Proposed new Public Services Building in Lake Worth

There are a lot of items on tonight's city commission agenda. There is so much to write about that it really has become ridiculous. When this commission was elected, I wondered if there would be as much to write about. My query was short lived. For the very vocal dozen who will be tempted to give me some bull about the BCME, I will admit that she did want to grab the power. However, as said on numerous occasions, it was up to the Commission to control it not abrogate it.

As some of you know who were at the Commission meeting when the architects, all highly qualified, presented their designs for our Casino, Song & Associates lobbied the merchants at the beach. This was border line unethical but in my book it did not conform to any standards of social or professional behavior. No other architect involved in the Casino lobbied any of our lessees and rightfully so.

It is an ethics violation if a firm has communicated with Staff or the Commission. Therefore, a firm that is up for consideration and lobbies a member of Staff or anyone directly involved in a project who might have an interest, to help swing a vote its way, is not professional nor is it appropriate. This was the only firm that resorted to that practice on the Casino according to public disclosure. Also, the fact that they low-balled the cost estimate, put them under special scrutiny, in my opinion.

Under the above circumstances, I would have been scrutinizing each firm very carefully for future work in our City to ensure that everything was above board and out in the Sunshine. However, Song & Associates was the firm chosen to be the architect on the new public services building and garage where the cost is estimated at $2.2 million. Some of the money to pay for this building will be coming from that "missing" billboard money if staff gets its way tonight.

Song was chosen last year by a selection committee from a list of 15 firms that responded to the city's request for proposals (RFP). I do not know nor do I remember who was on the selection committee but I would much prefer that the City Commission make the choice from a short-list in cases such as this, in a public meeting, because of full disclosure and Sunshine Laws. Would this be usurping the city manager's power? I would think that the commission would have a say. At least then we can ask the question of the Commission, "Did this firm contact you or anyone you know involved in the project, in any way, regarding this job?" Behind closed doors, who knows what's going on.