Newsletter

Shane LeBlanc, Newsletter Chairman

May 20, 2020

Dear WCB member,

So far, 2020 has gotten off to a rough start for all of us. As we continue to battle the invisible enemy (COVID19), we have had to change the way we operate while still providing essential services to our respective communities. There is no manual

on how to prepare or how to operate during a pandemic. These are unprecedented times for sure.

One thing is for sure, the COVID19 pandemic has changed the way we do business. Who would ever think that Zoom meetings, social – distancing, conference calls,

split shifts and working from home would be the new “norm”? Networking with your fellow APWA WCB community is a great way to see how other

agencies are operating and you may even learn something that will benefit your home agency. Pick up that phone, send a text or type an email to one of your

colleagues today. Please be safe and follow the CDC guidelines.

AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON AND ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Banquet in March at Feather Sound featured a great turn-out, excellent presentation by Bill Mutz – Mayor for the City of Lakeland, tasty food and

everyone had a great time. Newly elected officers were also installed. Please welcome them to their new respective roles.

Executive committee Dean Scharmen – Chairperson Dale Laird - Vice Chairperson

William Anderson – Treasurer Jennifer Nolen - Secretary Troy McCain -Past Chair Robert Nowak - District VI Rep.

At Large Directors Brandi Allegood Keith Bodecker

Ken Holton Dallas Evans Kendrix Anderson Will Kirby Shane LeBlanc Dean Scharmen

Randy Shane Awards

“Projects of the Year”

• Structures:

Safety Harbor – Community Center

Mason Blau Architects GSA Contracting Sumter County – Parking Facility

Harvard Jolly Architecture

A.D. Morgan Corp. • Transportation

City of Lakeland – New York Avenue Cycle Track

“In-house” Engineering

Florida Safety Contractors

• Environment Safety Harbor – North Bayshore Sanitary Sewer Replacement

Ardurra Kamminga & Roodvoets

Pinellas County – Highland Ave. Drainage Improvements

County Engineering – John Carpenter

Kamminga & Roodvoets • Historical Restoration / Preservation

Pinellas County – Wall Spring Park

Cardno Keystone Pinellas County – Pinellas Bayway Landscape Restoration

Morelli Landscaping

• Technical & Management Innovation

Temple Terrace – Technical: Temple Terrace Curb project.

Temple Terrace – Management: Riverhills Drive

Special Recognition Awards

Contractor of the Year - Kamminga & Roodvoets Consultant of the Year - DRMP

Professional of the Year – Wei Liu

Community Involvement Award – Rholand Bryant

Board Awards

Meritorious Service – Randy Shane

Public Works Director of the Year – Shane LeBlanc, City of Zephyrhills

The Award of Excellence – Bob Nowak Timothy Goodrow Member of the Year – Jennifer Nolen

The Chairperson’s Award – Wei Liu

SCHOLARSHIPS Dean Scharmen presented the annual Ed Burkett Scholarship Awards.

Ed Burkett Scholarship Recipients:

Ryan DeSimone Kelsey Ann Troyer

Cedric Harris Alexis Ferguson

RAY’S GAME

Unfortunately, due to COVID19, the annual 2020 Rays game was cancelled. This is a very popular event that sells out every year. We will be looking forward to the

return of this event in 2021.

FLORIDA CHAPTER EXPO

Unfortunately, due to COVID19 the Florida Chapter Expo (normally held in April) was postponed until August 24-27, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. As the WCB is the host chapter, we are expecting a great turnout, great speakers, informative breakout

sessions, equipment rodeo, trade show, networking and plenty of fun. It’s no secret amongst the chapter folks that the WCB likes to have fun. I’ll meet you at the

hospitality suite.

EQUIPMENT RODEO

The 2019 West Coast Branch Equipment Rodeo was held at Highlander Park in

Dunedin. Hat’s off to the City of Dunedin for hosting the event. There were 113 competitors, which included several from both Sumter and Hillsborough counties. Nearly four-hundred spectators attended along with 11 equipment and supply

vendors. We appreciate all of our participating vendors and sponsors, as we could not pull off this event without your support. The rodeo featured seven events to test

the operator’s skills.

The top competitor was Trevor Bacon, City of Dunedin, Trevor (center) was awarded the “Top Gun” jacket by Ray Boler (left) and Troy McCain (right).

Track hoe operator testing skills with onlookers.

Like any successful event, it takes a great team to pull off the equipment rodeo. L-R Dianna “Pasco” Rawleigh, Wei Lieu and Ray Boler.

Tip of the APWA hat to Bob Nowak (a.k.a. the equipment rodeo guru) and his team

of volunteers. Great job!

NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

National Public Works Week – May 17-23 2020 is National Public Works Week. Many communities recognize the work of Public Works employees with

proclamations, luncheons and recognition at public meetings. Now is a great time to recognize your public works team for all of their hard work and efforts (especially

this year) as many have never skipped a beat providing essential services to their

respective communities during the COVID19 pandemic.

January 2020 WCB EC Meeting – City of Zephyrhills.

UNOFFICIAL AWARDS

Best / Tackiest Dressed Award – Keith Bodecker, Town of Belleair

Most casual – Dean Scharmen, City of Indian Rocks Beach According to Dean, “it’s a beach thing”…

Hardest working retiree – Bob Nowak, WCB District Representative

Please send article, with photos for staff or projects that you would like included in the newsletter to sleblanc@zhills.city