Cooper City Budget and the City Manager

The upcoming budget will be a very challenging experience and it will test the commission as to where they are heading on serious issues. Are they going to massively raise your taxes again? Our Budget Workshops are upcoming to set millage rates, debt levy, adoption of initial assessment resolutions and to set times and dates for public budget hearings, all at city hall. Visit CooperCitFL.org for dates and times.

The decisions made during this upcoming budget process are going to be difficult and will affect all residents in an adverse way, and I am doing everything possible to avoid that on your behalf. It’s past time to address the issue of solutions in order to reduce costs, not continuing to promote unnecessary feel good services while continuing to neglect and not improve core services instead of select favorite programs. The likelihood is that your commission majority will massively raise taxes again because this isn’t a primary election year.

One reason I see that the city is such a mess financially is that most career politicians on the dais care far more about keeping their political jobs than about helping you keep yours. My recent challenge to my fellow commissioners is “what’s the tough choice in 2018 that you’re going to make in order to make Cooper City better, more efficient and less costly to run?” You guessed it…no responses by anyone on the commission. Just the typical rhetoric regarding the budget process which doesn’t put more money in your pocket.

I recently motioned to terminate the city manager due to this continuing fiscal incompetence, lack of providing detailed information on agenda items, lack of providing information to residents and appointed board members. You guessed it, no support on your behalf from the political alliance. How unfortunate that those who run the city seem to not care a wit about those who pay their salary.

The city faces immediate tough choices in order to make this next fiscal year a priority to increase services, reduce taxes and improve customer service. My first priority after public safety is creating local jobs and lowering your taxes. Jobs are created here in our city by local business owners, not in Tallahassee or in Washington. This is why we need to elect like-minded residents, so they can save money and create more jobs.

One final note, there are candidates running for Districts 1 and 2 in November 2018, and I'm sure there are more to come. Hopefully you will make the right decision to seat commissioners in Districts 1 and 2 who will always look out for your best interests, not the interests of themselves and their political future or those who are political hacks of those on the commission.

To those of you that are concerned about what this commission wants to do regarding this upcoming budget process, please forward your concerns to me. I will voice them but I can assure you, they may be ignored if it puts money in your pocket.

Commissioner John Sims

CITY COMMISSION EXPRESSES ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SPEEDING IN COOPER CITY - YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!

CITY COMMISSION EXPRESSES ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SPEEDING IN COOPER CITY

COOPER CITY, FL (September 13, 2016) --- In response to the resident concerns about the ongoing speeding problem in Cooper City, the City Commission has encouraged BSO to "step-up" traffic enforcement, with a zero tolerance policy for drivers who ignore speed limits and stop signs.  The discussion began with an item on the September 12th Budget Hearing agenda, regarding a traffic study for 118th Ave. All members of the Commission were in agreement that action must be taken to deter drivers from exceeding speed limits throughout Cooper City.

It was stressed that every officer should be ticketing every driver who is speeding. Residents are complaining and they are afraid for their children's safety, but they are also the ones who are speeding. The Commission complimented BSO's enforcement activities and shared that District 16 deputies issued a total of 534 tickets citywide, just during the month of August. A Labor Day weekend traffic blitz resulted in 141 tickets. Speeding violations have warranted 358 tickets on SW 118th Avenue and 146 tickets on SW 49th Street alone for the year to date.

Acknowledging that BSO must "walk a fine line" between enforcement and community relations, It was stressed that BSO make a concerted effort and take whatever measures are necessary to curb this problem. Captain Cates has full authority to enforce the City's speed limits and issue any citations that are necessary. Captain Cates agreed that speeding in dense urban areas is a chronic problem throughout South Florida and will develop a strategy to hit this issue hard to gain community compliance.

Additional traffic details will be presented to the Commission at the Final Budget Hearing on September 20th at 6:30 in City Hall.

Response to the 'Salem Trial'...

It is unfortunate that my colleagues have spent their time seeking to prevent me from the  exercising  my 1st amendment rights. My comments are reflective of my views of  the continued highly questionable activities of this commission. I have been elected  by the voters in Cooper City three consecutive times, because  they have come to rely upon me to speak the truth no matter what the consequences may be. Whether it offends some or not, the truth must come first. I fully stand by my comments...

Cooper City Resident Speaks Out About Mayor's Corruption!

Brian:

I look forward to reading your analysis. Hey! You didn't speak to any local activists!  

Our mayor is going too far. Greg Ross seems to be the one aggressively pushing this Resolution. While I understand his concern about the letter Sims sent to the Judge, the breadth of the proposed Resolution is very disturbing. There are very serious allegations set out yet there is no clear procedure about submitting any sort of evidence backing up the allegations. The word "illegal" is even used. Is the plan by Ross to go in, the city attorney reads the resolution, someone moves to vote on the resolution, and after a member's second they proceed to vote? Commission members do not have to speak. They can vote on this w/o any real discussion. This has all the makings of a drumbeat court martial to be followed by an execution.  

Our mayor is supposed to be an experienced Florida attorney. Someone who appears before local state courts in civil and criminal matters. Yet none of the rules or procedures related to this "special meeting" seem clear. It is not even clear why Mayor Ross felt the urgent need to bring forward such a highly unusual matter.  

I wrote the mayor for information on the planned procedures & received no response. The Resolution has the appearance of a not very well thought out tantrum. Yet, because due process, notice, minutes, etc., seem to be of only marginal interest to many of those in Cooper City government, it looks like the plan is to just barrel ahead. Why not? That's the way things are done in Cooper City.  

There is a background to all of this going way back. Back to Greg Ross before he was mayor coming into meetings to criticize Sims. Back to about the very first thing Ross did when elected mayor- when he pushed an expedited agenda item to de facto censure Sims for a Sims Facebook posting criticizing Obama. Ross got away with that, his city attorney saying and doing nothing. The latter saying nothing despite a written city policy seeming to direct "hands off" on a commission member's off the dais political speech. The city got away with it in a well-established local procedure. Anything troublesome, anything possibly an impediment? Just ignore it.  And so it has gone since that first Ross move in 12/2012.  

In the last two months the majority of the commission under Ross' leadership have, in my view, taken steps towards ripping up the City's Charter. They are making changes that affect the City's most important appointive board w/o allowing residents to vote on those changes in a referendum. It has been outrageous and insulting, and it has been backed at every step by the day to day city attorney.  It is clearly the case the majority of the commission wants to exercise control over the city's Charter Review Board, and nothing is going to stop that. Even when legal opinions and analysis had no references or citations to legal authority, it did not matter. Even when a commission member made inaccurate assertions about receiving a "second opinion" from the AG on a vital question, it did not matter. Even when it meant setting aside or ignoring well-established precedent, it did not matter.  

The local political situation is that nothing gets in the way of our commission's majority. They are increasingly authoritarian and as indicated by this new Resolution, completely out of control. They are far too free from any effective oversight, and their insensitivity to the will of the people is clearly reaching critical mass.  

In my opinion Sims' perception is the city has no respect for any law or rules that impede its desires. Sims obviously believes the day to day city attorney is a mere "yes man" for whatever the majority (his paymasters) orders him to do. That is what John Sims believes. I am not defending Sims' letter. But in my opinion Commissioner Sims' actions and intent can only be understood and analyzed within the context of why he so distrusts the day to day city attorney and the majority of his colleagues. 

Sent from Skip Klauber's I phone  

Bois ton sang, Beaumanoir, la soif te passera

The First Amendment and Freedom of Speech is not perfect...

The First Amendment and Freedom of Speech is not perfect. It allows truths to be told and it allows lies to run rampant. It does not have the ability, in and of itself, to determine what is correct and what is incorrect. Rather, this imperfect amendment, with no safeguards as to veracity, allows the listener to make their own decision, allows the teller to put his foot in his mouth and allows those with various opinions to have various takes of what was said and what they heard. Anything short of this imperfect amendment would show just how perfect this amendment is. - Jamie Benjamin

Cooper City Mayor Greg Ross Censures Commissioner for exposing Fraud & Corruption

@CooperCityGOV Mayor & commissioners censure commissioner for telling the truth! Corruption rules in #CooperCityFL and so does lies, deceit, fraud and political corruption (In my humble opinion)
READ The Letter to the Judge regarding lies and a FRAUD ON THE COURT by Cooper City Attorney and Mayor ('ambulance chaser'/defense attorney Greg Ross) regarding the MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CLASS ACTION lawsuit that Mayor Greg Ross touted as "FRIVOLOUS"...another lie to the constituency (Yes, the 4th DCA approved the class) Now the citizens of #CooperCity will pay hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars for the FRAUD and LIES by #JamesCurran, #GregRoss#, #LisaMallozzi, #JeffGreen...and #DavidWolpin

Cooper City’s Future

Cooper City’s Future

Thank you Cooper City! I would like to thank all of Cooper City’s residents for my recent re-election victory despite the staunch opposition. This was a grass-roots movement motivated by demanding change in how our city has been led and how it will be led in the future. This was indeed a victory for ‘We The People’.

It was important for me to run again because I’ve seen our community continually headed in the wrong direction. We’ve become way too complacent. Governments are instituted to protect the people’s rights and liberties, and that’s what’s lacking in our city. Too many have been playing politics as opposed to representing the wants and desires of their constituents.

I am pro good government. I want to see limited, effective government. As such, I will continue to work for you, the resident and business owner, advocating lower taxes, a smaller more accountable government, personal responsibility, a strong police presence and protection individual rights, and I will continue to stand by my voting record and my fiscally conservative actions while representing the people and business owners of Cooper City.

Based on our recent budget, the city must implement severe cost-reduction measures rather than fund our future on increased taxes. If not, we will either have to continue raise taxes, or make some serious cuts. And, nothing can be held harmless in making those deep cuts.

We can’t fund our city’s future on the fly, yet viable solutions are absolutely within reach. The city at all levels must stop and think “what’s good for Cooper City and its residents?" when making decisions. With that, I will remain fully committed to review and implement any and all cost cutting/cost sharing measures which provide a more accountable, efficient and effective city government at a reduced cost for the residents of our great city.

There are only two parts of the issue of success on the city commission, and they are mutual assistance and mutual respect. That has been lacking for quite some time, and now is the time to continue to hold each and every commissioner accountable. Mutual respect means that although we may not agree on issues, we must work through these differences, honestly and openly, and the end result must be solely on your behalf. We can WIN together but only if we WORK together. The past is behind us, the present is an opportunity, and the future is in our hands. My friends, good things do not come to those who wait. We’ve tried that, and now we now must reach...together.

In closing, I would like to once again thank the residents of Cooper City for allowing me to serve as your ‘Go To’ Commissioner. It is an honor to continue to represent you. You can view my website at www.KeepSims.com, or I am readily available by telephone at 954.445.6997 or via email at commissioner_sims@coopercityfl.org. Please allow me to continue to help resolve your concerns.

 

Commission Swearing In Ceremony Tuesday Night Nov. 25th @ 6 PM

Friends & Neighbors:

Janet and I cordially invite you to join us this coming Tuesday, November 25th at 6:00 PM – at City Hall located at 9090 SW 50 Place, in the Commission Chambers where I will be sworn in as the senior member of the city commission, and as City Commissioner for Cooper City for District 1. LET'S PACK THE HOUSE!

 

Your support over the past 7+ years, and especially over the last few months has been absolutely overwhelming. Last election day, November 4th, I succeeded in winning every precinct but two, thanks to the support of Cooper City residents who voted not just for me, but for continued and increased fiscal responsibility, ethical government, honesty, open government and communication, and most of all government transparency. Simply put, your voice was heard loud and clear despite staunch opposition by the unbefitting political faction who fortunately no longer controls our lives, our city and our local government!

 

You have given me the continued responsibility to keep a keen watch over our city government, the opportunity to change the way our city does business, and to ensure your hard earned money is not wasted on wants, but real needs. And...I will work with my colleagues, as they have again promised in collaboration on your behalf, to do just that as I again take my place on the dais, unfortunately for my final term in office.

Together, we will continue to make Cooper City an even greater place, yes, more than just 'Someplace Special' for our working families to live and prosper.

I look forward to seeing you at city hall Tuesday night at 6!

Repost from a Cooper City Resident regarding Campaign Sign Theft by the Opposition Candidate...

Walt Jolliff -- Recent events in the singular election contest in Cooper City has brought out the real nature of the challenger to Commissioner John Sims. The opponent and his supporters started their campaign of destruction and thievery by stealing campaign signs during the darkness of night, signs legally placed upon local property and on business locations provided to the Sims campaign. 

 Such behavior is more like that of adolescent youngsters and it is totally unacceptable for adults who seek to govern our city. The fact that destruction and thievery of political signs not only reflects upon the character of the perpetrators and the candidate they support but is a slap in the face of the residents who regardless of their political view support the freedom of speech which allows all of us to express our view openly and without concern or fear of the stealth of vandalism during the night upon our property or the property of others. 

 The financial impact of these nefarious activities has now reached the point of constituting theft at the level of Grand Theft, that’s right grand theft. Hundreds of dollars in signs, lumber and manpower paid for by well intentioned residents in support of their candidate of choice has been tarnished by the childish acts of adults thinking that this is the political process of disapproval that we in Cooper City condone. 

Can there be any excuse for such behavior? This is not the mischievous behavior of youngsters, this is the conduct of a person or persons who seek to advocate their choice of candidate to govern our community by theft of the expression of others in their choice. 
   
I think it is time to call upon the decent law abiding residents of Cooper City to show their disapproval of this disgusting and illegal conduct by doing what all law abiding people do in our country. Express your disgust with this nefarious conduct and use your belief in the manner that all good citizens believe in. 

It is up to you to decide what type of persons you want in your local community government. One which operates during the darkness of night by destruction and thievery or one that which conducts its self openly during the light of day. It’s up to you to make the call.

 Exercise your precious right to elect the person you think can do the best on your behalf by your VOTE on Nov. 4th. I am casting my vote for John Sims.

School SMART Bond, Timberlake pipe replacement & More...

I hope all of you had a great Labor Day weekend! The issue of the Cooper City Commission giving themselves a hefty pay raise is on the commission agenda for tomorrow, Thursday, September 11^that 6:30 PM at City Hall. The pay raise is scheduled to be anywhere between 100 and 233%, Why that day was picked still remains a mystery…Please be there to voice your opinion and concerns.

I would like to comment on the Utilities dept. and say what a great job they have done in managing the water pipe replacement in Timberlake! Not only has Mike Bailey and his dedicated crew done a fantastic job, but so has Killebrew, the contractor. This project is nearing completion, and there has been a minimal impact and minimal service outages throughout the development. Kudos to Killebrew and the Cooper City Utilities Department…great job!

The Flag ceremony at the community center very successful and everyone commented how well it was performed. Unfortunately, a personal commitment prevented from attending. I would however remind you that the Governor has proclaimed tomorrow as Patriot Day and has asked that all flags be flown at half-mast to remember those who gave their lives and in remembrance of the citizens who lost their lives, in addition to their families, on September 11^th. Please say a prayer or give a moment of silence for them. They will always be remembered…

On September 15, 1024 at 6.30 pm in the Cooper City Commission Chambers, a presentation will be made by of the results of a recently completed traffic study conducted Calvin & Giordano at Pioneer Middle School. As you are aware, the traffic conditions associated with the drop off and pick up of students has a deleterious impact on traffic and student safety. The study was commissioned by the City to determine what remedies, if any, could be found.  The study and its results will be presented at the Commission meeting and we request your attendance as we address this significant safety concern.

I also want to let everyone know that Cooper City is proposing (at the last budget workshop), in the upcoming budget, to appropriate a $100,000 ‘donation’ to Cooper City schools. You can see where the Cooper City portion of the $800M bond is going to be allocated at http://www.KeepSims.com/SMART.pdf What do you have to say about this? Please, let your voice be heard!

Our sewer rehabilitation contractor USSI Inc., will commence work in the Rock Creek and Flamingo Gardens areas.  This will involve work inside all of the manholes and also smoke testing of the system.  During this test, the contractor will force smoke into the sanitary sewer lines to check for leaks, breaks and defects in the system.  Prior to the smoke testing, the contractor will distribute door hangers to notify residents, and we will also follow up with another message to you in advance.  Jeff Roberson (954-434-4300 ext-118) is the administrator for this project.  Please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested and let us know if you have any questions.

If you haven’t seen the new Face Book page for Cooper City, then check it out! You can 'LIKE' the page at http://www.facebook.com/coopercitycorner  All of the posts have been great so far...LIKE and participate!

Thank you for your support and if you would like a yard sign, please let me know. Also, any and all donations are gladly and humbly accepted. Have a great weekend!

Keeping you informed,

John

Commissioner John Sims

Cooper City Commission Set To Give Themselves a 100%-233% Raise

We are asking all of our Cooper City residents to come out to the special Commission meeting on September 11th at City Hall beginning at 6:30 PM. The Commission is discussing giving themselves a minimum of a 100% to a maximum of 233% pay raise! While the charter gives them the power to do it, it doesn't state the amounts. I can't imagine themselves giving THEMSELVES that kind of an increase. As Taxpayers this will mean a minimum of $30,000.00 per year up to $70,000.00 total per year, each. It is important to remember that it is an elected position and a part-time one at that, but of course Comm. Curran will attack me on that premise. We pay a city manager over $150K to run our city.

You can view the entire discussion at the Commission Meeting at http://cooper.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2... . If you would like to see the Commissioners discuss the topic of their raises click on http://cooper.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2... and go to 1:58. We went three times around before the vote. Listen to the rationale of some of the city commission members as to why they are voting for a pay raise...ridiculous, and absurd in my humble opinion as to why the commission deserves a raise! This is all about public service, not about making money on your dime!

Apparently some on the Commission have publicly stated that I voted NO at the above referenced meeting (and I quote) 'because it is an election year'. Let me set the record straight with truth and facts...I voted NO for the reasons explained on record in the above referenced video. In addition, I have voted NO for commission pay raises at least twice in the past, since I have been so fortunate to represent your best interests, for the same reasons. Don't be fooled...I think it is absurd for the commission to ask for a pay raise when there are families in Cooper City who are still struggling to make ends meet...

Hope to see you on September 11th at 6:30 PM at City Hall.

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/coopercitycorner

Cooper City Commission Pay Raise Survey

Please take the Poll/Survey on the issue of whether or not the Cooper City Commission should give themselves a pay raise between $12,000 and $20,000 annually, located further down on this page in the right navigation pane...

Cooper City Pay Raises, Dog Parks and more...

Effective immediately, our District 16 BSO office will serve as safe havens for online buyers and sellers to meet in our parking lot or lobby area. This initiative is expanding the public service (child custody cases, etc.) and practices we already have in place at District Offices. The District 16 Police department is located at 10580 Stirling Road, and can be reached at (954) 432-9000 (non-emergency number)

NEW! There is a new Face Book page for Cooper City! You can 'LIKE' the page at https://www.facebook.com/coopercitycorner Some of the posts have been great so far...LIKE and participate!

An issue that has arisen at the last Commission meeting is that of allowing dogs in our parks. There have been some valid and health concerns raised from residents. I have always loved dogs and don't necessarily agree with allowing them in our parks for a multitude of reasons. Health, safety and bacteria are just a few. I do however, fully SUPPORT a Dog Park in Cooper City! We have plenty of open space and funds to be able to support this effort in our community. I have already heard from numerous residents who support a dog park. Do you? Please let me know your thoughts on this issue...

One of the most controversial issues as of late has been the issue of the Cooper City Commission giving themselves a hefty pay raise. I am here to set the record straight (for the third time). You can view the entire discussion at the Commission Meeting HERE. If you would like to see the Commissioners discuss the topic of their raises click on THIS LINK and go to 1:58. We went three times around before the vote. Listen to the rationale of some of the city commission members as to why they are voting for a pay raise...ridiculous, and absurd in my humble opinion as to why the commission deserves a raise! This is all about public service, not about making money on your dime!

Apparently some on the Commission have publicly stated that I voted NO at the above referenced meeting (and I quote) 'because it is an election year'. Let me set the record straight with truth and facts...I voted NO for the reasons explained on record in the above referenced video. In addition, I have voted NO for commission pay raises at least twice in the past, since I have been so fortunate to represent your best interests, for the same reasons. Don't be fooled...I think it is absurd for the commission to ask for a pay raise when there are families in Cooper City who are still struggling to make ends meet! I am sure the 'politricks' will escalate between now and November 4th.

I also want to let everyone know that Cooper City is proposing (at the last budget workshop), in the upcoming budget, to appropriate $100,000 to Cooper City schools. While I am all for education, I also want to assure you that I do not support this effort based solely on the commentary I have received from our residents to date, especially when the Broward County School Board wants an $800+ million dollar bond referendum in November!

As I stated at the Commission Workshop meeting, I will more than likely in the very near future, be labeled as the 'anti-education/kids/schools' commissioner for opposing this unnecessary expenditure on the backs of Cooper City residents and business owners. Handing over so much money to a county run school, when our seniors need so much besides a monthly lunch and bingo, among other more pressing issues in our city, is disgraceful! What about the Charter Schools? Why shouldn't we give them the same amount (being consistent as the Commission touts)? There is still a plethora of unanswered questions...

There is absolutely no justification for this 'donation' to the school board, no cost-benefit analysis, no discussion as to the infrastructure and maintenance of such an expenditure, and (as Commissioner Green says repeatedly) we cannot set a precedent in this regard, otherwise everyone will want $100K for their cause...What do you have to say about this? Please, let your voice be heard!

On another note...The Cooper City staff invites all of you to share your stories, pictures and memorabilia about life in Cooper City. We already have a time capsule for the future. The 'PRESERVING COOPER CITY'S PAST' event is an event for residents and friends to come see our historic room and to bring and share your own pictures, documents, videos, pictures and stories from decades prior to 1980. Please join us...

The event will be held Sunday, July 27th at the Cooper City pool and Tennis Center in Rock Creek from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, please contact the Recreation Department at (954) 434-4300 Extension 233. YOU are the key to preserving Cooper City's past!

Keeping you informed,

John

Commissioner John Sims
Your 'Go To' Commissioner

Cooper City news, asbestos, BSO, food trucks and more…

Lately there have been rumors regarding possible asbestos in our water. Let me assure you that this is not true. Our Utilities Director cleared the air and stated the facts at our last meeting, and reassured us that Cooper City still has the best quality water available and it is regularly tested for contaminants.

Cooper City has recently received a state grant for over ½ million dollars to replace our water pipes in Timberlake and have started the replacement process, with more areas to be replaced in the future. The contractors have been doing a very good job in keeping the water turned on, and have been able to accomplish the task with minimal damage to private property.

Thanks to Ron Book (our lobbyist) who was able to help in obtaining the grant money. I supported retaining Mr. Book because he was the right man for the job, even though there was opposition to my support. This grant (your tax) money has allowed us to replace the older water pipes without increasing taxes or fees in order to do so. If there are any issues that you may have with the water or the construction of the new pipes, please let me know and I will do what I can to resolve the problem as your ‘go to’ commissioner.

Our 2014-15 budget season is now upon us and we will have budget meetings on Wednesday and Thursday, July 16 and 17^th. Our budget now tops $50 million annually. There are diverse issues of our proposed budget which may interest you, and if you are interested in receiving a copy you can either email me or go to the city web site and browse the budget department to download it for yourself. If there are concerns please come to the budget meetings and voice your concerns to your commission.

Other good news in Cooper City is that our crime rate is down by nearly 15% from last year. The crime rate went from 2.83 down to 1.8. I commend Broward sheriff’s office for doing a fantastic job in keeping our communities safe. Safety of our community and our families are government’s number one priority and as such, I will continue to support BSO in order to keep you and our local business owners safe.

Our home’s taxable value increased this year. It was 8% last year and is valued at 7.35% this year. Even though this is a substantial increase, those with homestead exemption will see no more than a 1.5% increase based on the current year’s CPI.

Also there has been some discussion regarding the food truck explosion in Pennsylvania. Rest assured that I have addressed this issue with our city manager. I have been assured that the Fire Marshall will be inspecting the food trucks and will require them to have business tax receipts in addition to the inspections in order to do business in Cooper City. I hope that the city will step up and support our local businesses as much as they do the food trucks.

The $6 Million dollar "Soccer Park"...Can you say 'Red Herring'?

(Comments from a resident I was asked to post, and gladly obliged...)


What’s really going on?


What is really behind the planned $6+ million dollars to be spent on the soccer field, AKA West Sports Complex (Flamingo Road between Sterling & Griffin Roads),  Debbie Eisinger's Folly, you know the park..., the one on the far, far west side of Cooper City just south of Stirling Rd. on Flamingo Rd? 

I wonder if Southwest Ranches would like to join with us in providing a sports facility for their city. Just what every parent wants, is that their kids will have to traverse the dangerous roads and intersections at the corner of Flaming Road to get to this lavish Soccer Sports Field...Of course NOT!


Questions begin to arise when a meeting of the commission members (Workshop Scheduled May 8th 6:30 PM) is conducted in ‘secret’ (April 12, 2012). City officials quickly denied that the meeting was secret (The public was NOT notified regardless of what the city attorney opines). Strong responses from city officials proclaimed that a notice was posted on the bulletin board (inside the foyer) at city hall. The City attorney quickly jumped in with ‘legally sufficient’ applied to it and the minutes submitted (as an email from the city manager), all 24 words (in a meeting that lasted well over an hour and a half).


There were several slip ups on the veracity of the participants however...A recent blog comments to the lack of remembrance on the part of Commissioner Mallozzi (this one). City attorney syas he was not present contrary to Commissioner  Mallozzi in her published article (In the Davie & the Ranches Magazine) to the residents that the city attorney was there, Hmmm...


Commissioner Curran who, since 2008, has been designated by the city commission as being the 'Optimist Liaison', very aggressively proclaimed that he has attended some 18 meetings on the subject of  the Flamingo Soccer Park. (City personnel vigorously deny that it is a soccer park...) It is noteworthy that Commissioner Curran has never provided any commentary during commission meetings, sent any memos, discussion papers, or anything that could be construed as being informative regarding the agenda, topics, and agreements with the Cooper City Optimists regarding usage of the sports field. (Informal commentary by members of the Optimists seems to indicate that the Optimists have required that the field be designated, designed and constructed to meet the needs of the Optimists. The main purpose of which is to consolidate the fields for the convenience (ease of use) of the Optimists).


Does this raise the question...Has a deal been struck? If so with whom? What was given in return? (Let's not forget, the city attorney stated that the Optimist 'Field Use Resolution' was a valid and binding contract between the city and the Optimist club). When anyone asks for some sort of explanation, lockjaw sets in. It sounds too absurd to believe that the self declared righteousness of the Optimist Club believes that they are above reproach regarding any suggestions of political ‘quid pro quo’ regardless of somewhat dubious actions in handing

You draw your own conclusions....

(Note from Comm. Sims: As your 'Go To Commissioner' my sole concern regarding this issue is 1) Does the Optimist Club owe the City any 'Non-Resident Fees', and if so, 2) Who will be held accountable for not making that happen?

OPEN LETTER REGARDING THE ISSUE BETWEEN MAYOR GREG ROSS AND THE PEMBROKE PINES POLICE

OPEN LETTER REGARDING THE ISSUE BETWEEN MAYOR GREG ROSS AND THE PEMBROKE PINES POLICE

COOPER CITY, FL --August 9, 2013

To Whom It May Concern;

Regrettably and most unfortunately, negative publicity has again been brought to the City of Cooper City and in turn to our residents. The alleged actions of our newly elected Mayor, as recently reported by the media regarding an alleged confrontational situation that occurred between the Mayor and law enforcement officers of the Pembroke Pines Police Department, has again cast a cloud of disparagement upon our great city. 

I am appalled that the Cooper City Mayor allegedly espoused his political position to attempt to influence a police officer. It is not an issue of exculpatory evidence and as such, I as a senior Cooper City Commissioner on behalf of my constituents, do not condone any actions or interference, personal or otherwise, of any police officer during a traffic stop. I am appalled by any elected official, commission member, city staff member or resident, who personally chooses to engage in interference, intimidation, ridicule, political pressure or any other form of verbal or other assault upon the integrity and honesty of any law enforcement personnel in any jurisdiction, or interference during the official performance of their duties whatsoever.  

The task of performing much needed law enforcement in today’s environment is especially difficult due to the risks to the officers and our citizens when potential violence occurs, seemingly so often. The extreme challenges essential for law enforcement officers to fully accomplish their duties must be viewed by the citizenry as a required function of society, and must be fully supported while being executed in a professional manner. We ‘The People’ who place our safety and security their hands, must not intervene regardless of any profession or political office one may hold, especially in such a manner that disrupts their life safety and critical tasks at hand. 

It is my firm belief that all of the residents of our communities are very thankful and very supportive of all law enforcement personnel regardless of their function or jurisdiction. Given the multitude of cities that surround us, the name of the jurisdiction on the sleeve patch is not important, but rather what is most important is that they are on the job every day and night providing the essential safety and security that we all require and insist upon. We all believe in the end that government’s number one function to the citizenry is indeed the safety of our communities and our families. 

I am extremely grateful that those who continue to serve in the line of duty and perform their daily and extremely hazardous duties in a professional manner, will continue to do so in spite of the efforts of a few to be disruptive, and in spite those who intentionally disregard the lawful processes required of our law enforcement officers. They do so in complete disregard of the oath that they have sworn to uphold and defend. 

Further, as a long serving city commissioner, I am extremely concerned with political corruption; appearances of impropriety, unethical behavior and of course any wrongdoing of our elected public servants. I most strongly condemn any action(s) by any elected official, commission member or member of city staff who decides take it upon themselves to ridicule, impugn or condemn any police officer, to engage in any unethical behavior, suggest, infer or to solicit any special favors or special benefit which may benefit themselves, or expect special treatment on behalf of others from any law enforcement officer during the performance of their official duties. 

Anyone who has concerns regarding this issue may feel free to contact me to express your views and concerns.

/s/ Commissioner John Sims

City of Cooper City, FL

What does the Proposed Budget do?

The 6 “C”’s of leadership are; Character, Commitment, Competence, Confidence, Conviction and Courage. The essence of good Government is that they are prepared to make difficult decisions to achieve long-term prosperity. What we have is a government that is out of control regarding the recent expenditures of taxpayer dollars, especially in the legal department, not to mention the lack of response by the city commission and the county to residents regarding the Palm Avenue project.  

Believe me when I tell you that all of us have heard just how poorly these issues have been managed, and how poorly the Mayor and the city attorney conducted themselves in the last few meetings. Their bizarre behavior is not associated with proper leadership and ethical, open government actions.

As far as our upcoming budget, (public workshops of which have already taken place as you read this) a 'balanced budget' is simply not my idea of true prosperity. Costs of Police & Fire are up, along with costs associated with our utilities infrastructure and employee benefits.

We must make deep cuts regarding waste and unnecessary spending in the proposed upcoming budget in order to put even more tax dollars back into the pockets of our families and businesses. We must drastically reduce the extreme operating costs of our local government and substantially increase its level of customer service.

I feel that our city must change their ‘spend it or lose it’ attitude and must immediately tighten their belt like all of us have had to do in the recent past. The question that all of us should be asking is “What does this proposed budget specifically do?” We just don’t know. There is a severe lack of backup material, in addition to a lack of real discussion and fiscal responsibility in the process.

 

As I see it, there are two steps that need to be taken regarding our commission. It is imperative that public officials be independent, impartial and that public office not be used for personal or political gain. As public officials, we are in a position of Public Trust and as such, we have a duty to provide transparent and honest services while in office and to do our absolute best to assure absolute public confidence in the government. This simply has not been the case in our city. The public’s trust is imperative and is determined by civic values such as open government, integrity and professionalism.

No one person or party can claim to have all of the answers. In the end we all must work together, residents and this administration alike, and the people must get what they have long demanded government to do. At the end of the day what we're doing is simply our job...public service. In this process, we've got to ensure that our tax dollars are spent very wisely and only on the bare necessities.

As long as we remember that we serve The People, and we work together to do what is right, not just talk about it, putting aside our petty personal and political differences, all of these goals that all of us share and dream of can be achieved as a house divided cannot stand. In public service it is always important to remember that we serve our boss, “We The People”.

Cooper City faces many challenges, and just as I have always maintained, my primary focus remains on reducing the burden of government on you and on small businesses, fighting the fraud and waste at all levels of government that waste your taxpayer dollars, continuing to lead our city in a positive direction, and to grow the entrepreneurial spirit that will improve our local economy which in turn, will create more local jobs. If there is anything I can help with or if you have any issues that need resolved, please feel free to contact me, your ‘Go To’ commissioner at 954-445-6997.

Cooper City Redistricting

In the previous election, voters approved redistricting utilizing total population, which included revisions to the Charter in order to create districts with resident counts being as close to twenty-five percent of the total city’s population as possible and no more than a ten percent population disparity between districts. This ‘apportionment’ clause has always been in our Charter but has been willfully ignored and politically manipulated by some on the commission for quite some time, and in my opinion the district disparity issue should have been resolved many years ago.

Of course, any attempts to adhere to the Charter mandates would have quite possibly exposed questionable practices and lack of adherence to the Charter by former commission members and city attorney. Although Monterra is expected to be complete by the Spring of 2014, the city will be estimating the projected population, adjusting the district maps accordingly based on current and future building Certificates of Occupancy (CO’s) rather than actual number of residents, in addition to using a district population average scheme. The contention is that this will reduce any future districting changes, but it also does not count everyone on a real time data basis.

An additional error using CO’s also becomes apparent when you take the total number of residents and do the math, which comes out to anywhere between 2.85 and 3.06 persons per household depending on which formula you use, an error of up to five hundred residents per district. In addition, the ‘district population average’ scheme was never discussed or approved at the Charter Review Board meetings or at the city commission meetings while implementing the enacting Ordinance.

The Charter states that no district shall have a population variance of greater than ten percent from any other district. The ‘Plain Language Rule’ in law dictates that laws must be interpreted using the ordinary and plain meaning of the words used unless a law defines specific terms. In other words, the law is to be read word for word and we should not divert from its ordinary, plain meaning. This rule applies to our city ordinances and our city Charter which is our Constitution that we have sworn an oath to uphold. To avoid ambiguity, legislatures often include definitions in the law which defines important terms used. Some laws omit definitions entirely or fail to define a particular term, such as our Charter and it’s implementing Ordinance. This is part of the problem that we face in the push to change the Charter, a push that was originally and possibly still politically motivated.

The Charter Review Board and city attorney failed to define key phrases and meanings within the Charter changes, therefore key provisions and clear mandates are open to interpretation by the city attorney whose participation has been questionable within the entire Charter review process. One very questionable issue is the Charter’s ‘ten percent rule’. If you utilize the current data set offered by the vendor who performed the population analysis, you’ll quickly see that no two city districts currently deviate by more than 9.1 percent. If you look at the same data utilizing statistical analysis, the deviation is only 8.62 percent using the same numbers.

This is part of the problem, in addition to FAU utilizing a ‘District Population Average’ formula, one which was never previously discussed. In fact, the vendor admitted their numbers presented in the presentation were “incorrect”. Also, the vendor does not include Estada as a part of Monterra and the residency numbers! The question becomes, should we redistrict? Yes, it’s required by the Charter. What do we want to do then? Change districts completely or simply bring districts into parity? If you change districts substantially you may be gerrymandering and may find yourself in a lawsuit. If we change them to bring them as equal as possible, we need to concentrate on districts three and four because of size and discontinuity.

I am very sure of no need for drastic redistricting based on the 2012 base map data. As far as I am concerned, it’s just a question of not dividing residential communities in order to make all four districts nearly equal without favoring or disfavoring any incumbent, which is against the law.

The city has an obligation to allow the residents to be fully involved in the redistricting process. As such, multiple Public Meetings will be held at City Hall on advertised dates so everyone who can attends will have an opportunity to be a part of the process. Also, you can view all of the redistricting material at www.coopercityfl.org and click on the box labeled ‘election redistricting project’ in addition to watching the commission meeting videos on the issue under the link entitled ‘Government’ at the top of the page. Simply click on ‘View Meeting Videos’ and select the meeting or workshop you wish to view. Now is the time to make your voice fully heard to ensure transparent, ethical, honest and open government in Cooper City.

Response to Threats Against Cooper City Staff and Commission

October 19, 2012

RE: Written threats against Cooper City staff and commission members

To Whom It May Concern, 

During a recent review of the Cooper City attorney’s invoices and fees (they are outrageously substantial and are roaring completely out of control, with the city attorney given a recent hefty pay raise) I encountered an invoice from the city attorney substantially charging the city and taxpayers for review of an ‘anonymous letter’ threatening and alleging some sort of attack against the city and one or more city official(s), which was apparently in the possession of the Mayor and was being reviewed by the city attorney at her request. The city attorney never responded to the Mayor but was paid very handsomely. 

Given the times we all live in, I was initially shocked that this alleged written threat had never been brought to the staff or the commission’s full attention. Furthermore, as I thought of the possible implications of such a serious threat, the more concerned I became. Several questions began to arise in my opinion that I found almost incomprehensible, yet realistic and somewhat frightening. 

Why was this potential and serious alleged threat to the city, city official(s) and presumably city employee(s), not brought to the immediate attention of the city manager, chief law enforcement officer and the rest of the members of the city commission? Why was there no investigation of such a potential damaging letter and its inherent imminent threat? Why was there no initial warning of a possible threat to all persons who might be the target of such a threat? I thought immediately of many of our city employees are working outdoors who are most susceptible to possible dangers from person or persons who might seek to harm them.

I have now asked the city manager to investigate this letter, if it actually exists, and to report to the city commission on what occurred and allow the commissioners to ask questions of why no awareness was made regarding this threat. This request was made weeks ago and no response has been provided as of today. This is a serious breach of duty in my opinion. 

Most of all, I am appalled that Mayor Debby Eisinger showed so little concern for those of the city staff and her fellow commissioners that she did not take immediate action to protect them against a potential and serious threat. While in retrospect it may now turn out to have been merely a false or meaningless threat or childish attempts to scare someone, I can’t comprehend that the Mayor would simply dismiss any alleged threat based upon her selfish and personal interpretation of the alleged letter. The comments by the city attorney did not indicate that he recommended any action, nor did he advise anyone else of the threat. In fact, his response to me was that he never even responded to the Mayor’s concerns which I find incomprehensible. This of course follows the City Attorney’s long and contentious track record of not responding to commissioner’s questions, requests and demands which is a very serious issue in his line of work. 

I am clearly relieved that this threatening letter has not yet result in any harm or damage to anyone…yet. That notwithstanding, I am quite disturbed that Mayor Debby Eisinger, and for that matter the City Manager and City Attorney, lack the responsibility if not the ‘common sense’ to take the minimal steps of advising the law enforcement officials as well as the city staff and commission members to ensure the safety of all of the potential persons placed at risk by this perceived threat. 

I can only hope that my fellow commissioners will join with me and immediately demand that an action plan for any such further occurrences of this nature be developed and be available for implementation should this ever happen again. I also hope that my fellow commissioners will join with me in severely reprimanding the Mayor and City Attorney for this type of blatant irresponsibility and unconscionable behavior.  

The safety of all persons within our city, especially those who proudly and diligently serve our city need to know that their safety and welfare are foremost in our minds, hearts, and actions whenever a threat, no matter how insignificant it might turn out to be, will be treated with the upmost of urgency and seriousness, more so with the current turmoil in the world in addition to the political hatred that most of America has for incompetence, irresponsibility and lack of action to resolve problems in government at all levels.

 

Respectfully,

 

John Sims

City Commissioner, Dist. 1

Cooper City, FL 

CC:       Cooper City Commission

BSO

             Cooper City Staff

Cooper City - Seniors vs. Crime

SENIORS VS. CRIME

By Noreen S. Gilman, Volunteer Seniors vs. Crime

Many residents are not aware that there is an organization devoted to assisting Floridians of ALL ages who believe they have been victimized by improper practices, scams or other economic crimes. It is called “Seniors vs. Crime” and it is a Special Project of the Florida Attorney General. Our organization is non-profit, and we never charge a fee for our services. Our mission is to assist the Florida Attorney General in preventing crimes against the elderly, to educate and to alert seniors about consumer frauds, con games, scams, identity theft and other criminal acts that target senior citizens. There are several offices around the state including North Miami Beach, Delray Beach, and the newest office in Cooper City.

Earlier this year many of our residents were defrauded from the theft of thousands of dollars of refunds due them from the IRS. Seniors vs. Crime assisted several of these victims to file the necessary forms to recover their money. Now that we are in the middle of hurricane season, we are prepared to assist residents in roofing problems, flooding, as well as other storm damage received during a Tropical Storm or Hurricane. We regularly receive alerts concerning possible storm damage and the repair of homes after a storm by fly-by-night contractors.

As part of our outreach to the community, we have also established a Speakers Bureau which has qualified individuals who will offer a presentation, without charge, on a variety of topics such as identity theft, the current scams and many more subjects of interest. To arrange for a speaker for your organization or group, or for more information if you feel you are a victim of an economic crime,  please call our office in Cooper City at 954.441.8339. 

Also, be aware...As an FYI - the city received two phone calls this afternoon from residents in Summertime Isles who advised that a person knocked on their door (one last night at 8:00 pm and the other today) and told the residents that they were from the City and needed to speak to them.  When the resident refused to open the door last night, the person became aggressive and frightened the resident.

In both cases, the residents were told to call BSO immediately to relay this information. PLEASE, take NOTHING for granted and call BSO and 911 if you see ANYTHING suspicious...

Keeping you informed,

John

Commissioner John Sims