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Compensation Increases on Agenda for Palm Coast City Council Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 5 at 6 p.m.

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Palm Coast – The Palm Coast City Council meets regularly to discuss and vote on official City business. These meetings are open to the public and Palm Coast residents are strongly encouraged to attend. An increase in public engagement helps to build a stronger sense of community, increases valuable discussions, and decreases division.

A business meeting will take place beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. Details of the items on the agenda are listed below.

  • The Palm Coast City Council will recognize several City employees for outstanding service to their communities and contributions to their profession. Each employee recognized will receive a Certificate to commemorate their actions.
  • The Palm Coast City Council will present a proclamation for April as Water Conservation Month. The proclamation will be presented to the St. John’s River Water Management District. Everyone will be invited to take part in the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation by visiting mywaterpledge.com.
  • The City Attorney will present an ordinance to adopt an increase to the Mayor and City Council Member’s compensation. This proposed increase in Council compensation is to ensure that public officials are not required to have undue costs and financial burdens cast upon them as a result of public service. It is recognized that some reasonable level of compensation to public officials will encourage those who might not otherwise be able to participate in local government to participate and expand the potential pool of candidates for City office.
  • The Palm Coast City Council voted unanimously to appoint Ms. Denise Bevan as the new City Manager at the February 15, 2022 Business Meeting. Ms. Bevan accepted. City Council approved the City Attorney, the City Clerk, and Mayor Alfin (as the Council liaison) to negotiate the terms of the contract to be brought back to Council for consideration. A salary comparison chart from the Florida League of Cities and the draft contract negotiated with Ms. Bevan will be discussed for adoption.
  • The Financial Services Department will present a resolution authoring a bank loan with Southstate Bank for financing stormwater improvements. SouthState Bank’s proposal included an $8 million qualified tax exempt loan with 20 year term, fixed rate of 2.59% for Series 2022. The loan allows the City to prepay the loan from existing funds at any time without a penalty and with a 1% prepayment penalty if the loan is refinanced. The loan will be secured solely by Stormwater Net Revenues.

The following items will be presented as consent items for approval:

  • Resolution approving a construction contract with RJ Sullivan Corporation, a work order with CPH Inc for engineering services, and an increase of SRF loan amount for the Wastewater Treatment Facility 2 expansion project.
  • Resolution approving a contract with TB Landmark Construction Inc for construction of the L-section pep main improvements.
  • Resolution approving a contract with PBM Constructors Inc for construction of the relocation of chemical injection at Water Treatment Plant 2.
  • Resolution approving the extension of the contract with MediQuick Walk-in employee clinic.
  • Resolution approving the purchase of two First Products VC 60 3-Point Hitch Vericutters/Carbide Tip Blades.

Public Comments will be opened at the beginning and end of the business meeting in accordance with Section 286.0114 Florida Statutes and pursuant to the City Council’s Meeting Policies and Procedures. Each speaker will approach the podium, provide his/her name and may speak for up to 3 minutes.

Meetings of the Palm Coast City Council typically occur three times per month. A 6 p.m. business meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, a 9 a.m. workshop meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, and a 9 a.m. business meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. All meetings take place in the Community Wing at City Hall at 160 Lake Avenue in Palm Coast.

Business meetings and workshops are open to the public and are streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel. Meeting agendas for all public meetings are posted in advance of each meeting on the City’s website. All agendas can be viewed here.

If you wish to obtain more information regarding the City Council’s agenda, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-986-3713. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk at 386-986-3713, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/government/city-manager/week-in-review.

City of Palm Coast. Brittany N. Kershaw, Director of Communications & Marketing

Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak: Why Empathy Makes You a Great Leader

By
Dr. Joe Saviak
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People will follow you anywhere if they know how much you care about them. Putting them before yourself is key. Empathy is essential. We hurt when they hurt. We protect them. We care deeply about their well being and success. We are invested in their hopes and dreams and we do our best to reduce their fear and anxiety during difficult times. We love it when they win.

Here are my 3 all time favorite “I have zero empathy for those I lead” examples:

  1. The CEO does a major layoff of several hundred line level employees in the wake of a natural disaster which has hit their community during a time of record profits in the industry. The disaster had nothing to do with the finances of the company.

  2. A secretary works hard to earn her college degree while balancing work and family responsibilities. Instead of congratulating her, the boss only says, “I hope you don’t expect us to pay you more or give you anything more because of that.” The employer is an institution of higher education.

  3. A natural disaster strikes a community. Employees lose their homes. The CEO spends several minutes in front of those same employees expressing his concern about losing a piece of old furniture at the workplace which was the only property loss experienced by the employer during this disaster. He never once asks about them.

Every one of these CEOs was eventually fired or forced to resign. It’s not charisma. It’s not having the most years on the job although the right experience always helps. It’s not technical subject matter knowledge. It’s not the college degree. None of these explain long term successful leadership.

People have to trust you to follow you. It’s character. Leaders of character have a lot of empathy for those they lead. When people know you truly care about them, they will follow you anywhere.

#LeadershipLessonsWithDrSaviak

From the Teacher: Leadership Lessons with Dr. Saviak is a weekly column with the esteemed Joseph C. Saviak, Ph.D., J.D., M.A., M.S., Management Consulting & Leadership Training.

 

Featured Image: Forbes.com

Get Educated: “Are All Your Ducks In A Row” Seminar Set for Tuesday in Palm Coast

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Missed the last “Ducks In a Row” seminar? Check out the topics covered, and learn about new topics this session!

America’s Fastest Growing Sport Gains Nationwide Recognition All April Long

By
Flagler News Weekly
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SURPRISE, Az. (April 1, 2022) – To further elevate the stature of one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, USA Pickleball identifies and designates that the month of April will once again be  “National Pickleball Month.”

Designed for all ages and skill levels, Pickleball is a lively, active paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Pickleball, which was developed as a recreational game in 1965, uses a paddle and a plastic ball with holes and can be played as both singles and doubles competition. Games are generally played to 11 points, win by two, and points may only be scored by the serving team.

Another unique selling point for the sport is that pickleball courts are easy to build as sports facilities, for schools, and/or local communities. A pickleball court is 44 feet long by 20 feet wide, and many courts are lined on existing sports surfaces, such as tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, in addition to being built as “standalone” courts. USA Pickleball estimates that each month an average of 95.6 new pickleball locations are being added to places2play.org, with nearly 40,000 courts in the United States to date.

The 2022 Topline Pickleball Participant Report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), a premier trade association for the nation’s top sports and fitness brands, reported that the sport currently has more than 4.8 million players in the US – an increase of 39.3% over the last two years.  With the popularity of Pickleball climbing rapidly, National Pickleball Month is dedicated to increasing growth and awareness of the sport for both the recreational and competitive player. The 5thannual National Pickleball Month promotion will support leisure and competitive Pickleball programs and leagues, encourage public parks and other facilities to offer opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to play the game, and help bring about a higher level of interest in communities throughout the country.

“I recently had the honor of visiting the original pickleball court on Bainbridge Island where pickleball was invented in 1965 by Bill Bell, Barney McCallum, and Joel Pritchard, and on March 28th, 2022, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill proposed by Sen. John Lovick to make pickleball the official state sport of Washington,” said Stu Upson, USA Pickleball CEO. “57 years later, this was a tremendous tribute to our founders, and as we kick off National Pickleball Month, we are excited for the entire nation to join in on the celebration of our favorite game.”

Pickleball ambassadors and retailers can promote the sport on National Pickleball Month by scheduling events and social play, promoting tournaments throughout the month, or offering special discounts for first-time players. National Pickleball Month will also generate renewed interest in the many health, fitness, and social benefits of the sport.

Anyone that is interested in learning how to play pickleball, visit USAPickleball.org for an exclusive series of training videos created by Pickler and USA Pickleball to help you master the basics of the game.

“We see this as a continuing initiative to help promote the sport at the local level throughout the U.S.,” added Upson. “USA Pickleball has established a nationwide network of more than 1,800 dedicated pickleball ambassadors and 57,000 members who will help more and more people of all ages get engaged with the sport.”

For more information about pickleball, visit USAPickleball.org. Follow @USAPickleball on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and #thankyouPICKLEBALL to engage in the National Pickleball Month celebration.

 

Media Release: USA Pickleball

AAEA to Present the Barrier Breakers Series

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Daytona Beach, FL- The AAEA is honored to present the Barrier Breakers Series in partnership with the Daytona Tortugas, as part of the Minor League Baseball “The Nine” Initiative, a community inclusion initiative that will be hosted by the Daytona Tortugas at the historical Jackie Robinson Ballpark, located at 105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114. This will be a 4 night series dedicated to Barrier Breakers throughout the Tortugas home season on April 9th, June 10th, July 8th and August 12th.  These nights will honor the milestones, individuals and community venues that have paved the way for today’s and tomorrow’s athletes, business owners and community leaders.  The 1st Night of the Barrier Breakers Series will be hosted April 9th at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Lucie Mets.

“I feel honored to follow the footsteps of the Great Jackie Robinson and other black history makers that have paved the way for the African American and minority communities through partnerships that support equity, diversity, and inclusion,” says Leslie Giscombe, Founder and CEO at African American Entrepreneurs Association. This news comes in the wake of the Corporate Partnership between The Daytona Tortugas and the AAEA.

“We are extremely excited to honor the barrier breakers who will be spotlighted in this series for their contributions to our sport, community and society,” Tortugas General Manager Jim Jaworski said. “We cannot thank the African American Entrepreneurs Association enough for their partnership in this groundbreaking new initiative.”

This community partnership between the AAEA and the Daytona Tortugas is an exciting opportunity to commemorate and honor, while enjoying fun entertainment and celebrating the trailblazers that have persevered in following their dreams before us.

April 9:  The 1st Night of the Barrier Breakers Series will be hosted April 9th at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Lucie Mets. The Daytona Tortugas will feature Local Negro Leagues teams and players with a commemorative focus and the AAEA will host The African-American Entrepreneurs Showcase in the concessions area.  The Showcase will feature an assortment of 12 locally owned African-American businesses and community leaders.  The community is invited to join in and fully enjoy all these evenings will have to offer!

June 10: The 2nd night of The Barrier Breakers Series will be hosted June 10th at 7:05 p.m. against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. The evening honoree will be Johnny Wright, a pitcher who broke professional baseball’s color barrier with Jackie Robinson in 1946 right here in Daytona Beach.

July 8:  The 3rd night of The Barrier Breakers Series will be hosted July 8th at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Lucie Mets. On this evening, Mary McLeod Bethune, one of the most celebrated African American figures as an influencer, educator, civil rights activist, and advocate for women’s equality for more than three decades will be the focus of the night.  She also founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial School for Negro Girls, later merged with the Cookman Institute of Jacksonville to become known as Bethune-Cookman University, located 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. She is attributed with helping make it possible for Robinson and Wright to make history in Daytona Beach.

Aug. 12: The 4th night of The Barrier Breakers Series will be hosted August 12th at 7:05 p.m. against the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The evening will focus on the community jewel, Kelly Field. This venue is where Robinson and Wright trained, as well as served as a social hub of the community.

To learn more about the AAEA and the Barrier Breakers Series, click here Upcoming Events – African American Entrepreneurs Association (aaeassociation.org). More information can be found on Facebook Events AAEA business page, https://fb.me/e/1nGlEvkQ6. For additional opportunities to participate in the future events, please call (386) 234-2014.

About The African American Entrepreneurs Association: The AAEA focuses its partnerships on businesses and organizations that are dedicated to the support of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Members enjoy help with their career or entrepreneur journey, skill sets, education, and community experiences. In addition to live community events, the AAEA offers virtual events, shared resources, and career opportunities. We strive to provide resources and opportunities for one to learn, grow, and connect when you become a member.

Sea Turtle Hospital Announces Passing of Beloved Patient Pickles

By
Flagler News Weekly
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Sea Turtle Hospital announces passing of beloved patient Pickles.

As you may or may not know, Pickles has been in critical condition since our last update. She developed sepsis, which is a generalized blood infection and had severe pneumonia. A blood culture helped our veterinarian, Dr Brooke, to determine which medication would work best for this infection. Pickles was receiving very intensive treatments and extensive care efforts by our wonderful and dedicated veterinary team. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, her infection was too severe, and Pickles continued to slowly decline.

After exhausting all treatment options without success, it was apparent that Pickles prognosis was grave. After a very heart felt discussion, our veterinarian and veterinary team made the decision of humane euthanasia for the best interest of Pickles. These decisions are never easy, especially after dedicating so much effort and care into a patient, We are grateful that we have a team of wonderful people supporting our every effort.

We want to thank every one of Pickles generous sponsors and our friends and followers. It’s people like you that help us with our daily tasks of saving an incredible species. Please rest easy knowing our team went above and beyond for our little Pickles, and although it’s not the outcome any of us wanted, knowledge gained from her will carry her story forward and help us with our continued efforts.

Photo: The Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Laboratory

 

Flagler County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Creates Sensory Boxes to Comfort Special Needs Patients During Calls,

By
Flagler News Weekly
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April 1, 2022 – It was the personal experience of dealing with the special needs of his 4-year-old daughter that inspired Flagler County Fire Rescue Lt. Jon Moscowitz to create sensory boxes to comfort special needs patients during medical, which also helps them connect and communicate with paramedics. Every Flagler County emergency vehicle in the county is now equipped with “Brookie Sensory Boxes,” named for his daughter Brooklynn.

“It is my dream to have every fire department equipped with ‘Brookie Sensory Boxes,’ and potentially available to all school resource deputies as well,” Moscowitz said. “My daughter may go several places with me or other family members, but no matter where she is, she is always in a firefighter’s care, should the situation arise. I want first responders to know how to comfort and communicate with her if the need is ever there.”

Moscowitz, along with his wife Cherish, created their Brookie Sensory Boxes with items touted for their ability to engage all five senses and limit sensory overload. Their inclusion on all rescue vehicles means that they are available for all patients who have a sensory processing disorder.

Each box includes toys and objects, such as touch-and-feel books, plush toys, fidget toys, and hearing protection. Boxes also contain dry-erase boards with markers to allow communication for those who are non-verbal.

Autism – a neurodevelopment disorder that causes a wide range of impairments in communication and restrictive and repetitive behaviors – is one common sensory processing disorder. April is “Autism Awareness Month,” designated to raise awareness, acceptance, appreciation, and understanding of the disorder.

Autism affects one in 44 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Florida Department of Education reports that statewide 47,667 children (kindergarten through 12th grade), are reported to have sensory processing disorders.

“This is a wonderful tool for our units to carry to assist children and adults who are having a hard time communicating,” said Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “These boxes provide comfort items in a time of distress.”

Those interested in assisting Moscowitz and his wife, or sponsoring a box, should contact them at brookiesensoryboxes@gmail.com.

Media Release: Flagler County, Laci Martin

FCSO Arrests Driver after Thursday Night Car Crash

By
Flagler News Weekly
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A Palm Coast man is out of jail after posting a $10,500 bond this afternoon after an auto accident just before midnight Thursday. However, it wasn’t the fender bender at the intersection of Royal Palms Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway that led 26-year-old Danial Gavro Marashi to jail overnight; it was the four felony drug charges discovered during the crash investigation that sent him to the Green Roof Inn.

Deputies responded to the scene where Marashi’s white Chrysler ran a red light resulting in a crash with another vehicle. While assessing the damage to Marashi’s vehicle, a deputy noticed an odor of marijuana, as well as spotting a handgun lying in plain view on the floorboard. Although Marashi stated he had a concealed carry permit, no record of the permit was found.

With probable cause to search the vehicle, the deputies placed Marashi in handcuffs and began their search which led to the recovery of a Glock 19 handgun with a round loaded in the chamber, a magazine with an additional 19 rounds, a Pioneer 7.62 cal. rifle, 68.1 grams of marijuana, a glass pipe, two scales, a marijuana grinder, two THC vape cartridges and two oxycodone pills.

“This dirtbag endangered the lives of others by running a red light,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “He was also involved in a drug-related home invasion last year. He came to our attention then and stayed on our radar. All I can say is karma! I commend our deputies for going beyond the crash investigation and arresting him.”

Marashi now faces charges of Possession of Hashish, felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Oxycodone, Carrying a Concealed Firearm and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His criminal history dates back to February 2016. The Port Orange Police Department and the Daytona Beach Police Department have both previously arrested Marashi in 2016 and 2019, respectively. Previous charges include Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana.

Watch the video of the crash now:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMet4d0mJm0

Melissa Morreale, Public Affairs Officer

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

GOLA To Host Ukraine Benefit Show

By
Flagler News Weekly
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AAUW Flagler to Welcome Sarah Symons, Co-author of “Standing in the Way: From Trafficking Victim to Human Rights Activist”

By
Flagler News Weekly
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AAUW Flagler welcomes Sarah Symons, author, founder, and Executive Director of Her Future Coalition on Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Palm Coast Community Center.  Human trafficking is slavery, it is oppression and abuse, and it is happening day in and day out all over the world. What happens to women and girls who have been rescued from human trafficking?

Sarah started Her Future Coalition with her husband John Berger in 2005 and has educated, sheltered, trained. employed, and provided mental health support to thousands of survivors and vulnerable girls. Symons and her husband John Berger started the organization with their own money and the contributions of a few concerned friends.

Sarah will be discussing her most recent book, “Standing in the Way: From Trafficking Victim to Human Rights Activist “ was written with former trafficking victim Anjali Tamang. Despite having suffered the most heinous abuse imaginable, Anjali is now working to combat trafficking and protect the next generation of girls in her community. The book sensitively portrays the difficult life of a young girl in a brothel. It is suitable for readers 15 and up. Anjali was eventually rescued, and the book tells that part of the story from the perspective of the rescuers as well as the girls themselves. Standing in the Way describes the innovative counseling and loving care that Anjali received after being rescued.

Her first book, “This is No Ordinary Joy: How the Courage of Survivors Transformed my Life” is the story of Sarah’s work in India and Nepal.

Before starting Her Future Coalition, Symons toured the country as a singer-songwriter and keyboardist, and recorded songs for television, as a solo artist and with the acoustic duo ‘The Syrens’. She released five CDs and later ran a source music company and recording studio for TV music. Symons’ music was frequently heard on national network TV and the radio. Before that, she was a counselor and art teacher at Creative Arts Workshops in New York City.

Sarah graduated in 1990 from the University of Pennsylvania, with a magna cum laude degree in Communications. She and her husband John Berger are the parents of two socially conscious young adults – Maya, 21, and Luke, 20. They live in St. Augustine, Florida with their two raucous dogs.

The Author’s Tea is scheduled for Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (Doors open at 12:30 pm) Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy NE, Palm Coast, FL 32137. Tickets are $25 per person or $180 for a reserved table of 8. Buy your ticket online at https://aauw-flagler-branch.square.site  or email AAUWFlagler1984@gmail.com for other purchase options. Books may be purchased at the event. There are a limited number of tickets available, so get yours now. Please consider carpooling because parking is limited. Unable to attend? Donations are gratefully accepted and appreciated.

 Media Release: AAUW Flagler Chapter 

 

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Flagler News Weekly Editor: Danielle Anderson Published by Sunrise Media Group, LLC ©Flagler News Weekly, All Rights Reserved.
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