ABC Board is working on such as the pre-testing that is to take place, proctoring requirements, and maintenance certification.  John’s 2006 ABC Board assignments include Wastewater Treatment Division Director and Industrial Waste V&E Committee Chair.  John will continue serving as conference committee chair until the conclusion of the ABC Conference.
    15. Item #15: Newsletter discussion: The Board was updated on the newsletter. A draft copy will be ready for the Board at the next meeting.
    16. Item #16: New Business: Operator pins will be discussed at the next meeting.
    17. Item #17: Schedule next Board meeting: The next meeting will be held in Carson City at the NDEP on 4/14/06 at 9:30 AM.