Agenda Review Meeting 11/14/19
Here’s what you need to know about the Agenda Review meeting held 11/14/2019.
First of all Keith James was absent along with Commissioner Neering. I’m told James has been MIA all week.
Now the public is aware the graphic picture (penis) sent to Ms. Esposito was not that of Former City Administrator Jeff Green but Willie Perez, the Regional Security Manager of PSC Security the company that received the nearly 8 million dollar no-bid contract from his pal and drinking buddy Mayor Keith James. Here is how the Resolution was written. Please pay attention to “Background”
Resolution No. 380-19 approving the Conditional Settlement Agreement dated November 5, 2019, in the amount of $180,000.00 in the pre-suit matter of Sharagay V. Esposito and the City of West Palm Beach.
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City Of West Palm Beach, Florida, approving a Conditional Settlement Agreement Dated November 5, 2019 For $180,000.00 In The Pre-Suit Claim Matter of Sharagay V. Esposito and the City of West Palm Beach; Providing an Effective Date; and for other purposes.
Staff Recommends Motion:
Approve Resolution No.380-19
Background:
On October 4, 2019, Sharagay V. Esposito was separated from City employment. Ms. Esposito, through council, requested and participated in pre-suit mediation relating to claims against the City concerning her employment and separation from employment. An agreement has been reached with Ms. Esposito to resolve all claims against the City of West Palm Beach, it’s agents and employees, including all attorney fees and costs, for $180,000.00. In exchange for such compensation, Ms. Esposito has signed a full release of all claims relating to her employment and separation from employment.
Section 2-268(g)(4) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of West Palm Beach, Florida, provides that the authority for settlement of all claims in excess of $30,000.00 shall require approval of the City Commission by formal resolution. Resolution 380-19 approves the Conditional Settlement Agreement.
Here’s what I noticed in “Background” those 4 little words it’s agents and employees
“Agent” A person who is authorized to act for another (the agent’s principal) through employment, by contract or apparent authority.
Is PSC an agent of the City, I believe so. Is James protecting Willie Perez and PSC from legal action from Ms. Esposito?
If WPB employees are involved is James protecting others from legal action from Ms. Esposito?
Below are excerpts from PB Post Tony Doris story Posted Nov 13, 2019.
“After a storm of public disapproval over the sizable no-bid award to a friend of the mayor and Green, James announced on Oct. 15 that he would cancel the contract and put it out to bid, after all, at the recommendation of his new, interim city administrator, Faye Johnson.”
“As of last week, though, city spokeswoman Kathleen Walter confirmed that the mayor did not in fact cancel the contract. PSC will continue to handle security service citywide until the new contract solicitation yields a winner, she said, which could take months.” Read the entire story below.
If I am understanding the excerpts correctly, a month after James said he would cancel the contract he has not, and according to Ms. Walter it “could take months” I’m concerned for Ms. Walter’s job.
Is James still ensuring Willie Perez will draw a salary? If only he took care of residents as well.
Commissioner Peduzzi stated he wants a closed meeting with attorneys and commissioners because he still had questions of a legal matter.
Commissioner Shoaf stated she wanted an open public meeting.
Which of the 2 commissioners has drinks and pal’s around with James and Perez? Remember it’s a guy’s club.
I spoke with a friend and he asked a good question, one I didn’t have an answer for. Maybe the commissioners or mayor can help us out.
If the commissioners are foolish enough to approve the settlement, how about deducting all money spent by the city, including the $180,000.00 from PSC contract. You know the same one James was going to cancel.
PS
I attended the DNA (Downtown Neighborhood Association) meeting on 11/6/19 at 6:00 PM in a building on Clematis St. When the meeting ended guess what I saw? Five (5) PSC Security men hanging around inside the building on the 2nd. floor. How safe was Clematis St residents.?
$180,000 Magic No. For James
At the Nov.4,2019 City Commission meeting items 3-15 were placed on the Consent Calendar.
Want to pass a Resolution and hide it from the public, place it on the Consent Calendar and pray no one notices.
It is generally Commissioner Lambert who moves to accept the Consent Calendar, another Commissioner second’s it and it’s a done deal. The Commissioners passed 13 Resolutions in less than 5 minutes. Now that’s moving a meeting along.
It appears the $180,000.00 pay out to a former city employee, Sharagay Esposito, was also placed on the Consent Calendar, but all 5 commissioners requested it be placed on the regular agenda which would allow discussion. Below is the story written by Tony Doris, reporter for the Palm Beach Post, and I have included excerpt from the Post story, and my comments in Italics.
“She left the city Oct. 4. in what was described in her personnel file as a resignation. The file, obtained by The Palm Beach Post through a public information request, includes no explanation why she left.
That is the day when, Mayor Keith James said, he learned a city employee had received a “graphic text photo” that “implicated” then-City Administrator Green.”
Ms. Esposito was fired, she did not resign, which tells me the City of WPB is still falsifying public records. Why isn’t the state looking into this?
In every story I have read James is quoted as saying “graphic text photo” and then mentions Green in the same sentence. The average reader would assume Green sent the picture. He did not, and instead of describing it as a “graphic text photo” why not call it what it is? A man took a picture of his penis and sent it to a city employee.
The only question remaining is who’s penis is it? It’s not Jeff Green’s, but in a previous story he admitted to receiving the picture also but deleted it immediately.
“Esposito, though low in the city hall hierarchy and despite her checkered work history, hung out with the upper echelons. She was one of several members of a loosely assembled, high-level group that socialized at the Blue Martini lounge at Rosemary Square in recent years, a source close to the group said.
This group at times included Mayor James, Police Chief Frank Adderley, Deputy Chief Rick Morris and commissioner Joe Peduzzi, in addition to Green and Willie Perez, senior regional director of security guard company Professional Security Consultants, or PSC.”
Rosemary Square name changed from City Place. Nuff said.
“Green’s resignation wasn’t solely tied to the photo.
The change of guard came after a series of issues placed the new mayor in a bad light, foremost among them the no bid guard contract, which James and Green recommended go to their friend – Willie Perez and PSC.”
Once again, Nuff said.
“Though Green left quietly, saying his departure was a matter of mutual consent with James, Esposito hired a lawyer. The city on Nov. 1 reached the tentative settlement with Esposito to avoid a lengthy and costly lawsuit, James said.”
Avoid a lengthy and costly lawsuit, or attempt a cover up, not to mention the total embarrassment James would suffer when the name of the penis owner is disclosed. When an unsolicited text or e-mail of a sexual content is sent, is that not a felony, and should be investigated by authorities?
In my younger day’s I used to think “Peyton Place” had it all, not even close.
Who Is Stephen Sylvester?
I don’t know a lot about Mr. Sylvester, but discovered one thing about him I absolutely did like.
Below is a little bio about him and believe it or not one thing jumped out at me and you never know what will grab a voters attention. This grabbed mine.
“He also led a drive to relocate a Gumbo Limbo Tree from South Olive Elementary to South Olive Park that was planted in honor of Arbor Day in 1970 and slated to be destroyed during school reconstruction.”
If Mr. Sylvester cared enough about a Gumbo Limbo Tree to fight to have it relocated what might he do for residents who are concerned about the direction our city is heading?
I don’t know a lot about him, but I know enough about Commissioner Lambert and her voting record to know I want new leadership in District 5. Read the good news below.
Sylvester is challenging incumbent Commissioner Christina Lambert, who has filed to run for re-election.
Sylvester is a native of West Palm Beach. He was born in St. Mary’s Medical Center and attended our local south end schools: South Olive Elementary School, St. Juliana Catholic School, Conniston Middle School and Forest Hill High School.
Sylvester has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Education from the University of Florida, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physical Therapy from Florida A&M University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Boston University.
Sylvester is a physical therapist and was the Owner/Director of Intown Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Inc. from 1993 to 2015.
And, Sylvester served on the Ethics Committee (Florida Chapter) of the American Physical Therapy Association and was the former Chair of the Ethics Committee from 2005-2008.
From 2003 to present, Sylvester has also been a former Adjunct Professor and current Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance in the College of Education and Behavioral Studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
While at the University, Sylvester worked with the college to develop an 8-week exercise program focusing on patients who are experiencing cancer-related fatigue prior to, during and following adjuvant therapies.
He also developed a 5K walk/run training program for overweight/obese children at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Sylvester has also been actively involved in the City of West Palm Beach in several capacities.
Sylvester served on the South Olive Elementary – School Advisory Council (SAC) from 2015-2017.
Sylvester also served on the Board of Directors of the Southend Neighborhood Association (SENA).
In 2000, Sylvester organized a group of West Palm Beach citizens to preserve the character of South Flagler Drive.
He also led a drive to relocate a Gumbo Limbo Tree from South Olive Elementary to South Olive Park that was planted in honor of Arbor Day in 1970 and slated to be destroyed during school reconstruction.
Sylvester has also been involved with numerous local charitable organizations.
Sylvester served on the Board of Directors for the Arthritis Foundation, served as a coach for the Team in Training Program and organized a Running Injury Prevention Program for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and organized a Running Injury Prevention Program for the American Red Cross.
Sylvester is also the Past President and member of the Rotary Club of Palm Beach.
Sylvester’s son (13) currently attends Bak Middle School of the Arts. His daughter (14) attends Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
James In Over His Head.
The city’s no bid contract just keeps on giving and giving. This has exploded into a story City Hall can’t contain and slowly but surely the facts are coming out thanks to reporters who carry big shovels and keep on digging. Here’s the latest which includes new stories. I have printed excerpts on different stories and hoping you will read the reporters entire piece. My comments will be in Italic. If you skip anything please don’t let it be the last 2 pieces, and please don’t skip ahead.
Former City Administrator Jeff Green was not one of my favorites drawing a city paycheck, but he doesn’t deserve to have his reputation destroyed either. So here we go.
Wanda Moore Chanel 5 WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A $7.9 million security contract did not go out for bidding. Instead West Palm Beach officials gave the contract to security firm Professional Security Consultants.
After weeks of backlash, West Palm Beach Mayor James Keith suddenly reversed that decision, now allowing bids. He cited new information he had received from interim city administrator Faye Johnson as the reason for his change of heart.
Mayor James said he has asked Johnson, who replaced Green, for a full review.
“She did a full review of the process and of every step taken, including the decision by staff to cancel or reject all bids without my knowledge during my first week in office,”
Reporter: “And that information was not given to you by the previous city administrator?”
Mayor: “I did not have that information. No.”
The story below has Jeff Green taking the hit for the no bid contract, and James had no knowledge of it of it what so ever. LOL
CBS12 News is learning a graphic text photo could be at the center of City Administrator Jeff Green’s resignation last month. According to Mayor Keith James, Green was asked to resign last month after Green took part in some unacceptable behavior. “To say that I was extremely disappointed and downright appalled by the alleged conduct surrounding this matter is an understatement,” James said. James says a city employee revealed a “graphic text photo” that implicated Green. He isn’t saying what the photo shows, but says it was something the city cannot tolerate. “I absolutely, unequivocally condemn the alleged behavior at the center of this situation,” James said.
City Commissioner Richard Ryles says Green’s behavior involved sexual misconduct. “If any of the facts that I’ve heard are true, then — you know people do stupid stuff every day of the week. If it’s sexual misconduct, you see it all over the country, in every sector of life, it’s unfortunate. It happens,” he said. Ryles says the city has reached a legal settlement with a female city employee in this case, which he says the city commission was not consulted about. He’s asking for a special city commission meeting next week to discuss that.
People have known about this picture for weeks. We know what the picture shows, and we know the man involved. It is not a picture of Jeff Green and I was amazed how many people were led to believe it was due to the comments from City Hall. Apparently Commissioner Ryles was mis-informed also. If the commissioners had no knowledge of a settlement with the woman, who engineered the settlement? The commissioners control the city’s pocketbook and would have to approve a settlement. Read the story below.
25 WPBF Terry Parker Mayor Keith James stunned his fellow commissioners and the public Monday night when at the end of the commission meeting he announced the real reason city manager Jeff Green resigned last month is because of a graphic text sent to a city employee – that apparently only James and a few others knew about.
“An employee revealed a graphic text photo and implicated the former city administrator,” said James, adding he immediately asked Green to resign.
Wednesday morning. Green said by phone he was also flabbergasted at James’ new statement.
“I was surprised by Mr. James’ comment and i was a little taken aback and while I’m on a cruise right now I’ll be happy to address it when I get back in town,” Green said.
Asked if James’ allegation that Green was implicated in the graphic text were true, Green replied: “It was not me that sent any sort of text to any person.”
Green said the text photo was sent to the female employee by another person who copied him on it, and he immediately deleted it.
Mayor James’ spokeswoman said he declined to speak further publicly about the issue at this time.
This is my opinion. Obviously the commissioners were kept in the dark by James who originally said Green was fired over the no bid contract that was orchestrated behind his back his first week in office. Commissioners were surprised a settlement agreement was made with the women, appears they had no knowledge of it. He pointed his finger at Jeff Green hoping the true culprit wouldn’t be found out. It’s only a matter of time before the name is revealed, and James attempt of a cover-up is over. Read the story below.
PB Post Tony Doris For all its vaunted efficiencies in letting one company handle security citywide, the fact that it also was in the best interest of one of the mayor’s buddies raised eyebrows. How did the contract collapse, after James and City Administrator Jeff Green advocated forcefully for it and won a unanimous vote of the city commission?
Johnson, an assistant Palm Beach County administrator who previously served as St. Lucie County administrator, joined James’ team in West Palm Beach in August as an assistant city administrator.
“When the mayor talked to me about taking the interim position, I gave that some considerable thought before saying ‘yes.’ And one of the threshold decisions for me in accepting it was that there was not going to be an expectation that, as the interim, I would just carry the water as it had been done before,” Johnson explained to commissioners.
“As a professionally trained administrator, it was important to me that, in the context of (being) the interim, that I would not compromise my professional training. And when he committed that I could operate on that basis, I said I could take the interim assignment.”
In this case, though, there was no justification in city law for bypassing open competition, she said. “That gave me the first cause for a major pause,” she said.
And when she looked at other contracts the city had executed without bidding, this one was much bigger, she said.
“I had, probably, a more spirited discussion with him than I’m having here,” Johnson told the commissioners. “He agreed that, based on me taking him through my training, that our process does not line up with best practices when you talk about open competition for procurement. And so, I’m glad that the mayor valued the years of training and experience and that he agreed.”
When a city bypasses bidding, Johnson said, “that justification, in my experience and training, has to be above reproach. And I don’t think anyone here can confidently say it was above reproach because we have too many questions about it. And so that’s how I concluded that it was in our best interest that we do a redo on that particular contract.”
“I will put the commission on notice, as I have put the mayor,” she said. “The spending trends that we have in the city absolutely have to be changed if you’re going to then do a millage reduction…. One has to change in order to accomplish the other.”
Mayor James, for his part, said in a release that Johnson’s review convinced him of the need to put the security contract out to bid.
“The public’s trust and confidence in the contract selection process and in their city government is paramount,” James said. “I look forward to the process playing out, in the interest of full transparency and to ensure the contract is above reproach. I am genuinely grateful to Ms. Johnson for her review.”
Please take the time to read this most important story below to learn more about Faye Johnson the Interim City Administrator, most qualified for the job with honor and integrity. Even James says I am genuinely grateful to Ms. Johnson for her review.”
So why the hell is the ad below on the City Website? Two strong women in WPB namely Police Chief Sara Mooney and now Faye Johnson and James can’t work with either of them. He can shine his own shoes because these 2 women certainty wont. Commissioners speak up. The mayor hires and fires but you have opinions. Please express them., loudly and publically.
https://wpb.org/Departments/City-Administration/City-Administrator-Job-Opportunity
Who is Tiffany L. David
Ms. David is to be James liaison between himself and the neighborhoods.
Win At All Costs: Part1
April 2018 “Christina Lambert was sworn into office as West Palm Beach City Commissioner for District 5 defeating Materio by 183 votes.” Lambert and Shoaf rode into office with votes from the western community. Think your vote wont count? If one neighborhood took the time to vote a different outcome may have been possible. Lets not repeat our mistakes in 2020. Your vote is crucial. In three complaints she said she filed to the Florida Elections Commission, Materio alleged that Coalition for American Jobs, Inc., Taxpayers for American Jobs, Inc. and Citizens for Safer Neighborhoods, Inc. collected hundreds of thousands of dollars for political purposes without declaring themselves political organizations, which are required to identify contributors.
All three were created and run by Asnani, whose Cornerstone Solutions, Inc. served as Lambert’s political consultant leading up to the March 13 election, the complaints said.
Any group that collects more than $500 for political purposes is required to register and identify its donors but these three didn’t, according to the complaints. At least one passed $55,000 or more to a political organization called WPB Residents for Integrity in Government Inc., which in turn paid for negative mailers about Materio. That organization is run by Bill Newgent, a political operative allied with Lambert and Asnani.”
“I have not been involved with any of those committees nor have any knowledge of their donors or activities,” Lambert said Friday in an email.” Lambert was the candidate does she expect us to believe she didn’t “have any knowledge” of what Asnani and Newgent were doing to insure her election? Does she expect us to believe she didn’t approve flyers sent to the public? She doesn’t know who contributed to her campaign? She didn’t know how crucial her vote would be to Related? She knew how to vote in Aug. 2018.
“These corporations Asnani set up aren’t businesses of any kind,” said Richard Giorgio, president of Patriot Games, another of the county’s most active political consultants, who did not work for Materio or Lambert in the election. “They have no employees, don’t generate any revenues. They’re simply being used to shield money from the public. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are going into these corporations and the money goes to political committees. So they’re skirting state statutes by hiding contributions” I assume Richard Giorgio of Patriot Games a successful political consultant knows how the game is played and I appreciate being informed of the games Cornerstone played in the 2018 election. How much money did Related and the Chamber of Commerce funnel into Lambert’s campaign? Read the entire story in the PB Post below.
Below is a piece by PB Post Rick Christie
June 2018 “It’s been nearly three months since challenger Christina Lambert unseated West Palm Beach Commissioner Shanon Materio by a mere 183 votes in a heated, and increasingly controversial race.
And Materio is back for Round 2. According to the Post’s Tony Doris, she has filed three complaints with the Florida Elections Commission alleging that three shell companies were created to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars for political purposes without declaring themselves political organizations — which are required to identify contributors.
The political purpose? Electing Lambert.
The contributors? Voters don’t know. But shouldn’t they, for the sake of transparency?
Lambert, a newcomer with business community ties, managed to knock off the more seasoned Materio mainly because she had the money. She also had in her corner Rick Asnani, one of the county’s top political consultants.
That’s all good. Lambert won the seat, and is ensconced on the commission. Ready to vote, among other things, on a rejuvenated plan to create the Okeechobee Business District (OBD). Yep, the same OBD that would allow the construction of the 25-story One Flagler office building pretty much on Flagler Drive.
That’s not all good. A number of city residents — vocal city residents — don’t like the idea of building the tower on an already traffic-clogged Okeechobee Boulevard. They especially don’t like the fact that the issue seemed dead after it was defeated when it came before the commission in September.
Election campaigns laws exist for a reason. The primary one being so that voters know who is influencing or attempting to influence candidates that are vying to represent constituents.
We know that transparency is a good thing… and “democracy dies in the darkness.”
But this long after the election, is there value in Materio’s insistence on knowing the names of the people or entities that contributed to those three mysterious shell companies created by Asnani? “
I will not live long enough to understand Christie’s last paragraph. I am grateful to Shanon Materio for filing the complaints against Rick Asnani of Cornerstone. As a voter I want to know who the elected officials will be grateful too for donations and who they may feel obligated to repay by their vote. If Materio didn’t file complaints do you believe they wouldn’t try their luck again with the upcoming election. Hopefully they will think twice, but my mind is made up and I’ve lived long enough to know a leopard can’t change its spots or simply put it’s impossible to change their character. I will now pay attention to a candidates political consultant and have learnt to vote for their opponent.
Read the entire story below.
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/article/20180604/NEWS/812041046
Now James Wants Transparency & Integrity on PSC Deal
Updated 9/2022
It appears the Mayor was out and about Thursday and was surprised when Channel 5 reporter Wanda Moore aimed a microphone at him with more pesky questions concerning the PSC no-bid contract. Will it ever end for James?
Here was the question; “You had said that because of new information that has been brought to your attention you had changed your mind. Can you elaborate on what that information was?”
Mayor James said he has asked Johnson, who replaced Green, for a full review.
“She did a full review of the process and of every step taken, including the decision by staff to cancel or reject all bids without my knowledge during my first week in office,” That’s his quote, and to add insult to injury here’s another he gave in the same interview. “it was important for me to start over, for the sake of transparency and for the integrity of our selection process.” Yes, he said that too.
I have watched and listened to James for 8 years when he served as a commissioner, and noticed when he is being less that truthful he has a “tell”. His lips move.
Reached on Thursday by phone, Green said: “I’m not sure what the mayor is talking about. Legal and procurement (departments) were both involved in the process.”
All along I have written that the city should replace Kimberly Rothenburg as the City Attorney if for no other reason how she interprets the City Charter and advises the City Commissioners, and James stating decision by staff to cancel or reject all bids. She’s an integral part of staff. What’s he waiting for?
You can watch and listen to the interview below, and please take the time to read the complaint and view the pictures filed by Giddens Security.
Why They Put Erasers on Pencils
Keith James has done an about face and I’m guessing the public pressure along with a second complaint filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics is beginning to affect him. He wants a do-over. Read the story below.
To all residents a sincere “Thank You” for caring enough to stand up and speak out, send e-mails, make phone calls when you become aware of how your life, health and safety are being affected by decisions being made in City Hall. A special Thank You to those with the courage to snap a picture and send it on. Many of your pictures tell a story and many of us are grateful for it.
I attend City Commission meetings when a hot button issue is being discussed and listen to residents find the courage to stand at the podium and express their opinion on another high rise or tearing up their neighborhood streets.
I listen to people who live on the other side of the city where construction wont effect them but they come to support other neighborhoods. It will be a matter of time before they need support.
I also listen to the invited guests who appear to praise any project the city wants moved forward.
The Commissioners need an Attorney to advise and represent them on issues when City Attorney Kimberly Rothenburg interprets the City Charter to have the outcome the Mayor wants. Commissioners, she works for him, not you, and you work for us, not the Mayor. No more excuses you voted the way you did because you wanted to support the mayor. Try this, support the people who put you in office. Listen to the residents who appear before you with information you are not receiving from the city. I believe there is more cover up under the dome than Eskimo’s use in December.
I would request you asking for 10 Attorney recommendations from James then disregard those names.
Attorney’s Peduzzi and Ryles no friends. Hire the best attorney you can find and give him a copy of the City Charter and lets see what happens. It can’t possibly get worse.
Jeff Green has “resigned” and eventually we will learn the reason why and he has been replaced by Assistant City Administrator Faye Johnson as interim City Administrator. This is a good start and in my opinion there is one more on the dais who should be replaced and that’s the City Attorney Rothenburg along with her advice.
James never appreciates what he has right in front of his face. Always wants to throw loyal employees aside to do a country wide search for something better as in Chief Sara Mooney and Internal Auditor Beverly Mahaso, both strong women with ethics, values and experience. It appears to me James has difficulty with strong women.
Johnson has the experience and should not wear the title “interim” for long.
I offer a suggestion. Back decisions up and put the people who were in place on Sept. 30 back where they belong. The ones that couldn’t pull the Mayors heartstrings, but sure pulled ours.
Let PSC patrol what they did before they were awarded the contract, and lets hope they do a better job. Double click on picture to enlarge and read caption.
Seven months in office and James has his second complaint filed with the Florida Commission on Ethics. His first complaint will be heard on 10/25/19 in Tallahassee. Below is his second.
Where’s the re-do on PSC Contract?
I recently received the Draft Agenda for the upcoming Commissioners meeting to be held 10/21/19 and there are 16 items on the list. Not on the list was a re-do of the no-bid security contract.
A couple of days later I received a Revised Draft Agenda, and thought it would surely be added on here but no luck, just 16 items.
This no-bid contract was awarded to PSC (Professional Security Consultants) and Willie Perez is the Regional Security Manager.
Please bear with me but I am receiving more requests to receive WPB Watch and while something you read may seem familiar to you, they are not to new readers. In answer to questions concerning forwarding the stories yes, feel free to pass the story on. It’s a way of getting the word out and hopefully motivate voters.
Here’s a recap.
9/9/2019 City Commission Meeting:
#11 on the agenda
“Resolution No. 290-19 approving a Security Service Agreement with Professional Security Corporation to provide security services for all City facilities and roving services in Northwood.”
Below is the video of the meeting, what was said, and by whom. You can scan ahead to 1.28:00 when the contract is discussed. If you do please listen carefully to City Attorney Kimberly Rothenburg and the legal advice she gave commissioners. If Ms. Rothenburg knew she was misleading commissioners she should resign. If she believed she was giving correct answers, we can do better with a city attorney. She should resign.
https://vimeo.com/channels/781232/359054990
Below is not verbatim, but close enough to advice given by City Attorney.
Here’s what I can tell you. Commissioners can approve the contract that hasn’t gone through the process provided in the code. I don’t believe the court can tell the city what to put in the procurement code. Well have to see what the court says.
Is she correct about I don’t believe the court can tell the city what to put in the procurement code. How about what’s already in the procurement code? Can the City change the code to suit their purpose and help their drinking buddies gain an 8 million dollar contract? Picture was taking at the Blue Martini and shows buddies Mayor Keith James and PSC Willie Perez (seated) Double click the picture to enlarge. There are so many politicians meeting at the Blue Martini it’s being referred to as the 2nd. City Hall.
Residents were upset with the vote after it passed unanimously and let the city know in no uncertain terms. The city had to formulate a plan and do it fast.
Sept. 27,2019 a Special City Commission meeting was called to further discuss the no-bid contract, and possibly rescind their vote. The word was already on the street there would be no meeting because there would be no quorum. Street was right, and James kept us about 15 min. waiting for 3 commissioners we knew would be a no show. What part did Commissioners play? Commissioners Peduzzi, Lambert and Shoaf were no shows. All we needed was 1 more to join Neering and Ryles and make a difference but surprisingly they all had other commitments.
Joseph A. Peduzzi, P.A. Personal Injury Attorney. Christine Lambert, Managing Director at Productive Power. Kelly Shoaf, Founded The Westley Group / Principal Partner.
A Managing Director, Principal Partner and Attorney couldn’t break away for an hour to attend a very important meeting. I believe Neering and Ryles are ready to meet again. Who has the authority to place it back on the agenda? Are we going to be told it’s too late to do anything? Are they hoping we will forget and just go away? If we allow it that’s exactly what will happen. At the last Commission meeting Commissioner Neering actually stated he made a mistake with his vote and apologized. I have more respect for him making the admission because I believe people learn from their mistakes. Never make mistakes, never learn the lesson. A sincere Thank You Commissioner Neering.
One final thought. If you are a regular reader of WPB Watch I have mentioned I am not one to believe in coincidence. How’s this for one.
RMA (Redevelopment Management Associates) a management and consulting firm specializing in providing redevelopment, economic development, urban design, real estate and marketing consulting won the bid (it’s a long story) to oversee the CRA in WPB. The man put in charge is named Jon Ward, Executive Director. Approximately 2 years ago their contract ended and the Commissioners were to vote on a new contract. Staff recommended one year extension. At the time it was Commissioner James who stated they were doing such a good job, lets extend it for 2 years. Done Deal. What happened?
The WPB Internal Auditor, Beverly Mahaso, has placed the CRA on the schedule to be audited early next year. Jon Ward was quoted in the PB Post as saying he didn’t work for the city and they had no right to audit the CRA. Hey, Mr. Ward you are spending millions of taxpayer dollars. Well Mr Ward, just resigned. Seems James wants to return it to in house operation. Audit/resign probably a coincidence.
Is WPB Starting The Healing Process?
10/7/2019 When I walked into the City Commissioner Chamber for the regular meeting I saw a woman sitting in Jeff Green’s seat and knew it was Faye (Outlaw) Johnson. We gained Ms. Johnson in a swap for Dorritt Miller who is now Assistant Administrator for the county.
In my opinion the city of WPB won big in the exchange.
The only problem I have with James appointing Ms. Johnson. She is the Interim Administrator..(An INTERIM appointment is defined as a position filled on a temporary basis while a search is being conducted.)
This mayor and his searches. He already has the best he is going to have in Ms. Johnson who is recognized for her honesty, integrity and ethics, which is hard to recognize if you lack them.
I wondered where Green was and thought he may be at the Blue Martini with his buddy Willie Perez having a beer, but then thought no, James and Peduzzi were at the meeting and they all have a few together.
The story in the PB Post, by Tony Doris can be read below. There were parts of the story that caught my attention for instances:
“West Palm Beach City Administrator Jeff Green resigns,”
Do you believe he resigned, or given the choice resign or be fired? My opinion James should have fired him not allowing him to resign so he can receive thousands of tax payer dollars called a city pension. I wonder how much his separation package was? I wonder if Green now realizes how those men and women felt who stood before them asking for a 2 week extension on the Giddens contract. Petrified they would lose their job.
James:
“Recently he has taken political heat for the no-bid deal to Professional Security Consultants”
“An effort to establish a two-lane bikeway on South Flagler Drive”
“a proposed deal to trade city waterfront land in exchange for allowing a hotel at the Palm Harbor Marina and ending potentially expensive litigation.”
The Mayor and City Administrator, along with the City Attorney are the powers behind city government.
City Administrator Jeff Green supposedly brought political heat on James. He’s gone
City Attorney Rothenburg told the mayor and commissioners they could vote yes on the no-bid contract along with her advice on South Flagler, and it was OK to give away millions of city land. Her advice has already cost taxpayers on 2 of the 3 a lawsuit. How in this world can commissioners and the mayor trust her legal advice? She should join Green.
A Lame Duck is an elected official whose successor has already been, or in the near-term will be, elected. James, the first black strong mayor of WPB who could have done some great things for the city has failed in only 7 months in office.
The commissioners who refused to listen to residents and instead accepted the word of Green and Rothenburg as bible, hopefully will be replaced in March 2020, and the city can began to heal. When it’s over—no pulling on my heartstrings.
PB Post reporter Tony Doris story below.