City of Weatherford Employee Relations Guide 2015 - Quarter 4

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I N S I D E T H E I S S U E :C h a n d o r G a r d e n sTh e B e s t A r o u n d

Pa r k e r C o u n t y P e a c h F e s t i va l“ P l u m p, Ju i c y P e a c h e s ! ”

R e v e n u e S e r i e s Pa rt I IN o S u c h Th i n g a s a F r e e L u n c h

E M P L OY E E R E L AT I O N S G U I D EQ UA RT E R LY

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04Message from the City Manager

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EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE | 20152

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Q & A with Chief of Police Mike Manning

12

Coin Awards Program

Employee Spotlight

14Happy Birthday

16New Employees

Peach Festival

20Weatherford Zoning

22Weatherford Median Household Income

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CONTENTS

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2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE 3

Chandor Gardens

30Revenue Series:Part II

34Summe ReadingChallenge

35Biggest LoserChallenge

Our Snapshots

Many have asked me, “What will be different now that I am leading the organization?” That is a valid question. When a city manager assumes a new role

often times there are visible changes, realignment of departments, new goals and directives. In my case it’s not as drastic of a change. My goal as manager is to help make things better for customers or citizens as well as employees. As a result, the key areas in which I will focus involve communication (internal and

external), customer service and planning for growth.Weatherford is part of the Metroplex. The Metro-

plex is composed of 13 counties and over 6.5 million people. It’s the largest area in Texas, largest area in the south and the fourth largest area in the U.S. The population grows by approximately 150,000 people each year with approximately 14 cities that have over 100,000 in population. DFW also has 51 cities be-tween 10,000 and 99,000 in population, along with almost 200 cities and unincorporated areas under 10,000 in population. However, how many cities in

Our Leadership

4 OUR LEADERSHIP | 2015

by SharOn hayeS

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

5 2015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE

the Metroplex have what Weatherford offers?Ask anyone that has been here for more than ten

years, growth has been unprecedented. We see it with traffic on our roadways, shopping centers, and restaurants. The school district and college continue to expand, serving more students and families each year. We expect to see that trend continue. According to COG projections, we anticipate being over 31,500 in 5 years with a build out of approximately 160,000. With that being said, one important question that the city struggles with is how do we manage the growth and not lose our heritage? The downtown and historic district is one of the things that make this community unique and is something that we strive to protect.

Staff continues to work with local downtown business to encourage businesses and development. Downtown sets the tone for a community. A vibrant downtown is an indication that the community is growing and thriving. It makes you want to be part of something. Driving through a boarded up dying downtown is depressing. It also makes a statement about the community.

The city council is committed to the downtown and last year adopted the Downtown Action Plan. The plan was the culmination of several meetings over the course of a year and included stakeholders from downtown, the community, historic preser-vation and staff. Some of the action items are large dollar and long term while others are inexpensive and relatively easy to accomplish. One of the items is the creation of a merchants association that would drive the conversation about downtown. Currently, staff are in the process of trying to help facilitate a merchants association and encourage downtown events, along with the Chamber of Commerce and other groups.We are also trying to come up with “creative” options to address parking concerns. Over the past few years we have seen a number of new businesses offer new opportunities and most have been well received. That shows that there is an interest in promoting down-town businesses.

Effective communication is critical to success. It would seem that today with social media, email, cell

phones, etc. that we would communicate better than any time in the past. But communication is more than just exchanging or providing information. Em-ployees are busier now than ever before. We use tech-nology to do more with less, tablets in the field, police cars, fire trucks, the list goes on. Quicker response to citizens’ needs is vital but that almost hampers mean-ingful communication. My goal is to ensure that em-ployees understand what is going on throughout the organization, projects, changes and developments. It is important that we are able to understand the needs

of the community, other departments and how we all impact our citizens.

This organization exists for one reason and that is to serve

the community. Every service provided is important. Local government is the closest to people. The city provides basic emergency services, such as police and fire, but many other services are often taken for grant-ed. That includes the streets that we drive on each day, parks and trails that are there to enjoy, the library and many other things. Planning and development, code enforcement, consumer health, sanitation, and the animal shelter are also there when you need them. When you flip the switch the lights come on, turn the faucet and water comes out. The services provided by the city impact its citizens daily. We need to constant-ly strive to improve the service and experience every time we interact with our citizens.

It’s not enough to provide the service, but rather, it’s imperative that the service meet and exceed citi-zen expectations. That is the message that will come from my office.

External communication is more difficult. In the past we could rely on newspaper stories or adver-tisements to get the word out, but with the decline in readership that has lost its effectiveness. Weather-ford is a small fish in a big pond so we can’t count on Metroplex media unless a big story emerges. So how will that be addressed?

Public information/public relations will be import-ant to disseminating information, generating interest and community engagement. The intent is to reach people, not be intrusive or require attendance, but to engage in a discussion. Provide a format to start a dialog, get input, answer questions, and engage the

This organization exists for one reason and that is to serve the community.

public. We want to make sure that we are providing the services that the public need at the level they expect. It is important that we let people know what the city does, and encourage more participation in boards and commissions.

Part of this process involves finding out more about the public, citizens, and stakeholders. What do you want to see in the city? What is our brand? What is it that we should be known for? What is the focus? These questions will be answered through citizen surveys and the master planning process that is about to begin.

I anticipate town hall meetings, social media cam-paigns, informative mailings, as well as other tools that have been successful in other communities. The master plan will involve all city departments and will provide the groundwork for the next five to ten years. We will identify anticipated growth areas, develop plans to serve and facilitate growth. We will address existing areas of concern and try to encourage re-sponsible growth.

As a city I see our role as a facilitator. We will encourage responsible growth to ensure that we do not allow or create problems for existing citizens. This city is well positioned going forward. One of the key resources needed for a growing city is an adequate water supply. This community is very fortunate to have solved that major problem many years ago.

So what else will you see? You will see a continu-ation of Heritage Park upgrades. Over the past few years you have seen Heritage Park transform from asphalted First Monday Trades Day grounds to a well-manicured, attractive location well suited for public events. This includes the event center, Patsy Hooks Dog Park and improved middle lot for ven-dors. We are currently in the process of construct-ing an amphitheater just north of Jack Borden Way, which will also lead to more events for the park.

The Town Creek Hike and Bike Trail is another major project that will continue to grow. The hike

and bike trail is well utilized by the community. Very soon we will start the next phase of that project that connects the shopping area along I-20 to the current trail system. This will add one additional mile to the existing 3.25 miles. We will continue to expand the system when possible.

Parks, Recreation and Special Events will be devel-oping a parks master plan, which is currently seeking proposals for a firm to conduct a thorough master plan for the entire parks system. This will be the blueprint for the next five to ten years and will help ensure that decisions made will provide a strong foun-dation on which to build.

In the past few years we have also completed mas-ter plans for the water distribution system, the water plant, the wastewater plant and are in the process of completing one for the wastewater system. We have also completed a master plan for the transportation system – roads, bike paths, which include the velo system that ultimately connects our hike and bike system to systems in Fort Worth.

The Library also expects to begin a facility needs study very soon and we just completed a needs as-sessment for city hall, old city hall, fire station 1 and the police station.

Why do we spend so much time and money pre-paring master plans? The answer is very simple. It is the only way to be prepared for the future. We need to know what will be needed and when, how to fund and plan the projects. We use the information for infrastructure growth such as water and wastewater lines, roads and water and waste water treatment ex-pansion. With parks and the library we need to know where they should be located and sized. Without this information and planning, growth is hampered and haphazard. As the city expands we need to also know where we need to locate fire stations and other ser-vices.

As staff, our goal is to ensure that we are prepared for the future. And at the end of the, day we must find the right balance between development and quality of life for all citizens.

It’s not enough to provide service, but rather, it’s imperative that the service meet and exceed citizen expectations. That is the message that will come from my office.

6 OUR LEADERSHIP | 2015

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COIN AWARDS PROGRAM:ASSISTANT CIRCULATION MANAGER ANNIE LAIRD

The City of Weatherford has a Coin Awards Program for the organization-wide purpose of recognizing employees that go above the call of duty and who’s actions are worthy of special recognition. Supervi-sors are encouraged to recognize employees and co-workers when their actions merit praise.

For an employee to be given a coin by their supervisor, they must receive a compliment from a citizen or be witnessed going above their normal scope of duties. The Department of Human Resources will log the date the coin is given to the individual, as well as, place documentation in their personnel file. Upon receiving 10 coins, the employee is given a certificate for a day off with pay.

As a result, the Employee Relations Guide will draw one individual’s name who received a coin for the previous quarter. Once the employee is selected from the drawing he/she will be featured in the Employee Relations Guide. During the third quarter, City of Weatherford staff earned a total of 29 coins. Assistant Cir-culation Manager Annie Laird was drawn as this quarter’s selected coin program winner. As a result, we spoke with Annie, and learned a little more about her both professionally and personally.

Tell us about how you recieved your coin through the coin awards program.I received two coins. One for my work during the summer reading program kick-off and the other for the library book sale.

What is your background and education?I have an Associate of Arts degree from Weatherford College. I also have a Certificate in Business Manage-ment. I have 120 hours toward my B.S. at Tarleton University. I worked three years at Weatherford College

as a work study in the Library, where I was trained in circulation services.

What do you love most about your job?What I love most about my job is customer service. I love talking to people and helping them with their library needs. I have watched many of their children grow up over the years and now see them bring their children into the library.

Our peopLe

OUR PEOPLE | 201508

How long have you been working for the city?My hire date was January of 1998. I worked part time for many years. I went full time in 2003.

What is your daily schedule?I run circulation statistics, then run the list for materials to be held for library patrons, or to be shipped to other libraries. The rest of the day is spent at the circulation desk dealing with customers and answering phones.

What made you decide to pursue a career in the library?My job as a work study in college made me decide that I wanted to continue in library work.

What is the most challenging situation you have faced as an employee? How did you overcome the challenge?For the most partmy job doesn’t face any serious challenges other than customer service related problems. To calm an irate customer is the most difficult challenge I have faced.

Who has been a mentor to you during your career? Explain.My mentor was the lady who trained me at Weatherford College library. Virginia Cardwell worked many hours with me to prepare me for the job that I now do.

What are your hobbies?I play the piano and enjoy playing music with my family. I like to sew, crochet and love to garden.

What do you love most about Weatherford?I love Weatherford. It has always been a good place to live and raise children. Three of my children graduated at WHS. The City of Weatherford has been good to me and is a wonderful place to work.

What are other details about you that most people do

not know?Things most people

don’t know about me is I am the wife of a local pastor. Another thing on the lighter side, when I was in grade school

I once rode an elephant at the San

Antonio Zoo.

092015 | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS GUIDE

OUR PEOPLE | 201510

What do you love most about your job? The satisfaction of knowing the Police Department makes a difference in the lives of our citizens. Most do not have any idea of what we really do or how our efforts have had a positive effect on them.

What is your daily schedule?I normally get up around 7 to 7:30 a.m. and have a snack. Since I do not do morning very well it takes me awhile to get moving. I watch the Channel 4 News while reading emails that have come in overnight. I try to handle most of them before getting into the shower. I also check social media sites to see what is being talked about in our area. I ar-rive at the office between 9:30 and 10 unless I have an early meeting scheduled. I usually have several meetings during the day. I seldom eat lunch but try to have some protein around 1 p.m. I try to walk the building during the day several times just to see people. At 6 p.m. we have shift change and I make it a point to attend most days so I will be able to talk with both patrol shifts. After briefing I will finish up what I have left in the

office, sometimes meeting with an officer or two. If I do not have a formal meeting scheduled in the evening I normally leave for home between 7 and 7:30 p.m. Having worked nights for many years I do not mind staying late since I cannot normally go to sleep before mid-night at the earliest. JUST DON’T SCHEDULE ME FOR ANYTHING BEFORE 10 a.m.!

What advice do you have for employees? Do your best to solve the problems you are brought daily. Have fun with your work. If you get to the point you no longer enjoy coming to work then consider a career change.

What is your bigget challenge?Moving the department forward with very limited resources.

What do you love most about being a city employee? 99% of our citizens support the Police Department and what we do. What do you love most about Weatherford? The small town atmosphere but still being a part of the metroplex.

Why are employees important to the daily operations of the city? Employees of any organization are the most important asset. No leader/manager/supervisor will ever be effective without good employees to carry out the day-to-

day operations and share a desire to make things better.

Why did you decide to enter municipal government? Seemed like a good idea at the time. I have seldom regretted the decision.

How can employees stay informed about your department?Just ask me. My door is open.

What is the most challenging situation you have faced as an employee? How did you over-come the challenge?Balancing what is best for the de-partment as a whole while trying to ensure each member of the depart-ment is treated fairly. I will let you know when I get there.

Who has been a mentor to you during your professional career and why?There have been many. I have tried to learn something from every col-league during my career. Sometimes you learn more from those you con-sider “bad” examples than the good ones. My Dad taught the virtue of working hard, being honest and en-joying what you do. Once I became an officer two of the most positive influences would be Jerry Blaisdell and Greg Givens, leaders I worked for and with for many years.

Q & A: CHIEF OF POLICE MIKE MANNING

Q & A: CHIEF OF POLICE MIKE MANNING


What is your educational and training background?I have attended TCJC, University of Arkansas and Texas Wesleyan University. I received a BS in Criminal Justice from TWC. I was fortunate enough to be selected to attend a 3 month Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute as well as many tactical and investigative courses over the 31 years I spent with FWPD.

A LITTLE MORE PERSONAL...

Dogs or cats? Why? If neither, what type of pet do you like and why? Mainly dogs but I am an “animal person.” Animals give uncondition-al love. We could learn a lot from them.

What are your hobbies? Lately I have found spending time with my family to be my most enjoyable hobby. I also like to play poker, golf and and currently trying to learn how to play guitar.

If you had a super power what would it be and why? Teleportation. I like to visit differ-ent places but I want to sleep in my own bed. Telepathy would be a close second. Communication would be much easier if we really knew what the other person was thinking and why.

If you were a part on a car, what would you be and why? Steering system. I try to point in a direction and keep us out of the potholes.

What are other details about you that most people do not know? I detest “hidden agendas” and the games that are played because of them.

If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why? The list is endless. We learn more from the people we meet and inter-act with than any class we take or book we read.

If you could travel anywhere i n the world where would you go?Scotland…but I want to sleep in my own bed at night.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?If I need to laugh, most anything by Mel Brooks. If I need a shot of testosterone, either Tombstone or Troy. Blacklist and Blue Bloods are my favorite TV shows currently on the air.

Employees of any organization are the most important asset. No leader will ever be effective without good employees to carry out the day-to-day operations and share a desire to make things better.

Far Left: Ashley when she worked at Irving.Top right: Ashley with her husband Evan after their wedding ceremony.Bottom right: Ashley has two dogs. Below is one of her dogs named Jake.

Ashley Woolnough may be new to the City of Weatherford Animal

Shelter, but caring for animals is something she has been doing for several years.

Before joining the animal shel-ter in Weatherford, Ashley worked for Irving Animal Services as the Senior Animal Care Technician and as the Shelter Operations Supervi-sor. She holds a bachelor of science degree in animal production and a minor in biology from Tarleton State University.

“I want to have continued suc-cess with adoptions and rescue placements,” said Ashley. “I am hoping to establish an enrichment

program to provide activity for the animals in the shelter and continue to improve best practice to ensure each animal receives the five free-doms during their stay at Weather-ford Parker County Animal Shel-ter.”

When not caring for animals, Ashley is very involved with her church and spending time with friends and family. She enjoys riding horses, playing different sports, hiking, camping and fishing. Her husbands name is Evan and they have two pups named Jake (Catahoula) and Oakley (Weimara-ner).

Ashley can be reached at the An-imal Shelter at 817-598-4181.

“Establishing an enrichment program

to provide activity for the animals in the shelter is very

important and I look forward to serving

Weatherford and Parker County.”

Ashley WoolnoughAnimal Shelter Manager

OUR PEOPLE | 201512

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

ASHLEY WOOLNOUGHAnimal Shelter Manager


Far right: Michael in West Virginia during Event Management School.Top left: Michael enjoys working on his classic Mustang outside of work.Bottom left: Michael with his wife Amanda, son Michael and daugh-ter Ellie.

MICHAEL HOWARDSpecial Events Coordinator

“Making the City of Weatherford a fun, clean and exciting place to live is very important as I strive to make each special event better for the community.”Michael HowardSpecial Events Coordinator

Michael Howard may be new to Special Events, but he is not new to

the City of Weatherford.In 2011, Michael moved from

Grand Prairie to take a job as a First Monday Grounds Keeper and has never looked back. Since then, he has gradually earned his way to coordinating all special events for the City of Weatherford.

“I enjoy my job as the Special Events Coordinator and have the privilege to be involved in all events across the city,” said Michael. “I love to meet new people while making new friends and hope to continue my career with the City of Weath-erford.”

Michael aspires to earn his Associates in Event Management and plans to get a masters degree as well. He recently joined Noon Lions Club in search of volunteering and giving time to the children and resi-dence of the City of Weatherford.

When not at work, Michael en-joys spending time with his family and restoring his classic Mustang. He has always enjoyed working on automobiles and did so for eight years prior to moving to Weather-ford. His wife’s name is Amanda and they have a son named Michael and a daughter named Ellie.

Michael can be reached in the Parks, Rec and Special Events De-partment at 817-598-4034.

14 OUR PEOPLE | 2015

Robert BanksDennis BierschenkChristopher BlountDenice CaffeyNick CampbellRebecca CaseyTim CogdillCody CorderRonnie CorderStephanie CrossLeanne DeanJustin DickeyCraig FarmerBrady FryeTomara HollowayMike KolanekBrad Mann

Rosa MartinezLori MortonAmberley ParkerAndrew PennuellBob PoolerTodd RaymondNikki RichardsMandi RobertsonDewayne ShieldsLena SnowPaul TumlinDonald WilliamsLarry WrightMitchell YorkJake Young

July

HAPPY BIRTHDAY


Krista BeachMauricio CaballeroByanca CalvilloAmy CoxZeb CumminsKen DavisMonty EdwardsDon FeareLeah FlippinJuan FultonVictor GreenDonnie HamptonJustin HarwellJason HayesTodd HelmRJ Honsberger

James HotoppChe LoaBrent MatlockChris MaxeyAngela McCroryThomas McDonaldDoracy McGoughPeggy MeekerRandy MomanMarkeita MooreLouis RamosSandy SchmittFrank WatsonCalvin WoodyAmanda Zapata

Mike BraganMike ByarsSteve ChambleePhillip CoxDavid DennettCody GeeoErica HaneyBetty HopsonGary HoughtonRonald HustonDewayne LackeyRandy LangfordCody MulloyShannon NapierRosa PalaciosAustin PattersonCookie Pierce

Colten ReevesChristopher RobertsJohn RudolphAngie RuizTom SeatonHolly SnellJimmy SorrellsJonathan StanleyPaul SuttonDaniel Van DykeCindy ViseJoe WallaceEric WarrenMike WeatherlyTrent WestbrookCody Wynne

SeptemberauguSt

TO YOU.

NEW EMPLOYEES

OUR PEOPLE | 201516

aShley wOOlnOughShelter manager

animal Shelter

Jared Gosslineman helper

electric department

MitcheLL robertsonSr. grOundSkeeper

parkS, rec and Special eventS

tanesa scottpart time librarian

library

JacOb tadlOckaccOunting clerk

finance

weSley briggSfirefighter/emtfire department

kellie bOydlibrarian

library

micah OrmOnfirefighter/emtfire department


KayLa caLLawayOfficer

pOlice department

traviS mcclureOfficer

pOlice department

chad marbutgraduate engineer

utilitieS engineering department

michael mitchellpart-time prOperty and

evidence tech

pOlice department

Our town

by landace ortiz, chamber of commerce

PARKER COUNTY PEACH FESTIVAL “PLUMP, JUICY PEACHES!”

The 31st Annual Peach Festival is shaping up to be one of the best! This is the year for plump, juicy peach-es!! More than 40,000 folks flocked to Weatherford for this outstanding

family friendly ONE DAY event last year! This year’s organizers are planning for an even sweeter event held in Historic Downtown Weatherford on Saturday, July 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Jerry Durant Auto Group as the Title Sponsor.

There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than by enjoying some peachy treats! Visitors can get their fill of homemade peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach pie, peach juleps, peach tea, peach smoothies, ice cream topped with fresh peach-es or just plain ol’ juicy peaches, eaten with the fuzz! And yes, plenty of Parker County peaches! More than 200 quality arts and crafts, produce & food vendors will line the historic streets of downtown as you shop with the charming Parker County Court-house as the backdrop! Many antique and specialty stores will have specials throughout the day so be sure and visit the downtown merchants as well.

Along with the festival, there’s the 26th Annual Peach Pedal Bike Ride with more than 2,200 cyclists. This peachy event has grown each year and continues to gain momentum. To get more information on this

popular bike ride visit www.peachpedal.com. Added new in 2014 is the Peach Food Competi-tion on Friday night! They

don’t have any problem getting folks to volunteer to judge this SWEET event! Registration forms can be downloaded at www.peachfestivaltx.com.

You can just sit back and relax, pull up a seat at one of our three Entertainment Stages and enjoy the local talent! With an array of local celebrities and entertainers, even a little diaper derby, the fun never

There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than by enjoying some peachy treats!

OUR TOWN | 201518


stops on these stages! There’s food, fun and non-stop entertainment for the entire family. Take your children to the Kiddie Korner for slides, rides and face paint-ing. You can also catch a game of dominoes with the famous 42 Tournament at Texas Bank Financial.

To kick off the Peachy week, the Chamber is hosting “5 Days of Peaches” starting on July 6! Come enjoy these FREE Peachy treats to get you in the Peach Festival spirit! *All While Quantities Last*

We hope you will join us for this PEACHY day in Parker County on July 11th! For more information, please visit www.weatherford-chamber.com or www.peachfestivaltx.com. Information can also be found on Facebook at facebook.com/parkercountypeachfestival.

Monday, July 6 from 11a.m. - 1 p.m.Farmer’s Market 217 Fort Worth Hwy*FREE sliced Peach Samples*

Wednesday, July 8 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Baker’s Ribs1921 South Main Street*FREE Fried Peach Pie Samples*

Friday, July 10 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.Starbucks1952 South Main location ONLY!*Free Tall Peach Green Tea or Tall Peach Green Tea Lemonade*

Tuesday, July 7 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.Chick-fil-A Weatherford2525 South Main Street*FREE small Peach Milkshakes*

Thursday, July 9 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.Jeri’s Bakery316 Santa Fe Drive*Peach Cobbler samples*

5 DAYS OF PEACHES SCHEDULE

OUR TOWN | 201520

¶

ZoningAgricultural

Commercial

Commercial/Interstate

Central Business

Industrial

Planned Development

One-Family Residential

Two-Family Residential

Multi-Family Residential

Residential Estate

Residential Lake Lot

WEATHERFORD ZONING MAP


¶

ZoningAgricultural

Commercial

Commercial/Interstate

Central Business

Industrial

Planned Development

One-Family Residential

Two-Family Residential

Multi-Family Residential

Residential Estate

Residential Lake Lot

WEATHERFORD MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOMEDATA GATHERED FROM THE UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU

0 to 1

0K

5.83 %

14.14 %10

k to 2

4,999

9

OUR TOWN | 201522

23.15%

30.06 %26.82 %

50k t

o 99,9

999

25k t

o 49,9

999

100k

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ore


The Safari Nights concert series is back. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music, great food and beverages on shady Cat Green. Catch the all-new Giants of the Jurassic exhibit and other Zoo animals as the sun goes down. Purchase your exclusive discount tickets at:

https://zootickets.dallaszoo.com(Do not use www.)

Print your tickets at home and go straight to the gate. Tickets are good for all-day admission and stay the evening to enjoy the concert.

For band and additionalSafari Nights information, visit

DallasZoo.com/SafariNights

The Splash Pad will be operational everyday during these times.

Swim Lessons Learn To Swim: Session D July 13th - 23rd

Water Tots July 11th, 18th, 25th and Aug 1st

Adult Beginner July 11th, 18th, 25th and Aug 1st

Cherry Park Pool

July 4th Veteran’s

Appreciation Day

August 23rd Last Day

Weatherford Lion’s Fishing ClinicSaturday, September 26th

Kids, ages 5-15, must register prior to this free event where Master Anglers will provide

hands-on teaching. Spaces are limited.

Love Street: Splash PadMay 25th - August 30th

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

September 4th - September 27th

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

* The Splash Pad is operational every-day through August 30th, but only Fridays,

Saturdays and Sundays in September.

Upcoming Summer Events

(817)598-4124 • www.weatherfOrdparkS.cOm

Weatherford Parks, Recreationand Special Events

Department

Swim Lessons Learn To Swim: Session D

July 13th - 23rd

Water Tots July 11th, 18th, 25th and Aug 1st

Adult Beginner July 11th, 18th, 25th and Aug 1st

Cherry Park PoolGeneral Swim

Monday - Friday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.Saturday - Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Night SwimMonday & Wednesday 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Lap SwimTuesday & Thursday 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.Saturday 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Special Needs SwimSelect Fridays 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

July is Parks and Recreation

Month

Follow us on Facebook at:www.facebOOk.cOm/wpard

26 OUR STORIES | 2015

Chandor Gardens recently earned the 2015 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor as one

of the best in hospitality.According to TripAdvisor.com,

the company is the world’s largest travel site that offers advice from millions of travelers. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 340 million unique monthly visitors, and more than 225 million reviews and opinions covering more than 4.9 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 45 countries worldwide. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

CHANDOR GARDENS: THE BEST AROUNDby blake rexrOat

public relatiOnS manager

Our stories


Chandor Gardens is a unique world-class paradise featuring an enchanting array of creativity, color and beauty.

Chandor Gardens captures both the ornate design of ancient Chinese architecture and the elegance of a formal English garden.

OUR STORIES | 201528


“How do travelers find the best properties in the world?,” states President of TripAdvsior for Business Marc Charron. “They look for the Certificate of Excellence - a prestigious award that can only be earned through consistently great reviews of business published on the world’s largest travel site.”

It’s no surprise that Chandor Gardens is gaining global recog-nition. Chandor Gardens captures both the ornate design of ancient Chinese architecture and the elegance of a formal English garden. The 3.5-acre estate leads its visitors on a meandering path of beauty and wonderment. From the 30 foot man-made waterfall, to the various soothing fountains, the gardens have something new and exciting to offer at every turn.

Chandor Gardens is a unique world-class paradise featuring an enchanting array of creativity, color and beauty. The gardens were lovingly designed and created by renowned English portrait artist Douglas Chandor over 70 years ago yet remain a spectacular marvel.

“The gardens are a treasure located right in the heart of the City of Weatherford,” said Manger of the Gardens Karen Nantz. “The City purchased the Gardens from Chuck and Melody Bradford in 2002 and continue to offer public and private tours along with a variety of special

events, weddings and corporate functions throughout the year.”

The Texas Historical Commis-sion recently celebrated the gar-dens historical significance to the community by including it in the National Registry in April 2015. Visitors can easily locate and read the plaque that is proudly displayed at the entrance of the 5,600 square foot mansion that sits in the middle of the garden.

Chandor Gardens is located at 711 West Lee Avenue and is open to the public seven days a week. Public hours of operation are:

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Sundays Noon - 4:00 p.m.

Private Tours are available year-round by appointment. For ques-tions, contact Chandor Gardens at 817-613-1700. For Horticultural inquiries, contact Steven Chamblee at 817-598-4335.

revenue series part ii: no such thinG as a Free Lunchby KyLe Lester, budGet and strateGic pLanninG ManaGer


In my initial column regarding Weatherford’s revenue streams, I talked about our two primary sources for paying the

bills: property tax and sales tax. If you read that incredibly well-craft-ed and illuminating piece of work, then you know that those two types of revenue are almost polar opposites in terms of behavior. Property taxes tend to be much less volatile and grow at a steady pace, while sales taxes behave much more erratically, both positively and negatively. In this edition of my revenue series, I’d like to discuss another side of city revenue: restrictions and limita-tions.

It’s a common misconception that once the city receives revenue, it’s ours to do with as we wish. This is most certainly not the case. There are various external restric-tions placed on how revenue can grow and what it can be used for. There are several examples we can discuss, but the first I’d like to talk about is property tax.

As I mentioned in my first column, every stream of revenue has one basic formula: base * rate = revenue. As many of you may know, the city’s current property tax rate is $0.4866 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. This makes up half of our calculation. The other half is made up of the value assessed on all properties within

the City of Weatherford. For fiscal year 2015, this value was $1.95 bil-lion. Less a handful of exemptions and adding in our collections on frozen properties, this boils down to an estimated $9 million in property tax collections for FY15, $5.8 million of which is available for General Fund use. The remain-der must, without exception, be used to service the city’s debt. There are two primary ways that limit a city’s property tax revenue growth, one for both sides of our base * rate calculation. The first limitation is one that the city is particularly involved in calculat-ing. The value of residential prop-erties (that is, properties that qual-ify for a homestead exemption)


may not exceed the lesser of the following: (1) the market value of the property, or (2) the sum of 10% of the appraised value of the prop-erty for last year, the appraised value of the property for last year, and the market value of all new improvements to the property. This provision of the Texas tax code helps protect homeowners from spikes in their property val-ues. No specific limitation (that I am aware of) exists on the value of commercial properties in general. The other limitation on property taxes is significantly more involved for the city, and it has to do with setting our rate. Per the tax code (and in conjunction with a provi-sion known as Truth in Taxation), the City of Weather-ford’s maintenance and operations tax rate (the rate that determines the amount of revenue able to be used for the General Fund) can only increase by around 8%, year-over-year. There’s quite a bit more to it, but here is a high-level description of how that shakes out: the Parker County Appraisal District will look at properties that existed on both the previous year’s and the current year’s tax rolls (I’ll call this “con-current properties”.) The district will then calculate what is known as our effective rate. This is the rate that Weatherford would have to levy in order to gain the same amount of revenue from those concurrent properties as in the previous fiscal year. The District then increases the effective rate by 8%, and this makes up the highest rate (called the rollback rate) that

can be levied by Council before citizens can petition to decrease the tax rate. These two limita-tions interact with one another in opposing ways. If Weatherford’s values increase substantially on concurrent properties, then the rate that can be charged before reaching the rollback rate will be significantly less than if the values were to remain flat or decrease. As of now, if property values remain completely flat, the estimated allowed increase would be 2.5 cents, which would translate to $462,000 (that is, around $185,000 per penny on the tax rate). How-ever, because it is generally polit-ically unfavorable to increase tax rates, the most beneficial form of

increasing property tax revenue is to develop within the city. This not only adds new properties to the roll, but also creates windfalls in sales tax as well. Either way, staff has to be keenly aware of this interplay going into the budget year, as tax rate hearings and notices must be followed to the letter in order to comply with state law.

Property tax is, by far, the largest source of revenue with a restric-tion like this, but the city does have other income with strings attached. Hotel taxes, for example, bring in approximately $700,000 annually. Although there is signif-

icant debate on how to properly administer the proceeds of the tax, Texas Code offers a two-pronged test for eligible expenditures paid for by hotel tax proceeds. First, all expenditures must directly en-hance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. In other words, the dollars we take from the hotel industry must be used to attract more people to the hotel industry within city limits. This in turn will provide the city with further hotel tax dollars and, theoretically, more sales tax dollars as well, since it is assumed that a tourist staying in the city will also do their shopping/eating/enter-taining here. If expenditure meets the first test, it moves on to the

second. There are seven statutory categories under which eligible expenditures must fall:

1. Convention center facilities or visitor informa-tion centers: the acquisition of sites

for and the construction, improve-ment, enlarging, equipping, repair-ing, operation, and maintenance of convention center facilities or visitor information centers, or both;

2. Registration of convention delegates: the furnishing of facil-ities, personnel, and materials for the registration of convention delegates or registrants;

3. Advertising, and conduct-ing solicitations and promotional programs to attract tourists and convention delegates: advertising and conducting solicitations and promotional programs to attract tourists and convention delegates

“It’s a common misconception that once the city receives revenue, it’s ours to do with as we wish.”

or registrants to the municipality or its vicinity;

4. Promotion of the arts: the encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of the arts, including instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture, design and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, motion pictures, radio, television, tape and sound recording, and other arts related to the presentation, performance, execution, and exhibition of these major art forms;

5. Historical restoration and preservation projects or activities: historical restoration and pres-ervation projects or activities or advertising and conducting solici-tations and promotional programs to encourage tourists and convention delegates to visit preserved historic sites or museums: (a) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information cen-ters; or (b) located elsewhere in the municipality or its vicinity that would be frequented by tourists and convention delegates;

6. Sporting event expenses related to sporting events which substantially increase economic activity at hotels: for a municipality located in a county with a population of one million or less, expenses, including promotion expenses, directly related to a sporting event in which the major-ity of participants are tourists who substantially increase economic activity at hotels and motels with-

in the municipality or its vicinity; and/or

7. Transportation systems: that transport tourist from hotels to commercial center of the City, a convention center, other hotels, or tourist attractions, provided the system does not serve the general public.

So to recap, any cost that sup-ports city-based tourism and can be categorized under convention center facilities, city advertising, promotion of the arts, historical restoration, sporting events, and transportation systems dedicated to tourism could potentially be eligible for hotel tax dollars. Unfortunately, that’s an awfully small field of play. Currently, the majority of the city’s expenditures using hotel/motel dollars are for

our contract with the chamber of commerce and other grants we give out to organizations that meet the two-pronged test. We do have some salary costs in there to par-tially fund a position dedicated to enhancing Weatherford’s main street and downtown area, but by and large the restrictions placed on this revenue don’t allow for a lot of debate on its use.

The last general restriction I’d like to talk about isn’t external, but rather one that city officials place on our own revenues. During the budget cycle, the terms “ongoing”

and “one-time” are thrown around a lot, but they are important terms to keep in mind. In a nutshell, any revenue that isn’t anticipated to continue to come into city coffers at the same level for the foreseeable future is considered to be non-op-erating revenue, or “one-time.” Conversely, any revenue that is considered to be stable enough to continue at the same level for the foreseeable future is considered an operating revenue, or “ongoing.” This designation matters because it dictates what type of expenditures that revenue can fund. If revenue is considered one-time, it must not be utilized to fund expenditures that will exist for years to come, such as salaries and benefits. Instead, it needs to be utilized for expen-ditures that will only exist for one

year. Think of this concept as tanta-mount to using sav-ings you’d built up in your checking ac-count. You wouldn’t want to rely on those to make rent or car payments, but rather to travel or perhaps put a down payment

on a car. Ongoing expenditures, on the other hand, include things like salaries and benefits, which is one of the reasons it can be difficult to fund pay raises and insurance in-creases on an annual basis. The city must rely on revenue that is consid-ered reliable and consistent to pay for those large costs.

For questions regarding the information in Part II, please feel free to email me at [email protected].


“The revenue profile is an important factor in determining the city’s ability to meet its obligations and maintain financial and operational stability.”

WEATHERFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

The Weatherford Public Library recently held thier Summer Reading Challenge kickoff with huge success!

The program is organized by the Library Youth Services Division and seeks to empower the youth of Weatherford and Parker County by inspiring a love of reading and lifelong learning. The program offers a broad and relevant collection of print and non-print materials to meet the changing developmental needs of young people.

“We had over 100 volunteers and over thirty dif-ferent activity stations to monitor, said Director of Library Services Chris Accardo. “We started setting up at 8 a.m , with everything completely cleaned up

by 1p.m. We registered approximately 300 children for the program and with parents, grandparents, and legal guardians who attended, that probably put total attendance somewhere between 600 and 800 people.”

The program is a collaborative effort with various city departments including the Animal Shelter, Utility Department, Fire Department, Parks, Recreation and Special Events Department, Police Department, Wa-ter/Wastewater Department and Weatherford Public Library employees.

The Summer Reading Challenge is held June 1 through August 9. Please visit, www.weatherfordtx.gov/library for more details.

Above: Electric Department displayed one of their bucket trucks for attendees of the Summer Reading Challenge.


Above: Animal Shelter offered adoptions during the Sumer Reading Challenge and provided education materials to children.


AND THE EMPLOYEE BIGGEST LOSERS ARE...

Recently the City of Weatherford’s Biggest Loser Challenge concluded resulting in a combined loss of 192.85 pounds.

The challenge began on January 5 and had a total of three weigh-ins to gauge weight loss of each com-petitor. Final weigh-in was conducted May 15 with final results posted May 19. Prizes were then award-ed to the employee competitors with the highest weight loss.

“Once again our employee participants delivered great results.” stated Assistant to the City Man-ager Krista Beach. “I believe the prize money is a big motivator but there is a lot of competitiveness involved as well. There is also the aspect that when you pursue the goal to improve your health and fit-ness with a partner you have someone to hold you accountable as well as give you the encouragement and support you need to succeed.”

The Employee Biggest Loser Challenge began approximately five years ago as an effort to encour-age preventative care and healthy living. Entry fees to compete each year are $25 per participant. Next year’s competition will begin January 2016.

This year’s winners include:

Overall Top Losing Male Prize: Day Off with Pay + $ 500 Prize MoneyWinner: Mark Furr (33 lbs/13%)

Overall Top Losing FemalePrize: Day Off with Pay + $500 Prize MoneyWinner: Donna Thurman (22.4 lbs/14%)

Overall 2nd Top Losing MalePrize: Day Off with PayWinner: Andrew Pennuell (27 lbs/12%)

Overall 2nd Top Losing FemalePrize: Day Off with PayWinner: Alecia Durham (9.8 lbs/5.75)

Overall TeamPrize: Free LunchWinner: Service Center

Above: Overall Top Losing Male Mark Furr Above: Overall Top Losing Femail Donna Thurman

Our snapshots

Left: Fire Chief Paul Rust at former City Council Member Waymon Hamilton’s farewell reception in City Hall.

Right: Parks Crew Supervisor BGee Pearson assisted and gave away trees during the Blooms Festival in April to support Arbor Day.

Left: Citizens join Fire Sta-tion 1 in cleaning the city’s new Fire Truck during the traditional Push Back Ceremony.

Above: Environmental Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Coordinator Lydia Ruiz providing education opportunities to the community during the Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff.

OUR SNAPSHOTS | 201536

Above: City employee recently took the TML Risk Pool Supervisor Academy Program in June.

Above: IT Director Troy Garvin and his daughter Bayleigh doing community service with Noon Lions.

Left: Director of Library Services Chris Accardo at Weatherford Blooms providing information to patrons.

Above: Recreation Manager Grant Taylor with his wife Katherine assisting with KidFish.


Above: New City Council Member Dale Fleeger being sworn into office before City Council meeting on June 23.

Above: Weatherford Blooms recently hosted classic cars in downtown as part of their entertainment line-up.

Above: Doracy McGough assisting patrons at the library.

Above: Customer Service Team sporting their new uniforms.

Right: Officer Travis McClure with Judge Carol Gauntt after taking the Oath of Office.

Left: Judge Carol Gauntt issu-ing the Oath of Office to Officer Kayla Callaway.

OUR SNAPSHOTS | 201538

Left: Manager of Youth Services Gwendolyn Dowds-Nash hard at work in the library.

Right: Carla Shriver working the front desk at the library.

Above: Director of Planning/Development and Special Events Coordinator Michael Howard managing logistics during the Bankhead Highway Proof of Concept event located downtown. Above: Mayor Dennis Hooks sits in

the drivers seat of the Fire Depart-ment’s new Fire Truck.

Above: Parks, Rec and Special Events recently held Movies in the Park at Holland Lake Park Ballfields during the month of June.

Above: Municpal Court staff during the Open House event to showcase their new courtroom.


City of Weatherford Employee Relations Guide 2015 - Quarter 4

Documents

Transcript of City of Weatherford Employee Relations Guide 2015 - Quarter 4