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Dear colleague,
As we return from celebrating the Fourth of July, I hope everyone had a wonderful time filled with joy, relaxation, and time spent with those who are important to you. For those of you with summer vacation plans, or on the fence about making them, I encourage you to do so. Spend quality time with loved ones and recharge!
I thoroughly enjoyed spending the Fourth of July at Coachman Park. Our team never ceases to amaze me at the level of dedication, hard work, and team spirit they exude and the effort that makes these special occasions so memorable. To all the teams that were involved in this event – thank you! Your efforts are deeply appreciated.
Please read 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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Department Visits
 Mayor Rector and I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting the city’s various teams and staff from most of our departments over the last two months. Engaging with our team, meeting you in your space, and listening to your passions, challenges, and ideas has truly been a pleasure!
If we missed you during our visits, we look forward to meeting with you at another time. Please know, I am always open to feedback and encourage you to attend our next Donuts With the City Manager on Sept. 12, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Public Utilities Complex, 1650 N. Arcturas Ave.
Temporary Changes to Reporting Structure
 I wanted to take a moment to update you on the temporary reporting structure changes that go into effect July 19. Assistant City Manager Dan Slaughter and I have divided up the departments that currently report to Michael Delk, who retires July 19. We believe these changes will help us maintain our momentum and continue to deliver on our commitments.
These changes are temporary, and the intent is for the departments to go back to reporting to the new assistance city manager once that position is filled. That position has been advertised, and we have been actively promoting the opening. We currently have more than 60 applicants, and I am hopeful we will be able to fill the position with a qualified applicant in the next couple of months. Your cooperation and patience during this transition are greatly appreciated.
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Staff Updates
Economic Development and Housing Director Denise Sanderson is no longer with the city. I’ve asked Community Redevelopment Agency Director Jesus Niño to serve as director of Economic Development and Housing on an interim basis, as well as continue to oversee the Community Redevelopment Agency department.
Have Donuts With the City Manager
Thursday, Sept. 12, from 8 to 9 a.m., Public Utilities Complex
 I enjoy the chance to answer your questions, and I hope you continue to ask me what’s on your mind. The next session of "Donuts and a Chat” with me will be at 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Public Utilities Complex at 1650 N. Arcturas Ave. in Building A. Please obtain supervisory permission to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CWA
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The Human Resources department sent out a frequently-asked-questions document about the Communications Workers of America (CWA) de-certification July 3. |
The Budget
 The city’s proposed budget was presented to the City Council at 3 p.m. July 15. We are recommending the addition of 17.6 new positions, keeping the millage rate the same as last year (5.8850 mills), and continuing to remain fiscally responsible. A special budget work session will be at 9 a.m. Aug. 14, and upcoming public hearings will take place Sept. 4 and 17, both at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Clearwater Main Library. All meetings will be broadcasted live on C-View TV, streaming video and YouTube.com/MyClearwater.
 I am pleased to announce the participants for this year’s inaugural Executive Leadership Academy! They are Matthew Anderson, Aaron Braley, Michael Flanigan, John Klinefelter, Kris Koch, Anne Lopez, David Pearson, Linda Rothstein, Amy Sessions, Anthony Tedesco, Jacolby Washington, and Marcus Williamson. This class will be instrumental in shaping our program for the future. Their suggestions and feedback will strengthen the curriculum and program as a whole. Please join me in congratulating them on this exciting endeavor!
Sessions began in June, and graduation is in June 2025. Class participants were selected for their demonstrated leadership and commitment to advancing organizational goals, as well as their skills, knowledge, aspirations, contribution to learning environment, essay response, professional references, commitment to academic requirements, diversity and synergy. I look forward to this class’s accomplishments and the positive impact they will have not only on our organization, but also on our community.
Congratulations to these employee award winners!
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Employee of the Month
June 2024
Jason Coole, Parks and Recreation
Congratulations to Parks Service Technician Jason Coole, who is the Citywide Employee of the Month for June 2024. He befriended a mom and daughter, a young girl with Autism, who stop by and visit with city employees near the Countryside Recreation Center sometimes.
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Bimonthly Team Award
July August 2024
Juan Ospina, Robert Orner, and Matthew Mauger
Congratulations to Fleet Mechanic Juan Ospina, Fleet Mechanic Supervisor Robert Orner, and Fire Medic Matthew Mauger. This team worked together to extinguish a fire that broke out while a compressed natural gas recycling truck was in the city’s fleet shop for service. Thanks to their quick thinking, their effort saved the city an untold amount of money and aggravation.
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Reminder to Stay Hydrated
 The sun and heat are quite wicked this year, as we continue to experience heat advisories which could put some of our teams in danger. Staff who work outside or under hot conditions should increase their intake of water and other fluids as much as possible. It’s a good idea to also decrease consumption of soda and energy drinks as well.
Know the signs of heat-related illness, which include dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. And as always, look out for one another as you work in hot conditions.
 The deadline for incentives as part of the city’s wellness initiative, Motivate Me, is Oct. 31. All employees and retirees who are covered under the city's Cigna medical plan can earn up to $200 in incentives. Activities include wellness screenings, online health assessments, physicals, and preventive screenings for colon, cervical, breast, prostate, and skin cancer. Log in through your MyCigna.com account and reach out to Wellness Coordinator Kayla Dyer with questions.
It is the middle of the year, and now is a good time to check in with your employees. Mid-year goal tracking is available for city supervisors to use, if it best benefits your employees and teams. You are welcome to add comments to the review process, meet with your staff, or follow up with staff’s goals that were set at the beginning of the year. Mid-year evaluations are not required but may be a helpful tool for some supervisors and employees.
- Employee Bowling Outing: July 20, 4-7 p.m., Maple Lanes
- Sad Summer Fest: July 27, Coachman Park
- Moffitt’s Pier 60 Mole Patrol: July 27, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Pier 60 Park
- Violinist and Dancer Lindsey Stirling: July 31, Coachman Park
- Fin Fest - Jimmy Buffett Celebration: Aug. 1, 6-10 p.m., Coachman Park
- Blue October, Switchfoot, Matt Nathanson: Aug. 2, 6:30-11 p.m., Coachman Park
- Dirty Heads and Slightly Stoopid: Aug. 3, 6-10 p.m., Coachman Park
- Straight No Chaser: Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m., Coachman Park
- UB40: Aug. 8, Coachman Park
- Stormbringer 30th Anniversary Concert and the Black Honkeys Band: Aug. 9, 7-10 p.m., Coachman Park
- Slash S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival featuring ZZ Ward, Robert Randolph: Aug. 10, 6:30-11 p.m., Coachman Park
- Classical Albums Live: The Beatles Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band: Aug. 11, Coachman Park
- First Day of School in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties: Aug. 12
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 I know I have shared how much I love and enjoy music. For me, music isn’t just entertainment, but also a way to influence thoughts, pull you out of a funk, and even get you through a hard day. I am a firm believer and practice this often, that the power of a great song, one that you can feel in your bones, is sometimes all you need to get through a day or a particular challenge. Every now and then, I’ll take a music break, to dance it out, or just sing loudly, or repeat a chorus that provides the reminder or motivation to pull through. I would love to hear what songs you turn to.
As for upcoming concerts, I am most looking forward to seeing Melissa Etheridge and Jewel later this year at the BayCare Sound. Don't forget: employees can sign up for the chance to receive tickets for events at our concert venue. I hear a lot of great feedback from employees who have received tickets and who enjoyed their time at various concerts.
I also can't wait for the return of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, which will be outdoors at Coachman Park (and not at the BayCare Sound.) The event will feature multiple stages, and there will be free activities available as well.
Resources
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Have a question or concern? Reach out and let me know.
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