George Recktenwald takes top administrative position

In a unanimous vote on March 5, the Volusia County Council approved the promotion of George Recktenwald to county manager. The 22-year veteran of Volusia County Government received a standing ovation with cheers from staff holding congratulatory signs.

Recktenwald began his career with Volusia County in 1997 as the services

supervisor in the Road and Bridge Division, becoming the division director in 2003. After effectively managing 150 team members and myriad construction projects comprising a $15 million annual budget, he was promoted to director of Public Works in 2006.

In 2012, he was named director of the Public Protection Department, where his leadership would serve 900 team members and a $100 million budget. Overseeing eight divisions, he guided many operational improvements and performance measures.

He was advanced to deputy county manager in 2016 with responsibility for the departments of Public Works, Public Protection, Growth and Resource Management, and Aviation and Economic Resources, comprising nearly 1,600 team members and 19 divisions.

In June 2018, he was appointed interim county manager after the departure of former County Manager Jim Dinneen.

Recktenwald holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the State University of New York at Binghamton and an associate degree in electrical engineering technology from the State University of New York at Alfred. He’s a member of several professional public works associations and has received numerous awards throughout his career, including Florida Engineer of the Year and Public Works Director of the Year.

Upon accepting the county manager role, Recktenwald applauded the county staff stating: “The staff we have here is second to none. To be able to play quarterback to such a

great team is what made me want to accept this position.”

Speaking to the County Council, he said: “I thank you for your trust. We have a lot of work to do, and I will not let you down.”

STAFF APPRECIATION – Employees hold up signs congratulating George Recktenwald.

Recktenwald’s accomplishments

Before assuming his new position, Recktenwald proved himself as a strong leader and visionary. His many accomplishments include:

Completing an award-winning Public Works department-wide efficiency study and plan, which resulted in ongoing savings of over $1 million per year. Overseeing the construction of the $81 million Ocean Center expansion. Reorganizing an updated Beach Safety and Ocean Rescue Division with a greater emphasis on safety. Installing Telestaff scheduling software in the largest divisions to better monitor and control personnel costs. Assuming responsibility for county operations in multiple FEMA events since 1996, including the $40 million debris cleanup following the hurricanes of 2004.

Read about the proposed half-cent sales tax on page 2

Half-cent sales tax would provide funding for roads and water

The Volusia County Council, at the request of the county’s 16 cities, passed Ordinance 2019-4 authorizing a referendum to be held in May for a half-cent infrastruc-ture sales tax. If approved by voters, the half-cent sales tax would generate an estimated $42 million per year for the county and cities to use for transportation and water quality projects.

Passage of the referendum would increase Volusia County’s sales tax from 6.5% to 7%. This half-cent increase would add an extra 2 cents to the cost of a $4 cup of coffee, or 25 cents to a $50 dinner. The tax would apply up to the first $5,000 of any purchase, resulting in a maximum additional cost of $25 for any large purchase, such as a vehicle. Items exempt from the tax include medical items, prescription drugs, most groceries and fuel.

Fuel is exempt because it is already subject to a local option gas tax. Historically, gas taxes have been used by the county and cities to meet transportation infra-structure needs. Over time, however, this revenue has become inadequate as vehicles have become more fuel efficient and the cost of construction continues to rise.

Because Volusia’s large tourism industry attracts more than 10 million visitors annually, it is estimated that approximately one-third of the money raised from the half-cent tax would be paid by tourists. This is a fair way for tourists to help fund the water quality and transporta-tion infrastructure they also use when visiting.

Proposed county transportation projects include expanding LPGA and Williamson boulevards in Daytona Beach, improving the intersection of State Road 44 and Wallace Road/Mission Drive in New Smyrna Beach, building a new section of Veterans Memorial Parkway from Graves Avenue to State Road 472 in Orange City, and expanding Orange Camp Road in DeLand. Water quality projects would focus on the Mosquito Lagoon, Blue Spring and Gemini Springs. Each of the

16 cities and county have identified sales tax projects. These projects can be found online at www.volusia.org/salestax.

Monies collected from the half-cent sales tax would be used only for capital projects on roads, sidewalks, bridges, water quality, stormwater and flood control.

How can you trust that the sales tax will be spent only on these infrastructure projects? There are four layers of protection: Florida law governing the infrastructure sales tax, a local enforceable ordinance, city and county elected leaders’ approval, and the formation of a local citizens oversight committee after the election.

The sales tax election will be a mail-in vote with ballots mailed to registered voters on May 1. The ballots are due back in the Elections Office by 7 p.m. May 21. A ballot box will be placed at every city and town hall from May 2 to 20. There will be no in-person or early voting.

If passed, the half-cent sales tax will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020, and be effective for 20 years.

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EAP is provided at no cost to employees

As an employee of Volusia County Government, you have access to the valuable Cigna Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to you.

EAP personal advocates will work with you and your household

family members to help you resolve issues you may be facing, connect you with the right mental health professionals, direct you to a variety of helpful resources in your community, and more.

Take advantage of a wide range of services offered at no cost to you.

10 face-to-face counseling sessions with a counselor in your area.

Legal assistance: 30-minute consultation with an attorney face-to-face or by phone.

Financial: 30-minute telephone consultation with a qualified specialist on topics such as debt counseling or planning for retirement.

Parenting: Resources and referrals for child care providers, before and after school programs, camps, adoption organizations, child development, prenatal care, and more.

Eldercare: Resources and referrals for home health agencies, assisted living facilities, social and recreational programs, and long-distance caregiving.

Pet care: Resources and referrals for pet sitting, obedience training, veterinarians and pet stores.

Identity theft: 60-minute consultation with a fraud resolution specialist.

We’re here to listen. Contact us any day, any time.

Call 877-622-4327 or log in to www.mycigna.com. Have your employer – volusia – handy.

Lisa Somers, R.N., is a Cigna employee who coordinates health programs and promotions to help employees and their dependents lead healthy lifestyles. Employees can contact her at ext. 13249 or cignaadvocate@volusia.org.

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New hearing aid benefit takes effect May 1

If you are covered under the Cigna medical plan, you and your family members will be eligible to receive hearing aid coverage up to $1,500 per ear, every three years, greatly reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Amplifon's Hearing Health Care, Cigna's national hearing health care program, can help you find a provider and schedule appointments. You also get:

60-day risk-free trial: 100% money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.

After-care program: Two years of free batteries and a three-year warranty that includes a one-time claim for loss and damage.

Learn more by calling Amplifon/Cigna at 888-442-3310 or visiting www.amplifonusa.com/cigna

If you have any questions, contact Benefits Manager David Merrill at 386-736-5951 or dmerrill@volusia.org.

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COASTAL PROMOTIONS – From left, Darryl Williams, Darius Robinson and Craig Conner have been promoted to project coordinators in the Coastal Division. “They are all excellent at what they do, provide quality customer service to the beach and coastal park patrons of Volusia County, and always go above and beyond to keep our beaches and coastal parks tidy and maintained,” said Coastal Division Director Jessica Winterwerp.

TEDDY BEAR BRIGADE – PetSmart of DeLand donated 250 stuffed animals to Volusia County Fire Rescue. Our firefighters hand them out to children at response scenes.

Retirements

February Nathan Johnson, Sheriff’s Office, 29 years Denise Rotche, Community Assistance, 33 years

March Alyce Koehler, Ocean Center, 34 years Bobby Robinson, Solid Waste, 34 years

90 years of history celebrated

The Volusia County Council unveiled two state historical markers for the Volusia County Historic Courthouse April 16, on the Indiana and New York avenue sides of the popular downtown landmark.

Speakers included retired Circuit Judge Edwin P.B. Sanders, Volusia County Chair Ed Kelley and Historic Preservation Board Member Zach Zacharias.

After the ceremony, volunteers from the Museum of Art – DeLand and the Seventh Judicial Circuit conducted tours of the courthouse with emphasis on the artwork, architecture and the original courtroom.

The county’s Historic Preservation Board and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Division obtained the markers through the Florida Historical Markers program, which was created in 1960 to increase public awareness of the state’s rich cultural heritage and to enhance the enjoyment of historic sites by residents and tourists.

Completed in 1929 for a cost of $500,000, the courthouse was described as “one of the most beautiful county administration buildings in the South.”

In 1987, the Volusia County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a part of the Downtown DeLand Historic District. Volusia County completed a lengthy restoration project in 2005, restoring the building to its former glory.

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VALOR AWARDS – The West Volusia Chamber of Commerce partnered with Halifax Health to honor first responders in Volusia County. A number of Volusia County Fire Rescue personnel received honors for their poise and courage in extraordinary circumstances. From left to right are Channel 6 Anchor Matt Austin, Lt. Steven Huber, Firefighter Cory Davis, Lt. Arleen Redmond-Skille, Firefighters John Lucas and Eric Schmalmaack, Battalion Chief Todd Bastian, Mary Jo Allen of Halifax Health Hospice, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shari Simmans, and Fire Chief Jeff Smith. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

VEHICLE DAY – County staff from Animal Services, Beach Safety, Road and Bridge, Emergency Medical Services and Votran participated in Cypress Creek Elementary School’s Vehicle Day on March 13, showcasing their occupations and accompanying vehicles. The educational event followed a month-long series of classroom lessons teaching kindergarten and first grade students about different careers, ending with Vehicle Day where students are given the opportunity to further explore vocations who deploy specialty vehicles.

Nick Castelli promoted

Nick Castelli has been promoted from battalion chief to division chief with Volusia County Fire Rescue. In his new position, he is in charge of the county’s eastside operations.

Castelli started his career in 1994 with the Punta Gorda Fire Department. In 1999, he followed his brother, Jason,

to employment with Volusia County Fire Rescue. Castelli leads the countywide hazardous materials team, which has been recognized as one of the best in the state. He also works for the Department of Homeland Security in Anniston, Alabama, as a subject matter expert.

Castelli is a recent graduate of Columbia Southern University and will complete his bachelor’s degree in administration later this year.

“I have been gifted to lead the best firefighters on difficult incidents over my 18 years as a fire officer,” he said.

Congratulations to these Volusia County Fire Rescue employees who were also honored with promotions based on their outstanding skills and performance:

Jeremy Armstrong, lieutenant

Scott Black, lieutenant

Frank Donahue, lieutenant

Daniel Pronovost, lieutenant

Michael Whisenhant, lieutentant

Steve Huber, battalion chief

Jeremey Smith, battalion chief

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COMMUNITY SERVICE – Duvall Homes CEO Steven DeVane, right, joins three clients in congratulating Rob Walsh, left.

Rob Walsh honored for community service

Rob Walsh, a 25-year veteran of Volusia County Government, received the 2018 Alanson and Thelma Duvall Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service. The honor was given by Duvall Homes, where Walsh is a former board chair and current vice chair.

Walsh has served on the Duvall Homes’ Board of Regents since 2011.

“Since then, he has fully embraced the organization’s mission and vision through words

and action,” said Duvall Homes CEO Steven DeVane. “Rob has made it his own mission to understand the individuals we support and the challenges they face each day. Not only does he care for the people we serve, he strives to make himself a better resource, advocate and educator on their behalf.”

Duvall Homes is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation that provides quality residential care and day training programs for adults with developmental disabilities.

Walsh joined the county’s staff in 1994 as manatee protection plan coordinator and worked his way up to activity project manager in the Environmental Management Division. He is responsible for the Sea Turtle Habitat Conservation Plan/Incidental Take Permit, the Volusia Forever Program and the Environmental Permitting Activity.

‘Spear phishing’ on the rise

Security awareness is very important in today's workplace as information is constantly transferred via email and other electronic formats. The county has recently received several legitimate looking instances of spear phishing emails.

Spear phishing is a variation on phishing in which hackers send emails to groups of people with common characteristics or other identifiers. The emails often contain your name or other identifying information to help lower your guard. Spear phishing emails appear to come from a trusted source but are designed to help hackers obtain information such as passwords, credit card numbers or other sensitive information.

Information Technology asks that you verify any suspicious email or text message you receive asking for information you are not expecting to give, such as phone numbers or any personal information. The sender may even look like a trusted co-worker, manager or county employee.

These requests usually ask for a reply with personal information. Since it looks like someone you know, you may be prone to reply. If there is a doubt, please do not use the supplied email address in the reply but reply only to the known address by typing it in manually. Also in the message to the known address, ask if they sent this request to you. This will verify its authenticity.

If you have questions about a suspicious email or text, please call the IT Support Desk at ext. 15222 or IT_SupportDesk@volusia.org.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT – Spear phishing is a variation on phishing in which hackers send emails to groups of people with common characteristics or other identifiers.

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“With a true volunteer’s heart, Rob has given his all.” - Steven DeVane

In the Spotlight: Alicia Dease

Hire date: Alicia Dease began her career with Volusia County as an animal control officer in March 2003.

What she likes about her job: “The best part about my job is that my day is never the same,” she said. “I can go from picking up an animal and taking it to the humane society or home, to helping make an animal’s life better by educating the owner on proper care or removing it from an unsafe situation, to protecting residents by removing aggressive animals.”

Off the clock: She’s a 4-H leader, taking youth to community events and pulling a livestock trailer full of lambs to the next show. She also enjoys fishing with her husband, Robert, and children, 17-year-old Andrea and 12-year-old Grady.

All in the family: 4-H has done wonderful things for the Dease family, and vice-versa. Grady was Florida’s 2017 Champion Junior Sheep Showman; he bred and raised a ram that was named supreme champion ram at the 2017 State Fair. Andrea, a selective mute, has taken huge strides in developing her confidence since joining 4-H and purchasing her first ewe, Patsy Lamb Cline, who quickly became her best friend and therapy animal.

Volusia County firefighter trains with flight crews

Firefighter Kristi Campbell has trained for the last three years with the John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Tampa to ensure that flight crews are prepared to survive a hard landing in the event of an aircraft emergency while transporting critically ill children.

The flight crews are given a survival pack that includes a pocket knife, iodine pills, fire starter, bug spray, emergency blanket, whistle and other essential items.

Campbell is part of a team that takes the crews to remote locations in swamp areas they frequently fly over and gives them a scenario. The crews must then find water and shelter, start a fire and signal rescuers.

The guides instruct the flight crews on ways to survive using the tools they are provided in the surrounding environment. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office also assist with the training scenarios.

LIFESAVERS – Firefighter Kristi Campbell operates an airboat with a Life Flight nurse.

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VCSO celebrates new evidence facility

GRAND OPENING – From left, Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Evidence Manager Robert Martin, April Jenkins, Lauren Mandese, Jim Whitaker, Paul DiRocco, James Kennedy and Nathan Peppel.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the opening of the new evidence facility with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 21. The new facility will provide enhanced support to the sheriff’s office, as well as other agencies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Florida Highway Patrol.

Built by Ajax Building Corp., the $12 million facility has many energy efficiencies. The building is designed to withstand severe weather and has advanced security measures. Its interior is almost twice that of the previous building, boasting 29,646 square feet plus an additional 5,100 square feet for outside vehicular storage. It includes a forensics lab, vehicle wash, vehicle fueling, and even a helipad.

Evidence management team members are delighted to move into the new facility.

"Our staff finally has a state-of-the-art facility that matches the high level of professionalism they displayed for so many years in an inadequate building,” said Sheriff Michael Chitwood. “It's nothing short of incredible, the work they did to preserve the integrity of Volusia County's evidence despite so many challenges. I'm proud of our staff and grateful to everyone who made this new facility possible.”

The previous evidence facility in West Volusia was built in the 1930s and was a jail for some 50 years. Protecting the evidence in that structure proved difficult for staff, especially during times of inclement weather.

"The new building was dedicated to the staff members who persevered through challenge after challenge in an inadequate building,” said Evidence Manager Robert Martin. “They battled the elements during hurricanes and protected important evidence from leaks and flooding."

Law enforcement’s ability to ensure justice is carried through successfully depends largely on the preservation of physical evidence. It is one thing to get evidence but it’s another to protect it so that its nature is not compromised. Important criminal cases can be disconcertingly lost if the evidence is not handled with the strong requirements necessary. Storing physical evidence can bear special challenges as some of the items may be dangerous, such as firearms, biological or chemical materials, and drugs.

Evidence management staff are responsible for this important work, and they understand that they must ensure these control measures. _____________________________________________

Share the news!

Did you recently earn a college degree, receive an award or certification, perform valuable community service, or come up with a great idea to reduce costs or improve service in your department? Is your division doing something new and exciting?

If so, please send your story to Community Information Assistant Director Kevin Captain at kcaptain@volusia.org or Marketing Specialist Pat Kuehn at pkuehn@volusia.org.

Volusia County Council

Ed Kelley, County Chair

Ben Johnson, At-large

Dr. Fred Lowry, Vice Chair, District 5

Barbara Girtman, District 1

Billie Wheeler, District 2

Deb Denys, District 3

Heather Post, District 4

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