SEBRING — Supervisor Dick Miller had denied violating the Florida Sunshine Law, and will present his defense at the next Sun N’ Lake Improvement District meeting.
When Greg Griffin filed three harassment charges against Supervisor David Halbig, on April 23 the district’s public works director also said Miller made the statement, “I’ve spoken to the guys, and they agree to do the project if it comes in under $200,000. Make it come in under that.”
Florida’s Government in the Sunshine laws does not allow supervisors nor committee members who make financial decisions to speak to each other about public business outside their official meetings.
“Supervisor Miller denies ever making the above statement which is attributed to him by Mr. Griffin,” wrote Lon Worth Crow IV to Brian Koji. Crow and Kojo are both attorneys; Crow represents Miller, Koji represents the board of supervisors in labor matters.
On April 17, 2013, Crow explained, in Miller’s capacity as board liaison to the recreational planning committee, Miller submitted a summary of committee recommendations for upgrading the district tennis and pickleball facility. A week later, Griffin submitted a memo to the supervisors which accounted for the cost and work to be performed.
On page 1 of that memo, Griffin summarized, “Total Year 1 Improvements $200,000.”
On April 26, 2013, the supervisors met, Crow wrote. The tennis/pickleball project was on the agenda, and Griffin’s memo was discussed.
On May 7, 2013, the district issued a request for proposals.
“Although Mr. Griffin does not provide a date when the alleged statement attributed to Supervisor Miller occurred, he does link it to the RFP process,” Crow wrote. “Significantly, the RFP development process occurred after the April 26, 2013 board meeting, establishing that Mr. Griffin had received specific direction from the entire board on how to proceed with the RFP prior to the alleged statement by Supervisor Miller.”
Griffin also complained on April 28, 2015, that Miller displayed “a significant attitude of distaste,” toward Griffin. Griffin found Miller’s demeanor “quite frankly, threatening,” and wondered if Miller’s attitude was “in retaliation for formal complaints filed against another supervisor.”
“It is my hope that you will address this and clear the air, if need be,” Crow quoted Miller’s complaint.
Miller never referred to Griffin in the April 24, 2015 board meeting in an exchange with board attorney John McClure about employee accountability, Crow wrote.
“Mr. Griffin’s allegations are unfounded,” Crow wrote. “Supervisor Miller has never treated any employee of the district in any way other than a professional manner.”
Crow requested his letter be posted on the district website and that Miller have the opportunity to rebut Griffin’s allegations at Friday’s meeting, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the SNL community center.
Also on the agenda: a resolution adopting official district purchasing procedures. Halbig has complained that Griffin did not follow procedures. Halbig said bids are required when purchases exceed $10,000. McClure has said the district’s written policy is an internal document and not a requirement.
The supervisors are also to discuss the district’s options regarding Griffin’s complaints against Halbig, and Koji’s recommendations.
Original article here.