City of Blue Island Think Outside the Loop
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Nominee Tony Esparza
Tony was nominated by Blue Island Police Chief Bernadine Rzab. She says:
“Tony has been employed since 2003 as our janitor/maintenance employee. Tony takes on many responsibilities inside and outside of the building, keeping it clean and in proper working order. He is responsible for general maintenance and restocking supplies. He has to, on many occasions, provide services for other departments in the City as well. In reality, the workload is more suitable for 2 full-time positions. Add COVID-19 to this mix this year and Tony is on overload. He works non-stop every day he comes to work, cleaning common areas and surfaces in order to help all of us stay healthy. Tony is a dedicated and hard-working employee and we all appreciate him.”
Nominee Julianne Donahue
Julie was nominated by Jim Posterhl, Public Works Superintendent. He says:
“Julie has taken on the role of Assistant Supervisor and provides exemplary support to the Public Works Superintendent and staff. While this role is a new experience for her, she has taken the initiative to learn the processes and procedures of the Department with hands-on experiences, research and the “own it” attitude. She accepted the responsibility of the position with little training but has mastered the day-to-day operations, reporting requirements, learned the technical terminology and continued to work to enhance department efficiencies. Her can-do spirit and willingness to face challenges head-on are part of what makes her an asset to the Public Works Department.”
Nominee Howard Coppari
Howard was nominated by Mayor Vargas. He says:
“Howard has made great contributions to the efforts on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, including assisting in the creation of the Adult-Use Cannabis Ordinance, leading in the vendor solicitation of Doran’s Landscaping, which led to the maintenance of municipal parking lots, leading in the vendor solicitation for Grizz Pest Management, Inc., and creating the framework of the rodent abatement program. He also assisted in the COVID-19 Task Force Response Team and in the absence of a health inspector in enforcing the Restore Illinois Plan various phases. Besides, he assisted in the hiring of Susan M. Wagner, the new health inspector, which is essential to the operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Last but not least, he led in the recuperation of emergency money spent on consumable items and services from the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program.”
Nominee Pamela Castro
Pamela was nominated by Finance Director Tapeca Carthan. She says:
“Pamela has been a staple in the Finance Department for 14 years. She has worked with six Finance Directors and held both departmental functions (Payroll and A/P) simultaneously during 2013 – 2014. Mrs. Castro is extremely bright and has a plethora of knowledge regarding the processes within the Finance department; she’s our valuable historian. Some of our favorite things about her include: her dedication to a job well done, making her very reliable and she is also extremely helpful and generous. The City of Blue Island is very fortunate to have her as a resource.”
Nominee Cristina Reyes
Cristina was nominated by Building Official Ahmed Aich-Sandino. He says:
“Miss Reyes is an outstanding team player; she works diligently and oversees the building department daily’s operations from building permits, complaints from residents, following up inspections, internet to sell inspection. She works closely and follow up with our Building Official, Electrical, plumbing Inspectors, adjudication court that takes place every month. Miss Reyes is very knowledgeable with building departments information to residents, to contractors, architects and technicians that request information about specific work duty. Miss Reyes is one responsible person that performs her daily operation and sometime works overtime without being recognized or compensated monetarily with her over time. Miss Reyes deserves the recognition and more.”
Nominee Earl “Kenny” Buttron
Kenny was nominated by Meadows Golf Course Supervisor Teddy Ruthenberg. He says:
“Kenny has worked at the Meadows Golf Club, and for the City of Blue Island for twenty-two years. This makes Kenny the longest standing current employee of the Meadows Golf Club. Throughout his twenty-two years here, Kenny has worked every position at the Meadows. From working the front desk, bartending, working in the cart barn, and everything in between, Kenny always takes the initiative. He knows there is a job to be done!
Throughout the pandemic, Kenny has worked hard to keep the Meadows clean and disinfected. I consider Kenny to be a great role model for the younger generation that works at the golf course. He truly portrays what it is to not only possess a strong work ethic, but to be a great team player. Thank you for all you do!“
Nominee Michelle Kane
Michelle was nominated by John D. Rita Recreation Center Supervisor Bob Jackson. He says:
“During the pandemic, Michelle has remained productive and used the extra down time to help me get a start on planning and brainstorming new activities for the upcoming year. She works to maintain a clean and safe work environment by cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched, such as door handles, phones, computer mouse, light switches, faucets etc. Overall, Michelle has embraced the new way of doing things with a positive attitude, while contributing successful ways to incorporate new safe programs for the participants to enjoy, so that the Rec Center is able to continue operating effectively.”
