|
City Manager Selected by National Organization for Prestigious
Honor
Joyce A. Wilson, City Manager for El Paso, was recently selected as
a Fellow-Elect of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA).
A 20-year veteran in the Public Administration field, Wilson’s
merits were recognized not only by the three-member team of current NAPA
fellows that submitted her nomination, but through her selection to this
prestigious organization. Among the reasons listed, Wilson’s commitment
to service and citizen empowerment, knowledge of the global political
economy, and ability to perform as a dynamic and productive leader, manager
and public servant were highlighted.
“It is a tremendous honor to be nominated by my peers as a fellow
for the National Academy of Public Administration,” said Wilson. “This
has been a great year for me both personally and professionally. The
NAPA nomination is a great professional achievement.”
The National Academy of Public Administration is an independent, non-partisan
organization chartered by Congress to assist federal, state and local
governments in improving their effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.
The Academy’s most distinctive feature is its membership of 550
Fellows, which include current and former White House Cabinet officers,
members of Congress, Governors, Mayors, state legislators, diplomats,
business executives, local public managers, foundation executives and
scholars.
Wilson, who has served the City of El Paso for just over two years,
was recognized earlier this year with the Texas City Management Association’s
Administrator of the Year Award for the state of Texas, and with the
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Vision for Excellence award.
City of El Paso, Ft. Bliss and School District Consortium:
Working Together Towards Growth
An ongoing collaborated effort with a focus on military growth, the
Consortium is an initiative spearheaded by the City combining policymakers
from the City, Fort Bliss and the School Districts. First formalized
earlier this year, the Consortium meets monthly to discuss, plan and
implement strategies that will prepare the region for growth and expansion
at Fort Bliss.
The influx of military personnel and their families in the community
presents an ideal opportunity for the Consortium to proactively and collectively
plan for this growth. Planning efforts specific to services and facilities
in public education have been identified as a high priority. The Consortium
serves as a vital planning network that provides support to the military
installation. By forging this relationship, community leadership can
interactively plan to meet the needs of the military student population
now and in the future.
As a measure of the merit in establishing a community-based
coordinated effort, Fort Bliss and the El Paso Independent School District
were recently
recognized for their partnership with the “Pete Taylor Partnership
of Excellence Award” by the Military Child Education Coalition,
(MCEC), at their Annual Conference held in Houston. MCEC is a national
nonprofit organization encouraging initiatives that build relationships
with military institutions and their supporting school districts. Gen.
David D. McKiernan, commanding general, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh
Army, presented this prestigious award to Fort Bliss and the EPISD along
with $5,000 in recognition and support of their partnership that continues
to promote the importance of collaboration at a local and regional level.
The City, Fort Bliss and School District Consortium will continue to
evaluate and assess opportunities to implement holistic policy direction.
By highlighting critical factors, such as public education and infrastructure
demands, this collaboration has facilitated a lasting regional partnership
that invites the opportunity for military growth in our community.
The City of El Paso Soliciting Applicants to Fill Vacancies on Board
of Trustees for the
El Paso Mental Health/Mental Retardation (EPMHMR) Center
The City of El Paso is soliciting applications for the potential appointment
of two (2) positions on the Board of Trustees of the El Paso Mental Health/Mental
Retardation Center (EPMHMR).
The Center is the legally established authority for the administration
of some of the mental health retardation services provided in El Paso
County. It is governed by a nine-member board of trustees, of which three
members are appointed by the City of El Paso.
Board Candidate Criteria:
• The applicant must
not be an employee of either the City of El Paso, the County of El Paso
or Thomason Hospital
•
Ideal, if the applicant is a consumer of mental health or mental retardation
service
•
Ideal, if the applicant is a family member of a consumer of mental health
or mental retardation services
•
The applicant has special expertise in one or more of the following areas
o Education
o Fiscal Management
o Healthcare
o Medicine
o Law
•
Applicant must have all property taxes currently paid or have an approved
pay-out plan with the Tax Assessor-Collector
Interested persons meeting the following qualifications are urged to
apply. The City’s screening committee will review applications
and conduct interviews. The appointments will be made by City Council.
Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office located at
2 Civic Center Plaza (City Hall – 2nd Floor) or the EPMHMR Center’s
business office located at 1600 Montana (915) 887-3410.
2nd Year of Project FOCUS Senior
Peer Counseling Program
Project FOCUS Senior Peer Counseling Program is recruiting volunteers
60 years and over to receive training on peer counseling techniques and
skills. The intensive twelve (12) session training is based on a training
manual developed by the Center for Healthy Aging in California over 20
years ago and has received national recognition for its success in providing
an alternate counseling approach for older adults. The model has been
replicated nationally and even internationally in places such as Hong
Kong and Denmark. This model has also been featured in nationally known
TV shows such as 60 Minutes and 20/20. Upon completing the training,
peer counselors will be equipped to provide counseling to elderly individuals
who may be experiencing isolation, grief, health issues or who may just
need someone to talk to. Peer Counselors receive on-going supervision
and in-service training on counseling techniques and aging issues.
The Project FOCUS Senior Peer Counseling Program has been made available
through funding by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. Centro San
Vicente and the El Paso MHMR have been contracted to recruit, train and
supervise the volunteers.
For more information contact:
Nancy Melendez-Forbes at (915) 541-4236 or
Joselyn Guerry at (915) 859-7545 Ext. 268
Amigo Man and El Paso Neighborhood Coalition
 Members of the El Paso Neighborhood Coalition met with El Paso’s
Amigo Man at a recent meeting in City Hall. Amigo man presented each
member with an Amigo Man pin and was spreading happiness around for all
to enjoy.
El Paso Fire Department “Open House 2006”
With September as “Emergency Preparedness Month” and the
week of October 9th as “Fire Prevention Week,” the El Paso
Fire Department held “Open House 2006.” This event was held
on Saturday October 7, 2006, at the El Paso Fire Department Training
Academy, located at 6800 Delta, inside Ascarate Park. Over 300 people
came by the academy and enjoyed all the activities and the beautiful
weather.
There were static displays of fire apparatus, live fire, K-9 units,
rappelling, vehicle extrication and water rescue demonstrations. The
Juarez Fire Department Ladder Drill Team gave a great performance that
amazed the spectators. Also, Sifu Ray Abeyta, from the Texas School
of Tai Chi, gave a Tai Chi demonstration. Sifu Ray is the Tai Chi instructor
for the El Paso Fire Department. The Office of Emergency Management
and the Fire Prevention Division gave fire safety and emergency preparedness
presentations throughout the day.
Events for the children included “water wars,” a jumping
balloon and the “Manos Arriba Puppet Theater,” which presented
a fire safety puppet show inside the main classroom of the Academy
and was enjoyed by both children and adults.
Neighborhood fire stations were opened during the hours the Open House
ran to receive visitors.
Donated canned goods were also accepted for the West Texas Food Bank
and the Salvation Army. This event was part of the continuing effort
of Fire Chief Roberto Rivera and the El Paso Fire Department to provide
the best customer service to the citizens of El Paso. Fire Department
Officials hope to make this an annual tradition.
|
City Employee Recognized as Recipient of 2006 Hispanos Triunfadores Award
 Sylvia Mercado, executive secretary to Police Chief Richard Wiles, was
recently nominated and selected as a recipient of the 2006 Hispanos Triunfadores
Award in the Government Service Category.
The Hispanos Triunfadores Awards, sponsored by local Mc Donald’s
Owner/Operators and Dr. Pepper, highlight the achievements and contributions
of civic-minded individuals who exemplify excellence, leadership and
service. The honorees are people who not only excel in their careers,
but who also serve as role models for our youth and elevate the quality
of life in our community.
Mercado, a dedicated city employee, has served as a secretary within
the Chief’s office for the past 18 years. As expressed in her nomination
letter, Ms. Mercado has been instrumental in making numerous community
outreach programs a success through her assistance with each of the planning,
organization, coordination and implementation phases. Some of these programs,
each of which deal with youth issues, include:
• Creation of Crimes Against Children (CAC) section
comprised of police staff that investigates crimes perpetuated against
children.
•
Creation of a Youth Police Academy and Police Explorers Program to provide
future police prospects with insight into what the police profession
entails.
•
Creation of a Youth Citizens Advisory Board to address youth police issues
•
Creation of the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program, which places officers
permanently in public schools to interact with and positively influence
student youths.
•
Creation of the Youth Initiative Program (YIP), which refers at-risk
youths to appropriate agencies to combat problems such as drug abuse,
alcohol abuse, gang membership, being victims of physical/sexual abuse,
teen pregnancy, etc.
•
Implementation of the Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT)
Program in which officers work with youths
•
Implementation of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program
in which officers work with youths to discourage drug abuse.
•
Creation of a Safe Communities Section that has officers conduct public
presentations that cover traffic safety, drug abuse, gang awareness,
SWAT demonstrations, etc.
Congratulations to Ms. Mercado for this wonderful honor and recognition!
32nd Annual RSVP Banquet Honors Dedicated Volunteers
 On September 23, 2006, the Annual Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
Volunteer Recognition Banquet was held at the El Paso Convention and
Performing Arts Center. An estimated 920 RSVP Volunteers and guests attended
the banquet. Among those present were Mayor John Cook and City Representative
Susie Byrd. Mayor Cook presented service awards to 250 RSVP Volunteers.
One senior was awarded the 25-Year Service Award and 16 seniors received
the 20-Year Service Award. The remaining 233 seniors receiving awards
were for 15, 10, and 5 years of service to the RSVP Program.
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), administered by the Department
of Community and Human Development, has received funding for an additional
year in the amount of $27,972 by the Texas Department of Aging & Disabilities.
This State funding is approximately 11% of the total RSVP budget. Other
funding sources supporting RSVP include $110,000 from the Corporation
for National Service; $75,700 from the City’s General Fund; and,
$30,000 from the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation, for a total annual
budget of $243,672 to support over 1,700 RSVP Volunteers. Persons 55
years of age or older qualify to enroll as an RSVP Volunteer. Volunteers
work with a variety of local organizations providing a community service
to the El Paso community.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or if you need more information
about the program, please call 541-4374.
 |
Mayor John Cook with Retired and
Senior Volunteer Program volunteer of 25 years Gregg Drow. September
23, 2006 at the Convention & Performing
Arts Center. Gregg Drow: 25 Year Anniversary with the Retired and
Senior Volunteer Program volunteering at the El Paso Lighthouse for
the Blind. |
 |
20 Year Anniversary Volunteers with the Retired and Senior Volunteer
Program serving throughout the community. |
Martha Macias: Making Great Strides to Achieve
From Municipal Clerk Department
 Martha Macias has served with distinction and compassion as the City's
Accessibility Specialist for the past thirteen years. Now a member of
the Municipal Clerk Department, serving our fellow El Pasoans who are
deaf and hard of hearing, Martha began her career with the City in Community
Development. The Municipal Clerk's Department asks all City employees
to join them in congratulating Martha Macias on earning her Bachelor
of Science in Social Psychology from Park University in July. Martha
pursued her degree with steady determination while working full-time
at the City. Her successful example is encouraging for the many City
employees who are currently pursuing their college degrees. It's long,
it's hard, but it can be done.
Martha was on fire for professional development this summer. Not content,
alone, with the completion of her college degree, she also completed
a three-week Court Interpreter certification program at the Agnes Haury
Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Tucson in July. Martha
even earned a partial scholarship. This latest certification is in addition
to her certification as a Level III interpreter from the Texas Department
of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
Martha is the City's sole deaf and hard of hearing interpreter, but
her reach is wide. Her most widely viewed service is at the televised
weekly City Council meetings, but she also provides essential assistance
to individuals using other City services, such as at the WIC and Dental
Clinics, at the El Paso Police Department and at Municipal Court. She
is on 24-hour call, responding whenever and wherever needed.
Municipal Clerk Richarda Momsen says, "I frequently receive praise
on Martha's quality service, her ready availability, even at 3:00 a.m.,
and her pleasant attitude. She is a valued and productive member of our
Municipal Clerk team where she shines in the delivery of customer service-not
only for interpreter services, but in handling requests for City documents
and in explaining City procedures. She raises the bar for all of us.
Martha has made our department stronger through her many talents, round-the-clock
energy and generous spirit."
Congratulations, Martha, for completing your college degree, receiving
your additional professional certification and promoting a positive image
of City employees.
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
Employee Assistance Program – Same Face,
New Name
The Employee Assistance Program now has a new name, location and phone
number. Choice EAP services will be offered at their new location:
1717 Brown, Bldg. #2
El Paso, Texas 79902
Diana Contreras and Hector Morales will continue to provide EAP services
to the City. To contact Choice EAP, please call (915) 472-1140.
TAKE ADVANTAGE
City to Hold General Surplus Auction
The City of El Paso will be having a General Surplus auction on Saturday,
October 28, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Municipal Service Center (7969
San Paulo). Various items will be up for sale, such as office furniture,
computers, chairs, tools, TVs/VCRs, stereos, bikes, watches, cell phones
and much more. Cash, local personal checks, Visa, Mastercard and Discover
cards will be accepted. For more information, please call 621-6808.
Pet Care-A-Van Offers Dog
and Cat Spay/Neuter Services
Services are being offered at the following locations during October.
We ask the public to take advantage of this free spay/neuter service!!!
| Fabens |
|
|
| Address: |
1330 Fabens Road |
Dates: October 26, 27 and November 17 |
| Socorro |
|
|
| Address: |
901 N. Rio Vista |
Dates: October 30, 31 and November 13, 14 |
| Horizon |
|
|
| Address: |
13969 Venny Webb |
Dates: November 15 and 16
|
| Northeast El Paso |
|
|
| Address: |
Sue Young Park (9730 Diana) |
Dates: November 28
|
| Montana Vista |
|
|
| Address: |
14618 Greg Road |
Dates: November 29 and 30
|
No appointment needed. First come, first served, limited spaces
available.
Be there at 6:30am- Van arrives at 7:00 am
Owners must follow these guidelines for dogs and cats getting spayed/neutered:
•
No food for 12 hours prior to registration, water is okay
•
No animals under 4 months
•
No animals over 6 years
•
Animals must be in good health. Our veterinarian will decide if
your pet is a surgical candidate.
•
Current proof of Rabies vaccination is required (if no record,
we offer rabies vaccination/registration
for $10 for animals getting spayed or neutered only)
•
Microchip is offered only for animals getting spayed or neutered for a $5 fee.
For more information call 842-1000 or 2-1-1
El Paso Public Library Upcoming Events
Literary Discussion with Jeff Biggers, author of In the Sierra
Madre
This NPR contributor and American Book Award-winning author, fresh
from his appearance at the Texas Book Festival, will talk about
his award-winning books.
Monday, October 30
Main Library Auditorium
501 N. Oregon
7:00 p.m.
Free
Strings and Stories with David Titus
Saturday, November 4
11:00 a.m. – Lower Valley Branch – 610 N. Yarbrough
1:00 p.m. – Irving Schwartz Branch – 1825 Dean Martin
3:00 p.m. – Cielo Vista Library – 8929 Viscount
Free
Internationally-Renowned Cellist Zuill Bailey performs at the
Library
Wednesday, Nov. 1 – 4:00 p.m. – Westside Library (125
Belvidere)
Tuesday, Dec. 5 – 2:00 p.m. – Armijo Library (620 E.
7th Ave.)
Friday, Dec. 8 – 3:30 p.m. – Lower Valley Library (610
N. Yarbrough)
Wednesday, Dec. 13 – 4:00 p.m. – Dorris Van Doren Library
(551 Redd Rd.)
Free
Celebrate Día de los Muertos on
Both Sides of the Border
The Museums and Cultural Affairs Department invites you to participate
in the Mexican tradition Día de los Muertos. The celebration
will take place through a series of bi-national events created
just for you and your family. Come enjoy and learn about the beauty
of this ancient tradition!
The series of events, offered for seven (7) days, from Saturday,
October 28 to Saturday, November 4, is made possible through a
collaboration between organizations from the sister cities of Ciudad
Juárez and El Paso and coordinated in close partnership
with the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, Municipio de Juárez
- Dirección General de Educación y Cultura, City
of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, the City of
El Paso Parks and Recreation Department, Sun Metro, and the El
Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For more information, please visit www.diademuertoselpasojuarez.org or call 915.541.4481.
Sun Metro UTEP Football Shuttle
Catch a ride on the Sun Metro UTEP Football Shuttle this season.
The Shuttle will run from the Union Plaza Transit Terminal located
at 400 West San Antonio starting three hours before kick-off. All
fans will be driven directly to the Sun Metro UTEP Football Shuttle
stop at Baltimore and Randolph. Return trips will begin after the
third quarter of the football game. Prizes are given to the first
500 passengers.
The shuttle fare is $1.00 per person roundtrip, children 6 and younger
ride free of charge. Parking at the Union Plaza Transit Terminal
is $3.00 per vehicle.
The Sun Metro UTEP Football Shuttle route has been designed to help
reduce parking and traffic congestion around the University, offer
patrons a safe and comfortable mode of transportation between the
downtown and university areas, and provide secured parking. You can
meet family and friends at the parking terminal, catch a ride, enjoy
dinner and head to the football game without the hassles of finding
a parking space. Remember that officials do not allow the following
in the Stadium:
• No coolers or umbrellas • No oversized stadium seats
(18” wide maximum)
•
No strollers • No food or drinks
REMAINING GAME DATES: November 4; and November 25
For information, call 533.3333.
|
|
The City of El Paso continues to see major positive
changes with some recent developments. Sun Metro will be welcoming
a new administration with the arrival of First Transit, Inc. on October
29th. First Transit, known internationally for their administrative
work in transit systems across the U.S. and abroad, were brought on
board to assist with improving customer service and service delivery
within the local transit system. We look forward to seeing a positive
boost in the service our Mass Transit system will provide and welcome
Tom Omick and his team to El Paso.
A new director has been appointed for the El Paso Zoo. Beginning in
January 2007, Steve Marshall will begin his tenure as Director for
the El Paso Zoo. Marshall comes to El Paso from the Atlanta, Georgia
area, where he is currently involved in the administration of the Atlanta
Zoo.
We look forward to great strides being made in each of these areas
in the coming months.
|
General Links
Benefits Services
|
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! |
Hazardous Materials Spills & Shelter-In-Place
By the Office of Emergency Management
Chemical manufacturing plants are just one source of potential danger
for a major hazardous materials accident. The El Paso area has tremendous
amounts of hazardous materials transported on our roadways every day.
These hazardous materials present not only a potential for loss of life
but also significant environmental exposure.
In the event of a hazardous materials spill or roadway accident, emergency
officials may ask you to evacuate your home or office, or may ask you
to shelter-in-place. The term
“
Shelter-in-Place” means to seek immediate shelter and remain there
during the emergency rather than evacuating the area. Shelter-in-Place
may last no more than one- to-two hours and preparations, made in advance,
can ensure that the event is as comfortable as possible.
If you are asked to Shelter-in-Place, here is a list of what to do:
1. Remain calm.
2. If you are outdoors, go inside immediately (an interior room without
windows is best). DO NOT call 911 unless you are reporting an immediate
life-threatening situation.
3. Close all windows and doors. Place precut plastic sheeting over windows,
and tape in place.
4. Close all outside air vents and fireplace dampers. Turn off cooling
and heating or ventilating systems. Cover cracks under doors with damp
towels. Tape cracks and other openings such as electrical outlets and
cable television outlets for extra protection. Keep pets indoors.
5. Listen carefully to an AM/FM radio or local television station for
instructions from emergency officials.
Traveling In a Vehicle
1. Listen to your local radio station for reports about your route and
location of shelter.
2. Turn off air conditioner, vent and heater.
3. Keep car windows and air vents closed.
Your Children Are In School
Do not go to your children’s school to pick them up. School officials
are trained in shelter in place procedures and will take care of your
children. Do not try to call them. You will be told by radio or TV where
to pick up your children in the event they were evacuated from their
school or daycare.
Assemble Your Shelter-In-Place Kit
•
A roll of plastic sheeting, precut to fit any window in the room.
•
A roll of duct tape.
•
Bath towels to place under any openings in the doorways.
•
A battery-powered radio, with extra batteries.
• Bottled water and
some sort of snack food.
|
|
