odessa insider
A New Chapter Begins Thankful Grams Puppy Cuddles & New Beginnings
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
begins a new Chapter
By City Manager Aaron Smith & Deputy City Manager Tina Jauz
As we wrap up 2025 and reflect on the past year, you cannot ignore the excitement and momentum building in Odessa, particularly with the City of Odessa.
We are thankful for the opportunity to lead this organization, and most importantly, the people who work here every day. You dedicate your time and energy to help make this city the very best. We are all proud to be public servants and the ones who can make a difference in our community.
Looking ahead to the new year and a fresh start, it will take every employee to reach our goals. We are committed to working together in partnership with staff, city council, and community partners to prioritize needs, get the correct funding in place, and climb to new levels of excellence. The journey will not be without challenges, but when those challenges arise, we will find new opportunities.
Looking to the Future:
“We
will all have a plan, goals, and known targets to hit.”
Working together as one team, we will provide the necessary basic services to our citizens and provide them well. We will all have a plan, goals, and known targets to hit. We will push for change when it benefits our organization and city. We will strive to be proactive, communicate to our citizens, and build the level of trust this city craves.
Enjoy the end of the year and the holiday season. Look forward to the future and be excited about all the possibilities. In 2026, be ready to be a key part of something great. It will happen, and it starts with all of us.
a sweet surprise for solid waste
By Monica McDaniel
A generous act! Connection Christian Church recently went above and beyond to show their appreciation for our Solid Waste employees. Recognizing the hard work and dedication it takes to keep our city clean, the church wanted to make sure these everyday heroes felt seen and valued. They prepared 65 individually crafted gift bags, each thoughtfully filled with an assortment of goodies. The bags included treats such as peanut butter crackers, chocolate-covered pretzels, candy, bottled water, hand sanitizer, Emergen-C, cough drops, tissues, and other small comforts.
Each bag also contained a personal, handwritten note expressing gratitude for the employees’ tireless efforts.
One of the notes can be seen in the attached photo, offering a glimpse into the warmth and care behind this generous gesture: “Your steadfast efforts, day and night, Keep our whole community safe and bright.”
This sweet surprise not only brightened the day of our Solid Waste team but also served as a wonderful reminder of the strong bonds and support within our community.
Puppy Cuddles & New Beginnings at Municipal Plaza
By Leslie Muñiz
The City of Odessa's United Way Committee brought puppy kisses and love to the first floor of Municipal Plaza during Pet a Puppy at Plaza. One dollar donations led to plenty of cuddles and a welcomed break in the day, but the real highlight came when two employees opened their homes to new four-legged family members.
Kathy Grywusiewicz, Health and Wellness Coordinator, adopted Sadie, who settled in quickly and won everyone over.
“By the end of the first day, she was wagging her tail and letting me rub her belly,” Grywusiewicz said.
“She is very social,” she added. “She loves her play time with all her toys and cuddle time. Sadie brings so much joy to our household. I can’t imagine not having her around now. The only problem I have is that I spend all my time either playing with her or holding her, and not getting too much done around the house.”
Leslie Muñiz, City Events Coordinator, brought home Milo, a puppy full of personality.
“My puppy ’ s name is Milo,” said Muñiz. “It took us some time to decide this. I think we changed his name three times during the first week.”
Milo's name hasn't been the only adjustment for the Muñiz family, but his energy continues to keep their house lively.
“He’s funny and so full of life,” she shared. “My older dog finds him annoying.”
“I had forgotten how much time and teaching goes into adopting a puppy, ” Muñiz added. “So far we ’ ve gotten potty training down, but we still can’t keep him from wanting to eat everything.”
Events like Pet a Puppy at Plaza not only support local nonprofits, but they create meaningful moments among staff. Thanks to everyone who donated, participated, and shared in the joy. The United Way Committee continues to bring people together by supporting partner agencies, funding local programs, and strengthening community connections.
A Heartwarming Tradition: Thankful Grams
By Gabryel (Gabe) Ybarra
Staff from several departments worked together to attach names to the stuffed animals and deliver them to their new owners, making this year ’ s Thankful Grams another heartwarming success.
Thankful Grams are a wonderful way to show appreciation for co-workers, and have become a meaningful fundraiser for United Way. This tradition has been going on for several years and gained popularity during the holiday season, especially around Thanksgiving.
The stuffed animals can be randomly selected or specifically chosen when they’re gifted, and all donations come from PetSmart.
Kathy Grywusiewicz, Health and Wellness Coordinator, says the best part is seeing how much joy the tradition brings.
“It is fulfilling to see how many stuffed animals are given each year, ” said Grywusiewicz. “The friendships and close bonds that are formed between coworkers is great to see. ”
A BIG THANK YOU TO THE TECH MINDS BEHIND CITY
By Leslie Muñiz
The City of Odessa's Activities Committee recognized the Information Technology Department with breakfast burritos, coffee, and juice.
For IT Training Specialist Raquel AcostaLugo, her department being recognized was very special. Lugo says the most rewarding part of working in IT is solving issues that she doesn’t immediately have the answer to.
“The satisfaction of figuring out a problem is always a great feeling, especially when I know I can help more people,” said Acosta-Lugo.
One thing IT wishes everyone knew, their "Passwords".
Thank you to the IT Department for their tech solving skills, and to the Activities Committee for showing appreciation and recognizing their hard work.
Living His Childhood Dream
By Thomas Bingham
Giancarlo Citro has been hard at work as a City of Odessa solid waste driver over the past six months, and a childhood dream continues to play out.
“When I was young, I thought about being a garbage man,” said Citro. “The cool thing is driving a truck or being on the back of the truck when you’re a little kid. I currently pass by the schools and the students are still chasing the truck.”
It takes a special person to handle the duties that come with Citro’s position in the Solid Waste Department, but he understands and embraces the importance of his daily work to clean up the area for the City of Odessa.
“Knowing that I picked up everybody’s trash,” Citro said of the value that he gets out of his current job. “People don’t always think about it. But, if you would go a week and you don’t pick up the trash here, everybody’s dumpsters would be overflowing. You’re part of the city and you’re helping. It really is a service. We are accomplishing something by getting the garbage and helping everybody.”
Citro generated crucial experience as an oil field truck driver for seven years before he applied for his current position, and continues to safely follow the rules of the road to complete his daily tasks.
“You still have to pay attention to what you’re doing,” Citro said of the similarities between his current and past daily drives. “You don’t want to do anything in a negative form because you’re driving, you’re on the road, and you have to pay attention to pedestrians, buildings, dumpsters, alleys and light poles.”
Both the City of Odessa and the Solid Waste Department have welcomed Citro. There is always a learning curve with a new job, but he is now up to speed and has found his place in the workforce.
“With my bosses, everything has been great,” said Citro. “They’re good people. They help me all the time. I also ask my co-workers how they are so fast on the route. They would give me tips. I did them and I got faster on the route.”
When Citro is off the clock, he is taking classes at Odessa College, enjoys spending time with family, and has different hobbies.
“Me and my son watch movies, and we have some pizza,” said Citro. “Me and my girlfriend go to the movies too. I also like to go to the law library. I’ll go home and chill, read some books, relax, and study.”
Raising Money for a good cause
By Gabryel (Gabe) Ybarra
The City of Odessa’s Charity Committee partnered with United Way to host a fundraising event for employees. Snacks were sold at City Hall for just one dollar to anyone stopping by, whether they were coming in to work or simply paying a bill.
Sylvia Kauk, Payroll Assistant for the City of Odessa, shared, “This is a great way to raise money for the different charities we support and to help our employees in need.”
This annual event is part of the United Way Campaign, with United Way providing the snacks and the Charity Committee coordinating the effort all year round.
Upcoming: Events & Meetings
DECEMBER
12-5 Starbright Village (Continues through Jan 1)
12-5 First Friday
12-6 30 Annual Parade of Lights th
12-9 Council Work Session/Meeting
12-13 Santa Land (Continues 19, 20)
12-12/13 Adoption Event - Odessa Jackalopes
12-13 Jingle All The Way 5K Run
12-18 Calls to Santa
12-19/20 Adoption Event - Odessa Jackalopes
12-24/25/26 City Offices Closed (Christmas Holiday)
12-27 Keep Odessa Beautiful & Animal Shelter Closed (Christmas Holiday)
JANUARY
1-1 City Offices & Animal Shelter Closed (New Year’s Day)
1-10 Resolution 5K
1-10 OFR Banquet
1-13 Council Work Session/Meeting
1-14 Dodgeball Starts (5 wks)
1-16 OFR Badge Pinning Ceremony
1-17 OPD Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
1-17 KOB Facility Closed (Due to upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
1-19 City Offices Closed (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
1-23 City Banquet
1-27 Council Work Session/Meeting
1-27 OPD Neighborhood Watch
