Another city employee fired
Ms. David was previously employed by Rick Asnani of Cornerstone Solutions, the political consultant that was instrumental in electing the Mayor and all five City Commissioners.
Ms. David worked tirelessly on James election campaign, and after he was elected to his first term he created a new department named Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods Initiative and Advisory Group and named her Director at a starting salary of $95,000.00/year.
WPB Watch ran a story on Ms. David in Nov. 2019 and can be read below. The story begins with former City Commissioner Materio’s frustration with being unable to have the city respond to questions asked of her by residents in her district, and leads into Ms. David.
If you take the time to check it out you will see the name Catherine Ward mentioned. Today she is City Commissioner for District 1.
Below was taken from the city website.
Fast Facts
“The Mayor’s Neighborhood’s Initiative will do the following to create a culture that focuses on neighborhood collaboration and partnerships:
It will receive and track various community concerns and requests from residents
It will identify appropriate City resources to help close unresolved issues
It will help improve community relations and customer services
In June 2023 Mayor James announced that Sybille Welter would become the new City of West Palm Beach Director of the Mayor’s Neighborhoods First Initiative and Advisory Group. In this role, Ms. Welter oversees the initiative and communicate the concerns of residents, community groups, and local businesses in the City of West Palm Beach. She also develops and maintains a response program that receives and tracks various internal and external community concerns and requests in the City, identify appropriate City resources, and develops methods to improve community relations and customer service. Ms. Welter will also liaise with City Commissioners to help them raise awareness in our community of how the city resolves issues in our neighborhoods.
“Focused on creating a community of opportunity for all, my vision for West Palm Beach is a city that is resident-driven,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “I am committed to creating a customer-friendly culture that focuses on neighborhood initiatives, regional collaboration, and community partnerships.”
Look for more here on the projects and progress that the Mayor’s Neighborhood Initiative undertakes during 2023!”
In my opinion, Ms. David did not come close to doing a decent job for the city or it’s residents and I believe it was time for her to move on. What I don’t understand is why it has taken Mayor James 4 years to realize it, when it was obvious in Nov. 2019.
I wish Ms. Welter much luck in her new position.
WPB Watch Published 2019/11/06 “Who is Tiffany David”
https://wpbwatch.com/2019/11/are-city-commissioners-expecting-to-much/
The end
WPB City Understaffed
Shortly after Keith James won his first election as mayor, and before he was sworn in WPB employees began resigning from their job. It’s important to understand they worked with Keith James for 8 years as a City Commissioner and they knew him well.
I noticed more and more people absent and I placed a PRR (Public Records Request) for how many employees left the job, and was shocked when I received a response. The number was 275, and sense the report was issued more left.
Then the city started firing people, and more employees disappeared. Two employees that shocked me was Chief Financial Officer Mark Parks who was escorted out of City Hall by security guards at the start of the city budget meetings. Can’t place this one on James but on his newly appointed City Administrator, Faye Johnson. When I snooped around I was told it was a power grab, and James did nothing to prevent it.
Ms. Brooks, a woman of color, who worked in the City Commission office was terminated after 38 years of service to the commissioners and city. The timing of her firing came in February, the month we celebrate Black History Month. James gets the credit for her dismissal.
Here is where the story is leading.
Hurricane season: June to November:
One of the city’s suggestions is to have residents prune back trees and leave refuse for the city to collect, while warning residents not to trim if a hurricane is predicted. Makes sense to me.
The city gives Oak trees to residents to plant and many take advantage of the free giveaway. Well these pretty little trees grow into monstrous trees in a matter of a few years, as one has done in my development, and grew tall enough to block the street light making it a dangerous area. I contacted the city, explained the situation and asked the city to trim the tree back. Please double click picture to enlarge.
The tree is planted in the swale (area between the sidewalk and street) which is city property. The city trimmed the section around the street light and nothing more.
I complained. The city sent Mr.Greg Mihalko, a Certified Arborist to speak to me. He said the tree had a good canopy, was healthy, and the city would not trim it back.
The picture with the story is the tree in question and I ask readers to notice how the tree stretches across the road and sidewalk. Picture was taken a month ago, and with the rain upon us the tree has grown even more.
Across the road is an elderly couple (90’s) and we quite often see the city ambulances and firetrucks at the house tending to them. If the tree or large branches come down blocking the street it will hamper the fire dept. effort to reach them. If the branch over the sidewalk comes down and kills someone, what then?
The city, before James and Johnson, always aided residents with trimming back trees in the swale. What happened? I found out. The city always had a 3 member crew and trucks to service all of WPB, and they are down to one crew. Crew is made up of 3-4 employees. Think about that.
And if residents want to remove a tree, think twice. The city now fines people who remove a tree. Look what a business was fined for removing 3 trees on Clematis St.
Please double click picture to enlarge.
IA Department. (Internal Audit)
The IA dept. is responsible for auditing all city dept. looking for fraud, waste and abuse. If they find something it is presented to the Mayor, City Administrator and City Commissioners for correction.
I attended the IA meeting May 25, 2023 and learned that the city’s external auditors (Plante Moran) would not renew their contract due to lack of staff and the city is sending out RFP (Request for Proposals) for a replacement.
At the meeting I questioned how many employee’s the IA had and was concerned that Plante Moran would not renew it’s contract.
To be fully staffed the internal audit dept. needs 7-8 employees. They have 2. Beverly Mahasso, Chief Internal Auditor, and 1 Senior Staff Member, Muhammad Ramjohn.
MIA 5-6 employee’s. I was upset and questioned if the City Commissioners were aware, and if they were, why wasn’t something done about the situation.
The IA dept. is the only dept. that the City Commissioners oversee, and for 8 years that included City Commissioner Keith James.
For the IA to perform an audit they request information and documentation from the dept. being audited. It was time for the CRA audit.
Jon Ward was the director of the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency and when he was approached he stated the Internal Auditor had no right to audit his department. Really? Tax payer dollars, and the IA has no right to audit. Red flags all over the place. CRA has many millions in their budget that needs to be accounted for.
In Oct. 2019 Mr. Ward handed his resignation to Mayor James.
The IA completed part 1 & 2 of the CRA audit and reported they are working on part 3
June 12, 2023 City Commission meeting the IA dept. submitted 2 reports to the commission and it was time to use my 3 minutes to speak up. I mentioned what you have read above and also questioned if enough money was in the budget to support the IA staff.
City Administrator, Faye Johnson stated there was enough money in the budget, the problem was having people apply for positions.
That makes sense. The city has a terrible history concerning how they treat their employees and people talk, the word gets out concerning the firing of good employees, how many resigned learning James was elected and how utterly vindictive he is. Ms. Johnson’s reputation isn’t much better.
The end
New Marina To Swallow up our Waterfront
This story was written by PB Post journalist Wayne Washington and I believe he has done an excellent job on giving residents a full picture of the how WPB does business. Below is the story, and my comments will be in BOLD Italic, if underlined it’s to draw your attention.
“”WPB selects bid on new marina Winner has the backing of boat show’s operator”
Wayne Washington Palm Beach Post USA TODAY NETWORK
“West Palm Beach will begin negotiations with City Harbor LLC to build a $16 million marina off Flagler Drive that will generate an estimated $324,000 per year for the city and protect one of its signature cultural events, the Palm Beach International Boat Show.”
“Backing from Informa, the international events firm that puts on the boat show, was critical to City Harbor’s proposal, which beat out one submitted by Safe Harbor LLC, the largest owner and operator of marinas in the world.”
How is it possible Informa can work with City Harbor LLC and not with Safe Harbor and leisure Resorts? Is Informa making decisions concerning our waterfront?
“This is a very exciting day for our city,” Mayor Keith James said. “Just the opportunity to discuss having a worldclass marina on the front door of our waterfront is extremely exciting.”
“The marina negotiations are a major step forward in a process that started two years ago, when City Harbor made an unsolicited bid to expand the city’s two docks into a marina.”
Two years ago James was mayor, and were just learning about it now?
“Rather than accept City Harbor’s proposal, the city announced its intention to consider other proposals for a marina. ”
It’s the old story being repeated. James wants City Harbor’s but for appearance sake lets have other proposals.
“Three firms submitted plans and projections — City Harbor, Safe Harbor and Leisure Resorts LLC, which ultimately dropped out of the running.”
I want to know why Leisure Resorts LLC dropped out of the race. My opinion wouldn’t allow the city to use them or play their games.
“James and city commission members held a special meeting on Monday to decide whether to rank and choose a bidder and begin negotiations, delay the process or end it.”
The meeting was held at 9:00 AM when most people are at work. Good not to have folks against the proposal attending, even though they weren’t allowed to voice an opinion.
“Commissioner Christy Fox argued in favor of delaying a decision to give the public more time to weigh in, but her colleagues voted to rank and choose a bidder and begin negotiations. Fox initially refused to rank either bidder, but, after City Attorney Kimberly Rothenburg told her she was required to offer a ranking,”
“she joined James and three of her Commission colleagues in ranking City Harbor first and Safe Harbor second.”
Commissioner Fox between a rock and a hard place. Shame the other commissioners wouldn’t back her up and ask for more time to inform residents. If she was forced to vote she could have chosen Safe Harbor. It’s a learning lesson.
“Commissioner Cathleen Ward, who had noted the far larger revenue projections Safe Harbor included in its proposal, ranked Safe Harbor first and City Harbor second.”
Can’t argue with that. Commissioner Ward bucked the system. I hope she and her district aren’t punished to severely for doing the right thing.
“Why did West Palm choose City Harbor for the marina?”
“The way the city decided to move forward with City Harbor — no request for proposals process, no public meetings with dueling proposals upon which the public could comment or shape — appeared to frustrate Fox, just as it frustrated a Downtown Development Authority board member, who spoke to The Palm Beach Post anonymously because of fears of retribution.”
“Normally, with a project like this, the city would do all sorts of outreach,” the board member said. “I’m all for a publicprivate recreational use, but the public should have been involved in specifying what that recreational use was.”
The above paragraph is most telling, and please pay particular attention to what the Downtown Development Board member had to say concerning retribution. Mayor James has the reputation of being vindictive if you cross him. I want to bring readers attention to agenda item #9.3 on tonight’s (6/12/2023) agenda. it can be found at the end of the story. Don’t peek!
“The city has seen other large development projects hit snags as they undergo public scrutiny and feedback.”
I believe this will also hit a s”snag” but only if residents find the courage and their voice to speak up at City Commission meetings. Your silence means acceptance.
“The most notable instance of that occurred with the Sunset Lounge, a 1920sera supper club the city has rebuilt with at least $16 million in public money. Multiple firms vied for the lounge’s management contract, and, after one was selected during a contentious, protracted public meeting, the city later determined the firm its violated anti-lobbying rules.
The city moved to the second-place management bidder, but determined that it, too, violated anti-lobbying rules. The first management bidder sued, arguing that it did not violate rules against lobbying. A judge ruled in its favor, but the legal questions surrounding who would manage the lounge has delayed its re-opening.”
Mr .Washington makes excellent point and comparison. The city lost it’s lawsuit in the Sunset Lounge and residents haven’t heard if the city is negotiating a new contract or how much taxpayer dollars were wasted on a frivolous lawsuit.
“West Palm Beach avoided that type of drama with the rebuilding of its municipal golf course.
After a redevelopment project at the golfing site failed to get financing, James reached a handshake deal with Seth Waugh, chief executive of PGA of America, who asked for an exclusive period during which he would raise money to redesign the facility.”
James is a Harvard Law School grad. What the hell is a handshake deal? If Seth Waugh takes James at his word, he’s in for a rude awakening.
“Waugh said he raised $53 million in donations to rebuild the course, which has drawn rave reviews from golf experts. But Waugh has refused to disclose who, specifically, paid for its reconstruction, and high prices at the course have drawn complaints from some golfers. It’s not clear if the city has the authority to alter rates at a course it, technically at least, owns.”
This wont pass the smell test. What is Waugh hiding, and why should that be acceptable to the city and residents?
“James said he was motivated to move forward with Waugh’s vision for the golf facility because it included numerous community benefits, particularly for children.”
Now James is using children. The very man that is attempting to starve the homeless out of existence. James is not known for his empathy.
“That, he said Monday, is the reason he backed City Harbor’s proposal, which foresees various programs at the marina that would give children and those who aren’t wealthy equal access to the water.”
“Equal access to the water” When James and City Commissioners are through you won’t even be able to see the water, let alone have access.
“What would the new West Palm marina feature?”
City Harbor’s proposal included sightseeing cruises from the marina, as well as ecotours, educational trips for children, a water taxi, day fishing trips and dive excursions.
“West Palm Beach would retain ownership of the marina under City Harbor’s proposal, which includes 84 slips for vessels as long as 130 feet.”
Sounds like the city is allowing a dam to be built.
“City Harbor has proposed a 100-year management contract, though that term is subject to negotiation.
Safe Harbor’s proposal is significantly different. It pledged to build a $34 million marina and retain ownership of it.
The firm’s plans call for dinner and sunset cruises as well as water taxis at a marina that includes 97 slips for vessels as long as 284 feet.
Safe Harbor said it would pay the city a $500,000 acquisition fee for a 40-year lease with options for two 15-year extensions. The firm estimates its real estate taxes would be $250,000 per year, and it has promised to give the city $986,000 per year, which it estimates would equate to about 12% of its gross revenues from the marina.
Commissioners noted that Safe Harbor’s proposal offered the city more money.
Commissioner Christina Lambert said, while she appreciates “the additional revenue that is on paper” as part of Safe Harbor’s proposal, “for me, that wasn’t the primary goal of this project.”
She added: “Many times, we’re presented with projects and we’re looking at evaluating who is the best partner for the city, and, sometimes, we choose the one that isn’t the most revenue for the city.”
“Safe Harbor, which came up with a marina project after City Harbor, was fighting an uphill battle once officials for the Palm Beach International Boat Show told commissioners City Harbor’s marina plan was the only one that worked for the boat show.”
I would like to know who invited the boat show to the meeting to voice their opinion in favor of City Harbor being the only one that worked for the boat show. Who got what?
“What is the impact of the Palm Beach International Boat Show?”
“One study showed that the 2022 boat show had a statewide economic impact of $1 billion. Residents and others from far and wide crowd onto West Palm Beach’s waterfront each spring, providing a steady stream of patrons for downtown restaurants and bars.”
After questioning from James, Safe Harbor officials said they had discussions with the boat show and that its marina project would be a fit.”
So who is lying? Obvious to me is when boat show officials appeared at the meeting and stated City Harbor being the only one that worked for the boat show.
“From where I sit, I wasn’t satisfied with the answer to the boat show question that I asked,” he said. “There were a lot of word gymnastics there that didn’t really address the issue. There must be a reason why the boat show went with one of them and not the other.”
Really, ya think?
“Boat show support for City Harbor’s plan was critical, as James and other commissioners cited it in discussing the dueling proposals.”
That would be James and his bobble heads trying to please the master.
“The boat show is very important to our city,” James said. “It’s a tremendous economic driver. And anything that can be done to ensure the future of the boat show of our city, I think, is in the city’s best interests.”
Boat show not so important to the city as it is to James. What does he get out of the deal? My opinion the boat show will never move from WPB. I compare the boat show to Related. While they are both making millions off the City of WPB neither will look the gift horse in the mouth.
Wayne Washington is a journalist covering West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our work; subscribe today.
https://palmbeachpost-fl.newsmemory.com/?publink=0a9c2ecd1_134abf5
City Commission meeting to be held 6/12/2023
“9.3. City Commission approval is requested for the Mayor’s appointment of Timothy K. Harris to the Downtown Development Authority for a term of three (3) years to expire on July 1, 2026. Mr. Harris will fill the seat of Ms. Cynthia Nalley. It is required that the Commission confirms this appointment.
Originating Department: Mayor’s Office”
Could Ms. Nalley be the Downtown Development Authority board member, who spoke to The Palm Beach Post anonymously because of fears of retribution. I don’t believe in coincidences . If you double click the text message between Mayor James and Gregory Key you can read what occurred when Mr. Clemente wouldn’t support the mayors decision to replace Police Chief Mooney with Police Chief Frank Adderley. Double click the text message to enlarge. This is the guy running the City of WPB into the ground.
The end.
Feeding The Hungry Part 2
June 10 2023 I attended the FNB (Food not Bombs) feeding of the homeless on Clematis St. when a WPB police car drove slowly by. I knew there was going to be a problem.
The homeless lined up to be fed, and for some this was their first meal of the day. I positioned myself close enough to the serving table where clothing was arranged for the taking. The most commonly asked for item was socks.
As I sat and listened I heard over and over again “thank you & please” coming from the homeless. Someone from FNB managed to acquire a donation of socks and everyone received 2 pairs. I will never take socks for granted again.
When the feeding was ended, and the volunteers began breaking the tables down, I started to “police” the area picking up trash that may have been left in the area after the feeding. It was a waste of my time.
The WPB Police Dept. showed up and it was Officer Smith the same officer that previously issued a warning to Canta Chestnut for feeding the homeless.
Officer Smith, who was polite and respectful, but meant business, asked for identification while we all stood staring at her. Her next statement was show me some identification or you’re all going to jail. Here it was, the threat of jail along with a $500 fine.
A volunteer with FNB named Carly Prinzo who was quoted in a story reported by channel 5 and was part of the 1st. story on feeding the homeless. Chanel 5 gave her name as “Carl” and I will correct the error. Her name is Carly Prinzio, and here is her previous statement to channel 5.
“Spokeswoman Carl Prinzio said her group will reject this permit requirement, calling it a blatant attack on their freedom of expression.”
“It’s definitely just straight up awful,” she said. “It’s ridiculous. You are criminalizing people for sharing food with the hungry, really? Of all the different issues you could be tackling in the city of west palm beach, this is what your spending your resources on?
“Why not address the issues of food insecurity, affordable housing. Those are what causes the problems that we have so they are just out of their mind coming after us for sharing food. It makes no sense for any of us.”
Carly Prinzio showed Officer Smith her identification and was rewarded with a warning to stop feeding the homeless. None went to jail.
While speaking to us, a group of well dresses people passed by and said something to Officer Smith. She replied to them if they wanted to comment please come over her camera was on. They continued walking down the street. This is important and I will explain below.
Canta Chestnut
I’m continuing her story because I finally received my PRR. (Public Record Request)
Below was part of the story.
5/30/2023 City Commission meeting.
“One of the speakers was a woman named Canta Chestnut who is president of “We Care About People Inc” who have prepared healthy meals and distributed them from the back of her car for years. On April 27, 2023 she received a written warning from police to stop or she would receive a $500.00 fine or 60 days in jail, or both. She spoke passionately to the elected officials.” The officer who served the warning was Officer Smith. the same that issued a warning to Carly Prinzio from FNB.
Ms. Chestnut provided me with a copy of her warning, and on Friday, June 2, 2023 I sent a PRR to the police dept. requesting a copy of the police report and the camera video.
June 8, 2023 After an email to the PD informing them I will file a complaint with Barbara Peterson of Florida Center for Government Accountability (FLCGA) I received a response.
The PD responded with a document called a CAD a Computer Aided Dispatch report. That does not sound like a police report to me. See here. Canta Chestnut Police report
As for a copy of the body camera worn by officer Smith I was advised “BODY WORN CAMERA NOT ON FILE. NO BODY WORN CAMERA” 
I don’t believe the PD response. Why would Smith tell a crowd of people to come over if they wanted to make a comment, her camera was on but off when she issued a warning to Canta Chestnut no record of it.
When James held a comment card, and said he would not read it from the Free Press I placed a PRR for the card, and the City Clerk responded with she didn’t remember it. My complaint to FLCGA and I soon received a copy of the card. Having problems receiving a PRR? I suggest you report it to FLCGA.
I would suggest to the mayor and city commissioners a cops job is hard enough with public trust and putting them under a microscope. Remember the saying “Don’t kill the messenger.” Smith is doing her job, if she doesn’t there’s a reprimand. Caught between a rock and a hard place.
When a cop issues a warning they are the ones who are demonized not James who headed the ordinance and his puppets, the city commissioners who voted approval.
Channel 5 WPTV Joel Lopez Posted May 30, 2023 updated May 31, 2023
“I don’t intend to stop, because I don’t think you have the right to infringe on my First Amendment right to practice my religion,” Chestnut said. “We are to take care of those less fortunate. We’re to feed the hungry, clothed the naked. We’re supposed to provide shelter.”
The entire story and interviews can be seen below. Please be patient with the ad that appears before the interview.
Below are pictures taken of the area around Clematis St. after the June 3rd. feeding .
Area was clean, trash put in the containers after they finished their meal. James pay attention to the 3rd. pic.of street that needs repair. I don’t believe it was caused by the homeless.
Want to see trash? Drive down Village Blvd; and through my development Spencer Lakes and look at bags and cups from McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Arby’s, not by the homeless but by the teenagers who are used to mama picking up after them.
In closing I received the response below from a WPB Watch reader after reading Part 1 of the story. WPB needs more residents like this caring individual.
Feeding The Homeless in WPB Can Be Dangerous Part 1
Channel 5 WPTV Briana Nespral Posted May 28, 2023
“Food Not Bombs to fight new West Palm Beach ordinance requiring permit”
“For the past 16 years, Food Not Bombs has been serving food, including lasagna, to the homeless every Saturday in downtown West Palm Beach.
Food Not Bombs is a worldwide organization that shares food with the hungry in more than 1,000 cities in 654 countries in protest to war, poverty and destruction of the environment.
But a recent ordinance approved by the City Council requires a permit for large group feeding events. If the permit is violated, the group said individual members face the possibility of a $500 fine and/or 60 days in jail.
Spokeswoman Carl Prinzio said her group will reject this permit requirement, calling it a blatant attack on their freedom of expression.
“It’s definitely just straight up awful,” she said. “It’s ridiculous. You are criminalizing people for sharing food with the hungry, really? Of all the different issues you could be tackling in the city of west palm beach, this is what your spending your resources on?
“Why not address the issues of food insecurity, affordable housing. Those are what causes the problems that we have so they are just out of their mind coming after us for sharing food. It makes no sense for any of us.” Read the entire story below.
5/30/2023 City Commission meeting lasted 2:34:45 and was an emotional one and Channel 5 attended with cameras rolling. The entire city meeting link is posted below and I ask readers to scroll to the end of the meeting and listen to “Public Comment.” There were 4 residents who made comments all focused on feeding the homeless.
One of the speakers was a woman named Canta Chestnut who is president of “We Care About People Inc” who have prepared healthy meals and distributed them from the back of her car for years. On April 27, 2023 she received a written warning from police to stop or she would receive a $500.00 fine or 60 days in jail, or both. She spoke passionately to the elected officials. I was to be one of the speakers making public comment on feeding the homeless and this was the first time I heard the name Canta Chestnut and it wont be the last.
Randall is a member of Brighten the Corner org and is also a “Street Chaplain” who also made a passionate comment. I met Randall 5/20/2023 at the FNB feed the hungry event and he was with 2 licensed hair stylist who were kind enough to donate their time to give homeless people a haircut. Please take the time to check out his website.
https://brightenthecorner.org/about/
Comments from the public start @ 1:53:00 end @ 2:05:52 Sandy 1st. speaker, 2nd.Sterling, 3rd. Canta and 4th.Randall
Comments from commissioners
Warren 2:06:03 to 2:08:26
Ward 2:8:30 to 2:12:27 Commissioner Ward claims residents in her district complain “kids can’t walk to their own school, out of fear, can’t ride their bike” Am I supposed to believe her statement? She’s a politician so I will question it. Onto Google with a question. how many teachers accused of molesting students in Florida? Published Oct 4,2022
“Nearly 270 public educators were arrested on child sex-related crimes in the U.S. in the first nine months of this year, ranging from grooming to raping underage students.
An analysis conducted by Fox News Digital found that from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, at least 269 educators were arrested, which works out to roughly one arrest a day.
The 269 educators included four principals, two assistant principals, 226 teachers, 20 teacher’s aides and 17 substitute teachers.”
In my opinion children are safer with the homeless population than they are in the classrooms.
I have a friend for many years who with her husband have a very successful business, and were blessed with two children. Every holiday their friends and family gather at their home for the holiday meal and conversation.
One Thanksgiving she and her two young children went to a “soup kitchen” and volunteered to feed the homeless. When someone asked why? She explained she never wanted her children to take for granted what they had and people less fortunate didn’t even have a meal for the holiday. She wanted to teach her kids empathy. Know what? It took! Both her kids have learned a lesson many years ago, the apple don’t fall from the tree. To me that is the other side of the coin.
Fox 2:12:29 to 2:17:59
Lambert 2:18:03 2:22:21
Peduzzi 2:22:23 end 2:25:12
James start 2:25:16 to 2:34:18 James is proud of the work he’s doing with the homeless.
Please pay attention to what Ward & James have to say about feeding the homeless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOaDIbAoueo
There will be a follow up story on feeding the homeless.
In closing if the city leaders can’t find empathy and understanding concerning the homeless, can the city’s leaders not punish the people who do?
The end.
1400 Henrietta Avenue & Dreher Park Discussion
Update: 11:15 AM
A reader responded to the story informing me there was a Boys and Girls Club
in Gaines Park, which is true. Here is why I still believe the club should be placed
on Henrietta Ave. A bus will take children to the Boys and Girls Club in Gaines Park
and getting home is their responsibility. Remember the reason for Henrietta Farm
was due to many residents who didn’t have transportation to shop at Publix, 2 miles away.
1400 Henrietta Av. to Gaines Park 1501 N Australian Ave. Walking distance
18 min. (0.9 mi) via 15th St. N. Australian Ave.
20 min. (1.0 mi) via 14th St. Windsor Ave. 15th.St. N. Australian Ave.
24 min. (1.2 mi) via 14th. St. Palm Beach Lakes Blvd N. Australian Ave.
I wouldn’t want my child walking home with the traffic on Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. and N Australian Ave; or want them walking on 14th.15th. or Windsor Ave. due to crime.
These directions are for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause conditions to differ from the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly. You must obey all signs or notices regarding your route.
City Commission meeting held 5/1/2023.
9.1 “Resolution No. 72-23 finding that City property located at 1400 Henrietta Avenue is not needed for City purposes, declaring the property as surplus, and authorizing the disposition of the property through negotiation of conveyance to the West Palm Beach Housing Authority.”
Background Information:
“On July 17, 2006, the City of West Palm Beach accepted the conveyance from Palm Beach County, without charge, of property at 1400 Henrietta Avenue. By deed restrictions, use of the Property was initially limited to the development of affordable or workforce housing.
In 2011, Palm Beach County agreed to amend the deed restrictions to allow for the utilization of the property to suit other neighborhood needs such as use as an urban market garden, a community center, a recreation center, cultural facility, or park.
From September 2013 to October 2021, the parcel was leased to a third party in attempts to establish an urban market garden for the purpose of providing sustainable farming education, job training, and employment opportunities.
However, as addressing affordable housing in the West Palm Beach continues to be a high priority need, City staff is of the opinion that it is in the best interest of the City to develop the site under the original conditions of the conveyance by the County.
At the December 9, 2022 Mayor/Commission Work Session, the City Commission expressed support of a partnership with the West Palm Beach Housing Authority (WPBHA) for the redevelopment of the 1.5 acres site as an affordable rental housing development for families. The presentation is provided in the agenda item.”
The third party was named Stewart Bosley who developed Henrietta Farms.
10/16/2021 Bosley’s lease was due to expire when he received notice his lease will not be renewed by the city. (James)
9/24/2021 Mr. Bosley had a crew of volunteers to work on the farm that weekend, and when they arrived they found their locks were cut off and replaced with new city locks with 3 weeks remaining on the lease.
I needed an update from Mr. Bosley on what was lost by closing the farm. I asked, he responded.
“To answer your question about the lost planting seasons. This is what was supposed to happen at Henrietta Bridge Farm:
2021 September 1st planting-1500-2000 units
2022 January 2nd planting-1000 units
June 3rd planting-Summer Hemp…cut down, added to compost for soil remediation.
September 1st planting-1500-2000 units
2023 January 2nd planting-1500 units
Seedlings are started in greenhouse: Collards, cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, green peppers, squash, beans, melons.
Not included in the above were the plants in the flower garden to attract bees, a variety of herbs & a large banana patch.
There were over 50 fruit trees planted at the north end of the farm, many of which are dying because no one is attending to them.
Lastly, the distribution site of food to the community via Farm Share and PBC Food Bank has been discontinued by the Farm closing.
As of May 1, 2023, the property is still vacant and nothing beneficial to the black community has taken place. If the Henrietta Bridge Farm was still in active operation, many hundreds of low income families would have access to fresh produce & fruits…All within walking distance of their homes.”
By now WPB residents are aware Mayor Keith James is responsible for Permits and Leases. If you displease him, you’re in trouble. If you’re able to bend a knee, you have hope.
All that could be told about Henrietta Farms has been told, so why another piece on the farm? Not wanting to offend anyone, but I believe if it doesn’t affect our area, the public has a short memory, and it’s leading up to another item on the 5/1/2023 agenda.
9.2 “Resolution No. 103-23 finds by the City Commission and declares property within Dreher Park as surplus and no longer needed for City purposes and authorizes City staff to negotiate lease terms with the Boys and Girls Club.”
Background Information:
“Over the past three years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County has been evaluating the needs for services throughout the region and West Palm Beach. They identified the southern end of the City, specifically in District 5, where the vast majority of the youth from Belvedere Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, Conniston Middle, and Forest Hill High Schools are economically disadvantaged and are not testing to grade level in either reading or math proficiencies.”
“The Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County started investing in the youth at Conniston Middle School and Forest Hill High School offering programs after school on the schools campuses.
“To serve students in District 5, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County desires to open a club in Dreher Park. They have been meeting with the community, neighborhood associations, and City staff to determine the best location for a new club to be built.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the community have shown support for the request from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County for approximately 1.6 acres, more or less, in the Northwest area of Dreher Park.”
“The Mayor recommended the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County continue to reach out to the community for feedback and to continue to coordinate with the Cox Science and Palm Beach Zoo Center.” Both are located in Dreher Park.
Dreher Park: Amenities: Information from the WPB website found below.
“Bathrooms, Benches/Seating, Decorative Fountain, Disc Golf Course, Dog Park, Fishing Pier, Multi-Purpose Fields, Picnic Pavilions, Picnic Tables, Playground, Public Art, Walking/Biking Trails”
What are the residents living in the area willing to give up in order to build a Boys and Girls Club?
https://www.wpb.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/73/155
I have reached out to people concerning the Boys and Girls Club and all had favorable comments, and praise was abundant. The problem was the location in Dreher Park.
As you read above, “the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County has been evaluating the needs for services throughout the region and West Palm Beach.
They identified the southern end of the City, specifically in District 5, where the vast majority of the youth from Belvedere Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, Conniston Middle, and Forest Hill High Schools are “economically disadvantaged and are not testing to grade level in either reading or math proficiencies.”
Thousands of students are not testing to their level all over PBC, made worse by Carona Virus which caused schools to close down temporarily.
According to the city website. “The Historic Northwest district is perfectly positioned for rebirth. Located just north of downtown, the neighborhood boundaries extend from Banyan to Palm Beach Lakes, west to Tamarind Avenue and east to Rosemary Avenue.”
The most violent sections of the city. My opinion, a Boys and Girls club is needed in this area to help children who also are not “testing to grade level” and as faith would have it the city declared the property located at 1400 Henrietta Avenue is not needed for City purposes.
Could it be intended for a Boys and Girls Club, instead of affordable or workforce housing which the city plans to do.
Henrietta Farm 1.5 acres. Boys and Girls Club in Dreher Park 1.6 acres.
Is rent expensive in West Palm Beach?
Average Apartment Cost in West Palm Beach, FL
The average rent for apartments in West Palm Beach, FL, is between $2,250 and $3,495 in 2023. For a studio apartment in West Palm Beach, FL, the average rent is $2,250. When it comes to 1-bedroom apartments, the average rent in West Palm Beach, FL, is $2,715.
These apartments were meant to be affordable housing, and a friend in real estate verified the figures were correct.
Mayor James, by closing Henrietta Farms took food from children’s bellies, now would he deny them a Boys and Girls Club, a safe place for them to go instead of the dangerous streets?
City Commissioners, please ask yourself that question.
The end!
Is WPB Destroying Records
PRR ( Public Records Request)
“The Florida Public Records Law states that any person can inspect and copy public records. An individual does not need to state a purpose or special interest to obtain access to a record and does not need to present identification.”
City Commission meeting held 12/12/2022. This meeting had an interruption when an alarm sounded and we were directed to leave the building. About 15-20 min. later the meeting resumed.
The city records meetings, and there are 2 separate recordings, and I have included the second recording that includes “comments from the public” which is always held at the end of meetings. This story also includes emails between the city, the FLCGA (Florida Center for Government Accountability) and myself.
The meeting ended and it was time for comments from the public, and the video can be found at the end of the story. Time frames are important and I made the time so readers wouldn’t have to listen to the entire meeting, but feel free too. The city was still accepting comments through the “portal” meaning it wasn’t necessary to attend the meeting in person, and you could send your comments to the city and they would be read out loud into the record. Mayor Keith James closed the portal, and now you must attend the meeting in person to comment.
Here are the times I ask for your attention.
1:53:30 Starts comments from the public. James calls 3 names to come forward.
1:53:46 James can be seen holding a comment card and he states “Now by the way I got a card from something called Palm Beach Free Press. We take comments from individuals and not entities so I don’t know who Palm Beach Free Press is but I’m not reading the card”
Well, damn, I want to know what the Palm Beach Free Press had to say, so I placed a PRR with the City Clerk, Jackie Mobley. The office of the City Clerk functions as the official record custodian. Below is the date and time of my request.
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2023 at 07:58:00 AM
From: Sandy Matkivich <[email protected]>
To: “[email protected]” <[email protected]>
Subject: PRR PB Free Press
Good morning Ms. Mobley,
City Commission meeting held 12/12/2022 James had a card come through the portal from the Palm Beach Free Press and would not read the card into the record. I am requesting a copy of the entire document sent by the Palm Beach Free Press.Thank you in advance for your help.
Sandy Matkivich
Sent: Tue, Jan 24 at 9:25 AM
From: Sandy Matkivich <[email protected]>
To: “[email protected]” <[email protected]>
Subject: PRR PB Free Press 2nd. request
Good morning,
I’m still waiting for the PB Free Press comment sent to the city. Will you please send it to me.
Sandy
Sent: Tue, Jan 24 at 10:33 AM
From: Jacqueline H. Mobley <[email protected]>
To: Sandy Matkivich
Cc: Faye Johnson
Good morning,I do not recall receiving a comment from PB Free Press.
Thank You,
Why did Ms. Mobley find it necessary to CC City Administrator Faye Johnson?
Sent: Mar 10, 2023, at 9:28 AM
From: Sandy Matkivich <[email protected]>
To: www.flcga.org
To whom it may concern,
The City Commission meeting held on 12/12/2022 was televised and Mayor James is seen holding a comment card and refuses to read it into the record or provide me with a copy after requesting a Public Record Request. The televised meeting is enclosed below and the time frame in question starts at 1:53:46 when the mayor makes the statement. Please read from the bottom up to understand my PRR and the City’s response. Please acknowledge this email received.
Respectfully,
Sandy Matkivich
Sent: Mar 30 at 3:20 PM
From: www.flcga.org
To: Sandy Matkivich
My apologies for the long delay in responding, Sandy. It’s been a hellacious month and I’m only now able to catch up with the mountain of corresponded that’s accumulated. It’s quite clear that the mayor has the card in his hand and actually reads from it and frankly, the response from Ms. Mobley is she doesn’t “recall” receiving a comment card doesn’t mean she did a search of city records as is required under the public records law. I’ll make a request and see how she responds.
Sent: Wed, Apr 26 at 4:48 PM
From: www.flcga.org
To: Sandy Matkivich
The City of West Palm Beach finally complied with my public record request, Sandy. Here’s the comment card you had been asking for.
850/212-8665 www.flcga.org
#DefendDemocracy
When readers open the comment card I call your attention to the top right where “General Comment” is checked off. Middle of the card “I do mot wish to speak, but please read my comment as follows:” There is nothing written in this section.
My opinion: The comment was not flattering to the city (James) and the card was destroyed. That’s how Mayor Keith James and City Administrator Faye Johnson do business.
CC meeting 12/12/2022 part 2 of 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emlRPdSIPe4
Comment Card 12-12-2022 CC Meeting
PB Free Press If your out there, please come forward. Inquiring minds want to know what message you sent to the city of WPB.
The end?
They Can Never Change History
On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted a new name for what had been called the “United Colonies.” The moniker United States of America has remained since then as a symbol of freedom and independence.
Civil War Apr 12, 1861 – Apr 9, 1865 The Union ( the North) and The Confederacy (the South) fought over slavery. Brother against brother.
“Dissolution of the Confederate States, U.S. territorial integrity preserved, Slavery abolished, Beginning of the Reconstruction era, Passage and ratification of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments to the Constitution of the United States.”
13th. amendment The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
14th amendment No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
15th amendment The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
19th amendment Granted women the right to vote.
How long did the 19th Amendment take? “First proposed in Congress in 1878, the amendment did not pass the House and Senate until 1919. It takes another fifteen months before it is ratified by three-fourths of the states (thirty-six in total at the time) and finally becomes law in 1920.” 42 year battle before women were allowed to vote.
Who fought for women’s right to vote? “Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton form the National Woman Suffrage Association. The primary goal of the organization is to achieve voting rights for women by means of a Congressional amendment to the Constitution.” More women than men vote in an election which tells me the tougher the battle (42years) women feel it’s their civic duty to vote.
https://www.thoughtco.com/more-likely-vote-women-or-men-3534271
When Gov. DeSantis was first elected I thought he walked on water when he gave . teachers a raise that brought Florida teachers from one the worst paid in the country to being able to earn a decent wage. He should have stopped there but he didn’t.
Florida schools are banning books in their libraries. Communist countries like Russia, Germany, China and Hong Kong to name a few, ban and burn books. I don’t want to live in a Communist country, and I don’t care how many laws are written, they can never change history.
Governor DeSantis announces legislative proposal to stop W.O.K.E. activism and critical race theory in schools and corporations.
“Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis defended his administration’s decision to block a course on African American studies from the state’s public schools. He said teaching Black history is required in Florida schools, but the Advanced Placement course amounted to ‘indoctrination.’ The fight is just the latest in the ongoing identity and culture war in Florida that has become a hallmark of DeSantis’ agenda.”
The darkest part of American history is when one human being was owned by another. That was known as slavery and that was one of America’s darkest hours. Slavery was a part of American history, and I always believed a picture is worth a thousand words. I hope you agree.
The end
Mayor Keith James Cancels Pride Fest!
I was born and raised in America and believed we were the strongest country in the world. We were invincible. We were the country others depended on in a crises.
Our country has done incredible things. Our country has done shameful things, and now my country is starting to return to the past. I guess the old adage “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Below is a statement from Rodney Mayo telling how the mayor of WPB, Keith James, refused to grant a permit for the third annual Pride Fest.
The LGBTQ is once again under attack, and shamefully it’s coming from elected officials like WPB Mayor Keith James.
Sandy
Mayor Keith James Cancels Pride Fest!
“Last week the Pride on the Block organizers asked me if they should be worried about Mayor Keith James canceling the 3rd annual Pride Fest in Downtown West Palm Beach. I reassured them although Mayor James would most likely do anything, he could to hurt me and my businesses, he won’t dare cancel the Pride Fest organized by and to benefit Transpire Help, a not-for-profit created to provide support for the LGBTQ+ community in recovery.
I was dead wrong! Mayor Keith James surprised and shocked us all and denied the permit for the Pride Fest with no reason given.
“Plague! We are in the middle of a plague!” Larry Kramer shouts through the noise of people arguing at a meeting of Aids activists.
Some of us are old enough to remember the beginning of the Aids epidemic and the refusal of our government to address the crisis. Then, finally, a group named Act Up, headed by a charismatic rageful Larry Kramer, did just that, Act Up, and they made all the difference in turning the minds of most Americans and, in turn, our elected officials to not just stand by but commit vast resources to combat the Aids epidemic.
Larry Kramer’s words, unfortunately, ring true today as they did in the 1980s. There is a Plague today: not deadly biological virus but a Plague of the mind: of intolerance and stupidity. From the reversal of Roe V Wade, word assassination, banning gender identity and sexual orientation in the classroom, and making it illegal for Drag Queens to perform, our society has genuinely regressed half a century in just a few years. All the struggles of Larry Kramer and Act Up, Norma McCorvey, aka Jane Roe, were all for naught.
I have been losing faith in our City over the years as we live under a veiled dictatorship called the strong Mayor system. I’m sure the citizens who in 1991 voted to create a strong Mayor and elect Nancy Graham may have never envisioned the possible abuse of power this system allows and possibly encourages.
A strong Mayor may be beneficial when we are lucky enough to have an honest, dignified righteous Mayor with only the interest of its citizenry at heart. Still, when the opposite of those values is elected, we are in trouble.
And that is where we are now! We are in trouble.
The Plague is here, in Tallahassee, in far too many states, and in our City. This is no time for complacency. Serious consequences are at our doorstep if we do not act up.
Pride Fest was attended by over 2,000 citizens of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County last year. It was a great success and well received. As a result, the organizers this year decided to expand the event to 2 days, Friday and Saturday, June 2nd and 3rd, and add Rosemary Square as an additional location with events running simultaneously.
A full lineup of national performers and speakers was booked, and tickets purchased; expected attendance this year was over 3,000 people, all celebrating diversity and tolerance.
That has all vanished with one simple signature by our strong Mayor Keith James.
All of us involved in this event have reached out to our commissioners, congresswomen, City officials and community leaders to try and instill some reason into Mayor James and have him change his mind. All were sympathetic and supportive, but we repeatedly heard the same thing. Mayor Keith James holds power solely, and only he can grant the permit for Pride Fest on the Block.
We will continue the fight. We are not giving up. We can’t.
Join us tonight, Friday, on the 500 Block for the final Drag Show performance (as Mayor James also revoked the 500 Block weekend permits) and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community and our entire City and County.
Celebrate our diversity!
Please fill out the petition to send to Mayor Keith James telling him to approve Pride on the Block 2023
https://form.123formbuilder.com/6425713/save-pride-fest-2023
“The dynamism of any diverse community depends not only on the diversity itself but on promoting a sense of belonging among those who formerly would have been considered and felt themselves outsiders.”
— Sonia Sotomayor”
We will not go backwards!
The end
PSC Security Replacing Police Again
Channel 12 news reports on PSC Security. Below are excerpts, and the entire story can be read below. My comments in italic
“Drugs, prostitution and violence have been ongoing issues in West Palm Beach’s north end of the city. Officials have been working on it for years and agree something needs to change.
The City of West Palm Beach recently hired Professional Security Consultants (PSC) as part of a pilot program to tackle street crime in the Northwood area and the Broadway business corridor, near the Intracoastal. It’s led by PSC Regional Director Willie Perez.
According to PSC, they will call the police if it requires their enforcement level.
“I can tell you where I want them to go is anywhere but in Broadway and in the city of West Palm,” said Perez. “They can figure out where they have to go. That’s their opinion, but I can tell you it’s not going to be in Broadway that’s for sure.” What does that mean, sentence doesn’t make sense
West Palm Beach Police Chief Frank Adderley said this security shows the strength of their ongoing partnership to serve and protect the community.” Chief Adderley why aren’t you pushing James & Johnson to hire the police officers needed to keep residents safe? Last number I heard is the department was short 23 officers, but I counted 10 police officers at
the last City Commission meeting when residents were expected to speak up about King Mayor James refusing a permit to close 500 block of Clematis.While on the subject please remind your cops not to park their vehicles at metered parking spots in front of city hall. Older residents need the spots and there aren’t many left.
“We needed more of a solid presence to push away some of the negative and bad behaviors we’ve seen in this area for a long time,” said WPB City Commissioner Cathleen Ward for District 1. “It takes a group of people to work together. What we noticed is if we can’t get the cops like we want on a consistent basis here, focused on these types of issues, then we needed to pull from elsewhere.” Commissioner Ward, before your time on the commission there was a city hall scandal,involving James, Perez, former City Administrator Jeff Green, and Sharagay Esposito among others. Please join Chief Adderley for more real police officers on the job.
Commissioner Ward, a little history on PSC & Willie Perez. Below are excerpts from the PB Post written 10/15/2019 and I have included the entire story below.
“West Palm mayor orders do-over of $8 million no-bid security guard contract”
“Mayor Keith James on Tuesday said the city would cancel a multimillion-dollar security guard contract and put it out to bid, a month after the city commission followed his urging to award it to one of his friends’ companies on a no-bid basis.”
“James and the city commissioners took heavy criticism from the public after The Palm Beach Post reported that the board unanimously approved the contract Sept. 9 for Professional Security Consultants.
PSC regional director, Willie Perez, is known to have socialized over a period of years with James, former Administrator Green, Police Chief Frank Adderley, Deputy Chief Rick Morris and City Commissioner Joe Peduzzi”
“At least 10 firms this year submitted proposals for all or part of the citywide security guard work had been told that James had ended that process two weeks after he became mayor in April. The firms were told they would be advised when the competitive process resumed. But the city never resumed that process and meanwhile James’ staff prepared to recommend a commission vote in favor of PSC.”
Channel 25 (WPBF) “Graphic text photo linked to manager of company awarded $8 million no-bid security contract”
The city of West Palm Beach released a four-page investigative report late Wednesday revealing the person allegedly behind a graphic text photo that led to the forced resignation of the city administrator last month.”
Jennifer Ferriol wrote that Esposito said she had a personal relationship with then-administrator Jeff Green and would expose him. Ferriol said Esposito scrolled through the Perez texts and “revealed a picture of someone’s penis and stated, ‘This has Jeff’s name written all over it. Ferriol said Esposito said she had “support” from a city commissioner and the assistant police chief, that she had nothing to lose and that she was going to expose details and “get her job back.”
“The report includes a letter written to Perez’s company president in California from City Attorney Kimberly Rothenburg informing him Perez was allegedly implicated in the graphic photo. The letter said while the conduct occurred before the city made its contract with PSC, “should similar behavior occur during the contract term, such behavior will not be tolerated.”
“The investigative report said Perez denied the allegations and was advised of the standards and expectations of professional behavior required of city contractors. The investigation was closed.”
“Perez’s company won a controversial, no-bid, $8 million contract to provide security throughout the city shortly after Mayor Keith James was elected.” Entire story can be read below and includes pictures of the drinking buddies at the Blue Martini in City Place.
PB Post “Related Cos., owner of the Rosemary Square retail venue, on Wednesday dropped its security guard contractor, Professional Security Consultants, a firm embroiled in controversy over a $7.9 million, no-bid contract it won from the city in September, and over a smutty photo its regional director allegedly sent to a city employee.”
Channel 25 (WPBF) West Palm Beach pays $220,000 to fired employee over sex scandal allegations
WPB Watch Did The Diversion Work? originally published 11/19/2019
https://wpbwatch.com/2023/04/did-the-diversion-work/
So was this another contract handed to PSC Willie Perez from his buddy the mayor with no bidding required? Got away with it once, what the hell, let’s try again. James and Perez at Blue Martini.
The End.