Yearly Archives: 2009


April 2009 Board Meeting

April 27, 2009 Monday Minutes
Board Meeting
8th Floor Conference Room
5:30 pm
1. CALL TO ORDER at 5:30 PM
2. Attendance.  Present:     Absent: Doug Sterner    Gabriel Ocasio-Davila Marilyn Mammano  Mike Vondermeulen Betty Shelley   Drew Pickens David Marshall Donna Mergenhagen Tom Welch Juanita Gray David Parker
3. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE: Genia Ellis moved that the Board Meeting Minutes for March 23, 2009* be approved; Dave Marshall seconded.  Motion to approve passed.
4. TREASURER‚S REPORT * Ron Centamore presented the final treasurers report for the period April 2008 ‚¬€œ March 2009.  At the conclusion of the meeting, Auditor Betty Shelley confirmed that the report was accepted as presented.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS George Hruska was recognized.
6. NEW BUSINESS: a. General Meeting May 12, 2009 œ Agenda. No special agenda items were suggested by Board members at this time.  The question of Council assistance for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Downtownà event May 27 from 5 to 7 PM was discussed; the Board agreed to forward information about the event to the membership.  It was noted that the event date (May 27) is the same as a Community Appearance Board event.
b. Signature for proposed new bank account.  Two signatures (Pres./Treas.) are adequate for signature cards.  The signature cards for the Certificates of Deposit also need to be updated.
c. Transfer of Recording Secretary Records.  Dave Marshall reported that Reid Morgan indicated that his records were filed in the 8th Floor closet along with other Council records and supplies.  Marshall and Genia Ellis will review the records after the meeting.
d. Ad Hoc Code Reform Community Meeting Schedule.  The City has announced four Neighborhood Development Criteria Revisions Meetings on May 11 in District I – (6-8PM at the Beach Community Center), May 12 in District II – (6-8PM at Holiday Park Social Center), and May 14 in District III – (6-8PM at the Joseph C. Carter Park – Social Center), May 13 in District IV (7-9PM in Croissant Park).  The Council will send out an email blast to remind members of these meetings and the importance of citizen input.

7. OLD BUSINESS
a. Dues notices for upcoming year. Three additional membership applications received for a total to date of 28.  1st VP Mammano to send a second notice to Associations which have not renewed.
b. Refreshment List and Status.   List is fully subscribed.
c. Identification of Standing and Ad Hoc Committees Richard Mancuso reviewed current and past Council committees and suggested how they might be organized.  The relationship of the committees to the goals of the Council was also reviewed.  After thorough discussion, Genia Ellis moved, and Marilyn Mammano seconded, that the topic of Council committees be added to the May 12 General Meeting Agenda for discussion, and that the results of that discussion be forwarded to Gabriel Ocasio-Davila for further action.  Motion passed. 8. FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY a. Dave Marshall noted that Riverside Park Residents Association sponsored a Stranahan High School team in the Plywood Regatta, and encouraged other neighborhoods to do the same in next years event.
e. Marilyn Mammano moved, and Dave Marshall seconded, that the Council add a presentation and discussion of the legislation pending in Tallahassee regarding mortgage holder responsibility for pre-foreclosure expenses to the May 12 meeting agenda.  Motion passed 5-1.

9. Meeting adjourned at 7:15.

*Indicates voting items General Meeting – Tuesday– May 12, 2009 7-9 PM – 8th Floor Board Meeting May 25, 2009 8th Floor NOTE:  Two of more Commissioners and/or city board members may be present at this meeting.


March 2009 General Meeting

March 09, 2009
MONDAY
GENERAL MEETING
Meeting Minutes
8TH FLOOR Cafeteria

CALL TO ORDER 7:10 PM
PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL BY 2nd Vice President €œ Tom Welch, indicating 25 member associations present thereby exceeding the required number to make a quorum.
REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE:
MEETING MINUTES of February 10, 2009 were approved unanimously by the membership
TREASURERS REPORT €œ Provided by Treasurer Ron Centamore indicating a balance of $7,515.97 as of 28 February 2009. Report was approved and unanimously accepted by the membership.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Jim Naugle was unable to attend and his plaque was provided to his secretary for delivery.

Commissioner Cindi Hutchinson, District IV, accepted her plaque on behalf of the Council Membership and spoke about her time spent learning civics through the Council and her neighborhood association. She encouraged all neighborhoods to continue to work together and speak with the large voice that they hold.

NEW BUSINESS:
1. The description of each job was read prior to the voting of each office. All members were advised that we accept nominations from the floor for anyone interested in service in any position.

President had two candidates, David Marshall and Doug Sterner. Each spoke about their history and expectations. The Council then provided a secret ballot in accordance with the by-laws and Doug Sterner was elected as the incoming president.

1st Vice President had one candidate, Marilyn Mammano. She was asked to give a brief summary of her history. Seeing that there was no other candidate and by a unanimous vote of the membership, the requirement for secret ballot was waived and Ms. Mammano was elected by a show of hands.

2nd Vice President had one candidate, Betty Shelley. She was asked to give a brief summary of her history. Seeing that there was no other candidate and by a unanimous vote of the membership, the requirement for secret ballot was waived and Ms. Shelley was elected by a show of hands.

Recording Secretary had one candidate, David Marshall. Mr. Marshall had previously given a summary of his history. Seeing that there was no other candidate and by a unanimous vote of the membership, the requirement for secret ballot was waived and Mr. Marshall was elected by a show of hands.

Corresponding Secretary had one candidate, Donna Mergenhagen. She was asked to give a brief summary of her history. Seeing that there was no other candidate and by a unanimous vote of the membership, the requirement for secret ballot was waived and Ms. Mergenhagen was elected by a show of hands.

Treasurer had one candidate, Tom Welch. He was asked to give a brief summary of his history. Seeing that there was no other candidate and by a unanimous vote of the membership, the requirement for secret ballot was waived and Mr. Welch was elected by a show of hands.

Chairmen of Committees had one candidate, Gabriel Ocasio. He was asked to give a brief summary of his history. Seeing that there was no other candidate and by a unanimous vote of the membership, the requirement for secret ballot was waived and Mr. Ocasio was elected by a show of hands.

District I Representative had one candidate, Drew Pickens. He was unable to attend the meeting. Seeing that there was no other candidate and by a unanimous vote of the membership, the requirement for secret ballot was waived and Mr. Pickens was elected by a show of hands.

District II Representative had one candidate, Mike Vonder Mullen. He was unable to attend the meeting. Seeing that there was no other candidate and by a unanimous vote of the membership, the requirement for secret ballot was waived and Mr. Vonder Mullen was elected by a show of hands.

District III Representative had one candidate, Juanita Gray. She was asked to give a brief summary of her history. Seeing that there was not other candidate and by a unanimous vote of the membership, the requirement for secret ballot was waived and Ms. Gray was elected by a show of hands.

District IV Representative had two candidates, Rudy Herman and David Parker. Each spoke about their history and expectations. The Council then provided a secret ballot in accordance with the by-laws and David Parker was elected.
Nominating Committee Report

2. Middle River Terrace Representative Tim Smith made a motion to appoint Genia Ellis as a life member of the Council with the of Emeritus to continue to work with the Council and its Board of Directors. His motion was further amended and seconded stating that the By-Laws committee would meet and make a recommendation on the proposed change and how it could be addressed. It will be presented at the upcoming General Meeting for further discussion.

OLD BUSINESS:
1. Ad Hoc Code Reform Committee Report €œ Richard Mancuso reported that Winter and Company is continuing to prepare for public input however no dates have been identified by the Planning Department. The Council will continue to follow this contract and the proposed changes to insure implementation.
2. Re-Cap of February 23, 2009 Candidate Forum indicated that there were approximately 140 people present as opposed to 330 for the 1st Forum. It was deemed a success, the board was thanked for the participation and help and the gift certificate for $100 delivered to Christopher Pollock for acting as moderator for both events.
3. President Ellis introduced the current board of directors and thanked them for their service. She made note of the many times that they stepped up to the plate to assist in projects and to insure that the Council was moving forward.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY

1. All members were reminded that the City General Election is March 10, 2009 and that each eligible member should make time to cast a vote.
2. Current board members and incoming board members were advised that there will be a meeting on March 23, 2009 with all attending to start the transition. It was also noted that the incoming board does not become effective until April 1, 2009 and will be serving a two year term in accordance with the by-laws.

ADJOURN
*Indicates voting items
Board Meeting 5:30 pm, 8th Floor Conference Room, Monday, March 23, 2009
April General Meeting €œ April 14, 2009 PM 8th Floor City Hall * in discussion
NOTE: Two of more Commissioners or advisory board members may be present at this meeting.

Meeting Minutes posted to the web March 10, 2009
Eugenia Duncan Ellis, President
Reid Morgan, Recording Secretary


Parks Goals

 

Report of the CFLCA Parks Goals Committee

 
Submitted February 10, 2009
 
Introduction
The committee was tasked with the following:

            1) Find a method to continue to increase green space.

            2) Find an equitable approach to spread parks throughout the city and increase green                          space in neighborhoods that are under-served.

            3) Provide more Park Rangers and allow for coordination of police and Park Rangers.
 
The term “green space” can mean different things to different people.  We have decided to define “green space” as a community park which could consist of open space, a bike path, a dog park, a community garden, a community square, a golf course or any combination thereof. 
 
Our focus has been on creating smaller scale community parks with minimal “programed space” and preserving existing endangered recreation areas that are not “parks” per se such as golf courses, but could add substantially to the open space of the City if kept from development.
 
The need for green, open space in an urban environment is unquestioned.  Not only does it provide areas for recreation and/or relaxation but can also create a sense of place and provide a gathering place for the neighborhood.  In addition parks increase property values in the surrounding area which translates into increased tax revenues for the City.  We would hope that the City would view acquiring more park land as an investment in our future that will pay dividends both in the well being of its citizens and the positive impact on the City’s budget.
 
Before increasing the amount of “green space” we first must preserve what we already have.  To that end the committee urges the City to adopt a “no net loss” principle.  If park land is taken away for another use it must be replaced elsewhere in the vicinity by the addition of at least an equal parcel.
 
Creating More “Green”                                                                                               
Opportunities exist throughout the City to reuse vacant land to create more green open space for the communities where these parcels are now often the source of blight, crime and illegal uses.  Many of these lots are city-owned or could be purchased from private owners.  For some good advice on how to get a park in your neighborhood please refer to Appendix “A”.
 
Where possible, the concept of a community or “Town Square” should be explored.  Using the example of Savannah, GA these town squares could create a powerful sense of place and community pride.  The town squares could be used for public celebrations, meetings or gatherings as well as for recreation, relaxation and the dissemination of information through the use of message boards.

Mindful of the need to conserve natural resources and scarce revenues we recommend the use of design concepts that utilize xeroscape principles, i.e. low maintenance, drought resistant plant and shrub species, pathways and a minimum of grassy areas.
 
Spreading the Wealth

The committee has studied the Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Long Range Strategic Plan.  Among the Plan’s recommendations we particularly endorse the standard of a minimum of one (1) acre of green space/parks per neighborhood association.  It may be difficult in some neighborhoods to assemble a single parcel totaling one acre so contiguity would not be required.  Priority should be given to those areas of the city that are currently under-served.
 
Funding or “Show Me the Money”

In the past the City has floated bond issues to pay for park land acquisition and construction.  We recommend a new bond issue to pay for new parks.  (See Appendix “C”)
 
Additional operating funds could be derived from vendor rentals of equipment such as bicycles, roller blades, lounge chairs etc.  Our larger parks such as Holiday Park may be good candidates for the creation of a Foundation or Trust, such as New York’s Central Park, which would provide an endowment to supplement city funding.  If revenues can be found from sources such as these and others more general funds would be freed up to provide funding for the smaller neighborhood parks and town squares. 
 
The Lone Rangers

The committee had the benefit of input from Earnest Jones, Park Ranger Supervisor.  Currently there are for all City parks, in total, only 2-4 rangers working from 6:30am to 3:00pm and 4-6 rangers from 3:00pm to11:30pm.  Their duties include public relations, monitoring and reporting on hazardous conditions, assisting in crowd control and rules enforcement, etc.  The idea is to do more with less.  Mr. Jones recommended the creation of 1) a Jr. Park Ranger Program and 2) the institution of a Park Watch Program in partnership with local neighborhood associations.  The Jr. Ranger program would focus on exposing High School students, grades 11 and 12, to the profession of park safety and security.  Students would earn community service points for participating in the program.  Community points could be credited to the Associations who become involved in the Parks Watch Program.  Both programs could be funded with corporate sponsorships.  A breakdown of some of the costs involved can be found in Appendix “B”.
 
Summary
!          Focus should be on preserving existing parks and green space and creating community parks in areas that are currently under-served.

!          City should adopt a “no net loss” principle.

!          City should consider parks and green open spaces an investment paying dividends in economic terms through increased property values and a better quality of life for its citizens.

!          Town Squares should be created where possible.

!          To save revenue and natural resources, Xeroscape principles should be adopted for new parks/green spaces and phased in in existing parks where possible.

!          The City should adopt the standard of at least one (1) acre of park/green space per neighborhood association.

!          A bond issue should be floated to finance land acquisition and capital improvements.

!          For larger Parks the City should explore the establishment of a Trust or Foundation.

!          A Junior Park Ranger Program should be established with funding to come from corporate or private sponsorships.

!          A Parks Watch Program should be established with participation from Neighborhood Associations.

 

This report was prepared by Committee Chair Doug Sterner with the participation of:
Abel Conejo, Lake Ridge; Dennis Ulmer, Lauderdale Manors; Mark Boyd, Progresso Village; Marilyn Markus, Bermuda Riviera; Betty Hays, River Run;
DebraVan Valkenburgh, Chula Vista Isles

 

 

 

 


February 2009 General Meeting

February 10, 2009
GENERAL MEETING Minutes
8TH FLOOR Commission Chamber

CALL TO ORDER by President, Genia Ellis at 7:30 PM followed by the
PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE.

ROLL CALL BY 2nd VP Tom Welch with 17 present, indicating a quorum of members present.
MEETING MINUTES of January 13,2009 moved by Tom Welch and accepted as submitted.
TREASURERS REPORT was provided by Treasurer, Ron Centamore and it was moved by Richard Mancuso and accepted.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
1. Marilyn Mamamano from the Community appearance Board and the WOW Awards made a short presentation urging civic associations to get more active in the nominating of more properties. She said it would help their volunteers find better selections as they have to drive around ask for nominations. They would feel better if they could develop a better partnership with the neighborhood associations.

New Business:
1. The next general meeting for March is on the same day as the elections and a motion was made by Ron Centamore and approved that the general meeting be moved to March 9th, Monday.

2. The next candidates forum Feb 26th, 2009 in the City Commission chamber at 7PM. There are only three Districts (I, II & IV) left to decide and all will be present.

3. Nominating Committee has found at least one candidate for each position. However due to Dr Hayes health, she will not be able to fulfill that position. Anyone interested in the Recording Secretary position please contact any BOD member. The current list is attached as D.

4. The Centennial Committee has suggested commemorative pins for distribution by the Council.

Old Business:
1. Ad hoc Committee Richard Mancuso gave a brief description of the latest series of meetings attempts, but no reported outcomes.
2. Re-cap the January 29th, 2009 Candidates Forum was a great turn out by the citizens. It was standing room only. Genia thanked all who helped and said it went like very well and finished ahead of schedule.
3. There were no committee reports as there no new meetings to report action.

For the good of the Community:
1. The next CVC is Feb 21st in Poinsettia Heights. See attached flier
2. The next CVC after that is February 28th in Shady Banks
3. Waterway Cleanup is scheduled for March 7th, 2009, this also a CVC Project

Meeting was adjourned at 8:51pm

Next Board Meeting is February 23, 2009 at 5:30 pm on the 8th floor of City Hall.
Next General Meeting is March 9th, 2009 at 7pm at the 8th floor of City Hall


February 2009 Board Meeting

February 23, 2009 MONDAY
BOARD MEETING
8TH FLOOR COMMISSION CHAMBER

CALL TO ORDER by President Ellis at 5:30 PM
ROLL CALL €œ All members present, Guest included Juanita Gray and Dennis Ulmer Review and approval of the January 26, 2009 Meeting Minutes were provided.
TREASURERS REPORT €œ previously approved at the February 10, 2009 Meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS President Ellis announced the loss of Dr. Elizabeth Hays and indicated that funeral arrangements would be provided later in the evening via e-mail.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Questions for Candidates Forum for February are being assembled by Moderator Christopher Pollock from ones submitted by Council members.
2. Role of Board members @ Candidate Forums was detailed as an attachment with specific assignments.
3. Centennial Committee had no report at this time. 
4. Agenda for March General Meeting will focus solely on the election of incoming officer of the Council.  The meeting date was moved from March 10 to March 09 to support the Citywide General Election and those working at the polls on that day.  District Representatives were directed to call each of their member associations and remind them to attend, vote and participate in this process.  It was noted that with the loss of Dr. Hays, there is a vacant position on the Board for the upcoming election.  Board Members were asked to canvas their members for a possible willing volunteer to run for this office.

OLD BUSINESS:
1. Ad Hoc Code Reform Committee Report no change at this time.
2. Nominating Committee Report œ no change at this time however, Betty Shelley agreed to contact Drew Pickens, Chair and advise of the vacancy In candidates for office of recording secretary.
3. Upcoming Elections œ Members are reminded to vote, encourage your district members to participate and remain active in selecting the incoming Commission.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY Attached to the agenda back-up were flyers for two upcoming CVC projects, one in February and one in March.

ADJOURNED        6:20 PM

Indicates voting items Board Meeting 5:30 pm, 8th Floor Conference Room, Monday, March 23, 2009 March General Meeting  Moved to Monday, March 9, 2009,  8th Floor Cafeteria 7:00 PM NOTE:  Two of more Commissioners or  City Advisory Board Members may be present at this meeting


January 2009 Board Meeting

January 26, 2009
MONDAY
BOARD MEETING
8TH FLOOR COMMISSION CHAMBER

CALL TO ORDER by President Ellis at 5:30 PM
ROLL CALL BY 2nd Vice President Tom Welch
Present Genia Ellis, Reid Morgan, Tom Welch, Richard Mancuso, Ron Centamore, Betty Shelley, Juanita Gray, and Gabriel Ocasio Davila œ excused are Ray Dettman and Betty Hays
REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE: MEETING MINUTES of December 22, 2008*
TREASURERS REPORT unchanged from the January 13, 2009 report provided at the General Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Questions for Candidates Forum were provided to the moderator and have been selected for the event. Follow up questions will be added to the list at the upcoming February Forum, prior to the General Election.
2. Role of Board members @ Candidate Forums
All Board members were advised to wear their Council Shirt and provided the following services:

Moderator Christopher Pollock
Time Keeper Richard Mancuso
Council Intro Genia Ellis
Event Chair Betty Shelley
Greeters Gabriel Ocasio Davila/Betty Shelley
Council Table Dennis Ulmer/Betty Hays
Seating- Candidates Ray Dettman/David Marshall
Food/Drink Tom Welch/Juanita Gray
Candidates to Dias Reid Morgan/Ron Centamore

Hang Banner; provide council brochures, pins and applications

We will provide cookies and water to the public

3. Centennial Committee Committee Report to be posted to the web for work in progress.
4. Agenda for February/March General Meeting will be light because the meetings occur on election days. We will ask our General Membership at the February meeting if they would like to move the March meeting. We will give the Community Appearance Committee 5 minutes on the February agenda.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Ad Hoc Code Reform Committee Report €œ no updated information since the General Meeting
2. Nominating Committee Report was provided at the General Meeting in January and one additional name is now added, Doug Sterner, to run for the position of President. Members are reminded that we welcome nominations from the floor for any interested party.
3. Upcoming Elections œ we remind our board members to vote and encourage their associations to remind their members.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY

There are 3 upcoming CVC projects (attachment a) and they are as follows:
February 21, 2009 Poinsettia Heights
February 28, 2009 Shady Banks
March 7, 2009 Waterway Clean-up

ADJOURNED 6:15 PM


January 2009 General Meeting

January 13, 2009
TUESDAY
Meeting Minutes
GENERAL MEETING
8TH FLOOR COMMISSION CHAMBER

NETWORKING BY MEMBERS/ASSOCIATIONS 7:00 to 7:30 PM

CALL TO ORDER At 7:30 PM by President Ellis
PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL BY 2nd Vice President€œ Tom Welch indicating a quorum is present
MEETING MINUTES of November 10, 2008 were reviewed and approved.
TREASURERS REPORT provided by Treasurer Ron Centamore
ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
Tim Smith €œ New Vision Fort Lauderdale œ Proposal for the Council
Presented to the Council was the information regarding American Assembly and the plan generated by the City in conjunction with the public, FAU and other in 1994-1995 to establish a vision and plan for the city. It was suggested that the Council take on a mission to update this vision and present it to the new incoming Commission for adoption, consideration and participation. After much discussion, it was suggested by President Ellis that an ad hoc committee be formed to review the plan, determine the role of the Council and coordinate with other organizations that are considering the same process. The Committee consists of Richard Mancuso, Tim Smith, Reid Morgan, Betty Shelley, Marilyn Mammano, Donna Mergenhagen and Tom Welch.

NEW BUSINESS:
1. Schedule of February Meeting (February 10, 2009) €œ In light of the meeting being scheduled for election day and with the number of members that actively work at the polls, it is anticipated that the turn out for our meeting will be light therefore our agenda will accommodate.
2. The first in a series of two Candidate Forums sponsored by the Council is scheduled for January 29, 2009 at City Hall in the Chamber from 7 to 9 PM. All members are encouraged to come and participate. Questions had been previously submitted and provided to the moderator. Board members are required to attend and work on behalf of the Council.
3. Nominating Committee Report is as follows:

PROPOSED CANDIDATES SUBMITTED BY THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
2009-2011
Past President Genia Ellis Mandatory
Harbour Inlet
President Doug Sterner Agreed
Progresso Village
David Marshall Considering
Riverside Park

1st Vice President Marilyn Mammano Agreed
Harbordale Civic

2nd Vice President Betty Shelley Agreed
Imperial Point

Recording Secretary Betty Hays Agreed
River Run Civic

Corresponding Sec. Donna Mergenhagen Agreed
Harbordale Civic

Treasurer Tom Welch Agreed
Collee Hammock

Chairmen of Gabriel Ocasio Davila Agreed
Committees Poinsettia Heights

District I Drew Pickens Agreed
Imperial Point

District II Mike Vonder Mullen Agreed
Poinsettia Heights

District III Juanita Gray Agreed
Rock Island

District IV David Parker Agreed
Sailboat Bend

5. Duties and Roles of Council Board Members and Representatives were outlined by President Ellis and members were encouraged to volunteer to serve on the board. The membership was reminded that nominations are always accepted from the floor and we welcome additional participation.
6. Centennial Committee reported that they continue to attend the City Centennial Committee meeting and work independently on ideas for the Council. We still remain hopeful that the City will allow a formal seat at the table for the Council and will continue to lobby for that.

OLD BUSINESS:
1. Ad Hoc Code Reform Committee Report Richard Mancuso reported that Winter and Company is continuing to work in preparation of the public meetings that will be scheduled. Currently it is unknown when those dates will be but we are committed at following through on the commitment by the city and will provide that information as it becomes available.
2. 2007 NCIP Grant for Trinity Lutheran School Report was submitted to commission, having been adjusted to reflect speed tables VS road closure and was unanimously approved.

ADJOURNED 9:00 PM