Commissioner Leon and the court approved and adopted a resolution recognizing April 6, 2015 as “Juvenile Probation Day, during commissioners court this morning.
The El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department was established in 1950 with the opening of the first Juvenile Detention Facility in the State of Texas. Throughout the 65 years since, there have been many programs and enhancements to the department.
The El Paso County Juvenile Drug Court Program is one of twelve juvenile drug courts in the country and the only program in the State of Texas to be selected by the National Council of Juvenile Family Court Judges to participate in the Juvenile Drug Court Learning Collaborative for the next two years to enhance program operations and outcomes.
The Challenge Academy has consistently received high marks on state audits (the latest Texas Juvenile Justice Department Audit score was 99.12%).
A recent 2 ½ year state recidivism study, “Closer to Home”, conducted by Dr. Tony Fabelo on behalf of the Council of State Governments equated all program outcomes to their recidivism rates. The report placed Counties into 3 levels or tiers with El Paso County JPD, falling under the designated recidivism rate, placed on Tier 1 (Tier 1 being the highest, best performing due to lowest recidivism rate). In 2010 our recidivism rate was 46% and in 2011 to 2013 it was at its lowest, 28%.
On Wednesday, March 18, 2015, Commissioner Carlos Leon held his monthly Rountable meeting on the Eastside of town. Guest speaker, John Balliew, President and CEO of the El Paso Water Utilities was present at the meeting to talk about several topics including water, wastewater, stormwater and reclaimed water systems.
Mr. Balliew has worked for El Paso Water Utilities since 1983. He has held various positions of increasing responsibility during his tenure, including vice president of operations and technical services, before becoming the utility's president in January 2013.
Montwood Drive has reopened to all traffic following more than two years of work to reconstruct the roadway, improve stormwater facilities, upgrade sidewalks, and enhance landscaping.
The $11 million reconstruction project, which began in January 2013, will alleviate persistent street flooding in the area by more effectively funneling rainfall runoff to the nearby Eastwood Dam. The project not only provided this neighborhood with upgrades to the streets and drainage system, but it has also enhanced the visual image of the area by providing new landscaping and an irrigation system in the medians. New sidewalks which incorporate ADA-compliant ramps were also part of the project.
Though the road has been re-opened to all traffic, motorists are asked to continue using caution in the area. Contractors and city crews will remain in the area assessing and completing any final tasks which are necessary.
Sun Metro Route 53 will return to its regular route.
*Information provided by City of El Paso - Engineering and Construction Management Department
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| | | | Montwood Drive will be temporarily closed to all traffic between McRae Boulevard and Wedgewood Drive beginning on Monday, February 23, 2015. The closure is necessary to complete the Montwood Drive Reconstruction Project on schedule. This 24-month-long project will provide the neighborhood with new trees, sidewalks, pavement, and drainage. 
The temporary closure will begin at 6am on Monday and continue for two weeks. Motorists should follow marked detours and consider alternate routes while the work is in progress. *Information provided by City of El Paso Engineering and Construction Management Department | | | | | |
On January 26, 2015, Commissioner Leon presented the Loya Family with a resolution recognizing January 29th, 2015 as “El Paso Christmas Light Show Day.”
Fred Loya and his family have enriched El Paso through their creativity, hospitality and generosity for the past ten years. Year after year, the Loya Family create a holiday light spectacular and open their home to all children and families in the El Paso region.
The Loya’s El Paso Christmas Light Show was featured on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, and had the opportunity to show the entire country the overflowing holiday spirit El Pasoans share during this magical time.
The El Paso Christmas Light Show won the national competition during the broadcast and the Loya Family graciously donated the $50,000 prize to local El Paso charities.
The United States Department of Agriculture, El Paso Water Utilities and the Office of County Commissioner Carlos Leon held a meeting addressing the Desert Acceptance (Square Dance) Wastewater Project on January 21, 2015.
Residents had the opportunity to become familiar with the project funding, environmental impact, service area, alternatives to the project and eligible USDA-RD activities. Commissioner Leon also encouraged residents to participate in the development of the USDA-RA application and listened to the residents’ concerns regarding the wastewater project and other issues in the area.
On December 3, 2014, Jim Valenti attended Commissioner Carlos Leon’s December Roundtable meeting to discuss several issues regarding University Medical Center.
Valenti spoke on several topics surrounding UMC, opening the meeting with a presentation on the growing medical and science campus. He expressed how every successful community has a collaboration between the two in order to bring new services to the city, turning the surrounding neighborhood into science. This in turn would allow UMC to provide medical care as well as education to support El Paso in it’s efforts to grow.
Valenti also spoke about the Ebola preparation UMC has been undergoing to be prepared for any possible future Ebola cases. UMC currently has 6 isolation rooms and he informed the advisory group that William Beaumont is also prepared to receive Ebola cases for returning military from Africa and South America. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also has a site in El Paso in the Santa Teresa area.
Lastly, Mr. Valenti answered questions about the recent 2014 bonuses and The Children’s Hospital.
Commissioner Carlos Leon held his community meeting on November 26, 2014 at the Denny’s Restaurant on 11315 Montwood Drive. He spoke on many topics including University Medical Center, TX Dot, Eastside Annex and ongoing Eastside Projects.
Chief Whitten and Commander Cross were present at the meeting to address current issues regarding the Sheriff’s contract and the overall safety in El Paso.
Commissioner Leon kicked off the “Sober Ride” Campaign this morning at the El Paso County Courthouse, and expressed the importance of not taking the wheel after having drinks this holiday season.
TxDOT's impaired driving holiday campaign reminds everyone to make it a priority to plan for a sober ride for themselves, their loved ones and their colleagues.
The El Paso County Judge and Commissioners Court signed a resolution during the December 1st, 2014 meeting supporting the efforts to reduce the loss of life due to drunk driving.
PAVING ACTIVITIES
On Montwood:
The contractor is demolishing the pavement and preparing the subgrade for future paving activities North of the Montwood and Wedgewood intersection.
Workers are paving the outer and inner lane, as well as the driveways on Montwood, from Linum to the gas station (Valero).
UTILITY AND SIDEWALK WORK
On Montwood Drive:
Contractor is installing landscaping and a decorative rock wall on Montwood between Honolulu and Camwood.
Contractor is also pouring the concrete for the walls and tops of the box culverts at the intersection of Montwood and Wedgewood.
Wedgewood is presently closed immediately north of Montwood. Posted detours remain in place along Montwood Drive between McRae and Yarbrough. Eastbound and westbound traffic will continue traveling in the lanes south of the median.
*Information provided by City of El Paso Engineering and Construction Management Department
On Wednesday, November 5, 2014, Commissioner Carlos Leon and County Public Works officials were at the Montana Vista Fire Department to meet with the Far East El Paso Square Dance Subdivision community regarding an upcoming $7.4 million USDA Sewer Grant project.
Grant funds will be used for the creation of a sewer system inside the subdivision, which will convey to the County of El Paso, allowing for this installation and the possibility of a paved roadway.
There are approximately 665 residents living in Square Dance within 225 households without wastewater collection. This project addresses the need for a publicly owned and operated sewer system to further the health, safety and general sanitation of the community. It will eliminate the risk associated with improper discharge and poorly maintained on-site sewer facilities.
Project Description:
Square Dance is located approximately 1.6 miles from El Paso Water Utilities’ nearest wastewater collection system in Far East El Paso. This project requires a permanent connection to EPWU’s existing wastewater collection system on Montana Ave. The project consists of constructing a wastewater collection system inside the subdivision and extends the collection lines to Montana Ave.
On Monday, November 3, 2014, Commissioner Carlos Leon, along with all El Paso County Commissioners Court, Sheriff Richard Wiles and Jose Marrufo, President of the El Paso County Sheriffs Officers Association, announced the terms and signed the newly negotiated collective bargaining agreement between El Paso County and the Sheriffs Association.
The County and the Sheriffs Association began negotiations in May 2014. After five months of meetings, both parties were able to reach an agreement for the members of the Association and the taxpayers.
The new contract will come at a cost savings to taxpayers in the amount of $24.2 million over the next 5 years.
On October 30, 2014, Commissioner Leon had the honor to speak at the El Paso County Constable’s Office Promotional Ceremony. Seven Deputy Constable’s were promoted to the rank of Deputy Sergeant. This marks a great accomplishment for the Constable’s Office as it is the first time the Department has recognized a first-line supervisor.
These supervisors will assist the Department by acting as intermediaries between the Constables and other Deputy Constables to coordinate duties and assignments. They will also provide a communication channel for the general public to air their concerns with the Constable Office.
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