Minutes of the Nov-Dec meetings of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 7, 2011 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Vivian Lamont, Rev. Carl Reeves, Ann Hill, Rose George, Eddie Todd, Danny Lewis, Neil Richards, Diane Mack, Allen Gibson, Larry King, Jim Myatt, Geraldine Vaurigaud, Dicky Hartley, Eleanor Johnson, Sonja Evans, Rev. John Powell and Alexa Canady-Davis. Guests included Councilman Brian Spencer, Dr. Gloria Horning, Burnett Williamson, Robin Reshard, Anthony Crawford, Sheikh Tariq Abdul Aziz, Pattie Krakowski, Forrest Ray, Takia Berry, Beverly Perry. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

President Dolores Curry thanked Rose George and Vivian Lamont for their help is setting up and decorating the food table for the association’s annual Christmas gathering.  Dove Chocolatier Burnett Williamson also brought some of her truffles and other treats to share with the group. Ms. Williamson holds free chocolate tasting parties. For more info, she can be reached at 850-432-5493 or 773-627-3137.

Rev. Carl Reeves urged members to take safety precautions during the holidays. The thieves are out, so put your valuables in your trunk.

Vivian Lamont noted that the Belmont Youth Band will be at Paradise Gardens on West Gregory St. from 11:30 to 1:30 on this Saturday. They will be creating Christmas cards for prisoners. On Dec. 15, band members will be part of the jazz program at Oseola Golf Course. On Dec. 22, they will be part of the Seville Square Christmas program. The band was featured in a recent front-page Pensacola Voice article you can read here: http://belmont-devilliers.blogspot.com/2011/12/belmont-youth-band-on-move.html . She noted that two of the youths in the program have received full scholarships at Pensacola State College. She also thanked Councilman Brian Spencer, who serves on the BYB board, for his help in obtaining $1,000 for the band.

Eddie Todd wished everyone a happy holiday and noted that a letter concerning the new logo for the association was forthcoming.

Councilman Spencer noted that January marks the first anniversary of his serving as District 6 councilman. He said his journey has been more spiritual than political and that he now feels more in touch with a greater variety of people than he would have been had he not taken this path. What he wanted to share with the group that he has learned this first year is that we have the opportunity to focus not only on the needs of District 6 but of the entire city and that there should be no fences between districts.

Mr. Spencer discussed the great financial obligation that is facing the Community Redevelopment Agency, which is about to face a $4.3 million annual obligation. He addressed the issue of the CRA staffing, noting that Sherry Morris is heading the agency at present, assisted by chief of neighborhoods Helen Gibson. Both women are certified planners, he said. And now that the city’s interlocal agreement is in place, the mayor has assured Mr. Spencer that a design person will be named after the first of the year.

Mr. Spencer noted beginning in 2013, the CRA will be committed to a $4.3 million annual obligation, which includes the 30-year, $3 million annual obligation for Community Maritime park and a 17-year, $1.3 million annual obligation for the acquisition and demolition of the ECUA plant. In addition, operating expenses for the CRA amount to about $1 million a year, bringing the total to $5.3 million. At present, he said, the CRA receives about $4 million in TIF money. (Background on TIF this is at: http://www.pensapedia.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=Community_Maritime_Park&oldid=20158 .)

Obviously, the CRA will be strapped for cash for other projects in the next couple of decades. Councilman Spencer encouraged members to focus on what we can do to identify projects that will enhance the neighborhood and produce more tax revenue. He gave as an example the Hixardt project, in which the city forfeited the value of the land but not the property tax. Mr. Spencer, who is an architect with a great interest in urban planning, said the DeVilliers corridor from Maritime Park to Cervantes is the best for development.  He said the big blocks of emptiness along this corridor are his No. 1 candidate for attention. He urged us to invite Helen Gibson to the January meeting.

Eleanor Johnson noted that she and Tony McCray were among the 2,200 delegates to a recent community development summit in Detroit, Michigan. (Article here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=315427521814350&set=a.275055752518194.75658.196504367040000&type=1&theater ) . She also noted that the appointment with Helen Gibson that she and Dottie Dubuisson had regarding the PCIP grant for the welcome sign was canceled and hasn’t been rescheduled as yet.

Diane Mack was pleased to announce that the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association is joining the Council of Neighborhood Association Presidents of Pensacola. Because of Ms. Curry’s schedule, secretary Ann Hill will be attending meetings and representing the association for Ms. Curry. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 17, so if anyone has any issues they would like to bring to CNAPP, please let Ann know (sfnewsgal at yahoo.com).

Ms. Mack said that any new association needs a “win” and that CNAPP’s first win was in defeating a rezoning issue opposed by the East Side Neighborhood Association.

Rev. John Powell gave an update on the 2012 Cox black history festival on Feb. 10-12, which will be called the Black History Expo 2012: Images in Black. Ms. Lamont and Ms. Curry are serving on the project committee. Deadline is Dec. 16 for submissions to the middle and high school student art exhibit, which will be displayed during the festival. After next week’s meeting the full schedule will be emailed to the neighborhood association membership.  Rose George encouraged the committee members to think outside the box in getting the word out on the festival.

Members voted to give Larry King a $100 check to show their appreciation for his setting up the monthly meeting.

Ms. Curry mentioned the tightening of voter registration requirements in Florida and urged members to get their photo IDs in place before it is time to vote.

Robin Reshard with Robert Robino Productions, 321 N. DeVilliers, Ste. 306,  handed out business cards with the web address of the Belmont-DeVilliers documentary that is in the works. A trailer for the film is also online at www.themakingofaneighborhood.com. Ms. Reshard is also acquiring 3,000 - 5,000 children’s books and 10,000 bookmarks on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to distribute at the MLK Parade on Jan. 16. Volunteer youths will be gathering from 2 to 6 pm on Jan. 12 at Bethel A.M.E. Church to get ready for the book giveaway.

Geraldine Vaurigaud said she’d been working with seniors on artistic fundraising ideas. One of them is an adorable goblet made from a fused candlestick and mason jar. A hole in the lid leaves room for a colorful straw.

The meeting was closed at 6:40 and everyone had a great time enjoying the Christmas feast and catching up on the latest neighborhood news.

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BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 2, 2011 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:32 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Dottie Dubuisson, Vivian Lamont, Rev. Carl Reeves, Ann Hill, Rose George, Eddie Todd, Danny Lewis, Neil Richards, Jim Myatt, Geraldine Vaurigaud, Eleanor Johnson, Sonja Evans, Rev. Eugene Franklin, Alexa Canady-Davis, Sandra Wilson, and Burnett Williamson. Guests included Dr. Gloria Horning, Mack Smith, Elrico Tunstall and Robin Reshard. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Rev. Carl Reeves reported that several arrests have been made regarding the copper thieves that were targeting commercial AC units. He also mentioned that the sheriff’s dept. had broken up a crime ring that had set up a shop to fence the stolen goods. He said auto burglary is the No. 1 crime and urged citizens to double-check their cars to make sure they are locked. He noted that anyone hearing gunshots (as one member did) should call 911 even if the exact location isn’t known.

Elrico Tunstall introduced himself and his company, Jump Off Productions. He is a native Pensacolan, veteran of two U.S. Army tours of Iraq, and student at the Los Angeles Film School. Among his credits are: Straight Out of Sweden, a new TV show for the Swedish market; a short documentary Out of the Shadows, highlighting the lives of young adults with developmental disabilities, and casting for two productions in L.A. Mr. Tunstall’s goal is to bring Hollywood-style entertainment and filmmaking to the Gulf Coast. He can be reached at (719) 287-1600, elrico.tunstall@gmail.com or on the web at www.jumpoffproductions.com .

Robin Reshard of Robert Robino Productions, 321 N. DeVilliers, Ste. 306, presented a short and highly professional video on the history of Belmont-DeVilliers after the Civil War. She is doing research for a full documentary on this topic. She is talking with local historians and people who have knowledge of this neighborhood’s past. She welcomes audio and video, as well as non-copyrighted music. Call her at 479-430-AFRO or 850-356-6921 or email her at robin@robertrobino.com .

Treasurer Alexa Canady-Davis reported $2135.06 in our account. Dolores Curry urged those who haven’t paid their dues to do so.

Vivian Lamont announced that the Belmont Youth Band played at the recent Pumpkin Patch at the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center. They will play at the Navy base Fire Dept. this Saturday and at Paradise Gardens at 1:30 pm next Saturday during a children’s workshop to make Thanksgiving cards for prisoners. Danny Lewis said a BYB fundraiser is in the planning stage and that the youth band is getting lots of support from the community.

Eleanor Johnson is working on the upcoming production of “Colors of Love” based on children’s books by Ora Wills and Georgia Blackmon. They are looking for young actors ages 10 to 16 to help with the production, which will presented 3-5 pm on Nov. 12-13 at Dorothy’s Dance Plus Studio, 28½ South Palafox. They are also planning another production on April 21 for children’s month.

Ms. Johnson also has spots for artist booths at the next Gallery Night on Nov. 18. Cost of a space is $10. Burnett Williamson sells her special chocolate at this event.

Neil Richards reminded everyone about glassblowers’ annual Glass Jam set for 6 to 10 pm Saturday Nov. 5 during the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival.

Dottie Dubuisson reported on an upcoming zoning development meeting by the Downtown Improvement Board regarding possible expansion of the district; extension of the Palafox Farmers Market to possibly be a year-round event; Councilwoman Sherri Myers request for information on sidewalk issues; and a call for RFPs by the CMPA for maintenance management outside the stadium. She mentioned the need to get our U.S. legislators to support the Restore Act. Unless Congress quickly works to enact this act into law, fines paid by BP and others responsible for the oil disaster will be used for unrelated federal spending, instead of going to repair the area that was devastated by the spill.

There are plans for a special Christmas shopping market at Palafox and Gregory.

Ms. Dubuisson also noted that Councilman John Jerralds has replaced Councilman Larry Johnston on the TDC and that Commissioner Grover Robinson resigned from that tourism council.

Ms. Dubuisson and Ms. Johnson were asked to follow up on getting our sign funded through the PCIP grant.

Plans for the Black History Festival Feb. 10-12 include a chili cook-off and Gospel music event.

Forms for making a pledge to buy a brick for the Pensacola Public Library were passed around. Bricks will cost $100. Talk to Gene Fischer, library director; Ben Townes, architect; or Bette Hooton if you have questions. Pledges must be paid by March 1. The new library addition will open by September 2012.

Dr. Gloria Horning reported that Habitat for Humanity received a $26 million grant to build houses. Right now, the agency is looking for people for 117 homes. The most recent project is the Camshire Meadows development on Gulf Beach Highway off Wheeler Road toward Dogtrack. They are planning to build 240 more houses throughout the community. She said that Habitat would be handing over a big check for taxes on their houses at the Escambia County Commissioners meeting on Thursday.

Members voted to have a holiday party after the Dec. 7 meeting, allocating up to $125 for this. Ms. Williamson promised to bring some of her chocolates.

Ms. Curry adjourned the meeting at 6:30 pm.

BELMONT YOUTH BAND ON THE MOVE

Vivian Lamont and Danny Lewis (in front row) are members 

of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association 

Gulf Power rate hike hearing set for Dec. 12-16

The Florida Public Service Commission will hold a final hearing on Gulf Power's request for the remainder of a 10 percent, or $95 million, annual rate hike from Dec. 12-16.

The PSC will make its final decision on March 12 of next year, and an order authorizing all, a percentage of or none of the $95 million rate hike will be issued April 2.
Gulf Power will then have 30 days from that date to implement the new rates.

If the entire increase is approved, the average residential rate for 1,000 kilowatt hours usage will climb from $122 to $134. If the entire increase is denied, Gulf Power will have to refund customers the revenues received from September's interim 4 percent hike.

The public may attend the PSC hearings in Tallahassee in December, but no testimony will be allowed, and only written comments submitted prior to the hearing will be accepted.

The email addresses of the public commissioners are as follows:

chairman.Graham@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.Balbis@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.brise@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.Edgar@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.Brown@psc.state.fl.us

A FEW POINTS ABOUT PENSACOLA-BASED GULF POWER AND ITS PARENT, SOUTHERN COMPANY, WHICH IS PUBLICLY TRADED ON WALL STREET.

(1) 2010 Southern Company reserves were over $55 Billion.
2009 Southern Company reserves were over $53 Billion.
Pretty good to increase your reserves over 2 billion in a bad economy in one year.

(2) Look at this site on prices for power across the country by state.
http://www.electricchoice.com/electricity-prices-by-state.php
Most states are cheaper this year than last -- NOT MORE...!!!

(3) Thomas A. Fanning
Chairman President and Chief Executive Officer
SOUTHERN CO (SO)
Headquarters: ATLANTA, GA
Electric Gas And Sanitary Services
In 2010, Thomas A. Fanning received $6,019,151 in total compensation.
By comparison, the median worker made $33,190 in 2010.
Thomas A. Fanning made 181 times the median worker's pay.

Don't you really want to take a minute and tell the PSC not to give Gulf Power that 10% increase on the bills of the 99% in Pensacola? We have more than 3,000 people who have liked our page so far. If even a third of them wrote the PSC members, maybe we could budge them.

Anyone going to Tallahassee for the hearing Dec 12-16? Maybe we could form a car pool.

Thanks for reading this!

Ann Hill
sfnewsgal at yahoo dot com

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 5, 2011 MEETING OF THE BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

The meeting was opened at 5:40 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Dottie Dubuisson, Vivian Lamont, Rev. Carl Reeves, Ann Hill, Rose George, Eddie Todd, Dr. Gloria Horning, Danny Lewis, Neil Richards, Rev. John Powell, Diane Mack, Jim Myatt, Geraldine Vaurigaud, Eleanor Johnson. Guests included Councilwoman Sherri Myers, Councilman Brian Spencer, Barbara Mayall, Burnett Williamson, Sandra Wilson, Stephen Embry and Dicky Hartley. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Rev. Carl Reeves noted that more police cruisers are covering the neighborhood. Copper thieves are on the increase, targeting commercial AC units from about midnight until 4 am. He urges citizens to call the police if they see anything suspicious.

Councilwoman Sherri Myers described how she won her council seat with about $400 in contributions and less than $2,000 of her own funds, with no campaign literature and only a few signs with her slogan “Change YES, short-changed NO” at strategic locations. She won by doing a lot of door-to-door walks despite her “broken feet.” She urges folks not to let big money intimidate them. Although she supported the new charter, she is not happy with the way it is being interpreted and the way City Council is being “beaten into the ground.” She encourages residents to read the charter and study it to learn that it gives power to citizens through the mechanism of a referendum petition. Such a referendum petition could be filed to repeal the recent ESP gas rate hikes, for example. The charter link can be found at www.cityofpensacola.com/pages/?pageID=19752 .

To exercise the petition option, Ann Hill explained that Article VII (p13ff) outlines the procedure:

(1) A notarized committee list of 10 Pensacola-only electors must be presented to the city clerk (Ericka Burnett) within 60 days of passage of the ordinance in question.

(2) Once the committee is approved, the clerk will give the group an “official” form on which the proposed ordinance/amendment must be written. The form will contain a place for the voter’s official voting name and address, and the person collecting the petitions must vouch for these signatures.

(3) Each signature must be on a separate sheet of paper, and a copy of the ordinance must be attached to each sheet.

(4) At present, 3,790 valid signatures (10% of the number of votes cast in the last general election) must be presented to the clerk during business hours and within 60 days of the receipt of the official form.

(5) Once the names are verified by the supervisor of elections (within 10 days), the City Council must pass the initiative or repeal the original ordinance, and if the ordinance is not passed, it will go before the voters in not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days.

Councilwoman Myers also noted that the City Code including all new ordinances that have passed is also online. The gas rate hike (Ordinance 28-11) at the bottom of the page: http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientID=11418&stateID=9&statename=Florida

Vivian Lamont announced that the Belmont Youth Band is now incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and that Councilman Brian Spencer and Danny Lewis are on the board of directors. The band is selling $5 tickets to Belk’s 4-hour Charity Sale from 6 to 10 am on Nov. 5 at Cordova Mall. The entire purchase price of the tickets is donated to the band, plus the ticket price will be refunded to customers on their first purchase. Also, the first 300 shoppers in the door that morning receive a free gift card valued up to $1,000. The as-much-as-70% off sale includes rarely discounted brands. Purchase tickets from 10 am to 12 noon on Saturdays at the Belmont Bldg. at

401 N. Reus St.

and from 1 to 8 pm on Saturday Oct. 15 and 22 at the Belmont Youth Band table inside the Mall just outside Belk’s store. Call Ms. Lamont to arrange other purchases: 850-458-6744.

Ms. Lamont and Neil Richards reported that the Belmont Youth Band will be playing at the Belmont Arts Center’s 5th annual Pumpkin Patch sale from 10 am to 2 pm this Saturday, Oct. 8. The glass guild will offer more than 500 hand-blown glass pumpkins in a profusion of colors, sizes and styles.

On Nov. 5 from 6 to 10 pm, you can watch live demos by some of the best glassblowers in the country and bid on their creations during the Glass Jam at the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival. New art class schedule at http://www.belmontartscenter.com .

Mr. Richards also noted that Goombay is being reorganized and will take place this spring.

The Rev. John Powell said his Truth for Youth organization has been working on plans for a 3-day “PENSACOLA BLACK HISTORY EXPO 2012: Celebrating Images in Black” Feb. 10-12.

Sonja Griffin Evans of Gumbo Gallery sent a reminder about the Estevanico Arts & Gospel Festival Oct. 14-16, running 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 on Sunday. Read all about it at www.downtownpensacola.com/estevanico/ or call the DeVilliers Heritage Museum at 850-602-5205. Word has it that Pensacola native and author Walter H. Richardson will be on hand during the festival to sign his book “How Great Thou Art: A Black Boy's Depression Era Success Story." For details call Gumbo Gallery at 850-912-6806.

Walter Wallace thanked the association for its contribution to fixing up the Sickle Cell Anemia quarters. He noted the group’s recent banquet and bike-a-thon were successful. He reported, however, that his organization is having difficulty getting into schools and talking with coaches about the sickle-cell trait, which can bring on a crisis during sports activities. He also said that some doctors are turning away sickle-cell patients.

Mr. Wallace was pleased to report that the Woodland Heights community center will be located at Highland Park as his neighborhood association had requested. They are selecting an architect at present to draw up their new creative design. He invited our members to attend the Woodland Heights association meeting on the 4^th Monday of the month at 7 pm at Bethel A.M.E. Church,

511 Woodland Drive

. Next meeting is Oct. 24.

The group congratulated Dr. Gloria Horning on joining the Human Relations Commission and her new position with Habitat for Humanity. Several members expressed their eagerness to work with her in finding a housing design that would blend into the historic nature of Belmont-DeVilliers. Dr. Horning was invited to address the association at November’s meeting.

Diane Mack discussed the “Who, Me? - Yes, You! Encouraging Women to Run for Political Office” FREE seminar (also known as “Don’t Get Mad – Get Elected”) set for at 5:30 pm on Monday, Oct 10 at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition,

40 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola

. Guest lecturer is Sandra B. Mortham. RSVP to 850-438-0207 or dianepmack@gmail.com.  Ms. Mack noted that the U.S. ranks 87^th in number of women in elected office, lower than 86 other countries in the survey.  This event is sponsored by Women’s Civic Forum; Delta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pensacola Chapter; and Pensacola Women’s Alliance.

Councilman Brian Spencer reported that he is also working with Habitat for Humanity on its design concept. He said rebuilding a neighborhood must go beyond repairing and move toward restoring. He shared an inspirational message he had received that morning from a friend who remains optimistic during some very challenging days. His friend reminded him that a stereotype may contain some truth but is never the complete picture. Councilman Spencer said that diversity must move beyond words and be put into action and he encouraged the association to continue doing this.

Danny Lewis also said he is working with Habitat for Humanity to measure its footprint in the community.

Rose George gave a library report for Dr. Alexa Canady-Davis. (1) The Sept. 20 benefit at the Fish House raised $250,000. (2) The contract for the Molino library will be awarded this week. (3) The West Side library on Cervantes will be moved into larger quarters that will house other resources. (4) 2 fundraisers coming up, one in which memorial brick pavers will be sold for $100 each, and the other a dinner Friday, Oct. 14 sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Special guest is Alex Kava, New York Times best-selling author of psychological suspense novels. Time: 5:30 to 6 p.m. hors d'oeuvres and cash bar; 6:00 p.m. dinner and program; Seville Quarter’s Heritage Hall,

148 E. Government Street

. Cost $30. RSVP deadline was Oct. 3, but call Bette at 850-969-0001 to see if they can add you. Ms. Rose said Dr. Canady-Davis would be happy to clarify any part of the report: 850-477-7091. The new library will be open by September 2012.

Ms. George also said that Delta Make a Difference Day on Oct. 22 will include a quality sale of “Everything’s a $1” at 601 W. Belmont. Funds raised from the sale will be used to help restock Manna Food Bank and to help meet the group’s pledge for the Mall to Mall Walk for the Cancer Foundation. Email her for donation details: rgeorge9592@yahoo.com .

Regarding the move of the West Side Library to a new resource center, Mr. Wallace questioned whether students living in Attucks and Morris courts would be able to commute to a new location without difficulty. He thought the building would cost more than the $1.5 million allocated, and Councilman Spencer said that the commitment is $3 million. Mr. Wallace suggested several city-owned properties on

J St.

and Jackson that might make a good location for the new library.

Dottie Dubuisson gave an update on the disparity studies regarding measuring minority hiring and contracting for the Maritime Park project. She noted that George Hawthorne, Audra Carter and Tony McCray are involved in this work. Mr. McCray is also extending the work of the Regional Equity to Achieve Prosperity (REAP) Summit.

Ms. Dubuisson also reported that a Spanish sister-city delegation from Macharaviaya, including Mayor Antonio Campos and Councilman Jose Luis Garcia, will join a wreath-laying ceremony at Fort George on

Palafox St.

at 9 a.m. on Oct. 8 and a Family Cultural Immersion program introduction at the Perry Mansion at 1:30 p.m. that same day. The Galvez Celebration Committee organized the visit to help celebrate the legacy of Spanish Gen. Bernardo de Galvez, who helped recapture Pensacola from the British in 1781 at the storied Battle of Pensacola at Fort George. PNJ article at http://www.pnj.com/article/20110926/NEWS01/109260310/Delegation-visit-Pensacola-from-Spanish-sister-city?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Ms. Dubuisson plans to attend a DIB Redistricting Meeting on Oct. 22. She reminded everyone of the 14,000 pound food giveaway at Oakcrest Elementary School, 1820 Hollywood Ave., Pensacola, on Saturday, October 22 from 10 am to 3 pm. Details: Cathy Harris, president/founder, Streets and Lanes Ministry, SM, P.O. Box 42, Cantonment, FL 32533, 850-324-1951 www.streetsandlanesministry.com . This group also hosts a weekly feeding and prayer from 1 to 2 pm at Corrine Jones Park at W Intendencia and S Coyle in Pensacola.

Ms. Dubuisson praised the recent live taping session of the Pensacola reading from the book “When Black Folks Was Colored.”  The event was sponsored by the Pensacola State College Black History-Multicultural Committee and the African American Heritage Society.

Ms. Dubuisson said that a number of red leaf maple and oak trees, as well as about 100 four o’clock flowering bushes are available free for planting. Contact her for details.

Members were invited to attend a FREE presentation at 10 am this Saturday Oct. 8 by attorney Gerald McKenzie to discuss winning fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations in difficult times. Attorney McKenzie holds an MBA in finance from Wharton, University of Pennsylvania; a BA in economics from Swarthmore College and his juris doctorate from Widener University Law School. His meeting at

301 N. Barcelona St.

is sponsored by the Gathering Awareness and Book Center and by the Grover and Sara McKenzie Family Foundation. RSVP: 850-438-7285.

Geraldine Vaurigaud reminded everyone about the all-day 18^th annual Big Community Cookout at the Fricker Resource Center, 900 North "F" St., on Saturday, Oct. 8, beginning at noon. Enjoy a day of free food and great entertainment by local recording artist, groups, soloists along with some contests, and fun events!

Eleanor Johnson said that Art in the Park will be extended down

Palafox St.

along Chase, Gregory and Belmont during the next Downtown Gallery Night on Oct. 21. Artists interested in displaying their work can contact Ms. Johnson at 678.754.5743 or dansart9@cox.net or Pam Turner, 850-434.2525. Cost for a table or tent is $10.

Ms. Curry adjourned the meeting at 6:30 pm.

URGENT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DOLORES CURRY, BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

URGENT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DOLORES CURRY, BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

If you read the paper this morning, you know that the City Council voted 5-4 to support the 10% rate increase in ESP gas rates proposed by Mayor Ashton Hayward. The deciding swing vote came from Councilman Ronald Townsend, who has been against this rate increase until now. Mr. Townsend said he changed his vote in part because no one was at the meeting to voice their objections. That is why I am urging you to call him RIGHT NOW to let him know that he should VOTE AGAINST THIS PROPOSED RATE INCREASE at the next hearing on Sept. 28.

 

Councilman Townsend's home phone is 850-433-0174 and his cell phone is 850-450-3257. If he doesn't answer, please leave a message with your name and phone number.

 

The other councilmen who voted in favor of this rate increase are: Councilmen Brian Spencer, John Jerralds, Sam Hall and Larry Johnson. Voting against the rate hike were: Council members Megan Pratt, Maren DeWeese, Sherri Myers and P.C. Wu.

 

Please forward this email to your neighbors!

 

Dee Curry

President

Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

 

PS The article is at http://www.pnj.com/article/20110917/NEWS01/109170325/Pensacola-City-Council-favors-10-rate-hike-natural-gas  You can also post your comments there.

Proposal could cost ESP residential customers an extra 10 percent

Written by Thyrie Bland for Pensacola News Journal

The Pensacola City Council voted 5-4 on Friday in favor of a proposal to increase gas rates an average of 10 percent for residential customers.
The measure also will increase the rate 6.9 percent for commercial businesses.
The hearing at Pensacola City Hall was the first of two needed before the proposal can go into effect.
The council will vote on it again Sept. 28.
Mayor Ashton Hayward included the rate hike in his proposed 2011-12 budget. It has been a point of contention for some council members.
Council members John Jerralds, Sam Hall, Larry Johnson, Brian Spencer and Ronald Towsend voted in favor of the proposal. Council members Megan Pratt, Maren DeWeese, Sherri Myers and P.C. Wu voted against it.
Don Suarez, director of Energy Services of Pensacola, said the rate hike is needed for operating costs and improvements to ESP's infrastructure. ESP is a city-owned utility company.
"I would like to tell you there is some room for negotiation with the rate, but there isn't," Suarez told the council.
Hall said he voted for the increase because the council has punted on needed upgrades to ESP's system for the last four years.
"It's the reason that such a big increase is needed this year," he said.
Hall said he hopes the public will understand the council's decision and support it.
"Regardless of what the public opinion is, I feel like it's my fiduciary responsibility to keep the economic health of Pensacola intact," Hall said.
Myers said she could not vote in favor of the increase because of the bad economy.
She said she attended Thursday's meeting about Gulf Power's $93.5 million rate increase and heard many people talk about the tough times they are facing financially.
"I cannot in good conscience vote for this," Myers said.
Dick Barker, the city's finance director, urged the council to approve the increase.
"ESP is the biggest contributor to the city's general fund," he said. "Just be careful you don't kill it."

http://www.pnj.com/article/20110917/NEWS01/109170325/Pensacola-City-Council-favors-10-rate-hike-natural-gas-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

EMAIL TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION: JUST SAY NO TO GULF POWER

Emailed this evening to members of the PSC. (Addresses are here if anyone wants to do the same)

chairman.Graham@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.Balbis@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.brise@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.Edgar@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.Brown@psc.state.fl.us
I am retired and on a fixed income. Gulf Power's rate increases the past few years are helping to impoverish me. But at least I HAVE an income. What about the 10% in our community who are unemployed without the possibility of any income in the foreseeable future. Now is not the time to bend to Wall Street and investors. Now is the time to come to the aid of your fellow Americans, who need you to JUST SAY NO to Gulf Power.

PS - If you haven't read the 104 responses to the article in the Pensacola News Journal, please do! I've attached a few of them.

http://www.pnj.com/article/20110916/NEWS01/109160315/Angry-customers-protest-Gulf-Power-rate-hike?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

SummerGreen 4:07 PM on September 16, 2011
SummerGreen. Please correct previous figure for reserves
2010 Southern Company reserves were over $55 Billion
2009 Southern Company reserves were over $53 Billion
Pretty good to increase your reserves over 2 billion in a bad economy in one year
====

pkmjr 4:25 PM on September 16, 2011
Just a thought...
Look at this site on prices for power across the country by state.
http://www.electricchoice.com/electricity-prices-by-state.php
Most states are cheaper this year that last NOT MORE...!!!
=======

C23C24 6:04 PM on September 16, 2011
Definition of a monopoly::: Control of market supply: a situation in which one company controls an industry or is the only provider of a product or service.
Sounds like to me Gulf Power is a Monopoly to us..We have no choice: pay the $$$ or be S.O.L.... Hummmmmmm So I ask is it legal to be a Monopoly over everyone in the Pensacola area? I am a HARD working MOTHER and it takes every penny to make ends match around here already!! Someone should start a new power company and put Gulf Power out of Service!!
==========

hallmarkgrad 8:45 AM on September 16, 2011
Thomas A. Fanning
Chairman President and Chief Executive Officer
SOUTHERN CO (SO)
Headquarters: ATLANTA, GA
Electric Gas And Sanitary Services
In 2010, Thomas A. Fanning received $6,019,151 in total compensation.
By comparison, the median worker made $33,190 in 2010.
Thomas A. Fanning made 181 times the median worker's pay
======

1966 8:51 AM on September 16, 2011
Gulf Power might want to examine its wage and salary structure; and what measures has Gulf Power, better its parent company, southern Companies, taken to reduce operating costs? and what strategic plans are in place to replace carbon based sources of power with nuclear or wind driven sources?

==============

10:06 AM on September 16, 2011
SRCTEACHER.
Great statement that I am sure all of the suits from GP listened to, but did not hear:
"I'm a single parent and I can't eat and I can't get my blood pressure medicine,'' said Marilyn Jackson of Pensacola, as she pleaded to the five commissioners to refuse the request. "I'm skinny as a damn bone because I can't afford food already. Please help me.''
......  I am hearin' ya lady!!! Give'em hades!

Minutes of the Sept. 7, 2011 Meeting of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

Meeting opened @ 5:40pm by Dee P.

Minutes by Dottie Dubuisson read by Tony McCray, moved and seconded to accept. Belmont Youth Glass Blowing is working on a $10,000 grant from PepsiFresh. Yellow caps are good for 50  votes.

Guests- David Deliman – Cox and UD Festival,

Mr. Terrence Henderson, Mr. Jim Myatt- Realtor for Todd BLDG.

Absent- George Hawthorne, Rose George, Rosemary Kirkland

Treasurer’s Report- $2089.00

Rev. Reeves offered to help as did Dr. Canady-Davis the High School Delta Teens.

DAVID DELIMAN- EXP. ABOUT THE COX FESTIVAL WITH MORE SPONSORS AND MONEY.

Rev. Reeves- Things are sort of slow right now but crime is up due to economy.

There is a new number for city emergencies- 311, NON- EMERGENCIES- 435-1845

911 FOR EMERGENCIES

Vivian Lamont- Belmont Youth – MLK Parade

Southern Oaks- Youth playing @ 3:30PM 9/24/2011

Vivian singing on Nov. 11^th

Surprise for Reggie Dogan on SUNDAY @ former Ambassador Club 5pm to 7pm, $25.00 each

Eddie Todd- Mr. Henderson has a copy of Logo for ASSOCIATION to be used on all papers, letters, etc..

It was moved and 2^nd to accept logo as our very own.

It was discussed ways in which we could use a different sign than what was first thought.

Tony McCray’s summit was a success.

Thanks to Vivian Lamont , Dottie Dubuisson, Danny Lewis for attending to rep. BEL/dev. Assoc

Check out the cultural vision for Florida.

Meeting ended 6:34pm.

Submitted by Eleanor Johnson

TAX AND UTILITY RATE HIKES LOOMING FOR PENSACOLA RESIDENTS!!

Mayor's budget to raise fees, shake up City Hall

 Written by Jamie Page jepage@pnj.com 11:00 PM, Aug. 8, 2011|

 In his first State of the City address,
Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward on
Monday announced a restructuring of city
government and a plan to increase city fees
in an effort to step up economic
development and protect the environment.
Hayward, who took office Jan. 10 as the
city's first strong mayor in 80 years, rolled
out his $222.1 million 2011-12 fiscal year
budget proposal at a special City Council
meeting attended by a crowd of city
employees and other residents.
The City Council must approve the budget,
which represents a 2.46 percent increase
over the current budget. The council will
begin discussing it at meetings on Aug. 16
and 17.
The new budget includes a 5.5 percent
reduction in the property tax rate, which
Hayward previously announced. Fee
increases for natural gas, sanitation,
building inspections and stormwater
 management would add the additional
revenue to help make it a balanced
budget, as required by the city charter.
"I am pleased to submit this budget without
any increases in costs to employees for
benefits, no layoffs and no reductions in
the level of service to our citizens,"
Hayward said.
"As mayor, I am sensitive to the fact that
our employees have not had a
compensation increase since fiscal year
2008, but I am also sensitive to the
thousands of unemployed citizens in our
city who have no income, no health care
and no retirement benefits."

PART 2

CITY TAX ILLUSIONS

Former Councilwoman Diane Mack gives this analysis:

It is fiscal year budget time for all local government bodies. If you are a City of Pensacola resident, here are some tax realities for you to ponder.

The following are projections for FY 2012:

Property taxes paid by City property owners..................................................................  $ 12,142,200

Franchise fees passed on by utilities to City customers......................................................      8,637,700

Utility taxes charged by the City to utility customers...........................................................      6,723,900

Communication services taxes passed on by phone and cable companies to City customers       3,627,700

Portion of natural gas utility (ESP) profits paid into City coffers by City gas cusomters.........      2,000,000

When you look at your current property bill, the millage rate doesn't look so bad:  4.2895 mils

But suppose you were paying the true cost of your City government through property taxes instead of through franchise fees, utility and communications taxes, and ESP profits. What would your millage be? 11.7044 mils

And if Escambia County natural gas customers weren't subsidizing City government in the amount of $6,000,000 per year, what would your millage be?  13.8240 mils

The setting of property tax rates is by law a very public and transparent process, so your government tries to keep property taxes as low as possible within the State-set caps. It makes for great feel-good propaganda. On the other hand, the setting of fees and other taxes and gas rates is as quiet a process as a government can manage to get away with, especially as State of Florida law is complicit in the game, so it's much easier to increase those.

I offer these insights in my continuing effort, as time permits, to keep interested citizens informed. As Thomas Jefferson and others so often stated, an informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny and oppresssion.

Have a thoughtful weekend.....

Kind regards,

Diane

PART 3

ESP PROPOSES RATE INCREASES

IN NATURAL GAS RATES OF 6.8%

8/4/2011

Honorable Ashton J. Hayward

City of Pensacola

180 Governmental Center

Pensacola, Florida 32521

Dear Mayor Hayward:

We are enclosing our report on Pensacola (“ESP”). Our report presents the results of a comprehensive study, including a projection of ESP’s financial position for the period 2011‐2015, a cost of service analysis to evaluate the cost responsibility for each of the various classes of customers served, and the development of recommended rate charges to recover the costs of providing service from the respective classes of customers.

Based on our forecast of revenues under existing rates and revenue requirements for the

2011 through 2015 fiscal years, we recommend an overall rate increase of approximately 6.9 percent, or $2.8 million per year, in base rates (distribution and customer charges) plus the consistent application of the annual inflation index adjustment. Our recommended rate adjustments will:

1. Provide funds which are forecast to adequately fund future operation and capital

requirements to prudently maintain ESP’ natural gas system.

2. Provide ESP the ability to maintain its current level of cash reserves for contingencies.

Additionally, we are recommending ESP implement an infrastructure cost adjustment which

will allow ESP to capture the capital costs of government and regulatory body‐mandated

infrastructure replacement and pass those costs on to customers. We are also recommending

a compressed natural gas (“NG” tariff for new CNG filling stations and the addition of up to

$0.10 per Ccf to the PGA calculation to collect for the drawdown made to reserves. We have

assumed in our forecast that recommended rates for all classes will go into effect on October

1, 2011.

We appreciate the opportunity to have worked with ESP staff again. If you have any

questions, or would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact Tom Sullivan

at 816‐916‐6253 or Greg Macias at 913‐458‐2037.

Very truly yours,

BLACK & VEATCH CORPORATION

Russell A. Feingold

Vice President

Gregory E Macias

Project Manager

PART 4

10% INCREASE IN TWO RATE HIKES

PROPOSED BY GULF POWER

Hearing set on Gulf Power rate hike

 Written by Carlton Proctor cproctor@pnj.com  11:00 PM, Aug. 11, 2011|

 The Florida Public Service Commission

could approve the first of two requests by

Gulf Power Co. to raise rates at a hearing

Aug. 23 in Tallahassee.

PSC spokeswoman Cindy Muir said the

interim 4 percent increase, if approved,

would take effect in September.

Hearings on the second phase of the

requested rate increase — a 6 percent

increase — are tentatively scheduled later

this fall. A date has not been set.

If the full 10 percent increase is approved,

the average cost of 1,000 kilowatt hours

for residential customers would jump from

about $122 to $134.

If the interim rate increase is approved, but

the 6 percent rate increase is denied later

this year, the revenue collected from the

interim rate increase would be refunded to

customers.

Muir said this scenario — where an interim

rate hike is approved but the final increase

 is denied — is not uncommon.

The Commission will host a public hearing

at 10 a.m. on Sept. 15 in Pensacola to take

input on the second stage of the rate

increase request. It will be at the Escambia

County School Board's J.E. Hall Educational

Services Center, 30 E. Texar Drive. 

During that hearing, the public may ask

questions, make statements, or describe

how the rate hike would affect their

personal family budget or business.

The PSC staff will make a record of the

statements and provide excerpts to the

commissioners for their consideration.

To be added to the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association mailing list

email sfnewsgal at yahoo.com. 

CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO MAKE THAT CALL?

If you haven't called the Pensacola mayor's office yet about all the rate AND fee increases currently proposed

in the Mayor's FY2012 budget, plus the 6.9% increase

in natural gas rates by ESP, and a 10% increase

in electricity rate by Gulf Power, 

please think again. 

 

MAYOR ASHTON HAYWARD'S

OFFICE PHONE: 850-435-1696

Here are the email addresses of all the members of City Council. Your council rep will be debating these fee and rate hikes from 9 am to noon on Thursday morning, Aug. 25!

Mayor Ashton Hayward, Email ahayward@ci.pensacola.fl.us

Maren DeWeese, District 3, Email mdeweese@ci.pensacola.fl.us
P.C. Wu, District 1, Email pcwu@ci.pensacola.fl.us
Sherri F. Myers, District 2, Email smyers@ci.pensacola.fl.us
Larry B. Johnson, District 4, Email ljohnson@ci.pensacola.fl.us
John Jerralds, District 5, Email jjerralds@ci.pensacola.fl.us
Brian Spencer, District 6, Email bspencer@ci.pensacola.fl.us
Ronald Townsend, District 7, Email rtownsend@ci.pensacola.fl.us
Megan B. Pratt, At Large District A, Email mpratt@ci.pensacola.fl.us
Sam Hall, At Large District B, Email shall@ci.pensacola.fl.us

PART 1

CALL TO ACTION BY PRESIDENT DOLORES CURRY

Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

Dolores Curry, President

Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

1007 West Government St.

Pensacola FL 32502

850-438-7614

Dear Members of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association:

If you have read the Pensacola News Journal recently, you already know about the increases in city fees contained in the mayor's FY 2012 Budget proposal:

In his first State of the City address, Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward on Monday announced a restructuring of city government and a plan to increase city fees in an effort to step up economic development and protect the environment.

While the new budget includes a much-needed 5.5 percent reduction in the property tax rate that was announced previously by Mayor Hayward, this property tax break will only begin to cover what residents will be paying in increased fees for natural gas, sanitation, building inspections and storm water management.

Therefore, I would urge each of you to call the mayor's office at 850-435-1696 and leave a message with his assistant Rita Lee to let the mayor know that you are against these increased fees during this time of high unemployment, mortgage woes and dwindling pensions.

The City Council will hold Budget Workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 16 and 17. Additional time has been allowed on Thursday morning, August 18, if necessary. These workshops will be held in the Hagler/Mason Conference Room on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 222 Main St., and will begin at 9:00 a.m., with a one-hour (on your own) lunch break. The workshops will resume following the lunch break. Please open the attached agenda for workshop details and attend the workshops if you can.

While we admire the new energy the mayor has brought to City Hall and to this community, now is not the time to raise revenue on the backs of this city's residents.

I welcome your opinions and hope to see you at the budget workshop meetings. Feel free to forward this letter to other residents.

Dee Curry

http://www.pnj.com/article/20110809/NEWS01/108090309/Mayor-s-budget-raise-fees-shake-up-City-Hall

City Council meetings are at 7pm on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Committee meetings are at 3:15pm on the Mondays preceding the Thursday City Council meetings. Please check the City Calendar for all other scheduled meetings.

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH - Be Ready Alliance ACTIVITIES

From: Gloria G. Horning, Ph.D. Public Information Office  

bracevista@bereadyalliance.org (850) 444-7041

              http://www.bereadyalliance.org

                               

One Bucket at a Time – 72 hours of Preparedness

In a major disaster, it might be several days before vital services are restored. Are you prepared?

We are now just in the heart of hurricane season and the recent severe storms and tornadoes at ravaged our Alabama neighbors should serve as a reminder to all Escambia County residents that each household needs to have a disaster preparedness plan.
The first 72 hours after a disaster are critical. Electricity, gas, water and telephones may not be working. In addition, public safety services such as police and fire departments may not be able to reach you immediately during a serious crisis.

Each person should be prepared to be self-sufficient - able to live without running water, electricity and/or gas, and telephones - for at least three days following a disaster.

BRACE is partnering with Walmart to make it a little easier for you, your family and our homebound friends and neighbors to get equipped for the first 72 hours of a disaster.

Next Saturday, August 20 at Walmart on US 29 from 10 till 2p.m. BRACE and CERT members will be on hand showing you what you need in your emergency bucket and how you can help fill-up an emergency bucket for your homebound neighbors.
Don’t get caught without your “bucket”! The time is now – don’t wait until it is too late!


                                                                  ########


I remember – I serve

September is National Preparedness Month and this year we remember those lives lost 10 years-ago on 9-11, and salute those who serve as volunteers in our community.
 YEP! – at Bayview Park in Pensacola from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
"BRACE knows that kids can save lives too, so this event will focus on educating children of all ages in their roles before, during and after an emergency," says Greg Strader, Executive Director of BRACE. "September is National Preparedness Month, so this will be a perfect opportunity to get kids and parents to prepare for emergencies together in an enjoyable and entertaining way."

This year we will pay tribute to the thousands of lives lost ten years-ago on 9-11 with a hands-on art project for everyone to participate in.

Other activities include a helicopter water rescue demonstration by the Coast Guard; interactive games from police, fire and hazmat trainers; touch a truck; rescue skills training appropriate for all ages; pet safety and more!

A special preschool section will teach parents and caregivers how to prepare for an emergency with infants and young children. Adults will also learn family preparedness, home mitigation techniques as well as tips on preparing for an emergency when you have pets. This is a pet-friendly event for the entire family.

Sponsorships and on-site vendor opportunities are now available. For more information on YEP!, contact DeAnna Poland-Stemock (850) 444-7035 or email  BRACE@BeReadyAlliance.org.


### remember those lives lost 10 years-ago on 9-11, and salute those who serve as volunteers in our community. YEP! – at Bayview Park in Pensacola from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
On September 10, 2011, BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies) will host its second annual Youth Emergency Preparedness Expo –

Preparing Minority Populations

The United States is home to more than 308 million people, comprising many cultures and subpopulations — such as diverse and vulnerable groups of people — who may interpret messages differently or distrust the government. Perhaps no disaster has illustrated the need for emergency planning and preparedness with these communities to the extent that Hurricane Katrina did. Almost six years ago, the nation watched as more than 1,800 perished, 80 percent of New Orleans flooded and nearly 100,000 citizens remained in the water-ravaged city rather than evacuating.

A study of 1,089 people affected by the hurricane in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama found that 28 percent of those who didn’t evacuate couldn’t leave because of limited means, according to the nonprofit Fritz Institute. Of those who couldn’t evacuate for this reason, 71 percent said they had nowhere else to go, 37 percent didn’t have a car, and 36 percent couldn’t leave their homes without assistance. What’s more, 84 percent of those with limited means had household incomes of less than $50,000; 58 percent were African-American; 66 percent were women; 57 percent said their highest level of education was a high school diploma or less; and 32 percent had a physical disability.When preparing residents for disasters, officials must think not only about the different cultures within their community, but also about the vulnerable populations — the disabled, very young, elderly, homeless and people who speak limited or no English. Emergency managers and public health officials have wrestled with developing relationships with these groups for decades, and it’s still a challenge for many.

Luckily there are resources for officials to use; examples of successful initiatives can assist state and local agencies with their plans, helping them to reach as many people as possible in ways that create positive relationships and changes.

########


 PRESCRIPTION DRUG ROUNDUP

CALL TO SEE WHEN THE NEXT ROUNDUP WILL BE HELD.

The “Prescription Drug Round-Up” is a one-day effort to provide the public a site to voluntarily surrender expired, unwanted, unused pharmaceutically controlled substances, and other medications for proper destruction.

The April 30 2011 event featured ten locations with deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and officials from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection providing information on the environmental benefits and proper ways citizens should dispose of prescription drugs.
Walgreens Locations:                                                     

20 West Nine Mile Rd                             
2237 West Nine Mile Rd
4497 Mobile Hwy
5995 Mobile Hwy
870 E Cervantes
6314 North 9^th Ave


Precinct 1, Pensacola Beach
43 Fort Pickens Road
Pensacola Beach32561

Precinct 2, Big Lagoon
12950 Gulf Beach Highway
Pensacola, Florida 32507

Precinct 5, Cantonment
5844 North Hwy 29
Molino, Florida 32577

Precinct 6, Century
7995 North Century Blvd.
Century, Florida 32532


For more information concerning the event, contact us at (850) 429-822, or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (850) 436-9277 or ECUA (850) 476-0480.