OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Jonathan E. Evans, MPA, MBA, ICMA-CM
Assistant to the City Manager, David S. Johnson
It is my esteemed honor to introduce Mr. David Johnson, the Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Haines City. Mr. Johnson fills a critical position in the organization, one that has been vacant since May 16, 2013.
Mr. Johnson possesses a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Brigham Young University (BYU) and a Master's degree of Public Administration for the University of Utah. Mr. Johnson joins the City's management team after successfully completing an executive fellowship at Bountiful City Utah, where he served in various capacities within the City Manager's Office. Mr. Johnson has experience in municipal budgeting, marketing, policy facilitation and implementation, as well as grant writing. He has also served as District Executive Director for the American Cancer Society in Salt Lake City Utah, and Communications Manager for the Utah Food Bank.
Mr. Johnson will assist the City Manager in the day-to-day operations of the City, as well as special project administration and community and public outreach. Mr. Johnson is the consummate professional and brings a new dynamic to the team, we are excited to add Mr. Johnson to our team, and we know he will bring a strong work ethic and enthusiasm to our community. So if you happen to be around City Hall, please stop by and meet David Shane Johnson.
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2015 COMMUNITY VALUE SURVEY
The City of Haines City has created an online survey intended to engage you, our residents, business owners and visitors. This survey is simply an opportunity for you to provide your input pertaining to City services and what you value most in Haines City. It is merely a tool for City Administration and the City Commission to hear your opinion on City Services. This is not a scientific survey. Your participation is critical to helping us move Haines City forward. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Please submit your survey no later than 5 PM, on April 10, 2015. Thank you again for your participation.
Take the Haines City Community Value Survey Here.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Leisure Services Department Director Auburn Taylor
Leisure Services Department Director Auburn Taylor is pleased to report that the City of Haines City and Central Florida Polk County Sports Marketing are the proud hosts of the Ironman 70.3 and IronKids competition again this year. The event will be held on April 11th - April 12th, 2015, at Lake Eva Park.
"The 70.3 race starts with a fresh water lake swim with a beach start and finish is right next to the transition in the Park. The 56-mile bike course goes through rural Polk County past Orange Groves and cattle farms. The course does have a few rolling hills to challenge athletes. A three loop run course around Lake Eva provides a great place for fans to cheer on their athletes during the race." - Insert from Ironman
There will be road closures and minor delays throughout the day on April 11th - April 12th, 2015. Please see the attached notices to view the impacted areas.
Downloads:
Impact Notice (road closures)
Impact Notice (road closures) Espaņol
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HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Employment Opportunities
The City is currently recruiting for the following positions:
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WOW (Watched Outstanding Work!)
Stormwater Coloring Book
The Stormwater Division has its own coloring book for Water Wagon Events. Through our stormwater permit with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), it is mandatory for all municipalities to provide public education for illicit discharge to the public, as well as to schools. The Stormwater team created a coloring book featuring "Slider the Ranger Turtle" since he is after all our Water Wagon Mascot. The coloring book is designed to teach children the importance of keeping our lakes clean.
The Water Wagon was invited to Boswell Elementary located in Auburndale last week for presentations to 460 children. We are scheduled to go to the NorthRidge Christian Academy located on 10th Street South on April 10th.
Downloads:
The Adventures of Slider the Ranger Turtle
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. Have you "Watched Outstanding Work" within the City lately? Let us know at wow@hainescity.com.
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OPERATION GREEN LIGHT
Do you have an overdue Polk County traffic or criminal fine that has been sent to an outside collection agency?
If so, Polk County Clerk of Courts is offering a ONE TIME chance to pay the fine without having to pay the collection fee during Operation Green Light.
This is a savings of up to 40%! Customers can also have their driver's license re-instated on-site www.polkcountyclerk.net/operationgreenlight.
Downloads:
Operation Green Light
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Public Safety Director Rick H. Sloan
Public Safety Director Rick Sloan is pleased to report that on Thursday, April 2, 2015, he swore in two (2) new Police Officers and two (2) new Firefighters/EMT's. Officers William Tucker and Ryon Green, and Firefighters Corey Frazier and Brian Sebree were sworn in before friends, family and fellow co-workers. Welcome to our Haines City family!
| Firefighter/EMT Corey Frazier
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| Firefighter/EMT Bryan Sebree |
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Assistant Chief of Police Brian McNulty
Haines City Police Officer Ricardo Pacheco, who has been deployed to Afghanistan, shows his Haines City spirit while training in Ft. Bliss Texas.
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FIRE RESCUE
Assistant Fire Chief Stuart McCutcheon
Congratulations to Haines City Fire Department Driver/Engineer Scott Platukas and Lt. Bruce Mace for helping the Orlando Firefighters Hockey team bring home third place in the inaugural Chicago Fire and Police First Responders Charity Hockey Tournament held March 11th-13th, 2015. All of the games were played at The Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, Illinois.
Orlando's first game was March 11th against Chicago PD South. The team started out in the B Division but quickly moved up to the A Division after beating Chicago PD South 7-1! Lieutenant Mace plays defense or center while Driver/Engineer Platukas plays goalie. Other teams in the A Division were Chicago FD, Chicago PD, Madison FD, and Toledo FD.
Proceeds and donations from the tournament benefited the 100 Club of Chicago. The club is a civilian organization providing for the families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line-of-duty. Examples of support include immediate financial assistance and help with higher education costs.
Well done Driver/Engineer Platukas and Lt. Mace!
Chief McCutcheon is pleased to report that the Department has acquired software enabling analysis capabilities and data sharing between the Public Works Department, Development Services, and other county agencies.
In addition, Chief McCutcheon was conferred the Chief Fire Officer designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, the national accreditation body for fire and rescue. This is the highest individual credential status available.
Work continues on the New Fire Station project with a tentative completion date ahead of schedule at mid to late May.
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DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Development Services Director Richard Greenwood
Development Services Director Richard Greenwood is pleased to report that on Thursday, March 26th, Development Services Staff attended the Polk Transportation Planning Organization's (TPO) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting to hear a presentation regarding SunRail. The consultant hired by the TPO presented a draft Technical Report evaluating SunRail extensions into Polk County. Key components of the Report as they apply to Haines City were that the City should be included as a stop for an express bus service from selected park and ride locations in Polk County to the Phase II SunRail Poinciana station. Given that a bus terminal that services three routes currently exists at Hinson Plaza, this would be a logical location. The other significant finding of the Report is that Haines City should have two SunRail stops, not just one as originally envisioned. In addition to a stop at the downtown (located at the old train depot), the second stop is proposed at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Way/Lee-Jackson Highway/12th Street area.
Other components of the Report included a Ridership Propensity Analysis, Scenario Analysis, and Institutional Considerations (addressing items such as funding, interlocal agreements, etc.)
During the meeting, Staff pointed out to the consultant that the City owns the spur (and not CSX as presumed), plus the approximately 10 acres at the intersection of the spur and the railroad. Also, the consultant mentioned that no freight rail is now moving east of Auburndale, and that may have a factor in the extension of SunRail. Staff made all aware that the purpose of the spur was to promote economic development opportunities within our industrial park. We have also requested a meeting with the consultant to discuss these issues and the Report further. Below is a copy of the Report.
Downloads:
SunRail Extension Report
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MILITARY COURT OF HONOR
For just $35, you can purchase a custom-inscribed 4 X 8 inch paver at Haines City's Military Court of Honor. Newly purchased pavers are installed twice a year. Purchases made between now and May 8, 2015, will be installed by Memorial Day. Purchases made after May 9th will be installed by Veterans Day 2015.
City of Haines City
Court of Honor Paver
620 E. Main Street
Haines City, FL 33844
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