FASD Newsletter Spring 2015

Transcription

Mailing Address
2713 Blairstone Lane
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Ph: 850-999-1937
Fax: 850-224-7704
Spring 2015
In this issue:
President’s Message &
Executive Director’s Report
2
Legislative Updates
4
The Next Level of Business
10
CDM/CDO Program
15
January Meeting Recap
16
Annual Conference Information
17
Member News
23
www.FASD.com
Dedicated to Special Services for Florida Citizens
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – DAVE LINDSAY
President
Dave Lindsay
East County Water Control Dist.
dlindsay@ecwcd.com
K
udos to Lee County Mosquito Control District for hosting
our quarterly meeting on January 30th and cooking up
such a great lunch! I would also like to thank Database Financial
Services for sponsoring that excellent lunch. The Board, myself
and members, thank Representative Caldwell for your insight into
this year’s Legislature. The meeting was very well attended and
very informative. I heard that the members that took the Harns
Marsh tour in the morning really enjoyed it! They saw a bald
eagle, sand hill cranes and otters, just to name a few animals.
V i s i o n –To b e c o m e t h e r e c o g n i z e d c o l l e c t i v e v o i c e o f s p e c i a l p u r p o s e g o v e r n m e n t
President-Elect
Rita Greenberg
North Collier Fire Control &
Rescue Dist.
rgreenberg@northcollierfire.com The Board of Directors also met in the morning. As a first order of business, I
Vice President
Vacant
appointed Jim Millican to the Conference Committee and Rita Greenberg and Iris
Moore to the Awards Committee. We are still looking for more volunteers, so if
you are interested please contact Fred Crawford at 855-469-3273!
The Board agreed to make the CDO curriculum 25 hours instead of 32 hours, allow
CDO students two years to complete the curriculum and provide at least four hours
Secretary
of the components at every Member Meeting and at least eight hours at the Annual
Tanya Quickel
Acme Improvement Dist./Village Conference. The Board approved that the Association will collect tuition for the
of Wellington
CDO at registration, instead of at the time of certification.
tquickel@gmail.com
Treasurer
Becky Bronsdon
North Collier Fire Control &
Rescue Dist.
bbronsdon@northcollierfire.com
Past President
Vacant
Executive Director
Fred Crawford
(850) 999-1937 Office
fcrawford@fasd.com
General Counsel
Terry E. Lewis
Lewis, Longman and Walker, P. A.
515 N. Flagler Dr.
Ste. 1500
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 640-0820
tlewis@llw-law.com
2
Based on the By-Law Committee’s recommendation, the Board is considering
combining the Vice Chairman and the President Elect position and converting the
Past President position from a voting board member to only an honorary position.
The Board will meet again March 18th in Tallahassee.
Remember that the 2015 FASD Annual Conference is June 22-25 at the Sawgrass
Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This year’s theme is Blazing
New Trails and the Thursday night dinner theme will be Country Western!
Hope to see everyone in Tallahassee at the Legislative Forum on March 18th!
Dave Lindsay
President
Upcoming FASD Events
Date
Name
Location
March 16-20, 2015
FASD/FSU CDM Training
Tallahassee, FL
March 17, 2015
CDO Class: The Legislative Process
Tallahassee, FL
March 18, 2015
FASD Legislative Forum
Tallahassee, FL
June 22-25, 2015
FASD Annual Conference
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Visit WWW.FASD.COM and click “Events” for the latest information.
FASD Focus
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT — FRED CRAWFORD
S
Over the past year we have rebuilt the Association
database, redesigned the website, continue to
improve on communication, brought up new ideas for
communication and education, and enhanced the work
of the committees to improve membership recruitment,
legislative tracking and reviewing the bylaws to make
any necessary changes. I will be working with the
Succession Planning Committee this year to ensure we
have a solid plan for leadership succession over the
next few years. I worked with the Education Committee
to improve the Certified District Official Program to
decrease the number of credits needed to become a CDO
and to increase the opportunities to take the required
components so candidates can achieve certification
within a year if desired but certainly within two years.
We have also created the Virginia Cebula Scholarship
Fund to help districts with small or very tight budgets
participate in the Certified District Manager Program
and help build strong district leadership statewide. We
will continue to create more public awareness of this
and the CDM Program to the nonmember districts and
the general public to increase participation.
For those of you who missed the January meeting,
you missed a good one. On behalf of the FASD Board
I would like to thank the Board of the Lee County
Mosquito Control District for the use of their facility
and for allowing their staff to facilitate the meeting and
prepare a delicious fish fry lunch. T. Wayne Gale and
Shelly Redovan went beyond the call of duty to ensure
the meeting went on without a hitch. Many thanks to
their staff. Also, a special thanks to Representative
Matthew Caldwell, District 79, for taking the time to
address the crowd and give us some insight on the
upcoming legislation. Julia McCusker gave an interesting
presentation on interest rates and Kate Grangard gave
the afternoon presentation on the Affordable Care
Act and current trends in health care. Both of these
presentations appealed not only to districts as a whole
but also to everyone on a personal level. Julie and Kate
will both be back speaking at the Annual Conference,
so if you missed them in January you’ll be able to hear
them at the Conference.
Spring 2015
Database Financial Services graciously sponsored the
lunch and we thank them for that and all of the support
they have provided the Association over the years.
Three companies were recognized for their continued
contributions in building a strong scholarship fund.
They are Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust,
Egis Insurance & Risk Advisors and Database Financial
Services. Seven scholarships are provided from
these three companies proving their commitment to
strengthening FASD through education and in turn,
improving special districts throughout Florida.
Another highlight of the meeting was President Lindsay
presenting a plaque to Lester Baird in appreciation for
his work with the Association over the years. Lester has
been a long time member with his term ending in the
Vice President position upon his retirement in October.
We truly appreciate all you have done for FASD and
hope you enjoy your years in retirement.
Looking into the future we have the Legislative Forum
coming up on March 18th here in Tallahassee. This is a
very informative meeting with Terry Lewis and his firm
of Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. thoroughly reviewing
all legislation that would have an effect on special
districts. We will have a legislator give a presentation,
a walk through the Capitol and an evening reception
at the office of Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. for an
excellent networking opportunity.
Coinciding with the Forum is the Certified District
Managers course that will take place for the whole
week at the Springhill Suites on Apalachee Parkway.
If you haven’t submitted your applications, please
do so immediately so we have time to get them
approved. Room reservations at the Springhill are
being coordinated through this office at a special rate
so please contact us to book your room. As mentioned
before, there are scholarship opportunities available so
don’t let your budget hold you back.
There will also be a Certified District Official component,
The Legislative Process, on March 17th at the Springhill
Suites from 4:00PM – 6:00PM, conducted by Terry
Lewis and his office. This component is for candidates
who are seeking their certification and have not taken
this component. No CEU’s are attached to it. If you have
not applied for the CDO designation please go to our
website and register online or download the form and
fax it in. If you have any questions about any of these
programs please call my office for answers.
And last but not least, our Annual Conference –
Blazing New Trails. The Conference Committee has
put together a dynamic agenda this year and we have
added a session specifically for CDOs and CDMs. This
session will explain the programs to people interested
in achieving the designation and also answer any
3
Mission–To unify and strengthen special purpose government through education, the exchange of ideas and active involvement in the legislative process
pring is in the air. Well, sort of.
While we are still getting some
cold weather we are starting to
get some great weather days also.
It’s enough to fool the flowers here
in Tallahassee. Spring always brings a
breath of fresh air, a renewing of the
spirit and a jolt of energy that makes
you want to clean house and get your
life in order. And in that spirit, I am thinking of new and
creative ways to improve the Association. This feeling
of rejuvenation may also be triggered by my one year
anniversary with FASD as of January 1st.
Preview of 2015 Retirement
Legislation and Other
Pension Developments
questions from existing CDO and CDM’s about what
components they need, how many CEU’s they have and
how many CEU’s they need for recertification. We will
also show you how you can go into your record through
the website to view what you have and what you need.
This year’s Conference will include eight hours of CDO
components to help in providing more opportunities to 2015 Retirement Legislation
achieve your certification quickly.
The 2015 legislative session begins on March 3rd this
We will have a leadership Keynote Speaker, a speaker year, and legislative committees began meeting this
from Tax Watch, an invited legislator, a new member month. Based on comments of legislative leaders, it
session, strategic planning, succession planning, a close appears that both the Florida Retirement System and
look at Florida’s voters and all of the other standards local government pension plans will once again be a
like Sunshine law, ethics, election law, labor law and of focus of legislative activity. Several retirement related
course, a creative moment with Terry Lewis. Back by bills have already been filed, and one bill – SB 172
popular demand there will be another creative mock concerning police and firefighter pension plans, has
something put together by Terry Lewis and his District already passed one Senate committee.
Superstars. You can’t miss this one.
A summary of the legislation filed thus far follows.
I hope to see everyone soon either in Tallahassee for the Copies of any bill can be obtained via the Internet, by
Forum or at the Marriott Sawgrass for the Conference. accessing the Legislature’s website at www.leg.state.
Please contact my office if you have any questions and fl.us. Please feel free to contact us if you have any
please be sure to promote these events and programs questions.
with your neighboring districts. The more members we FRS Death Benefits – HB 39 (by Rep. Hill) / SB 136 (by
have, the stronger we are.
Senator Hays)
These bills revise the FRS death benefits payable to law
enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed in
the line of duty or otherwise killed by reason of their
employment. The bills provide a monthly benefit to the
qualifying survivor in an amount equal to the member’s
monthly salary at the date of death, payable for the
lifetime of the surviving spouse.
Fred Crawford
Executive Director
Firefighter Pension Plans – HB 105 (by Rep. Eagle) / SB
216 (by Senator Bradley)
These bills would allow municipal service taxing units
in unincorporated areas where a city provides fire
services, to participate in the premium tax funding
program under Chapter 175, Florida Statutes.
Police and Firefighter Pension Plans – SB 172 (by
Senators Ring and Bradley) / HB 341 (by Rep.
Cummings)
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These bills are basically the same as 2014 SB 246,
which passed both the Senate and House in different
forms, but ultimately did not pass the legislature. Cities
and police and fire unions reached agreement on the
legislation last year, but cities are opposing the bill this
year.
The bills amend Chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes
– the laws governing most local police and firefighter
pension plans. The bills contain new rules for allocating
premium tax revenues that provide some of the funding
for these plans, as well as an option for deviation from
the rules by mutual consent of the city/special district
and the union representing the affected employees
(or a majority of plan members if there is no union).
In addition, the bills contain a grandfather clause
FASD Focus
for those cities and districts that have implemented
pension changes in reliance on the “Naples Letter”
interpretation of Chapters 175 and 185.
General Rules – Under SB 172/HB 341, the general
rules for the use of premium tax revenues would be as
follows:
• Premium tax revenues above the 1997 amount
up to the amount received for calendar year 2013
must be used to fund benefits in excess of the
minimum benefits.
• Premium tax revenues above the 2014 amount:
50% must be used to fund minimum benefits or
benefits in excess of the minimums as determined
by the city or special district; and 50% must be
placed in a defined contribution plan to fund
“special benefits” (defined as benefits provided
through a defined contribution plan).
• Any accumulations of premium tax revenues that
have not been applied to fund benefits in excess
of the minimum benefits may be allocated by
mutual consent of the city/special district and the
union representing the affected employees (or a
majority of plan members if there is no union).
If mutual consent is not reached, 50% of the
accumulated premium tax revenues must be used
to fund special benefits, and 50% must be applied
to reduce the unfunded actuarial liabilities of the
plan.
• For pension plans created after March 1, 2015,
50% of the premium tax revenues must be used
to fund defined benefits, and 50% must be used
to fund defined contribution plan benefits.
Benefit Reduction – The legislation also provides that
benefits in excess of the minimum benefits (excluding
any supplemental plan benefits in effect on September
30, 2014) may be reduced as long as the plan continues to
meet the minimum benefits and standards in Chapters
175 and 185. However, if benefits were reduced the
amount of premium tax revenues that were previously
used to fund the benefits in excess of the minimums
before the reduction must be used as follows: 50% to
fund minimum benefits or benefits in excess of the
minimums as determined by the city or special district;
and 50% must be placed in a defined contribution plan.
However, no benefits could be reduced if the plan did
not meet the new 2.75% minimum multiplier.
Deviation from General Rules – the legislation
provides that the general rules for the use of premium
tax revenues could be modified by mutual consent of
Spring 2015
Grandfather Clause – the legislation provided that a
city or special district that implemented or proposed
changes to a local law pension plan based on the
Division of Retirement’s interpretation (i.e., the Naples
Letter) of Chapters 175 and 185 on or after August 14,
2012 and before March 3, 2015, could continue such
changes in effect until the earlier of October 1, 2018 or
the effective date of a collective bargaining agreement
that modified the changes. The city or special district’s
reliance on the Division of Retirement’s interpretation
would have had to be evidenced by a letter from the
Division, or a collective bargaining agreement or
proposal dated before March 3, 2015.
Local Pension Plan Mortality Tables – SB 242 (by Sen.
Brandes)
This bill would require all local pension plans to use
mortality tables consistent with those in the most
recent FRS valuation report.
FRS Reemployment After Retirement – HB 333 (by
Rep. Lee)
This bill would delete current provisions of the FRS
statute that require retired members to have at least a
six month break in service following retirement before
being employed by another FRS employer.
Florida Court Upholds City Pension Reform
Last month the Florida Third District Court of Appeal
upheld a lower court ruling that a city did not violate
the law by implementing collectively bargained pension
changes despite a provision in the plan that required
approval by two-thirds of active plan members.
General Employees Retirement Committee v. City of
North Miami Beach, 151 So. 3d 1271 (Fla. 3d DCA 2014).
Many years ago the city adopted a provision as part
of its pension ordinance that required all pension plan
amendments to be approved by two-thirds of active plan
members. In 2013 the city reached agreement with the
union representing its general employees on a number
of pension changes, which reduced the unfunded
liability of the plan and city’s required contributions.
However, the two-thirds member approval provision
was not included in the changes agreed to by the
union. The agreed pension changes were approved by
an overwhelming majority of bargaining unit members
in the contract ratification process, in accordance with
the collective bargaining law. The city then adopted an
ordinance containing the agreed pension changes, as
5
• Base premium tax revenues (the amount received
for calendar year 1997) must be used to fund
minimum benefits (same as current minimums
except the minimum multiplier is increased
from 2.0% to 2.75%) or benefits in excess of the
minimums;
the city/special district and the union representing the
affected employees (or a majority of plan members if
there is no union), as long as the plan continued to meet
the minimum benefits and standards of Chapters 175
and 185. If a plan did not meet the minimum benefits
as of October 1, 2013, the plan could maintain the
same benefit level and continue to receive premium
tax revenues.
well as a provision repealing the two-thirds member
approval process. Notwithstanding the repeal of the
member approval process, the pension board submitted
the pension changes to a vote of the plan members,
who voted against the changes by a wide margin. The
pension board then took the position that the pension
changes were invalid, and refused to implement the
changes.
The city filed a declaratory judgment action seeking a
judicial determination that the pension changes were
valid, and the pension board was required to implement
them. The trial court entered summary judgment in favor
of the city, and the pension board appealed. On appeal,
the district court reiterated the holding of other Florida
courts that the city was permitted to prospectively
amend the pension plan, and to collectively bargain
such changes consistent with the city’s budget. The
court noted its 2012 decision in City of Miami Beach
v. Board of Trustees of the Miami Beach Police and
Firefighters Pension Fund, 91 So. 2d 237 (Fla. 3d DCA
2012), which held that a city charter provision requiring
a referendum of city electors to approve pension
changes violated the collective bargaining rights of city
employees and the city. The court found the effect of
the two-thirds member approval requirement in the
pension plan to result in the same violation of collective
bargaining rights as the referendum requirement in the
Miami Beach case. The district court also concluded
that, just as the city had the authority to adopt the
member approval process, it had the same undivided
authority to eliminate that process by ordinance.
State Sends Warning Letter to Underfunded Pension
Plans
On January 27, 2015, the Florida Department of
Management Services sent letters to 19 local pension
plans, focusing on the fact that the plans have a
“funded ratio” (assets divided by liabilities) of less
than 50%. The letters, signed by recently appointed
DMS Secretary Chad Poppell, point out that the plan’s
underfunded status could negatively affect the plan’s
ability to meet its future obligations to retirees. The
letters refer to section 112.61, Florida Statutes, which
requires government retirement plans to be funded in
a fair, orderly, and equitable manner by current, as well
as future, taxpayers. The letters note that the statute
also prohibits the use “of any procedure, methodology,
or assumptions the effect of which is to transfer to
future taxpayers any portion of the costs which may
reasonably have been expected to be paid by the
current taxpayers.” The letters request that the plan
“consider taking action to prevent future taxpayers
from incurring costs.” The letters further ask that the
plan “immediately notify all active and retired members
regarding the plan’s condition, and what actions will be
taken to improve it.”
Risk Based Budget Analysis
• Human Resources Risk Strategies
On-site HR Risk Assessment
Supervisor and Staff Diversity Training
Employee Handbook Review
• Collective Bargaining Risk Assessment
• Loss Control Service
• Workers' Compensation Strategy Review
Experience Analysis
Statistical Review
Consultative services provided
by in-house personnel
Richard V. Caligiuri, CIC
Vice President
richardcaligiuri@bouchardinsurance.com
(p) 239-985-4501
800.231.3601
by
James Linn & Glenn Thomas, Lewis, Longman &
Walker, P.A.
6
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FASD Focus
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
(Department), Division of Housing and Community
Development has promulgated a new rule governing
annual reporting by all special districts registered with
the Department’s Special District Accountability Program.
The new rule implements the reporting and disclosure
requirements added to Chapter 189, Florida Statutes by
the
2014 Florida Legislature.
following:
The new rule specifies the
1. On or about October 1, each year, the Department will
notify the registered agent for each registered special
district of the disclosure and accountability information to
be submitted to the Department. The registered agent or
person designated to submit the information must provide
the following:
a. The name of the registered agent or other person
designated by the special district to accept service of
process on behalf of the special district.
b. The website for the special district as well as the contact
information including the name, address, telephone
number and email address of the person identified in 1.a
above.
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c. The independent or dependent status of the special
district as defined by section 189.012, Florida Statutes.
d. The date of establishment and document or documents
of creation of the special district if not already on file
with the Department. The document or documents of
creation may be a court order, ordinance, resolution,
special act of the Legislature, general law or a rule of the
Governor and Cabinet depending on the type district that
was created. In the case of some Chapter 298, Florida
Statutes water control districts or improvement districts,
there may be a court order and a special act which must
be submitted.
e. A boundary map of the special district if a map is not
already on file with the Department.
f. A complete list of all counties in which the special
district is located and has jurisdiction.
g. The local governing authority of the unit or units of
local general purpose government within which the
special district is located.
h. The function(s) or purpose(s) of the special district.
1. The specific acts and sections of Florida Statutes or
laws of Florida governing the functions of the special
district.
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J. The election or selection process for members of the
governing board of the special district.
k. The statutory authority or authorities for the special
district to issues bonds, notes or other forms of
indebtedness.
l. All revenue sources of the special district.
2. The information listed above must be submitted to
the Department within sixty (60) days of receipt of the
Department’s notice by the special district’s registered
agent along with the annual fee which has not changed. If
anyone desires a copy of the Department rule, we will be
happy to provide a copy.
3. Any information that has changed since the previous
year’s filing must also be identified.
Most of the information listed above has been previously
submitted by FASD member special districts. However,
please review the new requirements and ensure that your
district is in compliance. Failing to comply can result in
fines and possibly the initiation of dissolution proceedings
by the Department.
Also, though we have reported on this at the annual
conference, it bears repeating as a reminder that Section
189.069, Florida Statutes now specifically requires that
the following information must be posted no later than
October 1, 2015 on each special district internet website:
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1. The full name of the special district.
2. The public purpose of the special district.
3. The name, address, email address, and the term of each
member of the special district governing authority.
4. The method of election of board members or
identification of the appointing authority.
Property Casualty
Workers’ Compensation
5. The fiscal year of the special district.
6. The full text of the special district’s charter (ordinance,
resolution, special act, general law or rule of the Governor
and Cabinet), the date of establishment, the establishing
entity and the statute or statutes under which the special
district operates if different from the statute or statutes
under which the special district was established.
7. Community Development Districts may reference
Chapter 190, Florida Statutes as the uniform charter but
must include information relating to any grant of special
powers.
8. The mailing address, email address, telephone number
and internet website uniform resource locator of the
special district.
9. A description of the boundaries or service area of, and
the services provided by, the special district.
10. A listing of all taxes, fees, assessments, or charges
imposed and collected by the special district.
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11. The rates, or amounts for the fiscal year and the
statutory authority for the levy of the tax, fee, assessment
or charge.
12. The primary contact information for purposes of
communication with the Department.
13. A code of ethics adopted by the special district, if
applicable, and a hyperlink to generally applicable ethics
provisions. (Our suggestion here is to cite to Part III,
Chapter 112, Florida Statutes which is the code of ethics
for all public officers in Florida.)
14. The annual budget and any amendments as specified
by section 189,016, Florida
Statutes.
15. The final complete audit report for the recently
completed fiscal year and any other audit reports required
by law or authorized by the governing body of the special
district.
If anyone has any questions regarding any of the following
information, they should contact us regarding the
information provided in this memorandum by emailing
tlewis@llw-law.com and clyon@llw-law.com.
by
Terry Lewis and Christopher Lyon, Lewis, Longman &
Walker, P.A.
Public Finance Practice Group
Serving clients from offices throughout Florida, the attorneys
of our Public Finance Practice Group have many years
of experience in numerous types of bond financings. A
significant portion of our practice involves bond financing
for special districts, serving as bond counsel, disclosure
counsel, special issuer’s counsel, underwriter’s counsel and
lender’s counsel.
Our Public Finance Group attorneys work on financings
secured by diverse repayment sources such as:
y
y
y
y
y
ad valorem taxes
sales taxes
special assessments
franchise fees
utility taxes
y user fees of various types
y covenant to budget and
appropriate
For more information, please contact any of
the attorneys listed below.
Denise J. Ganz
Boca Raton
954.527.2410
denise.ganz@gmlaw.com
11 offices throughout Florida
Spring 2015
Michael H. Krul
Fort Lauderdale
954.527.2406
michael.krul@gmlaw.com
Morris “Skip” Miller
West Palm Beach
561.838.4556
skip.miller@gmlaw.com
www.gmlaw.com
9
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The Next Level of Business You Don’t Know About
A SLOW RECOVERY IS FORCING BUSINESSES TO WORK MORE EFFICIENTLY. THE FLORIDA STERLING COUNCIL
POINTS THE WAY. BY JASON DEHART
Change is good. Complacency is bad.
Ask Rhonda Skipper, Walton County Tax
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It was time for a change. In 2005, the agency put
the wheels in motion that would eventually earn
it the 2014 Governor’s Sterling Award, the second
highest achievement a company can reach in the
Sterling improvement process. (Right above it
on the list is the Governor’s Sterling Sustained
Excellence Award, a way for Governor’s Sterling
Rhonda Skipper and Cory Godwin agreed it was time to
Award recipients to hold onto their status as a break the Walton County Tax Collector’s office out of its rut.
“role model” and example for others.)
Photo by Matt Burke.
10
FASD Focus
Established in 1992 during the administration of Gov. Lawton Chiles, the Florida Sterling Council is an independent
not-for-profit corporation supported by the Executive Office of the Governor. (Although two of its highest honors
carry the governor’s title, the company isn’t political and doesn’t endorse candidates.) The Florida Sterling Council
has seven unique assessment tools designed to take your organization or company through various levels of
evaluation, enabling you to prioritize improvement objectives. They are all based on the Sterling Criteria for
Organizational Performance Excellence and the Malcolm Baldrige National Criteria for Performance Excellence.
The Governor’s Sterling Award is a stepping stone to the national Baldrige Award, explained John Pieno, president
of the Florida Sterling Council.
“In order to get national recognition with Baldrige, you have to have been completely recognized as a role model
at the state level. So that’s what we are. However, unlike Baldrige, and a lot like other states that do this, we have
these five entry-level tools that are self-assessment tools that organizations can use,” Pieno said.
Companies engaged in the Sterling model don’t necessarily have to grasp for the brass ring. They are free to
choose what level of assessment and improvement they think is best for their company. What’s important is the
value they take away from the process.
“It’s not about every organization applying for the award,” said Dione Geiger, Florida Sterling Council executive
director. “We know that not every organization is going to want to go through an award process to this extent. We
can offer them some of our resources, offer them some of our tools, our training, and let them get started getting
to understand that value.”
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Spring 2015
11
The Sterling Council increases its value to businesses by hosting an annual conference designed to inspire business
leaders to reach for the next level of efficiency and productivity. The event, which usually draws up to 500 business
leaders from across the state, is considered a “one-stop shop” for education, information and inspiration. At the
end of the conference select businesses are recognized for best practices, a Team Showcase Champion is selected
and the winner of the Governor’s Sterling Award for performance excellence is announced.
In the case of the Walton County Tax Collector’s office, the staff and management decided to go the distance.
It started when Cory Godwin came to work in 2005. Godwin, the chief deputy tax collector, used to work for
the Florida Department of Corrections back in the 1990s, and part of his work for that 27,000-employee agency
involved being introduced to the Sterling model. At the time it was widely adopted by many state agencies under
the direction and leadership of Gov. Chiles.
“Fast-forward to 2005. When Miss Skipper was elected tax collector, I made a decision to leave the DOC and
come onboard with her. Essentially, (Sterling) was the model I was familiar with and one that was proven to have
produced results even in an organization as large as corrections,” he said.
The staff started to incrementally implement the Sterling method of self-assessment and analysis. There are seven
categories in this matrix of evaluation: leadership; strategic planning; customer focus; measurement; analysis and
knowledge management; workforce focus; operations focus and results.
Skipper said the first thing her office had to do was build trust among the employees and change the That’s-theway-it’s-always-been-done/We-don’t-do-it-that-way mindset.
“We wanted to put a process in place that would better the overall organization. And sadly the environment had
become such that there was no trust from the employees or even the people that we serve,” she said. “We’re very
proud of the fact that you don’t have to be a large organization to do great things.”
Kara Stallings, director of administration, said it wasn’t so
much about the award as it was validation. It showed them
that they were on the right path.
“It’s not about the management model itself but combining
the manner of culture change with the model. That’s what
makes us unique,” she said.
Governor’s Sterling Award past recipients from
Northwest Florida
1994
•Monsanto Company, Nylon Fibers Division,
Pensacola
•Sacred Heart Hospital, Pensacola
The changes brought about by the Sterling assessments
resulted in incredible employee satisfaction, Godwin said.
1999
“The private sector can offer incentives that we can’t, but we
•Florida State Hospital, Chattahoochee
have been successful in rallying a group of people around this
larger sense of purpose and makes it more than just about 2003
license plates,” he said. “We are really here to continuously
•Boeing Special Operations Forces Aerospace
seek opportunities to serve others. We want to add value to
Support Center, Ft. Walton
the community. It makes it a little bit easier to get up in the
2007
morning and show up bright and early when you’re doing it
because it’s more about the purpose than what we do and
•Landrum Professional Employer Services
how we do it.”
Inc., Pensacola
One important improvement made as a result of interaction 2014
with Sterling analyses was in how the agency dealt with its
•Fort Walton Tax Collector’s Office
customers — and when it comes to a tax collecting agency,
there are many customers with different needs and wants.
“We certainly knew who our customers were and had put together feedback and two-way communication at every
one of those touch points where we deal with customers,” Godwin said. “But one of the things they suggested
was a segmentation of that. It’s not enough to just say that they’re customers. Some of our customers are motor
vehicle users, drivers, hunting and fishing enthusiasts. We have automobile dealers who are part of that customer
base. (We had) to really do a lot more analysis of who those customers are. Each one of their needs is different.
We may think we’re addressing customer satisfaction, but we may have a segment that we’re not meeting their
needs if we don’t ask.”
Once that “segmentation” was put in place, and employee mindset was changed, customer satisfaction rates
skyrocketed to 99 percent, he said.
“I think the critical component was specifically targeting our communications to those individuals. In other words,
to speak to them about what’s important to them, as opposed to the traditional approach of mass communication
to all of them,” Godwin said.
12
FASD Focus
But Sterling wasn’t the only resource the tax collector
took advantage of, Godwin said. Advice was sought
from private companies as well.
Scanning the Horizon
It doesn’t necessarily mean your company is in
trouble when you introduce the Sterling Model to the
workplace. In the case of FBMC Benefits Management,
the largest benefits specialists in the United States,
it was a matter of re-examining processes and longterm planning. Again, it was the need to rise above
complacency. The company was established in 1976 as
a nationwide third-party administrator of tax-favored
benefit programs; pre- and post-tax benefits for private
and public employees; administered Section 125 plans;
and Flexible Spending Account programs.
“Most companies don’t start looking for how to get
better until they’re in trouble. That wasn’t the case for
us. We were not in trouble, and we weren’t declining,”
said Barbara Hinson, a senior manager and an in-house
Florida Sterling Master Examiner. It was Hinson who
started the company’s Sterling initiative. “What we
were looking for was a model that could take us to the
next level of excellence, a model that we could grow
within and that would grow with us.”
FBMC started its Sterling journey in the early 2000s, and
in 2010 the company’s wellness program earned the
Florida Sterling Quality Achievement Award. Company
President David Faulkenberry is a Sterling Council board
member and the council’s secretary/treasurer.
Overall, “we were in a good trend but we wanted to
improve. We wanted to constantly put an infrastructure
in place to where we evaluated ourselves and came up
with new ideas and new areas to focus on,” Faulkenberry
said.
In essence, you can’t know where you’re going unless
you know who you are and where you’ve been, Hinson
said. Sterling provided the matrix for making those
evaluations.
“We were not looking for a model that told us what to
do. We were looking for a model that says, you figure
out who you are and here are some attributes that you
Spring 2015
And that means looking beyond the bottom line.
Actually, it involves understanding why the bottom
line is the way it is, good or bad. Hinson said that most
companies before the late 1970s and early 1980s didn’t
really look at what was driving their financials. They
just looked at the bottom line. That was the case with
FBMC as well. But things change, and philosophies have
to change in order for a company to remain relevant.
“We were where other companies were. We were
looking at financials, primarily,” she said. “It became
quite apparent that there were things that were just
as important as the financials. Financially you can’t
get where you want to be if you don’t have other
systems driving it. So that really became evident to
us as well, and we started adding other components
to our measurement system. Looking at our processes,
looking at our people, looking at our customers, looking
at customer satisfaction.”
It’s perfectly understandable that a company has to
know it has money in the bank first and foremost,
Faulkenberry said, but making sure the bills are paid is
still just one barometer of any company’s health.
“At the end of the day all of the checks have to clear
the bank,” he said. “You have to have money to do that,
but that is a microcosm of the whole organization. So
in my opinion what the Sterling Process does, among
other things, is it causes you to ask why your financial
statements are where they are. What is happening
within the organization to result in the results on your
financial statements? Why is your bottom line what it
is, and what’s driving it?”
These are very important and relevant questions to ask
as a company moves into the future. These evaluations
and assessments are also critical components of the
Sterling process.
“That leads to a pretty rigorous internal evaluation
about your organization’s leadership capabilities,
management capabilities, your operational capabilities,
how well you focus on the customer and what they
are asking … are you even asking the customer what
is important to them?” Faulkenberry said. “It puts
together a whole framework to answer that ‘why’
question around the overall performance of a company.
To me one of the greatest benefits of Sterling is it really
forces you to answer that ‘why.’ ”
13
“We owe a debt to the people in the private sector
because we reached out to best practice partners like
Zappos and Chick-Fil-A,” he said. “We’ve reached out
to those folks because they were recognized as best in
class, and we were amazed at how open they were. We
continue to look at the private sector as to how we can
improve what we do. We have a standing Best Practices
team, and they spend their whole year bringing back
innovative ideas from the private sector. Most of the
ideas come from the private sector.”
could use if you choose to in order to continue to get
better. And so that’s what we did,” Hinson said. “We
found that this really was a model that worked for us.
We know who we are, we know what we have to do for
our customers, we know what we have to do for our
employees and we know what we have to do for our
business.”
The best thing about the Sterling process is, it doesn’t
say a company has to do this, or must do that, in order to
succeed. It just provides a list of actions that you could
choose to take if you want to be world-class in leadership,
Hinson said. The other great thing about Sterling is it can be
“personalized” in such a way that employees and staff can
have a greater sense of buy-in.
BankUnited proudly supports
the Florida Association of
Special Districts.
Contact:
“We learned that it was somewhat confusing to some of
our employees when we made reference to Sterling a lot,
so we decided we would personalize the process and give it
a name that we chose and use the concepts,” Hinson said.
“You’re not doing Sterling work, you’re doing FBMC work
using the management model that FBMC has chosen to use.
And so that really helped also to support the journey and
keep us on track to where we are going.”
Shawn Benyo
954-439-1771
sbenyo@bankunited.com
The Age of the ‘New Normal’
It’s enough to make a business owner cringe, this idea being
promulgated that the national economy isn’t going to get
any better. That this is the economy we’re stuck with, that
it isn’t recovering nearly as much as we’d like it to. Whether
that’s really the case or not, business leaders have been
forced to come to terms with this new reality. Part of that
reality involves doing more with less. Working “smarter,”
not “harder.”
We’re with you.
Florida Association of Special Districts Ad - Shawn Benyo.indd 1
7/28/2014
“We’re not going to go back to larger staffs and more
workers. So we have to learn to work smarter, and we have
3:28:06 PM
to continue to improve efficiency of operations and not
overwork the staff we have through making sure the work
they do is done once and done well,” Geiger said. “We have
to have good quality and we have good recognition systems
for the employees. Again, this is even more important: We
come out of a recession, the workforce has shrunk a lot of
companies and it’s not going to grow back up unless you’re
adding new markets. So, how do you do it better?”
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14
Again, that’s a question best answered by the Sterling
model. Within the model are ways of examining processes
for cutting out waste and improving product quality. One
of the best tools for doing that is “Six Sigma,” a standard
coined by Motorola years ago, Geiger said.
“Six Sigma is all about managing and eliminating defects
in your processes, and there are different standards and
classifications for Six Sigma,” she said. “What Six Sigma
brings to the table is something we call Define, Measure,
Analyze, Improve and Control. And it’s a very formal
management process for improvement that helps you
eliminate defects and to drive higher levels of performance.
And that’s what it’s all about. Any work you do, even
service organizations adopted this, it’s about managing
your process to eliminate defects and rework.”
Article courtesy of 850 Magazine. Originally published in
their December-January 2015 issue.
FASD Focus
Learn More, Be Empowered
FASD’s Specialized Certified District Manager (CDM) & Certified District Official (CDO) Programs
Certified District Officials (CDO)
How many of your management staff are of retirement
age? Do you have any possible successors currently on
staff? Succession planning is something corporations
figured out years ago, and it has proven that, when
instituted and followed, it creates a smoother transition
and saves money. Do you have a plan in place? If
so, enhance it with the Certified District Manager
Program. If you do not have a plan, start it by sending
a staff member with upper management potential to
the course. This course, conducted by FSU, has proven
that it advances and strengthens a mid-manager’s skills
and thought processes. Last year we had 14 candidates
go through the course. Will your staff be one of them
this year?
So many times people are elected to boards based
on their compassion for local issues and not on their
understanding of how a board works. If you are one
of those people or if you’re a board who has just had
someone like that elected, then FASD has a solution
for you. The Certified District Official Program was
developed to educate special district Elected Officials
on the proper methods of and legal requirements
of running a board. With six extensive components
that can easily be attended throughout the year, this
program gives board members the tools needed to be
an integral part of a board while complying with the
requirements of the law.
The FASD/FSU CDM Programs are scheduled annually, in
Tallahassee, Florida. The course will take place this year
March 16-20, 2015. The students attend four classroom
days and will participate in the FASD Legislative Day at
the Capitol.
All interested elected officials should register for the
CDO program at: http://www.fasd.com/cdo.htm.
The CDM application and information is posted at :
http://www.fasd.com/cdm.aspx. Please note that
while the office deadline for this year was Jan. 30, late
applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
CDO designation requires renewal every three years
in order to maintain certification by attending FASD
sponsored, certified training programs; completing
15 hours (CEUs) of verifiable training within any of
the component subject areas, in each three (3) year
certification period.
To review all requirements for the certification programs, or to download applications and registration forms,
please visit the FASD website education and certifications page: http://www.fasd.com/edcert.aspx or contact FASD
Executive Director, Fred Crawford at fcrawford@fasd.com.
Unifying and strengthening special purpose government through education, the exchange of
ideas and active involvement in the legislative process.
Spring 2015
15
Certified District Manager (CDM)
Recap of the 2015 FASD
January Member Meeting
The January meeting was a great success thanks to
the staff of Lee County Mosquito Control District. We
would like to thank the District Board for the use of
their facility and staff and Database Financial Services
for their generous lunch sponsorship. The facility was
perfect and the staff made us feel welcome and full –
the Cooks of LCMCD did a fabulous job of preparing the
lunch. The food was not only plentiful but very tasty.
The other highlight of the lunch was the presentation
from President Lindsay on behalf of the FASD Board and
members of a plaque to Lester Baird in appreciation
of his service to FASD. Lester has been a member for
decades and most currently served as Vice President of
the FASD Board before he retired in October. Our good
wishes go out to Lester in his retirement.
The day started with tour of the Harns Marsh facility
courtesy of East County Water Control District.
Attendees learned about the facility and saw several
bird species and other wildlife. It was a very nice
addition to the meeting. The highlight of the meeting
was a visit from Representative Matt Caldwell from
District 79 which includes the Lee County Mosquito
Control District and several other member districts in
the area.
Representative Caldwell spoke of the upcoming
legisltive session and some of the issues that will be
hot topics this year. We truly appreciated his time with
us. Terry Lewis gave a legislative update and answered
questions from the audience. Our guest speakers
were Julia McCusker from CoBank and Kate Grangard
from The Gehring Group. Julia gave a presentation
on interest rates which was very informative and
certainly opened my eyes to a few things. Kate gave
the afternoon session which focused on the Affordable
Care Act and the health trends of today, subjects on
everyone’s minds today.
16
Brett Cyphers Named New
Executive Director of
NWFWM Governing Board
Brett Cyphers of Tallahassee has been named the new
executive director of the Northwest Florida Water
Management District Governing Board. Cyphers
previously served as the assistant executive director
since June 2012 and replaced Jon Steverson, who was
appointed to secretary of the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection. Cyphers is a veteran of the
United States Army and Florida National Guard and
holds a degree from Florida State University.
FASD Focus
Location
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
1000 PGA Tour Boulevard
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
(904) 285-7777
Group Rate: $115.00 and $13 resort fee per night + tax
Cut-Off Date: May 14, 2015
Reservations: Call 1-800-457-4653 and
reference Florida Association of Special
Districts.
We are Blazing New Trails in 2015!
Spring 2015
17
Mission–To unify
unify and
and strengthen
strengthen special
special purpose
purpose government
government through
through education,
education, the
the exchange
exchange of
of ideas
ideas and
and active
active involvement
involvement in
in the
the legislative
legislative process
process
Mission–To
Join FASD at the 2015 Annual Conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL as we blaze new
trails ahead toward our mission to unify and strengthen special purpose government
through education, exchange of ideas and active involvement in the legislative process.
Conference Highlights
Educational Sessions
Leadership Training Exhibit Hall
Legislative Updates
Continuing Education
Mock Session
Awards Dinner
Golf Outing
And Much More!!
• Pre-Conference Program - Risk Management Principles - What Special Districts Need to Know
• New Member Orientation - Learn about FASD, meet the Board, and have any questions answered.
• CDO/CDM Information - Whether you are a current CDM or CDO, or you are interested in
applying, this session will help answer any questions you have about these programs.
• Third Annual FASD 5K - Kick off the Conference right by participating in our charity fundraiser.
• Golf Outing – Great networking and loads of fun. What better way to meet FASD members?
• Two Kid’s Nights – Free of charge during the Opening Reception and the Awards Dinner.
•Western Theme Awards Banquet - We’ll end the Conference on a high note with an evening of
celebration - be sure to bring your cowboy boots and hats!
Spouses & Children
GUESTS/SPOUSES:
The participation of guests/spouses over the years has continued to increase. To help cover the cost of food and beverage and entertainment throughout the Conference, and to help determine the number of attendees for the dinner on
Thursday evening, FASD has initiated a minimal charge for guests/spouses of $100.00 per guest. Please be sure to submit
the name(s) of each guest so they get a name badge. A guest is a person who is not affiliated with the district or company
of the primary registrant.
CHILDREN:
We encourage members to bring your families to the conference so attendees are not separated from their families
during the Conference dates. To enhance this we choose family-friendly hotels for our conferences that have food and
entertainment venues in and around the hotel for family members to enjoy while you are attending the conference. Over
the past few years we have seen costs increase. The mission of the conference is to provide an educational experience
in a professional atmosphere that enhances that learning experience. To help in deferring these costs, we will no longer
be able to provide meals for children at no cost. If you plan on having your children join you for any FASD meal function,
you will need to register them as a guest with a $100.00 fee and make sure they bring their name badge with them to the
dining room. We are offering a Kid’s Night on Tuesday evening during the Opening Reception and Thursday evening during
the Awards Dinner at no charge and will include food and entertainment for your children, in order to free up seats and
allow parents to enjoy the evening knowing their children are safe and having fun. This cost far from covers the actual
cost of the food functions, but it will help to defer our costs so we can ensure the Conference mission is not compromised.
We hope this will not prohibit anyone from bringing their children and hope you will understand our reasoning to do so.
You are always welcome to make other arrangements for your children. We strongly encourage parents to have their
children participate in this program. For more information, contact Fred Crawford at (855) 469-3273.
18
FASD Focus
2015 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
PLATINUM - $5,000
GOLD - $2,500
•Three Full Registrations
•“Third Member” rate for all other company attendees
•One booth in Expo Hall with two exhibitor passes
•One half-page ad in conference program
•Link for one year on FASD website
•Recognition on Conference logo board
•Special recognition at General Session or lunch with
5-10 minutes to give your company profile
•Listed as co-sponsor of a reception or lunch (Sponsor’s
choice)
•Listed as sponsor of a session
•Logo on Conference email marketing
•Logo on Conference printed material
SILVER - $1,500
•Two Full Registrations
•One booth in Expo Hall with one exhibitor pass
•One quarter-page ad in conference program
•Recognition on conference logo board
BRONZE - $850
•One Full Registration
•One business card ad in Conference program
•Special recognition at General Session
BRONZE AMENITIES - $1,000
Lanyards
Conference Bags
Conference Pens
Cocktail Napkins at Opening Reception
Cocktail Napkins at Awards Banquet
•Logo on amenity
Spring 2015
EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
Awards Dinner (Co-Sponsor) - $5,000 (each) – 5 Available
Tuesday Opening Reception $4,000 (each) - 3 Available
Luncheon $4,000 (each) – 3 Available
Continental Breakfasts $3,000 (each) – 2 Available
Conference Break $1,500 (each) – 5 Available
•Two Full Registrations
•Listed as exclusive sponsor (or co-) for each event
•Reserved table at Thursday Dinner
•Special recognition at General Session
•5-10 Minutes to welcome the crowd and give your
company profile at the sponsored event
•Logo on conference email marketing
•Logo on conference printed material
Session Sponsor $1,000.00 (each)
•Third member registration price for all other company
registrants
•5-10 minute talk describing your company at sponsored
session
•Recognition in Conference Program
•Recognition on Conference signage
•Recognition on FASD Website
Keynote Speaker Sponsor $3,000.00 - 2 Available
•Third member registration price for all other company
registrants
•5-10 minute talk describing your company during
Keynote session
•Introduction of Keynote at General Session
•Recognition in Conference Program
•Recognition on Conference signage
•Recognition on FASD Website for 1 year
•Reserved table at the Thursday Evening Dinner
SILVER AMENITIES - $1,500
Hotel Room Key Cards (1-color imprint) Sold!
•Two Full Registration
•Logo on amenity
•Logo on conference email marketing
•Logo on conference printed material
EXHIBITOR BOOTH
Member - $750
Non-Member - $850
•Piped and draped booth with two chairs, one 6’ table,
wastebasket and company sign
19
•Four Full Registrations
•One double booth in Expo Hall with four exhibitor
passes
•One full-page ad in Conference program
•Reserved table at Thursday’s dinner
•Listed as sponsor of a Keynote Speaker or session
(Sponsor’s choice)
SPONSOR/EXHIBITOR RULES & REGULATIONS
SPONSORSHIPS: Valuable sponsorship opportunities are
available with the Florida Association of Special Districts.
Maximize your exposure to all association members by purchasing
one of these attractive sponsorship opportunities.
EXHIBIT BOOTH ASSIGNMENTS:
Exhibit space will be
assigned on a first come, first served basis. Thirty 8’ x 10’ exhibit
booths are available. Networking opportunities held exclusively
in the Exhibit Hall will be (1) reception, (1) continental breakfast,
(1) lunch and (2) breaks.
EXHIBITOR PACKAGE: Each carpeted, piped-anddraped booth will include one 6’ skirted table, two chairs,
one wastebasket and one company identification sign. Any
additional requirements will be at the exhibitor’s cost and should
be confirmed through the hotel or exhibit company. Once your
booth is confirmed, you will receive an exhibitor package. Extra
person charge of $300.00 includes all food functions and sessions.
Exhibit set up is 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday, June 23, 2015.
Breakdown is Wednesday, June 24, 2015 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
DOOR PRIZES:
Exhibitors are asked to bring a door prize to
be given away during the conference. Door prize giveaways will
be during the breaks and lunches throughout the conference.
We will be visiting each booth with a microphone and allow the
vendor to give a brief description of their company. Notify the
staff at the conference registration desk upon check-in as to
what your door prize is.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES & CANCELLATIONS:
Cancellations for Amenity Sponsorships are due by 5:00 PM,
March 1, 2015, in writing. If the item has not been ordered at
that time, 50% of the total sponsorship price will be refunded.
If it has been ordered no refunds will be issued. A 50% refund
will be issued for cancellations received from January 1, 2015
to March 15, 2015 for all other sponsorships. No refunds will be
issued after March 15, 2015. You may fax the request to FASD
(850) 224-7704 or email at fcrawford@fasd.com.
Booth cancellations will receive a refund less a handling fee
of $50.00. Booth refunds will not be issued for cancellations
received after May 15, 2015.
NOTE: Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis,
with priority placement given to sponsors. Delay in payment will
result in a delay in receiving your booth assignment.
CONTRACT:
The following rules and regulations become
binding upon acceptance of the Exhibit Agreement between
the applicant and his employees, and the Florida Association of
Special Districts.
NOISY & OBNOXIOUS EQUIPMENT: The operation of
whistles or any objectionable device will not be allowed. After
the show opens, noisy and unsightly work will not be permitted.
20
SECURITY & LIABILITY: The hotel will provide basic security
services from June 23-24, 2015. The exhibitor agrees to hold
the Florida Association of Special Districts (FASD) and Sawgrass
Marriott (the hotel) harmless and to indemnify FASD and the
hotel against claims or liability arising out of the actions, fault
or negligence of the exhibitor, its agents or employees, prior to,
during and after the exposition. FASD and the hotel shall not be
responsible for any loss, damage or injury that may happen to the
exhibitor or the exhibitor’s agents, patrons, guests, employees
or property from any cause whatsoever (unless occasioned by
the sole willful or gross negligence of FASD or the hotel) prior
to, during or subsequent to the exposition period. The exhibitor
hereby expressly releases FASD and the hotel from, and agrees to
indemnify them against any and all claims for such loss, damage
or injury.
PUBLIC POLICY: All companies or individuals exhibiting at the
annual conference are participating at the exclusive discretion of
FASD and must abide by all local codes, rules, regulations and
ordinances, including fire regulations, and must abide by the
directions and instructions presented by official FASD and hotel
personnel. The exhibitor understands that any violations of these
policies may result in the immediate closing and removal of the
exhibitor’s booth.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY:
The exhibitor, its agents, guests
or patrons shall not injure, mar nor in any manner deface the
hotel premises or equipment therein, and shall not cause or
permit anything to be done whereby the hotel or its equipment
shall be in any manner injured, marred, unduly soiled, defaced,
lost, stolen or otherwise removed from the building, and will not
drive, or permit to be driven, nails, hooks, tacks or screws into
any part of the hotel, and will not make nor allow to be made,
any alterations of any kind therein. Should any of the hotel’s
equipment used by the exhibitor in the conduct or operation
of the exposition be damaged, lost or stolen, the exhibitor will
promptly pay for the equipment by cash or certified check. The
exhibitor understands that no music of any type is allowed during
exhibit hall hours (this includes music in video, slide or other
presentations or features).
SIGNS & POSTERS:
The exhibitor agrees that it will not
post or exhibit signs, advertisements, posters or cards of any
description inside, in front of or on any part of the convention
center and/or hotel without written consent.
ELIGIBLE EXHIBITS & RESTRICTIONS:
FASD reserves
the right to accept or reject without reason any exhibit
agreement received. FASD also reserves the right of exhibit
space reassignment. FASD reserves the right to limit access to
the exhibit floor to anyone during times the show is not officially
open. Exhibitors shall reflect their company’s highest standards
of professionalism while maintaining their booths during show
hours. No exhibitor shall assign, sublet or share booth space
without the permission of FASD. No firm or organization is
permitted to engage in direct sales activities outside the exhibit
area.
FASD Focus
SPONSOR/EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION FORM
GO GREEN - register online at www.fasd.com
or complete this form and return to:
EMAIL: fcrawford@fasd.com
MAIL: 2713 Blairstone Lane, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 FAX: (850) 224-7704
Step 1. Enter your company and personal information
Company/Organization: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
(Please print exactly as name should appear in program and on signage.)
Contact Name: ________________________________________________ Title: _______________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________________________________________ State: ______________________ Zip: _________________
Phone: _______________________________________________________ Fax: ________________________________________________
E-mail Address: _____________________________________________________ Website: _______________________________________
Attendee Name(s) (if different from above): ____________________________________________________________________________
Attendee E-mail Address(es): __________________________________________________________________________________________
Step 2. Enter your sponsorship or exhibit booth selection

SPONSORSHIP 

EXHIBIT BOOTH ONLY: ____ PRICE: ________________ Thursday Dinner Y/N
TYPE: ____________________________________________ PRICE: $_______________
EXTRA EXHIBITOR: _______ PRICE: $300 per person
Extra
Extra
Extra
Extra
Person
Person
Person
Person
Name:
Name:
Name:
Name:
_____________________________Email:
_____________________________Email:
_____________________________Email:
_____________________________Email:
Thursday Dinner
____________________________
Y/N
____________________________
Y/N
____________________________
Y/N
____________________________
Y/N

GOLF $TBD/person Golfers 1.________________ 2._________________ 3._________________ 4._______________
(If you select this, we will contact you for payment once golf registration opens)

Charity Donation
Amount:
_________ Will you be participating in the Charity Walk? Y/N
Step 3. Send your company logo
Please email your company logo immediately to fcrawford@fasd.com for inclusion on the conference web site. File format must be
TIFF, GIF or JPEG. Email advertisement in PDF format to fcrawford@fasd.com or contact Fred Crawford for advertisement questions
and specifications.
Step 4. Read, sign and enter payment method
Acknowledgement: I have read and understand all rules and regulations regarding the 2015 FASD Annual Conference.
I agree to comply with all terms of this agreement.
Authorized Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ________________

Check
Please make checks payable to FASD and mail them to:
CMC & Associates
 Credit Card
If paying by credit card, please call FASD at 850-999-1937 or toll free, 855-469-3273 to provide
credit card information over the phone. Accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
**DO NOT mail, email or fax you credit card information.
ATTENDEE REGISTRATION FORM
GO GREEN - register online at www.fasd.com
or complete this form and return to:
EMAIL: fcrawford@fasd.com
MAIL: 2713 Blairstone Lane, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 FAX: (850) 224-7704
Step 1. Enter your company and personal information
Registrant Name: ________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________
Company/Organization: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________________________________________ State: ______________________ Zip: _________________
Phone: _______________________________________________________ Fax: ________________________________________________
E-mail Address: _____________________________________________________ Shirt Size: ______________________________________
Step 2. Make your registration selection(s)
FULL CONFERENCE
 Member Rate
 2nd Member Rate
 3rd Member Rate
 Non-Member Rate
before May 15th
after May 15th
$425
$450
$400
$425
$375
$400
$525
$550
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
 Monday Training  Guest/Spouse*
 Golf*
 Charity Donation
*
Included with conference registration, but must RSVP
$100
$TBD
Quantity:
Amount:
_________ (If you select this, we will contact you for payment once golf registration opens)
_________ Will you be participating in the Charity Walk? Y/N
These items require additional information. See Step 3.
Step 3. Provide additional information, if applicable.
*Guest/Spouse Name: ________________________________ *Golfer Name(s): _______________________________________________
*Will you have any children attending the
(complimentary) Kid’s Night during these events?
________________________________________________
Opening Reception, Tuesday Evening (Names and Ages): __________________________________________________________________
Awards Banquet, Thursday Evening (Names and Ages): ___________________________________________________________________
Children’s Allergies or Special Needs: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Step 4. Payment Options
• Check
Please make checks payable to FASD and mail them to:
CMC & Associates
• Credit Card
If paying by credit card, please call FASD at 850-999-1937 or toll free, 855-469-3273 to provide
credit card information over the phone. Accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
**DO NOT mail, email or fax you credit card information.
FASD Member News
NEW FASD MEMBERS
• CoBank
• Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
• Hamilton County Development Authority
• Okaloosa Island Fire District
• Rizzetta & Company
• Sanibel Public Library District
• St. George Island Volunteer
Fire Department/MSBU
• USI Insurance Services
NEWS FROM SOUTH TRAIL
FIRE & RESCUE DISTRICT
Fifty
years
of
service, 1965 – 2015.
Residents and visitors
have witnessed an
amazing amount of
growth and changes
to the south Fort
Myers area over the
past 50 years. Proud to be a part of the south Fort Myers
community since 1965, the South Trail Fire Department
has evolved through the years to meet the emergency
service needs of a growing community.
The South Trail Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue
Squad of Lee County, Inc. was formed on November
23, 1965, by area residents, J. Foster Pate and Oscar
Holmberg. An all-volunteer force of 17 firemen operated
out of a gas station on the corner of U.S. 41 and Crystal
Drive until 1968, when the Department’s first fire station
was built and the first paid employee was hired.
June 15, 2015 will mark
the 100th anniversary of
the creation of the Lake
Worth Drainage District.
To commemorate this
milestone, the District
will
share
monthly
“Centennial
Moment”
videos showcasing the agency’s history. An open house
reception will be held in June for our residents. Keep an
eye out for more information in the near future.
Explore Harns Marsh during
a Free Nature/Photography
Walk - Saturday, Feb. 28
East County Water Control District
(ECWCD) is hosting its Fourth
Annual Wings Over Water (WOW)
Festival on Friday, February 27 and
Saturday, February 28 at Harns
Marsh to help the public discover
the beauty of southwest Florida’s
water, land and wildlife.
The two-day, annual festival celebrates southwest
Florida’s natural resources and includes presentations
from experts, an array of exhibits from local
organizations, kids’ activities, food, guided walks and
a rubber duck race. Admission to the festival is free of
charge.
“The WOW Festival showcases to the importance of
ECWCD’s mission and provides a unique opportunity
for community members to connect with local
organizations and experience nature through an array
of interactive experiences,” said J. Nathan Stout,
Chairman of the ECWCD Board of Commissioners.
On Friday, Feb. 27, ECWCD will host a presentation
and nature walk from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Harns
Marsh. Explore the history of Harns Marsh; learn about
its water control features; and discover the flora and
fauna. Following the walk, ECWCD Manager, David E.
Lindsay and Lee County Parks and Recreation, 20/20
Program, Land Stewardship Manager, Cathy Olson will
host a joint presentation to discuss the future plans/
development for Harns Marsh and the West Marsh.
To celebrate our 50th Anniversary with the South Trail Admission is free. Reservations are preferred:
community, an Open House will be held at Station 62, on http://wowfestivalnaturewalk-friday-feb-27.eventbrite.com
November 14, 2015.
Fast forward 50 years to 2015, and 65 South Trail
career firefighters, operating out of four fire stations,
protect approximately 60,000 permanent residents in
a 55-square mile area. South Trail firefighters respond
to an average of 8,000 emergency calls annually. In
addition to fire suppression, South Trail Fire & Rescue
provides paramedic and technical rescue services, a fire
prevention bureau, and public education programs
Spring 2015
23
• Fruitland Park Community
Development Agency
Happy 100th Anniversary!
FASD Member News
Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue Says “DON’T HIDE, GO OUTSIDE”
Over 380 students at five different elementary and preschools listened intently to the on-duty firefighters of
Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue District as they spread the message during fire prevention week of “DON’T HIDE;
GO OUTSIDE”
Knowing children will get scared when there is a fire in their home, the fire department has four parts to the
message:
1. Don’t hide in closets or under beds.
2. Get low and go – crawl on your hands and knees to the nearest exit.
3. Have a place for the family to meet (mailbox, a tree or a sidewalk).
4. DO NOT go back in the house for any reason.
The firefighters demonstrated getting dressed in their protective firefighting
gear to lessen the children’s fears should the firefighters have to rescue
them from a fire. At the conclusion of the program, the students were given
coloring calendars with fire safety messages their parents could help them
learn.
Pinellas Suncoast serves the communities of Belleair Shore, Belleair Beach,
Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores and the Oakhurst area of the mainland.
by
Marshall Eiss, Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue
FLORIDA’S SPECIAL DISTRICTS
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Contact us today to learn how you can benefit from a partnership
with Severn Trent Management Services.
Ken Cassel
T: +1 954 753 5841 x40515
E: Ken.Cassel@STServices.com
www.serverntrentms.com
24
FASD Focus
West Palm Beach, Fla., December
17, 2014 – Lewis, Longman & Walker,
P.A. is pleased to announce that
Michelle Diffenderfer has been
named President of the firm, effective
January 1, 2015. Michelle, the firm’s
first female President, brings many
years of experience in managerial and
leadership roles both within the firm
and in the community.
Michelle began her career with LLW as a law clerk in
1994, moving from associate to Shareholder in 1999.
Michelle has served as Practice Group Leader for various
Practice Groups within LLW, Chaired LLW’s Business
Development Committee and was elected Executive
Shareholder as a member of the firm’s Executive
Committee. In addition to her leadership within the firm,
Michelle maintains an active environmental practice,
assisting landowners, businesses and governments
with the various local, state and federal requirements
for permitting land development and infrastructure
projects.
“Michelle was elected President by her fellow
shareholders, which reflects her exceptional
contributions and dedication to the firm” said Ed Ratka,
Chief Operating Officer of Lewis, Longman & Walker.
“I’m confident that Michelle’s strong leadership will
help keep LLW on our path of continued growth.”
Michelle added: “I am thrilled to step into this
leadership role for our law firm. I have been blessed
to be a part of LLW’s first 20 years and appreciate the
numerous opportunities that my partners have given
me to succeed. I look forward to paying that forward as
our President.”
Michelle is a past Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of
the Palm Beaches, the Florida Bar’s Environmental and
Land Use Law Section, and Girls II Women. Michelle
has also served in various leadership roles with the
American Bar Association’s Section of Environment,
Energy and Resources. Michelle received the Chamber’s
ATHENA® Award in 2008 which honors individuals
that have achieved professional excellence, actively
served the community, and helped women reach their
leadership potential. Michelle is in the current class of
Leadership Florida and is a graduate of Leadership Palm
Beach County.
Spring 2015
Michelle can be reached at (561) 640-0820 or
mdiffenderfer@llw-law.com. For more information,
please visit our website at www.llw-law.com.
For more than 20 years, the attorneys at Lewis, Longman
& Walker, P.A., have helped the individuals, businesses
and governments that have shaped Florida’s future. We
offer solutions to issues associated with complex local,
state, and federal laws and regulations. We focus on the
specific, technical and seemingly ever-changing areas of
Environmental, Land Use and Governmental Law. The
Lewis, Longman & Walker team is comprised of wellknown and respected attorneys with the experience
and skill to quickly resolve difficult legal challenges. We
are committed to responding to clients’ needs promptly
and economically and believe in building long-term
attorney-client relationships based upon collaboration
and solid performance.
Our offices are in Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Tallahassee
and West Palm Beach. Wherever you are, we’re nearby.
by
Kellie Erlacher, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
Sustainable Water Resource Management and
Design for Florida’s Waterways and Infrastructure
Water Supply | Water Quality/TMDL | Geospatial Solutions
Natural Systems | Flood Protection | LID
Improving Quality of Life Through Innovative Solutions
www.jonesedmunds.com 1.800.237.1053
25
Michelle Diffenderfer
Named President of Lewis,
Longman & Walker, P.A.
FASD Member News
East Lake Fire Rescue Ceremony
East Lake Fire Rescue
held a ceremony on
January 31st placing
three new Pierce Fire
Engines in service. A
traditional pushing in
of the new engines
marked the beginning
of their service to the East Lake community in Northeast
Pinellas County. The engines are the Impel PUC line
from Pierce in Appleton Wisconsin, and feature 1,500
gpm pumps, pump and roll capability, and husky foam
systems. One of the engines, Squad 57 has a cascade
system and enhanced extrication capabilities. All the
engines carry the latest
Hurst Edraulics battery
powered
extrication
tools. East Lake Fire
Rescue has 3 stations
covering 33 square miles
and 30,000 residents in
unincorporated Pinellas
County.
40 Years Proudly Caring
for Our Community
1974- The Big Corkscrew Island Fire
Control and Rescue District began as a
neighborhood thought in 1974. A group
of not more than 25 or so residents
felt a need to improve their level of
fire service and incorporated the
Big Corkscrew Volunteer Firefighters
Association. Just a few years later that same group and
a few new residents decided an even greater level of
service was needed and petitioned the Collier County
Board of Commissioners to create and independent
taxing unit—the Commissioners did not support their
efforts. The resilient members of the Community sought
out support from Representative Mary Ellen Hawkins
and eventually their cause was championed through the
State Legislature in the Spring of 1977 and subsequently
put to a vote of the residents of the Corkscrew Island
Community and its surrounding areas. On November
8, 1977 Big Corkscrew Island Fire Control and Rescue
District was established—37 YES votes to 0 NO votes.
Chief Steve Sellers was the Districts first Fire Chief.
by
Tom Jamison, East Lake Fire Rescue District
North Collier Fire Control
and Rescue District
After a combined 93 years of serving the residents of
Collier County, Big Corkscrew Island Fire Rescue and
North Naples Fire Rescue have become one. Effective
midnight, December 31, 2014 the merger of these two
districts will be complete and they will become the
North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District.
Chief Orly Stolts, Executive Chief Rita Greenberg, and the
personnel of the North Collier Fire Control and Rescue
District are looking forward to continuing to proudly
serve the community.
26
FASD Focus
In November of 1991 Chief
Siebold retired and Chief
Frank O. Kovarik took the
helm. During Chief Kovarik’s
tenure
the
department
expanded from 3 paid
personnel and 30 volunteers
to 15 paid personnel and 20
volunteers, transitioned to
24 hour operations, added
a new fire station and the vision of an administration
facility. In addition to personnel and facilities, Chief
Kovarik expanded the available apparatus to include
two fire engines, two brush trucks, 1 attack truck and
1 water tender. In addition a version of the Women’s
Auxiliary was established by Chief Kovarik—the
Associates (mothers and fathers of some volunteers).
The Associates helped in many areas, but were most
well known county-wide for running “Snack 10” – a
converted school bus. Snack 10 and its crew—Earl and
Cookie Sherman, and Don and Karen Acquard – brought
Snack 10 anywhere in the County it was requested and
made sure that all the firefighters and personnel on the
scenes had hot food, cold drinks and a chair to relax in!
Chief Kovarik passed away in March of 2004.
Spring 2015
On April 13, 2004 Rita M. Greenberg, was appointed
to Fire Chief, by the Board of Fire Commissioners and
serves as the third paid Fire Chief for Big Corkscrew
Island Fire Control and Rescue District, During her
tenure, Chief Greenberg oversaw the completion of the
Administrative Facility that Chief Kovarik had started,
updated the entire fleet of apparatus, hired a certified
Emergency Vehicle Technician, and increased full-time
personnel from 15 to 31, The Great Recession began
in 2008, shortly after the Districts growth spurt and
together Chief Greenberg, the Board and the Union
worked through the recession while maintaining service
to the community.
Difficult decisions were made along the way—laying off
personnel, accepting early retirements, and increasing
the millage rate. While these decisions did not come
easy, it was these decisions that ultimately helped
the District weather this storm. Grants were obtained
and within 8 months all personnel were back on duty.
In the 4 years since, the Board, Administration and
Union have worked hard to stabilize the financial
status of the District. In January 2014, the Board of Fire
Commissioners expressed an interest in merging with
the North Naples Fire Control and Rescue District. On
November 4, 2014, the community voted to dissolve the
Big Corkscrew Island Fire Control and Rescue District and
have it become part of the North Collier Fire Control and
Rescue District. On January 1, 2015, Chief Greenberg will
continue to proudly serve the community she has been
a part of since 1991 - North Collier Fire Control and
Rescue District.
Executive Chief, Rita M. Greenberg
27
The department remained a
volunteer organization, with what
little taxes they had going to-wards
the goal of building their first
fire station. The station (known
today as Station 11) would be
located on land that was donated
to the District, near the heart
of the community. In the meantime, apparatus was
housed in Volunteers’ backyards. The fire station was
completed in 1981 and the Big Corkscrew Island Fire
Control and Rescue District had a place to call home!
The community and the demand for service continued
to grow and in 1986 the District hired its first paid Fire
Chief—Robert (Bob) Siebold. The first firefighter Capt.
Todd S. Olson (ret) was hired in and the department
began to transition from an all Volunteer department
to a combination department. In 1987 a second station
(known today as Station 10) was built on land that was
also donated to the District—this station was supported by the community, as evidenced by their vote
to increase their tax rate from 1 to 2 mills maximum,
for a 3 year period. In addition to a new facility, the
District purchased its first brand new fire truck with the
assistance of the Avatar Committee. The residents later
voted to maintain the 2 mill rate indefinitely.
FASD Member News
Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue Announces 2014 Award Recipients
Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue is pleased to announce the recipients of awards for 2014. The
announcements were made by Fire Chief Jeffrey S. Hoyle at the annual employee recognition
dinner held on December 20, 2014.
The nominations for each category came from all employees. Chief Hoyle selected the exceptional
duty award which went to Captain Ed Shumaker. Captain Shumaker has served Cedar Hammock
and the Fire Service with “pride, commitment, and courage” for 30 years. He will retire in June,
2015.
Staff Employee of the Year went to Captain Nick Herlihy for his continued outstanding work in developing
exceptional training for the entire department. Fire Officer of the Year was presented to Battalion Chief Sam
Collier for his leadership and support of his B Shift Battalion, Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, and the Fire Service
for over 30 years.
Firefighter of the Year went to Ryan S. French of A Shift. Ryan was selected from a group of two other Firefighters,
A.J. Dudley of B Shift and Tim Pillsbury of C Shift. Firefighter French was also nominated for the Veterans of
Foreign Wars 2014 Gold Medal Awards for Public Servants. The winner will be announced in January.
Fire Commissioner Dee Bennett was honored for her leadership as Chair of Cedar Hammock Board of Fire
Commissioners during fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
by
Alexander D. Lobeto, Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue
2014 Fire Commissioner
Chair Dee Bennett
2014 Exceptional Duty Award
Capt. Ed Shumaker
2014 Fire Officer of the Year
Battalion Chief Sam Collier
28
2014 Staff Employee of the Year
Capt. Nick Herlihy
2014 Firefighter of the Year
Ryan S. French
FASD Focus
Public Risk Insurance Agency
Deputy Fire Marshal Eric
J. Center was recently
promoted to Fire Marshal on
January 8, 2015 at the Cedar
Hammock Board of Fire
Commissioners Meeting.
Eric Center began his Fire
Service career as a volunteer
in 2001 with the Whitfield
Fire Control District. He was employed by the City
of Bradenton Fire Department in 2002 and shortly
thereafter joined the ranks at Cedar Hammock Fire
Rescue in Manatee County, Florida.
Fire Marshal Eric Center and
Fire Chief Jeffrey Hoyle
Fire Marshal Center was promoted to Deputy Fire
Marshal in August of 2012. The role of Fire Marshal
includes oversight of all fire inspections, fire
investigations, and community fire prevention.
Center will continue to manage an annual fire
inspection program of over 2000 existing businesses in
the district which is accomplished with the assistance
of two fire inspectors under his direct supervision and
the assistance of the engine companies at the four
stations within Cedar Hammock Fire Control District.
Additionally, Fire Marshal Center completes all the
plan review of new and existing structures applying
for building permits and manages the final inspection
process.
Fire Marshal Center also participates as an alternate
member on the National Fire Protection Association’s
Life Safety Committee on Assembly Occupancies. He
recently traveled to San Diego, California on his own
time, to participate in one of the tri-annual committee
meetings. Eric has worked closely with the local Safe
Kids Coalition with their Child Safety Restraint Program
and has positioned Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue as the
point of contact for child safety seat installations in
Manatee County. Additionally, Eric has been a consistent
participant in the Manatee County Juvenile Fire Setters
Program. This requires response to fire scenes, parent
contact and follow up, as well as attending an evening
meeting to educate juvenile fire setters and their
parents or guardians on the dangers of fire. This is a
very worthy and impacting program to try to redirect
youth that are participating in a very dangerous activity.
Spring 2015
Eric J. Center Promoted
to Fire Marshal of Cedar
Hammock Fire Rescue
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Grant Compilance, and Financial Reporting
Requirements
Operations Management
Operational and Internal Control
Improvements
Contact us for a FREE consultation
239-433-1002 ~ www.stroemercpa.com
29
FASD Member News
Spring Lake Receives 2014 Plant Operations Excellence Award
Each year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection(FDEP) presents awards to domestic wastewater
and drinking water facilities around the state that demonstrate excellence in operation, maintenance, innovative
treatment, waste reduction, and pollution prevention, recycling, or other special achievements. These awards are
presented to recognize facilities that demonstrate a special commitment to excellence in management through
dedicated professionalism. Facilities that demonstrate excellence are encouraged to complete and submit a selfnominating form to their local DEP district office to be recognized. Awards are presented to one facility in each of
the Department’s six district offices of their classification.
As a Medium Community water system serving approximately 3812 people, our system competed with systems
serving 3,300 to 50,000 in population. Therefore we competed with much larger systems that have more resources
and staffing.
Spring Lake Improvement District has been selected to receive the (FDEP) 2014 Plant Operations Excellence
Awards for Public Water Supply Facilities. The award was presented on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, during the
morning general session of the Florida Rural Water “Focus on Change” seminar at Charlotte Harbor Event and
Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, Florida.
This accomplishment for the District has truly been a team effort.
by
Clay Shrum, Spring Lake Improvement District
WORKING TODAY TO CREATE
A BETTER TOMORROW
QUICK & EASY
FINANCING
SOLUTIONS
IBI GROUP (FLORIDA) INC
CONSULTING SERVICES FOR SPECIAL DISTRICTS
CIVIL ENGINEERING
• Civil Engineering for Surface Water
Management
• Canal Restoration and Culvert
Replacement Programs
• Permitting Assistance with Local,
State and Federal Agencies
• Assistance with Bond
Assessment
• FEMA Grant Applications –
Submittals and Management
of Work
• Best Management Practices (BMP)
Report
• Water Control Plans
& Reclamation Plans
• Capital Improvement Programs
• Engineer’s Reports for
Regulatory Agencies
• Pump Station Design
• Hydrologic Modeling
& Drainage Modeling
• Bid Assistance, CA, Review
Contractor’s Pay requests
• Project Close-Out
SURVEYING
•
•
•
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Topographic & Boundary Surveys
Base Map & Design Maps
As-Built Surveys
GPS Data Collection and Input
GIS Network Set Up and
Population of Attribute Data
• Review of Construction Survey
Plans for Drainage
www.cobank.com/h2oloan
844-846-3135
Ranger Drainage District – Canal Restoration Project
Sunshine Water Control District – Pump Station Project
www.ibigroup.com
30
FASD Focus
Salvatore A. D’Angelo III
- Fire Chief
Chief D’Angelo, originally from Queens, NY,
moved to Florida when he was eleven years
old settling in the Miami area with his family
and graduating from South Dade High School in Homestead
where he was to meet his future wife, Shawna. Although he
and his wife graduated from Florida International University
(he with a BA in business and she with a BA in Education),
D’Angelo enrolled and graduated from the fire academy
at the encouragement of his late father-in-law, Lt. Dewey
Henry of the Miami-Dade Fire Department, who he credits
with knowing it would be a good fit.
In 1994, D’Angelo took a job in Franklin, Tennessee, so his
wife could pursue her career in country music. Shawna has
been singing since she was eight years old. They would have
stayed were it not for a situation which brought them back to
Florida. In 1997, while working as Cape Coral fire fighter, he
began working on a master’s degree in Public Administration
from Florida Gulf Coast University. Since during this time,
he completed several special analysis projects for the city of
Cape Coral, he was led from the fire service for 18 months
to work in city administration in the Finance & Human
Resources division. Finally in 2003, D’Angelo moved to
the North Naples Fire Control and Rescue District starting
as a fire inspector and rising to the rank of Deputy Chief of
Operations. This entailed responsibility for fire suppression
activities for three shifts of personnel and management of
all fleet vehicles.
After several years as Deputy Chief, he “knew he was ready
to be a fire chief” and began the search for a department
that would be a good fit for him and his family. During
his interview with the Board of Fire Commissioners of the
Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue, he was asked the question
“what is missing from your resume” to which he answered
simply, “Fire Chief!”
Chief D’Angelo and his wife Shawna, who is a kindergarten
teacher, have two daughters ages 9 and 5. They have
purchased a home and will be moving into the district in the
near future. The Chief is currently working on a doctoral
degree in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic
University.
EAST COUNTY WATER CONTROL DISTRICT
Special purpose government agency is seeking a
full time Comptroller. The successful candidate
shall be responsible for financial management,
accounting & financial reporting, budgeting,
debt administration, and treasury management
for the District. Responsibilities include all
required government reporting to comply
with Florida statutes; accounting records,
financial reports, financing and debt service,
accounting systems, controls and procedures,
payables, payroll, monthly reconciliation’s as
well as monthly and annual financial statement
preparation and preparation of the annual
budget. Must have governmental “fund
accounting” experience. Qualified candidate
will be proficient in Microsoft Office programs
and have staff supervisory experience.
Accufund software experience “a plus”.
The successful candidate must possess a
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting
or Finance from an accredited college or
university. Master’s degree in Accounting/
Finance, CPA CGFM or CGFO and 5 years
full-charge experience with at least 2 years’
experience with a similar government agency
helpful. Possession of a Florida Driver’s License
required.
Salary
Range: $64,022.40 to $86,153.60
commensurate with experience
The job location is Lehigh Acres, FL.
Please fax or e-mail cover letter and
resume including work and salary history to
paulac@ecwcd.com, FAX: (239) 368-3412 or
print application on website, www.ecwcd.com
This position is open until filled.
EOE/Drug-Free workplace/Veterans preference
Members -- send your job announcements to
fcrawford@fasd.com. Even if it is not the right
timing to put your submission in the newsletter,
we’ll post it on our website and share it on our
social media pages!
by
Marshall R. Eiss, Pinellas Sun Coast Rescue District
Spring 2015
31
With an infectious smile and a “can do attitude,”
Salvatore “Sal” D’Angelo, has become Pinellas
Suncoast Fire & Rescue District’s (PSFRD)
eighth fire chief since its inception in 1951.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS
2713 Blairstone Lane, Tallahassee, FL 32301
®
Se
ing
ently
®

FASD Newsletter Spring 2015

Transcription

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