At last week’s city council meeting, Sandpoint’s Human Resources Director, Nicole Goes awarded certificates of appreciation to employees for completing continuing education programs in their respective fields. She began by praising employees in the Infrastructure and Development Services Division.

“All of our employees in the Utility Services group are required to obtain licensing through the Idaho Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals, and several of our employees have passed the exam to achieve a higher level of operator licensure,” Goes said.

“Their efforts ensure that we meet Idaho state standards, and in many cases exceed them, and continue to operate efficient, safe and effective drinking water and wastewater collection, distribution and treatment systems.”

Goes asked council to join her in congratulating Rod Berget, Idaho Wastewater collection Operator, Class III, Rich Buday, Idaho Wastewater Treatment Operator, Class I, and Cory Shook, Idaho Water Treatment Operator, Class III. IDS manager Amanda Wilson accepted the awards on their behalf.

Wilson also accepted awards for the Street Services group who take responsibility for managing the increasing traffic demand on the miles of roads and streets in Sandpoint.

“With the increased demand and new technologies comes the need for more diverse skills and knowledge necessary for maintenance and preservation activities on the roadways,” Does said. “The Idaho Road Scholar Program is a way for local road professionals to be recognized for completing a series of training courses.”

Does said that council might remember that these employees were recognized for completing the Road Master Program last fall and that she was pleased to acknowledge them again for completing the Road Scholar Program.

Completing the program administered by Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, Idaho Transportation Board are Chet Jackman, Shawn Henderson, Tony Hendrickson, Chad Larson and Zeb Platt.