One - Two Rule

I'm starting to notice a trend at work, for every project I complete two more get added. Sometimes I haven't even completed a project and just the mere notion that I may be done with one soon is an invitation to take on more tasks and projects. Funny how today I ran into my City Manager as I pulled into the parking lot in the morning. He asked how I'd been and how things were going and I responded "busy". He jokingly replied "yeah, you better say that to me". All in good fun.

So what exactly is on my plate you may ask? Well here's the list:
-Revisions to four of the Police Department operations policies
-Completion of the Limited English Proficiency Plan (Federal Requirement)
-Development of intern program plan
-Prop. 202 grant funding for flashing signal school crosswalk
-Research restoration of Union Pacific caboose donated to the city
-Develop policy regarding email policy
-Research policies regarding sewer rates for part time residents (winter visitors
This doesn't include other research requests assigned by the Senior Management Analyst or the Deputy City Manager.

Today I handed off my my sales tax audit project over to the Finance Director. I had completed the bulk and most time consuming portion of the project but with my internship ending in several weeks the Deputy Manager wanted to ensure I got back to my other projects and returned to the City Managers Office. It was nice to work on something different after working with Excel for the past three weeks.

Additionally, the City today hosted Shadow Day. Dozens of high school students roamed the halls of City Halls and other city facilities shadowing department heads and other employees. It was great to see young minds learning about local government.

Spread Sheets!

I wish I could say I love spreadsheets but I can’t even say I like them. Besides, I think over 7,000 rows of data is a bit much to sort through. Funny thing was that I found a Staples “easy” button lying on my desk. Much to my dismay it didn’t work so there I sat looking at a long list of business with licenses from the city and a sales tax audit. So what must I do with this you may ask? I’m not entirely sure myself. My guess is my work will serve several purposes. One, provide an assessment of business paying sales taxes but don’t have a business license with the city. Two, provide an assessment of businesses with licenses who may not be paying sales taxes to the city. Also, determine those businesses who may just be avoiding paying taxes and renewing their business license.

This project is just for starters. I have several other tasks on my list including wrapping up a Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan and some additional work for the PD. There’s never a dull moment for me as much as I really want one every now and then.

Besides work, I completed my capstone class (PAF 509) this weekend. I am glad to be that much closer to graduation.