www.pinellascounty.org/hr/publications.htmJuly 2020 • Vol.48 No.7

As you know, the Appointing Authori-ties determined that face coverings are required inside all Pinellas County government buildings for the safety of employees and citizens as of Monday, July 6. If you have questions about this order, check out the Face Covering FAQs for Employees or talk to your supervisor.

Meanwhile we thought you’d enjoy seeing how fellow employees are help-ing to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing face coverings. So we invited you to send in your maskies (selfies with a face mask) and we’ve sprinkled them throughout today’s publication. Enjoy!

COVID-19: Maskies! Below: Pinellas County Urban Forestry & Landscape Services Section knows how to stay safe! We wear our masks outside when we have to work in close proximity to each other! And, when we take group photos to highlight the awesome Urban Forestry team whose work garnered our community Tree City USA and Tree Cities of the World designations from the National Arbor Day Foundation!

Standing: Kendall Tisdale, Ken Ross, Joel Adams, Benton Wells, Gregg Moore, Gilberto Rodriguez, Willie Rose, Matt Hill, Caleb Bouwkamp, Michael Stokes. Kneeling: Paul Weaver, John Martinotti

Scott Coulter, PCR, slowing the spread of COVID in the parks

Dianna Demyan, Customer Service Technician, Tax Collector’s Office

Jolanda Jordan and Bruce Mells, Parks Administration

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The PenA monthly publication by

Pinellas County Human ResourcesMary L. Sault, Editor

Would you like to put something in the Pen?

Let us know by the first of the month. And be sure to include photos!

employee.communications@pinellascounty.org

BLOOD DRIVESYou can schedule an

appointment at www.oneblooddonor.org.

Also view the blood donation web page.

To view blood donation FAQs, process, and testimonials, visit OneBlood.

Many blood drives have been postponed due to COVID-19 but there is a great need for

donations. To confirm or make an appoint-ment, contact One Blood directly at

www.oneblood.org.

It’s hard not to feel anxious right now with social distancing, masks and isolation. We miss our old “normal” life and the daily connection of coworkers and friends.

This blog is for you!

Connect with other employees to share COVID-19 stories and support.

Link: www.pinellascounty.org/hr/blog

Blog Guide for instructions on how to create a post.

View the more than 220 posts from fellow employees with topics like:

Coping and managing stress COVID-19 stories and photos Wellness tips Staying motivated COVID-19 support and resources

... and much more.

INSIDEClick on the topic to go directly to the page.

3Ask HR / Biometric Screening Waived for 2020 / Employee Communications Survey / Wellness Incentive Update

4Flexible Spending Account Update / Live Virtual Webinar with Nurse Amy on COVID-19 Prevention

5Tributes: Gloria Gere, Sue Myers and Christine Sickles

6 Spotlight on Montez Brown, Meter Reader 3

7 Meet Kelly Faircloth, Benefits Officer

8 2020 Benefits Satisfaction Survey Results

9Tell Your Friends About Testing Site Volunteer Opportunity / Share with Friends & Family: Be-come an Election Workers

10EAC: Christian Steiermann / Tax Collector Recognized for Performance Excellence / Bonnie Desmond Awarded Honorary Degree

11Forward Pinellas Launches “Safe Streets” Online Campaign

12ULearnIT: Do You Have Authentic Relationships? / Jazmin Soloman Spotlighted by University of New England

13Graduation Station / Mentor Workshop Webinars

14 Service Anniversaries

15 Retirements / REPCO News

16 Promotions

17Welcome Aboard! / Consumer Corner: The Utility Scam

18 The Record Keeper / More Maskies!

19 Maskies!

20 Maskies!

21 Extra

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Q. I have been offered a temporary position. Thework will not interfere with my work with the County.I am sure I need to make the County aware of this.Would you please point me towards what I need todo or whom I need to contact? I see in OPUS thereis an Outside Employment procedure, but I do notknow if that is where I should start.

A. The Outside or Non-County Employment policyis the place to start. That and a conversation withyour supervisor. See also the “how to” Request forOutside Employment or Enterprise. Your AppointingAuthority (or designee) will need to approve it priorto your starting the new job.

Employee Communications

SurveyWe want to make sure important information reaches all employees. Last year, we conducted this survey and as a result added communication products such as posters for your common areas and informational toolkits for supervisors.

Human Resources wants to know how we did and what your preferred communication medi-ums are for you now.

Do you prefer emails or home mailers? Interested in an app for your smartphone? Social media? Perhaps text messaging?

Tell us! Take 2 minutes to complete this 8-ques-tion anonymous survey. If you prefer to submit a paper version, check with your supervisor.* They can give you a printable version then scan and

send completed surveys to employee.communications@pinellascounty.org. Deadline is July 31.

TAKE THE SURVEY

*Supervisors may obtain papersurveys fromemployee.communications@pinellascounty.org.

Biometric Screening Requirement Waived for 2020We recognize that this is an extremely stressful and uncer-tain time for our employees and their families. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all em-ployees, and we recognize that obtaining a biometric screening (lab work) might not be acces-sible to some employees due to COVID-19 concerns. To that end, the requirement to complete a biometric screening in 2020 has been waived.

Employees must still complete the Rally Health Survey before December 31, 2020 to qualify for the 2021 preferred premium.

See the COVID-19 Update Biometric Screening FAQs.

Wellness Incentives Update The Wellness Program is providing an alternate way for employees to earn wellness incentives through the end of 2020.

Why? Due to COVID-19 and an abundance of caution, the onsite Wellness Series is canceled this year, but it’s important to stay engaged and con-nected to our well-being.

We’ve added three new COVID-19 related incentives to promote good health during the pandemic. They are easy to complete and you can earn up to $50 cash or 12,500 points.

NOTE: This is for employees only as it replaces the learning series, for which spouses are not eligible.

Web pages to help you stay up-to-date and to help you cope with COVID-19. Coronavirus (COVID-19) for County Employees

Pinellas County COVID Response andRecommendations

Employee Blog

Resources from Employee Benefits

FAQs for mployees

Resume Office Operations FAQs

Families First Coronavirus ResponseAct FAQs

COVID-19 Testing Locations inPinellas County

Centers for Disease Control and Pre-vention

Florida Department of Health

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HealthEquity acquired WageWorks, the company which administers our Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program. At this time, there are no changes to your account or service. You may continue to use your WageWorks card, access your account through the WageWorks portal, and contact WageWorks at the same phone number. Over the next few months, the company will be rebranding as HealthEquity. As of July, newly issued cards reflect the HealthEquity branding. By fall, the website will transition from WageWorks to HealthEquity. For more information, see the Acquisition FAQs.

YOUR TOTAL REWARDSHealth ● Wellness ● Retirement ● Compensation

Benefits Partners

DENTALCigna(800) 244-6224 www.mycigna.com

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)Optum(866) 248-4096 liveandworkwell.com

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA)WageWorks/HealthEquity(877) 924-3967 www.wageworks.com

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA) Optum Bank(800) 791-9361 www.optumbank.com

LIFE INSURANCEStandard Insurance Company(855) 290-9479 www.standard.com

MEDICAL/BEHAVIORAL/MENTAL HEALTHUnitedHealthcare(888) 478-4752 www.myuhc.com

PRESCRIPTIONExpress Scripts(866) 544-9221 www.expressscripts.com

VISIONDavis Vision(800) 999-5431 www.davisvision.com

Take Care of Yourself

The Know Your Benefits Series features benefits programs you need to know and understand so you can make the right choices for you and your family.

In July’s To Your Health newsletter, you will find:

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Weight by Numbers: Small Losses Make a Difference

Free Virtual Wellness Classes

No-Cost Financial Counseling from Your EAP ... and more.

Flexible Spending Account Update

Live Virtual Webinar with Nurse Amy on COVID-19 Prevention Worried about “the right mask” or how to navigate through certain activities of daily life? This presenta-tion breaks things down in easy-to-understand terms and practices. Sign up for a half hour virtual session with Amy Hertog, UnitedHealthcare Nurse Liaison, on Strategies for COVID-19 Prevention on July 21 and 22.

Amy will share clinical and practical information about COVID-19 face coverings, hygiene, environmental disinfection practices, social distanc-ing, smart strategies for public places, testing, and more.

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TributesGloria Gere, 58, passed away May 5.

From her coworkers: We are deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of our friend and team mate, Gloria Gere. She was a hardworking Ranger, dedicated to our park system and our patrons. Gloria just recently celebrated her 20 year service anniversary with PCR. She was a fun loving and generous person, always willing to lend a hand to friends or strangers. Gloria always had a smile and will be missed by all. May she rest in peace.

Sue Myers, 56, passed away May 6 after a long battle with breast cancer.

From her coworkers: Sue was an Environmental Specialist 2 within the Environmental Management Division, and her County career spanned over 29 years. Sue was a patient and experi-enced water quality scientist and natural mentor who trained many staff, interns, and volunteers. Sue was the County’s lead phytoplankton biologist and was recognized for her hard work at the

microscope during the 2018 Red Tide emergency monitoring and daily reporting efforts.

Sue will be remembered for her quiet but funny personality and a generous and loving spirit. She was an avid camper and loved the out-doors. She also enjoyed playing a variety of musical instruments and singing duets with her children. She is survived by her three adult children, Jaimie, Dakota, and Shannon. Her coworkers miss her greatly.

Christine Sickles, 66, passed away June 23. With the County since 2001, she was a Finance Operations Specialist with Clerk’s Accounting.

From her coworkers: She will be missed by our department, and was with us for a long time. Unfortunately she leaves behind her two sons as well.

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Spotlight on

Montez BrownMeter Reader 3, Utilities

If you ever want an example of how perseverance, self-moti-vation, and being a team player can help you advance in your career and life, take a minute to read about Montez Brown.

He won a spotlight award from Utilities for his contributions to Field Services and Utilities as a whole.

“He requested to help out with our Water Conservation pro-cesses along with his regular duties at the time as a Meter Reader 2, which resulted in him interacting with and helping to educate over 500 customers about water conservation,” said Marizol Garcia, Program Coordinator at Field Services and Montez’ boss. “He was training new hires, helping employees increase their productivity and performance, and working with supervisors on process improvements.”

His former supervisor, Felix Montalvo, told us about Montez’ habits: “He shared the knowledge he gained with his co-work-ers to help them get better at what they did. He was constantly assisting his co-workers, finishing reading their routes, and he also assisted with reconnecting customer’s water. He was and is a team player for our section.”

What made you want to work for Pinellas County?

I had been working at my previous job for 10 years and I just didn’t see any advancement opportunities. My father works for the County and he had been telling me I should try to get in with the County because of job security, benefits, and better pay. I really didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do so I looked at the openings available and meter reading interested me, so I applied.

You started in 2016 as a Meter Reader 1 and now you are a Meter Reader 3 which is supervisory. Why do you think you have advanced so steadily at Pinellas County?

I think I’ve advanced because of my will to continue to learn every day and try to help our section be more efficient. I give my all daily and I don’t shy away from challenges.

I had never even thought about being a supervisor; it never crossed my mind! I’m learning new things every day and it’s challenging at times, but I have a good support system here at Field Services.

How has Pinellas County helped you?

The County has helped me see the bigger picture in life itself. I’m more than just an employee, I have a voice. And when you become a student of what you do, your voice will be heard. It’s more than just clocking in and out of a job. Your job is what you make it. If you come in and think negative then you’re planning on having a negative day.

The County has also helped me realize the importance of retirement savings, because prior to coming to the County I was living for the moment and only had my personal savings.

What’s your favorite part of your job? What gives you joy?

My favorite part of my job is proving to myself I can do the job! It’s way more difficult than I ever expected but it’s working out fine and every day I get a little more comfortable. It gives me joy to watch my visions for Field Services flourish, and for our staff to compli-ment me on the good job I’ve done so far. It feels good to know the staff is happy.

Where do you want to be in five years?

This is a hard question for me because I didn’t even expect getting this far so soon. I want to survive management and prove to myself I can be in management long term. Manage-ment is not for everybody. I want to prove it’s for me and it’s destiny.

When you become a student of what you do, your voice will be heard.

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Where have you worked before?

I’ve been in Human Resources for about 27 years. For the past several years, I worked for an electric utility handling all areas of Human Resources.

What motivated you to seek this position?

I have always been community and civic minded and have long thought about working within government while still doing what I do best! When this posi-tion was posted, it really felt like it was tailor-made for me. I have found the HR team to be one of the most talented group of professionals I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

Your thoughts on the pandemic and benefits?

This pandemic has moved us all into a whole new way of look-ing at things and doing things. While it has caused a lot of stress for all of us—and in some cases, heartbreaking loss—it has also shown us just how strong we can be. I am very encour-aged that we are all working together to take care of our employees, their families, and retirees as best we can. I think we can take a lot of great les-sons learned from this into the future with us.

What are some upcoming trends that you see in your field?

Lifecycle benefits – benefits that provide options across the entire spectrum of the employee experience, from just starting out in a career, to having families, retirement, and taking care of our parents and older relatives.

Benefits and wellness mean so much more than they used to – it’s not just about health insurance, but about financial decisions, educational opportunities, and behavioral health, to name a few.

What are your priorities for the next year or so?

We are working on automating where possible while looking for alternatives for what needs im-provement. The Benefits team is a hard-working and busy group who respond to questions not only from employees but from retirees and family members. Every member of the Benefits team really cares about providing great customer service.

We’re proud of the recent Benefits Satisfaction Survey, which shows improved satisfaction ratings in many key areas. We’re looking for-ward to using information from the survey—as well as from other re-sources and best practices—to make sure we are offering benefits that our employees need and value.

What do you wish people understood – and they don’t?

Benefits are very complex. We have to look at it from every angle. We have to comply with laws and regulations, making sure that ac-tions we take don’t inadvertently cause issues. Our contracts are typically 5 years long, and the process to start a new contract can take from 12 to 18 months, due to requests for proposals, evaluating bids, negotiations, discussions and approvals.

Technology can be tricky when it comes to customizations needed (if they are even possible) to make systems work the way we need them to.

We can’t always act or respond quickly. When a customer has an urgent need, we know it is frus-trating that we sometimes cannot

act as quickly as needed or that something may prohibit us from responding in the way that they would like us to respond.

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from originally? What do you do for fun? Have any hobbies?

I was born in South Carolina but have been here since I was 5 so I consider myself a Floridian. I earned my BS in Business Management from USF, and I’m certified a Senior Human Resources Professional.

I love to travel. My daughter and I are huge Disney fans, and before the pandemic we averaged at least one trip a month to one of the four Disney parks. But the good news is that I’m an avid reader so even if I’m stuck at home, my brain goes on lots of adventures.

I’m the president of a local grey-hound rescue group and have been involved in that effort for 20 years. I have three dogs, all 11 years old.

Thank you for the opportunity to share, and if there is something I can do to assist, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Email me at kfaircloth@pinellascounty.org or call 464-3316.

Meet Kelly Faircloth, Pinellas County’s Benefits OfficerKelly started her work with the County in December of 2019.

I think we can take a lot of great lessons learned from this [pandemic] into the future with us.

Kelly and Gemma.

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2020 Benefits Satisfaction Survey Results

On May 14 this year, the survey was sent to 3,147 permanent classified and exempt employees.

Who responded?In 2018, 854 employees responded whereas this year 1,227 employees (39%) responded.

The percentage of respondents from each age group mirrored the percentage in the population. The percentage of classified and exempt also mirrored that of the employee population.

More women answered (59%) than men (41%).

What were the ratings?You told us the most important benefits were:

1. Time Off Programs (99%)2. Health Plan (97%)3. Dental Plan (93%)4. Vision Plan (89%)5. Life Insurance (87%)6. Prescription Drug Plan (87%)7. Deferred Compensation (81%)

You told us you were most satisfied with:

1. Life Insurance (87%)2. Deferred Compensation (86%)3. Annual Leave Exchange (86%)4. Time Off Programs (85%)5. Health Plan (80%)6. Prescription Drug Program (77%)7. EAP Program (77%)

How did the ratings differ from 2018?Items which significantly increased in importance from 2018 were:

The Annual Leave Exchange Program – increased 12% from 46% to 58% (44% reporting they don’t use it)

The EAP Program – increased 7% from 58% to 65% The Wellness Program – increased 6% from 61% to

67% Deferred Compensation – increased 5% from 76% to

81% (25% reporting they don’t use it)

Satisfaction rates improved from the 2018 survey. Notably:

Annual Leave Exchange Program – increased 11% from 38% to 49%

Dental Plan – increased 7% from 56% to 63% Prescription Drug Plan – increased 7% from 61% to

68% Vision Plan – increased 6% from 60% to 66% Health Plan – increased 5% from 72% to 77%

Participant CommentsA scan of the comments revealed that overall, employees appreciate the benefits they receive. There are several topics which recur, some of which HR has addressed in education campaigns:

A desire for lower deductibles and co-pays (i.e. for emergency room visits) for plan enrollees who cover themselves and one other dependent, or a higher level of coverage

Expressed need for increases in coverage for dental and vision

Would like voluntary benefits such as supplemental disability or accident insurance

Expressed dissatisfaction with The Standard’s admin-istration of the FMLA program

Would like the freedom to go to any pharmacy Would like wellness incentives revamped Expressed need for more education, such as live

chats or in-person dialogue, on less understood benefits such as deferred compensation

What Benefits Staff is Working On Voluntary benefits are on the table for discussion.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) administra-tion and the Short-Term Disability (STD) program will be transitioning away from The Standard to United-Healthcare (UHC) beginning in 2021.

Benefits staff is currently working with UHC on revamping biometric screening to make the process easier and more user-friendly.

We have been working on benefits education includ-ing onsite posters, the website, emails, home mailers and newsletter communications. When safe, we will include more face-to-face interaction including in-person and virtual events such as webinars.

Please keep checking the Employee Benefits web page. We will continue to provide you with important benefits information.

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Tell Your Family and Friends About this Volunteer Opportunity at the COVID-19 Testing Site at Mahaffey Theater

Volunteers from the community are welcome to join the effort to help people get free testing at Duke Energy for the Arts Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. The drive-through testing site is open to anyone who would like to be tested, with a limit of 4 per car, Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Department of Health is conducting the testing.

Assistance is needed to help support activities, including registration and traffic control. Shifts of 3- and 4-hours are available from 11 a.m. (10:30 a.m. check-in) to 7 p.m. Of greatest need is the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift.

Volunteers helping with registration will be in the shade and will be provided with a parking pass, map, face mask and water.

To volunteer, contact Pinellas County Emergency Management at (727) 464-3815 or email maryburrell@pinellascounty.org.

Share with Friends and Family: Become an Election WorkerShare with friends and family this opportunity to earn money while helping your community. Become an Election Worker with Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. Ap-ply today at www.votepinellas.com/Election-Worker.

Election work can take many forms:

Poll Workers – Each poll worker is assigned to work at a specific polling location on Election Day. Poll work-ers must be available to set up their sites before the polls open and must remain at the polling place until after the polls close.

Early Voting Workers – Before all state and federal elections, the Supervisor of Elections staffs 3 to 5 early voting sites for voters who wish to cast their ballots prior to Election Day. Early voting can begin from 10 to 15 days before the election and last from 8 to 14 days. Early voting hours range from 8 to 12 hours a day.

Other Election Work – The Elections Office relies on temporary election workers to

help answer phones in a CallCenter environment

open mail ballots sort and count ballots for the

post-election audit process petitions for future bal-

lot contests and initiatives perform other clerical tasks in

support of upcoming elections.

Learn more about becoming an Elec-tion Worker.

The Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections is taking all necessary pre-cautions including social distancing and additional cleaning protocols to ensure the safety of the election workers and voters.

Sarah Vandergriff, Tax Technician 2, North County

“My mom and I talk on the way to work every morning and she would always say “Smile cause you never know whose looking.” Ever since the virus started and I’ve been wearing masks she says I have to keep smiling, even if no one can see it. So I send her a “maskie” in the morning before going into work. Here is the most recent one from today. I wear a mask to protect every-one. Shout out to my coworker Melissa H. for making the mask in this picture.”

Khyre Edwards, Case Manager, Human Services

“I wear a mask to protect others and myself during these hectic times.”

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The Employees’ Advisory Council (EAC) was formed for a way to allow the classified employees of Pinellas County to have their voices heard.

Personally, I became a delegate almost three years ago at about the time I started with the County, and about a year and half later became the representative for the Property Appraiser’s Office. I began working at the ripe age of 22, right when I graduated college.

There is a youth movement within the County that is encouraging new ideas, and other young classified employees should come out and get involved.

As a representative for the Property Appraiser’s Office, I like to encourage fellow employees who reach out to me to attend a Delegates meeting and have their concerns heard in person. When this is not possible, I voice their concern for them at the various delegate and representative meetings throughout the year.

Now, the EAC is socially distancing when meeting and other members are using teleconference to engage in the meeting while still staying in the safety of their home. These times are extremely tough on everybody, but much of the County is meet-ing goals on time. Everyone in the County has their own jobs to complete and many of us are in “essential” positions. Keep up the great work!

Christian SteiermannProperty Appraiser’s Office EAC Representative

Bonnie Desmond Awarded Honorary State FFA DegreeThe Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGA) awarded Bonnie Des-mond (Park Ranger, PCR) an honorary FFA degree (Future Farmers of America).

According to an article in the FNGLA newsletter, Desmond

“inspires her peers to assure Florida’s nursery and landscape industry has the ‘new blood’ needed to flourish well into the future.”

The State FFA Degree is the high-est honorary award presented by the Florida FFA Organization. It recognizes those individuals who greatly contribute to the advancement of agriculture education and provide outstand-ing service to the FFA program.

Bonnie Desmond, Greg Charles and Deb Laramee

Tax Collector Recognized for Performance ExcellenceExcerpted from press release

Pinellas County Tax Collector Charles W. Thomas is pleased to announce his office is the proud recipient of the 2020 Governor’s Sterling Award for performance excellence in operations, manage-ment, and strategic planning. The Tax Collector is the first Tax Collector in Florida to be recognized three times as a Sterling role-model orga-nization, including being a recipient of the Governor’s Sterling Award in 2013 and the Governor’s Sterling Sustained Excellence Award in 2016.

The prestigious award is presented annually to organizations and busi-nesses that meet or exceed the Sterling Criteria for Performance Excellence – a framework that helps these entities run better, smarter, and more efficiently.

“We are an organization that focuses on continual improvement and service excellence. Our goal is to provide Pinellas County residents with efficient and accurate service. This achievement confirms we are on the right track and are commit-ted to being the best we can be,” said Thomas. “I am extremely proud of and thankful for my team and all of their hard work throughout our Sterling journey. It is an honor to be recognized for our efforts.”

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Forward Pinellas Launches “Safe Streets” Online CampaignInteractive Map Gives Pinellas Residents a Way to Make Streets Safer

From a June 15 press release

How can we make our streets safer? Where do you see prob-lems? Forward Pinellas wants to know what you think during our Virtual Safe Streets Campaign.

“Safe Streets Pinellas” is our Vision Zero initiative to work toward our ultimate goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our streets. Pi-nellas County residents can view a Story Map* to see where people have been killed or severely in-jured and then tell us what prob-lems they are seeing by dropping pins, placing pictures, and draw-ing on our interactive map.

“Over 4,000 collisions in the past 5 years resulted in death or serious injury. We all know of ‘near miss-es’ or places we avoid because we feel they are unsafe, and people who have experienced crashes and not reported them. So, we know that the data can only tell us so much. We need help from our residents to ensure we’re seeing the full picture,” says Sarah Caper, Principal Planner at Forward Pinellas.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Watch the Video to see how you can get involved: bit.ly/SafeStreets-Video

Explore the Story Map: bit.ly/Saf-eStreetsStory

Comment on the Interactive Safe Streets Map: bit.ly/SafeStreetsMap

Check out the website: Forwardpinellas.org/safestreets

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram for information on how to enter contests & giveaways

We recognize that people are traveling differently right now. We welcome your thoughts both on what places or patterns you saw before COVID-19 and what you are seeing now.

Over the next 8 weeks, residents can earn prizes with fun trivia questions, art contests, online pledges, and

* Links best viewed in Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

more. There will be many oppor-tunities for you to tell us why #Saf-eStreets matter to you and where you’re seeing transportation issues. Your feedback will directly help develop and implement an Action Plan to identify areas of concern and provide tools to help make our com-munity safer while traveling.

For more information and to stay up to date, click here: ForwardPinellas.org/safestreets

Forward Pinellas Super Hero Admin Team (Maria Kelly and Tina Jablon) battling the spread of coronavirus … while other team members work from home.

No-Cost Financial CounselingGet two free calls with a licensed financial

planner to discuss retirement, debt, budgeting, investment, etc. with the

Employee Assistance Program. Visit www.pinellascounty.org/hr/EAP.

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ULearnIT Here FirstContributed by: Human Resources Organizational & Talent Development (OTD)

Do You Have Authentic Relationships?

Additional Resources(Copy ID into search field after logging in to ULearnIT).

Developing a Growth Mind–set

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Developing Emotional Intelligence

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Difficult People: Why They Act That Way and How to Deal with Them

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These days, it seems the word “social” means jumping in front of a smartphone or computer to engage in social media. Research finds that living in isolation has profound effects on the human body and brain. Loneliness can be damaging to both our mental and physical heath. This in turn can lead to difficulties with decision-making, memory, and recall. People who are lonely are also more suscep-tible to illness.

July is Social Wellness MonthThis is a great time to connect with other people or, with the limitations of COVID-19, con-sider getting to know yourself better. Why not focus on your

own needs? Do you need to be more assertive? What about building your emotional intelligence? Need to develop your conflict manage-ment skills? After all, getting into an escalated argument is not a pillar of social wellness. Avoiding conflict and bottling it up can lead to serious health consequences, and that part of resolving conflict is being account-able for your own actions.

What Can you Do?You can build your relationships with your colleagues by picking up the phone and making a call, vir-tual calls count, instead of writing an email. Your kind words may just be what they need to improve their social wellness. It will most certainly improve yours!

Or why not access our online learning portal, ULearnIT to find videos, courses, and book summaries on the topic of your choice? We listed a few to get you started on your learn-ing journey.

Pinellas County’s Jazmin Soloman Spotlighted by University of New England

Jazmin Soloman (EMS CME Coordina-tor, Fire Administration) was recently spotlighted as an MPS (Master of Public Health) student who is on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses how the coronavirus has changed her work atmosphere and more.

Read more about her point of view.

Lisa Brandes, Section Manager Human Services

“I wear a mask to protect my family members from getting sick, as they are all immuno-compromised.”

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GRADUATION STATION

CONGRATULATIONS!

Kedaisha Rush, niece of Kalotta Peterson (Tax Collector’s Office) graduated high school from St. Petersburg High.

Mentor Workshop WebinarsChange a Child’s LifeDuring these times of uncertainty our students need you now more than ever. Sign up today to attend a work-shop webinar in the convenience of your office or home beginning in August. It’s easy to be a mentor, be present, listen, encourage, be a friend and have fun! You can be the difference in a child's life.

Go to LunchPals.org to learn more.

Register for a workshop: Mentor Work-shop Webinars.

Here’s what one employee had to say about a similar program:

“I enjoy it. I followed my middle schooler into high school. Great girl. I usually bring her lunch and we talk over lunch. I’ll keep doing it until she graduates without a second thought. She just got her first job so now I can go ‘bother her’ at Dunkin!”

Shea Dunifon, South Cross Bayou

The Savvy LearnerWhat do learning and

development professionals do?

Find, select and organize information and tailor it to

your learning needs. Most of the time the right stuff is out there already. It just needs to

be discovered.

Environmental Specialist Martha Gruber and Urban Forester Carolyn Cheatham rocking their masks on a stormwater project final walk-through in the Largo area

“When we can’t social distance during field work outdoors, we always wear our masks!”

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SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

Unavailable for Photo15 YEARS James Battyanyi .........................................Tax Collector’s OfficeMarjorie Brown ............Building & Development Review SvcsDawn Ferreira ............................................Tax Collector’s OfficeDean Galate ................................................................ Solid Waste Andrea Jordan ............................. Safety & Emergency ServicesAmy Leask ......................................... Property Appraiser OfficeAlbert McCloud ............Building & Development Review SvcsRaymond O’Brien ......................................Tax Collector’s Office

10 YEARSNancy Beers ........................................Clerk of the Circuit CourtMarlone Bradham ............................................................ Utilities Jennifer Gundel ...................................Clerk of the Circuit CourtMilagros Soto .......................................Clerk of the Circuit Court 5 YEARSLaura Banks ................................................Tax Collector’s OfficeFrankie Blasewitz ......................................Tax Collector’s OfficeKristin Coryn ...............................Convention & Visitors BureauDarcy Eckert ........................................Clerk of the Circuit CourtAra Faison .......................................................................... Utilities Hui Li ........................................... Business Technology ServicesTerrael Mason ..........................................................Public Works Paul Miselis ...............................................................Public Works William Moore .........................................................Public Works Bina Nayak ........................................................................ Utilities Ewa Sadowska .....................................Clerk of the Circuit CourtMarvin Walton .........................................................Public Works Norma Williamson .............................Clerk of the Circuit Court

Service Anniversaries continued next page.

35 YEARS 30 YEARS

25 YearsHarold Kiehl, Parks & Conservation ResourcesLawrence Larry, Tax Collector’s OfficeVincent Saporito, Business Technology Services

20 YearsAudra Buckley, Clerk of the Circuit CourtWilliam Gehan, Administrative ServicesGlenn Schmidt, Public WorksLJ Wood, Public Works

25 YEARS

Teresa Del Rio Clerk of the Circuit Court

Valerie Andreichuk Utilities

30 YEARS 20 YEARS

Gina Hostetler Ambulance Billing & Finance Services

Terry Jewell Clerk of the Circuit Court

Thomas Reed Parks &

Conservation Resources

Gregory Smith Public Works

Bruce Brandemihl Public Works

Michael Cheer Property Appraiser’s

Office

John Way Administrative Services/

Detention Section

Dede Haggerty, EDFP, Sr. Business Development Specialist, Economic Development

“Fun with masks! If we have to wear them, why not make it fun? Just a few of my masks that I wear to go with my moods. While currently we only have 3 of us reporting to the office at The EpiCenter, I do make sure to wear them on our MS Teams calls to entertain the rest of the staff.”

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RETIREMENTS

36 Years Steve Segrete, Fleet Acquisition Specialist, Fleet Management

Over 31 Years Michelle Milford, Section Manager 2, Utilities/Water Quality Division

Over 22 Years Lenwood Sapp, Sr., Craftworker 1, Real Estate Management/Detention CenterSusan Raditch, PAO Appraiser 3, Property Appraiser’s Office

20 Years Mark Wilson, Electrician 2, Real Estatement Management/North County

Over 15 Years Larry Elliott, Departmental Training Specialist, Clerk of the Circuit Court/Criminal Customer Service

Retirees Unavailable for Photo

REPCO NewsIn recognition of current local government guidelines / directives for social distancing, masking and no group gatherings, REPCO meetings are cancelled until the guidelines / directives are relaxed to allow group meetings. For questions, contact Rudy Garcia at (813) 855-3466 or rdgarcia@verizon.net.

35 YEARS

Gary Touchton Utilities Maintenance Worker

Utilities

OVER 30 YEARS OVER 22 YEARS

Samuel BentonMaintenance Crew Leader

Public Works/Roadway Maintenance

Raymond LettsEngineering Specialist 2

Utilities

OVER 21 YEARS

Nancy WilkinsonRecords Specialist 2

Clerk of the Circuit Court/ Civil Court Records

OVER 11 YEARS

Richard CarvaleTax Technician 3

Tax Collector’s Office

3 YEARSHeather Abel ..............................................Tax Collector’s OfficeChristopher Bolin ....................................................Public Works Emily Brown ....................................Property Appraiser’s OfficeJacob Duncan .................................................................... AirportKathryn Fernandez .................................................Public Works Ian Finn .................................................. Administrative ServicesKeith Greer ...............................................................Public Works Patricia Heiss ..................................................................... Utilities Anna Klement .....................................Clerk of the Circuit CourtDennis Lane .............................................................Public Works Matthew Larsen ..............................Property Appraiser’s OfficeJeffery Lorick .........................................Office of Human Rights Evelyn Medina ....................................................Animal ServicesMichael Newton ......................................................Public Works Gabriela “Elle” Piloseno ................................... Human ServicesJordan Sinick .......................................................Animal ServicesErin Stambaugh .........................................Tax Collector’s OfficeJulie Stevenson ...................... Parks & Conservation Resources Melodie Winkler .............................Property Appraiser’s OfficeJames Zampieri..................................... Administrative Services

Service Anniversaries, continued

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PromotionsPromotions listed are for June 2020.

Human Resources

AirportAngela Dunkel ....................................................Mech Insp 2

Building & Development Review ServicesJeff Reed ..............................................................Mech Insp 2Cameron Vasser ....................................................Bldg Insp 2

Housing & Community DevelopmentRebecca Wayne .....................................Comm Devel Spec 2

Safety & Emergency ServicesVictoria Ballard ...................... 911 Pub Safety Telecomm 1Cody Crenshaw ...................... 911 Pub Safety Telecomm 2Matthew James ...................... 911 Pub Safety Telecomm 1Blanca Neal ............................ 911 Pub Safety Telecomm 1

Office of Technology & InnovationJoshua Chance ...........................................Prog Mgr BTS OTI

Parks & Conservation ResourcesChristine Dorrier .......................................Proj Mgmt Spec 1Robyn Humphries ..................................Admin Supt Spec 1Amanda Smith ..........................................Proj Mgmt Spec 1

Public WorksKeith Bednark .........................................................Trne UF ARobert Burnes, Jr. .......................................Envir Prog Mgr 1Justin Carboni .................................................................AEO 2Doug Chase ....................................................................AEO 2Emma Dontis ......................................................Envir Spec 2Mark Flock ...................................................Envir Prog Mgr 1Joseph Hemberger IV ........................................... Craftwkr 1Robert Jones III ....................................................... Opns MgrDrew McKinlay ............................................ Surv & Map AsstAnamarie Rivera ......................................... Enrir Prog Mgr 1

Solid WasteMichael Merrell ....................................................... Fac Mgr 2

UtilitiesErick Clayton ........................................................ Meter Rdr 2Kenneth Hayes .................................................... Meter Rdr 1Justin Manning ................................................Prog/Analyst 2

Ralph Reid IV ........................................................HR Consult

Elizabeth Bemis .....................................................Tax Tech 3

Jill Cicero .......................................................... Rec Spec SupvMarguerite Greene .........................................Fin Opns SupvEvgenia Masinovsky ....................................... Fin Opns SpecCandice Roth-Grigsby ............................................. Fin Acct 1

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Tax Collector’s Office

Board of County Commissioners

Daisy Rodriguez and Linda Boger, Human Services

“Keeping clean!”

Jeffrey Gellerman and another employee at Extension Services.

Milton Cruz Engineering Tech 2 Utilities

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Welcome Aboard!New employees listed are for June 2020.

Jacob Stephen ..........................................Appl Analyst

Clerk of the Circuit CourtStephanie Lovel ............................................Fin Acct 1Melissa Aull....................................................Fin Acct 1Justin Hansen ................................................Fin Acct 1

Business Technology ServicesJerry Freeman .......................................Solutions Arch

Animal ServicesBianca Dempsey .................... Admin Supt Spec 1

Building ServicesMichael Austin .......................................Engineer 2

Development Review ServicesLori Patrick ............................................. Ofc Spec 2

Human Services/Justice CoordinationJason Steckle .................................. Cons Prot Inv 1

Office of Technology & InnovationKevin Karr ..................................... Mgmt Analyst Sr

Parks & Conservation ResourcesEmilly Baechle ..............................Proj Coord-TechDru Butler ................................................. LifeguardMaria Saldumbide ................................. Ofc Spec 1

Public WorksMary Jo Elliott ....................................Mgmt AnalystLatroun Landers ............................................ AEO 1Alyssa Medland ...................................... Ofc Spec 1Kaitlin Panzner ................................... Envir Spec 2

Supervisor of Elections

Risk ManagementAmanda Bradlaw.......................Risk Mgmt Spec 1

Solid WasteLuis Cruz...................................Scalhhs Svcs Spec 1Maxwell Lense ........................Scalhhs Svcs Spec 1

UtilitiesRobert Armstrong.............................Constr AdminSandra Davis .................................Proj Coord TechIan Murray ................................................Trne UF AYoshio Renteria ........................................Trne UF AJavier Zuniga Trejo ..................................Trne UF A

Board of County Commissioners

Consumer Corner The Utility ScamFrom Pinellas County Consumer Protection

Due to COVID-19, many are still out of work and wondering how to keep their lights and water from being disconnected. Scammers use this opportunity to perpetrate what’s being called the “Utility Scam.” How it works is a consumer receives a call claim-ing to be from their local electric or utility company about a past due bill. They then threaten to shut off service if payment is not made immediately. Such a call is not only scary, but believable to someone who is behind on bills. The mere thought of being without air conditioning during these hot summer days would cause anyone to panic. Here are a few tips to help you avoid falling victim to the scam.

Contact the power or utility company: A utility will never initiate a disconnection without contacting you via the mail first. If you receive a call from someone threat-ening to turn off your power or utilities, hang up and contact your company directly. Their phone number and website are listed on your bill.

Discuss your options with the company: During the pandemic many companies have suspended disconnection of services for a specified period; this is called a moratorium. If no moratorium is in place, then discuss setting up a payment plan.

Do not give out personal information: No matter how believable the call, never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited request, whether over the phone or the internet.

Financial Assistance: If you’ve been impacted by COVID-19 and are having trouble paying past due bills, contact 211 Tampa Bay Cares for available resources, by dialing 211 or visit www.211tampabay.org.

For more information on scams, to check out a company or to file a complaint, contact Pinellas County Consumer Protection directly at (727) 464-6200 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/consumer/tips.htm.

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THE RECORD KEEPERNew Information Management System Project The Records Management team is excited to share the news that a contract has been signed for an information man-agement system which will replace both our Oracle-based box management system and Trakman. The project kickoff meeting was held on June 16, 2020.

We do not have an implementation date yet, but will be providing updates as the project progresses.

Stay tuned for additional news and updates!

“Kaylee and I wear our masks for each other. We both have health issues that make it easier for us to contract the COVID-19 virus, so we don’t take chances. This photo shows off our favorite masks. Kaylee’s with her dragon showcas-ing her bravery and resilience and my Cheshire cat smile because it is fun to watch the looks I receive and the smiles I see in onlookers’ eyes.

“Kaylee’s story is a little more inter-esting than mine as she is proof that disabilities don’t prevent someone from wearing a mask. Yet she is the one to remember to get her mask before going out anywhere. She has a lot of masks to choose from of many different fabrics, shapes and designs. She wears her masks for everything from a simple trip to the phar-macy to a full day at the zoo. She understands that wearing her mask not only helps keep her a little safer but helps keep others who are around her safe as well.”

Heather Smith and daughter Kaylee

Chris Labiak, Manager of the BTS Operations Center

“Ensuring our customers’ needs are being met while staying safe!”

Joshua Goodrick BTS Operations replacing laptop motherboard

Caitlyn Kovach, PCR Park Ranger

Chris White, Human Resources

Tammy Allen and Sheila Schneider, Air Quality

“We are wearing masks for each other and everyone around us!”

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Constance Pospeshil, Public Works, Stormwater

Randy Vandermolen, BTS

Bob Kacinko, Keller Water Treatment, Utilities

“Disney is selling a variety of character masks. Of course I had to get Goofy…”

Emily Baechle, Project Coordinator, PCR

Kristen O’Bryant, Park Ranger, Fort De Soto Park

Jane Grannis, Wellness Manager, Human Resources

“I wear it for my friend Camie, who is battling cancer for the second time.”

Jimmy Jones, Sr. Project Manager for the Tax Collector’s office

Bonnie Desmond, Park Ranger

“Bright and cheery while follow-ing guidelines in office. Face covering and eye protection when in close quarters with others. Plants to help keep clean air inside.”

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The OTI Business Support team in a Teams meeting.

Tammy Allen, Public Works, Environmental Management, Air Quality

“I wear my mask because every-one I meet could be my hus-band, my mother, my sister or my children. This is something I can control. I would never want to know I left a family without a loved one because I chose not to wear a mask.”

Robyn Humphries Admin Support Specialist 1, PCR

Ron Moretuzzo, South Cross Bayou Maintenance Supervisor

Julie Stevenson, Human Services

“I wear a mask to be safe, protect my friends, family and community.”

“Kids can help slow the spread, too.”

Aubrey, daughter of Jackie Civello, Justice Program Analyst

Top row: Michaela Minning, Brian Brenhoch, Sarimar Garcia-Colon. Middle row: Joshua Chance, Kevin Karr, Malia Kucera. Bottom row: Becky Batten, Michael Purser, Kelli Hamilton

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Employee and family news including kudos, weddings, births, graduations, memorials, and classified ads. Send your news to employee.communications@pinellascounty.org or call 464-3367.

,

Gone but notForgottenThe Pen is saddened to report the passing

of the following retirees:

Robert “Robin” Davis, 74, of St. Petersburg, passed away June 18. He retired in 2015 from Public Works Transportation and Stormwa-ter Traffic Division as an engi-neer after 27 years of service. View his obituary (best in Chrome).

Lettie Cseh, 96, of Dunedin, passed away June 20. She retired from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in 1986. View her obituary.

Donna Louison, 74, of St. Petersburg, passed away June 11. She retired from the Highway Department, Bridges and Concrete, in 2010 after 21 years of service. No obituary was located.

Sandra Miller, 78, of Somers, Connecticut, passed away June 9. She retired from Solid Waste after 15 years of ser-vice in 2004. No obituary was located.

Daniel Rogers, 73, of Bran-don, passed away June 9. He retired from the Tax Collec-tor’s Office after 20 years of service. View his obituary.

Thomas Vivinetto, 78, of St. Petersburg, passed away June 14. He retired in 2004 from the Parks Department where he worked in War Veterans and Fort De Soto parks. View his obituary.