Wesley Rice
System representing: City of Plummer
Title: Superintendent
Seat/region you are running for: Region I
My Name is Wesley Rice. When I started working for the City of St. Maries, they put me in the wastewater department. To be honest, at first it sounded like a “crappy” job. Over time, I learned to appreciate what it really means to be a wastewater operator. I truly enjoy the science behind the processes and often catch myself looking into new technology and new ways to solve old problems. I have found what I want to do until I retire.
I am now the Superintendent for the City of Plummer. I work with drinking water, wastewater, streets, parks, cemeteries, and electric. Most of all I work with my community. The safety and well-being of our communities always come first in this job.
IRWA has helped me more times then I can count. The people IRWA have represent them have always been awesome to work with and always willing to jump in and get dirty. IRWA also has great information and great trainings. In this career we always have room to grow and learn new things. My career goals will help me improve both on and off the job. IRWA has helped me and will continue to help me achieve those goals.
I would like to be a part of IRWA. To say that I had any part of getting the right information or help to people like me, who really needed it, would be an honor. I believe my ability to listen, problem solve, and my passion to find new ways to solve old problems will help.
Beau Ziemer
System representing: City of New Plymouth
Title: Public Works Superintendent
Seat/region you are running for: Region II
I started work with the City of New Plymouth in May 1999 and was appointed Public Works Superintendent in November 2000. I am a Certified Wastewater Treatment Lagoon operator, a Certified Wastewater Collection Level 2 operator, and a Certified Water Distribution Level 2 operator. Throughout my career in public works I have worked with federal and state legislators, as well as agencies such as FEMA, EPA, Idaho Department of Lands, and IDEQ. I work closely with these agencies and individuals to remain current with laws and rules. I participate in the rule-making process when possible. It is important to me to assure small rural communities have a voice. My system has received a variety of awards from Idaho Rural Water, including IRWA Wastewater System of the Year in 2009. In addition, the operators who work under me as well as myself have received special recognition for our dedication to our community. I was awarded IRWA Water Operator of the Year in 2010.
I have participated in many utility rate reviews and analyses serving as Public Works Superintendent. I previously held a seat on the Idaho Rural Water Board of Directors (2013 to 2015), as well as my current term and have represented Idaho’s rural communities in Washington DC. I am running for a position on the IRWA board simply to help maintain the level of service that our rural water systems receive as IRWA members. During my previous time on the board I was proud to serve the membership, and to be directly involved in the start-up of IRWA Support Services, LLC. This program will help IRWA keep Circuit Rider positions in water and wastewater regardless of government funding. One of my goals as your board member would be to help this program excel while protecting and maintaining the benefits of being an IRWA member.
Robert (Bob) Culver
System representing: City of Jerome
Seat/region you are running for: At-Large (population over 10,000)
I have been married to my wife Carolyn for 49 years, we have 3 boys and 6 Grandchildren. I started my career in the water and wastewater field while I was in the Navy, I worked on water pumps, steam valves and valves of all types. I am a Vietnam Veteran.
When I was honorably discharged from the Navy, I started working for the City of Jerome in the parks department then transferred to the water department. I became involved with the Idaho Rural Water Association in the early to mid-1980s when there was only 5 or 6 people attending the meeting. I worked for the City of Jerome for 32 years and retired in 2007. In January 2008, I was sworn into office as a City Council Member. I have been on the City of Jerome Council for 13 years, I have been Council President for 10 years. I am on the Board of Directors for the Idaho Rural Water Association, and I was the National Director for the Idaho Rural Association for 13. I hold 2 State of Idaho Water Licenses. I completed the State Board Training that is required by the National Rural Water Association.
I am the Chairman of the Municipal Water Use Committee. I am on the Legislative Committee, Environmental Committee and Water Reuse Committee for the Association of Idaho Cities. I am on the Board of Directors for Region 4 Development Corporation. I am also the Chairman of the Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program Committee. Working in the Water and Wastewater field is very rewarding, knowing that you are providing the public with clean and safe drinking water. I feel that being on the IRWA and the 13years that I was on the NRWA Board, I have grown as a person after having the opportunity to give input and be involved in Idaho water and wastewater issues throughout the state and nationally. With my many years of experience that I have gained by being on the City of Jerome Council, Idaho and National Rural Water Board will help keep the association growing and financially strong. I am excited that the new IRWA Building has been completed and that we have moved in. I am running again for an at large position on the Idaho Rural Water Board and I would appreciate your support and vote.
Kevin McLeod
System representing: Star Sewer and Water District
Title: Water Manager
Seat/region you are running for: At-Large (population over 10,000)
As an operator for the City of Weiser, I learned about IRWA and the training opportunities. Training is an essential part of becoming a good operator. I spent four years with the City where I earned my Class 2 Distribution, Class 2 Water Treatment and BAT licenses. When I left the City, I went to work for IRWA as the second Circuit Rider and continued with them for more than 18 years. I have working knowledge of how IRWA’s Board and staff work to get the invaluable training out to the many operators in Idaho.
I now work for Star Sewer and Water District and would like to continue to assist IRWA in their commitment to Idaho water and wastewater operators. I will also now be relying on the expertise, knowledge, and training that IRWA provides. As a Circuit Rider, I have been involved in many changes at IRWA.
Some changes were more challenging than others, but most of these changes have been positive ones. I would like to serve on the Board of Directors to help ensure that these changes continue to flourish. My years of experience with IRWA have provided me with a large network of people and organizations that I can utilize to help IRWA continue to grow.
As a Circuit Rider I was limited to what I could do by the contract I was under. As a Board Member I feel I would have more freedom to reach out to some of these people.
The main reason for being on the Board is to give back to IRWA and to continue to help the many systems and friends I have visited over the years.
Michael Parker
System representing: City of Moscow
Title: Water Utility Manager
Seat/region you are running for: At-Large (population over 10,000)
I joined the Army as a heavy equipment operator in 1988 and was able to see the world (Germany). I was attached to an engineering battalion and began building roads and installing water and sewer pipe for the Army. I learned design techniques and problems that needed to be addressed before they became reality for an operator. I also sampled the beer over there. I was honorably discharged in 1992 and assisted my grandmother while she underwent chemo treatments for cancer.
In 1996, I was hired as the City of Hayden’s sewer inspector. My job duties were to review plans for development, perform inspections and document the collection system deficiencies. After 3 months, more duties were added which consisted of working with the City of Hayden Lake taking care of their Gem Shores water system and the City’s collection System. These duties continued to grow over time and finally I was shifted to work for the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board which provided service for both Cities.
In 2003 I accepted a position with the Hayden Lake Irrigation District as the Assistant Water Master. I worked with new development designs and became the cross-connection specialist. Implementing the Districts cross connection program. I also performed the locates for the water system and was creative in finding A.C. water pipe.
I accepted an open position with the City of Moscow in 2012. I began my senior position with the City of Moscow and led a small team of operators on many repairs, service installations and fire hydrant replacements. After about two years I was awarded the Water Distribution Supervisor position and was able to update procedures and SOP’s for the Distribution department. I soon became the Water Department Utility Manager to oversee the City’s Water Production and Distribution team.
In early 2017 I was nominated by an operator without my knowledge for the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licensing (IBOL), which is now known as Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). I accepted the Governors appointment with trepidation, and excitement on August 23rd 2017. I consider the position to be a high honor that represents the operators of Idaho. Ensuring that all operators are treated equally and fair.
I believe IRWA is an excellent organization and does not need improvement. I am running to be part of a great organization that supports Idaho operators. I do hope to bring more ideas for trainings with keeping the focus on the operator. Thank you for reading to the end!
Terry Pickel
System representing: City of Coeur d'Alene
Title: Water Department Director
Seat/region you are running for: At-Large (population over 10,000)
I have been a licensed operator for over 39 years. I have been working for the Coeur d’ Alene Water Department for the last 15 years, where I manage day to day operations. I currently manage a staff of 22 full time employees. For 24 years prior to that, I worked for the City of Cheney. After 14 years, I became their Water Supervisor, a position I held for 10 years. I am currently licensed in both Idaho and Washington in water distribution, treatment and cross connection control. I am also the past President of the Inland Empire SubSection (IESS), and President of the Idaho/Washington Aquifer Collaborative (IWAC). I have been a part time instructor for WETRC for 3 years, and have taught section and subsection classes at conference. I am also a Board Member of the DEQ Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC), and Chair of the Idaho Water Education Foundation (WEF).
I believe I can give emphasis to promoting drinking water and wastewater System Operator training for all of Idaho, especially for the northern counties where training opportunities are not as plentiful. I will also interact with other agencies to help coordinate beneficial training events at suitable locations. I have experience with providing Water Operator certification classes for both Idaho and Washington, and have built “training in a box” programs for AWWA.
Thank you for your consideration.
Professional Licenses:
WDM 3 – Washington
WDS – Washington
CCS – Washington
WTPO 2 - Washington
DWD 4 – Idaho
DWT 2 – Idaho