As you all have noticed, we continue to make it part of our initiative to incorporate and embody the Prosper THRIVES core values. To further evolve this employee program, we are implementing an on-the-spot recognition program to provide immediate recognition to employees that demonstrate one or more of the Prosper THRIVES values.

This new program was set forth following a year-long process the management team spent culminating ways to identify the core values of our organization. We looked at how we identify and articulate what exceptional customer service means to our residents. The definition of THRIVES is what was curated from our research. As we continue to grow as a town, it's more important than ever for us to capture our core values and to be able to effectively demonstrate these values in a measurable way.

Over the next several months, Human Resources will be implementing and instilling THRIVES into all levels of the organization - from recruitment of potential additions to the Town to retention and reward for those who currently serve with us. Department leaders will be provided new THRIVES coins which will be used to recognize team members that exemplify the THRIVES values. Employees who receive a THRIVES coin should stop by HR to pick up a $15 gift card for your hard work and dedication to the town.

I'm delighted to help put this new recognition system in place to further spotlight and express gratitude for the work each of you does for our residents. Thank you for your continued dedication to our residents and our THRIVES values.

Sincerely,

Harlan Jefferson

On-the-spot Recognition Program  

As part of our initiative to incorporate and embody the Prosper THRIVES core values, we are implementing an ON-THE-SPOT RECOGNITION program. The purpose of this program is to provide immediate recognition to employees that demonstrate one or more of the Prosper THRIVES values, which are defined below. Human Resources will provide Department Directors with THRIVES coins, which will be used to recognize employees that they see exemplifying THRIVES values. While the coin is theirs to keep, employees can present it to HR to redeem a $15 gift card.

• We work together to achieve common goals.

• We believe in a team approach to delivering a quality outcome. HEART:

• We are committed to caring about everyone. RESPECT:

• We provide compassion and empathy to those we serve.

• We treat everyone with dignity, kindness, and courtesy. INTEGRITY:

• We are honest, transparent, and fair.

• We do what we say we will do. VISION:

• We strive to be proactive and forward-thinking in support of the needs of our community and goals of Council.

• We seek excellence through continuous improvement of processes and personal professionalism.

• We strive to meet and exceed the needs of the community and our team.

• We respond to issues in a timely, competent, and positive manner.

The intention of this program is to recognize employees who are representative of the Prosper THRIVES value system. While it is likely to be more common that employees you recognize will be in your department, you may present a coin to any employee you feel is deserving of recognition.

This year's 2022 State of the Community was held on January 20 at Children's Health Stadium. Attendees who attended both in-person and online got to hear from Mayor Ray Smith and Prosper ISD Superintendent Dr. Holly Ferguson in a formal address to discuss where we've been as a Town and a school district and what to look forward to as we roll into 2022. If you didn't get a chance to attend, you can rewatch the address virtually on the Town's YouTube channel. Also, revisit all of the highlights of 2021 in this year end review video.

The omicron variant of COVID-19 is highly transmissible, which is demonstrated by the number of cases increasing at an alarming rate, yet again putting all Town employees and their families at risk. To mitigate this risk, Town Management strongly encourages employees to get vaccinated. Unfortunately, Town employees know first-hand the impact of contracting the Coronavirus-many having lost close family members, friends, and even a valued team member and leader within our organization.

Scientific studies show that vaccines and a booster provide substantial protection from serious medical issues that occur as a result of contracting COVID-19 and its different variants. All employees are encouraged to get fully vaccinated and boosted to provide the highest possible protection against severe medical issues related to contracting COVID-19.

While there is still a possibility of vaccinated individuals contracting COVID-19, data shows that those cases are likely to be mild compared to unvaccinated individuals contracting the Coronavirus. By establishing this incentive program, Town Management aims to reduce the risk of severe infection among employees and their families. Keeping staff members healthy will also ensure that departments are able to maintain consistent, quality services for our residents.

All Town of Prosper employees are eligible to voluntarily participate in this incentive program, though the incentive amount varies by employment type depending on full-time, part-time, or fire shift status.

Certified police officers and regular full-time employees who are fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 by August 31 will receive 30 hours (45 hours fire shift) (15 hours part-time) of vacation leave. Employees that commit to wearing a mask when TSA-E COVID hospitalization rates are over 10%, anytime they are within 6 feet of co-workers, the public, or in common/public spaces will receive additional vacation hours referenced in the table below. The attached affidavit must be completed by employees and include proof of vaccination. Completed forms must be submitted to the HR Department to qualify for the incentive.

Disclosure of an employee's vaccination status under this incentive program is completely voluntary. No employee is required to disclose vaccination status; however, the incentive is only available to those who are fully vaccinated and boosted by Friday, August 31 and who voluntarily provide disclosure of vaccination by bringing in their COVID-19 vaccination card to HR.

Employees that choose not to get vaccinated may qualify for the incentive if they agree to get weekly COVID-19 testing from a facility that will provide a testing confirmation and/or testing results. To qualify employees will be required to receive COVID-19 testing every week TSA-E COVID hospitalization rates are over 10%. Employees are required to provide weekly testing documentation to HR to qualify for the incentive. Failure to provide documentation or get weekly testing will result in the incentive being revoked.

For questions or more information contact Human Resources.

Dan Baker has been selected to serve as Prosper’s new Parks and Recreation Director. Baker brings with him over 27 years of Parks and Recreation experience. Baker joins the Town of Prosper after serving 22 years with the City of Richardson, most recently as their Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. His background includes parks operations and planning along with the administration of recreation programs and events.

Baker earned his Master of Business Administration at the University of Texas at Dallas with a concentration in Marketing and International Management and holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golfing and rooting for the Aggies in anything they are competing in.

“I am very excited to join the Prosper Team! Prosper’s commitment to excellence, the rapidly-growing park system and the supportive community are several reasons why I chose to come here,” says Baker. “I truly look forward to being a part of this community’s growth.”

Progress is being made with the construction of Prosper Fire Rescue’s new Central Fire Station. The community is invited to attend a special groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, February 11 at 10 a.m. located at 911 Safety Way. Hear from Mayor Ray Smith, Town Manager Harlan Jefferson, Prosper Fire Rescue Chief Stuart Blasingame and representatives from Pogue Construction and BRW Architects Inc.

Mobilization of the construction trailer and dirt work has begun. The site will remain under construction for the next several months and the building is expected to go vertical as early as the end of June or the beginning of July.

The building is 30,800 square feet and will include Central Fire Station and Fire Administration which will also house the Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire Administration will be located on the 2nd floor accessed through the public lobby. The building will have a dual-purpose executive conference room that can easily transition to the Town’s Emergency Operations Center. It will have 4 pull-through apparatus bays and two additional apparatus bays orienting to the front of the building. One of the bays will house the 9/11 World Trade Center Mobile Memorial steel beam. The fire station is designed to accommodate a truck company, engine company, ambulance and Battalion Chief with sleeping quarters for up to 13 firefighters. The fire station was designed for direct and speedy access to the apparatus bay to maximize response time.

Substantial Completion is anticipated in February with Final Completion estimated between March-May 2023.

This will be phase 2 of the public safety complex directly west of the police building that opened in October 2020. This project was approved by the residents in the November 2020 bond election site and will include a future public safety training facility for both fire and police that will be constructed later as phase 3 of the complex.

Chances are the Prosper Works video series has covered your department but if it hasn't then it will soon. This video series allows for residents to get a behind the scenes look at the amazing work your departments do while also allowing for residents to get to know the people and the faces of those who serve them. This month we showcase the Parks and Recreation Department and all the work they do which comes at a great time with addition of new Director of Parks and Recreation, Dan Baker. Watch the latest episode of Prosper Works.

Some of the Public Works staff members went above and beyond to help out the Community Library by assembling shelving in the library’s storage unit. Community Library Director Leslie Scott wanted to extend a huge thank you to Streets Maintenance Worker Robert Grizzard, Heavy Equipment Operator Tyler Peña, Maintenance Worker Aaron Encinas and Utility Worker/Streets Randy Brown.

Building Inspection team members Building Inspector Bobby Koopman, Permit Technician Manager Michelle White, Building Official Brady Cudd and Sr. Building Inspector Jeffrey Fauss received many thanks from a resident after assisting in the process following their pool contractor walked off the job without completing their pool. The resident stated, "on behalf of my whole family, we appreciate everything you did for us and will make sure to get recognition out for the whole Town of Prosper team on every opportunity we have."

As they say, first impressions are everything and when a visitor to Town Hall enters the building the first person that's there to greet them is non-other than Administrative Assistant Holly Estes. A contractor whom she helped passed along an email to Town Manager Harlan Jefferson about Holly which read "I just wanted to pass on a word about the young lady Holly that handles the lobby. Just wanted to let you know how sharp, informed and polite she was. It’s was nice to see someone working so hard to do her job and please others." Thank you to Holly for displaying the THRIVE qualities and going above and beyond to assist visitors.

Mary Branch wanted to make sure Code Compliance Officer Trish Eller received kudos after Trish resolved a Code Compliance case that she had been working on for the last 3 years. On, Monday, January 10, she went before the CBOA, presented and won her case to have a substandard structure demolished. Due This was a monumental departmental milestone due to her persistence, diligence, research and investigation. She also went above and beyond to see this case through.

I was stopped by a homeowner today while performing an inspection. He made it a point to come and thank me for one of our inspectors, Bobby Koopman, for being so thorough and diligent inspecting his house. He said he has been living in his house for only a few months now. They had trouble getting a final on the house and the builder had blamed the city for being so hard. The homeowner mentioned he had been upset with the city at the time because that was what the builder had told him the problem was. Later on he realized the inspector was just advocating for him and ensuring the house was built correctly and safely. It was a great moment where a citizen realized why we have building inspectors and they are really on the homeowners’ side.

When a motorist traveling on Prosper Trail came to a sudden halt after a flat tire, none other than our very own Fire Chief Stuart Blasingame came to her rescue. Chief Blasingame helped change her tire and she took to Facebook to send her sincerest thank you and went on to say how grateful she was for his kindness and patience.

Assistant Director of Engineering Services Daniel Heischman wanted to give Senior GIS Analyst Jordan Carmona some high accolades from the Energov training. He provided valuable input whether it was related to his area of expertise or just from observations and experience and therefore helped others with our respective areas. He was engaged the entire time and helped steer some of the discussions when the rest of us were “deer in headlights” at times. Dan went on to say Jordan’s input was greatly appreciated.

Chief Kowalski was proud to report the strong character that was displayed by some of the members of the Prosper Police Department that went “above and beyond” earlier this month. Corporal Cockerham, Officer Latham, Detective Conner and Officer Steadman collaborated and arrived at the competent, compassionate and correct solution to help a victim who was in crisis. Their commitment to assisting this victim showed great courage to move forward with a solution that was somewhat extraordinary. Their actions reflect not only the 5 C’s of the department but also are the epitome of our Prosper Values: Teamwork, Heart, Respect, Integrity, Vision, Excellence and Service (THRIVES). It fills me with pride to report their actions.

As a reminder, please reach out to the CPI team if your department has a current process in mind that you would like to see improved. It could something as simple as organizing team workstations or improving customer experiences with the town. Send your ideas to cpi@prospertx.govand a coach will reach out to assist you.

Prosper Community Library Director Leslie Scott shared with us the great news about her daughter, Lynsey Scott, getting married to Jon Taylor on October 9 at Snowpine Lodge in Alta, Utah. The entire lodge was booked with wedding guests which made for a wonderful weekend of visiting and celebrating. It snowed the morning of the wedding which made it seem like they were in a magical snow globe. Lynsey and Jon reside in Washington DC where they are both attorneys.

Drew and Chase Alderton, sons of Youth Service Librarian, Sharon Alderton had the important role of Ring Security at the wedding of Lynsey Scott. Taking the role very seriously, they kept an eye on all attendees to protect the valuable wedding bands. The Secret Service could learn a thing or two from them. Lyla Alderton, also daughter of Sharon, led the way in being the most adorable flower girl ever. She spread flower petals with precision and wrapped everyone around her little fingers effortlessly.

Work Anniversaries

Birthdays

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