Dr. Chi Ho Sham Visits Northshore Utility District
Northshore Utility District was honored to host Dr. Chi Ho Sham, recent past president of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) on November 8, 2022. Sham’s passion for safeguarding water quality and the environment began in Hong Kong, where, during the 1960s, he experienced first-hand the city’s drought-induced potable water shortages. Since earning master’s and doctorate degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo, his work has spanned watershed management, water resource planning, drinking water protection, underground injection control, and water quality assessment. Meeting Dr. Sham in person was a great experience for our team and we are grateful for all he is doing for water across the country.
Learn more about Dr. Chi Ho Sham at https://www.awwa.org/AWWA-Articles/path-from-hong-kong-to-massachusetts-leads-chi-ho-sham-to-awwa-presidency
Sewer Main Break in Kirkland
Fleet Mechanic Lead at Northshore Utility District Honored for 30 Years of Service
Fleet Mechanic Lead Ken James was recently honored for 30 years of service at Northshore Utility District (NUD). James was originally hired at NUD as a Senior Mechanic in 1992 and was promoted to Lead Mechanic in 2003. In his position, he has since served as a telemetry technician, a facility technician, an emergency responder, as well as a mentor and coach for his coworkers.
“Ken has been willing to fill any role that is needed,” said General Manager Al Nelson. “I have never heard him complain about being overworked and understaffed – he merely digs in to get the job done – even if that means working long hours and weekends.”
Northshore Utility District is a special purpose public agency, specializing in providing water and sewer service to over 85,000 people residing in cities of Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, and Woodinville. NUD was originally established, as municipal corporation in 1947 to fill an environmental and public health need.
In addition, to providing water and sewer service, NUD is a provider of regional fleet services for its municipal partners of Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Northshore/Shoreline Fire Department. Water, sewer and fleet services are managed and maintained by NUD’s staff of just over 50 employees which include utility workers, engineers, construction inspectors, permit technicians, customer service technicians, information technology staff, mechanics, facilities maintenance, seasonal grounds crews, and administration.
“Our team is committed to serving the community by providing essential services in a safe, reliable, economical and ecologically responsible way,” said Nelson. “Fleet Mechanic Lead Ken James has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to serving others in the community throughout his 30 years. He has remained a steady dependable pillar and contributor in our organization.”
For more information about Northshore Utility District, visit us at www.nud.net.
Media Contact:
Amanda Campbell, Administrative Services Manager
Northshore Utility District
(425) 521-3728
acampbell@nud.net
Northshore Utility District Employees Honored for Achievements
Northshore Utility District (NUD) honored several employees for their achievements in a promotional ceremony held on July 21, 2022. Brian Taylor, Christian Melton, Haakon Lande, and Ryan Helvey received recognition for their hard work, dedication, and completion of advancement training.
Brian Taylor was hired at NUD as a fleet mechanic in January 2022. In just six months, he managed to fulfil the requirements of the Senior Mechanic Advancement Assessment to advance to the position of Fleet Mechanic – Senior. This included passing all eight Automotive Service Excellence certification tests to achieve the Master Truck Technician Certification Level.
“One of the great things about hiring new people, is that they can bring a fresh perspective and new and different ways of accomplishing our mission,” said Fleet and Facilities Supervisor Steve Skylstad. “Brian has identified several opportunities for improvements, such as recommending tool purchases to improve productivity and expand our capabilities. He has also proven to be an expert mechanic, diagnosing and repairing several challenging vehicle related problems.”
Christian Melton, Senior Utility Worker, Haakon Lande, Acting Utility Lead, and Ryan Helvey, Senior Utility Worker, are the first to complete the challenging NUD Senior Development Program, which has taken multiple years of hard work and dedication to achieve. Melton was the first employee to complete the program.
“Our senior employees have positive attitudes when met with adversity, teach and mentor co-workers, and demonstrate professionalism when working with our customers,” said Maintenance and Operations Director Ethan Maiefski. “We are proud of our team at NUD and appreciate exemplary employees like these who personify NUD’s values of dedication, tenacity, and commitment to those we serve.”
Providing water and sewer services to more than 77,000 people in Kenmore Bothell, Lake Forest Park, Kirkland, and Woodinville, NUD’s mission is to provide necessary services to the community in a safe, reliable, economical, and ecologically responsible manner. For more information about Northshore Utility District, please visit www.nud.net.
Media Contact:
Amanda Campbell, Administrative Services Manager
Northshore Utility District
(425) 521-3728
acampbell@nud.net
Special Meeting Scheduled for July 12, 2022
A Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 12, 2022, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
The purpose of the meeting: Long Term Water Supply Planning Presentation.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2022.
2022 Rate Notification
The decision to raise rates is an issue every responsible utility must face. Over the last four years, Northshore Utility District (NUD) has not raised water rates and only raised its sewer rates once. NUD will not be raising water rates for 2022. This is possible, to a large extent, because of NUD’s unique water supply contract with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).
However, this is not the case for sewer. King County Wastewater Treatment Division raised its cost by 4%. This increase is being treated as pass-through cost to District customers. This decision was reached after conducting two open public hearings held on March 7, 2022, and March 21, 2022. The 2022 Rate Resolution was adopted and applied to all utility bills sent after March 15, 2022, regardless of when service is rendered.
Please read the 2022 Rate Notification Letter for more information.
Public Hearing March 21 to Discuss the 2022 Rate Resolution
Northshore Utility District’s Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing (second of two) during their regularly scheduled Board Meeting on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this hearing is to discuss the 2022 Rate Resolution.
Due to COVID-19 the Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Monday, March 21 will be conducted remotely and in-person. To participate in the meeting please see options below.
To join meeting by telephone, call 1 253-328-7749 and enter conference ID: 440297543#.
To join meeting by video conferencing, please contact Brenda Smith at bsmith@nud.net before 2:00 p.m. on March 21, 2022.
Public Hearing March 7 to Discuss the 2022 Rate Resolution
Northshore Utility District’s Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing during their regularly scheduled Board Meeting on Monday, March 7, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this hearing is to discuss the 2022 Rate Resolution.
Due to COVID-19 the Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Monday, March 7 will be conducted remotely and in-person. To participate in the meeting please see options below:
- To join the meeting by telephone, call 1 253-328-7749 and enter conference ID: 63578183#.
- To join the meeting by video conferencing, please contact Brenda Smith at bsmith@nud.net before 2:00 p.m. on March 7, 2022.
The Flow: 2022 Issue No. 1
Northshore Utility District's first newsletter for 2022 is out! In this edition, learn how NUD partners with other government agencies in the area, how you can help your neighbors through the Share A Drop Program, and what NUD is doing to help customers with past-due balances. Also in this edition, NUD remembers former General Manager Ron Gehrke. Watch for the newsletter in your mailbox, or check out this edition as well as past editions of the newsletter here. Thanks for reading!
Upcoming Savvy Gardener Classes
Tuesday, May 17, 6:00-7:30 pm
Knockout Gardens: Winning the War on Water Use with Great Plants and Techniques
With Marianne Binetti, author and Northwest horticultural expert
Get inspired to plant not just shrubs and perennials that will survive in our climate, but plants that make a knockout statement when grown together, smother weeds, and solve other landscape problems. Learn how to create stunning plant marriages, how to use short plants to support taller specimens to avoid stakes or ties, and how to use trees and large shrubs already in your landscape as focal points to create gardens with seasonal interest that will knock your socks off.
To register, call (206) 684-5955 or email mark.guthrie@seattle.gov.
This class is virtual. A link to the class will be sent out by email.
Tuesday, July 12, 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Less Work, Better Gardens the Natural Way
With Ladd Smith, co-owner of In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes
Come learn how you can become a more successful gardener and do it with less work. Your garden will be more beautiful, and you will have more joy in it when you learn how to work with Mother Nature. Building healthy soils, watering the right amount, and other natural yard care topics will be covered.
To register, call (206) 684-5955 or email mark.guthrie@seattle.gov.
This class is virtual. A link to the class will be sent out by email.