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Compliment - 9/11/2009

We received a compliment from some of our “snowbird” residents about the Melbourne Beach Library’s offerings: “This little library is like the big ones up north, only much friendlier!”

Compliment - 9/11/2009

We received a compliment from a patron about the Melbourne Beach Library’s use of Twitter: “Luv being able 2 check and see what movies are added each week…I feel lucky my home library is so with-it. Awesome!”

Concern - 9/9/2009

We recently received a concern that some libraries were telling their patrons about changing library hours and others were not, which was confusing for patrons. Although several libraries are passing out flyers about the changes, all Brevard County libraries have signs posted in several locations throughout their buildings to advise patrons of the reduced hours. The daily schedules are different for each library, but a regional library in each area of the county will retain Saturday and Sunday hours.

Compliment - 9/9/2009

Recently we received a compliment regarding the courteousness, helpfulness and kindness of staff member Linda Bell at the Titusville Library. A movie that had been returned by the patron was not properly checked into the system, and Linda went above and beyond, searching through all the bins, until the item was found. The patron was very appreciative of her efforts.

Compliment - 8/26/2009

We recently received compliments on the Suntree/Viera Library staff’s professionalism. “My husband and I marvel at the excellence of this staff--circulation, reference, and a tireless, dedicated director… the effort and care with which patrons are served is incomparable, particularly in the reference department… The reference librarians perform a multitude of tasks both in person, on the telephone and Internet. Our library is well-used and valued, and the staff stays busy. I spend much time interfacing with the reference librarians, especially Kari, Scott, and Teresa. I have never encountered a cross word from them about any request, nor have I had anything less than Herculean efforts to meet my needs. In short, they are consummate professionals. I fear taxpayers just do not realize how well their tax dollars are being put to use; therefore, I want to shout it out: The Suntree/Viera library is incomparable.”

Compliment - 8/26/2009

Sheriff Jack Parker recently sent a letter of appreciation complimenting the professionalism and cooperation of Road & Bridge employees Chris Williams, Pete Jones, Tim Murphy, Tim English, Ron Sharpe and Rob Mollo. While the Brevard County Sheriff’s office was investigating the attempted homicide of Florida Fish & Wildlife Officer Vann Streety, they asked for assistance in damming off a section of ditch and pumping water out in a search for evidence. The Road & Bridge work crew did not only that, but also cut down the overgrowth on both sides of the road to increase safety and visibility for the search teams. “Their outstanding efforts enabled investigators to address the area prior to inclement weather, which may have degraded valuable evidence. Each clearly demonstrated their dedication to the citizens of Brevard County,” he stated.

Compliment - 8/20/2009

Purchasing Services recently received a compliment about the responsiveness and helpfulness of data control specialist Jeanne Potter. “My business is networking and calling on new and existing customers to find out if they have any projects or needs that I could help with. A lot of my day is dealt with extremely busy IT people that barely have the time for me. Jeanne was the total opposite. She never sounded annoyed and she was very responsive and informative. KUDOS!” wrote the customer.

Compliment - 8/17/2009

We received a compliment regarding Nancy Garmer of the Suntree/Viera Library reference staff: "Nancy was extremely helpful in getting me valuable data almost in real time. I am most appreciative," wrote the citizen.

Compliment - 8/12/2009

South Area Road and Bridge employees Keith Alward, Connie Durand, Sue Wesley and Mike Webb received a compliment from a Suntree resident for their professionalism, quick response and “a job well done” in cutting tall grass which was causing a sight obstruction at an intersection.

Compliment - 8/12/2009

Central Area Road and Bridge employees Les Parker, Ryan Mertz, James Aquino, Cedric Bailey, Bill Bergevin, Chris Billsborrow, Seth Cogsdale, Ed Kaelin, Doug Major, Alfonzie Mathis, and Dornell Phillip were complimented by area residents for their “hard work in 100 degree heat” while replacing a wooden pedestrian bridge with a culvert pipe and new concrete sidewalk.

Compliment - 8/12/2009

Mosquito Control received a compliment from citizens who were pleased with a visit from Stephen Kim, “a very knowledgeable inspector, who took the time to explain and to help us.” A vacant home along the south side of their property had become a mosquito breeding area, and the mosquito control technician responded to address the situation within hours of their phone call.

Compliment - 8/12/2009

Brevard County Mosquito Control received a compliment from a citizen who was pleased with the prompt, professional and helpful response to her mosquito problem. “Now the neighborhood children and my granddaughter can play outside during the daytime and I can do some gardening as well. Thank you.”

Compliment - 8/11/2009

The Space Coast Office of Tourism received a compliment about beach cleanliness from Clearwater residents who visited Brevard’s beaches in late July. “We were amazed at the lack of trash - even the lack of the always present (and disgusting) cigarette butts. Your citizens, and especially the folks with Keep Brevard Beautiful deserve a lot of credit,” said the visitor. “We were all very impressed, and the condition of the beach made our visit so much more enjoyable. My husband and I had booked a weekend trip in September for his birthday to Orlando - but we are going to cancel that, and come out and stay in Cocoa Beach again - that is how much we loved it.”

Compliment - 8/11/2009

Space Coast Area Transit received a compliment from a paratransit rider regarding the excellent service she has received since relocating to Brevard in 2006. The citizen commented on the helpful and pleasant nature of the schedulers and customer service supervisor, as well as the kindness and courtesy of the paratransit drivers. “On behalf of my family and myself, a sincere thank you to you and your staff for making my many trips to the doctors, senior centers, and shopping centers a pleasant experience – without paratransit it would be somewhat impossible for me to get around,” she stated.

Concern - 8/11/2009

Recently a citizen expressed a concern about the customer service at a library reference desk. The patron was pleased that the children’s librarian was always willing and able to go with them to the shelves to find a particular book, but did not experience the same results when inquiring about an adult title. According to the citizen, the adult reference librarian would write down the book’s call number and point to the shelves where it could be found, but did not walk with the patron to the shelf and locate the book. While the Library Services department endeavors to assist every customer, due to budget and staffing cuts, the patron-to-librarian ratio continues to increase. It is simply a matter of not enough librarians on the desk to walk each and every patron to the shelves. If citizens specifically ask for that assistance, the librarians will provide it, as their service to other patrons allows.

Compliment - 7/20/2009

We recently received a compliment regarding the service from the staff at the Suntree/Viera Library. "The reference librarians there, bar none, have been outstanding at every encounter. I commonly interact with Kari, Scott, and Teresa, and they are among the best qualified reference professionals I have met in my many years of using public and collegiate libraries. The library's director is always helpful when I see her, too, and is never above finding a book for a patron. All the staff is friendly. Our library is packed with happy patrons every time I visit. Please take time to recognize this excellent group of county workers! We are thankful for them!"

Compliment - 7/17/2009

We received compliments from citizens regarding two Space Coast Area Transit drivers who came to the assistance of an elderly gentleman who was being assaulted on a bus. Due to the quick response of Juan Lopez and Rene Derosin, the perpetrator was arrested, and charged with robbery and battery on a person over 65.

Compliment - 7/16/2009

We received a compliment from a citizen who needed a permit for a portable storage shed. With little experience in regards to pulling permits, he was grateful for the assistance of an employee who helped him negotiate the permitting process from start to finish. "Vicki Ward is a consummate professional, and a person of excellence who obviously not only understands her responsibilities but those of her co-workers, making my interaction with our county government more than satisfying. She stands out as the type of employee that goes above and beyond."

Concern - 7/9/2009

Recently, an email was circulated regarding a concern about the dire need for pet food at the North and South Animal Care Centers. While the animal shelters do display signs requesting food donations, this is not because the animals there are starving and have no food whatsoever. Although food supplies may occasionally become depleted because of the large number of animals being received, animals at the shelter never miss a regularly scheduled feeding. Donations are a tremendous help, and are always welcomed. They are often provided to pet owners who bring their companion animals to the shelters to surrender them for solely financial reasons. This enables the pets and owners to remain together, and also helps to reduce shelter demand.

Compliment - 6/25/2009

We recently received a compliment from two ladies regarding Interim Fire-Rescue Chief Dennis Neterer. Their car was broken down on the side of the road, and other vehicles passed them by, but Dennis stopped to help them.

Setting the Record Straight - 6/24/2009

A May 31st Florida Today article incorrectly listed 10 County contracts as sole-source and added there is a “concern about potential favoritism in a system that allows “sole source” vendors with special products or services to earn millions of dollars in no-bid contracts from the county each year.” The truth is all of those contracts were awarded as a result of a competitive selection process.
1. Walgreens Health Initiatives (pharmacy benefit management) – Request for Proposals to secure a multi-year fixed price agreement have been solicited four times since 2000, most recently in April 2009.
2. Ricoh/Lanier (copier rental) – Requests for Proposals were issued in 2006 with 8 companies responding. This contract is in the third year of a five-year term.
3. Paving (asphaltic concrete) – Invitations to Bid have been solicited five out of the last eight years to secure a 1-year contract including an option to extend for an additional 1-year term.
4. Florida Recyclers of Brevard (mulching of vegetative waste) – Invitations to Bid have been solicited three times in the last eight years.
5. Delta Dental (dental insurance) – Request for Proposals to secure a multi-year fixed price agreement have been solicited twice since 2005.
6. Trane (HVAC maintenance) - This contract was awarded through a Request for Proposal issued in 2008 and is still in its first year with options for 4 additional 1-year extensions.
7. Belcorp (mulching) – This contract is still in its first year as a result of an Invitation to Bid in this fiscal year. Invitations to Bid have been solicited every other year since 2005.
8. International Golf Maintenance (golf course maintenance) – Request for Proposals were last solicited in 2005. The resulting award was for a 3-year initial contract with options for 2 additional 1-year extensions.
9. AUE Staffing (temporary employment services for seasonal recreational workers) – This contract was awarded as a result of a Request for Proposal issued in 2008 and is in its first year of a 3-year initial term with options for two 1-year extensions.
10. Glover Oil Co. (fuel) – This contract is a result of a competitive bid. Administered and solicited by the Brevard County School Board, public entities that participate to obtain volume pricing include the Board of County Commissioners; Brevard Community College; Cities of Cocoa, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Titusville, and West Melbourne; TICO Airport Authority; and Barefoot Bay Recreation District.

There is a significant difference between a sole source, and exercising an option on a contract that was awarded through a competitive process. Every company that responded had the same opportunity to win a contract with a renewal option.
Inclusion of options to extend the original term of a contract is a standard procurement practice of public agencies and private sector companies. Advantages include:
• An opportunity to hedge against a high probability of changes in the market that may result in price increases.
• An extra incentive for contractors and suppliers to maintain costs and maintain a high level of performance while under contract.
• Reducing administrative and logistical costs involved with the change out of a large quantity of equipment, or transfer of data from one system to another.

Compliment - 6/12/2009

We received a compliment from a citizen regarding the purchasing of a DVD copy of a Local Planning Agency meeting from Space Coast Government TV: "This office does an excellent job. We feel the service provided is mandatory in order for the citizens of Brevard County to understand and participate in their government."

Concern - 6/12/2009

Recently, we received a concern from a citizen about seeing a woman and three children in a County vehicle, renting videos in Titusville. The citizen was concerned about the possible waste of public resources and tax dollars, and provided a vehicle tag number. We appreciate the opportunity to follow up and provide information about Country Acres, the County-run children’s home which serves dependent children who have suffered abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. The woman was a staff member, and the children were full-time residents of that facility who had earned the privilege of selecting a video rental. Country Acres was established in 1970 by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, and is primarily funded by the Board of County Commissioners and the Florida Department of Children and Families. The enrichment of the program is achieved through the efforts of the Country Acres Auxiliary, Inc. Many local churches, civic and service/corporate organizations, and individuals also support the ongoing needs of Country Acres children. The children attend public school, participate in after-school activities, community events and attend local churches. Country Acres provides a safe nurturing family-style home environment for both boys and girls. Staff and counselors work with the children individually to teach them respect, resourcefulness, responsiveness and responsibility. Visit http://www.brevardcounty.us/country-acres/ for more information.