Employee Newsletter

Quality of Life Services Star Performers

Four employees were recently recognized by Deputy City Manager Debbie Hamlyn for their distinguished performance within the QOL Portfolio Team and for their continual commitment of outstanding service to the organization and the citizens of El Paso.

These four employees have exemplified exceptional service in 4 specific categories in the past fiscal year 2006/2007. Employees were nominated and selected by their peers for these awards. This was the first of what is now an annual recognition.

Customer Service - Elizabeth Mendoza - Office Manager - Zoo
Outstanding Performance - Norma Huitron - Recreation Program Supervisor - Parks & Rec.
Leadership - Michael Tomor - Director - Museum of Art - MCAD
Star of Excellence - Joe Rodriguez - Recreation Services Manager - Parks & Recreation (This award is given to the employee that encompasses all 3 critical areas)

- Click here to read each of these employees' personal biography.

Municipal Clerk Achieves Certification From the Institute for Court Management

Richarda Momsen was among 45 court administrators, clerks, managers and supervisors from courts throughout the United States to graduate on Friday, November 16 from the Court Management Program (CMP) of the Institute for Court Management. ICM is the educational arm of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). NCSC, founded in 1971, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership, research, technology and education services to the state courts. Since 2000, over 500 court professionals from across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have achieved certification.

Prior to participation in the CMP Concluding Seminar, Momsen completed five core courses in court administration: Court Performance Standards, Fundamental Issues of Caseflow Management, Managing Court Financial Resources, Managing Human Resources and Managing Technology Projects and Technology Resources.

Court Managers completing the week-long concluding seminar were recognized in a ceremony held at the National Center for State Courts in Williamsburg, Virginia. ICM recognizes Richarda Momsen as a Certified Court Manager (CCM).

Financial Services Staffers Garner Major Recognition

Kudos to Frank Keton and the entire Financial Accounting and Reporting Division for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Fiscal Year ended August 31, 2006. It is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting given by GFOA!

Congratulations to the Financial Division on their hard work rendering such a tremendous recognition!

El Paso Fire Department Updates

Fallen Officers and Firefighters Memorial Exhibit

The Office of Public Affairs along with the Museum and Cultural Affairs Department worked on the final stages for the Fire Department and Police Department exhibit to honor fallen police officers and firefighters. Inspectors Mike Ortiz and John Concha, Lt. Mario Hernandez, as well as the crew from Ladder 11, were all there to help kick off the event with Mayor Cook, the Mayor from Juarez, and other dignitaries. The event and exhibit were enjoyed by all who attended.

The 2nd Annual Fire Expo- Renamed the Kip Hall Memorial Fire Expo

El Paso Fire Department Updates

The event was a big success and enjoyable for those who attended. The Fire Expo showcased all aspects of Fire Service. Weekly meetings were held and advance preparations made for the 2nd Annual Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management Fire Expo. This year we joined forces with Deputy Chief Matt Widtfelt and the Fire Department Explorers to make this year a bigger and enjoyable event for the public. Some members of the media also participated in the Expo and competed in the firefighter challenge where the team from Canal 26 won 1st place. This year's event was bigger and better than last year. Potential sites for future El Paso Fire Department Expos include Cohen Stadium, as it continues to gradually grow and get bigger.

Development Services VOE Goes the Extra ... Yard

Josue Enriquez, a VOE staffer assisting the City's Development Services Department, recently had the great opportunity to be part of the recent winning football season for the Austin High School Panthers. This year's varsity team had the most wins and most successful season since around the 1940s.

The Employee Connection had the opportunity to learn a bit more about what this experience was like for Josue, as well as find out more about this city employee.

Q & A with Josue
1. What position do you play on the Austin HS football team?
I play Right Tackle; my number is "67".

2. How does it feel to know you are part of a team that had the best winning history of the High School since the 1940s?
It feels great, even though we expected to make it farther in the Playoffs, it feels good to do something that most football teams from Austin haven't been able to do.

3. What made you join the football team?
I've always liked football and always wanted to be part of something fun and where you can just let it all out.

4. What do you think makes a good "team player"?
A good "team member" helps his team in any way possible and is always there to help others on the team who are struggling. Also, a good "team member" never lets any of his teammates down.

5. How do you think that applies to your work here at the City of El Paso?
This applies here to my work at the City of El Paso because I am always expected to be there if I am needed for something.

6. What do you like most about working at the City?
What I like most about working here is that there is always work to do but at the same time they don't try to overwork you.

6. Anything else you want to say for past Austin graduates that work for the City?
This season was dedicated to all the past Austin Graduates and Thank You for all your support.

In speaking to Suzy Santo of Development Services, she had this to say about Josue: "He is a superb example of the new character traits in our next generation that an employer will be looking for in an employee. He applies himself to every job assigned, he has the initiative to tackle tasks when he sees that he can make a difference and he always meets his deadlines with a job well done. His attendance has been perfect, even in the height of football season."