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“Ethicsline” for Employees: Speak Up
A commitment of the City of El Paso is to provide excellent customer service to further assist in meeting this pledge, the City of El Paso’s Internal Audit Office has joined up with an outside company called The Network and created the “Ethicsline.”
This new program is an internal initiative that is strictly for City employees to report unethical activity conducted by other city employees. If you are aware of activities going on within the organization that are illegal, against the City of El Paso standards or could cause harm to employees, customers or the City, employees are encouraged to report these actions immediately.
The “Ethicsline” has been created to assist employees in making these reports. An employee can call in 24 hours a day/ 7days a week and remain anonymous. The interview specialist will ask you several questions to take your report, will assign you a reference number so you can follow up and relay your report information to the appropriate member of management.
To make a report, please call 866-614-9688 or send an email to ethicsline@elpasotexas.gov .
Please remember you can remain anonymous.
Members of the Internal Audit Office will be visiting with all departments to answer your questions and further explain this new program.
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What’s new in the Sustainability Newsletter?
This month the newsletter shows you how to save time, money and stress this holiday season by following eight simple steps.
It also contains an update on the City’s efforts to move towards sustainability. It even features a program that has been working toward improving our economy, public health and the environment by redeveloping abandoned, idle or underutilized properties containing either real or perceived environmental contamination.
Click here to this month’s issue of the Sustainability Newsletter.
Remember, the newsletter produced by Marty Howell, the City’s Sustainability Program manger, can be found online by clicking on the City Publications link located on the City’s homepage at www.elpasotexas.gov .
Recycle Leftover Cooking Oil, Grease from Your Kitchen
Thinking of frying a turkey for the holidays? Not sure what to do with the leftover used cooking oil and grease?
You can now take used frying and cooking oils to a City of El Paso Citizen Collection Site. The City of El Paso Environmental Services Department has partnered with Global Alternative Fuel, LLC, to provide residents with a way to recycle used cooking and frying oils.
Residents should never wash cooking fats, oil or grease down the drain, as they can cause the sewer line to back up into your home or in the storm drains, which flow to our wastewater treatment plants.
The goal of the partnership is to convert the spent cooking oil and grease into biodiesel, a type of alternative fuel. The service is being offered as a pilot project. The service is free and available solely to residents, who pay a solid waste disposal fee to the City of El Paso. Used cooking oils from businesses, including restaurants, will not be accepted.
Residents can dispose of up to 15 gallons of used cooking oil per person, per visit to a Citizen Collection Site.
The sites also accept many household hazardous wastes, such as old paint, pesticides, and fluorescent lamps. For a list of household hazardous waste accepted at the sites visit http://www.ci.el-paso.tx.us/environmental_services/citizen_collection.asp or call 621-6700.
Citizen Collection Stations are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. They are located at:
- NORTHEAST: 4501 HONDO PASS
- CENTRAL: 2492 HARRISON
- WESTSIDE: 121 ATLANTIC
- SOUTHSIDE: 4200 DELTA
- EASTSIDE: 9000 ESCOBAR
APA-TX Recognizes the City for Outstanding Planning Efforts
The American Planning Association (APA) Texas Chapter Awards Committee recently announced that the City of El Paso is the recipient of the 2008 Community of the Year Award in acknowledgement of the massive planning initiatives undertaken over the past two years and the resulting changes. Additionally, the City is also the recipient of the 2008 Current Planning Award in recognition of the new Subdivision Ordinance.
2008 Community of the Year Award
The 2008 Community of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition that is bestowed upon a community that demonstrates exemplary work and high quality planning. The City of El Paso was selected for this award based on its substantive and dedicated efforts that were realized and reflected in the adoption of the following ordinances and technical documents:
 The Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The Downtown 2015 Plan
A Green Infrastructure Plan for El Paso
A revised Zoning Ordinance
A revised Subdivision Ordinance
A revised Design Specifications for Construction Manual
The first Drainage Design Manual
The first SmartCode for El Paso
2008 Current Planning Award-Subdivision Ordinance
The new El Paso Subdivision Ordinance was recognized by the APA (TX) for its state-of-the-art approach in complying with current Texas law while further positioning the City for sustainable comprehensive development. Freese and Nichols Inc prepared the initial draft of the Ordinance and worked closely with the City throughout its development. Notably, the adoption process was indicative of the combined efforts of various interest groups within the community.
“During the course of the last three years, the City has engaged in a deliberate process to evaluate its urban existence – what it is and should be. These awards recognize the great work undertaken to transform the traditional development practices in the community to offer more opportunities and choices, and to look to more public investment in facilities and services. El Paso is now among the most noted and progressive Texas communities and the APA recognition is a testament to that ranking,” Deputy City Manager Pat Adauto commented.
CBP Selects El Paso in New Pilot Program
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has selected the Zaragoza/Ysleta Bridge in El Paso as one of the four major Southwest Border ports of entry that form part of a new pilot program. The 6-month program will provide expanded hours of service at the selected U.S./Mexico commercial crossings in an effort to streamline and facilitate efficiency.
In continued support of this critical initiative, effective November 3, 2008, the hours at the Zaragoza Bridge expanded to 24 hours per day, 5 days a week as of 6:00 a.m. on Monday through 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The port remains closed on Sundays.
The additional ports participating in this effort are located in Otay Mesa, California; Nogales, Arizona; and Laredo, Texas. According to the CBP, collectively these ports account for 60% of trade in the Southwest Border.
“We are committed to working closely and in continued partnership with the Customs and Border Protection and stakeholders to make the pilot program a success and to enhance cross-border commerce,” stated Said Larbi-Cherif, International Bridges Director.
Weather Patterns at Clint Landfill Now Available on KVIA
Starting this month you can find out about the weather patterns in far East El Paso County thanks to a partnership between the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department and KVIA Channel 7.
The partnership enabled the Clint Landfill, at 2300 Darrington Road, to become one of the KVIA Weathernet locations, or stations.
The Weathernet system operates a network of stations that provide up to 1-minute observations of air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation, and barometric pressure.
What’s your Sign?
The Department of Public Health received a facelift this fall when two signs were placed on the building to properly mark it for our visitors.
One sign faces El Paso Drive, and the other is above the front entrance. The two signs are a great addition to administration and are designed to match the building, at 5115 El Paso Drive.
Many individuals were responsible for this project which began within the department’s administration seeking available resources and determining the signs look including color, size and whether they should be illuminated.
This project is a great example of one of the department’s core values relating to teamwork. Congratulations to all who assisted with the project!
Department of Public Health Prepares to Celebrate Public Health Thank You Day
Each Monday before Thanksgiving, public health organizations across the nation take time to recognize public health professionals.
This year, the City of El Paso Department of Public Health is marking Public Health Thank You Day with an event that will bring together public health professionals with students from the University of Texas at El Paso College of Health.
In addition, the Department of Public Health is preparing to thank to its employees with other tokens of appreciation including featuring some of them on City 15.
The employees to be featured on City 15 are: Oscar Hernandez of the Women, Infants and Children Program; Marie Villa of the Tuberculosis Program; Irene Rivas of the Public Health Preparedness Program; and its 2-1-1 Texas Area Information Team - Maria Garza, Ana Olivares, Aurora Gamez, Margie Quijano and Dora Flores.
News from El Paso International Airport
“80th Anniversary History Gallery”
The City of El Paso and El Paso International Airport proudly highlight 80 years of Aviation Excellence. Open every day at El Paso International Airport in the La Placita Shopping Area. For more information, call (915) 780-4746.
Special Thanks To:
Manny Ortiz, Jesus Santos, Luis Duran, Victor Holguin, Victor Muniz, Brandon Binkley, Arturo Guereque, Enrique Ochoa, David Carrillo, Ruben Rincon, Jose Borunda, Al Gutierrez, David Bustamante, Rodolfo Solis, Jana Martinez, Armando Montelongo, Joe Gutierrez, Ramón Sandoval, Jesus Hernandez, Rosendo Mendez, Joaquin Tapia, Carlos Sanchez, Michael Miranda, Joe Lugo, Jerry Bettendorf, Rosa Villa, Pamela Amezaga and Tony Marmolejo.
History Gallery designed and created by Lolita Fierro, Education and Graphics Specialist, and Jerry Bettendorf, Assistant Director of Aviation Operations & Security.
Triennial Emergency Exercise
Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters of the El Paso Fire Department (EPFD) and El Paso International Airport (EPIA) Operations Department conducted a Triennial Emergency Exercise on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from 8am-12noon. The purpose of this exercise is to test and evaluate the Airport emergency plan in cooperation with El Paso Fire Department, El Paso Police Department, Red Cross, FAA, TSA, National Transportation Safety Board, hospitals, and various local agencies.
EPIA and EPFD recognize its responsibility to protect the public from, and mitigate the consequences of, the hazards associated with emergency incidents (natural or man-made), including the necessity for a properly integrated response in the event of such an incident. With this responsibility in mind, the media was granted access to the airport operations command center for the first time.
2009 FAA Calendar
El Paso International Airport photos taken by Jerry Bettendorf, Assistant Director of Aviation Operations and Security were part of the FAA Calendar, which included the front cover and the December 2008 page.
Click here to view excerpts from the Calendar.
Thanksgiving Buffet at Butterfield Trail Golf Club
Join us Sunday November 27, 2008 for Butterfield Trail Golf Club’s Thanksgiving
Buffet from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Enjoy a delightful meal while taking in the best panoramic view in El Paso. For more information call Lisa Marquez at 915-772-1031 or visit www.butterfieldtrailgolf.com
Holiday Parties at Butterfield Trail Golf Club
Reservations for Christmas Parties at Butterfield Trail Golf Club are available. Please contact Lisa Marquez at 915-772-1031 or visit www.butterfieldtrailgolf.com
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City Employee Shows Strength Overcoming Major Illness
Contributed by Deniese Baisley and Nancy Melendez-Forbes
I recently and unexpectedly discovered that our Department Director, Ms. Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria had been a victim of one of the most devastating illnesses that claims the lives of 100s of 1000s of victims each year. Hearing that you have the big “C” can be shocking news for anyone. Those that have been diagnosed usually go through a process of grieving, which usually occurs in the following stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. (Source: Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross). Witnessing Ms. Arrieta’s vibrancy and perpetual positive attitude each day, I would never have imagined her having battled this awful beast. This month is Thanksgiving month….a time that gives us pause to reflect and give thanks for our many blessing, including our families, our jobs, our home and our health. During this month of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be appropriate to submit this interview held with Carmen and hope that it would inspire others to be thankful for every moment that you spend with your friends and families. Following is the interview:
- How did you first find out you had cancer?
I had a lump in my throat and it wouldn’t go away. I had been sick with a cold so I thought it was maybe enlarged lymph nodes.
- What kind of cancer did you have?
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma disease.
- How has it changed your life?
I think it’s made me appreciate everyday more. One of the things I’ve learned is don’t take life for granted. Be mindful of your body and the changes that are occurring in your body. I think it’s made me more patient because it takes time to cure the disease. And so it made me realize that things take time and there’s not always a quick fix. I think that it’s made me more appreciative of my life, and my family and my friends. You don’t realize how many people really care about you until you get so sick. If you notice something that is out of the ordinary, don’t wait, go get it checked out. I was very lucky that I caught it in time and it’s been in recession for about 8 years. I also became very empathetic towards other people that have cancer or that are ill. It made me more understanding of other people and the impact that cancer has on their lives. Maybe before I didn’t have enough empathy towards other people; they would say my mom’s sick or my dad’s sick and have a live threatening disease or a terminal illness. I didn’t understand the things they had to go through and the type of treatments that they had to go through. Now when somebody says “I have a cancer”, I understand what that means, not only the physical changes they’re going to go through, but the emotional changes that you have to go through.
- How did you deal with having cancer?
I think at first it was a shock. I just wanted to get more information. I wanted to know why this happen and how it happened. I started reading about the disease to try and understand what was coming. I wanted to know the kind of drugs I was going to be receiving so that I knew the potential side effects that would occur. I tried to maintain a positive attitude and talk with my doctor and ask lots of questions. I know a lot of people like to keep it to themselves, but I did the opposite. I wanted to tell my friends and my family so they could help me cope with it and help me carry that burden.
- What treatments did you go through afterwards? How often?
Chemotherapy. It was for over 9 months every other week that I received drugs intravenously. I still have the scars from the treatments. They are kind of a daily reminder that I had cancer.
- Did you have to get anymore treatments after the 9 months?
No. But I had one scare since then about two years after the treatments. I thought I had another lump. I went in and had it checked out. That’s the whole part of cancer; it’s a lifelong management. I go annually and get checked to make sure nothing is wrong with me.
- How do you deal with the emotional aspects of cancer? (See above)
I think it carries a stigma; that for whatever reason I am not certain if it’s a contagious stigma. It’s a stigma that you’ve had this disease and how it’s going to impact you in your life. There are a lot of people that had cancer and have gone through the chemotherapy process and now it’s in remission and it’s been in remission for a long time. But at the same time it’s kind of in the back of your mind and it never really goes away. Just from my standpoint, there is no hereditary background that I was aware of that anyone had this type of cancer in my family.
- What do you consider your greatest source of strength?
My family and how close they are. I just wanted to see my son grow up and I wanted to participate in his life experiences. I think that I definitely got strength from that because at that time I did not have my two little ones. Of course, now my husband, I draw from his strength and my family. At the time when I was going through this, it was definitely my family and friends and now my husband.
To read the full interview Q&A, please click here.
Library Director Receives Prestigious Honor
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Carol Brey-Casiano has been inducted into the El Paso Business Hall of Fame – an honor bestowed by Junior Achievement of the Desert Southwest. Joining Ms. Brey-Casiano in the induction for 2008 are Edward and Phillip Azar, Gary Hedrick and Russell Vandenburg. Carol has been the Director of the El Paso Public Library since 2000. |
Street Department Receives Award
The City of El Paso Street Department was recently presented with an award for its contributions to the disabled community.
The City of El Paso Accessibility Advisory Committee recognized the Street Department for its work with sidewalks and curb ramps. The department has been working diligently to provide the community improvements that make our sidewalks wheelchair friendly and easily accessible by all pedestrians.
The award presented at the 2008 Employer Disability Forum reads:
“In recognition of your valuable contributions made for the disabled community.”
The employees praised for their work include: Bruce Cozad, Jesus “Fermin” Carrera, Julian Tarango, David Rubio, Hector E. Castillo, Juan J. Marquez, David Melendez, Abraham Parra, Amador A. Villarreal Jr., Guillermo Bailon, Flavio G. Apodaca, Daniel Kitka, Gerald “Max” McGee, Adolfo Grajeda, Ruben Arzaga and Harold Kutz.
Librarian Selected as an ALA Emerging Leader
Lisa Martinez, a librarian at the Dorris Van Doren Regional Branch Library, was selected as one of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Emerging Leaders recently. The UTEP and North Texas grad is one of only 100 librarians from across the country that will take part in special training and networking designed to develop leadership skills for the 21st century.
The 2009 Emerging Leaders program kicks off with a daylong session during the 2009 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Denver. Afterward, it will grow and develop in an online learning and networking environment for six months and will culminate with a presentation to display the results of the project planning work at the 2009 Annual Conference in Chicago.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Health and Wellness Success Story: Debbie McFadden
Contributed by Debbie McFadden
My name is Debbie McFadden and I have been a city employee for nearly 13 years. Several of my co-workers have asked me to share my success story.
On March 8, 2006 I was at the doctor’s office and was shocked to see I weighed over 300 pounds. Over the years, the pounds had crept on, and I was in denial about my health. By the time I left that office visit, I made a promise to myself that I would get this weight off. I was very unhappy, always tired, and didn’t recognize who was looking back at me in the mirror! I wanted to change my life. This is not a diet….you have to change your mind set (about food), and wanting better health for yourself!
With the help of my doctor, the nutritionist, and hard work and determination, by April of 2007 I had lost 140 pounds. I eat a healthy low fat, low calorie diet. I eat 5 small meals a day, and kept my calorie intake between 1,200-1,500 calories a day. I learned to read labels, understand how important it was to cut the fat grams, and just eat healthy choices, such as fresh vegetables, fish, chicken and fruit, and of course- drink LOTS OF WATER. Moderate exercise was and still is very important. I try to walk 30 minutes every day. Try parking farther away at the grocery store, taking the stairs, and getting in quick walking breaks during the day – these little extra steps all help shed those extra pounds and inches.
I encourage all of you wanting to make a change and drop some extra pounds – do it - get healthy for your family and loved ones. You can do it too!
Day by day / Step by step…that is my motto. I would be happy to talk to any one who would like more information and maybe get some motivation to become your own success story.
Public Health Department Program Profile
Program Name: STD Clinic
Manager Name: Robin Ricart, RN
Address: 5115 El Paso Dr., El Paso, TX 79905, Suite B
Phone Number: (915) 771-1200
Days/Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Number of Employees: Nine
Do you charge fees? Yes. Sliding scale, cost is based on income.
Do you require appointments? No
Who do you serve? Everyone
What services does this program provide? Testing/treatment/counseling for
HIV, Syphillis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomonas. Adult vaccines for
HPV and Tetanus are also available for $10 each.
How does this program protect the health of the El Paso community? It helps to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
What is your mission? To prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases through testing, treatment, education and counseling
TAKE ADVANTAGE
TEEN X-TremE Dance
The City of El Paso’s Parks & Recreation Department hosts teen dances every Friday through an effort called TEEN X-TremE Dance! Teen participants are from ages of 12 – 17 years of age.
Teen dances have been re-located to the Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center.
| WHAT: | | Teen X-TremE Dance |
| WHERE: | | Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center
3001 Parkwood |
| TIME: | | 7-10 p.m. |
| WHEN: | | Fridays - Dec. 5th, 12th and 19th |
| FREE! | | Concessions available. |
Le Squirrel Café at Memorial Park Branch Library
The Le Squirrel Café now has free wireless Internet access. The quaint and curious coffee shop located inside the Memorial Park Branch Library also has a great selection of sandwiches, pastries, lattes, frapps, teas, smoothies and snacks in one of the most beautiful locations in El Paso – Memorial Park. Le Squirrel Café is located just off Copia at 3200 Copper Ave. Visit us today!
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Holiday Travel Tips – El Paso International Airport
The holiday traveling season is around the corner. Here are some travel tips to prepare for your trip.
Each holiday travel season, the El Paso International Airport (EPIA) receives a record number of passengers. Wednesday November 26, 2008, will be the busiest day of the year, nationally.
The airport encourages passengers to arrive at least 2 hours before their flight in order to assist the airlines and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with processing.
The airport advises all passengers to review TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid policy for carry-on bags when going through airport security checkpoints. For passenger convenience, zip-lock bags are being distributed at the TSA table by the escalator, courtesy of EPIA.
The following information is provided by the Transportation Security Administration. For additional information visit: www.tsa.gov
Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.
Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.
Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.
TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.
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This is the time of year to reflect and give thanks for all the goodness in our lives – whether personal or for the successful operation of an organization like the City of El Paso. I want to take this time to wish each of the City’s employees a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.
I would also like to note that we have reached our 50th issue of the Employee Newsletter. Over the last four years, we have worked to provide information that keeps employees up-to-date on what is going on throughout the City of El Paso organization, such as new initiatives, new faces and new services. I hope that you have found these 50 issues to be of value and informative. We will continue to work in the coming year to update and improve the Employee Newsletter to better serve you – the employee and reader.
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General Links
Benefits Services
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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! |
SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE:
MONTHLY SAFETY TIP |
Tips for leaving work after dark
With the shorter winter hours, these are some tips for leaving work in the dark.
If possible, try to walk with a friend or co-worker.
If you have to walk alone:
| • | | Have a co-worker watch you from a window |
| • | | Wave back at the building as though someone is watching |
| • | | Stay in well-lit areas and away from hiding spots |
| • | | Avoid blind spots around larger vehicles |
| • | | Always be alert to your surroundings. |
Avoid
| • | | Digging in your purse or bag for keys |
| • | | Wearing headphones or listening to loud music |
| • | | Being distracted by a cell phone conversation |
Have the keys ready to unlock the door as you get near the vehicle or door. As you approach your car, look around, inside, and even glance underneath for people who may be present. If you are suspicious, walk away. Go to a safe place and call for help.
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