DID SHE SUBMIT THE “CUBAN” QUESTION?….

Dear Readers…in the previous post this writer wrote about the fear-mongering that was introduced at the Feb. 16, 2010 Meet The Candidates Night meeting when a a question asked by the moderator from the League of Women Voters…As I awaited her response (see below) …little did I expect that the person who submitted that inflammatory question may have been the Town Manager herself!…

I saw today a memo Town Manager Esther Colon sent to the Commissioners dated on the very day of the MTCNight meeting …Feb 16, 2010…The verbage used in this memo which was a response to an “Open Letter” Commissioner Dodd sent to his fellow Commissioners and the Town Manager on Feb. 9, 2010 was identical!…WOW!…How was that possible?  You can judge for yourselves…

Also included was a diatribe …yep another one…that feeds into the belief from many “insiders” in Town Hall that the Manager wants to be fired… She is still in this writer’s opinion trying to justify actions made by her that cannot be justified…Again you be the judge (as one Yellow- paper wrote in their last edition)…

While you are reading this..know this….today we hear the Town Manager hot on the heels of Commissioner Jim “He’s NOT a nice guy” Silverstone’s false statements last night concerning wrongdoing by the Director of the Senior Center has tried to “strong-arm” him with going to Broward County to do an audit he will not be allowed to participate in…and stopping any payment to him at this time without the knowledge of all the Commissioners!… This rings true to me, due to the FACT that this very same “Public Servant” who states in her memo (below)  “In my immediate family, there are four Public Servants and my family’s combined years of public service are in excess of 80 years.” has repeatedly gone after the former Town Fire Marshal to first stop his unemployment benefits (he was entitled to them)…She appealed them…She lost and is trying to appeal them again…OUCH!…

The question now…When and if this stops…with a new commission in March?…

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“Letter to all Commissioners, Mayor, Vice Mayor and Town Manager

February 10, 2010

DO NOT REPLY BECAUSE OF SUNSHINE

I was appalled by the lack of respect and decorum shown by various members on the Dias including the town manager. I would respectfully suggest that the manager carefully reads the ICMA ( International City/Council Manager’s Association) tenets and code of ethics in full. Pay particular attention to tenets 5, 6 and 7. How can you claim that you were not getting involved in politics and then carry out a full scale attack on one of the local newspapers with whom you have a difference of opinion?

Secondly: I wish to point out that the commission voted on the rules of decorum and it was to be only one warning and the vice mayor brought to our attention that this also applied to members of the dais. After only one warning then anyone in the audience or on the dais including the manager can be removed.

Thirdly – I want you all to pay close attention to the difference between a “personal attack” and a “personal opinion”. We have laid down very broad parameters that allow members of the audience the right to address us by name and then criticize the way we carry out our duties as elected officials. It is unpleasant to have to sit through comments such as “Commissioner Dodd you are clueless and have no idea how to conduct the town’s business – why don’t you pack up and go back to England”. This is a personal opinion nothing more. The reference to another country such as England or Cuba is allowed and can not be considered as a “personal attack”. If someone calls you a “liar” or a “thief” or “of doubtful parentage” then these definitions come within the realms of “personal attacks” and the speaker should receive an immediate warning. At last nights meeting in my opinion there were no public comments that were “personal attacks” within our very broad guidelines. The mayor was elected to be the one with the gavel – let her decide whether the speaker crossed the line.

I hope our last two meetings can be conducted with some vestiges of respect towards each other and an understanding of our roles within the municipality and the reasons why we were elected. We are there to serve the people and the manager is there to guide and assist us in every aspect of carrying out our duties (tenets 8, 9 and 10).

Stuart Dodd

A full copy of all tenets can be found on the ICMA web site” http://icma.org/main/bc.asp?bcid=40&t=0

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“Town Of Lauderdale-By-The -Sea

OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER

MEMORANDUM

February 16, 2010

To: Mayor Roseann Minnet

Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee

Commissioner Birute Clottey

Commissioner Stuart Dodd

Commissioner Jim Silverstone

From: Esther Colon, Town Manager

Subject: February 9, 2010 Commission Meeting

This memorandum is in direct response to a letter dated 02/10/2010, authored by the Honorable Commissioner Stuart Dodd, Town of Lauderdale by the Sea, and addressed to “All Commissioners, Mayor, Vice Mayor and Town Manager.”

Since this letter is addressed to me. I see it as only fitting and proper I respond.

We are currently in the midst of a very nasty political campaign that sees to bring out the worst in peple resulting in unsubstantiated, misguided and uniformed expressions that are publicly reported as facts, when the truth remains untold.

I need not remind you that I am not a politician running for office. I am not participating in any political campaign, and I have not publicly endorsed anyone running for office,

I am a professional contractual employee of the Town of Lauderdale by the Sea. I was contracted as the Town Manager, and pursuant to Florida Law and the Town’s Charter, I am obliged to comply and insure compliance with existing laws and ordinances. My actions are not guided or motivated by any underlying political motive, as I am not an elected official, nor do I want to be. I am an appointed employee of the Town. I was appointed by a majority of a sitting commission, made up of five elected officials.

Lately, an item contention has been the claim that I have an employment contract for life. That could not be further from the truth. The truth is that I serve art the pleasure of the five sitting member commission. If you do the math, it takes one swing vote on the commission to terminate my lifetime contract. If at any time, three sitting commissioners decide that my services are no longer needed or desired you need only to speak up and vote your conscience.

Having said that, after more than 30 years of public service and countless accomplishments and recognitions, I refuse to apologize for a contract that I negotiated in god faith,in a public forum that was approved by five elected officials. If you disapprove of my performance, all it takes is that one swing vote. In the meantime I intend to carry out and fulfill my duties as Town Manager until otherwise decided by a majority of the Town’s Commission.

Now, I would like to address the issue of freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. I do understand that publications in this country have the absolute constitutional right to express and print their opinions. This is an immense power that can be used to mislead the public into believing information as factual when in reality it is information expressing one biased political viewpoint. Let me remind you that every story has three sides, two opposing opinions and the truth somewhere in the middle. It is also my constitutional right and responsibility when it relates to facts I know not to be true.

Freedom of speech does not give a person license to be disrespectful and or discriminatory. Although commissioner Dodd opines otherwise, a comment “Why don’t you pack up and go back to England” when directed at a person of English ethnicity, or a comment such as the one recently made at the February 09, 2010 Commission meeting. “Cuba, get out of this country, get back in your boat, go find your paddles, go back to you dictator”, is very much offensive, insulting,disrespectful, unprofessional, disgusting, demeaning, annoying, discriminatory…. need I say more? No, this is not an expression of an opinion; far from it. In fact, it is foul conduct that constitutes disorderly conduct. I can not more strongly express my disagreement with Commissioner Dodd’s opinion that these comments are not personal attacks. If they were not personal, please explaining to whom these comments were directed to?

As for going back to Cuba. I should not dignify the comment with a response, but let me say my father was born in the US and served honorably in the US Navy and my mother was Cuban born and worked her entire life in New York retiring from her job and realizing the American dream of owning her own home with a white picket fence. In my immediate family, there are four Public Servants and my family’s combined years of public service are in excess of 80 years. And last but not least, I was born in the State of New York, in the United States of America. The Cuban comment was not an opinion; it was an utterance of complete disrespect. It goes without saying that even though I am not one myself, we are a country of immigrants, a fact that I am proud of.

The biggest insult though is Commissioner Dodd’s admonition of my conduct as it I were his direct subordinate (God forbid). Commissioner Dodd, not only are your opinions misguided, but I for one, am not certainly bound by them. What in heaven’s name wee you trying to accomplish with your letter?

Respectfully submitted Esther Colon, Town Manager”

………………………………………..

COMPARE….

QUESTION READ FEB 16, 2010 LOWV MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT…

Moderator Carol Smith- “This is a question on decorum on the dais. Freedom of speech in the United States is protected by the First Amendment to the Unite States Constitution and by many State Constitutions etc.considering our protection on freedom of speech.
However, being educated enough to know when racism is being brought into Town meetings, how do you view the issue of recent public comments made in Town meetings such as Banana Republic. get out of this country, get back in your boat, go, I’m reading this, go find your paddles, go back to your Dictator. As a member of the Town council will you continue to allow this type of speech as freedom of speech or do you think it should be considered proper.”

MEMO SENT BY TOWN MANAGER ESTHER COLON FEBRUARY 16, 2010…

“Freedom of speech does not give a person license to be disrespectful and or discriminatory. Although commissioner Dodd opines otherwise, a comment “Why don’t you pack up and go back to England” when directed at a person of English ethnicity, or a comment such as the one recently made at the February 09, 2010 Commission meeting. “Cuba, get out of this country, get back in yout boat, go find your paddles, go back to you dictator, is very much offensive, insulting,disrespectful, unprofessional, disgusting, demeaning, annoying, discriminatory…. need I say more? No, this is not an expression of an opinion; far from it. In fact, it is foul conduct that constitutes disorderly conduct. I can not more strongly express my disagreement with Commissioner Dodd’s opinion that these comments are not personal attacks. If they were not personal, please explaining to whom these comments were directed to?”

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THE FACTS AND PUBLIC COMMENTS MADE FEBRUARY 9, 2010…(prev. post)

This writer wrote a post on Commissioner Jim Silverstones “Whopper” of a $3 million dollar deal (prev. posts) that included an excerpt from a story I wrote for the BTSTimes in 2007…

“BC-FUNNY STUFF- “The audience was incensed and one resident screamed out in disgust, accusing the Mayor, the attorneys and the developers of being thieves! ( This resident is from Cuba and could not contain his anger towards this happening in his country.)… Yep, it’s him…Mayoral candidate Joe Couriel!…”

At public comments resident Bob Schuyler spoke about that article and included the following statement “Then a local resident from Cuba called all involved thieves. How about the one dealing from his personal office?” Meaning Comm. Silverstone and his statement on Jan. 26, 2010 that he made a deal in his office on Commercial Blvd…

Joe Couriel the Furth-CIC-endorsed candidate for Mayor came to speak and he said this as he ended his comments…” Um, thank you very much and ah, by the way I did call out thief. I was pro, very proudly removed from the audience at that time because those that made that deal gave away two million dollars of our money and ah, we could’ve had more. But what happened to that other two million who knows? Maybe one day we’ll find out. Thank you.”

…………………………………

BC- First, Comm. Silverstone take note… Joe Couriel acknowledges this writer wrote the truth in 2007…Take note readers- Joe Couriel candidate for Mayor says ” I was pro, very proudly removed from the audience at that time”…and Take note voters- Joe Couriel candidate for Mayor says “because those that made that deal gave away two million dollars of our money and ah, we could’ve had more. But what happened to that other two million who knows? Maybe one day we’ll find out.”…either he is buying the “Whopper” Commissioner Silverstone was selling on Jan. 26th…or perhaps he too needs to visit the Fl. Ethics Commission to explain any knowledge of  an ex parte communication violation Comm. Silverstone was a party to?… OOPS!…

………………………………….

Right after Joe Couriel, resident Chuck Gress was called to the podium to make his public comments which ended with this ” We’re a democracy and not a dictatorship. You want your  like run by a Dictator move to Cuba. Ask yourself this, ask this, how many people are on the nightly news with stories being reported about them making rafts out of coconuts and plywood trying to paddle to Cuba?”

……………………………..

BC- again, Readers can see the comments came from an article written by this writer in the By The Sea Times in 2007 …

First  LBTS Resident Bob Schuylar referenced it in his comments directed to Comm. Jim Silverstone and not to Town Manager Colon …

Second Mayor Candidate Mr Couriel said the 2007 article was truthful…and he did yell out and was removed from the hall…and was proud of it…

Third LBTS Resident Mr. Gress made his comments that have been said often by politicians and immigrants from Cuba and those comments in this writers opinion were “used” by the Town Manager, the Vice Mayor and several backers of Candidates Silverstone, Evans and Couriel to rile up the hall!….

Perhaps the Town Manager should revisit the video and see what was actually said… http://lbts.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=287

As far as the contract the Town Manager speaks up “Lifetime contract” she knows full well is used due to the FACTS that she has no term in her contract, something this writer is told was in her initial contract agreement…and if she is terminated she walks away with one full years salary to the tune of $160,000 + …and no matter how many times this Town Manager, Commissioner Silverstone, Vice Mayor McIntee or her backers try to make the taxpayers look elsewhere …this “truth” is contained in her own words…the words of Commissioner Silverstone and Vice Mayor McIntee from 2007 to 2009 when all three repeatedly told the taxpayers her contract was the “SAME” as her predecessor with the exception of not having 10 weeks paid leave…It was this writer who found she had put in a one years salary that former Town Manager Bodb Baldwin never had…also found by this writer!…

Here’s the kicker, Madam Manager.. I recall and Readers can see for themselves the video of the two meetings in May of 2007 when you were hired and your contract approved…If at that time you asked publicly for a years salary to be included…judging from the Commission, who were falling all over themselves to give you this “permanent” (Then-Comm. McIntee’s motion)…no on would have said “BOO!”…It’s the 2 years of continuing to assert a falsehood that is thew root of the problem…truth can always be found when armed with the contract, the former TM contract…the minutes and the video!…

As for the Town Manager not being political…and not wanting to be an elected official…I ask the Commission on February 23, 2010 to ask the Town Manager to leave the center seat of the dais and sit with her staff in the hall. She should come to the podium when the Commission needs her report or her input as is the precedent in many municipalities and will surely comply with her desire not to be perceived as a commissioner!…

And finally, I did  receive a reply from Ms. Smith the moderator from the LOWV…it was even more disturbing and gives this writer pause in my opinion of the Broward LOWV and their method of conducting such forums… I replied and that is below as well….

…………………………………

THE E-MAILS LOWV…Feb. 17, 2010….
Re: Questions for LBTS Meet The Candidate Nights
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 11:20 AM
From:
“Carol Smith”
To:
“Barbara Cole”
Dear Ms. Cole,
I did not write the questions–I merely read what was submitted. Even the Sun Sentinel in its article on Lauderdale by the Sea identified the rude behavior during some Town meetings. Where the problem lies, I do not know. It is up to the candidates to address the question as presented. That particular question will not be asked on the 25th–it’s already been answered. It is not up to me to check the facts in the question. Someone thought the question important enough to be asked.

The voters will make their choices on March 9.

Thank you for your interest.
Carol

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Re: Questions for LBTS Meet The Candidate Nights
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 12:42 PM
From:
“Barbara Cole”
To:
“Carol Smith”
Ms. Smith, I am disturbed by your response. The Sentinel article was also the recipient of many responses from some of the candidates and LBTS citizens for false statements made.
I feel you inflamed a situation by using that “Cuban” question. I also think the writer of that letter needs to be made public.
I say this due to a memo I have posted this afternoon from our Town Manager to the LBTS Commissioners that contains the very same verbage used in your question. The memo was distributed on Feb 16, 2010.
How is it possible that the verbage was identical?
Either the question was submitted by the Town Manager, or the Town Manager was in possession of it and used the letter submitted for this meeting prior to the meeting.
Both scenarios are cause for concern.
I still feel the LOWV owes the voters and residents of LBTS an apology at the Feb 25, 2010 meeting.
Barbara Cole.

…………………………..

This is another LBTS Rorschach test…..

more to come….

Tags: Broward League Of Women Voters, Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea Commissioner Stuart Dodd, Lauderdale By The Sea Fear-mongering By Town Manager?, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Scoops
Posted in Local Politics, Scoops, 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 Feb 9, 2010 Commission Meeting. Owner-Publisher-Editor-CIC- Board Member-Campaign Manager for Mayoral candidate Joe Couriel ,Cristie Furth came to the podium to address her candidate’s opponent Mayor Roseann Minnet over the statements the Mayor made at her Jan 26, 2010 Commissioner Comments concerning the Mayor’s voting record that were inaccurate in the Times 1/22/10 issue……

Here is what led up to the public comments made by Cristie Furth…and the truth of the matter….

In the January 22, 2010 edition of the By The Sea Times on page 6 an article was written by “Staff Writer” titled “The VFD is not an election game!”…it included the following “Here’s what our Mayor, Roseann Minnet has done for the VFD during her last two years on the Commission dais: Minnet voted No to awarding fire suppression services to the Volunteer Fire Department. Minnet voted No against a transition budget for the VFD when BSO Fire was voted out of town. ….Minnet voted No against providing lifebuoys on the beach for residents…..”

…………………………………

Mayor Minnet sent a certified letter on Jan. 26 2010 to respond to the article…

“ROSEANN MINNET
2000 S. Ocean Blvd. #llE
Lauderdale-By- The-Sea, FL 33062

01/26/10

To: By the Sea Times Publishers and Editors:
I have read with great disappointment the following falsehoods printed in
your publication. I understand that you are not supporting me in the
upcoming election, but that does not give you the right to inaccurately
report my voting record to further your political goals. I am specifically
referencing the following claims in your January 22, 2010 issue of By the
Sea Times on page 6:
1. Mayor Minnet voted no to awarding fire suppression services. to the
Volunteer Fire Department. This is false. In fact I voted yes to
approve the contract with the Volunteer Fire Department on
September 12, 2008.
2. Mayor Minnet voted no against transition budget for the VFD. This
is false. In fact I voted yes for the transition budget on March 25,
2008.
3. Mayor Minnet voted no against providing life buoys on the beach
for residents. This is false. In fact I voted yes for the signposts and
the Volunteer Fire Department was providing the life buoys on
September 25, 2008.
Had you been interested in printing the truth, you could have contacted
me or some credible source before you printed these falsehoods.
I demand you print in your next issue a retraction/correction of these
falsehoods .
Roseann Minnet, Mayor ”

……………………………………….

Mayor Minnet made the following comments in her Jan. 26, 2010 Commissioner Comments…

“I’d like to address this to By The Sea Times actually By The Sea Lies. The first time that I have ever stated anything like this. The first time I have ever stated anything like this but I have sent a certified letter to the By The Sea Times in reference to three votes that they said that I did not make and I do want to make reference to them. The first one that they said I did not vote for the VFD contract. On September 12, 2008 in fact I did vote Yes for the VFD contract. Number two the By The Sea Times said I did not vote for the transition funds for the VFD. I voted yes on March 25, 2008 to approve the transition funds. Third item they said that I did not vote for the beach signs, beach posts. I did vote yes for the beach posts on September 25, 2008 and the VFD was providing the life buoys. So in the future, again I have sent a certified letter to the publishers and editors of  By The Sea Times asking them to please send clarification in their next issue and I’m sure they will. It is unfortunate. Others have sat up here as well and nobody likes to be the brunt of lies or mistreatment. So I am asking you to look into that. And the next time you look at credible sources like the Town video to see how I did vote in the future. So I would really appreciate that. Thank you.”

……………………………………….

The By The Sea Times Owner-Publisher- Editor Cristie Furth was sitting in the hall and did not raise her hand to respond…

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On Jan 28, 2010 the By The Sea Times sent all the candidates a question to answer for their next edition ( Feb 12, 2010)…
“From: “Marc Furth”
Date: January 28, 2010 11:58:16 AM EST
To: , , “Joe Couriel” , , , “Jim Silverstone”
Subject: Question to candidates.doc
Reply-To: “Marc Furth”
Question to candidates:

While the maximum town wide height limit is 44 feet, the current zoned height limit in the RM25 zoning district – which extends east and west from El Mar Drive to Seagrape Drive and north and south from Palm to Pine Avenues – is 33 feet (3 stories).

Where do you personally stand on increasing the existing zoned height limit of 33 feet to the maximum allowable height of 44 feet in the RM 25 District?

Please submit your answer (200 word maximum)along with a photo by Wednesday, February 3 to http://bytheseatimes.combytheseatimes.com

Thank you,
By the Sea Times”

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On Feb 2, 2010 Mayor Minnet responded in a letter to the By The Sea Times….

“ROSEANN MINNET
2000 S. Ocean Blvd. #llE
Lauderdale-By- The-Sea, FL 33062
02/02/10
By the Sea Times Publishers and Editors:
On January 26, 2010, I sent a certified letter to your office asking for a
retraction and correction of misinformation the By the Sea Times printed in
the January 22,2010 edition of the paper regarding my voting records. I
am in receipt of the notification that you received the letter on January
27,2010.
As of today, I have not received a response from you. Accordingly, I
cannot respond to your questions until I have seen the correction printed
in your newspaper.
Roseann Minnet, Mayor”

……………………………………..

At the Feb 9, 2010 Commission meeting Cristie Furth came to speak at the podium….

Cristie Furth- ” I am the co-owner of the By The Sea Times newspaper. At the last commission meeting Mayor Minnet publicly called my paper By The Sea Lies claiming that I published lies about her voting record. In the interest of fairness I believe I must be allowed to answer her slanderous charges publicly. A little over a year ago my husband and I purchased the By The Sea Times, Lauderdale By The Sea’s oldest newspaper and we are proud of the contribution being made to the community by providing accurate and factual, actual and factual community news and human interest stories. We do not engage in yellow journalism. Nor are we the National Enquirer or Paparazzi of Lauderdale By The Sea. We do not deliberately try to confuse readers with character assassination, sensationalism, scare tactics or misleading headlines cleverly disguised as fact. Mayor Minnet you stated I publicly published lies about you in a story regarding your voting record.Mayor those are very strong words and libelous statements against my newspaper. We are a Lauderdale By The Sea owned and operated small business and I take offense to being the target of your public attack of us. If you yourself had been interested in speaking the truth at the last commission meeting you might have contacted me to discuss your concerns which I could have easily have clarified for you before your public comments. However you did not. I stand fully behind the story on your voting record regarding the VFD which I will be fully addressing in the next issue of By The Sea Times. I hope everyone takes the time to read my response to your incorrect accusations. Thank you very much.”

…………………………….

BC- I have looked into the votes with obtaining the Town minutes online…and compared them with the above exchange between the Christie Furth-By The Sea Times and Mayor Minnet….

1- The BTSTimes – 1/22/10 printed…Minnet voted No to awarding fire suppression services to the Volunteer Fire Department.

Mayor Minnet -1/26/10 letter sent- 1. Mayor Minnet voted no to awarding fire suppression services. to the Volunteer Fire Department. This is false. In fact I voted yes to approve the contract with the Volunteer Fire Department on September 12, 2008.”

Mayor Minnet 1/26/10 Comm. comments- “The first one that they said I did not vote for the VFD contract. On September 12, 2008 in fact I did vote Yes for the VFD contract.”

Editor Cristie Furth 2/9/10 public comments-”I stand fully behind the story on your voting record regarding the VFD”

Town Minutes – September 12, 2008 -pg 11-”Consent Agenda b. Commission approval of Volunteer Fire department Contract for Fire Protection and Fire Prevention Services (Manager Colon) pg 12- Commissioner Dodd made the motion to approve the Volunteer Fire Department Contract of Fire Protection Services commissioner Clottey seconded the motion. In a roll call, the motion carried 5-0″

BC- The Mayor voted YES for the VFD “fire suppression” services …The By The Sea Times was incorrect…

……………………….

2. The BTSTmes printed 1/22/10-”Minnet voted No against a transition budget for the VFD when BSO Fire was voted out of town”

Mayor Minnet 1/26/10 letter-”2. Mayor Minnet voted no against transition budget for the VFD. Thisis false. In fact I voted yes for the transition budget on March 25,
2008.”

Mayor Minnet 1/26/10 Comm. comments -”Number two the By The Sea Times said I did not vote for the transition funds for the VFD. I voted yes on March 25, 2008 to approve the transition funds.”

Editor Cristie Furth 2/9/10 public comments-”I stand fully behind the story on your voting record regarding the VFD”

Town Minutes- February 19, 2008-pg 9 “New Business e.Discussion and/or action of Lauderdale By The Sea- Volunteer Fire Department (Commissioner McIntee) -pg 10.”In a roll call vote, the motion carried 2-1. Vice Mayor McIntee and Commissioner Silvsertone recused from voting. Mayor Minnet voted no.”

Also included in the Feb 12, 2008 minutes- right above the vote on pg 10- ” Mayor Minnet believed the commission was a bit premature and felt it was important to have an agreement in tact. She said it was imperative to have a workshop and listen to the people. Commissioner Silverstone said the people had spoken during the election.”

BC- While the BTSTimes is correct “Minnet voted No against a transition budget for the VFD”…they neglected to explain her fiscally responsible reason for that No vote!…

Mayor Minnet in her response to the Times to rectify her voting record most likely thought they were referring to her March 25th vote…

Here is why she voted No……

Town Minutes March 25, 2008- pg. 9- “Old Business b. Discussion and approval of the VFD Transistion Agreement 3/01/2008to 9/30/2008 (Manager Colon) (voted on 24 days after it was to be in effect per TM Colon)- pg. 10 “Vice Mayor McIntee made a motion to approve the agreement as provided. Commissioner Silverstone seconded the motion. Vice Mayor McIntee amended the motion to direct VFD to provide a roster within 48 hours after the signature of the transition to the Town Manager. Commissioner Silverstone accepted the amendment. In a roll call vote, motion carried 5-0.”

BC- No wonder the BTSTimes stayed away from the transitional vote itself on 3/25/08… it shows front and enter the “2-hats” voting that begs for ethics rules on the dais …due the the 1-2 votes from VFD- VM McIntee and VFD-Comm. Silverstone…

BC- The Times was correct on #2, the Mayor did vote No to the transition budget and the Mayor was mistaken. This writer see it as an easy mistake to make in light of the above information….

………………………………

3.BTSTimes  1/22/10 printed “Minnet voted No against providing lifebuoys on the beach for residents.”

Mayor Minnet 1/26/10 letter “3. Mayor Minnet voted no against providing life buoys on the beach for residents. This is false. In fact I voted yes for the signposts and the Volunteer Fire Department was providing the life buoys on September 25, 2008.”

Mayor Minnet 1/26/10 Comm. comments “Third item they said that I did not vote for the beach signs, beach posts. I did vote yes for the beach posts on September 25, 2008 and the VFD was providing the life buoys.”

Editor Cristie Furth 2/9/10 public comments “I stand fully behind the story on your voting record regarding the VFD”

Town Minutes September 25, 2008 pg. 11 “New Business e. Discussion and/or action regarding the cost of putting up ID posts and beach equipment (Commissioner Dodd) Chief Perkins recommended about 20 wooden posts 6 x 6, with lifeguard rings and numbers on them to be placed on the beach every 500 feet at an approximate cost of $28 each. Discussion followed regarding monies that had not been budgeted. Attorney Abbott thought state approval would be required. Chief Perkins advised the poles were not a permanent structure. Manager colon asked if the Volunteer Fire Department would be able to purchase the poles by September 30, 2008. Chief Perkins saids he would. Commissioner Silverstone made a motion to appropriate $2,000 to pursue pending state approval. Commissioner Dodd seconded the motion. In a roll call, the motion carried 5-0.

BC- Mayor Minnet voted YES to the ORIGINAL “Buoys” (life rings) and poles…as she wrote and stated on 1/26/10…

BC- On 12/8/2009 under “New Business 16b.  Discussion and/or action regarding the responsibility to replace the lost buoys (Vice Mayor Mclntee)”

The vote was 3-2 against “REPLACING” the “buoys”…Commissioner Clottey/Commissioner Dodd/ Mayor Minnet voted No- Commissioner Silverstone/Vice mayor McIntee voted Yes..

BC- So if the BTSTimes is referring to the Mayor voting no on these “replacement” buoys it was less than forthcoming in its printed statement “Minnet voted No against providing lifebuoys on the beach for residents.” due to the FACT that the “ORIGINAL” buoys were already in place for the resident’s safety, the Mayor voted YES to them on Sept. 25, 2008 and the VFD stated they would be responsible for “REPLACING” them!…

……………………………..

As far as the rest of Owner-Editor – Campaign Manager Cristie Furth’s 2/9/10 public comments…”we are proud of the contribution being made to the community by providing accurate and factual, actual and factual community news and human interest stories. We do not engage in yellow journalism. Nor are we the National Enquirer or Paparazzi of Lauderdale By The Sea. We do not deliberately try to confuse readers with character assassination, sensationalism, scare tactics or misleading headlines cleverly disguised as fact.”

This writer must wholeheartedly disagree…I have seen ads placed that target this writer in a site, it is said, the  BTSTimes owners…Commissioner Silverstone and both McIntees own and operate aimed at me, I have seen photos badly taken on purpose by the owner/Editor and Official Town photographer of residents in our town …We have seen many untruths and distorted statements throughout the last year plus…along with accepting ads from their endorsed candidates that do not meet the Fl.election rules of disclaimers…We have heard the VFD is paying for the back page ad at a cost to the taxpayers or Booster Fund donators and perhaps at a rate not offered to others…. The Owners/Editors Furth have a political bias as Campaign Managers to Commissioner Silverstone/ Marjorie Evans/ Joe Couriel and that political bias is evident in their paper. So the statements made by Cristie Furth on 2/9/10 do not ring true in this writer’s opinion!…

I also found the following statement by Cristie Furth made on the 9th, particularly amusing …” I take offense to being the target of your public attack of us. If you yourself had been interested in speaking the truth at the last commission meeting you might have contacted me to discuss your concerns which I could have easily have clarified for you before your public comments.”…especially after the last few years of her BFFs McIntee and Silverstone and Clottey using their own Commissioner Comments in what can only be characterized as public attacks aimed at the By The Sea Future, and their Editors and Owner…

As for the timing of Cristie Furth to make such a statement just moments before the all out- political-personal attack made from the dais this very evening from Town Manager Esther Colon during her Town Manager Report against Ms. Furth’s rival local newspaper!…PRICELESS!…. ( post to come)…

“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 By The Sea Times Restraction?, Lauderdale By The Sea By The Sea Times Yellow Journalism?, Lauderdale By The Sea Marc & Cristie Furth, Lauderdale By The Sea Mayor Roseann Minnet, Lauderdale By The Sea Newspapers, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Lauderdale By The Sea VFD, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, Scoops
Posted in LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local News, Scoops, VFD, local government

THE KOOL-AID IS STILL THEIR DRINK OF CHOICE …

In 2008 the election was all about the M& Ms & Fs … MCINTEE- MACMILLANS &  FURTHS… In 2010 the initials remain the same with a change in the “players”… It’s the town MANAGER…those fully complicit with MCINTEE & FURTHS ….That’s all the voters are talking about throughout the Town!

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SILVERSTONE- FURTHS BOYCOTTING VOTERS BACKING HIS OPPONENT CHRIS VINCENT FOR DISTRICT 2…

We hear that Commissioner “He’s not a nice guy” Silverstone and his Campaign Managers/ BTSTimes Publishers Furths are actively boycotting a business owner after her business and her husband’s name showed up on Candidate Chris Vincent’s G1 reports submitted to the Town on January 15, 2010!…

The word going around is that Jimmy-boy  put his foot down and told his Fiancee’ she could no longer go to her longtime salon because the owners chose to support their longtime friend…It is said the Furth’s jumped on that boycott bandwagon as well!…

The owner was deeply hurt by the fact that such retaliation would result from her longtime Commissioner because she chose to exercise her right to support a candidate. other than him…The owner we hear has always kept politics outside the door of her business and has always kept both Town newspapers in stock for clients who support whomever they choose to…

The owner sent an e-mail yesterday to the Editors of both the By The Sea Times who is set to publish their next edition on Feb 12th and the By The Sea Future who is set to publish on the 19th….

The response from the Publishers of each could not have been more different!…

The Publisher of the By The Sea Future was deeply disturbed by the very idea of a business being boycotted for their political choice for Commissioner in a Town election and quickly decided to contact the owner with support and assurance they will be publishing the letter to the Editor in their next paper…

The Publisher of the By The Sea Times, Cristie Furth, it is said. contacted the owner of the salon and told the owner that she would not publish the letter to the Editor in the BTSTimes and went on to say the letter would  be damaging to the owner’s business if published!…HUH?… We hear Editor Furth went on to explain the owner should not have made a donation as a business …That it was “political” to do so!…HUH?… The Furth’s Blue Seas motel / By The Sea Times headquarters is also campaign headquarters for the Silverstone-Couriel-Evans campaign…The Furths are the CIC- endorsed candidates’ campaign managers and the Furths have the Silverstone-Couriel-Evans political signs the Furths designed attached to their motel sign!…Talk about a business (businesses) being political!… WOW!…

This writer has seen the e-mail sent to both papers….It is not only heartfelt, it is necessary for all voters to read before they cast their votes on March 9, 2009 for Commissioner in District 2!…

For Cristie Furth to refuse to print it…speaks volumes to what needs to change in this town……

In the writer’s opinion the damage coming from this letter to the Editor will be to Commissioner “He’s not a nice guy”  Silverstone- Joe Couriel-Marjorie Evans and Marc and Cristie Furth!…It’s well deserved!…

Readers will need to wait until Feb 19, 2010 to read the letter to the Editor in the By The Sea Future…it appears….due to the refusal to print it by Publisher Cristie Furth …

in the meantime…

BOYCOTT BOYCOTTING!… by the M & Ms & Fs!…

more to come….

Tags: Boycotting Business in Lauderdale By The Sea, Lauderdale By Th Sea Candidates Joe Couriel-Marjorie Evans, Lauderdale By The Sea By The Sea Times, Lauderdale By The Sea By The Sea Times Publishers Marc & Crisite Furth, Lauderdale By The Sea By-The-Sea- Future, Lauderdale By The Sea Candidate Chris Vincent, Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Scoops
Posted in Local News, Local Politics, Scoops, local government

UNILATERAL DECISION MADE AGAIN?…

The Town Manager has struck again… The Chamber will get a new roof after all …a metal roof ..for somewhere in the neighborhood of $15,000!… The Town Manager according to the Town purchasing manual is allowed to make purchases up to 15,000 without running it by the Commission…BUT… why would she do it with an item like this?…We did not see any RFP or ITB for the roof…and to choose a metal roof for this historic building without asking input from the Commission or the Chamber …really says it all…once again… Time for her to go!…

………………………..

SPEAKING OF THE CHAMBER …..

From: Anne.
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 3:57 PM
To: info@lbts.com
Subject: Street dance
Hello,
My girlfriend and I will be in the LBTS area from Feb. 12-15/10 and last year we went to a street dance on the Friday night and had a blast. We were wondering if you still have the street dances?? We are so looking forward to it…

Thanks for your help,
Have a great day.
…………………..
From: lbts [mailto:requests@lbts.com]
Sent: February 3, 2010 8:25 AM
To Anne
Subject: RE: Street dance

We do every Friday night at the Village Grille and Saturday night at Athena by the Sea.
I’m so glad you enjoy it!
……………………………..

From: Anne.
Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:33 AM
To: requests@lbts.com
Subject: RE: Street dance

Super!! Glad to hear it…can’t wait. We sooo look forward to it every year, we book our whole trip around the street dance…

Thanks for making our vacation special and fun!!
Keep up the good work…

Have a super day, see you on the 12th..
………………………..

WILL IT BE A MARCH “SURPRISE”?….

So will Commissioner Jim “He’s not a nice guy” Silverstone and his Campaign Manager Marc Furth be bringing the voters a March surprise with the unveiling of their clock for the Pavilion…1 year later?… This writer wanted to donate a clock and was summarily shut down because the source of the donation was “The Chief Blogger” …Jimmy-boy took it on…and after the Commission voted for it….some months later the big unveil…and then it disappeared…No clock…no $1000….no discussion….zip … sort of like the Off-site warehouse”…OOPS!…

……………………….

THANKS COMMISSIONER CLOTTEY + COMMISSIONER SILVERSTONE ….

This writer now owns the domain name “THECHIEFBLOGGER.COM”….Look for the unveiling after March 9, 2010~…

………………………………………….

DOES MOE KNOW?…..

Does Moe know that when Commissioner Silverstone- Candidate Joe Couriel- Candidate Marjorie Evans go to the condos they bash Jerry?…We hear Mayoral Candidate Joe Couriel is doing a 180 from his prior Jarvis Hall assertions of “McIntee is God”…as he runs for the center seat…He bashes Jerry McIntee…blaming Jerry for the bad behavior on the dais… saying HE  (JC) would have shut him up…as Jimmy and Marjorie nod in agreement!… We hear  Joe has been busy telling voters HE (JC) will throw people out of the hall without a warning…HE (JC) is allowed to do that as Mayor…as Jimmy and Marjorie nod their heads in agreement… Watch out for Mayor Couriel and the “Bobblehead” commissioners… Talk about a campaign strategy…coming out of Town Hall East…BUT does Moe know?…OUCH!…

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LIGHTS OUT ….

Another March…another “lights out” on El Mar Drive and in the El Prado parking lot!…. The Manager was responsible for the El Prado parking lot fixtures…it was she who dropped the ball…Here we are once again facing months of darkness with no end in sight…(pun intended.)..A turtle lighting workshop is scheduled in Jarvis Hall Feb 10, 2010 1-3 pm…open to the public…Voice your concerns…This writer and Commissioner Dodd did last year…all to no avail… Forget the unnecessary Feb 11, 2010 TM Colon “forum” for special events and street closures… This is the meeting that calls for standing room only to finally shine some light on the problem!…(pun intended)…

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CHECK YOUR MAILBOX TODAY?…

Today voters received 2 postcards …one from Candidates Mayor Minnet-Scot Sasser- Chris Vincent that said  “The signs of the Times in Lauderdale -By-The-Sea…Here’s what we stand for protecting our Quaint Beachside Village * Fiscal Accountability and Transparency * Treating residents honestly and with respect”

Fro Candidate Silverstone-Couriel-Evans …a mailed postcard from the CIC-”Lauderdale-By-The-Sea’s Promise Lies in the Bold Combination of  Tradition with Careful Planning for the Future”

BC- pretty funny the Candidates switched with ’signs of the “Times” and  ‘careful planning for the”Future”!…

BC- Did anybody proof at Town Hall East?…”Lauderdale-By-The-Sea’s Promise Lies”…OUCH!…Let the “Healing” begin!… March 9, 2010…

more to come….

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea 2-10-10 Turtle Lighting Workshop, Lauderdale By The Sea Beach Pavilion, Lauderdale By The Sea Candidates Commissioner Jim Silverstone- Joe Couriel-Marjorie Evans, Lauderdale By The Sea Candidates Scot Sasser-Mayor Roseann Minnet- Chris Vincent, Lauderdale By The Sea Chamber of Commerce, Lauderdale By The Sea street events, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Scoops, Thechiefblogger.ccom
Posted in Civic Organizations, Local Politics, Scoops, local government, organizations

PULLING THE “MAT” OUT FROM UNDER THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ……

Dear Readers… The Town Manager does not like what she cannot control….and she cannot control the Chamber…So she retaliates…we’ve seen it before …over and over again in the last 2 years …All done with no regard  to protocol or the commission-manager form of government spelled out in the Town Charter…Why should she care…she knows the current majority on the dais Comms. Silverstone-Clottey and VM McIntee will have her back no matter what unilateral action she takes…And if at anytime the majority changes and the “party” is over …TM Colon knows she has her ace in the hole …The Silverstone-McIntee 2007 contract they kept under wraps for 2 years that gives her $250,000+ if she is terminated!….

The Manager held off in giving the Chamber their budgeted $28,000 dollars until the 20th of January and then went ahead without consulting the Commission and chose to pay out $19,081.23 to bring them back to a 0 balance according to the Chamber’s profit and loss statement…After the fact she put it on the Jan. 26, 2010 agenda under Manager’s report…Needless to say, once again her unilateral actions brought forth a flurry of upset from the Chamber, their supporters, businesses and the minority Commissioners on the dais in the days in between… UGH!…

Before we cover the meeting…let’s go back over a few important points…

On July 28, 2009 the Town Commision had a Special Hearing on the 2009-2010 budget…from the minutes… http://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/town/spc-meetings-09.htm

“Commissioner Clottey believed that if ANOTHER $20,000 donation by Broward County Vice Mayor Ken Keechl was received for the Chamber, that amount should come off the budget.”

“Mayor Minnet reviewed the items discussed”..

“10) SHOULD the Chamber receive a $20,000 donation from the County for the Visitor Center that amount should be reduced out of the budget.”

“It was the consensus of the Commission that SHOULD the Chamber receive the $20,000 donation from Vice Mayor Ken Keechl, the Chamber would only receive $8,000 from the Town”

BC- The Commission was in consensus only if the Chamber received a 2nd $20,000 from the County there would be a deduction of the $28,000 budgeted to them!…

On page 47 of the 2009-2010 LBTS Adopted Annual Budget ” Municipal Building- Chamber Of Commerce”

“Funding of contractual service for the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center. Maintenance, operating, building supplies, and repairs. Funded allocation of maintenance worker for maintenance of grounds and building.”

On Page 49-”Cultural & Recreation”

” Funding of contractual services for the concert series . Funded equipment maintenance and service agreements. Provided funding for special event activities for Easter, Halloween, Christmas By The Sea, July 4th and other special events sponsored by the Town.”

On Page 64- “Municipal Building -Chamber Of Commerce”

“GOAL: To act as host to visitors while providing a wide range of information to residents and visitors.”

“DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES: To assist in their transportation needs to assist visitors during their vacation to provide tour information to major attractions and restaurants in South Florida, and to provide assistance to visitors in finding accommodations.”

“ACHIEVEMENTS: The Chamber provided assistance to over 7,845 residents and visitors that walked in as of 04/30/09, made 1,440 Visitor’s guides as of 04/30/09,. The web-site has recorded 43,318 as of 04/30/09.

On page 65 General Fund -Chamber of Commerce… the adopted budget under “maintenance materials” jumped from 2,750 to 18,601.00…Hmmm….

In the justification sheets it was 33,251.00of which 30,000 was for a new roof …it was addressed prior to the special hearing by Comm. Dodd after he was informed the Chamber did not need a 30,000 new roof…somehow the amt. is now approx. half… If the Chamber is still not in need of a new roof…the $15,000 plus the 9,000 …will go into what many refer to as the Town “slush fund” that begins in June of every year…Those “unencumbered” funds are then used for all kinds of things…left to the Town Manger’s discretion…in the last 3 months of the budgeted year for items such as new vehicles for staff …. OUCH!…

We are told …The Chamber is open 7 days a week, 8 hours a day 52 weeks of the year…The employees make $11 per hour and that comes to 32,032.00…add in social security and the cost annually is 36,837.00…

To date the Chamber of Commerce has not received their new contract from the Town…

The Town Manager’s Report- The Manager said she sent the Commissioners a memo which included the Chambers profit and loss statement ending in Dec. 2009 …on the cover it stated that and  “Payment for the loss will be made accordingly.”…She went on to try and justify her unilateral actions by repeating that the Chamber is a non- profit organization.

The Mayor spoke and said that this was supposed to be an appropriation for the funding of the Chamber and questioned the Town Manager on changing that allocation to be based on the Chamber’s profit and loss. She asked about such changes being made at the discretion of the Town Manager.

The Manager shot back it was not at her discretion and then did what is now the Esther Colon M.O. of covering her actions…Readers…anytime TM Colon starts her response with “As you recall”…sit up and pay attention because it never fails to be something that never took place!… This time was no exception ” But if you recall the Chamber received $20,000 from Broward County so that would probably be my assumption of why their loss was only 18,000 dollars. But I don’t believe that this town can use private funds for private gain when they are clearly a non profit organization and that is why I remitted the funds in the amount of the loss.”

The Commission addressed the issue later in the evening when Comm. Dodd’s item came up  in New Business… Comm. Dodd added to the Mayor’s earlier comments about the Commission budgeting 28,000 for the Camber for the year and put forth the Town Manager should not have changed what was voted on for this year…He said it put the Chamber in a bind as they already budgeted for the amount the Town had advised them they would receive…

Comm. Silverstone who always has the Town Manger’s back …( a vote for Silverstone means 4 more years of having TM Colon)…answering the minority Commissioners about the money the Chamber was “shorted” by the Town Manager  Silverstone said ” Thank you, missing money? Nothing’s missing! It’s just that it’s not a profit organization. I don’t understand that! I don’t understand the logic in that! Why we, we’re in a sense giving them a profit then. We’re using taxpayers money to give them a profit. How do you justify that? “…

BC- Hmmm. The VFD is a non- profit that takes the excess funds and puts them in a fund in the bank…paid for by the taxpayers…

The Town Manger then reiterated the non profit status and held up their documents for effect…

Comm. Silverstone ” So, so if somebody can justify to me. I’ll vote for it. If you can justify to me why we should do this, why we should use taxpayers money to in effect give them a profit you got my vote.”

Commissioner “Clueless” Clottey tried to do a McIntee …wheel and deal on the dais with offering up that they already gave the Chamber $4,500 so they were actually closer to the 28,000 …Hmmm…problem is …the 5,000 was in ADDITION to the 28,000 per the budget!…Apparently Clottey forgot her statement in July 2009  when she brought up the 20,000 from the County and really crossed over into la la land with stating ” Ah, this is supposed to kinda be reimbursing the Town for what they have paid.”… HUH?…She also said “We’ve already given them way over the 20,000 this past year, we have!”…

The Town Manager or as she is now known Commissioner #6…went after Comm. Dodd saying she looked at her files from 2006 when Dodd asked about the Chamber and why they were making a profit… With zeal she wanted to do a “gotcha” …But what Comm. Dodd will tell you is he was unaware of all the Chamber did at that time, like so many of us drinking the Kool-aid of anti- Chamber of Commerce!…After he zingers she said meekly she would follow the direction of the commission… Cart before the horse…comes to mind…

Comm. Dodd again spoke of what was budgeted and that his was deja vue to the Town Manager’s actions with the Chamber’s Christmas By The Sea monies shorted by the Town Manger without consulting the commission…

The Town Manager did not back down on his past inquiry and tried mightily to use it to back up her unilateral actions…

Mayor Roseann Minnet asked about the dates of the profit and loss for the Chamber which are January to December  not coinciding with the Town’s budgeting time…She again spoke of the Town appropriating the money for projects throughout the year for the Chamber of Commerce and said ther were no stipulations attached….She said the Chamber should be funded the full amount and asked about the VFD and their non profit status…

Rudely, the Town Manager responded to the Mayor that the VFD had a different contract than the Chamber …adding “I’m sure you looked at that one!”…(insinuating the Mayor looked into the VFD contract)…

Diane Boutin Manager of the Windjammer Resort came to speak as a “loyal member” of the Chamber, not a board member…and addressed the role of the Chamber as “the sole marketing arm for the Town of Lauderdale By The Sea”…it brought LBTS to national attention 8 -9 years ago and spoke of the tax revenues …She spoke of the visiting center …being historic …for 45 years…and the A1A Scenic highway and supporting it just as supporting the Senior Center and the VFD and their new equipment…She said it was contractual work they do for the Town and it is not a donation…

The Vice Mayor (we are counting down the meetings until he’s history)… went after the Chamber spouting Furth-isms…of the Chamber being mostly outside businesses that diminishes their standing…He brought up the Green Market (that shut down thanks to his actions)…and his tirade from the past when he played his “David vs Goliath” due to a vendor being an out of town flower shop competing with local flower shops…Those shops are now gone…He tried to call for the vote on Comm. Dodd’s motion to give the Chamber the full 28,000

Comm. Clottey a tried to amend the motion to deduct the 4,500 (Christmas By The Sea budgeted funds-separate from the budgeted 28,000) Dodd accepted it but there was no 2nd…

Paul Novak President of the Chamber rose from the front row to speak and Vice Mayor McIntee (still having the gavel after taking it when Mayor Minnet 2nd Comm. Dodd’s motion) ..tried to stop him due to the late hour…Mr Novak said he wanted to respond to  McIntee… He said the Chamber cannot stand on its own “in our geographic location”…He said they Can’t make it, that’s why they go out of town and “there’s nothing wrong with it.”… He addressed McIntee’s comments about the flower shops and the farmer’s market …saying for $20 those shops could have participated…it was a success…He said they are  a welcome center and it costs a  lot of money to run it…that we are the only welcome center in Broward County …they expected 28,000 and the 20,000 was “a windfall” from Broward County …He said they look at the Town as sponsors of the Chamber …They are the only group that promotes this town “if you want to blow the Chamber away I don’t know who else is going to do what we do. It’s not that simple.”…He went on to speak of the change from 35,000 a few years back to 28,000 and said 28,000 was not “exorbitant”…Paul said 30% are out of town businesses and they have 280 members…He appealed to them for the 28,000 and asked for “some kind of clear path of knowing what is going to happen in the future”…

Comm. Silverstone (his insert foot in mouth finale)… ” Last bite of my apple here. I appreciate the Chamber Paul and appreciate what’s been done but I also know we have a contract with the Chamber (has Jimmy even seen it?) and I also understand that um, um I have politically, the smartest thing for me to do politically would be to give you money and vote for it and go that’s the thing to do but I have a higher responsibility to the citizens of this town and the people who pay taxes and unfortunately the reality is 90% of the tax money that comes in of all the money that comes in to support this town comes from residents and I’m probably being generous with that. (Shades of Oliver Parker!)… I cannot. I’m not doing my job by giving money to a non profit organization. I can’t justify it with the taxpayers money. Ah, you have a contract. If you need more that’s next year. Ah, this year you came under budget. But I, I can’t justify giving you ah, ah what in turn is a profit. It just does not make any sense to me. It’s not right to the citizens taxpayers of this town. Um I yield.”…

BC-4 more years…people..you really want 4 more years of this?…

Mayor Minnet” I look at this a whole different way. This is not looking at the whole picture of what the Chamber actually does for this community and how they offset what the residents have to do because id you took the mix of the businesses out of what they offer to this community as far as revenue is concerned taxes on the residential base would be considerably higher. These businesses and this Chamber is saving this town money by bringing revenues into this town by staying with us and continuing to service that visitors center.Even though I know it does serve quite a bit of Broward County, it’s still in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. It still is a name recognition for the Town Of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and that’s what the most important thing is. So I’m looking at the bigger picture here and the long term benefits of what it has for the residents of this town. You can look at it any other way you want, this was an appropriation fro the Chamber of Commerce and I will leave it at that.”

BC- This is who we need in the “center seat” on the dais for the next 2 years!…

Commissioner Clottey interrupted the vote to say she wanted to make a motion afterward…The vote was taken and it failed 3-2!

Commissioner Silverstone-Commissioner Clottey- Vice Mayor McIntee voted against the 28,000/ Mayor Minnet-Commissioner Dodd voted yes to honor the 2009-2010 budgeted amt. for the Chamber…

Comm. Clottey again tried for the 4,500..it died for lack of a 2nd…

The LBTS Chamber of Commerce was “shorted” by the Town Manager-Commissioner Silverstone-Commissioner Clottey- Vice Mayor McIntee $9,500 this year!…

The Commissioners receive approx. 10,ooo a year plus….perks and “pet” programs funded…

Commissioner Silverstone received in 2009-2010 from the Town  …insurance-cellphone allowance- his recreational programs 34,000/ Easter By The Sea 3,000/Halloween 4,000

Commissioner Clottey received in 2009-2010 from the Town …insurance- cell phone allowance – her concert series 7,500

VM McIntee received in 2009-2010 from the Town …. cell phone allowance- his recreational programs 34,000

Comm. Dodd received in 2009-2010 from the Town…cell phone allowance

Mayor Minnet received in 2009-20110 from the Town ……nothing…nada….zip!…

more to come……..

Tags: Broward mayor Ken Keechl, Lauderdale By The Sea Chamber of Commerce, Lauderdale By The Sea Chmaber shorted budgeted funds, Lauderdale By The Sea Commissioner Birute Clottey, 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 Town Manager Esther Colon, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, Scoops
Posted in LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local Politics, Scoops, local government, organizations

“THIS IS A TOWN MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT “….Town Manager Esther Colon Jan. 21, 2010…

Jan. 21,2010 Assist. Town Manager John Olinzock, Deputy Twn Clerk Nikki Smith, and Town Manager Ester Colon

Dear Readers …On Jan. 21st Town Manager put together what she deemed an “appropriate meeting” for addressing the special events and street closures that were addressed at the Jan. 12, 2010 Commission meeting (prev. posts)… The meeting was packed (see cover photo and story 1/29/10 By The Sea Future  http://www.bytheseafuture.org/) … as reported most in attendance were overwhelmingly residents angered over even having such a “forum” and any attempts to stop the events being made by the Town Manager and her “Gang”!… One- by- one speakers came in support of the events and the music…including the gentlemen in the center of this controversy…There was  one lone voice of “praise” for “allowing individuals to come forward and inform the Town Commission of their concern”… coming from Diane Boutin Manager of the Windjammer Resort …That lone voice was all it took for the Manager to keep up with her payback and her “Town Manager form of government”…

……………………………………………

On January 22, 2010 The Town Manager sent a letter to Diane Boutin -

” Dear Mrs. Boutin,

Thank you for attending the January 21, 2010 public meeting and sharing your thoughts pertaining to special events & street closures. I am sure that your opinion will assist the Town Commission in making a sound policy decision and aid Town staff in making a recommendation to the Commission.

Approximately 113 concerned citizens attended the public hearing and the comments made were greatly appreciated. This public meeting was a forum to allow citizens to express their concerns and I believe that we accomplished that.

I appreciate the point you made which expressed that this forum allowed individuals to come forward and inform the Town Commission of their concerns.

Your participation was greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Esther Colon”

…………………………

Also, on Jan 21, 2010 The Town Manager sent out letters to other speakers who participated in the meeting…including this writer… The letters were all the same in content as below (with the exception of Mrs. Boutin’s above)…..

January 22, 2010

” Dear Mrs. Cole,

Thank you for attending the January 21, 2010 public meeting and sharing your thoughts pertaining to special events & street closures. I am sure that your opinion will assist the Town Commission in making a sound policy decision and aid Town staff in making a recommendation to the Commission.

Approximately 113 concerned citizens attended the public hearing and the comments made were greatly appreciated. This public meeting was a forum to allow citizens to express their concerns and I believe that we accomplished that.

As expressed by Mrs Diane Boutin, Manager of the Windjammer Resort,this forum allowed individuals to come forward and inform the Town Commission of their concerns.

Your participation was greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Esther Colon”

……………………………………..

On January 24, 2010 Diane Boutin sent a letter to the Mayor and Commissioners…

” Dear Madame Mayor and Commissioner:

I wish to commend you on your choice of format to discuss the above matter. Staff chaired and guided where needed, but the in-put from the general public was loud and clear. The people have spoken and love the unique ambiance of music on Friday and Saturday night. It became very apparent after numerous speakers that the issue at hand is NOT the music, but actually parking availability for Pacific Blue.

I took the time to actually walk the already this business and tried to comprehend the issue at hand. In retrospect would like to respectfully mention a few solution:

#1 Friday/ Saturday identify and restrict 5 or 6 meters solely for the business impacted on the South side of Commercial and limit parking to one half hour for shopping.

#2 Reconfigure the fence delineating the music area and the south side of Commercial so access may be given to pedestrian just east of the corner of A1A/Commercial and just West of the corner of El Mar/ Commercial.

#3 In order to allow more accessible parking, increase parking hours at Datura and Hibiscus portals from 9 PM to 11PM during 7 days per week. Would allow local residents and visitors alike to feed the meters till 11 PM. Give it a 6 month trial basis and then revisit. It is just a matter of increasing the time on the signs.

#4 Place notice of these changes on Channel 78 so that the entire Town is familiar with the up-dated polices regarding parking.

#5 Let merchants/restaurateurs discuss amongst themselves and come up with suggestions that are a win/win for everyone.

Cordially, Diane Y. Boutin”

…………………………………

On January 25, 2010 the attorney for the businesses Pacific Blue and US Vintage….

Esther Colon, Town Manger Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea:

” Dear Ms Colon:

As you know we represent the owner of the Businesses. Special Events Permits were approved on January 12, 2010 by the Town Commission for Athena by the sea/101 Ocean and The Village Grille. At the January 21, 2010 Special meeting called to discuss the Special Event Permits, our client expressed its concerns regarding NOT the music at the events , but with the effect of the pedestrian closure of E. Commercial Blvd. on the readily accessible parking and the constraints on pedestrian traffic associated with the Athena /101 Ocean event.

The attraction of pedestrians to the area is highly desirable. The music associated with the events is welcomed by our client.

However, the parking constraint on one half of E. Commercial Blvd. is an issue, and the fencing corrals pedestrians onto the N. half of E. Commercial Blvd. keeps pedestrians on that half of the block.

We request the opportunity to:

1. Meet with the Athena/101 Ocean applicants in order to discuss alternatives like perhaps, closing the entire block so pedestrians may walk both sides.

2. Sit with your staff to understand the code issues that mandate the current fencing and layout.

3. Reach out to the neighboring businesses on the South side of E. Commercial Blvd. in order to help reach a consensus on their respective needs.

We welcome the opportunity to sit down with you or Mr. Olinzock to discuss the parameters of street closures and opportunities for same. As requested at the January 12, 2010 Town Commission meeting my client has researched the financial impact on its business due to both Special Events. If you require any further details regarding this matter prior to such a meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me. Look forward to working together to make these events beneficial for all businesses.

Very Truly Yours, Courtney Callahan Crush”

………………………………………

On January 26, 2010 at the Town Commission meeting…Atty. Courtney Crush was in attendance and spoke at public comments. So did many of those residents who attended and spoke at the 21st meeting….all reiterated The problem is NOT the music … leave the music alone! …

The Town Manager in her Town Manager report made this statement ” I’ve had some Commissioners indicate that there are some residents that would like to participate in some kind of forum similar to what we had with the businesses and I was wondering idf the Commission would entertain a forum for residents only having to do with the street closures or the music concerns that they have. In the same fashion we had the forum last week.”

The Commission never voted or gave direction to have another on of Esther’s forums….BUT…

Esther Colon, Town Manager has put one on the schedule!…

She, alone  has posted for the exact same meeting on Feb.11, 2010 at 6 pm in Jarvis Hall!…

ESTHER COLON WANTS IT!…

And because Esther Colon wants it,  here we go again, the fliers and the phone calls are already in the works and will again call for residents and businesses to mobilize big time against Candidate-Commissioner Jim Silverstone-Commissioner Clottey and Vice Mayor McIntee as well as  Candidate Joe Couriel and Candidate Marjorie Evans, all on record for wholeheartedly supporting Town Manager Esther Colon and her self imposed, incorrect assertion that this is a  “Town Manager form of government” allowing her to initiate unilateral actions such as this repeat meeting on special events & street closures

All the Commissioners but outgoing VM McIntee attended the meeting on the 21st….It will be the same people who came the first time…mostly residents…and as stated at that meeting and in the letters printed above…it is NOT the music …it is NOT the events… it is the parking …And as such…to put this meeting on again…so close to the March 9th election when 2 candidate-commissioners and 4 candidates are in the throes of campaigning hard…again shows why this Town Manager needs to go…and until she does…she needs to be off the dais…sitting at the staff table and mute!…

In the past week we hear that Town Manager Colon again been on the warpath and has sicked her code people on the downtown businesses…Maybe that’s why so many businesses in town refuse to put up the candidates that support the Manager (Silverstone/Evans /Couriel) signs…and why outrage from patrons forced some businesses to remove them!…OUCH!

Town Manager Esther Colon, Candidate -Commissioner Jim Silverstone- Candidate Joe Couriel-Candidate Marjorie Evanns- Commissioner Birute Clottey-Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee  are no friends and supporters of downtown business!

Let your Commissioners and the Administration know…any meetings to deal with issues of parking and events…should be done after the election and if they don’t listen to you now …they will listen when you vote March 9, 2010 for Candidate Mayor Roseann Minnet-Candidate Scot Sasser- and Candidate Chris Vincent who oppose this Feb 11, 2010 repeat meeting on special events & street closures and support Friday and Saturday night music in downtown Lauderdale-By-The-Sea!

…………………………………
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

This writer suggests …a parting gift for the Manager as she departs LBTS in 2010… a plaque that states…..

“ARTICLE III. ADMINISTRATION AND LEGISLATION

Sec. 3.1. Commission-manager form of government.
The form of government of the Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, provided for under this Charter, shall be known as the “commission-manager” form of government.”

more to come….

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea Special Events -music-street closures-parking, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Scoops
Posted in LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local Politics, Scoops, local government

BURSTING HER BUBBLE …

Did you get your letter yet from Town Manager Esther Colon?… Seems TM Colon is just basking in the glow of her choice of “appropriate meeting”…(per Jan. 12, 2010 comm. meeting) .. for the “music problem resulting from downtown special events”… What planet is the Town Manager living on?…This writer has not met anyone who thinks there is anything to feel positive about much less bask in with her choice and style of a forum to deal with this issue!… It was a poorly executed, hastily put together and unnecessary meeting to begin with…It gave rise to anger throughout the town…and began the meeting itself with the attorney representing the businesses who brought their charges to the Jan 12th commission meeting to state this forum in Jarvis Hall  was not what she or her clients deemed appropriate!… The hall was full and with the exception of one comment by a Windjammer Manager Diane Boutin stating she felt it was positive, thanking the Manager, there was no one who was on board with the Town Manager’s choice of “appropriate meeting”!… Never mine that though…this Town Manager who falsely spent the last 2 years stating LBTS is a Town Manager form of government (prev. post)…when in fact it is a Commission-manager form of government…(just as she spent 2 years stating she had the same contract as her predecessor, aided by contract signer Candidate -Comm. Jim Silverstone. when she in fact she gave herself a $250,000+ termination clause)… decided to politicize her choice of “appropriate meeting” by sending out letters of thanks to some of the speakers!.. That’s right she spent 44 cents each and sent letters thanking speakers for their participation…including the only positive quote of the evening from Windjammer Manager Diane Boutin, (if this writer was Ms. Boutin I would not have liked to been used in such a manner to pat the Manager on the back for this fiasco!)…. The Town Manager has done this before…when she sent letters and pins to thank volunteers for 4th of July…Ms. Colon really has come to think that SHE runs her Town”…..Time to Burst her bubble!…
………………………………….

HAD ENOUGH OF THE LBTS-CIC FAULTY FACTS YET IN THIS 2010 ELECTION?….

Have LBTS voters had enough of the false statements made by the LBTS-CIC in campaign 2010 yet?…The CIC paid for ads in the BTSTimes and did not include the required disclaimer…Their candidates signs are missing the required “for” a violation of the elections rules…Their CIC- funded- Furth BTSTimes  newspaper has violated the elections rules for not including “for” under the names of the candidates on their last edition…Mayoral Candidate Jo Couriel has under his ad “AS” Mayor instead of “For”… The CIC has co-mingled in their paid ads with the candidates…another violation…and while their CIC backed candidate Comm. Jim Silverstone states he is the author of the campaign finance reform in LBTS lowering the allowable amount from $500 to $300…the CIC website as of today 1/26/10…states otherwise!…OUCH… The above is another reason why…it is time for new leadership in LBTS…from those that pay attention to details, know the rules and play by them!

…………………………………………..

CIC WEBSITE…1/26/10 (this writer printed out the page …as proof before they fix it)….
“You can be assured that your contribution will be a well-spent investment in your own community as the CIC continues to support candidates who support our views on behalf of traditional small-town values, controlled development, responsive and transparent government, and low taxes and assessments.
You don’t even have to be a member of the CIC to donate and we gratefully welcome any donation up to a maximum of $500. You can make your contribution by sending a check payable to the LBTS Citizens Initiative Committee to:
• Carol Dickman
• Treasurer, LBTS CIC
• 4900 N Ocean Blvd Apt 1607
• Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308
If you would like a receipt, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.”
…………………………….
LBTS TOWN WEBSITE …. ARTICLE II TOWN COMMISSION….

Sec. 2-25. Campaign finance restrictions.
(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

…………………………………

THERE’S ONE IN EVERY GROUP ……

We hear that some well placed “moles” will be on hand to see if any VFD give $ to the CIC or CIC-endorsed candidates at their upcoming”Fundraiser”….. It is against rules for VFD “vendors” to contribute to candidates…directly or indirectly!… OUCH!… Cash under a certain amount is not reported but…the moles will watch any money changing hands!….PRR have been made for the candidate campaign G1 reports filed  on Jan. 22nd  as well….to be posted soon…

…………………………………..

CANDIDATE-COMMISSIONER SILVERSTONE DOESN’T DO HIS HOMEWORK …

While Comm. Jim (He’s not a nice guy) Silverstone is being portrayed by his camapaign manager’s Furth as “Coach Jim”…and Santa Clause…Many see him as the “Pillsbury Dough Boy” or Norm Crosby…a man who “Pecifically”…saw “Udder”…. ways to enact a code of “Ethnics” for the Town Commission… Voters need to remember…Silverstone is no “harmless ” Commissioner…worth a vote in 2010 now that his BFF McIntee will not be on the dais to lead him by the nose in how to vote ( a look at their records over the last 4 years show they were identical )… There is no such thing as a “harmless elected official”…  Not when that elected official is “armed” with a vote that impacts their constituents!… Jimmy-boy also has a problem with details and following election rules…as seen from his site…”For Commissioner COMMITTEE”…Hmmm….something new he has in mind for LBTS if he returns?….OOPS…(this writer printed it out to retain proof before he can fix it)…

“© Jim Silvserstone for commissioner committee 2010″

………………………………….

LBTS TOWN WEBSITE …. FODDER ….

Looks like the LBTS Town website needs a little look-see for accuracy…OOPS!…

CONTACT US…….

Comm. “Silvertone”…YIKES!….

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

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

………………………..

WANT TO SPEAK AT THE MEETING?…

The website says..”A limited number of names are randomly selected by the Town Clerk”…OOPS!… The commission changed this a while back…the public comments are now done in order!….WOW!….

“Can I speak about issues at Town Commission meetings?

Yes. The Town Commission holds public hearings on all proposed ordinances. Members of the public are also allowed to speak during the Public Comments portion of the meeting. Residents must sign up beforehand. Public Comments lasts for 30 minutes. A limited number of names are randomly selected by the Town Clerk. During Public Comments, members of the public can address the Commission for up to three minutes.”

http://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/commission/faqs.htm

…………………………………

more to come……

Tags: Lauderdale By The Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea Citizens Innitiative Committee, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Website, Scoops
Posted in Civic Organizations, Local News, Local Politics, Scoops, local government

“THIS IS A TOWN MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT “….Town Manager Esther Colon Jan. 21, 2010…

Dear Readers… It started to catch on big time when BSO Chief Scott Gooding was terminated by Town Manager Colon……Commissioner Clottey sent an e-mail to a constituent stating “This is a Town Manager form of government”……and it grew at a record pace……Commissioner Silverstone would start by explaining after any actions made by Town Manager Colon were questioned by Commissioner Dodd, a resident or a vendor…”This is a Town Manager form of government”… Vice Mayor McIntee would throw it in often as well “This is a Town Manager form of government” …in order to deter questions on the pavilion …an annual manager review, questions about the debt or any unilateral decisions Esther made…The BTSTimes wrote “This is a Town Manager form of government” when doing damage control  P.R . …And what they all meant each and every time the Mc-Furth Gang  said or wrote it was… Hands- off Esther …Carte blanche Esther…Have at it Esther…No holds barred …. and eventually all the “lemmings” believed it …..It became so ingrained in the dais commentary from the majority that the people who live in town believed it was so and never questioned its validity ….Even the Town Manager perpetuated it…for she made use of it most of all ….including at the special meeting held to address the special events in Town on January 21st….At that meeting, Town Manager Colon stood and walked over to two gentlemen to ask them to stop speaking out to those speaking at the podium …She received a negative reaction from the highly charged audience in Jarvis Hall …Afterward she went to the podium and made the following statement “This is a Town Manager form of government” and then went on to say that meant she would give a warning to anyone who had an outburst and then ask them to leave the meeting…. (prev. post)…WOW!… The rules of Jarvis Hall have long been for the Mayor to give a warning first and then the person would be asked to leave ….But never did we hear these Jarvis Hall rules were due to LBTS being a “Town Manager form of government!”…

This writer was caught off guard and rather disturbed by Town Manager’s assertion made that day and I wanted to see  what else was contained under our “Town Manager form of government”….in our Charter…

I had to wait though, since the Town’s website was down….and after being down for 2+ days (the 1/26/10 agenda and backup are still M.I.A.)… I checked it out ….Imagine my surprise when I found the following….

“ARTICLE III. ADMINISTRATION AND LEGISLATION

Sec. 3.1. Commission-manager form of government.
The form of government of the Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, provided for under this Charter, shall be known as the “commission-manager” form of government.

Sec. 3.2. Creation of Town Commission.
There is hereby created a Town Commission consisting of five (5) Commissioners, each of whom shall be elected at-large in the manner provided in this Charter. The Mayor-Commissioner and each Town Commissioner shall take and hold office for the term(s) provided in this Town Charter.

Sec. 3.3. Qualifications of members.
Only qualified electors who have resided in the Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea for at least six (6) months immediately prior to qualifying for office and who shall have attained the age of eighteen (18) years of age on or before the date the candidate files and qualifies in accordance with this Charter as a candidate for office, shall be eligible to hold the office of Commissioner.
Each Commissioner and candidate for Commissioner shall be elected from the election district in which he or she is domiciled for at least six (6) months immediately prior to qualifying for such office by the greatest number of votes of all registered electors residing within the Town. Once elected, a Commissioner from an election district shall remain a domiciliary of the election district during his or her term of office. Any Commissioner who shall cease to possess the qualifications required herein shall forthwith forfeit his or her office, except a Commissioner holding office will not have his/her term cut short by the establishment of or subsequent change of district boundary lines.

Sec. 3.4. Standards of conduct; code of ethics.
In addition to the ethical standards of conduct established by general law for elected officials, appointed officials, and employees, the Town Commission may, by ordinance, establish ethical conduct standards for elected officials, appointed officials, and employees of the Town.

Sec. 3.5. Legislative powers.
The legislative powers of the Town shall be vested in and exercised by the Town Commission, consistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution and statutes of the State of Florida, this Charter, and the laws and ordinances of the Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Except as otherwise provided in Article IV or elsewhere in this Charter, or by the Constitution or statutes of the State of Florida, the Town Commission may by ordinance or resolution prescribe the manner in which any powers of the said Town shall be exercised.

Sec. 3.6. Non-interference in Town Administration.
The Town Commission or its members shall not give orders to any Town officer or employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the Town Manager, either publicly or privately. Nothing in the foregoing is to be construed to prohibit individual members of the Town Commission from examining by question and personal observation all aspects of Town government operations so as to obtain independent information to assist the members in the formulation of policies to be considered by the Commission and assure the implementation of such policies as have been adopted. It is the express intent of this provision, however, that such inquiry shall not interfere directly with the regular municipal operations of the Town and that recommendations for change or improvements in Town government operations be made to and through the Town Manager.”

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

…………………………………………..

There you have it….voters…..

LBTS IS A COMMISSION-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT!
“The form of government of the Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, provided for under this Charter, shall be known as the “commission-manager” form of government.”!…

NON- INTERFERENCE WITH THE TOWN ADMINISTRATION…

The Town Commission or its members shall not give orders to any Town officer or employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the Town Manager, either publicly or privately. NOTHING IN THE FORGOING  IS TO BE CONSTRUED TO PROHIBIT INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE TOWN COMMISSION FROM EXAMINING  BY QUESTION AND PERSONAL OBSERVATION ALL ASPECTS OF TOWN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS SO AS TO OBTAIN  INDEPENDENT  OBSERVATIONS TO ASSIST THE MEMBERS IN THE FORMULATION OF POLICIES  TO BE CONSIDERED  BY THE COMMISSION  AND ASSURE THE IMPLEMENTATIONS  OF SUCH POLICIES  AS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED. It is the express intent of this provision, however, that such inquiry shall not interfere directly with the regular municipal operations of the Town and that recommendations for change or improvements in Town government operations be made to and through the Town Manager.

For all those times over the last two years  Commissioner Dodd made inquiries to obtain “independent observations to assist ” him in “the formulation of policies to be considered by the commission”…it turns out he was doing what was expressly written into the Charter and not interfering as the Town Manager, Commissioner Silverstone, Commissioner Clottey and Vice Mayor McIntee said he was!……These Commissioners owe Commissioner Dodd an apology…. and we owe him our thanks for carrying on!…

Shame on Commissioner Silverstone, Commissioner Clottey, Vice Mayor McIntee, The Furth-BTS- TImes and Town Manager Esther Colon for purposely misleading us all on the role the Town Manager plays in our “COMMISSION-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT”…..

Vote March 9, 2010 ……for Mayor Roseann Minnet, Candidate Scot Sasser and Candidate Chris Vincent … Commissioners we can trust!…

more to come……..

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea Article III Town Charter, Lauderdale By The Sea Commissioner Birute Clottey, Lauderdale by the sea Commissioner Jim Silverstone, Lauderdale By The Sea Form of Government, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Lauderdale By The Sea Vice Mayor Jrry McIntee, Scoops
Posted in Local Politics, Scoops, local government

HMMMM…. WE CAN’T GET EM’ ON THE HEIGHTS….TENNIS ANYONE?…

Dear Readers… An e-mail was sent to a commissioner and some like-minded residents …concerning the Tennis courts and their use…past …present and future … We hear some more election time misinformation and fearmongering are making there way throughout the town…to steer votes to Furth-endorsed candidates Comm. Silverstone, Joe Couriel and  M.I.A. Marjorie Evans …A few days ago it was the heights…with Furth-fearmongers saying a vote for their opponents would be a vote to raise heights to a Galt Ocean Mile 15 stories if elected……The Candidates Minnet, Sasser and Vincent countered with by providing voters with the factual information Article 7 Section 9 that states no increase in height can be instituted without a vote of the LBTS voters by referendum….With that off the table…we hear the fear now is the tennis courts being opened up to non- residents…Well, let’s get some facts on this latest mumbo-jumbo… from Town Hall East…

On January 13, 2009 Commissioner Silverstone put on item 10 e. Ordinance 2005-05  “BY AMENDING SECTION 17-14 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ALLOW NON-RESIDENTS TO USE THE TOWN TENNIS COURTS AND INCREASING THE FEES FOR USE OF THE TOWN TENNIS COURTS”…

At that meeting Commissioner Silverstone stated he put this on to increase the use of the tennis courts…(his campaign manager Cristie Furth  “thought the tennis courts should be kept in house” according to the minutes…On the video she actually says “keep it for Town residents”)… Town Manager Colon says at this meeting there are a total of 40 residents and 3 commercial “key” holders who use the 2 tennis courts…and stated she has never had any issues with the tennis courts in her 9 years of being in Town…Town Manager Colon also says the courts were insured and updated in the previous year…Commissioner Clottey thought the rate should be higher in season. Commissioner Silverstone liked the idea of pro-rating it “He believed it would get MORE people out there”…Mayor Minnet “thought it encouraged more people to use the tennis courts”…according to the minutes…Comm. Silverstone and Mayor Minnet agreed. ….”Commissioner Silverstone made the motion to adopt Ordinance 2005-05 on first reading as written with a 5% annual increase. Vice Mayor McIntee seconded the motion. All voted in favor.”

BC- OOPS!…The ordinance to open up the tennis courts came from Commissioner Silverstone and was seconded by Vice Mayor McIntee and all voted in favor!…OUCH!…

The Ordinance came back for second reading on January 27, 2009 …It was read by title by the Town Attorney who clearly pointed out the change was to allow non-residents which was not allowed prior to Comm. Silverstone’s Ordinance…The Ordinance as a second reading was published in the Sentinel…($$$)…….Public comment was allowed and a group of the regular tennis players (the 40) came to speak out against the Comm. Silverstone Ordinance to allow non-resident to use their two prized Town tennis courts…After their impassioned pleas the Mayor closed the public comments portion and discussion began by the Commission….According to the minutes …Vice Mayor McIntee (who was the second for Jimmy-boy’s Ord. for first reading) jumped at the bit and said he “knew the people of the Town wanted to keep the tennis courts for residents.”…Commissioner Silverstone, the Ordinance originator “thought this was a great example of the way government should work”….Mayor Minnet, according to the minutes stated ” felt there should be some parameters to allow other guests and tourists to use the courts. She said she would like to see the Town share a little more.” ..A look at the video shows Mayor Minnet was actually saying what she heard from one public comment, “sounds like you don’t want to share “…Vice Mayor McIntee “was against sharing. He believed it opened up a Pandora’s box”…The Town Attorney advised how the Commission could move forward with the Ordinance to remain the same with the exclusion of non-resident usage for first reading yet again. “All voted in favor.”

BC- Commissioner Silverstone states he “thought this was a great example of the way government should work”…. WOW!…We paid for a second reading in the newspaper and with legal costs to go back to first reading because it was done without input from the residents… Commissioner Silverstone believes  THIS is the way government should?…And he wants 4 more years?..YIKES!… The misinformed are blaming Mayor Minnet for wanting to “share” when she was actually repeating what a fellow speaker said and she has voted along with Silverstone on both votes?…Hmmmm….

On February 10, 2009 the Commissioner Jim Silverstone Ordinance 2009-05 became Ordinance 2009-15 changing the fee structure and keeping the tennis courts as they were prior to Comm. Silverstone’s Ord. 2009-05 for residents only with hotels /timeshares being able to use the courts along with annual renters ….A few public comments were made…including Diane Boutin stating she made a public records request for the costs associated with the tennis courts.. “Commissioner Dodd made a motion to approve Ordinance 2009-15 on first reading. Commissioner Silverstone seconded the motion. All voted in favor.”

March 10, 2009 Ordinance 2009-15 was on the agenda for second reading …It was read by title by Town Attorney  Trevarthen…Public comment was opened and one proponent of keeping the tennis courts “private” came forth to thank the “Commission for a wonderful Ordinance…. Stating “he always looked forward to working with Assistant Town Manager Olinzock and Manager Colon”…”Vice Mayor McIntee made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2009-15 on second reading. Commissioner Dodd seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0″..

BC- So from the time Commissioner Jim Silverstone tried to amend the longstanding Tennis Ordinance in January 2009 to allow for non-resident use…to the final adoption without the non-resident portion in March 2009……Mayor Minnet voted along  Commissioner Silverstone and the rest of the Commission 5-0!…

One point this writer thinks needs to be brought forth at this time is this…Since the Ordinance passed in March 2009… the Town Manager merged the Senior Center and the Recreation department….What rears it’s ugly head for the present Tennis Ordinance as it stands is the following……

On January 12, 2010 at the Regular Commission meeting, after the Town Manager created chaos by directing the Senior Center Director to post a sign of requirements to allow only certain Seniors to participate, the Commission decided on new rules for allowing residents and NON-residents to use the activities the Town offers…

Commissioner Silvserstone stated the following. I think for in-town residents free, absolutely, but for people who are also using this from Galt Ocean Mile from Fort Lauderdale, a small charge to just, to, to help out with the paperwork and so forth I think would be reasonable. I’d like to go in that direction.”

Mayor Minnet and Commissioner Dodd concurred with a fee for non-residents….. Vice Mayor McIntee stated the following…” What I’m saying is you indicated we can let anybody come in if we create two lists. One for legitimate people per the grant and one for the people who do not make the grant standards,. Is that correct?”…

The Town Manger responded she did not like to use the word “legitimate” …preferring those that do not fit the “criteria of the grant”…

The Vice Mayor then added this ” Let’s open it up! Let’s get it going. Encourage two lists and encourage people to come and use our services!”…

Commissioner Dodd made a motion …

The Town Manager asked for clarification… then stating a $30 charge once a year for “ANY AND ALL ACTIVITIES”… OOPS!…

Commissioner Silverstone perhaps recalled the Tennis Ordinance…and stated the following ” I just have I, I think we’re missing something here. I learned a lesson a long time ago the people who are enjoying these services should have input here. So I think I would like to get their input what the  would like to see as any restrictions. Cause I could see that Yoga class being almost over, overly. Anyway, we have, we have a certain limitations in the room and that sort of things. I think getting their input directly about what would be workable for them as far as ah, restrictions. I think it would be a good thing. Unless the Town Manager thinks she has enough input currently to judge that.”….

The Town manager gave her examples of the Yoga class led by Pauline McGuiness and her cutoff of 35 people in the room…

Commissioner Silverstone responded “Got you. That’s fine.”…

The Motion was made by Commissioner Dodd and seconded by Vice Mayor McIntee …passing 4-0 (Comm. Clottey was out ill)…for the Senior Center-Recreational Department activities to be used by residents…NON- residents …of any age and any income!…

With that vote…on January 13, 2010…ALL ACTIVITIES in LBTS are open for use EXCEPT the Town Tennis!…

The Furth-endorsed candidates are at “MATCH POINT”…. in the “2nd set” of trying to fearmonger their way to a victory in March!…OUCH!…

Pass the Ben-Gay…..

………………………………………

2009-15 TENNIS ORDINANCE ….

Sec. 17-14. Persons who may use tennis courts; access to tennis courts; issuance of keys; fees.
(a) There shall be available only (1) to persons who own property within the Town and/or (2) to persons who lease residential property (single-family detached homes, townhomes, condominium units or rental apartments) within the Town (tenant-residents) under a written lease for a term of one year or longer, and/or (3) to owners and/or operators of hotels and motels located within the Town for use by the registered guests of such hotels and motels (hotel/motel operators), the opportunity to use the tennis courts which are owned by the Town subject to such rules and regulations pertaining to such use as may from time to time be promulgated by the Town Manager.
(b) The tennis courts may only be accessed through the entrance gate and with a key to be issued by the Town for that purpose.
(c) Keys to the tennis courts may be rented annually from the Town by property owners, tenant-residents, and hotel/motel operators on a fiscal year basis. Keys rented during the fiscal year will be charged a prorated percentage of the annual fee. Only one key shall be issued to a hotel/motel operator and only one key shall be issued to a property owner (for each residential property owned) and only one key shall be issued for any one residential dwelling unit tenant-resident.
(d) The annual fee for the issuance of keys shall be as follows:
Single-family and duplex dwelling, including individual condominium units (and any unimproved lots)** . . . $100.00
Hotel/motel operator*
3–12 units* . . . 100.00
13–50 units* . . . 100.00
More than 50 units* . . . 100.00
Individual tenant-residents** . . . 100.00
*Only one key shall be issued to a property or complex–transient licensure
**Only one key shall be issued per residential household
(e) All fees contained in this section shall be automatically increased by five percent on October 1, 2009, and by five percent on each October 1st thereafter.
(f) The Town Manager shall verify the particular property owner, resident-tenant and/or hotel/motel operator status prior to issuance of a tennis key.
(Ord. No. 353, § 1, 9-14-94; Ord. No. 2009-15, § 1, 3-10-09)

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 Furth-endorsed Candidates Fearmongerin in the March 9 2010 Municipal Election, Lauderdale By The Sea Mayor Roseann Minnet, Lauderdale By The Sea Ordiance 2009-15, Lauderdale By The Sea Tennis Courts closed to Non-Residents, Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Lauderdale By the Sea Vice Mayor Jerry McIntee, Scoops
Posted in Local Politics, Scoops, local government

THE 3RD WISH! ….

Dear Readers …This writer heard yesterday that 1612 SE 21st Ave.in Bel Air is up for sale…It’s a familiar address that we saw it recently on a Citizen Contact Center Form when the homeowner of the house requesting a sewer drainage fix for $25,000 turned out to be the Vice Mayor…

McIntee’s words at the Jan. 12, 2010 Commission meeting during his Commissioner Comments  were the tip-off……

“Well ah, it’s been a great four years I’ve enjoyed it. The last years been a little tough but ah, all good things must come to an end and ah, I’m gonna leave with a smile on my face because in the last, I went to a doctor’s appointment two days ago and my blood pressure was down 20 points (laughing). So it definitely is positive for me. And my wife is feeling better too.

Ah, I’m proud of what we’ve done for the town. Ah, I’m proud of ah, what we’ve asked ah, what we were asked to do and ah, I’m proud of, we kept our word. I’m very proud of the fact that the Volunteer Fire Department is strong and viable and professional. Ah, their up to a great body of equipment. Their up to ah, a position where their gaining respect. It’s a situation where it was necessary to fight and go to war to bring em back and we did and we won the war. Now we have to keep up the battle. Ah, I, I look at the youth of the Volunteer Fire Department. I look at me and I’m old and they’re young and let’s hope the youth can carry the way.

So, In all fairness to everybody even on that side or that side, I sort of enjoyed it up here and ah, it was time to end and I’m sorta happy it’s over. But ah, I, I won’t forget Lauderdale By The Sea as being a great place to live. There’s great memories and there’s been tremendous volunteers. The volunteer that I think of continually works harder than anybody is Marc Furth and his wife Christie. Nobody compares to the energy and woork they do and they’ve done it for nothing.

I look at them to my right and see ah, the Town Manager. She’s the best and she doesn’t deserve the attacks that are coming. Unfortunately now the attacks will fly off of me because there’s no need to attack anymore and they’ll probably be more agressive towards Esther which is unfair. She’s done a great job. Ah, the records the proof of it. The taxes are down. Not many people can say that. We’re financially strong. We have no debt. I mean ah, you’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t. But she’s done a great job and ah, on the whole we made a change. We made a positive change and I’m very proud of it and thank you for allowing me serve. That’s all”…

A small group applauded along with one member of the dais, BFF Comm. Jim Silverstone…

This is not the time to revise history…or forget who is at fault for McIntee only having one term….McIntee!…

This man could have been walking around town a hero with an easy re-election in his future rather than a hasty exit…from his commission seat, his beloved fire department , his house and his town!… He wreaked havoc from the moment he entered the town full time.pre- candidate for commission …

His downfall was twofold… Due first to his M.O. which was to manipulate, intimidate, slander  and threaten groups of supporters…non-supporters and those who never supported him…He ran out of the first group…after too many times of trying to divide and conquer …Second was when he threw out the chance to unite the town and show real leadership, and transparency to all constituents upon getting a majority on the dais in 2008…Instead he, his BFF Commissioner Silverstone, Marc and Christie Furth, Town Manager Colon and eventually Commissioner Clottey chose to govern in a way that was far worse than those they said they needed to replace… All the promises were thrown out the window for personal vendettas and personal agendas that led to McIntee taking one last roll of the dice…and losing big time in his run for VFD Fire Chief!…Losing that meant he had no support in his department and with no support from the VFD he knew he had no support to run for commissioner or mayor ….

As for his parting words…The VFD would never have been dismantled in the first place if not for McIntee’s underhanded behind the scenes actions… according to his pal, “volunteer-extraordinaire “  Marc Furth…McIntee says the “battle will go on”…He is correct…It will with those [Silverstone, Colon, Clottey, Furths] that were and are fully complicit in the last 2 years of lack of transparency, terminations, strong-arm tactics against businesses, residents and employees…and by those candidates they brought aboard, to replace McIntee Joe Couriel and Marjorie Evans…

The Vice Mayor on the dais as his time runs out, still does not get it., when he speaks of “attacks”……His constituents are holding their elected officials and their Town Administrators accountable…as they should!

The Vice Mayor said the past year has been tough …I bet, it must have been when the jig was up and we found  that he and Commissioner Silverstone either lied or did not do their due diligence when they signed the Town Manager’s contract in 2007 and it was revealed in 2009….When probable cause was found by the Florida Ethics and the Fl. Election Commissions for both he and Comm. Silverstone…When he broke his promise not to be an officer in the VFD  and Comm. Silverstone voted him in as Deputy Chief……When he broke the purchasing rules he told the Fl. Ethics Commission he had nothing to do with in buying an abundance of new VFD equipment……When he deleted 3 +1/2 years of public records …When he brought the decorum on the dais to a new low at the end of the year and read a not so “anonymous” letter to falsely accuse the Mayor…

As he departs the dais and the Town…he still  backs a Town Manager who wrote her own contract …who fought against a required by contract annual review…who has cost the town over $300,000  in paying back a pre-payment penalty loan…who unilaterally messed up the biggest Town project she was in charge of …who caused chaos in the Town with the termination of Chief Scott Gooding….and with  the Senior Center as she aims to terminate the Director …He stands with a Town Manager with a myriad questionable bank accounts ….A Town Manager who never did receive the full audit that McIntee and Silvserstone promised 2 years ago….Vice Mayor McIntee exits LBTS before we hear the results of the second BSO Suicide investigation…Before the taxpayers take a hit if we want to replace the Town Manager…and before we find out what a full comprehensive audit shows us has been going on over the past 10 years!…

Three wishes…that came true….No VFD Fire Chief…No Commission Re-election…Moving out of LBTS….

more to come….

Tags: Lauderdale By The Sea Town Manager Esther Colon, Lauderdale By The Sea Vice Mayor Jeery McIntee, Scoops
Posted in LBTS Agendas/Meetings, Local Politics, Scoops, local government