BC- LBTS dodged the Jewish Holiday blunder this year…A look at last year’s prev. posts provide what went down in Town with more than a few “dark moments” coming from still employed as Town Clerk June White (she still cannot get dates and holidays correct …she needs to go!) …and the former occupants of the dais that were ousted or terminated…after trying to wiggle their way out of the situation … Especially the former VM who went over the top in trying to smooth the fallout with statements and actions that were akin to “some of my closest friends are….”

Sentinel…

“Mayo on the Side

Budget hearings conflict with Jewish holidays

It’s unimaginable that any Florida governmental agency would schedule an important meeting for 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

In South Florida, where there’s a sizable Jewish population, it should be just as unimaginable to hold big budget hearings at sundown of the two biggest holy days on the Jewish calendar, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

But that’s exactly what two South Florida taxing agencies — the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Inland Navigation District — will do this year.

Granted, these agencies don’t take big bites out of property owners’ tax bills and their budget hearings, both held in West Palm Beach, usually don’t attract many residents.

But the scheduling is insensitive and could have been easily avoided.

Representatives of the two agencies said they have not gotten any complaints about the conflicts. And they said there are ways for residents to give input without attending the hearings, such as sending comments by e-mail or fax.

The South Florida Water Management District, which oversees South Florida’s water supply along with canals and the Everglades, will hold its first budget meeting this Wednesday at 5:15 p.m., at its headquarters at 3301 Gun Club Road in West Palm Beach.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins Wednesday at sundown.

The Florida Inland Navigation District, which oversees the Intracoastal Waterway, holds its first budget meeting on Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the West Palm Beach city commission chambers, 401 Clematis Street.

Yom Kippur, the solemn Jewish day of repentance, begins at sundown on Sept. 17.

“We weren’t aware of the conflict when the meeting was set,” said David Roach, executive director of the Florida Inland Navigation District.

Randy Smith, spokesman for the South Florida Water Management District, said residents who can’t attend the first hearing can give input before the final budget vote is taken on Sept. 21. For more information, residents can call 561-686-8800.

Both agencies are keeping their tax rates level, meaning they’ll be collecting less in property taxes because of the decline in home values.”
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/columnists/mayo/blog/2010/09/budget_hearings_conflict_with.html

…………………

http://www.mypompanobeach.org/cra/index.html

http://www.delraycra.org/

http://www.hollywoodbeachcra.org/

http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/cra/index.htm

BC- As we take this journey to decide the future of LBTS and the possibility of a return to having a CRA …Pompano Beach will have their 2nd public meeting this evening… Unfortunately it will not be on their webcast…But a look at their CRA webpage (link below) shows this time around the Town has hired the same people that were successful in Delray Beach…(Readers will remember Delray came to the MPSC and offered aid in the process of any upgrades in town …big or little as well as graciously offering to tell us what went wrong  and how to avoid those pitfalls!.. The offer fell on deaf ears!)…..Hollywood..Fort Lauderdale …They also acquired a $15 million dollar 20 year bond in February…  It’s a chance for all us “novices” to see what the process looks like…And perhaps in some way…shape…or form join our neighbors in moving forward instead of being left in the dust!…

Pelican…..

“CRA planning
meeting, Sept. 8
The Pompano Beach
Community Redevelopment
Agency, or CRA, will seek
community input during the
second of three public workshops
for the proposed Downtown
Pompano Connectivity
Plan on Sept. 8 at the E. Pat
Larkins Community Center,
520 Martin Luther King, Jr.
Boulevard.
Design alternatives will be
presented for the public rights
of way throughout Downtown
Pompano including areas
along Martin Luther King, Jr.
Boulevard, public streets and
sidewalks throughout the Old
Pompano area/FEC Corridor
and within a new City Hall/
Civic Campus proposed south
of Atlantic Boulevard at Dixie
Highway.
A final community meeting,
to be held later this fall, will
present recommendations to
be brought forward for final
approval by the CRA Board.
Approval of the plan will
enable final design of landscape
and streetscape plans
so construction can begin in
2011. ”

……….

BC- FDOT will be making less lanes!…Who knew?… It sounds much like what was being proposed to lessen the roadway on El Mar Drive recently from the MPSC instead of making the roads less lanes all the time.. to accommodate parking etc…. MPSC meets Tues. 9/21/10 at 7 pm for an update and presentation on the FDOT A1A Project underway from Pine to Terra Mar …Will the price be reduced and more be revealed about the “deal” we heard took place with SRLakes years back (prev. post)….

Sentinel-
“A1A lane-reduction project gathers momentum
September 02, 2010|By SEAN D’OLIVEIRA
After a recent public meeting, plans to modify A1A between Oakland Park Boulevard and Flamingo Avenue in Fort Lauderdale are moving forward.

The proposed upgrades along A1A are part of a resurfacing, restoration and rehabilitation project that is being orchestrated by the Florida Department of Transportation in order to extend the life of the road. The plans call for a reduction in the number of road lanes along that portion of A1A, from six to four. Stripes will be repainted, medians modified, curb ramps added, street signs updated and landscaping improved.

“This is not a typical project,” said Michael Melendez, engineer of record for the project. “You usually don’t have many opportunities to reduce the number of road lanes.”

The lane reductions were recommended after a study indicated that the road could be changed without interrupting traffic flow.

A major feature of the project will be the addition of bicycle lanes. There will be a 6-foot bike lane that will not be separated from the road by a physical barrier.

“There’s a lot of bicycle traffic in the area with no bike lanes, so I think the bike lanes will be a big addition,” said Jim Hughes, project manager for FDOT.

Officials hope that the reduction in traffic lanes will reduce speed and permit more pedestrians to use A1A and visit businesses in the area.

“You can see where people speed up because of the open corridor,” Melendez said. “One of the benefits will be to slow down traffic, not to the point where it obstructs traffic, but to allow more pedestrians to walk on the sidewalk and bring more exposure to businesses along A1A.”

While the project is funded by FDOT, Hughes said the department always tries to coordinate with cities to rehabilitate and extend the life of roads.

The design plans will be finalized in May, with bid for contracts expected to take place in September 2011. Construction is tentatively scheduled for early 2012.”

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-09-02/news/fl-hrb-beachproject-0902-20100902_1_bike-lanes-a1a-lane-reduction

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more to come….

Tags: CRA Alive & Well In Lauderdale By The Sea Neighboring Municipalities...Will LBTS Get On Board Again?, CRA Public Meeting In Pompano Beach, FDOT Lessens Lanes On A1A ...Will LBTS El Mar Drive Do The Same?, Jewish Holiday Still Not On Government Calendars, Scoops
Posted in Boards, LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local Politics, News, Scoops, local government

WINDING DOWN …. TO WIND UP FOR FALL ….

Anglin Pier …

Dear Readers … the word from those who keep in touch …the Town is quiet…not much going on…as we wind down from summer and wind up for Fall … which will be quite a different story…We have the budget meeting on Sept. 13th at 7 pm…Reg. Comm. meeting on Sept. 14th at 7 pm…The following week is the Reg. Comm. Roundtable at 5 pm on Mon. Sept. 20th…Tuesday at 7 pm is the monthly Master Plan Steering Committee meeting with a presentation by Asst. TM Bentley and perhaps representatives of the plans for the A1A FDOT Project…(no agenda as of yet…will post when received)….Wed. night is the Planning & Zoning Board at 6:30 pm dealing with codes brought forward from previous Roundtable discussions such as these from the agenda ..
“NEW BUSINESS
Request: The Planning and Zoning Board to provide recommendations to the Town Commission to the proposed
amendments to the Towns’ Code of Ordinances.

Item #1: Permitted uses in the B-1 and B-1A Zoning District

At the July 14, 2010 Commission Roundtable meeting, direction was given to staff to broaden the code to become more business friendly. Consultant Walter Keller reviewed the existing business uses and commonly accepted business uses in the B1 and B1-A zoning districts. Walter has provided a suggested listing of uses for your review and recommendations. ( Walter Keller, Consultant )

Item #2: Amendments Section 30-313 (31) Accessory Buildings and Structures.

At the June 9, 2010 Commission Roundtable meeting, direction was given to staff to move forward with drafting an ordinance amending the code to address sheds and storage containers that do not require a permit. ( Jeff Bowman, Director of Development Services )

Item #3: Amendments to Chapter 30-22 Adopting Zoning Relief Procedures ( Town Attorney Susan
Trevarthen )

At the Town Commission meeting of July 27, 2010, the Commission authorized moving forward with amending Chapter 30 “Unified Land Development Regulations” of the Town Code of Ordinances by creating Section 30-22 “Zoning Relief Procedures” to provide for a zoning relief procedure to address possible unintended violations of federal and state laws in the application of the Code or its related rules, policies, and procedures. This proposed amendment provides a preventative procedure to protect the Town from legal challenges, and facilitates the resolution of disputes.

Item #4: Amendments to Chapter 30-501 Adopting Severability Provisions to the Sign Code. ( Town Attorney Susan Trevarthen )

At its meeting of July 27, 2010, the Commission approved the Notice of Intent to move forward with amending Chapter 30, Article VIII, Sign Regulations, of the Town’s Code of Ordinances. These revisions to the sign code enhance severability provisions, resolve internal conflicts, and enhance defensibility in light of recent case law. Several minor changes have also been bade to address inconsistencies and implementation issues identified by Town staff.”

The second and final budget meeting to adopt the FY2010-2011 Budget will be held on Mon. Sept. 27th at 6 pm with the second Reg. Comm. Mtg. the next night, Sept. 28th  at 7 pm …

While it may seem quiet out and about to so many …there has been some action going on in town ….and behind the scenes even more so ……

The Pier has been busy with being the background for a TV series (The Glades …prev. posts)…but also for an ad on national TV for a diabetes drug…It shows a man fishing on the Pier…This writer was informed it was done about 4 months ago…So keep your eyes open for it…The funny coincidence was I had the local channel on while searching the guide to record the series The Glades to make sure to catch the Pier episode in the future when this ad came on!…

The Pier alleyway opening is progressing with the aid of the Town and the county to get it correctly striped with the proper signage to be used as it should have been all along…

The Valet service has had some hits and misses in its trial period thus far…One report was distributed (prev. post) with another substantive report coming (?) and some fine tuning will come as well to have it continue on in season…It will be included when the Town Administration and Commission along with the aid of the P & Z  deal with the antiquated and stifling parking requirements downtown…

Earlier this summer this writer unfortunately posted misinformation of a business closing after hearing the news from reliable Townspeople who passed on information told to them in the same manner…It was not done maliciously, and after a second business was also cited by quite a few as being closed, only to find it too is open as well …better PR for business in LBTS  is needed ASAP …because if the locals are so sure these businesses are gone or going… what about the visitors?…

The timing of coincidences has always amazed me…that it happens so often even more so…This writer was sitting at a Cubs game last Monday night and heard the women behind us speaking about this website called Groupon…Low and behold the next morning I received an e-mail sent out by local LBTS resident/Realtor/and new BTSFuture staffwriter Shevaun Steward-Kuhn, (GRI, GREEN Fine Homes Specialist Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Florida 1st www.ShevaunsRealEstate.com Direct 954-817-0606 Fax 954-525-7650) …It’s just one of the many informative e-mails Shevaun sends out …

http://www.groupon.com/fort-lauderdale/

The liaison program this Commission brought forth at their procedural meeting is a success whether it has been under an official liaison designation from the dais or acting in that capacity to either aid a constituent or fulfill a campaign promise…it’s working!…

Com. Sasser has been instrumental in helping the Choice Environmental Services situation as well as working with the Chamber presently on the budget for next year… Mayor Minnet worked successfully with the contract for Ms. Hoffmann as Int. TM and is now again working on the new contract after the 5-0 vote on Aug. 25th… Comm. Vincent though not designated liaison from the dais,was successful in aiding with the Pier alley access and the valet service trial … as well as the public bathrooms…now on hold…. Vice Mayor Dodd has been successful in having so many of the items he championed and were ignored by the previous Commission and Administration brought forth by these new Commissioners taking them on as “liaisons” and having them finally pass …(prev. posts)…He has unofficially been working as a liaison on the Artificial Reef Project with carrying out tests on the original buoy and opening up transparency with those involved in the project thus far…and the new Administration… to try and see if this can project can come to fruition …(see previous post)..

In October the Chamber will again have their Annual Fish Fry …the location this year will be Jarvis Hall …mark your calendars for Oct. 6, 2010!….. Make sure to check their site for updates on business…craft  fairs and events… http://www.lbts.com/chamber.html

Commissioner Sasser and his wife Teresa have been hard at work with getting Halloween ready and from the sounds of it…it’s going to make for quite some eye-candy as well as the bountiful trick or treat variety! …This writer will post any upcoming posters and photos when they are available as was done for Easter and July 4th…Stay tuned and get your costumes and Halloween bags ready for one tricked-out event in Jarvis Hall for Halloween 2010!…

Looks like the “goal post” has changed in where the future problems are going to be concerning the sewers and a Town Master Sewer Plan agreement with Pompano Beach… First, the Pompano Beach Commission voted to raise the water/waste last Thursday in a re-do …Our Town Manager Hoffmann caught the lack of proper notice before it was revealed in the newspaper and sent a memo to that effect to the Comms…. That will result in a big “hit” for all the LBTS customers as warned …and while it seems likely that SRClub and SRLNorth Condos will now be expected to pay any surcharge etc…just as other condos in the south and cover any expenses charged to the Town instead of what was covered previously in the behind the Town Hall doors decision made by just a few since annexation..It will most likely be a major stumbling block in any new negotiations with Pompano Beach for a Townwide Master Sewer Plan that tries to include the annexed north end of Town due to the decision made of turning over the new sewers after the change from septic!… This writer is trying to find info on that decision and why it was made…leading to what now appears to be a major blunder!…

…………………
Sentinel …Excerpts…full text link below…

“City commissioners approved a 22.6 percent increase to a typical water bill in the city on Thursday, reaffirming an action they took in July, but this time with many more angry residents on hand.

The commission had to take up the issue again because city water users had not received proper notice about the July public hearings. The extra notice made a difference.
But city officials said the current rates have not covered the cost of providing water and sewer services. The city had to dip into reserves for at least the past three years — including $3.4 million this year — to make up the difference, officials said.

“We can’t afford to let the citizens of Pompano Beach get gouged left and right. It’s too much. It’s too fast,” resident Richard Elie said. “If you want to chase us away, keep giving us these shock increases.”

The increases will appear on water bills in two phases, in September and January. A typical residential customer using 10,000 gallons of water a month will see almost a $14 increase in their monthly bill, to about $75. Someone using 20,000 gallons a month will see a 29 percent increase, or about $25, bringing their monthly bill to about $112.

Even with the increases, officials said the city’s rates would still be the fourth-lowest in Broward County.

Commissioners said the city water and sewer services have to be self-sustaining and pointed to the myriad federal and state regulations that drive the cost up.”

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/pompano-beach/fl-pompano-water-rate-increase-20100902,0,4527494.story

……………….

The VFD should be meeting this week to elect their new Chief …will it be for one year or two?…Will they make changes to their by-laws and SOPs?… Is there still some inside scuffling going on?…Will they agree to a new contract and a lower amount ($700,000 FY2010-2011)?….Will the volunteers show up for calls and drills if the $’s are not there as incentive?…. Will there be a surprise change in other leadership roles?… What about signing onto not controlling the apparatus fund or not automatically receiving a 4% increase for the remainder of the contract?… Will oldtimers come back into the fold to save the VFD?… We will know soon…

Some things never change with old personnel still in tow in Town Hall… A memo sent out to the Commission on Sept.1st was addressed to VM McIntee and Comm. Silverstone!… When the latter was caught by one Comm.  another leftover staff member was not the least bit chagrined, we are told…just more of the same old…same old…Time for some more changes after the budget is adopted!…

Speaking of old staff …we heard former Finance Director King left a message for a recommendation for a new job with one Comm. a few weeks back…The Comm. did not comply…Thank goodness after all that keeps coming up after her departure…..As for the former Asst. TM/Int. TM JohnO…He sent the Int. Town Manager two more letters asking for a change in his termination with cause (the 1st June 24, 2010 letter was previously posted with the July 6, 2010 reply from Ms. Hoffmann)… In the subsequent letters Olinzock sent to Ms. Hoffmann on July 21st and again on Aug. 11th 2010 …he made claims in the second letter of a difference in being titled “Acting” Town Manager vs. being an Interim Town Manager and claims of being “polled” by Commissioners along with claims of the need for another public meeting to stop any outgoing checks to terminated Town Manager Colon due to sunshine…as well as claims of Charter violations… He also makes references to eight “attachments” …In the third letter he states he is again appealing the revision to the terms of his dismissal of employment as outlined in the Town Charter sec. 5.5 and states “you are responsible to the Town Commission for the proper administration of all affairs of the Town coming under your jurisdiction and this responsibility is inclusive of the 14 subsections of this section. ” He points out this was his third time addressing in writing this issue with Ms. Hoffmann and ended with “Please provide expedient resolution of the referenced issue. I request that it includes payment of moneys owed for severance, annual leave, and sick leave, as has been standard procedure for terminated employees of the Town.”… Int. TM Hoffmann replied on Aug. 12, 2010 to state as she previously informed Mr. Olinzock she provided a copy of his first June 24, 2010 letter to the Commission asking to rescind their decision to terminate with cause…They chose not to rescind that decision…She stated she would forward the two new letters to them but stated she did not anticipate they will act upon them (She did and they did not act on them)…She also stated that his July 21, 2010 indicated attachments there were none attached!…She stated his letters indicate he is appealing the Town Commission’s action and there is no appeal procedure for an Acting Town Manager provided for in the Charter or Code of Ordinances of which she is aware of!… She went on to state “The Charter is clear that the Town Manager and Acting Town Manager serve at the pleasure of the Commission and may be removed by the Town Commission at any time.”… She further stated that the Town Atty. “advised the Town Commission that their actions in dismissing you and amending the dismissal to be with cause were lawful and opined that the Town has no obligation to pay you for accrued annual leave, sick leave, or severance pay. While it is obvious that you are frustrated by these decisions, you are mistaken in your belief that I have the authority to override the Commission’s decision to terminate you with cause or their direction to not provide any further compensation to you. Given the Attorney’s opinion that you were in the employ of the Town Commission at the time of your dismissal, it is clear that the issue falls under the purview of the Town Commission, not the Town Manager.”… Prev. posts..show an accurate account of what transpired as well as Town archived special minutes…No “polling” took place or breach of Sunshine…Just Commissioners and Town Attorneys doing their due diligence to avert an overpayment independently…Their concerns were well founded in the aftermath of the payouts made to Colon under the direction to proceed made by “Acting” Town Manager John Olinzock!….

So where do old Commissioners go anyhow… Some leave town …head north and go golfing…
“• Treasure Coast Golf Scores: Aug. 5, 2010 » TCPalm.com
Aug 5, 2010 … PIPER’S LANDING. White Hats (7/28): 1, Craig Harlan, Robert Marshall, Jerome McIntee, Wayne Schrader. White Hats (July 31): 1, … D Flight: Jerry Horne def. Lou Deangelis 5 and 3. Round 4, D Flight: Emil Kapcar def. …. Business: e.g. salon. Location: e.g. Stuart, FL. Powered by Local.com …
www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/aug/…/no-headline—spt_golfscores_c2/ – Cached
• Treasure Coast Golf Scores: July 8, 2010 » TCPalm.com
Jul 8, 2010 … Men’s Day (June 30, 2-Man Scramble): 1, Jerry Todd, Paul Krause, 57; 2, Dr. Tio, … PIPER’S LANDING. White Hats (June 30): 1, Craig Harlan, Robert Marshall, Kimber Vought. White Hats (July 3): 1, John Duffy, Jerome McIntee, …. 10 troubled Fla. banks Updated 8/26/2010 at 10:25 p.m. 7 comments …
www.tcpalm.com/news/…/no-headline—brief_spt_tc_golf_scores_c2/ – Cached”

Some get married … (congrats) ….and may claim to be happily  out of politics …but offer far too much input for this writer’s comfort  level to new Finance Directors …if the heads- up is so….when they are not qualified CPAs  …having no degree in finance and falling hook, line and sinker for all things Colon in the past…Advice to the new Finance Director…any questions on past finance call others in Town and John Thompson…

Others who have been sidelined even longer…try and fail for public office…as they decide whether to remain in LBTS or make a new start in Lighthouse Point?…. While one El Mar “stakeholder” claims he too is out of politics while a big yellow buoy sits out front his motel …Hmmm… guess “politics” by Blackberry doesn’t count?….

This writer is told the CRA issue brought up in previous posts has some thinking it will be the cause du jour to sink the new majority and new Administration…That’s only so if the previous players are again successful at parsing words and throwing out half-truths and fear-mongering… They failed to do so in the last election …and should again even if they have any traction left in Town…This writer has written we need to bring back the possibility of the CRA and other comparable ways to decide how to revive the stagnant town left in the wake of the all or nothing gang when it comes to development in Town… I merely want all avenues re-opened and all those who are knowledgeable in how to succeed to come back to the hall and participate…

That being said…we now hear the “which comes first the chicken or the egg”may be in play as well…as the Vision Meetings need to come before the Master Plan Steering Committee makes any revisions to the 2005 Master Plan …with the P & Z coming in the middle…

Lilly 4 & 1/2 mos…1st haircut (Nana cut her bangs)/playing the piano on the stand and play….

Last up…this writer will be coming home in November …December and each month after that as Lilly grows (5 months on Sept. 18th) …It  allows for Nana and Papa to make it back regularly… and yes …..Lilly will make the trek next spring as well! …

Happy Labor Day Readers….

more to come….

Tags: Former Employees Of Lauderdale By The Sea Still Writing, Lauderdale By The Sea Anglin Pier Backdrop To Series & Ads, Lauderdale By The Sea Businesses Are Open, Lauderdale By The Sea Has New Valet Service In The Heart Of Pelican Square, Lauderdale By The Sea Impact And Future Sewer Rate Plans, Lauderdale By The Sea Oct. Chamber Fish Fry On The 6th/ Halloween In Jarvis Hall Looks Scary Good, lauderdale By The Sea P & Z Sept. 21 2010 Agenda, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Commisison Liaison Program Is A Winner, Lauderdale By The Sea VFD To Vote For New Leadership/Contract With Town, Lauderdale By The Sea Vision Meetings/CRA?/ P & Z/ MPSC For The Future Of The Town's Development, Scoops, Where Do Old Lauderdale By The Sea Commissioners Go?
Posted in Boards, LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local Politics, Scoops, Sea Ranch Club, VFD, local government

NO HUFFING AND PUFFING …. THIS TIME AROUND …..

Dear Readers …this writer has been doing some extensive research into the failed LBTS-CRA … This stems from where we find ourselves in 2010 after the election in March and the necessity of revising the Town’s Master Plan from 2005 along with the pressing concerns of our aging infrastructure and the need to move forward to revitalize not just a Master Plan on paper for another 5 years but revitalize the Town itself over the next 5-10 years to make it viable ….Before the Master Plan is revised there will definitely be the need to have those vision meetings put forth in the new budget by the Town Manager (prev. posts) …as well as bringing back some of those involved in the CRA which was decimated for political purposes in 2008 … They along with a knowledgeable Commission and Administration can prevail in explaining to the residents and businesses the ins and outs of the process required to sustain a viable future for LBTS.. Ms. Hoffmann and Mr Bentley were surely involved with major revitalization during their time in Fort Lauderdale which is a big plus in retaining them both…..Calming Reactionary Alarmists will definitely be a large part of any reintroduction of the CRA or any comparable program to re-develop LBTS …They must avoid the “land-mines” this time around ….although the changing demographics, so evident in town certainly allows for success this time around …

I’ve heard from some of the participants who played an integral role in the failed 2008 LBTS-CRA and asked one to provide me with a rudimentary description of what a CRA is to post…(see below) …That Reader also informed me of the 2006 Fl. HB 1567 in order to put the kibosh on the “land-mines” used last time around in order to alarm owners that eminent domain will be used when a blight designation is found in the process ….(see below)…

……………………….

I also received the following input  from another “Avid Reader” who graciously allowed me to post it….but preferred not to have a byline…

“LBTS has had some changes since the last full master plan and in the past decade. El Mar drive has undergone some changes. Two of the largest hotels have been torn down and converted into residential properties eliminating over 200 hotel rooms. An additional hotel property is planned to be changed in a similar fashion. It also appears that tourism may have changed, with economic hardships and travel rules changing the way families in the US and abroad go on vacation.

The Town is looking at investing significant dollars in the business community on El Mar and Commercial retail district. We should step back and understand where our Town stands. Looking at economic diversification and economic impacts from different demographic groups makes sense, we should know how our investment will impact our Town and our business community. In addition, our retail community could use the help of some economic development and study the local residential demographics.

The Town and Chamber of Commerce should come together in a partnership to make these studies come to life. In the next decade, our Town will need this strong partnership. The Chamber has the brain power to provide the necessary backup on

- Current economic impacts of our visitors
- Potential avenues of diversifying our economic base
- Study the demographics of our town and surrounding properties

The Chamber provides a great service in the welcome center, however, in addition the Chamber should grow with LBTS. Understanding where we are going in the next 10 years is crucial in all of the planning currently underway.”

BC-With the Chamber feeling “growing pains” from within, in this writer’s opinion (prev. post)….a business development committee appointed directly from the Town will be a necessity…..

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“Community Redevelopment Agencies: What, When, and How

CRAs, as they are known, are quite common, but often there are many questions in the minds of those who don’t work with them everyday. How are they authorized? Who oversees them? What is involved in their operation? How are they funded? This article is intended to simply answer those questions. It also summarizes the legislation passed in session 2002 relating to CRAs. For further information, please contact Carol Westmoreland of the Florida Redevelopment Association at cwestmoreland@flcities.com or call (850) 222-9684 ext. 115.

What is a Community Redevelopment Area or District?

Under Florida law (Chapter 163, Part III), local governments are able to designate areas as Community Redevelopment Areas when certain conditions exist. Since all the monies used in financing CRA activities are locally generated, CRAs are not overseen by the state, but redevelopment plans must be consistent with local government comprehensive plans. Examples of conditions that can support the creation of a Community Redevelopment Area include, but are not limited to: the presence of substandard or inadequate structures, a shortage of affordable housing, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient roadways, and inadequate parking. To document that the required conditions exist, the local government must survey the proposed redevelopment area and prepare a Finding of Necessity. If the Finding of Necessity determines that the required conditions exist, the local government may create a Community Redevelopment Area to provide the tools needed to foster and support redevelopment of the targeted area.

There are currently 178 Community Redevelopment Areas in the State of Florida. The designation is used by Florida cities of all sizes, from Jacksonville and Tampa to Madison and Apalachicola. Many familiar locations, such as Church Street in Orlando, Ybor City in Tampa and the beachfront in Ft. Lauderdale are successful examples of Community Redevelopment Areas.

What is a Community Redevelopment Agency?

The activities and programs offered within a Community Redevelopment Area are administered by the Community Redevelopment Agency. A five- to seven-member CRA “Board” created by the local government (city or county) directs the agency. The Board can be comprised of local government officials and or other individuals appointed by the local government. Although one local government may establish multiple CRA districts, there generally may be only one CRA Board. Each district must maintain separate trust funds, and expend those funds only in that district.

What is a Community Redevelopment Plan?

The Community Redevelopment Agency is responsible for developing and implementing the Community Redevelopment Plan that addresses the unique needs of the targeted area. The plan includes the overall goals for redevelopment in the area, as well as identifying the types of projects planned for the area.

Examples of traditional projects include: streetscapes and roadway improvements, building renovations, new building construction, flood control initiatives, water and sewer improvements, parking lots and garages, neighborhood parks, sidewalks and street tree plantings. The plan can also include redevelopment incentives such as grants and loans for such things as facade improvements, sprinkler system upgrades, signs, and structural improvements. The redevelopment plan is a living document that can be updated to meet the changing needs within the Community Redevelopment Area; however, the boundaries of the area cannot be changed without starting the process from the beginning.

What is Tax Increment Financing?

Tax increment financing is a unique tool available to cities and counties for redevelopment activities. It is used to leverage public funds to promote private sector activity in the targeted area. The dollar value of all real property in the Community Redevelopment Area is determined as of a fixed date, also known as the “frozen value.” Taxing authorities, which contribute to the tax increment, continue to receive property tax revenues based on the frozen value. These frozen value revenues are available for general government purposes. However, any tax revenues from increases in real property value, referred to as “increment,” are deposited into the Community Redevelopment Agency Trust Fund and dedicated to the redevelopment area.

It is important to note that property tax revenue collected by the School Board and any special district are not affected under the tax increment financing process. Further, unlike in some states, Florida taxing entities write a check to the CRA trust fund, after monies are received from the tax collector. In California, the increment is sent to the CRAs directly out of collected county tax revenues, before they are distributed to each taxing entity.

The tax increment revenues can be used immediately, saved for a particular project, or can be bonded to maximize the funds available. Any funds received from a tax increment financing area must be used for specific redevelopment purposes within the targeted area, and not for general government purposes.

How does the CRA Process Work?

A public meeting begins the designation process. Several steps will have to be accomplished before the Community Redevelopment Area becomes are reality. These steps are briefly outlined below.

I. Adopt the Finding of Necessity. This will formally identify the blight conditions within the targeted area and establish the area boundary.

II. Develop and adopt the Community Redevelopment Plan. The plan addresses the unique needs of the targeted area and includes the overall goals for redevelopment in the area, as well as identifying specific projects.

III. Create a Redevelopment Trust Fund. Establishment of the Trust Fund enables the Community Redevelopment Agency to direct the increase in real property tax revenues back into the targeted area.

The Florida Legislature addressed CRAs in 2002 from an intergovernmental point of view, to strengthen the ability of cities and counties to manage CRA creation, notices and term issues. Disputes between cities and counties involving CRAs can be resolved locally by interlocal agreements, and should be, since they usually involve growth management issues other than just funding.

Florida Redevelopment Association Legislative Position

The FRA supports the ability of local governments to create and effectively use community redevelopment agencies to redevelop and revitalize their urban areas. This includes the use of tax increment financing. We further support local control and disposition of any disputes between local governments over the use of such agencies and financing. The Florida Redevelopment Association is available for technical assistance, legislative advocacy and redevelopment educational resources.

For copies of current or past bills, statutes or further legislative information, you may visit www.leg.state.fl.us or call the FRA. at (800) 616-1513 ext. 115.

About the FRA

The Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) is dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of Florida’s communities. Operated under a contract with the Florida League of Cities in Tallahassee, it’s purpose is to promote the improvement of downtowns and other urban areas through redevelopment and development activities under the Florida Statutes; encourage Florida’s communities to create a healthy mix of affordable workforce and market rate housing; and provide a forum for networking, training and technical assistance; be an advocate for its membership; and monitor legal and legislative issues. The FRA currently has more than 300 public and business agency members.

Summary

CRAs are a specifically focused financing tool for redevelopment. CRA Boards do not establish policy for the city or county – they develop and administer a plan to implement that policy. The CRA acts officially as a body distinct and separate from the governing body, even when it is the same group of people. The CRA has certain powers that the city or county by itself may not do, such as establish tax increment financing, and leverage local public funds with private dollars to make redevelopment happen. The CRA term is limited to 30 years, 40 years if extended. After that time, all revenues (presumably much increased from the start of the CRA) are retained by each taxing entity that contributed to the CRA trust fund.”
http://www.redevelopment.net/crafaq.aspx

……………

EMINENT DOMAIN TAKEN OUT OF THE BLIGHT STUDY IN 2006 …NO FEAR-MONGERING JUST THE FACTS ….
Excerpt…

“Most significantly, the new law
makes it crystal clear that local governments
are now restricted to taking
private property for uses that
have traditionally had a public purpose,
such as roads, utilities and government
infrastructure. Local governments
can no longer take private
property located in or out of a Community
Redevelopment Area and
“flip” it to a private developer for
shopping malls, movie theaters, condominiums,
or other private development
purposes, as it once could based
on the theories of elimination of a
nuisance, slum or blight. Specifically,
Chapter 73, Florida Statutes, has
been amended to expressly state that
the taking of private property for the
elimination of a nuisance or a slum
and blight condition do not satisfy the
“public purpose” requirement contained
in Article X of the Florida Constitution.
As a result of the new legislation,
the Community Redevelopment Act’s
“blighted area” test can no longer be
used as an “end run” around the
Florida Constitution’s “public purpose”
requirement. Notably, property
that is acquired in a CRA is also subject
to the same “cooling off” period
contained in Chapter 73, Florida
Statutes, which prohibits the transfer
of property acquired by eminent
domain to a natural person or private
entity for a period of ten years. In
addition, the law repeals the
Legislature’s prior delegation of eminent
domain authority to CRAs, and
now prohibits a CRA from exercising
eminent domain authority, thereby
limiting the exercise of the eminent
domain authority in a Community
Redevelopment Area to cities and
counties.
In light of the perceived gaps in
Florida’s eminent domain scheme
and the potential adverse affect that
Kelo could have on Florida takings
jurisprudence, the Florida Legislature
also passed House Joint Resolution
1569 proposing a constitutional
amendment, which, if approved in a
November 2006 referendum, would
permanently prohibit the transfer of
ownership or control of private property
taken by eminent domain to any
natural person or private entity, unless
authorized by general law passed
by a three-fifths vote of each house
of the Legislature. The amendment
would become effective on January 2,
2007.
III. Conclusion
Some government observers feel
that the new legislation and proposed
constitutional changes are a “kneejerk”
over-reaction to Kelo that will
undoubtedly have a chilling effect on
Florida’s ongoing redevelopment efforts.
Many property owners, however,
believe this legislation is a major
step toward preventing government
abuse and ensuring that the
Founding Fathers’ intent to protect
private property owners will continue
to be safeguarded. Governor
Bush himself aligned with those
seeking protection of property
rights and stated in a May 15, 2006
Tampa Tribune editorial, “Florida’s
private property rights are now the
toughest in the nation. I applaud
the Florida Legislature for using
its power to protect Floridians’ fundamental
right to own property
against the menacing power of eminent
domain.” In any event, the
Legislature’s swift and decisive enactment
of these new eminent domain
laws has sent a clear signal to local
governments that protecting the
rights of private propertyowners is
an important interest in the state
of Florida. ”

FLORIDA HOUSE BILL 1567 ….
HB 1567 – Eminent Domain
GENERAL BILL by Rubio (CO-SPONSORS) Adams; Allen; Ambler; Antone; Baxley; Bullard; Cannon; Carroll; Evers; Galvano; Grimsley; Harrell; Hasner; Hays; Homan; Kottkamp; Kravitz; Kreegel; McInvale; Murzin; Negron; Poppell; Quinones; Roberson, Y.; Sansom; Stansel; Stargel; Traviesa; Troutman; Williams, T.
Eminent Domain: Restricts certain transfers of property taken by eminent domain to certain natural persons or private entities; preserves the government entity communications services eminent domain limitation; clarifies that use for eminent domain means public use or public purpose; provides that the prevention or elimination of a slum area or blighted area does not satisfy the requirement under the State Constitution that a taking be for a public purpose, etc.
Effective Date: May 11, 2006, and applies to all property for which a petition of condemnation is filed pursuant to chapter 73 or chapter 74, Florida Statutes, on or after that date.

Last Event: 05/11/06 Approved by Governor; Chapter No. 2006-11; See also HJR 1569 (Passed) on Friday, May 12, 2006 10:16 AM”

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=33829

Thanks to those of you who have made yourselves available to answer this writer’s questions…offered advice and have enthusiastically stated they would be willing to come back to the table to assist in the vision of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea ….

More to come….

Tags: CRA Explained, Florida 2006 HB 1567, Lauderdale-By-The -Sea's Vision For The Future, Scoops
Posted in Boards, Local Politics, Scoops, local government

CAN WE PUT A CAP ON IT?….

Dear Readers … Wed. night the Commission came together for an August Budget Workshop to offer an opportunity for public comment and catch up after some delays imposed on the new administration due to changes within the Town with terminations and resignations …new hires and new disturbing “minefields” that met them at each juncture…

Up first was the return of the Community Theater which was tossed out in 2008 with a new majority on the dais…and a Town Manager that was only too happy to comply, or so it appeared in giving the theater group the heave-ho … After some false starts yet again over the funding ..would it be from the taxpayers and/or from the letter asking for donations which went out from this non-profit company before it came before the Commission?… Comm. Vincent did not do a steller job when championing it at that Roundtable and we the taxpayers were left to wonder what the dollar amount would be as he quoted in the neighborhood of $12,000 or more…The Int. TM said it was less… We hear some residents made phone calls to certain Commissioners after the exchange and stated no-way, no-how it should just be donations… This time the agreement which was included in the backup stated the cost to the Town will be approx. $1,000 to cover liability insurance which will be paid to the company after each of the 3 plays that are set …although the dates need to be double checked for any conflict in using Jarvis Hall…Mr. Ragusa came forward to answer question both the old re-hash of the theater groups demise…and new concerning accounting and the status of being up to date with the non-profit requirements from the state…Mr Ragusa answered he was up to date and could produce the paperwork and also he thought he had enough for each play although he did not know what each one would cost …Donations received were approx. $3,000 thus far …He is unable to pay for the liability ins. required and the Town would cover that with the $1,000 …The Vice Mayor stated he was really happy that with the change in the dais and the administration the residents and visitors may well get to experience local people engaging in local theater productions. He said he was sure Mr. Ragusa is aware of the heavy load placed on the use of this hall and that the town will do their best to ensure the theater group gets the necessary time to set up and rehearse….
Comm. Sasser asked about state statutes with the $1000 and non-profits …and the wanted to make sure we were covered …The TAtty. said she would review the agreement if they chose to go ahead…Ms. Hoffman stated she did not include that in the agreement because it was a small amount …Comm. Sasser responded the Town had problems in the past over $30…(Greenfest-prev. posts)…Comm. Sasser also addressed the accounting being done simply by using a spreadsheet ….Mr. Ragusa balked at that and said to do that last time meant hiring an accountant that charged him $2,000…He said he would turn his books over to the Town and they could do whatever they needed to… The Int. TM thought it would be easy to accommodate that… Comm. Clottey did make a comment stating it was 2 Commissions ago for the demise…not so…A look back shows that Commission tried for a years long agreement to stop any new Commission from pulling the plug …She also could not imagine the cost of an accountant being so high….The Mayor was concerned about the Town paying for liability insurance and that to do so would set a precedent and open the Town up to future similar requests … In the end the consensus was to move ahead to vote on at the 7 pm meeting…

Next up were the Sea Ranch Club sewer fees… and we understand a few SRC residents were in the hall… The Int. TM introduced her consultant, Ms Margoles  who provided the report (prev. post) and she came to the podium to answer any questions… Ms. Hoffmann added as she approached how complicated this whole issue is …that the more they find the more complicated it gets (prev posts) …Ms. Hoffman also stated the “struggled” with how to present it..and added the town has a fragmented sewer system …2 separate sewer rates …and spoke of the detailed report in the backup (link below)…This writer as previously posted, disagrees with Ms. Margoles on some of her facts and as VM Dodd stated from the podium, I too disagree with her to seek legal counsel to put SRC under the north’s agreement with Pompano Beach (higher rate …surcharge and availability per unit charges) which would most likely bring forth a litigation with the 4 SR annexed in condominiums in 1998…The Int. TM did bring forth before any discussion going to Pomp. Bch and getting a new townwide master sewer plan with them after more study ……Ms. Hoffman stated she had a “social lunch” with a Pompano Beach Administrator and did bring up the probability… She included that it is a given all sewer rates will need to be increase due to the south not paying passed on rate increases as well (prev. posts)…

VM Dodd stated …that the sewer situation is quite complex and he did not yet agree with the present staff recommendation of putting SRC with the north…. He went on to speak of the history …that in  1997 the four Sea Ranch buildings were annexed into town and they asked to pay the same rate as the residents at the south end of town. The main annexation for the north end in the year 2001 were covered by an agreement that they paid directly to Pompano Beach. He added that the south end of town enjoyed a large user agreement as a result of the 2007 agreement. The north end pays a higher rate because their infrastructure repairs and replacement is covered by Pompano whereas the south end enjoys a lower rate but no provision has been made to replace the pipes when they finally collapse. He stated that on top of this mess the residents of Sea Ranch and the annexation of the north has left both these groups of town residents out in the cold since neither was included in the master sewer plan agreement of 2007. His opinion was as we are to move forward the town has to re-evaluate and come up with a proposal to increase the sewer rate at the south End and include Sea Ranch so that money is put into a fund to cover the eventual replacement of the sewers. Additionally he directed the Town Manager to  enter negotiations with Pompano to bring everyone into the Master sewer plan since there is little point paying a 25% premium when the town has just spent 10 million putting in new sewers. He added to let the money remain in LBTS coffers rather than Pompano Beach. He would propose asking for further research to ensure Sea Ranch are not dumped into the agreement covering the north End and perhaps the manager can renegotiate a united town agreement that will take us forward for the next 20 years….Ms Margoles missed his point completely and reminded him of what he was well aware of …that the Town was paying for SRC when they paid Pompano Beach…UGH!…

Comm. Clottey stated it was worse than the VM said it was up north (the 2005 agreement) that made residents with new sewers pay PBeach an $800 hookup charge …She said that money went to new sewers in PBeach…She added that none of the present Commission had anything to do with that agreement (but her choice for a return to Hillsboro Inlet Commission, Oliver Parker to replace Dodd last year…sure did!)…She addressed through the chair the TAtty. and stated she personally did not think it was “fair” to assess SRC for the monies paid since 1998 but wanted to know if there was a legal responsibility for the Town to do just that…The TAtty. stated she had only made an innitial look into the situation…

Comm. Sasser stated there were a lot of questions and with the time constraints of this evening and the info still not known …the legalities and the agreements he thought the better way to handle this was to gather that information before asking the questions and he had plenty of questions as well…

Mayor Minnet agreed and asked him to get his questions to the Int. TM  …She said we need a better understanding before they can address it at a Commission meeting…

The Int. TM stated they “grappled” how far back to go and needed guidance from the dais…She added it won’t change anything…

The Mayor stated it was time to come together in an equitable way and move forward…

Comm. Sasser stated he wanted not to find blame but to find how those funds were allocated behind the scenes and the legalities involved with that…meaning in the former administrative actions not the SRC /SRLNorth /south customers… He stated it was in his opinion a “colossal mismanagement by this Town”…and wants everybody on the same agreement…

The VM agreed to go forward …and again stated his preference that any surcharge stayed in Town rather than going to Pompano Beach..

Comm. Clottey agreed to go forward and stated she had spoken to past Commissioners in Old Town (Parker/Furth?) who stated a bond was obtained for sewers there and assessed to the taxpayers…It was kept in place until approx. 2002 illegally and was taken off the books when challenged …This writer needs to check that claim out…She thought it was possible those were the funds used to pay for the difference……She asked the Int. TM to check that out …..This writer needs to check that claim out as well…

The Mayor said that would mean going back to the 1960’s!…Clottey said it stopped in 2002 …pre-annexation from 1998 with SRC and move forward was her direction to the Int. TM and make it equitable…

The Mayor added and asked the Int. TM and Ms. Margoles to concur that some information is simply not there…They concurred and Ms. Margoles held up a thick book of the report info thus far…She also thanked staff for their help…

Next was to be the FY2010-2011 budget…but Mayor Minnet asked that it be held to discuss the Chamber due to the funding being included in the budget and the decision of how much that will be needing to be decided…

The Chamber Board was in attendance after some back and forth meetings that took place formally and informally in the weeks prior along with the resignation from the board of Yann Brandt who was the Chamber liaison working with Comm. Sasser, the liaison for the Commission… The problem as this writer sees it from the information I have received is there are two distinct visions of the Chamber of Commerce/ Welcome Center ….One vision is the status quo…a small Chamber that operates with a full time administrator and a hand full of volunteers plus a full time employee for the Welcome Center and a part time employee …The lines between the Chamber and the Welcome Center become blurry at time and distinctly separate at times…and most of those times are when it comes to funds… for employees etc… The track that Mr. Brandt was on and was the same one seen by most of the Commission as well as past and present members and board members of the Chamber was to grow the Chamber to advertise more…increase membership …and hire a consultant to aid in the marketing over the long run…That “branding” being bandied about…last year by Comm. Clottey and others and this year by Comm. Vincent …It appears to this writer that the 27 year old Mr. Brandt brought back to the board what he said he would …and that may have caught some off guard with his accomplishment …The course proposed seemed overwhelming to some of those in charge and it sounds like they balked…Mr. Brandt who has limited time due to his career…his new appointment as P & Z Vice Chair …and of course becoming a new Dad resigned …In this writer’s opinion that was a huge loss for the Chamber…I can tell you first hand that in my experience with him, he has always delivered what he says he will…never exaggerates what that is …and not only has the ability to succeed …he has the contacts…the insight and resources to carry out any vision he is presented with…My concern with the “powers that be” inside the Chamber is the same as any other aging organization…the organizations and boards should not be afraid of new ideas …change and vision coming in with young people …They should be afraid only if no new blood comes in the doorto carry on …as they have one foot out of it!… The Chamber was concerned with too rapid of growth…overcrowding the small building…and the possibility of Ft. Lauderdale breathing down their necks if proposed changes were made…There is no way the growth was going to catapult them into any of these scenarios in year one… And a consultant could have prepared them for how to work with any such concerns…including a satellite office as suggested by a Reader (not former VM McIntee-prev. posts) to accommodate if need be…

The Chamber changed its need to separate the Welcome Center from the Chamber asking the Commission now to supply the added $20,000 for a full time Welcome Center employee …$10,000 would supply a part time employee …and no increase ($35,000 is an increase from the prior few years) would not supply either…But a break down shows the following…The front desk staff $12.00 per hour. $12.00 x 8 hours is $96.00/day or $35,040 annually for Veronica, (full time) and a former staff member’s replacement, (when they find one). Filling the part time position has become a problem for the Chamber. The Board of Directors believes they need to increase staffing to two full time people. This equates to 10 shifts per week instead of the current 7. ($96.00 per day x 10 shifts per week = $960 per week or $49,920 annually. They also feel the hourly rate might have to be increased if they want a higher quality individual who can take some of the work load off of Judy…The Chamber stated they as the Chamber would not be asking for anything…only for the Welcome Center which they have funded to cover any gaps of funding from the Town…Everything inside the Chamber remains the same and no consultant is needed or wanted…This writer has been told that a consultant should be hired by the Town directed by the Town for a business development plan that includes the Chambers input but not under the Chamber’s auspices …

As they came to the podium Comm. Sasser presented to the dais and the taxpayers what the Chamber ultimately was asking for the $55,000/$45,000/$35,000 scenarios described above …

Paul Novak the President of the Chamber stated Comm. Sasser had it correct from the last meeting they had (post Mr. Brandt) and spoke of the additional monies also adding to the ability to advertise as well (in the neighborhood of an additional $5,000 if a full time employee is hired)…This writer has been informed the Chambers advertising has dropped from pat years of $50,000…$20,000+ to approx. $2,000!…He too stated they needed to take much of the burden of of Judy ….

Diane Boutin from the Windjammer spoke not as a representative of the Chamber  of the importance of the Chamber and the dollars it and the Welcome Center bring in sales and real estate and stated the $55,000 was nothing in the scheme of an $11 million dollar Town budget …comparing the cost to 4th of July and other events…

Comm. Vincent thanked Comm. Sasser for his role and stated he couldn’t say it better than Ms. Boutin …adding hard economic times for Towns and again using his “branding” scenario …He summed up the status quo of $35,000 being  the equivalent of “going back square one” and $45,000 with a part time person not enough and a full time person with $55,000 the “catalyst” for moving forward…HUH?…

Comm. Clottey said the Mayor was correct at a past meeting stating we are the only ones supporting our Chamber (monetarily)…This writer is not so sure with that statement…Some others must be housed in Town owned buildings…etc…She stated the County should be more of a factor and bring down the Town’s contribution to the Welcome Center …She again brought up in town and out of town businesses…asking for the? time the percentage of members in the Chamber…she wants 50-50… Judy Swaggerty from the Chamber stated at the podium they ran the numbers a few weeks prior and it was 50-50 or 60/40 she was not sure…

Comm. Sasser asked for direction through the Mayor of what the Commission wanted..

Vice Mayor Dodd  stated he was disappointed that it appeared that  the chamber wants to maintain a status quo rather than move forward and become the marketing arm of the town. He said he  was prepared to authorize a payment of up to $55,000 if the chamber adopted a more aggressive marketing stance…but since they are happy with doing the same as last year then I believe in these times of financial restraint they too need to cut back …adding even the commission has chosen to forgo our raise so why shouldn’t the chamber if they only want to do what they did last year.. and add an employee  …he was having a problem with an increase…and wanted Broward County brought into the situation….He said he has always supported the chamber but am disappointed …and still did not have the realistic amounts ..

The Mayor asked the Int. TM for those actual fund amounts including the building …she understood they are two separate entities and was a proponent of both but spoke of the taxpayers funding it…wanting a plan presented…still…and of wanting to take it to the next level …asking for more information…and stating she was not ready to fund the $55,000…She thanked Comm. Sasser for this assistance …

Comm. Sasser spoke of the need for clarification he was hearing from some of the members of the dais on the financials again speaking of the new separation being asked for…just the Welcome Center…

Paul Novak clearly agitated said he did not know what they meant by a “higher level” and spoke of the problems stated above Ft. Lauderdale …the building size etc… He admonished the Mayor  and reminded her she had been in the position to know what happens in a Chamber from her time there on the board…(The Mayor was miffed at his hard hit)….He said Judy does the selling..and works hard…He enlisted resident and former Chamber board member Dick Clark to speak…stating he knows what’s what…

Dick Clark who we understand sat in on the first meeting with Mr. Brandt ..the Int. TM and Comm. Sasser was visibly uncomfortable and stated he should have watched from home …He said he was proud of the Chamber and gave some of his own professional history …he agreed with Comm. Vincent on the “branding” and the Chamber being a partner with the community …He states the visitor center is the only one on the beach and offered his time and help with a plan… It is our understanding he had many other ideas of how to move to that next level..but did not bring them to the podium this evening….

Comm. Vincent thanked Mr. Clark for volunteering his time  and asked Paul about the separation of the Chamber and Welcome Center adding it was valid to ask for the Town to reduce funds if Broward County funded some…Paul replied they cannot count on the County…

The Mayor was told by the Int. TM the cost budgeted was to be $18,000…but later corrected that to add the Town employees etc….so the total including them and the budgeted monies asked for would be approx. $86,000

Comm. Clottey asked why it was difficult to separate the two entities and costs…Judy answered it would be too time consuming to come up with the split of telephone…paper…staples and such…”a nightmare”… It seems to this writer if the funding goes through as separate funding to only the WC that will need to be the case for the next year’s audit…

The figures provided by the Int. TM made VM Dodd insist the County needs to be “kicking in” with funds…

Comm. Vincent did not understand his fellow dais members and broke it down …(as if they didn’t get it!)…adding it was to take the stress off of Judy…and if they closed down the Chamber the building would sit empty as it wouldn’t be rented for years…Quite a leap!…

The Mayor cut him off at the pass stating she wanted a business plan…still…and it was not too much to ask for…

Comm. Sasser said it was a conundrum and they clearly understood what the Chamber was asking for what they needed to decide was the number that would be given…

They agreed to decide after the millage and the budget presentation… (see below)…

The decision to keep the $55,000 or reduce it was again introduced and Comm. Sasser tied it all up with the commentary of the what the Chamber was asking for…and the desire for Broward County funds to lead to a deduction from the Town’s share…

The Mayor added now she was in favor of the $55,000 but done quarterly adding in the Broward deduction as a part of it if funds came in…

Comm. Vincent countered her requirement by stating this was an appropriation after asking if funding quarterly gave the Town to reserve the right not to fund it the reports were not done.. but he did agree with funding less if Broward funded…

Comm. Clottey said she was reserving her final decision until she sees a business plan and allocation …She added a personal statement that she did not want the Chamber to give public monies to a charity as a donation (as happened last Christmas)…

So it appeared the direction was to keep the line item for the Chamber …rather the Welcome Center? …at $55,000 until a business plan was received for a final decision next month… and the Town and/or the Chamber would enlist some funding for the full time employee from the County..

BC- after his win over Beverly Kennedy this week to run as the democratic candidate for another term Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl must know he needs to make something ongoing happen to try and fully fund the $55,000 as a separated out entity that sits inside the Town owned Chamber building….on an ongoing basis…After all Comm. Clottey stated he was interested in funding the Artificial Reef Project last month…Voters should call or e-mail him and other Broward County Commissioners to add their voice to the need for County funding…

On a personal note…it is the hope of this writer that the Town consider a business development plan that includes the next level of the Chamber of Commerce in whatever feasibility study we pursue as part of the strategic plan for the future of this Town and that Yann Brandt is a part of that committee…

Chamber/Welcome Center link … http://www.lbts.com/chamber.html

As far as FY2010-2011 budget the Int. TM went over the backup provided …(link below)…She spoke of what they needed to do to retain the 3.999 millage the Commission wants kept in place… At the end of the discussions the Acting Finance Director, Doug Haag said we need to find another $153,330 dollars to get there …The Int. TM injected that figure stood only if the fire funds are legitimate as previously discussed (prev. post)….She covered the cuts in the cost of the auditor this next year …and having a portion for the fire department charged to the fire fund…The change in need for a Human Resources/Risk Management Manager (former HR Mgr. Kathy O’Brien’s position)…and that they were leaving $10,000 in for any consultant required …as well as the League of Cities cost of $2,000 for Risk management services …Town Topics was discussed and direction was given for 4 times a year…no more mailing…only at stores…Town buildings…Comm. Clottey stated she heard complaints about the last edition and the “glossy paper” being an extravagance..(Furths?)… Ms. Hoffmann said not so…and PIO D’Oliveira came to the podium as well to say no difference in the cost…Also direction came for Town e-alerts…(Include a Town Facebook as well) …Ms. Hoffmann spoke of the shift of funds from the Gen. Fund to the Fire fund …a new phone-I.T. system and new laptops for Commissioners to work with the new system…old ones would go to the Community Center…She touched on the agreeable interchanges with the VFD per President Ken Johnson and the cut in funding to $700,000 with the difference in an apparatus account…along with other contract changes such as percentage increases each year…all to be done after approval from the VFD members and re-negotiations…She spoke of the legalities in the funding of the beach patrol and EMS responses by VFD…She was incorrect in stating the VFD prevailed in instructing the Town it was allowable…That was done by Burton and Assoc. when inquired at last year’s fire assessment meeting… The gray area they touted was the VFD did not do medical procedures such as I.V.s …The beach patrol funds being in the Gen. Fund this year is confusing as Readers will remember the former TM being caught on this opened an account for paying that separately approx. 9 months after the fact at SunTrust (prev.post) and despite the fact that prev. VFD quarterly income/exp. reports (prev.VFD posts) showed the VFD was paying their members from fire assessment funds…On the donations from charities direction was given to have them show up and ask at the first meeting in Sept. as is customary…The Performing Arts was agreed to…and the TAtty. will proceed with what came up in the prior discussion…Comm Sasser had various questions on franchise fees and they were answered as a loss from people dealing in an ailing economy as well as legalities preventing any increase on the part of the Town…The improvements to the AC for the public safety building was accepted… The VFD was brought up once more… Rather funny that Comm. Clottey stated the cost was still too high without apparatus.(Hmmm…Furth-fed-led fallen out of favor w/ VFD?) …She directed a question of the contract being in place to the TAtty…. but the Mayor countered that for now both were at the table to possibly re-negotiate…On the subject of recreation the initial response was not to have a consultant (Ms. Margoles?) to help with the process behind the scenes as it was always done by volunteers… But 2010 Halloween Chair, Comm. Sasser disagreed and felt it would absolutely aid in the event’s volunteers to concentrate on the events… and was all for it..

BC- after the Greenfest fiasco…and the Furth’s packing up all the decorations for Easter and Halloween rather than donating them to the Town…Comm. Sasser is right on target… especially with Ms. Hoffmann’s ability to hire consultants and keep the budget in line as witnessed thus far…

The ending was as described above the dollars needed to keep the millage…and with 10 minutes left they began the Town Manager Application Workshop…and then decided after Comm. Clottey stated there was not enough time to discuss it…to move it to the meeting at 7 pm…(prev. post on the selection)…

The next Budget Meeting is on Sept. 14th…

Link to backup…http://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/town/backup2010WORK.htm

Link to meeting… http://lbts.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2

more to come…

Tags: FY 2010-2011 Budget Overview, Lauderdale By The Sea August 25 2010 Budget Workshop, Lauderdale By The Sea Community Theater to Return With 3 Plays/Sea Ranch Club Sewers And Future Town Wide Master Sewer Agreement With Pompano Beach/Lauderdale By The Sea Chamber Of Commerce & Welc, Scoops
Posted in Boards, LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local Politics, Scoops, Sea Ranch Club, VFD, local government, organizations

HILLSBORO INLET COMMISSION’S NEWLY PURCHASED WORK BOATS …

Dear Readers …Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Vice Mayor spoke at Commissioner Comments last night and gave his usual monthly update on the Hillsboro Inlet after attending the August meeting…”Hillsborough inlet took over their two new workboats which have finally arrived. They will be put into service immediately.”… At the July Commission meeting VM Dodd spoke of the purchase of new boats to move the dredger and other equipment…Photographed as they arrived to their destination on Monday Aug. 23, 2010…Your tax dollars at work…..

more to come….

Tags: Hillsboro Inlet Gets 2 New Boats, Scoops
Posted in Boards, Local Politics, Scoops, local government

CHANGE OF PLANS …

Dear Readers… just received word the Master Plan Steering Committee set for tomorrow night (Aug. 17th) at 7 pm in Jarvis Hall has been cancelled …An e-mail was sent out to the members and Commission by C0-Chair Edmund Malkoon this evening…

“Subject: Meeting Cancelled

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting Cancelled For Aug. 17 2010, Scoops
Posted in Boards, Scoops, local government

GUESS THEY LIKED THIS BETTER THAN A MONUMENT FOR COMMISSIONERS …

In an interview with Pompano Pelican (now online …see below) …in the Aug. 13, 2010 edition in an article written by Judy Vik about  the Artificial Reef Workshop (prev. posts)… “Meanwhile, since the commission workshop, nearly $9,000 has been donated toward completion of the project, according to Commissioner Birute Ann Clottey. Bob Roberts , a LBTS resident, donated $6,000 in memory of his wife Adrienne, who recently died. He is the former chair of the Citizens Initiative Committee.” (BC-and former Editor of the Furth -owned-now defunct BTSTimes) “Many  others have stepped forward with donations, Clottey said this week.”…

BC- What is not stated and we wonder if the donors are aware …are the requirements per the permits of this project…It is a research project with strict ongoing criteria to be met with the Town being held liable for any problems…(prev. post…backup to the A. R.workshop on Town website)… We could not take a “hatchet” and take it down at the end of the first year as Dr. Goreau so flippantly stated at the podium during that workshop…It is not just a “feelgood” project that will have Cry of the Water and Furth going out monthly to see that the buoy is floating…secured and powered up…They or whomever the Town employs over the next 5 years will need to do studies and reports using 4 control sites and taking video to turn over to the Army Corp. of Engineers and others… The Mayor and the other Commissioners correctly put the brakes on this long stagnant project which is now in breech on the part of GCRA per the contract…to ensure the Town is properly covered…and the permit from the Army Corp of Engineers was done properly due to a 200 ft. requirement that is not even possible to do…and last but not least…is the alternative going on right next door in Fort Lauderdale…while according to the Army Corp permit and Dr. Goreau himself (at the podium on July 28th) the Town owned buoy sits in the Furth’s parking space outside their motel on El Mar Drive…

The Monument reference came from the granite monument the Commission wanted erected for themselves…The idea for a monument  popped up the first time around the same time the Artificial Reef Project did and came to the forefront once again before the last election with a call for donations…It was on the Town’s website to the right of the homepage for quite a while …It’s gone now…It was also covered in the Sentinel and in Town Topics…in the Aug/Sept. 09 edition also available on the Town’s website…(see below)…
“Town seeks donations
for granite monument
The Town of Lauderdale-By-
The-Sea is seeking donations
from residents to help defray the
cost of building a granite monument
to honor all of the elected
officials who have served on the
Town Commission since 1947,
when the Town was incorporated.
The Commission said it wanted
to first ask residents in the
community for donations to help
defray the total cost of the project
to taxpayers
If you would like to make a
donation to this project, please
make out a check to the Town of
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and mail
to Town Hall, 4501 Ocean
Drive, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea,
FL 33308.
Please be sure to specify that
you want your contribution to go
toward the construction of the
granite monument honoring all
past and Town commissioners”

…………………

BC- Pretty funny…in looking for the monument info…in the same Aug/Sept 09 issue on pg. 3 was this…
“U.S. Corps of Army Engineers
approves fish habitat project

The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers recently awarded the
Town of Lauderdale-By-The-
Sea a federal permit to proceed
with its fish habitat project off
Commercial Boulevard.
The Broward County Environmental
Protection Department
is expected to award the
Town the final permit it needs (to
proceed) in September.
The construction of the
artificial reef, which was initially
discussed by the Town Commission
in July 2005 and approved
in June 2006, is expected
to start sometime in September.
The Town plans to construct
the artificial reef off Commercial
Boulevard south of the pier to
help boost local fish populations.
The Town approved a $64,500
contract with the Global Coral
Reef Alliance, a non-profit
organization, to build an artificial
reef with a solar-powered, lowlevel
electric current to help
stimulate coral growth.
The newest artificial reef will
be located near the Town’s
Snorkel Trail off Datura Avenue.
Dr. Thomas J. Goreau,
president of Global Coral Reef
Alliance in Cambridge, Mass.,
said scuba divers with Cry of the
Water, a local non-profit environmental
group, were responsible
for mapping the ocean bottom
where the reef will be located.
Goreau said the the goal of
the project is to restore the coral
reef fish habitat, which has
declined severely over the years.
The coral reefs off the Town’s
shores are extremely popular
with snorkelers and scuba divers.
The reason is simple: their close
proximity to the beach. A
snorkeler can be swimming over
a reef before he or she reaches
the end of the pier.

IN BIG BOLD LETTERS…IT STATES…

“Construction
of the fish
habitat
project is
expected to
start in Town
sometime in
September”

BC- September of what year?….That is the question….and of course we now know that pricetag was $76,000+ not the oft-touted $64,000 …OOPS!…

…………………

POMPANO PELICAN ISSUES NOW ONLINE….

http://pompanopelican.webs.com/

The Pelican comes out weekly and is delivered to a limited area of our town …making a consistent online edition a must for LBTS …Our area is covered by Reporter Judy Vik…The coverage of LBTS in the paper has been expanded in the last year…and Readers will recall the Pelican Special Edition coverage helped secure the 65% landslide last March…

It joins the By The Sea Future …the sole LBTS newspaper left standing after the last election….which now comes out the 3rd Friday of each month …It will be out this Fri. Aug. 20, 2010 in print throughout the town and always online …

http://www.bytheseafuture.org/

They join the newly expanded Town website …which is still undergoing some major improvements …in providing background …archived background…minutes…videos….and updated as well as the archived budget and justification sheets…

http://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/

Don’t forget the LBTS Chamber of Commerce that now posts its monthly newsletter online as well as other pertinent info…such as the Hurricane Seminar on Wednesday in Jarvis Hall…a combined program for the 1st time for the Chamber and the Town…

http://www.lbts.com/chamber.html

LBTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/TOWN OF LBTS….

EVERYONE IS INVITED!
HURRICANE SEMINAR
Wednesday, August 18
9:00 – 11:00am
Jarvis Hall, 4501 Ocean, LBTS

Special Guest Speakers
Jeff Beraradelli
WFOR/CBS4 Meteorologist

Chief Oscar Llerena
Broward Sherrif’s Office

Chief Steve Paine
LBTS Volunteer Fire Department

Seminar Brought To You By
The Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Chamber of Commerce
and
The Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Complimentary refreshments courtesy of
Aruba Beach Café,Sandra K. Booth
and the LBTS Chamber
Call 954-776-1000 for more information.

…………………

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH?…

The Int. TM sent a memo to LBTS-BSO Chief Llerena on Aug. 5, 2010

“Chief,

Please share the attached letter with Officer Melbourne and advise him that the Commission and I are very appreciative of the excellent customer service he & BSO provided this resident.”

The Letter..

7/28/2010

Dear Connie,

I am a longtime resident of our beautiful Lauderdale-By-The Sea. For the past few years I have been using my home as a vacation rental when I am up North. I have always had fabulous renters that left my home in excellent condition.

On May 31, 2010, I rented my home to XXXX XXXX. I didn’t have any indicattion that things would turn out as they did…

My housekeeper informed me that they were trashing my house–broken furniture, using furniture for ashtrays, running AC at 60 with doors open, plumbing issues etc.

After a frustrating run of phone call with XXX (and reports from my neighbors) I knew she needed to leave. The reports from the neighbors were concerning–cars coming and going at all hours, garbage issues, and suspicious behavior.

I spoke to the Town Manager and she referred me to the Sheriff’s office. I had the good fortune of meeting with Officer Melbourne. He took down all the information and said he would look into it.

He was fabulous–went to the house, interviewed the tenants, looked around inside. Turns out there were warrants for their arrest. With his encouragement they have now left my house. I am currently restoring it to its original prisitne condition. I do not have any plans on renting again!

Officer Melbourne could not have been any better. I truly felt like I had a big brother helping me get this unpleasant group of Gypsies out of my home.

He was kind, effective, and communicated with me along the way. I feel such comfort knowing that we have such outstanding, quality people protecting our homes and town.

Sincerely, Carolyn Zaumeyer”

BC- Readers …have seen Deputy Melbourne’s name posted often on this site over the last few years… as he offered the same quality service in other situations throughout the town… Kudos to Officer Melbourne and the BSO!…

………………..

YEAH, SURE SHE WAS THE BEST FINANCE DIRECTOR WE EVER HAD!…

We were made aware of a memo to the Commission last week which included a series of exchanges between the new Acting Finance Director Doug Haag and Int. TM Hoffmann concerning a disturbing find made by Mr. Haag in mid July…The Town’s Emergency Reserve Account…a checking account with $1.9 million in it…was a non-interest bearing account… He had SunTrust Bank review their files to see why this was not changed to an interest bearing account… Ms. Hoffmann asked if there was anything in the Code that required this to be a special kind of account and that could be the reason why it was a non-interest bearing account…Mr. Haag had June White search of the finance policies and they came across one that required the funds be set aside in a separate bank account but made no mention that would be construed as to putting them in a non-interest bearing account … Ms. Hoffmann notified the Commission that they were converted into an interest-bearing account in July and that at today’s interest rates for public funds which are 100% insured as opposed to the normal $250,000 coverage while not earning much 0.22% at least it’s something…She also stated she asked Mr. Haag to either negotiate a better rate with the bank or find a better one elsewhere… We also hear VM Dodd gave the TM some input on the penalty paid without negotiating for the line of credit repaid last year along with other banking concerns he had including the many different accounts and the rates and encouraged changes being made… We are sure there will be more to come on the bank accounts…

…………………

HAPPY “SEWER” YEAR …. THE BIG BAD “WOLF” IS COMING … IN JANUARY …

The Interim Town Manager updated the Commission concerning the sewer rate increase from Pompano Beach …(prev. posts)…The north end of town who pay Pompano directly have already been hit with an increase that began Aug. 1st…They received a letter to that effect…The Town determined that Pompano put an ad in the newspaper advising of their rate increase but was not required to sent it to customers… (Sorry to say , since arriving in Chicago…looking at the local page and public notices stopped for this writer…with long hours of babysitting…researching and writing into the wee hours…something had to give… perhaps the Pelican will start publishing them?)…The Town received a copy of the letter sent to the north end residents and also spoke to the Utilities Director for Pompano who indicated they had not yet done their calculations on how this will effect the Town’s master sewer agreement and he anticipated they will assign that work to their consultant in Oct. leaving it to appear that rates will not increase to the south until Jan. but when they come they will be substantial!… OUCH!…

BC-As previously posted this writer made PRR for the master sewer agreement and will post upon receipt…It is also imperative that the Town look into what we provided to Pompano by way of the new sewers in the north and if that should have brought the Town any relief in charges as well as the SRC debacle…

……………

JUST WHO WILL BE THE LBTS-VFD “BIG KAHUNA” FOR ONE YEAR OR TWO?….

We hear that the VFD will elect their new Chief in September as previously posted…. The other news is the VFD is considering changing its bylaws to make it a 2 yr position…Hmmm….there’s a lot of other bylaws and SOPs that need changing as well!… Newly elected Chief Steve Paine went on vacation this month right after his win…It is said it was planned…and his opponent for the Chief’s job Dep. Chief Padden will cover for him… Hmmm….. Will that lead to a shift when the vote come up again next month?… We also hear Paine has indicated he will significantly curtail the medical calls with a protocol change that will have no negative impact on resident safety and medical outcomes…

The Int. TM advised the Commission she has been meeting with the VFD Pres., acting treasurer (who is that? Silverstone?) and VFD Board …(prev. post) …discussing a variety of issues…those concerning the budget and the contract…along with audit results on qualifications…apparatus etc… The VFD is going to have to come to some changes in terms and so far seems to be concerned most with the funds kept for future apparatus in a Town only account…They are concerned a future change in the Commission could divert the monies elsewhere and want the funds only spent by mutual consent… The Town will confer with the Town’s attorney…Ms. Hoffmann is also having the Town Atty. look into the proper use of fire inspection funds…per a further inquiry from VM Dodd….He was informed as this writer was and has posted that State Statute does not allow for profits on fire inspections …more to come on this one as well on Aug. 25th at the 5 pm budget workshop before the only Regular Comm. mtg. in Aug…..

……………….

MPSC MEETS TOMORROW NIGHT ….TUES. AUG. 17, 2010 7 pm JARVIS HALL….

Unfortunately no agenda or backup is on the Town’s website as of this afternoon… We are told the Int. Asst. TM will again present the CIP …and perhaps there will be discussion on the 2005 Master Plan revisions and El Mar Drive (say it ain’t so!)… This writer sure hopes the meeting will be cancelled…due to the fact the Commission upon advice from the Int. TM did not direct the MPSC to begin the revisions until after the budgeted “Vision” is done…We are also told that a re-instituted CRA would require a broader input before the MPSC does any revisions… Therefore save the time and the money for the video and transcriber until September and further instructions…The CIP can be watched on the Town’s website on the archived video from the July 28, 2010 Comm. Roundtable and in the archived backup…Below are the links to the Peter J. Smith Co. website and the LBTS Master Plan…

http://www.pjscompany.com/home.html

LBTS Master Plan PDF  sheet with an interesting pic of just how many came to be involved ….

http://www.pjscompany.com/Urban_Design.html
………
BC- From Town Topics…April 2005 …(on Town Website…link above)…
“The Town’s Master Plan Steering Committee has worked hard during the past year reviewing proposals and recommendations that will
affect the future of our Town. The Town Commission first held a workshop with members of the original Master Plan Steering Committee on April 20, 2004.

The Commission agreed that the “T” — basically Commercial Boulevard from the Intracoastal Waterway to the ocean, including Basin Drive, and from State Road A1A to the ocean — should be a priority for study and recommendations.
Since that time, the committee has held 18 public meetings. It has also met jointly with the Planning and Zoning Board and three times with the Commission. The committee has discussed each of the proposed projects recommended by the Master Planners, prioritizing them as high, medium and low. The committee concentrated on El Mar Drive, primarily because of the impact of three redevelopment projects. After much discussion of various alternatives, it was decided to ask the Commission to consider:
• Placing overhead utilities underground.
• Installing a new drainage system.
• Reducing the two lanes of traffic
on each side of the median to one.
This would allow for construction
of 8-foot sidewalks, 4-feet of landscaping,
2-feet of curb and gutter, a
4-foot bicycle lane and a 12-foot
driving lane.

The Commission agreed to this concept and a Master Utility Plan is currently underway. Developers will be responsible for making these improvements to their properties fronting El Mar Drive Several meetings, including ones with the Town Commission and the Planning and Zoning Board, were devoted to discussing the Goodkin Report, an evaluation of the socioeconomic and land use issues facing the Town, particularly in light of the replacement of hospitality units with condominiums and townhouses. Goodkin Consulting’s recommendations are still part of an ongoing discussion among Town officials and residents. The Master Plan Steering Committee approved a design that was forwarded to the Commission by the Gateways Committee for placing 14-to 18-foot high pelican “totems” at entrances into Lauderdale-By-The-Sea on Commercial Boulevard and A1A. The concept was informally approved by the Commission. A conceptual plan for a pavilion at the end of Commercial Boulevard was also approved by the Master Plan Steering Committee and the Town Commission; it is currently in the design phase. The Committee was asked to make a recommendation on the location for a new public safety building for police and fire services. The Committee recommended this building be placed on the south side of Town Hall where the current Public Works Complex is located. The Town Commission placed a 180-day moratorium on a block between A1A and El Mar Drive, bordered by the alley south of Commercial Boulevard and Datura Avenue. the Committee indicated to town Planner Walter Keller, who’s preparing a study of three alternatives for this area, that retail on El Mar Drive would not be an appropriate use. ”

Time once again to fill up Jarvis Hall with those who attended last time and those who want to participate once more…..

more to come…

Tags: 2005 Master Plan In Town Topics, By The Sea Future onlin, Donations come in for Furth Buoy, Former Finance Director/TM Colon Had Emergency Reserves In Non-Interest Bearing Account, Laauderdale By The Sea BSO Dep. Melbourne Thanked for Job Well Done, Lauderdale By The Sea Chamber of Commerce online & Hurricane Seminar Aug. 18 2010, Lauderdale By The Sea Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting Aug. 17 2010, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Website, Pompano Pelican online, Scoops, VFD Chief's Position One Year Or Two?, Waste Rates Going Up In Lauderdale By The Sea South End In January
Posted in Boards, LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local News, Local Politics, Public Safety, Scoops, VFD, local government

THERE ISN’T ONE BIG ENOUGH …

Dear Readers…This is part 1 of a series of posts on where we find ourselves today in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and its future… This writer did some research while looking into the Sewer Enterprise Fund debacle that has left the Town in a precarious situation due to what appears to be some inside Town Hall decisions made by a chosen few in charge  …both in the administration and on the dais at the time while Broward County Property Appraiser records show one apparently owned in SRC at the same time …… We will be hit with a large increase in the south end for annual sewer rate increases that were never passed on over the last seven years …. Sea Ranch Club, unaware of any subsidy provided to them since the annexation in 1998, will be hit not only with the Pompano increases past and present but also from the availability charges being presently be covered by the Town per unit as well… Although it will be up to the Commission once all the facts are found… to decide if SRC should be on the hook for paying back 12+years of subsidy paid by the taxpayers …it is unlikely due to the circumstance and the sheer number of voters residing in the three buildings… Full disclosure, this writer lives in SRC and has since 1999…One thing I can tell you about SRC , is if they were presented with additional charges from Pompano from the get-go due to any lack of an agreement after annexation between LBTS and Pompano or the loss of a declaratory judgment as discussed at the special meeting held in 1997 if both municipalities could not come to terms…although at the present time , it appears that option was never followed through on … they would have passed it on to the residents… SRC regularly assesses its owners which is why the buildings were not among those along the ocean in need of major concrete restoration as seen up and down the coast over the last years… in this writer’s opinion…The subject of both SRC and the sewer rate increases will be discussed at the Aug. 25, 2010 5 pm Budget Meeting in Jarvis Hall along with the Town Manager search Workshop before the only Reg. Commission meeting at 7 pm…

OF NOTE: on pg. iv of the 2005-06 Adopted Annual Budget it states “We continue the testing,televising, and repairing of leaks in our aging sanitary sewer system to reduce infiltration and inflow and initiated preliminary discussions with the City of Pompano Beach for renewal of our 30-year Master Sewer Agreement in the South part of Town.”

BC- What was in that 30-year Master Sewer Agreement renewal?…This writer has made a PRR for it today…

In doing the digging for that sewer information, I found some background on the Town as a whole that brought back that sick familiar feeling I had shortly after the election in 2008 when I was co-campaign manager for the winning slate of BTSTimes endorsed /CIC backed candidates for the Commission and found out shortly afterward I was hoodwinked…with actions on the dais and the purchase of the crappy motel for a public safety complex…….Readers have read and heard many times from me throughout the past few years that I resolved to make it my mission to rectify what I helped to create… That came to fruition this year with the ouster of that majority and the big win of the BTSFuture endorsed/UOT backed slate of candidates with a 65% landslide victory…

The former Town Manager …Asst. Town Manager…HR/Risk Manager were terminated while Finance Dir. King resigned …Today, there is no viable CIC-  PAC to be seen (In fact, their newly elected Chair Pomareda has had her house on the market for over a month ) …. The By The Sea Times Newspaper met its demise right after the huge loss for their candidates (with that last candidate issue is still left online) and went out of publication for a second time with the second owners, the Furths  …Any political maneuverings from Town Hall East  (Furth’s Blue Seas Motel on El Mar Drive…the one with the Taxpayer’s $50,000 yellow buoy in front)  ….are all but finished as well with one exception being one leftover supportive Commissioner with her white Prius still seen parked there regularly and seen holding onto her active Blackberry and said to be on the receiving end of some Furth directives during actual meetings in Jarvis Hall…. That’s all well and good but it appears now I have something else to set my sights on to rectify … and that is the future of the town as a whole …..from the infrastructure on up… with planned re-development….

What Comm. Sasser calls “piecemealing”…I call “band-aids”… This Town can no longer use anymore band-aids to fix the problems we are faced with as we re-visit and revise the Town’s Master Plan (MPSC meets next Tues. Aug. 17th at 7pm Jarvis Hall) … There isn’t one big enough to do the job!…..

It was particularly interesting to see what transpired at the time of that last Master Plan accepted by the Commission in 2005 and what came with it …the Economic Task Force and the CRA… It is disheartening to see once again how so much hard work was decimated both politically and literally due to the perfect political “foils” being available to aid in the ruse that ended it when left in the hands of the former Town Manager … leaving LBTS 5 years later in the exact same spot…having the exact same conversations…on how to move forward…UGH!…

In the 2005-2006 Adopted Annual Budget former Town Manager Baldwin wrote his “Budget Message” to the Commission and included the following on page ix-x

“Redevelopment

In conjunction with the appointment of a Master Plan Steering Committee, the Town continues to pursue the development of a Master Plan. As directed by the Commission, the Master Plan Steering Committee submitted a Master Plan prepared by Peter Smith, Inc. for the Commission’s consideration. After several reviews and joint meetings, the Town Commission approved the master Plan.

The Master Plan focuses on various improvements securing and promoting the public welfare of the citizens and residents of the Town. The Plan takes into consideration such issues as drainage, traffic control, the viability of the downtown business district, plans for ensuring the continued success of the hospitality trade, redevelopment within the Town, transportation, and provisions for improvements to the Town’s infrastructure.

In FY 2004-2005, the Commission moved forward by preparing and scheduling a variety of improvements listed in the Master Plan. Specific improvements being targeted are the “gateway” entrance-into-town feature; the redesigning of El Mar Drive to address pedestrian safety, drainage, and underground utilities; townwide swale maintenance and reconfiguration to address proper drainage; and, the completion of a unified land development plan.

Additionally, in FY2004-2005, the Town Commission undertook and Economic Feasibility Study by Goodkin and Associates. This study, too, was reviewed by the Master Plan Steering Committee and submitted to the Commission. The findings, which encourage the redevelopment of Commercial Boulevard and El mar Drive as a local entertainment destination, serve as a catalyst and guideline for the Town redevelopment efforts.

The Town is moving strongly into high-quality redevelopment. Improved infrastructure, updated zoning protection, new buildings with improved architecture, increased beautification, a healthy and economically viable business district all contribute to a healthy municipality. When done properly, the Town residents’ taxed will remain low and services high. If there is no redevelopment, the alternative will be higher taxes and reduced quality of life.”

FY 2010-2011 …. the Master Plan needs to be more than revised…It needs the CRA to be resurrected first by the new Commission and new Administration along with our present community now free of factions and their fear-mongering ….to make sure that 5 years from now LBTS is not still in the exact same spot…having the exact same conversations…on how to move forward… UGH!…

more to come….

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea and 5 Lost Years of Re-development, Scoops
Posted in Boards, Civic Organizations, Local Politics, Scoops, local government

KEEPING UP ….

Dear Readers… as you all know by now… Lilly time is all encompassing…but behind the lull on my site….are contacts that still continue with an uptick from some I have not heard from for quite some time … a most welcome surprise….due in most part to the recent Colon settlement/ release …the 2010/11 budget….the Master Plan revision/bathrooms on the beach and the Broward Judge races ….

Looks like this writer has a lot of behind the scenes agreement about nothing ever changing when it comes to the “hot topics” in LBTS and also the “teeter-totter” that is also called the dais…It has become more and more apparent sans the Int. TM seat at the far end of the south end of it…the middle seat (Mayor) and those to her left seem to be carrying the load when it comes to doing their homework and providing clear and decisive commentary… Could we call it the “curse” of the Silverstone side of the dais with some of the “Silverstone” type statements coming from Comm. Vincent …Case in point his comment about the bathrooms which he promised to bring forth and had second (3rd and 4th thoughts on)..he stated it was “My pet -peeved project”!… That stuff cannot be swept away without being a hypocrite and sweeping it under the rug…for a good laugh or two…As far as Clottey…”Clueless” and perhaps violating some rules on “Blackberry” use on the dais and at the Roundtable…Hmmm…. Perhaps,Town Hall East is not quite as “moot” or “Mute”  as many think it is?….

The Broward County judge races are in full force and former Mayor Oliver Parker running against Judge Gillespi is in the Sun Sentinel and online…We are hearing the concerns this writer had about his signs being up around Town may actually be a repeat of what we saw in the last 2 Town elections of 2008 and 2010….out there to appease but not what will happen in the voting booth!…Parker has stated he did not know his opponent was black…but follows it up with the comment he researched who was the weakest judge to run again…Hmmm…either he is lying or it shows how poor a researcher he is! …His name has been front in center in Jarvis Hall and Town Hall as well these days …attached to behind the scenes “deals” to the SRC sewer subsidy where he owns not one but 2 units we are told and may have benefited… the SRL land in front of their gate house deal…the Wings parking lot deal and the annexation…Palm Club deal…Michael Mayo printed the other day Parker’s comment that some years he makes money and some he does not and he does alright…He printed he made $156,000 in GM bonds…He did not print that Parker supposedly lost $5 million and a Google of Oliver Parker GM Bond Hearing New York produces 2 articles of his lawyering skills that should give all voters pause, in this writer’s opinion… BSO backs his opponent…

We hear the Chamber liaisons are putting together a presentation for the Commission…It does seem to this writer the Welcome Center needs to get a politically correct “green” person to speak about the environment to get a pass on specifics for funding …such as the Artificial Reef Project and the Marine Park…After all no problem from ponying up the bucks for these to pet “peeved” projects…but wall keep going up for the real tourist connection to out Town!…Perhaps resident Yann Brandt at the podium and on the Chamber’s Board will fit the bill….pun intended…..More on this one to come…

So Colon walked away from Town after we hear she might have received the “whoopin” so many wanted the former TM to receive in court…in mediation…Put in her place by the Mediator ….and don’t forget she’s still on the hook to pay her attorneys … Some who called this writer in the last few days have stated …the clause of no comment for any recommendation if called by her next employer won’t matter word has been spreading for quite some time about her with what she left in her wake with former employees …vendors …and of course the aftermath with the overpayment…and of course there is always Google!…

What about Olinzock and O’Brien…we have heard they might have been planning a discrimination suit against the Town …but can that even fly after the Colon settlement/release even if their was a shred of validity to any such charges…which there is not..in this writer’s opinion…The real question is in the “merry-g0-round” world of municipal government managers and department heads…will someone like Miami Lakes put theri heads in the sand and hire Colon?…And will she bring her loyal “crew” along…if they are still loyal?…Keeping up on this one for sure…

The bathrooms now off  CIP in 2010 …producing some very grateful NIMBY -ists and the Master Plan revision now pushed up in its place have brought forth the reminder of the Colon-McIntee- Furth “torpedoed” CRA in 2007 which was headed by resident David Nixon and killed because people such as this writer were bamboozled by fears spread from that contingency of bulldozers due to misinterpretations of the CRA process and the “blight” representations the CRA committee stated in LBTS as we also watched the many bad acts coming out of Town Hall from former Mayor Parker and the former Town Clerk…  Time to take another look?….

This weekend will be a time to catch up for this writer on the multi-meetings of last Tues/Wed. … There’s alot to “noodle” as Comm. Sasser likes to say…

More to come….

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea, Scoops
Posted in Boards, LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local Politics, Scoops, local government

BE CAREFUL OF THE PITS …

Dear Readers … The LBTS-MPSC met Tues. night and met with some successes and some not so much … Chair Paul Novak after taking the role (all members were present) stated he had a few comments and that member Sandra Booth had indicated she had some as well before they began.. He stated he was glad all the members were present and starting in a timely manner…He asked that become the norm and that timeliness continue during the meeting with a limit of 3 minutes per speaker and the meeting itself ending in an hour and a half (8:30pm) … Sandra Booth the longest member of the MPSC spoke on the time issue as well stating a 2 hour maximum with a 3 minute limit per speaker that could be enacted and adhered to with an assist by the the member to the speakers right keeping track and letting them know time is up…She stated it is a practice used in other municipalities successfully… She went on to discuss what a wonderful Commission we have and the committee appreciates when they are in attendance (an opening salvo to comments made at the prior meeting about the need for independence and not being influenced  by Commissioners speaking at their meetings made by Co-Chair Edmund Malkoon …this reared up again  at the end of the meeting with Malkoon digging himself into a deeper hole…see below…Thank you, Ms. Booth) … Ms. Booth spoke of the 2004 Master Plan and what ” a gift to the Town” it was…reminding all the Commission will be giving it over tom them in August or September to begin the revision process (We hear Comm. Sasser has put it on the net agenda to give that direction)…She spoke of the timelines and deadlines and breaking off into smaller groups which is allowable if publicly noticed to aid meeting both…She also brought up a subject near to this writer’s heart and posted many time before Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk  Dean of Architecture U of Miami …She came years ago and was summarily dismissed by the members of the committee at that time who in this writer’s opinion were too shortsighted what was sitting in front of them thanks to Sandra Booth …  http://arc.miami.edu/people/faculty/elizabeth-plater-zyberk …. Unfortunately Ms. Booth’s preamble also fell on deaf ears as the meeting moved forward to once again “piecemeal” projects in our town… Chair Paul Novak concurred with Ms. Booth and reminded all that Comm. Sasser alluded to it at the Roundtable ..(prev. post)… He then stated the Commission wanted the committee to address the bathrooms by the beach and location so he was moving it up on the agenda with the powerpoint presentation that was played at the July 14th Roundtable being played for them by Int. Asst. TM Bud Bentley and Dir. of Development Jeff Bowman…

Mr Bentley asked the members to state their names before speaking for a new contractor who will be doing the board minutes and those minutes will then be submitted to the committee for their approval… This writer contacted the PIO and he believes it is a contracted service for boards only…not a part of Granicus or to be used by the Commission…This writer would like to know the cost involved in making such a change and the benefit of doing so…I was all for the meetings being recorded and kept online rather than streamed and gone … and pushed for that for 3 years (the MPSC meetings being videoed and then brought back after the former TM stopped it were a result of this writer asking it be put on the agenda for the Comm. to vote on)…but this is a little over the top if  it’s at a high cost to taxpayers…The archived video would be sufficient with  the MPSC continuing to take the minutes on their own and Colleen from Development doing the P & Zs…

Bud Bentley and Jeff Bowman showed the committee the powerpoint which was done with narration recorded by PIO Steve D’Olveira… They narrowed down the four original locations to the two the Commission indicated they were leaning toward at the July 14th Roundtable …El Prado Park and the Pier Alleyway…in two locations …either in the alley near the exit from the Pier or nearer to the beach…They added a third site..the El Mar Parking lot.. …after it was suggested Mr. Bentley said…(Wayne Dillistin from Interior Digs was the 1st to propose it as shown in a text as the meeting was going on…prev. post)… The pre-fab units are compliant to all required conditions and the cost is $150,000 … Marjorie Evans asked it the police had been consulted for where the safest location was stating that  Pompano Beach “has alot of things going on that are not cool”…The response was only that the BSO wanted security such as good lighting…  Paul Novak asked about the cost per unit and/or per location …There was a disagreement between Ken Kuglar and Edmund Malkoon over the Commissions direction and whether it was limited to location only or included if the bathrooms should be put in this year… Ken said both…Edmund said location only… No one stepped forward to clarify …Paul decided they should go ahead and come up with two locations to give back to the Commission… Edmund began with his “research” and stated he went out took pictures and ended up at the El Mar Parking Lot after realizing the Pier alley was not allowed due to it being a utility easement…The Int. Asst. TM and Dir. Bowman did not address that statement…Malkoon also cited safety issues with the alley and turtle lighting…He also addressed the comments from Ken Kuglat concerning Comm. Sasser wanting a plan in place stating the alleys are in the 2004 Master Plan as being pedestrian walkways …He stated his preference was different than the one shown on the powerpoint (up front in the lot) He wanted the SW corner … Bob Eckblad thought El Prado Park was the logical choice for use and discounted storefronts and the alleyway… Ken Kuglar did not want any bathrooms on the east side of the road and spoke at length about the green area and the obstruction of views if put in El Prado Park ..(the suggested site was on the south side by the Minto Clubhouse)…He too brought up the utility easement problem with the alley by the Pier (no discussion about the long overdue access to exit from the Pier Parking Lot and how the bathroom in either alley location would impede that from happening)… He stated the majority of the traffic is around the pier…Full disclosure Mr. Kugler lives in Minto and though I don’t blame him for not wanting the bathrooms by his residence I do agree with the Reader who suggested Minto build some to blend in with their next oceanfront property and the Town needs to update the entry to the beach from there at the same time…There is alot of traffic to the beach there as well…Jim Rogers stated briefly the parking lot (El Mar) …John Panitsas went beyond the pale once again suggesting the portal Washingtonia…Pine…Datura and Palm…YIKES!…He did not think south Commercial was “suitable”…and not the parking lot .. due to crossing the street…Helene Wetherington asked if staff looked at the other locations…(NO!)…agreed with Kugler about obstructing views …like “Edmund’s location”…and added signage was needed …no pier…no storefront …and El Prado Park should “stay on the table”… Marjorie Evans…parking lot…Sandra Booth spoke of the need to be “five to ten year thinkers”and spoke of the Bougainvilla Parking Lot for when the town develops and extends into that portion of town…Paul Novak stated the “heaviest bathers are by the pier” and did not like the idea of “mothers dragging kids across the street”…He wanted between Oriana and the pier…Full disclosure Mr. Novak’s hotel is on the north side of the pier with an alley and for sure the pier owners and Oriana owners are gonna wonder why not on his side?… Ken Kugler wanted to know if bathrooms were a priority (we are hearing the answer this year is no!)…Helene suggested they write down their top two choices and inquired if it would be of benefit for more analysis ..”one more round”… Ken said to “go around the table”…This was the moment that we heard something new…Int. Asst. TM Bentley stated this choice would be the first location and there would be others… HUH?… Marjorie spoke of “Knockin’ the parking lot out”…Ken said the priority location is downtown and we currently have bathrooms behind Jarvis Hall…Bob asked about the El Prado Parking lot…and that was quickly jumped on for the location being viewed by Minto owners on the south side of the parking lot and eventually the north.. Paul stated the El Prado Park “johns” would be camouflaged..and while Ken agreed he held fast to his statement about that park being the “most open vista” in town…Paul said downtown first and see what happens with it..if the town grows Washingtonia..Pine Ave and develop west sometime down the road… John spoke of separating the downtown areas ..pedestrian malls and walkways…this was for the beach…and spoke of being “pioneers downtown”… Ken Kuglar added this was for special events and to assist the restaurants as well…

The vote Sandra- Bougainvilla Parking Lot/ Edmund- El Mar Parking Lot SW corner/ Bob- El Prado park/ Ken-El Mar Parking Lot/ Jim El Mar Parking Lot/ John- El Prado Park/ Helena- El Mar Parking Lot/ Marjorie- El Mar Parking Lot/ Paul- Alley-Oriana….5 fro El Mar Parking Lot …no discussion on which location in the lot…

Public comments…Diana Kugler (member Ken’s wife) spoke of the uses being to help the restaurants and special events/ Frank Herrman like Sandra Booths idea / Diane Boutin also like Sandra Booth’s Bougainvilla Parkin Lot location and spoke of the pitfalls of bathrooms and times they are open/Louis Marchelos spoke of the problems with the pier alley reiterating the turtle light and safety issues stating El Mar Parking Lot would accommodate walkers and special events…Full disclosure Mr Marchelos owns the Pier and restaurant and wants the alley reopened for traffic…

Back to the committee there was discussion over the alleyway by El Mar and the public input was addressed as well (thanks to Ken Kugler) …Some committee members took that to heart …and put that 2nd on their list…There was some brief discussion on the self cleaning…pay to enter models (prev. post)…and the decision was pre-fab…In the end it was El Mar Parking Lot (2 possible locations) and Bougainvilla…

After is was a real plus to this writer to hear Int. Asst. TM Bentley ask Paul Novak to add him onto the Aug. agenda for the committee to discuss the 5 year Capital Improvement Plan which will be discussed next week with the Commission….Could this mean he plans on staying in Town?… This writer has only heard positive feedback on Mr. Bentley!

Paul went to the El Mar project next and added it was “the neverending project”… It should be the “backburner projects” for reasons previously posted …anchoring properties that need some inspections…and a revised Master Plan…Unfortunately rather than cut it short and take heed to both Sandra Booth and Comm. Sasser…the committee went there again…John Panitsas spoke about the one-lane two-lanes and repeated much of wwhat he covered in the past assisted by his sketches…(prev. post/ online Town website in MPSC backup)… Ken Kugler offered an “olive branch” to his fellow members and spoke of a compromise with sketch 8 which offered a multi-purpose lane…(nothing new it was offered up by Comm. Silverstone and presented by Ocampo last year…Marjorie Evans said “I accept your olive branch”…Bob Eckblad stated that Ocampo offered it up last year with stamped asphalt 8ft. sidewalks and 10 ft. lanes…Edmund thanked John and spoke of his e-mail and stated he hoped they received it that day…(prev. post)…He then spoke about 2 lanes on A1A and repeated Ken Kuglar’s statement of El Mar being the “jewel of the Town”…Paul asked how you keep people  (in cars) off the multi-use lanes that color would not be enough…John stated temporary dividers could be used in the beginning until people got use to it…ARGH..More talk from John about backout parking and event parking going on to talk of building a garage on the Bougainvilla Parking Lot …(nothing new in LBTS…I think this is about where I came in …in 2005 and 2006!)… later on Diana Kugler and Frank Herrman wanted the multi-purpose lane to be the inside lane by the medians (shades of a median walkway) …due to backout parking…while others want it by the sidewalks.. and after some more discussion Paul stated he appreciated the “Olive branch” and thanked Ken …and the committee would send 6 items with a change to a multi-purpose lane to the Commission…

To that, this writer says …this is the “pits”!…While I am glad there can be compromise found in Town committees…I wish the committee would have taken a pass on both items until they receive and revise the Master Plan…They are continuing on with “piecemealing” Lauderdale-By-The-Sea with special pet projects…. How can you possible justify spending money on an experiment to stamp and color the street when you have not addressed the revision issue?…How can you do anything until you know what Minto is doing? …Readers will remember the road while Minto did the first tow phases …it was a torn up mess…And also at issue still…most members sitting at the table who are talking about the “dangers” of backout parking etc…have never walked El Mar Drive during peak walking times…This writer was a regular and knows plenty of others…..No one has been hit by a backout driver…and all have emphatically stated they will continue to walk in the street …as they always have…no matter what is done to it …

At public comments Vice Mayor Dodd came up to speak and stated he applauded the committee for the job they were doing and he wanted to give the reasons for why Commissioners attend their meetings…(due to Edmund Malkoon’s comments last meeting)….to see the consensus and implement it..He said there is no influence and while he thinks “going to one lane is political suicide he told them the solution you’re coming to is absolutely terrific”…Ken Kugler spoke up about the Commissioner issue stating he should have at the previous meeting where the suggestion was made Commissioners should not make comments and he would like to retract that although he did not make the comment…He did not see Commissioners input as being unduly influencing and the Commissioners are the decision makers …that committee members have the wherewithal to make up their own minds… Paul stated the Commissioners, Mayor and public are welcome and there is no influence put on the committee… Edmund Malkoon asked to address this due to the comments coming from him and stated he had his previous statements because he thought this would come up…

He stated…

I never said Commissioners were not welcome. While I support Commissioners to attend these meetings my concern and it still is and you can have a difference of opinion and that’s fine but these committees are supposed to remain independent and the real problem that I had it wasn’t even making comments. The real problem was to be given direction by a Commissioner without all of the Commissioners being present and voting on the issue. That was my main concern and if you say that the opinions don’t influence you just FYI what is the reason why you’re sitting there? It’s because you were appointed by Commissioners. So in the back of your head you’re gonna say let me, maybe let me show that I’m doing a good job and you could be, you put me here for the right reason and that could be reason enough. But you can have a difference of opinion and the whole purpose of these committees is we all have a say in that. Otherwise there’s no purpose in having a committee.

Ken Kugler wanted to respond and Paul said that was it after he spoke…Ken said we should not forget we serve at the pleasure of the Commission and that the Commission can agree or not agree with the committee on an issue …He went on to say he did not think any of the members lack the fortitude to resist the influence and he believed those that appointed them trusted them and ended with stating the Commissioners should be free to comment….(Thank you, Mr. Kugler)….

Paul said “case closed”…Hmmm…..

BC- not so fast…this writer received a rambling e-mail from Mr. Malkoon at 1:30 am …and he expressed his displeasure with some of my previous posts …

He began with expressing his disappointment  and anger over my writing about him saying my reporting was inaccurate and unfair to him and that I need to create division to interest readers or maybe I don’t like” a strong person who’s making  a name for himself”…He said that many have stopped reading my blog because of my “attacks” on him and Comm. Vincent and that the UOT criticized me at their last meeting…He said people had contacted me about my posts on him and Chris ..He did not like that I said the idea for El Mar Parking Lot came from Wayne…He said he never spoke to Wayne and that at the Roundtable he came up with Bougainvilla Parking Lot…( OK …that’s not El Mar Lot)…He said he looked around and arrived at the El Mar Lot this week and after he did Louis Marchelos called him with the same location and they had Bud Bentley come there Mon. night to see it…And anyhow, stated Edmund no one else came up with the SW corner… (And that proves what exactly?)… He went on to the e-mails I posted about stating he sent his to fellow members without going through Town and without a do not reply (this was addressed by Paul and Ken at the meeting as well …advising not to do it)..He stated that John Panitsas also sent e-mail directly to members…(I was informed yesterday John’s was through the Town)..He stated he sent the e-mail because two fellow members wanted more background…(how did he know that when one was not at the last MPSC meeting?)…He said do not respond or reply was not required He stated he was the only one who got the agendas and backup online (many laid the groundwork for this …long before the receptive new administration…and as stated above at what cost with a contracted minute taker?)…He went on to the Commissioner at MPSC comments and again stated he never said Commissioners are not welcome…(sure sounded like it)…He stated he will emphatically defend his opinion and stated that VM Dodd’s remarks were case in point that evening in his one lane political suicide comment..(he left out the kudos for the committees solution that followed that statement from the VM)…He went on to state my actions are going to “backfire” on me and I am “boxing myself in” the CIC will not support me and UOT is “growing wary” …He said the more I “attack” him and Chris the more people are fond of them and UOT will always support Chris because they chose him and he is not McIntee who people wanted out..He ended by saying I told him I would love to help in 2012 (not the exact exchange I remember) and he hoped I would change to be the person he knew”..

I responded to Mr. Malkoon yesterday morning after reading his e-mail…

You are certainly entitled to your opinions as am I.
I did try and talk to you and could not disagree more with you on your actions since being appointed.
I made it clear after the election I go back to writing on what each person does in their elected or appointed position
You are correct I did hear from a few UOT members and their take was they wish I would not have written about certain people but agree on the content of what was written.
As for 2012 I think you already realize I would never back you after what I have seen thus far.
The rest of what you wrote sounds very much like what I heard in the past from others who feel  NIMBY, politically speaking.
I will continue to write and people as always have the choice to read or not.
More to come”

Although Mr. Malkoon ended his first e-mail by stating it would be his last…it was not and he shot another one back about an hour after receiving my response…it too was rambling and disagreed with my reply…he also indicated that I could not post his e-mails…which means posting them not various overviews of the content.. as I have done…I sent him back another response  e-mail …

“Agree to disagree”

He sent back once more stating “yes”…

Dear Readers… again, nothing is new in LBTS…This e-mail was like a flashback to 2008 and e-mails I received from CIC members for posting my opinions and using their CIC backed Commissioner /Board member’s own words  to back them up… I will continue to write and as stated in my e-mail to Mr. Malkoon…you can read my blog or not..your choice…As for my readership…  there has been a steady uptick since the election…most likely I believe due to the fact that I do not stifle or sway my opinions no matter who the elected/appointed person is and which faction he or she came from…

more to come….

Tags: Angry Appointed Member, Lauderdale By The Sea July 20 2010 Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting El Mar Drive Lanes? Public Bathrooms, Scoops
Posted in Boards, LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local Politics, Scoops, local government