On a Positive Note!

Cutlass Avenue held their first Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting on Thursday June 27, 2013 @ 7PM. It was a great success. Seventeen people signed up and about twelve showed up to the meeting.  It was very encouraging to see our concerned neighbors come out in support of the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program.  Ms. Carmen Gonzalez-Caldwell - FCPP Crime Prevention Practitioner Executive Director Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade was very instrumental in the success. Ms. Gonzalez was very informative and addressed all concerns and questions. Thank you neighbors of Cutlass Avenue Treasure Island, North Bay Village, I salute you on the initiative.  Our residents deserve the safest streets. We are hoping this will have a domino effect and every block in North Bay Village forms their Crime Watch Program.

Honestly Opinionating

PUTTING NORTH BAY VILLAGE FIRST!

Mario Garcia

June 28, 2013

 

 

surveillance cameras ?

As I further contemplate on our North Bay Village needs and obstacles. I can’t help but think about the surveillance cameras that most of our residents are in favor of that would make our Village safer.  That day at the workshop, the cost of about 85,000.00 was discussed and that it would be part of next year’s budget planning.  I asked our finance director Bert Wrains, at the end of the workshop what had happen with the Recovery Fund Program Moneys that was supposed to be available for this kind of purpose.  Mr. Wrains informed me that the fund was down to zero! I think he used the term depleted to describe the savings.  Let me remind you that this was the money that was used by the police department for the new vehicles and other “necessities”. Funny, that now that there is an opportunity to benefit all of our residents and help our police department do their job better, there is nothing left! Mr. Wrains explained that there is about two million dollars in the pipe lines for the fund, but is unsure of its possibility of it materializing.  It will probably be approved for next year’s budget just in time for it to be late to come from such fund. I wonder now that we have a “Grant Writer Person” if she can look into possible grant moneys for this purpose. Is it too much to ask? Think Taxes and add the word raise! That is probably the legacy of this commission: raised the most taxes ever! Remember Commissioner Richard Chervony has been warning us since Interim Treasure Island Commissioner Stuart Bloomberg raised his concerns!  Treasure Island Commissioner Wendy Duval with finance experience is listening. It may be too late.

Honestly opinionating!

PUTTING NORTH BAY VILLAGE FIRST

Happy Fathers Day North Bay Village

Mario Garcia

June 16, 2013

 

  

How Much Does It Cost To Open A business In North Bay Village?

How much does it cost to open a business in North Bay Village? On our last commission meeting of June 11, 2013 approximately at 8:30 pm the section for Good & Welfare was opened.  Some residents expressed outrage for the legal and planning charges racked up by Captain Joe’s and the Ski Rental business that opened up on the Marina by Harbor Island. Captain Joe’s owner pleaded with the commission to look into the $ 16,000.00 in legal and planning fees under the Recovery Ordinance for North Bay Village. The Ski Rental Business fees according to what we heard were $ 3000.00.  These charges were not expected or imagined by the new business entrepreneurs.

I am not a lawyer or a planning and zoning expert; however I will attempt to explain it as best as I can.  Feel free to correct or add anything that you feel is missing.  The way the ordinances are written, anyone wishing to open a business in North Bay Village cannot plan for the costs.  Besides the permits and licenses, all documents are to be reviewed by our legal department and planning and zoning department. On the surface nothing appears to be wrong with this process.  

Here is the problem; these fees and charges are not set in stone or scheduled.  The business owner surrenders all the documents and requisitions, opens an escrow account for the village to draw from as the charges are calculated.  When the balance is depleted, the business owner is contacted and is asked to replenish the account otherwise nothing goes forward. Please understand that this is perfectly legal, it is the way the rules are written; no wonder it is so hard to attract businesses to North Bay Village! The charges are calculated by hours spent on any particular task; research, reviewing, verifying, variances etc.

In this process there maybe duplication by the legal department and/or planning and zoning; but who cares; the business owner will pay! There is no warning nor is it written in our user unfriendly web site…that is a problem all on its own. In other more successful cities these charges are pre-calculated and transparent for the investor of a new business. Think about it. Legal is researching and verifying a document for which they don’t have the answer and they need to review something that is tucked away at a warehouse.  I am been ridiculous but follow me. It took hours and hours to finally find the document.  After 50 hrs, the document is found. Legal bill 50 hours times their going rate. Let’s say $ 250.00 per hour that’s a $ 12,500.00 charge. The village under the cost recovery ordinance rule or whatever it is called bills the unsuspected new business owner that amount. Heart attack in the making! This needs to change to a set tariff and a charge for each particular document. Planning and Zoning along with Legal costs that are fixed and set. Fair and Balance to all parties concern. So, How Much Does It Cost To Open A Business InNorth Bay Village? We Honestly Dont Know!

Honestly opinionating!

Putting North Bay Village First!

Mario Garcia

June 15, 2013

North Bay Village Commission Meeting held on Tuesday June 11, 2013 continues…as promised.

North Bay Village Commission Meeting held on Tuesday June 11, 2013 continues…as promised. The commission decided to go back to the drawing board on the search for our new Village Manager.  The Commission cited that they were not at all impressed with the two candidates on the short list. The interim village manager was given the task to revise the job advertisement and make the necessary changes in hopes to attract matching candidates to the Village needs.  Most of us are in agreement with this decision. The commission got this one right. Hopefully we will find the Village Manager we so desperately need.

However, Commissioner Richard Chervony attempted to suggest that although Interim Village Manager Jenice Rosado is doing a great job, and we all agree, she needs help. Commissioner Chervony was alluding to the amount of work for one person with multiple responsibilities and deadlines to meet; not that she is incapable of doing her job. Commissioner Wendy Duval was the only person on dais that understood what Commissioner Chervony was addressing. The mayor quickly stepped in and explained about the money that we are saving by not having to pay the village manager salary and that the interim manager was doing a great job! Commissioner Jorge Gonzalez agreed with the mayor and the discussion came to an end; both missing the point. The fact is that Miss Rosado is doing a great job and our village staff as well. However we are taxing our interim village manager and staff, additional temporary help can make a big difference. Especially considering that it may take months to find the new village manager. We should not hurry the process. We cannot afford any more mistakes.

In other matters that cannot be ignored, today Mayor Connie Leon-Kreps did a great job by putting together a workshop to discuss the feasibility of a guard gate, security cameras and neighborhood crime watch in Treasure Island. Mayor Leon-Kreps, Finance Director Bert Wrains, Police Officer McReedy, Interim Village Manager Jenice Rosado, Village Clerk Yvonne Hamilton were present to address concerns and answer questions. It would have been appropriate for Treasure Island Commissioner Wendy Duval to be present at the workshop.   There were roughly 20 to 25 residents from Treasure Island and all were given the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. Many residents share their experiences as victims of crimes that have happened here in Treasure Island. Crimes that have not been discussed during Public Safety Discussions at the regular commission meetings. It was alarming that these crimes have been taking place in our serene and beautiful Treasure Island homes and streets.

The meeting was informative and productive. It was agreed at the end that Surveillance Cameras and Neighborhood Crime Watch should be addressed first. Further research as to cost, feasibility and practicality to Guard House and gates are needed. Additionally, it was agreed to look into robotic gates and other forms of neighborhood security concurrently to the cameras and neighborhood crime watch program; Thumbs up to Mayor Connie Leon- Kreps. Treasure Island Residents need to step up and remain active to keep the momentum alive! We will all benefit.       

Honestly Opinionating

 PUTTING NORTH BAY VILLAGE FIRST

Mario Garcia

June 13, 2013

 

 

 

controversy, confusion and disappointment

I sit in front of my computer’s keyboard and can’t decide where to begin writing about last night’s commission meeting held at Treasure Island Elementary School’s Auditorium. This commission meeting was packed with controversy, confusion and disappointment.  It occurred to me that maybe it would best to break it down into multiple blogs.  Vice Mayor Eddie Lim was absent for the meeting. The customary addition and deletion that appeared to take forever was finally settled. 

The first item was 12H: The proposed Resolution will authorize the renewal with Florida Power and Light (FPL) for electric service. The commission voted quickly and approved the Resolution. The renewal of the thirty year franchise agreement with FPL at 6% represents revenues for the village of roughly $ 38,000.00 per year.

More shuffling and discussion and items 12 A, B, C, D were next to be heard.  The first two items 12A and 12B were proposed by Commissioner Richard Chervony. These two Ordinances will change the membership requirements from seven members to five members. The Citizens Budget & Oversight Board and Community Enhancement Board will now be composed of five members.

Mayor Connie Leon Kreps proposed the same exact two ordinances. Why? The mayor felt that she had proposed these two items way before Commissioner Chervony and that she was the author of these two proposed ordinances.  Petty arguments by the Mayor and more wasted time, finally the mayor conceded and Commissioner Chervony got the credit; rightly so! It got done and that is the bottom line. Commissioner Jorge Gonzalez proposed that these board members should stay in place until such time that the new members are appointed assuring continuation of services. Commissioner Wendy Duval and Commissioner Richard Chervony quickly agreed and amended the Ordinance.   Great, finally the appointments to these boards are going to take place and the much anticipated Citizens Budget & Oversight Board will be formed; wait a minute not so fast!

The Mayor points out that since each member of the commission should appoint one member and in Vice Mayor Eddie Lim’s absence the appointments should be referred to the next commission meeting.   Commissioner Chervony quickly pointed out that since there is a quorum these appointments should take place. I agree Village business should not be held because of one absent commission member and a quorum in place. Then a discrepancy and disagreement as to the manner to choose the appointment of the candidates took place; back and forth we went; more wasted time! No Citizens Budget and Oversight committee until next commission meeting in July; North Bay Village Residents Lose again!

Here is an idea, when Vice Mayor Eddie Lim returns and hopefully no one else is absent at the next commission meeting, Treasure Island Commissioner Wendy Duval appoints a member to represent Treasure Island.  North Bay Island Commissioner Richard Chervony appoints a member to represent North Bay Island. Vice Mayor Eddie Lim who represents Harbor Island appoints a member for Harbor Island. Mayor Connie Leon-Kreps and Commissioner At Large Jorge Gonzales appoint from the three left out of the six candidates. Additionally if the island’s commissioners wish to appoint someone outside their island they should reserve that right. Citizen and Budget Oversight Board Members look out for North Bay Village and I would hope that their integrity and ethics has nothing to do with where they live. There are only six candidates and forming this board needs to be a priority…Until next blog.

 

Honestly Opinionating!

PUTTING NORTH BAY VILLAGE FIRST!

Mario Garcia

Wednesday June 12, 2013

 

 

Do Over!

 On Wednesday at 7:30 pm North Bay Village held a special commission meeting, a public interview of the two candidates on the short list.  Each member of the commission was allowed two questions to each candidate.  Mr. Colin Donnelly currently a Dania Beach Assistant City Manager and Mr. Frank Bocanegra with city manager, law and police experience were the two candidates on the short list to fill the position for Village Manager.  Questions like evaluate cost of services provided to the community? What was your biggest accomplishment?   What are your goals in six month for North Bay Village? The commission asked the proper questions geared to get to know the candidates and their abilities. I will not bore you with the details at the end both candidates were not indisputably convincing.  It was apparent that most likely the commission will return to the drawing board.

 

Hopefully, maybe they will recall what Commissioner Richard Chervony had recommended in a previous meeting. Commissioner Chervony had suggested forming a committee or hiring a head hunter to evaluate our needs and properly advertise the position with the requirements. However if this commission should decide to choose one of the two candidates for the job, my choice would be Mr. Frank Bocanegra precisely because he is a lawyer, has law enforcement and city manager experience.

 

Commissioner Wendy Duval showed courage and initiative by attempting a motion to go back to the drawing board and start over. It is obvious that Commissioner Duval wasn’t convinced with either candidate.  It was an awkward ending to the special meeting with confusion and lack of direction; frankly if I was one of the candidates I would have not been a bit impressed.  We should learn from our mistakes going forward let’s plan a little better. Overall I am satisfied with the commission questions and results, they get a passing grade; let’s hope they strive for an A, we deserve nothing less. Do Over! 

 

Honestly Opinionating

 

PUTTING NORTH BAY VILLAGE FIRST

 

Mario Garcia

June 6, 2013

Clarifications are in order

Clarifications are in order for those who read my blog. I am neither a writer nor a reporter. I am simply a concerned North Bay Village resident. What I write is my opinion and perception of our North Bay Village commission meetings with the limited information we are provided. However, I am in touch with the residents and many have expressed their hopelessness and disappointment: “nothing changes” “what for”  “I have given up” “it’s all the same”.   It is abundantly clear that what affects Harbor Island affects North Bay Village.  It is also true that what affects Treasure Island affects North Bay Village; what affects North Bay Island affects North Bay Village.  We are greater than the sum of our parts. We have been hearing from this commission since its inception about transparency; have we gotten it? If what I write rattles your cage, maybe you should give it some thought and ask yourself why? Does the shoe fit?

On the other hand, this commission has been faced with unprecedented hardships and problems. I also believe that our commission is made up of basically honest people and they are trying the best they can.  If the components are there then why is it so difficult to get things done? It is important that we begin to be more proactive rather than reactive regarding our financial and budgetary health.   It is my perception that what is lacking is constructive dialogue from our commissioners; from where I sit at the meetings they talk but are not listening to each other. North Bay Village residents deserve nothing less!  

Honestly Opinionating!

PUTTING NORTH BAY VILLAGE FIRST

Mario Garcia

June 2, 2013