"This time, ethics commission should not let Wellington Mayor off lightly" - Palm Beach Post Editorial

May 10, 2013

The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics has a second chance to sanction Wellington Mayor Robert Margolis for accepting an unacceptable cash gift after letting him off the hook.

The commission last week found probable cause to hold a public hearing into allegations that Mr. Margolis violated the county ethics code by taking $2,500 from Neil Hirsch. He is a former lobbyist who opposed developer Mark Bellissimo’s proposed equestrian village project.

The project was the major issue in last year’s municipal elections. The billionaire Jacobs family, part time residents whose estate abuts Mr. Bellissimo’s land, spent a record $500,000 to elect Mr. Margolis and councilmen Matt Wilhite and John Greene. The three have also enjoyed the largess of other equestrian village opponents who donated to their legal defense fund after the original election tally erroneously had Mr. Wilhite and Mr. Green losing.

Mr. Margolis, whose victory was never in doubt, set up the legal defense fund last May, two months after the election had been settled. He received $4,000 from Victoria McCullough, an opponent of the equestrian village, and $2,500 from Mr. Hirsch, a director at the time of the Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance. The alliance is funded solely by Lou Jacobs and run by Mat Forest, a lobbyist for the Jacobs’ business interests.

Days after receiving Mr. Hirsch’s check, Mr. Margolis voted to halt the equestrian village project. The ethics commission voted 3-1 to find probable cause that the vote was quid pro quo for the donation.

That is an improvement over the commission’s action in February, when the members found probable cause that Mr. Margolis violated the ethics code by accepting money from Ms. McCullough but dismissed the complaint because Mr. Magolis said he would return the cash. The commission bought the dubious claim that Ms. McCullough’s July check was a replacement for one she wrote in March that would not have violated the code because Mr. Margolis wasn’t sworn in until April.

There is no such cover story to explain away Mr. Hirsch’s check, which violates a prohibition against lobbyists giving public officials more than $100. Commissioner Robin Fiore said that Mr. Margolis has exhibited a pattern of “not doing due diligence.”

She was too kind. The pattern is one of blatant disregard for the ethics Mr. Margolis campaigned to uphold. The commission should impose the harshest penalty.

Rhonda Swan

for The Palm Beach Post

 

Judge Approved the Global Dressage Complex Permit

Wellington Equestrian Partners continues to be successful in the lawsuits over the Equestrian Village project. Last week there was a ruling in favor of WEP in a lawsuit filed by the Jacobs. In their lawsuit the Jacobs were trying to have the courts overturn the Water Management District permitting of the project and require that the entire venue be torn down (covered arena, barns, dressage arena and derby field). The courts ruled that the WMD approvals of the project were issued properly. 

An appeals court had previously ruled in favor of WEP on another Jacobs lawsuit.  In that action the Jacobs contested the original approvals issued by the Village of Wellington for the project. The courts, however, have yet to rule on the litigation in which WEP is seeking to overturn the Village's revocation of approvals for Equestrian Village. Success by WEP in this action will re-establish their ability to use the facility year-round as originally granted by the Village. The Forum might be calling on the equestrian community to attend a Village council meeting to express support for allowing the use of Equestrian Village year-round and in accordance with the original approval.  

PRESS RELEASE

Judge Approves the Global Dressage Complex Permit Wellington, FL - April 28, 2013 - On April 26, 2013, Administrative Law Judge Gary Early issued an Order finding, among other things, that the Global Dressage Complex ("GDC") has met, and in some cases, exceeded applicable South Florida Water Management District ("SFWMD") permitting regulations. Judge Early found that the evidence presented at Trial demonstrated that the GDC project proposal provided reasonable assurances that all applicable SFWMD stormwater management, water quality, and Best Management Practices ("BMP") standards were met. Charles and Kimberly Jacobs (the "Jacobs") filed a legal challenge to the issuance of the GDC Permit. The Jacobs claimed that the GDC facilities were inadequate to accommodate the number of horses expected to use the facilities. Judge Early ruled that the Jacobs "...provided no basis for the supposition other than speculation." The Judge found that the GDC's horse-washing facilities were more than adequate. Moreover, the Judge concluded that the GDC's BMP Plan was "...more advanced than the minimum requirements of the Village of Wellington, and more stringent than BMPs approved for other equestrian facilities in Wellington." "This ruling is a huge step forward in ensuring that the Global Dressage Complex is a worldwide, premier equestrian event venue," stated Mark Bellissimo. "The Global Dressage Complex events bring thousands of visitors and event participants to the Village of Wellington each year and create significant benefits for the Village and the Palm Beach County economy." CONTACT: John Fumero, Esquire: 561-315-4595 Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Editorial: Now Playing: " The Real Council Members of Wellington "

By Rhonda Swan

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Those catty “housewife reality” shows have nothing on the histrionics of the Wellington village council when trying to conduct what should be routine business.

Take Monday’s special meeting to discuss hiring a village attorney. Councilman John Greene asked for the meeting because he had to leave early on April 15, when the council voted to negotiate with Laurie Cohen. The council couldn’t reach an agreement with first choice Don Dufresne because he wanted a $325,000 compensation and benefits package. The village wanted to pay between $150,000 and $175,000.

Mr. Greene said he felt excluded, and the meeting devolved into a forum about his hurt feelings. “I do feel slighted,” he said. “And I do feel like my vote is a little less important than everybody else’s.” Anne Gerwig, who with Howard Coates is often on the losing side of votes, noted that she also feels at times that her vote doesn’t count.

Mr. Greene wanted the council to reopen negotiations with Mr. Dufresne. It’s unclear why Mr. Greene is intent on giving Mr. Dufresne the job. Mr. Dufresne, though, has represented Neil Hirsch, owner of the Players Club and a long-time friend of Mr. Greene’s. As a board member of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Foundation, where Mr. Greene works as a fundraiser, Mr. Hirsch is also Mr. Greene’s boss.

Mr. Greene made a motion to reject Ms. Cohen’s contract, which had yet to be discussed, in an effort to bring the discussion back to Mr. Dufresne, who was present and had apparently changed his mind about negotiating. Matt Wilhite seconded the motion, but it failed when Mayor Bob Margolis, Mr. Coates and Ms. Gerwig dissented.

Mr. Greene, whose face by then had turned red, stormed out like a child leaving the playground and taking his ball. “My vote doesn’t really matter, I guess,” he said as he stuffed papers in a folder. “You guys have a quorum.”

The remaining council members discussed Ms. Cohen’s contract. On Tuesday, the council voted to hire Ms. Cohen 3-2, with Mr. Greene and Mr. Wilhite dissenting. She starts Monday.

The village has been without a permanent attorney since November, when Mr. Greene, Mr. Wilhite and Mr. Margolis made the irresponsible decision to fire Jeff Kurtz, who had been with the village for 10 years, for no valid reason and with no plan for filling the position. The village faces numerous lawsuits.

Mr. Coates noted then that the decision was “reckless” and motivated only by the councilors’ inexplicable dislike of Mr. Kurtz. Mr. Coates warned Village Manger Paul Schofield that he might be next on their hit list. Mr. Coates said, “This is going to be a long four years if we keep having issues like this that come up for no really good reason.” Indeed. Village residents deserve better than this catty drama.

Rhonda Swan

for The Post Editorial Board

Palm Beach Riding Academy Appeal to Wellington

This is an exciting time for our sport. With the establishment of the USEF town hall meetings, and the growth and success of the FTI WEF and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, I believe all signs are pointing up for our industry.At The Palm Beach Riding Academy we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of this evolution.  We are members of the Palm Beach County Horseman's Association, United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), we are an affiliate member of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). We operate with a very high moral standard and aim to be the model riding academy in the country.For those that have limited knowledge of who we are and what we do; we are a 3 faceted organization. We have a traditional show barn, a traditional riding lesson barn and a community oriented department given the sole responsibility of providing an avenue for those less privileged to participate in our wonderful sport at a world class facility.The third part is my favorite, as it is something that no other organization is doing on the scale that we intend to.  Through our partnership with FTI – WEF and AGDF, we are able utilize their resources to provide scholarships and sponsorship programs to help children access our sport, that otherwise would not be able to.We have already accomplished some of these goals with our Ride and Learn clinic series and Sidelines Magazine contest. The Ride and Learn clinic series is an affordable education platform to allow riders to train with some of the worlds’ top riders and trainers.  Through sponsorship and our partnership with FTI-WEF, we were able to host these sessions in the show rings at both the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and the AGDF.  All sessions were very well attended, and a majority of the participants were not in a financial position to be able to train with these highly esteemed trainers on a regular basis.The Sidelines Magazine contest offered the opportunity for a 14 year old boy to experience the FTI-WEF with all expenses paid - including showing one of our horses.  He was able to personally meet some of the top trainers and riders in our sport.  The young man described the weekend as a “dream come true”, as he had never had the opportunity to compete at a rated show before.Going forward, we plan to continue and enhance both of these programs, as well as many more like them.We are currently in dialogue with the local schools, to establish an IEA team, which provides an equal opportunity for all children to take part in our sport at an extremely discounted rate.  With the help of all of our partners, we’re able to keep the cost of becoming a member of the riding team equivalent to that of joining a local baseball or soccer league team.  Which is extraordinary considering the norm for our sport.As is commonly known, this wonderful sport plays a significant role in the upbringing of our children.  It teaches them responsibility, and time management skills.  It teaches them to think of something or someone other than themselves.  It teaches them to win with humility and teaches them to lose graciously.In a world where physical education and sportsmanship is threatened by budget cuts within our schools, and extra-curricular activities are limited, we would like to contribute to filling that void.

Unfortunately in Wellington there is a disconnect. There is a debate as to the relevance and significance of the AGDF facility. As inhabitants of this facility, we receive a significant portion of the impact and negative ramifications of this debate.   For the last 5 months we have sat quietly and operated as per usual without resistance or complaint.  “Business as per usual” for us is not typical of most equine operations nation-wide.  We are under constant scrutiny as to our mode of operations.  The restrictions imposed upon our water usage is tedious to say the least.  We continue to exceed all of the guidelines set forth by the village with regards to BMP and waste and manure management.  We are happy to continue to do so indefinitely.Despite receiving our fair share of obstacles as a result of the political environment that has overwhelmed the community as of late, we are growing, thriving in fact!  Continuing to maintain residence at the AGDF facility is vital to our growth.  The positive impact on this community is necessary, as there is no other organization like ours in the region.  If we are given the opportunity to continue our operation over the summer at the AGDF facility, our business hours will be only between dawn and dusk.  There will be no impact on traffic flow.  Noise to neighboring communities will not be a factor.  For the most part, no one will even know that we are there.  Not to mention, that if the facility were left vacant over the summer, it would be difficult to maintain with regards to landscape management.I’m asking anyone involved with the decisions regarding the status of the AGDF facility to please consider the effect it will have on the Palm Beach Riding Academy and all of the initiatives that we have started and hope to continue to grow on in the future. This sport needs us to be successful.  Wellington needs us to be successful.  With community support and the backing of the Village Council, we can be.

Sincerely,

Sean Jones

General Manager Palm Beach Riding Academy.  Equine Canada Certified Coach, USHJA Certified Trainer.www.PalmBeachRidingAcademy.com(561) 758-1664

" Stop Elitist Jacobs Agenda " - Letter

April 5th 2013 

An exhaustive article in the April edition of Boston magazine describes the battleground that Wellington has become. The article describes the “war” that billionaire Jeremy Jacobs has declared against Mark Bellissimo and his Wellington Equestrian Partners.

Bellissimo and WEP have been successful at making Wellington’s equestrian industry more inclusive, and the Jacobs family does not like that.

As described in the article, this is the same Jeremy Jacobs who:

• Prevented a sidewalk from being installed in front of his 300-acre equestrian estate for children to ride and bike to Village Park.

• Six years ago tried moving the horse shows out of Wellington when he was not getting his way.

• Has a lawsuit trying to get the new dressage and covered arena venue that shares the same public street as his estate torn down.

The center of the battle is WEP’s success at broadening the appeal of horse shows by providing family entertainment with equestrian events. That includes singers and marching bands from local schools, a petting zoo, a carousel and other family-friendly activities. This is being characterized by the Jacobs faction as a “circus” and “carnival” atmosphere. Below are some quotes by Jacobs’ minions from the article.

“With the circus atmosphere that’s being promoted, I think we’ve lost a certain amount of high-class dignity,” said Michael Whitlow, a board member of the Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance, a group set up by the Jacobs family to support their interests. “I would like to see Wellington be the elite of the elites. The absolutely crème de la crème, the top of the top, as opposed to something for everybody.”

Mason Phelps, a former equestrian who today serves as a Jacobs family spokesman in Wellington, said, “I don’t mean to sound like a snob, but this is a fairly upscale community, and we don’t need to bring the low- and middle-income hooligans into town and have them all of a sudden say, Wow, good pickins’ out here.”

A small, elitist faction within Wellington’s equestrian community agrees with the Jacobs family. Unfortunately, as has been described in numerous media accounts, Jacobs controls a majority of the Wellington Village Council — Mayor Bob Margolis and councilmen John Greene and Matt Willhite. This council majority is working to implement the Jacobs agenda. Most destructive is their attempt to tear down the covered arena that was intended for year-round use and was to be available free to charities for 30 days every year.

We, the people of Wellington, need to take control of Wellington away from the Jacobs and their mercenaries on the council.

Pete Yeager for the Wellington Equestrian Forum

Wellington - Getting Slapped with Code Violations - Again

By Mitra Malek

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

WELLINGTON — 

Getting slapped with code violations — especially over and over again — could cost wrongdoers big wads of cash.

The village is considering raising maximum fines for everything from growing bushes too high to more serious problems like a broken roof.

The problem spurring the proposal, said Bob Basehart, Wellington’s growth management director, isn’t the ordinary homeowner.

More so, it’s a small number of people or businesses who own multiple properties in the village and for whom fines have been “nothing more than the cost of doing business,” he said. “The purpose of this is basically to raise the bar a little bit.”

The new maximum fines would be up to $1,000 a day for first violations, $5,000 a day for repeat violations and a one-time fine of $15,000 for irreparable or irreversible violations. Those fines are the highest Florida statutes allow for a municipality of Wellington’s size.

Right now fines are up to $250 a day for first violations, $500 for repeat violations and a one-time fine of $5,000 for irreversible violations.

It will take at least a 4-1 vote from the council to change the amounts.

Wellington’s Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board on Wednesday recommended approval.

“We want a village that’s kept up to standard,” board member Paul Adams said. “We have a problem that’s growing.”

The new rules would require the special magistrate to consider several things in order to determine how much to fine wrongdoers: the gravity of the violation, whether the violator tried to correct the violation before the hearing with the magistrate, and the violator’s history of breaking codes — on any property in the village.

“The point is he has the discretion to do that,” board member Michael Drahos said.

The village also is considering adopting rules that would in essence punish code violators by not allowing them to make changes on any properties they own if they have outstanding fines or are still in violation of codes on other properties within Wellington.

The planning board asked staff to do some more research on that proposal before members make a recommendation.

Wellington Equestrian Partners Response to the Boston Magazine Article

Wellington Equestrian Partners Comment on the April 2013 Boston Magazine Article, "Trouble in Paradise" regarding the Jacobs Battle Against Wellington Equestrian Partners

Wellington Equestrian Partners' vision for Wellington has focused on creating an environment that blends horse sport with fun family entertainment; a magical place centered around the love of horses. Whether interested in a carousel or pony ride, lessons at the riding academy, competition, or just a spectator, our goal is to provide a casual, welcoming environment for all regardless of socioeconomic status. It is a unique place where diversity is celebrated and our vision is one of inclusion not exclusion. Our strategy is driven by the community, including the 12 Wellington schools that have honored us with great performances and the hundreds of community-based charities whose members regularly attend our events.

Comments in the April issue of the Boston Magazine article "Trouble in Paradise: Bruins Owner Jeremy Jacobs goes to War!" attributed to representatives of the Jacobs family were shocking. Mason Phelps' comment, "This is a fairly upscale community, and we don't need to bring the low- and middle-income hooligans into town and have them all of a sudden say, 'Wow, good pickins' out here,'" is an inappropriate classist comment that is not welcome in our community. As a United States Equestrian Federation board member and the President of the National Horse Show, Mason should know better, and he should resign as he has dishonored both organizations.

In my opinion, Phelps' tactics are often suspect and divisive, operating in the shadows and within blogs using pseudonyms to antagonize, insult, discredit, and injure reputations for spite and money. Mason Phelps is not welcome at our facility because he unsuccessfully and inappropriately tried to discredit the Great Charity Challenge (GCC), an organization that was co-founded by my daughter and is a passion for our family, our organization, our partners, and the community at large. The GCC event has done wonderful things for this community and his actions were shameful and misguided.

Michael Whitlow, board member of the Jacobs' Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance, offered this disturbing commentary, "With the circus atmosphere that's being promoted, I think we've lost a certain amount of high-class dignity, I would like to see Wellington be the elite of the elites. The absolutely crème de la crème, the top of the top, as opposed to something for everybody." Jacobs supporter, Marcia Radosevich, commented, "It's a carnival, it's not a horse show. I think it cheapens the sport."

 In response to these comments, I offer the following: If you do not like our event, our atmosphere, or the caliber of people attending, then please do not come. It is your right. We welcome your feedback, but we are not bound by the sanctimonious opinions of elitists on what is entertainment, sport, or good company. We are not perfect, but at least we try to make a difference in this community. Thousands of equestrians from all over the world and many thousands of weekly spectators from all walks of life have embraced our event.

These classist comments, which appear to be promoted by the Jacobs' representatives, are wrong for the event, the sport, and this community. I am proud of our organization, our facility, our event, our contributions to job creation, and our positive impact on the local economy. I am proud of the fact that thousands of Wellington school children and their families feel comfortable and welcome at our facility. I am proud of the fact that thousands of seniors, many who have limited budgets, attend our events and are happy to be a part of it. I am proud and honored to be associated with our employees who make this event happen; from maintenance, security, secretaries, event staff, and supervisors. I hope they too take pride in what they accomplish in support of our vision because without them we have nothing. Finally, I am proud of our partnerships' commitment to our mission and vision.

Rest assured our mission will continue, because no amount of money, personal attacks, spin campaigns, misguided Village Council members, or self-entitled billionaires will deter us from our vision to make Wellington the premier equestrian destination in the world - open to all that love horses or just want to be around them.

Mark Bellissimo on behalf of Wellington Equestrian Partners