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August-September DEDICATED TO THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE GOVERNMENT WORK BEN BEN BEN BEN BEN Burlington Employees’ Newsletter August-September 2005 www.BurlingtonNC.gov Conneting the Triad and the Triangle Interview with Beverly Melton, Burlington Fire Department How long have you worked for the City? I began my employment with the City in May 1999 at the Recreation Department. In 2003 my husband accepted a job transfer that relocated us to Grape- vine, Texas. We completed his assignment there and returned to NC in August 2004. I returned to Recreation and Parks part-time and was hired full- time in October at the Fire Department. I know that you left and came back. How long were you gone? We moved to Grapevine, Texas in June 2003 and returned to NC in July 2004. We were gone ap- proximately 1 year and 2 months. How much had the City changed in the time you were gone? The City seemed to have grown quite a bit in the West Burlington area in the short amount of time I was gone. We lived in an area in Texas that was newly developed so it was refreshing to see my hometown going in the same direction. We are fortunate to be a part of this growth. The Fire Department is lucky to have you and everyone that I have spoken to there speaks highly of you. I think highly of them as well. From the very first day at the Fire Department I have felt very comfortable and welcomed into this department by everyone. Was their a big difference coming from the Recreation Department to the Fire Department? The biggest difference is the amount of public contact that was required when I worked at Recre- ation. There are more administrative duties for me at the Fire Department and a lot less public interaction. I miss the Recreation staff and will always have a special place in my heart for them. They work so hard to entertain the City and give us a place to take our families. It’s a challenge, and I’m thankful for all that they do. What have you learned? Interesting? Exciting? Surprising? I’ve learned many interesting, exciting and surprising things at the Fire Department. What stands out the most is how at a moments notice, when the toner goes off and they are dispatched by Communications...life for Burlington Fire Department Personnel is fast, dangerous, exciting and sometimes emotional. Their job requires an enormous amount of critical decision-making and self- motivation. I feel blessed and proud to be a part of this department and what they represent for the City of Burlington. Anything you would like to add? When we moved, I did not know when or even if I would return to North Carolina. It was a short journey and fortunately brought us back home. When I thought about where I wanted to work, the City of Burlington was on the top of my list. With that being said, I would like to thank the City for another chance. It’s good to be back! BEN Staff: Editor: Jennifer Smith Proofreader: Dianne Fogleman BEN is published for City of Burlington Employees by the Public Information Office, 425 S. Lexington Ave., P.O. Box 1358, Burlington, NC 27216-1358, 222-5076. Reporters Reporters Reporters Laura Aldrich, Police Bob Patterson, Engineering Janet Bailey, Finance Vicki Holmes, Public Works Greg Seel, Animal Services Grant Andrews, Inpsections Lisa Wolff, Recreation Kathy Johnson, Fire Randy Perry, Information Technology Kristi Farrell, Human Resources Steve Haller, Utilities Sheri May, Customer Service ---PAGE BREAK--- Burlington Employees’ Newsletter www.BurlingtonNC.gov In November 2004, Steve Shoaf, Utilities Director, was awarded by Water Environment Federation the 2004 Arthur Sidney Bedell Award at a dinner/presentation in Charlotte. The Arthur Sidney Bedell award is presented to acknowledge extraor- dinary personal service. This award was established in 1948. Each member of the asso- ciation is privileged to name one of its members to receive this award, which may be based on organizational leader- ship, administrative service, membership activity, stimulation of technical functions, or similar participation. The frequency of nomination varies from annually to once in three years, depending on membership. The award is named for the second chair of the Federation who exemplified its purpose by his long devotion and service to the New York Sewage and Industrial Wastes Association, now the New York Water Pol- lution Control Association. His family was there to see the presentation. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated Utilities Director at the City of Burlington. David Poston was named Police Club Officer of the Year. David was selected by a committee based on a recommendation from one of his peers. Other nomi- nees were: Jay Snow, Denise Jones, and Chris Gaddis. Congratulations, David! Poston Named Police Club Officer of the Year Jay Smith (Fire) and Rodger Burden (IT) graduated from the 2004-2005 Municipal Administration Course, sponsored by the School of Govern- ment, on April 21. The program in Municipal Administration is designed for managers, department heads, and officials whose responsibilities require a broad understanding of functions beyond individual areas of specialization. The course is approximately 140 hours in length, and more than 40 instructors participate in leading the program. Course instruction covers North Carolina local government law, organization and management, finance and budgeting, personnel law and administration, planning and regulation of development, and the delivery of specific city or county services. Rodger and Jay are two of 65 officials who graduated from the course this year and are two of over 2,450 officials who have completed the course since it began in 1954. Tidbits Page Williamson and Clay Teague (Utilities) passed their NC Grade I WWTPO certification exams. Ed Willis (Utilities) passed his C-Surface exam. Clay Teague (utilities) also passed the Grade 2 Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator exam. Ryan Shoaf, (son of Steve Shoaf, Utilities) was inducted into the National Honor Society at Williams High School on April 13, 2005. Gary Corbett (Engineering) recently received an AAS degree from Ala- mance Community College. Jeff Apple, Public Works, recently entered the Deer Classic and won a $7000 4-wheeler. The Police Department was recognized for being reaccredited at a Conference in Birmingham, Alabama, in May. Mary Pollok (Recreation) was recently named Volunteer of the Month by the American Red Cross. Mary is a Health and Safety volunteer who is always willing to help in whatever event or project we have scheduled. She is an instructor of life guarding, water safety, CPR, first aid, and AED courses for community members. Jon Weaver (Police) completed the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 30, 2005. Jody Hamlett (Police), Laura Aldrich (Police), Jon Weaver (Police) and wife Jennifer participated in the Police Memorial 5K in Greensboro on May 7, 2005. The run benefited Special Olympics. Janice Kimberly Crisp (daughter of Hughes Crisp, Sanitation) and Linda, received a Juris Doctorate from the School of Law at Washing- ton and Lee University. Ms. Crisp is a North Caro- lina Central University graduate. She plans to sit for the Virginia Bar and has accepted a posi- tion at a firm in Roanoke, Virginia. Bud Catoe (Fire) received the Fire Saftey Commendation Certificate and Medal awarded by the Alamance Battleground Chapter of the American Revolution. Melanie Alvis, daughter of Lawrence Alvis (Fire)recently returned from San Antonio, Texas, where she along with members of the Western Alamance School Dance Team competed in the MA National Dance Team Championship. The team brought home two first place, two second place, and one third place trophies to add to the school’s collection. Howard Ursery (Street Division) was recently honored at Southern Ala- mance High School. Howard was a member of the 1965 State 3-A Cham- pion baseball team. He played short-stop. The team finished with an 18- 2 record. Julie Terry, daughter of Jondeen Terry(Administration, recently gradu- ated from Williams High School and will be attending the University of Missouri in the fall. Julie has been accepted into the School of Journalism. Spencer Hardy, son of Renee (Administration) and Chuck Ward (Police) was inducted into the National Honor Society at Western Alamance High School. Andrea Massey, daughter of Tommy Massey (Fire), recently graduated from Cummings High Schoo, andl received most valuable player in volleybal, was inducted into the National Honor Society. She earned her certified nursing assistant certification and received a one-year paid tuition schol- arship to Alamance Community College. Look What our Department Heads are Doing Haywood Saves the Day Haywood Cloud (Planning) received an award from the Police Department for his heroic efforts in assisting with the appre- hension of a suspect. Haywood witnessed a lady being thrown from her vehicle and the suspect then fleeing in her car. He followed the vehicle while talking with a dispatcher to ensure that they would be able to locate him. He fol- lowed the suspect for several miles and police were able to take him into custody, thanks to Haywood. ---PAGE BREAK--- August-September A Message from Harold I want to thank each of you for taking your valuable time by participating in the departmental meetings we had throughout the City earlier this year. The one thing that I wish I could change most about my job is not hav- ing the opportunity to get out in the field and interact with our employ- ees. The meetings gave me the opportunity to first meet some employees and secondly communicate with our staff on many of the important issues, which we as an organiza- tion face. I appreciate the candor of many of our conversa- tions and hopefully we all benefited from those employee meetings. I know I came away from those sessions con- vinced that our citizens are very fortunate to have the high caliber of staff that we have in our organization. As we go forward we, like most other local government enti- ties, will cope with a changing economy and many chal- lenging issues. To be successful we will not be able to “do business” as usual. We must take full advantage of our re- sources to provide the level of services which a majority of our citizens desire. It will demand that we work as a team realizing a group effort is always more beneficial than any individual effort. Thanks again for all your efforts. Save The EOB’s Now that we have your attention, you may be asking, “What exactly is an EOB?” An EOB is an Explanation of Benefits that you will receive from MedCost Benefits Services (formerly Pied- mont Administrators) each time that you, or anyone covered under your health insurance, has a medical service performed. You should receive an EOB 30-45 days after your service. It contains valuable information that you will want to keep in a file in a safe place. You should refer to it when you receive your bill from your medical provider. When you receive an EOB in the mail, pay particular attention to: The “Total charge.” This is the amount that the doctor charged for the service that you received. The “Discount.” This is the discount that MedCost gave you because you saw a doctor in the MedCost network. If you choose to see a doctor out of the MedCost network, there will be no discount. The “Patient Responsibility.” This is the amount that you should be billed from your doctor. The amount is the “To- tal charge” less the “Discount.” Compare the “Patient Re- sponsibility” with the bill you receive from your doctor. If you want to keep up with your annual $500.00 deduct- ible, keep an eye on this area of your EOB’s. It tells you how much of your deductible has not yet been met for the calendar year. It is calculated by MedCost and is based on the order in which your claims are received and processed. · If you were required to pay the doctor’s full charge at the time of service and your doctor is in the MedCost network, pay attention to your EOB for the discount. You may be entitled to a refund from the doctor. · Remember….always keep your home mailing ad- dress updated in Human Resources. They will for- ward the update to the Finance Department from which MedCost will be contacted. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Clinkscales at Ext. 5108 or Janet Bailey at Ext. 5058. Wal-Mart Mail Order Prescriptions Can Save You If you are on the City’s health insurance plan, you can or- der approved maintenance medications through Wal-Mart’s Mail Service Prescription Drug Program. You can get a three-month supply of your medication for the cost of two. For example, if you have a prescription that you pay $20.00 for each month, that totals $240.00 per year. If you use the mail order program, you would only spend $160.00 per year. That’s an annual savings of $80.00 on this one prescrip- tion. Think of how much you could save if you are on more than one maintenance drug!! Contact the Finance Department at 5060 to request a bro- chure with the order form or call Kim Clinkscales at 5108 or Janet Bailey at 5058 for more information. Sand Storm in Iraq This photo is of an approaching sand storm in Iraq. Laura Aldrich’s (Police) brother is a Marine and sent this photo. The storm took 15 minutes to reach them. Remember our Troops City codes are now available online. Go to the City’s website www.BurlingtonNC.gov and you will find the link. ---PAGE BREAK--- Burlington Employees’ Newsletter www.BurlingtonNC.gov Moving In William G. Andrews, Street Rayfield Stephens, Jr., Street Kajal N. Parikh, Engineering Tina Meeks, Police Terri L. Taylor, Police William D. Hinshaw, Equipment Services Angela Conner, Police (Communications) Jeffrey Crowder, Police (Communications) Jon Oakley, Police (Communications) David Honeycutt, Planning Christopher Edwards, Police Moving Up Laura A. Aldrich (Police) promoted to Assistant Training Director/Accreditation Manager Diana Sherrill (Police) promoted to Office Assistant IV Belinda Parker (Police) promoted Office Assistant III Ricky Turner (Inspections) promoted to Mechanical Inspector Tamme Penley (Police) promoted to Animal Services Division Supervisor Amy Lawhorn (Finance) promoted to Accountant II Luisa Ayala (Revenue Collections) promoted to Collection Technician Jason Apple (Animal Services) promoted to Animal Control Officer Jeff Mitchell (Utilities) promoted to Plants Maintenance Mechanic Moving On Marty Stinson (Engineering) retired Jean C. “Carol” Fogleman (Police) retired Stork News Steve Smith (Police) and Jennifer (Administration) announce the birth of Hallie Ragsdale, September 19, 2004. Joel Davis (Fire) and wife Melanie announce the birth of Kennedy Hope Davis, February 2, 2005. Anthony Davis (Fire) and wife Kelly announce the birth of William Anthony Davis, December 24, 2004. Tamme Penley (Animal Services) and husband announce the birth of Wesley Michael, February 5, 2005. Chad Cross (Fire) and Sonjia (Finance) announce the birth of Tristan Davis, December 7, 2004. Kenyon Harris (Police) and wife Stacey announce the birth of Kadence, March 23, 2005. Josh Hall (Police) and wife Andrea announce the birth of Collin Leaf, March 24, 2005. Craig Apple (Police) and wife Kris announce the birth of Taylor Nicole, April 16, 2005. Clay Teague (Utilities) and wife announce the birth of Nathan Clay Teague, April 23, 2005. Joe Jacaruso (Fire) announces the birth of his granddaughter Sydney Frances Leventhal, April 25, 2005. Chad Slaughter (Police) and wife Daphne announce the birth of Colton Paige Slaughter, July 7, 2005. David Stewart (Police) and wife Katie announce the birth of Jeremiah Allen, July 10, 2005. Weddings Neal Stanfield (Fire) and Laura Rae Moran were married on May 21, 2005. Tommy Cain (son of Vickie Davis, Equipment Services) married Mindy Testerman on Saturday, April 16, 2005, at Lake Mackintosh. Juan Sanchez (Police) and Britt were married on April 30, 2005. April Ross (Police) and Eddie Ross were married on April 2, 2005 Todd and Kristy Saunders (Police) were married on April 16, 2005. Mark Rascoe (Police) and Ramona Castenada (Police) were married on June 4, 2005. If you use a computer with the City you may have heard that Jim McMahan is the City’s network engineer. He comes to work early so that he can verify that our network is operating securely before most of us arrive to use our computers. In fact, he has done such a good job that most of us take our computers for granted in that an overwhelming amount of viruses hit our net- work daily and bounce off like Teflon, and we, the users, never feel a thing. On occasion he has sent emails to us all to warn us how to prevent our computers from being infected especially in cases where the antivirus software hasn’t come up with any way to block a certain new variant. But that is only one of Jim’s responsibilities. Jim always goes the extra mile while working, but also on our community. While traveling to work one morning Jim drove up to an accident. Other travelers continued by, but Jim turned around and offered help to the victim. The gentleman was strug- gling to stand after exiting his vehicle. Jim noticed that he had multiple injuries and assisted him to the ground. Jim com- forted the gentleman and gave him his coat to keep warm. Jim stayed with him until fire/res- cue workers arrived. Even that day, Jim arrived early to work and began his daily routine. Meet Jim McMahan City’s Network Engineer Jim celebrating his birthday with his co-workers Employee Intranet- It’s the New Craze! See what it is all about...Log on to find out what is happening. Go to the City’s website @ www.BurlingtonNC.gov, then to E-Services, Em- ployee Web, then just log in. If you have trouble with your user-id or password, or if you would like to put an Employee Web icon on your desktop call Information Technology for help. They will be happy to assist you! Check it often - there is always something new!