CVB Life Employee Blog

Doug Smith opened the meeting for a vacationing Dave Hansen and he immediately asked the new CVB Director for an update on Labor Day Weekend.

• Brad provided some comic relief for the group and noted ECSC, AMF & R’R would be here soon.
• Bi-weekly payroll reminder
• Health Care sign up deadline 11/4 at 5:00 p.m. Sign up or you won’t be covered.
• November 18^th deadline for performance reviews

United Way presentation

• City’s goal is $250,000
• City Manager is hoping to pass that goal with the new 26 pay periods
• City Golf Tournament to benefit United Way September 23
• VBCC’s Diane Harrison is again serving on the City-wide United Way team
• City Manager and DCM’s starred in a video featuring a number of United Way agencies that support Virginia Beach cititzens

Inclusion and Diversity presentation

• Leadership wants to train trainers
• Approximately 750 employees were provided training last year and another 250 +/- this year
• There is a vetting process for trainers

Restrictions on Political Activities by City Employees – Assistant City Attorney Rod Ingram

• City Code section 2-90 applies to all City employees and appointees, but not elected officials and their staff
• City staff can’t support or hinder  a candidate in any way.
• We can’t provide funds or equipment or other City resources to candidates. This means the internet as well. VBGov addresses should not appear in messages supporting or disparaging candidates. Rod also suggested that you should not even use your personal email during working hours to for these purposes.
• City staff should not appear in City uniform while supporting or opposing a candidate
• Violations can result in dismissal
• Sometimes candidates are unaware of these restrictions, so if approached, kindly refer to your limitations as a City employee
• Referendums – such as Light Rail. Same restrictions apply. You can’t endorse or oppose in your capacity as a City employee.
• Questions – Rod Ingram 8212
• Images – While City images such as what Multimedia Services provides (Craig McClure) may be available to candidates, required releases say they can’t be used for commercial purposes.

Other Announcements

• Hurricane Season is here. Brush up on your plans. Update phone trees. Decide who will support EOC from your department.
• Voter Registrar is looking for workers to support elections. City staff can take the day off and work poles. Long hours – 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. People skills and computer skills required.
• The Volunteer Office is looking for volunteers who can read to elementary school children in certain schools. Contact volunteer@vbgov.com

Doug Smith said farewell as this was his last DLM. He stressed the importance of work and home life balance. And his leaving was twofold, start a new business of his own, and be able to spend more time with family.

CLICK HERE to check out the meeting minutes from last week’s Advertising Advisory Committee Meeting.