City Manager's Annual Report Annual Report 2018 | A Year In Review | Page 54

O
Unexpected Kindness;
Character is How You
Treat Those Who Can
Do Nothing for You
While working his shift at the Recreation Desk at the
Civic Center, Gary DeJesus, Jr., was approached by a
guest. The guest explained he was homeless and that he
hadn’t had anything to eat in a while. Gary immediately
stepped in to help and purchased a meal for the guest at
the café. While speaking with the homeless man, Gary
expressed his concern for the cold weather because
the man had no place to stay. Gary made arrangements
for the man to stay at a local shelter.
New Ideas for Excellent Customer Service
Gina Linsley, Utility Systems Customer Service Assistant
Manager, spearheaded implementation of the department’s
new online features and services. Gina’s continuing efforts
to provide outstanding customer service motivate her to
search for new ways to simplify processes for customers.
Thanks to her enthusiasm and working partnership with
the IT Department, her ideas for updating the processes
for new construction utility service, deposit applications,
starting or stopping service, and managing customer
accounts went live with tremendous success. Currently,
98 percent of all customer service billing business can
be handled online, practically eliminating the need for
customers to come into the office. Gina puts the needs of
the customer first and has set that standard with her staff.
Providing Peace of Mind for a Worried Resident
During the summer, the City received a worried phone call from a
resident. He had lost a bag, containing his wallet, in the area of St. Lucie
West where Public Works oversees the maintenance in both medians
and right-of-ways. The City’s maintenance staff immediately began to
keep an extra eye out for it. Lazaro Valdes, Irrigation Technician for
the Public Works Department in the Environmental Services Division,
found it and good thing – it contained not only the gentleman’s wallet
but also iPad, keys and phone! He was able to connect with the owner’s
grandson, and it was all returned safely to its owner. This is a great
example of how City of PSL employees go above and beyond in their
day-to-day work activities to assist our residents.
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CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE 2018 ANNUAL REPORT