The Current

INSIDE:

EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER ISSUE 01-2019

CITY MANAGER’S CORNER, START EARNING YOUR 2020 WELLNESS INCENTIVE, HR FACETIME, ICMA-RC REALIZERETIREMENT NATIONAL TOUR COMING TO SUFFOLK, RECIPE SPOTLIGHT AND MORE!

THE CURRENT

The Department of Social Services goes RED for the day!

CITY MANAGER’S CORNER Many employees have celebrated milestones in the last few months from work anniversaries and promotions to awards and retirements. Congratulations to you all! Collectively, your skills, knowledge, and efforts deliver a powerful impact. It is your commitment to service that makes it a good time to be in Suffolk! ~ Patrick Roberts

THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE SELECTION OF SEAN P. DOLAN as its newest Assistant City Attorney. He

started with the Office on April 1, 2019. Many have known Sean as the Chief Magistrate for the Fifth Judicial District before coming to this Office. However, some may not know that Sean has extensive municipal law and civil litigation experience. Before coming to Virginia, Sean worked in the firm of Blasingame, Burch, Garrard and Ashley P.C. and his own firm representing localities and handling major civil litigation cases in the city of Greensboro in the Lake Oconee region, in Georgia.

We are confident that Sean brings a wealth of legal knowledge to this Office and he will provide stellar legal services on behalf of the City of Suffolk

HR Facetime: Bringing Your Benefits to You

We know how busy you are serving our citizens, so we’re coming to you to provide this important benefits information. The Human Resources Benefits Department has experienced quite a few new staff additions in the past year, and we want to come meet you! Over the next few months, we will be visiting various Department locations in an effort to improve communication and assist employees with individual questions or issues. These meetings will not be formal presentations, but more of a Q&A session to allow employees to come and go as necessary.

During these sessions, we will be introducing a new employee advocacy program via our benefit administrator USI, called Benefit Resource Center (“BRC”). The BRC offers a 1-800 number that employees or dependents can call when they have issues with claims or coverages within our various health, dental and vision plans.

Please come join the fun, enjoy some snacks and enter the raffles to win prizes.

We hope to see you soon!

Suffolk City Hall

April 9, 2019 – Public Works Operations Center 1:00pm – 3:00pm April 10, 2019 – Public Works Operations Center 1:00pm – 3:00pm April 11, 2019 – Public Works Operations Center 1:00pm – 3:00pm April 15, 2019 – North Suffolk Library 1:00pm – 3:00pm April 23, 2019 – City Hall - Council Chamber and Council Conference Room 1:00pm – 3:00pm May 1, 2019 – Public Utilities Maintenance Lunch Room 1:00pm – 3:00pm May 13, 2019 – Suffolk PD HQ - Training Room 10:00am – 12:00pm May 24, 2019 – Dept. of Social Services 10:00am – 12:00pm May 30, 2019 – Fleet 11:00am – 1:00pm June 26, 2019 – Station 6 Meeting/Training Room 11:00am – 1:00pm Human Resources Department 442 West Washington Street, Suite 1044

514-4120

Classes will be presented by subject matter experts from the HR Department, City Staff members and/or outside (contracted) vendors. We may also ask Department Leaders to participate as presenters and panel/discussion leaders for areas in which they have expertise. Additional classes will be scheduled throughout the year as the need arises.

City of Suffolk Training Schedule Through July, 2019 The Human Resources Department has announced the comprehensive training calendar for training opportunities for the period February through July, 2019. The courses will provide City Employees with opportunities to participate in various training programs for professional and personal development.

Respecting Differences/Diversity and Workplace Harassment Awareness will be a key training focus for this period as we need to make sure our Employees are aware of City policy and the protections that are in place for all Employees. All Employees should attend a session if they have not done so.

Additionally, we will continue two special certification programs: Middle Managers/Situational Leadership and New and Line Supervisors Program. We will also offer The Business Writing That Works Seminar several times this year. Attendance at these classes is based on nominations from Department Heads. Nomination requests will be sent to Department Heads prior to these classes.

For all other general classes pre-registration is required.

Go to the City’s Intranet site at http://www.intraweb.net/ Home.aspx. Click on the Training Registration link and follow the prompts to register. Additional classes will be added to the registration site as we near the class date.

The complete training schedule can also be viewed by going to the P:\Human Resources\2019 Training Schedules. If you have any questions, contact Keith Davis, Human Resources Training Manager, at 757-514-4029, or by email, kedavis@suffolkva.us.

Start Earning Your 2020 Wellness Incentive Now! It’s hard to believe that it is time again to work towards another year’s Wellness Incentive. Completing the yearly Incentive allows employees to earn up to a $480 credit towards their annual health insurance premiums. This year’s requirements will be the same as last year’s and are as follows:

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Complete either your Annual PCP Exam or a NowCare Biometric Screening Send your results to Anthem via the Anthem Fax-Back Form Complete your online Health Assessment via the Mobile Health app or website Earn 2,000 points within the Mobile Health app/website by June 30th Earn another 2,000 points within the Mobile Health app/website by November 30th

All steps must be completed in order to receive the Incentive. Please follow future emails for complete program details and instructions or log on to Employee Self-Service (ESS) and access the information and form on the Health & Wellness page. To access the Mobile Health app, for iPhone, go to the App Store and for Android, to Google Play and search for Mobile Health Consumer. For access via the web, go to https://www.mobilehealthconsumer.com/web/pages/login. html Any questions related to the Wellness Incentive Plan should be directed to Becky Brown, Employee Health & Wellness Coordinator, at bbrown@suffolkva.us, or 514-4121.

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner and we are all looking at planning some vacation time to enjoy with family and friends. So when was the last time you looked at your financial picture for retirement? Has your retirement date changed, the monthly amount of money you need in retirement?

Or perhaps you haven’t started. Well, we have some good news to share with you!

The City of Suffolk has teamed up with ICMA-RC and the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) to help you with retirement savings awareness by bringing the RealizeRetirement National Tour to Suffolk on April 18, 2019. Whether you are a VRS Plan 1, 2, or Hybrid member this fun and educational event is for you.

The RealizeRetirement Time Machine features augmented reality incorporated into ICMA-RC’s new retirement themed escape room game. The 36 foot long fully immersive vehicle provides an engaging and innovative way to deliver financial education while highlighting ICMA-RC’s comprehensive and dynamic participant technology resources. So come prepared to test your financial and retirement knowledge, win some prizes, and get ready to have some fun on April 18th at City Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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 the Suffolk Chief of Staff, Debbie George, joined by their Department Director or Department representative, at an end of course ceremony and luncheon.

Congratulations to: On March 22, 2019,

eleven 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, Coaching Essentials, Risk Management Program and

Mike Dollarhide Public Works/Fleet Sarah Knight Circuit Court Christy B. Mixson Circuit Court Jodi H. Cuffee Suffolk Police Dept.

Deborah R. Ward Library William Brooks Sheriff’s Office Eric T. Crawley Suffolk Police Dept.

Del Shannon Suffolk Police Dept.

John Bradshaw Suffolk Police Dept.

Joe R. Rivera Suffolk Police Dept.

Brandy Johnson Plan & Community Devel.

CAN YOU GUESS THE NAME OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE PHOTO? Hint: Some may say that this area is the heart of Northern Suffolk, merging established neighborhoods with new, complete with schools, shopping, medical facilities, and an array of eateries. Email your answer to Nicole Duncan, nduncan@suffolkva.us, for your chance to win a prize!

The winner from the last edition is Suffolk Police Department’s Detective Darnicia Smith who correctly guessed Lake Meade Park. Please see Nicole Duncan in the Media & Community Relations Department to claim your prize.

TH S ES OT GU SP

E

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads

proudly recognized the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for their efforts and highlighted the value of their work as it relates to preventing child abuse. Mr. Ferguson stated, “Child abuse in any form is a terrible situation and those of us in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that justice is done for those that are the victims of child abuse.”

Pictured (sitting left to right): Brittany Landon, Assistant Victim/Witness Director; C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson, Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney; T. Marie Walls, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney and Supervisor for the Juvenile Domestic Relations Team.

(Standing left to right): Almetia F. Hardman, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney; T. George Underwood, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney; and Kara Webber, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney/Domestic Violence Prosecutor.

The Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office received a “Champions for Children” Award during

a breakfast meeting on October 17, 2018. They along with other Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Offices’ in Hampton Roads attended the meeting as well. The mission for the Champions for Children in Hampton Roads, a 501 (c) 3 organization that has served Hampton Roads region since 1983, is to prevent child abuse and neglect. Champions for Children focuses its efforts and resources on public awareness, education and advocacy for the prevention of all forms of child abuse and neglect.

Pictured here are Hampton Roads Commonwealth’s Attorneys and staff along with Mr. C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson (2nd from right), Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, receiving the Champions for Children Award. Others in the picture are (right to left): Colin Stolle, Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney; C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson; Greg Underwood, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney; Gail Davidson, CPS Program Consultant and Virginia Department of Social Service Chair of the Eastern Child Fatality Review Team; Karen Rucker, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hampton; Nancy Parr, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake; and Melynda Ciccotti, Director of Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads.

SUFFOLK FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT FIREFIGHTER AND PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS NAMED The Suffolk Fire & Rescue Department and Fire Chief Michael Barakey are proud to announce the awarding of the Firefighter of the Year and Paramedic of the Year honors for the Department.

Lieutenant Christopher K. Hehl – Firefighter of the Year

Lieutenant Christopher K. Hehl joined the Suffolk Fire & Rescue Department in September 2006. In the nomination for Lt. Hehl, he was credited with bringing personality, passion, motivation, inspiration, organization, book smarts, street smarts and a charisma that is hard to come by to the profession. His passion for the job was lauded along with his performance on the scene of incidents and ability to communicate with others. Lt. Hehl was noted to remain calm, focused, clear and concise while being decisive.

Lieutenant Roger W. Stinnette, Jr. – Paramedic of the Year

Lieutenant Roger W. Stinnette, Jr. joined the Suffolk Fire & Rescue Department in March of 2002. In the nomination for Lt. Stinnette, he was noted to be an exceptional ALS provider that is always calm, focused, clear, and concise. Lt. Stinnette keeps personnel informed of all important issues related to equipment, hospital interactions, patient encounters, and unusual calls. He continually exceeds the minimum hourly requirements for re-certification while keeping super current with the ever changing world that is EMS. He takes advantage of many extracurricular activities to keep sharp.

His role as a SWAT medic provides his team with another set of ‘out of the box’ skills that allows him to be a resource during calls of behavioral emotional stress as well as blunt and penetrating trauma emergencies.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue has been

starting new traditions over the past few months. On February 4, 2019, the Senior Man presentation took place at Headquarters. Fire Engineer Gary Rodgers was the Senior Man with 44 years of service. With his retirement, he has now officially passed on the Senior Man helmet to Fire Inspector David Grove who currently has 33 years of service!!!! Thank you to Gary Rodgers for all of his service to the City of Suffolk.

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

GOES RED FOR THE DAY!

The Suffolk Department of Social Services Employee Morale Team sponsored “Wear Red for Heart Health Day” on February 14, 2019.

In a show of support, Employees placed their hearts on their sleeves and attire in honor of this day and Heart Health Month.

SUFFOLK POLICE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONAL CEREMONY The Suffolk Police Department promoted 17 deserving individuals during a Promotional Ceremony held at Suffolk City Hall on Thursday, February 28, 2019.

Congratulations to the following employees: Major Alfred Chandler was promoted to the rank of Major as the Deputy Chief of Investigations.

Captain Jesse Epperson was promoted to the rank of Captain and put in command of Precinct 1 in the Operations Division.

Lieutenant Cheryl Balzer was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and is currently assigned to the Precinct 2 day shift.

Lieutenant Jeffrey Lurie was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and is assigned to Sector 1 evening shift.

Lieutenant James Sobers was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and is currently assigned to the Precinct Two Midnight shift.

Sergeant Wallace Weatherly was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and is currently assigned to Sector 2 Evening shift.

Sergeant Aaron Smith was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and is assigned to the Second Precinct, Midnight Shift.

Sergeant Joe Rivera was promoted to Sergeant and is assigned as an evening shift supervisor in Precinct 1.

Sergeant Ashley Shockley was promoted to Sergeant in August 2018.

Sergeant William Bradshaw was promoted to Sergeant and is currently assigned to Sector 2 evening shift.

Communications Lead Operator Jodi Cuffee was promoted to Communications Lead Operator on July 15, 2018.

The following six Master Police Officers were promoted on July 15, 2018: Master Police Officer Jay Burton Master Police Officer Benjamin Johnson Master Police Officer John Lampe Master Police Officer Ryan Linville Master Police Officer Heather Linville Master Police Officer Christopher Scherer

SUFFOLK POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY Communications Operator II Andrea Beale – Dispatcher of the Year

CO Andrea Beale is an asset to the Suffolk Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center. CO Beale is the Community Liaison for the Department and she holds this position with pride and dignity. CO Beale has been instrumental in creating a professional brochure for National Night Out and she can often be found in the elementary schools educating the youth on 911 procedures. In July 2018, CO Beale began collecting backpacks and supplies to be donated to children in need. She also collected donations for animals in the Suffolk Animal Care Shelter. In October 2018, CO Beale spearheaded an operation to feed two families in need for Thanksgiving.

Sergeant Eric Crawley – Supervisor of the Year

Sergeant Eric Crawley was chosen as Supervisor of the Year for 2018 for his positive attitude and work ethic. He exhibits a positive driving force in each assignment he has received. Sergeant Crawley brings with him an attitude that cannot help but make you smile and feel prepared to take on whatever tasks may lay before you. Officers feel confident in his decision-making abilities. When Sergeant Crawley arrives at scenes, he demonstrates command presence and confidence. Sergeant Crawley handles himself in a professional manner when dealing with officers and citizens alike. His knowledge and work ethic give credibility to his decision-making when addressing employee’s concerns and actions. He also provides positive and motivating training during roll call. Sergeant Crawley, along with all of his other tasks, continues to teach at the academy as well as during post-academy. Sergeant Crawley genuinely cares about the officers, the organization, and the citizens the Department serves.

Officer Kyle Valois – Police Officer of the Year

Officer Kyle Valois was recognized as the Officer of the Year due to his exceptional work ethic. During the course of 2018, Officer Valois investigated a common nuisance in his patrol zone and was able to obtain a search warrant for the residence as well as an arrest warrant for the homeowner. In May 2018, Officer Valois assisted the detective bureau in identifying a suspect of a commercial robbery. In October 2018, Officer Valois responded to a shooting in the downtown area. While en route to the call, he was involved in a vehicle pursuit of the suspect. The pursuit ultimately led to the apprehension of two suspects. These are only a few examples of the meticulous and exemplary work performed by Officer Valois during the course of 2018.

Forensic Technician Mary DeLugo – Civilian Employee of the Year

FT Mary DeLugo was a great asset to her leadership and the command staff while there was no supervisor for the CSI Unit from July through December 2018.

DeLugo was responsible for many duties and became a temporary point of contact for many of the customers for the CSI Unit. During this time, she helped the unit achieve their ISO 17020 reaccreditation, ensured that the Police Academy received instruction, peer-reviewed reports, kept in contact with vendors and helped coordinate the daily operations of the CSI Unit. FT DeLugo did this while maintaining her street responsibilities, responding to 93 calls for service in this timeframe, including one homicide. She did this all along with her specialized duty as a latent print examiner. CSI DeLugo is very dedicated to the Department and the unit.

GIS Week is set aside

each year in the month of November to recognize users of geographic information systems (GIS) technology to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in society. The City of Suffolk’s GIS team, including staff members from Public Works Engineering/Stormwater, was well represented at last year’s event at Old Dominion University. Regina Chandler, Assistant Director of Information Technology, had the privilege to serve on a panel discussion with other GIS professionals to talk about career in geospatial technologies.

TREASURER’S OFFICE INSIGHTS Deputy Treasurer Andrew Owen recently graduated

from the 25th annual class of the Political Leaders Program at the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. This ten-month leadership development program takes Virginia residents who work at the federal, state, and local levels of government as well as the non-profit sector to a different region of the state for one weekend each month. From March-December, students experience in-depth presentations, tours, simulations, and discussions regarding a variety of public policy issues facing state and local governments including, but not limited to, state and local budgets and finances, transportation, education, healthcare, workforce and economic development, crime and public safety, and the environment.

Tracey Lubawski

recently joined the Treasurer’s Office as a part-time Accounting Technician. Tracey comes to the City of Suffolk with several years of banking, bookkeeping, and customer service experience, most recently with Bank of America. A longtime Suffolk resident, Tracey is married and has 3 sons.

The staff of the City Treasurer’s Office jointly contributed $200 to the Suffolk Cheer Fund. Here the staff is pictured presenting the contribution to Suffolk News-Herald editor Tracy Agnew.

Language Learning Resources at the Library

With many people interested in learning English as a Second Language (ESL) or striving to add additional languages to their repertoire, there is a demand for language learning materials. Suffolk Public Library now has a World Languages Collection to provide people with the tools they need to succeed in their language learning goals. Included in the collection are books for all ages in multiple languages, English language course books, audiobooks, language basics audio CD’s with vocabulary booklets, and complete language learning kits. Current languages available are: Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, English, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Multi-Language, Russian, and Spanish. People can browse the collection online through the Library’s website and check out materials with a Suffolk Public Library card, which is free for residents of Virginia and North Carolina.

Additional online language learning resources are available to library cardholders including Rocket Languages, which offers online, self-paced language learning, and Universal Class, which provides an online learning platform that offers ESL Basic Grammar, ESL Basic Writing Skills, ESL Grammar Skills courses 1 through 5, and more.

For those you know who speak English as a Second Language, the Library hosts weekly ESL Classes on Wednesday mornings at North Suffolk Library with two tracks, Basics and Beyond. Class starts at 9:30 a.m. and people do not need to be Library members to attend. Parents are welcome to bring their children to enjoy the children’s activities provided during class time. Additional information can be found through the Library’s website.

www.SuffolkPublicLibrary.com

American Public Works Association Honors the City of Suffolk with Two Project of the Year Awards - CONGRATULATIONS! The American Public Works Association (APWA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter recognized a pair of projects in the City of Suffolk with Project of the Year Awards.

The Project of the Year Award for the Transportation Less than $5 Million Category went to the Harbour View/College Drive Roundabout Project. This project was designed by Clark Nexsen and overseen by Capital Improvement Project Manager Sandon Rogers, P.E., LS. The Project of the Year Award for the Transportation $5 Million

but less than $25 Million Category went to the Nansemond Parkway/Portsmouth Boulevard Corridor Improvements Project which was a project handled in coordination with the City of Chesapeake, Virginia.

The awards will be recognized at the APWA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Conference and Equipment Show in Norfolk, Virginia on Thursday, May 16, 2019. Additionally, these projects have been submitted for national award consideration.

sculptures. Pieces of clam netting found on Fisherman Island was cut and sown to the sculptures making a that have washed up on Virginia shorelines in the past “skin” to hold the balloons. After 6 hours the two piecfive years? You make art, of course! On January 19, es were finished and looked fantastic.

2019, 35 volunteers arrived at the Suffolk Art Gallery to take part in a public art project. The project stemmed Linda Bunch of the Suffolk Art League who directed the from a partnership between Keep Suffolk Beautiful, da said, “This has been an excellent day. It was great to Clean Virginia Waterways, The College and Career bring different constituencies together and to incorpoAcademy at Pruden, The Suffolk Art League, The Suffolk rate science with art, they are not disparate entities.

Art Gallery and Suffolk High Schools and was designed Science and art can work beautifully together. Art also to raise awareness of marine debris with a particular has a unique way to educate the public and get people focus on balloons. More than 11,000 balloons were thinking.” collected by Clean Virginia Waterways during a five year study on remote beaches here in Virginia. They Wayne Jones, spokesperson for Keep Suffolk Beautiful, kindly donated the balloons to Keep Suffolk Beautiful said, “Thank you to everyone who was involved with who contacted the Welding Instructor at the College this art project. It has been 9 months in the making. and Career Academy at Pruden to weld sculptures to From the welders and marine debris researchers to the hold them. Thomas Shirk the instructor took up the volunteers who showed up today. Everyone was awechallenge and along with six students they spent class some! We want to spread the word about what haptime producing two beautiful pieces – a butterfly and pens to balloons when released. Pop and drop them, a sea turtle. but do not let them float away as they end up in our

What do you do with over 11,000 balloons

Keep Suffolk Beautiful then contacted the art teachers at the three public high schools asking for volunteers to come out and fill the sculptures on Saturday January 19th. Approximately 35 high school students, parents and younger volunteers turned up at the Suffolk art Gallery to sort the balloons into colors and fill the

waterways!”

Keep Suffolk

Beautiful

KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL AFFILIATE

RECIPE SPOTLIGHT Tortellini Soup Submitted by Susan Anderson, Public Works

INGREDIENTS 1 bag of frozen cheese tortellini 3 ½ cups veggie or chicken broth (1 box container) 1 tbsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. dried sage or rosemary 2 cups chopped spinach 1 16 oz. can of navy beans, rinsed & drained 1 can stewed or diced tomatoes ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

Image courtesy of www.tasteofhome.com

Cook tortellini according to directions (do not overcook) & drain. In a large saucepan, bring the broth, garlic, rosemary/sage, and 1 cup of water to a boil. Stir in the spinach, beans & tomatoes. Reduce heat & simmer until the spinach is tender (@ 5 mins.). Stir in tortellini & simmer 1 minute longer. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

LOCALS CHOICE AWARD WINNER

PUBLIC WORKS

C o ngratulat io ns and Thank Yo us!

CONGRATULATIONS to Robert E. Lewis on his promotion from

City Traffic Engineer to Assistant Director/City Engineer of Public Works!

Robert has been with the City for over 30 years when the Traffic Engineering Division only consisted of 3 people! He has seen a lot of change in that time and is excited to see what the future holds in his new position. Be sure to congratulate Robert when you see him!

LIFE’S A BEACH!! Congratulations to Eric T. Nielsen, Jr. who retired as Director of Public Works in November 2018. Eric held the position of Director for over 20 years, and was highly respected by citizens, Council members, and City staff. Eric is now cooling his toes in the sands of Virginia Beach with his wife who also recently retired. Thank you for your service to our City, Eric!

To Public Works From Dana Adams, 825 Craig Drive: “Thank you for getting Craig Drive into good shape. It is a wonderful improvement! No longer do my house windows violently vibrate when buses and trucks hit the ‘canal’ in the street.”

To Public Works From Mary Warner, 424 Forest Hill Crescent: “Thank you for having Forest Hill Crescent and Dogwood Lane cleaned yesterday. Today, it was much easier to walk the dog. The rain water didn’t puddle up all around the block. I didn’t have to look out for all the acorns in the road. Thursday night my son came over and mowed the street with the riding mower and picked up all the leaves he could in front of my house. He has been doing that all fall. If other neighbors would do that our street would not have been in such bad shape.

Thank you again and a Merry Christmas to the Public Works Dept.”

To Jennifer Sorensen, Public Works From Tonia Williams “My ditch was cleaned…thank you so much. I really appreciate all you did to make this service happen.”

To Carlos Ward, Sr., Public Works From Ernestine Langston: “This email serves as a note of thanks for your concern and efforts to ensure the ditch in front of our Whaleyville Blvd. home was cleared for improved and effective water drainage.

We appreciate the generous time you extended on our behalf to assess the problem along with the helpful information you provided. Based on the information you shared, it was clear that you are very knowledgeable in your area of specialty and serve as the ideal person to solve the existing problem.

In addition, members of your team (at the local office and your department colleagues) were extremely helpful and, like you, exuded a positive demeanor in their approach to the job at hand.

The City of Suffolk is fortunate to have you and your team to oversee issues that impact the functionality and beautification of our boroughs and neighborhoods.

Thank you again for providing exemplary service.”

AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION | January 2019 | www.apwa.net

Suffolk Department of Public Works was recently featured in an issue of APWA Reporter.

IN & AROUND APWA

The Five Key Trends in Public Works for 2019 See page 6.

Paws visits Suffolk, Virginia

P

.W. Paws, APWA’s official mascot, visited the City of Suffolk Public Works Department to raise awareness of all the functions the Public Works Department provides to the residents of Suffolk. It was not “all work and no play” as Paws was busy taking selfies with folks at events such as Peanut Fest, a recycling drive, and Touch a Truck. Before Paws left Virginia to head home, he took part in a photo shoot that the City of Suffolk will use as part of their 2019 Road Awareness Campaign.

Also inside: Annual Emergency Management Issue

WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES

December 17, 2018

January 3, 2019

January 15, 2019

February 11, 2019

Library: Kendra Hawkins, Library Manager Police: Jarred Nagle, Police Officer I Public Utilities: Tryvell Montgomery, Utility Systems Worker Public Works: Richard Griffin, Jr., Sign Technician; Terry Miller, Mechanic II; Lindsey Smith, Accounting Associate II Social Services: Mary Holmes, Financial Services Case Manager III; Rebecca Rachel, Family Services Worker I

Library: Lakecha Green, Library Associate; Monica Patterson, Executive Secretary Parks & Recreation: Thomas Cane, Custodial Worker; Sedric Gray, Recreation Leader; Pamela Kearns, Recreation Leader; Christopher Williams, Recreation Leader Police: Colby Byrd, Police Officer I; Natassia Dearsly, Police Officer I; Payton Kerlee, Police Officer I; Joshua Monson, Police Officer I; Joshua Pelfrey, Police Officer I Public Utilities: Benjamin Wright, Utility Systems Worker Social Services: Kimberly Gregg, Screening Clerk; Donnamarie Jones, Family Services Worker II

Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office: Katherine Gardner, Assistant Victim Witness Director Fire & Rescue: Robert Gramkowski, Firefighter/Medic I; Janice Johnson-Tracey, Firefighter/Medic I; Theresa Moy, Firefighter/Medic I Library: Keirstin Flythe, Librarian Parks & Recreation: Terrence Horsford, Recreation Leader Police: Alyssia Masini, Animal Caretaker; Sharon Pope, Police Records Technician; Veronica Vinas, Communications Operator I Public Works: James Holley, Jr., Street Maintenance Worker I; Colby Tynes, Refuse Worker Social Services: Sarah Wray, CSA Management Specialist

Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office: Katherine Gardner, Assistant Victim Witness Director Fire & Rescue: Robert Gramkowski, Firefighter/Medic I; Janice Johnson-Tracey, Firefighter/Medic I; Theresa Moy, Firefighter/Medic I Library: Benjamin Goldberg, Library Services Coordinator Parks & Recreation: Braden Barrs, Park Attendant; Kiana Boone, Recreation Leader; Nolan Robertson, Park Attendant; Kameelah Ruley, Recreation Leader Police: Shane Bullock, Communications Operator I; Katrina Foell, Police Records Technician; Morgan McPherson, Communications Operator I; Public Works: Calvin Blair, Street Maintenance Worker I; Melvin Boone, Street Maintenance Worker I; Shawn Featherston, Refuse Worker; Alvin Goodman, Street Maintenance Worker I; Jeremy Godwin, Street Maintenance Worker I; Diquan Jenkins, Street Maintenance Worker I Sheriff’s Office: Sarah Bowyer, Office Assistant Social Services: Ninochaka Harris, Screening Clerk; Alicia Hereford, Family Services Worker I; Sandra Williams, Financial Services Case Manager I

WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES

Library: Natalie Sifuentes, Library Services Coordinator Parks & Recreation: Franco Britt, Recreation Leader; LaTrone Demiel, Recreation Leader; Ryan Lytle, Recreation Leader; A’Zjmere Mitchell, Recreation Leader; Sierra Parker, Recreation Leader Planning & Community Development: Robert Bricker, Building Inspector Social Services: Machalia Hall, Office Assistant; Turia Lott, Office Assistant; Janice Pierce, Financial Services Case Manager I

March 1, 2019

Fire & Rescue: Wendy Warfel, Accounting Associate II Library: Denis Cornelius, Library Associate Planning & Community Development: Christopher Perez, Principal Planner Police: Zoie Howell, Police Officer I Social Services: Kertesha Artis, Office Assistant; Chelsea Fay, Screening Clerk (WFD)

March 15, 2019

April 2, 2019

City Attorney’s Office: Sean Dolan, Assistant City Attorney II Library: Richard Leise, Deliver Driver Sheriff’s Office: Dana Santore, Deputy Sheriff III Public Works: Dennis Matthews, Jr., Street Maintenance Worker II; Kaitlyn Price, Biology Assistant; Jerald Winborne, Street Maintenance Worker I Social Services: Victoria Simms, Family Services Worker III

Holiday Fun

The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office was proud to provide holiday gift bags for the residents of Concordia Care-Nansemond Commons Assisted Living in December 2018 for the third straight year in a row. All 23 residents received a hat and scarf, gloves, a toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, crackers and cookies, lotion and some books. Yelonda Wilson, Christy Mixson and Tammy Ford did an astounding job organizing our efforts. It continues to be our privilege to donate our time and resources to such a wonderful cause.

Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson and office employees stuffed 30 Salvation Army Christmas stockings for the youth in the City of Suffolk. This has been a mission of the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for many years.

Joan R. Turner, Community Outreach Coordinator and C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson, Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney stand in front of the 30 stuffed Salvation Army stockings given to youth throughout the City of Suffolk for the holidays.

C. Phillips “Phil” Ferguson- Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, Neil M. Boone- Chief Investigator for the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, J. J. Marx, Sr. – Investigator for the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Joan R. Turner, Community Outreach Coordinator.

Duane Fisher, Capital Programs; Randah Gaitan, City Manager’s Office; Susan Anderson, Public Works

Suffolk DSS had its holiday party on Thursday, December 13th which was organized by the DSS Employee Morale Team (E.M.T.) whose goal is to bring life to the agency. As part of the entertainment, numerous staff members participated in the holiday edition of Family Feud. Since Steve Harvey was not available, Azeez Felder, the DSS Director, made an appearance as Leave Garvey and served as the host.

Wanda White, City Manager’s Office

The Assessor’s Office celebrated the Christmas holiday with a door decorating

contest and an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest. And the winners are…Chantal Young, Appraiser I and Greg Jonak, Commercial Appraiser!

The Assessor’s Office also campaigned for United Way by hosting a Christmas Wreath raffle. Congratulations to Susan Baines, Executive Secretary from the Finance Department, who bought the winning ticket!

Holiday Fun WITH PUBLIC UTILITIES

Participants were Nicky Dodson, Suzette Streetman, Jennifer Lowe, Tumekia Booker-Thomas, Ajami Wiseman, Kimberly Holland, Paula Darden, Jessica Raines, and Sherry Eason.

Holiday Fun

Employee Holiday Luncheon

SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

WELCOME TO THE DELL MEMBER PURCHASE PROGRAM. 27"

15.6" 13.3"

Inspiron 15 5000

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New XPS 13 2-in-1

As a member, you now get the best perks and prices, including up to 30% off select Windows PCs, Dell electronics and accessories. You’ll also enjoy early access to exclusive offers and events throughout the year and free enrollment in Dell Advantage Loyalty Rewards, with even more perks and benefits.

Visit dell.com/mpp/suffolkva For Sales or Quotes Contact

Member ID: GS41701618 Windows gives you the absolute best experience for quickly getting things done.

Christian Barry at christian_barry@dell.com

For Program Information Contact Andre Vines at andre.vines@dell.com All orders are subject to approval and acceptance by Dell. Offers subject to change, not combinable with all other offers. Taxes, shipping, handling and other fees apply. Valid for U.S. Dell Member Purchase Program new purchases only. Offers shown are for consumer purchase only. Dell reserves the right to cancel orders arising from pricing or other errors. Š 2017 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. 209429 Screens simulated, subject to change; Apps sold separately, availability may vary.

Dell Member Purchase Program Full Selection of Award Winning Devices

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Up to 30% off Dell PCs, Electronics and Accessories Special Pricing & Loyalty Rewards Optional Custom Catalogs with Recommended Products Price Match Guarantee Free & Easy Returns Military & Veterans Receive an Additional 10% Discount

Premier Service and Support

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ProSupport Available (North American Based Support) Dedicated Executive Sales Team for Employees

Unique Payment Solutions

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Personal Financing with Dell Preferred Account Gift Cards

Custom Marketing Support

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Dedicated Online Store and Employee Portal Onsite and Special Events Unique Campaigns & Offers Creative Promotional Assets

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Employee URL: dell.com/mpp/suffolkva Member ID: GS41701618 MPP Sales Consultant: Christian Barry (christian_barry@dell.com) – MPP Program Manager: Andre Vines (andre.vines@dell.com)

Global Marketing

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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 190 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 - Chelsea Price | 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 - Andrew Owen

1 out of 4 Virginians has unclaimed money Virginia Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program returned $79.6 Million to citizens in FY2018!

Unclaimed property can be generated in nearly every business or financial transaction with any type of organization. This can include utility deposits, customer refunds, unpaid wages, money from insurance policies, securities and investments, bank accounts, etc.

OUR STAFF WILL BE ON SITE TO SEARCH FOR YOUR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AND START THE CLAIM PROCESS:

City of Suffolk Treasurer’s Offices JUNE 4, 2019 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. North Suffolk Library

2000 Bennetts Creek Park Rd, Suffolk

JUNE 5, 2019 8:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. City Hall 442 W. Washington St., Suffolk

CITIZENS CAN CHECK OUR FREE SEARCH SITE FOR YOUR MISSING MONEY ANYTIME! The Unclaimed Property Program is a free service brought to you by the Virginia Department of the Treasury

NO FEES, NO RISK, NO OBLIGATION

UPCOMING EVENTS

R(E)CYCLING DRIVE & Tire Amnesty Day

Saturday, April 13, 2019 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lowe’s Parking Lot (1216 North Main Street)

MATERIALS TO BE RECYCLED Tires - Diameter 22” or less, without rims.

Household Hazardous Waste* Document Shredding** Electronics Plastic Bags

Batteries Gently Used Clothing Cardboard Cans Glass Containers Plastic #1 & #2 CFL bulbs

More info: littercontrol@suffolkva.us 514-7604 We are excited to be partnering with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, they will be collecting: Canned Food, Boxed Meals, Baby Food, and Wipes. *HHW includes home cleaning products, automotive products, indoor pesticides, and paint. Limit-5 gallons of liquid. ** Max 3 brown grocery bags.

RECYCLING DRIVE IS FOR SUFFOLK RESIDENTS ONLY. ID WILL BE REQUIRED FOR BRINGING HHW AND TIRES.

See You Next Time!