The GM has written checks totaling $18,000 for Mrs. March to attend school.

The statement below is from the minutes of a recent Board of Supervisors Meeting.

"Supervisor Miller questioned a $1,688 check written for an MBA class. Mrs. March responded that this class was approved several months ago in order for her to get the qualifications to apply for a CPA license."

How many other District employees have received this type of generosity?

The candidates are Supervisor Richard Miller and Ms. Patricia Steele.  Many feel the campaigns will not start in earnest
until after Labor Day.

Currently both campaigns are organizing and collecting political contributions to fund their run for office.  Money is the
"Mother's Milk" of politics.

The election is set for the first Tuesday in November and will be run by the Highlands County Supervisor of Elections Mr.
Joe Campbell.

The election laws require each candidate keep track and report monies collected and spent to fund their campaign.

CLICK HERE to read Ms. Steele's Campaign Treasurer's Report Summary

POA

July Monthly Meeting

Monday, July 26, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Community Center - 3500 Edgewater

Drive, Sebring,

Florida 33872

Speakers

Candidates for Tax Collector

Candidates for Commissioner

 

Need I Say More?

---

Avon Park's city staff, department heads and administration are to be commended for their hard work on this year's budget.

The first budget workshop, which was scheduled on June 26, a full month earlier than the other municipalities, went off with almost no hitches.

The council's first look saw a balanced budget despite the estimated $100,000 loss in ad-valorem taxes and loses in sales taxes from the state -- proof that staff understands the economic situation and are willing to bend to fit the economic times.

Additionally, hard work was put into finding ways to further trim the budget without job loss or pay cuts, keeping as many employed as possible in order to uphold the level of service.

A look around the downtown shows that there is a concentrated effort to keep the city looking good, especially the Mall and Museum Avenue, and there are even plans to pursue beautification work on Hal McRae Boulevard.

The police department is almost back to full staff, thanks to the hard work from Interim Police Chief Michael J. Rowan, and the fire department continues to keep a diligent watch, thanks to Interim Chief David Cloud. Both departments are doing so without increasing taxes or the fire assessments.

Julian Deleon with Public Works recently proposed adding five people to replace one who retired by contracting with the Avon Park Correctional Institute, and dropping other contracts in the process.

The Public Works Department has worked hard this last year to acquire new properties in order to raise enterprise revenue, which has helped considerably with the financial status of the city.

Each department was careful in making sure that their operating funds were thinned out, but still the city is looking at the same level of service as last year, including road paving. There are plans to repave and repair 23 city roads this upcoming fiscal year.

Some additional ideas were bantered about between staff and the council, including a complete up-to-date inventory of vehicles, which for some reason fell to the wayside, and trimming overtime by 25 percent, something that may not prove feasible with the projected storm season.

One item that seemed to make no sense was cutting one person's salary in order to hire a part-time position to help out the finance director, and we hope that is just a passing fancy.

But overall, with those few items to the side, the budget was timely, informative, and balanced.

The staff and administration seem to understand the idea of providing core services to the community, the city is no longer in jeopardy of losing jobs every time an quarterly update comes in, and the staff now has more in revenue coming in than they are spending.

What more could anyone ask?

Good job, Avon Park. The taxpayers appreciate your hard work.

1) Call to order – President Halbig
2) Pledge of Allegiance
3) Announcements:

a. Special meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at the Community Center, 3500 Edgewater Drive at 6:00 p.m. to hold a Public Hearing on the General Fund, Utility Fund and Golf Operations Budgets
b. Next regular meeting and Public Hearing on the General Fund, Utility Fund and Golf Operation Budgets is scheduled for Friday, August 13, 2010 at the Community Center, 3500 Edgewater Drive at 9:00 am

4) CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes of the Budget Workshop held Friday, June 25, 2010
b. Minutes of the Regular Meeting held Friday, July 9, 2010
c. Minutes of the Budget Workshop held Friday, July 9, 2010
d. Acknowledgment receipt of District Treasurer’s report and financial statements, and Golf Clubhouse operations financial report
Motion to approve Consent Agenda

5) ACTION AGENDA

a. Resolution No. 10-29: To prohibit Trespassing on certain District owned Recreational and Public Purpose properties
b. Discussion: Naming of the Golf Clubhouse Restaurant
Agenda
c. Discussion: Directional Signage

6) Add-on items
7) Petitions and Communications
Staff Reports
a. SBA Announcement: $8.425 million in additional liquidity available from fund B
b. Federal Special Response Security report for June 2010
9) General Counsel Report
a. Foreclosure Status Report- 6/30/10
10) General Manager Report
a. Marketing/Communications Report for June 2010
11) Unfinished Business
12) New Business
13) Committee Reports
14) Public Comments-Public Comments will be limited to three minutes, however, another two minutes may be allowed. A maximum of five minutes is allowed for public comments. Inquiries may be made during this time and responses will be forthcoming in written form.
15) Discussion to/from Board
16) Other Business
17) Adjournment

If the "Dynamic Duo" (one is gone) had not spotted and recognized Mr. De Leon's faults and run him off we would be suffering like the residents Avon Park.

Fixing and repaving roads, who needs that? Who needs drainage problems fixed? 

Thanks Dynamic Duo for saving Sun 'n Lake from all of this.

---

By ED BALDRIDGE

ed.baldridge@newssun.com

AVON PARK -- The face-lift process continues in Avon Park and Public Works Director Julian Deleon has set out his paving schedule for the rest of the summer.

Deleon laid out an aggressive plan earlier this year to resurface 26 roads within the city, and city council has approved that plan.

"The City Council has taken bold steps by funding and reconstructing the city's roadway system. This infrastructure investment improves the level of service and driving experience for our residents," Deleon said on Monday.

Deleon has been on the job for just eight months, but has pressed for consistent maintenance of the city's roadways and utilities

A total of 26 roads will be resurfaced in Avon Park over the next few months and Deleon said that the city is also repairing some of the problem flooding areas inside the city limits as well.

"We are literally looking at and touching every corner in Avon Park," Deleon said.

Along with the repaving, the city will complete paving and build-up of three roads.

"We just finished Woodmere, and Fogle is next. Kathleen is also on the plan, but we may have to do that one next fiscal year," Deleon added.

The swales and the ditch work that go along with the repaving will be addressed, as will the problematic area at Pleasant Street and Anoka Avenue, which tends to flood every time it rains.

"We are upgrading the drainage, and just replacing a lot of the swales that have been filled in over the years. The work on Pleasant should improve that area drastically," Deleon said.

A swale is a landscaping feature that channels and collects water so that it can percolate into the soil.

By JOE SEELIG

Highlands Today

Published: July 20, 2010

SEBRING - The Sun 'n Lake of Sebring golf clubhouse was closed Monday and will remain that way until Aug. 1, while contractors apply sound-dampening materials to walls and ceilings inside the new building that opened on Dec. 5.

Meanwhile, the pro shop and association room will remain open during this period. Also, limited food and beverage service will be available on the patio.

"We're doing some remedial work," said Al Grieshaber, the Sun 'n Lake Improvement District general manager. "A sound absorption material is being sprayed and troweled onto the vertical walls in the 19th Hole and on the ceiling.

"The banquet room is going to get a more noise-absorbing tile, changing out the ceiling tiles."

This is not a simple process because the SonaKrete sound absorbing material adds a half-to-three-quarter-inch of thickness to the walls and ceilings, Grieshaber said.

This means they have to remove the lights and then put them back in, lower the sprinkler heads and they have to extend the security lights and trim out the bottom of the application.

The cost of installing the SonaKrete and tiles is about $60,000.

It was a board decision to do the work, and improvements will be done in a three-or-four-step process, he said.

New 3-M film was applied to the windows and window shades have been installed into the 13,400-square-foot golf clubhouse. The cost of the film and window shades and drapes was $17,605.

The new golf clubhouse features a 2,448-square-foot 19th Hole Restaurant, a 2,380-square-foot banquet room and a new pro shop. The restaurant is surrounded on two sides by a large screened porch.

According to Grieshaber, work has already begun on the 13,400-square-foot building.

The old Candlelight Restaurant building was 10,000 square feet.

Right now the building is simply called the Golf Clubhouse, but that will change. The district held a contest which ended on Friday.

On Friday, July 23 the district board of supervisors will vote on four suggested names as well as others that may have been submitted.

The four suggested names are: The Greens; The Island; Island Greens; and Candlelight on the Lake.

The structure will contain the 19th Hole gathering place, which is 51 feet by 48 feet or 2,448 square feet, plus a 70-by-34-foot banquet hall, accounting for another 2,380 square feet.

The new clubhouse no longer has a swimming pool, which was pulled out prior to its construction. A new swimming pool and recreation complex is scheduled to open on Labor Day, Sept. 6.

The new recreation center will have a "zero entry" pool, said Grieshaber. That's a pool one can gradually walk into or even roll a wheelchair.

"This is the only zero entry pool that I know of in Highlands County and we have water features," he said. "We have the capability to heat it. Whether it is heated remains to be decided."

The construction was currently under way in the bath house where residents and their guests will be able to change, put things into a locker and take showers.

Halbig said the fee schedule for the facility has not been set yet, but the district will offer memberships for people living outside of the district.

"We're looking at that as part of our budget process," said Supervisor Diana Johnson.

Johnson said the cost for these renovations is coming out of the original budget for the clubhouse, as it came in under budget.

"We had a $117,000 change-order as a credit," said Grieshaber. "It's coming out of that."

Severino and his lawyer have petition the State of Florida Commission on Ethics for a public hearing.  It will be held in Highlands County, date is has not been set.

 In June the Commission found "Probable Cause" against Mr. Severino.  That finding allows the defendant 2 choices:

1 - Petition for a public hearing ( that was his choice)
2 - Negotiate a "Plea Agreement"

This complaint was filed while Severino was still a supervisor.  Under the terms of a resolution passed by the former Board of Supervisors the District can be requested to pay the legal fees.   The question is if he is found guilty will the money be returned to the District?  CLICK HERE to read documentation.

Sun 'n Lake has nothing to worry about.  These bad times will not hold the District back.  We have the answer for the entire US.  Sun 'n Lake will lead President Obama to the promised land, far away from those pesky Republicans.

Don't forget we have the Sun 'n Lake Marketing Plan lead by Christi Wolf, Marketing Director.  Supporting the team are the "the cream of Sun 'n Lake society."   Those with vision that know no matter what's happening  or how the economy looks in the US we have nothing to be concerned about, keep spending the money. 

After the Titanic hit the iceberg, the captain was over heard saying, "Don't worry we are unsinkable."

They don't care if the roads fall apart (as long as it doesn't happen where they live). 

The total golf club membership is about 2-3% of the 8,000 residents in the District.  The goal is to increase the number of new member no matter what the other 97% have to pay.  They will not let  money  "effect their god given lifestyle."  It's golf and the chosen have their rights.

It was suggested the membership fee be increased.  That was quickly reject.  We cannot ask our members to bear an unjustly heavy burden.  It's true we are the one's that use it, but the non-members benefit with higher property values. 

Nothing more needs to be said except, "spend, spend and then spend more."  Remember it's just money.

---

By GARY PINNELL

Highlands Today

Published: July 17, 2010

SEBRING - Way back in the boom of 2006, the Highlands County building department issued 23 permits a week to construct single- or multiple-family homes.

But this is the recession of 2010. From January to June, only 23 permits to build new homes have been issued, period.

Today's building department keeps busy by inspecting 363 roofs, 256 mechanical jobs, 190 fences, 11 sprinkler or fire systems, and 70 residential additions. Nineteen solar systems have been installed, 29 boathouses or docks built, and 27 mobile homes have been moved in.

"That's mainly the bulk of our inspections these days," said Building Official SY Moseley, who is one of five inspectors remaining in the office.

Statistics shows 2,055 permits of all types have been issued this year.

"We used to inspect about 35 jobs a day," Moseley said. This summer, it's 10 or 15 a day.

He's not counting on a busier fall: "It'll probably pick up some, but not very noticeably."

Impact fees

In April 2009, the Highlands County Builders Association submitted more than two dozen ideas to the county commissioners to stimulate the local economy. Suspending impact fees was the top item.

"I don't know for sure if cutting (impact fees) is going to spur development," Mike Secor, president of the group, said then, "but ... if we don't try it, we won't know."

In response, the commission imposed a moratorium a year ago.

"It has not had a measurable impact," commission Chair Don Bates said Thursday. "I think we knew that when we suspended them."

Even so, in June, the commission continued the moratorium for another year.

"I don't think we would be collecting many impact fees anyway," Bates reasoned.

"Maybe that will help some people who were deciding whether to build," Moseley said.

Impact fees are also assessed on remodeling jobs if the homeowner adds enough square footage to push the house into a higher category, like from 2,499 to 2,500, but only 70 additions have been permitted in the first six months.

Supervisor Miller questioned a $1,688 check written for an MBA class. Mrs.
March responded that this class was approved several months ago in order for
her to get the qualifications to apply for a CPA license.

---

Supervisor Miller questioned a $1,500 check for a firefighters grant. Mr.
Grieshaber responded that the grant was written for a new pump truck for the
Fire Department.

Supervisor Miller questioned $6500 paid to The Evans Group. Mr. Grieshaber
explained that there are two grants that that the District has been approved for
in relation to a softball field. This money was paid to The Evans Group for the
design and construction documents for the softball field, however, the softball
field will not be constructed until it is brought before the Board and approved.

---

Supervisor Miller asked where the District was at on the storage facility. Mr.
Grieshaber said that the District is in the process of going out to shed builders
for bid.

This extra storage is needed because the architects did not provide room to store banquet tables, chairs and dance floor.  How did they (architects) miss this.

Bill,

If we can't manage the "District restaurant" any better than to operate at a loss then why the hell do we keep it open? Serve sandwiches and Hot dogs and forget about the fancy menu that is being put out there for us to see. If indeed we are operating at a loss then someone needs to look into the reasons why, correct them or cut our losses entirely by getting rid of it. Is there a thought that once we get a new name that it will grow on people and they will frequent it? I really don't think so.

Chuck Rafatti

CommentarySNL

During the budget hearings Ron Wonderling expressed confidence the problems can be worked out if they just were given the time.

I hope they work out the problems and the yet "unnamed restaurant" will be successful.

Seven years ago we had the same problem, the golf and restaurant were losing money. Don't worry the residents paid the money to keep both operations afloat, too the tune of about 1 million dollars.

New restaurants are opened every day and most fail. Why does the Board of Supervisor think someone with no restaurant background can startup and run a successful operation.

Don't worry this startup has an unlimited bankroll.

How many times has the previous Board of Supervisors lamented "people will not pay their assessments." They threw their hands in the air and said , "What can we do?"  They did nothing, except spend money from our reserves.

A new program is underway.  In the last couple of months $180,000 was collected and put in the General Fund.

How do you like that?

Bill:

Usually make it a point not to comment=but!!

The reasoning behind my comment to not pay ourselves back for something that has been paid for-The Golf Clubhouse-The Rec. Center was to keep from increasing the Recreational Assessment $20. Why allocate a portion of the assessment to pay ourselves back and raise assessments to cover the operating costs for both the Golf operations and Rec. Center.

Also the Golf operation allocation was reduced to $385,000 for the same reason. There is not enough money left from the Recreational assessment because we have to allocate funds to pay ourselves back.


Bill's Response

Dave,

Thank you for your corrections and comments. As in the past you have provided a reasonable explanation.

How about this, forgive the loan or part of it on the recreation center. It benefits the entire community. Continue repaying the loan for club house.

That would lower the demand on the Recreation Fund, making an increase unnecessary.

Later, if a similar problem occurs forgive part of the loan and continue repayment of the rest.

We agree with your goal of no increase in assessments. Forgiving both loans would leave the fund with a surplus. I'm sure you realize when extra money is available someone will find a reason to speed it.

The Board's goal of a "REAL BALANCED" budget is a breath of fresh air. We should live within our means.

1)    The new Community Center Complex is near completion.  Opening date is schedule for early September, 2010.

2)    An interesting moment occurred at the BOS Meeting, when Supervisor Miller noticed that $25,000 for an internal audit was removed from the first draft of the new budget.  He asked the GM who had it removed?  After a pause he named Supervisor Guglielmi.  That's a No-No.

3)    The District didn't have enough money to complete the construction of the Club House or Recreation Complex.  It was a given we would have to borrow money that would be paid from the Recreation Fund.  

 We applied for and were unable to obtain outside financing at favorable terms.  A Severino lead Board of Supervisor decided to provide the money.  The residents were assured the money would be repaid with interest.
    
During Friday's board meeting President Halbig suggested both loans be forgiven. How do you feel about that?
   
4)    The District's restaurant is projected to loss $60,000 in the 2011 budget year.

5)    In the 2011 budget the District will give the golf operation $380,000

Available in this article (CLICK HERE) are the minutes for the June, 2010 Budget Workshop.  If you want to know what the BOS's is doing to create a budget were spending and income is balanced. 

The first section of the minutes is the GM's proposal.  Read carefully his recommendations, then the responses of the Supervisors.

Take the time to read this, then made up your own mind about the direction the BOS is leading Sun 'n Lake.

During the Public Comment at the last BOS meeting Rick Hulbert went to the mike.  He started by asking Grieshaber a question regarding the drainage work in Magnolia Properties. After getting a response Rick challenge Grieshaber's answer.  The back and forth left me wondering where this was going.

Listen to the audio tape, it's about 5 minutes long.

The drainage problem was left by the developer during construction.  Rick Hulbert brought the problem to Al Grieshaber attention and asked for help.  Poston Engineering prepared the plans to correct the problem and it was put out for bid.  

Sun 'n Lake was holding "Impact Fees" paid by the developer for future construction. After negotiations it was agreed half of the money held by the District would be used to pay for the construction to solve the problem.  The other half returned to the developer.

Magnolia Place uses drainage ditches to handle storm water runoff.

Nearing completion they realized their would be extra funds left over.

Depending on who tells the story this is the point where someone interfered.  Supposedly a supervisor went to the GM and requested the extra money be spent.  As the story goes a Work Order Change #2 was prepared and sent to the Board of Supervisors and approved.  This is the Change Order Grieshaber refers to on the tape.

Listen to the recording, what additional work was done is clearly explained.

Here is the problem a Supervisor does not have the authority to contact the GM and ask for changes.  That action is reserved for the entire board.

In my opinion a lot of dodging and weaving can be heard on the tape.

Please remember the story comes from several different sources, but is not proof that any one did anything improper.

Have you ever wondered why Sun 'n Lake would ask Highlands County to return the roads to SNL (except Sun 'n Lake Blvd.), along with all future maintenance.  They must have had a reason?  It looks like a major "Brain Fart."

These are the same roads we now pay to fix.

I cannot tell you why it happened, but I found a copy of the Sun 'n Lake Resolution requesting it be done.  CLICK HERE

The "SITE VISIT REPORT # 04" was distributed to the Board of Supervisors at the July 9th BOS Meeting.  The report updates the on going construction of the new Recreation Center.  It contains written  reports and many very informative pictures.  Take a look and see how you money is being spent.  It's scheduled for completion around the end of July, 2010.

June 4, 2010 the State of Florida Commission on Ethic conducted a hearing on the ethic complaint files against former Supervisor Robert Severino.  The Commission determined their was "Probable Cause."

Mr. Severino has 2 options one to ask for a public hearing or to try to come to a "stipulation" (Plea Agreement).

During a phone conversation with Ms. Mellody Habley, Attorney for the Commission, she felt they would meet with Mr. Severino's attorney soon and try and reach a "stipulation."  If a settlement cannot be reached a public hearing would be needed.

1) Call to order – President Halbig
2) Pledge of Allegiance
3) Announcements:
a. Next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 23, 2010 at the Community Center, 3500 Edgewater Drive, at 9:00 am.

4) CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes of Budget Workshop held Friday, June 11, 2010
b. Minutes of the regular meeting held Friday, June 25, 2010
c. Minutes of Budget Workshop held Friday, June 25, 2010
Motion to approve Consent Agenda

5) ACTION AGENDA

a. Public Hearing

Hearing on the proposed acceptance and adoption of the Highlands County Multi-Hazard Local Mitigation Plan Public Hearing Opened Overview by General Manager Public Comments Discussion Among the Board Members Public Hearing Closed
b. Resolution No. 10- 28: To accept and adopt Highlands County Multi-Hazard Local Mitigation Plan
c. Resolution No. 10-29: To prohibit trespassing on district owned property
d. Discussion: Presentation by Director of Marketing on Directional Signage
6) Add-on items
7) Petitions and Communications
Staff Reports
9) General Counsel Report
a. Foreclosure Status Report
10) General Manager Report
11) Unfinished Business
12) New Business
13) Committee Reports
14) Public Comments – Public Comments will be limited to three minutes, however, another two minutes may be allowed. A maximum of five minutes is allowed for public comments. Inquiries may be made during this time and responses will be forthcoming in written form.
15) Discussion to/from Board
16) Other Business

RECESS

Budget Workshop

a. Golf Operations Budget
Overview by Golf Operations Manager
Discussion among Board Members
b. General Fund and Utility Fund Budgets
Overview by General Manager
Discussion Among Board Members

17) Adjournment

Is this the reason Mr. Wright was fired?


County investigates employees at landfill
Date     June 27, 2010
Section(s)     Local News
Brief     By ED BALDRIDGE

ed.baldridge@newssun.com

SEBRING -- A recent set of e-mails between former County Administrator Michael Wright and Solid Waste Director Ken Wheeler has prompted an investigation into employee misconduct at the Highlands County La ...

By ED BALDRIDGE

ed.baldridge@newssun.com

SEBRING -- A recent set of e-mails between former County Administrator Michael Wright and Solid Waste Director Ken Wheeler has prompted an investigation into employee misconduct at the Highlands County Landfill.

A public information request last week revealed that Wright had directed Wheeler to terminate Solid Waste Supervisor Richard Gorman and county mechanic Carl Beckman on Monday, June 14, the day before Commissioner Edgar Stokes made the original motion to terminate Wright.

But, according to his memo dated June 14, Wheeler refused to comply with the request concerning the two employees.

"In response to your request in your early morning e-mail, we met at 8:25 this morning. During the meeting you stated that several landfill employees reported that Mechanic Carl Beckman had repaired other employees' vehicles on County time and evidence on your desk supported those charges. You further stated that Mr. Beckman was taking 45-minute lunch periods and reporting 30-minutes on his time sheets and that Mr. Beckman was to be terminated today. You additionally stated that Dick Gorman had to go, based on his signing of Mr. Beckman's time sheets. You suggested telling Mr. Gorman to retire and if he didn't then he was to be also terminated today," Wheeler wrote.

Wright, who was suspended June 15 and fired Tuesday, answered Wheeler's memo on the same day, attempting to clarify some miscommunication.

Wright also ordered Wheeler to stop questioning employees and stated he would refer the matter to Assistant Administrator Rick Helms and the County's Human Resources department.

"I stopped you interviewing employees because it was reported to me you were taking taped statements. Were you? If so, it strikes me as intimidation. Also, I told you Mr. Helms would be talking to employees today and that was further reason to stop your interviews," Wright wrote.

"To correct a few things, I said Mr. Gorman and Mr. Beckman are alleged to have taken 90 minute lunch breaks (+/-) and consistently Mr. Beckman put down 30 minutes on his time sheet for his lunch hour. He has earned overtime in virtually every pay period since January," Write wrote in response early the next day.

According to his memo, Wheeler conducted his own investigation into the wrongdoings.

Wheeler further stated in his memo that he had interviewed both Beckman and Gorman as well as other employees about the alleged incidents, and that proper action had already taken place.

"At this time there appears to be insufficient evidence to support termination of Mr. Gorman or Mr. Beckman," Wheeler wrote.

"Also in Mr. Beckman's case, this employee has already received a verbal reprimand for his actions regarding this issue and under the term double-jeopardy; he should not be subject to another disciplinary action. I will reassess this finding following Mr. Helm's investigation and reading of his written report," Wheeler wrote.

Assistant County Administrator Rick Helms, who has taken over the workload since Wright's termination, stated on Thursday that there was an ongoing investigation into employee conduct at the landfill.

"There is an investigation, but currently, I cannot release any further information," Helms said.

"This did not go away with Mr. Wright's termination. It is apparent that the investigation into the matter had to happen at the administration level, but I am just now in the fact-gathering stage. Most of my information is just verbal right now," Helms said.

"Human resources is also looking into this, but we still have to determine is any county policy was violated. In these cases, you want to make sure that they are factual before you proceed," said Helms. "The Board is aware of the investigation, and the allegations. And I will keep them informed of any updates."

The race for Supervisor Miller seat on the board is set.  The filing deadline, June 18, 2010 has passed. The announced candidates are Supervisor Miller and Ms. Patrica Steele.

I've had the pleasure of supporting and working for Supervisor Miller during several campaigns.  Miller is a long time activist for the betterment of life in Sun 'n Lake.  Two separate times he has run for office and won the popular vote only to loss the election because of NRPI vote.  

Supervisor Miller's education and background is extensive.  He has more than 35 years experience in the field of urban planning and community development. This background includes positions in the private sector, in state and local government and as an Assistant Professor at the graduate level at a major university. I believe this varied experience is unique and will serve the community well as we face increasing problems with development and financial challenges.

Steele wants the electorate to replace Supervisor Miller with her.  My question is WHY SHOULD WE?  Comparing her education, professional qualification and job experience to Supervisor Millers.  It's hardly worth consideration.  

Until Ms. Steele decided to seek election she did not regularly attend Board Meetings.  Having shown little interest in the past she now regularly attends.

I intend to vote for Supervisor Miller.  But, will not be involved in Miller's bid for reelection.  Any articles appearing in CommentarySNL are mine.
  

After reading this I wondered, wouldn't it be great to have this person working for the District?  WOW, then I realized we did, until Grieshaber ran him off.  The best part was he took a big pay cut to work for Avon Park.

It would have been better for the District to keep Mr. Deleon and fire Grieshaber.  At least we would have a GM you can TRUST.

By ED BALDRIDGE

ed.baldridge@newssun.com

AVON PARK -- City Council voted 4-0 on Monday night to give Avon Park Public Works Director Julian Deleon permission to negotiate with the Avon Park Correctional Institution about taking on more duties within the city.

According to the agenda summary presented at the meeting, the city would request that APCI take on the entire 65.5 miles of roads, retention ponds, and several miles of sidewalks and drainage that require mowing.

Additionally, the city owns 240 commercial dumpsters, and Deleon would like for APCI to help with the maintenance of those as well.

"We are not sanitizing or performing preventive maintenance on those dumpsters at all. They just stay out there until they fall apart. I would like to keep 10 in house and have them sanitized and repainted on a rotating basis," Deleon said.

In return, APCI would receive approximately $47,870 in funds, and would supply an additional road crew to do the work.

Deleon told council that a recent retirement of an employee allowed those funds to become available.

The employee was funded partially from the Streets Department, where $23,935 of his salary was paid, and partially from the Sanitation Department, which paid the other $23,935 of his salary.

Deleon recommended that the funds from each department be transferred to the Contractual Services, where they could then be distributed to APCI.

Questions from council members brought reassurance that the money had already been budgeted for the next fiscal year.

"Yes, I have already moved this into contractual services," Deleon said.

"This will save the city a lot of money in the long run, and it will help with our efforts to really make Avon Park a better place to live," Deleon said in a phone interview on Tuesday morning. "We will be replacing one person with five for the same amount. We are increasing the amount of work we can get done in the same amount of time without adding any costs to our budget.

"There has been no talk about replacing the contract for the Mall yet. That is a more demanding area. But we will be using this manpower to cover right of ways on U.S. 27 and Highway 17 where we are currently paying for contracts," Deleon said. This will be good for the city all the way around."

Larry Bertetto

I wonder if Ms Steele is referring to the meeting involving Supervisor Halbig and Ann Mitchell and discussion of legal fees. If I recall correctly the 4 board members, initiated by Supervisor Guglielmi were very outspoken and very demeaning to Supervisor Halbig. If this what Ms Steele is concerned I certainly agree. Or is there another motive? For the 1st in time in a while 3 Board members are questioning financial matters. Does this upset the small group a people who don't want their way of life changed?

Special to Highlands Today

Published: June 28, 2010

SEBRING - Starting from 7 a.m. Tuesday, Viscaya from Ponce De Leon Boulevard through Capri Street in the Sun 'n Lake will be closed for emergency underground repairs until further notice.

It is hoped that the repairs will be completed as soon as possible.