WPB Police Nab Burglary Suspect
Nov 21, 2007 - Newsletter
Residents of Andros Isle, Baywinds and RiverWalk who had been concerned about a string of burglaries along Okeechobee Boulevard can rest a bit easier. West Palm Beach Police have arrested a man who they say is responsible for more than 20 burglaries in western West Palm Beach neighborhoods. On November 5th, police on a stakeout spotted the suspect entering RiverWalk wearing black clothing and carrying a screwdriver and a jewelry box.
Police say the suspect, Alvara Valdez, confessed to at least one burglary and is a suspect in many others. They say Valdez had recently been released from prison after serving ten years in connection with more than 100 burglaries. “I commend our officers for making this significant arrest and getting this suspect off the street,” said Police Chief Delsa Bush. “We believe this suspect is a career criminal who would have continued to commit crimes if we hadn’t apprehended him.”
The police investigation is ongoing, and residents are asked to help with further burglary prevention by keeping all doors and windows locked and reporting all suspicious activity.
Is the water safe? Click here for a WPB Water Q&A.
Nov 21, 2007 - Newsletter
West Palm Beach Water System Questions and Answers
Q: Is the water in West Palm Beach safe to drink?
A: Yes. According to the Palm Beach County Health Department, with the exception of the 9 day contamination event of September 2007, West Palm Beach water has historically met and continues to meet acceptable standards for drinking.
Q: What are city officials doing about improving our 100 year old water plant?
A: Two years ago the Mayor and City Commissioners ordered a complete review of the water system. Since that time, a twenty year plan has been recommended and phase one improvements have been designed and are ready for bid. The proposal, which is about to undergo further review, includes $53 million for direct improvements to the water treatment plant.
Q: Is the City spending money on downtown projects like City Center instead of improving the water system?
A: Both downtown revitalization and water plant improvements have been among top priorities of this administration and those projects do not compete for funding. Money for improvements to our water system comes from two primary areas, an enterprise fund that is supported by customers paying water bills and grants from outside agencies. Downtown projects like the new library and waterfront park are being funded by the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency. Under state law, those dollars must be spent on downtown redevelopment projects and cannot legally be spent on water plant issues. The new city hall is being built using bonds being paid for by assorted general revenues of the city, not including property taxes, and should eventually pay for itself once the current city hall site is sold and redeveloped.
Q: What was the reason for the recent boil water notices?
A: The September boil water order was most likely the result of bacteriological contamination primarily attributable to the short-circuiting of the disinfection system through an old pipe thought to be abandoned or removed during water plant construction modifications in 1994. The pipe is now disconnected. The more recent two day boil water order in the south end of the city was due to a drop in water pressure when a valve was inadvertently closed during maintenance at the water plant. No contamination was found during the second event however state law required a boil water precaution a following drop in water pressure.
Q: What about the laundry?
A: A local laundry still remains under investigation as a potential contributing source of contamination to the water. Illegal cross connections that could cause contamination were found and now are disconnected.
Q: What is the City doing to assure the public that water service will be reliable?
A: City has hired US Water Systems Corporation, a highly regarded professional team to temporarily take over the operation of the water plant. They are reviewing all aspects of the water system, including maintenance, operational procedures, engineering, training and staffing. This evaluation is being done with full oversight and approval of the Palm Beach County Health Department.
Q: What is the next step?
A: The City is taking corrective actions as recommended including needed repairs, maintenance, training, and new staffing at the water plant.
Q: Are more boil water notices possible?
A: As the intense and comprehensive review and upgrade of the water system takes place, disruptions to water service are possible. The city is doing everything possible to avoid service interruptions.
Q: How can I stay informed about the water situation?
A: If there is an urgent situation regarding the water, the City will continue to immediately and accurately inform residents through reverse-911 phone calls. Water customers with questions or concerns can also call the City’s 24-hour hotline at 561-822-2222. Information regarding water is also available on wpb.org and by watching West Palm TV (Comcast Cable channel 18). You are also encouraged to sign-up for our city connect e-mail newsletter (at wpb.org) which provides accurate information on a variety of issues and events occurring within your hometown.
Get Connected!
Nov 21, 2007 - Newsletter
The City of West Palm Beach strives to be an open government, accountable to residents and taxpayers. There are several ways to make sure you’re connected to city government and kept informed of the exciting things that are happening here:
-Our more than 1,700 employees are always available to help you with your needs. The five City Commissioners and Mayor Lois J. Frankel also make sure they’re available to hear your concerns and address your problems.
-Our City television station, West Palm TV, is available on Comcast Channel 18 and online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can watch public meetings, get updates on City programs and learn more about the wide range of events happening in WPB.
-Our award-winning website, wpb.org, is always at your fingertips. You can pay bills, get permit information, access our library and much more. Our CityConnect e-newsletter is also a great way to stay informed.
-Our emergency service hotline is available around the clock by calling (561) 822-2222. You can also call the Mayor’s Response Team to report problems at (561) 822-1402.
Our government is stronger and more efficient when our citizens are active, engaged and informed.
Welcome to CityConnect!
Nov 21, 2007 - Newsletter
If you’re looking for a convenient way to stay informed about what’s happening in West Palm Beach, CityConnect is for you. This free bi-weekly e-newsletter will bring you all the latest information about news and events in the City of West Palm Beach. We’ll tell you about the latest issues coming before the City Commission, give you updates on City programs and also tell you about upcoming events and happenings.
Best of all, CityConnect is free! And by sending out this newsletter in an electronic format only, we’re not usings any of the paper and ink it would take to print a newsletter like this. That not only saves us money, but also helps us conserve resources.
We hope you enjoy being kept informed through CityConnect, and want you to know that we’ll strive to improve it and make sure it meets your needs. In the meantime, recommend the newsletter to a friend by forwarding this newsletter to someone on your contacts list. If they’d like to sign up, just direct them to wpb.org.
“Free chlorine” treatment extended
Nov 20, 2007 - Mayor's Office, Public Utilities
(11/20/07) In accordance with a program recommended by the Palm Beach County Health Department, the City’s water chlorination methods will be extended from November 20, 2007 to December 4, 2007. The City is taking this measure to ensure our water supply remains free of bacteria.
Continuing on November 20, 2007, a “free chlorine” water treatment will be used to provide a somewhat stronger disinfection process than the “combined chlorine” treatment which is normally used. The City will revert back to the “combined chlorine” method on December 4, 2007.
West Palm Beach, Palm Beach and South Palm Beach Utility customers may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor in the tap water during this period; however, these temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects. Tropical fish tank owners, hospitals and residents with pools should be aware of the chlorination changes and make adjustments accordingly. Any questions should be directed to the City of West Palm Beach Central Operations Center, (561) 822-2222.