Employee Benefits Update

All non-uniformed employees will see a change in their third party administrator/ network provider to Aetna for the City of El Paso Health Benefit Plan, effective October 1, 2007.

Employees can check now to see if their medical provider is on the Aetna Network, by clicking on the following link: -Provider Attachment

If you do not find your provider on the Aetna Network listing, you and your provider may complete a Nomination Form that can be turned in to Aetna, either to the address or the fax number listed on the form. To access this form, click on the following link: -Nomination Form

Employee meetings will be held to provide more in-depth information on the change and transition. These meetings will take place between July 23rd and August 2nd. Please click here to view the schedule: -Meeting Schedule

Should you have any questions about Aetna, you may speak to an Aetna representative by calling 877-800-8682 (excluding any pharmacy questions).

Open House Scheduled for Desalination Plant

The Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant will be open for public tours on Aug. 8 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The plant is located east of the Montana/Yarbrough intersection at 10751 Montana Ave. The desalination plant is a joint project of El Paso Water Utilities and the U.S. Army. It uses reverse osmosis to treat brackish groundwater from the Hueco Bolson aquifer.

Brackish water contains more salt than is allowed in drinking water, but significantly less than ocean water. During reverse osmosis, pressure forces raw water through membranes that separate salts and other contaminants. Desalination plants that are located near oceans are more common than inland plants. They have an ample supply of water to treat and can return the residuals from the reverse osmosis process to the ocean.

El Paso’s plant has attracted industry-wide attention due to its inland location. Its 27.5 million gallons per day production capacity makes it the largest inland desalination plant in the world.

Downtown Construction Update, Final Franklin Construction Begins

Effective Monday, July 9th, Franklin from Oregon to Mesa closed to traffic to allow for the final phase of construction of the street as part of the Central Business District Phase III reconstruction project.

The scope of work will consist of the removal and replacement of existing asphalt pavement, sidewalks, driveways and existing traffic signals and street lighting. The improvement project will upgrade all existing water and sanitary sewer lines.

• Pedestrian access will be available
• Traffic will be diverted onto Oregon, Kansas and Stanton
• Expected construction time of 3 months
• Intersection of Mesa and Franklin will be closed to traffic for approximately 5 weeks
• Overall initiative ahead of schedule with expected completion late this Summer

• Construction between Campbell and Kansas opened to traffic as of late April
• Construction between Kansas and Stanton opened to traffic mid June

Storm 2006 Projects Improving Westside Drainage Begin

The first phase of Westside Flood Damage Improvements Project and the Mesa Hills-Wallenberg Project have initiated as critical reconstruction priorities that have been identified as a result of Storm 2006. The following is a summary on the scope of these projects and current construction status.

Westside Flood Damage Improvements, Phase I The first phase of the Westside Flood Damage Improvements Project will target the street and drainage improvements in the North Mesa Street, Coronado Channel, Shadow Mountain Drive and Silver Springs Drive area. Currently, construction has closed some lanes for the next month on Shadow Mountain from Caprock Court to Silver Springs Drive to allow for the installation of a box culvert. The scope of work for the entire project will include the following infrastructure improvements:
Installation of new box culvert structures in the North Mesa Street, Caprock Court and Shadow Mountain Drive roadway crossings

• Construction of the new reinforced concrete lined channel along the Coronado Channel from North Mesa to Shadow Mountain Drive
• Extension of new reclaimed water pipelines along Shadow Mountain Drive, Silver Springs Drive and Caprock Court
• Reconstruction and extension of existing concrete curbed medians along Shadow Mountain Drive from North Mesa Street to Thunderbird Drive including landscaping and irrigation system
• Removal of all debris in project area

• Expected project duration of 9 months
• Total approximate project cost of $9.5 million
• Phase II of the Westside Flood Damage Improvement Project will target the reconstruction of the channel and roadway along Silver Springs Drive

• New energy dissipation structures will be added at the end of the existing outlet structures to the arroyo
• Repair and replacement of existing inlet structures and new inlet structure will be placed on Wallenberg with storm sewer pipe to the arroyo
• Removal and replacement of existing pavement, sidewalk, wheelchair ramps and some curb and gutter

• Expected Project Duration of 4 months
• Total approximate project cost of $1.6 million

-click here

-Invitation Postcard

“Zoolightful Summer Reading List”

The El Paso Zoo and the Westside Barnes & Noble Bookstore have teamed up to create a list of wonderful books featuring stories about animals, many of which the El Paso Zoo currently exhibits. You can read about them first, and then visit the El Paso Zoo to experience the same animals face-to-face in the Zoo’s shaded surroundings. There are many books to choose from in different age categories ranging from Toddlers and Pre-K/Kindergarten to Juveniles and Adults. There are also books written in Spanish along with those in English. Among the selections, you’ll see stories of African animals – like zebras, lions and giraffes that are coming soon to the El Paso Zoo’s African Savannah exhibit which is currently under construction. Take some time this summer to read a book – and then visit the exciting and awesome animals right up-close at the El Paso Zoo. Click on the following link to view the entire reading list: -Summer Reading List

Screen on the Green at Cleveland Square!

After Alfresco! Fridays, join us for Screen on the Green at Cleveland Square! The El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs and Parks and Recreation Departments, along with the El Paso Public Main Library, have joined forces to offer families another reason to visit and enjoy the increasingly popular downtown El Paso.

Screen on the Green is a Friday night weekly film series that begins at sundown after Alfresco! Fridays from July 20th through August 17th at Cleveland Square. Alfresco! Fridays is a free concert series which takes place at the Arts Festival Plaza from 5:30-7:30 pm. This outdoor concert series features local El Paso bands. After Alfresco!, why not take a short walk to Cleveland Square, pick a spot, and sit to enjoy a film on the green lawn of one of the city’s coolest outdoor spaces?

Movie Line Up

July 20th -		Wizards, witches and spells oh my! - Come see the movie that started the wizard craze! After the movie, the El Paso Public Library downtown will have a book release party for all the young witches and wizards! (PEG)
July 27th -		Texan Diva! Enjoy the story of a young Texan singer’s rise to fame and the events that changed Texan music forever. (PG)
August 3rd -		Classic Movie Night! Come and experience the great adventures of pirates as they make their way through the crimson tides! (No Rating)
August 10th -		Let’s Dance! One of Spain’s most recognized actors takes the lead as a talented ballroom dancer who volunteers to teach in a New York City high school. After their styles clash, they give birth to a new style of dancing. (PEG)
August 17th -		Penguins in El Paso? The Sun City freezes over to make way for this story of a penguin who is different then the rest of his peers. He cannot sing, but he sure can dance! This film is sure to make your feet happy to the point of song and dance. (PG)

All films begin at Sundown and are Rated PG or PEG. Low backed lawn chairs, throws and food welcomed. No grills, umbrellas, or glass containers permitted. More information and a full schedule of films will soon be available at www.elpasotexas.gov/mcad or please call (915) 541-4481.

City of El Paso Selected as Site for Texas Historical Commission’s Preserve America Workshop
Workshop scheduled for August 8th

The city of El Paso has been selected as the region’s site for Round II of the successful Preserve America Workshop series, titled Texas Heritage Trails Program: Helping Communities Reach Their Tourism Potential. The workshop series will take place in July and August across the state in all 10 regions of the Texas Heritage Trails Program. The workshop in El Paso, sponsored by the city of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, the El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the El Paso County Historical Commission, will take place on August 8, 2008 at the El Paso Museum of Art.

The workshop series on interpreting historic resources will be conducted by internationally recognized interpretive planner John Veverka. Veverka has designed and provided interpretive training courses for the Association of Partners for Public Lands/National Park Service Gateway Program, the State of Pennsylvania and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Interpretive Services Course. Workshop participants will learn core concepts related to visitor experience and principles used to develop the story told of historic objects and places through presentations and guided activities.

Attendees will receive a copy of the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) newly released Heritage Tourism Guidebook, unveiled in February in conjunction with round I of the workshop series. The guidebook provides assistance to communities and individuals interested in developing heritage tourism to preserve historic and cultural resources and boost local economies. This resource begins with an overview of tourism, the heritage tourism industry and identifies issues to consider before developing local initiatives.

Preservationists around the state are excited about the workshop series and are commending the THC’s Heritage Tourism Guidebook.

“The new guidebook is nothing short of superb!” said William F. Haenn, chairman of the Kinney County Historical Commission. “It’s a first-class publication with unlimited useful guidance and information. We applaud this singular effort to lead the way.”

The workshop series and the Heritage Tourism Guidebook were funded through a $147,000 grant to the THC from the Preserve America program. The THC’s Texas Heritage Trails Program (THTP) administers the grant to provide in-depth training for successful heritage tourism development. As part of the workshop funding, the THC will provide an in-kind match of $203,000 for a grant project totaling $350,000.

For a complete list of the Preserve America workshops with dates, locations and registration information visit www.thc.state.tx.us.

The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas.

Local Partnership Helps Enhance Recreational Activities for Youth

The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will partner with the El Paso and Ysleta Independent School Districts on an upcoming endeavor to create programmed activities during the summer months on school campuses. The schools used for the El Paso School District at the elementary level are Carlos Rivera, Houston, Coldwell and Vilas. Lincoln, Canyon Hills, Henderson, Wills, Cordova, Bassett and Ross are the middle schools to be used in the district.

The Ysleta School District will have North Star, R.E.L. Washington, Pebble Hills, South Loop and Eastwood Knolls on the elementary level and Indian Ridge, Valley View and Riverside as the middle school sites. The programmed activities will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. lasting until Labor Day (September 3) at the selected sites and will be free of charge. Activities will take place at the school on the playground sites and athletic tracks.

The Department reports that the recreational opportunities the department will be providing are in sectors of the community which have historically been underserved in relationship to parks, playgrounds and open space.

-More Parks and Recreation News – Activities at a Few Community Centers Near You!

“When Seconds Counted, We Could Always Count on You”

Note: This article was written by Office Luis A. Acosta in memoriam of Cheryl Wolff.

The day I learned that the police department had lost one of its most experienced and reliable dispatchers I could not help but feel sad. Most of us knew who Cherrie was and most of us would immediately recognize her voice on the radio. We knew that when Cherrie was our dispatcher we did not have to worry about anything. Cherrie always knew where her units were and when things went sour she would remain calm and collective, always making sure that her units would get the necessary backup until the situation was under control. Cherrie was one of the most dedicated dispatchers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She always gave 110% and would go out of her way to help the men and women in blue. She was always cheerful even if things were not quite right. Cherrie really cared about the department and the community, she volunteered her time with the Victim Services Response Team (VSRT), volunteered to stay overtime so that fellow dispatchers could go home and rest or take care of family. Cherrie always put the needs of the department ahead of her needs. She would not call in sick or take a holiday off; she would always be there for her officers and fellow dispatchers. Cherrie enjoyed dispatching all channels but Central was her favorite channel to work. To her, Central Officers were the bomb, the coolest bunch of guys and gals to work with. Many of us in Central can say that Cherrie saved our behinds when we were in a fight or foot pursuit with a subject, simply because Cherrie knew how to do her job. I believe that we have very good dispatchers but none like Cherrie. She was one of a kind. She was always professional and like our old motto, she was dedicated to serve. Cherrie you will be greatly missed but you will never be forgotten, I believe that you will continue to look out after us from where you are. You now have the tough job of dispatching God’s angels.

June 2007 Supervisory Academy

Congratulations goes out to all City employees who attended and took part in the June 2007 Supervisory Academy.

The El Paso International Airport and the American Association of Airport
Executives Announce Monica Lombraña a New A.A.E.

El Paso International Airport and the American Association of Airport Executives announce that Monica Lombraña, Assistant Director of Aviation Development has earned the distinction of Accredited Airport Executive.

“I am pleased to announce that Ms. Monica Lombraña, A.A.E., Assistant Director of Aviation Development, El Paso International Airport, El Paso, TX, has successfully completed all three phases of the accreditation process on May 5, 2007, and earned the distinction of Accredited Airport Executive, A.A.E.,” said Elain Rovers, First Past Chair, American Association of Airport Executives.

“We are proud of Monica Lombraña’s accreditation as a new A.A.E. As the Aviation Development Assistant Director Ms. Lombraña has accomplished the completion of the Runway Lighting, Butterfield Trail Golf Course, and the $22 million Runway 8/26 Reconstruction among other projects,” said Patrick T. Abeln, Director of Aviation at El Paso International Airport. Ms. Lombraña is an asset to the El Paso International Airport.

To qualify for this distinction, Monica had to (1) complete a comprehensive written examination, (2) satisfy a writing requirement, and (3) demonstrate, in the final interview by a panel of A.A.E.s, her knowledge of airport management, business administration, and general transportation economics. Monica’s achievement attests to her ability to meet these stringent requirements and her experience in managing a public airport.

By fulfilling all the requirements leading to the title of Accredited Airport Executive, Monica joins a select group of individuals who have earned this designation within the Accreditation Program. At present, fewer than 10 percent of AAAE’s members throughout the country have earned this distinction.

Non-Profit?
Article submitted by Martin ValVerde

Non-profit is defined as, “not intended to make a profit.” However, during a recent gathering of the NpEC Awards, the word “non-profit” was redefined. NpEC, the Non-Profit Enterprise Center recognizes non-profit organizations and the work they do for our community.

This year among the many was Keep El Paso Beautiful. KEPB and its Director, Katherine Gunter-Palafox, were nominated for the “Innovation Award” for the creation of the Tool Shed Program. This program allows the public to borrow tools, as well as supply bags for community clean-ups. Katherine is not only the director of KEPB, but wears the hat of PIO for Environmental Services and the Street Department for the City El Paso. Although KEPB didn’t take home the gold, the recognition and heart felt thanks go out to Katherine and her staff. Non-profit? I think not, because our community “profits” from a cleaner community and a caring organization such as Keep El Paso Beautiful.

SPECIALTY SECTIONS

TAKE ADVANTAGE

El Paso Museum of Art announces Foreign Film Series -July line up.

The El Paso Museum of Art Foreign Film Series continues in July! All films are free and begin at 2:00 pm on scheduled Saturdays. Call (915) 532-1707 or log on to elpasoartmuseum.org for more information.

Line Up:

July 21                        THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS (2003)
Director: Denys Arcand                        Rated R (language, sexual content, drug use)
Canada             Languages: French, English

After coaxing from his mother, rich and successful Sébastien returns to Canada to be with his father, Remy, in his last stages of cancer. Estranged and bitter, father and son necessarily dig up the past, which is filled with deception, disappointment, and regret, but eventually come to understand each other. Equal parts funny, sad, and lewd, this thoughtful Academy award winner explores issues of social and personal history against the inevitable questions of humanity, life, and death.

July 28                    BESIEGED (1998)
Director:  Bernardo Bertolucci              Rated R (for brief sexuality)
Italy/U.K.         Languages: English, Italian, Swahili 93 min.

After her husband is jailed by an African dictator, Shandurai flees to Italy and is romantically “besieged” by the Mr. Kinsky, the owner of the house she’s tending. Based on the James Lasdun short story “The Siege,” this romantic story examines a love that is deeper than gratification, more generous than trifle gifts, and, perhaps, is able to triumph over all.

HEALTH WELLNESS

Information from the Health District

Fire Department Public Education

The El Paso Fire Department would like to remind the citizens of El Paso to keep safe when outdoors this summer, especially when grilling. Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for the wrong reasons.
Facts and Figures

• In 2002, gas and charcoal grills caused 900 structure fires and 3.500 outdoor fires in or on home properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $30 million.
• Gas grills have a higher fire risk than Charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, according for nearly half of gas grill fires.
• Gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 600 home structure fires and 3,200 home outdoor fires in 2002.
• Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home structure fires.
• Half of all gas grill and charcoal grill home structure fires begin on an exterior balcony or enclosed porch.

• Gas and Charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

• Purchase the proper starter fluid. Store the can out of children’s reach and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

• Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame:
• Turn off the gas tank and grill.
• If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
• Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

• Heat Stroke
  This is the most serious type of heat emergency. It is LIFE-THREATENING and requires IMMEDIATE and AGGRESSIVE treatment!
  Heat stroke occurs when the body's heat regulating mechanism fails. The body temperature rises so high that brain damage and death may result unless the body is cooled quickly.
  SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: The victim's skin is HOT, RED and usually DRY. Pupils are very small. The body temperature is VERY HIGH, sometimes as high as 105 degrees.
  FIRST AID:
  Remember, Heat Stroke is a life-threatening emergency and requires prompt action! Summon professional help. Get the victim into a cool place. COOL THE VICTIM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE IN ANY MANNER POSSIBLE! Place the victim in a bathtub of cool water, wrap in wet sheets, and place in an air-conditioned room. Do not give victim anything by mouth. Treat for shock.
  
  
• Heat Exhaustion
  Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke. It is caused by fluid loss, which in turn causes blood flow to decrease in vital organs, resulting in a form of shock.
  SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: COOL, PALE AND MOIST skin, heavy sweating, dilated pupils (wide), headache, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Body temperature will be near normal.
  FIRST AID: Get the victim out of the heat and into a cool place. Place in the shock position, lying on the back with feet raised. Remove or loosen clothing. Cool by fanning or applying cold packs or wet towels or sheets. If conscious, give water to drink every 15 minutes.
  IMPORTANT: WHILE HEAT EXHAUSTION IS NOT A LIFE- THREATENING EMERGENCY LIKE HEAT STROKE, IT CAN PROGRESS TO HEAT STROKE IF LEFT UNTREATED!
  
  
• Heat Cramps
  Heat cramps are muscular pain and spasms due to heavy exertion. They usually involve the abdominal muscles or legs. It is generally thought this condition is caused by loss of water and salt through sweating.
  FIRST AID: Get victim to a cool place. If they can tolerate it, give one-half glass of water every 15 minutes. Heat cramps can usually be avoided by increasing fluid intake when active in hot weather.

Our organization is currently undergoing its annual budgetary process. In an effort to keep employees up-to-date and informed on the current budget proceedings, employee budget meetings were scheduled. There is still one more meeting to be held for employees, which will take place on Monday, July 23rd at 12:30 p.m. at the Airport in the La Placita Conference Room. Supervisors, please allow your employees to attend this session should they wish to do so. I look forward to answering any questions you may have about the FY2008 budget.

As part of our effort to keep employees informed, we will begin a new informational series in the employee newsletter that will focus on the different charter amendments that were approved by voters in May. What do the propositions encompass? Do they affect employees and in what way? These questions and more will be addressed. Look out for this information series to begin in an upcoming issue.

We have also begun to compile information that we received through the survey included in the last two issues of the Employee Newsletter. I would like to thank the employees who took the time to answer the survey. We will examine all the input received and work to make improvements based on employee suggestions. Again, if you ever have any questions, comments or suggestions on the Employee Newsletter, please send an email to elpasopio@elpasotexas.gov.

General Links

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

Benefits Services

• Health Benefits - Access Healthsource
• Dental - Concordia
• Dental – Safeguard
• Pharmacy - RESTAT
• 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!