The North Port City Commission met at City Chambers on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, and proclaimed Jan. 19–25, 2025 as National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Week, recognized two Parks and Recreation staff who earned national certification, and introduced 15 new city employees.

The proclamation notes CRNAs’ long history of providing anesthesia care and says Congress in 1976 granted direct Medicare reimbursement rights to the specialty. The commission’s proclamation also says CRNAs practice in settings ranging from hospitals to ambulatory surgery centers and provide care across patient age groups.

Resident Rachel Pollan told the commission she had just completed the CRNA boards: “I actually completed my boards to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist,” she said.

Christine McDade, human resources director, introduced the new hires and invited them to stand. The city listed 15 new employees by department and title, including Cody Donarski (city manager’s office), Amy Fox (service desk technician), Wendy Mahurin (administrative services specialist, development services), Janelle Bosch (environmental planner), Diego Amaya (logistics technician, fire), Chad Shelley (groundskeeper II, parks), Derek Duvall (Warm Mineral Springs lifeguard), Timothy Major (records technician, police), Mark Keith James (equipment operator I, public works), Justin Vandenberg (equipment operator I), Max Mora (fleet mechanic assistant), Alejandro Coney (solid waste equipment operator), Ruth Agosto (business services coordinator, utilities), and Joseph Marino (collection distribution team). McDade said it was “my honor today to welcome some of our newest employees.”

The commission also recognized Cheryl Greiner and Lindsey Stratton for earning the Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation from the National Recreation and Park Association, a credential that the city described as requiring specific education, experience and a 150-question exam covering operations, programming, human resources, finance and communication. Devon Poulos, aquatics manager, said Stratton’s return to the department and supervision of Warm Mineral Springs had led to noticeable improvements in customer service and staffing.

The meeting concluded with routine business and no public comments; the commission adjourned at 4:12 p.m.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion to approve the meeting agenda — moved by Vice Mayor Emmerich, seconded by Commissioner Duvall; approved 3–0 (Mayor Stokes, Vice Mayor Emmerich and Commissioner Duvall voted yes).