Inside CTDOTAn e-Newsletter for Employees of the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Lots to report in this issue - Employee recognition: Delois Barnes named ‘Employee of the Year’ … The Charitable Giving Campaign featured lots of fun, successful events … We launched a wildly popular bus-and-train pass program for college kids … We reinstituted Rail Safety Week with ‘Operation Lifesaver’ … Paul Rizzo takes over Highway Operations as the winter season ramps up … and Connecticut set a new record for seat belt usage – inching past 90 percent for the first time ever.

Employee Recognition

U-Pass Program Launched

Connecticut Seat Belt Usage Hits a New Record

Paul Rizzo named Chief of Highway Operations

Walk Bridge Update

Rail Safety Week and Operation Lifesaver

HR Award for Vicki Arpin

Mr. Block Goes to China

Cheryl Malerba Receives Top MAC Award

Charitable Giving Campaign Wraps Up

Hartford Line Update

UConn Tech Transfer Grads

Laura Sweet Receives Philie Award

An Impressive List!

Mike Hogan Wins Regional AASHTO Award

Diversity Council News

Gerry Dobek Receives National Award

Retiree Parties Benefit Soup Kitchen

Fill the Bucket

Holiday Tree Safety Conference

Fall 2017

Here are the headlines for this edition of Inside CTDOT (scroll down or click on headline for the full stories).

Employees Recognized and Applauded The annual Employee Recognition Ceremony saw dozens of DOT employees receive certificates and many more who received pins for 25, 30 and 35 years of loyal service. Delois Barnes, Transportation Landscape Designer 3, was recognized as Employee of the Year. David Alfredson, Fiscal Administrative Manager, received the Commissioner’s Choice Award.“This year, the awards spanned almost all of the disciplines of the DOT, and as always, those who were nominated, truly deserved

the recognition,” said Commissioner Jim Redeker. “It is clear that employees across

the entire organization are exceptional at what they do, and uphold the values of performance, safety, teamwork and customer service. Congratulations to all the awardees, and thank you to every single DOT employee.”Look here for the awards program and for the write-ups on each employee who was recognized, look here.

Commissioner Redeker presents the Employee of the Year Award to Delois Barnes.

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Dave Alfredson receives the Commissioner’s Choice Award.

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Inside CTDOTP

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Connecticut State Universities, the University of Connecticut and a number of state community colleges kicked off the U-Pass CT program in August, just as students were returning to campus. Under the program, students at participating colleges can ride public buses and trains for free, anywhere in Connecticut. Students voted earlier to approve a $20 increase in per-semester fees, which is the primary source of funding for the program.More on the program launch here.

In November, Governor Malloy and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman joined Commissioner Redeker and others in boarding a bus at the Tolland Park & Ride lot off I-84 and rode to the UConn campus in Storrs to celebrate the success of that line, known as the “913 Hartford-Buckland-Storrs Express.” More on that event here.

In a related bus note, ground was broken in October for a new complex in New Britain just off the CTfastrak system, to be known as Columbus Commons. Commissioner Redeker joined Mayor Erin Stewart and others for a ceremonial toss of shovels-full of dirt for the $58 million project. The plan is to construct a six-story building with retail and commercial space on the ground floor and 80 apartments above. After it’s done, construction will begin on a second, mostly identical building, giving the full project 160 apartments. See Courant article here.

U-Pass Program Launched

The 913 pulls up in front of the Nash-Zimmer Transportation Center at UConn.

Ground is broken in New Britain for the $58 million Columbus Commons project. See larger photo.

Governor Malloy kicks off the U-Pass CT program at Hartford’s Union Station.

Connecticut now has the highest seat belt usage rate in New England – setting a new record at 90.3 percent. The Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign began in May and was a key tool in public awareness and enforcement for safety belt use. The campaign aimed at reaching motorists and raising awareness not just about the dangers of driving without buckling up, but the fines they would receive if cited. In Connecticut, the mini-

mum penalty for a seat belt violation is $92. “For many years, Connecticut was one of the top compliant states, and after experiencing a five year slide, we’re encouraged to see the compliance rate increase for two consecutive years now,” said Commissioner Redeker. More here.

Connecticut Sets Seat Belt Usage Record: 90.3 Percent

Inside CTDOT With winter weather having just arrived, Paul Rizzo has been promoted from District One Maintenance to Chief of the Bureau of Highway Operations after 31 years with the Department. Paul began his DOT career at the Farmington Maintenance facility as a Maintainer 2 and had many positions over the ensuing three decades, including Transportation Maintenance Manager in District One immediately before being named Bureau Chief. “After 31 years with the Department, I am delighted and a little humbled by this appointment,” said Paul. “The Highways Operations team – and specifically our Maintainers – are the best in the business. As we head into the winter season, I am

confident that we will all, once again, rise to the challenge and keep Connecticut roads and highways as safe as possible.” The Bureau’s mission: “The Mission of the Bureau of Highway Operations is to maintain the state’s

highway and bridge systems in a safe, efficient manner balanced with the needs of the motoring public. Our dedicated staff will utilize best practices and high standards to achieve an optimal level of service to the highway and bridge systems, which include Snow and Ice Control, Incident Management, and Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permitting.”

Paul Rizzo named Chief of Highway Operations Bureau

Snow

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aintenance

Bureau Chief Paul Rizzo

Part of the fleet, ready for winter.

Led by a double-wing plow, an echelon

clears the highway in one pass.

Walk Bridge Update Ground has been broken for two rail projects in Norwalk that must be completed before the 121-year-old rail bridge over the Norwalk River can be replaced. These two projects – known as the CP243 Interlocking and the Danbury Dockyard projects – will be completed by the Cianbro-Middlesex Joint Venture under a

$237 million contract. Interestingly, this is the first contract awarded under the Construction Manager/General Contractor alternative contracting method. This process encourages innovation, leads to schedule certainty, and reduces risk during the construction phase. Further, the contract value is a negotiated price which is verified against an independent cost estimate prepared by a professional estimating firm.A public hearing

on the projects was held in September. More on the Walk Bridge program at www.walkbridgect.com.

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Inside CTDOT

Mr. Block Goes to China Ed Block, Supervising Engineer in the Bureau of Policy and Planning, recently visited China’s Jiangsu Science and Technology Forum and Tongji University to make presentations on the maintenance and rehabilitation of infrastructure. Ed said that this was a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and found the visit “enlightening” – adding, “the feedback I received from my hosts was that they gained a lot from my visit as well.”Good going, Ed!Here is his “report.” Ed Block is welcomed by Tongji University and a sign promoting his presentation.

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d Block

For the first time in at least 10 years, the Department marked Rail Safety Week, September 24-30, 2017, and highlighted the significance of Operation Lifesaver – a program and campaign geared toward safety at railroad crossings. Kevin Burns of the Office of Rail, is now the designated CTDOT Operation Lifesaver manager. He said, “The Connecticut Operation Lifesaver campaign will conduct targeted outreach to populations across Connecticut, with a special focus on schools to reach children.” “We want Connecticut’s residents to be aware of the important, yet simple, safety measures they can take to prevent tragic accidents,” said Deputy Commissioner Anna M. Barry. “Rail Safety Week is a wonderful and vital resource to help us achieve this goal. Beyond Rail Safety Week, we will continue to raise awareness about rail safety with the Connecticut Operation Lifesaver campaign.” More on the effort here. You can find a story by WFSB TV 3 here.

Rail Safety Week and Operation Lifesaver

Deputy Commissioner Anna Barry helps get the message out: See Tracks, Think Train!

HR Award for Vicki Arpin Vicki Arpin, Agency Human Resources Administrator of the Office of Human Resources, recently received the Frank H. Densler Award from the Eastern Region of International Public Management Association for Human Resources. The award recognizes a person in federal, state or local government who has contributed significant direction and effort in improving the vitality of the Eastern Region of IPMA-HR and the field of public human resource administration. The Densler is the most prestigious of the Eastern Region Awards. Nice going, Vicki!

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Cheryl Malerba Receives Top MAC Award Chief of Staff Cheryl Malerba was recognized as one of the recipients of the Managerial Advisory Council’s (MAC) 2017 Distinguished Managerial Service Awards. The award was presented on “Managers Day” in September at the Aqua Turf in Southington. The glowing nomination for Cheryl highlights her leadership skills, her work as a mentor to many, her commitment to the LEAN Process throughout state government, her belief in continuous improvement and training, and her amaz-ing ability as a problem-solver. Here’s a quick example: “Where feathers may be ruffled between staff of the Department and another agency, Cheryl smooths things out and her efforts always, always, result in not just resolving the subject issue, but the creation of improved relations that keeps communications open and problems quickly resolved.” “It’s wonderful to be recognized by your peers, and I am especially proud to have received this distinction from the Council,” Cheryl said. “In my 32 years with the Department, I have seen many of my fellow managers recognized by

MAC, and it’s an honor to join their ranks.” Congrats, Cheryl!

Inside CTDOT

Charitable Giving Wraps Up As the holidays approach, the Connecticut State Employees Campaign for Charitable Giving is wrapping up. Numerous small events are adding up into one big push to surpass last year’s campaign total of $76,142. There is still time to initiate a payroll deduction for regular payments to the campaign throughout the year, hand in a pledge card or sign up online.

This year’s events and promotions ranged from the traditional to the brand new: silent auction, cutest pet, pizza lunches, bake sale, vendor fair, toy drive,a happy hour, paint night, counting the M&Ms in a jar, and a costume contest – among others. See pictures here. Thanks to everyone for their generous donations, and a special THANK YOU to Cynthia Young and Becky Rozanski, co-chairs for their

tireless efforts this year! Generous employees also donated 212 new toys for the Department of Children and Families Christmas Wish List, making for happier holidays for many kids. It should also be noted that Administrative Assistant Laura Sweet in Policy & Planning was recognized for her work over many years (more than 16!) on the Campaign. Well deserved, Laura! See story in this issue.

The Department also raised several thousand dollars for relief efforts after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria – a truly heartwarming effort. See related story in the Diversity Council article in this issue.

Cheryl Malerba with Comr. Redeker after receiving the 2017 Distinguished Managerial

Service Award. See larger photo.

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Inside CTDOT

UConn Tech Transfer Grads More than 30 CTDOT employees successfully completed safety and other training programs at UConn’s Technology Transfer Center this year and were recognized at a ceremony in November, keynoted by FHWA Division Administrator Amy Jackson-Grove and Commissioner Jim Redeker. Our “graduates” took part in the Road Master Program, the Road Scholar Program, the Transportation Leadership program and the Safety Academy Program. The Center’s “mission” is to “foster a safe, efficient, environmentally sound transportation system by improving the skills and knowledge of local transportation providers through training, technical assistance, and technology transfer.”Deputy Commissioner Anna M. Barry said of the Center, “The value you provide to the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the cities and towns of Connecticut is evident in the pride and enthusiasm of your graduates.” Congrats to all! See list of graduates here. See larger photo here.

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enter

Hartford Line Update Fare hearings for the soon-to-be expanded Hartford rail passenger

line have been completed and the new station at Wallingford has been opened. New stations in Berlin and Meriden will open after the first of the year. “This new, dynamic station will benefit the community, passengers and the entire region as a whole for years to come,” Commissioner Redeker said. “It is a

testament to the dedication and drive of all those who brought it to completion during three harsh New England winters and in the middle of an active rail line. We expect it to attract new visitors

and rail passengers as we prepare for launch of theCTrail Hartford Line.”Governor Malloy said that the Hartford Line will “provide those working, living, and traveling along this corridor with fast, safe, and reliable rail transportation – providing greater attraction for businesses, stimulating job creation, and improving our overall quality of life.” In September, we

announced the addition of more parking near the Meriden Station. In addition to train station access, the parking will provide easy access to Meriden’s new transit-oriented development sitesMore on the Hartford Line program at www.nhhsrail.com

Ribbon is cut at new Wallingford Rail Station.

Governor Malloy addresses the crowd.

John Bernick is presented with an award of appreciationfor great work done during the project.

Inside CTDOT

Laura Sweet, now an administrative assistant in Policy and Planning, was recognized as the “most outstanding loaned employee” on the CSEC campaign, which she has served on for some 17 years! Laura has worked on the campaign not only at the DOT, but at these state agencies: John Dempsey Hospital, Department of Health, Office of the State Comptroller, State Police headquarters, Department of Social Services and the CT Children’s Trust Fund. Well deserved, Laura! In a statement accompanying the award, it was noted that: “Each year campaign staff relies on loaned employees to work with state agency coordinators to insure that campaign related questions are handled in a timely manner, and that pledge cards are returned

as quickly as possible. The campaign committee strongly believes that loaned employees are a valued and integral part of the campaign process. The campaign staff and committee are greatly appreciative of the commitment and overwhelming support this person [Laura Sweet] continually provides as a dedicated volunteer.”

Laura Sweet Receives “Most Outstanding Loaned Employee Award”

The Philie. See larger photo.

In preparation for a news media interview by the Governor,

the Department was asked to compile a list of transportation plans and accomplishments as Governor Malloy enters his final year in office. As he likes to say, “Transportation is essential to everything we do – from connecting with family, friends and loved ones, to getting an education and earning a living. From the nation’s oldest continuously

running ferry service to one of New England’s largest airports and the busiest commuter rail line in the nation, the Connecticut transportation system serves millions of travelers and moves millions of tons of freight by road, rail, air, ship and highway every year.”Despite the ongoing budget worries, it is one impressive list! Check it out here.

An Impressive List!

Q-Bridge, New Haven

Commuter Rail, New Haven

CTfastrak station, Hartford

I-84 widening, Waterbury

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iversity Council

Michael E. Hogan, Transportation Supervising Engineer in Engineering & Construction, recently won AASHTO’ s Subcommittee on Design award for Region 1. In nominating him, Engineering Administrator Scott Hill noted Mike’s long list of accomplishments at the DOT, specifically in the area of hydrology and hydraulics, and other professional experience. The Subcommittee on Design, Technical Committee on Hydrology and Hydraulics, of which Mike is a member, provides “a focal point and working group with experience in hydrology and hydraulics to develop AASHTO guidelines and policies for drainage design of transportation facilities.”Well done, Mike! See details here.

Mike Hogan Wins Regional AASHTO Award

The Diversity Council has been busy this past year putting together Lunch and Learns for the Department fostering awareness and educational opportunities to the Department’s employees. The Lunch and Learns we hosted this year were: • Black History Month – Katherine Kane, Harriet Beecher Stowe Center • Transgender Awareness in the Workplace – Robert Rodriguez, MTA/Metro-North • Citizenship Day – Niyazi Alsaqri, Yelena (Lena) Kiriyan, Saroj Bhandari First upcoming 2018 Lunch and Learn: • Black History Month – Kevin Johnson of the State Library’s History Genealogy Unit The Diversity Council hopes to continue educating staff about the cultural differences of our employees as well as valuing and respecting those differences. Any questions, concerns or ideas for future events are most welcome. This coming year, we will be coordinating the bi-annual “Taste of Diversity” event in September 2018, where employees of all different countries share their rich cultural traditions and backgrounds. If anyone is interested in participating in the Taste of Diversity, please contact the Diversity Council at DOT.DiversityCouncil@ct.gov for more information. I want to thank the Council members and all the volunteers who participated in the Puerto Rico Relief Fundraiser Efforts, raising over $1,700. These employees not only offered to volunteer time out of their busy schedules but also made food contribu-tions and monetary donations without seeking any type of compensation. The compassion each Council member and volunteer showed goes without saying. This would not have been a success if it weren’t for the numerous voices that came out inquiring on a possible fundraiser for Puerto Rico. See photos of the island after the hurricane put together by Ada Alvarez and Estiana Green. For some great Diversity Council member’s recipes, look here. The Diversity Council is inviting those who are interested in becoming members to reach out to us via the DOT.DiversityCouncil@ct.gov email address for more information. Please visit our Diversity Council Showcase located on the ground floor of the Headquarters Building, outside of the Nurse’s Station, with quarterly information and insights.

Inside CTDOT

Mike Hogan receives the AASHTO Award. See larger photo.

A host of volunteers helped raise over $1,700 for Puerto Rico huricane relief. See larger photo.

Diversity Council News

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Inside CTDOT

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Gerry Dobek, who heads up our external Audit Unit, recently received The Dave Campbell Quality Award for Excellence in Service to the AASHTO Administrative Subcommittee on Internal and External Audit. This award is presented in recognition of significant contributions to the State DOT audit community. Well done, Gerry! From the late 1970s through his retirement in 2002, Dave Campbell was a driving force behind the Administrative Subcommittee for Internal and External Audit. Serving first as secretary and then as committee chair, he was instrumental in developing relationships with ACEC and USDOT OIG and having FHWA appoint a liaison to the committee. He worked toward his vision of a vibrant, relevant committee by encouraging all states to attend our annual conference and to participate in work groups and task forces. In addition, he was the champion for the initial Consultant Audit Guide.

AASHTO Audit Award goes to Gerry Dobek

Gerry Dobek receives the Dave Campbell Quality Award. See Photo

Fill the Bucket

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aterbury Project staff

The I-84 Waterbury Widening project staff, in conjunction with our contractors and sub-contractors, was joined by members of the Work Zone Safety Team for a food drive entitled “Fill the Bucket” on November 18, 2017. The event was a huge success as we were able to collectively donate food and money capable of feeding over 1,500 people to the St Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury! That included some 3,300 pounds of food plus other donations worth a total $1,070!Edwin Rodriguez, of the St. Vincent DePaul Mission, said “I wish you and all of the folks who helped in the ‘fill the bucket’ drive blessings of health, happiness and success!” More on the effort here.

Filling the huge bucket brought food to over 1,500 people. See larger photo

Among many retirees this year, Nick Ozkan left the Department after 39 years of service. The Office of Construction organized two parties and raised $1,000 to be donated to the Soup Kitchen of Wa-terbury at Nick’s insistence. That included $440 from a cake and coffee party, $300 from a pizza party and $260 in general dona-tions from staff and others wishing Nick the best. Heartwarming stories like this deserve to be recognized by the agency through the employee newsletter and perhaps other outlets. So, if you have a story like this about a colleague, please let us know (contact information at the end of this newsletter).

Retiree’s Parties Benefit Soup Kitchen

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ue Orsini

Nick Ozkan with 39 great years.Thank-you letter from St. Vincent DePaul Mission.

Employees pitched in to set up and decorate the Holiday Tree in the Headquarters lobby. Using ornaments collected over the years, many donated by employees, the tree greets visitors to the building during the holiday season. Two of the display cases are also decorated. Come check them out.Members of the trimming team include: Kevin

Markoski, Bruce Villwock (retired, but still a tree expert), Sandy Ferrara, Magdalena Fernandez, Sandy Armstrong, Abi Daniel, Allison Palmer,

Nicole Mason, Kim Peluso, Joyce Boutin, Lena Kiriyan, Scott Courtemanche, Mary Petzold and Carrie Cyr.

Holiday Tree Graces Headquarters Building

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ob Bissel

Inside CTDOT

Some of the crew by the finished tree. See larger photo.

It takes a team to trim the big tree.

More than 275 Traffic Engineering and Safety professionals from around the North-east gathered in Cromwell for the 2017 Northeast Transportation Safety Conference. By all measures, it was an outstanding success. Led by the Department’s Traffic Safety Engineer Natasha Fatu and Traffic Engineer Colin Baummer along with UConn’s Technology Trans-fer Center Program Director Donna Shea, the conference featured more than a dozen technical sessions on various safety initiatives with some provocative discussions.Here is a report on the conference filed by Natasha Fatu.

Transportation Safety Conference in the Northeast – Tech, Trends and Tomorrow!

Photos courtesy of N

atasha Fatu

Master of ceremonies Randal Davis led a prominent cast of keynote speakers for the

event theme: Road Safety Matters – Tech, Trends & Tomorrow.

The opening plenary led by Commissioner Redeker summarized the Department’s involvement with safety.

This is YOUR Newsletter

The Department of Transportation is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer.

You are encouraged to suggest ideas for stories or to send us a draft article for consideration. Send them to the CTDOT Office of Communications, judd.everhart@ct.gov or give us a call, 860-594-3062.