Doris Walters, KPA Office Manager, attended a COBRA and HIPPA Seminar hosted by Scott & White Health Plan with COBRA Expert Quida Peterson on February 27, 2009. The seminar was tailored for COBRA administrators and covered the major changes to COBRA as a result of the Stimulus Bill signed by President Obama on February 17th. COBRA is temporary continuation of group health insurance at group rates when an individual looses health care coverage due to certain events. Other employment laws discussed were Family & Medical Leave Act. Workers Compensation and Disability.
Rick Kasberg, PE and Thomas Valle PE attended the Membrane Filtration Seminar held in Austin Texas on February 17, 2009. This seminar which was hosted by the Pall Corporation and Environmental Improvements included technical presentations on solutions for regulatory compliance in small communities utilizing membrane filtration for water treatment.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2009, John A. Simcik, P.E., C.F.M. participated in PE Day at the Capital sponsored by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. The event provided professional engineers the opportunity to break into teams of 3-4 people and visit with State Legislators to discuss issues which affect the engineering profession. These issues included protection of the Engineering Practice Act, qualifications for the Executive Director of TxDOT, and the recently filed House Bill 1105 which challenges Qualifications Based Selection (QBS).
Mr. Simcik’s group met with Rep. Ralph Sheffield (District 55) and Rep. Jimmy Don Aycock (District 54). The group also discussed issues with Staff Members from the offices of Sen. Troy Fraser (District 24), Rep. Patrick Rose (District 45) and Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson (District 56).
The day concluded with a reception and banquet. Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst was the keynote speaker for the banquet.
On June 26-27, John A. Simcik, PE, CFM attended the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) Conference and 72nd Annual Meeting in San Antonio. In addition to attending continuing education seminars, Mr. Simcik also participated in the Annual Membership and Board of Directors Meeting. During the Professional Engineers in Private Practice (PEPP) Division Breakfast Meeting on Friday morning, Mr. Simcik volunteered to be the Region II Vice Chair for PEPP. At the Installation Banquet on Friday night, Mr. Simcik began his second year as Region II Vice President for TSPE.
Rick N. Kasberg, P.E. accepted the nomination to serve as the 2008 and 2009 District Chairman for the Boy Scouts of America Longhorn Council of Central Texas. Mr. Kasberg’s responsibilities as Chairman will include recruiting individuals as operating chairs for finance; membership and programs; presiding at monthly district committee meetings; representation on the Council Executive Board and ensure the completion of district goals.
Ginger R. Tolbert, P.E. was named “Altrusan of the Year” by Altrusa International, Inc. of Temple for her dedicated service and leadership to the club and community. Altruism is defined as “unselfish regard or devotion to the welfare of others”. Altrusa International, Inc. of Temple is a service club for professionals with a purpose to contribute to the solution of community problems and meet community needs. “Altrusan of the Year” recognizes an Altrusan who has made a lasting contribution to community service through their involvement with Altrusa.
Ms. Tolbert will serve as President of Altrusa International, Inc. of Temple for 2008-2009. Previously, she has served as Recording Secretary, Vice President, President Elect, Decorations and Graphics Chair for the Taste of the Holidays, Graphics Chair for the Caring Ball, Communications Chair and coordinated a Children’s Literacy Project this past year.
Ms. Tolbert is an Associate with Kasberg, Patrick & Associates, LP, where she is responsible for the planning and design of water and wastewater infrastructure. Ms. Tolbert was also named Young Engineer of the Year in February of this year by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Central Texas Chapter.
“ENGINEER OF THE YEAR” – THOMAS D. VALLE, P.E.
KPA Partner Thomas D. Valle, P.E. was named 2007 Engineer of the Year for the Central Texas Region by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers at their annual banquet held in late February in Waco, Texas.
Mr. Valle is a past President of the TSPE Central Texas Chapter and currently serves as President for the local chapter of the Water Environment Association of Texas. He is active in community organizations such as Temple Rotary and Jaycees, and serves on the Citizens Review Committee for the United Way of Central Texas. In 2004
Mr. Valle received the Young Professionals Service Award for the American Water Works Association, Texas Section.
“YOUNG ENGINEER OF THE YEAR” – GINGER R. TOLBERT, P.E.
KPA Associate Ginger R. Tolbert, P.E. was named 2007 Young Engineer of the Year for the Central Texas Region by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers at their annual banquet held in late February in Waco, Texas.
Ms. Tolbert currently serves as President Elect of the TSPE Central Texas Chapter and is a past Director. She is also a Past President and State Director of the Central Texas Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers. She is active in community organizations such as the Greater Temple Area A&M Club, SPJST Lodge 200, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Go Texan Committee and is serving as President of Altrusa International, Inc. of Temple.
Trae Sutton, PE has been nominated to the 2008 Belton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Mr. Sutton is an active member in the Belton Lions Club and serves as Secretary in the Rotary Club of Belton. Trae has been employed with Kasberg, Patrick & Associates, LP since his graduation from Texas A&M University in December of 2000 and has served the City of Belton on numerous municipal projects in his seven years with KPA.
Trae Sutton, PE attended the Texas Section American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Fall Meeting held in Fort Worth October 4-6, 2007. Mr. Sutton is the Director for the Central Texas Branch of ASCE. Trae participated in the Section Director’s Board Meeting as well as Technical Seminars that were being presented at the meeting.
John Simcik, PE, CFM and Trae Sutton, PE attended a seminar on the 2007 Texas Storm Water Compliance Training put on by the Temple Area Builders Association (TABA).
This Seminar was an effort to educate the local building community regarding the TPDES Stormwater Phase II Program administered by TCEQ regarding best management practices in order to reduce the amount of pollutants in stormwater runoff. The Phase II program affects municipalities with a population under 100,000.
Under this program a municipality under 100,000 is required to submit a Notice of Intent and a Stormwater Management Plan. This plan outlines a five year plan that will be implemented by the municipality and will be used to educate the public regarding best management practices. It also outlines steps the municipality will take in order to reduce the amount of pollutants in the stormwater runoff located within its incorporated areas.
