Kent County Department Heads have selected MICHAEL R. LYNCH from the Department of Public Works as the March 2020 Employee of the Month.
Mike has worked for Kent County in the Division of Wastewater Facilities since October 2014. He began his career as a Maintenance Worker and advanced to a Maintenance Mechanic III work team leadership position in a relatively short period of time. His primary duties include performing highly skilled mechanical, pipe fitting and electrical maintenance and repair tasks, such as instrument calibration. His position requires special training for welding and brazing of cast iron, steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Mike also oversees, inspects, repairs and maintains sewage pumping stations, performing a variety of mechanical work assignments.
According to Director of Public Works Diana Golt, “Through his hard work and dedication, Mike maintains a large section of the County collection and transmission system and performs a wide array of maintenance duties with the assistance of his crew. He has taken every opportunity to learn new skills and obtain relevant certification which makes him an exemplary Public Works employee. Mike provides friendly public service whenever he is called upon, including stressful situations. He sets an example as a team player and is always willing to jump in and get the job done. Mike is an excellent selection deserving of the honor of being called Employee of the Month.”
Congratulations Mike on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ROBERT L WATTS from the Department of Public Safety as the February 2020 Employee of the Month.
Robbie has worked for Kent County since October 2002 and now serves as the Operations Support Officer in the Emergency Communications Division. His primary duties include maintaining the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system that will result in the proper dispatch responses for fire services, ambulance services and paramedics of Kent County, training all new dispatch employees on the computer system and providing support for all emergency services and related computer systems.
Robbie was previously recognized as the February 2013 Employee of the Month when he was a Dispatcher III. At the time, his co-workers said he could be counted on to remain calm and professional in the most demanding and challenging situations. Today, his co-workers say the same, adding that he is always willing to tackle new projects and will get the job done.
According to Assistant Director of Public Safety Kevin Sipple, “Robbie spends countless hours trying to find ways to improve our delivery of 911 services to the public. He oversees the newly created Drone program, oversees and manages the Tyler Computer Aided Dispatch, Fire Records and Mobile Data Program and manages the GIS data for all programs involved with Public Safety. Robbie has also enhanced our outreach programs to include Rave Panic Button, Smart911 and PulsePoint.”
Congratulations Robbie on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected WARREN F. COLLINS from the Department of Administration as the January 2020 Employee of the Month.
Warren has worked for Kent County since August 2015 and serves as a Computer Support Technician I in the Information Technology Office. His primary duties include responding to and troubleshooting I.T. Help Desk calls, obtaining quotes for technology equipment, placing technology supply orders for the County, and overseeing the video surveillance and badging systems. Warren is the first line of support for those systems.
Co-workers describe Warren as very knowledgeable in the technology field and always willing to help solve any problems which arise. He is a family man and frequently shares stories about his children and grandchildren.
According to Director of Information Technology Kim Crouch, “Warren should be recognized for his outstanding work on the Recorder of Deeds hardware and software replacement project this past summer. As the project leader, Warren managed the orders for all the hardware and software and coordinated the hardware configuration with fellow co-workers and the software vendor. He led the team on a weekend to deploy the hardware and verify the system was operational. The Recorder of Deeds office was up and running the next business day.”
Congratulations Warren on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ROBERT K. FRANKEL from the Department of Planning Services as the December 2019 Employee of the Month.
Bob has worked for Kent County since May 2017 and now serves as a Building Codes Inspector I in the Inspections & Enforcement section after initially working a few months as a WWF Plant Operator Trainee in the Public Works Department. His primary duties include inspecting buildings and property for compliance with County building, and enforcement of zoning, housing and property maintenance codes and ordinances.
Bob is praised by co-workers as always being well-prepared, and he has earned a well-deserved reputation for winning court cases due to that preparation and his presentation skills.
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, “Bob is the first code enforcement officer I’ve worked with who can essentially sell people on compliance with the code. So often both the complainants and the violators end up being friendly with him. We have a fairly new enforcement team and he has helped to set the standard for both customer service and successful enforcement. We’re very fortunate to have him as part of the department.”
Congratulations Bob on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected JONATHAN C. STEWART from the Department of Community Services as the November 2019 Employee of the Month.
Jonathan serves as a Recreation Program Supervisor II in the Parks & Recreation Division and has worked for Kent County since November 2017. His primary duties include organizing and coordinating recreational programs and leagues at the Recreation Center, various County parks and other locations.
Most notably, Jonathan used his creativity and savvy computer skills to take Kent County Parks and Recreation’s social media presence to new heights. He serves as content and video editor on the monthly “Recreation Update” show, creates additional video commercials highlighting events such as “Fright Night”, and created “KCPR The Rec”, a biweekly podcast giving our community an inside glimpse at recreational issues and news about upcoming programs.
According to Community Service Director Jeremy Sheppard, “Jonathan is an eager and creative team member. He strives to provide excellent customer service and works to drive community participation and engagement. He has a unique blend of soft skills and technical knowledge that makes our Department better.”
Congratulations Jonathan on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected SHIRLEY E. THOMS from the Department of Finance - Assessment Office as the October 2019 Employee of the Month.
Shirley started with Kent County in April 2006 as a Permit Technician and later transferred to the Planning Office and then ultimately to the Assessment Office in November 2012 where she currently serves as an Assessor II. Her primary duties include inspecting properties in the field to measure structures and collect data used in real estate assessment; researching parcel permitting and construction history and sales of real estate; and maintaining computerized property improvements for her assigned territory. Shirley is a State licensed Certified Assessor and was previously recognized as Employee of the Month in July 2009.
Shirley’s experience in the building permits and planning offices has proven helpful with routine property assessment tasks, but her research skills have benefitted her work product the most. She is routinely praised by property owners for effectively explaining the complex assessment process in Delaware and for her pleasant demeanor. On several occasions Shirley has designed creative exhibits to honor veterans, Kent County history, and special events in the Administrative Complex display case.
According to Finance Director Susan Durham, “Shirley has become a highly skilled property assessor for the County and willingly shares her knowledge with co-workers and constituents. She is very dedicated to Kent County and can be counted on to help out whenever needed.”
Congratulations Shirley on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected VANESSA A. MARTIN from the Office of the Kent County Recorder of Deeds as the September 2019 Employee of the Month.
Vanessa started with Kent County in September 2013 as a Permit Technician and later transferred to the Deeds Office in January 2017 were she currently serves as a Deed Clerk II. Her primary duties include verifying documents as to their accuracy prior to recording, cash receipting, assisting customers with research questions, and imaging recorded documents.
Her experience in the building permits office has proven to be very helpful to the office, and she has willingly shared her knowledge with co-workers. Supervisors praise Vanessa for her positive attitude and motivation to learn all about the history and importance of the recording process. She has excellent customer service skills and is always looking for the next challenge.
According to Kent County Recorder of Deeds Betty Lou McKenna, “Vanessa always exhibits enthusiasm with a positive attitude. She is courteous, friendly and extremely helpful when constituents come to the deeds office for information as well as for recording documents. Vanessa is very dedicated to her job as well as Kent County in general. She is an exemplary employee.”
Congratulations Vanessa on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected KENNETH A. ANDERSON Sr. from the Office of the Kent County Sheriff as the August 2019 Employee of the Month.
Ken started with the Sheriff’s Office in June 2017 and his primary duties include service of court-ordered subpoenas, maintaining records of service, conducting property inventory for scheduled sales, and assisting in the sale of property by the Sheriff.
Ken is a former Delaware State Police officer and previously worked as a uniform patrol officer at Troop 3, Auto Theft Detective for Kent and Sussex Counties, and Property Crimes Detective at Troop 3 until retiring in 2016 after 27 years
He is highly regarded for his professionalism and demeanor. His prior experience as a DSP Field Training Officer has proven especially helpful with the training and orientation of a new deputy sheriff in the Office.
According to Sheriff Lewis, “Ken is well organized and well suited for this new training assignment. He is always willing to share new ideas and is a big part of the daily office operations. It is a pleasure to have Ken as a part of the TEAM in the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. He is well deserving of the this high honor”
Congratulations Ken on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MICHAEL A. FESTI from the Department of Planning Services as the July 2019 Employee of the Month.
Michael started with Kent County in March 2017 and serves as a Permit Technician I in the Inspections & Enforcement Office. He is primarily responsible for explaining zoning and related ordinances to the general public and building contractors; applying related ordinances to the process of obtaining a building or other permit for contractors and the general public; reviewing building permit applications for completeness and approval; and conducting research of property ownership records, zoning violations, and demographic trends.
A new co-worker recently praised Michael for his helpful instructive nature and willingness to respond to numerous questions about permitting procedures and processes. His positive demeanor and work ethic is greatly admired by customers and staff.
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, Michael is “exceptionally helpful to internal and external customers. He has worked closely with new inspectors to help them understand the County’s permitting process. During his relatively short tenure, he has already achieved an unexpected level of expertise.”
Congratulations Michael on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MICHAEL J. BISHOP from the Department of Public Safety as the June 2019 Employee of the Month.
Mike started with Kent County in October 1991 and serves as an EMS Field Supervisor in the Division of Emergency Medical Services. His primary duties include supervising and coordinating paramedics stationed county-wide during his shift in addition to responding to medical emergencies to provide advanced emergency care procedures to patients. Mike assumed his supervisory post in 2011 and has evolved into an invaluable member of the management team and a highly respected paramedic that others strive to emulate. He was previously honored in 2006 as a Paramedic II/Field Training Officer.
Mike is described as “an extremely competent medic as well as a well likeable and caring supervisor.” He has excellent writing and organizational skills and is often tasked with developing new protocols and processes. In addition, Mike troubleshoots all of the Departmental vehicles and is responsible for all of the pharmaceutical rotations and elimination of expired drugs.
According to Director of Public Safety Chief Colin Faulkner, “Mike goes above and beyond every workday. The 9-1-1 Dispatchers greatly appreciate his information sharing and coordination, so they can anticipate which individual paramedic will likely respond to a particular call. It is a great example of internal customer service. He also has a keen ability to sense and resolve issues in the platoon before they evolve into something more.”
Congratulations Mike on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MICHAEL S. RIGBY from the Department of Community Services as the May 2019 Employee of the Month.
Mike serves as Assistant Director of Community Services – Parks & Recreation Division and has worked for Kent County since January 1995. He is responsible for managing the development and maintenance of the County’s five parks as well as ensuring that a comprehensive program of recreational activities are offered to the public.
Mike was originally hired more than 20 years ago as a Parks Maintenance Foreman and was promoted to his current Assistant Director position in 2016. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to forge complementary relationships between parks and recreation staffs and the community as a whole. In addition to his numerous duties as Assistant Director, Mike plays a vital oversight role in the construction of numerous park improvements, oversees facility management for the Recreation Center Complex, and processes facility rental requests. He was previously honored as Employee of the Month in July 1997.
According to Community Services Director Jeremy Sheppard, “Mike is an exceptionally versatile and loyal County employee. He is constantly looking to make Kent County Parks and Recreation better. He takes a tremendous amount of personal pride in our facilities and programs.”
Congratulations Mike on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MARGO ORLANDO from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office as the April 2019 Employee of the Month.
She started with Kent County in September 2008 and serves as Secretary in the Sheriff’s Office. Her primary duties include processing court documents and related paperwork; answering incoming telephone calls; assisting with Sheriff Sales; and numerous other clerical duties. Prior to transferring to the Sheriff’s Office in 2015, she worked in the Personnel Office and in the Register of Wills Office.
Current and previous supervisors report that Margo always exhibits enthusiasm and a positive attitude, making her a first-rate example of Kent County Levy Court’s commitment to excellent customer service. She is an exemplary employee, performing her duties in a timely fashion and always willing to assist others. In keeping with her spirit of service, Margo teaches classes for children at her local church and has been a member of the Clayton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for years.
According to Kent County Sheriff Brian Lewis, “Margo makes everyone in the office feel at home and welcomed, whether it is visitors to the office or coworkers. She is always pleasant, a pleasure to be around and her spirit is delightful. She is a great asset to this department!”
Congratulations Margo on a job well done!
MARGARET M. MANGIAMELE-ORLANDO
Kent County Employee Council selected and Kent County Levy Court has honored MARGARET M. MANGIAMELE-ORLANDO from the Office of the Kent County Sheriff as the 2019 Employee of the Year!
Margo started with Kent County in September 2008 and serves as Secretary in the Sheriff’s Office. Her primary duties include processing court documents and related paperwork; answering incoming telephone calls; assisting with Sheriff Sales; and numerous other clerical duties. Prior to transferring to the Sheriff’s Office in 2015, she worked in the Personnel Office and in the Register of Wills Office.
Current and previous supervisors report that Margo always exhibits enthusiasm and a positive attitude, making her a first-rate example of Kent County Levy Court’s commitment to excellent customer service. She is an exemplary employee, performing her duties in a timely fashion and always willing to assist others. In keeping with her spirit of service, Margo teaches classes for children at her local church and has been a member of the Clayton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for years.
According to Kent County Sheriff Brian Lewis, “Margo makes everyone in the office feel at home and welcomed, whether it is visitors to the office or coworkers. She is always pleasant, a pleasure to be around and her spirit is delightful. She is a great asset to this department!”
Congratulations Margo!
Click here for KENT COUNTY POLICY MANUAL
See P-8.3: Epidemic/Contagious Disease Response Policy
Click here for Remote Work/Telework Guidelines & Forms
Click here for KENT COUNTY CODE
See Chapter 68 - Personnel Ordinance
See Chapter 79 - Retiree Benefits Program
See Chapter 83 - Employee Retirement Program
RECENTLY ADOPTED BY KENT COUNTY LEVY COURT:
Click here for Employee Pension Contribution Amendment (11/12/19)
Click here for new Chain of Command Policy (11/19/19)
Click here for Pension Allowable Interruptions Amendment (12/10/19)
Under Consideration (pending) by Kent County Levy Court:
PROPOSED KENT COUNTY LEVY COURT POLICY AMENDMENT P20-01
INTRODUCED BY: Commissioner Allan F. Angel
ADOPTION DATE: February 18, 2020
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon Adoption
§ 2-15 Higher education and certification rating system.
This Policy establishes a rating system for the award of pay increases to eligible employees for achieving an advanced educational degree or job-related professional certification under the provisions contained in the Kent County Code.
A. In order to be eligible for the award of a pay increase under this Policy, an employee must request and receive approval in writing from his/her department head and the Personnel Director, or the County Administrator before embarking on a course of study or training.
B. County employees earning a Master's Degree or Doctorate Degree or the following professional licenses in a state-regulated profession, Certified Public Accountant, Professional Engineer, or Physician's Assistant, shall be eligible for a five-percent base salary increase; provided, however, the degree or license must be in the employee's current field of employment.
C. County employees earning a Bachelor's Degree in their current field of employment shall be eligible for a four-percent base salary increase.
D. County employees earning an Associate's Degree in their field of employment or a Master's or Bachelor's Degree in a related field of employment, or a professional certification as a Certified Building Official (CBO), Associate of Risk Management (ARM), ICMA-Certified Professional, IPMA-HR Certified Professional, Certified Government Benefits Administrator (CGBA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Arborist, Fundamentals of Engineering (FE/EIT), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or specific professional certification as determined and approved in advance by the Personnel Director and County Administrator based upon overall benefit to/needs of the County and the employee, in consultation with the Department Head, shall be eligible for a 2% base salary increase. The Associate's Degree or certification must be in the employee's current field of employment.
E. County employees earning 15 training credits within a three-year period (may be combination of in-house and outside programs, but available to hourly classified employees only) shall be eligible for a one-percent base salary increase as determined and approved in advance by the Personnel Director and County Administrator, in consultation with the Department Head. Any pay increase under this section shall be limited to one per twenty-four-month period (rolling year basis) from date of award. Excess training credits earned during the twenty-four-month period do not carry over.
F. Documentation sufficient to prove achievement of a degree, certification, training credits or designation shall be submitted to the Personnel Director for consideration[, along with certification of prior approval from the employee's department head].
G. For the purposes of this Policy, "current field of employment" shall directly relate to the employee's current position (i.e., paramedic and nursing degree, personnel technician and human resources degree, etc.); "related field of employment" shall closely relate to the employee's current position (i.e., paramedic and degree in public administration, etc.); educational "degree(s)" must be awarded by an accredited college or university verified through the Delaware Department of Education; "training credits" shall mean the assigned Continuing Education Units (CEU's) or one hour of actual contact training time equals one-tenth CEU, unless given a different value by the Personnel Director.
H. Any non-retroactive pay increase permitted under the rating system shall be effective upon approval of the Personnel Director, based on the submission date, but shall not include the following: any degrees or certifications earned before January 1, 2017 [July 1, 1999], or hire date; certification required in the position description or specific training for the employee's current position, including new procedures; or any National, State, County, professional, or similar accreditation required license, certification, or training; or credits earned as part of a continuing education requirement for any previously earned or awarded certification/designation. Such pay increases may exceed the pay plan maximum for salaries, but no employee shall be compensated for earning more than one educational degree per level (i.e., Associates, Bachelors, or Masters) or a lower degree awarded without significant additional coursework.
I. Any employee receiving a pay increase for achieving a certification/designation with continuing education requirements shall annually confirm that said certification/designation remains valid. Any employee failing to report such status or failing to retain/maintain any certification for which a pay increase was previously awarded shall have his or her current salary reduced by the same percentage pay increase previously awarded retroactive to the date of loss of certification or standing.
J. The Personnel Director shall develop appropriate forms and guidelines and shall be responsible for the administration of this program. The Personnel Director shall make an annual report to Levy Court regarding participants, degrees/certifications earned, and program costs. Any disagreement between the Personnel Director and department head on an employee's eligibility or percentage raise to be awarded shall be resolved with finality by the County Administrator [a consensus determination of the remaining County Department Directors].
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