Odessa Insider January 2026 Content EXCLUSIVELY for our Employees
HONORING EXCELLENCE: SOLID WASTE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR LUIS LUNA
HARD WORK KEEPS ODESSA CLEAN INNOVATION IN ACTION
City of Odessa Leadership
Mayor Cal Hendrick
Craig Stoker Mayor Pro Tem
Eddie Mitchell District 1
Steven P. Thompson District 2
Gilbert Vasquez District 3
Greg Connell District 4
Chris Hanie District 5
Aaron Smith City Manager
Tina Jauz Deputy City Manager
City of Odessa 4 1 1 W. 8 t h S t r e e t Odessa, TX 79760 432-335-3200 w w w. o d e s s a - t x . g o v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Odessa Insider
4
Recognizing the great work and service of City of Odessa employees
Hard Work Keeps Odessa Clean
5
Activities Committee celebrates Solid Waste Department
Innovation in Action
7
Odessa Fire Rescue finalist for First Responder Innovation Award
People Behind the People
8
Activities Committee honors Human Resources Department
32 Years of Service: Honoring Rip Halbaedier
10
Water Treatment Plant supervisor leaves legacy at City
Driven By The Standard
11
Solid Waste driver embraces new role
Honoring Excellence
12
Solid Waste Department enjoys special luncheon
Wrapping Up 2025 on a Good Note
13
Employees gather to celebrate the end of 2025
Upcoming Events & Meetings
14
Anniversaries
15
Birthdays
19 Newsletter Content Staff
Director of Communications
Deputy Director of Communications
Monica McDaniel
Thomas Bingham
Events Coordinator
Public Safety Communications Manager
Leslie Muñiz
Gabryel (Gabe) Ybarra
REDISNI ASSEDO TUOBA ODESSA INSIDER
This magazine was created especially for you—the dedicated employees who keep the City of Odessa moving forward every day. Behind every service provided and every goal achieved are people who care deeply about this community. This publication is our way of saying thank you and shining a light on the commitment, heart, and teamwork that often happens quietly behind the scenes. Within these pages, you’ll find stories that celebrate the passion and pride our employees bring to their work. From early mornings to long days, problem-solving to moments of service, each role plays an important part in making Odessa a great place to live and work. These stories reflect the character of our city—resilient, compassionate, and driven by people who believe in what they do. We hope this magazine serves as a reminder that your efforts matter and that your work does not go unnoticed. The impact you make reaches far beyond your department, touching co-workers, residents, and future generations. Your dedication strengthens our organization and builds trust within our community. Thank you for the professionalism, care, and teamwork you bring every day. This magazine is a celebration of you—your stories, your achievements, and the positive difference you make. We are proud of our employees and grateful to work alongside such an inspiring team. COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
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Hard Work Keeps Odessa Clean
The Solid Waste Department was recognized by the Activities Committee with beverages, chocolates, cookies, and thank you notes to show appreciation for the essential work that they provide to the community every day. The recognition gave team members a moment to slow down, connect, and feel valued for the long hours and physical effort that their jobs require. Raul Cervantes is a Solid Waste driver who has been with the City of Odessa for 17 years. Over the years, he has seen the department grow and adapt, but one thing has remained the same for him: The city continues to be a good place to work. He shared that the stability the city provides is something he truly appreciates.
Cervantes says being recognized by the Activities Committee makes a difference. He explained that simple acts like thank you notes and treats go a long way in reminding employees that their work is noticed and valued. “It feels good to appreciate what the Activities Committee does for us,” he said. “It gives us more motivation.” For Cervantes, the work environment is another reason he has stayed with the city for nearly two decades. Once he starts his route, being in his truck feels like being in his own little world. It allows him to focus, stay productive, and take pride in the responsibility he carries while serving the residents of Odessa.
“The benefits and now with our pay, can’t beat it,” said Cervantes. ODESSA INSIDER
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Solid Waste drivers start their days early, reporting in as early as 5:00 a.m. They begin by tackling commercial routes before moving on to residential collections, a routine that requires discipline, reliability, and dedication. Regardless of early mornings, changing weather conditions, or busy routes, the team shows up. Thank you to our Solid Waste Department for showing up and continuing to do the work that keeps Odessa clean and running smoothly.
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Innovation in Action
Odessa Fire Rescue was recently nominated for a First Responder Innovation Award through the International Association of Fire Chiefs Technology Summit. Assistant Fire Chief of Administration James “Ben” Marts presented on behalf of the department at the Technology Summit International 2025 in Irving, Texas. The Technology Summit International brings fire and emergency service leaders together to explore practical, real-world uses of emerging tools and data analytics that strengthen response, efficiency, and safety.
per year by getting help to them more quickly when seconds matter,” said Marts. While driven by OFR, these impressive changes have only been possible through the dedicated work of Public Safety Communications. Although OFR was edged out for the award by Oklahoma City Fire, being one of just 13 departments recognized on the international stage was an honor. Marts expressed that it was a meaningful opportunity to showcase the progress being made here in Odessa.
Marts highlighted the drastic improvement in OFR’s call processing times and explained how the department is now able to diagnose and monitor performance levels through its partnership with Darkhorse Analytics. “Through this effort, we have been able to consistently and reliably get help out the door and on scene roughly two minutes faster - a metric that saves an estimated additional 97 lives ODESSA INSIDER
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People Behind the People The City of Odessa’s Human Resources Department enjoyed a sweet surprise as the Activities Committee stopped by with fresh coffee, donuts, and kolaches to recognize the team for their hard work and ongoing dedication. Charles Hurst, Director of Human Resources, shared what this acknowledgment means to his department. Having served in HR for a little over five years, Hurst says the recognition is significant because much of HR’s work happens behind the scenes. “Ideally, if we do our job very well, nobody knows we’re here,” Hurst explained. “So, it’s great for the team to take the opportunity to come in, recognize us, and let our folks have some sort of connection outside of what people traditionally think of as the human resources role, usually the problems.” Hurst praised the Activities Committee for its role in boosting morale within different departments. “The Activities Committee does a fantastic job for us,” Hurst said. “This is a role that traditionally lived inside HR, and when we helped form the committee a couple of years ago, we looked for people with a passion for service,” he continued. “They thrive on the opportunity to bring smiles to people, and their work truly makes a difference in what it means to work for the City of Odessa.” Hurst reflected on the many highlights of his time with the department, especially the moments when HR gets to welcome new employees into the City of Odessa.
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“We get the opportunity to onboard new employees, to start them on their city journey,” said Hurst. “It’s fantastic to sit down with someone new, who’s getting a chance to establish a career in an organization that’s going to grow with them over time.”
“All of the folks in HR care about people,” said Hurst. “Caring shows up in different ways, whether it’s helping someone succeed or helping them discover opportunities that they didn’t know existed. Our team truly enjoys helping people be successful.”
From supporting employees through different stages of their careers to celebrating achievements and offering educational opportunities, HR plays a vital role in helping city employees succeed.
Hurst also shared the key to maintaining a thriving and effective department.
When asked what motivates the department, Hurst joked, “Well, donuts seem to be doing a really great job!”
“Be open to new opportunities and remember that we’re working for something greater than ourselves,” he said. “We’re not working for the interests of the HR department. We’re working for the City of Odessa.”
Hurst explained that the true motivation comes from the team’s shared compassion.
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32 YEARS OF SERVICE: HONORING RIP HALBAEDIER After more than three decades of dedicated service, Rip Halbaedier will be retiring. He’s the Supervisor for the Water Treatment Plant and has been working for the City of Odessa for 32 years. A Texas native, Halbaedier has lived in Odessa since 1969 from the age of 12. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1976 and took numerous courses at Odessa College, along with management and technical training offered by the city. Halbaedier came to the City of Odessa after spending 17 years in the oilfield, experiencing multiple booms and busts. Looking for long-term stability, he turned his attention to public service. “I worked my way up to where I am today,” said Halbaedier. Over his 32 years, Halbaedier has witnessed dramatic changes in the water system, technology, and city leadership, but the responsibility of the job never changed. He takes pride in his crews, who have some of the longest tenures in the city. “I’ve got a very loyal crew,” said Halbaedier. “I’ve got guys who’ve been with me 17, 20, even 25 years.” Working at a water treatment plant is not something just anyone can do. Operators must complete years of training and obtain multiple licenses through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. “This isn’t just turning on a faucet,” said Halbaedier. “There’s chemistry, math, equipment, and constant monitoring. People don’t realize how much goes into delivering safe water.” As retirement approaches, Halbaedier is looking forward to spending more time building hot rods. His current projects include a 1947 Chevy Fleetmaster and a 1929 Model A. While he plans to move to East Texas, he says Odessa will still see him during car shows with the Desert Rats Car Club. Before leaving, Halbaedier wanted to make sure the focus stayed on his team. “I can’t praise my guys enough,” Halbaedier said. “Electricians, maintenance, operators, distribution, no matter the problem, we fix it. We can’t shut the door and say we’ll be back tomorrow. Odessa depends on us.” His legacy will continue long after his final day on the job. Thank you for your hard work and dedication! ODESSA INSIDER
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Driven by The Standard Solid Waste driver Pamela Ritchie has been with the Solid Waste Department for six months. Before joining the City, she worked as a truck driver in the oilfield and was ready for a change. Ritchie speaks highly of her co-workers and leaders. She says the teamwork within the department is one of the things that stood out to her right away.
“We have nice trucks, and we keep them clean,” said Ritchie. “It’s not a gross job.”
When the department is short staffed, Ritchie’s supervisors don’t hesitate to climb into a truck themselves and help keep the routes moving.
Ritchie’s proudest moments are when she finishes maintenance work and sees the dumpsters along her route sitting just right.
“We have meetings every morning,” said Ritchie. “I like working here. It’s a good place to work.”
“I like it when the day is nice and calm,” said Ritchie. “And I can do maintenance on my route, like leveling dumpsters and moving dirt in the alleys.”
Feeling appreciated and supported is important to Ritchie, and she takes safety just as seriously. With large equipment and busy alleys, she knows there’s no room for distraction. “Pay attention all the time,” said Ritchie. “There can’t be even a brief moment when you’re not 100 percent focused.” Ritchie also wants people to know something they might not expect from Solid Waste. ODESSA INSIDER
Outside of work, Ritchie enjoys spending time with her family and taking care of her yard. She loves having a quiet space to relax after a busy day on the job. Fun Fact: Pamela Ritchie is the proud mother of Assistant Chief – Operations, Cody Ritchie, continuing a strong family tradition of public service in our community.
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Honoring Excellence The Solid Waste Department was recently recognized for its hard work and dedication. Team members gathered for a special luncheon at Big Daddy’s Grill & Bar, where employees were recognized for their commitment and service. During the event, Luis Luna was honored as the department’s Employee of the Year. “It feels good,” Luna said of his recognition. “It’s a great place to work, and I have great coworkers.” Operations Manager Jathan Escontrias said selecting just one employee is never easy, but Luna’s efforts truly stood out this year.
Solid Waste Department’s Employee of the Year Luis Luna is seen standing in the middle of the picture along with fellow employees.
“We always want to take the opportunity to thank all of our employees because they all do a fantastic job,” said Escontrias. Solid Waste Superintendent Jesse Rodriguez echoed that appreciation. “Our employees provide an essential service for the community, and we are truly grateful for their hard work,” said Rodriguez. Luna also spoke about the personal and professional growth that he’s experienced on the job, including earning his CDL license. He’s thankful to work for an organization that supports continued learning and skill development.
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Wrapping Up 2025 on a Good Note As The City of Odessa closed out 2025, employees had the opportunity to come together and wish one another a Happy New Year before the holiday. The Activities Committee created a warm and welcoming gathering at Municipal Plaza, where hot cocoa and cookies brought employees together to connect and reflect on the past year. “The gathering felt like both an accomplishment and a moment to look ahead to 2026,” said Gabryel “Gabe” Ybarra, Public Safety Communications Manager for the Communications Department. Ybarra shared that he is looking forward to the City Banquet and another year of learning and accomplishing goals that will continue to help him grow with each new year. We were also joined by team members from Odessa Fire Rescue, Fire Marshal’s Office, Police Department, Utilities Department, and GIS. Seeing employees from different departments share conversation and well wishes highlight the strong teamwork that supports our city. We wish everyone continued success, good wishes, and many accomplishments in the year ahead.
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UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS January 1-7 ZBA Meeting 1-8 ODC Meeting 1-10 Resolution 5K 1-10 OFR Banquet 1-13 Council Work Session/Meeting 1-14 Dodgeball Starts (5 wks) 1-15 P&Z Meeting 1-16 OFR Badge Pinning Ceremony 1-17 OPD Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) 1-17 KOB Facility Closed (Due to upcoming MLK Jr. Day) 1-19 City Offices Closed (MLK Jr. Day) 1-20 Parks Advisory Board Meeting 1-21 ZBA Meeting 1-23 City Banquet (City Offices close at 2:00 p.m.) 1-27 Council Work Session/Meeting 1-27 OPD Neighborhood Watch 1-28 Midland Odessa Urban Transit District 1-29 Sports Complex Project Kickoff
ODESSA INSIDER
February 2-4 ZBA Meeting 2-5 P&Z Meeting 2-6 OPD Wreath Laying Ceremony: Officer Scott Smith 2-10 Council Work Session/Meeting 2-11 Dodgeball Playoffs 2-12 ODC Meeting 2-14 KOB Facility Closed (Due to upcoming Presidents’ Day) 2-16 City Offices Closed (Presidents’ Day) 2-17 Parks Advisory Board Meeting 2-18 ZBA Meeting 2-19 P&Z Meeting 2-19 Citizens Golf Advisory Board Meeting 2-21 Special Olympics Basketball Competition (LETR) 2-23 KOB Helping Hands - Call For Volunteers 2-24 Council Work Session/Meeting 2-24 OPD Neighborhood Watch 14
CITY EMPLOYEE
DEPARTMENT
YEARS WITH THE CITY
CINDY LOPEZ
OPD
33
JASON COTTON
OFR
30
DAYTON NEFF
OPD
27
MARCUS BROWN
OFR
26
SAMUEL JOHNSON
BOB DERRINGTON
26
GAYLAND ZUNIGA
PARKS AND RECREATION
25
CHRISTINA DAVIS
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS 20
EDEN HINOJOS
SOLID WASTE
19
AMANDA GARDNER
OPD
18
TERREY BRUMBALOW
OFR
17
KELLEN FOREMAN
OFR
17
BRAD CLINE
OPD
17
KARA THOMPSON
OPD
17
RUBEN GUZMAN
WATER DISTRIBUTION
17
OSCAR MENCHACA
OFR
16
WILLIAM MOODY
OFR
16
BENJAMIN SAWYER
OFR
16
JOE BARRERAZ
ANIMAL CONTROL
16
OCTAVIO HUERTA
FINANCE
16
GENE ONTIVEROZ
OPD
16
MICHAEL TROGLIN
OPD
16
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CITY EMPLOYEE
DEPARTMENT
YEARS WITH THE CITY
ELOY DIAZ
WASTE WATER COLLECTION
14
DONACIANO ROCHA
OPD
14
JUSTIN BOROFF
UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION
14
CHRISTOPHER WAITE
OFR
13
CHERYL PHILLIPS
LABORATORY
13
TIFFANY BAKER
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
12
GILBERT DIAZ
SOLID WASTE
10
FELIPE COBOS
OPD
10
MANUEL ORTIZ JIMENEZ
SOLID WASTE
9
RONNY TARANGO
OPD
9
VIDAL PENA
SOLID WASTE
9
YANELIE HERNANDEZ
LEGAL
8
DANNY LOPEZ
PURCHASING
8
BRUCE RODRIGUEZ
BUILDING SERVICES
8
SEAN ROGERS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
7
DAYTON DENNARD
OFR
6
MATTHEW GARDNER
OFR
6
PATRICIA SPRINGER
PARKS AND RECREATION
6
ROCKY ADAMS
OFR
6
ANDREW BENAVIDES
OFR
6
JALEN DAVIS
OFR
6
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CITY EMPLOYEE
DEPARTMENT
YEARS WITH THE CITY
JERED ESCANDON
OFR
6
JOSHUA MARTINEZ
OFR
6
JOSHUA WHITE
OFR
6
JESUS YBARRA JR
OFR
6
JEFFREY THOMAS
OFR
5
RAMON OCHOA
OPD
4
ROBERT TORRES
OPD
4
CORDELL MONTGOMERY
WATER TREATMENT
4
CRYSTAL TAYLOR
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
4
AMANDA LAWHONE VERLANDER
BILLING AND COLLECTION
3
ROBERT SMITH
GOLF COURSE
3
ELEAZAR SANCHEZ
SOLID WASTE
3
ROBERT MARTIN
JUDGES OFFICE
2
STEPHEN LUJAN
OPD
2
JUAN VALENZUELA
OPD
2
BRIANNA URIAS
BUILDING INSPECTION
2
ALEJANDRO ALVARADO
OPD
2
JOHN VASQUEZ
CODE ENFORCEMENT
2
BENITO RAMOS
OFR
2
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CITY EMPLOYEE
DEPARTMENT
YEARS WITH THE CITY
LACEY BERLANGA
HUMAN RESOURCES
1
PRESTON LILLY
OFR
1
JOSEPH MANCINI
ENGINEERING
1
ALEX VALENCIA
CODE ENFORCEMENT
1
WILLIAM GONZALES
BUILDING SERVICES
1
MYIKA AGUIRRE
ANIMAL CONTROL
1
AUSTYN KETCHERSIDE
OFR
1
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CITY EMPLOYEE
DEPARTMENT
DAY OF BIRTHDAY
MODESTO ARMENDARIZ
SOLID WASTE
1
BENJAMIN MAGALLANEZ
OFR
1
JESUS YBARRA JR
OFR
1
DAVID CHERRY
RISK MANAGEMENT
2
AMANDA GOMEZ
EQUIPMENT SERVICES
3
ISAAC DORADO
OFR
4
GERALD FLETCHER
OFR
4
STEVEN LESUEUR
OPD
5
JOSE SALCIDO
OFR
5
ANTHONY ESCOBEDO
OFR
6
JESUS ESCUDERO
OPD
6
SKYLER PIPPIN
OFR
6
BENJAMIN SAWYER
OFR
6
CESAR CARRILLO
STREET
7
SAMMY HERNANDEZ
TRAFFIC
7
AUSTIN YOCHAM
OFR
7
MARCO ALVAREZ-MARTINEZ
STREET
8
GILBERT LUERA
LABORATORY
8
VINOS BRADFORD
ENGINEERING
9
FANCI PEASE
ANIMAL CONTROL
9
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CITY EMPLOYEE
DEPARTMENT
DAY OF BIRTHDAY
CRUZ QUIROZ
SOLID WASTE
9
TYLER THELEN
OPD
9
IRENE VASQUEZ
LABORATORY
9
JASON WELLS
LABORATORY
9
JOSE DAVILA
BUILDING INSPECTION
10
TYLER GRIFFITH
OPD
10
YADHIRA LERMA
OPD
10
YANIER PITA BERNIS
STREET
10
TERREY BRUMBALOW
OFR
11
RAYMUNDO REYNOSA
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
11
ALFREDO AYALA
OPD
12
ISIDRO GALVAN
BILLING AND COLLECTION
12
RIGOBERTO JUAREZ
STREET
12
SAUL ORDAZ
OFR
12
AUSTYN KETCHERSIDE
OFR
13
ALAN ROACH
OFR
13
MARLENE SOTELO
OPD
13
AUSTIN EVANS
OPD
14
YERVAND HMAYAKYAN
ENGINEERING
14
JAMES KODAD
CODE ENFORCEMENT
14
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CITY EMPLOYEE
DEPARTMENT
DAY OF BIRTHDAY
ANASTASIA MCKENZIE-POLK
MUNICIPAL COURT
14
JEREMIAH ONTIVEROS
OFR
15
VIDAL PENA
SOLID WASTE
15
ELIZABETH SHAUGHNESSY
PLANNING
16
LEO SUDELL
OFR
16
BLAKE BENTLEY
OFR
17
KAAIAKO VAVAO
OPD
17
DEVIN ARRIAGA
GEOINTELLIGENCE
18
BRENT BACON
BUILDING SERVICES
18
CURTIS CLINTON
WATER TREATMENT
18
JOSHUA MARTINEZ
OFR
19
STEVEN PURCELLA
BUILDING INSPECTION
19
JOHN BREEDEN IV
OFR
20
JON FOUST
OPD
20
ORLANDO RIOS
OFR
20
GARY CHAPA
CODE ENFORCEMENT
21
ADAM COOK
WATER DISTRIBUTION
23
KEEVON MORRISON-HIBLER
OFR
23
GABRIEL ARIAS
UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION
24
BRYCEN LANGS
OFR
24
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CITY EMPLOYEE
DEPARTMENT
DAY OF BIRTHDAY
CHRISTOPHER PRIMEAUX
OPD
24
PRESTON SCHWAB
OFR
24
FELIPE COBOS
OPD
26
JAMIE MYERS
HUMAN RESOURCES
26
COMISHA ARMARENDARIZ
CODE ENFORCEMENT
27
CORY SWOGGER
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
27
ALEXIS ORTIZ
OPD
28
RYAN BRADLEY
GOLF COURSE
29
OSCAR MENCHACA
OFR
29
IZAAC CONTRERAS
STREET
30
CAROLYN FEARS
RISK MANAGEMENT
30
ABEL MINJAREZ
BILLING AND COLLECTION
31
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