City Manager Blog: Starting Line

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Starting Line

“The hardest part of a race is getting to the starting line” is a popular quote among runners and other endurance athletes. In reflecting upon this weekend’s events, I believe it has dual relevance for this Martin Luther King Holiday weekend.
First, on Sunday, about 34,000 people will be participating in the PF Chang full marathon or half marathon, which finishes right here in beautiful Tempe. If one made the disciplined commitment to train properly, the hard work is over. The midweek early morning runs, at 0-dark-30, are over. The weekend long runs, in the cold, are over. Sure, it’s a dry cold but it’s been a bit chilly. The nagging aches and pains have healed with the anticipation of Sunday’s race building. For these participants, the past months of time and dedication are history, preparation is now complete and it’s time to get to the starting line. To those of you who will be running on Sunday, it time to reap the rewards of your labor; it is time to run well, enjoy the race, finish strong and finish with a smile.

With 34,000 runners reaping the rewards of their dedicated efforts, road closures and associated traffic detours and delays will result. Please plan accordingly and refer to the following websites for more information: http://arizona.competitor.com/event-info/course/

“The hardest part of a race is getting to the starting line.” Certainly, it’s obvious to relate a running quote to running. Indeed, a no-brainer. The spirit of this quote conveys commitment and dedication which in turn results positioning ones self for achievement. The spirit of this quote transcends to the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. During the past week, I came across another quote:

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

On Monday morning, the City of Tempe’s 13th Annual Diversity Awards Brunch will take place. This sold out event will honor community members and groups who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity in Tempe. Without a doubt, if any of the honorees were asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, “What are you doing for others?” I am confident he would be pleased with the answers.

Each honoree brought people together to serve their classmates, neighbors and community. In developing successful programs, championing human rights and raising awareness each honoree made a disciplined commitment to efforts far more reaching and powerful than running. It is likely early morning, late night and long weekend labors occurred to achieve a greater community good. These honorees not only got to the starting line but finished the race in top form.

And finally, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of the tragic and heartbreaking event that occurred in Tucson.

Jeff Kulaga
Assistant City Manager

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BRAG BOARD

JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH
A letter of appreciation was received praising the Police Department for the speedy recovery of two bikes stolen while riders were attending a Mill Avenue event. “I want to commend Tempe and its police force,” he wrote, and also praised the city’s bike paths to the Western Canal via Mill and Baseline as a great amenity.

Resident expressed thanks to the Water Department relating to concerns regarding the first water bill at a property. He wrote of his appreciation for the time “…spent reviewing concerns and making recommendations on how to achieve the best possible resolution. The advice and follow up was very helpful in resolving the water meter issue.”

A development manager commended the Community Development Department for his “…very positive experience, and appreciated the kindness and thoughtfulness that always was extended.”

A note of compliments and thanks was received regarding an employee in Public Works. Writer was grateful for a quick resolution to parking issue regarding safety to neighborhood homes and a school. The employee was able to provide information needed to get the project on track.

Kudos were sent regarding two Public Works employees for guiding a resident through the professional preparation for a hearing. She was appreciative for the time taken by the staff to acquaint her with the drawings she needed to support her request and for the time spent explaining and assisting her in reviewing her efforts.

Community Development received an update on Court One with thanks for making it possible. “We have made hundreds of kids at different times very happy and Court One has become the place of choice in the volleyball world. We have received hundreds of compliments from people in state and out of state who have set foot in Court One at some point.”

A letter was received commending six outstanding members of the Fire Department. Gentleman passed out when he got out of his vehicle and responders not only took him to hospital for medical attention, but also notified his family, and made sure that the family was notified about his vehicle. He complimented the men on their efficiency, knowledge and compassion. “They are all a credit to the fire service and should be awarded appropriate department recognition for their lifesaving efforts.”

Additional items for Brag Board;
Thanks to Public Works for attending to ruts in alley and addressing dust control concerns.
Thanks for taking care of an alley problem so quickly.
Thanks for “good quality customer service from Water Department.”

A Good Samaritan from Public Works stopped to help a stranded motorist with a falt tire. The city employee quickly supplied the distraught driver with a lug wrench, helped remove the tire and put on a spare tire. Another great example of adding value to our community and perpetuating the city's service oriented reputation. The Public Works Director noted that acts such as these distinguish communities that care from communites that care less.

A local 28 year sales representative who has worked with various citites throughout his career obtaining permits, wrote to commend several employees for treating him with respect, expediatancy, and helpfulness. He wrote, "No other city in the valley is like this." Great job to all involved!

OCTOBER

A resident sent kudos via Facebook thanking staff for organizing the recycling project at Kiwanis Park recently. They wrote, "I had documents to shred, I noticed a lot of people in the electronics disposal line as well as the one for chemicals. Very well organized, well layed out, no delays, very helpful folks, just great."

September

A 20 year resident who experienced a watermain break emailed to thank the water department for repairing a watermain break that occured in the front of his residence and flooded the whole street. When he left for work at 10:30 a.m. there was a huge whole in front of his driveway. He expected to return home from work that evening finding no water service, a mess in his yard, and a hole in the street. Thanks to the quick work of our water crew, when he returned at 5 p.m., he found the broken water valve repaired, the hold backfilled, and a clean street! He would like to thank them for "outstanding" service.

Another resident emailed the Police Department commending a park ranger for his great on-view activity and arrest. The suspects entered an area with the intent to steal rebar. Thanks to the quick acting ranger, he called the police and the suspects were arrested.

August

Tempe Public Library staff was applauded by a resident who used the facilities at the library during a job search this summer. The process was lengthy, to say the least, but the patient and attentive. She noted that although during these tough economic times when employees hours have been cut, staff conducted themselves with professionalism and courtesy. facilities like the library, make her proud to represent Tempe.

A local developer sends his gratitude for Development Services front counter staff who consistently go out of their way to respond to phone calls, and set an example of helpfulness during the permitting process. He has worked with many organizations and associations and finds the staff of Development Services to be exemplary!

July

Planners in Development Services received commendations by a 30 year resident and design professional. He appreciated the quick and accurate services he received by employees who followed up without being asked and spent time on his behalf, researching zoning ordinances.

An outdoor advertiser wrote to compliment Development Services employees for their their assistance in problem solving a tenuous and potentially hazardous situation. The gentlemen he dealt with were efficient and courteous. He wrote, "I deal with many municipalities and it is always a pleasure to deal with the staff, top to bottom, in Tempe."

An executive director from Wickenburg had a positive experience with an HR employee who went the extra mile to be helpful. The employee exemplifies the "Tempe spirit" and the City is fortunate to have her as an employee."

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Starting Line

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