At the City Council Meeting on October 12th, 2010, the completed petition requesting a referendum at a special election for the dissolution of Polk City was presented and turned in to the City Clerk. The following information on the cover letter of the petition was read to the council and the audience. There was also a statement read regarding how allowing the people to vote on this issue is a Win, Win for the City Officials.
Lisa B. Shifflett
P.O. Box 114
Polk City, FL 33868
October 12, 2010
City of Polk City
123 Broadway Blvd., SE
Polk City, FL 33868
To Whom it May Concern:
A group of concerned citizens in the Polk City area have assembled this petition for your review. Due to high tax rates, ever increasing sewer and water rates, out of control city debt, and continuing spending with decreased services, pursuant to section 165.051, of the Florida Statutes, we the undersigned hereby petition to the City of Polk City requesting a referendum at a special election to revoke the charter for the City of Polk City, Florida, as well as dissolve its municipal corporation.
Pursuant to section 99.097 of Florida Statutes, we are requesting that a random sampling verification method be used in certifying the signatures on this petition. We understand that in order to qualify for this method of verification, the petition must contain at least 15% more than the required 10% of the total number of qualified voters registered to vote in the last regular town election. To the best of our knowledge that number is 914 registered voters, 415 voters in precinct 107, 498 voters in precinct 108, and 1 voter in precinct 202. These numbers were provided to us by the Polk County Supervisor of Elections Office.
Enclosed you will find a total of 782 signatures. There is one stack of original signatures from individuals who claim to be registered voters within city limits. There are a total of 396 of these signatures, which is approximately 43% of the total registered voters. 238 of these signatures we have been able to personally verify as registered voters within city limits, which equates to 26% of the registered voters. These are indicated with a circled red “V” to the left of the signature.
There is a second stack of copied signatures which are for informational purposes only and is not to be verified. These are signatures collected from non-registered voters within city limits or from residents who are water and sewer customers of Polk City Utilities, but live outside of city limits. We understand that these individuals have no official voice in this petition or in a city election, but felt it was important to have their voices heard. There are 366 of these signatures.
We look forward to hearing your response and working together to allow the residents of Polk City an opportunity to officially vote on this matter.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Lisa B. Shifflett
Cc: Michael Craig, Polk County Attorney
Lori Edwards, Polk County Supervisor of Elections
Allowing the public to vote on the issue of dissolving the city is truly a Win, Win situation for the city officials.
First of all, even before the current Council Members took their positions, they were backed by the public because they stated that they wanted to represent the people. They promised to lead the city with openness and transparency. They felt they could make a positive difference in the city and make Polk City a better place to live. Obviously, by the turn out for this petition being larger than any general election in Polk City history, the people have spoken loud and clear. The people are asking that the Council Members hold to their promise to represent their wishes and allow the future of the city to be determined by a vote of the people.
If the result of the vote is to dissolve the city, the Council Members have listened to the majority of the people. The City and County can work together to transition the remaining debt into a manageable package we all can work with. The ongoing overhead expenses of an additional layer of government can be eliminated and the debt can be paid down much faster than a 35 year payment plan.
If the result of the vote is to keep the city, the Council Members have also listened to the majority of the people. The Council Members will have a mandate to go forth and establish a plan to work through the current city problems and debt towards a better future. Even if keeping the city may result in a 35 year plan for higher taxes, special assessments, higher utility fees, and working through times where city services are at an all time low to keep expenses down, the people will have chosen this path.
Please do the right thing and allow the people the right to vote on the future of Polk City.
Thank you.
Following the presentation there was a round of applause from the audience. The Council Members had no comments or questions.
Amen!! I hope the Mayor and Councilmen here the people wishes and let us have the opportunity to get a special election. That is all we are asking for. Great job CCOPC.
ReplyDeleteHoney Bee Lane Residents..
Excellent posting, and thank you for including the non-voting/un-incorporated sections of polk City.
ReplyDeleteBravo Concerned! Bravo! Thank you for being the voice of reason for the citizens of Polk City...it is CCoPC that have true "public servant" hearts. Let us hope that the Councilmen and Mayor begin to represent those whom they govern.
ReplyDeleteWith appreciation, Texas
Thank you for a professional presentation of our petition. It was presented so well. I just hope the council can handle this in a professional manner.
ReplyDeleteI attended last nights meeting and was very upset to see the way our mayor and vice mayor treated one of their fellow councilmen. They were extreamly condisending. They are not open to any views other than their own. Very disturbing.
I also am concerned with the fact that the vice mayor, cast a vote for herself to remain on as city manager. I don't believe I have ever see this happen at a town, or city council meeting that a council member did not excuse themself from a vote that they had a personal interest in.!!!!!!!!!!
The last post stated an observation of Polk City councilmen. The one brief conversation I had with the mayor was just as enlightening...I was spoken to in such a condescending manner that it inspired me to actively engage in his removal. When wrting to Bartow or the state of FL representatives, his demeanor is forefront in my mind. No way is he concerned with anyone other than himself...and he thinks VERY highly of himself.
ReplyDeleteIt may be time we seek oversight from the Florida Attorney General's office regarding the petition that has been presented.
Ditto your concern Anon! Texas
The manner in which Mayor LaCascia "grilled" Councilman Kemsey to explain his "no" vote at Tuesday's council meeting was very condescending, and requires a public appology. Each council members should receive equal respect from other council members, even though their views may differ. Polk County Commissioners set a perfect example as to how this should be done.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Anon. that Acting City Manager, Trudy Block, should have excused herself from voting, to extend her temporary service.
You've done a great service for Polk County by setting an example of responsible and thoughtful citizen action!
ReplyDeleteHopefully you are the start of a series of moves to dissolve ineffective municipalities that just cost us all money for no good reason while clogging up efficient government.
I am a resident of the Sunshine Blvd area in Polk City. I am for the City to stay a City. But after reading about the petition and all the signatures I am shock to see how many residents even my own neighbors want out. So I say this to the Mayor and City Hall. Please put a special election for the people of Polk City. I have faith that the City will stay a City. The people of Polk City are now paying attention more than ever. They will voice their opinions and get more involved so we wont have to ever live the past TEN years ever again.
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS POLK CITY
I LOVE SUNSHINE.
To I LOVE SUNSHINE, am a resident of this area as well, I live in Sunset Blvd my Mom lives in Citrus Grove Blvd. I received a water bill fro $400.00 when i took it City hall they told me the following. " you must have a neighbor stealing your water or you must have a leak". I hired a plumber to come check my plumbing and there was no leak. That alone cost me $125.00. I wish the employees of the city use a better line other than blame it on the neighbor or you have a leak. I am for dissolving the City and getting rid of all the water meters. The new water meters do not work. Why is Polk City still installing the same type of meter. Polk County please bail us out..
ReplyDeleteSunset in pain.
looks like we have some good 'ol fashioned northern socialist's trying to run polk city in the ground, it shows by their actions,
ReplyDeleteIts very interesting to see the signers names. How many of them are LEGAL voters? Just because you had them register to vote when they signed the petition means nothing. You have to be a legal registered voted for 30 days for the signature to mean anything.
ReplyDeleteI live in the Sunshine area as well and I haven't had a waterbill over $50 dollars. Having 7 people living in my home! If you had a high bill the city will send out someone to check you meter. And last I checked no one in this area had that high of a bill. Other then the two people on SUNSET that WATER their yard for 2-3 hours a day! Then of course you're going to have a higher bill then normal.
I AM for this City and will vote against dissolving it. As I've called asked the facts and know what we will lose if this continues.
On a side note- isn't it interesting Polk City students got a flier yesterday asking them to go to POLK CITY Library to Help Fantasy of Flight! Just a stupid question here but if Kermit wants out of Polk City so badly why would he ask for POLK CITY residents help to make a yellow ribbon?? Why not go to Auburndale? Seriously-
To Anonymous from the Sunshine area: For your information we are very aware of the time that an individual needs to be registered in order for their signature to count on a petition. For that reason, all of the individuals who registered to vote at the petition signing were not included in the registered voters section of the petition. Those signatures were included in the second set of copied signatures which also included other non-registered city residents as well as Polk City Utility Customers whom reside outside city limits. In the event that this issue does go to a vote, those individuals will have been a registered voter for the required time period.
ReplyDeleteTo the person that lives on Sunshine . I would like to know how you only pay a $50.00 water Bill????? My last bill was $73.00 with no water use. It cost $17.09 for the water meter,$34.70 for sewer plus taxes is $55.00, with zero water use . I also have a meter for irrigation that costs another $17.09 plus tax equaling $73.00. You must be stealing water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you really believe that so many residents in the city and county who are on Polk city water and sewer would be signing petitions if they were not being affected by outrageous bills??????? You have your facts wrong or are living in dream land. or are very dirty people.!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteReally? Go to the city fill out a form and it will show you all the waterbills for the people on SUNSHINE BLVD! I have 7 people in my home. I do not pay for sewer on my bill. I pay for water- none is stolen. My neighbors bills are less then mine but they have less people in their homes. You need to contact the city and you can see for yourself. Its funny as one of the request was on Lisa S. address and none of her bills were over $60. Everything was under- so you tell me who has their facts wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe people I've spoke to that signed the petition have actually called to county to see how to get their name removed as they were given wrong information.
I do know people in this area have been caught stealing water. The people that live on Citrus Grove were out of town and their neighbor was using their water to water the new grass they put in.
My facts are very correct! Not in dream land but sure wish we all were! And we are not dirty people our meter is read the same time yours is and our neighbors. We get our bill and we pay it like we're suppose to. We're not like the people that have been caught meter tampering or bypassing their home water meter to use their irrigation meter or not one that REFUSES to get an irrigation meter yet complain about the price of water.
I will be glad to scan my waterbill and show you what is used and what I am charged!
Yes, Anonymous on Sunshine Blvd, my Polk City Utility bill does average less than $60, but we do not water our grass using City water. We also only have 2 adults and a 5 year old in the household and do our best to conserve and reuse. We are also not on sewer at this time. Before our area was forcibly annexed into the city, our bill for similar usage was less than $20 a month. I am not only concerned about the cost of my personal utility bills, I, and other members in this group, are standing up for EVERYONE whom is affected by the high rates the city charges in comparison to surrounding areas and the lack of services the city provides it's citizens in exchange for these excessive fees. Yes, we are trying to help you too, Anonymous on Sunshine Blvd, reduce your expenses and be treated more fairly in comparison to other residents in surrounding areas.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was married 8 years ago I lived on Sunshine Blvd. My waterbill at the time which we just recently found was $43 dollars. So you're telling me the fees going up less the 10 dollars is a big deal?
ReplyDeleteIf you're standing up for everyone then there would not be people strongly against the petition. I agree with standing up for the rates but DO NOT agree with dissolving the city as there are so many things that will happen and be lost. NO one can give actually rates just assumptions of what they fee the new rates will be. You will be getting rid of a community only for it to become a wasteland as people will not stay living where there is nothing.
The city has several services and use to offer other things years ago. By dissolving the city we face the chances of losing more services then we currently have. Trash, community yard sale, Polk City Parade, Several of the businesses, library, the parks, Halloween safe Haven, etc. Years ago they did Founders Day, Community Day, Mayors Youth Council. But people stopped coming out to participate so they stopped doing them.
Does anyone notice on Monday when the trash comes around that usually three trucks come? The first one takes our trash in the big cans, the second is the recycling truck and the third is the regular truck that picks up the bigger trash that will not fit into the can. Have you noticed that County residents will not be getting pick up but on Thursdays? Has anyone done the figures on the amount of residents actually in Polk City city Limits vs that of Lakeland or Auburndale?
Have you seen the amount of people that show up for the parade, the Halloween Safe Haven, the yard sale? Have you looked at the county rates for a business to be ran? Its actually more to run a business through the county then it is the city. There are more taxes that have to be paid. So that will not do anything but hurt the small businesses we have here in this city.
The library has already been told that they will be shut down as they are a government building. In order for us to keep it someone has to fight and people have to PAY more. The City hall building will become empty and sit there. No one is going to see any potential in that building as its in the county and Polk City is just a drive thru area. Not to mention the price the county will have to sale it for to try to get rid of the debt. The Community Center and the Activity Center will be sitting empty. What about the park, the pier and the skate park? Right now the City tends for them and does the up keep. If the county does it then what will become of it? Honestly? Have you seen how the county takes care of county parks, roads? They don't until someone calls to complain.
My Polk City Utility Bill is $51.28
The break down
ReplyDeletePC utility tax $2.76
water $17.09(basecharge)usage 10.48 total $27.67
storm water $1.50
Garbage $20.00
My bill went up a $3-$5 dollars after the increase. That was nothing major to me and my family. My electric going up $48-$80 extra a month is what hurt my family and Lkld electric will not work with you. At least if you call the city of Polk City they will work with you. I've been there several times and seen it.
You're bill was less due to not paying for garbage and the small tax of $2.76 with your water?
The sad part is anyone can go to the city and request to see all the bills for EVERYONE receiving services in Polk City for the past 12 months and you can see for yourself that majority of Polk City residents receiving services are paying less then $60 a month. It is there clear as day for anyone to see.
I feel the only way for things to work in this city is for people to come together not to divide the city and throw stones or point out flaws.
If you were trying to help me you would realize what you petition will really do to the city residents rather then push it and tell people things that may not happen. You can not guarantee me lower rates, you can not guarantee me more police coverage, you can not guarantee my family the amenities that I currently have access to will still be available. You can not guarantee that local businesses will not close down because the extra taxes they have to pay put them out of business. You can not guarantee me that this will be a better place to live.
I see it rather interesting that even though their is so much negative news about Polk City that people are still moving here. Yes some places are up for rent but its because these renters moved into other locations in the city. And when you go to Polkmls.com you look up the houses for sale the reason they are still for sale is because the owners are thinking that people will come to this town and pay $200,000 plus for a home. Polk City's average family makes less then $50,000 a year and can not afford a home that is that much. On another note several places listed on there are Mt. Olive Shores and they are an age restricted community so how can people buy in there if they aren't old enough.