Joe Kline has enjoyed working on projects in almost every
department
Gilroy – The man who helps shape the city’s public image and keeps citizens connected with their local government has been recognized as Gilroy’s employee of the year.
From streaming online video of city council meetings to establishing a new emergency radio frequency, Public Information Officer Joe Kline has collaborated on projects with virtually every department in the city.
On Friday, he learned at a barbecue for city workers that his peers had voted him the Employee of the Year, an honor bestowed on any of 12 individuals or groups of workers recognized over the course of the year for going above and beyond their routine duties.
“One of the things I really enjoy about my job is that I get to work with all the departments in the city,” Kline said. “I work on a variety of projects and I get exposure to a lot of other employees.”
In addition to serving as the audio-visual technician for city council meetings, the official photographer for city hall and the lead point of contact for the press, Kline brought to completion a multi-year effort to establish 1610 AM radio.
The new system has a five-mile radius and can keep residents up to date on emergency services when an earthquake or some other public emergency arises. The radio station could prove critical if other forms of communication like the Internet or phone lines get knocked out.
Kline said it’s the accomplishment he’s most proud of in the last year, but City Administrator Jay Baksa said “that’s just an example of one of the many many things Joe could have been given this recognition over.
“Joe epitomizes what an excellent employee is,” Baksa said. “He is a guy that I’ve never known to say ‘no.’ He works about as hard as you can solving problems. He’s a go-to guy.”
Before joining the city, Kline worked as a mechanical engineer for nearly three decades at Gilroy Foods, where he handled much of the company’s public outreach and communications. Over the years, he has also established an international reputation as an aviation artist, with a number of his paintings appearing in books on flight and planes.
On Friday, before all his colleagues, Kline was presented with a barbecue pit and a $75 gift certificate for Michael’s art and craft supply store as part of the recognition.
“I was really humbled,” Kline said. “I want to congratulate the other 11 employees of the month. Being that it was voted on by my peers and co-workers, that made it extra special.”
