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Under fire — DeBary Mayor Bob Garcia is flanked by Council Members Dan Hunt, left, and Lita Handy-Peters at the Nov. 7 regular meeting.
Council members say he puts himself above others on council
By Pat Andrews
posted Nov 12, 2012 - 9:18:51am
Most in the audience didn't know just what was coming when City Council Member Lita Handy-Peters asked to add a discussion of DeBary City Charter revisions to the Nov. 7 DeBary City Council meeting agenda.
After her presentation, Council Member Dan Hunt made a series of motions, including one to censure Garcia because the mayor has behaving "in an irrational fashion," which reflects on the City Council and DeBary. That motion passed 4-1, with Garcia opposed.
Handy-Peters used a slide show to illustrate her discussion of Robert's Rules of Order, city ordinances and the City Charter — in light of Mayor Bob Garcia's conduct, though the presentation never named Garcia, but referred to "an individual" or "the minority."
The first slide quoted Robert's Rules of Order: "Where there is a radical difference of opinion in an organization, the minority, after failing to sway a majority to their views, is gracefully to submit and to recognize the action as that of the entire organization, and cheerfully to assist in carrying it out, until they can secure its repeal."
She said "leadership" is governing within those rules, "as opposed to putting oneself above the governing body by campaigning as an individual in violation of the same principles."
Missing meetings then ridiculing council's vote
The next slides noted that Garcia had taken part in three workshops regarding the city's new splash pad, and voted to move ahead, but later cast the lone dissenting vote and "Publicly ridiculed the decision of the majority."
Garcia did the same with the budget, Handy-Peters said, participating in "numerous" workshops, and stating he was fine with going to the rollback rate. Garcia then missed the first reading of the budget and, without commenting to the council, went to the news media and ridiculed the council's vote.
Handy-Peters said he did it again after attending workshops on changes to the land-development code, missing the second reading of the ordinance, then ridiculing the 4-0 council vote in the news media.
"It is very apparent that the mayor puts himself above the rest of the council," Handy-Peters said.
Handy-Peters said a section of the City Charter says a council member may forfeit the office if the member misses three regularly scheduled council meetings during his or her term without being excused by the council.
Garcia noted one of his recent absences was due to his grandmother's death, and the other two times he had health issues.
Garcia said he has the right to his opinion, and the right to speak on it.
"It appears that this council has total disregard for the chair," Garcia said.
Council Member Nick Koval said he has a problem with the mayor missing meetings, then making derogatory comments, not simply missing a meeting, per se. Koval was insulted by a Garcia e-mail calling council members "arrogant and heartless," among other things, he said.
Vehicle reimbursement
Handy-Peters asked staff be directed to draft a reimbursement policy that restricts reimbursement to travel to events and meetings approved by the council.
After her presentation, Council Member Dan Hunt moved to direct the city manager to investigate Garcia's expenses and mileage. Hunt noted Garcia has been billing the city 56 cents a mile, for "30 trips to the Moose Lodge and the DeBary diner."
Garcia said all the meetings were justified.
"I go to DeBary Diner to meet with people who don't want to meet at City Hall," he said.
Council members voted 4-1 against him to order the investigation of Garcia's mileage expenses.
City decals and magnets
Handy-Peters also asked for a discussion of the placement of city-related magnets, decals and so forth on personal vehicles.
She suggested the City Council schedule the discussion for the Dec. 5 meeting, and suggested authorization for them be required, and if authorized, that the City Council member must provide insurance consistent with that required of city consultants, listing the city as an additional insured.
Garcia drives a truck with large city decals affixed, with the word "Mayor" on them.
Handy-Peters asked that the excuse process be formalized and absences be approved by the City Council.
These recommendations were made in place of any specific complaints, Handy-Peters said.
Hunt made motions to direct staff to draft policies for mileage reimbursement, car magnets and insurance, and for excused absences.
The first two motions passed 4-1 with Garcia opposed, and the third vote was 3-2 with Council Member Chris Carson and Garcia opposed.
History
Garcia has had differences with previous council members. In 2010, then-Vice Mayor Norm Erickson and Lenny Marks won a fight over Garcia's use of office space at City Hall, and on July 21, 2010, the council voted 4-1 to instruct staff to draw up a resolution prohibiting any elected official from having physical office space at City Hall. The next City Council, however, allowed Garcia to have an office.
At the Nov. 7 meeting, Hunt made a motion to again eliminate Garcia's office; the motion died for lack of a second.
Also in 2010, the City Council stopped Garcia from conducting round-table meetings with residents without other council members present, and from attending city staff meetings, since no council member or mayor is to direct employees under the city's charter — only the city manager.
In 2009, Garcia was the subject of a formal City Council hearing, to determine if he had violated the City Charter by giving orders to an employee in discussing FEMA reimbursements with Chief Financial Office Jimmy Seelbinder. Garcia was cleared of the charge.
Reader Comments
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This city turned down a $20 million dollar Private investment that would have provided jobs and tax revenue. Real capitol investment,not more government band aids. Debary Downs would have brought in a ton of money but it was not good enough for this arrogant city.
So what does Debary embrace, a taxpayer funded negative Arts Center that just got another $27,941 dollar welfare handout from the Volusia County Cultural Council. A bunch of wasted money on parks when we already have 10 parks...how many do we need? Sunrail is also just more recycled tax money.
YOU talk of kindness and compassion...as your council gives more debt and dumb parks to pay for.
Debary children need less entertainment and sports,they need an educational swift kick in the rear end about how their ignorant city council is wasting their money instead of paying off their debt.
Progress is not a bunch of costly parks and greedy arts businesses..lets try bringing REAL businesses in Debary THAT PAY TAXES and make money and provide jobs.
You can stuff your parks and arts centers and get an education on something called capitalism and common sense.
You want to witness ignorance just watch Koval, Peters,Hunt and Carson on those tapes..what parents are responsible for Carson and Hunt?
@ Ralph
This "digruntled little group" may be larger than you think.
What are these false statements that you are refering to, care to elaborate? You say you have spoken to the councilmembers on business matters, care to elaborate on that? Perhaps thet were matters the public should know about... Ralph?
You use the statement 'character deformation' I think what you are refering to is 'character defamation' which may reflect on your education and mentality as well.
Your claim that this "disgruntled little group will never change" is interesting.
The founding fathers of this nation started out as a " little disgruntled group" as well. They challenged the ugly political status quo and that resulted in the change that was neccessary at the time.
I still have not heard JEN elaborate on her FAMILY VALUES...or SARA'S statement " If you do not like it MOVE".
Sara, Jen and Ralph...lets hear more, I am increasingly interested in your mentality.
Ms. Handy-Peters and Mr. Hunt, a very well, planned out attack. Speaches written out in advance, well played. So who was the master mind. Definately not those two. Ms. Peters doesn't say much at a hearing, and Mr. Hunt, you admit every time you spreak that you may have missed something or you are new at this. Give me a break. My thoughts are Mr. Parrott. No secret he not a fan of the Mayor, from comments I've heard.
Mr. Carson and Mr. Koval, you two are power hungry. Carson, I am having second thought about you. you start a non profit and then vote on money from the city for fireworks and a fall / beer fest. That should be an ethics complaint in my book. Koval, Just stop talking, every topic you have to comment on.
To wrap this up. election next year. Think 2 seat are up. My vote is for whoever runs against these clowns.
We need accountability. Mr. Lensen, Mr. Erickson, Mr. Marks your city needs you back !!!
@ Jen
It appears you claim Debary is becoming a nice FAMILY town. now what is that supposed to mean? Family as opposed to what, what are you trying to say Jen? Are we now invoking the 'Family' as unrealistic social imagery, tell us more Jen. Should all non'Family' people move out as SARA suggests?
You say the 'Gang of Four' ...Hunt Carson Koval and Peters do research before beginning a project? What facts do you base that opinion on , where was any necessity or mandate for the two new poliical parks. Where was any safety, environmental or economic study or justification for any of this foolish spending? It appears you are invoking the FAMILY as justification for needless spending...it is all about the Family...sure Jen.
Research the city budget and debt situation it is right there on the city website Jen, so you and your FAMILY can get an idea of how not to run a city.
You can inform the family of the fact that their spoiled councilmembers are spending money the city does not HAVE on extravagences this city does not need or that the majority does not want. Invoke the children, invoke the Family and forget where the money comes from.
When Debary's $20,000 Christmas Tree is lit upon its $400,000 Splash Pad do not forget to tell the children they will pay for it in the future as they attend a school system that is cutting back because it is out of money. Who knows they might even find a minimum wage part time job in Debary one day?
Tell us more about your FAMILY Values and Family of Selfish Councilmembers but wait until you READ the budget and look at those council tapes. Read the budget tell us about the tax rollback ,lets keep it all in the Family.
@ Sara
I sure am glad you wrote in...YOU are a perfect example of something that is wrong with Debary and the USA in general.
You 'invoke the children' to excuse wasteful spending on 12 Parks in a town like Debary that is in debt, as if parks and multimillion dollar arts centers were a cure for something.
Debary was just fine without stupidity like the Splash Pad and the Arts Center and you cannot cover up that by invoking the children and using them for political pawns.
A garden hose and a driveway is all the children of Debary and any other town ever needed for a Splash Pad. A crayon and paintbrush is all that was needed for a budding artist. People like you are foolish enough to think you need to waste millions and purchase happiness through government intervention.
Controversy is good, it uncovers the ingnorance of the status quo. Telling people to leave if they do not like it is dogmatic arrogance typical of the Gang of Four.
Voting for a tax increase and 2 more needless parks from a city hall building that has not neen paid for yet is the foolishness of a sad generation of Americans up to their necks in debt and lies.
There is a hard rain going to fall on this sick decadent nation and there is no one we can blame but ourselves.
What do you intend to do when the almighty dollar becomes worthless? That is exactly what people like YOU need to think about.
Watch the Debary City Council 'GANG of FOUR' raise your taxes...AFTER they voted for Mr Koval's new park and the Cash pad on 17-92...we are talking roughly $500,000. It is right there on the Oct 2012 city video tapes.
V/M Carson...voted yes
C/M Hunt.....voted yes
C/M Lita.....voted yes
C/M Koval....voted yes
Only Bob Garcia voted with the taxpayers against the greedy City of Debary government
Debary government is getting bigger and more expensive because the GANG of FOUR turned their backs on the taxpayers and voted for thier own personal projects.
The City Council meetings can be viewed on DebaryPOP.com or the city website.
Watch as the GANG of FOUR attempt to stifle freedom of speech for citizens then roll out the red carpet to their manipulative non profit friends from local parasite organizations
586-855-6146. Angie
Has anyone actually seen the property where they are building the park in Glen Abbey? It is literally just down the block from Council man Koval. Go down and turnright.....the lots have signs that say FEMA FUNDED LOT, NATURAL VEGETATION DO NOT MOW.....it was freshly mowed, and it is scoped out to have concrete laid.... this is a HUGE violation of FEMA and could potentially cost the city HUGE fines. Our "Gang of Four" are the ones who put this in motion. Way to go guys!
@ Jeff
I agree but the 'Gang of Four' work for themselves and the City of Debary. They are clueless about the 19,000 taxpayers that have to pay for their toys.
Councilmembers ....Dumb and Dumber want a new STADIUM at taxpayer expense...as the other two councilmembers.... Worse and Worser will follow along like blind puppies.
The City of Debary is just another example of the cancer of government that keeps growing and getting more and more expensive.
Is it possible to cancel the entire city of Debary government...we were better off under Vol.County.
cant watit to vote these suchers out go mayor!!!! dare to voice your opinion we got your back
If Mayor Garcia called the Debary city hall 'GANG of Four' councilmembers Carson,Hunt,Koval and Peters arrogant then he is just being truthful. These four C/M's have no idea they are supposed to be working for the majority of the people of Debary, not their own self intrests.
Ask Nick Koval and Chris Crason about why they voted a new expensive uneccessary park in Glen Abbey where they live, Koval is on the Glen Shabby Homeowner's Association and voted for his golf community extravagences.
Ask Chris 'Firecracker' Carson about his relationship with the Community Partnership Program INC. The 'Gang of Four' council members recently voted for a $25,000 dollar commitment to them for fireworks. The city hall building is not even paid for and these 10 year old mentality councilmembers are buying firecrackers.
Ask Councilmember Hunt about his relationship with the Debary Little League Inc. and how it came to pass that the city bought $7900 in sports gear for their events.
Ask Councilmember Koval why he pushed for a $6000 expenditure for a new Legal Gunslinger for the Debary Code enforcement department? Debary has an incresingly pushy and ugly city government worried about beating money from citizens and businesses.
Ask C/M Lita Handy Peters why she ran for office claiming to be conservative yet rubber stamped a recent tax increase for Debary citizens. Why do the Gang of FOUR rubber stamp their selfish agenda. WATCH the Debary city council video tapes on the city website or on DebaryPOP.com.
Only the Mayor spoke out against some of this liberal wasteful spending. How dare the Mayor show any dissent at the Debary Soviet Council meetings where comrades Hunt, Carson ,Koval,and Peters allow little dissent.
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