september / october 2009 newsletter for alaska … · maintenance of way moves from operations to...

ALL ABOARDALL ABOARDSEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 NEWSLETTER FOR ALASKA RAILROAD EMPLOYEES

CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE

RESTRUCTURE AND REDUCTION AT A GLANCE

Railroaders are adjusting to the 2009 elimina-tion of over 100 more positions and the continued reorganization of key corporate functions that have moved or consolidated. A new organizational chart published October 21 illustrates the changes. Below is a summary of what has transpired.

Major Restructuring

Maintenance of Way moves from Operations to Engineering & Projects, where a complementary focus on infrastructure will serve to strengthen the over all organization’s important role.

Operations Administration moves from Op-erations to Corporate Aff airs, and is retitled Corporate Administration. Some administrative functions may move from individual depart-ments to a centralized administration function. (See separate story on page 6).

Passenger Operations moves from Business Development back to Operations; Operations is renamed Transportation & Mechanical.

Human Resources returns from Executive back to Finance.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Title VI (accessibility) programs and compliance transfer to the labor attorney in Legal. Discrimi-nation complaints will be handled by Human Resources.

External Aff airs is eliminated and the functions of community, local government and media relations are absorbed by Corporate Aff airs.

Police & Security moves from Corporate Aff airs to Executive.

Capital Program Quality Assurance functions are absorbed by Project Management.

Th e Tour Guide Program is eliminated until further notice. (See separate story on page 7).

Incident Command System responsibility trans-fers to Transportation & Mechanical.

06060606070708080909101011111212131314141515

CROSSINGS:NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS

CROSSINGS:CENTRALIZED

ADMINISTRATION

CROSSINGS:TOUR GUIDE PROGRAM GONE

ASK PAT:JOB ELIMINATIONS QUESTIONED

CROSSINGS:COLD SNAP CONTINGENCY

SIDINGS:EDUCATION AND TRAINING

SIDINGS:YARDS GET FALL CLEAN-UP

MILEPOSTS:EKLUTNA, ARRCMARK MILESTONE

CROSSINGS:COMMUTER RAIL

INFO GATHERING

CROSSINGS:2010 POSTER & PRINT SIGNING

CROSSINGS:UNUSUAL FREIGHT

MOVEMENT (See “Restructure & Reductions” on page 4)

INSIDE...

WELCOME WITH A FALL FLAIR

HEADQUARTERS FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST PATTI SCHUMACHER GETS INTO THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT AS THE CAT IN THE HAT. (PHOTO BY STEPHENIE WHEELER)

ALL ABOARDALL ABOARD

SEP / OCT 2009

MILEPOSTS

SERVICE AWARDS: SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2

MILEPOSTS

SPOTLIGHT AWARD: SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER

Fireman / Engineer Jerry Davis’ persistence and experience likely prevented serious damage to loco-motive equipment and a slowdown to operations. His fi ne-tuned ear recognized trouble when he heard an odd noise from the front truck of Loco-motive 4009. Davis could easily have dismissed the noise as a minor issue, but instead he insisted Me-

chanical be consulted to determine the cause. His instincts were right on. Shop mechanics discovered a defective bearing on the fi rst traction motor. Had the locomotive continued to run, the axle would have locked up, disabling the locomotive, halting operations and likely destroying an $80,000 trac-tion motor.

5 Years

Jim Abitz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MechanicalLinda Eichelberger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real EstateJustin Morrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SignalRosezetta Proctor. . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Aff airsAllen Reynolds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SignalTamara Schaut. . . . . . . . . . . Business DevelopmentPat Volmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TransportationMichael Weddell . . . . . . . . . . Project Management

10 Years

Shameron Ahiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TransportationWendy Lindskoog . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Aff airsEldridge Moss III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TransportationSteve Schoonmaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MechanicalJeff rey Wyatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transportation

15 Years

Ann Courtney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LegalErik Forland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TransportationCindy Sholly . . . . . Grant & Project Administration

20 Years

Melvin Kilgore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TransportationPatrick Lowe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maintenance

25 Years

Ron Th ompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mechanical

30 Years

Patrick Vogel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maintenance

35 Years

Timothy Conley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MechanicalJohn Faeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mechanical

MILEPOSTS

HOME FRONT: RETIREMENTS AND BIRTHS

Births

Human Resources Assistant Erin Gallagher and husband Daniel welcomed son Daniel Braeden August 15.

Carman David Macklin and wife Melissa welcomed son Titus Anthony August 24.

Business Analyst Scott Winther and wife Janice welcomed son Andrew Scott September 29.

Carman Cliff Helm and wife Leslie welcomed daughter Madeline Phoebe October 9.

Fairbanks Carman Ryan Williams and wife Laura welcomed daughter Kyla MacKenzie October 22.

Real Estate Technician Kylee Bunker and husband Scott welcomed daughter Drew Marie November 3.

Retirements

Transportation Support Technician II Dale Greth retired from the Transportation Department after 33 years of service.

Equipment Operator / Truck Driver Robert “Smitty” Smith retired from the Transportation Depart-ment after 36 years of service.

Bridges & Buildings Maintenance Mechanic Lead Gary Sutch retired from the Maintenance of Way


SEP / OCT 2009

3THE WYE OF IT: OUR CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES

WHITTIER PRESENTS SPECIAL RECOGNITION

MILEPOSTS: MEETING OF PAST & PRESENT

MILEPOSTS

NEW HIRES: SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER Troy Bissonette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceBenjamin Blattler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceLarry Fuller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceWesley Hansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceShannon Howard . . . . . . . . . . TelecommunicationsChristopher Isensee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceMatthew Luedtke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maintenance

Antoine Lyons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceWilliam Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceBobby Phillips Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceBrad Tanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maintenance

The railroad

... acted with

swiftness and

with purpose

to an act of

nature that

severely

impacted the

community of

Whittier and

the safety and

livelihood of

its residents

and those who

do business

here. For that

we are most

grateful...

WHITTIER CITY MANAGER MARK ERNEST

Th e Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce recently presented the Alaska Railroad Corporation with a Special Recognition Award for the part ARRC played in assisting the community after a rock slide severed road access.

Th e rock slide occurred in early April 2009, just as Whittier businesses were gearing up for the tour-ism season. “Th e slide occurred at the most critical time of year for the start of business and beginning of the busy summer season. Whittier’s economy is almost entirely dependent upon the visitor industry and the ability to transport nearly 700,000 visitors through the tunnel annually,” said City Manager Mark Ernest. Whittier desperately needed a hero, and the Alaska Railroad delivered, he added.

“Th e Alaska Railroad immediately mobilized. Within 24 hours of the slide they were high railing the teachers and emergency medical personnel into town,” said chamber representative Katie Bender

during the award presentation. “By Monday morn-ing they called the city manager saying, ‘We don’t know the schedule, we don’t know the cost, but we have a train heading your way.’ And then a train was there. And they continued to respond and pro-vide service until the road opened - including help-ing with freight, getting vehicles, buses and even garbage and sewage trucks into town. Th ey were incredibly responsive, pro active and generous.”

Ernest agreed. “Th e multitude of railroad per-sonnel involved in this eff ort acted with swiftness and with purpose to an act of nature that severely impacted the community of Whittier and the safety and livelihood of its residents and those who do business here,” he said. “For that, we are most grateful and extend our appreciation to the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the hard working and dedicated crews at the Alaska Railroad.”

Retired Road Foreman of Engines Weaver Frankln is possibly the oldest Alaska Railroad steam locomotive engineer alive. Having retired some time ago, Mr. Franklin had never seen the Alaska Railroad’s current passenger coaches or SD70MAC locomotives in opera-tion. Th at changed in mid-September when he arrived to experience the contemporary version of the railroad he had served de-cades ago. He peeked inside an SD70MAC locomotive before boarding a Gold Star coach that carried him on a fi rst-class trip along a modern track with concrete ties and continu-ously welded rail. “He is a true living legend with a tremendous history of service on the ARRC,” said VP Transportation & Mechani-cal Pat Shake.


SEP / OCT 2009

RESTRUCTURE AND REDUCTIONS...

4 Th e Assistant Vice President (AVP) and Chief Operating Offi cer (COO) titles have been discontinued.

Abolishments and Modifi cations

Reacting to continued revenue reductions, dozens of both non-represented and represented positions were abolished or modifi ed.

AVP Positions abolished:

AVP Business Development

VP/AVP Positions retitled:

AVP Safety to Director

AVP Labor Relations to Director

AVP Corporate Aff airs to Director

AVP Human Resources to Director

AVP removed from Deputy General Counsel

AVP Transportation to Superintendent

AVP Engineering / Chief Engineer to VP

Executive VP Corporate Aff airs to VP

VP Operations (COO) to VP Transportation & Mechanical

Director positions abolished:

Director, External Aff airs

Director, Corporate Aff airs (January 2010)

Director, Anchorage Terminal Operations

Director, Maintenance Production to Superin-tendent, Maintenance

Front-Line Management positions abolished:

Manager of Port and Homeland Security

Manager, Equal Employment Opportunity

Facilities Project Engineer

Manager, Recruitment (HR)

Manager, Capital Programs/ Quality Assurance

Manager, Quality, Performance & Emergency Operations

Manager, Civil Engineering

Capital Project Manager

Information Technology Operations Supervisor

Information Technology Business System Analyst III

Database Administrator

Road Foreman of Engines

Warehouse Supervisor

Anchorage Terminal Supervisor

Locomotive Supervisor

General Locomotive Supervisor

Manager, Seward Dock Operations

Supply Management Contract Administration Specialist

CMMS Planner/Scheduler Technical Assistant

7 Passenger Train Onboard Supervisors

North End

Mechanical Supervisor (Fairbanks)

Front-Line Management positions reduced:

Senior Onboard Supervisor to seasonal

Project Supervisor / Avalanche Specialist to seasonal

Interline Service Coordinator to part-time

North End

Manager, Fairbanks Depot Operations to seasonal

Represented positions eliminated:

Real Estate Leasing Technician

3 Mechanical Laborers

Facilities Technician

Human Resources Assistant

3 Passenger Service Agents (seasonal)

Passenger Service Agent/Travel Desk Coordinator

Administrative Assistant – Maintenance of Way

Computer Equipment Specialist I

Project Support Technician

Bridge Inspector

(continued from page 1)

(See “Restructure & Reductions” on page 5)


SEP / OCT 2009

RESTRUCTURE AND REDUCTIONS...

5(continued from page 4)

B&B Welder

B&B Maintenance Mechanic Leader

B&B Cabinetmaker

4 Gift Shop Associates (seasonal)

2 Depot Baggage Handlers (south, seasonal)

Equipment Operator/Truck Driver Leader

Train Dispatcher

North End

Fairbanks Mechanical Administrative Assistant

Depot Baggage Handler (PT) (north, seasonal)

Mechanical Laborer – Fairbanks

3 Equipment Operator/Truck Drivers

Represented positions reduced:

Train Dispatcher (one) to seasonal

Depot Services Associate (seasonal) to part-time

Special category employees

eliminated

(neither non-rep nor represented)

27 Tour Guides

Senior Civil Engineer

2 Capital Project Manager Student Interns

Technology Project Student Intern

Major Function and Department Changes from

the Corporation Restructure Efforts


SEP / OCT 2009


WHAT IS CENTRALIZED ADMINISTRATION? 6 Th e idea of a centralized corporate administra-tion function is a proposed cost-control measure that has some railroaders scratching their heads. What does it mean to administrative support?

Manager of Corporate Administration (formerly Operations Administration) Rosezetta Proctor explains that the Alaska Railroad’s administra-tive support and processes have traditionally been decentralized, meaning that each department has dedicated administrative assistants or technicians. A decentralized approach can off er a high level of responsiveness and specialization, however there are drawbacks. For example, decentralized administra-tive support can result in inconsistent application of polices and an unequal distribution of the corpora-tion’s administrative workload with several employ-ees performing similar administrative functions.

In light of the recent reorganization and some-times higher personnel costs associated with decen-tralization, it makes sense to explore a balanced or partially centralized system. A centralized solution can cut costs while maintaining critical services,” said Proctor. “Well-managed centralized adminis-trative functions can improve effi ciency, decrease paperwork, promote customer satisfaction, and drastically improve consistency in policy applica-tion and compliance with administrative programs across the organization.”

Th e Corporate Administration department has actually been taking steps toward centralized service for some time. Proctor’s fi rst step was to cross-train the fi ve positions under her supervision: Corporate HQ Reception Desk, Corporate Mail Room, Print Shop Operator, Transportation / Safety Administrative Assistant, and Mechanical Adminis-trative Assistant. All fi ve employees are trained in at least three additional work areas. Th is has reduced the need to hire temporary workers for vacation

replacements and it mitigates the negative impact to operations in the event of unplanned absences. Expanded employee skill sets mean that employees can confi dently and effi ciently off er back up.

“Cross-training provides our employees an opportunity to increase their own value by maxi-mizing personal skills and experiences. Without a doubt the employees that I supervise feel a whole lot better about their ability to support the corpora-tion in their varied roles as a result,” said Proctor. “Cross training is absolutely the foundation of this proposal to expand the centralized administration concept across the corporation.”

With the most recent reorganization, the corpo-ration has already moved to a central administrative support format. To this end, Proctor noted that her group has taken on a portion of the administrative work previously performed by the abolished Main-tenance of Way (MOW) administrative assistant position and the front desk receptionist will absorb some of the administrative functions previously handled by the abolished Human Resources admin-istrative position. Proctor’s group may eventually provide support to some departments that have not traditionally had any administrative support.

Proctor and Human Resources Director Susan Lindemuth are conducting a fact-fi nding eff ort that involves consultation with vice presidents and a thorough review of the duties accomplished by about a half-dozen administrative positions. Th ey may determine that it makes sense for some of these positions to support the centralized eff ort. Proctor acknowledges that some departments have more specialized and demanding administrative needs that may warrant keeping their dedicated adminis-trative support in place. Even so, those decentralized positions may also expand to support additional departments and functions.


GOVERNOR APPOINTS 2 TO ARRC BOARD

Well-managed

centralized

administra-

tive functions

can improve

effi ciency,

decrease

paperwork,

promote

customer

satisfaction,

and drasti-

cally improve

consistency

in policy

application

and compli-

ance with

administra-

tive programs

across the

organization.

CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION MANAGER ROSEZETTA PROCTOR

(See “New Board Members” on page 7

Governor Sean Parnell appointed Linda Leary and Jon Cook to the Alaska Railroad Board of Directors. Leary replaces Steve Menard representing the 3rd judicial district (South Central) and Cook replaces Orie Williams in the 4th judicial district (Interior). Th e seven-member board serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible for management and operation of the Railroad.

Linda Leary of Eagle River is president of Car-lile Transportation Systems, one of Alaska’s largest

trucking and logistics companies. A co-owner of the fi rm, she has worked for Carlile for 24 years in Alaska and in the Pacifi c Northwest. Leary’s com-munity involvement includes service on the boards of directors for the Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc., and Breast Cancer Focus, Inc. She also serves on the executive cabinet of the United Way of Anchorage, and on the board of directors of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce. Leary earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of


SEP / OCT 2009


TOUR GUIDE PROGRAM ELMINIATED 7Perhaps the most controversial proposed cut, albeit temporary, is to the Tour Guide Program. At a cost of almost half a million dollars per year, the program employs instructors, about two dozen high school student tour guides and a half dozen onboard supervisors. As a successful school-business partnership, the program began in 1981 with a curriculum at the Anchorage School District King Career Center. It expanded to include the Fairbanks North Star School District in 1986.

Alaska Railroad Passenger Sales & Market-ing Department Director Susie Kiger expressed concern over the impact to the passenger business. “Marketing has built the tour guide program into the ARRC brand. We have been selling this to our customers for the past 30 years,” she said. “Just about every piece of marketing collateral will need to be updated.”

Former tour guides Sonya and Tasha Hood ex-plain further. “Tour guides turn a mere train travel experience into an adventure given interactions with Alaskan high school students acting as the passenger ambassador, teacher, leader, and friend for a day,” they said. “Most guides grew up here and are native to Alaska – we are just as much a part of the state’s heritage as the birds, trees and animals we often describe in our commentary to passengers.”

According to Passenger Sales Account Manager Ruth Rosewarne, “Th e tour guide program is one of the most enjoyable, oft discussed and memorable elements of the Alaska Railroad experience. Since they are all Alaskan and bring the Alaskan experi-ence to the train ride, it lends the true “authentic” Alaskan element to the state’s railroad.”

During the October 2 ARRC Board of Direc-tors meeting, directors heard from others testifying in support of the Tour Guide Program. United Transportation Union (UTU) Vice Chair Brett Brown (Fairbanks) and UTU President Landon Messelheiser pointed out that tour guide posi-tions off er an entry point and proving ground for potential permanent employment. Th e railroad also

benefi ts from training time and resources provided by school districts. Chugach National Forest Super-visor Joe Meade and Charley Money from National Geographic spoke about the Tour Guide Program’s ability to engage youth and the importance of visi-tors hearing about Alaska from Alaskans. Finally, former ARRC Passenger Services Director Debra Hanson reiterated the competitive advantage gained from the unique nature of the Tour Guide Program.

ARRC President & CEO Pat Gamble agrees that the tour guide program has long-standing intrinsic value to marketing, operations and public and community relations. Even so, ARRC has had to forgo other meaningful and important programs that can no longer be fi nanced in part or in full. Gamble has talked with ASD Superintendent Carol Comeau about putting the program into a dormant status until fi nances allow the program to be rein-stated, hopefully within the next couple of years.

In the meantime, valid customer service and safety concerns are being addressed. Director of Pas-senger Operations & Transportation Services David Greenhalgh and Passenger Operations Manager Sarah Streiff ert have run the tour guide program for years, and are in a unique position to develop a less expensive interim program that can address these concerns. Th e tentative plan calls for a small expansion of the contract with ESS, the company that currently provides onboard catering services. Up to seven additional ESS employees may be hired on to serve as hosts to help with passenger board-ing and de-boarding, responding to customer issues and emergencies, providing minimal commentary and announcements, assisting with dining, cleaning coaches and operating wheelchair lifts. By con-tracting, ARRC can avoid the cost and liability of employee benefi ts.

“We hope to get some former tour guides and onboard supervisors in a variety of positions on-board working for ESS,” said Streiff ert. “Th ere may be two hosts per train on busy days and one host per train on slow days.”

NEW BOARD MEMBERS...

The tour guide

program is one

of the most

enjoyable, oft

discussed and

memorable

elements of

the Alaska

Railroad

experience.

PASSENGER SALES

ACCOUNT MANAGER RUTH ROSEWARNE

Maine, and a master’s degree in logistics manage-ment from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She was appointed to a public seat, and represents Southcentral Alaska.

Jon Cook of Fairbanks is chief fi nancial offi cer of Airport Equipment Rentals, Inc. He has previ-ously worked as the general manager and treasurer of Aurora Motors, and as a Certifi ed Public Accoun-tant for the accounting fi rm KPMG LLP. He serves

on the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Cook earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Oregon, and received his Certifi ed Public Accountant credential in Alaska. He was appointed to a seat reserved for a business owner or manager.

LINDA LEARY AND JON COOK ARE SWORN IN NOVEMBER 12.


SEP / OCT 2009

I HEARD IT THROUGH THE RAIL LINE

RATIONALE FOR SPECIFIC CUTS 8 QWe are a group interested in wanting to know the rationale for the following cuts in position

in relation to your recent 20% (or is it 17%) position eliminations:

a) Why is it that a Travel Desk Coordinator/Reserva-tion Agent’s position was eliminated when there are three year-round Reservation Agent positions re-tained that currently are not as busy taking phone reservations. You would think a position that performed combined/multiple duties year-round, including that of a reservation agent, would be worth more to the company than those simply do-ing reservation agent duties.

b) Why is it that a Deputy COO position is elimi-nated but the individual that held that position is repositioned and now given direct responsibilities so he continues to be employed. We were made to understand that it’s the positions that were evalu-ated, not the people in those positions.

c) On the other hand, why is it that a Director posi-tion that has direct responsibility over the crew and train dispatch is being eliminated, but that individual will be replaced since crew and train dispatch would still need to be managed.

d) Why is it the accounting department only had to give up one position when the department has at our count 15 staff . If revenues are down, ex-penses are being reduced, personnel costs are down, shouldn’t this department give their fair share of the cuts? What happened to “this is evenly applied across the board” when at the other end, the IS de-partment had to give up, as we heard, 4 positions?

e) Why is it that the Training Manager position has not been eliminated when at this point, and with a leaner labor force, and therefore more workload for those remaining, there would not be much op-portunity or time for training.

We are not privy to the rest of the list and so, we limit our questions to the ones we confi rmed so far.

A Legitimate questions. I gathered from your last sentence that you would have liked to have

questioned the reasoning behind the other 123 po-sitions that were eliminated as well? Th e good news is, that tough work has already been done thor-oughly and it was reviewed by a combined group of managers, labor, and Board members. Th e bad news is that no matter which way any group of us, including yours, would have tackled this unpleasant job, in my opinion we would never all agree that we got it exactly “right.”

In fact, you would quickly see that “right” is very hard to defi ne when the outcome results in the loss of so much experience and talent. So let’s not revisit all that again. And to be clear on another important point, the “across the board” phrase was not intended to infer some sort of evenness, quota, or proportion. It simply meant that the entire railroad position structure was considered in the reduction process. Each position was evaluated one at a time.

Finally, with regard to training, you and I will just have to disagree on that one. For my part I recall several surveys that we have given to rail-road employees over the years coming back to us with comments wanting training, more training, better training, broader training, etc. Training has always ranked high among employee suggestions for improvement. Training and education are what I consider wise investments in our people … they satisfy an essential condition for maintaining a qual-ity workforce. Th e fact that our one person shop can accomplish so much for several hundred ARRC employees every year stands out as another good return on the investment in our railroad workforce, no matter what size it is. Th anks for calling in.

Great Shot! Employee

Photoson the Rail

LOCOMOTIVE 3003 PULLS A WORK TRAIN PAST

BELUGA POINT.

(PHOTO BY EDMUND AUSMAN)

HAVE A QUESTION? SEND IT VIA

SNAIL MAIL TO: I HEARD IT THROUGH

THE RAIL LINE”

P.O. BOX 107500ANCHORAGE, AK

99510-7500

OR INTERNAL MAIL

OR PHONE (X2589)

OR EMAIL TO: [email protected]


SEP / OCT 2009


COLD SNAP CONTINGENCY PLANS IN PLACE 9Heads up and gloves on… A prolonged cold snap this winter could result in a signifi cant cool-ing of railroad building facilities in and around Anchorage. Th e railroad could be forced to reduce its heating and electrical energy consumption by as much as 70% should the demand on Cook Inlet natural gas production exceed capability. Enstar has put its largest commercial customers on notice that contingency plans must be in place to deal with such an occurrence.

Th e vast majority of heating and electric genera-tion is powered by inlet natural gas. Aging gas fi elds have declining reserves and a reduction in pressure, which make it more diffi cult to meet peak demand. Last year, there were some close calls in which de-liverability barely met demand. Hence, contingency planning is in full swing before the cold winter months set in.

Some railroaders may have heard about the call for residential and commercial consumers to turn down their heat and turn off their electrical devices for a short period on October 23. Th e goal was to help Enstar gauge demand savings from voluntary conservation eff orts.

In the same vein, the railroad Facilities Depart-ment estimates it may become necessary to turn the heat down to the high 40s to mid 50s (degrees Fahrenheit) during a red alert condition. While most railroad offi ce and yard buildings should stay workably warm, employees will be notifi ed the day prior to dress warmly and bring jackets and gloves to work.

“Th e good news is that the repairs and energy effi ciency upgrades we have been doing over the past few years put us in a much better position. We have plugged many of the holes and cracks that allow cold drafts in and heat out,” said Facilities Director Paul Farnsworth. “Our eff orts have cut natural gas heating use by a third.”

As part of the Anchorage business community, ARRC plans to prepare and participate accordingly if the situation arises. Employees are encouraged to prepare on the home front as well. Th e table below off ers an “Energy Watch” energy disruption action plan for residential customers.

LEFT: THE BOILER PLANT IN THE ANCHORAGE YARD HAS THREE NATURAL GAS-FED BOILERS. THANKS TO CONSERVATION AND BUILDING REPAIRS, ONLY TWO BOILERS ARE NEEDED MOST OF THE TIME.

RIGHT: THE ANCHOR-AGE YARD BOILER PLANT FACILITY LETS OFF STEAM DURING A COLD WINTER DAY.

(PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE WHEELER)

Condition

ENERGY WATCH: CUSTOMER ACTION PLAN

Green

Yellow

Red

Means

Stable

Caution

Alert

Customer Actions

Use energy wisely; be conserva-tion minded. Reference your utility for tips on saving energy.

Set thermostat to 65 degrees in living areas and 40 in the garage.Lower water heater setting to “warm” or “vacation”. Minimize usaof natural gas range. Post-pone doing laundry and dishes. Turn off lights and electronics.

Set thermostat to 60 degrees in living areas (55 if away). Turn water heater gas valve to “pilot”. Do not use natural gas fi replace, decorative heater or gas grill. Consolidate household activities into as few rooms as possible. Use the microwave for cooking.


SEP / OCT 2009

10SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS

PROBLEM-SOLVING TRAINING CLASS DEBUTS By Paula Donson, Workforce & Organization Development Manager

A new ARRC training class, Problem Solving & Decision Making (PSDM), debuted in Fairbanks. It was off ered over a four-day period designed to ac-commodate worker schedules as well as a four-tiered problem solving approach for complex situations.

When solving a problem, a group generally forms a problem statement, gathers data, and develops a number of solutions. But the “thinking process” of each individual problem solver remains invisible to others in the group, often causing gaps in the solution. Th e PSDM makes the thinking process visible, allowing a group to work more cohesively to develop better solutions.

“I learned to plan from beginning to end and to foresee all aspects of the problem, especially prioritizing wants versus needs,” said Equipment Mechanic Rance Jones. “Using the steps made our thinking visible, and that was the most important part for me.”

Adding a quality thinking process to gathered data, judgment and experience simply makes for a

better decision. Facilities Maintenance Mechanic Royd Mashaney said the problem-solving process helped him pay more attention to problem specifi cs. He learned to fi ne-tune questions and conduct a more thorough thought process.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Bill Crawford said he will create a short form of the decision process that could be attached to a work order. “Miscom-munications cause a lot of delays, and this process will provide a way to weigh the pros and cons of a particular solution.”

Th e shift from reactive problem-solving to ratio-nal problem-solving helps employees and organiza-tions to achieve long-range objectives.

Equipment Mechanics Jones and Grant Ojani-emi and Carman Inspector Don Harpole agreed the process could help reduce ARRC fuel consumption. Ojaniemi believes that doing a locomotive engine “health check” followed by measuring fuel con-sumption and horse power performance for a week could improve engine monitoring and corrective maintenance planning, using the PSDM process.

BELOW, LEFT: ROYD MASHANEY, LEFT,

AND BILL CRAWFORD.

BELOW RIGHT: GRANT OJANIEMI, LEFT,

AND RANCE JONES.

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAULA DONSON)

FAIRBANKS BOOK

CLUB MEMBERS DOUG BEHAN, LEFT,

AND ROYD MASHANEY .

(PHOTO COURTESY OF PAULA DONSON)

SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS

BOOK CLUB TACKLES ‘LEADING CHANGE’ Th e pressures on companies to trans-

form into stronger competitors is bound to increase over the next several decades. Yet, author John Kotter asserts that people have great diffi culty in altering behaviors, despite company pressures to change.

Kotter’s book Leading Change address-es this dilemma, and is currently being dis-cussed by members of the Alaska Railroad’s Employee Book Club. Nearly two dozen

employees in Fairbanks and Anchorage are reading and discussing the popular title as they seek ways to apply strategies and advice on change management.

“Leading Change” provides the vicarious experience and positive role models for leaders to emulate. Th e book identifi es an 8-step process for companies to use to make needed changes happen. Several employees are embarking on department-organized change projects to maximize their work.

Discussions in both Fairbanks and Anchorage agree that everyone has a stake in orchestrating changes in their organization. Th e challenge lies in creating the climate to sustain change, the leader-ship to make it happen, and the collective force to propel our organization forward.


SEP / OCT 2009

SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS

2009 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN WRAP UP

SIGNALS: SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY AND SECURITY

RAILROADERS CLEAN UP YARDS FOR SAFETY

11Th e Alaska Railroad’s Employee United Way Campaign was understandably smaller given eco-nomic concerns, reorganization and reductions dur-ing the same period. Even so, employees donated an impressive $60,000 during the 2009 campaign.

Th e “What’s in Your Wallet” canisters spread throughout the company inspired visitors and em-ployees alike to reach into their pockets and donate spare change. Many great door prizes generated interest and excitement.

In the spirit of giving, several employees visited Beans Café to see United Way dollars at work

Th e Anchorage Terminal yard area got a clean sweep October 6 thanks to a joint eff ort among mechanical, maintenance of way, transportation and operations departments. Safety Director Mark Mitchell sponsored the event, Transportation Field Manager Jason Dennis coordinated the eff ort, and District 1 Roadmaster Bruce Gough and his MOW team off ered enthusiastic sup-port.

A group of nearly two dozen fanned out picking up trash and rocks. Numerous river stones ranging in size from golfballs to footballs pose a hazard for em-ployees walking in the rail yard. Conductor Erik Forland called for the use of rented compactors. Gough and Yard Track Inspector Mike Huls led the Anchorage section team in operating the heavy equipment needed to grade and compact the worst walking surfaces in the yard. Several loader buckets full of rocks were removed and dozens of bags of garbage were carted away. Ann McIlhargie grilled lunch for the hard-working clean-up team.

A few days later those at-tending the monthly Whittier Site Safety meeting also helped with a similar clean-up eff ort of the Whittier yard. Despite pour-ing rain, more than two dozen people from all ARRC crafts as well as from Alaska West/Lynden participated. Gough and Huls

2009 UW Team

Mia Cain Linda Eichelberger Jackie Frazier Dwight Harris Katie Johnson Katrina Martolano Keri Meszaros Ouida Morrison Rosezetta Proctor Kelly Reinhardt Patti Schumacher Stephenie Wheeler

providing food and jobs to the homeless. Campaign volunteers created personal care baggies to include razor, aspirin, bandages, cough drops, gum and postcards. Th ese were distributed to Beans patrons.

“Th is campaign year was one of the toughest. However, the amount raised indicates ARRC em-ployees’ resolve to continue supporting the United Way eff ort even under the most diffi cult circum-stances,” said co-Chair Rosezetta Proctor. “All in all, the planning team coordinated another top quality campaign.”

TOP, WHITTIER, L-R: RICK MCKINLEY (AWE/LYNDEN), PAT SHAKE, IAN FRAZIER, LARRY COLEMAN (AWE/LYN-DEN), DAN OTTENBREIT, RICK SINGSAAS, CONNOR KEOGH, TED WOOD-WARD, BRAD MCALPINE, DAVE BLAZEJEWSKI, JON GARNER AND MARK MITCHELL

BOTTOM, ANCHORAGE, L-R: CHRIS NELSON, MIKE HULS, BRUCE PRYKE, WILL NOTTI, ASHLEY SCHULTZE, DAVE BLAZEJEWSKI, LANDON MESSELHEISER, TONY ARON AND JASON DENNIS.

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVE BLAZEJEWSKI)

again mobilized graders, loaders,a bobcat, and com-pactors to assists with picking up rocks and groom-ing the roads and walking paths. MOW Project Manager Dwight West served up a barbecue.

Looking forward, plans are to conduct similar clean up eff orts in the spring in each major terminal yard area.

WHITTIER CLEAN-UP CREW.

ANCHORAGE CLEAN-UP CREW.


SEP / OCT 2009

COMMUNITY TIES

EKLUTNA, ARRC BOARDS MARK MILESTONE 12 Th e Alaska Railroad and Eklutna, Inc. boards of directors met October 20 to mark the offi cial transfer of 48 acres returned to the Eklutna people. In 1944, the Bureau of Indian Aff airs (BIA) had authorized the railroad to develop a rock quarry and later transferred land ownership to ARRC.

Eklutna, Inc. claimed the site under the Alaska Na-tive Claims Settlement Act. In the late 1980s, the Village of Eklutna took legal action to protect the area. In 2007, the Railroad and Eklutna struck a deal to return the land to Eklutna.

Eklutna, Inc. thanked the railroad for acknowl-edging the cultural signifi cance of the knob. “By healing this wound, your corporation recognized the greater potential and synergy between our organizations, letting us focus on future economic development,” wrote the Eklutna board in a letter.

“We acknowledge that returning the knob im-pacted the railroad in various ways,” the board letter continued. “Eklutna Inc. further recognizes that fi nalizing the transfer of this knob brings closure to this issue, which now lets us look forward and focus on two potential projects involving both corpora-tions.”

Eklutna board member Lee Stephan also spoke at the luncheon meeting held at the Historic Ship Creek Depot. His remarks provide some history of the Dena people and meaning behind the decision.

“Th e story of the Dena in this area begins with how Eklutna got its name. Th e story tells us of a big fi sh that swam out of Eklutna lake and washed two rocks out of the end of Eklutna River,” he ex-plained. “Th e fi sh in this story had to be a dinosaur in size and those creatures were here 30,000 years ago.”

When Captain Cook sailed up the inlet, he was met by Dena people, which numbered more than 3,000 living along the shores of the inlet near river

mouths. Villagers cremated their people and took the ashes to a secret place, now suspected to be the knobs.

“Maybe this is our old cemetery,” said Stephan. “For centuries we have used the knobs as lookout places to watch for the enemy, to watch for wild

game, to hunt game, to gather materials to make things, to hide the dead and to guide us home or watch for those returning home from a long journey, to name a few things,” he said.

“When I was a boy, we used the knobs for berry picking, sledding, fi rewood gathering, dory knee making, hunting, trapping, storing our boat, storing other gear and to watch the swamp for moose,” Stephan recalled. “Now my boys’ and my nieces’ and nephews’ children are using the knobs for the needs of Dena today.”

In short, the Dena people of Eklutna have identifi ed the knobs with a way of life and the sacred memory of their ancestors. Th e return of the knob under ARRC control represents the return of a part of their collective identity.

FRONT ROW: ARRC VICE CHAIRMAN BILL

SHEFFIELD, ARRC CHAIRMAN JOHN BINKLEY,

EKLUTNA CORPORATE SECRETARY MARIA D.

L. COLEMAN, EKLUTNA TREASURER KIM ZELLO,

EKLUNTA VICE PRESIDENT DEBBIE FULLENWIDER,

ARRC DIRECTOR STEVE MENARD, EKLUTNA

DIRECTOR LEE STEPHAN, AND COMMISSIONER

EMIL NOTTI (ARRC).

BACK ROW: EKLUTNA CORPORATE LANDS

MANAGER JIM ARNESEN, EKLUTNA CEO CURTIS

MCQUEEN, ARRC DIRECTOR JACK BURTON,

ARRC DIRECTOR ORIE WILLIAMS, EKLUTNA

CHAIRMAN & PRESIDENT MICHAEL CURRY, AND ARRC PRESIDENT & CEO PAT GAMBLE.

(PHOTO BY STEPHENIE WHEELER)

LEE STEPHAN (EKLUTNA), LEFT, AND ARRC ORIE WIL-LIAMS (ARRC) TALK. (PHOTO BY STEPHENIE WHEELER).

EKLUTNA CEO CURTIS MCQUEEN, LEFT, AND ARRC PRESIDENT & CEO PAT GAMBLE, OFFER REMARKS DUR-ING THE LUNCHEON.


SEP / OCT 2009


RAILROAD GATHERS MORE COMMUTER INFO 13Th e Alaska Railroad continues to gather intel-ligence in support of commuter rail in the form of research, equipment testing and soliciting commut-ers’ opinions.

While public interest remains, seven years have passed since the original South Central Commuter Rail Study & Operation Plan was accomplished in 2001-2002. Th e study is being updated by the original researchers, Wilbur Smith Associates. Funded by the Federal Transit Administration with an Alaska Railroad match, the $225,000 update should be complete by mid-2010.

A potential schedule was recently crafted to consider typical work and commuting times between Anchorage and Wasilla. It also considers existing infrastructure, including the existing depot at the intersection of Knik-Goose Bay Road and the Parks Highway, the Ship Creek Historic Depot and the Bill Sheffi eld Depot at the airport. On October 8, the DMU was put to the test to determine if it could indeed meet or beat the proposed travel times between multiple locations. It did so easily.

Also on October 8, the Alaska Railroad took part in the Mat-Su Transportation Fair, where information on commuter rail projects, opportuni-ties and challenges were on display for discussion. Several fair-goers completed an informal survey on their commuting habits and off ered their opinion of the proposed initial commuter rail schedule. Most of the 17 survey respondents liked the idea of a commuter train, but they said schedule conve-nience would weigh heavily in their choice to actu-ally use such a service.

Such feedback, testing and research will be help-ful in developing a successful commuter rail service in the future. More practical logistics must also be worked out, including procurement of enough DMUs (at least four are needed), construction of a passenger depot or park-and-ride at the intersection of Glenn and Parks highways, coordination with public bus service in Anchorage and Mat-Su, and operational funding.

Th e Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) can help with the latter two tasks. Th e RTA concept was approved by local governments, but is still under consideration by the Alaska State Legislature. If approved and funded, an RTA would coordinate intermodal public transit (bus, shuttle and rail schedules), and obtain subsidy funding for com-muter rail services. Like nearly all public transit services, commuter rail cannot be supported by passenger ticket revenue alone. It will have to be subsidized in some way in order to make the service aff ordable. Stay tuned ...

1 EMPLOYEES BOARD THE DMU AT THE SHIP CREEK DEPOT, WHERE BEGAN A TEST OF A POS-SIBLE COMMUTER RAIL ROUTE INCLUDING STOPS IN WASILLA, GIRDWOOD AND THE ANCHORAGE AIRPORT.

2 STRATEGIC PLANNING DIRECTOR BRUCE CARR KEEPS TRACK OF THE TIME BETWEEN ROUTE STOPS AS WELL AS POTENTIAL AREAS FOR SPEED AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS.

3 THE NEW RAILCAR APPROACHES THE ANCHORAGE AIRPORT FOR THE FIRST TIME. RAILROADERS ON THE AIRPORT PLATFORM CHECK THE CLEARANCE ON EITHER SIDE.

4 LOCOMOTIVE EN-GINEER DAVY REGISTE SLOWLY AND CARE-FULLY DRIVES THE DMU ALONGSIDE THE ANCHOR-AGE AIRPORT PLATFORM.

(PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE WHEELER)

1

2

3

4


SEP / OCT 2009


2010 PRINT FIRST TO FEATURE GOLDSTAR

2010 ALASKA RAILROAD PRINT RESERVATION FORM

14 Th e 2010 commemorative annual poster/print will be available in early December. Sale-and-signing events are slated for December 12 at the Fairbanks Depot and December 19 at the Historic

Ship Creek Depot in Anchorage. Both Saturday events are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Entitled Next Stop, Anchorage, the artwork depicts a passenger train moving northwest along scenic Turnagain Arm. Wasilla artist Stefan Wilson created the water-based acrylic painting using a combination of airbrush and paint brush. It is the fi rst an-

nual poster/print to feature the GoldStar fi rst-class double-deck domed coaches.

Wilson says he was inspired by a rail trip he and his family took aboard ARRC’s Coastal Classic train. “Th e visual splendor between Anchorage and Seward is picture-perfect Alaska, with ocean views, towering snow-capped mountains, wildlife and, of course, the Alaska Railroad train riding along the inlet’s edge and boasting the best panoramic view of all,” he said.

Railroad employees each receive one free poster. Employees can purchase additional posters at the employee discount price of $25. Employees can also purchase the higher-quality prints for $45. (Cost to public is $30 for posters and $55 for prints).

To reserve a 2010 signed and numbered print, the form below must be completed and returned to Stephenie Wheeler, Corporate Aff airs by

DEADLINE: November 30, 2009.

Regardless of whether or not an employee has reserved a print in the past, in order to keep a preferred print number, employees must return a reservation form by the deadline. Print reservation numbers from previous years will NOT be honored for the 2010 print. Numbers 1-25 are not available.

Employees who do not care what number is on the print, or who are only purchasing posters, do not need to return the form.

Complete this form and return it by November 30, via:

Intercompany Mail: Stephenie Wheeler, Corporate Aff airs

OR Fax back to 265-2365

NAME

DEPARTMENT

RESERVE PRINT NUMBER: SECOND CHOICE NUMBER: THIRD CHOICE NUMBER:

PHONE

ANCHORAGE FAIRBANKS

TOP: WASILLA ARTIST STEFAN WILSON USES

AN AIRBRUSH TO PUT FINISHING TOUCHES

ON HIS ARTWORK.

BOTTOM: A SCAN OF THE FINISHED 2010

PRINT ARTWORK.


SEP / OCT 2009


UNUSUAL MOVE TAKES LOGISTICAL FINESSE 15Th e Alaska Railroad recently completed transport of an expensive, bulky, heavy and one-of-a-kind item. Th e logistics of such a freight move requires experience, relationships and consistent communication. Th e following story illustrates…

Th e ‘D Street’ transformer traveled thousands of miles to Fort Richardson where it will eventually become part of a new power substation scheduled for construction in summer of 2010. Th e new 47 MVA substation will serve a growing electric load and is needed to assure adequate electrical capacity and reliability for the post. Th e transformer came from Greensboro, NC, where it was manufactured by Waukesha Electric Corporation.

Nearly all moves start with a phone call. Riddle Consulting, representing Doyon as the transformer buyer, called ARRC Freight Senior Account Man-ager Rob Halpin to discuss transport feasibility and a schedule. Halpin followed up with Waukesha to coordinate shipment and he contacted lower 48 railroads to determine pricing and routing and to put together a logistics plan for Riddle’s approval. Th e fi nal route: CSXT Railroad moved the trans-former from North Carolina to Chicago, where BNSF Railroad transported it to the Seattle Port, where the transformer was loaded onto an Alaska

Rail Marine barge bound for Whittier. An Alaska Railroad train picked up the transformer in Whit-tier and delivered it to the Anchorage Rail Yard. Finally, the transformer was loaded by crane onto an Alaska West Express specially-equipped trailer for the last leg to Fort Richardson.

“Th e move was unique because of the logistics involved, the type of railcar needed, the size of the transformer which required special clearances and GPS tracking along the entire route,” said Halpin. “All these things needed to happen on schedule and within budget. It did.”

Th e Fort Richardson substation is part of Doyon Utilities’ aggressive eff ort to upgrade many the utility systems at Fort Greely, Fort Richardson and Fort Wainwright. In August of 2008, Doyon Utilities took over the ownership and operations of the 12 utility systems at all three posts. Th is job, done well by the railroad, could lead to additional transport jobs down the road.

“I just wanted to follow up and tell you what a fantastic job you did in coordinating this shipment for us,” said Joanne Riddle, President, Riddle Con-sulting, Inc. “Th e railroad piece was the smooth-est and best organized. We will defi nitely use the Alaska Railroad when feasible in the future.”

The move

was some-

what unique

because of

the logistics

involved, the

type of rail-

car needed,

the size of the

transformer

which

required

special

clearances

and GPS

tracking

along the

entire route.

FREIGHT SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER ROB HALPIN

A CRANE WAS POSITIONED TO PLUCK THE TRANSFORMER OFF OF THE RAILCAR AND ONTO A SPECIAL TRAILER.

THE TRANSFORMER IS PREPPED FOR LIFTING OFF THE RAILCAR. (PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE WHEELER)

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009

ALL ABOARDALL ABOARDNEWSLETTER FOR ALASKA RAILROAD EMPLOYEES

Alaska Railroad Corporation

P.O. Box 107500

Anchorage, AK 99510-7500

www.AlaskaRailroad.com

Printed on

recycled

paperMember &

Suppporter

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDANCHORAGE, AK

PERMIT NO. 500

Mechanical Locomotive Operations Planner /Scheduler Jim Steele submitted these photos from a summer 2009 family trip aboard the Alaska Railroad between Anchorage and Seward. Left is Jim’s mom Wilma Steele. Th e other two photos off er unique perspectives of the Grandview area south of Portage.

At the end of each calendar year, the All Aboard editor col-lects the names of all employees who have submitted a photo for use in the newsletter during the year. One of these names will be drawn to receive $200 in gift certifi cates.

GREAT SHOT! PHOTOS ON THE RAIL

To participate in the 2009 All Aboard Photo Contest, submit your photos to Stephenie Wheeler, Corporate Aff airs, via company mail or email digital photo fi les to [email protected]. If using a digital camera, be sure the camera setting is on “fi ne” or “high resolution” so that they will be of high enough quality to print. If you have questions about Great Shot submis-sions or would like some photography tips, contact Wheeler at 265-2671.

EMPLOYEE PHOTO SUBMISSIONS ELIGIBLE FOR $200 DRAWING

september / october 2009 newsletter for alaska … · maintenance of way moves from operations to...

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