Happy New Year! Now how can we help you make it bright? - Pinellas County
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Januar y 2020 • Vol.48 No.1
www.pinellascounty.org/hr/publications.htm
Happy New Year! at no cost to you. Also, the Florida
Retirement System (FRS) can help you
plan for retirement. And don’t forget,
you can save pre-tax with the deferred
compensation plan.
Now how can we help you make it bright?
Resolution: Get ahead at
Lots of people resolve to make Resolution: Lose weight work
the next year better than the last
Be specific. For example: start with Be specific: Work with your supervisor
year. The most common resolutions
a promise such as eat 1 serving of to find out what you need to do to
(according to Google search re-
vegetables every day. get ahead. Improve “X” skill that you
sults) can be vague, not necessarily
enjoy by taking a class, or take courses
realistic and focus on the outcome Resources: Real Appeal, wellness
at a local college or trade school and
rather than how to get there. “Be a coaching from UnitedHealthcare and
utilize the Tuition Reimbursement
better person” ranks right up there challenges such as the Fruit and Veggie
Program.
with “eat healthier” and “exercise Challenge to help you get started
more.” Goals need to be realistic Resources: There are many learn-
and specific. Resolution: Exercise more ing opportunities available through
Be specific. For example: promise Organizational & Talent Develop-
Before we go on, we all must ac-
yourself you’ll walk 10 minutes, ment including online (ULearnIT) and
knowledge that we have limits. You
5 days a week. Then increase it to 15 instructor-led classes, professional de-
can’t control other things or people,
minutes, 5 days a week. And so on. velopment programs (Learning Paths),
the passage of time, the laws of
and tuition reimbursement.
physics, and so on. For example, if Resources: The Wellness Center in
your resolution is to improve a re- downtown Clearwater is open 24 Resolution: Manage stress
lationship, the other person has to hours per day, 7 days per week and
be on board with it. If you want to better
has new, state-of-the-art equipment.
become an Olympic Gold Medalist Employees can join local gyms at a Be specific: Promise to take ½ hour for
but haven’t exercised in years, you discount through the YouDecide yourself every day. Join a social group.
may need medical help. The same program, and 4 municipalities offer Get counseling.
if your goal is to lose 50 pounds in their recreation facility memberships Resources: Download the Stress Less
2 months. at reduced rates or for free. Calendar to access tools and tips. Con-
We encourage you first to read tact our EAP administrator, Optum, via
the January To Your Health article,
Resolution: Improve your email, phone or virtual visit for help
Make a New Year’s Resolution to Last finances with finances, legal support, caregiv-
a Lifetime which outlines how to Be specific: Save $25 every week, pay ing resources, and much more.
more easily accomplish goals using off credit card debt, or make a budget Your Human Resources department
“mini-habits.” and stick to it. offers many resources to help you
Here are some ideas and ways in Resources: Our EAP administrator, get where you want to go. Familiar-
which Human Resources can help. Optum, offers liveandworkwell.com ize yourself with our website – www.
which includes access to resources pinellascounty.org/hr - and use the A to
Z Index to locate specific topics.
2 2
020 EAC Meetings Schedule / The 6 T he Great Tornado Drill Set for 9 Service Anniversaries
INSIDE
EAC Needs Volunteers for Grievance Jan. 29 / Registration Open for Clerk’s 10 Retirements
Panel Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony
11 Promotions / Consumer Corner: Tax
3 Ask HR / Holly’s Posts (NEW!) 7 ULearnIT: New Year, New Learning
Identity Theft Awareness Week
4 New Benefit Administrators for EAP Catalog, New Features / Statewide
Supervisor of Elections Offering College 12 Welcome Aboard! / The Record Keeper
and Behavioral/Mental Health
Scholarships 13 A Huge Outpouring of Donations for
5 The Stay Interview: A Valuable Animal Services
8 Help Recruit Your Next Coworker:
Tool / Pets of the Month Pinellas County Career Expo / The 2020 14 & 15 EXTRA Section
Colors of Pinellas Art Show is Here!
P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
The EAC Needs
Volunteers for
2020 EAC Grievance Panel
Meetings The Informal Grievance Committee consists of five
Schedule employees and is convened by the Director of Human
Resources. It is composed as follows:
• Two Classified Service employees
Your Employees’ Advisory Council (EAC) Representa-
tives have scheduled meetings the 3rd Wednesday • One Appointing Authority representative
of each month at 2:30 in the Annex Building, Room • One Exempt Service employee
429 in Clearwater. The first meeting was held Janu-
ary 15. The next meeting is February 19. View the •O
ne Human Resources representative, who chairs
meeting schedule online. the committee
EAC Delegates meet every other month on the 4th The pool from which the Classified Service employees are
Thursday in the Magnolia Room in the Extension chosen is provided by the Employees’ Advisory Council
Building in Largo. The next meeting is March 26 on an annual basis and is updated as needed. The Direc-
from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. View the meeting schedule. tor of Human Resources compiles a list of six employees
who are not employed in the grievant’s department
View the agendas and meeting notes for both the from this pool.
Representative and Delegate meetings on the EAC
web page. On this page you can also view contact The grievant may strike two employees from the list.
The Pen
information for your Representative and Delegate, The Department Head or designee may then strike two
along with the Employee Advocate Program and the additional employees from the list. The remaining two
Mission Statement and Pledge of the Council. employees serve on the Informal Grievance Committee
as the Classified Service representatives.
These are public meetings which anyone can attend.
Volunteers names are put on a rotation list and picked as
If you’d like to learn more, contact your representa- needed.
tive or the Chair, Lisa Arispe.
Committee members hear from both sides, review evi-
dence presented and/or witness testimony and make a
decision at the end of the Grievance Hearing.
If you are interested in volunteering for this role, contact
EAC Chair Lisa Arispe at larispe@pinellascounty.org.
HR Wants Your Feedback
BLOOD DRIVES Have you seen the “How are we doing?” link on HR’s
You can schedule an
website and emails? Take this quick anonymous Cus-
appointment at
tomer Satisfaction Survey whenever you contact Human
www.oneblooddonor.org.
Resources.
Let us know: Did you get what you need in a timely
Mark Your Calendars manner? What do you think we can do to improve? We
want to hear from you to help us serve you better.
Utilities-SGMD Public Works
6730 142nd Av. N 22211 US Hwy. 19 N.
Largo Building 1, Clearwater
February 5 February 6
12:00 - 5:00 12:00 - 5:00
The Pen
Did you know you can A monthly publication by
donate whole blooid, Pinellas County Human Resources
platelets or plasma? EDITOR: Mary L. Sault
To view blood donation FAQs, process, and
testimonials, visit OneBlood. Would you like to put something
Read Cindy Redmond’s inspiring story in in the Pen?
the January To Your Health. Let us know by the first of the month.
And be sure to include photos!
Also view the blood donation web page. employee.communications@pinellascounty.org
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P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
Holly’s Posts
Holly Schoenherr, Director of
Human Resources
Happy New Year! I hope
2020 brings you and your
families great things. As
Q. I’m interested in enrolling in the Learning Path but I you’ve read from the cover
article, HR can help. Reach
think I am more advanced than the “Core” Learning Path. out to us to get to know
Do I have to take that first? your HR fellow employees.
A. No, you don’t have to take the Core Learning Path in
One way I’m reaching out
to you is by starting this column in the Pen. Every
order to progress through the rest of the Program. You can month there’ll be a topic I hope will interest you.
inquire about any of the Paths 1 through 4 and, based on
your conversation with your supervisor and the Learning What would you like to know more about? Send
Path coach, choose the most appropriate Path to pursue. your questions to employee.communications@
pinellascounty.org or call my office at 464-3367
Read the Learning Path Guide for more information. and say “I have a question for Holly’s Posts.”
2019 HR Annual Report
Q. Because of flu season, we can code as scheduled ab-
The Pen
We’ve just published our 2019 Annual Report
sences for flu or “flu-like” illness. What does “flu-like” illness online and the Human Resources team did it
mean? Do I have to go to a doctor to be diagnosed in order again! We set the bar high and established several
for the absence to be coded as scheduled? stretch goals for ourselves … and delivered in im-
pressive fashion. I hope you take time to review
A. Some Appointing Authorities are requiring documenta- our Annual Report and learn about some of HR’s
tion of the flu, so you should check with your manager to major accomplishments in 2019. There’s so much
confirm what’s required. to highlight, but I’ll mention a few of our most
notable successes.
“Flu-like illness” means the symptoms are like the flu but
have not been specifically tested. During an outbreak, like C
ompleted a full year of gathering and assess-
the one we are experiencing now, doctors (if you see one) ing feedback from our customers via the HR
likely won’t test and will just treat the symptoms. Signs and Customer Satisfaction Survey.
symptoms of bad colds and several other respiratory viruses W
e took the lead
can be difficult to distinguish from the flu. Influenza tests are and facilitated
expensive and usually aren’t done unless a patient is hospi- discussions with
talized. At any rate, whether the illness is the flu or flu-like, Appointing
it makes you feel miserable and it’s likely a virus and very Authorities and
contagious—all good reasons for you to stay home. employees to
better understand
expectations and
Got the Flu? opportunities
Effective with the December 22, 2019 pay period, with regard to
leave taken for flu and flu-like illness will be consid- merit pay.
ered scheduled leave. Made significant strides in recruitment.
If you get it, don’t spread it! Completed the biennial Employee Voice Survey.
Stay home from work to avoid spreading the virus to Implemented Exempt classifications and the
coworders and customers. new BCC Exempt pay plan.
Many of the successes that we’ve accomplished
Avoid the flu will not be found in this Annual Report. In many
FREE flu shots available for County group health ways, the efforts that are making the most dif-
plan members at: ference are found in the individual interactions
▪ Your network physician’s office that we have with the employees that we serve,
▪ Convenience care clinics finding in each situation opportunities to dem-
▪ Walmart and Publix pharmacies onstrate our values of credibility, respect, fairness,
and service.
For more information about the flu, visit the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
YOUR TOTAL REWARDS
Health ● Wellness ● Retirement ● Compensation
The Know Your Benefits Series features benefits programs you
Benefits
need to KNOW and understand so you can make the right
choices for you and your family. Partners
DENTAL
Cigna
New Benefit Administrators for EAP (800) 244-6224
www.mycigna.com
and Behavioral/Mental Health EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM (EAP)*
The Employee Assistance Program Any provider not in the UHC network
Optum
(EAP) has transitioned to Optum (a that is seeing 3 or more Pinellas
(866) 248-4096
subsidiary of UnitedHealthcare or County members will be invited to
liveandworkwell.com
UHC) from ComPsych and the admin- join the UHC network. To learn more
istration of Pinellas County’s Behavior- about this transition and benefits FLEXIBLE SPENDING
al/Mental Health Program has moved offered to you through the Behav- ACCOUNT (FSA)
to UHC as of January 1, 2020. ioral/MentalHealth and Employee WageWorks
Assistance Programs, view our FAQs. (877) 924-3967
The Pen
The move to UnitedHealthcare leads www.wageworks.com
to a whole-person approach to your How do I see what our new EAP
healthcare by integrating medical administrator offers? Go to HEALTH SAVINGS
and behavioral health services with liveandworkwell.com, select “Browse ACCOUNT (HSA)
one administrator and allows for as a guest with a company access code” Optum Bank
an expanded national network of and enter the code, which is Pinellas. (800) 791-9361
behavioral health providers, addition www.optumbank.com
What does “administrator” mean?
of virtual visits and availability of out- LIFE INSURANCE
The benefits administrator processes
of-network benefits. Standard Insurance
insurance claims and provides a
For behavioral/mental health, network of providers for our employ- Company
there is a 90-day transition period ees. They do not act like an insurance (855) 290-9479
( January 1 to March31, 2020) for company. Pinellas County pays the www.standard.com
employees and family members to claims. MEDICAL/BEHAVIORAL/
transition to a UHC in-network MENTAL HEALTH*
What does “provider” mean?
provider. If your provider is not in UnitedHealthcare
A health care provider is the person or
the UHC network,the visits will contin- (888) 478-4752
organization that is actually providing
ue to be processed as an in-network www.myuhc.com
care. Examples are doctors, nurses,
benefit until March 31. Check to see if hospitals, imaging centers, physical PRESCRIPTION
your provider is in the UHC network at therapists, and so on. Express Scripts
myuhc.com.
(866) 544-9221
www.expressscripts.com
2020 Wellness VISION
Take Care of Incentives Davis Vision
(800) 999-5431
Yourself Review the 2020 Wellness Incentive www.davisvision.com
Program chart
In January’s To Your Health *The EAP and behavioral health
which includes
newsletter, you will find: vendors have changed to
incentivized
V irtual Visit Update for 2020 Optum and UnitedHealthcare
activities and
as of January 1, 2020. View
Stepping Into Your Health the payout
more information.
2020 Whole Heath Challenge schedule for
Wellness Center Updates 2020.
t he 2020 Wellness Incentive NOTE: Begin-
Program ning in 2020,
... and more! payouts will
take place
twice per year.
See the chart
for more
details.
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P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
The Stay Interview: A Valuable Tool
By Jim Valliere, HR Employee Relations
In the last couple There are many benefits to gathering also addressing issues needing atten-
months, some information from Stay Interviews: tion so that an employee can remain
employees have engaged in their work and excited
F
irst, we learn about what is going
received an email about working for the County.
well and not-so-well regarding an
asking them to employee’s experience and it gives Positive information helps depart-
complete a Stay the organization a chance to ments to develop programs and
Interview. Over address any issues. practices that influence engagement,
time, all County retention, job satisfaction and orga-
employees will S
econd, if the same issues arise
nizational culture. Employee trust is
receive a similar over several interviews, it would
encouraged as departments address
request asking cause a department to consider
those factors that positively affect
them to com- organizational-level changes.
how employees feel about working
plete this survey online. T
hird, Stay Interviews will help the for the County, while also working to
You are probably asking, “What County continue to get feedback correct negatives that may influence
is a Stay Interview?” Simply put, from the staff about their impres- an employee to consider leaving the
it is a survey asking employ- sions of the organization and their County.
ees what excites or motivates role in it, and will supplement
So be on the lookout for requests
them in their jobs and why information that is gathered every
from Human Resources for your op-
they choose to stay with Pinel- two years during the Employee
portunity to complete a Stay Inter-
The Pen
las County. The information Voice Survey.
view. Over time, each employee will
gathered will be another tool for Human Resources will provide the be asked to complete the Stay
departments to respond to em- information and responses to all Interview numerous times during
ployees to help with retention. departments so that management their employment. Your input can
Whereas Exit Interviews gather can address any issues that are help Pinellas County continue its
information as to why an em- raised by employees. Whereas many commitment to being a great place
ployee is leaving an organiza- surveys are anonymous, Stay Inter- to work.
tion, Stay Interviews gather criti- views are not meant to be anony-
cal insights from employees who mous, so that management can get
(hopefully) are not planning on with employees to capitalize on the
leaving, and have definite plans positives about their responses, while
to stay with the organization.
Pets of the Month Thaddeus is a
Contributed by Pinellas County Animal Services (PCAS)
1½ year old lap
warmer! He is at-
Fiona: Meet Fiona, a 4-year old tentive and sweet.
terrier mix. She is a mellow kind He loves to play
of girl who loves quiet walks on with a feather
the trail, treats, and to end the wand and chatter
day cuddled on the couch with at the squirrels
you. She will need daily exercise from his window
to get back her girlish figure. seat, too! Thad-
Fiona appears house trained, deus came to
accepts treats gently and is us as a kitten in
friendly around other dogs and 2018, and then
children; however, we recently again at the be-
learned she may not do well in a ginning of December, when his owner let
house with feline friends. Fiona us know he was unable to keep him. He
recently attended an event, was is a very mellow kitty and would love to
well behaved and LOVED the car ride. Does Fiona sound like the bathe in the sun on a window seat in your
one for you? home!
Not able to adopt? Consider signing up as a foster! We need help with kittens, puppies, adults who need more
socialization, and medical rehab cases. Please contact Jennifer at (727) 582-2636 or by email at jrenner@pinellascounty.org.
Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. View more
adoptables at www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices/Adoption_Center.htm.
P-5
P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
The Great Tornado Drill At 10 a.m.
Consider a Tornado Warning to be
Set for Jan. 29 in effect. A warning means a torna-
do has been sighted or indicated by
Schools, businesses, organizations and individuals are weather radar — time to take cover!
encouraged to take shelter and a selfie to participate • “ Receive” the emergency mes-
sage (You must simulate this
Since a tornado can hit 13 Instructions for the drill yourself. No official test alert will
minutes after a Tornado Warn-
Before the drill be sent.)
ing is issued, it is important to
• Coordinator determines this is
plan ahead, and know where to •R
eview and refine a tornado plan an immediate threat and gives a
seek safe shelter and “duck and www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/ “take shelter” or “duck and cover”
cover.” safety.html command (depending on space
This is a great drill for schools, • Prepare available at location). Remember
businesses, households or • Inform staff/students of your to re-iterate that this is only a
buildings with a common tornado plan drill.
meeting area. • Take a selfie and post it on Face-
The day of the drill
On the morning of Wednesday, book or Twitter using the hashtag
Jan. 29 - After 8 a.m. #PCTornadoDrill
Jan. 29, Pinellas County will join
the state in the annual Great Consider a Tornado Watch to be in At 10:30 a.m.
Tornado Drill. The drill is a light- effect. A watch means tornadoes are
hearted opportunity to prepare, possible in your area. Remain alert Termination of Watch and
The Pen
practice and test emergency for approaching storms and closely Warning
plans in case of a sudden tor- monitor the weather. •G
ive instructions to return to
nado. •D esignate someone to coordi- normal activities (You will not
Once the group is in their nate emergency procedures receive notification. Terminate
shelter or safe room, partici- • Announce the “Tornado Watch the drill as you see fit.)
pants should take a selfie of – this is a drill” to staff and/or
After the Drill
themselves duck and covering students
and post it using the hashtag • Evacuate tornado vulnerable Wrap-up
#PCtornadodrill. The best photo areas •F
ollowing the drill, discuss, assess
entries will win a NOAA Weather and revise your Tornado plan as
Radio, which issues emergency needed.
weather warnings. Winning
photos will demonstrate “duck For more information on tornado
and cover” with extra points for safety go to www.pinellascounty.org/
the proper use of helmets. emergency/tornado.htm.
Registration Open for Clerk’s
Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony will take place on Friday, February 14 at the Florida
Botanical Gardens. Couples must register by February 7.
“Hosting this event is something we look forward to all year long,” said
Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
“Helping local and out-of-state citizens get married or renew their vows
is an honor.”
For more information, call the Clerk’s office at (727) 464-3008 or
email recording@mypinellasclerk.org. For information about the
Florida Botanical Gardens, visit www.flbg.org.
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P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
ULearnIT Here First
Contributed by: Human Resources Organizational & Talent Development (OTD)
New Year, New Learning Catalog,
New Features
The 2020 Learning Catalog is now New Courses Include: Everyone: Become self-aware by
available on SharePoint! We’ve learning who you are and what you
ssertiveness: Asking Firmly &
A
added several new features and stand for, your influences, and where
Fairly
new courses. you fit into our organization to make
Diversity & Inclusion in the Work-
it successful.
New features include: place
Competency Framework
Power of Accountability Learning Organizations
Succeeding at Difficult Conversa-
dapt to the environment and
A
rovided to help guide you
P tions
respond to experiences
in making better decisions
about how courses can help New Microsoft Courses ccomplish learning through the
A
with critical skill and compe- Include: entire organizational system
tency development
Microsoft Excel Charts and Pivot mbrace change, tolerate risk,
E
xample: Those interested
E Tables and view failures as opportunities
in enhancing their ability to
Microsoft PowerPoint Basics
All other Microsoft courses I
nvolve discretion by taking into
influence people can look
The Pen
updated to 2016 account situations, personalities,
for classes in communicating and cultures
effectively, driving engage- What’s Your New Year’s Resolution
ment, and driving vision and for Learning? To be a successful organization that
purpose. encourages learning anytime and
Managers/Supervisors/Leaders: anywhere, learning must be accept-
In Your Words Have honest, open discussions with ed and encouraged as an ongoing,
ear from satisfied partici-
H your direct reports about the needs unlimited, self-motivated process.
pants their perspective of the of the organization and the learning
course. opportunities that help with specific
organizational goals.
Additional ULearnIT Resources
(Copy ID into search field after logging in.) Log in to Skillsoft.
Learning for the Long Run: 7 Practices for Sustaining a Resilient Learning Organization ID: 138177
Developing Employees Who Love to Learn: Tools, Strategies, and Programs ID: 127860
for Promoting Learning at Work
Statewide Supervisors of Elections I hope that we receive many applications,” said
Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deborah
Association Offering Three College Clark.
The scholarship application and complete list of
Scholarships in 2020 scholarship guidelines, which includes require-
Attention College Students Registered to Vote ments for letters of recommendation and financial
information, are available for download at www.
in Pinellas County… VotePinellas.com/Scholarships.
You Could be Eligible for a Scholarship in 2020!
Scholarship applications must be received by
Contributed by the Supervisor of Elections’ Office 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2020, and should
The Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE), comprised of be submitted in the county in which the student
the State of Florida’s county supervisors, will award $1,200 is registered to vote. Students who are registered
scholarships to three qualified students in 2020. Pinellas County voters should return completed
applications to any of the three Supervisor of
College students majoring in the following: political science, Elections Offices: 315 Court St., Room 117,
public administration, business administration, journalism Clearwater; 13001 Starkey Rd., Largo; or 501 First
or mass communications; enrolled as a junior or senior at Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
an accredited Florida college or university; and registered
to vote are eligible to apply. For additional information or to receive an applica-
tion by mail, please call the Pinellas County Super-
“This is a great opportunity for eligible college students and visor of Elections Office at (727) 464-VOTE (8683) or
email VoterEd@VotePinellas.com.
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P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
Help Recruit Your Next Coworker!
Pinellas County Government Career Expo
Contributed by Jennifer Catalano, HR Workforce Strategy Team
Working with great people is considered for future opportunities.
consistently one of the top 5 Also, all applicants must apply online
reasons our employees like and go through the usual vetting
Pinellas County Government. process.
And when great people band A second purpose of the Expo is to
together to build the workforce, provide general information to com-
it’s no wonder we end up with munity members who’d like to learn
a talented and diverse team more about the County.
that cares about the work we
do. While the HR team works Be sure to share this event with your
to proactively identify talent for friends, family and anyone you meet
hard-to-fill positions (usually in who would make a great addition
skilled trades, engineering, and to the PCG team. View more informa- When: February 4, 2020
data analysis fields), we need tion online. There you will also find 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
you to help us recruit your next a link to a flyer which you can print
and post in places where you think Where: EpiCenter
great team player!
people will have an interest (your at St. Petersburg College
On February 4, 2020, Pinellas 13805 58th St. N.
The Pen
gym, homeowners association, social
County Human Resources in Clearwater
club, etc.).
collaboration with many
Who is going to be there? www.PinellasCounty.org/hr/expo
Appointing Authorities and
departments across the County, Airport • Animal Services • SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
will hold our first ever Career Building & Development Review
Expo from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 Services • Code Enforcement • LinkedIn: Log in and search
p.m. at the EpiCenter on the SPC Emergency Management • Fleet and for Pinellas County Government
campus in Clearwater. Facilities • Human Resources
The main purpose of the Expo Human Rights • Information Facebook: www.facebook.com/
is to attract new, specialized Technology • Management and PCGovCareers
and diverse talent to the County Budget • Parks and Conservation
Instagram:
while offering hiring managers Resources • Regional 911 • School
www.instagram.com/
the ability to meet the people Board • Sheriff's Office
PinellasGovCareers
behind the résumés for current Utilities • Clerk of the Circuit Court
and future opportunities. All skill Planning • Property Appraiser Twitter:
and experience levels will be Supervisor of Elections www.twitter.com/PCGovCareers
Tax Collector
WORK. GROW. MATTER.
The 2020 Colors of Pinellas
Art Show is Here!
The Colors of Pinellas Art Show The show is judged by professional drawings, crafts, sculpture, jewelry,
provides an opportunity for artists, and offers Amateur, Inter- ceramics, mixed media, woodcarving,
employees, retirees, volunteers, mediate, Professional, Teen, and —you name it!
and their families to participate Youth classifications. You must register by March 20 and
in a professional exhibition and All skill levels are welcome—from hand deliver your ready-to-display
compete for cash prizes. youth to professional. artwork on April 7 to the display
Our co-sponsor and funder, the venue, the downtown Clearwater
Submit photographs, paintings,
National Arts Program, empowers courthouse lobby.
organizations across the coun- For more details including how to
try to host art exhibitions that
register, and to view the entries from
showcase the creativity of their past shows, visit www.pinellascounty.
employees and families. org/hr/artshow.
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P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES
35 YEARS 30 YEARS
Dennis Simpson Vionette Mull, Utilities, Pamella Lewin Sandra Sandmeyer
Utilities Lisa Baltus, Clerk of the Circuit Human Services
Parks & Conservation Resources Court
25 YEARS 20 YEARS
The Pen
David Bateman, Clerk of the Diane Kellogg
Circuit Court, Penelope Koungras, Tax Collector
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Unavailable for Photo Thomas Ross, Building & Development Review
Services, Kelly Dickie, Business Technology
35 Years
Services, Dennis McDuffy, Public Works,
Susan Miller, Forward Pinellas, Joyce Stevens, Building
Nancy Squires, Utilities
& Development Review Services
30 Years
T. F. Armbruster, Solid Waste, Stephen Henry, Utilities
David Walker, Public Works
25 Years
James Huebner, Clerk of the Circuit Court
20 Years
Mark Deveaux, Tax Collector, Mark Flock, Public Works,
Christopher Mayer, Business Technology Services
15 YEARS Katiah Fitzpatrick................................Clerk of the Circuit Court
Justin Gross...........................................Clerk of the Circuit Court Paul Fry........................................ Business Technology Services
Stella Mansfield..........................Marketing & Communications Andrea Gabel..............................Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ryan McCabe...................................................................... Airport Danielle Holland............................................. Human Resources
Haxhi Muharemi............................................................... Utilities James Jordan.............................................................Public Works
Gregory Parker....................................................Human Services Adam Kiehn........................... Parks & Conservation Resources
Georgienne Trauscht.........................................Human Services Tina Marsh........................................ Property Appraiser’s Office
Carriane McQuay........................Supervisor of Election’s Office
5 YEARS Suzanne Otocki-Pascarella......................................Public Works
William Anderson....................... Business Technology Services Contina Porter...........................................................Public Works
Robbie Asher........................................................Animal Services Bruno Rivera..............................Marketing & Communications
Lourdes Benedict................................... County Administration Hugo Sanchez........................ Parks & Conservation Resources
David Brown.............................................................Public Works Michael Swonger................................................Human Services
Rafal Dziokan.............................. Business Technology Services Sabrina Swoy...............................................Tax Collector’s Office
Nicholas Eddy.....................................................Human Services William Williams................................. Real Estate Management
P-9 Continued next page.
P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
RETIREMENTS
OVER 13 YEARS Retirees Unavailable for Photo
Over 21 Years
Gregory D’Amario, Claims Adjuster 2, Risk Management
Over 18 Years
Thomas Wehinger, Utilities Maintenance Specialist 2, Utilities/Maintenance
Division
Over 17 Years
Randy Bellomo, Operations Manager Assistant, Utilities/Maintenance Division
Joanne Stewart
Human Services Case Manager 1
Community Connections Division/
Human Services
Service Anniversaries, continued from previous page.
The Pen
3 YEARS
Caitlyn Antkowiak................................................Animal Services
Susan Aumack............................................Tax Collector’s Office
REPCO News
Brandilyn Bolden.......................Convention & Visitors Bureau
William Bragg............................... Safety & Emergency Services The next REPCO lunch meeting will
Thuyen Buendia......................... Business Technology Services be February 10, 2020 at Applebee’s
Shea Dunifon..................................................................... Utilities Restaurant located at 5110 East Bay
Mackenzie Espinoza.................... Safety & Emergency Services Drive. The meeting will start at 11:30 am.
Cheryl Ferland........ Building & Development Review Services Our guest speaker will be a computer
Randall Fry.......................................... Real Estate Management geek who will provide information on
Christine Gauger.........................................Tax Collector’s Office smartphones and cybersecurity. For
Georges Gonzalez.............................................................. Utilities questions, contact Rudy Garcia at (813)
Francis Laffey................. Office of Technology and Innovation 855-3466 or rdgarcia@verizon.net.
Nelson Lopes.................. Office of Technology and Innovation
Joan Luttmann................................................................... Utilities
Liz McCann..................................Convention & Visitors Bureau
David Naja.................................................................Public Works
Aubrey Phillips...................................Management and Budget
Erik Pindar............................................................Animal Services
New
2
Tanjina Rahman.........................................Tax Collector’s Office
Learn Something
Henry Smith..............................................................Public Works
Marlon Suazo...................................................................... Airport
in New in 2 Minutes
Eugene Tobias............................. Business Technology Services
An important part of a manager’s job is
delivering feedback to their employees.
AZ Find it Fast: Learn 4 valuable tips for providing meaningful
to HR from feedback in 2 minutes by watching the video
Providing Positive Feedback or reading the
A to Z script.
INDEX Our A to Z Index was
viewed 19,000 times
last year! Find what YOU need on the HR
website quickly and easily, too. Access
the link on the blue menu bar from any
Human Resources web page. New index
items are added frequently. Let us know if
you have items to add.
P-10P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
Promotions
Promotions listed are for December 2019.
Board of County Commissioners
Animal Services Solid Waste
Paul Nielsen.....................................................Ani Cntl Ofcr 1 Rita Crouch...........................................................Envir Spec 2
Building & Development Review Services Utilities
Samuel Barker..................................................... Plmb Insp 2 Shawn Gardner........................................................ Fld Insp 1
Gordy Barnes.......................................................Mech Insp 2 Antonio Jones........................................................... Fld Insp 1
Perry Hendershott............................................. Plmby Insp 3 Bryclyn Lawrence.................................................... Trne UF A
Martin Marcum....................................................Mech Insp 3 Clarethia Monroe.........................................Cust Svcs Analyst
James McKillen......................................... Proj Coord-Admin Robert Pamic........................................................... Fld Insp 1
Anthony Stran......................................................Mech Insp 2 George Proper...............................................Wtr Qual Tech 2
Nancy Squires..............................................Cust Svcs Analyst
Contractor Licensing
Michelle Krickovic................................................... Trne UF C
Human Services Clerk of the Circuit Court
Jessica Aragon.........................................................Sect Mgr 1
The Pen
Sam Chambray............................................Prop & Strs Clk 2
Public Works Alejandro Murgueytio................................................Crt Clk 1
Donald Malone, Jr................................................. Eng Spec 2 Paul Rotolo............................................................ Rec Spec Sr
Richard Mueller, Jr................................................. Crew Chf 1 Jasmine Schill....................................................... Fis Rec Spec
Angelo Quondametteo.................................................AEO 1
Richard Skaggs......................................................... Fld Insp 1
Gerrell Sterling................................................... Office Spec 2
Kevin Ware............................................................. Eng Tech 2
Consumer Corner
From Pinellas County Consumer Protection
Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week
Tax season is another opportunity for thieves to try to steal your personal information. Tax Identity Theft
Awareness Week is February 2-8, 2020. This national campaign aims to educate consumers in an effort
to prevent them from falling victim to identity theft and related scams. Tax-related identity theft occurs
when someone uses your personal information, including your Social Security number, to file a tax return
and steal your tax refund. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Florida ranked #4 in the nation for
identity theft in 2018. In recognition of the week, Pinellas County Consumer Protection is hosting several
events including a free shredding service, a presentation by the IRS and Consumer Protection, and informa-
tion tables at various location throughout the County. Here are a few tips to lessen your chance of falling
victim to identity theft:
File your tax return early in the tax season, if you can, before identity thieves do.
Shred copies of your tax return, drafts, or calculation sheets you no longer need.
U
se a secure internet connection if you file electronically or mail your tax return directly from the post
office.
D
on’t give out your Social Security number (SSN) or Medicare number unless necessary. Ask why it’s
needed, how it’s going to be used, and how it will be stored.
For more information about identity theft, a full schedule of Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week events or to
file a complaint, contact Pinellas County Consumer Protection directly at (727) 464-6200 or visit www.pinellas
county.org/consumer/tips.htm.
P-11P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
Welcome Aboard!
New employees listed are for December 2019.
Board of County Commissioners Clerk of the Circuit Court
Takira Black................................................ Fis Rec Spec
Airport
Lisa Enos....................................................... Rec Spec 1
Jocelyn Billington......................... Admin Supt Spec 1
April Groat.............................................. Fis Rec Spec 1
John De Patie................................................Craftwkr 1
Briana Haynes-Middleton........................ Fis Rec Spec
Dawn Ferrante.............................. Admin Supt Spec 1
Boonpa Ing-Anuraksakul......................... Fis Rec Spec
Ambulance Billing & Finance Daniel James................................................ Rec Spec 1
Rebecca Morris............................................. Off Spec 2 Angela Lapread.......................................... Fis Rec Spec
Animal Services Kristina Lawson...................................Board Reporter
Madison Ingham..................................... Ani Care Asst Stephanie Owens.........................Cust Info Ctr Spec 1
Jennifer Schilling...................................... Ani Care Asst Elisha Pitts.................................................. Fis Rec Spec
Allan Weistock.............................................. Insp Gen 1
Building Services Keri Whitt.................................................... Fis Rec Spec
Jeff Reed.................................................... Mech Insp 1 Melissa Woolever......................................... Rec Spec 1
Raygina Tolbert-Scott................... Admin Supt Spec 1
Convention & Visitors Bureau Human Resources
Stephen Hayes.......................................... Bur Director Kelly Faircloth....................................................HR Ofcr
The Pen
Emergency Management
Jessica McCracken............................ Emer Mgmt Spec Human Rights
Human Services Yury Rosas..................................... Admin Supt Spec 1
Jessica Geib....................................................Sect Mgr 3
Julie Longen......................................... Cons Prot Inv 1
Forward Pinellas
Management & Budget
Antionette Merrill............................Fin Acct Analyst 1 Angela Ryan............................................Principal Plan.
Public Works Supervisor of Elections
Caleb Bouwkamp..........................................Trne UF A
Kenneth Hayes..................................................Maint 1 Janet Fisher........................... Dept Comp Supt Spec 1
Kevin Hernandez...............................................Maint 1
Ray Parker..........................................................Maint 1
Tax Collector’s Office
Utilities
Jacob Allen.............................................Util Maint Wkr Brandon Butler......................................Cust Svcs Tech
James Coker...........................................Util Maint Wkr Kassandra DosSantos...........................Cust Svcs Tech
Joseph Decresie................. Wtr/Wstwtr Plt Oper Trne Zachary Luchette...................................Cust Svcs Tech
Nichol Figueiredo.......................... Util Pub Rel Coord Justin Valdes...........................................Cust Svcs Tech
Jason Hall................................................Util Maint Wkr
Tyler Hanson...................... Wtr/Wstwtr Plt Oper Trne
Tessa Seel............................................... Wk Plng Coord
Ricci Skaggs............................................Util Maint Wkr
Hillary Weber................................................Sect Mgr 2
THE RECORD KEEPER
Records Management Training for 2020
Are you wondering what you need to do to inventory, store, or destroy records? Do you
need to learn how to use ApplicationXtender Web? Are you new to the Records Coordina-
tor role? Records Management is here to help you! We offer a number of training classes
to help guide you in managing your records. Training sign-up is handled through OPUS
OLM Learner.
ApplicationXtender – Web User Training
Basics of Records Management – Part 1
Basics of Records Management – Part 2: Using the Oracle Records Management System
Managing Electronic Records
Records Management: Preparing for Inventory and Destruction
For more information about training or to request customized training for your department, please
contact Michele Koehler in Records Management at 453-3038.
P-12P I N E L L A S P E N JANUARY 2020
A Huge Outpouring of Donations
for Animal Services
Contributed by Jennifer Renner, Volunteer Program Coordinator, PCAS
County employees and citizens were generous this past holiday
season. Here are just a few who made donations to Pinellas County
Animal Services.
Shelter dog Kaper enjoys donations from
Facebook fans.
The Pen
Donation from Osceola Fundamental
Donation from Robyn, a volunteer foster School.
with PCAS.
Donations from
Amy B., a
volunteer with
PCAS.
The Clerk’s Finance Office donation.
Animal Services donates to
Cat Kids Rescue!
Animal Services donates to the Humane Society’s
Senior Pet Connection!
P-13Employee and family news including kudos, weddings, births, graduations, memorials, and classified ads.
Send your news to employee.communications@pinellascounty.org or call 464-5098.
Gone but notForgotten
The Pen is saddened to report the passing
of the following retirees:
Mary Jo ( Jodi) Miller, 77, of Largo, passed away Larry Cox, 67, of Live Oak, Suwannee, Florida,
December 11. She retired from Utilities, South passed away December 31, 2019. He retired
Cross Bayou Education Center, in 2009 after from Utilities, Dunn Water Reclamation Facility,
24 years of service. She had also worked in the in 2006 after over 30 years of service. No obitu-
County Attorney’s Office and the County Admin- ary was found online for Mr. Cox.
istrator’s office. View her obituary.
Classified Ads
For Sale: US Check Punch with the following dates For Sale: Solid wood desk with 3 drawers. 40" wide,
for sale: $170. 17" deep, 31" high. $25. LJ Wood, (727) 641-9770
December 8, 1891, Pat’d May 29,
1883;
Oct 22, 1889, markings include:
Loan Chace & Co. Makers Newark,
NJ USA.
Lower plate: 3972, Lower plate
shows a small amount of rust. 7.75”
W X 6”D X 7”H.
Pick up only in a secure location at
the Pinellas County Sheriff’s substa-
tion located at Alt. 19 (Bayshore
Blvd.), Dunedin.
Contact Rich reg737@gmail.com or (727) 424-4845
For Sale: King-size solid wood
sleigh bed $500: includes frame, mat-
tress, & box springs. NON-SMOKING
household. Selling entire set together.
Must disassemble bed frame yourself
and provide your own transportation.
Multiple sets of bedding included. 2nd
floor apartment near Countryside Mall
in Clearwater. arddun65@yahoo.com
P-14Classified Ads
For Sale: Dinette set (table
and 4 chairs). Table has separate For Sale: Plum leather couch in For Sale: 8-piece dining room set.
leaf extension. Less than 5 years great shape. 65" wide and 36" deep and Table with leaf extension, 6 chairs,
old, excellent condition. $400. 30" high. $50. LJ Wood, (727) 641-9770 and buffet cabinet. Less than 5 years
Sorry cannot deliver, must be old, excellent condition. $1,550.
able to come get it. Location Table is already disassembled for
in Largo, near Ulmerton Road/ easy transport. Buffet can be sold
Seminole Blvd. Call or text (727) separate from dining table/chairs if
455-8520. desired. Sorry cannot deliver, must
be able to come get it. Location in
Largo, near Ulmerton Road/Seminole
Blvd. Call or text (727) 455-8520.
Want to Get Rid of
Stuff?
Advertise here for FREE if you'd like
For Sale: Nintendo White Wii
Console Bundle. With 2 video to give away, donate, or sell some-
games, $100, Model RVL-001 thing.
(USA), with stand, 3 hand control- All County employees, active or
lers, 3 rubber hand grips, retired, permanent or temporary,
2 steering wheels, power supply, may submit ads. Only personal
Wii AV cable, 2 remotes, sensor items can be advertised—business
bar, 1 Super SmashBros. Brawl or commercial ads or ads providing
game, 1 Wii fit game. Will meet at services will not be published.
the office or in a secure location
To submit an ad, complete this
only at the Sheriff’s substation on
online form.
Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin by Wal-
greens. Contact Rich at reg737@ Questions? Contact Employee.
gmail.com or (727) 424-4845 Communications@pinellascounty.
org.
The Pen is published once per
month on or around the 15th.
Submissions are due the 1st of the
month.
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