Tuesday's Commission Mtg.

There are five items on the agenda for Tuesday’s Commission meeting that are of interest to LWPD.

Three items are on the Consent agenda, which means they are approved as a block unless one of the Commissioners pulls an item for a separate vote. The public is not allowed to speak on Consent items.

Consent Item I, to authorize a mutual aid agreement with 27 Palm Beach County law enforcement agencies.

Consent Item R, to confirm the election of Sgt. Mendelsberg as Police representative on the Civil Service Board.

Consent Item S, confirm the re-election of Lt. Moss as trustee on the Police Pension Board.

Under Public Hearings is the second reading (final approval) of a new ordinance amending the hours of sale of alcoholic beverages. Public Comment is allowed.

Finally, under Unfinished Business, is a report on the status of PBSO merger negotiations. The back up on this item is extensive (32 pages) and includes updates budget and personnel costs, current roster of police personnel and payroll information and a copy of the revised actuarial study. PBSO will analyze this same data and return a proposal to city. If the Commission concurs, negotiations will begin. This is not necessarily an action item (to be voted on) unless a Commissioner makes a motion. Then public comment will be allowed.

If you’re not familiar with how to find the back-up material for these items, go to the city’s website, www.lakeworth.org (http://www.lakeworth.org) Move your mouse over Commission in the left side banner on the home page. When the menu opens up, click on Commission Agendas, then 2008, then May 6. To see the back-up material for an item on the agenda, just click on the item and the material will open up in a new window.

Hope to see many of you at City Hall on Tuesday at 6pm.
All the best,
M.

There are five items on the agenda for Tuesday’s Commission meeting that are of interest to LWPD.

Three items are on the Consent agenda, which means they are approved as a block unless one of the Commissioners pulls an item for a separate vote. The public is not allowed to speak on Consent items.

Consent Item I, to authorize a mutual aid agreement with 27 Palm Beach County law enforcement agencies.

Consent Item R, to confirm the election of Sgt. Mendelsberg as Police representative on the Civil Service Board.

Consent Item S, confirm the re-election of Lt. Moss as trustee on the Police Pension Board.

Under Public Hearings is the second reading (final approval) of a new ordinance amending the hours of sale of alcoholic beverages. Public Comment is allowed.

Finally, under Unfinished Business, is a report on the status of PBSO merger negotiations. The back up on this item is extensive (32 pages) and includes updates budget and personnel costs, current roster of police personnel and payroll information and a copy of the revised actuarial study. PBSO will analyze this same data and return a proposal to city. If the Commission concurs, negotiations will begin. This is not necessarily an action item (to be voted on) unless a Commissioner makes a motion. Then public comment will be allowed.

If you’re not familiar with how to find the back-up material for these items, go to the city’s website, www.lakeworth.org (http://www.lakeworth.org) Move your mouse over Commission in the left side banner on the home page. When the menu opens up, click on Commission Agendas, then 2008, then May 6. To see the back-up material for an item on the agenda, just click on the item and the material will open up in a new window.

Hope to see many of you at City Hall on Tuesday at 6pm.
All the best,
M.

This is wild. A very concerned citizen gives us more information on the PD then the city does. Thank you Mary for being so concerned for all of us at LWDP. God Bless.

Thank you Mary also. The information you posted are very informative. I hope one day you're elected into office. You really take the time to educate yourself on the issues and think about possible solutions. Once again. Thanks!

Hopefully they will do the right thing and allow PBSO to come in. Thanks Mary for the info.

Thanks Mary!

I just came from a meeting with the Mayor and residents near Golfview Drive. The purpose of this meeting was to learn from the Mayor about plans for boat ramp parking and a boardwalk around Snook Island. After those questions were answered, the subject of the PBSO merger and Tuesday's agenda item came up.

The Mayor was very positive and outlined a few different possible scenarios for negotiating the $12 million "shortfall" in future pension benefits. That's the issue that seems to be the biggest hurdle. There were maybe 25-30 people from that neighborhood in attendance and most were in favor of the merger when they learned that merging with PBSO does not mean we will lose our current officers.

One neighbor pointed out that we are residents AND TAXPAYERS of the County as well as the City and therefore we are not losing control of anything by being a part of a county wide agency.

All in all, a very optimistic meeting.
M.

Wow....$12 million is a lot of money. This may take a little longer than I expected.

$12 million IS a lot of money - almost equal to the total ad valorum taxes collected in one year for the whole city. But, it is an estimate. The final number for how much it will cost to close the Lake Worth plan will depend on who chooses FRS, how much time they have in etc. etc. etc.

Lake Worth does not come to this negotiation empty handed. We have the building, the vehicles and other assets and most importantly, the merger is not just good for Lake Worth. It's also good for the County as well. Believe it, if this wasn't in the best interest of the Sheriff's office too, the deal would have died long ago. All those factors and more will come into play when everyone sits down and does the give and take thing.

Hope springs eternal!
M.

Mary,

Thank you for the information. Please keep us updated on all future negotiations.

Commission aproved consent item to move ahead with negotiations with PBSO. Baldwin is set to meet with Major Veccia next week>>>

Maybe their's hope?

Meet all they want. It ain't happen'in. Maybe another year or 2. Just being realistic here. Trust me, I want it badly too.

So what was the outcome??

Sorry not to reply sooner. The Commission voted unanimously to receive the reply from the Sheriff's office and begin negotiations based on that proposal. It was really more of an update, rather than an action item and until the Sheriff's response comes back, there's not too much to talk about. What matters is how the city plans on meeting their pension cost obligation and the cost involved in closing the plan. The City Manager is charged with leading these talks and frankly, I don't have much confidence in his commitment to make this happen. I'm hoping a Commissioner, Mr. Vespo for example, will be involved directly and report back to the Commission for their final approval.

If anyone would like to talk to me directly and confidentially, please feel free to contact me. miramay@bellsouth.net or 602-8874
M.

It sounded to me that the CM did not want to do the deal this year and was using the budget as an excuse. He knows he will not be here next year so he wants to blow it off. I hope Vespo knows this so he can watch this guy. What do you think Mary?

It sounded to me that the CM did not want to do the deal this year and was using the budget as an excuse. He knows he will not be here next year so he wants to blow it off. I hope Vespo knows this so he can watch this guy. What do you think Mary?

For politicians, the merger is a political issue. For administrators, like the city manager, it’s an administrative issue, for finance directors, it’s a money issue, for employees, it’s a career issue and for the public it’s a public safety issue. That’s a bit oversimplified, and some people involved do care about more than their own particular dog in this hunt. But mostly, it’s true and explains what motivates the different players in this.

There was a meeting last evening at the Police Dept with residents from South J and K Street neighborhoods. Twenty-five or so residents, Commissioners Lowe, Jennings and Vespo were there along with Chief Smith, Lt. White and other officers. People spoke about specific properties in the area that were chronic problems, the recent homicide and street shootings and asked for help. Some of these residents were frightened to even leave their homes in the morning for work, much less try to organize crime walks. Overgrown alleys and abandoned houses were just some of the code issues they brought up. Many expressed reluctance to call the Police because they either didn’t want to be a bother, were afraid of retribution from criminals or weren’t sure what kind of incidents they should call and report – actual crimes or just suspicious persons.

The neighborhood association in that area has fallen into inactive status and there was some talk about reviving it, but again, many people were hesitant to make themselves a target (literally!). Other neighborhood associations were present at the meeting and offered to help get things started, like clean-ups and flyering door to door. The CRA will be asked to increase their overtime grants for patrols in the area and all the properties mentioned were put on a list for more frequent regular patrols and further investigation.

Several people spoke about increasing the resources for our PD by merging with PBSO and one taxpayer was adamant about paying more taxes to accommodate a sufficient police budget to address the problems. That same citizen offered $1000 towards a street camera near his property.
One citizen took an application for COP.

What do I think? I heard all the same fear and outrage when the little girl was raped and dumped in the garbage two years ago, when the three homicides were committed in January, when the whacko with the machete nearly decapitated a man in February, when the guy filling his tank was shot at the station on Federal, and when the ATM customer was robbed at gunpoint in April. There were lots of public meetings in lots of neighborhoods from downtown to the Osbourne gym. Unfortunately, the criminals didn’t come to share their views on the matter.

Either public safety is a priority and it’s treated AND FUNDED as a priority or it isn’t a priority at all and we can spare ourselves the bother of pretending that it is. I think if the city of Lake Worth cannot or will not fund the level of service the taxpayers demand, then for heaven’s sake let’s Go Green.

M.

We should rename this site, maryaffairs.com

Actually, that's not a bad idea. So far I've read more facts than rumors when Mary posts. I have nothing, but praises for someone that is willing to keep us informed about the future of our police department. And she's just a citizen.

Thanks again Mary

I am just a citizen and there's a lot I don't know so please forgive how stupid these questions may seem.

I’m looking at the spreadsheets the city provided to the Sheriff’s office and I have a few questions maybe some of you can answer for me. All these spreadsheets are in the back-up material from the May 6th Commission meeting.

The dept. budget shows $150,000 for uniforms. The budget worksheets show clothing allowance with a total of $99,300 including vacancies and all employees. What exactly does clothing allowance cover? Is this for cleaning uniforms or replacing worn-out items? How is it paid? Do you buy all your own uniforms and get reimbursed through the clothing allowance or does the dept. provide the uniforms at no charge to the individual employee? I’m asking because there’s a $50,000 difference between what’s on the budget and the worksheets.

The clothing allowance for Lieutenants and above is $900 and for everyone else (civilians, dispatchers, officers and Sergeants it’s $775. My first reaction is that officers on the streets would go through uniforms more than civilian employees or dispatchers, but I don’t know and that’s why I’m asking.

I apologize if these questions seem intrusive but I like first hand information. Thank you in advance for your patience with my inquiries and if anyone from PBSO who reads this would care to share what those policies are, I would appreciate that information too.

I also found it interesting that the cost for vacant positions is included in these numbers that were sent to PBSO. I’m wondering if that means the city would expect the Sheriff’s office to fill these positions. I count 66 sworn officers on the roster (not counting sergeants and above) and I’m told that on any given shift we have 5-7 officers on the streets. That’s 15-21 officers per day. Would having those vacant positions filled mean more officers on the street?

Thank you.
M.

Clothing allowance is for the care and maintenance of uniform/clothing/boots/etc.
Some things are supplied like uniforms, some things are not like boots, undershirts, other gear.
Those getting $775 bargained for a lower allowance to get a higher pay scale for some of those in their contract.
The vacancy and officer on the street formula can be complex depending on where those officers are deployed, vacations, sick leave, days off. If there is a vacancy there is no expenditure. If it is filled, then you pay for it.

Don't anyone take this the wrong way. I don't want to see anyone lose anything in this deal. But if the position is already vacant, and the Sheriffs office with different shifts etc. can still do the job, then why count these vacant positions in the spreadsheets. When you include these vacant positions, positions which have not been filed in years in the equation, it raises the final number up, which would be the final price. Is this another way to try to throw a monkey wrench in the works. I believe the Sheriff needs accurate figures, of how many people are currently employed by LW PD, dispatchers, non sworn, and sworn including SGt's and Lt's. Then balance this with what the City wants as far as staffing, and work out a contract. Don't throw phantom positions in the mix, that would not have been filled anyway due to budget constraints. Thats just my take on the matter. Attack away guys.

Don't anyone take this the wrong way. I don't want to see anyone lose anything in this deal. But if the position is already vacant, and the Sheriffs office with different shifts etc. can still do the job, then why count these vacant positions in the spreadsheets. When you include these vacant positions, positions which have not been filed in years in the equation, it raises the final number up, which would be the final price. Is this another way to try to throw a monkey wrench in the works. I believe the Sheriff needs accurate figures, of how many people are currently employed by LW PD, dispatchers, non sworn, and sworn including SGt's and Lt's. Then balance this with what the City wants as far as staffing, and work out a contract. Don't throw phantom positions in the mix, that would not have been filled anyway due to budget constraints. Thats just my take on the matter. Attack away guys.
You make a good point. They need to take the shills out.

County may have problems too.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/ ... t0511.html (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/05/10/countybudget0511.html)

County may have problems too.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/ ... t0511.html (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/05/10/countybudget0511.html)

The Sheriff will get the money he needs

I hope Broward can get their money.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/ ... 4776.story (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbtax0507sbmay07,0,694776.story)

Any word on the merger this week, did they meet with the Sherriff's office to start negotiations yet, I had heard that was supposed to start this week.

[quote="Guest 1111":144apd9m]It sounded to me that the CM did not want to do the deal this year and was using the budget as an excuse. He knows he will not be here next year so he wants to blow it off. I hope Vespo knows this so he can watch this guy. What do you think Mary?

For politicians, the merger is a political issue. For administrators, like the city manager, it’s an administrative issue, for finance directors, it’s a money issue, for employees, it’s a career issue and for the public it’s a public safety issue. That’s a bit oversimplified, and some people involved do care about more than their own particular dog in this hunt. But mostly, it’s true and explains what motivates the different players in this.

There was a meeting last evening at the Police Dept with residents from South J and K Street neighborhoods. Twenty-five or so residents, Commissioners Lowe, Jennings and Vespo were there along with Chief Smith, Lt. White and other officers. People spoke about specific properties in the area that were chronic problems, the recent homicide and street shootings and asked for help. Some of these residents were frightened to even leave their homes in the morning for work, much less try to organize crime walks. Overgrown alleys and abandoned houses were just some of the code issues they brought up. Many expressed reluctance to call the Police because they either didn’t want to be a bother, were afraid of retribution from criminals or weren’t sure what kind of incidents they should call and report – actual crimes or just suspicious persons.

The neighborhood association in that area has fallen into inactive status and there was some talk about reviving it, but again, many people were hesitant to make themselves a target (literally!). Other neighborhood associations were present at the meeting and offered to help get things started, like clean-ups and flyering door to door. The CRA will be asked to increase their overtime grants for patrols in the area and all the properties mentioned were put on a list for more frequent regular patrols and further investigation.

Several people spoke about increasing the resources for our PD by merging with PBSO and one taxpayer was adamant about paying more taxes to accommodate a sufficient police budget to address the problems. That same citizen offered $1000 towards a street camera near his property.
One citizen took an application for COP.

What do I think? I heard all the same fear and outrage when the little girl was raped and dumped in the garbage two years ago, when the three homicides were committed in January, when the whacko with the machete nearly decapitated a man in February, when the guy filling his tank was shot at the station on Federal, and when the ATM customer was robbed at gunpoint in April. There were lots of public meetings in lots of neighborhoods from downtown to the Osbourne gym. Unfortunately, the criminals didn’t come to share their views on the matter.

Either public safety is a priority and it’s treated AND FUNDED as a priority or it isn’t a priority at all and we can spare ourselves the bother of pretending that it is. I think if the city of Lake Worth cannot or will not fund the level of service the taxpayers demand, then for heaven’s sake let’s Go Green.

M.[/quote:144apd9m]

Isn't that funny the chief show's up for a meeting we have only been asking him to come to our meeting's for 2 year'sor more. I quess he got off of his A-- becuase now with the merger back on he won't have a job if the SO take's over. SORRY CHIEF to little to late you should have cared for your city sooner.

This should show everyone that he dosen't care for anything but himself.

Last poster, think about what you just wrote. If it was a little late, why would he want to bother showing up. The ingratitude you people have. If this is what PBSO looks forward to mergering with. I wish this attempt ill x 10. I can't imagine 2, 3, or 4 years down the line what you'll be saying about the Sheriff.

Remember when you had out dated emergency bar lights. Remember when you were equiped with laptops when neither SO or West Palm had theirs yet. Remember a worn torn station which was later transformed into a decent public safety complex to work in. Remember when LWPD became one of the top 5 well paid departments. What I've cited isn't even a fraction of the great things accomplished under this Chief and as a whole.

To the last poster, if you're so bright, put in for the job. Try pleasing the Commission and some 90 + officers at the same time. Try working with a limited budget. Since you're a know it all. You want SO just for your self interest. It really isn't about the city of Lake Worth or it's residents because you could care less. If you want PBSO so badly, why don't you apply there?

If this SO merger rant keeps going on with LWPD. I vouch that a grassroot effort within this city will be mobilized to counter it. We'll flood both city and county commission with letters against it. From one neighbor to another. I'm not bluffing.

The citizens have the power, not you!!! You can leave and you'll surely be replaced with this down economy. There are many more bodies out there that wants your job and will get it in a heart beat. So this is not a bargaining issue. Conform yourself and stop being pessimistic. It really isn't a choice. The ball isn't in your court.

One more thing...I am sure the previous poster is a cop trying to act like citizen Joe. Nice try!

Last poster, think about what you just wrote. If it was a little late, why would he want to bother showing up. The ingratitude you people have. If this is what PBSO looks forward to mergering with. I wish this attempt ill x 10. I can't imagine 2, 3, or 4 years down the line what you'll be saying about the Sheriff.

Remember when you had out dated emergency bar lights. Remember when you were equiped with laptops when neither SO or West Palm had theirs yet. Remember a worn torn station which was later transformed into a decent public safety complex to work in. Remember when LWPD became one of the top 5 well paid departments. What I've cited isn't even a fraction of the great things accomplished under this Chief and as a whole.

To the last poster, if you're so bright, put in for the job. Try pleasing the Commission and some 90 + officers at the same time. Try working with a limited budget. Since you're a know it all. You want SO just for your self interest. It really isn't about the city of Lake Worth or it's residents because you could care less. If you want PBSO so badly, why don't you apply there?

If this SO merger rant keeps going on with LWPD. I vouch that a grassroot effort within this city will be mobilized to counter it. We'll flood both city and county commission with letters against it. From one neighbor to another. I'm not bluffing.

The citizens have the power, not you!!! You can leave and you'll surely be replaced with this down economy. There are many more bodies out there that wants your job and will get it in a heart beat. So this is not a bargaining issue. Conform yourself and stop being pessimistic. It really isn't a choice. The ball isn't in your court.

That's funny because it you attended the commissioners meetings every citizens there was for it. They are the voice, not you. The SO is a far superior agency and I'm sorry the majority of us want to have something better. The citizens will be better policed just as in Wellington and Royal Palm. We will have better equipment, benefits, and pay all at saving the city money. You are one of the few who don't want for whatever selfish reason. Get over yourself, and realize the city cannot afford to continue on the path it's on. The majority of citizens and officers want it. You should be behind us. I can tell you're definitely not a citizen, just an over paid administrator.

Last poster, think about what you just wrote. If it was a little late, why would he want to bother showing up. The ingratitude you people have. If this is what PBSO looks forward to mergering with. I wish this attempt ill x 10. I can't imagine 2, 3, or 4 years down the line what you'll be saying about the Sheriff.

Remember when you had out dated emergency bar lights. Remember when you were equiped with laptops when neither SO or West Palm had theirs yet. Remember a worn torn station which was later transformed into a decent public safety complex to work in. Remember when LWPD became one of the top 5 well paid departments. What I've cited isn't even a fraction of the great things accomplished under this Chief and as a whole.

To the last poster, if you're so bright, put in for the job. Try pleasing the Commission and some 90 + officers at the same time. Try working with a limited budget. Since you're a know it all. You want SO just for your self interest. It really isn't about the city of Lake Worth or it's residents because you could care less. If you want PBSO so badly, why don't you apply there?

If this SO merger rant keeps going on with LWPD. I vouch that a grassroot effort within this city will be mobilized to counter it. We'll flood both city and county commission with letters against it. From one neighbor to another. I'm not bluffing.

The citizens have the power, not you!!! You can leave and you'll surely be replaced with this down economy. There are many more bodies out there that wants your job and will get it in a heart beat. So this is not a bargaining issue. Conform yourself and stop being pessimistic. It really isn't a choice. The ball isn't in your court.


You're too late with your Obama like grassroots effort. The citizens want it. Your best bet is with the county commissioners, but they don't control the Sheriff. You need to grow up. Why would even attempt to stop a good thing? Regional policing is the way of the future and with a downturn economy the best possible solution.

Whoo-hoo, Obama for Prez :D

Last poster, think about what you just wrote. If it was a little late, why would he want to bother showing up. The ingratitude you people have. If this is what PBSO looks forward to mergering with. I wish this attempt ill x 10. I can't imagine 2, 3, or 4 years down the line what you'll be saying about the Sheriff.

Remember when you had out dated emergency bar lights. Remember when you were equiped with laptops when neither SO or West Palm had theirs yet. Remember a worn torn station which was later transformed into a decent public safety complex to work in. Remember when LWPD became one of the top 5 well paid departments. What I've cited isn't even a fraction of the great things accomplished under this Chief and as a whole.

To the last poster, if you're so bright, put in for the job. Try pleasing the Commission and some 90 + officers at the same time. Try working with a limited budget. Since you're a know it all. You want SO just for your self interest. It really isn't about the city of Lake Worth or it's residents because you could care less. If you want PBSO so badly, why don't you apply there?

If this SO merger rant keeps going on with LWPD. I vouch that a grassroot effort within this city will be mobilized to counter it. We'll flood both city and county commission with letters against it. From one neighbor to another. I'm not bluffing.

The citizens have the power, not you!!! You can leave and you'll surely be replaced with this down economy. There are many more bodies out there that wants your job and will get it in a heart beat. So this is not a bargaining issue. Conform yourself and stop being pessimistic. It really isn't a choice. The ball isn't in your court.

Hey Pat why don't you just go away, your retired and nobody want's to hear your BS any more. Something you and the chief did to an officer for no reason just got over turned and it cost the city over 5 thousand dollars to fight a written reprimand. You guys waste money like it was your own, but you can't solve any crime problems.
The chief never cared before when he was invited to meetings and now all of sudden he shows up when his job is on the line , please.

We need the SO.
At our FOP meeting KW and DM attempted to talk Vespo into making KW D/C and not make it a contract postion, nice try but it will not work.

"Oh Dear" needs to wake up and get with the times quickly! You can talk about history and "the way things use to be", but we need to consider today and tomorrow, not yesteryear. If you think this department has anything on the SO, you need to get out and do your homework.

A merger with the SO is what is best for all of us here, including the city.

Yes, and I hope you get that nice easy slot at the airport you are hoping for.

:shock:

(In reference to going green) Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?