December 7 – December 20, 2013
Publication No. 13-026
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Jonathan E. Evans, MPA, City Manager
FROM MAYOR DON MASON
Residents, Business Owners and Valued Employees:
I would like to begin by saying that I wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season,
and as you spend time with your friends and family, I ask that you cherish those special
moments, because they are far too valuable to be taken for granted. Secondly, as you travel to
your holiday destinations please be careful and exercise extreme caution as you make your way
to your desired destinations.
Lastly, to the employees, thank you for your hard work and dedication during 2013, I look
forward to a prosperous and productive 2014, and I most certainly know that each and every one
of you remain committed to this community, and I cannot thank you enough for your service.
CITY COMMISSION
A PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF JESS W. “BUDDY” BEAMON
Jess W. “Buddy” Beamon was born on October 22,
1960. His parents were Jessie Mae Beamon and Walter
Beamon Jr. of Haines City, Florida. Mrs. Jessie Mae
worked for many years at the old Heart of Florida
Hospital as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Mr. Walter
was one of the first “Motorcycle Cops" when he was
with the Haines City Police Department. Jess has an
older sister Patsy Beamon Calloway.
As a young boy, Buddy attended Alta Vista Elementary
School when it first opened. He then graduated from
Haines City High School in 1979. The year his niece
Ashley Calloway was born, she stole his heart from the
beginning.
Buddy went to Polk Community College and wanted to
go into the Medical Field. In order to pay for his
education, he decided to join the Navy. His dad Walter
and his uncle George Schwinn, who both been in the
Jess W. “Buddy” Beamon
Navy, were his inspirations. He became a Hospital
Corpsmen. His father passed away in 1974, and his mom passed away in 1982.
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 2 of 12
The following year, Buddy returned to Camp Lejeune, N.C. for training, and then deployed for
Beirut, Lebanon as a Hospitalman with the 8th Marine Regiment/1st Battalion (1/8) in May 1983
for a Peace Keeping Mission.
On October 23, 1983, at 6:22 AM this “Hometown Hero” was taken from us when an explosive
device made impact with the building where Buddy and 240 others were killed.
We gratefully acknowledge that we live in freedom today because of the many sacrifices that
were made by valiant servicemen and women like Jess “Buddy” Beamon who have placed their
lives in harm’s way, to protect American values, preserve democracy for the world, and those
who have toiled in war-related jobs on the home front.
For these reasons and more, the City Commission, on behalf of the City of Haines City, honored
Buddy, at the December 19, 2013, City Commission Meeting hereby proclaiming December 19,
2013, as JESS W. “BUDDY” BEAMON DAY in the City of Haines City, urging all residents
to support the observance of this special day as a patriotic and heartfelt remembrance of Buddy,
and all those who have served our great nation.
Family Members from the Beamon Family receive a Proclamation, and several other items, in honor of fallen soldier
Jess W. “Buddy” Beamon, at the December 20, 2013, City Commission Meeting.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, JILL LATIMER
At the December 19, 2013, City Commission Meeting, Ms.
Jill Latimer was honored as Employee of the Month for the
month of December.
Jill has been an exemplary employee since her employment
began with the City in 2000. She began working as a
seasonal lifeguard staff member, and is now a full time
recreation employee. During her tenure with Haines City,
she has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in the Recreation field.
Jill always goes the extra mile and has the best interest of
our department as well as the City in mind with all that she
does.
Jill Latimer and Vice Mayor Ronnie Cotton
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 3 of 12
During times when the Leisure Services Department has had vacant positions, Jill has always
been willing to fill in and take on extra duties until a new hire comes on board. She never
hesitates to help in whatever aspect of the job is needed at the time.
Jill has a great understanding of special events and does a phenomenal job organizing and
leading the Summer Recreation Program. From a management perspective, it is truly refreshing
to find an employee that has as much passion and drive for our industry as Jill.
She works very hard and takes great pride in every aspect of her job. She is an asset not only to
the Leisure Services Department, but to the City as well. We are lucky to have such a valuable
and hardworking employee in our Department. The Leisure Services Department is very proud to
nominate Jill Latimer as employee of the month. Congratulations Jill! You have earned it!
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
INTRODUCING OUR HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
City Manager Jonathan Evans reports that the City of Haines City would like to announce that
we have selected Ms. Kandace M. Tappen as the newest member of the City's Executive
Management Team as the Human Resources Director. Ms. Tappen brings a great wealth of
knowledge and expertise in the government sector, and she possesses a Master’s in Public
Administration from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Government
and Politics from the University of Texas. Ms. Tappen also has a Professional in Human
Resources Certification (PHR) from the Human Resources Certification Institute. We anticipate
Ms. Tappen’s start date to be in mid-February. We are very excited to have Ms. Tappen on
board, and we are confident that with her skills, solid work experience and knowledge, she will
be a great asset to the City of Haines City.
SO YOU WANT TO BE A CITY OR COUNTY MANAGER: THE PATH TO SUCCESS WEBINAR
Each year, the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA), holds a full-day
“So You Want to Be Session” as part of their annual conference. This webinar is a condensed
version of this very beneficial program with a focus on how young professionals and students
can prepare themselves to progress in the local government profession. Two relatively young
professionals in Florida (both with senior level positions in local government) will serve as
panelists for this sure to be insightful webinar session. City Manager Jonathan Evans and Brad
Johnson, Lakeland Assistant City Manager, will share their stories and discuss strategies that
have worked for them and describe “lessons learned” in their still relatively early careers. This is
a very informal and interactive session so questions from attendees will be encouraged.
If you are a student or young professional that aspires to work in local government management,
this is a must session for you. If you are a mid-career or more experienced local government
professional, this webinar will be helpful for you as well because of the numerous changes that
are occurring in terms of what young people are looking for, how they seek employment, and
how best to fill the voids created by the baby boomer retirements. Please join Jonathan and Brad
on January 16, 2014 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, in this important discussion. For more
information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (863) 421-3650.
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 4 of 12
2013 EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY POTLUCK LUNCHEON
City Administration would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2013 Employee
Holiday Potluck Luncheon! With over 80 delectable dishes from City staff, the employees of
Haines City were able to sit back and relax for a couple hours with great music, great food, a
great atmosphere, and even a free massage, courtesy of City Manager Jonathan Evans, from one
of our local licensed massage therapist John Walldorf! A great way to end 2013, as the City
prepares to enter into 2014 with great focus, confidence and unity.
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 5 of 12
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The City is currently recruiting for the following positions:
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P/T Custodial Maintenance in Leisure Services/Facility Maintenance
Circulation Services Librarian
Police Officer
Wastewater Utility Superintendent in Public Works / Wastewater Utility
Service Worker IV in Public Works / Water Utility
Program Technician IV in Public Works / Water Utility
For more information about these positions and application instructions, please visit the
employment opportunities section of the City’s website at hainescity.com/employment.
CITY HOLIDAY
Human Resources Generalist Francy Arbonies reports that City offices will be closed on
Tuesday, December 24th, and Wednesday, December 25th, in observance of the Christmas
Holiday, and on January 1, 2014, in observance of New Year’s Day.
WATCHED OUTSTANDING WORK (WOW)!
The City of Haines City would like to thank all of our excellent, dedicated employees, and
volunteers who help make the City a great place to work, live and play. If you have “Watched
Outstanding Work” within the City, please let us know at [email protected].
CITY CLERK
BIDDING OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Haines City, in partnership with Onvia, Inc., processes its procurement transactions
through the Onvia DemandStar electronic procurement system. Onvia DemandStar will enable
the City of Haines City to better connect with vendors and improve the overall efficiency of its
purchasing operation.
Onvia DemandStar will provide vendors with access to important procurement information.
Services that will be available to you include:
 Electronic Notification of formal bid, proposal, and qualification solicitations
 Access to project detail information
 Access to key documents via electronic download
 Access to Planholders Lists
 Access to award information
Registration
You may register for Onvia DemandStar services, online, at demandstar.com/register.rsp. If you
would like to register for your free notification service of purchase solicitations issued by the
City of Haines City through Onvia DemandStar, once you are logged onto the Web page, select
the “Onvia DemandStar FREE AGENCY” option. On the form that opens, furnish the pertinent
information for your business, be sure to enter “City of Haines City” in the Agency Name field.
Bid Listings
Access Current bidding opportunities with the City of Haines City. View Bid Listings
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 6 of 12
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
A NEW LOOK
The street name signs within the City limits will soon begin to look a little different. Ed Trail, the
Public Works Department’s Traffic Maintenance Coordinator will be adding the City’s new logo
to street name signs. The street name signs will not all be changed at one time, but only as they
need to be replaced. Ed operates the City’s Sign Shop and performs the fabrication and
installment of City owned signage. City officials decided to give our street name signage a “new
look” as we are proud of our new emblem and our City that it represents. Should you happen to
see a missing or damaged sign, please do not hesitate to contact the Public Works Department at
(863) 421-3777.
WATER CONSERVATION
Here at the City of Haines City Utility Division, we take water conservation seriously. Water is
one of our greatest assets and needs to be treated as such. Without “water” we would not
survive. The current Water Conservation Program that the City is offering to our residents and
businesses is our Free Landscape and Irrigation Evaluation. The City of Haines City has teamed
forces with Southwest Florida Water Management District and Polk County Utilities on this
program.
This Program is designed to develop an avenue for customers (residential/commercial) using
potable or reclaimed water to become knowledgeable about how their individual irrigation
system can be modified to maximize water savings through efficiency. All potable and reuse
water utility customers with operable in-ground irrigation systems are eligible to apply for
participation in the program.
The Program is designed to create water savings by:
a) Performing irrigation evaluation that identify irrigation system inefficiencies and
recommended modifications;
b) Dissemination of information educating participants, to include site specific
recommendations to improve water efficiency;
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 7 of 12
c) Provision of free hand-held watering nozzle, kitchen faucet aerator, shower head and
automatic rain sensor, if needed.
Any customer that is interested in participating in this program can fill out the attached Irrigation
Application and mail it to 426 Claude Holmes Sr. Ave., Haines City, FL 33844. The application
is also available on the City web site at www.hainescity.com or you may contact the Utility
Division at (863) 421-3695.
INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT
One of the roles of the industrial pretreatment program is to regulate the disposal of industrial
wastewater into the sanitary wastewater collection system. By protecting the physical structures
and the safety of operation and maintenance personnel of the wastewater system, and protect the
health and safety of the public and the environment. In years past the State ran the industrial
pretreatment program but in 2012 the City passed ordinance 12-1427 which added Federal and
State regulations to the City’s Code. With these changes to the City’s Code, it allowed the City
to apply to take over the pretreatment program from the State.
At the beginning of 2013 the State approved the City’s industrial pretreatment program. During
this year the program has worked closely with the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (FDEP) to transfer the role of Control Authority to the City. The Control Authority is
responsible for administering and enforcing the pretreatment program. This allows the City to
issue permits to industrial users that better protect the City’s infrastructure, workers, and the
public. With the State’s assistance three new permits have been issued to our industrial users.
The pretreatment program also manages the Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) program. This
program’s goal is to ensure that FOG is disposed of correctly. Incorrectly disposed of FOG can
cause sewer line blockages which cause sanitary sewer overflows, increased costs of treatment at
the sewer plant, contamination of our lakes, and foul odors. The FOG program works by sharing
best management practices with restaurants, automotive shops, and other food preparation
facilities. With checking the grease traps and hauling records ensuring FOG is hauled to a
disposal/recycling facility. The residents also receive pamphlets of best management practices
and the program has containers at the wastewater plant to receive FOG. Also the program
provides grease containers for special events such as Ribs on the Ridge.
PUBLIC SAFETY
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 8 of 12
In June 2013, the Police Chiefs from the City of Winter Haven, the City of Auburndale and the
City of Haines City, collaborated to bring leadership training to the mid-level and line level
supervisors within each agency. With the assistance of Dr. James Sewell (retired Assistant
Commissioner FDLE) the program was brought to fruition. Over the past five months,
Lieutenants, Sergeants, Corporals and Civilian Supervisors employed by each police agency met
for a five part course of instruction known as “The Tri-City Leadership Academy”
The Tri-City Leadership Academy shows the dedication members have in taking pride in their
responsibility to the citizens of their community and to their agencies. Each agency is full of
unsung heroes like the men and women who participated in this program who do their job not for
recognition, but because they are passionate about serving their communities.
The following is a list of Haines City Police Department members from the 1st ever graduation
class from the Tri-City Leadership Academy:
Lieutenant Keva Harris, Lieutenant Jay Hopwood, Lieutenant Keith Hammond, Sergeant Ron
Brown, Sergeant Jason Conger, Sergeant Terry Giffin, Sergeant Kevin Hager, Sergeant Nicholas
Harrison, Corporal Isaac Jackson, Corporal Gabriel Garcia, Corporal Shawn Nobre, Corporal
Justin Elliot, Supervisor Angel Stewart
On behalf of the Chief of Police Richard H. Sloan, we as an agency and as a City, would like to
congratulate each member listed above for their tireless work, professionalism and enthusiasm
that was displayed during this course of instruction and which is also observed at work every
day.
SHOP WITH A COP
The Haines City Police Department and Haines City Fire Department will be shopping for the
holiday season this Saturday morning, December 21, 2013, from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM at Big
Lots, 35884 US Highway 27, Haines City. In an effort to make this holiday season a little
brighter and a little less stressful for some local children, both departments have vowed to help in
any way they can.
Twenty-five (25) local area students will be having their very own shopping spree with the
assistance from police officers and firefighters. Big Lots has partnered with the Haines City
Police Department and Haines City Fire Department and will be opening their doors two hours
earlier in order to accommodate the needs of these children.
After the shopping spree is completed, the children along with their chaperones will be escorted
to El Zocalo restaurant, 308 US Highway 17/92 for a serving of lunch. El Zocalo has graciously
also partnered with the Haines City Police Department and Haines City Fire Department for this
event.
Transportation for this event is being provided by Small World Tours (3503 Small World Drive,
Haines City, FL)
Haines City would like to thank Big Lots, El Zocalo and Small World Tours for the heartfelt
assistance with this event and wish everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 9 of 12
LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
HOLIDAY FUN
Thanks to all the supporting businesses, schools and groups that made our Christmas events a
success!
THE CHRISTMAS PARADE WINNERS ARE:
Best Non Commercial, Country Cousins 4-H
Best Commercial, WWRZ Radio
Best of Theme, Shamrock First Baptist
Best School Entry,
New Direction Academy
Best of Show, Haines City High School Emerald Brigade
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 10 of 12
Santa Float
GLITTER, GLISTEN & SNOW
Our annual event brought out the community as they listened to the music, shopped at the
vendors, and played in the snow!
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 11 of 12
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Children and parents alike enjoyed spending the
morning with Santa over breakfast sharing Christmas
wishes!
EVENTS!!
MLK AND UNITY DAY CELEBRATION
The Northeast Revitalization Group and the City of Haines City will present the Martin Luther
King Day Jr. Parade and Unity Day Celebration on January 11, 2013. The parade will begin at
11am in downtown Haines City and will disband onto Cook Field for the Unity Day Celebration.
For more information on how to be a part of the celebration please call (863) 852-5160.
TASTE OF HAINES CITY
If you are looking for that perfect “last minute” gift, give us a call. We have Taste of Haines City
tickets available at $25.00 each. The event will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2013, from 5-7
PM at the Banquet Hall and will feature local restaurants offering samplings of their favorites
plus complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks. If you purchase 20 tickets or more, we will give
you a discounted rate of $20.00 per ticket. Please contact the Leisure Services Department at
(863) 421-3700.
RIBS ON THE RIDGE
The largest Barbecue competition sanctioned by the Florida Barbecue Association, Ribs on the
Ridge is also a Jack Daniels qualifier and is open to the public. Please join us on Friday &
Saturday, February 14-15, 2014; Friday the 14th from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, and Saturday the
15th 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, at Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Avenue.
City Manager Report No. 13-026
December 7, 2013 – December 20, 2013
Page 12 of 12
Activities:
 Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to professional teams
 Trophies will be awarded to amateur teams
 Competitions are open to everyone
 Live entertainment from the stage on Saturday February 15th
 Register for our Sauce or Dessert Competition to be held Friday night
 Shop at the craft and food vendor booths
 Kid’s Q division for ages 6-10 & 11-15 Saturday February 15th
Whether you are a backyard cook, a professional or would just like to enjoy good barbecue, we
invite you to join us in the fun. For additional information please contact the Haines City Leisure
Services at (863) 421-3700.
ATTACHMENTS
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December 2013 Library Adult Calendar
December 2013 Library Children’s Calendar
January 2014 Library Adult Calendar
January 2014 Library Children’s Calendar
Landscape & Irrigation Application
Military Court of Honor Paver Order Form
NEXT REPORT – JANUARY 10, 2014
ORDER YOUR COURT OF HONOR PAVER TODAY!
For just $35, you can purchase a custom-inscribed 4 X 8 inch
paver at Haines City’s Military Court of Honor. Newly
purchased pavers are installed twice a year. Purchases made
between now and September 1st will be installed by
Veteran’s Day. Purchases made after September 1st will be
installed by Memorial Day 2014.
Send the completed
application with your
payment to:
City of Haines City
Court of Honor Paver
620 E. Main Street
Haines City, FL 33844
Honor a Veteran or someone currently in the
military, buy a Memorial Paver.
The size of the font is determined by the amount of characters used.
For the best fit, use up to three lines, with no more than 15 characters per line
(Including punctuation and spaces).
- Please Print Clearly -
PAVER TEXT
PURCHASER’S INFORMATION
Name:
Address:
City:
Phone Number: (
Branch of Service
State:
)
Zip Code:
Cell Number: (
)
Email Address
PAYMENT DETAILS (Cash, Check or Money Order)
Send the completed application, along with your payment of $35 per paver to:
Make checks or money orders payable to: City of Haines City
City of Haines City
Court of Honor Paver
620 E. Main Street
Haines City, FL 33844