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Dear colleague,
Please read on for updates about things happening in the city, and let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Jennifer Poirrier
City Manager
Jennifer.Poirrier@MyClearwater.com
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State of the City
At the Nov. 2 City Council Meeting, I presented the annual State of the City Address to the Clearwater City Council and our residents. The presentation included a review of the city’s financial health, our top 22 accomplishments from last fiscal year, and goals for the future.
I invite you to watch the presentation or check out the website to see all of what we accomplished together last year, as one united team. These successes would not be possible without the care and professionalism of you -- our incredible workforce!
I am proud of all our teams, who work hard each and every day, to achieve all that we have in the last fiscal year. Thank you for all that you do, each and every day.
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I Make Clearwater Thrive Contest
The city’s vision statement describes where we are heading: To be a community that thrives from bay to beach. Our employees are the foundation of the city’s strategic plan. Each day, your hard work is more than just a sequence of tasks; it's a vital component of our success.
It's time to tell your story: how do you make Clearwater Thrive? By sharing your story, you will inspire others and have a chance to be recognized and celebrated by your peers. Creativity is key; you can submit photos and/or videos to tell your story.
The city will award outstanding work stories weekly through Dec. 31, and weekly winners will be entered for a $500 grand prize awarded in January 2024. Congratulations to the winners so far: Robert Caswell (Planning & Development), Gabbriella Gilliam (Public Works), Emily Johnson (Public Communications), and Amy Sessions (Utility Customer Service).
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CWA Union Contract
At the Nov. 2 City Council Meeting, the City Council approved the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Click on the links below for the new CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement and a summary of its changes.
If you are a CWA dues-paying member and signed up for the new dues deduction system, dues will begin to be deducted Nov. 11. If you have questions about deductions, whether you pay dues, or anything else related to dues, email LocalCWA3179@gmail.com.
Cookies and a Chat With the City Manager
I enjoy the chance to answer your questions, and I hope you continue to ask me what’s on your mind.
There will be two sessions of “Cookies and a Chat” with me next month. Both will be back-to-back on Thursday, Dec. 14, in room 130 of the Municipal Services Building.
All employees are invited to the session at 2 p.m. SAMP leaders have been asking for their own session, which will be immediately after, at 3 p.m., for SAMPs only.
Please obtain supervisory permission to attend.
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Classification and Compensation Study Update
The study is underway. The budget item will be going to the City Council Dec. 4. If approved and if applicable, raises will be implemented in January 2024.
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Vacation Sell-Back Program
CWA, FOP, IAFF, and SAMP employees are eligible to sell some of their unused vacation time. If you would like to sell vacation time, see the rules and conditions outlined in your applicable sell-back form below to make sure you are eligible. Then, complete the proper form and send it to your department payroll preparer by Wednesday, Nov. 15.
Contact your department payroll preparer or Human Resources with questions.
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Festival of Trees
The Achievement Awards Committee is bringing back the Festival of Trees to kick off the holidays with city employees. Reserve up to four tickets for you and your family, now through Nov. 14. The event is Nov. 18, from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road.
View beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, and visit with Santa. There will be karaoke entertainment and an ugly sweater contest at 6 p.m. An Italian dinner and desserts will be provided.
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Other Upcoming Activities
Here is a listing of upcoming activities, which may be of interest:
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Employee Blood Drive: Nov. 14, 11:30 to 2:30 p.m., City Hall Offices
- Clearwater Celebrates GIS Day: Nov. 15, MSB Computer Lab. One-hour workshops for staff start at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.
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Great American Teach In: all day Nov. 15, various schools throughout Clearwater
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Pie-in-the-Face United Way Fundraiser: Nov. 15, 3 p.m., Morningside Recreation Complex
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Winter Walk: Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Coachman Park
- Clearwater Employee Holiday Party: Dec. 17, Clearwater Marine Aquarium. See below for details.
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 Staffing Updates
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Michael MacDonald has been promoted to Marine & Aviation Director.
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Congratulations to Robbie Edwards, who was promoted to Public Works assistant director, and to Jeremy Brown, who is the new deputy city engineer in Public Works.
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The city has narrowed the field of candidates for Community Redevelopment Agency director down to two people. We hope to know more soon.
- Peter Bardou’s position was reclassified from an assistant director to director of General Services.
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 City Election
Our next city election is March 19, 2024. The following individuals have filed to run for the following seats:
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Seat 1 (Mayor) – Kathleen Beckman and Bruce Rector
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Seat 2 – Mark Bunker, Ryan Cotton, and Michael Mastruserio
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Seat 3 – Jared Leone, Michael Mannino, and Javante Scott
The last day to qualify and file to run for office is Nov. 17 at 5 p.m.
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Mental Health and the Holidays
The holiday season is upon us, and it’s not always a happy time for everyone. If you are going through a tough time and need support, feel free to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program.
The city provides mental health services and benefits for its employees, including five free visits for counseling and mental health services each year, and more after that if needed through medical benefits.
Other EAP services include legal and financial assistance, parenting support, elder care, pet care, and identify theft. Call (877) 622-4327, or log in at MyCigna.com to get started.
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Gratitude. November is here, and Thanksgiving will be soon. I’m thankful for my amazing family – my husband, daughter, mom, and brothers. I’m also thankful for all of you, the employees, and for the chance to be a part of this incredible team.
I will be spending Thanksgiving this year visiting family all local here in Florida. My daughter is home from college, and we have family in town. I look forward to having some downtime with my family, making memories, enjoying delicious food that everyone else cooks (we do make the dessert!), and taking my dog for walks.
Yazzabell is my German Shephard, she’s 10.5 years old, and I’ve had her since she was 8 weeks old. She is getting older, and she loves the holiday season. We make eggnog every year, and that is her absolute favorite. While it is hard to watch her get older, I do enjoy this precious time with my pup.
Please take some time this holiday to rest, recharge, and spend it with loved ones. We all work hard, and it’s important to maintain a good work-life balance so that we all can fully enjoy both the work we do and our time away from the workplace. Happy holidays to you and yours!
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Have a question or concern? Reach out and let me know.
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