STANTON : Awards Recognize Service to City

In a ceremony that felt much like a family reunion, City Manager Terry S. Matz this week gave service awards to seven of the city’s 43 employees.

Matz praised his small staff, saying, “They are able to wear a lot of hats and do virtually anything for the community.”

Matz gave the awards at the City Council meeting Tuesday before a crowd of about 100.

City workers voted Philip Ramos, the sole building official, Employee of the Year.

Ramos works with developers as they plan construction and inspects the work as it progresses. He recently oversaw the construction of the Smith’s Food and Drug Center on Katella Avenue, and is monitoring the construction of the Civic Center.

Orange County Sheriff’s Capt. Robert Eason named Sgt. Stuart Rand Benicky Deputy of the Year. “He always makes people happy, so I give him the impossible tasks,” Eason said.

Denise Archambault, the city manager’s assistant, took photographs of the employees as they received their awards and shook hands with City Council members.

Craig Stubbe, public works manager, was honored for 15 years of work with the city. Stubbe, Matz told the group, is responsible for the maintenance of the city’s streets, water, sewers and landscape. “He’s the guy that you automatically think of when anything goes wrong,” Matz said.

Dario Moreno works to maintain the city’s medians. Matz, in honoring Moreno for 10 years of service, noted that his nickname, Heavy D, is how most city workers refer to him.

Florence Ruiz, who works in the three-member Finance Department, was also recognized for 10 years with the city.

Donna Burky was given an award for five years of service with the city. Part of her job is to deal with residents who have complaints about traffic tickets, Matz said.

Siu-Lee Chang, an accountant, and Donna Thompson, a secretary, were also honored for five years of service.