S.A.M.B.A.'s speaker gets (deliberately?) misquoted.

[fsu813]

"Maybe he was already working behind the scenes on the issue....."

ya think?

[Springfielder]

No..and that still doesn't excuse his office not contacting the resident that sent the letter. It also doesn't excuse spar for not responding either. Funny, now that this has all been brought to the surface, all of a sudden there's all sorts of action and correspondences being sent...simply amazing how things like this happen...

It's also interesting how all of a sudden you seem to have to smart remark for how spar dropped the ball, when a resident and block captain contacted them for help....don't ya think...so much for your constantly telling us to get involved, to contact them.

[fsu813]

i'm full of bad ideas.

[jason_contentdg]

"Maybe he was already working behind the scenes on the issue....."

ya think?

Not really, unfortunately I was being sarcastic.  I think he would want a constituent to know that he was working on it, instead of ignoring her.

[Springfielder]

Thank you, and I couldn't agree more

[strider]

Due to the following e-mails, I am revising my post...

Nw, as to why some are calling the city on there own:

Unfortunately, this is very typical of anything to do with the current SPAR Council’s executive board.  For all we know, that alley task force could very well be working towards closing alleys.  Why do I say that?  Well, let’s look at the “SPAR Speaks”.  We have notices about the car wash and possible evil convenience store openings.  We have the rooming house issue and we even have the chocolate shop issue.  We do not see the ally issue. If they were ‘furiously working” on it, would you not expect them to post something about it somewhere?  Possible their own “SPAR Speaks”?  Isn't that how you keep the community informed and gather support for what you are doing, by telling peole about it? Then remember that Louise and Company always says that they are for saving houses and remember those e-mails from Louise?  So, what SPAR Council officially says and what they really mean can and are often two separate things.

Hey, I sincerely hope glad that there really is a “alley task force” and that they are really “furiously working on the issue”.  I just have to say that I am very glad Springfielder and Ms Johnson are on it.  And a huge Thank You to them both.  I at least can believe what they say and that they are indeed doing what is best.

[sheclown]

from myspringfield.org

It has come to the attention of the SPAR Alley Task Force that the COJ Public Works Department has directed JEA to no longer replace light bulbs in streetlights located in the alleys. Dr. Gaffney’s office responded immediately to a SPAR request for a meeting with the involved entities and the first meeting was held on March 9.

SPAR’s position is that alley lighting is a necessity for neighborhoods, including Springfield, and that it is a City responsibility to ensure safe travel and public security in these public rights-of-way. Please feel free to contact public officials if this issue is important to you. Do keep in mind that SPAR is working with Dr. Gaffney’s office towards a resolution.

Bulb outages should be reported to JEA. Be sure to have the pole number available when you call in the report. If you have difficulty getting a bulb replaced on a JEA pole, please report this problem to SPAR.

SPAR is creating a map of the light poles located in the alleys of Springfield’s Historic District and monitoring changes in their status. If you see a burned out bulb, light removed, or any activity involving the pole, please note the pole number and contact the SPAR office and report its location so we can add it to the map for reference. All reports can be called in to the SPAR office at 353-7727 or e-mail at sparoffice@sparcouncil.org.

Updates and further Alley Task Force reports will be made at monthly SPAR Council Board Meetings and posted when available. Alley Task Force meetings are held monthly and the next one scheduled is on Monday, April 19 at 7pm at the SPAR office, 1321 N. Main St.

JoAnn Tredennick
SPAR Alley Task Force Chair

[Springfielder]

True, I'm no longer a member of spar, but I remain a block captain and have been for many years. Perhaps they need to check with the one who oversees block captains. Now, as for spar not getting a copy of the letter...that's crap...

Date: November 25, 2009
From: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 8:00 AM
To: Gaffney@coj.net
Cc: SPAROffice; jpeyton@coj.net; Clay@coj.net; WBishop@coj.net; RClark@coj.net; Redman@coj.net; AShad@coj.net; Webb@coj.net; EDLee@coj.net; WAJones@coj.net; RBrown@coj.net; Holt@coj.net; DDavis@coj.net; JMeserve@coj.net; ArtG@coj.net; Corrigan@coj.net; RonnieF@coj.net; JRC@coj.net; Joost@coj.net; KHyde@coj.net; GloriousJ@coj.net
Subject: Springfield alleyway lighting and safety

Dear Councilman Gaffney:

It has come to my attention as a SPAR (Springfield Preservation and Restoration) Block Captain, that JEA will no longer provide maintenance for the lighting of alleyways throughout the Springfield area. One of the residents had filed several ECARE complaints in reference to the light in the alley behind their home, which needed a bulb replacement. It was when a JEA representative called to speak with her about the request for service, that she was told by the JEA representative “that JEA was given a directive by the city about 6 months ago to discontinue maintenance of the lights in the alleys and from now on are only maintaining the street lights.”  If true, this presents a serious safety issue, as it would leave the alleyways in the dark.

This is not acceptable by any means. It is the responsibility of the city/JEA to properly maintain the lighting. How can this possibly be justified by the city, which will most certainly place all of us in the area at a much higher risk of personal and property safety? There is no doubt that this is a public safety issue, which needs to be addressed and rectified. The lights in question are on city owned poles and have always been maintained by JEA, until recently when ECARE requests for service have not been upheld. It was also told by the JEA representative, that this will also impact the Riverside area.

I contacted JEA, via their online contact form, asking if this is true, and this was the response I received: “Thank you for your online contact. It would depend on the location of the alleys and mostly they are area lights that are maintained by the owner.

Thanks,

JEA CUSTOMER SERVICE”
It is not true that most of the poles are the property of homeowners; these poles and lights are property of the city/JEA, as the poles are clearly on public property. As you are aware, we in Springfield have worked diligently to reduce crime and to maintain a safe environment for all residents. Which is why it's imperative that this matter be investigated. The city/JEA needs to maintain the lights as well as replace burned out bulbs. To simply stop the maintenance places the residents in an unsafe environment.

I ask that you look into this issue and help rectify the problem.

XXXXXXXXXX
SPAR Block Captain

Then of course, I get an apology from spar today

Through a conversation with Dr. Gaffney’s office today, we realize we were carbon copied the e-mail below, and somehow missed it when it originally came. We just located it today. We apologize for this oversight. JoAnn Tredennick informed us that she has left messages to invite you to last night’s Alley Task Force Meeting and also to update you on the Task Force’s activities regarding this issue. The next Alley Task Force Meeting is here at the SPAR office on April 19, at 7PM. We will notify you of further updates as they are available.

Again, we regret this missing your original e-mail.

Kristen, Spar office

As for Ms. Tredennick making attempts to contact me, there was one call and she left one message on my voice mail. That doesn't amount to making attempts, it was only one and that was yesterday. I did respond to their email and expressed appreciation for their apology and for the invite to the next meeting.

So tell me, just who isn't being upfront and honest here? If this person bothered to contact me, obviously they have my number, since it's the same when I was a member...or made an effort to contact Brad who oversees block captains....then she'd know that I've remained an active block captain since the day that Louise accepted me as one....

[Springfielder]

not likely, apparently the new director isn't very informed

[sheclown]

\

not likely, apparently the new director isn't very informed

Did the membership get a vote on the new Executive Director?

[Debbie Thompson]

I suppose the ED is appointed by the Board, as I'm a member and as far as I know, there was no vote. However, please give Brenda a chance to settle in and don't jump down her throat immediately. :-)  She may very well do a fine job for the neighborhood if you'll support her and give her the opportunity to do so.

[Lunican]

Taking over a new job is never easy.

[Livein32206]

True, I'm no longer a member of spar, but I remain a block captain and have been for many years. Perhaps they need to check with the one who oversees block captains. Now, as for spar not getting a copy of the letter...that's crap...

Date: November 25, 2009
From: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 8:00 AM
To: Gaffney@coj.net
Cc: SPAROffice; jpeyton@coj.net; Clay@coj.net; WBishop@coj.net; RClark@coj.net; Redman@coj.net; AShad@coj.net; Webb@coj.net; EDLee@coj.net; WAJones@coj.net; RBrown@coj.net; Holt@coj.net; DDavis@coj.net; JMeserve@coj.net; ArtG@coj.net; Corrigan@coj.net; RonnieF@coj.net; JRC@coj.net; Joost@coj.net; KHyde@coj.net; GloriousJ@coj.net
Subject: Springfield alleyway lighting and safety

Dear Councilman Gaffney:

It has come to my attention as a SPAR (Springfield Preservation and Restoration) Block Captain, that JEA will no longer provide maintenance for the lighting of alleyways throughout the Springfield area. One of the residents had filed several ECARE complaints in reference to the light in the alley behind their home, which needed a bulb replacement. It was when a JEA representative called to speak with her about the request for service, that she was told by the JEA representative “that JEA was given a directive by the city about 6 months ago to discontinue maintenance of the lights in the alleys and from now on are only maintaining the street lights.”  If true, this presents a serious safety issue, as it would leave the alleyways in the dark.

This is not acceptable by any means. It is the responsibility of the city/JEA to properly maintain the lighting. How can this possibly be justified by the city, which will most certainly place all of us in the area at a much higher risk of personal and property safety? There is no doubt that this is a public safety issue, which needs to be addressed and rectified. The lights in question are on city owned poles and have always been maintained by JEA, until recently when ECARE requests for service have not been upheld. It was also told by the JEA representative, that this will also impact the Riverside area.

I contacted JEA, via their online contact form, asking if this is true, and this was the response I received: “Thank you for your online contact. It would depend on the location of the alleys and mostly they are area lights that are maintained by the owner.

Thanks,

JEA CUSTOMER SERVICE”
It is not true that most of the poles are the property of homeowners; these poles and lights are property of the city/JEA, as the poles are clearly on public property. As you are aware, we in Springfield have worked diligently to reduce crime and to maintain a safe environment for all residents. Which is why it's imperative that this matter be investigated. The city/JEA needs to maintain the lights as well as replace burned out bulbs. To simply stop the maintenance places the residents in an unsafe environment.

I ask that you look into this issue and help rectify the problem.

XXXXXXXXXX
SPAR Block Captain

Then of course, I get an apology from spar today

Through a conversation with Dr. Gaffney’s office today, we realize we were carbon copied the e-mail below, and somehow missed it when it originally came. We just located it today. We apologize for this oversight. JoAnn Tredennick informed us that she has left messages to invite you to last night’s Alley Task Force Meeting and also to update you on the Task Force’s activities regarding this issue. The next Alley Task Force Meeting is here at the SPAR office on April 19, at 7PM. We will notify you of further updates as they are available.

Again, we regret this missing your original e-mail.

Kristen, Spar office

As for Ms. Tredennick making attempts to contact me, there was one call and she left one message on my voice mail. That doesn't amount to making attempts, it was only one and that was yesterday. I did respond to their email and expressed appreciation for their apology and for the invite to the next meeting.

So tell me, just who isn't being upfront and honest here? If this person bothered to contact me, obviously they have my number, since it's the same when I was a member...or made an effort to contact Brad who oversees block captains....then she'd know that I've remained an active block captain since the day that Louise accepted me as one....

Well at least there is some correspondence from SPAR to Gaffney's office on the subject.

Dr. Gaffney,
First, I want to thank you for your part in making Louise's reception special. Your presence and kind words have always been a source of support for her and the Springfield community. I believe the "best" came together last night to honor a truly dedicated servant. Though bittersweet, Springfield and Louise sure had a proud shared moment last night.

Today it came to our attention that a discussion thread on myspringfield.org http://myspringfield.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=64&start=10 was on the topic of JEA and their policy to discontinue street lights in the alleys. The person posting as jbm32206 included copies of letters she said were sent to you on November 25, 2009 and one to Glorious Johnson on March 15, 2010. This person claims to be a "SPAR Block Captain"; however she is not a member of SPAR and we have no record of her attending meetings. Also, though she states that the November letter was mailed to SPAR, we have no record of that either.

We welcome all input from the community, and seek to respond to issues and concerns in the most appropriate manner. Our Alley Task Force Chair, JoAnn Tredennick has made attempts to contact this person to inform them of the status of the issue as well as invite her to participate in the process.

We want to thank you for your attention in the matter so far and we do feel a sense of urgency regarding JEA removing lights or poles - we may need your intervention. I know we have a meeting planned within a couple of weeks regarding this issue, however, I'm requesting on behalf of the Alley Task Force and SPAR that you make the appropriate contacts to request a "cease and desist" regarding any further removal of lights or poles in the Springield alleys until we have a chance to reach a final judgment or decision.

Again, you have our appreciation for all your efforts and commitment to Springfield. I welcome your guidance and input.

Thank you,

Brenda Boydston
Executive Director
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) Council
1321 N. Main St.
Jacksonville, FL 32206
904-353-7727
brenda@sparcouncil.org

Looking over all of this, I'm left puzzeled as to why SPAR is trying to discredit someone who clearly is making an effort to find a resolution to a problem in the neighborhood that's a safety issue? I've read the emails, and in the original email sent, I didn't see where they claimed to be a member and only claimed to be a block captain. So why the nasty gram about this person to Gaffney? It's things such as this, where instead of knowing facts, and contacting the person to work with them, they take the negative approach and try to discredit them. It would have made much more sense to have made contact, explain how someone in their office overlooked the original email, and then see how they could combine efforts to reach the same goal.

I don't understand why membership is an issue, isn't spar supposed to be working for/with the neighborhood? IMO, it appears that the new director is more concerned with trying to discredit others, instead of trying to work together. It's these kind of actions that have caused a rift between spar and the neighbohood.

The real issue here is, JEA is skirting their responsibilities and neighbors are upset about it. The real issue is also that someone made an honest effort to contact their council representative and respectfuly sent a copy of that letter to spar; of which, they didn't have to do.

[Miss Fixit]

I had a similar reaction, Live in 32206.  There was absolutely no need for the SPAR ED to try to discredit this neighbor. 

The board of SPAR needs to take action to improve both the quantity and quality of communication with its members and the community at large.

As others have suggested, the new ED has assumed a challenging position. 

[sheclown]

I had a similar reaction, Live in 32206.  There was absolutely no need for the SPAR ED to try to discredit this neighbor.  

The board of SPAR needs to take action to improve both the quantity and quality of communication with its members and the community at large.

As others have suggested, the new ED has assumed a challenging position.  

At the heart of it, is it a "communication" issue here, Miss Fixit?  I hope so, as that would be rather easy to fix.  

However, it smells like the same problem that has occurred for years.  And that goes to what is behind the communication issue, and that is more difficult to fix.

(I mean, really, look to the title of this thread -- communication issue?).