****pictures you'll never see in the news !  

****(The link to the special above presentation has been temporarily lost.     We shall try to renew it  --- since it was a very "special patriotic" link, and considered so popular to so many visitors.)

A Forgotten Wall for an Ex-Commissioner's Development Project !

            Seems like the city manager, and commission forgot to buffer the residents of the Tuscawilla Trail area with a wall around former commissioner McLeod's condo project on SR434 in front of "Tiny Town".   Oh yes, commissioner McLeod was still on the commission when they ALL got together and decided they were the only ones qualified to make zoning regulations around "Tiny Town".    Just another segment in the city's spending plans/scams for developer friends.

            They met Sunday October 29th, 2006 with the people from Tuscawilla Trails to listen to their complaints about the forthcoming noise from the high-rise condos, but that the old "barn door scam" the city uses had already closed the door.     They didn't want the McLeod project to have to spend the much needed dollars on something that wouldn't benefit the developer.   YEP -- That's Your City Government !

Tuscawilla Homeowners' Association Goes Silent (for a change).

            While Tuscawilla residents fight the cell tower location in their backyard the THOA is silent on behalf of those members.    They must be afraid that if they join THEIR MEMBERS they might get a "black-eye" from their cronies and cohort Ronnie McLemore, and his Mayor/Commission.

            The "politicos" want their buddies, at the Tuscawilla Country Club, to reap the profits of having the tower on their property instead where it was originally planed -- at the Sam Smith water plant (city property).     The city manager might have to account for the income of the lease.

           That would be at least generating revenue for the City's tax load instead of going into the pockets of a "private" concern.     You gotta' love the perks "private" concerns can give the local "politicos" in the city's governing body --- plus Ronnie, and the city attorney MIGHT see the tower from their homes!    They don't like that.

Tuscawilla PUD Update !

        The appearance of the THOA so-called "new executive" board was present at the 11/15/05 commission meeting.    That is including the tail-end of that "cash cow" Moti Khemlani, who sat apart from the main body of pockets of cash now managed by the "NEW ruling" board.   

        Nothing has changed in that organization.    The same Khemlani "cronies" are now pulling the strings to use taxpayers' money within their NON-MANDATORY home owner association to   finance the frivolous projects THEY control along with city manager McLemore (a Tuscawilla resident).

        They're the same bunch that FLEECED $5,000 of their members money to help the city in an annexation effort without the members even knowing that fact.   It's the same bunch that "illegally" fleeced a contribution of $5,000 of members' money to a political campaign.   Nothing has changed --- Martinez has his unclean hands back into the organization, along with FORMER Khemlani "cronies"..

PFGG will continue to bring you more of the amazing shenanigans of this organization .

Here's ---    --- You have to read this one!

      Sweet Heart Deal     

          Winter Springs Mayor purchases one of the Wyman Fields Foundation's defunct housing project units from the City of Winter Springs for $82,000 ---  valued higher in the market per city manager.    The City than sold another of the units in the same project appraised for $117,000 for $102,000.   

          Talk about being in the right place, and position to reap off taxpayers loss of over $1 million dollars by a "ruling" politician pays off handsomely.   Oh --- the City didn't tell you how much of your tax money paid for that "Wyman Fields Foundation"--- [ SCAM ]?    The City doesn't care how much money they lost from the taxpayers of Winter Springs.    The whole project was a scam from the start as supported by the city manager, and his "lap-dog" commission.

(Yes emailer --- that was after the Mayor and commission gave themselves the 300+ % pay raises.)

(Pay attention: $7,200 = 100% of salary --- 3 x 100% = $21,600 dollars -- thus 300% -- that's a "got cha'")

[ Storm in City Hall ]

10/06/05 --- The  Forecasts  For  The  2006  Elections !

           Gosh - They just passed the Biggest Property Tax in History, and already making plans for the 2006 election !    It's no secret that two of the "dais darlings" are making another run for their well paid seats --- (they voted themselves 74% increase in pay) --- while on the dais.

           Two of the expected candidates can't let their developer buddies down, and are running for re-election -- Mayor Bush and "Gennell cloned" McGinnis.    McGinnis in her "preaching to the assembled" during millage/budget voting is a for sure.    While Bush is a wonder?    During that meeting, he had trouble even knowing who was his representative on the commission.    Not only was that dialog funny, but VERY revealing.    Sunshine Laws may have been broken.

          Two other sure candidates are HUGE town center supporters (which means MORE spending).    Both have vested interests in it's well being, and with that -- hopes of the continued population explosions.   One of course is ex-commissioner Martinez, who moved for the fourth time in one year, just so he could reap the HUGE salary voted on by his dais buddy Gilmore.    

          The other is another Tuscawilla resident who has a business in the town center, and would definitely be in favor of tax dollars for parking garages to support his business in "Tiny Town".     He caters to the current dais members, including the city attorney, who frequent his establishment in the taxpayer money drain hole called a town center.    The drain-off waters of his business flow west direct to the city hall.   He needs the continued gushing of tax moneys to be spent in his town center.

PFGG warned you -- the 2006 elections came true.    The Citizens of Winter Springs lost AGAIN !

9/26/05 ---- Was Your ---- TAX NIGHT

The Great Government Tax Heist of Winter Springs, Florida !

City Officials DIDN'T tell the TRUTH !

City's Current 2005 Budget a JOKE !   It's a joke EVERY YEAR !

Mayor's "gouge letter speech" of the 9/12/05 Commission meeting is a phony !

          Mayor claims NEW garbage pick-up service is going to have to be increased.    Yet he doesn't say anything about the $2.03 per month that the city has been gouging the citizens for NINE YEARS!   Yes for nine years the City Manger conned up a phony incentive plan --- paid for by taxpayers --- that was used for other purposes.    This is the same phony charges the Mayor was asked about two years ago, and he said he would look into it ---- which he NEVER did (three witnesses to the conversation).

          What else are you going to hide Mayor?    You hide the ENORMOUS (74+% increases) raises you, and the commissioners absconded with to offset your lavish new spending/golfing requirements.    Gilmore was also in on that issue --- I guess that's why you two can now enjoy playing golf together at the Tuscawilla Country Club.    Quite a change from the less expensive Winter Springs golf course --- isn't it Mayor?    It must be true --- politicians have no integrity, or moral conscience !    How are you going to finance Blake's WiFi system -- a $3.2 million dollar toy ?

          City Manager didn't get his budget increase last year to 5.3 mils, so to play games with the public the City has come out with that 8 mil property tax increase to frighten citizens.    When they back it down to a 5.6 - 6 mil hike the public will sigh in relief when actually that's where they want to be anyway.    They're money hungry, and the City Manager had NO PLANS for a sensible budget to the commission with his INTENDED HIKE.    He probably forgot to hire another one of his consultants, which he relies upon to actually run the City.     He's never had the experience to do much anyway --- always uses consultants,    That's one of the reasons for which he was fired in Martin County.

          The commission now sits, scratching their heads, with ALL ways to increase their upcoming spending sprees currently planned for their "Tiny Town" complex for which they need money.   So they're are going to throw every lame duck excuse at the public --- need for more police, need to improve roads (that in it's self is another laughable story), more parks expansion for teams outside the city, and service needs that they failed to plan for in their aggressive annexation moves.

THEY HAVE NO BUDGET PLANS ------

or they could just come out without all the games they're playing with the citizens.    That's just plain POOR MANAGEMENT, and definitely a POOR GOVERNMENT !

commission  gives  themselves  HUGE  raises !

From $7,200 a year to $21,000+ of your tax money !

The Mayor got even MORE.    McLemore will probably be next.    He's probably starving --- only makes over $160,000 per year with HUGE perks.   They just love to spend YOUR money.

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Why  is  It ?

          The citizens who volunteer, or are appointed to serve on the various working boards of the City of Winter Springs have to sign a waiver to allow the City to run a personal background check before they can serve.    This is real strange since ---

NONE OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS, OR ANYONE ELSE ON THE CITY DAIS  ---

HAS TO SIGN THE FORM !

could it be none of them could pass a background check   --

including the City Manager and City Attorney ?

(Some wouldn't even pass on their campaign reports--  much less their campaign funds reports.     It is also a known fact, while seated on the dais, some even enhance their personal fortunes in personal business from their seat.)

What determines the qualifications of a politician --- Click [ Here ]

the tuscawilla homeowner's phony lawsuit against the school board -- [ Here ]

Update  -- 7/22/05 --- THOA loses --- AGAIN --- there goes YOUR money !

How much money CAN elected officials collect once voted into office ?

          Winter Springs officials are disguising proposed pay raises as compensation of EXPENDITURES.    This is a blatant mis-use of the power that the dais of the City of Winter springs has taken over from the taxpayers of the City.    They want to keep it off the ballots to prevent the raises from becoming an ordinance by using their power to pass it as a resolution, therefore to be able to make the pay hikes effective immediately.

           In other words -- the Commissioners want immediate GREED !

          Example -- the Mayor going from a $650.00 a month compensation to $21,500.00 yearly as an expenditure.   If the Mayor spends, and needs that much money --- get rid of him --- he nor any other elected official on the dais is worth it !     It's time to get rid of the "high-rollers" on the dais.   

          The new tax grab by the commissioners of your money is going to be $21.000+ each per year.      That's more than they pay some of the City's 40 hour a week full time employees .   The City already has one OVER PAID official in the form of City Manager McLemore making well over $160,000 per year-- plus all his perks, and outlandish expenses.   

          Oh yes,  don't overlook the City Attorney at $250,000+ per year!    Also, don't overlook what you -- the taxpayers -- pay for city management consultants, because the City Manager needs help to perform his job.    Your commissioners approve his minions, and their help in spending YOUR tax monies.

          If the taxpayers of Winter Springs don't become involved in this outright scam, they have no one but themselves to blame.    Your taxes have RISEN at every turn of the Commission as directed by City Manager McLemore, which is sufficient every year.   

         When are you --- the citizens of Winter Springs --- going to say "enough-is-enough"?    Citizens of Winter Springs don't you even have the guts to address the issue -- much less hold your elected officials accountable for the GROWING DEBTS of the City.

This subject is a well hidden City web site item.    McLemore disguised it well !

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Guess  who's  caught  on  this  one?

read below the article.

    (Four Board of Director members of the Tuscawilla Home Owners Association endorsed the candidate, and are alleged of contributing members money in this election scam.   Those board members, and officers are --- Moti Khemlani, Daniel Torres, Isabelle Laub, and Margie Samsonoff.

      The big question is --- WHEN ARE MEMBERS GOING TO REALIZE how Khemlani & "Kronies" spend your money.   They must have spent over $10,000 dollars of your membership monies to back a loser who was put in the race so another very popular candidate could not win.

      Another HUGE factor in the allegations was the complainant of record.    It was filed by Commissioner Robert "Shirley" Miller who has ALWAYS been supported by the THOA.    I guess he will have killed his cash cow Khemlani on this one.    Miller stabbed himself in the back on this action.   Oh well, business as usual from the THOA, and it's board.    

      The IRS might be interested in this caper.     The THOA has never declared their actual income, but instead listed it as income from membership dues fees.   We have their IRS returns on this web site.     The $35,000 dollars from the County isn't even shown on those returns.) 

The Florida Elections Commission Statement of Findings

is an 11 Page Document on File now with PFGG.

News Updates !

The Borrow Pit Scam --- click [ Here ]

Legal Fees Plunder -- click [ Here ]

The Code Powers and Their Destruction --- click [ Here ]

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County Nixes Continued 1 Cent Gas Tax --- Winter Springs Hurting !

        The City of Winter Springs spent some of the one cent gas sales tax, being collected for maintenance and repair of existing roads, on building the "rat maze" of roads in their "Tiny Town".   The City is REALLY disappointed the County didn't continue the tax, because that leaves them short on repairing City streets that should've been repaired with the past taxes collected.    Hey Winter Springs --- when are you going to work on roads outside your favorite projects?

**** Answer to caller's 6/13/05 phone conversation. ****

        You may be correct in your calculations.   There IS about 1,986 new condo housing/apartment complexes already on the City's plans books.   What is amazing is that over 1,009 of those are to be located in the "TownCenter" (Tiny Town) zoning.    It is SO  large that the City is planning a multiple level garage to handle parking for "Tiny Town".   One has to wonder if anybody bothered to think about the horrendous traffic problem that's going to arise on the City's "rat maze" street planning.    The Seminole County School Board thinks they have a crowding problem NOW !

More Taxes -- The City's Easy Way to Collect From You !

            Winter Springs DOUBLES stormwater service charges.    Look at your latest water bill.    It obvious why this is needed.    With the drilling of new wells in Tuscawilla to provide water for their eastern annexations, they have run out of utility funds for the financing of water and sewerage for their future annexation projects.      They have also refinanced most of their outstanding utility bonds.

            How can they increase stormwater service fees that haven't even been used for the purposes it was intended?     There are stormwater drainage problems that have been ageing throughout the City, and they are WAY BEHIND on even servicing that which has been neglected since the arrival of City Manager McLemore.

            They attempted to repair one drainage problem up around the Hayes Road area only to find out that the system was so dilapidated it needed to be replace.    Has the City done what was required ?    NO -- they had spent stormwater funds for annexation issues instead of what the money was intended to service.

A West side email wants to know answers.   It's interesting - [ Here ]

**********

Tallahassee to weaken county's development controls - [ here ]

Tallahassee  on  a  rampage --- out  of  control  -- [ here ]

 ***********

City commissioner admits city in debt --- big time --- click [ Here ] 

***********

City  Manager  of  Winter  Springs  on  a  Roll  Again !

McLemore  After  ANOTHER  pay  Raise !

Compares his position to that of the City Manager of Winter Park !

            Something is wrong with that comparison --- it's IDIOTIC --  But the Winter Springs " Lapdog " Commission will buy that stupidity -- "hook-line-'n-sinker" -- the CM owns them !

***********

PFGG will look into the actual figures of percentage/amount of the

over  the  $154,000 +

he presently rakes in from City taxpayers, but we thought his City web site presentation link bore some attention --- it's a RIOT !

It probably cost more than some City employees' monthly pay, and he's using the taxpayers' City web site ( 59 pages "a-self-pat-on-the-back" ) to promote HIMSELF !

This guy claims he has done everything in this City himself.    Wrong --- he spends  FORTUNES on consultants, because he probably doesn't know what to do.   

Why  else  hire  all  his  needed  consultants ?

Propaganda  at  its  finest !

 You can adjust the PDF page to your desired viewing size.   Click on City Manager link below.

               041105_COMM_Regular_504_City_Managers_Eval%20Part%202

If you need the Adobe PDF Reader click - 

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city manager and commissioner miller object to recording conversations between the city manager and the commissioners!

What do they need to hide ?

PLUS --

       It was also asked that cameras be placed in the commission chambers, so the people not attending the meetings could see the antics as carried on by their elected officials.    This was from PUBLIC INPUT, which the commission never considers.

         This will NEVER be approved even though the money was spent to accommodate such procedures, because it would embarrass some of the violent physical motions made by those same elected officials.

        This would have had a TREMENDOUS effect of the particular expressions of the use of the hand by the former ex-commissioner Eddie "Loose-Cannon" Martinez !

dated --- 3/29/05

article  postings  that  prompted  attention !

("Tiny Town" Fire truck below )

strange --- but true !

            Have you ever gone to the City of Winter Springs web site to look at the minutes of the last meeting?     Forget it!    They are usually not posted for a least a month, or more after the meetings.   They want to get everything approved before they have to publish the information to the public to read.     They must be afraid somebody would challenge the Commission before they approved the McLemore "private " agendas.       Even most agendas published in the Sentinel are "unavailable " !

notice:

        The property on which the 170 three/four story condos/apartments units are to be built on is the property owned by Highlander LTD.     In other words, the property to be developed on the south side of SR434 across from the Town "Tiny Town" Center is the property purchased by Commissioner David McLeod ------ who sits as the it's OWN development review committee for the "Home-Ruled" dais , and purchased during his reign on this oversight committee.   He has voted on the development of HIS OWN PROPERTY --- ZONING AND CODES !

update ----- City's  green  turning  to  concrete !

            The Winter Springs Commission has approved plans for over 500 three to four story condo/apartment units around the town "Tiny Town" center.    At least 170 units are to be built on SR434 just across the street from the much mis-aligned town center.     They don't even have the parking for that many units IN THE town "Tiny Town" center.    Oh yes, that is on the property of one of the Commissioners who seats in control of the building codes, and ordinances applicable to the town center codes.     He has NEVER recluses himself from the passing of such zoning, or codes. 

city calls off workshop on "New" pet ordinance !

             City runs into a buzz saw on new pet ordinance proposed by Commissioner Miller, and supported by his cohorts McGinnis, and Ex-commissioner Martinez.    This will be a test of the position new of new Commissioner Gilmore takes on this staged fiasco.    His final vote, after Commission finds gumption enough to bring it out to a vote, of which way seat #3 newly elected Gilmore votes, and aligns himself.   

            He will either become a factor of the old Miller/Martinez/McGinnis coalition, or become an independent voice, finally,  for the people.    The question is to see if the City Manager is able to align Gilmore into HIS needed control, or maybe the people WILL have an independent vote representing them.    After all he must face an uprising against this Miller led farce.    The citizens of Winter Springs are watching this fiasco very close.   

            You may even see this THOA cohort belly-flop on this ordinance proposal.      Don't bet against it!    He either votes for the People ---- or with City Manager's "lapdog" commission.              

city  manager  continues  delay  of  posting  agendas !

           Did anyone read in the Sentinel on the page where the Seminole Cities list their up and coming commission meetings?     If you notice in most editions it says under the City of Winter Springs "not made available".     That's not uncommon for the City of Winter Springs.     It wasn't even posted on their website until it was made possible that no one would have a chance to review the subject matter until the day of the meeting.     This has been brought forth many times by the Commissioners, and City Manager McLemore has been told to get the agendas out at least two or three days earlier by the Commission.

              The City Manager doesn't pay any attention to the Commission that hired him ---- they work for HIM !

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did  city  purchase  fire  truck  for  "Tiny Town" ?

city  manager  finds  fire  truck  on  eBay  for  an  excellent  price !

is he still  awaiting  the  results  of  his  bid ?    5/7/04

( How many have never seen what the future "tiny town" looks like ? --Click [ here ] )

Commission  meeting  agenda  items !

            Have you ever noticed how shifty the City is when it comes to informing the public of the information on the subject matter of an up-and-coming commission meeting ?     The agendas for the Commission meetings is a fine example.    The City Manager makes sure that the public won't be aware of the contents of the agendas as laid out on the web site.    Here it is the weekend ---  just prior to the Monday night meeting, and there is NOTHING to describe the contents of Monday's meeting.    That's how City Manager McLemore avoids any public objection to the agenda item that in ALL probability has already received the stamp of approval by his controlled commission.    (Example)  -----  

            ( The agenda items for the May 10th Commission meeting was finally published on the web site probably sometime during the weekend of May 8th while City Hall was closed.   That way anyone wishing to speak or contest the Monday agenda would only have ONE DAY to obtain copies or information from the City.    This is a trick performed almost ALWAYS by the City Manager to stifle opposition to HIS agendas.   Many times the Commission has asked him to cease doing this, and make the agenda more readily available.   He has YET to comply ! )

city  manager  withholding  money  owed !

          Maybe City Manager McLemore would like to go into more detail as to why the City is withholding over $43,000 payments to Florida Recycling ?    It is quite obvious he has no intentions of revealing the usage of the $2.03 "slush fund" money he has been collecting for the past nine years, every month, from every garbage pick-up in the City of Winter Springs.    There should be PLENTY of money to meet  the City's obligations to pay the bills that the citizens tax money is to be used for --- NOT the "SLUSH FUND" monies !     According to the City Manager the City of Winter Springs is cash rich.    What's your answer McLemore ?    

commission  puts  former  tHOA  leader  on  dais !

            Commissioners inflect yet another former THOA member of their board of directors, and head of the 30 million dollar TLBD committee project scam on dais to replace same resigning as commissioner.    They don't want to lose control of the City's onslaught of the current City Manager's bond, tax, and spend agendas.    So, the City Commission is still controlled by the Tuscawilla hierarchy.     They have to make this move for if the Commission represented ALL the people of Winter Springs the THOA could lose the control over the 30 million dollar bond issue, which could be stopped at anytime by the citizens of Tuscawilla or Commission.      You remember, this was the so-called referendum where the outcome was "RIGGED" by City Manager McLemore when he threw out 63 votes that would have defeated the bond issue.     4/27/04

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Congratulations  to  the  police  department !

                  The Police Department finally got the well deserved sophisticated equipment needed to keep the Winter Springs Police Department on the list as one of the best in the State of Florida.    They are equipping all vehicles plus back-up personnel with a high-tech lap top computer.     These are the same type computers as used by Federal Agencies in the fight against crime, fraud, and terrorism.    ( Could the equipment be tested on the Winter Springs dais ? ).     Homeland Security, and our Armed Forces used this high-impact rugged lap top computer in combat and remote situations.    There are about five other Seminole County municipalities that have signed on to this program, and is centralized by the Seminole County Sheriff's Department.    A job well done by Chief Kerr and his fine Staff !      4/27/04

another " babbling "  comment  by  Martinez !

                  After serving his representatives on the THOA board for so many years, and resigning his seat at the last Commission Meeting (effective 5/28 (?) ), he finally opened his eyes with the following mumblings.    "There's a couple of web sites out there pointing out our projects and finances --- when are we (to City Manager ) going to find out where we DO  stand?".     That's the very same question this web site has been asking for over five years.     Hey Martinez --- you ever get answer let us know.     By the way, as long as you've been on the dais following the City Manager's instructions --- DON'T YOU KNOW ?    4/27/04

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yet more previous articles

 a  commissioner  puzzled -- not  unusual !

       A Commissioner is puzzled as to why the news media was asking him questions, and had information on the Wyman Foundation demise, when he had nothing from the City Manager about the subject.   This was the Sentinel's investigative reported articles of early January 2004.

           Remember, this is the news stories on the failure of a company using tax funds ---- the Sentinel reported the $900,000 spent by the City of Winter Springs.    In response to the Commissioner's question to the City Manager --- the City Manager casually responded he would have the figures put together for the next meeting.

           This was not only FRONT PAGE material for the Sentinel of the millions of tax dollars misspent, and the City Manager wouldn't have the information until the NEXT MEETING ?      DOESN'T HE KNOW by now  ?    His was a total lackadaisical response, and totally an irresponsible answer.    Shouldn't the City have a person in this position, with at least a knowledge  AT HAND,  of something so glaringly published by the news media ?     This whole episode is strange --- the City Manager even appointed a staff member to the foundation's board of directors.

this is the typical attitude of this highly paid "civil servant" using your tax money !

[ back ]

who wrote it ?

        During the Mayor's "State-Of-The-City" (?) speech, when the subject of reserve funds was mentioned ($3,000,000.00), a Commissioner whispered to him that the figure is now $4,000,000.00.    To think the City Commission just raised your taxes to the highest in history has raise a strong question as to --- "TAXATION-WITHOUT-REPRESENTATION".     The City's citizens are paying horrendously for management "ego trips" !

The State of the City, Mr. Mayor, is citizens are overtaxed for management "egos"!

he  hasn't  shut-up  since !

        Once again, Commissioner Martinez went into one of his rambling tyrannical tirades in explaining his position as being appointed "Deputy Dawg" (Deputy Mayor).     His I will take "no more", and I'll "hand it back" is remnant of other outburst by this explosive "loose cannon".    Whatever happened to accepting responsibility with dignity ?     This type of politician must be on the increased, and compares to the "Dean Outburst" as viewed by millions on national television.    Is there no dignity in politics, and elected politicians ?

back to [ homepage ] or -----

scroll down the page for previous additional  subjects

and the last of  the winter springs bald eagles !

        The City Commission so burden with the rules and regulations they, as the DRC Committee for the TownCenter, could not reach a reasonable conclusion on a previously established regulation.   They simply referred it back to staff to act upon it as DRC staff.   Why should the Commission take any blame --- they have a staff to absorb all resulting blows?

       Another hypocritical regulation established by this DRC Commission Committee relates to "neon-signs.    NO NEON SIGNS ALLOWED ON SR434.   They took over an hour of debate a couple of months ago attacking the Kash-N-Carry for their neon sign, which is well off SR434 (200 to 300 feet), to have them remove it.   The Commission then turns around and allows FOUR NEON SIGNS right on the highway.   When questioned about this --- one Commissioner just walked away.                 <!--#include virtual="-->

         Maybe the City of Winter Springs should be sited for violations of the Codes --- where are the Code Enforcement Officers?   Or have they been told to turn a blind side to the TownCenter infraction?

          Want to guess where THEY ALLOWED THIS INFRACTION, which is against code rules they established?   If you guessed their beloved TownCenter --- YOU GOT IT RIGHT.   The Commission is turning their back on this violation, while enforcing another.   How wishy-washy can this Commission get, but then again you have to look back on the "GENNELL BILLBOARD" infraction to visit their hypocrisy?  

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[ back ]

Telephone caller wanted to know --

(Going into to May 2005 ----  the following has still not happened.)

"When was the last time PFGG has seen any  services, or products  solicited   for bids by the City of  Winter  Springs  in  the  legal  section of  The Orlando Sentinel ?"

        Got to thinking about that one caller --- the answer is --- can't remember.    We would suggest you call the City with your request, and ask them.   We don't know what you are looking for, but you can also request copies.    That information is "public" record.    However, with the current city management you may not find this type of bidding procedures available.

        That bidding process was done away with, and seems to be restricted to the "good 'ole boys club".    This may be our next area of investigative research.     We, also, have seen the lack of the competitive bidding process in the City, or it is restricted to a current list of selected bidders.     Interesting topic caller !

has the city manager's development-- (DRC) -- review committee  designed  a  new  SR434  road  feature ?

        The City's NEW "Six-Gun-Territory" designed "TownCenter (?)" has created a new first in Seminole County.    Does Winter Springs have the "ONLY moving parking" lot available on  State Road 434?    The City's DRC committee has designed, and built the "New Moving Parking Lot" for its mall.     There are NO deceleration lanes, and the left turn lanes will accommodate not more than three cars to the entrance of the "False-Fronted"  shopping mall on SR434.

          On one day alone, the right-hand turn into the "TownCenter (?)" had traffic backed up almost to the light on Tuscawilla Road.     A lady making a right turn IN THE "Towncenter (?)" ran over the curb for lack of a sufficient turning radius, while making her right turn.    The landscaping was more important than accommodating potential customers to the mall.    The false-fronted store mall had to be pretty --- not accessible.

THE  CITY  MANAGER'S  DRC  COMMITTEE  DESIGNED  ---- 

"AN ACCIDENT ON SR434 --- WAITING TO HAPPEN" !

       Feedback from a County Official pertaining to the eagle's nest on the trail, within the Winter Springs/Tuscawilla Towncenter area, is disturbing.    Ex-Commissioner Gennell, still perching on a County committee, is suggesting that when the eagles leave, after the nesting period, that construction should continue under the nest prior to the eagles' return.

            Like the nest that was hampering the interchange of the Greenbelt and SR434, is the trail nest to disappear mysteriously at night as the one at the interchange?    Who will be the midnight rider?     Did someone hire the "midnight baron" of the disappearing 2002 election campaign signs?

( There is more information on these eagles, and their nest --- further down this page. )

          Commission meetings have brought forth a very revealing situation caused by the City Manager, and the Commissioners.   So engrossed with their "micro-managing" of every little phase of the new strip mall, they failed, in their haste, to observe changes made to the site plans (dated 11/30/01).    This resulted in their creating their own big blunder.   These plans could have even been in place as early as January 11th, 2002  "AS APPROVED AND BROUGHT FORTH BY STAFF"!    Were the staff recommendations approved by this "micro-managing" Commission?

           The actual cause of this blunder can be placed on the City Manager's shoulders, for he brought forth these plans under the "CONSENT AGENDA" (labeled Item G. -- March 11th, 2002), where little discussion takes place, and is merely a voice vote to approve the City Manager's "consent" agendas.   Now the story takes another twist, which actually backs the developer's claim of approval.   Not only was Commissioner McLeod absent from this meeting,  but Commissioner Miller had retired to the back room,  only to find the three remaining Commissioners had approved the consent agenda.    Commissioner Miller, wanting his vote to be recorded, voted to approve the agenda, upon his emergence from the backroom, without any dais participation.

           Those plans could've had a location for a "striptease joint" in this mall on page eight, and this lackadaisical Commission, with the verbiage of the City Manager's agenda item, merely approved his "consent".    The site plans should have been scrutinized by a competent staff and ALL changes noted and presented to the Commission,  with full knowledge of the changes.     The City Manager and staff failed miserably by merely having this item brought forth as a "consent" item.    This must be the reason the City Manager needs an assistant.    The only Commissioner who could have possibly caught this blunder was absent from the meeting.

            Another glaring example of trying to "CYA",  was the addressing  of this issue in public input.    Even though the "goof" was not noted on the evening's agenda, it was compounded by the addressing of this "TownCenter Commission Blunder" by none other than McLemore's sidekick  ----- THOA's Moti Khemlani.    Somebody had to cover for this oversight of the City by the Commission and City Manager.    Is Moti Khemlani the City Manager's new assistant?     He might as well be. 

the eagles are gone !

            This a follow-up story on the eagle's nest that has stymied City officials.   They don't appreciate the fact that the eagle has infringed upon their "TownCenter" concept.   The nest is still hampering the project because of its location.   That nest, known as "SE15", has been there since 1974.   The eagle has been presumed to be from the nest on Tuscawilla Road, south of Lake Drive, that was overrun by developers, despite efforts to save it.

            The City's actions will be closely monitored, for this could be the last surviving eagle habitat, left in the City that calls itself a "Bird Sanctuary".    The Winding Hollow wetlands eagles seem to have disappeared, as have the Tuscawilla PUD's.    All this in the name of enlarging the City's tax base.    That's to be expected when the "birds of prey" dictate from the dais.

NOTE: The designation of the above nest as SE15 is incorrect.   The "TownCenter" eagle's nest is SE3.   The eagles that were driven out of the Oak Forest/Winding Hollow greenbelt area were designated as the SE2 location.   SE15's nest is located in the Geneva area and, like the "TownCenter" eagle, is still active.

********

 this message to PFGG from the State !

" Yes, there are a number of issues associated with SE003 and SE003A.  There also may be a new SE003B that has been established in the footprint of a trail that the city is constructing.  This most recent issue currently is being handled by the Jacksonville Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

        Commissioner Gennell says "we can work around it"  ----  Commissioner Blake says  "does the tree have pine bores?".     Commissioner Martinez/Miller possibly would imply -- if the nest is removed --- it will grow back.    That eagle is interfering with OUR Towncenter shopping mall.  

Miller/McLemore/Khemlani continue to say ---- 

 "Winter Springs was voted the NUMBER ONE CITY  in the UNITED STATES  in which to live"  ---

BY WHO?  ( We might add "NOT FOR EAGLES" )  

After all, isn't the City of Winter Springs suppose to be known as a  ----  "BIRD SANCTUARY" ?

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       From the tapes of the Commission meetings.    This tidbit is especially for all the people in the older part of Winter Springs (west side of town), and how fortunate you really are.    It seems a business owner along the 434 in the "historical" area of Winter Springs has until November to remove his business sign, and replace it with a "monument" configured sign.  ( Wonder if this holds true for political billboards?)   The sign he must replace cost him over $5,000.   

         There are over one hundred businesses affected by the ordinance passed by the present Commission, and  spearheaded by Commissioner Gennell (of political billboard fame).   The Commission must think that business owners can throw away good money just like they do with their spending frenzies.   Now for some good ones!

            A commissioner during this public hearing actually stated the following --

 is the dais really a platform to expound on false facts ?

       The Winter Springs Commission continues its march to get at our wallets.   If the proposed budget passes, your real estate taxes will increase by almost 30%.

     To add salt to the wounds, the Commission is offering a private company, MBIA MuniServices Company, a 3-year contract to find more money for the City in our real estate taxes.   MBIA does not get a payment until they find more income by reassessing your property.    They will receive 35% of any extra income they can muster for the City coffers.

       The die is cast as to whether or not they will find ways to increase the City's tax revenues.   Do you really believe this company will do all that work for nothing?   If you do, we know of a piece of swampland for sale --- the City even gave $33,000 dollars for it!   This Commission is insatiable when it comes to seeking money for their spending sprees.   They have no financial restraint in their continuing actions to further their personal legacy.

        As long as the citizens of Winter Springs remain apathetic, the Commission feels it has carte blanche to spend as they wish.      The extravagant spending commenced with the hiring of current City Manager McLemore. 

( This article's author will have property tax increases by 29.38%, and the publisher of this site residence taxes will increase by 28.758%.   Check out your tax increases, and call your Commissioners to thank them! )

        New figures discussed at budget meetings indicate City employee health insurance to increase to around 39%.   Just how much the cost to the employee will be is still under discussion, but based upon yearly salary increases, rumored to be between 4 to 8 per cent, the increase will put dents on City employees wallets.  

        Commissioner Martinez has put forth a new revelation, probably yet unknown by the Federal Drug Administration, that City employees should only buy brand name drugs.

        The City Manager, however, is well-covered.   He's seeking a 20% increase in his contract, and a new assistant to lessen his chores.

         This glorified strip mall is lacking parking spaces to be considered a full fledged shopping mall, and the traffic flow is questionable.    The Panera Bread tenant has withdrawn from the complex, because "traffic isn't strong enough to justify a store there". 

            Then there's what Walgreen's found when they were told they would have to build a "two-story building" with the second story to remain empty.   Or, they could put up a false frontage to have the appearance of a two story building.    This complex, as now being, built will probably look like the ole' "Six-Gun Territory" that use to be in Ocala.

             It seems the City rulers, and their Coral Springs connection forgot that the lack of parking spaces violated State Law required for two storied structures.   So much for - - - -

plan  ah e a d !

           Another area of concern for the remaining wildlife, is the City's disregard for the wetland areas between Oak Forest and Winding Hollow.   The building of the submergible sidewalks and installation of unneeded street lights have diminished the wildlife sanctuary between the developments.    It's a laugh when this City's Commission spews forth their hot-air rhetoric in the name of environment, then turn around and approve measures that destroy these habitats.    One only has to observe the total destruction of trees and wildlife habitats into a barren land called "Avery Park".

            Commissioner Martinez, referencing the Avery Park complex, says "the trees are growing"!    Neither he, nor his children, will ever see the growth of that which he voted to destroy.    Martinez also claims to be a "low key environmentalist"!     He has that right, and that includes everyone else on the dais that rubber stamps the City Manager's defoliate-and-destroy projects.

does city need money to meet city managers new contract demands?

        The City of Winter Springs' officials still deny, nor will they publish in their "INSIDER", the financial status of the City.   Commission meeting tapes have revealed the lowering of the bond ratings, the intrusion into the City's cash reserves, the lack of funds for projects, and yet pet projects receive immediate consideration.   For example ---

          that $2,265,000 dollar bond for the Tuscawilla beautification  district is backed by a surety reserve, which is a----

                   " $160,000,000 million dollar city sales tax pledge " !

        (The above figure is from the "Tuscawilla Today".)

with the new water rates tuscawilla residents are really going to be soaked by the new   "khemlani kolossal fountains" !

         should you have a subject, or topic, that you would like to share, send us an email containing the context.    we will contact you to discuss how you wish to have it published.    please --- only give us factual information, or if you wish to have  a matter researched give us the information needed.    PFGG will do its best to publish the facts of your request in a timely fashion.     We will also publish a news article of importance to the City's citizens -----

 send to --- winterspringsfl@cfl.rr.com

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