Comment Up
From inception, the Chair has said that he was only to be the conductor driving the train…that the agenda was to be formed by the members to discuss and pursue issues that were important to them relative to the Budget. It was his intention to allow the Board to go where they pleased without any manipulation from him. I thought this was a good approach as I have seen other City Boards with Chairs that bring every Board member around to their way of thinking by out talking them and manipulation.
There have been problems with this Board from the beginning. It was formed on April 7, 2010 during Budget preparation in order to assist. Half of the members wanted to meet once or twice a week even suggesting Saturday meetings while the others wanted to meet once a week during Budget and thereafter when there was something to discuss at the regularly scheduled meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
Although the Board has always had good intentions and has been enthusiastic to tackle its job, one member asked last night, “What have we accomplished?” They have not been able to advance and have been stopped by the lack of information, the lack of interest by the City Commission and the lack of cooperation from the city overall in order to get the data to make decisions. The liaison, who is magnificent, and departmental heads have been very helpful giving up their time to explain their departments and answer questions. But here it is once again, Budget time, and this Board has not been allowed to be engaged.
The original intent of its formation, that of assisting in the Budget and giving recommendations, has been distorted and changed during this last year. Its mission is that of advising the City Manager and the City Commission in matters affecting the annual operating budget, capital improvement program and all financial policies, not anything else.
The Finance Advisory Board gets to look at documents after they have been produced and have no chance to give recommendations such as the Amended Budget that came out this year. Frustrations have grown and human nature, as it is, needs to put the blame on someone. The Commission has told them that their primary goal should be revenue sources and reduce waste, but the Board gets side-tracked.
The appointment of Chair Exline has been controversial from that first meeting when one member nominated someone else after Exline was nominated. It did not go according to their desires. It caused a little friction as I believe there should always be solidarity. It is a constant personality problem; a Chair who is laid back and wanting to proceed by procedure and rules and the other being extremely assertive and aggressive wanting to discuss and place items on the Agenda that are not really in the pervue of the Board although interesting. And to be blunt, a few members have little patience with the Chair who is elderly with a hearing disability and who wants to meet only when the Board has something to meet about. They want a new leader.
Another blunt observation-- no matter who is elected as Chair, this Board will not be any different or effective. You can demand any amount of financial data you choose, it doesn't mean you will get it or that the City will be all of a sudden, cooperative.
The staggered terms for all members end on July 31 every year. The best thing to do is to have elections at the first meeting after July 31 every year. The Board would then be on a 365 day year beginning August 1, a fiscal year rather than a calendar year.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Lake Worth Utility's Plan - Go with 13.2kv
Comment Up
Originally our Bond for our Utility was for $66,000,000, half of which was for our RO and the other half for the Utility electric upgrade. (2008 Series Utility System Refunding and Improvement Bonds-- 2004 Series Bonds). The bonds were refinanced in 2008 in order to get a fixed interest rate payment of 4.25%. These bonds are due and payable in yearly installments through May 1, 2028.
Today Becky Mattey said that we had $16.6 million left for the utility upgrade and needed $7 million more to complete her 10 year plan that was going to cost $22,587,778. That adds up to $16 mil spent, $16.6 mil left plus an additional $7. No one was clear whether or not some of the things suggested in her back-up and not discussed today are included in the $22.59 million. No one is sure of her statement that one-half of the bond money has already been expended. No one is even sure if $7 million is really all that she needs. There was no accounting of the funds presented and Commissioner Scott Maxwell has asked for this as well as the time-lines for items to be finished/completed. Mattey said that we were "under Bank requirements and no longer under the requirements of the Bond Covenants."
Mattey says she does not want to call it a "Conversion" but rather a "solid, well designed" long range electric utility plan that will take 10 years from start to finish. It is a conversion if her department has now decided to go with a 13.2kv distribution system as the "most economical approach by de-converting the 26.4kv and converting the 4.kv to 13.2kv. What else would it be?
Going with the 13.2kv is the way to go.
One thing we did learn today, we are now short $7,000,000 to complete her Plan. We learned but already knew, possibly $5 to 6 million was wasted on labor and materials in ripping a part a system and now we will be paying millions more in labor to straighten out the mess. Director Mattey said it "wasn't lost money."
Bad decisions and not listening to expert advice always result in lost money and in the City of Lake Worth's case, it is always millions, not hay.
Originally our Bond for our Utility was for $66,000,000, half of which was for our RO and the other half for the Utility electric upgrade. (2008 Series Utility System Refunding and Improvement Bonds-- 2004 Series Bonds). The bonds were refinanced in 2008 in order to get a fixed interest rate payment of 4.25%. These bonds are due and payable in yearly installments through May 1, 2028.
Today Becky Mattey said that we had $16.6 million left for the utility upgrade and needed $7 million more to complete her 10 year plan that was going to cost $22,587,778. That adds up to $16 mil spent, $16.6 mil left plus an additional $7. No one was clear whether or not some of the things suggested in her back-up and not discussed today are included in the $22.59 million. No one is sure of her statement that one-half of the bond money has already been expended. No one is even sure if $7 million is really all that she needs. There was no accounting of the funds presented and Commissioner Scott Maxwell has asked for this as well as the time-lines for items to be finished/completed. Mattey said that we were "under Bank requirements and no longer under the requirements of the Bond Covenants."
Mattey says she does not want to call it a "Conversion" but rather a "solid, well designed" long range electric utility plan that will take 10 years from start to finish. It is a conversion if her department has now decided to go with a 13.2kv distribution system as the "most economical approach by de-converting the 26.4kv and converting the 4.kv to 13.2kv. What else would it be?
Going with the 13.2kv is the way to go.
One thing we did learn today, we are now short $7,000,000 to complete her Plan. We learned but already knew, possibly $5 to 6 million was wasted on labor and materials in ripping a part a system and now we will be paying millions more in labor to straighten out the mess. Director Mattey said it "wasn't lost money."
Bad decisions and not listening to expert advice always result in lost money and in the City of Lake Worth's case, it is always millions, not hay.
Local governments get option to pay for unfunded liabilities from Union Pension Plans
The Government Operations Subcommittee just approved of GVOPS 11-17 where local governments would be able to use additional proceeds from insurance premium taxes to pay for unfunded liabilities within their pension plans. Here in Lake Worth the unfunded liability is a whopper.
It was reported by WCTV that the measure, which passed on a 10-5 party-line vote, differs from a less sweeping Senate plan that would allow local governments with substantial unfunded liabilities to use some of the tax proceeds to fill the gap.
I can't find the vote tally on this Bill but if the above is correct, we can assume that Jeff Clemens voted "NO" on this Bill as there are 10 Republicans and 5 Democrats on the Government Operations Subcommittee. Jeff please explain. I recently read that Lake Worth was already doing this.
Union members of police and fire in Lake Worth virtually get three different pensions: 1) a percentage of the taxes from the total of residents' paid home insurance premiums, 2) social security and 3) local Retirement plans.
I approve of this Bill.
It was reported by WCTV that the measure, which passed on a 10-5 party-line vote, differs from a less sweeping Senate plan that would allow local governments with substantial unfunded liabilities to use some of the tax proceeds to fill the gap.
I can't find the vote tally on this Bill but if the above is correct, we can assume that Jeff Clemens voted "NO" on this Bill as there are 10 Republicans and 5 Democrats on the Government Operations Subcommittee. Jeff please explain. I recently read that Lake Worth was already doing this.
Union members of police and fire in Lake Worth virtually get three different pensions: 1) a percentage of the taxes from the total of residents' paid home insurance premiums, 2) social security and 3) local Retirement plans.
I approve of this Bill.
Susan Stanton evaluates her 2010 Performance
Top Ten organizational accomplishments in 2010:
- Reduced General Fund spending by 19%, maintained the current property tax rate, and balanced revenues and expenditures without drawing funds from the City’s Catastrophic Emergency Reserve Account. Personnel expenditures were reduced by 11% in all funds and 17% in the General Fund. I played a very active and critical role in setting the performance goals of departments and established financial targets which effectively address the critical economic crisis.
- Reduced by $1.2 million the Palm Beach Sheriff Office’s Law Enforcement Services Agreement, with minimum reductions in level of service.
- Reduced the City contribution into the Police Retirement Fund by $200,000 for FY 2011 by negotiating an agreement with the PBA. The negotiated agreement to use insurance premium revenue to pay for existing benefits is unprecedented in the City.
- Reduced City contribution to the General Employees’ Retirement Plan for FY 2011 by $1.3 million. This required an extensive operational and financial understanding of pensions and assessing the true cost of the City’s unfunded accrued liability which did not exist prior to my employment.
- Successfully managed the Casino reconstruction project, based on a comprehensive Financing Plan and the selection of a Construction Manager at Risk. I played a critical role in developing the financial plan to fund the project and re-engineering the City’s contract management systems to end a twenty year stalemate. The project is on schedule and within budget.
- Directed the negotiations of an Inter-local Agreement between the City and Palm Beach County for the redevelopment of the Lake Worth Beach which preserves and protects public access and community ownership. The project is on schedule and within budget … ending a five year impasse.
- Helped settle a critical City/County water dispute, paving the way to begin the construction of a new RO Water Treatment Plant and deep well. Developed a management team to finalize the design, permitting and financing. The Project is on schedule and within budget.
- Adopted comprehensive Financial and Investment policies to ensure prudent management of public funds, the availability of operating and capital funds when needed, and competitive investment returns. The City was awarded a Certificate of Achievement from the GFOA for its FY 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and finally began to address the 34 pages of managerial accounting deficiencies identified by the City’s auditors.
- Successfully recruited and employed a professional Finance Director, OMB Manager, Assistant Utility Director, Assistant to the City Manager, Grants Analyst, and Budget Analyst to improve the City’s managerial processes. This has been a major challenge given the City’s history of excessive turn-over of key management positions. Closely associated recruiting of new professionals to the City’s management team has been my role in creating an environment where other Department Directors can exercise their leadership skills in a supportive, respectful and non-confrontational public setting.
- Proposed and received tentative City Commission support to reduce the FY 2012 electric rate and charges by 5% and reducing the General Fund transfer payment in FY 2012 by $500,000 which reverses a decade-long trend of using electric revenue to subsidize the General Fund. This would not be possible without the achievement of the previous nine accomplishments.
Vice Mayor speaks on Susan Stanton's Job Performance
Comment Up
Tomorrow there will be the Annual Review of our City Manager, Susan Stanton. What the Vice Mayor has to say:
When we interviewed city managers it was obvious that Susan understood our challenges and was uniquely qualified to tackle decades of mis-management.
In my opinion, Susan Stanton has demonstrated her leadership abilities over and over again. Below are some examples:
Susan Stanton's leadership is guiding the city through some of the most financially challenging budgets we've had in decades.
Her reputation as an extremely experienced and competent city manager attracts high quality professionals to our staff positions.
She created a financing and redevelopment plan for the beach property that: 1) no other city manager or commission has been able to move forward 2) did not require a bond issue, tax increase or taxpayer dollars, it will pay for itself.
Susan helped us save the city's $15 million investment in the Reverse Osmosis Plant by resolving the contract dispute with Palm Beach County.
She is the only city manager who has had the courage to stand up for us on the regional sewer issue for which we are owed millions and millions of dollars. Apparently no other city manager had the expertise or motivation to address this huge problem. (It amounts to over $10 million that is owed to Lake Worth)
She has restructured our finance operations to provide us with vital analysis and budget updates that the commission needs in order to make informed decisions. Incredibly, we have never had these tools before Susan Stanton became our city manager.
Suzanne Mulvehill
Vice Mayor
Tomorrow there will be the Annual Review of our City Manager, Susan Stanton. What the Vice Mayor has to say:
When we interviewed city managers it was obvious that Susan understood our challenges and was uniquely qualified to tackle decades of mis-management.
In my opinion, Susan Stanton has demonstrated her leadership abilities over and over again. Below are some examples:
Susan Stanton's leadership is guiding the city through some of the most financially challenging budgets we've had in decades.
Her reputation as an extremely experienced and competent city manager attracts high quality professionals to our staff positions.
She created a financing and redevelopment plan for the beach property that: 1) no other city manager or commission has been able to move forward 2) did not require a bond issue, tax increase or taxpayer dollars, it will pay for itself.
Susan helped us save the city's $15 million investment in the Reverse Osmosis Plant by resolving the contract dispute with Palm Beach County.
She is the only city manager who has had the courage to stand up for us on the regional sewer issue for which we are owed millions and millions of dollars. Apparently no other city manager had the expertise or motivation to address this huge problem. (It amounts to over $10 million that is owed to Lake Worth)
She has restructured our finance operations to provide us with vital analysis and budget updates that the commission needs in order to make informed decisions. Incredibly, we have never had these tools before Susan Stanton became our city manager.
Suzanne Mulvehill
Vice Mayor
Monday, April 11, 2011
A Second Tie-Line? by William Coakley
Comment Up
Former Electric Utility Task Force Chairman responds to an additional 138kv tie-line proposed by the Utility Director in the scheduled workshop tomorrow morning at City Hall.
Read his article, Utility Workshop, a second tie-line, HERE.
Former Electric Utility Task Force Chairman responds to an additional 138kv tie-line proposed by the Utility Director in the scheduled workshop tomorrow morning at City Hall.
Read his article, Utility Workshop, a second tie-line, HERE.
Susan Stanton's Performance Review
Comment Up
The City Manager has evaluated her own performance for year 2010. In it, she lists her 10 disappointments for last year along with her achievements. She beats up on herself way too much. In fact, if I had been she, I never would have listed disappointments. However, it was her way of explaining, head-on, the negatives that will come on Wednesday. In many of the points, there is nothing she could have done differently or could have done to change the outcome. There are just too many important issues in the City.
First of all, I am basically against a performance review of our City Manager in a public forum. I stated that last year and nothing has changed my mind. We have never evaluated a city manager this way in the past until Ms. Stanton came on board. Because of politics, somehow the yarn was spun that this would be a great idea...humiliate our city manager so the world could hear. Instead of Joan of Ark at the stake, it is Susan Stanton at a public hanging.
No CEO of a corporation is evaluated in front of its stock-holders and why should our city manager have to endure the public political hanging? The City Manager meets once a week, all year long, with all the city commissioners. During that meeting, they should be letting her know where she has fallen or what she might possibly have to do to improve. The evaluation should be all year long not done for public display. No city commissioner should be able to use this forum to politically grandstand at the expense of our city manager.
To even direct our CM to get out in the community more and mingle with the folks was a ridiculous request by last year's commission. The city manager has much more important things to do than to try and win a popularity contest with the public or staff. Getting our city solvent and programs moved forward is her only priority. Also one of her disappointments was that she did not have a good rapport with "some" on the commission. Specifically the "some" is Scott Maxwell and occasionally the Mayor. You have to know that you can't win them all particularly when politics is in the way. This is not a failure but Stanton is still trying in that regard.
Certain employees were terminated and needed to go. A few that were hired have since left for personal reasons or could not handle an assertive CM. Stanton has hired excellent staff which is one of her top achievements and an indicator of a good leader. Inept city managers in the past have gotten us into financial trouble. Stanton has taken the lead and is doing everything within her power to change the status quo. She is not rolling over for the Unions or for anyone else. She puts Lake Worth taxpayers first.
After all is said and done, Susan Stanton will be rehired for another year.
The City Manager has evaluated her own performance for year 2010. In it, she lists her 10 disappointments for last year along with her achievements. She beats up on herself way too much. In fact, if I had been she, I never would have listed disappointments. However, it was her way of explaining, head-on, the negatives that will come on Wednesday. In many of the points, there is nothing she could have done differently or could have done to change the outcome. There are just too many important issues in the City.
First of all, I am basically against a performance review of our City Manager in a public forum. I stated that last year and nothing has changed my mind. We have never evaluated a city manager this way in the past until Ms. Stanton came on board. Because of politics, somehow the yarn was spun that this would be a great idea...humiliate our city manager so the world could hear. Instead of Joan of Ark at the stake, it is Susan Stanton at a public hanging.
No CEO of a corporation is evaluated in front of its stock-holders and why should our city manager have to endure the public political hanging? The City Manager meets once a week, all year long, with all the city commissioners. During that meeting, they should be letting her know where she has fallen or what she might possibly have to do to improve. The evaluation should be all year long not done for public display. No city commissioner should be able to use this forum to politically grandstand at the expense of our city manager.
To even direct our CM to get out in the community more and mingle with the folks was a ridiculous request by last year's commission. The city manager has much more important things to do than to try and win a popularity contest with the public or staff. Getting our city solvent and programs moved forward is her only priority. Also one of her disappointments was that she did not have a good rapport with "some" on the commission. Specifically the "some" is Scott Maxwell and occasionally the Mayor. You have to know that you can't win them all particularly when politics is in the way. This is not a failure but Stanton is still trying in that regard.
Certain employees were terminated and needed to go. A few that were hired have since left for personal reasons or could not handle an assertive CM. Stanton has hired excellent staff which is one of her top achievements and an indicator of a good leader. Inept city managers in the past have gotten us into financial trouble. Stanton has taken the lead and is doing everything within her power to change the status quo. She is not rolling over for the Unions or for anyone else. She puts Lake Worth taxpayers first.
After all is said and done, Susan Stanton will be rehired for another year.
$4 million here, $4 million there - Lake Worth Utilities
Comment Up
The horrendous thing was that Lake Worth taxpayers had invested approximately $4- 5 million into a 26kv upgrade that was NOT standard thanks to a bad decision by that Commission, made against all expert reports and testimony. A Black and Veatch Study confirmed the findings of the Garrison Report that recommended a standard distribution voltage of 13.2kv for Lake Worth. We spent $4 million on a non-standard system and Lake Worth taxpayers got left holding the bag. We developed a $4 million shortfall for a strange, inept, corrupt and BAD decision.
We are pleased that the Lake Worth Utility has finally seen the light and has abandoned the 26kv upgrade to go with a standard voltage as all experts say that 26.kv would bankrupt the City. Concerns still exist. Spending $4 million to finally admit you are wrong is a tremendous price to pay. As we do NOT want the Utility to spend millions foolishly now or in the future, we bring up the 138kv tie-line.
Tomorrow at 9am the Commission meets in a workshop. One of the discussion items beginning around 9:30 is the authorization of the city commission to spend $4 million on another 138kv tie-line. Another tie-line would be advantageous to Lake Worth but it's not as if we have the money. However, without the proper permits for rights-of-way or acquisition as well as FPL's interest, we have to wonder about this $4 million request.
The question to ask is, will these millions really be used for another tie-line or is it simply a ruse to make up for the wasted $4 million already spent on a non-standard voltage that was literally blown into the wind and that they now are finally admitting was folly? Do they have all the necessary ducks in a row and/or proof of communication with FPL and its involvement?
"At the moment, this is pure folly; plain and simple......especially if the Utility Director, Becky Mattey is continuing to speak of a tie location other than Hypoluxo," said someone in the field. He further stated, "The utility is either getting the cart a long way in front of the horse, or they have entirely given up on producing energy at your power plant......I would want to know which."
What the back-up says:
.................
The three possible locations for a 138kv tie-line are: (there is trouble in downloading the full back-up documents ((another conspiracy by the City)) so we have no idea what Plan the Utility Director has for this)
1. Hypoluxo at the same location of our existing tie-line. This would not serve our reliability goal.
2. Somewhere along Military Trail which would require a new agreement with FPL and the purchase of 2 to 3 acres and rights-of-ways. Estimated costs around $5 million over 5 years and more for the property. We question the dollar estimates above submitted by Lake Worth Utility, It could be much more.
3. A new 138kv tie-line north of the Main Yard on on Federal & Wilder St. An expert says, this cost could easily be upwards of $100's of thousands of dollars per year for every year the line is in existence for rental of Railroad Right-Of-Way.
The Electric Utility put a Capital Improvement program into effect in 2001. Garrison Electric was hired to do a feasibility study that concluded that a standard voltage of 13.2kv was best. The Study was agreed to by two Professional Engineers who signed off on a standard upgrade path. They said that a standard should be used that was compatible with FPL as well as to all the surrounding utility companies and those throughout the country. And if the City of Lake Worth ever wanted to entertain the idea of selling the Utility, it had better be standard.
The horrendous thing was that Lake Worth taxpayers had invested approximately $4- 5 million into a 26kv upgrade that was NOT standard thanks to a bad decision by that Commission, made against all expert reports and testimony. A Black and Veatch Study confirmed the findings of the Garrison Report that recommended a standard distribution voltage of 13.2kv for Lake Worth. We spent $4 million on a non-standard system and Lake Worth taxpayers got left holding the bag. We developed a $4 million shortfall for a strange, inept, corrupt and BAD decision.
We are pleased that the Lake Worth Utility has finally seen the light and has abandoned the 26kv upgrade to go with a standard voltage as all experts say that 26.kv would bankrupt the City. Concerns still exist. Spending $4 million to finally admit you are wrong is a tremendous price to pay. As we do NOT want the Utility to spend millions foolishly now or in the future, we bring up the 138kv tie-line.
Tomorrow at 9am the Commission meets in a workshop. One of the discussion items beginning around 9:30 is the authorization of the city commission to spend $4 million on another 138kv tie-line. Another tie-line would be advantageous to Lake Worth but it's not as if we have the money. However, without the proper permits for rights-of-way or acquisition as well as FPL's interest, we have to wonder about this $4 million request.
The question to ask is, will these millions really be used for another tie-line or is it simply a ruse to make up for the wasted $4 million already spent on a non-standard voltage that was literally blown into the wind and that they now are finally admitting was folly? Do they have all the necessary ducks in a row and/or proof of communication with FPL and its involvement?
"At the moment, this is pure folly; plain and simple......especially if the Utility Director, Becky Mattey is continuing to speak of a tie location other than Hypoluxo," said someone in the field. He further stated, "The utility is either getting the cart a long way in front of the horse, or they have entirely given up on producing energy at your power plant......I would want to know which."
What the back-up says:
- "138 kV Tie Line Construction
- Project will include land acquisition, design by consultant and construction by contractor
- Funds are included for land acquisition in FY 2013 with construction budgeted for FY 2004
- This schedule is subject to change based on negotiations which may take place pursuant to a new power supply contract.
- Land Acquisition $1,500,000
- Construction $2,500,000
- TOTAL $4,000,000"
.................
The three possible locations for a 138kv tie-line are: (there is trouble in downloading the full back-up documents ((another conspiracy by the City)) so we have no idea what Plan the Utility Director has for this)
1. Hypoluxo at the same location of our existing tie-line. This would not serve our reliability goal.
2. Somewhere along Military Trail which would require a new agreement with FPL and the purchase of 2 to 3 acres and rights-of-ways. Estimated costs around $5 million over 5 years and more for the property. We question the dollar estimates above submitted by Lake Worth Utility, It could be much more.
3. A new 138kv tie-line north of the Main Yard on on Federal & Wilder St. An expert says, this cost could easily be upwards of $100's of thousands of dollars per year for every year the line is in existence for rental of Railroad Right-Of-Way.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Crash with Injuries at Intersection of Lake Worth Road & Lake Osborne Drive
WPTV photoI was driving by late this morning after the auto had been flipped right side up by workers. Several Sheriff vehicles were at the scene. The ambulances had already left. It was a complete mess with car parts of all shapes and sizes strewn for 50 feet.
The Post says it occurred in Palm Beach County but more specifically it was in the city limits of Lake Worth.
The Post says it occurred in Palm Beach County but more specifically it was in the city limits of Lake Worth.
America to possibly send ground troops to Libya?
This has to be very frustrating to Rep. Allen West as he said originally that it was going to be extremely difficult to protect civilians from thirty thousand feet. Everyone now knows he was 100% correct.
America's Coming Ground War in Libya.
“There will be no American boots on the ground in Libya,” Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said last month in congressional hearings on March 31. He also added that there will not be ground troops "as long as I’m in this job."
According to U.S. African Command, Army General Carter Ham, he told congressional leaders in a closed meeting April 5 that the military is considering sending ground troops into Libya.
Source: The Washington Post
America's Coming Ground War in Libya.
“There will be no American boots on the ground in Libya,” Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said last month in congressional hearings on March 31. He also added that there will not be ground troops "as long as I’m in this job."
According to U.S. African Command, Army General Carter Ham, he told congressional leaders in a closed meeting April 5 that the military is considering sending ground troops into Libya.
Source: The Washington Post
Local Pension Plan revealed by Government Operations Subcommittee
Comment Up
Because of past local governments failure to collective bargain, they are directly responsible for the economic mess we are in when it comes to union benefits. Here in Lake Worth, city Manager Susan Stanton stands strong in her goal to reduce benefits that would be more in line with our ability to pay. She has 4 other commissioners standing beside her: McVoy, Golden, Mulvehill and Mayor Varela. They have the common sense to understand that we can not continue to head in the same direction that all past spineless commissions have gone--failure to bargain thus giving away the farm.
Pension Boards usually consist of the Mayor, a couple of people in the union and one resident volunteer. They are totally responsible for the Funds and the financial health of those funds but know that any loss will be guaranteed by the local government, unlike a corporate 401k plan where you are totally responsible for choosing where you invest your money and bear the loss and enjoy the gain.
The House Government Operations Subcommitee unveiled its "local pension plan" which simply states that under the new proposal (GVOPS 11-17), local governments would be able to use additional proceeds from insurance premium taxes to pay for unfunded liabilities within their pension plans. They came up with the plan in order to replenish pension plans that have been hammered because of the economy.
Lake Worth has $50 million plus in unfunded benefits that it must pay, somehow, someway. The Unions are scared that with this new plan, local governments might have more control. Let's hope so.
Even the dreaded Florida League of Cities is For GVOPS 11-17.
Because of past local governments failure to collective bargain, they are directly responsible for the economic mess we are in when it comes to union benefits. Here in Lake Worth, city Manager Susan Stanton stands strong in her goal to reduce benefits that would be more in line with our ability to pay. She has 4 other commissioners standing beside her: McVoy, Golden, Mulvehill and Mayor Varela. They have the common sense to understand that we can not continue to head in the same direction that all past spineless commissions have gone--failure to bargain thus giving away the farm.
Pension Boards usually consist of the Mayor, a couple of people in the union and one resident volunteer. They are totally responsible for the Funds and the financial health of those funds but know that any loss will be guaranteed by the local government, unlike a corporate 401k plan where you are totally responsible for choosing where you invest your money and bear the loss and enjoy the gain.
The House Government Operations Subcommitee unveiled its "local pension plan" which simply states that under the new proposal (GVOPS 11-17), local governments would be able to use additional proceeds from insurance premium taxes to pay for unfunded liabilities within their pension plans. They came up with the plan in order to replenish pension plans that have been hammered because of the economy.
Lake Worth has $50 million plus in unfunded benefits that it must pay, somehow, someway. The Unions are scared that with this new plan, local governments might have more control. Let's hope so.
Even the dreaded Florida League of Cities is For GVOPS 11-17.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
The Eagle has landed
At 2:30 AM, Communications advised of a burglary that had just occurred at *** Cochran Drive. The victim was able to provide a vehicle tag and vehicle description. D/S Soto spotted the vehicle and began following. The suspect bailed out of the vehicle as the Eagle was overhead. Eagle was able to provide the location of the suspect who was attempting to flee on foot. The suspect was apprehended by K9 but continued to resist by attempting to choke the dog. After a brief struggle, the suspect was subdued. A deputy also sustained a minor injury. All property was returned to the owner.
Lieutenant Beth L. Krivda
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
District 14 - City of Lake Worth
Lieutenant Beth L. Krivda
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
District 14 - City of Lake Worth
Lake Worth Library and Ted Brownstein
Our Lake Worth Library is a special place. The Pioneers established our Library in 1926 and this building was built in 1946. It is having a book sale this weekend.
Friends gathered at the Library on Thursday night for a talk and book signing by Lake Worthian, Ted Brownstein, who just released his book, "SUNSHINE REPUBLIC, Thunder over Lake Worth."
Ted BrownsteinNormally I have not been that interested in science fiction although I have enjoyed Dean Koontz's novels who wrote about a dozen or so science fiction books. I just started Ted's book that takes place in 2130 with the setting in Lake Worth, Florida. That alone makes this book special. As we read, we will be wondering if certain characters are people we actually know. I would swear the description of the hero is that of my cousin-in-law, Cesar Figueroa from Cuba.
Florida House Bills
There was no action this week on the massive elections bill (HB 1355) passed last week by the House Governmental Operation Subcommittee of which Jeff Clemens is the Democratic Ranking member. He voted "no." (I think he got it right this time). There were 9 Yeas and 4 Nays and 1 Missed.
The Bill would bring back many of the same restrictions on 3rd Party Voter Registration groups that the League of Women Voters successfully challenged in federal court in 2006 through 2009.
It’s a very broad bill encompassing everything from giving the Secretary of State the power to issue directives and advisories to the Supervisors of Elections, voting issues and campaign finance requirements and restrictions on the citizen initiative process. It’s expected the bill will be rewritten when when it makes its next committee stop in the House State Affairs Committee. (From: Capital Report 2011)
On an entirely different Bill, Governor Scott is trying very hard to eliminate the Department of Community Affairs, reducing that department from 600 employees down to 40 and reducing its budget 700%. He doesn't want to let anything get in the way of his promised job creation. Read Andrew Marra's excellent article in today's Palm Beach Post.
The Bill would bring back many of the same restrictions on 3rd Party Voter Registration groups that the League of Women Voters successfully challenged in federal court in 2006 through 2009.
It’s a very broad bill encompassing everything from giving the Secretary of State the power to issue directives and advisories to the Supervisors of Elections, voting issues and campaign finance requirements and restrictions on the citizen initiative process. It’s expected the bill will be rewritten when when it makes its next committee stop in the House State Affairs Committee. (From: Capital Report 2011)
On an entirely different Bill, Governor Scott is trying very hard to eliminate the Department of Community Affairs, reducing that department from 600 employees down to 40 and reducing its budget 700%. He doesn't want to let anything get in the way of his promised job creation. Read Andrew Marra's excellent article in today's Palm Beach Post.
We're still in Business
Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill have reached an agreement to fund the federal government for the next five months, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office announced Friday night. The deal will include $39 billion in spending cuts and will drop language related to Planned Parenthood. Lawmakers were still working to approve a short-term stopgap funding bill before midnight to give them time to craft the longer-term legislation.
Read more at The Washington Post.
Read more at The Washington Post.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Loretta Lufty Owner of The Cottage
Photo taken by The Lake Worth HeraldThe Caption reads:
Cottage Owner Loretta Lufty says the Lake Worth City Commission slandered her.
Actually, we think Mrs. Lufty is full of Cottage Cheese.
Threatening letter sent to Allen West's office
After Tuesday night, we now get some sort of sense as to what our city manager has gone through and why the city hall was redesigned with security cameras and locks.
Today, Allen West's office received a package with powder and a threatening letter.
Well, one thing we know for sure--it was not a Republican conservative who sent it.
Today, Allen West's office received a package with powder and a threatening letter.
Well, one thing we know for sure--it was not a Republican conservative who sent it.
Oppose SB318 - subsidized in-state college tuition to Illegal Aliens
Message from Numbers USA:
On Monday, April 4th, the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 318, Sen. Gary Siplin’s attempt to give illegal aliens access to subsidized in-state tuition rates. It now moves on to the Higher Education Committee, where Sen. Siplin sits as a member.
Members of that committee need to hear that Floridians do not want their tax dollars to subsidize the education of people who cannot legally work in the U.S.
Please call and email the Higher Education Committee members noted below. Talking points are provided. If your Senator serves on the committee, you also will find a fax to send on your Action Board.
Senate Higher Education Committee
Chairman Steve Oelrich (R) 850-487-5020 oelrich.steve.web@flsenate.gov
Vice Chairman Gary Siplin (D; bill sponsor) 850-487-5190 siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Evelyn J. Lynn (R) 850-487-5033 lynn.evelyn.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Joe Negron (R) 850-487-5088 negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Maria Lorts Sachs (D) 850-487-5091 sachs.maria.web@flsenate.gov
Please oppose SB 318, a bill to give illegal aliens access to in-state tuition rates. At a time when the state faces budgetary problems and American students face tuition and fee increases, SB 318 makes no sense.
In-state tuition fees are highly subsidized by state taxpayers. Under SB 318, Florida taxpayers would be on the hook for huge subsidies.
Even if illegal-alien students get a college degree, they are still in the country illegally and cannot legally obtain employment. That means that Florida taxpayers will have underwritten the education of someone who can’t use their degree legally in the U.S.
Slots at Florida universities and colleges should be reserved for citizens, military families stationed here and legal foreign students. For every illegal alien admitted to a college, an American student or legal resident is turned away.
SB 318 would violate federal law. The Illegal Immigrant Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 prohibits states from offering a benefit to illegal aliens that U.S. citizens from another state can’t receive.
Please oppose SB 318. Taxpayers and legal students will thank you.
Numbers USA
On Monday, April 4th, the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 318, Sen. Gary Siplin’s attempt to give illegal aliens access to subsidized in-state tuition rates. It now moves on to the Higher Education Committee, where Sen. Siplin sits as a member.
Members of that committee need to hear that Floridians do not want their tax dollars to subsidize the education of people who cannot legally work in the U.S.
Please call and email the Higher Education Committee members noted below. Talking points are provided. If your Senator serves on the committee, you also will find a fax to send on your Action Board.
Senate Higher Education Committee
Chairman Steve Oelrich (R) 850-487-5020 oelrich.steve.web@flsenate.gov
Vice Chairman Gary Siplin (D; bill sponsor) 850-487-5190 siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Evelyn J. Lynn (R) 850-487-5033 lynn.evelyn.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Joe Negron (R) 850-487-5088 negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Maria Lorts Sachs (D) 850-487-5091 sachs.maria.web@flsenate.gov
Please oppose SB 318, a bill to give illegal aliens access to in-state tuition rates. At a time when the state faces budgetary problems and American students face tuition and fee increases, SB 318 makes no sense.
In-state tuition fees are highly subsidized by state taxpayers. Under SB 318, Florida taxpayers would be on the hook for huge subsidies.
Even if illegal-alien students get a college degree, they are still in the country illegally and cannot legally obtain employment. That means that Florida taxpayers will have underwritten the education of someone who can’t use their degree legally in the U.S.
Slots at Florida universities and colleges should be reserved for citizens, military families stationed here and legal foreign students. For every illegal alien admitted to a college, an American student or legal resident is turned away.
SB 318 would violate federal law. The Illegal Immigrant Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 prohibits states from offering a benefit to illegal aliens that U.S. citizens from another state can’t receive.
Please oppose SB 318. Taxpayers and legal students will thank you.
Numbers USA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)