WINTER 2019
EMPLOYEE EDGE e h t e e s u o y d i D f o e u s latest is yee o l p m E the Edge?
Yeah ! I ha idea d no h coin ow the prog work ram ed...
UNITY • PRIDE • ENGAGEMENT
OUR PEOPLE
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EMPLOYEE EDGE | 2017
OUR PEOPLE
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On the Cover We wanted to make the magazine a little more interactive and fun. Along with featuring more employees, we plan to give special shoutouts in each issue! Hidden on the front cover is one of our city logos. Time yourself finding the logo and then compete against coworkers to see who can find it in the shortest time! The first person to find the logo and come to either Nicole Wright or Blake Rexroat's office in City Hall gets a prize! #FindTheLogo Struggling to find the logo? Don't worry, we will reveal its hiding spot in the next issue.
Want to be featured? We want to share in your big moments in life! Send us your engagement, wedding, birth announcements, etc. to be featured in the next issue of the Employee Edge! The City of Weatherford is great and shines because of each and every employee, and it's only fair we return the favor! Simply email the image, your name and position with the city, and a short description of your life event to nwright@weatherfordtx.gov to be featured! Deadline to be featured in the next issue is June 10th by 5 pm!
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Contents CHECK OUT PAGE 38 FOR SOME SPRING ACTIVITIES! 30
IN THIS ISSUE: Employee Birthdays 18 From the Vault 22
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The Budget Guy 24 Work Anniversaries 32 Chili Cook Off 36
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FROM T H E S T A F F Can you believe that we are already three months into 2019? All our departments are working hard to ensure that 2019 is the best year yet for our employees and citizens. In the last issue, I talked about a change in my department. I am excited to announce that I have a new teammate, Nicole Wright. Nicole brings a new perspective to our team. As a lifelong Weatherford resident and a two-time Texas Christian University Horned Frog, Nicole brings her passion for the area to her job with the city. We are excited to bring you a new and revamped version of our award-winning Employee Edge! The Employee Edge will have more ways for you, yes YOU, to interact more with both the magazine and the Communications and Marketing Department! Check out our Facebook and Instagram to see more about upcoming events, learn more about new programs and get to know your fellow Weatherford employees better. Our MyWeatherford app makes it easy for our citizens and visitors to stay informed with our services and resources such as service The Employee Edge is published by requests, online services, news, social media the City of Weatherford, Texas. feeds and upcoming events. Shout out to the IT Department for developing and maintaining www.weatherfordtx.gov the app. We have even more ways to help communicate more clearly and thoroughly with 303 Palo Pinto St. | Weatherford, TX | 76086 the residents of Weatherford! Blake Rexroat Director, Communications and Marketing
Employee Edge Creative Team
Krista Peacock Administration
Malinda Nowell
Sandra Green
Blake Rexroat
Nicole Wright
Summer Rose
Administration
Human Resources
Communications & Marketing
Communications & Marketing
Human Resources
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MESSAGE FROM S H A R O N HAYES C I T Y M A N AG E R The year is well underway and spring is in the air. Spring is always an exciting time and another good reason to live in Texas. This is also a time when things start to get even busier. Events, activities and projects are on the horizon. There is something new in the air this spring and I hope that each of you will work with our team to better serve each other and the community. Hopefully each department has been discussing “Strong Communities� and what it means. Whether you are part of a department that serves internal customers or one that is outwardly focused, our goal is to provide a level of service that exceeds expectations. Our objective is engagement! We want a workforce and a community that feels engaged so that we are not just working for our citizens but so that we can develop relationships. My goal for this organization is to strive to have one of the strongest communities out there. I want to have an impact on the lives we touch! Each one of you is vital in accomplishing this mission. Over the next few months you will be hearing a lot on this subject and I know you will tackle this topic with passion and enthusiasm. I am looking forward to working with you on this and seeing this organization go to the next level.
Sharon Hayes City Manager
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Q&A TIM TODD Director of Human Resources – Workforce Relations
What is your position? I am the Director of Human Resources – Workforce Relations. Basically, I handle the career period of our employees from onboarding to the time they leave our organization. This position includes training, performance reviews and disciplinary actions, investigations, personnel policies and job descriptions. I work as a co-director in Human Resources and with a great team.
What do you love most about your position?
What is the biggest challenge you face in your position? Keeping up with the variety of tasks that change literally from hour to hour. A part of that challenge is letting everyone know that everything is a priority to me.
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Show me a typical day and I’ll let you know… I’ve yet to have a typical day. The only routine I have is in the morning when I arrive at City Hall. I usually help to open the building, make the coffee, unlock certain doors, and make my personal first cup of coffee… then the fun begins… Human Resources is going through a lot of changes, including the “rebranding” of our services to the employee, both new and current employees. With that comes a lot of strategic planning and examining processes to find the best “fit” for what we are wanting to accomplish. During all this planning and reorganizing, we are still maintaining the needs of all our employees. It is definitely a balancing act in a non-typical day.
What was your career prior to working for Weatherford? My first career during my college years was as a modeling agent for Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. My next
and main career started in my early college years when I began working for what was then General Dynamics as Human Resource Manager. I stayed through their transition to Lockheed, then to Lockheed-Martin. After leaving Lockheed-Martin, I started taking a glassblowing and kiln-forming class at UTA-Arlington. A friend saw what I was creating and before I knew it, I became a public art and commissioned glass designer for the Neiman Marcus stores, Cook Children’s Medical Center and the Texas Health
Photos courtesy of Nicole Wright
Working with the employees and discovering their unique skills and personalities. I also enjoy the sense of humor we all seem to have here.
What does a “typical” day look like for you?
Can you tell us a little about yourself? I was born in Nebraska, traveled a lot as a kid, growing up in an Air Force family. We finally landed in Fort Worth when I started sixth grade and Dad became the Wing Commander at what was then Carswell Air Force Base. Fort Worth became our home, other than a few years living in Cairo, Egypt. I went to Castleberry High School, attended Texas Christian University for a short time, then Texas Wesleyan College to get my Bachelor’s Degree, then the University of Dallas to get my Master’s Degree. I consider myself a happy-golucky kind of person with a gregarious personality. Under that layer is definitely a “business side” personality.
What do you love most about working for Weatherford? One thing is that it is never the same day twice; every day is
different. One big characteristic about working for Weatherford was something I noticed when I started here on a part-time status. I noticed that even though my co-workers had higher level titles like Manager, Director and City Manager, everyone treated me like an equal and recognized my ideas as valid contributions to whatever we were working on at the time. I’ve noticed that philosophy still holds true today for employees at different levels.
What are some goals you have for your department? This has been part of our recent conversations, given the Strong Communities principles we now have for the City. Our department is wanting to highlight engagement and trust as our focus.
Who would you say has been your biggest mentor/influencer? I would have to say my mom. She was always teaching me “life’s lessons”, even up to the week of her passing. So many things come to mind like the importance of etiquette, giving back to your community, being involved in society, being educated, the importance of kindness, and “doing the right thing”. A big lesson was creating an “inner happiness” that must have a priority in your life.
What are some of your favorite hobbies? If you have ever been to my office, that answer is obvious. I have a rubber duck collection and I still work with glass to design kilnformed art.
Photo courtesy of Tim Todd
Resources hospital group. During this time, I was also a co-founder and executive director of SiNaCa Studios, a non-profit glass arts school in Fort Worth. Things have come full circle where I am now back in my human resources field.
What is your favorite place in Weatherford? Definitely Zeno’s on the Square restaurant. It’s a great place to walk from City Hall to get lunch. Another place (not food related) I really like is the hike and bike trail. It is a great, unexpected experience here in our city.
If you could have any job in the world, no limitations, what would you do? I’m doing what I really want to be doing.
What type of music do you think best describes you? Disco!!!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where and why? Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s my “second home” that I know like the back of my hand. It’s a walking city that promotes art and healthy living. It is also a place that has a huge mix of great cultures.
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WELCOME NEW HIRES!
DEVIN BEAN
ANDY COMSTOCK Lineman Helper Electric Distribution
Construction Maintenance Worker Water/Waste Water Construction
RICHARD FETZECK
LOGAN FOWLER
MISTY GOBER
Construction Maintenance Worker Water/Waste Water Construction
Solid Waste Loader Sanitation Collection
Lineman Helper Electric Distribution
ISSAC HURTADO
CESAR MEZQUITE
Maintenance Worker I Water/Waste Water Construction
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Light Equipment Operator Streets
MARCUS CUMBY JR.
Library Clerk Library
TONY MEYERS
Solid Waste Loader Sanitation Collection
WE'RE GLAD TO HAVE YOU!
ANNA QUINTANILLA Police Telecommunications Officer Police
MISTY TOWLES Water Plant Operator Trainee Water Treatment Plant
DONALD WILLIAMS
Heavy Equipment Operator Sanitation Collection
MICHAEL SAUNDERS
Library Digitization Clerk Library
AUTUMN VILLAFRANCO
First Monday Clerical Assistant Parks, Recreation and Special Events
CARRIE STEVENSON
Clerical Assistant Parks, Recreation and Special Events
JOSH WHIPPS
Light Equipment Operator Streets
NICOLE WRIGHT
Communications & Marketing Coordinator Communications & Marketing WINTER 2019 |
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT JAYCOB KIRKPATRICK Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events
Describe your position: I am the Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events. Our department is responsible for several events, including Spark in the Park, Holiday in the Park, the Concert Series, Movies in the Park, Food Park Lounge Nights, Blooms, Kidz Fishin Derby, Keep Weatherford Beautiful Trash-Off, adult softball leagues, blastball, tennis and pickleball. We also offer a large youth recreation programming division that includes 35 different half-day summer camps focusing on everything from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to Legos. We are thrilled about Weatherford Wrangler, our all new full-day youth summer camp that
Photos courtesy of Nicole Wright
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begins this summer! Our team also operates the hidden gem, Chandor Gardens. We have a fantastic parks crew that manages the upkeep of all our parks, pools, splash pads and ballfields within the City. Lastly, our team manages First Monday Trade Days at Heritage Park as well as the Cherry Park Pool.
What did you do before landing your job with the city? Prior to working for the City of Weatherford, I worked for the City of Grapevine for 10 years as the Recreation Supervisor. I managed The REC of Grapevine during my last three years there. I also spent time with the Fort Worth and Arlington YMCAs as the Athletics and Aquatics Director before joining the Grapevine team.
What made you choose your career path? When I began college, I was going the generic business degree route. I decided one day that it was not for me and that I wanted to do something more exciting. I have always played sports and been an outdoorsman so I thought this route
would be a better fit. While in college, I worked part-time at the Arlington YMCA and discovered this career path. Upon graduation, I was given the opportunity to take a full-time position there and never looked back.
What do you love about your job? The thing I love the most about my job is seeing the community enjoy what we offer. Watching kids and families play at our parks and seeing everyone enjoying our events and programs is something that can’t be put into words. Being able to provide a better quality of life and to help build a stronger community for the residents of Weatherford is what its all about. This is what I am lucky enough to do every day, which I love. I also love being able to work with such a great team. The employees in our department are the best and are what make us great.
What is the most challenging thing about your job? The most challenging part of my job is trying to stay ahead of the trends in our industry. You want to be a trendsetter and be able to provide things to the community that you can’t get anywhere else. I feel that is what makes a good department become even better.
What do you find most interesting about Weatherford? The most interesting thing about Weatherford is the history and legacy of the City. We have some of the oldest parks in the state and looking into what they used to be and what they are now is very interesting. Holland Lake Park, which was just named Lone Star Legacy Park through the Texas Recreation and Parks Society, is one of these gems.
Where is your favorite place in Weatherford? My favorite place in Weatherford is Heritage Park and no that is not biased! All of the amenities that the park has to offer are truly an asset to the community. The park is home to First Monday Trade Days and has other features such as a food park, amphitheater, dog park, Friendship Playground, Town Creek Hike and Bike Trail, the farm and ranch barn and the all new exciting Black Warrior Creek Project. There is a lot to do at the park, as it is also the location for all our special events.
If you could have any job in the world (no
limitations) what would you do?
Do you have any personal goals for yourself?
If I could have any job the world and make a good living, I would like to be a hunting guide in the mountains somewhere. Being outside in nature everyday wouldn’t be such a bad thing! Other than that, I would want to be a storm chaser. I have a secret fascination with storms.
My own personal life goal is to be the best person I can be and to give 100% each day. Whatever results come from that is what God has in store for me.
What else would you like everyone to know about you?
How do you deal with onI was born and raised in Mansfield the-job stress? I think that having a good staff that you don’t have to worry about and that you can trust really takes a lot of stress off you. When things get a little stressful, I like to prioritize what is most important and make sure that is done first. Then, go down the list based on priority. That tends to help me manage my stress, as does food.
Do you have any hobbies or areas of interest and what are they?
so I am a local guy. I lived and breathed sports, devoting most of my time and energy to soccer. I graduated in 1999 and went on to pursue Kinesiology at the University of North Texas, earning my bachelor of science degree. I’ve been married to my beautiful, loving and supportive wife, Kristin, for almost 14 years and we live in Willow Park with our two daughters, Kelsey (9) and Kimbrey (3).
I am a big sports fan. I love to watch mostly all sports, especially college football and 'dem Cowboys! I also love to go hunting and be outdoors.
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OUR PEOPLE 14
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT SUMMER ROSE Human Resources generalist
Describe your position: My title is HR Generalist. I am tasked with handling any and all changes to employee files; processing employment applications; new hire orientation and onboarding; knowing all there is to know in regard to the personnel policy; being able to help employees with any job or benefit related questions they may have, and much more. I am fairly new to this position, but I am in the process of learning all I can from Sandra before she retires in July!! She will be sorely missed, but I hope I can make everyone as comfortable with me as they were with her.
something that was. I only lasted there about two years, and prior to that I was a bartender for almost ten years. I started in Utility Billing/Customer Service here at the city. After about a year, I shifted departments, ultimately landing in what I call my forever department.
What made you choose your career path? I have a very passionate and empathetic nature towards people, and I love to help. I feel like this position allows me to get to know everyone who works for COW and teaches me a great deal about what each person does for our city. I feel like I can make a difference because I am here for all employees, and I genuinely care about them and want to help with any issues they may have.
Honestly, the most challenging thing I am dealing with is trying to build rapport with all employees. I want everyone to trust that I will take care of them and I want them to be comfortable coming to me for anything.
What do you find most interesting about Weatherford? I love that Weatherford is a little big town. It is small enough to live comfortably and not feel overcrowded, but it is big enough that we aren’t missing out on anything that the metroplex may offer. Weatherford has a very homey and comfortable feel, and I feel like everyone is welcomed with open arms. There is also a lot of history here and it is so interesting to learn about it.
Where is your favorite What do you love about place in Weatherford? your job? My favorite place is probably
What did you do before landing your job with the city? I worked for an insurance company in sales before I came to work for the city. It was not a comfortable fit for me, so I left in pursuit of
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I love to interact with people and learn about them, whether it is on a personal or professional level. In this position I get to meet people from all walks of life and assist them in different ways. I also have the pleasure of following their journey from the moment they apply for a job to their first promotion and beyond.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
Holland Lake Park. I think it is just beautiful and peaceful. I like the trails for walking, the playground for my kids, and the fact that you can fish. And there are ducks!!
If you could have any job in the world (no limitations) what would you do? I have always wanted to open an orphanage/safe home. I would love to have a place of refuge for kids where they can feel safe and
made decorative signs, cups, shirts, and many other random things. Home improvement is also on the top of my list for things I love to do. My fiancé and I are always working on something and thank goodness he knows all there is to know about building/remodeling. He is my personal expert, and when I have a vision, he will always help me through it, even if he thinks I’m crazy initially! I like to be outside always! When the weather is nice, you won’t catch me inside. I like to work in the garden or just relax on my porch watching the birds. know they would be well-taken care of. I would also want to incorporate some type of life skills training to ensure the future success of the kids since the majority in these situations don’t have adults in their life with the ability to help them. My second choice is to live somewhere in the mountains, write novels and work in the garden! I would sell homemade pickles and wine and probably different handmade crafts as well.
Do you have any personal goals for yourself? I am on a slow track to a healthier me, and hopefully I will be where I want to be one day. I try to stay positive and just keep moving forward. I want my kids to grow up to be grateful and giving. I have tried to teach them the importance of helping others and I hope that is something they take with them throughout their lives.
now) and continue on to achieve my Master’s. I am the first person in my family to graduate college and to continue all the way would be such a huge accomplishment. I want to be fluent in Spanish, which I am working on.
What else would you like everyone to know about you? I have four kids: Bailey-14, Tyson-10, Tucker-9 and Zaylee-7. They are the loves of my life! We are a busy bunch, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I am type one diabetic and I use an insulin pump. I love to bring awareness to the disease, and I think talking about it and educating people about it is the best way to do so. If you are ever curious or anything, please call or email me! I wholeheartedly believe in the power of kindness. I think if more people would put others first, we would find ourselves in a totally different world. “Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” -Mark Twain
How do you deal with on- I want to complete my bachelor’s degree (which I am working on the-job stress?
Photos courtesy of Nicole Wright
I find it easier to deal with stressful situations by discussing it with someone else; someone to help me through what I’m dealing with. If talking about it isn’t an option, I will shut the door and turn my music on for just a few minutes. Sometimes solitude is just the thing you need to clear your mind and remember that stress doesn’t own you.
Do you have any hobbies or areas of interest and what are they? I love crafting and making something from nothing. I have WINTER 2019 |
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HAPPY January Chris Accardo Chase Bailey Chris Beniak James Berry Nathan Campbell Brian Dickerson Gladys Hansen Judy Hernandez Casey Jones Bobby Laine Jordan Lashbrook Ana Lira Kristen Mattocks Nathan McBride
February Jill Allen Tiffany Bagwell Sean Beck Jesse Blume Brad Burnett Tracey Cain Pat Cherryhomes Kevin Cleveland Joe Farley Kevin Hilliard James Holland Joe Hopkins Mike Ingram Karen King Greg Lance Kyle Lester Timothy Lehrbach Michael Marciniak
John McEntire Daisy Mendez Toby Mize Jason Morrow Karen Nantz Jonathan Peacock Ashley Polvadore Johnny Qualls Dustin Reichelt Blake Rexroat Gonzalo Santibanez Edwin Steele Richard Tate Roy Vernon Austin Walker Michelle Weldon Elizabeth White Terry Williams
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Howard McClurkin Carmen Morales Robert Moss Austin Nichols Melinda Pleasant Dustin Rich Jeff Robinson Michael Rudd Travis Sharp Alisha Starnes Charles Tippie Jeremy Williams Melissa Winn
March Robin Adair Eveline Baker Brett Barkley Eric Barksdale Travis Bramow Parker Brashear Josh Burns Monica Butturini Greyson Cox Chris Crawford Mike Dannar Maricruz Delgado Troy Dickey Mike Ellis Ashley Esquivel Allynn Fisher Jason Goff Shannon Goodman
Luke Hall Stan Hamrick Preston Harper Celina Hernandez Angee King-Bush John Marusak Cruz Rivas Cody Robinson Daniel Rodgers Summer Rose David Sears John Shelley Kevin Turner Ronnie Villarreal Cadie Wampler Josh Whipps Cameron Wilson Larry Woodward
BIRTHDAY! April Zach Atkins Michael Baldwin Ken Bean Sarah Blackford Diane Chambers Josh Clements Dustin Deel Gene Doss Jessica Doss Nathan Eames Edgar Esquivel Raul Flores Randa Kirk Matt Leppla Kyle Lucas Zane Maddux Patrick Mahoney
May Amy Bart David Bravo Robert Brown Matthew Charles Ryan Chegwidden Cathy Coffman Pamela Conover Liz Cox Joe Davis Alecia Durham Kyle Erickson Lee Franklin Mikey Fundis Kenneth Glover Misty Gober Sandra Green Johnny Gutierrez Sharon Hayes
John Jacques Wes McBride David Moore Travis Moore Malinda Nowell Jackie Ortiz Kallie Pitts Mitch Robertson James Saint Jeffrey Sayles Cody Short Cisco Smith Melissa Smith Kevin Tucker Kiason Turner John Vandyke John Welborn John Young
Jodi Martin Matt McKittrick Kristi Morris Timothy Newberry Ray Palmer Kerri Sanderson Brenda Schwartz D. L. Sosebee Chad Street Craig Swancy Jeff Thomason Tim Todd Trey Wagoner Dahlia Wells Dennis Whitford Steve Zapata
June James Allain Eric Barton Chris Burke Michael Cavazos Danny Cerveny Devrus Deal Kevin Goodworth Tyler Herndon Lindsey Hester Justin Holcomb Alexis Kelleher Tina Maxwell Kenzie Montgomery Tony Myers Manny Palacios Ed Poisson Randall Polston Rick Shaffer
Remington Shell David Smith Ro Smith Scott Sorrells Debra Wakeland
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Photo courtesy of Nicole Wright
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT NICOLE WRIGHT Communications & Marketing Coordinator
What is your position and what are some your duties for the city ? I am the Communications & Marketing Coordinator for the city. I work with Blake to ensure that the messages sent out (both internally and externally) are in line with the mission, vision, and values of the city. I work on the department's budget, manage social media accounts, create graphics, flyers, videos, and of course the Employee Edge. I also work with other departments on any projects that might arise.
For a little over a year and eight months I was a Business Development Representative for Legacy Mutual Mortgage, a mortgage company, out of Fort Worth. While working for Legacy Mutual Mortgage I networked in both Tarrant and Parker County to create and strengthen relationships for the loan officers I worked with. Before that I was the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Alchemy Pops, a Popsicle Company also out of Fort Worth. And before that I attended college at Texas Christian University.
What made you choose your career path? Photos courtesy of Blake Rexroat
What did you do before landing your job with the city? 20 EMPLOYEE EDGE | WINTER 2019
I studied Marketing, Public Relations, and Advertising in the Bob Schieffer College of Communications at Texas Christian University. Then I continued my education at TCU, obtaining my Masters of Liberal Arts through the Ad Ran School of Liberal Arts. I actually started school in an accelerated nursing program but found my mind drifting during classes. To make a longer story
short I found my passion in working with people, creating campaigns, and using the creative side of my brain.
What do you love about your job? I love getting to know people in and around the city! I am definitely a "people person". But I also love being able to help convey messages and share people's stories with others. Being able to mix that with my love of creating graphics and videos make working in marketing for the city a dream!
What is the most challenging thing about your job? Communicating with people is a tricky thing... you have to build a relationship and trust, otherwise people won't listen to you or your message can be misunderstood. And then on top of that you have to look at everything you send out or say from multiple angles to make sure that you aren't leaving anyone out or singling out people. What do you find most interesting about Weatherford? I love that there is a very distinct small town feel while still progressing to meet the needs of the growing population. I can still remember what Weatherford was
like when I was growing up. There is still very much a feeling of family and community, something you don't see in a lot of cities as they expand as much as Weatherford has.
out to people on a different level, that's something pretty special. Luckily for me my job allows me to flex my creative muscle while also being able to write and help share other people's stories.
Where is your favorite place in Weatherford?
How do you deal with on-the-job stress?
I would have to pick the trails! Whether that is Town Creek Hike and Bike Trail or the trails over by Weatherford Lake. I love being outside (and when the weather is nice - I love to run or jog outside). The fact that Weatherford continues to grow the places to spend time outside really makes it a more intriguing place to live!
I workout and/or listen to music. As for what type of music I listen to, that depends on the day and what I am working on. I listen to everything from county to rap, Christian to classical. Music has such a great way to affect the way that people are feeling.
If you could have any job in the world (no limitations) what would you do? I would love to be an author. I already get to do this through social media posts, emails, graphics, and videos. But to be able to share people's stories and reach
At any given time you can come by my office and hear music or a podcast on.
Do you have any hobbies or areas of interest and what are they? Anyone who knows me knows that working out is for sure one of my top hobbies! I actually completed the Spartan Trifecta last year, and love competing in obstacle course races! Whether I am lifting weights, running, boxing, or doing obstacle races, being active is my favorite hobby. I also love attending concerts, sporting events (go Horned Frogs), and going dancing! And if there is any free time left I love to craft.
Do you have any personal goals for yourself? Other than fitness goals one of my really big goals is to own my own house someday. I am currently saving up for
the down-payment, but I can't wait to have a place that is 100% my own and that truly reflects who I am! As for fitness goals there are some longer obstacle course races that I would love to complete, just to show myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. I am also super competitive, especially against myself. My daily goals are to show up and do my best in whatever I spend my time and efforts on!
What type of music do you think best describes you I would have to say country. Because country is usually uplifting and down to earth! I feel like Texas Country stays true to its roots and values while still staying current.
What else would you like everyone to know about you? I was born and raised in Weatherford and I love seeing all the great things happening around town. As a sixth generation Parker County resident, it's really cool to see more "behind the scenes" efforts that the city is taking to help improve the lives of every city resident.
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From the
V A U LT
By Malinda Nowell City Secretary
I
In 1968, in fact, the very first ordinance of 1968 created and named the Weatherford Public Library. On January 11, 1968, the Weatherford Public Library was born. In addition to creating the library, that ordinance also established an advisory board, provided for the financing and provided for the regulations to govern the operations of the library.
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the operation and regulation of the Weatherford Public Library. The ordinance provided for the terms and appointment of members to the advisory board, as well as the election of a chairman and a vicechairman at the board’s initial meeting. You know, there’s just some things many of us tend to take for granted… maybe our eyes, ears, the ability to walk… and the library! You know people were reading before 1968 so why did it take so long for Weatherford to create a library? Who knows, but it’s here now. It’s a place to experience life, go places you’ve never
been or may never get to go, see things you’ve never seen or may never get to. You can connect with people, places, history and future, all under one roof! If you haven’t been in there, go check it out. It’s not just paper books, my friend. Go. Explore.
Photo courtesy of Blake Rexroat
Photo courtesy of Nicole Wright
The advisory board consisted of five members whose object and purpose were to act as an advisory, policymaking board to the City Council (then City Commission) governing
Photo courtesy of Nicole Wright
t’s the library, right? Have you been there? You know, the big building off of South Bowie near the DPS/Driver’s License Office and the Soldier Spring Ball Fields? YEAH! That place! Everyone knows about the WEATHERFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY, but do you know how long it’s been there? Do you know when it was created?
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THE BUDGET GUY! KYLE LESTER Director of Finance
Because I tend to live in the city’s financial world every day (and tend to hardcore nerd-out on it whenever I’m asked about budget stuff), I sometimes take for granted that not everyone else is as familiar with Weatherford’s financial structure as I am. Therefore, I think it would be beneficial to take a step back and paint a picture of what we’re working with. So pop some popcorn, turn off your phone, and set your expectations high, because it’s about to get CRAZY. In total, the City of Weatherford takes in around $100 million annually. Now I know that sounds like a ridiculously high figure (“we have a HUNDRED KAJILLION BILLION DOLLARS!!!”), but it’s absolutely true. Between our taxpayers, interlocal agreements, utility
customers, and other sources, we see about $100 million in revenue coming through the city on an annual basis. Technically, that could buy 2,152 brand new 2019 Ford Mustangs from Southwest Ford, 33,000 65-inch LG TV’s from Best Buy, or 18.7 million tickets to see Captain Marvel at Film Alley this Friday at 7pm (only 11.7 million if you spring for the 3D showing). More importantly, it can also pay for 24/7 public safety services, maintenance of 192 miles of city streets, access to over 800 acres of public parks, clean water, reliable electricity, and about 400 friendly faces to take care of it all.
Revenue Profile
Most of this revenue comes from our service charges (predominantly water, sewer, and electric rates). Of that
Photo Source: iStock
Hey everybody! Its me: your friendly, neighborhood budget guy! Now I know, you haven’t heard from me in the last six months, but I’ve missed you all SO MUCH that I’ve decided to write a little precursor to our annual budget process, which will be kicking off in early April. While we are continually refining and balancing our financial resources, the official annual budget process is a centralized way of planning for major future initiatives. In most cases, its simply a way to make sure we are still on track for the projects we had previously planned for and fixing any glaring issues that have come up since the last budget process. I mean, not that there would EVER be ANYTHING that our gifted, proficient, and flawless budget guy (ahem…ME) would not see coming, but it’s always good to check.
Actual photo of Kyle trying to keep up with everything. Figure 1
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category, electric revenue takes the lion’s share, mostly because we purchase our power from outside sources and then pass that cost on to our customers, which is the largest single expense line in the entire city. *see figure 1 for revenue profile graph
What makes our financial picture a little more complicated are the limitations and restrictions that come with certain revenues. Some of these limitations are as a result of the nature of the revenue stream. The most prevalent example would be with our sales tax. As the name suggests, this tax is based entirely on how much people buy. So if we have a period of time where consumers collectively aren’t spending money, like in 2008, that revenue stream gets very strained. Weatherford actually got into a difficult situation in that time, losing over $1 million over a two-year period. As a result, staff and Council built
Figure 2
in a buffer with our sales tax budget, whereby about 10% of it is only used on one-time items. This way we ensure that we can take a large hit to that revenue without it affecting our daily operations. A similar limitation exists with our landfill royalty revenue ($500,000-$600,000 annually), which is expected to completely go away within the next five years. *see figure 2 for Sales Tax graph
More obvious restrictions on our revenue can come from the State of Texas. For example, the city’s hotel tax, which brings in $800,000 annually, can only legally be spent on certain programs as spelled out by the State Legislature. Specifically, all expenses funded by hotel tax must “directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry.” Furthermore, all expenses must fall into one of the following categories: • Convention center facilities/ visitor information centers • Advertising and promotional programs • Promotion of the arts • Historical restoration/
preservation • Sporting events (very heavily regulated) • Transportation systems Other revenues, such as some municipal court fines, water/ wastewater impact fees, park dedication revenue, and forfeiture funds, come with similar restrictions. Additionally, the State regulates how much our property taxes can increase. In fact, the legislature is currently attempting to tighten the property tax regulation even further. For reference, I’ve included the total tax rate profile our citizens currently pay on the table, Figure 3, on the next page. This table also shows how much
Photo Source: iStock
Second to that is our tax revenue, which brings in upwards of $30 million per year. These are the dollars that the public and Council tend to focus on whenever government revenue is brought up. Property taxes are, of course, the most contentious revenue stream, as they are the most visible. However, Weatherford’s sales tax revenue is the highest earner in the tax category, at $14 million this year. Over-reliance on either of these sources comes with its downfalls, and so balancing them is the name of the game. Property taxes are traditionally very stable, lagging behind any economic booms or busts, while sales taxes tend to be pretty volatile, rising and falling quickly. Staff and Council have worked hard over the past several years to structure these sources in the most beneficial way for the city.
Shown: artist’s rendering of Kyle’s reaction to new information.
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Figure 3
the average homeowner will be paying, based on the average residential taxable value. Finance staff is constantly monitoring the performance of all of these revenues in order to determine if we’re on track with our budget or not. Because surprises always come up each year, it is imperative to know how your financial picture is stacking up. Not that surprises ever bother me. I am completely, 100% cool with financial surprises.
Expense Profile So with $100 million coming in to the city on a yearly basis, it certainly begs the question: where does all that money go? City-wide, most of our budget dollars are for largescale capital improvements in our utility system, roads and parks. These improvements are necessary as we plan for serving the population growth in the city through the next several decades. Some of these capital projects are financed using municipal bonds, but a lot of it is paid for from planned use of cash-on-hand. To get an idea of how our revenue capacity relates to our annual budget process, we need to look at our operating budget (that is, the money we plan to spend on day-to-day operations of Weatherford).
Costs related to personnel (salaries and benefits) are by far the largest category of expenses for our overhead. Making up half of all of this budget, the cost to staff the city is over $30 million annually. We also rely on a significant amount of contractual services so that we can keep our overhead as low as possible and also tap in to expertise the city staff may not have. General supplies for our staff is the third largest category, and small-scale capital items such as vehicles and small equipment make up the last category. The important takeaway from this is to understand that personnel is the single most costly expense category, and this will hold true for the vast majority of
governments and businesses out there. This is why any proposed increase in personnel costs, either for existing personnel or potential future personnel, is always carefully scrutinized by our staff.   All of our budgets are organized in different funds. The one we concentrate on the most is our general fund, which houses all of our tax-funded operations such as public safety, streets, planning, code enforcement, most of our internal services, etc. Taking a look at our major operational fund by department, we can see that the highest three departmental budgets are police, fire, and transportation & public works. Because personnel costs are the most expensive, its no coincidence that those departments house the majority of our general fund employees. *see figure 5 for Major Operational Fund
Budget Process The final topic I’ll cover is our actual budget process, which will begin in early April. This process is kicked off through a brief, citywide meeting in which we review our overall financial picture, our
*see figure 4 for Cost Breakdown Chart Figure 4
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for the City of Weatherford. The process involves many hours of work from people in every department, and the goal is to have an open, collaborative discussion on the priorities of the city for the next several years. The process isn’t always smooth, and there will always be the occasional hiccup, but the result is always a stronger, more prepared city. September may feel far away, but it will be here quick. In the meantime – let the fun(d) begin!
Figure 5
outlook for the upcoming year, and go over the major dates in our budget process. We will also distribute each department’s target base budget. This essentially represents a starting point for departments to begin building their next-year budget. For the most part, the target will consist of all approved ongoing expenses from the previous year. For the following few weeks, the finance staff will work with each department to finalize their starting base budgets as well as any requested increases in budgetary funding. Once all information has been completed, finance will compile the budget and request summaries into binders and distribute them to the city manager’s office for review. Meetings are then held between representatives of each department, the city manager’s office, and finance staff in order to go through each base budget and funding request. At the conclusion of those series of meetings, finance staff and the city manager’s office will meet to consider which funding requests
take priority over the others, and subsequently build those into the budget. Departments will continue to be updated on the progress of their budgets during this time. While this is going on, finance staff is refining personnel cost and revenue projections for the upcoming year. This includes receiving the city’s new taxable assessed property values and determining potential property tax revenue for the new year. Once all expense and revenue budgets are finalized, staff will compile the final city manager’s proposed budget and draft a presentation to Council. This presentation occurs on the first City Council meeting in August. Between August and the end of September, Council and staff will hold several work sessions to discuss budget priorities. Public hearings are also required to be held on the tax rate and budget figures in general. The budget and tax rate are then adopted at the end of September. This is just a brief overview of the factors involved and the steps it takes to get a budget adopted
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SPARK IN THE PARK
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COIN AWARDS PROGRAM: MARK FURR, SANITATION DRIVER
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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 whose 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 Human Resources department 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. To nominate a coworker email (or in writing) write the person's name and why you think they deserve to be a coin recipient. Then turn that nomination into your supervisor. You just received your 10th coin! Can you tell us about how you received your coins through the Coin Awards Program?
Photos provided by Nicole Wright
Well to tell you the truth this is my third time I have received the day off from being given ten coins. I remember several of my coins. But honestly most of the time I was shocked when I found out I was given a coin.
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the first dog, a German Shepard, would bite at the fence whenever we came to pick up the trash. So one day I threw him a treat, the next day he growled but ran off with the treat. Then the third day he was just sitting there, jumping, and waiting for us to bring him a treat. A third coin I received was from helping a resident with her furniture. We were out on our route one day and I saw a lady struggling to move some furniture in her house. We pulled over and helped her carry it in and made sure she was good to go. It's not like we go looking for these situations. We just do the best we can. We show up everyday and do the best we can to help the residents of Weatherford.
One was from a guy who had a dog get into and scatter his trash. The guys and I hopped out and cleaned it up, we didn't even know he was watching. We just saw the mess and wanted to clean it up because it looked bad.
I think it's neat that we can be recognized by residents, coworkers, or bosses, but honestly I never set out to get the coins. I'm just doing my job to make Weatherford beautiful.
Another one of my coins was from giving treats, that I pay for myself, to dogs along our route. It's funny,
I have worked for the City of Weatherford for a little over fourteen years. When I started I was on the brush side, on the back of a truck. Most people don't realize
How long have you been with the City of Weatherford?
how in shape you have to be, or will be in once you are in the job, to hop on and off and move things the way we do. I remember always being sore, but the guys you work with are great!
What do you like about being on the Sanitation crew? I like the people I work with and around. Weatherford has, especially downtown, a great small town feel.
What is a typical day for you as a Sanitation Driver? Trashy! Hahaha, but really it just differs. We have our heavier and lighter days. You can always tell after holidays and when people begin their spring cleaning. We just do the best we can everyday. The other day for example, we had three full truck loads and could tell that people were trying to clean out their homes.
Who would you say has been the biggest influencer or mentor to you in life?
I would have to say my dad. He passed away two years ago, but we were close my whole life. He raised me right, and our whole family is pretty close.
What advice would you give to a new employee? Always have a positive attitude! If you come into work thinking "this sucks" then it will suck. However if you come into work thinking "this is good" then it will be good. It's all in your attitude and how you approach things. Life is too short to go through it upset and angry all the time.
What type of music do you think best describes you? I guess I would have to say country music. I am much happier in the country than the city. It's peaceful and quiet. I also think that country music is more family oriented.
If there was something you could change about the City, what would it be? I wish there was more to do and more places to eat downtown. It's great to see all of the progress, but it would be great to have one place to go walk around and have some options in one place. Especially a place that has so much historical value.
grandsons and five granddaughters. Any given time I can be found walking around, spending time in my barn, and with my animals. I like building things. I have built bird houses, a Texas coffee table, and a large Texas to go on my mailbox. I like doing it, it's just fun.
What is something about you that most people would not know? I would love to live on the Brazos River, not in a flood plain, but be able to enjoy the peace. I would love to go fishing with my kids. My love of exploration came from the first canoeing trip I went on with my dad when I was eight years old. After that we used to go fishing and hunting together. I actually got a tattoo in honor of my dad. I can look at it and remember him daily.
What kinds of things do you like to do on your days off? I like to spend time with my family and time outside. I have four children (three boys and one girl) and I am actually expecting my tenth grandchild next week! Once he arrives I will have five WINTER 2019 |
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WORK We love all of our employees and the part they play in making Weatherford the best city to live and work in! Check out the milestones of your fellow Weatherford employees!
45 Years Robert Moss
30 Years Gregory Lance Mike Kolanek Travis Sharp
Alecia Durham Troy Dickey
25 Years Danny Cerveny
Leanne Dean
20 Years Richard Tate Allen Taylor Bert McFadin Jason Goff David Secrest Kevin Hilliard James Peel
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Sandra Green Paul Sutton Jeffrey Thomason Shannon Napier Jonathan Peacock Lance Trinque Dennis Whitford
ANNIVERSARIES 15 Years Zeb Cummins Steven Cox Cameron Hale
Patrick Cherryhomes Chad Street Joe Hopkins
10 Years Bryan Smith Gwendolyn Dowds-Nash Paul Rust Kevin Turner Kevin Tucker
Byanca Calvillo Charles Tippie II Steven Zapata Mark Furr
5 Years Justin Harwell Blake Rexroat Olen Arey Tiffany Bagwell Monica Butturini Nathan Lee Kenneth Glover Austin Patterson
Frank Watson II Zach Atkins Chris Blount Sarah Blackford Diane Chambers Robert Brown Kevin Edwards
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Lone Star Legacy Park Award
RACHEL HAMILTON Special Events Coordinator
Paying Homage to Holland Lake's History Mr. G. A. Holland created a park around a swimming hole with a bathhouse and nature trails and operated this park privately for public use from 1903 - 1935. The park was purchased by the City of Weatherford and Parker County in 1935. Improvements through the Works Progress Administration, a federal program in the mid-1900s, were made by erecting six limestone cottages just east of the lake and a stone-lined canal built to channel runoff water around the lake. Mr. Holland was instrumental in the rescue of a pair of Parker County log cabins by moving them into the park and joining them together under one roof. This created a mini-museum where local history could be preserved and appreciated. A state historical marker was placed before the cabins in 1936. The City took full control over the park at that time. Holland Lake Park consists of three parts which include: 16 acres on the northwest with a
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1.2-acre lake; 12 acres east of the lake with six stone cottages, and 9 acres to the south used for nature trails and exploring. Through the efforts of the Weatherford Garden Club, a Blue Star Memorial Marker was placed on FM 2552 (Santa Fe Drive) in 1973.
From 2006 to 2008, the purchase of 15 acres was added to the growth of the park creating a three-plex softball field complex. Additional construction in the park to reroute the water flow, remove the canal channel and create a new dam between the lower lake and upper pond (wetlands) with an overflow spillway and large bridge spanning over it to greatly enhanced the park property. The old restroom building over the canal channel was removed and new restrooms were built in conjunction with a stone pavilion. Holland Lake Park's most valuable treasure may be what nature put there. The nature trails wind through beautifully rich woodlands to an area where a cottonwood tree has aged for more than 150 years. Holland Lake Park is a living symbol of the community working together to preserve history and build recreational opportunities in a natural environment as an asset to all generations.
Photo provided by Rachel Hamilton
Photo provided by Blake Rexroat
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Photo provided by Rachel Hamilton
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Photos provided by Nicole Wright
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1. Parks, Recreation, & Special Events Director Shannon Goodman, Mayor Craig Swancy, Karen King, and Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events Jaycob Kirkpatrick pose with the plaque and award at a City Council meeting on February 26th. 2. Picture of the bridge at Holland Lake Park. 3. One of the Parker County Log Cabins at Holland Lake. 4. Picture of the award and plaque from the Parks Award! WINTER 2019 |
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Chili Cook Off
Our annual Chili Cook Off benefitting United Way Parker County was held in February. We were able to raise a total of $3600.68 (including payroll deductions)! Desserts brought in $176, while lunch raised $245. Mayor Swancy was our judge again this year. We would like to say a big THANK YOU to all of the cooks, chefs, bakers, and donors that helped make the day a success. Shout out to our event planners extraordinaires Malinda Nowell and Krista Peacock for coordinating the event.
Winners: Chili Judge’s Choice: Dustin Deel (chili #13) People’s Choice: Dustin Deel People’s Choice Runner up #1 was Olen Arey (chili #15) Salsa Judge’s Choice: John Rudolph (salsa #6) People’s Choice: John Rudolph People’s Choice Runner up #1 was Mark Furr (salsa #1)
Dustin Deel shows off his 1st place trophy, while Olen Arey displays his 1st Place People's Choice trophy.
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Photos courtesy of Malinda Nowell
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1. More than 50 employees attended the Annual Chili Cook Off this year. 2. Mayor Swancy judging the chili entries. 3. Dustin Deel shows off his 1st place Judge's Choice trophy while Olen Arey holds his 1st place People's Choice trophy. 4. Weatherford Employees enjoying a great afternoon of Fundraising for United Way Parker County. 5. Kristen Pegues, Jodi Martin, and Malinda Nowell at the Chili Cook Off. 6. Kyle Lester and Rick Shaffer proudly show off their "saving it for later" moments.
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Spring Activities
Word Bank: BLOOMS CITY COMMUNITY EDGE EMPLOYEE GOVERNMENT PEACH
SPRING STRONG SUNNY TEXAS TRUE WEATHERFORD
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Time to go outside and enjoy the nice weather! There are many events happening around the city, follow our social media accounts to stay up-to-date!
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