Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do that.” ~ Lou Holtz Hats off! It has been three months since the last issue of Engage was released, and the reason behind its development and delay is – both simply and extraordinarily – you! The number of submissions we receive is endless and their stories only scratch the surface when it comes to showcasing the efforts you put forth each and every day. From keeping our streets, sidewalks and homes safe during what has proven to be a ruthless winter, to raising money and generously giving your time to support those in need across our community, to enhancing our communication with the public, you raise the profile of our City, and you make our workplace one worth writing home about. We should be proud of all we have done in the days and weeks that have made up the last couple of months, and eager to accomplish more as we transition into warmer days. Enjoy this issue of Engage, help us pass it along to our colleagues who may not have a chance to read it online, and take a moment to consider what you do as a job very well done.
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A publication for employees and retirees of the
City of Saint John
Engage
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What’s Inside? In the Headlines Page 2 – 5
Recognition Pages 6 – 7
Good Works Page 8 – 10
Engage in the Community Page 11 – 13
Health and Safety Page 14 - 15
Hires, Retires, Promotions and Transfers Page 16 – 17
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A publication for employees and retirees of the City of Saint John
CONTEST
That’s some Sweet City SWAG! Stuff We All Get Interested in some City SWAG? By sending us your best digital photographs of Saint John people, places or nature, your name will be entered into two draws. The first will be for a basket filled with Sweet City SWAG; and the second is to see your photograph on the cover of the next issue of Engage! Idea Station: Here are some suggestions on what you could submit… • Family, friends, neighbours, or anyone else you spot enjoying outdoor activities in our City • City staff working to keep our City safe, and operational
Published by City of Saint John Communications Editor Lisa Caissie Communications Officer 506-648-3714 engage@saintjohn.ca Next issue Spring 2014 Deadline for submissions: May 23
• Our City’s buildings, monuments, and facilities • Nature’s best. A quiet or stormy winter wonderland. Or wildlife • Selfies (as requested by Troy McGraw, Web Specialist) Entries: Not sure if your photo fits the “bill”? Send it along anyway.
Troy McGraw models City of Saint John toque, part of the Sweet City SWAG
We look forward to seeing your submissions, and giving away some Sweet City SWAG! Point, click and send your pictures to sweetcityswag@saintjohn.ca. Please include your full name as well as the location the photo was taken in the subject line. Contest ends April 18. Click here for our Rules of Engagement
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In the headlines
Irving Oil and City of Saint John announce enhanced collaboration on emergencypreparedness The announcement of an enhanced partnership between the Saint John Fire Department and Irving Oil hit headlines as Irving Oil celebrated the grandopening of its new Grandview Avenue Emergency Services Building and the addition of a new Emergency Response Ladder Truck. The new facility has also been designated as the future home of the Saint John Fire Department (SJFD) training centre. The Grandview Ave location will enable the SJFD to deliver training for members of their brigade and to other entities, including municipalities and businesses. The training facility will include a number of industrial and residential fire training props and a state-of-the-art training room.
“Through cooperation and joint training, the Saint John Fire Department and Irving Oil’s response team will become more efficient and effective in mitigating incidents that might occur at the refinery,” says Kevin Clifford, Fire Chief of the Saint John Fire Department. “We’ll be better prepared to respond to emergency incidents across the city, which is a benefit to the entire community. We’ll also be able to share this expertise with other organizations.”
Division Chief Kevin Clynick, Deputy Chief Joe Armstrong, Mayor Mel Norton and Chief Kevin Clifford join Irving Oil representatives for a photo after the announcement
The SJFD training facility is expected to open in May 2014. , fortune Chief Clifford had the good e w e av h y it Rarely as a C as we were today. d llaborative to be so prou authentic, co r u yo f o lt su As a direct re e style of leadership you hn. iv Jo and co-operat and lasting win for Saint IG done delivered a B ur team have yo d an u yo rk il and The hard wo with Irving O hn by ip sh er tn ar p in securing a g facility benefits Saint Jo nity. u in the new train r and more liveable comm fe n making it a sa e, this kind of cooperatio m At the same ti eeded revenues thereby e -n at delivers much ing cost which will transl lass at d-c reducing oper ts for our city and its worl efi into real ben n, of citizens. n and in actio hole ke o sp th o b Your message, r the betterment of our w u fo yo collaboration usly appreciated. Thank o d en em tr is city s. beyond word ratitude, With Much G on ort N Mayor Mel
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In the headlines
It’s all about the kids Rink Attendant Chris Nolan was featured in the Telegraph Journal early in the New Year for the work he does taking care of the arenas he played in as a kid. During his interview, Chris told the reporter that, “It’s all about the kids in here. It makes your day in here, really, seeing them enjoying themselves. They can’t wait to be here, they can’t wait to play. That, in turn, makes me want to make the ice better for them, to do whatever I can to get the best product for them.” Chris has been working in our arenas for over two years.
Equal parts jock and nerd
Accelerating what nature does Ever wonder what our waste water folks do? Or better yet, what happens to the stuff you flush down the toilet? CBC Radio reporter Hance Colburne took a tour of our Eastern Waste Water Treatment Plant this February and aired a behind-thescenes story on the work of Environmental Protection, and the process involved with treating 16 million litres of waste water per day. Special thanks go to staff in Adam Loutfi and Environmental Protection for participating in the tour, Richard Graves speak and to Graham Huddleston, Operations Manager, and with CBC reporter Mike Montgomery, Operator, for conducting the interview.
IT Manager, Brian Woods, was featured by the Telegraph Journal in February as a “person of interest”. Click here to read all about his life as both a jock and nerd.
To listen to the report, visit www.cbc.ca/ informationmorningsaintjohn/2014/02/20/think-before-you-flush/
Plow operator relishes long, snowy days City plow operator Jeremy LeBlanc took Telegraph-Journal reporter Karissa Donkin for a ride-along in a six-yard plow truck through Lorneville to give the public a sense of what it is like to keep our streets clear and safe after a heavy snow fall. Special thanks to Jeremy for sharing his positive perspective, which, in turn, gives us all a better one. To read Jeremy’s story, click here.
In the headlines
Safe Clean Drinking Water Project updates P3 funding announced Late last year, the federal and provincial governments announced a combined investment of $114.6 million to the City’s Safe Clean Drinking Water project.
surpassed the City’s expectations. “We had a lot of Canadian firms and international firms and more than half were from New Brunswick. All the big players in the P3 market in the water and wastewater industry were present.”
Preliminary investigations well underway The massive water project will include the construction of a new water treatment plant near Latimer Lake, water mains across the City, storage tanks and other related infrastructure. The plant will be designed, financed, built and operated over a long-term period under the public-private partnership model, known as a P3. The other parts of the project will be designed, built and financed by the consortium before being handed back to the City. The federal government has committed a $57.3 million non-repayable P3 Canada Fund contribution to the project while the Province of New Brunswick is providing a $57.3 million contribution through the Regional Development Corporation.
Bidder’s meeting Since the November announcement, the Project Team hosted an information session for potential bidders. On December 10, 170 people, representing an estimated 140 companies, attended the private bidders’ meeting to hear from representatives on the City’s Safe Clean Drinking Water (SCDW) Project team about the $230-million project to upgrade the drinking water system. During an interview following the meeting, Dean Price told reporters that attendance for the information session
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Last month, workers and engineers from CBCL Limited, the Owners Engineer for the project began boring test holes at various locations across the City as part of the preliminary geotechnical investigations required for the City’s Safe Clean Drinking Water (SCDW) project. Gerry Mattsson, Municipal Engineer, explains, “By drilling into the ground, the engineers are able to determine the depth of the bedrock and the soil conditions in areas where new water mains will be laid, giving engineers a good idea of what they’ll run into. Having the data at such an early stage in the project should yield the best bids and save costs to taxpayers in the long run.” The geotechnical investigations and topographical studies involve rock probing (drilling) and surveying at 12 locations. The work is expected to wrap up at the end of February. For more information on the SCDW project, including a Q&A on the rock probing, visit www.saintjohnwater.ca/ drinkingwater. CBC TV reporter interviews Gerry Mattsson about roadway drilling
Dean Price address media questions after the meeting
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RECOGNITION
Retired Fire Chiefs honoured by South Korean government Stewart Trentowsky and Ken Haslett have a few things in common. Both men retired from the Saint John Fire Department in 1994, after 35 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Saint John, and prior to their service with the City, both men served with the Canadian Navy during the Korean War of 1950-1953.
Stewart Trentowsky with South Korean Ambassador
Last fall, as part of a Canadian Tour that marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Canada and the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, Trentowsky and Haslett were presented with Ambassador for Peace medals during a formal visit by South Korean Ambassador Cho Hee-yong. The presentation of the medals was made in Saint John, with representatives from the federal and provincial governments, Veteran’s Affairs Canada, the Canadian Legion, and the Korean Veteran’s Association present. The City congratulates Mr. Trentowsky and Mr. Haslett on their many years of dedicated service to both the local and international community.
Ken Haslett with South Korean Ambassador
Post storm tree clean up
Chris Gaudet, Jon Gould, Aaron Lloyd and Gerald Doiron clean trees after the ice storm
Warm weather in early February made for a welcome break for some citizens and our Parks and City Landscape crews as they made progress cleaning up trees and branches that had fallen during the ice storm in December.
says Marc Doucet, Operations Manager, Parks and City Landscape. “Due to the severity of the storm, we had crews responding to emergency calls on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.”
Pictured are Chris Gaudet, Jon Gould, Aaron Lloyd, and Gerald Doiron hard at work to clean and trim trees on Manawagonish Road.
Clean-up is expected to last at least until spring.
“Since December 23, our arborists and tree workers have responded to over 500 tree incidents as a direct result of the storm, and the calls are ongoing,”
Marc encourages anyone cleaning up their own properties in the spring to consider putting their branches out on compost collection day. For step-by-step instructions on how to best do this, click here.
Winter city skate! Once again, City staff and their families enjoyed the Family Skate Day held at Harbour Station. It was a fun day for everyone who attended. Special thanks to Human Resources for organizing the event. City employees Paul Farren, Stephanie Walsh and Leah Robichaud enjoyed the day with their families
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RECOGNITION
City offers interactive web maps Thanks to Yves Léger and his team of graphic information systems (often referred to as GIS) wizards, the City’s website boasts a highly functional, and detailed, public web-mapping application. The application is an interactive map that allows users to obtain various types of
information on property and City services, based on their address. Examples of the information users can access includes locations of local parks, public transit routes, electoral wards, parking lots, sanitation schedules and heritage conservation areas.
saintjohn.ca also hosts new interactive service specific web-mapping applications, which include some of the following maps:
Winter Management Plan Map
Zoning Map
A map that displays snow plow priorities, winter parking bans and snow ban parking lots.
A map that identifies current and proposed zones with links to the corresponding sections of the zoning by-law.
Electoral Ward Representatives Map
Solid Waste & Compost Collection Map
An electoral map with links to representatives’ contact information.
A solid waste and compost collection map with links to the detailed schedules.
An impressive selection of Historical Maps can also be found on our website.
We encourage you to check out the maps, and help us spread the word by letting your family, friends and neighbours know about them.
Air Photos 2011 (Obliques) 1800 oblique air photographs from 2011 (color).
Web Mapping An interactive map that allows users to obtain information on property as well as city services based on their address.
Atlas of Saint John City and County (1875) Compiled and drawn from official plans and surveys by F.B. Roe & N. Geo. Colby
Future Land Use Map
Rockwood Park Trails Map
An interactive map that identifies current and proposed future land uses.
PDF map showing the location of trails, campground, golf course, zoo ad lakes.
Dean Price participates in panel discussion on Saint John Drinking Water P3 November 2013 In November, Dean Price, the City’s project manager for the Safe Clean Drinking Water project, travelled to Toronto to attend the 21st Annual CCPPP Conference and addressed a full house as part of a panel discussion on The Next Wave of Water/ Wastewater P3s in Canada. For a full recording of the break-out session, check out the following link. For Dean’s portion of the presentation, click here.
Stay connected and current through the official media channels:
SaintJohn.ca Facebook Twitter
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GOOD WORKS
Local 771 supports the Salvation Army Sixty-five members of Local 771 Saint John Firefighters volunteered 188 hours at 11 locations across the City as part of their annual one-day blitz for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign. This past campaign was just as much a success as the previous ones. t John is n Army in Sain The total amount “The Salvatio an active partnership ve collected by Local 771 pleased to ha refighters. 1 Saint John Fi hristmas 7 7 l was close to $12,000, with Loca C of our annual d and bringing their 13 year Their support te ign is apprecia es have total to an impressive Kettle Campa liv y n a m t a in th $160,323. transformative e Christmas Kettle funds th benefited from ars. We look forward to ye e th r 71 All money raised helps raised ove ip with Local 7 for sh er n rt a p ed The Salvation Army ank you a continu fighters and th provide food, shelter Saint John Fire ehind the Army.” yb and social services being an arm Sincerely, to those in need Pinksen Major Danny throughout the year.
Shane O’Brien and Steve Green
City worker demonstrates exemplary service On January 8, our Deputy Commissioner of Transportation and Environment Services, Kevin Rice, received a letter of appreciation for the actions Chris Bacon, Sub-Foreman, sidewalk snow and ice sub-service, took to assist a citizen after she fell and injured herself on a City sidewalk: “Last evening, my wife, while returning from volunteering at the Food Basket, slipped on the ice at Germain and Duke St. She hit her head and, while lying there, A City worker, Chris Bacon, stopped his sidewalk plow-sander and rendered assistance. He comforted my wife and called an
ambulance. Another passer-by called me and I hobbled down. My wife was taken to the Saint John Regional Hospital. Mr. Bacon did not just leave. Realizing that I had a cane and some disability, he helped me back to our building. My wife is okay, and we are both grateful for Mr. Bacon’s help and caring during the event.” Chris’ actions that evening represent good judgement, and a level of care and compassion worth applauding. Thank you, Chris, for representing yourself and the City so well.
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GOOD WORKS
Snow removal satisfaction During the ice storm in December, Councillor Gerry Lowe had this to say: “I want to congratulate Kevin Rice and the snow removal crews for their excellent job on Sunday and Sunday night. As you probably know I operated Vet’s Taxi for 43 years over city streets. I still operate two cars within the stand and Sunday both of these cars worked day and night with little or no problems. Again on Monday morning at 5:00 am both cars were back on the air with little difficulty driving. I plow my own commercial and residential buildings and saw for myself the excellent job done by the crews. I have also heard excellent comments from those who usually complain.
From left to right: Gary Hatfield, Kevin Rice, Brian McDonald, and Steve Kelly
Did you know… The City’s Winter Management Plan includes servicing over 1,340 lane KMs!
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GOOD WORKS
Deputy Commissioner thanks staff for a job well done Kevin Rice, Deputy Commissioner, Transportation and Environment Services, gave a special thanks to staff for their continued, tireless efforts to fulfill our Winter Management Plan and keep our streets and sidewalks safe and clear this winter. “I am extremely proud of all the efforts, coordination and planning of all managers, foremen and personnel. Compared to many municipalities in Eastern Canada and Toronto, we have done a magnificent job and, I would say, provided a much higher level of service to our citizens than in other jurisdictions. Our foremost priority is public health and safety and budget worries a distant second. Council has been very supportive of our efforts from everything I have received from them. Our Communications Department issued media advisories to the public in a timely manner informing them of hazards associated with the weather and our operations. We set expectations to
the public as to how we were going to deliver the service and we delivered it as we said we would. Will we meet all Service Objectives? Maybe not, but we have a very good explanation – successive storms and storm severity. I want to personally thank all those managers, foremen and personnel who worked 16 hour days for many days in a row and working throughout the holidays sacrificing their family time to provide excellent public service. Thanks very much to everybody’s efforts.”
Rink attendants exceed expectations Tammy DeSaulniers, administration support, Human Resources, was touched by the kindness rink attendants Joe MacDonald and Mike Keating showed her father during his weekly skate at the Peter Murray Arena.
“My Dad retired this year and has taken up skating during the week recently. He’s been following the senior skate schedule at the Peter Murray Arena. He had been reading a 2013 schedule unfortunately and showed up for 10:45am rather than the new 12:30pm time. As soon as the attendant had cleaned the ice, Dad stepped on and skated for an hour since he didn’t realize the schedule had changed. Skating everyday has become part of his new routine. Since no one was around, the attendant allowed him to get his hour skate in. When Dad came off the ice, he made a joke and shared the 2014 schedule. He told him he was more than welcome to come in early. Dad thought this was great. I just wanted to say thank you to the attendants that were working that Wednesday at the Peter Murray. They treated my father (Kevin) so well!”
ENGAGE IN THE COMmUNITY
Mayor’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony a success!
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Well over a hundred kids and their families turned out for the Annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony in Loyalist Plaza. Volunteers for the event were Joan Thorne, Bernie Cormier, Phil Ouellette, Lori Lambert, Lisa Caissie, Chris Dever, and Saint John Firefighters. After the tree lighting, kids hurried inside to have their photo taken with Santa by Councillor Shirley McAlary.
Santa’s elves Bernie Cormier and Phil Ouellette make a surprise visit
Click here to see a video recording of the event! Councillors take the stage for Santa’s visit
Pavilion Cup Pond Hockey Tournament
The Pavilion Cup Pond Hockey Tournament is arguably the most anticipated event of WinterFest for many Saint John area residents, as well as those who come from neighbouring communities. The charitable event attracts close to 5000 people, over a three day period, to Rockwood Park and the City of Saint John is a proud presenting sponsor.
role in ensuring the annual event goes off without a hitch. This year was no exception.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Parks and City Landscape staff, site logistics for the multi-day event on Lily Lake are well under control. From snow clearing and monitoring to ensure safe ice conditions, to ice building and infrastructure placement and removal, our City workers play an instrumental
Over the past six years, The Pavilion Cup has raised over $250,000 to support youth programing – such as movies in the park, nature education and outdoor recreation – in Rockwood Park.
According to event organizers, this year’s tournament was a huge success. “Sixty-five teams registered for the tournament, with participants ranging in age from six to 64,” said Greg Cutler.
Joan Thorne stuffs over 100 goodie bags for kids at the ceremony
ENGAGE IN THE COMMUNITY
City PALS volunteers decorate float for Lorne Middle School
Corey McAllister helps decorate the float
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City staff volunteers Corey McAllister, Cindy Blizzard, Lisa Caissie, Jessica Smith, Mark Garnett, Shaughn Smith and Robert McGinnis joined seven students and two teachers from Lorne Middle School to build and decorate their float for the 61st annual Greater Saint John Santa Claus Parade.
Learning experiences Targeted to grade nine students, Take Your Kids to Work Day is about providing our youth with the opportunity to experience and learn about the world of work as they begin to explore possible career paths. Take Your Kids to Work Day provides the students the opportunity to: • Understand the importance of staying in school by learning first-hand what skills are required in today’s workplace. • Start exploring career options in a practical way and gain a better understanding of just how many career choices are open to them • Develop an appreciation for their parents’ careers and roles in supporting their families This year, the City had nine students and four departments participate in Take Your Kids to Work
Day, on November 6. Departments included Fleet Services, Building and Inspections, the Fire Department and the City Market. In addition to job shadowing their parents, the day included presentations by staff about their roles within the City, a tour of the Mayor’s office, and a pizza party lunch. A special thanks to organizers Barb Mahaffy and Cindy Blizzard, and presenters Phil Ouellette, Chief Kevin Clifford, Greg Yeomans, and Councillors David Merrithew and Donna Reardon. Before heading home for the evening, the students were given a City of Saint John SWAG bag and Certificate of Participation.
Nominate a volunteer Do you have a relative, friend or co-worker who makes an outstanding contribution to our local community? In every neighbourhood, there are unsung heroes - volunteers who go well beyond their expected duties. Consider nominating yours today! For more information on this year’s volunteer awards, and a copy of the nomination form, visit www.saintjohn.ca/volunteers. To hear our volunteer ad, click on the link below. It’s well-worth the listen! http://www.saintjohn.ca/site/media/SaintJohn/ RADIOSJ_Volunteer_Final_.mp3
ENGAGE IN THE COMMUNITY
Staff attend Atlantic Provinces Reverse Trade Show
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Cindy Calvin, Manager Materials Management; Holly Wood, Procurement Specialist; and Chris Roberts, Procurement Specialist attended the 2013 Atlantic Provinces Reverse Trade Show at the Fredericton Convention Centre on November 20, 2013. Exhibitors from the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada presented their requirements to potential suppliers throughout the Atlantic region. The hundreds of vendors who attended had the opportunity to view displays from potential buyers; to promote their products and services; and to ask questions about procurement processes. They also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with buyers in private meetings.
Cindy Calvin, Holly Wood and Chris Roberts man the booth
Got the urge to purge? It’s spring cleaning time and we’re making it easy for you to recycle your rags! The Communications Department will be holding a clothing drive in support of the New Brunswick Association of Community Living. Donations of ‘soft goods’ will be collected the week of March 10 – 14, 2014 in City Hall, Rothesay Avenue, and Leisure Services. The drop off location for City Hall will be the HR office, 12th Floor; and customer service at Rothesay Ave. Soft goods include clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, and fabrics and linens such as towels, curtains, bedding, and fabric remnants. Soft goods can be placed in standard-sized garbage bags and do not have to be sorted. Donations will be picked up by NBACL on Monday, March 17. NBACL is one of two New Brunswick charities to partner with Value Village
in this ‘recycling’ project. NBACL wholesales reusable clothing and household items to Value Village and the funds generated allow them to offer programs in support of individuals and families impacted by intellectual disabilities. For more information, visit www.nbacl.nb.ca.
Representatives from NBACL pose for a photo after a presentation at City Hall. City employee Phil Ouellette, centre, sits on the organization’s Board of Directors.
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HEALTH AND Safety
Vehicle safety from Fleet Management Bob Russell, Manager of Fleet Management, says it’s all in the numbers… Odometer readings are an important part of Fleet Services responsibilities to sustain a cost effective fleet for the City of Saint John and it is vital all drivers treat this responsibility as important as obeying the rules of the road. This is because accurate odometer reading reports are vital for the efficient running of a vehicle fleet. Without the accurate and timely collection of these figures it is difficult to predict when a vehicle should be replaced or serviced and nearly impossible to keep track of the vehicle’s true cost to our organization. Fuel consumption and running cost reports can only be as accurate as the odometer readings provided. Odometer readings provide the basis for a wide range of reports including the annual “Optimum Replacement Point” analysis and annual Province of New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Inspections. It is important to be reminded as
a driver/operator, you need to provide exact odometer readings at each gas or diesel “fill-up” because “guessed”, “rounded off” or “false” readings only result in inaccurate reporting and poor cost control. Next time you find yourself filling up a City of Saint John vehicle or reporting to one of our various Fleet maintenance facilities, please be sure to provide the exact odometer reading. Thank you and safe driving!
Ice Safety: Know the dangers of ice
Saint John Fire Department Division Chief Mark Wilson reminds everyone to be ice smart when enjoying the many recreational activities on and around water this winter. Whether you’re skating, snowmobiling, ice fishing
or snowshoeing, it’s important to be sensible and know the basics about ice safety to keep yourself, your family, and friends out of harm’s way. Click here for a list of basic ice safety tips.
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HEALTH AND Safety
Our Services Here are a few highlights of some of the City’s public and enabling service offerings. Statistics are based on 2012 service results. • Maintain over 600 km of municipal streets and 250 km of side-walks to enable safe and efficient movement through our city • Review approximately 150 planning applications annually (zoning, subdivisions) to ensure compact, sustainable growth • Complete over 13,000 code and by-law enforcement inspections to ensure building and fire safety • Engage with over 140 sports, arts and culture, community and neighourhood groups to create a livable, vibrant city • Respond to over 2,600 emergency response and fire service calls annually in addition to over 4,400 medical first responder calls
• Maintain over 2,200 acres of natural parkland, 30 acres and • 56 km of trails for recreational and leisure pursuits • Maintain 4 ice surfaces and over 124,000 square metres of sports turf for recreational and sport opportunities • Collect over 15,000 tonnes of refuse and compost to keep our city clean and healthy • Maintain over 500 km of water transmission and distribution mains to deliver drinking water to the public • Deliver recreation programs at 6 community centres and over 15 playgrounds in partnership with community groups • Manage 800 municipal properties and 80 buildings that support service delivery
• Manage $181.5 Million in operating expenditures and $35.5 Million in capital investment • Administer employment related services for over 650 permanent and causal employees and over 850 pensioners • Maintain over 2,000 information technology and communication assets • Respond to more than 50 requests for information under (Right to Information Legislation) • Respond to over 375 citizen requests for service or information across all services daily (excludes 911 calls)
Life is full of challenges - Help is available all day, all week, all year Through Manulife’s Resilience Program, the City of Saint John offers a full-service, confidential Employee Assistance Family Program (EAFP) to all City employees and their immediate family members. The service offers assistance from a team of experienced counsellors who will listen, offer sound advice and help create an action plan to address the issue.
Counselling is offered for, but not limited to, the following: • Marital and family problems • Stress • Psychological disorders • Drug and alcohol problems • Bereavement • Lifestyle problems • Referral for financial and legal problems
If you wish to contact an EAFP counsellor to discuss a personal situation you may be experiencing, you can do so 24 hours/day by calling (toll-free)
1-866-644-0326. All contact between you and your counsellor is completely confidential.
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Human Resources Special
Workplace attendance and what it means to the City of Saint John By: Deb Armstrong, Human Resources Attendance is the act of attending, or being present at work. Seems simple, but of course it just isn’t. Being present at work not only means having your physical self at your post, it also means being there able and willing to do your best. Some days I am not physically present and there are other days it is a struggle to keep my mind, body and spirit focused on the task ahead. Hate to admit it but I am human. I am also prepared to guess that some of you reading this know exactly what I am talking about because you have felt the same. There is considerable debate as to whether people should be recognized for perfect attendance. There are some who suggest that it is silly to reward people for doing what we are all supposed to do – show up. It is also argued that to reward perfect attendance would be to penalize those of us who, through no fault of our own, get sick. It is also argued that rewarding perfect attendance could encourage people who are sick to come to work and then we would all be walking around, slightly green and spreading germs throughout the workplace. None of us want any of those things. According to Statistics Canada, in 2011 public sector employees lost, on average, 11 days per year due to personal illness. Private sector employees lost an average of 7 days per year due to personal illness. The Conference Board of Canada estimates that this cost the economy $16.2 billion in 2011. These numbers represent some staggering human, financial and operational impacts, and have resulted in a variety of corporate initiatives across Canada and here in New Brunswick focused on reducing sick time and encouraging a healthy and safe work environment. Workplace health, wellness and safety initiatives will continue to be a key priority for the City of Saint John. So, I think we should take a moment as an organization to acknowledge a number of our colleagues who, for a variety of reasons, have been able to avoid taking any sick time last year, some for a number of years, and one individual in particular, Michael Montgomery, for almost 30 years.
Thank you and congratulations to: Peter J. Alexander David L. Johnson Christopher Bates Paul Britt Norman Burns Roy Byers Michael D. Carr John Carruthers Corey Cassidy Christopher Clinton Lawrence Cook Terry S. Cropley Joseph Furrow Kevin Green Reginald Hayward Justin Horton William Hutchings Stephen Johnston Lawrence Kingston Paul Kyle Erin Lydon Philip Lynch Jamie Maillet Sean Mayes H. Brian McAloney Murray McCavour James McCormick Craig Melvin Dean Moriarty D. Edward Moyer John Murray Roy Nolan Michael Richard Andrew Rooney David Ross Derek Ross Dale Russell Billy Sheppard Patrick Thebeau Brian Wilson Debra Beddow Keith Comeau Chuck Edison Valerie Farrah Barry Freeze Marc Goguen Pamela Jackson Andrea Kane Daryl Kilpatrick Stephen H. Kingston Dawn Lymburner Joseph M. Armstrong Pamela Bentley David Burke
William Edwards Ian Fogan Catherine Graham Jacqueline Hamilton Graham Huddleston Brian Keenan Daniel Leblanc Katherine Lockhart Nancy Moar Hang Nguyen Kevin J. O’Brien Timothy O’Reilly Robert Russell Peter Saab Jonathan Taylor Bernard Thibodeau Mark Wilson Brian Woods Samir Yammine Tiffany Dalton Pamela Dela Torre Mike Arsenault Stephen Bishop Rheal Breau Paul Campbell Charles Christiansen Chris Cogswell Ryan Curtis Harold Eatmon Joseph Frigault Christopher Gaudet Jon Gould Thomas Guthrie K. Wayne Johnston Mark Kincade Joe MacDonald David MacGillivray Myles McCormick Jeremy McFawn Robert McGinnis John McKay Justin McKenzie Mark McKenzie Daniel McNeill Jeffrey McSorley Michael Montgomery David O’Brien John Perry Matthew Reid Rodney Skerry Brad Taylor Craig Taylor Gordon Thomas Ryan Woodman
HIRES, RETIRES, PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS
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Welcome to the City! • Caitlin Foster, Finance Clerk 4, Finance & Administrative Services (Finance) • Shelley Richard, Manager, Employee & Labour Relations, Strategic Services (Human Resources) • Colin Boyd, Skilled Worker, Saint John Water (Wastewater Treatment) • Lloyd Parks, Skilled Worker, Transportation & Environment Services (Works) • Charles Sidney, Skilled Worker, Transportation & Environment Services (Works) • Craig Lavigne, Assistant Comptroller in Finance & Administrative Services
Congratulations on your transfers and promotions! • James Margaris was promoted to Operations Manager, Saint John Water • Christopher Petrie was promoted to Operations Manager in Saint John Water • Dan Leblanc was promoted to Operations Manager in Transportation & Environment Services • Mark McDonough was promoted to Designated Operator Wastewater Treatment in Saint John Water • Kenneth McCarthy was promoted to Works Foreman in Transportation & Environment Services • Matthew Reid was promoted to Works Sub Foreman in Transportation & Environment Services
Many members of the Saint John Fire Department (SJFD) turned out for an Open House at Fire Station #1 to say goodbye to “Our Man Dan (LeBlanc)”. Dan was the first non-firefighter to hold the position of SJFD Administrative Officer and was duly appreciated at this send-off to Transportation and Environment Services. Fire Chief Clifford presented Dan with a helmet as an honourary chief of the department. This is the first time such an honour has been bestowed on someone.
Thank you for your years of service! • J. Roland Hache – 30 Years • Kevin Carson – 35 Years • David Anson – 31 Years