New Airport Fire Station Complete
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Dec. 5 at Waco Regional
Airport for the new $1.6 million Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting
(ARFF) station.
A grant from the Federal Aviation Administration covered 95 percent
of the construction costs, and the remaining 5 percent was funded
by the City of Waco. The new ARFF building replaced the existing
facility, which was more than 40 years old and was not designed
as a 24-hour, live-in facility.
“The previous station was very cramped, “ said Fire Chief John
Johnston. “As you can imagine, it was like living in a 19 foot
travel trailer. You had no privacy. The firefighters are very
happy to have a new facility that feels more like home. We are
very grateful to City Management, the Airport Director, FAA and
the City Council for supporting us on this project.”
The 6,294 sq. ft. facility is equipped with advanced fire fighting
technologies as well as modern conveniences. It features two vehicle
bays for fire fighting and rescue equipment, sleeping quarters
for four firefighters, a kitchen, office space for a supervisor,
a training room and numerous other amenities.
“The new facility will enhance the safety of air operations at
Waco Regional Airport by providing a modern and up-to-date facility
for our firefighters to live and work in,” said Richard Howell,
Director of Aviation.
Waco Regional Airport Firefighters are highly trained professionals
and airport specialists assigned by the Waco Fire Department.
Their training is the same as other fire personnel for fighting
structural related and vehicle fires, but they are also trained
and equipped to handle aircraft emergencies, hazardous materials
and the particular characteristics of jet fuel fires.
The existing ARFF building will continue to serve the City of
Waco for storage of airport grounds equipment, most of which is
currently stored outside.
Join the Get Fit Club for the New Year
Make your New Year’s resolution a reality by staying active and
improving your health at the City of Waco Parks and Recreation
Department’s fitness and wellness rooms.
The rooms provide an affordable, private workout and feature
equipment such as cardio machines, free weights and weight stack
machines. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $1 per
session or $20 for 30 sessions.
The fitness and wellness rooms are located at Bledsoe-Miller
Recreation Center, 300 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., at 750-8684;
and Dewey Recreation Center, 925 N. 9th, at 750-8677.
Employee Assistance Program
“Treat Yourself This Holiday Season”
Under 80% Median Income
While funds are available: Now $25,000
Why pay rent when you may be able to own a home of your own?
Criteria:
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Must be a regular, full time City of Waco employee
for at least one year – 12 consecutive months, considered in
good standing, (ie. without disciplinary actions such as probation,
leave without or with pay.)
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Employee must qualify for first lien financing.
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New and existing homes located within the City
of Waco limits.
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Home to be built or purchased must not have
any code violations and must meet all HUD rules and regulations.
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Program is contingent on funds availability.
Loan Amount: Up to $25,000
Interest Rate: 0%
Term: Forgivable over 10 years - As long as property is
occupied by City employee as his/her primary residence (homestead)
and remains employed and in good standing with the City of Waco.
2007 GROSS Income Limit
Includes Alimony, Child Support, and all other monetary financial
assistance.
| Family of 1 |
$28,200 |
| Family of 2 |
$32,250 |
| Family of 3 |
$36,250 |
| Family of 4 |
$40,300 |
| Family of 5 |
$43,500 |
| Family of 6 |
$46,750 |
| Family of 7 |
$49,950 |
| Family of 8 |
$53,200 |
For more information, call Housing & Community
Development Services at 750-5650.
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If you'd like to submit information for the
City Talk Newsletter, you can send an email to: marlenen@ci.waco.tx.us
or call 750-5638.
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Cottonwood Creek Gift Ideas
Cottonwood Creek is a great place to knock out some holiday shopping.
The staff at Cottonwood Creek has restocked the pro shop in time
for the holidays.
From now until the holiday, you can find great deals on golf equipment
and apparel. Gift certificates are also available, and they can
be redeemed for merchandise, club fittings, lessons or even a round
a golf.
The holidays are also a great time to squeeze in a round of golf.
The course, located at 5201 Bagby, will be open throughout the holiday
season. To arrange a tee time, give the course a call at 745-6009.
City Staff Spotlight
New Employees
The Public Health District would like to welcome Melissa Johnson,
caseworker.
Finance welcomes Cheryl Schulz, senior financial analyst.
Promotions/ Transfers
Dan Goggin, Cameron Park Zoo was promoted to animal care
manager of fish and invertebrates.
Juliett Jones, Parks & Recreation, was recently promoted
to the program coordinator position at Bledsoe-Miller Recreation
Center.
Donnell McLennan, Parks & Recreation, transferred to Dewey
Recreation Center as a program coordinator.
Sheila Slater, Library Services, was promoted to full time
librarian at the R.B. Hoover Library on Nov. 26.
Kelly Clines, Public Health District, has been promoted
to Health Education Manager.
Moving On
Assistant Chief Joseph Molina, Fire Department, is leaving
the City of Waco to accept the position of Deputy Fire Chief for
the City of Vancouver, Wash. Molina has worked for the City of Waco
for 15 years.
Congratulations
Marlene Neill, Municipal Information, will receive her
Master of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri
on Dec. 14.
Street Services named Ezequiel Santibanez, George Rivera, Saul
Mendez and Roberto Hernandez as their employees of the
month for September. Street Services later selected Howard McCreary
as their employee of the month for October.
Dedri Hafer, Housing & Community Development Services,
is now the Chair for the National Community Development Association
Region VI Board, which serves Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma
and New Mexico.
Safe Ride Home
If you are planning on celebrating this New Year’s Eve and need
a designated driver, let Waco Transit take you home.
Through the support of Allen Samuels Chevrolet, Waco Transit will
be providing a safe ride home event for the third consecutive year.
Even better this year, you can also call and schedule a ride to
your New Year’s event.
The ride to your destination is based on limited space. In order
to arrange a ride, you will need to call 750-1620 starting at 8
a.m. on Dec. 24 through 6 p.m. Dec. 28.
The goal is to provide transportation, so adults don’t have to
even think about driving if they have had anything to drink.
Diabetes Class
The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District is sponsoring
the “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” self-management course in partnership
with the Texas Cooperative Extension.
The course will consist of 10 lessons covering topics such as diet
planning, blood glucose monitoring, exercise, and managing complications.
The course will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays on Jan. 17, 22,
24, 29, and 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Preparedness Training
Room at the Health District. Those who are interested should register
in advance by calling 750-5631.
Ways to Stay Healthy this Winter
By Margaret Cowart, BSN, RN, Employee Health Services
As the weather gets colder and people stay inside in close contact
with each other, the risk of picking up a cold or the flu increases.
There has also been concern about a “new” bacterial infection called
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In fact, MRSA
or “staph” has been around for decades.
What is new is that it has appeared in the community setting.
The good news is that the same precautions that are taken to prevent
cold and flu are also great precautions for MRSA.
It’s time to wash your hands! Use soap and water and count to 20
seconds before rinsing. One easy way to do this is to sing the “Happy
Birthday” song twice. This is something that can be shared with
children to keep them healthy as well.
If soap and water are not available, alcohol based hand sanitizer
may be used as well
. If you have any questions, please call or come by Employee Health
Services.
More on MRSA
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until
healed.
- Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
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