|
|
Hello!
Last night, the Unified Government Board of Commissioners adopted the 2025 budget. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard these past few months to address the policy direction provided by the Commission. Stay tuned for more updates soon!
In the meantime, we encourage you to read the entire newsletter, so you can stay informed and connected to what's going on in the UG and around the community. Share feedback and suggestions regarding this newsletter at communications@wycokck.org.
|
|
Welcome to all of our new UG Employees. We are glad you chose us as you start or continue your career journey. I hope you find public service rewarding and encourage you to learn more about the UG and all that we do in our city and county. I look forward to seeing you around our buildings and at upcoming events.
To ALL UG Employees, you are truly amazing! Continue the great work that you are doing. We appreciate the dedication and community pride you show each day.
David W. Johnston, County Administrator
|
The following individuals joined the Unified Government last month:
|
|
- Deborah Anderson
- Kimberly Anderson
- Beatrice Arce
- Elizabeth Berg
- Matthew Birzer
- Heather Brasel
- Anna Campbell
- Maria Elena Castellanos
- Michelle Chabbott
- Laura Chavira Molina
- Dorothy Chavis
- Charles Cummings
- Beverly Dowling
- Robert Ehler
- Jamie Ensign
- Wanda Ewing
- Gregory Fraizer
- Brian Geib
- Steven Gilmore
- Zaira Gomez Perez
|
- Latanya Goodloe
- Jada Hall
- Dominique Hampton
- David Hazzard
- Kevin Hernandez
- Shanee Howard
- Chukwuebunie Jiagbogu
- Sandra Jimenez
- Sade Johnson
- Tritia Johnson
- Leah Khier
- Madison Knapp
- Matt Kross
- John Lore
- Samuel Luke
- Vernon Maxey
- Matthew McGruder
- Radell Oakman
- Jennifer Phillips
- Linnie Poke
- Pamela Porter
|
- Kyler Richard
- Eric Risley
- Ariana Sanchez Ruiz
- Cynthia Saragusa
- Najum Shabbir
- Cynthia Sheppard
- George Sievers
- Haley Smallwood
- Angela Smith
- Barbara Spotwood
- Carol Stringfellow
- Katie Thompson
- Lakayla Thompson
- Charles Velasquez
- Aquilino Villegas
- Winnie Weaver
- Carla Wilson
- Dana Wright
- Eldon Yeakel
- Robert Zabielski
|
|
Great Work is Happening at the UG |
|
Water Pollution Control: Celebrate a New Direction Today at 11AM
The Water Pollution Control Rebranding Internal Open House is today from 11AM-2PM at Flood Pump Station 17 (2134 Metropolitan Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66106). Join us to learn about our new brand and why it’s important; discuss the changes with team members; take brief tours of our facilities; and enjoy snacks and refreshments.
Your participation is crucial as we prepare for the public announcement in late September or early October. We look forward to seeing you there! Can’t make this one? Save the date for Friday, September 20 from 11AM-2PM at the new Sewer Maintenance Facility, (4851 Armstrong Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66102). See you soon!
|
YOUR Safety First: 3 Hot Tips from Our Security Supervisor
Check out these work safety tips from our Security Supervisor Stephen Owen:
-
If you see something, say something. Report suspicious to UG Security at 913-573-6330.
-
ALWAYS lock restroom doors. Public restrooms are available on designated floors for use by visitors.
-
Post clear signage. Help your visitors know what areas of your office are accessible to the general public by posting clear signage.
|
RELAX: Municipal Building Break Room Refreshed
Have you had a moment to check out the new and improved breakroom on the 4th floor of the Municipal Building? You'll no longer be hanging out in a "retro" lounge (we'll miss you orange seating!) but a modern, clean space for a team lunch or afternoon break. A huge thanks goes to the UG Building and Logisitics Department for your hard work to transform this room for us all!
Summertime Phishing: Protect Yourself and the UG by Catching Suspicious Emails in Your Inbox
Hard to miss the headlines these days about cybersecurity. It's on all of us to remain vigilant - particularly when opening emails in our inbox. Remember, anything that seems questionable, don't click on it! Report it by clicking on the Phish Alert Report icon in your Outlook inbox.
Learn more about email spoofing and protecting your inbox by checking out this useful guide.
We at the UG have adopted the Zero Trust Security approach. It's a model that uses the robust stance of "never trust; always verify." This means nothing is inherently trusted at any point, and everything is always verified, often continuously. Read more about how this works.
|
Commercial Drivers' License Program: Innovative Fleet Initiative has 100% Success Rate
The Fleet Division continues to see great outcomes from its internal Commercial Drivers' License (CDL) training program launched last year. In an effort to find cost savings and support our workforce, the team at Fleet evaluated the costs of providing CDL training to staff through external providers. These programs can cost anywhere between $5,500 to $6,500. Upon examination, the team determined it was considerably more affordable to train our own team members - reducing our costs to just $145 plus the time and talent of trainer Harold Ellis.
Upon completion of the training at the Fleet facility, you are then supported through the actual testing. The team reports a 100% pass rate to date! If you are interested in obtaining your CDL, talk with your supervisor and then reach out to Russell Owens for more information.
 Director of Planning & Urban Design Gunnar Hand completed the CDL program and successfully passed the test on July 10. Director Hand is looking forward to the winter and hopes to get a call to drive a snowplow. A very special thank you to the Fleet team for sharing their knowledge. Will you be next?
WyCo Museum: Building a Better Visitor Experience
The Wyandotte Country Historical Museum is looking at its overall visitor experience and would like your feedback! This short survey should not take any longer than 5-6 minutes to complete and can help the team understand opportunities for improvement and continued success. Survey closes August 21!
|
In case you missed it, check out this great recap video from last week's National Night Out Against Crime Community Event. A night of community, collaboration and connecting!
|
|
NexTrex Recycling Challenge: UG is close to earning its first bench
Great news! Thanks to your hard work and participation, we have only 295 pounds of plastics to recycle to reach our first community bench.
Kudos to the Neighborhood Resource Center; they are currently in first place with their collection of 26.3 lbs.
Be sure to bring your hard-to-recycle plastics to any of these participating buildings:
- Municipal Building (701 N. 7th Street)
- Neighborhood Resource Center (4953 State Avenue)
- The Recycling Center (3421 Park Drive)
- UG Annex (8200 State Avenue)
Learn more here.
|
Surf our website in 13 different languages
Did you know that our website automatically translates pages into 12 languages, in addition to English?
Wyandotte County is the 33rd most diverse county in the United States and this service allows more residents and businesses to access the information they need about our programs and services.
Supported by Google Translate (so it's not perfect), visitors to our webpage can choose among several language options, including: Spanish, Hmong, Latin, Chinese (simplified), Myanmar (Burmese), Nepali, Vietnamese, French, Swahili, Zulu, Ukranian, and Persian.
|
|
|
Employee Spotlight
We are excited to spotlight our amazing staff! Each month we will be highlighting the great work and accomplishments of our staff. Be sure to share your updates with us at communications@wycokck.org
Money Matters: Kudos to the Budget and Finance Team
From introducing new ways to approach our budgeting to pulling together the 2025 budget document, the UG Budget, Strategy & Research and Finance teams have done it again. Thank you for your hard work, long hours and dedication to keep our organization and community moving forward. We appreciate you and thank you for your amazing work!
Budget, Strategy & Research Department
Finance Department
 |
|
Muni Court Judge Wittman and Promoting Traffic Safety
Congratulations to Municipal Court Judge Karen Wittman on her recent appointment by the American Bar Association as the Kansas Judicial Outreach Liaison. Established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Judicial Outreach Liaison Program promotes traffic safety through education and outreach, including programs for judges, law enforcement, and the public about the legal aspects of traffic safety. Congratulations!
|
County Administrator: Celebrating Good People, Good Deeds, and Great Work
Directors and managers are reminded to nominate individuals and teams for recognition by the County Administrator for excellent customer service and dedication. Nominate your staff today and they could be recognized with tickets to area events. To nominate someone, please contact Diana Segui at desegui@wycokck.org
|
|
|
Resources and Updates for yoUG |
|
Wellness Matters: Take Advantage of the Incentive Program
All employees are encouraged to participate in the annual Wellness Incentive Program. All 2024 rewards will be distributed on your paycheck in January 2025, unless you elected during the 2024 Open Enrollment period to have your reward deposited pre-tax into your HSA.
There are three steps to complete to be able to receive the full incentive award, with minimum points to earn with each step. You can choose to complete the steps in any order, but you MUST complete all activities in “Step 1” to be eligible for any rewards.
Questions? Contact the UG Human Resources Department at 913-573-5660. More information can be found on the wellness portal at https://my.marathon-health.com/login
|
Start Planning Your Retirement TODAY
Wherever you are on your savings journey, you need to plan for the retirement you want. You're invited to reach out to Retirement Plans Specialist Jake Hoffman to help you navigate your options. Contact Jake today at jahoffman@missionsq.org to learn more.
|
 |
|
KCK Legacy Trail: Check-In. Unlock Prizes.
I spy with my little eye... something new happening! Check out the KCK Legacy Trail by Visit KCK and explore our vibrant cultures. The self-guided KCK Legacy Trail features multiple journeys honoring KCK's diverse history and cultures including Latino, Eastern European, Black, Indigenous Peoples, and Modern Immigrant. Through your journey, you'll discover the people, stories and legacies of Kansas City, Kansas. The Eastern European Journey and Latino Journey are now available. Become a tourist in your own town - learn more today!
|
Explore the KCK Legacy Trail on an ebike! As a bikeshare community, UG staff are automatically members of RideKC Bike and can ride the electric bikes for up to 80 minutes free a day! Download the app today and use code UG9722. |
|
 |
|
|
Building Connections: Vendor and Small Business Resource Fair - August 28
Help us spread the word! On Wednesday, August 28 from 9AM-2PM at Memorial Hall, this FREE Vendor & Small Business Resource Fair brings together small businesses and local companies with goods and services to sell to meet and learn about working with government and other large organization who have budgets and purchasing needs.
This event is an important way the UG connects with local businesses with our purchasing dollars. Learn more and register to participate today.
|
 SAVE THE DATE: Please mark your calendars for a fun filled week of appreciation to celebrate our amazing UG Employees - Stay tuned for more details to come from the UG Human Resources Department!
 Join us on Thursday, October 17 from 10:30AM-1:30PM at Memorial Hall for the 2024 Health Fair. Learn about UG benefits and options; explore health and well-being resources; get your flu and COVID shots; and enroll for health and life insurance coverage! Save the date and see you there.
|
|
|
|
|
