Street Talk I December 2014 I Works of Heart by Austin Public Works

STREET TALK

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 6

REPORTING ON WHAT MATTERS TO PUBLIC WORKS

[ COVER STORY ] Works of Heart Want to do something nice for yourself? Do something good for no reason at all. Pg. 30

Community Services Division Urban Trails Master Plan is a Go City Council gives seal of approval to plan that will add miles of multi-use trails to transportation network. Pg. 10

PWD Assistant Directors Share Accomplishments, Goals As we move towards the year ahead, we take some time to reflect on the unique successes of each division and think about where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Pg. 24

DECEMBER 2014

director’s message BY HOWARD LAZARUS DIRECTOR

A Public Works Holiday Tale Join the Public Works team on a PWD-inspired version of A Christmas Carol

fter a robust and filling Thanksgiving dinner, I settled into the recliner in my living room along with a warm glass of cabernet with the full intent of allowing the tryptophan from the turkey to work its magic. Unfortunately, I was disturbed after what seemed to be just a few short minutes by a cool breeze sweeping across the room. When my eyes focused, I saw a large figure of a man through the flickering light of my fireplace. He had streaks of grey running through his closely cropped hair, along with what appeared to be a smart phone and calculator strapped to his waist. Taken aback by his appearance, I asked “James, what are you doing here and what happened to the Cowboys game on the TV?” He responded, “I am not James, but rather the ghost of Public Works Directors past, present, and future. Tonight you will be visited by three spirits.” I interrupted, “Spirits, great! I hope their names are Tito and Jack, because I could use a drink.” Undeterred he went on, “Not those kind of spirits, but rather three ghosts of Public Works who will lead you to discoveries of great wonder and revive your spirit of community service.” And then he was gone. Looking around the room, I the attributed the entire aberration to the sweet potato jalapeno dressing I had at dinner and settled back into a deep sleep.

As the clock on the microwave beeped 1:00 a.m., I was again awoken by a cold blast as the back door burst open and in walked a determined man, complete with hard hat and safety boots. “Robert,” I said, “Were you born in a barn? Close the door. I’m not paying Austin Energy to heat the street!” The spirit replied rather sternly, “I am not Robert. I am the Ghost of Public Works Operations. Hold onto my magic shovel, and we will embark upon a journey of asphaltic discovery, but first put on safety gear.” I responded, “Is this really necessary? All you are is a figment of my imagination – a piece of undigested turkey.” With a pronounced grimace he replied, “Yes – this is necessary. Over 40 percent of fantasy-related injuries are caused by failure to comply with proper dream safety protocols.” With that warning, I donned the hard hat and vest, grabbed onto the shovel and we flew up the chimney and into a large, orange truck. The streets were empty and free of traffic (this is a dream, after all). We drove by overlay and seal coat crews. We honked at sidewalk and trails maintenance teams. When we finally reached a bridge that was under repair, the spirit (who still looked like Robert) boomed, “These workers are the thread that binds our community together. They are there day and night, in cold and heat, in rain and sleet. They respond to floods and emergencies. We need to tell them how much we appreciate what they do, provide training and

STREET TALK DECEMBER 2014

career progression, and make sure they work in a safe manner.” When I started to agree, in a flash I was back in my living room recliner, with the faintest hint of asphalt still in my nostrils. I rubbed my eyes and quickly fell back to sleep. In what seemed like an instant, the TV came on with the ATXN clock indicating 2:00 a.m. The clock started to fade, and the image of a spirit in a finely tailored business suite appeared. “Keri!” I exclaimed, “What are you doing on cable this late at night?” The spirit responded, “Who is Keri? I am the Ghost of Capital Projects. Touch the screen and we will begin.” “I’m not sure about this,” I replied, only to hear the spirt tell me to “presume good intentions” and we would be off. I placed my palm on the screen, and was immediately sucked into the picture. “Spirit,” I said, “I apologize for the scent of asphalt” to which she responded, “Smells more like a second serving of beans to me.” We soared above the Boardwalk, Waller Creek, and Water Treatment Plant 4. We looked down to see a new library, trails, neighborhood streets, and airport improvements under construction. We saw flood control and utility projects. I gasped, “The CIP project delivery team does all this?” She patiently smiled and replied, “All of this and more, much of it in the past year. What you don’t see are the engineers, project managers, and inspectors who make sure we get quality

and value; the support team that reviews invoices and pays our bills; and the administrative staff that keeps things under control.” In astonishment I stated, “this must be a dream because no one team could do all of this,” to which she nodded, let go of my hand, and in an instant I was sitting back in my living room just in time to see a Planning Commission meeting end at 3:00 a.m. I then heard a bump in the garage, and when I opened the door I saw a tall, blond woman fixing the flat tire on my bicycle (I was meaning to get to that). She saw me, and said with a smirk, “I am the Ghost of Community Services, Outreach, Personnel and all the Other Really Cool Stuff No One Else Can Do.” In horror, I replied “Of all the spirits, I fear you the most.” With a grin, she said “Yeah, just get on the bike, we have a long way to go and time is short.” I asked, “Do we get to fly over the city on these bicycles?” to which she retorted, “This is a dream, Bubba, it ain’t E.T. Start pedaling.” I struggled to keep up and complained, “Spirit, you must have move gears than I do.” “I don’t have more gears,” she replied, “just fewer servings of apple pie and ice cream.” We rode past crossing guards and school trainers, neighborhood groups working as partners on projects, and students working with stakeholders on urban trail projects. We stopped at what appeared to be a wishing well with countless people throwing pa-

per into it. I asked, “What is this mysterious place?” to which the spirit simply responded, “HR.” I turned to the spirit and said, “Sara, it’s time to go home. It’s getting close to 4:00 a.m. and I have to get up and go to work.” She responded, “We are not yet done. We have one more stop, and even I am afraid of this place. And don’t call me Sara.” I looked up and peered into the mouth of a deep and dark forest. “This is the beginning of the land of community outreach and public information” the spirit explained. No one really knows what lives in the shadows. I have seen many city staffers perish here, but we are lucky to have the best in the city to guide us through the woods.” We took a step forward, and the world began to spin. When things settled down, I was back in my recliner. I looked outside, and the sun was rising with the promise of another beautiful Austin morning. I heard a car pull up outside, ran to the window, and saw a mountain of a man with a beard approaching the house. I threw open the window and shouted, “Which spirit are you? I thought there were only going to be three.” He responded with a quizzical look, “I’m not a spirit. I’m Jeff. You asked me to pick you up this morning.” I responded “Jeff, am I too late to wish all of my Public Workers a happy holiday season and say thank you for all they do?” He smiled, and said “I think you just did.”

2014 december STREET TALK

contents

VOLUME 4

ISSUE 6

DECEMBER 2014

contributors EDITORIAL Editor in Chief

Courtney Black

courtney.black@austintexas.gov

Contributing Writers Howard Lazarus

howard.lazarus@austintexas.gov

Michelle Frith

michelle.frith@austintexas.gov

Chelsea Donahue

chelsea.donahue@austintexas.gov

Susan Garnett

susan.garnett@austintexas.gov

Carolyn Perez

carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov

Justin Golbabai

justin.golbabai@austintexas.gov

Alexa Muraida

max.eby@austintexas.gov

Carmen Morgan

carmen.morgan@austintexas.gov

Luciano Tamayo

luciano.tamayo@austintexas.gov

features 30

COVER STORY: WORKS OF HEART

The Department with a Heart’s ADs share successes of the past year and present goals for the year to come.

19 34

ALL AROUND AUSTIN Public Workers help prepare for the changing season with an array of exciting new projects and much to celebrate!

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

nadia.barrera@austintexas.gov

Shelley Parks

shelly.parks@austintexas.gov

James Snow

james.snow@austintexas.gov

Keri Juarez

keri.juarez@austintexas.gov

Sara Hartley

sara,hartley@austintexas.gov

Alexa Muraida

City showering facilities help link bicycling to transit

alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov

Sharon Warren

sharon.warren@austintexas.gov

[NPP] City of Austin’s Neighborhood Partnering Program Awards Project Funding to Five Local Neighborhoods

design Director of Visual Design Alexa Muraida

alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov

Director of Photography Carolyn Perez

The Spring 2014 Neighborhood Cost Share Program is proven a great success.

Trails Master Plan is 10 Urban a Go City Council gives seal of approval to plan that will add miles of multi-use trails to transportation network.

12 [PWU] UNDER THE SURFACE

What the heck is that group up to? PWU wants you to see what’s just below the line of sight.

carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov

For 20 Years Staff Give to Local Charities

columns Simulators provide realistic training in backhoe and motor grade operation New equipment boosts operator skills, opens up career opportunities.

Austin Parks – Holiday Style

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR?

Shares Some Holiday 14 [ESD] Traditions

Gets in the Holiday 16 [Sbo] Spirit STREET TALK DECEMBER 2014

Nadia Barrera

Austin Bicycle Commuting Project

Discover new recipes and get to know your colleagues at ESD

ella.zhang@austintexas.gov

divisions

Want to do something nice for yourself? Do something good for no reason at all.

Street Talk with your Assistant Directors

Ella Zhang

The City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department Celebrates its 50th Anniversary of the Trail of Lights

Michelle Frith profiles two employees that work hard for PWD every day, who you may have never met!

safety zone source mayoclinic.org

Don’t Let Holiday Stress Get You Down T

he holiday season can often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it’s no wonder, the holidays present a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. But with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would. When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

1. Acknowledge your feelings If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s okay to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.

4. set aside differences

8. don’t abandon healthy habits

Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.

Don’t let the holidays become a freefor-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Try these suggestions: Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Get plenty of sleep.

5. stick to a budget Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternative: Donate to a charity in someone’s name. Give homemade gifts. Start a family gift exchange.

Incorporate regular physical activity into each day.

9. take a breather Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. Some options may include:

2. reach out

6. Plan ahead

If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.

Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.

3. be realistic

7. learn to say no

The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.

Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.

Taking a walk at night and stargazing. Listening to soothing music. Getting a massage. Reading a book.

10. seek professional help if you need it Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

Cyclists enjoying a beautiful morning ride on Southern Walnut Creek Trail.

STREET TALK DECEMBER 2014

divisions BY nadia barrera CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Austin Bicycle Commuting Project City showering facilities help link bicycling to transit.

n March 11, 2006, the City of Austin accepted $371,740 in grant funds from the Federal Highway Administration for the purposes of funding showers at chosen City of Austin work sites. The purpose of the project was to aid the City of Austin in its goal to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion through encouraging bicycle commuting and other trips, helping to link bicycling to transit. Upon initiation of the project, a survey of City of Austin employees was conducted to determine potential sites for implementation. Five different sites were chosen based upon the number and density of employees, and the availability of adjacent bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities: PARD Headquarters 200 S. Lamar Boulevard AWU – 625 E. 10th Street Austin Transportation Department 1111 Rio Grande Street RBJ Building – 15 Waller Street HHSD Campus – 7201 Lavender Loop

Due to available funding and building constraints, however, only two buildings were selected for construction of showers. These were the Austin Water Utility Building on 10th Street and the Parks and Recreation Building on Lamar Boulevard. Additional funding was also provided from both departments to supplement the cost of construction. Work on the Austin Water Utility shower began on September 30, 2013. By January 2014, work was underway at both sites. While the contractor uncovered

many challenges and barriers to construction, they were able to complete both showers by August 8, 2014. The showers at the Water Utility are accessible from the 1st floor conference room. Employees and visitors must show proper identification to access the building. The showers at the Parks and Recreation Department are only available for employees during work hours. The front desk administrator is able to check out keys to the showers.

Other City of Austin buildings with showers include Animal Shelter

7201 Levander Loop

For use by Animal Shelter employees only

Austin Recreation Center

1301 Shoal Creek

Must show City ID

Aviation Department

2716 Spirit of Texas Drive

Building next door to LRC

Austin Recreation Center

1301 Shoal Creek

Must show City ID

City Hall

301 West Second Street

For use by City Hall employees only

Dove Springs Recreation Center

5801 Ainez

Must show City ID

Fire Department Building

1621 Nash Hernandez Sr.

Formerly called Festival Beach

Motorola/TechniCenter Building

4201 Ed Bluestein Blvd

Access via security guard or pass card

One Texas Center

505 Barton Springs Road

8th floor

RBJ Building

15 Waller Street

2nd Floor – only available to EMS employees

St Elmo Building

4411 Meindarus Dr

In bathroom within the Public Works Department

Town Lake Center

721 Barton Springs Road

2nd Floor (must show City ID)

Fire Department Building

1621 Nash Hernandez Sr.

Formerly called Festival Beach

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

divisions

City of Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Neighborhood Partnering Program Awards Project Funding to Five Local Neighborhoods The Spring 2014 neighborhood cost share program is proven a great success.

he Neighborhood Partnering Program has approved and awarded funding for five new community-initiated projects through the spring 2014 application round of the Neighborhood Cost Share Program. This program assists neighborhood groups willing to share project costs with the City in developing, resourcing and executing small to medium-sized improvement projects in the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right-of-way or on City-owned property. The community groups awarded, initiated and provided the vision for the projects and demonstrated their willingness to cost-share with the City through cash matches, volunteer hours, and in-kind professional services in an amount valued at approximately $145,000. Congratulations to the following neighborhoods for their selection to participate in the Spring 2014 Neighborhood Cost Share Program:

Treadwell Sidewalk Project (Wabucy (Walk-Bus-Cycle) Zilker) Located on Treadwell Street between S. Lamar Blvd and Kinney Avenue, this project will build a sidewalk on the south side of Treadwell Street from the alley adjacent to Lamar Union and Kinney Avenue. It will also provide a pedestrian pathway from the Zilker neighborhood to the shops on Lamar. The City will be building and maintaining the sidewalk, while the community group will be beautifying and adopting the alley between Dexter Street and Treadwell Street, as well as providing a cash match contribution.

Pictured: Proposed sidewalk and alley to be maintained

STREET TALK DECEMBER 2014

divisions BY JUSTIN GOLBABAI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Barton Hills Mosaic (Friends of Barton Hills Community Park) Located at Barton Hills Community Park, the Barton Hills Mosaic Project will create a mosaic on the pre-existing retaining walls outside of the playground area of Barton Hills Community Park. The City will provide the materials for the mural, while the community is providing the artists and volunteer labor to install and maintain the art.

Pictured [Left to Right]: Proposed site location (on retaining walls around playground area) and a sample of proposed mosaic artists works.

S. 5th Street â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Barton Skyway Sidewalk (Galindo Neighborhood Association) Located at the area around the S. 5th Street and the Barton Skyway intersection, this project will install a sidewalk on the west side of S. 5th Street from the 2800 block north to Barton Skyway. ADA-compliant curb ramps and bulb outs will also be provided as part of this project. The City of Austin will install and maintain the sidewalk, while the community will be providing a cash match contribution.

Pictured: Proposed sidewalk and crosswalk.

Ridgelea Greenspace Beautification Project (Ridgelea Neighborhood Association) Located in the Ridgelea Neighborhood, this project will replace swaths of asphalt with green spaces at various locations throughout the neighborhood. The City of Austin will install the concrete and asphalt components of the project, while the community will be providing the soil, plantings, and maintenance.

Salina/22nd Traffic Circle (Blackland Community Development Corporation) Located at the intersection of Salina Street and E. 22nd Street, this project will construct a traffic circle and provide a place for plantings. The City of Austin will construct the traffic circle, while the community will be providing the plants, landscaping maintenance, and will repaint the existing sunflower street art mural.

Pictured [Left to Right]: Neighborhood street art mural that will be included and repainted within the newly constructed traffic cirlce for the Blackland Community.

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

STREET TALK DECEMBER 2014

divisions BY Nadia Barrera CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Urban Trails Master Plan is a Go City Council gives seal of approval to plan that will add miles of multi-use trails to transportation network.

magine a system of connected trails and on-street bikeways that could get you from north to south, east to west and everywhere in between. Now imagine these paths as protected areas away from cars â&#x20AC;&#x201C; increasing safety so you can get there by bike, or on foot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; regardless of your age or ability. Sometimes called multiuse or shared-use paths, Urban Trails are used by bicyclists, walkers, joggers (and more!) for both recreation and transportation purposes. The typical Urban Trail will be 12 feet wide, constructed of asphalt, and will accommodate users of all ages and abilities. On September 25, 2014, City Council approved the Urban Trail Master Plan. The Plan identifies 30 miles of existing Urban Trails and prioritizes the design and construction of an additional 47 miles of a Tier I Urban Trails. Tier I Urban Trails are prioritized first because they are close to dense populations; connect to key destinations and attractions; and/or close gaps in the existing active transportation network. The Plan also identifies about 360 miles of Tier II Urban Trails. Tier II Urban Trails are those that have been identified during historic planning processes (PARD Long Range Plan, Neighborhood Plans, Bicycle Master Plan, or Imagine Austin) but do not rise to the same level of priority as the Tier I Urban Trails. The City will be seeking opportunities during redevelopment,

planning, or partnerships to design and construct the Tier II Urban Trails. While developing the Plan and preparing it for Council approval, PWD staff conducted extensive public outreach. During this process they received a number of recommendations from citizens, the Urban Forestry Board, the Environmental Board, and the Planning Commission. These recommendations include requiring the participation of an independent, certified, qualified wildlife biologist for preliminary engineering of Urban Trails as well as increased public participation opportunities. During preliminary engineering and design, citizens will have more opportunities to voice concerns and give suggestions via public meetings, board and commission briefings, and on-line communications.

The Urban Trail Master Plan is located online at www.austintexas.gov/urbantrails

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

divisions BY michelle frith CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Public Workers University: Under the Surface What the heck is that group up to? PWU wants you to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just below the line of sight.

YOUR DESTINATION AWAITS

he office door opens and a Public Works employee comes in to chat. After a few minutes the question is raised. When is Career Progression going to start? The team takes a deep breath. The answer to that is easy; It already has. The explanation behind that is complex. Here are some things that Public Workers University has accomplished in less than two years:

PWU has created a database to track staff training compliance. This database is used to create Individual Development Plans, identifying skills and competencies needed for success on the job and the expected proficiency in each skill. Division Management will begin working with PWU to identify skill sets in their areas and then work with individuals to plan training to enhance their job skills.

Vendor-led training contracts have been established or are underway. TEEX will be providing technical assessments for SBO, a contract for soft skill and leadership skills is underway with a third-party vendor, and CTM will be working with PWU to offer computer-based training. Additional training collaborations are being researched and relationships cultivated.

PWU has created a governance document and appendices which outline the policies and procedures for Career Progression in Public Works. A training Standard Operating Procedure has also been completed.

A Communication Plan has been written to guide decisions about the types, mediums and schedules for communication about Public Workers University Initiatives.

PWU has posted all pertinent forms and materials online through a Sharepoint site: http://www.smarturl.it/pwu

Public Workers University Newsletter has been launched and is distributed electronically and in print to the Department.

Four Core Classes have been created and delivered to nearly all of Street and Bridge Operations. Beginning in February, the mandatory Core classes will be rolled out across all divisions. Two courses, Rock Your Resume and Spanish Customer Care have been converted to online courses. Two more are in the works: Time and Stress Management and Effective Meetings. GED and ESL Resources have been identified and information has been shared with SBO.

12 STREET TALK DECEMBER 2014

A Leadership Library of leadership and management books has been established. These books will soon be available for check out from PWU.

A Subject Matter Expert (SME) program has been launched in SBO resulting in 10 certified SMEs who will transfer their knowledge to their peers in how to operate equipment correctly and safely. Each SME took a course in Train the Trainer, passed a written exam and demonstrated in the field their proficiency operating the equipment.

A motor-grader and a backhoe simulator have been purchased and are now in operation at St. Elmo. They will be used to train employees on how to use the equipment in a safe environment. Both simulators are housed in a mobile trailer.

PWU has conducted four Career Progression Rollout presentations to Division Managers, managers and supervisors, providing the audiences information and materials about Career Progression and required training initiatives.

Career Progression can be likened to an iceberg. You may only see a little bit on the surface, but there is a tremendous amount of substance just out of sight and more is building. Be on the lookout. Career Progression and training initiatives through Public Workers University are surfacing at last.

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

divisions BY EMMANUELLE JOANNE TAMAYO CONTRIBUTING WRITER daughter of Public Works Engineer Luciano Tamayo

Sharing Family Holiday Traditions Discover new recipes and get to know your colleagues at ESD.

ur family has many traditions, which range from everyday life to cultural and holiday traditions during Christmas, All Saints Day (Halloween here in the United States), Fiesta, Holy Week and many others. The Filipino tradition I want to share with everyone is the “kissing of the hands” or “mano” to show respect to elders.

The Philippines is the only country in Asia that holds this specific tradition and its origins come from the mixture of western and eastern tradition. The mano (Spanish for hand) evolved from the Asian tradition of respecting elders coupled with the respect for the clergy during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. One way of expressing respect is by “kissing” the right hand of an elder person when you greet them. Actually, you don’t really kiss the hand. You just bow a bit, and gently take the elder’s right hand with your right hand, and move it towards your own forehead. This tradition, “kissing the hands,” caught my sister and I by surprise when we met older relatives in Canada who asked us to kiss their hands. Since we didn’t grow up with this tradition, our dad said we could just give them a hug instead. When I have a family of my own, I will share the history of this tradition with my children so they know what to expect when we visit relatives in either Canada or the Philippines during the holidays. In conclusion, this holiday tradition we have is very different or unique from other traditions but it is important for my family and I to keep it because it is rich in history and very significant to the Tamayo clan.

Filipino TraditionKissing of the Hands

14 STREET TALK DECEMBER 2014

recipes country: cuba Dish: arroz imperial By Ella Zhang INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 - 2 lbs. 2C 3C 2T 2 C cups 1 1/2 C 4 oz 1 1/2 C 1/2 C cup 1/2 C 1 loaf

skinless boneless chicken breasts jasmine rice chicken broth (from the cooked chicken) saffron mozzarella cheese,grated medium white onion (diced) green peas chopped pimento mayonnaise green olives olive oil (approximately, used throughout cooking as needed) dash of salt soft bread vegetable spread

Preheat oven to 350 F. FOR THE CHICKEN Heat 2 T olive oil in a large pot. Add ½ of the onion and sauté until translucent. Next add the chicken breasts to the pot and add water until covered. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered 25 – 40 minutes until the meat pulls apart easily. Keep checking the broth and chicken to determine if more water needs to be added. When the chicken is finished cooking, make sure you have 3 C broth left over for the rice. Remove chicken and reserve broth. Skim excess fat from the top and strain the broth. When cool enough, shred chicken into small pieces and set aside.

divisions

country: phillipines Dish: paella marinara By Luciano Tamayo INGREDIENTS

FOR THE RICE In a large frying pan heat 2 T olive oil. Add the remaining 1/2 onion and sauté until translucent. Add rice and stir until rice is slightly toasted. Add 3 cups of the reserved chicken broth. Add salt, saffron and 1/4 C green olives. Bring to a boil, cover and cook over low heat until the rice is thoroughly cooked and the broth absorbed, about 20 minutes. Layering Spread 1/2 of rice mixture onto the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2 baking pan. Press down flat with the back of a spoon or spatula. Layer 1/2 of pulled chicken on top of the rice and flatten. Next spread 3/4 C mayonnaise on chicken being sure to spread to edges. Next add 3/4 C mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process in the same order: rice, chicken, mayonnaise, and cheese (use all of the cheese—the second cheese layer has more cheese than the first one). Remember to press down after each new layer. Spread the peas, pimentos and green olives evenly over the top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in oven for 40 – 45 minutes until cheese melts completely. Serve with bread that has been buttered and toasted in the oven.

2 lbs 1 lb 1/2 lb 1 lb 8 pieces 1 lb 43 oz. 3/4 cup 3 medium 1 head 3-4 cups 1/4 cup

seasoned yellow rice (arroz amarillo) mussels (mejillones) fresh squid, cleaned cooked clams (almejas) medium crabs, cleaned shrimp, cleaned tomato sauce A hint of Tabasco sauce pimiento, sliced onions, diced garlic, minced spanish saffron water olive oil salt and ground black pepper to taste

cooking procedure Combine seasoned yellow rice and water and soak for 3 hours. Heat a Paellera or large pan then pour-in olive oil. When the oil is hot, saute the garlic and onions. Put-in the crabs, mussels, shrimps, clams, squid, Tabasco sauce, salt, and ground black pepper. Cover the pan and cook for 3 minutes or until the juices come out. Add tomato sauce then cover the pan. Cook for a minute. Stir then simmer for 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the cooked seafoods on a clean plate. With the remaining juices and tomato sauce on the pan, put-in the rice soaked in water and stir well. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the Spanish saffron then gently stir. Cover the pan and continue cooking in low heat until the rice are done. Top the cooked yellow rice with pimiento then arrange the cooked seafoods over it. Serve with some lemon or lime wedges. Share and enjoy!

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

divisions BY sharon warren contributing writer

Street and Bridge Operations Gets in the Holiday Spirit For 20 Years Staff has given to local charities.

his November, the Utility Excavation section of Street and Bridge Operations will have been giving to local charities for 20 years. Some of these charities include single family homes, Any Baby Can, Blue Santa, Sunshine Camp, Family Christmas Tree (North Cross mall) and Salvation Army, just to name a few. These selfless public workers do this every single year at Thanksgiving and Christmas. They even provide a meal and gift card to four families in addition to donating to charities. Supervisor Rene Guerrero is very proud of his employees for giving from their heart every year. They give all they can and try to make every family feel special. These employees understand that not everyone is as fortunate and may not be able to spend money during the holidays. “My guys work very hard for their money, but are very thoughtful during the holidays and try to do all they can for those who are less fortunate.”

guys work very hard for their money, but are “ My very thoughtful during the holidays and try to do all they can for those who are less fortunate. ” -Rene Guerrero, Supervisor

STREET TALK december 2014

divisions BY carolyn perez CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Simulators provide realistic training in backhoe and motor grade operation New equipment boosts operator skills, opens up career opportunities.

ho would have thought learning to operate a six ton backhoe could be so much fun! I recently popped over to St. Elmo to check out Public Workers University’s (PWU) new training simulators. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I climbed aboard the operator’s seat and assumed the controls. Under the watchful guidance of PWU Technical Trainer Jesse Brown, I found myself sweating bullets to avoid damaging equipment or losing loads of gravel. Similar to what airlines use to train pilots, simulators provide a cost-effective and safe way to train new operators in a risk-free environment. They feature real-world situations, jobsite hazards, safety violations, and replica machine controls. While simulator training has some of the fun elements of a video game, make no mistake, this is serious business! As you move through the exercises, you must be vigilant at all times to operate safely and efficiently, just as you would in real life. A budget-based scoring system deducts points for damaging equipment, losing loads, or operating inefficiently.

Two simulators and a mobile trailer were purchased last spring. Fleet Services Make Ready Division, including Eric Maxey, Jay Johnson and Eddie Goebel rushed the design and placement of the decals on the trailer and delivery of the equipment to the service yard at St. Elmo. The acquisition of the new backhoe and motor grader simulators helps Street and Bridge Operations Subject Matter Experts hone their skills and opens doors for field staff eager to learn these pieces of equipment for possible career advancement. Each piece of equipment takes approximately a full day of training. Nine programs on the backhoe and 10 on the motor grader allow the student plenty of time to practice the skills and receive guidance from Jesse. At the end of the day, the operator is given an assessment. The score is then shared with the operator and with their supervisor. So how did I fare as a student? Let’s just say that at the rate I operate a backhoe, it would take me two full days to fill a dump truck. I think I’ll stick to my day job! Crew Leader Frank Kee demonstrates a backhoe training exercise.

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

columns BY shelley parks contributing writer Austin Parks and Recreation Department

Austin Parks – Holiday Style The City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department Celebrates its 50th Anniversary of the Trail of Lights.

n a crisp December night where else would you rather be than with family and friends at the heart of a warm and twinkling light display radiating with holiday spirit?

The 2014 Trail of Lights is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Having started in 1964 as “Yule Fest,” this wonderful Austin tradition has grown while creating treasured memories for Austinites, their families and holiday visitors to our great city. The Trail of Lights is Austin’s most celebrated event of the season, thanks to the Trail of Lights Foundation, H-E-B and other generous sponsors. Starting with the lighting of the Zilker Holiday Tree, the “flipping of the switch” gets thousands of Central Texans into the holiday spirit. What would the holiday season in Austin be without a visit to the Trail of Lights? This celebration starts off with a children’s art contest where children ages five to 10 years old draw pictures of the Zilker Tree lighting event. The winning entries from two age categories get the privilege of displaying their art and helping flip the switch at the tree lighting. After the tree lighting ceremony, it’s time for runners and walkers alike to start getting ready for the two-mile Fun Run on Sunday, November 6. Not only

will you get your blood pumping, you also get a sneak peek at Austin’s favorite holiday celebration! The run starts at the Zilker Tree and ends inside the Trail of Lights. So grab your finest festive apparel (Santa hats, bells, reindeer antlers, blinking necklaces, etc.) and get in on the action. This year’s Trail of Lights begins on December 7 and ends on December 21. There will be new displays and an interactive Santa’s Workshop, along with Candy Land that will feature candy demonstrations from local candy makers. And, for the first time in four years, the Yule Log tradition is back at the Trail of Lights. Considered the perfect gathering spot at the event by the community, it is the tradition that brought Austin together for the first Zilker Park holiday celebration in 1965. So make plans to attend the 50th Trail of Lights Celebration and watch the wonder of the displays light up your children’s eyes while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The glorious displays at the Trail of Lights never fail to delight.

STREET TALK december 2014

events

Public Works Connects You... All Around Austin Public Works builds our city’s future and celebrates our successes with PWD staff and events all around town.

Public Works Participates in the 2014 Austin Corps City of Austin Department Representatives Teach Local High School about City Planning On August 29, The City of Austin and AISD partnered together for AustinCorps, a civic education and leadership development program for Austin high school students. Three area high schools came to the Manchaca Public Library to gain hands-on experience with local government and participate in a planning exercise that would inspire them to create their dream community. Every year the Public Works Department teams up with representatives from the Office of Real Estate Services, Planning and Development, Transportation and Contract Management. Mayor Lee Leffingwell states the main objective of AustinCorps is to promote community engagement among Austin students. “Our most valuable resource as a city is our young people,” said Leffingwell. “If we can do more now to educate and engage our students in local government and civic life, the entire community will ultimately reap the reward.”

Cityworks Academy invites citizens into our “home” to learn about PWD Program designed to encourage future civic involvement On October 14, thirty-five Austinites got a chance to learn about Public Works at the sixth annual Cityworks Academy. The academy provides an opportunity for Austin residents to get involved in local government and learn firsthand about the programs and services the City provides, directly from the people who deliver them. Participants learn the A to Z of City operations, from aviation to zoning, in 12 weekly evening sessions. During the PWD session, which was held at the St. Elmo Pictured Above: Mike Girod demonstrates how water flows through various types of pavement. facility, Director Howard Lazarus kicked off the evening with an introductory overview of the department’s services and highlighted some recent projects. Following this introduction, Program Manager Justin Golbabai discussed the award-winning Neighborhood Partnering Program. Throughout the evening, attendees had the opportunity to answer PWD trivia questions and win door prizes, which kept everyone on their toes. Following the presentation, the crowd checked out SBO’s cool interactive pervious pavement display where Utility Excavation Supervisor Michael Girod, Howard Jackson and Jason Martinez conducted a demonstration and answered questions.

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

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continued from pg. 19

City Hall Renovations Completed in November New office suites and council chambers are ready for use After several months of construction, the City Hall renovations are complete. Renovations included the addition of new Council Member office suites and modifications to the Executive Session Conference Room. This project also modified the existing audio/visual technology in Council Chambers, Boards and Commissions Room and provided a resource area and conference rooms for staff use. The first Council meeting took place on November 6, which marked the first date that the chambers are available for other meetings. The executive sessions conference room was completed toward the end of November and includes expanded working space for staff. Additionally, several more office suites were constructed to allow for the additional Council Members as a result of 10-ONE. Pictured Left: New dais in Council Chambers, mid-construction

Austin Area Students Team up with PWD Staff to Learn about Public Administration

STREET TALK december 2014

On October 9, 125 high school students from around Austin met City staff from 11 different departments at the County Commissioners Court to celebrate Public Administration Day, sponsored by the National Forum of Black Public Administrators. The purpose of this event was to help introduce young, people to potential career options in public administration. Students were placed into small groups to tour various projects around the city. Alex Muraida and Susan Garnett led a group of twelve students to visit the Third Street Corridor Improvements Project to learn about Great Streets, the Waller Creek Inlet, and then for a walk along the Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake. Among the high schoolers were several girls and boys who took a keen interest in engineering and asked detailed questions about the process of planning, funding and constructing such intricate Capital Improvement Projects. Randy Harvey, Project Manager for the Third Street Corridor Improvements Project; Greg Johnston, Project Coordinator for the Waller Creek Inlet; and David Taylor, Project Manager for the Boardwalk; were at their respective project sites to help answer all of the questions the students had. Thank you to all of the wonderful City staff who took time out of their busy schedules to show how much fun City projects can be.

Davis Lane Roundabout Project Reaches Completion Modern Roundabout Will Increase Traffic Mobility and Reduce Congestion On October 31, the Davis Lane Roundabout Project officially reached completion! This project will provide connectivity along Davis Lane while incorporating multi-module means of transportation and incorporate water quality and a modern roundabout to ease traffic congestion. This project is located on Davis Lane from Leo Street to Huebinger Pass. In addition to the construction of the roundabout, which was approximately 300 feet in size, this project also reconstructed existing medians on Davis Lane from West Gate to Leo, and installed a rain garden, bicycle facilities and parking bulb outs. Thanks to Shirin Helmi P.E.; Travis Ragland with Smith Contracting Company, Inc.; and Construction Inspector David West. As a result of this fantastic team, the project was a great success.

BEFORE

AFTER

Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest Urban Trail opens for business Hike and bike enthusiasts gather to celebrate project completion On Saturday, October 25, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, PWD Director Howard Lazarus and other City leaders officially opened the Southern Walnut Creek Trail to the public with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at Govalle Park. Following the ribbon cutting and inaugural bike ride, Bike Texas, a local non-profit, kicked off Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first BikeFest, a free festival celebrating trails and bicycling culture. At 7.3 miles long, the multi-use concrete trail is designed to accommodate a variety of users. It extends from Govalle Park to parkland on Johnny Morris Road and includes several bridges over Boggy Creek. Trailheads are located at Johnny Morris Road and Govalle Park. PMD Project Manager Richard Duane, together with Inspector Kenneth Johnson, oversaw the 18-month construction. Pictured Above: The trail is already becoming a popular destination for bicyclists, walkers, and runners.

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Southern Walnut Creek Trail was officially opened to the public.

STREET TALK december 2014

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

features

PWD Assistant Directors Share Accomplishments and Goals

As we move towards the year ahead, we take some time to reflect on the unique successes of each division and think about where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

As we approach the New Year, the Street Talk team asked the Assistant Directors of the Public Works Department to share division accomplishments from 2014 and goals for the year to come. Each division shares a unique skill set and area of expertise making their accomplishments as varied and diverse as the team who helps to make them a reality. Read on to learn more about major division successes, changes in the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year and objectives for the future.

STREET TALK december 2014

assistant director james snow Fiscal Year 2013-2014 was an extremely productive year for the Public Works operational group, and 2014-2015 is quickly following suit. The Public Works Department completed its reorganization in April 2014, and with it came changes that have had a positive impact on the way the operational group provides services to the department, the City and our community. During the department’s reorganization, the operational group changed its name to better identify with the services provided: Financial, Information, and Asset Management. This group is comprised of five divisions/ offices: Asset Management Office, Business Intelligence and Operational Research Office,

Financial Services Division, Safety Office, and Systems Engineering Division. The Asset Management Office, headed by Annie Van Zant, has made major achievements this past fiscal year through the creation and development of new GIS asset data sets; implementation of the Comprehensive Infrastructure Assessment that will assess and define the current conditions of our streets, sidewalks, trails, bridges, and bike lanes; and establishment of the Mobile Data Collection Pilot Project. These improvements will help us to better coordinate, plan and monitor the various components of the department’s Asset Management Plan, while taking strategic approach in the management of the Capital Improvement Program. The Business Intelligence and Operational Research Office also made major strides this past year under the leadership of Megan Bell. Megan’s group completed the initial phase of the Performance Measure Revision and Review Process; launched CIVIC, a reporting mechanism that allows citizens to look inside the Capital Improvement Program and know where money is being spent and how projects are being delivered; while also completing the initial phase of the Department Reporting Process. Karen Maggio’s team underwent a division restructure that combined the budget group and support services group to create the Financial Services Division. This division was instrumental in getting us through yet another budget process, while also taking on the enormous task of separating financial

features

and administrative functions between PWD and ATD. This year also marked the first time in a long time that the Safety Office has been fully staffed. Denise Riad and her team created “safety days” for PWD Street and Bridge employees this past year to provide a skillsbased training for specific job functions to ensure the safety of our employees. Going forward, the Safety Office will use this specialized training to pair up with Public Works University and the Human Resources Office to create a skills-based test for field employees who operate heavy equipment prior to going out in to the field. Last but not least, our Systems Engineering Division, led by John Vallejo, Lawrence Willis, and Jacque Driskell made some major achievements as well. This team provides support for IT asset management, business systems management, and information management, respectively. They are currently working on creating PWD Central through SharePoint where procedures, documents, eCapris, Immpact, CIVIC, etc., can all be accessed from one central location. This is an especially complex task to take information from various locations and combine them in to one quick link, but the Systems Engineering Division is ready for the challenge. All in all, it has been a year full of great progress and great promise. This team’s goal moving forward is to be able to support all of Public Works’ operational arms by providing the informational tools needed to make the department more effective and efficient overall.

assistant director keri juarez Reflections on 2013 The holiday season always puts me in a contemplative mood, prompting me to look back on the year and assess failures and successes, sorrows and joys. This year has certainly held plenty of each. Our two largest projects, Water Treatment Plant #4 and the Waller Creek Drainage Tunnel, have both encountered enormous difficulties this year. However, these challenges have given us the opportunity to use our best conflict management and strategic decision-making skills and I’m proud of how we’ve overcome obstacles and continue to push for successful completion. This year has also brought some challenges in connecting with residents, business owners and communities. These experiences, however, have only strengthened our resolve and focus on our core mission of effective communication and transparency. This year and next, we are witnessing the historic transition of our city government to district representation. While this change can prompt anxieties about the unknown, I believe that we can’t go wrong if we stick

to three of our core values: Responsiveness, Transparency and Efficiency. If our Capital Project Delivery Team is known for being responsive, transparent and efficient, we will continue to be the service providers of choice for departments around the city and it won’t take long for us to earn the respect of our new Council Members. On a personal note, this year has held many joys for me. My husband and I celebrated fifteen years of marriage and we’ve watched our twelve and thirteen year olds become real people before our very eyes! I’m incredibly blessed to have meaningful work that challenges me, a fun and supportive work team, and family and friends that love and accept me. I think often of this quote from Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve: “I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well.” I will be guided by this thought as I take on the challenges of 2015. I hope your time away from the office is restful and restorative and filled with things, both big and small, that bring you joy.

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assistant director robert hinojosa In 2013, the Street and Bridge Operations first quarter presented itself in a heavy way due to the emergency flood and coldweather related events, impacting thousands of Austinites. During this period, staff and crews worked diligently and efficiently to assist and serve our community. We were behind with prepping for the upcoming street maintenance routine but crews worked around the clock, exceeding performance measures and they really picked it up out there. The entire Street and Bridge team stepped up and it really showed how dedicated everyone is in providing services to Austin. No one ever made excuses and everybody helped out. As a unit, we overcame these challenges, which led to opportunities. I am very proud of everyone for their efforts and seamless teamwork that it gives me chills! This past years achievements include implementing Maximo, career progression, as well as increased performance across the board. We made a couple of changes within our operations which enhanced our production. Our Utility Excavation and Concrete Division brought work order requests down in a significant way. This division is the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s con-

STREET TALK december 2014

tractor for minor asphalt and concrete work. Our District Maintenance Divisions workload increased with the new 3-1-1 app made available this past year, but the crews stayed on course and hammered out customer service requests submitted daily to 3-1-1. This past year, our district crews were the first responders to seven ice events and the 2013 Halloween flood. The District Maintenance Division exceeded performance measures on the number of trail miles of mobility trail maintenance in Austin. The crews repaired 100 percent of potholes reported by citizens within 48 business hours. Our downtown sidewalk cleaning crew exceeded performance measures by cleaning 2,175,684 square feet of the core downtown sidewalks. The teamwork between our Infrastructure Management professionals and our Pavement Operations technically skilled staff brought new innovative ways to coordinate and assist field crews with new materials and equipment. Our Pavement Operations Division exceeded their lane miles for this past street maintenance season by completing 371.5 lane miles. The right-of-way management team kept up with new trails and the continuing additions of mowing and trimming for overgrown vegetation throughout the Austin area. This past year, we integrated the Sidewalks and Special Projects Division with the

former Neighborhood Connectivity Division. The coordination and funding for sidewalk construction was a great transition! This group brought new ideas for maintenance operations and assisted with street resurfacing treatment contracts. We also added service yard techs into the bunch. The team exceeded performance measures on the number of curb ramps constructed, as well as the total linear feet of new ADA sidewalks that were constructed, repaired or replaced to meet ADA requirements. I am happy to have them as part of the operations team. We look forward to enhancing our delivery, schedule and funding of sidewalk projects in conjunction with our street maintenance, curb and gutter.

chief of staff sara hartley In Fiscal Year 2014-15, the Chief of Staff service groups solidified into what is really the “people functions” of the department. With the Public Affairs Office, the Human Resources Office, the Director’s Office and the Community Services Division – we are connecting personnel in the department to the services they need, and to the people in the community on a daily basis. The Public Affairs Office has changed names to better reflect the robust service that Carolyn Perez’s team delivers. They beautifully communicate internal department needs through Street Talk, work with the media to promote positive stories for us, and they protect us when tough stories hit by informing the public about the truth behind the story. They work with many of our sponsor departments by doing amazing outreach to the communities we affect with construction – and that is NOT easy! One of the most important things this team does is go out and face people who are unhappy about the disruption to their lives that our work can cause. They are yelled at and sometimes called names, and yet that doesn’t stop them from trying to continue to help. I am immensely proud of their

professionalism every day. The Human Resources Office works silently behind the scenes to keep the people of this department paid, healthy, safe and well-prepared to do their jobs. Many of you may not even know the entire HR Team because you haven’t needed any extra help from them – but you also may not know all they do for you every day. We have had some very tough transition in this team over 2013-14. We lost over 50 percent of our staff due to turnover and despite that, things keep getting done well. Shelly Sheppard stepped into an acting manager role this summer and the team that remains has stepped up right alongside her to get the work done at a level that is astounding considering their vacancies. I look forward to this new fiscal year, as we are getting staffed up once again, and the service levels that will continue to rise with these bright, kind people who now make up the HR team for PWD. The Community Services Division was new to PWD in 2014. With the departure of some of our programs to the Austin Transportation Department, we had several programs that were without a division. So, the three programs that truly serve a purpose of delivering on the ground services to our citizens now make up the Community Services Division, under the management of Chad Crager. The Child Safety Program has been redubbed “Safe Routes to School” Program starting in FY15, to better align with the national safe routes to school programs provide the same service as we do across the nation (although we like to think we do it best!). The Urban Trails Program just passed the Urban Trail Master Plan through Council at the end of FY2014, leading the way for greater strategy and implementation of these fun, recreational connectors all through our city. There are many more trails in the works that will serve our community well into the future to be able to be active with their families, and enjoy getting all around Austin off-road! The Neighborhood Partnering Program has continued throughout 2014 to be an exemplary program for helping citizens make a reality out of projects their neighborhoods have dreamed up. Thirteen new projects were brought forward

in FY2014, and many are already in construction. The Office of the Director has had challenges being understaffed throughout the past fiscal year, but the level of service Lucy and her team have provided is always stellar. I dare you to come up there and spend a few minutes and NOT leave laughing or smiling. It’s impossible. This year we hope to find a way to staff the office more in-line with other departments of our size, so that the level of service will only get better. We have several major projects going through the OOD this year, including hosting the statewide annual conference of the Texas Public Works Association in June. We love the fast-paced, challenging environment that a Director’s Office brings! I am so proud of all of these people-focused, whip-smart, dedicated people in my divisions. I feel humbled by them each day and by getting the chance to work to better our department and the lives of our citizens. Our service to you, and to the people of Austin is always our top focus, and we look forward to making 2015 an even better year!

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

columns BY michelle frith CONTRIBUTING WRITER

How well do you know your neighbor? Michelle Frith profiles two employees that work hard for PWD every day who you may have never met!

sually when you ask someone to tell you about themselves, they will tell you their occupation. Clay Rivers will tell you who he is: big heart, open mind, dedicated to helping others. As a small child, Clay traveled the world with his father, Clay Rivers Jr. and his mother, Delores. At the time, his dad worked in the postal services for the Navy and his mother was a professional hairdresser. Four years after Clay, sister Michele was born. Being the oldest child and grandchild on both NEIGHBOR sides of the family Clay Rivers gave Clay a sense of responsibility while Great-grandmothDIVISION er Pauline Sauls Utility Excavation taught him strong and Repair values. After returning to Austin, TITLE his parents divorced Superintendent when Clay was in his early teens and Dolores remarried Johnson Early, who also had a positive impact on the young man. Clay worked at Bergstrom as a bagger in the commissary and joined the ROTC at Reagan High School. He enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing with his friends. Mr. Early encouraged Clay to join the ROTC since Clay admittedly did not like school. “I had no real purpose in life until I got into ROTC,” Clay says. “ROTC taught me about leadership. They gave me a code of conduct and a sense of discipline to keep me on track. The organization taught

28 12 STREET STREETTALK TALKOCTOBER DECEMBER 2014 2014

me to become a good man, how to present myself and be a positive and strong person. I excelled and moved up quickly in ROTC; my senior year I was promoted to a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel.” It was also his dream to serve in the United States Military and one day become a peace officer, but Clay had an unfortunate accident at five years old that caused permanent damage to one of his eyes. Disappointingly, this made him ineligible for military or law enforcement service. Clay notes that the most important part of being a good leader is to be open-minded and find what each person needs. A good leader should also realize that he or she is not always right and should take into account the expertise of their staff. He began his career as a machine operator at Suler Carbomedics, a heart valve manufacturer. Clay quickly became a Certified Master Machinist and Journeyman Machinist for the State of Texas. He worked at this company for more than 12 years until the company was bought out. In 2002, he was offered a position at the City of Austin Water Utility as a Utility Tech Worker. Within six months Clay was promoted to an Associate where he ran

his own crew in House Connections. Within a short four years, Clay was promoted to Supervisor. Lonnie Turner, Clay’s Division Manager at the time, gave Clay opportunities to train to be a Superintendent. Clay took every opportunity to move his career forward, obtaining his Class C Water Distribution and Class II Wastewater Collections and earning his FEMA Certifications. In 2010, Clay was offered a position as Superintendent at Public Works under Molly Ritter. “Most people like to stay in their comfort zone. I like making a difference. I enjoy so much of what I do. I enjoy helping and influencing people to move up. My goal is BACON: to Be the difference, Advance, Communicate & Inspire, create Opportunities for myself and others, and Nurture everyone into success. What drives me is being a great role model and sitting down with employees to talk about things that will make them successful in their job. I like to say ‘This is the truth as I know it today’ because change is inevitable.” Clay has big dreams for the future and continues to lead by example. Big heart, open mind and dedicated to helping others. That’s truly what makes a leader.

helping and influencing people to move up. “ IMyenjoy goal is BACON: to Be the difference, Advance, Communicate & Inspire, create Opportunities for myself and others, and Nurture everyone into success....I like to say ‘This is the truth as I know it today’ because change is inevitable.

”

-Clay Rivers, Superintendent

columns BY michelle frith CONTRIBUTING WRITER

oyful (joi-fel): Def: Feeling, showing or causing great happiness. Alexa Muraida, talented Graphic Designer and Marketing Coordinator for the Street and Bridge Operation, personifies the very definition. Born into a deeply loving family, she comes by her joy naturally. Parents John and Chris Muraida made Austin their home shortly after their marriage. They started their family with son J.D., who Alexa calls her best friend, and later welcomed Alexa. John, who Alexa describes as an old hippie, reNEIGHBOR tired from Austin Alexa Muraida Water Utility and Chris, a model DIVISION for happiness, retired from the Office of the City’s Real Estate Director Department but TITLE soon returned. Alexa and J.D. Marketing & were raised with Outreach unconditional Representative love and support. The family often took long road trips together, driving across the U.S. to “see America in all its beauty.” Last year, Alexa accompanied her parents to the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. As a child, Alexa played outside catching fireflies, riding bikes and building forts and today still “obsesses about the outdoors and being fit and healthy.” Her love for art was expressed early on, when she and J.D. painted and sketched for hours on end. Snowboard and surfboard art especially appealed to Alexa, and she imagined making graphic design her career. She worked during her teen years for the City of Austin’s Summer Youth Employment Program as a camp counselor, doing clerical work and stocking library shelves. Playing for a competitive soccer club, Alexa seemed destined for a soccer scholarship, but seeing an ad for a start-up lacrosse team, she motivated friends to join the team and fell in love with the sport. Two months before she was to start at Texas State, St. Andrew’s University in North Carolina offered her lacrosse and scholastic scholarships. Alexa played lacrosse for the university and earned a BFA in Graphic Design, the first in her family to obtain a college degree. Her senior year she studied abroad, living in Italy at Brunnenburg Castle, where her home overlooked

believe it is important to thank those who have “ Ihelped you along the way!...Everyone I come across in my path is a mentor. I want to soak up anything and everything.

”

- Alexa Muraida, Marketing & Outreach Representative a vineyard. On “farm days,” the students would work cultivating grapes to make wine. She took advantage of her days off, traveling to Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, The Netherlands, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. After graduation she moved to Maryland and Virginia, doing odd jobs and selling her art from the back of her car. After a year passed she returned to Austin. Sara Hartley was looking for an intern graphic artist for Public Works. Alexa began an internship with Public Works in 2009 and was made permanent in 2010. She still enjoys time with J.D. who is studying to be a chef and is currently writing a cookbook. Alexa has achieved much in a short time, including eight national awards for Street Talk and the Public Works Annual Report. She creates departmental graphic design including division marketing and outreach needs, billboards, brochures, postcards and more. In late 2012, she undertook outreach for SBO and loves building relationships with the Public Works staff and the community. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude has resulted in the trust and respect of her co-workers and management. She strongly credits her work group and peers for all she has achieved. “I believe it is important to thank those who have helped you along the way!” Recently Alexa traveled to Peru and Bolivia to hike Machu Picchu. She wants to explore more of Central and South America after her travels to Venezuela, Panama and Costa Rica. “I love connecting with people and keeping great company, be they friends, family or a stranger, it is what makes me happy. Who wants a travel buddy for their next destination? Living in the moment,

and being spontaneous is at the heart of everything I do. Everyone I come across in my path is a mentor. I want to soak up anything and everything. It’s important to be respectful of others and leave an imprint wherever it may be.” Anywhere she goes, Alexa leaves a trail of joy behind.

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

Works of Heart

Want to do something nice for yourself? Do something good for no reason at all.

30 STREET TALK december 2014

aint Basil once said “A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” In our hectic, over-extended lives, many are looking for deeper meaning and connections to others. Some may choose to jump on their favorite social media site to “connect” to others, but these connections are often brittle, limited and impersonal. As a society we are

feature BY michelle frith contributing writer

losing the ability to affiliate with others, even though it is a natural human need. “No man is an island, no man stands alone.” So, how can we fulfill the primary need we each have for human interaction and belonging without resorting to “Likes” and “Tweets?”

Extending past our own current family and friends are countless potential friends and connections that might be cultivated by reaching out with a kind hand and warm heart to someone in need. Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs suggests that once people have their basic needs met (i.e. food, water, air, clothing, shelter, financial security and health) that we next need a feeling of belonging, whether the groups we belong to are small or large. These groups may include clubs, co-workers, religious or professional groups, mentors, colleagues and confidants. By reaching out to groups of people, we may soon find that our next highest needs are being met – those of respect and self-esteem, a sense of contribution or value. We can meet our own needs and those of others by cultivating kindness. One of the ways of doing that was described in Lily Hardy Hammond’s 1916 book In the Garden of Delight. She coined the phrase “pay it forward” which is defined as “an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying it to others instead of to the original benefactor.” In other words, if someone does something nice for you, instead of repaying them directly, consider repaying them by doing something kind for someone else. In the early 1990s there was a slogan “Practice Random Acts of Kindness and Senseless Beauty” which inspired many to do such things as leave encouraging notes in library books, pay for coffee for the person behind them in line or compliment a colleague to their boss. In the 2000 film, “Pay It Forward” a young boy is given an assignment to do something to change the world. He chooses to do something kind for three people with the request that they perform acts of kindness for three people. The idea of passing on cour-

tesy, friendship and kindness to others is powerful. Looking for ways to pay it forward? There is actually an official International “Pay it Forward Day.” Thursday, April 30, 2015 is currently celebrated by 70 countries, including the U.S. The website shares heart-warming stories guaranteed to make you smile, if not to commit an act of kindness. Recently, SBO Supervisor Ronnie Hernandez reported that he had accidentally left his wallet in the men’s room at work. He worked the entire day, not realizing he had lost it. When he returned to the office hours later, Alex Aguilar, the facilities maintenance person, approached him and asked to speak to him. Alex told Ronnie that he had found the wallet in the morning and had kept it safe for him. He asked Ronnie to count the money inside first to make sure it was all there. It was. The entire $3,000 in cash was still in the wallet. Ronnie, stunned by the man’s honesty, offered him a reward, but Alex refused. He just “wanted to do the right thing.” How can Ronnie repay this tremendous act of kindness? He could pay it forward by doing something amazing for yet another person. Oddly enough, when a person does something nice for another, the benefits to the giver outweigh the benefits to the receiver in most cases. According to a 2005 study conducted by Stanford University psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, study participants who carried out five random acts of kindness a week reported higher levels of happiness than a control group. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology published a recent study that noted that even reading about acts of kindness inspire what is called “moral elevation” in subjects, which means they are more likely to perform good deeds themselves. That’s how kindness spreads!

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

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What goes around does truly come around. Those who make personal sacrifices on behalf of others may find that they receive gifts in return in a variety of ways they might have not imagined, even from people they did not help directly. By being generous or kind, your reputation may precede you, and others are more likely to be willing to do something nice for you. Additionally, many studies show that that people suffering from a loss, grief or depression may find relief through helping others who are less fortunate. Whether it be from sharing the burden with others or gaining a perspective on how fortunate one might be, reaching out to others with an open heart is mutually beneficial to the giver and to the receiver. If that weren’t enough proof, science shows that acts of kindness activate the area of the brain associated with positive feelings, making you feel increasingly better in relation to the amount of giving. Being generous to others can also help our immune system. What a great way to relieve stress! Public Works employees have long been bighearted with their time, talent and treasure. Volunteering is another way to pay it forward. The City’s Mentor and Tutor Program offers many options for volunteering to befriend children who need someone to look up to and to help them with their studies. Currently Public Works has nine employees who are volunteers for this program, but more are needed! Helping a child can have a lifetime impact. For more information or to register, visit http://cityspace.ci.austin.tx.us/ services/mentor-and-tutor or talk to Department Coordinator: Carmela Morgan at 9747150. Our own Street and Bridge Operations

32 STREET TALK december 2014

team members have participated annually in Touch a Truck, the Canned Food Drive, and Coats for Kids, impacting children and families throughout the community. Other events Public Works employees have been involved in are Careers on Wheels and Earth Day, among many others. Public Works employees contribute annually to the City of Austin Combined Charities Campaign to raise funds to help people, animals and the environment locally and around the world! Consider the fact that each person’s acts may affect tens or hundreds of lives in turn. And if those people are inspired to be kind to others….. Volunteer opportunities abound in our own department, but you can also get involved as an individual at other City Departments! If you’re into gardening, Watershed Protections offers volunteer opportunities in planting rain gardens. Into science? The Austin Nature and Science Center uses Naturalist Workshop Assistants to teach others about nature and Austin Energy seeks volunteers for the Austin Science Education Foundation. Like animals? The Austin Animal Center uses volunteers to comfort cats and train dogs. Interested in law enforcement? Ride along with an officer or participate in the Victim Services Volunteer Program. Literally dozens of volunteer opportunities are available at the City. For more information about volunteering for the City visit http://www.austintexas.gov/volunteer. If you are interested in a wider variety of volunteer opportunities, visit www.VolunteerMatch.org. This website can help you find amazing opportunities, no matter how much time you have. Volunteer opportunities range from training miniature horses to interacting

with children in wheelchairs to driving the elderly to doctor appointments to escorting people to their seats at the orchestra. All you have to do is fill out a profile, click on your areas of interest and – voila – all kinds of causes and volunteer opportunities that match your interests are there to choose from! For even more opportunities, visit Hands on Central Texas at www.HandsOnCentralTexas.org. What if volunteering could affect your bank account in a positive way? If you are lacking experience in a skill, consider volunteering for an organization. You can count that experience on your resume, do some good for your community, learn some new skills and make new friends. Many people have found entire new careers by volunteering for organizations and building their skill sets. Some people think that humans are selfish and will only help others if there is something in it for them. That may be true in some cases, but we have all heard of those who sacrifice without expecting anything in return. Humans could not have survived in nature without assistance from others. Countless tales of unselfish acts during disasters such as 9/11 and the Japanese tsunami prove that humans are not innately selfish. People may give out of a need for connection, the need to be respected or the need to enhance the list of skills on a resume. But possibly, altruism and paying it forward may be an effort to transcend separateness and the chasms between us to truly empathize, promote the well-being of others or our environment and to truly connect to others. Want to feel amazing? Look away from Facebook and into the face of a new friend. Pay it forward.

Southern Walnut Creek Trail.

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK 33

milestones

DIVISION MANAGERS AWARD

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

YEARS OF SERVICE

Patricia Moreno, 5 Years of Service as of October 26, 2014

Mansoor Yazdi was recognized on the annual survey for keeping good records and files on his projects and communicating well with external and internal customers.

Travis Miller, 10 Years of Service as of September 20, 2014

PAT ON THE BACK Rip Hirsch received a Pat on the Back Award for spending countless hours per week on the LATM 12B Project because of the numerous field changes and citizen issues that have required attention. Trish Wadsack had this to say about Chip, “He has provided excellent service and his work is well appreciated and needed so that we can continue towards a successful project completion.”

STREET TALK december 2014

simon orta (pictured), carlos lopez, and sidney hanson all received a Pat on the Back Award for assisting the Aviation Department. Here is what Robert Hengst of the Aviation Department had to say about these particular public workers, “July 2014 was the first month in Austin airport history to record over 1 million passengers. In addition to passing the million passenger milestone, this is the third time this year a monthly passenger record has been set. Austin’s airport has experienced growth 54 of the last 55 months, since January 2010. Your support allows us to meet the heavy demands.”

wayne fant received a Pat on the Back Award for completing the Willowbrook substantial completion walkthrough without delay. The project sponsor said, “Awesome! Thank you for making this a relatively painless project. Why can’t they all be like this?!”

PAT ON THE BACK ryan wotipka received an Above & Beyond Award in September for doing an exceptional job at the Waller Creek Inlet. He has exceeded expectations and clearly is worthy of recognition. Lead Inspector Kevin Jones concurred, “From Ryan’s first day on the job at the Inlet he hit the ground running, diving into plans that I would call not so user friendly, pointing out potential problems and offering up fixes that were right on point with what the engineer of record had recommended. He has demonstrated that he is more than a team player. In my opinion he is a great asset - not only to Alexa’s group, but to the division as a whole.”

Who’s that? warm welcome engineering services division Jothika “Jo” Thivakaran ESD would like to welcome their newest member, Jothika “Jo” Thivakaran. She came to Public Works from Watershed Protection where she provided technical support to the Creek, Flood and Dam Safety Group. Jo comes by way of the Alaska Department of Transportation to the city and her home country of Sri Lanka. ESD is very excited to have her on the team.

public affairs office Alexandria [Alex] Bruton is excited to join Public Works as a Public Information Specialist, Senior. After graduating from Texas Christian University, Alex stayed in her hometown of Fort Worth, Texas and worked as a communications specialist for oil and gas companies and American Airlines. An opportunity to work for Austin Resource Recovery brought Alex to Austin two years ago. When she’s not working to spread the word about all of the great programs and services from Public Works, you can find her watching obscene amounts of Netflix, trying to convince people to do karaoke and optimistically searching for a new bike.

Patricia Diaz also received a Pat on the Back Award for her attention to detail. In less than one year she has grasped the division’s closeout process so well that when a form came across her desk that wasn’t discussed in her initial training, she raised the red flag. Others may not realize the department’s emphasis on good records management but with her dedication to the process and keen eye, she will help our division shine!

street and bridge operations David L. Bowell, PE One of SBO’s newest members, David is a former TxDOT employee with a Master’s in Engineering from the University of Texas and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He has experience performing technical and administrative reviews of preliminary designs, including managing and directing professional and technical personnel engaged in engineering and planning. He has worked and coordinated issues with TxDOT area engineers, district personnel and Federal Highway Administration officials. He has managed multiple projects in various phases, conducted environmental site assessments, analyzed data, and has developed reports. As a member of the Office of the City Engineer, he will be responsible for reviewing plans and specifications (including estimates as applicable) associated with development projects encroaching in to public rights-of-way, including helping staff review Agreements, Street Vacations, Variances, Construction Waivers, and other work as necessary. His first day of employment was Monday, November 17.

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

volunteer opportunities

Green Corn Project Feeding Austin, One Garden at a Time By: Susan Garnett

In September, I had the opportunity to volunteer for Green Corn Project alongside my two young daughters, Idalia (8 years old) and Aiyana (3 years old), at a southeast Austin elementary school. The Green Corn Project has made it their mission to “educate and assist Central Texans in growing organic food gardens” by helping install organic gardens for community members who do not have access to or cannot afford healthy, nutritious food. Green Corn Project has planted over 640 seasonal gardens for the elderly, lowincome families, disabled community members, schools, community centers and shelters. They also hold educational workshops for anyone interested, teaching Green Corn Project’s favored double-dig technique, growing from seed, composting, garden planning, and

much more! If you are looking to volunteer your time, learn about sustainable foods, and help your fellow community members, Green Corn Project is a great place to start. My daughters had a wonderful time digging in the dirt, identifying plants by their leaves, clearing out grubs, and the satisfaction of providing children with healthy food options that they might otherwise not have. You can find out more about Green Corn Project by visiting their website at www. greencornproject.org.

UrbanRoots

Empowering Youth, Cultivating Community By: Alexa Muraida Urban Roots is a youth development organization that uses food and farming to transform the lives of young people and engage, inspire, and nourish the community. What I love most about the organization and what drove me to want to get involved with Urban Roots is their mission, to increase access to healthy food in Austin. Sixty percent of the produce goes to customers at the Farmers Market, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and local wholesale orders. The other 40 percent of the produce is donated to local food pantries and soup kitchens in Austin. Being able to connect with the youth, harvest crops and positively impact our community is a beautiful thing! I definitely encourage others to get involved one way or another.

STREET TALK december 2014

word search

Charitable Causes CHARITABLE CAUSES CHARITABLE CAUSES

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2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

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ALTRUISTIC ALTRUISTIC GOODWILL GOODWILL OFFER OFFER

ASSISTANCE BENEVOLENCE ASSISTANCE BENEVOLENCE CONTRIBUTE CONTRIBUTE HELPFUL HUMANITARIAN HELPFUL HUMANITARIAN KINDNESS KINDNESS PHILANTHROPIC PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORTIVE SUPPORTIVE

calendar

December Monday 0

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 0

West End First Thursday

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

New Employee Safety Orientation (NESO)

[through Dec. 24]

class 1-5 PM @ Cheathem

Forklift Training class 12-4:00 PM Harold Court

Safety Meeting (6:30-7:30 AM) (7:30-8:30 AM) Utilities @ Harold Court New Employee Safety Orientation (NESO)

class 8-9 AM Cheathem Facility

Safety Meeting (HRO/OOD/SSD/ QSMD/CSD/FSD/SED) 9:45-10:45 AM OTC-325 Safety Meeting (PWD/PMD/ESD/ CSD) 8:30-9:30 AM OTC-325 Austin Symphony Christmas Sing-Along*

Safety Plus Meeting (SBO Pavement & Infrastructure)

Nerd Nite

[through Dec. 24]

Hanukkah Begins [at sunset]

Safety Meeting (SBO Concrete) class 6:30-7:30 AM Harold Court Facility

Hanukkah Ends [at sunset] Christmas Eve OFFICE CLOSED

New Employee Safety Orientation (NESO)

class 1-5 PM @ Cheathem

STREET TALK december 2014

Wild Ideas Lights of Love 5K

class 8-9:30 AM 105 Riverside Dr. Ste 200

0 $ PAY DAY

Day of Tango Festival

Defensive Driving Class

Road-E-O

OTC-325

TBD

New Years Eve Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Year

class 8-9:30 AM 105 Riverside Dr. Ste 200

Q1 PE Registration Ends

German-Texan Christmas Market Holiday Sing-a-Long Downtown Fossil Fest Violet Crown Arts Festival

Sunday

Cherrywood Art Fair Luminations at Wildflower Center

7 3

Sunday

CDL/ D&A Orientation

class 1-5 PM @ Cheathem

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Saturday

First Thursday CDL/ D&A Orientation

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

Friday

Sunday $ PAY DAY Q4 PE Ends

Sunday Christmas OFFICE CLOSED

Buy A New Calendar Day Happy New Years OFFICE CLOSED

Sunday

calendar

January Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 0

Buy A New Calendar Day Happy New Years OFFICE CLOSED

Friday

Saturday

Sunday 0

$ PAY DAY

Sunday

Sunday 1

$ PAY DAY

Sunday MLK Day OFFICE CLOSED

Sunday 0 $ PAY DAY

You can find further details about Austin Events from austin.bigweekendcalendars.com

2014 DECEMBER STREET TALK

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Write in to us with your suggestions regarding:

Milestones

nominations

writing a guest column photo contribution special events going on in your division employee PROFILE NOMINATIONS ...and anything else we may have missed or you want people to know about

streettalk@austintexas.gov