WPB Residents Fight Back
There are now three legal challenges facing the mayor and city commissioners over their decision to allow development that goes against what they as a group previously passed as law. In February 2014 the Citizens for Thoughtful Growth filed a lawsuit on the planned condo on the waterfront of the Chapel-by-the-Lake with the city leaders ignoring their own city growth plans concerning height, density, & set back along with state statutes.
A resident of Waterview Towers is challenging the city for the planned 75 foot, 108 room Marriott “Boutique Hotel” measuring over 92,000 square feet, along with 2650 square feet of meeting room, 5000 square foot restaurant, and a three story garage, all on 1 1/2 acres of land.
The latest lawsuit is the massive Rybovich Marina which the city approved the project in April 2014. The six buildings which the city approved will be 25 to 30 stories tall, and will total 1,059 units or 2,118 new residents based on couples, along with 15,000 sq.ft.of restaurants, over 61,000 sq. ft. of office space, 10,000 sq.ft.retail space, beach club, boat dock, and the icing on the cake, six slips which will house mega yacht’s.
Mayor Muoio stated “We have very excellent planners who are very knowledgeable” This writer disagrees, and if they wish to keep their job, the planners better approve the city plan. Mayor Muoio also states “If you want services, we have to increase tax dollars somehow. Where is that money going to come from?” I have a suggestion. Instead of raising taxes why is city government not being prudent with the taxes they have.
For example, the city has recently cost taxpayers over 2.5 million dollars in lawsuits and settlements, and that does not include the cost of the city defending the lawsuits. (The above figure includes a lawsuit won by Matthew Ladd who won a judgement of $880,000.00 against the city, as the mayor brags of a cap of $200,000.00, the city is contesting the award. Mr. Ladd has filed a FEDERAL lawsuit and I believe Mr. Ladd will be victorious, and a FEDERAL lawsuit has no cap, so what the courts award, the city (taxpayer) will pay. William Mc Cray who won a lawsuit against the city and was awarded $230,000.00 dollars, the city contested the award, and ended up paying Mr. McCray $300,000.00. The city sure showed Mr. McCray, along with the taxpayers. Over five million dollars wasted on Open Sky Police Radio, 2.9 million spent on land in the south end to keep Walmart out of the area, 2 million wasted on Digital Domain, and again doesn’t include the cost of litigation to take back the land that was given to Digital Domain by a very generous mayor and city commission. $37 million wasted on the Advanced Wastewater Treatment facility, a system that never worked right, and has been quietly shut down after a few years.
The figures above amount to 49.4 million tax dollars wasted, and the mayor asked the question if residents want services where is the money to come from. I say the city had the money, but choose to squander it. If a private business ran the way the city does, it would soon be bankrupt. The city continues to spend money it doesn’t have, and continues to punish the taxpayer for their negligence.
No one is happy when a lawsuit is filed against the city due to the fact it will cost us tax dollars when the city loses, which it generally does. On the other hand, when the city is determined to do what they believe is best for the residents, and ram it down our throats, they leave no alternative but to involve the courts. With that said I applaud the residents who will not be pushed around by the city any longer and are willing to fight back. It only takes one person the say “enough” organize a group, and fight back.
Now if we could only have someone say “enough”, organize, and work to replace Mayor Muoio and City Commissioner Keith James, who are up for reelection in March 2015, a new mayor and commissioner willing to lead the city and represent the residents instead of the developers, WPB will be a much better, healthier, happier city.
Hope & Crosby On The Road Again
At the annual budget meeting held on 9/19/ 2012 the WPB City Commissioners placed $10,000.00 in the budget to be used for travel expenses. The budget passed unanimously.
11/2012 Commissioners Robinson & James traveled to Orlando and spent a combined total of $1,450.45 of which $460.77 was spent on gas, tolls, and parking.
11/2012 Both Commissioners traveled to Boston, Mass. and spent a combined total of $5,396.05 of which $37.00 was spent on taxi’s.
3/2013 Both Commissioners traveled to Washington, DC and spent a total of $5,221.57 of which $239.77 was spent on taxi’s.
With these 3 trips Commissioners Robinson & James spent a total of $12,068.07 or $2,068.07 over budget. $737.54 was for gas, tolls, parking and taxi’s. Now is the time to remind taxpayers each Commissioner receives $500.00 a month for “car allowance” and obviously not to be spent on gas, tolls, parking or taxi’s. Commissioner Robinson has collected in excess of $66,000.00 since 1999 and James $18,000.00 of taxpayer money for their “car allowance” to date.
Sept. 2013 Lets place another taxpayer funded $10,000.00 in the Travel Budget.
Nov. 2013 Commissioner Robinson & James traveled to Seattle, Washington and spent a combined total of $5,766.51 of which $89.00 was spent on taxi’s.
On 2/24/ 2014 at 10:00 AM The Mayor/Commission Work Session was held.and #2 item on the agenda was “Expenditures for Travel and Training” and Commissioner James informed all present Commissioner Robinson and he was traveling back to Washington, DC for another National League of Cities Convention. If the commissioners spend what they spent in March 2013 they will once again be over budget. Commissioner James said the extra needed funds would come from their discretionary funds. All Commissioners receive $3,200.00 a year taxpayer dollars to be used as they see fit.
The conventions these 2 commissioners travel too are for the National League of Cities, or the Florida League of Cities. Here is an example of what the Fl. League of Cities try to accomplish for politicians in our state. A story in the PB Post reads: “Clemens ethics bill draws heat” A bill filed by Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth is drawing heat for clashing with a tougher ethics standard for public officials passed in 2013, and hailed by Republican leaders as one of the top achievements of the year. Clemens proposal (SB 606) which he says was sought by the “Florida League of Cities,” would lift most gift-reporting requirements for elected officials and public employees; shield officials from ethics complaints if they acted after getting advice from a lawyer; and allow for penalties of up to $5,000.00 against someone who files a complaint “with malicious intent.” With 3 county and 2 city commission sent to federal prison for corruption and residents working long and hard to establish the Office of Inspector General, and the PBC Commission on Ethics this is what the league tries to accomplish. Is this why Commissioners Robinson and James are traveling, to support the legislation?
When the “Travel Budget” was introduced it was with the understanding the commissioners would discuss the travel plans and vote on it at a “public meeting” where residents would have input. Their travel plans were never discussed at a City Commission meeting which is held every other Monday @ 5:00 PM and would allow residents to attend after work and more important have the right to make comments. These commissioners discuss their travel plans at a Mayor/ Commission Work Session held at 10:00 AM ( I was the only resident in attendance) and public comment is not allowed. I asked The mayor and Commissioner James if the upcoming trip to Washington, DC would be discussed at the City Commission meeting and was told no it would not because they had a consensus at todays work session. Commissioner Moffett was absent along with Commissioner Mitchell, so the consensus was with Materio, and the two taking the trip, James and Robinson.
The only feedback taxpayers who are funding the travel ever received was from Ike Robinson who mentioned a letter sent by Mayor Muoio to Rep Frankel and Murphy at their Washington office was not received by either of the Representatives. Both have offices on Military Trail and it cost the taxpayers over $5,200.00 to find out this information. Shame, shame, shame on these commissioners. They don’t know the meaning.
WPB Slow To Keep School Children Safe!
For too many years WPB Resident, Mr. Cleveland, has appeared before the mayor and city commissioners with a simple request. Please install a blinking warning light at the Pleasant City Elementary School, located at 2222 Spruce Avenue, to inform drivers they are approaching a school area, and school is about to be adjourned, and the speed limit drops to 20 MPH.
The last response from the city to Mr. Cleveland was that a GRANT was coming in 2015 and a light would be installed at that time. In the mean time we can pray the children cross the street safely. For residents not familiar with the Pleasant City School, it is attended by African American children located in a crime ridden section of the city, a few blocks south of the celebrated Northwood Road and within one block from St Ann’s Center for the homeless and one block from the city’s problematic Blum Park.
Here are a few of the mayor and city commissioners priorities, and where taxpayer dollars are spent:
District 1 Commissioner Sylvia Moffett: The CRA (city) has for over 5 years, spent, and continues to spend $12,500.00 a month for a Wine & Cheese Festival held monthly at Northwood Village. Over the years it has cost the taxpayer over $750,000.00 dollars.
District 2 Commissioner Robinson: Travels behind Holland & Knight, a lobbyist firm, who has a contract with the city for $144,000.00 a year to represent us with the ” League of Cities.” and the “National League of Cities” The commissioners placed $10,000 in the 2014 budget for travel and with the budget year just beginning Commissioner Robinson and James have spent over 1/2 the budget on one trip to Seattle, Washington, and have no qualms spending $400.00 a night for an “Executive Suite” in hotel’s.
All five city commissioners receive $500.00 a month “Car Allowance” (some call it a slush fund) and when Commissioner Robinson travels to Orlando for a League of Cities convention for the day, he bills the city $100.00 for gas and tolls. This expense is always approved by assistant administrator Dorritt Miller. What is the “car allowance” used for if not gas and tolls?
District 3 Commissioner Mitchell: Made a recommendation that $25,000 be placed in a fund for lobbyist, in the 2014 budget meeting “because they work so hard” I guess a contract of $144,000.00 a year isn’t enough. I assume Commissioner Mitchell is referring to Holland & Knight and not her mother Anita Mitchell, a lobbyist, and recently elected PBC GOP chair, or her ex husband, Mr. Pinsky also a lobbyist. I hope the city will not funnel tax payer dollars to any lobbyist.
Commissioner Mitchell along with WPB Mayor Muoio, is pulling out all the stops to bring a Charter School to WPB. Residents are upset with this idea due to the fact that the city does not do well with “schools” and taxpayer dollars. Commissioner Mitchell brought us the deal of the century with John Textor’s Digital Domain. If you recall, that cost the taxpayer over 2 million dollars, and untold thousands more to reclaim land that was worth an additional $10 million dollars which the city gave to Textor. Commissioner Mitchell, arrogantly claimed she would do it all over again, which apparently she meant with the talks now turning to charter schools. Commissioner Mitchell, claims the charter school is to help ” the poorer kids in depressed areas receive a decent education” and never mentions the millions it will take from already failing public schools and put those millions into the cities “for profit” charter school. This writer believes it’s the money and not education of “the poorer kids in depressed areas” that drives this project, but the dollar signs in Mitchell’s eyes.
District 4 Commissioner James: Read District 2 as these 2 commissioners travel together to these conventions. Commissioner James had the audacity to present a bill for $845.56 to the city for attending a convention for the Florida League of Cities held in Hollywood, Fl. which is located approximately 50 miles from WPB, but opted to spend over $350.00/ night for 2 nights stay in a motel, along with 3 meals a day plus taxpayer dollars for gas, tolls,and valet parking.
District 5 Commissioner Materio: Was instrumental in leading the city to purchase a piece of land in the south end for $2.9 million dollars, for the purpose of purchasing land to keep Wal-Mart out of the south end. The 2.9 million was NOT in the city budget for the year.
With the millions of dollars spent by the WPB mayor and city commissioners as stated above, they have not, for too many years, cannot find a few thousand dollars to place a warning light to keep young children safe who are being released from school by slowing down traffic to 20 MPH. The very children they profess to care about and want them to receive a good education, they cant find the money to keep them safe while crossing the streets. It is time for the city politicians to stop telling residents they love them and start showing them.
When residents cant be bothered to address their elected officials, by attending meetings or in the least sending an e-mail you are letting them know their actions are acceptable to you and your children. If not you—-Who?
Some information on the “Florida League of Cities” which Commissioners Robinson & James so fondly run after spending thousands of dollars annually. This piece was taken from the PB Post dated 1/23/14, and reads in part “Clemens ethics bill draws heat” A bill filed by Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth. Clemens proposal (SB 606) which he says was sought by the Florida League of Cities. The bill he introduced would drastically change the tougher ethics standard for public officials passed in 2013.His bill would lift most gift-reporting requirements for elected officials & public employees; shield officials from ethics complaints if they acted after getting advice from a lawyer; and allow for penalties up to $5,000.00 against someone who files a complaint “with malicious intent “What citizen would ever file a complaint against an elected official if they could possibly have a $5,000.00 penalty placed against them? No wonder they still call us Corruption County!
Holidays Not So Happy For All WPB Residents
The City of West Palm Beach certainty jumped into the Christmas Holidays with sand sculptures, and decorative lighting making downtown and the waterfront a festive sight to behold. On December 21st It was a joy to see families with their children, and Christmas is all about the children, enjoying the sights and a visit from Santa, Santa’s helpers, elves and a moving kiddie train.
What was noticeably missing was the smiling faces of black children with very few seen in attendance. The vast majority of children, enjoying the sights and sounds were Caucasian.
The city invited all families and children to join in, so why the low attendance of black children? If you have a question, like I did, and want an answer you have to go into a black area and look for parents with children. A trip to Blum Park, 23rd. & Spruce Ave where men sit and drink out of paper bags on a daily basis, while children play on the swings and their mother’s hover over them, is where I found mothers willing to answer the question. “Did you go downtown to the Christmas festivities? All I received were “no” answers. It seems the main reason the mothers didn’t attend with their children was due to the fact they didn’t have transportation.
OK that took me back because I never thought of transportation. You don’t think when you jump into your car to run to the Doctors, Publix’s, or something as simple as lunch with a friend. There are thousands who can’t afford the luxury of an automobile.
Blum Park is located in a poorer section of WPB and is inhabited by African Americans. Children shouldn’t lose out due to the fact their parents have no transportation to drive their kids to the festivities.
Now travel back in time and consider this. The extension of State Road 7 which the city agreed to extend years ago, when an agreement was reached to allow gated communities such as Ibis (where Mayor Muoio resides) to become part of WPB. Now it seems the city is reneging on the extension, and held a rally at the South Florida Fair Exposition Center, where Mayor Muoio and City Commissioners approved 4 charter buses, paid for by the taxpayers, to take residents from 3 western gated communities to the fair grounds while one bus picked up residents at city hall, all to protest the extension.
The city of WPB have at their disposal, 5 trolleys, with 2 in continuous operation, while 3 trolleys sit parked at the garage. The residents ride, with no cost to them, on the “Yellow” line which travels to the Kravis Center, City Place, and the Clematis St. Waterfront. The “Green” line travels Railway Station, Clematis St. Dixie Highway, and Okeechobee Blvd.
These trolley’s do not venture into the poorest of poor neighborhoods, meaning black neighborhoods. The city of WPB could not free up a shuttle or 2 to take the children from these black neighborhoods to see Santa and ride the train? These African American neighborhood’s are not, and have never been, a priority to the city of West Palm Beach, or they never would have allowed them to deteriorate to the degree they have. Shame on them, and shame on the two African American Commissioners, Ike Robinson and Keith James for not doing anything to help the little Black children be able to sit on Santa’s lap and whisper to Santa their Christmas list.
City Spokesman Threatens Resident With Jail!
Below is a statement read at the WPB City Commission meeting held on 12/9/13, and is a follow up on the commission meeting held on 11/25/13. My pictures were city related, city business and reflected concerns about deplorable conditions in a residential area within a stones throw from both downtown and City Place. Mr Cohen, city spokesman,and Public Information Officer gave the orders the camera was to stay on me, and no photos of the neighborhoodhood were televised to the home audience. I question if Mr. Cohen took this upon himself or was taking orders from Mayor Muoio. When I requested I be allowed to reshow the pictures Mayor muoio advised me I had 48 seconds of time left. Definately not enough time. Censorship at it’s best.
“Nov.25 I showed the mayor and commissioners pictures of the northwest Historic District of the city and focused on an area within 5/10 of a mile from city hall. This is the area Mr. Waters, representing the Urban Group, expressed a feeling that the citizens in the Northwest Historic District, Tamarind and Rosemary Avenue, had not been afforded advantages to having economic access or social justice to improve their condition. He also stated, those areas have been historically left behind since the areas were developed. Mayor Muoio and Commissioner Mitchell were offended by his presentation and remarks. My pictures proved Mr. Waters correct in his assessment. Of course the city wouldn’t want these pictures made public and they were not.
I e-mailed the city that I intended to show these pictures and needed help with the equipment. Elliot Cohen approached me before the meeting and requested the thumbnail, which I handed him. Mr Cohen attempted to leave chambers and I stopped him and asked for my property back, telling him I will place in the machine when my time came for public comment. Mr. Cohen told me he would place it in the machine, and I allowed it. Mr. Cohen again was leaving chambers and I again approached him and told him I was pulling my thumbnail. Mr Cohen advised me the pictures would not be shown.
Mr. Cohen stated I would be removed from the meeting, and I told him he better be prepared to have me arrested, which he assured me “I will have you arrested.” I became very angry and walked away, retrieved my equipment, and sat down. Mr. Cohen approached me and I asked him to leave me alone 3 times which he ignored, and continued speaking to me. The 3rd. time I raised my voice. You Mayor Muoio were standing on the dais and never looked up. Debbie Fennie who was in the back of chambers heard me and approached us and told Mr. Cohen I asked to be left alone, and why didn’t he walk away. Ms. Fennie made the request of Mr. Cohen a total of 3 times before he finally walked off.
Will the city allow me once again to show the pictures to be viewed by the home audience.
These pictures and the accompanying story can be seen on WPB Gov Watch.”
What the City of WPB Don’t Want Residents To See!
Below is my comment that I read at the city commission meeting held on 11/25/13. I received an e-mail from a friend this morning and he liked my presentation, but wondered why the city didn’t show the pictures I presented but kept the camera on me the entire time.
There were approximately 10-12 residents in the commission chambers but I hoped to reach the audience watching the meeting’s in their homes.
My intention was to show the public how badly the homes have deteriorated to the point where repairs are not possible. This section of the city know as the Northwest has a large population of African Americans, many of who have given up the idea of a clean, decent place to live. Other residents still hoping for a city to recognize them have created a “Wall of Freedom” and residents have written their thoughts and thoughts of other’s such as Martin Luther King in order to keep hope alive. Hopefully you will take time to view the pictures. Below is the statement that was read to the mayor and City Commissioners.
“At a recent CRA meeting Mayor Muoio & Commissioner Mitchell were offended by Mr. William Waters, who was representing The Urban Group, when he responded to a question “What area of the city do you see as the greatest challenge if you are selected?”
Mr. Waters expressed a feeling that the citizens in the Northwest Historic District, Tamarind Avenue and Rosemary Avenue, had not been afforded advantages to having economic access or social justice to improve their condition. He also stated, those areas have been historically left behind since the areas were developed.
The Northwest section that Mr. Waters spoke of is 5/10 of a mile from city hall. Lets see if the mayor and commissioner had reason to be offended. (SHOW PICTURES)
The city did not cause this blight, but this city is responsible for allowing a section of the city to develop into what it has become by ignoring the problem and allowing it to continue.
Is the CRA plan to eventually take this property as the city did with the property of homeowners in another section of the Northwest in order to build City Place, with a large turnover of businesses and is now in foreclosure.
CRA under the direction of RMA owned and operated by Kim Briesemeister, who is responsible for City Hall 150 million, the waterfront 30 million, and the loss of 2 million dollars wasted with Digital Domain, which that loss can be shared with Commissioner Mitchell.
If this mayor and city commissioners are satisfied with RMA and Kim Briesemeister way of doing business then by all means award her the contract which she has already been told was her’s.”
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CRA & WPB
On Nov.5,2013 @ 3:00 PM, when most residents are working, the city held a Special City Commission Meeting on CRA Outsourcing Presentation. Unfortunately there were 6 residents in attendance, which is the norm, and the plan for afternoon meetings.
Three companies, CH2M Hill, The Urban Group, and RMA were the finalist. The Urban Group was quickly eliminated when Mr. William Waters had the courage to question city leadership, and told the mayor and commissioners the African American community has long been ignored.
That left CH2M HILL, a global firm, and RMA (Redevelopment Management Associates) run by Kim Briesemeister, who headed the CRA from 2004 until she resigned in Aug. 2013 in her bid to take over WPB CRA which has a budget of 28 Million dollars. In 9 years here are a few things Ms. Briesemeister has accomplished for the city.
City Center: Built the library and garage component of the the new city hall. Residents, upset with the project, and many believed the residents should be allowed to vote on the issue, sued the city. The courts agreed, let the residents vote. Then mayor Lois Frankel, obviously aware that the residents were not able to make an intelligent decision, rushed to finished the project and denied the residents the right to vote on the project.The city lost in court to a citizen’s alliance group that cost taxpayers $300,000 in legal fees.
Waterfront: Spent $30 million dollars revamping the waterfront. Residents should visit the waterfront and witness the lack of use. Yearly Boat Show uses the area.
Northwood Village: Turned a blighted area in Northwood into a shopping and restaurant destination. Taxpayers are paying $12,500/month for Wine, Cheese & entertainment in this area, and taxpayers have been paying for 5-6 years. If you visit this area, walk one street over to the city’s Blum Park and join the men drinking out of brown paper bags. The city will not supply bags or beverage.
Digital Domain: The city gave prime city land valued at $10 million, along with $2 million to Digital Domain in a partnership with FSU (Commissioner Mitchell’s Alma Mata) for a digital animation college.It was reported in the PB Post that Kim Briesemeister approved the deal between the city and Digital Domain, and said CEO John Textor was fully vetted. On Sept.10,2012 Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell, Kim Briesemeister, and City Attorney Claudia McKenna drove to John Textor’s home for a private meeting. On Sept.11, 2012 Digital Domain filed for bankruptcy. On Sept.13,2012 Ms. Briesemeister home was burglarized, and two laptops were stolen along with two briefcases filled with paperwork. A week later another burglary and more computer equipment were stolen. Ms. Briesemeister stated it was a private matter and refused to discuss the matter. It leaves one to wonder if the computer’s and briefcase’s contained information on Digital Domain, lost forever.
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Why WPB Needs Your Taxes!
The taxpayers of WPB pay $12,000.00 a month for Federal lobbyist Holland and Knight to represent the city. Commissioners James and Robinson constantly travel to League of Cities running behind Holland and Knight, spending tax dollars and cannot tell the residents paying the tab what they have accomplished. Commissioner Robinson once reported on a trip from Washington, DC. Mayor Muoio wrote letters to Representatives Frankel, Murphy and Hastings, and none of the 3 received the letters. Frankel & Murphy have offices on Military Trail, and Hastings has his office in Ft. Lauderdale. It cost the taxpayers $5,221.57 to learn that letters were not delivered in Washington. Waste!
Commissioner James traveled to Hollywood Florida (100 miles round trip) and spent 2 nights in a hotel and it cost the taxpayers $845.56 When the PB Post questioned him on the motel stay he claimed early morning meetings. After receiving a Public Records Request I learned every meeting was held in the afternoon except for the Continental breakfast which was 7-9 AM. Commissioner James lied, and took advantage of the taxpayers. At a city work session 7/1/13 Commissioner James mentioned the travel budget was depleted and he and Commissioner Robinson traveled at their own expense on a second trip to Washington DC. In reality the taxpayers paid a total of $675.00 air fair. Another lie by Commissioner James.
Commissioner Robinson has received over the years a car allowance totaling $67,900.00 so why when he travels on his day trips to Orlando does he present a travel expense report for tolls and gas and receive reimbursement of approximately $100.00. for each trip? Why does Dorrett Miller sign off on all these expenditures? What’s the purpose of the car allowance?
When the commission placed $10,000.00 in the travel budget, it was with the understanding they would seek permission from the commissioners to access the money. Together they have made numerous trips, spent thousands of taxpayer dollars and it is all done at a commission work sessions held at 10:00 AM away from public view, where input from residents is not allowed. The commissioners supposedly are to vote on matters at a regular mayor/city commission meeting held at 5:00 PM where residents have a right to address their commissioners. If they feel they are acting properly, why the need to be so devious about it?
Commissioner Ike Robinson is 76 years old and has been eligible for Medicare for 11 years, but chooses instead the “Cadillac” Executive Employees plan, paid entirely by the taxpayers of WPB. The “Cadillac” plan cost the Commissioners not one dime in contributions or deductibles. The insurance monthly premium schedule for 2012 has the residents paying $1,349.30/mth, or $16,191.60/ yr. for commissioner Robinson and his wife. I estimate the total for this one commissioner to be in the ballpark of between $150,000.00 to $180,000.00 dollars over the years. That combined with his car allowances adds up to approximately $200,000.00 over 11 years. Not bad for two perks, and a retired guy. Commissioner Robinson has stated he will not run again in 2015. I say about time.
Redemptive Life Fiasco Led to Retaliation Against WPB Auditor
On Oct.18, 2013 a story in the PB Post reads “HUD asks West Palm Beach to pay back $3 Million.”
Seems the city did an extremely poor job in their managing of low-income housing grants received from HUD to build homes in the poorest section of West Palm Beach.
The city turned over millions to Redemptive Life Church run by Bishop Harold Ray to build these homes,between 2005 and 2012, with little or no oversight, and now the city is looking to Redemptive Life for reimbursement. Good luck with that! In my opinion if the city had vetted Bishop Ray correctly the problem could have been avoided. Bishop Ray is living in a $600,000.00 home, and in my opinion should send the city of WPB a “thank you” card and a fruit basket. Once again it will fall to the taxpayers.
The PB Post broke the story early in 2012 and immediately after WPB Independent Auditor, Imogene Isaacs was blamed for leaking the story to the post. The City Independent Auditor did not perform the review of Redemptive Life, but was done by the housing staff who found the very serious problems. In the same time frame Ms. Isaacs and her staff along with human resources performed the review of the time and attendance of the 3 housing employees accused of wage theft. The powers to be decided Ms. Isaacs had to go after 22 years of service to this city. Commissioner Keith James, within a week of being appointed as president of the commission, fired off a memo to Ms. Isaacs which caused Ms. Isaac’s resignation.Read the memo and judge for yourself.
In 2005,08,&10 the city placed liens against Redemptive Life and Keith James, now Commissioner James, represented the church against the city of WPB, and he responded to me in an e-mail when I questioned the story. This was Commissioner James response to me.
Regards
Keith A. James
Commissioner, District 4
Well Commissioner James the investigation is over, and you still forced out one of the most committed city employee named Imogene Isaacs.
HUD Inspector General’s Office in Washington D.C. has released the report on the city of WPB. Read and judge the report for yourself.
Reports & Publications Results
September 30, 2013 | Audit Reports
Report Number: 2013-AT-1008:
City of West Palm Beach Did Not Always Properly Administer Its HOME Program
January 9, 2008 | Audit Reports
Report Number: 2008-AT-1004:
The City of West Palm Beach, FL, Did Not Properly Administer Its Community Development Block Grant Program
WPB Officials Disrespects OIG
A report recently released by the OIG concerning an interview with City Commissioners Robinson, James, Materio and Moffett, and included City Attorney Claudia McKenna. A PRR was requested from the OIG office for a copy of those interviews. An editorial in the PB Post, Randy Schultz wrote the post views on the story.The OIG interviewed the 5 named city officials in connection with the repayment of $7,325.00 taxpayer dollars to Commissioner Mitchell for Attorney fees, which was investigated by the OIG office, and found to be improper.
The interview’s for the city commissioners was conducted by Investigator Gary Byers.
The interview for City Attorney McKenna was conducted by Investigator Gary Byers & General Council Rob Beitler. All 5 interviews were held at the office of the OIG, and all officials were sworn in by Mr. Byers.
Note: The audio of those interviews is available to stream or download via the links under the pictures below.
My thoughts on the interview are as follows.
Commissioner Materio was respectful and responded to question’s asked by the OIG, and relied on city attorney for explanation’s as to reimburse Commissioner Mitchell. Commissioner Materio stated she believed Commissioner Mitchell was acting as a private citizen, and not in her official capacity as city commissioner. In her final statement Commissioner Materio stated this was “silly and a waste of time and money” I respect her opinion but the taxpayer’s who paid the $7,325.00 find nothing “silly” about it. Interview time: 14:40
Commissioner Moffett was also respectful and responded to question’s asked by the OIG, and also relied on the city attorney for guidance in the reimbursement of funds. When asked if Commissioner Mitchell was acting in her official capacity she replied “no”, and further stated “We shouldn’t have done it.” She then suggested the OIG “talk to the legal dept. we may have been led astray” Interview time: 16:33
Commissioner Robinson appeared aggravated and defensive, and at one point raised his voice. He stated “I followed the recommendation of my city attorney” on 2 occasions, and mentioned “attorney” no less than 15 times. My question to Com. Robinson would be if he depends on the city attorney for answer’s why did the entire commission vote to retain their own attorney, and on the subject of Commissioner Mitchell, why was the question to reimburse not directed to their attorney? Interview time: 12:25
Commissioner James appeared defensive, combative, and arrogant. He answered “no” or “I don’t recall” no less than 7 times to questions asked of him. He questioned the authority of the OIG 3 times, and said he was not there to defend the action he took in his vote to reimburse the $7,325.00 to Ms.Mitchell. It appears to me he feels he needs answer to no one for his actions, including the taxpayers who will pay this bill, or to the voters who mistakenly put him in office. Commissioner James interview time was the shortest at 4:38.
City Attorney Claudia McKenna appeared disingenuously repetitive, and vague. Ms.McKenna answered no questions, and repeatedly questioned the OIG jurisdiction over her and others, and used the word “Jurisdiction” no less that 40 times. When asked a question her response was with the words Fraud, Waste, Mismanagement, Misconduct, and Abuse 22 times. My question to Ms. McKenna would be if you believe, as stated, the OIG “has no jurisdiction over me” why did you feel compelled to accept their invitation to meet for an interview, why not decline? Her Interview time was 42:35.