“IF IT WALKS LIKE A DUCK”……. VICE MAYOR JERRY MCINTEE DEC. 2009 ….

Dear Readers….. as previously posted we heard  Vice Mayor McIntee asked for and received a leave of absence from the VFD to assist Commissioner Silverstone in his re-election. The action made this writer take a second look at the newly enacted campaign ordinance put into place by the present commission in January of 2009. In the new ordinance it appears the VFD and its members as contracted vendors to the Town, appearing on the Town’s current vendor list fall under…. “ARTICLE II. TOWN COMMISSION* Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida – Code of Ordinances
…2, 5-11-04) Sec. 2-25. Campaign finance restrictions. (a) General prohibition of campaign contributions by Town vendors, disqualification…give, solicit for, deliver or provide a campaign contribution directly or indirectly…”….and as such are subject to follow it. …I sent an inquiry to address this issue to the Town Manager and the Commissioners today. I also asked if there was an added possibility of breaking Sunshine for Comm. Silverstone and Vice Mayor McIntee in discussing items alone or being in rooms campaigning while Comm. Silverstone is discussing items that will be brought to the dais over the next two months….I asked  Commissioner Dodd prior to my e-mail being sent to the Town and Commissioners to put this item on the Jan. 26, 2010 agenda and he said he would. I further asked the Town to put a copy of my inquiry in the Vice Mayor’s box due to his “no-e-mail” on the Town website…The e-mail and the ordinance are below with a link to the Muni-code…

…………………………………………………..

“martai@lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov

roseannminnet@lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov

biruteannclottey@lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov

stuartdodd@lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov

jimsilverstone@lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov

Dear Town Manager Colon, Commissioners and Attorney Trevarthen:
It has come to my attention that Vice Mayor McIntee has asked for and received an “exemption” from service in the VFD for a month to concentrate and assist Commissioner Silverstone in his campaign for re-election.
I would like the Town and the Commission to inquire if this is a conflict on two fronts.
First, is there a Sunshine problem for 2 Commissioners to be discussing issues or be in rooms during the campaign together with the candidate discussing issues that are to be discussed on the dais.
Second, and more important is the possible conflict under the new campaign restrictions enacted by the commission in 2009. As you can see from the below ordinance no vendor can give, solicit or indirectly provide campaign contributions directly or indirectly to a candidate, or to the campaign of a candidate for the offices of Mayor or Commissioner. This is in effect and I cannot see how a member of the VFD can campaign with Commissioner Silverstone. The Vice Mayor’s ” exemption” does not mean the Vice Mayor is no longer a VFD member, it means he will not vote or participate while on leave. As a member of the VFD he is a vendor contracted with the Town and I believe falls under the restrictions stated in the ordinance, as the VFD is on the Town’s vendor list.
I am also curious if Commissioner Silverstone also falls under the same restrictions, as he too is a contracted vendor to the town as a VFD member.
I await the Town’s response and that of the Commission.
I want to make it clear I am asking the Town and the Commission, not the Town Attorney. If the Town and the Commission decide to get a legal opinion from the Town Attorney that would be at the expense of the Town, and not at my personal expense.
I await an answer to my concerns and have asked one commissioner to put this item on the next agenda to address.
Please see that Vice Mayor McIntee receives a copy of this inquiry due to his not having a town e-mail.
Thank you, Barbara Cole

The Muni-Code-Town Website below

1. ARTICLE II. TOWN COMMISSION* Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida – Code of Ordinances
…2, 5-11-04) Sec. 2-25. Campaign finance restrictions. (a) General prohibition of campaign contributions by Town vendors, disqualification…give, solicit for, deliver or provide a campaign contribution directly or indirectly…
Sec. 2-25. Campaign finance restrictions.
(a) General prohibition of campaign contributions by Town vendors, disqualification, definitions.
(1) a. No vendor shall give, solicit for, deliver or provide a campaign contribution directly or indirectly to a candidate, or to the campaign committee of a candidate, for the offices of Mayor or Commissioner. Commencing on the effective date of this section, all proposed Town contracts, as well as requests for proposals (RFP), requests for qualifications (RFQ), requests for letters of interest (RFLI), or solicitations of bids issued by the Town, shall incorporate notice of this section so as to notify potential vendors of the proscription embodied herein.
b. No candidate or campaign committee of a candidate for the offices of Mayor or Commissioner, shall deposit into such candidate’s campaign account any campaign contribution which is received directly or indirectly from a vendor or which such candidate or campaign committee knows or should know was solicited by or for a vendor or delivered or provided by a vendor. Candidates or those acting on their behalf shall ensure compliance with this Code section by confirming through examination of the official vendor list maintained by the Town to verify the vendor status of any potential contributor. A candidate or the campaign committee of a candidate shall not be in violation of this paragraph b. if the vendor was not listed as a vendor on the Town’s official vendor list at the time that the contribution was received or deposited so long as the candidate or the campaign committee of a candidate did not know that the person or entity was a vendor of the Town.
(2) Each prohibited act of giving, soliciting for, delivering or providing a campaign contribution or depositing a campaign contribution in violation of this section shall constitute a separate violation. All contributions deposited into a candidate’s campaign account in violation of this section shall be forfeited to the Town’s general revenue fund.
(3) a. A person or entity, other than a then existing vendor, who directly or indirectly makes a campaign contribution to a candidate who is elected to the office of Mayor or Commissioner shall be disqualified for a period of 12 months following the swearing in of the subject elected official from serving as a vendor with the Town. A then existing vendor who directly or indirectly makes a contribution to a candidate who is elected to the office of Mayor or Commissioner, shall be disqualified from serving as a vendor with the Town for a period of 12 months from a final finding of a violation of this section, or from the time of action on a waiver request by the Town Commission pursuant to paragraph b. below, in the event that a waiver is sought by the vendor. In the event that such waiver request for a particular transaction is granted, the affected vendor shall nonetheless be disqualified from serving as a vendor with the Town as to any other goods, equipment or services to be provided by the vendor to the Town, beyond the vendor goods, equipment or services which are the subject matter of any waiver which is granted. In the event such waiver request is denied for a particular transaction, the 12-month disqualification period shall continue to apply to both the particular transaction for which the waiver was sought, as well as all other vendor activities for the provision of goods, equipment or services to the Town during that 12-month period.
b. For purposes of this section, the term “disqualified” shall be defined to include:
1. Termination of a contributor/vendor’s existing contracts with the Town, subject to the applicable waiver provisions of paragraph (b) herein; and
2. Disqualification of a contributor’s response to solicitation requests for prospective vendor contracts with the Town, subject to the applicable waiver provisions of paragraph (b) herein.
(4) As used in this section:
a. Vendor.
1. A “vendor” is a person and/or entity who has been selected by the Town as the successful bidder on a present or pending bid to provide to the Town goods, equipment or services, or has been approved by the Town on a present or pending award to provide to the Town goods, equipment or services, prior to, upon or following execution of a contract, or purchase order.
2. “Vendor” shall include natural persons and/or entities that hold a controlling financial interest in a vendor entity. The term “controlling financial interest” shall mean the ownership, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the outstanding capital stock in any corporation or a direct or indirect interest of ten percent or more in a firm. The term “firm” shall mean a corporation, partnership, business trust or any legal entity other than a natural person.
3. “Vendor” shall include a labor union whose members provide labor services for a vendor entity.
4. “Vendor” shall not include Town officers or employees.
5. For purposes of this section, “vendor” status shall terminate upon completion of performance of the agreement for the provision of goods, equipment or services.
b. Services. For purposes of this section, the term “services” shall mean the rendering by a vendor through competitive bidding or otherwise, of labor, professional and/or consulting services to the Town, including, but not limited to, the provision of lobbying services to the Town.
c. Campaign contributions. The term “campaign contribution” shall have the meaning which is ascribed to the term “contributions” pursuant to F.S. § 106.011, as amended.
(b) Waiver of prohibition.
(1) Criteria for waiver. The requirements of this section may be waived by the affirmative vote of four members of the Town Commission for a particular transaction after a public hearing, upon finding that:
a. The goods, equipment or services to be involved in the proposed transaction are unique and the Town cannot avail itself of such goods, equipment or services without entering into a transaction which would violate this section but for waiver of its requirements; or
b. The business entity involved in the proposed transaction is the sole source of supply as determined by the Town Manager in accordance with procedures established by the Town Manager; or
c. An emergency contract must be made in order to protect the health, safety or welfare of the citizens of the Town; or
d. A contract for the provision of goods, equipment or services exists which, if terminated by the Town, would be substantially adverse to the best economic interests of the Town.
(2) Limited waiver. Notwithstanding the denial of the Town Commission of a waiver request regarding the provision of goods, equipment or services under an existing contract pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) above, the Town Commission may, by the affirmative vote of four members of the Town Commission after a public hearing, grant a limited waiver concerning an existing contract for the provision of goods, equipment or services between a vendor and the Town upon finding that in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Town, it is necessary that the affected contract be continued for a limited duration (not to exceed a period of six months) in order for the Town to obtain a replacement vendor.
(3) Full disclosure. Any grant of a waiver or limited waiver by the Town Commission must first be supported with a full disclosure of the subject campaign contribution.
(c) Implementation. The Town Manager is authorized to adopt additional procurement procedures for goods, equipment or services to implement this section. These procedures shall provide for the assembly, maintenance and posting of an official Town vendor list as referenced herein.
(d) Campaign contribution limits. No candidate for the office of Mayor or Town Commissioner shall accept a campaign contribution, and no person or entity shall make a campaign contribution to such a candidate, in an amount which exceeds the aggregate amount of $300.00 per election, adjusted for inflation based upon the consumer price index.
(e) Penalty. Violations of this section shall be punishable as provided in section 1-12 of this Code.
(f) Applicability. This section shall be applied only prospectively to campaign contributions which are made after the date of adoption of this section.
(Ord. No. 2009-04, § 2, 1-27-09)
Secs. 2-26–2-30. Reserved.”

……………………………………………………….

http://library8.municode.com/default-test/home.htm?infobase=14431&doc_action=whatsnew

more to come…………..

Tags: Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea March 9 2010 Municipal Election, Lauderdale By The Sea Ordinance 2009-04, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, Scoops
Posted in Local Politics, Scoops, VFD, local government

AIDING HAITI …..

LBTS-VFD Doing their part by filling the boot! …

…………………………………………….

“REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS — RFQ 09-12-01
Pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 287.055 (Consultants Competitive Negotiations Act), the
Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida, invites qualified engineering firms or individuals to
submit Letters of Interest, Statements of Qualification and Experience, and Standard Forms 254
& 255 for consideration to provide professional general civil engineering and landscaping services
for the design of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Local Agency Program (LAP)
Landscaping, Enhancement Project FM – 418022-1, on SR A1A from Pine Avenue To Terra Mar
Drive.”

The RFQ was opened today, with name of company and town read aloud only… at Town Hall at 2 pm…in attendance this writer… Erez Bar-Nur from Landscape Design Workshop, Fort Lauderdale (who designed El Prado Park and the Minto properties) …opening up the Requests For Qualifications …Town Clerk June White, Asst. Town Manager John Olinzock and Finance Director Kaola King.. fourteen submissions from large and small companies…including some familiar names…

1. Landscape Design Workshop-Ft. Lauderdale

2. Ocampo & Assoc.- Stuart Fl.

3. Keith + Schnars – Ft. Lauderdale

4. IBI Group- Coral Springs

5. Miller Legg- Pembroke Pines

6. Botech Thurow Eng. Inc.- Ft. Lauderdale

7. Caufield & Wheeler Inc.- Port St. Lucie

8. Curtis & Rogers- Coconut Grove

9. Bermello Ajamil & Partmers Inc.- Ft. Lauderdale

10. Calvin Giordano & Assoc.- Ft. Lauderdale

11. Walter H. Keller Inc.- Coral Springs

12. A.E. Com Design & Planning -Orlando

13. PBS & J Ft. Lauderdale

14. Tylin International- Ft. Lauderdale

…………………………………………………….

TAKE 2 RENTERS …1 INSULTED ATTORNEY … AND 8 WEEKS TO AN ELECTION …..AND WHAT DO WE GET?…

A SPECIAL MEETING IN JARVIS HALL ON JAN.21, 2010  at 6 pm!….

Taped onto the counter in front of the receptionist in Town Hall today a memo for a special meeting to discuss “recurring special events which close town streets and its effect on adjacent businesses”…WOW!….

Readers may recall at the commission meeting on the 12th the exchange that went on with an attorney who was insulted by the Vice Mayor when he called her “A big girl”…And that was after the poor woman came to realize that her clients who rent 2 stores in town neglected to tell her their objection to the re-up of the 3 month special event permit for the Village Grille’s Friday night Jazz on the Square was extending an established Friday night event that has been going on for the last 7 years…(not counting the weeks it went dark due to the Town Manager unilaterally shutting  it down after finding a snafu ….Hmmm..reminiscent of her recent actions with the Senior Center )…Athena has also been a Saturday night standard for some years now…

Commissioner Silverstone and Vice Mayor McIntee looked pretty glib as they found another way to stick it to the Athena owners when the attorney said her client’s businesses were facing a loss of revenue on nights these events take place…..Suddenly here we are less than 2 weeks later with a special meeting called …You can tell it’s election season!…

There was no special meeting called for the pavilion!…There was no meeting called for the pavilion and street floods!…There was no special meeting called for the termination of BSO Chief Scott Gooding this fast!… But for two businesses that according to the Town never contacted them prior to this podium visit by their attorney…. Two businesses never contacted Village Grille or Athena according to statements at the podium …And two businesses who  did not show up to accompany the attorney in Jarvis Hall to speak…a special meeting was put together at record speed…YIKES!…

This could be the noise ordinance all over again…Do residents want music in the square on Fridays and Saturday nights?…  Then come and show your support… Send an e-mail…or call your commissioners …This meeting on top of the ridiculous requirement put in place by Commissioners Silverstone and Clottey and Vice Mayor McIntee for Dave Gadsby and the Marchelos brothers to re-apply for these permits every 2 months followed by a night of coming to Jarvis Hall the following month to receive the commission’s consent to continue the events for another 3 months is enough to make anybody throw up their arms and throw in the towel…and that would truly be a shame!…

Dave Gadsby reminded us all the other evening what it was like in town when the music was gone…It’s time for residents to say enough before that happens again…. and time for voters to say enough to elected officials making it so hard for those businesses to do something good for the town!
CONTACT INFO-

Mayor Roseann Minnet
Tel: 954-326-0594
roseannminnet@lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov

Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee
Tel: 954-943-8539
No e-mail is available.

Commissioner Birute Ann Clottey
Tel: 954-895-6595
biruteannclottey@lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov

Commissioner Stuard Dodd
Tel: 954-772-4121
stuartdodd@lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov

Commissioner Jim Silvertone
Tel: 954-771-0355
jimsilverstone@lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov

TOWN HALL

ADMINISTRATION
954-776-0576
martai@lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov

more to come……….

Tags: Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea RFQ 09-12-01, Lauderdale By The Sea Special Event Meetin Jan 21 2010, Lauderdale By The Sea VFD, Scoops
Posted in Local Politics, RFP/BIDS, Scoops, VFD, local government

2 DAYS LEFT TO QUALIFY … BRINGS THE FURTH  “GANG” RUNNING TO TOWN HALL EAST ….1/8/10 ..11:15 AM…

Commissioner Clottey’s white Prius parked behind the Furth van on El Mr Drive -1/8/10

Clottey’s white Prius photo #2- 1/8/10

Comm. Silverstone’s  Silver Porche parked a few cars away  from Clottey’s in front of Town Hall East – 1/8/10

Silverstone’s silver Porche photo #2- 1/8/10

Dear Readers…Hmmm…. Is there a Sunshine problem inside Town Hall East?… An emergency strategy meeting for the 2010 municipal election with 2 days to file left?…Is a Furth going to step up and run for Mayor?…Are they talking about the “Jerry” problem they all have on their backs?… Are they commiserating  about the “Sea of Minnet, Sasser, Vincent” signs  throughout town?…. Are they concerned if any more of those signs are removed by the “Vigilante” what will be posted on this site?.. Perhaps, they are holding their noses while deciding between Jerry or Peanuts for the CIC- endorsed Mayoral candidate if neither Furth is willing to take on Mayor Minnet?….. Send in the tequila…they’re going to need more than a siesta today!…

No voters should doubt that this Furth”gang” is still tight as can be and taking their directives  from the Furth’s Town Hall East motel…especially after seeing these photos!… For now, on day 5 of qualifying for the 2010 LBTS commission… it is a given this IS Commissioner Jim (He’s not a nice guy and not a gentleman) Silverstone’s campaign headquarters!… La Cucaracha!

Thanks to the “Roving Reporters”…

more to come………

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea Commissioner Birute Clottey, Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea March 9 2010 Municipal Election, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Hall East on El Mar Drive, Scoops
Posted in Local Politics, Scoops, local government

IF I’M NOT CHIEF THEN NOBODY IS! …….

Dear Readers… You know that oversight many residents including this writer were looking for last year from Town Manager Esther Colon?… Well, now that her “pal and biggest supporter” Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee  ( She is “Tenth” on his list of accomplishments in his BTSTimes Comm. comments – “The hiring of Ester (his spelling) Colon, the best town manager Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has ever had”)  lost by a landslide in his “gamble” to be the new VFD Fire Chief  on December 14th (prev. post) and is ready for some major payback, the Manager is ready, willing and able to take on the assist him!… Vice Mayor McIntee is “gunning” for Chief Perkins…and requested through the Manager the following ” the report indicating compensation received by Chief Robert Perkins during the period of October 2008 through October 2009″…He and his fellow commissioners received it yesterday…McIntee made another request through the Town Manager ….again, not going directly to the VFD…This one was for the current VFD Roster also received by the commission on the 28th…Hmmm…. Perhaps the Vice Mayor wanted to see if he was still on it?…He is…. and so is his son Beau…listed as a training instructor …which confirms he gets paid by the VFD and Vice Mayor McIntee did indeed vote on items that “benefited” his son!… ( a definite conflict of interest, in this writer’s opinion)…We hear the other reason may be due to a reinstatement of  the firefighter that was suspended for some time…..But if McIntee’s going after this action by Chief Perkins …YIKES!…Is that not “the Chief’s discretion”…just as it was for the countless times Chief Perkin’s offered the same “discretion” to the former Deputy Chief ?…OOPS!…. For McIntee to slink back into town and take aim at the new McIntee- free VFD really says it all.. He’s toast!….. And only VFD ally left to “butter” him up ….none other than his BFF Commissioner Jim “Not a nice guy and Not a gentleman” Silverstone… what a guy…”Broom Boys” to the end…( March 9, 2010) …..

more to come…

Tags: Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Lauderdale By The Sea VFD, Lauderdale By The Sea Vice Mayor Does Not Play Well With Others, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, Scoops
Posted in Local Politics, Scoops, VFD, local government

M.I.A.BRING SO MUCH JOY !…..

Dear Readers … Who knew that seeing one red command car…off this driveway and sitting pretty in front of the VFD Firehouse would bring so much joy to residents and firefighters?… This writer has been running into people all over town and the sightings of the once prized possession of former Deputy Chief McIntee are abundant… and positive!…The comments are one of wonder as well as relief…No more talk of seeing it racing down A1A …No more talk of seeing it running stop signs …And no more talk of jaunts out of town limits…It has been seen this past week being driven by the new Deputy Chief and the new Battalion Chief being driven with respect for the rules of the road…and the department!… It is also seen outside the firehouse with it’s holiday wreath on the front bumper rather than as a “perk” sitting in the driveway in the north-end of town… Talk about comfort and joy!…

Last night as previously posted was the VFD Holiday party…Early feedback was it was a huge success with almost the full commission (4 out of 5) joining the department…M.I.A. was Vice Mayor McIntee!…

What a difference a week makes…One week ago he was ousted by a landslide vote in his attempt to be the new VFD-Chief!… And while the Furths and the CIC welcomed him back into the “fold” within days of his loss despite the ego-driven gamble he was asked not to make by them, we guess old habits die hard….especially with the longtime Furth-McIntee connection…(prev.posts) …He is indeed laying low and staying away from the department, but he is not idle… Many say he is  “plotting” behind the scenes…along with his BFF Jimmy (He’s not a nice guy) Silverstone who showed up last night…..perhaps giving a full report back afterward?…

Just as the Mc-Furths pulled from the playbook of their former foe ( and new-found friend) with their pre-election tactics seen recently at the podium and in their paper…It is very telling that the McIntee-Silverstone plan…to go after the VFD  also “mirrors” the previous charges made toward the VFD prior to its demise in 2006…McInttee- Silverstone challenged former Mayor Oliver Parker with charges of fearmongering…which included the age of the leadership and questioning their response times and training ……McIntee and Silverstone stood up against  erroneous claims of concern from neighboring departments to offer “mutual aid”… (We hear the Thur. night drill, the 1st one after McIntee took a nose dive…was large for a Thursday night drill!)

Readers will recall that it was McIntee and Silverstone who repeatedly told the residents that neighboring communities are required to offer mutual aid…and it was McIntee and Silverstone front and center who called out those who made these type of charges for what they were… a calculated “nasty and evil” attempt to give the VFD a black- eye and disparage a longtime honored town tradition!… OUCH!…

With Christmas coming in a few short days the “Broom-Boys” will be sweeping up alright…the coal that will be in their stockings …bad boys!…

more to come…

Tags: Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea VFD, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, Scoops
Posted in Local Politics, Scoops, VFD, local government

COMMISSIONER SILVERSTONE “SERVING” THE TOWN OF LBTS IN 2007…

Dear Readers … This writer is picking up where Editor Mark Brown left off in the new edition of the By The Sea Future Newspaper that came out yesterday and is either at the end of  your driveway…in your mailroom (and if it is not…if it’s been covered..moved ..or dumped please contact your condo office /Board and the BTSF for more)…and throughout the town at various stores…In his editorial Mr. Brown described two serious incidents that involved Commissioner (He’s not a nice guy) Silverstone and his BFF Vice Mayor McIntee…This time though, there can be no doubt that Commissioner “not a nice guy” was fully complicit in the first incident and it is he along with Town Manager Colon who should be held  accountable for the second!…

The first issue Mr. Brown delves into in his editorial is the conflict of interest found in 2007 with the lawsuit brought against the Town in 2007 after the 2006 abrupt termination of the VFD by the BSO and the Town… While it is still this writer’s opinion that it was a vindictive move made at the time from the former Mayor (and new improved Mc-Furth-Clottey pal) Oliver Parker… witnessed first hand after working all day at the polls…I did not know until much later, courtesy of Marc Furth just what McIntee was doing in the background to exacerbate the situation …. That being said many have the recollection of how heated everything got…and will recall in 2007 the VFD brought a suit against both the Town and the BSO… It went into a shade session for the Town to discuss on May 14, 2009 (see archives online-  http://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/town/spc-meetings-07.htm ) It states the following ” In accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes Section 286.011, the Town Commission and the Town Manager will meet privately with the Town Attorney to discuss the following pending litigation: Lauderdale -By-The-Sea Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. V. Sheriff of Broward County, Florida and Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Case Number 06-021273 (12).

Sitting in that meeting was the full commission including then-Commissioner / then- Deputy Chief Jerry McIntee and Commissioner /then-VFD Chief Jim Silverstone…As Mark Brown describes at the start of his piece legal strategy was discussed concerning the Town’s response to a suit brought against the Town by the VFD… and as these two were sitting there and perhaps even adding in their own commentary or instruction to the Town Attorney…they were also fully engaged with the plaintiff, the VFD!…

In fact there is an e-mail between then-VFD Chief Jim Silverstone and the VFD Attorney one month earlier on April 11, 2007 which says the following…

…………………………………………

FROM: Steven S. Newburgh

Wed. 11, Apr. 2007 10:21:43

SUBJECT: AMECOM45— (as of 3-30-07).Pdf

Dear Jim:

As  we discussed, I have attached the Amended Complaint in this matter. I will keep you posted concerning the responses of the Town and the Sheriff as we proceed. Please call me with any questions or comments which you have. Thanks, Jim.

Best regards,

Steven Sloan Newburgh”

……………………………………….

Attached was the complaint and in that complaint were some questions for the VFD and Silverstone…on page 4 there was a question on #14 “The interlocal Agreement was amended on September 19,2000 and on December 12, 2002 [need to review these amendments-does FWB have these documents and should they be attached?]“…and also #15 ” On December 26, 2003, the County, Town and BSO entered into an Assignment Agreement which inter alia formalized the assignment from County to the BSO of County’s rights, obligations and responsibilities to Town under Interlocal Agreement to provide fire protection and services within the Town (the “Assignment Agreement”) [need to review this assignment- does FWB have this document and should it be attached?] ..This writer assumes that FWB was the Town’s Fire Administrator Frank Buchert …

What this proves is that then-VFD Chief Silverstone and no doubt then-Deputy Chief McIntee sat in that meeting and knew exactly what both sides of this case were doing prior to the meeting and afterward…( the others in that room did not) and that is clearly a conflict on every level…This was addressed recently by Commissioner Silverstone in his usual befuddled, incoherent Commissioner comments…(He started answering back the public comments last fall and has continued on due to any lack of preparation to constructively use his 3-5 minute comment time)… Silverstone lamely acted as “Coach Jim” saying this conflict didn’t count..because the VFD had to include the Town” and later dropped the Town from the suit.. ( a look at the quarterly VFD Income/Expense reports in  2008-09 include an ongoing expense for attorney fees v. BSO in the first 2 reports)… A request was made by the Mayor after that statement to see what it cost the Town. It cost us $6,000 dollars for this “exercise” that doesn’t count in Commissioner Silverstone’s opinion… That does not include staff time …

Commissioner Silverstone was also involved front and center in an e-mail exchange in July of 2007 after he received after a complaint was made …

…………………………………………………

Dave Casey wrote:

Chief Silverstone -

The below article was sent to us with the concern that the firefighters
were engaging in live fire training in an acquired
building. I ran the
names in the article and none show the proper
certification to conduct
live fie training. Can you shed some light on this
and with your VFD’s
status on the legal challenge?. The legal protection
of the firefighters
concerns me regarding worker’s comp and other
benefits/protection. We
have been advised by BSO that you no longer provide
fire protection and
are not recognized by the county or town government,
and we need to take
the necessary steps to reflect that in the
firefighters’ records and
other records. You are in violation of FAC 69A-62
which requires you to
have a set response area that can provide service
for in order to be
recognized. Please let me know.

FAC 69A-62.006 Requirements for Recognition as a
Fire Department.

(1) To be recognized as an organized
fire department by
the division, compliance with the following must be
documented:

(a) Capability of providing fire
protection 24 hours a
day, seven days a week;

(b) Responsibility for response in an
area capable of
being depicted on a map; and

Pass on greetings to Doug for me. Let him know PFD
is gathering photos
for a book, he might want to call Marti at their HQ.

Dave Casey, Chief

Bureau of Fire Standards & Training

Florida State Fire Marshal

352 369-2833

www.floridastatefirecollege.org

…………………………………………………….

Article….

“Keeping Sharp

Always alert for more training opportunities to keep
their skills sharp, the LBTS Volunteer Fire Department recently used the
opportunity toconduct a drill at a soon-to be-demolished buildingat 3001 East Oakland
Park Blvd. with permission of the owners. The drill was conducted by Deputy Chief Jerry McIntee, Battalion Chief Joe
Padden and Training officer Patrick Pointu. About a dozen members of the force were in attendance to practice search and rescue drills and various fire attack
scenarios.”

……………………………………………………..

From: Jim Silverstone
Date: Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 4:55 PM
Subject: RE: Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Volunteer Fire Department
To: Dave Casey

Chief Casey,

The politics are getting even more dirty down this
way.

The article in question described what transpired.
Specifically, our FF1 class and a number of our
regular members participated in a search and rescue
drill and went over various fire attack scenarios. At
no time did we have any live fires. We are not
permitted by the owner of the property and besides we
are fully aware of what we can and cannot do. As you
may have guessed by now we are under a microscope. We
are scheduling a live fire drill at the Coral Springs
fire academy.

It’s my opinion, this is another attempt by BSO and or
their union to do everything to keep their position in
town. BSO cannot staff a first alarm without the help
of either Ft. Lauderdale or Pompano Beach due to their
next closest station being over 9 miles away. We have
been under attack with the same type of mistaken facts
and expect to be until we have our day in court or the
next town election early next year. In the end, the
vast majority of the town residents support us.

The drill was excellent and we hope to do more before
the building is torn down.

Regarding the legal challenge, we have a court date
scheduled in a couple of weeks, in which we are
expecting a positive outcome. But as you must be aware
BSO has and is expected to drag this out for their
benefit.

As far as our insurance coverage, we have maintained
in full, all insurance coverage which is in excess of
20 million plus our worker’s comp. though VFIS. In
fact, I called them before the drill just to make
sure.

I will pass on the info to Mr. Smith who is now in N.
Carolina on vacation.

Hope all is well with you.
Thanks,
Chief Silverstone

………………………………………………

This is exactly why there should have been an Commission ethics ordinance…it should have been instituted from the dais…and  it should have been done long before the failed referendum voted down on December 1, 2009 as  the biggest perpetrators of conflict of interest go for what most believe will be their “2nd bit of the apple” and declare their candidacy for a 2nd term either as commissioner or mayor!… Whether the conflict is one that will ultimately only bring forth a “slap” on the hand in findings of “probable cause” (prev. posts) from the Florida Ethics Commission as these two have dealt with in their first 4 years or ignored because the Ethics Commission were “hoodwinked” (in this writer’s opinion) by false statements made on their roles within the department (VM as Dep. Chief stating no purchasing to be done by him in VFD-prev. post)…just because they can get away with it… why try?…Four more years…and the sudden change of the VFD leadership on Dec. 14, 2009 (prev. posts) will undoubtedly bring more of the same from McIntee and Silverstone who are already in the throes of retaliation …only this time it’s toward the department…not the town…OUCH!…

The second issue Editor Brown addressed was the precarious situation the VFD may have put its Booster Fund supporters in with the lack of the proper registry to allow for them to write off their donations…… While the VFD is registered as a non-profit organization …it appears they were never correctly registered to accept donations and allow it as they have long claimed (recently in their townwide Booster Fund Drive Furth-mailer last month they made the same claim)…

Who is responsible for this huge mistake?…This writer puts the blame squarely on Commissioner Jim Silverstone listed as the “Registered Agent” for the VFD
Florida Non- Profit Corporation seen online at Sunbiz…(link below)…

…………………………………………..
LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC.
Filing Information
Document Number 702458
FEI/EIN Number 020671186
Date Filed 05/22/1961
State FL
Status ACTIVE
Principal Address
4513 OCEAN BOULEVARD
LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA FL 33308 US
Changed 04/29/2009
Mailing Address
4513 OCEAN BOULEVARD
LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA FL 33308
Changed 04/29/2009
Registered Agent Name & Address
SILVERSTONE, JAMES J
278 MIRAMAR AV
LAUDERDALE BY THE SEA FL 33308
Name Changed: 09/10/2003
Address Changed: 07/10/2008
Annual Reports
Report Year Filed Date
2008 07/10/2008
2009 04/29/2009
2009 12/16/2009

http://www.sunbiz.org/index.html

…………………………………………………..

The most recent annual report was done this week on Dec. 16th (link) …and Commissioner Silverstone remains the Registered Agent for the VFD non- profit corporation… despite the change in the officers last Monday… As the agent for the department for many years it is he that should have been aware of the status held by the department… Commissioner Silverstone has bored us all to tears  in the last year with ridiculous spread sheets he has stayed late in his office putting together for less than a 4%  to the Colon enacted townwide survey this last fall…He claims he does his homework…his due diligence…Really?…This seems to trump any of the “little projects” he has attempted in trying to show he does possess some accounting acumen! …

Also the Town Manager is to be held accountable in this lack of oversight…after all it was Commissioner Silverstone who spoke of then-Finance Director Esther Colon and her coming down hard on the VFD in his first encounter with her. He told the story at the last round table to finally do the Manager’s annual review…He spoke of how she admonished the VFD accounting…saying they spent every penny they got (Hmmm under McIntee last year that remained in effect)…and  that the VFD owed the Town $20,000…Commissioner Silverstone proudly (it appeared) said that Director Colon was correct!… Well, why didn’t Town Manager Colon know that the VFD was not registered to allow for supporters to write off their donations?… Add to that…(pun intended)…the annual $7000+ audit we pay for and the recent (4thQ VFD report) of an internal VFD audit as well for $1,100….

The supporters have paid for the VFD full back page color ads in the Mc-Furth BTSTimes  for each issue since 2008…The supporter paid for firetrucks, including the last one for $150,000 (per Chief Perkins in the 12/18/09 Pompano Pelican)…And the supporters paid for the lawsuit against the Town and the BSO…Now it appears that if those supporters did indeed write any of the above off… they did it based on false information  made from the VFD thanks to Commissioner Silverstone and Town Manager Colon…OUCH!…

Once again this writer reiterates…it is time for the voters of the town to continue on what we saw on Monday by the VFD…who will be making some changes with accountability within the  fire department starting with the right people in charge …(Chief Perkins, Pompano Pelican 12/18/09) ….

Next March…do not allow for anymore of what we have seen in the last 4 years…No more skirting or deflecting the “conflict of interest” issue……No more “2-Hats/ Broom Boys” on the dais…No more McIntee and Silverstone…who is definitely “not a nice guy” and who is definitely conflicted as well as complicit!… Replace them with your vote for Scot Sasser and Chris Vincent…

To see the rest of the BTSFuture ….. including coverage of all the LBTS holiday events…in articles and photos by Editor Cindy Geesey…as well as the LBTS campaign center page ( a standard from now thru March)…Mayor Minnet’s commentary…resident poems and lettersto the Editor …the always entertaining  Doc Lawrence and Editor Mark Brown’s in- depth articles …along with a plethora of the most advertisers in town…link to …(hit refresh for Dec. if necessary)…

http://www.bytheseafuture.org/

more to come…

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea By The Sea Future Newspaper, Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Lauderdale By The Sea VFD, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, Scoops
Posted in Local News, Local Politics, Scoops, VFD, local government

WELCOME BACK “BUTCH” ….

Dear Readers … The CIC had their “Caribbean Christmas Party” tonight …and unless the “Truth Deflector” was flying solo in her the car parked out in front of Leisure Mar Condo Beach Clubhouse it looks like the CIC has quickly forgiven Vice Mayor McIntee for running for Chief of the VFD!… He was joined by his BFF Commissioner Jimmy (He’s not a nice guy) Silverstone’s who parked at Town Hall East two cars down from Commissioner Clottey…..and BTSTimes Editor/ Campaign Manager/Candidate  Crisite Furth was seen walking toward the event across the road…..Hugs all around? …No surprise really, the Furths and the McIntee’s have certainly been down this road before…. Peas in a political pod…

What a turn of events this week ……In the Pompano Pelican today, writer Judy Vik wrote about the VFD election held last Monday night …(prev. post).. On page 7 were some very telling and honest comments made by newly  re-elected VFD Chief Bob Perkins concerning former Deputy Chief Jerry McIntee …”He blindsided us all and disappointed all of us with that move,” ‘Perkins said. For three months McIntee had been saying he was stepping down from being a VFD officer. ‘…. continuing on page 11… Perkins stated ” I wish he wasn’t such a mean-spited person”… The article also addressed the reaction of the community…”positive feedback from the community and town commissioners”…And something the VFD probably will be stunned about …the positive remarks made by those that McIntee has long tried to convince the members would take them down if he [McIntee] were not in charge…former Commissioner Clark ” I wish everybody well and want them to continue to do a good job”…Louis Marchelos ” They made their choice for leadership,. I feel they made the right choice. It was a secret ballot, but I heard it was a landslide.”…and Bob Fleishman Chair of Unite Our Town ” The will of the fire department has spoken. It’s a great day for the VFD”… and as for the Vice Mayor “McIntee could not be reached for comment.”… OUCH!…

So who was so willing to sit down with the “Broom Boys” tonight? …Are these CIC members aware of the plotting and planning (prev. post) by McIntee and Silverstone to try and undermine the department?… Will the CIC still back McIntee and Silverstone for another run at 4 more ears now that the VFD has thrown down the gauntlet?…

After all, if the men and women of the VFD would not vote to support McIntee for Chief, why in the world would the CIC back him and why would they think the voters will vote him in for 2 more years as Mayor or 4 more years as Commissioner?…

From what this writer hears all around town… they wouldn’t…

Bye, bye “blacksheep”…Bye, bye….

more too come….

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea CIC, Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, Lauderdale By The VFD, Scoops
Posted in Civic Organizations, Local Politics, Scoops, VFD, local government

IT’S A REAL STAND-OFF…..

Dear Readers … It looks like “Vice Mayor/ Former Dep. Chief Butch” McIntee and his “Son-Dunce” Kid…Commissioner Jimmy-boy Silverstone are “gunnin’” for the LBTS-VFD!…

We hear “Butch” is a sore lose (no surprise there) and he’s been M.I.A.  since his huge loss for his “shot” at being the new VFD Fire Chief!…He ’s either slinked off with his tail between his legs to lick a few wounds…or he is plotting with his BFF to retaliate against those who gave these two their own chance to re-enact that famous scene in the movie… you all know the one…where Butch tells “Son-Dunce” to jump…he says no..”Son-Dunce”  says he’s can’t swim and Butch tells him “Are you kidding me, the fall will probably kill you!”… We hear “Butch” is ready to resign…and according to the VFD the process requires a letter and a talk with the Chief….then the letter goes into the “inactive” file…Hmmm ….anyone taking bets on this one…….

While trying to climb their way out of this …we are told behind the scenes …the “Son-Dunce-Kid” has taken that final plunge…leaving no doubt that “Jimmy is not a nice guy”…He is “Butch’s” sidekick  through thick and thin… episode after episode…but just like in the movies the sequels never live up to the original…and soon the audience gets tired and moves on ….

The “audience” in town…and in the department feel like they just moved on all right from the old “black and white”of the past 4 years …to HD…color enhanced …with a wide-screen view of possibilities for next 4!..

Rumblings are that their “Gang” is not offering any shelter from this self- imposed storm “Butch” created….and they are actively looking for a new “Gun-slinger” or two or three…. perhaps a new “sidekick”  to lead the way …It’s “Nuts!”… The dwindling CIC…has been “waving of the white flag” at various gatherings..(Too little…too late!)…A look at the CIC site shows…finding someone to take up the Furth cause…

“The CIC meeting will be on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010. By that time we should know the candidates for the March 2010 election, and will be able to decide which candidates deserve the CIC endorsement.” …

Now that sounds desperate…and what is the  Furth “cause” anywhooo?…Whatever “epiphany” Cristie Furth “sees on any given day!……

Waving the white flag as well is the woman who stood alongside the “boys”… Manager Esther Colon….Hmmmm….Today is the Town Staff holiday luncheon and Manager Colon ever the tactless wonder…decided to extend an invitation to one Commissioner long her “S–T list”…at 6 pm last night…but this Commissioner should not be insulted though… for we hear the Mayor…was not invited at all!… Hmmm…and this writer figured the Commissioner was higher on Colon’s “S–T list” than Minnet!…

The question is…will “Butch and Son-Dunce” make a pilgrimage today at lunch to sit down among just what might be the last group in town willing to break bread?…

Whatever happens…if these two best buddies…mount their “brooms” and sweep off into the sunset…after the dust settles…this really will be the “prettiest town in America” once again…No new slogans are required…Thank you very much…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXCC53ndwac

more to come………….

Tags: Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Ester Colon, Lauderdale By The Sea VFD, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, scoos
Posted in Local Politics, Scoops, VFD, local government

WALKING IN THE MEDIANS? ….

“Herding is the act of bringing individual animals together into a group (herd), maintaining the group and moving the group from place to place—or any combination of those.”

…………………………………………………………..

Dear Readers … The Sea Ranch Club walkers of El Mar are “horrified” … and will not be “herded” into the center of El Mar Drive to walk on the medians…They will continue to walk in the street and on the sidewalks just as they always have!…The walkers of El Mar do not feel they need to be “educated” to walk down the center of road from Pine to Palm as was suggested by Ocampo and Associates at the Round table meeting on Dec. 7th!… The walkers on El Mar have never complained about the lack of “shade ” …as Vice Mayor McIntee tried to lob onto as an excuse to use the Oriana million to start piecemeal in the south end medians… The walkers of El Mar are not “happy” with McIntee, Silverstone and Clottey and their vote to disregard the MPSC and go ahead with this project despite the overwhelming sentiment to abort it until the board and possibly a new commission can further look into the whole of El Mar Drive and get this one right!… McIntee saying this has been in the works for 2 years is full of his usual bull-y pulpit you know what!… He was not involved in the actual process at all…It was done by the students of the Art Institute in record time…a matter of weeks…not years (prev. posts under boards)…and then crassly ignored by the same majority on the commission who now are so quick to get this done …(also previously posted)…Vice Mayor McIntee disingenuously tried to say they needed get going on this for the MPSC and Vice Chair Sandra Booth…Sandra Booth came forward at the meeting on the 7th (along with Chair Paul Novak , and member Bob Eckblad) to say she too felt it should not go forward …. but McIntee did not want to pay heed to her…especially after he threw her a “bone”of “praise”……The residents who live at the south end of El Mar do not want this done…and this writer is unable to come upon anyone who does!… Just three commissioners who do not walk El Mar Drive…and do not live on El Mar Drive…but feel the need to spend 1 million dollars to have Chen and Associates start a project that will cost the Town until a new commission can come in to stop it!…

If Readers look at the archived minutes from 2007… they will find much earlier than this in the “lame duck” days of the previous commission it was then-Commissioner McIntee…Commissioner Silverstone and the commissioner- candidates for the upcoming election who routinely voted items of much less importance and with far less financial impact to the taxpayer to be tabled for the new commission to decide!…

Just Saturday there was a Sentinel news article about the Furth’s pals from “Cry of the Water” ( with no RFP from another group!) and the $20,000 for a “Marine Park” payed for by the Town (5-0 vote in Oct. prev. post) …It included the “plans for meetings for public input and form a group of citizens that will create the management for the park”…Hmmm…They’ll do it for a $20,000 investment… but for a million… it’s over…and done…kaput…time to move on… says McIntee..Silverstone and Clottey…after McIntee stood his ground in a back and forth dialogue with MPSC Chair Paul Novak who expressed the views of the Sea Ranch Club “walkers”…and said “You can’t make everyone happy.”… His “gang”promptly  joined in for the 3-2 vote…to throw out a million dollars on a few medians in the south…ready to see if the “sheep” can be “herded” to go to the center and walk from Palm to Pine!… Bahhhh …HUMBUG!…

Below are the excerpt comments made by candidates Scot Sasser and Chris Vincent at the Dec. 8, 2009 Commission meeting on the median expenditure….and a letter from a concerned taxpaying resident…who wishes to remain anonymous…

……………………………………..

Candidate Scot Sasser
“Let me first thank the Commission for holding the round table discussion on the El Mar drive street-scape project. I found it to be informative and it helped me to understand just where we are in the process. With this in mind, I would like to take this time to put forth some questions and suggestions regarding this important project. Since it is obvious that we are in the very beginning stages, having not yet come to a final decision on overall look of the project, or whether or not the project will entail all of El Mar or a fraction thereof, might I suggest that we not rush into a decision to appropriate funds just yet? This is a very important project that does not need to be piecemealed together. This is our time to get it right. From the discussion last night it is clear that the project will cost more than the $980K which begs the question of where the other funds will come from. As several Commissioners pointed out, the projections point to a decline in tax revenue over the coming years due to the declining real estate market. Knowing this should place emphasis on the overall plan. We should realize that what we do not finish now could go unfinished for some time. There are also rudimentary questions that should be asked before moving forward.
• How would the proposed stamping of the asphalt affect the surrounding area since it will create noise as cars drive over it?
• Can we get a sample or see a sample of the proposed stamping to make sure it looks appropriate? Perhaps if we can see it in actual use somewhere it will help us answer the noise question as well.
• What is the long-term plan to tie in surrounding areas to create the look and feel we want downtown?
• Is there a way to begin all of El Mar and phase in instead of taking a fraction?
• How would spending this money affect our ability to complete infrastructure changes such as much needed sidewalk repair and torrential flooding at the pavilion?
• How will this dovetail into the budget in the coming years and is there a plan for any financial overruns?

I realize we are very early in the process and that many of these types of questions need to be flushed out but that is my point. Let’s “measure twice and cut once” as they say. There is no reason to rush into spending $1MM now just because we are still at the starting gate after a year has past.

Thank you and I want to wish each of you safe and Happy Holidays and New Year.”
………………………………………………
Candidate Chris Vincent.
“I would like to address two separate items this evening.

First regarding the Master Plan Workshop yesterday.

It was clear that the board was not in favor to move forward with the current plan on the table. They were given 3 new options to consider and we should allow them the time needed to do that. They have invested a tremendous amount of time and effort with this project and have a willingness to get it right the first time. Allow them that opportunity.

Please do not rush to spend the funds. There is no need to do that. The roundtable was a good start.

Many important issues were raised and should be addressed. Have additional roundtables until you get it right. The attitude of lets just get it started is really not having a well thought out plan.

You need to trust your boards recommendations, anything less would be disrespectful.”

……………………………………….
From a concerned Resident….
“The Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Commission voted 3 to 2 on December 8, 2009 to proceed with the El Mar Drive project. During the discussion leading up to vote some comments were made that were misleading (or as they say in Washington D.C., disingenuous), and irresponsible.

At the Roundtable Workshop Meeting the prior night it was clearly the wishes and recommendations of the Master Plan Steering Committee (MSPC) that the entire project including the medians, drainage, lighting, sidewalks, paving, etc. be evaluated and developed into a total plan so that a determination could be made as to the total cost and future sources of funding. While the Town may only have approximately $1 Million available at present, it was brought up that there might be local, State, or Federal Grants available in the future, that debt service on loans might be affordable in the future, and that an overall long-term plan should be developed before proceeding.

That, clearly, was Commissioner Dodd’s and Mayor Minnet’s interpretation. It didn’t sound like it was the intent of the MPSC to move forward immediately with the median project south of Commercial before agreeing on an overall plan. It was irresponsible of the Vice-Mayor to support concentrating on spending the $1 Million now and then say, “hope for the best.”

The overall cost of the entire project was projected to be approximately $5 Million, and if the Town borrowed the $4 Million balance needed the annual debt service would probably be in the range of $500,000, certainly a possibility worth considering, and not just dismissed out of hand.

Our elected officials should take a proactive role in planning for the future and not govern by the seat of their pants, or dress as the case may be. Successful organizations all have strategic plans, plans that can be modified as time goes by and circumstances change.

A Concerned Citizen”

………………………………………….

The Master Plan Steering Committee is canceled for Tuesday evening (12/15/09) …… and so far there have been no RFPs advertised in the Sentinel…But if the Town Manager reacts to this 3-2 vote as this writer expects her to do…”directed” by her pal Vice Mayor McIntee ( ala the anonymous letter -prev. post) it will be in there well before the Jan 12, 2010 first commission meeting of the month…depleting the million…for something it seems only 3 people, presently with power on the dais want done…

Vote for a new majority on March 9, 2010….and let the CIC- Mc-Furth Gang know that the LBTS taxpayers know full well…….when people are herded it is often known as crowd control….

more to come………

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea Candidate Scot Sasser, Lauderdale By The Sea Chris Vincent, Lauderdale By The Sea Commissioner Birute Clottey, Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea El Mar Drive Million Dollar median project, Lauderdale By The Sea Master Plan Steering Commitee, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, Scoops
Posted in Boards, Local Politics, Scoops, Sea Ranch Club, local government

“IF  YOU WALK LIKE A DUCK, IF YOU WADDLE LIKE A DUCK, YOU GOTTA BE A DUCK” Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee 12/8/09 …

Dear Readers …at the December 8, 2009 Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Commission meeting Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee put an item on for new business… “16 c. Discussion and/or regarding the conflict of interest regarding Mayor Minnet voting on any development issues when in fact she is a full blown developer herself (Vice Mayor Mclntee)” ..It was what this writer held off to comment on this meeting… I spoke of what I previously posted on this site…that this was a letter sent to the Vice Mayor and that the Vice Mayor then gave it to the Town Manager and she distributed it to the commissioners and sent it on the the Town Attorney to look into… The letter in question was anonymous, we were told.. …which according to all past Town Hall rules was not to be accepted, much less distributed… But the Vice Mayor and the Town Manager decided that since it did not come directly to the Town Hall…going instead to McIntee’s house ( I have made a PRR for the envelope w/ return address…public record and stated received by McIntee)…it did not fall under that criteria..Hmmm….I spoke to the Vice Mayor, Commissioner Silverstone and Commissioner Clottey along with the Town Manager telling them they took a page out of their adversaries playbook from 4 years ago and stepped it up a notch…(The new Mc-Furth BTSTimes…is a case in point…The poor pseudo-Furth grandchild is put on the cover of what amounts to be a paper full of nothing but reacting to their rival’s paper and printing false accusations at 2 fine family men who have chosen to step up to the plate for a change to be made in the town they are raising their children in and run for Town Commission!) It was a new low…for LBTS commission meetings…many did not think that was even possible…Surprise!…

I walked away to take my seat and as I was about to sit down I heard the following  as the Vice Mayor began to speak…

VM- ” Ok, I got a letter from a woman and”

I could not help it, I said out loud “How do you know?”.. He said it was anonymous prior to this meeting..I was kicked out after a 2nd warning for that. I left and listened to the rest from the front door of the hall…

The Vice Mayor continued..” Ok, I received a, a letter in the mail from a woman and the woman called me after the letter and did not want to divulge who she was or her name because she was afraid of retaliation. Ah, the information she gave me was clearly Town business. When I received it in a written form in my hand and I was contacted by the individual to look into it, it suddenly became Town business. Once it becomes Town business I’m obligated to turn it over to the Town. I went to the Town Manager and she was not voluntarily putting this into out boxes. I requested she do that because it became a public record. And once that individual claims that the Mayor is a house flipper and ah, is nothing more than ah, well I can read it all.”

He proceeded to read the not so anonymous letter (the VM knows the accuser) casting aspersions to the Mayor…clearly, the Vice Mayor was relishing each nasty word ( was he smacking his lips?) as he said them…his pals Clottey and Silverstone were so zoned in it was like they were having a CIC- induced group hug!… He went on to read from the 2nd and 3rd articles of the Mayor’s incorporation papers droning on with the definitions found in any such documents…rudimentary in nature…but it was all the Vice Mayor needed to allow him to introduce the nasty letter and  create in Jarvis Hall what amounted to what an low-life attorney does deliberately in the courtroom causing the judge to instruct the jury to disregard what they have heard…which we all knows is a virtual impossibility… He went on…

VM- ” Clearly the corporation guidelines of a developer. I was always under the impression she sold lights folks! I’m being 100% positive and honest about that!  (That was the only thing he was 100% honest about!) I never knew she was a developer. When I found out she was, I wen to the Town Manager and asked her to distribute what I had because it became a Town record, asked her to send a letter  to the Town Attorney.  ”

BC- So if we are to believe the Vice Mayor thus far in his 2nd attempt to explain his despicable action, he proceeded because she might be a “developer” ….and that was enough to warrant paying taxpayer funds to have the Town Atty. look into the Mayor’s corporate papers!..WOW!…

VM- ” The Town Attorney sent me a letter back saying she’s [Mayor Minnet] IN NO VIOLATION OF THE LAW. SHE’S DONE NOTHING WRONG, SHE’S HAS THE RIGHT TO BE WHATEVER THE CORPORATION PAPER SAYS SHE IS.”

BC- But that was not good enough…the Vice Mayor always quick to sink lower than the rest of the scum-divers he swims with headed for the drain…Watch out for the back-splash!..

VM- ” So now when the woman calls me back to ask what I  did she’s probably watching this now on T.V. she’ll have the same answer I got. It’s legal what Mayor Minnet is doing . That there’s no big hidden game here. That’s it, so, so I yield. That’s it.”

BC- The jury will disregard the elephant in the room…yeah right!

The Mayor was prepared, but began by asking for a copy of a piece of paper the Vice Mayor falsely claimed was included in the paperwork from his “anonymous” woman-support ( the same woman who ended her letter stating she hoped it would “help the Vice Mayor) …The Vice Mayor had claimed the Mayor sold a house …in Fort Lauderdale for $340,000…This writer posted months ago that the Mayor sold a warehouse in Fort Lauderdale …it was in the Miami Herald Mon. Business section…and I commented at the time maybe she could give the Town some pointers on selling the never addressed Town warehouse still not sold…As of today the VM has not produced the “house sale” due to the fact he lied!… And no matter if it was a warehouse or as he claimed a house…he also stated it was in Fort Lauderdale…So when and if the Vice Mayor finally unloads his Buffalo home that has been on the market for over 2 years will he also be a “house flipper?”?…Perhaps the Town Atty. should look into that one…OOPS! That residence was already looked into last time around when he was running……
…………………………………………………………….
“Lauderdale-by-the-Sea candidate fined for
claiming two homestead exemptions

A Lauderdale-by-the-Sea commission candidate has been slapped with a $6,919 fine for claiming two homestead exemptions, one local and the other in New York.

The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office reports Jerome McIntee, a candidate in the March 14 election, has claimed the double tax break since 2002. That violates a Florida law that says a homeowner can claim only one primary residence for tax relief even if a second home is out of state.

The $6,919 fine reflects the Broward taxes owed, as well as government expenses.

McIntee, a retired police officer, has improperly received tax relief since 2002 on his 1,600-square-foot home in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a property assessed at $318,000. During that time he also received similar relief on a $170,000 home in East Aurora, N.Y., according to a Feb. 6 letter to the candidate from the Broward Property Appraiser’s Office.”

http://www.rusthompson.com/archive9.html

…………………………………………………………………

Mayor Minnet-” Vice Mayor McIntee I have listened to some outrageous remarks, but this one is the worst. The bottom line is a person who was very, very mad made up lies and claimed lots of things and you took this anonymous letter, which should not have been accepted and made it public record without checking the facts. I too have received many anonymous phone calls and letters and these go right where they belong. Let me show you where they belong. (she held up the garbage can). Vice Mayor you stated verbatim if you have a situation where you get a nasty letter from a purveyor or a person trying to business with the Town, I would go right to the Town Manager and say Town Manager please investigate for me. Of course you’re going to say this was a concerned resident and not a purveyor. But I further ask did you try and even get another persons side of the story? Did you even question if this person was a resident of this town? But it’s obvious that you know this person because if you read this letter Vice Mayor it says I hope this letter helps you Commissioner McIntee. Almost sounds as if that’s a solicitation from someone.”

The Vice Mayor mumbled a response and the Mayor asked him to be respectful to her as she was listening to him…

Mayor-”  Vice Mayor I go on to say when you stated that the purveyors were similar to the resident, excuse me, this Lauderdale By The Sea resident did sign their name. As I stated how do you know that this was even a resident? Vice Mayor you interrogate people, you talk for other people when they are not present, represent yourself as speaking for all when in fact you are one vote, one voice, just as we all are on this dais.Vice Mayor you continuously say how much you are saving this town. Well I ask you, how much are you costing this town in time and outrageous requests for Town attorneys? And let me further state at the December 1st commission meeting, which a certain person was not in attendance, went extremely well. We had 3 ordinances to review for first reading. We had a full agenda. We all stated our stand , we made motions in the proper way, didn’t have a problem with them. Which I find interesting cause we do tonight. (Comm. Silverstone was needling the Mayor on her duties-per-Furth -plan ) What a concept! And how come tonight we can’t do that? Vice Mayor I want to say something you said at last night’s meeting if the complaint came to me I would have gone right to the horses mouth. Did you do this? Oh yes you talked to the Town Manager and when she said she wouldn’t put them in the boxes you went ahead and did it and then sent a request to the Town attorney and then continued to distribute them to all the commissioner. So you’re right you made this public record. Your blatant antagonism toward me on this dais is getting redundant and ridiculous. My business speaks for itself. I have been in lighting for over 30 years. My family started a lighting business. I was born and raised in this town and it really bothers me that you hit the integrity of who I am. Many people in town know me. They know my family, they know who I am. My occupational license states that I am a lighting designer. I don’t question anyone Else’s occupation up here on the dais. And if I had gotten an anonymous letter I would put where it belonged, where I showed you it belonged. Ten years ago I did pursue my own company and went on my own and became a lighting designer. You asked me about my articles of incorporation. Let me read the very first article that you neglected to read which states as typical on any standard form article one to do and transact any and all business as permitted under the laws of the State of Florida and the United States. Let me repeat that again Vice Mayor, any and all business. Sure I could have put down a thousand businesses if that’s what you wanted me to do, but no I don’t need to do that because everybody knows that I do lighting and lighting design. You know as far as a house flipper is concerned I have lived in my home for over 15 years. I have been involved in my family  businesses throughout this county. So if you’re questioning my family business, Vice Mayor then get the facts straight. And in the future come to me or come through the Town Manager and ask me the question. Not relying on an anonymous letter when you can’t even verify or let this dais know that she may or he may not even be a resident. Vice Mayor you continue to create your own set of rules and change them when you see fit. As you did last evening when it was brought up about the discussion for El Mar and it also being on the agenda. Are rules made to be broken? I have always asked everyone to please contact me. I’ve asked the residents to contact me. and  I would have assumed that this dais would have done the same thing and at least have the decency and integrity to treat each other respectfully. But after hearing some of the things that have been going on in this town this past week. The things that have been said about me. It’s rather unfortunate. It’s as bad as a school yard!  You may not always like the answers but you will get an answer and Vice Mayor I want an apology for your blatant attacks on my integrity. …

THE ROOM ERUPTED IN APPLAUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Commissioner Dodd spoke about the rules of anonymous letters and stated that if it had been him, the response from the Manager would not have been the same as for McIntee… He asked McIntee to answer why it was appropriate to break the rules…there was a silence…the mayor said the Vice mayor should answer and while he was at it he could make the apology she asked for…

The Vice Mayor made a snide remark about not pushing his button and saying the Mayor would “yell” at him for not pushing it…. He then went into version #3 to defend his despicable act of putting this on the agenda…

VM-” I’ll be glad to, here’s where two of you people up here must not have been listening. I had a phone call from the woman saying I sent you this. I don’t want to use my name because I’m afraid of retaliation. That’s the bottom line here.”

Comm. Dodd-” Then it goes in the bin.”

VM-” No, it’s not anonymous. I know where it came from.”

HERE IT IS FOLKS….ROCK BOTTOM OF THE CESSPOOL…HOLD YOUR NOSES!…Get the Purell!…

VM-” You don’t have to read it  is the bottom line. Let’s clarify something else. The Town Manager was directed by me to distribute it because I asked that, it was directed by me to distribute it because I asked that. It was decided that anything comes out has to go through the Town manager can’t be put in the box by yourself. (VM did that with the former Battalion Chief letter) She did nothing but take direction from a commissioner which any of, none of you had to read it! Throw it out the minute you saw what was inside. You throw it out! I had a phone call. She sent me a letter . She cooperated with a piece of property that was flipped in Fort Lauderdale and she cooperated with the absolute papers. (not true) Now clearly you know there’s not one red hair (herring?) about lighting contract. It’s all about development. Clearly she had a point and the point is clear if you walk like a duck, if you waddle like a duck, you gotta be a duck and that’s what #3 says clearly. I buy and sell property. Refurbish then that’s it and she showed me a document that showed she did property in I think it was 6 to 7 months ago in Fort Lauderdale for somewhere around 300, 340 thousand I think I may be off.”

BC- The Vice Mayor said SHE [anonymous writer] SHOWED ME A DOCUMENT… he met with the woman that said “I hope this helps you Commissioner McIntee”…OOPS!…

Mayor Minnet-” Excuse me Vice Mayor, that is a blatant lie!”

VM-” I said I’m not sure about…”

Mayor-” Even the thought of saying, Vice Mayor.”

VM-” I’ll get it for you.”

Mayor- ” Is cause for me to really question your…”

Commissioner Dodd asked the Vice Mayor again “Vice Mayor I’ll repeat my question because you haven’t answered it! You waffled off about the contents of the letter and i will ask you again Vice mayor what gives you the right to ignore our rules that we agreed in an attempt to discredit the Mayor by putting out an anonymous letter?”

The Vice Mayor…looking like a duck weighed down his own “muck”…lamely tried to compare his actions with Comm. Dodd sending an apology to a vendor who was informed of bad behavior from town staff (prev. post)…Comm. Dodd called him on it…and again Vice Mayor “Quack, Quack”…went back to excuse #3…

VM-” Nobody has to read it! It was your decision. You could throw it away. It’s public record. The minute I got it, brought it to the Town Manager, it became a public record that I felt was only fair. Everybody had a choice to , to read it and respond to it.”

Commissioner Dodd tried to make sense of what McIntee was trying to hang his hat on…and could not…(who could?)..The Vice mayor wanted Comm. Dodd to agree it was a public record…

Comm. Dodd- ” As far as I’m concerned I don’t want to waste my time. We wasted 30 minutes discussing an anonymous letter.”

VM-” Don’t read it!”

CD-” It’s not a question of don’t read it. It shouldn’t be in our mailboxes.”

The Mayor cut in and said “Bottom line, Vice Mayor  you shouldn’t have put it on the agenda, that’s the difference.”

Comm. Silverstone ever the befuddled “Not Nice” BFF…actually said the following…” Well, I just think, ah, ah we have an environment that has been created by allowing people to um, maybe they’re angry over the country as a whole because of economic situation and other reasons.”

The Mayor had to warn the audience who could not wrap their heads around Comm. Silverstone’s conclusion of what just occurred!..

CS-” And, ah, um, it just seems that this is continuing in one form or another. The mayor, I mean the Vice mayor had a right to do what he did and it was his decision and that’s it. We also have the right decision not to pay attention to it. Um.”

FORGET THE DUCKS…COMM. SILERSTONE IS A LEMMING!…AND HE IS NOT A NICE GUY…HE’S JUST MCINTEE LITE!…

Dear Readers…I too have an anonymous letter…It is a public record…and I will post it next?…Hmmm…..Just remember afterward….” Nobody has to read it! It was your decision. You could throw it away. It’s public record.”…”It became a public record that I felt was only fair.”…”IF  YOU WALK LIKE A DUCK, IF YOU WADDLE LIKE A DUCK, YOU GOTTA BE A DUCK” Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee 12/8/09 …

more to come….

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea 12/8/09 Commission meeting, Lauderdale By The Sea anonymous letter, Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea Commissioner Stuart Dodd, Lauderdale By The Sea Mayor Roseann Minnet, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, Scoops
Posted in LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local Politics, Scoops, local government