Some observations from the past week...

Here are some of my observations and notes from the past week here in Lake Worth:

• Cheers to Commissioner Vespo for bringing up negotiations with Palm Beach County for the Sheriff Department to take over our municipal police services. Jeers to the staff and whoever else is responsible for the curtailment of the previous negotiations. It turns out that they were halted due to lack of needed information from the City. Let's be sure that we have all the options and particulars clearly laid out in front of us so that we can objectively evaluate our position. And lets make sure we respond to requests for information in a timely manner. How many times does this have to be said? The financial crisis laid out by Commissioner Vespo is a real possibility, given the enormous unmet obligations represented by both police and fire department pension funds.
• Lake Worth belongs to the East Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. This is governed by an interlocal agreement between West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Lake Worth and the Town of Palm Beach. The current agreement dates from 1992 (all 131 pages of it). Strangely enough, FPL is asking to use this wastewater for cooling at their new power plant. You may recall that this is the same power plant that was the subject of protest several weeks ago. You may also recall that Commissioner Jennings was involved in the protest herself, but more as a liaison between protesters and the Sheriff's department. Anyway, the Commissioner asked that the agreement be brought up because she was unsure why and how our Utilities Director's authority is exercised in the administration of the agreement. The focus was the need for commission direction prior to official action. My take: As an agreement that needs to be periodically reviewed, o.k. As for as the need to assert direction over staff by action of the commission, fine. However, talking about not providing the wastewater to the FPL power plant and thereby forcing them to pull water from the aquifer (source of our drinking water) is irresponsible and heading in the wrong direction. Let's negotiate the terms of the wastewater deal, but don't stand on principle to the detriment of the City and the environment.
• And, while we are at it, if we are firmly against lighting up the everglades and agricultural areas of the western portion of Palm Beach County, then lets work on providing a workable alternative to that development within the City of Lake Worth. Let's work to streamline the permitting process, go after businesses that would add to the flavor of Lake Worth and require green construction techniques. Let's build a reputation that Lake Worth will treat you fairly through the development review and building permit process. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go on that score.
• Word is that crime is up in the center of District #3. Friends of mine have been warned by police to make sure car and home doors are locked - even when they are at home and the residence is occupied. It goes without saying that we all have to be vigilant during these troubling economic times as the level of desperation is palpable.
• Another friend of mine in District #2 told me that his city-issued garbage can was stolen. He did the right thing and filed a police report, which is required if you need a new one in order not to be charged for a replacement. This according to the paper work supplied with the delivery of the cans. When he called the Waste Removal Division and spoke to Mr. Brown, he was given an exceedingly hard time and was told that he would have to be charged for a new can. The conversation ended with my friend upset about another negative interaction with the City administration. Still not satisfied and after he cooled down a bit, he called the same number back and Mr. Brown apologized for his attitude displayed in the previous conversation. That's good news and this resident will not have to pay for another trash bin. However, there would be no reason to apologize had the staff person acted appropriately to begin with. Another example of how city staff seems to take an offensive position when dealing with the public. Why is it always the resident's fault and the news is always bad?
• And lastly, this sad story is perhaps an indication that we should go back to a Code Enforcement Board rather than a Special Master system currently in place. In 2006, one of our historic houses burned north of downtown on M Street. There were actually two fires on the same day - both of undetermined causes. The second fire completely totalled the structure. It happened to be on one of our 25 foot wide lots. Code Enforcement descended on the property and multiple fines started running. Since the structure is within an historic district, it was necessary to apply for a demolition permit through the Historic Resource Preservation Board (also the Planning and Zoning Board). The owner of the property received approval from the Board in May of last year to take down the house. A demolition permit was issued by the City and the remains of the structure came down. He has also prepared a new building plan that everyone seems to love. A complicating factor here was the existence of a moratorium of construction on 25 foot wide lots while the new guidelines were being prepared. When the property owner went before the Special Master, the fines totalling over $40,000 were upheld - and now is a lien on the property. The homesteaded property owner now faces foreclosure by his mortgage company and may lose the property entirely as a result - plus incur personal financial loss and loss of his principle residence. Who knows why the fine was not reduced, but this should not be a revenue center for the City of Lake Worth were perils outside the owner's control are responsible. Sure, some fine might be appropriate - but not an amount that is confiscatory! Perhaps a board made up of City residents would be more sympathetic to cases such as these - more so than the current Special Master system. The picture above dates from June 2006 and shows conditions soon after the fire.