HERE’S THE SCOOP….I’LL HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVING…. LIGHTHOUSE POINT VS LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA BUDGET….
HERE’S THE SCOOP….CRYING UNCLE!…..WHERE HAVE ALL OUR PROACTIVE COMMISSIONERS GONE?….
HERE’S THE SCOOP…..TOWN OF LBTS SHOPPING SPREE…..
HERE’S THE SCOOP…. WHICH CAME FIRST…THE LANDMARK RESTAURANT OR THE PLAZA?…..
HERE’S THE SCOOP…. THIS WRITER LEAVES THE GREEN TEAM….
HERE’S THE SCOOP….MAYOR, COMMISSIONERS….SHARPEN THOSE SHARPIES…
HERE’S THE SCOOP…..ARUBA BEACH CAFE A LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA LANDMARK….
HERE’S THE SCOOP….WHEN IS A TOWN NO LONGER A TOWN?….. WHEN IT BECOMES A CITY!….
HERE’S THE SCOOP….WHAT HAPPENED?….SIMPLE WAS THROWN OUT THE WINDOW!….
July 4, 2009 by Barbara
WELCOME TO ANGLIN’S BEACH CAFE……GRAND OPENING……TODAY!….
THEN STICK AROUND FOR ELVIS LIVE…. ON THE PIER….5 PM / STICK AROUND FOR THE FIREWORKS….8:30 PM…….
July 2, 2009 by Barbara
“TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SAY THANK YOU”…VICE MAYOR MCINTEE…
Dear Readers…Vice Mayor McIntee made that comment when he praised Town Manager Ester Colon after the CIC “parade” he orchestrated to thwart her contract required annual review….It’s a statement he has made before and this writer has posted how truly odd it is…How do you thank somebody by looking into the mirror?…Who is looking back at you is …you!…But that being said…the VM was actually quite revealing in his use of it in regards to thanking Ms. Colon…for as we all can verify in LBTS …when he and she look in the mirror…….the image looking back…is one and the same!….
That being said after the Tuesday night Special Meeting to discuss the Manager/VM …planned “reassignment” of Chief Gooding…the mirror is broken…and we all know the kind of luck that follows …..
THE 2009 JULY 4TH VOLUNTEER MEETING….
Last night this writer attended the meeting…as I have 2 out of the 3 prior…..(due to not being around Town/Jarvis Hall between the late Fri. afternoon limited posting of the notice and the following Mon. night meeting)……I arrived at 6:35 for a 7 pm meeting…The doors were locked …and standing outside were a few volunteers…including new Mc-BFF Co-Chair of volunteers for the event…CIC member Gail Albohn and “Marvelous” Marvin as he’s known a neighbor from SRClub ….Gail asked me if I was going to volunteer…I responded “NO.”…She asked why I was there…(she had seen me at the other meetings)…I said to write about it…She said it was just a volunteer meeting…I said it was an “open to the public meeting”…Marvelous Marvin said “She can write”…I said “Thank you.”…Marvin said “Some people read it, a few”…I said “More than a few”…Marvin said he “used to read it”…I replied “That’s your prerogative” as we entered the hall which Comm. Jim Silverstone unlocked with HIS Jarvis Hall key…Marvin went on and I answered him…Comm. Silverstone’s Fiancee’ and the person in charge of the event’s food Peggy Mohler said “No politics!…Nothing political in here!…We all worked hard, I worked hard.” I said “Excuse me, I was answering him about my site.”…Ms Mohler said “He was wrong to do that.”…I said “Thank you.”…A while later Gail Albohn came over and said she hoped she didn’t imply anything…as I sat waiting for the meeting to begin…
UPDATE: Ms Mohler and Aruba were represented at the Special Meeting by Guy Contrada. They also delivered a letter to Chief Scott Gooding.
BC-How truly odd it is that the Co-Chairs of this event…and their followers feel no adverse commentary or opinion should “hurt” their efforts..their “hard work” for a 4th of July event…BUT…these same Co-Chairs/ Commissioners / CIC & VFD members (Ms. Mohler was not in attendance the previous evening for the special meeting) had no such concern for the Town Manager /”Gang of 3″ diminishing a Police Chief and purposefully sullying a career!…WOW!….
UPDATE: Comm. Dodd was informed of the parade participation of the Commissioners after the meeting by Comm. Silverstone…
Before the Mc-FurthBTSTimes P.R. photo-ops…here’s the low down of the meeting…in attendance were 52 included in that number were the committee …Comm. Dodd, Mayor Minnet and this writer…bringing the number down to 39…..with a just a few not affiliated with either the CIC/BTSTimes or VFD….Comm. Silverstone and Co-Chair VM McIntee both said “No politics, this is not political”…Hmmm ….it was submitted to the Town as a CIC/VFD sponsored event…Quite Political!…Both went on to thank Marc Furth….Jim (being non-politcal) and stuck on the same old lines…repeated what he has said at countless Comm. comments…about “coming together for the community” in events like this…Again, for good measure adding “No politics.”…Moe McIntee the Co-Chair of volunteers said thanks for the great number of volunteers…they should give themselves a hand…and went on to speak of the sign up sheets and the assigned jobs and hours for each…They were still looking for help breaking down th eables etc…..Gail came to speak on the bike parade….and the Cristie Furth spoke of the tents being up and the 3 day setup awaiting them…with a call for volunteers to decorate…The Vice Mayor came to speak and looked out said he “counted 52 bodies “…and that “Moe turned away some volunteers “..HUH?…After he spoke of “no politics with this event”…he said he saw “happiness in the hall compared to last night”..This crowd laughed…(with the exception of a few)…The VM went to pick up the pizzas…Moe went over the assignments…Peggy Mohler was acknowledged for her work behind the scenes and a chant began for her to speak…she did not…Cristie spoke of the Dunk Tank…asking for volunteers…none were forthcoming at first…and Cristie said if she did it she would make more money than anyone…Doesn’t get more political than that!…The Mayor suggested the Town Manager as a dunkee…and this time the few that did not laugh at the VM’s remarks laughed …with Moe MciIntee throwing her well known “evil stare” in the Mayor’s direction…Parking will be free and Moe said there would be on a first come first serve basis room for some volunteers cars within the Minto parking (construction area west side of El Mar) and Marc Furth has the key…Hmmm…. The event Coordinator has a key to Minto’s property..Minto who has come before the commission and is looking to lower their bond…to be voted on soon by the 2 Co-Chairs of this event!…Moe McIntee spoke again about the VFD who will do the cooking…and are giving a “tremendous amount of time” setting up the fencing etc…
BC- Who will be getting the proceeds from the sales from food etc…the VFD/CIC?….
VFD Captain/Sal’s Towing Employee (Sal’s is the VFD/Town contracted vendor) Mark Conn…(who was booed himself the previous evening for apologizing to the Manager on behalf of everyone in the hall)….spoke of the parade…asked all to “go green” and walk to the parade if possible..to hydrate…Moe said she “felt like a teacher again”…and Marc Furth was going home to get his camera for a photo-op of the volunteers…so they should stick around…She said the turtles were not harmed…and then Jim Silverstone came to speak of the VFD response to help the turtles that day (prev. post)….He too added the “pizza is coming”…Marvin inquired on the politicians in the parade…(Comm. Dodd has not had any invite or information…Quite something when you recall the 2 Co-Chairs were miffed at 4th of July a few years back for no heads- up themselves!)…That question led way to the Grand Marshall for the parade and the funnies statements of the night…
The Grand Marshall will be 12 disabled Veterans…in wheelchairs…. “Sal’s Towing, we’re going to lift them up.”…Marc Conn spoke of saluting them as they go by in an army truck…Cristie Furth said they were from a nursing home and they were “like kids in a candy store fighting over who will be on the float” “There will be a special area for them under the tent”…”These people have not been out of the nursing home for decades”…”Some have never seen the beach.”…
BC- This writer turned to the conference table and asked “where is the nursing home?”…”Pembroke Pines”, I was told…”What is the name of it?” I asked…”They didn’t know…”I want to call this nursing home that doesn’t let it’s Veterans outside for decades!…I joked…YIKES!…The material that comes from the Mc-Gang is always worth the attendance…
The meeting was over…the pizza was “coming” …Marc Furth came with camera and flags…and setup the Times P.R. photo for their next edition…
This writer left…as did the Commissioner Dodd and the Mayor….
more to come…
June 28, 2009 by Barbara
TALK ABOUT NEWSPAPER STAFF CUTS…..
MIAMI HERALD June 28,2009 (paper…pg. 3BN)/ Online June 26,2009
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/cooper-davie-southwest/story/1114794-p2.html
LAUDERDALE-BY-SEA
Three days of free fun are on the agenda for the holiday weekend. Join the Patriot Party with Elvis from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday and head to the Sister Cities Party from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, both at Town Hall, 4501 Ocean Dr. Independence Day brings a 10 a.m. parade through the tiny town’s streets; an 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. picnic at Town Hall and a 4 to 7 p.m. street party at Anglin’s Square. At 9 p.m., be on the beach by the Clarion Hotel, 4660 N. Ocean Dr., for a fireworks show. Buy $15 raffle tickets to win an $8,000 plasma television. Money goes to the fireworks fund. Call 954-772-0847.
HMMMM….Google in the number….it’s Ron Piersante….and the event was……in 2005….. OOPS!
http://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/town/town-topics/TT-May-05.pdf.
It was a McIntee free 4th though….so maybe they could repeat it in 2010?….
more to come….
June 23, 2009 by Barbara
CITATION…FOR IMPROPER SIGN INSTALLATION….OR IS IT AN OMEN?…
June 22, 2009 by Barbara
WHAT THE CO- CHAIRS WERE SELLING……
Dear Readers…the third 2009 July 4th CIC/VFD open to the public meeting took place tonight….What you didn’t know?…You didn’t see it?…Nobody called?…That was the plan…This writer knew from the post put on the Town boards Friday afternoon (despite comments made at tonight’s meeting it was Thursday)…
In attendance…the “usual suspects”…Commission/ VFD member/ CIC member/ BFF/Co-Chair Jim Silverstone …who has a key to Jarvis Hall..HMMM….(at the Broward Transit meeting neither Mayor Minnet or Comm. Dodd had one)….His Fiancee’ Peggy Mohler…VFD Captain/ CIC member/ BFF / Parade Coordinator Mark Conn and his wife Janice …(We hear it was Mark Conn who told a BSO Deputy the BSO’s days are numbered…they’re gonna be outta here!.)…BTSTimes Editor/VFD Photog./Town Photog./ CIC member/ BFF / Event Coordinator Marc Furth….CIC board member/ BTSTimes Truth Detector-Staff Writer/ Slapp writer/ Wife / Event Volunteer Chair Moe McIntee…Vice Mayor/VFD Dep. Chief /CIC member/Co-Chair and Snake Oil Salesman Jerry McIntee…who provided the night’s entertainment…CIC member Marilyn Carr…BTSTimes writer/ BFF/ CIC member Maryann Wardlaw….CIC member/ BFF/ Event Volunteer Vice-Chair Gail Albohn….BTSTimes writer/ CIC member/ Event Donation Chair Jerry Sehl….
Before they began a little discussion on the posters …Marilyn Carr said Bob Roberts….AKA… R. W. Roberts…(pseudo letter writer to the Editor )/ BTSTimes Editor/ CIC Chair… “cut and pasted” them …Marilyn put two up already and Peggy will give them to the town restaurants to put up while Jimmy gives them to all the businesses…They made a point (the first one of many to come …aimed at this writer’s previous posts)…to say Dave Gadsby will supply chairs and tables and along with 101 Ocean…supply help with the food preparation…( we were told Dave was sitting this event out)….They went on about not knowing where the “magnetic signs” were …no one seemed to know…The talk turned to the raffle tickets….which were taken care along with prizes by Marilyn…Marc said it should be a quick meeting because they covered most of it last week…(another late posted meeting)….Marilyn asked Marc if everything was coming along and Marc replied “Yep”…she responded “That’s all we needed to know.”….Marc presented them with site plan design #6….and Jim officially called the meeting to order at 7:05…Marc had VFD Capt. Miko Angeles the event volunteer coordinator of the VFD crew members …(required to participate…4 hrs. minimum)…come in to discuss the posts for his men the day of the event…Peggy said the food was done…and Marilyn said she too was done with the prizes…gift certificates etc…all at her house …with the 42” flat screen TV …setup in Town Hall with a sign that says “Win Me”…She spoke of the numbers ready for the bikes and the parade participants…and the judge’s sheets for picking the winners……and then Jim (who we hear reads “everything” on the internet…participates anonymously as well daily we are told)…felt compelled to reiterate “Dave [Gadsby] is more than happy to help out”…Marc spoke of the missing magnetic boards once again…saying they need to be found ASAP or he needs to build more…and spoke of the new banners bought …He also asked the status on the grills…Jim did not know…and Marc said they needed to be tested…and the Fire Marshall needed to give them the OK…or they were in trouble…Mark Conn was asked about the progress on the Parade…(he is the parade coordinator)…He said it comes down to the last week and spoke of the Veterans coming..12 in wheelchairs…There was discussion on getting them on the trucks…with a lift and using Publix loading dock as a backup…He also said Firetrucks from New York and Pompano Beach along with an antique truck would join the parade…He added that Mayor Minnet was including “Going Green” bike riders for the parade…There was talk of the BSO and if they would be working the event…(BSO was not present)…Some remarks were made about the number of men needed …a conversation with Chief Gooding…at a cost of $970.00 and maybe hiring Wakenhut instead…Jerry said that wasn’t a good idea…but someone said just in case they cannot get BSO…Jerry remarked “It’s 4th of July, they [BSO] don’t want to work.”… Marc said he hired 2 people from the County to monitor the beach from 10-11 pm…and sent the contract to the Town…Jerry said ” We need someone with arrests powers, everybody knows what a rent-a-cop is.”…Marc said he was “counting on the VFD and the ATVs”…saying he wants the jet ski on the beach…Jerry said it would be there…Marc wants the jet ski to go out and stop any boats who try to park their boats on the reef…Discussion came on the Coast Guard doing that…and Marc along with others saying there is not enough Coast Guard to do the job…Jerry said they would have to “play it by ear with the weather.”….As he went around the table asking for progress reports Jim asked Maryann..she replied “I’m easy, I’m with Cristie”…Jerry Sehl spoke of the donations saying it’s been “more upbeat this last week”…and Jim…(still on a roll)…said that was due to the “fireworks being a go.”….Peggy then added her “point” saying the food was done and the invoice for US Foods went to the Town and not through Aruba…(posted previously…Peggy obtained the food for the Town…not that Aruba bought the food)…the semantics of “through” seems to rub her the wrong way!….Marc made a weird statement after that saying he submits his invoices and John [Assist. Town Manager] brings the checks over to me.”…( HMMM….Blue Seas…Town Hall East!)….Marc added that Tents N’ Events wanted to set up early…(alluding to the TM report Tues. night asking for a change of setup from July 3rd to July 1st)…He also said Minto was working with them on this…adding another tent …and saying Minto was to make a “sizable donation”…HMMM…(Minto is on the 6/23/09 agenda asking for a reduction in their bond…after stating the sidewalks/ and building of the last 2 developments will not take place for 2 years…which means..a trailer on the beach…no sidewalks and perhaps a conflict of interest with this donation ?)….Marc also spoke of the Reef project being involved in the event…and saying there is one more permit needed and that “is just a formality”…(The Sentinel…prev. post questioned the project’s lack of peer reviews)….
Then the real “show began”…You can always count on the McIntees…
Moe was asked about volunteers…(previous posts on the trouble they are having getting volunteers and the numerous appeals for help……) She and Gail said the phones are ringing off the hook…they have over “100 plus”volunteers……..
Jerry then sat forward and said that some people “like to lie” about the volunteers…saying “we have more than we ever had before, people are lying out there!’…
He then added the VFD saying the were “getting a tremendous response from the families, they’re dying to come, and that’s a whole other pool (of volunteers). People are lying about that crap too! Just something we have to live with!”…( We hear that there have been more complaints than ever arising from within the rank and file…. aimed at the Dep. Chief)…
He [Jerry] went on to speak of getting the radios from town to use…AMR providing 3 trucks for the event..and then told Marc…concerning the VFD You have all the authority.”…
Marc spoke about some expansion he made in the latest site plan…and said they would need more sand…Jerry asked “Where do you get the sand?”…There was some laughter…and then to cover his tracks…he said “Bet you we’ll read we paid for the sand.”…
As I was busily writing down these “pearls of wisdom”…for the amusement of those not in the hall…I realized Marc was speaking to me…and I asked “Are you talking to me?”…(Quite frankly after the Easter egg dye incident at my home…..prev. post…any conversation from him was a puzzlement)…He said he was speaking to me and wanted to clarify that no sea turtles were moved…I responded yes they were…he said not for the fireworks…(many who must be publicly politically correct to avoid problems with certain politicians and agencies… …would not be so fast to agree on his assertions behind the scenes)…
Jerry said …”Don’t argue with her, she’s not worth arguing with.”…
This writer responded ..”Right back at you.”…”You always give me such great material”…(Must have been frustrating that he could not call for a point of order!)…
Dr. Manatee is now the prognosticator of Sea Turtle and where they lay their eggs…in relation to the hurricane season…”The further the turtles dig in the worse the season is.”…He said they are digging in further…(Channel 4 Meterologist Craig Seltzer said we will have a mild to average season…prev. post)……
Jerry the called for adjournment…Jim spoke of the next “volunteer meeting..the first one”…HMMMM…
And Jerry then feeling the “need” to continue…. spoke “as Co-Chair I want to thank you….we’ve all come together….You’ve done a great job under adverse comments”…
Jimmy-boy did his usual shtick …saying “until you do it you don’t know what it’s like”…ARGHHH…(move that phonograph needle already Jimbo)…
BC- Too much fun……..Thanks to the Snake Oil Salesman…for selling his “bill of goods”…and making for yet another post filled with McIntee Mired Muck!…
more muck to come…
June 17, 2009 by Barbara
UPDATED LBTS FIRE DEPT. WEBSITE...http://www.lbtsfire.com/index.html
BUT…under the GALLERY…DRILLS photos…seems the VFD Photog. Marc Furth has taken credit and copyright for photos he did not take!…
We hear the top 2 rows are not from Furth’s camera…OOPS!…
THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE…FILLS THE HALL THIS MORNING……
BUT…The VFD …and the “Gang of 3” Commissioners were MIA!..(more on this great event posted later)…TSK…TSK…
UPDATED…The Chamber contacted this writer to say AMR was “an oversight on their part” and was not invited…An oversight they regret..and will rectify…
BUT….. Chief Perkins was contacted 3 times…with no response received…
BC- Corrections and clarifications are always welcome and posted!….
THE TOWN HALL IS BEING SHUTTERED…..
BUT….what was the cost…were the new shutters going up on Town Hall bid on in an RFP?……..HMMM…
JULY 4TH VOLUNTEERS….. A TWO TIER COMMITTEE….
BUT…. if you’re in the 2nd “tier” you are not informed of the meeting on Monday night! Many question the “posting” of the meeting itself!…CLASS SYSTEM?…
UPDATE…The Town Clerk says the post was put up on Friday..( not seen by those at Jarvis Hall classes)….and the Town website added it on Sunday…(on Sunday…overtime cost?)…
WE’LL GIVE YOU RECOGNITION….
BUT…you need to bring in 5 volunteers for the July 4th event…Pssst…they won’t have to attend any “meetings” just show up the day of!…YEP, CLASS SYSTEM!…
HOW MANY TOWN STAFF MEMBERS DOES IT TAKE TO GET A DONATION AND SOME VOLUNTEERS?….
NO IFS….ANDS….OR….BUTS….The Town Staff…is doing their job in triplicate! The Town Manager…Assistant Town Manager…Human Resources Director…all sent letters to get both….HMMM….Maybe the “fees” for Public Records requests are paying for their time?…OUCH!…
BC- We hear despite the 3 appeals….the lack of response was overwhelming!……BAND-AIDS REQUIRED…We hear the VFD hurricane trailer has a large supply!
SIGN POLLUTION….COMMISSIONER CLOTTEY?….
BUT….guess pollution is in the eye of the beholder…Adopt-A- Street signs…VS…July 4th Beach Blast signs up on A1A – El Prado and Commercial by the bridge …HMMM……CALLING CODE ENFORCEMENT?…
ILLEGAL SIZE AND LOCATION FOR SIGNAGE….P&Z VICE-CHAIR FURTH?….
BUT…that’s only for “For Sale” signs…such as the one Mrs. Furth complained about and had code enforcement remove on Commercial Blvd. some months back…for size and being on the Town’s property…CONFLICT OF INTEREST?…(just joking)…
more to come….
June 16, 2009 by Barbara
THE (CIC/VFD) 4TH OF JULY EVENT IS FOR EVERYONE…VOLUNTEER WITH THE “GANG”…
UNITY…GOOD FOR TOWN BUSINESS…ALL ARE WELCOME….FORGET THE PAST BOYCOTT OF THE PREVIOUS JULY 4TH COMMITTEE….OVERLOOK THE MAY 19TH & JULY 15TH COMMITTEE MEETINGS PURPOSEFULLY POSTED SO NO ONE WOULD KNOW….WE KNOW WE CAN’T FIRE YOU FOR NOT VOLUNTEERING ( 65 VFD members…with 4 hour required minimum might not be so lucky )…..FREE KOOL-AID….FREE BLINDERS….FREE BROOMS FOR EVERYONE…HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!….
11. Commissioner Comments…
Commissioner Silverstone- ” Um, I like to question for Chief Perkins If you don’t mind. It was based on a comment by the public um,um the hurricane meetings are coming to inform the residents of the issue how to prepare for em. Were you invited? Was the VFD invited?’
Chief Perkins- ” Yes, I was invited, I’m gonna speak.”
CS- ” Different than the information I got.”
CP- “Oh, yeah, they asked me about a month ago.”
CS-” Alright that’s good. Make sure people know about that, that is important , ah, it is hurricane season coming up and again it’s important that everybody gets together all the public service entities. Um, and the people out there really should pay attention to this cause you never know it’s, it’s really gonna, maybe another issue here but, ah, there’s a couple of udder (other) things I want to mention here about and also ride the Pelican Hopper please find a way to, to do that, get in touch wit that cause I don’t want to lose that. That’s ah, the State, the County is funding a large part of that and if we lose that it’s it’s gonna really put a lot of people aside that are using it. Um, the 4th of July’s coming up as everybody knows. It’s one of the issues, one of those moments in our town that we should put aside our differences and our, our personal attacks and really become one. And this is the opportunity they don’t come very often, but this is the opportunity to, to get involved with something that should be a town event. It should be enjoyed by everybody including the children, especially the children. But um, as Frank [Herrman] said it is our birthday and I think we should celebrate it. I, ah, ah implore people to please contact Moe McIntee and um, the people in charge of getting volunteers together for the 4th . It’s something that you give, a way of giving back to the community and um, you know we need, it’s gonna be bigger and again, I, usual amount of thanks to Marc and Cristie Furth for their efforts they’ve been putting a lot of an incredible amount of time and effort into making this workout as they do almost every year and so this is really no different. But, if you have any ah, desire to help out enjoy it it’s the best way to enjoy is to participate in it. Um, that’s all I have, I yield.”..
Commissioner Dodd-“I went to the transit workshop last night and the information again seemed to conflict with the information provided by the town last March . The Transit staff at the workshop said we did have a lot of control over the route. They even indicated a favorable response to a pilot scheme and I want to thank Lawrence Wick for his excellent suggestion to change the route to include a loop past the Coral ridge mall and up Federal Highway to stop at the hospital and back across commercial. I believe we were told last March that the town has no say in the route. I also raised the issue of negotiating with Fort Lauderdale and why should LBTS pay the full costs of running the Hopper since it ran down the length of Galt Ocean Mile. The Transit staff’s response was that the town should legitimately take it up with Fort Lauderdale and that it should be negotiated. I believe this is exactly what I said back in March. Hopefully town staff will pick this up and run with it this time.
I want to thank town staff and code enforcement for dealing with the half demolished building on Imperial Lane . The roof has been removed and several homeowners feel a lot safer for the hurricane season. Thank you town staff for resolving this issue in a speedy professional manor.
Point of information for all members of the public – you can address commissioners by name during public comments but not in a derogatory fashion.
Finally- Apologies to all – I will not be at the next meeting”
Vice Mayor McIntee- ” Commissioner Dodd, I’ll miss you (laughing sarcastically). Ah, first of all I have absolute proof nobody can argue with it. Absolute proof and I saw it with my own eyes that everybody loves LBTS beaches. There’s just no question about it.This is the greatest bit of proof I ever saw to establish that fact. I’ve gotta tell this story to the whole town because it’s really, really is unique. (prev. posts…Dr. Love/ Lake Worth) and it was inspirational to see and it was an opportunity that very few people will ever have to see. Two nights ago ten manatees were swimming north up the ocean between ah, the Commercial pier and the north end of town. One big female cow was being followed by nine males. The nine males harassed this poor girl and she got about to 1600 North Ocean Drive and made a beeline to the beach and the nine males followed her to the beach.And that’s when the event began. It was really a learning experience for all of us. A call dispatched over the fire department that there were ten beached whales. I WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE, I WAS THE FIRST PERSON ON LOCATION and when I was walking down the beach my heart went to my stomach because I thought oh my God were we gonna lose ten whales on our beach and it was really sad just the thought of that and then, considering how we get them out, if we could save them etc. And as I got closer I realized they weren’t whales, they were manatees and they were had all flocked together on the beach and they were picking on this poor girl. But we still at that stage, our, our crews began to show up and the Chief [Perkins] showed up and we,we had a consultation on what we’re gonna do to get them back and we’re in the process of making calls and at ten o’clock at night it’s next to impossible to find a manatee expert. So, we didn’t know if we were supposed to try and get these poor animals back to sea, keep them on shore or what. Fortunately about ten thirty we got a hole of a manatee expert biologist who explained what their doing is natural and nothing to worry about. The only fear they have was that if the beach, if the tides ran out they might be stranded too far from the ocean , couldn’t get back so the VFD stayed there until four O’clock in the morning to make sure that, that they went through the low tide era and eventually about four thirty five O’clock they all went back and then what’s supposed to happen is the female was so exhausted at this stage that she’s supposed to beach herself and the nine males swim away, but fortunately they all swam away together. But it was such a unique experience to see ten of the rarest animals in Florida on our beaches. Only 1000 to 3000 in the town, excuse me in the town, in the whole state and we had one one hundredth of them on our beach and they’re very unique and ah, ah beautiful animals and ah, we were all, we felt like popping champagne corks because they all got away safely and it makes us very proud. Ah, the events like that are what make us unique to live here in this town and to enjoy it. Ah, as you know the 4th of July’s coming up. We’ve got a ah, ah a great program being developed. Marc and Cristie are obviously doing the phenomenal job they always do, but this one’s gonna knock your socks off. Because it’s gonna be outstanding and there are some surprises in there that are going to really resonate through the community (VM running for Mayor?…Or moving to Tampa?) And I think it’s gonna be great, a great draw and a great event. I hope the businesses in town get a little more involved….(Athena was denied their own event at 5 pm on the 4th and on the 5th…They were the subject of untruths for the fireworks display not shooting off pier & were strong-armed by July 4th Coordinator Marc Furth/They were slighted by Comm. Clotteyon the dais……Businesses were not allowed a booth or a chance for input in the planning)…the, I’m a bit disappointed in the Chamber of Commerce and I see Paul [Novak-Chamber Pres.] in the front row. This is a great benefit for all the businesses in town (HOW?) and I hope that the Chamber would be more aggressive in supporting this event (HMMM…. The Chamber had to cancel Christmas By- The- Sea…VM reneged on the VFD $5000 and no town support to make up for it……We hear the Mgr. wants to cut the Chamber’s budget by the amt. given by the County….The VM wanted to move the Chamber from its longtime location…The BTSTimes Editors badmouth the Chamber publicly and in their paper ….) because it helps everybody especially the hotels. (motels?…Blue Seas) It will probably fill all the hotels up (Come on!). So, I hope they could maybe take an extra step or something additional to, to, to advertise and maybe to ah, e-mails out the members that ah, it’s a great family event. Some jurisdictions have ah, changed their policies but we’re gonna do everything we can to make it one of the greatest events in town and ah, we’re really looking forward to it. Ah, the question of decorum. This has been a great meeting. It’s basically under control. The only thing that DECORUM IS BEING BROKEN that I can see is PEOPLE APPLAUDING. BUT WE CAN DISCUSS THAT AT ANOTHER DATE. There’s supposed to be shown from the audience that’s one of the rules but we can work on that. We’ve taken a major step today. We seem to be communicating pretty well. Ah, I hope it keeps on going in that direction. Ah, the, the general feeling of the tow from the employees from the, the look of the town it’s looking bright, the, the lawns look bright, the trees look good, El Mar’s lookin’ really good. ( The employees did a 180 in the last 2 weeks? WOW!) Ah, we’ve got a terrible economy and we’re surviving. The fact that we’re losing 700,000 plus dollars and we aren’t and we don’t have to increase our tax, taxes that’s a phenomenal tribute to our Town manager and to the clerk, the, the financial people. Ah, we, we’ve saved oodles of money by being conservative by going back to the Volunteer Fire Department and we’re gonna save more (BSO Police?) And I think the money we saved has been spent professionally and fairly and I think that the town nothing but a bright future, I yield.”
Mayor Minnet- The Mayor spoke of the budget workshop and informed the residents they would have times to speak on budget items…to be involved…She spoke of attending the Transit Forum the evening before…the expansion of the route and that staff would be working on it…She spoke of the two hurricane workshops…the Town’s and the Chamber of Commerce on June 17th…She talked about Congressman Klein’s visit and the Veterans Association information that would be on channel 78…She talked of July 4th and that she was to volunteer to serve hamburgers…and then the Mayor had the best line of the night!… After hearing the Vice Mayor’s comments the Mayor said she “was glad he was on top of the manatee breeding situation” …the audience definitely broke decorum as we laughed…the VM responded he “wasn’t on top of it” OUCH!…Full text of the Mayor’s comments are on her site...http://www.roseannminnet.com/
Commissioner Clottey-” Good evening Ladies and gentlemen. I asked the Town manager some time ago why we were even having hurricane preparedness because most of us do a pretty good job. We’ve been through many hurricanes and she told me it’s really done for insurance purposes to help us and to help us get better insurance rates. Um, many people have problems putting up shutters and I was hoping the Chief [Perkins] would say something that you do go out, you do help people put up shutters. I know a lot of people in the northern part of town don’t know that. The budget workshops have started and I encourage everybody to come out and to attend them or at least listen to them and then to share their viewpoints with the commission. I believe what we’ll be able to keep our present 3.99 millage rate in spite of the 9% reduction in property taxes that will be, the town will be receiving. I’ve had a few people tell me that we’re gonna be getting rid of the BSO Police and my answer to them has been where did you hear that. (Come on!) Cause I don’t know anything about it.(Come on!) Ah, and I’m gonna say that again, I don’t know anything about it. (Again, Come on!) It will be a sad day if some of you in the audience decide that you want to get rid of the BSO Police because I surely don’t. I think they’ve done a good job. So um, I have no idea where that’s coming from. (Marc Furth and the Gang…we hear…so how Comm. Clottey’s in the dark is hard to fathom…stay tuned) This ah, suits are on everybody’s minds. I know there have been people that make certain comments tonight. Unfortunately what some people have asked for that’s the kind of information that I don’t think any of us can give you (HMMM….Comm. Silverstone-CIC meeting?) The only thing I can say tha tI really feel ah, a lot better after the shade session that we attended a little while ago (6pm before the comm. mting. the meeting 1 day AFTER a filing Motion to Dismiss was filed by the Town BEFORE filling in the Commissioners…Filed dismissal is public record available as public record request from the County…will post soon…) I’m not on the ah, 4th of July Committee but I want to encourage everybody to come out and volunteer. It’s a good way of meeting people in the town. People that live in another part of town. And we do send a positive message to all of our visitors. Ah, they come to , they have a good time and come back and send money at our businesses (And the businesses say?) So it’s really a promotion for our town and with that I yield.”
BC- We hear the Mc-Gang is in trouble…and it must be so with all the pleas for help…Channel 78 slowly showing a call for volunteers…repeated calls to past contributors…all falling flat…Short on donations and volunteers…Who’s to blame…the July 4th Committee…that’s who!…They have been secretive…Anything but transparent…Thumbing their noses from day one!…Disregarding …the businesses…the residents…the County DEP and the State FWC ….even the turtles..
This small “GANG” calling themselves the July 4th “committee” orchestrated their 2009 July 4th event with a big administrative assist by skirting the rules….strong-arming those who stood in their way…accusing and badmouthing those who represent us on the dais when doing their due diligence…and then they wonder why…no one has stepped up to the plate!…WOW!…
Who asked for a “bigger” event? Who wanted a “bigger event”?….Who wanted fireworks on the beach, for the turtles to be relocated?…Who wanted to be kept off the main part of the beach for most of the day on a holiday for fireworks?…Who wanted to spend $40,000+ dollars for a party with Classic cars…(classic cars can be seen each month in neighboring communities)…Who wanted to spend $40,000 +for tourists staying in local motels?…Who wanted a no- compete imposed upon our town businesses for events after this afternoon CIC-VFD party?….Who wanted to pay $40,000+ to kick-off the Broom Boys re-election?…WHO?…The Mc-Furth Gang.”Committee ..that’s who…
more to come…
June 13, 2009 by Barbara
AFTER THE JULY 4TH LBTS FIREWORKS…..
BC- LBTS will shoot fireworks off plywood on its beachfront at El Prado…permits were issued this week …as the sea turtle nests in that location were relocated further north…It is reported they were moved due to LBTS not complying with their own light ordinance….( after hearing the Town Atty. say there is no real recourse for not turning the lights out and the commission making it clear that was enough for them to keep them on)….but the blatant disregard for turtles by the 2009 4th of July Co-Chairs…McIntee and Silverstone and their main man- Coordinator Marc Furth…( the big Coral Reef Capital Improvement Project proponents )…have left many wondering if this is really a “politically correct” excuse for doing what the FWC said they no longer advise …in moving nests….. Many will recall that Furth & the Co- Chairs were not forthcoming in their assertions that it could not be done off the pier ( saying it cost too much) and were less than honest in their assertions of the FWC stance of compliance and that of the Mayor and Comm. Dodd’s inquiries!…OOPS!….
The article below…makes no mention of LBTS…
Excerpts…Sentinel…
FORT LAUDERDALE – The countdown is on to July 4, but federal rules are keeping several cities’ fireworks plans in limbo.
The U.S. Coast Guard and National Marine Fisheries Service are still considering whether to allow cities to launch fireworks from ocean barges.
The government agencies are trying to prevent harm to endangered sea turtles and federally protected corals from fireworks, boats, barges and anchors.
“We’re working on a plan over the weekend and are encouraged we’ll have one to allow the festivities to continue while still protecting the threatened species,” said Lt. Commander Matthew Moorlag, U.S. Coast Guard spokesman. “But cities should still work to identify alternative plans in the event we cannot issue permits after consulting with other government agencies.”
Decisions are pending for Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Delray Beach won a permit but could have it rescinded, and Pompano Beach had canceled its application and then decided to reapply this week.
In November the government designated thousands of miles of ocean floor from Boynton Beach to the Florida Keys as critical habitat for elkhorn and staghorn coral. That status grants various government agencies the right to review use permits for potential harm.
On May 22, Broward County’s Environmental Protection department recommended to the Coast Guard that cities choose inland fireworks locations; formulate plans to prevent spectator boats and barges from dropping anchors; minimize impact upon nesting turtles and make media announcements about threats to wildlife.
“If a permit was issued and there was species damage, the Coast Guard could be found liable for violating the Endangered Species Act,” Moorlag said.
Late Friday he said discussions with the National Marine Fisheries Service were encouraging and that over the weekend solutions will be considered that may include enforcement help from local, state and federal marine patrols to prevent anchoring at reefs.
Pompano Beach’s seaside event was to cost $93,810. As a backup they also negotiated with the Isle Casino to host fireworks. The new venue would cost taxpayers $44,278, and includes a $7,500 kill fee for the barge rental.
“While we’ve identified a second location, the city commission has decided at this late date they would like to host it on the beach,” spokeswoman Sandra King said. “We have a plan to protect the turtles and reef and we’re prepared either way.”
Hollywood spokeswoman Raelin Storey said they don’t have another venue.
“There really are no other alternative sites that can host this type of a show,” Storey said. The city’s marine patrol will pitch in to prevent reef damage. “Obviously, we would like to know as soon as possible what the status is of our applications. There are a lot of people who love our show and are trying to make plans.”
Fort Lauderdale is going forward with preparations, said Angela DiPietro, city spokeswoman for Parks and Recreation that has $80,000 budgeted for the beach celebration. “The city has plans for boat patrols and turtle monitors. We’re hoping we’ll have a spectacular July 4th.”
Delray Beach’s permit is being reviewed, Moorlag said.
“We’re all planned and ready to go,” Assistant City Manager Bob Barcinski said about the city’s 23-year tradition. Their barge does not anchor and a tug keeps it steady at sea. “We don’t have a backup location.”
Their event costs $68,000, with $28,000 paid by sponsors.
“If it doesn’t happen people will be very disappointed,” Barcinski said. “It brings a lot of business to the city.”
He is remaining positive about the situation. “I can understand the concerns and hope at least this year it happens, but we’ll have to see what we get back [from the Coast Guard] and go from there,” Barcinski said.
Boca Raton will host their fireworks from the Florida Atlantic University campus at 777 Glades Road. Boynton Beach’s July 4 bash fires from a barge in the Intracoastal Waterway.
“A tug boat holds it in place, and we do not anchor,” said Kathy Biscuiti, special events director at the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. “Our fireworks company takes care of permits.”
Moorlag said his branch of the military is doing its best to ensure everyone an enjoyable holiday.
“The Coast Guard absolutely understands that any decision impacts communities and tradition,” Moorlag said. “We all want to see fireworks on the Fourth of July, but we don’t want to see damage to those endangered species.”‘
full text link below…
June 3, 2009 by Barbara
NOT QUITE PICTURE PERFECT?….
BC- Looks like 4th of July Coordinator Marc Furth owes the Mayor and Comm. Dodd a big apology for his accusations…as the Mc-Furth Gang selfishly go against the wishes of the Fish and Wildlife experts and the County……Pretty funny move for the group behind the coral reef project!…A sign of the VFD/CIC 4th of July they have in store?….HMMM….Will the Town need to speak to the Pier Owners about that 2-day event after all…(an olive branch sounds about right…right now)….or as we previously posted…will we be left with the Mc-Furth VFD/CIC “2-HATS BROOM BOYS ” Re-election kick off parade and party only?…YUCK!…
Excerpts…
‘In Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, officials looking for savings decided to move their show to the sand from a more expensive barge or pier as in past years. Town spokesman Steve d’Oliveira said if the permit application is not approved, town commissioners must decide if they want to find another location or return to the barge or pier.’
‘The Coast Guard, which regulates offshore activities, is deliberating issuing permits for the festivities and wanted the county’s feedback, said Lou Fisher, of Broward’s environmental protection department.
The county sent similar letters to state regulators about Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s plan to shoot off fireworks from the sand. That city is also awaiting permits from the county and state.’
full text….
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-fireworks-backlash-bn060209,0,6702094.story
more to come……..
April 23, 2009 by Barbara
HMMMM……..
Looks like Fort Lauderale got the fireworks on the barge…..and made a deal …but we didn’t “piggyback”…because the LBTS El Prado Fireworks was a “done deal” done under the radar…(Comm. Co-Chairs protestations of no Sunshine being violated)…with one company brought in by Marc Furth and an “orchestrated” ruse of an “RFP” produced by the Town Administration to seemingly cover- up the non-bid choice of this “1 man (Furth) show”in bringing the 4th of July to the Town this year…(previous post)…
BC-Many residents/businesses would have preferred a barge /pier fireworks show…and to forgo the afternoon “tourist” event..that does not bring anything to the Town…Actually Comm. Clottey was correct in her recent Freudian slip on the dais (4/20/09)…when she said the 4th event “put money into the COFFINS”…of the businesses…they concur!…
Excerpts from the Sentinel today….
‘Pyrotecnico of New Castle, Pa., will shoot off fireworks for a half hour, just like last year, according to the deal approved by commissioners.
Commissioners originally thought the show would cost $124,500, and feared that was unaffordable. But the city misunderstood Pyrotecnico’s bid, city officials explained Wednesday.
The fireworks will cost $53,500, and the barge used as a launch site is $31,500. In negotiations, the company agreed to slice the total by $5,000.’
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/slf-042209-fireworks-lauderdale,0,2971266.story
While the fireworks bidding process is problematic for lack of bids…..the backup for the tents …again showed only 1 company…Tents n’ Events…(same for food…previous post)…A quick call to the provider for the recent Chamber Taste of the Beach Event…to compare prices does show that Marc Furth did extremely well in the cost of the tents/tables/chairs/fans/delivery/permit….the total price was $3732.50 …vs a 50×75 white top frame tent from Panache in a phone quote being $3750.00 alone…
In comparison to Tents n’Events….Panache Events prices on the 20×20 tent was -$20/banquet tables-$1 per / chairs +$0.40 per /fans +$10 per / Deliv. +$20/ permit not quoted…
The CIC will be having their general meeting on Mon. 4/27/09…and in keeping with Mc-Furth CIC of the last year they have changed the rules…by forgoing mailings to allow for a more democratic open to the entire membership (dwindling as it is, we hear many still included on their member list have not sent in their dues and have no inclination to do so, while a large contingency of re-ups were made to keep abreast of the inside plans, the rest are VFD/and newbies from newbies)…and chose 9 members…some seemed to be reluctant in serving on their “new” board…Those remaining assure more of the same sad direction …with many board members having had enough…and one founderbeing tossed aside…long ago for wanting bylaws and democracy to be observed…no matter who is at the helm…
Excerpts….
‘Since those nominated and willing to serve were just enough to fill the nine (9) Director seats, there is no need for a mail in ballot. The LBTS Citizens Initiative Committee Board of Directors for the 2009-2010 year, subject to approval by the membership at the April 27th meeting, is as follows:
For Chair: Bob Roberts
For Vice Chair: Joe Couriel
For Treasurer: Tom Carr (willing to serve if no one else would)
Carol Dickman (not present at meeting, later agreed to serve)
For Secretary: None of those present at the meeting and nominated were willing to serve. Later, Tom Carr said he would serve as Secretary.
For Director: George Crossman
Cristie Furth
Maureen McIntee
Mary Ann Wardlaw
Renée O’Neal
Larry Wick was nominated, but later decided to withdraw.
Chair: Bob Roberts …… Board: George Crossman
Vice Chair: Joe Couriel Cristie Furth
Treasurer: Carol Dickman Maureen McIntee
Secretary: Tom Carr Renée O’Neal
Asst. Secretary: Gail Albhon* Mary Ann Wardlaw
* Gail was nominated for Secretary at the March 9th meeting, but declined to serve. She later agreed to serve as Assistant Secretary -a non-voting Board position.
Please attend the meeting to participate in finalizing the election results and welcoming the new Board. There will be planning for the CIC’s participation in the Town’s 4th of July celebration. ‘….
BC-A meeting about 4th of July with both Co-Chairs…and Comm. Clottey…in attendance?…They may leave the room…but before a posted meeting for all residents of the town…the CIC will be planning their co- participation per the 4/14/09 as stated in backup….YIKES!…
more to come….