Falling at the end of every regular meeting, commissioners’ comments is the time when any commissioner can express their thoughts on an issue or request an item come up at a future meeting, often with just a few people left in the audience as all the city’s business has been completed.
In an unusual occurrence, Vice-Mayor Bob Barnas took the liberty of offering a motion to hire former office manager and current interim city manager Jeri Langman as High Springs’ permanent city manager during his comments at the end of the meeting, long after most of the audience left the room.
The commission voted 3-1 on Barnas’ motion — Commissioner Sue Weller in dissent — to hire Langman at a base salary of $55,000 annually plus taxes, insurance, and benefits.
An identical motion was previously attempted by Barnas on January 26, but it failed with only Barnas and Commissioner Linda Gestrin voting for the measure. Mayor Dean Davis, who at the time said he voted against it because he “didn’t believe in this form of government,” changed his stance and supported the motion to make Langman permanent on Thursday.
To prevent such important votes from happening without being on the agenda and without proper public notice, the commission’s own rules of procedure does not allow final action to be taken:
Section 4(L)
(l) Commissioner Comments and Concerns:
During this section, each Commissioner will have the opportunity to make comments or discuss any items of concern and answer questions from citizen comments. The Commission shall not take final action at the same meeting on items addressed under this section. Final action can only be taken if the City Commission waives it Rules of Procedures. The Commission can direct staff to place any item requiring final action on an upcoming Commission Workshop or Meeting or the Commission may assign the issue to an advisory board or committee for additional examination. The exceptions are items of an emergency nature
Although the city’s own Rules of Procedure did not allow the action to be taken, it does not legally invalidate the commission’s action as long as it is in line with state law.
Former city attorney Thomas DePeter, speaking during comments on the issue, said, “Commissioner’s comments is the point you choose to make the most important decision this commission can make, with no due process, no vetting, no public interview, and no demonstration of qualifications?”
“You can’t wait two weeks, put this on the agenda so at least people can come and know the most important position in our city is being filled? You wait until people leave the meeting and wait until the last minute to make a motion to appoint the city manager permanently?” Depeter asked the commission.
“I’m not sure if you don’t realize what you’re doing, or if you realize what you’re doing and you just don’t care.” Depeter said.
“It doesn’t even have to be an agenda item because it’s one of the few things we’s allowed to do,” Commissioner Linda Gestrin said.
Eric May
Former elected official Eric May provides readers a view on government they rarely get: one from the inside. Eric currently works for a political consulting firm handling all forms of political media and communications. He is married to his beautiful wife Jenna, who both enjoy serving actively in their church and community.
When the devil comes a messing, God gets to blessing….
I’m tired and. Feeling older than I am. I’d like to get off the road and, be closer in where I am most needed. I’d like benefits. Not so hard to get without group. I’d love to send in a blank resume and, with a wink and, nods be city manager and double my take. I heard Barnas say on a meeting tape and, Robyn repeat it on another blog, that only eyes and, ears are needed. I have two of both. Of Course, I’m just kidding because, I just could not go into it with no government experience and, knowing so many who truly keep the city together, do so with no recognition, no cost of living increase for years and, a lot of recent demands from people with anger issues. But, what I am NOT kidding about is had everyone in this city been treated equally to a fair and OPEN Government process and, notification that requirements for the highest responsible position in our city were of no consideration and, was open to all, just maybe, someone less antagonistic and with similar gallery baggage would have prevailed.And, to all of my fellow citizens with potential ignored, THAT is what I regretably say is our shame and, what happens when mob mentality rules.
seriously? top consideration being eye balls and ears ????????????????????????
Fly in the oinment for sure lol
If we stopped to count all of the flies in the OINTMENT over the years of ALL politicians and citizens alike, we would never get anything else accomplished. I, for one, have more of a life of trying to encourage and help. Won’t you please join me?
Whos counting. I understand you position.Respect my decline. I champion accountablility to ALL bad behaviors at formal commission meetings. I loved your Mom and, the wonderful conversations we had late nights when she just wanted to talk. Your Dad one of the inspirations I became a professional percussionist. Blessings.
Ahh Diane…I too have fond memories of your family. Couldn’t Dad play those drums…and to imagine, not one lesson…just imitation and a sense of rhythm. I wonder sometimes what our families would think if they could see us now – don’t you? Wish you the best.
Sylvia
Wish Dad could. Mom is with and, we were just discussing Erics blog with a friend and,wondered if you saw my reminisce.Glad you did. It is sunshine;)
Lord, help me today not to add to anybody’s burden. Help me to bring encouragement to others. Where I can, enable me to comfort. And when I don’t know, help me to admit it. When I feel sorrow and sympathy for someone, help me to say that. Help me to lift the load of the hurting, not to add to their burden.
See…I saw that smile…we can all add “sunshine” where there is “doom and gloom”. Have a great day, my friend.
Lord, help me today not to add to anybody’s burden. Help me to bring encouragement to others. Where I can, enable me to comfort. And when I don’t know, help me to admit it. When I feel sorrow and sympathy for someone, help me to say that. Help me to lift the load of the hurting, not to add to their burden.
What a great prayer. Have a great day.
And, you have a great day too. Cold….. 4 Counties to travel but, always looking to lend a hand where ever I am.
So now we can be famous, since our “city commission” is as unlawful as the us congress. How great is it to have criminals running your town/country? A lot of us were hoping for an adult-type commission, but it sounds more like one of the day care centers in town. We wanted mature, honest, respectable citizens on our commission, but with only one such subject, what are we to do? And you KNOW they will appoint one of their “good ole boys” to Mr. May’s position. Mrs. Weller doesn’t have a snowball’s chance now. What a sad display.
At the Commission Meeting on August 18th 2011 during the commissioner comments section you asked the commission to waive the fees for the Gainesville Tea Party Forum. There was discussion about whether the civic center should be used by a political party. Commission Weller made the motion and the vote and formal action was taken 5-0.
Robyn,
Equating the hiring of a city manager, the most powerful single person in city government, at $55,000 a year plus taxes, insurance, & benefits to waiving the less than $200 in fees for the use of the civic center is disingenuous at best.
To be frank, I find it disturbing you have completely endorsed the complete disregard for public process and — perhaps the most disgusting thing of all — how troubling it is you have begun belittling citizens for participating in their government. That is unless they are aware of specific government financial facts as you are, or unless they have attended at least a minimum number of commission meetings — some subjective number established by you.
Robyn, it’s no secret you and I rarely agreed on a subject, but I always respected you for participating in the process; being a champion for an open, democratic process was something I admired about you.
The path you have set yourself on in recent months has caused any respect I had for you to be completely tossed out the window. You fooled us, Robyn! You never really wanted more transparency, you never really wanted more citizen participation, but rather you were simply going through the motions to put people into power that YOU had influence or control over.
If you really believed in the open government you preached to us all for years, you would never sit silently and allow the public trust to be violated as it has in recent months. Perhaps an even worse thing is your attack on citizens who are doing just what you and I have done for years: exercise our first amendment rights to express disapproval of our government.
Break the law, oh well what doe’s it matter when repaying campaign supporters. Barnas and suporters have taken our government and are paying off their friends and supporters with our tax dollers!
Eric,
I guess you feel that the rules that are in place are only to be followed based on a subjective judgement. I disagree. If we are to follow the rules then we are to follow the rules. Period. The violation of public records and the deletion of hundreds of emails is an extremely serious offense and you know this. Where is the transparency to report this to the public? Mrs. Langman is the “eyes inside” that never existed before and the transparency continues. The horrific records management and incompetence that is costing the taxpayers much more than her salary is being uncovered daily. Don’t miss the next special meeting for news of more monies lost and wasted by the poor management and previous attorney. The over 800 open cases that should have been closed by the previous police chief that you so strongly supported. This should have been done but instead his frequent daily trips to the gym and visiting with old pals at GPD they were left open, a disgrace. Why was he unable to check on the sex offenders in the City as was his job for the year he was employed by HSPD? Too busy? Only after Mrs. Langman instructed him twice to check on these registered offenders did he do the job. Again disgraceful.
At one point, Eric, you sold out to Travis and his gang, as evident by your refusal to expose the deletion of official pubic records. You knew the City didn’t have a backup. Several times you challenged Travis for the deals that were taking place out of the sunshine the “approval” to the chief for the CCC and the 1.6 million in de-obligation.
If you are disappointed in my public “service” then I accept this opinion and only ask you take the time to look in the mirror with the same scrutiny.
Robyn Hush,
Why would you take issue with an officer taking his lunch hour to better his physical condition? Maybe you should push away from the all you can eat buffet and try that yourself….
What if something happened where you needed to be rescued by law enforcemnet, that officer would have to be in shape to be able to tote your large build. You give a whole new meaning to “Desperate Housewife” Get a life and stop trying to make everyone as miserable as you are. have a nice day!
Thank you for your genuine concern about my health and well being. The former chief’s lunch “hour” lasted for several hours and the chief’s staff assistant often did not know his whereabouts all day.
The present chief is a 6th degree black belt and he works out on his own time.
You people are disgusting…all of this belittling people…you act as though everything under the previous commission and city manager were absolutely wonderful. Unfortunately, this was also a delusion. Isn’t it time that all of us stop the yeng-yanging back and forth…try and fix the mess rather than spending valuable time filming and trying to find fault rather than solutions. We can all spout useless words of trying to find a “betterment” for a town but I say you know “tree” by the fruit it bears. Right now, it appears that many trees on this blog are going nothing but bearing out bitterness while saying that they had to get out because they just couldn’t stand the cronism and whatever…come on…get a life.
What gives you more right to personalize it by saying me or anyone else here is less of a life than you? I believe in fair Government. I DON”T think we got it this go around and, it is ilicit. I DON”T like the fact that the one meeting I cared to politly express my constitutional rights that I was bullied from the gallery. And, since paying closer attention have seen it sanctioned by the current sitting commission. I’m thankful in case you missed my first post that my mother was not there because, I would have gone head to toe with Ron Langman. I don’t particullar care for the garbage Ed Shupe and Robyn Rush are perpetuating on his blog. Just because,I disagree does not make you authority on my personal life. It is about as rich and all full up as I can stand. I’m blessed and, I know how to respect others.
Formally speaking lol
Robyn, your comments and posts have become predictable, almost like clockwork. Let’s explore the anatomy of a Robyn Rush post, comment, or speech:
First and foremost, bog down the discussion with plenty of facts (often obscure or very specific) that one could only know from hours of public records requests, or inside knowledge from coming from a friend, the city manager, to make oneself appear knowledgeable on the issue.
Second, make the claim “no matter what Robyn’s commissioners are doing in city hall, it’s not as bad as before!” To do this, throw out all sorts of accusations of wrongdoing by past commissioners or staff, preferably ones who aren’t in office or are completely irrelevant. (This is similar to the ‘Blame Bush’ tactic on the national level.)
Third, ask questions — lots of questions — that either have no right answer or suggest something wrong is going on. These are very effective at planting ideas without actually making a libelous remark. The questions do not have to have any merit, or even be the least bit true, but rather serve to distract and perplex. Example: So, Mr. Citizen, do you ACTUALLY think it’s okay for the police chief to spend time working on his carnal appearance at a gym when drivers everyday in High Springs refuse to use their turn signals when turning out of Winn-Dixie?
Fourth, personally attack the individual who is speaking against the Rush power clan, preferably in a public setting, via email, or on a website. This can be accomplished using information one has spent hours digging up or our friend, the city manager, has leaked to us. This works well to discourage anyone from participating or expressing disapproval of their government in the future.
Fifth, if the individual still does not agree with the Rush ideology, challenge them to a debate, or publicly say that, because they have not attended the 450 meetings Robyn has over the last year, their opinion doesn’t matter. The most effective terms used to describe these ordinary, common citizens are “ignorant” or “uninformed”.
Is the person still not going along with what Robyn says is true? Were we unable to find any dirty facts on them to make them shut up? Let’s go to step six, suggest the person is doing something wrong or illegal. This is best accomplished a number of ways, but for the more subtle approach, refer to step three to formulate a question suggesting illegal acts. Bonus points for sprinkling words in there like “illegal”, “gang”, “dirty”, “professionals”, “messy”, or “warts”. Extra bonus points for ending a sentence with an ellipsis, suggesting there is more to be said…
Are we still not able to silence the person? Are they still voicing their opinion against the Rush philosophy? Were we not able to find some sort of dirt on them, either in tax records, court searches, or other public document digging? Have all our attempts to distract from the actual discussion failed? Time to move to step seven, but this one requires a lot less work. We simply act gracefully, bow out of the discussion, and sit back and relax and enjoy the fact that the Rush philosphy on government has a firm control over city hall, including the commission and manager. No further action required!
Could you please list some specific example or fact please to support your statements.
Apparently in your assessment of me, being intelligent and telling the truth is a problem. Perhaps you could just give one example of a fact I have stated that is not true. Just one.
I think a “challenge” for a debate is responsible. Aren’t we having a debate right now? Truth comes to the surface during this type of banter don’t you think?
Maybe I misunderstood your motives, I apologize.
Seems like you are investing alot of time and effort attacking me for being “overly” informed about the City’s problems, missteps, and mistakes. You have made allegations of unethical and illegal behavior but fail to list the factual documents to support this claim.
By the way, I think you attended as many meetings as I did.
I also take my fair share of shots, recently from your frequent poster, Diane. I’m sure you know that those that have attempted to dig up dirt on me have come up empty handed. Again should I apologize for my lack of “dirt”.
Are we playing on a level field or is it ok to bash Robyn but not ok for Robyn to bash back.
I will repeat my previous suggestion for the mirror “scrutiny” test
Thanks for the dialog it has been more than revealing.
There are simply too many lies to recount, but here goes some off the top of my head. If you want documentation of any of these I’d be happy to oblige.
On February 7, 2011, on the email list Friends Post you said this..
This is a lie. The purchase of the Pigg House was voted on during the unfinished business portion of the meeting, just prior to Larry Travis’ swearing in. Commissioners Eppenstein, Thomas, DePeter, Gabriel, and Williams voted it in. Williams was named Mayor during the meeting and executed the contract at the conclusion of the meeting.
On May 13, 2011, on the email list Friends post you said this…
This is a lie. I have never been accused or convicted of any unethical act. I have an outstanding reputation in the community as an extremely fair, ethical person.
On April 12, 2011, on the email list Friends Post you imply a commissioner is performing an unethical vote…
First off, FS 122.314 does not exist, so I assume you are referencing FS 122.3143, which does not allow someone to vote if they receive special private fiancial gain. If you serve on a board (unpaid) as the commissioner in question did, nothing unethical or illegal occurred.
On April 11, 2011, on the email list Friends Post you said this…
I would encourage you to shadow the city planner for a day. You would find your job description for him is a little less than accurate.
On April 8, 2011, on Friends Post, you reference a binder you found in city hall containing pictures of historic homes in High Springs, saying this…
That is a lie. This document was created as part of a historical registry and has never been used for punitive purposes. Unless you happen to have a brother who is larger than you watching you at the time, this statement is a complete lie.
On April 4, 2011, on the email list Friends Post you say this about the sewer system…
The data sets used to project the anticipated traffic counts on 222nd Street are not the same that were used for the sewer study. Only one commissioner voted on the Pigg house as well as the sewer expansion. And I don’t consider myself that stupid.
On April 2, 2011, on the email list Friends Post you said this…
According to Florida Statutes, the Mayor at the time, Larry Travis, did not commit any illegal act by not voting in line with your view of city finances.
On January 21, 2011, on the email list Friends Post you said this about a proposed water rate increase…
This was a blatant lie. The commission considered raising the base rate from $6 to $14, NOT $34. The full increase did not pass.
On March 11, 2011 on the email list Friends Post you said this…
This isn’t actually a lie, I really agree with you. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t being too hard on you and let you know we agree sometimes.
Most of your examples are taken out of context and the comments about your “ethics” are my opinion of course and it is not a lie that I have this opinion.
The only factual information listed was based on the minimum base rate for the water utility and that was correct.
But in an effort to play along
Byron Williams did make the motion to buy the Pigg house.
Board members can’t receive nonmonetary perks that have value and there is case law on this issue. An example would be seats in the skybox at a football game. The Florida ethics commission requires them to report this “gift”
The same stupid people were the Jones Edmunds group and I suppose there was just one stupid commissioner.
Larry Travis may have his day before the ethics board soon enough.
On December 15, 2005 Commission meeting taken from the minutes…
“Commissioner Travis declared a conflict of interest in this subject as he has property and family in the area. Attorney Pendland explained what constitutes a conflict of interest.”
On the consideration for proposals for financing the purchase of the Pigg property “Commissioner Travis abstained from voting”… in other words he recused himself from voting…. so that would be a fact.
You have mentioned my name 5 times in this thread to my addressing you once. Feigning victim makes me doubly disgusted at your pompous arrogant santimonious attitude you go around slinging at the citizens.You want respect then learn how to give it. You got any questions don’t bother. I am so done with you directly and your propping up of this currect illicit take over of MY TOWN.
One thing they have done best is rip a divide bigger than HS has ever had. I’ll never get behind them no matter if any good comes from it (I doubt there will be)Manuvering around with blatant illicit intent at tax payer expense will never make anything they do toward fixing previous wrongs right. Any knowledge they get filtered from their buddies that bully on the fringes is a sole trait lost in a sea of horrible behaviors.And no amount of boasting it hides who they really are. This is the most disgusting bunch of stepford idiots on parade for all to see and, how not to be High Springs has ever had to endure.I think the Tea Party was the start of a lot of bad coming our way but, I admire those who were so opposed to them interfering being coorperative for you Eric on behalf of them. At least you did not use them and then remove them from your facebook like Barnas did. Nor did you creep around hiding who you stand for and with. And, thanks for letting me a Proud Progressive Democrat that believes that the lack of diversity in High Springs will now, in the hands of the handlers, not be the only, exampled by their exclusion and, seperation of us from them. Even the you’s now included. I hope that HS ends up having to UN Incorporate.They have boycotted and, drug it down to nothing with any value to hold up and be proud of.I’m glad you kept here going in the face of this Commission trying to strong arm any other voice away so that Ed Shupe and Robyn Rush can be the sole means to feed out their polluted view.I’m sure he still high fives himself for the demise of High Springs. I’ll always remember him and Bob Barnas along with this commission for the Herald boycott and, other Commissioners (sans Weller) attachments to the bulk mailings, go after all those different from them boycotts from past elections.Not a very nice face to wear for the future to pattern after but, then again, which of them is REALLY involved with our youth?
Why would you refuse to post my comment. Am I not entitled to the same freedom of speech at 8:15 am as Diane is afforded at 10 am?
If you don’t post my comment then you are indeed a hypocrit.
Perhaps my comment about your knowledge of the public records violation is a legal issue for you as far as your involvement and therefore you would not want to incriminate yourself.
Robyn,
First off, thank you for being a frequent reader of my blog to the point you keep track of when comments are posted and approved.
Second, because you have demonstrated such negativity and vitriol towards others when posting to this website, I have placed a filter that requires all your comments to be approved prior to posting. As I am not always near a computer, the approval process may have a delay.
I simply don’t not want this site to become another avenue for you to spread your hatred of others as you have done with other outlets.
I hope this helps.
This post is creepy.
Dear Robyn,
Too bad you spread lies about what those of us so opposed to your behavior at formal meetings know. I’ve witnessed the poor woman who keeps the books speaking to the Commission at formal meetings bullied and, intimidated by your facist group in the Gallery and, the Commission sitting there allowing it. (PUBLIC RECORD) Is this, are you the next campaigner that illicity takes a job? It is impossible to gleam any RIGHT from your fixed and bullied view because, of all the wrong and, UN civil manner in which you operate. Your behavior took something more valued from High Springs than you could ever give her. Consider yourself boycotted just like you blog buddie Ed Shupe did (PUBLIC RECORD) to the High Springs Herald.
Thank you for posting my comments and respecting the First Amendment
I look forward to the list of lies that Diane will printing that I have told.
As always I look forward to a healthy honest debate based on facts.
I appreciate your trust that Diane only writes valid comments and that you refrain from monitoring her remarks. Good call.
I see that Diane does not demonstrate negativity or vitriol towards others when posting to this website. Again thanks for the opportunity to speak
There can not be enough said for need for good parenting.
Wow. Now I’m *REALLY* glad I don’t live within the city limits of High Springs. I just wonder…where are the adults?
Sorry, Miss Lucinda. We do have adults here in High Springs, we just don’t elect them to public office. When we do, they usually excuse themselves from the “Gang”. But if you are lacking entertainment for the evening, you are welcome to attend a city commission meeting. I hear its almost as fun as amature night at the comedy club!
Thank God for the natural wonders of the area. Enjoy our good nature!!
The Commission is waiting to give thanks until they see if Poe turns a profit for them. If Poe does make income for High Springs I’m hoping it can sustain itself because, no one has considered one bit how to take care of Poe aside from mowing the grass and, having a car show or, two out there. Why some think God will just infinately provide in spite of our careless mindless disregard baffles me.
I’m kind of new to the area – do you people realize that ANYONE can read this drivel? Does Hugo Chavez live here?
I,for one, certainly apologize for all of us. We are all acting like a bunch of children…angry because we haven’t gotten our way and “out to get even”…This, I’m afraid, isn’t new and exists in all areas of our politics – locally and nationally. We truly are, it seems, “brothers and sisters” -spitting and spatting at one another, but will readily come to each other’s defense if someone else “picks” a fight. If I knew French, I would say “such is life” in print. However, I’ve not the time nor inclination to look it up, so I’ll just leave that to your imagination.
Now….where is another brother or sister?
Well, So much for respecting opinions but, I understnad. I no longer do theirs while they come here acting like bullies.I’m happy to report that I am still proud of this former commissioner and, what he stood up against and for. Even though I did not vote for him. And, actually I voted for Dean Davis but, that does not mean my loyality is to a sole person but, what I TOUGHT they represented. Had I known he would have carried on the way he has and, lined up with this city take over and political rewarding. OH well. SEVERE VOTER REMOURSE is more like it. Keep calling it political push back. I call it not standing with the cronyistic and illicit behaviors and the regression back to previous decades of mentality that REALLY is a pimple on our butt for all time.(the Hugo dig may be for me since I’m the only declared democrat here (heard that around town too) and believe me, I have had a LOT of worse slurs tossed my way. Still proud. Eric still politically opposite of me on a National scale.And, still think this is the most polite bunch it town.
Robyn, troublemaker, this is a private blog, the first admendment has nothing to do with posting your vitriol. Twist everything.
[ COMMENT FLAGGED BY USER AND REMOVED BY ADMINISTRATOR ]
Concerned Citizen, I think I reported you. Here is why. Not sure if this is a real name used or, if this child is a minor but, it is certainly over the line. There are boundaries and,you know you crossed it.
And so the question is … if the city commission does not have to abide by the law, and the police department do not have to abide by the law, does this mean that we, the people, don’t have to follow them either? Or are these people on a “higher plane” than us mortals?
Vote these fools out in November! We need our town back in our hands, not in the adventures outside of our city limits like Poe Springs! Keep all events in our city center. Encourage our city not the Springs.
Imagine this, I’m searching for a location for my store and I hear there isn’t a shop like mine within 50 miles of High Springs. What a perfectly quaint, wonderful place to open my new business. I’m thinking an investment in this community is just right for me.
Do any of you understand what it takes to attract business (instead of BS) into your community? Have you heard about the economy lately and considered how your community should address that?
You couldn’t hand me an empty store front for free after reading this garbage. How sad because it is a lovely place when you drive through. I guess you should keep advertising like this. I sure will tell people I know to stay away from this crazy place!