The City of Palatka Newsletter – June 12, 2023
Employee Spotlight – Meet Mike Felton
Mike Felton has worked for The City of Palatka for almost four decades, making him the longest-tenured employee in the City. A senior water plant operator, Mike started with the City in 1983 when the water plant was located in the historic facility next to the Ravine Gardens State Park.
“Working at that plant was great, but the plant (built in 1886) was getting past its time,” said Mike.
In 1985 he moved to the City’s new R.C. Willis Water Treatment Plant, where he has been ever since.
“The City has been really good to me,” said Mike, “I was managing a Burger King in town and a friend told me about this job. I applied and got it. Having a good job with benefits and a pension changed my life.”
Mike said the people don’t think about what he and his colleagues do for the City and that is just how he likes it.
“We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making sure residents have clean, safe, and reliable water,” he said.
The water plant treats and pumps 1.5 million gallons of water a day.
In October, Mike plans to retire to spend more time with his wife, Debbie, and family.
“I have been working since I was 14, so I am really to go and enjoy myself before I kick it,” he said.
His plans include traveling and playing Pickle Ball.
“My advice to kids getting out of high school or college is to come to work for a place like the City. It is a career, not just a job.” he said.
Thank you, Mike, for your service to the people of Palatka.
City Commission workshop with Palatka Housing Authority
The Palatka City Commission held a workshop on June 5 to discuss the City’s partnership with the Palatka Housing Authority.
The commission heard presentations from Dr. Anthony Woods, the housing authority’s President/CEO, about the authority’s plans for future housing construction and their homeownership development plans. The authority buying surplus city-owned properties was also discussed.
A video recording of the meeting can be found here https://www.youtube.com/live/2dMPEMozcQs?feature=share
Auction raises $30,625
The recent auction of surplus City equipment held at the City's Public Works yard raised a total of $30,625. The event, managed by the Great Expectations Auction Company from St. Augustine, sold many items, including vehicles, trailers, mowers, a golf cart, a generator, and various other surplus or obsolete equipment.
The auction, held on June 3, attracted bidders from the community and beyond. Among the highlights of the event were the sale of a garbage truck, a fire truck, and three police cars.
Remaining Spots in Community Soccer Program
Palatka Recreation is excited to announce that our community soccer teams have been filling with children from the community. However, we still have a few spots available and are extending the offer to families who would like to participate. Don't miss this chance to let your little ones meet new friends and stay active this summer!
Our soccer program is open to children between the ages of 4 and 12. As part of the program, each participant will receive a team shirt and socks, ensuring that they feel part of the team right from the start. The season will consist of six games, providing ample opportunity for children to develop their soccer skills and engage in healthy competition.
Practices will be scheduled by individual coaches, allowing flexibility for both participants and their families.
The soccer season is set to kick off on June 13th, and we invite all interested families to join us for an unforgettable summer of fun and sportsmanship. Whether your child is a seasoned player or new to the game, our program welcomes players of all skill levels and emphasizes teamwork, skill development, and fostering a love for the sport.
To learn more about the program or to register your child, please contact Reno Fells at 386-329-0100, extension 323.
Opportunities for a new career with The City of Palatka
Job openings with the City include,
- Planner 1
- Firefighter
- Police Officer
- Equipment Operator (Driver)
- Sanitation Equipment Operator (Driver)
- Equipment Operator (Driver)
- Refuse Collector
- Utility Maintenance Worker-Trainee
- Water Plant Mechanic
Please visit Palatka-fl.gov for more information and to apply.
Congratulations to the City of Palatka’s new team members.
Jacob Hinton
Terrance Beauford
Michelle Brown
Quinone Cohens
Advisory Board vacancies
Planning Board - 2 vacancies
Police Officers' Pension Board - 1 vacancy
Zoning Board of Appeals - 3 vacancies
If you are interested, please fill out an application and email it to Sunni Krantz, City Clerk at skrantz@palatka-fl.gov. The application can be found at https://palatka-fl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1764/Advisory-Board-Application
Flag Day
Woodman Life Palatka Chapter 007 members Tammi Bock and Fred and Donna Hintze presented Palatka Mayor Robbi Correa, right, a new American Flag to fly over City Hall in honor of Flag Day last week. According to Chapter President Bock, Woodman Life is the second-largest supplier, after the U.S. military, of free Flags in the country.
Closed for Juneteenth
On Monday, June 19, Palatka City Hall, the Police Department lobby, Public Works, Gas Authority, and other administrative offices of the City of Palatka will be closed in observance of Juneteenth. These offices and departments will reopen on Tuesday, June 20, during regular business hours. For utility payments, online payments can be made at www.palatkagasauthority.com or by phone at 1-866-869-5955 (pay ID # required). Customers can contact 386-329-0107 for water or public works emergencies and 386-328-1591 for gas emergencies.
Garbage Collection:
Household Collection: Residential customers with Monday and Thursday pickups will have their garbage collected on Tuesday and Thursday. Customers with Tuesday and Friday pickups will have their garbage collected on Wednesday and Friday.
Yard Trash Collection: There will be no yard trash pickup during this week.
Commercial Dumpsters: The collection schedule for commercial dumpsters will remain the same.