Beginning at 6th Avenue South up to 10th Avenue South, the road will be closed beginning Monday through July 26 between 8am and 6pm.
The city is installing a new water main.
Showing posts with label Streets and Alleys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Streets and Alleys. Show all posts
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Thursday, April 18, 2019
North O Street in Lake Worth
On Tuesday night, there was discussion about changing the name of North O Street to North Ocean Breeze St. The city got a request from one resident to change the name, thus this discussion. One resident has this much clout?!
Omari Hardy is correct--He is not for changing the names of our streets and says it will probably be the last time he will vote to change the name of a street...the lay-out of the streets are "pretty logical" as they are mapped out.
The commission voted for it to go forward to get input from the residents on North O to change the name.
If you recall, it was Commissioner Robinson, several years ago, who instigated the name change on South O Street to South Ocean Breeze St. He lives on that street. Cute name but it seems that changing our history is an easy thing to do for some folks.
They changed the name of our city after 106 years and now the name change of our streets begin.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Lake Worth Bond Survey
Comment Up
Several weeks ago I got a live telephone survey conducted by Clearview Research LLC. The main purpose was to ascertain whether the city should go forward with issuing bonds for our roads. The person on the other end asked all sorts of personal questions: age, race, if I own a home, gender, party affiliation, etc.
The polling questions were prepared by two people one of whom is Steven Vancore. Steven J. Vancore is the president of Clearview Research and who has a master’s degree in Marketing Communications from Florida State University, nearly 30 years’ experience conducting polls and focus groups throughout the state. He serves as an adjunct instructor in the Masters of Applied American Policy and Politics program at FSU
Vancore's approach to good polling is to poll registered voters--"You draw respondents from the active voter file and know what their registration is before asking (It’s a little more complex than that, but you get the idea). This way you can model your sample to look pretty close to what the electorate is most likely going to look like and you are not dependent on people telling you what they think you want to hear."
And one Lake Worth voter with whom I have spoken swears his polling interview was recorded.
Several weeks ago I got a live telephone survey conducted by Clearview Research LLC. The main purpose was to ascertain whether the city should go forward with issuing bonds for our roads. The person on the other end asked all sorts of personal questions: age, race, if I own a home, gender, party affiliation, etc.
The polling questions were prepared by two people one of whom is Steven Vancore. Steven J. Vancore is the president of Clearview Research and who has a master’s degree in Marketing Communications from Florida State University, nearly 30 years’ experience conducting polls and focus groups throughout the state. He serves as an adjunct instructor in the Masters of Applied American Policy and Politics program at FSU
Vancore's approach to good polling is to poll registered voters--"You draw respondents from the active voter file and know what their registration is before asking (It’s a little more complex than that, but you get the idea). This way you can model your sample to look pretty close to what the electorate is most likely going to look like and you are not dependent on people telling you what they think you want to hear."
And one Lake Worth voter with whom I have spoken swears his polling interview was recorded.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
J Street being closed off AGAIN! This time for Collie Buddz
Comment Up
April 20, 2016
Contact: Matt Krug
Phone: 561.667.2119
Email: krugmatt@yahoo.com
WHAT: COLLIE BUDS BLOCK PARTY
WHEN: FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016
6:00 PM – 12:00PM
WHERE: J STREET, LAKE WORTH
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Propaganda will be closing off J St. from Lake Ave. to the South side of the alleyway for a J St. Block Party featuring Collie Budz. In a continued effort to decrease the effect of noise our occasional events have on our neighbors, once again the Stage will be moved to Lake Ave and should have a dramatic effect of amplification of bass. The barricades will be erected at 12:00 AM Friday morning and will be removed approximately 8:00 AM Saturday morning. Foot traffic will be allowed on J St. until 5pm, an hour before the start of the event, and then all traffic will be blocked until the duration of the event. Please ensure all vehicles are parked south of Bamboo Room prior to this time. As J St. is a one way street, and southbound traffic will be blocked by the event, you will still have access to your residences and parking from 1st Avenue South.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF OUR UPCOMING EVENT!
..............
Details from the Leisure Services Director for all of you who are wondering why Propaganda can continually close down our city street..as long as he does the following, he "owns" our street and can close all of this much needed public parking:
April 20, 2016
Contact: Matt Krug
Phone: 561.667.2119
Email: krugmatt@yahoo.com
WHAT: COLLIE BUDS BLOCK PARTY
WHEN: FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016
6:00 PM – 12:00PM
WHERE: J STREET, LAKE WORTH
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Propaganda will be closing off J St. from Lake Ave. to the South side of the alleyway for a J St. Block Party featuring Collie Budz. In a continued effort to decrease the effect of noise our occasional events have on our neighbors, once again the Stage will be moved to Lake Ave and should have a dramatic effect of amplification of bass. The barricades will be erected at 12:00 AM Friday morning and will be removed approximately 8:00 AM Saturday morning. Foot traffic will be allowed on J St. until 5pm, an hour before the start of the event, and then all traffic will be blocked until the duration of the event. Please ensure all vehicles are parked south of Bamboo Room prior to this time. As J St. is a one way street, and southbound traffic will be blocked by the event, you will still have access to your residences and parking from 1st Avenue South.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF OUR UPCOMING EVENT!
..............
Details from the Leisure Services Director for all of you who are wondering why Propaganda can continually close down our city street..as long as he does the following, he "owns" our street and can close all of this much needed public parking:
- No restrictions on number permits allowed to be pulled for use of ROW
- Event Permits and ROW permits vary depending on costs associated with each event
- Insurance is required
- The event organizers are responsible for clean up and provide a refundable damage deposit as well
Friday, April 8, 2016
Road Closure Notification Lake Worth
PRESS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT
CITY OF LAKE WORTH
7 NORTH DIXIE HIGHWAY
LAKE WORTH, FL 33460
LAKEWORTH.ORG
April 7, 2016
Contact: Jamie Brown, Public Services Director
Phone: 561.586.1720
Email: jbrown@lakeworth.org
6th Ave South – Federal to Dixie road closure 4/22/16 to 4/29/16
The City of Lake Worth is nearing completion of the 6th Ave South Roadway Improvements Project which spans from Dixie Hwy to Federal Hwy.
During the timeframe of April 22nd to April 29th, 6th Ave South between Dixie Hwy and Federal Hwy will be closed to through traffic to facilitate the installation of traffic calming devices. The new traffic calming devices will serve to not only create a safer pedestrian and bicycle environment, but also enhance the beautification of the corridor which has also received new curbing, new sidewalks, new pavement, striping and signage.
Traffic is being detoured to 12th Ave South and to Lake Ave and Lucerne Ave. Please travel safely as you navigate the detour routes.
Please contact the Public Services office with any questions or comments.
FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT
CITY OF LAKE WORTH
7 NORTH DIXIE HIGHWAY
LAKE WORTH, FL 33460
LAKEWORTH.ORG
April 7, 2016
Contact: Jamie Brown, Public Services Director
Phone: 561.586.1720
Email: jbrown@lakeworth.org
6th Ave South – Federal to Dixie road closure 4/22/16 to 4/29/16
The City of Lake Worth is nearing completion of the 6th Ave South Roadway Improvements Project which spans from Dixie Hwy to Federal Hwy.
During the timeframe of April 22nd to April 29th, 6th Ave South between Dixie Hwy and Federal Hwy will be closed to through traffic to facilitate the installation of traffic calming devices. The new traffic calming devices will serve to not only create a safer pedestrian and bicycle environment, but also enhance the beautification of the corridor which has also received new curbing, new sidewalks, new pavement, striping and signage.
Traffic is being detoured to 12th Ave South and to Lake Ave and Lucerne Ave. Please travel safely as you navigate the detour routes.
Please contact the Public Services office with any questions or comments.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Emergency Road Repairs on S. Dixie Highway Lake Worth
Restrictions: US 1 (S. Dixie Highway) will have the northbound lane
closed at 11th Avenue South, in the City of Lake Worth, 8 a.m. until
1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13, for emergency asphalt repairs. Northbound and
southbound traffic will be shifted to the west, to allow for two lanes of
traffic in each direction during the repair.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Construction work on 10th Ave North & I-95
I-95 Interchange Improvements at 10th Avenue North
Construction on this 0.579-mile project will begin Tuesday, October 20, 2015, in the City of Lake Worth. Work consists of widening 10th Avenue North, from Barnett Drive to “A” Street, including roadway approaches and bridges over I-95 and the railroad tracks to provide dual eastbound turn lanes onto I-95, widening the I-95 northbound entrance ramp to receive the newly constructed dual eastbound left turn lanes, and widening the existing three-lane I-95 southbound exit ramp to four lanes to provide dual left and dual right turns.
Other improvements include utility relocation, bridge construction, installation of barrier walls, curbs, sidewalks, guardrail, drainage, overhead signs, signing and pavement markings, signals, lighting, and retaining walls. This is the third of five interchange improvement projects throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The combined project cost for all five projects is an estimated $32.5 million. Work is being performed by Community Asphalt Corp. and is expected to be completed summer 2017.
Open House Notice: Advanced notice: An Open House will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., at the Lake Worth City Hall conference room, located at 7 N. Dixie Highway, Lake Worth, FL, 33460. Project staff will be available to answer questions; however, a formal presentation will not be made. For more information, please contact Andrea Pacini, 561-214-3358.
Construction on this 0.579-mile project will begin Tuesday, October 20, 2015, in the City of Lake Worth. Work consists of widening 10th Avenue North, from Barnett Drive to “A” Street, including roadway approaches and bridges over I-95 and the railroad tracks to provide dual eastbound turn lanes onto I-95, widening the I-95 northbound entrance ramp to receive the newly constructed dual eastbound left turn lanes, and widening the existing three-lane I-95 southbound exit ramp to four lanes to provide dual left and dual right turns.
Other improvements include utility relocation, bridge construction, installation of barrier walls, curbs, sidewalks, guardrail, drainage, overhead signs, signing and pavement markings, signals, lighting, and retaining walls. This is the third of five interchange improvement projects throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The combined project cost for all five projects is an estimated $32.5 million. Work is being performed by Community Asphalt Corp. and is expected to be completed summer 2017.
Open House Notice: Advanced notice: An Open House will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., at the Lake Worth City Hall conference room, located at 7 N. Dixie Highway, Lake Worth, FL, 33460. Project staff will be available to answer questions; however, a formal presentation will not be made. For more information, please contact Andrea Pacini, 561-214-3358.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
FDOT Open House today at City Hall
Don't forget the FDOT Open house today to be held in the Conference Room at City Hall
April 2, 4pm – 6pm
April 2, 4pm – 6pm
Lake Worth City Hall, 7 North Dixie Highway, Lake Worth, FL 33460, United States (map)
Regarding Dixie Highway Resurfacing between 14th Avenue South & 10 Avenue South.
Friday, February 6, 2015
Press Release on Infrastructure Improvements in Lake Worth
February 6, 2015
Contact: Jamie Brown, Public Services Director
Phone: 561.586.1720
Email: jbrown@lakeworth.org
City of Lake Worth Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Greenway and Road Improvement Projects at 9th 10th Avenue South.
The City of Lake Worth will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded greenway and road improvement projects on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. The first ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on 10th Avenue South at South E Street from 1:00 - 1:30pm and the second ceremony will take place on 9th Avenue S. at South E Street from 1:30 - 2:00p.m.
10th Avenue South – South A Street to South F Street: this project consisted of converting the existing unimproved right-of-way into a new roadway complete with sidewalks with ADA ramps, Type F curb and gutter, new pavement section, sodding, and striping/signage. Water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems were also addressed in this project.
9th Avenue South – South B Street to South F Street: this project consisted of converting the existing unimproved right-of-way into a greenway by means of clearing and grubbing the entire site, fine grading to provide positive surface drainage, construction of a multiuse pathway, and the installation of sod/landscaping/irrigation system as well as site amenities like fixed trash receptacles and benches. This is the first location to implement the City’s new greenway concept.
All are invited to come and take part in celebrating these exciting new projects as we continue to improve our City infrastructure! Please contact Public Services with any questions or comments.
Contact: Jamie Brown, Public Services Director
Phone: 561.586.1720
Email: jbrown@lakeworth.org
City of Lake Worth Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Greenway and Road Improvement Projects at 9th 10th Avenue South.
The City of Lake Worth will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded greenway and road improvement projects on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. The first ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on 10th Avenue South at South E Street from 1:00 - 1:30pm and the second ceremony will take place on 9th Avenue S. at South E Street from 1:30 - 2:00p.m.
10th Avenue South – South A Street to South F Street: this project consisted of converting the existing unimproved right-of-way into a new roadway complete with sidewalks with ADA ramps, Type F curb and gutter, new pavement section, sodding, and striping/signage. Water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems were also addressed in this project.
9th Avenue South – South B Street to South F Street: this project consisted of converting the existing unimproved right-of-way into a greenway by means of clearing and grubbing the entire site, fine grading to provide positive surface drainage, construction of a multiuse pathway, and the installation of sod/landscaping/irrigation system as well as site amenities like fixed trash receptacles and benches. This is the first location to implement the City’s new greenway concept.
All are invited to come and take part in celebrating these exciting new projects as we continue to improve our City infrastructure! Please contact Public Services with any questions or comments.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Commissioner John Szerdi - Dumb and Dumber
Comment Up
Well, he's done it before...being less than polite to some people who speak before the commission or even taking sides against people who have different opinions than the present commission majority. Just think about it--if you walked into your bosses office and told him he was dumber than dumb, what would happen?
Last night, resident Peter Timm was in Szerdi's cross-hairs. Mr. Timm is adamant that all property owners in this city, regardless of income or property value, pay the exact same amount of money in the form of an assessment on the advalorem tax bill for roads infrastructure. Mr. Timm is a fine fellow but just doesn't quite comprehend the impossibility of special assessments for this money grab because his mindset is "fairness." We all agree to fairness as does the Vice Mayor. Mr. Timm has had his fairness concerns answered on many occasions. I guess last night was the last straw as Commissioner Szerdi insulted Mr. Timm by inferring that he was dumber than dumb. In front of the chamber and all those listening on the Internet, Szerdi gave a synopsis of the following from the movie Dumb and Dumber directed towards Peter Timm:
Lloyd Christmas: What do you think the chances are of a guy like you and a girl like me... ending up together?
Mary Swanson: Well, Lloyd, that's difficult to say. I mean, we don't really...
Lloyd Christmas: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! I came a long way just to see you, Mary. The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?
Mary Swanson: Not good.
Lloyd Christmas: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?
Mary Swanson: I'd say more like one out of a million.
[pause]
Lloyd Christmas: So you're telling me there's a chance... YEAH!
Well, he's done it before...being less than polite to some people who speak before the commission or even taking sides against people who have different opinions than the present commission majority. Just think about it--if you walked into your bosses office and told him he was dumber than dumb, what would happen?
Last night, resident Peter Timm was in Szerdi's cross-hairs. Mr. Timm is adamant that all property owners in this city, regardless of income or property value, pay the exact same amount of money in the form of an assessment on the advalorem tax bill for roads infrastructure. Mr. Timm is a fine fellow but just doesn't quite comprehend the impossibility of special assessments for this money grab because his mindset is "fairness." We all agree to fairness as does the Vice Mayor. Mr. Timm has had his fairness concerns answered on many occasions. I guess last night was the last straw as Commissioner Szerdi insulted Mr. Timm by inferring that he was dumber than dumb. In front of the chamber and all those listening on the Internet, Szerdi gave a synopsis of the following from the movie Dumb and Dumber directed towards Peter Timm:
Lloyd Christmas: What do you think the chances are of a guy like you and a girl like me... ending up together?
Mary Swanson: Well, Lloyd, that's difficult to say. I mean, we don't really...
Lloyd Christmas: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! I came a long way just to see you, Mary. The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?
Mary Swanson: Not good.
Lloyd Christmas: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?
Mary Swanson: I'd say more like one out of a million.
[pause]
Lloyd Christmas: So you're telling me there's a chance... YEAH!
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Financing Discussion tonight in Lake Worth
Comment Up
Although the City Commission, four of whom are advocates for taxing the people for 34 years for infrastructure and road repairs (Maxwell, Triolo, Amoroso and Szerdi), said that the public forums would be advertised in newspapers, etc, I haven't seen much about it. There was a blurb in today's Palm Beach Post local news section. I would expect tonight's attendance will be the same people as we have seen throughout the election of August 2014 where the city was defeated at the polls on the general obligation bond.
The city is determined to grab the cash...as much as residents might allow. They are going to "allow" us to speak to taxing methods--all of us retirees, housewives, construction workers, struggling business owners and laborers and middle class working people struggling to stay afloat...people they must believe to be highly knowledgeable on bond financing that has regulatory complexities with interest being double the principal as the last bond proved to us and the then finance director went missing in the night because of his transparency.
The City Commission will be holding open discussions for citizens to publicly offer their ideas and ask questions about financing options available regarding infrastructure improvements in Lake Worth. “We are excited to continue the discussion on how to fix the infrastructure in Lake Worth” says Mayor Pam Triolo. “We invite residents to bring their ideas on how to pay for the improvements that are desperately needed in Lake Worth.”
Tuesday, January 27 at 6pm
Compass Community Center
201 North Dixie Highway, Lake Worth
Saturday, March 21 at 1pm
Lake Worth City Hall
7 North Dixie Highway, Lake Worth
Bring ideas and questions about financing options available in order to improve our roads, water & sewer services, drainage systems, and sidewalks. Or you may send your ideas & questions to LW2020@lakeworth.org
Although the City Commission, four of whom are advocates for taxing the people for 34 years for infrastructure and road repairs (Maxwell, Triolo, Amoroso and Szerdi), said that the public forums would be advertised in newspapers, etc, I haven't seen much about it. There was a blurb in today's Palm Beach Post local news section. I would expect tonight's attendance will be the same people as we have seen throughout the election of August 2014 where the city was defeated at the polls on the general obligation bond.
The city is determined to grab the cash...as much as residents might allow. They are going to "allow" us to speak to taxing methods--all of us retirees, housewives, construction workers, struggling business owners and laborers and middle class working people struggling to stay afloat...people they must believe to be highly knowledgeable on bond financing that has regulatory complexities with interest being double the principal as the last bond proved to us and the then finance director went missing in the night because of his transparency.
An Open
Discussion
on Financing Options to Resolve Lake Worth’s Infrastructure Needs
The City Commission will be holding open discussions for citizens to publicly offer their ideas and ask questions about financing options available regarding infrastructure improvements in Lake Worth. “We are excited to continue the discussion on how to fix the infrastructure in Lake Worth” says Mayor Pam Triolo. “We invite residents to bring their ideas on how to pay for the improvements that are desperately needed in Lake Worth.”
Tuesday, January 27 at 6pm
Compass Community Center
201 North Dixie Highway, Lake Worth
Saturday, March 21 at 1pm
Lake Worth City Hall
7 North Dixie Highway, Lake Worth
Bring ideas and questions about financing options available in order to improve our roads, water & sewer services, drainage systems, and sidewalks. Or you may send your ideas & questions to LW2020@lakeworth.org
Monday, January 12, 2015
Lake Worth still wants to grab the cash
Comment Up
What citizen can come up with the best idea to tax all of the residents in Lake Worth? Sounds silly, doesn't it?
Today is January 12. At the January 6th commission meeting, the city attorney, Glen Torcivia, casually mentioned a public financing workshop called for January 27th to be held at Compass--if he hadn't said anything, NO ONE WOULD HAVE KNOWN A THING ABOUT IT. But Glen IS into transparency. He had no idea it was not to be "prematurely" announced.
The city said that it was going to advertise this meeting to encourage the residents to give them ideas on how to finance the roads infrastructure and fix the potholes. They actually are asking for ideas from the public who have NO CLUE about financing bonds or even how to pay their credit card on time.
This is a joke of humongous proportions and the City Commission only has 15 more days to get anyone interested in taxing themselves in order to grab the cash. The electorate already voted the whole idea down in August.
What citizen can come up with the best idea to tax all of the residents in Lake Worth? Sounds silly, doesn't it?
Today is January 12. At the January 6th commission meeting, the city attorney, Glen Torcivia, casually mentioned a public financing workshop called for January 27th to be held at Compass--if he hadn't said anything, NO ONE WOULD HAVE KNOWN A THING ABOUT IT. But Glen IS into transparency. He had no idea it was not to be "prematurely" announced.
The city said that it was going to advertise this meeting to encourage the residents to give them ideas on how to finance the roads infrastructure and fix the potholes. They actually are asking for ideas from the public who have NO CLUE about financing bonds or even how to pay their credit card on time.
This is a joke of humongous proportions and the City Commission only has 15 more days to get anyone interested in taxing themselves in order to grab the cash. The electorate already voted the whole idea down in August.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Not in the cards for Lake Worth
Comment Up
This particular blog got sidelined last month for other news events but I wanted to mention that Lake Worth will not be a part of the Rural Areas of Opportunity Program's $9 million going into road improvements. We are not considered "rural" but only poor. Perhaps we won't be a part of DOT’s Small County Outreach Program's five-year plan to invest nearly $41 billion into our state’s transportation system either.
Governor Scott said, “Investing in our roads is a top priority because it will help our state continue to be a global tourist and business destination. Florida has created over 679,000 private-sector jobs in just under four years and we will continue to work every day to create even more opportunities in our state.”
According to Sunshine State News, the funds will be used across the state. Palm Beach County is getting a large share, with more than $1.4 million going to South Bay, $1.375 headed to Pahokee and more than $1 million penciled in for Belle Glade for road repair.
I am sure if the city works as hard as it has on 14 provisional ballots or having John Prince Park bulldozed to allow commercialization of our county park for national league baseball corporations to make tons of money, then perhaps we might get a morsel of some money, somewhere, for our lousy infrastructure...excluding the new road it is building at the POC or the one they are going to build at 7th Avenue South to accommodate a developer.
This particular blog got sidelined last month for other news events but I wanted to mention that Lake Worth will not be a part of the Rural Areas of Opportunity Program's $9 million going into road improvements. We are not considered "rural" but only poor. Perhaps we won't be a part of DOT’s Small County Outreach Program's five-year plan to invest nearly $41 billion into our state’s transportation system either.
Governor Scott said, “Investing in our roads is a top priority because it will help our state continue to be a global tourist and business destination. Florida has created over 679,000 private-sector jobs in just under four years and we will continue to work every day to create even more opportunities in our state.”
According to Sunshine State News, the funds will be used across the state. Palm Beach County is getting a large share, with more than $1.4 million going to South Bay, $1.375 headed to Pahokee and more than $1 million penciled in for Belle Glade for road repair.
I am sure if the city works as hard as it has on 14 provisional ballots or having John Prince Park bulldozed to allow commercialization of our county park for national league baseball corporations to make tons of money, then perhaps we might get a morsel of some money, somewhere, for our lousy infrastructure...excluding the new road it is building at the POC or the one they are going to build at 7th Avenue South to accommodate a developer.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
The Surprise, or was it?
Comment Up
It's deja vu in Lake Worth. It always is. We have a commission that refuses to listen. It really should be no surprise by now that this commission wants its way. It can lose elections but still, just like a pit bull, they continue on with their own agenda. Last night was no exception.
Resident Peter Timm spoke in public commentary about the general obligation bond and suggested that the commission was going to bring the whole nightmare back for the people to decide again. The last time he spoke on this subject, a PBSO deputy was standing behind him. The commission didn't want to hear what he had to say then. Actually, they don't want to hear anything anyone has to say unless it's in agreement with their views.
Where Mr. Timm and I differ is that he is not exactly against the amount of money or the debt that this commission wants to straddle on all the property owners but the "fairness" of it all--some will pay nothing and those with expensive properties will pay through their nose. He still believes that everyone should pay the same amount on an assessment on their ad valorem. Glen Torcivia, city attorney, explained it again why that can't happen but said to the commission, "I will look into it again to see if there is any way." He got the consent to spend more billable hours by silence from the commission. They MUST have all this cash. I just believe in living within our means. Find government grants. Find another way of getting the money instead of taxing a poor city's poor population.
On January 27, there will be a workshop at Compass where the public is invited in order to give their suggestions as to how we can pay for all these improvements that this commission says is absolutely necessary...find a way to tax ourselves and be happy.
John Szerdi wants the residents to come up with some creative financing. Can you even imagine that? The average household makes $35,000 a year (that's after throwing in all the one-percenters into the mix) and struggles saving pennies in a jar. Christopher McVoy was taken by surprise on this financing workshop...was not told about it, a normal occurrence. He suggested that the city's message on the bond or its short-coming, if you will, was the message itself. Mayor Triolo wants suggestions from us on how to tax ourselves for God knows how many years so they can turn it all around and say, "This is what the public suggested." After the election, she blamed the people for defeating the bond--it brought their money grab to a screeching halt. She can't understand why there is a "trust" issue with elected politicians especially on a local level. Well, just consider their actions. And does anyone remember Tony Masilotti, Jim Exline and Mary McCarty?
Corruption starts at the local level because this is where a vast percentage of politicians begin their careers. Not only does it involve politicians, but staff has been known to get into the corruption act. We here in Palm Beach County now have an Inspector General which is funded by the taxpayers. The voters said it was a vital position to ensure the integrity of our system. The sense of power that drives politicians galls us all even in the prosperous times but now this commission wants to bring it all back again by taxing the people for roads that won't last as long as the tab for it all.
It just never ends and it's never a surprise when it happens. If there is any surprise at all it is that they are allowed to stay in office.
It's deja vu in Lake Worth. It always is. We have a commission that refuses to listen. It really should be no surprise by now that this commission wants its way. It can lose elections but still, just like a pit bull, they continue on with their own agenda. Last night was no exception.
Resident Peter Timm spoke in public commentary about the general obligation bond and suggested that the commission was going to bring the whole nightmare back for the people to decide again. The last time he spoke on this subject, a PBSO deputy was standing behind him. The commission didn't want to hear what he had to say then. Actually, they don't want to hear anything anyone has to say unless it's in agreement with their views.
Where Mr. Timm and I differ is that he is not exactly against the amount of money or the debt that this commission wants to straddle on all the property owners but the "fairness" of it all--some will pay nothing and those with expensive properties will pay through their nose. He still believes that everyone should pay the same amount on an assessment on their ad valorem. Glen Torcivia, city attorney, explained it again why that can't happen but said to the commission, "I will look into it again to see if there is any way." He got the consent to spend more billable hours by silence from the commission. They MUST have all this cash. I just believe in living within our means. Find government grants. Find another way of getting the money instead of taxing a poor city's poor population.
On January 27, there will be a workshop at Compass where the public is invited in order to give their suggestions as to how we can pay for all these improvements that this commission says is absolutely necessary...find a way to tax ourselves and be happy.
John Szerdi wants the residents to come up with some creative financing. Can you even imagine that? The average household makes $35,000 a year (that's after throwing in all the one-percenters into the mix) and struggles saving pennies in a jar. Christopher McVoy was taken by surprise on this financing workshop...was not told about it, a normal occurrence. He suggested that the city's message on the bond or its short-coming, if you will, was the message itself. Mayor Triolo wants suggestions from us on how to tax ourselves for God knows how many years so they can turn it all around and say, "This is what the public suggested." After the election, she blamed the people for defeating the bond--it brought their money grab to a screeching halt. She can't understand why there is a "trust" issue with elected politicians especially on a local level. Well, just consider their actions. And does anyone remember Tony Masilotti, Jim Exline and Mary McCarty?
Corruption starts at the local level because this is where a vast percentage of politicians begin their careers. Not only does it involve politicians, but staff has been known to get into the corruption act. We here in Palm Beach County now have an Inspector General which is funded by the taxpayers. The voters said it was a vital position to ensure the integrity of our system. The sense of power that drives politicians galls us all even in the prosperous times but now this commission wants to bring it all back again by taxing the people for roads that won't last as long as the tab for it all.
It just never ends and it's never a surprise when it happens. If there is any surprise at all it is that they are allowed to stay in office.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Lake Worth Streets Division hard at work
Comment Up
Last night, a sink hole was noticed on the condo property across from me and the City of Lake Worth was called. The department sent out someone last night to put yellow tape around the hole.
These employees, one of whom has been with us for six years, start their shift at 6am. They let me know that they did have their coffee before climbing into this hole.
Although they did not know what caused this or how deep it went, they assured us that they would soon know and solve the problem.
Last night, a sink hole was noticed on the condo property across from me and the City of Lake Worth was called. The department sent out someone last night to put yellow tape around the hole.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Lake Worth's New Strategy
Comment Up
Let's inform the people of what we want them to know--
Last night the city set out on a new course of action to inform the residents of the economic state of our city by presenting our financial picture to the Bryant Park Neighborhood Association. Michael Bornstein was invited to have a presentation and was asked to invite some of the commissioners to attend. On several occasions in the past, Scott Maxwell has told us that the city had 30 plus meetings on the Lake Worth 2020 roads improvement plan of which few of us were aware. This time the City wants to change its strategy and "get it right." Mr. Bornstein and Commissioner Amoroso had an interesting and informative meeting especially for all of those residents who are not familiar with our budget--how we make our money and how we spend it all.
City Manager, Mike Bornstein, led the Power Point presentation on the budget pointing out that we take more money ($9,138,387 or 30%) from our enterprise funds (electric, water and sewer) than we receive in ad-valorem taxes, ($6,315,694 or 21%) to operate our city. Enterprise revenue funds more than supplement our budget and without them we would cease to exist. On the one hand, this commission is continuing its electric rate reduction to bring our rate into parity with FPL in order to eventually appease businesses, now within a 6.7% difference in residential rates (commercial rates are no longer the highest in the State), which means even less money for operations. Then the city tells us that the only way it can operate is to transfer funds from that Utility. Water is up 5% and sewer rates by 8%. Commissioner Amoroso said that he was never for selling our electric utility, an option that was recently panned by the Electric Utility Advisory Board.
Out of the $30.324 million 2015 operating budget, the city projects that personnel services will take 41%, up one percent from last year even though the city has eliminated one position. Out of the total $30 mil operating budget, there is $20,914,270 in non-controllable costs or $68.97%. It was also mentioned that we have a shortage of personnel in some departments.
Answering a question on street maintenance, it was stated that we have $500,000 in the budget with $300,000 of that going towards street lights. According to the 2015 budget, Street Maintenance Actuals have been as follows:
FY 2009-2010: $1,027,719
FY 2010-2011: $ 850,688
FY 2011-2012: $ 523,186
FY 2012-2013: $ 550,145
FY 2013-2014: $ 511,016
So, the street maintenance budget has has gone down during this administration. Where has the difference been applied? Can you even imagine passing a budget by a 9.7% increase and not allotting more for road repairs particularly as the Commission just tried to grab $63.5 million in a general obligation bond for that very thing? Only McVoy and Amoroso voted Nay on the new budget.
Commissioners Scott Maxwell and John Szerdi were also present last night. Mr. Szerdi twice asked the attendees, "What do you think the city should do to finance fixing our roads?" And this is the new strategy for the city...let the folks know that we have very little left over after paying all the uncontrollable costs such as police protection, employee salaries, benefits and retirement. What then do we do to fix the potholes?
Let's inform the people of what we want them to know--
Last night the city set out on a new course of action to inform the residents of the economic state of our city by presenting our financial picture to the Bryant Park Neighborhood Association. Michael Bornstein was invited to have a presentation and was asked to invite some of the commissioners to attend. On several occasions in the past, Scott Maxwell has told us that the city had 30 plus meetings on the Lake Worth 2020 roads improvement plan of which few of us were aware. This time the City wants to change its strategy and "get it right." Mr. Bornstein and Commissioner Amoroso had an interesting and informative meeting especially for all of those residents who are not familiar with our budget--how we make our money and how we spend it all.
City Manager, Mike Bornstein, led the Power Point presentation on the budget pointing out that we take more money ($9,138,387 or 30%) from our enterprise funds (electric, water and sewer) than we receive in ad-valorem taxes, ($6,315,694 or 21%) to operate our city. Enterprise revenue funds more than supplement our budget and without them we would cease to exist. On the one hand, this commission is continuing its electric rate reduction to bring our rate into parity with FPL in order to eventually appease businesses, now within a 6.7% difference in residential rates (commercial rates are no longer the highest in the State), which means even less money for operations. Then the city tells us that the only way it can operate is to transfer funds from that Utility. Water is up 5% and sewer rates by 8%. Commissioner Amoroso said that he was never for selling our electric utility, an option that was recently panned by the Electric Utility Advisory Board.
Out of the $30.324 million 2015 operating budget, the city projects that personnel services will take 41%, up one percent from last year even though the city has eliminated one position. Out of the total $30 mil operating budget, there is $20,914,270 in non-controllable costs or $68.97%. It was also mentioned that we have a shortage of personnel in some departments.
Answering a question on street maintenance, it was stated that we have $500,000 in the budget with $300,000 of that going towards street lights. According to the 2015 budget, Street Maintenance Actuals have been as follows:
FY 2009-2010: $1,027,719
FY 2010-2011: $ 850,688
FY 2011-2012: $ 523,186
FY 2012-2013: $ 550,145
FY 2013-2014: $ 511,016
So, the street maintenance budget has has gone down during this administration. Where has the difference been applied? Can you even imagine passing a budget by a 9.7% increase and not allotting more for road repairs particularly as the Commission just tried to grab $63.5 million in a general obligation bond for that very thing? Only McVoy and Amoroso voted Nay on the new budget.
Commissioners Scott Maxwell and John Szerdi were also present last night. Mr. Szerdi twice asked the attendees, "What do you think the city should do to finance fixing our roads?" And this is the new strategy for the city...let the folks know that we have very little left over after paying all the uncontrollable costs such as police protection, employee salaries, benefits and retirement. What then do we do to fix the potholes?
Friday, October 10, 2014
Lake Worth pushing its agenda
Comment Up
Tuesday night's Consent Agenda consisted of four CDBG block grants. This is a grant program through HUD and there are no matching funds involved. One of the programs was pulled for discussion.
If you recall, during the bond referendum and the mayor's Palm Beach Post publicity, she complained that "Some of our roads aren't even paved."
Nearly one year ago, and six months after the La Joya Villages project was approved, Palm Beach County and the City entered into an Interlocal Agreement for the 7th Avenue South Right-of-Way Improvements Project. The Grant was for an expenditure of $450,750 setting the terms. The city now says that it needs $30,000 more for design and installation of water mains and appurtenances, bringing up the total cost to $480,750 for the road project on 7th Avenue South that will include new road base, installation of curbs and gutters, asphalt roadway, concrete sidewalks, sod and restoration of areas that they mess up during the project.
When you receive CDBG funding, you must develop and follow a detailed plan that provides for and encourages citizen participation usually in the area where residents will be affected. The process is specific and the plan must provide citizens with reasonable and timely access to local meetings; an opportunity to review proposed activities and program performance; provide for timely written answers to written complaints and grievances; and identify how the needs of non-English speaking residents will be met in the case of public hearings where a significant number of non-English speaking residents can be reasonably expected to participate.
Many people contacted Commissioner McVoy about the proposed project that will affect where they live. They had no prior knowledge of the project that would change their street to something less than desirable in their minds as their kids play there in safety on what is a majority of unpaved roadway from A to F Street. I haven't seen Commissioner Cara Jennings in nearly two years and she was there defending the concerns of the residents who had not had a chance to weigh in on the city's proposed changes. Also, former commissioner Jo-Ann Golden turned in a card to speak. There were three or four cards turned in by Commissioner McVoy without the person in attendance and Scott Maxwell, leading the meeting that night, referred to the city attorney for an opinion to accept.
According to the LW Herald, it seems now that the city is putting out the word that it had about four prior meetings for the public to participate and about 30 people attended each meeting. It is condemning the people because they didn't know one thing about it and also blaming others who they believe are behind this dreadful conspiracy as well as for a "beach disaster" that only exists in the mind of one commissioner. I didn't know about it either but I don't live in the neighborhood.
The Herald's advice to the commission is for them to ignore "the late tactics so this city can move forward." This is not about "blocking progress" as the news editor states but public participation is mandated by law. What this is about, however, is installing a paved road to accommodate La Joya Village, low-cost affordable rentals on the railroad tracks so that it will have better access to get to I-95. 6th Avenue South is impossible to cross and there are no lights other than at A Street.
All people should matter. Their opinions should count and not be condemned. But some in Lake Worth disagree. The item will come back again to the commission.
If you recall, during the bond referendum and the mayor's Palm Beach Post publicity, she complained that "Some of our roads aren't even paved."
Nearly one year ago, and six months after the La Joya Villages project was approved, Palm Beach County and the City entered into an Interlocal Agreement for the 7th Avenue South Right-of-Way Improvements Project. The Grant was for an expenditure of $450,750 setting the terms. The city now says that it needs $30,000 more for design and installation of water mains and appurtenances, bringing up the total cost to $480,750 for the road project on 7th Avenue South that will include new road base, installation of curbs and gutters, asphalt roadway, concrete sidewalks, sod and restoration of areas that they mess up during the project.
When you receive CDBG funding, you must develop and follow a detailed plan that provides for and encourages citizen participation usually in the area where residents will be affected. The process is specific and the plan must provide citizens with reasonable and timely access to local meetings; an opportunity to review proposed activities and program performance; provide for timely written answers to written complaints and grievances; and identify how the needs of non-English speaking residents will be met in the case of public hearings where a significant number of non-English speaking residents can be reasonably expected to participate.
Many people contacted Commissioner McVoy about the proposed project that will affect where they live. They had no prior knowledge of the project that would change their street to something less than desirable in their minds as their kids play there in safety on what is a majority of unpaved roadway from A to F Street. I haven't seen Commissioner Cara Jennings in nearly two years and she was there defending the concerns of the residents who had not had a chance to weigh in on the city's proposed changes. Also, former commissioner Jo-Ann Golden turned in a card to speak. There were three or four cards turned in by Commissioner McVoy without the person in attendance and Scott Maxwell, leading the meeting that night, referred to the city attorney for an opinion to accept.
According to the LW Herald, it seems now that the city is putting out the word that it had about four prior meetings for the public to participate and about 30 people attended each meeting. It is condemning the people because they didn't know one thing about it and also blaming others who they believe are behind this dreadful conspiracy as well as for a "beach disaster" that only exists in the mind of one commissioner. I didn't know about it either but I don't live in the neighborhood.
The Herald's advice to the commission is for them to ignore "the late tactics so this city can move forward." This is not about "blocking progress" as the news editor states but public participation is mandated by law. What this is about, however, is installing a paved road to accommodate La Joya Village, low-cost affordable rentals on the railroad tracks so that it will have better access to get to I-95. 6th Avenue South is impossible to cross and there are no lights other than at A Street.
All people should matter. Their opinions should count and not be condemned. But some in Lake Worth disagree. The item will come back again to the commission.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Detours in Lake Worth
This 0.072-mile project began on Monday, Sept. 15, and is expected to be completed by late fall 2014. The project limits are on State Road 5/Federal Highway from 10th Avenue South to just south of 9th Avenue South, in the City of Lake Worth.
This project is part of a group of drainage improvement projects in Palm Beach County, and includes the installation of French drains, the replacement of sidewalks, curbs, ramps, and driveways, and the resurfacing of disturbed areas. Combined construction cost for this contract is $1.3 million. Work is being performed by Community Asphalt Corporation, with FDOT overseeing the project.
Detour Information (to last for duration of the project). Northbound Federal Highway traffic will be detoured east on 12th Avenue South, north on South Palmway and west on 8th Avenue South. Southbound Federal Highway traffic will be detoured west on 8th Avenue South, south on South N Street, and east on 10thAvenue South.
This project is part of a group of drainage improvement projects in Palm Beach County, and includes the installation of French drains, the replacement of sidewalks, curbs, ramps, and driveways, and the resurfacing of disturbed areas. Combined construction cost for this contract is $1.3 million. Work is being performed by Community Asphalt Corporation, with FDOT overseeing the project.
Detour Information (to last for duration of the project). Northbound Federal Highway traffic will be detoured east on 12th Avenue South, north on South Palmway and west on 8th Avenue South. Southbound Federal Highway traffic will be detoured west on 8th Avenue South, south on South N Street, and east on 10thAvenue South.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Lake Worth's Financial Position
Comment Up
From the C.A.F.R:
The C.A.F.R. for the period ending September 30, 2013 says that the financial health of the City is continuing to be under pressure.
The City’s property values increased for the first time since 2008, by 4.8% or $50,138,016. Similar increases are expected in the coming year which will help ameliorate the pressure on financial resources for maintenance of public infrastructure and staff compensation and benefits. The total net position of the City at September 30, 2013 was $219.9 million, reflecting a decrease of $3.7 million.
So, we continue to operate in the "red" and the city needs you to bail them out. They needed you to bail them out by voting in a $63.5 million bond. It wasn't all about roads and infrastructure, was it? They need money just to keep afloat.
From the C.A.F.R:
The C.A.F.R. for the period ending September 30, 2013 says that the financial health of the City is continuing to be under pressure.
The City’s property values increased for the first time since 2008, by 4.8% or $50,138,016. Similar increases are expected in the coming year which will help ameliorate the pressure on financial resources for maintenance of public infrastructure and staff compensation and benefits. The total net position of the City at September 30, 2013 was $219.9 million, reflecting a decrease of $3.7 million.
So, we continue to operate in the "red" and the city needs you to bail them out. They needed you to bail them out by voting in a $63.5 million bond. It wasn't all about roads and infrastructure, was it? They need money just to keep afloat.
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