Summer 07
Vol. 12 No. 3

Department News

Affirmative Action

A warm return welcome to Robert Gallegos.

A fond farewell to Kym King.

Congratulations on promotions to Neil Polansky, Daniel Hamilton, Zonia Davila, Kim-Bang Nguyen, and Ricardo Garza. – Patsy Jackson

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Aviation

Tractors, balers and haulers are harvesting Bermuda grass, also known as hay, on more than 1,200 acres around George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The grass is being sold and is expected to raise $4 million by 2008.

China Airlines introduced service from Bush to Taipei, and Lufthansa Airlines is flying the longest passenger plane in the world into Bush.

During the holidays, band and choir students from four local schools entertained travelers at Bush, showcasing local schools and saying thank you to passengers passing through Houston airports.

“Houston Airports Today,” a behind-the-scenes look at Aviation, is broadcast on the Municipal Channel every Wednesday at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. and on Channel 55 at 9 a.m. Saturday mornings. – Juan Alanis

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Building Services

The first “green roof” has been installed at the HPD Westside Command Center, 3202 S. Dairy Ashford. More than 50 percent of the replaced roof is a vegetative roof. The remainder is light-colored and reflective tile. Other “green” features include recycled building materials, landscaping with drought-tolerant plants, recycled carpet tile, energy-efficient and semi-indirect light fixtures, and a changing room. Interior bicycle storage was also added .

Welcome Kay Brown, Chamarian Eaglin, Nery Palencia, Ken Mersiovsky, William Workman, Lisa Gonzales, Jose Soto, Glenda Coleman and Pamela Snowden. Also, welcome back Ja’Nice Sparks from the SAP Business Readiness Team.

Congratulations on well-deserved promotions to Martha Leyva, John Johnson, Maple Stewart, Michael Bush, Robin McDonald and Bryan Russell.

Happy Retirement to Abdul Ansari, 27 years, Dalton Wharton, 13 years, and Theodo Luu, 11 years.

Kudos to Jane Cheeks, named Manager of the Year 2006. – Jacquelyn L. Nisby

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City Council

No submission from this office.

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City Secretary

No submission from this office.

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Controller's Office

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Convention & Entertainment

Adriana Chapa, right, receives her Employee of the Month pin from Convention & Entertainment Facilities Director Dawn Ullrich.

Shawn Hauptman and Charles Cox were honored as team players at the department’s awards luncheon in August, and then donated their prizes to Officer David Bearden’s wife on behalf of the Miller Theatre staff. Bearden, who worked security at Miller Outdoor Theatre, was killed in an accident.

A new FedEx Kinko’s office and print center opened at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The center will offer services such as signs and graphics, custom finishings, volume copying, name badges, binding, photo enlargements, scanning and CD burning, computer rentals, Internet access and FedEx shipping. The center is on the second floor adjacent to the Explore Houston visitors center.

The first three honorees in the department’s new monthly employee recognition program were contract administrator Lisa Kingsbury, parking management customer service supervisor Adriana Chapa, and GRB facility manager Dave Osterhout.

Welcome Sylvia Diaz, Sandra Dyeak, Ella Humphrey, Raymond Neal, Kristy Nguyen, Tom Nguyen and Charmaine Pilgrim.

The Wortham Theater Center and the GRB turn 20 this year. Wortham opened May 9, 1987, and the GRB opened Sept. 26, 1987. – Pete Radowick

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Finance & Administration

Good-bye to Gary Gray.

Department employees teamed up to send a care package to Sharon Franklin’s son, Pvt. James Earl Jones, who is serving in Japan with the U.S. Marines. The package was filled with nonperishable foods, home-baked treats, money, and other goodies.

Good-bye Jim Johnson, who retired after more than 14 years. – Betti Tywater and Dave Schafer

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Fire

On Nov. 30, Fire accepted 55 sets of dog and cat oxygen masks donated by Best Friends Pet Care. These masks will help firefighters revive beloved animals after a fire. Best Friends donated 25 more masks in April.

For the third year in a row, Popeye’s restaurants delivered fried Cajun turkeys to all fire stations on Thanksgiving Day.

Fire Station 46, 3902 Corder, turned 50. During a brief program and special presentation Nov. 17, Mayor Bill White, Fire Chief Phil Boriskie, State Rep. Garnett Coleman, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, past and present members of the station and members of the community gave remarks.

Boriskie gave the oath of office to 58 new firefighters during a graduation ceremony Nov. 16.

More than 150 were honored at the annual Medal Day ceremonies. The ceremony honors firefighters who saved fellow firefighters, rescued civilians, performed a high-angle rescue, assisted fellow fire departments during hurricanes, and used their skills and knowledge to enhance the abilities of the department.

Wal-Mart donated $13,500 worth of smoke alarms to be installed in homes as part of the departments’ “Get Alarmed Houston!” campaign. Area Wal-Mart stores will also pass out literature and smoke alarm forms throughout the year. – Alicia Whitehead

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Health & Human Services

Microbiologist Shamika Turner removes a slide collecting mold and pollen spores from the new spore sampler that enables HDHHS to provide more precise reports.

Welcome to Dr. David Maserang and Frank Carmody. Maserang is the laboratory services bureau chief.

The department can provide more precise mold and pollen reports thanks to the new high-tech Burkard spore trap. Using the new trap, the department can sample tens of thousands of mold and pollen spores compared to hundreds of spores collected with the old equipment. The new spore trap, which can capture more minute spores, lets the department provide reports to the public and news media earlier in the day. These features result in more accurate reports that help people decide if they should stay indoors to limit mold and pollen exposure. To get the daily mold and pollen report, visit www.houstonhealth.org or call (713) 247-5846.

The department is conducting a flu vaccination initiative for participants in the Women, Infants and Children program. The initiative will evaluate the effectiveness of providing flu shots in nontraditional settings and of extending flu vaccination season.

Local representatives from the energy, petrochemical and transportation industries, area hospitals and community-based organizations gathered for a conference to strengthen preparedness for a possible influenza pandemic. The workshop helped the department improve response partnerships and determine whether current plans will prepare H&HS for a flu pandemic. – Porfirio Villarreal

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Housing & Community Development

The Fruits of the Fifth Ward Mosaic Mural, produced by the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston and Phyllis Wheatley High School students, stands behind Crawford Elementary.

David Mincberg is acting director, replacing Milton Wilson Jr., who retired.

Mayor Bill White declared Nov. 17 Milton Wilson Jr. Day as staff and well wishers celebrated the retiring director’s tenure at a retirement luncheon.

Henry Hadnot was named assistant director for Single Family Housing and Inspection Services.

On Nov. 17, Mincberg joined HCDD staff at the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County Inc. annual meeting. Close to 300 support-service agencies and representatives from the HUD field office and Harris County filled the room. Keynote speaker Sandra Warren, director of Community Planning and Development Houston’s HUD Field Office, challenged the attendees with a theme of “Ending Homelessness - Under Construction”.

White, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, and Councilman Jarvis Johnson joined representatives from the Health, Housing, and Building Services departments for a groundbreaking at the Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center, 4014 Market Street.

The Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corp. hosted the third annual Fifth Ward Cultural Arts Festival Oct. 21 at Crawford Elementary. The event featured exhibits, a vendor market, a kid’s zone, and the Fruits of Fifth Ward Mosaic Mural produced by the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston and Phyllis Wheatley Senior High School students. The mural highlights the outstanding work of Fifth Ward icons.

Oct. 11-12, the outreach division partnered with local corporations, government agencies and financial/educational institutions for the largest minority business development tradeshow in Texas. The Houston Minority Business Council hosted the two-day EXPO 2006 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Attendees enjoyed a networking breakfast, ribbon-cutting ceremony and awards luncheon.

HCDD staff celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month in October with presentations, cultural arts, publications, and photos of local pioneers. They also cooked and served authentic food.

The department got 97 percent participation in the Combined Municipal Campaign from its 134 staff members. Their contribution of more than $12,000 surpassed the previous goal of $9,000.

On Dec. 8, White and Mincberg unveiled a plan to provide more affordable housing to Houstonians, the Apartments to Standard Initiative, which will use federal housing funds and tax credits to revitalize units in neighborhoods with a high density of apartment dwellers and rundown apartments, including Fondren Southwest and the Broadway/Hobby Airport area. Apartment selection criteria includes location, apartment density, credibility of the owner, and ability to comply with guidelines for affordability. Officials expect the first apartment units to be brought on line by late 2007. – Lester Whiteing

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Houston Emergency Center

No submission from this office.

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Human Resources

With NEOGOV, job seekers can apply for all city jobs online and now in the application lobby at 611 Walker, where 10 computer stations have been set up.

The Employee Assistance Program is providing onsite counseling services each Wednesday at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Anika Isaac earned her Employee Assistance Professional certification, and Rich Barrett received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Houston chapter of the International EAP Association for his post-traumatic stress counseling of Katrina evacuees.

Barbara Roy-Ruan was promoted to compensation specialist … Welcome Delphia Showers and Michal Villanueva.

Farewell to Veronica LaChapelle, Robin Heatherly, Natasha Silmon and Rozelia Spikes. – John Perry

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Information Technology

No submission from this office.

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Legal

Congratulations to Adana Elliott, the third quarter Eagle award winner.

Trudell Eldridge participated in the 2007 Chevron Houston Marathon. It was her third major marathon competition.

Annette Lake and Sokkhorn Tan helped with the fall 2006 Volunteer Home Repair Program. The program, sponsored by Rebuilding Together Houston, benefits senior citizens.

Celebrating milestones are: Alice Wilson, 20 years; Bertrand “Randy” Pourteau, 15 years; and Cora Garcia and Yolanda Woods, 10 years.

Welcome Katherine Sacra, Enrique Varela, Natalie DeLuca, Semyra Alexander, Stan Woodring, and Leslie Sears. – Vachel Henry

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Library

Welcome Patrica Wylie, Daisy Gutierrez, Jonathan McFarland, Urmila Chokshi, Robin Cavanaugh, Tinhhoai Le, Vilma Mazariegos, Darryl Kiser, Mary McMillen, Usha Shah, Eric Tyra, Brandon Glover, London Johnson, Laura Rios, Elanore Cornell, Donna Jackson, and Christopher Stevenson. Welcome back Amanda Blackmon.

Congratulations on well-deserved promotions to Susan Kaufman, Diana Morales, John Middleton, Gilbert Cruz, Linda Nguyen, Monica Taras, Gloria Edmonds, Christopher Patrick, Cynthia Villarreal, Sharon Alvarez, Dolores Orta, Michael Henderson, Humberto Rios, Ema Torres-Fitzpatrick, Derrick Spearman, Christi Weems, Jeremy White, Lydia Pillow, Perla Mancillas, Mary Wagoner, Amber Seely, Elizabeth Swan, and Ivett Garza.

Happy retirement wishes to Albert Clerc, Mary Crocker and Noelle Kanady.

Roberto Zapata from the Walter Neighborhood library was appointed to the Caldecott Award Committee, and Heidi Daniel-Morgan from the Meyer Neighborhood library was appointed to the Theodore Seuss Geisel Award Committee by the Association of Library Service to Children. ALSC is a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians.

The first Friday of each month, Pleasantville Neighborhood Library hosts employment workshops from 1 – 3 p.m. The free program, a joint effort between the library, Pleasantville community leaders, Councilman Jarvis Johnson’s office, and the Port of Houston Authority, is open to the public. Skills taught include resume writing, completing online employment applications, and navigating the Work in Texas Web site .

Alma Avina, Michelle Goodwyn, Daisy Gutierrez, Melissa Hayes, Zrhysa Heath, Angel Ramirez, Migdalia Sepulveda, Rose Sonnier, and Nathan Stokes were awarded Fountain of Youth scholarships. The library’s Fountain of Youth project lets scholarship recipients enroll in the University of North Texas online Master of Library Science degree program, attend specialized training related to youth services, and receive ongoing mentoring. – Blanca Quezada

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Mayor's Office

Welcome aboard Veronica Juarez, Mark Cueva, Adrianna Olivas, Sharon Haley, Darrin Hall, Magda Alanis, Tiffany Ching, Claudia Vasquez and Conya Perry.

The Volunteer Home Repair Program kicked off its fall campaign by painting, replacing trim, and landscaping Nellie Skeels’ home. Sponsored by Rebuilding Together Houston, the program benefits senior citizens. Skeels’ husband died, and she has lived in her home for 50 years. The Mayor’s Office crew was lead by Debbie Tyler-Dillard. Other staff included Anita Ivery and Benito Juarez. Library’s Marlana Mitchell and HPD Officer Leo Flores served as co-crew leaders. – Debra Veal

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Municipal Courts Administration

Welcome Michelle Vu, Bachtrang “Tracy” Doan, and Gilbert Crawford, who is transferring from Library.

Congratulations to the following employees on their promotions: Shameka Barnaba, Myriam Varela, Shelia Anderson, Deborah Heckard, Semegn Chekol, Kirk Chappell, Angela Robins, and Angelia Ivory. – Rebekah Peterson

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Municipal Courts Judicial

No submission from this office.

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Parks & Recreation

The opening of the Vale-Asche Foundation Playground Without Limits at Memorial Park on Dec. 16 capped off an energetic, long-term fundraising effort. The playground is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. Two more Playgrounds Without Limits are planned.

Congratulations to Harold Norris, who was promoted to head the Urban Park Rangers. Joe Cochran, who founded the rangers, will run Lake Houston Park.

Naturalist Jerry Walls’ nature walks and demonstrations at Lake Houston Park are packing in the crowds. Walls leads a monthly bird watching tour and a series of weekend adventures. For the schedule, visit www.houstonparks.org.

Midtown residents are enjoying the newly refurbished Baldwin Park. Levy Park has also received a makeover and a dog park. Reveille Park’s renovation includes a new pool complex .

The Brays Bayou watershed was improved by creating a series of tidal pools in Mason Park. As part of a bank-widening project designed to take 30,000 homes out of the flood plain, the pools will filter pollutants out of storm runoff, hold back water from flooding streets and homes, and offer habitat to plants and animals. Dozens of volunteers gathered under a bright blue sky to plant thousands of pine seedlings in the esplanade in Westcott Street, part of an ongoing effort to expand the urban forest into unused public space. – Don Whitaker

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Planning & Development

Recognized for their years of service were: Marlene Gafrick and Mira Washington, 25 years; Kevin Calfee, Pamela Taylor, Annette Mitchell, Samuel Vacanti, and Marcia Wilson, 20 years; Thong Nguyen, 15 years; Gilbert Randy Pace, 10 years; and Joycelyn Kelly and Maribel Torres, five years. – Suzy Hartgrove

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Police

No submission from this office.

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Public Works & Engineering

Since March, the fleet maintenance branch has delivered fuel to smaller city fuel sites using its 1,000- and 2,000-gallon fuel trucks. This pilot project became a full-time operation when the vendor cancelled its contract. This program shows that PWE can be competitive with the private sector in providing this service. The Fuel Delivery Program has delivered approximately 350,000 gallons unleaded and 650,000 gallons of diesel fuel to Police, Fire, PWE, Parks & Recreation, Aviation, Health, Convention & Entertainment, and Solid Waste Management.

In February, the Bikeway Program will launch a bicycle-awareness campaign to encourage Houstonians to consider biking as a lifestyle option, a way to discover Houston, and a way to get in shape. A series of public service announcements will educate motorists on how to share the road with bicyclists.

In a recent, unofficial taste test conducted by KTRK-TV 13, four popular bottled brands – Dasani, Ozarka, Evian, and Kroger – were pitted against tap water from Hermann Park. In the test, Dasani and the cheapest brand, Kroger, had the most first and second place votes. Tap water placed in the middle of the pack, just ahead of Ozarka. Evian, the most expensive, place last. – Alvin Wright

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Solid Waste Management

Solid Waste Management showcased its new mascot, Reusezette Wisely, at the Go Green Rally in November. Director Buck Buchanan, left, and Mayor Bill White attended.

Solid Waste Management, Keep Houston Beautiful and H-E-B sponsored the Go Green Houston Rally at City Hall Nov. 15. The rally highlighted recycling opportunities and Mayor Bill White’s efforts to increase participation in the city’s curbside recycling program. Houstonians were asked wear green and bring gently used eyeglasses, clothing and/or baby items to benefit nonprofit organizations that reduce, reuse or recycle materials. Reusezette Wisely, the department’s new mascot, was showcased.

Congratulations Lisa Lenzy, Nadine Huff, Kenneth Tucker, and Courtney Osborne, employees of the quarter for the first quarter. Also, Kudos to Jeffery Williams, Bertha Taylor, Marcus Matthews, Betty Rice, and Tan Tran, employees of the quarter for the second quarter.

Alyce Coffey and Wanda Adams were recognized at the Mayor’s Proud Partner Awards Luncheon sponsored by Keep Houston Beautiful.

Jan. 13, department employees led the silent march to celebrate the prophetic voice of Martin Luther King Jr. – Marina Joseph

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