AUGUST 2026
ISSUE NO. 38
THE INSIDE TRACK MONTHLY
EMPLOYEE
WELCOME TO YOUR MONTHLY
DOSE OF FACTS & FUN Malik Green - Recreation Services
NEWSLETTER
HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH: Benefits Announcements Employee Engagement Shining Stars of the Quarter Employee Shoutouts
16 20 33
Snapshots of our City Staff
ANNOUNCEMENTS Important Dates | Volunteer Opportunities
COMMUNITY CONNECT Community Events
PEOPLE OPERATIONS Benefits Breakdown I Resources
CITY INITIATIVE GUIDE See what’s going on in the city!
INFORMATION & TIPS Purchasing Tidbits | Safety Talk l Pet of The Month | Temple Moments
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT Employee Events and Updates
STAFF CORNER AwardCo | Shining Stars of the Quarter| Employee Shoutouts
WORKING FOR THE CITY Open Positions | New Hires | Years of Service | Retirees
PAGE 1
CONTENTS
2 3 4 5 7 11
LEADING THE WAY
TABLE OF
AUGUST 2026 | ISSUE NO.38
PLE • TEAM TEMPLE • TEAM TEMPLE • TEAM TEMPLE • TEAM TEMPLE • TEAM TEM
TEAM TEMPLE LEADING
THE
WAY
IN
SERVICE
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EXCELLENCE
ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE WITHOUT EXCEPTION
Need a fresh headshot? Employee headshot sessions occur bimonthly in the Temple Public Library Board Room on the 3rd floor. See upcoming dates and times and sign up for a slot on the brand box or by clicking the button below.
OUR NEXT SESSION: Thursday, October 15, 2026 • 9:30 - 10:30 am Temple Public Library Board Room, 3rd Floor 100 W. Adams Ave. Have you taken a headshot already? You can access your photo on the brand box:
SIGN UP HERE
ACCESS HERE
Employee Information Portal (formerly Employee Intranet)
The EIP quick link has been added back to the footer of the home page of the CIty website. Employees can also access the portal directly by visiting: templetx.gov/eip If you have any questions or experience issues accessing the site, please reach out to Communications and Destination Services at communications@templetx.gov. PAGE 3
AUGUST 2026 | ISSUE NO. 38
COMMUNITY CONNECT SUPPORT
CITY
EVENTS
LUNCH AT THE AIRPORT
AND
INITIATIVES
UPCOMING EVENTS: July 28 - September 26
Lunch at the Airport is returning! Mark your calendar for August 29, 2026, and head to Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport for a day of food and fun! Stop by between 11 AM and 2 PM to grab a delicious meal from Twisted Taters and Fries & Surprise and enjoy exciting aviation activities, including: Airplane Rides (Available for purchase at the event through an external vendor – Ages 5+ with adult supervision for minors) Flight School Info – Learn how to take to the skies! Aircraft Tours – Get a closer look at impressive planes! Indoor seating is available, and this free event is open to the public. Don’t miss this chance to experience the airport like never before! Saturda,y August 29 11AM - 2PM Draughon-Miller Airport 7720 Airport Rd, Temple, TX
Gadgets Galore! Railroad & Heritage Museum • 10AM - 4 PM
Friday | September 4 First Friday Downtown Temple • 5PM
September 2-5 Labor Day Used Book Sale 100 W Adams Ave • 10AM - 7PM
Saturday | September 12 Dunkin’ Doggies - $5 per dog 5000 S. 5th St • 9AM-12PM
Saturday | September 12 Brew with the TFR Crew at Black Rifle Coffee Company 111 N. General Bruce Dr. • 9-11AM
Saturday | September 12 Main Street Outdoor Market 204 S Main St • 6-9PM
Friday | September 18 Coffee with a Cop - McDonald’s 12731 NE HK Dodgen Loop • 8AM - 10AM
Saturday | September 19 Bulky Item Disposal Day 2611 E Ave H • 8AM-12PM
Saturday | September 19 Santa Fe Community Market Grand Opening 305 S 2nd St • 9-1PM
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @CITYOFTEMPLETX
@CITYOFTEMPLEPARKS
@DISCOVERTEMPLE
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@DOWNTOWNTEMPLE
BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR PROVIDERS ARE?
Insurance Providers hphealthplan.com
You may have a High Deductible Health Plan or a PPO Plan. You can find a copy of your medical insurance card on the BCBS portal on their website.
Medical Insurance
Click links for more information:
Dental & Vision Insurance BlueCross BlueShield of Texas
Pharmacy
New vision plan utilizes the Eyemed network. You can find a vision provider in-network. Learn about the app.
Click links for more information: True Scripts HPI
Retirement Resources City’s Retirement Plan Texas Municipal Retirement System
tmrs.com
Employees contribute 7% / City matching 2:1 Attend a Quarterly Information Session
missionsq.org
Optional Retirement Plan
457(b) deferred compensation retirement plan. Add additional money to maximize your retirement investments. Retirement Plan Specialist- Doug Wilson Schedule Appointment | 202.759.7232
Other Benefits & Resources Virtual Care
Employee Assistance Program
Download the App or visit doctorondemand.com/healthplans-inc Offers virtual visits to help with urgent care, primary care, and mental health services
neelyeap.com The employee assistance program offers employees help with services such as: Legal assistance Reimbursement for a ride home if impaired Short-term counseling Referrals & community resources Financial assistance
templetx.benefithub.com
Discount Marketplace
Get exclusive discounts on travel, restaurants, shopping, family care, car rentals, and much more! Referral code: U24764
optum.com
FSA & HSA Account Optum Financial
Tax-free funds used for medical expenses. Login to access your FSA & HSA accounts to see your balance, spending, and other account details. Dependent care assistance program (helps with child care costs).
Still need help? Contact Suzanne Diaz, Benefits Administrator at benefits@templetx.gov PAGE 5
First Health Network
Open Enrollment 2026 began on 08/20/2026 and will go through 09/04/2026! Be sure to complete your enrollment elections for benefits effective 10/01/2026! If you are adding new dependents, you will be required to complete dependent verification for them before open enrollment closes! For information, visit templetx.gov/enrollment Open Enrollment Assistance will be available. Sign up today - HERE!
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PEOPLE OPERATIONS
Schools Back in Session! Schedule doctor appointments and school physicals and beat the rush! Links below will help you find a provider! High Plains Health Plan Tier One: Employers Health Network (EHN) High Plains Health Plan Tier One Direct Tier Two:
A TEMPLE GUIDE LATEST NEWS
SUMMIT RECREATION CENTER TO BEGIN SECOND PHASE OF RENOVATION
24TH STREET BRIDGE PROJECT UPDATE
Summit Recreation Center's second phase of renovations will start this September. Phase One focused on the exterior of the building and did not impact the facility's day-to-day operations.
We know residents are eager to see the 24th Street Bridge reopen, and we want to provide an update on where the project stands and what comes next.
Phase Two will affect the south section of the facility, requiring a temporary closure of the building's main entrance and the relocation of amenities to the north side of the facility.
The 24th Street Overpass and Pedestrian Improvements project began in 2024 and was nearing completion when concrete spalling was identified in February 2025. Bridge deck work was stopped, and additional engineering analysis was required before the bridge could safely reopen. LEAR N M OR E
LEAR N M OR E
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A TEMPLE GUIDE LATEST NEWS CONTINUED...
TEMPLE FIRE & RESCUE PROVIDES 130 BACKPACKS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS
TEMPLE CITY COUNCIL CALLS BOND ELECTION FOR SAMMONS COMMUNITY CENTER REPLACEMENT
130 backpacks were filled by Temple Fire & Rescue for this year's Backpack Buddies program.
The Temple City Council has called a bond election for November 3, 2026, regarding the issuance of up to $15 million in general obligation bonds for the Sammons Community Center.
In July, Temple Fire & Rescue partnered with Churches Touching Lives for Christ (CTLC) to participate in their annual Backpack Buddies program. The program provides school supplies to local students who need additional assistance gathering supplies for the upcoming academic year.
If approved by voters, Proposition A would provide funding for the replacement of the existing Sammons Community Center with a new facility designed to support community programming, recreation, fitness activities, education, events and gatherings.
LEAR N M OR E
LEAR N M OR E
PP A AG G EE 78
A TEMPLE GUIDE LATEST NEWS CONTINUED...
SAMMONS COMMUNITY CENTER Proposed GO Bond Election ELECTION DAY: NOVEMBER 3, 2026
What Are Voters Deciding?
Why Replace Sammons? Professional assessments identified structural deficiencies in the existing facility. The City evaluated multiple options, including repairs and partial reconstruction. Based on the scope of work identified through those assessments, replacement of the facility is proposed to address the structural deficiencies.
Temple voters will consider Proposition A, which asks whether the City may issue up to $15 million in general obligation bonds for Sammons Community Center and levy the taxes necessary to repay the bonds. IF APPROVED
Proposed Facility The conceptual plan was developed with input from Sammons staff and program instructors, recreation staff, and active community center users. The current concept includes: FLEXIBLE EVENT + PROGRAM SPACES
INDOOR + OUTDOOR GATHERING AREAS
IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY
IMPROVED PARKING
UPDATED FITNESS SPACE
SAFE FACILITY
The project would move into additional design and development, followed by bidding/procurement and construction. IF NOT APPROVED
The City would not have voter authorization to issue the proposed bonds under Proposition A. Any future decisions regarding Sammons would be considered separately by Council.
LEARN MORE
Proposed Bond The proposed bond would authorize the City to issue up to $15 million in general obligation bonds for Sammons Community Center. $12.25M CONSTRUCTION $1.05M DESIGN + BIDDING $1.00M FURNITURE, FIXTURES, EQUIPMENT $550K TESTING + SERVICES $150K DEMOLITION $15M TOTAL ESTIMATED COST
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Scan the QR code or visit
templetx.gov/bond26
A TEMPLE GUIDE LATEST NEWS CONTINUED...
BOND ELECTION 2026 Guidance for City of Temple employees during the November 3, 2026 bond election
WHAT YOU CAN DO
WHAT YOU CANNOT DO
SHARE FACTUAL INFORMATION Provide factual information about Proposition A and the November 3 election.
ADVOCATE FOR AN OUTCOME Do not encourage anyone to vote for or against Proposition A.
DIRECT RESIDENTS TO OFFICIAL RESOURCES Refer residents to the City's official website and other approved City information about the bond (templetx.gov/bond)
DISTRIBUTE ADVOCACY MATERIALS Do not prepare, distribute or share materials advocating for or against the proposition during the workday.
ENCOURAGE VOTER PARTICIPATION Encourage residents to register to vote and participate in the election.
USE CITY RESOURCES FOR ADVOCACY City email, stationery, equipment, social media accounts and other City resources may not be used to advocate for or against the proposition.
REMIND VOTERS TO REVIEW THEIR ENTIRE BALLOT Bond propositions may appear toward the end of the ballot. Anyone who believes an item is missing should ask a poll worker for assistance before casting their ballot.
USE WORK TIME FOR SOCIAL MEDIA ADVOCACY Do not advocate for or against Proposition A on social media during work hours.
REMEMBER: Official City communication must remain objective, factual and educational. When in doubt, stick to the facts and direct residents to official City information.
LEARN MORE AT TEMPLETX.GOV/BOND26 PAGE 10
INFORMATION & TIPS FISCAL YEAR 2026
D N E R A YE
Mark Your Calendar! Important purchasing, payment & inventory deadlines are coming up.
KEY DATES TO KNOW SEPT.
4
SEPT.
10
FINAL DAY:
Submit FY 2026 Budget Adjustment (BA) requests requiring Council approval to Finance
NOON
SEPT.
FINAL DAY:
Submit FY 2026 Petty Cash Reimbursement requests to Finance
SEPT.
FINAL DAY:
SEPT.
22 NOON
Receipt Processing & FPO deadline for September 25 check run
SEPT.
FINAL DAY:
18
23 4 PM
SEPT.
24-30 SEPT.
30 OCT.
1
OCT.
2
(TENTATIVE)
PURCHASING RESOURCES
Enter FY 2026 requisitions
15
16
If you have a need for purchasing training, please reach out to schedule a one-onone, group, or departmental training session. We are happy to accommodate your needs!
FINAL DAY:
Receipt Processing & FPO deadline for September 18 check run
SEPT.
PURCHASING
ACCESS PURCHASING TRAINING VIDEOS AND PRESENTATIONS
Use P-Cards for FY 2026 purchases
Order and pick up Utility & Janitorial Warehouse supplies
Utility & Janitorial Warehouses closed for inventory.
FINAL DAY:
Receive and/or close FY 2026 POs Submit FY 2026 BA Requests not requiring Council approval to Finance
FY 2027 P-Card purchases may begin FY 2027 requisitions may begin after official notification from Purchasing
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HEADS UP! FOUR THINGS TO REMEMBER AS WE CLOSE OUT THE FISCAL YEAR. SEPT. 5 - OCT. 1 Do not enter requisitions unless an exception is approved in advance by Finance & Purchasing.
SEPT. 19 - 30 Avoid P-Card purchases unless operationally necessary.
SEPT. 21 - 30 Fleet Services will handle emergency and critical repairs only.
SEPT. 24 - 30 Utility & Janitorial Warehouses will be closed for inventory.
STAY INFORMED INFORMATION & TIPS!
Rehome what you don’t need. Find what you do.
The City Swap Shop is an interdepartmental resource exchange designed to help City staff share unneeded items, reduce waste, and make better use of the resources we already have. The City Swap Shop allows departments to rehome unneeded apparel, office items, furniture, and other usable resources so they can be utilized by another department instead of being auctioned or discarded. Likewise, staff can browse available items and “shop” for things their department may need, at no cost. Visit the Employee Information Portal to view available items at the City Swap Shop online.
READY TO BROWSE OR DONATE? Kailey Bennett, Purchasing Coordinator X5658 auction@templetx.gov
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HOW IT WORKS: SUBMIT UNNEEDED ITEMS Departments can submit items like Citylogo apparel, furniture, shelves, and other usable goods to the Swap Shop.
REVIEW AVAILABLE ITEMS Items are posted for all departments to review in the Purchasing Warehouse. REQUEST AND PICK UP If your department needs something listed, request it and arrange to pick it up. First-come, first-served. Visit the Employee Information Portal to view available items and learn more about the City Swap Shop.
STAY INFORMED SAFETY TALK INFORMATION & TIPS!
September: National Preparedness Month Are you ready for the unexpected? As City employees, we play an important role in keeping Temple safe, strong, and resilient. Emergencies can happen at any time, and our ability to respond effectively starts with being prepared before an incident occurs. Be Prepared at Work
Whether you work in an office, in the field, or provide essential services to our community, take time this month to: Know your department's emergency procedures and your role during an emergency. Know your building's emergency exits, evacuation routes, and designated assembly areas. Pay attention to emergency alerts, severe weather notifications, and instructions from City leadership and emergency personnel. Keep your emergency contact information current. Report workplace hazards or safety concerns promptly.
Be Prepared for Central Texas Weather
Here in Temple, we experience a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding, extreme heat, and winter weather. Knowing what to do before severe weather arrives can make a significant difference. Make sure you know where to seek shelter at your workplace and at home.
First Aid & CPR: Be Ready to Help
Being prepared isn't only about knowing where to go during an emergency—it's also about knowing what to do when someone needs immediate help. First Aid and CPR training can give employees the knowledge and confidence to respond during those critical minutes before professional medical assistance arrives. If your department has not received First Aid and CPR training, please reach out to Kelly Rawls to discuss scheduling training for your team. This is a valuable opportunity to make sure our employees have the skills they need to respond safely and effectively when it matters most. Preparedness Starts With You. This September, take a few minutes to prepare. Review your plan. Check your supplies. Know your evacuation route. Stay informed.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility! Reach out to Kelly Rawls, Safety Coordinator, with any questions at krawls@templetx.gov or 254-298-5278.
P PA AG G EE 193
Loved by: Tiffany Harrison - Planning Manager
Meet Leo — also known as Leonitus Maximus Snotz! Don’t let those big, soulful eyes and innocent expression fool you. Behind that sweet face is a seasoned snack thief with zero remorse, expert-level stealth, and a figure that proves he’s very good at his job. Whether he’s plotting his next snack heist or charming his way out of trouble, Leo has mastered the art of being both adorable and suspicious at the same time. And really…with a face like that, who could stay mad at him? PAGE 14
T OF THE MONTH • PET OF THE MONTH • PET OF THE MONTH • PET OF THE MONTH • PET OF THE MONTH • PET OF THE MONTH • PET O
EMPLOYEE PET OF THE MONTH: LEO
TEAM TEMPLE Moments BEHIND THE SCENES. REAL MOMENTS. ONE TEAM. From on-the-job laughs to community fun, here’s a look at some of the moments that make working for the City of Temple so special.
CAPTION THIS! Content in the Making Getting the shot takes a little work behind the scenes! The team spent the day capturing photos and video that will soon make their way into tourism marketing materials.
TFO Alton and Detective Enriquez LOVE serving and protecting!
What caption would you give this photo? Send your funniest (work-appropriate!) caption by September 9. Scan the QR code or click here. Winning caption featured in next month’s issue!
Behind the Lens A little behind-thescenes look at the team in action! This content run included plenty of photos, videos and a few smiles along the way—all to capture fresh visuals for upcoming Tourism webpages, ads and brochures.
HAVE A TEAM TEMPLE MOMENT TO SHARE? We want to see it! Submit your photos of behind-the-scenes moments, community events, team celebrations, office fun, and more! Email: empcomm@templetx.gov
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Scan to submit your photo!
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT ONE TEAM, ONE TEMPLE
Commitment
Innovation
Integrity
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Accountability
Collaboration
Explore Our Learning Management System!
📚 Visit the Learning tab in
Dayforce to access our Learning Management System (LMS)! We’re actively adding trainings —if there’s something you’d like to learn more about, submit a request!
SUBMIT REQUEST
PPAAGGEE 1167
Bring your kid to work day 2026
Thank you for being part of this amazing experience! Click HERE for the recap video! PAGE 18
BENEFITS 20 FAIR 26 THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!
Click HERE for the recap video!
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DON’T MISS OUT ON
RECOGNITION
AWARDCO The People Operations Department is excited to share that AwardCo, our recognition and rewards tool, is LIVE!
🎉
Log in today to start recognizing your teammates and celebrating excellence across our organization. Get started and learn more about how you can make a difference through recognition. Let’s make 2026 a year full of appreciation and connection!
🙌
GET STARTED SIGN UP TODAY
DAYFORCE TEXTING Don’t forget to log in to Dayforce and update your cell phone number to receive important updates through texts!
LEARN MORE
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INTRODUCING THE SHINING STARS OF THE QUARTER Zachary Wright Information Technology Zach consistently exemplifies our core values through his dedication, professionalism, and willingness to support others throughout every stage of a project. His commitment was evident during the launch of online aquatics rentals, where he invested countless hours testing, troubleshooting, and coordinating with Vermont Systems to ensure a smooth experience for both staff and the community. Zach demonstrates innovation by helping implement new technology solutions and improving processes that enhance operations and customer service. He approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, remains adaptable when unexpected issues arise, and consistently follows through on commitments with integrity and accountability. Even during high-pressure situations, he remained responsive, dependable, and focused on successful outcomes. This quarter, Zach played an instrumental role in launching online aquatics rentals for five facilities and a waterpark, improving accessibility, convenience, and customer service for the community. Through extensive testing, coordination, troubleshooting, and collaboration with multiple departments and Vermont Systems, he helped ensure a successful and seamless implementation. On registration day, he remained readily available to provide real-time support, troubleshoot issues, answer questions, and keep operations running smoothly as reservations rapidly came in. His impact extends far beyond technical support. He consistently approaches every project with professionalism, patience, and a team-first mindset, ensuring staff feel supported and confident throughout the process. His communication, responsiveness, and willingness to step in wherever needed played a significant role in the success of this project and continue to improve operations and customer service across departments. His dedication behind the scenes makes a meaningful and lasting impact on our team, organization, and community. PAGE 21
Karli Moore Legal
Karli exemplifies the City of Temple's core values through her work ethic, approachability, and dedication to her position. During a recent office transition, she demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the department by ensuring the responsibilities of a vacant position continued to be completed while managing her own workload. Her innovation led her to create checklists and spreadsheets that later served as valuable training guides when the position was filled. She went above and beyond by providing hands-on training, sharing her knowledge, and developing training materials based on the responsibilities she had taken on during the transition. Karli is an amazing coworker and a great role model for both new hires and current team members, consistently demonstrating professionalism, excellent office etiquette, and exceptional customer service while balancing a demanding workload and prioritizing urgent requests. She proactively communicates, takes ownership of her responsibilities, and ensures deadlines are met. She consistently goes above and beyond by showing patience, understanding, and a commitment to finding answers, even when they fall outside her normal job duties or experience. Her dedication, collaborative spirit, and willingness to support others make her an excellent example of the standards and values that make the City of Temple a great place to work.
Brent Vanicek Solid Waste
Brent consistently goes above and beyond in his role. He arrives early every day to ensure his team in the recycle warehouse has everything they need to complete the day's work efficiently. He also steps in to support other areas within Solid Waste whenever needed. Brent is a joy to work with and is always in a good mood, bringing a positive attitude that has a lasting impact on those around him. With his team being short-handed over the past several weeks, he has been right there in the warehouse working alongside them, helping wherever needed to keep operations running smoothly. His willingness to pitch in and lead by example is something I’m sure his team truly appreciates. He is always willing to answer questions and share his knowledge with others. He is constantly brainstorming better ideas and methods to help Solid Waste operate more efficiently. His dedication, teamwork, and positive attitude make him a valued member of the department. PAGE 22
Mike Johnson, Jr. Airport
Mike’s commitment to the success of the Airport is evident through his strong work ethic and consistent "can do" attitude. No matter the task at hand, he is always willing to step up and help wherever needed. He frequently goes above and beyond, and one example that stood out this quarter was his willingness to assist with weed control at the fuel farm. He took the initiative to help with a task outside of his direct responsibilities, and his support was greatly appreciated. His teamwork, dedication, and willingness to lend a hand make him a valuable member of the Airport team. His efforts are truly appreciated by both me and the entire Airport team.
Stephanie Miller
Housing & Community Services
Stephanie is deeply committed to serving low-tomoderate income households, especially elderly Temple residents. She consistently looks for innovative ways to assist citizens, even when their needs fall outside the services our program provides, by connecting them with available resources and support. Stephanie demonstrates honesty and accountability in every aspect of her work and is always willing to collaborate with local nonprofit agencies, volunteers, contractors, and other City departments to help meet the needs of the community. She ensures every program applicant, volunteer, and contractor is treated with care, respect, and compassion. What truly sets her apart is her dedication to the people she serves. Her relationships with clients do not end when the job is complete—she continues to check on them to ensure their needs have been met, and many clients speak highly of her compassion, commitment, and genuine care for their well-being.
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Detective James Griffith Police Detective Griffith is a dedicated law enforcement professional who values teamwork and working together to solve problems. He holds himself to the highest standards and is someone others want to work with because of his commitment to the mission of serving our community. He ensures his teammates know they are valued and never hesitates to go above and beyond to support them. He brings strong family values to the workplace and treats his teammates with the same care and respect. Every day, he checks in with his coworkers to ask if there is anything he can do to help with their casework and ensure the team’s mission is accomplished. He always makes time for others and is willing to step in wherever needed. His positive attitude and willingness to help make the workday more enjoyable for those around him. He is the teammate everyone wants on their team. His dedication, support, and commitment to others do not go unnoticed. He truly represents what it means to be a great teammate and a valued member of our organization. And of course, his teammates appreciate the extra kindness he brings to the workplace—including the cinnamon rolls that everyone looks forward to!
Heather Bales Police
Heather is always willing to step in wherever and whenever needed, whether assisting customers or supporting the department. She does so without hesitation and consistently demonstrates a willingness to help. One example this quarter was her willingness to volunteer to complete an unexpected fingerprint request when assistance was needed. Her flexibility, dependability, and commitment to serving others make her a valuable member of the team!
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Marquez Jones Parks and Recreation Marquez Jones consistently exemplifies our core values in his daily work. He brings a positive "yes, we can" attitude that makes him someone the team can depend on, regardless of the task at hand. His commitment is evident in his willingness to step up whenever needed, often going above and beyond his assigned responsibilities to help ensure work is completed efficiently and to a high standard. Marquez demonstrates innovation through his initiative and problem-solving mindset, focusing on solutions and adapting to meet the department's needs. His integrity is reflected in his strong work ethic, dependability, and pride in his responsibilities. He also shows accountability by taking ownership of tasks and following through, even when stepping into unfamiliar or additional responsibilities. His collaborative nature helps create a positive team environment where others feel supported and motivated. This quarter, Marquez demonstrated vision through his proactive response to a potential safety concern at one of our playgrounds. After receiving a report of fungus within the playground area, he quickly assessed the situation, correctly identified the issue, determined the appropriate treatment, and acted promptly to eradicate it. His swift response helped ensure the playground remained a safe and welcoming place for residents while reflecting the department's commitment to quality public spaces and responsive service. Marquez consistently goes above and beyond by not only completing his own work efficiently but also regularly assisting fellow technicians to keep operations running smoothly. His willingness to serve wherever needed, combined with his professionalism, humility, and positive attitude, makes him a valuable asset to the Parks department. He has demonstrated tremendous potential for future growth, and his character, initiative, and commitment to the team set him apart as someone with a bright future within the department.
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Kara Spencer Customer Care Kara exemplifies our core values through her strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to serving both residents and her team. She is always willing to step in, support coworkers, and take on challenges with a positive attitude. Her reliability, initiative, and dedication make her someone others trust and rely on. Kara has taken full ownership of the Brush and Bulk process, successfully managing a complex and highly visible program while balancing her regular responsibilities. She coordinates requests across departments, communicates with residents, follows up on issues, and ensures concerns are seen through to completion. When pickups do not go as planned, she takes ownership by working with the Brush and Bulk Foreman, Solid Waste staff, and residents to resolve issues whenever possible and provide quality service. Much of her work happens behind the scenes, but it has a significant impact on both our organization and the residents we serve. She quietly takes on whatever needs to be done, supports multiple departments, provides guidance to new team members, and helps keep a critical program running every day. Her attention to detail, positive attitude, and willingness to step in wherever needed have made her someone our team can consistently rely on. Kara’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and serving others makes her a valuable asset to the department. She is truly deserving of this recognition, and it is a privilege to work alongside someone so dedicated to the success of our team and the community we serve.
Want to nominate a fellow colleague to be one of next quarter’s shining stars?
HEY YOU, YEAH YOU... COMPLETE THE GAME AND SEND IT TO EMPCOMM@TEMPLETX.GOV AND WIN A PRIZE!
CLICK TO PLAY THE GAME!
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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTS
PERMITTED TO CELEBRATE! BY: JOHN MCGOWAN
Please join me in congratulating Lindsay, Patty, and Xochitl on successfully earning their ICC Permit Technician Certifications through the International Code Council (ICC). Lindsay recently earned her certification, and Patty and Xochitl successfully passed their exams last week. This is a significant professional accomplishment and reflects the time, effort, and dedication each of them has put into preparing for the exam, expanding their knowledge, and continuing their professional development. Earning an ICC certification requires a strong understanding of the permitting process, code administration, and the important role Permit Technicians play in supporting our customers, inspectors, plans examiners, and the overall development process. Their commitment to continued learning and professional growth is a great example of the dedication we value throughout our Building Services team. PAGE 27
I am especially proud to say that, for the first time, we now have three ICC Certified Permit Technicians on our team! This is a tremendous accomplishment for Lindsay, Patty, and Xochitl individually, and it represents an important milestone for our division as we continue to strengthen the knowledge and professionalism of our team. Congratulations again to Lindsay, Patty, and Xochitl on this well-earned achievement. Great work, team!
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POWERED BY PARKS: A SUMMER OF FUN, GROWTH & COMMUNITY BY: SUSAN KRAUSE
The City of Temple Parks and Recreation Department delivered on Parks and Rec Month 2026 with tons of activities like fitness in the parks, a fishing derby, a bubble walk, sports challenges and free pool entry. They came out for the COT Bring Your Kid to Work Day and they showed off the great things about Parks and Rec at the Play the Temple Way community event. July came in with a bang and was high octane all month. Staff from throughout the department came together to bring safe, fun and creative activities to the Temple community.
Aquatics: This year, Larry's Special Conductor's Day program grew immensely. Historically, the program has hosted an average of 50 patrons. This year, more than 150 participants have signed up for and attended each event! Annual staff seasonal feedback showed 95.5% of staff said they would recommend working for the Aquatics Team. The Aquatics team continues to maintain strong team morale and retains many staff from season to season. All this while continuing to improve the Aquatics facilities. This spring a new lifeguard training space was completed at Lions Junction as well as numerous repairs and upgrades, including plaster and tile in the LJ competition pool, slide repairs, new picnic tables at the outdoor facilities and new life jackets at all facilities. PAGE 29
Camps, camps and more camps. The Wilson Park Recreation Center staff coordinated fullday camps for school-age kids at TISD Raye Allen Elementary and BISD Charter Oak Elementary. Staff ran 10 weeks of camps that included science, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games and activities, special events, swimming and field trips. 295 kids were served throughout the summer. The Summit staff ran nine weeks of themed activity camps throughout the summer. Each week the kids had a new adventure from rock wall climbing to pickleball to water activities and swimming. The high-energy camps were engaging, fun and safe! Each session was full and 181 campers were served over the summer. The Sammons Community Center staff ran preschool camps for the first time this summer. The camps ran smoothly and were a big hit with area families. Most sessions were full. Especially popular was the Cowboy Camp. Word of mouth brought a full program and the cowboy games and cookout on the final day was a parent favorite.
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The Sammons staff have also successfully run their Cooking Club for an entire year. June 12 marked one year since the program began, and they have consistently had 8–15 participants in each class. Great instruction and fun recipes have kept participation and interest high throughout the year.
The SET Sail program (United States Naval Academy STEM Educator Training) was held July 20–23 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Recreation Division Director Susan Krause was invited to participate in the intensive four-day workshop alongside educators from across the country. With guidance from STEM and Naval Academy instructors, participants explored a variety of STEM topics through hands-on, project-based learning. Each activity demonstrated how concepts could be adapted for different age groups and delivered using a range of materials. Topics included acoustics, biofuels, cybersecurity, electricity and circuits, energy transformations, engineering design, hydraulics, robotics, structures, and more. The training provided Susan with new tools, activities, and teaching strategies to bring engaging STEM experiences to children participating in City of Temple Parks and Recreation programs. Beginning this month, she will work with the Wilson Homeschool staff to introduce science, technology, engineering, and math projects and activities on a weekly or monthly basis. The team also plans to explore opportunities to incorporate the STEM curriculum into after-school and summer camp programs soon. PAGE 31
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Scan the QR code, or visit the Employee Information Portal (templetx.gov/eip)
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE: STEPHANIE MILLER BY: BRANDON LAMAR
Shoutout to Stephanie Miller, Resource Coordinator in the Housing and Community Services Department for her dedication to improving the quality of life for Temple residents! Aside from assisting residents with various needs, Stephanie manages the City's Good Neighbor Program by connecting volunteers with residents who need a helping hand around the house — most often lawn care. Behind the scenes, Stephanie works tirelessly to make sure no request falls through the cracks. Her commitment, professionalism, and organization keep the program running smoothly and ensure that Temple residents get the support they deserve. Thank you, Stephanie, for your hard work and heart for our community — you truly embody what it means to be a good neighbor! PAGE 32
TEAM TEMPLE
WORKING FOR THE CITY! OPEN POSITIONS: FOREMAN II - PARKS Foreman II – Maintenance, under the general supervision of the Parks Division Director, oversees the daily maintenance and operational integrity of park facilities, including direct instruction to crewmembers, hands-on maintenance, and comprehensive personnel management.
SERVICE COORDINATOR The Service Coordinator facilitates communication between the public, utility crews, foremen, and managers to ensure citizen safety, environmental protection, and compliance with state and federal regulations. This position is in constant phone and radio contact with utility staff to order parts, secure equipment, and request utility locates before excavation begins. Additionally, this role plays a vital part in emergency response efforts.
SERVICE DELIVERY SUPPORT MANAGER Service Delivery Support Manager is responsible for the administrative oversight, management and direct supervision of the Utility Service Coordinators and day-to-day support for operations of the Distribution and Collection Divisions. This leadership role also coordinates workflow between the Distribution, Collection, Utility Billing Office, Purchasing, POD and other departments or agencies as needed.
PROJECT ENGINEER/PROJECT MANAGER Project Engineer, under the general supervision of the Division Director, organizes and manages public work capital improvement projects including water, wastewater, street, drainage, and rail. Reviews land development and improvements to public infrastructure, including water, sewer, streets, and drainage facilities.
VIEW ALL OPEN POSITIONS
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MEET OUR NEW HIRES: Jose Serna
Jason Race
Parks - Maintenance Technician - Pools
Project Inspector
Community Engagement Coordinator
Camron Bosarge
Lucreta Burkett
Resources Coordinator
Sean Hrabal
Parks - Maintenance Worker
Miles Davis
Jeffery O’Donnell
Tyrone Roberts
Raymundo Rodriguez Antione Smith
Daniel Carmichael
Arianna Chavez
Andrew Feagin
Pete Gonzales
Frontload - Maintenance Worker - Solid Waste Utility Technician Apprentice
Parks - Maintenance Worker
Probationary Police Officer
Probationary Police Officer
Thomas Wineland
Probationary Police Officer
Frontload - Maintenance Worker - Solid Waste
Chris Malcolm
Marissa Zuniga
Aircraft Rescue & Fueling Specialist I
Frontload - Maintenance Worker - Solid Waste
Solid Waste Driver - Residential
Probationary Police Officer
Probationary Police Officer
Deyzha Samuelu
Gadiel Santiago
Michael Trauffer
Probationary Police Officer
Probationary Police Officer
Nathaniel Woods
Brooklyn Winkler
Probationary Police Officer
Equipment Operator Apprentice - Str/Drn
Estevan Garcia
Probationary Police Officer
Planner
YEARS OF SERVICE: Joseph Davis (5)
Aaron Lewis-Hensen (5) Chris Runnels (5)
Recycling - Solid Waste Driver
Water Operator II
Joseph Sodergren (5) Carime Bell (15)
Technology Support Specialist II
Bradley Perrin (15)
Project Inspector
IT - Executive Support Coordinator
Police Sergeant
Jeff Ward (15)
Eric Wurts (15)
Cole Eason (20)
Golf Course General Manager
Fire Driver
Fire Captain
RETIREES: Kathy Davis (6)
David Utter (8)
City Attorney
Airport - Maintenance Technician
Katherine Atkins (29) Engineering - Administrative Assistant III
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AUGUST 2026
ISSUE NO. 38
THE INSIDE TRACK MONTHLY EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER
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