Black quits!
-- posted to the web, 06/25/08

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From: Martin Black [mailto:mblack@ci.venice.fl.us]
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 09:19 AM
Subject: City Retirement

This morning I informed Mayor and City Council of my plans to retire
from the city following presentation of the FY08-09 budget next month.
Attached please find a copy of my formal notice, thank you again to all
the employees and members of the community who work hard each day to
provide service to the city.

Marty Black

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Upon reflection of 20 years of government service in Florida and in reliance upon the Citys Personnel Procedures and Rules (City Rules) and those of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), I am retiring from the city.

Our employees embraced a nationally recognized Code of Conduct and Ethics and transitioned the city to a high performance organization. Property tax rates and costs of government were reduced, we implemented innovations that served as models across the state, emergency services and disaster response were enhanced, new public spaces were created and planned with community partners, our land planning efforts received state and national recognition, we secured considerable state and federal funding for local projects and placed the city in an improved financial position for facing future uncertainties. Credit for these accomplishments rests with employees who ably serve the community on a day-to-day basis. I thank them for their continuing support and applaud the on-going efforts of our community partners.

Pursuant to Section 2.20 of the City Rules, I previously notified the Director of Administrative Services of my retirement consideration and will complete the appropriate notices to FRS as the designated and qualified city sponsored retirement plan. I plan to return city property to the Finance Director on or about August 8, 2008 and confirm use of remaining personal leave accruals and the status of outstanding projects at that time.

In my 24 years working in Florida, I have enjoyed a variety of rewarding experiences and opportunities. Retiring from the city will allow me to enjoy leave with family and for Mayor and City Council to consider additional changes desired during this transition. Clearing regulatory and economic hurdles, city employees consistently demonstrate the productivity, responsibility, innovation, dedication and ethical determination to convert these challenges into opportunities. I know that they can and will continue to serve the community well.

Thank you and god speed.

Respectfully,

Martin P. Black, AICP, ICMA-CM