FY 2009 Popular Annual Financial Report FY 2009 Popular Annual Financial Report | Page 17

2009 Achievements in Excellence The City of Arlington achieved an Award of Excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association for its 2008 Popular Annual Financial Report. The 23page report chronicled municipal programs, services and finance operations from October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008. It is a simplified analysis of city revenues and how tax dollars are spent. The report is produced by the Financial and Management Resources Department. Police Officer Stephanie Gillespie received one of the highest awards in law enforcement. She was honored in 2009 by the U.S. Department of Justice, during the Third Annual Law Enforcement Agency Personnel Commendation Ceremony, for her efforts to combine the Justice Department’s Weed and Seed model with her dedication to neighborhoods and crime prevention in east Arlington. Gillespie, who has been a member of the Arlington Police Department since 1995, was also cited for her work with at-risk youth, homeless populations and programs that benefit children whose parents struggle with criminal activity and addictions. The City of Arlington was honored for its 58-year-old friendship with its German sister city during the Annual German Pioneer Ball, which celebrates the rich German heritage and culture in Texas. A friendship began between the two communities in 1951 when Arlington residents and businesses began shipping food and clothing to refugees who traveled to the small town of Bad Königshofen to escape communist East Germany. Arlington’s contributions brought a spark of hope to a community overwhelmed with need. The bond between residents of the two cities has continued to strengthen over the years. The City of Arlington dedicated Caelum Moor in 2009, following the installation of the freestanding granite sculptures along Johnson Creek in the Entertainment District. Caelum Moor consists of 22 pink stones ranging in height from 8 to 30 feet. The Latin name Caelum is derived from a constellation in the southern skies known as the sculptor’s tool or chisel. Moor refers to the windswept landscapes of Scotland. The celtic names of each of the five groupings reflect the ancestry of the sculptor’s patron. Arlington Housing Authority Executive Director David Zappasodi has earned one of the highest honors given to an individual demonstrating a continuous commitment to improving housing and community development conditions. Zappasodi was named a Fellow by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Since 2005, Zappasodi has been responsible for the daily operations and performance of the Arlington Housing Authority, which administers programs that provide rental assistance, housing for the homeless, housing rehabilitation for homeowners, and homebuyer assistance programs. Among his many honors, Zappasodi has won awards in administrative innovation and efficiency for improved public access to housing assistance and overall operations. 17 “Excellence in Action