Employee Service Recognitions

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

MICHELLE M. GARZA: 35 YEARS We would like to recognize Michelle for 35 years of cumulative service to the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority). Michelle joined the River Authority on March 23, 1989, as a receptionist, was promoted in July 1995 to the Environmental Sciences Department (ESD) as Staff Secretary and then to the Utilities Office Manager in February 1999. After a brief hiatus from the River Authority, she returned to the agency in October 2002 as a Water Quality Planner II in the ESD. Michelle was promoted to Environmental Information Systems Specialist in July 2008 and has been a vital part of the organization's data management and analysis efforts since then, including her current role as a Senior Environmental Data Specialist. Michelle has played a major role in the development of a myriad of organizational best practices, project data delivery standards and public-facing viewers. Most notably, Michelle has been instrumental in the development, maintenance and continual improvement of our Water Quality Viewer and Current Conditions platforms. The Water Quality Viewer allows constituents to access millions of data points from across the basin. This data set has been used by college students in pursuit of graduate and undergraduate degrees, by high school students as part of capstone projects and science fairs and is the foundation for responding to countless questions from the community. The Current Conditions Platform allows people to check water quality and stream flow before going out to recreate on or near the river. Michelle’s friendly personality and ability to work with staff across the organization are the perfect complement to her depth and breadth of technical expertise. Please join me in congratulating Michelle for 35 years of service! BRUCE ENGELKE: 35 YEARS During Bruce’s tenure at the River Authority, he served in several vital roles, including Wastewater Operator, Maintenance Technician, Inspection Technician, and Collection Technician. These positions allowed him to develop a broad and diverse skill set across many aspects of utility operations. His thorough knowledge of utilities was instrumental in successfully accomplishing the many tasks assigned to him. Bruce frequently led safety meetings and was highly influential in promoting strong safety practices. He administered multiple safety training courses, including CPR, confined space entry, and proper equipment use. Known as a “get-it-done” professional, Bruce consistently led by example—taking charge during challenging tasks and working through inclement weather conditions. Additionally, Bruce played a key role in driver training, instructing numerous personnel in tractor-trailer operations as well as mobile crane operations. Bruce transitioned from Utilities to Watershed and Park Operations (WPO) into his current role as a Park Tech II and quickly became a key asset, requiring minimal training due to his extensive experience. His continued commitment to safety extends into the parks, as this year he seeks to acquire his safety playground inspector certification and will assist with those inspections. He has contributed to and completed multiple projects, including the GYM Trail at Helton, and consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic by arriving early and taking on any task needed. Highly flexible, Bruce supports a wide range of duties from river work to park maintenance. He is a valued member of both the WPO and River Authority teams, known for his professionalism, helpfulness, and positive attitude with coworkers and the public. Bruce’s commitment to the River Authority, the safety of himself, his team, and the public we serve is greatly appreciated! Congratulations on 35 years of dedicated service.