TEAM TEMPLE
COMMUNITY CONNECT
LUNCHATTHE AIRPORT
UPCOMINGEVENTS:
March20-July10
TracksideCinema-TheSandlot SantaFePlaza•6PM
Vaquero:GenesisoftheTexasCowboyExhibit TempleRailroad&HeritageMuseum LunchattheAirportis returning!
MarkyourcalendarforMay27, 2026,andheadtoDraughonMillerCentralTexasRegional Airportforadayoffoodand fun!Stopbybetween11AMand 2PMtograbadeliciousmeal fromOliver'sBBQandenjoy excitingaviationactivities, including:
AirplaneRides(Availablefor purchaseattheeventthrough anexternalvendor–Ages5+ withadultsupervisionfor minors)
FlightSchoolInfo–Learn howtotaketotheskies!
AircraftTours–Getacloser lookatimpressiveplanes!
Indoorseatingisavailable,and thisfreeeventisopentothe public. Don’tmissthischanceto experiencetheairportlike neverbefore!
Wednesday,May27
11AM-2PM
Draughon-MillerAirport 77204AirportRd,Temple,TX
BurgersWithaBadge
RRHM|315WAvenueB•11AM-2PM Thursday|May28
Friday|May29
FirstFriday DowntownTemple•6PM
SummerReadingKickoffParty TemplePublicLibrary•9AM-11AM
Friday|June5
Saturday|June6
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pleasecontactevents@templetx.govifyouhaveanyadditionalquestions!
BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE
FriendlyReminder:UseYourFSAFunds!
The plan year ends on September 30, so be sure to use any remaining Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds before they expire. Don’t miss out on money you’ve already set aside schedule appointments, purchase eligible items, and make themostofyourbenefits!
P E O P L E O P E R A T I O N S
A TEMPLE GUIDE
CITY OF TEMPLE CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK
TheCityofTempleiscelebrating NationalTravelandTourismWeek, happeningMay3rdthroughMay9th,by recognizingthepowerfulimpacttourism hasonthelocaleconomy,small businesses,andqualityoflife.
Establishedin1983,theannual nationwidecelebrationhonorsthetravel industry’sroleindrivingeconomic opportunityandcreatingmeaningful connectionsacrosscommunities.
CITY OF TEMPLE NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES
TheCityofTempleispleasedto announcetheappointmentofRucker PrestonasthenewDirectorofHousing andCommunityServices.
Withmorethan18yearsofexperience servingCentralTexas,Ruckerbringsa strongbackgroundinnonprofit leadership,communityengagement, andhousingstabilityinitiatives.
A TEMPLE GUIDE
CITY OF TEMPLE TO HOST PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR AMENDMENTS TO CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
CITY OF TEMPLE REPORTS IMPROVED EFFICIENCY WITH BRUSH AND BULKY COLLECTION CHANGES
TheCityofTempleisinvitingresidentsto reviewandprovideinputonproposed amendmentstothe2025–2029 ConsolidatedPlanand2025-2026 AnnualActionPlan.Theamendedplans andapplicationmaterialswillbe availableforpublicreviewfor30days beginningSunday,April26,andthe reviewprocesswillalsoincludetwo publicmeetings.
TheCityofTempleisseeingstrong resultsfollowingitstransitiontoaoncea-monthbrushandonce-a-monthbulky itemcollectionsystembyrequest, implementedinAugust2025.
Theupdatedapproachallowsresidents toschedulecollectionwhenneeded, enablingSolidWastecrewstofocus serviceinactiveareasratherthan coveringeverystreetonafixedcycle.
U R C H A S I N G
Ifyouhaveaneedforpurchasingtraining, pleasereachouttoscheduleaone-on-one, group,ordepartmentaltrainingsession.We arehappytoaccommodateyourneeds!
Justaquickremindertohelpkeepourprocessesrunningsmoothlyandtoensurethat allpurchasesareproperlyapproved:
Anydocumentrequiringasignatureincludingcontracts,agreements,quotes,order forms,andsimilaritemsmustberoutedthroughthePurchasingDepartment.Submitthe documentandaContractRequestFormfoundontheEmployeeInformationPortal underPurchasing> PurchasingForms
OnlytheCityManagerorherdesigneesareauthorizedtosigndocumentsthatcommit Cityfunds Asageneralrule,pleasedonotsignanydocumentonbehalfoftheCityunlessyouhavebeengivenexplicitauthority.
Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasereachouttoyourdepartment’sBuyer:
Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorneedassistance,please contactthePurchasingDepartmentatx5655.
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
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.
MaySafetyTopic: ElectricalSafety
MayisElectricalSafetyMonth,makingitagreattimeforallCityof Templeemployees whetherworkinginthefieldorinanoffice to reviewbasicelectricalsafetypractices.Electricalhazardscanoccur anywhere,fromjobsitestoofficeworkspaces,andafewsimple precautionscanhelppreventinjuriesandequipmentdamage.
BasicElectricalSafetyTips
Inspectcordsandplugsbeforeuse.Donotuseequipmentwith frayedwiresordamagedplugs.
Avoidoverloadingoutletsorpowerstrips.Pluggingintoomany devicescancauseoverheatingandfirehazards.
Keepelectricityawayfromwater.Neverhandleelectrical equipmentwithwethandsornearstandingwater.
Useextensioncordsproperly.Theyshouldbetemporaryandnever rununderrugs,acrosswalkways,orthroughdoors. Reportelectricalissuesimmediatelysuchasflickeringlights, burningsmells,warmoutlets,orrepeatedlytrippingbreakers. Onlytrainedpersonnelshouldaccesselectricalpanelsorrepair electricalequipment.
SafetyReminder
Evencommonworkplaceitemslikecoffeemakers,printers,power strips,andchargerscanbecomehazardsifdamagedormisused.
Ifyounoticeanelectricalhazardinyourworkspaceorworkarea, stopusingtheequipmentandreportittoyoursupervisororFacilities immediately.
StaySafe!
Takingamomenttocheckcords,outlets,andequipmenthelpskeep everyCityofTempleemployeesafe—bothintheofficeandinthefield.
Yuumiisa3-year-oldtuxedocatwithabigpersonality andplentyofenergy.Ifoundherasakittentucked underneathmycartire,andshe’sbeenmybestfriend eversince.
EMPLOYEE PET OF THE MONTH: YUUMI
Rescuedby:VanessaHernandez-CustomerCareSpecialist
She’sdefinitelyspoiledandlovesfollowingmewhereverI go.Whetherit’scuddlingupforanaporsunbathingbythe window,Yuumialwayslikestobenearby.She’seasyto recognizebythelittlemustachemarkingonhernose.
Yuumihasamixofsassandaffectionthatmakesherfun tobearound,andshe’sbeenagreatadditiontomylife.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
ONE TEAM, ONE TEMPLE
2 026
E m p l o y e e A p p reci at i o n Pi c n i c
Celebrating
PROFESSIONALS ADMINISTRATIVE
AdministrativeProfessionalsDay2026wascelebratedonWednesday, April22,2026.Thisimportantdayisadaydedicatedtorecognizingthe crucialcontributionsofadministrativestaff,includingassistants, receptionists,andofficemanagers.
Wehonorofficemanagers,administrativeassistants,andsupportstaff fortheircriticalrolesinbusinessoperations.
Thankyoutoallofouramazingadministrativeprofessionals!
VariousCityteammemberscontinuedtheCustomerServiceSeries withtheOneTeam.OneTemple.session,focusedonstrengthening communication,accountability,teamwork,andcross-department collaborationtosupportexceptionalserviceacrosstheCity.
Throughinteractiveactivitiesandreal-worlddiscussions,employees exploredstrategiestoimprovecommunication,strengthen teamwork,enhancecustomerservice,andpromoteconsistencyin servingbothinternalandexternalcustomers.
Thesessionreinforcedtheimportanceoftrust,accountability,and collaborationincreatingapositivecustomerexperienceand deliveringserviceexcellenceasOneTempleteam.
SAVE THE DATE!
WEDNESDAY,JULY15THBRINGYOURKIDSTOWORKDAY
SUBMITREQUEST
DON’T MISS OUT ON RECOGNITION
AWARDCO
ThePeopleOperationsDepartmentisexcitedtosharethat AwardCo,ourrecognitionandrewardstool,isLIVE! ��
Logintodaytostartrecognizingyourteammatesand celebratingexcellenceacrossourorganization.Getstartedand learnmoreabouthowyoucanmakeadifferencethrough recognition.
Let’smake2026ayearfullofappreciationandconnection! ��
DAYFORCETEXTING
Don’tforgettologintoDayforceandupdate yourcellphonenumbertoreceiveimportant updatesthroughtexts!
SHOUTOUTS EMPLOYEE
TAKING FLIGHT WITH GARRETT
BY: NOHELY MACKOWIAK
AbigthankyoutoGarrettforleading aninformativeandhands-ondrone trainingsessionthisAprilforour team!
Wehadtheopportunitytolearnthe basicsofflyingadrone,alongwith importantsafetytipsandbest practices.
Garrett’sguidancemadethe experienceapproachableand engaging,helpingusbuild confidencewhileunderstandingthe do’sanddon’tsofdroneoperation.
Weappreciatethetimeandexpertise hesharedtohelpourteamcontinue learningandgrowing!Waytogo Garrett!
CELEBRATING JEN ZEHR’S PROMOTION TO YOUTH SERVICES AND OUTREACH SUPERVISOR
BY: KATIE STEWART
Ijustwantedtogiveahuge shout-outandcongratulations toJenZehrforherpromotionto YouthServicesandOutreach Supervisor!
Herempathyforstaffandthe community,aswellasher creativethinkingandthoughtful planning,makeherawonderful fitforthisposition,andweareso happytohaveher.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TEMPLE FIRE ACADEMY CLASS 16
CongratulationstoClass16oftheTempleFireAcademyon graduatingfromtheprogramthisApril!
Aftermonthsofintensetraining,hardwork,anddedication, thesegraduatessuccessfullycompletedtheacademyand demonstratedtheskillsandcommitmentittakestoservetheir community.Followingtheceremony,theclassparticipatedin nightburns,givingfriendsandfamilyafirsthandlookat everythingthey’veaccomplishedthroughouttheirtraining.
PleasejoinusincongratulatingNelsonBlack,KenyaBrown, CarsonFarley,ColbyFranklin,YanceyHyatt,JettJolly,Kaisjon Lopez,LaneLovicott,FloydMercer,BriannaO'Connell,Landon Orsag,CalebPatterson,JeremiahPena,CharlesPortor,James Ramsey,CreedWhitfill,KennedyWicks,andAlexander Zimmerman.
Manyofthesegraduatesarenowtakingthenextsteptoward becomingfirefighters,withseveralbeginningtheircareersright hereatTempleFire&Rescue.We’reproudofallthatClass16 hasachievedandlookforwardtoseeingtheimpacttheywill makeinthefuture.
BEHIND EVERY SMOOTH LAUNCH IS GREAT TEAMWORK: SHOUTOUT TO ZACH WRIGHT
BY: CLARYCE FREE
HugeshoutoutandthankyoutoZachWrightfortheincredible behind-the-scenesworkthathelpedbringaquaticsrentals onlinethisseason!
Withfivefacilitiesandawaterparkallopeningforreservations atthesametime(includingthewaterparknearlysellingout withonlythreespotsremainingwithinthefirst18minutes)this wasnosmallundertaking.Whilethecommunityexperienceda smoothandseamlessregistrationprocess,therewasan enormousamountofpreparation,troubleshooting,testing,and coordinationhappeningbehindthescenestomakethat possible.
ZachdedicatedcountlesshoursworkingwithVermontSystems toensureeveryaspectoftheprocessfunctionedcorrectlyand efficientlybeforelaunchday.Throughouttheproject,heworked closelyalongsideourAquaticsteamtoaddressconcerns, answerquestions,andnavigateadjustments,alwaysmaking surewefeltsupportedthroughouttheprocess.
Evenonregistrationopeningday,Zachremainedreadily availabletoassistinrealtimewithanythingthatcameup, helpingensureoperationscontinuedrunningsmoothlyas reservationsquicklypouredin.
Projectslikethistrulytakecollaborationacrossdepartments, andZach’sdedication,patience,responsiveness,and willingnesstohelpplayedamajorroleinmakingthistransition successfulforbothstaffandthecommunity.Weappreciateall thehardworkandcareyouputintomakingthislaunchsucha success!
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE: JAMES MARTIN
BY: SGT. T. WOLFF
ShoutouttoAnimalControlOfficerJamesMartinforhis outstandingdedication,professionalism,andcommitmentto servingtheCityofTemple!
Jamesconsistentlygoesaboveandbeyondineveryaspectof hisrole,demonstratinganexceptionalworkethic,reliability,and positiveattitude.Whetherassistingfellowofficers,supporting otherdepartments,orsteppinginduringearlymorningsearch warrants,Jamesapproacheseverytaskwithenthusiasmanda willingnesstohelpwhereverneeded.
Knownforbeingatrueteamplayer,Jamesworksseamlessly withcolleaguesacrossdivisionsanddepartments.Hefrequently worksoutsideofregularhourswithouthesitation,always showingupwithasmileandreadytoserve.Hisawarenessin thefield,strongcommunication,andthoroughfollow-through makehimaninvaluableassettothedepartmentandsomeone otherscanalwayscounton.
James’dedicationandcontributionscontinuetomakea meaningfulimpactondailyoperationsandthecommunitywe serve.Thankyouforyourhardworkandforrepresentingthe CityofTemplewithexcellenceeveryday.Congratulationson beingrecognizedasadeservingcandidateforAnimalControl OfficeroftheYear!
CHIEF COY BROWN OFFICIALLY TAKES OATH OF OFFICE
CongratulationstoChiefCoyBrownonofficiallytakingtheOath ofOfficeonMay7thastheChiefofPolicefortheTemplePolice DepartmentduringtheTempleCityCouncilmeeting!
ChiefBrownbringsyearsofleadership,experience,and dedicationtobothlawenforcementandtheTemplecommunity. Hiscommitmenttoserviceandvisionforthefuturemakethisan excitingnewchapterforthedepartment.
WelookforwardtothecontinuedsuccessoftheTemplePolice Departmentunderhisleadershipastheteamcontinuesitsmission ofprotecting,serving,andpartneringwiththecommunity.
Congratulations,ChiefBrown!
CONGRATULATIONS, AUSTIN!
BY: BELINDA MATTKE
CongratulationstoAustinMaxwellon hispromotionfromConstruction ServicesDivisionDirectortoAssistant DirectorofGeneralServices!
Inthisnewlycreatedrole,Austinwill providefocusedleadershiptoboth FacilityServicesandConstruction Services.Hisstrongcommitmentto theCity,alongwithhisexperience, insight,andleadership,makehiman outstandingfitforthisexpanded position.
Austin’sexpertisewillcontinueto strengthentheCity’sabilitytodeliver high-quality,responsiveservices acrossfacilitiesandconstruction projects.Weareexcitedtoseethe positiveimpacthewillmakeinthis newrole.
PleasejoinusincongratulatingAustin onthiswell-deservedpromotion! HappyPoliceAppreciationweektoOfficerParker! Wetrulyappreciateallthatyoudotohelpkeepourcommunitysafewhile representingthedepartmentwithintegrityandcompassion.
TheMunicipalCourtwouldliketorecognizeyouandthankyouforyourhard work,positiveattitude,service,sacrifice,andcontinuedsupportofthe citizensofTemple. ☺
TABITHA TORRES
BIG IDEAS, BIGGER IMPACT
BY: HEATHER BATES
IwanttogiveashoutouttoAmbrie Dunn,theCommunications& DestinationServicesDepartment’s newMarketing&DigitalMedia Manager!Whileshe’sonlybeeninthe positionforafewweeks,she’sbeen partofourorganizationforafew years,andhercreativity,positivity,and dedicationcontinuetoelevateour teameveryday.
Sheconsistentlygoesaboveand beyond,bringingfreshideas, thoughtfulstrategy,andagenuine curiositytobetterunderstandthework happeningacrossdepartmentsso communicationsaremeaningful, informed,andeffective.Whethershe’s bootsonthegroundorfinding creativewaystotellourstory,she approacheseveryprojectwith enthusiasm,intentionality,anda strongcommitmenttoservingboth ourorganizationandourcommunity.
Ialsowanttohighlightthat recentlyshedevelopedtheidea torecognizePublicWorks employeeswithmarketing awardsduringthePublicWorks WeekLuncheon,whichwasa creativeandthoughtfulwayto celebratetheincrediblework happeningacrossour organization.Sheistruly dedicatedtoourorganizationand herteamandispassionateabout theworktheCitydoes.
Herhardwork,collaborativespirit, andcommitmenttoexcellencedo notgounnoticed,andwe’re incrediblyluckytohaveheron TeamTemple!
CLEARED FOR RETIREMENT: DAVE UTTER
BY: ALICIA CARRILLO
CongratulationstoDaveonhis retirementandthankyoufor8years ofdedicatedservicetotheCityof Temple!
Duringthelast3½yearswiththe Airport,Davehasbeenaninvaluable partoftheAirportfamilyafterjoining fromTransformTemple.Knownforhis reliability,positiveattitude,and willingnesstoalwaysgoaboveand beyond,Davehasplayedahugerole inkeepingtheAirportgroundslooking beautifulandwelcoming.
Hishardworkanddedicationhavenotgoneunnoticed,andhispresencewill certainlybemissed.Thankyou,Dave,foreverythingyou’vecontributedover theyears.Wishingyouahappyandwell-deservedretirement!
A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD: CONGRATULATIONS,
SARAH!
BY: SENNETT FARIAS
CongratulationstoSarahon graduatingfromLeadership Temple!
I'msoproudofSarahforcompleting theTempleChamber'sLeadership Templeprogram. Sarahhasshown throughoutthisprogramwhatwe alreadyknew:sheisadedicated, passionateleaderwhogenuinely caresaboutthiscommunity.Her impactonTempleisreal,andit's onlygoingtogrow.Here'stothenext chapter,Sarahwecan'twaittosee whatyoudowithit!
A MAJOR MILESTONE: ROSS CREWS ATTAINS
CERTIFIED BUILDING OFFICIAL STATUS
BY: JOHN MCGOWAN
IwantedtotakeamomenttorecognizeandcongratulateRossCrews,CBO, onasignificantprofessionalachievement—successfullypassingallthree partsoftheCertifiedBuildingOfficialcertificationthroughtheInternational CodeCouncil.
Thiscertificationrepresentsthehighestlevelofrecognitionofferedbythe ICCandreflectsadeep,comprehensiveunderstandingofthebuildingsafety profession.Theexamprocessisrigorousandcoversawiderangeof disciplines,includingbuilding,fire,electrical,andenergycodes,aswellas criticalareassuchaslegalaspectsofcodeadministration,governmental processes,anddepartmentmanagement,budgeting,andhumanresources.
Thisdesignationisrelativelyrareandistypicallyheldbyseniorleaders responsibleforoverseeingbuildingdepartmentsacrossthestate.It representsasmallpercentageofprofessionalswithinthecodeenforcement fieldandiswidelyrecognizedasabenchmarkofleadershipandexpertise.
Rosshasdedicatedseveralmonthsoffocusedefforttoprepareforand completethiscertification,demonstratingnotonlyhistechnicalexpertisebut alsohiscommitmenttoleadershipandprofessionalgrowthwithinourfield.
PleasejoinmeincongratulatingRossonthisoutstandingaccomplishment.
THE CITY!
TEAM TEMPLE
OPENPOSITIONS:
PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL - DISTRICT SERVICES
TheParkingEnforcementOfficial,underthegeneralsupervisionofthe Manager,monitorsdesignatedparkingrouteandissuescitations;provides qualitycustomerserviceinpersonandbyphone.Thisrolealsoassiststhe frontofficestaffduringinclementweatherandshortstaffed
COMBINATION BUILDING INSPECTOR I
CombinationBuildingInspector,underthegeneralsupervisionoftheChief BuildingOfficial,ensurescodeandzoningcompliancethroughinspectionsof commercialandresidentialconstruction Responsibilitiesincludeplanreview, documentation,codeguidance,complaintinvestigation,noticeissuance, agencycollaboration,codeimprovementsuggestions,emergencysupport, andteamwork
AIRCRAFT RESCUE & FUELING SPECIALIST I - AIRPORT
AircraftRescue&FuelSpecialistI,underthegeneralsupervisionofthe Supervisor,performsavarietyofARFF,fireprevention,andaircraftservice andfuelingthatincludesARFFresponses,emergencymedicalsupport, airportoperationsandlineserviceduties.
RESOURCE COORDINATOR - HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES
ResourceCoordinator,underthegeneralsupervisionoftheManager, improvesresidentqualityoflifeandpreserveshousingstock.Throughintake andHousingQualityStandards(HQS)inspections,theroleassistslow-tomoderateincomeanddisabledcitizensviatheHousingImprovement Programandexternalreferrals.Responsibilitiesincludeimplementing neighborhoodplans,coordinatinglocalprojects,andbuildingpartnerships withsupportagenciesforthebenefitofthecommunity
MEETOURNEWHIRES:
BrianDanis
ServiceDeliveryManager
UtilityTechnicianApprentice WilliamBarabas
MontoPresidentJR
MaintenanceWorker-Streets
YEARSOFSERVICE:
JenniferHenager(5) Firefighter
EmergencyManagement DivisionDirector
JonathanBlair(10) Firefighter
SimeonCrow(10)
StuartLaperouse(10) Firefighter
DerekRoper(10)
JamesTatum(10)
Firefighter
RoberLeijaJR(10)
MaintenanceWorker
DominicGarcia(10)
Firefighter
JoelOrtega(15)
WaterOperatorII
MichaelTerpstra(25)
PoliceOfficer
RETIREES:
CherylMaxwell(5)
PlanningManager
PeggyNaugle(10)
PoliceRecordsSpecialist
KendallTroyer(10)
FireDriver
JamesRoberts(25)
PoliceSergeant
RogelioValdez(10)
UtilityCrewLeaderII
SennettFarias(15)
DestinationMarketing Coordinator
TomWolff(25)
PoliceSergeant
THE INSIDE TRACK
