Sunday, December 7, 2008

Prime examples of the poor way in which the City of Lake Worth communicates with its citizens...

In stark contrast to the example provided by Punta Gorda, Florida, here are just two recent examples of poor, expensive and confusing messages/images put out by our City "organ."

First of all, here is a copy of our Fall 2008 City of Lake Worth Newsletter. Apparently the City Commission thinks it's only necessary to communicate formally four times a year with the residents. When they do this, they chose to send out this "City Times" printed on glossy, heavy stock paper. I assume that it was sent out, but since I didn't get one through my mailbox (this one I picked up at City Hall) I can't attest to that for sure.

The first page consists of a recreation department schedule and an announcement of the new director and assistant. We read that we can expect great things from this new team. Hmmm.

And on the second and third pages, we have barely comprehensible type that is printed over a patch of pumpkins. The Summer edition of "City Times" had hurricane and other information printed over dark gray palm trees fighting the wind. This version is only moderately more readable.For another example of this dark print on dark background phenomena, check out the City's "Mission Statement" at any of a number of customer service portals in the city. How unfortunately predictable it is that the City's "Mission Statement" is unreadable!

The third page has an article about the change in yard waste and larger household goods pick-up that was the subject of an elaborate, heavy stock calendar. More on that publication later in this post. But at least here, we have the benefit of having the only useful piece of information of that calendar - the map that showed what days pick-up would be done around the city.

And here we have the fourth page which is white space and has numbers you can call for city departments.How many of these were printed and at what cost? Is this really seen as an effective way to communicate with the citizenry?

About a month ago, two guys in a city truck went around with a yellow (for our area of town) slip that was stuck to our front doors. It announced a change in yard and household white goods pick-up to alternating weeks. The slip said that this change would be explained further in a calendar that will be available to everyone. A couple days pass and the same two guys in the truck came by and delivered this 16+ page, spiral bound, heavy and shiny stock calendar.

How are these publications abiding by the Mayor's Climate Control Task Force recommendations? By the way, the CRA sent out its annual report on post consumer recycled paper, printed with soy-based inks.

Here is the cover of the calendar:

Here is December and it is about as clear as mud when to put out your stuff if you only refer to this. This caused a lot of confusion in my neighborhood the day it was implemented - on a Friday. People put everything out - regular garbage, large pick-up items, recycling. I am happy to report that after about a month into it, people realize that our regular household pick-up didn't change from Monday and Thursday.


Buried in the calendar is this page which better explains what is happening with the 4 day pick-up schedule - but it is opposite June 2009! If we don't have it down by then, then we have real problems.

The most useful piece of this publication was the hard to find pull out map on the back page of the calendar. This is the one I mentioned above.

Again, what did this cost, how many were printed and why make it so confusing? Does anyone really care about environmental impacts or are we just "green washing?"

Still on the subject of communication, Chairman of the CRA Mark Rickards mentioned that he talked to the Mayor during board member comments at the end of one the CRA's recent meetings. The Mayor inquired about the CRA funding a public relations/public information officer along with the City in order to get the word out about City activities and policies on a consistent and reliable basis. I thought it was a great idea but was concerned about spending CRA for general city functions. It was left that someone would look into the details and get back to the board with some answers. Just last week, I hadn't heard anything about what was found out so I inquired. The answer came indirectly from a "highly placed" person in the City Manager's office who said that the Commission gave that contract out to "Politically Correct". Apparently the City's lobbyist will be doing the on-going public information from now on from the City. Has anyone detected a change?

I'll make a few more calls tomorrow.

The only constant is change...

This time, Lake Worth works

Another editorial penned by one of the occupants of the cozy, paneled, corner offices at the Palm Beach Post. This time it's about the Day Labor Center - at least they call it what it is. And they didn't even mention Commissioner Cara Jennings and her latest act of contrition. But I guess the time for aggrandizing her has passed, for the moment.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Follow-up from friend that sent "Weekly Report" from their city...

"The guy that sends this to us it is our own commissioner, famous for his efforts to mitigate early morning golf course noise in and around the city:). The document itself is created by city staffers from data provided by the various city departments for the purpose of public distribution.

It’s funny, I wouldn’t know any of this stuff was going on around here unless I read this each weekly letter – really gives the citizenry a feel for what their elected officials and tax dollars are doing for them. That whole communications things is really underrated!"

Example of one community's "Weekly Highlights" report sent out by City Commissioner

Click title for link to document. This came attached to the following e-mail. The community is Punta Gorda, Florida. Is it that difficult to provide timely and accurate information on a regular basis from the City of Lake Worth?

Once again the city has provided us with a lot of information in the weeks report.

Inside you will find details on the council’s decision to have day docks installed within the Laishley Park Marina basin. They will be floating concrete docks with no amenities as they are not for overnight use. They are expect to be totally funded through a grant.

The council also decided to respond back to the Army Corp. of Engineers regarding a project being proposed by Aqui Esta Development our concerns were regarding a public boat launch ramp and narrow canals in the proposed area.

During the past several months we have experienced an increase in the normal amount of water line breaks that necessitate a boil water notice. Inside the attached you will find details on why this is happening and what measures are being taken to lesson the impacts.

For those of you who may not have heard a second airline, Allegiant Airlines will begin service to Punta Gorda in March. Allegiant has been in business for over 12 years flying to numerous locations in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Have a great weekend.

Bill Albers

Guilty of empty principles

Click title for PB Post editorial on the FPL protesters. Maybe now the editorial staff starts to understand how difficult this "no compromise" group is to deal with in our humble Lake Worth. It would be nice to able to work together someday and tackle some of our city's problems.

Signed,

The Sleazy Lackey for Corporate Greed and Fascist Xenophobpia.

Scary Reminders...

Click title.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Tree Lighting in the Cultural Plaza


Up-date from Tom Wranke, Surfrider Foundation

News tonight on TV channel 34, wtvx, Reach 8 project

Although the DEP Judge has not yet ruled on the case, and his deadline was Dec. 3rd, Channel 34 is doing a short segment this evening on the project, filmed this afternoon at Phipps Park, site of the last dredge and fill disaster....

Thanks for your support!

Tom Warnke

City Advisory Board Vacancies

Announcement from City of Lake Worth:

The City of Lake Worth is currently seeking volunteers to serve on City Boards with vacancies, as follows:

City Recreation Advisory Board
Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals
Firefighters' Pension Trust Fund - Division 1
Library Board
Planning & Zoning/Historic Resources Preservation/Nuisance Abatement Boards

If you are interested in serving on the above Boards, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 586-1663 for further information, or the Board Application can be downloaded from the City of Lake Worth's website at www.lakeworth.org. All applications must be received by the City Clerk's Office no later than Monday, December 29, 2008, at 5:00 PM.

A Special Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2009, at 5:30 PM to interview those board applicants who applied for vacant positions.

Pics from Today's Groundbreaking Ceremony on 10th Avenue North


This was fun to do today. I'm the tall guy in the line-up. You can click on the frame above for a full size slideshow if you wish.

The project is following the same pattern as the 6th Avenue South improvements completed about a year and a half ago. The $8.5 million dollar project, with a $250,000 grant from Palm Beach County will completely redo the right-of-way along 10th Avenue North - one of the gateways to the city from I-95. The CRA funded project will replace existing archaic water, sewer and drainage infrastructure, install wider sidewalks and landscaped area along the edge of the road itself. Overhead utilities will be placed underground - making for more pleasing aesthetics and hardening of the electric distribution system so that it is more impervious to hurricane damage.

This effort has been long in the making and also includes newly rezoned land on the block immediately north and south of 10th and north and south 6th Avenues. The rezoning calls for mixed use office and residential projects that will provide a visual and sound barrier from the heavy traffic on the major thoroughfares - protecting the interior neighborhoods.

The improvements will run from A street to Dixie Hwy. and include pavers and other pedestrian improvements. The project will take a little over one year to fully complete.

A timely, seasonal wish for Lake Worth...

Lake Worth votes to end contract to rebuild beachfront casino building

Click title for PB Post article.

Wisdom stands at the turn in the road and calls upon us publicly, but we consider it false and despise its adherents.

Kahlil Gibran

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Confucius

Some folks are wise and some are otherwise.
Tobias Smollett

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Click here for link to my latest article in the South Florida Blade

Report on the commemoration of World AIDS Day, December 1, in Lake Worth.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Instead of the Sunshine Law, in Lake Worth we have...

Trial underway for FPL plant protesters

Click title for Palm Beach Post article. Click here for "Open letter" from P. Tsolkas.

Click for Residential Real Estate Sales Info for Past 30 Days - 33460 Zip Code

Just released - Special City Commission Meeting Agenda 12/4


This is an open meeting, thank you very much.

Hmmmm...No formal agenda out yet but...

City Commission
Thursday, December 04, 2008 at 5:30 PM

The purpose of the special Commission meeting is to discuss the Greater Bay Group, Inc. agreements and the McCauley/McNamara vs. City of Lake Worth lawsuit
This appears on the City's website. Perhaps they realized the error of their ways?

Closed Door Special City Commission Meeting 12/3

Can they meet to discuss a matter when the city is not party to litigation? I also understand that Commissioner Cara Jennings asked, regarding discussion on the outstanding pool items (totaling a measly $1,850), if their discussion last night "would affect anything they do tomorrow morning?"

"Jennings said the casino contracts are expected to be discussed today when commissioners hold a closed-door workshop with lawyers." PB Post 12/3 article.


Section 286.011(8) Florida Statutes

(8) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), any board or commission of any state agency or authority or any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision, and the chief administrative or executive officer of the governmental entity, may meet in private with the entity's attorney to discuss pending litigation to which the entity is presently a party before a court or administrative agency, provided that the following conditions are met:

(a) The entity's attorney shall advise the entity at a public meeting that he or she desires advice concerning the litigation.

(b) The subject matter of the meeting shall be confined to settlement negotiations or strategy sessions related to litigation expenditures.

(c) The entire session shall be recorded by a certified court reporter. The reporter shall record the times of commencement and termination of the session, all discussion and proceedings, the names of all persons present at any time, and the names of all persons speaking. No portion of the session shall be off the record. The court reporter's notes shall be fully transcribed and filed with the entity's clerk within a reasonable time after the meeting.

(d) The entity shall give reasonable public notice of the time and date of the attorney-client session and the names of persons who will be attending the session. The session shall commence at an open meeting at which the persons chairing the meeting shall announce the commencement and estimated length of the attorney-client session and the names of the persons attending. At the conclusion of the attorney-client session, the meeting shall be reopened, and the person chairing the meeting shall announce the termination of the session.

(e) The transcript shall be made part of the public record upon conclusion of the litigation.

Lake Worth Bike Night debuts Dec. 4, 2008

Bikers near and far soon will be rolling into downtown Lake Worth—for a good cause. The inaugural Lake Worth Bike Night, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4. The event—inspired by the Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency and Downtown Cultural Alliance, and organized by Adam Raizin—calls to mind the "can-do" American spirit of the 1940's as retailers, residents and the biking community come together to support Lake Worth and jump-start the holiday shopping season. Tough times take tougher folk.

Downtown merchants of Lake Worth will throw open their collective doors to salute the bikers and welcome them to town. Events for Bike Night include blue-plate specials at Nature's Way, Downtown Pizza and The Taco Lady. Heralded local tattoo artist Mike "Pooch" Pucciarelli from Altered States Tattoo will be on hand. And Havana Hideout will host live music, sponsored by Budweiser, from The Dillengers.

That's not all! Starbucks is giving away free beverages and visiting bikers will be treated to discounts from participating downtown sponsor merchants via a discount "Cherry Card." Pin-up girls will welcome the Harley, BMW, custom choppers and road bikes to town. Lake Worth's own custom chopper builder, Adam Chandler, will have a special display of his unique bikes lined up as well. Body Painting of pin-up girls will draw a crowd to the ML Salon on Lake Ave. Proceeds from the evening's various activities will go to the local Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Downtown Lake Worth stretches from Dixie Highway to Federal Highway on Lake Avenue. Start time is sundown. The event is free and open to bikers and non-bikers.

Lake Worth Bike Night will continue every Thursday night after its debut. On Dec. 11, check out live music from Slip and the Spinouts.

Sponsored by Adam Raizin/Century 21 Coastline Realty, Studio 205, Lake Worth CRA, Downtown Cultural Alliance, Budweiser and Chandler Originals.

This just in: Elvis will play a special headline act at The Cottage on the Thursday night to welcome Bike Night to Lake Worth.

Leaky LW shuffleboard building to get only essential repairs

Lake Worth, developer plan to discuss casino site future

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Men arrested could be tied to Lake Worth College Park robberies

Support for 'undocumenteds' a slap to citizens

Click title for letter to the editor regarding the prospect of pouring unbudgeted money into the Shuffleboard Court building. Here is the back up for the item that appears on tonight's City Commission agenda.


When the item last appeared on the City Commission agenda (under "Consent Agenda"), the item was pulled and discussed. There was a lot of talk about what is triggering the need for the improvements, why the improvements haven't been done anyway, why this wasn't considered before entering into a lease and prior to the opening of the center, how the certificate of occupancy could be pulled in a month if the improvements are not funded, where the estimates came from and who would do the work, etc., etc.

All of these items are questions worthy of discussion. The staff back-up does little to address these issues other than to provide a rough breakdown of the proposed expenditures. There is a suggestion that some of the work would be done by the City's own labor force - but if that happens what are they being taken away from that might be of a higher priority. And, who gave the bids and how did that abide by our procurement procedures?

By way of contrast, look at Compass and the work they are doing to the former Senior Center. They, not the City, are putting in at least $1.5 million into a city building in the way of mold eradication, installation of an elevator, and other building improvements without any compensation from the City's coffers. Another non-profit that has a favorable lease due to the services they will provide the community.

Now, according to the regime in charge on the dais now, anyone who raises any question about the "resource center" is a racist or a "sleazy lackey for corporate greed and fascist xenophobia." How can we expect to address any of the pressing issues that face our City if we rely on divisiveness to reign on our Commission? I wish more people had thought through their vote before casting it for the likes of Commissioner Cara Jennings et al.

But I can see how the voters could be fooled by Commissioner Jennings - on the campaign trail it was an "employment center" - one that everyone in the City could use and one that was needed in this tough economy.

Yeah, right.

How about we all meet up there and see what sorts of services are rendered for the benefit of all citizens?

Monday, December 1, 2008

Pictures from World AIDS Day - Lake Worth


These were taken today in what was the largest display of the AIDS Names Project Quilt in the state. The panels were to be displayed outside, but the threatening weather all day necessitated the move indoors. A good move it was too as many who passed through the sanctuary at Calvary First United Methodist Church commented that it looked as if the church was filled with the spirits of those represented on the panels. Eric Miller, Co-Chair of the Names Project South Florida Chapter spoke at the candlelight vigil. Along with Scott Fox, Executive Director of Compass, Eric presented a panel dedicated to the late Micheal Brown who was murdered earlier this year. Micheal Brown served on the board of directors for the South Florida chapter of the NAMES Project, bringing the AIDS Memorial Quilt to distant locations such as South Africa, in addition to cities all over the United States. He is the only person known to be memorialized with a panel that did not die from HIV, the virus which causes AIDS.

More pics are available by clicking here.

Sheriff's Helicopter as seen over Columbia Drive today...

This was going on for about an hour or so today - flying in the same circle. Anyone know what was going on?



Later the same day...I just heard that the Sheriff's department caught the group that was burglarizing College Park today. Over 20 homes had been broken into during the day over the past couple of months.

Lake Worth politics: Change gives mandate to Jennings

Classy article by Tony Plakas in the Sun Sentinel. Click title for link.