National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 3, noon

City Hall, 150 NE 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Info: 954-480-4417.

“Art on the Boulevard”

Friday, May 4, 6 to 9 p.m.

Greight Spaces, 2611 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Held in correlation with Pompano Beach’s East Village Uncorked. Artists exhibit artwork and sell their works commission-free. Features artists Pat Anderson, Joan Keirstead and John Wetzstein. Enjoy music & light refreshments.954-788-9044.

DB/LHP Relay for Life

Saturday, May 5, 5 p.m. To Sunday, May 6, 9 a.m.

Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

This year’s theme is ‘Heroes.’ Funds raised benefits cancer survivors, those fighting cancer and families dealing with the loss of a family member from cancer.

Sunfest

Through May 5

The music lovers festival is here with something for everyone with concerts, an art show, fireworks and a 5k race (on May 4). Held along Intracoastal Waterway, Flagler Drive from Banyan Boulevard to Lakeview Avenue, in West Palm Beach, this fest features everyone from Counting Crows, Third Eye Blind and Joan Jett to Snoop Dog and Matisyahu. For full schedule and more information, visit http://sunfest.com.

BSO/PAL hosts: State of Florida Boxing Jr. Olympics

Saturday, May 5, Doors open: 12:30 p.m., First bout: 2 p.m. ‘til about 6 p.m.

Deerfield Beach High School, 910 SW 15 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

More info: 954-778-0174. Directions to school: 754- 322-0650.

Art of the State

Opens Monday, May 7, 4 p.m.

Lighthouse Point Library, 2200 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

See over 65 pieces of artwork of artist Sirju Seeharack Mohan during his second solo art exhibition. 954-304-1513.

NARF meets

Tuesday, May 8, noon

Golden Corral Restaurant 2100 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

NARF (National Active and Retired Federal employees), chapter 558, seeks new members who are retired federal employees or near future retirees residing in Pompano area. Group meets every second Tuesday, same time and place. 561-495-4731.

Greater PB Senior Citizens Club meets

Wednesday, May 9, 10 a.m.

Emma Lou Olson Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Activities focus on general welfare, health, education and security of senior citizens. Fun trips and outings offered. Meets every second Wednesday of the month (no meetings in July & August). 954-943-7787 for info.

Save the date: American Legion golf tournament

Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. tee-time

Deerfield Country Club

For Post 162. Register your foursome early. $75 per player; hole sponsor – $100. 512-468-7487 for info.

“Paul and Young Ron Show”

Dear Editor:

The City of Deerfield Beach’s recent decision to seek public input regarding its existing prohibition against Sunday morning alcohol sales was discussed early last week during the “Paul and Young Ron Show” on South Florida radio station 105.9FM.

The DJs specifically expressed their aspirations of speaking with me about the topic. They made their objection to the existing prohibition abundantly clear. Likewise, most constituents who have contacted me about it agree such prohibitions are “behind the times” so to speak – and they are, in many ways correct. While my final position on the matter will be stated at the time of the vote and not before, in response to the radio show’s inquiry, I feel obligated to express a few observations about the topic now:

1. Before taking down a wall, one should have a full understanding of what it was put up to protect against in the first place.
2. 2) There is Great Value in providing an opportunity for public input. The law has been around for decades. Providing a few weeks for our constituents to express their thoughts about it is only proper.
3. 3) At this time, when The Cove neighborhood is trying to protect their families and property values from a drug-andalcohol rehab center with nine addicts residing in a singlefamily home, many constituents are rightly concerned about the loss of Traditional Values in our society in general, and specifically about the lack of respect for a day that many of us reserve to Honor God.

4) Our businesses here in Deerfield Beach deserve to be on an equal playing field with surrounding communities.

As a follower of Christ and a believer in the Bible, I can understand how these so-called “Blue Laws” came about. I also Know that I am Saved by GOD’s Grace and my Personal Faith, and not by Works. I think Tim Tebow has it correct as he tries to get people to open the Bible to John 3:16. Those 25 words are the essence of the Gospel, not the Blue Laws!

Joseph P. Miller

District 1 commissioner Deerfield Beach

Cove Crime Watch meeting

Dear Editor:

I attended the Crime Watch meeting forThe Cove area last Thursday night [April 19]. A large number of BSO staff from the Deerfield area attended. They were all very informative, professional people.

Initially, the meeting was a positive exchange between residents and the BSO team.

I was appalled at the behavior of a few of the residents. Childish outbursts, argumentative towards the BSO staff, rude comments and behavior were all a part of the remainder of the meeting.

I hope these meetings continue and I truly appreciate the time and energy BSO puts into protecting our neighborhood.

For those of you who cannot conduct yourselves in proper adult behavior, don’t come and disrupt what could be a very long-lasting, productive relationship between BSO and our residents. Furthermore, let your neighbors know to call BSO if there are robbers in your house – NOT another neighbor that’s 50 miles away. NOBODY can help STUPIDITY.

Mary House

Deerfield Beach

“Thank-you” to CERT

Dear Editor:

April 15-21 marked National Volunteer Week. On behalf of the Deerfield Beach Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), I would like to thank each of our CERT volunteers for your hard work and dedication this past year. Because of each of you, our team has become one of the most recognized and respected teams in the area.

We have responded to fires in our city to assist with firefighter rehab and canteen services, we have been asked to assist Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) in missing person searches, we have kept up our skills with continual training, and we have participated in community activities. We have even been requested for Mutual Aid for a missing person search in Pembroke Pines! Our work is appreciated by Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, BSO law enforcement, our city commission and our city management. As a team, CERT is a vital asset to our community. All that each of you do is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!

If anyone is interested in becoming a member of CERT, e-mail CSjursen@bellsouth.net or call 954-803-6338.

Carol Sjursen

Deerfield Beach

DB Rotary Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament

Friday, April 27

11:30 a.m. – check in

12:15 p.m. – putting contest

1 p.m. – shotgun start

Crystal Lake Country Club

3800 Crystal Lake Drive

Deerfied Beach FL 33064

Info: 954-553-9576.

Writing workshop

Friday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Center for Group Counseling

22455 Boca Rio Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33433

(Also May 4, 11). $60, for 3 sessions. 561-483-5300.

Food & Flick Festival

Saturday, April 28, 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Pompano Community Park

820 NE 18 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE. Food trucks from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Movie begins at 8 p.m. Music by Wesley Phillips (formerly played for Michael Jackson and Jackson 5). Proceeds support Gateway Community Outreach. www.foodandflickfestival.com.

An Evening Social with Alice Butler

Saturday, April 28, 4 to 8 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Food, music and history. Benefits American Cancer Society. Sponsored by $10. 954-592-3150.

Art show

Saturday, April 28, 4 p.m.

Percy White Library

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Maverick artist Victor Hugo Vaca Jr. visits. His exhibit, still on display. Find out what his innovative Modern Art Gonzo Journalism is all about.

DB Arbor Day/ Earth Day

Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m. to noon

Deerfield Beach Recycling Center

401 SW 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

954-480-4454.

Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, April 28, 9 to 11 a.m.

Westside Park Recreation Center

445 SW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$5 donation.

US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Safe Boating Course

Saturday, April 28, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Imperial Point Medical Center, auditorium

6401 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308

Materials and lunch provided. $50, includes materials. 954-942-8108.

Yard Sale – Florida Humane Society

Saturday, April 28, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3870 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Postponed due to rain. This one will be inside if raining. Donations accepted Thursday to Sunday, for special arrangements, call 954-785-2165.

Garage Sale

Saturday, April 28, 8 a.m. to noon

Curves of Lighthouse Point

1847 NE 25 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Benefits The American Cancer Society. 954-783-2900

Ladies Spring Luncheon

Saturday, April 28, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Deer Creek Country Club

2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

First Baptist Church women’s ministry. $25. 954-427-1216.

Yoga for life

Sunday, April 29, 3 p.m.

620 SE 10 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Organized by Hillsboro Beach Hope.

Beach clean-up

Sunday, April 29, 9 a.m.

Meet at church (233 NE 26 Ave., Pompano Beach FL, 33062) and then head to beach (N. Ocean Park, 3424 NE 16 St., Pompano Beach FL, 33062).

Intracoastal History Tour

Sunday, April 29, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Deerfield Island Park

1720 Deerfield Island Park

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$5/person. Must be at the dock at Sullivan Park by 9:30 a.m. to catch shuttle. Final date for this season. 954-357-5100.

New building dedication

Sunday, April 29, 6 p.m.

Christian Love Fellowship Church

801 SE 10 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speakers: Pastor Tony Palmisano, Dr. Joseph Guadagnino and Bishop Anthony Pelt. Refreshments. 954-428-8980.

Tedder Neighborhood Watch

Monday, April 30, 7:30 p.m.

Parkway Methodist Church

100 NE 44 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

954-781-0470.

Arboretum tour guide class

Starting Monday, April 30, 6 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.,

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

(Also May 7, 14, 21) Learn Family, Genus, species and common names of dozens of different trees and plants. Growing and maintenance pointers also covered. $25 (free to members). Participants asked to conduct two public tours of Arboretum. Bring clipboard, pen or pencil and maybe a lawn chair. 954-234-1002.

Mutt-Tini & Meatballs

Wednesday, May 2, 6 to 8 p.m.

Ernie’s Chophouse

3150 N. Federal Hwy.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Complementary meatballs, one Mutt-tini and one raffle ticket. Proceeds go to Dogs Rule Rescue. 954-380-DOGS (3647). www.ddogsrulerescue.org.

RE: DB Commission responds to citizen comment

Dear Editor:

In a recent [Letter, 4-12-12, Observer] by the  , they claimed they do not routinely respond to comments made by a resident during a commission meeting.

A resident? They were referring to the former Mayor JeanRobb, and they claimed that her comments were so outrageousthat they had to respond. Yet, there are much moreimportant issues that have been brought before the commission that have yet to see the light of day:

A) A resident was the victim of a hit-and-run at anintersection where the lighting is inadequate. The CRArecently purchased a [circuit board] in The Cove ShoppingCenter to light up a Christmas tree. Isn’t it more importantto light the area where the young person was killed, especiallywhen the cost for such a project would be $3,000 to$5,000?

B) Ignoring the savings of $50,000 by refusing to movethe municipal election to November 2012 from March 2013.Are they afraid of a bigger turnout that just might cost themtheir seats? The commission has refused to put it on theagenda for a vote, so the voters can see just which commissionersdon’t care about saving the taxpayers money.

C) And who on the commission wrote the full-page letter?And which of the commissioners were part of this retaliatoryaction? Was their getting together to put the letter togetheran obvious violation of the Sunshine law? Time will tell when the state attorney is made aware of the circumstancessurrounding the creation of this full-page letter.

Steve Krevoy

Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

A recent letter from the Deerfield commission referred to citizen comment. Those comments were made by me, former mayor Jean M. Robb.

The commission chose to dismiss my claim that Carl Pete rhad been brought to Deerfield Beach by former manager Larry Deetjen and was supposed to retire at age 62 after five years. I verified the accuracy of that statement with a call to Larry Deetjen. He knew Carl from Grand Rapids, Michigan and had encouraged him to come to Deerfield for five years.Former mayor Al Capellini disclosed his conversation with Mike Mahaney over the hiring of Charles DaBrusco as anAsst. Engineer in 2007. Capellini was told that Carl was soon to retire and DaBrusco would become the Chief Engineer.

When the city lost the mediation after the firing of 106workers, my question was: ‘why didn’t the Human Services person follow the Employees’ Rules and Regulation Handbook?’The city’s reply was he was only onboard for two weeks prior to the mass firing. Wasn’t that enough time for him to read the book? Instead of being terminated, the person responsible for the debacle was given a $40,000raise.My assertion was that the CRA director who was hired should ethically not have taken another position with the same municipality.

My assertion was based on conversations with the CRA directors in a number of counties.

I also stated that in the 13 years I served as mayor, I had four different city managers, none of whom had assistants.The city claims Deerfield was smaller then. Yes, we had40,000 compared to the present 75,000, but we did not have50 percent of our budget being handled by BSO. So why do we need a manager, an assistant city manager, an executive to the city manager and an administrative support specialist?

The city’s reply is that the city manager is still responsible for overseeing law enforcement and fire-rescue operations.I thought that is what Sheriff Lamberti, Chief De Jesus and Chief Sudler were being paid to do.

The city claims that the article [which appeared in another local newspaper] stating that the city wanted to squeeze more money from city employees was inaccurate and incomplete.The commission [also] said that without economic concessions, the city could not have been able to reduce the millage rate by 1 mill. Wasn’t that the reasoning they gave us behind the passage of the utility tax? Which is it?

It is difficult to keep track of all the information this commission has fed us. We were told that the city would save $2 million with the BSO merger. They have now changed that figure to $1.5 million.

The city was doing the merger to get out of the pension business. Yet 100 firefighters chose to stay with Deerfield’s system so the city will be out of the pension business in the next 60 to 70 years.

As to why the BSO merger had to take place so fast,without public input, it was because six firefighters who were in the DROP plan would have had to retire. With the BSO merger, those six could remain and eventually dip into the BSO plan.

The commission seems to think I no longer support the merger. That is simply not true, but the contract does have some stipulations that should have been more thoroughly debated before passage, in particular, the DROP plan recipient.

Permit me to comment on the vice mayor’s performance at the public hearing of the PMSA appeal. It was like watching someone pull the wings off a fly, and no one on the dais had the good sense to say “Enough is Enough.”

It disturbs me that whoever wrote the recently-published city response did not have the courtesy to refer to me as the former mayor, not just as the resident. It is a title I earned after 13 years of service, and not using it shows a real lack of class.

Jean Robb

Deerfield Beach

Cresthaven Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Thursday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.

St. Elizabeth Social Hall

901 NE 33 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Refreshments served. 954-786-7536.

Cove Neighborhood Watch meets

Thursday, April 19, 7 p.m.

DB Chamber of Commerce

1601 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For info or to be put on distribution list, e-mail DFBCove@gmail.com.

Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel meets

Thursday, April 19, 11:30 a.m.

201 S. Military Trail, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Mini lunch served. 954-421-7060.

28th Annual Pompano Beach Seafood Festival

Friday, April 20, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, April 22, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Scrumptious seafood, LIVE entertainment, including 38 SPECIAL, vendor booths with arts & crafts. New entrance north of Atlantic Blvd. at the fishing pier. Parking available east of Intracoastal, 222 North Pompano Beach Blvd. Free trolley transport. 954-941-2940 or www.pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com.

Skinny Jimmy & the Stingrays play with king of surf guitar Dick Dale!

Friday, April 20, 10 p.m.

Dada, 52 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33441

561-330-3232

Saturday, April 21, 8 p.m.

Respectable Street Café, 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401

561-832-9999

Sunday, April 22, 8 p.m.

Churchill’s A Sort – English Pub, 5501 NE 2 Ave., Miami, FL 33137

305-757-1807

Hear Deerfield surf rock band play! FREE Friday night. Saturday and Sunday night, opens with Cutback for Dick Dale. $20 in advance [slammie.com or 1-800-594-TIXX] $25 at door. Info: www.atomicgrog.com.

3rd annual Earth Day event

Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Crystal Lake Middle

3551 NE 3 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Yard sale, food, music, vendors, entertainment, environmental materials and more. Free plant when you sign in with your child. Info. for vendors – 954-257-0183.

Preserving YOUR History

Jerry’s Artarama

242 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free mini workshop with guest speakers from the Deerfield Beach Historical Society, Society of Florida Archivists, Professional Photographer and Professional Photo Organizer. 954-429-0378.

Arboretum Plant Sale

Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Arboretum

Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Tropical plants, orchids, fruit trees, flowering trees and more. Food and drink available.

Car wash

Sunday, April 22, 9 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach

233 NE 26 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Washing cars, bikes, trucks … anything with wheels.

Concert for American Cancer Society

Sunday, April 22, 4 to 8 p.m.

T.J. and Janet Eagen’s house (in The Cove)

1372 SE 5 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Featuring James McVay, Jim Sheridan and Steve Minotti. $10 donation to The American Cancer Society 954-861-6651.

Young Professionals mixer

Wednesday, April 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Oceans 234

234 North Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33432

Division of the PB Chamber, Young Professionals is a networking group geared towards professionals in their 20s and 30s. $10, includes one free drink and 40 percent off bar bites. Bring business cards for networking. Chance to win raffle prizes. RSVP: 954-941-2940 or e-mail lcharles@afsgconsulting.com.

RE: DB Commission responds to citizen comment

Dear Editor:

The City Commission does not routinely issue a formal public
response to citizen input made during Commission meetings. However,
there are times when such input is so outrageous that the
Commission has no choice but to respond.
At the Commission meeting on Tuesday, March 20, a former city
elected official made remarks that necessitate a formal response. We
will respond to the defamatory allegations, outright misinformation,
and flawed conclusions in the order they were presented.
Input 1
“At the Feb.21 meeting, the Commission made quite a fuss over
the retirement of Carl Peter. The truth is, he should have retired
three years ago. When Larry Deetjen brought Carl from Michigan,
it was with the understanding that Carl would retire after five
years at age 62. Deetjen wasn’t here when Carl reached 62. I called
the agreement to the attention of the powers that be, and was told
that since the agreement was not in writing, it held no water…How
come Burgess Hanson, who was Deetjen’s assistant at the time,
didn’t know? Peter wanted to stay until he was 65 so the City could
continue paying his health insurance. Although his position and
duties were vastly diminished, during those last three years, his
salary was not. Whatever happened to honor among thieves?”
RESPONSE:
The recruitment and selection process for Carl Peter, P.E., was
spearheaded by a former City Human Resources Director and the
Assistant to the City Manager. There were candidates from Illinois,
Massachusetts, Florida, etc. An interview panel of department directors
and other high-level senior managers recommended Mr. Peter as
the best-qualified applicant for the position of Director of Public
Works and Environmental Services.
As to the allegation that Mr. Peter was to retire at age 62, there is
simply no evidence of any such agreement either orally or in writing.
Mr. Peter recalled no conversation about an expected retirement date,
much less an oral or written agreement. Neither does current City
Manager Burgess Hanson, who assisted in the competitive recruitment
and selection process.
Mr. Peter’s duties changed considerably throughout his service to
the City, but they did not decrease until he helped orchestrate the
disestablishment of the Public Works Department as part of the 2011-
12 budget. Mr. Peter’s retirement was a known and expected result of
this organizational change. Mr. Peter served the City as a dedicated
public servant, and does not deserve to be impugned by baseless and
unsupported allegations.
Input 2
“The City lost the mediation over the firing of 106 City employees
without regard to the rules and regulations as outlined in the
employee’s handbook. Now the City has to rehire and pay back.
Instead of being terminated, the employee responsible for this
financial debacle was given a $40,000 raise in salary?”
RESPONSE:
Mike Milanowski, the City’s current Director of Human Resources,
had been onboard only two weeks when he reviewed and analyzed the
City’s plans for conducting the 2010 layoffs of 80 part-time and 26
full-time City employees. Mr. Milanowski then closely monitored the
effectuation of those layoffs.
The arbitration brought by the International Union of Painters and
Allied Trades (IUPAT) concluded with an arbitrator’s decision and
award that upheld the City’s reasoning for the layoffs, upheld the
layoff of the 80 part-time employees in their entirety, and upheld the
layoff of 25 of the 26 full-time employees who were laid off.
Rather than continue the arbitration process and incur considerable
additional costs to defend the belief that the City had followed all
applicable rules in the layoff of the single employee identified by the
arbitrator, City Management opted to return that employee without
further objection.
Input 3
“$40,000 increases in salary seem to be the favorite number.
Keven Klopp was hired by Mahaney, as CRA Director, with a
salary of $80,000. He got an increase of $40,000 when he became
the Assistant City Manager. As CRA Director, he also has an
Assistant CRA Director, and a Project Manager. And yet other
CRA Directors will tell you that it is unethical to take any job with
the same municipality that you serve as the CRA Director?”
RESPONSE:
Mr. Klopp was not given a $40,000 increase for assuming the duties
of Assistant City Manager. He was hired as the City’s CRA Director/
Economic Development Manager with a salary of $86,000, and
received an increase of $14,499 upon accepting the position of Acting
Assistant City Manager. When the position transitioned to a permanent
status, he received a final competitive salary of $120,000. His
salary in a tri-capacity position is lower than the salaries of many
single-capacity Assistant City Managers in similarly-sized cities in
South Florida and is $52,000 lower than the salary of the previous
Assistant City Manager under the former City Manager.
The accusation that Mr. Klopp engaged in unethical and unprofessional
behavior in accepting this role is absurd, and is a biased and
pathetic effort to defame both Mr. Klopp and the City. Multi-capacity
positions are a common practice among local governments. The City
Attorney and external auditors have carefully scrutinized Mr. Klopp’s
position, and have found no legal, professional or ethical basis on
which to discontinue a practice that benefits the city.
Input 4
“In the 13 years that I served as Mayor, I had four City
Managers, none of whom had an assistant. Although our population
was smaller, we had our own police and fire departments
most of the time. Now, 50 percent of our budget is handled by BSO.
So why do we have a Manager, an Assistant City Manager, an
Assistant to the City Manager, an Executive Assistant to the City
Manager, and an Administrative Support Specialist?”
RESPONSE:
In the 1980s, when this resident served as Mayor, the City’s
population was less than half of what it is today. Today, local
government operations have become exponentially much more complicated.
Regardless of whether the services are provided internally or
by the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), the City Manager is still
responsible for overseeing the law enforcement and fire-rescue service
operations for a city of 76,000 residents. The staff of the City
Manager’s office is also essential to ensuring that all aspects of city
operations run smoothly.
During this City Manager’s tenure, several department directors
and other senior-level managers either retired or left City service.
Those positions were filled at much lower salaries, amounting to a
savings in excess of $240,000 per year. One position has been
eliminated entirely in the City Manager’s office.
In addition, all City employees whose pay exceeded the maximum
of their salary grade were reduced back to the appropriate salary range.
In at least one instance, this resulted in a Department Director’s pay
being reduced by more than $16,000. Non-unionized City employees
have not received merit or cost-of-living increases since 2008.
Input 5
“According to an article [which ran in a local newspaper] (not
the Observer), the City wants to squeeze some money from the City
employees since the City did not get all of the $1.2 million they
originally budgeted, and they plan to hire an attorney to sue the
employees. Why?”
RESPONSE:
The City Budget for Fiscal Year 2011-12 was predicated on the fact
that the pay of all City employees would be reduced by 5 percent and
that every City employee would be required to pay 10 percent of the
cost of his/her individual health insurance coverage. Without these
economic concessions, the City would not have been able to reduce the
millage rate by the 1 mill it was reduced, effective Oct. 1, 2011.
However, because of collective bargaining that was deliberately
stalled by the 29 employees represented by a newly formed union of
mid-level managers and supervisors, and due to the disavowal of an
affirmative ratification vote on a labor agreement, the above-detailed
economic concessions could not be implemented on Oct. 1, 2011.
The article to which this resident referred was an inaccurate and
incomplete report on a hearing before a Special Magistrate, who was
appointed to provide his recommendations regarding the impasse in
collective bargaining between the union and the City. There is no truth
to the assertion that the City plans to hire an attorney to sue the
employees represented by this union.
Input 6
“We were told that the main reason for the merger with BSO was
so the City could get out of the pension business. Yet, over a hundred
of the firefighters chose to stay in the City’s defined pension plan.
The City will eventually be out of the pension business, but it might
take 60 or 70 years to do it. And just why did the merger with BSO
have to take place so fast and without public input?”
RESPONSE:
There were a number of important reasons for the transition of fire/
rescue services to the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO). Interestingly
enough, this resident was actually very supportive of the merger until
the IAFF Union President, a close family friend, was removed by the
Union.
While not the only reason, the closure of the Deerfield Beach
Firefighters’ Pension Plan was one of the main reasons in support of
the transition to BSO. Nearly half of the Fire-Rescue Department’s
workforce had the potential to retire within the next five years. If the
plan had remained open, all of the personnel hired to replace the
retiring employees would have been in the City Firefighters’ Pension
Plan, meaning that the City would have to continue funding the
Pension Plan much further into the future than the time it will now take
for the Pension Plan to expire.
The City was advised both by our labor counsel and by attorneys
specializing in public-sector pension plans to close the Pension Plan
as soon as possible, thereby limiting entry by new employees into the
Pension Plan.
Florida law requires that existing employees in the Pension Plan
(even after their transition to the BSO) be allowed to remain in the
City’s Pension Plan until their retirement. The very best the City could
do in controlling the cost of the Firefighters’ Pension Plan was to close
the Pension Plan to new employees, benefit from the favorable
actuarial assumptions that would apply to a “closed” vs. “open”
Pension Plan and, in the course of time, eventually have the Pension
Plan expire.
The resident alleges that the transition to the BSO was to save more
than $2 million. A more accurate account of savings would be close
to $1.5 million in the first year of the contract. While not actually
reflected in the City’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2011-12, the cash
savings were earmarked by a consensus of the City Commission to be
used either to replenish the City’s Fund Balance or hire more BSO
deputies.
Still another $1.5 million in cost avoidance was produced by the
transition to BSO in fully staffing one existing fire station, opening a
new fire station along South Powerline Road, and avoiding the
purchase of telecommunications equipment that was over 25 years old
in the City’s former Dispatch Communications Center.
Conclusion
We trust that the information and responses to this resident’s input
will provide a much more accurate and true understanding of the
professionalism, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness with
which the City is run by the Deerfield Beach City Commission and City
Management.
Deerfield Beach City Commission

East Village Uncorked

Friday, April 13, 6 to 9 p.m.

2700 Block of E. Atlantic Boulevard

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Event will include ground breaking ceremony at Harbor

Village Shopping Plaza, between 2600 and 2800 E. Atlantic

Blvd., which will undergo improvements to parking lot and

building façades over the next seven months. Enhancements

include widening sidewalk, adding landscaping and decorated

roundabout. During construction, shops and restaurants

will remain open.

Bean and Pepper Jamboree

Saturday, April 14, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Corner of Dixie Highway & Atlantic Boulevard

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Traditionally a harvest festival (begun in 1946), this

event will include food samples, contests, vendor booths,

LIVE entertainment, Bingo and more. This also serves as

the Pompano Green Market. 954-260-3136.

3rd annual Horses for Heroes Charity Golf Tournament

Saturday, April 14, 8 a.m. (shotgun), lunch (1 p.m.)

Inverrary Country Club

3840 Inverrary Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33319

Proceeds benefit Bit-By-Bit Therapeutic Riding Center,

which offers free treatment to disabled American

veterans using the healing power of the horse. Appearances

by Miami Heat Dancers, local and national sports

figures, and Colonel Danny McKnight, who was depicted

in the film “Black Hawk Down.” Entry fee includes

cart, sleeve of balls, goody bag and buffet lunch.

954-707-2287.

Founders Days Yard Sale

Saturday, April 14, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

99 NE 6 Ave. (Lane Tullis Way)

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Benefits Relay for Life.

2nd Annual Canine Corner Golf Outing

Saturday, April 14,

Pompano Municipal Golf Course, Palms Course

1101 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Goal to raise $10,000 for The Dog Pack, a group that

helps complete Canine Corner. Call for sponsorship

opportunities. 954-632-2112.

Yard Sale

Saturday, April 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3870 N. Powerline Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Benefits “no kill” Florida Humane Society. Donations

accepted Thursday to Sunday; for special arrangements,

call 954-785-2165.

Luminotti plays

Saturday, April 14, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Wishing Well

111 SE Mizner Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Local classic rock band plays Irish pub. 561-750-5208.

Saturdays at the Cross

Saturday, April 14, 6 p.m.

Cross Community Church

841 SE 2 Ct., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Every Saturday, led by Rev. Tommy Boland,

senior pastor. 954-300-9854. www.thecross

cc.org.

Democratic Women’s Club of NE Broward meets

Wednesday, April 18, 7 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free, open to public. 2012 Legislative Wrap Up, speaker:

Rep. Gwyn Clarke-Reed. Broward Democratic Party Area

Leader Lee Feldman will also talk on Affordable Care

Act. Refreshments served. 954-942-8711.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, April 18, Noon to 1 p.m.

City Hall Commission Chambers

150 NE 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Topic: Preserving YOUR History!

Special guest: Deirdre Dolan Nesline,

professional photo organizer. 954-429-0378.

Save the date:

Cove Neighborhood Watch

Thursday, April 19, 7 p.m.

DB Chamber of Commerce

1601 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For information or to be put on list, e-mail DFBCove@gmail.com.

RE: Are political parties dangerous?

Dear Editor:

I just read Jim Moore’s article about George Washington and his thoughts for a Return to America as it should be.[3-22 Observer Opinion pg.] This article, in my opinion, should go national. Every concerned American needs to read this and remember it come voting time.

N. Monaco

Deerfield Beach

Safety measures needed at District 2 intersection!

Dear Editor:

Since October 2011, the city of Deerfield Beach and FDOT [Florida Dept. of Transportation] have respectively been petitioned to install pedestrian/bicyclist/motorist safety precautions at the intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (MLK), located in the minority section of the city (District 2).

The city has denied request, indicating that (1) it’s too expensive and they may look into it in the future, (2) it is not their responsibility because it falls under the jurisdiction of FDOT.

FDOT originally approved a “citizen request” to install the yellow truncated domes at the intersection, but through city of Deerfield Beach interference, FDOT reneged on their original approval.

Subsequent citizen requests were submitted to FDOT to install street lights, which they temporarily denied, indicating that they will look into it no sooner than November 2012 for work to be done in 2015.

Another request was submitted for East/West turning signals off of MLK, which was originally denied, citing “statistical deficiency,” so installation not warranted.

They have recently decided to perform an on-site observational study to determine if the turning signal installation is warranted.

A video demonstrates the dark conditions at the intersection of MLK and Hillsboro, driving south to north on MLK, which could have been one of the causal factors in the hit-and-run death of Thetus Fleming Jr. (22, black male) on 2/17/12, which received zero media coverage. [Story in p.1 coverage of District 2 meeting, March 1 Observer.]

The driver, David Calderilla Alcocer (20, white male), who was driving on a suspended license, had warrants for his arrest, pending Broward County Court traffic court case from 2008, and intentionally left the scene of an accident (a felony in FL- 1st degree felony if the accident resulted in a death, like in this case).

He did later return to give BSO a statement (from the initial police report and BSO media release, he returned about 30 minutes later).

However, David Calderilla Alcocer was never arrested by BSO to face charges for hitting and then leaving the scene of the accident resulting the death of Thetus Fleming Jr.

His family is looking for justice and would like FDOT and the city of Deerfield Beach to install safety measures at that intersection so no other family has to go through the tragedy they are going through.

David Cody

Deerfield Beach

Watch out where you park

Dear Editor:

There is an empty lot (no house) on SE 7 Street, Deerfield Beach, just off of Ocean Drive. There are several parking spaces, marked by lines. On the right side, covered by grass, next to them is vacant space for at least three more cars (not lined).

The complaint is that people who have parked in this space received a parking ticket. In one instance, a car was parked in the LINED SPOT, but two wheels were on that grassy spot. The owner was also ticketed.

The car to his left was too close to him, so he reparked and then his right wheels ended up on the grass.

I, and all the people I have spoken to, agree that the city should put up a sign “NO PARKING ON THE GRASS,” only in marked spots.

—A Concerned citizen

Hans Paetzold

Deerfield Beach

Pompano Beach Republican Club election

Thursday, Mar. 22, 7 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Community Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Guest speaker Col. Mike McCalister (Ret.), candidate U.S. Senate. Refreshments served. 954-786-7536.

DB Chamber After Hours

TONIGHT, March 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Cafe Med By Bice, 2096 NE 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Rally to support Hillsboro Lighthouse

Saturday, March 24, 1 to 4 p.m.            

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Civic groups and elected officials unite in support of preserving status quo with regard to operation of 105-year-old landmark. 954-942-2102.

Boca Green Market

Saturday, March 24, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Palm Place, (S. Federal Hwy. & S. Mizner Blvd.), Boca Raton, FL 33432

Locally-grown produce, bakery items, plants and flowers and much more. 561-299-8684.

Deerfield Green Market – “Pets Are the Best”

Sunday, March 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Cove Shopping Center, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Gourmet pet food custom blends, raw/ organic pet food, Parrot food. There will be three big red McCaws and a pig, an artist and photographer who do pet portraits, pet origami and more. Only one more green market this season: April 1. 954-480-4430 or www.DeerfieldBeachGreenMarket.com.

• Community Presbyterian, Steeple On the Beach, now has its own booth at the Green Market. Stop by!

Annual Organ Prelude Recital

Sunday, March 25, 10:30 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church, 1920 SE 5 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Jeffrey Donahue, director of Music/Organist, will present selected works of Bach, Albinoni and Buxtehude. The community is welcome and admission is free. Freewill offering available. 954-427-0222. www.communitych.org.

Dixieland/Hot Jazz Session

Sunday, March 25, 1 to 4 p.m.

Henry’s Hideaway, 1500 S. Andrews Ave., Pompano Beach, Florida 33069

Presented by the Hot Jazz & Alligator Gumbo Society. Admission $10. 954-563-5390 or 561-394-0269.

Tedder Neighborhood Watch

Monday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.

Parkway Methodist Church, 100 NE 44 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

BSO Chief Pete Sudler will address neighborhood concerns and County Commissioner Chip LaMarca will talk about small business development. 954-781-0470.

Elks card party

Tuesday, March 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Elks Club, 700 NE 10 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Held by Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove 142. Open to the public. Bring your table of friends or group. $4 includes dessert and coffee. 561-479-2002 for reservations.

N. Broward Democratic Club meets

Wednesday, March 28, 7:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Representative Franklin Sands 2012 Legislative wrap up. Free and open to public.  Refreshments served. Call Joanne Goodwin, 954-783-8232.