Palmetto Bay News - Op-Ed: Rudeness and bullying should not be the norm in Palmetto Bay By Marsha Matson, Village of Palmetto Bay Councilmember, District 3 -May 8, 2024

Palmetto Bay is definitely not a "Bully Free Zone".   

Council Member Marsha Matson is working hard - on her own - to involve the public - and it is sad that she has to go the route of an op ed piece. She can't do it alone at a meeting as she is but 1/5 of the votes of the council and cannot muster a majority for simple things like holding a town hall meetings for our fellow residents.  

Shameful. This is truly the never ending story.  This is your mayor and council, Palmetto Bay - and all those feel good proclamations and certificates are really just cringeworthy attempts to hide the toxic state of Palmetto Bay politics. Elections matter.

Here is opinion, her update, published online by the Community Newspapers on May 8, 2024:

Op-Ed: Rudeness and bullying should not be the norm in Palmetto Bay
By Marsha Matson, Village of Palmetto Bay Councilmember, District 3

I am a grandmother, who will turn 80 years old this year.  I decided to spend my retirement years serving Palmetto Bay, my community.   I helped found the Village as a municipality in the 1990s and early 2000s and I hold a deep affection for the Village and its residents.

So  I ran for Village Council in 2018 and won.  I liked making laws to help residents like reducing density in our downtown and regulating short-term rentals that disrupted quiet neighborhoods.  I enjoyed it so much that I ran for re-election in 2022 and won with over 60% of the vote, the highest of any village candidate.

In 2022, the Village Council added two new Councilmembers, Vice Mayor Leanne Tellam and Councilmember Steve Cody, who formed a solid majority block with Mayor Karyn Cunningham.  They set about running the village their way.  I did not have a problem with that because in our country, the majority rules while the minority is respected and has a say.   I sometimes disagreed with them and gave my opinion.  Over time, instead of listening to differences of opinion and working together to resolve problems, the majority block became more and more intolerant of dissent.  As I did not always agree with them, I became their target on Council to stamp out any hint of criticism of their policies.

In the last two years, they have intensified their efforts to stop me from asking questions and offering my opinion. You can see them in action by watching the most recent May 6 Council meeting on the Palmetto Bay Village website under public meetings:  https://palmettobay.granicus.com/player/clip/1943

I know it is disturbing to witness the rough tactics the Mayor and Councilmembers use on me.  Of course, it is extremely distressful for me.  What they do goes far beyond politics as usual.  When they perceive that I am going to say something they do not want to hear, they cut me off while speaking, talk over me until I stop, shout  “out of order” to have the attorney demand I quit talking, adjourn before I can speak, ridicule me, prevent me from finishing my sentence, and call me names.  They create a vivid picture of schoolyard bullies, except that they are public officials who, while knowing they are being recorded on video, verbally stomp on me.  In every instance, they succeed in preventing me from talking.

I am not the only person bearing the brunt of their distaste for dissent.  Mayor Cunningham, Vice Mayor Tellam, and Councilmember Cody banned the reading of resident’s emails out loud during Council meetings.  Emails were the most popular way for residents to be involved in village government.  When emails became more critical of them, they silenced them.  They abolished the Neighborhood Protection Committee, a committee that worked to protect residents’ quality of life.

I taught government at the University of Miami for over two decades.  I have a doctorate in political science.   I have a good idea of how democracy is supposed to work.   One of the most treasured principles of our democracy is the right of people to express their views of government leaders, especially when they disagree with what the leaders are doing.  This most sacred right, enshrined in our First Amendment, is under attack in Palmetto Bay.  If you find it hard to believe, I invite you to watch the May 6 Council meeting and witness the successful tactics Mayor Cunningham, Vice Mayor Tellam, and Councilmember Cody use to stop me from saying what they do not want anyone to hear.  This letter is my opinion.

Wait! Who wants to make a bet?

The village Public Relations team (whether you call it PR, Publicity or PIO) pushes out media featuring Mayor Cunningham.  Does anyone have any odds on whether the public information office will be fair and even handed by pushing out this council member's comments to the public?

As they say, "and that my friends, is the rest of the story."

PRIOR RELATED POST

Back to my opinion: It is unfortunate that this is far from an isolated event. This toxic bullying  has been going on for far too long. Please see a prior related post of October 11, 2021, Opinion: "Nevertheless, she persisted". Did this lead to a “Code Red” being called on Marsha? Cringe-worthy is the only way to describe the beat down administered on Dr. Matson at the October regular council meeting. Was this all because Dr. Matson wanted to restore just a scintilla of transparency into Palmetto Bay government?

Opinion: "Nevertheless, she persisted". Did this lead to a “Code Red” being called on Marsha? Cringe-worthy is the only way to describe the beat down administered on Dr. Matson at the October regular council meeting. Was this all because Dr. Matson wanted to restore just a scintilla of transparency into Palmetto Bay government?

She was warned. "Nevertheless, she persisted" and now we have to wonder who called the ‘Code Red’ on Council Woman Marsha Matson? Dr. Matson believes that we, the people, can handle the truth and wants affected residents to be included in the process, rather than merely voicing ok or objections after the proposed Interlocal agreement is a 'done deal'.

Dr. Matson should have seen it coming. After all, she revealed that the Manager advised her that her fellow council members were angry with her (CLICK HERE to read her e-mail or CLICK HERE to read the transcript of her appearance with Michael Miller of the Community Newspapers ).  Was it speculation or fear? Regardless that anger played out in the late hours of the October village council meeting when she was at the receiving end of what appeared to many to be a “Code Red” – a beat down for daring to break an unwritten chain of command in requesting a legitimate and interactive town hall meeting. (There is no such chain of command, by the way. Members of the Village Council always had access to the public through scheduled Town Hall meetings - that it until now, or so it seems)

What’s a Code Red? When many people hear the term "code red," they immediately think of the popular movie A Few Good Men.

As portrayed in that movie, a "Code Red" refers to a form of extrajudicial punishment — a type of punishment that’s carried out without a court’s oversight or any form of legal approval. The code red was a major plot point of the 1992 film A Few Good Men, where a character dies after receiving a code red. In the movie, the motive for the “Code Red” was retaliation for the young Marine violating an order of silence of the commanding officer. Hmmm, that sounds familiar as some suspect that motive for the October council meeting beat down was anger by 3 of the 4 other council members over Dr. Matson violating an unwritten rule of silence as to the bridge negotiation. How you might ask? By daring to ask for a public noticed, publicly held meeting where the veil of silence would be lifted on the 87 avenue bridge fiasco and, (horrors!) the affected residents would actually have input on what happens to street within Palmetto Bay before it is voted on. Dr. Matson's plans were not for mere comments, but an actual live forum with give and take interaction. You know, how town hall meetings were held prior to this current mayor and council.

But Noooooooo. The decorum really went out the window that night as council members took their turns voicing their displeasure at Dr. Matson. This should not have occurred. Read the decorum rules.

The decorum rules are simple. Really, a dignified council should be able to adhere to Village Code 2-45 concerning Decorum: 

All speakers must address their remarks to the mayor, speak in a dignified and courteous manner, and avoid admonishing individual members of the public, council and representatives of the village.

(bold emphasis added)

Fellow residents reached out to me who were embarrassed by how Council Woman Matson was treated. One specifically asked me "What do you think about Marsha’s treatment at the council meeting Monday night?  Council comments especially”

What do I think? In my opinion, it was shameful, unbecoming and textbook examples of blatant violations of the decorum ordinance. As Mayor, I championed both the original decorum ordinance as well as an update that was attached to each and every agenda. Currently published with each agenda is the following statement that all members of the village council agree to abide to:

WE, THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, HEREBY COMMIT OURSELVES TO MAINTAINING CIVILITY IN OUR PUBLIC AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE AND PLEDGE TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES:

• We will respect the right of all citizens in our community to hold different opinions;

• We will avoid rhetoric intended to humiliate or question the wisdom of those whose opinions are different from ours;

• We will strive to understand differing perspectives;

• We will choose our words carefully;

• We will speak truthfully without accusation and we will avoid distortion;

• We will speak out against violence, prejudice, and incivility in all of their forms, whenever and wherever they occur.

(bold emphasis added)

These words have become meaningless under the current mayor and village council who engage in what can only be termed as shameful behavior directly and through proxies. Examples exceed the apparent code red beat down of their own, Dr. Matson, at the regular council meeting. Examples include juvenile attempts to give cute little code or nicknames to those who disagree with them, even publishing a strangely irrelevant video actually played as part of an official council meeting.  This really is one of those ‘you can’t make this stuff up’ moments. Members of this council, under this current mayor, often act as wannabe elementary school yard bullies. This is all yet another in a long series of events where they say one thing that sounds great, but act otherwise in defiance – an ultimate act of passive aggressiveness.

Private meetings held, not open to the average resident. Interesting note: Another thing I learned from watching the video is that the current mayor has been talking to a select few (one family was identified), who also were her main campaign supporters. This begs the question, why not include everyone? This is one goal achieved through Dr. Matson's request for a town hall, everyone has an equal chance to be heard rather than those village insiders who have special relationships and special access to the mayor.  Can we have a list of those meetings as well as the substance of what was discussed or agreed to?  I'm betting that this disclosure wont happen)

Though I have a long history of disagreements with Dr. Matson; I do also share items of agreement with her. Keep persisting Dr. Matson. It will take a change in mayor and at least 2 members of this village council, but the fight to restore transparency will eventually succeed.

My personal message to Dr. Marsha Matson, Council Member, District 3: Transparency and good governance in Palmetto Bay is a worthy fight. Don’t fear their angry words, proxy email attacks, or their juvenile attack videos or characters.

I also want to thank Patrick Fiore, Council Member, District One, who was the lone ally for transparency, who stood with Dr. Matson that night. He too believes that this is an issue of great public importance where residents should be a part of, not excluded from the substantive discussions of this process. 

Oh no! Down goes the old Riviera Theater. Photos of the day. Memories made.

Some call it progress. Proof that nothing last forever. I snapped a few photos of the demolition of the Riviera Theater in Coral Gables (Photos taken 5-7-21). Sad to see it go. I have many great memories of date nights there.  I had seen films there throughout my life; from who knows how early. All ages from Elementary School through College, Law School. I attended both movies as well as theatre productions once it turned from movies to live plays. In 2007, Alex and I attended "Defining Code Red", written by Justin Koren after the tragedy at Southwood Middle School in 2004.

The Riviera Theatre served the community well.

I would be remiss if I did not also mention that “dinner – movie” took place often in that area, involving the Riviera Theatre with local restaurants also gone; recalling both the long closed Chinese Restaurant (now a five guys, that I have never been to) as well as Swenson’s that closed earlier this month.

Memories.

Update - offending item finally removed. What is up with the eyesores? Is there a permit? This really sets a bad precedent for our parks.

2:30 PM Update.  The advertisement sunshade and hand scribbled advertisement have been removed. Thank you! 

It is my opinion that this demonstrates that the item never should have been allowed in the first place. Why was it allowed and why did it take this blog post and social media promotion to get it removed? This is an excellent illustration of the readership of this blog and social media. It is my opinion that a positive result was obtained for this village.  I ask FOSDU (friends of South Dade Updates) to continue to keep me up to date, such as the updated pictures and I will continue to advocate for government lite and a positive Palmetto Bay. Here are the 'after' photos taken sometime after 2:00 PM, Friday, 5/24/2019:

 

(Current park condition pictured above with the sunshade / tent removed). Who does not agree with me, that Coral Reef Park appears much nicer for this Holiday Weekend?

ORIGINAL POST:
The sunshade tent has been observed at the Southeast corner of Coral Reef Park for the last few days. Is this how our parks will be maintained? I am a proponent of uniform rules, that no one group gets treated any differently, so I wonder if this will be the new method of advertising activities in our parks - stand alone, unattended shades and hand scribbled signs. 

I have questions on this boot camp:

• Who is going to be providing this service? Are they insured/are we indemnified?
• Was it properly bid out? 
• Did our local boot camps have an opportunity to bid on this service? 
• Will this add revenue to our parks, taking the burden of non-users or is this more money collected from residents to flow out of our village boundaries?

We don't want to be Coral Gables, and these photos shows that Palmetto Bay will never be mistaken for "The City Beautiful", at least under this current administration. 

The 'new way' appears to have started at the beginning of 2019 with the unattended (and unpermitted) sheds left out front of Village Hall and now stored at Palmetto Bay Park for all to enjoy (CLICK HERE to view the 'Red Shed' related posts).

Street by street? Hardly. This is all a political game of distraction while no one is watching the big issues. 2019 has seen a mid budget year park user fee increase (increased fees/taxes), dodging code rewrites and increased employees and recurring expenses in the face of a reduction in revenue.

The term "bread and circuses" comes to mind - and the 'circus big top' appears to be standing in Coral Reef Park.

Let's hope that this unattended 10'x 10' advertisement comes down by Tuesday. I cannot find where this structure is permitted in our Village code, especially as it relates to Park Regulations.

Update on the wild MEGA red shed placed at Village Hall. Does it make the first impression we want visitors to have of our Palmetto Bay?

I personally viewed the MEGA red shed when I visited Village Hall on Thursday, March 7, 2019, for a bid opening. It is bigger than I remember it when it was used as "Santa's Workshop" for the December 2018 holiday event.  

Here are some updated closeup photos obtained on my 3/7/2019 visit for you to judge the example Palmetto Bay officials are setting for the neighborhood: 

The shed does appear to be securely locked via padlock.

But is this temporary building securely tied down per code?

I disagree with any village official who believes that this shed matches the general architectural style of our municipal center. Both the style (barn) as well as the red color  clash with both the design and color scheme of village hall.

RELEVANT QUESTIONS:

1. Does placement of this mega shed present a proper first impression regarding Palmetto Bay to visitors to our municipal center? 

ANSWER: No. Of course not. 

2. How quickly would the village cite a homeowner for a code violation if the homeowner similarly placed an unsecured mega shed in their front yard? 

ANSWER: My best guess: within hours after it is noticed.

So I ask again, "what gives, is this permanent as in storage for the village or is this shed a permanent structure to be opened and used for various holiday events." Is this (temporary?) building waiting for the Easter Bunny. Perhaps the building is currently home to a leprechaun using this shed to hide his gold! (I don't think the padlock will foil any leprechaun!).

RELEVANT PRIOR POST: This is in follow up to my prior post of March 5, 2019, Photo of the Day - cleaning up after the party. Is this shed permitted, inspected and placed properly on Village of Palmetto Bay property, pursuant to Village Code? Is Palmetto Bay holding this spot for the Easter Bunny?

I am still waiting to hear back on my records requests. Until then, who knows what if anything this mega red shed is being used for. 

The Village must set an example. It is a rule maker, therefore Village Officials should not be rule breakers.  

I, therefore, suggest that this Village operate (in the spirit of Government lite) under this golden rule for Palmetto Bay: 

“enforce unto others 
as you would have them enforce unto you”

Photo of the Day - cleaning up after the party. Is this shed permitted, inspected and placed properly on Village of Palmetto Bay property, pursuant to Village Code? Is Palmetto Bay holding this spot for the Easter Bunny?

Photo of the day - sent to me by a friend of this blog.

Waiting on the Easter Bunny?

You may not have occasion to travel to Village Hall or were even noticed it when you drive by, but some are taking notice of a red shed that has been sitting out front of the main / visitor entrance to Village Hall since December of last year. What is it and why has it still there in March of 2019? 

The pictures below tell part of the story. It was originally put in place for the Holiday celebration held in December of 2018 (see photo below). The questions arise due to the fact that this shed remains despite the fact that the other props; holiday displays, lighting, the stage and Christmas Tree have been removed.

So what gives, is this permanent as in storage for the village or is this shed a permanent structure to be opened and used for various holiday events. I have posted a photo a bit tongue in cheek (upper right), posing the question as to whether this building is waiting for the Easter Bunny. Perhaps the building is currently home to a leprechaun using this shed to hide his gold!

I do not have the answers, so I post these valid questions I received: Should the Village set a better example for the village? Is the village violating its own code by having a shed placed in the front of the building? Was this shed permitted and inspected? The shed was set up in December 2018, and it remains standing as of Tuesday, March 5, 2019. Can we expect that this structure will be removed by Easter or will the Easter Bunny be setting up shop, making an appearance in what was formerly Santa's Workshop?

Well?

 Above - Red shed used as Santa's Workshop, December 2018

Above - same shed as it remains in front of Village Hall as of March 5, 2019

I have made a public records request for the permit and inspection records relating to this shed. Look for an update that I will post when I receive the information.

FYI - Here is the link to the online public records request form (CLICK HERE).