January 2024

Employee Holiday Appreciation Luncheon

Thank you to everyone who attended the annual Employee Appreciation Holiday Luncheon on December 14. This year had a record turnout of 280 employees. Thank you to each and every department and team member for serving the Town and our residents this year. It's your hard work and contribution to our Town that make Prosper such an outstanding place to live, work and play. Congratulations to this year's service award recipients and check out all of the photos along with employee photos from the selfie station.

20 Years of Service

Bryan Golden, Police Lieutenant

David Yarbrough, Fire Captain

15 Years of Service

Aju Mathew, Driver/Engineer

Jeremy Hunt, Firefighter/Paramedic

Armando Fernandez, Driver/Engineer

Erin Hubbard, Police Officer

Jessie Humphries, Crew Leader - Water

10 Years of Service

Robyn Battle, Executive Director 

Kevin McGee, Police Lieutenant 

Jeffrey Choquette, Fire Captain 

David Gamblin, Crew Leader - Irrigation

Jose Zarate, Heavy Equipment Operator 

Daniel Heischman, Assistant Director of Engineering Services Development 

Marsa Wages, Utility Billing Supervisor

Mirsa Boulos, Engineering Technician

5 Years of Service

Michael Alonso, Police Sergeant

Pete Anaya, Assistant Director of Engineering Services /CIP

Jalen Beebe, Utility Worker 

Randy Buechman, Crew Leader - Parks

Tim Carrillo, Irrigation Technician

Wally DesChamps, Library Technical Service Coordinator

Cody Eastep, Driver/Engineer

Jeffrey Fauss, Plans Examiner Manager

Cameron Hall, Driver/Engineer

Trevor Helton, Recreation Manager

James House, Storm Water Utility Administration

Keithan Jones, Water Quality Technician

Taylor Kyles, Firefighter/Paramedic

Archie Lewis, Crew Leader, Shop Mechanic

Wesley Mayeux, Police Officer

Kathie Petroskey, Library Clerk

Terry Price, Crew Leader, Utilities

Devin Reaves, Police Records Coordinator/Case Manager

Rachel Reese, Library Clerk

Trisha Reneau, Administrative Assistant

Preston Robinson, Police Lieutenant

Joseph Stinson, Chief Building Inspector

Connie Tallman, Administrative Assistant

Debra Wildes, Utility Billing Clerk 

Sharon Alderton, Youth Services Librarian

Complete Your Wellness Benefits Form to Earn Up to $600!

Employees enrolled in the Town's medical plan can earn $50 per month or $600 per year by following three simple steps. First, show proof of an annual physical exam within the last 12 months. Second, complete an online health risk assessment through UMR within the same timeframe. Finally, submit the Wellness Benefit Form with all required documentation to HR@prospertx.gov. If your spouse is on the Town's medical plan, you can receive an additional $180 ($15 per month) by providing documentation of their annual physical exam within the last 12 months. To start receiving wellness rewards in January 2024, fill out the Rewards for Wellness Program Form, include all necessary documents, and return it to HR. New enrollees with UMR in January should complete these steps upon receiving their medical ID card to qualify for the benefits. For more information, reach out to a member of the Human Resources Team or visit umr.com.

Thank You to the Employee Engagement Committee Who Pulled Off an Unforgettable Employee Holiday Appreciation Luncheon

A huge shout-out to the incredible members of our Employee Engagement Committee! This team went above and beyond to make our Annual Employee Awards Banquet a success. The committee succeeded in creating an event that's not just about recognizing achievements but also about bringing us all together for some camaraderie. Thank you to Mayor Pro-Tem, Craig Andres, and Assistant Fire Chief, Shaw Eft, for emceeing this great event. Kudos to Khara Sherrill, Melissa Govea, Nancy Lowe, Talia Stevenson, Wilson Haynes, Alicia Hunter, Archie Lewis, Stephanie Mays, Venecia Napier, Marcus Northcutt, Whitney Rehm, Amy Shannon and Brittney Van Swearingen for making this gathering something truly special.

Chief Blasingame Answers the Call to Help Fill in for Santa Clause at a Sensory Santa Event

When the Parks and Recreation Department realized Santa wasn't showing at a special Sensory Santa meet and greet event, they had to call in a favor to Fire Rescue Chief, Stuart Blasingame. Without hesitation, Santa Blasingame suited up in a uniform he had not been accustomed to wearing before. Saving the day, and the holiday spirit, he spent the evening taking Christmas list requests from kids with special needs. Exemplifying Teamwork, Heart and Service, Chief Blasingame was recognized at a recent Directors' Meeting and was presented a THRIVES coin from Town Manager, Mario Canizares for going above and beyond. Dan Baker, Parks and Recreation Director, also shown in above photo.

Health & Code Compliance Team Receive Kudos from Local Business Owner

In a recent email received post-inspection, a local business owner expressed his gratitude towards Mary Branch and Melissa Govea for their assistance during a routine health inspection and complaint investigation. The business owner commended Mary for her patience and understanding while working with their team. He highlighted the Health and Code Compliance team's dedication in promptly addressing the identified issues, including plumbing concerns, flooring repairs and the successful relocation of a large mixer. The owner emphasized a commitment to maintaining high standards through personal inspections in the coming weeks. Congratulations to Mary and Melissa for their contributions to ensure health and code compliance.

Members of Prosper Fire Rescue Go Above and Beyond to Help a High School Student Get to School

In a heartwarming display of community service and kindness, our dedicated team members at Prosper Fire Rescue recently went above and beyond to make a positive impact. Captain Dwayne Norvell, Driver/Engineer Chase Lowery and Gregory Larson received well-deserved recognition in the form of Thrives Coins and Fire Chiefs Challenge Coins. A grateful mother shared on social media how her daughter, a Prosper High School student, was caught in the pouring rain while heading to her bus stop. The Prosper Fire Rescue team, true to our community-focused culture, not only stopped to ensure her safe crossing of First Street but also extended a delightful invitation for a ride to school on their fire truck. The young student not only had an exciting experience but also gained new friends and left an unforgettable impression on her classmates. This heartwarming story exemplifies the values we hold dear at our organization. Kudos to Captain Norvell, Lowery and Larson for embodying the spirit of compassion and community outreach that defines our culture here in Prosper.

Alex Schmidt Wins the Grand Prize in the GIS Geocaching Scavenger Hunt

The GIS team congrats Public Works Signs & Signals Supervisor, Alex Schmidt, for being the GIS Geocaching Champion. During GIS Week's Geocaching event, Alex emerged victorious as the Grand Prize winner. The geocaching competition, organized by the Data & GIS team, invited Town of Prosper employees to explore the community, enhance their geographical knowledge and have a great time in the process. Geocachers used GPS units or smartphone apps to locate hidden treasures at five different locations, each containing unique items. The rules were simple: find a cache, take an item, sign the logbook and send a picture of the discovered item to IT for a chance to enter a raffle with various prizes. Alex's outstanding geocaching skills earned the coveted First Prize, which included a Geocaching Champion cap, binoculars, compass and a $200 gift card. Congratulations to Alex and all participants for making GIS Week's Geocaching event a thrilling success!

Cecilee Fannon of the Parks and Recreation Team Gets Engaged!

In an enchanting turn of events, Recreation Coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department, Cecilee Fannon, found herself at the heart of a beautiful proposal during a surprise trip to Italy. Lawrence, her devoted boyfriend of over 3 years, orchestrated a breathtaking moment against the picturesque backdrop of Naples, Italy, at Castel Sant’Elmo City. Overwhelmed with joy and love, Cecilee joyfully accepted the proposal, setting the stage for a romantic journey ahead. The newly engaged couple continued their celebration by exploring the historic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, savoring the magic of Italy and the promise of a lifetime together. Congratulations to Cecilee and Lawrence on this joyous occasion! May their love continue to flourish in the chapters that lie ahead.

Eric Men Successfully Completes the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

In December, Help Desk Technician, Eric Men from the IT Department, accomplished a remarkable feat by completing his final road running event of the year – the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in San Antonio. Eric, who previously lived in San Antonio, found the experience both neat and nostalgic as he revisited the Alamo City. He shared his enthusiasm for the well-crafted course, highlighting his favorite part, the loop around Fort Sam Houston and the impactful "Blue Mile" segment, which honored fallen servicemembers. Eric expressed gratitude for the abundant crowd support and described the event as a wonderful way to close out 2023. As he looks ahead to the coming year, Eric is set to run the New York City Half Marathon in March and is gearing up for his first full marathon scheduled for October. We congratulate Eric on his achievements and wish him continued success in his running endeavors!

Communications Division and Town Secretary's Office Hold Joint Team Holiday Party

The Communications Division teamed up with the Town Secretary's Office to celebrate friendship, the holidays and to congregate and have some fun! The outing included great food, trivia games and a gift exchange. Thank you for your submission and for all of the hard work that both of these teams have and continue to do for our town! Pictured above from left to right: Wilson Haynes, Melissa Knaszak, Marc Rylander, Devon Jett, Todd Rice, Michelle Lewis Sirianni, Jessica Hille, Khara Sherrill and Brittney Van Swearingen.

Development Services & Engineering Hold Their Annual Team Holiday Party

The Development Services and Engineering Department held its annual Teambuilding Event on December 19. It wouldn't be a top-notch group without everyone's hard work and teamwork. View the photos of the competitive gaming skills and architectural building techniques that were put to the test during a fun team outing!

Congratulations to Those Who Recently Completed the Customer Service Training Series

These members of Team Prosper recently completed a number of Customer Service Training seminars, hosted by the Human Resources Department. The comprehensive training program comprised a range of activities, including situational customer service exercises, tools aimed at refining customer relation skills and engaging group discussions on integrating Prosper THRIVES core values into everyday interactions. In the spotlight are some outstanding team members who demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, participation and a clear understanding of the importance of exemplary customer service. Let’s take a moment to commend these remarkable individuals.

Pictured above: Brittany Van Swearingen – Communications, Whitney Rehm - Finance, Ivonne Ruiz – Finance, Daniel Salazar - Code Compliance, Alicia Hunter – IT/Finance, Melissa Govea – Code Compliance

Not shown: Sherry Fangio – Finance, Trisha Reneau – Development Services, Michelle Firpi – Inspections, Patty Kendzie – Parks and Recreation, Len McCaw – Information Technology, Devon Jett – Communications, Juanita Rabourn – Inspections, Maritza Spillman – Municipal Court, Erika Ruiz – Parks and Recreation

Thank You to Those Who Attended the Financial Literacy Lunch-n-Learn Last Month

In the spirit of ongoing education and professional development, the Human Resources Department held a recent lunch-n-learn session on Financial Literacy. The insightful session, led by Brandon Fisher from Neighborhood Credit Union, provided valuable knowledge on efficient ways to save time, manage finances and unlock rewards through smart banking practices. The engaging discussion not only enhanced employees' financial literacy but also underscored the company's commitment to supporting the overall well-being of its workforce. A big thank you to Brandon Fisher and all those who attended, contributing to the success of yet another enriching learning opportunity.

Russell Walton

Senior Building Inspector, Building Inspections

This month's Town of Prosper Employee Spotlight features Russell Walton, Senior Building Inspector, Building Inspections.

How long have you been with the Town?

• It will be 8 years in February.

What does your job entail?

• Performing Residential and Commercial Building Inspections.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

• I have an abundance of useless knowledge stored in my brain that makes me great at trivia

What’s the last book you read?

• 2023 NEC Code Book

What is your favorite hobby?

• Golf

What’s the first concert you ever attended? 

• Journey and ACDC

Best vacation you’ve been to?

• Gulf Shores, AL Condo on the Beach

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?

• Hawaii

Are you currently binge-watching any shows?

• Ozarks

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

• Aged Ribeye Steak and Potatoes

What’s one item you can’t live without?

• Ketchup

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

• Go to College

Can you recall the last time you laughed so hard you cried?

• Yes, last night

Any favorite line from a movie?

• Dirty Harry – A man has to know his limitations

Do you have a favorite quote?

• "A man has to know his limitations."

Do you have any pets?

• Yes – one dog a Morkie

If you could be anyone from any time period, who would it be?

• Nikloa Tesla because he invented the use of alternating current electricity. Which is the predominant electrical system used across the world today.

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?

• General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys – I could armchair them into the Super Bowl

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and why?

• Tiger Woods to hopefully get some good golf tips

If you were an animal what would you be?

• A Lion so I could be King of the Jungle.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?

• Knife, Sun Screen and Fishing Pole

Motto or personal mantra?

• Treat others the way you want to be treated

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

• Boat

 If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

• The power of flight to save on gas.

You’re happiest when?

• Hanging out with my family.

Eric Gibbs

Utility Worker - Streets

Eric Brennan

Senior Water Quality Technician

Blake Killian

Firefighter - EMT

Sean Murphy

Heavy Equipment Operator

January Work Anniversaries

January Birthdays

Upcoming Meetings and Events

• January 2 - Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
• January 3 - Community Engagement Committee (CEC) Meeting
• January 8 - Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting
• January 9 - Town Council Work Session
• January 9 - Town Council Regular Meeting
• January 11 - Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
• January 15 - Town Offices Closed (MLK)
• January 16 - Planning & Zoning Meeting
• January 17 - Economic Development Board Meeting
• January 22 - Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting
• January 23 - Town Council Work Session
• January 23 - Town Council Regular Meeting
• January 24 - Mayor's Youth Advisory Council Meeting
• February 5 - Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting
• February 6 - Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
• February 7 - Community Engagement Committee Meeting
• February 8 - Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
• February 13 - Town Council Work Session
• February 13 - Town Council Regular Meeting
• February 14 - Economic Development Meeting
• February 15 - Library Board Meeting
• February 17 - Prosper Fishing Derby
• February 19 - Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting
• February 20 - Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
• February 27 - Town Council Work Session
• February 27 - Town Council Regular Meeting