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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Nevada Board of Certification
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Meeting Minutes
November 3, 2011
Meeting was called to order at 8:30 AMAttendees: John Solvie, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Bill Shepherd, Joe Crim, Jr., Adrian Edwards, Dave Commons, and Jennifer McMartin
Item #1
Introduction of guest- My-Linh Nguyen with NDEP
Item #2
Approval of minutes of August 5, 2011 meeting- Approved via E-mail.
Item #3
Program Administrator Report- Experience Complaint
- We will send a letter to the applicant and let him know that we will need additional information regarding his experience before he can sit for the exam.
- Computerized Exams update: These exams continue to do well. There are eleven pending applications at this time.
- December exam: ABC is offering examinees the opportunity to take the new version of the Wastewater Treatment and Collection exams. A motion was made to offer the beta test during the December exam cycle. The motion passed unanimously.
- Compiled exam analysis document. This is a great tool to help trainers focus on the categories that the operators are having the most difficulty with. The PA will contact ABC regarding sharing this data with outside training organizations.
- OCT Training/ Certification: Bob Funk with OCT would like to bring some training opportunities to Nevada.
- NWEA Conference-Panel discussion/ Board Presentation: The Certification Board will participate in a panel discussion at the NWEA Conference.
- NVRWA Conference 3/20/11 – 3/22/11: NVRWA’s annual Conference will be held in Reno at the Grand Sierra Resort. Many training opportunities will be available.
- The PA will not be available to proctor the exam at the conference. Kelvin Ikehara volunteered to proctor the exam.
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Program Administrator contract/ SOP’s: Some changes were suggested to the new PA’s contract including adding an in-kind service section. Once the changes are reviewed the contract will be forwarded to NWEA President for approval.
Item #4
Certification Board Representation- A motion was made to accept the following Board Officer nominations: Chairman - Harvey Johnson, Vice-Chairman - Joe Crim, Secretary – Adrian Edwards. The motion passed unanimously.
Item #5
NDEP contract/regulation changes- No Update
Item #6
Continuing education participation update- As of November there are 136 participants.
- Can operators use the same 60 contact hours for multiple certifications? The Board agreed that an operator can submit the same 60 hours of training when they are applying for initial certifications.
Item #7
Distance Education/Online Courses- No report
Item #8
Policy and Procedures- Previous employment definition: A small policy change will be made regarding verifiable previous employment experience.
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Related experience Policy: If an applicant applies to take a certification examination and they submit documentation of 6 months of related employment, they will be granted 6 months of related experience.
Item #9
ABC Update- WEF Operator Initiative
- ABC Annual Conference Attendance: Motion to approve Jennifer McMartin and John Solvie to attend the ABC Annual Conference in January. John Solvie’s hotel and meals will be covered by NWEA (airfare and conference registration will be covered by ABC). The motion passed unanimously.
Item #10
Training Update- Some new training will be developed focusing on the areas that were found in the exam analysis study.
Item #11
Water Certification Board Update- Elections are upcoming. The Certification Board is invited to attend these meetings.
Item # 12
Website update- The website is updated on a regular basis.
Item #13
New business for consideration at next meeting- None
Item #14
Next Board Meeting- February 9, 2012 via conference call. Southern members will be meeting at the City of North Las Vegas Treatment Plant. The northern members will be meeting at NDEP in Carson City.
Adjourned
12:00 PM -
Nevada Board of Certification
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2011Meeting was called to order at 8:35 AM
Item # 1
Introduction of guests- Jeff Mills, CCWRD
- Alan Tinney, NDEP
- My-Linh Nguyen, NDEP
Item # 2
NDEP Update given by Alan Tinney- Retooling of the Bureau of Water Pollution Control
- Permit Branch, supervisor Cliff Lawson, (775) 687-9414
- Technical Services, Compliance & Enforcement Branch, supervisor Joe Maez, (775) 687-9435
- Groundwater and Information supervisor, My-Linh Nguyen (775) 687-9422
- Contract invoices will now be sent to My-Linh.
Item #3
May 17, 2011 minutes- Kelvin Ikehara made a motion to accept, Adrian Edwards seconded the motion. The motion carries.
Item # 4
Program Administrators Report-
Computerized Exams Update. Overall the pass rates are up.
There are 15 examinees that have applied to take computerized exams. They have not scheduled a date as of today. - 72% pass rate for computerized exams
- 49% pas rate for pencil/paper exams
- Operator appeal update
- Decertified operators testing policy. John Solvie made a motion to add language to the NWEA Policies & Procedures manual to specify that when a person’s certification is decertified they can retest at the grade level that they held when they became decertified. Bill Shepherd seconded. The motion carries.
- Bill Shepherd term is expiring in December of 2011. He would like to remain on the Board. The NWEA Executive Board will be sending out an announcement.
Item # 5
NDEP Contract/Regulation Changes- We cannot discuss any regulation changes until July of 2013 per Alan Tinney with NDEP.
- Mandatory CEU’S: Tabled
- Mandatory Programs: Tabled
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Fee Increase: Tabled
Item # 6
Continuing Education Participation Update- There are 121 participants in the voluntary continuing education program.
Item # 7
Distance Education/Online Courses- No report.
Item # 8
Policies & Procedures- Update the Policies & Procedures to include language regarding a decertified operator retesting.
Item # 9
ABC Update- WEF Operator Certification & Training Summit summary.
- ABC can generate cumulative scoring reports at a cost of $35 per report. Jennifer will coordinate NWEA needs with ABC staff.
Item # 10
Training Update- Tri-State is in September.
- NVRWA training in Laughlin, NV in September.
Item # 11
Water Certification Board Update- The Nevada Training Coalition has been combined with the Nevada Operators Forum.
- No report on the Water Certification Exam RFP.
Item # 12
Website Update- The website is updated at a minimum of every two weeks.
Item # 13
New Business-
Bill will be retiring in September. Bill Shepherd made a motion that effective 1/1/12 Bill will step down as Chairman. Harvey Johnson will move to the Chairman position. Joe Crim will move to the Vice Chairman position. The Secretary position will need to be filled at the November Board meeting. Adrian Edwards seconded the motion. The motion carries.
Item # 14
Next Board Meeting- Thursday, November 3, 2011, via conference call. Northern folks will meet at NDEP in Carson City. Southern folks will meet at the City of Las Vegas, WPCF.
Adjourned
11:30 AM
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Nevada Board of Certification
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Meeting Minutes
May 17, 2011Meeting was called to order at 2:00 PM
Item # 1
Introduction of guest- Angela MacKinnon
Item # 2
February 11, 2011 minutes- John Solvie made a motion to accept, Dave Commons seconded the motion. The motion carries.
Item # 3
Program Administrators Report- Computerized Exams Update
- Overall the pass rates are up.
- There are 19 examinees that have applied to take computerized exams. They have not scheduled a date as of today.
Item # 4
Assistant Program Administrator items- Decertification letters mailed by NDEP. Call NDEP to discuss the decertification dates per NAC 445Z.287 section 5.
- Renewal ID cards
- The Board decided to switch to a different renewal card in order to save money.
- Operator Appeal: The appeal is moving forward.
- NVRWA Outreach Project: Nevada Rural Water is implementing an outreach program in high schools throughout the state to promote water and wastewater jobs.
- WEF HOD Invitation: John Solvie will be attending the WEF Operator Certification & Training Summit representing ABC & NWEA.
Item # 5
Operator Definition- Define duties for all types of certification. NWEA has developed duties for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators. Once finalized they will be incorporated into the Policies & Procedures.
Item # 6
NDEP Contract/Regulation Changes- Contract Invoicing changes: Some modifications have been made to the invoicing that is sent to NDEP.
- Mandatory CEU’S: Tabled
- Mandatory Programs: Tabled
- Fee Increase: Tabled
Item # 7
Continuing Education Participation Update- There are 93 participants in the voluntary continuing education program.
Item # 8
Distance Education/Online Courses- No Update
Item # 9
Policies & Procedures- Once the definition of operator duties is finalized it will be incorporated into the Policies & Procedures.
Item # 10
ABC Update- There have been some cheating incidents reported by ABC member programs. In light of this, the Certification Board will add language to the proctor cover letters reminding them that examinees are not allowed to have their cell phones with them during the exam.
- Last month John attended ABC governance and strategic planning meetings in Iowa. Initiatives that remain a high priority include establishing a national professional designation for operators in cooperation with WEF and AWWA, and aligning its internal processes to comply with the new ISO 17024 accreditation standards for certifying bodies.
Item # 11
Training Update- NWEA has UV training in Las Vegas on May 19, 2011. Tri-state is in September. NWEA is discussing the possibility of having a joint conference with Utah in the future.
Item # 12
Water Certification Board Update- The Nevada Training Coalition is going to be combined with the Nevada Operators Forum.
Item # 13
Website Update- The website is updated at a minimum of every two weeks.
Item # 14
New Business- NDEP has an RFP for the Water Certification exam administration. Email the RFP to the Board members for their review and comment.
Item # 15
Next Board Meeting- Friday, August 5, 2011, NDEP, Carson City, NV
Adjourned
5:00 PM
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Nevada Board of Certification
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2011
Via Conference call – CCWRD & DCSID
Meeting was called to order at 8:30 AMAttendees: John Solvie, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Bill Shepherd, Adrian Edwards, Dave Commons and Jennifer McMartin.
Absent: Joe Crim
Item #1
- Introduction of guest
- None
Item #2
- Approval of minutes of November 4, 2010 meeting
- Motion made by Harvey, 2nd by Kelvin, approved. Motion carries.
Item #3
- Program Administrator Report
- Wastewater and collection certifications have been increasing over the last four years.
- Computerized exams update
- Examinees in January have not been doing very well.
- 2010/2011 Budget – The Certification Board travel/training budget has been exceeded (as approved by the Executive Board for ABC conference attendance), but overall our expenditures are within the budgeted amount.
Item #4- Assistant Program Administrator Items
- Certification Board member terms expiring. (Joe, Adrian, Starlin, Kelvin)
- Joe Crim, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara have been reappointed by the Executive Board to the Certification Board.
- Dave Commons was appointed by the Executive Board to fill the vacancy left by Starlin Jones.
- Discussed the retitling of the Board officers and staff. John will put together a summary that defines the roles and new titles of the officers and staff. It will be sent to the Certification Board for approval, then to the Executive Board for final approval. The suggested changes are:
- Chairman title remains the same
- Program Administrator will be retitled the Vice Chairman
- Vice Chairman will be retitled the Secretary
- Assistant Program Administrator will be retitled the Program Administrator
- Per the NWEA Bylaws the Board Officers were reappointed as:
- Chairman: Bill Shepherd
- Program Administrator: Harvey Johnson
- Vice Chairman: Joe Crim
- Motion made by Bill, 2nd by Kelvin, approved. Motion carries.
- SOPs were developed for the Board officers. The SOPs will be voted on via email after the changes to the titles have been made.
- WEFMAX Attendance
- NWEA has offered to sponsor 1 Certification and 1 Executive Board member to attend. The meeting dates need to be confirmed. Once a date is decided the Certification Board will decide who will be attending.
- NWEA/NDEP Mixer
- The discharge meeting has already passed. Jennifer will notify the Executive Board regarding the mixer.
- 2011/2012 Budget
- The 2011/2012 budget was presented to the Board. The budgeted amount for postage was increased to $3,250 due to the upcoming increase. John made a motion to approve the budget as amended 2nd by Harvey, approved. Motion carries.
- Replacement Proctors
- Our current Las Vegas proctor has a conflict on some of the exam dates. Our Reno proctors are no longer available. In the interim the APA will proctor the Reno exams. The APA is looking for replacement proctors.
Item #5
- NDEP contract/regulation changes
- Bill will discuss the possibility of regulation changes with NDEP.
Item #6
- Continuing education participation update
- There are currently 72 certified individuals that have submitted continuing education documentation.
- The list of pre-approved courses was discussed. Harvey & Bill will do some additional research.
Item #7
- Distance Education/Online Courses
- Bill will check with CSN regarding the possibility of online courses.
Item #8- Policies & Procedures
- No new policies at this time.
Item # 9- ABC Update
- Enhanced Exam Psychometrics
- ABC is moving forward with the ANSI Accreditation for the wastewater treatment, collection, water treatment and distribution standardized exam development process and certification process. Doing so will provide greater exam defensibility for testing clients.
- V&E Committee meeting at the ABC annual conference
- New exam blueprints were developed using the recently completed job task analysis data. The new standardized exams will be ready for delivery in the coming months.
- Jennifer McMartin received a Presidential Recognition Award during the ABC conference for her tireless efforts in supporting and advancing ABC during 2010.
- ABC Annual Conference Overview
- American Disability Act update
- Water Training Institute offers an Associates degree in Water Resources – based in Kentucky.
- New ABC standardized exams will be developed every year for the core exams, which includes the wastewater treatment exams and collection exams.
- Biosolids Certification
- Industrial Waste Inspector Exam
- This exam is a Nevada prescriptive exam as ABC does not currently develop exams for this job discipline. John will explore potential partnerships with other state programs who certify in this discipline.
Item #10
- Training Update
- LeAnna Risso is teaching a math class in Las Vegas in February.
Item #11
- Water Certification Forum Update
- Next meeting will be at NVRWA Annual Conference
- NDEP has hired a replacement. They are diligently working to process the renewals.
Item # 12
- Website update
- Jennifer is updating on a regular basis.
Item #13
- New business for consideration at next meeting?
- Operator complaint update.
Item #14
- Next Board Meeting
- May 2011 at the NWEA Annual Conference.
Adjourned
11:30 AM
- Introduction of guest
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Nevada Board of Certification
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2010
CCWRD
Las Vegas, NVMeeting was called to order at 10:00 AM
Attendees: John Solvie, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Bill Shepard, Joe Crim, Starlin Jones, Adrian Edwards, and Jennifer McMartin
Absent: None
Item #1
Introduction of guest
• NoneItem #2
Approval of minutes of August 12, 2010 meeting
• Motion made by Kelvin, 2nd by John to approve. Motion carriesItem #3
Program Administrator Report
• Program Administrator Report
o Number of exams administered are going up. Renewals are down. WWTP Operator and Collections numbers are up.
• Computerized exams update
o Overall computer exams are doing well, but more study time is still needed by examinees.
Item #4
Assistant Program Administrator Items
• Certification Board member terms expiring. (Joe, Adrian, Starlin, Kelvin)
o Joe Crim, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara expressed their desire to retain their seats. Starlin Jones is stepping down. Letters of interest will be sent to the Executive Board. The Executive Board will advertise the opening.
o SOPs for the Board officers need to be established.• APA Inventory
o A list of Certification Board files and locations was presented to the Board.• NTC Certification Article
o Jennifer will put together an article for this publication.• APA Revised Contract
o The new APA contract is awaiting approval from the President of NWEA.• Replacement Proctor
o Our current Las Vegas proctor has a conflict on some of the exam dates. The APA will be looking for a replacement.Item #5
NDEP contract/regulation changes
• Contract
o November 1st the contract will go into effect with some new changes.• Facility List NVRWA
o A request has been sent to NVRW• Mandatory CEU’S
o Tabled• Mandatory Programs
o Tabled• Fee Increase
o TabledItem #6
Continuing education participation update
• There are 55 participantsItem #7
Distance Education/Online Courses
• The list of approved course will be emailed to the Board each time it is updated.Item #8
Policies & Procedures
• Renewal Notification Policy
o Revisions to the policies were made to match the new language of the NDEP contract. Motion made by John, 2nd by Joe. Motion carries.Item # 9
ABC Update
• CBT Biometric Verification
o AMP is now offering electronic fingerprinting of examinees. The Board decided not to pursue at this time.• Certified Water Professional (ABC/AWWA/WEF)
o ABC is working on a nationally-recognized professional operator designation in cooperation with WEF and AWWA.• Standardized Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Exams
o After ABC completed its psychometric audit process it was determined that if even one question is changed by a testing client on a standardized exam, ABC can no longer legally defend it as a standardized exam. Because of the legal liability NWEA will no longer be using the grade I Wastewater exams that include the additional 10 pond questions. The Board voted to begin using the ABC Standardized Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator exam. John will draft a letter to NDEP and copy NVRWA regarding the Board’s decision.• Enhanced Exam Psychometrics
o ABC has partnered with a Professional Testing Incorporated for psychometric oversight of ABC’s exam development process.
• Reciprocity – ABC Exam Equivalency Chart
o ABC will be reviewing the Exam Equivalency Chart for use by members as it does not reflect the most up to date information. The Board will continue to use until a determination is made by ABC.• Industrial Waste Inspector Exam
o This exam is aNevada prescriptive exam as ABC does not currently develop exams for this job discipline. The Certification Board will reevaluate this exam in 2011.Item #10
Training Update
• Tri-State had many good tracks and was well attended.Item #11
Water Certification Board Update
• Jennifer Carr is running operations in the interim until a replacement is found.Item # 12
Website update
• Jennifer is updating on a regular basis.Item #13
New business for consideration at next meeting.Item #14
Next Board Meeting
o February 10, 2011 via conference call.
• Northern Board members will meet at DCSID
• Southern Board members will meet at CCWRDAdjourned
1:00 PM
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Nevada Board of Certification
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Meeting Minutes
August 12, 2010
Meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM
Item #1
Introduction of guest
• John Buzzone, City of Reno, NWEA Treasurer
• Stephen Long, City of Reno, NWEA President
Item #2
Approval of minutes of May 17, 2010 meeting:
• Approved via email. Posted on website.
Item #3
Program Administrator report:
• Computer exams update
o Passing rates for computerized exams remain higher than the pencil/paper exams.Item #4
Assistant Program Administrator Items:
• CWP (Certified Water Professional)
o There is excitement about this program from AWWA and WEF.
• Certification Board terms expiring:
o Joe Crim, Adrian Edwards and Kelvin Ikehara would like to remain on the Board. Starlin Jones is going to be stepping down.
• California Exam Process
o Starlin Jones gave an update regarding the California examination process.
Item #5
NDEP contract/regulation changes
• The Request for Proposal was delivered to State Purchasing 8/23/10.
• Mandatory CEUs – We need to come up with a plan that works for everyone.
• Fee increase
• Possible questionnaire to the Certified Community? We will discuss after the contract is finalized.
Item #6
Continuing education participation update:
• As of August there are 46 participants.
Item #7
Distance Education/Online Courses:
• It would take about 15-20 hours to set up and online course.
• Do other states have a course that is already set up?
• There is a potential to have joint classes with Utah.
Item #8
Policies & Procedures:
• If the proposal if accepted by NDEP there will be changes that need to be made to the policies.
Item #9
Training Update:
• Tri-State is upcoming.
Item #10
Water Certification Board Update:
• Backflow certification was pushed through. Mandatory backflow exams available through CALNEV AWWA & the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA).Item #11
ABC Update:
• ABC is working with EPA in the development of best practices to assist drinking water certification programs with federally mandated external reviews. EPA’s final guidance document should benefit wastewater certification programs as well.
• Succession planning:
• Should the Certification Board have a plan in case the APA was to leave this position? The Board voted that yes we should. The APA will make a list of files that are housed at the APA office. This list will be provided at the next Certification Board meeting. Standard Operating Procedures have already been developed which include the list of electronic files housed on the APA laptop.
Item #12
Website Update:
• No report.
Item #13
New Business for Consideration at next meeting:
• WEF Task Force – Wastewater Operations Certification & Training position statement (Starlin)
Item #14
Next Board Meeting:
• Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 9:30am.
Adjourned12:45 PM
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Nevada Board of Certification
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Meeting Minutes
May 17, 2010
Meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM
Attendees at DCSID, Zephyr Cove, NV: Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Joe Crim, and Jennifer McMartin
Via Telephone: John Solvie, Bill ShepherdAbsent: Starlin Jones, Adrian Edwards
Item #1
Introduction of guest
• None
Item #2
Approval of minutes of February 11, 2010 meeting:
• Approved via email.
Item #3
Program Administrator report:
• Computer exams update
o There are more computerized exams being taken all the time.Item #4
Assistant Program Administrator Items:
• CWP (Certified Water Professional)
o No action taken on this item.
• 25 year operator list
o John Solvie motioned to approve everyone on the list. Kelvin Ikehara seconded. Motion was passed.
• Exit Questionnaire Results
o More math training needed.
• Computerized pass/fail notification
o The computerized exam results will be sent to the Board monthly.
• California Exam process
o No report at this time.
Item #5
NDEP contract/regulation changes
• Do we want to pursue mandatory CEUs?
• Do we want to push for additional mandatory programs?
o Laboratory is not mandatory anywhere in the US.
o Collections are mandatory in 3 states in the US.
• Fee increase
o An incremental increase may be an option. We need to come up with an amount that everyone will be able to live with.
o Bill will contact NDEP regarding the fee increase.
Item #6
Continuing education participation update:
• As of May there are 31 participants.
Item #7
Distance Education/Online Courses:
• No report.
Item #8
Policies & Procedures:
• No changes at this time.
Item #9
Training Update:
• Focus training on math.
Item #10
Water Certification Board Update:
• Water Board Chairman Harvey Johnson stated that they are looking into offering computer exams for the drinking water exams.
• The water board will be discussing the CWP (Certified Water Professional) at their next Board meeting.Item #11
ABC Update:
• It is hoped that ABC’s distance education review service will be rolled out by the end of this year.
• ABC had a third party psychometrics audit performed last spring. The audit findings will be used to enhance ABC’s testing service.
Item #12
Website Update:
• Jennifer McMartin has been updating. Email addresses are now on the website. Mass emails will now be sent via the website.
Item #13
New Business for Consideration at next meeting:
• Certified Water Professional
• NDEP Contract status
Item #14
Next Board Meeting:
• Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 9:00am.
Adjourned3:00 PM
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Nevada Board of Certification
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2010
CCWRD
Las Vegas, NV
Meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM
Attendees: John Solvie, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Bill Shepherd, Joe Crim, and Jennifer McMartin
Absent: Starlin Jones
Item #1
Introduction of guest
• None
Item #2
Approval of minutes of November 19, 2009 meeting:
• John Solvie makes motion to approve the minutes as presented, Harvey Johnson 2nd.
o Motion carries.
Item # 3
Reappoint/Appoint Program Administrator:
• John Solvie made a motion to reappoint Harvey Johnson. Kelvin Ikehara 2nd.
o Motion carries
Item #4
Program Administrator report:
• Computer exams update
o Testing is down about 30%. Computer exams are doing very well.
• Pin inventory
o An inventory of the pins was completed in December.
Item #5
Assistant Program Administrator Items:
• Grade IV exam review
o Joe Crim was not present for the review of the grade IV exam.
• Electronic newsletter-How do we want it to look?
o Articles from the North are needed. The APA will contact ABC regarding using some articles from the ABC Newsletter.
• Exit Questionnaire
o The modified exit questionnaire will be given out at the March exams.Item #6
CEU’S for certification renewals:
• Entities can do in-house training without pre-approval of the courses.
Item #7
Continuing education participation update:
• Participation is up. A notification will be sent with each renewal for the first two years.
Item #8
Distance Education/Online Courses:
• Adrian Edwards contacted CSN and they are willing to work with us.
Item #9
NDEP Contract Update:
• The contract expires in November 2010. Some questions came up about how the process works. The APA will contact NDEP regarding the process.
Item #10
Policies & Procedures:
• No updates
Item #11
Training Update:
• There will be training for wastewater grades I – IV at the NWEA conference in April.
Item #12
Water Certification Board Update:
• AWWA is the sole provider of Backflow Prevention. In-house CEU’s must be approved.
Item #13
ABC Update:
• ABC’s new governance structure that became effective in 2010 reduced the size of the Board of Directors from 29 members to 13 members, and established three new Councils (Validation & Examination, Certification, and Leadership).
• ABC is having a comprehensive third-party audit of its psychometric process performed this month. The results of the audit will allow ABC to continue to provide the highest level of professionalism to its V&E process.
• An Emerging Certifications Task Force has been appointed to research opportunities for ABC to expand member services to other certification disciplines.
• A website linking policy was approved, and was sent to Jennifer McMartin to ensure NWEA’s website links to ABC are posted in accordance with the policy.
• ABC is performing a mid-term review of its five year strategic plan this summer.
Item # 14
• ABC conference update:
o The conference was a success. A talk was given on Diploma mills and how other states are protecting their Certification Programs. Colorado has instituted a professional program for their wastewater professionals. Add CWP (Certified Water Professionals) to the next agenda for discussion.
Item #15
Website Update:
• Jennifer McMartin has been updating.
Item #16
New Business for Consideration at next meeting:
• CEU’s and Training.
Item #17
Next Board Meeting:
• Thursday, May 6, 2010 via conference call.
Adjourned
2:40 PM -
Nevada Board of Certification
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Meeting Minutes
November 19, 2009
CCWRD
Las Vegas, NVMeeting was called to order at 9:00 AM
Attendees: John Solvie, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Bill Shepherd, Starlin Jones, Joe Crim, and Jennifer McMartin
Absent: None
Item #1
Introduction of guest
• NoneItem #2
Approval of August 13, 2009 meeting minutes
• John Solvie made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Kelvin Ikehara 2nd.
o Motion carries.Item #3
Program Administrator report
• Computer exams update
o The scores for the computerized exams are higher than the pencil and paper exams.
Item #4
Assistant Program Administrator Items
• Exam pass/fail info conversation with ABC
o ABC is looking at pass/fail rates for the grade III and IV exams nationally. The Certification Board will be reviewing the Grade IV exam before the next Board meeting.
• CSN classes – Can web classes be made available to other colleges: WNCC, GBC, TMCC?
o The Certification Board will look into the possibility of offering an online Wastewater class through the college.
o The ABC Need to Know Criteria will be mailed to all examinees with the exam approval letter.Item #5
CEU’S for certification renewals
• Notification of operators – Voluntary Continuing Education policy
o All operators with an email address will be sent an email in December.
o The operators with certificates that expire in January will be receiving a letter regarding the new policy.• Approval of WEF courses
o WEF will be contacted about Nevada approving the courses that are available through WEF.• Pre-approval of continuing education courses. Currently there are 3 courses that have been approved on the NWEA website.
• Encourage facilities to have in-house training pre-approved.
o In-house training will not be listed on the website, but could be open to outside agencies. In-house training has to be approved by the Certification board.Item #6
Continuing education participation update
• Some operators have already begun submitting continuing education documentation with their renewals.Item #7
Pond Certification Exams
• Rural Operator pass/fail data was presented to the Board.
o The Board’s conclusion is that more study time is needed by the examinees.• ABC has a prescriptive small wastewater exam. This exam has not been validated; therefore, it is not a legally defensible exam.
o The prescriptive small wastewater exam is not an option at this time.
o The Chairman will contact Val King with NDEP and Bob Forester with NVRWA regarding the Board’s decision.Item #8
In-kind Service Information
• Board member hours
o All Board members hours were reviewed.• Chair/Program Adm./Vice Chair hours
o Hours were reviewed and accounted for.Item #9
Policies & Procedures
o There are no updates/changes at this time.Item #10
Training Update
• Nevada OSHA is requiring all construction type workers to have a 10/30 OSHA class.
• Starlin will be teaching an Operator Certification class at the upcoming NWEA Conference.Item #11
Water Certification Board Update
• Duncan Wright filled Steve Brockway’s vacated position.Item #12
ABC Update
• Over the next 2 years the Association of Boards of Certification will be phasing out the multiple-entry exams.Item #13
Website Update
• The training calendar is up-to-date with water and wastewater training.Item #14
New Business for Consideration at next meeting
• Add NDEP Contract to the agenda.Item #15
Next Board Meeting
• February 11, 2010 at the CCWRD is Las Vegas, NV.Adjourned
2:00 PM
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Nevada Board of Certification
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Meeting Minutes
August 13, 2009
TMWRF
Reno, NVMeeting was called to order at 8:30 AM
Attendees: John Solvie, Adrian Edwards, Kelvin Ikehara, Harvey Johnson, Starlin Jones,
Joe Crim, Jennifer McMartin
Via Phone: Bill Shepherd
Absent: NoneItem #1
Introduction of guest
• Bob Foerster, NVRWA
• Dr. Evan Fulton via phoneItem #2
• Nevada Training Coalition Report – Bob Foerster, NVRWA
o There is a vacancy on the NTC Board. NTC has quarterly meetings. Bob described the makeup of the NTC Board. The purpose of the Board is to promote training. Bob will give a presentation at the NWEA Executive Board meeting.Item #3
• UNR Cooperative Extension – Dr. Evan Fulton
o The Cooperative Extension is in the process of researching the feasibility of offering wastewater training to inmates. If they move forward, the program will be pilot tested for 1 year. California’s prison system has a similar program already in place.Item #4
Approval of minutes of April 14, 2009 meeting.
• Harvey Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, John Solvie 2nd.
o Motion carries.Item #5
Program Administrator report
• Computer exams updateItem #6
Assistant Program Administrator Items
• NDEP Contract – more than likely NDEP will need to complete a Request for Proposal for the next contract.
• Board member terms expiring.
o Harvey Johnson & John Solvie’s terms expire in December. Both have expressed a desire to remain on the Certification Board.
• Video/Teleconference Certification Board Meetings?
o The contract includes travel for the Board members to attend the quarterly Board meetings. The Board agreed that a face to face meeting is better than a teleconference. At this time the Board agreed to continue to have quarterly meetings in person.
• Wastewater Operator vs. Industrial Waste Operator experience.
o Presented the Board with examples of WW and IWO experience. The Board agreed with the current procedure.
• Indirect Experience Examples
o Presented the Board with examples of indirect experience that has already been granted. The Board agreed with the current procedure. A document has been created. As new situations arise they will be added to the examples.
• ABC Annual Conference
o The APA will be attending. We have the budget for a Board member to attend. The invitation was extended. Board members will check their schedules and get back to APA.
• November NWEA newsletter – articles needed
• Wastewater exam prep class in Las Vegas?
o The southern Nevada members will discuss.Item #7
Continuing Education for certification renewals
• Continuing education endorsement sticker examples
o Board approved
• Course approval/pre-approval
o APA will prepare something for review
• List of courses on the website?
o Pre-approved courses will be posted on the website under training opportunities.
• Use ABC Relevancy list as a guide when review continuing education courses.
• Tracking of continuing education
o APA will create a spreadsheet/database to track continuing education.Item #8
Policies & Procedures
• John made the motion to adopt policy effective 1/1/2010 offering a voluntary continuing education program on for all certifications that expire January 2010 or after pending Executive Board approval. Harvey seconded.
o Motion carries.Item #9
Training Update
• There is no report.Item #10
Water Certification Board Update
• NDEP is looking for a replacement for Steve Brockway.
• The Water Board went over the ABC exam results/exit questionnaires.Item #11
ABC Update
• Stormwater Article
o An ABC article has been published in the September edition of Stormwater Magazine that discusses the difference between certification programs and certificate programs. The article was co-authored by John Solvie and Suzanne De la Cruz. ABC Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida January 26th – 29th 2010
• John will be representing ABC in a panel discussion on water conservation certification at the upcoming WaterSmart Innovations Conference in Las Vegas. John will also be meeting with CA/NV AWWA to discuss emerging certification disciplines.Item #13
Website Update
• Training calendar includes all classes.Item #14
New Business for Consideration at next meeting
• CEU Participation UpdateItem #15
Next Board Meeting
• November 19, 2009 at CCWRD in Las Vegas, NVAdjourned
1:30pm