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Great News!
All of the
Coaching Program’s Phone Panels and the regional district training
count toward ICMA’s credentialing hours.
Silos, Vacuums and Funnels
By Lynn Tipton, Executive Director
The vocabulary of any profession can be
overwhelming – especially for those just entering a field. I think I
have now lived long enough, and worked in public administration long
enough, that I find some of the buzz words in our profession
puzzling. I read through several of the best-selling business books
each year, like Good to Great, and have lately been struck by
the focus of some writers on ‘silo’ organizations. Perhaps I haven’t
spent enough time on farms, but I find the silo illustrations very
isolating. Read More...
B. Harold
Farmer Scholarship
The B. Harold Farmer Scholarship brochure and
application was mailed last week to all affiliate and student
members. Several copies were also mailed to each of the
universities. In order to qualify, you must be enrolled during the
summer or fall of 2009 and pursuing a public administration or
related degree at a Florida university. The recipient will
receive a $2,500 scholarship and all related costs of attending the
conference. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on
February 13. 2009. If you would like a copy of the brochure, please
email Carol Russell at
crussel@flcities.com for a
copy.
Emerging Leaders Conference Scholarship
The Emerging Leaders Conference Scholarship (formerly known as the
Assistants Scholarship) will be mailed in early January to all
members. If you are a manager, please encourage one of your staff to
apply. This scholarship will be awarded to public administration
students and entry-level professionals (budget analysts, management
analysts, interns and assistants) on the basis of commitment to
city/county management, career goals, affiliation to FCCMA, and
financial need based on either salary or the organization’s ability
to support the cost to attend the Annual Conference. This
scholarships includes complimentary registration to the annual
conference, a reimbursable travel-expense stipend of up to $1,000,
and a one-year complimentary membership to the FCCMA. Scholarship
recipients are responsible for their own food and accommodations.
The deadline for completed applications is 5:00 p.m., February 27,
2009.
2008 Florida Stormwater Association Winter
Conference
Join the Florida Stormwater Association in
Tampa
for an excellent blend of technical and policy-oriented workshops. In addition
to the conference there will be two pre-conference options: A special session on
TMDLs co-sponsored by the DFEP, and the required Laws, Rules and Ethics course
for PEs!
The conference will be held Wednesday, December 3 – Friday, December 5 at the
Hyatt Regency Tampa, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602. For more information, please go
the website at
http://www.florida-stormwater.org/conferences/conference2008_winter.htm.
November’s Monthly Member Profile
by
Ken Little, Citizen Services Director,
Walton County
Name:
Joyce Shanahan
FCCMA member since: I’m really not
sure…maybe since 2000? I think you
have to be in the state three years to be a full member and I moved here in
1997. I have been an ICMA member for
20 years.
What got you interested in public service? As hokey as it may sound, I truly am interested in making a
difference and making life better for our citizens.
Current Occupation: City Manager of Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Brief Job description: I am
responsible for everything from “roads to commodes.”
Describe your typical day: That’s
the best part of this job, there is no “typical” day.
Favorite part of the job: It is
so exciting to work with such a great group of employees that are sincerely
dedicated to their jobs and serving the people of our community.
They give 150% everyday and make my job easy.
Least favorite part of the job:
Hurricanes and their aftermath.
Most memorable experience on the job so far: The performance of employees after Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis.
Several of them had homes badly damaged and even a few had their homes
destroyed, but they were back on the job as soon as the all clear was given.
They worked their hearts out to ensure roadways were cleared, debris was
removed and the City was functioning normally again, well before they took care
of their issues at home. Who
wouldn’t be touched and so very proud of employees like that?
Hobbies and interests: I am a
frustrated artist. I make pottery in
my spare time. I am also learning to
play the piano and read music, now THAT is a challenge!
Family details: I was born and raised
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and most of my family still
resides there. I am not married, but
I am the housemaid to two furry felines!
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career
in public service, what would it be?
Communicate, communicate, and communicate.
I have found that in order to be successful in dealing with the public
and working with councils and commissions you must communicate frequently and
effectively with them. Pick up a
phone to give Council a call about emerging issues.
Return calls to citizens and media promptly.
Who were your mentors and how have you disseminated this information down to
other young public administrators?
As silly as this sounds my first grade teacher truly inspired me.
Mrs. Wringenroth told me that I could do or become anything I wanted, and
I believed her. I have had two public service mentors, Ed Daley,
City Manager of Hopewell, VA and past president of ICMA and was
my former manager when I worked in Winchester,
VA; and Reid Silverboard, (City Manger of Treasure Island) my former
manager in Fort Walton Beach.
Both gentlemen have impeccable ethics and integrity and believe in
developing young people in public service.
Both gentlemen gave me great opportunities to be of service in their
local governments, and I am forever grateful.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the
private sector? For a couple of
years I worked in the private sector
as a Chief Financial Officer and Asst. Administrator (and was a licensed nursing
home administrator) for a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Virginia,
before moving to Florida.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I would be an artist or a college professor.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a Masters in Public Administration
from the University of Pittsburgh, PA and a Bachelors in Political Science from
the University of North Carolina
at Greensboro.
Ask A
Coach
Below is the question for this month:
Getting Antsy
What would you say is the appropriate amount of time for an entry-level employee
to look into advancement outside of their current organization to move up in
their career? Getting Antsy
Dear Getting Antsy,
Throughout my career, I have moved approximately every five years. My moves were
generally based on an opportunity to move up and on to learn more and experience
different opportunities. Five years
for me seemed to be the breaking point in an organization in terms of no longer
being challenged by the job. Each
individual needs to find that place for themselves where they have begun to
stagnate and are no longer growing and developing new skills.
Once you find that place and understand your own personal needs for
challenge, you will know when to move on.
At the same time, circumstances can also provide the impetus for a move. Changes
in leadership and organizational philosophy that are no longer a fit for you
personally can become blocks to your personal growth and ability to contribute
effectively to the organization. At
that point, it is definitely time to move on.
I never made the decision to move on based on money.
If money becomes the basis of the decision, I believe you may find
yourself in many situations where the challenge, the joy and ultimately the
value of the experience are not worth the dollars you are being paid.
Oel Wingo
Now. In this profession there are so
few opportunities that just fall in your lap that you need to both, create them
and jump on them. To me, the secret
is landing that first meaningful job in the Manager’s Office and moving from
there.
If you are pigeon-holed into a department within the organization, you will
never get that full (global) perspective of operations.
The Manager’s Office is the hub of activity and you need to do anything
you can (ethically) to get yourself there.
Lee Feldman
That depends on position and agreement going into the position, but I think a
two or three year commitment for a job at the entry level is good.
It is important for people to understand
one can learn from any job, environment, or supervisor without them being ideal
or even pleasant experiences. Every
person one meets is a new contact or mentor possibility.
Every experience is an opportunity to say to one’s self, "How would I
handle or have done this differently."
Randy Reid
MIT News and Update
Listed here are the current
members-in-transition. Susan
Boyer, former manager of Crystal River,
sboyerhwood@aol.com;
Pamela Brangaccio,
former administrator of Broward County,
pbrangaccio@tampabay.rr.com;
Matt Brock, former
manager of Grant-Valkaria,
mattbrock42@hotmail.com;
Kent Cichon, former manager of Jasper,
kcichon@hotmail.com;
Jim Coleman, former
manager of Williston,
jfcoleman@embarqmail.com;
Richard Diamond, former
manager of Bunnell,
richarddiamond@cfl.rr.com;
Jim Gallagher,
former manager of Dundee,
jgallagher27@tampabay.rr.com;
Patricia Jackson, former
manager of Eagle Lake,
pjackson95@tampabay.rr.com;
Lillie Latimore, former
manager of Pahokee,
llatimore@aol.com; Tom
Moffses, Sr., former manager of Madison,
moffsesr@gmail.com;
Jeff Naftal, former
manager of Juno Beach,
nifty888@bellsouth.net;
D. Wayne O’Neal, former administrator of Hendry County,
wayne.oneal@yahoo.com;
Katrina Powell, former
manager of Fort Meade,
ktpowell68@aol.com;
Charles Saddler, former manager of Dundee,
csaddler@tampabay.rr.com;
Issac Turner, former
manager of Ormond Beach,
isaacdturner@bellsouth.net;
William Underwood,
former manager of Belle Glade,
billandperla@comcast.net;
William Whitson, former
manager of Cairo, GA,
wwwhitson@aol.com; and
Tom Willi, former manager of Monroe County,
thomas-willi@hotmail.com.
Please take a minute to show your support of these MITs by making a
phone call or sending an e-mail.
New Members
The following membership applications have been
received. If no current
member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be
approved as members, they will be invoiced for dues.
Josh Fruecht,
manager of special projects, Center for Florida Local Government
Excellence, student member;
David N. Hamilton, county administrator, Hernando County,
associate member; Joseph F.
Lo Bello, town manager, Town of Juno Beach, full member;
Randy M. Sherman,
finance director, City of West Palm Beach, associate member;
David E. Thompson,
assistant city manager, City of Atlantic Beach, associate member;
Mo Thornton, city
manager, City of Atlantis, full member;
Woodard & Curran,
corporate member.
Positions
Director of
Engineering – Lake
City - The City of
Lake City is accepting applications for the position of
Director
of Engineering in the Utility Administration. Applicant works with
minimal supervision, performs professional engineering and
supervisory work for public infrastructure projects.
Work involves plans, design, supervisory and coordinating
engineering projects, surveys, permitting, contract administration
and construction management.
Work is complex and may involve considerable public contact.
Work also involves providing guidance to technical and
administrative staff and providing engineering design expertise on
project. Considerable tact and courtesy are required in frequent
contacts with contractors, division heads, and the general public.
Employee reports to the Executive
Director of Utilities. Applicant must have a
Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering field from an accredited
college or university and 3 to 6 years of experience in public works
engineering, planning design and construction, including experience
of an administrative nature.
Computer aided drafting/design knowledge and experience is
desirable. Candidate must have passed Engineering Fundamentals Exam
(Chapter 471) and be in normal progress to complete the Practice
Exam. It is expected
that the candidate complete all requirements for a P.E. License
within 5 years. Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License, have
and maintain an acceptable driving record and pass a pre-employment
drug screen and physical. Applications can be obtained from and
returned to City Hall, 1st floor, Receptionist,
205 N Marion Avenue,
Lake City, FL 32055.
For a complete listing of our current openings and electronic
application, please visit our website at
www.lcfla.com. OPEN UNTIL
FILLED.
Controller − City of Lake Worth − $74,235 - $116,979 DOQ. Apply
Human Resources 1900 2nd Avenue, North, Lake Worth, FL 33461. Download general
employment application www.lakeworth.org.
Summary: A highly responsible, exempt-level professional managerial
accounting position responsible for oversight, monitoring, improvement and
reporting of the City's financial accounting staff, operations and internal
controls. Responsible for
coordinating and developing the annual operating and capital budgets. Directs,
monitors and reports on all accounting staff, financial process functions,
revenue collection, debt administration , investment activity and administrative
monitoring of all City pension and deferred compensation plans.
City funds include but are not limited to:
Governmental Funds, Proprietary Funds (Electric, Water, Wastewater, Storm
Water Maintenance, Solid Waste and Golf Course), Fiduciary Funds (General
Employees Pension Trust Funds.)
Education and/or Experience: Must possess
a Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4 year college of university with a major
in Accounting, Finance or related field. Minimum of three years of progressively
responsible government finance administration experience with supervisory
capacity. Master Degree, CPA or CGFO preferred.
Government accounting, Electric Utility and Water Utility financial
reporting experience a plus. Knowledge of defined benefit Pension plan
operations and reporting a plus.
Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of
the principles and practices of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB),
State of Florida municipal government guidelines, budgeting and municipal fiscal
management. Thorough knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and
standard office and accounting equipment. Considerable knowledge of
organizations, accounting functions and financial problems of City government
and municipally owned utilities. Ability to assess municipal programs and
proposed policies in terms of their financial and administrative implications;
to appraise market trends and terms in relation to municipal debt and to present
findings effectively in oral or written form. Ability to plan, organize and
direct the work of professional and clerical employees and to develop
improvements in municipal financial management practices. Ability to establish
and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City
officials and the general public.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
include the following: Other duties
may be assigned. Plans, organizes, directs, monitors, designs & implements
general financial accounting procedures, methods, and reporting results
including internal controls over financial activities, financial staff, receipt
and disbursement activities and investment functions. Oversees and coordinates
all activities to ensure proper posting and reporting in the City's general
ledger, management financial reporting, annual audit reporting, fixed assets,
capital projects, federal and state grants, payroll, debt and purchasing.Establishes, maintains and pursues continuous improvement of internal accounting
and administrative controls for custody, recording, reporting and safeguarding
of City assets.
Makes recommendations for development and improvement of City financial policies
and procedures and is responsible for documenting these in writing to ensure
accountability throughout the City.
Responsible for implementing, monitoring and reporting to management Coordinates
and develops monthly and quarterly management financial reporting including
summary analyses of both positive and negative variances for review/ discussion
with the City Administration and Department Directors.
Coordinates and develops quarterly regulatory filings, periodic grant
financial reporting and billing and other required financial management reports.
Coordinates and primarily responsible for developing the
City Manager's Recommended Annual Budget with the goal of
receiving the GFOA Budget Award certification by 2009. Coordinates and develops
the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in compliance with governmental
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards by coordinating audits,
to include the annual audit and schedules outside auditor activities. Must be
able to work effectively with and maintain communications with direct
supervisors, City department directors. Representatives of other government
jurisdictions and subordinate personnel.
Provides technical supervision to subordinates as well as participating in the
formulation of and executive of broad city financial policies. Supervisory
Responsibilities:
Direct supervision of financial accounting staff throughout the City
including accounting supervisors with accounting degrees, professional degreed
accounting positions, clerical and administrative positions.
Coordinates, monitors and reports on goal-setting for financial
accounting positions that support the Department's and City's mission, goals and
objectives.
Finance
Director
– City of North Lauderdale
− Population 42,000. Salary $76,056-$110,086 + benefits. City-manager form
of government with Mayor & 4 commission members. $46M budget including
enterprise funds. This is highly responsible managerial and professional work in
directing the activities of the Finance Department, which includes financial
planning, budgeting, accounting, revenue administration, information technology
systems and the billing and collecting of special assessments and service
charges for the City. Minimum of five to eight (5-8) years experience in
governmental accounting, revenue administration, and other phases of fiscal
management, including municipal experience at a highly responsible, supervisory
level in public finance, administration, accounting, budgeting and auditing.
Graduation from a four year accredited college or university with a
Bachelors’ Degree in public or business administration, accounting or public
finance is required. Any equivalent combination of experience and training may
be considered. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) of Master’s Degree in
accounting or finance preferred.
Mail resume to City of North Lauderdale, Assistant
City Manager, 701 SW 71 Avenue, North Lauderdale, FL 33068,
e-mail to abhatty@nlauderdale.org
or fax (954) 720-2064. Position open
until filled. E.O.E. For more
details go to www.nlauderdale.org.
Human Resources Director
/ Risk Manager – City of North
Lauderdale
− (pop. 42,000) Salary range:
$70,625 - 102,226.
This is a Department Head position involving
highly responsible administrative and technical work in planning, organizing,
and directing the City's personnel, risk management, labor relations, employee
benefits, insurance, safety, and training programs. The employee in this class
exercises independent judgment and initiative under the direction of and reports
to the City Manager or the Manager’s
designee. The duties include
recruitment, interviews, testing,
evaluations, and proper selection of applicants in accordance with established
policies. Reviews and assists in all disciplinary actions and makes independent
recommendations. Evaluates and make
recommendations on the City's personnel policies and employee benefits. Conducts
salary and fringe benefit surveys and proposes and analyzes pay plan revisions.
Manages the administration of the City’s Risk Management responsibilities
including evaluation and administration of unemployment compensation, property
damage claims, group insurance, worker compensation, general liability claims,
and property insurance to ensure proper monitoring, reporting and control while
also ensuring maintenance of adequate coverage for the City and Water Control
District. Responsible for identifying and measuring all risks of accidental
loss. Developing and administering
employee training, supervisory & management training programs and safety and
accident prevention programs.
Researches and directs insurance negotiations, prepares bid documents, conducts
bid openings, compiles data, recommends carrier and product. Directs the labor
relations programs in negotiations, grievance resolutions, arbitrations, etc.
Desirable experience and training: Graduate from an accredited college or
University with a BA in Human Resources Management, Business or Public
Administration, or related field is required. Masters degree is preferred.
Prefer a minimum of four (4) years of responsible administrative
experience in the area of Human Resources Management and Risk Management or any
equivalent combination of experience and training.
Government experience preferred.
Mail resume to City of North Lauderdale, Assistant
City Manager, 701 SW 71 Avenue, North Lauderdale, FL 33068,
e-mail to abhatty@nlauderdale.org
or fax (954) 720-2064. Position open
until filled. E.O.E. For more
details go to www.nlauderdale.org
City
Attorney − City of Sebastian − Salary Range:
DOQ and Experience.
The City of
Sebastian, a scenic waterfront community, is
located in the “Treasure Coast”
region of Florida in
Indian River County,
approximately midway between Melbourne
and Vero Beach.
Sebastian boasts its beautiful parks, public schools and
hometown atmosphere.
Sebastian is a progressive community, with growth as a major issue,
and has current population of approximately 22,000. The position of
City Attorney is established by the Charter of the City of Sebastian and represents the City Council in
all legal matters. The City Attorney is appointed by, reports to,
and serves at the pleasure of the five members of the City Council.
The City Attorney attends all City Council and other advisory
board meetings and renders legal assistance, opinions and advice as
to the operations of the City.
Supervises and participates in the conducting of legal
affairs of the City Council including contract negotiations and
administrative review.
Prepares proposed legislation, contracts, and resolutions and
ordinances and makes recommendations with regard to amendment,
revision and repeal of existing laws.
Prepares or reviews documents of legal significance before
submission to the City Council for action, including each agreement,
contract, lease, deed, bond, ordinance, resolution, regulation, rule
or policy. Provides
written and oral legal opinions, interpretations and advice to the
City Council, administration, boards and departments. The City of
Sebastian is seeking a full-time City Attorney, who
graduated from an accredited law school, with 5 years experience as
a practicing attorney, preferably with Florida municipal law and concentrations in
land use practices and labor laws.
The candidate must be a member of the Florida Bar in good
standing. The selected
candidate must be licensed by the State of
Florida. The City of
Sebastian
offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes; vacation, sick
and discretionary leave, 401K, health, dental, vision and life
insurance. Resumes from interested candidates must be received no
later than 12:00 noon, December 5, 2008 and are subject to public
disclosure pursuant to Florida’s Public Records Law.
Submit resume and salary requirements to:
Debra Krueger, Human Resources Director, City of Sebastian, 1225 Main Street, Sebastian,
Florida, 32958,
or email to
dkrueger@cityofsebastian.org.
The City of
Sebastian
is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace with a
commitment to Affirmative Action.
City Manager
– City of Williston,
Florida - The City of Williston,
a Mayor/Council municipality, population 2,557, located in Levy County, Florida,
is seeking an experienced, professional to serve as
City Manager. Reporting directly to the five member City
Council, the City Manager
is the chief administrative officer for the City.
The City with an annual budget of $13.8 million and 71
employees provides full municipal services to its citizens,
including public works (electric, water, sewer, gas and solid
waste), library, parks and recreation.
The City also has an airport and industrial park.
The City is poised for significant growth, with the
completion of the four-laning of U.S. Highway 27 from I-75 to U.S.
Highway 19. The City of Williston offers a relaxing small city
atmosphere, while being nearby to larger City amenities, lying
within 25 miles of both Gainesville and Ocala and within a two hour
drive to Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville, including fishing,
hunting, golf and diving.
Several gulf coast communities, including Cedar Key and
Crystal
River are within a short
drive. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in
Public Administration or Business Administration with 3-5 years of
public employment in Florida in increasingly responsible
administrative positions either at the City Manager level or one step below; strong
interpersonal, public presentation and writing skills; an extensive
knowledge of Florida public administration principles and practices
in the areas of governmental budgeting and finance, grants,
planning, economic development, fire, police and public works; a
career path which demonstrates increasingly progressive
responsibility in a similar public sector organization; and computer
skills including word processing, spreadsheet and email. General
benefits package, with salary dependent upon qualifications.
The starting salary is $59,500.
Position available immediately.
Open until filled. Interested applicants should reply with
cover letter, resume and availability to City Clerk Barbara Henson, by mail to Post Office Drawer 160, Williston, FL
32696 or email
hensonb@ci.williston.fl.us.
Dates to Remember:
November 20
& 21, 2008—FLC Legislative Conference, Orlando
November 20
& 21, 2008—FCA Legislative Conference, Daytona Beach
February 5 &
6, 2009—Winter Institute,
St. Augustine
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