MINUTES OF THE MARCH 7, 2012 MEETING

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 7, 2012 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Vivian Lamont, Dottie Dubuisson, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, Rose George, Pattie Krakowski, Ann Hill, Eddie Todd, Robin Reshard, Neil Richards, Jim Myatt, Beverly Perry, Kareem Safe el-din, Marlin Mueller, Gloria G. Horning, George Hawthorne, Andrew Rothfeder, Heather Greer and Eleanor Johnson. Guests included at-large City Council candidate Lara McKnight. Minutes were read and approved.

Rev. Carl Reeves, our liaison with the Police Dept., was congratulated on his reappointment by Gov. Rick Scott to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council. Rev. Reeves is pastor of the Greater Mount Lily Missionary Baptist Church in Pensacola. He noted that there is a growing trend toward home invasions and car thefts and urged everyone to make sure their doors are locked and their house secured. He said most of these break-ins are by people who live in the neighborhood. He encouraged people to dial the new 311 citizen support line for non-police non-emergencies. You can use this number to report potholes and broken sidewalks, burned out streetlights, damaged park equipment and to ask general questions relating to city services. The website is at www.pensacola311.com .

Lara McKnight, who is running for the at-large seat reportedly being vacated by Councilman Sam Hall, is president of the Scenic Heights Neighborhood Association and immediate past president of the Council of Neighborhood Association Presidents of Pensacola, resigning when she chose to run for public office. She noted that the new association has already had some success, including fending off some East Side zoning that a member group opposed. She said her civic involvement began as an angry letter writer, and now she is seeking a seat on City Council because she is concerned that citizens are not always heard at the governmental level. She hopes to add a voice of common sense to the equation.

Vivian Lamont gave an account of the Belmont Youth Band’s recent performances and academic achievements. Ceresa Elliott will be singing the National Anthem at the Blue Wahoos game on Sunday, April 15 at 3:30 pm at the Maritime Park. Graham Louisell and Ramel Price will be playing violin duets, etc. on April 2 at 5:30 pm at the ARC Gateway, 10th Ave. off Fairfield. Students will also perform at UWF’s Festival on the Green at 10 a.m. March 31 and later at Bayview Park on the pier at 6 pm. They will also appear at this year’s Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival. Ms. Lamont will again star in the Senior Follies at Pensacola State College. Tickets are $12 each for the shows at 7 pm March 16 and 2 pm on March 17-18.

Dottie Dubuisson gave a brief summary of the recent meetings she has attended, including those of the Downtown Improvement Board and its associated committees, Code Enforcement hearings, the reinstated Environmental Advisory Board and the mayor’s new Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee.

The mayor’s new committee will meet every other Friday for four months (the next one being March 9) from 9:30 to 11 am. The meetings are open to the public and are of great importance to members because they deal with the urban core, including our neighborhood. Each meeting brings in speakers who have a perceived stake in Pensacola’s future. Dolores Curry has been invited by the committee chair Brian Hooper to address the views of the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood.

Members expressed concern that some city officials are suggesting that the city merge and rename some of the downtown districts and change city coding to reflect the new urbanism belief that form is more important than function. While the mayor’s committee has not endorsed this idea that how a building is used is second to how it looks (called a form-based code), some of the key players on the committee want Pensacola to adopt what has worked for Seaside resort near Destin.

Eddie Todd noted that Councilman Brian Spencer wanted to address our group regarding some of the ideas he has for urban redevelopment. We are also still trying to work out a Saturday in late March where we can all walk the DeVilliers corridor and develop priorities on how to improve it. Members expressed concern about the Philadelphia Green / Vacant Land Management presentation Councilman Spencer gave to the City Council. Information regarding this program on the Internet indicates Philadelphia relies on eminent domain to take control of some of the vacant spaces, and no one at the meeting seemed ready to endorse this option.

Ms. Dubuisson discussed a draft plan the Downtown Improvement Board housing committee is working on that might avoid some of these pitfalls in finding ways to provide infill housing. She also noted that the city’s Code Enforcement is aggressively enforcing city ordinances and that homes are being found in violation for maintenance and lack of city sanitation services.

As a result of this group discussion, it was moved by George Hawthorne and seconded by Rosemary Kirkland that we write a formal letter to let the City Council and the Mayor know that we oppose gentrification of our neighborhood in any planning and that we continue to support the original Belmont-DeVilliers mixed-use development plan that was created during neighborhood hearings. The letter will emphasize that we want to protect existing residents, the heirs of property owners, the disabled and the elderly.

We have received permission from the artist to use a musician image for our logo, branding and our neighborhood sign, but the details have not been finalized.

A thank you letter was sent to Councilman Ron Townsend (with a copy to the mayor) for the $500 check to help defray the cost of putting up outdoor banners. We have not heard back from our request to Councilman Spencer. The Rev. John Powell sent a $300 check from the Truth for Youth as a donation from the black history festival. Elvin Jones contributed the $61.25 we owe for taxes to the IRS.

Robin Reshard is looking for a 501(c) 3 to work with her as a fiscal agent regarding donations offered to underwrite her Belmont DeVilliers documentary. She expects the cost of the 90- to 120-munute production to be about $1,000 per filmed minute. She has a professional business plan for such a partnership.

Dr. Gloria Horning is now working with Pathways for Change. That group’s new center at 2050 West Blount will have an open house week beginning April 2. Pathways for Change is a faith-based nonprofit with a mission of changing lives, reducing crime and building futures.

Hot Glass, Cold brew will be back on Friday, March 23. In addition to live glassblowing, pottery and glass bead demonstrations - it's also member appreciation night with surprises for new and renewing members. Enjoy the Belmont’s unique ambiance and talents and partake of some complimentary pizza and beer. Live music will also be provided.

Geraldine Vaurigaud invited everyone to the North Hill Neighborhood Association meeting on Monday (March 12) at 6:30 pm at the new Open Books in Long Hollow Community Center. She said the relocation of the Belmont Arts Center to Long Hollow will be discussed at this meeting.

Ms. Curry asked if anyone would like to attend the Neighborhood Leadership Training classes that will be offered on Tuesday evenings. Please call her if you want to join these highly rated excursions into the depth of city government.

Mr. Hawthorne noted that Paradise Gardens is working to correct its zoning issues and that he expects to make a major announcement soon.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm.

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.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

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.