Pensacola District 3

What in the Blue Blazes is Happening??????????

2012-02-02T16:13:00.000-06:00

What in Blue Blazes?

Thanks to our Navy volunteers and our Neighborhood Services team!

Blazes-- as in paint marks found on trees. Those who venture into the Bay Bluffs Preserve Nature Trail will find out that someone has been leaving colorful marks, bright splashes of blue color on tree trunks that catch the eye.

Hikers and trail users new to blazing may ask what these marks mean. Making these blaze marks is just a part of establishing the nature trails that exist throughout Bay Bluffs. These marks have been placed there by our Military volunteers, and are a sign of active park and trail management.

When you've lost the trail, it is an unnerving feeling if you're not close to some area you're familiar with. You then realize the value of blazing. Our goal is to provide park users and nature trail hikers a guide to keep them on track.

The following is a description about blazes. To achieve as much consistency as possible the following standards are preferred. Paint type blazes should be 2" x 6" vertical rectangles. The 2" x 6" rectangular shape is large enough to be seen easily without being visually obtrusive and is the most universally accepted style of trail blazing. Throughout the trail, the color of choice is medium blue. In non-forested areas, blazes should be placed on wooden posts 4 to 5 feet above the ground. Round posts are acceptable for blazes only. Directional Change Indicators are necessary in places there are important turns, junctions with other trails, and other confusing locations. Signing for hikers coming from either direction should be done.

IN WEEKLY: Budget Woes Handicap Fire Service...Sixty percent of Pensacola fire stations undermanned

2011-08-31T15:09:00.000-05:00

In February 2011, the IN Weekly printed an article surrounding the understaffing of the Fire Stations in the City.

http://inweekly.net/wordpress/?p=3634

The article states:

City officials often brag on the “world-class” Pensacola Fire Department. It was one of the major selling points for consolidation. What isn’t mentioned publicly is that 60 percent of the city’s fire stations are undermanned to the point that they don’t meet national fire safety standards. Precious minutes are being lost as multiple stations are having to be called in to fight fires before crews can enter burning structures.

Included in the article is a quote from Chief Schmitt

Interim Pensacola Fire Chief Matt Schmitt confirmed DeWeese’s statements concerning fire station staffing. “We’ve downsized with the budgets of every other city department here trying to make it through the economic hard times we are in,” Schmitt explained. “Positions were defunded; when someone retired out, we just didn’t hire in.”

Schmitt told the IN that the downsizing has created problems when working simultaneously with large, multiple incidents. “But, we do have a mutual aid agreement with the Escambia County Fire Rescue. We can draw on them for support, but it takes time,” Schmitt continued. “Before the downsizing, we could easily manage two major incidents at the same time. Considering the size and scope of a given incident, that could be extremely difficult at this time.”

I congratulate the Pensacola Professional Firefighters on reaching a deal with the Mayor's office on position funding in 2011-2012. I just hope that the deal is implemented sooner rather than later as OUR CITIZENS LIVES may depend on it.

State of Florida to fund training for Port-related Businesses

2011-08-18T12:28:00.000-05:00

More opportunity created by Seaport operations: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!

Thousands of Florida transportation industry workers could hone their skills using more than $2.2 million worth of state-funded training opportunities under a grant announced Wednesday. Business leaders, elected officials and the board charged with keeping Florida residents in the workforce said the grants will help companies that use freight facilities, such as JaxPort. The infusion of cash is intended to create jobs, improve employee performance and start career-focused courses in high schools to make the state more competitive internationally. The overall message of the stimulus: Florida has depended on agriculture, tourism and construction for too long. [Source: Florida Times-Union]

Maren Deweese is a Bad Politician

2011-08-11T09:11:00.001-05:00

Here is a quote from Rick Outzen's April 10, 2010 article...

"Maren DeWeese is a bad politician. She is an unselfish public servant with a heart bigger than all of Pensacola. She does what she believes is right regardless of the impact on her re-election or political career. She is a great mom who still wants to show her children how good government operates."

I am still that same person.

here's the link to the whole story: http://ricksblog.biz/maren-deweese-is-a-bad-politician/

Rick you didn't even verify your story and you have this all wrong. You should have called your friends Maren and Jeff DeWeese. I have never seen my husband more hurt by any one person as he was this morning as he read your blog, something he does every single morning of his life. So dissapointing.

What has happened to you?

Have you ever considered you are the poison pill here?

Agenda Collaboration Efforts

2011-08-10T08:06:00.000-05:00

This week's agenda preparation showed to have several challenges and I would like to clarify the chain of events as they occurred.

As you will see from the emails, it was business as usual and I, the nor the new CAO Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Messer and based on Mayor Hayward's response to me in passing on Monday, he too was not aware of the changes that had been made to the agenda preparation process.

My efforts to refine the process brought changes in July that the Mayor's recommendations would be sent directly to Council on the agenda, without the Council Presidents recommendation as had been done in the past.

This week, the Mayor's Chief of Staff had made changes to the agenda process and forbidden the release of agenda items and the Agenda itself.

When I arrived Monday afternoon to work on the Agenda, Mayor Hayward asked in passing if there was anything I needed, I stated, "just trying to organize the agenda items and I still need your requests for review". Mayor Hayward seemed surprised that I had not received his requests and said he would check on them immediately.

The Chief of Staff had also given instructions that the agenda must go straight to the Clerk and the Council President was not allow to have access to it before it was published. This is the Council's Committee of the Whole agenda and is to be approved by the Council President.

While I am not sure of the reason why a memo was sent to me from the Mayor rehashing old details about the agenda, I am certain of my efforts to work in collaboration with the Mayor on agendas. His schedule did not permit for our weekly meeting yesterday or last week and this is the possible cause for the breakdown in communication.

From: Maren Deweese

Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 5:42 AM
To: Bill Reynolds; Donna Harris
Cc: Ashton Hayward; Elaine Mager; Ericka Burnett
Subject: Mayor's Agenda requests

Good Morning,

I would like to follow up on our conversation from Friday.

Please contact me as soon as your review of the Mayor's requests for the August 15th agenda are complete.

The process for submission normally allows for my review beginning the Friday before an agenda is issued the next Tuesday, in case there is a need for follow up or additional documents. This gives staff and Department heads time to arrange for additional documents and gives them time to respond to questions.

The Agenda closes Tuesday at noon with no additions to be made after that time. Should a new item arise or an item need updating a revised agenda can be issued up until Friday at 5pm.

If you would like to discuss the Mayor's requests with me today, please contact me at 316-7671. I look forward to hearing from you today.

Best Regards,
Maren DeWeese
Council President
__________________________________________________________________________
From: Bill Reynolds

Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 8:05 AM
To: Maren Deweese; Donna Harris
Cc: Ashton Hayward; Elaine Mager; Ericka Burnett; John Asmar

Subject: RE: Mayor's Agenda requests

Madam President,

Good morning and thanks for the email.

My review has been complete and the package is currently being reviewed by John Asmar. I thank you for dropping off the package on Friday and briefing me on the process. My goal is to have our transition over the next few months be as seamless as possible for you and the rest of council. I appreciate your patience as we transition.

My best,
Bill
_____________________________________________________________________________

From: Maren Deweese

Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 8:12 AM
To: Bill Reynolds; Donna Harris
Cc: Ashton Hayward; Elaine Mager; Ericka Burnett; Al Coby

Subject: RE: Mayor's Agenda requests

Thank you for your email.

Donna, please notify me as soon as the Mayor's requests are ready for my review.

Monday is a work day for my own business and rather busy on most Mondays so please advise when the package will be ready for pickup.

Let's discuss timing for the next agenda process to allow for completion 10 days in advance of a COW meeting. As in the past, I am willing to review Mayor's requests as they are completed to avoid the rush of reviewing all requests together.

best regards,
Maren DeWeese
Council President
____________________________________________________________________________

From: Maren Deweese

Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 3:14 PM
To: Rita R. Lee
Cc: Ashton Hayward; Elaine Mager; Ericka Burnett

Subject: RE: Mayor's Agenda requests

Good Afternoon,

Please advise as to the status of the Mayor's agenda requests for Council's August 15th COW meeting.

I would like to pick up the package for review and have not heard from anyone on the Mayor's staff following this morning's email from the CAO.

One item, the discussion of Council executive is ready for me to sign and I will be by City Hall in a while, this would be the best time for me to pick up the Mayor's agenda items for review.

Thank you for your attention to this request. I can be reached on my cell phone as well 316-7671.

best regards,
Maren DeWeese
Council President
___________________________________________________________________________
From Rita R. Lee on behalf of Mayor Hayward
Monday 8/8/2011 3:20pm

Council President,

I just checked with Donna Harris and was advised she spoke with you today and advised you the agenda items are not yet ready for you to pick up. I will check further for response and get back with you re status.

Thank you.
____________________________________________________________________________
From Rita R. Lee on behalf of Mayor Hayward
Tues 8/9/2011 11:38am

Maren,

The City Attorney has informed me that there is some misunderstanding concerning my memorandum of August 8, 2011, regarding mayoral agenda items.

I apologize for any misunderstanding and turmoil this memorandum may have caused you. As you well know, I am busy in many directions including wrapping up some important City business in order that I might attend the League of Cities meeting in Orlando the next three days with you and other Council members. That is also why I was unable to meet with you at our scheduled meeting this morning.

Upon reflection, I probably should have clarified in the memo that the agenda would be released to you as Council President, as opposed to Council members, under the same procedures that we have always utilized. Clearly, it is important for the Council President to be able to manage her meetings.

Again, I am sending you this email in the hopes that we might resolve this misinterpretation of my memorandum and continue my efforts to ensure that the process is fully transparent and understood by all.

Sincerely & Respectfully,

Ashton
RRL for Mayor Hayward

Senate RESTORE the Gulf Coast BILL

2011-07-22T07:57:00.000-05:00

The Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities and Revived Economy of the Gulf Coast Act of 2011

SPONSORED BY SENATORS LANDRIEU, SHELBY, VITTER, NELSON (FL.), RUBIO, SESSIONS, HUTCHISON, COCHRAN, AND WICKER

On April 20, 2010, the tragic explosion of the Deepwater Horizon took the lives of 11 men and unleashed an uncontrolled flow of oil and gas into the Gulf of Mexico. The damage to the economic and environmental sustainability of America’s working coast is immense. The responsible parties have to be held accountable for the damages. At the same time, significant investment is needed to ensure the long-term health of the Gulf Coast ecosystem and economies.

The RESTORE the Gulf Coast Act of 2011 is a bipartisan, regional approach that will:

. Dedicate 80 percent of Clean Water Act penalties charged to BP to the restoration of the Gulf Coast

. The Clean Water Act gives the EPA authority to fine parties found to be responsible for an oil spill.

. Under current law, these penalties are not returned to the place where the injury occurred.

. The RESTORE Act will establish the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund made up of 80 percent of all civil penalties paid in connection with the Deepwater Horizon spill.

. Provide needed resources to Gulf Coast States to start recovery immediately

. A portion of the funds will be allocated directly and equally to the five Gulf Coast states for ecological and economic recovery.

. States know what projects will best aid their recovery and can act quickly.

. The bill ensures that funds are spent responsibly and for their intended purpose—restoring and protecting the ecosystems and economies of the Gulf Coast.

. States must spend these funds on ecological and economic recovery activities along the coast, as defined in the legislation.

. Establish a Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council and a Comprehensive Plan for the Gulf Coast

. The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council, established in the RESTORE Act, will develop and fund a comprehensive plan for the ecological recovery and resiliency of the Gulf Coast.

. The Council will be comprised of both Federal and State members, allowing agencies to work together and remove obstacles to implementation.

. The comprehensive plan will give priority to large-scale projects that contribute the greatest to the overall restoration of the Gulf Coast ecosystem, and projects in established state restoration plans.

. A portion of the Council allocation will be distributed based on proposals from the five Gulf Coast States.

. Establish a Long Term Science and Fisheries Endowment and Gulf Coast Centers of Excellence

. Five percent of the Fund will be allocated to a Gulf Coast research, science and technology program,

including fisheries management.

. The program will establish Gulf Coast Centers of Excellence to advance research, science and technology in the Gulf around specific disciplines, including coastal wetlands restoration, fisheries, resilient coastal development, and sustainable offshore energy security and safety.

. The endowment will include funding for needed fisheries stock assessments and ecosystem monitoring to ensure the long term sustainability of our commercial and recreational fishing industries.

Maritime Development Leaders Honored

2011-07-18T09:10:00.001-05:00

FLORIDA PORTS COUNCIL RECOGNIZES STATE MARITIME DEVELOPMENT LEADERS WITH 2011 “TUGBOAT” AWARDS

The Florida Ports Council – comprised of Florida’s fourteen deepwater seaports – met in Ft. Lauderdale on June 22nd and 23rd to talk about the future of Florida’s seaports and the maritime industry. During the two-day strategic planning meetings, the Council recognized Senators Jeremy Ring (D-Margate) and Jack Latvala (R-St. Petersburg) and Representatives Lake Ray (R-Jacksonville) and Dana Young (R-Tampa) for their efforts to ensure the sustainability of Florida’s maritime industry and to promote economic development and job growth in Florida.

Representative Young and Senator Latvala were recognized for their efforts to reduce unnecessary state security regulatory burdens on Florida’s seaports and maritime industry workers. Due to comprehensive Federal security regulations enacted over the past few years, these state laws were deemed inefficient, duplicative and unnecessary. Addressing Council members, Representative Young expressed “I am humbled to be the recipient of the 2011 Tugboat Award and it was truly my honor to work with the Ports Council and the statewide business and maritime communities to pass this important Seaport Security bill." Council President Doug Wheeler reiterated that “this legislation will allow Florida's Ports to be more competitive, while also maintaining a secure environment where Florida businesses can create jobs.”

Representative Ray and Senator Ring were recognized for their continuing efforts to increase state investment in priority seaport projects, and to create a planning environment that entices the private sector to locate or expand their maritime operations in Florida. Senator Ring informed Council members that the Florida Senate had stressed the need to invest approximately $100 million a year for the next five years in Florida’s seaports, adding “Florida’s ports are vital since they will serve as the economic engine for the 21st century economy Florida needs to compete nationally and internationally.”

Representative Ray touted that the Florida Legislature and Governor Scott had approved the investment of over $117 million this fiscal year in Florida’s seaports and stressed the importance of global trade and logistics to Florida’s economy. "I am honored to receive the Tugboat Award from our system of Ports in Florida as we join our efforts together to meet the needs of evolving shipping markets. The fulfillment of our vision will take Florida to a new and exciting future in international commerce."

Governor Scott was presented a Tugboat Award in May following the Security bill signing ceremony at the Port of Tampa for his efforts on behalf of the Ports and the maritime industry. “Governor Scott has been a tremendous advocate for the Ports since he took office and we appreciate all he is doing to put Florida in the best position to capitalize on opportunities for job creation and growth associated with the ever-growing global marketplace” said Wheeler.

UWF Baseball License to Brag

2011-06-27T20:36:00.000-05:00

CRA property disposal notice

2011-06-13T16:12:00.000-05:00

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DISPOSE OF REAL PROPERTY

LOCATED AT 120 W. GOVERNMENT STREET

AND ACCEPT PROPOSALS FOR REDEVELOPMENT

CITY OF PENSACOLA COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA)

City of Pensacola, Florida, The Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Pensacola, a Florida special district (the “CRA”) hereby gives notice required by Section 163.380, Florida Statutes (2011), of

its intention to dispose of real property as generally described below (the “Site”) and to accept

Proposals for redevelopment of the Site as an economic development project (“Project”). Redevelopment Project proposals must include no less than 30,000 SF of business or professional office space, $4,000,000 capital investment, 100 new full-time employees averaging $45,000 in annual salary, and completion of construction within 24 months. Responsible proposers must be able to demonstrate that they have the financial and legal ability to carry out any proposal made. A mechanism to reasonably assure timely completion of these obligations will be required.

The Site is located in the Urban Core Community Redevelopment Area at 120 W. Government St., Pensacola, Florida 32502. The Site is approximately 0.66 acres, zoned C-2A and currently serves as a surface parking lot. Beginning in 2009 and continuing intermittently to date, in concert with the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce the CRA has negotiated with a third party a redevelopment and economic development proposal generally meeting the terms set forth in this notice. Before proceeding further, the CRA desires as a matter of good public policy and is required by law to consider alternative proposals concerning the disposition of the Site and encourages proposals from any interested and capable proposers.

Proposals for redevelopment of the Site must further the purposes and objectives of the Urban Core Community Redevelopment Plan (2010) and meet the minimum Project requirements set forth above. Information regarding the Site, the Redevelopment Plan, submission of proposals and other pertinent information available to the CRA may be obtained by contacting the CRA in writing at the address below. A copy of the current the Urban Core Community Redevelopment Area Plan (2010) is available at www.cityofpensacola.com/cra.

A responsible proposer must provide a written, detailed outline of its proposal to the CRA at the following address on or before 4 p.m., July 14, 2011, which is at least 30 days after the date of publication of this

Notice:

Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Pensacola

222 W. Main St., 5th Floor

Pensacola, Florida 32502

Phone (850) 435-1695

PCIP Grants for 2011

2011-02-02T22:47:00.000-06:00

PCIP Grant Program

The City of Pensacola is accepting applications for the 2011 PCIP Neighborhood Matching Grant Program from neighborhood associations that have been registered with the City for at least 3 months. Neighborhood groups may apply for up to $10,000 which must be matched by cash, in-kind donations or volunteer labor. The deadline for applying is 5:00 p.m. on April 3, 2011.

Neighborhoods may apply for a grant under one of two categories: a) improvements to public property b) neighborhood improvement programmatic activities; or improvements to association owned property. All grant awards are subject to availability of funding at the time of award.
(You may request an application in WORD format by email to hgibson@ci.pensacola.fl.us).

PDF Application Links

"Association-owned" Property Improvements or "Programmatic Activities"

"Public Property" Improvements

Applicant neighborhood associations must attend the PCIP grant workshop on
Thursday, February 3, 2011, 5:30 p.m.,

Hagler/Mason Conference Room,
City Hall, 2nd Floor,
222 W. Main St, Pensacola, FL 32502.

Scenic Highway Foundation 2011 Lecture Series

2011-01-06T09:04:00.000-06:00

Please join us for the first lecture in our 2011 series...
When: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 from 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Lectures begin promptly at 5:30 p.m.
Where: IHMC 40 South Alcaniz Street
List of Presenters:
“Scenic Highway: Avenue of Heritage” Written by Earle Bowden,
Presented by Ms. Rhonda Grice.

“A Sunday Afternoon Drive Through History,”
Presented by Ms. Suzanne Weathers.

“Paving of Scenic Highway (1927)”
Presented by Ms. Gena Buchanan.

“Life as a boy living on Scenic Highway in 1916 (and beyond)”
Written by Fred Howe, Presented by Mr. Eric Schade

“A resident of Gaberonne: A conversation with Mr. Gonzalez”,
Written by Dr. Jack Kichler, Presented by Mr. Dan Deanda.

Our next lecture series is Wednesday, February 09 2011:
Speaker: Mr. Charles Booher Topic: Collecting History along Scenic Highway

Port of Pensacola's Strong 2010

2010-12-28T07:08:00.002-06:00

http://www.portofpensacola.com/live/?pid=2775

The Port of Pensacola had a very strong 2010. We paid all our bills and put some money in the bank. In a pretty bleak financial year for the City as a whole, we are proud that the Port was able to provide a bright spot.

Following items are taken directly from the Director of Finance's Quarterly report…

“Port operating revenues of $1,854,400 exceeded expenses of $1,680,500 at fiscal year end by $173,900.”

“At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2010 the Port reserve was $244,000 and increased by $309,300 at the end of Fiscal Year 2010 for a total balance of $553,300.”

By the Numbers: Offshore Inland data in Oct. 2010 press release...
• 2000 ft of deep water access,
• 9 acres of available fabrication and project lay-down area,
• Over 100,000 sq ft of covered warehouse,
• Large electrical power on site,
• Large selection of cranes and handling equipment,
• Large available workforce,
• One block off of major interstate,
• Closer to the Mobile Sea buoy then Downtown Mobile

http://offshoreinlandservices.com/Oilfield_Services.html

We are looking forward to more of the same successes in 2011.

PEDC AWARDS INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION BID FOR DOWNTOWN TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS

2010-10-26T07:51:00.004-05:00

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Oct. 25 - The Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission (PEDC) voted to approve Green-Simmons as the construction contractor for the infrastructure associated with the Downtown Technology Campus.

Green-Simmons' construction bid for the project was $2,061,011 which includes the extension of Salamanca Street from Florida Blanca to Ninth Avenue, utility infrastructure, sidewalks and a public park area as well as other amenities. The project is scheduled to start construction later this fall with a construction time of 240 days. Green-Simmons is locally owned and is a registered small business enterprise.

The project is a partnership between Escambia County, the City of Pensacola, PEDC and the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. The city and the county contributed 9.2 acres of property for the project. The county and the U.S. Economic Development Administration will fund the on site infrastructure. The project is estimated to accommodate more than 1,000 jobs in downtown after full build out. The chamber has already started marketing the campus to potential employers.

Pink Fire Trucks are Rollin into Town TODAY

2010-10-01T13:51:00.002-05:00

The Pink Fire Truck Parade is rolling into town today. As part of the kick off to their Month-long Cancer awareness campaign the Pink Fire Truck Parade is visiting cities around the Southeast.Also on Saturday our own Pensacola Fire Fighters will be wearing blue & pink lettered watch shirts to show their support.

Here is their updated plans for Pensacola:

Friday

430 Pink Fire Trucks Arrive at Station 1 on Cervantes
530 Georgio's Pizza on Cervantes is treating them to DINNER
7pm Pensacola State College at the Public Safety Day site.

Saturday Morning

9am Depart from PSC Public Safety Day for Parade to Orange Beach...the public is welcome to join in!!

Come out and see this one of a kind Parade.

Chambers Unite!!!

2010-09-21T13:00:00.001-05:00

CHAMBERS UNITE TO PROMOTE MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Sept. 21 - The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and the Gulf Coast African-American Chamber of Commerce announced a partnership Monday to help maintain and expand minority, women and small business enterprises in the Pensacola Bay Area.

Additionally, the chambers will offer a mentor-protégé program as well as host workshops, networking events, conferences and seminars with the Small Business Development Center, at the University of West Florida. Together, the groups will present 10 workshops, seminars and conferences, covering topics from construction bonding and marketing to doing business with government and education sectors. Nearly 35 percent of the Small Business Development Center's clients are racial minorities, and nearly half are woman-owned businesses.

"Our immediate objective is to strengthen the long-term stability of disadvantaged firms by focusing on those critical business skills they need to compete successfully in the marketplace," said Collier Merrill, incoming chairman of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

"Both chambers already have programs in place to assist business owners who are at a disadvantage, but by working together, we'll have a wider reach and a greater impact," added George Hawthorne, executive director of the Gulf Coast African-American Chamber of Commerce. "Together, we will grow minority business opportunities and better educate participants about the resources available to them."

The mentor-protégé program will pair disadvantaged companies with a mentor who specializes in their industry sector. The program will pilot pairings in construction, accounting, insurance, banking/finance and retail.

Both the mentor-protégé program and the workshop series will be highlighted through a strong marketing campaign to increase outreach and awareness to all segments of the community.

WILDfest 2010

2010-08-25T14:52:00.003-05:00

The Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida
Invites you to attend the eighth annual
WILDfest 2010
Sweet Prospect Band
Children’s Wildlife Games
Wildlife Gift Items
Feed the Pelicans
Roving Animal Displays
Temporary Tattoos Booth
Food & Bake Sale Booths
Reusable Shopping Bags
WILDfest Tee Shirts for Sale designed by Paula Payne
See new gift shop items and wildlife tee shirts
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Noon to 3:30 p.m.
Wildlife Sanctuary
105 North “S” Street, Pensacola FL
433-9453

Thougts about our Tree Canopy Plan

2010-08-23T12:01:00.003-05:00

Our Environmental Advisory Board has been tasked with looking at our Tree Canopy within the City and develop some preliminary information to help create our canopy plan. We lost 50% of our tree canopy after Hurricane Ivan and this directly affects the quality of our ozone. Here are some thoughts from WFRPC

Establish Tree Canopy Targets
To maximize the benefits provided by urban forests and to track its condition in a specific location, the first step is to establish a goal for tree canopy cover. Tree canopy cover (the percent of a city’s land area shaded by trees) targets provide a useful way to assess how close a city’s green infrastructure comes to its potential. Such targets take into account factors such as local climate and other natural ecological conditions. While the ideal tree canopy for Philadelphia, for example, is very different than Phoenix, each has a tree cover target or goal that is ideal for them. To help guide city leaders in setting tree cover targets for their communities, American Forests produced the following generic guidelines for specific zoning categories for cities in the United States east of the Mississippi and in the Pacific Northwest:
• Metropolitan area—average tree cover counting all zones = 40 percent;
• Suburban Residential zones = 50 percent;
• Urban Residential = 25 percent;
• Central Business District = 15 percent.
Cities are starting to incorporate these guidelines into public policy. For example, less than a year after their urban ecosystem analysis revealed that the Roanoke, Va., area had only a 32 percent tree canopy; the city council passed an Urban Forestry Plan. The top priorities include reaching a 40 percent citywide tree canopy goal within ten years and requirements for more tree planting and tree protection during new land development. The city has also updated their zoning ordinance that specifies tree canopy cover by land use and specifies minimum tree canopy cover in parking lots.
While these percentages are a good starting point for communities, they should be used only as a guide. Geography and local climate are important factors in establishing more precise local targets. The average urban tree cover for 20 states in the northeastern quarter of the country is 30 percent.
American Forests analyzed tree cover in about a dozen metro areas nationwide and found them to be 25 to 35 percent depending on their underlying environmental conditions. As you might expect, cities in the Southwest United States have less tree cover than cities in the Mid-Atlantic States. From the analysis, American Forests was able to identify potential, if somewhat generalized, tree cover targets. As previously stated, these recommendations find that average tree cover in metro areas east of the Mississippi and in the Pacific Northwest should be about 40 percent, while cities in the dry Southwest and Plains states with much smaller natural tree covers should shoot for tree targets of about 30 percent.
A decision to maintain a specific percentage of the green infrastructure must be made at the highest levels of government so that the managing departments can carry out the detailed actions needed to meet those goals. The tree cover targets and the challenge to incorporate trees into all growth and development activities must be shared by key departments of city and county governments as well as by the private building industry.
Allowing construction practices that damage, kill, or remove trees—whether they occur on public or private property—without replacing them should no longer be acceptable. Assuring trees will live is not a small challenge, but one that must be accepted by everyone that builds infrastructure.

212

2010-08-20T11:01:00.002-05:00

The Parks and Recreation Team at the City of Pensacola has a motto they live by... 212 degrees. This is the extra degree that brings something to the boiling point, changes it's make-up and transforms it. Every member of the Parks & Recreation team has 212 on their shirt, they have 212 pins and coins that are only earned by exceptional performance. This is what they live by and how they operate. Check out the beautiful parks they maintain and the activities available to every citizen of Pensacola. They are the feet on the street keeping our City the beautiful and inviting place that it is...

212 degrees

Here's a little about their hard work and the Park's PLAY PENSACOLA Programs...

visit their Facebook page at PlayPensacola or www.playpensacola.com

Welcome to PlayPensacola!

Your City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department is committed to providing quality programs and services to the citizens of Pensacola. Our mission is to improve and promote the quality of life for all citizens and visitors of Pensacola by protecting the heritage of our parks while providing a wide range of recreational, social and educational opportunities.

Besides promoting health and wellness, the Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department contributes to the quality if life by fostering community pride, increasing cultural unity and creating opportunities for lifetime experiences.

According to George Bernard Shaw, "We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." Those words ring so true. All one has to do is find his or her passion, whether it's get in shape, connect with nature and family, or appreciate what the city of Pensacola has to offer. Our PlayPensacola programs, services, and events allow the residents of Pensacola the ability to immerse themselves in the abundance of recreation and leisure programs provided by the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department.

Nominations for Various City Boards

2010-08-14T10:17:00.002-05:00

There are 4 different requests for nominations on various City of Pensacola advisory boards and committees:

Code Enforcement Board deadline is August 26th at NOON

Enterprise Zone Advisory Board deadline is September 3rd at NOON

General Pension Board deadline is August 26th at NOON

Human Relations Commission deadline is August 26th at NOON

Please let me know if you are interested by sending me an email to mdeweese@ci.pensacola.fl.us

It just keeps getting better!!!

2010-08-06T22:55:00.002-05:00

More jobs at the Port of Pensacola

Offshore Inland Marine and Oilfield Services (OIMOS)
August 5, 2010

Offshore Inland Marine & Oilfield Services announces that they will hire 20 - 30 new employees as part of an expansion of their commercial service operations at the Port of Pensacola which will double their indoor Marine / Oilfield manufacturing and fabrication space. The project is expected to continue throughout next year. This is the first of a possible three phases of projects. This work is in addition to their on-going marine service work at the port.
For more information please contact Buddy McCormick of business development and public relations at 850-554-9113.

Port of Pensacola
700 S Barracks St, Pensacola, 32502
www.PortofPensacola.com

Sports Camp with Pensacola's Finest

2010-08-05T21:38:00.006-05:00

Chief Simmons and 40 volunteer officers joined forces with the Parks and Recreation Department to sponsor their 1st ever Sports Camp in Holice Williams Park today. The PPD has given citizens a glimpse of the wonderful events that can be held in the Greenway space tucked under I-110.

Tomorrow is the 2nd half of the camp with tee shirts and a backpacks for each child. The kids learn about personal safety, team building and basic skills in tennis, flag football, soccer and basketball...all from 1-5pm.

I even hear the kids took down the officers in a tug-o-war game.

Come out and enjoy some good old summer fun!!! Thanks to your Pensacola Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Team.

POOL PARTY!!!!!!

2010-07-20T23:34:00.003-05:00

Play Pensacola has splashed into another great idea...

Roger Scott Swimming Pool is hosting two night swims this weekend. Both Friday and Saturday night of this week from 7:30 til 9pm there will be a special night swim.

There will be a DJ on the deck playing everyone's favorite summertime tunes so this promises to be the best place in town to be on Friday and Saturday night.

Bring some towels & a few friends and let's have some Summertime FUN!!!

BP Oil Operations Deposit

2010-07-17T14:55:00.000-05:00

July 17, 2010

RE: BP Deposit for Bayou Chico operations

To Whom it may concern:

In an effort to clarify my position for our City Manager with regard to BP’s oil operations in Bayou Chico I feel it necessary to explain my perspective on several critical issues.

As I have explained before BP’s oil operations are site specific and on- going with oil being transported into our waterways on a daily basis and oil contaminating our waterways as a result of the operations. These operations simply cannot be likened to claims for a one time incident nor are they random oil contaminations. It is not a question of “IF” there is oil in our bay but only how much as a result of BP operations.

Pensacola’s economy has suffered as have our friends to the west in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana yet they all have long standing relationships with BP and other oil companies. They have all benefited for many years as oil producing states and were aware of the risks for easy oil. We all know the days of easy oil and low risk drilling are gone and oil companies have now entered into a new & more dangerous realm of exploration and drilling. What has happened in our Gulf Waters should shake us all awake and at least refocus BP’s commitment to responsible policy and stronger relationships with the cities that have lost so much.

BP’s oil disaster knows no boundary and has found it’s way into Florida waters. We find ourselves forced to participate in a business transaction that, out of necessity, has found it’s way to our shores. Pensacola has born 100% of the risk with zero benefit. Our city can not be expected to carry the financial burden of BP’s oil operations should an accident happen. BP is the worldwide enterprise; Pensacola is the small city of 54,000. This refundable deposit is just the right thing to do…it is good business and shows BP’s commitment and their good faith to our city.

A refundable deposit for your operations in our waters and on our shores is not a great deal to ask considering the situation.

A Perfect idea for Saturday with the Kids!!

2010-07-14T22:49:00.001-05:00

Touch a Truck

Where can children put there imagination in “gear and go”? Well, at the Play Pensacola Touch-A-Truck event, kids can get a chance to be behind the wheel and rub elbows with their hometown heroes. Come and climb on and explore some of your child’s favorite vehicles including fire engines, police cars and construction trucks. This community event will provide families the opportunity to learn about and explore these vehicles and public safety equipment. Each truck will have a driver present to answer questions, help kids sit in the truck, and let kids honk the horn. The first hour of the event will be a silent hour for smaller children. Admission is FREE to the public. So come join us at the Vickrey Community Center Saturday July 17, 2010 from 10am -1pm!

There will be free bottled water, donated by Coastal Body Works, and Food will be available for purchase from Famous Daves Barbeque.

I hope to see you there!!

Senator Nelson's efforts for Troops

2010-06-03T10:24:00.002-05:00

Nelson pushes for more military assets to combat, cleanup oil spill
PENSACOLA, Fla. – With oil drifting closer and closer to this area’s world-famous beaches, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson continues to insist the White House should call in the military to help keep the slime at bay.

No one expects the military to be able to cap the gushing well. As the chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen says, the military isn’t suited or equipped to do so. But Nelson believes the military can bring what former Secretary of State Colin Powell said in a recent interview: “The military brings organization. It brings control. It brings assets.”

“This is the largest environmental disaster in our nation’s history,” Nelson said today, as he departed Orlando for a trip to the Pensacola area for a first-hand look at preparations to combat the spill. “If this doesn’t call for more organization, control and assets – like, subsea mapping by the Navy, for instance - then nothing does.”

Nelson’s stop at area emergency operations centers comes as the Panhandle confront the stark reality of oil washing ashore in Florida. Government forecasters are closely tracking a significant plume of oil 35 miles off Pensacola Beach. None of that oil was expected to make landfall before Saturday. But officials warn tar balls could started hitting area beaches by tomorrow.

A long-time opponent of offshore drilling off Florida’s Gulf coast, Nelson was instrumental in getting the first live images of the well disaster made public, leading to a re-evaluation of the amount of oil actually gushing from the well. He’s also filed legislation to raise the liability cap for economic and environmental damages for the spill from $75 million to whatever it costs to fix the mess and compensate folks for their losses. He’s filed another bill to toughen regulation of the oil industry and end lax oversight by the federal government. And, he’s called on the president to establish a military-like command and control structure to help clean up the spill.

Briefing at Escambia County Emergency Operations Center
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (local time)
6575 North W Street, Pensacola

Briefing at Santa Rosa County Emergency Operations Center
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (local time)
4499 Pine Forest Road, Milton

Mallory Heights New Neighborhood Association

2010-05-21T09:56:00.006-05:00

The following link gives Mallory Heights residents an opportunity to join their new Neighborhood Association. The campaign includes speed awareness, beautification and community building through better communication. Mallory Heights is a beautiful neighborhood off of Scenic Highway with approx. 150 residential homes.

Best of luck to everyone working so hard to make their neighborhood a wonderful and safe place to live.

http://malloryheights.com

Scenic Highway Foundation Lecture Series: Pensacola's Maritime Brick Industry

2010-05-17T10:08:00.002-05:00

Beginning in January 2010 the Scenic Highway Foundation in partnership with IHMC began hosting a series of evening lectures about Pensacola History specific to the Pensacola Scenic Bluffs area. The lectures are held at IHMC located at 40 S. Alcaniz Street beginning at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The next lecture is Tuesday, May 18th

Guest Speaker: Dean Nones,Graduate Student,
Division of Anthropology and Archaeology,
University of West Florida.

Topic: “Pensacola's Maritime Brick Industry: 1750-1900”

The presentation is divided into three parts. The first part is a history of Pensacola's brick industry, the second part provides a brief overview of the brick making process and how it evolved over time, and the third part deals with Mr. Nones research on a shipwreck in Pensacola/Escambia Bay, known as the Brick Wreck, that is associated with the historic brick industry. This section will include the discovery and test excavations of the wreck and a description of the artifacts that were recovered and conserved.

An RSVP is not required.

Understanding Oil Dispersants

2010-05-10T10:16:00.002-05:00

I have had many questions both about the content of the dispersant being used in the Gulf and the longterm impact of it's use to limit exposure to birds, fish and marshlands. The following is from Nalco the supplier of the Corexit dispersant being used on the Gulf of Mexico Oil spill:

Oil Spill Dispersants
Response to an oil spill at any stage has one important primary goal - to minimize the impact of the spill on the environment. Complete recovery of oil is rarely possible due to weather conditions or the size of the spill. The challenge then becomes one of preventing oil from reaching the shoreline where damage to natural and commercial resources can be considerable.

All of Nalco’s oil spill dispersants have to pass stringent third-party performance evaluations before being accepted for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Furthermore, extensive environmental testing has to be performed on all oil spill dispersants to ensure that their impact on the aquatic environmental is minimal. For this reason, only those components that are known to have favorable environmental properties are used in oil spill dispersant products. Many of these components are readily used to stabilize food products, cosmetics or in pharmaceuticals.

How Dispersants Work
Dispersants contain both surface-active agents (surfactants) and solvent systems. Each surfactant molecule has both a water-soluble ‘head’ group and an oil-soluble ‘tail’. After contacting an oil slick on water, these molecules diffuse through the oil to the oil/water interface under the slick.

The surfactant acts to lower the oil/water interfacial tension, which means it lowers the energy needed to mix the oil into the water. This makes it easy for the oil to disperse into the water phase as discrete droplets. Each droplet has a molecular layer of surfactant molecules around it which helps to prevent the droplets from recombining and keeps them dispersed in the water phase. Through wind and wave action, the droplets are dispersed throughout the water column and removed from the surface spill location, thereby minimizing the adherence to fish, birds, boats and the shoreline. The tiny oil droplets are then consumed by natural microorganisms in the water column removing the oil from the ecosystem.

BP Gulf of Mexico May 10th Update

2010-05-10T09:59:00.000-05:00

UPDATE ON GULF OF MEXICO OIL SPILL RESPONSE

BP today provided an update on developments in the response to the MC252 oil well incident in the Gulf of Mexico.

Subsea Source Control and Containment

Subsea efforts continue to focus on two fronts: first, reducing the flow of oil spilled by physical containment and second, further work on stopping the flow using a “top kill” option.

The containment dome that was deployed last week has been parked away from the spill area on the sea bed. Efforts to place it over the main leak point were suspended at the weekend as a build up of hydrates prevented a successful placement of the dome over the spill area.

A second, smaller containment dome is being readied to lower over the main leak point. The small dome will be connected by drill pipe and riser lines to a drill ship on the surface to collect and treat oil. It is designed to mitigate the formation of large hydrate volumes. This operation has never been done before in 5,000 feet of water.

In addition, further work on the blow out preventer has positioned us to attempt a “top kill” option aimed at stopping the flow of oil from the well. This option will be pursued in parallel with the smaller containment dome over the next two weeks.

All of the techniques being attempted or evaluated to contain the flow of oil on the seabed involve significant uncertainties because they have not been tested in these conditions before.

BP continues to do everything it can, in conjunction with governmental authorities and other industry experts, to find a solution to stem the flow of oil on the seabed.

Work on the first relief well, which began on Sunday May 2, continues. It is expected to take some three months to complete.

Surface Spill Response and Containment

Work continues to collect and disperse oil that has reached the surface of the sea. More than 275 vessels are being used, including skimmers, tugs, barges and recovery vessels.

The volume of dispersant applied to the spill on the surface amounts to over 315,000 gallons since the spill response began.

Intensive operations to skim oil from the surface of the water also continued. Some 90,000 barrels of oily liquid has now been recovered.

The total length of deployed boom is now more than 1 million feet as part of the efforts to stop oil reaching the coast.

The cost to date of the response amounts to about $350 million, including the cost of spill response, containment, relief well drilling, commitments to the Gulf Coast States, settlements and federal costs.

BP Press Office London +44 20 7496 4076
BP Press office, US: +1 281 366 0265
Unified Command Joint Information Center +1 985-902-5231
www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com
www.bp.com/gulfofmexico

The Final Answer

2010-05-06T16:32:00.002-05:00

The Deepwater Horizon disaster is now in it's 17th day and our community as well as the rest of the Gulf Coast is facing the worst environmental disaster in it's history. The helplessness that citizen's feel has turned to anger then blame. Our very way of life, our coast's natural beauty and the livelihood of our lifelong residents is being obliterated. When did we have a say in the decisions being made about our Gulf waters?

The Federal Government gave it's "rubber stamp" of approval last year without an environmental impact study. BP made a calculated risk based on a potential spill being less than 4600 barrels and projections that it would not reach the coast. They also left off the most expensive safety measures due to potential costs for re drilling the well. Their decision was a financial one with no concern for the far reaching impact of their actions. Gulf oil production is but a mere spec on the map of international drilling and in hind sight is it necessary? The Gulf of Mexico has some of the richest supplies of natural gas deposits in the world with an almost endless supply, this should be our contribution to the nation's energy supply. More natural gas escapes on a daily basis than we could pump out of wells for our use, a gas spill or well failure can be shut off in 30 seconds.

I have watched my 3 children closely as they process the news of the oil spill and make their judgements on what must be done. My children are 11yrs, 9yrs and 5yrs old and each has come to different conclusions. This disaster has transformed their lives and changed their sense of what is needed in their daily lives. The oldest says NO MORE OIL...simply find a different source to fuel our vehicles and stop the insanity. The 9 year old is worried and sad about sea life that has died as a result of our needs, he keeps asking why we would make such a poor decision and take oil from the Gulf if this kind of thing can happen. My youngest whispers to me every time he sees the news about the oil spill... "What about all the sea animals they have hurt?? The Final Answer he gives...God is not proud of those people...

Sadly, we are ALL...those people...we put ourselves and our needs ahead of the most precious resources we've been entrusted to take care of. This should shake us awake and make us redirect our energies, focus and most importantly our priorities. If we stop demanding so much oil and find other sources this problem will slowly take care of itself. We have some decisions to make...what do you say???

President Obama to speak in Kalamazoo

2010-05-05T11:14:00.004-05:00

"I have promised to speak at a high school commencement every year to highlight schools that are encouraging excellence and preparing their students for college and careers," Obama said today, before adding a shout out to Kalamazoo Central's mascot: "Go Giants!"
President Obama

Here is the link to ABC News.

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/president-obama-speak-kalamazoo-central-high-school-winner/story?id=10552979&page=1

Kalamazoo Promise has been in place since 2006 and the community has been transformed in every area yet the most important part of their success in "Raising the Bar" is that each student now EXPECTS to go to college...The Promise has changed their lives and the future of Kalamazoo.

Pensacola's Promise can do this too...

Oil Spill May 3rd update

2010-05-03T12:35:00.000-05:00

03 May 10 (1000 EDT)
USCG Response to DEEPWATER HORIZON
(*new)

BLUF:

Sub-sea dispersant started Sunday 2 May at 1000 for 24 hr test. As of 0800 03May2010 dispersant test continues until 1000 at which time the test will be completed. Dispersant is being pushed until test conclusion at 1000. DASH-8 (7sorties) conducted afternoon of 02May, imagery is at NOAA for analysis. DAH-8 Flight conducted to film area around well head to evaluate effectiveness of Sub-Sea dispersant efforts. DASH-8 sorties today with a CG observer onboard; first sortie was launched at first light. Bottom conditions were rough at BOP. At 1800 02 May, pressure was relieved for approx 2 mins. On 03 May focus will be on the lower annular and the capping of drill pipe will proceed in prep for the pollution dome. ROV’s could possibly take a look at “Choke and Kill” points along the pipe today in effort to crush piping and reduce flow. D8 will advise on progress of this effort. Seas were reported at 7 to 10 feet yesterday with an anticipated reduction in seas to approx 4 feet. If seas are less than or equal to 4 ft then skimmers could possibly be deployed this date. MOBILE has produced its first IAP. Finalized Volunteer plan remains unsigned. Senior leadership is aware and D8 is progressing to achieve a signed version of the VOLPLAN as soon as possible.

Situation Bullets:

• Drill pipe capping operation update,
• Plan: The intent is to cut off the end of the drill pipe and install a valve on the end to secure leak #3. This will eliminate one of the three identified leaks. The effect that this will have on the other two leaks is not specifically known, though a reduction to 2 breaches in the pipe will simplify mitigation efforts somewhat. Execution: The end of the drill pipe was successfully cut off, producing a clean cut. The RoV with the valve was unable to be splashed/deployed due to weather. Next steps: Weather permitting, the valve will be sent down on an RoV to be installed on the cut end of the pipe. Once the valve is installed on the pipe, the valve will be closed, effectively 'capping' it.
• Sensitive Area- MSU/SECTOR NOLA AOR: 13 identified, 10 protected (77% protected), SECTOR MOBILE AOR: 37 identified, 21 protected (57% protected).
• Skimming could proceed if seas lay down to 4 feet or less.
• DASH-8 launched at first light with CG observer onboard.
• Finalized Volunteer plan remains unsigned. Senior leadership is aware and D8 is progressing to achieve a signed version of the VOLPLAN as soon as possible.
• Still no confirmed reports of land fall have been received by IC.
• Temporary Flight Restriction (FDC 0/7326) centered over the incident site, surface to 4000' MSL, 35-nm radius. It was issued 27APR and is in effect until further notice. Concerns for air traffic safety is being addressed, solution forthcoming, Air Traffic management planning is under review.

Booming Info:
Deployed Boom to date: 274,260 ft

Total Boom (staged / available)
• Houma- 217,210 ft
• Mobile-480,981 ft
• Total= 564,511 ft

Total Sorbent Boom (staged / available)
• Houma- 34,590 ft
• Mobile-96,864 ft
• Total= 83,670 ft

Total Sorbent pads (staged / available)
• Houma- 180
• Mobile-2940
• Total= 3120

*Future Booming operations:
• TBD
• ICS-209 Period 13 from Sector Mobile and ICS-209 Period 13 from LA applies
• Weather is impacting the effectiveness of boom by reducing its capacity to contain or act as a barrier to the passage of oil and may result in changes to the planned orientation of boom by exceeding the allowable safety parameters for the work groups setting the boom. Weather is improving.
Current Operations:

Coast Guard Non Coast Guard
Surface: CGC HARRIET LANE u/w for SAR.

CGC OAK On Scene Pensacola, FL

CGC HARRY CLAIBORNE u/w 3 May en-route Gulfport, MS Surface: Task Force MSRC 1, 2 and AMPOL will be working with the HOSS barge near the source location.

Task Force MSRC 3 (OSRV FLORIA RESPONDER) working the eastern finger of the oil slick.

Air: NTR Air: NTR
COMMS Enhanced Mobile Incident Command Post (EMICP) & Communications Vehicle (MCV) arrived Slidell, LA

Future Operations/Assets:
• Relief well to spud down.
• Evaluate success of subsea dispersant application.
• Pollution control dome complete working on the piping system that brings the oil to the surface for collection. Expected to be complete in next 7-10 days.
• SLG – Monday 03 May, 1730 EDT.
• NRT – Monday 03 May, 1800 EDT.
• Congressional Overflights to be provided by USCG aircraft :
03 May Flight scheduled :
 Rep Miller
 Senator LeMieux and (1) staff
 Senator Sessions and (2) staff
 Senator Shelby (possible)

Personnel:
• 54 NSF Personnel on Scene
• 24 GST / 15 AST / 12 PST / 1 NSFCC/ 2 PIAT
• 541 USCG (99), MMS, Transocean, BP, NOAA, LA & FL personnel at Unified Area Command in Robert, LA.
• 492 USCG(89), Transocean, BP & NOAA personnel at Unified Incident Command in Houma, LA.
• 428 USCG(8), BP, Transocean & others at Housto

Pensacola's Promise Plan

2010-04-21T19:31:00.003-05:00

My Motion to the Committee of the Whole on April 19,2010:

That City Council adopt the Pensacola Promise, an economic development plan to provide last dollar tuition assistance to eligible residents of the City of Pensacola and commit to annual funding of an initial amount of $250,000 in the 2010-2011 fiscal year and a recurring amount up to but not exceeding $400,000 thereafter. Funding for this program is to be 100% funded through either contributions from ESP rate payers or thru a return on the Citizens investment in their gas utility.

Point of clarification that the 1st source of funding is to be a voluntary amount added to ESP rate payers,(@ 50 cents per customer you pay for the plan, or $1.00 per city resident) the 2nd source being the return on investment to the citizens of Pensacola from their revenues at ESP. My discussion about marketing and ESP's current funding levels came from the fact that ESP will most certainly get regional and national recognition for their commitment to fund the Pensacola's Promise. Our city manager has pointed out that ESP is in direct competition with other local utilities for new customers. ESP already contributes to Unite Escambia, Foundations for the future @ the chamber, PEDC for economic development and promotion, Bill Bond Baseball, The Saenger Theatre, and we even publish our own cookbook to market ESP and local restaurants. An investment in the growth of our city, access to education for our citizens, and attracting new businesses to our area are all within the mission of ESP and the City of Pensacola.

Who Benefits from Pensacola's Promise???

2010-04-19T09:54:00.004-05:00

Just in case anyone missed the point yesterday...who benefits from the Promise Plan?

WE
ALL
DO!!!!

Pensacola’s Promise Plan
A place-based Universal Scholarship for City Residents

Who benefits from Pensacola’s Promise?
City of Pensacola Residents graduating from our schools

What is the Pensacola’s Promise?
A scholarship for post secondary education

When can a student use the promise scholarship?
Upon HS graduation & up to 4 years for college

Where can a student use the Pensacola’s Promise Plan?
PJC, UWF and Trade Schools

Why is Pensacola looking at having the Promise Plan?
For Workforce & Economic Development

How does the scholarship work?
It is a Last Dollar funded plan after Pell Grants & Bright Futures funds

Pensacola's Promise Scholarship Agreement

2010-04-19T09:41:00.003-05:00

Unanimously Approved April 14, 2010 by Pensacola's Promise plan committee

Pensacola’s Promise SCHOLARSHIP AGREEMENT
PURPOSE
To provide each City of Pensacola resident graduating from Escambia County Schools with the opportunity to attend post –secondary education with up to a 100% tuition scholarship .City of Pensacola residents graduating from Private and Parochial schools will receive benefits at a reduced rate with the opportunity to increase their eligibility through verified volunteer hours.
ELIGIBILITY
1. All City of Pensacola residents who graduate from Escambia County Public Schools, Private and Parochial schools, and have been residents of the City of Pensacola for four years or more. (Enrollment and residency must be continuous.)
2. Admitted to and enrolled at Pensacola Junior College, University of West Florida, George Stone Technical Center, other approved trade/certificate schools in Escambia County.
a. Make regular progress toward a degree or certification.
b. Must maintain a 2.0 grade point average at the post-secondary institution.
c. Complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.
d. If the GPA drops below 2.0, a student will enter a one semester probationary period and a student may be reinstated if he/she is able to bring their GPA back to at least a 2.0.
EXTENT OF BENEFITS
The tuition benefit will be graduated on the basis of length of residency in the City of Pensacola and student transcripts for school enrollment.
Length of Attendance.......Public Schools Benefit Private/Parochial Benefit
K-12.....................................100% ........................................50%
1-12.......................................95% ......................................... 45%
2-12.......................................95% ..........................................45%
3-12.......................................95% ..........................................45%
4-12.......................................90% ..........................................40%
5-12 ......................................85% ...........................................35%
6-12.......................................80% ...........................................30%
7-12.......................................75% ............................................25%
8-12.......................................70% ............................................20%
9-12.......................................65% ............................................15%
10-12.......................................0% .............................................0%
11-12.......................................0% ..............................................0%
12.............................................0% ..............................................0%
Private/Parochial benefits increase based on volunteer hours within the City of Pensacola during their enrollment outside the public school system.
TERMS OF SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship program provides up to four (4) years of tuition (120 credit hours, additional credit hours approved based on eligibility) for post-secondary education (per the scale above). The students must be a full-time student, taking 12 credit hours per semester minimum. Individual summer school classes will be covered as long as the class applies toward the degree or certification program in which the student is enrolled and is taken at their designated school of choice. A special permission form must be completed AND approved in order to take summer classes at other than the school of choice.

The post-secondary education must be completed within 5 years of the date of high school graduation. Four years shall be defined as the receipt of a bachelor’s degree or 120 credit hours towards a degree, whichever occurs first. This education must be pursued per the requirements listed above.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Scholarship recipients must submit:
* FAFSA application and eligibility determination
• A Pensacola’s Promise application form.
• A Pensacola’s Promise scholarship acceptance form.
• A transcript from the previous semester indicating as a minimum: classes taken, grades and credit hours for those classes and cumulative GPA. (Provisions may be made to have this submitted by the post-secondary institution.)
• All changes to contact information as they occur. This includes home and school addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
• A Pensacola’s Promise scholarship transfer form if changing school of choice.
• A Pensacola’s Promise summer school exception form in order to take summer classes at other than the school of choice.

DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
All funds will be paid directly to the educational institution. Funds will be paid a maximum of three times per year. Payments will be paid after the drop/add period of the fall, winter and summer/spring semester as defined by each educational institution. Any refunds due to the scholarship will be paid directly to the Pensacola’s Promise.

EXCEPTIONS
No exceptions to the above requirements will be allowed unless approved by the Pensacola’s Promise Board, its Appeals Committee or their designee.
Appeals are initiated by contacting the Pensacola’s Promise Executive Administrator.

ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS
Pensacola Junior College
University of West Florida
George Stone Technical Center
Other approved Trade/Certificate Schools within Escambia County.

Promise Plan to be presented...Mack is Wrong!

2010-04-18T14:24:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow at 3:15 the Pensacola Promise committee will submit the final report on the proposed plan and its costs. I am immeasurably proud of the work our committee has done in all 7 Council Districts and the plan we have developed.
Pensacola's Promise Plan:
1) guarantees City residents (after attending a minimum of 4 years)upon graduating from an Escambia County School (public, private & parochial)up to 100% tuition for PJC, UWF or George Stone.

2) will cost less than $400,000 per year of NON TAXPAYER FUNDS

3) will establish Pensacola as a City that is committed to improving our labor force, attracting good industry, giving back to its citizens and raising our education levels.

Our committee could not have done more to make this project a comprehensive low cost HOME RUN for Pensacola, yet before we have even been heard naysayers such as Councilwoman Mack (who obviously hasn't read or heard the actual plan) have come out against it. In her combination council member/candidate website, Ms. Mack states

"COMMENTARY -- When the Pensacola City Council agreed to consider a proposal from Councilwoman DeWeese regarding this scholarship concept, there were two elements that were clearly identified by at least several Council members as critical to a favorable consideration: (1) that the program must be equitable to all City students whether they attend public, parochial, or private schools, and (2) that the major source of funding for the program must be private funds. I am deeply disappointed to see that the final proposal discriminates against students in non-public schools and is dependent solely on City contributions, and I will therefore not support the program."

The councilwoman is WRONG on both counts. The plan does provide a means for private school kids to participate and get up to 100% of needed funds for PJC, UWF and George Stone. The committee was in fact thanked by the principal of Catholic High School for including their children in the program.

Second, NO TAX dollars are used to fund the program. All administrative costs will be borne by a not-for-profit and the City's ONLY responsibility will be its contribution.

I am concerned that this sort of uninformed decision making and lack of respect for our committee by not even listening to the presentation before passing her judgment shows a trait that may keep Ms. Mack from being an effective Mayor. A strong mayor should be deliberative, listen to the community, allow the process to be completed,analyze the facts and weigh all options before making a decision about a proposal like Pensacola Promise which will impact generations to come. At least listen to the proposal and discuss the Promise plan with your peers before passing such judgements.

My hope is for the remainder of my colleagues to see this opportunity for what it can do: Promise every child in Pensacola the chance to be whatever they dream!

PPD Canines Rule the Region!!

2010-03-22T14:43:00.003-05:00

Once again, the City of Pensacola Police Department K-9 teams had to certify at the USPCA Regional Field trials in Lady Lake Fl last week. As always they represented Pensacola in a professional manner and came home with a boatload of recognition and trophies. They competed against 60 other teams in obedience, agility, evidence search, suspect search, criminal apprehension and criminal apprehension with gunfire. We had four teams place in the top twenty overall and brought back the 4-man departmental team trophies we took from Lakeland P.D. last year. These large agencies break a sweat when they see Pensacola show up at a regional certification because they know the Pensacola P.D. K-9 teams are prepared and will consistently come out on top. Congratulations to all.

Randy Rickard and "Charief" 10th place overall
Bruce Harris and "Shedow" 12th place overall
Chris Geraci and "Bady" 13th place overall
Alex Bell and "Rusty" 16th place overall

Chris Geraci and "Bady" 4th place for search work (evidence and suspect search)

Harry Barraclough and "Justus" 1st place agility and 5th place obedience

David Hausner and "Kyros" 2nd place in the Novice division

TOP FOUR MAN DEPARTMENTAL TEAM (2009 and 2010)
Randy Rickard and "Charief
Harry and "Justus"
Bruce and "Shedow"
Chris and "Bady"

District 3 Beautification Day...Bay Cliffs Again

2010-03-14T14:24:00.004-05:00

Thanks to all the citizens of Bay Cliffs that came out on Saturday for Round 2 of Scenic and Brookshire. The differences are almost unbelievable. Our work was the talk of Duffy's Tavern at Saturdays St. Patricks Day extravaganza and I believe that Penacola has added a new Scenic overlook to our Escambia Bay.

Evolution of City's Reserve Policy Document from June 1998

2010-03-09T16:25:00.003-06:00

COMMITTEE:Finance
DATE: June 11, 1998
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 1999 Budget-General Fund Reserve

RECOMMENDATION:
That City Council approve a $2,800,000 General Fund reserve for the fiscal year 1999 budget.
BACKGROUND:
Over the last several fiscal years, the City Manager has recommended and Council has
approved a General Fund reserve in the budget. As part of the fiscal year 1998 budget process, Council requested that they provide prior approval of the recommended reserve amount before it is presented as part of the proposed budget- The following table compares the budgeted General Fund reserve over five fiscal years
Fiscal Year Reserve Amount Percent of GF Revenue
1999___________$2,800,000___________7.5%
1998___________$2,661,800___________7.2%
1997___________$1,600,000___________4.5%
1996_____________$800,000___________2.4%
1995_____________$200,000____________.6%

Most financial literature and rating agencies recommend maintaining a minimum five
percent (5%) General Fund reserve. However, indications have been, and staff certainly concurs, that a 10 percent (10%) reserve may be advisable due , in large part, to the unpredictability of Pensacola's weather and the resulting impact on General Fund revenues sources. In recommending a $2.8 million reserve, staff took into consideration the stagnant revenue level this fiscal year. and the anticipated revenue growth of 3.2% in fiscal year 1999. Staff believes that holding reserves to a five percent (5%i increase is reasonable given the fact that the proposed General Fund expenditures budgeted for fiscal year 1999 increased by less than one
percent (1%) due to the number of increases departments have been asked to absorb.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Adequate reserves enhance the City's financial position and allow for continued current service levels to citizens should unforeseen emergencies or downturns in the economy occur. The City's adequate reserve level has been a factor in the favorable bond ratings we have recently received.

Evolution of City's Reserve Policy Document from Nov 1999

2010-03-09T16:13:00.003-06:00

Memorandum
TO:Thomas J. Bonfield, City Manager
FROM: Richard Barker, Jr., Director of Finance
DATE:November 10, 1999
SUBJECT: Financial Planning and Administration Policy

RECOMMENDATION:
That City Council approve an amended Financial Planning and Administration Policy revising General Fund and enterprise funds reserve minimums and the target level of the budgeted ESP transfer to the General Fund.
BACKGROUND:
On July 23,1998, City Council approved the current Financial Planning and Administration Policy.
At this time, several refinements to the policy are being recommended.
General Fund Reserves:
Current policy calls for a desired General Fund reserve of between 10-12 percent of annual revenues. Based on the potential for weather-related revenue shortfalls in the Tax and Franchise Fee Debt Service Fund and Gas Fund impacting transfers to the General Fund, it is prudent to establish a targeted minimum General Fund reserve of 15 percent of annual revenues. The projected reserve balance for FY 2000 is $3,100,000 or 8.49% of budgeted revenues.
Enterprise Fund Reserves:
According to current policy, enterprise fund reserves should be maintained at levels adequate to support the needs of the various enterprises. Under the proposed policy the City Manager will develop and present to Council a reserve implementation plan for each of the enterprise funds. Each plan will include a minimum l5 percent operating reserve. However, based on the volatility of revenues in certain enterprise
funds due to weather or other risk factors beyond our control, the target reserve may be greater than 15%.
Bond covenants will also be considered when developing the reserve implementation plans. In addition to the operating reserve, enterprise funds will also establish capital reserves to ensure that ongoing capital and infrastructure needs are adequately met. In these funds, the reserve goal will be reached by continuing to treat each fund as a full enterprise with revenues and expenditures budgeted at a level that meets fund needs.
ESP Transfer: Currently, the budgeted ESP transfer to the General Fund has a long-term target of 15 - 20 percent of budgeted ESP revenues. The proposed policy eliminates the percentage range and establishes a straight 20 percent target. This will be accomplished by reducing the transfer a minimum of $100,000 each fiscal year
while continuing to expand the customer base.
The minimum level of reserves should be reached in the General Fund and all enterprise funds within eight years. Reduction of the budgeted ESP transfer to 20% of budgeted ESP revenues should be accomplished within the same time frame.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The strengthening of reserve policies and reduction of the budgeted ESP transfer will have a positive impact on the continued fiscal stability of the City. Bond ratings may be enhanced and further savings achieved when entering the debt market for future borrowings.

Evolution of the City's Reserve Policy Document from Nov 2006

2010-03-09T15:55:00.005-06:00

TO: Thomas J. Bonfield, City Manager
FROM: Richard Barker, Jr., Director of Finance
DATE: November 6,2006
SUBJECT: Amendment to the Financial Planning and Administrative Policy
RECOMMENDATION:
That City Council approve changes to the Financial Planning and Administrative Policy.
BACKGROUND:
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends that, at a minimum,
financial policies in the areas of financial planning, revenue and expenditure policies, be developed by staff,adopted by the governing board and most importantly reviewed during each budget process.As part of the annual budget process the Director of Finance reviews the City's Financial Planning and Administrative Policy to ensure continued relevance and identify any gaps that should be addressed with new policies. With the Fiscal Year 2007 budget process, there were
three line items within the Policy that were found in need of amending and one new policy was identified to enhance financial planning. The Fiscal Year 2OO7 Annual Budget addresses all three changes in the Budget Message.
The City's Financial Planning and Administration Policy has been amended two times since its adoption in 1998. The last amendment by City Council was September 30,2004' The Policy is published in the appendix of the City's annual budget document.
Amendment #l The General Fund reserve which is used for unanticipated needs and/or emergencies will be amended to include two additional growth factors; proceeds from the sale of surplus real property and annual interest earnings.
Policy
A minimum reserve of 15 percent of budgeted annual revenues should be incrementally
established and maintained in the General Fund for use in meeting unanticipated needs and/or emergencies. Proceeds from the sale of City (general government) owned surplus real property will be used to increase the reserve.
amount of the reserve will be reported in each fiscal year budget.
Amendment#2 The transfer from ESP to the General Fund is being reduced from 20 percent of budgeted ESP revenues to 15 percent.
Policy
It is understood that the citizens of Pensacola are entitled to a return on their investment for the purchase of the natural gas utility from Gulf Power in 1948. However, with the competitive nature of the energy industry the amount of transfer from ESP to the General Fund should be adjusted each year to assure ESP's competitive edge. Long-term, the budgeted transfer should not be more than l5 percent of budgeted ESP revenues. The amount of the transfer will be reported in each fiscal year budget.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
While there is no direct financial impact by amending the financial policies it will further assure the continual accomplishment of the first of the six strategic goals adopted by City Council: Financially sound,sustainable City government.
should be no more than 3 percent of budgeted revenues.

Florida Government Finance Officers Association

2010-03-09T15:20:00.003-06:00

Section 4 - Budgeting Overview –

Budgeting is one of the most important activities undertaken by governments. The budget is a plan of financial operation embodying an estimate of proposed expenditures for a given period and the proposed means of financing them. The budget serves as the primary tool in allocating financial resources to programs and services. This process should involve all stakeholders – elected officials, governmental administrators, employees, citizen groups, and business leaders – and reflect their overall needs and priorities. A budget process that is well-integrated with the other activities of the government and involves those stakeholders will lead to a more efficient and accepted government. Specifically, the budget can serve as a policy making tool, a management tool, a financial tool, and a communication tool. The end result should be a balanced budget that has been well planned and communicated among all stakeholders.

A brief description of the budget cycle is as follows:
Input
a. Elected and appointed officials gather information from citizens, taxpayers and other sources about financial and non-financial priorities
b. Officials meet with staff and convey the goals, objectives, priorities and concerns that will guide the development of the budget.

Preparation
a. Revenues are estimated to determine how much financial resources will be available to fund operations
b. Expenditure requests and forecasts are prepared by the departments
c. The chief administrator submits a proposed budget that reflects the community needs and desires to the local government governing body for review.

Adoption
a. The governing body reviews the proposed budget
b. Proposed budget is approved by governing body
c. Changes are made according to the governing body’s recommendations and public comments
d. The budget is adopted.

Implementation
a. Revenues are collected and expenditures incurred in accordance with the budget
b. The budget may be modified or amended in accordance with procedures established by State law.
Evaluation
a. Internal reports may be prepared as needed for financial data, as well as for performance measurement
b. Other evaluation is done through internal audits, performance audits and external audits.

Partnering with PPD

2010-03-03T08:03:00.002-06:00

Over the past year I have worked closely with the PPD to clean up our Scenic Bay Bluffs Park. My first endeavor was an on site visit with Officer Donahoe to assess the CPTED opportunities. CPTED is a law enforcement process of environmental design to deter criminal activity and increase safety. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.

The Pensacola Firefighters completed the first CPTED clean up by clearing 8 areas for safety and access within the Bluffs Park. PPD has stepped up patrols, done sting operations and undercover enforcement within the park. The Fire Department donated additional lighting and the PPD increased their camera coverage of the area. Officer Donahoe has done 2 more site visits and identified areas to clear for safety and design in support of the concepts within CPTED.

Recently, while doing a city wide beautification project with the Bay Cliff residents, I became aware of an issue with youth entering the Bay Bluffs Preserve after hours at the North end of the park.

From: Maren Deweese
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 8:38 AM
To: Al Coby; David Flaherty
Cc: John Mathis
Subject: Bay Bluffs Park Request

Good Morning,

While doing our city wide beautification at Brookshire & Scenic Hwy this past weekend, I became aware of a situation that may need some work.

The Bay Bluffs Park extends north to Brookshire Dr. The situation is a large group of teens & young adults come from Santa Rosa County (the license plates have been checked by residents) and they park along Brookshire & Montaigne and enter the Bluffs Park on Scenic Hwy at Brookshire.

Residents have contacted the PPD, yet our officers are not aware that the park extends all the way to Brookshire Dr and they tell residents there is nothing they can do to the partying teens since it is private property.

It would be useful to post one of our park closing signs on the Bluffs at Scenic & Brookshire and let the PPD know they can enforce park closure in that area as well. A wooden sign designating the Bay Bluffs Park would be great, yet I know that is more of an investment than the white closure signs.

Please let me know your thoughts as well as any background info you may have.

Thanks for your time and attention to this matter.

til soon,

Maren DeWeese
City Councilwoman District 3

PPD response:

From: John Mathis
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 9:27 AM
To: Jay Worley
Cc: Al Coby; David Flaherty; Maren Deweese; Chip Simmons
Subject: RE: Bay Bluffs Park Request

Jay make sure your officers are aware and respond accordingly.

thanks

John W. Mathis
Chief of Police
Pensacola Police Department

The PPD is responsive to resident's requests and addresses enforcement needs within the park and has been the driving force in creating a safe and accessible Bay Bluffs Park.

The citizens of Pensacola now have access to their Bay Bluffs park and can enjoy the natural beauty and experience all the trails the park has to offer.

ESCAMBIA-PENSACOLA CONSORTIUM CDBG/HOME/ESG PROGRAMS

2010-03-01T20:06:00.002-06:00

Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Our housing department is accepting completed surveys until March 15, 2010.

Escambia Consortium is currently in the process of developing its 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. The City of Pensacola receives approximately $961,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds each year for housing and community development projects. Escambia County receives approximately $2.1 million in CDBG federal funds; approximately $1.8 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Act (HOME) federal funds; and approximately $92,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) federal funds.

We would like to get your input regarding housing and community development needs and priorities in your community. You can assist us by completing this survey. We ask that only one survey per resident, business, or agency be submitted.

Please follow the link:

http://www.cityofpensacola.com/upload/images/Housing/2010%20Escambia-Pensacola%20Consortium%20Needs%20Assessment%20Survey.pdf

Letter to NWFL Legislative Delegation

2010-02-19T15:28:00.003-06:00

Thank you for your email Senator Gaetz.

I will not be able to attend the Escambia County Legislative Delegation meeting as I am a City of Pensacola Councilwoman and we have our committee meetings on Monday afternoon and evening.

I would like to restate my concerns about the plan that the ECCSC has presented to you. The process was rushed and the analysis of issues within the recommendation of "complete consolidation" is incomplete and almost nonexistent. The practical application of this plan is flawed at best and needed more time to be fully developed.

The plan as proposed is a bad financial deal for the citizens of the City of Pensacola, whom I represent, and I cannot, in good faith, support this plan as it deteriorates our infrastructure and does not improve our economic position.

Please do not file the plan as a bill in the upcoming legislative session.

Respectfully,

Maren DeWeese
City of Pensacola Councilwoman
District 3

Strong Mayor's Total compensation

2010-02-15T11:03:00.005-06:00

I have received the total value of compensation for the new Mayor from our Finance Director.

Salary 100,000
medicare tax 1,500
SS 6,200
Health group/family 9,000
FRS 18,800

total 135,500

Consolidation...Really?

2010-01-13T13:46:00.006-06:00

Forecasting and Economic Development Subcommittee
Draft Report
December 8, 2009
Subcommittee Members:
Rick Harper, Chair
Jeremy Brown
Doris Harris
John Peacock
Richard Stone

Page 10 Of FINAL REPORT

Nevertheless, we can draw several relevant conclusions from existing studies. First, although there are some government service provision activities that will likely experience gains in quality, effectiveness (in service delivery) and modest gains in efficiency, the literature suggests that significant gains in efficiency are unlikely. Second, consolidation efforts may make it possible to achieve more effective long-term decision making processes that encourage regional development. These may result in a small increase in economic development, but these increases are perhaps more likely to improve income distribution than to encourage broad-based economic growth. Third, the morale problems that may arise from efforts to consolidate could potentially diminish any sort of benefits consolidation could bring—especially when governmental units, pay, and tax structures differ considerably. Beyond this, it is difficult to speculate based on the existing literature and its review of existing cases as to whether a proposed consolidation would be beneficial to a community.

Link to Entire document:
http://eccsc.org/subcommittees/edfc_final.pdf

Pensacola's Promise

2010-01-09T14:08:00.003-06:00

On Monday January 11th I will have to opportunity to present the Pensacola's Promise plan during the Committee of the Whole at 3:15pm in the Hagler Mason Conference Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall.

The Promise plan offers the City of Pensacola an opportunity to transform the fabric or our community by allowing citizens graduating from our public schools to attend college on the Pensacola's Promise Plan.

The following links are resources from a national network that has developed over the past 3 years in Communities around the United States that have implemented similar scholarship programs.

www.promisenet.2008

www.promisenet.us

I will ask our City Council to form a Committee of Community Leaders and Educators to investigate this opportunity further. Please join me on Monday!

Scenic Bay Bluffs Park

2009-12-18T09:59:00.002-06:00

Mayor Wiggins awarded his Beautification Award for December 2009 to the Scenic Bay Bluffs Park. The following teams were a part of the amazing transformation our 52 acres of paradise has seen over the last year.
United States Navy Flight Students
Pensacola Police Department
Pensacola Fire Department
Scenic Highway Foundation
Edmisten & Associates
City of Pensacola Parks & Recreation
District 3 residents

What an honor to have worked so hard with all of you to take back our Scenic Bay Bluffs Park. The Mayor’s Beautification Award simply ties a big bow on all of our efforts over the past year.

2009 brought the following projects to Scenic Highway’s Bay Bluffs Park.
1.CPTED planning for crime prevention through environmental design
2.Health and Fitness Trails for boot camp training and hiking
3.Environmental Survey identifying invasive plants throughout the park

Officer Donohoe surveyed the entire park area for clean up efforts that would create a safe and accessible environment. The concept of CPTED opens up visual spaces and creates a sense of safety along with assisting Pensacola Police Department in their enforcement efforts. The PPD has instituted regular patrols with both uniformed and plain clothes officers, along with string operations to end the deviant behavior. We have also added additional lighting and cameras in both parking areas and PPD has enforced the closure of the park from dusk until dawn each day.

In May for the first clean up Captain Rick Simmons rallied our Firefighters from Engine One and we completed the clean up of 8 areas within the park for safety. Our parks and recreation department, along with neighbors from District 3 came out and worked along side the firefighters all day in May 2009. Volunteers completed 90 man hours and 4 truckloads of plant material was removed.

The Second clean up is a result of efforts by Parks & Recreation director Dave Flaherty in creating a boot camp training class at the Bluffs. He commissioned Lisa Nicholas to create Boot Camp training effort. I met with Lisa and her son Alex and she became equally as passionate about cleaning up the park as I am. The Navy then sent 17 volunteers and our Parks and Recreation Department again participated and sent 3 teams of chainsaw operators. We cleared our new running trails making a complete loop from the north boardwalk all the way down to the lookout at the South end. There are now 3 different trails with beginner, intermediate and advanced challenges covering over a mile combined distance.

Our Third Clean up is the result of our Environmental Survey for invasive plants that was commissioned by our Scenic Highway Foundation with Edmisten and Associates. Mr. Sean O’Toole identified the Russian olive bushes, popcorn trees and numerous other invasives for removal. Once again the Navy and our Parks & Rec. department sent teams to further clean up and renew the Bay Bluffs Park. Ensign Bond has prepared a report the show “By the Numbers”the massive amount of plant material and the man hours spent cleaning up the park. (550 gallons of trash was collected from the surrounding area and removed 30,000 cubic feet of invasive species vegetation was cut down and removed).
I am in awe of your commitment to this effort and honored to be a part of such a wonderful group of people. You are All my heroes because the best you can hope for in life is to First be listened to by others, and Secondly to have others endeavor to take your passions as their own…You have made such a difference in Pensacola; the team work, strength and commitment you have all shown shines bright as an example for all citizens.

2010 brings the following plans for Scenic Bay Bluffs Park.

1.Continued clean up of areas around the park and along Scenic Highway.
2.Further improvements to the fitness trails
3.Plant identification signs that are graffiti and vandalism resistant
4.GeoCache tours connected to the internet for self guided tours, this is already in the works with the Scenic Highway Foundation.
5.Picnic areas at the North parking area along with benches to view the bay
6.Connecting the North and South parking areas along the roadway.
7.Replanting of native plants including blueberry bushes and other plants attract more birds wildlife.
8.Bike Trails looping from the Northern parking area to Brookshire Drive.
9.Advertising to tourists that visit the area through the Visitor’s bureau and our Parks & Rec. website.
Please continue to focus your efforts with me on our 52 acres of paradise and give me your input and ideas for future events or clean up efforts. I have instituted a new citywide clean up day for any Saturday you would like, just let me know where and I can get the signs put out on any Monday for the workday on that weekend. I will also have this information posted on our city website, with Clean and Green and ask the PNJ to publish the information so we can make our way up Scenic Highway. I wish you all a Happy Holiday Season and look forward to a prosperous 2010.

Best,
Maren

A New Era Dawns at the Port of Pensacola

2009-12-16T09:17:00.003-06:00

The Port of Pensacola welcomes the BOA Rover!

On Dec. 14, 2009, Pensacola City Council received a briefing detailing a strategy for increasing maritime business at the Port of Pensacola while, at the same time, working to attract the private sector investment necessary to incorporate public use and access into the port's long-range plan. To view the presentation in PDF format, please click this link.

http://www.portofpensacola.com/upload/images/PDFs/Port_Presentation_12-14-09.pdf

Take a Stand

2009-11-30T10:56:00.008-06:00

In One week we will know the results of the No 48 Million Debt petition drive. My concern is with the fact that their petition,based on article III section 15 of our City Charter, does not align with their Need's Statement posted on their website.

Petition statement: The action to which we object is as follows:
That City Council approve a resolution authorizing the issuance of Redevelopment Revenue Bonds, Series 2009 and approve all actions necessary to complete the sale. Further, that Bonds be issued in an amount not to exceed $48 million.
Yet the quote from their website states:
"We want to see a 15 to 25 acre public park built on the city owned Trillium waterfront property. A park that would be a permanent monument to the citizens of Pensacola. A park that would be a tribute to the water that we are all so proud of. A park that we deserve. Sounds simple: Using public owned land to build a public park and all for about half the cost of the proposed baseball field and stripped down park that is now being proposed for the $48,000,000 of city debt. Why can't we have a park? The simple answer: Special interests, egos and personal agendas want a park in their image."

A few points that need to be clarified:

1. We have a tribute park. Plaza De Luna is a permanent monument to the citizens of Pensacola. Plaza De Luna is a tribute to the water that we are all proud of, the CMP is altogether different it is one of the most important projects in the history of Pensacola.
The Vince Whibbs Community Maritime Park is a visionary project that not only gives access to the waterfront, but also creates a large venue for our citizens to gather and celebrate their beautiful waterfront. We will all benefit from the improvements and gain a higher sense of community. The events that our new park will bring to our area will be world class and open up the City of Pensacola to success and prosperity that to date we have not realized or imagined possible...this is big thinking for a hopeful & patient community.

2. On September 5, 2006 9,684 citizens of Pensacola voted YES for the Vince Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park... not special interests, egos or personal agendas. The CMP has been voted on and approved by the citizens. Next Question please.

3. The petition question being raised is simply "how the City of Pensacola will finance the park". The actions taken on October 8,2009 were in line with council discussions on March 27, 2006.

Councilman Donovan:"Do we know what the total bond issue will be to net $40 million?"
Finance Director Barker: "that was with 3 years of capitalized interest. The most recent numbers I have are around $42 million".
Councilman Donovan: "$42 million"?
Finance Director Barker: "Yes Sir'.

Here's my point: Net Proceeds of $40 million + 3 years capitalized interest + closing costs = total cost of CMP. This equation has not changed, the timing of the bond issue has changed due to the first referendum, yet the fundamental and very basic calculations have not.

Again, the citizens of Pensacola voted YES for their Community Maritime Park in September 2006. The only question now is "how will it be financed"... don't confuse these two very seperate issues. It is time to move forward on the most important project Pensacola has ever seen.

New Path

2009-11-26T18:08:00.002-06:00

"Around Here, However, We Don't Look Backwards Very Long, We Keep Moving Forward, Opening Up New Doors And Doing New Things, Because We're Curious...
And Curiosity Keeps Leading Us Down New Paths."
Walt Disney

New City Charter

2009-11-24T19:50:00.002-06:00

Congratulations Pensacola

The new city charter has passed with the unofficial votes cast at:
55% yes and 45% no.

This is the next logical step in transforming our city's future. We have a confident and energized City Council and a City Staff with decades of experience. This is the perfect time for change in how we communicate and drive our successes.

When I walked the district last year & discussed the direction of our city with you at your frontdoor, I could see the "What If" that was happening for our citizens. We have a wonderful opportunity in our hands now to create the momentum that our city has lacked in the past. We have the most diverse City Council Pensacola has ever seen with 70% minority membership and each council member bringing all aspects of our city together.

Tomorrow is a new day Pensacola. Let's change the official seal and get to work!!

Fire Truck Pull

2009-11-19T09:24:00.003-06:00

What a wonderful way to spend your Saturday...Hope to see you there!!

"The Ronald McDonald House will host the Fire Truck Pull from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola.Teams of 20 will compete to pull a fire truck 50 feet in the least amount of time to win the trophy.
The event will feature a free children’s area with activities including face-painting, games, inflatable bouncers and more. Ronald McDonald and Friends, Scoop from the Pelicans, and Star Wars characters will be there from noon to 2 p.m. to greet attendees. Admission is free.
Proceeds will go to Ronald McDonald House. For more information about the Fire Truck Pull, contact development director Angie Hanson, 477-2273 or e-mail events@rmhpensacola.org"

information from Staff Reports at PNJ Nov. 16th.

District 3...START YOUR ENGINES!!!

2009-11-04T13:23:00.000-06:00

The City of Pensacola is accepting applications for the 2009/2010 PCIP Neighborhood Matching Grant Program from neighborhood associations that have been registered with the City for at least 3 months. Neighborhood groups may apply for up to $10,000 which must be matched by cash, in-kind donations or volunteer labor. The deadline for applying is 5:00 p.m. on December 11, 2008.

Neighborhoods may apply for a grant under one of two categories: a) improvements to public property b) neighborhood improvement programmatic activities; or improvements to association owned property. (You may request an application in WORD format by email to hgibson@ci.pensacola.fl.us).

Believe in Pensacola! Vote Yes on the Charter

2009-10-31T13:05:00.012-05:00

Believe in Pensacola supporters are out in the community daily, educating voters and connecting with neighbors. We waved at various locations this past weekend in the heart of many districts around our city. Some citizens were hearing about the charter for the first time, most were excited with thumbs up and smiles from their cars. We only had one NO from a handsome couple in a red convertible.
This week ballots will be mailed to the voters in the City of Pensacola asking whether we should adopt a new charter or remain under our current form of government. While I respect the opinions of those that are comfortable with the status quo, I feel that the proposed charter will make for a better city, a more accountable leadership and provide citizens with more influence in the City's operations.
The most important change being, that under the new charter, voters will have a vote for the leader of our city, the decision maker and Chief Executive Officer. I encourage voters to grant themselves the right to elect the chief executive of their own city. You do not have that right today and you do not have a vote.

When I ran for office I promised the citizen's of District 3 I would promote term limits and a Mayor-Council form of government, both of which have been included in the proposed charter. I had long discussions with many of my neighbors and the citizens of District 3 during last year's campaign and the most asked question was who is responsible for our city's successes and failures? Who is ultimately accountable?
While our council-manager system has served us well to maintain basic services and provide infrastructure it has run it's course with regard to growth, innovation, and prosperity for Pensacola. The council-manager system is no longer effective in the highly politicized environment we find ourselves in. The problem is that the Mayor is just one of ten council members without the clout to get things done, even though the public expects more from the holder of our city's top elected post. The mayor has ceremonial duties, but not a lot of authority under the council-manager system. The mayor is not able to drive success. I have seen, during the past 10 months in office, that under the council-manager system the responsibility for problems and successes is a moving target, depending on which council members vote for a particular issue. Also, under our current form of government, decisive leadership by the mayor and city manager is extremely difficult because ,with 10 council members, each of us constantly wants the full and undivided attention of the city manager.
Here are some experiences from a mayor that has served under both forms of government and has a unique perspective of the system because he was mayor for one term under the council-manager system and then became the city's first strong mayor.
"The mayor was expected to lead the city under the old form, yet the mayor only chaired the council meeting and was but one vote," Patterson said. "The executive form created a very clear line of priority throughout the entire city operation. It is the difference between night and day. There is now a clarity of purpose and a commitment to supply the resources that the purpose requires."
I find history always helps explain the purpose and intention of our current structure:
"City manager government evolved as a reaction to corruption in the early 1900s. It's intent was to take politics out of city administration. A city manager would be a nonpolitical appointed chief executive who exercised the same checks and balances on the city council and would stand up to that body. This was a very noble concept with a fundamental design flaw: The city manager works for the council and is an at-will employee. City managers are political and have to be to keep their job. Government is a 50-50 relationship. Half is about structure and the other half is about the people in office at that time. For example: The presidency is an institution with authority granted by the Constitution that exists regardless of who holds the office. Today, corruption is mitigated with ethics rules, campaign finance laws and other effective tools".
from Jim Boren We have sunshine laws in place that mitigate corruption.
Pensacola has an opportunity to establish a system that will continue beyond the personalities of today and the highly contentious issues that we face within our current processes.
Also, the concern raised about Pensacola not being large enough to warrant a mayor-council form of government. I see this as the very way of thinking that keeps the City of Pensacola as small as it has been for decades now. It would be like parents not sending their kids to college because we weren't sure what their careers might be...Let's allow Pensacola to grow and thrive with new ways of creating our successes, with one voice and a plan that will be executed.

Now to answer my very 1st question from so many citizens. Under mayor-council government the Mayor is accountable to voters for Pensacola's successes and failures and the Mayor is ultimately accountable to each voter for the actions he or she takes.

Remember the difference: a strong mayor answers to voters. A city manager does not.

Voters hold the keys to accountability.

Let's have one voice for prosperity, a Strong Leader.

Believe in Pensacola and Vote YES for the new Charter!!

Picture Perfect!!!

2009-10-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

Parks Calendar Photo Contest

Calling all shutterbugs to create a 2010 calendar!! The Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a photo contest. This contest is open to all photographers (amateur or professional) for photos of parks within the city limits. With over 90 parks, there is sure to be a winning image, see our complete list of parks and their locations.
All photos must be submitted on CD in high resolution digital format (8 inches x 10 inches @ 300 dpi) with accompanying hard copy print. Thirteen winners will receive a framed copy of their photo as well as recognition in the Pensacola Parks 2010 calendar. Contest begins, Friday October 30th and ends Monday, November 30th. All submissions must be submitted to Kathy Condon (City Hall 4th floor) by 5:00pm Monday, November 30th. For a complete list of contest rules, visit www.playpensacola.com or call 436-5670.

Trade with Cuba?

2009-10-09T16:22:00.003-05:00

In years past, the Pensacola City Council had made efforts to establish a working relationship with Cuba to further our efforts for trade relations. “The Port of Pensacola once did a thriving trade with Cuba, and still ships frozen food there under a food-related Cuban exemption to the embargo. A Cuba with more money to spend means more business for the Port.” (Courtesy of PNJ) There has been some discussion on Council this year about reviving our efforts and working on our trade relationship again.

"Change is in the air" regarding the decades-old embargo that has stifled interaction between the United States and Cuba, a former U.S. ambassador to Bolivia said Tuesday.
V. Manuel Rocha, who is senior adviser on international business at Foley & Lardner LLP, said it's not realistic to predict how many more years the embargo will remain in place.
But he said there are changes occurring in both the U.S. and Cuba that favor the U.S. eventually lifting the embargo that dates back to the 1950s.
Rocha said it wouldn't necessarily be better for U.S. businesses if Cuba were to change its communist government. He said the current leadership of Cuba wants to ensure a "successor" form of government so future leaders maintain a connection with the revolution that brought the Communist Party to power.
He said that scenario would be comparable to how the U.S. has dealt with Communist Party-led China and Vietnam, whose top tradingpartners are the U.S.
He said the other alternative for Cuba would entail a tumultuous "transition" from the Communist Party to another form of government. He compared that possibility to the turmoil that occurred after the break-up of the Soviet Union.
"There are more McDonald's in 'successor' China than in 'transition' Russia because of the stability" in China, he said.
Cuba's top trading partner for exports is China, accounting for about 28 percent of Cuban products shipped abroad, according to the Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook. Canada is second with about 25 percent of Cuba's exports followed by Spain at about 7 percent, Netherlands at 5 percent and Iran at 4 percent.
Cuba gets 32 percent of its imports from Venezuela, 11.8 percent from China, 10.6 percent from Spain, about 7 percent from Canada and 6.6 percent from the U.S. The imports from the U.S. are for certain goods exempted from the embargo.
Rocha said Jacksonville officials should be planning for more future trade with Cuba and identify what products the city wants to target for shipment through Jacksonville's port, and then make contact with those manufacturers. He said the cities that establish those relationships in advance will be able to capitalize on increased trade.
"You don't necessarily have to take big steps," he said.

The Green Standard is the New Gold Standard

2009-09-25T07:58:00.001-05:00

Green Development Standard
If you have chosen to reduce the burden on the environment and add value to your development project through a voluntary Florida green designation as administered by the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. FGBC’s purpose is to provide you with the tools and guidance necessary to help you please your customers, as well as reward and promote your efforts as a Florida friendly developer.
Why should you support a Green Development Designation?
Many property purchasers are desiring, and some insisting, that their community be earth friendly, affordable to operate, and pleasant to live in. FGBC’S Green Development Standard is a tool that will guide you and your design team through the process of selecting green features that benefit the environment while providing long-term value to the project. The standard has been developed so that it is achievable by everyone who is willing to make an effort; and yet stringent enough that it will be recognized as a statewide standard for the industry, as verified by an independent organization (FGBC). If your local municipality does not already provide incentives for developments meeting the standard, encourage them to do so.
Benefits of Achieving the Green Development Standard to...
The Municipality
The Developer
Property Purchasers
Preservation of green space
Gain valuable promotion and advertising
Reduce operating expenses
Less traffic congestion
Third-party environmental verification
Value of community amenities
Natural resource conservation, e.g., water, energy
Differentiate your development from the competition
Healthier living for employees and residents
Less water and air pollution than standard development
Potential local incentives
Pride in purchasing in a designated green community
Quicker application review process
Quicker application review process
Potential financing incentives

Show leadership in your community

How the Program Works
For each listed green feature incorporated into the development, points are awarded. Developments that acquire a minimum number of points qualify to receive the green development designation and will be able to take full advantage of the designation?s incentives. The Green Development Designation Standard Checklist and Application contain a list of the topics considered for earning points, while the Green Development Designation Standard Reference Guide explains each of the criteria in detail including benefits, associated environmental implications, how to earn points and examples. Anyone can suggest changes using the form available at www.FloridaGreenBuilding.org.
Certification Process
The developer should contact the Florida Green Building Coalition as early in the process as possible to apply for the green standard and be assigned a project evaluator. The project evaluator will interpret any questions regarding qualifying for the standard to the development team, and if desired, may be able to facilitate on-site training. The Green Development Application Form or Pre-Submittal Application will need to be completed along with an application fee. If a project is to be completed in phases, it is best to plan the project in its entirety and have the entire development certified at one time. The fee will cover the continued development of the program as well as cover expenses associated with verification and publicity of the designated development. This fee is for certifying the land development as green, referring to the horizontal development, not the vertical construction. Homes, commercial buildings and schools are evaluated under their own standards with their own processing fees. You can submit a pre-application form without having completed a full submittal. The development team is responsible for defining and describing, in paragraph form, which points, as described in the reference guide, are earned for the development. Submittals must include a site plan, any covenants and deed restrictions, and any material necessary for verifying points as described in the Reference Guide.
Modification Process
· Suggested revisions shall be submitted to the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. using the Modification Request Form available at the www.FloridaGreenBuilding.org web site.
· Applications shall be compiled and circulated to the Florida Green Building Coalition Green Development Committee, past applicants, and project evaluators for comments. The comment period shall be at least thirty days.
· Following the public comment period, each application and its public comments shall be reviewed by the Florida Green Building Coalition Green Development Committee, which will make written consensus recommendations to the Board of Directors for suggested revisions to the standard along with the original applications.
· The Board of Directors of the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. shall adopt, adopt with modification, or reject each application for change.
· Revision Cycle for the Green Development Designation Standard:
· Periodic review. At least triennially, the provisions set forth in these Green Development Standards shall be reviewed by the Standards Committee of the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. in collaboration with other stakeholders. At a minimum, this review shall include consideration and evaluation of changes in the law, technological innovations, and comments and requests received from interested parties.
· All applications for revision shall be disposed of on an annual cycle such that applications received prior to the last working day of June 15 are included in the application review cycle that concludes no later than September15.
· The Board shall approve any changes to the standard by the last day of October in any year in which it is to be revised.
· Any new standard shall be in placed on the web site (along with the current standard) no later than November 15.
· The effective date of any new Green Development Designation Standards shall be January 1. Only those proposals to change these Green Development Designation Standards that are received on or prior to June 15 shall be considered for the revisions to these Green Local Government Designation Standards that may become effective on January 1 of the following year

Conservation Efforts

2009-09-21T10:54:00.004-05:00

I’d like to share with you some of the measures being taken by Parks and Facilities to conserve energy and water. The City of Pensacola has had an aggressive program in effect for several years and have realized significant savings by implementing these measures. Please keep in mind that generally speaking, funding is not available for these types of measures, conservation efforts are only implemented in conjunction with repair and renovation projects as funding is available.

1.Retrofit lighting systems to new energy efficient fluorescent and other lighting.
2.Installation of high efficiency non fluorocarbon air conditioning systems.
3.Robust inspection and preventive maintenance program for A/C systems efficiency.
4.Installation of timers and photo electric cells to control park and athletic field lighting.
5.Turn off hot water for hand washing in most City owned facilities.
6. Installation of highly efficient natural gas tankless hot water heaters in City facilities.
7. Installation of low water flow flush valves on toilets and urinals in City facilities.
8. Installation of drip and bubbler irrigation systems for shrubs and trees in landscaping.
9. Initiated a recycling program for City Hall and Field Services Center complex.

These are a few of the measures we have taken and are being implemented on an on going basis. I would like to hear from you with ideas to further our conservation efforts.

Mark O'Brien said it perfectly

2009-08-15T17:30:00.002-05:00

Mark O'Brien's O'pinions

City windfall going fast
Posted 8/15/2009 4:49 AM EDT on pnj.com
Windfalls go fast, as anyone who squandered one can attest.

The City of Pensacola is busy spending $800,000 that it will receive as the first payment on the $3.3 million it gets for selling the old Army Reserve Center on College Boulevard to Gulf Coast Regional Airport.

Thanks to this shortfall and that need, more than half the money already has been committed, and more is about to be spent.

The latest chunks include $41,000 for a variety of local agencies and $35,000 for parades in downtown Pensacola, although some council members are upset.

"I feel like we found a $20 bill and can’t wait to spend it," said Councilwoman Maren DeWeese, who objected in vain to the transactions.

In one episode, the council agreed — over the wishes of DeWeese and colleagues Diane Mack and Sam Hall — to use $41,000 to underwrite programs for numerous causes. They include $5,000 for the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce for economic development as well as $30,000 for United Way agencies, $2,000 for St. Michael’s Cemetery and $2,000 for the July Fourth fireworks organized by the Sertoma Club.

Objections came on a couple scores.

Mack wondered if these were efforts that City Hall should undertake.
"How much of it is the proper function of this government?" asked Mack, shrugging off critics who call her "a grinch, Hard-Hearted Hannah."

DeWeese felt the council should not use the money from the property sale for these causes. She noted that many employees are going on their second year without a raise.

Councilman Ron Townsend defended the expenditures as investments in community services.
"All of these services provide quality of place, quality of life," he said.

Council members got another jolt when City Manager Al Coby informed them that parade-organizers refused to contribute any more money to help defray the costs of police officers and other city workers needed for downtown events. He said the city could absorb the $35,000 cost by taking the money from the property sale, which will leave the city with a net of barely $250,000 from the first year’s payment.

Deputy Mayor Jewel Cannada-Wynn was taken aback by the stubbornness of parade organizers. She feels the parades contribute little to the downtown economy yet absorb a large amount of city money.

She turned to Coby and said, "They just wanted the city to pick up the costs?""Yes, ma’am," Coby said.

Mack, however, said the city should take a harder line and put the onus on the parade supporters.

"They’ll find a way if they want those parades," she said.

Finance Director Dick Barker said the economy eventually will improve.
"Everything runs in cyles," he said, assuring council members that finances will get better in time.

New Urbanism

2009-08-07T08:24:00.003-05:00

The concept of new urbanism is age old in other countries. In Europe there is not sprawl into rural areas just for the sake of low cost land. Forests are only forests, and fields are simply that without man made enhancements. No Billboards to clutter the landscape...just the best of nature for your eyes to enjoy. Cities are well planned and highly functional, allowing for pedestrian traffic throughout.

On another scale, new urbanism is planned development and creates usable communities. Please take a look at the following and let me know what you think.

The New Urbanism is a reaction to sprawl. A growing movement of architects, planners, developers, and others, the New Urbanism is based on principles of planning and architecture that work together to create human-scale, walkable communities. New urbanists take a wide variety of approaches — some work exclusively on infill projects, others focus on transit-oriented development, still others are attempting to transform the suburbs. Many are working in all of these categories. The New Urbanism includes traditional architects and those with modernist sensibilities. All, however, believe in the power and ability of traditional neighborhoods to restore functional, sustainable communities. The trend had its roots in the work of visionary architects, planners, and developers in the 1970s and 1980s that coalesced into a unified group in the 1990s. From modest beginnings, the trend is growing to have a substantial impact. More than 500 new towns, villages, and neighborhoods are built or under construction in the US, using principles of the New Urbanism. Additionally, hundreds more smaller-scale new urban projects are restoring the urban fabric of cities and towns by reestablishing walkable streets and blocks in communities throughout the US.

On the regional scale, the New Urbanism is having a growing influence on how and where metropolitan regions choose to grow. Large-scale planning initiatives now commonly incorporate new urban planning ideas — such as walkable neighborhoods, transit-oriented development, and sociable, pedestrian-scale streets. Form-based codes and better-connected street networks are two instruments by which new urban ideas can be implemented at the scale of the region.

Principles of the New Urbanism

Seven key principles have been identified by Richard Bernhardt, a leading new urbanist who heads the Nashville-Davidson County Planning Department in Tennessee.

1. The basic building block of a community is the neighborhood.

2. The neighborhood is limited in physical size, with a well-defined edge and a center. The size of a neighborhood is usually based on the distance that a person can walk in five minutes from the center to the edge — a quarter-mile. Neighborhoods have a fine-grained mix of land uses, providing opportunities for young and old to find places to live, work, shop, and be entertained.

3. Corridors form the boundaries between neighborhoods — both connecting and defining the neighborhoods. Corridors can incorporate natural features such as streams or canyons. They may take the form of parks, natural preserves, travel paths, railroad lines, major roads, or a combination of all these.

4. Human scale sets the standard for proportion in buildings. Buildings must be disciplined in how they relate to their lots if public space is to be successfully demarcated. Because the street is the preeminent form of public space, buildings are generally expected to honor and embellish the street.

5. Providing a range of transportation options is fundamental. For most of the second half of the 20th Century, transportation agencies focused almost exclusively on optimizing the convenience of automobile travel, and dealt with transit riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists as little more than afterthoughts. We must give equal consideration to all modes of transportation to relieve congestion and to provide people with useful, realistic choices.

6. The street pattern is conceived as a network, to create the greatest number of alternative routes from one part of the neighborhood to another. This has the effect of providing choices and relieving vehicular congestion. The streets form a hierarchy, from broad boulevards to narrow lanes and alleys.

7. Civic buildings (town halls, churches, schools, libraries, museums) belong on preferred sites such as squares or neighborhood centers, or where the view down a street terminates. Such placement helps turn civic buildings into landmarks and reinforces their symbolic and cultural importance.

For more “Think Green” ideas visit our website at www.wfrpc.org/environmental-education.

Council Strategies

2009-08-04T09:13:00.002-05:00

Each council member has ranked a listing of potential strategies to address our recent goal setting session. Ranking from 1 to 5 is given with 1 being the most important. We will discuss the rankings at next weeks Committee of the Whole meeting and finalize our initiatives and focus for the remainder of our term.

Goal 1: Sustainable Govt

1. Appoint a Taxpayer Advisory Committee on the Budget by Oct. 1, 2009 in preparation of the FY 2011 budget.
2. Ensure that our employee compensation packages are in line with local employers and provide incentives for employee innovation which reduces costs.
3. Enhance SBE program as recommended by MGT study to encourage participation of local businesses in city work.
4. Enhance Council Goals on our city website with additional information on each goal including actions taken, timeline, future actions to be taken, and staff contact info.
5. Agenda for committee meetings to state which goals are being addressed by proposed actions and cite specific strategy being used.

Goal 2:Public Safety

1. Address connectivity for pedestrians and bikes throughout the city and with in our larger parks and mapping areas on our city website.
2. Increase xeriscaping and native planting in parks to reduce maintenance, fertilizer, pesticide use.
3. Early warning system for the city.
4. Streamline financial and other operations by increasing online usage (online bill pay, electronic pay stubs, online RFP submittals).
5. Identify the worst intersections for red light violations and put in a pilot program of camera surveillance and ticketing ( funded by private firm)

Goal 3: Annexation
1. Develop data sheet comparing cost/benefit of city services to cost of living in the county. (MSBU/MSTU/insurance, etc.) …most will be surprised that cost/benefit may more often than not prove annexation worthwhile for property owners.
2. Compile a list of individual properties and blocks with split jurisdictions, non-city properties on streets only serviced by city.
3. Explore different approaches to annexation.
4. For those areas where it is in the city’s best interest to pursue annexation, get the citizens involved and informed as to the benefits of being a city resident.
5. Identify enclaves.

Goal 4: City aesthetics
1. Enhance LDC to better manage commercial usage along major roadways. i.e. Waste containers, buffering near residential areas and aesthetic requirements.
2. Establish and Enforce community overlays to protect our heritage, our neighborhoods, and natural resources.
3. Develop plan for under grounding utilities with priority given to downtown and main thoroughfares.
4. City Website add a Neighborhoods edition each month and expand the Mayor’s beautification award into all districts. Post pictures and bio of owners.
5. Develop a schedule for phasing out advertising bus benches and begin installing landscape-quality benches at bus stops where they are most needed.

Goal 5: Education opportunities
1. Consider Councilwoman DeWeese’s Pensacola Promise proposal.
2. Establish an Education Committee and have a quarterly briefing to council from ECSD, PJC, UWF.
3. Work with stakeholder groups to explore creation of city charter/ magnet school.
4. Facilitate and encourage city employee volunteering in education
5. Youth Council

Goal 6: ED Directives
1. Partner with Chamber to hold Supplier Conferences for renewable energy companies to attract new industry at our PORT.
2. Establish a Port Development Plan for Renewable Energy and Green Collar Jobs.
3. Initiate green programs including becoming a Florida Green City, creating a dark sky ordinance, piloting integrated pest management, and encouraging recycling, reduction, and reuse of waste for both residential and businesses ( including recycling goals for commercial franchises and recycling cans in parks.
4. Have shovel ready sites available to the ED strategy
5. Market unused and underused city property on the city.

Goal 7: Quality of Place
1. Create a walkable/bikeable community by creating an inventory of existing sidewalks and plan for upcoming construction, design citywide bike map, and ensuring that areas that should attract high amounts of pedestrians (near schools, links between neighborhoods, etc.) are safe and inviting to pedestrians.
2. Hold property owners accountable with a “Bring it to the street campaign” enforcing care and maintenance of city easement and city right of ways.
3. Invite HOA’s to attend council committee of the whole to address their needs and discuss ideas for improving their neighborhood.
4. Evaluate density of public parks and plan for the sale of under used parks with proceeds improving the entire parks system.
5. Identify public areas in need of trees, prepare a phased tree planting plan, and complete implementation of the first phase by April 30, 2010.

Planned Growth for Pensacola

2009-07-17T08:23:00.005-05:00

The following information was forwarded to me from a local planner and it shows the logic and advantage to having planned and purposeful growth. Our city is wrapping up or comprehensive CRA plan and recently passed a resolution supporting Mixed income/ Mixed use housing in our urban core and the surrounding areas within the city.

The City of Pensacola is perfect for a major redevelopment plan including both residential & commercial improvements due to the major areas being transformed in the next two years. The Vince Whibbs Community Maritime Park and the Relocation of the Waste Water Treatment plant create a renaissance of sorts for our city. We are awakening from an Industrial hangover, opening up our waterfront to our citizens and recreating our focus as a city on what we want to be in 20 years.

Alternative Development Standards are one possibility for our city to look at in our efforts toward green construction and sustainable development. Enjoy the following information and let me know your thoughts.

Alternative development standards (ADS) allow for more flexible requirements for road widths, building specifications, zoning uses and densities, and rainwater management that support smart growth objectives.Development standards are the regulations, requirements and by-laws by which developments must abide. Development standards are often antiquated, over-prescriptive and cost prohibitive.

Development patterns affect infrastructure and service costs, often resulting in pressure to increase taxes, find new revenue sources or cut services. Development can also have an undesirable impact on the environment and result in conflicts between community aspirations and traditional development. In response, many communities are exploring different ways that municipal infrastructure can be designed, constructed and maintained. Alternative land development patterns can result in buildings, streets, neighborhoods and entire communities that look and function much differently than in the past.
Alternative Development Standards (ADS), often called smart growth, complete communities and green development, are less expensive, less wasteful and more environmentally and socially sensitive than conventional practices.

Communities designed using ADS are:
· more compact
· have mixed-use zoning (e.g. residential mixed in with commercial)
· encourage a variety of housing types
· friendly to pedestrians, bicycles and transit
· less material- and labor-intensive for capital infrastructure and servicing.

Widespread use of ADS can:

· reduce dwelling unit costs by 25 to 40%
· protect ecosystems during infrastructure construction and maintenance
· increase community interaction through housing clusters and mixed-use zones
· reduce energy use by building transportation infrastructure for walking, cycling and transit · reduce per-capita production of greenhouse gases by 30 to 50%
· preserve natural habitats and ecosystems through native landscaping & design
· provide cost-savings to developers by relaxing parking requirements in developments
· improve local business by increasing local residential activity

How alternative development standards are used:
Projects based on ADS focus on the needs of residents and minimizing impact on regional and site-specific ecosystems.
Characteristics include:
· open space adjacent to clustered mixed-use neighborhoods
· a mixture of shops, attached homes and apartments above retail stores
· recreation and employment at a scale that encourages walking
· grid-pattern streets
· narrower road widths
· smaller lots

Development standards span a number of local government responsibilities. The following are some areas where the potential of ADS can be promoted:

Planning

Official Community & Neighborhood plans and zoning (clustering, lot coverage, lot size, minimum yards, performance standards, density bonusing and mixed-use)
Other bylaws and guidelines (tree protection, heritage conservation, etc.)
Covenants and development agreements
Approval process (speedier approvals for smart growth developments)
Programs (Tree Trust)
Financial and other incentives/barriers (development cost charges)
Engineering road right-of-way standards (narrower roads, traffic calming measures)
Pavement standards (permeable pavement)
Bike-way and pedestrian standards and materials
Parking standards (cash in lieu, relaxed standards, maximum requirements)
Rainwater standards (on-site handling, permeability, combining with parks and green spaces, Protecting environmentally sensitive areas
Construction standards (erosion control)
Waste water standards (community septic, solar aquatic systems, etc.)
Financial and other incentives/barriers
Parks and Green space
Open space dedication requirements
Stream stewardship standards
Conservation of natural features
Recreation, school and cultural facilities integration
Cluster development to preserve/create green space
Risk Management methods of reducing risk and liability for innovation
Senior government funding for demonstration projects

Dear Santa

2009-07-13T09:58:00.003-05:00

Recently, a misguided Santa's helper brought his personal basket of coal to share with our City Council members in an effort to further his cause...Winterfest of Pensacola. While I can appreciate his passion, I was shocked at the careless use of Santa to bring his message before council and how it further complicates an already deep issue.

While council was amending the 1987 ordinance that limits the use of Plaza Ferdinand as a passive park, Winterfest was not the reason for doing so and is only one small issue along with many larger issues that surround the rewriting of this ordinance.

Southern cities traditionally have passive parks in their downtown's to create a sense of place, a special location, a park that highlights the history and beauty of that city. Charleston SC, Savannah GA, New Orleans LA, Mobile AL, this is just a few yet they represent some of the most beautiful southern cities...they are beautiful simply because of their parks.

Plaza Ferdinand is one park out of 96 that we as a city uphold to be the best we have to offer. It's limitations of passive use maintain it as the beauty it is, and allow us to take pride in the history of our city. To open the park to daily & active use would diminish the park and it's historical beauty.

Further, we have traditions and a code of conduct in many parts of our lives, we wear business clothes while working, uniforms while defending and protecting our community. We have a nice outfit for church. All places have a certain dress code and this code is what sets the tone. Council meets in chambers and creates a sense of place for our citizens...imagine just meeting in the street, unorganized and haphazard...not upholding ourselves to the best we can be.

Holding Plaza Ferdinand above the norm, perfecting it's beauty and keeping one "jewel of our city" as passive park for all to enjoy is not only tradition, it is essential in maintaining a visual confirmation of how special our city is.

Winterfest began with an idea in 2001 not a location. Plaza Ferdinand has worked well until now and we need to explore other options. I noticed while reading their website that the Polar Express is featured in the tour. Our Plaza DeLuna, with it's circle, is perfect for the North Pole just as in the movie. We have plenty of free parking and perfect access for buses, there is a new concession with public bathrooms, and the choir has an amphitheatre to perform in.

Change is sometimes hard to accept, yet we need to imagine the possibilities when change presents itself. Plaza Ferdinand can still be decorated by the DIB for Christmas, we can stroll through it on our way to Plaza DeLuna and enjoy all the beauty that it has to offer.

Imagine

Jumbo Shrimp

2009-06-30T17:05:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share some thoughts about our City Council Strategy & Goal Setting session that was held today. I found our facilitator, Dr. Lee, to be very engaging and he set the tone for an engaging and productive meeting. I was pleased that each council member had the opportunity to share their goals one-on-one before today's meeting. As a result of these meetings Dr. Lee had the opportunity to formulate 7 Strategy Statements for us to discuss and finalize.

We will now take time at our next Committee of the Whole to set a time-line for applying our goals to each Strategy. Dr. Lee facilitated some discussion about our new strategies being applied to all agenda items in the future. If this suggestion were to be used, staff will be required to analyze all potential agenda items and much like their recommendations, give commentary as to how the item relates to our council strategies. ( A move in the right direction)

Interactive Government, this is where the Jumbo Shrimp comes in. I would like to see our strategy statements posted to the city website with an additional weblink for each that explains the details of that strategy, specific goals and a timeline for action. I also asked that the goals have an interactive component that staff would update accomplishments, actions taken and give dates for discussion of further action toward accomplishing each goal.

This concept would give citizens complete access to our council process and make our strategies and goals a living, breathing entity instead of a list that council refers back to at the end of our term to see if we hit our mark. We could also have a monthly Goals Check at the first meeting of every month. This would facilitate meaningful and purposed discussion between council members on a regular basis.

Too often we continue making decisions based on outdated information and we need to move toward a more accountable and transparent process. Let me know what you think.

Goals

2009-06-24T14:02:00.005-05:00

Council will be working one on one with our goals and strategy consultant this week. Next week we will have our goal setting workshop on the 30th.

I have forwarded the following ideas for discussion at my Friday meeting. Each goal is multi-dimensional and creates opportunities in many areas to further our city's growth and development.

My personal goals

1.Establish an Education Funding Committee to evaluate scholarships through Pensacola Promise that will be used as an economic development tool. (10 minute Power Point Presentation on Pensacola Promise.)

2 .Improve Quality of Life through neighborhood partnerships and our existing parks system also focusing on pedestrian/bicycle connectivity throughout the city.

3. Create opportunities and locations for Mixed Income/Mixed-Use housing in our Urban Core.

4. Create a multi-use plan for the Port of Pensacola and transition to a Renewable Port Focused Business Plan

5. Create opportunities to internally consolidate, outsource and re-task City departments and staff for better efficiency and improved communication with our citizens while furthering our cost saving efforts.

I will also suggest that we have a goals check-up at the 1st meeting of every month where we talk about our efforts and accomplishments on goals and allow input from the public. This will allow for council to have meaningful discussion with each other on regular basis and keep our goals in the forefront.

Please forward me your thoughts on the 5 areas I have identified for discussion.

Proposed Interlocal kills Pensacola's Promise

2009-06-20T09:07:00.006-05:00

After endless hours of effort by Promise supporters,UWF staff, PJC staff and many community members, on Monday, City staff has proposed the elimination of the primary & ongoing funding source of Pensacola's Promise. The proposed interlocal agreement will back door the funding source and reallocate the funds, that would be available in 2013, to a revision of the ECUA wastewater plant relocation agreement. The current interlocal agreement is between the CRA and ECUA not the City.

In 2007, the CRA entered into an agreement with ECUA to provide $19.5 million over a number of years to fund the portion of the wastewater treatment plant within the CRA. In his memo to Council, then City Manager Tom Bonfield expressly stated that under the agreement the City had no obligation to pay any amounts toward this agreement. The 2007 agreement stated that if CRA TIF funds were insufficient to cover the annual ECUA obligation (AFTER PAYMENT OF THE MARITIME PARK BONDS) then the amount due in that year would merely roll over to a year that additional TIF funds were available. Due to Amendment 1 passing subsequent to the ECUA agreement, TIF revenues in the CRA were dramatically reduced and the potential exists that TIF revenues would not cover both the CMPA bonds and the ECUA agreement.

Staff is presenting in Monday's Finance committee meeting a new interlocal agreement with ECUA. The new agreement with ECUA expressly states:

the effect of this agreement is intended to fully release the CRA and any
claim upon the Tax Increment Revenues Under Chapter 163, Florida Statutes from any
obligation to make payments to the ECUA
the intent of the parties is to effect a novation and full replacement of the
City in the place of the CRA on all obligations that CRA may have to ECUA under the 2007 Agreement

Staff proposes using the funds currently appropriated to repay a debt issue of the City that is paid off in 2013 to cover any TIF shortfalls in the CRA agreement with ECUA.

First, why should the City assume an obligation to ECUA for funds legally deferrable under the current CRA interlocal agreement?

Second, the debt relief that the staff proposes be used to pay the CRA's obligation are the same funds necessary and identified to fund Pensacola's Promise.

On Monday, I will be asking that the proposed ECUA interlocal agreements be tabled or returned to staff pending the Councils goal setting session later this month. The Pensacola Promise deserves a chance to be presented formally to Council before being buried with hasty decisions.

There is no rush on the ECUA agreements. Under the current agreement, they are secondary to the CMPA position for TIF revenues and no payments are due for over a year at best.

I hope that the potential of guaranteeing every child in Pensacola a chance to go to college can be given an opportunity before we commit to giving our citizen's money away to another governmental entity that is neither required under existing agreements nor really needed as news articles report the project is under budget.

During our CMP Bond workshop I already expressed my concerns based on historical data for CRA growth that the CRA revenue projections are too low and create a problem. Mr. Barker assumes a lower than normal growth rate for a conservative estimate thus creating a shortage in funding.

Here is the Council presentation for Pensacola's Promise

2009-05-09T15:58:00.024-05:00

I have attached a summary of the proposed scope and finances of the College Tuition Program. A few notes:

The Northwest Florida industry focus clusters are shared by the Chamber as well as State Economic Development organizations.
The proposal as is only reflects 2 years of college for City high school graduate /residents
It assumes that 100% of City of Pensacola graduates WANT to go to college.
It assumes that the number of graduates grows at 2% per year in the City.
It assumes "bright futures" use those state benefits.
Student numbers come from the Florida Dept of Education
Graduation rate comes from the Florida Dept of Education and ECSB
Bright futures numbers also come from the Department of Education
Tuition rates come from PJC per semester hour
Tuition is estimated to grow at 7% per year
State match is assumed at 50% which is conservative based on discussions with PJC staff
City funds are limited to the $3.3 million from the airport sale and $2.1 million annually once the current debt obligation of the City is extinguished.
It assumes no earnings of the City's surplus from investments.

As you will see providing at least a 2 year education to every child in the Pensacola City Limits that graduates from a public school is POSSIBLE and even generates a surplus to go toward additional education. Study the numbers. Think of the possibilities. Remember that implementing this plan calls for NO additional tax revenue on the citizens.

To view the presentation click the following link.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15167961/Maren-Online

Found Money

2009-05-07T15:28:00.005-05:00

In the spring of 2001, with a 2 year old and our second baby on the way we made some decisions for the future while we had a sum of "found money" in hand. Funds came partly from the sale of my Jeep CJ 7 that I no longer needed as a mother of 2, and partly from a gift in my father's will after he died earlier that year.

Now with 2 babies and one income, we needed every penny of what we had in hands just to cover our current commitments yet we took ALL of the funds and invested in Florida Prepaid College. At that time we purchased the plans as 2 & 2 plan first in junior college then on to university.

For our little German souvenir ,also known as Lumpy, we once again took every penny of our savings, emergency funds, tax refunds, IOU's, coupons, garage sale proceeds and all the spare change in the junk drawer ( more than you imagine) and invested in his future. We have a house full of used furniture and generous hand me downs from friends, we make it work with what we have.

My point is this, we made the decision to take the hit now for a known investment we needed to make in our children's future. It was not comfortable and we could have used the money for expenses in our daily lives, yet we can now rest well and know our investment was a good one.

Pensacola has "found money" in the sale of the College Blvd property and yes we could just insert the funds right into the general fund and cover daily operations, yet years from now we will never know the difference and the $3.3 million will be long forgotten.

We can make an investment in the children of this community, an investment in our future for the future. The funds have a multiplier effect just by investing in education. The pride that families will feel to live in a community that is investing in their future. The solid workforce we will have to offer new businesses. The magnet our city will become to surrounding areas simply by having an educated workforce as one of our tools for economic development. The increase in population and property values has shown to be true the Kalamazoo plan and can reverse our exudus of citizens.

In a meeting this week, someone said to me if we as a city would just make an investment in our citizens it could cure so many problems we face today...just to invest in their lives in a positive and productive way. How better to give hope and peace of mind to our families here in Pensacola??

The portion our city would give to fund these scholarships can be matched by grants already available from the state. The plan is solid and merits our continued investigation. After 2 failed efforts with the city manager for space on the agenda, I published my presentation to the web, printed 12 copies and at the very end of the meeting,during council communication, gave my fellow council members my presentation. Most members were already packed to leave, most tired from the previous benefits and pension discussion, yet they listened and heard the possibilities this plan has to offer. I will make a formal presentation during our Goal Setting Session in June and continue to investigate the numbers and meet with educators throughout our community.

Please contact me if you have any ideas to further this effort.

Take Pause

2009-05-07T14:25:00.002-05:00

Today we took pause to honor our Pensacola Police Officers killed in the Line of Duty

Roll Call of Heroes

J.W.R. Gordon September 22, 1889

John Yelverton June 3, 1899

William Burnham March 18.1906

J.D. Carter April 4, 1909

C.F. Bazzell March 16, 1932

Clinton A. Green February 26, 1938

Archie Bowman August 19,1938

Herbert Tommy Hatcher January 15, 1939

Louis J. Champa May 27, 1951

Curtis Neal Jones June 27, 1980

Amos Cross September 12, 1980

Stephen A. Taylor October 19, 1982

Glenn Rowe Austraw February 26, 1997

Well Served Peace Officer. May you Rest in Peace.

Today take pause to say a quiet Thank You to all that have lost their lives in the line of duty. I honor their commitment to our community and know the sacrifice all of our men and women in uniform are making every day. Pensacola has a top notch group of officers doing their work to make our city a safe place to not only live but thrive in. They have families too yet each day they wear the uniform and go protect our community...they are our Peace Officers.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Guest Blogger: Jeff DeWeese

2009-05-04T07:42:00.016-05:00

Maren asked if I would take the time to share my experiences regarding the setup and effectiveness of our local economic development efforts based on my experience with the start-up of the General Electric Plant on Scenic Highway. Being fairly active in the Pensacola Chamber I see the current efforts made to recruit new business to Pensacola. My experience of having been on the receiving end of the economic development process during my time with GE however offers a little different perspective.

I was one of the first people hired when the plant was purchased from Westinghouse in 2000. The purchase entailed numerous local economic incentives including property tax abatement, workforce training funds, tangible and sales tax abatement and substantial assistance by PJC.

By far, the incentive most valued by GE was the workforce development incentive offered by Workforce Escarosa and Pensacola Junior College. Tax abatements are common and not a differentiator to companies these days. Education and commitment in the area to training the needed workforce was the major value perceived by GE.

GE has plants all over the world, but many are staffed by employees with no post high school education and who receive on-the-job training to perform a specific role or function. Many of these plants such as in Schenectady, New York have been in place for as long as 75-100 years. Being the progressive company it is, when GE purchased the Pensacola site, GE Human Resource management decided that in order to make the maximum return on investment the Pensacola site needed the most dynamic and adaptable workforce in the Energy sector.

When Westinghouse closed the Pensacola plant in 1998 it laid off 650 Pensacola area workers. As part of the layoff, Westinghouse offered employees a college tuition assistance program. Most Westinghouse employees DID NOT ACCEPT THE OFFER.

When GE bought the plant, in order to ensure a workforce that was self directed, had the ability to work in many areas of the process, had the capacity to learn new and different skills such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, GE insisted that each new hire have AT LEAST an Associates degree in order to interview. Therefore, MOST of those laid off by Westinghouse were ineligible even to interview for the new high paying jobs. Once in place the 181 GE employees at the plant formed one of the best labor forces in GE and rapidly equalled the output of the Schenectady plant's workforce in Generator manufacturing. The employees needed less management oversight, less engineering direction, and had a much greater capacity to see the entire process and find the most cost effective means to produce the product.

Once the power generation bubble burst in late 2001, GE had insufficient orders to keep 2 generator plants active. Due entirely to the education, adaptability and self directed nature of the Pensacola workforce, GE transitioned the plant from generator manufacturing to the manufacturing of wind turbine blades. The two processes are as different as night and day. Once again the local GE employees had the capacity to learn new concepts and techniques, most of a much more precise and unforgiving nature as mistakes in blade manufacturing can cost $20,000 to $30,000 each. The plant continued to be a shining example of adaptability.

Finally, due to the rapid rise of the wind turbine market in the last few years, the plant has had to adapt once again into wind turbine generator assembly. The plant has had 3 major shifts in the last seven years. The Pensacola workforce and its ability to rapidly change is discussed and admired throughout all of General Electric.

This success was created by a Company demanding an employee with the capacity to learn new and advanced concepts and a workforce development incentive built around education not tax give aways.

When Maren began talking about the Kalamazoo plan, I immediately saw the natural benefit it would provide our community based on my GE experience.

Alabama offers tax breaks, invests pension funds in new developments and spends the millions of taxpayer funds needed to attract the Billion dollar investments. Unfortunately the State of Florida will not assist Northwest Florida with these types of programs.

I see few Pensacola graduates using the proposed plan to go straight to UWF. Due to UWF admission requirements most would actually be covered under Bright Futures anyway. I see the major beneficiary being kids in Pensacola who graduated from high school but with less than a B average. I believe these kids without this program will merely enter the workforce and begin working in whatever job they can find. The program Maren proposes will allow them to acquire additional skills in areas that interest them, training and education that will make them more attractive to both local employers and new businesses.

Finally, instead of investing substantial City tax dollars in chasing the elusive elephant to relocate to Pensacola, we would be stepping out to invest City dollars, in City residents, to attend City colleges. Dollars that in turn will be spent by the College in salaries and benefits that are pumped back into the local economy.

I for one think that based on my experience and history, her idea shows a track record of success and should be aggressively explored.

WHAT IF?

2009-04-26T20:43:00.005-05:00

Our recent budget workshop reflected how pitiful the City's commitment to economic development actually is. We have thought of economic development as money donated to the Chamber... Commit and forget.

We have to start thinking differently about how we not only exist in this new economy, but how we can thrive and attract the kinds of business and new residents that will grow our community. We now have excellent colleges and universities yet are one of the poorest and most undereducated areas in the region and turn away students each year for lack of funding...this gap continues to grow and residents continue to leave the area for better access to education and more employement opportunities.

What if the City of Pensacola could find a solution to decreasing property values, a solution to an undereducated workforce, a means of making Pensacola a premier spot for economic expansion of current businesses and a hot location for prospective businesses and an area that those outside the City(who use our services and infrastructure without paying for them) were excited to be annexed into the City of Pensacola?

What if we could make ourselves the envy of all of America and it would not cost the City an extra dime of new tax money? What if in these hard economic times, when it is hard to put food on the table, we all knew our children's or grandchildren's future was set out in front of them...taken care of!

I am not dreaming...nor is this idea original. Pensacola, let's copy Kalamazoo!!!

Kalamazoo Michigan has adopted a policy that every child educated in the city limits of Kalamazoo (the school district is the same as city boundaries) can attend college and his tuition is covered. City of Pensacola residents ,educated at public schools, would benefit from this type of plan.

How can we do this when our budget is tight and there is limited funds for our future?

This past year PJC graduated 1700 students but turned away 1500 others for inability to pay tuition. These 1500 people now are not acquiring the skills to advance in a meaningful career, making less than even one year in college would give them. They will more than likely live in the City but not live in appreciating housing. Many City, County and State services will try to assist them in developing a skill or finding a job. Education is what provides opportunity!!

How do we pay for it? Simple. Students that live in the City will be guaranteed tuition to either PJC of UWF. At PJC either an Associate of Arts (university prep) or Associate of Science (a skilled profession). Funds would go to the School directly. Students with bright futures or other scholarships could apply the benefit to books. The max amount per student is fixed. The money stays in our community providing jobs, benefits and growth. Sorry but if you don't live in the City limits NO BENEFIT! Want to grow and learn, want your kids to have a better future, buy property in the City and LIVE here.

Where does the money come from? Also simple. This past week the Council passed a sale of airport land for $3.3 million over the next 4 years ( $900K, $800K, $800K, $800K) There's our foundation. It isn't in the budget recently presented and therefore is found money. In 2011 Mr. Barker pointed out that we will finish paying for a bond issue that frees up approx. $3 million per year of General Fund money. There's the annual amount.

We have talked about waterfront parks and economic incentives. Those moneys are hoping that outside investment comes to town by the lure of the concept. Why not invest in our own citizens and if others come fine, but if they don't we have made ourselves a better community.

I have plenty more on this topic and will presenting more in the weeks ahead. Please check back here and research what Kalamazoo has done.

Pensacola, we CAN do this and not raise taxes. We CAN do this and make ourselves better. We CAN do this and give our kids a brighter future. Just think YES and don't jump to no. Just think What IF?

Scenice Bluffs Park...What a difference 3 hours can make!

2009-04-26T11:43:00.002-05:00

District 3 citizens along with off duty Pensacola Firefighters and Parks and Recreation employees spent Saturday morning cleaning, cutting, clearing and pruning the Scenic Bluffs Park. What a difference in only 3 hours!

We cleared seven areas in key locations where illegal activities have occurred in the past. The clearing of dense areas improves safety and gives visitors a visual path to walk throughout the boardwalk. Police will now be stepping up their undercover and uniformed officer patrols and enforce closure of the park at DUSK.

Residents of Dover Landing and Inverness joined in. Dover Landing had just completed their PCIP landscaping project yesterday and were looking to "Pay it Forward". CJ Lewis , having recently reclaimed his city park on Forest Glen in Scenic Heights, also helped clean the low growth areas down by Pensacola Bay.

The firefighters jumped in with chain saws and brush trimmers and cleared some otherwise untameable areas as only heroes can do, many of them having just come off a 24 hour shift.

Total cost of yesterday to the City...ZERO! The Parks and Recreation team, along with Director Dave Flaherty,volunteered their time on Saturday to bring their expertise and knowledge to our project.

A community came together to make their City a better place to live. Neighbors made new friends, visitors from Kentucky, North Carolina and Louisiana marveled at the natural beauty and the amazing clay bluffs. People who use the park regularly saw that others care enough to donate their time for their park. Reggie Slack, former Auburn Quarterback and Pro Football player, was doing his regular jogging and stair-climbing workout yesterday and wants to get involved and possibly do the first Bay Bluffs Boot Camp workout classes.

While another Pensacola waterfront park is getting all of the headlines, District 3 is committed to making OUR waterfront park the best it can be. Come check it out this week and hike the entire boardwalk. The view is amazing, the workout can't be beat and you will hopefully leave feeling refreshed and relaxed from all the natural beauty.

We will host nature walks, "A Coffee and A Sunrise" and many other events in the coming months so let me know what your interests are and let's "Get Out...Way Out" at our 50 Acre Bay Bluffs Park.

Thank you to the following volunteers that gave a few hours of their weekend to make Pensacola a better place to live. You made a BIG difference! Revonda Stewart, Karen Harper, Mr. & Mrs. Gee, CJ Lewis, Jennifer Simmons, PFD engine 1 -Simmons, Longsworth and Daehn, John Chapman,Chad Dunn, Chett Lyuker, Jeff Wilmoth, John Jones III, Cliff Ragsdale, Leroy White Jr., Hugh Patroni, Martin Stugeon, Mark Snyder, Chris Eadler, Chuck Sansom, Larry Bruner, Neil Jones, Nathan Edler, Kim Agmiar, Frank English, Art Boykin, Larry Williams, Eric Johnson, DeWeese Family.

See you at the Bluffs!

A Line in the Sand

2009-04-19T22:10:00.005-05:00

I have returned from a great Spring Break with my family. We went to Virginia Beach where I lived for 3 years before moving home. Jeff sits on the Board for a defense contractor in the area and had meetings. I took the chance to share a bit of my past with the kids and explore some of the changes that Norfolk and the Hampton Roads area has experienced over the past 2 decades. They are 20 years into their revitalization program, to say there is progress is an understatement. More on this soon. It's exciting stuff...

When I returned , council had our General Fund workshop. To say I was disappointed would also be an understatement. The County, the School Board and other government entities are forecasting at least a 7% decrease in property taxes and our staff submitted a budget with tax revenue flat and equal to last year. While staff stated they did not want to speculate on proposed decreases at this time I pointed out that we are fooling ourselves if we think a decrease is not coming. No one else would join me in rejecting the proposed General Fund budget to the next step. Although the vote was a straw poll, I stated that we are only creating a crisis in the coming months in the eyes of our citizens.

Let me be clear. What was passed was a start at best and will not be the budget going forward. If you are like the DeWeese's you have seen your property values decrease 10-20-30% in a last year. To think that real estate assessments will be level is an illusion and unrealistic.

In the proposed GF budget we have already eliminated all Human Services yet maintained 40K for the Arts Council. I have a fundamental problem keeping one and cutting the others. In this economy we must be fair and balanced and above all else realistic about what our taxpayer's funds are supporting.

In reviewing the budget I can not find many more non-employee costs to cut. Sooner or later we must face the reality that we can no longer afford to maintain an 892 person workforce with all the benefits, compensation and retirement they currently receive. That is 892 families, some of my family, dear friends and people I know to love serving this city. We are all in this together and must ALL make some sacrifice in the coming year. We need to be creative, flexible and think of new ways to sustain our city.

At it's core, this issue is about what a city and it's tax base can support. We have city government to provide services and keep our citizen's safe. The reality is also a human issue that wraps around our discussions... peoples jobs and livelihood are involved and their sense of well being too. Everyone in Pensacola has been touched in some way by the free fall our national economy has taken and these same citizens can not sustain the level of employment and benefits currently offered to employees of our city.

The DeWeese's have lost most of our retirement and had no pay raise in 2 years, pensions were never a consideration in our retirement plan since most companies have eliminated them and shifted to more reasonable investments in their employee's future.

How can government expect to maintain this higher level of funding with the limited funds we are expecting over the next 2 to 3 years. What is committed already is not even on the table, we must stop the free fall our city dollars are in and get smart about the future.

Longevity, DROP and overtime are all areas for immediate consideration in an effort for all to participate in right sizing our budget.

I have not met one person that works for our city that does not wake up every day and work toward making our city the best it can be. They bring passion and commitment to their work and their teams. There is no question about their contribution or value to Pensacola.

We must work together to find our path through this crisis our city is facing. I look forward to your comments and insight. I would like to have some meetings with District 3 residents over the next few weeks. However, I ask that your suggestions respect the service and commitment of our city employees, but bring real world solutions to our real world problem. Each and every one of us can make a difference in this process...let's get to work.

1st Quarter Recap

2009-03-16T19:14:00.004-05:00

Three months into the term and I wanted to recap a few accomplishments and some areas of frustration as to the speed of government.

Accomplishments

PCIP Neighborhood Beautification Funding for all District 3 Projects (not to mention all projects city wide), this is the best partnership we have with our citizens.
Helping many District 3 neighbors with potholes and street lighting repairs.
Meeting with every conceivable community group to understand their issues and concerns and how to better connect them with each other for success.
2009 Road pavings for many roads off of Scenic which had not been paved since I was in middle school.
Opposition to Bingo due to its proposed structure and location; A proposed ordinance is in development and due for a vote before council soon.
Working closely with Fire and Police Departments to gain greater understanding of their issues and challenges. Everyone should take the time to thank these folks for what they do on a daily basis, courage and honor are just the beginning of their jobs.
Moving the dial on cleaning up our Bluffs Park area and making it a place we can all enjoy(stay tuned)
Joining the board for PEDC ( Pensacola Escambia Development Commission) and working on many economic development ideas within the community.

Frustrations

Delay associated with the Maritime Park agreement approval process.
The proposed lack of amenities promised to our Citizens in the current Maritime Park plan.
Being in office 3 months and we STILL haven't addressed the 800 pound gorilla in the room (PENSIONS and the Budget)
The lack of communication between our Fire & Police and the City Staff. It's time for all of us to think about OUR city's basic needs and plan for it's future.
Why we need a consultant for every measure before council or committee (Abramson, Dr. Lee, Maygarden, Diversity, etc.) We know our City better than any out of town expert.
The hurdles that seem small but are almost impossible to overcome in moving toward consolidation of any services with other government entities.
The recurrent inability of those that do not live in the City Limits to acknowledge that City of Pensacola citizens PAY for our City services. Over 19 million is paid to the county by city tax payers each year; We pay for our City Services above and beyond that amount.

On the horizon:

Pension workshop April 2nd where we will BEGIN to tackle the tough issues in front of our city with regard to our pension liabilities and how to fund them. I have many ideas to present and look forward to hearing from you with your possibilities.

Maritime Park Vote April 9th.

Budget Briefings 2nd week of April. We will work on our budget over a 3 month period and I value your ideas and opinions and need your presence during this process.

Continued investigation of ways to streamline and consolidate services both within our city structure and with other government agencies. We already have many consolidated services in place and they operate at a cost savings for our citizens.

Please stay involved in our process and keep emailing me, calling me or stopping me at the sports fields, I have enjoyed the first 3 months and look forward to the rest of our 2 years together.

General Pension Possibility

2009-03-12T07:56:00.002-05:00

Take a look at this article By Rick Outzen from IN Weekly... let me know what you think.

Outtakes by Rick Outzen

INVEST IN PENSACOLA
This is a radical idea, one that really requires people thinking "outside of the box." Why don't we have the city pension funds invest in the Community Maritime Park by buying the bonds?
The city general, fire and police funds total nearly $200 million. They lost $43 million of their value in the 2007-2008 fiscal year by investing in the stock market. Dick Barker, city finance director, recently told the Pensacola City Council that the pension funds have lost another $40 million since Sept. 30, 2008.
The CMP bonds would have a fixed rate of return and no risk. Pensacola would be investing in itself.

THE ALABAMA MODEL
The state of Alabama already does this. The Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), which provides pension benefits to retirees through the Employees' Retirement System, the Judicial Retirement Fund and the Teachers' Retirement System, includes the government employees, teachers and judges, and has invested from 2002-2008 $854.3 million in state and local projects and in Alabama companies.
Those $854.3 million in capital expenditures had statewide impacts of $1.947 billion in output, $620.9 million in earnings to Alabama households and 19,225 direct and indirect jobs. State and local governments benefited, too, with increases in state income taxes ($20.4 million), state sales taxes ($10 million), and county and city sales taxes ($12.5 million).
In 2007 alone, investments by the Alabama state pension funds helped provide 5,836 jobs and $245 million in payroll in the state. The study of the Retirement Systems of Alabama by the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama found that average annual pay for those 5,836 jobs was $42,046, more than 14 percent above the state average of $36,751 in 2007.
The investments include the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Bell Microproducts, Daniel Corp., GKN Aerospace Services Alabama, Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Navistar Diesel of Alabama, U.S. Steel and Wise Metals.

CALIFORNIA DOES IT, TOO
Alabama isn't the only state where pensions are invested in the state. The study, "The Economic Impacts of California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) Investments on the California Economy," by California State University showed the significant economic impact of similar pension fund investments on that state's economy, adding approximately $8.5 billion to California's economy. The investment dollars injected by CalPERS into the California economy generated over 124,300 jobs in 2006.
The Alabama State Retirement System has invested $180 million in downtown Montgomery, a fact CMP opponent C.C. Elebash pointed out in a January 2009 letter to the editor. The RSA owns eight downtown buildings in Montgomery, which has a baseball park on its riverfront.
Pensacola needs the estimated 1,500 jobs that the Community Maritime Park will create. The city also needs the "win," a project that will excite people and restore confidence in the local economy.
The city pension funds are sitting in accounts doing little for the taxpayers who have paid the millions to fund them. Why not invest in ourselves?

Taking Chance

2009-02-26T23:56:00.002-06:00

I arrived home tonight feeling great about the good work our City Council had done for our citizens and at the urging of my husband I stayed up alone and watched a TRIBUTE and true story about a fallen Marine...Chance Phelps...the HBO movie shares his journey home.

Today our Mayor spoke of the honor he had in sharing his day with 18 local service Men and Women at our Annual Navy League Military Appreciation Luncheon. In our own way this is a tribute to their service and our connection to their courage and their sacrifice...we appreciate all that each service member gives to our community, our country and our freedom and this is the best way we have an opportunity to show it.

I ask you to take the time to watch "Taking Chance" as soon as possible. I found Chance's journey home as a fallen soldier a model for how we as Americans should strive to also honor our heroes that are lucky enough to make it home alive. Look our service members in the eye and make sure they know how much you honor and appreciate them.

I can remember in 2003, while living in Germany, buying a People magazine at the Bahnhof that honored our 395 fallen service men and women and reading each name and saying God Bless You and Keep You...somehow hoping that this war would come to a swift end and no more lives would be lost.

We as Americans are faced with uncertain times and challenges that we aren't certain any of us are equipped to navigate, so I ask you this... Redirect your uncertainty and find Gratitude for the home you live in, the people you share your life with, the community you live each beautiful day in and the future that you have been given simply because someone you will never know gave their life for you to have that right.

Let's operate under this simple idea: What if by Chance, these challenges we face are a gift...let's get busy Being who we are...proud Americans, let's honor our fallen by living our lives as they did in giving their lives... certain about protecting our future.

Watch the movie and tell me what you think...peace.

Press Release from a Worthy Cause

2009-02-25T06:31:00.001-06:00

On Thursday Feb. 26th, 6:30 - 9pm at Will Call on Palafox, my trio will be appearing at a fundraiser for a very worthy cause. Please visit www.escarosaindependenceweekend.com for all the details, but here is the gist:

The Independence Fund was established to help US soldiers severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan regain their independence and dignity. These are people who've lost legs and arms or had traumatic brain injury and need things like iBot wheelchairs, special hand crank bikes, specially equipped vehicles, prosthetics, and other devices to help them live more independent lives.

The fundraiser next week will help bring these Wounded Warriors to Pensacola for a weekend of bike racing, a motorcycle rally, a concert by wounded veteran and rising singing star Stephen Cochran (and possibly yours truly singing rock 'n' roll with Tim Spencer!) and panel appearances by best-selling authors and wounded vets themselves.

So for a suggested $100 tax-deductible donation, you can come hear one of your favorite jazz trios in a new setting, enjoy delicious hors d' oeuvres, and support a very worthy cause.

We might not all agree with the politics that got these guys to Iraq and Afghanistan in the first place, but they served their country with honor and paid a heavy price, and now we are in a position to not only honor that service but provide very real support in keeping them active and involved in society and in life. Can't you just imagine the kind of physical and emotional hardships these people must endure?

So let me see as many of your faces as possible. Visit the website above, click on and print the invitation and show up next Thursday with your donation.

Out and About

2009-02-23T21:27:00.005-06:00

I have had the following recent meetings. Drop me an email if you would like to discuss the issues addressed at mdeweese@ci.pensacola.fl.us

Gulf Power - economic development and renewable initiatives

Sacred Heart - Tree ordinance and bike paths

WCOA - Update for the community; Bluffs park

Staff - Community overlays and land development

City Attorney - Bingo ordinance

Engineering staff - Engineering proposals; potholes and street lights

TPO - Marine highways and the Port of Pensacola and Future planning

Chamber of Commerce - Chamber initiatives and direction

ARC and Global Corner - Separate post to follow, these were amazing meetings and deserve attention to all the details I have learned.

Every day I learn something new about what others are doing to grow our city and make it a better place for everyone.

Road Paving Streets Announced

2009-02-23T20:54:00.002-06:00

I am pleased to annouce that tonight the following roads in District 3 were approved for paving by the committee

Goya Drive from Brookshire to Summit along with Goya Court
Potosi Road from Flax to Spanish Trail
Langley from Spanish Trail to Scenic Highway
Bayview Way
Bluewater
Seabreeze
Timberland
Whistler
Penifield
Lavalle Lane
Sehoy Circle

Based on my experience walking the District during the campaign I pointed out several of these roads in major need of repair. When the City engineer checked his records it reflected many of the District 3 streets on the list haven't been paved since I was in the FIFTH grade. Im proud to have been able to get them on the list this year.

I would not have known the condition of those streets unless I had been in the District meeting my neighbors.

Bingo is Back!

2009-02-11T20:33:00.007-06:00

At the next Council meeting, the zoning change from C-1 to C-2, which under the City staff's determination would be required for a BINGO operation to open in the City near 9th Avenue and Tippen, is up for its second reading. I can not support this measure. I feel that the operation is not only undesirable at this location near our airport as noted in previous posts to this blog but may not be legal under Florida Statutes as presented.

Chapter 849.0931 2(b) of the Florida Statutes states " It is the express intent of the Legislature that no charitable, nonprofit, or veterans' organization serve as a sponsor of a bingo game or instant bingo conducted by another, but such organization may only be directly involved in the conduct of such a game as provided in this act."

This legislative intent is not how BINGO was presented to Council. Council was told by the applicant that he with his partners would operate the BINGO Parlor (not the not for profits themselves) and that money would be given to the not for profits listed. It is my recollection that he even went as far as saying there is no way the not for profits could lose money. Under my reading of the statutes the not for profits must actually operate the BINGO games and its members must be present when its BINGO is played.

I have documentation that BINGO in Escambia County is being run contrary to Florida Statutes. What is done is a "rental agreement" is prepared and signed by the not for profit. My example goes as far as having a cover letter which states the NFP must simply sign and the BINGO PARLOR will begin playing BINGO for them. My concern is the BINGO as presented to Council would be similar to the noted operation and therefore not meet the legislative requirement.

I will be proposing that the Ordinance as presented be tabled until such time as the City Attorney can review the operation as presented for legality including contacting the listed not for profits and making sure they solicited the applicant to run the BINGO for them and not vice versa. Further, our City Attorney should review his findings with the State Attorney's office to get their concurrence as to the legality of the operation as presented.

Legal not for profit BINGO has a great place as a fundraiser but it should not be solicited to NFP's by for profit entities looking to skirt the laws of the State of Florida.

PEDC

2009-02-11T14:19:00.004-06:00

This week council voted on board appointments and I am honored to have been chosen to represent council on the PEDC along with Councilman Hall. Following is an update from Charles Wood highlighting our current efforts.
EDA Increases Tech Park Application Funding – We received a notice from the Federal Economic Development Administration that they were going to increase the amount of funding we can apply for from $1 million to $2 million for the infrastructure costs on the technology campus. While this is not “money in the bank” yet, it will make a significant impact in funding infrastructure construction.

Targeted marketing with Florida Trend – We put the finishing touches on a cover wrap for Florida Trend magazine that will be sent to 300 targeted businesses around the country highlighting the recent awards by Pensacola-Based Brand Asset Digital (see attachment). They have been ranked as a top start-up of the year by Music Ally and were awarded the “product of the year” by the Distributed Computing Industry Association for their P2P (that’s peer to peer) search, giving advertisers the ability to target and connect their branded content directly to consumers via P2P search.

Meeting with the State Office for Tourism Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) – I had a very good meeting last week with Dr. Dale Brill who heads up OTTED. The meeting included economic development directors from Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Brevard County. Not only was Pensacola at the table (which alone is a good thing), but the group made recommendations that could cut review time for the state’s Qualified Target Industry tax incentive by 2 months or more and could reduce the approval time for the Governor’s “quick” action closing fund by several months as well. Many thanks should go out to Susan Story who provided me with input on these issues. She has been heavily involved in economic development efforts at the state level as the past Vice-Chair of Enterprise Florida, Chairman of the Florida Chamber and the Florida Council of 100.

Pensacola is headed in the right direction, we just need to unify all of our smaller initiatives into one powerful group. Right now, we have the opportunity to evaluate our efforts as a city and reinforce our current position for creating a stable and thriving community. I am looking forward to sharing more ideas and possibilities with you in the coming weeks.

Full Bloom

2009-02-11T13:44:00.004-06:00

If this were a garden, it would now be in full bloom.

I am speaking of Morris Court II and III. This new community is a joint project with the City of Pensacola, The Area Housing Commission and Carlisle Development Group that has now opened it's second and third phase of apartments to complete it's community project for affordable housing in our city.
Morris Court replaces much needed housing for our city residents that was lost during Hurricane Ivan. There was 26 million contributed in federal and local funding that allowed this community to be built and still be affordable for the citizens of Pensacola.
The surrounding heritage oaks, playground and pathways connecting each living area give such a sense of peace and connection with each other.
As I have said before, "neighborhoods are where our lives happen" and Morris Court is rock solid, creating a comfortable and pleasing environment for all ages. With this stable and welcoming community in place, citizens can focus on being a family, connecting with their neighbors and in turn have a better chance of thriving in our community.
We need more of this kind of endeavors in areas around downtown to support or work force and our retirees. Communities are based on each of us sharing our lives with each other and this is a prime example. Go take a look at this new community on Godfrey Street just South of Baptist Hospital and Lakeview Center.
Congratulations Pensacola, this is another success story.

Analysis of Barker Projections

2009-02-05T20:04:00.003-06:00

I have been reviewing the financing projections prepared by City Finance Director Barker and presented to Council at our recent workshop. First, let me say that Mr. Barker is an exceptional City Finance Director with a knowledge of municipal finance that I do not have, nor will I ever have. What follows are my observations of the differences between the financing plan presented in 2007 and the financing plan presented at the recent workshop. My overall comment is that the projections are unrealistically conservative.

The key assumptions in Mr. Barker's projections from 2007 to 2009 are:

The change in growth rate of CRA TIF revenues. Under Mr. Barker's current model, CRA TIF revenues will not return to their 2007 levels until 2016 (8 years from now). While CRA revenues have declined in the past, no such example of a continuing slump in market value has existed since the foundation of the CRA even in down markets. Additionally, Mr. Barker's assumptions do not account for large developments that will occur at both the Maritime Park site and across the street at the Sewage Treatment Plant site. These two projects alone with Studer's $12 million dollar office building, a planned hotel project at the CMP and whatever is built on the WWTP site will bring significant TIF revenues to the CRA, not to mention the increased values to the commercial properties in the surrounding areas.
The difference is too big. As presented last week Mr. Barker's projections reflect annual TIF revenues in the CRA will be $554 million less over the next 36 years than he predicted in 2007. (2007- $ 934 million from 2009 through 2044 compared to 2009-$385 million for the same period)
The CMP Proposed Debt. In 2007 Mr. Barker proposed a debt amortization that reflected adjusting principal and interest payments that paid substantially more principle in the near term allowing for smaller payments in the outer years. In the current model due to the substantially less TIF revenues, Mr. Barker assumes a more straight line amortization with principle and interest payments being consistent throughout the loan period. To date a change to straight line amortization has not been explained.
Wastewater Plant Financing - We have waited so long to begin this project that the funds committed to the sewage treatment plant relocation have actually come due before the CMP debts will begin. In the 2007 plan, the CMP debt repayment preceded the WWTP obligation by two years. I remember the opponents of the Park stating the stink of the plant would keep people away. It appears that due to our lethargic progress on the CMP the plant will be closed and removed prior to the Park opening. Mr. Barker stated he would be investigating adjustment to the WWTP finance plan to better accomodate TIF revenues.

While short term financing has its place, I believe we should have been moving ahead with the bond before now. When challenged in August 2008 as to why the City had not been actively pursuing bonds after the then City Council approved an alternative funding source in the wake of a potential Strand decision, Mr. Barker stated “It’s really just an alternative that we gave the council, the timetable depends on when the environmental is through,” says Dick Barker, city finance director. “We will be ready to go about 60-90 days after we get everything cleared (meaning the environmental, etc.). I’m thinking it’s going to be at least next spring, but if it’s ready to go before then, we’ll be ready to jump in and get started.”

I just hope that the staff's delay in moving forward with securing a bond prior to now doesn't end up costing the CRA the $17 million Mr. Barker now projects. I look forward to clarification as to why short term financing is preferred and if it subjects the CRA to additional interest rate risk on this project. Additionally, I would like for the cities bond counsel to brief our City Council on the current state of bond markets and what he thinks he sees in the future.

Pensions, Protection, the Park and Potholes

2009-01-30T20:35:00.004-06:00

I wanted to briefly share my thoughts on four activities that occurred this past week.

Pensions - I made the personal decision to decline participation in the Florida Retirement System. I did so for three distinct reasons; the City's annual pension liability is almost as much as the entire amount of property taxes collected which is scary and if not checked immediately will exceed property tax revenues in the near future, the role of City Council is a part time job and I did not run for City Council to collect a pension but to serve my neighbors in District 3 and finally, any area we can cut without affecting services or safety should be reviewed and the tough decisions made. I could not in my mind reconcile cutting expenses while still costing the City a pension contribution. Stay tuned here, there is more to come.
Protection- Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege of participating in the Citizens Police Academy and visiting the Fire Station. I am in awe of these true heros, they expect the best from themselves and each other every day. I want the citizens of Pensacola to know as discussions continue along consolidation of services, I will NOT vote for any consolidation plan that degrades the quality of service or compromises the safety of our City residents. Our Fire Department, the oldest in Florida and celebrating its 200th anniversary next year, is a class 1 fire department, with Advanced Firefighter training, the highest rating possible and the only one in the County. Until the County system is equal to the PFD I don't see how consolidation can occur. I will be reaching out to the County Commission to ask them to ensure that the County Fire department is continually improved until they meet the Pensacola standard of perfection in both Police and Fire protection.
The Park - We had a workshop on the Community Maritime Park. While I thought the workshop was good and brought the groups together to close the loop on several issues, I left with some concern over Mr. Barker's financing report and how he plans to pay for the park. I will be spending a significant amount of time studying this issue over the next few weeks and will share my research on the financing issues and possibilities in this blog.
Potholes - Finally, while many tasks tackled by a City Council person are interesting and even sometimes exhilerating I have found that there is no satisfaction quite like hearing a neighbor let you know about a pothole and taking steps to help them get it repaired. I found myself not only going out to meet with them to witness the growing crater but driving neighborhoods looking for potholes that I had seen walking District 3 during my campaign. Soooo....if you see them, let me know and we will work together with Al Garza, the City's engineer and quite possibly the most knowledgeable person in the City regarding infrastructure, to get it fixed before it swallows your cars. We do this one right and quickly!! Thanks to an amazing team lead by Mr. Al Garza.

Stay in touch and feel free to call with any questions or concerns.

Maren

Bingo, the VOTE and Our Future

2009-01-24T07:14:00.004-06:00

I want to clarify a few issues regarding the Thursday night Bingo vote.

The staffs position was that Bingo would not be allowed in C-1 but would be allowed in C-2 thus a vote for the change to C-2 was a tacit vote to allow Bingo immediately.
I voted no as I believe that C-1 is fine for that area and we need more time as a City to investigate and regulate this form of gaming in our City.
If we decide to allow Bingo, the Zoning to me is a formality but I will always side on the most restrictive zoning to potential less desirable uses.
Our City has no ordinances or restrictions on Bingo as one has never been proposed in the City.
What appeared on the agenda and was noticed as a Zoning Hearing did NOT clearly identify to citizens that if this change was made the Bingo proposal would have no further hurdles to pass for opening a Bingo Parlor around their homes.
Many operational issues are still lingering...if 500 people show up on Friday night to play Bingo, where will they park. If you look at the site, it will not accommodate large crowds and the overflow parking will flow into the neighborhoods. That is unacceptable to me.

I do not oppose Bingo or gaming, in the right location or venue. My husband works with many gaming interests routinely in his business, they have their value and their proper place in a community. But I believe the citizens around the proposed site and throughout the City should have the opportunity to be presented with an open process of voicing their concerns ,having the developers answer questions as to traffic flow, hours of operation, parking, security and that logistical and regulatory issues associated with the development must be addressed PROACTIVELY not after they occur.

Finally, it saddens me to see our local economy fall to a level that we consider a Bingo parlor as economic development. We as a City are spending millions of dollars to build a rental car pavilion at the airport. I would hate to think that a visitors first impression of Pensacola to be a Bingo parlor as they head north from the airport out to 9th Avenue possibly on their way to Ellyson, GE or UWF.

As a citizen said " I just think at some point we have to get into the discussion about what we want our community to be in 20 years and perhaps that can serve to develop the filter for all decisions. You know the old saying "If you don't know where you want to go, any road will take you there."

Our Mayor wants Pensacola to go from good to great. I support him wholeheartedly. I just have reservations that Bingo in this location isn't moving us towards great.

Mr. Cohen's Response and my opinions

2009-01-19T20:02:00.006-06:00

Mr. Cohen responded to me as follows. My position is laid out following the response.

-----Original Message-----
From: Thaddeus Cohen
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 12:34 PM
To: Maren Deweese; Helen Gibson; Edward Spears
Cc: HOA's
Subject: RE: PCIP worksheet and recommendations

Councilwoman Deweese

I would like to take this opportunity to respond to your questions stated below.

In the information previously forward, which includes the application, under section heading General Information item 2 are examples of improvements that would and would not be considered eligible. The committee that reviewed the applications believes brochures to fall under the category of “Eligible Programmatic Activities” similar in nature to cultural exhibits in this case they are maps.

The reservation of $24,900 is my response to on going budget constraints which is affecting all City services and programs. In light of projected continued revenue short falls in the General Fund, the setting aside of $24,900 is a prudent step take. These General Revenue dollars represent the contribution the Community Development Department would make to assist in closing the budget gap if and when the need arises.

Your concern of the relative value of brochures vs. landscaping I feel is taken into consideration in the application within the context of item 4 which discusses competitive status, how first time applicants are considered, as well as, past history and ability to execute. As you can appreciate these judgments are being made within the areas that have been deemed eligible. In this particular case as previously stated the brochures would fall under “Eligible Programmatic Activities…..”

You have indicated that there are other funding sources i.e. Historic Pensacola Preservation Board or the CRA which may be able to fund the brochures. While various areas have funds; that does not diminish the current position that has brochures as an eligible activity for which PCIP fund may be expended.

I agree that the commitment shown by our citizens to find the resources needed to continue the “improvement of their neighborhoods and fostering a higher sense of community” is something the City encourages and will endeavor to strengthen. Each neighborhood within the guidelines of the PCIP programs believes they have put forward an application that furthers those goals.

I hope this explanation provides some idea of the context in which the decisions to fund various applications was made.

My Opinion

The committee that reviewed the applications believes brochures to fall under the category of “Eligible Programmatic Activities” similar in nature to cultural exhibits in this case they are maps.

I disagree on two fronts.
A) PCIP application 5(b) states that "Costs incurred prior to an award or after a contract is ended will not be eligible as a match." Since the brochure has already been designed and is ready for printing the funds are not eligible for match as they have already been incurred pre award.
B) PCIP application item 2 paragraph 4 states "Funding for ongoing programs or adminstrative expenses will not be considered." Is this a one-time brochure? When they run out they arent going to reorder? Seems like either an ongoing program or a waste of city funds.

The reservation of $24,900 is my response to on going budget constraints which is affecting all City services and programs. In light of projected continued revenue short falls in the General Fund, the setting aside of $24,900 is a prudent step take. These General Revenue dollars represent the contribution the Community Development Department would make to assist in closing the budget gap if and when the need arises.

Mr. Cohen unilaterally cut the funds in response to a "projected" short fall and would be the departments "contribution" to close a budget gap "if" the need arises. I point out three items:
A) This department has enough funds to loan an executive to the CMPA including compensation and benefits free of charge for over 2 years but has no funds for one of its real purposes.
B) No budgetary need has arisen to date and staff has not informed any departments that the additional 5% will be required.
C) In the end, Staff makes recommendations and City Council makes final decisions. We (the people elected by the Citizens) are responsible to them for the spending and allocation of their tax dollars.

Your concern of the relative value of brochures vs. landscaping I feel is taken into consideration in the application within the context of item 4 which discusses competitive status, how first time applicants are considered, as well as, past history and ability to execute. As you can appreciate these judgments are being made within the areas that have been deemed eligible. In this particular case as previously stated the brochures would fall under “Eligible Programmatic Activities…..”

In my discussions with the affected HOA's they followed the advise and guidance of the staff in preparing their proposals just to have their projects deemed ineligible after the budget reduction unilaterally performed by the Director.

You have indicated that there are other funding sources i.e. Historic Pensacola Preservation Board or the CRA which may be able to fund the brochures. While various areas have funds; that does not diminish the current position that has brochures as an eligible activity for which PCIP fund may be expended.

I repeat my eligibility concerns noted above and note Mr. Cohen does not deny other funding sources exist for this project.

I agree that the commitment shown by our citizens to find the resources needed to continue the “improvement of their neighborhoods and fostering a higher sense of community” is something the City encourages and will endeavor to strengthen. Each neighborhood within the guidelines of the PCIP programs believes they have put forward an application that furthers those goals.

I agree, but I believe that the tourist brochures selected are the weakest proposal submitted and in no way go to either the spirit or purpose of the PCIP program.

I need your support and voice at the committee meeting in order to make our case for your projects. Maybe I'm new but if they cut 100% of these GR PCIP funds this year do they think next years budget will for some reason be flush with cash to fund these projects.

Upcoming PCIP Funding

2009-01-15T20:59:00.004-06:00

The following are questions I have posed with regard to PCIP funding recommendations that have been made for the 2009 cycle.

-----Original Message-----
From: Maren Deweese
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 8:51 PM
To: Thaddeus Cohen; Helen Gibson; Edward Spears
Cc: HOAs
Subject: PCIP worksheet and recommendations

I wanted to request an email copy of the applications for La Belle Terre, Bayou Lane and Dover Landing. These neighborhoods are all within District 3.

I have analyzed the worksheet and looked at which requests were classified as GR fund recipients and which were LOST recipients. I have the following questions:

Neighborhoods of Seville is receiving 100% GR funds available due to Mr. Cohen reserving the $24,900 earmarked for these projects in the current budget.

Can the printing of brochures logically be considered under the financial impact statement for the PCIP funds?

From PCIP guidelines:

FINANCIAL IMPACT: These funds will provide infrastructure improvements in neighborhoods to preserve and enhance property values and in turn ad valorem revenues to the City.

How do printed brochures bring ad valorem value to the city?

How can we justify reserving 100% of community initiative funds set aside for this program and be more ½ way through the budget year?

One concern is that brochures are consumed and replacement is needed, requiring additional funds. Landscaping is more durable and remains in place, enhancing the surrounding property values.

It appears that funding can be found for the brochures from within CRA monies or funding provided to the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board.

The Historic Pensacola Preservation Board states: the HPPB provides benefits to the city, including their work in the promotion of tourism through enhancement of historical attractions.

A total of $8,984 is being pledged by citizens of La Belle Terre, Bayou Lane and Dover Landing for the improvement of their neighborhoods and fostering a higher sense of community. Surely their tax dollars would be better used enhancing their neighborhoods, as opposed to printing brochures for non tax paying tourists. This appears to be a flaw in the system and final analysis of what PCIP is intended for.

We have asked our citizens to get involved and make commitments of their money and their time, yet are unable to follow through with our funding proposed in August.

I look forward to hearing from you on Friday as Monday is a holiday and Tuesday is committee meetings.

Thanks for your attention to this matter, I have copied the interested parties within District 3.

Please reply to all with any emails in the interest of open discussion to resolve.

I recommend the three requests be funded with PCIP GR funds that are being held in reserves.

Regards,
Maren DeWeese
District 3 Councilwoman

Dream LARGE and Good Luck!!

2009-01-14T13:43:00.000-06:00

The following letter is from a citizen that does not want to be characterized as a Naysayer, yet has concerns about the Maritime Park as it is proposed.

I want to offer some clarification and answers to the public about the proposed Park and Multi Use Stadium.

Citizen Letter: ( Editorial Note- I have edited to condense the citizen's comments to capture major points of his letter)

In the months leading up to the Maritime Park referendum, opponents were continuously characterized as “naysayers”. I wanted to vote for the park, but as a life-long baseball fan, the “multi-use” stadium was a deal breaker for me. I had always hoped to see minor league baseball return to Pensacola.

* Class AA Southern League would have been a much better fit for Pensacola than the independent Pelicans.

* After the 2004 season, the Atlanta Braves moved their Southern League affiliate from Greenville, SC to Pearl, MS, a suburb of Jackson and upgraded their stadium to Class AA standards. The relocated Mississippi Braves opened play in a new 8,000 seat stadium in April of 2005.

* A Southern League team would bring a number of significant benefits to Pensacola.

* Fans would be treated to quality baseball and the opportunity to watch future major leaguers field.

* Four of last season’s playoff teams - the Cubs, Dodgers, Brewers and Rays - have affiliates in the Southern League.

* Pensacola would have an instant rivalry with the Mobile Bay Bears.

* The community’s profile in the Southeast would be raised, joining a league with teams in Jacksonville, Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham, Huntsville, Raleigh, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Jackson, MS.

* Fans of other league teams might look at Pensacola as a possible vacation destination, giving them the opportunity to visit our beaches and catch their team on the road.

* Over time, a minor league club would provide a sense of identity for the community. As players made their way to the major leagues, locals would begin to feel a part of something larger.

* Some major leaguers might vacation in Pensacola, or decide to retire here after their major league careers ended.

* The idea of minor league baseball in Pensacola is certainly not out of the question. At the very least, the possibility should have been a point of discussion during the run-up to the Maritime Park referendum.

* The stadium at the Maritime Park will be too small for a Class AA team and the location is not ideal for expanding the stadium at a later date.

No, I am not against change, but I believe that Pensacola needs more activity-based enterprises that would bring people downtown on a daily basis. Special events several nights a year might help businesses survive, but it will not help them thrive. Businesses need more incentive to locate downtown. Foot traffic would help.

As newly elected officials, you have the opportunity to help create a new vision for Pensacola, a vision that encourages activity, fosters a vibrant community and provides jobs in the process. In the past, some have confused change with progress, creating a patchwork of disjointed development. You are now in a position to oversee the development of a master plan for our community and show us what Pensacola can become.
Dream large and good luck!

My Response and clarification.

The Multi-Use stadium is being built to be just that ...able to accommodate many different events with numerous configurations. If we build now to AA Baseball standards then the entire plan shifts and profitability throughout the year is drastically changed. A Multi-Use venue is the vehicle we need to have diversification and year round access & use of the waterfront park. IE: profitability.

It is my understanding that expansion for extra seating is possible within the current plans, with an upper deck and outfield seating...should that become a need in the future.

Current plans have the stadium built above the Flood Line from Hurricane Ivan. The center area of the Maritime Park will stand between 13 and 14 feet above sea level. More than enough height to weather even the most serious of storms.

I agree with the advantages of having a AA Baseball Team in Pensacola and see it as yet another opportunity that will be available to us once the Maritime Park and Museum are built. This proposed project will spur private investment in all of downtown and bring vacationers and Pensacolians downtown and create an environment we have only dreamed of until now.

We have an opportunity, within our reach as a community, to make Pensacola a thriving and vibrant place to live, work and play... Let's get started.

I invite your comments, concerns and input to foster open discussion and help us all learn what the many options and opinions are about the future of our city.

We need the Maritime Park...especially now!

2009-01-12T23:04:00.000-06:00

I received an email recently from a resident outside of my district who is against the Maritime Park. Always has been and always will be. While I am NOT happy as many with how long this project has taken and how little we are getting for the money, I believe we need this project to move forward. It does bring jobs. It will bring new business to downtown. Let me address the issues the citizen proposed and offer some additional thoughts. (Editorial Note I have edited the Citizens comments but have tried to capture the issue.)

Citizen:
The Master Developer says that we should start the project and that he will get the funds from the US Government. From what I understand, that is 14,000,000 dollars. My question is who funds this development if he fails?

Response:
The MD is planning on using his lobbying firm in January to start that process. If he is unsuccessful in obtaining the funds, obviously that will reduce the planned scope of the initial project. I believe it is essential to move forward with remediation, clearing and prepping the land NO MATTER WHAT. Of the $40 million, it appears that $25 million will be required just to remediate, clear, and turn the site into a green space (no buildings at all). Every single person I have ever met on this issue wants SOMETHING on this site. Some a park only, some a stadium. So regardless of your beliefs as to what, the $25 million is a sunk cost. So take it off the table. We ALL want something more than 23 acres of weeds and thats the cost, period! If we dont get the money, there are many alternatives that cost the taxpayers of Pensacola NOTHING MORE.

Citizen:
The Maritime Museum is from what I understand around $9,000,000 underfunded and the State is several billion in the red. The legislature will be meeting in January to determine what needs to be cut in order to balance, I am assuming non-essential projects like this could top the list. Furthermore, when the park plan was first presented the Museum was a "Must" before anything else, however, that is not how it is sounding now. What changed?

Response:
The Maritime Museum is a must for me even ahead of the stadium. The funding for it is a match between the State and private donors. From all I have heard the private portion is close to securing its half. I believe the State will continue to match investments of private donors, as it is a great leverage of tax payer funds (otherwise, many projects fall 100% on the State...a worse option). If there is anything I am sure of in this project is that Nancy Fetterman will stand in the doorway of the John H. Fetterman Museum and cut the ribbon. The lady does not know how to fail. I will do anything I can to help this aspect of the park succeed.

Citizen:
The original plan for the Maritime Park was for a commercial development at a much larger scale than the current plan. The commercial developments leases were to help pay for the park. In the current Master Development Agreement these developments will not be until some later phase for which there is no guarantee that they must be built. With that being said, the business model for profitability has changed and the park will make less money. Therefore, who will be responsible for the deficits from the reduced leases? My obvious concern is without a viable anchor, there will be nothing to draw visitors to the park on a daily basis, but only on days of games and other usage throughout the year.

Response:
The private development is unknown at this time. Would you sign a lease or commit to a project that has taken over 2 years to get to the STARTING LINE. The only private development commitment to date is the $12,000,000 Studer office building 100% funded by Studer. This is a significant commitment that many people conveniently forget in addition to the stadium lease, the $2.25 million to the museum, the $1,250,000 committment to the CMPA over 5 years. As the project progresses, the private development will come. I know of a 100 room hotel project interested in the site that already has preliminary financials done and a flag identified. I can't help but chuckle that the people that want the site to remain a vast $25 million open space with picnic tables 100% cared for by City Parks and Recreation on the public dollar are all the sudden concerned that we don't have enough private development. BTW private development is funded by private dollars just to be clear.

Citizen
The Baseball Stadium / Multi-Use stadium is by far the most controversial part of the park. Everywhere and everyone that I talk to expresses the least support for this park feature. Mr. Studer's lease is for him to pay 175,000 per year for the stadium which amounts to 1.2% of the overall cost of the stadium alone. That barely pays 25% of the interest on the note and that is before anyone ever turns on a light, pays for insurance or maintenance at the stadium. We hear that the stadium will compete with the Wharf, however, the Wharf has 10,000 seats and ample parking. The Maritime Baseball Stadium has 3500 seats and 300 parking places with the nearest parking 2500 feet away. Furthermore, if you were a manager for an artist, where would you play, 10,000 seats or 3500 -- it is pure scale of economics. Also, other uses for the stadium such as local baseball, etc could never cover the lease payments that would make this a viable entity.

Response:
The stadium is the draw to bring people downtown in large numbers. I'm encouraged even more that Dr. Bense and UWF are now considering football. The stadium will eliminate the need for the University to pay for a stadium and will accomodate football and seat at lease 8,000 people for it. (see the design criteria) The stadium will seat more than 3,500 for concerts when the field is considered. It will compete with the Wharf and be the middle ground between the Saenger and the civic center. Managers don't chose venues. Private promoters pay acts to show up and play whether for $1 or $100,000. They then charge admission. Would you rather go hear a concert on the bay in an urban environment or by a ditch. With a hotel adjacent to the stadium, high school, college and recreational tournaments in many sports will also be attracted in addition to festivals and community activities. Movie nights also are popular in similar parks. Once again there are many additional funding possibilities that cost the citizens of Pensacola nothing extra.

Citizen
It is widely known that the Park is being paid for using CRA funds. However, we are facing a housing and real estate correction or collapse. What risks are there to the funds generated by the CRA. What I am saying is the CRA is based on the tax amount above a certain level. But, if property values drop below that level then the funds of course will dry up as well. What then?

Response:
In no way do I see CRA values falling to a point where this project is outside its capacity to cover. Simple math.

Citizen
My largest concern is that when advertised the CMP developed what has come to be known by many as "The Fantasy Renderings" which are the artist concept of the park. The current plan shows a great lawn and the stadium and parking. I can still remember the drawings with the kids eating ice cream on the boardwalk along a waterfront maritime exhibit with the Maritime Museum at the end of the boardwalk in the background. The next drawing I saw was people shopping in what looked like 4 story buildings with a road which looked like Palafox street. No waterfront dining or shopping and now the latest has nothing in it.

Response:
The private development depicted is not included in what the CMPA is paying for. The current drawings show just what has been committed to by the master developer. Other features are not cancelled, just funding has not been identified to date.

Please keep the comments coming. My priority in 2009 is cleaning, clearing and preping the site while we watch closely how the master developer performs. I will make sure the peoples money is not at risk and that we get what we are paying for as promised.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-01T00:45:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share a bit of tradition.
Dinner for One is played 15 times on every channel around Germany and even more all around Europe on New Year's Eve. We watch this every New Year's Eve, sometimes with our family in Stuttgart Germany and other times from our own celebrations.

What a Joy to share it with you.

Cheerio Miss Sophie, same procedure as every year!

Happy New Year to you and yours, let's make 2009 the best together!

here is the link to youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1v4BYV-YvA

enjoy

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T10:07:00.000-06:00

I hope Santa was good to you and yours. As we enjoy the food, family and fun, someone is standing the wall to keep us safe. Say a quite thanks and take time today to remember those serving our country away from home.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sipping from the Firehose!

2008-12-15T21:58:00.000-06:00

Police, Fire, Finance, Gas, Port, Engineering, Sanitation, CRA, Neighborhoods, Airport, Parks, Maritime Park, Homeless, New Business, Old Buisiness, Issues that Never Go Away, Whew!!! They might want to install seatbelts on our council chairs this term because we are going on an "E" ticket ride to change this city...

We were briefed for 10 hours on Saturday by the leaders in each area. Thank you to all! I came away with one overriding feeling. We live in a diverse & unique community, with a committed staff working very hard to make the best use of our City funds. Some will continue to stay. Some will DROP. All love Pensacola.

Our briefing was open to the public and will be posted on the web for all to see. It was informative on every level and citizens could benefit from what was shared. Check it out.

Where do we go from here? FORWARD!

I will meet this week with a County Commissioner to discuss his vision for our economic development opportunities in the future. I have yet to be included in the Chamber's meetings on economic development, yet I look forward to learning more about their goals for 2009.

I will sit down over the holiday and digest what I have learned, plan for the future and decide where I can best serve. Committee requests have come out. I chose Neighborhood Services first, Economic and Community Development second and Finance third. Mayor-elect Wiggins decides on each committee.

Many upcoming decisions we face will be tough. Some will object. Some will support. I will listen to all sides, but always put the people of District 3 first.

FYI:Our Police Department leads the nation in many areas. We have bona fide experts in many areas such as Jimmy Donohoe and the project he is leading with autistic and alzhiemers patients. He is also working on Environmental Law Enforcement which may help with our challenges at the bluffs. PPD and the PFD are committed to our City. Hug a cop or a fireman over the holidays.

We have many opportunities and much to be proud of as Pensacolians. Current Council actions are disappointing; to see those who have lead our city for so many years appear to be scrambling to lock in their visions for the future rather than stepping aside and letting the new council take the torch. Change is hard for some.

Pensacola's best days are still to come. Over $500 millon in new development is coming in the next 24 months. Our future's so bright...we gotta wear shades!

Happy Holidays to you and yours, please write to me with any ideas, concerns or thoughts you have. I am ready to get to work for YOU.

Perfecting the Process

2008-12-08T14:24:00.000-06:00

I have received numerous emails concerning the how and why of the recent Airport Hotel Deal.
I feel the Airport Deal was rushed through to approval without the proper analysis and relied on incomplete data.

Although I agree that we need new construction and I favor the project in concept; I am seriously concerned with how it was presented and passed. This is a disappointing situation that some on City staff have created and I believe we need to review all aspects of the RFP and negotiation process.

I spent my entire career in lending following pre-established, well defined and specific procedures and there was not an inch of room for mistakes. I was accountable to six or seven aspects of each transaction and Federal Guidelines were paramount to the process. We had to do our work exactly the same for each case or else funding was denied.

The lost documents and misinformation in this most recent transaction speak to the need for open government. Our City needs to execute it's processes with transparency and systematic precise controls. Everyone should know exactly what is happening at any stage in the process of any transaction involving our city. The Citizen's deserve fair, consistent and honest representation that is documented and available.

The Winds of Change

2008-11-27T15:38:00.000-06:00

Today the DeWeese family visited Salzbergen in Niedersachsen Germany to tour the GE Wind Energy Production facility and we visited with old friends from when we lived here in Germany. We met with former colleagues of my husband and made some new contacts along the way. By coincidence as I sat talking with a friend she introduced me to a supplier who is looking for offices in Greenville SC and Tehachapi CA. I suggested he look at Pensacola as it is the largest wind production facility in the world.

Currently the German plant is producing the GE 2.5 megawatt wind turbine being sold mostly in Europe. Our uses in the US are geared more toward the 1.5 megawatt which the Pensacola facility produces in part.

One simple visit today showed me that Pensacola is in the position to take charge of a growing market for renewable energy. Two of Pensacola's Industries of the Year were renewable energy companies, GE Wind Energy and Jupiter Composites. Our Chamber would do well to engage a European contractor or someone familiar with the renewables market to farm and grow international business in the oldest international city in America. Many in Pensacola have contacts around the world, we just need to start looking at our resources differently.

Our Port is prime for expanding it's wind energy base and exploring other renewable energy opportunities.

Who in the world do you know?? Let's get started!!

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL

Pensacola is an International Location!

2008-11-23T15:31:00.000-06:00

Tonight I write you from Stuttgart Germany. I want to congratulate the GCCDC and I speak for the same hopes of our world connecting one hand shake at a time.

Can anyone that reads this blog post back ANY of our sister cities???

We are a undiscovered jewel and can go a long way toward success by word of mouth...let's start sharing our successes and grow our city organically.

I will be contacting 2 companies while here in Europe to encourage them to consider Pensacola for their North American growth plans. Only through thinking differently will we achieve different results.

WE ARE PENSACOLA, each and EVERY one of us!

email from GCCDC

We Did It!

Last summer a group from Northwest Florida banded together to create the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council in the hope that the National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) would include the region in the itinerary of the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The local response to our efforts was overwhelmingly positive, and we are happy to report that the national response was as well. The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council is now participating in the IVLP, making this prestigious program accessible to the citizens of Northwest Florida.

It's the Process Not the Project

2008-11-19T06:22:00.000-06:00

First, I am encouraged that in this economy developers are still positive about building at our airport.

When issues like the Hyatt Hotel at the Airport come up, often the people close to the project think that others are either against change or that they oppose the project. Many citizens just dont understand how deals come together with the City. I'm included in this group.

On some issues we hold RFP's and several people bid on their plan for the property, a selection is made and the project moves on.

On others the RFP process is minimized or even non existent and when people hear a project is up for approval many had not even known it was considered.

Finally, there is the bait and switch. The bidders on an RFP bid for a project, win the RFP and then completely change the project and try to make the City accept their changes with no further cost to them. A great example of this type of project will be before the Council next month.

In my opinion, Pensacola needs a defined process, consistently applied for every project. Projects that change should have clauses that lay out how those changes must be approved and that changes will come with costs or heaven forbid that the project be built as committed.

The perception of fairness comes from consistency in the process. Let's get this right so that outside investors are willing to do business with Pensacola.

Reprinted from WEARTV.com

2008-11-17T22:28:00.000-06:00

ESCAMBIA COUNTY - Pensacola's Bluffs along Escambia Bay could be one of the most beautiful areas in our region.But for years, the Scenic Bluffs Park has been considered a bad place for families to visit, especially after dark.Now, an incoming city council woman wants to change that.

We spent some time at the bluffs to find out what park-goers think could help turn the situation around.Bill Pearson, Reporter said, "This is the tranquility that makes up the Scenic Bluffs Park in Pensacola. For those who come to use this park, its a hidden gem they've come to love."Robert Gravley loves to exercise here at least twice a week.Robert Gravley said, "It's quiet. Its safe, I think, during the time that I use it, during the day time, morning time. I don't come out here at night time."He doesn't come here at night for the same reason carolyn bailey doesn't.She fell in love with the park when she first moved to Pensacola... But she was quickly warned not to visit here after the sun sets.Carolyn Bailey Said, "They told me it was a dangerous place to go by myself. And I needed to be careful and not come down here by myself."Those words of warning aren't just wild speculation.According to Pensacola Police... Within the past week there have been three arrests here.One for battery.... two others arrested for exposing themselves in public.Bailey said, This place has a lot of history, with people going down into the woods and getting arrested."

Cases like these is why Maren Deweese, city council women elect for district three, is making it a priority to make this park safer... And easier to get to for several nearby neighborhoods once she's sworn into office on January 12th.A specific plan for the Bluffs has not been announced... But Carolyn would like to see more lights added through out the trail.Carolyn Bailey said, I think lights would be great. We'd get a lot more people come down here.Changes that many hope can strengthen and improve the future of this park for years to come. In addition to the three arrests last week... The Bluffs have a long, sordid history.In April of last year, 11 men were arrested in an undercover sting.They were charged with exposing themselves and solicitation of sex.
Last Updated: Monday, November 17 2008, 08:27 PM

Thank you to Channel 3 for covering this story. Together with our Police Department, we CAN take it back.

What should our Port look like?

2008-11-17T06:17:00.000-06:00

In talking with the residents of District 3, tha majority believe our port should be mixed use; non-industrial port operations and more space for the residents and business to use. We must face the following facts:

Successful ports today have containerized operations (we do not)

Successful ports today have significant state support and focus (we do not)

Our closest competitor (Mobile) is Alabama's only deepwater port, has a shipyard adjacent to it and is treated as a jewel.

Our Port has a successful niche in large product handling and transfer (blades and turbines)

Our Port has rail allowing rapid offload and shipment which plays to our strengths

Industrial asphalt and concrete may give us some revenue but at what environmental risk?

The proposed Halcorp lease is for $300,000 per year; hardly a game changer

The proposed frozen chicken lease expansion would hardly be a game changer either

The elimination of these 2 leases would allow approximately 10 more northern port acres to be put out for RFP, allowing for alternative uses right now, while not disrupting the ongoing operations of the port.

Our strengths in the wind industry should be expanded on and our focus needs to be in differentiation from Mobile. Our Port is a highly valued natural resource that can thrive, and it should be preserved.

I don't believe that the proposed asphalt storage area is the kind of tenant we want long term.