Crystal L. Yerkes the Kent County Department Heads Have Selected CRYSTAL L

Page Nov. 2012

A Newsletter Published by Kent County Levy Court for its Employees November 2012 Employee of the Month: Crystal L. Yerkes The Kent County department heads have selected CRYSTAL L. YERKES from the Recorder of Deeds Office as the November 2012 Employee of the Month. Crystal has been a Kent County employee since September 2001 and holds the position of Deed Clerk II. Her primary duties include cash receipting, assisting in the preparation of month end reports for realty transfer taxes due the State of Delaware and municipalities, processing invoices for the office, and imaging recorded plot plans. Over her 11 years of service, Crystal has gained in depth knowledge of deeds and mortgage recording processes and become cross trained in all aspects of fiscal and administrative proce- INSIDE dures. She can perform a broad range of duties from document intake to

payroll and do so with a positive attitude. Crystal is praised by supervisors 10 - Birthdays for her willingness to lend a hand to co-workers, attorneys, title searchers 12 - Calendar and the general public. 8 - Employee Council According to Kent County Recorder of Deeds BETTY LOU 16 - EMS/9-1-1 Stats McKENNA, “Crystal is very dependable, knowledgeable, honest and sin- 7 - From The Stacks cere about her job. She is excellent with the computers and in assisting 4 - On The Move customers on the public terminals. She is a creative and talented individ- 18 - Q’s & A’s 9 - Tech Talk ual with a passion for good causes, including previously serving on Em- 15 - Work Life! ployee Council.” Election 2012: And the winners are... By Allan Kujala, Personnel Director The political parties seemed more focused on the Presidential race than local politics this election cycle, with three candidates easily winning their Kent County posts without opposition and three other Democratic incumbents handily defeating their opponents. Levy Court’s membership will remain unchanged for the next two years with the reelection of First District Commissioner P. BROOKS BANTA to a fifth four-year term and Third District Commissioner ALLAN F. ANGEL to a third four-year term, both unopposed, and the reelection of Commissioner JODY SWEENEY over Repub- lican candidate Kevin McCarthy to a second four-year term from the Fifth District. Things will also seem familiar in the Row Kent Connections is published for the employees and retirees Offices. Clerk of the Peace LORETTA WOOTTEN of Kent County Levy Court using Microsoft Publisher® & defeated Libertarian candidate Mary McVay to win Microsoft PowerPoint®. Comments, suggestions and story a third four-year term and Comptroller GEOR- ideas should be addressed to: Kent County Personnel Office, GETTE WILLIAMS defeated Republican Patrick 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901, or given to Allan Kujala, Cathleen McLean, Yvonne Messina, or Margo Mangiamele- Boyle for a second four-year term. Former Levy Orlando. Or, call the Personnel Office at (302) 744-2310. (Continued on Next Page)

Page 2 Nov. 2012 2012 election results garner no changes (Continued from Page 1) in the Levy Court Chamber. The newly elected Court Commissioner Harold K. Brode was officials will officially take office on January 8, elected to the open Register of Wills post being 2013. Levy Court will reorganize at the January vacated by current Register of Wills NANCY meeting with the election of a President and a COOK without any opposition. Vice-President, committee chairmanship ap- Formal oath of office ceremonies are pointments, and adoption of rules of procedure. scheduled for December 27, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Go Pink! effort raises awareness & funds By Amy Minner, Go Pink Volunteer vision won the Piggley Wiggley Pink Basket; LISA COOPER from the Tax Office won Pink by he Go Pink! Campaign once again exceeded T Gosh; CHRISTINA MORTON from the Inspec- expectations by generating $894.50 this year tions & Enforcement Division won Picnic in the from Kent County Levy Court staff and friends. Park; and SCOTT TANNER, also from the In- All funds went to benefit the Delaware spections & Enforcement Division won Picture Breast Cancer Coalition and BayHealth Cancer Perfect in Pink. Institute. Go Pink! Honor Ribbons are still being The special 50-50 held last month was sold for $1.00 or for $2.00 you can have a name won by DOUG POORE in the EMS Division. In hand written in calligraphy. The Go Pink! Vol- the popular Go Pink! Raffles: GEORGE DeBENE- unteers would like to “Thank” everyone for their DICTIS from the Inspections & Enforcement Di- donations. Once again this year was successful and with everyone’s help we raised lots of money for Breast Cancer Awareness. Thanks to everyone who joined us and went “PINK”. Give to charity the United Way! By Margo Mangiamele-Orlando, Personnel Technician I Kent County’s annual campaign for United Way is just gearing up. County employees will receive pledge forms on November 9 and the forms will need to be submitted to the Personnel Office before December 14 for payroll deduction or by December 30 for a cash donation. United Way of Delaware is one of the most efficient charities in the county with a minimal administrative costs and the ability of the donor to specifically designate what charita- ble organization receives his/her donation. A one dollar per week donation adds up to over $50.00 for the year. It is an easy, rather painless way to donate without much of a financial bur- Pink clad Kent County employees formed a pink ribbon den. A small donation of $10.00 per week will in the Administrative Complex service ring in honor of add up to over $500.00. Payroll deductions be- Breast Cancer Awareness and to show support for the 2012 Go Pink! fundraising effort. gin in January 2013.

Page 3 Nov. 2012 Help “Operation North Pole” as Santa By Robert Probst, Recreation Program Supervisor III thanks to our volunteers, we called over 700 children. This year, we expect to call just as hristmas is just around the corner and once C many children, if not more. again the Kent County We need volunteer Santa’s and telephone Administrative Com- operators on Monday, December 10 from 5:00 – plex will be trans- 7:30 p.m. (If you have participated before, you formed into Santa’s may show up at 5:15 p.m.). Participants will workshop for meet in the front atrium of the Administrative “Operation North Pole” Complex. Please call me at 744-2493 if you on Monday, December would like to participate in our event. 10. “Operation North Spread the word to friends, relatives, and Pole” gives children the opportunity to talk with co-workers who may also be interested in Santa on the telephone. spreading a little Christmas cheer. Since this Volunteers act out the part of Santa will be held during the dinner hour, food will be Claus and telephone operators. Last year, provided by Buffalo Wild Wings. What if wintery weather closes offices? By Allan Kujala, Personnel Director since Kent County, Maryland is just across the State line): now this winter? Delaware has been fortunate S • Kent County Delaware employees—Liberal weather wise for the past few years and even leave is in effect. Essential employees report as dodged “FrankenStorm” last month, but how scheduled long can our luck hold? Prepare now for what • Kent County Delaware employees—Delayed may be numerous building closings or delayed arrival (one or two) hours. Liberal leave in openings. effect. Essential employees report as sched- Kent County Levy Court Policy 4- uled. 2 embodies the procedures for address- • Kent County Delaware employees— ing treacherous weather conditions. Offices closed for the day. Essential em- If County offices are closed or ployees report as scheduled. have a delayed opening, it will be an- “Liberal leave” means an em- nounced on the following radio sta- ployee should report to work as normal, tions: WKEN-1600, WDOV-1410, WDSD- but is NOT required to report to work. 94.7, WRTX-92.9, WAFL-97.7, or WXPZ- The employee must promptly call his/ 101.3 as well as local television stations her supervisor to advise if they will not WBOC and WMDT. be in. The time off will be deducted from Or you can check the County accrued vacation. website for a message and employees “Essential employees” are those can sign up to receive a robo-call and/or persons required to deal with the emergency. text message. If you did not get a robo-call or These include paramedics, dispatchers, and text during Hurricane Sandy, contact the Person- some wastewater and facilities management nel Office to get on the list. workers. Employees should ask their supervisor The message to be broadcast will likely now if they are “essential”, so you know if you be one of the following (listen for “Delaware”, have to come to work when it snows.

Page 4 Nov. 2012 ! Kent County Staff on the Move... New Hires Milestones

KIA L. EVANS MARTY HAYES Public Information Officer 30 years of service Grade 10 License Specialist II Department of Administration Office of Kent County County Administrator’s Office Clerk of the Peace 10/01/2012 10/08/1982

JUSTIN T. HURLEY Maintenance Worker I ALBERT BIDDLE Grade 5 25 years of service Department of Public Works Housing & Community Wastewater Facilities Division Development Supervisor 10/01/2012 Department of Planning Services 10/26/1987 DIANNE M. RAGER Deputy Register of Wills MICHAEL CLARKE Grade 8 20 years Office of Kent County EMS Field Supervisor Register of Wills Department of Public Safety 10/22/2012 Emergency Medical Services Division 10/26/1992 MICHAEL A. QUILLEN

Custodian DARREN JONES Grade 3 20 years Department of Public Works Paramedic II Facilities Management Division Department of Public Safety 10/24/2012 Emergency Medical Services Division Promotions 10/26/1992

BARBARA DORSEY MICHAEL HARRINGTON Procurement Specialist, Grade 9 15 years from Plant Operator I, Grade 6 Utilities Construction Coordinator Department of Public Works Department of Public Works Wastewater Facilities Division Engineering Division 10/01/2012 10/20/1997 NANCY THOMPSON Wills Clerk II, Grade 5 LESLIE PERSANS from Wills Clerk I, Grade 4 15 years Office of Kent County Assistant Director Register of Wills Department of Planning Services 10/08/2012 Inspections & Enforcement Division 10/20/1997 Transfer

MARGO MANGIAMELE-ORLANDO ROBERT WATTS Personnel Technician I, Grade 7 10 years from Deputy Register of Wills Dispatcher III Department of Administration Department of Public Safety Personnel Office Emergency Communications Division 10/01/2012 10/15/2002

Page 5 Nov. 2012 ! on the Move... Celebrate Holidays Milestones continued

DONNA BARNES with co-workers 5 years Programmer II Join co-workers on Saturday, December 1 for Department of Administration the annual Employee Holi- Information Technology Office day Social at Dover Downs 10/01/2007 Hotel for a second year in a row. The fun event contin- KEVIN CURTIS ues the less formal socializ- 5 years ing format instituted 4 Programmer I years ago. Department of Administration The casual party in Information Technology Office Ballroom A of the Dover Downs Hotel starts at 10/01/2007 6:30 p.m. and concludes at 10:30 p.m. and is

TAMI EDWARDS free for employees and $15 for retirees. Guests 5 years and Board members cost $25 and tickets have to Computer Support Technician II be reserved by November 21 (yes, even the free Department of Administration tickets) with TRUDENA HORSEY in the Finance Information Technology Office Department. 10/01/2007 Employees reserving a ticket, but not showing up for the event will be expected to reim- MARY HAZELWOOD burse Employee Council for the $25 charged by 5 years Dover Downs per reservation. Network Specialist The party-type food includes mini-beef Department of Administration wellington, mini-cordon bleus, jumbo shrimp, Information Technology Office Italian and barbecue meatballs, fresh vegetable 10/01/2007 tray, and a Chocolate Cravings dessert selection

featuring chocolate brownies, cookies, bundt MARK STRONG cake, mousse cups, and chocolate fountain with 5 years assorted fruit. Beverages include coffee or iced Network Administrator tea. Cash bar will be available. A DJ will provide Department of Administration music and dancing is encouraged. Information Technology Office Additionally, Dover Downs has set aside 10/01/2007 a block of 10 rooms for reservation by employ-

On The Move CORRECTION—Oct. 2012 ees for the night of the Social. This offer is first come, first serve and costs $145 + tax and fees. RICHARD A. MORRIS If you are interested in reserving a room, see Biosolids Technician I Trudena. Grade 7 The Holiday Social is completely funded Department of Public Works by Employee Council and made possible from Wastewater Facilities Division fundraising activities held throughout the year. 09/18/2012 The highlight of the night will be the announcement of the Employee of the Year. An- nual service awards will be presented at the Em- ployee Holiday Luncheon on December 12 and catered this year by Georgia House.

Page 6 Nov. 2012 Employee Of the Month—INSIGHT Name: CRYSTAL YERKES Three people (living or dead) I’d invite Job: Deed Clerk II to dinner: Mom-Mom Porter, Mom-Mom Years with the County: 11 years, 2 months Shockley and Aunt Pat. Education: 1977 graduate of Lake Forest I’m most proud of: The man that our son has My role as a County employee: Cash re- become. ceipting documents, waiting on customers, an- Pet peeve: Those that think they know every- swering questions on the phone and helping co- thing but in reality don’t. workers as needed. If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s: Al- What keeps my job interesting: My co- ways, always tell those that you love that ‘You workers and the public. Love Them’. What gives me a sense of accom- Life goals and values important to plishment on the job: Knowing that at me: To see my son have his own family the end of the work day all balances out. and to finish what I start. Professional advice I would like to Characteristics and values impor- offer to other County employees: If tant to me: Be all that you can be! you like what you do then it is not a job… Who has had the most impact on Family: My husband, Stoney and our son my life: My parents – they have always Brandon. taught me that we all put our pants on the Civic involvement: Harrington Fire Co. same way. Ladies Auxiliary Personal goals I have accomplished or After work I enjoy: Family involvement, bas- would like to accomplish: Changed my eat- ket weaving, reading and needlepoint. ing habits to be healthier. Favorite new movie: The Vow If I could have been in any profession of my Favorite old movie: McClintock choosing, I would have been a/an: school Favorite TV show: I have 2, The Good Wife teacher and The Closer If I could have two wishes, they would Favorite sport: Football (WVU and New Eng- be: Enough money to live comfortable and to land Patriots ) see my someday grandchildren grow up. Favorite music: Rock & Roll You’d be surprised to learn that I: love to Favorite Kent County restaurant: La color to relax. Tonelteca The most adventurous thing I’ve ever Favorite Kent County event: Delaware done is: got on an airplane and went to Mexico State Fair for a ‘Girl Trip’. **5125** **7030** **2573** Customer service training concludes in Nov. By Yvonne Messina, Personnel Technician II tomer expectations and exceed what they would expect if they were the customer. very citizen deserves excellent customer ser- E Parts 8 & 9 (about 45 minutes total) is vice. scheduled for Thursday, November 8 at 2:00 The Personnel Office p.m., Tuesday, November 13 at 8:30 a.m., and concludes the ongoing cus- Thursday, November 29 at 2:00 p.m. in Admin- tomer service training series istrative Complex room 220. in November with Sin #8 - Last month’s presentation can viewed by “Stealth Communication” and accessing the following link: Sin #9 - “Emotional Flooding”. http://mediasite.co.kent.de.us/Mediasite/ The County’s Customer Service Policy SilverlightPlayer/Default.aspx? (§3-4) encourages employees to go beyond cus- peid=c3de7942236546ed9b2892a6f99462b71d

Page 7 Nov. 2012 FROM THE STACKS By Hilary Welliver, County Librarian Cookies! - Sweet treats for the holidays No-bake Cookies: More Yes, yes, I know. Than 150 Fun, Easy and Deli- Everyone has “start a diet” penciled in at cious Recipes for Cookies, Bars, the top of their tentative list of New Year’s Reso- and Other Cool Treats Made lutions. But the new year is two months away, Without Baking by Camilla and the holidays are just around the corner. Go Saulsbury goes beyond the co- ahead and treat yourself. We all know there is coa, oatmeal and no-bake jum- nothing as delicious as a warm chocolate chip bles your mother made. cookie straight from the oven. And really, you Rose’s Christmas Cook- can eat just one… ies by Rose Levy Beranbaum is written by the Betty Crocker’s Cooky author of The Cake Bible Book by Eric Mulvany is my (another classic). The pictorial hands-down all-time favorite. demonstrations are particularly I’ve made every recipe in the helpful. book and there are very few The Ultimate Cookie that fail to satisfy! Book by Better Homes and Gar- The All-American Cookie dens contains 450 exceptional Book by Nancy Baggett is filled cookie recipes with terrific recipes as well as fascinating cookie that span the globe, accompa- lore. nied by enticing color photos. Cookies for Christmas And just when you think edited by Jennifer Darling will you’ve tried it all: Vegan Cookies have readers putting on pounds Invade Your Cookie Jar: 100 just by turning the pages – the Dairy-Free Recipes for Everyone’s photographs are fabulous: Favorite Treats by Isa Chandra color-saturated and mouth- Moskowitz and Terry Hope. Ve- watering! The recipes are clear gan cookies and easy to make. will win you over one delicious The Good Cookie: Over bite at a time! Moskowitz and 250 Delicious Recipes from Sim- Romero offer dairy- and egg- ple to Sublime by Tish Boyle free batches of yummy treats contains go-to standards for (try the Magical Coconut sugar cookies and the like, but Cookie Bars!). there are also more sophisti- Nom, nom, nom! cated recipes (try the Triple Ginger-Pecan Biscotti) for the more adventur- Food baskets need sauce ous baker. Kent County has been asked to con- Martha Stewart’s Cook- tribute 200 cans of cranberry sauce ies: The Very Best Treats to Bake for the Salvation Army’s Holiday and to Share by Martha Stewart Food Baskets, which benefit nearly Living Magazine is organized by 400 needy families. Please bring texture, from “rich and dense,” your cans of jellied cranberry sauce to the Person- to “cakey and tender.” nel Office by December 6. Merry Christmas!

Page 8 Nov. 2012

By Dorothy Cheatham, Employee Council Secretary INSIGHT INTO THAT OTHER DEPT/DIV/OFFICE November has four holidays with lots to get Pension Review Committee done in a fewer number of work days. Purpose: to review and periodically advise the The Annual Chili-Cook Off has been Levy Court on various aspects of the Kent scheduled for Thursday, November 15. Employ- County Employee’s Pension Fund and Retiree ees wishing to enter their secret Chili recipe can Benefits Fund. register with TRUDENA HORSEY in Finance by Meetings: quarterly—usually on the third Friday, November 9. On the day of the cook-off, Thursday of February, May, August and Novem- everyone is welcome to purchase a bowl of Em- ber in Room 221 of the Kent County Administra- ployee Council’s Chili for $4.00 in the Complex tive Complex. kitchen. With the purchase of a bowl, you get to Supporting Department: Administration sample all the entries and vote for the best tast- Chairman: David Craik ing chili. The winner receives the coveted Members: Thomas J. Leary; Ronald D. Smith; “Golden Spoon” award and $30 cash. SUSAN DURHAM, Finance Director; KELLY If you are looking for some extra cash CRUMPLEY, Employee Council Representative; this year for Christmas Shopping, why not get and GEORGETTE WILLIAMS, Comptroller & Ex your chances at Employee Council’s $200 Holi- officio. day Cash Raffle. Tickets are $3 for 1, $5 for 3, Primary supporting staff: ALLAN KUJALA or $10 for 10. See Trudena in Finance for the Major Tasks: Review investment performance tickets. The drawing will be held on Friday, No- of pension fund and retiree benefits (OPEB) vember 16. Employee Council will also be sell- fund and compare performance to index bench- ing tickets for a chance for employees to win an marks; Interview potential fund managers, con- IPad Mini. Tickets for this raffle go on sale No- sultants, fund custodians and recommend a se- vember 19. The drawing will be held at the Holi- lection to Levy Court; Review proposed pension day Luncheon on December 12. ordinance amendments and make recommenda- Speaking of tickets, the Holiday Social is tion to Levy Court; Meet with actuary and re- on December 1 at Dover Downs Hotel from 6:30 view actuarial valuation reports; Rebalance in- – 10:30 p.m. in Ballroom A. Tickets are avail- vestment portfolio as needed. able now. Reserve/purchase them by November Interesting Facts: The Kent County Employ- 21 from Trudena in the Finance Department. ees Retirement Program was established by Employees are free and guests cost $25. By the State Law in 1957. The pension fund held assets way, our big ticket item to raffle off this year for totaling $24,639,402 as of January 1, 2012 and the social is a family vacation for 4 at an Indoor paid out $1,886,340 to about 171 pensioners in Waterpark which includes an overnight stay at 2011. The retiree benefits fund was established the Windgate Hotel in Mt Laurel, NJ. in 2002 and totaled $10,403,261 at the end of Your Employee Council includes: Presi- FY2012 with 90 retiree participants. Chairman dent TRUDENA HORSEY; Vice-President DAN- Craik has served on the Committee for nearly 20 IELLE LAMBORN; Secretary DOROTHY years and is employed as the State Pension Ad- CHEATHAM; Treasurer YVONNE MESSINA; and ministrator for Delaware. The Committee mem- members PAT ORONA, AUDREY STANFORD, bers all serve without compensation. **0030** and MARTI STANSBURY. **8738** **0586**

Page 9 Nov. 2012 Cyber security tips that keep us safe By Kevin Curtis, Programmer I ware protection software. This software is de- Did you know October was National Cyber Secu- signed to protect you against spyware or mal- ware, which can extract private information from rity Awareness Month? This is an annual effort your computer without your knowledge. Set coordinated by the U.S. Department of Homeland these programs to auto-update to avoid missing a critical update. Use strong passwords on all your accounts. Use a minimum of eight characters and a mix of special symbols, letters, and numbers. Use separate passwords for each account, so that if one account password is breached, an attacker will not automatically have access to all of your other accounts. Do Not re-use your work pass- Security, the Multi-State ISAC, and the National word on other systems. Cyber Security Alliance along with many govern- Secure your online transaction. ments, businesses, schools, and other groups to When submitting your sensitive informa- help improve cyber security preparedness. It's a tion, look for the "lock" icon on the browser's great time to evaluate your online activities and status bar to be sure your information is secure take some basic steps to protect yourself. during transmission. Also be sure that "https" ap- Why Is National Cyber Security Awareness pears in the website's address bar before making Month So Important? an online transaction. The "s" stands for "secure," In our online, mobile society, we are faced and indicates that communication with the web- with an increasing barrage of cyber threats every page is encrypted. day. Whether at work, home, school, and virtually Don't reveal too much personal informa- every part of our lives is now in some way or an- tion online. other connected to the Internet. Did you know…? The less information you post, the less Someone becomes a victim of cyber crime data available for a cyber criminal to use in a every 18 seconds; potential attack or scam. Cyber crime costs an average of nearly Protect your laptop, smart phone, or $200 per victim; other portable devices when traveling. Mobile device vulnerabilities doubled in 2011 Just as your wallet contains lots of impor- from 2010; and tant and personal information that you wouldn't 40% of social network users have been victims want to lose, so too do your portable devices. of cyber crime on a social networking site. Don't let them out of your sight! Never store How can one Participate in Cyber Security your laptop as checked luggage. If there is a Awareness Month? room safe available at your hotel, use it to se- The theme of National Cyber Security curely store your devices. In addition, make sure Awareness Month was: Cyber Security Is Our you have strong passwords on these devices in Shared Responsibility. Each one of us plays an case they are lost or stolen. important role in securing cyberspace, and there Be aware that public computers and pub- are many actions we can take to make a positive lic wireless access are not secure. impact. Cyber criminals can potentially access Implement Basic Cyber Security Best Prac- any information you provide, such as credit card tices Secure your computer. numbers, confidential information, or passwords. Be sure to have a firewall installed and Don't conduct any sensitive transactions at the enabled on your computer. Use spyware and ad- local free Wi-Fi site. (Continued on Next Page)

Page 10 Nov. 2012 Dispose of information properly. Before discarding your computer or portable storage devices, you need to be sure that the data contained on the device has been erased or "wiped." Read/writable media (including your hard drive) should be "wiped" using Department of Defense (DOD) compliant software. **1007** **1354** **6615** (Continued from Page 9) Understand if and how location data is used. Find|The Check to see if GPS location data is being stored when you upload pictures to your social Stay informed and earn the chance to win a free media site from your mobile device, and disable movie ticket compliments of Employee Council by it if you don't want the world to know exactly reading Kent Connections every month. Look for the where the picture was taken. last four digits of your Social Security number some- Do not e-mail sensitive data. where in the current newsletter and be the first or Beware of emails requesting account or second to contact the Personnel Office at 744-2310. purchase information. Delete these emails. SUSAN WILLSON in the Assessment Office and Never e-mail credit card or other financial/ MARY KAROL in the Finance Department were the sensitive information. Legitimate businesses first to spot their numbers and win last month. don't solicit sensitive or confidential information through email. |NumberS| DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 02 Chris Austin, Public Works/WWF 04 Albert Biddle, Planning Services/Planning NOVEMBER 07 Rob Pierce, Public Works/Engineering 01 Kevin Sipple, Public Safety/Emer. Comm. 07 Benjamin Byler, Admin/IT 01 Cameron Maas, Public Safety/Emer. Comm. 12 Eugene Tucker, Public Safety/Emer. Comm. 04 Timothy Wyatt, Public Safety/EMS 12 Steve Mullins, Public Works/WWF 04 Ken Bonovich, Administration-IT 13 Doug Poore, Public Safety/EMS 05 Robert Lankford Sr., Public Works/Eng. 16 John Zistl, Assessment Office 07 Susan Hitchens, Finance-Accounting 17 Richard A. Morris, Public Works/WWF 09 Charles Wilt, Board of Assessment 18 Dick MacDonald, Public Works/Fac. Mgt. 12 Christina Morton, Planning Services/I&E 18 David Abramson, Public Safety/EMS 13 John Schulties, Planning Services/I&E 18 Susan Willson, Assessment Office 14 Marvin Millman, Public Works/WWF 21 Nancy Glenn, Planning Services/Insp. &Enf. 16 Fred Strauss Jr., Comm. Srvs/Parks & Rec. 22 Christina Beachy, Finance-Accounting 16 Michael Bundek, Public Safety/Emer. Comm. 22 Zachary Lawson, Public Works/Engineering 16 Megan Reedy, Public Safety/EMS 25 Annette Whitby, Public Safety/Emer. Comm. 16 Michelle Chaplin, Public Safety/EMS 25 Richard Schlauch, Public Safety/EMS 17 Ronald Short, Jr., Public Safe./Emer. Comm. 26 Kevin Curtis, Administration-IT 17 David Peer, Public Works/WWF 26 Robert Skripko, Public Works/Engineering 20 Thomas Crowder, Public Safety/EMS 28 Colby Harrington, Public Works/WWF 23 Jack Webb, Public Works/Engineering 29 Mary Hazelwood, Administration-IT 25 Marc St. Jean, Planning Services/I&E 29 Scott McMillon, Public Safety/EMS 25 Michael Carunchio, Public Safety/EMS 29 Dirk Yoder, Public Safety/EMS 27 Matthew Palmer, Public Safety/EMS 30 Jonathan Cole, Public Works/Fac Mgt. 28 David Mick, Public Safety/EMS 31 Nancy Thompson, Wills Office

Page 11 Nov. 2012 Welcome to Welcome to Levy Court! Levy Court! Name: KIA L. EVANS Name: DIANNE M. RAGER Job: Public Information Officer Job: Deputy Register of Wills Date Hired: October 1, 2012 Date Hired: October 22, 2012 Education: B.S. Communication Education: Lake Forest High Florida Atlantic University School What I like most about my What I like most about my new new job: Working with the public job: Serving the community Greatest accomplishment: My Greatest accomplishment: Rais- two children ing my sons to be wonderful men Greatest challenge or obstacle: Being too Greatest challenge or obstacle: Overcom- detail oriented ing my fear of heights Future goals: Obtaining my Masters Degree Future goals: Go back to school and earn a in marketing/PR degree Person/event that most inspired me in Person/event that most inspired me in my career: My parents my career: My great grandfather 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 not change anything this differently: Would have gone to college I’m most relaxed and happy when I’m and earned a degree sooner. doing this: Working with people who seek to I’m most relaxed and happy when I’m create positive change for family and public. doing this: Spending time by the pool with Family: Two grown children family and friends. Most recent movie enjoyed: Madia Witness Family: Husband Pete, sons Eric and Josh Protection Program Most recent movie enjoyed: None Favorite TV show: CBS Evening News Favorite TV show: Law & Order Favorite sport: Soccer, Basketball Favorite sport: Baseball Favorite meal: All desserts Favorite meal: Sushi Favorite music: All forms of music Favorite music: All kinds Favorite saying or slogan: “You Teach Peo- Favorite saying or slogan: None ple How To Treat You.” Who has had the most impact on my A dream I have is to: Create a non-profit or- life: My mother ganization for teens A dream I have is to: Travel the world If I won a million dollars I would: start If I won a million dollars I would: Re- my non-profit model my kitchen You’d be surprised to learn that I: have You’d be surprised to learn that I: Want been in several movies to sky dive The most adventurous thing I’ve ever The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: Fly on a C-5, refueling mission done is: Bungee Jumped Three words that describe me: A people Three words that describe me: Caring, person dedicated, hardworking Dog Control Problem? Need a Dog License? Call Safe Haven at (302) 674-8686 Call Kathy Phinney at (302) 744-2305

Page 12 Nov. 2012 Welcome to MARK YOUR CALENDAR Levy Court! November 8, 2012 - Sins #8 & 9 of the “9 Name: JUSTIN HURLEY Deadliest Sins of Communication” in Adminis- Job: Maintenance Worker I trative Complex, Room 220 at 2:00 p.m. Date Hired: October 1, 2012 November 9, 2012 - Registration deadline Education: Polytech High School for Chili Cook Off hosted by Employee Council. What I like most about my new job: don’t have to be to work as November 12, 2012 - Dedication of Gold early Star Mother’s monument at Vietnam Veterans Greatest accomplishment: learn- Memorial at 2:00 p.m. ing how to tig weld November 12, 2012 - Veterans Day holi- Future goals: To work my way up in the day. County offices closed. county. November 13, 2012 - Sin #8 & 9 of the “9 If I had it to do over, I would have done Deadliest Sins of Communication” in Adminis- this differently: Not dating my ex trative Complex, Room 220 at 8:30 a.m. I’m most relaxed and happy when I’m November 14, 2012 - Blood Pressure doing this: Fishing or hunting Checks at the County Library at 9:00 a.m. and at Family: Mom (Lynn Hurley), Grandmother the Admin. Complex kitchen, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Barb Hurley) Most recent movie enjoyed: Hang Over 2 November 14, 2012 - L&W Insurance rep- Favorite TV show: Gears resentative available to answer health insurance Favorite sport: Baseball questions from 2:00-3:00 p.m., Administrative Favorite meal: Muskrat Complex, Room 213. Favorite music: Rock November 15, 2012 - Chili sale featuring Favorite saying or slogan: We have noth- Cook Off voting, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kitchen. ing to fear but fear it’s self. November 15, 2012 - Wells Fargo Lunch Who has had the most impact on my and Learn from 11:00 a.m.–12 noon and 12 life: My uncle noon–1:00 p.m. in Complex Room 220. A dream I have is to: Own a rockfishing charter November 16, 2012 - $200 cash Black Fri- If I won a million dollars I would: Pay for day Raffle sponsored by Employee Council. my mom to get divorced November 16, 2012 - Workshop for Family The most adventurous thing I’ve ever Caregivers to learn about community resources done is: went to Vermont at 10:00 a.m. in Complex Room 220. Three words that describe me: Deter- November 22 & 23, 2012 - Thanksgiving mined, Accomplished, Funny Holiday. County Offices closed November 29, 2012 - Sins #8 & 9 of the “9 In Memoriam Deadliest Sins of Communication” in Adminis- trative Complex, Room 220 at 2:00 p.m. Kent County retiree John Willson passed away December 1, 2012 - Employee Holiday So- October 11, 2012. Mr. Willson began his county cial at Dover Downs Hotel from 6:30 - 10:30 employment on September 1, 1991 as a Para- p.m. Tickets had to be reserved with Employee medic II, and was promoted to Assistant Director Council by November 21. of Public Safety on June 24, 2002. He retired on June 1, 2010 with more than 19 years of dedi- December 12, 2012 - Employee Holiday cated service with Kent County Levy Court. He Luncheon in Administrative Complex, Room 220 will be sadly missed. at 11:30 a.m. Catered by Georgia House. Free.

Page 13 Nov. 2012 Kent barely escapes devastating “Frankenstorm” By Lt. David Mick, Special Operations Supervisor lishment of the three trailer mobility for some 250 cots, blankets, and personal hygiene kits. he dreaded “Frankenstorm” predicted last T One of these trailers was pre-deployed to the month to leave untold devastation in its wake, Red Cross shelter at Dover High School and this pretty much spared Delaware. Hurricane Sandy afforded some 50 evacuees the luxury of not arrived two days before Halloween, combined sleeping on the floor. The Emergency Op- erations Center became fully operational and staffed by 8:00 p.m. Sun- day, October 28 and re- mained open continuously until 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 30. That may seem like a fairly short time frame, however, the EOC merely drew back from around the clock operations and moved directly into daily functions for recovery including damage assess- U.S. Senator Tom Carper (center) stopped by the Kent County Emergency Operations Center during Hurricane Sandy to get the latest damage assessment and thank first ments with Delaware Emer- responders and dedicated County staff for their service during the storm. gency Management Ad- ministration and FEMA and with a low pressure system and created Super- data collection for us should Delaware qualify storm Sandy leaving a frightful mess in New Jer- for Federal assistance. sey and New York. During the fully operational period, Na- Kent County’s response to the advancing tional Guard assets were moved into Kent storm started on October 23 with a briefing County. These vehicles were deployed to vari- package from the National Weather Service re- ous Fire Departments to form Strike Teams con- garding the potential threats to our area. From sisting of Delaware National Guard, Delaware that point on the Emergency Management folks State Police, Fire Department, and Paramedic began preparing for the worst (and hoping for personnel. Immediately after the storm, a re- the best). Notifications went out; work schedules evaluation of our needs enabled the down-sizing were adjusted and pre-planned; weather infor- of these Strike Teams and some of the Guard mation and weather sources were constantly assets were transferred to Sussex County as monitored. there was greater need along the Coast. As the storm approached, the usual “2- All in all, Delaware and especially Kent days out” activities were accomplished. Support County “dodged the bullet” once again. Kent trailers equipped with mass care medical sup- County experienced the fewest sheltered evacu- plies and all-terrain response units were re- ees, the least power outages, and the least physi- located to the Kent County Administrative Com- cal damage from the storm. The experience for plex parking lot for easier access after the storm. us and the ongoing efforts of our surrounding This time three new single hitch trailers were Counties leaves us with new challenges to be available to support sheltering operations. The even more prepared and resilient for the next County recently received this equipment from a “Big One”. defunded FEMA initiative which led to the estab- (Continued on Next Page)

Page 14 Nov. 2012 TER, AL PORRECA, KEITH POWELL, JACK SCHULTIES, MARK STAYTON, ALLAN THO- “Frankenstorm” MAS, HAROLD VENABLE, WILLIAM VINCENT, Continued from Page 15) JESSE WALLACE, RICK WASHINGTON, SHAUN Numerous Kent County employees were WELLWOOD, DAVID WHITNEY, RICHARD deployed during the storm event. At the Emer- WHITTMORE, MARK WOOD, BILL WOODALL, gency Operations Center were County Adminis- and WALLACE WOOTTEN. trator MICHAEL PETIT de MANGE, Public Safety At the Administrative Complex, Facilities Director COLIN FAULKNER, KIA EVANS, JENNI- Management Division Manager DICK Mac- FER GRAHAM, DAVID MICK, MARK STRONG, DONALD and BILL TRAVERS came in to check and NICOLE VAUTARD. for leaks. **4058** In the Division of Emergency Communi- cations, ROBERT BLOODSWORTH, SCOTT BUNDEK, DYLAN CARRAR, WILLIAM CLEVENGER, PAMELA DAYTON, JACK LOFTIN, Welcome to CAMERON MAAS, DANIEL McLAUGHLIN, JOSH NORRIS, BRANDON OLENIK, JEFF OUTTEN, JUSTIN PIPPIN, KATIE RIDGWAY, DELBERT Levy Court! ROSS, ED SEMANS, J.R. SHORT, KEVIN SIPPLE, Name: MICHAEL A. QUILLEN EUGENE TUCKER, ROBERT WATTS, ANNETTE Job: Custodian WHITBY, and TOM WILLIAMS stayed extra Date Hired: October 24, 2012 busy. Education: High School Diploma The following paramedics worked during What I like most about my new the storm: DAVID ABRAMSON, RICH ALLEN, job: It’s a permanent, full time job. MIKE BISHOP, EARL BRIEL, MICHELLE CHAP- Greatest accomplishment: Be- LIN, BRUCE CHILLAS, KEVIN COTTLE, SHANE coming a carpenter DEARMAN, SUMMER DESAULNIERS, ALLISON Greatest challenge or obstacle: FRIDAY, ANDY FULTON, CINDY GRYGO, DOUG Learning my trade HADDAD, PATRICK HERRMAN, MARK HOR- Future goals: Church activities TON, MIKE HUDSON, CHUCK HURD, KEVIN Person/event that most inspired me in IMHOF, SCOTT McMILLON, MIKE MESSICK, my career: Charles Young SHERVINA MILLER, RALPH NEIL, DAVID If I had it to do over, I would have done NESBIT, DOUG POORE, LISA SCHLAUCH, RICK this differently: Career in wild life SCHLAUCH, DAWN SHANE, JERRI THOMP- I’m most relaxed and happy when I’m SON, JOHN TINGER, JOHN WITZKE, TIM doing this: Working at home WYATT, and DIRK YODER to keep the three sta- Family: wife and two children tions and power unit operational. Most recent movie enjoyed: Hunger At the wastewater treatment plant near Games Frederica, Public Works Director HANS MED- Favorite TV show: Hal Lindsey LARZ was on hand with ALEX ARGO, CHRIS Favorite sport: Billiards AUSTIN, MIKE BERRY, ROBERT BROOKS, Favorite meal: Buffet dinners JOHN CALLAWAY, NYLE CALLAWAY, DEVIN Favorite music: Gospel DuPREE, KEN ECKARD, JASON GARY, TOM Who has had the most impact on my GATES, JAMES GERARDI, COLBY HARRING- life: Jesus Christ TON, CHRIS HORSEY, JUSTIN HURLEY, MARK A dream I have is to: Travel KUYKENDALL, GEORGE KUERNER, JAMES If I won a million dollars I would: Give to MACHADO NUNES, VAUGHN McCALL, MARVIN needy and travel MILLMAN, RICHARD MORRIS, RICHARD The most adventurous thing I’ve ever MOSLEY, STEVE MULLINS, SHAWN O’TOOLE, done is: Ride a roller coaster MARVIN PARKER, VINCE PARSONS, DAVID Three words that describe me: PEER, ANTHONY RICHARDSON, DAVID RICH- Adventurous, too busy, explorer

Page 15 Nov. 2012 I would be taken care of and would never miss a pay check while I was recovering. People like John Willson and the paramedics called my co-workers to let them know that I had been in a severe accident and I died twice on the way to the hospital. The paramedics worked on me as I prayed and I am here today because if their great work. I have been supported by others who It can be tough these days working for the government—any would give me surprises and gifts during Christ- government! Many of the people we serve are rallying against mas when my husband was in jail, because it was the pensions, benefits, and pay of public servants. It can be just me. They made sure I could be the wife I demoralizing, but it doesn’t have to be! Be proud of the work you do and high quality service you provide. Our citizens may wanted to be; they helped me always get where I not always realize it, but we are saving lives, protecting the envi- had to go. Why do I like working for Kent County? ronment, making this a better place to live, or facilitating those Because the hearts of the workers here are out- that do. Share the pride of serving Kent County each work day... standing. When they give, they give in abundance to each other and to those who are in need during When I came to work for Kent County in 1984, I Christmas time. was a young mother with 2 little I love working here because of the support, boys. I started in Finance under love, the trust my co-workers have in me and have Susan Rowe, and I was the young given to me over the years. During my ordeal with African American little girl that my husband, I had four Commissioners that was trying to get off of welfare. checked on me regularly—Commissioner Banta, Kent County has been good to me. Commissioner Cebrick and Commission Ennis, and I started out as an Accountant I, Commissioner Davis. A wonderful County Admin- then Accountant II, I went to Pay- istrator Robert McLeod who checked on me, fol- roll, then to Administrative Secretary, to Secre- lowed by another wonderful County Administrator tary, to now Property Specialist II, so as you can who did the same—Michael Petit de Mange, a see I have learned a lot working here at Kent wonderful Finance Director Susan Durham and a County. I served multiple terms on the Employee wonderful supervisor Lou Cox. Why do I like work- Council and I believe I am the longest serving ing for Kent County? I don’t like it, I love it! I member—ever. thank all of you for your love to me and the Stan- I love working here at Kent County be- ford Family. cause of the people. When I first started, I loved the holidays. Back then they use to have spiked punch—that meant for an interesting afternoon. I Challenge draws BLOOD remember when the late Commissioner William By Yvonne Messina, Personnel Technician II Paskey Sr. would walk around to every office, here's no substitute for blood. along with Commissioner Banta, and the late T Commissioner Ennis and give hugs and kisses and The totals are in for the 2012 Summer wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Blood Challenge and Kent County Levy Court had a 17% participation rate. We earned a total I love working for Kent County. I have of 52 points, 39 were actual donor points, 3 been through a lot in my life and through some of were for new memberships and 10 points were the roughest times in my life, such as when my awarded for participant in the 17-35 age group. husband went to jail unjustly. Yet before we knew Even though the Summer Blood Chal- he was unjustly accused, my co-workers treated lenge is over, there is still a need for blood. You me with the same respect and care. My depart- can call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit ment staff—especially Susan Durham, loved me, www.delmarvablood.org/donate to schedule an hugged me, cried with me, supported me. After my appointment to give blood. Join Kent County’s car accident a few years ago, my office under Ste- Blood Bank group by contacting the Personnel ven Cimo donated like 8-weeks of vacation so that Office. Membership is free!

Page 16 Nov. 2012

Bragging HOW TO BE EXCEPTIONAL Rights SELF-MANAGEMENT—e. Be particularly Share your family adept at incorporating the strengths of a di- verse workforce to produce exceptional work photos, stories, & more products; f. Continually take on an excessive Thompson’s son graduates boot camp amount of work to relieve co-workers; do more than your “fair share”; g. Always arrive ahead JERRI THOMPSON, Paramedic II, is proud to re- of schedule and completely prepared... port that her son—PVT Brandon Knight gradu- G.A.U.G.E.—Kent Co.’s performance assessment tool ated from USMC boot camp on November 2. Williams’ 1st great-grandchild born Congratulations to GEORGETTE WILLIAMS, Kent Co. Employee Obsessions Comptroller, on the birth of her first great- Take a minute to visit the display case on the first grandchild—Miss Sadie Jane Moser born on Octo- floor of the Kent County Administrative Complex ber 22, 2012. She is the daughter of Georgette’s featuring the awards and recognition Kent County granddaughter Megan and her husband USMC recently received from Delaware Employer Support Corporal Ian Moser. Sadie is the granddaughter of for the Guard & Reserve. The second floor display Georgette’s daughter Laurie and her husband John case features holiday themed crafts created by who were there for the birth of their first grand- BONNIE VOSHELL. child. Mother, baby, and dad are all doing great. Got an interesting hobby or like to collect Brooks’ son in Pop Warner tourney limited edition baubles? Then show off your talent Wade Brooks, son of ROBERT BROOKS, Mainte- for amassing things. Contact the Personnel Office. nance Worker I, plays offensive and defensive tackle for Harrington Lil Spartans Jr. Pee Wee Pop Warner Football and his team will be playing in the Henlopen Conference Championship Tourna- ment in November. Wade also earned his purple belt at Rigby's Karate studio in October. Bishop’s son in LF marching band MIKE BISHOP, EMS Field Supervisor and his wife Celeste are very proud of their son—Benjamin Bishop, who is in the Lake Forest marching band Monthly statistics from Kent County Department of Public Safety for the first time playing quad drums. They took 2012 SEP AUG ‘12 YTD part in a Tournament of Bands Championships 9-1-1 calls 7,955 8,736 72,907 Competition on October 20 with 20 other bands # calls by Cell Phone 5,637 6,295 49,699 and over 1000 band members participating. Lake Forest took first place in the group two “A” class Fire incidents 460 445 4,338 division and the percussion group placed third in- Ambulance incidents 2,072 2,006 17,715 dividually. Paramedic incidents 1,102 1,045 9,517 Welliver joins Read-Aloud board # Patients to hospital 627 590 5,219 Congratulations to HILARY WELLIVER, Assistant # Patient DOA 18 13 141 Director of Community Services—Libraries Divi- sion, upon her election and formal induction on # Patient refuses care 42 42 405 October 18 into the State Board of Directors for # Patient release/BLS 101 89 825 Read-Aloud Delaware for a three-year term. # Response cancelled 260 264 2,403

Page 17 Nov. 2012 Annual summaries show high value of benefits By Allan Kujala, Personnel Director assumes the employee vested with 8 years of service. mployees will know exactly what their bene- E A value was not estimated for the follow- fits cost the County gov- ing benefits, but the County bears a cost to pro- ernment during Fiscal vide them: compassionate leave, unemployment Year 2013 thanks to insurance, service recognition awards, tuition Benefit Summaries to assistance, training costs, deferred compensa- be distributed to all full- tion, personal supplemental insurance plans, time employees on No- Family & Medical Leave Act protection, deferred vember 9. compensation (457) benefits, travel accident The summaries are prepared and distrib- insurance, and the Section 125 cafeteria plan, uted by the Personnel Office in order to make which permits the deduction of medical ex- employees aware that benefits add up to a sig- penses from gross pay before state and federal nificant cost, oftentimes totaling more than one- taxes are calculated. half of the employee’s annual salary. For Fiscal Year 2013, a total of The Benefit Summary specifically details $6,797,000 was budgeted for employee benefits. the cost of 13 paid holidays, annual vacation Many times employees forget that they are com- leave, the value of sick leave, the County’s share pensated more than just the gross amount indi- of Social Security and Medicare taxes (7.65%), cated on their biweekly direct deposit statement. life insurance, long-term disability insurance, For instance, a County employee earning medical insurance, dental insurance, workers $25,000 per year with 8 years of service and compensation insurance, Blood Bank member- PPO family medical insurance would typically ship, longevity pay, a retiree benefits contribu- receive an annual benefit value of $25,401.74, tion and a pension benefit contribution, which not including time off or longevity pay.

Part D credible coverage letters sent out By Yvonne Messina, Personnel Technician II County cannot provide prescription benefits to employees/retirees enrolled in Medicare Part D. nnually the County must inform employees A The County’s medical plan currently pro- and retirees and their spouses vides unlimited prescription benefits with a $10 age 65 or more that open en- co-pay for generic, $25 for brand name, or $50 rollment for Medicare pre- for non-formulary 30-day supply drugs. A 3- scription drug coverage (Part month supply is available at twice the copay rate D) occurs October 15 - through Walgreen’s mail order service. December 7. For more information about County pre- The creditable cover- scription benefits, contact the Personnel Office age notice was mailed to all at (302) 744-2310 eligible participants. The document may be needed if a Medicare eligible employee/retiree seeks to enroll in Part D benefits in the future. IN NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE No action is required. > Who is up for 2012 Employee of the Year? Medicare eligible employees and retirees > What changes are in the forecast for FMLA? should NOT sign up for Part D prescription bene- > Who won the coveted Chili Cookoff’s Golden Spoon? fits—since the County’s medical plan provides > Personal leave - Use it or lose it! equal to or better Rx coverage. By law, the > Building Security-How to make it a better experience

Page 18 Nov. 2012 Holidays are fraught with time off issues holiday receives double pay for each hour worked Q. I love the holiday season, but often get during the 24-hour period of a holiday. In addi- confused about what days we actually have off. tion, they receive 8-hours (or 7-hours) of pay for What do I need to know? the holiday—the same as those employees not working on the holiday. A. The last two months of each calendar year are chock full of holidays and employees some- Q. If I have to work extra hours (overtime) times have a problem with what day is the holi- during a week with a holiday, does the 8-hour day. Fortunately none fall on the weekend this holiday count toward overtime? year, so it will be a little easier to follow. Kent County holidays are Election Day—November 6, A. In order to earn the overtime rate, an em- Veterans Day—November 12, Thanksgiving ployee must physically work more than 40 hours Day—November 22, Day after Thanksgiving— during a pay week. Holidays are not counted as November 23, Christmas Day—December 25, Day hours worked for compensation purposes, except after Christmas—December 26, and New Year’s for wastewater facilities union members. Day—January 1. Q. If I have to work on a holiday, Q. I am in a union. Do I get the can I take another compensating same holidays as the rest of the day off for the holiday instead of County employees? Q & A the pay? A. The collective bargaining The purpose of Q & A is to educate A. Yes, if requested in advance. agreement for wastewater employ- and encourage work related discourse The compensating day off should be ees follows the same holidays as among staff about County policies, taken before any subsequent vaca- work practices, and employee issues. other County employees. But mem- It is not intended to promote unproduc- tion or compensatory time. Para- bers of the paramedic union, do not tive gossip or speculation about the medic union members may request observe the Day after Christmas author of a question. Unless otherwise in advance that holiday pay accrue holiday. noted, all questions contained herein as vacation time. have been crafted by Personnel Office Q. Why don’t the paramedic staff and may or may not reflect actual Q. What is a “special holiday” union members observe the Day questions asked. -Personnel Director and what are the compensation after Christmas holiday? rules for it? A. In 2009, the Delaware Legislature voted to A. Special holidays can be declared by the Presi- drop Columbus Day and Presidents Day as State dent of Levy Court for such events as a National holidays. Kent County Levy Court decided to keep Day of Mourning when a former U.S President Presidents Day as a County holiday, but upon rec- dies, a 9/11 type disaster, Christmas Eve, or other ommendation of Employee Council replaced Co- reasons. Keep in mind that neither the U.S. Presi- lumbus Day with the Day after Christmas. How- dent nor the Governor can declare a work holiday ever the paramedic union contract specifically lists for County employees. The County Administrator Columbus Day as a holiday, so they continue to can declare an inclement weather day and close observe that day. The wastewater facilities union County offices. In these cases, “essential” employees adopted the new County holiday schedule when that must work are compensated at the overtime their new contract was ratified in 2011. rate (time and one half) or may take off time equal to the time worked at a later date, if eligible. Q. What extra compensation do I receive if I This time must be used within 90 days and should have to work on a holiday? be taken before vacation or compensatory time. Ask your supervisor if you are considered an . An employee working on a regular County A “essential” employee in these situations.