HCG Connection December 2012
HCG Connection December 2012
HCG Connection December 2012
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Executive Summary: The Craig Administration Priorities for the Next Two Years
As my Administration enters its final two years, there are several major issues and projects that remain outstanding which we hope to bring to successful closure. These projects will prepare the county for the future, and I look forward to working closely with the Harford County Council to accomplish these goals. The priorities and projects are bold but necessary and compelling for the county to achieve. They relate to a number of departments of county government, as well as the Board of Education, Harford County Sheriff's Office, and others. In keeping with our ongoing commitment to enhance the quality of our local school system as well as Harford Community College, we are proposing several important capital projects, including new or renovated schools for Youths Benefit Elementary, Havre de Grace High, David R. Craig, William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary and Joppatowne High School. Additionally, we want Harford County Executive to make significant improvements to a number of athletic fields throughout the county. Finally, we will seek funding to support a new In essence, the newly created department will facility at HCC for the nursing and health oversee the fire and emergency medical services from an administrative perspective. profession studies. This will include matters such as budget, Water and sewer, transportation, and solid training, standards, and other duties as may waste management are the top priorities be assigned. To ensure that our emergency related to the Department of Public Works. preparedness and first responders have the The Administration is working with our partners tools and resources that they require during in municipal government to create a Water and emergencies, we will construct a new facility Sewer Authority. We have studied the for the Emergency Operations Center, the feasibility of such an entity for some time and current facilities of which are obsolete. believe now is the time for the county to act to officially form a Water and Sewer Authority for As a result of the passage of a number of bills in Annapolis, Harford County and its taxpayers Harford County. must undertake a number of projects and T r a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e comply with numerous directives relating to improvements have long been a priority for my land use. Senate Bill 236, which passed last Administration. BRAC intersection year, requires Harford County and all other improvements are still very much needed, and jurisdictions must now designate land in terms we continue seek funding and cooperation of tiers for the purposes of defining from the State of Maryland to help us development potential. Subsequently, the Department of Planning and Zoning will act to accomplish this goal. amend current subdivision regulations to A long-term solution for solid waste include a definition of major subdivision for management is a must. The Administration is the purposes of complying with this bill. The working with a number of entities and Department of Planning and Zoning will also examining various options to address this take action with respect to the Watershed issue. It is my goal that within the next two Implementation Program for the period from years, Harford County government will bring 2013 to 2015. Related to this, the county is required by the state to prepare to begin closure to this long-standing problem. collecting a stormwater utility fee in the next Public Safety also remains a matter of vital 18 months. Finally, the Department of importance not only for the Administration, but Planning and Zoning will also review and for the people of Harford County. Recently I update zoning and design standards to help issued an Executive Order, which if approved ensure quality of life issues are addressed for by the County Council, will create a first-ever our citizens. Harford County Department of Public Safety. The mission of the newly created department With respect to Information Technology, we are will be to ensure the highest quality of service working toward the elimination of the outdated to the citizens and visitors of Harford County, Mainframe for county government operations. and to provide long-term support for the As part of this effort, we will be adopting volunteer-based fire and emergency medical Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system technology, implementing EnerGov software to services. assist multiple agencies with tracking and data management, and implementing a new time and attendance system that eliminates the manual leave slip process. Additionally, in the near future we hope to see the completion of HMAN broadband infrastructure for public facilities throughout the county. Harford County remains committed to keeping our compensation packages competitive. To help ensure compliance with this pay philosophy, the Administration is proposing a comprehensive pay study for all county employees and Harford County Sheriff's Office employees to be conducted in FY 2014, as well as a comparable study be performed for the Harford County Public School personnel by FY 2015. Furthermore, in order to help stabilize our pension plan, the Administration will seek action to help about its level of funding above the 80% standard as well as other actions designed to improve County-managed pensions. The Administration will work to bring to fruition the long awaited Southern Resource Center a one stop shop for the Housing Agency, the Health Department, and the Community Action Agency to benefit the people of southern Harford County. Furthermore, the Administration will be working on projects to help support the needs of SARC and the Harford Center. Finally, we are seeking funding to construct a new animal shelter for the Humane Society to replace the aging and outdated 50 year old facility. Yes, there are many important initiatives and projects left to be done. Working in collaboration with the Harford County Council, it is my intention to complete this work which will help make Harford County a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Stay tuned for updates on these and many more issues during the remaining two years of this Administration. To view a copy of my briefing regarding the top priorities of this Administration during the remaining two years of my term, visit the website at: http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/ Executive/TwoYearProgram.pdf . Cordially,
Executive Summary
HR Update
2 3 & 4
Lincoln Financial
November EOM 5
Employee Service Awards 2013 Holiday Schedule 6 & 7 8
Green Star
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Tech Tips
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Milestones
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H. R. Update
Winners of the Harford County Wellness Contest and Walking Works Challenge!
submitted by Beth Griffith
The winners of the Harford County Wellness Contest are:
Harford County Government -- Aimee Mitchell Harford County Sheriffs Office --Dawn Wolf Harford County Public Library -- Eleanor Lease
Congratulations to the winners and thank you for all who participated.
County Executive Craig submitted legislation to provide a 4% merit increase to eligible employees retroactive to July 1, 2012. On Tuesday, November 20, 2012, the County Council unanimously approved Bill #12-47 County Employee Merit Increase. The targeted pay date for employees to receive the retroactive increase is the check issued on December 14, 2012. I say targeted as any weather related events could possibly delay the issuance of the payment. Payroll, Human Resources and ICT staff are diligently working on this project to make it happen. Employees need to be aware of the fact that since this is retroactive, that there will be retroactive deductions for taxes, social security and pension plan. An employee is eligible to receive the retroactive increase if employee had a Meets Standards Annual Performance Evaluation on file for the evaluation period ending March 31, 2012. An employee will not be eligible under the following circumstances: Employee has a Does Not Meet Standards Annual Performance Evaluation on file for the evaluation period ending March 31, 2012. Employee has no Annual Performance Evaluation on file for the evaluation period ending March 31, 2012 Employees current salary is at the maximum or above the maximum of the pay grade of his/her classification. Employee received an increase not tied to a promotion during FY13. Employees who have questions regarding eligibility may contact Human Resources at extension 4869, 3304, or 3302. Once the retroactive payment is issued, any employee with questions regarding actual paycheck and retroactive calculations or deductions may contact Payroll at extension 3334, 3335, or 3396.
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An article contributed by Lincoln Financial Group Market cycles: the bull and the bear
The investment market is cyclical: It goes up, peaks, and comes down before repeating itself. Traditionally there are two kinds of markets that take turns in this cycle: the bull market and the bear market. The Bulla bull market develops as investor confidence increases. People are more willing to invest because they anticipate growth and strong returns. Often, the best time to invest in a bull market is during the first two months, when it still has not been widely recognized as a bull. Prices can be lower and growth potential can be higher. The Beara bear market occurs as investor confidence decreases. People are more pessimistic about the returns they expect, and tend to hold back on investing. This can be a good time to invest, because stocks may be undervalued and there tend to be fewer people buying. It can be easier to buy low during a bear market, in anticipation of selling high during the next bull.
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Staying the course While no guarantee of a profitable outcome, this chart makes a strong argument in favor of staying the course with your retirement plan assets. Lincoln Financial Group affiliates have products and programs to help you meet your retirement goals. For more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting, contact Stephanie Gavrilis 410-686-4949 or [email protected]. Securities offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker-dealer. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates.
Mutual funds and variable annuities are sold by prospectus. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a mutual fund and in the case of a variable annuity, the variable contract and its underlying investment options. To obtain a mutual fund or variable annuity prospectus that contains this and other information call: 800 4LINCOLN. Read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.
Our representative from Lincoln Financial, Stephanie Gavrilis, will be available: December 19, 2012 from 10:00 AM 3:00 PM The meeting will take place in the Department of Human Resources for new enrollments and changes/updates to existing accounts. Appointments are required. Please contact Beth Griffith at 410-6383202 or [email protected].
Not insured by any federal government agency Not guaranteed by any bank or savings association May go down in value
Variable annuities are long-term investment products designed particularly for retirement purposes and are subject to market fluctuation, investment risk and possible loss of principal. Variable annuities contain both investment and insurance components, and have fees and charges, including mortality and expense, administrative and advisory fees. Optional features are available for an additional charge. The annuity's value fluctuates with the market value of the underlying investment options, and all assets accumulate tax -deferred. Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Withdrawals will reduce the death benefit and cash surrender value. There is no additional tax-deferral benefit for an annuity contract purchased in an IRA or other tax-qualified plan.
2011 Lincoln National Corporation www.LincolnFinancial.com Login: Employer Retirement Plans Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates.
Variable annuities sold in New York are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker/dealer. For all other states, variable annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker/ dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so. Contractual obligations are backed by the claims-paying ability of the appropriate issuing company.
The mutual fund based programs include certain services provided by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. (LFA), a broker/dealer (member FINRA) and an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Group, 1300 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Unaffiliated broker/dealers also may provide services to customers.
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Meghan Denhard
Air, MD) - - Harford County Executive David R. Craig has announced that Meghan Denhard, Recreation Specialist IV with the Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Recreation Services has been named Employee of the Month for November. Ms. Denhard is a nine year employee with Harford County Government. Ms. Denhard currently serves as the Park Manager for both Mariner Point Park and Flying Point Park. As Park Manager, Ms. Denhard is responsible for Meghan Denhard and County Executive David R. Craig both regional water front parks seven days a week, including holidays. Among her myriad of duties, Ms. Denhard is required to ensure the parks are adequately staffed, opened and closed safely each day and troubleshoot problems associated with both parks and the public who uses them. Ms. Denhard was nominated for the award by her supervisor Paul Yanney. In his nomination, Mr. Yanney stated, Meghan knows how to get the most from her employees. She has, for the past three years, operated both parks more efficiently and successfully than her more senior predecessors. Meghans achievements in managing the two parks have favorably impacted both the Department of Parks and Recreation and our neighboring communities, Yanney remarked. Furthermore Yanney stated, Effectively managing both Mariner Point Park and Flying Point Park requires a personal commitment beyond the normal work day and week. Its a quality of leadership which Meghan inherently has that makes her a successful leader and an asset to Harford County Government, Yanney said. Commenting on her selection as Employee of the Month, Ms. Denhard said, I am blessed to have the job I have and am proud of the work I do for Harford County Government. I am equally as proud to serve the community and help make contributions that impact peoples lives every day. Its truly an honor to be recognized for my hard work and dedication doing the job I truly enjoy. People such as Meghan Denhard help make Harford County a great place to live, work and raise a family, said County Executive David R. Craig. I congratulate Meghan on this outstanding achievement and look forward to her continued service with Harford County Government for many years to come, Craig remarked. Preserving Harfords past; promoting Harfords future
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ABRAMS , CHRISTOPHER ACQUAVELLA , KATHLEEN D ALEXANDER , JOHN T ANDERSON , JENNIFER L ANGELO , KARA E ARMSTRONG , PAUL L AUBREY , LAWRENCE J AUCKER , DIANA J AYERS , SUSAN L BADDERS , MILFORD L BAILEY , ROBERT L BAKER , ROSE M BALLMAN , DANIEL R BARBEN , MATTHEW A BARBEN , RONNIE L BARLOW , SCOTT G BEARMAN III, GEORGE BELLMYER , MICHAEL R BIRCHEN , HAVON BIRKMIRE , DONNA C BONHAM , DAVID C BONHAM , JAMES C BONIFACE , CAROLE K BOWIE , LILLIE A BOWSER Jr., GEORGE E BRYANT , SYLVIA W BUCHANAN , JESSICA L BUECHE , ROBERT A BUNKER , BARRY G BURCH , PATRICIA D BURKE Jr., CHARLES V BURNS , ROBERT D BURRIS , DANNY L BUTLER , DAVID E CANTLER , MICHELLE L CARLSEN , MARIA E CASEY Jr., JAMES K
5 10 5 10 5 10 5 10 20 25 30 20 5 15 25 5 5 15 10 15 5 45 5 25 5 15 5 15 10 15 15 25 30 10 5 15 15
CAUDILL , JOEL V CHANCE , MARY F CLARK , JOY M CLASS , RAYMOND E COMBS , CAROLYN A COMER , JORDAN W CONDAX , STEPHEN C COOLEY , MARYBETH CORSO , MICHAEL D CUSTER Jr., DONALD E DAHL , LAURA L DAVIES , MICHAEL T DAVIS , JOAN P DAWSON , CHARMANE L DENBOW , JEFFREY S DORBIT , TIMOTHY G DUPREE , VANCE D DUVALL , DEBORAH S EDWARDS , LINDSAY J ELLERMAN , KERI A ERNST , CHARLES R EULERT , LINDA J FELICIANO , MAGDALY FENDER Jr., JAMES K FERKLER , JOYCE S FINCHAM Jr., EDGAR A FISHER , SUSAN E FITZPATRICK , TIFFANY L FLETCHER , ROBERT R FRANK Jr., JOHN W GARDNER , DANIEL V GATSOULAS , LORIANN M GETZ , TIMOTHY C GIBSON , CHAD B GIBSON , SCOTT T GLENN , TERRI L GOODWIN Sr., DAVID J
15 25 10 5 25 5 10 20 5 5 5 25 10 15 5 20 10 20 5 5 20 10 15 15 15 30 5 5 25 20 5 5 5 20 5 5 5
GRAMMER , ROBERT W GRIFFITH Jr., WILLIAM A GUTHRIE , DION F HADEN , EDWARD T HALL , KATHLEEN E HAMILTON , KAMALA C HAMMONS Jr., CARL D HART , BARRY R HEAPS , WALTER N HEAVNER , PAMELA S HEBEL , GLEN C HECKNER , JAMES R HEDELSON , RICHARD G HENDRICHS , JOHN L HENNEMAN , CECELIA A HIGBEE , DANIEL L HOLMAN , HUBERT L HOLTSCHNEIDER , WAYNE HOOPES , MICHAEL D HULL Jr., ROBERT L HUNT , GREGORY W JI , YIN JOHNSON , BRIDGETTE JOHNSON , BRUCE P JOHNSON , CAROL A. JONES , GORDON K JONES , VICKY L KAHOE , ROBERTA N KANE , CATHERINE R KANE , JOSEPH F KEENE , KEVIN KELLY , VICTORIA D KETELSEN , ERIK W KLAPKA Jr., VIRGIL J KLAPPROTH , BRYAN P KLEINSORGEN , CLARENCE KREGAR , STEWART L
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The secret of achievement is to hold a picture of a successful outcome in the mind. Henry David Thoreau
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To learn more about all of our Green Stars, please visit the Sustainability Office website. www.harfordcountymd.gov/Green/ index Do you know someone who should be recognized as a Green Star? If so, please share her/his Green Star action by e-mailing Erin Ferriter at
[email protected]
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National Hand Washing Awareness Week: December 4 - 10 According to the Centers for Disease Control, "the most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash you hands." Judicious hand washing can prevent not only common diseases like colds, but also more serious diseases like hepatitis A, meningitis, and infectious diarrhea.
Statistics
2/3 of adults in the US wash hands after using the bathroom. 1 in 4 adults dont wash hands after changing diapers. Less than 1/2 of Americans wash hands after cleaning up after pets. 1 in 3 wash hands after sneezing/coughing. Less than 1 in 5 wash hands after touching money. 1 in 3 E.coli occurrences is caused from not washing hands before handling food.
Health Link Screenings Blood Pressure Screening When: Monday, December 10, 2012, 10am 12pm Where: Highland Senior Center When: Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 10am 12pm Where: Fallston Senior Center Free Cardiovascular Screening When: Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 8am - 11:45am Where: Harford Memorial Hospital
For more information regarding location and/or to register, please call Health Link at 1-800-515-0044
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Tech Tips submitted by the Office of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Data Validation in Excel 2010
Friends Don't Let Friends Enter Bad Data in a Worksheet
One guaranteed way to mess up a worksheet is to enter the wrong kind of data in a cellfor example, text instead of numbers, or a decimal instead of a whole number. Prevent yourselfor anyone else who uses your worksheetsfrom entering the wrong type of data by using Excel's Data Validation feature. In a table, select the cells that should only contain one kind of data. On the Data tab, in the Data Tools group, click Data Validation and specify the kind of data that can go into the cells. How do you alert the user who tries to enter the wrong data? Read on.
The same dialog in which you specify the kind of data that can be entered has a tab labeled Error Alert. Fill in the title and message that you want to pop up when the wrong kind gets entered. You can also select the icon for the message by selecting the Style
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Milestones
WITH THE BUSY HOLIDAY MONTHS AHEAD, NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO RENEW OR JOIN!!! To process your BJs membership we will need: A completed membership Application/Renewal form which can be sent to you through inter-office mail or you can stop by the Department of Human Resources between the hours of 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Your payment of $40 which gives you 15 month membership. Payment can be made in the form of personal check or credit card. Checks should be made payable to B.J.s Cash is not accepted. Once the paperwork and payment has been received in the Department of Human Resources, it will be forwarded to B.J.s for processing. Please keep the gold page for your records and use as your temporary membership pass until you receive your membership card. Normal processing time is 30 days. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Tamara Simmons at 410-638-4871 or email her @
[email protected].
Is there someone in your workplace who goes above and beyond for Harford County?
We would like to include your milestone in the next HCG Connection. Please submit information by the 15th of the month to [email protected]. Digital photos are accepted.
or call 410-638-3019
Sharon BallwegEditor & Graphic Design Department of Human Resources 410-638-3019 [email protected] Robert B. Thomas, Jr. Contributor Office of the County Executive 410-638-3258 [email protected]
Rebecca Macek - Contributor Department of Community Services 410-638-3389 [email protected] Erin Ferriter-Contributor Sustainability Office 410-638-4707 [email protected] James Ellwood-Contributor Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits 410-638-3366 [email protected]
Published by
Harford County Department of Human Resources Scott T. Gibson, Director