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.
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“Excellence in Action