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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010829Il 1 M I N U T E S CITY COMMISSION, Sanford Florida. -- Adjourned Session Jan S at 2 O'Clock P M 1929 The City Commission of the City of Sanford Florida met in adjourned session at the City Hall in Sanford Florida at 2 O'Clock P M January S, 1929 Present: Commissioner E F Housholder, Mayor Also Present: " S 0 Chase " Frank L Miller City Attorney George A DeCottes City Clerk, F S Lamson City Manager, G H Cairns Chief of Police, R G Williams Commissioner — Elect, Nelson Gray R A Newman: Vivian Speer Minutes of adjourned session of January 7th 1929 read and approved. Invoice of Caldwell & Raymond for $200.00 covering approving opinion $161,000.00 certificates of indebtedness approved for payment, it appearing that this charge had not been previously submitted to the City for payment Commissioner Miller offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Com- missioner Chase, and the same was ordered spread on the minutes of the meeting: RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Honorable E F Housholder, our Mayor and Member of the City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida is about to retire to private life, and WHEREAS, for the past three years he has been a faithful and conscientious member of our Commission, doing his duty as he saw it, for the benefit of the citizens of his City, always disregarding any pers o nal views which might retard his own advancement, and WHEREAS, for the past year and five months he has been our Mayor under trying conditions and circumstances, with marked ability to handle the situation, forgetting self for the better- ment of the City, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mr S 0 Chase and Frank L Miller, City Commissioners of the City of Sanford do express to our retiring Mayor and Commissioner our best wishes for his future success. We also wish to express to him our thanks and appreciation for his wisdom in serving the people and his advice that he has given to us while working with him. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we will miss him and his counsels at our meetings, and shall always remember our pleasant associations of the past. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be placed upon the minutes of the City of Sanford Florida and the City Clerk be instructed to deliver to Honorable E F Housholder, a copy of this resolution. Mayor Housholder next proceeded to give a report on the activities of the City Commission since the closing of the-Seminole County Bank, and at the conclusion thereof, Commissioner Mille moved that this report be made a matter of record and spread on the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Chase and unanimously adopted. Said report being as follows: 13 Minutes of Adjourned Session of City Commission Jan 8 at 2 P M 1929• " To The People of Sanford The Honorable City Commission: During the past year and half there have been many thing happen in the City of Sanford relative to its municipal affairs which in the inception were shocking to the citizenship, and which, as a consequence of the inability of many of our citizens to await developments, has caused considerable strife and dissension among the people toward the government. Inasmuch as the actual activities of your Commission since August 1927 have not been presented to you in a true and correct manner through the Press, I feel that it is only proper that a brief review of the handling of the affairs of the City during the time I have acted as your chief executive, be made. With this in view it shall be my purpose to discuss with you some of the things pertaining to your government with the hope that you might be enlightened in regard to the operation of your affairs. I wish first to discuss with you briefly the activities.of your City Commission, of which I have been a member since my election in January 1926. The Govern,ent of the City of Sanford appeared to be operated in an efficient and satisfactory manner until the time that political strife was created as a consequence of proposed amendments to the City Charter. Immediately after this election many things were realized as a consequence of the close of the Seminole County Bank which materially affected the affairs of the City of Sanford. On the 6th of August 1927, the time of the closing of the Bank, Mr Forrest Lake, the Mayor at that time, tendered his resignation and it became necessary that someone assume the responsibility of the Mayor's position, and it devolved upon me to accept this offer. At that time the Commission consisted of &fir Chase and myself and we were confronted with many problems and novel situations accompanied by the confusion: of an extremely excited citizenship. Soon thereafter, Mr W C Hill was elected to fill the unexpired term of Mr Lake, and I was again designated to assume the responsibility of the Mayor's office. It was then that I realized that I would be forced to give practically my entire time to the office or resign, and as I felt that I had a duty to perform, I decided to remain with the ship. Upon the expiration of Mr Hill's term, Mr Frank L Miller was electei as a Commissioner and I was again designated to assume the responsibilities of Mayor. During the interval of eighteen months, the City Commission has been a much abused Body, but even with this apparent unrest on the part of many citizens, the Board has accom- plished a great amount of work for Sanford. In the time I have served as your Mayor we have had about - 120 official meetings of the City Commissioners. I have not missed one of them. We have held, with various parties, more than 200 conferences of many hours duration. We gave around 129 days to the equalization of tax assessments. I spent 62 days out of the City of §anford attending to business in behalf of the City. I have engaged in more than 700 personal conferences in reference to City Matters. My law office during my service has been given over to affairs of our City, and my nights as well as days have been occupied with matters pertaining to the City. The position has not been a pleasant one, but a duty faith- fully performed it it's own reward to self. FINANCIAL SITUATION The financial problems of Sanford have occupied a great amount of time. Large and varied accounts against the City had to be paid. Bonds had to be sold. Most all accounts have been settled, and to the advantage of the City. Thousands of dollars have been saved by the Commission making settlements for sums much less than the original amounts. The bonded debt of Sanford has called for much consideration and every conceivable plan has been considered. It is apparent to the Commission that the tax payer of Sanford cannot be as- 1 1! I� 11 r, 1 1 D 3 41 hi ; Minutes of Adjourned Session of City Commission January 8 at 2 P M 1, sessed in an amount sufficient to care for our obligations as they come due for the next few years. Sanford is perfectly solvent, with assets of $9,442,935.77 and liabilities of $6)9+1,593.90. In addition to the assets of the City, the indebtedness is secured by all property in the City Limits, which can be soncervatively estimated at around $30,000,000.00 The audit of September 30th, 1928 discloses the general bonded debt of the City -to have been $4,636,000.00 which amounts must be paid from general taxation, except such as might be realized from utilities. The total of Special Assessment Bonds, including paving and bulk — heading bonds is $2.,050,000.00. These bonds are supposed to be paid from liens held by the City in the sum of $2,157,277.63. While the liens exceed the amount of bonds issued for this purpose, the City is unable to meet the interest and retire these bonds as they come due be- cause of the failure or inability of the citizens to pay the liens as the same become due. The City has, therefore, been placed in the position of endeavoring to pay these obligations from: other sources. We cannot afford to refinance or refund our debts by issuance of bonds for sale at less than par, therefore, it is very apparent that a plan must in some manner be worked out for the future financing of Sanford that will ighten the burden for the next few years. If Sanford is allowed a chance, every dollar can be paid without additional expense or debt. The handling of this situation is the most important work before the Commission, and valuable information has been gathered in the past that will be of material assistance. "ASSETS OF CITY OF SANFORD I want to discuss with you for a short time the real assets of Sanford, the things you actually have, I find that we, as a rule, are prone to accept the assets of our City as a natur- al right to have and demand, without consideration of a pay day. You have many things in Sanford of Which you can feel well proud, and you should advance what you have. the properties account as of December -31st. 1928 reveals that you have invested in motor vehicles $19,312.97 and in motor equipment such as the fire trucks, engines, tractors etc $47,253.00. This equipment is essential to a properly managed City. Many people when thinking of the City , fail to remember that a few years ago we did not have a proper athletic field, and today we have a modern athletic field owned by the City and maintained, in which You have invested $34,755.57• The people wanted this and voted bonds for it and now it is an asset to our City far in excess of the amount of money actually invested. This field equals any to be found and Sanford may be prooud of this improvement. A few years ago the Sanford City Hall was located on the second floor of the old build- ing located on Palmetto Avenue. This was adequate for the old days, but as we began to grow we needed a new home, and people voted bonds to build a new City Hall on Park Avenue near the lake front. We have this listed at $87,003.49, and with the lawns and parks surrounding the Cit, Hall, it has become the beauty spot of our City. The surroundings of the building makes it most attractive, and after a visit to thirty -one different cities in Florida, I find Sanford with the most attractive City Hall in the State, but by no means the most expensive. Again, if you will look back a few years to our waterfront, you will remember that the shore line was a place of filth and unsanitary conditions. A beautiful lake we had, and no way o even enjoy being near it. But, go today along this same waterfront and see the marvelous mprovement made by the bulkheading of this beautiful lake, the construction of roads and the eautifying of parks, - it now is not only sanitary, but the most attractive section of our City. his revelation of the wonders of our lakefront has cost large sums of money. Today we have isted as an asset in this improvement about $800,000.00 and although more than $300,000.00 Adi o of this money was lost in the Seminole County Bank, the project would have been the wonder of lakefront improvements had it been completed. However, I am sure there is not a citizen in Sanford that would today vote to destroy the improvement we have made and return to the old lakefront conditions, not even for a return of twice the money we have in the project. The bulkheading improvement is the outstanding feature of Sanford today. Forming a part of the wterf rout improvement is the municipal pier and boat basin, in which you have an investment of $133,674.59• In dollars this little spot cannot be valued. It stands today as the most beautiful municipal pier in any of Florida's inland cities. Those. of you who have been here for years only have to remember what we used to have, to appreciate what you have in this improvement. Musical attachments have been installed in the pier band shell so concerts can be given for the public. For further attraction and enter- tainment, a municipal zoo is maintained close: -by. Thousands of people visit this zoo yearly. You have around $12,000.00 invested in the municipal cemetery and the City is now main- taining the cemetery and trying to make it equal to other city improvements. The Golf Course is an asset in which you have more than $50,000.00 invested. This investment 6 today could not be replaced for $100,000.00, and no progressive citizen would desire to see the City withour a Golf Course. The Fernald Laughton Memorial Hospital is a property of the City and listed at a value of $25,000.00. This is operated by the Hospital Board and in a degree financial assistance is rendered by the County and City. Doubtless less than 10% of the people realize in what manner the garbage and other street refuse is disposed of, but you know disposal of it must be made, An incinerator is maintained for this purpose, and is considered as an asset of the City to the extent of $41,209.12. few years ago the City owned a building in which the jail was located. As the a City progressed the jail became entirely unfit for use and a new jail was decided upon. This building is located on the City property near the lakefront and is an asset in dollars to the extent of $50,4,68.12, a modern jail in every respect and a credit to the City. The Library building and equipment is an asset of the City , valued at $27,622.66 The people voted for this project and the money spent has been returned many times in the good accomplishment. Your City parks, while small, are numerous and are well maintained and a source of great satisfaction. They are listed at a value of $35,763.60, but could not be replaced for twice that much. Your City owns various parcels of real estate in different sections of the City upon which a value has been placed of $133316.23 The average citizen never stops to consider the vast amount of sewers necessary to care for a City the size of Sanford, and the number of bridges necessary to build and main- tain. However, you have in this character of improvement $724,o4o -95 The Water Works is an important asset of the City, and is without a doubt the best system the City has ever had, and in this department you have an asset of $561,068.70 A few years ago Sanford was in the sand and mud so far as streets were concerned, but now you have more than sixty miles of paved streets, and many wiles of graded and drained roads. This extraordinary improvement has caused a large expenditure of monies, and you have carried as an asset in the paving $2,704.809.29. This represents all paving and streets in the City. There are many small items that might be mentioned, but I will pass over by calling your attention to the fact that all the assets of the City are listed at .$7,917.838.4+ 11 I 1 5 Adjourned Session of City Commission Jan S, 1929 at 2 P M. and I do not believe there has been improvements made that you would want to be without today. CITY CLERK The office of City Clerk, Auditor and Assessor has possibly seen the most drastic changes of any department in the City. In August 1927 we realized that our City records were r inadequate and did not furnish all the information that should have been disclosed. Much harm resulted to the 3City on account of the various antiquated methods used in the Clerk's office. We, therefore, upon the disclosures being made, set about to remedy this condition as one of our first major duties. A complete audit was made of all affairs of the City. This was a large undertaking and required a long period of time on the part of the auditors. However, aft some time the auditors completed their work and then installed a complete and modern system of records and book — keeping, which has resulted in much good in the handling of the City Aff air4. After a year's operation with these most modern methods., the department of records and book- keeping is thoroughly complete and equals any municipal office in the State of Florida. The office of the Clerk at the time of the Bank failure was occupied by Mr Philips, who had served in such position for a number of years. After thy; installation of the new sys- tem a change was made in this department,Mr Lamson was appointed as City Clerk and Assessor he having been employed by the City in the street paving department for about two years prior to this time. Mr Lamson has conducted the office during the past year in a most efficient manner, to the credit of the City as well as himself. His conduct of the operation of his of— Tice , which comes into direct contact with the people, has relieved greatly our burdens in trying to get matters explained and straightened out. The loyal and efficient service rendered by this official could not go unnoticed. He merits praise for having been able to step into a most difficult position on the first of the year, and during that year so conduct his department as to make it one of the outstanding offices in the State for efficiency. The office at this time, needs an additional person.to assist, but we have not to date made this addition, and the present force have at all times been loyal and willing to do their'best in their endeavor to help Sanford's government in its most trying time. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT The Fire Department of the City has not suffered the reduction in employees that the balance of the departments have suffered, as we could not afford to jeopardize the property of our citizens.' The men, however, in the employment at the time of the bank failure, had their salaries reduced, and although they were not at that time receiving a living wage, we did not he� any complaint. We recently raised the salaries so that no one in this employment receives now less than x+100.00 per month. The Fire Chief, Mr Cleveland, has absolute control of the department and his men. We have held him res ponsible for the action of his men and the nadling of the department. With this method placed in force the men have been faithful, and we have in Sanford the best Fire Department of any City our size in the State. The only way in which this department could be improved, would be by adding more men to the force when our finances will permit. MUNICIPAL COURT The Municipal Court in July 1927, was conducted by a Municipal Judge and a Clerk, who was also at that time, the City Clerk. The expenses incident to the operation of the Court at that time was $150.00 , the amount being divided as salary for the Municipal Judge in the sum of $100 00 and 50.00 salary for the Clerk. During the readjustment of the various departments, it was decided to eliminate the Clerk and the salary paid, and place the duty of the Clerk upon O PAW the Police Department. Further reduction was made in the operation of this department by reduc- ing the salary of the Municipal Judge to $50. 0 per month. This department is now being operated with one employee, to -wit , the Judge , and at an expense of $50.00 per month/ During the past year and a half it has been any opportunity to come in close contact with the general operation of the Municipal Court, and, in the person of the present Municipal Judge, Mr IV E White I I have f ound a most eff icient operation of this department. Mr White is a lawyer and has a very accurate knowledge of the various municipal ordinances. From my obser- vation of the sentences imposed in this Court during the past year and half , the Judge has shown a keen conception of evidence and a very fair imposition of sentences. Any person. who occupies the position of Judge cannot and dlould not, by his sentecnes, satisfy the ' entire public as it becomes his duty to place upon, in many instances, differences between two elements of citizens. The salary of the Municipal Judge at the present time is entirely inadequate to begin to compensate for the services rendered. LEGAL DEPARTMENT , A proper discussion of this department would require more time that I can allow myself in this general summary of the various City departments. Naturally upon the closing of the Seminole County Bank and the realization of the condition the City had been placed in, the City Attorney was immediately called into service for consultations, many new and unexpected financial problems were appearing each hour. Mr DeCottes was.:the City Attorney at that time and had been for many years past, except during his time in the Military Service during the World filar. We were thrown into conference for days endeavoring to untangle the situation. The City Attorney was sent to New York to seek information for us and his discoveries there were amazing. We felt that on account of the many grave legal questions confronting the City, and on account of the most important duty of solving those questions successfully for Sanford, as the very life of our City depended upon it, we secured the services of Mr Lucien H Boggs as associate counsel in the legal mat- ters then affecting the City. Those gentlement spent weeks working upon the preliminary legal investigation and after many conferences with the Commission, a definite position wag decided upon. The Legal Department was called upon to render opinions relative to the payment of cert4n obligations, and many other matters of importance, and in many instances these opinions did not at that time conicide with the views of many citizens who had formed opinions from street rumors and not from real facts. As a consequence this department was subjected to severe criticism, which was in many respects incited by a newspaper not giving the correct facts to the public. Such was the spirit created by this newspaper in its cowardly attack, that injunct ion suits were instituted against the Commission to prevent us from performing our duty as we saw it to be, and we were severely condemned for defending out action. In do this we-. were correct and the Legal Department was sustained in their views. A newspaper endeavoring to direct the Commission proceeded upon a campaign of intimidation through the Press. Suppression and distorition of facts was its policy. It demanded that we remove Mr DeCottes as City Attorney. This we naturally refused to do. He was employed by us to render us legal services in isuch matters as we deemed necessary in our services as a Commission and he was responsible to us, not to the newspaper nor to those people who have been influenced by the stories of an unjust Press. The most important matter upon which the future of Sanford depends is the successful ;�termiAation of the suit of the City of Sanford Ve. the Chase National Bank, in which the City { 1 I. 1 I Y Minutes of Adjourned Session Jan 8, at 2 P M 1929• is attempting to recover $740,000.00 worth of City bonds which were pledged by the former mayor as collateral for a loan to the Seminole County Bank and also the cancellation of $500,000.00 worth of certificates of indebtedness executed in the name of the City which we claim to be void and unauthorized. A temporary injunction has been allowed against the Bank and we have Mr DeCottes as leading counsel, with Mr Boggs as his associate. Messrs Hornblower, Miller & Garrison of New York City and Messrs Caldwell & Raymond, also of New York City are assisting in this case. In my opinion, if this cause is lost and Sanford requir to pay this large sum which it never even received, our City willbB financially ruined. I cannot say what the outcome will be, but I feel confident, and feel secure that we have the best cojnsel obtainable to handle this particular case. There are also other matters im. litigation involving over $200,000.00 in time warrants, which are being handled by this Depar ment, and which I feel we should not be required tpay to any other than the Seminole County Bank which owes the City around a Million Dollars. I have mentioned some of these more im- portant matters, but the demands upon our City Attorney in the past year or more have been unlimited and never at any time have we found him wanting. He has faced every issue/ under our directions and at all times he has been working for the interest of Sanford . He has not been half paid for services rendered the Board during my services as Mayor, and I believe I in position to know something about legal services and the value thereof. Mr DeCottes has no been retained through any undue personal attachment, but because he could render us the legal service we needed, and he, through years of legal experiecn.e in municipal law, was the best qualified man for the position. An officer who would employ a man on personal friendship alon or dismiss a man on personal animosity rather than on the basis of qualification is not worthy of his trust and certainly violates his oath. I have been subjected to unwarranted criticism and so have other members of the Board for retaining Mr DeCottes as our City Attorney, and he has been unjustly attacked because of his service as our counsel. A newspaper headed by men who in my opinion are not acquainted with the first principle of journalism have carried this campaign on through their personal animosity towards the Attorney and the Board. I know not what the future of this Department will be, but I know what it should be, and that would be that it be not disturbed in any manner until this most important litigation is completed. The easiest course of resistence would have been to submit to the dictates of aLnews- paper and thus avoid the criticisms of these men hiding behind the hand of the Press, but the manly performance of duty required other action. POLICE DEPARTMENT At the time I became Mayor of the City of Sanford, the 6th day of August 1927, there was in the employ of the City Police Department, fifteen men, at a monthly salary of $2,390.00. Immediately thereafter, we inaugerated a general reduction of 16 2/3 per-cent in al; salaries, which of course, applied to the Police Department.. This department for some time immediately ater the failure of the Seminole County Bank became the target of rather severe criticism on the part of a certain element of our citizens brought about primarily through the activities of the then well known "Taxpayers League." As a consequence of the slander leveled at the Police Department, there were some changes made by the City Commission and at that time the Chief of Police was removed. Upon a further investigation of the rumors and charges, it was decided by the Commission that there was no real reason for giving any consideration to the general unfounded gossip at that time, and the Chief was again placed in the service and has so remained to the present time. odv . Adjourned Meeting of Commission Jan 5 av 2 P M 1929. At the time of the Chief being again placed in service in November 1927, he was instructed that he should re- orgainze the Police Department and that the future conduct of the Police Department would be his full responsibility, and that even though in the past he possibly had been accountable to others, in the future he would be held responsible , and that so long as this responsibility was properly fulfilled, there would be no interferenc on the part of the City Commission The Chief, in conjunction with myself and the other mem- e bers of the Commission, decided that it would be possible to p6lice the City of Sanford with a reduced force, and by July 1925, the force had been reduced from f if teen to eight men , at the present time the Police Department is being operated with eight men, including the Chi The salaries now paid to the Eight policement amounts to $1,335.94 as compared to $22390.00 paid in July 1927, to the Fifteen employees, which discloses a saving of $1,051.06 per month in this department. To do this, it became necessary that the policement be required to work Twelve hours each day instead of Eight as had been the custom in the past. It also became necessary that they cover a much larger territory that at the time when the fifteen were em- ployed. While at times we have felt the need of more officers, we have been able to properly care for the safety of our citizens with this reduced force and therefore make the large sav- ing over the operations of the past. The Chief of this Department Mr ,Villiams, has been un- tiring in his efforts, both night and day , to make his department a success with the reduced force. The City of Sanford is as well policed as any City in the State, and at a much less expense considering the size of our City in both area and population. It seems to be the feeling of a portion of our citizens that criticism should at all times be leveled at the officer who might be attempting to enforce the law-and prohibit vio- lations. While we_:have given consideration to criticism, we have found that in practically every instance, the criticism against this department of the City Government was unfounded. as much as we found it to be in every other instance against other departments. GOLF COURSE AND BASEBALL The Golf Course has at all times since the ownership by the City, been a very expen- sive department of the City Government, as at all times there were thousands of dollars expended more than amounts received. After the 6th of August 1927, the expenses allowable for the operation of the golf course were reduced materially, and the City continued for some time thereafter to, in a manner, maintain the course. In May 1925 , the Commission having decided that further operation on the part of the City would not be carried on, leased the course to some private individuals. These individuals attempted the operation of the golf Course for a number of months during which time it could be seen that the course was being allowed to deterioate, and ultimately the individuals would be unable to finance the golf course, even through the winter season. On account of this conduct and the improper manner in which the golf course was being handled, the Commission met and cancelled this lease. After the cancellation of this lease, the City Commission began negotiations with a number of responsible citizens relative to the operation of the golf course, and we have just recently signed a contract with these gentlemen representing the Sanford County Club, Incorporated, to lease the golf course property for a period of five years with the privilege of renewal, it being understood that the property should at all times be used and operated as a golf course. It wa6 apparent that for some years to come the golf course coult not be operated successfully by the City and that its operation would be a loss to a private indiv- idual. Unless the citizens who are now organized as a Country Club can operate the golf cours , it is apparent to me that it will be impossible for the course to be operated. I cannot help 11 I 1 1 a ADJOURNED SESSION: Jan 8, at 2 P M 1929• however, but have full faith in the ability of these citizens who are taking full charge of the golf course to properly maintain and operate the course. It is possible that they may for a few years to come be forced to call upon the City for a small appropriation to assist in the operation, but there is no question but what the golf course today is a necessary recre- ation for any City and reasonable appropriation can be made by this City in the future to assist these gentlemen in an endeavor to maintain and operate a proper course. Therefore, with the present arrangement the City is relieved of an expenditure of approximately $10,000.00 a year for the operation of the course. In the summer of 1927 the City of Sanford operated the Municipal Baseball team, and this operation coat the City Thousands of Dollars. After the change of affairs the City closed out the season and,it was decided by the Commission that no further appropriations would be made for municipal baseball, and this particular recreation was removed from the budget. As a consequence of the abandonment of the baseball program, there was a saving to the City of Some Twenty odd Thousand Dollars. STREETS,PARKS AND SANITATION This Department of the City in July 1927 was being operated with the employment of One Hundred Forty Seven men, and in this department we felt that material reduction could be made in the number of employees. As a consequence of consistent working with those in charge of the different divisions, in July 1929, this department was being operated with Thirty two men, which is about the number that is now employed by the City in the operation. of these divisions. In July 1927, the amount of money expended monthly for salaries amounted to $10,197.39. In July 1928, the amount expended in these divisions amounted to $2,011.07 showing a monthly saving of approximately $8,186.32. To accomplish this drastic saging it became necessary for many things that had been cared for in the past under different divisions to be combined and thereby eliminate some employees. We were able to assist in the Street Department by the creation of a road gang of those who were imprisoned in the City jail and unable to pay fines. At the present time this department is being properly handled, and with the assistance of the public it can be more successfully handled than at the present . Mr James Moughton, who is in charge of these various divisions, has been able to render marvelous service with the restricted number of men. A general survey of the town will stand as evidence of the character of management exhibited by him. The only changes that could possibly be made in this department for its betterment, would be the addition of more employees, but, of course, this cannot be accom- plished without adding to the expense and this naturally will be avoided as long as possible. CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE The office of the City Manager of the City is one that came in for considerable discussion during the first few months of my administration. Mr Williams was at that time, City Manager and had filled the position for a number of years. His service had been honest and faithful and he had served the City to advantage during the boom days when construction work was at a premium. Mr Williams remained as Manager until the first of January , at which time he tendered his resignation which was accepted. Mr Cairns, your present Manager, was employed after considering many applicants by your Board. During the past we have disposed of the gas plant, and the Manager of the Gas Plant and Water Plant went with the new gas owners, and the work of supervision of the water works was given over to the Manager. In this work he has accomplished much in the betterment of ADJOURNED SESSION OF CITY COMMISSION JAN S, 1929 at 2 P M. the water works department. The offices of Electrical Inspector, Building Inspector and Plumbing Inspector were abolished and this work taken over by the Manager's office. In the combining of all this work under the Manager and abolishing of these offices there was a monthly saving of $450.00 effected in salaries paid. The Manager's duties have been in addition to the above, varied and many, and I feel that he has given us his best efforts and faithful service. Where are other departments of the City Government that might be discussed, and much material changes in reduction have been invoked that I shall not at this time endeavor to enter into a discussion of these different divisions. In summarizing the general oper- ation of the City of Sanford during my administration as Mayor. A comparative statement of the operationg expenses of Sanford shows that in July 1927, l:. the month prior to my taking the Mayor's position, there were employed in all various depart- ments of the City Two Hundred Six persons, and the total salaries paid was $17,343.00 per month. That with the other operating expenses incident to the operation of the departments was $10,418.37, showing a grand total of operation in the month of July 1927, of $332745.47 - In the month of July 1929, approximately a year after I became Mayor of the City, the number of persons employed was Sixty nine and the salaries paid amounted to $6,420.33. The other operating expenses incident to the departments 3,750.96. The total operating expenses, $10,274.14. These figures disclose that the City was being operated after a year's careful attention with One hundred thirty seven employees less than in 1927, and with a saving in mone expended of $23,471.33 per month. This comparative statement discloses a vast reduction in the number of employees and a consequent saving to the City. Some of these reductions in saving have been occasioned by the abandonment of certain projects that the City was operating in July 1927, and which we believe could be dispensed with after a close study and consideration. It has not been an easy matter to make the reduction of the number of employees because in each instance it meant the dismissing of a man from a position in which he had been ea.rning.I., his living and at a time that positions were at a premium. In most every instance the dismissal had to take place through the general curtailment of expenses and not through any inefficiency of employee. Those who did remain in the employment were forced to accept reduced 'salaries on account of the departmens to make a general reduction in expenses, but in many instances the salaries were reduced below a living wage. From our experience we found that it was an easy matter to employ a man and pay him a good salary and a very difficult and embarass'ing situation. to discharge a man and out the others salary, but this work has been accomplishdd during the past year and a half and future administrations will ndc be embarassed by the demand for further reductions. THE CITY AND THE PRESS It may be that consideration of the Press sould not occupy our time, but during the past year and a half so much has been done by the Press in our City, in my opinion to injure the etLtire citizenship, and more especially the officials , and more particularly myself, that the effect and injury occasioned by the newspaper has been nation wide and should naturally be notices as one of the important happenings in our municipality. Every citizen in Sanford is a stockholder in the City government, and we as your i Commission are the directors to handle your business. You have a right to know what is being done, and you have a right to rely upon your newspaper to give you the correct information. j Therefore, the newspaper owes a duty to the readers to honestly and f iathfully record the doings of its City government. To give you the true facts whether the newspaper agrees with U� 1 1 1 i� ADJOURNED SESSION JANUARY 8, at 2 P b+i 1929 the manner in which the matter is handled or not. To be sure of the facts published and in important matters have their articles checked before printing and broadcasting to the public. City news reports should not be colored by improper headings, but should recite true facts. They should not deal in personal dislike and animosity towards City Officials, thereby' depriving the people of the true facts surrounding their government. The Press in our City in my opinion has deliberately failed in fulfilling its obligation to its readers and has thereby greatly injured the community. The profession of :j.ournalism is a great profession and has enrolled in its membership some of the brightest minds in the history of our country. It has in its ranks men of the highest integrity, untiring workers for the upbuilding of our country and the establishment of our splendid institutions. They use the "liberty of the press" as a means for the promotion of all that is good and noble among their fellow men. They discuss in the columns of their newspapers public questions in a spirit of fairness. They abhor and loathe the methods of those scandal mongers who traffic in sensational stories to their sordid profit. Our people have nothing to fear from the true journalist. Our government and our institutions are safely guarded by them in the field of their labors. But it is from the operations of a newspaper by psuedo- journalists that the people can expect and receive injury and insult, such as we have. Some writers who, claiming the protection of that clause in our Constitution which provides that "Every person may fully speak and write his sentiments on all subjects," dip their pens in the ink of morbid thoughts and with the recklessness born of irresponsibility , attack the integrity and honor of governmental institutions and the characters of men and women with equal abandon, ignoring the same admonition contained in the same section of the Declaration of Rights, viz; that they should be held "responsible for the abuse of that right to speak and write their sentiments on all subjects." The past year and a half is the first time in the history of Sanford that the municipals and its officials have been subjected to libelous articles impugning the integrity, dignity and authority of the municipality. It is to be hoped that the good sense of the people, their love of order and respect for the institutions of our .government, will operate to restrain the impuslive and ill- natured words of those among us who seem to be alert to suspect and ready to condemn, and who so sillingly traffic in scandal and sensation which leads them to attacks upon the integrity and authority of our institutions. It was not the purpose of the framers of our Constitution or the people in adopting it to permit any citizen to attack unjustly in public print the character of any other citizen nor to impugn the integrity, honor and authority of our officials with impunity. The true re- port of the preens is amply secured by permitting every man to publish his opinion, but it is due to the peace and dignity of society to inquire in to the motives of such -publications and to distinguish between those which are for reformation and the public good and those which are intended merely to delude and defame. To those of the latter description it is impossible that any good government should afford protection and impunity. The Commission has been constituted of men who sincerely desired to administer the affairs of the City with fairness and impartiality and who have exercised their best judgment in the behalf of the municipality. That judgment has not met with the approval of self- aT�pointed censors of public moraltiy and civic virtue, but when such persons so ignore their loyalty to the government as to attempt the destruction of the efficiency of the officials as has been done by the Press of our City by imputing to its officers a lack of integrity and honest purpos, they should be rebuked for such conduct to the end that the people may be protected from further ADJOURNED SESSION JAN 8, 2 P M 1 insult and injury at the hands of such persons. I have said these things because the officials representing the people have been caused every conceivable humiliation by the Press of the City and have been forced to sub- mit to public insult as a consequence of the paper's deliberate attempt to inflame the people against their government. I have respected the office which I have occupied and mention the dependence of the municipality on the Press with the hope that the future good might result to Sanford. "TAXATION The average citizen's interest in the governmental affairs of the City usually might be summarized in the expression, If what amount of taxes am I going to be required to pay." Every government is confronted with two classes of citizens, namely the tax paying citizen and the non —tax paying citizen. These may be generally considered as that class of citizens who have representation through taxation and that class who have representation wi out taxation. As a general principle it seems that the person who lives within the confines of the government and fails to fall within the taxation class of citizenship usually has more to say in regard to the representation that people have on the government than the cit zen who is paying and should be entitled to a voice in the affairs of the government under which he lives. The question of taxation has been one which has been the basis of practically all the troubles of all the governments since the beginning of history. The heavy burden of taxtion has, in many instances, brought about reforms in governments in the European countrie which have been extremely beneficial to the advancement of civilization, and the people of America have been blessed in the past years because of the advanced systems of tax ation that have been adopted by the various governmental agencies throughout the country. But, with all of the one hundred years of effort in regard to the question of taxation and the equalization of taxes, we still find that without a doubt the question of taxation arxd equalization of taxes is the most important question facing the American people today. A visit to over thirty cities in the State of Florida during the past six weeks has convinced us that the municipalities within the State of Florida have a taxation problem that is practically beyond comparison with any other section in the United States. The values placed against the properties within the corporate limits of the thirty odd cities have been determined in practically all instances by the inf lated.vlaues caused by the boom. which struck the State of Florida like a bolt of lightning. At the time these values were created there was no objection offered by the average tax payer because of the fact that the tax payer, in most instances felt that his property was worth considerable more than the assessments determined. In many instances, to further fortify his feeling, he had re- fused prices far in advance of the then s woe, w v,ax.c e_ As a cunsegbence the values were raised throughout the State and continued to advance during the years 1925, 1926 and in most instances in 1927- Since -the explosion of the boom and th,e general adverse conditions created in the State of Florida, particularly in regard to real estate activity, the proper owner has begun to give some attention and consideration to his problem of taxation on acco of the extreme raises made in value and the absolute reversal in present real estate con- ditions, the problem of readjusting the assessed values of real estate throughout the vario municipalities in a manner whereby taxation will be equalized, having,in view the necessity to care for the extreme debts created through bonding by all the municipalities throughout the southern section of Florida, is the question that is uppermost in the minds of the vario 1 1 1' Adjourned Session of City Commission Jan 6, 1929 at 2 P IQ. official bodies throughout the various cities affected. And this question is one with which the City Commission of Sanford has dealt with continuously during the past four months. Curing the year 1927 the assessed valuation placed upon the entire property within the City limits amounted to $21,727.599.00 . On account of the conditions discovered in the affairs of the City at the time of the closing of the Seminole County Bank, it became necessary that the millage be raised, and for the year 1927 the millage was raised to 25, which represented a 10 mill increase over the tax rate of 1926. A comparison of the assessed valuation, millage and total tax assessmnt during the past seven years discloses that for the year 1922 the assessed value was $6,482,594.00 the rate of millage was 18, arr? the total taxes collectable was $116,690.55. For the year 1923 the assessed valuation was $7,036.782.00 , the rate of millage, 18, and the total taxes collectable $126,664.37. In the year 1924 the assessed valuation'was $8,489.554.00 and the rate of millage 18, total taxes collectable $152,812.78. For the year 1925 the assessed valuation was $11,553,098.00, millage 18, and total taxes collectable $207,913.76. The year 1926, the assessed valuation was $19,450,748.00, the millage was 15, and the total taxes collectable $291,796.02. For the year 1927, the assessed valuation was :21,727/599.00, millage rate 25, and total taxes collectable $543,049.60. These figures disclose the fact that during the years 1922, 1923,'1924 and 1925 that the increase in assessed valuation might be consid- ered-as a normal increase caused from the general growth of the City. The increase created in the year 1926, which represented an increase of about $8,000,000.00 represents an increased assessed value over and above what might be considered a normal increase of improved or addi- tional taxable property. An explanation of this material increase seems to be that the assessed values were raised to this figure and the millage was lowered from 18 to 15, which would create the average normal increase in the tax assessable property within the City limits. In the year 1927 the assessable valuation of the property in the City was increased approximately, $2,225,000.00, which increase represented the increase in taxable properties within the City .limits over,the previous year. This incr -ease would a-,pear in most instances to be unwarranted because of the fact that the values had been materially increased in 1926, but the increase as Wade in 1927 would not have been a burden had it not been for the fact that on account of the necessity of raising larger sums of money during 1927 to take care of the conditions that were found to exist at the ti.:e of the closing of the bank, the value would have been a fair value upon a lj mill basis and would not have created an additonal burden. After the failure of-the Seminole County Bank many of our citizens seemed to have lost hope because of the adverse conditions apparently created in Sanford after that date. It was after this failure that the City Commission spent many weeks considering the absolute necessities for the City for the year 1927, and after a thorough consideration of the conditions confronting Sanford, the Commission at that time decided to make a levy of 25 mills on the assessed valuation so as to be able 'to continue to operate the City. In the early summer of 1928 fir Miller and myself , representing the City Commission, entered upon the work of checking the tax assessment roll of the City of Sanford for the pur- pose of equalizing the assessments insofar as possible, realizing as we had from an examination of the past that the assessments on'much of the property in our City were not proper. This proved to be one of the largest undertakings of the City Commission during my adrainistratic and the work required our constant attention for more than One Hundred and Twenty days. During this time we checked every parcel of property in the City of Sanford in conjunction with Mr Lamson, the tax assessor, and determined as best we could, with the limit to time and our knowledge of the properties, the values that should be placed against the property for the ADJOURNED SESSION OF CITY 001MISSION JAN S, 1929 at 2 P M. coming year. After this work had been completed we notified every tax payer in the City of Sanford cf the assessed value of his property and requested the tax payer to appear before the City Commission at a time stated for the purpose of discussing this assessment with the Commission should the assessment not be satisfactory. We were in session for more than fifteen days for the purpose of hearing these complaints and having these discussions with the citizene and several hundred property owners appeared and.discussed the question of taxation with the Commission. After the close of these hearings the final assessed values were made against the taxable property in the City of Sanford for the year 1929. As a consequence of the personal checking of the tax assessment roll and the notifica- tion to the property owners, the tax assessment value for the entire City of Sanford was re- duced to $15,943,635.19 Showing a reduction over the year 1927 of 4,783,960.91. The work accomplished by the Commission insofar as the reduction of values was concerned, did not give to every property owner a reduced value over previous years because.we were confronted with t situation that, first, required the reduction of the boom values placed upon the business prop ty immediately adjacent thereto, and also upon the vacant subdivision property on the outskirt of the City. However, having in mind the fact that all of the citizens would not receive a reduction in value, we made reductions in operation and in other manners so that the millage for the year 1925 would be five mills less than for 1927, and thereby give all of the prope owners in the City a reduction over previous years taxes. This work required a great sacrifice on the part of Iur Miller and myself, inasmuch as it required more of our time and attention, continuously f-or over four months than all the other affeirs of the City, but as we realized that some step must be taken to begin the clearifying of the tax problems, we felt that the time must be given to this work. I am sure that today the tax assessment roll of Sanford is nearer equalized than ever before in the history of the City. However, we well know that the problem is not completely solved and that it will take years of constant effort on the part of future Commissions to fully equalize taxes in Sanford. There are many other things that have happened during the past year and a half that I would like to revies with you, but I feel that it would be an imposition to further occupy 1. your time, and I wish to say that the records of the City will fully disclose all the actions and I hope that you will acquaint yourselves with the facts. My fellow citizens, in closing I desire to express my appreciation to the Citizens who during our greatest crisis were able to remain loyal to their government and extend their support. I shall always feel grateful to Mr S 0 Chase Mr W C Hill and Mr F L Miller, who have during my administration served so faithfully as fellow Commissioners. They are well acquanted with the true conditions of your government and their loyalty and fidelity is my greatest reward. The public service corporations have been most loyal and at a time when needed. The Florida Power & Light Company and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company have at all times given their united support, and the local managers are to a great extent responsible for thie ,loyalty. 0 11 1 r, 1� C 1 1 1 ADJOURNED SESSION OF CITY CO 11ISSION JAN S, 1929 at 2 P M. To the new members of our Commission I extend my very best wishes. You are about to assume a most trying public responsibility. I am turning the government over to you, not perfect it is true, but as good as it could be made under the circumstances. And now as I retire to private life and personal endeavor after twelve years of public service to the citizens of Sanford and Seminole County, I wish to thank you for the loyalty and kindness shown me during that time. Gentlemen, I am now through and will retire." The Clerk next announced that Mr Nelson Gray, Mr R A Newman and Mr Vivian A Speer the incoming Commissioners had duly taken, and assumed their oaths of office as members of the City Commission, and that said oaths in writing signed by said Commissioners had been filed as part of the public records of the City . There being no further business to come before this Commission, as at present consti- tuted, Commissioner Miller moved that the meeting be adjourned sine die. Seconded by Commissioner Chase. Attest: City Ctezk. Mayor I Ll PW'- 1 1 Ll 1 1 17- MINUTES OF MEETING OF CITY C0MMISSION . JANUARY The City Commission of the City of Sanford Florida met in Regular Session at the City Hall in Sanford Florida at Three O'Clock P M January 8, 1929• Present: Commissioner n n 0 n City Attorney City Clerk City Manager S 0 Chase Frank L Miller Nelson Gray R A Newman Vivian A Speer George A DeCottes F S Lamson G H Cairns Chief of Police R G ".'Williams Upon motion duly made and seconded, Commissioner Chase was appointed temporary Chairman of the meeting. The Chairman announced that the first order of business would be the election of a Mayor, to serve and hold said office until the First Tuesday after the first Monday in January 1930. Newman. Commissioner Speer nominated Commissioner Nelson Gray, seconded by Commissioner Commissioner Chase nominated Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Gray. Thereupon, upon the roll being called the vote stands as follows: For Commissioner Miller: S 0 Chase Aye Nelson Gray Aye For Commissioner Gray: Frank L Miller Aye R A Newman Aye Vivian A Speer Aye. Thereupon the Temporary Chairman announced that the Commission had elected Commission er Nelson Gray as Mayor of the City of Sanford Florida to hold office until the First . Tuesday after the first Monday in January 1930; and the Clerk was instructed to administer the Oath of Office to Commissioner Gray, which was done, said signed oath being filed as a part of the public records of the City of Sanford Florida. There being no further business, and upon motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Chase, the meeting adjourned. Attest: City Clerk.