(NOTE: The links contained below in reference to bobbarnas.com have since been password protected since this blog was posted.)
What started as an attempt to intimidate citizens from speaking during meetings may end up costing some commissioners their jobs.
In recent months, Commissioner Bob Barnas has made it known that he is making video recordings of the audience, namely the podium used for public comment, with a video camera he keeps attached to his laptop. Barnas has stated publicly in meetings he takes the videos home and “watches public comments over and over,” particularly those whose comments are critical of the commission’s recent direction.
Barnas posted a video in what, according to the post on his website, appeared to be an attempt to embarrass Tom Weller for using an expletive during public comments. Weller was critical of the commission’s decision to place city manager Jeri Langman on administrative leave.
The problem with the video is it was not edited down to just Weller’s comments; it was posted in its entirety, including nearly 15 minutes of comments between himself and Mayor Dean Davis prior to the meeting.
The two talk on light subjects such as how agendas are bound and where a park should be moved to, but then venture into the topic of taking note of who Finance Director Helen McIver was talking to in the room.
The commission has displayed a record of targeting employees political purposes, including the termination of former City Planner Christian Popoli after he filed a complaint alleging Davis asked him to ignore building codes. The commission suddenly eliminated Popoli’s position in favor of hiring a City Engineer, only to turn around weeks later to eliminate the engineer’s position as well.
Barnas has since taken the video down from being listed on his site, but it can still be obtained by viewing his media directory, which also features a video Barnas shot of a senior citizen who fell asleep during a long city commission meeting.
Also listed on the website is an image called “UseforObserver_.jpg”, which is a picture of copies of The Observer newspaper lining a birdcage covered in bird feces. Barnas has often been critical of the publication for printing what he regards as unfair articles.
A current records request has been issued to the City Clerk’s office for all videos created by Barnas since he started the practice of recording meetings.
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.
Someone needs to take over the prayers at the city Commission meetings. Bob Barnas and, Dean Davis need to remove themselves from our commission and, realize NO ONE RESPECTS this horrific and,evil behavior.
You would not need to worry if you just do your job. And if you don’t like the commissioners run for office or shut up. Eric your a quiter and you are no longer relevant.
pritchard – Dont’ like your last name? Why the little “p”? So the rule is that you can’t talk about people in office, you have to run for office to be able to speak? Well that is nothing short of thoroughbred stupid. Shows in your ability to write as well…. you are = you’re. 2nd grade stuff my man.
It is disturbing that toward the end of this Barnas and Davis tell a citizen to be careful what they say because, the mic is on. One now realized that has gotten up and prayed at meetings. Baffled and, disappointed with this revalation. What are they hiding?In the name of Jesus Christ and, the light of Gods love, the behavior is not consistent with that message. But, keep on smirking and, selling your virtues at the meetings Mayor. I’m not buying it. It is a desire on your part to retaliate. I’m sure of it. Words and, actions in this video finally document and, tell.I could care less yours, Barnas and, Gestrin or, this citizen who props up behaviors that have to be protected from the mic, but, I can asure you, the spirit of Jesus and, light of Gods love disapproves. Pray again. Your not getting it and, real people who have served this city well have been harmed by your nasty actions and behaviors.Sickening self rightous and negating a call for others. And, you I’m sure all wonder why people are so opposed to public religious displays.
After last nights meeting and, the 3 chosen ones lack of concern for the water quality situation, money ya know cause dispatch got it,IMO, I would be getting my water tested.I don’t buy for one minute that it is all about rising water. I intend to personally get clarification as to fire hydrant flow and, where if any, are there problems with.
And, did the Bob Barnas, vice mayor run to his web site after last nights meeting to inform about the water information? Nope, he just fed his need to post another wise crack.
Im done lol
I have been told that the water pressure within the system is so low at the outlying areas of the city (21-22 psi) that if they drop below 20psi we would have to issue a “boil water” notice.. Also that low pressure coupled with some poor water lines in need of upkeep and repair would actually rupture if hooked up to a fire truck with a pump system. The lack of pressure would cause the older lines to cave in on themselves. From what I understand a new water tower is probably needed, and the materials asked for last night would have been used to test the system… Not a chlorine test…
A real easy way to tell how much pressure a hydrant has is to look at the color of the cap…
A blue cap has 1500+ Gallons per minute at 20psi
A green cap has 1000-1499 gallons per minute at 20psi
A orange cap has 500-999 gallons per minute at 20psi
A red cap has less than 500 gallons per min at 20 psi
Drive around town and have a look…
Thank you for this info. Is there a map that has the locations of all the hydrants within the city? Now I am really upset about the rash, dispatch spend-a-thon and, the lost savings keeping it with the County.Commissioners Jamison and, Gestrin tried so hard to get them to think about emergent scenerios before acting on such impulse.Thanks again Damon.
Damon if you see this, I may have heard only a rumor but, was told that when a hydrant in town fails that they swap it out with a working one further out. Who in town has this type of information so one can fact check?
I would think that the fire department or the water guys over at public works would know… But even in hydrants were changed it still won’t effect the water pressure coming out at that point in the system…
Truthfully, yes.. There should be map at city hall that shows all the water lines and hydrants… But theres no one left to tell you where it is…
You might be better off to call Christian and ask him where he left it…
I’m guessing for the hydrants getting the last inspection will show where, when and, what. I don’t know Christian personally and, would not bother him. But, he is missed greatly and, I feel it was a grave mistake for them to get rid of him. We here appreciated his work ethic (which should never be grounds to out anyone), objectivity and, smarts. High Springs tax payers lost a very valued employee. It should have never happened. If we watch closer maybe not a next time. I know an old timer now longer living here and, got some info on infrastructure. Thanks again. Sorry I hogged here. lol
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