Employee Newsletter, Quarter 3 2024 by CityofOviedo

JJuly uly

August August

September September

BEHIND THE SCENES

QUARTER

3 2024

Keeping all employees informed about City news, awards, events and messages that will allow you to get to know different departments, employees and those who go above and beyond to make Oviedo one of the Top 10 Cities in Florida.

ART IN THE CHAMBERS BEHIND THE SCENES

This programs was spearheaded by the Public Arts Board and Resolution No 4454-24 was adopted by the City Council to bring art into the City Hall Council Chambers. The artists will be chosen by the Arts Board and rotate quarterly. It is all for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to support public art. Stop by City Hall and see the amazing pieces that are hanging on the walls year-round! This first quarter is showing pieces by former UCF professor James Koevenig who passed away in 2015.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

Every year, our City of Oviedo - Recreation & Parks staff plans a major Relay for Life Golf tournament to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and also to raise money for Helpful Hands, who is a community partner that helps families in crisis At the Monday, July 15th City Council meeting, the team was pleased to present checks to both charities. American Cancer Society received $24,500 and Helpful Hands received $12,500 - all will go to help families Thank you to Waste Pro USA who was a major donor and to our events staff for setting up such an amazing event!

Goodbye Summer and Hello Fall!

We have had a lot going on in the City, including a very busy Budget approval process I want to thank everyone involved for getting the budget done and a special thank you to the Finance Department for their great work coordinating the process, presenting the budget to City Council, and getting it approved. The budget process was no small feat this year.

City Manager's Message

In October we saw two hurricanes move close to and over Central Florida. Helene skirted by going up the west coast, but outer bands affected Oviedo. There were branches shaken out of trees and one large, old oak tree that fell.

Thankfully, Helene caused no serious damage. It was a good test of the City’s emergency management procedures for the next storm: Milton.

As soon as we saw the projected path of Milton, even before it became a hurricane, the City’s emergency management procedures were implemented. We spent the week in the EOC preparing for Milton, watching the path, participating in County and City EOC briefings and making preparations based on the potential for serious flooding and damage in Oviedo.

Fire Chief Mike Woodward was appointed Emergency Manager, a local declaration of state of emergency was signed by Mayor Sladek, and the emergency operations center (EOC) went into full activation. The Public Works and Recreation and Parks Departments set up two (2) sandbag sites at the Evans Street Public Works Yard and Shane Kelly Park, handing out over 17,000 sandbags before the storm. Public Works staff responded to calls about clogged drains and fallen tree limbs as Milton’s first bands were coming through. The Police and Fire Departments responded to emergency calls about fallen trees, flooding, and downed power lines. All stayed out in the storm until the winds became too intense to work safely.

Once the storm passed, we were fortunate enough to have very little damage and no homes flooded The Little Econ rose, flooding the backside of Riverside Park However, neither the Little or Big Econ rivers reached Ian level flood stage. Thankfully, all of the homes in that area were safe.

I want to personally thank everyone for their great work before, during and after the storm, preparing facilities, messaging and cleaning up the debris after to make sure, as a City, we were up and running again for our residents. Hurricane Milton was a prime example of the greatness and teamwork of our staff. However, we cannot let our guard down. Hurricane season doesn’t end until November 30th. We continue hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

Bryan Cobb City Manager

Public Information

Back to Basics - FEMA recently updated their standards for Public Information and in July, your Communications Manager attended the L0105 training to keep up with those standards. Led by State PIO instructor Mike Jachles, Lisa took the immersive four day training and it was a great refresher about getting the right message, to the right audience at the right time, which is a standard for communications. Having completed the program, Lisa applied to the Advanced PIO Program that is held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg MD and was accepted She will spend a week at the Academy for this immersive experience.

Please welcome Andy Ayup, who is the Communications Intern for the Fall/Winter Semester. Andy is currently a student a UCF studying Advertising and Public Relations as his major and a minor in Entrepreneurship. He will be working parttime with the Communications Team for the semester. Andy brings creative graphic design, videography and writing to the team and will be working with Lisa and Patrick on many projects and events! He works full-time at Flemings in Winter Park and loves to travel He has family in Canada and Cuba. He also has a cat named Ebbie Marie.

Stay up to date on what's happening

City, Recreation and Parks, Police and Fire Departments each have a Facebook Page and X Page. The City has a Nextdoor and YouTube page where you can watch meetings happening live. We are working to build our audience so please share with friends and family

Andy Ayup

City Council

Upcoming Meeting Dates

Regular Sessions:

November 4th

November 18th

December 2th

December 16th

Work Sessions (all tentative):

November 25th

December 11th

Reminder: Please have your agenda items placed in the PrimeGov workflow no later than 3 weeks prior to the meeting date. Complete Council Meeting Schedule & deadlines available on Sharepoint.

Records Management

Reminder: Contact Records Coordinator Annie Mattinson, ext. 5501, or your department’s Records Liaison if you have any questions. You can find the City’s Records Management Handbook & other resources on the City Clerk’s SharePoint page.

Public Records Requests

Reminder: Contact our office if you have any questions or would like to schedule Public Records training. You can find the Public Records flow chart & other resources on the City Clerk’s SharePoint page.

Elections

The City will be conducting a municipal election Tuesday November 5, 2024

Up for election this year are Council Member Seats 2-4 Councilmembers Keith Britton and Jeff Boddiford, Council Seats 2 and 4 respectively, were unopposed and will be sworn in to start their new terms at the December 2, 2024 Council meeting. The Councilmember Seat 3 race is between Mr. Alan Ott and Mr. Darrell Lopez.

There will also be a Police Building Referendum on the ballot, with the question appearing on the ballot as below:

“The Oviedo Public Safety Building project requires an estimated $31,815,822 to construct. Voters approved $11,400,000 for the project in 2016. Shall the City issue additional bonds not exceeding $20,415,822 bearing interest not exceeding maximum legal rates pledging the City’s full faith and credit for up to thirty years from date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes on all City taxable property, without limitation as to rate or amount, as provided in Ordinance No. 1745?”

Yes - For Bonds [ ]

No - Against Bonds [ ]

JULY 2024

Cameron Caicedo -Public Works: Environmental Technician

Abou Diallo - Public Works: Maintenance Worker I

Teri Hokanson - Recreation & Parks: Recreation Events Program Coordinator

Christopher McCree - Police: Police Officer

Tyler McWilliams - Recreation & Parks: Parks Superintendent

Issac Morales - Recreation & Parks: Maintenance Worker I

Connie Nagata - Public Works: Plant Operator Trainee

Tyler Stimpson - Police: Police Officer

AUGUST 2024

Katie Feisthammel - Police: Administrative Assistant

Victor Velasquez III - Fire: Firefighter Trainee

Recruitment Incentive

Refer someone and earn $$

Employees who refer applicants have a chance to earn bonus money. You can earn $200 if the recruited employee is hired and an additional $300 if the recruited employee completes their probationary period. All the applicant has to do is put your name as the referral in their application!

November:

Debra Pierre (Development Services) – 5 years

Durell Solomon (Police) – 10 years

Brittany Warren (Police) – 10 years

Timothy Koepsell (Fire) – 15 years

Stephen Livingston (Fire) – 15 years

Thomas Algeri (Fire) – 20 years

Homero Valerio (Police) – 20 years

Raul Nin (Fire) – 20 years

Joshua Wolf (Fire) – 20 years

Christopher Daily (Fire) – 20 years

Herbert Lowery (Recreation & Parks) – 25 years

December:

Megan Sladek (Mayor) – 5 years

Christopher Burton (Public Works) – 10 years

Carron Bartley (Development Services) – 20 years

Manual Ildefonso (Fire) – 25 years

Tommy Kelly (Public Works) – 25 years

Please welcome Connie Nagata who joined the team in July of this year.

Before coming to the city, Connie was a certified wastewater plant operator in the state of Hawaii where she lived for several years. Connie’s diligent work ethic, attention to detail, and previous wastewater treatment plant experience has made a significant contribution to the wastewater treatment plant team. On October 1st, Wastewater plant operator trainee Connie Nagata received her class C wastewater treatment plant operator license. Congratulations, Connie!

Another new face to the Public Works Dept. is, Environmental Technician, Cameron Caicedo. Cameron was hired on July 31, 2024. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and has a degree in Environmental Science. Since joining the city on August 29th, 2024 Cameron obtained his FDEP Stormwater Sediment and Erosion Inspector Certification.

Mala Persaud, in Public Works Engineering, (we introduced you to her in the last issue) also passed the FDEP Stormwater Sediment and Erosion Inspector Certification course. Well done Cameron & Mala we are glad to have you on our team!

On October 7th , water plant operator Steven Iwinski received his class B drinking water treatment operator license. Steven has been with the city since 2018 and started with the city as a member of the utility operations division. Since transferring to the water treatment division back in May of 2020, Steven has continually worked on obtaining the highest certification and state licensure possible in his position as water plant operator.

On July 12th the directors, managers, and office staff sponsored an appreciation lunch for the entire department. The luncheon was meant to recognize their hard work and commitment behind the scenes and featured a slide show of previous accomplishments which played during the event.It was well attended and enjoyed.

We can’t wait to share the photos of the vital role they played during hurricane season; in the next edition.

PARTY ON WHEELS

It was another great adventure for the Engagement Squad as ‘Party on Wheels’ took to the road for another surprise party, this time to Recreation and Parks Crews!

On July 17th, the party crew packed up the snacks, cool drinks and games and headed over to Shane Kelly Park to give the guys a break from the glaring sun

The crews were able to sip on some cold water, grab a popsicle and enjoy some party music the Engagement Squad provided They played a little corn hole, got some free goodies that were handed out and took a refreshing break from the summer heat More Party Bus Stops to come!

Window/Door Alarms

The Oviedo Fire Department and The Wesley Seth Foundation want to make child drowning deaths preventable Through a generous donation from the Foundation, the Oviedo Fire Department has Door/Window Alarms that our residents can install in their homes to make sure kids do not go unheard if they slip outside The alarm will immediately activate if a door or window is opened when activated Florida has the highest drowning rate among children ages 0-9 in the country Kids are naturally curious about water and if left unattended, can drown in backyard swimming pools, lakes and ponds If you are interested in getting alarms for your home, please fill out this interest form: Subheading and we will let you know when you can pick them up Let’s prevent drownings, Oviedo!

The Fire Department conducted 23 Public Education events in July, August, and September These included Groups, schools, citizens, etc visiting the stations, engines or Rescues visiting schools, and

Patriot Day Events

Oviedo Firefighters Participated in two Patriot Day events on September 11, 2024

Oviedo Fire joined Seminole County Firefighters to raise the flag at Mission BBQ, honoring all first responders

They also came out to the American Legion for their 9/11 tribute where veterans shared their stories about that terrible morning. After the tribute, the American Legion had a flag disposal ceremony outside the building

We also want to thank the Oviedo Rotary Club for stopping by with donuts and coffee that morning to thank our firefighters

We would like to welcome Firefighter Trainee Victor Velasquez Victor is attending school to become an EMT. He is a National Guardsman and has been deployed for Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton

Newest Training Equipment at Station 48

The Oviedo Fire Department has installed its newest training tool: a forcible entry door. The door was purchased and built at Station 48 and is the second door purchased by the department for training purposes The first door has been at Station 46 for about two years and is still in use by firefighters during recruit orientation. Crews are excited to use it for ongoing training. This equipment will allow firefighters to develop and strengthen the techniques necessary to enter a building in various scenarios such as rapid intervention during emergency situations and allows for various techniques like specifically spiking the jamb to be taught.

“While certain skills like hose line management and search techniques don’t require specialized equipment, there isn’t a good way to practice forcible entry without training props,” said Deputy Fire Chief Nichlaus Dorey.

Previously, firefighters had to travel to a designated training site to practice this skill, now they have the necessary equipment right at their own station Fire officials said the investment was essential for properly preparing first responders.

Welcome!

It has been a busy summer hiring new officers!

Police Chief Dale Coleman swore in seven new officers from July to September and we welcomed a new administrative assistant, Katie Feisthammel, to the department!

The Chief will officially welcome Vladyslav Blagodar, Layne Burkett-Dreggors, Timothy Jernigan, and Noah Reyes to the Oviedo Police Department on July 10th. On August 13th, Chief Coleman officially welcomed Christopher McCree and Tyler Stimpson to the Oviedo Police Department.

Officer McCree was born and raised in Casselberry, where he attended Lake Howell High School before going to FAMU. He joined the Army where he served for five years. McCree was pinned by his mother, who is a local probation officer. He was joined by his family and his wife and kids at the ceremony.

Officer Stimpson is originally from Massachusetts before his family moved to Florida He attended East River High School and joined the Army. Stimpson served seven years and did two tours in Afghanistan His brother is a Lieutenant for the Deland Police Department His fiancée and son joined his family members for the ceremony.

On September 13th, Chief Coleman swore in Shaniya Jernigan as a new police officer. Officer Jernigan was born and raised in Sanford where she graduated from Lake Mary High School in 2018 She pursued basketball in high school and played semi-pro for a time Officer Jernigan was the top of her class at Seminole State and also received the Robbie German Award. She has previously worked for Disney and most recently was a corrections officer for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. She loves being outdoors, playing basketball and spending time with friends and family. Jernigan’s brother Timothy was sworn in on July 9, 2024.

Officers Vladyslav Blagodar, Layne Burkett-Dreggors, Timothy Jernigan and Noah Reyes

Officers Christopher McCree and Tyler Stimpson

Officer Shaniya Jernigan

Administrative Assistant Katie Feisthammel

July

5 - Noah Reyes

10 - Lane Burkett-Dreggors

11 - Wendy Buffone

13 - Vladyslav Blagodar

16 - Steph Fucsik

18 - Brian Santiago Rosa

28 - Inez Fonseca Torres

31 - Ashley PIerce

31 - Brandon Bedgood

July

9 - Victory Howard Campbell (2019)

20 - Justin Varkony (2000)

20 - Jerrad Buxton (2022)

21 - Bobby Draughon (2014)

25 - Lloyd Coleman (2022)

31 - Christopher McCree (2024)

31 - Tyler Stimpson (2024)

September

10 - Joey Meyer (2003)

5 - Karriem David (2006)

5 - Leonardo Massip Ruiz (2017)

9 - Jaqueline Lugo (2019

10 - Joseph Tedesco (2012)

14 - Mark Norris (2020)

17 - Randy Lilly (2014)

August

14 - Luis Chow 17 - Lindsey Predergast 23 - Karriem David 25 - Decon Pollard 30 - Bryan McCaulley

September 14 - Katie Feisthammel

26 - Bobby Draughon

August

3 - Nelson Genao (2000)

3 - Yashira Velez (205)

3 - Gustavo Solares (2020)

3 - Salita Tennant (2020)

6 - Rob Van Heusen (2000)

14 - Katie Feisthammel (2024)

16 - Jimmy Serrano Torres (2021)

17 - Isaac Armstrong (2023) 17 - Lindsay Varkony Selmer (2023)

17 - Roderick Velazquez (2023) 22 - Matthew Brongel (2016)

25 - Adam Egert (1999)

Congratulations to Officer Bobby Draughon who placed first in team ride, first in last standing competition and third in the Road King expert division at the Peach State Motorcycle Challenge.

We want to congratulate our officers along with deputies from Seminole County Sheriff's Office who were awarded a Life Saving Award at the Seminole County Sheriff's Office ceremony on Monday Our officers worked closely with deputies after an incident on August 12th to save the life of a woman in distress at Center Lake Park.

Congratulations to the following Deputies and officers.

Oviedo Police: Brandon Bedgood, Ines Fonseca, Christopher George, Timothy Jernigan, Renier Marrero-White, Noah Reyes, Logan Smith

Seminole County Deputies: Justin Adams, Christopher Blaskowski, Jo-An Eckstein, Katie Hayes, Donald Schwarzman

GYMNASIUM & AQUATIC FACILITY

GYM OFFICE

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

FITNESS ROOM HOURS

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Free Daily Visits for All Employees!

OOTP November Events

11/2/24 Bark & Brew

11/11/24 Veterans Day Ceremony

11/15/24 Movie Night

11/21/24 Food Truck Thursday

11/23/24 World Market

R e c r e a t i o n a n d P a r k s

New Employee

Teri Hokanson

Event Coordinator

SWAN Boat Rides are FREE for employees, any companions the normal fee is applicable

FINANCE

CPPO Certification

We want to say congratulations to Jacqueta Scott on her recent accomplishment in obtaining her Certified Public Procurement Officer certification.

“This is a major milestone in your career, and the UPPCC shares in your pride for having pursued and achieved this highly respected and recognized certification. As a reminder, if you requested that UPPCC notify others of your certification achievement and provided valid e-mail addresses, those individuals have been copied on this e-mail notification,” said the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council Staff

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Fall has arrived. It is a busy time for Development Services. We want to extend kudos first and foremost, to two colleagues who have recently been promoted. Our Planning Manager, Debra Pierre, has been promoted to Deputy Development Services Director, and our Senior Code Enforcement Officer, Shakeria Moyer, has been promoted to Code Enforcement Supervisor. Seeing their growth within our department is a great pleasure for us. We also welcome Michelle Senior, Permit Technician, with PDCS Building Services.

As part of our routine, business tax receipts were due on September 30, 2024. We had the hurried task of receiving renewal payments, posting the payments, mailing the receipts, and providing certificates back to businesses. Once the renewal notices were sent out in July, we received a steady stream of renewals via mail to process throughout the summer and into the fall. There are still renewals being processed with late fees to date - not all have heeded the first invoice. To date, we have received 2781 renewals and 100 new applications for Business Tax Receipts.

Several city development projects are underway and can be viewed on the City of Oviedo Maps. In this section, you will find information about all the projects that are currently in progress in our city.

In addition to city signature events, business events are held in the fall to welcome the new season. Permits for Special Events are coordinated by Dalia Acosta, who handles all the details. Balancing the applicant's requests with the events and reviewing the paperwork requires unnerving patience and skillful persistence. All the events have been coordinated with the participating departments to create an enjoyable and informative experience for all.

Our Development Services team works together to ensure that projects are completed on time. From (1) the pre-application stages to permits and applications, (the Development Review Staff and Development Review Coordinator), (2) processing permits and inspections (Zoning and Building Services), (3) reviewing compliance with ordinances and standards (Code Enforcement) – Our collective efforts are directed toward maintaining the quality of our city and ensuring its continued success. Clearly, it takes a village. Our village is our Development Services Team. We wish you a happy fall. We are looking forward to the upcoming holiday season.