EDGE
EMPLOYEE
FALL 2017
LEADERSHIP / GROWTH / SERVICE
OUR PEOPLE
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EMPLOYEE EDGE | 2017
"...so what's happening in your city???"
OUR PEOPLE
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EDGE
CO N T E N T S Our Leadership 7 Message from City Management
Our People 10
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Mitch Robertson - Electric Department
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Director Q & A -
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Employee Spotlights
Coin Awards Program
Chris Accardo - Library Services Josh Clements - Warehouse Corporal Beth Turnbow - Police
Department 20 Birthdays 22 24
New Employees Welcome Police Chief Lance Arnold
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Our Stories 25 27
What's Happening From The Vault
Our Photographs 28
Click
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Photo Finish
On
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Cover: Electric Lineman Cody Wynne Tim Todd
photo by
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EMPLOYEE EDGE | 2017
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WEATHERFORD in the MOVIES PARK R E T A E H T I H P M A HERITAGE PARK N W O D N U S T A H OCTOBER 27T FREE ADMISSION BRING BLANKETS LAWN CHAIRS FOOD & SNACK VENDORS ON SITE PROUDLY PRESENTED BY THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:
From the
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Staff
he hot, summer months here in Weatherford have transitioned to the Fall with plenty of events for everyone. This season kicks off with great outdoor movies at the Heritage Park Amphitheater and a partnership event with Weatherford Downtown Business Alliance, the Day of The Dead Texas Spirits Festival. Our beautiful Chandor Gardens will also be hosting Goblins in the Garden which is a great event for the entire family. Our biggest event for December is Holiday In The Park. This is always a family-fun event and a favorite of employees. The Fall also begins our new budget year. With that comes new opportunities and exciting challenges. But we should occasionally reflect back at our accomplishments and our successes that we have obtained through our hard work and perseverance. We hope you will attend the Employee Appreciation Luncheon in November to celebrate exactly this point. Along with the new budget comes a new visual look for our City logo. Many months of planning and conversations have gone into finding the new image marker for the City of Weatherford. Look for our new logo to be launching this Fall. Blake Rexroat Director, Communications and Marketing The new City logo, coming this Fall:
The Employee Edge is published by the City of Weatherford, Texas. www.weatherfordtx.gov 303 Palo Pinto St. | Weatherford, TX | 76086
Employee Edge Creative Team
Krista Beach Administration
Malinda Nowell Administration
Blake Rexroat Communications & Marketing
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Sandra Green Human Resources
Tim Todd Communications & Marketing
MESSAGE FROM B R A D B U R N E T T A S S I S TA N T C I T Y M A N A G E R
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harles Swindoll once said, "Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it." I've found that is often true in my own experiences both inside and outside the workplace. Every day we're faced with a lot of decisions to make, including how we use our words and how we respond to things. In other words, what we do and say matters. I know you're thinking that should be the next trendy hashtag (and you're right!), but honestly, we're all influenced by those around us in some capacity. Our actions and reactions to situations do not go unnoticed. They are a reflection of our attitude toward adversity or opportunity. Personally, I strive to maintain a positive, optimistic attitude, and I challenge you to do the same. Things may not always turn out how we would like them to, but I've found that having a bad attitude and letting disappointments get the best of us only hinders our next opportunity. Take a minute to think about your friends, family, and coworkers. What makes you want to spend time with them or not be around them? Which qualities do you most value? Now think about yourself. Do you share those qualities? What are some areas you think you could improve upon? Self-discipline is a valuable characteristic to any employer and can lead to a highly lucrative career. I think one value we all share as a part of this organization is the desire to succeed. In my experience, I've learned that people do their best work when they're motivated. Maybe the goal is to earn a promotion, or perhaps an appreciative "pat on the back" will do the trick. Whatever the reason, when people truly want to do and be the best, they will make it happen. Their minds and hearts are intertwined with their work. They take
responsibility, show initiative, and are innovative and creative when it matters to them. I also think this organization shares a culture of success; we want to be the best individually just as we want our coworkers to succeed. After all, we're all responsible for creating a culture that supports, nurtures, and develops us into being all we can be. Recently, I was reading an article from UPLIFT about the things you must give up in order to live the life you want. It made sense to me, so I think it's worth sharing. First, Give Up the Unhealthy Lifestyle. To achieve anything in life you want, you must put your health first. Keep two things in mind, a healthy diet and physical activity. Give up excuses. Be responsible for your life no matter your starting point, your weaknesses or your past failures. Realizing you are responsible for what happens next in your life is both frightening and exciting. And when you do, that becomes the only way you can become successful because excuses prevent us from growing personally and professionally. Give Up the Toxic People in Your Life. People we spend the most time with add up to who we become. You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Give Up Your Dependency on Social Media and Television. Don't use impulsive web browsing and watching television as an escape from your life or your goals. Try to direct your time towards things that can enrich your life. Finally, Take the Plunge. Life isn't always easy especially if your heart yearns to do things differently. It's hard to plunge into the unknown and commit to being the greatest version of you, but truly living your life how you envision it, will be the best decision you will ever make.
MONTHLY BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST INVITATION
The City Manager would like to have breakfast with staff members during your birthday month to simply say "thank you" and to find out what is going on in your world. Please join her for breakfast.
Second Thursday of Each Month Cherry Park Community Building 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. OUR LEADERSHIP
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Our People
COIN AWARDS PROGRAM:
MITCH ROBERTSON, LINEMAN HELPER
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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.
Tell us about how you received your coin through the coin awards program. I received my most recent coin from participating and being involved in a big power outage (12 hours) in the Silver Stone neighborhood. It was pretty much "all hands on deck" to get as many people back on with power in the fastest and safest way possible. What is your background and education? I grew up in a small town about 60 miles north of Dallas in a town named Bells. On November 19, 2005, I married my best friend and the love of my life. We have two amazing kids, Xander (9) and Xoie (8). They both are very active in sports and 4-H. Shortly after my son was born, I finally achieved my goal of finishing my EMT certification along with other college courses. How long have you been with the City of Weatherford? I have worked for the City for a little over two and a half years. What did you do prior to coming to work for the City? I was a General Manager for a free-standing Chick-fil-A for over 18 years. Our family relocated and I was excited to join the City of Weatherford family.
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What do you like about being in the Electric Department? There are lots of things I like about being in the Electric Department. I am part of a great group of people that love what we do! It's really awesome to have good co-workers, supervisors and a friendly environment! What is a typical day for you as a Lineman Helper? A typical day can range from many different scenarios and situations. We do participate in all aspects of the department such as maintenance, repairs and construction for both overhead and underground services. Describe the best and worst day at work you've had. The best and worst day at work can be one in the same. An outage can be awesome because I get to implement and practice all of the skills and knowledge that I have learned; it can be bad because it's never fun to see customers without power.
What are you hobbies? My hobbies are hunting (deer, turkey, hogs, varmints, dove), fishing, spending time with my family (my kids' sports/events, boating, bike rides, camping, etc.) and hanging out with our friends. What kinds of things do you like to do on your days off? I enjoy spending time with my family, relaxing and being outdoors! What is something about you that most people would not know? Most people probably don't know that I'm a certified EMT and that I used to be in a Volunteer Fire Department.
What advice would you give to a new employee? I would encourage them to listen and absorb as much as they can from each Lineman because they all have lots of valuable knowledge to give. What is something you have learned on the job that you think is very helpful to your co-workers? Since starting with the Electric Department, I have learned lots of helpful information. If I had to choose one helpful tip, I would say SAFETY is number one on my list. In our line of work, we all have to be safe, constantly watching, and having each other's back! What do you like about Weatherford? My family relocated to Weatherford from Frisco because we love the "small town feel" along with the sense of community among all of Parker County. If there was something you could change about the City, what would it be? There's really nothing I would change about the City. My family relocated here because we love it!
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Q&A Chris Accardo Director of Public Library What do you love most about your position? The library staff has really come together as a team over the time that I have been here. When everyone on the team knows what they are supposed to be doing and are proficient, which this staff does and is, things really click. People walk through the door and they are surprised, in a good way, by the level of service that they receive. I truly enjoy reading five-star reviews of the library on Facebook and sharing them with staff because that is the culmination of years of hard work - someone appreciated what we do so much that they took the time to write something about it. What is your daily schedule? What is this "schedule" thing of which you speak? Haha. I attend a lot of meetings. I try to get in and triage my email inbox first thing. Once the library opens to the public, though, it's a free-for-all. There are usually minor emergencies or facility maintenance issues to handle, contacts with local organizations to maintain. At some point during the day, I try to walk through all of the staff areas and check in with employees. I also try to spend some time in the public area each day, just to keep a sense of what's going on and to inspect the facility. Gwendolyn and Rachel (our Youth Services Manager and Community & Events Librarian) pitch new programs or updates to ongoing programs. In between all of that, there are a lot of things for me to sign. What was your career prior to working for the City of Weatherford? 12 EMPLOYEE EDGE | 2017
I started out many, many years ago working for a company that researched and filed documents with courts and other government agencies for attorneys. I did property management, then worked for a city housing authority and for the State as a public assistance worker. I finally found libraries, and my first library was a private school library, serving kids from three years old through twelfth grade. I switched over to public libraries, managing a branch in Fort Bend County, and then children's services at the main library in Grand Prairie. I have been here for the past twelve years. What do you love most about being a City employee? Within the organization, the best part of being a City employee is the way every single department works to support the other departments in the City. We have some of the most talented people I have ever worked with working for the City of Weatherford, and they are always willing to help out when needed. Externally, I like working for the City because it is growing and exciting things are happening...it feels like I really make a contribution every day to making this a fantastic community to live in. What advice do you have for employees? Approach your job, whatever it is, with a sense of the chance you have to make a positive difference in someone's life, or even just in their day. Everything we do as City employees touches many people's lives. This is an honor.
Why are employees important to the daily operations of the City? Employees aren't just important to the daily operations of the City, they are the most important part of the City being able to function. I frequently tell employees, "You are the face of the City." We exist to serve our citizens, but sometimes people get frustrated and angry with government on different levels, for various reasons. City employees are interacting with citizens every day, but most citizens will only interact with City employees a few times a year. Therefore, those citizens' perception of the City government is going to hinge on how they feel after limited interactions. One bad interaction, whether caused by an employee's attitude or competence, and a citizen may be upset with the City for years. What is the biggest challenge in your position? Keeping up with the growth and increased demands for service in the area. When I started here, we were checking out around 230,000 items per year with 3,200 attendees at library events. Since then, we've added Sunday hours, and only added a net of 17 staff hours since then. We're probably going to check out close to 330,000 items this year with 20,000 event attendees. Keeping up with the pace is quite strenuous for staff, but the real challenge is space. We never have enough space to meet the community's needs, and that shortage is only going to get worse as Weatherford and the surrounding regions gain population.
Chris doing research on Weatherford history.
Where do you see your department in five years? Hopefully getting ready to expand the library building! I hope that we can continue making the library a community hub, where people can meet and interact with their neighbors, and we need more space to be able to fully realize that vision. My plan is to carry on with our local history preservation efforts, because that content is irreplaceable. Once a document is gone, it is gone forever, and we have already lost too much. I intend to continue to push services out into the community so that people don't have to come
to a central location to benefit from library services. I would like to offer some kind of streaming video services that citizens could use from home - kind of like Netflix for libraries.
Chris adding a piece to a local historic collection.
How has the public library system as a whole changed in the last several years? Looking back over the time since I have been working here, the biggest changes have pertained to technology. We started offering eBooks and eAudio several years ago, but surprisingly, they didn't put a dent in our physical checkouts. Book, DVD and audiobook checkouts are up 25% over ten years ago. We also developed a cooperative software system with the other public libraries in the area so that we can share materials between libraries. That service has been steadily growing since 2009. We have begun digitizing our local history collections, and we have over 100,000 pages of content digitized and available online for free. Usage of our public computer terminals has decreased significantly due to increasing Internet access via smartphone, but in-person attendance at our library events has skyrocketed. Perhaps most curiously, we have gotten rid of all of the VHS tapes in our collection, but have just recently introduced a fax service. Who has been a mentor to you during your professional career and why? Councilman Dale Fleeger. Dale is the consummate library professional. He has contacts all over the library world and a wealth of management experience with different public libraries, and is always willing to share his wisdom. Dale was Director of Library Services here in Weatherford before me and I was his Assistant Director for nine years. He gave me opportunities to learn all about budgeting and providing library services as efficiently as possible. OUR PEOPLE 13
Dogs or cats? Why? If I have to choose between those two, I'd go with cats. Generally, cats are insane, and almost as entertaining as ferrets. I'd like to have some land and a rhinoceros or two someday.
The other side of Chris...
What are your interests or hobbies? I don't have much free time between working and skating, but I've been spending what precious little time I have lately convincing the cats that the red dot from the laser pointer lives in the hall closet. And I play guitar. If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Bill Gates. I have a check I need him to sign... If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Australia. I want to swim with the platypuses. What is your favorite movie or TV show? Game of Thrones. The TV series has outpaced the novels, but I am looking forward to reading the rest of those if they ever come out.
EDGE Magazine has learned that you are a part of a roller derby team. Please tell us about that. I attended my first roller derby about nine years ago in North Richland Hills. It was a women's league - The Dallas Derby Devils - and I was absolutely blown away. It looked like the most fun What is the hardest part of technology for you to accept? and exciting thing I had ever seen. I was talking to When I was younger, my grandmother told me we a couple of the skaters afterward and said, "This is would have flying cars by the time I grew up. I'm more awesome! I wish there was a men's league, too!" than a little peeved that hasn't happened yet. They said, "Actually, they're starting one. Go talk to this guy." I showed up for practice the next week If you were able to go back in time, when would it be and why? and skated using a pair of "brownies" (rental roller Speaking of Bill Gates, I would go back to the summer skates from the link). I didn't know anyone there after high school and tell my numbskull high school self and it was one of the most embarrassing things I to use his graduation money to buy Microsoft stock. It'd be well worth over half a million dollars today. I have ever done because I hadn't skated on quad know most science fiction warns against this type of skates in over twenty years and I was terrible. self-contact, as it might cause some kind of space-time Fast-forward that to 2012 and I got the chance to paradox, but I am willing to risk it. play with my team, Dallas Deception, in the men's national roller derby championship tournament in St. Louis, where we came in fifth place. I've been able to coach several teams and referee for several different leagues, including junior leagues, and I have skated all around the country. Oh, and I do the bulk of my training right here in Weatherford on the basketball court at Love Street Park! If there was a candy dish on your desk, what would you fill it with? Something I didn't like, because if it was, say, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, the candy dish would always be empty.
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Dewey Decimator
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT JOSH CLEMENTS Warehouse Attendant II What is your position with the City? I am currently a Warehouse Attendant II at the Service Center. I have been with the City since August of last year and have enjoyed my time here so far. I assist in managing the ordering of warehouse materials, getting work orders ready for both the Electric and Water Departments, uploading materials and keeping the inventory organized. What did you do prior to working for the City of Weatherford? I worked for+ FMC Technologies in Stephenville, Texas, for the past five years prior to coming here. While there, I was a Material Handler and worked in both our warehouse and our outside receiving areas. I did a lot of the same responsibilities that I do now except for the materials ordering side. Before that, I went to college at McMurry University in Abilene where I majored in History and minored in Sociology and Kinesiology. What is the most challenging part of your job? There isn't really anything too challenging or stressful. I deal with a lot of numbers daily and I can see where some people might not enjoy that, but I do. I guess the only time it can be tough is around inventory time when we shut the entire warehouse down and hand count all of the inventory we have and compare it to what we have 16 EMPLOYEE EDGE | 2017
in the system. It is a lot of work getting ready for it every year and making sure everything is in order in the weeks leading up to it. What do you find interesting in the City of Weatherford? I like how it's a small town with a lot of things to do and how close it is to everything. I really like the schools here and working for the City is a plus because I get to help the community I live in. Plus there are quire a few characters I work with that make coming to work enjoyable. I think Weatherford is unique in the fact that it has people from all different backgrounds and careers but seems for the most part people enjoy it here. All the different events that happen here make it special, as well. From the Sheriff's Posse Rodeo to the Peach Festival, Weatherford has a place for everyone.
How do you feel about all the changes going on in Weatherford? I have only been living here for a few years but I like them , especially the new Academy. I also like all the restaurants and places to shop. There are a ton of parks and tons of family-friendly things to do, as well. My family really enjoys all the holiday events that the City does and my family from out of town always enjoys coming to visit. Is there something you personally would like to see change in the City? I would like to see more events with food and live music. My wife plays music on the side and we both enjoy going to those types of events. Anything with food involved, you can count me in! Anything interesting you've done in your life you'd like to share? I was on the semi-pro football team, the Texas Bullets; I played offensive line with the team. Any other hobbies or areas of interest? I enjoy fishing and camping, usually anything outdoors. I am a huge movie buff and enjoy playing video games sometimes. I like spending time with my wife, Kelly, and step-son, Jayden. He plays baseball so our Saturdays in the spring and fall are usually filled with his games. We are members of Greenwood Baptist Church so we are usually there on Sundays.
During the summer, I am usually in my pool drinking a cold beverage or at the lake.
The Other Side of Josh...
Any personal goals you have for yourself? I would like to just continue doing the things I enjoy, living life to the fullest, and spending more time with my family. Career wise, I would like to say with the City until I can eventually retire one day or win the lottery, whichever happens first.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT BETH TURNBOW Police Corporal Describe your position with the City. I am a Crime Scene Investigator, assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division. I hold a TCOLE certification as a Master Peace Officer, Instructor and Crime Prevention Inspector. As a Crime Scene Specialist, I have been accepted in district and county courts as an expert witness in latent fingerprint examination and identification. How long have you been with the City? I have been employed with the City of Weatherford for 24 1/2 years. What did you do prior to working for the City of Weatherford? Prior to being hired by the City, I served as an Officer and Crime Scene Investigator for the Arlington Police Department. I was actually their first female CSI. It was there that I was able to get the training and experience that I brought to Weatherford. What is your typical day as a Corporal with the Weatherford Policy Department? I wear a lot of different hats at the Police Department. Typically, if I'm not investigating a crime scene, I am writing reports or other paperwork on cases I've investigated, the part of the job that the CSI television shows don't go into. I also have evidence to process that gets turned into Property by Patrol officers. Sometimes, rather than calling me to the scene, officers will collect a few items that need to be fingerprinted for me to process at the station. I have a FRIS Universal Work Station (ULW) in my office, so I am able to search latent prints that I haven't otherwise been able to identify. In addition to crime scene work, I am 18 EMPLOYEE EDGE | 2017
the Law Enforcement Coordinator for Parker County Crime Stoppers. Any tips that are submitted go to me and I send them to the appropriate investigating agencies. When the tips have been investigated, the dispositions are sent to me. If the tip led to an arrest, I submit the details to the Crime Stoppers board at the monthly meeting and a vote is cast to decide on the reward. I then arrange for the tipster to anonymously pick up their cash reward. I produce the Parker County's Most Wanted once a month, I work closely with the local pawn shops, and I coordinate crime prevention events like National Night Out and the Crime Watch programs. I am also a Crime Prevention Inspector and I work as Quartermaster for the Honor Guard as well as being an active member.
What is it like being the only CSI agent with the City of Weatherford? It can sometimes be a true challenge. I have been on-call 24/7 since 1995, so my social life has to be very flexible. My family knows I could be called out at any moment and be gone for several hours. I have trained patrol officers to assist
when I'm out of town. Currently, Officer McCrory is assigned as my backup in addition to her patrol duties. I am in the process of training two others, Officer Seaton and Officer Callaway. How have things changed in CSI since you have been in your position? There have been a few significant changes since I began working crime scenes in the mid-'80's. Digital cameras have been a wonderful change from the Pentax K1000 35mm camera that seemed to always be attached to the end of my arm. DNA also became a very important piece of evidence which changed blood from only being able to be "typed" to being an almost unique characteristic. The Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) gave us the ability to compare latent fingerprints to tens of millions of inked prints stored in the government's data bases in a matter of minutes. Other changes include electronically scanning fingerprints, digital imaging scenes as opposed to sketching with the use of a measuring tape, and, I know this really ages me, but writing your detailed reports on a computer rather than handwriting or typing them on a typewriter. Please tell us about the new CSI van. I am really excited to have a new vehicle that is equipped and organized as well as the van is. It is tall enough inside that I can stand up. It has shelves to hold all the equipment and even has a desk. There are halogen lights mounted on the sides to illuminate scenes and small red and blues mounted all around it to help me move through traffic.
For the past 14 years, I drove a Ford Expedition and had all my equipment stored in the back. The vehicle was a step up from what I had previously driven, but there wasn't enough room in the back to have everything organized and easy to find. With the shelving and cabinets in the van, things are always at my fingertips.
you have to hold the scene until the weather conditions change or the sun comes up to prevent evidence from being destroyed or overlooked.
Describe the best part of your job. I enjoy the flexibility of my position. I am able to flex out my overtime hours if I want, so if I need to take off work, I usually can. My cell phone is always within reach, in case I need to respond to a crime scene. My normal hours are 8 to 5 with weekends and holidays off. Of course, that is always subject to change. What is the most challenging part of your job? It's always a challenge to work and think with precise detail in the middle of the night or when you've been awake over 24 hours. You can never make mistakes or it could affect the entire case, allowing the perpetrator to walk free. It's also difficult to work in extreme weather conditions. I remember one case when it was so cold that I couldn't stand to be outside long enough to work the scene effectively. Sometimes
How do you feel about all the changes going on in Weatherford? I have mixed feelings about the growth and development of the City. I enjoy having retail stores and restaurants nearby, limiting my need to go to Fort Worth to only occasional. However, I miss the small town that brought me here in 1987. Fortunately, Weatherford retains its small town feeling. It was, and is, always a breath of fresh air after working in one of the big cities to the east. I'm sure everyone is aware that we have a new Police Chief, Lance Arnold. He seems to be fitting in well and has brought some new ideas with him. I am looking forward to seeing what plans he has for the future of our department. Is there something you personally would like to see change in the City? The one thing that I wish would change is the City's nepotism policy. We are missing out on a lot of good employees by not being allowed to hire relatives.
three adult children, two of whom graduated from Brock and the third from Weatherford. We live on several acres north of town with cows, a Westie and a couple of cats. Any other hobbies or areas of interest? We enjoy working outside and are currently building a barn. I love to read and work jigsaw puzzles. We also enjoy traveling and have plans to do a lot more, if we can ever retire. We are members of the South Main Church of Christ and help with the Sunday morning worship services at the Holland Lake Nursing Center, where my mother resides. Any personal goals you have for yourself? I have actually just accomplished a weight loss goal. My new goal is maintaining my weight and exercising daily. I also see building another house in the future.
Anything interesting you've done in your life you'd like to share? Of the five houses we have owned in Weatherford, I have designed and helped to build two, and restored one turn of the century Victorian home. Tell us about your family. I met and married my husband while we were both working as police officers in Arlington, 32 years ago. We have OUR PEOPLE 19
Happy Birthday! September John Baker Mike Bragan Chris Bumpas Mike Byars CJ Cates Steven Chamblee Griffin Coiner Phillip Cox Marlin Daugherty Valerie Diaz Cody Geeo Nathan Golden Erica Haney Gary Houghton Ronald Huston Dewayne Lackey
Michael Mitchell Cody Mulloy Shannon Napier Rosa Palacios Eldon Patterson Christopher Roberts John Rudolph Tom Seaton Jessica Shofroth Holly Snell Jonathan Stanley Daniel Stewart Paul Sutton Cindy Vise Eric Warren Cody Wynne
November Olen Arey Nick Benson Zachary Bracken Chris Brown Tate Buster Kayla Callaway Juan Cardenas Stewart Chalmers Steven Cox Randall Denny Kevin Edwards Richard Fetzeck Mark Furr Sharon Green Cameron Hale Rachel Hamilton Michael Howard
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Terry Hughes Ray Julian Sidney Kirk Beverley Laxson Jason Lewis Chris Machin Paul Paschall Angel Rudolph Dusty Russell Bryan Smith Johnny Soap Javier Torres Chris Weaver David Welcher Ryan Whiteman Meredith Wren
October Diana Allen Pat Berry Kyle Capp Jackie Clayton Chad Deiley Randy English Dale Fleeger David Foreman Justin Gales Justin Henning Roy Hurst Eddie Hurtado Travis Johnson Chris Kreutzer Gilberto Ledezma Nathan Lee Christina Levrie
Andrew McCollum Cherilyn Meeves Gary Miller BGee Pearson Jessica Richard Paul Rust Kristin Seeger Bill Smith Brett Stagner Kerrie Stepherson Grant Taylor Taz Thurman Lance Trinque Keith Truelove Beth Turnbow Randy Vaughn Mark Wolfenberger
December Keri Agnew Russ Barrett Wesley Briggs Terri Brunz Ricky Bullock Richie Calderon George Courtney Gwendolyn Dowds-Nash Troy Garvin Steven Hathaway Kaylei Hickey Bob Hopkins Pam Hughes Rodger Johnson, III Debra Kasparek Justin Langford Hervy Martin Cordell Massey
Bert McFadin Cesar Mendoza Stewart Millican Stephanie Molina Micah Ormon James Peel Paula Rollins Paul Salge David Secrest Tom Short Allen Taylor Tim Trevino Erin Turner Tiffany Vanzant Karl Westendorf Heidi Wilder John Wright
Employee Appreciation Luncheon FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Harberger Hill Community Center This year’s meal provided by Kern’s Barbecue Catering Menu Smoked Turkey Corn Dressing Hot Rolls Mashed Potatoes Cranberry Sauce Green Beans Fruit Cobbler
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Welcome To Our New Employees!
JACQUELINE EARY Library Clerk - P/T Public Library
MATTHEW WILLIAMSON Electrical Engineer Electric Utilities
ERIN TURNER
MICHAEL CAVAZOS Firefighter / EMT Fire Department
CHASE CLARY Police Officer
Police Department
CHRIS MACHIN
GONZALO SANTIBANEZ
Maintenance Worker II W/WW Maintenance
IT Specialist Information Technology
First Monday Office Assistant Heritage Park
Library Associate - Part Time Public Library
PAMELA CONOVER
JENNIFER CRONIN
RANDY PEARSON
KALEB WALKER
RODGER JOHNSON, III
Groundskeeper Parks & Properties
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Groundskeeper - Part Time Chandor Gardens
Groundskeeper Parks & Properties
Meter Tech W/WW Maintenance
Welcome To Our New Employees!
KRISTEN PEGUES
LANCE ARNOLD
RYAN CHEGWIDDEN
JUAN CARDENAS Warehouse Attendant I Service Center
SEAN WILLIAMS
JOHN BAKER
Light Equipment Operator W/WW Maintenance
Police Office Police Department
SUMMER ROSE
JUSTIN GALES
MELINDA PLEASANT
TATE BUSTER
SHAUNA CASEY
Eco. Dev. Planning Coordinator Economic Development
Utility Representative Utility Billing
JAMES PITTMAN
Library Clerk - Part Time Public Library
Police Chief Police Department
Library Clerk Public Library
Maintenance Worker Streets Department
Firefighter / EMT Fire Department
Librarian - Part Time Public Library
Library Clerk - Part Time Public Library OUR PEOPLE 23
Welcome, Chief Lance Arnold!
Chief Arnold being sworn in by Judge Tim Galbreaith.
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What's Happening Public Library - Special Programs October: 19th - Book Club (6-7:30pm) 26th - Research and Investigation of the Paranormal (6-7:30pm) November: 13th - Trivia Night at Antebellum Ale House (teams must register by 7pm) (prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams) 16th - Book Club (6-7:30pm) 23rd thru 26th - LIBRARY CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING 30th - Framed Flowers (6-7:30pm)(please register) December: 7th - Book Buzz with Penguin Random House (6-7:30pm) Get a scoop on the upcoming releases; free tote bag, book samplers, prizes 14th - Grown-Up Recess (6-7:30pm) January 2018: 8th - Elvis Tribute (6:30-8pm) Come hear tribute artist, Jeff Mew, as the "King of Rock and Roll" Event is free but must have ticket; tickets available from reference desk starting December 18th. For more information on these and other events, visit www.wpltx.com or their Facebook page.
Parks, Recreation and Special Events October: 14th - Movies in the Park - Heritage Park Amphitheater 22nd - Autumn Art Walk - Chandor Gardens ($1 per person) 27th - Movies in the Park - Heritage Park Amphitheater 28th - Day of the Dead Texas Spirits Festival - Heritage Park Amphitheater 29th - Goblins in the Garden - Chandor Gardens ($2/adults; Free for kids) November: 3rd - 5th - First Monday Trade Days December: 1st - 3rd - First Monday Trade Days 8th - Holiday in the Park 9th - Holiday Open House - Chandor Gardens (Free) For more information on these and other events, visit www.weatherfordparks.com or their Facebook page.
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You’re invited!
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK December 8th, 2017 6 pm - 9 pm Free attractions, facepainting, pony rides, Santa pictures, bounce houses, food vendors and more. www.weatherfordparks.com
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From the VA U L T By Malinda Nowell, City Secretary In searching for an article for this issue, I randomly grabbed ordinance book number 3 off the shelf in the vault. Inside the front cover was a small leather-bound index. I started with 'A' and flipped through a few pages when I saw "chickens" listed in the index. My first thought was, "What in the world could have been so important with chickens in 1921?" Yeah, that's right...1921! On May 3, May 30 and June 2, 1921, the Council, then Commission, held three readings of "An ordinance prohibiting fowls from running at large and prescribing a penalty for violation thereof." The ordinance passed on all three readings and was made effective 10 days after the notice was published in the newspaper. What makes this so interesting to me is that this subject just keeps on keeping on. Who knew we had prohibited chickens so long ago and would debate the issue again, nearly a century later! Without a great deal of research, it seems that chickens have been crossing the Council's road and were allowed and prohibited several times over the years. In 2013, staff presented an amendment to allow chickens inside the City limits. This item was brought forward following the return of animal sales at First Monday. Because chickens were being sold at First Monday, citizen interest had peaked regarding backyard chickens and the ability to have farm-raised eggs at home. At the time, municipalities all over the state were hearing similar requests. Cities ranging from a population of 900 up to almost 1.4 million allowed chickens, and have for years.
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The Council received feedback for several months, and a citizen committee circulated a petition to require the Council to pass the ordinance to allow chickens. The petition failed because many of the petitioners were not registered voters in the City of Weatherford. Ultimately, the Council denied the ordinance by a vote of 3-2. Since then, at least two different citizens have contacted my office contemplating circulating another petition. Why did the chicken cross the road? I don't' know...but he's still crossing it! OUR STORIES 27
CLICK Left: Chase Clary being sworn in as a new Weatherford Police Officer by Judge Tim Galbreaith.
Right: Annie Laird at her retirement party at the Library.
Above: Officers Angela McCrory and Jose Lara talking with citizens during the Storm Warriors event.
Above: Hervey Martin, Risk & Training Manger, giving a safety training to employees.
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Above: Great job, Rachel Reeves (Librarian) for coordinating the Storm Warriors event!
Above: Employees attend the Benefits Fair to learn about their new benefits changes.
Above: John Baker being sworn in as a new Weatherford Police Officer by Judge Tim Galbreaith.
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Above: Corporal Joe Hopkins at the Pinning Ceremony, promoting him to Sergeant.
Above: Annbra Johnson being sworn in as a new Weatherford Police Officer by Judge Tim Galbreaith.
Above: Officer Johnny Qualls at the Pinning Ceremony, promoting him to Corporal.
Above: Mayor Swancy and a few City staff members at the dedication of the J. J. Hamilton Log Cabin at Holland Lake Park.
Above: Parks Department employees Gary Miller, Grant Taylor, Tyler Herndon and Terry Williams out on (and in) the lake at Cartwright Park, making a repair on an intake pipe.
Above: Division Chief of Training Jonathan Peacock during driver engineer training with Driver/Engineer-EMT Ryan Whiteman. OUR PHOTOGRAPHS 29
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Above: Mayor Swancy and Parks, Rec. & Special Events Director Shannon Goodman at the ribbon cutting for the new Inclusive Playground.
Above: Deputy City Manager James Hotopp, City Manager Sharon Hayes and Library Director Chris Accardo at the Library's 40th Birthday.
Above: Transportation & Public Works Director Manny Palacios displays an award from the Texas Public Works Association for the roundabout recently designed and installed.
Above: Commander David Smith, Officer Chris Brown and Corporal Jason Goff giving instructions during the week of Active Shooter Training.
Above: Firefighter/Paramedics James Franklin and Paul Salge give a firehouse tour to special guests Sydney and Aubrey Lee prior to their 5th birthday. 30 EMPLOYEE EDGE | 2017
Above: Main Street Director Debra Wakeland, City Manager Sharon Hayes, Parker County Judge Mark Riley and Transportation & Public Works Manny Palacios at the opening of a new public parking lot for citizens.
Photo Finish
Your employee magazine, Employee EDGE, was awarded FIRST PLACE in the State of Texas for Internal Communications from the Texas Association of Municipal Officers. Congratulations to the Creative Staff of the Employee EDGE!