Agenda

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County Administrator's Report 16. 14.

BCC Regular Meeting

Technical/Public Service Consent

Meeting Date:	12/10/2015
Issue: Appointment of Temika L. Wilkes as Director of the Escambia County Mosquito Control Division
From:	Chips Kirschenfeld
Department:	Natural Resources
CAO Approval:

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommendation Concerning the Appointment of Temika L. Wilkes as Director of the Escambia County Mosquito Control Division – J. Taylor “Chips” Kirschenfeld, Interim Director, Department of Natural Resources Management

That the Board appoint Temika L. Wilkes as Director of the Escambia County Mosquito Control Division based on the requirements from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) of a high school graduate with a minimum of two years of training and field experience in public health arthropod control, proof of Public Health Pest Control licensure, and successful completion of the Director Certification Examination in Florida. Pursuant to 5E-13.032(5)(a), F.A.C. (Florida Administrative Code), Ms. Wilkes must obtain the Director Certification within six months of employment as a condition of her employment.

Note: under the County’s organizational structure, Ms. Wilkes will serve as a Division Manager.

BACKGROUND:

Ms. Temika L. Wilkes was selected as the Escambia County Mosquito Control Division Manager by an interview panel to replace Mr. Bob Betts upon his retirement in August 2015. She was one of five applicants interviewed for the position.

Pest control is mandated by Florida State law under chapter 5-E-13.032 of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)., and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for overseeing the program. Under this mandate, any person serving as the Director (under the State’s guidelines) of mosquito control operations must meet certain qualifications based on the overall operations budget. Escambia County’s budget is approximately $585,912 which requires the Director III to meet minimum qualifications of high school graduate, two years of training and field experience in public health arthropod control, proof of Public Health Pest Control licensure, and successful completion of the Director Certification Examination in Florida. The Director Certification must be obtained within six months of employment. A copy of the approval letter from FDACS is attached.

BUDGETARY IMPACT:

There is no direct budgetary impact associated with this recommendation.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:

Legal sign-off not required for this recommendation. However, the department conferred with Kerra Smith of the County Attorney’s office to ensure requirements were met.

PERSONNEL:

No direct impact to personnel.

POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:

Board action needed based on FDACS and Florida Statutes requirements.

IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION:

Department will coordinate with FDACS to ensure Director Certification requirement is addressed.

Attachments
FDACS ApprovalLtr4Temika