Armijo fired by HART board

By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 19, 2011

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/apr/19/PMENEWSO1-armijo-fired-without-cause/news-metro/

TAMPA – The region’s bus authority has a temporary new
leader after the HART board voted late Monday to fire Chief Executive David
Armijo without cause.

Armijo said he would meet this morning with his attorney to
decide what to do next. He left little doubt he planned to sue the Hillsborough
Area Regional Transit Authority.

“The board made its decision in an absence of facts and
evidence,” Armijo said.

HART Chief Operating Officer Philip Hale will take over the
750-employee county bus system that Armijo led to record ridership.

The 7-4 vote came in a stunningly swift motion at the end of
a 41/2-hour meeting. A previous motion to keep him aboard on 90 days probation
died on a 5-6 vote.

Board members  David Mechanik, Michael York, Sandra
Murman, Mark Sharpe, Kevin Beckner, Wallace Bowers and Alison Hewitt voted to
fire Armijo.

Board members Fran Davin, Steven Polzin, Ron Govin and John
Byczek opposed the motion.

Details of the allegations and identities of the
complainants who filed challenges under HART’s whistleblower act remained
undisclosed, despite efforts of several of the HART board members to get them
released.

The board had hired a law firm to explore allegations that
Armijo retaliated against a handful of high-ranking employees who disagreed
with him and claims that Armijo improperly used travel funding that amounted to
less than $200.

Board members said there was no reason to terminate Armijo for
cause and there was no evidence he had violated the law.

“The process was manipulated by a number of people who
provided no evidence,” Armijo said.

Armijo was employed under a contract that expires Sept.. 30,
2012, and paid $185,338 in salary, along with opportunities for merit increases
and performance bonuses.

According to the terms of his contract, Armijo will receive
180 days of severance pay plus payment for medical and life insurance premiums.

HART under Armijo has reported record ridership in recent
months, with March being the 13th consecutive month of 1 million-plus
passengers.

However, HART faces immediate challenges, with possible
operational budget shortfalls of $3.2 million in fiscal 2012 and $5.9 million
for fiscal 2013 under current plans that are under staff review to find ways to
balance the budgets.

Expenses are expected to rise from a current $2.30 a gallon
for diesel fuel that HART arranged for its fiscal 2011 budget to facing diesel
fuel prices the federal government predicts could reach $3.37 a gallon in the
next two years.

 

The Tampa Tribune has updated us on the Job Creation Program from Sandy Murman and Hillsborough Economic Development.

“Through Monday, six businesses have been pre-approved for the program and a seventh is under consideration. They have agreed to create 17 jobs and the county has committed $65,000.”

Read about the program and apply at http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/econdev

Read the rest of the Tribune Article here: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/apr/13/PSPBIZO1-county-helps-pay-salaries-of-new-hires-at/

Commissioner Murman is thankful for companies jumping on this opportunity to create new jobs, spread the word!

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April is Water Conservation Month!

April is water conservation month for Hillsborough. Let’s do our part to utilize our resources effectively.

 

Hillsborough County Payment and Performance Bond Waiver Program

HB 985 is a local bill sponsored by Representative Rachel Burgin (Hillsborough Co.) on behalf of Hillsborough County that would extend the sunset of the Economic Development Department’s successful Payment and Performance Bond Waiver Program to the year 2016. Working in partnership with the Florida Surety Association and local financial institutions, the programs has assisted 69 small and minority‐owned businesses to obtain training and experience on numerous government capital projects necessary to grow and qualify for large scale construction projects in the future. The bill passed its second of three committees of reference, the House Government Operations Subcommittee by a vote of 12‐0 on Tuesday, March 29. The bill has one remaining committee reference. Hillsborough County staff will continue to provide needed support and information to ensure its successful passage.

Honoring Fallen Tampa Bay Law Enforcement Officers

To recognize and honor law enforcement officers who recently lost their lives in the line of duty, Senator Jack Latvala and Senator Arthena Joyner (both representing Hillsborough County) are sponsoring SB 782 that designates State Road 583/North 50th Street in Hillsborough County from Melbourne Blvd/East 21st Avenue to State Road 574/Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd is designated as “Officer Jeffrey A. Kocab and Officer David L. Curtis Memorial Highway”. Officer Jeffrey A. Kocab joined the Plant City Police Department in 2005, and later joined the Tampa Police Department in 2009. During his years as a police officer, Officer Kocab was decorated with multiple awards as employee of the month and Officer of Year in 2007 and 2009. Officer David L. Curtis served in the Tampa Police Department for over 3 years. In 2007, Officer Curtis was named Officer of the Month for his dedication involving a child neglect case. Officer Jeffrey A. Kocab and Officer David L. Curtis were killed while attempting to make an arrest at a traffic stop. Officer Kocab is survived his wife, Sara. Officer Curtis is survived by his wife, Kelly, and four sons. The bill has passed all three of its committees of reference by unanimous votes, including the last, Senate Rules Committee, by a vote of 12‐0. It is now available for consideration by the full Senate on 2nd Reading. Its House companion, HB 601 by Representative Jim Frishe also cleared its final committee of reference, House Economic Affairs, by a unanimous vote. It is now ready for consideration on the House floor.

 

Update: Nine Jobs Already Created With

County’s Small Business Job Creation Program

Within the first week of accepting applications for Hillsborough County’s new small business reimbursement incentive program, three local businesses have already been pre-approved to receive reimbursements, allowing them to hire three new employees each. The program is designed to promote job creation in Hillsborough County by offering a wage reimbursement to small businesses owners.

The three local businesses are: Fry and Associates in Plant City, which has been pre-approved to receive $11,700 for three employees; Apollo Beach Air in Apollo Beach, which has been pre-approved to receive $10,400 for three employees; and Absolute Auto Repair in Dover, which has been pre-approved to receive $11,700 also for three employees.  The funding will be provided to the businesses after they fulfill the requirements of the program, including employing the new staff for a minimum of three months.

 

The three small business owners are excited about the program, as it is helping them hire employees they needed, but perhaps could not afford without assistance.

 

“We were going to wait and hire in the summer, but, now, we are able to hire now,” said Cathy Kudlinski of Absolute Auto Repair.

 

The incentive program, proposed by County Commissioner Sandra L. Murman, was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on March 16.

 

The reimbursement pays small businesses up to 50 percent of three months’ total salary of new jobs created, capped at $3,900 per new employee.  It is estimated that this program will encourage the creation of approximately 200 jobs, offering a total of $500,000 to local small business owners.

 

To qualify, small business owners have to attend a minimum of four hours of business workshops and/or counseling sessions and meet specific requirements, such as having 10 employees or less; jobs created must be full-time and last the required three-month employment period; businesses must have a Hillsborough County business tax receipt; new employees must be residents of Hillsborough County and businesses must be located in Hillsborough County; and businesses may be reimbursed for up to three created jobs. Additional requirements are listed on the program application.

 

Small business owners can download an application and more information from the Hillsborough County Small, Minority Business Development Section’s Web page at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/econdev/.  The applications will be accepted on a first-come / first-serve basis until the program funding runs out.

 

For additional information, contact the Hillsborough County Small, Minority Business Development Section at (813) 914-4028.

 

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Media: The three businesses have agreed to media interviews.  Their contact information is:

  • Yvonne Fry-Fry and Associates (Plant City), Phone: 813-319-9000

  • James Martin-Apollo Beach Air, Phone: 813-645-0381

  • Cathy Kudlinski-Absolute Auto Repair in Dover, Phone: 813-659-1302

Sandy launches part of her Job Creation plan for Hillsborough County today.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS
March 16, 2011
 
 
Incentive Program For Small Business Job Creation Approved

By Hillsborough County Commission
 
An incentive program proposed by County Commissioner Sandra L. Murman, District 1, to reward small business owners who create jobs was green-lighted today by the Board of County Commissioners.

 
The small business reimbursement incentive program is designed to promote job creation in Hillsborough County by offering a wage reimbursement to small businesses owners. The reimbursement would pay small businesses up to 50 percent of
three months’ total salary of new jobs created, capped at $3,900 per new employee.  It is estimated that this program will encourage the creation of approximately 200 jobs, offering a total of $500,000 to local small business owners.
 
“Hillsborough County needs to grow our economic base and we need to improve the opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs within our region,” said Commissioner Murman. “This initiative will have a real impact on the opportunities for
local growth of the small business sector.”
 
To qualify, small business owners would have to attend a minimum of four hours of business workshops and/or counseling sessions and meet specific requirements such as having 10 employees or less; jobs created must be full-time and last the required three-month employment period; new employees must be residents of Hillsborough County and businesses must be located in Hillsborough County; and businesses may be reimbursed for up to three created jobs. Additional requirements will be listed on the program application.
 
The incentive program will start on March 21, 2011.  On that date, small business owners will be able to download an application and more information from the Hillsborough County Small, Minority Business Development Section’s Web page at:
www.hillsboroughcounty.org/econdev/.  The applications will be accepted on a first-come/first-serve basis until the program funding runs out.

 
For additional information, contact the County Small, Minority Business Development Section at (813) 914-4028.
 
XXX
 
Media: for more information, contact Commissioner Sandra L. Murman’s office at (813) 272-5470 or Gene Gray, Utilities and Commerce Administrator, at (813) 272-6210.

Courtney Campbell Parkway Boat Ramp Will Be Closed To The Public On April 12

Hillsborough County’s Courtney Campbell Parkway Boat Ramp, on the south side of State Road 60 on Tampa Bay, will be closed to the public on Tuesday, April 12, from approximately 6 a.m. to Noon, to allow the Tampa International Airport and the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport to conduct an FAA required mass casualty exercise.

For additional information, contact the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department at (813) 635-3500.

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A new Anti-Graffiti Truck for our County!

Commissioner Murman is so thankful for the work of our County Staff who will be helping keep our community beautiful by the christening of this anti-graffiti truck.

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If you are interested in helping District 1 and Hillsborough County by serving on a citizen board, please read below to see some that are currently available for application as of 3/2

Let’s get involved in helping our lovely county have good civic involvment. The deadline for applying is Thursday, March 17.

Contact my office if you have any questions;

The Boards that have openings are:

COUNCIL ON AGING–advocates on behalf of older adults for the betterment of their well-being and to furnish input to the Department of Family and Aging Services-Division of Aging Services, including the Board of County Commissioners, on matters relating to the quality of life of older adults.

One position is new. Term is for two years.  Position is specified as a representative of the faith-based community. Appointment to the Council is contingent upon passing a criminal background check.  Meeting schedule:  To be determined.

COUNTY INTERNAL AUDIT COMMITTEE–serves in an advisory capacity to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and to the County Internal Audit Department, on issues presented to the Committee related to the oversight of County audit activities and the performance of the County Internal Auditor. The Committee will also serve as an intermediary between the County Commission and the County Internal Auditor. The Committee shall be subject at all times to Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, codified in Florida Statutes section 286.011, and is subject to policies codified in BOCC Resolution R11-011.

At least one Committee member must be a Certified Public Accountant, licensed to practice public accountancy in the State of Florida in good standing; and at least two members must possess five to ten years experience with auditing functions. Each member should have an understanding of good management and business practices.

Consideration for membership shall be given to nominees who possess the following attributes:

•           The ability to encourage openness and transparency;

•           The ability to ask relevant questions, evaluate the answer, and continue to probe for information until completely satisfied with the answers provided;

•           The ability to work with County management to achieve improvements in County operations; and

•           The ability to act independently and be proactive in advising on issues that require further management attention.

Five positions have been created.  Terms are for two years.  Members may not serve more than two full consecutive terms.  Members shall not have a direct financial interest in County business.  Meeting schedule: To be determined.

ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD–implements a strategic economic development plan for the University Area Enterprise Zone.  The State-approved University Area Enterprise Zone is generally described as located north of the City of Tampa boundary along Fowler Avenue, south of Bearss Avenue/Skipper Road, and between I-275 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

One position is vacant due to resignation. Position is for remainder of term which expires June 30, 2014.  Position is specified as a non-profit community based organization operating within the Zone. Meeting schedule: Every other month; at least annually.

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD–annually reviews and advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Family Child Care Home Licensing Ordinance and the Rules and Regulations Handbook.  This includes recommending and assisting the local licensing agency in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel; advising the local licensing agency on matters of licensing policy, procedure and priorities; and proposes additional rules and regulations regarding the intent and purpose of the ordinance.

One term has expired and two positions are vacant.  Terms are for three years.  Positions are specified as 1) a child care providers association representative, 2 & 3) a parent who has a child enrolled in a licensed family day care home. In order to be considered for positions 2 and 3, please notate on your application that you meet this requirement.  Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday, 7 p.m.

GAS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–governs the certification of gas contractors doing work in Hillsborough County and enforces adherence to the standards set by the Gas Code.

Three positions are vacant.  Member term is for four years and alternate terms are for two years.  Positions are specified as: 1) a liquid petroleum installer, and 2 & 3) alternates.  Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this Board.  Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure.  Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday, 11 a.m.

HEALTH CARE ADVISORY BOARD–improves accessibility and efficiency of care for medically-poor residents of Hillsborough County through recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for fund allocation, coordination, planning, and monitoring of health care delivery systems.

Two positions are vacant due to resignation.  One term is for four years and one is for the remainder of a term which expires June 30, 2012.  Positions are specified as 1) a participant in the Hillsborough County Indigent Health Care Plan and 2) a non-healthcare business community representative. Meeting schedule:  Monthly, third Thursday, 3 p.m.

HISTORICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL–supports and facilitates a uniform historical marker program throughout the County, including the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace as well as organizations and other agencies who request assistance.  It also provides the County Commission with support that complements the goals of historical preservation and education in Hillsborough County.

One position is vacant. Position is for remainder of term which expires Dec. 31, 2012. No members shall serve for more than two full consecutive terms.  More than one half of a term is deemed to be service for a full term.  A member who has served two full consecutive terms will be eligible for reappointment after at least three years of non-membership.  All members must possess expertise in significant and relevant historical matters.  In making appointments, due consideration shall be given to achieving a demographic balance among the appointed. Meeting schedule:  Quarterly.

HISTORIC RESOURCES REVIEW BOARD–serves as an architectural review board for the protection of historic resources in unincorporated Hillsborough County.  It recommends archaeological and historical sites to the Board of County Commissioners for landmark designation and reviews alterations and new construction on landmark sites or districts.

Four positions are vacant.  Two positions are for three years and two positions are for the remainder of terms which expire Dec. 31, 2011, and Feb. 28, 2012.  After two consecutive terms, a member will not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term.

Positions are specified as 1) an architectural historian, 2) a layperson with demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge in historic preservation, 3) an alternate who is an architect or architectural historian, a historian, an anthropologist or archaeologist, a planner or landscape architect or real estate developer/broker, or an owner of a historic property listed on the Florida Master Site File, and 4) an architect or architectural historian.  Members must have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation.  Citizens appointed to this Board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally third Tuesday, 3 p.m.

HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY–created in 1985 to provide incentives to the private sector to relieve the shortage of affordable housing in Hillsborough County.  Through partnership with lenders, builders, and developers, the Authority has assisted thousands of first-time home-buyers through mortgage loan programs, which offer below-market mortgage rates and innovative down payment assistance programs.  The Authority has also assisted renters through its Multi-Family Bond programs, which feature below-market rental rates to lower-income individuals and families.

Two terms are expiring.  Terms are for four years.  Not less than three of the members shall be knowledgeable in one of the following fields: labor, finance or commerce. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally second Friday, 9:30 a.m.

MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for mechanical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Mechanical Code.

Three positions are vacant.  Member term is for four years and alternate terms are for two years.  Positions are specified as: 1) a mechanical trade representative, and 2 & 3) alternates.  Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this Board.  Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure.  Meeting schedule:  Quarterly, 10 a.m.

PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD–works with the Board of County Commissioners regarding the operation of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, including future planning and policy developments.

One position is vacant due to resignation.  Term is for three years.  Position is specified as a resident from Hillsborough County District 3.  Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Monthly, fourth Thursday, 4 p.m.

Sandy Test Drives the Nissan Leaf!

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Check out Sandy test Driving a Nissan Leaf at International Mall!

 
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