Watchdog Report Vol.18 No.39 March 18, 2018 EST: 05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – Celebrating almost 18 – years of Weekly publishing

Miami Chief Colina

 

Gov. Scott 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 jurisdiction of the Ethics Code, the complaint was dismissed.

 

A complaint (C 18-12) filed against a Sweetwater City Commissioner was also dismissed after being found Not Legally Sufficient.  Commissioner David Borrero was accused of having a conflict of interest when he proposed an ordinance at the February 5^th city commission meeting regarding unsolicited proposals for public-private partnerships.  No partnerships had been proposed by Borrero’s company or any other firm, and the Commissioner had not engaged in any activity that would constitute a conflict, and so the complaint was deemed pre-emptive.

 

Also, today, Ethics Commission Executive Director Joseph Centerino announced his intention to leave his position at the end of August, noting that a competitive process is required to find his replacement.  Ethics Commissioners agreed on the wording of an advertisement that will be posted in several ethics and legal recruitment publications, 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. 

 

>>>> A cost saver and low key fiscal watchdog Scott Mendelsberg after 30 years retired from Miami-Dade County hall, solid very competent back in 1994, no income tax advocate Schulte praised the man and had Chair Arthur Teele, Jr. saying “your public wants to hear from you,” said Teele at the Sept.12 budget hearing.

 

One of Miami-Dade’s best budget analysts Scott W. Mendelsberg after 30-years is stepping down and the man was a true professional and even George Shulte spoke of him in a 1994 September budget hearing chaired by then Commission Chair Arthur Teele, Jr. who has since passed and Shulte known for getting no income tax in the Florida Constitution and he railed how the county was spending its billions and said. Mendelsberg was the only hope and noted how he saved taxpayer dollars, in a video that ran during his ceremony in the chamber’s pit area. Jennifer Moon the county’s budget guru said he had a kind side even though they went to different Greek organizations in university and I have known the man for over 18 years. He was always straight up with me and he also taught public affairs at the university of Miami and I once spoke to the class about what I was doing, and I consider him a friend. Further at the group photo Moon and others put a likeness of his face on paddles and the OMB is a pressure cooker department and Scott was moved over the years from water and sewer and more recently the M-DC Fire and Rescue budget office and the man has an honest easy going way about him. Oddly Sally Heyman was sporting a small gun pin on her red suit jacket at the public Safety and Healthcare committee and from the dais she references that she has “twice been in law enforcement,” and includes being a state representative termed out in 2002. And the attorney, followed Gwen Margolis in the commission district.

 

>>> 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.

 

>>>> Gimenez now on the board of the controversial Miami Expressway Authority(MDX) was grilled by commission Chair Estephan Bovo, Jr., if the mayor had attended a MDX recent board meeting that Commissioner Audrey Edmonson could not attend. Bovo said the public thinks the commission controls the tolls and when increased they get the blame. The mayor said that between MDX and the Florida turnpike their tolls go up based on the “CPI.” He said there is “gobs of money going to the state and not here in south Florida he suggested.

 

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 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

 
GMCVB press release: RECORD ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD SERVICE JOBS IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES REPORTED FOR JANUARY 2018
Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service jobs increased +0.5 percent in January 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, showing the continued strength of the destination’s travel and tourism industry in generating jobs for the community.

Record Greater Miami Accommodations & Food Service Jobs
January 2018	January 2017	% Change
128,900	125,300	+0.5%

>>> 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

 

>>> WLRN and Friends of WLRN audit out federal audit on going, formula and method used since 2001, how much owed is in dispute, two advisory boards looking at issue of independence of station and school board

 

The WLRN audit was released last week and it is a fascinating read and while there was a dispute of whether “fraud,” might have been commuted. However, a management practice established in 2001 and a funding formula involving revenues from a cable bandwidth deal. However, the Public Broadcast Corporation(PBC) disagrees with the way the revenue was accounted for. Here are the long audits of WLRN and Friends of WLRN. However, there is still an ongoing federal audit and that is still pending. And to read the audit go to: http://mca.dadeschools.net/AuditCommittee/AC_March_13_2018/Agenda.pdf The public television and radio station is owned by the school board and the issue of independence is being deliberated by two advisory groups and Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said it may include “three different agreements,”

 

The assets of the Stations exceeded liabilities at the close of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 by approximately $10.9 million and $11.2 million, respectively. Of this amount, as of June 30, 2017 and 2016 approximately $9.0 million and $9.5 million was invested in capital assets, and approximately $1.9 million and $1.7 million was restricted for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (“CPB”) grants funded future expenses, respectively.

 

At the close of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the Stations’ governmental fund reported an ending fund balance of approximately $1.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively, which is restricted for the CPB.

 

The largest portion of the Stations’ net position of approximately $9.0 million and $9.5 million for fiscal years ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, reflects its net investment in capital assets (e.g. buildings and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and motor vehicles). The net investment in capital assets portion of net position is not available for future spending. The remaining net position represents approximately $1.9 million and $1.7 million of restricted funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (“CPB”) future grant funded expenses.

 

2017-2016

Revenues:
Program revenues:
Grants from the Florida Department of Education 407,447 $  407,447 $          
Grants from CPB 1,335,949         1,300,038        
Other grants, subsidies and support 3,326,040         4,127,530        
Total revenues 5,069,436         5,835,015        
Expenses:
Program expenses 4,765,422         5,308,289        
Loss on disposal of capital assets 20,218               62,724              
Depreciation expense 588,064             590,020            
Total expenditures/expenses 5,373,704         5,961,033        
Change in net position (304,268)           (126,018)          
Net position, beginning of year 11,191,085       11,452,346      
Net effect of prior year restatement (Note 1.O)                         (135,243)          
Net position, end of year 10,886,817 $     11,191,085

Go to the WLRN link for the full report http://mca.dadeschools.net/AuditCommittee/AC_March_13_2018/Agenda.pdf“>http://mca.dadeschools.net/AuditCommittee/AC_March_13_2018/Agenda.pdf
 

>>> 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 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

 

>>> 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 did Carollo say about the city’s finances and 501c3s?

 

Commissioner Joe Carollo complained that Miami has a unique problem claiming that “80,” of the community’s “Not -For Profits,” are in Miami and are exempt from the city’s property tax rolls yet need city services he carped. Another issue related to that are all the government buildings that also populate Miami a became a real issue when the city has a fiscal crisis and would include a parking surcharge since dissolved by the courts and ultimately ignored by many public institutions.

 

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 5^th 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 5^th.

 

>>> 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        

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

 

***** LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & Initial sponsors since 2000

 

Mr. ANGEL ESPINOSA – (Deceased) owner COCONUT GROVE DRY CLEANER’S

HUGH CULVERHOUSE, Jr (The first contributor)

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT www.fpl.com .

THE MIAMI HERALD www.miamiherald.com (2000-2008)

ARTHUR HERTZ

WILLIAM HUGGETT, Seamen Attorney (Deceased)

ALFRED NOVAK

LINDA E. RICKER (Deceased)

JOHN S. and JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION www.knightfoundation.org

THE HONORABLE STANLEY G. TATE

 

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $2,000 a year

 

BADIA SPICES www.badiaspices.com

RONALD HALL

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov

UNITED WAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.unitedwaymiamidade.org

 

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $1,000 to $5,000 a year

 

EIDSON, COLSON & HICKS www.eadisoncolsonon.com

BADIA SPICES www.badiaspices.com

BERKOWITZ POLLACK BRANT Advisors and Accountants www.bpbcpa.com

JEFFREY L. BERKOWITZ TRUST

BERKOW RADELL FERNANDEZ & LARKIN www.brzoinglaw.com

RON BOOK

LINDA MURPHY: Gave a new laptop in Oct. 2001 to keep me going.

WILLIAM PALMER www.shutts.com

Rbb PUBLIC RELATIONS www.rbbcommmunications.com

ROYAL MEDIA PARTNERS www.royalmp.com

SHUBIN & BASS www.shubinbass.com

WILLIAMSOM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP http://williamsonautomotivegroup.com/

 

>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less

 

CITY OF MIAMI www.miamigov.com.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES www.coralgables.com

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH www.miamibeachfl.gov

CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.chapmanpartnership.org

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY www.fiu.edu

THE STATE OF FLORIDA www.myflorida.gov

GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.miamichamber.com

GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU www.miamiandbeaches.com

HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA www.hfsf.org

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIR www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ETHICS & PUBLIC TRUST COMMISSION

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/

MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INSPECTOR GENERAL www.miamidade.gov/ig

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschools.net

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPT. http://superintendent.dadeschools.net/

MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY www.miamidda.com

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM www.jhsmiami.org

THE BEACON COUNCIL www.beaconcouncil.com

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org

THE GOOD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE http://goodgov.net/

THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES www.mdclc.org

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION www.miamifoundation.org

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA http://www.firstgov.gov/

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu

 

>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less

CITY OF MIAMI www.miamigov.com.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES www.coralgables.com

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH www.miamibeachfl.gov

CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.chapmanpartnership.org

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY www.fiu.edu

THE STATE OF FLORIDA www.myflorida.gov

GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.miamichamber.com

GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU www.miamiandbeaches.com

HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA www.hfsf.org

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIR www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/

MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION ON ETHICS and PUBLIC TRUST www.ethics.miamidade.gov  

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INSPECTOR GENERAL www.miamidade.gov/ig

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschools.net

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPT. http://superintendent.dadeschools.net/

MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY www.miamidda.com

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM www.jhsmiami.org

THE BEACON COUNCIL www.beaconcouncil.com

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org

THE GOOD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE http://goodgov.net/

THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES www.mdclc.org

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION www.miamifoundation.org

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA http://www.firstgov.gov/

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu

 

>>> 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. ********************

Watchdog Report Supporters Invoice-Form Thank you

 

Supporting Sponsors $5,000

Sustaining Sponsors $2,000

Corporate Sponsors $1,000 (All levels above will be listed in the report with web-site link if desired)

 

Large Business Supporters $500

Small Business Supporters $250 

Individual Supporter $150

 

Make Checks payable to Daniel Ricker

3109 Grand Ave, #125 Miami, Florida 33133