THE CURRENT
ISSUE 01-2018 EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER
CITY MANAGER’S CORNER Please join me in congratulating two employees for their achievements here in the City of Suffolk as they leave for other endeavors: Cedric Scott, Chief, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, who retired June 1, and Lakita Watson, Director of Parks & Recreation, whose last day was June 22. Among many attributes, Cedric and Lakita’s leadership will be sorely missed. May they both enjoy every success! June marked yet another change in season as warmer temperatures and sunnier days ushered in noontime walks at City Hall. Summer fun continues with concerts on Friday evenings and the Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. I hope you will continue to take advantage of the good things happening in Suffolk. Thank you for all of the work you do to make it a "good time to be in Suffolk"! ~ Patrick Roberts
CITY OF SUFFOLK WATER TREATMENT FACILITY HONORED The City of Suffolk G. Robert House, Jr. Water Treatment Facility was recently recognized by the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water with the 2017 Bronze Award for Excellence in Granular Media Filtration. The award was presented in Roanoke on April 11, 2018 and is given to facilities that produced drinking water three times cleaner than required by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Suffolk’s Water Treatment Facility met the stringent criteria set forth in the Virginia Optimization Program goals. These granular filters are used to filter impurities from drinking water. Each one of these online filters exceeded the standard during each month throughout the calendar year 2017. The G. Robert House Jr. Water Treatment Facility has demonstrated excellence in its day to day operations. This award is a result of the commitment and dedication of the treatment plant’s 27 member team. The team is composed of: ten Class 1 Operators, one Class 3 Operator, five Chemists, eight Maintenance Technicians, two Distribution Operators and the Plant Manager. The water treatment team performs a multitude of hourly sampling checks and runs more than 200 daily water quality control tests. Their efforts result in the treatment and distribution of high quality drinking water for the citizens of Suffolk.
CAN YOU GUESS THE NAME OF THE BUILDING IN THIS AERIAL PHOTO?
THE
SS GUE POT S
On May 25, 2018,
Answer from the last edition: Deborah Minnick, Administrative Assistant - City Manager’s Office, correctly guessed the Grand Illumination. See Nicole Duncan in the Media & Community Relations Office to claim your prize.
thirteen of the City of Suffolk’s supervisors graduated from the New and Line Supervisors Course, a part of the Suffolk Leadership Development Program. The four day training program, based on current City policies, focused on critical knowledge, skills, and abilities supervisors should have to be successful in their critical role of leading employees. The program covered topics such as ethics and conflict of interest, diversity and workplace harassment, employee recruitment and retention, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), performance management and employee engagement which included an introduction to Situational Leadership II® model, Risk Management Program, employee benefits and
the Employee Assistance Program. Additionally, the participants received an overview of the organization and responsibilities of the City of Suffolk Departments. The curriculum included team-building exercises, practical skills exercises, and an opportunity to learn their personality type using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI). Most importantly, students had the opportunity to network and share information with their peers. Supervisors were presented with a certificate of completion by City Manager Patrick Roberts, joined by their Department Director or Department Representative, at the end of course ceremony and luncheon. Congratulations to: Samantha Jo Bradshaw Marion “Beth” LeDoyen Lurena Huffman Kim Hendricks Claire Jones Reginald A. Spratley Reginald Evans Kerri Niang Heather W. Baggett Robert A. Wilkins Kailee C. Wolterstorff Travell Almond Joe C. Bidnick
Suffolk PD Public Works -Fleet Suffolk PD Suffolk PD Planning & Community Development Public Utilities-Field Ops Public Utilities Social Services Public Works Public Works Library Parks and Recreation Sheriff Department
RECIPE SPOTLIGHT Granola & Yogurt Breakfast Popsicles What You’ll Need:
Instructions :
Six 3-ounce popsicle molds
Stir yogurt, berries, 2 teaspoons maple syrup and vanilla together in a medium bowl. Divide among six 3-ounce popsicle molds. Stir granola and the remaining 2 teaspoons maple syrup together in a small bowl. Top each popsicle with 1 tablespoon of the granola mixture. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze overnight.
1 ¼ cups low-fat plain yogurt 1 ½ cups chopped fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and/or blackberries) 4 teaspoons pure maple syrup, divided 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 6 tablespoons granola, large chunks crumbled
Popsicles can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 week.
www.EatingWell.com
Employee Appreciation Luncheon
k c u r T Food Rodeo
Employees were asked to submit a photo for a prize during the Food Truck Rodeo at this year’s Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Congratulations to the employees pictured:
Marisha Jackson, Library Associate
Robin P. Moore, Library Associate
Kimberley Hendricks, PSAP Manager and Jodi Holliman, Communications Operator III – Suffolk Police Department
Please see Nicole Duncan in the Media & Community Relations Office to claim your prize!
HOW CAN YOU SAVE MONEY AND TIME ON HEALTH CARE? Now that you’ve enrolled in your health plan and gotten the card they make you show every time you go to the doctor’s office, there are a few things you should know about using your plan wisely. The following are helpful, snack-sized videos that outline some strategies and tools available through your plan to save you time and money:
https://www.myalex.com/cityofsuffolk/mmyp Comparison-Shop for Medical Costs:
Learn how your plan’s comparison-shopping tool can help you find the lowest price for any health care service. https://www.myalex.com/cityofsuffolk/mmyp#comparison_shopping
Shop Around for Your Prescriptions: Did you know that drug
prices can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy? Learn how to quickly shop around for the best price. https://www.myalex.com/cityofsuffolk/mmyp#rx_price_shop
Urgent Care:
Visiting urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms can save you time and money when your medical condition isn’t life-threatening. https://www.myalex.com/cityofsuffolk/mmyp#urgent_care
Nurseline: Learn about our free, 24/7 nurseline, which can put you in touch
with a registered nurse for expert medical advice. https://www.myalex.com/cityofsuffolk/mmyp#nurseline
Preventive Care:
There’s a bunch of preventive care services available for free with your health insurance plan. Make sure you’re taking advantage of them. https://www.myalex.com/cityofsuffolk/mmyp#preventive
We hope these videos help keep your out-of-pocket medical costs as low as possible and save you time and effort! Thank you!
Your Benefit Team
Our National Walk at Lunch Day made the National AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) Wellness SmartBrief!
Thanks to everyone for helping to make another successful Suffolk Wellness event!
Va. city workers participate in National Walk @ Lunch Day Suffolk, Va., city employees took part in a 1-mile walk as part of National Walk @ Lunch Day on Wednesday. During the walk, held as part of the city’s wellness program, some employees also carried buckets to pick up trash along the route.
PARKS & RECREATION STEPS CHALLENGE The Parks & Recreation Department completed a 6 Week Walking Challenge. The challenge began on April 2nd and ended on May 12th. Staff from different divisions signed up for the challenge. We had a total of 23 participants. Each participant was encouraged to connect his/her tracker to the Mobile Health App. Each week a winner was drawn from the list of the top steppers in each division. The winner received a $10 gift card for lunch from area restaurants in Suffolk. Each week, the participants clocked in over 750,000 steps as a Department. Weekly, the steps increased staff became more competitive.
City of S uffolk
Employee Assistance Program
We all face problems from time to time. Usually, we can handle them ourselves without the help of outside resources. But sometimes it makes more sense to reach out for help. That is why the City of Suffolk provides you and your family members (coverage for all full and part-time employees, spouses and their dependents under the age of 26 living in the home) with a free confidential Employee Assistance Program, a benefit that provides resources and solutions for the problems you encounter. Just as health insurance is designed to address your physical health, your EAP benefit is designed to assist your emotional and mental well-being. And because the City has covered the entire cost of services, there is no cost to you.
How does the EAP work?
Getting the help you need is simple. You can call the Bon Secours EAP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to reach a professional counselor. Call the toll free number: 1-800327-3257 or local 757-327-3257 or log on to the Web at: www.virginiaemployeewellness.com to access other benefits.
Counseling Benefits
Many complex issues are best resolved with counseling assistance from a behavioral health professional. Assistance for personal, family, financial and legal issues is available. There are a broad range of solutions for your everyday work/life problems. You will want to consider calling for help if you encounter problems such as: • • • • •
Relationship and family issues Depression, stress, or anxiety Grief or loss of a loved one Eating disorders or substance abuse Workplace difficulties
When you call, you connect immediately with a counselor. Each counselor has a great depth of experience and knowledge. All have completed academic preparation – a graduate degree in psychology, social work or counseling.
Health Resource Benefits
Sometimes the best solution to a problem comes from finding the right information. That’s why Bon Secours has created Online Health Resources - a vast collection of thousands of self-help tools and informative articles that covers virtually every problem you might face. Some of the resources available include: • • • • •
Behavioral Health Resources Financial Resources Legal Information Lifestyle Resources Wellness Resources
• • • • •
Counseling Resources Work/life Resources Military Family Resources Personal Development and Training Benefits Parenting/Child Resources
Call anytime for confidential assistance. To reach a counselor for any of your EAP needs, call toll free: 1-800-327-3257 or 757-398-2374 or log on to www.virginiaemployeewellness.com
Milestone Employees Pictured are employees who earned 20, 25 and 30 years of service milestones with the City of Suffolk! These employees were honored at a luncheon in December, 2017 with City Manager, Pat Roberts. Congratulations!
30 Years: Kent Lee Gwaltney, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Lieutenant
25 Years: Gerald Brandsasse, Suffolk Police Department, Deputy Chief
25 Years: Kenneth L. Stallard, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Captain
25 Years: Charles Jolly, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Battalion Chief
20 Years: 20 Years: Alfred Copeland, Jr., Raphael Brown, Public Works, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Refuse Equipment Operator II Lieutenant
25 Years: Dana Santore, Suffolk Police Department, Sergeant
20 Years: Jeremy E. Gould, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Lieutenant
Not pictured: 25 Years: Andre L. Durham, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Battalion Chief
20 Years: Kevin D. Harrison, Suffolk Police Department, Lieutenant
20 Years: Lakita S. Watson, Parks & Recreation, Director
20 Years: Ernest Scott Brower, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Captain
20 Years: Gary D. Myrick, Suffolk Police Department, Detective Sergeant
2018 Service Awards Luncheon held at the Texas Roadhouse on College Drive. City Manager Patrick Roberts was the event “emcee” and recognized employees that reached milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Suffolk. Also in attendance was Mayor Linda Johnson and several members of City Council, as well as Department Heads, Council Appointees and Constitutional Officers. Congratulations to all Service Award recipients, and thanks for all you do to serve our citizens! A special thank you to Human Resources for the time and effort expended planning this fantastic event! FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE AARON D. SMITH AARON L POOLE ANTHONY JAMES PATTON ANTHONY P. DIGGS ASHLEY NICOLE SHOCKLEY BRENDA E. GARNETT BRETT WINSTON JAMES CEDRIC SCOTT CHARLES CHAPPELL CHARLES R. BRADSHAW II CHRISTOPHER R ARNOLD CHRISTOPHER R CROSS CYNTHIA BUNCH DANIEL PAUL ELLIS DEREK A ROUNTREE EDWARD HEIDE ERICA POWELL FRANCIS E POULIN JAMES H RAINES JASMINE A SCALES-PAUL JEFFREY GRAY JULIE S. SPICER-EGER JULIUS GOODWIN KARISSA FRANKLIN KATHERINE P GRAY KATHLEEN WALL KELLIE BURCHFIELD LANDRIA BYNUM LUE R WARD MARION L. RIDDICK MELVIN W POWERS IV MICHELLE NICOLE BOONE NANCY NORMAN OLIVO NARENDRA PLEAS OPAL DELPHINE MCCLEOD RAWLINGS KHADEJAH RITA LARISSA ENNIS ROBERT A BARLOW ROBERT L BRADLEY ROGER W FAWCETT SAMANTHA JO BRADSHAW SANTINA MARIA BANKS STEVEN JOSEPH ALEKSA TAWANNE S. ELEY TEALEN D. HANSEN TERREQUE NIGERE PAIGE
TERRY SMITH TIFFANY M FOLKERS VICTOR L WILLIAMS
TEN YEARS OF SERVICE ADAM R. JAMES AMANDA E. ALLISON ANDREW J FENNEMAN ANNA B JONES ARMAR J. MAYS BAKER DEATRICE BENJAMIN T. LANE BONITA M. MANUPELLA BRADLEY K. BRAENDLE BRIAN L. DEFREEUW CHRISTOPHER L. JORDAN CLAYTON W. MITCHELL CONNIE L. BLAIR CURTIS SAUNDERS DARRYL R. LAWRENCE DAWN T. ANDERSON-HARRIS DENISE SMITH DEREK L. JACKSON DWIGHT J. LEIDY HOISUK JEONG INEZ C. BOND JAMES D. SOBERS JR. JAMES DAVID HUGHES JAMES E. BABOR JAY B. BURTON JAY P. KISER JENNIFER L. ROBERTSON JOAN SCOTT JOHN MARTIN LAMPE KENNETH B. SMITH KEVIN D. BOYCE KEVIN P. SARY LAMONT D. GREER LARRY SHOEMAKER LAWRENCE C. CORBETT LEROY J. HANSEN LISA R. GRIFFITHS MARCUS Q. CARTER MARY ANN HERRING MELISSA L. CARROLL MICHAEL S. TURNER JR. PATRICE L JONES
PATRICK G. ROBERTS REGINA M. CHANDLER ROBERT A. WILKINS ROBERT C. FAHRMAN ROBERT C. SPILLANE RYAN H. BUGG SANDON SHANE ROGERS SCOTT O. COGSWELL SHAWN DUNN SHINON CLARK STEVEN C. POWELL THYWENSTON SWAIN JR TODD E. CRAWFORD TOMIKA BOND-BOONE TORY D. MYRICK WALTER G. WOMBLE IV
15 YEARS OF SERVICE ALPHONSO WILLIAMS BELISSA SMITH CHRISTOPHER A. SCHERER CLINTON D. JARRIEL COREY E. HEARN DAVID C. DEVINE ERIC G. SPAIN LARTARA FRAZIER FRED W. LITTLEJOHN III GREGORY W. TEMME JEROME L. FREEMAN JOHN E. MCCARLEY KATHLEEN E. REYNOLDS KERRY S. BOND LAKEITH D. LOWTHER MARTE EUGENE BARO MICHAEL J BAGLEY JR. MONICA D. STOKES NATHANIEL BOYD OSCAR LONGORIA RAINEY O DAIL REBECCA SKINNER RICHARD L. KESSINGER RICKEDA M. FOFANA RONALD D. DARDEN JR. RONALD WHITLEY THOMAS F. ROBERTS TRAVELL ALMOND
TRAVIS M. LANCASTER TRAVIS R. PEIRCE TYSON R. WILD VERNON O. BRINKLEY
20 YEARS OF SERVICE ALFRED COPELAND JR. ANDRE D. SPARKS ASHTON M FELTS III CAROLYN J. STOVALL DEAN M. ADAMS DIANA L. KLINK ERNEST SCOTT BROWER GARY D. MYRICK JEREMY E. GOULD KEVIN D. HARRISON LAKITA S. WATSON MARITA J. REA RACHEL W. LEWIS RAPHAEL E. BROWN II REGINALD L. EVANS SARAH P. KNIGHT TREVA N. STOKES VINCENT HILL
25 YEARS OF SERVICE ANDRE L. DURHAM CHARLES R. JOLLY DANA M. SANTORE ELIZABETH P. DUKE GERALD L. BRANDSASSE KENNETH L. STALLARD TOMMY MCGAHE
30 YEARS OF SERVICE BOBBY J. DARDEN DIANNE D. WILLIAMS SCOTT MILLS KENNETH W. NELMS KENT LEE GWALTNEY LYNDON D. MORINGS PAMELA G. NICHOLLS REBECCA A. SIMPSON ROBERT EARL LEWIS
higi Health Station Highlights
It seems like yesterday, but it was actually two years ago that the City’s
Employee Wellness Program purchased our first higi Health Station for employee use in City Hall’s Break Room. One year later, a second unit was purchased for employee use in the Health & Human Services Building 3rd Floor Break Room. higi (pronounced like “jiggy”) provides employees the opportunity to check their blood pressure, resting heart rate, weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) as often as they would like, for free! Although it is not required in order to use higi, users may also set up an account that allows them to track their health status and earn points towards national give-aways for great prizes like mountain bikes, activity trackers, and iPads. Following your weight and blood pressure closely are one of the best preventative steps you can take to improve your health and reduce the risk of heart disease & obesity. There have been many great employee success stories for both weight loss and lowering blood pressure. Here are a few of the statistics from the past two years:
Blood Pressure Lowering Success
Weight Loss Success
• 2,994 individual weight & BMI checks. • 45.7% of users dropped 5 pounds or more. • 7.4% of users dropped 10 pounds or more!
• 3, 367 individual Blood Pressure checks. • 51.1% of users lowered their Mean Arterial Pressure by 5 points or more. • 10.2% of users lowered their Mean Arterial Pressure by 15 points or more! higi has proven to be just another one of our Employee Wellness Program successes. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to monitor these important health risk factors with one of our higis and become your own success story! We hope to bring another higi to a third work-site location in the coming year. For more information about higi, visit www.higi.com or contact Becky Brown, Employee Health & Wellness Coordinator at 514-4121 or bbrown@suffolkva.us.
Understanding a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) This class will provide a brief overview to employees who currently have or those who are looking at electing an HDHP/H.S.A. 1. Provides simple terms to help you understand your insurance plan without too much of the technical jargon. 2. Will show you some of the in’s-and-outs of how your HDHP/H.S.A. works. 3. Break down various benefits of your HDHP/H.S.A. and even show you how to make money with your H.S.A. 4. Going over the numbers so you can compare cost with the other plans offered by the City. 5. Helping you make the decision that’s right for you and your wallet. Lunch-N-Learn classes will be held in the HR Training Room, Wednesday, July 25th from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Keep an eye out in your Inbox for the email to register for this event.
The Information Desk If you have not ventured to City Hall recently, you may not have had the pleasure of meeting our newest Ambassadors, Brenda Brown and Patrice Rivers. If Ms. Brown looks familiar, it may be because she worked for the General District Court for over 40 years before retiring as the Clerk of the General District Court. We are very happy to have these smiling faces at the Information Desk at City Hall!
Congratulations to Treasurer Ron Williams - Recipient of the “Commonwealth Award” Ron Williams, Treasurer of the City of Suffolk, was recently honored by the Treasurers’ Association of Virginia (TAV) for his years of leadership and service to that organization. At its annual conference held in Roanoke, Mr. Williams was bestowed with the “Commonwealth Award” to recognize his commitment in helping TAV achieve major goals and initiatives for Treasurers. The Treasurers’ Association is composed of County, City, and Town Treasurers in Virginia. Mr. Williams is the fifteenth recipient of this award since its inception in 1980. He also served as President of TAV in 1989-90.
Congratulations, Emily! The Commissioner of the Revenue’s office is proud to announce that on May 19, 2018, Emily Grass was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Liberty University. Emily is a 2015 graduate of Nansemond River High School and an experienced accounting technician. Emily began working for the Commissioner of the Revenue in April 2017, as a business tax investigator. In the immediate future, Emily will begin pursuing a Master’s degree in Accounting from Liberty University and plans to sit for the Certified Public Accounting examination.
Congratulations It’s a Girl! Welcome, Baby Alston!
Congratulations to Lanee’ Alston, Quality Control Technician- Public Utilities, who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, London Ayanna Alston, on April 9, 2018, weighing 8 lbs. 13 oz., and 20.5 inches long.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
has been awarded to the City of Suffolk Finance Department by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for FY 2017. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. This is the thirty-fourth consecutive year that the City has received this award.
Sharlay Wofford, Senior Payroll Technician received her M.A. (Master of Arts) in Human Services from Liberty University on May 19, 2018.
Cameo Robinson, Senior Accounting Technician, completed her MBA
(Master of Business Administration) in April and graduated from the University of Phoenix on June 30, 2018.
HAPPENINGS AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY Suffolk Public Library was honored by the Virginia Public
Library Directors Association this spring with an award for Outstanding Innovative Outreach. This statewide award is in recognition of the library’s Prison and Re-Entry Outreach. The Prison and Re-Entry initiative first began with just a phone call to the Western Tidewater Regional Jail with the question, “How can we help?” From there, Suffolk Public Library expanded services to the Indian Creek Correctional Center and found community partners by joining a local coalition of agencies focused on re-entry services. The relationships formed through this work have opened doors to a whole segment of our community that is often forgotten, yet have immense needs.
Library Staff Retirement: Mollie Felton Mollie Felton became a full-time employee with Suffolk Public Library on July 1, 1991, after three years of being part-time. According to Mollie, a lot has happened since then. “When I started working, Human Resources had three employees and they knew all our names.”
Helping Community Members Who Speak English as a Second Language Our City departments interact with the public in a variety of ways, from helping them process payments to connecting them with resources the City offers. A new resource available at the Suffolk Public Library is geared towards those who speak English as a Second Language. Thanks to a $10,000 American Dream Literacy Initiative grant from the American Library Association and Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Suffolk Public Library is able to support adults in their English language learning goals. In June, Suffolk Public Library began to offer free weekly ESL Classes and a free bimonthly Conversation Group at the North Suffolk Library location. Registration is not required. From helping children with homework to advancing in careers, a solid understanding of the English language can open up many opportunities and also help develop deeper connections in our community. For more information and a downloadable flyer, visit suffolkpubliclibrary.com/ESL.
Mollie met some really interesting people and made good friends, both fellow employees and patrons, whom she hopes will remain good friends. “Suffolk Public Library has certainly been an important part of my life and I hope it continues to grow and contribute to the community.” Mollie’s last day working with the City was May 25. Congratulations, Mollie, on over 26 years of service!
Reach Your Steps Goal with a Day of Dance at the Library Whether you’re tracking steps to earn points for Mobile Health or to reach a personal wellness goal, one way to gain more steps is to dance it out! Suffolk Public Library invites you to their Day of Dance on Saturday, July 28, 2018. The day begins with a Step Studio at North Suffolk Library where all ages can drop in between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to learn different dances and dance styles. Then show off those dance moves at the community Summer Dance Soiree from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the North Suffolk Library. Come out for a good time and a lot of steps! This event is free and open to the public. More information can be found online at suffolkpubliclibrary.com/events.
KEEP SUFFOLK BEAUTIFUL A MURAL FOR EACH BOROUGH The public was invited to come and paint a large mural at the opening day of the Suffolk Farmers Market on May 5th. This exciting public art project is in collaboration between the Suffolk Art League, The SPARC Initiative and Keep Suffolk Beautiful. “We are working together to produce multiple free standing murals as part of a beautification initiative” says Linda Bunch from the Suffolk Art League, “This is the first of several murals. It’s going to be 8ft by 8ft on wood and the design is inspired by The Great Dismal Swamp. ” This mural is currently on display at the Suffolk Visitor Center. Ed Beardsley, founder of the SPARC initiative and One Past 7 says, “We want to produce one for each borough and this first one represents the Cypress Borough. Each mural will be inspired by its local community and we want to celebrate and bring together all of Suffolk.” Wayne Jones, spokesperson for Keep Suffolk Beautiful says, “we are excited to see the murals finished and on display although display locations have yet to be determined. The idea for free standing murals came about from a similar initiative by Keep Akron Beautiful in Ohio. ”
The City of Suffolk Public Works Department has won a 2017 Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting award from the Salt Institute for excellence in environmental consciousness and effective management in the storage of winter road salt.
Clear winter roads protect lives and commerce. According to the Federal government, every winter more than 116,000 Americans are injured and over 1,300 killed as a result of pavement that is snow,
slush or ice covered. But a study of highways in Snow Belt states showed that road salt reduces crashes by up to 88%. A one-day major snowstorm can cost a state $300-$700 million in direct and indirect costs, lost commerce and productivity. In fact, de-icing pays for itself within the first 25 minutes after the salt is spread. About 17 million tons of de-icing salt is applied to roadways in the U.S. each year and another six million tons are spread in Canada. Having enough road salt on hand before storms hit requires advance planning and facilities that provide safe
and efficient storage. Winners must also display proper maintenance and good housekeeping practices. The familiar sight of trucks spreading salt on icy winter roads gives motorists reassurance. If that salt was stored in and spread by a facility honored with a Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting award, motorists have the added assurance of knowing the utmost care has been taken to protect public safety and the environment. Only 85 local agencies in the U.S. and Canada received this recognition, including 9 new recipients. Congratulations Suffolk Public Works Department!
C o n g r at u l at i o n s to Wayne Jones, Litter Control Coordinator with the Public Works
Department, on receiving the American Public Works Association (APWA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s Donald S. Frady Award. This award is presented annually to recognize a Public Works official for outstanding achievement in local government. Wayne has made a significant contribution to the City and community by getting citizens involved in environmental improvement projects throughout the City, including the plastic bottle cap mural, numerous litter cleanup events and expanding the Adopt-a- programs. Way to go Wayne!
On Friday, March 16, 2018, staff from Public Works
Operations - Roadways and Refuse Divisions were invited to participate in Career Day at Driver Elementary School. Public Works Operations - Roadways Division employees include David Jornov, Armar Mays, DiVanta Jones, Brian Taylor, Broderick Reid, Rashad Tanner, Cornell Evans and Ziquan Edwards. Roadways Division brought out for display a Gradall rubber tired excavator, a patch truck, a ditch truck, a pipe camera (CCTV) van, a truck with a brine unit, a combination pipe cleaning/vacuum truck, a snow plow/spreader truck and a mowing tractor.
Public Works Refuse Division employees Kevin “Shep” Shepard and Leslie Bell brought a sweeper truck and a front load garbage truck. Brian Taylor, Street Maintenance Worker II, commented that he was surprised by how enthusiastic and inquisitive the students were about the equipment. Broderick Reid, Street Crew Leader stated that he enjoyed seeing the youth enjoy themselves around different pieces of equipment that keeps the roads safe, clean and drivable. The CCTV van caught their attention the most. They loved that it is operated by an XBOX controller and that it has the ability to record video or take pictures.
YOUR VOTE COUNTS! On Tuesday, May 8th, Public Works Operations General Manager Carlos Ward, Sr.,
accepted an award for Top Photo in the American Public Works Association (APWA) Snow Conference Contest in Indianapolis, Indiana. The photo submitted by Public Works was voted for over 5,000 times and finished more than 300 votes ahead of the next highest voted submission. We would like to thank our friends and fellow City employees for their countless votes and great support!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
The Suffolk Sheriff's Office teamed up with The Life Enrichment Center and the Suffolk Police Department to mentor to reading students at Elephant's Fork Elementary School. Since February, tutors have been matched with one student, one hour a week. This is the first time Suffolk Public Schools have participated with (LEC). Deputy Wade Thomas, Suffolk Police Officer Lauren Stabinski, Katie Jones, Suffolk Police Officer Deputy Ginet Hart, LEC Coordinator Sandra Christmas, and Suffolk Police Officer Kyle Hall bid a farewell to students at Elephant's Fork Elementary School. (Not pictured Sgt. Chad Hooker, SPD) Sheriff E.C. Harris and staff of the Suffolk Sheriff's Office wish to extend congratulations to the students and staff for their outstanding commitment to education. The Life Enrichment Center (LEC) is a non-profit organization providing literacy tutoring and other life-giving initiatives for elementary students from Title I Schools in Hampton Roads.
Sheriff E.C. Harris and the staff of the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the pastors and congregations of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Canaan Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church and St. Paul Baptist Church for the generous donation that allowed our office to partner with the downtown Walmart to purchase and provide toys for the early start children attending Elephant’s Fork Elementary School. Thank you for what you are doing in our community and for our youth.
Sheriff E. C. Harris and staff of the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office
would like to thank the students and staff of Elephant’s Fork Elementary School for their preparation of the beautiful Mother’s Day cards. Deputy Wade Thomas and Deputy Eddie Harville picked up the cards and distributed them to residents at Autumn Care Nursing Home.
CONGRATULATIONS
Administrative Analyst Joel Howard Civilian Employee of the Year
CO Jodi Holliman Dispatcher of the Year
Officer Clifton Sessoms Police Officer of the Year
Sergeant Andre Sparks Supervisor of the Year
Nine members of the Suffolk Police Department were recognized during a Promotion Ceremony on January 26, 2018. Congratulations to the following individuals: Captain Cassandra Garvin, Lieutenant Lance Callis, Sergeant Samantha Bradshaw, Sergeant Casey Thomas, Master Police Officer James Babor, Master Police Officer Rachelann Cain, Master Police Officer Andrew Fenneman Master Police Officer Paul Helvestine, Master Police Officer Timothy Mason
Eight new officers received their Suffolk Police badges in February during a Badge Pinning Ceremony. Congratulations to: Travis Gardner, Carlos M. Gonzalez, Jr., Jacob Hughes Summer Johnson, Anthony Lucena, Christian McIntyre Timothy Olah, Brigette Wendel
Four new officers received their Suffolk Police badges in June during a Badge Pinning Ceremony. Congratulations to: Shamar Alexander James, William Donte' Culpepper, Shane Douglas Turner
CONGRATULATIONS Suffolk Police Chief Thomas Bennett would like to thank The Pilot Club of Suffolk
for recognizing Officer Clifton Sessoms as the Police Officer of the Year during their Civic Awards Night banquet held on April 16, 2018. The purpose of this event is to honor those who serve the community. Also honored during this event: Paramedic of the Year – Lieutenant Jeffrey W. Matthews, Firefighter of the Year– Captain John D. Wilson
Officer Clifton Sessoms Police Officer of the Year
Lieutenant Jeffrey W. Matthews, Paramedic of the Year
Captain John D. Wilson, Firefighter of the Year
Several Suffolk Police Officers were honored with 2018 Law Enforcement Public Service Awards by the United States Attorney’s Office from the Eastern District of Virginia – Norfolk Division on May 2, 2018 at the Slover Library in Norfolk, Virginia. The purpose of
the agency’s Law Enforcement Public Service Awards is to honor and recognize those in the federal and state law enforcement community who have significantly contributed to the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office in prosecuting violations of federal criminal law.
Suffolk Police Officer Jay Burton, Suffolk Police Officer James Brooks (now with Virginia State Police), and Suffolk Police Captain Cassandra Garvin were recognized for their work on the United States v. Jonathan David Strader, et al case. A total of 10 individuals were honored for the efforts with the case.
Suffolk Police Department Detective Rachelann Cain, assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, was recognized for her work on the United States v. Lionel Williams case. A total of 8 individuals were honored for their efforts with the case.
WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES
JANUARY 3, 2018
Commonwealth Attorney’s Office: William “Kyle” Blanks, Investigator Finance: Tawanne Eley, Accountant Fire & Rescue: Jordan Basnight, Firefighter/Medic I Library: Garrison Coates, Library Services Coordinator; Tiffany Duck, Library Manager Parks & Recreation: Bradley Gavin, Grounds Maintenance Worker I; Whittney Grant, Custodian Worker Police: Shamar James, Police Officer I Public Works: Steven Major, Paint Technician Sheriff’s Office: Veronica Woodson, Deputy Sheriff II Social Services: Kerri Niang, Clerical Support Supervisor; Treasurer’s Office: Sally Sitler, Deputy Treasurer I
Fire & Rescue: Thomas Benadum, Jr., Firefighter/Medic I Human Resources: Christopher Ellis, Human Resources Generalist Library:Deborah Ward, Senior Librarian Parks & Recreation: Denzel King, Recreation Leader Public Works: Heather Baggett, Environmental Specialist
JANUARY 17, 2018
FEBRUARY 1, 2018
MARCH 12, 2018
APRIL 2, 2018
Fire & Rescue: LeVario Franklin, Firefighter/Medic I Media & Community Relations: Brenda Brown, Customer Service Representative Parks & Recreation (Recreation Leaders): Chris Ammendolia; Lavon Bradshaw; Alexis Greene; Brendan Haring; Alexis Hill; Victoria Parrish; Alexandra Wright Police: William Culpepper, Police Officer I; Martha Nelson, Records Technician Public Utilities: Ajami Grays, Accounting Associate I Public Works: Damon Cereske, Construction Inspector I Treasurer’s Office: Linda Saunders, Deputy Treasurer I
Assessor’s Office: William Jonak, Commercial Appraiser Library: Sean Dorsey, Library Associate Public Works: Ryan House, Street Maintenance Worker I; Joseph Paul, III, Refuse Worker; Benita Stokes, Street Maintenance Worker II; Clyde Williams, Refuse Worker Social Services: Precious Southall, Screening Clerk
Fire & Rescue: Edward Gill, Firefighter II; Francisco Jusino, Firefighter II Parks & Recreation: Charlotte Baynor, Office Assistant; Sherri Darden, Park Attendant; Telia Neal, Recreation Specialist Police: Kelsey Sukowaski, Animal Caretaker Public Utilities: Duriel Fields, Skilled Laborer Public Works: Johnnie Dillard, Street Maintenance Worker I; Amber Rymer, Mosquito Control Technician
WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES
MAY 1, 2018
JUNE 1, 2018
Capital Programs: Robert Carrol, Custodian; Tia Person, Custodian Finance: Cynthia Green Media & Community Relations: Patrice Rivers, Customer Service Representative Parks & Recreation: Maribel Bracke, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist; Antwan Wheeler, Custodial Worker Police: Charlene Everette, Records Technician Public Utilities: Donielle Babb, Water Meter Service Worker; Jarrett Moran, Utility Engineer Manager Public Works: Moran Billups, Street Maintenance Worker I; Ronnie Boone, Sign Technician; Jalen Dunn, Street Maintenance Worker I; Cody Rowell, Street Maintenance Worker I; Rose Strickland, Construction Inspector I Social Services: Teresa King, Office Assistant; Robert Matson, Computer Support Tech; Adrienne Sloan, Family Service Worker I Circuit Court: Adrienne King & Sharon McPherson, Deputy Clerk I Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office: Mark Barham Jr., Intern; Jaclyn Aranibar, Intern; Antonnio Wilson, Investigator Library: Jessica Shontz Parks & Recreation: (Recreation Leaders) Shane Baroner; Jasmine Boone; Taylor-Raye Council; Latrone Demiel; Nathan Foster; Deondre Lacey; Michael Liburd; Aijha Liggins; DeVon Morris; Tonia Mozell; Lakisha Saunders, Bus Operator Police: Diane Caudill, Police Officer I; Zoraida Kareivis, Police Officer I; Vickie Snyder, Call Taker Public Works: Jordan Day, Mechanic I; Amanda Dunning, Mosquito Control Technician; Dennis Stith, Mosquito Control Technician Social Services: Jasmine Thompson, Screening Clerk Treasurer’s Office: Linda Saunders, Deputy Treasurer II
VIRGINIA LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN PASSES THROUGH SUFFOLK The Law Enforcement Torch Run® passed through the City of Suffolk on Thursday, June 7th, as runners made their way to Richmond to the Special Olympics Virginia 2018 Summer Games held on June 8th and 9th.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Virginia unites Officers from law enforcement agencies and corrections departments across the state in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Virginia. Each summer, law enforcement officials carry the Flame of Hope across Members of the Suffolk Police Department and the the state culminating with the Torch Run Final Leg, Suffolk Sheriff's Office participated as the torch was and the lighting of the cauldron to officially open handed off by the Portsmouth Police Department, the Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games in and Suffolk's runners completed an 8-mile trek along Richmond. The 1,900-mile, 7-day Torch Run involves Route 17 before the torch was handed off in Isle of more than 2,000 law enforcement officers and Wight County for the next leg of the torch's journey. personnel representing more than 200 law enforcement agencies across Virginia.
ON JUNE 15,
ten of the City of Suffolk’s Parks and Recreation Department supervisors completed the New and Line Supervisors Course, a part of the Suffolk Leadership Development Program. The three day training program, based on current city policies, focused on critical knowledge, skills and abilities supervisors should have to be successful in their critical role of leading employees. The program covered topics such as ethics and conflict of interest, diversity and workplace harassment, employee recruitment and retention, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), performance management and employee engagement which included an introduction to Situational Leadership II® model. Participants also received information about employee benefits, effective communication and the Employee Assistance Program. Additionally, the participants received an overview of the organization and responsibilities of the City of Suffolk departments. The curriculum included
team-building exercises, practical skills exercises, and an opportunity to learn their personality type using the MyersBriggs Type Indicator® (MBTI). Most importantly, students had the opportunity to network and share information with their peers. Supervisors were presented with a certificate of completion by Helen Gabriel, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Department. Congratulations to: Shown in the attached photo are: Top row (left to right) Kenny Clemons, DeVondre Bazemore, Somerbreze Jones, Adairius Williams, Virgil Wiggins, Kenneth Banks Bottom row (left to right) JaQuan Demiel, Helen Gabriel (Assistant Director), Tabitha Franklin, Dimitra Dales, Telia Neal
The City Treasurer’s Office is excited to announce that Sally Sitler has been
promoted to a full-time Deputy Treasurer I, after having been a part-time Deputy I since 2017. Originally from Pennsylvania, Sally spent 34 years at First Keystone Community Bank where she held several back office leadership positions. We are excited to have Sally here with us full time!
ADDITIONALLY, LINDA SAUNDERS, who recently rejoined the
Suffolk City employee family by coming to the Treasurer’s Office as a part-time Deputy Treasurer I has been promoted to a full-time Deputy Treasurer II-Accounting. Linda previously spent nearly two decades working for the City, first beginning as a decal clerk in the Treasurer’s Office, and then moving to the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office where she was first a Deputy Commissioner and then the Business Tax Investigator. We are thankful to have Linda back, and look forward to her many years of experience being highly beneficial to the Treasurer’s Office and to the City.
Thank You! TO SUFFOLK FIRE & RESCUE AND SUFFOLK POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM TIM BOWDEN, SUFFOLK RESIDENT I want to give a big shout out to Suffolk Fire & Rescue and the Suffolk Police. I had a “little” propane fire in my shed when I lit my tank top mounted heater and then noticed it was loose. When I tried to tighten it, a bunch of propane escaped and it was game on. I was able to get out of the shed but it was still burning like hell and I was afraid it would blow up. It probably took me longer to figure out how to dial 911 than it took them to get here. They put my lawn and out and kept the tank cool until it burned out. They made it look easy, just another Christmas night. Thanks and great job, guys. TO PUBLIC WORKS FROM JIMF (SEECLICKFIX) You Guys are the bomb! Thanks so much for fixing the roadway [8800 Carters Cove Road]. Please pass on my appreciation to the workers. TO JENNIFER SORENSEN, THOMAS ROBERTS, PUBLIC WORKS FROM BRIAN ERICKSON, SUFFOLK RESIDENT I just wanted to express my gratitude to you and the City of Suffolk for the excellent work that was completed on my property at 413 Causey Ave. Two weeks ago, the roadway crews came out and cut down my bushes on the corner due to complaints from motorists who were concerned with safety. As you mentioned, the roadway crew was met by a resident who pressured them into cutting more than they had anticipated. When I arrived home, I saw the bushes had been cut down and left in an unsightly manner in front of my property. After speaking with you, you took the time to understand my concerns and fully research the situation. You then acted and requested the roadway crews come back to my property and remove the stumps from the corner of my lot. The crews arrived while I was at work and I was very excited to return home and see that the stumps had been cleared, the land leveled, and the corner of my property restored. Thank you for taking time to work with me and get this corrected. Thank you to the roadway crews who carefully cleaned up the area from the bush cutting. You and the team at Public Works-Roadway have been a pleasure to work with and I greatly appreciate the time and effort put in. The corner of my lot is now safer for motorists and looks great! TO PAM GOODMAN, PUBLIC WORKS FROM PHYLLIS, SUFFOLK RESIDENT I thank you so much for your prompt service concerning the wood curb at my home at 315 Linden Avenue. The crew that came out did a great job. Please thank them for me, for a job well done. TO COUNCIL MEMBER MIKE DUMAN FROM JEFF FORD, SUFFOLK RESIDENT First of all, I want to sincerely thank you again for your personal interest in our storm water drainage concerns. The City of
Suffolk Public Works Department wasted no time in getting its gears in motion shortly after we spoke. The City of Suffolk government is a model for others to follow because it truly works in the public interest. Of all the vastness of the City of Suffolk and the obvious myriad of public works projects therein, I was astonished by the immediate attention I received for what might be considered a minor drainage ditch issue in my neighborhood in Hobson. Not only did my concerns get attention right away, they got actions right away. Following the last huge rain event, I am happy to say that our drainage is working just fine. Public Works didn’t stop with the drainage issues at my property; they took the initiative to address additional issues they recognized up the street. From the beginning I have received several phone calls, emails and good old fashioned front porch updates from a dedicated and very professional superintendent named Earl (Doug) Allison. I know the difference between someone who’s doing what they’re told by their boss and those who really care, and I can honestly say that Mr. Allison is the latter. Point in case; Mr. Allison was up all night last night after dealing with a surprise snowstorm but was out today to personally check on the water flow in my storm ditches. That’s not your norm, especially for a government employee. This, hopefully, has to be recognized by City leadership, hence my message. One last note; I went to the grocery store this morning and noticed a few potholes along my way. By the time I came back those potholes had been repaired. Son of a gun! Thank you again and please extend a Councilman’s thank you to a well-run and very efficient Public Works Department. We are truly fortunate in Suffolk! TO PUBLIC WORKS FROM CHARLENE S. EVERETT, SUFFOLK CIRCUIT COURT CLERK’S OFFICE I want to Thank You so much for taking care of the large pot hole and road deterioration at 3630 Manning Road. I appreciate your attention to my concerns. TO PUBLIC WORKS FROM CHUCK BAKER, SUFFOLK RESIDENT (2018 WINTER STORM) My work forced me out on the road several times in the past week, in spite of icy conditions and storms. Driving through Hampton Roads, specifically: Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Suffolk, I could not help but to notice EVERY DAY that Suffolk roads were maintained, clear and more safely drive able than any other roads in the area. A fellow Suffolk resident and I joked that on the major secondary roads (like Route 337 or 17) there was no need for a “Welcome to Suffolk” sign; the instant improvement in road conditions showed that you were in Suffolk. My hats off to the men and women who cleared the roads for Suffolk. Keep up the good work!
GREAT JOB!
Walkers and runners alike, Team Suffolk had a great time at the
3rd annual Norfolk Corporate 5K. Out of 1,877 participants, Suffolk’s Team was the third largest with 50 of our co-workers, friends and families joining in. We are already looking forward to next year’s event and hope you will join us in the fun!
THANK YOU TO HUMAN RESOURCES FOR A SPECTACULAR NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE WEEK!
CITY NOTIFICATIONS: If there is an emergency or an incident that could affect the City’s operating hours, there are numerous steps taken to make sure you are alerted as soon as possible. • • • • • •
Citywide email Telephone greeting accessed by dialing the City’s main telephone number, 757-514-4000 Ticker crawl on City’s homepage: www.SuffolkVa.us Ticker crawl and/or bulletin on Charter Communication’s Local Access Channel 191 Ticker crawl on local television stations: WTKR News Channel 3, WAVY News 10, and WVEC 13 News Now City’s Facebook, Twitter.
THANKS TO THE NEWSLETTER TEAM! Have an article you’d like to see in our newsletter? See your Department Representative! Assessor’s Office - Barbara Jones | Capital Programs - Wayne Rhoads | Circuit Court- Jennifer Rockey | City Attorney’s Office - Shonda Carroll & Loreida Jennings | Commissioner of the Revenue - Brandon Darden | Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office - Joan Turner | Economic Development - Terry Smith | Finance/Purchasing - Susan Baines | Fire & Rescue - Mike Brinkley | Human Resources - Becky Brown |Information Technology - Debbie Williams | Library Angie Sumner| Media & Community Relations - Nicole Duncan |Parks & Recreation - Jaimi Russell | Planning & Community Development - Jillian Scott-Hale | Police - James Sobers | 911 - Brenna-Lee Whary | Public Utilities - Vicki Smith | Public Works - Susan Anderson | Sheriff’s Office - Katie Jones Social Services - Adonnica McCain & Dakota McNeill | Treasurer’s Office Shirley Snead & Andrew Owen
UPCOMING EVENTS
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IS COMING August 7, 2018
CHECK OUT THE LATEST INFORMATION HERE; WWW.SUFFOLKNNO.COM
SEE YOU NEXT TIME!