ODESSAINSIDER THEFACE BEHIND THEBOOTH
SEPTEMBER2025
TABLEOFCONTENT
CITYMANAGER
TEAMWORK: THEFOUNDATION OFOURSUCCESS
At the City of Odessa, teamwork is more than just working alongside one another it’s the foundation of everything we accomplish. Each department brings unique expertise, perspectives, and strengths, but our greatest achievements happen when we unite around a shared purpose: serving our community with excellence
Teamwork means stepping up to support each other, communicating openly, and trusting one another to follow through It also means celebrating wins together whether they’re big infrastructure milestones, customer service improvements, or dayto-day victories that make our operations run smoothly
As we continue moving forward, let’s remember that our collective impact is far greater than the sum of individual efforts. By leaning on one another, sharing ideas, and staying focused on our mission, we ensure Odessa remains a vibrant, secure, and thriving community for all Together, we make it happen
David A. Vela, ICMA-CM, City Manager
SHININGSTARS
The City of Odessa is excited to celebrate this quarter’s “Quality Service Award” recipients These awards shine a spotlight on employees and departments that consistently exceed expectations and demonstrate exceptional service, dedication, and teamwork. With nominations coming from council members, leadership, supervisors, and peers, the recognition is a true reflection of the respect and appreciation of their colleagues
The Parks & Rec Department, Traffic Division, and Daisy Samaniego received “Recognition for Excellence.”
Parks & Recreation Department: Always ready to help, first to arrive, and last to leave, embodying true teamwork.
Traffic Division: Improved commutes and saved the City thousands of dollars with resourceful solutions
Daisy Samaniego (Engineering): Peer-nominated for her daily excellence, can-do attitude, and customer-first approach.
Ben Sawyer, Ronnie Standiford, and Mariah Loya were “Awarded for going Above & Beyond.”
Captain Ben Sawyer (OFR): Donated personal time to install vital equipment, saving the City time and money.
Ronnie Standiford (OFR): Repaired essential testing equipment on his own time, ensuring public safety and saving resources
Mariah Loya (Municipal Court): Created a single-resource guide for juvenile defendants and families, strengthening programs for years to come
The City of Odessa congratulates this quarter’s honorees and thanks them for their dedication to serving our community with integrity, passion, and pride.
BYLESLIEMUNIZ
ALMOSTTHREE DECADESIN THELINEOF FIRE
Tony Reyes has dedicated 28 years to serving the City of Odessa as a Division Captain for Odessa Fire Rescue. His journey began at just 27 years old, when he decided to leave the oilfield behind and pursue a career where he could truly make a difference Inspired by friends already in the department, Tony took a leap of faith and found his calling.
“Usually when people call 911, it’s because it’s their worst time. Being able to serve my community in that capacity has been a privilege,” he said.
Tony also has heartfelt advice for recruits just starting their journey with OFR: Remember the importance of balance.
While the career will give you the training and tools to do the job, it’s just as important to take care of your family along the way
BEHINDTHE SCENESIN ODESSA’S BACKALLEYS
LONG BEFORE MOST OF US START OUR DAY, THE CITY OF ODESSA’S SOLID WASTE CREWS ARE ALREADY HARD AT WORK.
Year-round, they conduct routine sweeps traveling alley by alley to check for illegal dumping, trim overgrown trees, and keep these spaces clear and safe
It’s not glamorous work, but it’s essential. Clear alleys mean trash trucks can run routes without delays, utility crews can reach critical infrastructure, and emergency vehicles can respond when every second counts
BYARICMITCHELL
These crews know the alleys better than anyone They see what’s happening behind the homes, spot issues early, and fix problems before they grow.
“Anything back there that’s not supposed to be there we notice it,” said Jathan Escontrias, Solid Waste Operations Manager. “Our drivers see the areas that need attention, and we make sure they get taken care of.”
They may work quietly in the background, but their efforts keep Odessa running smoothly every single day
The next time you see a Solid Waste truck in your alley, know that the team inside is looking out for your safety and your city one sweep at a time
BYLESLIEMUNIZ
TAKINGABREAKTO THANKLEGAL
The Activities Committee recognized the Legal Department recently, bringing everyone together for a well-deserved break Cookies, lemonade, sweet tea, fresh fruit, and vegetable trays gave the team a chance to step away from the office and enjoy some time together
“We did not believe this was a real thing,” said Christina Buhnerkempe, Senior Legal Assistant
“WE ENJOYED IT. IT WAS NICE TO FEEL APPRECIATED,” ADDED REBECCA MUNIZ, LEGAL ASSISTANT
The Legal Department is always at every department’s reach, ready to help guide staff through city policies
We thank the Legal Department for their commitment, support, and the vital role they play in keeping our city on track
FROM CLASSROOMS TOCOMMUNITY
BY ARIC MITCHELL
The ECISD Board of Trustees voted 6-0 to name the new middle school in West Odessa Adela & Gilbert Vasquez Middle School, set to open in August 2026
A local committee began work in July, reviewing more than 80 suggested names and 30 potential mascots before recommending Vasquez as the school’s namesake The mascot was also chosen by students who will soon cheer as the Diamondbacks
“I feel very honored that the education community chose to honor us by naming the new middle school after us. This was totally unexpected and humbling! Adela’s family and my family are eternally grateful to all involved in the naming process and to those who unanimously voted to make it a reality. Thank you! Adela and I devoted our professional lives to ECISD students and families,” said Gilbert Vasquez, District 3 Councilmember.
Adela, a lifelong Odessan, spent 44 years in public education as a counselor, public information officer, director of guidance and testing, and later as a student assistance services (SAS) counselor at Permian High She was instrumental in creating the SAS program and continued advocating for children through adoption evaluations across the Permian Basin She passed away in January 2022
Gilbert began teaching in 1975 and went on to serve ECISD as a counselor, assistant principal, principal, director of HR, and eventually assistant superintendent of HR After retiring, he returned to mentor new teachers and today serves as an Odessa City Councilman.
Together, their impact on generations of ECISD students will now live on through this new campus, a lasting tribute to their legacy of service.
BY ARIC MITCHELL
UNITEDWESTAND, ODESSA!
Odessa Fire Rescue was proud to join the United Way of Odessa’s annual Campaign Kickoff at Odessa College! Also on hand, the Odessa Police Department's mascot McGruff the Crime Dog and OFR's mascot Sparky. They were all on hand to help pump up the crowd.
It was a great day to support a great cause and celebrate the power of our community!
APORTRAITOFODESSA
Odessa Arts has launched a citywide portrait project leading up to Odessa’s Centennial in 2027!
Portrait sessions will be held twice a month through September 2026, with the final works showcased during the big celebration
This project is about telling Odessa’s story by the people who live here. You still have a chance to get in on the fun. Over the next 12 months, you can create a piece of art and build the story of Odessa either at First Friday or at other designated events.
BY GABRYEL YBARRA
DONATIONHELPS MAINTAINCITYPOOLS
During a recent City Council meeting, Kimray Sales & Service made a generous contribution to the City of Odessa The manufacturer of oil and gas control equipment donated pipe fittings and shelving materials to the Parks & Recreation Department
“We are deeply grateful to Kimray for this generous gift. It will create lasting benefits for our community by reducing costs and improving efficiency with inventory readily on hand. Their support helps us continue making Odessa a better place to live, work, and play,” said Jon Rogers, Director of Parks & Recreation.
The donated materials will be used for irrigation repairs and upgrades to the city’s pools
BYGABRYELYBARRA
THETEAM THATKEEPSODESSA FLOWING
The City of Odessa’s Activities Committee was at it again recognizing some of our hardworking employees! This time, the spotlight was on the dedicated team at the Bob Derrington Water Reclamation Plant. Staff were treated to breakfast burritos from Jumburrito and fresh coffee from Scooter’s.
“This really means a lot to our staff. They work hard out here, running 24/7 shifts. Taking a moment to show appreciation goes a long way for our employees,” said Alex Rowlett, Director of Utilities.
A big thank you to this incredible team for your commitment, hard work, and everything you do to keep our city running smoothly.
The Odessa Police Department held a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Fallen Corporal GT Toal, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in 1982 We were honored to remember his service and sacrifice alongside members of the community
Thank you to all who joined us in commemorating Corporal Toal’s legacy
ANIMAL CONTROLTO THERESCUE
Helping those who can’t help themselves! Animal Control Officer Brandon Garbin came to the rescue of a big tortoise in trouble A concerned resident spotted the animal in distress and quickly called it in. Officer Garbin responded right away, ensuring the tortoise was safe and out of harm’s way.
The resident sent a social media message expressing her gratitude for his compassion and quick action and we couldn’t agree more Thank you Officer Garbin, for your dedication, and professionalism! The care you show to all members of our community, big and small (and in this case, with a shell!).
OFFICER GARBIN IS KNOWN FOR HIS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, ALWAYS GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND TO PROTECT ANIMALS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
BRANDONGARBIN
BYMONICAMCDANIEL
AHEART FORHOPE
BY GABRYEL YBARRA PIC MONICA MCDANIEL
SEEN HERE: BIANCA PORRAS GABRYEL YBARRA
Helping cancer patients may seem like a small act of kindness, but it can truly make a world of difference Each month, the City of Odessa’s Communications Department and Activities Committee team up to provide a special lunch for local cancer patients.
Through a partnership with West Texas Gifts of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting those battling cancer in countless ways, city employees volunteer their time to prepare and serve meals for patients currently undergoing treatment at Texas Oncology on W 3rd Street
This effort is about more than just food it’s about offering comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that these patients are not alone in their fight.
If you’d like to be part of this meaningful initiative, reach out to the Communications Department at communications@odessa-tx.gov. Together, even the smallest gestures can bring hope
“THISPROGRAM MEANSEVERYTHING TOME.IT’SMYWAY OFHONORINGTHE MEMORIESOFLOVED ONESWHOHAVE BATTLEDCANCER WHILEGIVINGBACK INTHEIRNAME,
FOR THOSEWE’VELOST ANDFORTHOSESTILL COURAGEOUSLY FIGHTING.”
BIANCAPORRAS, CRIMINALDIVISION LEGALSECRETARY
BEATTHEHEAT WITHATREAT
A sweet treat to say “THANK YOU!” for all you do The Activities Committee and Communications Department teamed up to make this possible Our amazing employees had a great time cooling off with a special visit from the Tikiz snow cone truck They were given snow cones for free
It was a small gesture to show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication our team brings every day, and a fun way to take a break and enjoy a little summer treat together
BY GABRYELYBARRA
BY GABRYEL YBARRA PIC ARIC MITCHELL
For the past year, Maria Franco has been the friendly face greeting residents at our Keep Odessa Beautiful facility. She checks in visitors, tracks usage, and helps ensure hazardous items are safely and responsibly disposed of, keeping our alleys and neighborhoods clean.
“These events and services help keep Odessa clean by giving people a safe, free way to dispose of bulky items preventing clutter and safety hazards in the neighborhoods," said Maria Franco, Household Hazardous Waste Booth Attendant.
Beyond the booth, Maria is hands-on with everything from sorting reusable materials to planting trees and flowers in the park next door. She's especially proud of the upcoming thrift container program, which will give reusable items a second life in the community.
Maria now finds joy in outdoor work, connecting with people, and giving back Whether volunteering with the Fraternal Order of Eagles or planting squash in the garden, she brings energy, care, and a deep sense of pride to everything she does.
THEFACEBEHIND THEBOOTH, MEETMARIAFRANCO
BYARICMITCHELL
APPRECIATIONSERVED HOTOFFTHEGRILL
The Billing and Collection Department recently came together for a special BBQ Appreciation, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the entire team
“Everybody’s been working really hard. We just want to show them appreciation because without them, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” said JoAnn Peña, Billing and Collection Manager “They are the ones who take care of the customer They are the ones that make things happen every single day.”
The menu was as big as the gratitude! Employees were served ribs, steaks, baked potatoes, street corn, and all the fixings.
Peña joked, “We told everyone to make sure that you come with an empty belly, because we are going to feed you, and you probably won’t eat till tomorrow!”
The celebration was more than just good food. It was recognition of the resilience the department has shown during a challenging year
“Over the last year, we’ve been doing a mass meter change-out. It’s been really challenging with the transition of software,” Peña shared “I think everybody in this department has taken a beating But they’ve stood strong and not buckled, and done it with a smile on their face every day. So we just want to appreciate them and everything that they do.”
For Peña, who has served the City for 23 years, the event was also about connection
“Just seeing the camaraderie and everyone mingling with each other it’s about coming together I’m hoping that it’s just going to bring us a little closer”
UPCOMING: EVENTS& MEETINGS
WWW.ODESSA-TX.GOV/CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
9-5FIRSTFRIDAY-ODESSAARTS
9-5/6PERMIANBASINFAIR&EXPOADOPTIONEVENT
9-5TEXASMUNICIPALLEAGUE(TML)-REGIONIVMEETING
9-8OPDREMEMBERINGFALLENHEROES (CPLS.GARDNER&JONES)
9-9COUNCILWORKSESSION/MEETING
9-9CAMPUSCLEANUPRIVALRYKICKOFF
9-11ODESSADEVELOPMENTCORPORATION(ODC)MEETING
9-12OPDREMEMBERINGAFALLENHERO (CPL MARQUEZ)
9-13FALLCOMMUNITYCLEANUPKICKOFF
9-13NEIGHBORHOODBULKDROP-OFF
9-13PERMIANBASINFAIR&EXPOADOPTIONEVENT
9-13OPDEMERGENCYPREPAREDNESSFAIR
9-19FRIDAYNIGHTFLICKS-BIGHERO6
9-22SPAY/NEUTERCLINIC
9-23COUNCILWORKSESSION/MEETING
9-29TEMPORARYCLOSUREFORRATLIFFRANCH
9-30OPDNEIGHBORHOODWATCH
OCTOBER
10-1TEMPORARYCLOSURERATLIFFRANCH
10-3FIRSTFRIDAY-ODESSAARTS
10-11AUTUMNBLAZE5KRUN
10-11WALKINGINTHESHOESOFTHEUNSHELTERED
10-14COUNCILWORKSESSION/MEETING
10-17KOBRECYCLEFASHIONSHOW
10-18FALLFESTIVAL
10-20SPAY/NEUTERCLINIC
10-24FRIDAYNIGHTFLICKS-HOTELTRANSYLVANIA
10-28COUNCILWORKSESSION/MEETING
10-28OPDNEIGHBORHOODWATCH
NOVEMBER DECEMBER
11-07 FIRST FRIDAY- ODESSA ARTS
11-08 BE THANKFUL 5K RUN
11-11 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
11-25 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
11-25 OPD NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
11-27/28 CITY OFFICES CLOSED (THANKSGIVING)
12-4 TREE LIGHTING
12-5 FIRST FRIDAY- ODESSA ARTS
12-5 STARBRIGHT VILLAGE
12-6 PARADE OF LIGHTS
12-9 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
12-13 JINGLE ALL THE WAY 5K RUN
12-24/25 CITY OFFICES CLOSED (CHRISTMAS)
SWEATSCHEDULE
ANNIVERSARIES
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TENURE
ANNIVERSARIES
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TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!
ODESSAINSIDER
SEPTEMBER2025