April 23, 2004
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
Vol. 33. No. 4
Another Profitable Year For The Pinellas Federal Credit Union
Credit Union officials gave an outstanding account of last year’s activities at their annual meeting on March 17. Credit Union President/CEO Linda Reynolds, who has served in this position since 1996, was proud to report that the Pinellas Federal Credit Union assets are now over $60 million. In 2002 the Credit Union changed its name from Pinellas County Employees Federal Credit Union to Pinellas Federal Credit Union (PFCU) and expanded its membership to include State, County and various municipality employees as well as other select employee groups. Membership is now over 10,000 and Linda wants to encourage employees to make PFCU Your Primary Financial Institution. Highlights of the Credit Union’s accomplishments in 2003 include:
Assets ........................... Grew by 14.52% Membership ................... Rose 3.27% to 10,149 Loans ............................. Increased by 10.57% Capital-to-Asset Ratio ... 9.59% versus 9.74% of last year New Services ................. Introduced Electronic Statements
Prior to giving away door prizes that included a 27” television, Sony PlayStation, CD stereo system and cordless phone, the following Board of Directors members for 2004 were announced STEVE CARROLL, Chairperson JACK BOWMAN,Vice Chairperson SUE JOHNSON, Secretary DIANE NELSON, Director CHUCK KEARNS, Director JULIE SCALES, Treasurer DEBORAH CLARK, Director W. FRED PETTY, Director WILLIAM PULLER, Director
As a further indicator that the Pinellas Federal Credit Union is committed to providing its members a safe and sound financial institution that offers products and services to meet their financial needs, PFCU is ranked number ten nationwide in Member Service Usage by Callahan & Associates for the 3rd quarter of 2003. This ranking was based on the number of checking accounts, auto loans, credit cards issued, and total loan and savings accounts among credit unions with an asset size of $50 to $100 million.
In attendance at the Credit Union Annual Meeting are (l. to r.) PFCU President/CEO Linda Reynolds and Board members Steve Carroll, Julie Scales, Chuck Kearns, Fred Petty, Deborah Clark, Jack Bowman and a partial facial shot of Sue Johnson.
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PINELLAS PEN
April 23, 2004
Special Announcements
If you encounter someone who needs language assistance you can refer to a list of County employees at w w w. p i n e l l a s c o u n t y. o r g / D R G / languages.htm. who have volunteered to act as unofficial translators and contact them directly for assistance. JUST A REMINDER: If you get called for an interview make sure you get the details of the location of where the interview is to take place as well as the name of the individual who will be interviewing you. Pinellas County 9-1-1 needs your help! In 2003, over 70,000 accidental calls to 9-1-1 were made by cell phone users. This occurs when the “9” key on older model phones has been inadvertently pre-programmed to call 9-1-1. Pinellas County 9-1-1 is offering a FREE button guard to help reduce the number of these calls. The guard is placed around the “9” key and helps prevent the key from being accidentally pressed but will not interfere with the normal operation of the phone. Model numbers that are affected are listed at www.co.pinellas.fl.us/ ces/PubEd.htm. For additional information contact Darla Douglas in Emergency Communications at 464-3835. If you are in a position that involves interviewing applicants,an important part of the interview process is to advise them that pay checks are directly deposited in a financial institution of their choosing, unless their Appointing Authority exempts them because of a proven hardship that prevents their participation. Some new hires are hearing this for the first time at orientation.
UTILITIES “PIPE DREAMERS” WALK FOR JDF. Employees from the Utilities General Maintenance Department, known as “The Pipe Dreamers”, once again rallied to the cause on Saturday, February 28 to help make their dream to “Flush Out a Cure” a reality for a very worthwhile cause. This time (they have also raised money for the American Cancer Society in the Relay For Life) they got together with family, friends (and even their pets) to participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk. The group, pictured at left, raised $1,268 to help support research in finding a cure for Juvenile Diabetes and its complications which affect more than one million Americans who have type 1 diabetes, a disease most often diagnosed in childhood. Inspiring and cheering on the walkers was Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ronde Barber.
PINELLAS COUNTY VOLUNTEER-A-THON
Pinellas County’s first-ever LIVE Volunteer-a-thon will air on Pinellas 18, Monday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. Employees are urged to call in to the Pinellas 18 studios and pledge their time to help others. Volunteer names and their number of donated hours will be acknowledged live during the telecast. For additional information call Volunteer Services Manager Tim Closterman at 464-3945 or log on to www.pinellascounty.org.
Promotions
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT PUBLIC WORKS
Frederick Cachilli ........ Court Recds Spec II Michelle Doyel ........... Court Recds Spec II Shirley Girard ................ Fiscal Recds Spec Donna Shockey .......... Court Recds Spec II
COMMUNICATIONS
Nickolas Burkhart .......... Land Surv Tech II Brian Ellis ...................... Land Surv Tech II
TAX COLLECTOR
Pamela Kennedy ............... Senior Tax Asst Sandra Strong ...................... Tax Specialist
UTILITIES
Richard Glanzrock ........ Admin Supt Supvr
CULTURE, EDUCATION & LEISURE
Eric Braithwaite .................... Crew Chief III
Timothy Bruni .................. Park Maint Wkr David Hoelzer .............. Maint Crew Leader Gary Housel ..................... Park Maint Wkr Robert Yackoski ............... Park Maint Wkr
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Vital Statistics
BIRTHS: Michael Clements (Airport) and
Courtney Hugar ......... Emerg Comms Oper Richard Montaudo ..... Emerg Comms Oper
GENERAL SERVICES
Roberto Quijada .................... Craftworker I John Way ............................... Crew Chief I
HIGHWAY
Kerry Klemm ................. Traffic Sig Tech II Dennis McDuffy ................. Traffic Tech II
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
wife Dawn, a daughter, Abbey, on March 7. Kristine Ruiz, (Clerk’s CC) and husband William, a son, Trey, on March 15. Gregory Carro (IT) and wife Diana (Human Services), a son, Christopher, on March 26. MARRIAGE: Silvia Wood (Community Development) to John Judy on April 13.
Pinellas Pen
A regular publication of the Personnel Department f o r a n d a b o u t t h e e m p l o y e e s o f t h e Unified Personnel System of Pinellas County, Florida COUNTY ANNEX OFFICE BUILDING 400 SOUTH FORT HARRISON AVE CLEARWATER, FL 33756-5113 PHONE 464-3367/4835/4836 FAX 464-5548 On line @ http://ups/eos/eosmain.htm Editor .................................................. Al Collins Assistant ................................. Connie Chancey
Nancy Sherman ......... Senior Systems Prog
PLANNING
Donald Olson ...................... Planning Tech
PROPERTY APPRAISER
Linda Belinske ........................ Appraiser II Robert Dunne ........................ Appraiser III Cynthia Forness .................... Appraiser III Justin Knippen ....................... Appraiser II Marguerite Macaione ..... Pers Real Prop Spec
April 23, 2004
PINELLAS PEN
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A Tribute To County Employees
Appointing Authorities, in the following quotes, warmly express their feelings about the quality and worth of County employees as a prelude that sets the tone for the celebration of Employee Appreciation Week coming up on May 3-7. Paul Alexander III, IT Director - “As the new Director of Information Technology, it didn’t take me very long to recognize the exceptional ability, character, and dedication of my staff. Based on a foundation of mutual trust and respect, we continue to work together to serve our customers. I acknowledge their contributions as a core competency of our business, and am privileged to be a part of the team.” Susan Churuti, County Attorney - “I cherish my relationships with my employees. Their support and many kindnesses to me, each other, and our clients make all of our jobs much more pleasant. I’m grateful to my staff for doing their jobs well with a minimum of oversight and for their creativity, diligence and competence.” Deborah Clark, Supervisor of Elections - “I have the good fortune to work with a very dedicated group of people. When we are in “election mode,” which is January through March every year for municipal elections, July through November in even-numbered years, and when special elections are scheduled, my colleagues literally put their personal lives on hold because of the work loads and tight schedules. These employees are of the highest integrity, and if I need them, they are there. For all of us, this is not a job, it is a commitment, and I can’t imagine doing this without them by my side.” Karleen F. De Blaker, Clerk of the Circuit Court “Employees of the Clerk’s Office are very hardworking, dedicated, loyal, professional individuals who constantly strive to give of their utmost best. We truly appreciate all that they do.” Rodney Fischer, Executive Director, PCCLB - “I have rarely seen a harder working or more dedicated group of employees. After having worked in the private sector for my entire career in the construction industry, and hearing all the jokes and comments about lazy and unmotivated government workers, I was thrilled to find that nothing could be further from the truth. Anne Diamond, PCCLB office manager, and Cathy Benedict, Pam Glad, and our receptionist, Paula Wykoff, work tirelessly to respond to licensing questions from our customers, the contractors, consumers, and other government agencies. PCCLB Investigators Connie Garriques-Sang and Jim Mapes, with the support of Dianne Schiller, always do their level best to provide great “customer service” while carrying out their investigative functions. Like most local government agencies, we must respond to new regulations, laws, and requirements passed by our state legislature. Our PCCLB team has responded with a commitment to “get the job done,” while keeping their sense of humor and focus. I’m proud to be working with each of “my” employees!” David Healey, Executive Director, PPC - “I am especially fortunate to have a small but highly efficient and dedicated staff of planners and support personnel committed to serving the needs of our countywide planning process. The nature of the projects we undertake necessitate a multi-disciplined, flexible and business-like approach that is reflected in the can-do attitude of the top-notch people that I am fortunate to work with. They are very much appreciated by me and the elected officials we all serve, during this time of special recognition and throughout the year as well.” Dave Libby, Director of Personnel - “I am very proud to be a part of the County structure because of the women and men like you who are its work force. Your dedication to serving the needs of this community and its citizens is clearly outstanding. It is a pleasure to work with you for the betterment of the County.” Diane Nelson, Tax Collector - “As Tax Collector, I feel honored to employ some of the most conscientious and hardworking people in the County. Thousands of comment cards are received by this office every year. About 96% of our customers rate our employees as being “excellent or good” and state that our employees are friendly, efficient, considerate, polite, professional and knowledgeable, along with many other favorable qualities. I am so proud of each of you. You are very much appreciated and truly special to me. Please accept my deepest thanks and gratitude.” Leon Russell, EEO Officer, Office of Human Rights “Do I appreciate the work and dedication of my staff? The answer is an overwhelming yes. I believe that the Office of Human Rights has a staff rapport that is unequalled. We participate in the annual celebration of Employee Appreciation Week, however, we also try to show our appreciation to staff on a daily basis. They are a high quality, hard working and dedicated group of people who work hard to ensure that Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code and our internal Equal Employment Opportunity policies are fully complied with. How do I feel about them? I am proud of each of them and I enjoy working with them each and every day.” Jim Smith, Property Appraiser - “We have assembled a great group of individuals for all four of the Property Appraiser offices. Each of them is appreciated for their professional and personal contributions to our team throughout the year, not just during this special recognition week. The public appreciates our associates as well. We consistently receive positive remarks from citizens who are the recipients of their courteous, professional service.” Steve Spratt, County Administrator - “As employees of Pinellas County, we are the face and voice of local government. The most frequent compliment we hear relates to the quality and dedication of our employees. Thanks to all of you for your commitment to our community.”
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PINELLAS PEN
April 23, 2004
A Message
from
County Administrator Steve Spratt
Balancing Next Year’s Budget
Preliminary FY ‘05 budget requests have been received from all departments. The County Administration is now going over the numbers to see how well they mesh with next year’s budget projections and discussing them with the County Commission in work sessions. We expect some modification in budget projections between now and August, when the final FY ‘05 budget will be approved by the Board of County Commissioners, but I want to share with you some of what we expect to occur as we work to reach our County’s budget goals. The good news is that our financial position is strong. We have been successful at keeping actual expenses within budgeted figures - generally within 4% which allows us to begin the new budget with a better fund balance from previous years. The goal, given to us by the Board of County Commissioners, is to target our ending fund balance at 11% of the total general fund this year. I know this is achievable as we look ahead to FY ‘05. However, there are challenges ahead. Given the rate of wage growth, general inflation, and the increased cost of medical insurance and other benefits, it will cost the County 4% more simply to open our doors next year. We must also calculate annualized costs associated with the opening of the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, new Weedon Island programs, the increased number of Code Enforcement Officers on patrol, as well as maintenance costs associated with new roads built this past year. Pinellas County could incur $5.5 million in new costs if the State hands us the responsibility for funding the Juvenile Justice system. Even though Revision 7 of the Florida Constitution called for a shift in the expense of turning the court system over to the State, other related costs will fall to the County. We cannot be sure of the financial impact these unknowns will have on the County’s budget, but we must be prepared to deal with any contingency. In anticipation of the projected increased expenses, we are stressing the need for tight budget discipline as we go into next year’s budget development process. We expect our departments to live within their budgets. Those departments asking for increased funding will need to clearly justify their requests. If some agencies feel they cannot meet the targeted figures without jeopardizing services, then we will evaluate the potential impact and consider adjusting the numbers accordingly. But, we will have to say “no” to some requests. We must monitor expenses very closely and put in restrictions where needed. It will continue to be the responsibility of each department to curtail costs where possible and come up with creative ways to provide services as we strive to improve the County’s overall financial picture. In the meantime, we are continuing work to increase our non-tax revenue. The Board of County Commissioners has been very supportive in pursuing naming rights, concession opportunities, fee adjustments and similar proposals to increase County revenue, while maintaining a flat property tax rate for Pinellas County homeowners. This gives us important flexibility to support our services. We have also requested that our constitutional officers meet target budget figures. But even our best estimate right now points to a gap between what we expect our costs to be and where our revenue is expected to be by the end of FY ‘05. While it will be difficult, I know we can close that gap. That is what I am asking everyone to keep in mind as we calculate the budget. The County Commission has been very supportive of our budget recommendations in the last two years. I believe this is due to the submission of well reasoned proposals which are responsive to their policy directions and which are sensitive to the costs to our customers. Pinellas County employees have proven how resourceful they can be; we know we can rely on you to continue your resourcefulness in combining efficiency and productivity into high quality service for Pinellas County citizens.
April 23, 2004
PINELLAS PEN
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35 YEARS
30 YEARS
APRIL SERVICE AWARDS
ROBERT BURGER AEO III Highway 25 YEARS 25 YEARS 25 YEARS 25 YEARS JACQUELYN AVISE Jury Services Manager Clerk of the Court 25 YEARS 25 YEARS
KENNETH CLEMENT CLAUDIA GUNTHER JODY HAVELKA ELLEN JACKSON-BAHNICK JACK MILNES Park Ranger Envir Code Enf Officer Information Sys Coord Senior Office Specialist Financial Info Svcs Mgr Culture, Educ & Leisure Development Review Svcs Clerk of the Court Clerk of the Court Clerk of the Court 20 YEARS 20 YEARS 20 YEARS 20 YEARS 20 YEARS
JACK TIPTON Assistant Director Building 20 YEARS
RONALD COAR LAURA CORMANY Sr Equipment Operator Environmental Spec II Utilities Development Review Svcs
PHILIP EVANS Utilities Specialist IV Utilities
DEBORAH JEAN Administrative Secretary General Services
JOHN SHEESLEY Electrical Inspector III Building
JAMES WILSON Park Supervisor Culture, Educ & Leisure
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS (unavailable for picture) Terri Vincent .................... Information Systems TWENTY YEARS (unavailable for picture) Grace Burns ....................... Emergency Comms Monica Davis-Griffin ....... Employee Relations Roger Laferriere ................................... Utilities Susan Lunin ................................ Clerk’s Office FIFTEEN YEARS Linda Britland .......................... Animal Services Nicole S. Brown .................... County Attorney Larry Childs ........................................ Highway Catherine Dunlap ......................... Tax Collector Tonja Ferguson ........................... Clerk’s Office Terese Galluccio ................................... Utilities
David Healey ......................... Planning Council Pamela Leasure ............... Environmental Mgmt Carla Walser ................................. Public Works Jeff Withrow ...................................... Personnel TEN YEARS Glenn Dulmes ............. Culture, Educ & Leisure Judith Granda ............................. Clerk’s Office Gary Hughes ............... Culture, Educ & Leisure William Kinsley .......................... Clerk’s Office Elizabeth Lee .............................. Clerk’s Office Gloria Marschang ................................. Airport Catherine Milligan ............... Risk Management Donald Shaffer ............................ Clerk’s Office Russell Wirt ................ Information Technology FIVE YEARS Thomas Borawski ........................ Public Works
Paul Brooking ................................ Fleet Mgmt Debra Gerdes ....................................... Utilities Charles M. Gibson ...................... STAR Center Beth Hornak ............................... Clerk’s Office Bobbie Johnson .................................. Highway Thomas Kirk ........................... General Services Daniel Maddox ....................... General Services Carolyn Mann ................................... Personnel Donald Myhill ..................................... Utilities Frederick Schuler ................................. Building Alan Shellhorn ..................................... Planning Kevin Sutton ........................... General Services Christine Taylor ...................... General Services Jim Valliere ......................................... Personnel Isiah Waller ................................. Clerk’s Office Nancy Wilkinson ........................ Clerk’s Office
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PINELLAS PEN
April 23, 2004
Obituaries
It is with much sadness that the Pen reports the untimely deaths of the following two highly esteemed employees who will be sorely missed. ELWIN W. (AL) WILFERT passed away on February 20, 2004, following 31½ years with the County. Al began his career in the Park Department where his expertise in plant life and care became quickly evident through the various Park beautification projects on which he worked. In 1980, he transferred to the Highway Department where he demonstrated his leadership ability early on and was known for his effectiveness in motivating co-workers. He was a skilled heavy equipment operator and demonstrated an enormous amount of initiative and enthusiasm for his assigned projects. Al’s dedication to the County, his Department and the citizens he served was always evident in his determination to identify ways of reducing the time and overall cost of a project. JOHN E. KOHLER, died on March 22, 2004. John’s notable career of over 13 years with the County was in the Department of Public Works where he was an Engineering Services Technician II. John received numerous compliments from co-workers, contractors and the citizens of Pinellas County for his friendly and efficient manner. He was highly skilled in software conversions and displayed outstanding initiative in developing methods to improve daily procedures. John was a team player, always stepping in where needed, as well as assisting co-workers with computer problems. He will be remembered for heading up a task team that was instrumental in developing a new process in the contract award procedure that greatly improved the process of filing plans and specifications for newly awarded projects. The Pen joins the host of friends and co-workers of Al and John in extending heartfelt condolences to the families of these two dedicated employees.
A Message Of Thanks
The following is a note of thanks from Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark and her staff to all County employees who helped out in the March Elections: “From all of us, a sincere thank you to the 154 County employees who worked with u s on March 9, during the Presidential Preference Primary and Municipal Elections. Your w i l l i n g n e s s t o h e l p re a l l y means a lot to us, and your performance was exceptional. Please know how very much we appreciate having you on our “election team” and that we look forward to working with you again this fall. The Primary Election is August 31, and the General Election is November 2.”
FOR SALE: Dresser, 6 drawer, mirror. Light
Classified Ads
Personnel Board Chips
Here is a summary of the principal actions taken by the Personnel Board at its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, 1 April: Approved the Personnel Department’s budget for FY 2004 – 2005. Approved the establishment of a Law Clerk Career Ladder Program in the County Attorney’s Office. Reclassified one position in Heritage Village in the Parks Division of the Culture, Education and Leisure Department from Administrative Support Specialist, PG 38, to Education Support Specialist, PG 39. Reclassified one position in Utilities from Administrative Secretary, PG 39, to Education Support Specialist, with no change in pay grade.
walnut. Excellent condition, $100. 726-2254. ‘66 Impala, 2 door, hard-top, factory A/C & power steering. 40,000 mi. on original rebuilt V8. $4200. 391-6318. ‘78 Ford F-100 Custom project vehicle, rebuilt 1971 351 Cleveland. Will part out. Ceramic Coated George Krass Custom Headers for Mustang (‘87-’93), $250. 460-2555. Epson printer w/3 ink refills. 1 year new, $25. 543-1019. Motorcycle Ramp Set, 3 pieces, 2700# rated, 89”L x 38”W, $300. 743-1713. Oak Computer Desk w/Hutch, excellent condition, $50. 584-1090. Roland JC 50 Guitar Amp, $125. 530-4915. Room Divider, 60”H x 73”L, home or office, self-supportive, $55. 446-3577. Body Solid Home Gym, cable driven, 30 exercises, weight stack up to 300 lbs., $100. 512-1099 Patio Set, PVC, kept indoors, 4 chairs/ table, $175. Blue Recliner, good cond, $125. Futon w/cover, $150. 25” console TV & VCR, $25 both. 723-8320. House for Sale, 4 bed/2½ bath, 2700 sq ft, oversized 2 car garage, 3/4 acre, pool, frplc & more, $365,000. 587-6629. ‘83 Buick, Park Avenue, $500. 559-0675. FOR RENT: Disney Area Condo/Timeshare, 2 bedrm. Available 6/26 - 7/3. 531-1850.
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