Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Videos from Friday's Special City Commission Meeting (3/16)
I was able to get the first ten minutes of questions of the three candidates. Richard Getrich, whose name appears second on the agenda accepted a job in Pennsylvania, pulled out of consideration. Apologies for the delay, I am getting used to the "minimalism" pervasive in all Google products, including YouTube.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Inspector general fears county's proposed settlement to lawsuit over city, town payments
Hmmmm. Click title for link to PBP article.
At the Special Meeting re City Manager Interviews...
Barbara Lipscomb is being interviewed now. I just got about 10 minutes of the beginning of her interview on video and I will try to do the same with the other candidates. She is addressing the issue of assessments at this time, in response to a question asked by Commissioner Maxwell. She has had experience in implementing assessments. She says that it really is a policy decision to be made by the City Commission. The Mayor asked how she made her communities that she worked for more transparent to the public. She said that she has done brochures, newsletters and utilized the Internet to get information out - door hangers as well when it relates to a new program or code enforcement initiatives. Mulvehilll asked how large an infrastructure project has she managed. Street improvements, parks - all multi-million dollar projects. Generally the projects have come in on time and on budget. Amoroso asked about city staff and the fact that they haven't had a wage increase in three years. What sorts of non-monetary compensation ideas would you have for them. She implemented a four day work week - which was estimated to save money over-all. Didn't do it immediately, but made the announcement six months before it went into effect. McVoy asks about challenges with the reputation of City Hall and the administration. What sorts of things would you do to attract and retain highly professional staff. She says that pay doesn't do it all the time, but you must provide a challenging work environment where they are free to use their creativity. She has never cut training or abilities to advance your career. Maxwell asks in her conversations with the five Commissioners and research of the city, he says that you must have noticed that we aren't all on the same page. What can she do to address this fact? She says by leadership and her experience with various crisis situations. She is a "unity builder" and has a degree in Urban Planning. She has a pragmatic approach and experience in working with diverse communities. She says that she is a proven professional and never had an issue with ethics, she is business friendly and believes in strategic planning.
Michael Bornstein - I have the first 10 minutes on video which I will post later. They are asking the same questions so I will just post the responses. He says that he would instill a sense of stability for staff and create an opportunity for employees that they are actually happy to come in to work. That type of attitude starts at the top. Government gets some hits, but it is a noble profession. Listen to employees - with sincerity. He would attract first rate proffessional staff - part of it is pay, but there are other factors. There are people out there right now that would like to come to Lake Worth that are not totally about salary - they want to be here for the challenge and the tremendous potential. He thinks he could attract those type of folks. This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Maxwell asks while he wants to leave his current position. He is very happy in Lantana - his Commission is happy. He is happy when he drives into work. He is at a point in live where he wants to attempt bigger challenges and fulfill his potential. Having been across the border, he has watched what was going on. He went to a charette here 20 years ago and they talked about the great layout of the city and that always made an impression on him. He sees the city at a turn-around point and do not dismiss the economic downturn's importance. What can the Commission do to make sure you are success. "Well, you can hire me." Laughter. He is a student of city government - You need good data, you make the decisions, I carry them out - "I am the genie in the bottle." The Commission provides the direction. Lantana is one third the size of Lake Worth - Mulvehill asks how he can make a transition to projects that may be ten times the size of Lantana's project. He says that this is a step up in size, but with good staff, communication and direction, we can do it. How can he contribute immediately - a sense of stability and espirit de corps. Budget items are longer term - might be three years, but you have to get on a plan to build up reserves and pay for things you need done. Suspicion of government - how would he build confidence in the community? On a political level - it should stay in the political arena. Decisions need to be made based upon information that is accurate and objective. This should be a standard here. Completeness. Admit mistakes. Bring a commitment to those ideals. Setting a high standard of what comes to you. People want to see things. You have to sit down, listen to people and search for the kernels of truth. What was a not-so-good situation? He says that there have been minor things like when staff didn't have a complete set of information on something that he was presenting to the Commission. Nothing stands out as monumental. What is the one thing we should know about him before he leaves the chambers today? He hasn't applied anywhere else. He took a lot of time to think about this and he is committed to this. He wants to work as hard as he can for this city. He has a tremendous level of commitment. Heart, mind and soul committed to the City of Lake Worth.
Jamie Titcomb - first 10 minutes on video. He believes that he is a brand builder and was in advertising/public relations for 20 years. He works well with others and the circumstances to look at the brand the perception of the community. He knows what needs to be done to change the story. He is known for working together with people to do this. He has been here for 32 years - bringing people together, strengthen the brand and melt away old images. It is a process, it will take time to de-tangle the situation. Improve the dialog at the community, staff and Commission level. "Remember when they used to snicker about us." He is in a microcosm of a Lake Worth situation in the position he is currently in - what he finds where this is going on, internally the staff is a little shell-shocked. He uses humor here and there to lighten the mood. He invites people to dialog with him and talk to others - moving away from silos and allow them to be creative and have discretion in how they do their job. Then the corporate culture starts to change - then inefficiencies emerge.He reaches out to everyone - even the unreachable. It's o.k. to work together, it's o.k. to come up with ideas. Bottom line is about job satisfaction, not necessarily money. Biggest dollar capital projects where when he was an elected official in Boynton Beach. Most of his work has been intergovernmental - helping communities plan for projects they want to implement. Non-monetary incentives? To Amoroso "Everyone gets a gift-card to your store, Commissioner." Laughter. Comp-time, individually communicate about what would make their job more satisfactory, other than money. Flexibility in hours, work outside their normal functional area, What would he do to overcome suspicion? He thinks it part of his position that this is something that is focused on. It starts at the top and works down. The elected dais is a starting point. Concentrate on positive problem solving, positive expression of ideas, increase the quality of dialog. He would be a bit of a broken record on that level. There are civil and polite ways to agree to disagree. This is a longstanding issue - to win, someone does not have to lose. Eventually, the political rhetoric changes. Lack of experience as City Manager a detriment? He reminds them that he has over thirty years of experience, half of which has been in the area of local government. He points out that the city has been managed by people with credentials "up the wazoo" and wonders if that is working for the city. He is both right and left brain. Need time to development "best practices." The past is not the way to do things in the future. He is coming to be the conductor, not the individual player.
Michael Bornstein - I have the first 10 minutes on video which I will post later. They are asking the same questions so I will just post the responses. He says that he would instill a sense of stability for staff and create an opportunity for employees that they are actually happy to come in to work. That type of attitude starts at the top. Government gets some hits, but it is a noble profession. Listen to employees - with sincerity. He would attract first rate proffessional staff - part of it is pay, but there are other factors. There are people out there right now that would like to come to Lake Worth that are not totally about salary - they want to be here for the challenge and the tremendous potential. He thinks he could attract those type of folks. This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Maxwell asks while he wants to leave his current position. He is very happy in Lantana - his Commission is happy. He is happy when he drives into work. He is at a point in live where he wants to attempt bigger challenges and fulfill his potential. Having been across the border, he has watched what was going on. He went to a charette here 20 years ago and they talked about the great layout of the city and that always made an impression on him. He sees the city at a turn-around point and do not dismiss the economic downturn's importance. What can the Commission do to make sure you are success. "Well, you can hire me." Laughter. He is a student of city government - You need good data, you make the decisions, I carry them out - "I am the genie in the bottle." The Commission provides the direction. Lantana is one third the size of Lake Worth - Mulvehill asks how he can make a transition to projects that may be ten times the size of Lantana's project. He says that this is a step up in size, but with good staff, communication and direction, we can do it. How can he contribute immediately - a sense of stability and espirit de corps. Budget items are longer term - might be three years, but you have to get on a plan to build up reserves and pay for things you need done. Suspicion of government - how would he build confidence in the community? On a political level - it should stay in the political arena. Decisions need to be made based upon information that is accurate and objective. This should be a standard here. Completeness. Admit mistakes. Bring a commitment to those ideals. Setting a high standard of what comes to you. People want to see things. You have to sit down, listen to people and search for the kernels of truth. What was a not-so-good situation? He says that there have been minor things like when staff didn't have a complete set of information on something that he was presenting to the Commission. Nothing stands out as monumental. What is the one thing we should know about him before he leaves the chambers today? He hasn't applied anywhere else. He took a lot of time to think about this and he is committed to this. He wants to work as hard as he can for this city. He has a tremendous level of commitment. Heart, mind and soul committed to the City of Lake Worth.
Jamie Titcomb - first 10 minutes on video. He believes that he is a brand builder and was in advertising/public relations for 20 years. He works well with others and the circumstances to look at the brand the perception of the community. He knows what needs to be done to change the story. He is known for working together with people to do this. He has been here for 32 years - bringing people together, strengthen the brand and melt away old images. It is a process, it will take time to de-tangle the situation. Improve the dialog at the community, staff and Commission level. "Remember when they used to snicker about us." He is in a microcosm of a Lake Worth situation in the position he is currently in - what he finds where this is going on, internally the staff is a little shell-shocked. He uses humor here and there to lighten the mood. He invites people to dialog with him and talk to others - moving away from silos and allow them to be creative and have discretion in how they do their job. Then the corporate culture starts to change - then inefficiencies emerge.He reaches out to everyone - even the unreachable. It's o.k. to work together, it's o.k. to come up with ideas. Bottom line is about job satisfaction, not necessarily money. Biggest dollar capital projects where when he was an elected official in Boynton Beach. Most of his work has been intergovernmental - helping communities plan for projects they want to implement. Non-monetary incentives? To Amoroso "Everyone gets a gift-card to your store, Commissioner." Laughter. Comp-time, individually communicate about what would make their job more satisfactory, other than money. Flexibility in hours, work outside their normal functional area, What would he do to overcome suspicion? He thinks it part of his position that this is something that is focused on. It starts at the top and works down. The elected dais is a starting point. Concentrate on positive problem solving, positive expression of ideas, increase the quality of dialog. He would be a bit of a broken record on that level. There are civil and polite ways to agree to disagree. This is a longstanding issue - to win, someone does not have to lose. Eventually, the political rhetoric changes. Lack of experience as City Manager a detriment? He reminds them that he has over thirty years of experience, half of which has been in the area of local government. He points out that the city has been managed by people with credentials "up the wazoo" and wonders if that is working for the city. He is both right and left brain. Need time to development "best practices." The past is not the way to do things in the future. He is coming to be the conductor, not the individual player.
Click here for back-up for Special City Commission Meeting - 3/16 City Manager Candidate Interviews
The meeting starts at 4 p.m. today in the City Commission chambers. I plan on attending and will blog "live" from there.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Familiar names on list to be Hallandale Beach city manager - Hallandale Beach - MiamiHerald.com
It still seems to be all about Susan. Apparently her current position with Ft. Lauderdale is a "make do" while she waits for one where she can exercise her considerable administrative prowess. Click title for link.
BREAKING NEWS -- DOUBLE SHOOTING IN LAKE WORTH
On South C Street - click title for link. Check local media outlets throughout the day for more information. Code Red lock-down at Lake Worth High School and Highlands Elementary. Suspect at large.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Lake Worth narrows manager list to four, including Lantana's Bornstein
Special City Commission meeting for interviews set for this Friday at 4 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers. Following that, there is a meet and greet social opportunity at the Golf Course Clubhouse at 6:30 p.m. after the meeting. Click title for link to PBP article.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
How one of our municipal neighbors is using the arts to promote redevelopment and improve quality of life...
An overview of Fiscal Year 2011/2012 Art in Public Places Program activities and progress. This video was presented at the Boynton Beach City Commission meeting on March 6, 2012.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Announcement from Genesis Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Dear Bloggers,
I would like to ask for you help, once again, to get the word out about a neighborhood cleanup that Retha Lowe asked Genesis Neighborhood Association, Inc. to help get volunteers for. We will be meeting this Saturday, March 10 @ 8:00am in front of the New Hope Baptist Church 819 Washington Avenue. Let us allow our actions to give testament to how much we Love our city. Join us for what is sure to be a fun morning of fellowshipping with your neighbors working together for one common goal, the rise of our city to greatness!
Trash pickers, gloves and garbage bags will be supplied.
Best wishes,
Mark A. Parrilla
President
Genesis Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
CITY OF LAKE WORTH 4th ANNUAL “EASTER EGG HUNT” - SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012 - 11:00AM – 2:00PM - Bryant Park
The City of Lake Worth is hosting its 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Come out and enjoy a day filled with excitement! There will be egg hunts, bounce houses, a water slide, music, games, raffles, performances, prizes and food vendors. Tickets are now available for advanced purchase as well as during the event. Candy art, raffle tickets & photos with the Easter Bunny may be purchased for $1.00/activity. Food and drinks will be sold by vendors for a nominal fee. There’s also an opportunity to win a fabulous prize by entering our homemade Easter Bonnet or Tie making contest! Just use your creativity, make the bonnet or tie at home, and bring it with you.
Ratepayers Would Save Millions if 'Munis' Sell Out to FPL: Study | Sunshine State News
A study was done that confirms what we already know. There is much talk in the article about taxation without representation related to customers outside municipal boundaries. That is the situation people in half of Palm Springs and the unincorporated area of Palm Beach County that is served by Lake Worth electricity. Click title for link to article.
Monday, March 5, 2012
FILM NIGHT: Yo Soy Cuba (1964) - Monday, March 12th @ 6pm
On Monday, March 12th, at 6pm in the Rosenthal Lecture Room at the Foundation’s offices, the film Yo Soy Cuba (1964) will be presented in conjunction with Michael Dweck’s lecture on Habana Libre which is set for March 14th.
A documentary of early 1960s Cuba and its culture, Yo Soy Cuba (1964) was long held back from American audiences until Martin Scorsese began a campaign to restore the film in the early 1990s. Originally intended as a piece of communist propaganda, it was banned by the USSR and Cuba for its too loving view of the bourgeois pre-Fidel classes and Havana high-life, best exhibited in the film’s narration of “I am Cuba, the Cuba of the casinos and the people.”
To see a trailer for Yo Soy Cuba (1964), follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvwLZOpxAFQ
The showing will begin at 6pm and end at 8:30pm.
The showing will be held in Rosenthal Lecture Room at the Preservation Foundation’s offices located at 311 Peruvian Avenue in Palm Beach.
Please note, doors lock at 6:15pm.
The Foundation’s Executive Director Alexander C. Ives will present a short introduction to the film.
Refreshments will be provided.
The film showing is FREE to all. However, only reserved seating is available. Those who wish to attend must call 561.832.0731 to reserve a seat.
As with all events, the Foundation expects attendees to act respectfully. We reserve the right to turn away anyone.
Dalai Lama
"In today’s materialistic world there is a risk of people becoming slaves to money, as though they were simply cogs in a huge money-making machine. This does nothing for human dignity, freedom, and genuine well-being. Wealth should serve humanity, and not the other way around."
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![Dr. W. H. Cotton’s ode: “Oh, My Lake Worth, Florida!” [circa 1920].](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL75cv6zJQFjX15ojOIIz9AjnbqH4asHJTYSDhnGnYr7rJZRha1NcNTirj2xPcId158vkz5Hw-wXgOfrlztj8Zr8jLFFCfuEN6PyV44ZlpMRmJ68xbtFL9vzxNiG7xDs_HJvm/s1600/LakeWorthPioneers.JPG)
