April 2009 - Posts

• County Considers Measures To Deal with Swine Flu Situation

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I    (El Paso, TX)  Monday, April 27, 2009 -- The El Paso County Judge Anthony Cobos and members of commissioners court held an emergency meeting with local and state health officials to address the current situation of the Swine Influenza in the U.S. and Mexico. During the meeting the court was informed about the plan of action to respond to a local emergency and instructed the purchasing agent to purchase hand sanitizer for those county employees who interact heavily with the public. The court also addressed worst-case scenarios in an effort to prepare for a local emergency related to the Swine Flu. El Paso County commissioners court also decided to continue close communications wit local, state and federal officials to be ahead of this health issue. According to health officials there are 4 suspected swine flu cases in Juarez; therefore the court emphasizes to the public to be alert and take precautionary measures to avoid being a victim of this disease. Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. According to the city of El Paso Department of Public Health, Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu to occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses has been documented. Symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu and include: Fever Lack of energy Lack of appetite Coughing Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Public Health authorities are encouraging the community to follow three basic steps regarding hygiene for respiratory illness: Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow/sleeve or a tissue, then throw the tissue away. Wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use alcohol based hand sanitizers if you are not near soap and water. Stay home from work of school if you are sick. For more information the public may call (888)777-5320 or visit the following websites for information in both English and Spanish: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/swine_espanol.htm   (CC04-09-034) Posted Apr 27 2009, 06:35 PM by alazcano with no comments Filed under: flu, emergency plan, Swine Flu, symptoms

• NEWS ADVISORY - Holiday Schedule Saves Money and Boosts Morale

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I        Yearly Holiday Schedule Helps County to Save Money, Boosts Morale and Is In Line with Other Agencies   (El Paso, TX) Tuesday, April 21, 2009 -- The current holiday schedule adopted by the members of commissioners court helps the county of El Paso to save up to $52,000 in utilities costs a year.  On Monday, September 29, 2008, the members of Commissioners Court adopted the 15-day holiday scheduled in an effort to improve employee’s morale, efficiency and productivity.  Compared to their colleagues in other branches of government, -including the federal-, county employees have fewer employment benefits. Therefore, the observance of the holidays translates to employees as an added compensation and a direct saving to the tax payers.   Federal employees begin with a 13 day vacation and 13 sick days, meanwhile county employees start with a 10 day vacation and 10 sick days.  Additionally, county employees do not have personal days off or tuition reimbursements. Only law enforcement employees are eligible for such programs.  Moreover after 15 years of employment, federal employees accumulate 26 vacation days, compared to only 20 days for county employees and sick leave is not counted in their retirement calculations.  Currently, there are only 4 remaining holidays to observe in the county of El Paso for the remainder of the fiscal year.  The complete list is as follows:  Tuesday, November 11, 2008 Veterans Day Thursday, November 27, 2008 Thanksgiving Day Friday, November 28, 2008 Day after Thanksgiving Wednesday, December 24, 2008 Christmas Eve Thursday, December 25, 2008 Christmas Day Friday, December 26, 2008 Day after Christmas  Wednesday, December 31, 2008 New Year's Eve  Thursday, January 1, 2009 New Year's Day  Friday, January 2, 2009 Day after New Years  Monday, January 19, 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Day  Monday, February 16, 2009 President's Day  Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Cesar Chavez Day  Friday, April 10, 2009 Good Friday  Monday, May 25, 2009 Memorial Day  Friday, June 19, 2009 Juneteenth Friday, July 3, 2009 Independence Day Monday, September 7, 2009 Labor Day   Posted Apr 21 2009, 06:00 PM by alazcano with no comments

• County Approves Hiring Freeze - Commissioner Court Highlights for Monday, April 20, 2009

  County Approves Hiring Freeze       --Internal promotions and transfers also halted-- (El Paso, TX)   Monday, April 20, 2009 -- El Paso County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a hiring freeze that will save close to $600,000 through the end of the remainder of this fiscal year.  The measure was adopted after a recommendation made by the county auditor’s office in an effort to make up for a projected $6 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year.  Besides the hiring freeze, the members of Commissioners Court also halted all internal governmental promotions and transfers that represent an immediate budgetary impact. The motion to freeze hiring, internal transfers or promotions was made by County Commissioner Pct. 4 Daniel R. Haggerty and seconded by County Judge Anthony Cobos.  The hiring freeze applies to 88 vacancies the county has now and the only jobs that will be filled are those that have already been offered.  In addition to the freeze, County Commissioners are still asking department heads to minimize their expenditures and reduce their annual budgets by 2 percent for the remainder of the fiscal year and prepare an additional 1 percent reduction for year 2010.  The El Paso County Budget and Financial Manager, Wallace Hardgrove, reiterated to the members of the court that the $596,914.63 in today’s savings is exclusive of the budget cuts and expenditures department heads were required to come up with for the rest of the fiscal year.  Last week, the county auditor’s office also required department heads to prepare an additional 1 percent in budget cuts for the 2010 fiscal year.   Court Approves Amendments to The Ethics Commission Legislative Bill  After reviewing and considering the County Judge’s proposed amendments to the Ethics Commission Legislative Bill the members of the commissioner’s court agreed to approve several revisions that provide adequate dissemination of institutional knowledge relative to the grievance and mediation process. Additionally, it will help to mitigate undue influence by the political nature of the appointments in the current and proposed structures; and expand eligibility to include all taxpayers. The Ethics Commission Bill is being considered by the Texas Legislature. Amongst the amendments approved today are: Composition - Ten (10) members Five (5) one appointed by each Commissioner (currently Gandara, Perez, Cobos, Escobar, Haggerty); and Five (5) appointed by or nominated by select agencies approved by Commissioners’ Court (Civil Service Commission, El Paso Bar Association, Sheriff’s Civil Service Commission, Dispute Resolution Center-Council of Governments, El Paso Society of Human Resources Management. Terms – Renewable two year terms running from Feb. 1 to Jan. 31 to ensure adequate representation of newly elected commissioners. Initial appointments will be for a period of one year.  Chair – Alternates between political appointees and community appointees every six months; rotates until all appointees have served as chair. The member who serves as chair would vote to break a tie.  2. Ethics Code:The Ethics Code shall contain a prohibition that bars committee members from discussing cases with their respective appointers until the cases have been adjudicated.Moreover, the Code shall follow the Rules of Civil Procedure and must not interfere with any pending criminal investigations.    3. Office of Ethics Commission – Hearing Officer, Committee Hearing Officer Qualifications – Hearing officer hired by the Commission must have a legal background as practicing attorney or former judge.   Standing Hearing Committee: Composition - Three (3) members -One paid staff selected by the committee as a whole;-One member from the political appointees selected by lot; and -One member from the community participants selected by lot.Commission members will rotate every six (6) months and alternate with other members to ensure no inappropriate entrenchment.    The age eligibility requirement will return to the court for further discussion next Monday.   Posted Apr 20 2009, 04:50 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Kids Fishing Tournament

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I                   -Ascarate is the only open fishing lake in the area-  (El Paso, TX) - The El Paso County Park and the Golf and Aquatics Department, in cooperation with the Ascarate Fishing Club and sponsoring organizations, will be hosting a Kids Fishing Tournament on Saturday, April 18, 2009.  Local fishing pros and game wardens will be on hand to teach knowledge and skills in types of bait, fishing rules and techniques. The purpose of the event is to provide young anglers and their families with lots of opportunities to learn how to fish and enjoy the sport.   Families are cordially invited to enjoy the day's activities; including fishing clinics and live demonstrations.  Registration begins from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the tournament will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon.  The Ascarate Fishing Club will provide fishing poles or baits free of charge (while supplies last).  Free Barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs and refreshments from Rudy’s restaurant will be served to all registered children up to 16 yrs old, while supplies last!   The first 500 registered participants will also receive a t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories: 3-6 Years Old, 7-12 Years Old and 13-16 Years Old.  Young anglers can catch trout, channel cat fish, black bass, white bass, crappie, blue gill, carp, large mouth bass, sun perch, shad and minnows.  For additional information please contact Rey Chavez at (915) 772-5605 or Harold Stearns at (915) 588-2363     IN BRIEF:  WHO:                    Children ages 3 - 16 (must be accompanied by adult).  WHEN:                  Saturday, April 18, 2009 - 8:00 to 12 Noon                                                         Registration: 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. WHERE:                Ascarate Lake, 6800 Delta Drive, El Paso, TX 79905  Equipment:         YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN  Lunch:                  FREE food and refreshments Cost:                     FREE, However, $1 per vehicle is charged at the Park      Fishing license:   No license required for children 16 and younger      (P.R.CC0409-031)   Posted Apr 16 2009, 10:49 AM by alazcano with no comments

• NEWS ADVISORY: Fundraising Event McFun Night 2009 to be held on April 16

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I                       County Officials Taking Orders for a Good Cause (El Paso, TX) -- The McFun Night 2009, to benefit children in foster care enrolled with the Child Welfare League, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 at the McDonald's Restaurant in 4545 Transmountain Dr. The event is open to everyone, come and join us as your county officials will be ready to take your order to include your favorite items on the menu. Amongst the participating officials, we will be joined by County Commissioner Pct. 4, Daniel Haggerty, 65th District Judge, Yahara Liza Gutierrez and Sheriff Richard Wiles. The event is not only a chance to meet your county elected officials but it is an invitation for the community to support this unique program. Each year the Child Welfare League supports the immediate needs of abused and neglected children in the county and the program is dependent on the contributions and support of the community and its volunteers. For additional information please contact Bea Huml at 546-2136   (CC0409-030)   Posted Apr 14 2009, 05:12 PM by alazcano with no comments

• EL PASO COUNTY SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I      (El Paso, TX) --El Paso County Commissioners Court members are seeking for qualified individuals who are interested in volunteering as members of the Children's Hospital Board of Directors. Interested members of our community must submit their resumes to the nomination committee no later than Friday, May 15th, 2009. On March 9, 2009, County Commissioners Anna Perez and Veronica Escobar were tasked by the court to be part of the nomination committee to review the resumes of the interested parties; Commissioner Escobar will chair the committee. El Paso County is one of 8 institutions that can submit nominees to the Children's Hospital Board of Directors for consideration for appointment.  The County has two seats on the 11-member governing board and can submit up to six names.  El Paso County is now accepting names and will make the nominations to the Children's Hospital no later than the end of May.  To submit a resume please fill out the board application posted at the following link: http://www.elpasochildrenshospital.org For additional information please contact: County Commissioner Pct. 2, Veronica Escobar at 546-2111 County Commissioner Pct. 1, Anna Perez at 546-2014                                                                                                                                                                                         CONDADO DE EL PASO BUSCA CANDIDATOS PARA INTEGRAR MESA DIRECTIVA   (El Paso, TX) - Los integrantes de la corte de comisionados del condado de El Paso continúan la búsqueda de personas interesadas en participar de forma voluntaria en la mesa directiva del recién creado Hospital Infantil. Las personas interesadas deben de entregar su resume al comité de nominación antes del 15 de mayo del 2009.  El pasado 9 de marzo las Comisionadas Anna Perez y Verónica Escobar fueron instruidas por el resto de los integrantes de la corte para ser parte del comité de evaluación de posibles candidatos. La comisionada Escobar preside dicho comité. El Condado de El Paso es una de 8 instituciones de la localidad que puede nominar candidatos a integrar la mesa directiva del Hospital Infantil. El condado tiene dos de 11 lugares disponibles en la mesa directiva del hospital infantil y puede recomendar la participación de hasta seis nominados. Las personas interesadas en conocer el criterio de calificación y en ser parte de esta mesa directiva deben de llenar una solicitud de participación y  se puede obtener visitando la página de Internet http://www.elpasochildrenshospital.org El comité de selección dará a conocer su elección final de candidatos a recomendar antes de finalizar el mes de mayo. Para información adicional  favor de contactar a: Comisionada del Condado por el segundo distrito, Veronica Escobar al 546-2111 Comisionada del Condado por el primer distrito, Anna Perez  al 546-2014                                                                                                                                                                                                         Posted Apr 14 2009, 12:09 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Commissioners Court Meeting Highlights for Monday, April 13, 2009

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Monday, April 13, 2009  Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I    The County of El Paso Commissioners Court met in work session on Monday, April 13 at 9:30 a.m. and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:   Court Questions Cost of Sports Park Revitalization In a 5 to 0 vote, court members agreed to allow County Commissioner Pct. 1, Anna Perez, to request Big League Dreams officials to deliver -within a month- a detailed report of the estimated costs for revitalizing the Sports Park. In 2007, it was estimated that the cost of invigorating the Sports Park would cost $9.7 million; however during a public meeting held in September of last year, park officials stated that the estimated costs to operate and revamp the 40 acre park of fields had gone up to $15 million. The Sports Park is located within Commissioner Perez precinct. County Commissioners also approved to extend the current contract for six more months with the Los Angeles based company. The contract extension will provide Big League Dreams the opportunity to continue future negotiations with county officials.   El Paso County Seeking Candidates for Board of Directors El Paso County Commissioners Court members are seeking for qualified individuals who are interested in volunteering as members of the Children's Hospital Board of Directors. Interested members of our community must submit their resumes to the nomination committee no later than Friday, May 15th, 2009. On March 9, 2009, County Commissioners Anna Perez and Veronica Escobar were tasked by the court to be part of the nomination committee to review the resumes of the interested parties; Commissioner Escobar will chair the committee. El Paso County is one of 8 institutions that can submit nominees to the Children's Hospital Board of Directors for consideration for appointment.  The County has two seats on the 11-member governing board and can submit up to six names.  El Paso County is now accepting names and will make the nominations to the Children's Hospital no later than the end of May.  To submit a resume please fill out the board application posted at the following link: http://www.elpasochildrenshospital.org     El Paso County to apply for Federal Grant Money will help to improve the Sheriff's Office Patrolling Services The El Paso County Sheriff, Richard Wiles, was granted authorization by the members of Commissioners Court to send a request to the federal government and apply for over $5.2 million in stimulus money, aimed to improve policing services provided to county residents. The funding is part of the COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) of 2009 by the Obama Administration. If approved, the federal grant will provide direct funding to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire career law enforcement officers in an effort to create and preserve jobs, and to increase their community law enforcement capacity and crime-prevention efforts. County Identifies Projects to Improve Roads under the Federal Transportation Reauthorization Bill   The members of Commissioners Court identified several projects to be considered under the Federal Transportation Reauthorization Bill that will help alleviate traffic problems in county roads. Among the identified priority projects are: the construction of the Border Highway extension from Loop 375 to Herring Rd, the expansions from 4 to 6 lanes of the Eastlake Boulevard and Rojas Avenue, and the 2-line addition to Darrington Road.                                                            Court Confirms Appoinment Commissioners Court confirmed the appointment of Janet Aguilar as a member of the board of managers of the University Medical Center of El Paso. County Commissioner Pct. 1, Anna Perez, made her selection after careful consideration of her background experience. The new board appointee has over 38 years of experience in the insurance businesses and has served in several boards. Ms. Aguilar is the Vice-President of Wells Fargo Insurance Service in Texas and currently serves as chair-elect to the Executive Board of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.   (CC040928)    Posted Apr 13 2009, 05:24 PM by alazcano with no comments

• OFFICES CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I    Tuesday, April 7, 2009 - El Paso, TX - All El Paso County offices and the County Courthouse will be closed on Friday, April 10, 2009 in observance of Good Friday. All County offices and the Courthouse will resume normal operating hours on Monday, April 13, 2009. Emergency services are never affected by office closures. However, administrative offices of the Sheriff's office will also be closed on Friday, April 10th and resume normal operating hours on Monday, April 13th. Residents in need of emergency assistance must call 911. El Paso County parks, including the Ascarate Golf Course and the Lighted Driving Range, will be open for the enjoyment of area residents. The county Parks and Recreation Department reminds residents wanting to celebrate Easter Sunday at Ascarate park to arrive early, have plenty of liquids and wear appropriate sun block. Family pets are allowed in county parks with leash. For additional information please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 772-5605   (CC-04-09-028) Posted Apr 07 2009, 02:54 PM by alazcano with no comments Filed under: County Holidays, Good Friday, Hours of Operation, regular schedule

• Commissioners Court Highlights for Monday, April 6, 2009

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Monday, April 06, 2009  Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I  County Finances in Good Shape During today's meeting, the county auditor Edward Dion provided a financial update to the members of the Commissioners Court. Although Mr. Dion told the commissioners that the county finances are in good shape, he added that the county must be conservative as it moves forward. The county auditor's stated that he predicts there will be less revenue for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.  April is recognized as the Child Abuse Prevention Month                                                                                                                      Several representatives of social service agencies devoted to prevent abuse and neglect among children came before the court to encourage the community to prevent child abuse. A resolution sponsored by County Commissioner Pct.3, Willie Gandara Jr., was adopted unanimously. The resolution states that preventing child abuse and neglect is everybody's responsibility and finding solutions is contingent upon involvement among people through the community. Additionally, the commissioners were informed that during the fiscal year ‘08 over 2,300 child abuse cases were confirmed by local authorities.                  County Agrees to Support Shared Services El Paso County Commissioners court agreed to support the goals identified during the first annual Shared Services Summit held on November 12, 2008 and added efficiencies that will save county government resources. The resolution sponsored by County Commissioner Pct 2, Veronica Escobar, and seconded by the County Judge, Anthony Cobos, was adopted unanimously. The resolution focuses on close collaboration of several local taxing entities with the county's Purchasing, Facilities Management and Information Technology Departments. Among their goals are: PURCHASING   Short-Term Goals Identify and move on creating purchasing agreements among entities around necessary items that can easily be bought in bulk Long-Term Goals Develop an El Paso Purchasing Alliance with delegates, being those who have attended short term meetings Explore insurance pooling with delegates being chosen by the El Paso Purchasing alliance at a later date Develop supplier evaluation system to share supplier information with others Share printing services Procurement automation system INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Short-Term Goals Share Video Conferencing System Share Video Surveillance Long-Term Goals GIS Clearinghouse web application Create online K-12 professional development training 311 System Data Center for documenting local non-emergency requests   Posted Apr 06 2009, 03:00 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Last Days to Register to Vote

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Thursday, April 02, 2009  Public Information Office       Aracely Lazcano I PIO    County of El Paso, Texas       500 E. San Antonio I  Suite 301                                                (P) 915.546.2000 I Ext 4106 I                                                I http://www.epcounty.com/ I            DEADLINE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION A WEEK FROM NOW (El Paso, TX) Prospective voters in El Paso County have only a week to register and be eligible to participate in the May 9th Election. According to Javier Chacon, Elections Administrator for the El Paso County, State law requires that voters be registered 30 days prior to the election in which they wish to vote. The last day to register to vote is Thursday, April 9 at 5:00 p.m. During the upcoming election, nine entities will have candidates in the ballot including; the races for Mayor for the cities of El Paso, Anthony, Horizon and Clint; as well as city representatives, municipal judges and appellate court judge; and school trustee board members for Anthony ISD, El Paso ISD, Socorro ISD and Ysleta ISD. The voter registration applications are available at the County Elections Administration Office located at the lower level of the courthouse, city libraries and postal offices. Online registration forms can be downloaded from the El Paso County Elections Department at ttp://www.epcounty.com/elections/ or the Texas Secretary of State at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml Voter Registration Applications must be postmarked by midnight Thursday, April 9, 2009 and shall be mailed to the County of El Paso Elections Department at 500 E. San Antonio, Room L-115 El Paso, Texas, 79901 or delivered to the Elections Department by 5:00 p.m. during office hours on April 9, 2009.  To be eligible to vote in Texas you must:   Be a U.S. citizen;   Be a resident of the county;   Be 18 years of age (You may register at 17 and 10 months);   Not a convicted felon (unless a person's sentence is completed, including any probation or parole)   Not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law According to the Elections Department Administrator, Javier Chacon, there are 373, 000+ people registered to vote in El Paso County. For additional information please contact Javier Chacon, Electiond Department Administrator at 546-2154.       Posted Apr 02 2009, 02:17 PM by alazcano with no comments