Lake Worth Beach City Limits

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

City Manager REVELATION at the City Commission meeting of 08/16/11

She said (during the discussion related to the revelation that the lighting at the beach is now a $2 million element, not the $90,000 item in the original projection) that the Inspector General is asking even more questions about the project. She said that the beach is now "very public." - When was it not? That is probably the root of the problem, no?

EVERY PIECE OF PAPER, EVERY E-MAIL, EVERY UTTERANCE ANY AND EVERY TOPIC IS VERY PUBLIC - THERE IS NO DEGREE OF WHAT IS PUBLIC AND WHAT IS VERY PUBLIC IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA MS. STANTON - who brought with her a 17 year background in Florida government - ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH PUBLIC BEACHFRONT PROPERTY THAT HAS BEEN A CONTENTIOUS ISSUE FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS IN THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH YOU WORK . THIS SHOULD NOT BE A REVELATION THAT THE BEACH SOMEHOW REQUIRES MORE OPENNESS NOW THAT THE INSPECTOR GENERAL IS INTERESTED.

She also reported that the Inspector General is looking into the Greater Bay lawsuit - wow!

The staff is saying that the lighting could be "phased in." They are surprised that it will cost so much to provide so little light (metaphor for the BCE?). This is such a basic element and there really is no excuse for this, in my opinion. The site plan was approved in February of this year - lighting should have been part of that plan. The lighting element of the permitting has been being reviewed for the past six months. This is for the total site. THIS SHOULD NOT BE A SURPRISE! We are supposed to be comforted that staff is meeting once a week - sometimes very long meetings - about the beach project. Earth to BCE - it should be someone's full time job to look out for the city's interest in this project.

At the end of discussion on this informational item, the City Manager indicated there were two "publics" who submitted cards to speak. One was Peter Timm and one Suzanne Squires. Mayor Waterman noted that no motion was made by the Commission, so there was really no need to have public comment, but that "she would entertain" these two comments from the public.

I am sure that this was done to full affect, with reading glasses down to the very tip of the nose, just to the point of falling off, and perhaps an extended waving hand with a meager pointing of the index finger in the direction of the podium, glancing away toward the windowed wall with head slightly tilted and, finally, a small sigh.

Ms. Squires reminded the Commission of her First Amendment right of free speech and told everyone about her new "copy center diet" - she is taking money normally allocated for her sustenance and applying that to the printing of back-up material for all the public meetings she attends - which are plenty. I think a new diet book is in the works. Let's try to find some good names for it!

Maxwell unopposed in Lake Worth; three in mayoral race

Congratulations Scott Maxwell - another term, this time unopposed. Check out the other qualifiers. Ms. Waterman was too busy to comment. Click title for link.

I am very happy there are legitimate challengers in the Mayoral race. Andy Amoroso is better than Jo Ann Golden, but supported her both times she ran. He also supported Marc Drautz. Not sure of the other races. He has supposedly come around since being on the CRA.

Just Qualified for the Mayor's Race - Pam Triolo

Former Lake Worth mayor to hear Boynton lobbying cases

Also of note, former Mayor Romano to hear (pro bono) alleged lobbying violations of their own lobbying ordinance by Boynton Beach officials. Apparently, Boynton Beach is a city that follows its own ordinances, unlike others in the area - eh hem. Click title for link to article.

Attorney files to run for Lake Worth mayor

He's the intelligent, thoughtful applicant to the Community Relations Board that the BCE discarded to appoint Panagioti Tsolkas instead. He could be the fresh face we need to lead us out of our morass. I don't know anything about him...feel free to comment if you do. Interesting that when Press Release Willie announced Cara Jennings' appointment to the Planning and Zoning Board, he did not mention P. Tsolkas' appointment to the Community Relations Board - which might have required mention of the person not chosen. From what I have heard, Zacks was the obvious, objective choice, had the playing field been level. Click title for link to article.

Friday, August 12, 2011

The 8/12/11 City Manager's Report...

...mentions nothing about the Office of the Inspector General finding no basis for Ms. McNamara's complaint regarding the CRA. The links to the right (inoperative on this copy) are from last week's report. Interesting that we are just now finding out about all these past due accounts and I know that we have gone through at least two collection agencies in relatively recent history.

Former commissioner Jennings appointed to Lake Worth planning board

Click title for Press Release Willie's report on last night's board appointments - oops, he left off Mr. Panagioti Tsolkas' appointment to the Community Relations Board. Hmmm. Very flattering picture of Ms. Jennings -taken at the same time of her last PBP fluff piece.

Click here for the "applications" for board membership.

Click here for the Palm Beach County Ethics Commission Training Video...

which every appointed and elected official has to watch to be in their role. The City of Lake Worth makes it a requirement to watch to maintain your official status. The link will bring you to the page and choose the video link at the top of the list.

Comments received during the day 8/12/11 are now up...

FYI - been traveling all day and many comments were waiting. I appreciate your patience :) Things might be hit or miss for a few days...

When is Lake Worth's Transition Team making their report?

WPB Mayor’s Transition Team Presents Findings
When: Friday, August 12, 11 AM
Where: Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, 401 N. Flagler Dr
The Mayoral Transition Team consisting of residents and business professionals will present their findings regarding city operations to Mayor Muoio at this important event.

Perhaps Patricia Fitzpatrick, Patricia Oliphant, or Pearl can enlighten us? God in three persons, blessed trinity.

Former Commissioner Cara Jennings appointed to Planning and Zoning Board

Look for boarding houses to be made legal in single family zoned neighborhoods - coming to a street near you soon!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Inspector General News - left as comment on previous post...

We have just been informed by the Office of Inspector General that they have withdrawn and closed their investigation into Dee McNamara's complaint against the CRA. Her allegations that the CRA has wasted NSP funds and overpaid for properties purchased was found to be without merit. Peter Timm filed a similar complaint with HUD, which after an audit was also found to be without merit. I hope this will finally put to rest any and all claims that we at the CRA have failed to properly administer the NSP Program. In fact, the average price paid is approximately 15% below appraised value whereas HUD only requires that we pay 1% below appraised value. It would be nice if the LW Herald would run this story, since its allegations were used as evidence in the investigations.

Cary Sabol,CRA Chair