NOTES

1. MDC DID FILE FOR A PERMIT TO BUILD  $60,000 FLOATING DOCK

The Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.) gave the City of New Smyrna Beach a $160,000 grant which included $60,000 for the floating dock. The Shadow had heard that no permit was pulled, and asked for the permit. For over a week we received no information. The Shadow speculated that none had been sought. However the permit office now states it has surfaced. Now understand, this grant is in addition to the $750,000 from the Federal grant and the F.I.N.D grant for $100,000. The Shadow does not know how the sum was spent.

In sum, the water taxi fiasco when it is all added up cost the taxpayers probably $1.5 or more of money that subsidized a business in competition with at least one business that closed.  The final insult was that the pontoon boat that the MDC borrowed from the City and failed to maintain was also a gift from F.I.N.D. The City then gave this $50,000 salvage value boat to the MDC as a gift.  And to add even more insult, it seems according to the marine survey that the two water taxi boats were maintained poorly and will bring less money when sold.

2. THE SKINNY ON THE STATE CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIRE UNION PENSION FUND

The line that has been given by New Smyrna Beach’s Director of Human Resources is that State Law prohibits any reduction in the New Smyrna Beach pension fund absent an equivalent benefit being provided elsewhere. It seems that may not true! It seems that only if the States pension fund contribution is accepted by the City does that provision apply.  It also seems that the State’s contribution to Port Orange is $300,000 and that if Port Orange may refuse that payment. It is possible that as long as they act in good faith Port Orange can modify the pension plan. The amount here that we take from the State is $263,308. It would appear that over the last few years we could have forgone about $263,000 per year and demanded pension reform that would have saved millions.

Oh by the way, Commissioner Hathaway resigned as a member of the fire pension Board in August. The fire representative chairman has also resigned.  Maybe we they could appoint a couple of Certified Public Accountants to represent the City.

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                              November 8, 2010

YOU ARE NUMBER:

THE PROPOSED UNION CONTRACT BEING NEGOTIATED BY THE CITY OF PORT ORANGE FOR 2011 HAS ON THE TABLE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION BY EACH FIREMAN TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PENSION FUND.  HERE IN MAYBERRRY THE CITY MANAGER IS NOT REQUESTING THAT THE IAFF CONTRACT ADDRESS THE ISSUE, AND THAT WE AGREE TO A THREE YEAR CONTRACT.  WHAT WAS THE CITY'S HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR THINKING WHEN SHE PROPOSED THIS CONTRACT TO THE CITY MANAGER? THE SHADOW CONSIDERS THIS PROPOSAL AS BORDERING ON A CRIMINAL ACT (SEE LINK).  WE JUST VOTED FOR A FISCALLY CONSERTATIVE CONGRESS.  ARE OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS NUTS?

 

PALM BAY IT SEEMS HAS JUST UNILATERALLY IMPOSED, AFTER IMPASS, AN 8 1/2 % PENSION CONTRIBUTION FOR ITS FIRE DEPARTMENT UNION EMPLOYEES.  ASK THE NEW GOVERNOR WHAT HE THINKS: HE IS PROPOSING PAY CUTS FOR ALL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.  (See also article 1 and note 2 below). 

DOES OUR HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR READ THE NEWSPAPER OR LISTEN TO THE RADIO OR TV?  WE ARE IN A FINANCIAL CRISIS!  SHE AND HER SUPPORTERS SHOULD BE FIRED! CALL YOUR COMMISSIONERS AND TELL THEM NOT TO APPROVE THIS CONTRACT!

THE CITY MANAGER IS FIGHTING WITH THE PAVILION CONSULANT FOR TRYING TO SAVE $2 OR $3 MILLION INSTEAD OF SPENDING $135,000.  THE SHADOW WONDERS IF SHE IS A SECRET MEMBER OF THE UNION.  SOUNDS LIKE IT DOESN'T IT?  IT'S TIME TO SPEAK OUT!  DO IT TODAY BEFORE THE COMMISSION MEETS TUESDAY. 

BLOGS

Date:  10/30/2010, 5:49 pm

Name:  Healthcare

I reality, neither political party is interested in doing anything about healthcare if it reduces how much the people in the healthcare industry are making. But the Republicans are still worse than the Democrats on the issue. The Republicans and the National Chamber of commerce are against making everyone get health insurance. That does not sound too bad, until you think about what it means. Everyone in America gets life saving healthcare if you pay for it or if you don’t pay for it. The Republican Party and the National Chamber of Commerce are for preserving the system where the people who buy health insurance pay through higher hospital costs for the people who do not have health insurance. It costs a family of 2 about ten grand a year for health insurance. Twenty to thirty percent of the money you and your employer pays goes to pay for the people with no insurance. As health insurance gets more expensive, people drop it and the problem gets worse. The solution is first to make everyone get health insurance that cuts 20%-30% off our bills. Then go to single payer. Folks it’s no difference than using your master card or visa card. The final part is the people in the health industry have to have their incomes reduced. Little perspective, if the average income is 30-40k, $10,000 a year for health insurance is a third to a quarter of their income.

Date:  11/2/2010, 8:59 am

Name:  Heads Up IAFF At It Again

Not only have the IAFF bought and paid for Trovato and Cusack, but apparently also Adam, Judy, Jack, and the rest of the NSB Blind mice along with their leader Pammy. Take a look at the proposed IAFF contract that the City has put on the consent agenda for the next meeting. Absolutely no action on the pension except a "lets forget it for now and reopen in 2012. What a joke these idiots we elected on the City Commission are and the IAFF wins again. When will you people wake up and demand they be gone. The best way is let the County take over the fire department and be done with it as these bought politicians we have on our CC are worthless salves to the unions. And they did not have to look too far; Port Orange got concessions but not our Pammy Girl and her pet monkey Adam. But I forgot, he is too busy with So Napa to do anything for the City.

Date:  11/5/2010, 4:28 pm

Name:  Cold Decked

How long can this beach pavilion nonsense go on? Our new Mayor is supposed to work in the construction business, be an educated businessman, and be against higher taxes. Why doesn't he speak up about this farce? Knock out the rusty bolts, knock in quality stainless bolts, steam clean the structure, maybe replace the metal roofing, and patch the joints in the seawall. He should also know exactly what that should cost. Mum is not the word we voted for!!

FROM THE SHADOW G-MAIL ACCOUNT

Dear Sir,

Let us assume for a minute the inevitable will occur and the city leaders pay off the 3 plus million dollar bond owned by the golf course. Would this not be a

perfect opportunity to bring in an outside management company to run this white elephant? Without the bond debt the revenue stream might now be favorable to a third party. The current employees at least some could or would be able to

transfer to other city departments based on current openings.  Those with less seniority could be laid off or allowed to seek employment elsewhere. The city has shown time and time again it cannot run a business and the golf course should be run as such. So let us solicited the bids, select a company, hire an attorney to write a contract that would protect the city, and be done with it  We could have a current employee of the Parks and Recreation department be assigned to monitor the health of the course this person could stop in 2 to 3 times a week for 1 - 2 hours and do a walk around. The city could stop paying the salaries of the current over paid and under worked management, namely Gary and John. Another idea that might help here is to combine the maintenance of the golf course with that of the Parks and Rec.

1. WHEN TO BE SHRILL

There are times when simply standing on top of a building and waving an American flag simply will not do. So shouting becomes a norm, and if you shout long enough there are some who say you are shrill. The Shadow cannot help being so labeled particularly when we see yet another effort on the unions to elect candidates who will protect union pay, pensions and benefits. The Shadow broke its own self imposed policy and supported two candidates for County Council who were not in the union’s pocket.

The raids on the treasury and unwise spending of tax dollars continues almost without stop because those doing the spending are not spending their money.  Entitlements are so ingrained that the Anglers’ Club grifters thought it would be cheaper to buy two candidates than to pay a fair rent.  The Shadow estimates that they spent $40,000 each. They were clearly correct and this all white male club with a $25 year lease has gotten away with another year or two of stealing an asset from

the City. Consider that a fair rent of $150,000 to $200,000 a year on that property represents about half of the tax increase that the Mayor and Judy Reicker voted to charge you. The City Attorney wants his $1500 a day salary and benefits package so badly he will not fight for the taxpayers by taking the lease to court for review.

Then there are the 2010 union contracts the City passed on the consent calendar last year. Certainly there were small changes, but the overall objective of the City Commission was to not make any of the large changes that needed to be made to the pay, pension and benefits that were the main reason the City was in a financial hole.  Those contracts, as approved essentially without serious open discussion, were the reason the City had to raise taxes to continue meeting its payroll.  So, where are we this year?  The contract on the table for approval tomorrow night again represents  some decreases in some of the areas that need correcting, but it does not address any of the big ticket costs to the City that are grossly increasing the unfunded debt. The City will save a little money, but the reality is that it does not touch for another THREE years the almost non-contributory pension plan, the early retirement, or the formulae where every union retiree is guaranteed a huge pension at an early age. Think of Cindy Richenberg and her $63,000 pension at age 46. What a joke!

Port Orange is still in negotiations for contracts for three years.  Pam, take back the contract proposal and negotiate at least for what Port Orange believes it can get.  It is not shrill to say that the City Commission is selling out the taxpayers yet again. It is not shrill to say that the City Manager or City Human Resource Director sold us out.  The City Commission does not believe it is true. Were it not true, but to us sucker taxpayers paying the bill it looks that way.

Not reducing the top pay of senior employees has no rational basis in today’s economy. The Shadow believes that tax increases that further increase the excessive salary of the City Attorney ($220,000 plus another $110,000 in benefits) should not sit well with taxpayers. Mr. Gummey under his contract received a 3% pay raise on October 1st.  That is $7,000 plus another $4,000 in pension and benefits. Working for Mayberry is certainly rewarding even as the taxpayer gets squeezed.

2. PETITION TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT TO TAKE BACK THE $15,000 GRANT (TAX MONEY) TO THE CITY OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH TO STUDY DREDING A MAN MADE CANAL

The Shadow was told that a petition was or will be filed with the Florida Inland Navigation District. The City described the Calore Canal as a natural creek and requested funds. F.I.N.D cannot fund any improvements to a man made canal. The Calore Canal is a man made waterway.

Calling the Calore Canal a natural waterway has been and is an untruth at best. The 1926 map the City relies upon shows that, to the extent it ever was a stream, it flowed into the mangroves at about where the Old High School is today, and just became a tidal flat. It was then and is now just a part of the tidal flat. In other words, they are lying! F.I.N.D. should take its money back.

3. WATCHING THE BERT FISH FIASCO

At the Bert Fish remedial meeting last week one of the Board members stated that Bert Fish’s assets had suddenly become more valuable. What he was commenting upon was that after the secret and illegal meeting were exposed and the under the table negotiations with one of the bidders was made public, other parties raised their bids as if in an auction. It sort of sounds that open bidding and sunshine is in the public interest. Of course we do not have that luxury at the City level either since they circumvent the sunshine laws by having the City Manager discuss the agenda the day before the meeting with each of the Commissioners. We figure it usually goes something like this is the issue and the way I see it Abigail and Algernon have indicated they favor the proposal and we can put it on the consent calendar if you agree !  The way it went at Bert Fish is that the CEO and the Chairman of the Board obtained a legal opinion that they could just negotiate with a buyer in secrete and not discuss the deal in good faith with other prospective buyers. Or, the public which pays these institutions big tax dollars might object.

4. DROP (DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTIONS PLAN) DEAD TAXPAYERS

Attached as a LINK is the article in an Ohio magazine which explains how public employees end up with paying for golden parachutes worth millions of dollars for fire and police personnel.  The next LINK is the police and fire pension fund response.  In Mayberry the Personnel Office will not even identify the worthies that are double dipping or tell you what the cost to the taxpayers is on any of the accounts.

5. THE PAVILION---AN EXCERSIE IN BAD GOVERNMENT AND POSSIBLY QUESTIONABLE ETHICAL BEHAVIOR

The current Pavilion at the end of Flagler could have been repaired cheaply as far back as early 2007. See LINK .They chose to let it fall apart. Now it would cost maybe $135,000 to renew it, but the City Manager wants to spend $2,000,000 to $3,000,000 to tear it down and put up another Taj Mahal. She will take the money from the CRA and had some vision that the County Coastal Division (the renamed old Ponce Inlet Port Authority, would also kick in money. When the consultant said that the building could be repaired to perfect condition and would last another 20 years they told him to shut up. You heard correctly. Do not give us your professional opinion. He didn’t shut up, so they twisted his presentation in their press release to one of the ad sheets in town that masquerades as a newspaper. You must read the LINK to see just how bad this is. If the Shadow can obtain the consultant’s report it will be supplied next week. This is really Mayberry.

The old Commission (Jim, Jack, and Jim are still here) deliberately let this asset deteriorate. The current City Manager did nothing to change this process.  If the current Commission buys this $2 to $3 million nonsense they are no more than spend thrifts with taxpayer money. Feed this cat, and you bought it! .

1.  JOIE, A THANK YOU IS ALWAYS APPECIATED

Councilwoman Joie Alexander was seen around town last Wednesday waiving to people and holding a sign saying THANK YOU. What a nice gesture, and it shows class seldom seen in Mayberry.  It says "thank you” to both those who voted for her and against her. Good going Joie.

2. WHAT IS DALE WILLIAMS DOING NOW?

Dale Williams owned and ran classy furniture and furnishing store in New Smyrna Beach. He also was in real estate. The depression took out his business, aided by questionable bank activity we are told, and the City’s absurd no-growth phase with previous Commissioners' mindset did in a chunk of the real estate. Now he runs a business out of the area and spends the most time he can with his wife and kids here in Mayberry. When the real estate recovers, we hope he comes home for good.

DEAR PAM

As we have stated in the past, we realize that various City officials have limited resources available for pursuing cost reduction projects, so we have decided to help them out and provide draft letters for review. As we have said, this will free them up for important things, like dealing with all the serious problems of the police and fire department pensions.

Dear Mayor Barringer,

I do not like open government nor will I permit views I do not like to be expressed at open meetings. Several times over the last few weeks I have told consultants to shut up and they go forward on some crazy notion of professional responsibility and free speech. I will not have it. I am drawing up a list of those who you should punish.

PAM

WE WERE MISINFORMED. THE CITY COMMISSION WILL ADDRESS THE IAFF CONTRACT ON TUESDAY EVENING.  IT CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 41 OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.  SEEMS THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW.  CALL YOU COMMISSIONER!

The Shadow reserves the Geeko Award for individuals who should know better than to engage in such insensitive acts as is evidenced by the above block.  This week, we take no pleasure in making this prestigious award to the New Smyrna Beach Director of Human Resources for her tireless efforts to insulate herself from the real world of the need to negotiate a union contract with the fire department personnel that is fair to the taxpayer. Maybe the City should pay for her to travel to Port Orange to take a tutorial on how to negotiate.