HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecemberCity of Sebastian Employee Newsletter December, 1998
Cyry ATTORNEY HIRED
CITYATTORNEY HIRED
Rich Stringer has accepted the position of City Attorney
gid•.. �
- a a Happy Birthday
for the City of Sebastian. He had a general practice in St.
Cloud, Florida serving as special litigation and appellate
counsel and appointed as a special public defender just
12/03 Antoine VanMeir-GIC Starter Ranger
prior to accepting Sebastian's position. In 1995 Rich
12/05 Paul St. Pierre-P/W Maintenance Worker H
worked for the firm of Brinson, Smith, Smith &. Starr
12/06 Bill Buetmann-P/W Maintenance Worker III
where he was assigned representation of the Kissimmee
12/10 Chris McCarthy-P/W Parks Supervisor
Utility Authority. He was retained by Osceola County as
12/12 James Dixon-P/D Police Officer
special council for numerous cases in litigation and as
12/15 Tracy Hass-G/M Growth Management Director
advisor to the semi -autonomous Planning Commission.
12/24 Thomas Priest-P/D School Crossing Guard
From 1991 to 1995 Rich was Assistant County Attorney
12128 Robert Lockhart-P/D Police Sergeant
for Osceola County counseling Public Works, Planning
12/31 David Puscher-P/D Police Captain
and Zoning, Building and numerous boards. Rich was in
private practice from 1992-1993 in Kissimmee where he
INSIDE CITY LI
�i%(ITS
represented businesses and landowners in commercial
Lon evi
disputes and land use/development matters, including
Emplqyees with 10 or more years of service:
litigation over application of conflicting county/city
12/20/84 Gene Ewert-P/D Police Lieutenant
Growth Management Plan provisions. He received his
12/15/86 Denis Hovasse-P/D Evidence Tech/Crime Scene
Bachelors degree in 1984 from the University of Alabama
12/08/86 Kay O'Halloran-C/C City Clerk
and in 1987 his Juridicus Doctorate. Rich was one of the
12/11/87 Jane Holmes-P/D Administrative Assistant
top scorers on the 1987 Florida Bar Examination.
12/28/87 Larry Hardison-P/D Police Officer
_CLI ,FORD JAMSON SELECTED
PLOYEE OF THE THIRD QUARTER
Cliff Jamison was selected to be•Employee of the Third
Quarter (July, August, September) for fiscal year
.997/98. Cliff started working for the Ci,' of Sebastian
in the Summer Youth Work Program He started full time
on August 17, 1983. Cliff has worked his way up to a
Maintenance Worker III in Public Works, Roads and
Drainage Division. He has been an asset to the City_ and
has the respect of his fellow workers and supervisor. Clio
has stepped in and learned to operate the City's largest
piece of equipment and has been the crew leader of our
largest swale project. CONGRATUTATIONS'
12/08/88 Jay Bennett-P/D Chief Communications Tech.
12/29/88 Thomas Poore-P/D Police Officer
Employees with 5-9 years of service:
12/08/90 Roland Walsh-G/C Cart Attendant
12/05/91 Debbie rvfavnard-P/D Police Sergeant
SPECIAL DATES'.
$ 12/11 Pay Day
9 12112 Employee Holiday Party
k-
12/14 First Dav of Hanle A
$ 12/23 Pay Day
12/24 Dav Before Christmas (Cin• of Sebastian Closed)
12/25 Christmas Dav (.City of Sebastian Closed)
12/26 Kwanzaa
WELCOME ABOARD!
Roger Clark, Public Works, Laborer, was hired on
November 92 1998.
Kellie Christoforo, Police Communications Technician,
was hired on November 4, 1998.
Elizabeth Patton, Police Communications Technician, was
hired on November 47 1998.
Arthur Schrof, Golf Course Starter/Ranger, was hired on
November 9, 1998.
Richard Stringer, City Attorney, was hired on October 26,
1998.
MUCEL.LANEOUS EMPLOYEE NEWS
Pete Socci, Maintenance Worker III, Public Works is
a first time Grandpa. His daughter had a baby girl on
November 25.
Ann Brack, Clerical Assistant H in the Growth
Management Department, has a new baby granddaughter.
Kathy Brauer youngest daughter was just married.
Code Enforcement has a new office. They now have
a view to the back of the building and have decided to
create a bird sanctuary. Any donations in bird feed or
birds would be greatly appreciated. No snakes or rats,
please!
Tlranks to all the employee's who donated to the
United Way Campaign. We are pleased with the amount
of contributions and this was one of the biggest drives we
have had in a long time. We sincerely appreciate your
help.
QUMMN OF ME MOMM
By Kathy Brauer
What is your New Years Resolution?
Kathy Nappi - Administrative Assistant - Building Dept.
"To lose weight and win the lottery."
Hector Franco - Engineering Tech - Public Works
"To be happy."
Steve Beane - Cashier - Golf Course
"Has no resolutions."
Gloria Brown - Communications Tech - Police Dept.
`Will not let anything bother me and will be happy."
Chuck Neuberger - Councilman
"I will think twice before acting, once and the rest
will take care of itself."
Ann Rousseau - Information Specialist - City Clerks
Office
"I have no resolutions." I don't want to be
disappointed."
GOOD BYE!
Janet Isman, Finance Director for the City of Sebastian,
had tendered her resignation effective January3, 1999.
Janet started with the City of Sebastian on November 1,
1995 as the Assistant Finance Director. She was later
promoted to Finance Director on October 15, 1997. We
hear she has accepted a position in Maryland (burr).
Everyone wishes her well in her new position and hopes
she'll get the chance to come by and visit sometime during
her winter vacations to Florida. Congratulations, Janet!
MO UNG SALE o
2 AQUARIUMS: 55 Gallon and 29 Gallon, full -setup
including filters, stand, a frog and a fish. $250 for all.
MOBILE PRESSURE WASH/AUTO DETAILING:
Includes covered utility trailer, pressure washer,
generator, 55 gallon water tank, wet -vac, buffer, etc.
$1,000.
SPORTS & COLLECTIBLE CARDS: Thousands of
cards, many valuable. Mostly 93/94, but some older.
Baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and comics.
HAMMOND DOUBLE -KEYBOARD ORGAN: Large,
older style with Leslie speaker system, rhythm machine,
and pedals. $350.
See Janet, or call (407) 773-6046. Thanks!
Bim. MLMA & Soul
"Whoever admits that he is too busy to improve his
methods has acknowledged himself to be at the end of his
rope. And that is always the saddest predicament which
anyone can get into."
—J. Ogden Armo
661 have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and
that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of
judging the future but by the past."
Patrick Henry
"Man is a special beim, and if left to himself in an
isolated condition, would be one of the weakest creatures;
but associated with his kind, he works wonders."
Daniel Webster
"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo. but
what you want is someone who will take the bus with you
when the limo breaks down."
--0prah Thin. fret'
"Obstacles are those frishtful thins you see when you
V v . •
take vour eyes off your goals.''
—Unknown
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' FREE SPEECH:
Confusing Terrain fiar Public Mang. meat
Most Americans take for granted that they have a
right to freedom of speech protected by the First
Amendment. In the public employment context, however,
this right is tempered by the employer's need to maintain
a harmonious and efficient workplace. Therefore, to be
protected by the First Amendment, a public employee's
speech must address a matter of public concern. In other
words, employee speech addressing purely personal
issues is not usually entitled to constitutional protection.
The content, form and context of the speech determine
whether it addresses a matter of public concern, the
employee's interest in his speech must be balanod against
the employer's interest in promoting the efficiency of the
services it performs through its employees.
—Ted Clerk's Legal Corner - NPELRA - Lara
Cullinane, of Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson,
Chicago
CL UB MEMBERSHIPS
Currently, the City has membership cards for Bush
Gardens, SeaWorld, Cypress Gardens, and Disney World.
We just had confirmation that Universal Studios has
accepted the City of Sebastian as a member.
Universal Studios is currently in the process of re-
printing all Fan Club materials and when they are ready
they will be shipping them to us. Stand By!
THE FAMOUS LIFEBOAT OUESTION
Q A luxury yacht has just gone under and you're in an
overcrowded lifeboat with a dozen other people. Some
people must go overboard, or the boat will swamp and
everyone will drown.
You are elected to determine who stays and who swims.
How would you decide?
A I'd first ask for volunteers to leave the lifeboat. Let's
say only two or three especially kindhearted people offer.
I'd then designate that those people remain, not go.
Next, out of the remaining group, I'd ask for
volunteers again. Let's say five or six of these people
now offer to leave. I'd take them up on it.
That way, in addition to handling the situation with
volunteers, we'd at least be left with the good and the
honest. n
Marilyn vos Sava)u (world's "smartest " person
with an I.O. of 228)
"There is more to life than increasing its speed."
—Gnandi
THIS `N THA T
Optimist: "The glass is half full."
Pessimist: " The glass is half empty."
Re -Engineering Consultant: "That glass is twice as large
as it needs to be."
Source: The Economics Press
"FROM A CRIMiNA L'SPOINT OF VIENUPI
Robbing someone at a cash machine is safer than
holding up a convenience store.
"To those who complain about the cost of using a
cash machine inside of a store, I say, `Isn't your safety
worth a buck?"
Bob Wuorenma, Security Expert
LEARN TO SA Y `NO'
Think of yourself as an energy bank. Your "energy
deposits" come from good sleep, eating a balanced diet,
getting regular exercise, and learning to relax during the
day.
And you can "save" energy by spending less ' of it on
things like traffic jams, deadlines, barking dogs, spilled
milk, etc.
Another way to conserve your energy is to learn
how to say "no" to projects that you are not physically,
emotionally, or mentally able to add to your schedule.
Mostly, you need to say this to others, but sometimes to
yourself, too.
BILL OF RIG.ITTS FOR THE HOLIDA YS
0 You have the right to take care of yourself to eat
right, exercise regularly, and get enough rest.
0 You have the right to have mixed emotions: happy,
sad, frustrated, guilty, afraid, thankful.
0 You have the right to have solitude — for planning,
thinking, reflection, introspection, prayer, and relaxation.
0 You have the right not to accept some or all of your
party/activity invitations.
0 You have the right to ask for help and support from
friends; family; your church, synagogue, or mosque;
and/or community service agencies.
0 You have the right to give gifts that are within your
holiday budget.
G You have the right to say no to alcohol, drugs,
cigarettes, and a second piece of pie.
0 You have the right not to ride with a drunk driver.
0 You have the right (and a duty) to take away the
keys of a drunk friend or relative who wants to drive, and
to call a taxi.
0 You have the right to smile at harried salesclerks and
angry drivers, and to r?ive them a peace of your mind.
BITS AND PIEC.S
The late Earl Nghtingalev-�r and publisher of
inspirational and motivational material, once told a story
about a boy named Sparky. For Sparky, school was all
but impossible. He failed every subject in the eighth
grade. He flunked physics in high school, getting a grade
of zero.
Sparky also flunked Latin, algebra, and English. He
didn't do much better in sports. Although he did manage
to make the school's golf team, he promptly lost the only
important match of the season. There was a consolation
match; he lost that too.
Throughout his youth, Sparky was awkward
socially. He was not actually disliked by the other
students; no one cared that much. He was astonished if a
classmate ever said hello to him outside of school hours.
There's no way to tell how he might have done at
dating. Sparky never once asked-w*l to go out in high
school. He was too afraid of being turned down.
Sparky was a loser. He, his classmates ... everyone
knew it. So he rolled with it. Sparky had made up his
mind early in fife that if things were meant to work out,
they would. Otherwise he would content himself with
what appeared to be his inevitable mediocrity.
However, one thing was important to Sparky —
drawing. He was proud of his -an work. Of course, no
one else appreciated it. In his senior year of high school,
he submitted some cartoons to the editors of the
yearbook. The cartoons were turned down. Despite this
particular rejection, Sparky was so convinced of his ability
that he decided to become a professional artist.
After completing high school, he wrote a letter to
Walt Disney Studios. He was told to send some samples
of his artwork, and the - subject for a cartoon was
suggested. Sparky drew the proposed cartoon. He spent
a great deal of time on it and on all the other drawings he
submitted. Finally, the reply came from Disney Studios.
He had been rejected once again. Another loss for the
loser.
So Sparky decided to write his own autobiography
in cartoons. He described his childhood self — a little boy
loser and chronic underachiever. The cartoon character
would soon become famous worldwide.
For Sparky, the boy who had such lack of success in
school and whose work was rejected again and again, was
Charles Schultz. He created the "Peanuts" comic strip
and the little cartoon character whose kite would never fly
and who never succeeded in kicking a football — Charlie
Brown.
POLICE STOPS
W In the U.S., nearly 9% of police officers who die in the
line of duty are struck by vehicles.
More than 25% of these accidents involve drunk
drivers.
The rest involve drivers who are speeding, who are
distracted by an accident scene, or who relax their
attention to fiddle with something inside their cars.
Some police training academies now suggest that
when police officers stop, they angle their car's tail
toward traffic to provide a safety zone as they open their
car doors:
More police are using fluorescent traffic vests and
flashing lights to warn drivers of stopped traffic.
NOTE: Slow down and be alert near road -
construction work, stalled cars, traffic citation stops, and
accident scenes.
—Craig Floyg National Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial Fund
POLICY OF OF ;•
H1_ CrrY WILL R01-• MVTOLMKE
PLACEOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT -IN THE WORK
NOTE: All employees are responsible to notify
management on:
1. Outside employment.
2. Changes of address & phone numbers.
3. Change in beneficiary(s)
4. Change in emergency contacts.
5. Any change in having a valid Florida Drivers License.
The City does random drug testing for Commercial Driving
License holders per the guidelines of the U.S. Department
of Transportation
1998 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
New Year's Day
January 1- Thursday
President's Day
February 16 - Monday
Memorial Dav
May 25 - Monday
Independence Da_v
July 3 - Friday
Labor Day
September 7 - Monday
Veterans Day
November 11 - Wed.
Thanksgiving
November 26 -Thursday
Day Ager
November 27 - Friday
Day Before Christmas
December 24 - Thur.
Christmas Day
December 25 - Friday
CITY OF
SEBASTIAN POLICY
A DRUG
FREE WORK PLACE