FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 7, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
Prepared by: Public Information Manager Mark van de Kamp
SUBJECT: Retirement Resolution for Mike Davis
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution honoring and commending Mike Davis for 34 years of exemplary service.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution honoring and commending Mike Davis for 34 years of exemplary City service and congratulating him on his retirement.
BACKGROUND:
Mike Davis began his long career with the City of Santa Maria in September 1989, when he was hired as a part-time Data Processing Operator. He quickly advanced and became full-time in February 1990. As the years then decades passed and technologies evolved, he stayed well-informed and became an integral member of what we now know as the Information Technology (I.T.) division. Mike was promoted to an Information Systems Programmer in October 1998, became a Systems Analyst in Jul y 2000, then six months later a Systems Analyst II, a position he held until his retirement in October 2023.
DISCUSSION:
Mike served a lead role in several noteworthy projects and was known for effort and getting the job done well. In the early days, he was responsible for programming and producing all the financial/budget reports, accounts payable checks, utility bills/ notices, payroll checks, and all types of City record reporting. Whether it was fixing ailing computers, telling stories about antiquated hardware, or being a friend and mentor, Mike could be counted on to lend a helping hand. He started the City’s first website, his City email address was the first one created for the City, and he installed the first automated phone answering and voice mail systems in the City. He installed the City’s first personal computer and Windows networking technologies and provided training and support.
2 As the years then decades passed and technologies evolved, he stayed well -informed and became an integral member of what we now know as the Information Technology (I.T.) division. Upgrades to the City’s phone system and circuits were successful in large part due to his institutional knowledge and careful attention to detail. He helped the I.T. team rebuild the communications structure for all 10 departments. He played a significant role in the rollout of Windows 7 and Office 13, and in 2015 with the City’s launch of its ShoreTel phone system.
Mike was integral in improving technology multiple times within the areas o f phone systems, radio systems, computer-aided dispatching, financial systems, 9-1-1 telephone systems, computers, networking systems, access control systems, and other technologies.
Mike has a love for the City that was reflected by the time and effort he put into maintaining a high-caliber work product. In 2008, he was among I.T. teammates who received the City’s “Going the Extra Mile” (GEM) Award for outstanding teamwork and dedication under deadline pressure to ensure the new Public Library had a fully functioning computer network by its opening day. Additionally, he received an Award of Excellence from the Administrative Services Department for his invaluable contributions to the Library Project.
Mike was also recognized by Recreation and Parks for cre ating a state-of-the-art, after- school computer lab in the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center.
A major accomplishment was the multi-million-dollar Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) hardware, Mobile Data Computers (MDCs), Call Works 9-1-1 Phone System, and software installation at the Police Department and Fire Department, which went live in 2019.
Mike has engaged and volunteered in the City and local community as member of the local National Management Association (NMA), Secretary of the SEIU Local 620, Loan Officer and President of the Santa Maria Associated Employees Credit Union, member of the Santa Maria Elks Lodge 1538, member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 1745, member of the Moose Lodge 1409, 3rd Degree Member of Knights of Columbus, and Commodore of San Luis Yacht Club.
Mike chose to retire on October 6. He described his City career as wonderful and said he is so appreciative of the opportunity. City staff would like to commend him for his dedication and commitment to the City of Santa Maria and wish him well in all his future endeavors.
ATTACHMENTS
Retirement Resolution