Newsletter
Shane LeBlanc, Newsletter Chairman
May 20, 2020
Dear WCB member,
So far, 2020 has gotten off to a rough start for all of us. As we continue to battle the invisible enemy (COVID19), we have had to change the way we operate while still providing essential services to our respective communities. There is no manual
on how to prepare or how to operate during a pandemic. These are unprecedented times for sure.
One thing is for sure, the COVID19 pandemic has changed the way we do business. Who would ever think that Zoom meetings, social – distancing, conference calls,
split shifts and working from home would be the new “norm”? Networking with your fellow APWA WCB community is a great way to see how other
agencies are operating and you may even learn something that will benefit your home agency. Pick up that phone, send a text or type an email to one of your
colleagues today. Please be safe and follow the CDC guidelines.
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON AND ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Banquet in March at Feather Sound featured a great turn-out, excellent presentation by Bill Mutz – Mayor for the City of Lakeland, tasty food and
everyone had a great time. Newly elected officers were also installed. Please welcome them to their new respective roles.
Executive committee Dean Scharmen – Chairperson Dale Laird - Vice Chairperson
William Anderson – Treasurer Jennifer Nolen - Secretary Troy McCain -Past Chair Robert Nowak - District VI Rep.
At Large Directors Brandi Allegood Keith Bodecker
Ken Holton Dallas Evans Kendrix Anderson Will Kirby Shane LeBlanc Dean Scharmen
Randy Shane Awards
“Projects of the Year”
• Structures:
Safety Harbor – Community Center
Mason Blau Architects GSA Contracting Sumter County – Parking Facility
Harvard Jolly Architecture
A.D. Morgan Corp. • Transportation
City of Lakeland – New York Avenue Cycle Track
“In-house” Engineering
Florida Safety Contractors
• Environment Safety Harbor – North Bayshore Sanitary Sewer Replacement
Ardurra Kamminga & Roodvoets
Pinellas County – Highland Ave. Drainage Improvements
County Engineering – John Carpenter
Kamminga & Roodvoets • Historical Restoration / Preservation
Pinellas County – Wall Spring Park
Cardno Keystone Pinellas County – Pinellas Bayway Landscape Restoration
Morelli Landscaping
• Technical & Management Innovation
Temple Terrace – Technical: Temple Terrace Curb project.
Temple Terrace – Management: Riverhills Drive
Special Recognition Awards
Contractor of the Year - Kamminga & Roodvoets Consultant of the Year - DRMP
Professional of the Year – Wei Liu
Community Involvement Award – Rholand Bryant
Board Awards
Meritorious Service – Randy Shane
Public Works Director of the Year – Shane LeBlanc, City of Zephyrhills
The Award of Excellence – Bob Nowak Timothy Goodrow Member of the Year – Jennifer Nolen
The Chairperson’s Award – Wei Liu
SCHOLARSHIPS Dean Scharmen presented the annual Ed Burkett Scholarship Awards.
Ed Burkett Scholarship Recipients:
Ryan DeSimone Kelsey Ann Troyer
Cedric Harris Alexis Ferguson
RAY’S GAME
Unfortunately, due to COVID19, the annual 2020 Rays game was cancelled. This is a very popular event that sells out every year. We will be looking forward to the
return of this event in 2021.
FLORIDA CHAPTER EXPO
Unfortunately, due to COVID19 the Florida Chapter Expo (normally held in April) was postponed until August 24-27, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. As the WCB is the host chapter, we are expecting a great turnout, great speakers, informative breakout
sessions, equipment rodeo, trade show, networking and plenty of fun. It’s no secret amongst the chapter folks that the WCB likes to have fun. I’ll meet you at the
hospitality suite.
EQUIPMENT RODEO
The 2019 West Coast Branch Equipment Rodeo was held at Highlander Park in
Dunedin. Hat’s off to the City of Dunedin for hosting the event. There were 113 competitors, which included several from both Sumter and Hillsborough counties. Nearly four-hundred spectators attended along with 11 equipment and supply
vendors. We appreciate all of our participating vendors and sponsors, as we could not pull off this event without your support. The rodeo featured seven events to test
the operator’s skills.
The top competitor was Trevor Bacon, City of Dunedin, Trevor (center) was awarded the “Top Gun” jacket by Ray Boler (left) and Troy McCain (right).
Track hoe operator testing skills with onlookers.
Like any successful event, it takes a great team to pull off the equipment rodeo. L-R Dianna “Pasco” Rawleigh, Wei Lieu and Ray Boler.
Tip of the APWA hat to Bob Nowak (a.k.a. the equipment rodeo guru) and his team
of volunteers. Great job!
NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK
National Public Works Week – May 17-23 2020 is National Public Works Week. Many communities recognize the work of Public Works employees with
proclamations, luncheons and recognition at public meetings. Now is a great time to recognize your public works team for all of their hard work and efforts (especially
this year) as many have never skipped a beat providing essential services to their
respective communities during the COVID19 pandemic.
January 2020 WCB EC Meeting – City of Zephyrhills.
UNOFFICIAL AWARDS
Best / Tackiest Dressed Award – Keith Bodecker, Town of Belleair
Most casual – Dean Scharmen, City of Indian Rocks Beach According to Dean, “it’s a beach thing”…
Hardest working retiree – Bob Nowak, WCB District Representative
Please send article, with photos for staff or projects that you would like included in the newsletter to [email protected]
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