Sizzling Hot Topics

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WARNING: FAKE "GAZETTE" Facebook Page & Website

It has come to our attention that a new Facebook Page and website called "Delray Gazette" has recently popped up! This "Delray Gazette" is NOT affiliated with our email newsletter "THE Delray Gazette."

We want to warn our readers about this imposter using our name to confuse you and divert your attention in an obvious attempt to dilute our message. While this ploy is laughable, the insidious reason behind the "copy cat Gazette" is that those who profit from a malleable City Commission really don't want you to know what is going on behind the scenes at City Hall.

The mission of our newsletter is to provide residents with information about issues affecting the quality of life in Delray Beach -- issues that the City Commission weighs in on. We want to expose the influences behind these decisions. We think residents should know who is backing the candidates for City Commission and who profits from Commission decisions. Our purpose is to enable you -- the voter -- to be able to determine for yourselves whether Commission decisions are in the best interest of our community.

So don't be fooled by imitators with their silly diversions. The Delray Gazette will continue to give you the straight scoop about the City Commission. It is up to you to decide how to use this information. Your collective voice and vote is the most powerful tool to combat corruption on the City Commission.

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HOT TOPIC:

Another Giveaway to a developer?

At the August 15, 2023 regular City Commission meeting, Atlantic Crossing's Phase II demo and construction schedule was Commissioner Boylston's HOT TOPIC for discussion.

Boylston requested that the City's Public Information Officer educate citizens on the upcoming demolition and public parking concerns of the Atlantic Crossing project. To this end, Boylston requested staff: "let's just get it out there ... there will be no decrease in the public parking." Only this is not true.

Boylston's request prompted Mayor Petrolia to ask if a previous decision by the Commission to give Atlantic Crossing access to Veterans Park's parking lot, during its construction, was finalized. The decision to hand over the public parking lot to Atlantic Crossing for staging their equipment was approved by a 3-2 vote, Mayor Petrolia and Commissioner Casale cast the two dissenting votes.

A City Staff member responded to Mayor Petrolia with the following comment, "initially they [Atlantic Crossing] came in and they wanted to take the entire side of parking in that parking lot which is technically their property." She went on to explain, "On the west side of Veteran's Park parking lot is private parking but they (Atlantic Crossing) always allowed us to use that as public parking space." The staff member continued with, "the City's parking spaces are on the East side immediately adjacent to Veteran's Park." The staff member then spoke about how she and other City Staff have been working with the Atlantic Crossing developers to allow most of the parking spaces remain open to the public.

Sounds confusing and inaccurate, so we investigated. Here's what we found out:

According to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Public Records (PAPA), the City owns ALL the parking in question (see above PAPA map).

Negotiating a public land giveaway to developers is within the City Commission's discretion, but now it seems like City Staff is horse trading public parking spaces with developers!

Unfortunately, this is not the first time a developer has put pressure on City Staff to make controversial decisions administratively, instead of making the request before the City Commission--in front of the public. And sometimes they get away with it.

Any updates on this ongoing parking debacle will be forthcoming.

Commission Discussion

PAST GIVEAWAYS TO ATLANTIC CROSSING

SE 7th from NE 1st St to Atlantic
Alleyways
Conditional use for additional height and density
Reduction in setbacks
And more!!!

Atlantic Crossing Poll

Should the City give up Veteran's Park public parking for construction staging?

Yes

Select

I don't care

Select

Tow be or Not Tow be

The City's contract with Westway Towing, Inc. for the Citywide Vehicle Towing and Storage services is expiring and the company would like to have its contract renewed. The City's procurement office initiated a bid process and a screening committee ranked Westway Towing first against two other competitors.

During the August 15th meeting, the City's procurement officer made the recommendation to choose Westway Towing. But before the Commission engaged in discussion, the City's finance director assured the Commission that the previous principal of Westway Towing, who is incarcerated, had fully divested his interest in the company.

Commissioner Frankel led the Commission discussion by revealing that his own research gave him deep concerns about continuing with Westway Towing. Frankel stated that it would be in the best interest of the City to go with Kauff's of Palm Beach, the 2nd ranked company. The rest of the Commission agreed with Frankel, who cited a concerning Westway towing incident reported by a citizen, and unanimously voted to have the City begin negotiating with Kauff's.

During public comment, wannabe Commissioner and commercial realtor Christina Morrison spoke in favor of keeping Westway Towing. Not surprising, since Morrison has an almost perfect record of being on the wrong side of every issue in Delray.

Several citizens attending the meeting watched as representatives of Westway stormed out of the meeting after the Commission's decision to go with a competitor. Rumor has it Westway is planning to protest the Commission's decision. But, there appears to be much more to this story. Stay tuned for an update as we continue to request more information.

Watch Commission Presentation and Discussion

Commissioner Long is the

City Manager's #1 Fan

After just 5 short months on the City Commission, Rob Long was the only Commissioner to give City Manager Terrance Moore a perfect annual evaluation. Long even suggested Moore receive a 100% pay increase, noting Terrance Moore is "top notch." Commissioner Long made NO recommendation for improvements in Moore's job performance.

Long's over-the-top approval rating calls into question his judgement. City Manager Terrance Moore has been reprimanded by the Commission for false representations during the time Long has been serving. In addition, the Delray Beach City Charter requires the city manager provide the commission with financial updates which Moore has neglected to do. So much for "top notch."

Mayor Petrolia's evaluation noted Moore's lapse in providing timely financial reports. This alone is a fireable offense and is in direct violation of the City's Charter.

The City Manager's annual evaluation determines an annual pay increase which ranges from 0-5%. On the evaluation form, Commissioners are asked to calculate the percentage increase by adding up the various category scores and then dividing that number by 16. This formula results in a range of 0-5 and provide for a pay increase percentage.

So either Long did not read the form, or did not understand the form, or struggled with the math, because Long suggested a 100% pay increase for Moore. This would result in an over $200,000 raise for this "top notch" City Manager.

Long on praise and short on ability. We should demand more from our representatives.

Long's Evaluation of Moore

Un-Civil Behavior?

Civility and professionalism make for nice platform positions during campaigns but for some living up to these ideals is difficult.

City Hall is buzzing about a certain "button busting" Commissioner's frequent unprofessional outbursts directed at the City Staff.

In the past few months, this same Commissioner has bulked up to the point where clothes are noticeably tighter; and in combination with an out-of-control temper and a bout of adult acne, are causing many to speculate that a substance for body-building enhancement could be involved.

We wonder if this Commissioner is bulking up to carry all the "heavy donations" developers are eagerly forking over for the upcoming election? Or is this Commissioner moonlighting as a bouncer in a swank downtown nightclub?

Maybe the City should start testing our Commissioners to see if they are fit to do the job.

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