General Services (GS) Study Update

Since the group meetings held in April, the City’s Human Resources department has been busy meeting with employees to resolve their appeals. The new GS plan places 3077 employees in 244 job classes. Currently there are 138 employees in33 job classes with unresolved appeals. It is anticipated that the GS Study will be presented to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) during the first meeting in July, July 13, 2006. Remaining unresolved appeals will be referred to the CSC at that time. The CSC will make a final determination at the July 27th meeting. It is anticipated that the GS Study will be presented to City Council on August 8th. The effective date for implementation is Sunday, September 3rd.

The EX/PM portion of the Study was implemented on Sunday, June 4th.

Library Working to Improve Service to the Community

The El Paso Public Library held its annual Staff Development Day on May 21st at the Main Library. Approximately 160 Library staff members took part in the daylong training exercise, which included instruction in several categories. The topics included classes in computer troubleshooting, Internet basics, Microsoft Office, Personnel Policies and personal development through Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, as well as training in skills specific to library work. The classes were taught by professionals with expertise in each of the subject matters. The library’s Staff Development Committee (SDC) developed the training classes with input from library staff members. In addition to their regular job duties, committee members volunteer their expertise to develop special training and developmental workshops for their fellow workmates. The training is designed to improve service to the community and to give library employees the opportunity to develop their job skills. The SDC not only organizes Staff Development Day, they also organize the Library’s Management Retreat, also held once a year, to help library managers improve their management techniques. These training exercises are just a couple of examples of how the library staff goes above and beyond the call of duty to improve library service and employee satisfaction.

2nd Annual George Montalvo City Employees All-Male Softball Tournament

This year’s annual tournament will take place on Saturday, June 24th at Marty Robbins Park from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Seven teams will play in the tournament, vying for the title of Tournament Champs:

• Streets
• Parks & Recreation
• Building Maintenance
• EPWU (2 teams)
• Housing Authority
• Environmental Services

A huge thanks and good luck to each of the players that joined the tournament.

A co-ed softball tournament will be held sometime in early Fall. This tournament is open to all City and City-County departments. Some guidelines for this upcoming tournament are:

• Departments with less than 40 employees can combine with two more departments that also have less than 40 employees.

• Departments that have between 41 to 80 employees may combine with one other department that also has between 41 to 80 employees.

• Departments with 81 or more employees may not combine with any other department.

Anyone who has questions about either of these softball tournaments may contact Bobby Contreras (contrerasbx@elpasotexas.gov.us or 383-8197) or Larry Contreras (319-9943).

Sun Metro: Standing the Heat

Sun Metro has joined forces with the El Paso Extreme Weather Taskforce once again this summer during this time of crisis. As the summer heat can affect all of us, it has affected the buses causing greater breakdowns, late arrivals and the elimination of scheduled runs. Sun Metro is currently developing a plan of action to address its service crisis.

In addition to an aggressive effort to repair, refurbish and replace the fleet, summer service reliability is under scrutiny. Approximately 15% of routes and time schedules are under review for immediate adjustment of route time frequency without the elimination of route service. This will result in the improved availability and reliability of adjusted published schedules during the summer months. Posted service for the citizens of El Paso will be more realistic. The adjusted schedules are expected to be implemented through Labor Day, September 4, 2006, once approved. The El Paso community will be notified of the changes through a comprehensive public relations campaign prior to implementation.

Sun Metro and its employees have been committed to providing more service than resources have allowed. For this reason, change must occur immediately to ensure a greater level of dependability, improved maintenance and reduced stress on the fleet during the hottest months. The maintenance program at Sun Metro has already experienced significant change with the implementation of a 24-hour, 7-days a week schedule and aggressive programming as outlined below.

A comprehensive repair program has been implemented for all Sun Metro vehicles. This program includes the addition of a third shift in the Maintenance Department with operations seven days per week/ twenty-four hours per day. Any required repairs and preventive maintenance are being performed on each unit.

Twenty-five 1991 diesel buses are currently being refurbished to include the replacement of engines, transmissions, air conditioners, interiors and lifts. These units will hit the road this summer running on Compressed Natural Gas.

A replacement program is also under development. A staggered purchasing pattern will be implemented to replace the aging fleet. This will be done to ensure that a manageable number of buses can be replaced once reaching life expectancy of 12 years. The cost of a new 40’ bus is over $380,000.

City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development to Receive National Award

The National Community Development Association (NCDA) will award the City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development, along with three other winners, the John A. Sasso National Community Development Week Award. The award will be presented on June 23, 2006 at the NCDA National Conference in Hollywood, Florida.

The John A. Sasso National Community Development Award recognizes those communities that exemplify the spirit of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program (a federal grant the City receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD) by showcasing its works through the activities and events during Community Development Week. To be eligible for the award, applicants must provide empirical evidence that highlights the City’s dedication to positively affecting the lives of its lower income residents.

The City of El Paso exemplifies all that National Community Development Week stands for. It encourages the participation of the community. It is also apparent that the City of El Paso has established many avenues of getting information and services to its citizens.

In an effort to educate the public, media, federal, state and locally elected officials of the importance of CDBG funds, the City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development celebrated Community Development Week on April 17- 21. Apart from the week’s activities, the Department of Community and Human Development along with other non-profit agencies participated in a petition drive aimed at saving our CDBG Program from further funding cuts by collecting signatures.

The City’s CD week included the following celebrations:

MONDAY, APRIL 17TH • Centro San Vicente Ribbon Cutting
Funded in the 30th CDBG Year 2004-2005 for $367,125
Project: Renovation of their pediatric section and completion of x-ray section

TUESDAY, APRIL 18TH • City Council Chambers – City Hall 2 Civic Center Plaza
City Council Proclamation – Proclaiming the week as Community Development Week in El Paso, and recognition of the Community Development Steering Committee

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19TH • Mesa Terrace Park – Park Improvements Ribbon Cutting – Funded in the 30th CDBG Year 2004-2005 for $349,764.
Project: Park Improvements to add ADA accessible plastic-coated benches, picnic units with shade canopy over playground equipment, lighting, trash receptacles, and park and rule signs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19TH • Center Against Family Violence Ribbon Cutting and Donor Recognition – Funded in the 30th CDBG Year 2004-2005 for $521,567.
Project: Renovation of administrative offices, conference and counseling rooms, childcare room, teen room, physical fitness room, therapy and support areas, offices for other agencies to relocate, 42 parking spaces including 2 handicap accessible spaces.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20TH • City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development City Hall, 8th Floor OPEN HOUSE - Administrative Department of the Community Development Block Grant Program

FRIDAY, APRIL 21ST • Borderland Park Neighborhood Block Party – in celebration of completed street and drainage improvements in the Borderland Area on Modesta Road and Arce Drive. Phase II and Phase III project design was funded for $249,859 in the 28th Year (2002-2003); Phase II construction of Modesta Road was funded in the 29th CDBG Year (2003-2004) for $937,500 and Phase III construction of Arce Drive was funded the 30th CDBG Year (2004-2005) for $850,312.
Project: Construction included newly paved streets, sidewalks, curb and gutter, driveways, drainage system, streetlights, and traffic control signs.

The award is named for John Sasso, the father and founder of the National Community Development Association (NCDA). NCDA is a national nonprofit organization comprised of more than 550 local governments across the country that administer federally-supported community and economic development, housing and human service programs, including programs of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. Since 1968, NCDA has been at the forefront in securing effective and responsive housing and community development programs for local governments. The mission of the organization is to assist local governments to achieve high-quality, locally responsive programs for making communities better places to live and work, particularly for low- and moderate- income people.

If you know someone over the age of 60 who is looking for something meaningful to do everyday, the City of El Paso’s Foster Grandparent Program might be the ticket. The program trains Foster Grandparents to work with special or exceptional children. The Grandparents spend 20 hours a week making a difference in the life of a child. The program pairs the Foster Grandparent with two children who benefit from the extra attention that can only be provided by a person with a seasoned life experience and with the patience to work with special needs children.

The Foster Grandparent Program is the largest in Texas and boasts 143 Foster Grandparents. Besides the training provided by the program, the low-income volunteers receive a tax-exempt stipend, annual physical examination, transportation reimbursement and recognition for their good work.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Potential Foster Grandparents must be at least 60 years of age, low-income, and in good health. They must be motivated to work with children who have exceptional needs.
  

• Foster Grandparents serve 20 hours per week at one of 45 different sites. These include school districts, the Head Start Program, juvenile justice programs, day care centers, shelters for abused or neglected women and children and drug treatment centers.
  

• Benefits-

• stipend of $2.65 an hour

• reimbursement for a daily meal and for transportation

• insurance, including personal liability, accident, and excess automobile liability – up to $25,000 in medical insurance and $1 million in personal liability

• annual physical examination

• annual recognition banquet

• vacation and sick days with stipend reimbursement

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact the Foster Grandparent Program Office at 541-4372.

Daughter of EPIA Accounting Clerk Accepted to Notre Dame

Krystle Rose Graveline, daughter of EPIA employee Irma Graveline, was accepted to the prestigious University of Notre Dame, and will be attending the school this fall. Krystle is graduating from the Maxine Silva Health Magnet High School this year where she ranks number 4 in her class with a grade point average of 100.6. Miss Graveline was very involved in additional activities at her school as well. These include, but are not limited to, being Student Council President, Cheerleading Captain, as well as being involved in Theater Arts, National Honor Society, and an All Silva Girl. Krystle’s time is not only spent in school. She is also a volunteer for various programs in El Paso including Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross. In addition, she is a founding member of Teens for the Cure, a program that spreads breast cancer awareness to the teens of El Paso.

EPIA wishes to congratulate Miss Graveline on all her fine accomplishments, as well as her acceptance to Notre Dame. “Her accomplishments are very impressive,” said Mr. Abeln, Director of Aviation. “It’s not everyday that someone gets accepted to such a high caliber school. And we all know how proud she has made her mother, Irma.”

Irma Graveline, Krystle’s mother, has been an employee of the City of El Paso for 3 years. She spent one year with the El Paso Police in Records, then moved onto the Community Development Department, where she also spent a year. After moving around, she has settled in the EPIA accounting department as a clerk, and we are pleased to have her with us.

El Paso Police Officer is Awarded Department’s Medal of Honor

A Police Officer assigned to the Mission Valley Regional Command Center was awarded last month with the Department’s Medal of Valor for his heroic actions at a trailer fire. On December 30th 2006, Officer Lionel Gutierrez, a three and a half year veteran of the El Paso Police Department was in route to work and noticed a trailer that was engulfed in flames at 9555 North Loop. Officer Gutierrez immediately stopped and began to establish a perimeter for arriving emergency units. As Officer Gutierrez was doing this, he was informed that small children could be inside the trailer. Officer Gutierrez, placing his duty to protect life first and foremost, entered the engulfed trailer in an attempt to ensure no children or people were in the trailer. The officer cleared the trailer and learned no one was inside. Officer Gutierrez received treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation. Despite having to be medically treated, Officer Gutierrez continued to provide assistance at the scene. The bravery, courage and determination to save lives demonstrated by Officer Gutierrez earned him this distinct honor.

New Graphics Guy at the Zoo

Marketing the Zoo… thanks to Paul DuMond

Paul DuMond is already leaving his mark at the El Paso Zoo. The graphic designer has worked in the Sun City for over twenty years. He started his career with deBruyn Rettig Advertising, making logos, brochures, and the usual advertising activities. DuMond was a military brat who moved here from Dallas in 1974. He served a stint in the Air Force, doing graphics work there, including making mock-ups of instruments panels for the planes.

If you visit the El Paso International Airport, you’ll soon see DuMond’s work in action – attracting visitors to the city’s wildest spot in town – The El Paso Zoo! Duratrans are the large, backlit slides you see as you walk by in the airport hallways, advertising local businesses. Now, a new series of ads describing the “Windows to the Wild” are going up. The concept is that you can get so close to the animals you can count the whiskers on a tiger, even dance with the sea lions. The ad team of Liz Kern – the new zoo marketing coordinator, and design expert Cathy Cox - who has done video cover work in Los Angeles for Connoisseur Video, came up with the slogans – and DuMond is the man who works his magic putting the design elements into a completed layout. Thanks to Display Services, Inc. – the duratrans company that is working with the El Paso Zoo - the zoo’s new marketing team is getting a greater push.

DuMond and Kern are working to pump up the zoo’s visibility and services. If people don’t know already that the zoo has an events coordinator – Sandra Wakitsch from A Taste of The Wild! - they will now. DuMond’s ad for events planning hit the paper in the middle of June. It spotlights the zoo’s ability to be a site for weddings, events and catered parties: “Don’t monkey around with your next party.” And with Paul DuMond as their new graphic guru, the zoo is just going ape over his talent!

Dr. Magaña Receives Outstanding Health Worker of the Year Award

Dr. Jorge C. Magaña, El Paso City-County Health and Environmental District Director, was recently awarded the Outstanding Health Worker of the Year Award from the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association at an awards banquet last month, during the 64th Annual Meeting held in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The award is the highest accolade bestowed to recognize a member who has made a significant contribution in the field of public health. Dr. Magaña was honored for his work to improve health in the Paso del Norte Region in areas including tobacco prevention, child lead poisoning prevention, child immunizations and mosquito control.

An eleven-year veteran of the El Paso Police Department assigned to the Northeast Regional Command Section was selected as American Legion Law Enforcement Post 74 “Officer of the Year – 2005.” Officer Johnny Ferrer was nominated for his past participation in numerous felony arrests during the past year, his dedication to provide service during off-duty status and participation as an assistant youth wrestling coach within the community. A Northeast VFW Post also chose Officer Ferrer as the runner up officer of the year - 2005. Officer Ferrer is always attentive to the Department’s mission as is evidenced by his receipt of the Northeast Optimist Club’s Officer of the Year in 2002, among his other honors. The El Paso Police Department is proud of the accomplishments of Officer Ferrer and thankful for the award presented by the American Legion Law Enforcement Post.

Recognize an Employee You Know!

If you know a fellow employee who has made an achievement at work, in their personal life or even someone whose efforts should be recognized, help us to congratulate or recognize them in The Employee Connection! Send us an email at elpasopio@elpasotexas.gov.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Important Reminder: Access Administrators New Office Location

Just a reminder, Access Administrators has moved into their new office location at 7430 Remcon, Bldg C, El Paso, Texas 79912 – effective May 22, 2006. All phone numbers for Access Administrators will remain the same. The new office location will be noted in all explanation of benefit forms (EOB), member correspondence and their website (www.ahs-access.com).

Dealing with Heartburn or GERD
Making Healthy Choices ™ Newsletter From Wellsource®

Heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a common complaint affecting about 60 million Americans regularly. According to U.S. surveys,
• 44% of the population experience heartburn at least once a month
• 14% complain of heartburn at least once per week
• 7% suffer from heartburn daily

The underlying problem of heartburn is a transient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter allowing strong gastric acids to reflux up into the esophagus. The esophagus is not designed to handle this acid, so it causes a burning sensation. If it is chronic, ulcers may develop and eventually, the lining of the esophagus changes, making it susceptible to development of cancer. Various lifestyle modifications have been recommended for relief of this problem including: losing weight, stopping smoking, avoiding certain foods such as fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, peppermint, and citrus, avoiding lying down 3-4 hours after eating, and raising the head of your bed.

What works best
The Gastroenterology Department of Stanford University tested many of these recommendations to see what was really effective in relieving gastric acid in the esophagus and relieving symptoms. The modifications that were most effective in relieving symptoms were:
• Raising the head of the bed – putting blocks under the bed frame at the head, or sleeping on a wedge that raised the upper body. Using a wedge to sleep on was even more effective. Raising the upper body allows gravity to assist in preventing release of gastric acid into the esophagus.
• Avoiding sleeping on the right side of your body. Reflux is increased when lying down and sleeping on your right side. By lying on your left side, you will get less reflux.
• Losing excess weight has also been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms.

The rest of the recommendations did not prove to be consistently helpful. People do vary, however, and you may want to experiment with the other recommendations to see if they have any personal benefits, such as avoiding laying down 3-4 hours after a meal. Discover what may be helpful for you. If you continue having frequent symptoms from heartburn after trying these lifestyle modifications, ask your doctor for help. There are medications that can help.

Reference: Kaltenbach T, et al. Are Lifestyle Measures Effective in Patients with GERD? Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:965-71. May 8, 2006.

Healthy Hearts With Parks Walks

The Parks and Recreation Department is now underway with year two of the Healthy Hearts and Parks Fun Walks in the City of El Paso. The walks, which focus on health-related topics along with the monthly two-mile walk, have become very popular.

Sierra Providence Health Network is the sponsor of the event, which is open to individuals of all ages. The activities around the walk are geared to make more people aware of the importance in understanding their body and the importance of nutrition. The walks are also an opportunity for people to check their body fat content, blood pressure and take part in other healthy initiatives courtesy of Sierra Providence. Each walking event is two miles and will enable the participants to visit various parks in the community while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Information on the Healthy Hearts and Parks Walks is available at 541-4331.

Joe Rodriguez, Recreation Services Manager for the Parks Department says, "Walking can be a very healthy and safe exercise and with our corporate partners, can lead to a fit lifestyle and an excellent chance to meet new people."

The City Recreation centers are currently forming walking clubs. Should you or anyone you know like to be a part of the upcoming walks or join a walking club in your area, call 541-4331.

The schedule below shows the walking schedule culminating with an awards ceremony in October for those that participated in the most walks.

Healthy Hearts & Parks Fun Walks 2006
(All walks begin at 9:00 a.m.)

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection for Men and Women
From the American Cancer Society

While a tremendous amount of progress has been made in cancer research, we still don’t understand exactly what causes most cancers. However, we do know many factors that place us at higher risk for different cancers. Some of these factors are beyond our control, but there are others that we can do something about. And today we have tests that can help us detect some cancers in their earliest stages.

Please use the links below to find helpful information on the most common cancers that can affect both men and women. A checklist shows what can increase your risk, and a second list shows how you can lower this risk. The early detection column shows ways that you can detect cancer early, when it is most easily treated. The final column in the worksheets below allows room for you to write down your own plan of action to help prevent or detect cancer.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Worksheet – Men

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Worksheet – Women

TAKE ADVANTAGE

Military & Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at the Zoo

Your El Paso Zoo is hosting Military & Law Enforcement Appreciation Day July 8th, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We’ve invited military and law enforcement (Police, Fire, Border Patrol, Customs, etc.) families to come the Zoo. All admissions will be half price for everyone that day – in honor of the men and women who save, serve and protect.

City Parks & Recreation Summer Concerts Downtown

The 2006 Summer Concerts at San Jacinto Plaza, in coordination with the Central Business Association, will start up once again this summer.

The concerts started in 1999 and have been a big hit among the downtown lunch goers along with a great community partnership for the two organizations.

Mike Breitinger, executive director of the Central Business Association said, “The concerts have created a lot of excitement Downtown during the warm summer months.”

“ The concerts also have given the lunch time crowd at the concerts a big lift in their spirits before heading back to work for the afternoon,” said Eliseo Duran of the City Parks and Recreation Department.

All concerts will be from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Admission is Free. For more information on the concert series, contact Eliseo Duran at 533-3311.

Museums & Cultural Affairs: Events to Take Advantage of This Summer

El Paso Museum of Art Summer Museum School
The El Paso Museum of Art is offering a variety of studio art camps, classes and workshops this summer for adults, children, teens and families. Classes will run through July 30. Tuition prices vary. Family workshops are offered the second Sunday of every month from 1-3 p.m. and all supplies are included. Ages 3 and older are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required for all classes and workshops. To register for classes or for more information please call 532-1707 or log onto www.elpasoartmuseum.org.

Alfresco Fridays and Music Under the Stars
The Museums and Cultural Affairs Department is pleased to present free concerts every Friday and Sunday. Alfresco Fridays runs every Friday night through August 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Concerts are held at Civic Center Plaza between the Abraham Chavez Theatre and Judson F. Williams Convention Center. Music Under the Stars World Festival is every Sunday (unless otherwise noted) through August 27 at 7:30 pm. Concerts will be held at the Chamizal National Memorial. For more information call 541-4481 or visit www.elpasotexas.gov/mcad or www.musicunderthestars.net.

EPMA Foreign Film Series
The El Paso Museum of Art's Foreign Film Series runs every Saturday from June 24 - November 4, 2006. Films are shown at 2:00 p.m. in the Museum's El Paso Energy Auditorium and are free and open to the public. Come enjoy a great film on the big screen!
For more information call 532-1707 or visit www.elpasoartmuseum.org.

Parks and Rec Offers Cheer/Dance Camps

2006 Price's Give Em' Five Monica Perez Dance Camps -- The Event of the Summer.

Price's Creameries will present the Monica Perez Dance Camps to be held on Saturday, July 15 & Saturday, July 22, 2006 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will host this annual event. The camp is for both girls and boys, ages 4-13 years. The fee is $5.00 with two (2) Price's Give Em' Five Bottle Caps or $8.00 per person. (Includes Camp T- shirt).

You can register your children at any one of the following Recreation Community Centers where the camps will be held. Deadline to register one-week prior to camp.

Your Zoo…on the Go! El Paso Zoo Comes to you With our Traveling Safari

Traveling Safari brings the Zoo to you!! Whether it’s a visit by a fuzzy grey chinchilla or a Texas tan tarantula, both kids and adults can explore the world of animals and conservation through the zoo’s Traveling Safari program. It’s also a great way to introduce students to zoos and animals before a zoo visit. There’s live animal contact, animal bio-facts and age-tailored educational programs for your entire group. Visit our website for a list of Traveling Safari animals.

Want a Traveling Safari to come to you? Our form’s online at www.elpasozoo.org. Go to the site index at the top of the page and scroll down to Traveling Safari. Download our form and Fax it back to us at least 30 days in advance. Fax: 915-521-1889. Give us 2-3 days to confirm your request has been received. Questions? Call Anne Langenfeld at 532-8156. By mail: Zoo Education, 4001 E. Paisano, El Paso, TX 79905. Please allow 5-10 working days for processing. (First come, first served.)

Our Safari Experience: Zoo animals can only stay at your location for up to 3 hours, and must stay in cool areas. The latest time for a live animal program is 2pm. Programs are @ 45 minutes. (40 students max). We do not offer programs in non-classroom settings like Gymnasium career fairs. For more info on other nature-related presentations visit the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition from the site index at www.elpasozoo.org.

Are you a School Teacher? Education programs for public & private schools are Free! Visit www.elpasozoo.org. Call 532-8156.

Want to visit the zoo? Teachers - before you bring your group, first make your reservation with the Front Gate: 521-1852. Info/tours: 532-8156 or fax requests to Anne Langenfeld at 915-521-1889. Special conservation projects for students? Contact the Curator of Education: Rick LoBello (915) 351-5340 or write lobellorl@elpasotexas.gov.

Traveling Safari Programs (Students are allowed to only touch certain animals)
“ Animal Wrappers”
Target Age: Pre Kinder & Kinder
Ages 3 and up. Investigates the outer coverings of invertebrates, reptiles, birds and mammals through the use of educational bio-facts. Interactive. Live animals represent fur, feathers and scales.

“Which Is It”
Target Age: 1st Grade
Introduces the characteristics of vertebrates. Students meet representatives of different animal groups and learn to classify animals by sight.

“El Paso’s Venomous Animals”
Target Age: All Ages
Learn how to identify & recognize venomous animals of the area - through slides & live animals. Snakebite prevention measures are also covered. Live inverts and snakes only. Please provide a viewing screen.

“Rain Forest Revenues”
Target Age: 4th Grade
An in-depth look at rain forest plants and how we can stop the destruction. Live animals help to reinforce the program. Includes a slide show, please provide a screen.

“Desert Food Web”
Target Age: 5th Grade
Who eats what? This program introduces students to the local Chihuahuan desert, its wildlife and survival strategies. Students will meet local wildlife and their relatives.

“HIPPO and Its Effects on Asian Animals”
Target Age: 6th Grade
This program is presented at the El Paso Zoo’s Asian area. It teaches endangered animal causes and how we can help. HIPPO stands for the five for animal endangerment. Habitat (loss), Introduced (species), Population (growth), Pollution and Over consumption.

El Paso received major accolades at the Annual Texas City Management Association Conference this month. It is my pleasure to congratulate the City’s Mayor and Council on being awarded the first-ever Council of the Year Award. Read more about this award in the feature article.

Additionally, I would like to offer congratulations to some of our City departments that have made major achievements and been recognized recently:

Airport

For the fifth year, the FAA reports that EPIA has zero compliance deficiencies. This month the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed its annual certification inspection of the El Paso International Airport. Upon completion, the FAA found that the airport was in full compliance with the requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139, the Airport Operating Certificate, and the Airport Certification Manual. There was no letter of correction issued to the EPIA since, for the fifth year in a row, the FAA found zero compliance deficiencies. The FAA also commended the Airport for its commitment to maintain airport safety.

Community & Human Development

The Community & Human Development Department was one of four departments from across the nation that was selected to be honored with the John A. Sasso National Community Development Week Award. This award recognizes those communities that exemplify the spirit of the Community Development Block Grant Program by showcasing its works through the activities and events during Community Development Week.

General Links

• Human Resources
• City Employees' Pension Fund
• Police and Fire Pension Fund
• Neighborhood Toolbox
• Employee Newsletter Archive
• City Employee Events Photo Gallery
• The Portal
• City Events Calendar
• City News Page

Benefits Services

• Health Benefits - Access Healthsource
• Dental - Concordia
• Dental – Safeguard
• Vision – Block
• Unum Life Insurance – Disability
• ING Life Insurance – Dependent/Basic/
  AD & D
• ING – Deferred Compensation
• EP Fitness
• Del Sol Medical Center
• Las Palmas Medical Center

Contact Us

Do you have a question, comment or feedback on the Employee Newsletter? Let us know!

Send us an email at:
elpasopio@elpasotexas.gov

We value your opinion!

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