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