City Charter Review Update
By Joyce Wilson

Recently, the Mayor and City Council agreed to undertake a review of the City’s Charter and to determine whether to call for a Charter election in May 2007 along with the City Council district elections. A citizen review panel is being organized to work in conjunction with the Council Rules Legislative Review Committee. A number of meetings will be held in January and early February to bring a recommendation to the full City Council by mid-February 2007.

Earlier this year City management undertook an administrative and operational review of the City Charter and drafted several suggested amendments. These proposals were discussed with a City Employees Work Group that included representatives from the Police and Fire Associations, City Employee Association, PSB representation, and several managers and supervisors – as it was important to test these changes to flag any major objections or concerns before we went forward. A copy of the red-lined version of these proposals is available for viewing via this link: Charter Review – Red-line Copy.

In essence, the changes attempt to address items in the Charter that were not adjusted to conform to the last Charter change which created the Council-Manager form of government, adjust the City Charter where it conflicts with State law, and to modernize provisions where there are opportunities to create cost savings and efficiencies. Chapter Six regarding the Civil Service System is the largest, most prescriptive section in the current City Charter, so the changes being proposed are more substantial. Given that this section is of most interest to City employees, I want to make you aware of what is being proposed and to eliminate rumors about possible abolishment of the Civil Service System or Commission.

Our administrative review did not call for the elimination of the Civil Service Commission or the reduction of its role as an independent, adjudicating and rule-making body. I know there have been comments about this subject but City management has been clear with both the City Council and CSC that we support the civil service system and an independent due process for City employees. As you review the proposed Charter changes, you will note that:

• We propose eliminating numerous subsections that can and should be addressed via rules or ordinance versus the Charter itself. These include procedural issues like the certification process, rule of five, procedures for reductions in staff, etc. These are important personnel matters but not appropriate in a City Charter. The rule promulgation should be done by ordinance or administrative policy.
• Adjustments to conform to current State laws
• Terminology changes to reflect modern terms, i.e., Human Resources Director v. Personnel Director.
• Clarification of the relationship between the Civil Service Commission and City Council

The Civil Service Commission will be meeting in January to discuss the administration’s proposals and to provide its feedback to the City Council and Charter Review Panel. These meetings are open to all City employees who wish to attend and participate. We also are scheduling a series of informational briefings in early January, including an evening briefing thru the City Employees Association so that we can answer questions or concerns you may have about these proposed changes.

The sole focus of our internal administrative review was to identify those provisions in the Charter which create costs and add additional, unnecessary time in our ability to provide services. Given the pressure to maintain lower tax rates, we are always looking for ways to reduce the cost of government, without having to reduce services or make employees bear the brunt of those reductions.

Please take time to review this information as it is important to be informed about important matters affecting our organization and community.

Interim Director Appointed for City-County Health & Environmental District

Dr. Robert Galvan was recently appointed to serve as the interim director for the El Paso City-County Health & Environmental District. Galvan, a Fort Worth native, maintains over 35 years of experience in his field and an extensive background in Public Health and Environmental Science.

Galvan’s six-month appointment will take effect on January 3, 2006, with the option to extend an additional six-months upon mutual consent. During the initial six-month period, Galvan has been tasked with addressing critical priorities and goals for the District, which includes:

• Review and react to findings/recommendations of the State Health and State Comptroller audits and lay out an implementation strategy and timetable where appropriate
• Immediately get a handle on the district finances and develop recommendations for short-term intervention to balance the budget
• Make the health authority appointment in consultation with Texas Tech and El Paso Medical Society
• Carefully assess all staffing (numbers and qualifications) and make recommendations for immediate and/or short-term adjustments as appropriate
• Animal control is a crisis issue for the community; need immediate intervention to stabilize that operation and defuse the criticism/anxiety about this aspect of the organization
• Assess the governance structure and make recommendations (based on state findings and recommendations) as to the best structure going forward – including board composition if need be
• Facilitate meeting(s) of the City and County elected bodies, along with Board of Health, to develop a turn-around strategy, governance structures, performance and accountability measures and a short-term strategic plan
• Once the governance model is in place – facilitate a strategic plan for the organization for the next 2-3 years
• Address facilities, equipment and IT requirements as part of the six month assessment/turnaround strategy (based on audit feedback) and prioritize for the next 12-36 months
• Assist in the recruitment for a permanent director

Mayor’s Youth Art Showcase

The Mayor’s Youth Art Showcase will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 7th at the International Museum of Art. The artwork of various artists will be on display, with the basis of their paintings being a depiction of impact Dr. King had on the country.

The event will also include the announcement and presentation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Awards. The Humanitarian Awards are given out to one adult, one female youth and one male youth in the community that have shown a commitment in some capacity of making El Paso a better and safer place to live. Mayor John Cook will be on-hand to give out the various awards to the individuals in attendance. Nomination forms are available at Leona Ford Washington Community Center (3400 Missouri St.).

The event is free and open to the public. Artwork will be on display for the entire month of January. For more information on the Mayor’s Youth Art Showcase, please call Eliseo Duran at 533-3311.

Library Branch Hours to Change
The El Paso Public Library recently adjusted its hours of operation at the area branches in order to integrate the Esperanza Acosta Moreno branch into their service schedule. All of the branches except Armijo and Memorial Park will be affected by the changes. The Bookmobile, EPCC Northwest Campus and Main Library will maintain their current schedules as well.
For more information call 543-5433 or the nearest branch library.

The Esperanza Acosta Moreno, Richard Burges and Dorris Van Doren branches will have the following schedules:

The Clardy Fox, Ysleta, Cielo Vista, Irving Schwartz, West Side and Lower Valley branches will be open from Tuesday through Saturday with the following hours:

Armijo and Memorial Park will maintain the following schedules:

Holiday Lights at the Zoo

The Holiday Lights at the Zoo is now in its 10th year! The lights will continue to be on display from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 21st – 23rd and December 26th – 30th.

Walk through the Zoo wonderland of over 150,000 sparkling lights. Eat dinner in the café with Santa and then have your picture taken. The El Paso Zoo is serving special holiday food: tamales, a green chili stew served in a crusty roll, hot buttered rum, beer & hot chocolate. Shop for treasures from around the world in our new holiday market. There will also be live music, educational animals and carousel rides. Outdoor animals will not be on display during the evening hours; however, guests can tour the Sea Lion Exhibit, South American Pavilion, Paraje Exhibit and the Asian Forest Complex.

The cost for admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children, $1 off for Active Duty Military and FREE for Zoo members.

El Paso Zoo
4001 E. Paisano
521-1850 or 532-8156
www.elpasozoo.org

Holiday Travel Tips from El Paso International Airport

“During the holiday travel season, arriving early and studying the TSA carry on list are the most important factors that will assist the Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration with passenger processing,” said Patrick T. Abeln, Director of Aviation. The following are some tips that for holiday travelers to help get them through the passenger security checkpoint at the El Paso International Airport.

Transportation Security Administration Holiday Travel 3-1-1 Tips: Knowing that holiday travel brings inexperienced and infrequent travelers to airports, we’d like to provide holiday-specific 3-1-1 information to help you get through the security checkpoints smoothly and quickly.

Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints. With certain exceptions for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula and breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, the following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols you want to carry through a security checkpoint.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

For Additional Information visit www.tsa.gov

Crime Stoppers Staff Recognized for Work

Crime Stoppers of El Paso, Inc. was recognized earlier this fall by the local Public Relations Society of America Rio Grand Chapter for its web site www.crimestoppersofelpaso.org designed by Steve Lama, Crime Stoppers of El Paso Marketing and Customer Relations Coordinator, and Jim Widby. PRSA also presented Steve Lama with an honorable mention award for the Crime Stoppers of El Paso, Inc. color brochure designed by Steve Lama and Albert Juarez.

Congratulations!

Sun Metro Recognized Employee at
Mass Transit Board Meeting for Heroic Efforts

Sun Metro recognized one of its Coach Operators, Alejandro Lugo, for his heroic efforts at the Mass Transit Board Meeting, Tuesday, November 28, 2006.

On November 16, 2006 Sun Metro received a call from a member of the public to commend one of the Coach Operators. The caller, Ms. Carrillo, stated that that she had been traveling eastbound on Montana with her son and another six-year-old child when her car stalled on the railroad tracks on Willow. In a distance, the train could be heard but Ms. Carrillo was unable to move her car. At that time the Sun Metro Route 35 was traveling through the area and the driver, Alejandro Lugo, stopped to see if Ms. Carrillo needed assistance.

Mr. Lugo immediately called 911 to request assistance from the Police Department, a tow truck and possible notification sent to the train operator. When help had not arrived, Mr. Lugo and all of the male passengers on the bus lifted the car and moved it off of the tracks to safety. Ms. Carrillo apologized profusely for making Mr. Lugo late. At the same time, she was thankful for going above the call of duty.

“Mr. Lugo’s quick actions prevented a potential serious accident. We are very proud of Mr. Lugo and congratulate him. We commend him for his exceptional customer service, for projecting a positive image for Sun Metro in the community, for his outstanding work and for his exceptional service,” said Tim Omick, Director Sun Metro.

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.

New Year’s Resolutions That Work
Work-Life Balance: A Family Affair

The holidays are over and the gifts have been unwrapped and put away. The children have returned to school and new business and career opportunities are on the horizon. But just as the New Year has arrived, so has the time-honored tradition of creating your 2006 New Year’s resolutions. Since resolutions are designed to improve lifestyles and provide increased balance, the end or beginning of the year is a practical time to reflect on the past years’ business and family successes and challenges.

The majority of individuals want to live healthier longer and more fulfilling lives, so health and exercise goals will probably top the lists of many of this year’s commitments. As a micro-business owner, today’s lifestyle obligations and limitations keep you pressed for time and do not allow much room for family - much less yourself. But don't use life's constraints as excuses for not maintaining a healthy, happy work-life balance.

Healthy lifestyles are a family affair, playing an important role in determining the path to good health for your business and family. Instilling the importance of healthy eating habits, nutrition and regular physical activity are essential in teaching healthy work and life habits that last a lifetime. It would be unrealistic to make drastic overhauls in your lifestyle and not expect resolve to wane as the year passes.

According to a survey by eDiets.com, about 30 percent of individuals making resolutions at the beginning of the year are unable to keep them more than a month. Also, only about 1 in 5 people adhere to their commitments for six months or more. The odds for failing combined with consistent years of unhealthy eating and inadequate exercise can be overwhelmingly discouraging.

But don’t let these challenges deter you for it is never too late to start. Even small changes in your lifestyle can reap big results. Your family and business can still grow up healthy and strong by incorporating just a few changes to help balance work and family life.

What does it take to maintain work-life balance?
The big step to a healthier, fitter lifestyle is just a few small steps away. But a healthy life style doesn’t just happen spontaneously. It is not found in a resolution, but in evolution. So do not set yourself up to fail through wrong thinking. Instead, set yourself up for success by starting the process off right through planning and maintenance.

Twelve Steps To A Healthy Lifestyle

1. Admit
Acknowledge your needs. It is essential that each family member recognize that the business and the family’s lifestyle need balancing. Without acknowledgement, there can be no change. It truly does take a village to raise a family.

2. Commit
Support good health at home and in the workplace. Taking small steps is better than taking no steps. Since existing patterns of behavior weren’t created in a day, focus on making small changes.

3. Submit
Keep a positive healthy attitude. The motivation to succeed has to come from within. By submitting mind, body, spirit, and resources, it will be easier to make healthier and long lasting resolutions.

4. Omit
Remove the stumbling blocks. Get organized and remove any unhealthy thoughts or potential impediments that may undermine starting the journey to a balanced healthy lifestyle.

5. Own it
Take ownership. Everyone must take responsibility for staying on course. Find ways for each member to take part in staying on path. Support each other and celebrate your successes.

6. Get Fit
Target total wellness. Make sure to focus on overall health and well-being, not a portion. The by products of a healthy balanced lifestyle is complete wellness. Studies have shown that people who exercise along with a nutritious diet not only lose weight but feel better, are not sick as often, can withstand stress more effectively and are generally in better mental and physical health than those who do not.

7. Fix It
Fix what is fixable, manage what is not. Focusing on the unchangeable won’t change it. Concentrate on the unhealthy habits first, and then manage the things you cannot change. Set and prioritize realistic targets because fuzzy goals are as bad as having no goals at all.

8. Rest It
Get your zzzzzzzzz's. A good night's sleep and plenty of rest is essential to a healthy lifestyle. So make sure adequate rest is a part of the plan, inside or outside of your respite.

9. Remit
Forgive momentary lapses. Don't beat yourself up and allow room to stumble. The damage is not in falling down, but in not getting up and trying again

10. Respite
Take a break. Everybody needs a little time away and the good habits you've instilled won't go away overnight. So, relax and take a vacation from the job or family routine…just don't forget to come back.

11. Revisit
Change is good. Take time to assess the plan and ensure everything is on track. If goals have changed or evolved, then amend the plan where necessary and don’t be afraid to change your regimen.

12. Don’t Quit
It takes true grit to stick to change a lifestyle. Change isn't easy - give the plan time to take affect. Just don’t quit. Focus on your goals and keep the finish line in sight.

Change isn’t always easy, but it is possible and it is worth it. The results from living a healthy balanced life will be many healthier, happier years together at home and at work.

Holiday Message for All El Paso City Employees ….

2006 has been an extraordinary year for this organization and the El Paso community. We have advanced many important City Council initiatives this year, finished construction and opened many new facilities approved by the voters, received statewide and national recognition for our high performance and commitment to excellent service, and overcome one of the most severe natural events in this community’s history. I cannot begin to express to each of you my sincere appreciation and thanks for your hard work, loyalty and dedication to the City government and El Paso community. Rest assured your efforts have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. I am proud to be a part of this great organization and a member of the City of El Paso team.

I want to wish all City employees and your families a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I wish you safe travels if you are visiting friends or family away from the City and a joyous, prosperous 2007. I look forward to a great 2007 for this organization and City. As Mayor Cook repeatedly says …. ‘the best is yet to come.’

General Links

• Human Resources
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• 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

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Send us an email at:
elpasopio@elpasotexas.gov

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