Lake Wales News headline - BREAKING: Thornhill switches, will support keeping Otte
Thornhill puts the breaks on getting rid of Tony Otte. He felt Otte was entitled to help clean up his own mess.
Here is the complete Article
http://www.lakewalesnews.com/articles/2009/07/13/news/local//doc4a5b434ae445e793781641.txt
Monday, July 13, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Post in local papers bash all City Commissioner's
These posts by people outside of Lake Wales says it all. These are not my words folks. Seems to me we are headed down an awful ugly road in Lake Wales!
would you please take back Greene!
why can't lakeland city hall be that honest , decent , and smart ? instead , they keep high-dollar thomas .
Haines City needs to take a close look at the decision the City Commissioners of Lake Wales made. I guarantee you Anne Tony-Deal work relations with the employees and the Citizens of Haines City was a lot worst than the City Manager of Lake Wales. Wake up Haines City!
The people of Lake Wales made it clear they wanted Otte to stay. The city commission gave the people the proverbial finger and did what they wanted. Let's see if the people respond appropriately or just cower like sheep with the wolves in control. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
Doesn't this look familiar? Same thing happened in Bartow 2 years ago. Mayor and 2 commissioners hiding behind a trumped up employee morale survey to get rid of a city manager.
Take some advice from one who knows, we are not better off in Bartow because of the "change", it is worse for the employees and the city as a whole. Change has not occurred in 2 years under the manager or the commission, it is not good here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is your take on the Lake Wales Situation? I think the divide is going to grow much longer and deeper.
would you please take back Greene!
why can't lakeland city hall be that honest , decent , and smart ? instead , they keep high-dollar thomas .
Haines City needs to take a close look at the decision the City Commissioners of Lake Wales made. I guarantee you Anne Tony-Deal work relations with the employees and the Citizens of Haines City was a lot worst than the City Manager of Lake Wales. Wake up Haines City!
The people of Lake Wales made it clear they wanted Otte to stay. The city commission gave the people the proverbial finger and did what they wanted. Let's see if the people respond appropriately or just cower like sheep with the wolves in control. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
Doesn't this look familiar? Same thing happened in Bartow 2 years ago. Mayor and 2 commissioners hiding behind a trumped up employee morale survey to get rid of a city manager.
Take some advice from one who knows, we are not better off in Bartow because of the "change", it is worse for the employees and the city as a whole. Change has not occurred in 2 years under the manager or the commission, it is not good here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is your take on the Lake Wales Situation? I think the divide is going to grow much longer and deeper.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
No one "Man's Up" but Tony Otte is still let go by Lake Wales Commission
Lake Wales, FL - Commissioner Terry Howell said it best "who ever has a problem with Tony Otte should man up". But that didn't happen Tuesday night at the Lake Wales City Commission meeting. Citizen after citizen, community leader after community leader rose to speak on behalf of Tony Otte and yet no one other than Mayor Jack Van Sickle uttered an unfavorable word about the Lake Wales City Manager. But it didn't stop a vote of 3-2 from being entered as a matter of record. Those for termination were Mayor Van Sickle, Commissioner Rogers and Commissioner Thornhill.
Even those that voted against him took the high road on reason's why he had to go. John Paul Rogers could only point to how Otte handled the fact that he might be fired. What didn't sit well with him is that the City Manager apparently fired off emails to people advising them that he was to be put to a vote for termination. Rogers stated "half the town will be mad at me no matter what I do". All stated they needed to do what was in the best interest of Lake Wales. If that were true and half the town didn't want to see Tony Otte go, particularly in this manner, then how could anyone say it was in the cities best interest. Particularly when the World is in such an economic mess.
Someone who I used to have much respect for in Scott Thornhill made a tearful plea (all be it not a convincing one) that he agonized over the decision to have to vote on this issue. Thornhill threw in for good measure that there kids played together this was not personal. Thornhill came in like a lamb, but soon showed he was a lion stating "I'm in no body's pocket".
Meanwhile a clearly divided community is becoming more and more divided. Unfortunately those that wanted change had no clue what they voted into office. If they knew they were going to oust the City Manager then they would not have voted for Van Sickle or Thornhill.
Please post your opinion in agreement or disagreement. We want to know the whole City's perspective.
Even those that voted against him took the high road on reason's why he had to go. John Paul Rogers could only point to how Otte handled the fact that he might be fired. What didn't sit well with him is that the City Manager apparently fired off emails to people advising them that he was to be put to a vote for termination. Rogers stated "half the town will be mad at me no matter what I do". All stated they needed to do what was in the best interest of Lake Wales. If that were true and half the town didn't want to see Tony Otte go, particularly in this manner, then how could anyone say it was in the cities best interest. Particularly when the World is in such an economic mess.
Someone who I used to have much respect for in Scott Thornhill made a tearful plea (all be it not a convincing one) that he agonized over the decision to have to vote on this issue. Thornhill threw in for good measure that there kids played together this was not personal. Thornhill came in like a lamb, but soon showed he was a lion stating "I'm in no body's pocket".
Meanwhile a clearly divided community is becoming more and more divided. Unfortunately those that wanted change had no clue what they voted into office. If they knew they were going to oust the City Manager then they would not have voted for Van Sickle or Thornhill.
Please post your opinion in agreement or disagreement. We want to know the whole City's perspective.
New Polk County Blog to keep you informed
New Polk County Blog "Polk County News" to keep you informed of information and issues going on in Lake Wales, FL and the local communities in the area. We urge you to comment on the issues and to post your feelings regarding what is going on in your community. Oour first two important posts are regarding issues that are taking place in Lake Wales tonight! Big Lake Wales City Council Meeting (Possible termination precedings regarding Tony Otte City Manager) and Progress Energy at the Lake Wales Arts Center regarding upcoming rates increase that will affect every Polk County Resident!
City Commission Agenda and News story on City Manager Tony Otte's possible termination.
http://polkcountynews.blogspot.com/2009/07/lake-wale-city-commission-vote-on-tony.html
News Story and Information on Progress Energy coming to Lake Wales tonight regarding rate hike!
http://polkcountynews.blogspot.com/2009/07/progress-energy-rate-hike-public.html
City Commission Agenda and News story on City Manager Tony Otte's possible termination.
http://polkcountynews.blogspot.com/2009/07/lake-wale-city-commission-vote-on-tony.html
News Story and Information on Progress Energy coming to Lake Wales tonight regarding rate hike!
http://polkcountynews.blogspot.com/2009/07/progress-energy-rate-hike-public.html
Lake Wale City Commission vote on Tony Otte future tonight
Lake Wales, FL - A quick resolution by Lake Wales City Mayor Jack Van Sickle has put City Manager Tony Otte's job in jeopardy. Citing "poor employee morale" and the fact that he thinks "it’s gone beyond the point where the issues can be resolved".
The City Commission meeting agenda is attached below. Pay attention to what is going on in your community. Rally yourself to action. We need to be involved no matter what side your on!
Articles from the Lakeland Ledger and below that is Article from Lake Wales News
http://www.theledger.com/article/20090629/NEWS/906299943
http://www.lakewalesnews.com/articles/2009/07/04/news/local/doc4a4e57ee66fe7762620131.txt
City Commission Meeting Agenda
CITY COMMISSION
OFFICIAL AGENDA
July 7, 2009
Regular Meeting
6:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. ROLL CALL
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
June 16, 2009, Regular Meeting
June 25, 2009, Workshop Meeting
MAYOR
6. Commendation: Deputy Steve Hearth
CONSENT AGENDA
7. Contract for Banking Services
Contract with CenterState Bank for Bank Services.
8. Request for Proposal for Professional Auditing Service
Request for Proposal for Professional Auditing Services
9. License Agreement for Hotel Grand Project
Execute a six months License Agreement with Dixie-Walesbilt LLC., with no cost to the City for the Hotel Grand Project for work as outlined in the Agreement
10. Adoption of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 48 and Statement No. 50, effective for periods beginning October 1, 2007.
Commission adoption, effective for periods beginning October 1, 2007, for GASB Statement No. 48, Sales and Pledges of Receivables and Future Revenues and Intra-Entry Transfers of Assets and Future Revenues. Commission adoption, effective for periods beginning October 1, 2007, for GASB Statement No. 50, Pension Disclosures – an amendment of GASB Statements No. 25, Financial Reporting for Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Note Disclosures for Defined
Contributions Plans, and No. 27, Accounting for Pensions By State and Local Governmental Employers.
OLD BUSINESS
11. Ordinance 2009-17, Expanding Membership of CRA Board – 2nd Reading & Public Hearing
In accordance with the wishes of the City Commission, Ordinance 2009-17 is proposed for the purpose of increasing the size of the CRA Board from five to seven members. The ordinance also establishes eligibility criteria for appointment.
12. Ordinance 2009-18, Amendments to Capital Improvements Element, Comp Plan – 2nd Reading & Public Hearing. The ordinance incorporates the 5-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements into the Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan as required by the Growth Management Act. Capital improvements projects that must be
included in the plan are those necessary to maintain adopted level of service standards for potable water, sanitary sewer, drainage, recreation, transportation, and schools. The ordinance also updates policies related to concurrency management and developer dedications.
NEW BUSINESS
13. Ordinance 2009-19, Revision of Chapter 15, Miscellaneous Offenses, Lake Wales Code of Ordinances – 1st Reading Amends Chapter 15, Miscellaneous Offenses, by adding Section 15-8 which requires retail sales establishments to provide fraud and retail theft training to their agents, attendants, employees or sales associates annually, Section 15-14 which
prohibits aggressive panhandling and panhandling at specific locations and Section 15-15 which authorizes a city employee to issue a trespass warning to a person that violates a state law, city ordinance, lawful command, regulation or rule at a City-owned building, complex, facility or park.
14. Appointments: Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The appointments will fill vacancies that occur annually on various city boards, commissions, & committees
15. Appointments to the CRA Board: two additional seats
The Commission will appoint whomever it deems appropriate to the two new seats on the Community Redevelopment
Agency Board.
16. Modification of the Official Traffic Map: Dr. JA Wiltshire Boulevard between Scenic Highway and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
The City Commission will consider establishing the maximum speed limit on Dr. JA Wiltshire Boulevard to 20 miles per hour to improve pedestrian safety
17. Scheduling of July 2009 City Commission Workshop Meeting
It is necessary that the City Commission schedule its July 2009 workshop meeting.
18. Direction on the 1919 building
The Commission will consider action to terminate the contract with SEMCO, give back the next historic preservation grant of $350,000, use a portion of the CRA funding match of $300,000 to fix roof leaks, return the balance of the matching funds to the CRA to be used on other projects, and approve the 1919 building vision statement.
19. Resolution 2009-07, Termination of City Manager’s Employment
Resolution 2009-07 is regarding the termination of the employment of the City Manager,
Anthony G. Otte.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Commission Tracking Report
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITION
Public participation is encouraged. If you are addressing the Commission, step to the podium and state your name and address
for the record. Please limit your discussions to five (5) minutes.
(The full staff memo will be incorporated into the official record)
Minutes of the City Commission meeting can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office. The minutes are recorded, but are
not transcribed verbatim. Persons requiring a verbatim transcript may make arrangements with the City Clerk to duplicate
the recording, or arrange to have a court reporter present at the meeting. The cost of duplication and/or court reporter will
be the expense of the requesting party.
In accordance with Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate
in this meeting should contact the City Clerk's office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to the meeting.
Appeals concerning decisions on issues requiring a public hearing:
Persons who wish to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered during a public
hearing at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that verbatim record
of the proceedings is made, which record includes the te
testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based.
The City Commission meeting agenda is attached below. Pay attention to what is going on in your community. Rally yourself to action. We need to be involved no matter what side your on!
Articles from the Lakeland Ledger and below that is Article from Lake Wales News
http://www.theledger.com/article/20090629/NEWS/906299943
http://www.lakewalesnews.com/articles/2009/07/04/news/local/doc4a4e57ee66fe7762620131.txt
City Commission Meeting Agenda
CITY COMMISSION
OFFICIAL AGENDA
July 7, 2009
Regular Meeting
6:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. ROLL CALL
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
June 16, 2009, Regular Meeting
June 25, 2009, Workshop Meeting
MAYOR
6. Commendation: Deputy Steve Hearth
CONSENT AGENDA
7. Contract for Banking Services
Contract with CenterState Bank for Bank Services.
8. Request for Proposal for Professional Auditing Service
Request for Proposal for Professional Auditing Services
9. License Agreement for Hotel Grand Project
Execute a six months License Agreement with Dixie-Walesbilt LLC., with no cost to the City for the Hotel Grand Project for work as outlined in the Agreement
10. Adoption of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 48 and Statement No. 50, effective for periods beginning October 1, 2007.
Commission adoption, effective for periods beginning October 1, 2007, for GASB Statement No. 48, Sales and Pledges of Receivables and Future Revenues and Intra-Entry Transfers of Assets and Future Revenues. Commission adoption, effective for periods beginning October 1, 2007, for GASB Statement No. 50, Pension Disclosures – an amendment of GASB Statements No. 25, Financial Reporting for Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Note Disclosures for Defined
Contributions Plans, and No. 27, Accounting for Pensions By State and Local Governmental Employers.
OLD BUSINESS
11. Ordinance 2009-17, Expanding Membership of CRA Board – 2nd Reading & Public Hearing
In accordance with the wishes of the City Commission, Ordinance 2009-17 is proposed for the purpose of increasing the size of the CRA Board from five to seven members. The ordinance also establishes eligibility criteria for appointment.
12. Ordinance 2009-18, Amendments to Capital Improvements Element, Comp Plan – 2nd Reading & Public Hearing. The ordinance incorporates the 5-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements into the Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan as required by the Growth Management Act. Capital improvements projects that must be
included in the plan are those necessary to maintain adopted level of service standards for potable water, sanitary sewer, drainage, recreation, transportation, and schools. The ordinance also updates policies related to concurrency management and developer dedications.
NEW BUSINESS
13. Ordinance 2009-19, Revision of Chapter 15, Miscellaneous Offenses, Lake Wales Code of Ordinances – 1st Reading Amends Chapter 15, Miscellaneous Offenses, by adding Section 15-8 which requires retail sales establishments to provide fraud and retail theft training to their agents, attendants, employees or sales associates annually, Section 15-14 which
prohibits aggressive panhandling and panhandling at specific locations and Section 15-15 which authorizes a city employee to issue a trespass warning to a person that violates a state law, city ordinance, lawful command, regulation or rule at a City-owned building, complex, facility or park.
14. Appointments: Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The appointments will fill vacancies that occur annually on various city boards, commissions, & committees
15. Appointments to the CRA Board: two additional seats
The Commission will appoint whomever it deems appropriate to the two new seats on the Community Redevelopment
Agency Board.
16. Modification of the Official Traffic Map: Dr. JA Wiltshire Boulevard between Scenic Highway and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
The City Commission will consider establishing the maximum speed limit on Dr. JA Wiltshire Boulevard to 20 miles per hour to improve pedestrian safety
17. Scheduling of July 2009 City Commission Workshop Meeting
It is necessary that the City Commission schedule its July 2009 workshop meeting.
18. Direction on the 1919 building
The Commission will consider action to terminate the contract with SEMCO, give back the next historic preservation grant of $350,000, use a portion of the CRA funding match of $300,000 to fix roof leaks, return the balance of the matching funds to the CRA to be used on other projects, and approve the 1919 building vision statement.
19. Resolution 2009-07, Termination of City Manager’s Employment
Resolution 2009-07 is regarding the termination of the employment of the City Manager,
Anthony G. Otte.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Commission Tracking Report
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITION
Public participation is encouraged. If you are addressing the Commission, step to the podium and state your name and address
for the record. Please limit your discussions to five (5) minutes.
(The full staff memo will be incorporated into the official record)
Minutes of the City Commission meeting can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office. The minutes are recorded, but are
not transcribed verbatim. Persons requiring a verbatim transcript may make arrangements with the City Clerk to duplicate
the recording, or arrange to have a court reporter present at the meeting. The cost of duplication and/or court reporter will
be the expense of the requesting party.
In accordance with Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate
in this meeting should contact the City Clerk's office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to the meeting.
Appeals concerning decisions on issues requiring a public hearing:
Persons who wish to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered during a public
hearing at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that verbatim record
of the proceedings is made, which record includes the te
testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based.
Progress Energy Rate Hike Public Hearing In Lake Wales Tonight
Lake Wales, FL - Polk Residents and Lake Wales Residents will get a chance to voice concerns over the proposed increase in Progress Energy Rates tonight at the Lake Wales Arts Center at Updike Hall!
Tuesday, July 7 - 6 p.m.
Updike HallLake Wales Art Center1099 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales, FL
Not sure but I personally have not seen a great deal of coverage regarding this hearing in the Polk Media!
Link to Bay News 9 Article
http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2009/7/3/492065.html
Come out and voice your opinion Good or Bad
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