North Liberty recognizes three outstanding employees for 2015

The City of North Liberty has recognized three employees for their outstanding service.
Guy Goldsmith, superintendent of buildings, parks and grounds, was named Employee of the Year. He was cited for his commitment to excellence, willingness to work across departments to achieve goals, as well as finding creative ways to save taxpayers money.
“He doesn’t seek recognition. He doesn’t receive the accolades he has worked so very hard to be worthy of. He’s just always there. Ready to lend a helping hand. He simply makes it happen,” said City Administrator Ryan Heiar, who presented the award.
Juan Santiago, a part-time North Liberty police officer and full-time high-risk probation officer, was named Officer of the Year. Santiago, who gives time outside of his jobs to support, promote and attend community events, was cited for his selflessness. One example: for more than 19 years, Santiago has organized a toy drive and gift exchange for families at the Domestic Violence Intervention Program’s shelter.
Additionally, said Police Chief Diane Venenga, who presented the award, “he goes the extra step to notice kids, make contact and be involved with kids on the street or in the rec center.”
Caroline Allen, a youth and teen services library assistant at the North Liberty Community Library, was named Rookie of the Year, given to an outstanding first-year city employee. She was cited for her easy-going manner and young heart, making her very popular with families and teens at the library, as well as her intuition and rapport with hard-to-engage teenage patrons.