Here is our City Commissioner Rick Glass who voted for a special election this November 8th 2011, to change the 2 year term for commissioners, back to 4 years.Last November Holly Hill citizens turned out and voted for 2 year terms for commissioners !
Also Rick Glass is just one of the Holly Hill Commissioners that have failed to protect the children and citizens from threats of violence, harassment, assault & battery from Daytona NA Narcotics Anonymous and AA Daytona Alcoholics Anonymous(also known as the Volusia County Intergroup) members.
HOLLY HILL — A Holly Hill city commissioner was fired from his job at a local agency for disabled people after the state began an investigation into possible sexual abuse of a client, officials confirmed this week.
Clay LaRoche, spokesman for the Department of Children & Families, said the state agency is investigating a possible sexual-abuse incident at the Arc of Volusia involving Commissioner Rick Glass.
“I can confirm that we have an investigation going on,” LaRoche said. “I cannot discuss the details because it is an open and ongoing investigation, but I can tell you that we are investigating.”
DCF started investigating the incident Oct. 11, LaRoche said.
snip
‘According to the sheriff’s report, the incident was discovered by a Department of Environmental Protection police officer at Apalachicola Circle and Wachula Avenue in DeLeon Springs at 9:18 a.m. Oct. 10.
The DEP officer requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office after checking out a suspicious vehicle, a silver Ford van, parked in the area and after discovering the possibility of a “potentially inappropriate sexual encounter,” also referred to as a possible sex offense in reports, documents show.
The Arc’s King said the organization does own a silver Ford van.
The suspect, according to the report, was read a Miranda warning and was placed in the back of a deputy’s patrol car.
Due to the nature of the incident, the deputies who arrived on scene to help the DEP officer called the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Sex Crimes Unit, the report states.
Holly Hill Commissioner John Penny said Thursday that he had no knowledge of Glass being investigated, and the commission has not discussed anything as a group.
City Manager James McCroskey said he only knows that Glass told him he had been fired.
“I am familiar with the fact that he was fired from his job,” McCroskey said. “He said it was because of some event that happened at his job, but he didn’t give any details.” ‘
Full story here-
Glass Investigation Not On Agenda
Mayor Johnson thinks that Rick Glass being fired for sexual abuse allegations is a personal matter,that has has nothing to do with the City of Holly Hill! REALLY? WOW!
Unfortunately, I worked with Rick Glass, I told Mr. King that he was abusive to the clients… Got NO HELP!!! Just sayn…
Tammy,
That is terrible! Those poor people that trusted Rick Glass. Is this why Mr King left the The Arc Of Volusia Agency? Any news on the investigation
of the abuses? I am surprised their has not been an arrest of Rick Glass yet! You tried to warn your boss, that is admirable.How else was he abusive?
Is the woman he was thought to have sexually abused still their?
Here we have the City Manager McCrowskey stating the contract the commissioners signed is not enforceable to collect profits,and Mayor Roy Johnson saying he is not worried about profits.What I want to know is why do we have Simpson as are attorney when he did not catch the problems in the contract?
The residents seemed to smell a rat,yet the attorney is paid a great deal to protect the city.He failed miserably.The thing about only making profits on alcohol seemed bizarre in the first place. We need to replace the City attorney as well as a City Manager who said he only read it shortly before the vote! What kind of City manager is that? Leaving the negotiating to Lynn Dellinger? Really?
They will be spending close to 1 million on the 2nd street market yet the City Of Holly cannot keep our parks clean or safe!
Holly Hill street market debuts with flawed contract
BY ANDREW GANT, STAFF WRITER
November 20, 2011 12:55 AM Posted in: East Volusia Tagged: Holly Hill Friday Night Market , Manny Bornia
Bornia
HOLLY HILL — The city’s contract with Manny Bornia and company for a weekly “public market” under the stars — which the city manager now admits was pulled together too quickly — has flaws that mean Holly Hill can’t collect its share of the profits as agreed.
That hasn’t dashed the city’s high hopes for the “Second Street Public Market,” which launched Friday with a modest line of vendors selling produce, candles and honey.
“We’re trying to take baby steps and see how it goes, rather than just blast into it,” Mayor Roy Johnson said of the project, an attempt at revitalizing the area around it on Riverside Drive. “My main concern, more than making a profit off it, is making that part of the city better, picking up the pace down there.”
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/11/20/holly-hill-street-market-debuts-with-flawed-contract.html
In response to the article in the News Journal about proposed charter amendments on October 31, 2011.
First of all it doesn’t take a “rocket scientist” to figure out that the charter committee “did not recommend” that this vote be held in a special election. To the contrary, all one has to do is listen to the audio for the August 23, 2011 regular commission meeting on Holly Hill’s website and you will hear, former Holly Hill Mayor, Bill Arthur, who is the chairman of the charter committee, clearly state that he felt it was not a good idea to put this in a special election!
Secondly,What business is it of yours, or the commissioners to decide that what the citizens of Holly Hill voted for last November needs to be repealed?
Yes, the voters of Holly Hill did decide in 2010 that they wanted two-year terms for elected officials. You know, the citizens of Holly Hill, the same people who pay your large salary and your $12,000 a year housing allowance?
You’re not from here yet you think you can just come here and tell us that our vote needs to be completely turned inside out in a “SPECIAL ELECTION,” which was NOT RECOMMENDED BY THE CHARTER COMMITTEE.
You have made it clear that what we care about is not important . Things like what we voted for just last year, or being able to participate at a city commission meeting to voice our concerns and opinions are just two things that you have tried to take away from us in such a short time on-the-job.It’s hard to believe that you’re being paid more than twice the average yearly income of our residents plus a housing allowance all out of our tax dollars and you think you can treat us like this!
Am I the only one who sees the arrogance and all this?
Very self serving indeed!
COMMISSION STACKED THE DECK
BY JENNY MOREY, HOLLY HILL
November 1, 2011 12:05 AM Posted in: Letters to the Editor Tagged: Holly Hill City Charter
In an editor’s note in the Oct. 26 paper, you stated, “The seven amendments to the Holly Hill City Charter were recommended by the city’s Charter Review Commission.” That is not the complete sentence. The Charter Review Commission included five people — and each city commissioner and the mayor hand-picked one person. Very self-serving!
Everyone, get out and vote “No” on Nov. 8.
The City of Holly Hill is raising the eyebrows of many,including the radio stations and newspapers. The City Manager McCroskey and the Commissioners have been acting very arrogant.
They act like they have to answer to nobody.Including the victims of harassment from Daytona Alcoholics Anonymous and Daytona Narcotics Anonymous in our City Parks. Maybe they will realize the gig is up and they should start doing what is in the best interest of the community and not their wallets and egos.
Holly Hill deal raises several key questions
EDITORIAL
November 13, 2011 12:05 AM Posted in: N-J Editorials Tagged: 2nd Street Public Market
It’s little wonder that some Holly Hill residents have questions about the city’s deal with a trio of high-profile businesspeople that includes American Music Festival organizer Manny Bornia and Volusia County Councilman Josh Wagner.
When city commissioners gathered last week to vote on a contract with Bornia and his business partners to operate a weekly “green market” at a site on Second Street, they probably passed under a banner across Ridgewood Avenue advertising the market. The presence of the banner prompted a city resident to ask the commissioners: “Why are you advertising something when you haven’t voted on it yet?”
Good question. It’s one of several raised by Holly Hill’s $700,000 effort to renovate the historic building at 101 Second Street and Riverside Drive and use the property as an event venue.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/opinion/editorials/n-j-editorials/2011/11/13/holly-hill-deal-raises-several-key-questions.html
Then The City Manager James McCroskey insulted the Daytona News Journal stating that what they were writing was pretty much fiction,
the editor Pat Rice wrote his own take on recent developments in Holly Hill Florida.
Projects involving public dollars merit public attention
BY PAT RICE, NEWS-JOURNAL EDITOR
November 13, 2011 12:05 AM Posted in: Community Voices Tagged: 2nd Street Public Market
Pat Rice, Editor
Last week, The News-Journal published stories about a business relationship connected to the city of Holly Hill’s taxpayer-financed renovation of a historic coquina building at 101 Second St.
Our report did not sit well with some of the people involved, including City Manager Jim McCroskey, who suggested during a City Commission meeting that The News-Journal’s coverage of the project was largely fictional. Others implied ulterior motives on our part.
Since I was the one who assigned the initial story about this project, I want to respond.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/opinion/editorials/guest-columns/2011/11/13/projects-involving-public-dollars-merit-public-attention.html
Here is a suggestion, tell everyone you know that can vote in Holly Hill…
Read this article regarding the charges against the former City Manager. She was fired by the Commission, not charged with any crime, and was found that her conduct did not violate the International City/County Management Association’s code of ethics. The Florida Commission on Ethics will hold hearings.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/10/29/former-holly-hill-manager-facing-ethics-hearing.html
The entire Commission may be in violation of the same Florida statute. The Commission gave all union employees, then themselves, a $1,200 bonus. Why? They did not offer any explanation. It can be suggested they did this “… to influence a vote or other action in which the officer, employee, or local government attorney was expected to participate in his or her official capacity.”
Although most of the city employees do not live in Holly Hill, including the City Manager, they actively campaign to support the “vote yes” in the special election to be held November 8th. Was this gift a pay-off for their support? Since the Commission has offered no other explanation, this is as good as any.
This is more news worthy: not one elected official has mentioned or reminded the people of Holly Hill to go to the poles on Nov.8th. The calendar posted on the City’s web site does not show an opportunity to exercise your right to vote on Nov.8th. Why is the election a secret? They do not want you to vote.
Here is a suggestion, tell everyone you know that can vote in Holly Hill…
Vote on November 8th.
This is part of the Florida statute the Commission may have violated by buying off the unions and each other.
112.313 Standards of conduct for public officers, employees of agencies, and local government attorneys.
Breaking News Update.Holly Hill Action Group.You have been told about the secret election to be held on November 8th. Big John, WELW radio, has reported it, but no other media outlet has. Not even the City of Holly Hill has it posted on the official calender. The HH police department does not have it on their calender. See http://www.hollyhillpd.org/index.php?page=10
Have you ever thought about this: the police chief of Holly Hill does not live in Holly Hill. He lives, according to the Volusia County Appraisal Office, in Ormand Beach.
The City Manager does not live in HH. Your Commissioner, Rick Glass has been accused of sexual misconduct with a 41 year old disabled women. The previous City Manger is persecuted by the current Commissioners. The current elected elite want to extend their terms of office without an election and eliminate term limits for Mayor.
Is it any wonder why there is a disaffected population in Holly Hill?
Vote, and tell all you know, to Vote November 8th.
Captain Stephen K. Aldrich, with the HH police department, also does not live in HH. According to the Appraisal District, he owns land and a home in Port Orange, none in HH. Who in the top positions in HH actually live and vote in Holly Hill? Where do they send their kids to school? What parks do they frequent? What is their stake, other than a job, in Holly Hill?
These notes are not intended to diminish the contributions these people have made to their profession and Holly Hill. Only the make the people who live, work and vote in Holly Hill aware of what is going on in this City.
Tell all you know who can vote in HH,
Just Do It!!
Interesting article below, that states the only reason the election is controversial is because of Rick Glass being accused of sexually assaulting a disabled woman.
True the investigations into Rick Glass’s behavior has made for even more concern without a doubt. But to act like this has not been controversial before is not true.
The City Managers comments in the article are patronizing the citizens that are trying to regain control of their city, is pathetic. Most of the people in power do not even live in Holly Hill and it appears that includes the City Manager McCroskey. From what one can see,he still has not moved to Holly Hill after requesting a raise and getting 12K+.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/10/31/proposed-charter-amendments-heading-to-holly-hill-voters.html
Here is a link to the HOLLY HILL SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOT TO END 2 YEAR TERMS !
http://www.hollyhillfl.org/archive/City%20Clerk/Official_Special_Election_Ballot_Nov_8_2011.pdf
VOTE NO TO ALL !!!!!!!!
This was a new entry from the web from the HOLLY HILL ACTION GROUP.
Rick Glass, a Holly Hill Commissioner since 2007, has made news. See the article that appeared in the News-Journal.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/10/22/holly-hill-commissioner-fired-from-job-amid-investigation-into-sexual-abuse.html
The City Charter currently requires the City to have a special election in the event a permanent vacancy occurs in any seat on the Commission when there is more than one year until the next regularly scheduled election. The proposed amendment to be voted on November 8th would allow the Commission to appoint a temporary replacement to fill the vacated Commission seat until the next regularly scheduled election instead of calling a special election.
This means Rick Glass could sit out the next two Commissioner meetings, resign after the November 8th election, and the Commissioners/Mayor could appoint one of their friends to a 4 year term without holding any election!!
This should disturb you!!
This proposed Charter change is a clear attempt to eliminate the voters from the democratic process.
Why would the Commissioners want to do away with special elections to replace a vacant seat and extend their current terms for two more years without anyone standing for election? The is one very obvious answer: they will go to great lengths to hold their power, cut you out of the voting process, and establish a dynasty to rule Holly Hill.
To protect your voting rights and keep what you voted for just last November, vote no on all of the proposed Charter amendments.
Case#:11-30242 Date: 10/10/2011 Time: 0914 Invest Asgn: Inv. B. Cobb
Header: SEX OFFENSE Location: Apalachicola Cir / Wauchula Av Business Name: ZONE: 22
Deputies responded to the above location in reference to an assist other agency call involving a D.E.P. (Department of Environmental Protection) Officer who had requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office. It was advised that the Officer initially observed a suspicious vehicle in the area and stopped to check it out. However, a further investigation revealed the possibility of a potentially inappropriate sexual encounter. Due to the nature of the incident, District 2 CID was requested to conduct a further investigation. V.C.S.O. Sex Crimes (Volusia County Sheriff’s Office) along with the Crime Scene Unit were also later requested as well. No other information is available at this time. This case is active pending a further investigation by the V.C.S.O. Sex Crimes Unit. District 2 Assistant Commander (Lt. Brown) was notified and made aware of the incident.
New info from Concerned Holly Hill resident-
There is an election on November 8th.
The word is spreading. There is an election on November 8th. It seems only Big John, WELE, 1380AM, and the HHAG is willing to talk about it. There appears to be a news blackout starting with the City Commissioners progressing to the local news outlets.
This is just what the officials want. They are counting on a low turnout and voters being unaware of the issues. The issues have been presented by the Group and a further discussion is offered here.
All of the ballot measures have a few things in common.
1. The elected elite want to retain power without going through an election.
2. The Mayor wants to remove term limits for his position.
3. They want to gain more power by removing protections granted in the City Charter and assume it for themselves.
It is the last position that should concern you the most. The Charter is the municipal version of a constitution. The Charter protects the citizens against the tyranny of the elected just like the U.S. Constitution.
Giving the political elite to power over sale of alcoholic beverages, fluoride in drinking water; appointing Commissioners without any election; and, making it more difficult to terminate the City Manager do nothing to benefit the people of Holly Hill. Only the politicians and the politically connected gain.
A petition has been filed to support a no vote and create a political action committee. Steve Smith, lives on Riverside, has filed these papers. He is a 35 year resident of Holly Hill. To discuss the VOTE NO position, contact Steve Smith at 255-9083.
Another political action committee has been formed to promote a yes vote on the Charter amendments. The PAC is organized by two people who do not live, or vote, in Holly Hill.
Rick Glass has been in office for some time and he has had this job at the THE ARC about the same time.Hmmmmmm. Any connection to Rick Glass vote on the CRA money and other issues and his new job at the The ARC of Volusia County? How did he move up the ladder so quickly without experience? If his job was indeed a favor for his votes as a commissioner,it is no different than what South Daytonas Jerome Mitchell and his partners in crime did. Now Mitchell is in prison. Now we have Commissioner Rick Glass accused of sexual misconduct involving a disabled woman 41 years of age that is a client of ARC.
People to need to vote in Holly Hill November 8th at the special election that they are paying for and vote-AGAIN-to keep 2 year terms for Holly Hill commissioners. With loading up the consent agenda without public participation,and trying to limit public participation from 5 minutes to 3,they do not deserve to stay another 4 years.They even gave the City Manager McCroskey a raise despite loud and adamant citizens against it!They did not even wait for his 6 months probation period to end!
So from what I have read thus far, 50% of our Holly Hill Commissioners have been fired from the City of Holly Hill.
Interesting.I can see why they are trying to hold on to their jobs so bad! By going against what the local people have wanted for
a long time.Two year terms! It took years to have it voted on-but less than than one to try and undue what is obvious the
people wanted! No wonder-when they know that both Liz Towsley Patton and Rick Glass have both been fired from the
city in the past! What the hell is going on here?
Right-and now Rick Glass of Holly Hill Florida has been fired AGAIN-but from The ARC of Volusia County for allegations of
sexual assault against a disabled person. It is time for this town to wake up and smell the coffee! What more proof do we need?
Let apathy be replaced by a new energized effort to turn this town around,and have the opportunity to vote next November 2012
for new Holly Hill Commissioners. At least put them on notice that they need to start listening to the people, and stop giving themselves
raises when they cant even keep people safe in the parks.
Vote November 8th 2011,Holly Hill Fl-Special Election to keep 2 year terms on the books.Say NO to 4 year terms.
OMG!!!!!!!! This is horrible that our Holly Hill Commissioner is under investigation for sexual abuse of a disabled 41 year old woman client of The Arc! This man is married and has a young daughter. I feel for his family. I think he should step down as Commissioner of Holly Hill. This man has been very rude to citizens who have spoken at Holly Hill Commission meetings. Totally unprofessional. Then he went along with voting for a special election to turn over the vote that the people had voted in just last November 2010 to change 4 year terms to 2 year terms. This is an obvious attempt by all the commissioners to stay in office for 4 years without having to show the citizens that they deserve to remain a commissioner.
Even though Rick Glass has been called numerous times by locals complaining about Daytona AA NA meetings in Sunrise Parks,he has done nothing to protect the locals from continued harassment from these groups. It is possible he is biased if he himself is an AA/NA member.
People of Holly Hill need to get out and vote November 8th 2011 to keep the 2 year term intact that they had already voted for last year!