Weekly comments from Dale Martin

Dale Martin
City Manager
Fernandina Beach
December 23, 2016 1:00 a.m.

Last week, the City recognized several employees for their service to the City. This recognition is an annual breakfast event held in early December at the City’s Golf Course. I vividly remember that it was my first official introduction to most of the City staff. I probably had the “deer in the headlights” appearance as I stumbled through trying to put so many new faces with so many new names. I’m sure most of the employees were looking back at me wondering “What’s he gonna be like?”

I can’t speak from their perspective, but I’ll share mine. This past year has passed at what feel like a truly breakneck pace. Every week flies by, quickly turning the months on the calendar. It has been a wonderful journey for me, and much of my continuing enjoyment of my job is assuredly related to the people that I work with every day. It is their efforts that make things appear easy to the “outside” world, but their efforts are extensive.

My recognition of City employees must begin with the City Hall staff that has to contend with me on a daily basis. Ms. Nicole Bednar is indispensable as an integral partner in my duties and responsibilities – she has apparently accepted (at least publicly) my daily quirks, pet peeves, and tendencies. Ms. Caroline Best, the City Clerk, and her staff, including Ms. Kim Briley (recognized for fifteen years of City service) and Ms. Lillie Russell, have a few doors and walls between us, but they, too, are a pleasure to greet each morning. On a daily basis, I also get to speak with the staff in the Community Development Department and the Human Resources Department.

The formal service recognition of employees begins with five years of service. This year, the following employees received that recognition: James Tucker (Fire), Lance Phillips (Maintenance), Fredericka Taylor (Parks/Rec), Griffin Bowen (Parks/Rec), and Danny Young (Police). Employees recognized for ten years of service included Marshall McCrary (Community Development), Don Kukla (Community Development), Trey Rimes (Utilities), Tim Brewer (Utilities), Chief James Hurley (Police), and Josh Paetsch (Police).

The employees recognized for fifteen years of service were the most numerous. In addition to the aforementioned Kim Briley, the others with such service included Ben Miller (Fire), Curtiss Lee (Maintenance), Scott Mikelson (Parks/Rec), Lawrence Holmes (Parks/Rec), Melita Hubbard (Parks/Rec), Jon Hepler (Police), Freddie Peak (Police), Steve Minahan (Police), Chad Lee (Police), Sue Edwards (Utility Billing), and Pam Bell (Utility Billing).

Four employees were recognized for twenty years of service to Fernandina Beach: Bill Baughn (Fire), Craig Williams (Maintenance), Randy Maxwell (Maintenance), and Hank Lee (Police). The combined years of service of the employees listed above for recognition total 295 years of service to this community. I have 1- so while I have received several compliments since I began my service here, it is those other employees that have done significantly more for this city. I offer my compliments to them, as well as three other employees that merit special recognition.

Detective Al Smith (Police) has worked for the City for twenty-five years. He graduated from a police academy in June, 1990, and began his service as a patrol officer in Fernandina Beach in January, 1991. He has filled the role of Detective on other occasions during his career. During my recent work day with the Police Department, Det. Smith showed me how he currently manages the inventory of evidence introduced and stored at the Police Department.

The dean of recognized service this year, however, is Mr. Mark Corbin (Maintenance), who has worked for the City for a remarkable thirty-five years. Mark will formally retire at the end of this month. After working his first year at the City’s Golf Course, Mark moved to the City’s garage, culminating his final fifteen years as the City’s Master Mechanic. The City’s vehicular stock has expanded significantly (and become much more sophisticated) during Mark’s service, but he has kept the City’s vehicles- Police, Fire, Parks, Streets, etc.- rolling and in service. We will thank Mark at a retirement luncheon next week.

Finally, in an effort to better recognize the contributions of typically unheralded junior staff, I implemented an Employee of the Year award and solicited nominations from the Department Directors (who were not allowed to nominate staff from their own department). From the Directors, I received five nominations, all of whom were exceptionally deserving to be so recognized. After thoughtful consideration, I selected Mr. Robert “Bobby” Kozakoff (Airport) as my Employee of the Year (also recognized for five years of service). For the past several years, Bobby has operated and maintained the Airport as a “one-man show,” tending to maintenance, operations, and tenant relations, as well as managing several significant special events. The continued (and growing) success of the Airport is a direct result of Bobby’s passionate dedication to that facility.

Congratulations to all other employees who continue to serve the City, but simply haven’t reached one of the commonly recognized milestones of service. I know that you are on the job every day, and I humbly recognize that you make my job easier and enjoyable and the community a wonderful and safe place to live. Please safely enjoy the holidays with your family. I look forward to working with you in 2017.

Editor’s Note:  Since today is our last publication day prior to our holiday season break, City Manager Dale Martin’s weekly comments are coming to you early.  Congratulations to all of our city employees who were honored for their years of service and outstanding accomplishments.