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Miscellaneousr1 /`,- IO P1�����► 5 S - � �� PRESS RELEASE STAND UP FOR ANIMALS, INC. September 6, 2010 For several weeks, Stand Up for Animals (SUFA) has been the subject of media attention and speculation regarding a preliminary audit by Monroe County. Although this audit was not complete and SUFA has not had the opportunity to respond, County employees have provided press releases and incorrect information to the media. SUFA has refrained from comment until the audit was complete. Now, however, with our county contract terminated, our shelters closed and our finances deliberately stripped so that we cannot seek equitable legal counsel, SUFA feels we can no longer wait. Here are our responses and questions regarding the audit thus far: 1. ALLEGATION: County funds were spent on SUFA's Second Chance Ranch in Michigan. RESPONSE: Monies spent on this project, which has been well advertised in SUFA brochures, came directly from donors, NOT Monroe County. See Exhibits A and B — letter from Marye Haigh and canceled checks from Trostrud Mosaic Tile. 2. ALLEGATION: SUFA paid for some of the director's water bills. RESPONSE: This was a clerical error and a check for restoration has been submitted. SUFA's director has also paid for SUFA bills with personal funds. See Exhibit C — Stand Up for Animals Electric Bill and Gottwald cancelled personal check. This error could easily have been corrected had auditor Sandy Mathena bothered to interview Gottwald. 3. ALLEGATION: SUFA paid for the director's rent. RESPONSE: SUFA offered three months housing in addition to a restricted salary stipend to a new employee Shari Blessing as part of recruitment package. See Exhibit D — salary offer. 4. ALLEGATION: SUFA's director was interviewed during audit. RESPONSE: Mathena cancelled an interview with Gottwald when Gottwald requested that a witness be present. See Exhibit E — Methana e-mail canceling scheduled meeting. Additionally, Mathena disregarded standard auditing practices by - declining to interview SUFA's accountant, Linda Kruzska. - requesting to remove original documents from Kruzska's office - reviewing confidential documents containing information regarding contract negotiations - refusing to allow witnesses during staff interviews -not using the same criteria when auditing other animal control contractors - attributing false statements to SUFA's director, accountant and employees throughout the audit report. 5. ALLEGATION: The county is entitled to SUFA adoption fees charged in addition to the county's $10 fee. RESPONSE: SUFA has charged for spay /neuter, microchips, vaccinations, Heartworm and Feline Leukemia testing in order to recoup the costs of preparing an animal for adoption. This practice was in place by the former operators, the Florida Keys SPCA, in 2002 when SUFA assumed the contract. The county has been aware of these charges since 2002. Additionally, these fees were open to county review via two additional internal audits, SUFA's operating plan, website and receipt book. Why is the county now claiming these fees? Why has the county not claimed the same additional charges from the SPCA, which also charges more than the $10 adoption fee? See Exhibit F — SPCA Fees. In fact, the yearly county contract amount does not cover the actual costs of running the shelter, with an average deficit per year of over $50,000.00, which is taken from SUFA's general revenue and donation funds, as shown below. Monroe County Contract Annual Remittance, SUFA annual expenditures, deficits: 1. FYE 2003 $214,529 $226,204 ($11,675) 2. FYE 2004 $215,600 $301,092 ($85,492) 3. FYE 2005 $ 219,265 $298,224 ($78,959) 4. FYE 2006 $248,598 $291,027 ($42,429) 5. FYE 2007 $ 263,472 $314,006 ($50,534) It is clear that this audit resulted from the discovery of SUFA revenue (Exhibit G) and a consequent, calculated campaign to seize this money the day after SUFA indicated to the county that the bid would possibly be withdrawn (Exhibit H). The media was deliberately put into place in an attempt to discredit SUFA and to distract from the county's seizure of SUFA revenue (EXHIBIT I — e -mail from county administrator to media prior to ANY county notification of SUFA). SUFA was an independent entity with outside financing prior to the organization's contractual agreement with Monroe County. Monies and funds used in furtherance of the organization's mission statement are subject to board approval, not Monroe County. The county has erroneously assumed and publicly announced that all funds now belong to them, despite the fact that much of this revenue was derived from trust funds, donations and grants. The county, while allowed access to bookkeeping as pertains to the contract, has overstepped their boundaries in this audit and assumes that SUFA is subject to the same oversight and restrictions as county employees, although denied the benefits of county employees. SUFA's accomplishments include the opening of the Big Pine shelter, the middle keys spay /neuter clinic, the annual animal law seminar and Animal Heroes Banquet and many other contributions, including the operation of the only no -kill shelters in Monroe County. SUFA plans to continue their mission statement in the Florida Keys with the development of a spay /neuter program in order to continue our work fighting animal overpopulation. Succinctly, the end of the county contract does not mean the end of SUFA. In summary, SUFA is an independent contractor who has more than fulfilled the terms of their contract with Monroe County. We have been audited externally for seven years and have had two past internal audits showing no problems. Why did the county renew SUFA's contract annually with full knowledge of fee charges? Why, suddenly, are there allegations of misspending when the contract is up for bid? The real story is not the audit itself, but the motivation behind the audit and its deliberately misleading allegations. rvica,�dgu .... N. . .............. ................. � .......,...., ., ....,.,..,..... .. ...,........ From: Mary Haigh < maryehaigh @hotmail.co.uk> axki ��� To: Linda Gottwald <gottwald.linda @yahoo.com> Sent: Fri, September 3, 2010 11:25:32 AM Subject: RE: In Support of Linda Gottwald & Stand Up For Animals. Hi Linda our phone number is 01144 1932 560236 that will come straight through - tell them they are welcome to phone From: maryehaigh @hotmail.co.uk To: editor @keynoter.com; marathon @keywestcitizen.com; editor @keywestcitizen.com; bigpinenews @aol.com Subject: In Support of Linda Gottwald & Stand Up For Animals. Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:09:35 +0000 To The Editor, We were appalled to read the mis- information and uninformed opinion published by various sources regarding Linda Gottwald and the SUFA Organisation. Innocent until proven guilty is surely the rule and good legal advice would always be for either side to comment as little as possible so as not to prejudice any subsequent legal process. It appears that SUFA on legal advice , behaved correctly We are proud to be one of the main fund raiser /donators for Stand Up For Animals both at Marathon and Big Pine Key and we would like to confirm that all the money we have raised for this organisation over the past six years , which is in excess of $7000 in cash plus a number of cheques, has been given to SUFA completely unrestricted with our full permission to use it for the animals in any way . We were more than happy for it to be used to help with the rehoming of animals to Second Chance Ranch, Michigan . In fact we particularly hoped that some of the $1500 or so from the fund raiser last November at Boondocks would go towards the relocation of the wonderful Wolf- hybrid Chachi and his mate Eva to Michigan so they would be able avoid the Florida summer and be in a more suitable climate for them. We are very proud to have been able to raise funds for the wonderful work that Linda Gottwald at Marathon and Lee Ann Mathews at Big Pine and all their incredible staff undertook so selflessly on a seven day a week basis, and we would have been very happy to continue to do so. To date we have adopted four wonderfull dogs from SUFA, three of which would have been euthanized by any other organisation due to their advanced age. They are now able to spend the remainder of their lives happily with us thanks to Stand Up for Animals. We ran an animal and bird rescue centre in England for almost 30 years and would just like to say that Stand up for Animals is the best possible example of dedication to the welfare of animals that anyone could wish to see. Mary and Robin Haigh Surrey Bird Rescue and Conservation Centre, Abbey Bridge Farmhouse, Colonel's Lane, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8RJ. ENGLAND. AND Cudjoe Key, Florida. 1 of 1 9/6/2010 4:00 PIS u ar d Prilnae EARL JR & PHYLI-AS & BRADFORD FROSTRUP -FR urld number: TROSTRIUD "OOSAIC '11-F P n ll kN �4%093W TOM MIA, 1 t2, �,XWMW VOAQC 7" 4iL 4. ALA Wd.Llm 4 q.0FtM ITOW RM TH 1 133 vloow, - u, IA-44, IZ, 3,00 & LU ll 'Van guard Vanguard PriMc � 091051'2010 15: 21 1 2319=54100 OFFICE DEPOT PAGE 03 EKh�lo;+ G Amount: $225.49 Account: Rank NumhPr- OFe3000(14 Sequence Number: 6892472353 Capture Date: 04 /21/2009 Check Number: 1090 LINDA D. GOTMALD 7932 TUNA DR. MARATHON, F1 33090 Pay to the order of 03aokof ACH Wl0671003 Fo s 1 ' 0 04.90 1090 Date 83-4/am FL LM* ;3 �4-1- 8 IOU Oal1Ar5 - JI�wwW AP 1090 09/05f2010 15:21 2319354100 OFFICE DEPOT 4,w _ PAGE 04 a mre Paynwnt is nat avaidod by taiora to r000ive a bM- _ EWLOyEE WENMCATM - Our Whorized repreaa I6*m9 cary FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC coWwwj le id2nO6eekm wish a OwkWwh- PMW& do not hm"aft to ask i : + 00 � � COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC, i rf P .O. 80X 377 TAVERMIEA FL 330700377 neiy "s havo mvioe. Flow* report P►w1wh If you be l— trwh" 19 a, FKEC rmee. When ropoAft trouble or wryo ft unsaid, pk+ax ove y— ACtoUNT NUM6ER. and M M ne.ANER as rood an V& bib. + R is yaw raspanaraii7ly M insure vre have soaosa to an melees. COOPERATIVE LOCATIONS: *Hard - FA Is std>od to chance rAVF -RN7ER 0FF7CE 9 leM Overseas Hwy PP*-- (305) 862.2+3r + Nwd r9A�aa data is: 091r3j101 Q MARATHON O0f - 3497 Oversees Nary Pbornr: (305) 743 -S;" rOU FREE PHONE. r - 8fo-858.619+�C5 W BSITE: www.fkec.com OFFICE HOURS: 8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM Monday - Friday KWH USAGE HISTORY 69D 1 AV 0.3135 4 690 A�tn CoUg" C -3 P- 3 4 � X LD M1 Wf11MLD STAW 1P FWtpAANgTI�O S lf 'IARAT1t011�FLL 33 50 -2908 ; y — DO NOT PAY BALANCE CR E11F.7bC+f 11 P01fER C OST - EQUITY LoAD MW GRM RECPT -TAX - -' , Fil 139105/?010 15:21 2319354100 OFFICE DEPOT PAGE 1_i5 - �X�►i bid C,� . � Amount. $50.00 Sequence Number: 6192079811 P Account: Capture Date: 12/22,2006 Bank Number: 06300004 Check Number_ 1127 LINDA D. GO'n'1NALD 7932 TUNA DR. MARATHON, FL 33050 to Bankof AC" WTAPOW- 1: Q 0499 Date oZ Or a L? 70 ?950 1127 63 -41630 FL 1223 r ass PAYROLLS BY PAYCHEX' TIME SHEET 074U -2748 STAND UP FOR ANIMALS GROUP 9 TERMINATED EMPLOYEES - DEPT EMPLOYEE START TERK VEEKS YTO SALARY HOURLY FED M SOCIAL SEC. NBR NBR NRNE DATE DATE URKED GROSS RATE EX S NUMBER ODD100 t MANUEL ALVAREZ D9 /01/02 01104/05 0.0 10.000 000100 15 CINDY BEDNRRZ 03/20/04 07/10/04 0.0 10.000 000100 26 SHRRI L BLESSING 10/22/09 11/28/09 0 -0 10.000 000100 2 OVEN BRAGG 07/01/02 10/06/04 0.0 10.000 000100 16 PATSY DAVIS 07/01/04 12/31/05 0.0 12.00D 003100 19 CARY 0 GALINDO 12/01104 01/05/05 0.0 9.000 00010D 6 ORVILLE D HUNFLEET 10/05/03 %2/10/03 0.0 16.530 000100 24 JESSICA KRRRADT 06/01/06 08/31/06 0.0 8.000 000100 9 CARL C LAFOLLETTE 01/17/04 07110104 0.6 8.000 000%00 16 NANCY A LEYIS D8 /01104 11/16/04 D.D 9.000 D30100 17 KATHLEEN LUNA OB /01 /04 11/16/04 0.0 9.000 000100 20 SAV TRA G AIENDOZA 01/26/05 11/25/05 0.0 10.D00 DOD100 10 KATRINA A MITCHELL 01/25/04 01/31/04 0.0 8,000 000100 13 PETER LAYERS 02/12/04 OS /31 /04 0.0 8.000 000100 11 MARY BETH NIELSON 01/15/04 04/29/04 0.0 20.000 0 000100 14 MARY 6 PURVIS 12/01/03 04/22/04 03/20/04 04/27/04 0.0 0.0 8.000 13 000100 22 CHRISTITE K SEVER M �OD10�AWS OS /2D /D3 'i2101/05 0.0 -000 9.000 C STOCKTON� 08 /10/05 04/01/07 0.0 10.000 090100 8 JOHN R UILLIANS 01/13103 02/10/04 01/01/04 01116/04 0.0 0.0 8.030 8.000 DOD100 12 RUSSELL IIILLIRKS 02/12/04 04/20/04 0.0 10.000 xxx -xx -6306 XXX -XX.- 3535 M - XX - 3168 ax -xx -6®26 xxx -xx -8165 XXX -XK -3074 XXX -)O( 0175 x>ac -xx -8582 XXX -XX 3851 XxX- )(X-9120 XxX -XX 2530 xxx -xx -8366 xxx -xx -9827 xxx -xx - 9063 XXX -XX -6486 XXX -X'X -7687 xxx -xx -5832 X' X X -XX- 8062 XXX -Xx -3128 XXX- XX -4B41 XXX-XX -8626 XXX -XX -2913 {r "f o 1 t't, v • 5 l ock4u) *BEGN AVAILABLE ENPL NO* 28 29 30 viessage loft - - - -- Forwarded Message - - -- From: Linda Gottwald <sufal @bellsouth.net> To: rmalafy @msn.com Cc: gottwald.linda @yahoo.com Sent: Thu, August 12, 2010 1:21:46 PM Subject Fw: Linda asked that I send this to you. It relates to the agreement whereby SUFA would provide housing for Shari Blessing. Jerry - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: Linda Gottwald To: Shari Blessing Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 3:07 PM Hi Shari, It was very nice talking with you this afternoon - I wanted to give you some details about the position - for the first three months, we offer housing (one bedroom furnished duplex apartment down the street from the shelter) , including utilities and cable, and then an $860 to $1,000 stipend per month, based on the calculation of a 32 to 40 hour work week. After 90 days, you would be eligible for health insurance and a 401(k) plan. In January and February, the stipend would drop to a 20 hour work week ( because I'll be back in town and working ) and then in March, it would shoot back up to full -time with a salary increase. After Feb., there is the option to continue with housing or opt our for direct hourly pay in lieu of housing. (It is extremely difficult - and expensive - to obtain housing here, which is why we offer it). In addition, I would pay you $125 a month to feed my cat colony of five. which live outside next to the duplex. I am leaving for France for one week this Sunday, returning on Monday Oct. 12th. I f you would like to come down during that time, it might be a nice chance to see how you like it here. I would like someone to be able to shadow me for a few days before I leave for Michigan - and I hope to leave by Oct. 19th. Anyway, a lot to think about, I'm sure ... Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions.... Linda. 9/6/2010 3:25 Ph viessage .... .... 1 .,.. r ... ...._ .. - - - -- Forwarded Message - - -- 5A a From: Sandra Mathena <smathena @monroe- clerk.com> To: Linda Gottwald <gottwald.linda @yahoo.com> Sent Wed, August 4, 2010 4:19:42 PM Subject: RE: Stand Up For Animals Audit Linda, I need to postpone the interview for tomorrow at 10:00. We will need to reschedule for a later date. Thanks, Sandy Mathena From Linda Gottwald [ mailto :gottwald.linda(gyahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2010 1:37 PM To: Sandra Mathena Subject: Re: Stand Up For Animals Audit Thanks , Sandy - also, can you please provide question list for board/attomey /accountant to review? Are you comfortable with them sitting in on phone call tomorrow? , From: Sandra Mathena <smathena@monroe- clerk.com> To: gottwald.linda(a)yahoo.com Sent: Wed, August 4, 2010 10:07:05 AM Subject: Stand Up For Animals Audit Linda, Per our phone conversation please provide the following: General Ledger as of 6 -30 -2010 Invoices and credit card receipts for 1/1/2010 a" ^ 6/30/2010 Donation receipts 1/1/2010 a"" 6/30/2010 $15,000 Grant documentation a 1" r- Ending report and grant award Bank Statements for both accounts as of June 30, 2010 990 for 2009 when completed Thank you, Sandra Mathena I of 1 9/6/2010 3:24 PN 09/05/2010 15:21 2319354100 OFFICE DEPOT PAGE 02 Florida Keys SPCA - Society foz the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - Cost of Adoption Page l of 2 6X ha d F 52MC011a,a Road (SkKk Word) Key West, FL 33040 (305) 294 -4857 Cost of Adoption Adoption Specials Adult Cats 0* $15 The 6160 Program Anyone 60 years or older can adopt an animal that is 6 years or older absolutely free! �� n A doption Fees _.. P $100 Pupples (up to 4 months) Adults (5 months to 7 years) S50 Scnlors (8 year and up) Cais $75 Kittens (up to 4 months) $55 Adults (5 mOnthS t0 7 years) $35 Seniors (8 years and uo) $40 Second Kitten adopted at Some time as Other kitten $25 Second Cat (adult or senior) adopted at same time as other cat or kitten Sm Animals ...._...... $25 Birds g25 Bunnies $25 Ferrets Adoption Package includes: Spay or neuter Heartworm test for dogs Felv/Rv test for cats DHLPP /cv vaccination for dogs FVRCP vaccination for cats Rabies vaccination • Dewotming Flea and tick treatment Free Behavior Counseling Training video j V �� V r http:// www .fkspca.org/tkladopt/cost.asp 8/17/2010 F.-)(h bi+ & ti v LO tn v O X L Y = to L ~_ O O 2i U O � L >� J C C �U c � O O O y � u < O c �• T C j O > c y O _ O ti C X n� c 3 > > L y �y J W _J n r M f � 1 � `L M L (� 0 +— D L O 3 > U f 11 y�©� D cn m y — �� O 0 CD Z O >• rp T ✓- c (0 cp CD c7 C, .- �! 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J Q ( ,j ti v LO tn v O X L Y = to L ~_ O O 2i U O � L >� J C C �U c � O O O y � u < O c �• T C j O > c y O _ O ti C X n� c 3 > > L y �y J W _J n M ? � f 11 VIessa e I of I From: "JDykhuisen @aol.com" <]Dykhuisen @aol.com> �� )_ -��•� To: leto -beth @monroecounty - fl.gov i�� Cc: gottwald.linda @yahoo.com Sent: Mon, August 9, 2010 2:32:03 PM Subject: Animal Control Contract Stand Up for Animals would again like to request a response to our bid offer of July 15 re: the contract for animal control in the Middle Keys. As indicated in our previous letter, it is our feeling that time is of the essence, whether for SUFA to prepare for our future obligations on providing continued services or for a new contractor to become oriented with shelter operations. It has been reported that no future meetings with us are scheduled, so we can only assume the County has all the information A needs to formulate its recommendation. Therefore, for the best interests of our animals and our community, we would request that we be apprised no later than August 20, 2010 as to whether the Department will make a positive or a negative recommendation on our proposal. We believe that after this date there will be insufficient time for an orderly transition should another vendor be selected. Please contact us if you should have any further questions or need any additional information. Jerry Dykhuisen, Manager Stand Up For Animals 9/6/2010 5:08 PN lessage Subject: Fw: SUFA Audit & Injunction Yxh; 6+ S Date: Sep 6, 2010 5:00 PM Attachments: From: News <news @uslradio.com> To: sufal @bellsouth.net Sent: Wed, August 11, 2010 12:51:25 PM Subject: Fw: SUFA Audit & Injunction i)6 Linda, 'Thanks for the interview. Bill - - - -- Original Message ----- From: :'- :�tesi- i�crt�an Cc: Gastesi-Roaran Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 9:44 PM Subject: SUFA Audit& Injunction Bill et al FYI... Roman Gastesi County Administrator Monroe County (Florida Keys) 1100 Simonton St Key West, Fl. 33040 (305) 292 -4442 office (305) 394 -1332 cell Begin forwarded message: 1 of 1 9/6/2010 5:27 P