Help us share your news. E-mail us at NBU News.
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McKenzie Water Reclamation Facility Expansion |
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The McKenzie Water Reclamation Facility Expansion Project is currently in the design phase until July 2022, with the 30% design plans being received in June 2021. Construction is estimated to begin in August 2023 and continue for two years. The overall project budget is $57.5 million.
The improvements include expansion of the Plant's treatment capacity from 2.5 million-gallons-per-day (MGD) to 5 MGD, including: construction of a new flow splitter box, expansion of headworks facilities, construction of new biological treatment basins, construction of new secondary clarifiers, expansion of tertiary filters, expansion of ultraviolet disinfection equipment, expansion of aerobic digestions, expansion of solids dewatering system, and construction of new electrical equipment, site piping, and miscellaneous civil improvements. The project will increase treatment capacity to serve current and future growth in the area.
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The new NBU Connect is here! The new platform was designed to provide a user-friendly experience that helps you connect and engage with your co-workers while keeping you up-to-date with company information.
The addition of employee profiles offers employees the ability to communicate and express themselves. You can upload a photo of yourself, post status updates, and create a personal blog to share with your fellow employees.
The homepage displays an interactive card deck with company updates, photo galleries, fun facts, videos, and is regularly updated with new content. Employees have the opportunity to suggest content they would like to see on the homepage, too.
To help provide ease-of-use when accessing company information, a resources category was developed and provides company documents and forms. If you cannot find what you are looking for quickly, simply use the new “search button.”
Please note, employees who do not upload a photo of themselves by August 12, 2021, will see their name badge photo associated to their profile.
When uploading your photo, please be sure the photo includes YOU! You can post photos with your pet(s), engaged in a hobby, etc.! Your photo allows each of us to put a face with your name.
To log on to NBU Connect, use your NBU email address and password. From there, select your profile icon and you can begin editing!
We look forward to connecting with you!
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New Schedule for NBU & You Newsletter |
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With the recent introduction of the improved NBU Connect, we will leverage the homepage to provide timely communication.
Beginning in September, the NBU & You company newsletter will be moving to a new, every-other-month schedule.
Other forms of communication, such as internal emails and electric monitors, will be used to convey important information and internal messaging.
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Celebrating 80 Years of Service |
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While countless things have changed throughout New Braunfels Utilities' 80-year existence, one thing has remained the same – our continuous mission to enhance the quality of our community by providing innovative essential services.
We hope you take this time to reflect on our NBU's rich history of serving our beloved community.
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Since our last update, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) and Marmon Mok (MM) completed the NBU HQ 80% Design Development Phase. Both the NBU HQ Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract with SpawGlass Construction, and the NBU HQ Owner’s Representative (OR) contract to Freese and Nichols were approved by the NBU Board of Trustees and the contracts have been executed.
New Braunfels Utilities and MM are currently working through the 100% design development. The proposed entrance view into NBU HQ is shown from the 80% design development update submittal. The final design concept is still being composed by NBU and MM.
The next steps for the project are to complete the design development phase, begin zoning efforts with the City of New Braunfels, determine the access road route selection, and launch the construction documents phase. Construction on the new HQ is scheduled to begin in spring of 2022, and be substantially completed in summer or fall of 2023. Company-wide move-in to the new HQ facility is currently planned for early 2024.
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Five Pandemic Habits Worth Keeping |
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Keep your vaccinations up-to-date and follow the latest vaccination guidelines. Unsure what vaccinations you need? Use the CDC vaccine assessment tool here.
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If you need fast, reliable care, use MDLIVE virtual care from the comfort of your home without exposing yourself to additional germs or sick people. MDLIVE provides care for over 80+ common medical conditions.
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Keep washing your hands often with soap and water. This is the best weapon you have against any virus. Using hand sanitizer when you are on the go is also helpful.
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Protect your mental health if you are struggling with stress or anxiety. Since the pandemic, more people are talking about their mental health and getting help to manage life’s challenges.
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With COVID-19's resurgence, wearing a mask and socially distancing is encouraged when in public places.
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Management Team Volunteers
at New Braunfels Food Bank
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Members of New Braunfels Utilities' management team gave their time on July 15, 2021 to help the New Braunfels Food Bank on their mission to eliminate hunger in our community.
Their combined efforts accomplished packing 768 boxes totaling more than 15,000 pounds of food, which set a two-hour record!
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Retirees Are Progressive (RAP) Council
Tours Service Center
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The New Braunfels Chambers' Retirees Are Progressive (RAP) Council were welcomed by New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) on July 21, 2021. Attendees were introduced to several lines of business at NBU as they toured the Service Center and were treated to live demonstrations from Electric Operations, the Control Center, and the Drone team. |
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Rob Garcia
Core Value Award
If you have submitted an Information Technology HelpDesk ticket, odds are you have met and been helped by Rob Garcia. Known for his friendly nature and problem-solving ability, Rob always jumps up to help whoever is in need. Whether it is getting your office phone to roll over to your cell, being unable to log in to the VPN, or problems with software, Rob takes on anything and stays with the issue until it is solved.
Congratulations, Rob!
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NBU Linemen Compete to Test Their Skills at Local Lineworkers Rodeo |
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Linemen and fellow employees from New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) competed in the Seguin Apprentice Lineworker Rodeo on Thursday, July 1, 2021.
The local friendly competition included employees from neighboring municipal electric utilities including the City of Seguin, San Marcos Electric Utility, and NBU. There was a total of 21 competitors.
Apprentice linemen were challenged to compete in a series of five events to earn up to 100 points for each event. Competitors tested their skills and abilities in the Hurtman Rescue, Speed Climb, Cut-Out Change, Transformer Bank Wiring, and Knots for on the job rigging. New Braunfels Utilities’ Ty McFarlin finished with a perfect 500-point score, earning first place in the Overall category.
New Braunfels Utilities placed in the following categories:
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Hurtman
1st place: Ty McFarlin
2nd place: Tristan Tips
4th place: Nick Woods
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Three Pot Transformer Bank
1st place: Ty McFarlin
2nd place: Tristan Tips
3rd place: Nick Woods
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Speed Climb
2nd place: Nick Woods
3rd place: Taylor Ross
4th place: Tristan Tips
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Knots
1st place: Karson Pennick
2nd place: Nick Woods
4th place: Garrett Jones
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Cut-Out Change
2nd place Ty McFarlin
3rd place Tristan Tips
4th place Karson Pennick
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Overall
1st place: Ty McFarlin
3rd place: Nick Woods
4th place: Garrett Jones
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Apprentices who represented NBU in the pole climbing events included Levi Hidalgo, Garrett Jones, Ty McFarlin, Karson Pennick, Taylor Ross, Tristan Tips, Nate Wallsmith, and Nick Woods.
The lineworker rodeo competitions promote education, safety, and on the job proficiency as well as enhance teamwork. The lineworkers have the opportunity to network and build lasting relationships that promote innovation and professionalism.
The official Texas Lineman’s Rodeo was cancelled for the past two years due to the Coronavirus and the winter storm. However, lineworkers across the state are preparing for the July 14, 2022, Texas Lineman’s Rodeo, where their skills will be tested against the very best in the state.
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Meet the FY 2022 and FY 2023
Community Affairs and Events Committee!
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Headwaters at the Comal 2019 and 2020 Atanacio Campos Volunteer of the Year
Award Winners
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The Atanacio Campos Volunteer of the Year Award is given annually to a volunteer who demonstrates a passion for being a community servant, a steward of resources, and exemplifies a commitment to the Headwaters at the Comal's mission. The award winner is recognized for the previous year's accomplishments.
John Davis, pictured on the left, is the 2019 Atanacio Campos Volunteer of the Year winner. He gave 48 hours of service in 2019 and since the beginning of the program has given 244 hours of service in total. Due to COVID-19, the 2019 award winner was unable to be recognized until recently.
The 2020 Atanacio Campos Volunteer of the Year is Merril Mabon, pictured on the right. He gave 65 hours of service in 2020 and has given a total of 196 hours since starting as a volunteer at Headwaters last year.
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Straight From NBU's Conservation Kitchen |
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The Conservation and Customer Solutions team have been cooking delicious, home-made, energy-saving meals in a microwave!
Show your support by watching our Conservation
Kitchen videos on Facebook, and check out our next segment, "Shrimply the Most Energy Efficient Dish" at 11:00 a.m. on August 11, 2021 to learn an energy-efficient shrimp ceviche recipe!
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A High Five Award recognizes and praises employees who have gone above-and-beyond to make a difference in their department or community and/or have offered help and support outside of their expected job duties.
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FY 2022-2026 Capital Improvement
Project Overview
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New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) has an aggressive capital improvement projects plan to build and enhance necessary infrastructure over the next five years to meet the needs of our growing community.
As New Braunfels and the NBU service territory continue to experience unprecedented growth, NBU has committed to more than $688 million in capital improvement projects. These improvements will ensure we are well prepared to meet the electric, water, and wastewater needs of our customers for decades to come.
There are 145 capital improvement projects in progress or being planned. You can read a high level overview of these projects in the newly released FY 2022-2026 Capital
Improvement Projects Overview.
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Wellness is a High Priority |
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Define Your Financial Goals
Do you have a financial plan? Are you financially "healthy"?
Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. You do not have to be a genius to do it. You just need to know a few basics, form a plan, and be ready to stick to it.
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To end up where you want to be, you need a financial plan. Ask yourself what you want. List your most important goals first. Decide how many years you have to meet each specific goal, because when you save or invest, you will need to find an option that fits your time frame. Here are some tools to help you decide how much you will need to save for various needs.
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Looking for a delicious and healthy recipe?
Planked Everything Bagel Spiced Salmon
Ingredients:
- 1 fillet of salmon, 2 1/2 to 3 pounds, pin bones removed
- 3 tbsp. dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup everything bagel spice mix
Instructions:
- Soak a large cedar plank (big enough to fit the entire salmon fillet) in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Set up your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only. Allow the temperature to heat to 350 degrees F.
- While your grill is coming up to temperature, prepare the salmon. Place the salmon skin-side down on the cedar plank. Brush the flesh side of the salmon with the mustard, then liberally season with the everything spice.
- Place on the indirect heat side of the grill, close the lid, and cook until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125 degrees F, 20 to 22 minutes. Cook the salmon longer if you like it more done. Cut into slices and serve.
- Oven method: Bake on a rimmed baking sheet at 350 degrees F until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125 degrees F, 20 to 22 minutes.
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Cyber Security Focus:
Securely Using Mobile Apps
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Mobile devices are an amazing and easy way to communicate with friends, shop or bank online, watch movies, play games, and perform a myriad of other activities. Since these devices are such an important part of your life, it is essential to keep you and your devices safe and secure. |
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Securing Your Devices
It may surprise you to know that the biggest risk to your mobile device is most likely not cyber criminals but you. You are far more likely to lose or forget a mobile device than have someone hack into it. The number one thing you should do to protect your device is enable automatic screen locking when the device is idle. This means that to use your device, you have to unlock the screen with a strong passcode, your face, or your fingerprint. This helps ensure that it is much harder for anyone else to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. As a bonus, for most mobile devices, enabling the screen lock also enables encryption, helping protect the data stored on the device.
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Safety Minute: Water Safety
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With Texas summer in full swing, a lot of us are running to our nearest body of water as a respite from the sweltering heat and a source of relaxation. Whether it be a pool, river, lake, or beach, it is essential to remember water safety.
Swimmers should keep a few safety precautions in mind:
- Do not go in the water unless you know how to swim; swim lessons are available for all ages.
- Never swim alone.
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- Learn CPR and rescue techniques.
- Make sure the body of water matches your skill level; swimming in a pool is much different than swimming in a lake or river, where more strength is needed to handle currents.
- If you do get caught in a current, do not try to fight it; stay calm and float with it, or swim parallel to the shore until you can swim free.
- Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
- Do not push or jump on others.
- Do not dive in unfamiliar areas.
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Never drink alcohol when swimming; alcohol is involved in about half of all male teen drownings, according to KidsHealth.org.
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Upcoming Events at Headwaters at the Comal |
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August is an exciting month at the Headwaters at the Comal. Along with restoration tours, the Saturday SEAM series is in full swing. |
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Help share the NBU story with friends, family, and our community. How? Like us on Facebook, comment on our posts, and share posts with friends!
Share photos of your work in the field and in the office, your department celebrations, events, and important meetings. It is as easy as:
Snap your photo - send it to your supervisor and ask them to attach it to an email to social.media@nbutexas.com and include a brief description.
Do you see NBU mentioned on other social sites? Help to make the Communications team aware by emailing social.media@nbutexas.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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Birthdays and Anniversaries Calendar |
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