Page Kent Connections Aug 2013

A Newsletter Published by Kent County Levy Court for its Employees August 2013 Employee of the Month: Steven A. Mullins The Kent County department heads have selected STEVEN A. MULLINS from the Department of Pub- lic Works as the August 2013 Employee of the Month. Steve, a Kent County employee since November 2007, is a Maintenance Me- chanic III in the Wastewater Facilities Division. He serves as a crew leader maintaining mainly the equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant but also provides special ex- pertise to the more complex pumping station repairs. Steve was nominated for his courage under heavy “spray”. He and a lot of other Public Works employees had family plans scheduled for this past Father’s Day. However, a complex air release valve failure on the main wastewater transmission sys- tem dictated otherwise. Despite not being “on call”, Steve reported for duty and con- tributed valuable technical expertise to the repair effort. In the end, it came down to a live repair which most people would walk away from, but not Steve. He had the tools, knowledge and courage to get the job done when Assistant Public Works Director KEITH POWELL needed him most. As a result of his actions the environmental damage of INSIDE this sewer overflow was limited and the difficult repair was successfully 8 - Birthdays completed. 12 - Calendar According to Public Works Director HANS MEDLARZ, “Steve is an 11 - Employee Council employee who performs at Employee of the Month levels every day. How- 14 - EMS/9-1-1 Stats ever, from time to time, he even surprises himself when he digs real deep 7 - From The Stacks into the ingenuity drawer and comes up with solutions worthy of patent 4 - On The Move 16 - Q’s & A’s protection all while maintaining a positive attitude. Steve’s in-depth 9 - Tech Talk knowledge is truly needed and much appreciated”. 12 - Work Life! Congratulations Steve on a job well done! Updated web based GIS tool is a hit By Danielle Lamborn, GIS Specialist It’s been more than a decade since Kent County went digital. Before that zoning maps, flood maps, sewer infrastructure maps, property maps and every other detail which is part and parcel of land use was maintained on paper. Geographical Information Systems was in its infancy at the time, so Kent County contracted out the digitizing and updating of these maps. In the meantime, citizens have become more technologically savvy and demand more real time information at the click of a button. Kent Connections is published for the employees and retirees So it wasn’t long before public demand out- of Kent County Levy Court using Microsoft Publisher® & Microsoft PowerPoint®. Comments, suggestions and story paced the contractor’s ability to keep up, so the De- ideas should be addressed to: Kent County Personnel Office, partment of Planning Services initiated the transi- 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901, or given to Allan Kujala, tion and enhancement of the County’s digital foot- Cathleen McLean, Yvonne Messina, or Margo Mangiamele- print. After three years of work, the new GIS web- Orlando. Or call the Personnel Office at (302) 744-2310. (Continued on Next Page)

Page 2 Kent Connections Aug 2013 New GIS webpage updates in “real time”

(Continued from Page 1) ble for all editing of the layers, which uploads webpage was launched last month in conjunc- immediately to the website so the information is tion with the refreshed Kent County website. always current. Live updates will apply to par- The new GIS webpage features numer- cels, zoning, and the ownership layers. Eventu- ous additions and is updated on a daily basis. ally, the webpage will incorporate all of the The GIS layers have always depicted property County’s property and tax records for each spe- cific parcel including a “staff only” feature which will incorporate notes about violations, and other issues. Along with the GIS Division staff, the Informa- tion Technology Office, Planning Division, and En- gineering Division worked together to complete the project, including JASON BERRY, KEN BONOVICH, DOROTHY CHEATHAM, KRIS CONNELLY, BRIAN COSTA, KIM CROUCH, SA- BRINA FITE, DANIELLE LAMBORN, ZACH LAW- SON, LAURA MINNICH, ROB PIERCE, and MIKE WARD. “This new webpage lines, street right-of-way, waterways, and zon- is leaps and bounds ahead of the former web ing, but now it also includes aerial photography based GIS tool,” commented Planning Services completed in 2012 and in 2002, property owner- Director SARAH KEIFER. “It features the most ship information, land contours, roads classifica- current information that can be regularly moni- tions, County streetlight and garbage districts, tored by staff for accuracy. There are just so airport zones, soils, conditional uses, etc. In ad- many ways to use this and it won’t stop evolv- dition, new search tools have been added so ing. I heartily extend kudos to the GIS staff and searching for road names, developments and I.T. for achieving this significant milestone.” parcels of land is easier. A new and improved The new webpage is accessible from Kent printing tool allows plots plans to be printed on County’s homepage by clicking Online Services an already prepared layout. then online mapping. Kent County staff will now be responsi- NEW BABY BOY NEW BABY BOY Congratulations to MIKE MESSICK, Paramedic I, Congratulations to KEVIN IMHOF, Paramedic II, and his wife, Krystal on the birth of their son, and Heather Pepper on the birth of their son, Jackson Luke Messick. He was born on July 9, Colton Andrew Pepper-Imhof. He was born on 2013 at 3:13 a.m. weighing 7 lbs. even, 19 ¼ July 12, 2013 at 10:32 a.m. weighing 6 lbs 13 oz. inches long. Best wishes to the whole family. 21 ¾ inches long. Best wishes to the whole family.

Page 3 Kent Connections Aug 2013 Interns brighten job prospects at County By Margo Mangiamele-Orlando, Personnel Technician I High School and will be a Junior this year. Benjamin will be a senior hile the recent influx of teens may look like a W at Lake Forest High School this sudden “youth movement” in the various County year and has been interning at offices, the new faces are really those of interns. the Summer Day Camp program For at least five local teenagers, the fu- sponsored by the Division of ture employment picture may be a bit brighter Parks & Recreation at W.B. Simp- with the valuable experience they are gaining as son Elementary School. He helps Summer Interns working in Kent County depart- with the games and arts and ments. Four interns are participating in the six- crafts, and supervising the chil- week “Operation Leg Up” program sponsored by dren. Ben Moore the Elizabeth W. Murphy School in Dover. The Cory re- Murphy School residents include MALIK CALD- cently graduated from high WELL, DESTINY FREEMAN, CORY LADNER, and school and was assigned to BENJAMIN MOORE. Brecknock Park due to his previ- Malik who is a rising senior at Dover ous experience performing yard High School has been working as work as a resident of the Murphy an Executive Assistant Intern in School. He has stayed very busy the County departments. He this summer mowing grass, trim- started in the Administration De- ming, and pressure washing. partment spending time in the In addition Cory Ladner County Administrator’s, Eco- to the Murphey School interns, nomic Development, Information the Summer Youth Employment Technology and Personnel offices Program placed ALEX SETTLE followed by the departments of with the County. He has spent 35 Public Works, Public Safety and hours per week since early July Malik Caldwell Community Services. He will also working with nearly 70 children work with Planning Services and at the Summer Day Camp Pro- Finance before the 6-week program is com- gram at W.B Simpson. pleted. The aspiring lawyer was introduced at a Alex Settle If you see one of these Levy Court meeting on July 23 and received en- young people give them an en- couraging words from Commissioner BRAD couraging word and thank them for their help EABY, a practicing attorney. this summer. Destiny is interning at the Kent County Public Library for a second year Learn how to improve service and seems to really enjoy the work. Last year, she spent a lot Want to enhance or improve your relationships of time re-shelving books, but with citizens, your boss, and/or your co- this year she goes to Brecknock workers? Then mark your calendar and attend Park every Wednesday to help one of the upcoming training sessions scheduled set up for various children’s pro- for September 17 or 18 at 9:00 a.m. or Septem- grams offered during the sum- ber 19 or 23 at 2:30 p.m. in Administrative mer where bands, dance groups, Destiny Freeman Complex, Room 220. puppet shows and the Rehoboth County policy requires excellent cus- summer children’s theatre perform. Destiny has tomer service and the maintenance of harmoni- also been riding along on the Bookmobile ous relationships with co-workers and supervi- throughout Kent County. She attends Dover sors.

Page 4 Kent Connections Aug 2013 : Kent County staff on the Move... New Hires Promotions/Reclassifications cont’d

PAUL ODDERS JUSTIN HURLEY Paramedic Trainee Maintenance Mechanic I, Grade 6 Grade 7 From Maintenance Worker I, Grade 5 Department of Public Safety Department of Public Works Emergency Medical Services Division Wastewater Facilities Division 07/15/2013 07/29/2013

MARK BARTLETT MATTHEW RINEHART Custodian Maintenance Worker I, Grade 5 Grade 3 From Custodian, Grade 3 Department of Public Works Department of Public Works Facilities Management Division Wastewater Facilities Division 07/24/2013 07/29/2013

Resignation SHEILA ROSS

MICHAEL CARUNCHIO Appraiser, Grade 11 Paramedic II From Appraiser II, Grade 10 Grade 11 Department of Finance Department of Public Safety Assessment section Emergency Medical Services Division 07/01/2013 07/15/2013 KEVIN SIPPLE Promotions/Reclassifications Assistant Director, Grade 15 From Assistant Director, Grade 14 JESSICA DILL Department of Public Safety Account Specialist III, Grade 9 Emergency Communications Division From Account Specialist II, Grade 8 07/01/2013 Department of Finance Accounting section LESLIE VASQUEZ 07/01/2013 Assessor II, Grade 9 From Appraiser I, Grade 8 DEBORA ELDERS Department of Finance Accounting Supervisor, Grade 15 Assessment section From Audit Analyst, Grade 14 07/01/2013 Department of Finance Accounting section Retitles 07/01/2013 SHIRLEY THOMS Assessor I, Grade 8 JENNIFER GRAHAM From Appraiser I, Grade 8 Administrative Secretary, Grade 9 Department of Finance From Senior Secretary, Grade 8 Assessment section Department of Public Safety 07/01/2013 Administrative section 07/01/2013

Page 5 Kent Connections Aug 2013 : Kent County staff on the Move... Promotions/Reclassifications cont’d Milestones continued

JOHN ZISTL NANCY THOMPSON Assessor I, Grade 8 5 years From Appraiser I, Grade 8 Wills Clerk II Department of Finance Office of Kent County Assessment section Register of Wills 07/01/2013 07/14/2008

Milestones Tuition assistance SHAWN O'TOOLE 30 years Heavy Equipment Operator could help advance Department of Public Works Wastewater Facilities Division County career 07/11/1983 By Allan Kujala, Personnel Director popular County benefit can actually help em- BRIAN HALL A 20 years ployees advance in their chosen Engineering Project Manager II careers or even change careers—it Department of Public Works is the Tuition Assistance Program. Engineering Division The employee education 07/16/1993 assistance program provides reim- bursement of up to $750 per fiscal KIMBERLY DIXON year for undergraduate classes and 10 years $1,000 for graduate courses if the Cashier employee earns a minimum pass- Department of Finance ing grade of “C”. Tax section Employees interested in 07/21/2003 the program must complete an application each semester in advance of registering for classes TRUDENA HORSEY and have it endorsed by his or her department 5 years head. The application listing the desired courses Accountant II and cost thereof must then be submitted for re- Department of Finance view by the Personnel Director. Accounting section If sufficient funds exist, the class(es) will 07/14/2008 be approved and the employee will be reim- bursed upon submission of receipts and report EARL BRIEL card. To be eligible to participate and receive 5 years reimbursement, an employee must continue to Paramedic II perform satisfactorily in their County job. Department of Public Safety As an extra bonus, employees earning a Emergency Medical Services Division work related degree are eligible for a pay in- 07/24/2008 crease under Levy Court Policy 2.15. For more information, contact the Per- sonnel Office at 744-2310.

Page 6 Kent Connections Aug 2013 Employee Of the Month—INSIGHT Name: STEVEN MULLINS Favorite Kent County event: Work Job: Maintenance Mechanic III Three people (living or dead) I’d invite Years with the County: 5 years 9 months to dinner: My Family Education: High School-William Penn and I’m most proud of: My children and grand- Penn Co Tech-Mercury Marine Outboard Motors children My role as a County employee: Plant Pet peeve: People who whine and cry and are Maintenance always the victim What keeps my job interesting: There is If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s: Life is always something new short have fun What gives me a sense of accom- Life goals and values important to plishment on the job: Seeing some- me: To own my own company again thing work after I’ve repaired it. and to be the best father I can be. Professional advice I would like to Characteristics and values impor- offer to other County employees: tant to me: Honesty, Integrity Learn all you can and give 100% in eve- Who has had the most impact on rything you do. my life: Dad and Mom Family: Wife-Denice, Son-Josh, Daugh- Personal goals I have accom- ter-Amanda and Daughter-in-law-Ashley, plished or would like to accom- Granddaughter-Isabella and Grandson- plish: Graduated at the top of my class Pierson. at Penn Co Tech Civic involvement: None If I could have been in any profes- After work I enjoy: Working on boats sion of my choosing, I would have been Favorite new movie: Identity Theft a/an: Funny car driver Favorite old movie: Jose Wales If I could have two wishes, they would Favorite TV show: Fast n Loud – Big Bang be: My kids to reach all the goals they set in life Theory and be financially sound. Favorite sport: Motor Cross You’d be surprised to learn that I: Gradu- Favorite music: Rock - Metal ated with honors from Penn Co Tech Favorite Kent County restaurant: Bridge- The most adventurous thing I’ve ever way done is: Have kids Free shot in the arm can prevent effects of influenza By Margo Mangiamele-Orlando, Personnel Technician I protect you from the anticipated manifestations of this year’s normal flu virus. emember last year when you were nauseous, R Employees/retirees may sign up for the achy, and down right miserable? Avoid that sick- vaccination by calling or emailing MARGO MAN- ening feeling and spare your co- GIAMELE-ORLANDO in the Personnel workers from the effects, by getting a Office at 744-2310 by Friday Septem- yearly flu vaccination. ber 27, 2013. Those employees work- Once again, the County will ing in close contact with the public offer no cost vaccinations to employ- will receive priority. A limited num- ees on Friday, October 4, 2013. The ber of shots may be available for schedule is as follows: Administrative family members. Complex, 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.; Emergency Ser- While free to employees, the vaccination vices Building, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; and will cost $22.00 each for family members. Bay- Wastewater Treatment Plant, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 Health will be administering the shots this year. p.m. This vaccination will help alleviate or even

Page 7 Kent Connections Aug 2013 FROM THE STACKS By Hilary Welliver, County Librarian Movies are often better in book form The Book Thief by Markus Perhaps it is because I am a librarian, but 95% Zusak. Set against the backdrop of of the time, books are better than the movies World War II, young Liesel steals that they inspire. Here is a list of a ten books to books, only to give them away to read before they hit the big screen (although others. Meanwhile her adoptive par- some of these film adaptations actually do look ents are sheltering Jews under the promising...). stairs in her home. Starring: Sophie Divergent by Veronica Roth Nelisse and Geoffrey Rush. has been touted as the next Hunger Horns by Joe Hill. When Ig Games. It is a tale of a dystopian Perrish's girlfriend is raped and future in which Tris, a courageous murdered, he immediately becomes teen, is poised to change her soci- a person of interest in the resulting ety. The film will star Shailene police investigation. One day Ig Woodley, Kate Winslet, and Theo wakes up with new paranormal James. powers that he puts to use hunting Ender's Game by Orson Scott his girlfriend's killer. The film features Daniel Card details the life of a gifted Radcliffe and Juno Temple. youngster who is sent to a rigorous If I Stay by Gayle Forman. A military academy to prepare for a seventeen-year-old girl is in a coma future alien invasion. The film will after a bad accident. She has out-of- star Asa Butterfield, Abigail Breslin, body experiences and watches as and Harrison Ford. friends and family visit. She must The Mortal In- choose weather to live a challenging struments: City of Bones by Cassan- life or die peacefully. If you read the dra Clare. The first installment in a book now, you'll avoid stress about the movie's long series about a girl who discov- ending at the theatre... Stars: Choloe Grace ers she has a supernatural bloodline Moretz. -- after her mom is abducted by de- The Spectacular Now by Tim mons. Starring: Lily Collins and Tharp. This classic high school love Jamie Campbell. story is a quick read, and the movie The Fault in Our Stars by has already received critical acclaim John Green. Two terminally ill teens at the Sundance Film Festival. fall in love despite their diagnoses. Stars: Shailene Woodley and Miles Five hanky book. Starring: Shailene Teller. Woodley and Ansel Elgort. Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly The Monuments McCreight. A workaholic single Men by Robert M. Ed- mom is told her only child has com- sel. A group of art historians and mitted suicide. Unable to accept this museum curators risk everything to explanation, she sifts through rescue artwork before Hitler de- Ameila's text messages, emails, and stroys them. The film will star online posts to discover the shocking George Clooney, Matt Damon, and truth of her daughter's final days. Cate Blanchett. The HBO film stars Nicole Kidman.

Page 8 Kent Connections Aug 2013 Still time to donate to the Summer Blood Challenge By Yvonne Messina, Personnel Technician II This year the Blood Bank has partnered with the Food Bank of Delmarva, so for every f you haven’t already donated for the Summer I 2.5 pounds of food collected the Arthur W. Blood Challenge you still have time. It only takes Perdue Foundation will donate up to $10,000 to one hour from registering to cookies. Not only local food banks. Donors are encouraged to do you have the opportunity to win some great bring a non-perishable item when donating. prizes like a 2-year lease (cash value $7,500) on You can call 1-800-8BLOOD-8 or visit a 2014 Mazda 6, you could win a $1,000 or www.delmarvablood.org/donate to scheduled $2,000 gift card from TD Bank. The Blood Bank an appointment to give blood and save a life. of Delmarva is also giving away $50 gift cards weekly. Last year, Kent County scored a total of NEW BABY GIRL 44 points at the end of the challenge, right now Congratulations to TIMOTHY WYATT, Paramedic we are at 34 points, and we still have until Sep- II, and his wife Elizabeth on the birth of their tember 14, 2013 to donate. Every two seconds daughter, Ella Madelyn Wyatt. She was born on someone needs blood in the United States, one June 27, 2013 at 4:43 p.m. weighing 7 lbs 2 oz. out of 7 people who enter a hospital need blood. 20 ½ inches long. She was welcomed home by big Just one Pint of Blood can save three lives. sister Julia Mae. Best wishes to the whole family. KENT COUNTY BIRTHDAYS A U G U S T 07 Michele Lapinski, Comm. Srvs/Parks & Rec. 02 Sandy Martin, Community Services/Libraries 08 Mary Karol, Finance-Accounting 04 Cynthia Laird, Community Services/Libraries 09 Leslie Vasquez, Finance- Assessment 07 Darin Jones, Comm. Services/Parks & Rec. 10 Michael Berry, Public Works/WWF 08 Donna Barnes, Administration-IT 10 Shelby Burd, Finance-Accounting 10 Cathleen McLean, Administration-Personnel 10 Kevin Imhof, Public Safety/EMS 11 Jerry Johnston, Public Works/Engineering 11 Robert Bloodsworth, Pub. Safety/Emer. Com. 12 David Whitney, Public Works/WWF 11 Kim Crouch, Administration-IT 13 Mary Eisenbrey, Finance-Assessment 11 Nicole Vautard, Public Safety/Emer. Mgmt. 13 Pat Uhey, Wills Office 13 Benjamin Sackey, Administration-IT 19 Michael Clarke, Public Safety/EMS 13 Eric Buckson, Levy Court Commissioner 19 Scott Vautard, Planning Services/Insp. & Enf. 15 Allan Kujala, Administration-Personnel 19 Vince Parsons, Public Works/WWF 16 Jack Schulties, Public Works/WWF 21 Mark Kuykendall, Public Works/WWF 18 Christian White, Deputy Sheriff 21 Michael Weyant, Plan. Services/Insp. & Enf. 20 Margo Mangiamele-Orlando, Admin.-Pers. 22 Diana Golt, Public Works/Engineering 24 Dylan Carrar, Public Safety/Emer. Comm. 23 Sherry Barker, Public Works/Engineering 25 Cynthia Goldsboro, Sheriff’s Office 23 Richard Whittmore, Public Works/WWF 25 Richard Allen, Public Safety/EMS 24 Angel Short, Community Services 25 Jennifer Graham, Public Safety 26 James Machado Nunes, Public Works/WWF 27 Patricia Orona, Deeds Office 27 Debbie Elders, Finance-Accounting 27 Harold Neal, Public Safety/EMS 28 Robert Probst, Comm. Services/Parks & Rec 28 Allan Thomas, Public Works/WWF 29 Evelyn Jopp, Administration SEPTEMBER 29 Vaughn McCall, Public Works/WWF 04 Wayne Richards, Public Works/WWF

Page 9 Kent Connections Aug 2013 Stop Smartphone data waste now By Donna Barnes, Programmer II all of your data. Unlimited data plans are an endangered species iPhone nowadays, so most of us have to watch our limits How to Jailbreak Your iPhone: The Always Up-to- in order to avoid excess charges on our cell phone Date Guide [iOS 6.1.2] Jailbreaking is a process that changes little by little with each iOS upgrade. On an iPhone, you can't track exactly which apps are using your data unless you're jailbroken. If you are, you can grab iNetUsage ($2) from Cydia and monitor the breakdown. If not, you need to conduct an investigation and find the culprit(s) with some trial and error. Ensure Wi-Fi Is Actually Enabled Sometimes high data usage happens be- bill. That's easy enough when we know how cause you turned off Wi-Fi and just forgot. When much cellular data we're using on our smart- my internet access goes down, I often do this phones, but it becomes problematic when our and forget to turn it back on for a week. Fortu- smartphones eat up our precious megabytes in nately I just don't use that much data in general, the background. This doesn't just happen on An- but if I did it could turn into a major problem. droid, but iPhone, too. Here's how to stop it. Before you spend a bunch of your time investi- Recently, a friend asked me for help when gating the problem, make sure your data settings he reached 90% of his data usage despite barely are actually correct. using any data. I thought this was surprising be- Look at the Apps that Use the Most Battery cause he has an iPhone and iPhones aren't al- On an iPhone, if an app is draining your lowed to do a whole lot in the background. De- battery it has a better chance of eating up your spite these limitations, apps can still do a fair data plan as well. Battery-sucking apps run in amount of downloading when they're not open the background, and there are only a few things and regardless of how they're connected to the background apps can do on an iPhone: use the internet. In short, you could end up going over GPS, play music, and download files. While apps your data limits easily without even knowing it, that download files might seem like the guilty regardless of whether you're on Android or party, iOS only allows background downloading iPhone. This article will look at how to figure out for a short amount of time. If the app isn't open which apps are eating your data unnecessarily on your phone, iOS will shut off its download and how to stop them. On Android it's pretty sim- privileges after about 10 minutes. As a result, ple, but for iPhone you need to do a little detec- you're probably aware of when an app is tive work. downloading something in the background. Android You're more likely to run into wasted Tracking which apps use your data is data when you leave a music or location-aware pretty simple. Just install My Data Manager app open in the background. Music apps can (Free) and allow it to track the data your apps play indefinitely, and if they're streaming that use. At any time, you can open up Data Manager music you can use a lot of data simply by forget- and take a look at how many megabytes (or giga- ting to stop playback. Location-aware apps use bytes) any app is using. If anything is sucking your GPS and may need to download data rele- your data plan dry, make sure that app isn't run- vant to that GPS. While it's unlikely that they're ning in the background (or just delete it from constantly grabbing new data (e.g. maps or loca- your phone altogether). Solving the problem is tion-based photos), you want to be sure these (Continued on Next Page) easy so long as you know which app is using up

Page 10 Kent Connections Aug 2013 signing up for this service means you're paying your provider to keep a record of what you do on your smartphone that they may retain longer than the data they already keep about you. Con- sider whether that matters to you before signing up. Employ a Data Monitoring App and Use It Strate- gically (Continued from Page 9) The iPhone isn't lacking in data usage kind of apps aren't accessing your location with- trackers, but many of them offer few features or out your knowledge. Fortunately, this is very do little to ensure they're tracking your data… easy to do. If you'd prefer to avoid your cellular pro- Simply go into the Settings app on your vider, you can also use a data monitoring app to iPhone, tap Privacy (in iOS 6, Location Services keep an eye on your overall usage. This won't in earlier versions), then tap Location Services, tell you which app is causing trouble, but it will and peruse the list of apps. Most apps will just tell you when a lot of data was used. Just like have an ON and OFF switch, but some will have you can with your bill (as discussed in the previ- a purple solid, purple outline, or gray solid ar- ous section), you can use the date and time in- row next to them. A purple arrow means the app formation to try and pinpoint what happened has used your location recently, a gray arrow when large amounts of data was consumed. indicates the app has used your location in the Sure, this isn't a definitive method but it might last 24 hours, and a purple outline arrow indi- help you zero in on the culprit(s). cates the app is using a geofence (meaning that Call Your Cellular Provider it's waiting to carry out an event when you're in Wasted data may not be your fault—it a certain location, like when the Reminders app may be an error on the part of your provider. provides a location-based reminder). The purple Don't just assume it's your fault. Chances are you solid and outline arrows are the ones that cause did use the data, but sometimes mistakes hap- the most trouble, so if you see them, try quitting pen (nobody's perfect, after all). If you've looked those apps to see if your data usage decreases. around and something seems a little fishy, call Check Your Bill your provider and ask. There may be an error Most cellular providers keep detailed re- and you may be in the clear.**7199** **6350** cords of your data usage, even if it's only tempo- rary. Whether or not your bill will retain enough detail to tell you what you were doing with that High Praise n data is another story, but it will tell you how Kudos to BEN BYLER, Information Technology Of- much you used on a specific day and time. In the fice, for earning his Microsoft Certified Systems event you forgot about a large download, or you Administrator (MCSA) certification. Way to go! retrieved a lot of data that you thought was over Give a Gold Star to AMY MINNER and DEXTER Wi-Fi, you may be able to pinpoint the cause by KOLLIE, Inspections & Enforcement Division, for an knowing exactly when it happened. extra positive comment shared with Levy Court Additionally, you may be able to find out President P. BROOKS BANTA about the two em- more detailed information by calling your cellu- ployee’s excellent customer service skills. Sweet!! lar provider directly. They may have access to High Five to BARNEY BRANHAM and DEVIN DuPREE, Wastewater Facilities Division, for a con- more information than you, and they may be stituent comment card with a lengthy note praising able to add something called "detailed billing" to the two for promptly responding to a plugged your plan. This service often costs money but sewer line problem. They were described as “very provides additional information about your data professional” and the homeowner was “extremely usage so you know what's going on. That said, pleased with their work!” Outstanding!!

Page 11 Kent Connections Aug 2013

By Beverly Hay, Employee Council Secretary INSIGHT INTO THAT OTHER DEPT/DIV/OFFICE Wow! The month of July flew by! We had sev- Kent Economic Partnership eral things going on! The winner for the 50/50 Purpose: To promote economic development of $90.00 was GEORGE KUERNER at the Waste- initiatives in Kent County. A significant part of water Treatment facility. The fishing trip raffle that effort is providing support services to exist- was won by JASON GARY at the Wastewater ing businesses in Kent County that will assist Treatment facility. Luck seems to be on the with business retention and expansion efforts. WWF Division’s side! Congratulations! Additionally KEP is seeking to attract new busi- Did you know that July was National Ice nesses that compliment a target list of industries Cream Month? Hope you didn’t miss milkshake focused on Tourism, Education, Entrepreneur- day! They were yummy! Excellent way to cool ship, Health Care, Manufacturing and Agricul- off from the heat! ture In honor of ice cream month answer this Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month trivia question; Who invented the first ice cream Supporting Department: Administration churn and how much was the patent sold for? Chairman: Bill Andrews First employee to email the answer to me at Bev- Members: Levy Court President P. BROOKS [email protected] will win an arms length BANTA; Dover Mayor Carleton Carey; Judy of tickets for the 50/50 raffle on Friday, August Diogo; Ed Dulin; Alan Levin; Dennis Klima; 2 for a chance to win some big bucks! Denis McGlynn; and Tom Pribanic. MIKE PETIT August events: August 2 - ice cream de MANGE is an ex officio member. day featuring ice cream cookie sandwiches for Primary supporting staff: JIM WADDING- $2.00 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.;

TON and ROSE WURZEL August 21 - breakfast fund- Major Tasks: Development of the Air Cargo raiser featuring muffins and Ramp between the Kent County Aero-Park and fruit from 8:00-9:00 a.m.; Au- the Dover Air Force Base. The Kent County Levy gust 19 – 23 - $100 gift certifi- Court, DelDOT and DEDO will be issuing a RFP cate raffle for the ladies at Up- shortly to private developers that (depending on per Cut (ticket prices; 1 for responses) could represent an investment of up $3.00, 3 for $5.00 or 10 for $10.00)and of to $38 million, and could create 75 high paying course the biweekly 50/50’s. Be on the lookout aircraft maintenance jobs. Also working in con- for a flyer on these events! Got to play to be a junction with the City of Dover and Delaware winner!!! State University to develop a Food Innovation Got an idea? Share it with your Em- District (FID) focused on local agriculture. ployee Council: President TRUDENA HORSEY, Interesting Facts: KEP is a county wide Vice-President DANIELLE LAMBORN, Secretary 501c3 non-profit corporation that evolved out of BEVERLY HAY; Treasurer YVONNE MESSINA; or the Central Delaware Economic Development members MARTI STANSBURY, PATTI ORONA, Council (CDEDC). Staff members were formerly and DAVID WHITNEY. funded through business and government dona- Remember: The nice thing about tions, but were moved under the County Admin- teamwork is that you always have others istrator’s Office in 2011. on your side. ~ Margaret Carty

Page 12 Kent Connections Aug 2013 MARK YOUR CALENDAR August 1, 2013 - Blood Pressure Checks at the Wastewater Treatment Plant 2:00-4:00 p.m. August 2, 2013 - Ice cream cookie social It can be tough these days working for the government—any government! Many of the people we serve are rallying against ($2.00 each) sponsored by Employee Council in the pensions, benefits, and pay of public servants. It can be the Administrative Complex kitchen from 2:00- demoralizing, but it doesn’t have to be! Be proud of the work 3:00 p.m. you do and high quality service you provide. Our citizens may August 8, 2013 - Kent County property tax not always realize it, but we are saving lives, protecting the envi- bills mailed. County/School District taxes are ronment, making this a better place to live, or facilitating those that do. Share the pride of serving Kent County each work day... due on September 30. August 14, 2013 - Blood Pressure Checks at The Environmental Program is responsible for ad- County Library at 9:00 a.m. and at the Adminis- ministering the pretreatment Pro- trative Complex at 9:30 –11:30 a.m. gram. My job is to keep the indus- trial water from affecting the August 14, 2013 - L&W Insurance represen- wastewater at the treatment plant. tative available to answer health insurance ques- When problems at the Plant arise tions from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Administrative Com- as they do from time to time, I am plex, Room 213. called to help sample and analyze August 15, 2013 - Representative from various sites to determine the Wells Fargo Bank in the Complex rotunda. probable causes. The challenges keep my occupa- August 19 - 23, 2013 - Raffle on a $100 tion interesting. I also have the benefit of examin- Gift Card to the Upper Cut. Sponsored by the ing the micro-life at the treatment plant to ensure Employee Council. that the population is adequate for proper waste- August 21, 2013 - Fruit and Muffin Day water treatment. My co workers and wastewater fundraiser sponsored by Employee Council from treatment personnel and staff are amazing and I 8:00-9:00 a.m. in the Complex kitchen. appreciate their willingness to lend a hand when September 2, 2013 - Labor Day holiday. needed and have for the past 14 years. I love be- County offices closed. **6550**6148**2663** ing a part of the Kent County family and serving with pride. The atmosphere here is so family ori- Kent County CRUSHERS Softball Schedule - 5:15 p.m. ented and makes you feel proud to be part of Kent AUG 1 Kent County -vs- OMB County. — SHERRY BARKER, Environmental AUG 7 Kent County -vs- Chesapeake Utilities Technician II AUG 12 Kent County -vs- DELDOT Admin I have worked for the County for over eight years. AUG 22 Kent County -vs- Lab With my job there is always some- AUG 26 Kent County -vs- JTVCC thing new, it is never boring. The hours are good, and I love having Rained out games will be scheduled in Sept. my weekends off. We have really great benefits here. My co-workers are wonderful to work with. County IN NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE employees are very friendly and it is > Microsoft Office 2010 upgrade in the que! always nice when someone stops to > Positive attitude training on tap! say hello or thanks you for doing a good job, that > County Complex security—one year later is always great to hear. — ANA ITURRIAGA, Cus- > Telephone courtesy vital for top notch customer service! todian

Page 13 Kent Connections Aug 2013 Welcome to Welcome to Levy Court! Levy Court! Name: PAUL N. ODDERS Name: MARK BARTLETT Job: Paramedic Trainee Job: Custodian Date Hired: July 15, 2013 Date Hired: July 24, 2013 Education: University of Dela- Education: High School ware B.A. in Biological Sciences. What I like most about my DTCC for Paramedic Certification. new job: The hours and benefits. What I like most about my Future goals: Further my career, new job: It’s never the same. save money and get married one Future goals: Start a family. day. Person/event that most in- Person/event that most in- spired me in my career: Aaron Karmes. spired me in my career: My father. If I had it to do over, I would have done If I had it to do over, I would have done this differently: I would have started this this differently: I would have bought a house process earlier. when the real estate market fell. I’m most relaxed and happy when I’m I’m most relaxed and happy when I’m doing this: Running trails. doing this: Surf fishing. Family: Wife, Elizabeth. Family: Mother, Father 2 sisters, 3 nephews 1 Most recent movie enjoyed: Despicable Me niece. 2. Most recent movie enjoyed: Old School. Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones. Favorite TV show: Always Sunny in Philadel- Favorite sport: Soccer/Football. phia. Favorite meal: Steak and vegetables. Favorite sport: Boxing. Favorite music: Rock n’ Roll. Favorite meal: Steak and potatoes. Favorite saying or slogan: “When you stop Favorite music: Def Tone. doing things for fun, you might as well be dead.” Favorite saying or slogan: Don’t have one. - Hemingway Who has had the most impact on my Who has had the most impact on my life: My father. life: My parents. A dream I have is to: Buy a house and get A dream I have is to: Run a marathon. married one day. If I won a million dollars I would: Take a If I won a million dollars I would: Invest very nice vacation it. You’d be surprised to learn that I: Enjoy Three words that describe me: Dedicated, graphic design and painting. hard working and honest. The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: Catch a 20 ft. anaconda in Venezuela. Discount Movie Tickets Three words that describe me: Relaxed, adventurous, creative. Discount movie tickets to Dover Mall’s Carmike Theaters are for sale in the Personnel Office. High Praise n The limited number of discount tickets cost GIVE GOLD STARS to the Information Technology $7.50 each, and can be used for any movie on Office staff for a citizen’s positive response about any day or time except 3-D and special engage- the refreshed County website. Levy Court Presi- ment films. dent P. BROOKS BANTA reports that a regular Discount movie tickets are another great user of the website was “very impressed.” Great! benefit for Kent County employees only! **0187**

Page 14 Kent Connections Aug 2013

Bragging HOW TO BE EXCEPTIONAL Rights TEAMWORK—a. Build highly successful teams Share your family to ensure organizational success and help ful- fill organizational goals; b. Value and support photos, stories, & more the mission of all work units and strive to strengthen ties to improve the organization; c. Angel welcomes granddaughter Develop databases into which ideas from all Levy Court Commissioner ALLAN ANGEL and wife are entered and available to anyone… Peggy welcomed the birth of a second granddaugh- G.A.U.G.E.—Kent Co.’s performance assessment tool ter, Zoey Paige Fuhlman, on July 11, 2013 at 12:01 a.m. She is the daughter of the Angel’s youngest daughter Jennifer, she weighed 6 lbs and was 19 inches long. Kent Co. Employee Obsessions Take a minute to visit the display case on the first Pepper welcomes 1st grandson floor of the Kent County Adminis- Levy Court Commissioner TERRY PEPPER and wife trative Complex featuring contain- Valarie welcomed the birth of their first grandson ers of sand collected over the years Colton Andrew Pepper-Imhof. He was born on July by License Specialist II MARTY 12, 2013 at 10:32 a.m. weighing 6 lbs 13 oz. 21 HAYES. She began collecting when ¾ inches long. He is the Pepper’s third grandchild. she was 19, and some of her favorites are the olive, gold, and black sand from Hawaii. Sweeney’s son to teach history Got an interesting hobby or like to collect Cameron Sweeney, son of Levy Court Commis- limited edition baubles? Contact Personnel. sioner JODY SWEENEY and wife Crystal, gradu- ated in May from Wesley College with Master’s in Education and has accepted a teaching job at Sea- ford Middle school. He will be a 6th Grade History teacher. Stanford’s youngest son marries Michael Stanford, youngest son of Property Spe- cialist II AUDREY STANFORD and husband Bruce, married Antoinette Nixon at Solid Rock Church in Dover on July 25, 2013. The happy couple honey- Monthly statistics from Kent County Department of Public Safety mooned in the mountains of Pennsylvania and 2013 JUNE MAY ‘13 YTD Atlantic City, New Jersey. They currently reside in 9-1-1 calls 7,936 8,409 43,424 Dover. # calls by Cell Phone 5,940 6,037 30,787 Fire incidents 647 509 2,976 Ambulance incidents 2,191 1,939 11,439 Paramedic incidents 1,001 1,023 5,970 # Patients to hospital 599 551 3,374 # Patient DOA 16 27 112 # Patient refuses care 42 48 229 # Patient release/BLS 77 83 457 # Response cancelled 211 242 1,456

Page 15 Kent Connections Aug 2013 Kent County first to e-file returns to Court By Dorothy Cheatham, Technology Administrator to save time, paper, printer ink, and the expense of gas. A request was made to another vendor, arlier this summer, Kent County made local E SoftCode almost three years ago to help create headlines after changing the way documents are an electronic return that could be e-filed and submitted to Kent County Superior Court. automatically put into the Superior Court’s File Here’s why. and Serve Express system. Soon thereafter, the two vendors agreed to develop the process. Since then, a great deal of time was spent, designing, coding, testing and retesting the process until going live this past May. The process is constantly being perfected and SoftCode has cooperated by making changes to improve the process. In June, New Castle County’s Sheriff’s Office visited Kent County for a demonstra- tion of how the process works. They also use CivilServe and will soon begin e-filing their re- turns to Superior Court. Interestingly, it was File and Serve Express which in- Computer Support Technician Ricky Hardy (l. to r), and Sheriff’s Office staff formed the Sheriff’s Office that members Kathy Skinner and Cyndi Goldsboro demonstrate how Kent County Kent County is the first in the Superior Court is electronically notified that papers have been served. United States of America to E- Under Delaware Code, the Sheriff’s Of- file returns electronically. fice routinely serves documents to people for the court system. Once these papers, which typi- cally concern the scheduling of an upcoming Find|The court case, are presented, County staff logs in the service date to the Sheriff’s Office software Stay informed and earn the chance to win a free called CivilServe. The software then creates a movie ticket compliments of Employee Council by “return” letter to the Court informing it whether reading Kent Connections every month. Look for the or not the Sheriff Deputy’s service was success- last four digits of your Social Security number some- ful. where in the current newsletter and be the first or Historically, the printed returns or let- second to contact the Personnel Office at 744-2310. ters, would be driven over to the Kent County JASON COURTNEY in the Parks & Recreation Divi- Courthouse by a deputy. A court clerk would sion and RICHARD MORRIS in the Wastewater Fa- then scan the returns and upload them into the cilities Division were the first to spot their numbers Superior Court’s Document Management System and win last month. software created by “File and Serve Express”. It’s easy to win—just read your newsletter! Once the Information Technology Office **6777** **6670** **9028** **9342** learned of the time consuming returns process, staff started investigating an electronic solution |NumberS|

Page 16 Kent Connections Aug 2013 Clothing/Appearance is more than optional unkept appearance; poor grooming including dirty Q. It has been really hot this summer and we hair, hands or fingernails; body odor; unprofes- still have August to get through. I have noticed sional facial hair; swim suits; excessive jewelry; more than a few employees pushing the limits anything offensive to a religion, gender, race, eth- of the dress code. What exactly is prohibited? nicity, sexual orientations, etc. A. The Work Attire Guidelines approved by all Q. What will happen if I fail to heed the guide- the department heads require County employees lines and show up for work wearing an article of to dress professionally in a manner appropriate clothing deemed inappropriate by my supervi- for the work conditions. The guidelines specifically sor? prohibit shorts (unless part of a County uniform or short suit set), tee shirts, flip flops, athletic A. The department head should send the offend- shoes, slippers, army boots, spike heals, tube tops, ing employee home, without pay, to change. And gym clothes, and the like. verbally reprimand the individual. Additional of- fenses could result in increasing levels of discipline. Q. Flip flops? Everybody wears Often co-workers complain to the them. How will the County ever Personnel Office about work attire enforce this prohibition? issues, and we inform the offending employee’s department head. A. Flip flops may be appropriate & for the beach, but not the work Q. While we are on the subject place. If the “shoe” has a prominent The purpose of Q & A is to educate and encourage work related discourse of clothing, why do some employ- logo on it (i.e. Nike®, etc.) then it among staff about County policies, ees get uniforms and some don’t? probably is inappropriate for work. work practices, and employee issues. It These type shoes offer little foot pro- is not intended to promote unproductive A. It is important for some posi- tection and make an individual sus- gossip or speculation about the author tions to be easily identified by the ceptible to a workers compensation of a question. Unless otherwise noted, public as “official” County govern- claim, and are just too casual for a all questions contained herein have ment employees. In addition, some been crafted by Personnel Office staff professional work place. It is the and may or may not reflect actual ques- County work can heavily soil cloth- responsibility of the supervisor to tions asked. -Personnel Director ing and would require regular re- address work attire guidelines with placement of personal pants, shirts, subordinate staff members. and shoes. Q. What other clothing/attire or grooming Q. What is this I have been hearing about uni- might not pass muster under the guidelines? forms being a taxable fringe benefit? How much does my County provided uniform cost me? A. While I’m no fashion guru, and officially the department head is the person responsible for A. According to the IRS, employer provided uni- judging the appropriateness of an outfit, I often forms are a “taxable fringe benefit”. Employees instruct interns that the following is unacceptable: should report the taxable value on their annual tax clothing with rips or holes; skin revealing cloth- forms or the employer can “gross up” wages re- ing; tight fitting or provocative clothing; mini- ported on the W-2 to include the value. Kent skirts; overalls; camouflage clothing; any clothing County will include the eligible uniform value on with a logo, except a Kent County logo; jogging the 2013 W-2, but at this time the County has not suits; open back dresses or blouses; excessive make yet determined the “value” of the specific uniform up; inappropriate visible tattoos or piercings; un- components which must be included, since safety usual hair styles or coloring; dirty, sloppy or apparel is excluded. Stay tuned for more info.