June 17, 2016
In This Issue
CITY ADMINISTRATION
City Manager Jonathan E. Evans, MPA, MBA, ICMA-CM

Residents, Business Owners, Visitors, Colleagues, and Friends, 
City Manager Jonathan E. Evans

It is with a heavy heart that I will be respectfully requesting the City Commission accept my resignation from the position I currently occupy on June 16, 2016, at the City Commission's regular meeting. Should the City Commission accept the resignation, my last day of service will be July 29, 2016.

This journey for me has been a very rewarding and challenging endeavor, but as a government administrator, I would have had it no other way. This position routinely challenged my wit, patience, and intellect, but my sole intentions have always been to do what is in the best interest of the community at-large. I am humbled and so appreciative for the opportunities Haines City has afforded me, and I will always remember and appreciate the friendships and the progress we were able to accomplish in my approximately four-year stint with the organization. I believe this community is on the precipice of doing some great things, but it will take civic engagement and community involvement focused on doing the work necessary to make Haines City that shining city on a hill that President Reagan so eloquently spoke about.

As your City Manager, I can assure you that you have an exceptional group of municipal employees that are committed to providing exceptional services. No matter how daunting or cumbersome the task, they will always exceed your expectations. The executive management team has been a joy to work with, and I am forever grateful for the lessons the members have taught me for the sake of my professional development and growth.

As leaders, we do not accomplish amazing feats alone, we do it as a team, and we do it as an organization, which is obvious from the things we've accomplished over the past couple of years. I am grateful for the religious institutions, as well as our business partners, the Haines City Economic Development Council, and the Haines City Area Chamber of Commerce. These institutions have been remarkable in their promotion of and advocacy for this community as it relates to business and economic growth. I want to thank the elected officials for their support over the years as we prevailed over some of the most difficult obstacles imaginable and found a way to provide high-quality government services. Thank you for your leadership and, more importantly, your passion for this community in the office that you hold.

In closing, it has been a great journey and an important time for me in my life. I have learned so much, and I have been afforded an opportunity that will allow me to continue to grow in the profession, and ultimately, attain one of my lifelong goals. I am so appreciative of your support and your respect, and I ask you to continue to stay involved in your government and your community to make sure that the next city administrator reflects and emulates the core values that are a part of this organization's psyche. I appreciate your patience and your support, as you have allowed me to appreciate and admire the character of this community.

Sincerely,
 
Jonathan E. Evans, MPA, MBA, ICMA-CM

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Human Resources Director Kandace Tappen

Haines City is hiring! Please visit us at hainescity.com/jobs to view a listing of positions open to receive applications.  When completed, your application and resume may be e-mailed to [email protected]. For more information, please call Human Resources (863-421-9927). 

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Parks & Recreation Director Auburn Taylor

Thunder on the Ridge
Haines City Parks & Recreation and Miracle Toyota are hosting Thunder on the Ridge this July 4th from 3 PM - 10 PM at Lake Eva Park. You won't want to miss all day live entertainment and Polk County's largest fireworks display!

Entertainment already lined up are Jill's Cashbox, Sweet Bea and the Boys and USSOCOM Parachute Demonstration Team "Para-Commandos" Stay tuned for more entertainers and events!

For more information, please contact Parks & Recreation (863-421-3700).


PUBLIC SAFETY
Public Safety Director Richard H. Sloan

Fire Marshal Timothy Mossgrove
Fire Marshal Completes International Professional Designation Process and Executive Program

Fire Marshal Timothy Mossgrove of the Haines City Fire Department has successfully completed the process that awards him the professional designation of "Fire Marshal" (FM). The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) met on May 10, 2016, to officially confer the designation upon Fire Marshal Timothy Mossgrove. Fire Marshal Mossgrove is one of nine credentialed Fire Marshals in Florida, and only one of 109 FM's worldwide.

The CPC awards the FM designation only after an individual successfully meets all of the organization's stringent criteria. The process includes an assessment of the applicant's education, experience, professional development, technical competencies, contributions to the profession, and community involvement. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan. 

The FM designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential. 

The Commission on Professional Credentialing, an entity of the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc., (CPSE) administers the FM Designation Program. The CPC consists of individuals from academia, federal and local government, and the fire and emergency medical services profession.

Also, Fire Marshal Mossgrove has successfully completed the Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP) in August 2015 in Emmitsbug, MD. The intensive EFOP is designed to provide senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire administration. The Program consist of four courses that require an Applied Research Project (ARP) to demonstrate application of course theory and concepts and real life situations within the students organization. 

Those courses required were Executive Development, Executive Analysis of Community Risk Reduction, Executive Analysis of Fire Service Operations in Emergency Management and Executive Leadership. Six months after completion of each of the courses the EFOP student is required to complete an ARP in their own organization. Each of these projects was evaluated through a formal process, and progression through the program was contingent on achieving each of these milestones. 

Fire Marshal Timothy Mossgrove has more than 34 years in the fire service and has been a member of the Haines City Fire Department for 8 months and currently resides in Brooksville, Florida.

Public Safety Director Rick Sloan states "he is so proud of the many accomplishments of Fire Marshall Mossgrove, but the Fire Marshal Credentialing definitely places Timothy in an elite class of individuals when your one of only one hundred and nine in the world." 

City Manager Jonathan Evans states "Fire Marshal Mossgrove has been a phenomenal addition to the Haines City Fire Department family, and overall, a valuable asset to the organization. He is a very motivated individual, and we are very proud to see him grow and achieve his continued educational goals to be the best in his field, that undoubtedly brings tremendous value to our organization. Mr. Mossgrove is very dedicated to keeping our community safe through best practices in fire prevention and inspection processes. We are very fortunate to having Mr. Mossgrove as our Fire Marshall, and we commend him on these great accomplishments." 

UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
Utilities Director Mike Stripling

Lunch and Learn Workshop - Florida Friendly Landscaping



Join us on Thursday, June 23rd from Noon to 1 PM, for a free lunchtime workshop at the Haines City Public Library, located at 111 N 6th Street, Haines City, FL 33844. In this workshop, you will learn about Florida-Friendly Landscaping and how to incorporate the principles into your landscape. Lunch is provided to registrants. Registration is required. Visit http://polkgardening.eventbrite.com to register.

Should you have further questions or need additional information, please call Haines City Utilities (863-421-3696).

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WOW (Watched Outstanding Work!)

City Clerk Linda Bourgeois
On May 5, 2016, City Clerk Linda Bourgeois obtained her Bachelors in Applied Science Degree in Supervision and Management with a concentration in Public Administration from Polk State College.  

It took six years of hard work and dedication for her to achieve this accomplishment. 

The City of Haines City congratulates Linda on her professional development and continued successes.

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 [email protected].