New Auditing Firm and Gas Station Signage Alternative highlight a short meeting
Reminder: SAVE THE DATE – October 23rd at 6pm at City Hall – COUNCIL/PLANNING AND ZONING WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS DENSITY POLICY AND APPROACH. No public comment will be allowed at this workshop. October 2, 2014 Early in the meeting, Purchasing and Contracts Director Km! Ra introduced the new External Auditing firm – Marcum LLC and their Audit Engagement Manager, Michael Futterman, gave a brief presentation describing the firm and its staff and... [Read More...]
Leadership Matters in Gardens Tax Rate Reduction
Last evening in a surprise move, the City Council voted 4-1 to reduce the planned tax rate slightly, from 5.74 to 5.67 mils, cutting the tax increase from just over $3M to about $2.5M. September 18, 2014 This result was produced through the leadership of Mayor Bert Premuroso, who floated the initially unpopular proposal, made a reasoned and empassioned case for it, and put a stake in the ground over his opposition to the budget as written. At once... [Read More...]
September Council: Budget, FEMA Maps, City Manager Contract
The first of two City Council meetings was held on Tuesday, September 2nd – primarily due to the required two 2014-2015 budget hearings. However many other topics were on the agenda for this long meeting. September 3, 2014 FEMA FLOOD MAPS City Engineer Todd Engle presented details on the proposed new FEMA Flood Maps. The maps have not yet been finalized and there will be several public open houses next week in various sections of the county.... [Read More...]
August Council – Updates on Minto and Plat 1.
The August Council meeting started with the pledge of allegiance. At roll call it was noted that Joe Russo was absent. August 7, 2014 Don Hearing gave an update on the proposed Minto project. The project is set to go for approval by county commissioners on August 27 with final vote and approval October 29th. Council members discussed traffic concerns with the proposed 4546 homes and commercial space. Mr. Hearing said that 50 million dollars... [Read More...]
Award winning Police Explorers and Puppy Sale Ban fill the chambers
Thursday’s meeting was a long one; over 3 1/2 hours. As is almost always the case, all Ordinances and Resolutions passed 5:0 except for Resolution 47, 2014 appointing former councilman Carl Sabatello as 2nd alternate to the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, from which Councilman Russo recused himself. Also Resolution 42, 2014 updating the schedule of fees and charges will be held until the September council meeting. July 10, 2014 Thus... [Read More...]
New Urbanism and Diversity the Buzz Words from the 6/5 Meeting
The agenda for the evening was very lengthy and the City Council Meeting ran out the clock at 11:30pm – without a City Manager Evaluation, City Manager Report and final discussion. June 5, 2014 Different from typical meetings was the very heavy PBG Police presence. Bags were checked on entry to the building and several uniformed officers were visible throughout the chambers. Based on the various Agenda items, one can reasonably surmise... [Read More...]
First Televised City Council Meeting and Referendum Petition Requirement Reduced
NOTE: Meeting video is now being provided by the City. Click HERE. After the pledge Mayor Premuroso called for a moment of silence for all the victims of the recent weather related tragedies. Allen Owens gave the 2013 Annual Audit Report with the outside auditor reporting their findings. Unfunded liabilities and new methods of reporting were discussed. Among the speakers from the public was Mike Murgio (PBC Schoolboard District 1) who spoke at length.... [Read More...]
40th Terrace & Sunset To Get Water and Roads; Petitioners get Relief
NOTE: Video of this meeting has been provided by Steve Tarr. Click HERE. Most of ‘the action’ in the fairly long City Council Meeting on April 3rd took place at the beginning and end of the meeting. Since most in the audience left by the end – we’ll start there. Sunset Drive and 40th Terrace: Anyone following city issues for a long time knows that this area of the city, annexed in 2002, has had complicated issues with... [Read More...]