2008-2010 Summaries of City Council Meetings by John Likakis
Sunrail 2014:How we'll pay:BOHICA
2010 SunRail Last Stop: Boondoggle
Commuter Rail: From the Other Side of the Tracks
Commuter Rail: Manna from Heaven, Sweetness, Light, and other Propaganda
POP Editorials Archives 2008-2009
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SUNRAIL DELAYED IN LAKE MARY:
2/20:
Lenny Marks on DeBary's CRA:
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Mort writes about the GCA and DBNJ connection$:
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2/15:
FURTHER REFLECTION ON MORT'S SITUATION BY NORM ERICKSON:
CLICK HERE: COULD THIS HAPPEN IN DEBARY WHEN WE START OUR CRA?
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE COUNCIL AND DOGS
CLICK HERE TO READ BOB'S LATEST IN NATIONAL ISSUES
FLASHBACK:
1/11/12:
MORT'S STORY IN HIS OWN WORDS: CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
2/12:
Arts Center's most vocal critic was arrested at the Art Center for tresspassing without first being given a trespass warrant to sign. To sum up the article: if you're too factual and loud, you may be arrested in DeBary.
They talk about Mort being the agressor when HE was the one arrested. HE was the one with two police reports on file, they were investigated and found to be baseless. Mort was the one who was threatened and had a hand put on HIS shoulder. But it's MORT who is the problem.
I was publically threatened by Mayor Garcia - it's on the record in full view - no one cared. No one still does today. And that threat was in response to my quiet comment about holding the Mayor accountable and asking questions. Jack Wilson intimated that the Council was racist for taking the Mayor's office away. No one cared then. No one does today. Today Mr. Wilson sits on the Code Enforcement Board.
The Arts Center does so much good, no one is allowed to question or disagree with it. I should say the same thing about DeBaryPOP and all the good information we bring to the thousands of readers a month and tens of thousands of readers a year at NO cost to the taxpayers...right? right? right? And that being said...motion to adjourn...
Norm Erickson
2/11: THE LINEUP AT NO COST TO YOU...
IS THIS DEBARY?
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UPDATED: CLICK HERE: $UNRAIL 2014: HOW WE'LL PAY: BOHICA
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Did you know that from 2012 to 2016 more than 1.2 million dollars have been approved to improve five parks: Gateway Park, Power Park, Rob Sullivan Park, Keller Park and River City Nature Park?
This year we're spending 160,000 dollars for lights at Rob Sullivan Park.
CM Carson is in favor of spending all of this money and that's his position; but when it came to spending only 8,000 dollars for an audit to find out the City's deficiencies, he decried it and thought it was wasteful spending for the Council to be informed as to the City's financial position.
Norm Erickson
2/8: Will the Council tiptoe around this issue?
Thanks to whomever got rid of some of those signs at the Gateway
Political/Arts Fundraising Center at 880 hwy 17-92. At least the ones on the fence are gone.
Now I get a better view of the GCA building taxpayers were forced to
pay for .
A building paid for with taxpayers money so a Non Taxpaying private corporation
could use it the generate MONEY...aka Fundraising from a Public Park
I notice Gateway Center for the ARTS Monument sign has a Farmers Market
sign bolted to it. Do they have a permit for this? Often there is a sign for The Heart of Christ
Church draped across this very same monument sign. Why is this a multi purpose sign, can
all monument signs be used like this?
Also Gateway's Farmers Market advertises on the City of Debary's website.
Does this mean other business can do this as well? OR is it just for the Gateway Political Center?
Can I start notifying other business in Debary that there is free advertising
on its website? We want to be fair...lemme know.
Gateway Arts Center is a money making corporation stuffed with lawyers
and politicans on their board of directors,,,is this why they get special treatment from the
City of Debary?
Let me know if you can do anything to level the playing field with this
business in the park that thrives on tax dollars yet pays NONE.
Thanks Morton C.
2/5: Lenny's comments on two articles in blue:
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Let's play TWO! CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
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I'll be putting these links in BOHICA, but check them out. They know POP in Honolulu:
SECOND OPINION COLUMN BY CLIFF SLATER
1/31:
BOHICA: I thought we did $unrail because expanding I-4 cost too much?
We'll do both: $unrail AND expand I-4 - so says Mica
1/30:
Officials to SunRail backers: Find a funding source
NEW LINK ON POP:
Rail is Sexy...
The US rail system, unlike nearly every other system in the world, was built (mostly) by private individuals with private capital. It is operated privately, and runs without taxpayer subsidies. And, it is by far the greatest rail system in the world. It has by far the cheapest rates in the world (1/2 of China’s, 1/8 of Germany’s). But here is the real key: it is almost all freight.
As a percentage, far more freight moves in the US by rail (vs. truck) than almost any other country in the world. Europe and Japan are not even close. Specifically, about 40% of US freight moves by rail, vs. just 10% or so in Europe and less than 5% in Japan. As a result, far more of European and Japanese freight jams up the highways in trucks than in the United States. For example, the percentage of freight that hits the roads in Japan is nearly double that of the US.
You see, passenger rail is sexy and pretty and visible. You can build grand stations and entertain visiting dignitaries on your high-speed trains. This is why statist governments have invested so much in passenger rail — not to be more efficient, but to awe their citizens and foreign observers.
Bob is Back...
Citizens' Editorials: Let's play two! CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
1/29:
Are we sure we want a CRA in DeBary?
1/27:
$unrail: A cure in search of a disease:
The station that will serve this town of more than 43,000 residents is — like others on what eventually will be a 61-mile system — not that close to where many will want to go.
In fact, the SunRail stop here is about 1 1/2 miles east from the Altamonte Mall, Uptown Altamonte and Cranes Roost Park, the community's three most popular destinations. That's too far to walk, especially during the hot summer months.
Federal officials have estimated that SunRail will carry about 4,300 passengers daily when the 31-mile first phase starts taking fares during the spring of 2014. That leg will run from DeBary in Volusia County through downtown Orlando to south Orange County.
Phase two, pushing north to DeLand in Volusia and south to Poinciana in Osceola County, is supposed to open in 2016. Ridership is expected to grow to 7,400 by 2030.
SunRail supporters maintain those estimates are too low, while critics contend the train may carry even less people and become a continual drain on the budgets of area governments.
The state Department of Transportation will pay for the first seven years of SunRail's operation, with local governments taking over in 2021. There is a good chance some sort of tax will be levied to pay for the train.
READ THE WHOLE STORY BY CLICKING HERE
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Citizens' Editorials: Let's play two! CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
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1/25:
After looking in the rearview mirror...let's look at the hood ornament:
CRA Coming to DeBary? What does it mean?
1/24: CRA
I know the supporters will be naysayers and haters about the article below...but we should at least be going into this with our eyes wide open:
Who will run the CRA in DeBary? Will they know how?
The CRA below is for a 30 year term---it has three years left - Norm
New Smyrna residents question city officials about CRA funds, projects
By MARK I. JOHNSON, Staff Writer Daytona Beach News Journal
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- About 100 people gathered Monday night for a town hall meeting in the Alonso "Babe" James Youth Center to get answers about the city's Community Redevelopment Agency -- but not everyone was satisfied with what they heard.
"This was a waste of my time," said Historic Westside Neighborhood community activist Melvin Brown at the conclusion of the hour-long meeting. "They did not want to hear what I had to say."
After a presentation by the city's CRA director, Tony Otte, outlining what the redevelopment program had done for the predominately black community west of the railroad tracks, program host At-large Volusia County Council Member Joyce Cusack encouraged a back-and-forth dialogue to begin.
"This program is a partnership (between the city and the county), you pay taxes so it is important you understand," she said.
Brown questioned why the Westside part of the redevelopment district only includes a small part of his neighborhood.
The city's CRA district encompasses the Flagler Avenue and Third Avenue business districts on the city's beachside, and runs west across the Indian river to the Canal Street downtown business district. CRA funds are generated from increases in property values calculated over the base set in 1985, when the city's CRA was formed. Any amount over that base goes to the CRA for redevelopment or improvements to properties within the district.
"What can you do to expand the boundaries on the Westside?" Brown asked.
He also asked Cusack and city officials why his community didn't see more of the estimated $1.5 million the CRA receives annually for capital projects.
City Manager Pam Brangaccio and Otte tried to address the issues as they arose, saying while the current CRA sunsets in 2015, the city is in the process of working on a new redevelopment district designation that would include the city's entire Westside boundaries.
City commissioner also have raised the possibility at recent meetings of taking over the semi-autonomous redevelopment board in the future because of concerns about how it has allocated funds.
Brown was not alone in his questioning of the officials, which he believed was cut short. Others wanted specific timetables for the start of proposed Westside projects such as the Washington Street streetscape.
"One of the frustrations of the Westside is we have no start dates," Pastor Pete Carter said.
Cusack assured the people filling the hall their concerns were not falling on deaf ears and one of the purposes of Monday's meeting was so they could have a sense of ownership in what is being done in the community as a whole.
However, some felt the time officials spent was too short to get the answers to the public's questions.
"If you open it up to questions and answers you don't limit the number of questions," said Gwen Rainge. "This was a public meeting -- you should let (the public) ask questions."
New Smyrna Beach Vice-Mayor Judy Reiker hoped those who did have questions got them answered, but said she did not think many who attended fully understood how a CRA works.
"There is only so much money and the public does not understand that," Reiker said.
Prior to the meeting Cusack said her purpose for the town hall meeting was to address the "division" among some citizens that believe (city and county) officials are not spending CRA funds appropriately.
"I came to see for myself," she said.
In wrapping up the meeting, she stressed this was just the beginning.
"We need to reinvest in the community and do so in a more inclusive way," Cusack said.
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$unrail from: The China Mystique Breaks Down
Meanwhile, back in America, Florida’s own central planners are just admitting to the
public that the $1.2 billion they are about to blow on a commuter-train “will likely require millions of dollars a year to make up for operating deficits.”
The article says they can raise sales taxes, divert gas taxes, or impose a $2 surcharge to local car rentals.
It doesn’t mention the more usual option: cannibalizing the local bus system.
1/22: CRA Issue in the rearview mirror: A Look Back
by Norm Erickson
1/18/12: When will we get out...why did we get in?
Morton Culligan Debary Taxpayer following the money
From Norm: Mr. Garcia is the city representative for Team Volusia - the team that wants to bring and keep business in this County but can't keep their own CEO in this County. Let's get out of Team Volusia City Council before you waste more taxpayer money for a mutual admiration society. Mr. Garcia never had anything good to say about Team Volusia until he took a meeting with Team Volusia...after that...he was...well...on the team and now the taxpayer is on the hook for 25K.
1/15/12: Mica's Legacy and Ego: Sunrail - it's why they didn't have the people vote on it. And still it was voted down three times before going through on the 4th. That would be like overturning 6008 votes with...oh...wait a second...CLICK HERE TO READ 2010 SUNRAIL: LAST STOP: BOONDOGGLE
Support for Mort: CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
1.8 Million for DeBary - read the story: BEACON NEWSPAPER1/11/12:
THOUGHT CRIMINAL ARRESTED
From Mort Culligan: The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has a big job and is often manipulated by people that know how to use it against other citizens. For instance, did you know that a VCSO incident report can be filed against you without your knowledge? An incident report can be filed against you or someone in your family without your knowledge, accusing you of anything. The VCSO has no obligation to tell you anything. How do I know this? Because it happened to me and only because a concerned citizen let me know did I check into it and find the filed reports. The reports were filled out because of my opposition to the Gateway Center for the Arts.
On May 27th, 2011 Robert Rinaldo contacted the VCSO complaining that an e-mail was sent to him "that might pose a threat to the well being of persons at Gateway Park".Ref VCSO incident report 110016094
Dept. Gill investigated the matter and concluded " although the e mail was rather boisterous it did not appear to be threatening in any manner but merely voiced Culligan's opinion on wasteful government spending”.
June 2nd, 2011 Mrs. Sandra Wilson founder of The Debary Art League now known as the GCA Inc. contacted the VCSO and filed an incident report # 110016720 claiming to be harassed and intimidated at city council meetings. Mrs. Wilson apparently is not happy when a citizen such as myself actually stands up to her and her tax exempt organization as it tries to get money or special treatment from the City of Debary taxpayers. Deputy Gonzales of the VCSO determined that “…Mr Culligan has not committed any crime and was just voicing his opinion at council meetings”.
That is two times Gateway's people have attempted to manipulate the VCSO in order to retaliate on this Debary taxpayer that opposed their manipulation and exploitation of the taxpayers via the City of Debary. I was never informed of these incident reports that were unfounded and manipulative in nature. How did I swerve into them? Because of recent events in December, 2011.
Ref Police event P113492156 12/15/2011
I attended an event on 12/15/2011 that was advertised open to public at Gateway Park. Refer to Gateway's own newsletter on their website.
I entered the building as an invited guest and sat in the rear of the auditorium and said nothing to anyone and listened to the speakers. It was an interesting talk concerning the previous owners of Gemini Springs Park.
As the talk and applause ended I got up and attempted to leave when I was confronted and shouted at by a lady that I learned later was Sandra Wilson's adult daughter. This woman shouted “what are you doing here? My mother has a restraining order against you”.
I informed this woman that I was an invited guest per the marquee outside and there could not be any such restraining order. Mrs Wilson and her husband came up, told their daughter to leave and began peppering me with questions. Also a man grabbed me by the shoulder and asked someone towards the front of the room "is this the one?". He was advised to get his hand off of me. I did not file a police report concerning unwanted touching or assault.
Now the timeline of calls to the VCSO dispatchers log becomes important at this point. Ref. P113492156 Dispatchers log. 12/15/2011 time 20:08 Comment: MALE INTOXICATED
20:08 Comment: Not supposed to be there
20:08 Comment: Function going on
20:09 Comment: Mother has injunction against subject
20:09 Comment: She does not know his name
At no point in time is anyone accused of causing a disturbance or harassing anyone.
No one at anytime asked me to leave until a Deputy Geano motioned for me to come outside. At 20:11:20 which I was happy to do considering the hostile crowd I was dealing with.
This is the THIRD time GCA people manipulated VCSO deputies against me based on the lies and exaggerations of their own mob mentality organization. This is how a citizen is treated because he opposes their non profit organization.
Later a Deputy Yakel was convinced to trespass me by this hostile crowd of people from the entire Gateway Park. He did not Formally Trespass me at all and merely told me to get out of here and do not come back tonight. Obviously I had no plans to return that night. These people do not own Gateway Park yet they manipulated this young Deputy into a failed attempt to claim he FORMALLY trespassed me. This Deputy also accused me of smelling of alcohol from 20 feet away yet remained mute as I asked him to test me for any trace of it. The original call was for a MALE INTOXICATED.
I got in my car and drove away in front of TWO VCSO Deputies after I had been accused of being drunk...why would Deputies let a drunk drive?
Although I was never given a trespass warning and did not, did not sign anything telling me that if I returned I would be trespassing and thus arrested, I was arrested for trespassing on December 21 st.
I now know I am legally barred from entering Debary's Gateway Park because of the lies and false statements of GCA personnel and their manipulation of VCSO Deputy Yakel. I am not allowed into “Gateway Park” as it states on the paperwork.
Have you said, written, or perhaps whispered things against the GCA? Do you know that a police file hasn’t been filled out about you? I didn’t know it until I was approached and yelled at by GCA members, a hand put on my shoulder, was accused of smelling of alcohol then allowed to drive away, and then arrested for…trespassing. And now I am no longer allowed in a “public park”. Never once did I sign a “No trespassing” warrant.
Mort Culligan
Debary,Fl
From Norm: The first time I heard Mort speak was at the first meeting I attended in the spring of 2004. Mort is out there. Mort is direct, blunt, less than diplomatic and not afraid to speak his mind and disagree with the person he is talking to – who is also not afraid to share his or her point of view in their own manner. But I’ve never known Mort to be a liar. I’ve read all the corresponding paperwork associated with what Mort wrote above – it’s chilling reading. Mort was not arrested for assault or threatening gestures or words. He was not arrested for harassment. He was not arrested for being drunk and disorderly.
He was arrested for trespassing yet he never signed a trespassing warrant. He had no knowledge that he would be trespassing if her returned to the Gateway Park and/or GCA.
But let’s not tiptoe around the issue: Mort was arrested because he expressed his opinion. The two police reports were found to be..well…unfounded by an impartial third party: the police. This was payback.
It’s really quite scary what Mort went through and is going through. Two police reports on file and Mort didn’t know about it. He was arrested. Mugshot. Court date. Fines. Money. Car towed. For trespassing. I know someone who was caught trespassing and they were given a trespassing waiver to sign; this never happened to Mort.
Few people know that Mark Meister filed out a similar police report on me in August or September of 2009. Mr. Meister filled out the police report because I did not get emails to him that he had requested 9 days earlier. The interim City Manager at the time called me to tell me. Had she not done that, I guess I wouldn’t have known about it either. In a “gotcha” society, having a police report out there floating around could be the end to your job or a possible bid for elected office.
Agree or disagree with Mort. Hate him, love him or be indifferent. After reading his account ask yourself: is this really DeBary? Yes, it is. What is going on with the Gateway Center for the Arts? Power. Money. Social snobbery?
From December 15th to the 27th there were three calls to the VCSO concerning the GCA. Only one is listed in the reports online. The other two – concerning Mort and his arrest – are not online in the daily reports. Not even the arrest for trespassing. Why? Why?
No sarcasm here or wit; I’ve been fresh out watching this terrifying story unfold. There truly is a dark side at work here in DeBary; I don’t expect anyone to express disapproval of it – and that is exactly why it will continue. It seems Mort Culligan can't be critical of an entity that exists because of taxpayer money from people like Mort.
Next time a Council member talks about that great partnership and working relationship we have with the GCA remember it's contingent on just going along to come along. Don't question. Don't dissent. And whatever you do, don't bring up any facts. Lastly, of course, if you've done any of these things, you may want to check if a report has been filed about you. It appears the GCA does not want their legacy infringed upon...speaking of legacies...look below...
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OUTLOOK FOR 2012: LEGACIES AND EGO
I encourage all of you to watch the Meeting from January 4 th. Specifically the end of the meeting during the Council Member/Staff Reports. The Mayor discussed his big challenges and, yes, water was one of them and jobs.
If you want to watch what is discussed below, start the time at the 22:00 minute mark or so and let it go until the end of the meeting.
The link to watch is: http://www.debary.org/webcast.htm
Click on “Launch the Player” and then scroll down to “Council Member/Staff Reports” and click it to get the player going. Then you can move the cursor to the times I’ve indicated. Watching at home, I’ve found, is much more comfortable. I really appreciate the new system.
CM Carson at the 22:28 of the meeting from January 4 th, 2012:
“I’m tired – we’ve had a disconnect with past Councils and some lived in glass houses – I welcome that challenge from past Councils – it’s not a bad thing – it’s a great thing. We are here to represent the majority – no more tiptoeing around certain issues – we’re going to go with the majority – we’re going to do what the majority and what’s best for the community not for us – we’re going to leave a legacy. When I leave, there might be 20% that still like me but I want to leave stuff done. A nice south end of town and a train full of people.”
In a City where 3% of registered voters show up to vote, I think the word "majority" should be re-defined. What a second, incoming...incoming over the wires: what about the "majority" of people who voted for 3 year terms a few years ago? The 6008 overturned by 725 or so? Ah-ha...not so fast, my padawan...we're certainly going to tiptoe around that. No more tiptoeing? Tiptoeing is all we do in DeBary...until we posture with rhetoric:
Leaving a legacy…was that on the campaign postcard? What does that mean exactly, who gets to decide if you leave a legacy, and how the heck can you ensure a train full of people because if you can, there are many cities around the country that would like their commuter trains filled.
Moreover, it’s not particularly effective or persuasive, at least to me, for you to state emphatically that you’re going to do what the majority of the citizens want. Here is CM Hunt’s reply to CM Carson’s “pep talk”:
27:28 from CM Hunt:
“I like that speech Mr. Carson. I like the term legacy and it’s not for…um…well, maybe it is for egotistical things. Why not be egotistical – if you’re involved in local politics you have to have a little ego problem any how to do it in the first place. Some people won’t be so pleased (with our decisions) – but so what – that’s what happens.”
Remember, CM Hunt walked unchallenged into office for another three years as did Mayor Garcia. If only CM Hunt was aware of how many times Mr. Meister attacked me based on the premise and Mr. Meister’s apparent ability to read my heart and mind that everything I did was because of my super-duper ego and pride. Now, it’s ok to be egotistical – to have an “ego problem”.
Is that why you ran, CM Hunt? That’s not why I ran for office. But elected office is tainted at all levels and the uninvolved citizenry don’t attend meetings for principled reasons about issues not in their immediate backyard but only for their personal reasons.
The result is if we don’t demand principled, capable elected officials, we won’t get them. If we don’t practice principled stances on issues as citizens, we won’t even recognize it when it’s on display on the dais. We don't demand that. We seem to demand it at the Federal level, the State level...but not here in our City. Why?
29:44: Mr. Garcia: “We need the prior Mayors and prior Council members to step forward. Perhaps a get together – an advisory group to help with 3 problems: the bayou restoration, Gemini Springs and the trails to bring it in with our trans-orientated development.” My number is in the book as is Mr. Marks’s. And it’s “oriented” not "orientated" - I have to correct that or people will think I spelled it incorrectly.
Welcome to 2012!
Norm Erickson
WHY IS IT CALLED "THE AMERICAN DREAM"?
George Carlin on the American Dream...if profanity is not your thing, do not watch this. You have been warned so don't fill out a police report if you choose to watch it and then feel offended or threatened in any way:
GEORGE CARLIN ON THE AMERICAN DREAM
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ALL THINGS END...
A VERY SPECIAL POP EDITORIAL BY NORM ERICKSON
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1/2/12:
Deep Throat: Forget the myths the media's created about the White House. The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand.
Bob Woodward: Hunt's come in from the cold. Supposedly he's got a lawyer with $25,000 in a brown paper bag.
DT: Follow the money.
BW: What do you mean? Where?
DT: Oh, I can't tell you that.
BW: But you could tell me that.
DT: No, I have to do this my way. You tell me what you know, and I'll confirm. I'll keep you in the right direction if I can, but that's all. Just... follow the money.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST? YOU MAKE THE CALL
PART I
From the Cultural Council of Volusia County:
Per your request, the Volusia County Community Cultural Grant funding
amount awarded by year to the DeBary Art League/Gateway Center for the
Arts is as follows:
Fiscal Year Amount
2001/02 1,000
2002/03 2,000
2003/04 5,250
2004/05 6,900
2005/06 16,166
2006/07 15,650
2007/08 13,267
2008/09 23,263
2009/10 22,810
2010/11 21,359
2011/12 18,148
Mike Fincher
Cultural Coordinator
Volusia County Parks, Recreation & Culture Division
WHO IS ON THAT COMMITTEE? LOOK BELOW:
Cultural Council of Volusia County members
(An advisory board to the Volusia County Council)
Jim Ward, Chair
John Wilton, Vice Chair
Ann Brady
Bob Dahlen
Bill Dreggors
Kelly Parsons Kwiatek
Brad Strickland
Julia Davidson Truilo
Sandra Wilson
So the Cultural Council of Volusia County (CCVC) is making recommendations to give money to the Gateway Center for the Arts. Ok. So who sits on that board? Look below from the GCA website:
Gateway Center for the Arts Board of Directors:
Jim Coombs Terry Lodge
Saundra Gray David Abeles
Richard Cogswell John Lajza
Judi Reaume Wilma Dickey
Sandra Wilson
SHAZAM!
Sandra Wilson is on both the Cultural Council of Volusia County (CCVC) and the Gateway Center for the Arts (GCA) board which receives money from the County Council approving the recommedation from the CCVC to give money to, among other entities, the Gateway Center for the Arts. And who put Ms. Wilson on that Committee? Was it Pat Northey who, until recently, was also on the Board of the Gateway Center for the Arts? I’m going to try and find out.
So it might go like this: Mrs. Northy from GCA and the County Council appoints Mrs. Wilson from the GCA to the CCVC who recommends back to Mrs. Northey on the County Council to give GCA money. And both Mrs. Northey and Mrs. Wilson were, until recently, both involved officially with the GCA.
I’m looking into this and reading the minutes and what I’ve found already is sad and routine. The meetings meet during the week at 8:30 or 9AM. The June 5th, 2009 minutes for the Grant Review is missing - it's not online. Application rules are waived or “grandfathered” in when they are not complete. This CCVC recommends to the County Council the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money. Not so surprisingly, the CCVC recommended to the County Council to change the County Comp Plan to keep the funding at 1.50 per capita but not allow funding to drop below 1.25 per capita – the County Council, amazingly and to their credit, said “No”.
I’ve got some emails “out there” to answer my questions and we’ll see where this goes so lets not fill out any police reports just yet...that would be a request for a premature application - and that could cause an awkward pause in any partnership like the one we have with the GCA.
Norm Erickson
12/30:
The Dark Side of Camelot
Something is rotten in the City of DeBary.
What was it? What would cause a President and Vice President of the Community Partnership Program, Inc to not only, step down from their newly created positions, but also to speak out against the very organization that they, just weeks before, championed? What would cause a sitting City Council member, CM Koval, to have such a change of heart as well?
What was it?
In just the same way, what was it that prompted several members of the Gateway Center for the Arts Orchestra to pack up, head north to Orange City, and start over with what their real vision was originally to do in DeBary but was co-opted?
What was it?
The Gateway Center for the Arts and the Community Partnership Program, Inc.
It seems that to most people these two entities are embraced and represent the best that DeBary has to offer. But for others…the ones that have left the fold…it’s a different story. It’s a story of unfairness, contradictions, greed, power and false faces. And both of these entities count the City of DeBary as a partner. CPPI in particular wants to be a long term partner with the City as its source for funding in some amount.
Recently CPPI brought the Stetson University Symphony Orchestra to DeBary for a performance. Question: Did they have to go through the Gateway Center for the Arts for approval as Rick Dwyer had to when he wanted to put on a free orchestral concert in DeBary?
From Mr. Dwyer 6/20/11: Unfortunately, the City of DeBary did not share my philosophy and when I asked to give a performance in the DeBary Town Hall, I was denied the opportunity and was furthermore notified that any performance would have to be given at the Gateway Center for the Arts and for whatever fee the Gateway Center for the Arts chooses to charge.
If an individual wants to get something going they have to kiss the ring - anyone else...well...two sets of rules.
Norm Erickson
Vice Mayor Lenzen considering a run for County Council?
That's the fact, Jack!
CLICK HERE TO READ THE BEACON ARTICLEWhat a great evening was provided by Maestro Rick Dwyer and the Orange City Orchestra at their annual Christmas concert. Maestro Dwyer and the Orchestra did a magnificent job playing the selections that were chosen. The part I liked best was the two sing-along segments of the performance. With a full house (SRO), voices united in song, it made for a great start to the Christmas season. Thank you Maestro Dwyer and the Orange City Orchestra for bringing joy to so many.
This free concert was the best ticket in town by far.
Lenny Marks
Debary
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Team Volusia wants to keep jobs in Volusia County. They can't keep their own CEO in Volusia County.
Update: The County Council just gave them a quarter million more in taxpayer money...then the CEO up and announced she was leaving...and Mr. Garcia who never had anything positive to say about this entity, and I agreed with him on that point, was flipped after just one meeting with these people and is now the representative for the City for Team Volusia. Let's get out of this thing - we've already given 25K at the City level.
CLICK HERE FOR CRA BEACON ARTICLE: CLICK HERE
Not following the Comp Plan in Sanford: CLICK HERE FOR POP EDITORIALS
12/19: Click here to read CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
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12/20:
The Christmas Season has started with the Orange City Orchestra giving a stirring performance last Saturday. I attended with my wife and daugther and it was excellent. It was a packed house with some humor provided for by the conductor, Rick Dwyer. Thank you to the Orange City Orchestra for putting on such a great Christmas concert. The money donated will be used solely for the orchestra's needs.
Norm Erickson
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I am very disappointed in your choice of CHRISTMAS decorations!
They express "Holiday Greetings" & "Season Greetings" But no "Merry Christmas". I for one would like to keep Christ in Christmas!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Romayne O.
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DEBARYPOP MAKES PARADE DEBUT
A big thank you to John Fletcher and the Parks and Rec staff for once again pulling off the DeBary Christmas Parade. These people even held off the rain till it was over.
Thank you to the people for their support, thumbs up, and shouts of "POP!". If you're visiting our website because you saw our sign in the parade, Welcome!
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Willful Unawareness
A POP Editorial by Norm Erickson
12/11: Click here to read CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
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The Orange City Orchestra will give its annual Christmas performance on
December 17, 7:00 PM at the Dickinson Memorial Library in Orange City.
Admission is free.
Call Rick Dwyer, 386-668-9587, for additional information or to reserve seating for large groups.
12/3:
I love sequels:
Let the Sunshine In Part II by Lenny Marks
&
Waldorf on the Mayor and more: Click here to read CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
Will it happen by June of 2012?
From the Council meeting on 11/21/11:
Time Stamp: 2:09:03:
Mr. Garcia:
“In the next six months, DeBary will be a national word out of
people’s mouths.
I guarantee you that."
&
12/2:
The Orange City Orchestra will give its annual Christmas performance on
December 17, 7:00 PM at the Dickinson Memorial Library in Orange City.
Admission is free.
Call Rick Dwyer, 386-668-9587, for additional information or to reserve seating for large groups.
WE'RE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER BLOG...
Just today the Orlando Sentinel covered a story - a tragic story about loss. It triggered about 20 21 26 27comments, so far, from the people. I'm sure more will follow.
I wonder if we'll ever get 20 21 26 27 people to discuss any one actual City issue, the way people are discussing and arguing about the story below:
CLICK HERE: A STORY ABOUT LOSS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
11/30: Click below to read the editorial in the Sentinel:
THE CRA THAT IS NOT WANTED IN EAST LAKE COUNTY
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
From the Orlando Sentinel, Nov. 26th:
"Nobody wants to invest money in this economy," Mayor Bob Garcia said.
Including YOU, Mr. Garcia. Didn't you say "No" to the Race Trac gas station? Some could take this position given your statement above. You listened to those people about the Race Trac but not the people from 2008 on the term limit issue.
And my wife says I have selective hearing.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
It was stated by Mayor Garcia on Monday, 11/21 at the workshop that "the people" approved the term limit changes from 3 years to 4. Of course. But before that, the COUNCIL overturned the 6008 votes by putting the issue on the ballot. So, Mr. Garcia, stop the spin. YOU and the rest overturned 6008 votes first and you, sir, are the person to be looking out for those votes. Don't try and worm your way out of your part in this nor the part of the Council, Sir. When Mr. Garcia says "the people voted", which people is he referring to? The "people" from 2008 or the "people" from 2011? For his comfort, he is referring to the people from 2011. To listen to Mr. Garcia, it's as if he had nothing to do with putting it on the ballot in the first place which is exactly what he and the Council would have you or want you to believe.
This Council overturned the will of 6008 voters from 2008 by ignoring their vote and putting the issue back on the ballot....it seems only two or three people are bothered by it...and that's what "they" count on whether it's this issue, Team Volusia, Sunrail that was voted on three or four times before it passed and so on and so forth.
Norm Erickson
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The following seems familiar to me: “Community Events Committee”, “Hometown Harvest”, “4th of July Celebration”.
Here is what is new: “Mardi Gras Event”
This is from a Winter Springs Proclamation from 2008 for a number of people working for the City of Winter Springs including Chris Carson.
I’d like to thank the Citizen who sent this to me as I was unaware that this had all been done years ago.
Norm Erickson
Link to view the actual proclamation: PROCLAMATION
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11/23:
Let The Sunshine In
A POP Editorial by Lenny Marks
&
2.4 million to study how affordable housing
could be brought to DeBary: CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY
11/22: BECOMING EUROPE...
Gosh, and in the beginning, we were told it was all about traffic and now it's not even mentioned:
From the wdbo website:
SunRail planning awarded $2.4 million grant
By Brandon Hamilton
ORLANDO, Fla. —
SunRail is gaining more ground behind a $2.4 million dollar grant designed to create jobs and housing options around transit stops.
“Putting people to work”, says Congresswoman Corrine Brown.
The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.
“For every billion dollars we spent, it generates 44,000 thousand jobs,” Brown said.
HUD Regional Administrator Ed Jennings says the grant will help to create new visions for housing and transportation.
“When 52 percent of the average working family’s income is devoted to housing and transportation costs alone, we know that we have a responsibility to fix that to provide housing and transportation options that can improve their quality of life and economic stability,” Jennings said.
Brown spoke about her experiences in the nation’s capitol and Europe, with shopping, restaurants and transit options available within the same building.
“That’s what we want for our communities,” Brown added.
Sheryl Grieve, chair of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, says residents will be able to access jobs through the use of Sun Rail.
“SunRail represents an historic opportunity to transform growth patterns around the stations, to attract high quality, higher paying jobs,” Grieve said.
The Sun Rail project is scheduled for launch in late 2014.
11/15:
The Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall asked a few cities to change their City Charter to gratify her desires of ease and comfort. This Council listened to that voice.
Listen to Ann and let the people McFall
From the Deland-Beacon after Tuesday’s election:
"I look forward to representing everybody — all the people of DeBary," Handy-Peters said.
It’s something many elected officials say and I have no reason not to believe Lita Handy-Peters. However…
In 2008, 9982 citizens voted in the Mayor’s seat between Coleman and Garcia.
The referendum was No. 2 in votes with 9858 – 6008 said “NO!”
Conoley vs. Meister was third with 9040 – that is to say, people turned out in greater numbers to vote on the referendum than for the Conoley/Meister ticket. Conoley received 5133 votes which he then discarded when he quit.
In 2011, 1121 people came out to vote either for Leon or Lita.
1098 people voted to say either “Yes” or “No” to the referendum.
23 people voted for either Leon or Lita but DID NOT vote on the referendum – one issue more to vote on was…well…one issue too many. Incredibly, DeBary’s citizens are consistent in their laziness: in 2008, the difference in numbers between people voting in the Mayoral race and the Referendum was: 124. In 2008, nearly 900 people voiced their opinion for Mayor, but did not vote in the Conoley/Meister seat.
To put the 23 that did not vote in last week’s election into context, Leon lost by 29 votes giving one to Leon and taking one away from Lita, and so on. Leon was down 2 to 1 at the primary so apparently I’m wrong to say that knocking on doors and calling people does not work. Leon nearly won this thing. I think when Conoley lost to Lenzen it was by about 28 votes as well.
The current City Council did not take into account 6008 voices from just three years ago. The referendum from three years ago took greater priority than a Council seat – yet this Council ignored it. Aside from that, 4 years is too long and it will preclude more people from running than less while at the same time excludes more working people from running while making it more practical for retired individuals to run. “The people voted” it will be said. They voted three years ago and in far greater numbers – and they were ignored. Although the City Council did not abide by the voters three years ago, the Citizens dropped the ball and especially the 23 that voted for either Leon or Lita but could not bring the marker down 3.7 inches and darken an oval – it’s too much to do, I guess. I wonder how many of these 23 citizens celebrated Veteran’s Day, 4 th of July…
Congratulations to the Council. I’m known for criticizing but hey, face facts: You guys did it! You got the 4 year term on the ballot and it passed – and all that had to occur first was to dispense with 6008 votes.
"I look forward to representing everybody — all the people of DeBary," I’m sure Mayor Garcia said it when he was voted in, in 2008 – then he ignored the 6008 citizens – “his people” “his City” - and put the Referendum back on the ballot.
But he sure listened to the “100 people” for the Race Trac issue, didn’t he? But the 6008…they were forgotten…
Something to consider is this: Given the 2008 vote didn't even last three years, what's the expiration date on my vote from last week? Three and a half years? One and a half? Or just until the next best deal comes along for someone else?
Saving 23,000 dollars at 6008 votes comes out at about $3.82 per vote... we often talk about the value of our vote...but I think that's in reference to something else...or at least it used to be before last week.
What price will be put on the vote people cast last week? More? Less?
Or just the best offer?
Norm Erickson
11/12: Bob Waldorf responds to JB:
Perfect day for a response. Veterans Day. The day that represents the
men and women who fought for freedom. One of the major freedoms
was to be able to make individual choices and not be restricted by others.
Think about that.
The following is my requested response from JB.
1. Who is/are the 'stuff shirts' you are referring to, and what makes them 'stuffed shirts'?
The 'stuff shirts' are anyone that does not want change. Does not want to bring growth to the area but instead will accept 'decaying buildings over a decaying society' but cannot back that statement up with any facts and ignores facts to the contrary.
2. What examples can you provide to support your stmt "I feel certain that CM Carson, Hunt and Peters will bring common sense and logic to and for the city"?
Number one is they all work and none are retired. I feel that people working in today's economy, that are raising children today, have a better feel of what is going on than the retired that have already gone through working and raising a family. Everyday I find things that have changed since my childhood that surprise me and makes me aware of what little I know of how things are working today especially in schools and with the young. I was raised 3 blocks from the JaiAlai in Miami. A PARI-MUTUEL gaming establishment. That establishment it did not destroy our neighborhood nor did it have any ill effect on my childhood. As I reported during my campaign I actually called to the City of Hallandale and Adventura to ask them about Gulfstream. Gulfstream is a horse racing, 'casino' establishment that has been in that location as far back as I can remember. When it was built it was 'out in the country' on US Highway 1. Now the area is built up and surrounded by the high scale Adventura area, with the luxury cars, expensive stores and high priced houses. All built up around a 'race track'. Gulfstream is located on the corner of US #1 and Hallandale Beach Boulevard. Hallandale Beach Boulevard was nothing more than a road to the beach at one time and now it supports up scales retail stores that surround the north side of Gulfstream race track. That is a fact that cannot be ignored. Nuff said.
3. What do you mean by "It is now time to move forward and not just stand still"?
It is now time to consider what is best for the entire City of Debary and not just few vocals. We have had a couple of recent opportunities to possibly bring new money into the area which in turn would probably fill some of the vacant houses and provide the city with additional revenue to comfortably finance local public projects. The Race Trac convenience store is a good example. I personally went to the residential areas around the one on Highway 436 in Apopka and the one on 441 in Apopka and even the one on 17-92 in Orange City and spoke to the residents around them. None could say the store had any negative affect on their neighborhood. I talked to at least two families in each area. Couple that with the staff study and you got to question how could the vocal few prevented something that would have helped the many. But then again how can 600 over turn the vote of 6000. That is what is fundamentally wrong with Debary. Few run the town with no regard for the many and the many are to lazy, as is society in general, to get off the couch to do anything but complain and that is another reason we need the current council. They are energetic enough to make change.
I-4 and highway 17-92 are main arteries going through Debary. By allowing for revenue generating businesses on or near those roads would not have had any adverse affect on the quality of life in Debary. The Debary Downs might not have been a good fit for Gemini Springs but wow..........how many parks does one town need? We have City River Park which is out by the river, Sullivan Park, Kelly Park and a few other smaller ones.. All of those areas would be protected by land development codes for residual and parks. Children don't grow up on highways (or they shouldn't anyway). Commercial roadways are just exactly that.............roadways for commercial business. I just don't understand how anyone feels we can stop the foreclosures, get people back to work and at the same time stop new businesses. No one has time to 'wait' for the exact perfect business to come along because all the other options to business would have to be taken before that happens. There is not a chance of that happening as long as we keep stopping the economic engine for our area. To walk a mile it takes the first step and we have been left standing still at least twice in the last as many years. The mentality of the few (voters - vocals) is there is always a reason NOT to approve something. I can only imagine a doctor wanting to open in Debary and someone being against the type of practice (whatever the practice might be) and protesting to deny. CM Koval stated he was 'the voice of the people' when truly he was not. He was not the voice of the people I talked too, but then I talked to the people that did not live in the area CM Koval was speaking of or for. He was only looking out for votes. Wonder how he would have voted had there been a big turn out of people wanting it but then Debary did not let the 'other' citizens know it was up for vote. Debary feels it has to stop card rooms, (unless your the VFW, Moose or Eagles), stop a high prices horse track, that would have given Debary an identity and make it a Sunrail destination instead of a stop along the way to somewhere else, stop the Race Trac convenience store, stop this - stop that - that is the stuff shirt mentality. What about freedom? IF people really did not want what those business offer they would close. Let the free enterprise system work and decide what this town should have not the few who want to force what they want or don't want, on us all. The whole 'restrict freedom mentality' offends me when we send our young to risk their lives for freedom and then they come back to find there is no freedom unless it is approved by the few.
Well JB ??? That's my answer. Thank a Vet for what we have and don't deny others the freedom of choice.
Bob Waldorf
Jb in Debary
From Norm: Bob, thanks for responding. I respectfully disagree with you when you wrote: 2. What examples can you provide to support your stmt "I feel certain that CM Carson, Hunt and Peters will bring common sense and logic to and for the city"?
Number one is they all work and none are retired. I feel that people working in today's economy, that are raising children today, have a better feel of what is going on than the retired that have already gone through working and raising a family.
Bob, please tell me CM Carson's wife's name, his kids, where and when he lived on his own with a home budget, etc,. Hunt, yes. If you can't do that for Carson, then I can argue the lack of what I listed, according to your logic, is a strike against CM Carson.
11/11:
Veterans Day Thanks From POP
A deep hearted thanks to all the men and women who served our nation, aided our friends, and kept some sanity in this insane world. We can not forget our brave veterans, those who came home intact, those who came home with mental or physical trauma, those who suffered in prisoner of war camps, or those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Once a year we honor these brave individuals, but its more than just attending a memorial service, laying a wreath, and saying a few words. It’s more than that; it’s keeping that thought in your heart all year long. It’s stopping one of these brave men and women on the street and thanking them for their sacrifices. It’s to pray for the one’s who didn’t come home, the one’s who have been seriously injured and their families, everyday.
Let us make every effort and be thankful for each day we live and appreciate the gift that has been given to us. Let their sacrifice not be in vain. We owe no less to the men women we honor today.
God bless each and ever one, and God bless America.
DEBARY POP
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From JB in DeBary to Bob Waldorf:
On 11-9 a comment from Bob Waldorf was posted on PoP. It included a number of statements that stoked my curiosity. Therefore Bob, would you be so kind as to explain what you mean by the following:
1. Who is/are the 'stuff shirts' you are referring to, and what makes them 'stuffed shirts'?
2. What examples can you provide to support your stmt "I feel certain that CM Carson, Hunt and Peters will bring common sense and logic to and for the city"?
3. What do you mean by "It is now time to move forward and not just stand still"?
jb in Debary
Bob, I'll post your response on the front page, if you wish to reply - Norm
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The Mayor and Council just slapped 6008 voters in the face! The council voted to have a referendum placed on the ballot that was just voted on 3 years ago. 6008 voted NO. They voted it down. Now, in the past election 725 voted yes and they wiped out those 6008 votes. Hope they are happy now that they have gotten their way. What blatant disrespect to those 6008 voters. What does the Mayor really mean when he says “My People”? He showed his true colors as have the rest of the council. Another reason why people are not happy with government!
J. Vernon
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Shots at Shotz over a shot: Click here to read CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
BECAUSE WE WANT TO HEAR FROM MORE VOTERS, THE 6008 VOTERS FROM 2008 WHO SAID "NO" WERE OUT NUMBERED BY THE 716 VOTERS FROM 2011 WHO SAID "YES"; SO WE WILL NOW HAVE 4 YEAR TERMS FOR ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS...BECAUSE WE WANT TO HEAR FROM MORE VOTERS...LIKE WE DID IN 2008...
11/4:
Changing Term Limits
from 3 years to 4 years...
"It's déjà vu all over again"
Lenny Marks on the discarding of
6008 votes - 'nuff said: