City Manager Jonathan E. Evans

Credentialed by International Local Government Management Organization

Jonathan E. Evans, City Manager of the City of Haines City, recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association. Mr. Evans is one of over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

ICMA's mission is to create excellence in local governance by promoting professional management worldwide and increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators, and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world. The organization's nearly 9,000 members in 27 countries also include educators, students, and other local government employees.

To receive the prestigious ICMA credential, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.

Mayor of Haines City, Don Mason quotes: "We always knew that his capabilities exceeded the majority of the City Manager's out there. This just confirms that we selected the right person for the job, and we are proud that he has received this designation."

Mr. Evans is qualified by over (8) years of professional local government executive experience. Prior to his appointment in 2013 as City Manager of the City of Haines City, he served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Haines City, Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Largo, and Recreation Manager for the Town of Celebration.

Mr. Evans has also made significant contributions to a number of other organizations, including: Recently appointed to the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) as an At-Large Director to assume office in May, member of the Conference Planning Committee (FCCMA), Emerging Professional Council (FCCMA), National Forum for Black Public Administrators, International City and County Management Association and Government Finance Officers of America.

For more information regarding the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program, contact Jenese Jackson at ICMA, 777 North Capitol Street, N.E., #500, Washington, D.C. 20002-4201; jjackson@icma.org; 202-962-3556.

About ICMA

ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, advances professional local government worldwide. The organization's mission is to create excellence in local governance by developing and fostering professional management to build sustainable communities that improve people's lives. ICMA provides member support; publications; data and information; peer and results-oriented assistance; and training and professional development to 9,000 city, town, and county experts and other individuals and organizations throughout the world. The management decisions made by ICMA's members affect millions of people in thousands of communities, from small villages and towns to large metropolitan areas.

2014 Community Value Survey

City Manager Jonathan Evans reports that Haines City desires your input. 

The City of Haines City has created an online survey intended to engage our residents, business owners and visitors about what they think about City services and what they value in Haines City.  The survey is merely a tool for City Administration and the City Commission to hear your opinion on City Services.

This is not a scientific survey, but an opinion survey. Your participation is critical to helping us move Haines City forward.  The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

All surveys must be submitted no later than 5 PM, on May 15, 2014. Thank you again for your participation.   

Take the Haines City Community Value Survey Here

Way to go Leslie!

Library Aide Leslie Smith

Leslie Smith, Library Aide, routinely rises above and beyond for customer service assisting our patrons with their many and varied requests, no matter how simple or involved they may be. She always does this with unwavering professionalism, courtesy and competence. 

Her most notable achievement is her handling of the teen book club. She was given this task rather abruptly and has done nothing but excel at it. The young people have responded to her enthusiasm and zeal by showing up in ever increasing numbers.

Although I am not her Team Leader, I would like to recognize Leslie for a continuous job well done. For these reasons and many others the Haines City Public Library is lucky to have her, but I personally consider myself lucky to work with her.  

John Shaw, Librarian I

Kudos in the Public Works Department!

Last week while a utility company was performing a bore they accidently hit one of the City's Water Main's that runs across the Banquet Hall's parking lot. The force of the water was so great it created a large bubble on top of the asphalt. While the Utility Division made the necessary repairs to the water main other crew's had to wait for the rains that we had last week to subside before the portion of the damaged asphalt could be removed and replaced. Team member's from the Storm and Street's crew along with work release inmates went to work on the morning of Monday, March 31, 2014. The damaged asphalt was removed and workers began preparing the area for asphalt. Good Job Guys! Clyde Foster, Courtney Miller, Miguel Rivera and Bill Ortagus.

The City of Haines City would like to thank all of our excellent, dedicated employees, and volunteers who help make the City a great place to work, live and play. If you have "Watched Outstanding Work" within the City, please let us know at wow@hainescity.com.

Employment Opportunities 

The City is currently recruiting for the following positions:

• Mechanic I - Public Works Fleet Maintenance
• Recreation Aide (PT- 20 hours) - Leisure Services
• Recreation Supervisor -  Seasonal position Leisure Services
• Recreation Leader I - Seasonal position Leisure Services
• Recreation Leader I - Temporary Summer position Leisure Services
• Bus Driver/Rec. Leader I - Temporary Summer position Leisure Services 
• Recreation Leader III - Temporary Summer position Leisure Services
• Lifeguard - Temporary Summer position Leisure Services
• Recreation Leader III/Lifeguard - Temporary Summer position Leisure Services

For more information about these positions and application instructions, please visit the employment opportunities section of the City's website at  hainescity.com/employment.

Comprehensive Financial Reports (CAFR)

The Finance Department produces the City's Comprehensive Financial Report (CAFR), also known as an annual audit.

State law requires that all local governments publish each fiscal year a complete set of financial statements presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America by a firm of licensed certified public accountants.

Downloads:

Year Ended September 30, 2013 

2014 Municipal Elections

The City Clerk's Office is happy to announce the conclusion of the 2014 Municipal Elections. The 2014 Regular Election was held on Tuesday, April 1, 2014, and the Official Results are as follows:

CITY COMMISSIONER, SEAT NO. 2

QUESTION ONE:

FILLING OF VACANCIES IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITY COMMISSION

The proposed amendment would allow the City Commission to appoint an eligible person to fill a vacancy until the next scheduled election at which time that seat will be elected to fill the unexpired term. In the event that the City Commission does not elect an eligible person to fill the vacancy, the vacancy shall be filled by special election. Shall the above described amendment be adopted?

QUESTION TWO:

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE CITY COMMISSION

The proposed amendment would require no less than three (3) days notice to all members of the City Commission and the public, before a Special City Commission meeting is held.

QUESTION THREE:

GUIDELINES FOR EXPENDITURES TO BE ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE

The proposed amendment would require guidelines for expenditures, other than the compensation of persons employed by the City, to be established by Ordinance.

Please visit the Election Information Center for the full results report, candidate information, sample ballot, election records and the election schedule. 

PUBLIC SAFETY - CHIEF'S TIPS

PROVIDED BY POLICE CHIEF / INTERIM FIRE CHIEF RICHARD SLOAN

Scams

There are a variety of telephone scams occurring.  They are all basically the same, but here are a couple of examples of common scams.

The Utility Company Scam 

The victims are contacted by a caller who states that they work at a utility company and are collecting money that is past due. The caller informs the victim that they can avoid having their utility service disconnected if they immediately pay the past due amount using a Green Dot MoneyPak card that can be purchased at a local store. The caller instructs the victim to purchase a Green Dot MoneyPak card in a specified amount and provides the victim with a phone number to be called back when the MoneyPak has been obtained. The victim purchases a Green Dot card at a local store and proceeds to call back the number they were given. The victim is instructed to scratch off and read the MoneyPak card serial number to the perpetrator. Once the scammer has the Green Dot MoneyPak serial number they are able to transfer funds onto a prepaid debit card. The victim has now lost their money.

The IRS Scam 

The victims receive a call and are told that they owe back taxes, fees or fines to the IRS, and that if they do not make an immediate payment using a Green Dot Moneypak card they will be arrested or deported. This scam is perpetrated in the same manner as the utility scam. The results are also the same, the victim's money is stolen.

Tips to Remember

• Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.
• Remember that anyone who has the number on a Green Dot MoneyPak card has access to the funds on the card.
• Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who emails or calls you unsolicited.
• Never wire money, provide debit or credit card numbers or Green Dot MoneyPak card numbers to someone you do not know.
• Utility companies and government agencies will not contact you demanding immediate payment by MoneyPak.

Dealing with your Child, Preventing a Runaway Incident 

• Get involved with your child and spend time with them
• Ask your child about their day, their concerns, and their plans for the future
• Get to know your child's friends, who they hang out with, where they like to hang out
• Get to know the friends parents. Gather their contact phone numbers and provide your contact information as well
• Know what social media sites your kids frequent and know how to access them
• Get to know your child's teachers and speak with them regularly
• Keep a written log of these contacts
• Pay attention to your child and listen to what they have to say

PURGE YOUR PILLS Rx DROP OFF
Saturday, April 26, 2014

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national partners for the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for citizens to dispose of unwanted/unused prescription drugs.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. Previous prescription medication collectionsheld in Polk County have resulted in nearly 5,500 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticalssafely disposed of via incineration.

Our community's Spring Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off will include 7 locations in Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications for safe and proper disposal. Medications should be placed in a clear plastic bag.

Drop-off locations on April 26th from 10 AM to 2 PM are: 

Auburndale Police Department - 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL
Bartow Police Department - 450 North Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL
Haines City Police Department - 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL
Lake Alfred Police Department - 190 North Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL
Lake Wales Police Department - 133 East Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL
Lakeland Police Department - 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL  
Winter Haven Police Department - 125 North Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FL

Medications may also be taken to the county's permanent drop sites:

Auburndale Police Dept. (2 Bobby Green Plaza, weekdays 8 AM - 5 PM)

Haines City Police Dept. (35400 Hwy 27, weekdays 8 AM - 5 PM)

Lake Alfred Police Dept. (190 N. Seminole Avenue, 24hrs/7days)

Lakeland Police Dept. (219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, 24hrs/7days)

Winter Haven Police Dept. (125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, weekdays 8 AM - 5 PM).

To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet.  

Permit Activity

Community Development Director, Richard Greenwood is happy to report that 18 new single family homes were permitted in the month of March. With these new home starts, residential development is tracking consistently with the number of permits issues in 2013. 

Additional Bus Shelters to be Discussed

On March 27th, Community Development Staff attended the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting in Bartow.  During this meeting, there was significant discussion regarding transit service through the County.  With the recent addition of Routes 416 and 427 into Haines City from Lake County and Poinciana via the Orlando-area Lynx system, combined with existing Route 15 from Winter Haven  Area Transit (WHAT) serving the City and the establishment of a transfer station at Hinson Plaza, Haines City now has a functional bus system.

Hinson Plaza Bus stop and Shelter in Haines City

Intersection Improvements Planned- Bates Road and US 17/92

Haines City Planning Staff participated in a meeting on March 25, 2014, at Polk County Transit, in which the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) was discussed.  Polk County Transit is advertising two new programs, the MyRide campaign and the MyRoads campaign to generate money for transit and road improvements.  The Polk County Transportation Director, Jay Jarvis gave a presentation on the CIP, which outlined the need for funds for new road projects.  The only part of the presentation that applied to Haines City was the intersection of Bates Road and U.S. 17/92.  

Intersection of Bates Road and HWY 17/92 in Haines City

The following is direct information from Jay about the future of that intersection:  "The County has evaluated this intersection and based on our analysis and discussions with the FDOT; we have added a project to our Unfunded CIP to add a right turn lane at this intersection on Bates Road. The addition of the right turn lane will require the acquisition of additional ROW at this intersection, design, permitting and construction of the right turn lane. Our estimated budget for this project is $225,000. As we go through our CIP Budget preparation, if monies are available for any of the Unfunded CIP projects, we will ask the Board to select the projects to be funded. I am not aware of any other proposed projects in the Haines City area. There may be some "maintenance"/re-occurring program work in the area that we have done or may being scheduled to be done in the future; such as resurfacing, sidewalks, etc." 

Book Donated "Home Construction Secret Revealed

The Building Division has received a donation of several copies of "Home Construction Secrets Revealed, by John Fabing.

John has recently passed but had over 40 years of experience in construction and related industries and operated a successful general contractor construction company for many years. John's widow now lives in the Haines City area and donated these books the Building Division. If you would like a free copy, while they last, just stop by our next "Ask the Inspector" event at Lowes, on April 7, 2014, between 9AM and 12PM. Also feel free to come by City Hall and ask for Doug, Paul or Bill in permitting. 

LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

SPECIAL EVENTS

LIBRARY

Adult Game Day 

The Haines City Library is offering a Game Day for adults and seniors who are wishing to spend time socializing, playing bingo, dominoes, cards, and board games. If you would like to bring you own game, that's ok. A variety of board games will be provided by the Library. Game Day is typically every other Wednesday at 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM with an added date this month.

Downloads:

Game Day Flyer 

April 2014 Adult Library Calendar

April 2014 Children's Library Calendar

UPCOMING EVENTS