AN UNHEEDED CALL TO ACTION—From the Palm Beach Post editors: Cats and why TNVR needs to be abandoned

Remember, it was a Palm Beach Post editorial on May 27th, 2015 (nearly a year ago), that started the big debate and all the news about Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release (TNVR) and the horrible devastation of bird populations here in Florida. Eliot Kleinberg wrote an article about this titled, "Wildlife groups: Returning cats to streets a bad idea", and Wayne Washington had one titled, "Palm Beach County mayor urges rescue groups to stop bringing in non-local animals".

Even Rich Anderson of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue chimed in with a Post opinion piece that, frankly, didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Anyhow, read the blog post below from May of last year about the Post editorial that started all the fur flying (pardon the pun):

Once a cat has been trapped, neutered, and vaccinated, many times they're released into the neighborhood or into the wild (such as the Everglades). Cats are causing havoc on the ecosystem and you can read about that here. Here is a Florida songbird that is threatened by cats:

The Florida Scrub Jay, image from Wikipedia.

The Palm Beach Post editorial board has this to say about a PBC Commission vote coming up in June:

     "In June, 2015 commissioners will take a final vote on the proposed TNVR program. They should pause before they do. [emphasis added]
     The county’s proposed policy, as written, has some good features. It would prohibit the release of the cats in parks and protected natural areas, and it would focus on sterilizing only healthy-looking cats that are clearly being fed and cared for by neighborhood animal lovers. These cats would be returned to their place of origin once 'fixed,' microchipped and vaccinated.
     That sounds like the perfect solution, except that it’s not really. Even well-fed cats retain their hunting instinct, and continue to kill significant numbers of wild birds and animals. One study found an outdoor domestic cat is capable of killing 60 birds and 1,600 small mammals in an 18-month period."

There is also another possible solution to the feral cat population:

The Nile Monitor Lizard eats feral cats and it is gaining a foothold in Palm Beach County.

The Haitian Heritage Month ceremony will be at City Hall at 5:15 today (Tuesday, May 17th)

The Haitian community of Lake Worth has distinguished itself through their participation and outreach efforts in numerous organizations, businesses, and community. The City of Lake Worth and the Haitian community share in the belief that the contributions and participation of people from all cultures and backgrounds is what makes Lake Worth a great city.
     Mayor Pam Triolo will hold a ceremony in front of City Hall to proclaim May 2016 as Haitian Heritage Month in the City of Lake Worth. The Haitian National flag will then be raised in honor of Haitian Flag Day.

A message from Publix:

Our Florida tomatoes are handpicked and hand-packed. #AtSeasonsPeak https://t.co/RdZorNaXZShttps://t.co/8Xe8HdgR16

— Publix (@Publix) April 27, 2016

Lake Worth Traffic Advisory: 6th Ave. South road closure begins today

All Aboard Florida (Brightline) will be closing the portion of 6th Avenue South at the Florida East Coast (FEC) railroad tracks from Tuesday, May 17th, at 7:00 am to Friday, May 20th at 6:00 pm. Use this link to see all upcoming road closures. For ways to get around the closure use this link.

"The Problem With Palm Trees—They may look pretty, but fronds hurt cities' sustainability efforts"

Palm trees—Another thing for 2 Lake Worth enviros who are among the "19 Best Environmentalists in South Florida" to think about: an excerpt from this article:

     A recent study of three different tree groves in Tel Aviv, for example, showed that palms provide the least amount of shade and needed the most water, up to 1,000 liters per day. Ficus and Rosewood trees, meanwhile, have much lower water needs and managed to cool the surrounding area by seven degrees and three degrees, respectively. The palms chilled the air less than one degree.
     A similar study on oases in southern Israel found that palms actually managed to warm the surrounding area.
     “From a climatic point of view, it’s useless,” says Oded Potchter, a lecturer at Tel Aviv University. Potchter has tried to convince cities in Israel to stop using palms, to little avail. "They say it is nice and they will continue to use them," he says.
     Stateside, though, it’s another story. Many palm-worshipping cities are seeing to it that the fronds no longer dominate the landscape in a bid to add shade and carbon-trapping to their tree cover. "We are not using palms, but not because we don’t want to. We want to increase canopy coverage," says George Gonzalez, chief forester for the city of Los Angeles.

City Commission meeting tonight (Tuesday, 5/17), how to watch Live, and what's with all those "waived" board appointments?

Instructions on how to watch a City Commission meeting 'Live Streaming': A few minutes after 6:00 use this link and then click on "Video/Audio of Public Meetings". If the screen is blank wait a few minutes and try again. It's that easy.

To see tonight's Commission agenda for yourself use this link and scroll down to "May 17, 2016 Regular Meeting" and click on "Full Version". Below are excerpts from the agenda, with highlights, and why did Commissioner Maier twice waive his "right to this appointment"?

City of Lake Worth City Commission Agenda
City Hall, 7 North Dixie Hwy
Tuesday, May 17, at 6:00 pm
1. Roll Call
2. Invocation or moment of silence
3. Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner McVoy
4. Agenda: Additions/Deletions/Reordering
5. Presentations (there is no public comment on Presentation items)
A. Presentation by Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control on Feral Cats Ordinance [use this link to learn more] 
B. Proclamation declaring May 15-21, 2016 as National Public Works Week
C. Proclamation declaring May 21-27, 2016 as National Safe Boating Week
D. City Recreation Advisory Board
6. Commission liaison reports and comments
7. Public participation of non-agendaed items and consent agenda
8. Approval of minutes
9. Consent agenda (public comment allowed)
A. Ratify board members to the various City advisory boards

[Note: This is where it gets interesting.]

Ratify board members to the various City advisory boards
Summary: This item is to ratify the appointment of members to the City Tree, Sister City, Planning and Zoning, Recreation and Library Advisory Boards.
Background and justification:
     On February 5, 2013, the Commission adopted an ordinance amending the board member appointment process to allow for the selection of board members by individual elected officials. In accordance with the ordinance, the board appointments would be effective upon ratification by the Commission as a whole.
     On November 4, 2014, the Commission adopted an ordinance to provide for an elected official to waive his or her right to make an appointment. It also provides for the next elected official responsible for an appointment to make it. The following appointments are requested to be ratified.

[Below are excerpts from the appointments on the agenda] 

• Commissioner Amoroso’s appointment of Maryann Polizzi to the Sister City Board to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2017.
• Commissioner Maier’s appointment of Ricardo Martin to the Planning and Zoning Board to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2017.
• Vice Mayor’s appointment of Maryann Polizzi to the Recreation Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2018. This was District 4 appointment; however, Commissioner District 4 waived his right to this appointment to the Commission.
• Vice Mayor’s appointment of Theodore Johnson to the Library Board to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2020. This was District 4 appointment; however, Commissioner District 4 waived his right to this appointment to the Commission. 

Ryan Maier is the commissioner for District 4. Why would he be waiving his right to make board appointments? By the way, Maier may be up for re-election in March of next year. To read about that look in the right-hand column for "Deadline fast approaching to get your name on March 2017 ballot".

Helene Jarvis does it again: Cuts through all the nonsense at The Palm Beach Post

Helene Jarvis has another 'Letter to the Editor' published in the Post (Sunday, 5/16) smacking down the political monkeywrenching in that satirically-challenged article by Frank Cerabino. Excerpts from that letter are below. Use this link to read Jarvis' letter to the Post about Commissioner McVoy's silliness concerning Mayor Pam Triolo's baked ziti and false allegations of Sunshine Law violations. McVoy has since gone completely silent about this nonsense.

Funny how effective really good satire can be, isn't it? Anyhow, below are two excerpts from Jarvis' latest satirical effort:

"I have read all of Frank Cerabino’s wonderfully funny books. I stopped reading his columns when he decided to become a political pundit who lost his sense of humor toward anyone not in agreement with his political views.[emphasis added]
     His column on Tuesday, 'Lake Worth’s classical-music offensive is winning wrong fans,' caught my eye because I am a resident of Lake Worth. He took the city to task for their use of classical music in our town square — done to annoy anyone using the square as 'home.' "

[and. . .]

     "I am still laughing hours after reading his advice, and am hoping our mayor and city commissioners consider his suggestion of 'It’s a Small World' playing morning, noon and night.
     Anyone subjected to that might just consider a fast walk to the other side of the street. Problem solved. Thanks, Frank."

Very well done, Helene, and Thank You for taking the time and effort pointing out all this nonsense.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for completion of major roadway project tomorrow (Tuesday, 5/17)

For more information contact Public Services Director Jamie Brown at 561-586-1720 or email at JBrown@lakeworth.org

     "The City of Lake Worth is pleased to announce the completion of the 6th Ave South Roadway Improvements Project which spans from Dixie Hwy to Federal Hwy.
     The City will be performing a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the much anticipated reconstruction of this gateway entrance into the City. The ceremony will be held tomorrow (May 17th) at 2:00 pm at the intersection of 6th Ave South and South K Street.
     The project consisted of the installation of new curbing, sidewalks, ADA compliant curb ramps, traffic calming, drainage improvements, landscaping, pavement reconstruction, new striping and signage.
     Please join us as we celebrate another successful construction project enhancing the community and providing for a safer Lake Worth."

Despite problems the future looks promising for our business community but why won't two of our elected's "take the walk"?

The Gulf Stream hotel, hopefully in the near future, will be coming back to life and contributing to our City and downtown. The City's Park of Commerce long held back from its potential is finally moving forward but more funding is needed and hopefully Governor Scott and the legislature will help despite that unfortunate veto.

Did you know there are 38 cities in Palm Beach County and only two, Pahokee and Belle Glade, fared worse than Lake Worth during and after the Great Recession? Lake Worth's "LW2020" bond vote failed by just 25 votes and it was a former City mayor, who now lives in Atlantis, a city with wonderful streets and infrastructure, that had a key role in that outcome (remember the CAUT PAC?).

Remember these signs? Many of these signs lined 'J' Street north of Publix. That terrible stretch of road everyone complains about would have been fixed already if the bond had passed.

But despite all these challenges our business community for the most part has remained loyal to our City. Michelle Sylvester is one of those business owners. She's been working with businesses and the City to solve many of the issues and the headwinds that business owners face and she's had a lot of success bringing attention to this issue. She had organized "walks" with City leaders for them to see first-hand the problems along with the successes. Lake Worth Mayor Triolo and Commissioner Amoroso (both re-elected by landslides) took one of these walks but they didn't have to. They both own businesses in the downtown. They know what is happening because they see it every day.

But two commissioners in Lake Worth have refused to walk the "walk" and they've ignored the invitations offered by Michelle Sylvester. The video below is from the Lake Worth City Commission on January 19th. The video quality is poor because it was recorded off a TV screen but the audio is clear. She thanks those who walked the walk with her. And you can clearly hear the frustration she feels trying to get the attention of two City commissioners who have thus far ignored her invitations: commissioners Ryan Maier and Chris McVoy.

What Sylvester said at that City Commission meeting caused quite the stir and much was written about it on this blog and other places. Watch the video for yourself then ask yourself this question: Why won't Maier and McVoy take the "walk"?

Read below about the "Lake Worth Arts Plan" and Phase 1 of the rollout.

Also note that last week's issue of The Lake Worth Herald featured important news for the Haitian American community, a County Update by Commissioner Shelley Vana, the "Simply Lake Worth" art exhibit, list of events, a picture montage from Mayor Pam Triolo's "National Day of Prayer", and so much more including ads for local businesses from all over town.

To subscribe to the Herald use this link or visit the City's news stand at the corner of 'L' Street and Lake Ave. in the downtown to pick up the print edition. Below is the news about the "Lake Worth Arts Plan":

     "Jan Rodusky, Chief Grants Officer for the Cultural Council of the Palm Beaches, Jan Baily-Bryant of Jan Stover and Associates and Priya Sircar of the Lord Cultural Resources are the professional team helping the community of Lake Worth through Phase 1 of the 'Lake Worth Arts Plan.'
     The team was engaged by the Cultural Council, located at 601 Lake Avenue. 
     Three other agencies have joined the Cultural Council of Palm Beach: the Community Foundation of the Palm Beaches and Martin Counties, the Lake Worth Arts (LULA) and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). But, most importantly, it includes the residents of Lake Worth."

[and. . .]

     "This Arts Plan will be user friendly, functional, direct, and will provide protection for the future. Residents are welcomed and encouraged to visit the website for current news and updates. 
     This is your opportunity to shape the core of downtown’s future."

Electric cars and an unintended result: is greener making people meaner?

The New York Times had this item you can file under "Unintended Consequences":

     "Of all the states, California has set the most ambitious targets for cutting emissions in coming decades, and an important pillar of its plan to reach those goals is encouraging the spread of electric vehicles.
     But the push to make the state greener is creating an unintended side effect: It is making some people meaner. [emphasis added]
     The bad moods stem from the challenges drivers face finding recharging spots for their battery-powered cars. Unlike gas stations, charging stations are not yet in great supply, and that has led to sharp-elbowed competition. Electric-vehicle owners are unplugging one another’s cars, trading insults, and creating black markets and side deals to trade spots in corporate parking lots."

Have questions about new street lighting project? Electric Utility Dir. will be guest speaker at Parrot Cove today

To learn more about the Parrot Cove neighborhood use this link.

     "The Parrot Cove meeting for May will be today (May 16th), 7:00 at The Beach Club located at the Lake Worth Golf Course.
     Our guest speaker this month will Jack Borsch, the Lake Worth Electric Utilities Director. Jack will be answering all your questions on the electric utility, including discussing the capital improvements to the system resulting in improved efficiency and reliability, the new online app to check on and report power outages, as well as discussion of the current ongoing project replacing all the street light fixtures in the City with new LED fixtures. The presentation will also include which types of replacements are taking place, where, as well as the locations of new poles for additional lighting throughout the city, including Parrot Cove. The new 2-megawatt solar power production plant at the old dump site in the City's south end will also be discussed.
     Mitch at The Beach Club continues to extend the Happy Hour menu and pricing on drinks to our group during our meeting.
     This will be a very informative presentation on one of Lake Worth's common topics of discussion among residents. Please join us and let your neighbors know too."

For more on the City's street lighting project use this link to watch the recent news segment by NBC5/WPTV's Michelle Quesada.

On public policy and 'Critical Thinking': Would you believe me. . .

Would you believe me If I told you there was a city commissioner in the City of Lake Worth who:

• Has a PhD in science
• Gives near-constant warnings about sea level rise
• Offers reminders on a regular basis about climate change and melting glaciers
• Is a strong supporter of "Green" technology and "Green" energy
• Warns of our possible "climate refugee" status
• Supports "Best Practices" and "Critical Thinking"
• Claims expert status on "sustainability" and "resiliency"
• Demands accountability from his fellow elected's on the dais. . .

. . . supported constructing a large public structure east of the Coastal Construction Line and immediately west of a beach on the Atlantic Ocean WITHOUT PILINGS? You wouldn't believe it would you?

That's right. Lake Worth Commissioner Chris McVoy, PhD, supported constructing the 'new' Casino building without pilings. And to make matters worse the seawall protecting the Casino was never properly inspected. 

So much for 'Critical Thinking' in Lake Worth.

News from the NAPC: County's REAP grants for neighborhoods and non-profits in Lake Worth

You can also read about this on the Neighborhood Assoc. Presidents Council (NAPC) Facebook page. For a list of neighborhoods, contact information, and other useful factoids go to the NAPC website. Below is the latest news:

Congratulations to all the Lake Worth Neighborhood Associations and non-profits whose grant applications were recommended for approval at the REAP graduation ceremony. All in, we brought home $36,050 for neighborhood improvements—just shy of 30% of the total amount awarded to all of Palm Beach County. A partial list in no particular order:

• Cottages of Lake Worth: $5,000 for printed material to promote Lake Worth's cottages
• Tropical Ridge: $5,000 for signage and other outreach materials including street banners
• Friends of the Lake Worth Library: $3,200 to help furnish a homework study zone
• Friends of the Lake Worth Library: $5,000 for Little Free Libraries
• Eden Place Neighborhood: $1,900 for a Crime Watch program
• NAPC: $5,000 to fund street banners for neighborhoods
• Whispering Palms: $4,000 to build a community garden
• Vernon Heights: $2,000 for Crime Watch program
• Royal Poinciana: $1,500 for neighborhood clean-up tool and supplies
• Royal Poinciana: $650 for neighborhood outreach printed material
• ROLO: $2,000 for Crime Watch program

History of the Sunshine State Parkway, transportation going forward, and the visionary Henry Flagler

This video is a great compilation of the history of the Florida Turnpike and its impact on tourism and development in our state. One day we will be able to look back on the profound changes brought by All Aboard Florida (now called the "Brightline") and the future Coastal Link rail projects in a similar way. Note that none of the aforementioned projects would have ever occurred were it not for this visionary:

The future is bright #LoveFL https://t.co/B8rweYg0H1

— Henry Flagler (@HenryFlagler) April 15, 2016