PBC Commissioners at It Again
The old proverb “If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.” pertains to the weather. Just this once I wish to reverse it to say “If March comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion.” Why the change? It’s all do to three stories written on March 24, 25 and 27, 2025 and all stories relate to the PBC Administrator, Verdenia Baker, and Seven County Commissioners, Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller Joe Abruzzo, Rick Asnani, founder and president of Cornerstone Solutions, who ran the campaign for the successful election of the mayor and five City Commissioners of WPB. Developer Stephen Ross the CEO and Chairman of Related Ross who changed the image of WPB and the opinion of many not for the better.
I believe the three stories were thoroughly investigated, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I read. This was reporting as I remembered it years ago. I will start with the Stet News pull the highlights and hopefully you will open the link and read the entire story. It’s worth your time. My comments in Italic.
Stet News March 24, 2025 Joel Engelhardt
“Clerk Abruzzo at center of search for new administrator”
Commissioners Bobby Powell and Maria Sachs wanted no limits on academic or job experience when they expressed their thoughts
“To me the only qualification you need is an American citizenship and an interest,” Sachs said.
Powell pushed through a selection plan that did not suggest any criteria for the job and required candidates to submit applications in less than two weeks.
“Similar to Commissioner Sachs,” he said, “I simply believe that what’s outlined in statute as well as someone being a citizen here in the United States of America would qualify.”
Behind the commission’s unusual approach is a push to put Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller Joe Abruzzo in the job.
Mack Bernard’s role
The three commissioners on the losing end of the vote— Woodward, Gregg Weiss and Mayor Maria Marino — told Stet News they heard about Powell’s approach from Mack Bernard, a former county commissioner who now serves in the state Senate.
They didn’t see a formal presentation of the plan until they returned from a lunch break last Tuesday to find a three-page memo with no letterhead and no signature at their desks.
Bernard did not return phone calls and two commissioners on the winning side, Sachs and Joel Flores, said Bernard had not talked to them. Powell, a close friend of Bernard’s, and Commissioner Sara Baxter did not return phone calls. Powell and Baxter feel no need to explain their actions. What are they trying to hide?
“I don’t understand this rush,” Commissioner Marci Woodward said in an interview. “The only thing that makes sense to me is they have a candidate picked out and all of this is a show.”
I share Commissioner Woodward opinion and thank her and Commissioners Weiss and Marino for using common sense which tells me and others the residents of Palm Beach County need protection from developers who do not have residents’ best interest at heart. Please stand strong, you are not alone.
There is so much more to the story and I encourage readers to read the entire story in the link below.
https://stetnews.org/2025/03/24/clerk-abruzzo-at-center-of-search-for-new-administrator/
Sun Sentinel March 25, 2025 Editorial Board
Stop this bad backroom deal in Palm Beach County
Four of seven county commissioners appear ready to quickly hand the job to Joseph Abruzzo, the elected court clerk and a career politician, without conducting a nationwide search or demanding serious professional and educational qualifications.
To their credit, three commissioners want a deliberate, nationwide search: Mayor Maria Marino and commissioners Gregg Weiss and Marci Woodward.
“Marino, Weiss, and Woodward told the Stet News reporting site that they learned about Powell’s proposal from state Sen. Mack Bernard, D-West Palm Beach. The Palm Beach Post also cited Bernard’s backstage involvement from Tallahassee.”
“Bernard works for a political consulting firm, Cornerstone Solutions, whose clients include the development firm Ross founded. The stylish Related logo is featured prominently on Cornerstone’s client list.”
Cornerstone Solutions is the consulting firm that is responsible for electing WPB Mayor, Keith James and all 5 City Commissioners, Fox, Lambert, Peduzzi, Ward and Warren. Cornerstone will also represent Commissioners Lambert (running for Mayor-WPB) and Peduzzi running for County Commissioner. I was surprised to learn Cornerstone also represents Stephen Ross Related Group, the firm responsible for, in my opinion, the overbuilding in WPB and the problems that come with it. The WPB City Commission has always been a good friend to Related and has no problem voting in unison to give him what he wants.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/03/25/stop-a-bad-backroom-deal-in-palm-beach-editorial/
PB Post March 27, 2025 Mike Diamond PB Post Staff Writer Alexandra Clough contributed to this report.
Why developers say they see better days ahead with Palm Beach County Administrator gone
Two mega developers say business climate will improve with the retirement of County Administrator Verdenia Baker, but her replacement had not even been discussed when they made the comments.
Key Points
Some Palm Beach County developers are anticipating a more business-friendly environment following the retirement of County Administrator Verdenia Baker.
These developers have been engaged in disputes with Baker over land valuations and bidding processes for major projects.
The process to replace Baker has been marked by controversy, with some commissioners pushing for a swift appointment of County Clerk Joseph Abruzzo without a national search.
Critics, including Commissioner Marci Woodward, have expressed concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest in the selection process.
The backers of Transit Village, 99% owned by Miami-based BH Group, look at Baker’s retirement as a positive change. Transit Village LLC is involved in a contentious lawsuit with the county over what it should pay for 6 acres in West Palm Beach.
A spokesperson for Transit Village declined to comment when asked whether it supports the hiring of Abruzzo or had any involvement in the NAACP’s claim that a move was made to fire Baker before her retirement. Silence is golden when you don’t have an answer.
In a usual move, Maria Sachs called on County Attorney Denise Coffman to place on the county agenda a move to strip Baker of the ability to develop the county budget. She suggested that Abruzzo take over that function. Sachs never shared the memo with fellow commissioners. Appears to me Sachs is pretty damn sure Abruzzo has the job.
Commissioner Sara Baxter tries to take on role in Transit Village lawsuit
In another recent unusual development, Commissioner Sara Baxter called for the commission to meet privately to discuss settlement offers related to the Transit Village lawsuit. Coffman took to the dais and called such a meeting improper, noting that state law does not allow for such closed sessions.
Baxter wants to meet privately. Does that mean behind closed doors where it was first discussed to fire County Administrator Verdenia Baker and replace her with Joe Abruzzo, who would be a friend to developers? Am I the only one that feels an investigation is warranted for Sachs and Baxter? There is so much more to the story if you choose to read it.
To those new to the area who may appreciate a little history of PBC & WPB, these 2 stories are for you.
PB Post Oct. 20,2016 Eliot Kleinberg
After the 2000 election, it was about confused voters. But in a four-year stretch that started in earnest 10 years ago this week, Palm Beach County earned a new nickname: “Corruption County.”
Liberti & Exline 2 WPB City Commissioners
Masilotti, Newell, McCarty and Koons 4 County Commissioners.
These six movers and shakers were removed from office and shaken into Federal prison.
PB Post July 29, 2017 Lawrence Mower
The local Democrats he was referring to are Powell, County Commissioner Mack Bernard and state Rep. Al Jacquet, a close trio who combined forces to win their August races by generating unusually high turnout in absentee ballots. In some precincts, Bernard and Jacquet won nine of every 10 absentee ballots cast. Powell and Bernard have been friends for many years.
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/2017/07/29/bring-in-fbi-candidate-says/7041395007/
Stet News, Sun Sentinel Editorial Board and PB Post a sincere thank you for shining the light on PBC and its very questionable decisions and what appears to be backroom deals. I believe in the power of the press, and when the one shining the light is held in a reporter’s hand great things can happen.
There will be a PBC Commission meeting being held on Tuesday April 1,2025 @ 2:00 PM. The public can speak on any topic they wish. Hope to see you there because Woodward, Gregg Weiss and Mayor Maria Marino can use our support.
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Are African Americans better off than in 1923?
Update 3/17/2025 Including Henrietta Farms. A special thank you from readers remining me of the injustice by the City of WPB toward residents who were both black and hungry.
The PB Post has published a story, and the link is included below. Hopefully you will be able to open and read the story and if not possible I have included a quote from Mayor Keith James.
“West Palm Beach city planning proposals from 1923 reveal the city’s intention to segregate and underserve the city’s historic Black neighborhoods”
“West Palm Beach city documents from 1923 were unveiled on March 10, 2025, that show the city had planned to segregate the Black population by confining them to certain sections of town — Pleasant City and the area around Tamarind Avenue, both north of downtown and west of Dixie Highway. “Let this sink in, everyone,” Keith James, the first Black mayor since the city moved to a strong-mayor system in 1991, told meeting attendees after the documents had been displayed. “This was part of the city’s master plan back in 1920. … This is intentional, institutional. So when people talk about the lack of progress in some of these communities, that was designed.”
Lets look at how Mayor James has helped the black community since being sworn in on April 5, 2019.
What former Mayor Jeri Muoio accomplished, and Mayor Keith James moved swiftly to undo.
https://wpbwatch.com/2023/01/james-record-as-mayor-2019/
The Sunset Lounge which opened in 1926, is extremely important to the black community and has been for nearly 100 years. It’s part of their heritage. The Lounge needed a company to manage the iconic lounge. The choices were: Vita LLC. A black owned business located in WPB Fl. The residents were pulling for Vita. Mayor Keith James did not want/allow Vita to manage the Sunset lounge.
Mad Room Hospitality out of Miami, was James choice. here comes the lawsuit.
7/20/2022
https://wpbwatch.com/2022/07/sunset-lounge/
8/ 12/ 2022
https://wpbwatch.com/2022/08/sunset-lounge-starting-over/
3/24/ 2023
https://wpbwatch.com/2023/03/vita-wins-lawsuit-against-the-city-of-wpb/
4/2/2024 Story in the PB Post. Entire story in the Link below
“As renovated Sunset Lounge sits idle, leaders assure they have a plan, reopening timetable”
“The Sunset Lounge, a 1920s-era supper club extensively restored with $16 million in taxpayer money, has sat idle for two years since its renovation, validating the complaints of some that West Palm Beach should never have purchased and rebuilt the iconic venue.”
If the Sunset Lounge isn’t bad enough, let’s see how James treated the black youth of WPB.
Goodbye PAL. (Police Athletic league) Highlights from the story. Entire story can be read in the link below.
“The City of WPB allocated $100,000.00 a year to the Pal program to pay for equipment, uniforms, transportation and other expenses.”
“4/4, 2019 Keith James sworn in as mayor of WPB and a few months later the PAL program lost its city funding, and the program was in trouble and near an end.”
“I met with Rams president Donovan Murdock and Vice President Corey Tate and learned the city sold the helmets, shoulder guards and training pants to them for $2,000.00 and I also learned the helmets must be inspected every 2 years. When the inspection took place most of the helmets had seen better days and would not protect the small heads that wore them. The cost of a new helmet at the time was $125.00/ea.
How badly did the city need the $2,000 Mr. Mayor? Why were the kids left stranded after practice and left parents scrambling to pick them up, Mr. Mayor?”
https://wpbwatch.com/2024/03/goodbye-pal/
Henrietta Farms
Mr Stewart Bosley, worked tirelessly to start the farm, was sent a letter from the City informing him the lease would not be renewed. The present lease will expire on 10/16/2021.
9/24/2021 (Fri.) 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 ones. A week end of work gone when the lease didn’t expire for 2 more weeks.
https://wpbwatch.com/2021/09/henrietta-farms-early-lock-out/
11/18/2021 This will be the last story on Henrietta Farms as Mr. Bosley has removed all equipment from the acre and a half piece of land the City leased to him seven years ago which allowed him to grow fresh fruits and vegetables in an effort to feed the poorest of the poor
Below is the link for previous WPB Watch stories. If you open the link, please go to “Archives” for stories published.
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FPL Abuse of Customers!
I purchased my home in Sept. 1986, and the following day I made a trip to WPB City Hall and FPL office to turn the utilities on in my name. For many years all was well, until it wasn’t.
I began receiving letters from FPL in 2019/20 telling me about their new payment plan that allows me to pay the same dollar amount monthly. These letters kept coming and I kept ignoring them. No payment plan for me, I’m “old school”, send me a bill and I pay it. Very simple and it has worked for me for years. I also believe it would benefit FPL and not its customers.
My first thought was if I pay the same monthly charge, I may not be as careful with my energy use like turning off the light when I leave a room or turning the air conditioner down when I’m out or after parking my car in the garage and waiting a few seconds to turn off the light which stays on for 5-6 minutes after the garage door closes. Why light an empty garage.
Below are 2 letters I wrote to FPL, the second one got their attention, and I soon began receiving monthly bills again.
FPL has a new plan; I received another $5.00 fee for my bill being a late payment. Quick trip to the bank and they showed me where the electronic payment was sent out in time. FPL was late in posting my payment.
FPL has an office at 6001 Village Blvd, West Palm Beach and when I arrived, I was told the office had been closed since the pandemic, and no one was available to speak with me. It was also mentioned other customers with the same problem as mine were also sent away. FPL needs the $5.00 from me and possibly thousands of other customers. This story is for you.
M. Matkivich
WPB Fl. 33407
7/30/2021
Account # 22903-*****
Hopefully this communication will be forwarded to Customer Service.
May 2021 $60.29 paid in full
June 2021 I did not receive my electric bill (? mail delivery) so unfortunately my bill went un-paid.
July 2021 Received my bill for $152.18 and read your “did you forget” $75.65 is past due, and that’s when I realized June bill was not paid. I immediately called FPL Customer Service @ 561-697-8000 to apologize and explain the situation of the missing payment.
I went from upset and apologetic to totally pissed off. I could not reach a human being to talk too. If you bother to check my payment history you will see I have been a customer for 35 years with no payment problems.
I made a payment of $152.18 and payment should reach you by Aug. 2, 2021.
·July 30,2021 I Received a “Final Notice” informing me $75.65 is past due and if payment is not received by Aug. 4, 2021 my power is turned off remotely.
Automation has crippled Customer Service all to make a few more dollars for greedy companies.
I have a suggestion why don’t you take all the $5.00 Late Payment Fees and hire a person to actually answer the damn phones.
You may have received the payment before this letter arrives, and I want you to understand the “Customer Service” at FPL is non-existent and should be removed from your bills. (I meant to say their customer service phone no.)
Madeline Matkivich
The letter dated 12/17/2021 was sent 12/18/2021 via Certified Mail and Return Receipt Request.
Madeline Matkivich
WPB Fl. 33407-3148
12/17/2021
Acct. No. 22903-*****
I wrote FPL on 7/30/2021 and this is my second letter concerning poor customer service.
I have been a FPL customer since 1986, that’s 36 years. In 36 years I can’t recall ever sending in a late payment, until I didn’t receive my bill for 5/13/2021 to 6/14/2021 for $75.65.
6/14/2021 to 7/14/2021 my bill was $76.53 + $75.65 = $152.18 which was paid immediately and included a $5.00 late payment, which I did receive credit for, along with a threat “Power may be turned off without visiting your location” which was damn well not appreciated.
8/16/2021 Received a letter from FPL with this statement “For your convenience, we invite you to take advantage of our online account services. Simply visit www.FLP.com to learn quick and easy ways to manage your electric account online.”
12/16/2021 Received my bill today and once more it covers 2 months, and includes a $5.00 late fee. $47.57 “Balance before new charges”
For 11/11/2021 to 12/13/2021 $35.08 total $82.65. My bank will send the check 12/17/2021. When I receive a bill I immediately put the amt. & due date on line, and my bank pays the amt. due by the due date.
In my opinion you are trying to eliminate statements being printed and mailed. I like receiving statements, and am not interested in a payment plan or allowing FPL to access my checking account.
I can’t tell you how much this upsets me, and I receive letters from FPL asking me to join a payment plan, where I can pay the same amount monthly. I don’t know if this is FPL way of getting customers to join or not, could be a coincidence, which I don’t believe in. You will receive payment before this letter, and if this billing me every 2 months instead of a monthly billing, my next step will be to file a complaint with The Florida Public Service Commission, BBB and see if the media is willing to look into the matter.
Madeline Matkivich
I believe there are others out there having a problem with FPL billing. Want to file a complaint? Below is the address for State of Florida Consumer Complaints.
https://www.stateofflorida.com/consumer-complaints/
“JUNO BEACH, Fla., Oct. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Florida Power & Light Company today asked the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve a temporary surcharge on customer bills in 2025 to recover restoration costs after four hurricanes battered Florida in less than 14 months.”
Good for FPL they won’t have to use their profits for repairs. No wonder stockholders love FPL.
“FPL bills going way up” PB Post 1/7/2022
“Florida Power & Light customers who paid $101.70 last year for a typical monthly bill of 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity will now be charged $120.67. This change not only accounts for a five-year base rate increase approved by the Florida Public Commission in October, but a $6.82 per month adjustment for rising natural gas prices.”
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WPB Water Battle
“West Palm Beach water battle headed to court to avoid ‘catastrophic’ scenario”
“Dispute involves Army Corps of Engineers’ interpretation of Savings Clause”
“The dispute stems from the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 and its efforts to provide water in Everglades restoration projects with the Savings Clause in question that makes sure nearby municipalities also have enough water.”
Entire WPTV Channel 5 story can be read below. I have some questions and can be read below in italic. Onto Google with questions.
Q, What was the population of WPB Fl. in the year 2000?
A. “West Palm Beach/Population 82,590”
Q. What is the population of WPB Fl. in the year 2024?
A. “West Palm Beach has a 2024 population of 126,337. West Palm Beach is currently growing at a rate of 1.78% annually and its population has increased by 7.51% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 117,507 in 2020.”
I recall attending City Commission meetings years ago and listened to residents concerned about the growth of WPB and their concern about our water supply. Elected officials didn’t listen and the boom continued. Hard to say no to developers when they are donating $45.000.00 to Mayor Keith James campaign managers PAC.
The story also states:
“Every year it seems like we have another record-breaking hottest year on record,” Rossi said. “With that kind of dramatic change to our climate, in combination with a population that continues to grow here in South Florida, we’ve had a surge in population since 2020 since the end of the pandemic. We have to make sure that our communities have the water that they need.”
“The levels are governed by the Army Corps, but there were some guardrails in place on how much they could remove and how much water would be allocated to other municipalities,” James said. “That’s what we’re fighting to protect.”
Q. How hot does concrete get when the temp. is 90 degrees?
A. “When the air temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit, concrete can reach a surface temperature of around 125 degrees Fahrenheit due to its ability to absorb heat from the sun.”
Q. How hot does asphalt get when the temp. is 90 degree?
A. When the air temperature is 90 degrees, asphalt can reach a temperature of around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it can be significantly hotter than the air temperature itself.
We know Florida reaches higher temps. than 90 degrees, with 2024 breaking records.
Q. Is there more water than land on Earth?
A. Yes, there is significantly more water than land on Earth; approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, while the remaining 29% is land.
Below is my opinion using common sense.
It took God 6 days to build the earth, and He earned the rest on the seventh day, I choose to give credit to God for doing a perfect job creating the earth and everything on it.
Q. So what went wrong?
A. Man.
God created the cool ocean waters for the breeze to carry it over the land and cool the earth. This is a picture of the Miami Coastline. Breeze hits a wall of concrete. Developers have eaten up the coastline and are now moving inland.
Yes, we will run out of water and if you watch City Commission meeting there is not one City Commissioner who ask a question on what could possibly go wrong with a project. If a resident goes to the podium with a concern, half the commissioners are looking down at their cell phones.
Q. What is City government going to do about the situation they created?
A. Use our taxpayer dollars to enrich more attorneys.
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Beyond the Badge
Beyond the Badge is a program for the West Palm Beach Police Department, and a meeting was held October 24th at 10:00 o’clock in the Old Northwood neighborhood, and I’m happy to report many neighbors attended asking questions and they were definitely involved as they mingled with officers and met with Tony Araujo, Interim Police Chief for the city and that started me thinking of Former Chief Frank Adderley, fired by Mayor James
CAST
Mayor Keith James, Chief Executive of the City of West Palm Beach elected to office on March 12, 2019.
Faye Johnson, Assistant City Administrator promoted to City Administrator by Mayor James in Jan. 2020.
Frank Adderley, hired as Chief of Police June 2019, and fired in Sept. 2024 for “financial improprieties”
Tony Araujo, Interim Police Chief, on loan from the PBC Sheriff dept. Taxpayers will re-imburse the PBC Sheriff for his salary.
Tony Shearer, Deputy Chief, retired from the office of the FBI and hired by Mayor Keith James Sept. 30,2024 one day before James terminated Police Chief Frank Adderley for “financial improprieties” I have a problem. James hired Shearer as “Deputy” Chief, why? The City Commission must vote to approve James choice for Police Chief, Fire Chief and City Attorney. James won’t need the City Commission approval for “Deputy” What are you up to Keith?
Many stories have been written about the firing and hiring of leadership for the WPB Police Dept. Are the stories true or exaggerated? I honestly don’t know, but if the stories are true, I want to know who is responsible for allowing it to continue for so long.
An audit was done previously on the overtime of the WPB Police Dept; and below is the 2nd. heads up received by the city.
March 29,2022 the IA (Internal Audit) dept. released a Draft report of the Addendum to Payroll and Overtime audit. Audit #19-04.
A letter addressed to the Audit Committee members and CC to Keith James, Mayor Faye Johnson, City Administrator and Franklin Adderley, Police Chief. It reads:
Dear Audit Committee Members,
During the original citywide audit of Payroll and Overtime, we identified inaccurate time card reporting that contained overlapping hours within the City’s Police Department (Finding 5 of the Payroll and Overtime audit report.) Our testing was limited to the top 20 Earners of city- paid and vendor- paid overtime during FY 2019. The process to analyze the records was time consuming and labor intensive, thus we did not have the resources to expand and review to all offices within the scope period of the audit. Subsequently, we requested resources to conduct testing on all officers during the audit period which was granted. As such, we have attached the Internal Auditors Office Addendum Report to the Payroll and Overtime Audit which details the results of the additional testing.
We thank our contracted auditors, Monica Sanchez and Elena Gonzalez, for their work in completing this audit. Further, we thank the management and staff of the police department for their time, assistance, and cooperation during this audit.
Respectfully submitted,
Beverly Mahaso
Chief Internal Auditor
The city can’t fix a problem they don’t know they have so when the Internal Audit department finds a problem during an audit it is their responsibility to bring it to the attention of the city so it can be corrected.
The Internal Audit Dept. has never been fully staffed and some of the audits are contracted out which was done in this case.
So who is responsible for the years of neglect the audit has uncovered?
Below is from the WPB City Charter.
“A city charter is a legal document that defines the structure, powers, and responsibilities of a city’s local government. It’s similar to a constitution for the city, and is adopted by the city’s residents through an election.”
What does the Charter say about the City Administrator?
“The West Palm Beach City Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city, implementing policies set by the City Commission, managing the city budget, appointing department heads, and ensuring the efficient delivery of city services, all while acting as the chief administrative officer of the city.”
“Key responsibilities include:
“Policy Implementation: Executing the policies and decisions made by the City Commission”
The City Charter also states the City Administrator MUST reside in the city of WPB which Ms. Johnson resides in un-incorporated PBC. She relies on the County for Fire, Medical Assistance, Sheriff’s office for protection and most important she does not rely on the city for her drinking water.
The mayor couldn’t possibly fire himself or his City Administrator for the mishandling of Audit No. 19-04 so in my opinion Police Chief Frank Adderley was the sacrificial lamb.
In closing I asked a police officer if they still gave out teddy bears to traumatized children they saw while on duty. The answer was yes, but there were to many children and not enough teddy bears, and they were constantly running out.
Christmas is coming please consider buying a teddy bear for a child you do not know but could use a friend.
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Hurricane Helene & Homeless
Florida airports gave a heads up that the airports would NOT be used as shelters as Hurricane Helene was heading for Florida.
The news media needs to report how many of the 64+ death caused by Hurricane Helene were homeless people living on the streets with nowhere to go.
In WPB Mayor Keith James even had “No Trespassing” signs placed on all city garages, and one chained to a tree in City Hall courtyard.
Hundreds have had their homes destroyed by Hurricane Helene. See how easy it is to become homeless.?
“At least 64 dead and millions without power after Helene’s deadly march across the Southeast” Story below.
https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-florida-georgia-north-carolina-south-carolina-92d5caaafe40644e1db687cf6431395f
Help on the way?
The LaQuinta Inn located in WPB has a 114-room hotel and the county wants to buy it to be used for the homeless. Is it a good idea? 114 rooms with 2 people per room will take 228 homeless off the street. A room with a bathroom, toilet and shower. Heat in the winter and AC in the summer. Now 228 people have an address to give to potential employers. Sounds like a win-win to me. Not so.
“Century Village residents upset County may buy hotel”
“One of the possible ways to deal with the homeless situation isn’t sitting well with a retirement community.
Century Village in West Palm Beach is adjacent to the LaQuinta Inn, a hotel on Okeechobee Blvd. that Palm Beach County officials are thinking of buying to be used as a homeless shelter.”
Shame on Century Village.
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Contaminated Water—Again
Had a representative from Atlantic Filter visit my home today (8-6-2024) to explain how putting a filtration system in my home to insure I had clean drinking water for myself and KC. You just can’t trust the city of WPB to inform us IN A TIMELY MANNER OUR DRINKING WATER IS NOT SAFE.
First time it took 8 days before we were notified we had been drinking contaminated water. Thank you, Mayor Keith James and City Administrator Faye Johnson,
Posted on the city’s website July 18, 2024.
“Public notice: important information about your drinking water.”
“The city of West Palm Beach exceeded Turbidity (Cloudiness) Treatment Requirements.”
What should I do?
“There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil water or take other corrective action. You would be notified if the water is not safe to drink.”
“If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or elderly you may be at increased risk, and should seek advice. from your health care provider about drinking this water.” Is the water safe or not.? Call my doctor to see if he thinks I should drink contaminated water.
What does this mean?
“This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours.
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.”
Atlantic Filter tested my water and here are the results.
This is the level of Chlorine in our drinking water.
Now ask yourself–do you feel safe drinking City water?
Want to help? call or email The Division of Environmental Public Health.
https://palmbeach.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/environmental-health/index.html
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Water Problems—Again?
Walk down memory lane.
May 2021 “Why the delay? WPB took 8 days to alert public about toxin in water”
Read the story below.
3 years 2 months later I still buy bottled water and the city is once again not notifying residents there is a problem with our water.
The message below was sent by the Town of Palm Beach on 7/18/2024 – 5:20 PM to a friend who subscribes to the Town of Palm Beach for their newsletter.
I was asked if I received notice from WPB officials and I did not.
It’s Friday at 10:00 AM and nothing reported on the local news. Below is a quote from the Town of Palm Beach story, and apparently the town test their water received from WPB and found a problem.
Are you aware Palm Beach has a contract with WPB to purchase city water and are seeking other alternatives. When the contract is completed, and WPB will lose millions of dollars, wait for our water bill to explode.
“During regular and routine testing, recent samples collected from West Palm Beach’s water treatment process exceeded compliance for turbidity (cloudiness) units. The Town of Palm Beach receives its drinking water from the City of West Palm Beach.
Turbidity does not cause health effects. If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your healthcare providers about drinking this water.”
Mayor James, City Administrator Faye Johnson and City Commissioners I am elderly, is the water safe or not to drink and bathe in? The town of Palm Beach included the notice on the WPB City website. If you are not in the habit of checking the city’s website, you don’t know there is a problem.
Entire Palm beach notice below.
https://public.alertsense.com/content/2166/35776
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WPB Rents City Owned Property
City Commission Meeting held on 5/28/2024 below the agenda reads in part.
9.1. “Resolution No. 115-24 approving a Lease Agreement with Esperanza Community Center to lease City-owned property located at 723 39th Street.”
Originating Department:
Housing and Community Development
Background Information:
“The City of West Palm Beach received an application from Esperanza Community Center requesting to lease City-owned property located at 723 39th Street.
The Esperanza Community Center provides services and programs to empower families, primarily residing in the Northwood area of the City, to thrive by developing life skills. The agency offers a safe space for the community to receive information and services, including English as a second language, adult literacy and computer classes, health outreach and education, pro-bono legal services, health outreach and education, family programming, cultural events, and a food pantry.”
The Esperanza Community Center serves over 280 individuals, and over 150 children benefit monthly from baby diaper distribution and babysitting programs. The agency estimates that it will serve an estimated 3,103 duplicated beneficiaries per year. In accordance with the City’s Real Property Lease Management Policy adopted by Ordinance No. 4868-19, the property meets the criteria to be considered for leasing, as the property is not required for current municipal use, and the property can be efficiently utilized by a non-profit provider of housing, human, and social services.
Lease of 723 39th Street for a term of five (5) years; Base rent for Year 1 is $15.00 per square foot (2,745 square feet) or $1,200.00 (35% of market rate price) per month/$14,400.00 annually. To allow Esperanza Community Center to relocate and establish operations in the new space, rent payments are set to begin four (4) months after the effective lease date; Three percent (3%) annual increase for Years 2-5 as follows:
Year 2: $1,236.00 monthly / $14,832.00 annually
Year 3: $1,273.00 monthly / $15,276.00 annually
Year 4: $1,312.00 monthly / $15,744.00 annually
Year 5: $1,351.00 monthly /$16,212.00 annually
The funds shall be deposited in the City’s Real Estate Management Fund. 1″
Are you aware the City, that would be you & me, also own property at 401 No. Flagler Dr; since the 80’s and according to the PBC Property Appraiser has a Total Market Value of $17,643,577, and the city has rented the building to the Chamber of Commerce for $1.00/ annually. Why would the city give a great deal to the Chamber of Commerce, and not to Esperanza Community Center, who appear to be doing a great service to the most in need?
Rentals are out of control and many decent, hardworking people, with jobs and children find themselves living in their cars because they can no longer afford to pay their greedy landlords rent demand. In my opinion the city of WPB have joined the greedy landlords lead by James & Johnson with the help of the Cornerstone 5 City Commissioners.
Could the Chamber of Commerce possibly donate money through PACs to politicians. Clink the link below to see how many millions they donate and why government, large and small take such good care of them.
Now I’m assuming the rent from Chamber will be deposited into City’s Real Estate Management Fund. 1.
Esperanza Community Center $14,400.00 annually
Chamber of Commerce $1.00 annually for a total of $14,401.00
https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/us-chamber-of-commerce/summary?id=D000019798
Entire agenda for City Commission meeting held 5/28/2024 below
City Commission – May 28 2024 – Agenda – Pdf
The end!
Recap on Mayor & City Commissioners raises
Below is what City Administrator Faye Johnson reported to the City Commissioners to insure their vote for the raises.
“On Monday night, commissioners gave preliminary approval to a recommendation from the city staff that their pay be increased by just under 32% to $46,112 per year from their current pay of $35,000. The mayor’s annual pay would also rise by about 32%, to $197,625 from its current $150,000.”
“City Administrator Faye Johnson made an extensive presentation on the finances of the proposed pay increases. The goal, she said, is to put elected official pay in West Palm Beach back on par with the compensation of counterparts in Orlando, St. Petersburg and Jacksonville.
Below is what she didn’t bother to tell them.
Orlando Population 316,081 (2022)
St. Petersburg Population 261,256 (2022)
Jacksonville Population 971,319 (2022)
West Palm Beach Population 120,932 (2022)
Lets see how City employees did not prosper under Mayor James and City Administrator Faye Johnson.
Contracts for City Employees SEIU (Service Employees International Union) and Managers & Supervisor PMSA (Professional Managers & Supervisors Association)
City negotiates with both employee unions. Contracts covering 3 years. 2021, 2022 and 2023.
2021 Employees received a 3% cost of living raise.
2022 Employees received a 5% cost of living raise.
2023 Employees received a 5% cost of living raise.
Medical and Dental plan. Rates rose by 3%.
2021 thru 2023 The employee and city each pay 1/2 the cost of the plan. For the three years the city absorbed the entire cost.
New contract to run from October 2024 to Sept. 30, 2026.
Employees to receive 7% pay increase.
Medical insurance plan will rise by 6.6%, Dental will rise by 5%. City and employee return to shared expense. That increase will take a bite out of employees 7% raise.
Sept. 2024 The city will negotiate another 3-year contract with the police and fire department. I Attended both negotiations in 2020 when Johnson was in charge of the negotiations after the city’s financial advisor, Mark Parks, who had the responsibility of the negotiations was fired by Johnson. Power struggle where Mr. Parks, first responders and residents lost.
“Where would the money for pay raises come from?”
“Johnson emphasized that money for the pay raises would not be pulled from property tax revenue. Instead, she said, it would come from $719,500 in additional shared state revenue the city learned it would receive near the end of last year’s budget process.”
That explains where the money will come from to cover their massive pay raises in 2024. Where will the money come from in the future to pay these part time elected officials? My guess is burden will be placed on homeowners when elected officials raise our property taxes.
If you read this far you are aware city employees never received raises in double digits numbers.
The City Commission will vote for the raise on Tuesday, 5/28/2024. Your absence and silence mean acceptance.
The End