The city said thanks to its approximately 225 employees Tuesday with an Employee Appreciation Day on O’Neal Plaza.

The event, the city’s third annual, was also an opportunity for people of different departments to mingle, eat and listen to music together.

One of its main purposes, though, was to boost employee morale, according to Sheila Mason, human resources generalist for the city.

Human Resources Director Frederick Perry admitted that keeping morale high is a big issue, but from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, lack of morale was not evident.

Employees like Joe Cowins, who has worked in the Parks and Recreation Department at Jessie Davis Park for 15 years, said he has no complaints.

Now 74, he took an early retirement after 20 years with Seydel-Woolley & Co. and has been working for the city since. His manager is Charles Thomas, who is director of the Alice Hawthorne Center at the park.

“I am truly blessed,” Cowins said.

The Appreciation Day actually started years ago, Perry said, but was at some point discontinued and tied in with holiday festivities.

But three years ago, it was decided that a stand-alone appreciation day was the way to go.

By noon, employees from the Information Technology Department, Development Services, Maintenance and Sanitation and the Police departments had converged on the plaza for hamburgers, salmon burgers, hot dogs, chips, watermelon, cookies, soft drinks, water and a smoothie station where employees could order one of four flavors.

The Irish Bred Pub offered its patio seating and umbrellas, while City Councilman Sam Davis provided music.

Mayor Mickey Thompson and Councilman Larry Yockey were also present early in the event.

Giveaways and door prizes were also planned.