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September/October 2006 Official Publication of the Sailboat Bend Civic Associa- "Going Green" NEXT Homeowner’s Meeting All Welcome! 3rd Monday of every month Monday by Alysa Plum Going Green is not only about recycling and composting - it is also about consumption. Massive consumption (of anything, not just fossil fuel) is creating dire consequences for our future well-being and we can no longer think about throwing things away, since there is no more "away". September 18th October 16th 7:30 pm Salvation Army Bldg Broward & 9th Ave INSIDE Commissioner’s Message Editor’s Message Police Blotter ASK Lori Alain Jean Nick Sakhnovsky Nursery Notes Drowning Prevention 2 3 5 6 7 7 9 11 To that end, I take issue with the very notion of the traditional definition of "progress" -- which is very much affecting our little neighborhood of Sailboat Bend. Every time a new building/ condo/ town home is constructed, so often the response is a shrug, followed by the words, "What can you do? I guess that's progress." If that is progress then the bar is set way too low. I see true progress as a conscious effort to improve and enhance the quality of life for the greatest number of people with the smallest negative impact on our environment. This is not an antidevelopment philosophy rather it is a challenge to all developers/owners to think outside the box, not just blindly build boxes. In Fort Lauderdale, this challenge rests on a political and legislative level but that's another article. To quote Thomas Friedman, writer for the New York Times and author, "Green is the new red, white and blue." The green movement is no longer about being a hippie it is about being a patriot. It is here and it will become part of the mainstream. Even Wal-Mart has read the herbal tea leaves and sees its future in selling organic goods and building green stores. Its efforts are already fraught with controversy as there is talk of the retail giant permanently altering the dynamics of the organic marketplace to massively (there's that word again) produce what I term Walganic products. About the Author: Alysa Plum is a neighbor who is committed to making that kind of lifestyle transition. Going green (for her) is about cumulative small changes I am making in my life that are better for my personal health and the health of my community. That means adaptively re-using existing buildings, choosing low-VOC products, i.e., paints, stains, household cleaners, etc. SUSAN GILLIS IS A 2006 AASLH AWARD WINNER The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society is delighted to announce that Susan Gillis is the recipient of an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History Leadership in History Awards for her book Fort Lauderdale: The Venice of America. The AALSH Leadership in History Awards, now in it 61st year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation of state and local history. Awards for 2006 represent 84 organizations and individuals from around the country. Congratulations Sue!! BULK TRASH First Tuesday Of Every Month September / October 2006 From the Desk of Commissioner Cindi Hutchinson …. September marks the conclusion of our fiscal calendar. Before the end of the month, the City Commission will adopt an operating budget for 2006/2007. The proposed budget, which would take effect October 1st, includes a four percent tax cut. For the second consecutive year, the City of Fort Lauderdale is on track to provide residents with an increase in public services and a decrease in property taxes. Adopting the budget is an intensive process that takes months of due diligence and input from every level of our City. In the spring, each City department submits their goals and estimated expenditures for the coming year to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB compiles the information and crafts it into a draft budget that is approved by the City Manager and then presented to the City Commission. The Commission reviews the budget and holds two public hearings to obtain citizen input and make additional revisions. The budget and millage rate are tentatively approved by the Commission at the first meeting and formally adopted at the second meeting. The City then certifies the millage rate with the County and the budget goes into effect when the new fiscal year begins. The mill age rate is important because it affects the property taxes homeowners pay each year. Essentially, it is the tax rate levied on property to generate the revenue necessary to fund the budget. The City sets the tax rate and the Broward County Property Appraiser determines the taxable value of individual properties. The proposed mill age rate for the City of Fort Lauderdale is 4.9566 mills, or $4.96 per $1,000 of taxable value. The proposed rate is not only lower than the current rate; it is among the lowest in the South Florida region. There is no question that next year’s proposed budget is indicative of our strong financial status. Strict oversight during the last two years has gone a long way towards securing our financial stability. This year we successfully eliminated our insurance deficit and grew the available fund balance to $31 million. Once again, residents will benefit from our sound management in the form of tax relief. funds. Through the proposed budget, the Commission will continue to exercise responsible fiscal management to ensure that these funds are available in the future and the City stays on track for long-term financial prosperity. Our strong financial position affords us the ability to devote money to quality of life initiatives in the coming year. Action plans will be enacted to further reduce crime and increase public safety. Several other programs will be implemented to improve living in our neighborhoods and address local nuisances including: illegal dumping, street closures, motorcycle noise, and sign ordinance violations. Finally, we will upgrade the beach and improve City services within the Building Department, Code Enforcement, and Public Works. The budget also includes funding for extensive plans that will ensure smart growth well into the future. The Downtown Master Plan, Davie Boulevard Plan, and Beach Business Improvement District represent just a handful of the ambitious projects that will further enhance quality of life in the City. Various infrastructure improvements will also help us plan for tomorrow, including: constructing of new fire stations, improving city facilities, repairing roads and medians, and dredging canals and upgrading water, sewer, and storm water systems. We will not rely solely on taxpayers to fund our expenditures. The City will significantly increase grant money from external sources, including the National Capital Improvement Program. Outside funding will be used to initiate aesthetic projects that improve our neighborhoods, extend the sidewalk maintenance program, and complete hurricane repairs. that only 25% of your total property tax bill is paid to the City of Fort Lauderdale. Other taxing agencies in Broward County include the County Services, Broward County School Board, the South Florida Water Management District, Children's Services, and Florida Inland Navigation District. As usual, if you need to contact me please call me at 954-828-5004 or email me at CHutchinson@fortlauderdale.gov. My next pre-agenda meeting is on Tuesday, September 5th at City Hall at 5:30pm. City Manager George Gretsas and Director of Management and udget, Allyson Love, will be in attendance. Allyson will give a presentation on the 2006/2007 proposed budget. Please make every effort to attend and be informed as to how your tax dollars are being allocated. I look forward to seeing you. Cindi The provisions of the proposed budget will keep us on track for strengthening our economy while supporting our overall vision for the City. We remain dedicated to improving the quality of life The most important aspect of the budget is that it for each and every resident addresses the needs of our citizens. Concerns of of Fort Lauderdale and will local residents and communities served as the basis continue to build a better for the five main objectives of the budget: (1) imcommunity for the future. prove the City’s financial position; (2) improve our I encourage residents to quality of life; (3) plan for the City’s future; (4) improve our neighborhoods; and (5) improve the City’s review the proposed budget, which is available on the infrastructure. City’s website at While our financial outlook is healthier than it has www.fortlauderdale.gov. been in years, it should not be taken for granted. The importance of an available fund balance cannot be stressed enough, especially in light of the hurri- DID YOU KNOW….. cane damage we suffered last year that necessitated access to more than $8 million in reserve 2 www.Sailboat-Bend.org Historic Sailboat Bend Civic Association A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR In lieu of the President’s message, we have opted for my words in this current space. I would like to thank the Board for the opportunity to serve, once again, as the Editor of this fine publication. For those of you that have been a part of this community for some time, I had this opportunity about many years ago. Since then, much has changed. Many have opined that our neighborhood has changed, some say for the better, but many say we have lost so much character. While this is a fact, and the only constant is change, we all have a part to play, not only in the current state of affairs, but also in the “affairs of the state” (pun intended) for years to come. This publication has a distribution of approximately 1,000. And while those of us working to put this “rag” together would like to think that each and every morsel of information is digested to its fullest, we are also realists. And our collective experiences tell us that it is mostly glanced at, and (hopefully) put on the coffee table for some future reading. We would really like some feedback. We are not a glossy riverfront gazette, designed to sell properties, nor hawk the latest trends in fashion. What we try to do is identify items that are important to our neighbors, and reflect the views of our day to day existences. One of the main topics, as pointed out in the last couple of meetings, is one of crime, and security. Some neighbors have put up video surveillance cameras, in an effort to curb crime on their street corners. Even the esteemed community police officers are interested in the cameras, in assisting them in solving some of the recent incidents in our area. If you have some input into this, I would encourage you, not only to attend the association meetings, but also let us know what your concerns are, so we can be more representative of the entire neighborhood. Keith Mungal Editor Ruggerio’s ad www.Sailboat-Bend.org 3 September / October 2006 4 www.Sailboat-Bend.org Historic Sailboat Bend Civic Association POLICE BLOTTER Restaurant Credit Card Identity Theft Credit Card Scamming is a device that can be as small as a beeper and is used to swipe your credit card number into. The suspect swipes several credit cards throughout their shift as customers pat their bill, and then downloads the information from the scamming device. This information is sold at approx. 50.00 a card number and the information on your card is used to have a second card reproduced. The counterfeit card is then used to purchase thousands of dollars on your card number or used to deplete your bank account. This scam has been located in Ft. Lauderdale, specifically the Las Olas business district and the police department is working with the FBI in combating this effort. Residential Burglary Ring Identified During the last few months Ft. Lauderdale, along with many other cities throughout Broward County, has experienced a rash of residential burglaries that appear to be well organized. The M.O. of this group is to use stolen work trucks or vans and approach houses during the daytime. They knock on the door to make sure the homeowner is not home and then they go around to the back of the house and cut the power and alarm to the house. Many neighbors have watched their neighbor’s homes be broken into and even watched the suspects carry the items out of the house. However, because of it being a work van it is dismissed as being suspicious. So far the FLPD Criminal Investigation Division along with the FLPD TAC Unit has identified a ring of 14 black males. These suspects are getting increasingly more violent and Gas Station Purse Thefts brazen. We have arrested four of them and charged them Recently there has been a rash of women having their purses taken while leaving them in the cars while they go in with two separate Home Invasion Robberies in Ft. Lauderdale. to pay for gas or while they are pumping gas. Don’t leave your valuables in the car and certainly don’t leave anything If you see something suspicious at your neighbor’s house that matches this please do not approach them. Call 911 in plain view. These are crimes of opportunity. If you proand try to keep an eye on them, relay descriptions and lovide the opportunity, they are going to take advantage. cation of the suspects as the police respond. A positive ID is one of our best To all CVC Volunteers: Sailboat Bend Crime Statistics Year to Date OFFENSE Robbery Burglary Residence Vehicle Burglary Business Burglary Vehicle Theft Total Jun-04 Jun-05 Mar-06 Apr-06 May-06 Jun-06 Average 1 3 2 1 0 7 3 1 2 0 0 6 2 0 11 0 1 14 8 5 10 0 3 26 3 0 4 0 3 10 5 1 8 1 1 16 4 2 8 0 2 17 Please join us for the upcoming project at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatics Complex [aka Swimming Hall of Fame]. DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2006 TIME: 8:00AM TO NOON ADDRESS: 501 SEABREEZE BLVD [park at the Alexander lot at ALA and SE 5th - see attached flyer]. Refreshments will be provided. We will be mulching and planting to spruce up the outside for the Florida Neighborhood Conference which is in town the weekend of Oct 5-7. Historical Comparison OFFENSE Burglary Residence Robbery Vehicle Burglary Business Burglary Vehicle Theft TOTAL 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 96-02 %+/78 38 286 39 54 495 55 30 153 42 83 363 64 29 154 21 42 310 53 21 78 21 50 223 35 25 58 12 35 165 37 11 64 10 38 160 45 20 76 11 31 183 -42% -47% -73% -72% -43% -63% 01-02 %+/22% 82% 19% 10% -18% 14% ***PLEASE PRINT THE FLYER AND PUT ON YOUR DASHBOARD TO PREVENT TICKETING*** We look forward to seeing you there. As always, donations for breakfast and shirts are always welcome. Maxine Singh, Comm Cordinator Office of the Mayor & City Commission 100 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-828-5005 www.Sailboat-Bend.org 5 September / October 2006 “Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal” Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions… Tallahassee Approves Increased Accountability for Property Appraisers! Dear Lori, Thank you for supporting “portability” of Save Our Homes. While our family was disappointed to learn that Tallahassee politicians killed property tax reform this year, we would like to learn more about your 2006 Legislative Package. Did any of your legislative proposals become law? L.B., Margate, FL Florida Property Appraisers are currently subject to very little oversight. This is how, for example, a former Broward County Property Appraiser was able to ignore Florida Law requiring physical inspections of all properties every three years – allowing most properties to languish with 12 – 15 years between inspections. Because of that failure, some people didn’t have to pay any taxes on buildings not assessed on the tax roll… while you were paying more to make up the difference. This is the reason why I asked Miami Dade County State Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla and Broward County State Representative Jack Seiler to ensure this never happens again. We joined together to support a new law (SB490 and HB 979) requiring that the Florida Department of Revenue notify the Mayors and County Commissions when audits of the 67 county Property Appraisers are available for all taxpayers to see. We are please to announce that the Governor agreed with this common sense reform and signed our measure into law. Beginning July 1st, 2006 all Florida Property Appraiser audits will now become truly “public documents” for the County Commissions and local taxpayers to review. Past audits of the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office often found procedural, statistical and analytical errors that were never made public. If you would like to learn more about our 2006 State Legislative Package, and check the status of these and other new state laws, please visit our website at www.bcpa.net and click the “legislation” menu option. Sincerely, Lori Parrish If you have any questions for Lori, please call her office at 954-445-5732, or write her at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 11, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 6 www.Sailboat-Bend.org Historic Sailboat Bend Civic Association Inspiration is still needed in Education Today, I still remember Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Walker, Mr. Highstreet, and Mr. Lauder. These were teachers of mine in high school. Mrs. Foster was my English teacher who inspired me to use my imagination, which paid of in my funny talent to be resourceful. Mrs. Walker was my History teacher who inspired me to appreciate and learn from what happened yesterday. Mr. Highstreet was my geography teacher who inspired me to go out and travel this country. That inspiration has allowed me to teach my 3 year old to identify all fifty states. Wow, Mr. Lauder my government teacher! His inspiration on me still exists today. My love for civics, politics, government, and public service can be traced back to his classroom in the 300 hallway of Plantation High School . I was even registered to vote in that classroom. It is becoming far more difficult to inspire the children of this state. We have injected far too much politics in our public schools. We have made class-size political. We have made teacher’s salaries political. We have made testing political. There are several problems with this approach. Classroom size was voted by the citizens of this state, so they should not also be asked to figure out how this initiative is funded...that is the purpose for having elected representatives. Teacher’s salaries should not be linked to how students perform on a once a year test. We need to put in place a pay formula that automatically raises the salaries of teacher’s. This can be achieved by the state creating a specific fund for the purpose of increasing the salaries of teachers in Florida . Finally, the issue of testing is the most controversial. It is imperative that we have testing. The way in which we use it in this state is the problem. We need to use the standardize test as a measurement tool not an end all. I still believe in the power of inspiration. Success is elusive when so many different political issues that have no correlation with an individual students capability to learn is brought to the classroom. Every classroom should be a unique learning environment to stimulate the great potential of Florida ’s children. When teachers are constrained to teaching to a test, not only is that boring, but there is no room for imagination and most importantly inspiration. Alain Jean Candidate for the Florida House of Representatives District - 93 What do we need? On November 7th, all voters in State House District 93 will have an opportunity to choose between two candidates for the first time since redistricting in 2000 and there is a need for diversity in the representation of our district. Some key state policies are those affecting Kids and Education, Property Tax Reform, Parks and the Environment, and Ethics in Government. The educational financing system in this state must be reformed, since Broward County residents are receiving inadequate state funding compared to the taxes being paid. The Homestead Exemption needs to be brought up-to-date and, some think, it needs to be extended to small businesses. Florida needs to be protected from the environmental perils of offshore oil drilling, and the highest standards be maintained for our parks, air, and water. In addition, governmental officials need to be free of entanglements with lobbyists and other business interests to truly represent all of us. Nick “James’ Dad” Sakhnovsky, Non-partisan Candidate , State House District 93 www.Sailboat-Bend.org 7 September / October 2006 8 www.Sailboat-Bend.org Historic Sailboat Bend Civic Association SAILBBOAT CIVIC ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING – Aug. 21, 2006 Randy Swenson & Dave Parker Attendance – 17 Members Present Police Report: Although there are some major neighborhood incidents [5 armed robberies, 5 assault & battery, 1 business burglary, 5 residential burglaries, and 4 vehicle thefts (Sailboat Bend Village)], the numbers are low compared some other sections of the City. It is suggested that the monthly report be thorough (as this 2 month report); it also was suggested the officer be more involved in the community and be more informative as to help the community. An infrared camera installed at a duplex at the intersection -8th / Charley Ave & 2nd Court/Middle Street - to survey the area 24 hours per day is now available to assist the neighborhood. Politics: Nick Sakhnovsky appeared as a State Representative candidate on an independent slate. Water Works: Laila Haddad (manager) and Lynea Gallagher (project manager) provided an update on the sewage work. The road paving is forecasted for the 11th /Palm Ave South from Broward Blvd to SW 4th /Tequesta Ave, up to the River Bend; of course, rain & showers affect the schedule. The water main breakage on Davie Road affected traffic in our neighborhood and affected the airs in our community. The current estimate of construction completion is 4th quarter of 2007. The Water Works asked for increased communications with the community. The project inspector is Antonio Fernandez, who is very helpful and interested in having good community communications. City Ordinance & Historical Houses: Nolan Haan presented the information of the present case that involves the movement of an historical house to a property already with a historical home. There are several properties in the community which have two historical structures (of comparable size). The Historical Preservation Board is in favor of changes of the City regulations involving historical home movements. The SBCA voted 100% support for the Concept of Multiple Houses on One Property. This issue goes to the Board of Adjustment. Neighborhood Clean-up: Hilda Velez announced that the monthly clean-up will be Saturday at the corner of Charley Ave. & Los Olas at 9:30am. Fire Station Committee: Dave Parker reported that efforts are proceeding well in the clean-up and refurbishing of the Fire Station. The drive for funds has not been as successful as hoped, but efforts are continuing. September 16th is the next volunteer work day at the Fire Station. The major tree trimming, removal and landscaping has been done. The roof repairs are also completed. Alysa Plummer has provided the contact information for potential removal of living oak trees across the street to the property. Aesthetics: The efforts are ongoing to clean-up at the Clark House, SW 7th Ave intersection of SW 7th Ave and Las Olas, and the 7th Ave bridge. www.Sailboat-Bend.org 9 September / October 2006 10 www.Sailboat-Bend.org Historic Sailboat Bend Civic Association Drowning Prevention Campaign Children Under Age Five Supporting Statement Drowning is the #1 cause of all deaths for children ages one to four in Broward County. Children in this age group are at risk for drowning, especially in residential swimming pools, because they don’t understand the potential danger and have the ability to venture away from caregivers. Using three layers of protection is essential to keep young children from drowning PROTECT with barriers, SUPERVISE directly, by an adult, and PREPARE for an emergency The benefit of using all three layers is that all three have to fail for a drowning to take place. PROTECT children from falling into a swimming pool (or other body of water) if they wander away from adult supervision. Install multiple barriers between the child and the water to help prevent access to water. Barriers include four-sided isolation pool fencing, approved safety covers and nets, and locks/alarms on doors and windows accessible to water. SUPERVISE children around water at all times. An adult should be close enough to reach out and touch the child, ignoring any distractions such as answering the phone. Communicating who has responsibility for direct adult supervision is essential. PREPARE for an emergency - by knowing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for children, having rescue equipment and a telephone nearby, and teaching children water safety skills. Drowning among young children is preventable if caregivers acknowledge the risk and consistently use all three layers of protection. Sailboat Bend Civic Association 2006 Name Date Address City State ZIP Day Phone Evening Phone Email 1 person membership (1 vote) $10 2 person membership (2 votes) $15 Dues renew in January of each year. Members paid by April 1 are eligible to vote in November elections. Mail to: SBCA, attn Daryl Jolly • PO BOX 1021 • Fort Lauderdale, FL • 33302 Show your interest: Aesthetics Historic Preservation Newsletter article writing Grant Writing Master Planning Committee Home & Garden Tour (February) Donations www.Sailboat-Bend.org 11 RiverView Publishing 511 SE Ninth Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Presorted Standard US POSTAGE PAID Fort Lauderdale, FL Permit No 439 TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL The boundary of Historic Sailboat Bend begins at the F.E.C. Railroad tracks on the east, Broward Boulevard on the north and the New River on the south and west. Its name comes from the most severe bend of the river at the site of the Performing Arts Center. This newsletter is published from advertising revenues and SBCA funds. Sailboat Bend 2006 Civic Association Board of Director & Officers President, Bill Nielsen 954.523.7440 rivervw@bellsouth.net Vice President, Patrick DeVosjoli 954.525.8811 spacexo@yahoo.com Vice President, David Parker 954.527.4162 Dparkerbio@aol.com Treasurer, Daryl Jolly 954.467.0003 daryltotal@aol.com Board Secretary, Randy Swenson 954.522.9540 rswenson@aol.com General Secretary, Connie Weissbach 954.522.0014 SBCAnews@aol.com Paul Bogges 954.767.4510 paulbogg@msn.com Committees Historic Preservation Board Liaison Don Wilkin 954.728.8090 mmwarchdon2@earthlink.net HPB meeting, 1st Monday, 5 pm City Hall, 1st Floor, Comm Chambers 100 N Andrews Avenue SBCA Board Meeting Held at 7:30 pm every 3rd Monday of each month. To place an item for discussion email the president at west_las_olas@hotmail.com. Items to be discussed at the general meetings shall be voted upon by the board. WEB Master John Kleinedler 954.462.1655 West_las_olas@hotmail.com SBCA General Meetings Held at 7:30 pm every third Monday of each month at the Salvation Army, SW 9 Ave. and Broward Blvd. The SBCA general membership meetings are open to all residents of Sailboat Bend and the general public is invited to attend. Directions are Broward Blvd. east from I-95 to SW 9 Ave. Plenty of parking is available on the south side of the building. Aesthetics Randy Swenson 954.522.9540 rswenson@aol.com Master Plan & Traffic John Kleinedler 954.4621655 Westlasolas@hotmail.com Nolan Haan 954..467.0050 me@nolanhaan.com Mary Hughes 954.618.6180 molly@hugheshuges.com Richard Locke 954.523.2059 dickelocker@@aol.com Bill Saunders 954.463.7064 Veronica Sazera 954.764.1753 Dee Terry 954.527.0990 Hilda Velez 954.462.7477 dee-terry@comcast.net vhilda15@earthlink.net saun911@bellsouth.net Council of Civic Association Liaison Bill Nielson 954.523.7440 rivervw@bellsouth.net Development Guidelines Committee Daryl Jolly 954.467.0003 daryltotal@aol.com ADDRESS & PHONE PO Box 1021, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302-1021 Home & Garden Tour Andy Quinones 954.462.1655 quinonesandy@hotmail.com Newsletter Editor Keith Mungal 954.309.7362 keithmungal@yahoo.com 954.779.7913 Email: SBCAnews@aol.com www.Sailboat-Bend.com City Recognition #9224 FOR ADVERTISING CALL 954.523.3738 cwieland@bellsouth.net