Costa Mesa Sanitary District Survey Released
INTERESTING TIMINGIn an interesting bit if timing considering all the controversy swirling around the decision by four Directors of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District to oust Director Jim Fitzpatrick, on Friday, May 18, 2012, a survey prepared for the Sanitary District by Probolsky Research was released. The title is "Costa Mesa Sanitary District Community Survey". You can read the entire survey HERE.
The owner of Probolsky Research, Adam Probolsky, is a long-time, well-connected and influential member of the Orange County Republican Party hierarchy. You can read a little biographical summary on him HERE. Here's an extract from that summary that you may find of interest:
"Mr. Probolsky is a member of the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Orange County and the California Republican Party’s Initiatives Committee."
I'm not going to try to influence your opinion on this survey - it is what it is, typos and all. It's been my observation of surveys Probolsky has done in that past is that they end up giving their client what they are looking for. That seems to be the case here, too. That's not necessarily wrong, just my observation.
BE CAREFUL ABOUT THESE NUMBERS
For example, on page 5 you will find the chart shown below. (click on image to enlarge it) The ratios shown are a result of this question: Do you think that (the City of Costa Mesa/the City of Newport Beach/Orange County) is on the right track or on the wrong track? The surveyor presents this as indicating "A Plurality (45.8%) thinks their community is on the right track". However, 54.2% either answered "Wrong Track", were not sure or refused to answer. I caution you to really think about the questions and the choices of answers provided.
"CONCLUSIONS" START ON PAGE 49I know most of the readers here like pretty pictures - only teasing - so you'll probably take the time to go through every single one of the 52 pages. However, if you're looking for a shortcut to the results, just scroll down to page 49 where you will find the first of four pages of "conclusions".
I'D LIKE TO KNOW YOUR OPINIONIf you do take the time to go over this survey I'd be interested in any observations you might have. Enjoy...
Labels: Adam Probolsky, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Jim Fitzpatrick, OC GOP
posted by The Pot Stirrer at 5/20/2012 11:34:00 AM
34 Comments:
I do find the results to some of the questions puzzling. I think the junk mail reduction program question was not specific enough. The question is referring to the junk mail program offered on the CMSD website not the other junk mail programs that have been around for a while. I question that response since so few people have visited the website. Also, the cost of providing the programs wasn’t discussed. I would have liked to see a question regarding if the resident supports the cost of the program. I agree with you regarding the “is your community on the right track” question. The poll shows 40% of the residents didn’t know CMSD provides their trash and sewer service. I take that as a good thing. If the residents don’t know CMSD they have not had to complain about their service. I don’t think it means CMSD needs to hire a branding consultant or spend a lot of money to put their name in the spotlight.
No surprises in this survey. The description of methodology was very brief: Was it based on a random sample? Was the sample of 1000 -- less than 1% of the population -- large enough to be meaningful? Was the survey limited to single-family homes, or did it include condo and apartment dwellers, who are not served by the CMSD?
It's also interesting that this survey came out soon after a letter was published in the DP by someone who wanted to choose his own trash service company. We know the City Council majority wants to contract out all possible services; was this survey done to show that the public doesn't want to contract out nor to consolidate the CMSD with the city? (Not that it matters to this City Council majority what the public wants: "If you don't like what we're doing, tough luck!" --Mayor Eric Bever)
Everything in this survey indicates that Jim Fitzpatrick is a big fat liar.
Fitzy said the majority of residents think the trash contract should go out to bid.
Survey says 94% are satisfied with the trash service.
Observation: Fitzy created this huge false issue just to pick a fight. He wanted to be a big shot and get lots of attention. So he called out his media friends, climbed up on his soap box and started blathering to anyone who would listen until it all backfired. Now he’s whining and accusing this blog and other Directors of bullying him.
Conclusion: There is absolutely no need to put contract out for bid if residents are happy with the service. This is exactly what Art Perry and Jim Ferrymen have been telling Fitzy since day one. It is incredibly expensive to put a trash contract out for bid. CMSD has to hire an outside consultant and the whole process costs upwards of $200,000! In fact, there are numerous reasons why it is NOT a good idea. CMSD has continuously been able to negotiate more cost savings for the tax payers through the years. As smaller companies were bought out by larger trash companies, they kept prices low and added extras to keep the existing customers happy. That’s how it works in every industry.
Fitzy said the majority of residents want a 3 cart trash system.
Survey says 54.3% prefer the single stream system over a 3 cart system.
That number increases to more than 90% after learning how 3 trucks cause more wear and tear on the streets, more noise and more pollution.
Observation: Fitzy has no idea what the residents of Costa Mesa want. He doesn’t have a pulse on anything. He just spews garbage all day, every day.
Conclusion: There is absolutely no need to go to a 3 cart system. Even if it reduces rates a couple bucks per month in the beginning, it will cost residents more in the long run. Someone has to pay for all the additional carts, all the gas & maintenance for 3 trucks, and the salaries of 3 drivers. And, I assure you, it won’t be the trash company. After a few years of a low teaser rate, they will increase it and your blowhard Sanitary Director Jim Fitzpatrick will be long gone, wreaking havoc in some other capacity by then.
I think this survey proves Jim Fitzpatrick is WAY out of touch with what residents of Costa Mesa really want. Yet, he keeps saying 11,000 constituents are telling him these things....either this dude is hearing voices or he has a lot of imaginary friends.
Most people just want their trash to be picked up and their toilets to flush!
The main reason the survey was done was to determine if the residents of Costa Mesa were interested or willing to pay more in order to decrease the amount of trash going to the landfill.
I like all the comments. I totally agree with Duh that most people just want their trash picked up and their toilet to flush along with a resonable rate.
I'm a longtime Costa Mesa resident and I am satisfied with our trash service. I did read through the lengthy questionnaire. I'm surprised they found 1000 people willing to listen to the entire thing. I agree with Eleanor that the sample is probably too small to be truly representative of our entire population.
I also prefer our trash service to NB. All of our trash containers have lids, which is not required in NB. The residents of NB have a lot more bugs, rodents, seagulls, crows, etc. picking through their garbage everyday. Plus a lot of trash can lids blow around or get lost every week. It is a mess. I think ours is a lot neater and cleaner.
Lastly, I have a relative in Colorado and each resident does select their own trash service. But guess what? Everyday of the week there are different trash trucks coming down the street picking up trash from different houses. It is crazy. I think our system makes a lot more sense. Does that mean we are doomed?
thank you for spending all that money on these cool lockable cans jimmy! My whole block wants to know where I got it. jimmy got it for me! I enjoy rolling out my shiny new bin out to the street on friday mornings because it turns heads. What is funny is I don't need a lockable can it's just cool, shiny and free!
Any Costa Mesa resident can get shiny new trash cans absolutely free whenever they want. Just call CR&R 949-646-4617 and request an exchange. If your cans are stinky or broken, they will replace them for free.
Wow! Fitz is the only one trying to make change and improve the quality of our service and the old boys network doesn't like it. Rumor is at least one person will jump into the Sanitary race this week with many more to follow. The days of this corrupt club getting wined and dined in order to keep a 40 year contract are over. Change is coming!
this sample is absolutely representative of our population within a margin of error. Don't have it in front of me currently but probably within 5% certainty with a sampling this large. I think the San District needs changes in leadership on the Board but I do commend them for conducting this survey. It is important work. Would love to have the City of CM do one. One side or the other will be very surprised since each thinks they are the majority. The only poll we have is elections and those have been pretty clear cut the last ten years: OCGOP wins. Have things changed? Can CM4RG improve the results turned in by Return to Reason or CMfirst? Are the citizens fed up with bloated public safety pensions or will they listen to the cops/FF's this time finally?
I hope if CMSD is thinking of changing their billing method to charge per container or charge per waste they consider any costs associated with the change. Currently the trash charge is on the property tax bill for an extremely good rate and CMSD doesn’t have to deal with collection issues for residents who don't pay. I'm not sure the current system can handle multiple charges. Would additional software have to be purchased and would it require additional staff? Or would they use a billing service and debt collection service? What would the increase in cost on the administrative side be? A resident might have a lower rate for less trash offset by the cost to administer the change. Personnel costs should be considered in all programs, as well.
As far as the lockable containers go I think if a resident is concerned about someone going through their trash they should be shredding documents and recycling their cans. If a resident doesn't want to shred and recycle then let them pay for a lockable can themselves.
According to the survey, Costa Mesa thinks the quality of service is outstanding. Change is not necessary.
JIM FITZPATRICK IS THE ONLY PERSON ON THE SAN DISTRICT BOARD WHO IS CORRUPT.
Costa Mesa Voters: Do not vote for anyone associated with Fitzy or this City Council. Find out what candidates they are endorsing and pay close attention to all the contributions. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jim Fitzpatrick got more than his legal fees paid for by Athens. This band of brothers will be wined and dined every night after Athens gets the new trash contract Fitzy is pushing for.
To the readers of A Bubbling Cauldron, may I introduce you to some the members of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District Board of Directors, excluding Fitzy and Ooten:
sadie1
The people have spoken
sk
Friendly Neighbor
Play it smart
Lots of inside baseball here, and even more vitriol towards Fitzy. He really got under their skin and it is showing.
Please, do tell, how is Fitzy corrupt? This from the people who refuse to adhere to the most basic principal of Government Contracting 101 and put the trash contract out to bid!
I cannot speak to whether or not he is corrupt but he is a known "hot head" (even amongst his "friends" on the PC and CC), has a history of throwing tantrums, does not work well with others, has threatened neighbors and City employees, takes credit for things he should not, claims to be "Green" when his record as a PC proves otherwise, and ... he's just not very smart. We deserve better.
CM Resident,
Even if everything you say is true, he was elected fair and square. He resigned from PC, so no conflict exists. Spending ratepayer money to try and oust him is total BS and right in line with the "I don't care what it costs" attitude displayed by the other CMSD board members.
I'm surprised that CM4RG isn't on to this controversy. They're all for accountability, right? They'd be lined up at the pdium for weeks if any councilmember did what the 4 CMSD Borad members are doing.
Curious, ain't it?
Hello Do Tell:
Explain to me which CMSD Director routinely use the words “dude” and “duh”?
You must be part of the idiot club too. Fitzy routinely accuses us of being “insiders” or insinuating we are Directors. Personally, I totally love getting under his skin because I can’t stand the guy. But, for the record, we are just residents like you who no longer wish to settle for a blowhard like him contaminating our town.
You are correct about one thing. All of those posts and many more, are from a couple people who have a long personal history with the CMSD. That is why we know what we are talking about. And, judging by your reaction, it would appear as though we struck a nerve by speaking the truth. What’s the matter, don’t you want the public to know about the inside details?
Fitzy boy, this is the big leagues. I think you just need to calm down and take your anger medicine. There is no need to get your panties in a wad, I’m sure Athens will take good care of you.
Do tell…if Fitzy is such a popular man of the people, then what is he so worried about?
Hurry Fitzy, you’re going to be late for your 4:00 meeting at CMSD!
Proud to be a hater,
Appropriate name. My bad, I forgot to say "some of the current or former members."
You have such a long personal history, why don't you tell us all about Fitzy's corruption? Please, do tell, why do you (or did you) refuse to adhere to the most basic principal of Government Contracting 101 and put the trash contract out to bid?
Do tell – sk is not a director. Sk stands for Sherry Kallab, former employee o f the Costa Mesa Sanitary District and Costa Mesa resident. A former employee who thought of the district as if it were her own business and a former employee who thought about every decision regarding how it would affect her as a resident.
Geez dude, I thought I made myself abundantly clear...I am not a current or former Director.
This is why you guys look so stupid all the time!
OK, so let's tally up here. The survey smells a little fishy. Fitzy has gone out and said "look at me - just trying to save taxpayers some money". Thin and simple as that may sound, I bet most people haven't even looked at their tax bill and done the math to figure what they're paying per month for trash collection. It's likely that even fewer have some idea what people in other cities pay for the same service. Let's say that, if bid out, those services could be had for $230/year vs $300/year. Are we so pleased with the way the trash gets taken out once a week that it's not worth trying to save $70/year? Maybe that's the case, because it sure doesn't look like there is a hot button issue like unsustainable pension liability in play to get people all riled up.
What about the other side of the argument? Between Ooten, Perry and Ferryman, I haven't heard any reasoning as to why the contract shouldn't be put out to bid. The only reasoning I've heard to get rid of Fitzy has been A) he's making waves at the District and B) there was a conflict with his position on the Planning Commission. Looks like he cleared reason B up.
Oot, Perry, Ferry - say SOMETHING. This clamming up business of yours just makes you look like the guys in the back of the class that won't answer the teacher's question - umming and uuhing until the teacher loses patience and calls on someone else. If collecting bids has a huge price tag, call it like it is.
Of course, if this information can be had someplace, please point it out and I will gladly eat my words.
Fitzy is a Riggy/Mensy ponyboy; everyone in town knows it. I like how he got all bent when Mr. West published the butt-kissing graphic, even whining to the City Council about it. ("Daddy Riggy, Geoff's picking on me!" waaaa!).
Fitzpatrick has now joined the ranks of other local eccentrics like Photoglou, the Tea Party guy Pollitt, and that goofy kid the Secret Service had to interview to see if he threatened Obama.
Sk, if you are a former employee, tell us about Fitzy's corruption. Better yet, tell us one single thing Fitzy's has done that negatively impacts ratepayers. Just one. And the compatibility issue doesn't count - that was Perry, Scheafer and Ferryman. Ooten tried to avoid having the ratepayers pay for their vendetta.
still waiting
Directors Perry, Ferryman, Ooten and Schafer have integrity. They work on behalf of the residents of Costa Mesa. They are not career politicians. They are not consumed with ego. There is no vendetta for Fitzpatrick.
There are however, numerous issues I didn’t agree with Mr. Fitzpatrick on as a Costa Mesa ratepayer:
• Demanding a wish list be included in the budget.
• Remodel of the CMSD board room to add a dais for $150,000.
• Wanting to hire a branding consultant for $30,000
• Wanting to hire a zero waste consultant for $40,000
• Locking trash containers
• Demanding the CMPD arrest scavengers (a waste of time and doesn’t stop the problem)
• Paying for the stop junk mail on the CMSD website (a resident can stop junk email on their own at no cost to ratepayers)
These were only some of the things I disagreed with. Mr. Fitzpatrick was more than happy to use tax payer money for all of these unnecessary items and issues. I was furious when I learned Mr. Fitzpatrick had taken the CMSD position after being told by legal counsel at the time it was highly likely to be incompatible and even more furious that he would refuse to step down because he didn’t see any harm being caused by his holding both seats. It concerns me when a person thinks they are above the law. I have heard Mr. Fitzpatrick is friendly with a certain trash hauler and I guess time will tell on that one. I won't be voting for Mr. Fitzpatrick.
Awe, come on sk, Fitzy’s not a career politician, he’s just a wannabe.
Oh and don’t take the bait with outlining how corrupt he is. He’s got your name now and soon he will sick his Athens attorney on you for defamation (libel)…aren’t you scared? lol
Talking about Fitzy, 'Got your back' wrote,
"He’s got your name now and soon he will sick his Athens attorney on you.."
With that big belly and the way he parrots Riggy about street repair, we can just call him "The Colossus of Roads"...
sk,
You stated several times that you Fitzy makes you furious. That must explain your opinions, because they are just that. I looked into your statements and learned a few things.
• Demanding a wish list be included in the budget. Really? Keep your governments straight - that is City Council.
• Remodel of the CMSD board room to add a dais for $150,000. Fitzy never wanted to spend that kind of money, he suggested separation for better access, and when the cost came back so high, it was quickly eliminated. Instead, CMSD spent $10,000 so the meetings will now be on video. Maybe now more of the public can watch and see how the Board tries to shut down Fitzy.
• Wanting to hire a branding consultant for $30,000. Actually, Fitzy lead the charge to eliminate any such spending in this area.
• Wanting to hire a zero waste consultant for $40,000. I'm told Fitzy did want and still wants to hire this consultant. Instead, the Board spent $40,000 on a pricey survey that is a fluff piece for CMSD. Why didn't that make you furious?
• Locking trash containers. Ratepayers complained about scavengers. CMSD bought 200 as a test, got CR&R to buy half. What is the issue?
• Demanding the CMPD arrest scavengers (a waste of time and doesn’t stop the problem). Never happened. Fitzy did get CMSD to revise their citations, so that addressing scavengers could be done and is having an impact. Not that you would notice (or anyone else trying to silence Fitzy) would notice or give credit.
• Paying for the stop junk mail on the CMSD website (a resident can stop junk email on their own at no cost to ratepayers) I researched this vote. Was a 5-0 vote. Strange how Fitzy magically coerced the other Board members to vote yes on this, but cannot work his magic to keep them from suing him, or seeking competitive trash bids.
About that friendly with a certain trash hauler bit, were you the one spreading those potentially slanderous "facts"?
Have you forgotten that Fitzy has been out in the community, checking out other trash haulers, touring their facilities and seeing what the alterbatives are and how best to serve the ratepayers? Unlike the other board members, he hasn't decided that only one trash hauler can serve CM, and worked to make sure their no bid sweetheart deal is never put out to bid.
I'm still waiting for details on the Fitzy corruption claim.
Stay tuned, Thursday night the Board votes to give the trash guys 6 years notice so CMSD can work towards a competitive bid.
We'll see where the integrity is then.
I stated two times Fitzpatrick made me furious and that was regarding the incompatibility issue. Fitzpatrick was not the person who decided against the dais. I hope people do watch Mr. Fitzpatrick in action on the videoed meetings. Mr. Carroll was the person who was against needing a branding consultant. I wasn’t involved in the survey but I do support the idea of asking the public their opinion regarding the service provided and any proposed changes in the service. A small number of residents were concerned about scavengers and it was apparent the number one person concerned was Mr. Fitzpatrick. Mr. Fitzpatrick did indeed want scavengers arrested. Mr. Fitzpatrick is interested in establishing programs and awards to add to his list of accomplishments and feed his ego. The issue of incompatibility has nothing to do with how the board votes or works together. The trash contract is a complicated issue. There are many things to consider other than an initial price decrease that might be obtained by going out to bid. I was not the person stating potentially slanderous facts but those potentially slanderous facts are pretty interesting.
"Have you forgotten that Fitzy has been out in the community, checking out other trash haulers, touring their facilities"
No, we didn't forget. The pile of Snickers wrappers and McDonalds bags in Monahan's parking lot gave an indication..
You know Jim, just because the other Directors disagree with your position does not mean they do not have integrity. It means they disagree with you and do not see the need to put the contract out for bid. The survey that you paid $40,000 for indicated that most people are happy with the service CRR provides. Also, the price CRR charges Costa Mesa for trash service is right in the middle of the range. The survey indicated people were fine with that as well. You just have to keep pushing the “put the contract out for bid” button so you can use it to campaign against Perry and Ferryman. Boy, when you hear the word “no” you just don’t like it. You take it as a personal offense and then whine all over town that they have some sort of vendetta against you. Pathetic, ridiculous and immature…great combination.
Keep your governments straight…she was there. Hard to argue with someone who was actually in the room with you. Yes Jim, you did INSIST that every single one of those things be put in the budget. To look them up in the minutes now is comical. The minutes do not reflect who asked for what and how he INSISTED upon it. The majority of those items are not now, and never were necessities. You were spending the tax payer’s money like nobody else in the room. The fact that you’ve changed your tune about certain items now, like the branding consultant, doesn’t change the fact that you pushed pretty hard for it then. Thank goodness, Perry and Ferryman have some common sense.
So, even though Costa Mesa doesn’t want any more City Council behavior going on, you are trying to recreate it at CMSD. Please remember that in November folks. Don’t vote for anyone but Perry and Ferryman. They will keep the District safe from losers like Fitzpatrick and company.
Keep waiting, I'll just assume that you are CMSD Director.
It is obvious to most observers, not blinded by personal loyalty or friendship, that Fitzpatrick's status as an elected official is irrelevant to you. You don't like him, he upset your little club, and now you'll do anything and say anything to get rid of him. In the process, it appears that you'll waste tens of thousands of ratepayer dollars, slander a public official (either directly or through intermediaries), and go after Fitzpatrick's personal funds to further your vendetta.
You want to discuss integrity?
You put on a big show about ethics and respecting the ratepayers wishes to make sure there was no conflict of interest, but when that conflict was removed by Fitzpatrick's resignation from the Planning Commission, you revealed your true motives and inexcusable lack of personal integrity by continuing to pursue legal action against Fitzpatrick "no matter what it costs."
This is real life, not some little game. Your actions will have consequences.
You say the CR&R rates are in the middle of the county? False, they are 3rd. Look at item no. 3:
http://www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us/council/study-session/2010-09-14.pdf
That's ok, we know that you haven't paid any attention to such trivialities in years.
Regarding the trash contract - your defense of not putting it out to bid is reason enough to ensure that you are voted out of office. Take a quick look at Yorba Linda's proposal as outlined in the OCR.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-334530-year-linda.html
There could be huge savings for Costa Mesa residents. Just because they aren't complaining about a $240 charge on an annual property tax bill that is $4,000-$12,000 doesn't mean they wouldn't appreciate savings. Your job is to seek the best for your constituents each and every meeting, not sign an auto-pilot evergreen contract and rubber-stamp staff reports.
Every vote that you say Fitzpatrick INSISTED on was 5-0. You conveniently left that out.
Your comment about no one wanting any more "City Council" behavior going on shows that you don't just have a grudge against Fitzpatrick. Who is confusing their governments?
According to several legal opinions Fitzpatrick not resigning from CMSD when he took the planning commission seat was against California law. Why would I or any other resident respect the status of an elected official who would knowingly move forward holding two positions that were in legal question? Why should he be allowed to continue to break the law? And don't respond with it hasn't been decided. It will be decided. No resident should have had to endure this waste of time and money. Fitzpatrick is the one who made the wrong decision here no matter how you want to spin it or what other arguments you want to try and add to it. And I am not wasting anymore of my time discussing this with you. Bye Bye
To: This isn’t a game…
Dear Jim,
First of all, let me clear something up for you one more time. I am not a CMSD Director, nor have I ever been. You are the only CMSD Director who posts comments on this blog and in the Daily Pilot. So, every single time your write that, you sound like an idiot.
What is totally obvious to most observers is that you are getting more and more nervous about the things that are being said and written about you. You’re panicking. I bet you are starting to lose some of those 11,000 supporters aren’t you?
Lucky for you, residents don’t go to board meetings so you have been able to manipulate the details to avoid public scrutiny over the last 18 months. What’s more unfortunate is that the minutes you constantly make reference to do not reflect your tone of voice, your insistent manner or your downright stupidity. Yes, the votes always add up to 5, but you are not off the hook. You absolutely did request many unnecessary and very expensive items be placed in the budget. And, you were not even remotely concerned about spending the taxpayer’s money on what YOU want. Well buddy, guess what? This is real life and your actions are causing all kinds of consequences. No matter how you’re spinning it.
It really is such a waste of time engaging you. I realize I provide you with numerous opportunities to write about how the “trash contract hasn’t gone out to bid” and now your new favorite, the “no matter what it costs” lawsuit. But, I am so deliriously happy that your little game plan didn’t work out. I cannot wait to see who wins.
I sincerely hope, for the betterment of Costa Mesa, that a few of our strong, amazing citizens put their name in the hat for City Council. Unfortunately, there aren’t many people who want to wreck their lives by getting into the ring with you losers. I can’t say I blame them. You have ruined so many things. On the bright side though, we are fortunate to have two awesome candidates for CMSD in Art Perry and Jim Ferryman. These two men represent themselves and the Costa Mesa Sanitary District with honor and dignity. They are nothing like you.
It is quite hysterical that Jim Fitzpatrick, of all people, is talking about the ‘other’ Directors putting on a big show. Dude, you are the ONLY person putting on a show.
Funny thing is, it appears as though your show might be cancelled. You feel it and so do I.
The irony? You are the fool who wrote the ending.
This Isn't a Game,
Thank you for the City Council study session link. Incidentally, the $300/year figure was pulled from my property tax bill - by adding the items Trash Disposal Fee (about $240) and Sanitary Assessment (about $70). I'm assuming both funds go to CMSD.
This is EXACTLY the kind of info CM residents need to see, because it renders the opposition mute to those who hear only FACTS. Big show? Integrity? Spinning reasons behind holding multiple seats? As far as I'm concerned, it's all just static when the tax bill arrives.
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