City manager highlights staff certifications and recognizes retiring public safety officer

City Manager Mike Fowler used his first commission meeting remarks to highlight recent staff achievements, operational changes and a retirement.

Fowler announced that Susan Martin, the city’s human-resources manager, passed a SHRM certification exam, which the manager described as a demanding, four-hour professional credential. He also noted that the city’s permitting software upgrade — approved earlier by the commission — has allowed permitting to move fully online, though some contractors still come to the office for customer service.

The manager recognized Corrales Rodriguez for being certified as a permit technician by the International Code Council and said plans examiner and inspector Josh Hemmerlein added electrical inspector and electrical plans‑examiner credentials to existing building, mechanical and plumbing licenses.

Fowler also announced the retirement of public safety officer Anthony McCullough, summarizing McCullough’s prior service with the Daytona Beach Fire Department as a lieutenant and paramedic, his role as a field training officer and his decision to retire for health reasons.

On operations, staff said they will prepare materials to bring phase 3 of the utility-wrap project back to the commission within about a month. The manager said staff had met with the Urban Land Institute about an economic-development study that may proceed without a formal RFP to expedite work on an RFP/organizational study.

The commission welcomed the new legal attendee Taylor Simons, who the city attorney said will attend meetings in person while he participates by phone.