https://thorntonco.cvlcollections.org/files/original/700c5b27412849203f682ec9424f74f6.pdf 0e760f2a94e3e1a0d1829aeb823e3631 PDF Text Text I '(~iti eit!J ehattir . L . • t, . \' Vol. 6 No. 3 'THE VOICE OF THORNTON EMPLOYEES' March 312- 1977 MOUNTAIN STATES EMPLOYERS' COUNCIL ~ J The City has been accepted to membership in the Mountain States Employers' Council (MSEC). The Council is a non~profit association of more than six hundred Rocky Mountain Area companies, both large and small, representing a wide variety of industry and government. The owners and managers of these member companies share common interests in promoting good employee-employer relations. The MSEC staff serves members as a central source of national and regional information in five major areas: 1) Governmental Regulations. This department can provide training and assistance concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO requirements) and unemployment compensation. 2) Industrial Relations Research. This department offers services such as wage and salary surveys, employee benefits surveys and information on personnel policies and practices. 3) Management Development. Staff personnel of this department, and frequently outside authorities, aid members in the development of employees. A comprehensive program of courses, workshops and seminars are offered. The cost per hour for training is usually lower than members would spend to develop their own program or to send employees to other outside (and often profit-oriented) sources for training. 4) Personnel Services. This department works with the first three to provide assistance to members in establishing sound personnel policies, e.g . employee handbooks, performance appraisals, employee communications, job evaluations and wage and salary administration. The City's membership does not include the services of the fifth department, Labor Relations. This department provides service to those members with labor union agreements. We are looking forward to a very beneficial association with MSEC. Three of the City's first-line supervisors will begin a Supervisory Skills course in May. And, they should prove very helpful in our salary survey process this year. JoVonne * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *"* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ��FG, L SSDOIJLR. UTTD:E r.f PLACES WORLD Rli. ... ... ,1,- ~1o'A . l , ,1.;-c--- :)~~ ; I I • ., ~ ***************************************************************************** �t'G I :> EMPLOYEES' EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Over the past six months the level of activity and number of personnel has increased significantly in the basement area of the Thornton City Hall. This increase in activity has· generated a significant amount of additional secretarial duties and responsibilities for Sue Dean. Under these new and sometimes difficult circumstances, Sue has demonstrated a competence and willingness to handle whatever task she is assigned. She has constantly assisted her fellow employees and persons to whom she is responsible in every way she is able. Sue's attitude and working r~lationships are always most cordial and conducive to the.conduct of City business. Her competency and attitude have brought repeated commendations from fellow employees, City board members and the public alike. She has brightened the working environment for all persons who have come to know her. Therefore, we the undersigned, take special pleasure in nominating Mrs. Sue Dean for the Employees' Employee of the Month r April. QJ/:.,Sxl.1/fo.J/ ~ 11 rJ)l (/4 /J - - _- ,. ~ t - I •oL. f ,:j:.cU.-,4 L ~~N-!J·~~ (/~C~ ,B~G£~ L ~~--(° ~ , , ~ / a~<'Y ,~ C'NJ.Ki/JIORJ~ ;;t;~ Judk:, ~ 1~~.ed ~ I - . V ~ ✓ (/yC ✓ ~ l //;UL-( z;¥Z=-;;- ~' ~ _/ .· \,·/ -<---/ , ;1' 'A , U:¼.~ .,~"\c_____ ~~;<;/4~ ~Meno t Lv ? A LOT OF PEOPLE MISSED LIBBY'S FIRST FLIGHT DOWN HER FIRST SKI LET'S ALL PARTICIPATE MORE IN THE RECREATION DIVISION'S SLOPE. SKI FLINGS! ***********************************************************~*********** �PG, 4 SALARY SURVEY MEETING "\ The 1978 Salary Survey Committee had a planning meeting on Wednesday, March 16, at 2 P.M. We discussed everything in general, and some of the suggestions were: 1) Longevity pay for the employees who have reached the top step of their range; 2) Possibility of reviewing the cost of living index at midyear to see if we need an additional cost of living increase; 3) Possibility of having the reclassification of positions done by an outside consultant, etc. Just for your information, did you know that a new policy of the Personnel Department is to try to offer all open positions in-service before going outside the City? The next meeting, April 14, will be a discussion of benefits with our insurance consultant. All employees should submit any suggestions concerning benefits to their representatives before that date. Linda j/~y r,1977 !:Jnh:erscl Press Sy!"'dicc~ "This is my f,irst day. Do ,we g~t paid?'' *********************************************************************** EMPLOYEE PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM .., Attention all overweight, underweight and in general, out of shape employees. Beginning April 6 the Parks & Recreation Department will begin an Employee Physical Fitness Program. The program will be conducted at the Community Center each Wednesday during your lunch hour. As an extra added incentive to all of those who are overweight, the City Manager, Jim "Spare Tire" Perry, will be conducting a weight loss contest. The employee that loses a greater percent of ''fat to total starting weight" and his or her guest will be the guests of Mr. Perry and his wife for a complete night on the town, including dinner at one of Denver's finest restaurants. I am making arrangements with a local restaurant to have pre-ordered food at the Community Center on those workout days so you won't have to starve. Each employee will be given a specific program by the staff of the Recreation Center to accomplish their own goals. I contacted a local physician and he stated that if anyone has a history of heart problems or is over 40 years, they should first contact their own physician for his advice. Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their bodies. SHAPE UP!! *********************************************************************** �PG. 5 WISHING WON'T MAKE ITSO Obey Safety Rules CATASTROPHE IN SOCIAL SECURITY FORECAST The following article was printed in the Denver Post Thursday, March 17. It is one reason why cities like New Orleans and possibly Seattle have already withdrawn from Social Security and gone to a plan like PERA. If you have any input or opinions of any kind on this matter, John George would appreciate hearing from you. There will be no money left to pay Social Security benefits to anyone in America in a few years. "That's a fact. It means catastrophe. We aan avoid it only if people in power stop ignoring the truth and take action," says a former top executive in the Social Security Administration. Robert Myers of Philadelphia sounded the warning Wednesday in a Denver speech before an organizational meeting of the Rocky Mountain Pension Association at the Executive Tower Inn. Myers said money for Social Security payments to disabled workers will run out in mid-19?9 under the present setup. "Funds for pension payments to retired persons will be gone sometime between 1981 and 1984, depending on how many persons are employed in the months ahead," he said. · MYERS, WHO RESIGNED his Social Security post as chief actuary in 19?0 after 14 ye~rs, told the new Denver-based pension group that "a simple increase of one-half of 1 percent in payroll· taxes on Jan. 1, 19?8, plus a minor change in the law would create a surplus of Social Security money instead of a aat~strophe." Myers said the payroll tax increase for Social Security which goes into effect under present law next January "isn't enough." He added that proposals in Congress to tap the general fund to feed fast-depleting trust funds "wouldn't work." The upcoming tax increase will boost payroll deductions for employees to 6.05 percent from the current 5,85 percent. Myers said a tax of 6.35 percent on workers and employers is needed to ward off disaster. The only other needed change, he said, is to rewrite a provision in the law which increases maximum Social Security payments each year to new highs. A ceiling must be set, he said, "or people will be drawing, in years ahead, more in pension-retirement payments than they make in wages." MYERS SAID HE QUIT the Social Security Administration in 19?0 because "President Nixon-- a man I never talked to -- failed to aat on my warnings." Myers now is a sought-after lecturer to groups organized.to fight the thing he said years ago was coming by 1980. He also is a professor· of actuarial science at Temple University. The Rocky Mountain Pension Association is being organized as the result of a campaign by the First National Bank of Denver and its vice president-trust dipartment, Diak Allen, to create an organization of pension-plan professionals. *********************************************************************** �PG. 6 . ,.. WELCOME!! OATMEAL CHOCO-CHIP CAKE Let's meet some of our new employees! First of all, Eric Pahlke has come to us from the Village of Skokie, Illinois, as our new Public Works Director. Mr. Pahlke was born in Chicago January 24, 1946. He and his wife, Barbara, have made their home in Woodglenn, and incidentally, they are expecting their first little one in October. The Meter Division has a newcomer, LeRoy Aragon. Mr. Aragon started as a Meter Reader on February 22. He was previously employed as a security guard at the Midtown Hospital Association. He and his wife, Viola, with Christopher, age 7, and Tonya, age 16 months, live in the Kimberly Hills Mobile Home Park in Federal Heights. DeWitt Fristoe started work with us as a Parks Maintenance Specialist February 24. Mr. Fristoe was born in Quantico, Virginia, May 17, 1951. He met his wife, Amy, while obtaining his degree in botany at C.S.U. After she and a good friend of his broke up, DeWitt stepped in. Sound familiar? 'Ire Sanitation Division welcomes Richard Wynne to its crew as of February 15. Mr. Wynne was born November 24, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas. Richard has four children, Johnny, age 7,. Richard Allen, Jr., age 6, Brandy, age 4, and Melody, age 2. Mr. Wynne is divorced and makes his home in Northglenn. Let's give a warm welcome to Gary Klearman, our new Finance Officer. Mr. Klearman comes to us after two years as an Internal Auditor for Jefferson Canty Public Schools. Gary and his wife, Davey Ann,· are the proud parents of a daughter, Tillie, age 5, anda son, Jacob, age 3. · Let's give each of these new employees a warm welcome next time we see them. Linda Recently Tim Sandoval's wife made a delicious cake for Cel's birthday. After numerous requests for the recipe, here it is! Add 1 cup uncooked quick oatmeal to 1-3/4 cups boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes. Add 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar, 1 cup white sugar and 1 stick oleo. Stir all together until oleo melts. Add 2 extra large eggs and mix well. Add: 1-3/4 cups flour; 1 teaspoon soda; 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon cocoa. Add 1/2 of a 12 oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate bits. Stir. Pour mixture into greased and floured pan. Sprinkle rest of chocolate bits on top with 3/4 cup walnuts. Bake@ 350° for 40 minutes in 13 X 9 pan. ********************************** ****************~****************************************************** �PG, 7 BITS FROM PARKS & RECREATION All female employees and the wives of_ male employees are hereby invited to "play ball" with the Thornton Recreation Women's Slow-Pitch Softball League. All those interested, please contact Bonnie Henzie, extension 266. Names and/or team rosters are due by May 27. So, come on, "do it in Thornton" this summer! It's an Easter Extravaganza for all kids ten and under!!! An egg hunt, games and lots of fun will be provided by the Thornton Recreation Department on Saturday, April 9, from 10 A.M. to approximately 12 Noon. The "egg hunt" will be divided into three age groups: 4 and under; 5-7 and 8-10. The eggs will be scattere·d somewhere between the Recreation Center and City Park (depending on the age group). So, come on down! If you would be interested in helping hide eggs Saturday morning -please contact Pat Hayes, extension 265. P.S. And remember, just because our heads are shaped like eggs, doesn't mean we're cracked! Mark April 23 on your calendar! It is a day that will go down in history ... or should it be said that it will be a day for Colorado · history? It's a trip to Central City, Colorado, to pan for gola, explore the old mines, celebrate the day in a local saloon or browse through all the fantastically unique shops. Make it a family affair ..• or a day away for you and your wife. Whatever, the Recreation Department is bound for fun and adventure. Stay tuned for all the details! A brief reminder that "officially" the ski season is drawing to a close -- although the way the weather is in Colorado -- we could have snow in June! However, the last two scheduled ski flings sponsored by the Recreation Department are April 9 and April 23 at Keystone Ski Resort. Cost of $12~00 per adult and $8.00 per child covers lift ticket, transportation and refreshments on the bus. Lessons are available at all levels for those interested. Registration will be taken for the trips up until 6 P.M. the Thursday preceeding the trip. For further details, please call the Recreation Center, extension 265. *********************************************************************** *********************************************************************** �PG, 8 FOR SALE Used Kenmore dryer -- $25.00. Call Nancy, extension 275. Zenith 19" black & white TV; only six months old; excellent condition (only used for about a month); will sell for $125. Zenith AM-FM stereo radio and turntable; plus two speakers; only six months old; barely used; $150. Country Kitchen Dining Set; table, bench and two chairs; only six months old; original cost $320 -- will sell $125; excellent condition. Call Pat, extension 265. *********************************************************************** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! '; Several programs or projects of interest to all employees are somewhat in a "holding" pattern. (That's a nice way of saying that nothing is being done.) I see among our employees some very capable people, many 6f whom have expressed a desire to get involved in furthering our common interests. So, I'm asking them to express their desire to help in writing by completing the form below. Three employee task forces or committees are being organized which need members. Bob Kochevar (traffic engineer) has consented to head a task force investigating a credit union for City employees and Jay Simmons (Director of CCAC) has agreed to coordinate the review of employee suggestions. The training and safety task force will help organize a safe drivers' organization patterned after the "million mile" club for over-the-road operators. If there are additional projects or programs that you are interested in getting off the ground, please identify in the section "Other." This is only an indication of interest, not a binding commitment. JoVonne EMPLOYEE TASK FORCE INTEREST INVENTORY J ,.. I am interested in: Credit Union Employee Suggestions Equipment Training & Safety Organization Other (specify): Name: Telephone: *********************************************************************** �PG, 9 PERSONNEL RULES ON VACATION LEAVE We are expecting the binders for the Employee Handbook (already printed) any day now. In the meantime, I thought it advisable to point out the provisions of Section 13 of the Personnel ordinance regarding vacation leave so you can plan accordingly. The Personnel Rules provide that all employees may accumulate or carry forward to the next year a maximum of one half of vacation earned each calendar year. This in no way affects your balance of vacation leave as of January 1, 1977. However, for example, if you will earn 12 days vacation leave this year, you must use at least 6 days prior to January, 1978, and may carry forward a maximum of 6 days. So, plan your vacations as soon as possible with your supervisor so schedules can be arranged and everyone will have the opportunity to use vacation leave before December 31. JoVonne *********************************************************************** FOOLS don't believe in safety rules. FOOLS get hurt! *********************************************************************** CUTE LITTLE GAL No longer solvent and must sell 1972 GT6 Triumph hatchback; brown metallic and othe~ goodies; will consider selling for balance of loan. Contact her mother at extension 251or call Donna at 421-2815. I'M SPECIAL! Now I know I'm unique in the City. When I hear the receptionist say, "I'm sorry, her line is busy. Would you like to talk to her secretary?" - - I know my phone is going to ring. Doris Rohret *********************************************************************** �PG, BITS FROM UTILITIES 'II Barbara Taylor and family went to La~ Vegas for a few days of vacation. We have some changes of desks in the Utilities Office. Ruth Mccullah :is now on sales tax, which was held by Libby Leopard who is now training as cashier. Sherry Hart, formerly cashier, is on Ruth's desk taking care of delinquent bills. Bert Kaspar met her daughter, who was home from college for spring vacation, and they visited in Nebraska for a week. Nancy Vincent had her folks with her a few days before they moved to Sidney, Nebraska. Genevieve Pierce took a day of vacation the 25th and went to Yuma, Colorado, to visit her son Jerry and family. Ruth Mccullah was called to Minnesota by the illness of an aunt. 10 SPEED LIMIT 55 You ~n Jlth I•tf• " wnD IN u.s..&. t.NATIONAL SAflETT COUNCIL *********************************************************************** STATUS OF RECRUITMENT ,. Twenty-four positions are at various stages in the selection process. Among the positions announced in-service several appointments have been made; others are awaiting final interviews. Employees earning promotions so far are: Terry Jerman, former meter reader returning to treatment plant operator. (Terry holds a Class C license.) Walt Swank, also a meter reader, has been recommended for promotion to maintenance specialist in Utilities Maintenance. Charles Stanford, Mechanic II, promoted to City Garage Supervisor. (Appointment to the second position was still pending at press time.) Jerry Bender has been temporarily appointed to Treatment Plant Supervisor, effective April 1, 1977. Two new ordinance enforcement officers have been appointed from outside the City. They are Coaihem (Pat) Connell and Carol Leonard. Four police officers will be appointed before April 1 from a record-breaking eligibility list of 12 applicants. Positions expected to be filled within the next few weeks are: Administrative Assistant to the City Manager (165+ candidates, oral boards in progress); Personnel Assistant (approximately 150 applicants, 22 scheduled for oral boards Aprill); Mechanic II, Mechanic I and Maintenance Specialist in the City Garage; Chemist · (115 applicants, 9 oral board exams March 29, 1977), Plant Operator, Ditch Rider and Clerk III in the Water Supply Division; Police Captain, Mag Card Operators and Dispatchers in the Police Department. Be sure to congratulate those current employees being promoted and welcome new employees as you have an opportunity to meet them. JoVonne *********************************************************************** �PG, 11 HAPPY BIRTHDAY Don't forget to wish the following nice people "Happy Birthday!" Sandra Hedwall Bob Franssen Bob Dawson - Alan Frey - Charlie Long Bud Elliot - Jim Morrison Jim Hogan - Dale Holden Bob Messervy Lester Adams - - - - Public Safety Adm Fire - - - - - - Fire - - - - - - Maintenance - - - Police - - - - - Engineering & Insp Water Supply - - Police - - - - - Police - - - - - Meter Division - Streets - - - - - - - - - - - April April April April April April April April April April April 7 7 12 15 16 20 22 22 22 23 27 *********************************************************************** NEWS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Best of luck to former Captain Bill Fox, who recently left the City to start a boys' ranch in Southern California. Members of the Police Department would like to welcome the following new Police Officers: John Bevel who was formerly with the Golden Police Department; Gary Brightenburg who was formerly with Midtown Hospital Association; Coralle Covert who was formerly with the Federal Heights Police Department; new Police Cadet Steve Neumeyer, formerly a project assistant at Stearns Rodgers; new Ordinance Enforcement Officers: Pat Connel and Carol Leonard. We have been informed by the Personnel Office that four new Police Officers should be on board by the first of April. Per~dnnel will be ~ttending classes on officer survival conducted by the FBI. . On April 1, at 2 P.M., Officer Steven McClay will be graduating from the Regional Law Enforcement Academy. We would like to remind all the City employees that the Police Department has a ride-along program. The program was established to give citizens a chance to observe the police officer during his/her tour of duty. Because-most citizens will encounter a police officer only once or twice and usually for a minor situation, such as a traffic contact, the citizen participating in this program becomes aware of a number of activities the officer performs. On the other hand, due to the nature of his work, the officer interacts mostly with the small percentage of society in trouble and benefits from the ride-along program because he can talk with people he never meets. Through our ride-along program, and other projects, we are attempting to build a positive relationship with the citizens we protect and serve. The ride-along program is in effect seven days a week for the convenience of everyone interested. Participants are requested to wear appropriate dress; suits or sport clothing for men and dresses or pantsuits for women. A waiver of liability is required. If you wish to ride, just pick up a waiver of liability form from a police dispatcher and return the form to Captain Baldwin. *********************************************************************** �PG, HUNKS ..~' ., "' & CHUNKS FROM THE STREET DEPARTMENT I've hearda lcit of pros and cons about snow removal during the blizzard in March. Mr. Perry said, in the Sentinel, what a good job we did in that storm and right below it, we were told by some lady what a lousy job the snow crew of Thornton did. Well, you can't please all of the people all of the time, but for you people that have your doubts about the job that the Street, Sanitation and Parks Departments did, what would you have done if we weren't there day and night keeping those roads open? I think everyone that was out there day and night, risking their lives, should be proud of their work and deserve a lot more respect than they have gotten so far. There is one piece of equipment that was worth its weight in gold. That is the Unimog. Maybe some of you are wondering what a Unimog is, right? Well, it's a 94-hp Mercedes-Benz diesel engine, 8 speed, 4-wheel drive, differential lock on both axles, tractor; and let me tell you, there isn't any equipment in the City that does more jobs than the Unimog. Put the right Schmidt attachment on it, like a snowblower, and all these streets would be clear on the first night and the plow trucks could keep them open. A lot of cars were in the way and the snowplows couldn't get through even if we had a snowblower. Well, the Unimog can pull up to 200 tons, so a little Cad wouldn't be in the way for long. There was a little bad luck in the Gerbitz family a couple of weeks ago when Norman Gerbitz was wrestling in gym at school. It seems he fell wrong with another boy falling on top of him and he broke his collarbone. They have him in a brace and he is able to get around, slowly but surely. We hope you get better real fast, Norm. That's it from the Street Department for this month. * • f- 12 * * JUST A NOTE: I don't think you have to worry about· the ignorant "Zady in the Sentinel" too much. She is one of those one in a miZZion people who can never find anything to say anything good abaut, but can only find things to gripe about. I think that the majority of us reaZZy appreciated what aZZ of you in the Street, Sanitation, Parks, Police, Fire, etc., etc., Departments did for us during that storm. You are appreciated and aZZ I can say is -don't pay any attention to the "ladies in the Sentinel." P.S. Mayor Richter wrote what I felt was a beautiful letter of appreciation which was printed the foZZowing week in the Sentinel. If you missed it, you might take the time to Zook it up. It would be weZZ worth your while. Linda *********************************************************************** NEWSPAPERS Boy Scout Troop #292 is collecting newspapers. Please bundle your papers or place in a grocery sack and call Carl Stanley at 287-4770 for a pickup. Your efforts will be very much appreciated. Many people owe a large part of their success to the Internal Revenue Service. "The Old Philosopher" *********************************************************************** �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource City Chatter, the Voice of Thornton Employees Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain: <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/</a> Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1972-1982 Subject The topic of the resource Municipal officials and employees--Colorado--Thornton Newsletters Description An account of the resource Drafts and published volumes of City Chatter, a newsletter by and for city employees. It was published for roughly a decade from 1972 to 1982 and contains articles relating to local events, developments in city government, and other topics relevant to city employees. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Thornton, Colorado Type The nature or genre of the resource Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource City of Thornton Language A language of the resource eng Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context COTA-001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/</a> Title A name given to the resource City Chatter vol. 6 no. 3 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1977-03-31 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource City of Thornton Description An account of the resource Issue of the City Chatter, internal newsletter for City of Thornton employees Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. Thornton Subject The topic of the resource Municipal officials and employees Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context COTA-001-066 EAD Archive The Encoded Archival Description is a common standard used to describe collections of small pieces and to create hierarchical and structured finding aids. Arrangement Information on how the described materials have been subdivided into smaller units. C:\Users\amilliga\Digital Archive Items