January 7, 2011

Retrospect
Director Ness reflects on department's progress in 2010
The dawn of a new decade also brought the dawn of a new era at the transportation department in January 2010. Brian Ness began his tenure at ITD the same day the 2010 Legislative session opened, and it has been a non-stop journey since day one, he explains. Establishing credibility was the focus throughout the year, beginning with presentations to the Legislature, meetings with ITD employees throughout the state, the unveiling of a new department goal and vision elements, and first steps toward organizational realignment.

Continue


Legislature
Legislators begin 2011 session Monday
Idaho lawmakers will officially launch the 2011 Legislative session at noon (MST) Monday, followed about an hour later by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s annual State of the State/Budget address. The governor’s address will be carried live statewide by Idaho Public Television on its primary digital channel and by some commercial television stations, including KTVB in the Boise area. Live streaming on the Internet also
will be available through IPTV’s website.
Continue


Human Resources
Chief Human Resource Officer Mary Harker begins new regular column
Welcome to News from the CHRO’s first newsletter! I am excited about the possibility to make this column useful and informative. It is my hope that the messages also will create a better understanding and a closer link between you and me. My goal in this first
column is to set the foundation for all articles that will follow by explaining how the HR function is shifting its role and emphasis within ITD.
Continue



Technology
Overheating caused computer system failure Monday
It was cold in Boise Sunday night – temperatures plummeted to 16 degrees outside. But it was a balmy 145-plus in a computer server room at ITD Headquarters. A failed valve kept water from circulating in the computer room, triggering automatic shutdowns and leaving employees without network connections for all but fleeting moments on Monday.

Continue

Phone installations scheduled next month at Headquarters
Installation of new phones at Headquarters will begin Feb. 18, starting at 6 p.m. and will continue through Feb. 22. The installation will conclude an effort that began in May 2009. Since the process began, all phones at district offices and the Division of Aeronautics in Boise have been replaced.
Continue


Employees
ITD policy prohibits internal sales by employees, family members
Concerns recently surfaced about the sale of food and other items at ITD offices by employees or their children, prompting a reminder about department policy. In essence, employees and relatives may not sell items to co-workers, whether for personal profit or as a fund-raising activity.

Continue

Training & Development offers spring courses
Human Resource Training and Development will offer a number of opportunities for employees in the Treasure Valley to improve their professional skills this spring. Topics include training for supervisors, communications, problem solving/decision making, meeting management and hiring. Sessions range from a half-day to two days.
Continue

Mobility
Gresham promotes mobility options
ITD bicycle and pedestrian coordinator Maureen Gresham has promoted alternative forms of transportation since accepting the position about a year ago. As a bike/pedestrian advocate, she often reaches out to special groups in an effort to improve communication about mobility in Idaho.
Continue



WTS
Professional group honors transportation leaders

The Treasure Valley Chapter of the Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) recognized leaders in the transportation industry at its annual awards banquet, held last month in Boise. WTS Treasure Valley is a local chapter of WTS International, an association of men and women transportation industry professionals formed in the 1970s. The Treasure Valley Chapter was chartered in February 2007.
Continue

ITD Mailbox
• Lifesaving gifts
• Thanks for presentation to RE Academy

Continue

Funding
AASHTO outlines federal funding priorities
With a new majority in the House, a new chairman and many new members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as a changing national economic picture, it is worth asking the question, “What’s ahead for transportation in 2011?”  The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has compiled a list of very distinct – and pressing – issues that loom at the local, state, and federal levels.  

Continue

Retrospect: Transporter headlines from 2010

Encore
Published December 17, 2010

Accolades
FHWA presents partnership awards
Representatives from the Idaho division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) praised the work of several ITD employees recently when announcing the 2010 partnership awards. FHWA state administrator Peter Hartman and assistant Gus Shanine presented plaques to several recipients during the Idaho Transportation Board meeting in Boise, Dec. 8.

Continue


Commuting
ITD's Mathson chosen Rider of the Year
ITD’s Dave Mathson, who works in technical support for Enterprise Technology Services, isn’t bothered much by the daily round trip of about 56 miles. On most days, he relaxes and engages 8-10 others in casual conversation. Mathson is one of about 860 individuals who takes advantage of Ada County Highway District’s Commuteride vans each month. Earlier this month, he was named Commuteride Rider of the Year for 2010.

Continue


Employees
W-2 information online
All current employees and those in terminated status after December 31, 2009 have the ability to access their W-2 on the web.  Employees who have signed up to receive their W-2 forms online will be able to view and print their forms starting on January 7, 2011.  Paper forms will be mailed on January 20, 2011, to those who have not signed up to receive their W-2 forms online.

Continue