Watchdog Report Vol.18 No. 40 March 25, 2018 – EST:05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – Celebrating almost 18 Years of weekly publishing
And here is my philosophy on why I do this? >>> This national story ran in all the Tribune papers around the nation and covers the early years of the WDR: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog and here is a different versionhttp://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american
>>>And having a member of the press at public meetings gives teeth to the Florida Sunshine Law (and why you get a Flu Shot) and open meetings tape recorded keeps good governance in place and reduces waste fraud and abuse, and public corruption, and is why you don’t speed in front of a state trooper for example.
>>> Further the www.watchdogreport.net in South Florida is an established news service presence, because most people are too busy to go to these important meetings. That is why my motto is ‘I go when you cannot.’ >>> Further, I am very efficient. Since I work alone, and all the information comes through me as a central point allowing me to see things at a 100-mile altitude and being an early warning system when projects have overruns or other issues. But my job is to sound the alarm and I have done so many times over the past years in a host of ways.
CONTENTS
ARGUS REPORT: Hundreds of thousands of students march in protest of military style rifles; Trump signs $1.3 trillion Omnibus bill, Frost Inventors in Residence Lab now open
STATE of FLORIDA: — “Police will be police,” said Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina to Miami commissioners Thursday when discussing putting Miami police in the Miami schools. He noted a school environment is different from the streets and the WDR in an extended conversation with Miami-Dade Schools police. They all said in the schools it is “all about conflict resolution,” and I started to gain an understanding of the different environment dealing with students many with home issues. Will Gov. Rick Scott push back against arming teachers, and will he get $400 million in new mental health funding?
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY: Ethics Commission Dir. Joe Centerino says sayonara to the body created by voters in 1998, competitive search set to begin for replacement, he came from state attorney’s office — It was revealed last week at a County Commission meeting that there is “15,000 frozen county employees,” and the reason for this is in the next two years the County will face a “$95 million gap,” said budget Director Jennifer Moon.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Millions of student’s March on Washington protesting people being able to buy AR-15 type of rifles like the one used at Margaret Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland and the movement has spread around the nation and protests are being held around the world.
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST: The tragedy at Florida International University recently highlights how important Ryder Trauma Center is to the community and while some students went to HCA owned Kendall Regional – JHS got a reprieve and $65 million in cuts and a resolution passed Tuesday hastily at the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commission Board meeting may have helped for JHS dodged a fiscal Bullet — Florida Legislature needs to fund Ryder Trauma, the communities crown jewel for Trauma– Ryder Trauma Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary — Community Crown Jewel Ryder Trauma Center has its Silver Anniversary last week, only Level 1 public trauma center in Miami-Dade, saves lives daily a community treasure!
CITY OF MIAMI: Commission shakes down land use attorney Diaz for $10,000 donation to the Optimist Club, was a major habit back in late 1990s — Miami code enforcement officers will be followed by a “beat cop,” says new code enforcement director high ranking Miami police officer, long overdue– Will power boat racing come back to Virginia Key basin in ecologically sensitive basin habitat, 100 personal watercrafts expected in different races? Needs Coast Guard approval and county’s DERM?
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH: Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, “no probable cause,” says county ethics commission, when she called police Chief Dan Oates
EDITORIALS: The Florida Legislature should keep its hands off the 20 counties that have Home Rule Charter local government is better with local leaders but yes not perfect, at least we arrest our own – Where does Miami draw the line with Lt. Col. Colmenares, stealing $300,0000 in donations for veterans? –Politicians don’t realize voter’s frustration is they are such hypocrites, many times (like now when congress gets paid but no other federal departments with the shut-down) in their own actions Florida Constitutional commission should insist on transparency, not darkness as Sunshine law gets diluted — Most politicians hate the press- Florida needs Sunshine Amendment many municipalizes out of control and get little press coverage or oversight, legislators on wrong side of this one
LETTERS: Important mission of Lotus Village, helping women and children needs community support
>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)
>>> If you wish to be deleted, just e-mail me with that message.
>>> And here is the story done by Miami New Times when they named the publisher as the community’s Best of Miami and Best Citizen and to read the story go to: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/best-of/2003/people-and-places/best-citizen-6399517
>> Given his dedication and perseverance, this new honor, Best Citizen, is well deserved. Ricker goes to 2500 mind-melting meetings annually, from the Public Health Trust’s purchasing subcommittee to the Efficiency and Competition Commission to the Alliance for Human Services’ nominating council to the school board’s audit committee. Sometimes he’s the only public observe
Object: to be the Public Citizen for all those out there who can’t attend, and to connect and serve as an information bridge among the special-interest-dominated Miami-Dade governmental institutions that seem newsletter, The Watchdog Report, celebrates its [18h] Anniversary. In a former life Ricker made a handsome living as an international salesman of heart pacemakers. As the hard-working publisher of Watchdog, though, he’s struggling financially — this even though his weekly compendium of meeting summaries, analysis, interviews, and commentary has become essential reading for anyone involved in public affairs. What his written work may lack in polish, it more than makes up for in comprehensiveness. So, raise a toast to the man whose official slogan says it all: “A community education resource — I go when you cannot!”
ARGUS REPORT: Heard Seen on the Streets
>>> Hundred of thousands of students march in protest of military style rifles; Trump signs $1.3 trillion Omnibus bill, Frost Inventors in Residence Lab now open
President Donald Trump signed a $1.3 trillion Omnibus budget saying this would be the last time he signs such a massive bill and wants the oval office to have veto power that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled is not constitutional and has been sought by many of his predecessors and the president wants the senate filibuster rule to be “scraped,” but that is highly unlikely, rather than at the last minute as has been the case with these massive federal budgets.
What about the march on Washington?
Hundreds of Thousands protesting students “March for Our Lives,” took to the streets around the nation demanding an end to the sale of the popular AR-15 that became more popular after President Barack Obama was elected. Since ATF keeps track of these sales and prior to that election the military grade rifle was not that popular given its limited use (and many were bought just before the 2006 election and was considered an investment to some. Further the students are asking lawmakers to renew the assault rifle ban. AND that is what the students are looking for and the NRA on twitter has kept it low key in response to the 800 massive student marches around the nation. Many of the speakers at the rallies supported the Second Amendment and were focused on semi-automatic rifles and since Colobine some 20-years ago. Amish school house students were killed and in Florida there is some movement in the way of better background checks and mental health. But many of the students noted this was not a red or blue issue and some 4 million millennials will be turning 18 and able to vote as they vow to keep on the pressure. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/article206718129.html
>>> Stop by the new Super Hero Inventors in Residence Lab, now open at Frost Science.
>>> “Ready or Not, Here I come,” Donna Shalala announces her run for House Dist.27, says good genes
“Ready or Not, Here I Come,” writes new congressional candidate Donna Shalala, Ph.D. in a campaign blast email and the former Health and Human Services secretary and past president of the University of Miami is jumping into a crowded Democratic party field with a host of candidates trying for the House Dist.27 previously held by long serving U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami.
Shalala has opened a campaign office in Coconut Grove on Mary Street and the high profile Democratic leader and big Hillary Clinton fan will likely be dissected in the primary and after her decades in public service and Democratic Party politics it could get ugly and some of the competing candidates have already taken shots from her age to selling some donated land that is Ecologically pine rock land for a proposed Walmart.
Shalala in the media, says even though she would be a sophomore in the lower chamber she would make her presence noted in the U.S. House should she win the primary. She is a prodigious fund raiser (just had a fundraiser with VP Joe Biden) and raised over $2 billion for the University’s Miami Momentum II Campaign while president and this is her first attempt at a public office election. The watchdog Report met Shalala’s mother (at the UM Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and I was a speaker) when she was 92 and the attorney and tennis player was a fireball back then.
Pundits in this race believe the primary winner will only need some 10,000 votes to sweep the crowded field of candidates and includes a host of municipal and state lawmaker candidates including Miami Commissioner Ken Russell who was taught “to be polite,” a campaign email blast states. For more on the Shalala campaign go to: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article203649559.html Further, last week Shala in television interviews dominated the weekend news shows and while polling well. However, she got a withering story in the Miami New Times and the corporate boards she has sat on and the stock she owns. Here is that story and Ken Russell running for the congressional seat led a march of Coconut Grove school children down to the circle at Miami City Hall and had a silent prayer along with millions of other students around the nation. However, some are wondering if it was pandering (though he does have children and his kids are great vote getters) and a way to raise his profile in South Florida. He has always been an underdog candidate. After he beat Teresa Sarnoff who raised millions with the help of her termed out husband Marc Sarnoff a termed-out commissioner. But he missed a key community meeting on the historic homes in village west. And some wonder if the congressional campaign is taking his eye off the ball. http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/donna-shalala-served-on-lennar-and-unitedhealth-boards-10156562 Further, Russell sent out a press release that he attended the Washington march. Shalala is also running her first campaign ads saying she is ready from day one and her challengers are attacking her campaign donations to Republican candidates and her challengers are pounding her on this issue.
>>> Knight Foundation injects $2.5 million to fact check news
The John S. and James L. Knight foundation has committed $2.5 million to organizations fighting fake news and the idea of fake news. I believe started when Dan Rather of CBS ran a story on George Bush II that turned out to be wrong and after that mistake broke a republican candidate when I was interviewing him said “are you going to Rather me?” I joked back you want me to FOX you instead and that blunder on Rather’s part started the ball rolling and then Brian Williams (who still has a snarky attitude) added to the fire when he embellished his military coverage and saying he had been under fire which was not true.
>>> Connect Miami is a new program trying to get residents to engage with their neighbors and friends to broaden community interaction something that at times may be difficult to do. And for more go to www.connectmiami.org And Many of the events are free.in the future.
STATE OF FLORIDA
>>> “Police will be police,” said Miami Police Chief Jorge R. Colina, to Miami commissioners Thursday when discussing putting Miami police in the schools. He noted a school environment is different from the streets and the WDR in an extended conversation with Miami-Dade Schools police. They all said in the schools it is “all about conflict resolution,” and I started to gain a better understanding of the different environment dealing with students many with home issues. 
Miami Chief Colina
Further on Thursday there was a strong police presence in Coconut Grove and at city Hall.
Gov. Scot changes tone now asking for $500 million in mental health funding a school safety
>>> The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade Annual Report is out and to see what the organization has done over the years go to; https://www.thechildrenstrust.org/ and is seen when children have to repeat a grade and results in a large community bubble and County Commissioner Dennis Moss noted when he was in school there was a “Truancy officer,” and they would pick you up take you to school and also “call your mama,” said Moss but that oversite is hard since a parent may be taking care of multiple kids and not able to ensure her children are in school and the lack of literacy was brought home when the County’s Police Department Director Juan J. Perez told a committee when he was in school he spoke no English and was held back an d he said he learned to read ‘real fast after that,” wake up call. And at a county commission meeting the issue of literacy and the lack of it among certain parts of the community had Jean Monestime wondering how he can do more in his own community to foster literacy and the Children’s trust has a host of reading programs throughout the county including in the summer free books being sent to eligible students.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
>>>> Ethics Commission Dir. Joe Centerino says sayonara to the body created by voters in 1998, competitive search set to begin for replacement he came from state attorney’s office
>>> MB Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez cleared of Ethics Accusation
Ethics Commission press release: The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust today found No Probable Cause that Miami Beach City Commissioner Kristen Rosen-Gonzalez exploited her official position when she got involved in the investigation of a political supporter but will issue a Letter of Instruction admonishing her for exercising “bad judgement.” The complaint (C 17-38) targeted emails Commissioner Rosen-Gonzalez sent to Miami Beach Police Chief Dan Oates, vouching for the character of Erik Agazim, the owner of Lock and Load gun range in Wynwood. Agazim asked for her help after he said he was photographed by a neighbor with whom he had prior conflicts, and who Agazim claimed was attempting to have him arrested for wearing military gear and carrying heavy firearms. Agazim told Rosen-Gonzalez that he was only protecting his business in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The investigation determined that Commissioner Rosen-Gonzalez was unaware of a criminal investigation against Agazim at the time of her email and she withdrew her involvement when Police Chief Oates told her it was inappropriate. For those reasons, the COE staff recommended the complaint be dismissed with an admonition for the Commissioner to avoid any future appearance of impropriety in the performance of her public duty. The Ethics Commission approved a Letter of Reprimand after settling a complaint (C 17-34) in January with a former procurement official in the Miami-Dade Aviation Department who solicited a job with an outside company while helping the firm during a bid process and then lying about it on a disclosure affidavit. The Letter states that Debra Shore “violated the public trust and the integrity of the County’s competitive bid process” when she exploited her official position to place her own needs above those of the County, which employed her, and adding that “her actions have damaged the reputation and credibility of the procurement process at MDAD.” Shore, who resigned from her Aviation position to take a job with AvAirPros in April of 2015, has also paid a $1,000 fine.
A battle between an Opa-Locka City Commissioner and the City Manager that was brought to the Ethics Commission was found Not Legally Sufficient. Eddie Brown, Opa-Locka’ s City Manager, filed a complaint (C 18-09) against Commissioner Matthew Pigatt, accusing him of several actions, including cursing, asking the city attorney to draft legislation to terminate Brown, and expressing displeasure with Brown’s contract. Because none of the allegations identify any violations within the juristic http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article167018567.htmlpublications, as well as on the Ethics Commission website (ethics.miamidade.gov), with a May 4, 2018, deadline to receive applications. Mr. Centerino assumed the position of COE Executive Director on September 1, 2011, following a 25-year career at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office – most of that time serving as the Chief of the Public Corruption Unit.
>>> It was revealed last week at a County Commission meeting that there is “15,000 frozen county employees,” and the reason for this is in the next two years the County will face a “$95 million gap,” said budget Director Jennifer Moon.
And these unfilled positions are going unfilled because of legislation changing the Homestead Exemption and governments are having to adjust budgets before this kick in in two years and this is a significant gap that the county’s administration must close in the months ahead n why some of these steps are in place.
Mayor Carlos Gimenez told county commissioners that when it comes to solar panels for electricity and need a lot of acreage that the rock pits owned by the county could be used for large solar arrays once battery technology has been perfected since there would be a drop off at night. However, this is the first time I had heard of this idea as FP&L expands its solar footprint.
Robert A. Ginsberg, the longest serving Miami-Dade County Attorney will have his portrait hung in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark government center and the man was a legal legend and a true gentlemen and he was the longest serving attorney in county history from 1980 to 2005 and is why it is “one of the top law firms in the county,” multiple commissioners said. The legal eagle deserves this honor and his “warm smile,” is missed said Commissioner Rebeca Sosa. For more on his passing go to. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article167018567.html he was also an early supporter of the WDR.
What did the OIG find back in 1999?
Back in 1999 the newly created office of the Miami-Dade County inspector general did an investigation of 30,000 water meters and found some two thirds of 15,000 meters were bypassed, and it was a cottage industry back then and farmers in Homestead were using county water for fields using fire hydrants for the long lines and the report concluded some $30 million was being lost in county revenue through leaks and this systematic bypassing of water meters and is a cottage industry in South Florida. I bring this up because the county has raised the price of water and if you have any leak it will involve serious money and will hit renters hard in the coming years.
>>> Further, last year’s IG annual report is out and it is a fascinating read and the office has saved millions since its creation 20-year ago and to read the report go to: http://www.miamidadeig.org/ANNUALREPORTS2.htm
>>> The Frost Museum also received a significant grant. http://www.frostscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PHILLIP-AND-PATRICIA-FROST-MUSEUM-OF-SCIENCE-SELECTED-AS-GRANT-RECEPIENT-FROM-RESILIENT-COMMUNITIES-PROGRAM-4-1.pdf February 2018 Rev PAR in Greater Miami and The Beaches increased by +17.2% versus the previous year. ADR also increased by +12.1% during February 2018. Hotel room occupancy reached 86.9%, an increase of +4.5% over the previous year. Hotel rooms sold increased by +4.2% and hotel room inventory decreased by -0.3%. Greater Miami and The Beaches continues to be impacted by global economies and the Miami Beach Convention Center expansion and renovation. |
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>>> New continuum of care center coming for homeless with mental issues, JHS involved one stop center
The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust along with Jackson Health System is opening a one stop public facility for homeless who qualify for a new diversion program with a mental illness and includes many veterans on the streets and is an old facility previously used by the state, but it will offer a continuum of care and was briefly discussed at the trust board meeting Friday. The whole community has been seeking ways to resolve the mental health issues of the homeless now drawing in people with opioid addiction and a drop of fentanyl can kill and many times is cut with cheap yellow Mexican heroin that appeared years past and is causing thousands of overdoses and the city of Miami spent $150,000 in procuring the miracle drug Narcan that can revive a overdosed person almost immediately and these people cut across all ethnic lines and the issue was discussed Sunday on “This Week in South Florida,” and to see the show go to https://www.local10.com/this-week-in-south-florida/this-week-in-south-florida-oct-29
>>> And here is a broader explanation on the new facility Health System – Public Health Trust.
“Progress is being made to create a first of its kind mental health diversion and treatment facility which will centralize, coordinate, and provide a seamless continuum of care for individuals, including homeless individuals, who are frequent and high cost users of taxpayer funded services in the criminal justice and acute care treatment systems. South Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc., DCF’s Managing Entity for administering state substance abuse and mental health funding in Miami-Dade County, will lead the renovation of a former state forensic hospital in Miami which will bring together community-based treatment and social services providers under one roof.
The project will include an integrated crisis stabilization unit and addiction receiving facility, various levels of residential treatment, day treatment and day activities programs, intensive case management, peer support and mentoring services, outpatient behavioral health and primary care treatment services, and vocational rehabilitation/supportive employment services. All services will be designed to address the complex and co-occurring needs of the target population, including mental health, substance abuse, physical health, histories of physical and emotional trauma, and risk factors for future criminal justice involvement.
The facility will also include space for the courts and for social service agencies such housing providers, legal services, and immigration services that will address the comprehensive needs of individuals served. By housing a full array of services and supports in one location, it is anticipated that many of the barriers and obstacles to navigating traditional community mental health, substance abuse, and social services will be removed; and individuals who are currently recycling through the justice system, crisis units, hospitals, and other deep end services will be more likely to engage in ongoing and sustainable treatment and recovery services. The Mental Health Diversion Facility is championed by Judge Steven Leifman, who chairs the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust’s Finance & Audit Committee. The project has been developed with input from the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration, which will be responsible for designating and licensing service providers at the facility. The Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation spearheaded efforts to occupy the building based on a 99-year lease at $1/year. The facility is funded, in large part, with county General Obligation Bond funds, with additional funding provided by the Jackson Health and The Public Health Trust.
What about the Homeless Trust’s Rent Connect program with landlords?
The trust has a new program where people with rental housing can register their rental with the county and for more on the program go to: http://www.homelesstrust.org/rentconnect.asp
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
>>> Millions of student’s March on Washington protesting people being able to buy AR-15 type of rifles like the one used at Margaret Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland and the movement has spread around the nation and protests are being held around the world.
However, one high profile student is being portrayed as against the Second Amendment and in an interview with the media. He says he understands the importance of this since his father is a retired FBI Special Agent and their guns in his house. He said people have no reason to have a weapon of war the AR-15 and the guns were banned until 2004 when the assault weapon ban was lifted and the gun gained popularity after President Obama was elected and people feared the government would take their guns and that did not materialize but the gun ownership went up after his election and has become ubiquitous around the nation.
The Hialeah Gardens Middle School Jazz band rocked the school board auditorium and the band’s stirring rendition of Glenn Miller’s “Sing, Sing Sing,” was moving and the drummer a future Gene Krupa got the tom-tom-beat just right and these musicians should get signed up for these were great musicians and having these programs was the idea of Supt. Alberto Carvalho. As a former drummer I say to the band great job!
>>> Community watchdog and firewall meets Tuesday Audit Committee
The School Board Audit and Budget Review Committee is meeting Tuesday and this board is the community firewall and watchdog and is made up of accountants and CPA.s and is one of the community’s best functioning boards with a smooth transition of its leadership since 2004 and that is a big deal because a decade before the chair Hank Mack never changed. Further when he was voted out there was “awkward pause,” in the room and the requisite plaque was created. Further the Audit department has a new Chief Auditor And here is the agenda and includes the WLRN audit. http://mca.dadeschools.net/AuditCommittee/AC_March_13_2018/item5.pdf
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST
>>> The tragedy at Florida International University recently highlights how important Ryder Trauma Center is to the community and while some students went to HCA owned Kendall Regional >>> JHS got a reprieve and a resolution passed Tuesday hastily at the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commission Board meeting may have helped for JHS dodged a fiscal Bullitt
JHS is faring better with the state because of its dramatic turnaround under CEO Carlos Migoya a hard-nosed banker yet can work with the unions looking for efficiencies and essentially being left alone by the county commission, no easy task.
>>>> Florida Legislature needs to fund Ryder Trauma, the communities crown jewel for Trauma
What about Ryder Trauma?
Florida Legislators need to reaffirm the importance of the Ryder Trauma Center and keep funding for the medical center. One of the finest in the world and is the only Class I Center in South Florida and should be nurtured by law makers. I reminded Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R Monday of this fact. He noted when a Florida State Trooper was badly injured it was Ryder that saved his life and he seemed to understand what a jewel the center is to the community.
>>> Trust continues to have clean audits, challenges continue ahead, closed the year with $30 million budget surplus, 50 days cash on hand, new rehabilitation Center property prepped Friday
The PHT trustees meeting was short and sweet Wednesday with the health trust having a “clean,” KPMG audit for last year and the auditing firm has been the trust’s auditor for 7 years but having no audit exemptions is a big deal and back in 2004 under previous management the trust took a $84 million chargeback on past audits going back to the late 1990s.
What about the new rehabilitation Center?
Migoya said Friday dignitaries were going to start the demolition of buildings on land that will be used for the new rehabilitation facilities long awaited and needed at JHS and is being founded from the $830 million obligation bond passed overwhelmingly by voters after the trust righted itself with help of the unions and currently there are some 1,200 full time workers an there is currently “50 days of cash,” on hand and at one point years ago it was only some 9 to 15 days and put the health trust in jeopardy but Migoya and his team has turned that fiscal situation through efficiencies in the rear mirror.
>>> New report on how JHS spending $830 million bond monies, going well
Here is the most recent update on the $830 million GOB passed by County wide voters to update the ageing facilities at Jackson Health System and the projects are going very well and includes minority vender participation similar the public schools oversight system and this public money is key to the communities’ health since there is a big push toward prevention and wellness has FIU physicians doing primary and family medicine and is a real boon in keeping healthcare costs down. To read the report go:
file:///C:/Users/DAN%20RICKER/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/8UMCRP67/Mayor-BCC-PHT%20-%20CAC%20Quarterly%20Report%20-%20July%20to%20September%202017.pdf
CITY OF MIAMI
>>> Commission shakes down land use attorney Diaz for $10,000 donation to the Optimist Club, was a major habit back in late 1990s
Former state Rep. Jose “Pepe” Diaz pitched an affordable housing development at Thursday’s Miami Commission meting and Commissioner joe Carollo extracted $10,000 rom the past lawmaker and while the money is to go the optimist Club and this type of shakedown was very popular at the end of 1990’s a when the Ritz Carleton added an unpermitted extra floor. Then Commissioner J.L. Plummer asked the developer to make a $500,000 donation to a worthwhile charity, but this is not a good governance practice and makes it seem when it comes to Miami. Money talks and is a poor habit for leaders to bargain this way. Miami City Hall is up armored and on Thursday two policeman were outside the building with assault rifles instead of just a hand gun. Further police cars were spotted outside Coconut Grove Elementary school and Saint Stevens.
What about all the mayor’s travel?
Carollo also is taking digs at all the travel the Mayor is doing and he noted when he was mayor he did not do that much but Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado did extensive travel, many times with his children in tow. Further, Carollo and Suarez had a sharp exchange when discussing the creation of the Miami Forever oversight board and Carollo lectured Suarez on the city’s form of government and that it was not a strong mayor form that Suarez is pushing but meeting resistance.
What about the Watson Island Flagstone project?
Suarez Friday told the WDR that he believes the city appeal of a local court ruling will be successful saying past administrations due diligence for the Flagstone Development on Watson Island was flawed and the developer never had the financial where with all to get the project done and the company “had been shopping the deal,” he said and the final verdict will be determined by the District’s Third Court of appeal. However, this deal has always been political and was selected by the financial urgency board created by the state and at the time was chaired by banker Adolpho Henriques and the Flagstone project was to pay the most of three proposals that were put on the ballot. The selection committee back in 2001 met at the Miami outboard motor club. Further, the city was sued $120 million for it claiming the development was in default and along with pension concerns the city is dealing with a variety of fiscal obligations.
>>> Miami code enforcement officers will be followed by a “beat cop,” says new code enforcement director high ranking Miami police officer, long over due
The City of Miami is cracking down on code violations and enforcement and a new director is a high-ranking Miami Police officer and these “beat code enforcement officers. Will works weekends and a new hot line is being established. Since over the weekends many people “cut down trees,” or do other violations including noise and Commissioner Joe Carollo led the charge and has asked how “Many blind code enforcement officers does the city have?” Further, the director noted “police officers, “will be “visible and prevalent.” The city has been known to be lax when it comes to the enforcement of the city’s code.
>>> Will power boat racing come back to Virginia Key basin in ecologically sensitive habitat, 100 personal watercrafts expected in different races? Needs Coast Guard approval and DERM?
The Virginia Key Advisory Board got a surprise when they heard about up to 100 jet skis, in different races, and powerboats want to race in the Marine Stadium basin where rowers, kayaks and other groups like the Dragon Boat racers practice. The race boats are baby Lady Budweiser boats 24 to 28 feet with shallow draft, 300 HP stock Mercury engines and the races would be globally televised and was being pushed by the city. Further, the Miami marine patrol said the biggest problem with Virginia Key Basin is “jet skis,” said the officer and the area is considered environmentally sensitive. Further, one speaker noted the state statutes should be modified to limit the anchoring of moorings and how long a boat can anchor. There other “arrows in our quiver,” regarding the “mooring Field,” said one board member re the mooring field.
What about soccer fields on Virginia Key? However, Bruce Matheson told me recently that a 116acre land fill could be cleaned up and mitigated for some $5 million, a Hollywood firm did similar site in St. Lucie County, he said
Miami Commissioners are starting to express an interest in putting soccer fields possible on Virginia Key and it was suggested by Commissioner Joe Carollo and Commissioner Manolo Reyes who also noted the need for such facilities as did Mayor Francis Suarez. However, the Key is an ecological treasure and includes a major landfill dump that the county has $40 million from a bond to clean it up but says that is short. However, Matheson had an outside engineering firm Hazel & Sawyer, from Hollywood look at it and they believed the 116-acre landfill could be capped and mitigated for some $5 million and the firm did a similar project in St. Lucie County near their airport. Further, in this landfill is an earthmoving machine that was sucked into the toxic dump decades ago. But if cleaned up it is prime waterfront property and this dump should be addressed once and for all for Virginia Key needs to no longer be a Miami stepchild asset,
What about the derelict boats on Watson island?
Hundreds of derelict boats after hurricane Irma are stacked on the Bayside of Watson Island and is not only a major eyesore but the fiberglass in the air next to the Miami Children’s Museum can’t be good for the kids.
What is Raquel Regalado doing now?
Commissioner Manola Reyes nominated Raquel Regalado as one of the Miami Status of Women 2018 honorees and she is listed as working as the Director of Operations at Optimum Development USA, the North American Affiliate of a Luxembourg Asset Management Company. States the program and Joe Carolllo named his former chief-of staff Ronda Vangates and the Thursday morning ceremony Mistress of Ceremony was WPLG TV Reporter Glenna Millberg. Community activist Allyson Warren the Chair of the Miami Commission on the Status of Women welcomed the recipients.
>>> Commission balks at rubber stamping board for Bayfront Park trust, at large members all Carollo’s choice
Commissioner Joe Carollo when it comes to the Bay Front Park Trust, he chairs a watchdog board. He wants to be able to pick all the at Large members on the relatively small board which he says is the “commission’s tradition,” but Commissioner Ken Russell balked at that and he wanted to see resumes” to see Carollo’s appointments. And back in 2000. This trust caught my attention and was then chaired by long serving Commissioner J.L. Plummer and the executive director Ira Katz was later arrested. However, Carollo shot back that he doesn’t remember of needing resumes with past candidates and suggested maybe the “CRA,” chairs not appoint their own board members if an exception can’t be made.
Carollo also during a budget update warned given some of the city’s possible liabilities and a potential $120 million settlement with the police and fire unions could send the city in a fiscal spiral and frugality should be the watchword. Further, and of course the Flagstone development suit on Watson island another $120 million liability facing Miami.
What about good governance at Bayfront Park Trust?
The WDR ears perked up when I heard this about the trust board members and was surprised. Carollo was so serious about having essentially a rubber stamp board. Since he is such a stickler on other matters, but this trust and the MESA board are a Miami back door entity to do projects on the waterfront. That rarely come to fruition such as the Flagstone project. Further his brother Frank had been pushing for an over $1 million German playground set that was a no bid contract and caused discussion among many the board members. Russell also suggested FIU professor Nathan Kurland be on the board. The man has been on it for some time and readers will see if Carollo changes his mind.
 Carollo |
 Russell |
What about the Miami Children’s Museum (MCM)?
Carollo also went after the MCM director because the not for-profit was seeking some city land about a half-acre for a new Autism wing and is offering to also make a park in the land left and would be maintained by MCM saving the city money. Editor’s note: Carollo said his wife had an autistic boy and one Miami Charter school once they heard the “A” word never called his wife back, he told his peers on the dais, and he thought that was deeply wrong he said. Without naming the school. He also reminded commissioners when he left there was $100 million in reserves back in 2001 when Mayor Manny Diaz was elected and blew through a lot of this reserve with the Marlins stadium and the Global Agreement with the county being the final strain on the Miami budget.
What about the Forever Miami bond Oversight Board?
However, Carollo wanted with MCM to see three property appraisals part of legislation known as “the Carollo Amendment,” that sates any projects on waterfront land must get voter approval and was passed by voters back in 1984. The city’s finances were very aggressive saying. Miami is dependent on real estate and when things are good the city “spends money like a drunken sailor,” and rarely socks anyway in a “rainy day” fund.
Carollo wants former Mayor Diaz to tell commission what he thinks of Marlins stadium now, calls it worst deal ever, “total sellout of Miami residents,” says Carollo
Dereck Jetter the new owner of the Miami Marlins spoke to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on his plans for the new team he acquired. “Every player is playing for his job,” he told the crowd and they are going to build a new team from the ground up. He further noted that he is “listening to fans’ and believes some of the new perks given for season holders will help bring fans back.
What did Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo say Thursday about the stadium deal?
He requested for past Mayor Manny Diaz who crafted the deal while meeting with county officials at the old Grand Bay Hotel in the Grove, getting room service, smoking some cigars and hashed out the financing with then county manager George burgess and recalled Mayor Carlos Alvarez and the county’s budget office also had concerns with the financing package that through the life of the 30-year bond will come out. To some $1.6 billion. and the terms are set in stone and the deal is generally described as tax payers getting “hosed,” is the phrase heard often. Carollo wants Diaz to come to the commission “to explain what he thinks of the deal now.
Lotus Village gets a $50,000 Drake donation
The Lotus House village since Feb.2, 2018 has 265 women and children at the facility and will eventually hold 500 women and children in the future and the shelter provides much need services for women and their children. And for more go to
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/article198995194.html http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/article198995194.html and for more go to https://lotushouse.org/
>>> Some leaders leave office with grace, others Sarnoff can’t live without the limelight, walking the halls and commissioner’s offices during commission breaks, even had a book done of his achievements something rarely done
Some elected leaders leave office with grace, while others still crave the adulation and former Miami Dost. 2 Commissioner Marc Sarnoff at the last commission meeting was shuttling between Commissioners Manolo Reyes and Joe Carollo’s offices and the man in a Miami Herald opinion column last week reminded readers that the issue of affordable housing in the Village West in Coconut Grove and the man who pushed his wife into running for his past office since he was termed out. Further, using public money he christened a book on his accomplishments while in office, and I suggested maybe he wanted an obelisk after his reign.
What was shocking at a commission meeting?
A Over town woman Karen Cartwright gave a blunt assessment of what it is like to live in Overtown calling it a “warzone,” with residents being threatened with AR-15 type of firearms and children are getting used to seeing “dead bodies,” on the streets and Miami Commission Chair Keon Hardeman who represents the area called what is going on “domestic terrorism,” that all the government employees see every day and Hardeman said around the nation Overtown is “known as where someone can get the best drugs,” he said. Yet the area also receives released inmates from county jails and since there is a UM state legislation allowing a “needle exchange program,” the commissioner wondered why the not -for-profit van doing the program resides in Overtown and wondered why this area is so neglected and has “residents in fear.” The exchange was more a pleading for the city to do something about it. He said he was tired of Overtown being treated like a “freak show,” said the chair.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli%C3%A1n_Gonz%C3%A1lez_affair
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article124820224.html
EDITORIALS
>>> The Florida Legislature should keep its hands off the 20 counties that have Home Rule Charter local government is better with local leaders but yes not perfect, at least we arrest our own
Thank you, Florida Legislature, for requiring at local meetings the public has “a right to be heard,” and at the county commission and at local municipal meetings law makers are hearing a host of matters many times with the bark on and usually deal with a local community dilemma that might be heard without this new opportunity to be heard. However, the legislature is wrong to dilute the powers of Home Rule Counties and try to put a state overlay of laws that don’t represent the diversity of the state’s communities and since there are 20 Home Rule Counties local government is always better for residents and voters should let their legislators know they should keep their hands off parenting local government since counties already get beat up in the capital and since Miami-Dade is the state’s largest county with 2.5 million residents and a donor community by some 34 percent of the state’s budget, said the Florida CFO years ago. The state lawmakers should keep that in mind and let local government decide their own legislation regarding issues that affect the local communities.
>>> Mayor Suarez needs to lead by example, and be careful who he hob nods with, city needs to tighten-up
New Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has a unique chance to change the permissive culture of the city where practically no Miami employee wears their city ID or carries cards. Further, city leaders have to tighten up with whom they associate with and if someone is a convicted felon one might want to steer clear because the mayor sets the tone of the administration and after the last few years things were very loose and who you knew versus your competency, was many times over rode and Miami residents deserve better and every city employee represents all and should never forget that you are a public figure and a public servant something many employees seem to forget.
>>> Politicians don’t realize voter’s frustration is they are such hypocrites, many times in their own actions
Politicians are always asking for our trust but it is the hypocrisy of their actions that has gone on for years that makes voters jaded and even if voters pass something they then renege on any promises made and the Pet Trust is one such example and for many local politicians who are high maintenance they forget they work for the people and voters should not have to say thank you for running for office which periodically raises its ugly head and that it is a privilege that just sometimes is based on someone getting their resume punched and the idea of political dynasties in the coming 2017 election is not the way to elect our local representatives and the public can only hope that their true colors will not be seen during their time being a public servant. Further, with municipal elections coming. Since you did not run yourself will you at least vote Nov. 7 and make your community a better place with quality elected leaders or have a small minority chose your leaders. It is up to you.
>>> The Watchdog Report is soon Celebrating 18 years of weekly reliable publishing since May 5th 2000 and when I started back then I never thought I would be doing this so this is a national story in all the national Tribune papers: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog. And while I have taken a licking over the years including some medical issues I have kept at the job thanks to my supporters who I thank so very much over the many years. And the community’s public institutions are better when it comes to them knowing what the other is doing. And Why I have tried to be an information electrolyte for these giant institution’s leaders and things and here is a national story done on why I started to watch government back in 2000 http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog and to all the people along the way that have helped me I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
LETTERS
>>> Lotus Village provides vital services for Miami women and children
Here is some information about the Lotus Village. In Lotus Village, we seek to create a prototype for the future, in which shelter and services for those in need are fully integrated with the urban fabric of the neighborhood we call home. In addition to offering increased capacity with efficient design and land utilization, Lotus Village will include a holistic neighborhood health clinic and children’s day care and wellness center, serving Lotus House and our community.
The shelter facilities in Lotus Village, to be operated by Lotus House, are being designed to accommodate high special needs individuals and families, including programs for youth, elders and the medically needy, a safe haven for those with severe trauma histories, pregnant women and infants, and families of all shapes and sizes. The children’s wellness center will offer child therapy services, nurturing parenting classes, a day care and playground. Food service and dining facilities will include training programs for life skills and job readiness, in addition to meal preparation, dining and a wide range of social activities. A neighborhood health clinic will offer a complement of basic and preventive health care, maternal and pediatric care, eye and dental care, behavioral health and wellness, and a wide range of health and wellness programming for the shelter and our Overtown neighborhood. Deeply integrated in the fabric of our neighborhood, Lotus Village will provide critical linkages to a network of service providers and resources in the larger community, empowering those we shelter and serve to build the foundation for enriched, happier and healthier lives.
You can learn more at: http://lotusendowment.org/about-lotus-village/
>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding by the Knight Foundation with technical support from the Knight Center www.knightfoundation.org to maintain my webpage. The Watchdog Report webpage is free, has no pops-up and is just the news in a mainstream reporting manner.
>>>> The Watchdog Report publisher for 16 years now, has reported back weekly on how your billions of public dollars in local government are being spent. And how to help support me providing this information is at the end of the WDR. And I hope you will consider supporting keeping an independent news service out in our community, where what is going on with all our government entities is of critical benefit for both the public institutions but voters as well l. Thank You.
And to my Supporters I pledge to keep ‘going when you cannot.’ And we have about $9 billion in GOB funds being spent through a variety of public institutions and that is no small number and in the past I have broken the story on Cuban refugees coming in droves and also the Oriental fruit fly quarantine and its huge economic impact to name just a few of the more recent stories in past WDR’s.And I also keep watch for the all-important tourism industry and with the Zika Virus people are starting to understand how vital these tourists are for a host of amenities like culture and the arts, Jackson health System and transportation dollars all entities that benefit from tourism sales tax dollars.
>>> And while the Watchdog Report has reached16 years of using my own money to survive in the costlier Miami community. And while I have cut expenses I need my readers help. In this fast changing world and with Pay Pal now you can easily use a credit card to contribute and I hope you will consider helping keeping someone out in the field. And I have not wanted to be a lobbyist but rather a lobbyist for everyone and is why I use the tag line ‘I go when you cannot’. But things were made worse after spending 18 days in the hospital with a badly infected finger. And is why I am behind sending my traditional thank you letter to any supporters contributing and hop to catch up in the near future. And I thank these people from the bottom of my heart for the past financial help.
>>> I just ask any reader, once a year who thinks this community resource is valuable to contribute via my Pay Pal account for the fiscal issues sometimes keeps me from going to a meeting sometimes, and the stress also affects my health and only with my readers support can “I go when you cannot,” thank you and hope you will help so the WDR can celebrate 17 years on May 5th.
>>> And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account at https://paypal.me/WatchdogReport
>>>And you can now easily support the Watchdog Report by going to my new PayPal Button account, you know you want to do it at https://paypal.me/WatchdogReport for as media resources contract residents still need to know that someone is also watching out for their interests. Because government watched is a better governing experience for voters and their local quality of life?
However, it is no easy task to do the WDR weekly. And years ago the county Ethics Commission did a report that suggested over the past decade some $50 million had been spent fighting waste fraud abuse and public corruption and having the press at public meetings (some very obscure) changes the tone of the meeting (and is why you don’t speed past a state trooper, if you’re smart) Further, I have tried to be an information electrolyte available to all free between these large public institutions when I first started back in 1997. And many public meetings back then were not being recorded except by me and that is no longer the case.
For an accurate public record is key and diminishes future legal action. For you either have an accurate public record or you don’t. And I hope you will consider helping me in this effort to keep the community informed and saving taxpayer monies in the process. And I thank my supporters over the last 17 years. And to read a national story and profile of the WDR publisher in the early years and background back in 2003 go to: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american
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>>> Publisher’s Statement on the mission of the Watchdog Report and the special people and organizations that make it possible: Government Subscribers/Corporate Subscribers/Sustaining Sponsors/Supporting Sponsors the Watchdog Report covers a few of the meetings attended weekly. It remains my belief that an informed public will make better decisions. Therefore, I go to meetings, make the presence of an informed citizen known, and bring the information to you. The Watchdog Report is in the fourth year of publication and it has been an honor to be able to send this information to you. It is sent to readers in Miami-Dade, Florida, the U.S. and the world. The Watchdog Report is sent to thousands free and while readers have been prodded to subscribe the results have been mixed. Over 250 reports and Extras have been sent since May 5, 2000 and over one million words have been written on our community’s governments and events. The report is an original work based on information gathered at public meetings, interviews and from documents in the public domain. I welcome letters via e-mail. Letters may be edited for length or clarity and must refer to material published in the Watchdog Report. Please see address and contact information. Please send any additions and corrections by e-mail, fax or snail mail. All corrections will be published in the next Watchdog Report. If you or your organization would like to publish the contents of this newsletter, please contact me. Please send your request to watchdogreport1@earthlink.net
Daniel A. Ricker
Publisher & Editor
Watchdog Report
Est. 05.05.00
Copyright © of original material, 2017, Daniel A. Ricker
>>> The Miami Herald and Orlando Sentinel & Sun-Sentinel articles on the Watchdog Report publisher over the years.
Published on September 9, 1999, Page 1EA, Miami Herald, the (FL)
CITIZEN ADVOCATE’ KEEPS TABS ON POLITICIANS
Published on January 3, 2000, Page 1B, Miami Herald, the (FL)
MIAMI-DADE WATCHDOG WILL BE MISSED
Published on January 20, 2003, Page 1E, Orlando Sentinel, PAPERWORK TIGER, Miami’s citizen watchdog piles up government files in his quest to keep the “little people” informed. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog
>>>Watchdog Report publisher named ‘Best Citizen’ 2003 by the Miami New Times
The publisher would like to thank the weekly alternative paper Miami New Times for bestowing their 2003 Best of Miami, ‘Best Citizen’ award to me and I am honored. Thank you. To read the full story go to http://www.miaminewtimes.com/best-of/2003/people-and-places/best-citizen-6399517
>>> General subscriber’s names will not be published in the Report. To subscribe to the Watchdog Report please use the form below as a subscription invoice. ********************
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