December 23, 2005
Tempers likely to re-emergeOfficials in beach town tackle issuesBY R. NORMAN MOODY FLORIDA TODAY
A contentious barrage of words is likely to re-emerge with the town commission's first meetings of the new year.
That's how it ended its last one of 2005 Wednesday night -- with more than half of the four-hour meeting time spent arguing over whether one commissioner interferes too much in the day-to-day running of the town.
"Hopefully things are going to change," Commissioner Donnie Price said. "If it doesn't change, you're going to hear about it again."
The first meeting, scheduled for Jan. 4, is a special meeting about the height of buildings and the settlement of a lawsuit over the height of one home, a contentious issue the town has grappled with for about two years. The issue will likely re-ignite the bickering.
Commissioner Steve Walters said a fallout over the height issue fueled the accusations against him, including his being a topic at Wednesday night's meeting.
(Do you live in a dream world Steve? Stop blaming everyone and everything . You are the only one to blame!)
"Discussion and possible action regarding Commissioner Steve Walter's vow to destroy the town of Melbourne Beach," was listed as an agenda topic under new business for the meeting.
The argument began as soon as the gavel dropped.
"A personal attack has no business on the agenda," Walters argued.
"Of course, I think you're out of order because these items have to do with you," Price responded as they began a rapid exchange of words.
Several times town residents interrupted as council members argued and Mayor William Stacey tried to gain control of the meeting. On other occasions, the mallet was almost drowned out by the arguing between council members.
Price argued that Walters has interfered too much with the town hall staff, including the city manager, and created a climate that likely contributed to W.D. Higginbotham's decision to leave after less than two years.
Higginbotham, who leaves Jan. 13, said in his resignation letter it was time to move on to another chapter in his life. He stepped into the town manager's position May 2004, after Bill Hoskovec was forced to resign. He gave no indication of a conflict and said he was leaving on good terms.
"We didn't provide a climate for him to stay and help us stabilize our town," Price said.
The turnover of senior staff has to stop, he said. There have been three managers in less than four years.
"Unless we do something about it, this town will be in chaos." Price said.
Walter denied the accusations of interference and said he had seldom went to the town hall, but acknowledged that he sent about five e-mails a week to the town manager.
"I've never had a cross word with the chief and I've never had a cross word with the manager," Walters said. "There is absolutely no truth to what Mr. Price has brought up. There is no evidence."
Commissioner Paul Guglietta read a letter written by Walters. The letter written to a police pension board member is critical of Higginbotham and questioned the manager's job qualifications, Guglietta said.
Walters said the accusations against him started after a story in FLORIDA TODAY about the town problems. However, some have long blamed him for what they said is his "micromanaging" of the town hall staff.
The problems became pronounced about two years ago when several senior town staff, including the city manager, resigned. Walter was accused of trying to control day-to-day operations of the town management.
"It seems to be that history is repeating itself," said town historian Frank Thomas.
Residents said they want to see the problems resolved and the arguing end.
"Stop the bickering and do the work of the town," Gail Gowdy said.
A commission meeting is not the place to get into personality conflicts, resident Alice Graham said.
"This whole half of the meeting is of personal attacks," Graham said. "Our town really isn't that way."
Contact Moody at 242-3651 or
nmoody@flatoday.net
