Employee Relations Guide 2015-16: Quarter 1

WEATHERFORD

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 1 | 2015

Th e “ C H i P S ” o f We at h e r f o r d

Q UA R T E R LY

E M P L OY E E R E L AT I O N S G U I D E

Our Leadership

2 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE | 2015

C O N T E N T S Our People Our Stories

2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 3

Our Leadership

MESSAGE FROM THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

A

Written by James Hotopp

s a City, we employ a vast variety helping the public better understand what we do and of people. Some of us are techie why we do it. We are also trying to achieve another types that repair computers, some very important goal, which is getting more citizen of us are patrol officers tasked with involvement. Citizen involvement is kind of a funny keeping our streets safe while we thing and a lot of employees may say, “Why do you sleep, and some of us are asked to do unpleasant want citizens involved?” The answer is simple, we things like unclog an overflowing sewer line in the know what we want, but we don’t know what they middle of the night. As individuals, we are each hired want. As a nation, public involvement has declined to do a specific job. A job that has a defined scope and traditionally, the majority of people that get and something that we, often times, become very involved with a project tend to be the vocal minority. comfortable doing.

They tend to be A job that we all the people that While we are currently around 27,000 individually do are upset about a extremely well. people, Weatherford is projected to reach particular project Individually, or are against 37,000 by the year 2030. we come together whatever we do. as a department When decisions, organized under a common goal. In the case of large or small, are made about the future of this City, the Fire Department, a common goal is to provide they tend to be made with only the staff deciding professional firefighting and medical response service most decisions. to the citizens of Weatherford. As a rule, I would say That is one of the things that we would like to try most of us know what each department in the City and change over the next few years. Now, we are not does and generally why we do it. But as I talk with wanting to get citizen input on what type of police car more of our citizens, I have noticed that there are to buy or whether the Tranporation and Public Works more of them that don’t know what all we do or why Department buys a John Deere or Volvo backhoe. we do it. Their questions always come in the form We are wanting to get input with things like, what of, “Why did the City do XXXXX?” or, “Why do y’all type of recreational opportunities would you like need YYYYY?” After which, I explain the reasons to see within the City of Weatherford or would for our actions. This 9 times out of 10 answers their you support a bond initiative to build a new police question. Sure, there are some citizens that still station? think something we are doing is a bad idea or some Because we know the public doesn’t always fully who think we could get by with less, but I quickly understand what we do or why we do it, we will have realized we will never be able to make everyone be beginning three initiatives this year to get the happy. message out about what we do and why we do it. The However, realizing we could do a better job first initiative we will be doing is something called of communicating with citizens, the City will be Citizen’s University. Designed as an informal meeting entering the new fiscal year with the primary goal of between department directors and class participants,

04 OUR LEADERSHIP | 2015

the university will consist of 10 classes, one a month.

Each meeting will generally be three hours in length. The goal is to give each participant a detailed look at each department of the City and help them understand why we do things like inspect restaurants, or what happens when you flush the toilet.

The second initiative that will be beginning this year is the Youth Advisory Council. The initiative will provide Weatherford ISD high school age kids with an opportunity to become more involved with their community thru their involvement in city government. The hope is to provide the City with energetic volunteers for civic projects, give city leaders a fresh perspective on issues challenging our city and create a sense of accomplishment for youth.

Initially, the Council class will be limited to nine kids. Their term will correspond to the school year.

Eligible students must be a Weatherford ISD student and live within the City of Weatherford.

The third initiative we will be doing is something called mySidewalk. The system (mySidewalk) is designed as a citizen engagement website that will serve as the primary platform the City will use to bounce ideas off the community and to get quick input on some of the things we are proposing. The website is designed somewhat like a social media tool that will allow people to post their comments about topics we are seeking input on.

We are also preparing to go through a couple of major planning elements that will shape the future of this city. The first is the comprehensive plan or as we call it, the General Plan. For those of you who don’t know what the General Plan is, it is a comprehensive planning process that brings city officials, local businesses and citizens together to collectively determine goals of the City and where and how we want to grow. The general plan will involve multiple town hall style meetings within six different geographical areas of the city to get community input. All the input will be summarized into a planning document and help formulate the future land use plans, infrastructure plans, etc. of the City.

The process is expected to take approximately 12-15

months total and will be commencing in October.

The second major planning effort we will be doing is the parks master plan. This effort will evaluate the current park facilities, evaluate and look at new recreation opportunities and possible locations of new parks. This is extremely important because, park amenities are quality of life aspects which help create a community that people want to move to and be a part of. Expected to also begin in October, the final park master plan document will be incorporated into the general plan described above.

The City of Weatherford is growing. While we are currently around 27,000 people, Weatherford is projected to reach 37,000 by the year 2030. Many of you remember Weatherford 15 years ago and realize how much is has changed. New roads, neighborhoods, stores, things that most really never thought would happen here have happened. Whether we all like it or not, growth is coming to Texas, Parker County and Weatherford. Growth will bring about some changes. With the proper citizen involvement and planning, it will be the kind of growth that most want and the types of changes we can live with.

On a separate note, if you are ever at City Hall and we haven’t got a chance to meet, stop by. My office is on the southwest side of the building. My door is always open and I would be glad to talk with about anything that’s on your mind.

2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 05

Our People

COIN AWARDS PROGRAM: VETERINARY ASSISTANT SARAH BLACKFORD

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he City of Weatherford has a Coin Awards Program for the organization-wide purpose of recognizing employees that go above the call of duty and who’s actions are worthy of special recognition.

Supervisors are encouraged to recognize employees and co-workers when their actions merit praise.

For an employee to be given a coin by their supervisor, they must receive a compliment from a citizen or be witnessed going above their normal scope of duties. The Department of Human Resources will log the date the coin is given to the individual, as well as, place documentation in their personnel file. Upon receiving 10 coins, the employee is given a certificate for a day off with pay.

As a result, the Employee Relations Guide will draw one individual’s name who received a coin for the previous quarter. Once the employee is selected from the drawing he/she will be featured in the Employee Relations Guide. During the first quarter of FY 15-16, City of Weatherford staff earned a total of 80 coins.

Veterinary Assistant Sarah Blackford was drawn as this quarter’s selected coin program winner. As a result, we spoke with Sarah, and learned a little more about her both professionally and personally.

Tell us about how you recieved your coin through the coin awards program.

Jackie (Vet Tech) and I took the time to show the volunteers what we could see under the microscope, including microfilarea (baby heartworm).

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What is your background and education?

I graduated from Aledo High School in 2012, then continued my education at Weatherford College with there Veterinary Assistant program completing the class July of 2014.

What do you love most about your job?

I have a passion for working with animals and am very blessed to be working at this shelter. I enjoy many aspects of my job, but love helping in surgery and being involved with the medical side of things.

Whether its assisting with surgeries or treating sick or injured animals I truly feel like I’m making a difference.

How long have you been working for the city?

I started my practicum for my Veterinary Assistant program at the shelter in October 2013, and continued volunteering until I was hired in October 2014.

What is your daily schedule?

I get to work at 7 a.m. Tuesday thru Saturday and start my day cleaning. Usually I’m working in the cat and puppy room making sure each cage is clean and each animal is healthy. Once I’m finished cleaning I head over to the surgery room and help where I’m needed, assisting with surgeries, monitoring anesthesia, or treating animals.

What made you decide to pursue a career at the animal shelter?

I’ve always wanted to make a difference and earn a living doing something I love and the shelter has given me that opportunity.

What are your hobbies?

I really love to go on walks and explore places I haven’t been. I also enjoy cooking and baking and wish I had more time to do it.

What do you love most about Weatherford?

I love Weatherford! I love the old small town vibe and its modern twist. I feel like just a few years ago there wasn’t much to do in Weatherford. Now we have shopping, great restaurants, live music and even a dog park.

What are other details about you that most people do not know?

I was born in the Netherlands, and have lived there, Colorado, and Texas. I love to travel and try to visit family in England, Belgium and California as much as I can.

What is the most challenging situation you have faced as an employee? How did you overcome the challenge?

By far the most challenging part of working for the shelter is seeing the animals that are not able to get out due to sickness, aggression or other situations.

It at times can be overwhelming and really wear on you, but then I remember we get so many great dogs and cats to amazing homes and help so many animals.

Who has been a mentor to you during your career? Explain.

One of the greatest mentors I have is my college teacher Dr. Garofalo. She has been an amazing teacher and made me excited about learning.

Without her pushing me to succeed I don’t think I’d be where I am today.

2015 | 09

Q&A DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS MANNY PALACIOS

What do you love most about your job?

I love getting to work with a variety of people, but mostly, our employees. My job requires me to work with many people, including contractors, engineers and citizens.

I enjoy meeting and helping all of them. However, I also love my job because it involves improving our City’s infrastructure thus making our City a better place to live.

What is your daily schedule?

Very busy. Start by reading and responding to the many emails I receive daily, meeting with staff, project reviews, site visits to our street rehab projects, and most important ensuring my department staff are doing well and have the resources they need to complete their task.

What advice do you have for employees?

Work hard, be kind, and always be at your professional attitude. You never know what the future holds for you.

What is your biggest challenge?

I think life in general is always a challenge. I think that while I was in school and working at the same time plus having a family is probably one of my biggest challenging times.

What do you love most about being a city employee?

Working with all City employees. I love listening and chatting with everyone in our organization.

Everyone is different in some ways and it’s awesome to work with co-workers who share the same values and respect.

What do you love most about Weatherford?

I love that Weatherford is a family-oriented community. I think Weatherford is great town to raise a family.

Why are employees important to the daily operations of the city?

Every employee has an important role in our department. From constructing roads, placing signs, inspecting, surveying, and many other duties, they keep our department functioning. Every employee is very valuable to me and makes this City a great place to live.

Why did you decide to enter municipal government?

I was looking for a place to work where I could have opportunities to enhance my career. The City of Weatherford has allowed me to improve my skills and my professional career.

How can employees stay informed about your department?

I believe that communication is very important within our organization. I keep my employees informed about our department by having weekly staff meetings and communicating daily with my supervisors. I also think that the City’s employee newsletter is helping our organization keep up with other department plans or activities.

Every employee is very valuable to me and makes this City a great place to live.

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What is the most challenging situation you have faced as an employee? How did you overcome the challenge?

I think life in general is a challenge. A challenging moment in my life was during the time that I was attending college to obtain my bachelor’s degree. I was working, managing my personal life and going to school. It was difficult to say the least. However, I succeeded and feel that it made me stronger person and employee.

Who has been a mentor to you during your professional career and why?

Mr. Terry Hughes has been a great mentor over my professional career.

He is a very talented and experienced professional who has always helped me with any questions or advice I needed.

What are other details about you that most people do not know?

Believe it or not, I am trilingual. I speak english, spanish, and tejano.

What is your educational and training background?

Weatherford HS, Weatherford College, and DeVry University. I’m always learning something new every day.

A LITTLE MORE PERSONAL...

Dogs or cats? Why? If neither, what type of pet do you like and why?

I have two dogs (German shepherd and a Bishon Frise). I have always loved German Shepherd’s since I was young. My son loves them too.

The Bishon Frise is my daughters.

What are your hobbies?

Spending time with my family.

Playing softball and practicing baseball with my son.

If you had a super power what would it be and why?

Handy Manny! I would be fixing everything....

If you were a part on a car, what would you be and why?

I would be the engine. The engine is what makes the car operate.

Without the engine, the car would not work.

If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

I would like to meet lots of different people, but I would like to meet President Herbert Hoover the most. His presidency was in a difficult time which he was able to create and construct lots of public works projects.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

Italy, the history. I’d like to see Roman Roads.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

Favority Movie, Back to the Future.

Favorite TV Show, Mysteries at the Museum (History Channel)

2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 11

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT BEVERLEY LAXSON Administrative Assistant Utilities Department

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everley Laxson is a lifelong resident of Weatherford and has seen the city transform throughout the years.

As an administrative assistant for the Utilities Department, Beverley helps manage the budget, payables and assists with all clerical duties. Before joining the City, she worked for Nursefinders in Arlington for 12 years and loves the fact that she no longers has to make the long commute to work.

When asked what she hopes to accomplish for the City, Beverley states, “I want to provide excellence in job performance, exceptional customer service and help create a positive work environment.”

Beverley can be seen in this year’s Weatherford Homecoming Parade representing the class of 1985. “30 years has flown by!,” says Beverley.

She has three grandkids named Dustyn, Alyssah and Zyler. She attends New River Church, loves Sunday morning breakfast with her mom and dad. Her hobbies include working in her flower bed, cooking, bowling and playing bingo.

Beverley is located at the Service Center on Eureka Street and can be reached at 817-598-4261. She enjoys a good laugh so be sure and swing by to meet Beverley anytime to say hello!

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KELLIE BOYD

K

Librarian Weatherford Public Library

ellie Boyd recently joined the City of Weatherford as a Librarian for the Weatherford Public Library.

In her position she is responsible for establishing adult programming for the library, which includes planning and coordination for each event. Her goal within the position is to develop partnerships with the community.

“I hope to build a community presence in Weatherford with partnerships, marketing and outreach,” said Kellie. “The library is looking to partner and collaborate with city departments and local businesses to offer programs that benefit the community. I look forward to helping the library fill the role as a civic and cultural hub within the city.”

Kellie holds her Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas A&M University and Master of Library Science from Texas Women’s University. In Kellie’s spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, antiquing and taking road trips. She often goes fishing and shopping with her husband Christian. They have two cats named Maggie and Mr. Rooster Cogburn.

If you would like to contact Kellie, she can be reached at the Weatherford Public Library or by calling 817-598-4207.

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s u n Joi e h t r o f

EMPLOYEE LUNCHEON DEC

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Fr ida y DEC 11AM - 2 PM

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Harberger Hill Community Center

Happy Birthday.

October Diana Allen Steve Bates Pat Berry Kyle Capp Dennis Clayton Chad Deiley Randy English Dale Fleeger David Foreman Justin Henning Roy Hurst Travis Johnson Joeli Kilgore Chris Kreutzer Gilberto Ledezma Nathan Lee Cristina Levrie

November Olen Arey Seth Bolling Chris Brown Kayla Callaway Stuart Chalmers Steven Cox Kevin Edwards Mark Furr Thomas Gortmaker Sharon Green Cameron Hale Rachel Hamilton Michael Howard Terry Hughes

Ray Julian Sidney Kirk Beverley Laxson Jason Lewis Jose Maladonado Danielle Morris Curtis Nelson Marcus Redington Angel Rudolph Dusty Russell Bryan Smith Johnny Soap Christopher Weaver Ryan Whiteman

Troy Luecke Cherilyn Meeves Gary Miller Tommy Patterson BGee Pearson Jessica Richard Paul Rust Bill Smith Brett Stagner Kerrie Stepherson Grant Taylor Taz Thurman Lance Trinque Keith Truelove Beth Turnbow Randy Vaughn Mark Wolfenberger

December Russ Barrett Wesley Briggs Terri Brunz Ricky Bullock Cindy Byrd George Courtney James Dickason Gwendolyn Dowds-Nash Wesley Garvin Justin Harper Artemio Hernandez Kaylei Hickey Bob Hopkins Justin Langford Hervy Martin Bert McFadin

Stewart Millican Micah Ormon James Peel Paula Rollins Paul Salge Tanesa Scott David Secrest Tom Short Terry Snell Allen Taylor Tim Trevino Karl Westendorf Heidi Wilder John Wright Tammie Wright

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W LOYEES

NEW EMPLO

NEW EMPLOYEES

NEW EMPLOYEES

NEW EMPLOYEES NEW EMPLOYEES NEW EMPLOYEES 16 OUR PEOPLE | 2015

NEW EMPLOYEES

NEW EMPLOYEES

OYEES CORY DALTOM Meter Reader Customer Service

ASHLEY RHODES Sr. Customer Service Rep Customer Service

JESSE BLUME Library Clerk Library

JOHN VAN DYKE Electric Lineman Helper Utility Department

TERRY SNELL

First Monday Groundskeeper Parks, Rec and Special Events

VIC WILLIFORD P/T Background Investigator Police Department

JUAN BARRIENTOS

Construction Maintenance Worker Transportation and Public Works 2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 17

Our Stories

YOU’RE ONE IN A MELON

Written by Krista Beach, Executive Assistant to the City Manager

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n large part, due to First Monday Trade Days and the recognition received from the 1903 St. Louis World’s Fair Weatherford was once known as the Watermelon Capital of America. Over the years watermelon production has declined. However, watermelons are still a huge part of summer tradition here in Weatherford. Recently City employees took a pause in their day to step inside from the heat for a slice or two of watermelon, some air-conditioning and the opportunity to spend a few minutes with fellow co-workers.

City administration along with the directors of each department took time to serve some cold watermelon to the men and women of this organization who dedicate 18 OUR STORIES | 2015

most of their day to serving others in the community.

This is the first of many events that gives staff the opportunity not just to take a break but to be in a setting where they can be involved in what is happening within the organization. This upcoming year a top goal is to have more employee engagement. Because we have different departments, and multiple buildings its often easy to forget that we are one organization with the same “end goal” in mind. Each of us has our own individual, extraordinary talents and gifts that contribute to the overall success of the City of Weatherford.

These types of events (Watermelon Break, Employee Luncheons and Cook-offs, etc.) are settings designed to give opportunities for us to relax, interact and have input into the overall and on-going success of the team.

We have new leaders who value our opinions and

want to make changes but are unable to do so without involvement. It’s kind of like the old saying “don’t complain about the president who gets elected if you’re not going to vote!” If we want to see a shift in the direction things are going, then we have to take the time to invest in the organization. If we keep doing what we have always done, we will keep getting what we have always got.

However, if we want something different.....we have to begin DOING something different.

As a mechanism to solicit feedback we are trying to

implement new ways and opportunities for your concepts to be heard. Therefore we look forward to hearing your suggestions and requests by contacting Diana Allen in Human Resources at dallen@weatherfordtx.gov or 817-598-4208.

2015 | OUR STORIES 19

” s P i H D R C “ HERFO of

The

T

T A E W

he year was 1977 and CHiPs debuted on late night television featuring two California Highway Patrol officers who often found themselves in precarious situations while working routine traffic patrol. Episodes often included a combination of light comedy and melodrama, which made the show vastly popular for the time. It was not uncommon for the show to feature over-thetop car pileups with a light-hearted subplot that appropriately accompanied the overall storyline. In 1983, the show was cancelled due to a drop in television ratings and a dispute over sydnication profits with the show’s main actor. However, regardless of behind-the-scene problems, CHiPs left behind a positve and nostalgic love for motorcycle patrol squads to this day.

Meet Weatherford Police Department Officer Cruz 20 OUR STORIES | 2015

lic

b at, Pu o r x e lake R B y b n Writte

s Relation

Manager

Rivas and Officer Eric Warren. These “tough as nails” patrol officers may not be as popular as the characters on CHiPs, but they pack a big punch of sheer awesomeness as they patrol the streets of Weatherford everyday. That’s right, Weatherford!

Both have been riding as a duo together for six years and have no intention of stopping. Recently, the Employee Relations Guide had the opportunity to sit down with Officer Rivas and Officer Warren for an interview.

The following question and answer section is an opportunity for city employees to learn more about Weatherford’s very own motorcylcle squad duo, both on and off duty. Officer Rivas and Officer Warren risk their lives daily to keep citizens safe and the Employee Relations Guide is proud to support the blue!

Officer Eric Warren

Officer Cruz Rivas 2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 21

OFFICER CRUZ RIVAS

AGE: 43 HEIGHT: 5’ 7” YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT: 18 YEARS YEARS WITH WEATHERFORD PD: 10 YEARS 22 OUR STORIES | 2015

OFFICER ERIC WARREN AGE: 43 HEIGHT: 6’ 0” YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT: 22 YEARS YEARS WITH WEATHERFORD PD: 15 YEARS 2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 23

Q&A OFFICER CRUZ RIVAS

What made you decide to enter law enforcement?

When I was a sophomore in high school, I had the opportunity to ride along with the Texas Highway Patrol. It really opened my eyes to the respect that they received and the job they did. I felt in my heart that it is where God led me.

How did you become a motorcycle patrol officer?

It’s a process; I had to wait till a position was open.

The PD posted the position and I applied. Once applied, we all had to be interviewed by several of our administrators as well as my current motor partner.

What type of motorcycle do you drive.

I ride a 2013 Harley Electra glide with a 103 cu in motor. Rumors say that the bike will run at least 120 mph, I cannot confirm that.

What is your biggest challenge each day?

Approaching a vehicle that I have stopped and not knowing what to expect.

What do you love most about being a police officer?

People tend to look at Officers as leaders. I enjoy being there for my community in which I serve. The positive feedback we get in return is very rewarding.

What is the most challenging situation you have faced as a police officer?

The most challenging was when I was struck by a vehicle while performing my duties. Everything happened in slow motion, the vehicle hitting me; I remember being thrown over the vehicle and landing head first on the asphalt in front of vehicles that were behind me. I was sent back to training on a new HD motorcycle.

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What is an interesting story that occurred to you.

I approached a traffic signal by Long John Silvers, and when I placed my foot down, I stepped on a rock and my foot rolled out from underneath my bike and I fell over in front of everyone.

Who has been a mentor to you during your professional career and why?

I would say my partner Eric. We have been friends as long as I have been employed here. He has always helped me with anything that I asked if he could.

Tell a little about your life outside of work.

I have a wonderful wife, my best friend, who I have known since kindergarten. Been together for 26 years, married 16 years. We have 3 beautiful children, 1 boy and twin girls. I have 4 small dogs, and I enjoy fishing, hanging out at the lake and most importantly family time.

If you had a super power what would it be and why?

Hulk Strength. Big, strong, nothing could hurt him…. bullets…bombs…etc.

What is your educational and training background?

I have a Master’s degree from Sul Ross State University.

I have a variety of training in this field. Too much to list.

Just know that I am well qualified for my position.

Did you watch the show “CHiPs”? What would a TV show about the two of you look like today and who would be the stars of the show depicting each of you?

I think the show would be funny, especially with the things we deal with today. Not sure of who would play our roles.

Q&A

OFFICER ERIC WARREN

What made you enter law enforcement?

I had wanted to be a police officer since I was a child. I put myself through the academy 40 hours per week while maintaining a 40 hour per week job.

How did you become a motorcycle patrol officer?

I was very active as a patrolman and was recruited to move to the traffic unit in a car position. A few months later a motor position became available and I was selected to take that position.

What type of motorcycle you drive.

We ride 2013 Harley Davidson ElectraGlide motorcycles. The bikes have 103 cubic inch engines and a 6 speed transmission. It has been rumored that the bikes that we ride will run in the mid 130’s, but I cannot confirm or deny this information.

How many traffis stops do you make in a day?

Daily traffic stop numbers vary greatly. Cruz and I are assigned to multiple different tasks and we are very easily moved from normal duty functions to auxiliary assignments. We have responsibility for accidents, school zones, traffic complaints and escorts, so with other activities we may or may not be able to stop cars. I have stopped as few as none in a shift and as many as 36 in a shift.

Tell a little about your life outside of work.

Divorced with two kids. Daughter Sam 13 and son CJ 19. Sam is in 8th grade and CJ is going through the process with the US Navy. I enjoy working on old cars and trucks. I have a 1972 Chevrolet pickup and a 1955 210 2 door post. My son drives a 1965 AMC Marlin 2 door.

If you had a super power what would it be and why?

If I had a superpower, I think I would like to have the ability to fly. The ability to move quickly from place to place and better vantage point for visibility.

What is your biggest challenge each day?

Generally, the biggest challenge that Cruz and I face daily is weather. Texas storms that blow in quick, cold and hot are miserable.

What is your educational and training background?

I have approximately 40 hours of college and thousands of hours of continuing education for Law Enforcement officers.

What do you love most about being a police officer?

Opportunities to help people. The opportunity to truly help people doesn’t happen often.

Did you watch the show “CHiPs”? What would a TV show about the two of you look like today and who would be the stars of the show depicting each of you?

I watched Chips as a child and have probably have seen every episode televised. I don’t think there are actor’s that are adequate to fill the position of Cruz and I.

What is the most challenging situation you have faced as a police officer?

Raising my daughter while working nights. I did not want my daughter raised in or by a daycare so I worked night shift to be home during the day with her.

2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 27

LABOR DAY RESULTS FROM EXTRA

POLICE ENFORCEMENT

Written by Alecia Durham , Police Special Services Plann

er

W

eatherford police officers utilize d grant funding from the Texas Depa rtment of Transportation for Selective Tra ffic Safety Program (STEP) activities during the La bor Day holiday period. Officers worked app roximately 82.5 additional hours to ensure dri vers were complying with posted speed limits, weari ng seatbelts, and were not driving under the influenc e of drugs or alcohol in an effort to keep our local roadways safe. During this time officers issued 85 spe eding citations, 24 seatbelt citations, 31 miscellan eous citations, and 35 warnings. Officers also made two DWI arrests, one DUI arrests, and three other arrests.

Surveys conducted following the extra enforcement confirm Weatherford drivers are more compliant with following seatbelt laws ave raging over 99% compliance for drivers and app roximately 94% compliance for passengers. Ad ditionally, the surveys indicate approximately 44.75 % of those driving in Weatherford are complying wit h posted speed limits. “We are happy to see that We atherford drivers are doing a great job with sea tbelt compliance and encourage them to make a ha bit of driving at posted speed limits which will help to keep our streets safe for everyone,� said Weatherford Police Commander Ronnie Villarreal.

2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 29

Have an idea for employee involvement???

Yes No Maybe

We want to know

Submit your idea to: Diana Allen dallen@weatherfordtx.gov.

CLEAR THE SHELTER

By Ashley Woolnough Shelter Manager

C

lear the Shelter 2015 was a huge success, bigger than we could have ever imagined.

This event started August 2014 to bring the shelters in the DFW area together and to create relief for the shelters from the high intake summer months. This was a fee waived adoption event sponsored and promoted by NBC. This event has now gone national and was celebrated from New York to California.

Last year was the largest adoption event North Texas has ever seen, placing 2,217 animals in forever homes and our shelter saw over 500 guests. This year, we beat our record!

We came in fourth place out of all the shelters in North Texas, the only shelters coming in ahead of us being Dallas, Fort Worth and the Humane Society of North Texas. We are very proud of our success. We had 140 adoptions in one day, bringing in some animals from Azle to help share the relief. We started with 121 animals available for adoption and ended up adopting 116 percent of the animals we had available! In total, across the nation, 19,132 animals found homes in one day.

August was previously the month all animal shelters dreaded because of the extremely high intake numbers that pile up throughout the summer months. Now, it is a time of excitement, preparation and wonder as we prepared for Clear the Shelter.

Our staff and volunteers devoted so much time and energy planning this event and we cannot thank them enough for the impact they helped to make in our community!

Our shelter went above and beyond the 32 OUR STORIES | 2015

2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 33

call for a large adoption event. We turned our event into a fun, family friendly, educational, adoption event that spurred excitement across our community. Our shelter saw well over 900 visitors that day. We had the DFW Herpetological Society here to educate our community about native snakes and which ones were dangerous vs. non-dangerous, they brought a reptile rescue with them that focuses on rehabilitating injured, abandoned, and ill reptiles around the DFW area. We also had Possum World who brought educational materials on rehabilitation of native wildlife and baby possums to set the story straight on these misunderstood marsupials.

Bird Link also came in to play with materials on their bird sanctuary, as well as did demos and talks with the public regarding native birds! Along with educational booths and displays, we had face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones, and pictures of families adopting. All of which was FREE! This event raised staff and volunteer spirits through the roof. There was so much excitement, fun and amazement from this event, and we are all still riding the wave of adrenaline from this unique event.

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Get a new leash on life.

Our Snapshots Left: Assistant City Manager James Hotopp speaks to Parks Crew after they completed landscape renovations at the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter.

Right: Water Utilities Department held its third Take Back Meds collection program on Sept. 26. The event typically collects 600 lbs. of unused meds.

Left: Budget and Strategic Planning Manager Kyle Lester having fun after City Council meeting.

Above: Deputy Chief Wayne Slimp receives information at the Employee Benefit Fair. The Employee Benefit Fair is held each year and offers employees an opportunity to get discounts from partnering businesses.

36 OUR SNAPSHOTS | 2015

Above: Municpal/Community Services Director Steve Bates jokes around with Craig Farmer and Dustin Deel during their TPW tour.

Above: City Manager Sharon Hayes presenting coin awards to Parks Crew.

Above: Accounting Clerk Jacob Tadlock hard at work in City Hall.

Left: Director of Transportation and Public Works Manny Palacios giving a tour of the sign shop to city directors.

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Above: Weatherford PD Chief Mike Manning with Sheriff Larry Fowler during the Citizen Prayer event in Heritage Park.

Above: Heavy Equipment Operator Victor Green. He has been a City of Weatherford employee for 15 years.

Above: Officer John Welborn and grandson Grayson Levi Stark together at the Citizen Prayer event in Heritage Park.

Left: Citizen Prayer event at Heritage Park for local law enforcement.

Right: Mechanic Brad Mann has been with the city for 20 years and plans to retire January 31.

38 OUR SNAPSHOTS | 2015

Above: Parker County Sheriff ’s Deputy and Weatherford Police Department officer’s during the Citizen Prayer event in Heritage Park.

Left: Director of Parks, Rec and Special Events Shannon Goodman shows Executive Assistant Krista Beach at the new ampitheater being built in Heritage Park.

Right: Customer Service Manager Brandi Huddleston at her desk in City Hall.

Above: Ikard Elementary recognized local law enforcement to Support the Blue.

Above: Weatherford Fire Department firefighters during the Citizen Prayer event at Heritage Park.

Above: Weatherford Police Officers with citizens during the Citizen Prayer event in Heritage Park.

Above: City Manager Sharon Hayes and Mayor Dennis Hooks with the promotional Weatherford Public Library card.

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