SPAR revolt?

[strider]

There is NOTHING unexplained in the budget. Every month the board gets a full breakdown of what is happening with the budget. These mysterious "other expenses" are security fund.

Think what you will about me, but Phil Collins was the treasurer for my entire time on the board, and he can attest to the accounting from 2005-2008, which seems to be whats being called into question.

Dan, it is odd that fellow past board members have said that everyone has not been able to get the right information about this concern, as well as others.  Yes, as it appears no where else, the security fund is obviously part of that "other “ amount.  No argument there.  But, unless the security fund cost about 84K that year and 141K another year, there is still 20K to 80K worth of explaining to do.  I know Phil Collins and I also know how things are done over at SPAR Council.  I have no doubt that Phil Collins would not put up with improper activity under his watch, however I also know that it is not unreasonable that Phil Collins, even as treasurer, was kept in the dark about more than a few things.  Phil needs to speak up here if he does indeed know what the complete explanation is.

Fact:  According to SPAR's bylaws, elections are to be held in October...

Who is running for office this year?  When are the elections?

Zoo, you're an appointed board member -- have any answers? 

[Dan B]

The security fund varied from year to year. Thats absolutely the case. Its not like there was a fixed amount in the fund, it was based on what people donated to the fund, and while its true that SRG gave the lions share, it wasn't the only one to donate money to it.

Im all for calling for accountability, but what you and Gloria are doing at this point is muckraking. Your looking for any possible impropriety to throw out there, and hope it sticks.

If you want to bash them on their preservation record, you have some strong arguments. But knock off the rest of this silliness.

[strider]

We have been told that the security fund was 60 to 65K.  Perhaps Phil can confirm this number.  Like I said, still a lot of explaining left to do.

Meanwhile, Dan, lack of following the by-laws, lack of transparency and lack of elections coupled with others, not just us, saying that they can't get explanations, the lies about what the overlay says and the personal attacks against us is all just silliness?  Hmmm, interesting. 

[Dan B]

We have been told that the security fund was 60 to 65K.  Perhaps Phil can confirm this number.  Like I said, still a lot of explaining left to do.

Meanwhile, Dan, lack of following the by-laws, lack of transparency and lack of elections coupled with others, not just us, saying that they can't get explanations, the lies about what the overlay says and the personal attacks against us is all just silliness?  Hmmm, interesting. 

I didn't say anything about the by-laws. I also didnt say anything about the personal attacks. I am equally frustrated at SPARs inability to follow its own by-laws. SPAR is weaker today as an organization because of this inability, and the tendency to circle the wagons when one if its own board members calls this type of stuff into question is frustrating to watch, especially when one WANTS to see the organization thrive.

It does seem to me, however, that you have made it just as personal. Pointedly so, in-fact. Threats of dragging "Springfield through the mud" is a pretty bold thing to proclaim. You can claim the high road if you want, but anyone who has any sort of knowledge of whats going on here knows your just as dirty.

The thing that nobody seems to be talking about is, this has nothing to do with the houses that were deemed legal last year. This is all over the issue of what is a legal use of a single family house.

The questions being asked right now of the city, while perhaps uncomfortable for you, and controversial to others, are legit questions raised as a direct result of your actions. You have effectively martyred yourself for the cause.

For the record, I am against any change to the number of unrelated people living in a house, because of my personal experiences in the Navy. The issue at hand is not roommates, but businesses or non-profits using single family, residentially zoned houses to house people.

[AlexS]

We have been told that the security fund was 60 to 65K.  Perhaps Phil can confirm this number.  Like I said, still a lot of explaining left to do.

The security/crime fund is a variable expense. Essentially depending on how much money was donated in the previous month, that's how many hours off-duty officers will be contracted the next month. So whatever comes in, will be spent. Don't think there is any irregularity there. The 990 must have been according to guidelines as it was accepted by the state.
I agree that there may be more transparent ways in accounting to separate out restricted donations (crime fund, ARK cleanup, etc.) which are pass through and unrestricted donations used for operating expenses.

[sheclown]

Okay, so if there are no financial irregularities on the 990s, why not just list "crime fund" or "lawn service" as expenses?  Why not do as the other community non-profits do?

How is that NOT a valid question?

[Dan B]

Okay, so if there are no financial irregularities on the 990s, why not just list "crime fund" or "lawn service" as expenses?  Why not do as the other community non-profits do?

How is that NOT a valid question?

Sure it is. Its not the one that has been asked, but it is a valid question.

Are you offering up your guys to do this sort of work?

[fsu813]

I think this a genral  "i don't like SPAR" thread.

[Jth]

Regardless of anyones personal issues, almost everyone involved agrees.

Change is needed.  Whether its because of 'transparency' or 'mission' or integrity, it seems apparent that there is consensus that there is a problem--the difference simply being one of magnitude.

The tank is toxic, its time for a water change.  Seems pretty simple, and it doesnt seem  like there is a bunch to be gained by tearing each other to peices for continuing to express the common sentiment.

Should SPAR continue?

Who will lead it?

What will its Mission be?

How can the problems be solved, and who will replace the income now that the age of real estate speculation is over?

Or should this new group SHARP be left to start with a clean slate?

Stephen, tell us a little more about this new group SHARP. I've seen you mention it a few times, but haven't really heard any details. Who is it that is starting it? What will be the mission of the group? What type of skills will its members/staff have?

[hooplady]

Just a comment about the Form 990 and why the expenses aren't brokern out...understand that the 990 is an IRS form and is not intended to replace detailed financial statements.  If an organization elects to lump everything into "Other" expenses there is nothing wrong with that per se.

Whether they should be providing detailed financial reports to their entire membership is another matter.  Some do, some don't.  Personally I think any non-profit should provide as much detail as is necessary to satisfy its members/constituents.  But I don't think their 990 is an example of something that the organization has done "wrong."

[cindi]

I did approach a well-connected person in the neighborhood and said that Springfield was going to get dragged through the mud unless things change.  

All I got was a shrug.

And things have only gotten worse.

i find this odd, given that you (collectively speaking) say you have such a vested interest in springfield. as someone that lives with animals, even they don't pooh or wee where they sleep and eat.  anything bad that happens in jacksonville/northeast florida already happens in springfield (ask anyone in the press, they print it so it must be so) so honestly - that's kinda like putting a flea in black pepper.
if there is such a desire for a "revolt" / changing of the guard, given that they suck at taxes, don't communicate, and are just overall no longer what's best for "springfield", why not just start your own, bigger, better, faster, more fuel efficient organization. this may come as a shock, they ain't going to change and any though that you have along those lines is truly unrealistic.  seriously, if you think that jumping up and down, holding your breath till you turn blue and pooping in your pants is going to make them - will leave you looking like a smurf with stinky pants.  i think stephen posted on one of the threads that a new group was started.  it is my understanding (and i really know nothing about spar other than the fact that they do not represent my beliefs) that they do not get government funding so the money issue will just boil down to who the new group wants to get in bed with.  
if you go to a restaurant and the service sucks and you get food poisoning over and over- really, do you keep going back?

[fsu813]

cindi,

i've said this time & time again.

if you don't like SPAR then create your own organization. noone has been willing to put the time, effort, & money into doing so.

what does that tell you?



Stephen,

you've inferred many accusations. doesn't seem like you have any documents to back them up. these things leave paper trails which can be had.....if there's anything to find.

also, you'vbe been given legit answers to some of your questions. you just don't agree with what you hear.

[danno]

I didn't say anything about the by-laws. I also didnt say anything about the personal attacks. I am equally frustrated at SPARs inability to follow its own by-laws. SPAR is weaker today as an organization because of this inability, and the tendency to circle the wagons when one if its own board members calls this type of stuff into question is frustrating to watch, especially when one WANTS to see the organization thrive.

It does seem to me, however, that you have made it just as personal. Pointedly so, in-fact. Threats of dragging "Springfield through the mud" is a pretty bold thing to proclaim. You can claim the high road if you want, but anyone who has any sort of knowledge of whats going on here knows your just as dirty.

The thing that nobody seems to be talking about is, this has nothing to do with the houses that were deemed legal last year. This is all over the issue of what is a legal use of a single family house.

The questions being asked right now of the city, while perhaps uncomfortable for you, and controversial to others, are legit questions raised as a direct result of your actions. You have effectively martyred yourself for the cause.

For the record, I am against any change to the number of unrelated people living in a house, because of my personal experiences in the Navy. The issue at hand is not roommates, but businesses or non-profits using single family, residentially zoned houses to house people.

Dan
I agree with you whole heartedly.

I will now duck as I will be jumped on now as a "newbie" or "sock puppet".  

I am just another Dan that lives in the hood.  Been here for a long time and was once on the SPAR board.

[Johnny]

In light of what happened to the poor little girl in OP, I can't help but wonder if maybe our efforts could be of much better use than 45 pages of mud-slinging on a forum...

[danno]

In light of what happened to the poor little girl in OP, I can't help but wonder if maybe our efforts could be of much better use than 45 pages of mud-slinging on a forum...

One of my coworkers said yesterday... and I quote..... "Nothing brings a community together like a child abduction".

I didn't say it.