Here is a link to a scanned copy of the document we received from the City today. City Response to Petition
They have deemed our petition null and void. Despite this fact, we know in our hearts that we have put a finger on the pulse of Polk City and the surrounding area to see how they felt. We provided a means to allow the people to be heard loud and clear. By deeming this petition null and void, the City Council has chosen to ignore the people's wishes based on a technicality. The main reason for this petition was to urge the City Council to propose an ordinance for dissolution of the city which would then need to go to a vote of the people. The City Council can still do this without a petition. If it doesn't happen with this current council, once terms expire for current Councilors Adorno and Bleven in April 2012, individuals who support this view can replace them with the public's support.
We feel that this effort has not been fruitless. We have been successful in putting pressure on the city to approve a lower millage rate than initially proposed. We prevented an automatic increase on the water and sewer rates that would have been in addition to the recent 12%, then 50% increase we have already received. We have created awareness within the County and State levels of government of the dire state of affairs in Polk City. We have been VERY successful in getting the citizens involved, which the city officials complained was not happening. We sincerely thank you for your great response and hope it continues in the future! With our blog we will continue to keep the citizens of Polk City informed of new developments and if needed, urge action in the future. We encourage your input and any additional information you can provide to the rest of the citizens. Please continue to read our blog for updates. This is unfinished business and it is yet to be seen how the County's actions will affect the City's future.
Concerned Citizens, sorry to hear about the setback, please don't give up the task at hand. Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to this blog and your fellow citizens.
ReplyDeleteYOU CAN'T BEAT CITY HALL BUT THE COMMISSIONERS CAN. JUST REMEMBER THESE CLOWNS WHEN THE CITY HAS ELECTIONS. I KNOW FOR A FACT I WOULD VOTE FOR DON ONLY. EVEN OUR NEIGHBOR IN SANDY POINTE HAS TURNED HIS BACK ON US.
ReplyDeletePLAY BY THERE RULES ONLY. IF IT BENEFITS THEM THEN THEY ARE WITH YOU IF NOT YOU ARE JUST ANOTHER NOBODY. YOUR DAYS ARE COMING AND WHEN YOU FALL WE WILL ALL BE HERE TO CHEER. WATCH FOR YOUR SALUTE TRUDY.
ReplyDeleteI hope we will not give up the fight. They are spending our money. not theirs!!!!! Why can't we continue to look for other avenues to get this done. We need to appeal to the county to continue to take back the sewer and water plant and to collect the impact fees.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank all the members of concerned citizens for all their hard work. Seems so unfair, that citizens can have no say in this. We need to consult our own attorney. I for one am willing to contribute to a fund to fight this city.
The response I received from the FL Atty. General's office was discouraging and said basically what the letters the city provided said. I agree with FED UP...we need to have the source of revenue stripped from the control of Polk City and taken back by the county. Below is partial response I received fro the Atty. General's Office:
ReplyDelete"You may view the Florida Statutes online at:
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/
If you are unable to get the city council to act, you may wish to contact
your local legislative delegation, i.e., those state legislators who
represent your district. If you do not know who represents your district,
you may locate them on the Senate's website at: http://www.flsenate.gov/,
You may also wish to discuss this matter with a private attorney who would
be able to provide you with the legal advice this office is precluded from
offering."
P.S. Don is the only councilman worth his salt.
Down but not out...Texas
I say recall the councilmen. They promise they were going to work for the people not their EGO. Most of the ones there today minus Mrs. Adorno are there because they didn't like the previous City Manager they wanted her OUT. She is now OUT and the city is in worst shape than before.
ReplyDeleteI say RECALL
Honey Bee Resident
I AGREE THEY TELL YOU WANT YOU WANT TO HEAR UNTIL THEY GET IN. HOW STUPID WE MUST LOOK HAVING AN ACTING CITY MANAGER THAT HAS KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT GOVERNMENT.
ReplyDelete