The Current Issue 1 - 2022 by City of Suffolk, Virginia

INSIDE:

EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER ISSUE 01-2022

CITY MANAGER’S CORNER, CAN’T REFUSE THE REFUSE, GUESS THE SPOT, RECIPE SPOTLIGHT AND MORE!

THE CURRENT

CITY MANAGER’S CORNER As 2021 cames to a close, I wanted to extend a sincere “thank you” for the dedication and commitment that each of you have exhibited throughout the year as we have continued to provide exemplary services to the citizens of Suffolk. Even during the challenges over these last two years, so much has been accomplished, for which we can all be proud. While it’s customary to make resolutions for the New Year, let’s all be the reason someone feels welcome, seen, heard, valued, and supported. The best time for a new beginning is now. Our motto for the coming year is: “Imagine What We Can Do, in 2022!” Albert S. Moor II P.E. City Manager

THE CITY OF SUFFOLK

has been awarded a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the twelfth straight year for its’ 2021-2022 Fiscal Year Operating and Capital Budget. The award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. Congratulations to the Finance Department for once again achieving this notable award!

FORKIDS VISIT TO PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS On Thursday August 19th, sixteen children from ForKids, a local nonprofit organization located in Suffolk, visited Public Works Operations so the children could learn about the important work Public Works does for the community.

Chad Oxton, Public Works Operations Superintendent, says, “It’s not every day we get visitors and we really enjoyed showing the kids what it is we do here at Roadways and Traffic Engineering, and why it is important to the community.”

The children got a unique opportunity to learn how a street sign is designed and manufactured in the Sign Shop. They received a demonstration on how a paint truck paints the road marking. They got up close and learned how a traffic signal operates. They visited the Mosquito Control Laboratory and spoke with the biologists who monitor the mosquito populations in the City. They got a tour of the many different vehicles Public Works uses to maintain the roads. After lunch, the children were invited to paint three snowplows that will be used should it snow this winter.

ForKids provides services to families and children experiencing homelessness across Southeastern Virginia. Their education program includes after-school tutoring as well as summer programs for the children. The group visiting Public Works attends the JumpStart program designed to help school-aged children learn about life skills and services in the community. Kirsten Schultz, Education Advocate, says, “We asked if Public Works would come to our classroom to give a presentation to the children but, instead, they invited us to come and see their work firsthand which was very special. The children had a great time. They learned a lot and had fun painting the plows.”

We are very proud of our colleague, Alfred “Bubba” Copeland, who was featured in the May issue of Suffolk Living Magazine. We want to thank Bubba for his hard work, professionalism and continued dedication to the Refuse Department. Article courtesy of the Suffolk News Herald

CAN’T REFUSE THE REFUSE If you see Bubba in his truck, give him a wave, a wide berth and enough space between your trash cans, please.

his shift. And with the specific maneuvering he has to do, there’s no time for looking back. Literally.

From the time Alfred “Bubba” Copeland picks up his refuse truck at 6 a.m. until the time he finishes his route at least 10 hours later, he will have collected trash from more than 1,200 Suffolk homes and made at least two trips to the regional landfill off of U.S. Route 58.

Though Copeland sees everything behind him, he doesn’t turn and look back at them, instead, he relies primarily on the multiple side mirrors he has, and occasionally, the video monitor which shows a camera view behind him.

But that 10 hours can be a best guess on some days, too, since there’s no refusing the refuse if he’s not finished in that time span. If traffic’s heavy, or there’s extra trash to be collected, or another truck on another route breaks down, it’s all got to get in the truck and to the landfill before the end of

It’s one thing while driving to occasionally turn one’s head to check a blind spot before passing someone on the highway. But imagine having to do that thousands of times per day along his route. If Copeland did that, he would have to keep a ready supply of ibuprofen in his truck for the sore neck he would have.

“I always learned on my mirror,” Copeland said. “If I’ve got to turn my head the whole day, it’s going to hurt my neck.” On a pleasant spring morning, Copeland was collecting trash in the posh neighborhood The Riverfront at Harbour View in North Suffolk. While the job is very much routine and can be monotonous, Copeland has to account for a number of things throughout the day — chief among them keeping an eye for children in the neighborhoods he drives through and aligning his truck’s forks with the cans so it can grab and lift them to the top of the truck and dump the trash in it. By 11 a.m., Copeland has already filled up his truck, emptied it at the Southeastern Public Service Authority’s regional landfill — which is at least an hour-long process coming from the northern reaches of the city — and, after cleaning out his truck, is back for a second round. That load was among the more than 13,000 tons of Suffolk trash taken there and to the John C. Holland landfill in the first four months of this year. If he doesn’t clean it out, trash will build up around the blade and affect how well he can compact it. If there is too much buildup, Copeland has to get inside the truck to clean it, something he would prefer not to do.

“You have to keep in mind that you have to be safe,” Copeland said. “You don’t want to get to the point where you’re trying to rush through. I’d rather than be slower, and safe, than to be fast.” Copeland, a Suffolk High School graduate, says he is thankful for his job, having come from a series of retail and warehousing jobs. He had not intended on becoming a driver, but when afforded the opportunity, he decided to get his commercial driver’s license. He’s driven in many trucks over the years, but his current one is special. In it is a plaque that reads, “This Unit Ordered for Alfred ‘Bubba’ Copeland by Carlos Ward Sr.” It’s something that motivates Copeland. Ward, like Copeland, graduated from Suffolk High School and worked with him in the city’s Public Works Department. Ward served in many capacities over his 31 years, eventually becoming assistant director in 2019 before he died late last year. “I got choked up because Carlos had died,” Copeland said. “But they thought enough of me to get together and come up with this little gesture right here.” One piece of advice Copeland got early on in his career has resonated and stuck with him: Always approach the job like it’s your first day.

He answers this question before it’s asked: No, he has never had a dead body in his truck. He has seen dead animals, though, and he and his truck appeared briefly in a locally-filmed movie.

It took him about two weeks to learn how to drive the truck. Now more than 20 years into it, Copeland still finds it challenging amidst the routine, but it’s a profession Copeland finds honor in.

As he stops at each home, he explains how he has to position the truck around potential obstacles that can make the trash collection more difficult.

“It’s a job that people look down on because it’s trash,” Copeland said, “but can you imagine this not getting collected?”

In one instance, Copeland, whose driver’s seat is on the right side of the truck, had just a few feet between his truck and a vehicle parked in front of a home. In a few other instances, he had cans that were too close to one another. Cans are supposed to be positioned a socially-distanced six feet apart; some, though, will be as close as six inches. While not impossible to grab the cans automatically, it leaves little margin for error. “If they’ve got something in the way, I’ve got to put the truck in a position in which I can get the can,” Copeland said. “I can’t just pull up at a certain spot, because each can is different. Each customer has a certain way to set it out.” Factoring in all of these things, Copeland is in no hurry.

CAN YOU GUESS THE BUILDING WHERE THIS TURRET SITS ON TOP?? Email your answer to Gayon Burford, gburford@suffolkva.us, for your chance to win a prize!

E H T SS T E U G SPO

Did you Know! Risk Management and City Safety Officers have moved their offices to the Public Utilities Operation Center at 272 Benton Road. All contact information remains the same. Have fun and safe holidays!

The City of Suffolks Human Resorces Department is pleased to announce that ComPsych® is your new provider of GuidanceResources® services as of January 1, 2022. Your GuidanceResources benefits will give you and your dependents confidential support, resources and information for personal and work-life issues. These services are provided at no charge to you.

Your GuidanceResources services include: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Confidential Counseling

Life can be stressful. Your EAP is designed to provide short-term counseling services for you and your dependents to help you handle concerns constructively, before they become major issues. Call anytime about concerns such as marital, relationship and family problems; stress, anxiety and depression; grief and loss, job pressures and substance abuse.

Work-Life Solutions

Too much to do, and too little time to get it all done? The work-life specialists at ComPsych can do the research for you, and provide qualified referrals and customized resources for child and elder care, moving, pet care, college planning, home repair, buying a car, planning an event, selling a house and more.

Legal Support

With GuidanceResources, you have an attorney “on call” whenever you have questions about legal matters. Speak with on-staff licensed attorneys about legal concerns such as divorce, custody, adoption, real estate, debt and bankruptcy, landlord/tenant issues, civil and criminal actions and more. If you require representation, you can be referred to a qualified attorney for a free 30-minute consultation and a 25 percent reduction in customary legal fees.

Financial Information

Everyone has financial questions. With your GuidanceResources benefit, you can get answers to your questions about budgeting, debt management, tax issues and other money concerns from on-staff CPAs, Certified Financial Planners® and other financial experts, simply by calling your toll-free number.

GuidanceResources® Online

Go online to access timely, expert information on thousands of topics, including relationships, work, school, children, wellness, legal, financial and free time. You can search for qualified child and elder care, attorneys and financial planners as well as ask questions, take self-assessments and more.

GuidanceResources is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are two ways to access your GuidanceResources benefits: 1. Call 1-866-483-1495 . You’ll speak to a counseling professional who will listen to your concerns and can guide you to the appropriate services you require.

2. Visit GuidanceResources Online at www.guidanceresources.com , click Register and enter our Organization ID: Suffolk

Watch these short videos for an overview of services offered: EAP Orientation: https://youtu.be/nazaK0OEoRM Work-Life Solutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LReiX4Dbwd8 EAP Questions: https://youtu.be/7tLDia4fYBc Remember, your GuidanceResources benefits are strictly confidential. To view the ComPsych HIPAA privacy notice, please go to www.guidanceresources.com/privacy.

Spotlight ON RETIREMENTS

David Hainley

Bob Goumas

Director of Planning & Community Development 10/31/2016 - 3/31/2021

Interim Director of Planning & Community Development 5/13/1996 - 11/30/2021

Phil Ferguson

Diana Klink

Commonwealth’s Attorney 7/1/1974 - 12/31/2021

Director of Media & Community Relations 3/2/1998 - 12/31/2021

The Department of Planning & Community Development would like to wish Renee Bacon (Plans Reviewer) on July 1st and Susan Gardner (Building Inspector) on November 30th well

Greg Byrd

Acting Director of Economic Development 4/16/2007 - 12/31/2021

on their retirements this year.

Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Suffolk, graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1971 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, and the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary in 1974 earning a Juris Doctor degree. He began his legal career as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in 1974 for the City of Suffolk while also working part-time in the private practice of law and was elected as the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Suffolk in 1977, thereafter served 44 years in that office until his retirement on December 31, 2021, having served a total of 47.5 years as a prosecutor. He implemented the Victim/Witness Assistance Program in the City of Suffolk in 1983 by placing it within the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to help ensure victims received fair and compassionate treatment while participating in the criminal justice system. Phil encourages prosecutors to be proactive in their communities by supporting crime prevention initiatives which educate the public about the importance of making good choices and the consequences of making poor choices through speaking with citizens of all ages at schools, churches, civic leagues, especially those who take part in the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office Citizens Academy and the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office Criminal Forensics Youth Camp. Phil has been a faithful public servant to criminal justice by serving as a representative to the Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council, to include as Council Chair in 2003-2004, by serving on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys, to include service as Association President in 2003-2004. Phil has further positively impacted the legal profession in the City of Suffolk and the Commonwealth of Virginia by participating in several groups to include the Suffolk Bar Association, Virginia Homicide Investigators Association, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Virginia State Bar Council, Virginia Criminal Justice Services Board, and I’Anson-Hoffman Inn of Court. Phil is a lifelong resident of Suffolk, to include graduating from Suffolk High School in 1967, has given his time, talent, and treasure in a volunteer capacity with such community groups as Suffolk Ruritan Club, Suffolk Salvation Army Advisory Board, Suffolk Elk’s Club, and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. His devotion to serving others has been recognized through awards and honors including Ruritan of the Year in 1999 for the Suffolk Ruritan Club and Who’s Who in American Law. He is supported by his wife of 50 years, Cindy, his sons, Scott and Rob with their families, which include three granddaughters, Olivia, Lola, and Ginger. C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Suffolk, was honored at a special luncheon held at Planter’s Club on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 by his staff, family, and colleagues.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue Department’s Awards and Recognition Ceremony

Suffolk Fire & Rescue Department’s Awards and Recognition Ceremony honored members of the Department and citizens in addition to officially promoting five Lieutenants, three Captains, and two Battalion Chiefs during the event on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at the Hilton Garden Inn – Suffolk Riverfront.

Firefighter of the Year Award – Lieutenant Lucas Weaver

Lieutenant Weaver joined Suffolk Fire & Rescue in 2001. He completed his Associates of Occupational Safety and Health Degree and became the Chairperson of the Department’s Health and Safety Committee in 2015. He has been a member of the Technical Rescue Team and has attained Technician level. Lieutenant Weaver received the Department’s Medal of Merit for his work with the Health & Safety Committee and the implementation of the cancer preventive initiative. He continues to make great strides in improving health and wellness for Suffolk Fire & Rescue.

Paramedic of the Year Award - Amy Dunn Brown

Fire/Medic Brown joined Suffolk Fire & Rescue in 2011. She assists with training other Advanced Life Support providers to maintain their certifications and demonstrates confidence and compassion when treating patients while displaying a positive attitude. She coordinated the Department’s MDA Fill the Boot Campaign for two years, assisted with Project Life Saver clients, and is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor. She is a leader in her field, earning respect for her clinical knowledge, compassionate care, and sound ethical decision making.

Officer of the Year Award – Captain Leon (Bubba) Ratliff

Captain Ratliff joined Suffolk Fire & Rescue in 1998 after spending two years as a Suffolk Police Officer. In addition to Captain Ratliff’s responsibilities as the Department’s Training Captain, he has also directed eleven Recruit Academies, including a Joint Academy with Portsmouth Fire & Emergency Medical Services. Further, he works towards bringing National Fire and Virginia Department of Fire Programs training courses to the Department, and is assigned to managing the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Operations personnel and the City during this unprecedented pandemic. Captain Ratliff’s priorities and mindset have always focused on the men and women that he serves, along with the community he is sworn to protect.

2021 Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence

This year’s Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence is presented to Our Chaplain, Allen “Chap” Lancaster, who has been instrumental in the successes of Suffolk Fire & Rescue for 16 years. Chaplain Allen “Chap” Lancaster was known for always being available to offer council, direction, wisdom, a laugh or two, and most importantly – his heart and ear. Chaplain Allen “Chap” Lancaster was called home on August 13, 2021. On that day, Suffolk Fire & Rescue lost a true hero and leader. With Chaplain Lancaster’s passing, we have a void in our hearts. Chaplain Lancaster ministered to not only the men and women of Suffolk Fire & Rescue. Chaplain Lancaster also served our Country and ministered as a Commander in the United States Navy until his retirement in 2001. Upon moving to the City in 2003, Chaplain Lancaster, with distinction and honor, ministered to us, responding to fire scenes and horrific crash scenes to provide for our well-being and the citizens affected by the incident for 16 years. Everyone who knew Chaplain Lancaster knew his humor and ability to not only minister, but to make us laugh. This is a quote from the last message Chaplain Lancaster sent to Chief Barakey and Chief Adams: ‘Chaplain’s Words to Suffolk’s Finest: Please excuse my last article for the Department. I did not realize that the story was used sometime back in the Phoenix magazine. Gray hair makes a foggy brain. Not sure what a bald head can do, but we can watch the Deputy. LOL In any event, I will send another article very soon. Remember, if no one else loves you, I do. God bless! Chaplain.’ The 2021 Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence was presented in honor of Chaplain Lancaster to Darlene, Tracy, Taz, Travis, Austin, Cathy, Candice, Steve, and the Chaplain’s 6 other grandsons and 1 granddaughter.

Read about all of the promotees and honorees here

SUFFOLK POLICE WELCOME NEW OFFICERS AT BADGE PINNING

The Suffolk Police Department held a Badge Pinning Ceremony on Monday, March 15, 2021. The event was held in City Council Chamber, located in Suffolk City Hall, 442 West Washington Street. At this Ceremony, Officers who received their Suffolk Police badges included: Hailey White, Matthew French, Bryan D. Boag, Dawson Paxton, Betty Barkers-Woode, Nevaeh Lee, Mary Gurney, Alexa Leonard

The Suffolk Police Department held a Badge Pinning Ceremony on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. The event was held in City Council Chamber, located in Suffolk City Hall, 442 West Washington Street. At this Ceremony, Officers who received their Suffolk Police badges included: Joe B. Cipcic, Jalin T. Green, Danielle S. Jones, Charles H. Lauster, Trent A. Marshall, Brandon S. Pruitt, Amber L. Stahr, Clay S. Strobel, Kristian J. Thomas, Alex J. Wittman

CONGRATULATIONS!

DISPATCH CORNER

TELL US YOUR WORST, WE’LL SEND YOU THE BEST

WHAT IS A 911 DISPATCHER? “911 where is your emergency?” Those are the words we use every day multiple times a day when answering the phones. We listen to the calm, the angry, the scared and so much more. We get thanked yet we get yelled and cursed at as well. We get appreciation yet sometimes feel the most unappreciated. We hear Officers yell for help and Firefighters call mayday when walls and ceilings start crumbling around them. While we must remain calm and collective, we work day in and day out as little as a few hours, to help with shortages on our days off, to 16 hours when the unexpected happens and you have to stay just a little longer. We miss our families at home while leaning on our work family to make the days go by a little better. Being a 911 dispatcher is not for the weak. So what is a 911 dispatcher? These words you see are how our Police Officers and Firefighters see us. We are their calm, dedicated, guardian angels. So if any of these words stand out to you, if this letter stands out to you, if you want to be the calm in the chaos, look into a career as a 911 dispatcher.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANDY FRANKLIN WINNER OF THE NEW YEAR’S EVE 50/50 RAFFLE Thank you to all who helped support 911 dispatchers by entering this years raffle.

Welcome

NEW EMPLOYEES*

* List may not be all inclusive and was submitted by Department Newsletter Representative

Accessors Office Kevin Prine, MPA, RES, AAS is the new Chief Deputy Real Estate Assessor in Suffolk, Virginia. He joined Suffolk in June, 2021 and has served in other roles in the Assessor’s Offices in Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. He holds the RES (Residential Evaluation Specialist) and AAS (Assessment Administration Specialist) Designations from the IAAO and serves as a Professional Designation Advisor (PDA) for both designations. He is also a Certified General Appraiser in Virginia and is FHA and VA approved. He has been in the real estate valuation industry since 2003. Mr. Prine earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance in 2015 and Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2019 from Old Dominion University. He is currently the President-Elect for the Virginia Association of Assessing Officers (VAAO) and has served as the Treasurer as well as chaired several committees for the organization. He received the Most Valuable Member Award from the VAAO in 2015 and 2018, as well as the Emerging Professionals Award (2017) and the Verne W. Pottorff Professional Designee of the Year Award (2020) from the IAAO. In 2019, he led the campaign for the City of Chesapeake to earn the Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration (CEAA) from the IAAO.

Public Utilities

Suffolk Public Utilities would like to welcome employees hired into Water Production and Customer Service throughout 2021. Dolores Townes, Rodney Burch, Grady Johnson, Dennis Meeks, Amy Vann, Lisa Loftin, and Cynthia Stovall

Planning & Community Development Planning & Community Development has had tremendous growth in 2021. We would like to welcome all of our new employees.

Left to Right- Permit Technicians Sheena Idlette, Monica Whitney, Marsha Reid, and Building Inspector Jason Jefferies

Property Maintenance Inspector Darryl King

Planning Technicians Shannon Wolfe

Plans Reviewer John Price

Zoning Inspector Kevin Alexander

Awards, Certifications & Promotions City Managers Office

Albert S. Moor II appointed to position of City Manager on May 19, 2021. Albert Moor was appointed Interim City Manager by a unanimous vote by City Council during a Special Meeting on September 28, 2020, following the resignation of then City Manager Patrick Roberts, and he officially assumed the position on October 3, 2020. Mr. Moor was previously named the Interim Deputy City Manager effective July 1, 2020, following the retirement of Scott Mills, who had served the City of Suffolk for thirty-three years prior to his retirement. Mr. Moor was the Director of Public Utilities prior to becoming Interim City Manager, and had served in that capacity since 1995. He has over thirty-seven years of progressive municipal government experience under his belt. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Technology from Old Dominion University. He completed the Senior Executive Institute: UVA Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, the LEAD Program: UVA Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, and AWWA Water Utility Management Institute sponsored by Virginia Tech. Suffolk City Manager Albert Moor II appointed Kevin Hughes as Deputy City Manager effective August 22, 2021. Kevin Hughes, initially appointed as Acting Deputy City Manager effective November 12, 2020, was previously the Director of Economic Development, and served in that role since February 2010. Hughes first joined the Suffolk team in 2005 as a Senior Business Development Manager, and until his initial appointment had assisted over 500 projects totaling over $1,000,000,000 in capital investment, and over 7,000 new jobs in the City of Suffolk. Hughes’ responsibilities also included the supervision of the Division of Tourism and the Suffolk Executive Airport; as well as serving as the Deputy Secretary Treasurer for the Suffolk Economic Development Authority. Hughes received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from James Madison University, and has completed the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. Hughes was named as a national recipient of the economic development industry’s “40 under 40” award from Development Counselors International. Suffolk City Manager Albert Moor II appointed Azeez Felder as Deputy City Manager effective August 22, 2021. Azeez Felder was initially appointed as Acting Chief of Staff effective January 1, 2021, and the position was reclassified during the July 7, 2021 City Council Meeting to Deputy City Manager. Felder previously served as the Director of the Suffolk Department of Social Services since June 2013. Felder has over 30 years of experience in the human services field, which includes 14 years of working for the Administration for Children’s Services in New York City. Upon relocating to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Felder served as the Child Protective Services (CPS) Sexual Abuse Unit Supervisor for the Chesapeake Department of Human Services. For over 16 years, he served the citizens of Suffolk in various supervisory and administrative capacities while at the Department. In 2008, he was selected as the Assistant Director of Financial Services and was responsible for Social Services Benefit Programs, the Workforce Development Center, and all local CPS appeals as the Local Appeals Hearing Officer. Under his leadership in 2011 and 2012, the Suffolk DSS Benefit Program area was named among the Top 15 Best-In-Class Social Service agencies out of 120 in the Commonwealth, and one of the Top 5 in the State among large agencies. Felder entered college at age 16, and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Binghamton University in upstate New York, and earned his Master of Arts degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Brooklyn College at age 22.

City Attorney City Council voted during the June 16, 2021 scheduled Council Meeting to appoint William E. Hutchings, Jr., as City Attorney effective July 1, 2021. Hutchings was previously appointed Interim City Attorney on March 4, 2021, due to the General Assembly’s February 23, 2021, appointment of Helivi Holland, City Attorney since 2012, to serve as a Judge for the Fifth Judicial District. Hutchings joined the City in 2006 as an Assistant City Attorney, and was appointed Deputy City Attorney in 2010. He received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Old Dominion University in 1995, and Juris Doctor degree from the George Washington Law School in 2002. Prior to joining the City, he was in private practice and represented clients in Fairfax County and Washington, D.C.

Public Works Suffolk City Manager Albert Moor II appointed Robert E. Lewis as Director of the City of Suffolk Public Works Department effective, September 7, 2021. Robert Lewis had served as Interim Director of Public Works since April 8, 2021 and was previously named Assistant Director of the Department in January 2019. Robert is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Engineering. He has been employed with the City of Suffolk since 1987. He is a Fellow in the Institute of Transportation Engineers, member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and the American Public Works Association (APWA), and holds numerous certifications from the International Municipal Signal Association. Prior to his employment with the City of Suffolk, he worked for VDOT in the Location and Design Division, Hampton Roads District. Robert is a past president of the Virginia Section, Institute of Transportation Engineers; is currently a Vice-President of the Middle Atlantic Section of International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA), and Regional Chairman of the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee of the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization.

On December 9, 2021 Robert Lewis, Director of Public Works, announced that Darryl Lewis has been selected as the new Assistant Director of Public Works – Engineering, effective December 7, 2021. Darryll has been working for the City of Suffolk for two years, and was initially hired as the Capital Program Manager, which required close supervision and coordination of the City’s roadway improvement program while coordinating with VDOT on many projects. Darryll has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Delaware, and a MBA from Phoenix University. Darryll is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE), and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Darryll has been serving as the Interim Assistant Director for the last seven (7) months. His new position has supervisory authority over the CIP, Development and Environmental, Land and Right of Way Acquisition, Construction Inspection, Mosquito Control, Service Support, and Asset Management groups.

Awards, Certifications & Promotions Public Works Erin Rountree - Development & Environmental Programs Manager A graduate of Christopher Newport University and City of Suffolk employee for almost 13 years, Erin has recently accepted a promotion to broaden her role within the department. As the Development & Environmental Programs Manager, she will continue to manage the Stormwater/MS4 and Litter Control groups and will now be managing the development review team along with continuing to serve as the Program Administrator for the City’s E&S and Stormwater programs. Erin has enjoyed working in the department for the past 12 years and looks forward to new challenges and increasing her knowledge of the different duties of the department.

Wayne Jones – Community Outreach Coordinator Wayne will be responsible for Public Works media and public relations. He has over 14 years of marketing and public relations experience in both the public and private sector. He joined the Public Works Department as Litter Control Coordinator in 2015. During his five and a half years coordinating the Litter Control Program, he has built strong partnerships within the community. In 2017, he was awarded the Mid Atlantic APWA Award for Community Involvement. He looks forward to supporting our department and sharing with the public the important work we do for the City of Suffolk.

Economic Development Deanna Holt was promoted to “Business Development Manager”. She will also focus on Downtown Suffolk.

Terry Smith promoted to “Economic Development Manager”.

Public Utilities City Manager Albert Moor, II announced on November 23, 2021 the appointment of Paul Retel as Director of Public Utilities effective November 22, 2021. Mr. Retel has served as Interim Director of Public utilities since July 1, 2020. He had previously served as Assistant Director of Public Utilities since June 19, 2017. Prior to his present role with the City, he worked for twenty-nine years in the municipal utility consulting sector. There he worked with numerous municipal utility departments on issues related to the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of municipal water and wastewater systems. In commenting on this appointment, City Manager Albert Moor, II, noted, “Paul provides the experience and expertise needed as we continue to deliver critical services to the citizens of Suffolk.”

George Allan Mushett (Allan) has proudly served the City of Suffolk since October 2003 as a Civil Engineer I in Public Works Engineering. In 2021, Allan earned his Professional Engineering License (PE) and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Public Works is proud to acknowledge his recent achievements and has promoted Mr. Mushett to Civil Engineer III. Keep up the good work Allan!

Planning & Community Development Planning & Community Development would like to congratulate Jason Jefferies (Building Inspector) on receiving his Virginia Masters License in HVAC, Residential Mechanical Inspector Certification, and the Commercial Mechanical Inspector Certification.

Awards, Certifications & Promotions Human Resources

Congratulations to Donna Vogel, Risk Manager, for earning certification from the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) as an Infectious Disease Prevention Specialist (IDS).

Congratulations to Rita Walden, City Safety Officer I, for earning certifications from the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) as an Infectious Disease Prevention Specialist (IDS) and as an Incident Investigation Specialist (IIS).

Congratulations to Josiah Jendrey, City Safety Officer II, for earning certifications from the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) as an Infectious Disease Prevention Specialist (IDS) and as an Incident Investigation Specialist (IIS). Josiah also has been certified as a Trainer in Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) for General Industry.

RECIPE SPOTLIGHT Gingerbread Muffins

https://www.aheadofthyme.com/gingerbread-muffins-with-vanilla-bean-glaze/

INGREDIENTS 2 + ⅔ cups all-purpose flour 2 + ¼ teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 + ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature ½ cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs, at room temperature ½ cup dark molasses 1 cup cold water

DIRECTIONS

Image courtesy of www.aheadofthyme.com

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a standard 12-tin muffin pan with cupcake liners and coat with nonstick baking spray. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. 3. Place butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment (or in a large bowl and use a hand mixer). Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add molasses and beat until well mixed, scraping down the sides as needed. 4. Carefully add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then beat on low speed until incorporated. Add remaining dry ingredients, scraping down the sides, and beat until thoroughly mixed. With the mixer on low, add the cold water. Continue to beat for 2 minutes, or until mixture is very smooth. 5. Divide batter evenly between muffin cups, about ¾ full. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the muffin comes out clean. Let muffins cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. 6. Vanilla bean glaze: While muffins are cooling, make vanilla bean glaze. Combine confectioners’ sugar, vanilla bean powder, and milk in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Add a little more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze on top of the cooled muffins.

River Bluff Drainage Project

PUBLIC WORKS FY-2020/21 DRAINAGE PROJECTS The Department of Public Works completed several large scale drainage projects during the

fiscal year period of 2020 to 2021. They include River Bluff (completed in November 2020); W. Riverview (completed March 2021); and Herons Point (completed in July 2021). For more information, questions or comments, you can contact Project Engineer Ali A. Huazy at 514-7712.

Herons Point Drainage Project

W Riverview Drainage Project

FYI – NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN! The City of Suffolk is planning a bridge replacement to the Carolina Road (Rte. 32) Bridge over Cypress Swamp that began January 3, 2022. The existing bridge is a 4-span concrete T- beam superstructure on concrete substructure spanning 90 ft. The replacement will include a new roughly 100 ft. long span bridge with approaches matching existing conditions. Bridge plans and detours are available on the City of Suffolk’s website at: https://www.suffolkva.us/1264/Carolina-Rd-Bridge-Replacement. For more information, you can also contact the Project Engineer Ali A. Huazy at 514-7712.

Than k Yo us! Public Works Refuse received a heart warming email from a resident thanking one of our drivers Charles Eley, Refuse Driver

To Public Works From Chris and Tricia Holloman I wanted to reach out and offer my thanks regarding the fill of the sinkholes in my backyard at 6226 Cambridge Dr. Thank you so much for having it addressed so quickly and for sending such a wonderful crew of gentlemen to do the work (they were quick, efficient, and so friendly).

To Public Works From Kimi Stevens Yesterday morning, 7/21/21, I called Suffolk Public Works to inquire about cleaning out the drainage ditch adjacent to our property at 4864 Okelly Dr. We are located on a downward slope right next to Chapel Swamp so this area tends to flood terribly when it rains and the season is upon us. Prevention works. Also, we recently encountered a water moccasin crossing our property close to the wet ditch. While they are a native species, I prefer they stay in their own space. Not a fan of venom... Hello! I wanted to send a huge thank you to the gentleman who picked up the trash collection today on Country Club Drive in Suffolk today. We had just pulled up from dropping off my oldest daughter at school when my 3 year old non verbal son heard the trash truck coming so we stood outside and waited for him to come. The gentle man driving took a couple seconds out of his day to wave and do the sounds for my son… a couple seconds out of his day meant the world to my son. My son watches the netflix cartoon “trash truck” daily so to see it in real life made him more then happy! In the world we live in today it’s nice to see that there are nice people who still care for others children! Thank you for all you do and a special thank you to the gentleman today for keeping a smile on my sons face all day!

This morning, a mere 24 hours later, your amazing crew was on site! Holy cow! Va. Beach had nothing on Suffolk!!!! The crew was polite, friendly, fast and professional. I offered them water and cookies and tomatoes but they replied that they could not accept gifts. (I am the Public Relations Director for VDH in Chesapeake so I get it). Nonetheless, people often complain about but rarely praise civil servants; therefore, it is with a joyful heart (and snake free ditch) that I THANK THE ZONE B WORK CREW for a job well done! Surprising Suffolk rocks!

C o ngrat ulat io ns Jillian Scott-Hale, Planning Technician, gave birth to Carson Ja’Khai Hale on October 15, 2021. He was 7lbs and 20 inches long.

Dianne Williams, Public Works Real Estate Manager for Acquisitions, and her husband, Rik, welcomed their third grandchild on November 10, 2021. Colby Thomas Williams weighed in at 7 lbs., 13 oz. and was 20.5” long. His proud parents are Mason and Victoria Williams, along with big brother Dawson.

Edward Heide, Public Works Operations Manager, welcomed the birth of his son Scott Gray Heide who was born November 29, 2021 evening just in time to celebrate a Washington W. He was 8lbs and 21”long. Mom and baby are doing great

S UF F OL K S HE RIF F ’ S OF F ICE IN

T HE COMMUNI T Y Book bags with School Supplies

We were excited to assemble book bags donated by Kathy Kenda with generously donated school supplies from the wonderful citizens of Suffolk. A special THANKS to Walmart Suffolk - N Main St and Target who hosted our “Back to School Supply Drive” as well as donated generously to our mission. We delivered over 70 stuffed book bags to Southwestern Elementary School for students to prepare for a successful school year!

The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who so generously donated school supplies for children in our community. A special thank you goes to Store Manager Shonda at Walmart Suffolk - N Main St and Store Manager Lionel at Walmart Suffolk - College Drive for their continued support! Last but not forgotten Miss Piedmont Region Outstanding Teen Ayana Johnson for always supporting us!

The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office

had an awesome turnout by citizens on Friday at Kroger Marketplace! Sheriff Harris and numerous deputies collected 911 pounds of nonperishable food items that were donated to @Suffolk Christian Fellowship Center. We would like to thank Kroger Marketplace for allowing us to host this successful event and the generous donations made by citizens.

The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office would like to

thank Kroger Marketplace for allowing us to host a Pet Pantry Drive. What an overwhelming response from the community and we thank you all! The Suffolk Humane Society received over 500 pounds of dog and cat food along with treats, and toys. Again, our heartfelt thanks to all.

The Taste of Suffolk was an awesome event for our community! A great day filled with good food, great friends and wonderful weather! It was terrific seeing the street filled with people getting out and enjoying what Suffolk has to offer. Kudos to all that participated in such a wonderful event.

Trunk or Treat What a great evening at

Suffolk Parks & Recreation’s Trunk or Treat event! Deputy Vaughan and Deputy Diggs were all smiles as they greeted the Ghouls and Goblins. No tricks just treats for everyone!

Veterans Day

Thank you to the first grade team at Elephant’s Fork Elementary School who made cards and a heart-shaped flag for Autumn Care Veterans. The students learned the importance of Veteran’s Day, facts about the flag, and had so much fun in the process! We were able to treat the Veterans to a pizza lunch and hand written notes from the Sheriff. The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office would like to thank you for serving our country and protecting our freedoms. Today and every day, we are grateful for your sacrifices.

C o ngratu lat io ns o n yo ur Marr iages Wow, talk about an exciting month!! After being friends for 26 years and together for 6, Daniel McDonald and Karah Angeli got married on November 6th at the Planter’s Club in Suffolk. And then because that wasn’t exciting enough, Daniel came over to Public Works from Tourism on November 8th as the new Litter Control Coordinator! Congratulations Daniel and welcome to Public Works!!

Lou Madray (Public Works Construction Inspector III) and Pamela Hassell got married in Atlantic Beach, Florida on November 12th. Pamela’s son, who is ordained, officiated the ceremony. Although the happy couple began dating in December of 2017, they have been friends since kindergarten! Lou has been with the City of Suffolk for 10 years. We wish them many blessed years together!

City Hall Holiday Décor Ever wonder who’s behind the holiday décor at City Hall? It’s the Media & Community Relations “Decorating Elves”, and this year, it was a family affair! Traditionally done before the Grand Illumination event in the evening after City Offices close to the public, this year the team got some additional help from family members, including Tyler Franklin, daughter of Andy Franklin, and Gavin Williams, son of Gayon Burford. They hope everyone had a joyous holiday, and extend their warmest wishes for a wonderful new year! Gayon Burford, Gavin Williams, Valorie Baker, Diana Klink, Tyler Franklin, Andy Franklin, and Tim Butler

UPCOMING EVENTS

See You Next Time!