Street Talk | September 2012 by Austin Public Works

STREET TALK VOLUME 2 ISSUE 5

REPORTING ON WHAT MATTERS TO PUBLIC WORKS SEPTEMBER 2012

Cover Story: Let’s face it: we’re all busy. But if you slow down and stop juggling all of those competing priorities, you just might see what matters most.

Play The ‘Diversity Game’!: This issue, the Diversity Council wants to bring you a little fun while you learn more about yourself and those who work around you.

PWD Gives Back Here, our employees show that reaching out to our future generations benefits everyone.

Sharpening the Saw

director’s message BY HOWARD LAZARUS DIRECTOR

STREET TALK EDITORIAL Editor in Chief: Chief Reporter:

Sara Hartley

sara.hartley@austintexas.gov

Michelle Frith

michelle.frith@austintexas.gov

Lazarus Contributing Writers: Howard howard.lazarus@austintexas.gov Jennifer Massie-Gore

jennifer.massie-gore@austintexas.gov

Joie de Vivre

Vera Labriola

vera.labriola@austintexas.gov

Nadia Barrera

nadia.barrera@austintexas.gov

Sara Krause

sara.krause@austintexas.gov

Max Eby

max.eby@austintexas.gov

few weeks ago I was lurking in the halls of the Budget Office in City Hall, looking to snatch up any spare change that had slipped between the cushions of the corporate couch, and found myself looking up at a couple of baby photos in someone’s office. These pictures captured the essence of absolute “joie de vivre,” the joy of living. You know - the unfettered, unmitigated, and uninhibited happiness of childhood. The throw your hands in the air and do the happy dance, spike the football, eat an ice cream cone and not worry about the drips kind of euphoria that makes the teensy weensy little hairs on the back of your neck stand up. When was the last time you experienced that feeling? Not lately? That is too common of a reaction and it’s too bad for all of us! All work and no play makes Shuv L. Reddy a dull mascot. In one of the first messages I wrote in Street Talk about four years ago (yes, time does fly and I’m still having fun) I committed to celebrating our successes, and that’s why we’ve scheduled a number of groundbreaking and ribbon cutting events over the past many months. In fact, this past month we hosted a grand ceremony to mark the construction of the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk project. It was a glorious Texas morning, and the old Drifters standard, Under the Boardwalk, was playing in my head:

Robin Field

robin.field@austintexas.gov

Debbie Kelton

debbie.kelton@austintexas.gov

Jerry Carden

jerry.carden@austintexas.gov

design Chief Graphic Designer: Alexa Muraida

alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov

Director of Photography: Shannon Wisner

shannon.wisner@austintexas.gov

When the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fireproof Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah On a blanket with my baby, is where I’ll be... Now (and bear with me as I attempt to tie all of this together), I’ve been under the boardwalk – several in fact on the Jersey shore – and it’s a mixed blessing. Sure, it’s out of the sun and the sand is cool, but it’s also covered with cigarette butts, people are spilling beer and soda through the slots, and the whole privacy aspect of it is greatly overrated. Notwithstanding the drawbacks, it is still a pretty neat place to be. My point is that anyone can find fault with anything. Are you going to let them bring you down? I hope not! We are fortunate in Public Works to be able deliver some very cool things to the citizens of Austin. While many

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of you may question my belief that nothing says “Welcome Home” like a stretch of newly laid asphalt, there is no doubt that the streets and sidewalks, pipes and parks, libraries and recreation centers, and all of the other things we do bring a smile to the faces of our community. It may be tough getting there, but we do it anyway – and hopefully with some joy in our heart! The theme of this issue of Street Talk is Sharpening the Saw. Taking the time to celebrate life is part of keeping our “fighting edge.” Sometimes you just gotta laugh. So go ahead, spike the football. Throw your hands in the air and dance. It’s OK, I promise!

JOY of Living

VOLUME 2

ISSUE 5

contents

SEPTEMBER 2012

COVER STORY

SHARPENING THE SAW Let’s face it: we’re all busy. But if you slow down and stop juggling all of those competing priorities, you just might see what matters most.

Mosaic installed as a Neighborhood Partnering Project in Patterson Park. 2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

contents

VOLUME 2

ISSUE 5

SEPTEMBER 2012

features 8

COVER STORY: sharpening the saw

12 divisions 6

Let’s face it: we’re all busy. But if you slow down and stop juggling all of those competing priorities, you just might see what matters most.

bugs and critters of texas Everyone loves the summertime, but these warm months definitely bring out the bugs! Find out how you can stay safe and avoid these critters!

all around austin Public Workers spent time in July and August doing all kinds of things around town to highlight the work we do in PWD. See what’s been happening and what is coming up next.

pwd gives back Here, our employees show that reaching out to our future generations benefits everyone.

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CIPID lights the path for those wanting to join their crew, and helps their existing crew reach new heights.

gardens for good Rain Gardens in a Drought? A concept that’s just “weird” enough to be found in Austin!

ncd: alphabet soup How the Neighborhood Connectivity team is bringing their unique and varied skills to the table.

building austin’s quality of life How PWD is delivering three visionary projects that will both inspire and motivate.

MILESTONES What Public Workers are doing out there to achieve, foster community, impress co-workers and citizens alike, and show we really are the ‘Department with a Heart’!

so you want to be an inspector?

24 columns

workspace...’out of the box!’ What the Human Resources office is doing to inspire a culture of creativity in Public Works.

career progression: phasing into a new career A new way of doing business that will enable employees to work towards their own potential regardless of job title.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR? Michelle Frith profiles two employees that work hard for PWD everyday, who you may have never met!

diversity council This issue, the Diversity Council wants to bring you a little fun while you learn more about yourself and those who work around you.

meet our summer interns! Here, we’d like to introduce some of the people in various divisions who have been working hard to help us out.

safety zone BY DEBBIE KELTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY

Bugs and Critters of Texas

We’re totally buggin’! Find out what critters are out there and what to avoid this summer.

h, lazing under a nice oak tree in the summer time, enjoying a sandwich and a cold drink, chilling out... and something creepy and crawly runs across your neck! Beware… the dreaded bugs and critters of Texas!

creepy crawlers black legged ticks & deer ticks:

can transmit Lyme disease and other diseases to humans and to pets. Check for ticks after spending time in a grassy or wooded area as Lyme disease can be treated if caught early. Symptoms include a bulls-eye shaped rash, fever, headache and fatigue and some very serious conditions. fleas:

can cause infection from scratching and can also carry Bubonic Plague. head lice:

are grayish white, no bigger than sesame seeds, and hide in the neck area of the scalp. You can get lice from sharing hats, brushes etc. bed bugs:

hide in bedding and are often found in hotels, shelters and apartment complexes. They can spread in luggage, pets and boxes. Bites don’t usually require treatment, but getting rid of bedbugs is difficult and may require professional help.

spiders There are two types of poisonous spiders to be aware of in Texas. The Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. black widows

The Black Widows are long-legged and glossy black with an orange, red or yellow hourglass. Their bites can be identified by tiny red fang marks, redness, and tenderness in the area. brown recluse

The Brown Recluse is commonly known for the “fiddle” shape on its back. The venom is toxic to cells and tissues and can cause tissue death. The bite is often painless but then the skin reddens, turns white, develops blisters and becomes painful.

prevention: Avoid woodpiles and tree stumps. Get medical care immediately if you have been bitten and bring the spider with you if possible.

chiggers:

are actually arachnids (mites). Bites are painless, but itchy. scabies:

are tiny mites that burrow under your skin. They spread through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing towels, bedding or other objects. It can be weeks before you know you have scabies and itching is worse at night.

prevention: Use DEET and keep exposed skin covered. Keep clothing, towels, bedding and grooming items clean. Vacuum often and use insecticides as necessary. See a doctor for medical attention, bringing the bug with you and use antihistamines or lotions. Use pesticides, keep your kitchen clean and repair cracks and holes in floors and walls. 2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

safety zone

continued from pg. 5

flying insects wasps, hornets or yellow jackets:

can inflict multiple stings because they don’t lose their stinger. If you have an allergic reaction, use an EpiPen and/or get immediate medical care. An EpiPen is effective for only 15 minutes. Remove bee stingers with a credit card edge in a scraping motion; do not pinch with your fingers, as it will inject the remainder of venom into your system. Clean the site and apply ice. houseflies:

don’t bite but they can carry more than 1 million types of bacteria on their body. Keep food and garbage in closed containers and use window screens. mosquitos:

can carry West Nile virus and other diseases. Apply insect repellant and cover up. Use window screens and get rid of standing water. water moccasin & cottonMouth:

others: red fire ants:

are aggressive and can inject venom repeatedly and their bites cause lesions. A large number of bites can cause life threatening allergic reactions. The first ant that bites releases a pheromone that causes others to swarm and bite. scorpions:

not all scorpions are poisonous but those that are can be deadly. Symptoms include pain, swelling, itching, vomiting, increased sweating and vision problems. Seek immediate medical care.

snakes: PIT VIPERS include copperheads, cottonmouths and

rattlesnakes. They have a pit near each nostril, which is sensitive to heat and helps locate prey. Pupils look like vertical slits and have the pit near their nostrils.

A Water Moccasin and Cottonmouth are the same type of snake; they are dark colored and live near the water. Cottonmouths are relatively short and wide and they bask on land or logs. They move slowly and defend their territory; they keep their heads elevated when swimming and cock their heads 45 degrees when on land. rattlers:

There are 16 types of Rattlers. They feed on rodents, squirrels, rabbits and other small animals, and hibernate in winter. The babies are more aggressive than adults and do not rattle. coral snake:

The coral snake is also highly poisonous. It does not have fangs and has round pupils. It bites toes and fingers and has to chew on skin to inject venom. Coral snakes are usually encountered in early morning and evening. They are around 24” long and have red and yellow bands that touch, with the first color starting with the black head. The venom is neurotoxic, paralyzing the nerves. Fatalities occur with a high percentage of their bite, but chances for recovery are good with prompt treatment.

copperhead:

what to do if bitten:

A Copperhead is the venomous snake you are most likely to encounter around your home. They hang out in brush and under leaves.

Don’t allow the afflicted person to become exerted. DO NOT apply a tourniquet or cold compress, cut into the snakebite, or suck out the venom. DO NOT give stimulants or pain meds, or give the person anything by mouth or raise the bite above the level of the heart. Do call immediately for emergency assistance, and keep the bite below the heart.

0606STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

2 0 12

City of Austin Employees

CARE

divisions

Building Austin’s Quality of Life How PWD is delivering three visionary projects that will both inspire and motivate.

ublic Works is building the quality of life for future generations of Austinites. Three important projects that have either been recently completed, or will be in the near future, represent the commitment of our department to create spaces that enhance our lives on many levels.

THE BOARDWALK TRAIL AT LADY BIRD LAKE The environmental beauty of Austin is undoubtedly one of the best features of the city. Most Austinites relish spending time outdoors and will now have another safe and inviting option with the construction of the Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake.

08 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

The Boardwalk Trail is a replacement for an existing detour on the 10-mile Butler Hike and Bike Trail. The 1.1 mile Boardwalk will be built along the banks of the lake to connect runners, walkers, and bicyclists on the east and west sides of IH35 along Riverside Drive. Eight years ago, usage of the trail was a phenomenal 1.2 million visitors per year and around 15,000 on a typical Saturday. A new study will be conducted next year to define the greatly increased numbers of outdoor enthusiasts using the trail. Currently, users must divert onto a narrow sidewalk and travel along Riverside Drive, crossing over 30 business entrances and crossing 6 lanes of I-35 access roads to travel east or west. The 7,300 linear feet of the trail’s primary uses will be to replace this dangerous detour on Riverside Drive’s sidewalk in order to create a safer route and to provide space for the significant increase in multi-modal transportation. The addition will allow a route to increase commuter cycling in the community and another route into town. The Boardwalk Trail will begin about ½ mile west of IH35 at the strip of park near the Austin American Statesman and will end about ½ mile east side of IH35 at Lakeshore Park. Project Manager David Kim Taylor points out that the Boardwalk will be a unique addition to the multi-faceted

experience that is the hike and bike trail. The new facilities will provide health, recreational, and commuter benefits worth millions of dollars. Many uses abound for the Boardwalk for pedestrians, runners, strollers and recreational and commuter bicyclists. No skateboards or motorized vehicles will be allowed, with the exception of power assisted chairs. More than half of the Boardwalk will be built over the water with some sections on land. The typical structure of

divisions BY michelle frith CHIEF WRITER the main trail will be 14’ wide and will sit five to six feet above the water on galvanized steel and concrete piers. Periodic widening and several rest stops will offer places to stop and enjoy the scenery and gather with family and friends. The concrete surface will be textured and neutrally colored and elevated sections of the Boardwalk will sport handrails with integral lighting. Steel shade structures will help keep patrons cool at points where there is no natural shade. At Lakeshore Park, the Boardwalk will feature a terraced seating area for enjoying the view, sculptural water features and trees. Accessible parking and an expanded restroom with glazed tile walls and a sloped metal roof will also be added to this site. The concept for the hike and bike trail began in the 1970’s and has been supported by the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) since the 1980’s. Work became active on the Boardwalk addition after the

THE AUSTIN CENTRAL LIBRARY Austin’s new Central Library will be a jewel shining on the banks of Lady Bird Lake. It will be located at the intersection of Cesar Chavez and the future West Avenue where the former south section of Austin Energy’s Seaholm Substation was located. The design of the $120 million facility will offer a place for rest and relaxation but will also be a highly social and active facility. This will be a place for families and friends to gather downtown. Project Manager Cindy Jordan explains that the plans for the streets around the library can be used as a “festival” area for public gatherings. The space will be set off by bollards and the nearby Austin Energy substation will have a screen installation designed by an Art in Public Places (AIPP) artist. The park around the facility can be accessed via the hike and bike trail and will connect to the Lance Armstrong Bikeway. Three entrances to the library can be found; from Cesar Chavez, from 2nd Street and from the park. The park will boast an amphitheater for readings and people-watching, benches and plenty of trees to invite visitors to enjoy nature. A bike porch with a capacity for 200 bicycles and part of the Bike Share program will be installed to encourage patrons to pedal their way to the facility. The first floor of the new library will include a large event forum which is capable of holding 350 people, a demonstration area for cooking demonstrations or book signings, large multi-purpose rooms, a catering kitchen, portable stages, and bleacher seating that looks out on the park through large glass windows. The first floor will also house mechanical rooms and storage. u

Trail Foundation’s 2007 Investment Study, which included transportation data and demonstrated the need for the completion of the trail. Funding for the construction of the trail was approved in the 2010 Mobility Bond. The Trail Foundation is providing $3 million in private donations, including a $1 million donation from the trail’s namesake, Ann and Roy Butler. Construction of the trail is expected to cost $22 million and is a joint effort of the Public Works Department and PARD. The groundbreaking ceremony held on August 3rd, 2012 included a water cannon salute by the Austin Fire Department. Construction is estimated to be complete in 18 months for this amenity that is sure to add to the beauty and accessibility of Austin’s exceptional environment. 2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

divisions

continued from pg. 09

The second floor will have a desk for information requests or paying fines, but the library will not have a traditional circulation desk – it be self-checkout! An art gallery will display beautiful pieces throughout the second floor and the café on the second floor will include outdoor dining space. Recycled Reads – a longtime Austin favorite – will sell used books in their store on this floor. There will be an open atrium in the center of the building with connecting stairs to each floor that gives the library an open, airy feel. The third floor will house half of the administration offices, some of the computer stations, and the Children and Teen sections. These sections will include a reading porch on the exterior of the building. Gaming stations and vending machines will also be available for teens. Additional computers for adults will be sprinkled throughout the third floor. The Fourth Floor will contain the library collections, periodicals, additional administrative offices, and training rooms for public use. Aesthetically, there will be an open skylight and a glass floor bridge to contribute to the library’s ‘open’ feel. Additionally, this floor will boast an adult reading porch with large fans and a reading room on the northeast corner of the building. The fifth level will hold more collections and will offer several shared learning rooms. Finally, the sixth floor will have additional library collections, four more meeting rooms, and soft seating that is flexible and moveable. Here, there will be an outdoor reading garden and a solar roof. All of these fantastic features will make the Central library a fabulous place for learning, relaxing and social gatherings for all ages!

Austin Animal center The bond between people and animals has changed dramatically in the last 100 years. Relationships with our pets have become increasingly close, and we have realized only recently the unacceptability that unwanted behavior is the greatest cause of death for dogs and cats – more so than disease. Animals can offer us companionship, increased health benefits, physical protec-

10 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

tion and longer lives. The Center for Disease Control notes that pets can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness. Many can alert their owners of impending health emergencies or hidden disease. They can also increase your opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities and offer avenues to new friendships with others. In the late 1990’s the Town Lake Animal Center was in great need of an addition to the existing building for increased intake and adoptions. Because the building was situated in a floodplain and the building would have to be raised by 3.5 feet, the project was scrapped. But, the facility had poor air quality and cramped quarters which had created a higher potential for disease and was unhealthy for the animals, staff and volunteers. In 2006, the $25 million dollars sought in the Bond Election to build a new Animal Services Center was reduced to $12 million. Project Manager Kalpana Sutaria was determined that even with the budget cuts, the facility would be of excellent quality. “If the animals are presented well, people are more likely to adopt. We wanted a colorful, large, neat and clean facility with very good mechanical systems.” The new 41,000 square foot facility opened in November, 2011 and has three times higher fresh air intake than a regular office building as well as an energy recovery system. The new systems include water-sourced heat pumps with advanced zoning and airborne bio pathogen controls. The space also includes solar water heating and photovoltaic electricity production. These and other environmentally conscious features of the building contributed to the project recently receiving LEED Gold certification. With the new space, the Animal Services Center has room for more volunteers, new adoption stations and better medical treatment for the animals. Adoptions are highly emphasized in the new shelter, which is the largest municipal animal shelter in Central Texas. It provides shelter to more than 23,000 animals annually and services Austin and Travis County. Remarkably, the center has recently achieved an exceptional 90% no-kill rate. The Center is open to many different types of animals, and even contains a “Bunny Hall” for rabbits. Exotic pets, like reptiles, are also available for adoption. The new Austin Animal Center has a Meet & Greet area, a place to walk the dogs and cats, space for fundraising and adoption events, and space for children to play with the animals. Volunteers and City staff who are needed 24 hours a day have a much better working space. Four veterinarians who are City employees gave input to greatly enhance the surgical operating room, which now has two surgery tables and full surgical suites for animals. Emancipet is now on campus to help with neutering animals to help prevent overpopulation and all pets adopted are micro-chipped for identification. The main building is for adoptions, surgery, and recovery, while additional buildings are for housing stray animals. “The whole idea is that the animal will not be there too long,” says Kalpana. The goal of the Center is to place all animals in homes through adoptions, foster care or rescue partner groups. Additionally, the Art in Public Places program (AIPP) has created a ‘circle of peace’ on the grounds with places to sit and reflect. The Center offers education for pet owners and can give advice on pet care. They have a great intake process and increased outpatient services. To find a new four-legged family member or to volunteer to help a furry friend, check out the Austin Animal Center!

divisions BY MAX EBY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Workspace… ‘Out of the box!’ How the Human Resources office is striving to inspire a culture of creativity in Public Works.

hese days, employers are searching for outside-of-the-box approaches to turn everyday problems into award-winning solutions. Given this challenge, wouldn’t you think the office environment should be structured to encourage innovation and help sharpen the creative saw? Unfortunately, the reality for most workplaces is quite different. We often see ‘cube farms’ that run as far as the eye can see with neatly upholstered washed-out gray or brown fabrics over metal skin. Other times, we encounter sterile offices with big box office store furniture, painted in ‘straight jacket white’. While a few companies include some inspiring spaces in their offices, most get stuck in ‘normal’ gear. Your Public Works HR Office shifted into ‘what if?’ and put the pedal to the metal! While we haven’t gutted our office to install zip lines between tree houses or replaced stairs with plastic slides, we have transformed a space into a creative recharge zone called the IMAGINARIUM. The old HR Manager’s Office doesn’t resemble an office now. Instead, you’ll find a leather sofa, comfortable wooden chairs with bright patterns on their cushions, and a green rug that looks like grass! Round coffee tables, a coffee station, and floor cushions replace the old desk, visitor chairs, and file cabinets.

One table will serve as a desk work area for those wanting to sit in a chair. However, the room allows several people to work in a more relaxed posture using other furniture options. While it all sounds fun, why would we use the space this way? We’re rethinking the way we work! Our IMAGINARIUM is flexible space with many uses. Employees who work from multiple locations or have telework software may use this space when they’re in our office. We have also begun stocking a selection of professional development books that may be checked out and are planning a book club in the near future. Our HR Team will use the IMAGINARIUM for meetings, project brainstorming sessions, small trainings, and to sharpen the saw when the four walls seem to be closing in. Employees may work collaboratively yet remain connected via LAN ports, phones, and wifi. We’re also creating a couple of roving workstations in our office that accommodate staff without needing more office space. Will the IMAGINARIUM be a success? Only time will tell. We’ll feature our results in future publications of Street Talk.

Need help with any HR issue?

No sweat, just email esolutions@austintexas. gov or call 512-974-7041 for assistance.

2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

events

Public Works Connects You... All Around Austin!

Public Works builds our city’s future and celebrates our successes with PWD staff and events all around town. CHILD SAFETY TEAM AND of keeping our little ones safe as they walk AISD PUT ON THE BACK TO to school. SCHOOL BASH PWD ‘LAUNCHES’ THE BOARDWALK PROJECT ON his year, Child Safety really went all out! The Back to School Bash event THE SHORES OF LADY BIRD helps outfit kids for school by supplying LAKE

over 1,000 backpacks and supplies. There are also tons of exhibitors, where kids and The ‘launching ceremony’ of the Boardwalk parents can check out things like APD’s Trail Completion Project was held on Friday, school zone enforcement equipment, get August 3rd in International Shores Park. their faces painted, and visit one of the many Complete with water cannons, a mariachi informational booths. A press conference band, and paletas, this event was definitely was held, including a Safe Walk demonstra- one to remember! The project, managed by tion by Child Safety’s Leticia Richardson and David Kim Taylor, will complete the segment Rhonda Bolick. Council Member Mike of the trail on the east and west sides of IH35 Martinez and the Austin Police De- along Riverside Drive. More than half of this partment were also in attendance project will be built over Lady Bird Lake, with to speak about the importance some sections on land, and will increase

connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians using the trail. What a way to celebrate such an important project!

Helping AISD Kids get Supplied for the School Year

a member of their parking enforcement staff! The demonstrations finished off with the kids being able to put on their very own ‘safety’ parade! What a success!

The week of August 1st officially kicked off the 7th annual Build A Backpack event. Build A Backpack is a unique City program to aid AISD students who are in need, as well as promote the City’s Mentor and Tutor program. This year, Public Works donated an estimated 45 backpacks of the City’s total 700 backpack donation, as well as a mountain of supplies to the effort. Donations will go to 13 elementary, five middle and four high schools as well as the Travis County Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Facility, which serves AISD students.

Child to Work Day – It’s all about Safety! This year’s Take your Child to Work Day, held on June 22nd, was centered around the theme of Safety and held at the St. Elmo field office. The day began by designing safety themed T-shirts and getting to know each other. Then, the kids headed out for some fun demonstrations! Charles Felipa’s sidewalk crew showed just how sparkling clean our Cyclone machines can get our downtown sidewalks. Also, ATD demonstrated how to paint a curb and install a street sign. The kids even got to hold a boot with

2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

columns

Intern Spotlight cipid:

nicole debevoise

Nicole Debevoise worked as an intern for CIP Inspection this summer. She is starting her senior year at Texas A&M University’s Civil Engineering program this Fall, and is hoping to graduate in May 2013. Nicole is interested in structures and would like to continue her education in a graduate program one day; perhaps in one focused on structural or architectural engineering, or project management. To get diverse experience, Nicole spent part of her internship with CIPID field engineers and inspectors visiting construction sites. She also had the opportunity to attend various meetings and advisory committees, had the chance to practice her public speaking skills, interact with the Project Management Division, and spend a few days with various Street & Bridge divisions. Nicole also attended some of the classes offered by CIPID and ESD. In the afternoons, she helped CIPID with process improvements, e-forms, and the Division SharePoint site. She says that the most valuable part of her internship was the ability to network and meet engineers that already work in the field. Nicole has an interest in photography (especially in landscape and outdoor shots) and plans to spend her internship money on a new camera. Besides working as an intern this summer, she served as

14 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

a counselor at a girls’ middle school summer camp focused on engineering. pmd:

tors who took the time to teach, explain and involve him in the work. “I would like to thank everybody here at Public Works for the knowledge and experience. It has given me insight and understanding for my college career and my future career in construction.“ Shane is an avid angler, and after his internship, he looks forward to spending time in Port Aransas offshore fishing, hitting the beach and enjoying time with his family. NCD:

shane britton

Shane Britton, the summer intern with Project Management, graduated from Cedar Park High School in 2011. He then set out to Bryan, Texas to attend Blinn College-Bryan Campus. He’s a mathematics major at Blinn and plans to transfer to Texas A&M University where he will major in Civil Engineering and minor in Construction Science. Shane plans to become a project manager in the private sector after graduation and his dream is to eventually own his own engineering consultant firm. Shane spent a lot of time this summer with construction inspectors, alongside the survey team, with the Project Managers, The Neighborhood Connectivity Division, and The Watershed Protection Department. That’s quite the internship! Shane gained experience organizing construction materials, testing data, setting up backsites, running data collection, reading the GPS, using the hamburger and chopping line – cutting ragweed and other plants. Shane also attended weekly construction meetings and prepared meeting minutes. When asked about his overall experience as an intern, Shane said, “It makes me proud to live in a growing city where public employees work together and put in their best effort to complete projects the right way, the most efficient way, and with lasting quality.” Shane would like to extend a sincere thank you to all project managers and inspec-

sophia benner

Sophia Benner, a summer intern with Neighborhood Connectivity, received her BA in Political Science from the College of Charleston, where she graduated in 2009. Her internship has included working on ongoing duties like bike map distribution and specific projects like the Bike to Work Survey. Sophia helped create the survey, emailed the participants and is now compiling the data into a report. The internship has been a great opportunity for her to learn about the many bicycle-related projects happening in Austin. After completing the internship, she plans to finish her Master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from UT. She is starting her second year in August and will be done in May. Sophia is trilingual, and speaks English, Spanish and French. She hopes to somehow incorporate her enthusiasm for linguistics into her planning career! hrd:

sandy zavala

Sandy Zavala had the opportunity this summer to intern with the HR office. She has completed middle school and will be going on to high school. While working with the HR office, she helped file folders and gained valuable experience working with others. She enjoyed being in a professional working environment and hopes to find another job to continue what she has learned at the City. She describes herself as being a very quiet person, but does have a lot to say. She appreciates her experience here and shares that it helped ‘bring her out of her shell’ a bit more.

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ory egory categ eachhcat ineac iesin phies troph cetro 1st place 1stpla

Open to all City Employees loyee to participate A team must have at least one (1) City Emp

UP TO THE DAY OF EVENT ENTRIES ACCEPTED e competition is FREE Th Carlos Villalpando (974-7153) Contact Chuck Schoenfeld (974-1757) or

divisions

So, you want to be an inspector...? CIPID lights the path for those wanting to join their crew, and helps their existing crew reach new heights.

very year, four to five Public Works employees participate in the CIPID Inspector Trainee Program. The Program, initiated several years ago by the previous CIPID division manager and supported by the department director, is a part of the departmental succession planning. It presents an opportunity for PWD employees to get insight into the work of CIP inspectors, develop a mentoring relationship with the CIPID staff, and gain the skills necessary to get through the rigorous interview process should they decide to pursue careers as inspectors. To participate in the six-month program, available only to PWD employees, one has to have a minimum of three years of construction experience. You must also have been a City of Austin employee for at least three years, two of which must be in PWD. Employees interested in the program have to submit an application and go through a selection process. Each selected candidate is placed into one of the five inspection groups, is encouraged to take six core classes for CIP inspectors, and spends one day a week with the inspection group shadowing our inspection staff and learning about the construction methods and materials. Going through the program does not guarantee a position with CIPIDâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; however, the trainees are usually more successful in the interview process. Since the initiation of the program, over a dozen Street & Bridge employees completed the program and three of them moved into inspector positions, and now are invaluable members of the CIP inspection team.

Larry Williams was the first person that transferred to CIPID from the Street & Bridge Division. When he inquired about the possibility of cross training, the program or classes for inspectors did not yet exist. Larry started by using his personal time to gain the training and knowledge necessary to be successful in an interview. Later, Larry became the first person accepted into the Program and was offered a position before he finished it. Carlos Lopez, formerly a crew leader at Street & Bridge, started the program about five years ago and he was the first person to go through the whole Program. He was assigned to the St. Elmo Field Office and spent one day a week with an inspector. According to him, the most valuable part of the program was the hands-on

16 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

training in the field. About six months after he completed the program, Carlos was selected for a position as an inspector. His advice for trainees going through the program is to ask a lot of questions and write everything downâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you never know what questions will come up later during an interview. Kenneth Johnson, our most recent hire from the Program, started the training in 2009 and was hired two years ago. Being in the program gave him a better understanding of the role of the inspector in the construction process, knowledge of construction from the technical standpoint, and the ability to apply the information from the inspector classes in the field. Kenneth said that being good at math definitely helped, but he still studied the

handouts from the inspector classes every day, so once he was invited for an interview, he was ready. Larry Carlos, and Kenneth agree that there is much more to being an inspector than driving around in a City vehicle. They appreciate the help they received from the seasoned inspectors and, at the same time, mention that one has to want to make the change in their career and work hard at it. Larry, Carlos, and Kenneth advise employees interested in the Program to apply and to not be intimidated by everything they have to learn. All three of them agree that the program helped them in their career and mentioned that it was useful even to those who decided to pursue career opportunities within the Street & Bridge Division as crew leaders or supervisors.

divisions BY VERA LABRIOLA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sharpening the Saw inspector training: CIPID supervisors help new inspectors be successful at their jobs by offering six core classes every year. The classes are focused on construction methods, construction materials, underground utilities, and roles and responsibilities of the inspectors. They are designed for new CIP inspectors and inspector trainees but are open to all City employees.

education/ profession conferences While Vera Labriola pursues her masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Communication Studies at Texas State University, she also represents her university at professional conferences. This past February, at the Western States Communication Association Convention in New Mexico, she presented her paper on the effects new technologies have on changes in our relationships and communication behaviors.

skill-based pay program CIP Inspectors have the opportunity to participate in the Skill-Based Pay Program. The goal of the Program is to develop highly skilled and motivated inspection staff. Through this Program, inspectors are encouraged to earn important construction related certifications. By participating in trainings; sharpening their math, plan reading, and construction materials skills; and obtaining certifications from organizations like NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) or TCEQ (Texas Commission of Environmental Quality), CIP Inspectors can move from Entry Level to Level 4. Each of the levels (except for the Entry Level) has a lump sum or pay increase incentive. Greg Weems, who moved through all four levels before he was promoted to a supervisory position, now serves as a mentor and a source of knowledge for those who participate in the Program. One of the CIP Inspectors, Peter Morales, recently passed the tests and achieved NICET Highway Construction Level 1 and Level 2 Certification in one testing, which is very rare! Congratulations Peter!

helping community Besides working for the City, many CIPID employees also give back to their communities.

. . . . . .

Lek Mateo and Valerie Rockwell volunteered as HUB shelter managers and served evacuees in emergencies during natural disasters. Lek Mateo and Greg Weems regularly help the Austin Fire Department with their hiring process as proctors. Trish Wadsack is an ordained elder in her church and together with her daughters does occasional puppet skits for children. Over time, they have written and performed more than fifty skits. Larry Williams works with youth and does community outreach for Horizon Worship Center. Peggy Howard volunteers her time on the Boone Elementary Parent-Teacher Association Grounds & Safety Committee planting trees and helping to maintain the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s butterfly, wildflower, and vegetable gardens. Alexa Locklear serves as the president of her local volunteer firefighter association.

2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

Sharpening the Saw it: we’re all busy. But if you slow down Landet’sstopfacejuggling all of those competing priorities, you just might see what matters most. BY MICHELLE FRITH CHIEF EDITOR

The alarm goes off and another day begins. Get up to make coffee, let the dog out, shower and make the bed, look presentable, get the kids ready for school, fill the car up with gas, get to work early and then review the tasks that need to be done today. Which are the most important? There are so many urgent things that are screaming for attention and you feel rattled and indecisive about which of these items will be the most important to take care of first. You think, and think...

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continued from pg. 19

and then go get another cup of coffee. You see a friend in the hallway and stop for a chat and learn about five more things that happened over the weekend that will need immediate attention. But first, you have to check emails, you should really stop to review that report, wait - more emails came in! Your son calls from school – and then its noon. In our lives, we have so much technology vying for our attention, so many tasks with family and friends and home, and in our culture we have a strong work ethic – get more done faster, and keep improving. How can we balance all these items and still do a good job at work? Have you ever slowed down to wonder if this is the most effective way of living your life? Are the most important things being addressed? Are you being the best employee by always dropping everything to fight the latest fire? If a task is urgent, does that necessarily make it important? Wouldn’t it be better to focus on the important things in life that aren’t urgent? Are you working your way through life, or are you really living your life? Which feels more true to you “I live to work” or “I work to live”? In Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People he explains that we can all lead happier lives by slowing down to think about what is important to us, by changing our minds about what “winning” means and how to be more fully involved in our relationships. The previous six habits are supported by the seventh and possibly most important habit – “Sharpening the Saw”. When cutting a piece of wood with a dull saw, you can eventually get the job done, but with a dull saw it takes much more effort and usually will not yield as clean a cut as you might with a saw that is sharp. You must stop long enough to sharpen the saw so that you can be more effective in the task at hand. In seeing yourself metaphorically as a saw, you want to cut cleanly through your daily tasks. To sharpen that saw you must preserve and enhance yourself in four main areas: physical, social/emotional, spiritual and mental. To quote Mr. Covey, “This is the single most powerful investment we can ever make in life – investment in ourselves, in the only instrument we have with which to deal with life and to contribute.” You can’t delegate sharpening the saw to other people – this is something you do for yourself.

The Physical Dimension We must take care of our physical bodies by eating the right kinds of foods, getting sufficient rest and relaxation and by getting regular exercise. These are high-leverage activities because having a healthy body enables you to think more clearly, react better and keeps you from getting sick. You don’t need special equipment or a gym membership to exercise. You can use City swimming pools free of charge with your City badge, you can get a PARD card and utilize the weight rooms from the gym, you can take a stroll with your family, or maybe take your dog out for a walk around the neighborhood or on a trail. You could also bicycle to the grocery store or to work. PE classes are available free of charge for City employees with a wide range of fitness levels and availability. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week can

greatly improve your overall health and make you more alert and ready to handle your workweek in a better way. You can become more flexible, have greater endurance, feel less fatigued and can become stronger. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, have a conversation with your doctor about what is appropriate for you, and then start slowly! Healthy Connections also offers multiple classes in nutrition and cooking healthy foods, diabetes education, free mammograms (for you or your spouse/partner), health assessments and health fairs. You can join Weight Watchers at a greatly reduced price, use the Tobacco Cessation program or use “Farm To Work” to get organic vegetables de-

20 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

livered to One Texas Center. In 2011, the Wellness Program estimated medical claims savings were $3.2 million dollars but the program itself only cost $750,000. That didn’t happen by accident – it took the commitment of CoA employees to make their lifestyles healthier. The top three employee health risks

are 1) Body weight 2) Blood Pressure and 3) Stress. What are you going to commit to today to sharpen your saw in the physical dimension?

The Spiritual Dimension Sharpening the Saw spiritually is like building up your core muscles to support the rest of your body. Without a strong core, the body collapses on itself and the organs don’t work properly. Your spirituality is your soul’s core and is your commitment to your value system. The spirit inspires and uplifts you. Every person experiences and honors their spirituality differently. Meditation, prayer, listening to music that uplifts you, spending time in nature, learning relaxation breathing techniques, or any other way that helps you to reconnect with your inner self is absolutely essential to keeping your saw sharp. Spirituality can include but does not necessarily mean “religion”. How can you sharpen

your spiritual saw? An early morning at Barton Springs or another City park can make you feel relaxed and happy. Leave your phone behind, no iPod or other technology to distract you. Just spend some time outside and start by listening to the sounds of nature and what those sounds inspire in you. Being free? Being still? Patience? Happiness? Examine your thoughts about what makes you happy. Are you bringing happiness into your life? Can you leave your worries behind? Have you identified what your purpose or mission in life is? Stop filling your days up with so much “noise” like Facebook, texting, tweeting, empty television, or useless activities. Watch small children at play and try to see in them what makes them joyful and

full of energy. Can you become that way again? Reconnecting with the core of what drives you can enhance your life dramatically. We are all unique individuals and the spirit in each of us is what makes us human. Living in Austin, we are lucky to have so many options to connect us to nature. We also can use the City libraries to check out books or music that can help hone our spirituality. If you find that you are experiencing depression or anxiety, you can use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to talk to a counselor for up to eight sessions free of charge and it’s all confidential. EAP can help with matters from financial planning, to family problems, to substance abuse problems. You can get child or elder care

referral or information on crisis management or work problems. You can contact Alliance Work Partners at 328-1144 to make an appointment.

The Mental Dimension Formal and informal education is part of the mental dimension of sharpening the saw. Reading, training, writing, having intellectual conversations with others or watching educational television can also be part of what you can do to improve yourself mentally. We have opportunities in our jobs to take advantage of training classes in many different areas. PWD employees can get help obtaining a GED, take classes in ESL, and get tuition reimbursement to attend college. Supervisor Academy, LEAPS Academy, Management Academy and more are available to City employees. Safety classes are available to sharpen our awareness of how to take better care of our co-workers and ourselves. We can learn how to use different equipment on the job site, or different software at our computers. These classes and many others are available by signing up through TRAIN. Helping kids with their homework, joining a book club with friends or reading a book checked out from the library can also help anyone develop their mental skills. Most of us don’t feel that we have the time to sharpen the saw mentally, but not taking that time could put you at risk! Research shows that as we get older, people who work brain puzzles, do crossword puzzles, write, garden, sing or dance have a much better chance of keeping their brains healthy and fighting off dementia, depression or Alzheimer’s disease. We all have 168 hours each week. If you take out time for sleeping 8 hours a day and 40 hours of work per week, you are still left with 72 hours (give or take a few hours for commuting) in your week. How will you choose to utilize those 72 hours? Surprisingly, according to Neilson Research, the average American watches 5 hours of television a day and there are typically more televisions in a household than there are people. In a 65 year life-span, people watch 9 years of television! Can you think of ways you’d rather spend those 9 years? That’s not to say that television is inherently bad, but we should all consider if we are managing our television habits, or if our habits are managing us. Consider taking a cooking class, visit ACC to explore continuing education classes, keep a journal, write letters instead of texting, or learn a new hobby! You have the same number of hours in the week as Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Helen Keller or (insert name of someone you admire). We all have the time to lead great lives if we make up our minds to do so. 2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK 21

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continued from pg. 21

The Social/Emotional Dimension Paying attention to our relationships may be the most important way to sharpen our saw. If you ask most people “Who are you?” or “What do you do?” they will tell you what their work occupation is. But really, who are you? What roles do you play? In defining my own roles, I realize I have to first note my relationship with myself, then as a wife, mother and daughter. I am also a friend to many. But, my relationships and roles go further, as a writer, a church member, a student, a business person, and a volunteer. The task is to make certain

Balance

that those relationships take as much if not more of a priority in my list of “to do’s”. Ask yourself what your priorities are, and why those are so important. The social/emotional dimension focuses on the principles of personal leadership, empathic communication and creative cooperation. It comes from living a life of integrity and is demonstrated in our daily work by doing a job that reflects our deepest values. Ways to develop in this dimension at work are by working on teams and valuing the differences of each team member. We can apply for the Leadership Academy to learn not just the principles of leadership, but of public service. We can volunteer to assist in many ways through the City, by helping build backpacks, by helping with CoACCC special events, or by helping a co-worker with a particular problem. City departments are

full of volunteer opportunities. There are exciting opportunities to volunteer with Fire, APD or EMS and Animal Services or the Library are always seeking volunteers to help in many different ways. You can choose the amount of time you give or the way you choose to volunteer. If you don’t want to volunteer in a City program, you can visit www.volunteermatch.com to see what opportunities are out there, long or short-term that may meet your interests. The City is working on creating a central webpage for employees to explore volunteer interests. If you feel that you don’t have anything to offer, most volunteers will happily explain that they “feel selfish” when they volunteer because they get back far more from the experience than they give. Other ways of establishing relationships at work include “Woman to Woman”, an employee group that fosters support and guidance for female City of Austin employees within the workforce. This program can be accessed on TRAIN. There are also employee networks, like the Asian American Employee Network, the

African American Employee Network and Austin Hispanic Network. If you are interested in health and wellness, Healthy Connections will welcome you to the Wellness Liaisons and PE Captains network. Helping with CoACCC, Mentor Programs or Award and Recognition programs are other ways to network and make friends at work. You could offer to help as a Departmental Safety Liaison, or join the Financial Manager’s Network, Public Information Network, Benefits Advisory Committee, Climate Action Team, Employee Diversity Team, PWD Diversity Council, the Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities and more! Learning to develop your personal relationships and ensuring you are nurturing those relationships that are most important to you can literally add years to your life and ensure that you live a happy life. However, the relationship you have with yourself is the most crucial relationship of all. Internal security comes from within and from living a life of integrity reflecting your deepest values.

In our busy days we tend to put a higher priority on making those business calls, writing accurate reports or making sure that the project we’re assigned to is completed. It’s not that those things are not important, but you must remember that the most important appointments you keep are those you keep with yourself and with those that you love. To sharpen the saw requires that you care for yourself in all four dimensions. To neglect one dimension diminishes the results of all. The things you do to optimize one area have positive impacts on the other areas. By looking carefully at the word “recreation” we can see that broken down, the word is “re-creation”. You can “re-create” your life in an upward spiral by consciously choosing to live an honest life of balance and selfrenewal. This upward spiral requires us to learn and commit on an ever-increasing higher plane. To keep our balance and to live happy lives, we must recreate, we must take care of ourselves physically, we must connect with our inner core self, we must continue to challenge ourselves intellectually, and we must nurture our relationships. By employing these “habits” you may find a different answer altogether to the question, “What do you do?”

22 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

The Diversity Game! BY JERRY CARDEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Diversity Council wants to bring you a little fun while you learn more about yourself and those who work around you.

Can you match the interests or statements of the PWD/ATD Diversity Council below with their photos above? Perhaps the results will surprise you and expand your understanding of, well, diversity!

“I wore long dreadlocks when I played reggae music.”

“I was the first born American citizen of German parents, and for the past 15 years have always had a job in the Engineering field.”

So what is “a diversity game”? Consider this: What one can see is often the primary indicator of what we think of others. As diverse as we are externally, often times those differences hide how similar we are in other ways. We may even have quite a variety of interests and similar upbringings that may not be seen from beyond a first impression.

“

The quality of mercy is not strain’d. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. -Shakespeare’s Quality of Mercy

”

So, have you ever learned of some interest of a person that had you reflect, “Wow, I didn’t know that about him!”? In Shakespeare’s words, it ends up blessing both people to know their similarities, not just differences.

Rohini Kumarage

Dario Octaviano

“I used to wear a ‘bunny suit’ to work” (I worked as a Field Engineer building clean rooms).

“I like sports with wheels, my current favorite playing roller hockey. And when I was 12, I rode my bicycle down the California coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles during an 8 day bike camping tour with the scouts.”

“Give up anything for traveling”

Tyleah McGuire

Diane Rice

“Cheaper by the dozen. I have 11 siblings, 5 brothers & 6 sisters.”

This person has attended John Denver, the Police, and Fleetwood Mac concerts.

“I was a black belt in Karate by age 11. My first concerts I attended were Tina Turner and Joe Cocker. I first learned how to drive a stick shift in Venezuela. I play the djembe drum.”

Simon Orta

Eva Moore

“I’ve been married for 22 years with 2 kids in college and a junior in high school. I am an active board member for the (ACA) Austin Creative Alliance. 2nd year.”

Alexa Muraida

Jerry Carden

Jeff Travillion

2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

divisions

Career Progression: Phasing into a New Career

A new way of doing business that will enable employees to work towards their own potential regardless of job title.

ithin the Public Works Department it has become evident over the past years that Street and Bridge Operations (SBO) employees need a clearly defined Career Ladder or Map that will enable them to move up and across, within and outside of the PWD organization. It has also become necessary to create a cross-functional and flexible workforce so that PWD business objectives will be met in order to serve the ever-growing needs of the City of Austin. Therefore, Street and Bridge Operations and Human Resources have joined forces to create a Career Progression Strategy that will organization a lot more efficient and a lot accomplish this task! better. You can say, ‘this is where I want to be. I just was never given the instruction You may ask, What exactly is the Street and Bridge to do it or given the opportunities that I Career Progression Program? have now.’ These are the opportunities I am talking about, that we should all see and use. These are all tools that are in front Well, last week I sat down with Super- enlightened.” Clay goes on to say, “[In this program] of us.” intendent Clay Rivers from Utility Cuts to Self-motivation is key, as each indispeak about his views on the Career Pro- we want employees to take more of an ini- gression Program. Below is a paraphrase tiative toward their career and not just de- vidual within the program is set on his or pend on the managers or the supervisors her own path. Each individual will have of his viewpoints on the program: The program is a new way of doing to push them. It is our job to push you, to his or her own Employee Development business and the number one message to make sure you have everything you need, Plan and Career Progression Plan. Based the whole entire department is, “HEY! This but it is also up to the individual to ask on the level the employee is currently at program is for YOU!” No favoritism. It’s not what they can do. What do I need to do? and where they want to progress to, the about who you know, but what you know, What can I do? What classes can I take? program will give employees the training and we want to break that misconception. What other responsibilities can I take on and tools necessary to change divisions and career paths. Such as moving to ConThere is more to it, because this program to become a better employee?” As an example, Clay Rivers started struction Inspection, or to the Forestry is about you: the employee, and your individual growth. The more you are willing at the bottom and worked his way up the Program. The key is individual responsibilto grow, the more you are able to put into chain of command. He feels that every- ity and self motivation. SBO has never had a Career Progresthe program, and the more successful you thing he has done, he has first seen a need for it. In Career Progression, he thinks this sion Program in place. With this said, the will be. If you were to put a phrase or a tag is what employees should recognize; to value of a person is significant, and in orline to the program, it would go some- see the need and then implement it. Even der to get to where we want to be as an orthing like this: INDIVDUAL RESPONSIBIL- if you are not sure if you need it, take the ganization, there is a need for progression ITY. Clay says, “In every aspect of your class because it’s there being offered to and employee development. One of the career, it is the individual’s responsibility enhance you. And not to mention, it’s free! important parts of the program is cross training. The ability to train and develop to make sure they have everything they Take advantage of the situation. Clay adds, “I want to make sure every the skills and competencies necessary need in order to be successful. From Assis- tant Director Robert Hinojosa, to division employee takes advantage of this pro- to advance is creating a workforce that is managers, superintendents and all the su- gram, not only because it makes them a productive, flexible, fluid and cross-funcpervisors, they want the employees to be better employee, but it also makes the tional. The goal for the program would be

“

24 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

”

divisions BY alexa muraida CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Thoughts from some of the employees: sbo: maintenance Tech III

johnny trevino

to have everyone be an expert at any or all of the jobs related to SBO. This way, an individual is constantly growing, moving, progressing and becoming a problem solver in anything they do. The goal is that an employee would be able to work in sealcoat and have a working knowledge of concrete and utility cuts, while also being able to operate all equipment. The employee would optimally be able to know every aspect of every job within SBO for ultimate success. The goal will take years and there will be a lot of on the job training and classes to take, but overall it is benefiting both the employee and the organization.

So now you are probably wondering, Yeah, but what are my next steps?

“

The program has two components. Phase 1 of the program involved the reclassifications new job titles and individual skills assessments done by employees. Currently, employees have an opportunity to broaden their horizons through Commercial Drivers Licensing (CDL) and General Educational Development (GED) certificate attainment, as well as additional cross-training within each division.

”

Phase 2 of the program is currently under development, which is the creation of the “Progression Plan”. This includes identifying individual Employee Development plans, assessing how to progress, as well as classes and training. Please be patient as your management team works to create the new business model. Development of the “progression” component may take up to a year to complete.

“One of the things I like about Career Progression is that if you want to operate equipment you can [...] Overall, career progression is giving an opportunity to progress and further your job skills.” Utility Cuts & Concrete

sbo: maintenance Tech III

Ildefonso Carbajal

“Career Progression will help give everyone the chance to move up if they want. We just need the will and the necessary training to go forward and make Street and Bridge a better place to work.”

Utility Cuts & Concrete sbo: maintenance Tech III

Oscar ramirez

“I feel like the Street and Bridge Utility Cuts Division has made a step in the right direction when I see fellow employees strive to get their G.E.D.’s, CDL licenses and classes for their career progression. [This has] made it fair for employees to self-progress in our careers.”

Utility Cuts & Concrete

what do you think? If you have suggestions or ideas moving forward, or would like to be a part of the Progression Development Team, please let your Supervisor know. After speaking with your Supervisor, if you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact your Human Resources Office. 2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

columns BY MICHELLE FRITH CHIEF REPORTER

How well do you know your neighbor?

ilbert Alvarez is the very definition of laid-back. He has an easy smile and an easy air about him. The fifth of six children, including two brothers and three sisters, Gilbert was born and raised in Austin. Gilbert’s mom and siblings live locally, except for a sister who moved to Colorado. They are a close famNEIGHBOR ily that gets together at Gilbert Alvarez every opporDIVISION tunity. “I love Austin –it’s just Street & Bridge, home,” he says. Utility Cuts He attended Hays High TITLE School where Operations Tech I he played football and basketball. While in high school he picked up some odd jobs working with his brother-in-law who had a construction business. After high school, Gilbert continued working in his brother-in-law’s business painting, remodeling, texturing and doing dry wall and other types of contract work. He worked there for about 15 years and then began working for an apartment complex getting apartment units ready for new tenants and doing maintenance. He chuckles and says, “I really like that kind of work. I could just put on my music and spend the day getting the apartment ready and work at my own pace.” Gilbert joined the City of Austin Pub-

26 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

Michelle Frith profiles two employees that work hard for PWD everyday who you may have never met! lic Works Department five years ago, on the Utility Cuts crew. He got his CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) since joining the City. There are “good teachers in Street and Bridge. I’ve learned so much and it’s all fun. The first time I got on a backhoe, I couldn’t stop smiling! It’s exciting and fun – you know, the older the boys, the bigger the toys!” The crew is supervised by Mike

“

I like the people the best. We laugh all day. I actually look forward to coming to work in the mornings! - Gilbert Alvarez,

”

Street & Bridge, Utility Cuts

Girod and works with backhoes, rollers and other heavy equipment. They are a very close team and spend the day laughing while they help each other get the job done. They work across the entire city and Gilbert especially enjoys working outside with the variety of jobs and scenery that continually changes. Gilbert shares, “A City job is a good job. I especially like the number of holidays and the great benefits.” When asked what he likes best about his job he grins and says, “I like the people the best. We laugh all day. I actually look forward to coming to work in the mornings!” The Concrete crew goes out to make saw cuts in the concrete and the Utility Cuts crew that Gilbert is part of then follows behind,

peeling off the asphalt that has been cut and replacing it with new asphalt and then smoothing it out. They begin the day mapping out the jobs to be done, calculating the materials needed and dividing up the jobs. They start at the job farthest from the yard and work their way back. The job can be very dangerous since motorists yell at them, make gestures and sometimes speed through the work zone endangering everyone. They also have to be careful during the heat of the summer. When asked how he personally deals with the heat, Gilbert shares that he takes the required breaks, drinks plenty of Gatorade, watches his temperature, and uses the heat kit that is provided by PWD that holds ice packs, towels and a chamois that keeps him cool. Gilbert feels the future will take care of itself, “I would like to be running the crew someday. Some of the people are getting ready for retirement and they are sharing what they know with the rest of us. They are teaching us some great skills”. He would also like to buy a house someday, but says easily, “That will happen someday. I’m not in a hurry. Everything comes in its own time.” Gilbert is a pretty good poker player and usually places in top two or three but has never been to Las Vegas. He likes to shoot pool, have barbeques, and play washers. His mantra is “don’t take life too seriously”. Gilbert says he likes to smile more than anything. That must be true – he does it a lot.

Gilbert Alvarez

columns

udrey Hepburn once said, “The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows”. Melissa Pool is a woman who quietly exhibits an infinite amount of strength and compassion. She grew up in Austin with her two sisters, Jolie and Sarah and with her brother Billy who works for NEIGHBOR the Watershed ProMelissa Pool tection DeDIVISION partment. Their Human Resources father was a schoolTITLE teacher for Acting Human 37 years Resources Manager and their mother worked for Public Works for 10 years and currently works for the Austin Water Utility. Melissa’s paternal grandfather was the Acting Fire Chief when the Capitol caught fire in the 1980’s. Melissa describes her maternal grandfather, Vernon Bud Smith, a construction foreman, as having a huge influence on her life through his strong work ethic, humility and compassion for others. He was a “big man with a very big heart, a true leader. He was a generous, humble man who took good care of people but never bragged about it”. Melissa attended Travis High School. She worked after high school in an office supply store as the Customer Service Supervisor. She married young and started her family within a year. Melissa beams when she talks about her daughters Kaitlyn (Kaity), 20, and Laura, 17. Laura just returned from a mission trip to Chicago, and Kaitlyn recently gave birth to little Annabelle. Melissa devoted herself to giving her daughters a solid foundation, despite the end of her marriage. She obtained her associate degree from ACC while working various entry-level positions. She continued her education at night and later

Melissa Pool

earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management from Concordia University. Melissa has supported PWD since her career began in the Safety Division in 2000. During her safety days you could find her doing ergonomics assessments, installing keyboard trays and making safety presentations. The safety position led to Melissa’s position as the Department Workers’ Compensation Representative, and from there she went on to learn the other HR functions. Employee Relations is the area she enjoys most. “I like the personal interaction, helping resolve difficult situations, bringing things to closure, and –believe it or not- the report writing. I am interested in finding out what motivates particular people, what their goals are, and what might be holding them back from achieving those goals.” Now the Acting HR Manager says, “I’d like to change the perception of HR – we are progressive and forward-thinking strategic business partners. Of course it’s still our jobs to understand and communicate policies and procedures, but we are not the principal’s office!” When asked what she likes about Public Works she answers, “I know the names and faces of nearly everyone in Public Works. I am proud of the work we do and proud to be in the Department with a Heart. I feel very fortunate to work in a department with values that are in line with my own value system. The programs I am most excited about are the SBO Career Progression Program, Leadership Academy and JobForward; which provides job training, ESL & GED prep, and developmental classes. These programs increase skill levels, further education and eliminate language barriers.” Melissa feels anyone can be a leader, no matter his or her level of education or background. “We have great ex-

ecutive leadership and division managers who are committed to providing quality opportunities and quality services. Howard makes you push yourself to strive for excellence.” Melissa is passionate about traveling, loves to read, write short stories, and sketch. Life-long learning is also important to her. “I want to realize my full potential and make a difference in the lives of others. It’s so important to be a positive force, to strive to be our best selves and to help others.” That’s the kind of beauty anyone would be proud to possess.

2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

features BY ROBIN FIELD CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PWD Gives Back

Junior Achievement (JA) volunteers enter classrooms to provide students with hands-on learning about key concepts of work readiness, entrepreneurship, and fiHow our employees show that reaching out to nancial literacy with the goal of preparing our future generations benefits everyone. them to succeed in a global economy. Volunteer teachers present to the entire class on topics such as city planning, business he City of Austin’s Mentor and Tutor Program was created in 2002 and is de- and bank operations, ethical decisionsigned to encourage City employees to actively participate in the Austin In- making, and how to manage a personal dependent School District (AISD) as mentors and tutors. The focus of the City/AISD budget. www.jacentex.org partnership is to place mentors and tutors in lower performing schools. In the past ten years the number of City volunteers donating their time has soared to approximately HOSTS at Metz Elementary is a one-on375 employees. Eight Public Works employees served as mentors or tutors this past one literacy tutoring program. “Helping One Student to Succeed” operates in both school year, and additional volunteers are always needed. AISD has partnered with five organizations in which employees can volunteer English and Spanish and benefits nearly and signing up to volunteer with an organization is easy. First get your supervisor’s ap- half the student population at Metz Elproval, then log on to the organization’s website, register as a mentor or tutor, and let ementary. Volunteers visit the school them know you are a City of Austin employee. Employees who volunteer will receive once a week for 30 minutes and spend their time playing reading games and up to two hours per week of paid time to participate without losing time. engaging in other activities with a focus The Austin Partners in Education Communities in Schools (CIS) pro- on increasing students’ reading fluency (APIE) was created as an independent vides mentoring services to students in and comprehension. www.austinisd.org/ nonprofit organization through a partner- 31 area schools. While their service model schools/details.phtml?id=084 ship with AISD and the Austin Chamber includes providing a wide variety of reof Commerce. They operate Classroom sources that extend outside the scope VICTORY Tutorial, which stands for “VolCoaching using small-group tutoring in of mentoring and tutoring, the City has unteers In Communities Tutoring Our Remath, reading, and college readiness with partnered with them strictly to provide sponsible Youth,” matches students with a focus on Title I schools and students volunteers into their one-on-one tutoring one tutor who helps with homework asfrom under-resourced communities. Ad- and mentoring programs. Tutoring oppor- signments and does other activities that ditionally they manage the placement tunities are offered in a variety of subjects build skills for academic success. Volunof mentors who meet with one student based on individual student needs. Both teers tutor after school in a variety of subweekly for lunch to become positive adult mentoring and tutoring occur on campus jects and grade levels at one of six Austin role models and encourage them to strive during the school day. www.cisaustin.org Public Libraries. http://archive.austinisd. org/community/communityed/victory/ for academic success. www.austinpartindex.phtml ners.orgsuccess. www.austinpartners.org

28 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

The Seedling Foundation provides events and volunteer opportunities with ates that the City of Austin supports their one-on-one lunchtime mentoring to students who have one or both parents in in the criminal justice system, either in jail, prison, or on probation or parole. These mentors are consistent, caring, positive role models for the students they serve and many mentors stay with their students across multiple years. www.seedlingfoundation.net Director Howard Lazarus has been a volunteer with APIE for the last few years. He has tutored through their College Readiness and middle school Step Up Math programs. Howard understands the importance of acquiring math skills at an early age. He said that around middle school is when students decide they either love or hate math and this is the time where tutors can really make a difference. Applying to and entering college is very competitive and if kids are not beginning their advanced math classes by middle school, they may be losing out on opportunities. Howard encourages Public Works employees to volunteer their time. “We are fortunate to have so many employees who are skilled in math and we need to give back. It’s the right thing to do.” In addition to tutoring through the City’s program, Howard mentors a professional protégé who works in the Environmental Service Branch for the City of Tacoma, WA. This mentoring program is through the American Public Works Association (APWA). Howard will be recognized for his commitment to the mentor/protégé program at the annual APWA conference in Anaheim, California later this month. Katie Arens and Ben Ornelas of Austin Energy manage the Mentor and Tutor Program for the City and they coordinate

the various City departments. Katie has been with the program five years and has participated in the Reading Classroom Coaching for one year and mentored at Becker Elementary School for three. Katie truly enjoys her work and understands the benefits for both the students and the employees. She relates it to the recent Olympic games, “Ben and I were discussing our favorite Olympic sports and marveling at the achievements of all the athletes. Every one of those athletes had a coach, a parent, or a friend who pushed them, encouraged them, motivated them, and supported them along their journey to the 2012 Olympic Games. Every young person deserves the same, and how empowering it is that our employees have an opportunity to do that!” Ben joined the program in 2005 but has been a mentor since 1985, before the City’s program was formalized. He mentors through the Seedling Foundation and says, “Mentors have an opportunity to invest themselves in someone who seeks what they can offer in either mentoring or tutoring. I encourage anyone who ever needed help growing up to take a look at the City’s Mentor and Tutor Program. The Program strives to enhance the quality of life for the youth of our community.” Project Management Division employees Delia Uballe and Jose Ibarra have volunteered since 2006 and 2007, respectively. Delia mentors through APIE and has been with the same “mentee” since the third grade – she’s now entering sixth grade. Delia understands the impact she is making on her mentee each time she arrives at the school. The smile on her mentee’s face is priceless and her mentee wanted to make sure Delia would continue visiting her even though she is progressing to a new school. Jose has volunteered three years with APIE’s Compañeros en Lectura and two years with HOSTS at Metz Elementary. Jose says his favorite part about tutoring is, “Witnessing the students taking pride in reading new words and improving their fluency.” Lacy Garner of the Quality Standards and Management Division has been volunteering with APIE as both a mentor and tutor for the past four years. She knows that she and other volunteers are making a difference in the students’ lives. Lacy appreciates the support of City and APIE staff and would encourage folks to look into APIE’s programs. Lacy also appreci-

workers participation. “I continue to refer friends to APIE because I believe their program is a great and easy one to participate in, and our local schools and children need all the support they can get,” she says. Chris Moore in the Neighborhood Connectivity Division and Robin Field in the Project Management Division have been mentoring through the Seedling Foundation for the past few years. Chris mentors a bright 10-year-old girl who is going into the fifth grade at St Elmo Elementary. The two of them discuss her mentee’s dream of going to college and how relationship building is important. An enjoyable activity they share is reading their favorite book about Nelson Mandela. Robin has been mentoring the same girl for the past four years. The two of them eat lunch in the library, discuss upcoming school tests, talk about family, and then they read together until it is time to leave. Robin says, “It’s very gratifying to know that while I am preparing to visit with my mentee and I’m thinking about things we can talk about, she’s doing the exact same thing. We really get the most out of our short time together.” Engineering Services Division employees Rohini Kumarage and Javier Perez also volunteer. In addition to donating time to Meals on Wheels, Rohini mentors through APIE and she is in her fifth year of mentoring the same student. Her mentee begins middle school this year and Rohini is eager to continue her visits in this new, exciting experience. Rohini said that volunteering benefits the student as well as the mentor. She also encourages other employees to look into which organization is best for them. Rohini explains, “Everyone is busy but we can find one hour per week to make a difference in a student’s life.” Javier has tutored through APIE the last few years. He’s done Compañeros en Lectura and Math Classroom Coaching. This upcoming school year Javier plans to do second grade Compañeros en Lectura again. He said it was so rewarding to see the students reading progress through the semester. Javier’s favorite part about tutoring? The gratitude of the students and teachers. The stack of thank you notes in Javier’s office is proof that his commitment has impacted so many. For additional information or questions about becoming a mentor or tutor this upcoming academic year, please contact Public Works volunteer coordinator Robin Field. 2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK

divisions

Gardens for Good Rain Gardens in a Drought? A concept that’s just “weird” enough to be found in Austin.

ven though Central Texas is transitioning away from drought conditions, it seems like we can only guess when we will see our next big rains. However, when the clouds return and rain starts flowing across parking lots, down streets and through gutters, one thing that we know for certain is that, because of several recent City projects, stormwater runoff will be cleaner before entering our creeks and watersheds. These recent projects use a relatively new type of stormwater treatment device called a rain garden. A rain garden is a shallow vegetated depression designed to absorb and filter runoff from hard (impervious) surfaces like roofs, sidewalks, and driveways. When properly designed and built, they are unobtrusive, elegant and an innovative method of cleaning runoff while enhancing the natural landscape. A few of the first notable Austin projects with rain gardens designed specifically to meet water quality goals were East Avenue (the Concordia University re-development), Big Stacy Park and One Texas Center (OTC). At East Avenue, a private development project, rain gardens were designed with assistance from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The public rain gardens at Big Stacey and OTC were planned and constructed through a collaborative effort among the Engineering Services Division of the Public Works Department and the Environmental Resource Management Division (ERM) of the Watershed Protection Department. The OTC office tower and parking lot was

30 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

built originally with no runoff controls (prior to ownership by the City of Austin). In trying to be good guardians of watersheds, ERM looked for opportunities to “retrofit” them into the site. Besides providing stormwater treatment, retrofit projects provide an example to the community of how well these projects can be done to provide effective water quality measures. As in any complex project, a successful rain garden project depends on the collaboration of a team of talented landscape architects, creative engineers, visionary sponsors, strict & knowledgeable inspectors, patient project managers and very capable contractors. And perhaps, they all have to be a little “weird” themselves, or at least think outside the box. A normal design team would lean towards a singular water quality pond with hard edged box of sand and little or no vegetation. These “sand filters” are good at capturing most of the solid contaminants in dirty stormwater but are less effective at removing dissolved pollutants. Rain gardens are innovative and usually more effective water quality features that can be dispersed throughout a site that use landscaping, bio-filtration media and naturallyoccurring microbes that exist in soil. These additional elements enhance the potential for biological and chemical processes to occur which more effectively capture and treat polluted stormwater runoff. Special attention is paid to the selection and placement of various elements within the garden because rain gardens are intended to provide considerable benefits without

a lot of maintenance. So you might say that the vegetation in rain gardens has to be a little “weird” too. The plants must be drought tolerant yet also able to be submerged under water for up to 48 hours. They must also be tolerant of temperatures ranging from 20° with frost in the winter to 110° in the summer in both humid and dry climates. Almost all the plants issued in these gardens are native species. The OTC garden design utilizes two types of drainage designs. The garden along South First Street uses an infiltration design that allows runoff to infiltrate (simply soak) into the ground. The two gardens along Barton Springs Road use a filtration design where the treated runoff is collected in an underdrain pipe which then is discharged into the adjacent storm sewer system. Each design places different soil moisture requirements on the plants. So the landscape architect paid careful attention to the plant palette of each garden bed. Although the OTC rain gardens were built during the 2011 drought, ironically enough, it actually rained a little during the 3-4 month construction period. The rain tested the design and helped the team to identify a few small design concerns. Adjustments were made to the underdrain filter media mix and a few trenches were lengthened to maximize the capture volume. Subsequent rain events proved that the adjustments that were made corrected the issues. Since there is a lack of local data verifying the effectiveness of rain gardens, water quality monitoring equipment has been installed to determine the quality of the dirty runoff entering the gardens versus that of the treated effluent. It will be a while before all the data can be collected and analyzed. But, the preliminary results are positive, indicating that the rain gardens are working. The benefits of rain gardens go beyond just water quality purposes. The OTC rain gardens provide a focal point for the site, they will screen

the parking lot, create a sense of place when combined with the previous landscaping and building improvements and enforces the concept that we have a responsibility to take care of our environment and community. The difference is staggering when the OTC rain garden area “before” and “after” pictures are compared. At first onlookers may have thought it was a bit odd to see a flooded landscape surrounding the parking lot. However, a year after the final plant was installed; nothing seems weird about the rain gardens now. Now, the only weird thing about them is why we didn’t build them earlier!

divisions

BY JENNIFER MASSIE-GORE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

KEY PLAYERS/ CREDITS SPONSORS

ERMMike Kelly & Lee Sherman engineers

ESDKevin Sweat & Jennifer Massie-Gore Landscape architect

John Gleason Project manager

Peter Davis inspectors

Bob Pilgrim & Amanda Wyrick general contractor

MAC Inc.

2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK 31

divisions BY SARA KRAUSE & NADIA BARRERA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alphabet Soup How the neighborhood Connectivity team is bringing their unique and varied skills to the table. Future connectivity wonk!

s has been discussed in previous editions of Street Talk, the Neighborhood Connectivity Division is, by design, a work group that is charged with being fast and responsive on project installations and program service delivery. The team itself is a mix of individuals of varying backgrounds, holding various designations, certifications, and degrees, many having been received while working for the City. Several team members are actively working towards new pursuits. How these various certifications (PWD’s very own alphabet soup) contribute to the overall success of the team is best described by the concept of interdependence from Stephen Covey’s, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change.” Interdependence is an individual’s capacity to share themselves deeply and meaningfully with others and also have access to the resources and potential of other human beings. The interdependent individual is proactive: he or she takes the initiative to get things done and takes the responsibility to make things happen. A key feature of the interdependent individual is that he or she has reached a certain level of “self-mastery” and is open and able to improving other aspects of their daily work and family lives such as teamwork, cooperation, and communication. The willingness and desire of NCD team members to continue pursuing education and professional development is an expression of an interdependent work team. CHAD CRAGER, a Professional Engineer (P.E.), describes his interest in receiving a certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) this way, “As a fairly recent addition to NCD, I’ve begun to realize the great importance of proper planning. While an engineer typically works on today, a planner works on tomorrow. I believe having both perspectives will add value to the City of Austin.”

OTHER NCD MEMBERS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ALPHABET SOUP ARE: NADIA BARRERA

ADRIAN LIPSCOMBE

SARA KRAUSE

Nadia Barrera has a Master’s in Community and Regional Planning (MCRP), is a League of Bicyclists Cycling Instructor (LCI), and recently received her Project Management Professional Certification (PMP).

Adrian Lipscombe has a Master’s in Architecture (M.Arch) and is pursuing a Doctorate degree in Community and Regional Planning (PhD).

Sara Krause has her Master’s in Education (M.Ed), with a specialization in Sports Science and Nutrition.

NATHAN WILKES

NEIL KOPPER

Nathan Wilkes is studying to take his fundamentals of engineering exam (EIT).

Neil Kopper is an Engineer in Training (EIT) and will take his Professional Engineering exam in the next couple of years.

JOHN EASTMAN

ANNICK BEAUDET

John Eastman is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is also an Engineer in Training (EIT).

Annick Beaudet is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) and holds her AICP.

32 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

MICHAEL CURTIS Michael Curtis holds his Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and P.E.

These endeavors allow us to continually work towards improved self-mastery to not only affect ourselves and our home lives, but also the City and the citizens we work so hard to serve.

in every issue

WHERE IS SHUV-L-REDDY?

Where In The World Is Shuv-L-Reddy?

Remember Carmen San Diego? Waldo? Well, Shuv wanted in on some of the action…play our guessing game as he wanders around the city at various PWD-related sites...and beyond!

Can you correctly identify both project site locations that Shuv-L-Reddy has visited? Write in to: streettalk@austintexas.gov for a chance to WIN A PRIZE!

02 location 1

location 2 2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK 33

Milestones AIPaP aw rd

In June 2012, two Art In Public Places pieces received a national honor from the Americans for the Arts 2012 Public Art Network Year in Review. Your Essential Magnificence by artist James Edward Talbot is displayed on the South Congress Project. PMD’s Mark Schruben, QSMD’s Peter Davis, and CIPID’s Rick Ramones contributed to the success of this CIP project.

S.T.A.R. awards Project Management Division service award greg johnston

Greg Johnston for his work developing the SharePoint site and Management Strategy for the Waller Creek Project.

teamwork award Jon Thompson for his assistance acquiring permits and jon thompson tags for reserved parking spaces for residents and businesses in the downtown area as part of the Downtown Alleys project.

achievement award alison von stein

Alison von Stein for acquiring a building permit and license agreement approval without delaying construction activities in the Morris Williams project.

respect award david taylor

David Taylor for his efforts in coordinating many difficult issues the high-profile Boardwalk project.

34 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

Sweatin’ with the “oldies”! Can you out-bench press your director? Come pump some iron with Howard! He is calling it “Sweatin’ with the Oldies” because he challenges YOU to come out and break a sweat with him! (He seems to think he is the “oldie” you are working out with.) The Parks and Recreation Department will open the Givens Recreation Center at 6:00 a.m. to allow our employees to work out early – before work! This is a pilot program to see how much interest we get in keeping it going, so make sure to show your support of the early hours by attending. When: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00am Start date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 End Date: Thursday, October 11, 2012 Just show up with your PARD CARD, ready to work out!

street talk extra

UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

sbo:

ronnie hernandez

sbo:

John Canepa has accepted a Street and Bridge Superintendent of Operations position. John brings an excess of 21 years of experience to the position. John’s most recent position was Street and Bridge Supervisor in Public Works. John will be responsible for the North District maintenance operations and for the Right of Way Maintenance operations.

Michael Goertz has accepted a Street and Bridge Superintendent of Operations position. Michael brings an excess of 35 years of experience to the position. He has more than 20 years of management experience and his most current position was Open Waterways Supervisor in the Watershed Protection Department. Michael will be responsible for the South District’s maintenance operations and the Downtown Cleaning operation.

john canepa

Ronnie Hernandez has accepted the position of Street and Bridge Maintenance Supervisor effective July 23rd, 2012. Ronnie will be responsible for ROW Maintenance, Tree Trimming, Mobility Trails and road maintenance. Ronnie has been the lead in the expansion of the ROW Maintenance group to include these new areas of responsibilities and brings with him 12 years of experience.

ESD:

Kat Trevino announced her resignation with ESD and her last day of work was in July 27, 2012. She will be working with Brown and Gay Engineers Inc., a surveying and engineering company in Austin. ESD:

BETH ORTEGO

michael goertz

Congratulations to

Farewell

KAT TREVINO

Public Works’ Health & Fitness Wellness Superstars!

Shannon Wisner and Lacy Garner. These individuals participated in 5 or more events during Health and Fitness Month.

aewcaorgdnsi& on i t r

Beth Ortego left ESD in May 2012 and accepted a job with the TxDOT North Austin Office. Diana Robles has decided to join the Human Resources Department’s Quality Assurance Division. She served as the HR Manager for Public Works, Austin Transportation, Contract Management and the Office of Real Estate Services. It is so tough to lose her as our HR Manager, but our loss is HRD’s gain; and Citywide, we all stand to gain so much from having her in this new role. HRO:

DIANA ROBLES

Promotions

sbo:

Commitment to excellence

valerie For the quality of her dickens work, her positive attitude, and her dedication to our inspection stafff. above and beyond

alexa For her concern for locklear the safety of the driving and pedestrian traffic and taking care of an unsafe situation on East Martin Luther King Blvd. simon For being resourceful orta and creative in a difficult situation while covering a project for a fellow inspector.

epic

FAIL

This is what happens when you drop your phone down an elevator shaft 9 floors up! Michelle Frith rescued what was left of her iphone after this epic failure.

For his resourcefuljeff jewett ness and exemplary customer service during a water line break in the downtown area. carlos For his exceptional lopez service to the Aviation Department. pat on the back

ramiro For helping a citihernandez zen in need step up

lek mateo

valerie rockwell

For serving as HUB shelter managers during emergencies.

2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK 35

milestones

continued from pg. 35

WHO’S

THAT?

New Employee Breakfast sbo:

sbo:

hro:

SSD:

dion Garcia

mack burford

anthony doyle

julia bateman

Van pham

Dion Garcia, Street and Bridge Tech I, previously spent 14 years working for Travis County and 5 years with Street and Bridge. Dion recently received his G.E.D. (at age 50!) His favorite activities include spending time with his grandchildren, mountain biking and playing disc golf. He believes the streets in Austin are in great shape, due to the great work done by City employees. He is happy to be back!

Mack Burford, Tech I with Sealcoat II, is originally from Chicago. He has been a professional driver and operator for over 20 years. He received his training and education in this field from his parents’ business in the amusement and entertainment industry. He moved to Austin after college, owning several tattoo shops in Austin before joining Public Works. He is an artist and musician, enjoys riding Harleys and going to the lake on the weekends.

Anthony Doyle, a Tech I with the Street and Bridge Concrete Crew, was born in Great Fall, Montana, but was raised here in Austin. He graduated from Del Valle High, has had many jobs and training since, and this is his second time being employed with the City. He enjoys working on cars, including auto detailing and installing stereos. His faith is important to him and he also enjoys spending time with family.

Julia Bateman, PHR, is a HR Advisor in Public Works. Julia will be primarily responsible for employee relations activities to include informal and formal complaint resolution, conflict resolution, conducting internal investigations, and representing the Department in administrative hearings. Julia’s progressive experience with AT&T and recent experience with Verizon align well with departmental needs.

Van Pham was recently hired as a Financial Consultant, joining us from the Controller’s Office where she worked for the past five years as a Senior Accountant. Van brings a wealth of knowledge to Public Works in the areas of grant management, tracking and reporting, and overall skill in accountancy. Van will be assigned to the Capital Project Management Fund and Child Safety Fund.

sbo:

john robinson

kenneth johnson

wayne limon

charles sterling

luis monreal

John Robinson is the new Forestry Specialist for Street and Bridge. He grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, attended High School in Flour Bluff, TX, and now resides here in Austin. He has a background in communications, has worked as a contractor for Austin Energy, and is a certified arborist. He enjoys photography, Aikido, movies, and also has a background in journalism.

Kenneth Johnson has recently joined the Street and Bridge Division as a Tech I. He is from Austin, Texas where he attended school at Austin High. He previously worked for the Austin Water Utility and has trained on heavy equipment. He enjoys many types of sports including Football and Track & Field.

Wayne Limon, Street and Bridge Tech I, is from Austin and went to Johnston High School. He worked for Texas Gas Services for 10 years prior to his employment with the City. He enjoys going to the lake, watching football, and barbequing with his friends on the weekends. He is a hard worker and is very happy to be employed with the City.

sbo:

michael garcia

martin garcia

jeremiah george

Michael Garcia is an Inspector C with the Construction Inspection Division. He is from Eden, Texas and enjoys sports, hunting and fishing. His background is in Civil Engineering and he has experience with road and bridge construction, drainage, commercial construction, and high rises.

Martin Garcia, new Street and Bridge Tech I, is from Mexico City. One of his favorite activities is playing soccer and he has enjoyed making new friends both in Austin and in his new job at the City.

Jeremiah George, Operator II with Street and Bridge Special Projects is from Louisiana. He enjoys spending time with family, working out playing basketball. He works downtown with the sidewalk maintenance crew and has many ‘tales from the 6th!’

not pictured: Steven Thomas (SBO Tech 1), Arnold Herrera (SBO Tech 1), Michael Castro (SBO Tech 1), Juan Godinez (SBO Tech 1), George Lara (SBO Tech 1), James Lee (Technician 1), Adrian Lipscombe (Bike Share Project Manager).

36 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

Charles Sterling was born and raised in Austin and is a Tech I Truck Driver for Street and Bridge Sealcoat II. He attended Reagan High School and changed careers from production work to being a C.D.L. driver. He enjoys playing sports and working with kids, and coaches youth football.

sbo: isaac rodriguez Isaac Rodriguez, Street and Bridge Tech I, finished High School in 2010 and is from Austin, Texas. He enjoys working on cars, specifically his 1986 Chevy Truck, and spending time with his nephew.

sbo:

James Lee is a Tech I working with the Special Projects team in Street and Bridge. He is from Austin and graduated from Reagan High. He enjoys playing chess, walking, watching football and basketball, and attending church.

james lee

Luis Monreal is a Tech I with Street and Bridge. He is originally from Austin and went to both McCallum and Crockett High School. He has also previously worked for the Health and Human Services Department. He enjoys playing basketball and football with his brother, working out, and describes himself as a ‘working man’.

ncd:

Adrian Lipscombe is the lipscombe new Bike Share Project Manager with the Neighborhood Connectivity Division. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Community and Regional Planning at UT, focusing on minority mobility in sustainable and active transportation. She has worked as a professor at UT and a Bicycle Planner for the City of San Antonio. After completing the bike share station, she will be continuing her research and dissertation in minority mobility. She is an adventure junkie and loves mud-runs, skydiving, night ultra‐ races, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and gardening. She also has bees, chickens, and an aquaponic system where she raises Tilapia.

adrian

Tales

from the

6th

Sr. By: Charles Felipa

It was a cold day in January and the crew and I were out doing sidewalk maintenance on 6th street. All of a sudden, a young lady comes around the corner dressed in jeans, a short sleeve t-shirt, scarf, and a Kangol-style cap. Clearly distraught and out of breath, she asks if she can “rest” by us. We told her we didn’t have a problem with that, indicating to her that we weren’t going anywhere and her presence didn’t deter us from the task at hand. I asked her if there was someone we could call for her and she said, “No, I’m looking for him”. I proceeded to ask her who she was looking for, and this is the dialogue that ensued… Her: You know Esmi? Me: You mean Esmeralda Barrera… the young lady who was recently murdered? Her: Yes. Me: No, I didn’t know her personally, but I saw the story on the news. Her: I’m tracking her killer. Me: Was she a friend of yours? Her: No, I never met her. Me: That’s a dangerous task to take on… maybe you should leave that up to the police. Her: They can’t do anything about it.

They can’t even see him. Me: And you can [see him]? Her: Yes! I see him right now… Me: Is that right?!? Her: Man, I sure wish I had some pot roast… I miss my mom’s pot roast. You guys don’t have any do you? Me: (Scratching my head)… No, we don’t have any pot roast… Anyone who has ever seen the television show South Park should know the moral of this story - Channel your inner Mr. Mackey.

Have an interesting story from the field? Let us know! Write to us at Streettalk@austintexas.gov, or call us at 512-974-7704.

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A hearty congratulation goes out to Kalpana Sutaria, Project Manager, for delivering a LEED Gold certification for the new Animal Services Center. This is an outstanding effort and yet another area where Austin is a leader. Achieving our minimum policy level at LEED Silver is great, but achieving this higher level should result in operational savings that help stretch operating budgets to help more animals, and make us a best-managed city. Great job, Kalpana!

congr annouatulato nceme ry nts Please join Neil and Sarah Kopper in welcoming Harvey Park Kopper to the world! Harvey was born on June 24th, weighing 8lbs 9oz and was 22 inches long. Congratulations! Ricky Llamas was born to Rick and Gabriella Llamas on Friday, August 10th weighing 8lbs, 10oz. Congratulations to both Rick and his wife on the adorable new addition to their family!

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Dear Director Lazarus and Assistant Director Hinojosa: We would like to express our sincere appreciation for a “Job Well Done” by your employees, Gerald Nation and Johnny Colvin. They expressed sincerity in our problem with the utmost professionalism. We own property on 5th Street bordering an alley. The alley serves as sole access to our property as well as many others and was in an extremely deteriorated state and had been for some time. We have been working on a resolution for several years and recently requested assistance in this matter again. We are so very pleased to say that Mr. Nation promptly contacted and informed us that work would begin immediately to improve the conditions. At Mr. Nation’s request, we met with him and Mr. Colvin on site to view and approve of the completed work. We are very grateful for the tremendous improvements and the promise of follow-up maintenance to be done as needed to maintain an environmentally safe passageway. We feel fortunate to see our tax dollars being put to good use as they are intended. “Hats off” to your department and its dedicated employees. Sincerely,

Shannon Wisner and Alexa Muraida “sharpening the saw” in Peru! In July, they went on a trip with a group of their friends to Peru and Bolivia. Some memorable moments of the trip include: hiking the four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, mountain biking the most dangerous road in the world and eating Peru’s signature dish - Guinea Pig!

Ed and Elizabeth

2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK 37

events calendar 2012 SEPTEMBER Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Free Day of Yoga

Defensive Driving

Austin Triathlon

class 8:30 AM-4:30 PM OTC-325

OFFICES CLOSED Labor Day

New Employee Safety Orientation class 1-5 PM LRC@ABIA

Sunday

Safety Meeting Make-up ATD

8 AM -9:30 AM OTC- 325

Computer Ergonomics

Sunday

CIPID Division Meetings

Diez y Seis Fest

First Day of Autumn

class 8:30-9:30 AM 105 Riverside Room 200

Sunday

Rosh HaShanah (end at nightfall)

Defensive Driving

class 8:30 AM-4:30 PM OTC-325

New Employee Safety Orientation Yom Kippur (begins at nightfall)

Pecan Street Festival

Sunday

class 1-5 PM LRC@ABIA

38 STREET TALK SEPTEMBER 2012

Rosh Hashanah (begins at sunset)

$ PAY DAY

1 PM- 2 PM 1501 Toomey Rd.

Lake Travis Underwater Cleanup

Patriot Day

First Thursday

Austin City Council (Budget Readings)

Austin City Council Meeting

$ PAY DAY

National Public Lands Day

OCTOBER Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

0 Austin Yoga Fest

Safety Plus Meeting (PMD/ESD/NCD/QSMD) 8:30-9:30 AM OTC-325

class 8-9 AM Cheathem Facility

New Employee Safety Orientation

class 1-5 PM LRC@ABIA

class 8:30-9:30 AM OTC-325

$ PAY DAY

First Thursday

Safety Plus Meeting (SBO District Maintenance) class 8-9 AM Cheathem Facility

ACL Music Festival

Sunday

CPR class 8 AM-12 PM OTC-325

Austin City Council Meeting

Austin Film Festival

Defensive Driving class 8:30 AM-4:30 PM OTC-325

Early Voting (begins)

Austin City Council Meeting

New Employee Safety Orientation class 1-5 PM LRC@ABIA

1 $ PAY DAY

Art Outside

Sunday

Texas Book Festival

Sunday

Safety Plus Meeting (PWD SBO- Utility Structures) class 8-9 AM Cheathem Facility

8 AM -9:30 AM OTC- 325

ATD Safety Meeting Late Shift

4 PM - 5 PM 1111 Rio Grande

CIPID Division Meetings

class 8:30-9:30 AM 105 Riverside Room 200

Computer Ergonomics

Safety Plus Meeting (ATD) class 8-9 AM OTC- 325

class 8:30 AM-4:30 PM OTC-325

Sunday

Defensive Driving

Safety Plus Meeting (CIPID/HRO/SSD/Financial Services, OOD, Systems Engineering)

Columbus Day

Safety Plus Meeting (SBO Pavement & Infrastructure)

2 $ PAY DAY

Sunday Halloween

2012 SEPTEMBER STREET TALK 39

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