City Engineers Association of Minnesota

2023 CEAM ANNUAL CONFERENCE
January 25-27, 2023
Join us at the Double Tree in Bloomington for opportunities to see how other cities are using new technologies and developing innovative construction projects, as well as a chance to network with other professionals and peers.
As we are reaching our capacity with registrations, the registration site is now password protected. If you need to still register for the 2023 CEAM Annual Meeting, please email support@fusionlp.org to obtain the password.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington
7800 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN 55439
2023 KEYNOTE
The Power of Sustainovation
Wednesday, January 25th
Sustainovation is the technique we use to build sustainable innovation into government. Award-winning civic innovator, coach, and author Nick Kittle will explain the nature of innovation in government and how to sustain it–and more importantly, the powerful role that we play in making Sustainovation a reality for our organizations. In this inspirational keynote, Nick will explore how we can get creative, build momentum, and get others on “Team Us” as we make these wildly creative ideas real!

Nick Kittle
Keynote Speaker
REGISTRATION
Registration for the 2023 CEAM Annual Meeting is now open!
The registration fee is $385 and includes all sessions, instructional materials, breakfast all three days, lunch on Wednesday and Thursday, two receptions, and refreshment breaks. An optional lunch on Friday is available for an additional fee of $40 (total conference fee of $425). Participants also may pay for their annual CEAM membership ($100) while registering for the conference.
- $485: Conference + CEAM Membership Renewal
Includes the registration fee ($385) and renewal of CEAM Annual membership ($100).
- $385: Conference ONLY
Includes the registration fee ($385) only. Good for Lifetime Members who want PDHs and anyone not renewing a CEAM Membership.
- $100: CEAM Membership Renewal Only
Includes CEAM Membership renewal ($100) only. Does not include access to Annual Conference.
- Add-on $40 – optional lunch on Friday
COST:
$485
Conference & CEAM Membership Renewal
$385
Conference ONLY
$100
CEAM Membership Renewal
2023 SESSION SCHEDULE
All times are listed in Central Time Zone.
- 7:30am – Registration & Breakfast
- 8:30am – Welcome
- 8:40am – The Power of Sustainovation
- 10:10am – Refreshment Break
- 10:30am – Local Road Research Board
- 11:30am – Awards & Scholarship Recognition
- 12:30pm – Lunch
- 1:30pm – Concurrent Sessions A
- 2:45pm – Refreshment Break
- 3:15pm – Concurrent Sessions B
- 4:30pm – Reception
All times are listed in Central Time Zone.
- 7:30am – Breakfast
- 8:00am – Welcome
- 8:10am – Highland Bridge
- 9:25am – Ethics with Professor Schultz
- 10:25am – Refreshment Break
- 10:50am – Election Debrief with Professor Schultz
- 12:05pm – Lunch
- 1:05pm – Concurrent Sessions C
- 2:20pm – Refreshment Break
- 2:45pm – State Economist & Demographer
- 4:45pm – Reception
All times are listed in Central Time Zone.
- 7:30am – Breakfast
- 8:00am – Welcome
- 8:10am – MnDOT Commissioner
- 8:40am – State Aid Update
- 9:10am – Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
- 10:25am – Refreshment Break
- 10:45am – Professional Licensure Update
- 11:30am – CEAM Business Meeting
- 12:15pm – Lunch/ Adjourn
Daily Agenda Overview
Session Title |
Session Description |
The Power of Sustainovation |
Sustainovation is the technique we use to build sustainable innovation into government. Award-winning civic innovator, coach, and author Nick Kittle will explain the nature of innovation in government and how to sustain it—and more importantly, the powerful role that we play in making Sustainovation a reality for our organizations. In this inspirational keynote, Nick will explore how we can get creative, build momentum and get others on our “Team Us” as we make these wildly creative ideas real! Attendees will leave empowered, inspired, and ready to tackle powerful challenges with new vigor. Nick Kittle |
Leveraging LRRB as a Resource for Cities |
For over 60 years, the Local Road Research Board (LRRB) has been an active resource for transportation-related research and solutions in Minnesota. This session will provide background on LRRB, how they operate, and will provide highlights of some recently completed projects:
Michael Marti, SRF Consulting Group, Susan Miller, SRF Consulting Group |
LRRB Meet and Greet |
During the break, LRRB will be holding a Meet and Greet. It will be in the same room as their 3:15pm concurrent session. This will be a casual (think happy hour) event where you can learn about LRRB. The LRRB has City Engineers that serve on the Board and Committees. Come and meet your colleagues that are serving (or have served) the LRRB, and hear about their experiences. We have commitments from City Engineers that have served the LRRB spanning the past 30 years! |
Highland Bridge: From Brown to Blue the Story of 21st Century In-Fill Development |
Here is your opportunity to receive information and tips to improve your relationships and communications with elected officials. This session will offer different perspectives and ideas for you to consider to improve your effectiveness working with elected officials at various levels. Luis Pereira, City of St. Paul, Anthony Adams, Ryan Companies, Nathan Campeau, Barr Engineering, Dan Elenbaas, Kimley-Horn |
Ethics Session: Were They Ethical? |
Professor Schultz has developed dozens of hours of ethics curriculum, drawing upon a basis of authentic stories. He is a national expert on election law, professional ethics, state constitutional law, eminent domain, and land use law, and teaches courses on those topics at Hamline University in Saint Paul, MN. He has authored/ edited 30 books and over 100 articles, and he is a frequent contributor on television and radio coverage of government and elections. Professional ethics encompasses many aspects – trust, relationship building, collaboration and teamwork, problem solving, and decision making. Professor Schultz will be bringing forward engineering case studies, talk through what happened, how it happened and walk through the ethics involved. The content of this session will also count toward the continuing education requirement for ethics in Minnesota PE licensure. David Schultz, Hamline University |
2022 Election Recap and Response |
Professor Schultz returns to provide an energetic and objective presentation covering the 2022 mid-term elections, the past twelve months, the present status, and the future outlook. Where do things stand today? How will the election results play out over the next several years? The takeaway will be what all of this means for local government, with respect to funding and support for infrastructure projects, implications for staff relations with new city councils and the public, and the outlook for city government in general. And then he’ll throw in COVID-19 for good measure. Professor Schultz delivered top-ranked sessions at the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 CEAM Annual Conferences. He is a national expert on election law, professional ethics, state constitutional law, eminent domain, and land use law, and teaches courses on those topics at Hamline University in Saint Paul, MN. He has authored/ edited 30 books and over 100 articles, and he is a frequent contributor on television and radio coverage of government and elections. David Schultz, Hamline University |
Economic Trends |
The labor market, supply chain issues and economic pressures all impact our project planning and delivery. The current economic trends and forecasts will provide insight and awareness to impacts within our industry. Laura Kalambokidis, Minnesota Management and Budget |
Demographics and Smart Decision Making |
Demographic data can be used to assist policymakers, state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, the media, and all Minnesotans to make smart decisions. This session will focus on demographic data trends following the 2020 census and how we can use it to guide decision making in our work. Susan Brower, Minnesota State Demographic Center |
State Aid Update |
State aid will provide an update on various items and activities that impact, affect and benefit local agencies. Ted Schoenecker, MnDOT |
New Opportunities from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill |
Panel Discussion of the increased funding and discretionary grant opportunities. Includes a panel from FHWA, MnDOT, and Area Transportation Partnerships/Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Phillip Barnes, FHWA, Tim Anderson, FHWA, TBD, Metropolitan Council |
Professional Licensure Update |
For both public and private sector engineers, professional engineering (PE) licensure is often essential or required for employment. This session will examine statewide statistics and trends in licensure including recent changes to the testing portion of the PE application. Additionally, the session will examine efforts by lawmakers nationwide to reduce or eliminate licensure requirements for various fields, including engineering, and how other organizations are monitoring and advocating for professional licensing. David Martini, Bolton & Menk, Melisa Rodriguez, PE, SET, Board Member of AELSLAGID |
Session Title |
Session Description |
Project Funding 101 |
Cities fund their projects in a variety of different ways, including General Fund, Federal Aid, State Aid, Special Assessments, Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement, Franchise Fees, and Utility Enterprise Funds, to name a few. A panel of experts in project funding will present different ways that cities fund projects, some pros and cons to each, and when you can and cannot use particular funding sources. Julie Dresel, MnDOT, Deb Heiser, City of St. Louis Park, Julie Long, City of Bloomington, Michael Thompson, City of Plymouth |
Understanding Archaeology and Human Remains Concerns on Local Projects |
Dylan Goetsch from the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and Adam Kaeding with 106 Group will provide an overview on how local construction projects can interact with archaeological and burial sites. He will show what resources are available and which agencies to coordinate with to help keep your project on track and also preserve and protect historical and cultural resources. Minnetonka has had several street and utility projects in areas with Native American burial mounds. Toby Muse with SEH and Mitch Hatcher with Minnetonka will discuss how early planning and coordination helped keep their project on track through construction. Dylan Goetsch, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Adam Kaeding, 106 Group, Toby Muse, SEH, Mitch Hatcher, City of Minnetonka |
Stormwater, Rainwater, and Wastewater Reuse |
Why does the sign above the toilet say “Recycled Water Do Not Drink”? Water reuse is happening in Minnesota and is a great tool for water management and incorporating sustainability into projects. This session will discuss current regulatory updates for rainwater, stormwater and wastewater reuse; applicability and how to be more prepared to review your projects for water reuse opportunities. A designer, Watershed District and City perspective will be provided with examples of marquee projects, lessons learned and how to overcome barriers. Michelle Stockness, Barr Engineering, Forrest Kelley, Capital Region Watershed District, Kristin Seaman, City of Woodbury |
Planning for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: What Cities Need to Know |
With the growing demand and use of electric vehicles comes an increase in the demand and need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This session will begin with an overview of electric vehicle charging, where the state is headed in their planning, and identification of some funding opportunities for local agencies. From there we will hear from a panel of City representatives to explain their efforts and lessons learned at their various levels of planning for and implementation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at the local level. Diana McKeown, Great Plains Institute, Russ Stark, City of St. Paul, Brian Hansen, City of Bloomington |
Advancements in Construction Management Technology
|
Our industry continues to see the benefits that technology can bring to the jobsite. Owners, construction managers, and contractors are using technology to solve problems and streamline workloads in new and diverse ways every day. This session will empower participants to think outside the box and bring new ideas back to their organization Kyle Johnson, Bolton & Menk, Cody Kutil, WSB, Drew Weber, Bolton & Menk, Paul Kyle, WSB |
Session Title |
Session Description |
Stormwater 101 |
This session will provide an overview of stormwater management from a municipal perspective for locations throughout the state. Topics will include stormwater permitting, stormwater site plan review requirements, water quantity versus water quality, drainage and utility. Greg Williams, Barr Engineering Company, Jake Newhall, WSB, Sarah Schweiger, City of Minnetonka |
Leveraging LRRB as a Resource for Cities |
The Local Road Research Board (LRRB) is one of a kind and for 60 years has been the “think tank” for Minnesota cities and counties. This session will provide the background of LRRB and how they operate. You will also learn how to become active in LRRB Technical Advisory Panels (TAP) which are critical to ensuring LRRB research is pertinent, productive, and applicable. Michael Marti, SRF Consulting Group, Susan Miller, SRF Consulting Group |
Alternative Approaches to Special Assessment Funding |
The authority to levy Special Assessments is given to Minnesota cities via Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429; they are a powerful tool used by cities to fund public improvements. As increasing project costs continue to put upward pressure on assessment amounts, some cities have found reliance on special assessments to be unsustainable. We’ll hear from cities that have reduced their reliance on special assessments, and the process they used to accomplish this change. Chad Millner, City of Edina, Justin Femrite, City of Elk River |
Try Before You Buy – Grants for Active Transportation Demonstration Projects |
Grants for active transportation demonstration projects are expanding in reach and receiving new funding infusion. Come learn about the programs in general and hear lessons learned from projects implemented in the Cities of Alexandria and Burnsville. Demonstration projects are short term, low-cost, temporary roadway projects used to pilot long-term design solutions to improve walking/bicycling and public spaces. Projects might include, but are not limited to, bicycle lanes, crosswalk markings, curb extensions, and median safety islands. These projects allow public agencies, community partners, as well as people walking, biking, taking transit, and driving to evaluate potential infrastructure improvements before investing in permanent changes. Dave Cowan, MnDOT Office of Transit & Active Transportation, Mitch Kiecker, MnDOT State Aid, Tim Schoonhoven, City of Alexandria, Logan Vlasaty, City of Burnsville |
Is a Consultant Pool Right for Your Community? |
Many cities have created consultant “pools” for their communities in order to streamline the process external engineering assignments, with great success. The public expects and deserves an engineering services procurement process that is fair, has high quality results, and represents the best investment of city resources. Does a pool approach meet these expectations? Is a consultant pool the best approach for your City? Take part in a discussion of consultant pools including considerations for setting up a pool; recommended practices; and accountability measures that should be considered. John Gorder, City of Eagan, Tony Kutzke, City of Woodbury, Chris LaBounty, City of Plymouth |
Session Title |
Session Description |
State Aid Rules 101 |
They carry the force of law and navigating it can feel intimidating at first, but fear not! The State Aid Rules were established to provide a consistent framework in the form of minimum standards and financial guidance for the operation, construction and maintenance of the State Aid system. This session will provide a brief overview of MnDOT and how State Aid fits in, several helpful tools and resources for navigating 8820 and examples of its application. But wait, there’s more! We’ll also learn about upcoming changes that will affect all cities that use Municipal State Aid (MSA) funding. Andjela Tomovic, MnDOT |
Anoka Solution: Hwy 10/169 |
Congestion and safety have been issues for decades along the Trunk Highway 10 corridor in the north metro. The corridor has been studied several times, with everything proposed from a ‘mega-project’ to small incremental improvements. Following yet another study in 2014, which included some outcomes the City of Anoka did not want, the City embarked on a fresh approach. They decided to be proactive, leading development of a solution to ensure it would achieve the City’s goals, while stilling meeting the needs of Anoka County, MnDOT, and the region. The result is a collaboration that has overwhelming support from all parties. This session will review the history of the issues, and project development from initiation through final design and the start of construction. It will provide an example of the positive results that can come from being proactive, and how a City can take the unique role as the lead agency for improvements on a trunk highway. Ben Nelson, City of Anoka, Scott McBride, Bolton & Menk, Eric Johnson, Bolton & Menk |
Contracting Methods for Cities 301 |
This will be a graduate level session to discuss a toolbox of options for City Engineers to bid or get work completed of your City. There are a number of other options for City Engineers besides the traditional low bid procurement standards. Chris Englemann, City of St. Paul, Justin Femrite, City of Elk River, TBD, Bolton & Menk |
MCES Siphon Project |
The Lake Street Siphon, located just north of the Lake Street Bridge, was constructed in 1937 and conveys an average daily flow of 69 MGD under the Mississippi River via three 60″ cast iron pipes. The last time this infrastructure was inspected was 1993. This session will review the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services’ (MCES) asset management program and use the Lake Street Siphon as a case study to highlight the technologies that were used to document the conditions and the significant improvements that were required to allow for safe access to complete the condition assessment. Jeff Schwartz, MCES, Dan Nesler, TKDA |
Cybersecurity in Municipal Control Systems |
Maintaining cyber-resilient infrastructure systems is necessary in our modern world. As connectivity of our networks and physical assets increases for many good reasons, we must consider how our organizations can build and maintain cyber-resilience. Speaker Andrew Ohrt will provide an overview of cybersecurity risks to municipal control systems (SCADA, etc.) and review expected governance changes for all critical infrastructure sectors with an emphasis on the water and wastewater sector. Speaker Mel Reeder, Chief Information Officer for the League of Minnesota Cities, will provide insight on what cities across Minnesota need to do to implement and maintain cybersecurity governance including obtaining cyber-insurance for both IT and SCADA systems. Finally, a revised approach to how we engineer our systems, entitled Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE), will be proposed as a way to ensure system and organizational resilience into the future. Andrew, Resilience Practice Area Lead for West Yost Associates, has led the development of American Water Works Association projects to update Water Sector cybersecurity resources since 2019 and currently serves on the Department of Homeland Security’s Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Work Group. Andrew Ohrt, PE, West Yost, Melissa Reeder, League of Minnesota Cities |
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2023 Planning Committee
Jen Desrude, Co-Chair, City of Burnsville
Joseph Rhein, Co-Chair, Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Eric Seaburg, Co-Chair, Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Greg Anderson, Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc.
George Bender, City of Chanhassen
Dan Boyum, Stantec
Dan Coyle, Kimley-Horn & Associates
Marc Culver, Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Steve Dodge, City of Inver Grove Heights
Mark DuChene, City of Faribault
Jennifer Edison, WSB & Associates
Kristine Elwood, MnDOT
Justin Femrite, City of Elk River
Jack Griffin, FOCUS Engineering, Inc.
Nick Guilliams, WSB & Associates
Matt Hansen, SRF Consulting Group, Inc.
Debra Heiser, City of St. Louis Park
Janna Kieffer, Barr Engineering
Tony Kutzke, City of Woodbury
Amy Marohn, City of Bloomington
Bob Moberg, 3PM Solutions
Randy Newton, City of St. Paul
Phil Olson, City of Minnetonka
Michael Payne, City of Plymouth
John Powell, City of Farmington
Steven Prusak, SRF Consulting Group, Inc.
Paul Sandy, WSB
Chad Setterholm, Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc.
Bob Simons, City of Bloomington
Jim Studenski, TKDA
Michael Thompson, City of Plymouth
Steve Winter, MSA Professional Services