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ARCHIVES 2006

What's the difference between crime and politics?

--In crime, you take the money and run.

--Milton Berle

****************************************************************************

2006:

Election Aftermath:

From the News Journal (11/8):

Councilwoman Joie Alexander said the appearance of voters going against the two growth-related amendments could be misleading, considering the onslaught of anti-amendment advertising that filled mailboxes and radio airwaves in the last days before the election.

"A half-a-million dollars could buy a lot of confusion," Alexander said.

Maybe voters weren't going against growth related amendments, maybe they were going against the county controling what their city does. Regardless, why is it that when the voters do something people in power do not like, the voters are somehow mistaken or just painted as "confused"? This is what happens when growth boundaries were voted in with over 70% of the votes only to be overturned by a judge.

Apparently Eminent Domain is a little more important than newspapers would have you believe with voters saying "YES" to protection in the low to high 70% range both county and statewide. Will someone now sue and say the voters had no idea what they were voting on? Will they say that about the Stormwater Bond Referendum? Joie Alexander said that about some of the county amendments in the News Journal today. She thinks voters were confused on some county amendments.

Citizens are giving the city council means to spend more money than ever before...lets see what they do with it.

Vice Mayor Fulton Really Knows How to Use His Mouth:

Out of one side of his mouth:

*********************************************************************

School Concurrency Plan and thoughts on the City Council Meeting of 11/1/06

by Norm Erickson

This is not a school concurrency ordinance. It is a procedure for developers to get a letter as to whether or not there is capacity in the school. If there is capacity, fine...build. If there is not capacity for the students coming in due to growth, then the developer can make amends (read this as CASH) and move ahead with developing. The school board did not agree with the word "city" as to whom the money should go. I'm not sure if the money is going to come back to DeBary or to Orange City or all over the county. Lenzen called this a "warm and fuzzy" ordinance. I agree. Why not just say "No" to growth? Lenzen brought up good points on how the school board has all but ignored this side of the county. In talking to Tillis after the meeting, he very much doubted if a public school is in DeBary's future. Charter schools may be the way to go. Perhaps we should eminent domain Costa's property for the true reasons of eminent domain: public use as in PUBLIC schools...that, after all, is what eminent domain is really for...not to blight and slum good neighborhoods to put in ritzy titzy condos just to fatten the pockets of SOME of the public. But I digress...

City Attorney Mr. Langely brought up a point John Likakis has mentioned a half a dozen times: our comp plan moves from 1 unit per 5 acre to 4-6 units per 1 acre with nothing inbetween. This makes it hard to negotiate growth when our own comp plan has no middle ground. LET'S GET IT PASSED. What about 2 units per acre or 3 units per acre. We can use this to truly control growth. Costa wanted to go from 55 homes to over 600 and our comp plan has nothing inbetween for us to use. While I'm mentioning this, Costa has a month to appeal the lawsuit. If he does not appeal, I will be down at city hall getting the transcripts and recordings from that executive meeting in April of this year to see what our dream team was talking about in terms of a plan. It will get on this website somehow...that's a promise. We will also look at it again around election time next year...

Here is my prediction of what I expect to read in those transcripts of that April meeting of this year: Lenzen will argue we have to say yes. Tillis, Coleman, Carson will argue we can say "No". Fulton will say that if they don't follow his negotiated number of 450 units, they can expect a lawsuit and the city will lose. None of them were on the same page coming out of that meeting...but three of them said "No" and with the help of the "legal eagles" they won the day for DeBary and our way of life. Fulton continues to champion Costa's right to develop...yes...he can develop it tomorrow, Vice Mayor Fulton...but he will have to develop it at the zoning that he bought it for: 1 unit per 5 acres. Costa has also saved a wad of cash in taxes over the ten year by putting some cows on that property. And with home prices the way they are, I'm not sure Centex wanted us to lose that case anymore than the Meadowlea residents did.

Ok, there was some public participation at the 11/1 meeting, or "Grandstanding" as our Vice Mayor calls it, and below are the speeches read by the co-founders of this, DeBary's only website for citizens by citizens.

And that's an update...

11/1/06: Read at the 11/1 Council Meeting

Mr. Fulton. During the course of this year, I've often complimented you on doing your homework prior to
council meetings and for some thoughtful contributions to Council discussions. However, you have also fostered the impression that you are never wrong. Your commentary in e-mails and to reporters these past few weeks force me to do something I find distasteful but necessary to set the record straight.

Regarding the Court decision, I feel I have the right to take you to task-for at least two reasons: 1) At the 3/15 Council meeting I presented the documents cited in Mr. Langely’s Oral Argument and which became part of the Court document. 2) My name was part of the legal document. Page 48. the Judge’s decision, paragraph 5, reads, “… supported by competent substantial evidence” as part of the winning decision. You’ve stated at least twice-10/15 and 10/20-that our Lawyer’s presentation “…countered Mark Watts’s comments using the Mayor and my statements that were on the record.” Wouldn't it have been more appropriate to let our Mayor make the announcement of our win? A simple oversight or an attempt to take credit? It was Mr. Langely’s skill in organizing and presenting the facts that helped us to win. You, on the other hand, created a litigious atmosphere right from the start. Your announcing “we’re going to be sued” at the first meeting without first speaking without attorney reflects your “I can do no wrong” attitude. There have been numerous statement by you reinforcing your negative stance on the City’s determination to say “No!” and I am disappointed to see the fervor with which you defend your mistakes.

For instance the Meadowlea water problem. Maybe not as important as the Court decision but you were adamant on the gallons delivered.  The County stated they sent two shipments of 240 gallons each and 1000 1-liter bottles. Not 1000 gallons. They may have duplicated their message when they said they sent 126 cases of 8-0z bottles. It's either 743 gallons or 669 gallons. If not duplicated, 932. And if you drive down S. Shell road from Highbanks the posted speed is 30 not 35. It's time to go back to doing your homework, like you used to.

My ego is intact. I don't need publicity. I'm not running for anything.  I prefer anonymity. If I can contribute something for the good of the City and its citizens, so be it. I have no pride of authorship.

When you're talking about the City's and the public's business, I leave you with this thought:

You are entitled to your opinions.   You are NOT entitled to YOUR facts.

Let's get this Council working together for the common good.

Thank you.

John Likakis

Also read at 11/1's Council Meeting:

Vice Mayor Fulton vs. Vice Mayor Fulton

And the winner is...Norm Erickson

This was just too easy and too much fun...and the best part is...Fulton had done all the work. The only thing Vice Mayor Fulton had to say to both of these speeches was that he had not written the email about the water at Meadowlea but was simply passing it on.

10/28:

• " 10 cities -- DeLand, Deltona, DeBary, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona, Edgewater, Holly Hill, Ormond Beach and Orange City -- are on a crusade to confuse voters about the meaning of the charter amendments.
• They have gone beyond their legitimate mission of informing voters about ballot issues. Their tactics raise serious ethical questions about the use of tax dollars."
• "They have used city staff to support the PAC on city time, posted magnetic anti-charter-amendment signs on city vehicles and used city newsletters to persuade voters to turn down the amendments. How much money is actually being spent has not been revealed. Nor has the amount of developer support. "
• "And a recent press conference revealed that if voters would dare to pass the charter amendments, the cities are preparing to use more of their residents' tax dollars to sue the county."
  
  News Journal Opinion-http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Editorials/opnOPN27102906.htm
  
• "It was my City Commission and actions of so many other cities that helped me come to the conclusion that we must support these charter amendments."
• "As a taxpayer, I have never been so outraged than by the action of our cities in the last several weeks. Collectively, 10 cities and the Florida League of Cities have contributed more than $225,000 ($170,000 in our tax dollars) to a political action committee urging defeat of all the charter amendments. It is the height of arrogance for my city officials to use my tax dollars to tell me how to vote."
• "The cities' campaign materials read, "This is not about growth, it's about power," and they are right. Under our home-rule charter, all power is inherent in the people of this county, and it's time we trust them to make up their own minds about the future of Volusia."
   
  A chance to draw line against sprawl by Clay Henderson http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Editorials/opnOPN28102906.htm
  
  
• As of two weeks ago, a political committee calling itself Cities Against Consolidated Government had amassed more than $225,000 in contributions, three-quarters of which came from various city treasuries.
• Municipal opposition to the amendments is showing up on magnetic signs affixed to garbage trucks. Cities are pushing "no" votes in water bills, newsletters and memos attached to employees' paychecks. "No" is the message on city marquees in Holly Hill, Orange City and Deltona.
• In South Daytona, anti-charter signs even appeared on police cruisers, which means people who carry guns and handcuffs are now telling you how to vote. 
• Never before have the officials you elected as representatives spent so much money and used so many resources to tell you how to think and how to vote.

****************************

Can't say "No" to growth?

Judge Finds in Favor of City

10/20:

Judge Hudson found in favor of DeBary's decision to say "No" to Mr. Costa's request for a re-zoning down by Meadowlea. Congratulations are in order to the city's attorneys Mr. Langley and Mr. Ardaman who represented us in this matter both with written and oral arguments to chalk up a win for the city.

While this is good news for most, it isn't good news for all...

I think a few people will have some things to say about this process so:

more to come...

***************************************************************

*************************************************

Lenny remembers his hometown in his new editorial. Check it out at the POP Editorial link. Do you feel the same way? Send in your comments.

Also, Lenny and Norm team up on eminent domain and blight...only at POP Editorials.

*****************************************************

Patricia Northey responds to questions on her campaign.

Click on Election '06 Candidates' Information to read what she sent in.

Mark Meister responded to Ms. Portillo...click on the Citizens' Editorials.

10/14/06:

From Patrick Fulton's public email to certain citizens:

City Council Meeting

Oral Arguments re: Empire Cattle's development at the corner of Barwick and Ft. Florida Road.  Both parties

were represented by

their attorneys in the Judge's chambers.  3 residents, Maryann, myself, the Mayor and 2 reporters were in

attendance.  The case could go either way but I thought our city attorneys did a fantastic job. 

They countered Mark Watts' comments using the Mayor and my statements that were on the record from

that meeting.  I thought it went well.

This one really made me laugh...

I'm wondering what comments those were? Were they the comments that

if the council doesn't say "yes" to the development we'll get sued, or was

it Fulton saying we had no choice and suggested to the other council

members we'll get sued before Mark Watts did? Fulton talked to Watts

outside of council meetings and told the council they could expect a

lawsuit for having voted "no". Yes, Fulton was against the density, but

our city attorneys were arguing as much against what some of our

councilmen said as what Watts said. Fulton is getting ready to swing

this his way no matter which way the outcome goes.

Is our Vice Mayor really trying to come off as if he was against this

development?

This council had a special closed meeting to discuss how to say "no"

and they still fumbled it all up. I can't wait to read those minutes of

that meeting after the judge makes her ruling. I doubt you'll see

anything about it in the paper, but you will here.

If the judge rules against the city and for Watts, expect an "I told you so"

from Fulton.

If the judge rules in favor of the city...well...just re-read what he sent

out above.

Next from Fulton's email:

15.  Water at MeadowleaRUMOR CONTROL CENTRAL

There is a rumor being generated by a "concerned citizens group" that approx. 1000 gallons of water had not actually

been sent to the Medowlea community, like was reported by the county in an email I sent out. 

The truth is it was... 250 gallons had been delivered on one particular day and 2 full palates were

delevered the following day.  This was confirmed by City staff and by County staff. 

Vice Mayor Fulton:

I mean...do you actually read what you send out?

How many gallons were on each palette? 250? Even if that

were so and maybe it was and I'm assuming it was, that is

only 750 gallons delivered total. Yet you write that a 1000

gallons were delivered. How is 750 almost 1000? I'm beginning

to understand how we've lost so much money in the budget.

Yet you write that "the truth is it was"; yet it isn't the truth

using your own math. You call it a rumor and in the same breath

offer the math to show that it isn't a rumor, it isn't a mistake,

it's the truth: they didn't deliver 1000 gallons as the city and

county said they did. Revisionist history again in action and

wanting it both ways. If only Ripley were still alive...

900 is almost a thousand and perhaps 850...but 750?

You must think we're stupid to believe such nonsense and

what does it say to know you believe it?

TRUST?

******************************************

Doll DiSantis sent it in as an editorial and we printed it. I asked Mark

Meister if he saw Fulton down there and he said "No". Is it that if Fulton

says it, it has to be true no matter what? I've gotten into a couple of

debates with the Vice Mayor through email and eventually he just gives

up because he can't support his argument. I don't know if that is the case

here because maybe he drove through Meadowlea at 3 am and no one

saw him; but it was sent in and we put it up. I don't argue these kinds

of issues. As for the "concerned citizens group", we offer an idea or

argument, support it and offer commentary. This is the only website

for DeBary's citizens to write in an editorial about an issue they think

is important, they can tell us to jump off a bridge, or they can say

thank you. It makes no difference to us. We're not doing this because

we're running for office or we're up for re-election soon; we decided

to do this website because we love this city and wanted the citizens to

have an outlet to express or a place to go to get caught up on the news

and maybe have a few laughs while doing it.

Oh, and City Staff and County Staff also confirmed a 700 foot piece of

pipe that later was found to be missing...so them confirming the delivery

of some water gives me about as much confidence as I have in a

rubber crutch.

Norm Erickson

**************************************************************

NEW: 10/12:

What is going on at Meadowlea and is someone trying to claim credit where none is due?

From Patrick Fulton's email:

Update from the County re: Meadowlea
>  
> WATER PRODUCTION INCREASES AT MEADOWLEA
>
>
> Volusia County utility  crews were able to increase water production
> today at the remaining well  serving the Meadowlea on the River
> subdivision in DeBary.
> The increased  production was made possible through the installation
> Tuesday of a  submersible pump, which is pumping enough water to meet
> about 85 percent of  the subdivision's normal needs. The installation
> forced utility crews to shut  off water to the subdivision for about
> three hours Tuesday afternoon.  Additionally, water pressure was lowered
> throughout the day to prevent the  storage tank from emptying.
> According to Tom May, utilities operations  manager for Volusia County,
> the water pressure was returned to normal levels  Wednesday morning.
> "We are doing everything possible to rectify the  situation at
> Meadowlea,"
> said George Reckentwald, the county's director of  Public Works. "We have
> utility crews working around the clock to maintain the  system and
> explore alternate sources of potable water."
> According to Tom May, utilities operations manager, county
> workers are making  plans to connect the subdivision to the county's
> water system through a  four-inch water line, and this will take three to
> five month. The long-term  plan is to serve the area with a properly
> sized water main to meet potable  water and fire flow requirements.
> Residents are urged to continue their  conservation efforts by limiting
> showering and laundering and refraining from  watering their lawns and
> washing their vehicles. During periods of high  usage, residents may
> experience little to no water pressure.
> The  boil-water notice issued Sunday remains in effect.
> For more information,  please call Volusia County Water Utilities at
> (386)  822-6465.
>
>
> Questions with answers we have been asked:
>
> 1. Please  give me a history of the well. (When was it built, who was the
> original  owner, why did we take management of it several years ago?)
> Around 1969.
> I  do not know.
> It is not  County Charter that governs receivership, but  state law.   If
> a
> private utility owner abandons a utility,  County government is required
> to
> petition the Court to appoint a receiver  to operate the utility system.
> If
> the County cannot find a willing,  qualified receiver, County government
> is
> appointed receiver.    Volusia County operates the Meadowlea utility
> system
> as court appointed  receiver.
>
>
> 2. Is this a public health threat? NO
>
> 3. Should  residents leave their homes? NO
>
> 4. What long-term and short-term options  are we exploring? Short turn
> install submersible pump to increase well  production (done).
> Intermediate to have a 4" water line interconnected with  Volusia
> County's West Volusia Interconnect water system (3-5 month).   Long term
> to serve area with properly sized water main (3-5 years)
>
> 5.  Will we be delivering more bottled water to the homeowners
> association today?  Yes 1 liter bottled water today around 1,000 bottles.
>
> 6. Is it true that  they have no water at all? The WTP never lost water
> pressure and high service  pumps were running.  Depending on customer use
> if the  distribution  system some customers may have had minimal water.
> The water pressure was  returned to normal settings Wednesday morning.
>
> 7. We have advised  residents to limit showers and laundering and refrain
> from watering their  lawns and washing their cars. Are there any other
> conservation efforts we  should recommend, i.e. avoid using water during
> peak times (mornings and  afternoons)?  We should be ok if customers use
> normal watering use and  limit lawn irrigation and car washing use.
>
> 8. Are residents doing enough  to conserve water, or do they need to
> increase their efforts?  We will  know better after a couple days of
> normal water use to know if this statement  is true.
>
> 9. Are we committing full resources to this issue?   Yes.

And now Ms. DeSantis' Response to that email that was sent out:

We never received 1,000 gallons of water from the County. The first delivery was 240 gallon jugs,

the second delivery was 126 cases of water 8 oz bottles, we now recieved another 240 gallons jugs today 10-12-06

Second some of the people in our community had no water, it went so low in the tank

that it was bark brown water. You could not use it at all.  

If the Manager from the County came out here they would have seen it.

THEY NEVER GOT IN TOUCH WITH ME AS THE PRESIDENT OF  THE ASSOC.,

OR ANYONE ELSE IN THE COMMUNITY THIS IS UNEXCLUDIBLE!!

IN FACT PATRICK,  YOU NEVER GOT IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE IN THE COMMUNITY.

 THE ONLY ONES THAT DID WAS DANNY TILLIS, AND GEORGE COLMAN.

SO YOU KNOW NOTHING OF WHATS BEEN GOING ON IN OUR COMMUNITY.  

HOW CAN YOU SEND THIS REPORT OUT LIKE YOU KNOW EVER THING THAT IS GOING ON?

FOR THE EXCEPTION OF COUNCILMAN TILLIS AND MAYOR COLMAN

THEY ARE THE ONLY TWO FROM THE CITY THAT HAS COME OUT TO GIVE A HELPING HAND.

NEITHER YOU OR THE OTHER OFFICIALS FROM THE COUNTY

HAVE BOTHERED TO COME HERE AND SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT EXACTLY WHAT  WE NEED.


Gertrude V. DeSantis
President Meadowlea Improvemnet Association.

And now Norm Erickson's Comment on all of this:

I don't really like beating up on our Vice Mayor, but he does tend to send out these electronic

political flyers masquerading as emails to inform the public. He did this not long

ago when he tried to argue that he could vote "no" on the mil rate and "yes"

on the budget and have it be all ok; then when he is asked direct questions,

he doesn't answer them. It's a political thing and it's unfortunate.

If he had his way, Meadowlea would be surrounded by housing developments right now.

Hey, when is that judge ruling on the development at Meadowlea?

And who started that fire?

************************************************************************

NEW: 10/4:

THE CLOCK HAS RUN OUT - the U.S. Senate has failed to enact federal eminent domain reform

to protect your homes, small businesses, farms and churches. 

What can you do about it? Click on the link Eminent Domain/Growth

to see what YOU can do! Also, this is a referendum item on OUR

upcoming election. Educate yourself and VOTE! We'll be talking about

the referendums on this website as we near the November election.

CLICK ON CITIZENS' EDITORIALS TO READ A NEW VOICE CONCERNING

THE SKATEBOARD PARK....you don't want to skate by this commentary.

Also, in the CITIZENS' EDITORIALS we have a new one from Mark Meister

responding to Mr. Redfield...

**********************************************************

NEW: 9/29

Tillis to run again next year

After the last meeting on 9/27 I asked Councilman Tillis if he

planned to run again next year. "Yes," was his immediate repsonse.

I just laughed and said, "You are?" He took a moment and said, "Maybe."

I'll say this: we're getting our money's worth at those conferences.

*******************************************

9/30:

Mark got a response to his editorial on the poor attendance at the

last meeting on the budget (9/27):

When you are unable to hear what is being said (or mumbled}, or voted on, regardless of where

you sitting, it sure is a major drawback to attend the meetings.  Myself and many others have

complained about this.  I have the feeling they do not want us to hear and know what is being said.  

Maybe, Mark, some day they can improve the speaker system, or maybe even speak into the microphones.

William Redfield Meadowlea on the River

******************************************************************************

9/28:

Mark Meister's letter asking for an apology from Maryann is

in the Citizens' Editorials

*********************************************************

NEW: 9/30:

Compromise? Mature? Promises?

From Patrick Fulton’s email:

I know a small minority of people can’t appreciate a “compromise” but this is a great thing for our city. 

It’s all about mature people putting their own personal interests aside and compromising.  I am proud

of my fellow council members I think we all did the right thing last night.

Here are definitions by way of Webster of the word compromise:

a. A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions;

b. A middle way between two extremes;

c. An accommodation in which both sides make concessions;

A compromise happens when neither party really gets everything they wanted at the outset.

If there were a couple of councilmen arguing for 3.5 and a couple arguing for 2.5, a compromise

would be 3.0 that is to say, no party would be totally satisfied. That did not happen. At best you

briefly entertained the idea of 2.5 and did not even know that at a 2.5 mil rate the city could barely

function in terms of payroll, fire, and police in and of themselves. Moreover, to begin “working the

figures” while a vote is being asked is too late to begin working on the budget.

If you think a 3.00 millage rate is a compromise, you’re wrong. A lot more fat could have been taken

out such as capital improvements, travel costs, or simply put off for a time until the City is firmly back on solid ground.

Why didn’t you do your job? Why didn’t you keep your promises of low taxes? A 58% or a 35% are

not what people would call keeping the taxes low .Contrary to what you and/or the council may

believe, we do have many intelligent people living in our City. You had ample time to come up with

a workable budget but decided to wait until the last minute.

You and the rest of the Council didn’t come up with any other ideas except for the one the City Manager

recommended. You didn’t do your homework but let someone else do it for you and just went along with

it. And it was wrong. It was wrong in the fact that taxes would be raised with no discussion from Council

of any another plan.

Let’s face the facts you and the Council did a poor job preparing for this year’s budget. You took the

advice of the City Manager that the City needed a 3.5 mill rate to survive

One of our city taxpayers took it upon himself to create a budget that would show where the budget

could be cut. I didn’t see any Council Members present anything, just agreeing with the City Manager's

presentation. He did more than you because it meant a lot to him and to the taxpayers of DeBary.

I wonder if the City Council is as proud of you as you say you are of them. All you did was posture for

the next election: “I did not vote for tax increase.” While the city council planned for DeBary’s future,

it seems that you only planned for yours.

Lenny Marks

DeBary, FL

****************************************************************************

CANDIDATES FOR COUNTY COUNCIL:

Patricia Northey

Where do you stand in relation to the following issues?

The Charter Review proposals

School Planning: I support this amendment. Southwest Volusia public Schools were overcrowded when my sons, now grown men, went to them. They continue to be overcrowded. This amendment will make planning for growth in our school system more timely and insure our schools will have student stations in place when the students arrive.

Water Planning: I support this amendment. It is essential that as a county we plan for our future water supply in a more holistic way. In addition to planning for consumption and growth, it is critical that we include reuse, recharge and conservation as elements of any plan. And while we have a plan developed by WAV, it sits on the shelf because the WAV partners cannot agree on implementation.

Comprehensive Planning Districts: I support this amendment. I served on the Charter Review Commission and was part of the sub committee that wrote this amendment. While I would have preferred a longer time limit on the County’s role in annexed properties, the amendment will go a long way in preservation of the conservation corridor.

Dispute Resolution: I support this amendment.

County Council Vice Chair: I do not support this amendment. I think it is important for every member of the council to have an opportunity to sit in a leadership role.

County Council Charter Amendment: I support this amendment.

The Leffler property and the conservation corridor

Would you allow Leffler?

No, as a former County Council Member, I voted to deny this annexation. I also voted to eliminate the extension of Elkcam Blvd through the property to State Road 415.

Would you prevent Leffler? Yes, I would continue to deny those positions that promote develop of the property at the intensity requested.

Patricia Northey

2310 Carson Lane

Deltona, Fl 32738

386-717-0505

pnorthey@cfl.rr.com;

www.patnorthey.com

Occupation: Northey and Associates; consultant Marketing and Government Relations

Community Service

County Council Member 1993-2004, Founder and Chair Leadership West Volusia, Volusia Forever Board, Volusia County Charter Review Commission; Chair, Deltona City Manager Search Committee; My Region project: Executive Committee; President/ Member Four Townes Rotary; President/Board member Boys and Girls Club of Volusia-Flagler County; Florida Hospital- Fish Memorial Board of Directors; Chair, St. Johns American Heritage River Alliance, Middle Basin; St. Johns River Bridge Coalition: Executive Committee; FDOT Strategic Intermodal System Steering Committee; Board member, Northeast Florida Historical Preservation Board

Civic Awards and Honors

Extra Mile Award, Healthy Start Coalition, Community Leadership Award, The Chamber of Commerce of West Volusia ; Community Service Award, Adventist Health Systems; Lloyd Larson Rotarian of the Year award - Four Townes Rotary; Boys and Girls Club National Medallion award; Graduate Leadership Florida Class XIX Citizen of the Year, Volusia County Association for Responsible Development (VCARD); Community Service award, Museum of Arts and Sciences, Daytona Beach; Advocate of the Year" Florida Counseling Association; Advocate of the Year, Volusia-Flagler Counseling Association; Women Who Have Made A Difference In The Health Of Their Communities Award, Halifax Community Health Systems

Date of Birth: 4-1-1949

Favorite Book: Fiction: Lay That Trumpet In Our Hands, By Susan Carol McCarthy Non Fiction: It’s Your Ship, by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, former commander, USS Benfold

Campaign Statement:

As a 32 year resident of Southwest Volusia I know the issues facing our district; poor relations between the county and the cities, ensuring a superior quality of life, implementing smart growth,  protecting our historical communities, and building a job base that will keep our residents here.

For twelve years, I enthusiastically served you as a member of the Volusia County Council. During that time the Citizens had their voices heard. Working together we accomplished much: an improved economic climate, new parks and recreation trails, better roads and transportation options and a commitment to our environment and quality of life.

When you mark your ballot, I would be honored to have your vote.

The following people and institutions believe

Patricia Northey

is best for Volusia County Council District #5.

The Orlando Sentinel: Our position: Pat Northey is good for environment and economic development.

Ms. Northey proved that she can be an effective leader. When she was on the council earlier, she used her political savvy to enthusiastically promote an agenda that resulted in new parks and trails, better roads and a stronger economic climate.

Because of her smart approach to growth management and her impressive ability to get things done, the Orlando Sentinel endorses Pat Northey for Volusia County Council in the District 5 race.

Daytona Beach News Journal : Northey's balance just right for District 5.

Voters don't have to gamble. They have a sure thing in Pat Northey, whose pragmatic leadership and dedicated service on the council have been sorely missed.

International Association of Firefighters Local 3574:

Fire Fighters have found your personal integrity, general philosophy, political ethics and no nonsense approach to government closely parallels our ideals. Your history of community involvement has demonstrated the concern and ability required for public office. The citizens of District 5 will be well served with you as their representative on the Volusia County Council

Volusia-Flagler Sierra Club:

S ierra Club feels she is absolutely the best choice in the District 5 County Council race.

Deltona Mayor Dennis Mulder:

District 5, specifically Deltona, is in need of her experience, integrity and proven track record in economic development and smart growth initiatives.

• Volusia Teachers Organization
• Volusia Education Support Association
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
• United Autoworkers
• Plumbers
• Communication Workers of America
• Volusia-Flagler Sierra Club  

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From History: Key to the Future:

At the October Council Meeting , I suggested we cut our losses and get out of the West Volusia Cultural and Conference Training Center - or is it "The Partnership Center” or “The West Volusia Training Center? I would like to bring to your attention that I come in front of this Council not as someone who has been against this from the beginning, but as someone who VOTED FOR IT!

All this began in May 2003 , with a discussion for a Tri-City Center .  To
save time, I am just going to present a highlighted chronology of dates and
meetings, that have significant information about this Center.

EDAC MEETING 10/16/03:   The Chamber of Commerce described with
some detail, the West Volusia Business Conference Center -where it would be located, which cities would be involved, and information about possible grants and ECHO funding.

City Council Meeting 11/05/03:   Council approved a service agreement with the Chamber for 2 years at a cost of $5,000.00 per year.  At this meeting, the Chamber made another pitch for the Center.

City Council Meeting 2/11/04:   Approval of the Interlocal Agreement and funding commitment was requested, with Deltona putting in $2 million, Orange City $1 million (which later became $1.5 million) and a proposed contribution from DeBary of $1 million, to be paid over a 3 year period.  The Chamber said that they and Daytona Beach Community College were actively involved in the project, and that once the intent of the cities was clear, the project would become a partnership between Daytona Beach Community College , Volusia County , and the 3 cities.  The property would be owned by Daytona Beach Community College , the Center itself would be self-supporting, a marketing strategy would be developed and there would be room for hotels.  The primary use was stated to be for educational and training purposes.  Deborah Bacom, chair of the Chamber and Executive Director of the West Volusia Association of Realtors, offered needing the facility as an example, because their Association membership exceeded 700, and that they needed more space for their functions, and needed somewhere close by to meet.  She stated that the Center would have a capacity for 5,000 seats, which would also support graduations and that Stetson’s facility was no longer adequate.  It was discussed that the investment would be approximately $22 million, and that $4 million would be provided by the 3 cities, and the balance to come from the private sector, Daytona Beach Community College funds, and potential investments from the County.  That $30,000.00 had already been allocated for a feasibility study, and that $9,000.00 was left over from those allocated funds, and that the remainder should be reimbursed to Daytona Beach Community College . (City Council defeated this by a motion of 3-2)  The commitment of DeBary’s $1 million would involve a separate Interlocal Agreement, and that commitments from a hotel or other private sector should be obtained prior to commitment.  A concern was stated that DAYTONA BEACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE was not a disinterested partner, and that research by an independent firm might have been more appropriate.  A motion was made for DeBary to allocate $1 million over a 3 year period of time with, a 10% advance to fund preliminary engineering and architectural design.  It was discussed that since the original study was made, there were other projects under consideration in the City, that might better benefit from these funds and that a clear benefit for the City had not been conveyed.  Also stated, was there might, or might not, be long term returns on investment, that Council members might change in the interim and have different views than the sitting Council, and that Council had to consider the highest and best use of City‘s funds.  In spite of all the facts and concerns, including those deficits that might occur, a roll call vote was held and the motion carried unanimously.

Orlando Sentinel Article 12/6/04:   DAYTONA BEACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE will ask County Council for $1.6 million for new center in Orange City .  Total cost expected to be about $23.7 million.  Supporters expect to apply for $2.4 million in a "super grant" from Volusia ECHO grant.  The County donated 37.5 acres along Veteran’s Parkway for a proposed 50,000 square foot facility.

Orlando Sentinel Article 12/17/04:   County Council agrees to shell out $1.6 million to help fund a multi-purpose meeting center (In Orange City.)

Orlando Sentinel Article12/31/04:   Volusia ECHO advisors to meet soon to determine who is eligible for grants.  DAYTONA BEACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE is seeking the largest amount for an "exceptional" grant of $2.4 million, to be received in 4 installments of $600,000.00 each.  ECHO advisory committee will discuss how grants will be scored for the 14 applicants.

EDAC Meeting 2/17/05:   The Chamber says all partners will have "discounted use" of the facility (whatever that means).  A question is raised about the location which will be opposite the Landfill.  Mr. Bridgeman (from the Chamber of Commerce) stated that there were plans to shut the Landfill down. (This has been unsuccessfully attempted for many years)  The Chamber is planning to relocate to the "new" facility according to Bridgeman.  Resolution drafted for support of the project and passes unanimously.

2/22/05 Orlando Sentinel Article:   The 9 member ECHO Advisory Committee unanimously agreed that the "Project" was worthy of the Exceptional Grant status, but did not meet the test of having to rank among the top 2 of the 14 grant applications.  It came in 7th which automatically downgraded the amount of the grant to $500,000.00 (the maximum for a non-exceptional project.)  There were questions about a perceived duplication of services, uncertainty of funds and college’s role in the project.  They felt the college would benefit more than the community.

4/13/05 City Council Meeting:  Mr. Bridgeman (Chamber of Commerce) explained again that the partners involved in the agreement would have a "discounted" usage fee and that Orange City and Deltona had already approved the Interlocal Agreement.  Mr. Gunter voiced his concern regarding future operating costs the City might face. Council member Fulton suggested that quarterly reports be provided to the city by DAYTONA BEACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE , so that the city is not surprised in case of a deficiency in revenues.  Mayor Rosamonda entertained a motion to approve the Interlocal Agreement.  Mr. Fulton made the motion, which was seconded by Mr. Tillis.  Mr. Carson then asked if this would include the property adjacent to Memorial Park.  Mayor Rosamonda stated he would like to deal with the property issue separately.  Mr. Tillis stated that "the property purchase was included with this Agenda item, so that the property could be secured for an upcoming grant application to be made in the near future."  This property that was part of the single-line agenda item was a Skateboard Park .  Was the skateboard park part of the Training Center ?  Yes, it would be good to have a skateboard park in DeBary but it should not be slipped in as a "rider" like Congress does for their "pork barrel" stuff.  It should have been sold on its own merits.

3/11/05 County Council Meeting:   The County Council overrides the ECHO Advisory Board and grants $2.4 million as a super grant from Volusia ECHO.  Some officials and parents stated they were tired of driving to Daytona Beach for graduations as their reason for commitment.  Just how many graduations are there in someone’s life time, and is a 30-40 minute drive all that taxing as to add up to an expenditure of $2.4 million dollars?

  9/9/05 :   The Operational Agreement is approved and now we learn that the 3 Cities will have to pay any additional operational costs beyond user fees and State money provided to DAYTONA BEACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE .  There has also been a cost increase of $6 million dollars before even breaking ground, which comes to a 25% increase (so far). Additionally, the capacity of the auditorium has been reduced from 5000 seats to 3500. So what do we have?   Continuous cost increases; but size of facility decreases. A name change to the project, that does not sound like a Corporate Training and Conference Center .  Where are the promised hotels? 

And what about the new $22 million Civic Center that is being built in Daytona and already has hotel and private sector backing?  It was said that DAYTONA BEACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE’s "noted photography programs will be part of this new Civic Center "- a program that was also supposed to be part of the Partnership Center - which is it going to be?

Where does it all end?  With flooding problems, inadequate zoning and code enforcement problems, I think our City should look within rather than outside the City to the needs of our City and its residents.

Here are examples that should send red flags flying on why this is a bad idea.

1. ECHO advisory committee scores Cultural Center a low number 7 out of 14 grant applicants. Supporters ran to County Council to have the project qualify for a super grant.

2. County Council overturned their advisory committee and awarded the project $2.4 million super grant from Volusia ECHO. Supporters gave each other high-fives.

3. Peter Matulis, advisory member, who gave the project the worst score, said the center is a “great project” but he thought it would benefit the college more that the community.

4. Council member Gunter has expressed his doubts about this project from the start. He expressed concern that DeBary would have little to gain for the expense that will be incurred.

5. Council member Carson expressed his reservations at the last Council meeting and his reluctance to continue with the project as it has changed from its original proposal.

6. David Bridgeman, Vice Chairman Chamber of Commerce stated that the additional costs created another hurdle to overcome to build the facility.

7. City Attorney Ardaman pointed out that an operations agreement was not included with the inter local agreement; and that there was exposure and risk to the cities involved with this agreement.

8. County Council members agreed to forgo potential revenue in a 4 -3 vote. There were 3 nay votes, with County Council members Art Giles, Jack Hayman and Carl Persis casting dissenting votes. A vote of 4-3 is not what I would call a vote of confidence for the project, especially when it’s been changed so drastically.

9. Art Giles, Council County member, stated “it seems to me that we’re premature in wanting to remove one of the important items in there” (Forgoing revenues from a hotel or other profit making ventures) “Here we want to delete something, even before we have a building on the ground”.

What was initially proposed has been changed, I did not vote on this new deal and neither did you. I would like to know where Councilmen Tillis, Councilmen Fulton and City Manager Coursan stand on the current status of this project, knowing it has been altered after the original vote was taken. It’s a very high price for the taxpayers of DeBary to pay for a facility, let alone a change to a smaller facility with an increase in cost. Simply put: pay more get less. I think many people (you and I included) would feel that there is something wrong with having voted yes to a proposal: only to have large changes made after the vote. The amount of use DeBary taxpayers will receive compared to what the cost will be, does not warrant a yes vote on the changed proposal.

I ask that this bottomless money pit be canceled for the good of the City and its citizens.  Time is of the essence.  Let’s get out before it’s too late.  Let’s cut our losses before they continue to mount and not let our ego of wanting to "play with the big boys" get in the way.

Let’s do it before the "spin doctors" with deep pockets mount their campaigns telling us how foolish they think we are - maybe they don’t have the fortitude to say "NO" to what has become a bad idea - but I hope YOU, our City Council members, will have the wisdom to reconsider this and say "NO."

In closing, we know where Mr. Gunter stands on this venture and last month Mr. Carson said he was dismayed at the changes reducing seating for graduations.  Mr. Mayor, we know where you also stand on this issue. So any course of action rests at the feet of Mr. Fulton and Mr. Tillis.  It is up to one or both of you to re-consider or not, any disillusionment I've brought before you tonight. Facts do not change if we ignore them or do nothing about them; if we can change something, we should.  Of course it is my hope that you will agree with me that this is not the vision I or anyone else voted for; that expenditures are soaring before shovels are pressed into the earth, and that we need to get out of this rut which only differs from a grave by its dimensions

Lenny Marks

Co-Founder of POP

NEW: 9/28:

OUR VICE MAYOR'S NON-STANCE (NONSENSE) ON THE MIL RATE AND BUDGET

by

Norm Erickson

The following is an email Patrick Fulton sent out in response to perhaps my rather loud comment after the meeting on how he could have voted against the mil rate and yet FOR the budget proposals of the mil rate. My reactions are in red. Norm Erickson

Last night was the final Budget Meeting for the City of DeBary and the  
budget passed unanimously after a lot of concessions were made by all.

I don't know what concessions Patrick made which isn't to say he didn't make any...I just don't know what they were/are. I do for the other councilmen which will be discussed below.

 I  have heard this morning that one member of the public questioned how I could  vote for
the budget and yet vote against the millage rate increase.  

"One member of the public"? This email was sent to an unknown amount of people based on "one member of the public"? Wow...this seque of justification is so clumsy it makes Gerald Ford seem smooth. Rather, I think this is the first in many "revisonist history lessons" we are to receive from our Vice Mayor.

Since  I have a clear conscience on this situation  - that?s an easy question to  answer.

So on issues where he does not have a clear conscience it is more difficult to answer but not impossible? I don't understand this sentence.

 I felt the millage rate itself was excessive and was being  justified by a laundry
list of pet projects (even though the projects are all  great assets for our
community).   I was against the millage rate  increase and all the miscellaneous projects being proposed - I felt we needed to  reduce the projects to what we absolutely needed and not approve a wish  list.  We were also proposing that all projects be paid for within this  budget cycle.  It was too much in a
short period of time.  

Why didn't he ask Maryann to come up wth a budget proposal for the mil rate and/or projects he felt WERE justified. Why didn't he and/or the council talk about the necessity of these "pet projects"? Why didn't he do what John Likakis did and come up with his own proposal to share with the council? They had a lot of meetings and workshops to do this. Why didn't he propose the projects that should be cut and reduce the mil rate accordingly?

He could have done any number of things.

They all could have but they didn't. I now quote from this website under the Meetings to Attend link:

It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do.
Moliere

Patrick actually talked very little at these meetings and just stayed under the radar. He did nothing except vote "no". Lenzen actually challenged him on this point and the vice mayor had nothing to come back with because it is the truth. Vice Mayor Fulton was playing political games with the mil rate that directly impacts our citizens so he can say he didn't vote for a tax increase a year from now. At the meeting where 3.5 was voted in he was mumbling 2.5 as a potential mil rate. We now know that that mil rate would not cover the costs of running the city. With staff costs, police, fire, etc,. Lenzen said at the meeting on 9/27 the current rate would not suffice; so the Vice Mayor was wrong in even considering that mil rate. Go to the webcast for the 9/20 meeting and zip forward to the 1 hour and 44th minute or so and listen for ten minutes...it's all there...don't believe me...go listen to it...the Fulton/Lenzen exchange happens at the 1 hour and 52 minute mark...go listen to it...because if you were at the meeting you sure as heck didn't hear it.

After a lot  of discussions the wish list was reduced
down to 3 core projects 1) rebuilding  the reserves 2) Emergency Storm System and
3) a new City Hall.  All other  projects have been placed on hiatus for the
time being.  This does not mean  that the other projects aren?t worthy of being
completed it simply means ? not  right now.

Lenzen decided to move from 3.5 to 3.0 and Tillis, to his great credit, decided to move the Skateboard Park off a year and cut it out. Carson also decided to go to 3.0 knowing that his park projects would not get the funding he wanted them to get. Coleman voted for a tax increase which went against his campaign promise, but he knew the city needed the money. All four did something and moved from a position and sacrificed. Fulton did nothing, motioned nothing, offered nothing; he simply voted "no" and is now already starting his revisionist history lesson.

I know a small minority of people can?t appreciate a ?compromise?  but this
is a great thing for our city.  It?s all about mature people  putting their
own personal interests aside and compromising.

What personal interests did the Vice Mayor put to the side? What compromise did he make? Tell me...maybe I missed them...I am deaf in one ear...although sometimes at these meetings, I feel one good ear is one too many.

I know of one small minority who can't run a meeting, who can't speak into microphones clearly so the public can hear them, who can't put a budget together after having gone through the experience twice or more times, who can't say "NO" to growth, and who can't direct staff to come up with budget proposals for something other than what Maryann brings to them.

I know of an even smaller minority who will be campaigning next year on how he didn't vote to raise taxes yet will sing the praises of the three core projects listed above. If we didn't have that mil rate for that budget, you wouldn't have those three "core projects" being funded; you guys didn't come up with projects and then figure out relevance and how to fund them; you guys picked a number and let staff answer the question: "what can we do with this?"

Only a politician could vote against the mil rate, yet argue in defense of his vote on the budget based on the mil rate that he opposed. How can he say it is a good budget when it only exists because of the mil rate that was voted in? A mil rate he voted against. If, say, a 2.5 mil rate had been voted in, those "core projects" would be cut severely or out all together.

Having it both ways is a concept I gave up on when I was five...but then again when I was five, I didn't know any Vice-Mayors.

 I am proud of  my fellow council
members I think we all did the right thing last  night.

What else could you have done? The budget is due in two days, so you had little choice. In addition, the council had given staff no direction in what to cut from the budget;so what did the council actually do? You passed a 35% increase in our taxes; when the county raised your rates 66% percent you were all pissing and moaning about it, yet turned around and tried to do the same thing to your citizens with a 58% increase. And you guys knew about the county increase for 2 months. You wasted all of those summer meetings and workshops on the budget by changing your mind on the SECOND vote; that is to say, you didn't know what you wanted after all of those meetings.

 
Patrick Fulton

Perhaps, or perhaps not, you will see another side to the argument that our Vice Mayor is offering. For all of his posturing there are facts that remain: he offered no other mil rate; he offered no other proposal nor did he direct staff to come up with proposals for a different mil rate. While Mayor Coleman offered 3.0 at an earlier meeting/workshop, no direction was taken on this. It's not just Fulton who is at fault here, but the council not able to work together or really understand the process that some of them have been through so many times before. Why that is, is a mystery to me.

It's always easier to come out afterwards and do some revising but the facts remain and they remain on this website as a check against willy nilly arguments that just don't stand up to even a mediocre review which I have done here. Maybe the Vice Mayor will write in and tell me how I am wrong...which I am quite often...

In closing I quote again from this very website under the link of History: Key to the Future:

Practical politics consists in ignoring facts.

Henry Adams

We'll see what happens to this issue of our Vice Mayor's non-stance (nonsense) over the mil rate and budget. History truly is the key to the future because the Vice Mayor is concerned about the future: His.

Norm Erickson

***********************************************************************************

NEW: 9/24

If biting commentary had a name...it would have to be Lenny Marks:

“The man who raises new issues has always been distasteful to politicians. He musses up what had been so tidily arranged”

Walter Lippmann, Editor and Journalist

WE DON’T LISTEN TO EM’, WE JUST TAX EM’

I along with approximately 100 other taxpayers took the time to go to the Special Council meeting on 9/20/06 in support of encouraging the Council not to increase the City’s millage rate. Much to my surprise I thought I was at a session of the United States Senate, a lot of talk with not much sense being made.

First we have Councilman Carson (aka The Parks Guy). I spoke with him after the 9/6/06 Council meeting and reminded him he made a campaign promise and on his campaign flyer he stated that he would “Maintain the lowest tax rate in Volusia County”. Earlier that night Councilman Carson entertained a motion to increase the millage rate from 2.5 to 3.5. That, to me, is a hefty tax increase; it certainly is not maintaining a low tax rate. Then he retracted his promise-which he didn’t say he would maintain the lowest tax rate in Volusia County, and proceeded to defend himself by defining what the word “maintaining” means.

At the 9/20/06 meeting I gave him a copy of his campaign flyer with his “Maintaining the lowest tax rate in Volusia County” highlighted. I asked him to keep this in front of him when the vote came up and to keep his word. He defended the 3.5 rate until the last minute, when reluctantly he voted for the 3.0 rate.

We had a little discussion after the meeting where he stated people move to DeBary because of the parks. I told him I don’t believe that was correct. Then he injected Schools/Parks. Well, Councilman Carson, that is what is called pork barrel. We had the same scenario when it was the Partnership Center/SkateboardPark, get it PORK BARREL. People move to Debary for many reasons, but low on the list is parks. Schools are high on the list as is a quiet bedroom community. But the number one reason is LOW TAXES, LOW TAXES. Remember “higher taxes start with parks”. What may be called a necessary increase by you in our taxes mounts up to more than you think. We are not only paying DeBary tax but add on the County tax, school tax, etc. Add on our utility bills, insurance bills (especially home owners) and all the rest of the bills we must pay to have any quality of life.

The city’s work force is currently 16 of which the parks department work has 9 full time and 11 part time employees. DeBary’s total budget last year, 2005/06 was $12 million. Perhaps we need a smaller work force at the parks? Councilman Carson, your head is in the sand when it comes to anything but parks. It should be PEOPLE before parks not PARKS before people. You as the park director in Winter Springs are reading too many trade magazines because your reasoning is skewed. Expand your vision past parks. The cost it takes to run the parks in DeBary doesn’t justify it by the amount of use it gets by the citizens. The parks are empty most of the year with the exception of when youth baseball season is underway and just a very few other exceptions.

Your attitude when it comes to YOUR beloved parks is THE PUBLIC BE DAMNED.

Now let us go to City Manager Courson, who when giving her presentation on the increasing of the millage rate, gave only the 3.5 discussion. She never gave the Council any choice, only what she thought-and that was 3.5. There were other presentations she could have offered to the Council, but only one was to be given. We heard once again that old chestnut “Other Cities” work with a larger capital improvement budget, some City Managers say we should have a larger capital improvement budget. That’s all well and good but Debary dose not need all the frills that they pay for. Perhaps they should trim some pork barrel out of their budget and give the taxpayers in their cities a break.

It’s not fair to compare DeBary to someplace else because we are all different. Most other cities have a much larger commercial and industrial base than DeBary. Debary generates most of it’s tax revenue from real estate taxes, period. So whenever there is a comparison between cities or advice from others, it may not be the best road to travel. Remember, when Debary became a city, the tax payers were told (or lied to again) DeBary would stay small and keep our small-city life style. The City Government insults our intelligence, smiles to our faces, lies to us and then steal from our pockets. Shocking! The Council is elected by US - to do the best for US - to do the best of their ability for US. What happened to US? Oh - that’s right – the US are the ones who pay for THEM – whatever THEY want at the cost THEY deem necessary – THEY confuse US for them – THANKS! What will happen down the road? Will THEY make more promises if they run for re-election?

At the last two council meetings City Manager Courson used an old scare tactic that the City may have to cut police, fire and other emergency services. Councilman Tillis has said this in public. Mayor Coleman who was quoted in the News Journal “I don’t think anyone wants fewer policemen” repeated City Manager Courson’s statement. How dare you scare people that way! There is no reason to use this tactic for the sole purpose of getting your way. The City has always put the citizens first when it comes to their safety but by threatening to cut public safety is not the way to go. Non-essential services must go first.

Here are a few areas that should be cut before essential services; cut some of the parks personnel, cut back on some of the lucrative benefit packages given to employees, let the employees pay for half their medical insurance, cut back on the supervisors pay.

It’s ironic that many do not have their own medical insurance because they can’t afford it. But we will be called upon through our taxes to pay for them and their families. Roll back 10% to 15% from all supervisors’ wages including City Manager Courson’s, plus this year’s increase both in wages and benefits. All this before you even think about cutting vital services. What’s the matter! You don’t like these ideas? Oh, I’m sorry that’s not fair to you. You have to make ends meet – unlike us who you believe have an unlimited amount of funds to be used whenever you deem it necessary. LET THE PUBLIC BE DAMNED. But yet you ask us to dig a little deeper, do without, and scare us that into thinking we may have to lose our public safety personnel, and then say it hurts you to do this. I’m not so sure you know what hurt is. Do your paychecks/pension checks go up yearly as much as city/county taxes plus add in floodwater assessment, school tax, utility tax, hospital tax, St Johns Water Management District and a host of other taxing authorities? But I know it really hurts you to have to do these things.

Maybe we don’t need such an enormous City Hall and find something more suited to our needs. We could save MILLIONS of dollars just by doing this. We could use the savings to put toward the number one issue, the flooding problem. Maybe we don’t need to spend, 5 to 6 MILLION dollars on Rob Sullivan Park (formally known as Community Park ). Maybe we don’t need a skateboard park-save over a MILLION there. Perhaps we could have saved money by not placing the decorative lighting the whole length of HWY 17-92. Half would have been a better choice. Maybe we didn’t need all the lights up Mansion Boulevard from Dirksen Road . A few near the Mansion would have sufficed. I just won’t mention the Planters, oops I did.

Lets not forget the Partnership Center , maybe it’s not fair to bring it up, but I am. Our last sitting Council (with the exception of Councilman Gunter who recognized a bad deal from the start) voted for pledging 1 million dollars as DeBary’s share to start the project. Soon after, they for what ever the reason they backed out of the deal costing the DeBary taxpayers a cool 1 million dollars. The 1 million dollars was not refundable and guess what the taxpayers received for their money, a big nothing, zip, nada. Three of the Councilmen at the 4/13/05 Council meeting who voted “yes” for pledging our tax money for the Partnership Center sit on the present Council. Councilman Tillis made the motion Councilman Fulton seconded the motion. Councilman Carson asked if the $200,000 would be added on for the skateboard park(again, PORK BARREL, FOLKS!), he was informed it would. The vote was 4-1 with Councilman Gunter voting no. Now let’s see who’s asking for a tax raise: SHAZAM! Councilman Tillis and Carson were the first two votes for the 3.5 mil rate. These were the same two neophytes who voted yes for the infamous Gone With The Wind 1 million dollars for the partnership center debacle. Councilman Fulton has voted “no” to a tax increase. Once again our Council tends to listen to other Cities, other people, and other sources to mold their decisions. Who they should be listening to is the good folks of DeBary. There are a lot of very intelligent people in Debary, start using them.

This city has been on a spending spree for too many years and now it’s time to pay that old fiddler, and guess who has to sacrifice-WE THE PEOPLE. Some people are addicted to alcohol, some to drugs, but it seems government is addicted spending our money. It is quite possible we will all be going through this next year, again. There are things we truly need and should have, but to pay hard-earned taxes for THE FEW whose visions are quite different than the masses is wrong. City Manager Courson should have more than one plan so more choices will become available for discussions. It is very narrow minded just to have one plan.

The Council painted themselves into a corner by not asking City Manager Courson to have more information and options to discuss. When you are given only one option, what choice do you have.The more choices you have the better the outcome. The Council should have asked a lot from City Manager Courson. The City Council will have to get off their high horse and give up on those pet projects such as a skateboard park, an enormous City Hall, and parks at a cost of 5 to 6 million. Get back to what Debary was meant to be-not what you think it should be. One last thing, when you give your word keep it. With the exception of Council Member Fulton, the four of you went back on your word. When you don’t keep your word what good are all the rest of your promises, it makes it hard to believe anything you say. A hand shake and a mans word and promises still mean a lot to others.

I’m sure there will be all kinds of spin on this editorial, but one thing that stays constant: your taxes will go up.

Lenny Marks

Debary

And now…a word from our editor, Norm Erickson:

Thank you, Johnny. It occurred to me that while I was putting this on the web, I could add my thoughts at the end…a little verbal pork barrel if you will. Leonard spoke quite eloquently about our council and their challenges…I wish I could speak as eloquently…but I can’t…because the ignorant, wandering, moronic behavior of our city council and staff won’t allow it. I re-watched the video of the last meeting and truly I say to you these people are ill-equipped. How many budgets have these jokers gone through in the past? Coleman—how many times? Carson—how many mil rates have you discussed? Even Tillis and Fulton have done this at least once. And Maryann…since by now you know this council will not give you direction, why not ask them directly. I know you want to get your wish list in, but in the spirit of watching out for the people…bring in some other proposal for the kids to look at, eh? Do it for the Gipper. While these guys are trying to find their ass with both hands, the people are having to find theirs with only one to get their wallet, open it up, and then allow the great sucking of the vacuum to commence.

It would be funny if it weren’t so scary that this council is in charge of a budget in excess of 10 million dollars. In point of fact, I could argue they didn’t really pass the vote at the last meeting because Tillis, who was on the LOSING side, brought the vote back up to be voted on again. Since when do the losers of a vote have the right to bring it back up? The losers can’t bring the issue back to a vote, only the winners can do that.

Of course against all of this is the knowlege that even a blind squirrel gets a nut once in a while...

There are four villages being deprived of their idiot...

P.S. The reason this city has been allowed to borrow money for 3-5 years is because the people who started it, wanted to keep it small and personal...not a metropolis. Lenzen said "We allowed Glen Abbey"; well, that's a bunch of Barbara Streisand because they HAD to allow Glenn Abbey because they can't say "NO" to growth, right? So it HAD to happen, shit happens, they didn't ALLOW it...right? To say they allowed it is to say they had a choice and two of our coucilmen say there is no choice in growth they have to say "yes" even at the initial stages of zoning changes such as Mark Watts at Meadowlea. So now we are caught in having to pay for growth that we can't stop and raise taxes to pay for services due to growth because we can't say no and...and...and...honey! my excedrin. THIS is the corner we are painted into and it all starts with GROWTH which impact everything. We have forgotten about growth, but our schools, services, and roads all increase with growth and THAT is why we need higher taxes or so we've been told. Yet, the council would have us believe we can't say "No" to growth; well then we can't control our destiny..so what use is the council especially this one?

A question: Would we be worse off if we unincorporated?

My last question: who started that fire?

************************************************************************

City Raises Taxes by 38%

Is This A VICTORY?

Gives no direction to staff for budget cuts; back to square 1, which for this council means -1.

Tried to pass a resolution with three "No" votes...only in DeBary, kids...only in DeBary.

Fulton only concerned with his future not DeBary or its citizens. Preparing next year's political flyers: "I did not vote for tax increase!"

On a number of issues the council was of one mind...five councilmen...one mind.

Norm Erickson

***************************

NEW: 9/23

OPEN LETTER TO THE DEBARY CITY COUNCIL, CITY MANAGER, FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

From John Likakis

DeBary City Council Meeting – 9/20/06

Even though it seems you have made up your minds to push through a 3.5 mil rate, I feel you have not taken the time or effort to really work this budget in order to save the people of DeBary a significant tax increase. Let’s be real… there is no such thing as an INsignificant tax increase. Just stand behind someone who is asking the pharmacist to fill only half of a prescription or is caught in the Medicare $3600. hole. What will it be ? Food or medicine? Electricity or fuel? Insurance or rent ?

You are ready to go against the wishes of the people. The one’s you are supposed to listen to, and as spelled out in your campaign literature, and who are the top of the City’s organizational chart…. Citizen’s of DeBary. So, to whom are you listening? This the night to show you ARE listening and willing to rework this budget down to an acceptable level. The City Manager prepared the budget incorporating all Capitol Projects that should be done. All worthy of being done…but not ALL at this time. Your rationale being that previous Councils discussed projects such as flooding, land use and code revisions that never saw the light of day. So you say, let’s get everything started now. Sorry, but you can’t get everything in one swoop.

Gentlemen, that’s why you were elected. To change how things were done in the past ; a new start; a new sensitivity to the peoples wants and needs.

When I’m done, I will give you each a list of a few items that could be postponed, reduced or canceled for one year. Just one year, that’s all… and there are probably more that you could add to the list if you really take this seriously and eliminate personal desire.

Do we need the Saxon Extension in this budget? Or even in the 5-year Plan? $500,000. isn’t going to do very much in 2010. But you can start talking to Orange City and the County regarding equitably shared costs. Do we need a Skateboard Park now? In spite of a Councilman’s passion for it, in order to stop the threat of idle kids beating up homeless people, you can do the preliminary design and permitting now and have it ready to go in 2007/08. Violence may occur after it’s built because there will always be individuals predisposed to bullying and aggressive behavior. As well as all the pluses of this park, you need make sure it will have overseers for those residents who use the Park and those who come in from the outside DeBary.

There is no reason why the five of you can’t come up with a fiscally responsible budget devoid of personal desires. You have time to do this – even tonight – since the eleven P.M. cut off isn’t in the Charter yet. Or you can schedule a special meeting within the next few days – or next week – before submitting a final budget. Deland and Deltona have just reduced their mill rates after listening to their taxpayers. Why can’t we? And why not tonight?

Let’s get through this fiscal year taking care of the safety and well being of the people of DeBary. You can ignore all of this. Defend it. Act on it. What ever. It’s up to you how you take us into the next fiscal year. Kicking and screaming or feeling you truly did everything you could to reduce our taxes.

Co-authored with Norm Erickson & Lenny Marks

****************************************************************

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

September 20, 2006

Subject: Reduction in the 2007 Budget to help reduce the mil rate and taxes.

Listed below are areas that can be postponed, reduced or cancelled without jeopardizing the ESSENTIAL needs of the city. All references are from the 2006/2007 budget.

Other Sources:

Progress Energy – Cost $370,000. Negotiate for easement to reduce price.

Impact Fees – Approximately $69,000 in 2007.

FEMA – Westside Flood Project – Shared costs 75%/25% ($630,000)

Grants/Matching Funds

There are other areas you can include if you put your minds to it.

If I can do it, you can do it.

Respectfully Submitted,

John Likakis

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Go to 6-pages b/w, 12x/year, 10m copies.

**Negotiate with County to reduce these charges.

***Cancel if it can’t be done before 2008. We need it now.

*************************************************************

New: 9/23

From Eugene Stump:

I swore I would not get involved again in politics , but here I go.  Like Mark Meister said we do have a right to freedom of speech as long as we do not abuse it. It does seem that some of the council
 could be more prepared before coming to the meetings,rather than trying to catch up to the issues during the meetings.
   
    Here we are,almost thru 2006 ,and still looking to get into a city hall and our own fire and police station.  Yes we can say what about all these water problems. Well what about them. They were here when I moved into DeBary in 1994. 12YEARS ago'''' WE will not get rid of them by filling in water areas to build homes. I do not have to elaborate on this issue! WE ARE A CITY NOW."  Don't compare us to what city so in so does or don"t do lets stand on our own feet.

********************************************************

New: 9/22:

Mark Meister editorial in the citizens' editorials section...

NEW: 9/8

NO ALTERNATIVE EVEN CONSIDERED: COUNCIL VOTES FOR 58% TAX INCREASE

By

Norm Erickson

First, some words from Uncle Miltie:

It’s wrong to hold anybody to anything he says while he’s in love, drunk, or running for office.

A politician is someone who believes you don’t have to fool all the people all the time. Just during campaigns is enough.

How the DeBary Council sets its table: forks on the left, knives in the back.

DeBary Councilmen promised no new taxes; but they never said anything about making the old ones bigger.

It would be funny if it weren’t so serious to the living standard of the citizens of DeBary and the fact that promises made were broken and what if anything will be used of this in the future to promote one’s political agenda.

Despite thoughtful commentary and suggestions by citizens ( I am obviously not talking about myself), the council went ahead and voted to raise taxes by 58% to a millage rate of 3.5. Citizens were saying that the tax hike should be phased in with a five year plan and that having a tax base like surrounding cities is not what people want. They weren’t really saying “no” to the proposal, but rather “let’s phase it in or take it in small amounts.”

The council wasn’t listening.

The city manager only gave one option for the council to discuss. I don’t fault Maryann on anything as it is THE COUNCIL that approves or disapproves of what is being recommended. She could recommend a private house, car, and driver and if the council said yes, and this one probably would, only then would she get it. It is the council that should have demanded more options from which to work.

TRUST? I asked Jack at his first debate what he would do to earn the trust back of the people. He didn’t think the people were distrustful of the council. Well, after last night little doubt remains. I hope he understands now what I was talking about then.

And while Lenzen says they must be cautious on where the money is going, not an hour later “Taxing” Tillis wanted to spend 40,000 dollars to videotape street sign, telephone poles, trees, and other such items. Luckily, Maryann withdrew it.

Vice Mayor Patrick Fulton: He agreed with me that a few plans should have been brought forward for the council to consider; why didn’t HE ask for them from Maryann? He asks her for items all of the time and even directs legal counsel to look into things from time to time. Patrick Fulton was the one responsible for removing the street light in front of the fire house but he can’t ask for more than ONE option on which to vote for our city’s budget? Rod Serling where are you? Why did he, or anyone else for that matter, not ask for a plan for a millage rate of 3.0, 2.75, 2.5 and so on? You’ll be reading this one year from today when Patrick starts sending out his little postcards for re-election: “I did not vote for the tax raise!” Fine. But what did you really do to stop it? He will be banking on us forgetting what he DIDN’T do…this website won’t allow that…sorry.

In addition, I don’t want to hear one syllable of praise from Patrick Fulton about the new City Hall, the Parks, the Skateboard Park, the streets and sidewalks, nor the Stormwater repairs made with the tax increase BECAUSE HE VOTED AGAINST ALL OF THAT. Thus, he is against all of those “services” that Maryann argued this tax increase is going toward. It will be interesting to see if he attempts to use this issue that will damage so many of our citizens as a political tool one year from now. I will be saving this commentary and reposting it one year from now to see how right or wrong I am/will be.

The council reluctantly says no to growth at the Alexandra Woods project by Meadowlea and yes to a staggering tax increase that will overburden its citizens. We have no impact fees for builders to contribute to the wish list of the city staff and last night Fulton said that the impact fees will not bring much money in. Why not? Is the study finished? How does he know this already? It is irksome how this information just leaks out as an aside as they are talking about various issues. Is this tax hike a ploy to get the lower, middle, and fixed income families out of DeBary? One can only wonder.

Now we are in the cycle of allowing too much growth and so we need to raise taxes to pay for services due to growth.

I think it’s time this council stop living beyond my means—thanks again, Uncle Miltie.

*****************************************************************************

NEW: 9/5:

BUDGET PRESENTATION AT TOWN HALL


THIS WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 6 AT 7PM - will determine your tax rate for the 2006/2007 FISCAL YEAR.

YOUR ATTENDANCE IS IMPORTANT

The City Staff is recommending a 3.5 millage rate - a 1 mil increase from this year. Here is their rationale for the $6,449,716 dollars that this will generate and how it will be spent:

The need and pressure to develop, fund and construct capital projects has increased along with the City's population. Within the next five years, to continue to provide the current level of service, the City will need to fund a new City Hall, Police Substation, Fire Station, Parks Maintenance building and continue construction on two new parks. In addition, recurring capital costs for resurfacing, sidewalk construction and drainage maintenance projects must be funded to maintain existing infrastructure.

Here is chart that shows the various millage rates and the revenue that would be generated:


Proposed: 3.50746............$6,449,716

3.25000.............  5,976,284

3.00000...........    5,516,570

Present rate: 2.50746.............  4,610,859

Rollback rate... 2.21927.............  4,080,919

If we follow Solomon's advice and "cut the baby in half" so to speak we would arrive at the 3.0 mil rate and collect 5,516,570 dollars in revenue. This would amount to an increase of 1,435,651 dollars over last year's revenue.

While the City Staff is there to make their recommendation, it would also be prudent to give the council more choices to discuss.  What projects could commence at 3.25 mil rate or a 3.0 mill rate?

Will this money be put in emergency reserves and spent primarily on stormwater projects? If so, why is 10 million dollars being sought?

Please consider this information and bring your point of view, whatever it is, to the meeting on September 6th and share it with the council members.  What they do impacts YOU.

By law, the City cannot go over the announced mil rate after submission. However, they can go lower before final submission on 9/20/06.

Here are some of the options the City Council should discuss before casting this in bronze.

1.When can they decide to lower the rate, keep the proposed rate, keep the current rate ?

2. What projects can commence at the various rates and which can't.

3. Which projects are absolutely essential ?

4. With an uncertain hurricane season still ahead of us, should some projects be "asterisked" -OK if we don't spend a lot of  money on emergencies - postpone if we do.

The $10 million bond issue is strictly for stormwater project use. Nothing else. And it is needed.

We are not running a contest with other cities to see who has the lowest rate; let us do what is best for DeBary.

********************************************************************************

NEW: 9/1:

Remember that September 5th is the Primary; every election is important.

Change things or maintain things; exercise your right to vote.

Please vote!

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NEW: 8/27

As every one should know by now the County Council has finally decided to let voters decide whether voters want the County Council to control growth. The proposed growth initiatives that will be on the ballot in November would give the Volusia County Council dominant authority for an extended period over development in much of the unincorporated areas regardless of city annexations.
>
> But it now seems that some local Cities are joining together to spend OUR tax dollars to "educate" voters on this issue. But what they are really trying to do is tells us how to vote. More specifically, to tell us to vote against these measures that would stop local City's from annexing the County's agricultural land, and then turning that land into more housing developments.
>
> How arrogant is that? Since when do politicians tell the voters how to vote?
>
> It was reported that the City Manager of Deland estimated the cities would need $280,000 to fund this joint "voter education" effort. But frankly, I'm not in any need of more "education" on this issue, and I'm not particularly interested in their opinions either. So if they want to "educate" voters they should take that cash out of their own pockets-not mine! After all, I don't ask them to fund my opinions-or fund my attempts to educate them. So what makes them think they can take my tax dollars and try to sway my vote?
> The Answer: Arrogance-just plain simple ARROGANCE! And once voters recognize this, it will be the end of their "Imperial" rule.
>
> Dear City Council: Let me take this opportunity to educate you; Remember this: Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown
>
> DO NOT SPEND MY TAX DOLLARS TO AFFECT THE OUTCOME OF ANY ELECTION-
> THAT IS NOT WHAT CITY COUNCILS DO............

Craig Young

******************************************************************************

NEW: 8/13:

Lenny Marks has done it once again by putting together a heck of an editorial on taxes, promises, truth, and past councils' actions and remarks about the budget. Go to POP EDITORIALS and read his editorial: TRUTHFUL PROMISES? You might just want to quote some of it to the council at the next budget workshop on 8/23.

NEW: 8/3

ELECTION 2006 IS A NEW LINK WE'VE ADDED. WE ASKED CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE SCHOOL BOARD TO WRITE IN AND OFFER THEIR VISION OF OUR COUNTY. "Van" Conoley is the first to contribute.

IN ADDITION, EDITORIALS ABOUT THE ELECTION WILL BE FEATURED ONLY IN THAT SECTION AS THIS WEBSITE AS A WHOLE IS DEVOTED ONLY TO DEBARY.

CLICK ON "Election '06" TO CHECK IT OUT.

**********************************************************

NEW: 8/7:

Norm Erickson

The News Journal had an editorial today about the commuter rail; I want to quote the first and last paragraph. Here is the first paragraph:

August 07, 2006

Rail dreams

Train could signal new era

It's been a long time coming, and it's not here yet. But a $1 billion commitment by federal, state and local officials makes a Volusia-to-Osceola commuter rail system more likely. That's good news for people anxious to see an alternative to crowded interstates and local roads and a great start to the regional mass-transit system Central Florida needs so badly.

The red highlight is my own; I bring it to your attention because now we will read the last paragraph together:

It won't be easy to convince local residents to abandon their cars and give transit a try. But it's a battle worth waging. And the commuter-rail system can be a worthy opening shot.

A question if I might:

If it's good news for people anxious to see an alternative to crowded interstates and local roads, why will it be difficult to convince local residents to abandon their cars?

Editorial Board?

Why will it be difficult, indeed a "battle", for people to abandon their cars if they are anxious for an alternative?

This kind of incongruity reminds me of my carpentry skills. I nearly choked on my oatmeal with sliced bananas.

If I am missing something, explain it to me like I'm two.

And that's today's lesson.

*****************************************************************

NEW: 8/6:

Norm Erickson

I was at a County Council Charter Review meeting wherein a guest speaking on transportation said in no uncertain terms that light rail systems are a bad idea and do not work. It seems that the editorial below supports that outlook as well as that the world indeed is a small one:

Hawaii Reporter
> Freedom to Report Real News
>
>
> Scandalous Honolulu Rail Project
> Grassroot Perspective - July 10, 2006
> By John M. Corboy, 7/10/2006 11:03:00 AM
>
> We are being asked to begin paying an extra 13 percent on our general excise tax to cover an uncertain part of the unknown cost of some kind of commuter rail system, which someday may possibly go from somewhere to someplace else. Or maybe it won't. Our planners seem undeterred by the fact that these projects always cost more than projected, while usage is always less than projected.
> + 1) A worldwide study showed that the average cost of rail construction exceeds projections by over 40 percent.
> + 2) Usage is always far less than expected, and is mainly confined to 4 hours per day, 5 days per week.
> + 3) Light rail is by far the most expensive method per passenger mile of moving people; nothing else even comes close.
> + 4) Commuter rail uses more energy per passenger than a bus, or even an efficient car.
>
>
>
> Are we now supposed to trust the planning, construction and management of Hawaii's largest-ever government capital project -- which is still completely undefine -- to the same people who cannot even figure out how to collect the tax to pay for this unspecified fantasy? Give me a break. Where's the revolt?
>
> John Corboy is a resident of Mililani and a member of the Board of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.
>
> This editorial is intended to provoke thought, discussion and an examination of issues. It does not reflect official policy of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. See the GRIH Web site at: http://www.grassrootinstitute.org/

********************************************************

NEW: 8/3

"THE RIVER CITY LIVES!!"

A High Level Source within City Staff

It was quite a night for the "Big 3" when they decided not to go forward with new city signage that may or may not remove "River City" from our signs now standing. Danny Tillis suggested we drop the issue when Patrick Fulton wanted to re-bid the job. Danny reminded everyone that we're trying to save money and this was 50,000 dollars for something else. I hope the council does have the discussion on whether or not we want to remain the river city. But until that day... the "River City" stays in the picture.

While the council voted "yes" to increase taxes by 58%, this issue will be discussed and voted on again at the September 6th meeting. While this rate cannot be increased without notifying all taxpayers, it may be reduced during the budget adoption process. Come on out and let the City Manager and council know how you feel...pro or con; however, do it in three minutes or less.

More on the city council meeting when I gather my strength...with everything that happened last night I feel like a mosquito at a nudist colony:

I know what I have to do...I just don't know where to start.

Norm Erickson

*********************************************************

*****************************************************************************

NEW: 7/30

A Difference Without A Distinction?

I find it interesting that Mayor Mulder and his Deltona Commissioners have
ambitions to annex into the protected environmental core as stated
recently in the Orlando Sentinel. They believe that they have that right as per
the smart 'growth promoters' recommendations and the proposed Charter amendments
> > > advocated by the now winding up Charter Review Commission.
> > > The proposed amendments limit the authority of the Volusia County
> >Council to
> > > 10 years (in which time they either secure a deal with the impacting
> > > municipality that wishes to annex or they pull out) after which time the
> > > kudus moves to the municipality.
> > > The County Council is mandated to protect the environment from abuse as per
> > > section 202.2 of the current Volusia County Charter, and are further
> > > mandated as per section 202.4 to set out the minimum standards within
> >all the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Volusia County.
> > > Can you imagine the results if the municipalities had a free rein? They
> >have
> > > no 'duty' to protect the environment from abuse as does the County
> >Council.There are 3 candidates running in district 5 for the County Council in
> > > November. One is Mr Long and the other is Ms Northey.

> > > At the County Council workshop dated June 8th 2006,the attending
> > > commissioners were asked,"How long should the County Comp plan primacy
> >be in place".
> > > 5 years
> > > 10 years
> > > 15 years
> > > 20 years
> > > Permanent until JPA is reached or County agrees to amendment
> > > or no further discussion.
> > >
> > > The Council voted was as follows:
> > > Bruno,Alexander,Haymen,Persis and Lewis voted for, permanent until JPA
> >is reached or County agrees to amendment.
> > > Long voted for 10 years.
> > > Giles was not present for vote however he was in attendance at the
> >workshop.

> > >
> > > At the Charter Review Commission Monday night at the DOB airport, Dan
> >Eckard
> > > stated that the County Council was unanimos in putting forward their own
> > > ordinance for the protection of the environment at the November election
> >as an alternate to the proposed Charter Review Commissions' proposed
> > > amendments, which would limit the authority of the County Council to 10
> > > years. The reason I state this is to illuminate the question, has
> > > Commissioner Long now changed his position? That is for the electore to
> > > decide or maybe someone should ask him his real position on this issue.
> > >

> > > Canditate Pat Northey was a member of the sitting sub-committee for
> > > Protection of the Environment in the Charter Review Commission Review.
> > > Pat Nothey voted with the sub-committee to forward their recommendations
> >to the Charter Review Commission, to limit the County Council comp. plan to
> >10 years, after which period, the authority for protecting the environment
> > > would be lost and the kudus would move to the annexing municapility.
> > > Pat Northey voted at the above meeting at DOB airport on Monday evening
> > > again with the Charter Review Commission, to limit the County Council
> >comp. plan to 10 years, after which period, the authority for protecting the
environment would expire and the kudus would shift to the annexing
municapality.

> > > Therefore there seems to be little difference between the 3 canditates
> >when it comes to the issue of protecting the environment.

> > > I will keep an open mind at the moment as to which canditate I will
> >support however I am open to influence by any canditate who wishes to assure me
> >they are prepared to protect the environment and identify with the current
> >CountyCouncil Commissioners who seek to retain their authority and not abandon
> >it to the municipalities who have no such 'duty' as allustrated above.

> > > Thanking you,
> > > Aiden Magee
> > > Volusia/Flagler Environmental Action Committee, Inc.

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NEW:

A TRUE AMERICAN HERO

What a sad day for Susette Kelo. You ask who she is; well she’s the courageous lady who took on the City of New London CT, and a few mega land developers, who wanted her home and the neighborhood where she lived. She fought all the way to the Supreme Court where she lost by a 5 to 4 decision because of that terrible court ruling. Her reward for fighting against the poorest of odds was that she may keep her home and move it to another location nearby but must forfeit her property to these heartless, no conscience, greedy low lives. Wow, what a mouthful but the shoe seems to be a perfect fit. Susette, you gave a valiant fight and I would like to personally thank you for all you have been put through, and bring to the surface what’s going on in the land of the free. You brought to attention for all America to see, the abuses that go on in our Country, concerning eminent domain. Since the Kelo vs New London, (June 2005 – June 2006) decision there have been, 5,429 threatened condemnations, 354 filed/authorized condemnations, and 5,783 total eminent domain for private and commercial development abuses that have occurred.

Here is the actual press release on Susette Kelo’s plight.

Susette Kelo Lost Her Rights,
She Lost Her Property,
But She Has Saved Her Home

**********************************

NEW:

Mr. Goodreau :

May I take a friendly exception to  your "Why should I Care" commentary to our website. I'm glad you sent it because you are touching on what many people in DeBary think and I would like to add a few reasons why we all should care.

You mention your commuting since 1975 so I guess you're not too far from retirement when you will be able to settle back and enjoy the lake view with a minimum of alternative concerns. And you've seen some of the changes to this part of Florida as you drive back and forth. What you haven't seen are the subtle - and sometimes not so subtle - changes that will affect your life in years to come.

I agree that Mr. Costa didn't put the extra cars on the road. But his proposed development will. The estimate by traffic experts is an increase of over 5000  additional "trips" per day added to the area and subsequently to 17/92 and I-4.

I agree that the people of Meadowlea may be upset because the proposed development  will interfere with their "life-style but that's the price of progress and the city will get more tax dollars." But the City will also inherit  numerous infrastructure cost to maintain this new development and there goes a huge portion of the new tax dollars. The developer isn't  going to pave all of Ft. Florida Road - or help maintain the dirt portion that will remain. The City will have to.

Your pristine lake may not be as pristine a few years down the road. As developers build on "pasture land" and other environmentally sensitive lands, they remove the ability off the soils to hold and process rainwater so that it gets to aquifer and eventually to our drinking water and our lakes. Acres of concrete roads and driveways just add to polluted run-off and scattered retention ponds are not the answer. To prevent excess flooding, yes. To maintain sustainable  potable water  levels, no. To build on the land around Meadowlea, a huge amount of fill would be required. Why? Because the water table in that area is only 10 inches below the surface.  Runoff will affect the people in Meadowlea but also the river. And as builders are frantically trying to buy up the little remaining land in DeBary , a   yes vote for  Mr. Costa would open a pandora's box  that we will all pay for. Why? Because as groundwater disappears and potable well-water is no longer "potable" we will be required to hook up to sewage systems and city water. Probably at a cost of $5 - 7,000. per household. Plus the monthly cost of usage. Will retirement income be sufficient for all "old DeBary" residents to  enjoy their remaining years?

As for schools, it doesn't matter if you have children or not. You will pay one way another for increased capacity required. And you will be paying for schools away from the City. The builder is supposed to allow for increased school capacity "in the affected " area, but he can also give the School Board a cash payment and they can use the money anywhere. More school buses every morning and evening. More students gathering  around the front of homes waiting for their buses with the accompanying noise and litter.
There are numerous environmental concerns that if ignored will come back to bite us all in the butt. They may not be obvious at the moment but if we are concerned about our- and your -  future we better look beyond our front doors. The so-called experts pooh-poohed global warming until now as we see the horrendous climatic changes around the world. There is a finite amount of fresh water available. We cannot manufacture it without multi million dollar plants that we will pay for  through the nose.

Sorry to have carried on, but I, too, live in "Old DeBary" and have watched as the City we all came to for it's quiet, neatness  safe feeling and a surplus in the till has gone from that to a City in debt  with fewer remaining options to preserve it. Seemingly Mr. Goodreu you DO care because you've written in and sparked a conversation.  That is the first best step one can take in caring about one's city, enviroment, and protecting the future as best one can.

That's why we all have to be concerned about what goes on around us.  And be aware of what our elected officials are doing by attending Council meetings.

Thanks for coming to our website.

John Likakis

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GLOSSARY

Enclave - to enclose. to lock up. a territorial or culturally distinct unit enclosed within foreign territory.

Where do you live?  Do you consider yourself a member of an enclave?
Do you want to be? Do you want to be part of this City in all respects?

A recent potential builder characterized what he was going to deliver to DeBary with his development  as  " consistent with DeBary's existing housing stock and will provide new homes with price ranges between $300,000.
and $600,000." 

He also said:  "DeBary is becoming an affluent residential enclave". And almost in the same breath - "Keep DeBary's small town feel."  Enclave....Small town ?

What would it take to make us all think City-wide?  Another CRA? That's the last time hundreds and hundreds of people turned out to defeat something because they were afraid it might endanger their property or raise taxes or change the whole City.

Should we be living cloistered lives - unaware and uncaring of what goes on around us until your Ox is gored?

"I didn't get flooded . What's the big deal?"  The guy in the $400,000. house can replace carpeting and furniture without going broke.  The folks in the $100,000. - $200,000. houses can't do the same. Does that mean when it comes time to see how much money is needed the flooding problems, no need for you to show up at Council meetings since you weren't flooded?


Does it mean that since you are settled-in nicely in your "Preserve", "Reserve"' "Club" or individual home outside of these "enclaves" you need not worry about proposed developments that will wipe out trees that provide oxygen and stabilize soil, wetlands paved in concrete - the reason flood waters have no place to go except into someone's home - and it might be yours if your in the path of the flow.

If you came here because of the quiet, small town feel, the trees (those that are left) the parks, a non-hectic way of life, then you need to be a part of DeBary in all respects. If you don't think it's important to be aware of what's being proposed for the little remaining land we have, you may wake up some morning to watch bulldozers start the next development near enough to you kiss the "small town feel" goodbye.  Increased traffic, more crowded schools, more flooding tom mention a few of the problems you will have to deal with if you think a development a mile away isn't going to affect you.

DeBary can be the oasis in a sea of condos, town houses an sprawl all around us. We have a multitude of parks and trails; visit them. We have a "small town" business district with shops that are convenient with many having unique merchandise; slow down and visit them.

Show the City Council how you feel. Show them you care about the City and how they are running it. It takes just a few hours a month.  Join your neighbors - come as a group - see and hear folks from other parts of DeBary.  You may be able to nip some bad ideas by presenting a point of view they hadn't thought of or help implement some good ideas. Find out about things that are going on or being planned for the near future. You may be surprised to see where your tax dollars are going.

Just by more of us showing up it will indicate to the City Council that people care about what goes on.

It's been said...

Together we are many, you can have the City and life you want.

Be involved. Involve your neighbors.

Do nothing and you may get something that is worth nothing.

It's up to all of us. Show we are not just a series of "enclaves" but a vibrant, caring bunch of people. Don't wait for someone else to protect your interests and quality of life.

John Likakis

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City council votes with confidence for 10 million dollar bond that will not solve our stormwater problems.

by Norm Erickson

Having been away for some time, I feared our council would be gripped with vision and common sense and I would be left with oh so much time on my hands. Alas, I fear that extra time will never arrive.

At the meeting last night the council spent more time talking about trees, dead or alive, than the 10 million dollar bond they want you to approve. Even though the council knows that 10 million will not cover the costs of improvements, they voted for it anyway. It will take 20-25 million dollars to do what must be done, but the council did not have the leadership or communicative skills to ask that of us for our city. If 10 million dollars will not solve our problems, why would they pursue that action for the last several months? How ignorant is that? They are like children in thinking that if they can ignore a problem or inconsistency, it will just go away. Adults face situations and discuss them. Maryann offered the final shot as quoted in the Orlando Sentinel:

After the council's vote Wednesday night, Courson had a caveat.

"I just want to warn the residents . . . there may be a shortfall in funds if it passes [at only $10 million], and do not expect to see everything on that list complete," she said.

Ok, so now the excuse has been issued as to why we're not going to have stormwater issues resolved. There is no way I will be voting for this to get, at best, half of what needs to be done and whatever is completed will probably have limited impact in actually resolving stormwater issues.

There was a moment last night that the council spent 20-30 minutes talking about a dead tree, if you know this council, then you know I can't be making this up. It was a farce and embarrassing; the people in the audience were literally laughing at them as they walked out.

2nd Issue: Public participation. There was an attempt to shut down Lenny at the podium with the three minute rule that doesn't seem to apply to anyone else. Developers, tree issues, manatees, etc, all get to talk until the midnight hour. But not others, especially when debate is being brought about issues that have an impact on our city. The rule is 3 minutes for public participation but Lenny was speaking to an agenda item. Doll DiSantis attempted to speak and turn in a yellow card, only to be told it was too late. Too late? Yellow cards are taken during meetings because something is said that someone might want to respond to.

There is no desire on the part of the council to have a real debate or discussion with citizens because they are unable to defend some of their actions due to their ineptness. Seemingly, they have no clue how to do much of anything. Why pursue 10 million dollars of funding if you know it won't solve the problem? Why poll the citizens on 10 million only to change it on the referendum? This wasted the 20,000 dollars that staff spent OUR money on to educate us on why 10 million is needed only for Maryann to change it last minute to 20 million? The council still doesn't know how to run a meeting, they want to discuss everything to death except actual issues facing the city, and they would be comical if not for the fact that what they do impacts us.

The Future: The ruling on the development at Meadowlea. If we lose, then the council is irrelevant becasue they can't say "no" to growth which impacts our city on every level.

If we win, Fulton and Lenzen will have a lot to answer for in telling us we can't say "no" to development and that the developer has the right to the zoning change.

That's a ruling I am anxious to read...

All for now...oh...by the way...who started that fire? Remember that?

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NEW:

Citizen's Editorial:

Recently Progress Energy installed new electric meters in DeBary. Since the new meters were installed, my electric bill has gone up 30%. I have family here and their electric bills have gone up. My neighbor's bill has gone up. Its not only because they raised the price of electric, I think its some scam the electric company is pulling. At the bottom of the electric bill is your average daily kilowatt hours used per day and they give you the amount you used a year ago. Every month prior to the new meters going in, I consistantly used less then I did a year ago. Now with the new meters, I am using more every month then I did a year ago. Anybody experiencing this same phenomenon ? If so let me know because I plan on asking the Governor's office to investigate .
>
> Frank Formisano
> fafemtp@yahoo.com

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Passing through I was able to secure a copy of Lenny's NEW REPORT card on the city council/staff.

While rumors and snide remarks abound, here is the real deal:

NEW:

Glossary

by John Likakis

Here are some words that seem innocent enough when they appear in various documents on which the city council votes and most citizens assume are ok.

We've put the dictionary meaning in black and what the council actually means in red...we call this piece:

What they say...what they mean

Mitigate: to soften; to agree to become less harsh; to make less severe or painful; to alleviate;

What they mean: Developer: "We can mitigate it." Meaning: Maybe some swamp land or some cash instead.

Concurrency: Operating or occurring at the same time; acting in conjunction; a coming together;

What they mean: Same as above. When a school location and student density was being discussed. 1st offer was wetlands and the 2nd offer was a junk yard site.

Wetlands: land or areas containing much soil moisture; tidal flats;

What they mean: If we get enough fill put in we can still build. Scoop out some retention ponds and direct the water elsewhere never mind the enviroment.

Committee: a person to whom a charge or trust is committed; a body of persons delegated to consider, investigate, take action on, or report on some matter.

What they mean: The key word is trust. All too often inadequate investigation is made before approving major items only to find that lack of attention to details leads to extra costs and/or lawsuits. Developers have "slipped it to us" numerous times.

Comprehensive: (as in Comprehensive Plan) Covering completely or broadly; having or exhibiting wide mental grasp.

What they mean: As it stands now, there is confusion between between Coomprehensive and Land Use Plans that allow developers to interpret what they can do even if it be to teh detriment of the area or the citizens. There may have beena "wide mental grasp" when it was written, but it needs revision now if we are to protect the City from overdevelopment.

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NEW:

Smart Growth Ain’t That Smart

In the weekend edition June 1-4 2006 of the Beacon an article by Al Everson ran “Leaders Jawbone about Smart Growth”. After reading the article I must comment on some of his points. I’ve quoted the newspaper article in black and have followed up with my comments in red.

1) “Encouraging redevelopment of older urban areas before reaching out to unspoiled lands for development of new neighborhoods”. What this will result in is that anyone living in an older neighborhood will be placed in a position of having their property, their home, taken away from them because our elected officials and our powerful leaders find it necessary to acquire land to build a stronger tax base.

It won’t take them long to bring in CRA’s (Community Redevelopment Area) to redevelop the older neighborhoods. Under a CRA the cities have the power to take over any older neighborhood that fits into a list of criteria that can be used. Slum and blight, septic systems, well water, crime and a few other choice reasons can put your neighborhood in jeopardy of a CRA being used on you. Here is a list of how a CRA has been used to cheat the property owner;

COMPARISON OF CITY AND CRA POWERS AND PROCEDURES

The following Comparison shows the flexibility that a CRA has versus the city as a local government.

(Comparison information used is from Neighborhood Association Inc. Daytona Beach, FL.)

CRA IN RED – CITY IN BLACK

1) A CRA need only sell real property at “fair value” not “fair market value” Fair value is determined by the CRA taking into account the obligations imposed on the purchaser to redevelop the property.

A city is required by the public trust doctrine to sell property for the highest possible price that a purchaser will pay. The purchase price also cannot usually be lower than the results of any appraisal.

2) A CRA may sell real property to a private person for redevelopment after publishing a 30 day notice of its intention to sell and soliciting any other proposals for the redevelopment of the property.

A city is usually required to publish a notice that real property has been declared surplus and that bids be accepted to purchase the property.

3) A CRA may buy and sell property for the purpose of making it available to public or private persons for redevelopment.

A city is subject to the “public purpose doctrine.” It may buy property only for public use and not for purpose of selling to private parties.

4) A CRA may buy or sell real property with or without any appraisal(s). Discretionary with the CRA.

A city is required by state law, charter or ordinance to have one or more appraisals before selling real property

5) A CRA may sell real property to a private person without designating it as surplus or no longer needed for public use.

Before a city can sell real property to a private person, it must declare that it is no longer needed for public use.

6) A CRA may acquire real property by eminent domain even if it is for the purpose of their conveying it to a private person from redevelopment.

A city may not use eminent domain to acquire property for resale to a private person.

If that small paragraph is allowed into the Volusia County Charter it will spell disaster for many taxpayers living in older sections of a city. The wrecking balls and bulldozers will be hard at work leveling many cozy neighborhoods, which people call home. Our elected officials and powerful committee overseers know better then to allow this paragraph into the Charter; they know this will open the door to all kinds of horror stories. It seems that the only thing the little guy has is a small piece of property (he calls home) but if a lot of little pieces of property can be taken away from the weak what a large piece of property someone can have to build on. Conclusion: builders and developers make money. Cities that allow this stealing make money from higher tax revenue and the common slob who owns the property in the first place, loses.

Attitude from the city: too bad.

It’s only been lately that any politician has stood up and reluctantly at that to defend the little guy; only because of the Supreme Court’s unwise decision of Kelo vs New London, CT. There has been such a public outcry and a tremendous Grassroots movement, that now and only now are they getting on board for the little guy. Could it because they see an enormous amount of votes that can’t be overlooked? The good people of Volusia County voted 72% on a referendum to control growth, but were stripped of that vote by pressure from the Volusia Builders Association, and a county judge, who thought the people didn’t quite understand what they voted for. Where were the elected ones, did any of them stand up for the right of the people and say this was wrong? Where were the powerful committee overseers? They were nowhere in sight; maybe they were on a paid vacation (conference/seminar) by the taxpayer to learn more ways they can help the little guy. Yeah, right. Now with enough votes out there to swing an election they are becoming the long lost buddies to the voters. Too bad. When the Judge came up with his decision, the people we elected should have protested vigorously for the ones who put you in office, the little guy, the working stiff who can’t get involved because of working schedules, the ones who have to raise their families, the little guy who may be uncomfortable at public speaking, the little guy who put you in office to look out for him by doing the right thing for him.

Committee----A group of men who individually can do nothing but as a group decide nothing can be done, (Fred Allen)

2) To restructure the 21 member Volusia Growth Management Commission with a seven member panel. This seven member panel will consist entirely of elected officials. Three members would be appointed by the County Council, three would be named by the cities of Volusia Council of Governments, and one being appointed by the School Board. The new group would be the decision maker in solving disputes, including those involving municipal service areas.

The problem with this selection process is that the committee will be filled with Attorneys, Developers/Builders, Doctors, and Politicians. I doubt if you will find any blue-collar workers on the committee. You know the ones, policeman, firefighters, nurses, plumbers, etc. Maybe, just maybe, if you had some of these people on the committee, we may not be in the mess we are in. There would be a different look at overcrowding of schools, traffic, flooding and the rest of the problems that rapid growth brings. Select blue-collar workers to the committee and let them deal with these issues. Let them have a voice into how to solve problems. Not all of them have fallen off the turnip truck, some are quite bright and owe no allegiance to anyone.

It seems every time a controversial point comes up, a new committee is formed, one of the oldest tricks in the book. This is just a stall tactic, so the good folks out there will give up and in due time what ever the powerful want they will get. I use to look at pictures of past great Americans sitting around large tables discussing what is good for all: rich, poor, educated and uneducated. But I always felt that they were truly looking out for everyone. Today, I have a big problem with our leadership because time after time their decisions that effect the masses falls short of what is right. They always have a reason why they can’t do it this way or that way. But too many times they arrive at the wrong decisions. It’s too bad the common slob doesn’t have a stronger lobbying power to perhaps help him along the rocky road and have a decision go their way. It’s truly a shame that we must live like this and not trust our leaders and government.

Oh, where have we gone wrong?

Lenny Marks

DeBary

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The L.E.M. staff is taking a short hiatus from the website due to summer vacation obligations. Feel free to send in your citizen editorial on issues you think are important. We'll be back real soon...too soon for some...

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From Norm:

As a parting gift I offer you a thought by de Montaigne as summarized by Van Conoley:

The only index by which to judge a government is by the
quality of the people it acts upon.  No matter how noble the objectives of a
government, if it blurs decency and kindness, cheapens human life, and
breeds ill will and suspicion-it is an evil government.

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Coming in June: The Mid-Year Report Card by Lenny Marks...enough said.

Click on Citizens' Editorials to see the email Mr. Meister sent to Vice Mayor Fulton and Mr. Meister's reply when Fulton did not reply.

Click here: Citizens' Editorials

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NEW:

Local politics not so local. Amy from the Great Northeast writes in:

News Travels Fast and Far

Here I sit in the great Northeast, when a news snippet crosses my desk. "County Councilman and City Councilman allegations!" Well, I must read on - they probably, hopefully contributed to the fine city of DeBary. OH! Instead they are an embarassment, and unfortunately they represent your city and county.

The horror of it all is the fact that someone had to vote them in...... and there they remain, making decisions and voicing opinions. I noticed that the poll question asked if Councilman Long should resign - I am thinking Councilman Fulton should throw in the towel as well, he is a proving to fill Councilman Long's shoes very well.

We should not feel badly about their resignations - they could always work for a professional wrestling outfit or better yet, a soap opera.

> Amy VonKadich

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Quotes that make sense in these trying times:

CLICK HERE TO VOTE: This Month's
Poll Question

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Click on Citizens' Editorials to read three or four aritlces just sent in. New Editorial on the Fulton/Long saga

Or click here: Citizens' Editorials

5/21: Click on POP Editorials for a new editorial by Norm Erickson

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Who controls growth?

While watching the workshop on webcast on April 9, 2006, it dawned on me that

these are the same people who held a closed door executive meeting just a few weeks

earlier. It appears that the Empire Cattle development at Meadowlea was such a paramount issue that an emergency executive meeting was called to discuss strategy plans that the City could use to fend off the 600 dwelling units that were proposed for the site.

Mr. Watts (attorney for the development) came to the workshop ready and willing to fight for his compromise of 450 dwelling units, but what kind of compromise is that when Councilman Fulton was already in favor of that number weeks before? What happened to compromising numbers like 200, 250 or 300? There was no argument or debate about the density numbers other than 450. What did they talk about at the executive meeting, perhaps the weather or maybe where did Dorothy and Toto go? Only Councilman Tillis was for one (1) dwelling unit per acre which is at least a compromise. Councilman Fulton believes that 450 dwelling unit is a good compromise. He reminded everyone many times that he, me, me, I, I, I yi yi yi yi turn the record over. I’m sure there are other council members who have ideas that are just as good as yours. But their not acting like you, pouting if it’s not your way. Quite frankly that’s not a compromise that is good for the city and the citizens, but a deal that would make most developers smile like the Cheshire Cat. The rest of the council even after the executive meeting could not agree among one another. What gives, that’s why you got together to get on the same page without worrying about the sunshine laws. I can’t wait to get the transcripts from that meeting; it will make better reading than Whitewater Revisted.

Let’s look at some of the arguments that the council should have been stronger with:

1: They say: Flooding being the number one (1) issue of the city.

They mean: Money talks, let them flood.

2: They say: Overcrowding of schools: No serious talk in building a new school for the hundreds of new students that will enroll in our already crowded schools. There will be laws taking effect in 2008 that will make it mandatory for developers to build schools to ease overcrowding.

They mean: Let’s get this development in under the wire.

3: Traffic problems: It will make I-4 look inviting.

4: Environmental issues (wetlands): We’ll let them encroach only a little on the wetlands.

5: Clean Air: Smell the car exhaust from the traffic jams.

6: Noise: Listening to the drone from the traffic going by.

7: Wildlife: My children, a few years ago we had an abundance of wildlife. Now there is none. The wildlife has moved on from this area thanks to developing.

8: Impact Fees: If Mr. Watts pushes hard enough and gets this done before the City pass an Ordinanceto collect impact fees, the City loses once again.

9: Quality of life issues: Maybe one or all of the above should happen in your neighborhood. Let’s see how fast your opinion would change.

Councilmen, if an argument for any of the above can be made, then with all due respect you are not looking out for the people of this City. Compromise is not letting the other guy get what he wants and you walk away with little or nothing. It’s funny how strong you are against the little guy, the common slob, but when the bully shows up and says this is what I want and if I don’t get it I’ll sue, you cave in.

An interesting bit of information was revealed during the workshop. There are 2 or 3 more projects located next to this development that will be coming up in front of the council in the near future. Two of the properties mentioned are the Murphy and Egan property. Guess what Councilmen, if you cave into this massive development and they get your stamp of approval, you better get ready to say YES again because if you don’t they will sue for what Empire Cattle/Meadowlea got. You know the story “you can’t stop growth” well as a suggestion why don’t you try to “ SLOW THE GROWTH.”

It appears that the only action that will be taken is the one that Mr. Watts wants and will get. I truly hope I will be proven wrong. I wonder if this is similar to the thinking of our council; Mr. Watts if that’s what you want don’t let us stand in your way. Thanks for coming down to 450 dwellings units. Your compromise is more than fair. Far be it from us that we should stand our ground and offer a counter proposal because you will sue the city. We will concede to your plan and not try for a compromise that benefits the city and the people. You will sue the city. We’ll worry about the other projects coming soon and then let them have what they want because they will sue because we gave into Empire Cattle and have set a precedent.

Let’s reach back and do the right thing.

Remember you work for the people; the people don’t work for you...

SLOW THE GROWTH

Lenny Marks

DeBary, FL

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NEW: From Aiden Magee,
Volusia Flagler Environmental Action Committee.Inc

I find it interesting the Charter Review commission are poised to recommend
from Mr Mc Clelland's Infrastructure Needs Committee......a 1/2
cent retail sales tax instead of the 5 cents gas tax...............to fund as he says
the added expense of running new roads out to the proposed new
"cluster"developments that the flawed smart growth report proposes.
Clusters are sprawl and against the wishes of the 73% of theelectorate
that indicated in the exercise of their franchaise during the recent
referendum, that they wished to curtail growth and sprawl.
Why should the tax payer have to fund roads to developers 'clusters'?

If the dirt roads were left as they are there would be less
environmental damage. This suggestion illustrates that clusters are
environmentally unfriendly.

Be also aware that....... where ever there is a road ...................new
development follows.

Aiden Magee
Volusia Flagler Environmental Action Committee.Inc

Click on the Eminent Domain/Growth link to read two articles written by Mr. Magee that were presented to the County Charter Review Committee. He is representing us against growth and Lenny and I saw him in action. Click here: Eminent Domain/Growth

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NEW:

Highlights of the 5/9 Workshop Meeting with a dash of opinion by Norm Erickson

Update: From Mark Watts's point of view he feels that he is doing us a favor by offering us 600 units when the land is capable of sustaining 800 units based on his mathematics. 450 is the basement using his arithmetic. In addition, he said the petition to the city council in January of 2003 was not a formal application. In fact, it was the first reading of an ordinance to amend the future land use map that was voted down due to density. Steve Costa and Mark Watts were both there.

Why didn't anyone on the council say this? Are they doing their homework or not? Especially when it was on this website before the meeting...maybe they need to be regular readers of debarypop.com to prepare...

What you didn't hear at the meeting:

How about 200 units...how about 250 units? how about 300 units? Why not stick with the larger lot sizes instead of the 50 foot lots as the larger lots will help in reducing density? Why are we stuck with what Watts and Fulton came up with? How about 1 unit per acre? How about getting as low a density on this project and then put a moratorium on the upcoming projects we KNOW are in the pipeline because Tillis told us...by accident.

I watched the meeting on the webcam and typed some notes as it went along; here they are:

The waiver to suspend the six month wait will be brought back to council in June and will probably pass; that is to say, the six month waiting period will be suspended to move negotiations along more quickly;

The plan will be brought back sometime in July, mid-July or possibly August for a first reading with 450 homes now being offered;

Doll DiSantis did an excellent job in presenting her side of the story for Meadowlea and the city if this project goes through; Flooding, traffic, the fact that it was denied three years ago based on density, etc,;

Councilman Tillis was concerned about the animals, overcrowded schools, and the fact that this is actually the first of 3 or 4 projects lined up down the road. "We need to look at the big picture." Tillis was hitting every piston tonight.

Watts is leaving 30-35 acres untouched for some possible future project or partnership with the city;

Lenzen said Meadowlea is not making a case of how this development is hindering Meadowlea's area/living space in terms of crime or home values going down;

Patrick said again and again how right he was in the past to vote no on this and try to bring it back for negotiation. He said that legally we can't say "No" to growth and he was sorry to inform Meadowlea of that fact; Fulton also wanted to use Robert's Rules of Order to bring back the project for discussion; it appeared he didn't understand that you can't make that motion at the next meeting, you have to make the motion at the same meeting. Now all of a sudden they want to use Robert's Rules...but not when we elect our Vice-Mayors.

Sometimes we follow Robert's Rules and sometimes we don't.

Watts brought up the fact that he has a lawsuit against the city and he would like to see some direction on the project;

Overall: The council does not work together as a team and that is to the city's detriment. Ego's and the choosing of being right instead of working for DeBary's citizens is becoming the "norm". Tillis brought up great points and actually brought up quality of life issues; unfortunately he said the following: "I know that the extra people coming in to the city is not a reason to say "no" to this project" Personally, I think it's a great reason.

If the council can't vote "no" on this issue then what good are they? I mean really? And since we now know that three or four other projects are in the pipeline, will they pass an ordinance to allow themselves to reduce maximum densities as some cities have done?

Growth impacts a city on all levels and every citizen. To not have the option to say "no" because of flooding (an emergency that requires your vote for 10 million dollars, remember?), traffic, school overcrowding, etc, makes any other issue irrelevant .

If we can't say no to growth, then when these guys run for office they better damn well say that they are FOR flooding, FOR more traffic, FOR overcrowded schools, FOR impacting the enviroment, and FOR decreasing the quality of life in DeBary; because when you vote for the kind of density being proposed much less three or four projects to come, that's what you are voting FOR.

Far be it for me to question the veracity of our Vice-Mayor's credibility when he says we can't say "no" to this proposed zoning change, but if we're going to get sued and go to court, even if we go to court and lose, then I want it to be over these issues: growth and quality of life.

But I'm sensing a lack of testicular fortitude on the part of the council to do just that...I hope I am wrong...

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NEW:

Citizen Editorial about Meeting on 5/9:

How many times do we have to be subjected to Mark Watts and Empire Cattle posturing and pressing the Debary City Council to pass this Alexander Woods or whatever name they want to call it. They think a new name is going to change our view point? "A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME SMELLITH SO SWEET".

Or are we really smelling the fertilizer?

Why is the city council letting this albatross of a developement take over a city that has enough flooding and over crowding of schools that we have to borrow 20 million dollars just to correct what has transpired in the last two years.

What a slap in the face of everyone who was flooded out. Putting a new developement of this magnitude is detrimental to the city at this time of many needs other than filling the pockets of a rich landowner.Whatever happened to listening to your constituants to determine how you vote?

You stood up for us with a three to one vote for Costas and his mouthpiece to wait six months to bring up this matter one time and once the road gets bumpy you change your minds. THE LESSON FOR TODAY IS IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH MONEY DO WHATEVER YOU WANT NO MATTER WHO GETS HURT.

Remember,we the people of Debary have the final say in November.

Mark Meister

Read Mark's New Editorial by clicking on Citizens' Editorials or click here: Citizens' Editorials

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Update: Past Poll Results online now. Click HERE to go to our current poll question of the month.

New: POP Editorial by Norm Erickson. Click on POP Editorials to read it

Or click below:

POP
Editorals

Reminder: Business Forum at the DeBary Civic Association on May 18th at 7pm

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NEW:

I want to write about a subject that has been abused by politicians all over the country: political ethics.

Every day it is seen in our newspapers and television newscasts of politicians and elected officials taking liberties and conducting business in secretive meetings or groups deciding our future without public forums to "enrich" their political ambitions or for self profit.

As I read THE DELAND-DELTONA BEACON, I have to ask myself if this might be happening in our beautiful and historic city of Debary.

It has been reported that some of YOU (City Councilmen) were meeting with EMPIRE CATTLE representatives ,BEHIND CLOSED DOORS,instead of in public;this raises questions as to what is happening and if this is being done under legal or ethical standards.

I am concerned that ALEXANDER WOODS and other such projects being decided in the future are already a closed deal without public knowledge and if other issues are being that way. I fear that what is happening here is relative to practices that have been reported in the news in Orange County and the city of Orlando. I hope this is not the case.

Kudos to councilman Carson for abstaining from this practice. At least one ELECTED OFFICIAL considers the views and opinions of his constituants.

Remember, WE THE PEOPLE OF DEBARY have the final word in November.
>
> Mark A. Meister

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NEW:

What we miss our readers send in:

If you read the editoral and the minutes of 2003 meeting it was not stated that the City Council also told Mr. Costca that he had to widen the bridge on Ft Florida Road, now the City Council said he could use the rightaway, ALL HE'S HAS TO DO IS PAVE IT, WHY?????, And why has this not been bought up for a vote??

WHY?????

I HAVE ASKed THIS QUESTION OVER AND OVER AGAIN, AND I STILL CAN'T GET A ASNWER TO THE QUESTION FROM MARYANN CARSON. OR THE MAYOR OR ANY COUNCIL MEMBERS WHY????.
THERE ARE ToO MANY WHY'S

Doll DeSantis

4/29/06:

SHAZAM!

It’s déjà vu all over again!

But only this website is reporting it...

DeBary is going to seek a compromise “to fend off a lawsuit” by Mr. Watts and Mr. Costa

On April 25 th our City Attorney Kurt Ardaman told Pat Hatfield of the Deland Beacon that he would seek a compromise with Empire Cattle and the development down by Meadowlea. The executive meeting was on April 19 th. How can it be in the newspaper if the executive meeting is closed and information as to what was discussed only comes out after the lawsuit ends or if they vote to settle in a public meeting? .

Mr. Watts claims the lawsuit stems from the city denying the rezoning request based on invalid reasons. The reason it was denied was density as well as traffic, flooding, etc,. We all know the arguments. What apparently no one knows or cares to bring up is that a city council already denied Watts what he is asking for in January of 2003. The City is allowed to deny "undesirable density "just as we did three years ago wherein city council members and citizens made the same arguments they are making now.

SHAZAM!

Why didn’t Watts sue then? How can he sue now? I thought we couldn’t say “NO” to development? WE ALREADY HAVE!

Trust?

There is a precedent and the question remains: What has changed in three years? Nothing. Indeed, the only thing that has changed is that supposedly the council is more aware of the flooding problems we are having and that the thought of building more of anything strains credulity.

It may have been inappropriate for two Councilmen to say during discussions at two separate Council meetings that "We will be sued ..." without first asking the City attorney what options the City has regarding the development. For Councilmen to say what they did just gives the developer the ammunition to proceed because he now feels he has two people already on his side.

It may be time for a moratorium on accepting any new plans to build until we know exactly what we're up against regarding flooding, schools, traffic and everything else that will change our way of life - regardless of where we live in this unique City.

Click on the following link and scroll down to page 4 of the minutes to read about this issue as it was discussed three years ago. Density is the reason it was denied then as well as now.

The following link will take you to the minutes of the city council meeting on January 8th, 2003. You will need Adobe Acrobat to read this PDF file. When the file comes up on your computer scroll down to bottom of page 4 and look at Agenda item number 6: Ordinance # 03-03: Amendment to the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan-Hugh West Trust. It continues onto pages 5 and 6. It's time well spent.

Link: Minutes for January 08, 2003

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Remember, this is your website, too. Send us an editorial(your thoughts)about your concerns with the city or about this website by clicking on the third link on the left side of the website.

Remember, this website's email address is:

trinity1955@debarypop.com

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Check out our newest link:

City Council's Voting Record...it is here to stay...though some might wish it would not.

We Have Found Common Ground

Mayor and Council: Can you hear it? It’s so loud and clear. It’s been in the papers, on radio and television, but most important it’s on the lips of the taxpayers. The boiling point has been reached on this issue. People are tired of it, but more important they are beginning to fight back to save their communities, their state, and their country. It’s getting to sound like a broken record when you hear your elected officials say “you can’t stop growth”; Hogwash! It’s not all that hard to just say “No” to re-zoning and you have cleared the first hurdle.

Our Council is afraid of law suits because Empire Cattle, Ltd was promised developing rights years ago. Well, the citizens were also promised something in the Comp Plan and they include but are not limited to:

Vision Statement: The importance of maintaining the character of a small community of friendly people, while taking advantage of the amenities offered by proximity to the big city; (Which is to say, the vision of DeBary was to take advantage of what it is near; not bring the big city into DeBary.)

5.101 Policy: The future land use pattern will be based on the projected need for different future land uses. The City will monitor its growth and development and will adjust these projections as needed. (It seems that it is needed and now is the time to do it)

5.103 Policy: The pattern of land designated as currently available for development will be arranged so as to be compact and contiguous and to prevent urban sprawl. (If 600 units or even 450 units isn’t urban sprawl, I don’t know what is.)

Maybe the citizens should sue for the promise that was given to them and not kept.

Once again the easy way out is go with the flow and let the developers have their way. When will our elected officials stand up and fight for what is right, fight for you and me? Fight for the people and not for the ones that have ruined the quality of life that WE all desire.

Lesley Blackner, an attorney in Palm Beach and an organizer for the Florida Hometown Democracy campaign, made a few sound points in her editorial to the Daytona Beach News Journal (3/30/06) wherein she said the following:

The law is clear that when a city or county commission votes on a proposed land use change, the politicians are standing in the shoes of the electorate and should not approve the proposed change unless they determine that it will improve the community.

And…

The problem is that too many Florida politicians are growth junkies. They equate relentless, unending construction with civic progress. They are more concerned with catering to the next 10,000 new residents than protecting and preserving their communities.

Finally…

We (the citizens) should have the final say over proposed changes in our hometowns because, for better or worse, we get stuck with the consequences.

A first step was taken at the March 15th Council meeting when the Mayor and Council turned down Empire Cattle in their bid to build 600 units on the Costa property. Bravo to the Council for making a strong stand against growth and sprawl.

Good work city of Debary; we are with you.

As of this writing April 22 nd, 2006 the city is facing a lawsuit for doing the right thing in saying “no” to development and “yes” to preserving the quality of life in DeBary. It is our fervent hope that they continue to fight for the citizens that are living here now, our small town atmosphere, and showing that we do have a say in our own destiny.

SLOW THE GROWTH, NOW!!!

Lenny Marks

Norm Erickson contributed to this editorial

DeBary, FL

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People are writing in about growth issues and echoing what is written on this website. People are aware and shaking the cage. These editorials were in the Daytona Beach News-Journal, April 23rd:

Highway for growth junkies

After reading the Community Voices column "Toll road to county's destruction," it seems that the most addicted growth junkies are right here on our Volusia County Council. After speaking out in support of our 50,000-acre portion of the 400-mile wildlife corridor, it seems ludicrous that the majority of our council would welcome a second study on a toll road that runs through the heart of it.

When it comes time for their re-election, let the 72 percent of us who made it clear that we support contained growth remind Art Giles, Joie Alexander, Jack Hayman and Dwight Lewis that we still do. Their memories may be short, but I am sure ours are not.

CHARLES COBB, Ormond Beach

For voters to decide

VAMOOSE (Volusians Against Mickey Mouse Orlando/Seminole Expressway), of which I am a coordinator, is a light-hearted name, but the issue is deadly serious, because our council voted 4-2 to "study" an already-rejected road. By now, we all know that "study" usually means "Let's pick the route." Because 72 percent of Volusia voters favor boundaries to keep rural areas rural, one can surmise that the same majority opposes prying open our conservation area with a high-speed, multilane asphalt can opener.

In a democracy, the people get to speak. We support the right of Volusia's voters to decide whether an unelected "authority," headed by a guy who makes his living in real estate, ought to be "studying" anything in this county except the fastest way back home. Let the voters have their say.

SANDRA WALTERS, Enterprise

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Is this citizen only talking about Cassleberry?

It seems that dealings behind closed doors and forgetting about who really is in charge is a common occurrence. But you decide...

Here is the link:

. . embarrassing meeting

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/letters/orl-le22_206apr22,0,2245654.story

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People CAN say "NO!" to development. Click on this link to a story in today's (4/21) Orlando Sentinel wherein County Council members and voters did not allow a "key land use change".

Also from the story:

Bob Mandell, president of Greater Homes, told city officials he was concerned about continuing to spend money to pursue a critical land-use change that might not happen because of mounting opposition.

Most council members weren't happy about the proposed density increase, the projected traffic burden and other issues.

Perhaps things are not as they appear to be. Which goes to my thought that if DeBary does fight this andwins, a number of people will have a lot to answer to for having said we can't fight this, it's going to go through, it's a done deal etc,; something in me, and I could very well be wrong, just disagrees with that premise. I guess it goes back to that word: TRUST.

Norm Erickson

The full story:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/volusia/orl-vranch2106apr21,0,4277315.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-volusia

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

April 18, 2006

Land owner sues over zoning denial

By BOB KOSLOW
Staff Writer

DEBARY -- One of the city's largest landowners is suing the city for nixing plans to build a 600-home subdivision.

Empire Cattle Company is asking a circuit court judge to review the city's rezoning denial because the denial violates city codes, an attorney said.

The company asked to change the zoning from rural agriculture, which permits one home per five acres, to residential planned unit development for a 600-unit subdivision of single-family homes and townhouses. The building density would be 3.5 homes per developable acre.

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City Council’s vote on proposed development not welcomed;

City served with petition from Empire Cattle, Ltd

April 13, 2006

Norm Erickson

Contributors: Lenny Marks and John Likakis

Thursday morning City Manager Maryann Courson received a petition from Attorney Mark Watts. Mr. Watts had told Ms. Courson and city attorney Mr. Ardaman that it was on the way. “We have not been served yet, but Mark Watts has told the City Attorney and myself that it is on the way,” Ms. Coursan explained in an email to me. The petition is in reaction to the city council’s vote on March 15 th against the proposed development project at Meadowlea. At that meeting the council voted 3-1 against the proposed project with Councilman Lenzen voting for it and Councilman Tillis being absent.

On April 5 th Vice-Mayor Fulton suggested that Mr. Watts be allowed to return and discuss the project with a reduced number of units but failed in getting support for his motion.

Ms. Courson is waiting to see what kind of legal expenses the city will incur; in an email she told me that the last time the City was involved with this type of action the legal fees and settlement costs were in excess of 150,000 dollars.

POP welcomes all editorials on this or other issues concerning our fair city.

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City Council Meeting

4/5/06

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Since citizens are only given three minutes to speak at town meetings, John will be reading a condensed version of what is below. He will present the shortened version at tomorrow's meeting, 4/5.

Commentary

by John Likakis

There are numerous topics that need to be discussed, but I will just take one now that is of immediate concern. And yes it will effect all of us one way or another. There are three here, but they are all related.

First, let me bring up that word that developers and some City Councils think is anathema to everything they feel we should believe: MORATORIUM. We are at a critical crossroads in the City’s growth management decisions. It’s not like we have thousands of acres left to develop. We have very few open spaces left and NOW is the time to start taking a serious look at where we are going and what will be allowed to be done with our remaining land. The developers are speeding up their building plans to get them into the City before school concurrency is mandated by the state and before zoning or changes in land use are made and while the housing market is still hot. We are a prime “commuting” community and right now a nice place to live. In the vision statement of our city’s Comprehensive Plan it states the “importance of maintaining the character of a small community of friendly people…” Given that directive it is time for a moratorium on submitting ANY building plan—particularly residential—between now and January 2007. Some commercial or industrial planning may be submitted for review if it is going to be in the existing commercial or industrial areas. If flooding is the problem that councils past and present say it is, excessive residential development projects takes time away from working on current flooding problems and preparing for the potential ones in the future. Moreover, given the fact that a 10 million dollar bond is going to be put on referendum for the people to vote on denotes the seriousness of the problem that flooding is causing. Building on wetlands and sheeting water to other lower lying homes does nothing to help and everything to hinder the flood problems already plaguing us.

Along with this suggestion, I believe the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the Land Development Code and the Future Land Use Map should be reviewed and revised to eliminate any gray areas that can be subject to multiple interpretations and to bring it up to date to reflect the needs of the City for managed growth, environmental impacts, the wishes and needs of its citizens to determine exactly what sort of quality of life we should have. And it should be done right away. We don’t have time to plan for meetings two to three months from now. Give the documents to Mr. Langely or his firm and ask that he review and revise them all right away—even if it takes twenty hours. It will be cheaper in the long run.

A good start would be the proposed Alexander Woods development that would surround Meadowlea On the River mobile home park. Its original plan was to build 600 units—mixed single family homes and Town Houses. Numerous problems were found and the plan for 600homes was denied by the City Council and the developer was allowed to revise the Plan and represent it at the next Council meeting.

It is my understanding the revised Plan may call for 400+ single family homes to be built in the same area. An area that included wetlands and flood plain. It appears that 400+ single family homes---even if they were shoe-horned into the actual buildable area—would not alleviate the problems. If the developer were sincere in trying to preserve and beautify this area he would reduce the density of the development. And, in stead of single family homes, why not cluster town houses in the northern part of the property which at least is a buildable area. And by clustering, he would have more room for the amenities, create a better looking development and reduce some of the problems. Maybe even plan for some “luxury” homes on 1 acre plots at the west end of the property.

Yes, any developer wants to squeeze as big a profit out of what he is building, but maybe a reasonable profit and preservation of the environment, reduced traffic, flooding problems, etc, would also be nice…for the good of the City and its citizens.

So, I ask again for a moratorium so that our City Manager, Planner, and Council can have the necessary time to see where we are, and where we’re going. It is unfair to throw multiple page documents at them and expect them to digest all the present, much less, future consequences and vote on them intelligently.

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VOTE IS IN!!

Results of POP Poll on the location of City Hall:

DeBary Motel site: 47%

The Johnson building near the library: 30%

Not in favor of a new city hall: 13%

Naranjana Road: 10%

MOTEL SITE WINS BY A LANDSLIDE

CITY’S CHOICE A PATHETIC SHOWING

ONCE AGAIN THE CITY IS OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE PEOPLE

Thanks to the many who took the time to vote for the POP poll question “where would you like city hall to be built”. What a shame our Mayor and Council past and present didn’t have the common sense to ask the taxpayer’s (spending millions of their dollars) to have a choice in the selection process. The results were notsurprising. The only thing surprising was the close vote for last place. It should not be what the Mayor and Council think is best for the citizens of DeBary but what the people think is best for them.

Perhaps in the future the City will allow the taxpayer AKA “ the deep pocket folks” to have a say in important issues. At the last Council meeting, 3/12/06, the Mayor and Council heard what the people of Parkview Heights thought about an office building scheduled for construction next to their subdivision. Wasn’t that nice of them, too bad the people have no say when millions of dollars will be spent on their New City Hall, the five million dollars are scheduled to be spent on Rob Sullivan Park, the massive development under consideration at Meadowlea and the bottomless money pit called the Partnership Center. It seems when a lot of money is at stake the taxpayer is not considered smart enough to participate in those kinds of decisions. Taxpayer’s are left out of the process because some think they don’t have the right to make any decisions. All that is required of the taxpayer is to be quiet and pay the bills. Some elected officials think they know what’s better for you and what you should or should not have.

Don’t the people of DeBary have a say in how their money is spent? Don’t they have a vision? Are the people not in charge? What happened to the small town atmosphere that was promised when DeBary became a City? It’s all been taken away from us, right in front of our noses. If the City will not or can not say no to run-away spending and out of control growth, then the taxpayer must say no.

Lenny Marks

DeBary, FL

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Report and Commentary for the

Special City Council Meeting—3/15/06

John Likakis

It wasn’t "Some Enchanted Evening" but it was interesting and informative.  And since it wasn't reported in any of the newspapers, we thought we would give you a summary of the evening.  It’s what we said we would do —now and then —to keep you informed.
The meeting started at 6pm, Unfortunately, many people didn't know this and missed a very excellent presentation by Volusia County's top cop, Sheriff Ben Johnson.  The Sheriff outlined what we get for our dollars.  His slide presentation took us from the hiring of a rookie, what it takes to train and put him on patrol, to special teams, equipment, emergency response, 911 operators, administration and just about everything one would need to know about the guys and gals who are keeping an eye out for us.  That was the informative part of the evening.
The interesting part was the presentation-again- of the proposed 600 unit development that would surround Meadowlea.
Mr. Watts, Attorney for the developer, presented the development plan for 600 units as part of a 278 acre parcel.  170 acres are usable and about 80-90 acres actually designated to be built on.  The balance is for ponds, open area, wetlands, etc.
Numerous questions were raised during the public participation and many residents of Meadowlea and DeBary spoke of a lifestyle they have enjoyed for over twenty and thirty years.  They spoke of flooding problems and school problems and traffic problems and many other concerns.
Mr. Watts addressed some of these concerns and tried to assure the residents that the development would be a good thing for everyone and for the City.  A great looking development and more tax dollars.
Without going into details, here are some of the main concerns with the development:
Traffic: the figures presented were based on a 2004 study which showed approximately 4500 net daily trips.  An updated study may very well exceed 5000.  Add to this the fact that both exit roads to 17/92 cross active RR tracks with possible morning and evening rush hour delays and cars backing up on Fort Florida Road and out onto 17/92.  A request was made to update the study.
Schools: As part of the development agreement, a School site was to be provided.  No suitable, buildable land was available near the development site for the anticipated 238 students that would be generated by the development.  The developer would “"mitigate"”- –a sort of way to arrange for a school elsewhere - —and pay impact fees up front. The lady from the Volusia County School Board was not too happy with the arrangement.  However, two lines in her letter are a little scary.  After stating that "It is important to note that the up front payment of impact fees does not, by itself, address the real issue of school overcrowding."  And later in her letter, "Please not that it is the School Board’s right to rezone students from this development, or other areas within the community to other schools."

Editorial Comment: Where? Deltona, Orange City, Enterprise? And what are the Impact Fees they agree to pay? Here are samples of what the cities around us get and what we get. DeBary, population 17,000 and Pierson, population 3000 get a whopping $325.00 dollars on new construction.  Lake Helen, pop. 3000, gets $2150.00 dollars.  Orange City, pop. 7000, gets $1827.00 dollars. Multiply $325 by 600=$195,000.  Multiply 600 x $2150.00 = $1,290, 000.00.  Would the offer still stand?  We’ve been so busy looking for the “Grand Plan” for DeBary that we have lost millions of dollars in impact fees.

Flooding: A map prepared for Volusia County in 2002 shows significant portions of the development area to be in flood plain zones. Add to this a study done last year by the Extension Service which showed that six out of seven test sites in the development area "were unsuitable for community development with excess wetness a major limitation." The water table is within 10 inches of the surface in wet seasons.  Need anymore be said.
There were other questions and discussions regarding water, sewage, etc. but this will give you the flavor of the evening.
The Council listened to all sides and to their credit, with Vice Mayor Fulton making a motion to deny, three of the four Councilmen present agreed to deny this 600 unit development.  The developer asked for and was given the opportunity to resubmit changes to the plan possibly a significant reduction in total units at the next Council meeting in April.
There you have it.  However, we urge everyone to try hard to attend Council meetings. A lot goes on that could affect your quality of life and your pocketbook.  It’s been said—“ - Together you are many.  You can have the City you want and the life you want by getting involved. Involve your neighbors. Do nothing and you may get something that's worth nothing."

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Results of POP Poll on the location of City Hall:

DeBary Motel site: 47%

The Johnson building near the library: 30%

Not in favor of a new city hall: 13%

Naranjana Road: 10%

Of course, the new city hall will be located on Naranja Road.

Thanks for voting!

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VOTE IS IN!!

Results of POP Poll on the location of City Hall:

DeBary Motel site: 47%

The Johnson building near the library: 30%

Not in favor of a new city hall: 13%

Naranjana Road: 10%

MOTEL SITE WINS BY A LANDSLIDE

CITY’S CHOICE A PATHETIC SHOWING

ONCE AGAIN THE CITY IS OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE PEOPLE

Thanks to the many who took the time to vote for the POP poll question “where would you like city hall to be built”. What a shame our Mayor and Council past and present didn’t have the common sense to ask the taxpayer’s (spending millions of their dollars) to have a choice in the selection process. The results were notsurprising. The only thing surprising was the close vote for last place. It should not be what the Mayor and Council think is best for the citizens of DeBary but what the people think is best for them.

Perhaps in the future the City will allow the taxpayer AKA “ the deep pocket folks” to have a say in important issues. At the last Council meeting, 3/12/06, the Mayor and Council heard what the people of Parkview Heights thought about an office building scheduled for construction next to their subdivision. Wasn’t that nice of them, too bad the people have no say when millions of dollars will be spent on their New City Hall, the five million dollars are scheduled to be spent on Rob Sullivan Park, the massive development under consideration at Meadowlea and the bottomless money pit called the Partnership Center. It seems when a lot of money is at stake the taxpayer is not considered smart enough to participate in those kinds of decisions. Taxpayer’s are left out of the process because some think they don’t have the right to make any decisions. All that is required of the taxpayer is to be quiet and pay the bills. Some elected officials think they know what’s better for you and what you should or should not have.

Don’t the people of DeBary have a say in how their money is spent? Don’t they have a vision? Are the people not in charge? What happened to the small town atmosphere that was promised when DeBary became a City? It’s all been taken away from us, right in front of our noses. If the City will not or can not say no to run-away spending and out of control growth, then the taxpayer must say no.

Lenny Marks

DeBary, FL

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Saying “No!” to Growth

One of the conclusions I’ve reached regarding growth is that it is a philosophy. It is a point of view and position that one takes. If a councilman is for growth, then he/she will simply vote for it saying it will bring business, revenue, and so on into the city. However, if a councilman is against growth, then he/she can vote against it as long as they have sound reasoning to support it. In the article below the council voted against growth due to its own rules that were passed in 1991. A councilman might find that flooding, traffic, lack of schools, lack of infrastructure, and so on might constitute reasons for voting against growth.

I know quote Lonnie Groot, Palm Coast’s city attorney, from an editorial in Daytona Beach News Journal, 2/26/06: “A zoning change is not a property right.” He goes on to say that it is negotiable so that cities agreeing to growth can get something in return: schools, better roads, etc,.

Saying no to growth and development is a viable option. It must be researched diligently because the majority of the people in DeBary do not want growth; they don’t want it because it brings more flooding primarily, I believe. They do not want it because it detracts from their quality of life. They do not want it because of its exponential impact on traffic. Whether it is at Glenn Abby or down by Meadowlea, growth is not welcomed. For our elected officials to say that growth is going to happen and it can’t be stopped is not wholly correct; it can be stopped or severely negotiated.

More and more in Central Florida I am reading the same thing in relation to growth: people move to an area for its small town atmosphere or open spaces only to have those qualities threatened. It doesn’t have to be that way.

In Geneva, they said no.

by

Norm Erickson

Commission rejects rezoning

Landowner wanted his 46 acres zoned to allow homes on three-acre lots

By Alex Babcock | March 03, 2006

The Seminole Chronicle

SANFORD - Geneva residents turned out in droves Tuesday to protest denser development plans for their area - and they got a sympathetic ear from the County Commission.

A request to rezone 46 acres to a higher density, which would have allowed for more homes to be built on the land, was unanimously rejected by the Commission.

The rezoning prospect had worried Geneva residents, who have spoken out against allowing more growth in their rural community east of Sanford and north of Chuluota.

They said the request by landowner David Ciener, a former Geneva resident who operates a nursery on the property, would have set a dangerous precedent leading to denser zoning for other Geneva properties. Commissioners were asked to grant a rezoning request to allow homes to be built on lots as small as three acres. The property's current zoning allows homes on lots as small as five acres.

Ciener said he may keep the nursery without the rezoning request, or may simply carve up his property into a smaller neighborhood of seven houses instead of 12.

Though residents just east of Ciener's property live on properties averaging 2.5 acres, they were rezoned before a new rule imposed by the county in 1991 restricted growth in the area to larger lots.

Ciener's lawyer, Jim Hattaway, said because of the abundance of smaller lots near Ciener's property, his client should be allowed similar zoning.

Commissioners rejected the argument, saying that to agree with such a rationale would mean ignoring the zoning change in 1991 and allowing anyone in the area to carve their properties into smaller pieces.

Commissioner Bob Dallari said after the meeting that he's happy with the decision.

"I didn't see any argument - any evidence presented to us that would make me want to rezone it," Dallari said.

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National League of Cities:

On 2/1/06 the city council passed Resolution #06-02, Supporting the 2006 Legislative Action Agenda of the Florida League of Cities. When the L.E.M. Institute saw this we looked at the agenda item in the three ring binder at the back of town hall. What does the League stand for? Well, many things. But the one that caught our eye was succinctly summed up in the Daytona Beach News Journal in a wire report dated 2/21/06 wherein it read:

The National League of Cities, which supports the use of eminent domain as what it calls a necessary tool of urban development, has identified the issue (eminent domain) as the most critical facing local governments this year. The league has called upon mayors and other local officials to lobby Congress and state legislators to try to stop the avalanche of bills to limit the power of government to take private property for presumed public good.

This quote within the article was contrasted with the display of unanimity in virtually every statehouse across the country of limiting eminent domain to its original intent. Councilman Danny Tillis was elected to the League of Cities as a representative of Volusia County and is going to Washington D.C.; our city council stands together against eminent domain takings for economic development and for that they deserve our thanks and trust in keeping our homes safe. While they are passing resolutions supporting the League of Cities, they should make it conspicuous that they are not in agreement with their (the League’s) stance on eminent domain. While a withdrawal of the resolution may not be necessary, it again points up saying one thing and supporting the other.

Enrollment in the League of Cities earns reduced prices on seminars wherein council members at the city and county level are informed of the passage of bills and future issues facing their constituents. This is a good thing. But it also fills their heads with ideas that their constituents may not want; they may come back with ideas that do not fit the quality of life the residents of their city and/or county want yet they try to push it down our throats using our money to do it; we are in a sense purchasing the rope which is used to hang us; this is a bad thing.

The balance is somewhere in between. Our elected officials must also listen to their citizens and their vision.

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MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE

An eminent domain measure that would limit the state's ability to take property from one private owner and transfer it to another is headed for a showdown at the 2006 legislature.

"It will be one of the big ones," League of Minnesota Cities general counsel Tom Grundhoefer said.

On Wednesday an eminent domain bill by Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, and Rep. Jeff Johnson, R-Plymouth, received its first hearing.

Bakk's bill would prohibit taking property from one private owner to give to another private owner, but would permit seizing property through eminent domain for public use such as roads, utilities or parks.

But with the League of Minnesota Cities pushing its own bill, which would be less restrictive, Bakk said it will be a long haul.

"I think we are going to pass something," Bakk said. "But it's likely to be tempered."

Examples of eminent domain are surfacing almost daily in national news reports as government moves to take privately owned property.

A 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Kelo v. New London, upheld the power of local governments to seize property if it benefits the public good.

In the wake of the ruling, about 40 states are moving to tighten eminent domain law, Bakk said.

"I think most of the public agrees that government shouldn't take it and give it to some developer to put in a Starbucks coffee shop," Bakk said. "What's happened is that government has used eminent domain as a negotiating tool. They come into a private property owner and say, 'If we can't take it, we'll use eminent domain.' They use it as a negotiating tool and I intend to take that tool away."

A business owner who loses property for public use -- and couldn't be relocated -- would be reimbursed for the value of the business under Bakk's bill, not just for the property itself.

Under the proposal, private property also would have to be deemed blighted (meaning structural deficiencies), cited or abandoned.

"You couldn't just say something is blighted because the paint is cracked," Bakk said.

Minnesota auto dealers -- many of which operate on prime property along highways -- are supporting the Bakk bill.

League of Minnesota Cities officials say the bill is an overreaction to the Supreme Court decision and would make it more difficult for city officials to respond to local priorities.

"We think several of the provisions of Sen. Bakk's bill go too far," Grundhoefer said. "Sen. Bakk's bill so narrowly constitutes what is blight and environmental contamination that it would limit cities' power."

The bill also would create problems for a city wanting to redevelop a blighted area by giving a single property owner enough say to hold up a redevelopment project, Grundhoefer said.

Reimbursing a business for its value instead of its property could be a problem, Grundhoefer said.

"There would be a lot of speculation about damages, because the future of a business and how it would do in the future is unknown," Grundhoefer said.

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"Ooops!"

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I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree
A tree in summer that may wear
A nest of robins in her hair

Apologies to Joyce Kilmer and to the people of DeBary.
Because, at the rate we  allow land to be clear-cut, sacrificing all kinds of trees - specimens that have weathered 50-100 years - shade trees - flowering trees, and just ordinary trees that provide refuge and food for our feathered friends - shade and coolness for us in the summer and help convert polluted air into the oxygen we breathe. And for what?  Buildings surrounded by concrete, houses cheek to jowl with little or no shade and multiple water problems.

Not too many years ago, I questioned the clear-cutting of one of the new developments and asked just how they could justify the destruction, not only of the hundreds of trees, but also the destruction the natural habitat of many species of birds, turtles, butterflies and more. I asked the then City Manager, "Do the many  signs around the  City proclaiming 'DeBary is a bird sanctuary' mean anything?  Were they expected to roost on TV antennas or nest in satellite dishes ? The solution was simple: they slowly
removed the signs.

Who's watching the store?  How can builders/developers cut down trees without even bothering to first get a permit.  It's the law, you know.
But that doesn't seem to bother them. "Do it first and well worry about it later. And the fines are negligible. We just add them to the cost of whatever we're building. And the City will give us a variance, or something so we can proceed. We'll mitigate it." Mitigate. it pops up everywhere. Know what it means? It means they can offer something comparable in just about anywhere else "in the area". HA!
What's comparable to 50 or 100 year old tree with branches spreading to the sky?


How often do these tragedies occur? All too often. In fact, it’s happening right now:

1.  Joseph Street and Dirksen. Driving by last December, I noticed huge trees being cut down and a day later asked the City if
they were aware of it. Answer: Yes.

Everything hunky- dory? Not so.

My first clue was a News Journal article dated 1/24/06 headlined "Tree raze has officials seeing red". A month after the City was notified ! The City issues a stop order and a "County environmental employee will measure the downed trees to determine replacement costs and possible fines." A County employee. Possible fines ? What is a 30" diameter tree worth ?

The County issues them a permit to remove it all so as not to leave a fire hazard.

2.  Clara Vista lot cleared without permit. Same penalty routine as above.

3.  Enterprise and Highbanks. Going South from Highbanks. Caught in process of clearing the property. Same penalty routine as above.
What's interesting about this one is that this was tried 10 years ago. Same property. I'm assuming stopped and fined. It's been on the books for 10 years and they still try to get away with it. "We can always mitigate". Love that word mitigate.

Three more reasons why code enforcement, Planning and Zoning, and Growth Management belong here - in house - so we can control our own destiny. There isn't much left of what was DeBary's natural state.  Who is watching to see it doesn't get paved away? It's up to each of us to be alert to these ravages and to call City Hall to make sure it's permitted - before it's too late.

Most of us came here because we didn't want to be staring at endless parking lots, busy streets, denuded green areas, etc. I could
have stayed in the concrete canyons up North if that's what I wanted. If that's what you wanted.

Joyce Kilmer just rolled over in his grave.

John Likakis

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Why your voice is important--even when it comes to signs

A vote is scheduled on what the "entry signs", those that are placed at the points of entry to DeBary, should look like and read. It's important you voice your opinion becasue these are no ordinary signs; they are brick and mortar and they will cost 60,000 dollars. They will be similar to the Gateway Park sign at Saxon and 17/92.

The question is: should the sign include the words "The River City" ? While for many years DeBary has been presented as "The River City", historically it has been associated with DeBary since Frederick deBary as Ronald Williamson's article below details. A city with more than nine miles of riverfront, in the National Historic Registry, and DeBary's home was a steamboat stop in the 1800's, and the fact that many businesses use the "River City" as a part of their name.

We should be trying to keep as much of DeBary's uniqueness as we can. The uniqueness and quality of life that helped you decide to move here and stay here. These signs will set the tone for drivers entering the city from I-4 and Lake Monroe, Highbanks and Enterprise, and I-4 and Dirkson.

Become a part of the decision making process with your city; email us with your thoughts.

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CITY ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

WHY NOT US?

Last night I attended a roundtable discussion at the Deltona City Hall. There were at least 125 citizens attending, with refreshments being served. The meeting was a very informal one, with Mayor Mulder giving his vision of the future of Deltona. He answered all questions from the audience. The whole meeting lasted 2 ½ hours and will be held every month.

Wouldn’t it be nice if our Mayor adopted this type of format: citizens asking questions in an informal atmosphere? This would begin mending fences and healing wounds of the past. It is a way to gain back the trust that should exist between the city council and its citizens.

Mayor Coleman , why don’t you give this idea a chance to work in our community? You have a great opportunity to do this now. You may hear what the people think and the vision they desire for our city.

Please, don’t let it slip away.

Lenny Marks

DeBary,FL

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City Council Meeting

City Council meeting on December 7, 2005:

COUNCIL SPENDS AN HOUR AND TEN MINUTES ON LITTLE LEAGUE CONTRACT BUT DISCUSSES MONEY PIT CONFERENCE CENTER FOR ONLY FIFTEEN

Lenny Marks presented his paper on the history and hysterics of the tri-city partnership agreement tentatively called the Partnership Center. Orange City and Deltona are a part of this trio. Click on the History: A Key to the Future link on this website to read Lenny’s full paper. John Likakis went up and asked that they don’t even wait for the new agreement saying, “Call them up and tell them to keep it. It’s a bad idea.” Norm Erickson went up to the podium to ask where Councilman Fulton, Councilman Tillis, and City Manager Coursan stood on this issue. The mayor said that there would be no discussion. The excuse seems to be that they are waiting for a revised Operating Agreement Contract. And I now quote from the agenda itself: “Discussion of Conference Center Operating Agreement.” What the hell is that? The no-discussion discussion. It seems the whole council was just shut down and pre-resolved to not talking about this issue. Erickson said that when Lenny Marks brought this up last month the Mayor, Councilman Gunter, and even Councilman Carson, aka The Silent Assassin, spoke on the issue pro or con. But Fulton and Tillis, who speak or comment on nearly every issue that comes before the council, were not only as quiet as ants pissing on cotton but they were as quiet as ants not even THINKING about pissing on cotton. What gives? Why no stance? Only the time will tell…now go read Lenny Marks's paper by clicking on History: Key to the Future on this website.

* * * * *

On the agenda were four re-zoning issues. This brings up the whole philosophy of development which was a topic for the Meet the Candidates debate two months ago. There will be no irresponsible growth in this city if the council does not approve these re-zoning requests. Growth can be controlled or even shut down and while Mr. Costa has the right to propose anything he wants to the council, the council has the right to say no to it particularly when you can’t pick up a paper without growth being discussed. Opposition to growth was passed by the people to the tune of 71%; a judge later nullified the vote saying the ballot language was misleading.

A 600 dwelling unit proposal is being proposed to be built all around the residents at Meadowlea. Why is this even being considered after being proposed? It’s a wetlands area, people are still flooded, and people do not want growth. Particularly considering the extra traffic on narrow roads and the railroad crossing. Is this something that needs to be thought about? Aren’t SOME things in life a no-brainer? What I found to be interesting is that in the Orlando Sentinel there was an article that said this first reading of this proposal would not be voted on because the council had so many questions; however, on the summary sheet the council receives the city manager recommends APPROVAL of this proposal.

So the question is: if there were still questions to be answered about the project, why did the city manager recommend the proposal? Hmmm? Why would a proposal be recommended for approval without all the information? Or, if all the information was known, why wasn’t it then voted on and accepted or rejected?

Something was going on with that perhaps because there were so many residents from Meadowlea to show support. Mr. Costa was represented by attorney Mark Watts and he did NOT poll the audience for support as he did when he was representing the people from Highbanks Marina. Perhaps the council wants to drag this out, let the people stop coming, and then pass it through. Perhaps they are waiting for the residents of Meadowlea, and the Marina for that matter, to tire and give in. Maybe TWO sleeping giants have been stirred out of their slumber…only time will tell.

* * * * * *

Move over Lazarus, Danny Allen has returned from his absence to see Jack Lenzen begin his service. Jack’s tenure started with a round of applause as he pointed out the deficiencies of the Alexander Woods project at Meadowlea. See the newspaper article by clicking on the link on this website.

I hope Jack continues to bring this common sense approach to the issues he encounters.

* * * * * *

MAYOR ROSAMONDA ALLOWS ATTORNEY MARK WATTS
TO POLL THE CITIZENS
BUT NOT NORM ERICKSON

A couple of months ago as citizens packed the town hall to show their displeasure at the potential purchase of Rumors for almost one million dollars, I attempted to take a poll of the audience to show solidarity against the purchase of Rumors; the mayor, in no uncertain terms, told me that “we do not take polls here.”
So be it.
But at last night’s special meeting (11/30), Mark Watts polled the audience so that the council could see how many residents from the Highbanks Marina were present to show solidarity on the issue of their appeal of zoning and regulation interpretation.
The Mayor didn’t stop Mr. Watts; the Mayor didn’t reprimand Mr. Watts for polling the citizens to show their solidarity.
Attention Mr. Watts: If I ever intend to poll the citizens, I will be calling you.

“We want to be tough on code enforcement; but if we don’t take this settlement (reducing a 284,000 dollar fine to a 30,000 dollar payoff) we have no recourse.”

City Council and Attorney’s position on the settlement and mortgage agreement with Todd Alan Duvall and Panagiota Kaye Duvall.

Given this scenario, how can the council ever hope to come across asstringent on any code enforcement? It’s about as tough as a pail full of kittens. To my knowledge, when debt is negotiated, if the person in debt can get away with paying 50% of the total they win.

Highbanks Marina outcome as quoted from the Orlando Sentinel’s articledated 12/1/05 by Erin Ailworth:

"The scope of our decision here is bigger than Highbanks Marina," Mayor Carmen Rosamonda said. "It concerns all our mobile-homeparks . . . and that's why we need to do research."

That’s why we need to DO research?! This started years ago and even in the papers it was really gotten into in March of this year. That was nine months ago! Babies have been conceived, birthed, fed, changed, and put to bed in that amount of time, yet this council has yet to define the words “temporary structures?” Honey, where’s my Excedrin?

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Apparently the News-Journal editorial staff isn’t even aware of what the role of the Volusia Growth Management Commission is. In this editorial you’ll find out that the Growth Management Commission isn’t really into managing so much growth…only specific kinds that infringe on jurisdiction; the commission is not intended to question the decisions made by other cities unless it impacts another jurisdiction. It is another example of how many news articles are being written about growth, slowing it down, the citizens not wanting it…and yet…fantastically…it keeps coming… Norm Erickson

Growth panel is not understood

By MARK H. RAKOWSKI
COMMUNITY VOICE

Last update: November 27, 2005

As chairman of the Volusia Growth Management Commission, I am responding to the editorial under the title "New prescription for smarter growth" (News-Journal, Nov. 13). I am expressing my views (not necessarily those of the VGMC) in attempt to clarify some apparent misconceptions and educate the public about the VGMC.

A recommendation discussed in that Ideas section was to revamp the VGMC. The editorial reads that the VGMC has "evolved into a body that facilitates urban sprawl with little accountability." Most residents, including many elected officials, don't understand the narrow focus of the VGMC. Simply stated, the VGMC mission is to be sure a proposed comprehensive plan amendment in one jurisdiction does not negatively impact another jurisdiction. That's it.

The voter-approved task assigned to the VGMC in 1986 and carried out since then has not changed. If someone has a problem with "urban sprawl," the issue should be brought up with the jurisdiction that is doing the sprawling.

The VGMC is not intended to second guess the decision of an individual jurisdiction, unless it negatively impacts another jurisdiction. The VGMC is not intended to reverse decisions made by an individual jurisdiction because a citizen or group doesn't favor the decision, unless it negatively impacts another jurisdiction. The VGMC is not intended to be the watchdog of the environment, urban sprawl or concurrency unless it negatively impacts another jurisdiction.

The editorial appears to take issue with the "many" members of the VGMC who are on the planning staff of their respective jurisdiction. Actually only four of the 21 VGMC members are on a local government planning staff. The article seems to take issue with the origin of the VGMC planning and legal staff as well as the $200,000 cost to employ the staff. The staff was chosen from outside of Volusia County to help eliminate conflicts of interest by using people from Volusia County. I challenge anyone to find a team that can perform the duties the VGMC staff has performed for the past 20 years on such a low budget.

Furthermore, the VGMC has proven to be a strong intergovernmental tool that gets neighboring jurisdictions to hash out inconsistencies and objections. This alone has avoided numerous legal battles that can easily exceed $200,000 per year.

The editorial reads that the size of the commission is unwieldy. There are 21 voting members -- one from each city and five from the unincorporated county. What better way to provide unbiased representation for the 17 jurisdictions? There is a suggestion of a seven-member panel to represent the entire county. Can these seven members really represent the 17 jurisdictions? One of the key motives when the VGMC was established was to take the decision-making out of the hands of just a few and provide representation for all jurisdictions within the county.

The lack of understanding of the VGMC function has contributed to increased criticism and has caused the VGMC to be a scapegoat for decisions others have made. However, the VGMC is only guilty of doing the job voters gave it in 1986.

Rakowski is development services director for New Smyrna Beach.

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While it seems everyone wants growth to slow down, and the county council is aware of it, what are they actually doing to stop it? Norm Erickson

 Opportunity for smart growth?
Cities' election results have Volusia officials hopeful

By JAMES MILLER
Staff Writer

Last update: November 27, 2005

There's nothing new about lawsuits between Volusia County and Deltona, but when the County Council declared a new legal war recently over the city's decision to annex 369 acres, council members made a point of extending an olive branch.

With four new Deltona commissioners, three of whom rode controlled growth as a core campaign issue, council members didn't want to offend their potential peace partners. So they sent a letter explaining their actions.

"I think it is a golden opportunity," said County Chairman Frank Bruno of Deltona's changing of the guard.

Bruno, who captured his post last year amid surging fears about sprawl, saw Deltona voters sending a similar message Nov. 8. With growth an overt issue in many campaigns and lots of incumbents toppled, the message didn't stop at Deltona's borders, either, he reasoned.

"It's all across the county," Bruno said. "It came in loud and clear."

But the chairman's reading has been by no means unanimous.

Pointing to low turnout and lack of well-defined issues, others said this month it was next to impossible to glean a broad message from what city voters did in October and November. If there was such a message, some argued, it had to do more with not-in-my-backyard politics than limiting sprawl -- and, ultimately, voters may have to choose between the two.

WHAT WERE VOTERS SAYING?

Against the backdrop of his triumph in the August 2004 primary and a subsequent 71 percent voter body slam in favor of a controversial ballot initiative on boundaries to restrict urban growth, Bruno hasn't been alone in reading a slow-growth message in this year's electoral tea leaves.

"Honestly, it was a countywide mandate in so many ways," fellow Councilman Bill Long said.

While Bruno made a point of helping deliver pro-boundary petitions to the Department of Elections last year, Long opposed the plan. A judge later nullified the vote saying the ballot language was misleading.

Long saw the same signals as Bruno in the unseating of so many incumbents in this year's city elections: Voters want change, and for most of them it has to do with slowing growth.

Incumbents held sway in 15 of 25 contested races in October and November, an unimpressive percentage for candidates who typically hold a natural advantage in name recognition, experience and organization.

"We should, collectively, throughout the county, recognize that people want to embrace some controls on growth," Long said. Not everyone was so sure about the message of the city elections.

Campaign backing and personality probably had the most impact, said T. Wayne Bailey, a Stetson University political science professor and longtime Volusia political scene observer.

For example, Daytona Beach Mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden benefited from unusually strong Daytona International Speedway backing, but Gilly Aguiar, a candidate for New Smyrna Beach City Commission, seemed to suffer because voters were turned off by his economic background as a pub owner, Bailey said.

Low voter turnout didn't help, he said.

Fewer than one in five registered voters turned out for the Nov. 8 city elections and the primary that decided last year's county chairman's race. By contrast, three of four registered voters showed up at the polls for last year's presidential election, when the growth boundary referendum --ultimately overturned by a judge who said it was misleading -- was passed.

"I don't read any kind of general, theoretical outcome to these (municipal) elections," Bailey said.

CONDOS AND SPRAWL

Still, there is no denying that successful candidates in Deltona, Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach and South Daytona -- to name a few -- made growth a campaign centerpiece.

But when city candidates and voters talk about managing growth, is their message the same as the one delivered last year?

While the 2004 chairman's race and urban growth-boundaries referendum were drenched in anti-sprawl language, voters in city elections often have something different in mind, Daytona Beach Shores Mayor Greg Northrup said.

They're typically fighting condo heights and increased neighborhood densities -- without realizing that protecting the county's rural core means growth has to go in somebody's backyard, he contended.

"It's just the opposite of what they asked for in the chairman's race, which was anti-sprawl," said Northrup, who was re-elected in a race he said had "no major issues."

Across the Intracoastal Waterway in South Daytona, newly minted Councilwoman Nancy Long acknowledged the truth in that.

She ousted incumbent Councilman Ralph Schoenherr in the primary after taking a hard line on additional high-rise condominium development.

"I think the people were just worried about the small-town atmosphere and quality of life we have here in South Daytona," Long said.

Each city must determine where to draw the line on urban density, and many South Daytona residents have reached their threshold, she said.

Ormond Beach Mayor Fred Costello -- who was re-elected without opposition -- took that idea a step further. For many people countywide, last year's boundaries referendum was not an anti-sprawl vote, he argued. It was simply an anti-growth vote.

"It's the drawbridge syndrome," Costello said. "They want to lift up the drawbridge and they don't want anybody here."

Voters may be in a bind when it comes to growth, but they're not the only ones with a message that can be tough to decipher, said New Smyrna Beach activist Donnadine Miller, who said she followed the city elections "as closely, I guess, as anybody follows a municipal race." Practically every candidate in New Smyrna Beach was talking about "smart growth," she said.

"Regardless of what level of growth you do or do not support, you say you support 'smart growth,' " Miller said.

DELTONA

Back in Deltona, the message from voters -- the 13 percent who cast ballots, that is -- and victors seemed fairly clear.

When she went door-to-door during her campaign, newly elected Commissioner Janet Deyette found growth to be voters' top concern, she said. Newly elected Mayor Dennis Mulder -- whose opponent emphasized the city's need to expand to grow its commercial base -- had the same experience.

Both Deyette and Mulder campaigned partly on a cautious approach to growth east of the city, but now that they're in office, they'll be faced with tough decisions.

Mulder said he wants to meet Deltona's need for economic development as well as everyone's need to protect the environment.

"It's an interesting balance, but it's definitely a balance we can achieve," he said.

If the courts uphold the annexations east of the city that the county has fought -- there are three such cases now -- he'll find out whether that's the case. And he can be sure lot of folks -- and not just city residents -- will be watching.

"I think that people were really praying for this," said unincorporated New Smyrna Beach environmental activist Michele Moen of the changing of the guard in Deltona. "It's not just a city issue."

james.miller@news-jrnl.com

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DeBary settles code-violations case

The City Council also votes to table an appeal from Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort, which is being fined.

Erin Ailworth
Sentinel Staff Writer
December 1, 2005

DeBARY -- City officials say they tried to get Todd Duvall to pay more than $270,000 in code-violation fines. They took him to court, then started seizing his personal property.

"When the sheriff's department seized his motorcycle and his truck, then he was ready to try to settle," City Manager Maryann Courson said a few hours before a special meeting Wednesday where council members voted 4-1 to settle Duvall's case for $30,000. Council member Patrick Fulton dissented.

The council also decided Wednesday to table an appeal from an attorney representing Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort, which is being fined for violating city codes because of dozens of questionable structures on the property.

Daniel Langley, an attorney for the city, said he and the city manager recommended accepting the settlement agreement in Duvall's case.

"The city manager and I both recommend this for cost-avoidance purposes," he said.

Fines were originally issued against Duvall and his then-wife on four occasions between May 2002 and June 2003, according to a city memo. The couple was brought up on the violations for building and using a structure that failed to observe required setbacks, did not have permits and altered jurisdictional wetlands without permission. The structure has been loosely described as a houseboat.

Then in November 2004 the couple came into compliance with city codes, Courson said earlier Wednesday. She was not present at the meeting.

"He came into compliance because he moved the violation to another jurisdiction. Then it went to council and they reduced the fine and gave him 30 days to pay, and he never paid," Courson said. "I guess he just ignored it."

During that earlier meeting where the council voted to reduce the fines to $11,000, Courson added, Duvall was very disrespectful to city officials. Because of that nasty attitude, she said, she was not sure how the council was going to receive this settlement offer.

Duvall expressed happiness after the council voted to accept the agreement. His attorney, David Abeles, described his client as "earnestly sorry" and said he thought the settlement was a "fair arrangement all around."

The agreement -- which comes after a judge's order for Duvall to pay the city $273,000 in fines and more than $4,700 in attorney's fees and litigation costs -- stipulates that Duvall would pay the city $30,000 and give the city the 1.25 acres of land in DeBary on which he had kept the houseboat.

As for the Highbanks Marina code-violation case, after about two hours of discussion, the City Council decided to table an appeal that the RV park's lawyer said could help resolve some of the outstanding code violations.

Highbanks attorney Mark Watts had wanted the city to consider changing its stance on a "temporary structures" zoning-regulation interpretation that he thinks could help resolve the code violations that were brought up in March.

The violations include screened rooms, patio roofs and sheds that city officials say were added onto trailers without proper permits. The additions, they add, make the trailers permanent, and that is not allowed.

The code case was spurred by neighbors living near Highbanks who had a problem with what they called a faulty wastewater-treatment facility used at the property. In 2003, smelly water that they think was partially untreated sewage from the bad facility spewed across their yard, they said.

The neighbors wanted Highbanks to hook up to a nearby sewer line, which city officials say is close to happening. But the code violations still are a problem.

Watts asked city council members on Wednesday if they would consider the structures in question at Highbanks "accessory structures on individual lots," thus allowing them to be permitted.

"Working through the permit process is the most efficient way for us to go through and address these issues that have been brought up by the code-enforcement board," Watts said.

Courson, in a memo, recommended denying Watts' appeal.

However, City Council members had more questions that they wanted addressed, so they postponed making a decision until their January meeting.

"The scope of our decision here is bigger than Highbanks Marina," Mayor Carmen Rosamonda said. "It concerns all our mobile-home parks . . . and that's why we need to do research."

Erin Ailworth can be reached at eailworth@orlandosentinel.com or 386-851-7925.

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“Mr. Lafferty, you’re right when does the little guy ever get a break?”

Lenny Marks

You want to help subsidize racing, right?

Mike Lafferty
COMMENTARY

December 1, 2005

Baseball's Florida Marlins benefits from a big monthly check, courtesy of the state.

So do football's Jacksonville Jaguars, hockey's Tampa Bay Lightning and basketball's Miami Heat.

For pity's sake, even the International Game Fish Association gets a check.

So why aren't the state's two big race tracks on the welfare dole like other professional sports venues in Florida?

Oh, wait, it is not welfare. It is a subsidy. Or a rebate. Or an economic incentive.

Whatever you call it, a couple of state legislators are trying yet again to pass legislation that would line some already deep pockets.

Separate bills introduced in the Florida House and Senate would include "motorsports entertainment complexes" among the sporting venues eligible for sales tax rebates/subsidies/incentives/welfare checks.

To qualify, these motorsports complexes must have at least 65,000 permanent seats, seven days of racing each year and 125,000 paid admissions annually.

Hmmm . . . let's see . . . in Florida that exclusive club would consist of Daytona International Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway, both of which are owned by Daytona-based International Speedway Corp.

The deal is this: If a sports venue meets certain qualifications, it is eligible for a monthly check of up to $166,667 to help pay for a variety of construction projects and advertising.

That translates to $2 million a year for 30 years, which is $60 million per venue.

A pretty generous payout, especially when ISC, which owns the tracks that would get the checks, reported a profit of $156 million last year.

Bills written to benefit these speedways have been floating around the Legislature for years. They have yet to make it through, but state Rep. Bob Allen, R-Merritt Island, and state Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, have introduced legislation yet again.

Allen says the legislation is primarily intended to give hurricane-battered Homestead an economic boost, and he hopes this bill can piggyback on one that would create a license plate to help build a hall of fame for NASCAR.

What a windfall this upcoming special session could be for stock car racing in Florida!

And to think the session originally was called to revamp Medicaid.

How boring.

But just as I am starting to muster up some red-faced, throbbing-vein, table-pounding outrage, I lose enthusiasm.

Professional teams and their wealthy owners have been feeding at this trough for more than a decade, slurping down more than $150 million in public money so far.

If the state is willing to shower millions on the World Golf Hall of Fame, I am not certain how to frame a convincing argument insisting that ISC's tracks should not get in on the fun.

To be fair, maybe they should.

The tracks sure attract more attention and money than a museum dedicated to fishing.

I cling to hope, though, that we can someday reform welfare of the corporate kind.

Mike Lafferty can be reached at 386-851-7921 or mlafferty@orlandosentinel.com. His column runs in the Volusia Sunday section and on the front of Volusia & State on Thursdays and Fridays.

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This story could almost be about what is happening in Meadowlea. While it is outside the DeBary community, we will be bringing news articles like these to your attention to show how development and eminent domain issues are still of paramount interest to citizens everywhere. Norm Erickson

It's builders vs. birds

Development may imperil breeding grounds

Robert Sargent
Sentinel Staff Writer

December 10, 2005

LEESBURG -- Massive development planned for a vast stretch of wetlands and pasture on the Lake-Sumter county line could threaten a prime breeding ground for whooping cranes -- one of the world's most endangered birds.

Builders want to convert 6,000 acres near a new interchange on Florida's Turnpike into two sprawling residential communities with nearly 14,000 homes, offices, parks, industrial buildings and shopping centers. Local planners and government officials met Friday to discuss the largest of the proposed projects.

"It's kind of heartbreaking," said Steve Nesbitt, a crane expert with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, who said people may assume the cranes will go somewhere else when development encroaches on them. "Sooner or later there is nowhere else, and we're almost at that point."

Since 1993, state and federal officials have relocated nearly 300 whooping cranes to secluded spots in Lake, Osceola and Polk counties. More than half of those sites have been sold, and many other rural areas also are being gobbled up, Nesbitt said.

That further whittles the odds for birds with already limited chances of survival.

The cranes in Florida were captive-bred at facilities in Maryland, Wisconsin, Texas and Canada. About 70, which were released in Florida and not trained to migrate, exist today. The rest have died.

In addition, 41 cranes fly here from Wisconsin and other Northern states in the winter -- trained to migrate with help from pilots flying ultralight aircraft and wearing crane-like costumes to minimize the birds' familiarity with humans. An additional 19 young cranes are making the trip behind an ultralight and are expected to arrive at the Dunnellon/Marion County Airport early next week.

Combined with a wild population of whooping cranes that migrates between Texas and Canada, fewer than 500 of the endangered birds are left in the world. Experts are watching closely as prime habitat erodes from the map.

"It is definitely something we are concerned about," said Joan Garland, spokeswoman for the International Crane Foundation.

She said many of the migratory cranes are attracted to the same wetlands that have year-round flocks, such as the rural region between Lake and Sumter counties targeted for development.

The environmentally sensitive land is shared by other protected species such as osprey, bald eagles and sandhill cranes. Nesbitt said that up to 20 whooping cranes live in the area all year.

He said the state brought the cranes there several years ago, cutting a deal with then property owner Crayton Pruitt to release captive-bred cranes onto hundreds of acres of wide-open pasture, lakes and wetlands.

The arrangement does not restrict how the property is used even though the cranes are protected from harm under federal migratory-bird laws. The Florida birds also are considered an experimental species, so they do not get the same protection as officially listed endangered animals.

Officials say the cranes probably are spread across several properties in south Leesburg and Sumter counties.

The Pruitt site now belongs to Benderson Development Co. of Sarasota, which is proposing Secret Promise, a project with more than 9,200 new homes and commercial, industrial and office buildings on 3,700 acres near the turnpike. If approved, the community could more than double Leesburg's population of 17,000.

Land-development attorney Bruce Duncan said Secret Promise will include 800 acres for wildlife and environmental conservation. The development also may allow upland areas for the birds to forage and special buffers around wetlands, according to environmental experts working with Benderson.

Next to that site, Pringle Development of Leesburg aims to build Renaissance Trails, a 4,500-home retirement community with shopping centers and an equestrian facility on 2,300 acres spread across Lake and Sumter counties. The Lake portion of the site is proposed for annexation into Leesburg, said Laura McElhanon, the city's director of community development.

Both large projects will undergo strict review from state and local planners and wildlife officials to help set up restrictions for building around sensitive wetland areas.

"You can have development there and protect the environment," McElhanon said.

The area around the turnpike was expected to explode with new construction after an $18 million interchange opened in January at County Road 470. Leesburg officials say development proposals are rolling in, and they estimate that 24,000 homes could be built during the next decade or so.

The immense development has raised serious questions about protecting wildlife -- especially birds as rare as the whooping crane.

Adult cranes are the tallest bird in North America -- the only place they exist. They reach almost 5 feet tall, which is larger than their more common cousins, the sandhill cranes. The birds can live up to 25 years in the wild.

They have long been considered one of the most threatened species in the world. In the late 19th century, the number of cranes was estimated at 1,400. Hunting and habitat losses dwindled their numbers to only about 15 by 1941, according to experts.

Scientists started releasing experimental flocks of cranes in Central Florida in 1993 to help encourage the birds to breed and to help build diverse populations. Experts say crane programs probably will have to continue for many more years before the species is no longer threatened for survival.

"I don't think people really grasp the efforts that are being made and the potential for failure that exists," Nesbitt said.

Robert Sargent can be reached at rsargent@orlandosentinel.com or 352-742-5909.

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Might they try this again in DeBary and why is this being reported but not what is happening in Riveria Beach where 2000 homes and 6000 people are being threatened with displacement? When people were displaced because of Katrina, all hell broke loose; but if the government does it, it’s called progress. Norm Erickson

Bunnell may form agency to foster growth

By KENYA WOODARD
Staff Writer

Last update: December 10, 2005

BUNNELL -- The idea was first launched in 1995 and fizzled shortly after. It was revived last year, but again lost steam.

Now, city commissioners and City Manager Lyndon Bonner say, it's definitely the right time for Bunnell to create a Community Redevelopment Agency to kick-start much-needed improvements in the town's aging downtown core.

"It should have been done a long time ago," Bonner said.

Though creating the agency could still be years away, city leaders started the process by commissioning a study to identify which parts of the city are best suited to the controversial approach of trying to stimulate redevelopment through property tax incentives.

This week, commissioners also approved creating an advisory committee of business leaders and residents to gauge support for the idea within the community.

Under state law, a Community Redevelopment Agency can freeze property tax rates and earmark 95 percent of future tax-revenue increases to help finance projects that would, if successful, spur additional growth around the projects. The strategy has its detractors, however, because it ties up tax revenues that could be put to other uses and tends to stigmatize properties within the districts as blighted.

Daytona Beach created a Community Redevelopment Agency to persuade developers to invest in the Ocean Walk condominium and retail project in the heart of the city's aging resort district. In Flagler County, Flagler Beach, Marineland and Palm Coast have also created such districts.

The designations typically last 30 years, during which all new tax revenues must be spent on improvements within the district's boundaries.

Bunnell first approved creating a Community Redevelopment Agency in 1995, though district boundaries were never established. A lack of community support and a change in city management stalled the project, said Mayor Joann King.

Last year, King and other city commissioners tried again to move forward, but the project stalled. King hopes creating the advisory group will provide the momentum the project needs to take hold.

"It's likely to get something going in the next six to eight months," she said.

Commissioner Paul Fell said he also would like to see the city move quickly to establish its CRA.

Over the last two years, the state Legislature has considered bills to change the way money collected in redevelopment agencies can be allocated.

Those bills failed, but Fell says he expects state lawmakers to take another look this year, and he'd like to see Bunnell act before the rules change.

"If anybody deserves to have a CRA to rebuild downtown and bring in more business, we do," he said. "Obviously, we don't have the money to do it ourselves."

But Bonner warns that the legal complexities involved could prevent the city from creating an agency by early 2006. The initial study won't likely be done until February, and the advisory group will need time to consider its findings before identifying where the CRA should be, he said.

Downtown might be the most obvious location, but the study might point to other areas that go beyond that boundary, Bonner said.

Flagler County Administrator David Haas said Bunnell officials would be wise to tread slowly when creating a CRA. Designating the entire city as a CRA, for example, could "stranglehold" city services by diverting funds that might someday be needed for additional police or firefighters, Haas said.

"They have to be careful about the boundaries," he said.

Each step of creating Bunnell's redevelopment agency is carefully being considered, Bonner said.

"CRAs have to be done correctly," he said. "They're not the silver bullets to all development woes."

HALL OF FAME

NEW:

MOTHER AND SON DANCE

For the first time the Citizens for DeBary,Inc. have sponsored a Mother/Son dance. The dance again was held at the DeBary Elementary School, May 12 th and was a sold out event. A total of 180 tickets were sold with both Mothers and Sons having a blast. This year’s dance theme was a Hawaiian Luau, with all wearing bright colorful Hawaiian attire. There were plenty of games and activities to keep the party moving along, some being a hula contest, a hoola hoop contest with both Mother and Sons participating. Refreshments were served and most needed a cold drink after being on the dance floor rocking to the DJ’s up-tempo selections. The decorations were consistent with the theme and the room was a splash of tropical colors.

A special thanks to the Citizens for DeBary, Inc’s. hard working staff who “make it happen” for all the events they sponsor. Very special thanks to Elena Morales who put in countless hours of preparation to make these events so successful. She coordinates the décor by going out and finding as much theme-related material she can with her limited budget. She also gets all the food and drinks ready for the big night, and who knows what else she does. Elena Morales is a very special person to the Citizens for DeBary, Inc. Also special thanks go to Marcia Carson (President) for her direction and ideas and her ability to get things done on time. She is another dedicated individual who keeps the ship on course. Please, let’s not forget the rest of the hard working staff because without them this kind of function could not happen for DeBary. These are very remarkable individuals who volunteer their time so projects like this can happen.

If you would like to join, contact Alan Williamson (volunteer coordinator) at (386) 668-3820. It may not be financially rewarding but the smile on your face and the good feeling you will get,…..Priceless.

Thanks again Citizens for Debary, Inc you’re a top draw organization.

Lenny Marks

DeBary, FL

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SUBMITTED BY NORM ERICKSON

We joke about Chris Carson being the "Silent Assassin" but silence is golden and sometimes its what we don't say that is most important. In this case it is what Chris Carson does not say to developers. He refuses to meet with them to discuss the direction of the project or what might be; instead he states that if anything is to be discussed it will be done in public at the city council meetings. SHAZAM! Imagine that!

And now I am remembering that in the discussions as to whom should be Vice-Mayor the quality of being available and not overburdened with work was brought up; I think this shows that it might be a benefit not to have too much time on one's hands to work out some sort of deal or open up oneself to doubt how they voted on an issue.

Carson shows that its not always what we say... but what we do that defines us.

Below is an excerpt from the Deland Beacon newspaper:

Not speaking

DeBary City Council Member Chris Carson is sometimes jokingly called "the silent assassin" because he's usually very quiet at meetings. True to form, Carson said he has no intention of speaking with Alexander Woods developers, unless it's during a City Council meeting. The developers' representatives have met privately with other City Council members, to discuss the proposed subdivision on 278 acres that front the St. Johns River

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KUDOS TO OUR CITY MANAGER, MARYANN COURSON

Maryann arranged for all of our City Council members and the Asst. City Mgr. to attend a Strategic Planning/goal Setting Workshop this past Saturday 3/18. Mrs. Maryline Crotti was the moderator and did a terrific job. The all-day session covered a wide variety of topics to help Council members organize and plan their meetings,set goals, priorities, objectives and was a hands-on involvement.Not just listening to a Speaker drone on and on. It can only help the Council members, the City and all of us.

Thanks, Maryann

From John, Lenny, and Norm

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CITIZEN’S FOR DEBARY INC.

Congratulations and a big tip of the hat to the Citizens for DeBary, Inc. for putting together a most successful evening by sponsoring the annual Father/Daughter dance. The dance was held at the DeBary Elementry School, March 17 th and was a sold out event. The large crowd (254 tickets sold) enjoyed the night’s festivities especially by the proud fathers and daughters who attended. The air was full of excitement and no one left disappointed. This is what’s it’s all about, my friends. The DJ was outstanding keeping everyone dancing and jumping to the music for most of the night. I did see a few dads who were slowing down near the end. The decorations were awesome and made a delightful sight for all to enjoy and the food and drinks were very enjoyable.

The Citizens for DeBary, Inc. also sponsors other annual events, Christmas Parade, Easter Egg Hunt, and Music on the Green Concerts, not to forget the Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances.

The Citizens for DeBary, Inc. should be recognized for their hard work, which is done by a small but hard working staff of volunteers. They are always looking for volunteers who can give some of their time or help in any way possible. If you have some extra time on your hands and would like to help and also have a fun-filled experience call Alan Williamson (volunteer coordinator) at (386) 668-3820.

Next event will be the Easter Egg Hunt, April 8 th at Debary Hall starting at 10:00 am. Come one come all and have a great time watching the kids enjoying themselves.

Thanks again Citizens for DeBary, Inc. you did yourselves proud.

Lenny Marks

DeBary, FL

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Mayor Dennis Mulder and Commissioner Zenaida Denizac for opposing the committment of further monies to the Partnership Center. Why did they vote against the Partnership?

"I do not like putting money into something we do not know what we are getting out of it. I would like the details. I do not want to fund it blindly," Mulder said. Bravo!

This quote is from the Daytona News-Journal 2/7/06.

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Neighborhood watch

Monday night January 30, 2006, Mr. Alan Williamson, Debary’s Volunteer Coordinator, held a meeting at Florence K. Little (Town Hall) to inform residents about forming neighborhood watch programs.

There were flyers and other pamphlets given to everyone containing lists of do’s and don’ts plus all kinds of useful information. He gave a short presentation with important information to pass along to the 25 to 30 concerned citizens in attendance. He then answered questions from the audience. Mr. Williamson then introduced Capt. Osowski and Lt. Brannon from the sheriff’s department to go over any areas that they thought would be beneficial to the presentation.

Everyone in attendance came away with information that not only will protect themselves and their family from being put in bad situations, but keep the neighborhood safer. One of the most important actions that can be taken is to form a neighborhood watch with Block Captains working with the sheriff’s department. This is how it works, a resident who sees something that’s out of order, promptly contacts the Sheriff’s department first, and then the resident is to contact their Block Captain who informs the Coordinator about the situation. The Coordinator contacts the other Block Captains who will contact the residents of their block. This is so easy and a good idea.

If you did not attend this meeting, more are planned in the future. Make it a point to attend; it only helps you understand what you can do if an emergency arises or if something just doesn’t look right to you. When in doubt call the sheriff, better to be safe then sorry.

Also in attendance were Mayor Coleman, Vice Mayor Fulton and Councilman Lenzen. Kudos to all who attended this presentation and I’m sure everyone walked away with a great deal of useful information. This can only help keep your neighborhood safer for you and your family.

POP Personal

DeBary , FL

Councilmember Chris Carson, Shannon Pike and Staff,

We wanted to take a moment to thank you and say congratulations for a job well-done at Gateway Park, Saturday, December 10 th.

Everything was wonderful – from the light show, to the music - to the activities for the children, even when Joanne got hit in the jaw with a snowball. It was fantastic! Not many people in DeBary can say that.

We have heard only superlatives about the event – justly so.

Both Lenny and I, along with many others, will certainly pass the word to attend next year.

We greatly look forward to it.

Once again job well done.

Lenny & Joanne Marks

Debary, FL

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BILL KELLER PARK

COME AND APPRECIATE OUR PARK

Have you ever been to Bill Keller Park? If not, do yourself a favor and visit this little treasure. There are three baseball fields, two full basketball courts, two full tennis courts, shuffle board and a large area for the kids with swings and slides. There also are two pavilions for having a little bite to eat or just relaxing. You may choose to walk around and take in the wild life that lives within the wooded areas. There are plenty of birds for the bird watchers to enjoy. You may also want to take the physical fitness course that is available, both for the beginner or the more advanced user.

So, dress up the kids, pack a lunch and come to the park. If you don’t have any children, do the same and enjoy a few hours alone with Mother Nature

You can be proud of this park and kudos to the city for keeping it in great condition for all to enjoy.

Lenny Marks

Debary, FL

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Since taking office Vice-Mayor Fulton has been consistent in sending weekly updates via email. One of the issues citizens have with most forms of government is communication. Fulton has done a great job in keeping in contact with people, giving updates on issues, as well as informing people what is happening around town as it relates to activities, entertainment, and/or ceremonies to attend. This is not a requirement of taking office; he does it to keep people informed and aware.

Thank you Vice-Mayor Fulton.

Norm Erickson

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DEBARY CIVIC ASSOCIATION

The Debary Civic Association, 38 Shell Road , offers you an opportunity to join in on many activities. They have AARP meetings, craft clubs, senior day, square and line dancing, to name just a few. So, give up that commercial packed TV and find out what is available to your liking at the Center. Spend a few hours making new friends, having informative conversations and a few laughs to top it off.

The person in charge is Sharon Pertler, and, let me tell you, she is one hard-working individual. She is there everyday, doing whatever is necessary to make the Civic Association a success.

I personally worked with her during the clothing and toy drive for the people of the hurricane ravaged Gulf Coast. She organized and kept going until many hundreds of boxes were placed on a truck and on their way. We are so fortunate to have this unsung hero of Debary doing so much for the community. In my humble opinion, she should have a key to the city, for she has done as much for Debary as any of the others who have been awarded that honor.

Lenny Marks

DeBary , FL

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HALL OF SHAME

"He who gives himself airs of importance exhibits the credentials of impotence."

Lavater

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We are now at a point of no return with the way the land developers, the builders, our elected officials, Florida League of Cities and The News Journal (the champion of eminent domain), have turned their backs on just plain common sense. They are the ones who are responsible for much of the problems that plague us today. They have caused much of our congested highways, over-crowding of schools, flooding, sprawl, loss of green spaces for wildlife, air pollution from the burning acres of land for clearing, loss of agricultural land and the abuse of eminent domain.

We have lost the right to a quality of life we desire. Why must a certain group tell us what we want? Not I buddy; I know what’s good for me and what I want, and it’s not the direction they are leading us in.

People have become angry to what is happening to their cities, state and country. People are tired of reading or hearing about the abuse of Eminent Domain. People are tired of the developers and builders getting everything they want off the common working slob’s back. This, with the blessing of most elected officials and the strong lobbyists working the system against the little guy, is all about money. The deals are made, the money counted, cigars are lit, all at the expense of the taxpayer.

It’s a sad state when taxpayers have to form groups and hire attorneys to defend themselves from these heartless self-serving scoundrels.

It once was majority rule, not anymore. Now it’s gimme, gimme, gimme and the hell with anyone else. Then your quality of life, the one you’ve worked so hard for, is gone. Not only gone, but you have to PAY for all the visions of certain others.

They may have the money and power on their side and make it hard for the little guy with many just giving up. Although recently, there has been a backlash coming from the taxpayer’s and his strength is getting stronger; he is beginning to fight back. He will fight now like never before and he shall win. He shall win because he now understands how much has been taken at his expense. He shall win because the battle cry will be at the voting machine. They work for US or THEY ARE in for one term. The rest of the scoundrels will also fall into place when they lose their power base.

A better day is coming for the abused Florida taxpayer!!!

Lenny Marks

DeBary, FL

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OBITUARY NOTICE:

COMMON SENSE

DEAD

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as: knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, and that life isn’t always fair.

Common sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned, but overbearing, regulations were set in place.

Reports of a six year old charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouth wash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student, but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally “gave up the Ghost” after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility, and his son; Reason. He is survived by two stepsons, My Rights and I’m a Whiner.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still knew him pass this on; if not, join the majority and do nothing.

(Author unknown)

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CITY OF DEBARY AND ST. JOHNS WATER MANAGEMENT

It has been well over a year since the terrible hurricanes of 2004 and yet no decision has been made on adjusting the pump on and pump off levels. After last weekends heavy rain many lakes are back to a dangerous level and not far from becoming critical. This is the dry season and we are falling into the same old mind set that everything will be alright. Don’t count on it, Mother Nature strikes with a vengeance. The pump level problem has been going on long enough even before the last bout of flooding. Enough with the excuses already, get together and come up with the right answer, lower the lake levels. It’s time for action not lip service. We would not be in this situation if lake levels were lowered just a couple of feet. Then in a few years our own system will be in place and we will have better control of the flooding problem. Get together folks and help solve the number ONE problem that nags DeBary: FLOODING.

Lenny Marks

DeBary, Fl

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our first Hall of Shame goes to developers cutting down trees without a permit.

The City Council did the right thing in coming out against individuals who think they can get away with not following the law that applies to all.

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