WEATHERFORD
VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2 | 2016
Renegades Meter Reader
From the Vault A sneak peak into the history of the City.
Q UA R T E R LY
The Sign Shop Learn about how making a sign is quicker.
"Caution: Artists at Work" New employee art project.
E M P L OY E E R E L AT I O N S G U I D E
C O N T E N T S Our Leadership 04
Message from Mayor Hooks
06
Councilmember Kevin Cleveland
Our Stories 22
Feature: Meter Reader Renegades
30
From the Vault
31
The Sign Shop
33
Caution: Artists at Work
Our Snapshots 36
Employee Photographs
02 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE | 2016
Our People 10
Coin Award Program: Karen King
12
Q & A with Steve Bates
14
Employee Spotlight
16
Employee Birthdays
18
New Employees
From the Staff T
he buget process has begun for next fiscal year and each department is reviewing their goals to effectively manage expenses. Whether a goal is large or small, each employee must look at what they want and need to accomplish. Within the Public Relations office, the story is no different. We are reviewing where we are and where we want to be in the future. We are constantly looking two years out, three years out and even 10 years out. It’s hard to imagine where the City will be in 10 years, but the truth is that the demand for information will continue to increase as the City grows larger. It is my belief that proper communication begins internally. Our organization must be transparent with each other and provide ongoing converstaion with City employees to accomplish all departmental goals. I hope that the Employee Reletions Guide provides insight and new knowledge about colleagues, city projects and leadership. This publication is designed to help our organization become stronger and assist in making more informed decisions so that we will be the best place to live in North Texas. It is a pleasure to work with passionate employees each day and I look forward to constantly improving our communication channels within the City of Weatherford. Thank you for your dedication to this City and community. Blake Rexroat Public Relations Manager 817-598-4209 brexroat@weatherfordtx.gov
Production Staff PUBLISHER CREATIVE | DESIGN CONTENT
City of Weatherford
PROOFREADER | EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Blake Rexroat Tim Todd Krista Beach Tim Todd Blake Rexroat Krista Beach
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Malinda Nowell Tim Todd
The Employee Relations Guide is published quarterly by the City of Weatherford, Texas. www.weatherfordtx.gov 303 Palo Pinto St. | Weatherford, TX | 76086 2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 03
Our Leadership
MESSAGE FROM M AYO R H O O K S
A
s you may know, I have decided not to seek reelection; this is my last term and it will end when the votes are canvassed at our special meeting on May 17. It has been such an honor to serve as your Mayor for the last eight years, and as a council member for six years in the late 90s. We have been through some challenging times over the last eight years, but we are still a wonderful, unique, and distinctive community. Our city is fortunate to have interested and caring residents who take the time to participate in local government. I believe we have made progress, together with the help of our residents, while addressing the needs of the entire community and still maintaining our community’s heritage. The city has been on a continual path of growth and it is important
04 OUR LEADERSHIP | 2016
to recognize the things that make us proud during the growth. The development of Heritage Park has been a great focal point. That prime property along a major road now looks better than it ever has! In addition to the food court, and landscaping and parking improvements on the north lot, the new amphitheater will create a venue for special events and entertainment. It is exciting to see these projects come to fruition and for the city to utilize this prime property to its fullest potential. A Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the amphitheater is scheduled on April 22 with our first concert. Now, this property is not ‘just’ First Monday. It is a venue for events. It is a destination. It is Heritage Park, where many events will occur, including First Monday Trade Days, which is an important piece of Weatherford’s heritage. Also included in Heritage Park,
something that is very dear to me and my family, is the camaraderie among department heads which I know Patsy Hooks Dog Park. Patsy had a true passion for must make Sharon’s and James’ responsibilities all the animals and I hope...no…I KNOW she would be proud more enjoyable! This positive, forward-thinking attitude of the Dog Park! makes a REAL team, and that echoes with the City But these are just some of the most recent Council, the Municipal Utility Board, and throughout accomplishments that come to mind. We have seen our staff. I don’t know where Weatherford is going, or many others including the hike/bike trails and the where we will end up after my term, but I know that continued growth and we have great employees improvements at the who are all working animal shelter. together to foster stronger I don’t know where Weatherford is going, I am proud to be relationships with the or where we will end up after my term, but a part of the City of business community, our I know that we have great employees who Weatherford, not just neighborhoods, and our are all working together to foster stronger for what the public citizens. sees us doing, but Thank you so much for relationships with the business community, our for other aspects all that you have done and neighborhoods, and our citizens. including our new all that you will do. I can’t print publications like wait to see how far you the Employee Relations Guide and the Annual Report. move our community and where you will take us in the These documents are top-notch visual pieces which are future. I appreciate the opportunity to have met so many helping our leadership and our employees communicate, of you and to have served as your Mayor for the past eight both internally and externally. It is obvious to me that years. It has certainly been my pleasure. we are working hard to improve our communications, to keep every level of employee up to speed on what is happening in our organization. Keeping our people informed will help keep our community informed, and that will help keep us moving forward toward current and future goals. And, speaking of moving forward, I am most proud of our employees at every level. I see and hear a very positive, forwardthinking attitude. We have a strong and sincere
2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 05
COUNICLMEMBER
KEVIN CLEVELAND PLACE 4
What are some of the ideas or goals you have for the City of Weatherford now that you are on the City Council? My goal as a council member is to encourage ownership. I want every great mind that has an idea to feel like they have a place to share it. I want to see us grow as a community while preserving the ideas of our past. I want to see more people working in professional job positions right here in Weatherford. Do you have any concerns about the obvious expansion of Weatherford? I am always concerned with the outcome of anything I have the chance to be involved with. • • • • •
Keeping our identity Staying in touch with our neighbors Keeping infrastructure up with expansion without getting too far out financially Not overcrowding our living areas Securing our resources for future generations
The concerns that I have and the concerns that the citizens have are, however, the most important part of the expansion process. If we can communicate concerns right now as expansion is happening, we can address them and guide this expansion so that it reflects us and our goals. Concerns are far different than fear. Fear can prevent you from moving; concerns will get you there safely. How long have you lived in Weatherford? I have lived in Weatherford for 7 years. What is your favorite thing about Weatherford? I have a list of things I really enjoy….If I had to narrow it down to one, it would be the people that make up this community. I think of the town like sitting down to eat Thanksgiving dinner. There are people all over sitting down to tables with great, well-prepared meals. What makes the meal special is the people you share it with.
06 OUR LEADERSHIP | 2016
Please tell us about your family. What is a typical day for you and your family? We are a family of six; my wife, Chelsea, son, Anthony (19), daughter, Sydney (15), son, Tristan (15), and son, Andrew (12). I believe we are similar to most large families. We wake up and hit the ground running. Chelsea and I split and go different directions to get the three youngest to three different schools. We then cram as much work in as possible before we repeat the process in reverse at the end of the day. My oldest, Anthony, spends his time proudly employed as a jailor at the Parker County Jail. I have to give my wife some well-deserved recognition. I am out in the public eye a lot. I am asked all the time how I am so many places and involved with so much. The answer is Chelsea!! She is the person behind the scene that gets little to no recognition but makes it possible for me to serve our community. What background experience do you bring to the City Council? I have been in leadership roles most of my life. Being a business owner has taught me to balance budgets, needs, and growth while providing for personnel. The biggest misconception of business ownership is the belief that you are a dictator and can function however you see fit. Business does not succeed in a free market without keeping both personnel and customers happy while keeping the company fiscally sound. This is a direct reflection of the role of City Council. My business has also given me a great deal of knowledge into development. I have had the opportunity to work in multiple towns as well as states. This experience has given me a chance to see what conditions bring in or promote development and growth. What sub-committees will you be a part of? I will be serving on the Weatherford Economic Development Board. I have also been appointed as the liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Historical Preservation Commission.
What are some changes you would like to see here in Weatherford? Information and accessibility…. I want to make sure information is available and understood by everyone that seeks an answer. I want a public that understands where we are headed and how we plan to get there. I believe an informed public allows the public to become a trusting public. A trusting public will, in turn, choose to invest its time and resources back into our community. What do you see lacking in Weatherford that is currently a part of similar cities? What advantages do you see in Weatherford that are currently a part of similar cities? I am always looking at other cities to see where they find success and where they fall short. However, I am pretty cautious when it comes to drawing the conclusion, “we need what they have." Weatherford is unique. It has a draw that can only be experienced by those that choose to come to be part of it. We might be short a few big box brands, a few events or maybe a little behind on a road here and there. What is the biggest difference, though? COMMUNITY….Our businesses are still customer driven because they are part of our community and employ our neighbors. Our events are still personal - not a corporate grab at money. Our problems can be answered by a city representative that is accessible to our citizens. If you can’t tell, I am proud of this community! What is a unique characteristic about yourself that the other City Council members may not know about? I am extremely competitive. My interest is peaked every time I hear someone say they can’t do something. I instantly want to try. If there is a candy dish at the edge of your desk, what would it be filled with? My favorite candy is a Whatchamacallit candy bar. They don’t do well in a candy dish so if it has to go in a dish, I would pick Skittles.
2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 07
Our People
COIN AWARDS PROGRAM:
PARKS FACILITIES COORDINATOR KAREN KING
T
he City of Weatherford has a Coin Awards Program for the organization-wide purpose of recognizing employees that go above the call of duty and who’s actions are worthy of special recognition. Supervisors are encouraged to recognize employees and co-workers when their actions merit praise. For an employee to be given a coin by their supervisor, they must receive a compliment from a citizen or be witnessed going above their normal scope of duties. The Department of Human Resources will log the date the coin is given to the individual as well as place documentation in their personnel file. Upon receiving 10 coins, the employee is given a certificate for a day off with pay.
Tell us about how you recieved your coin through the coin awards program. The Parks, Recreation & Special Events Department was recognized for our work on the Holiday in the Park special event. I handled a small part of the set up for the event but this was totally a team effort so I appreciated the recognition. What is your background and education? I have a Master’s of Science Degree in Sports and Exercise Science with a specialty in Health Education from West Texas A&M University. I spent three years managing a recreational program while on active duty with the U.S. Navy in the Bahamas, which included scheduling games with semi-pro Bahamian teams and our Navy team. I provided oversight of the ceramic/craft shop, welding shop, tennis courts, recreational gear check-out, bowling alley, movie theater, deep sea fishing boat and auto garage bays for “do it yourself ” maintenance. I taught general health education classes at Tarrant County College, Southeast Campus, along with weight training and step aerobics classes before coming to the City of Weatherford. I also have an undergraduate degree in Public Administration through Tarleton A & M University. What do you love most about your job? The variety of jobs, challenges, and a great team to work with plus a boss that allows me to have a voice in making a difference every day. Each one keeps me wanting to come into the office each day. I am encouraged by each success and accomplishment in the department.
10 OUR PEOPLE | 2016
How long have you been working for the city? Nine years as of April 9, 2016. What is your daily schedule? My daily schedule varies. I work closely with our Director as the Department Coordinator in department budget tracking for five divisions to include balancing and submitting monthly purchase card entries and the creation of large purchase orders for projects. I also manage retention of the departmental record system, clerical support for all Park Advisory Board meetings, assisting with citizen inquiries through the public information system, and facilitating support to users of the parks work order system of CityWorks. What made you decide to pursue a career in Parks, Recreation and Special Events? When I first started working for the City, there was a job opening in the Parks Department as an assistant for First Monday Trade Days Event plus front counter service clerk for reservations of our facilities and registrations for our programs. I moved up to FMTD Supervisor, Office Manager for the front office, then to my current position. What is the most challenging situation you have faced as an employee? How did you overcome the challenge? Working in the Parks and Recreation Department brings everyday challenges because of the number of citizens within the community with whom you are involved. You get to know the people and you develop a rapport with them as you see them often with customer service. You also get to know valuable information to answer inquiries from those employees that have knowledge of the City.
Who has been a mentor to you during your career? Explain. Employees that have been with the City of Weatherford for a long period of time. Their experience is invaluable. Those employees will give you a great deal of help in dealing with your own work. These important interdepartmental,
intercity and interagency relationships have been of great value to me. What are your hobbies? Quilting, quilting, quilting. Adoring my grandchild.
What do you love most about Weatherford? Not only am I an employee of the City of Weatherford, but a citizen as well. Weatherford is a beautiful city where you, your children and grandchildren can enjoy all the amenities of quiet, safe living with lots of things to do and see. I love the parks the most!
What are other details about you that most people do not know? For one year in 2008, I was mobilized to Afghanistan as a Navy Reservist to fight for Enduring Freedom. I was the Assistant Commanding Officer of more than 300 sailors in country and received a Meritorious Service Award for outstanding service during the war. I am a retired US Navy Commander with 32 years of military service. I also have quite a few tattoos! What advice would you give to a new employee starting work with the City of Weatherford? “Lean forward” into your job, but don’t lose your balance. Be Bold, Be Brazen, and Be Committed. Remember, we can always do things bigger and better; don’t fear change. Give your best to be all the things that we can be!
2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 11
Q&A DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES STEVE BATES
What do you love most about your job? I love being there for my employees and inspiring them to have pride in what they do.
What is your daily schedule? Monitoring efficiencies, completion of projects and accommodating our customers, inside and outside this organization. What advice do you have for employees? I believe the most important thing for our city employees is to take pride in what they do, no matter how small or large the task is and to be the best at what they do. What is your biggest challenge? Pleasing everyone.
What do you love most about being a city employee? I love solving problems; for instance, satisfying an upset customer, coaching an employee in helping them to achieve their challenges. What do you love most about Weatherford? I love this community because it has a small town feel and yet has a touch of elegance.
Why are employees important to the daily operations of the city? Our employees are a direct result of our success. Why did you decide to enter municipal government? I decided to work for the City in 1988 when I was 21 years old. Before then, I was working in the private sector and felt that working for the City, my work would be more rewarding, not just for the salary but for the experience. So far, it has been a pleasure. How can employees stay informed about your department? I have always been a hands-on kind of guy. I love to interact with my employees and help them keep our goals fresh in their minds. It is my duty to keep my employees informed of our organizational changes by meeting with them and
12 OUR PEOPLE | 2016
offering opportunities to ask questions and to listen to their concerns and needs. What is the most challenging situation you have faced as an employee? How did you overcome the challenge? Over the past several years, I have experienced several changes in management, crashing economy and irate citizens. I have overcome these issues by staying positive and being supportive to our employees and our citizens. Who has been a mentor to you during your professional career and why? When I became a City employee, I worked for a great manager. His name was Chuck Ward. At that time, he was the Director of Sanitation, Landfill Operations, Code Enforcement, Consumer Health, and First Monday. After a short time, he offered me an opportunity for a promotion from being a Sanitation Loader to a Relief Driver. A year later, I was offered another promotion to Driver. Then, I was offered an opportunity to operate and manage the Weatherford Landfill. Mr. Ward enrolled me into certification courses for my TCEQ certificates I needed for managing the landfill. After several hours of grueling classes and test preparations, I successfully obtained my certifications. In 1995, while managing the landfill, he offered me an opportunity in
managing the Sanitation Collection Operations. Again, Chuck enrolled me into several courses that revolved around leadership, human recourses, management skills training, and, probably the most important course, conflict management. Because of his efforts to expand my education, I feel he was a great mentor. What is your educational and training background? I obtained my GED when I was 24, and obtained several certifications in various courses as I mentioned earlier.
What are other details about you that most people do not know? I am dedicated to my best friend and wife of 30 years. Someday, I am hoping for grandchildren from my beautiful daughter. I am also passionate about preserving our environment with minimal impact to the economy.
I am passionate about preserving our environment with minimal impact to the economy.
A LITTLE MORE PERSONAL... Dogs or cats? Why? If neither, what type of pet do you like and why? I love dogs and I have 4 of them. They truly are man’s best friend. Cats are ok…they just don’t like me.
If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Leonardo Da Vinci because he is very inspiring to me and he was a jack of all trades.
What are your hobbies? Hunting, fishing, motorcycling, building things, and riding my ATV.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Ireland.
What is your favorite movie or TV show? Braveheart. If there was a candy dish at the edge of your desk, what kind of candy would you fill it with? Dove Dark Chocolate Truffles.
If you had a super power what would it be and why? I would love to be able to fly. When I was a teenager, I had the opportunity to fly a Piper Saratoga, a Decathlon, and a couple of sailplanes. They were the most incredible experiences I have ever had. If you were a part on a car, what would you be and why? The engine; it is what brings life to the car.
2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 13
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT CODY GEEO Water Utility Manager Describe your position. As the Water Utility Manager, I manage two departments responsible for the maintenance and repair of all water and sewer lines, pumps, water storage tanks and sewer lift stations and the replacement of water and sewer lines as part of the scheduled rehabilitation projects throughout town. The water utility maintenance crew consists of two supervisors and fifteen employees responsible for the maintenance and repair of the distribution and collection systems, whereas, the water utility rehabilitation crew consists of one supervisor and five employees responsible for the replacement of water and sewer lines. How long in your position? I recently was promoted and have been in this position for approximately three months. Prior to the promotion, I worked in the Water Utility Maintenance Department as the Water Utility Supervisor for the previous seven years. What did you do prior to working in this position? Over the previous thirteen years, I have worked on the Water and Wastewater Maintenance crews, on the rehabilitation crew and in the Sanitation Department where I began employment with the City of Weatherford. What did you do prior to working for the City of Weatherford? I worked for a concrete and soil testing lab in the DFW Metroplex. What do you love about your job? I am always doing something different and taking on new tasks and challenges. What is the most challenging part of your job? Figuring out how to juggle all the different things that are going on at the same time and finding solutions to new problems that arise. Tell us more about you personally. I am currently single and have an almost 3-year-old daughter that keeps me running all the time. In my spare time, I like to go fishing, bird hunting, and riding four wheelers.
14 OUR PEOPLE | 2016
ANGEL RUDOLPH Consumer Health Inspector Describe your position. I am responsible for conducting inspections of food establishments within the City limits of Weatherford which includes restaurants, convenience stores, school cafeterias, retail grocery stores, concession stands, kitchens in nursing homes and hospitals, mobile food units, snow cone stands/mobile units, and temporary food establishments at special events. I’m also responsible for inspecting child care facilities and public swimming pools/spas, responding to complaints received, and conducting pre-opening inspection/plan reviews for the above listed facilities. In addition, I’m responsible for overseeing the City of Weatherford’s Mosquito Surveillance & Response Plan. How long in your position? I have been with the City of Weatherford and in the Consumer Health Department since November 2006, a little over 9 years. What did you do prior to working for the City of Weatherford? I attended college at Texas Tech University. Anything interesting you’ve done in your life you’d like to share? I am the first person in my immediate family to graduate college, graduating from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and graduated with Cum Laude honors. What do you love about your job? I love that I get to work with people on a daily basis, both within the City of Weatherford and at the establishments I inspect, and knowing that I’m serving the community by conducting sound, based inspections to help keep the public safe when they go out to eat and purchase food. What is the most challenging part of your job? Wanting to go out to eat after observing some of the stuff I have seen on my inspections. Tell us more about you personally. I’m married; my husband’s name is John and we have 2 daughters, 2 cats, and 1 dog. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, working out, and crafting/DIY projects.
2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 15
Happy Birthday. January Chris Accardo Edgar Alonzo Nathan Arms Chase Bailey Juan Barrientos Chris Beniak James Berry Kellie Boyd Matthew Brazeal Pat Cronsell Brian Dickerson C J Durant Doug Evans Bob Glenn Elda Guerrero Gladys Hansen Judy Hernandez Casey Jones Randy Keller Bobby Laine
Jordan Lashbrook Ana Lira Mike Manning Chad Martin Alvaro Mata Kristen Mattocks Howard McClurkin Robin Moore Carmen Morales Robert Moss Austin Nichols Dustin Rich Justin Riley Jeff Robinson Michael Rudd Travis Sharp Charles Tippie Matt Vinson Jeremy Williams
March Robin Adair Charlotte Baker Brett Barkley Eric Barksdale Travis Bramow Joshua Burns Monica Butturini Greyson Cox Chris Crawford Maricruz Delgado Troy Dickey Mike Ellis Harriet Followill Jason Goff Shannon Goodman 16 OUR PEOPLE | 2016
February Tiffany Bagwell Sean Beck Jesse Blume Jill Brantley Brad Burnett Randy Cameron Pat Cherryhomes Kevin Cleveland Tracey Curry Joe Farley Jeff Foster Philip Friedl Pablo Garcia Kevin Hilliard James Holland Joe Hopkins Nicole Howard Jock Jones Scott Kennedy
Luke Hall Stan Hamrick Angela King-Bush Amada Lucas John Marusak Ashley Rhodes Cruz Rivas Cody Robinson David Sears John Shelley Kevin Turner Ronnie Villarreal Tessa Wilken Cameron Wilson
Karen King Greg Lance Randy Law Kyle Lester Richard Loller Michael Marciniak John McEntire Toby Mize Jason Morrow Karen Nantz Tammy Payne Jonathan Peacock Johnny Qualls Dustin Reichelt Blake Rexroat Richard Tate Roy Vernon Michelle Weldon Melissa Whiteman
April Cathy Allen Donald Allen Zach Atkins Michael Baldwin Ken Bean Brian Bishop Sarah Blackford Diane Chambers Eulalio Collazo Dustin Deel Gene Doss Nathan Eames Edgar Esquivel Raul Flores Daniel Frias Roy Jeffrey Randa Kirk
Matt Leppla Kyle Lucas Patrick Mahoney Matthew McKittrick Kristi Morris Ray Palmer Stephanie Province Kerri Sanderson Brenda Schwartz D. L. Sosebee Chad Street Jeff Thomason Tim Todd Trey Wagoner Dahlia Wells Dennis Whitford Steve Zapata
June James Allain Chris Burke Danny Cerveny Cory Dalton Michael Dannar Devrus Deal Rey Garcia Cody Garvin Kevin Goodworth Tyler Herndon Justin Holcomb Dennis Hooks Spencer Hoshaw Brandi Huddleston Annie Laird
Christine Maxwell Kenzie Montgomery April Muse Manny Palacios Edward Poisson Randall Polston Rick Shaffer Remington Shell Wesley Simmons Wayne Slimp David Smith Ro Smith Scott Sorrells Richard Varela
May Nikki Ashley Amy Bart David Bravo Robert Brown Wanda Carter Matthew Charles Cathy Coffman Liz Cox Chris Cummins Joe Davis Alecia Durham Lee Franklin Mikey Fundis Kenneth Glover Sandra Green Johnny Gutierrez Sharon Hayes John Jacques
Jared Joyner Martha Lott Wes McBride Travis Moore Malinda Nowell Jackie Ortiz Kathleen Poznick Mitchell Robertson Micah Rogers Lydia Ruiz Jeffrey Sayles Cisco Smith Jimmy Sullivan Donna Thurston Kevin Tucker John Vandyke John Welborn John Young 2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 17
NEW EMPLOYEES GRIFFIN COINER
JOSHUA KNEISEL
DUSTIN RICH
DAN STEWART
JACKIE CLAYTON
MELISSA WHITEMAN
DEVRUS DEAL
TIM TODD
Firefighter Fire Department
Water PLant Operator Water Utilities
NICOLE HOWARD Administrative Secretary Economic Development
18 OUR PEOPLE | 2016
Firefighter Fire Department
Customer Service Rep Utility Billing
Waste Water Op 1 Water Utilities
Animal Care Tech Animal Shelter
Deputy Court Clerk Municipal Court
Public Relations Coordinator City administration
LEE FRANKLIN
JOSH BURNS Firefighter Fire Department
Street Crew Leader TPW
MARCUS BROWN
TYLER HUNTER Meter Reader Utility Billing
CHARLOTTE BAKER
Groundskeeper Parks, Rec and Special Events
BRIAN BISHOP
MARLIN DAUGHTERY
MIKE DANNAR
Firefighter Fire Department
Sanitation Leader Sanitation Division
Mechanic Garage Fleet Maintenance
Maintenance Worker I Water Utilities
RYAN BAKER
Sr. Sanitation Worker Sanitation Division
2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 19
NEW EMPLOYEES SAVANNAH WEBSTER
RICHARD VARELA
Library Clerk Library
Water Plant Operator Water Utilities
ANNBRA JOHNSON
SPENCER HOSHAW
AMY BART
TY TYRE
CORDELL MASSEY
JOSE BALLESTEROS
P/T Office Assistant Police Department
Sanitation Worker Sanitation Division
20 OUR PEOPLE | 2016
Lineman Helper Electric Department
Sanitation Worker Sanitation Division
ANDREW McCOLLUM Lineman Helper Electric Department
Sr. Office Assistant Library
Water Plant Operator Water Department
CHRIS BUMPAS Police Officer Police Department
HUNTER HICKS
MATT BRAZEAL
MIKE INGRAM
Police Officer Police Department
Police Officer Police Department
Maintenance Worker I Water/Wastewater Utilities
Maintenance Worker I Water Utilities
CHASE BAILEY
GREYSON COX
PABLO GARCIA
CHRISTOPHER THORNLEY
CELINA HERNANDEZ
Lineman Helper
P/T Administrative Assistant Consumer Health
BRAD BURNETT
TIFFANY VANZANDT
Groundskeeper Parks, Rec and Special Events
GREG COLLAZO Animal Care Tech Animal Shelter
Chief Financial Officer Finance Department
Library Clerk Library
Police Officer Police Department
2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 21
Renegades Meter Reader
By Tim Todd PR Coordinator
H
How is the best way to learn about the City’s Meter Reader Renegades? From the beginning, of course. Or, in this case, the official job description. Here’s a part of the City’s job description for being a Meter Reader: “Work is performed primarily outdoors in all types of weather extremes including heat, cold, wetness and humidity. Work may be subject to dirt, dust, loud noise, constant noises, fumes, darkness, and may be subject to heights. Work may be subject to time pressures, emergency situations, tedious work, dealing with irate people, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working alone 50% or more of the time; physical abuse may be encountered when dealing with pet dogs, insects, irate customers and high voltage.” Wow! Glamorous job! Sign me up! So what kind of person would actually commit themselves to a job where you are working in usually the worst of the weather, being cursed at by the general public (or at least adding to your Most Frequently Used Profanity list), being verbally abused by unbathed, flea-ridden, snot-slinging, Wranglerbiting dogs, stalked by cats who would much rather use you for their scratching post, or hoping you won’t be spotted doing what appears to be a new kind of
22 OUR STORIES | 2016
“My mission was to give everyone an idea of a typical day as one of our City’s seldom-thanked employees going on their daily adventure as a Meter Reader.” 2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 23
line dance when, in fact, you are actually trying to swat a herd of mosquitos away from you, their world’s largest blood donor? Best yet, you know that if you touch THAT wire, you will see stars, hear the ocean, taste copper, and smell like burned toast…for a very, very long time. You want THIS job? Hmmmm. The investigation begins. My mission was to give everyone an idea of a typical day as one of our City’s seldom-thanked employees going on their daily adventure as a Meter Reader. I thought it would be a good idea to talk to those in charge and go on a ride-around to experience their work life. Here’s the adventure: Day One – I visited with the department head, the Queen Bee, Brandi Huddleston, and asked her if it was ok if I featured “her boys”, as she calls them, for the next issue of the Employee Relations Guide. She was excited about the project and later sent me an email stating, “…without them, we could not bill and collect all the money for our department. They are ROCK STARS!!!”Rock stars, eh? Says a lot coming from the Queen. Day Two – I met these “Rock stars” she spoke so highly of in a place that I guess would be considered “back stage” or “The Green Room”, the place where all great artists commune before being set out into the work world. The leader of this “band” is Meter Services Supervisor, Mike Kolanek (“Spikes”). His Renegade bunch included Meter Services Representative, Steve Zapata (“Venom”) and Meter Readers Zach Atkins (“Snarls”), Cory Dalton (“Razor”), Tyler Hunter (“Brutus”), and Thomas McDonald (“Terror”). In my first group meeting with them, I stated I wanted to do a feature about what they do for the city….. (the sound of crickets)…. Then I told them that I wanted to do it as the main feature in the magazine and that I would do a couple of ride-arounds with them. Now I had their attention. I quickly realized that I was about to be that token office employee, complete with a suit jacket and tie, about to be sacrificed to a group of guys that wanted nothing more than to torture me through a day of seeing the REAL side of the Meter Reader life, to be a Meter Reader Renegade for a day. When leaving the den of the sacred pack, also termed the “Think Tank”, one of them stated, “Dude, you might not want to wear that tie.” I knew then I was new meat. 24 OUR STORIES | 2016
Pictured: Mike “Spikes” Kolanek
Pictured: Steve “Venom” Zapata
Pictured: Zach “Snarls” Atkins
Day Three - The “Ride-Around - The Meter Reader that drew the short straw that morning to be my escort for the ride-around” was Meter Reader, Zach Taylor. The ride-around was actually a ride in the City truck from City Hall into a neighborhood which rapidly turned into a “walk-around” (actually, a major hike) through many streets. You never know someone until you’ve opened water meter covers with them. Zach was as agile as a cat, quick on his feet, and knew this invisible route of water and electric meters like a magical map in his head. I had no doubt that he could have done this blindfolded being in the position for almost two years now. I noticed his “ritual” when he approached a gate to a back yard. There were four taps on the entry gate followed by a whistle to alert any dogs. He slipped into the yard to take a reading at the electrical meter then slipped back out, secured the gate, all in a matter of seconds. Then, like a prize bloodhound, he sprinted to a spot in the grass, usually hidden
by grass or leaves, quickly popped open the hidden lid, took a water meter reading with his hand-held computerized reader, popped the lid back down, then dashed to the next yard. I asked Zach a little about his job life before coming to work for the City. His previous position was in supervision in a grocery store chain. “The job was very, very stressful,” he explained. “This job allows me to be out of that stressful environment, enjoying some great exercise and being in the community.” I asked, “What is the best part of this job?”He replied, “When the weather is good, this is a great way to get exercise.” Some other interesting things I learned about Zach - He has a love of motorcycles, is getting married soon, and has his eye on an exotic Subaru sports car. Hitting a little close to home with me was the fact that both our fathers’ families were from Tennessee. As I said, you never know who you are checking meters with.
“We do a lot of walking every day and see a lot during the day. We are kind of the eyes in the neighborhoods.”
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I then asked, “What are some hazards that the job description may have left out”? He quickly replied, “Skunks, black widow spiders, scorpions, snakes and customers with shotguns. One time I opened a water meter and found a skunk staring back at me. Not the best way to start your day. There are always the biting dogs. I had a dog bite me on the finger and held on for quite a while. He finally let go but I had to go to the hospital for treatment. With this job, you know the houses BUT YOU KNOW THE DOGS.” We encountered a fence with a snarling little black dog. Zach never hesitated to enter the property with the dog following closely behind him, threatening to chew on his ankle (if Killer could reach that high). The owner quickly came out to rescue Zach from the perils of the four-legged terrorist. As soon as the owner picked up the dog, the peeved pooch saw Zach as a new buddy. All was well with the world. A quick pat on the pup’s head and we were off to the next house. “Are the customers ever a problem?” His response made me smile. “Once in a while you get an irate customer (as listed in the job description) but every now and then you have that rough day in the bad weather and then that one resident makes it a point to say hello or offer a soft drink or a cup of coffee. That makes this all worthwhile.” I quickly realized that the Meter Readers were the visual face of real public relations in the Weatherford community. At the conclusion of my two hours of this fast-paced zig-zagging throughout the neighborhood, Zach called for a truck to pick me up and take me back to City Hall. I was picked up by Meter Services Representative, Steve Zapata. This gave me a chance to ask some more about being a Meter Reader. “What is the hardest part of the job?” He replied, “Finding a good Meter Reader. They spend a good time by themselves so they have to be dependable and reliable. Zach is one of the youngest in the troop but we quickly learned that he is a “plug-and-play” kind of guy. He took to the position very quickly and has been a great asset to the team.”
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Pictured: Corey “Razor” Dalton
Pictured: Tyler “Brutus” Hunter
Pictured: Thomas “Terror” McDonald
Another responsibility of this department is the cutoff and collections responsibility. I spoke with Mike Kolanek, Meter Services Supervisor, about his experiences with having to disconnect service to a resident. “When we are at someone’s property to disconnect service, we know we are seeing people at a bad point in their life…and they don’t mind letting you know about it...sometimes in less than favorable language. They are like the dogs that the other guys encounter when they are reading meters. We are in THEIR yard right now and we are about to be bitten. The employees in Utility Billing may get the heated conversations from residents on their phones; we get those same people face-to-face.” He told me about residents coming to the door with guns, residents threatening to do bodily harm, even threatening his life if he were to return to the property. “When that happens, I bring Steve (Steve Zapata),” Mike adds with a roar of laughter. I asked Mike, “So how do you diffuse such a tense moment?”He replies, “You have to have keen wits and be able to use our form of customer service to deal with the situation. You also have to remember that people are people; they are the same everywhere.” “We always remind them that their service can usually be turned back on the same day. That usually makes them want to punch us in the face a little less,” added Zach. Steve adds to the conversation, “Just when you think you are truly the most hated person out there, you get a really nice resident who still reminds you to have a nice day, anyway. That makes you go on for another day.” Some observations about these Rock Stars as a group – They are a tight knit group, full of life and enjoy the constant poking and banter with each other. They take their job very seriously and are very loyal to helping each other on their routes. I asked the youngest of the renegades, Tyler Hunter, why he answered the calling of a Meter Reader. “I have two hands and needed something to do with them. This is a great job to accomplish that.” “We do a LOT of walking every day and see a lot during the day. We are kind of the eyes in the neighborhoods,” says Meter Reader, Thomas 2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 27
McDonald. “We come across grass fires, people with stalled vehicles, even someone deceased at their home. All of this walking has prepared me for my upcoming hiking trip to Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico. The other side of this job is that our trade is diminishing; we are a dying breed. Very soon, we will all be absorbed into other departments due to the final installation of the AMS (Automated Metering Systems) on all the meters throughout the City.” (As it has it, Meter Reader Zach Atkins now has the new title of Water/Wastewater Maintenance I, being recently transferred to the Water Utilities Department.) “The great part about this job is that you get to be outside every day. The bad side of this job is that you get to be outside every day,” laughs Meter Reader, Cory Dalton. (His fellow “Think Tankers” nominated him the most photogenic of the group.) “A lot of the customers can be aggressive. The best way to diffuse the situation is to take myself out of the equation and offer the irate customer a contact at City Hall to voice their grievance to.” What I Learned - Through wind, rain, sleet, snow,
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fog, locust swarms, snotty dogs, fire ants, black widow spiders, stinging scorpions, snakes, hidden skunks, pecking hens and roosters, gun-slinging customers, pouncing cats, and whatever else may encounter their path, the Meter Reader Renegades of Weatherford can handle it . You couldn’t meet a nicer group of guys; very respectful, very wellspoken. It was truly an honor to see what they do. The next time I happen to run into one of them in a local hangout, I’ll know what to do. “Hey, Dude! Let me buy you a beer … or two. You ROCK!” *** *** Interesting note *** On Thursday, Feb. 27, at approx. 10:30pm, I was asked to ride with Risk and Training Manager, Hervey Martin, to witness an incident involving a Meter Reader being trapped by a resident’s pit bull. Who by chance does the Meter Reader happen to be???? Yep. Zach. *** Special thanks to Melissa Whiteman, Deputy Court Clerk, for being our makeup artist for the photo shoot. Melissa is also the makeup artist for Theatre off The Square, here in Weatherford. ***
From the VA U L T By Malinda Nowell, City Secretary
W
ow! The history of our city is amazing! Having been founded in 1855 and incorporated in 1858, we have a very long history. We are an old city. When I think about the size of our city and the volumes of records we hold, I sometimes wish I was the city secretary for a younger city...one that doesn’t have a century and a half of records to manage. Similarly, I’ve never been much into history, personally. But in this position, I realize the importance of it. We have a very rich history right here in our hometown! And possibly, some very rich soil! Having recently gone through an inventory of some of the records in the vault, I came across this ordinance from 1910. The ordinance is captioned as follows: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE REMOVAL OF NIGHT-SOIL AND DEAD ANIMALS FROM THE CITY, PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PUBLIC DUMPING GROUND, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE. Of all the things I NEVER would have thought of...the outhouse...the water closet...yes, the predecessor of the modern day toilet. Wow! The things we sometimes take for granted! After reading the below, boy do I: #1 LOVE my job, and #2 Love my toilet too...maybe! And when saying #1 and #2...pun INTENDED! Now, I can’t promise you that my future stories will be as unusual a find as this one was, but I will certainly do my best. I hope you enjoyed this, and that you’ll look for my story next quarter!
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The Sign Shop
By Tim Todd, Public Relations Coordinator
T
he Sign Shop has a new toy…a brand new sign plotter that arrived in December. Tasked with the replacement of all City traffic signs throughout Weatherford, Kyle Lucas, Traffic Technician, and Eldon Patterson, Traffic Maintenance Worker I, are using the new Graphtek to design the new signs. The making of one sign, by hand, usually takes three to four man hours. This new baby can complete a sign in approximately fifteen minutes, and a reduction of labor and materials from $43 to $23. The new signs can also last approximately 10 years. The machine has saved in man hours, material costs and has increased efficiency in the making of all of the new signs for the City.
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Get a new leash on life.
"Caution: Artists at Work" The Employee Art Project
A
ll City employees are invited to participate in their first glass art project, “Caution! Artists At Work!” designed by Public Relations Coordinator, Tim Todd. City Manager, Sharon Hayes, stated, “The intent of the glass project, in one word, is about “fun”. I want our staff to be productive, but I also want us to find new and innovative ideas that make our employees enjoy working for this organization. Taking each employee’s talent and combining it to make one cooperative piece of art is exciting and it allows us the opportunity to see each other in a different light. It allows us to connect in a different way. It’s a reminder that it takes all of us working together to accomplish the finished product and, in the end, each one of us is valued for their individual contribution. This distinctive piece of artwork is something that will be displayed to our citizens for years to come and I think that is a powerful concept.” “This is my gift to the City in my mom’s honor,” stated Todd at a previous City Manager’s management staff meeting. After the recent passing of his mother, Todd wanted to find different ways to honor his mother’s life. “She taught me to always say “Thank You” and to give back to the community that has given to you.” Todd, a glass artist and public art designer, has been in the kiln-formed/fused glass medium for over 20 years, being commissioned by such clients as Neiman Marcus, Cook Children’s Medical Center and the Texas Health Resources hospital group. He is also a co-founder of SiNaCa Studios, a non-profit glass arts school in the hospital district of Fort Worth. His love for art has always paralleled his Human Resources Management and Public Relations career.
ABOUT THE ART ADVENTURE: Each employee will participate in a workshop to create a square glass tile using a variety of glass components such as different-sized granules of glass called “frit”, thin threads of glass called “stringers”, and flakes of glass called “confetti”. Employees will create their tiles, each expressing their inner artist that has been lurking inside all of those years. When all the workshops are complete, the tiles will be transported to T2 Glass, Todd’s private studio in Fort Worth, where the tiles will be placed in a large glass kiln and “fused” to a temperature of approximately 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. Those fused tiles will then be re-fused onto larger glass sheets to be mounted into the final glass sculpture to be on permanent display at City Hall. The workshop schedules will be posted soon with the management staff and will accommodate everyone’s work schedules.
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Have an idea for employee involvement???
Yes No Maybe
We want to know
Submit your idea to: Diana Allen dallen@weatherfordtx.gov.
Our Snapshots Left: New councilmember Kevin Cleveland with his family after being sworn into office before a February city council meeting.
Right: Parks, Rec and Special Events staff with the City of Weatherford Valentine’s Day bear.
Left: Officer Mike Ingram shaking hands with Assistant City Manager James Hotopp after being sworn in.
Right: Citizens and City staff during the first General Plan meeting held on April 7 at Weatherford High School cafeteria. The City of Weatherford General Plan will describe the vision of the future our residents, property owners, business leaders and stakeholders want to achieve. 36 OUR SNAPSHOTS | 2016
Above: Employees enjoyed free snow cones for Employee Appreciation Week. Pictured is Special Events Coordinator Michael Howard grabbing his tasty treat.
Above: City meter readers taking a break for their snow cones.
Above: Employees waiting patiently for their free snow cone during Employee Appreciation Week.
Left: Brad Burnett does more than crunch numbers! He is a master snow cone eater!
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Above: Officer Christopher Bumpas being sworn into office.
Above: Fire Marshall Bob Hopkins at the WFD Annual Awards Ceremony.
Above: Fire Chief Paul Rust presenting awards to firefighters at the WFD Annual Awards Ceremony.
Left: Animal Shelter volunteer spending time with a new fourlegged buddy. Right: The City of Weatherford was recently gifted a birdhouse designed identically to the Jim Wright house. 38 OUR SNAPSHOTS | 2016
Above: Officer Matthew Brazeal being sworn into office.
Left: The new City of Weatherford Amphitheater is scheduled to open Friday, April 22 in Heritage Park. Music and food will be available for the public. Right: Administrative Secretary Nicole Howard at Breakfast Before Business.
Above: Youth Advisory Council (YAC) preparing before their monthly meeting at City Hall. YAC serves as the city voice for Weatherford youth.
Above: Finance Analyst Tomara Holloway was super excited to see the Valentine's Bear!
Above: City staff and City Council members preparing before city council meeting.
Above: Muncipal Court with the Valentine's Day bear as Assistant City Manager James Hotopp looks curious in the background. 2016 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 39