Thursday, August 7, 2008

Historic Dixie Highway - Interesting Web-finds


DHClick map for more detail.

Click here for link to article:
The Historic Context of the Dixie Highway
Pam S. Ecker


Past, Present, and Future of the Dixie Highway
[From The Dixie Highway 1917, vol. 3, pp. 1-7, orig. page numbers indicated in the text link above. This article discusses the early advances of the Dixie Highway and argues that highway development is necessary to the war effort and national development.]

Link to Historic Florida road maps.

Links should work now

Lake Worth (33460) Home Sales within past 30 days

Click title for link.

This is how the Town of Palm Beach announces a closed-door meeting...



This just came in an e-mail blast from the Town of Palm Beach regarding a closed door meeting to take place next Thursday. Note the information given on the notice itself compared to little or no notice given for recent closed door Lake Worth City Commission meetings.

Gas Prices May Revive Cities - Urban planners finally see a way to curb sprawl

Click title for article in US News and World Report about the affect of gas prices on land use patterns.

From Charleston, S.C.

Click title for link to Charleston, S.C. newspaper article on urbanizing suburban shopping centers. We - in Lake Worth - have much more to work with than they do and don't have to reinvent the wheel as much. This is similar to what unincorporated Palm Beach County is trying to do - which I covered in a post a while ago. Look under the "Planning" topic on the right for more information.

Click here for some of the land uses and locations they are dealing with. Click here for a link to the City of Charleston website.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

4th Annual Multi-Cultural Festival - 8/9

Wine and Pasta Extravaganza - 8/17

Lake Worth - Let's save paper!

Click title for more information.

It has come to my attention that a certain Commissioner from District #3 routinely requests copies of documents from city files and archives. These are produced on regular city copy paper. Per standard operating procedure, all requested copies are then distributed to the four Commissioners and Mayor - and I suppose the City Manager would get a copy too and perhaps others in the administration. These amount to reams and reams of paper over time.

One of the drawbacks to paper documents is the need to painstakingly search for information. Paper is more time consuming to review and takes more effort to identify items that may be of particular interest. You can search electronic documents for keywords, etc.

Now, I am aware the city has a scanner and it should be one that is like a copier that can scan multiple sheets at a time. As such, 150 document pages can be reduced to one .pdf file and stored on a flash drive such as the ones below - I chose the "sushi" design as an example since I am a sushi fanatic. I currently carry a flash drive on my key chain so that when I am out and about I am able to carry many documents to and from with little inconvenience and little environmental impact.

Can we change the procedure so that these documents are provided in a digital - non-hard copy format? Please? I would think that Commissioner Golden would think this was a good idea and she should spearhead the effort.


This was sent to the Mayor, Commissioners, Laura Hannah and Pam Lopez.

Or, for those that like literal interpretations, I present a real "thumb" drive.
For those interested, this is what my actual flashdrive looks like:

Spring deadline likely for businesses to vacate Lake Worth casino

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

From Google Maps - Street View - East Lansing, Michigan

This is the house that I owned in the late 1980s prior to moving to Florida. It's still there.

And this is down the street in downtown East Lansing, within walking distance of my house. If you can see the sign above the building in the center "El Azteco" - that was my favorite Mexican restaurant. If you are ever there, order the cheese dip and the Topopo Salad. They have the best hot sauce!

Assessment of Last Night's Commission Meeting re Sheriff Merger

As reported, the vote was 3-2 to go with the Sheriff (PBSO). This was a good thing for many reasons. And, the Commission will have the time - about two weeks - to have a special meeting to address the concerns raised by Mr. Karns and others regarding the contract. However, we again need to talk about process, the power of city staff over the will of the Commission and the need to get information out in a timely manner. The last point being the most important - we need to engage the citizens as a solution to the city's problems. Not all answers lie in City Hall.

More on that topic later, but here are my observations from the meeting. I was concerned that people would not be able to find the location and therefore attendance would be limited. While I am sure some people might have been confused about it, I was delightfully surprised that many people showed up. The number would not have fit in the City Commission chambers at 7 N. Dixie Hwy. More reason to think about returning City Hall back into the auditorium it once was so that more people can regularly come and participate in the city's public meetings - especially for big issues such as this.

The meeting started with Mr. Baldwin taking the lead and summarizing what had happened to date. This is something that I thought the Mayor should have done, but alas. Mr. Bates, our Administrative Service Director, got up and painted quite a gloomy scenario and wanted to link the pension situation with the choice of going with the PBSO. Commissioner Vespo did an excellent job at correcting that train of thought and rightly indicated that the city would be facing the pension situation with either choice. He also pointed out the prospect of amortizing the pension liability over a period of 20 years instead of 7 years as presented by Bates - which even Commissioner Jennings later acknowledged as a "brilliant idea."

Public comment was extensive and the great majority thought now was the time to go with PBSO. Many acknowledged the increased crime and the perception that creates in relation to the City's image. This leads to decisions not to invest in the City etc. We learned from Laurence McNamara that there may be a hang up in the City Charter regarding the PBSO switch and it came across as a not-so-veiled threat of a lawsuit that could block the will of the people. He is going to law school now - I guess in an effort to save future legal fees. One of Mr. Karns tasks over the next two weeks is to determine if that is the case and whether or not a ballot measure needs to be put in place to amend the Charter. More on this later.

During Commissioner Jennings and Golden's comments, I hearkened back to both their speeches on the Greater Bay beach matter. Commissioner Jennings' speech would be the same for beach, just switch out "Sheriff" and replace with Greater Bay.

Overall, one was left with the impression that the staff is leading the Commission and Mayor - not the other way around. Which really is the proper dynamic. There is no reason that what was an issue when I campaigned a year and a half ago would have its first public airing now. And it could have been entirely possible that it completely pass last night. At least this two week period gives time for more public input and possible changes to the contract that would be more favorable and protect the City better than the current version.

Chief Smith continued to be vague regarding how many patrols are out at any one time, shift structure, etc. He was obviously a reluctant participant. Not so the rank and file, as they ponied up and gave away part of their compensation to make it happen. As was pointed out, they would likely more than make it up under the PBSO system, but it seemed to be a smart decision for them to do so.

WE NEED TO HAVE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WELL IN ADVANCE OF MAJOR DECISIONS (really any decision) SO THAT THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE DECISIONS CAN BE PROPERLY EVALUATED. THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE STAFF'S JOB - AUTOMATICALLY. FOR FAR TOO LONG IN THIS CITY IT HAS BEEN THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

THAT HAS TO CHANGE. It just does.

From the Strange-but-True File: Annabeth Karson Advocates for Police Checkpoints



I have now seen and heard it all.

City Commission Votes 3-2 to Merge with Sheriff Department - Future Meeting to Work Out Details

Monday, August 4, 2008

Mayor Clemens Calls Press Conference at 4 p.m. Today on the Steps of City Hall


I hope it was to announce that PBSO is giving us more time to review and make changes to the document. If not, it's either a little early or a little late for a press conference, depending on the outcome of tonight's meeting.

Are we punting away the opportunity? Is this sabotage by staff and Chief? Why are there so many loose ends? Is anyone watching the store? Where has the Mayor been for the past year and a half?

Memo dated 8/1/08 from City Attorney Karns to Administrative Service Director Bates re PBSO Agreement.



Mr. Karns raises many of the same concerns that I have regarding the draft agreement. How has it gotten this far without this critical analysis? Where have the Mayor, Commissioners and staff been? This document, along with the draft contract, is only now available on the City's website - a little late in my opinion.

How firm is Mr. Bradshaw's deadline?

REMINDER: Special City Commission Meeting re Palm Beach County Sheriff Contract


Note location!
It is not at City Hall.

It will be at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center
at 6:30 p.m.
TODAY.
See map below:

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Click here for access to draft Palm Beach County Sheriff contract

Commissioner Vespo wanted to make sure a copy of the draft agreement between the city and the PBSO was available to the public. Clicking the above will take you to the document. If you would like me to forward a copy to you directly, e-mail me and I will include it as an attachment. My e-mail can be found on the right hand column of the blog. You can copy and paste it in the "To:" line of your e-mail program.

Thank you to Commissioner Vespo.

One killed, another injured in Lake Worth shooting

Strapped cities torn on hiring sheriff

A future New York City?

Click title for movie.

Click here for interesting "Terreform" website.

FAB TREE HAB
Local Biota Living t Structure

"Transology"

Saturday, August 2, 2008

E-mail to Mayor and Commissioners re 431 N. L. Street

Mayor, Commissioners and Staff

The e-mail below is from a neighbor that lives close to 431 N. L. Street.

I want to thank you again for being responsive in addressing the integrity of this historic structure. It really will - someday - contribute greatly to the neighborhood, but - as the picture attests - we face some obstacles in getting there.

It turns out that the alcove that is on the east side of the building, while being one of its interesting historic features, also is an attractive nuisance to the area. It provides an easy place for people to sleep and, in the process, trespass on city property.

Can you take steps to cover this opening so that this does not provide a place for people to harbor? Also, what social service agency should be contacted regarding people that do not have appropriate shelter? I would like to provide assistance in some way.

Thank you.

Wes Blackman

Up-date: 431 N. L Street (time for another e-mail to the Commission)


Hello Wes,

I hope your weekend is going well.

In the past I have noticed "bedding" and other signs that people were sleeping on the front stoop of 431 N. L st. This afternoon around 2:30 I came home with my daughter and a female friend and saw someone sleeping on the stoop of 431. I got my daughter and friend inside my house and went back to 431 and told the "visitor" to please leave and to clear out all of his stuff . He complained about there being no shade elsewhere but did pack up and leave.

My friend often parks her car near 431 N L when there are other cars parked in front of my house. I will not let her do that anymore and if she will call me when she gets to my house so I can escort her from her car.

What a shame!

T.M.
N. L. Street

Back-up Provided by City Manager Baldwin on 2008-2009 Budget Presentation - 8/5 Commission Meeting

Key Findings and Recommendations re Casino Building








Slideshow: Presentation to Commission on Structural Condition of Casino Building



Highly recommended that you click on frame above in order to adjust speed of slideshow and so that it appears larger for detail.

Presentation to be made at August 5, 2008 meeting.

Response to Post from Doctor Rene Varela

As I mentioned in the previous post, I had the opportunity to meet with Doctor Rene Varela, intended candidate for the District #4 Commission seat, yesterday at Starbucks. I planned to do more of an overall review and impression of our meeting in the future, but it seems that Doctor Varela is a little impatient and he wants it right away. Last night when I posted the item (briefly as I was pressed for time), I also capsulized and condensed his opinion regarding the beach. Apparently an unforgivable act it was. Here is Doctor Varela's response:
Now, now Wes.
It appears that you may have missed your true calling in life. Indeed, you managed to condense an hour long conversation (that I requested) into one, poorly phrased, manipulation of a sound bite. That was surely the envy of the corporate mainstream media. The blogoshere is supposed to be our oasis from that sort of mindless manipulation. As I said to you in our conversation, I fully expect and encourage to be challenged by Lake Worth's active citizenry, including you. This is the only way that we can insure elected officials are kept accountable. However, I am disappointed when your blog doesn't even attempt to extend the effort to mount a decent challenge to my entire point. How can we move forward in this city if we continue to dissect each other's words to form a damning sentence for publication.
As for our conversation, I continue to assert that when there is a stalemate in progress, some form of diplomacy must occur. It is the only thing that has historically overcome impasses. I also believe that there is much more that unites us than divides us. Some choose to focus on the divisions, but I remain hopeful that we can come together for a better Lake Worth. Hopefully, you can continue to work hard to be part of the solution for all residents. There is enough fuel for the divided factions in this city, why don't we break out of that mold and bring the majority of well-meaning residents to the goal that they all seek: A better life for them and their loved ones.

Respectfully,
Rene' A. Varela

Intended candidate for Lake Worth City Commission District 4

Paid for and approved by Rene' A Varela for Lake Worth City Commission District 4.

***Must include that disclaimer, lest I annoy the author of the cute 'Dolphin Boy' blog entries. Maybe you can pass that along to him when you see him?
So, let's delve a little deeper into our conversation as it relates to the beach. We talked about many things during our hour long conversation and Doctor Varela comes across as a thoughtful and principled person but lacks knowledge of the history and background of the Lake Worth Beach odyssey and therefore is somewhat naive. A good example of that was his response to the question regarding the beach.

He said that 90% of the people in this town have lost faith that anything will happen at the beach. Half of the rest either don't want anything done there or just to make minimal improvements and half want to follow through with Greater Bay on the current plan. We agreed that the lawsuits create certain obstacles right now. He then mentioned the existence of other plans (?) and that everyone seems to want their version of what they think the beach should be. He thought it was a good time to, within a month's timeframe of public input, come up with what really should be at the beach. He did express that whatever is there should be able to feed our downtown and he didn't seem to shy away from some sort of commercial content on the beach. He expressed his opinion that if the casino building needs to come down due to structural concerns, that the reason for doing that must be based on objectivity and that information should be made amply available to the public. He believed that the City had some sort of moral obligation to assist in the relocation of the tenants there and not just let them find space in our downtown area, or other location.

This is why I think that Doctor Verela's thoughts are naive. How many different versions of beach redevelopment have we seen and been a part of over the past 30 years? Too many to count. All have come and gone and in the meantime we have the deplorable conditions of facilities there that we have today. To think that within one month's time we could come together as a community and do something substantially different than what is currently being discussed, which already does have support within the community, is wishful thinking at best. I also think that his estimate on the base of support for doing something like the current plan and partnership at the beach is grossly underestimated. That was not my experience in walking neighborhoods during my campaign last year.

What opponents of the beach plan, which seem to be Doctor Varela's early base of support, fail to realize is that Greater Bay is willing to adjust their site plan. In my many talks with Peter Willard, he has always shown a flexibility in what is proposed as part of the redevelopment plan. The initial site plan was an "illustrative plan" - meant to be discussed and amended as it went through the site plan review process - which hasn't happened yet. The City is in a partnership with this private entity to redevelop the beach which is founded on a contractual relationship. I fully expect that Greater Bay and the City can come up with a workable plan. Doctor Verela did not acknowledge that possibility in our discussion.

There will be more later on our discussion. I hope that the good Doctor Verela understands that and will rely more on himself getting out his platform through the campaign process rather than in me having to recount our conversation.

I did enjoy the opportunity to meet with Doctor Varela and I thank him for making the effort to contact me.

And, Doctor Varela, always include the disclaimer as it is required by state law.

Friday, August 1, 2008

City Commission Agenda - 8/5



Tons of interesting items coming up on the next regular City Commission meeting agenda, so I thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of what I believe will be the sources of discussion. Consistent with past practice, the City Manager offers nothing in the way of back-up information related to the budget presentation. There is also a consent agenda item to create a City investment policy. The back-up to that item says that it is to coincide with the auditor's recommendation that the City conform to state law. Wow.

A lot to review over the weekend - including the latest structural report on the casino building at the beach. So stay tuned to this channel!

This afternoon, I had an opportunity to meet Rene Varela - the District #4 candidate who will be running against the incumbent Dave Vespo. Mr. Verela believes we should stop work on the beach and thinks that the City will be able to decide in a month through public input what should be done with it - once and for all. Hmmm.

E-mail response re Sheriff contract...

Thank you for the info. I will pass it along. The element of people that I have seen around here lately is scary to say the least. While sitting in Park Avenue grill Monday around 7:30 having dinner a man ran in the restaurant no shirt, pants falling off and shouting the f word. Outside the front door was 8-10 males carrying bats. I was really scared at that point. We called police from our cell phones they responded within 2-3 minutes. I feel bad for our cops for what they have to work with they do a terrific job. I am in favor of the merger along with 100% of the people I know. I have lived here now for 8 yrs. and have been victimized 3 times to many.

Sincerely,

Concerned Lake Worth Resident

Friday Treat: Dudley-Do-Right and Barney Fife



Apparently, this particular episode was banned - one can understand why. But, with the Sheriff's merger in the offing, I thought a little Dudley-Do-Right was consistent with the theme.

And here is a little Don Knotts' comedic talent:

Crime in Lake Worth

The escalating crime in our city has to come to a halt! You have a chance to help make this a reality and not just wishful thinking.

On Monday, August 4th at 6:30p.m. at the Scottish Rites Masonic Center located at 2000 North D Street the City Commission will be voting on the proposed contract to merge our police department with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. This meeting is our last chance for this merger to take place.

Over 97% of the officers within the Lake Worth police department want this merger to take place and are willing to take a pay cut to make it happen. Why? Because our police department is understaffed, overworked and does not have the funds or resources necessary to fight crime effectively and keep its residents safe, and our officers know this merger will provide them what they are lacking.

Just over the course of last weekend there was an armed home invasion on 4th Avenue N and K; on 7th Avenue North (Park of Commerce area) a man was beat to death and his body burned; Saturday morning there was an armed robbery outside National City Bank on Lucerne Avenue; a shooting took place on the corner of 5th Avenue North and J Street, and there were 5 armed robberies by a group or gang that the police said are working the 12th through 16th Avenue South area on Dixie Highway in the past week.

We all know someone touched by crime. Bruce and Maryanne Webber’s son was robbed at gunpoint inside his condo in downtown Lake Worth across from Paradiso Restaurant. This is the same building our son lives in. The list goes on and go. We all see the proliferation of prostitutes on the streets. With prostitutes come drugs and crime. We need more officers on the streets. This merger will provide that!

We need the Commission to know we as a community support this merger. PLEASE take a quick minute to call or e-mail the Mayor and Commissioners below to let them know how important their support of this merger is. Just say "please vote for the merger." City Hall is 586-1730.

Mayor Jeff Clemens: jclemens@lakeworth.org
Commissioner Retha Lowe: rlowe@lakeworth.org
Commissioner David Vespo: dvespo@lakeworth.org
Commissioner Jo-Ann Golden: jgolden@lakeworth.org
Commissioner Cara Jennings: cjennings@LakeWorth.org

If you are able, please come to the meeting to speak on behalf of this merger. If you don’t like public speaking, come and fill out a comment card that will be read into the record by the Mayor. Once it is submitted you don’t have to stay if you can’t. This is sooooo important for your safety and everyone's safety who lives in Lake Worth. We need to have a BIG voice for this to pass. Feel free to pass this on to your friends/neighbors.

Erin Allen