CLFCA

May 2012 Board

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Council of Civic Association
Board Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2012
City Hall, 8th Floor

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Acting President Marilyn Mammano at 5:35 pm.

2. Attendance: All present except District IV Rep Brucie Cummings. Betty Shelley attended as Acting First Vice President. Second Vice President position stood vacant. Former Past President Genia Ellis was in attendance.

3. Minutes: The minutes for the April Board meeting were not available and this item was deferred.

4. Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Klein circulated the Treasurer’s Report showing an ending balance as of May 1, 2012 of $8,436.86, not including recent expenses and approved expenditures of $500 for map as Council gift to City in honor of Centennial, $500 for website, and $100 stipend for Council representative to NUSA. A Report as of May 31, 2012 will be presented at the June General Membership Meeting for approval.

5. Ms. Mammono made a President’s Report about recent matters she believed to be of interest to the Council including the Broward Center Expansion Plans. It was recommended that we have a speaker at the August General Meeting about this topic. She also noted the new parks plan and the closing of the FAU downtown campus. She also circulated a copy of the letter provided to Hal Barnes on behalf of the Council supporting the NCIP/BCIP grants.

6. Membership: Ms. Mamanno noted the Council was invited to present at Commissioner Bobby DuBose’s pre-agenda meeting on June 4, 2012. We have 30 paid memberships and 5 memberships expected for processing. The District Reps are planning to continue to encourage neighborhoods to join based on growing membership and influence and other recommendations of the Ad Hoc Consensus Committee.

7. Website: It was decided that the new website would be unveiled at the Sept general meeting.
8. Ad Hoc Code Reform: Ms. Mammano stated that it appeared that the Commission and staff would be picking pieces of the consultant’s report to move forward.
9. Ad Hoc Consensus Committee: Ms. Mergenhagen reported that the committee’s second meeting was to occur immediately after the Board meeting. There was some discussion about the direction the committee should take but it was agreed to let the committee process continue unfettered and to see where it led.

10. Visioning Committee: After some discussion, the Board was in agreement that the Council should look for an individual to monitor the work of the City’s Visioning Committee on behalf of the Council rather than establish an ad hoc committee. The Board further agreed that to seek an interested volunteer from the general membership for this task.

11. June 12 General Membership Meeting Agenda: Greg Stuart, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Planning Organization is to be the guest speaker about transportation. The election for a new President will also take place at this meeting. Nominations will be taken from the floor. The required 10 day notice about the election is to be sent to all City recognized associations with the caveat that only members of the Council in good standing can vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Golub
Recording Secretary

May 2012 General

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Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations
General Meeting
May 10, 2011
City Hall- 8th Floor Conference Room

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Doug Sterner at 7:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Attendance: 1st Vice President Marilyn Mammano took the roll and declared a quorum. . Ms. Mammano noted the individuals who were representing Civic Associations for which the 2011 dues have not been received. Representatives were urged to get duplicate (or original) renewals and checks in as soon as possible.

3. Treasurer’s Report: There was no Treasurer’s Report because Mr. Gabe Ocasio Davila was not in attendance.

4. FLPD Police Report: Acting Major Mike Gregory stated that residents are still using “911” for inappropriate non-emergency reasons. that do not involve a serious and immediate threat to person or property. The non-emergency number is 954-828-5700. He said that the current crime trend showed an increase in “confidence” schemes in parking lots and on the streets. He observed that vehicle burglaries commonly included the theft of something else. He warned against assisting in a “crime of opportunity” by leaving valuables in the vehicle visible to the thief. He stated that the FLPD was preparing for special city events including Haitian Flag Day on May 18, Memorial Day Beach Party and July 4 and hurricane season. President Sterner raised a concern about police officers who made insensitive and insulting comments to victims in the that could also indicate that the police did not take investigation of the crime seriously. Other representatives added experiences. Acting Major Gregory said victims should file complaints because such behavior is not tolerated.

5. Visioning Committee: Tim Smith gave a presentation about the 2011 Fort Lauderdale Visioning Committee. While plans have been commissioned for individual neighborhoods, there has not been an attempt to develop a comprehensive master plan for the whole city since 1985. Tim said that the 2011 Visioning Committee was directed to look forward 25 years. The Committee intends to gather data and surveys on a broad inclusionary basis from al 62 neighborhoods and 14 business organizations, and many civic organizations (rather than only talking to a core of recognized civic and business leaders) as well as young adults “20 under 20”. The City Commission has authorized $54,000 to hire a consultant to coordinate the survey phase. Over the summer, City staff will compile facts and statistics about the City from data accessible to them. It is hoped that the final phases – developing the Plan and implementing the Plan would be funded and supported by the Commission. He noted that all three finalist for City Manager supported the idea of a “vision plan” by which to govern the City.

In the discussion that followed the presentation, many representatives took the position that it is futile to develop a master plan if the City Commission was not compelled to made decisions in accordance with the plan. It was also suggested that CFLCA officially get involved in the work of the Committee . Both ideas will be discussed at the next Board meeting.

6. Florida Neighborhoods Conference. Hal Barnes gave an update on the Conference to be held in Ft Lauderdale on July 7,8,and 9, 2011 at Pier 66. Early registration of $50 closes June 1. Registration is limited to 200 Information and registration can be found on line on the City website and at floridaneighborhoodsconference.org.

President Sterner announced that the CFLCA would provide subsidies for 4 persons who had never attended the Conference before –one from each District – on a first come first serve basis.

7. Ms. Mergenhagen reported that there were many events scheduled through the end of the year for the Centennial celebration. If a neighborhood wanted access to displays, plaques, children’s’ trunks, etc, call Shannon at 954-828-4743. The calendar of events is on the City website. Susan Gilles’ historian contract is over in July with one more workshop to be scheduled in June.

8. By-Laws Committee: Ms. Mergenhagen circulated the By-Laws Committee’s suggested revisions to those in attendance. She recommended comments in June and a vote in July. A representative noted that the summer was a bad time to hold a vote. The Committee will still take comments on the proposed revisions and will discuss the best time for a vote.

9. Audit Committee: Betty Shelley announced that the audit committee could not perform the annual audit in a timely manner because insufficient information was provided. Therefore, the audit is delayed.
10. Counsel Corner. President Sterner announced that CFLCA would be preparing a monthly news article for the associations to include in newsletters or email blasts to better publicize the work and activities of the Counsel, neighborhoods and the City.
11. President Sterner announced that District 2 Rep Shirley Smith is recuperating from knee surgery. He also thanked Rock Island for providing refreshments.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Golub
Recording Secretary

April 2012 Board

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Council of Civic Association
Board Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2012
City Hall, 8th Floor

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Doug Sterner at 5:30 pm.

2. Attendance: All present except Treasurer Madeline Klein, District II Rep Shirley Smith and District III Rep Dr. Magdalene Lewis.

3. Minutes: The minutes of the Board Meetings for February 27, 2012 (as amended at the meeting) and March 26, 2012 were unanimously approved.

4. Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report was deferred.

5. Bradford Cohen, President of Progresso Village, was in attendance and spoke about the status of the Association’s representatives to the Council. He stated that there that he was under the impression that he could appoint the representative rather than hold an election for the representative. He stated that the Association did conduct an election for a new representative and alternate. He was requested to submit minutes of the meeting where the election was held and to update the application.

6. The agenda for the May 8, 2012 General Meeting was discussed. City Manager Lee Feldman is the speaker. He requested some topics for his talk. The Board agreed on the general topics of “Ad Hoc” Code Reform, how to improve communication, especially about notices of meetings, the budget, city bonds, the homeless and street widening on Las Olas. The issue of transportation was also raised and it was decided that it would be a better topic for another meeting with a transportation expert as a speaker. Ms. Mammano agreed to contact Greg Stuart of the Broward MPO.

Ms. Golub will provide a written report to be read at the May 8 meeting about the Charter Revision Board’s final recommendations to the Commission on changes to elections for the mayor and commissioners. The Board is meeting prior to the May 8 General Meeting. Neighborhoods and individuals are encouraged to read the proposed changes and voice their opinions to their commissioners. The Charter Revision Board’s meetings are noticed and open to the public.

7. City Attorney Search: Mr. Sterner stated that he wrote a letter and attended the Commission meeting requesting that a representative from the Council be appointed to the search committee for the new City Attorney. The Commission apparently takes the position that the Council is akin to a lobbying group and is therefore not eligible to have an appointment to the committee. The Commission did decide to make a consensus appointment and would take nominees for that position. On a motion from Ms. Mammano seconded by Mr. Centamore, it was unanimously agreed that the Council would nominate Rochelle Golub for the appointment.

8. Redistricting Committee: The City Commission is going to form a redistricting committee and the Council may have a representative on that committee. After some discussion on who should be the Council’s representative, a motion was by Ms. Mammano, seconded by Ms. Golub, the Council’s President should be the representative and, if the President chose not to serve, the membership would elect a representative. The motion passed.

9. City Map: Thirty-four neighborhoods made correction and comments to the map. It was decided that the Council would request an update of the map and then circulate it a final time.

10. Dave Parker Alternate Representative from Sailboat Bend had contacted the Council to request a stipend to attend the Neighborhoods USA Conference. It was moved and unanimously approved to provide Mr. Parker with $100 toward his attendance as a representative of the Council. He will be expected to make a report to the membership on the meeting.

11. For the Good of the Community: Attendance at the the Police Memorial Service on May 2, 2012 in Esplanade Park was encouraged.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 pm

Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Golub
Recording Secretary

March 2012 General

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Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations
General Meeting
March 13, 2012
City Hall- 8th Floor Conference Room

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Doug Sterner at 7:35 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Attendance: First Vice President Marilyn Mammano took the roll and declared a quorum.

3. Minutes: The minutes of the February 14, 2012 general meeting were unanimously approved upon a motion and second

4. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s Report showing a balance as of February 1, 2012 of $7,859.67 was unanimously approved upon a motion and second.

5. Law Enforcement Reports: FLPD Captain Detrick provided this month’s report announcing that the Fort Lauderdale Air Show would occur on April 28 and 29. 2012. There is a new promoter and a different footprint for the event which will be air only – no marine acts. Flight hours will be from 12 to 4 pm. The event will coordinate with Fleet Week. Chief Joanne Lorber (fire rescue paramedics and emergency management services) reminded the meeting of the “See Something – Say Something” campaign being run through the FDLE. Recording Secretary Donna Mergenhagen distributed flyers at the request of FLPD Captain London with tips on how not to be a victim.

6. City Manager Feldman addressed the meeting stating that city staff was working very hard and he hoped they were responsive to the neighborhoods. He thanked the Council for its support and invited the members to feel free to come and talk to hi. He stated that he is starting the budget process.

7. Guest Speaker: City Forester Gene Dempsey has been with the City for over 15 years . He was invited to speak about the recent outbreak of the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly (or Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly) that has moved north from Miami and is infesting trees and plants in Fort Lauderdale. He said that the City was treating this Whitefly by releasing native black lady bugs who eat the whitefly. It will take 2 to 3 years for this treatment to run its course and residents should not panic. He discussed different types of treatments a resident can take if a tree is infested in his/her property that is causing inconvenience. There is more information on the City’s website and Mr. Dempsey is available to speak HOA meetings or to individuals. In October he moved from parks and recreation to city works. His number is 954-828-7704. There was praise for the City’s “Adopt a Tree” program and a lively discussion about how trees could be planted in swales without the cooperation of the landowner. South Middle River has planted over 2,000 trees in its neighborhood but still ran in to some resistance. Ms. Mergenhagn suggested that the Council create a committee to keep track of how the program can best be implemented by neighborhoods.

Broward School Board Member Katy Leech spoke at the meeting. She praised the new School Board Superintendent for his efforts to evaluate the budget and make cuts without impacting services and redirecting money to improve programs. In response to a question about charter schools in Fort Lauderdale, she stated that there are good and bad points to charter schools. She said there would not be any new schools in Fort Lauderdale because Fort Lauderdale is under enrolled.

8. Committee Reports:

• Centennial Time Capsule: Corresponding Secretary Donna Mergenhagen reported that the Council would need to sell 1,000 envelopes to break even. The Council has already missed opportunities to market the Time Capsule at recent City events. Given the City’s preferences for pricing and the timetable, she stated that she did not believe the Council’s continued efforts would result in a successful fundraiser for the Council.
A motion was made and seconded and unanimously approved for the Council to withdraw its support for the Centennial Time Capsule.

• Membership: Ms. Mammano stated that second notices for membership registration have been sent. There are over 60 recognized City neighborhoods and as of March 13, there are 35 paid members. April 1 starts the new fiscal year. There was a discussion about how we can improve the number of neighborhoods that become members. District Reps will call neighborhood presidents to encourage them to become members. If they say “no”, it will be helpful to understand why. Charles Kindred from the Landings talked about getting the word out about why it is beneficial for a neighborhood to be a member of the Council. Various members talked about sharing information to solve common problems, and the power of a united organization to get things done as compared to a single neighborhood acting alone. Ms. Mammano and the District Reps will work on a new updated more comprehensive “press package” for the Council.

• Mr. Kindred raised the issue of how a neighborhood could deal with boats and trailers in driveways and front yards. Steve Gillespie of Coral Ridge told him that there are already city codes in effect to handle that issue and advised him to contact code enforcement.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Golub
Recording Secretary

March 2012 Agenda – General Meeting

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AGENDA
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 – 7:00pm-9:00pm
GENERAL MEETING
8th floor Conference Room, City Hall
CALL TO ORDER 7:30 PM
PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE: 1) MEETING MINUTES of February 14, 2012* 2) TREASURER’S REPORT*
FLPD POLICE REPORT
ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Capt. Luis Alvarez – Application for Fort Lauderdale to host Florida Police & Fire Games – request for letter of support.
OLD BUSINESS
REPORTS
Centennial Time Capsule – Donna Megenhagen
Membership – District Representatives
Community Appearance Board – Marilyn Mammano
Charter Revision – Rochelle Golub
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ad Hoc Code Reform
NEW BUSINESS
Better Meetings – Marilyn Mammano
FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY
CVC Project – March 31st 8am, Stranahan Park
ADJOURN
*Indicates voting items or may be a voting item
Board Meeting – Mon., March 26, 2012, 5:30 pm, 8th Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 100 N. Andrews Ave.
General Membership Meeting – Tue., April 10, 2012, 7:30pm – 9:00pm, 8th Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 100 N. Andrews Ave.
Meet/Greet from 7:00 to 7:30 PM

February 2012 Board

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Council of Civic Association
Board Meeting Minutes
February 27, 2012
City Hall, 8th Floor

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Doug Sterner at 5:35 pm.

2. Attendance: All present except 1st Vice President Marilyn Mammano, Treasurer Madeline Klein, and District 3 Rep Dr. M. Lewis. District IV Rep Brucie Cummings arrived after the start of the meeting..

3. Minutes: The minutes for the December 2011, as amended by Past President Genia Ellis to include the date November 21, 2011 for the prior meeting minutes referred therein, and the January 2012 Board meetings were unanimously approved.

4. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Sterner circulated the Treasurer’s Report by Ms. Klein showing an ending balance of February 27, 2012 of $7,904.90. The Report was unanimously approved.

5. Mr. Sterner noted that there was no speaker scheduled for the March General Meeting. It was agreed that we would attempt to get Gene Dempsey to talk about the white fly problems the City was experiencing and/or Bob Wolf from The County Appraisers Office. Other topics that we will pursue for future meetings include a transportation forum, a conversation with the county commissioners about City concerns, a forum about beach issues including the Swimming Hall of Fame, parking and Mahia Mar, and a report from the Parks and Recreation Department.

6. David Isharq from Radio Station WIOD 610 made a presentation to the Board about advertising on the station or buying time to broadcast meetings. The Board agreed to invite Mr. Isharq to present a written proposal for consideration.

7. Mr. Sterner reported on the progress of upgrading the planned painting of the City’s water tower as part of Waterworks 2011. The City is applying for a grant from the Community Foundation of Broward to fund the additional cost of the project. CFLCA will function, as agreed, as the liaison between the City and the neighborhoods for solicited opinions and comments on the design selected. A professional artist will be required to qualify for the grant.

8. Ms. Cummings raised the issue of whether the CFLCA should take a formal written position on the Commission’s decision to hire City Atty Harry Stewart on a month-to month basis until his replacement is hired. After a spirited discussion, it was decided that while individuals could certainly express their concerns to the Commission, the Council would wait and see how the quickly a replacement was selected before taking an official position.

9. Mr. Sterner announced that a donation had been made to the Council by Marilyn Markus in honor of Richard Mancuso. That triggered a discussion of whether the Council should do something to recognize his contributions to the CFLCA at this time of his death. Corresponding Secty Donna Mergenhagen raise the idea of a “Sunshine Fund” and a committee to recommend policies in this area and implement that policy. Others feared that it would be too hard to uniformly implement a policy and feelings could be hurt if someone’s life cycle event was inadvertently overlooked. At least with respect to Board Members’ deaths, it was decided that the Council should do something appropriate on a case by case basis. Ms. Cummings suggested buying bricks on Riverwalk. It was unanimously approved to do so with Ms. Ellis’s caveat that the message be “in honor of…” and not “in memory of…”.

10. Time Capsule. Ms. Mergenhagen reported that we are still waiting on the City to adopt a business plan for the project.

11. St Patrick’s Day Parade. Second Vice President Shelley volunteered to be the CFLCA captain representing us at the Parade informational meeting. There appears to be less response to participate given the March 10th versus March 17th date.

12. Mr. Sterner reported that planning staff has not scheduled a second meeting to finish the presentation of the Council’s ad hoc reform committee. Staff responded well to the initial presentation.

13. Ms. Ellis announced that there will be a planting event on March 31, 2012 at 8am at the Women’s Club in Stranahan Park.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm

Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Golub
Recording Secretary

February 2012 General

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Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations
General Meeting
February 14, 2012
City Hall- 8th Floor Conference Room

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by First Vice President Marilyn Mammano at 7:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Attendance: First Vice President Marilyn Mammano took the roll and declared a quorum.

3. Minutes: The review and acceptance of the January 10, 2012 minutes were tabled.

4. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Madeline Klein distributed the Report showing an ending balance as of January 31, 2012 of $7,370.66. The Report was unanimously approved upon a motion by Betty Shelley and a second by Jackson Boren.

5. FLPD Police Report: Captain Lou Alvarez provided this month’s report. He reported that overall crime was declining but daytime burglaries were up. He stated that special details had been implemented in the past month and proved effective. He urged neighborhoods to contact NAT Teams for faster responses about solutions to neighborhood problems and answers to questions.

6. Guest Speaker: Assistant City Manager Susan Torriente made a presentation about the Draft Regional Climate Action Plan developed by the Southeast Florida Regional Compact Climate Committee consisting of representatives from Monroe, Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties. These four counties recognized the importance of planning for the effect of climate change and realized that they could have more impact in Tallahassee if they banded together as a Compact. The Compact represents over 5.6 million residents. Fort Lauderdale alone has seven miles of beaches and 300 miles of canals. The Plan is a five year plan that seeks to integrate efforts through existing agencies and infrastructures. There are about 100 recommendations in the Plan, including the implementation and funding of projects. The Plan is in the comment stage through March 16, 2012 and Ms. Torriente urged the neighborhoods to review and make comments. The Plan can be found at www.southeastfloridaclimatecompact.org.

Paramedic Chief Joanne Lorber also made a presentation at the meeting about emergency preparedness for county residents at risk. She distributed an informational handout that can be found at www.broward.org/AtRisk/Pages/Default.aspx. Ms. Mammano also raised the importance of registering with the City’s Code Red project which can be accessed from the City’s website.

7. Committee Reports:

• Centennial Time Capsule: Corresponding Secretary Donna Mergenhagen reported that the date to close the time capsule has been moved by the City to Memorial Day. The capsule will be displayed in the lobby of City Hall and is intended to be opened in 25 years. Individuals, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, organizations will be encouraged to participate. The cost of submissions will be kept low to encourage participation: submissions the size of a business envelope can be purchased for $5 and the size of a standard manila envelope (approx. 9 X 12) can be purchased for $15. Ideas for the types of things that can be submitted will be included in fliers and on a website. It is envisioned that there will be a 30 day window for the acceptance of submissions. CFLCA s waiting for the green light from the City to proceed.
• Charter Revision: Recording Secretary Rochelle Golub stated that at the last Committee possible revisions to the provisions on elections was discussed. She restated that the Committee was contemplating potential changes in four areas as directed by the Commission.
• Membership: Ms. Mammano stated that membership applications and renewals were being resent.

8. For the Good of the Community. CLFCA took time to remember Richard Mancuso who died after a long illness. Ms. Shelley spoke and others contributed stories and memories and observations about Mr. Mancuso. He was praised as a man of dignity who was dedicated to making the City a better place for all its residents. He worked tirelessly on the Ad Hoc Code Reform Project and it was suggested that the resulting document be dedicated to him. The position of Chairman of Committees of CLFCA was created for him because of his interest and involvement of Council activities. At the service held for him, his love of music and poetry and his songwriting was highlighted with a recording of a song he had written played at the end of the service. The City has made a proclamation for Richard and has named him Citizen of the Year. Those interested can make contributions to the Richard J. Fox Foundation for Prostate Cancer, P.O. Box 25581, Washington, D.C., 20027.

In addition, a number of upcoming community events were announced including the Victoria Park Spring Clean Up on March 10 which is the same day as the City of Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Event sponsors were encouraged to send electronic fliers to Ms. Mergenhagen who would email them to all of the Council members for distribution to the neighborhoods.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Golub
Recording Secretary

January 2012 Board

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MINUTES
Monday, January 23, 2012 5:30 pm
Board Meeting
8th Floor Conference Room, City Hall

CALL TO ORDER 5:30 PM

ROLL CALL – All Board members were present with the exception of Genia Ellis, Marilyn Mammano and Rochelle Golub.

REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE: Meeting Minutes – December 19, 2011 – not available, approval deferred.

TREASURER’S REPORT Balances as of January 23, 2012 – Checking $2,413.10, CD $5,014.15
Total expenses for January 2012 = $109.48. Total income for January 2012 – not available. On a motion and second Treasurer’s Report was approved without objection.

GUEST – Hal Barnes, Assistant to the City Manager, Office of Neighbor Support
Hal wanted to discuss with the Council Board our options for the Neighborhood map that hangs in the 8th floor conference room. Since the existing map was printed some neighborhood boundaries have changed and a new City Commission was elected. It had been previously decided that the Council would pay for a revised and updated map as the Council’s Centennial gift to the city. Due to the upcoming re-districting of the city’s commission districts and the uncertainty of the timing of the re-drawn lines, some board members felt it would be best to have the new map produced without district lines. Hal advised against this and suggested that two overlays could be printed; one now with the existing district lines and one later, once the new district lines are established. It was decided that Hal would investigate the price of the overlays and report back to the Council board.
NEW BUSINESS:
A discussion of future topics and guest speakers for upcoming General Membership Meetings was held. Among those mentioned were: updates on mass transit in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, parks and recreation and a Florida legislative re-cap. It was also suggested that we solicit topics from the neighborhoods.
OLD BUSINESS
1) Candidates Forum – Betty Shelley, chair of the ad hoc committee planning our candidates’ forum, reported that the committee met immediately before the Board meeting and finalized plans for the forum.
2) Time Capsule
Donna Mergenhagen reported that the committee met and addressed some logistical issues. She is also maintaining an ongoing dialogue with city staff.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:45pm

Dec. 2011 Board Minutes

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Council of Civic Association
Board Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2011
City Hall, 8th Floor

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Doug Sterner at 5:35 pm.
2. Attendance:  Present were President Sterner, 1st Vice President Marilyn Mammano, 2nd Vice President Betty Shelley, Corresponding Secty Donna Mergenhagen, Recording Secty  Rochelle Golub, Treasurer Madeline Klein, District 1 Rep Linda Nugent, District 2 Rep Shirley Smith,  District IV Rep Brucie Cummings.3. Minutes:  The minutes for the November 21, 2011 Board meeting were unanimously approved upon a motion by Ms Smith and a second by Ms Cummings.

4. Treasurer’s Report:  Ms. Klein circulated a written Report of the Treasurer showing an ending balance of December 19, 2011 of $7,594.12.  Ms. Klein stated that the only outstanding bill was for the post office box. No vote was taken on the Report.
5. Chaz Adams and Shannon Vezina from the City’s Public Information Department attended the meeting to further discuss the CFLCA’s interest in assuming the administrative responsibilities for organizing a time capsule to be sealed on March 27, 2012 – the end of the City’s Centennial celebration. They indicated that the City would offer support for the project but that it was anticipated that the Council would establish the basic rules of participation, the costs of participation with proceeds going to the Council, the collection of fees, the collection and safekeeping of  submitted materials offered by neighborhoods, individuals, organizations and businesses. Many details need to be addressed such as whether a separate bank account is established, what would be done with any profits from the event,  how submissions would be collected, whether envelopes to hold submissions would be sold in advance or participants would get their own envelopes and pay fees in accordance with the terms of participation. The event would be publicized through the City Public Information Office and at City Council meetings and through Council Corner and other Council communications. Ms. Golub  suggested that all of the organizations that sponsored events during the Centennial be contacted to participate in the time capsule. A motion was made by Ms. Golub  and seconded by Ms Shelley that  CFLCA  take on the administrative responsibilities  for preparing a time capsule for the City of Fort Lauderdale in conjunction  with the City’s Centennial celebration.  There were 6 votes in favor and 2 abstentions by  Ms. Klein and Ms Cummings. Ms. Klein indicated that she abstained because she could not take on any additional responsibilities. She was assured that she would not be overburdened by the time capsule activities.  A committee was formed to be chaired by Ms. Mergenhagen to include Ms. Golub and Mr. Sterner and Ms. Nugent. Ms Mergenhagen and Ms Golub agreed to outline a plan to be discussed by the Board. It was agreed that time is of the essence.  Mr.  Adams and Ms Vezina will research the costs of time capsules and appropriate fees.
6. Immediately before this Board meeting, the committee for the Council Election Forum met. Ms. Shelley reported that Hope Calhoun was going to be the moderator of the Forum and she attended the meeting. Over 26 questions were submitted in response to outreach by Ms. Mergenhagen.  The committee envisions that Mr. Sterner will make welcoming remarks.  Each of the 8 candidates for Commission seats will have 1 minute to introduce themselves.  They will be able to circulate printed resumes. Ninety minutes have been set aside for the Commissioner Forum including the opening remarks, introductions, responses to approximately 5 prepared questions and a 10 minute break. Excess time will be used to take questions from the audience.  After the break, the mayoral candidates’ forum will run for 60 minutes.7. Mr. Sterner reported that planning staff has not scheduled a second meeting to finish the presentation of the Council’s ad hoc reform committee. Staff responded well to the initial presentation.

8. Progress on finding a new host and programmer for the CFLCA website was discussed. To date, those contacted have been either too expensive or not reliable. Ms. Golub was advised to reach out to Tarpon Bend and Victoria Park to see who they use because they have good websites.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Golub
Recording Secretary

November 2011 General Meeting

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Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations
General Meeting
November 8, 2011
City Hall- 8th Floor Conference Room

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Doug Sterner at 7:32 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Attendance: First Vice President Marilyn Mammano took the roll and declared a quorum.

3. Minutes: The minutes of the October 11, 2011 were unanimously approved upon a motion by Steve Gillespie (Coral Ridge) and a second by Betty Shelley (2nd Vice President).

4. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Madeline Klein distributed the Report showing an ending balance as of October 31, 2011 of $7,810.80. She noted that the accrued interest from the Ascencia CD had been deposited in the checking account. The Report was unanimously approved upon a motion by Ms. Mammano and a second by Mr. Gillespie.

5. FLPD Police Report: Assistant Chief – Chief of Operations Steve Kinsey provided this month’s report. He talked about the institution of community meetings within the three police districts. He stated that the intent was to hold three monthly meetings within each of the three districts. The main purpose of the meetings is to exchange information and share resources with the residents. There was some discussion about whether monthly meetings were optimal use of time for all concerned. Assistant Chief Kinsey also reported that there was some progress being made in the area of juvenile justice; that fingerprinting for metal recycling can reduce recent crime wave; that Swap Shop is the primary place for the sale of stolen goods.

6. Announcements and Introductions:
• President Sterner announced that the CFLCA was going to host a Candidates’ Forum on January 17 from 6pm to 8pm at City Hall before the City Commission elections on January 31, 2012. Ms. Shelley and Ms. Mammano requested volunteers from general membership to work on the committee overseeing the event.
• President Sterner announced that the December general meeting would be devoted to the Annual Holiday Party. CFLCA would supply turkey, ham, paper goods, and beverages. Those who attend are requested to bring “pot luck”.
• Heather Stein from the Public Works Dept. stated that they were reaching out to the neighborhoods through the civic associations to spread information about energy conservation. She described a high efficiency toilet rebate program in effect for homeowners through Conservation Pays. More information is available at 1-800-270-9794 or conservationpays.com.
• Alena Alberani from the City’s Smart Watt program informed the membership that they were available to attend neighborhood meetings through March to talk about energy conservation and distribute tool kits valued at $100. Schedule by calling 954-713-0940 or register for an existing workshop at www.mods.org/energy/.

7. Committee Reports:

• Education Advisory Board: Ms. Shelley stated that the Board has been revitalized by the appointment of new members a new vice chairman. She said the board is working on a uniform code of conduct that should solve recurring problems.
• Charter Revision: Recording Secretary Rochelle Golub stated that the Committee had a workshop with the Commission about priorities for revising the City’s Charter. The Committee raised the issue of the enforceability of study results adopted by the Commission on future acts or failure to act by the Commission. This issue was advanced by the CFLCA. The Commission was of the opinion that this was a matter of good governance and policy and not a charter issue. The Commission did request the Committee to look at revisions to Articles III, IV and VIII.
• Centennial: Ms. Mammano read a report by Corresponding Secretary Donna Mergenhagen thanking Imperial Point, Coral Ridge and Sailboat Bend for sponsoring October events and reminding neighborhoods that there are still opportunities to use the tools created for the Centennial. If interested, fill out the form on the website or call Shannon at 954-828-4743.

8. Ad Hoc Code Reform Committee. It was the consensus of the membership that it was not appropriate to bring the Committee‘s report to a vote at this meeting and that the Committee should present the final report in writing to the membership. In the meantime, the Committee could attend the P&Z Board workshops and make an oral presentation when the Board takes comments.

9. Ms. Mammano stated that she had gathered a lot of information from the City and from the Neighborhood Conference in July about topics ranging from running better meetings to newsletters to increasing attendance at association meetings. She requested input from the member associations about the topics that interested them.

10. A special election was held as noticed for District 3 Representative. Dr. Magdalene Lewis was nominated and unanimously approved. A special election was held as noticed for District 4 Representative. Brucie Cummings was nominated and unanimously approved.

11. Park Goals Committee Report. In February 2009, the Parks Goals Committee chaired by Mr. Sterner and including: Abel Conejo (Lake Ridge), Denis Ulmer (Lauderdale Manor), Mark Boyd (Progresso Village), Marilyn Marcus (Bermuda Riviera), Betty Hays (River Run), Debra Van Valkenburgh (Chula Vista Isles) with input from Earnest Jones, Park Ranger Supervisor, published a report for consideration by the CFLCA as the official policy of the Council about increasing green and preserving green space in the City. The report which appeared to have reflected the consensus of the neighborhoods had not been formally adopted. Tarpon Bend and other communities had contacted the Council regarding recent talk about using a piece of Hardy Park for a fire station highlighting the importance of the Council having an official policy on the subject matter. City Manager Feldman asked to address the membership about Hardy Park. He accepted responsibility for the proposal as a cheap way to accomplish the goal of a new well-placed fire station; he apologized that he was unaware of the prohibition on the use of the land for any other purpose. He noted that the process of consideration of the proposal prevented any wrongful action by the City. The Report was distributed to those present who had not yet read it and it was discussed. Ms. Golub noted that the Report contained outdated facts and appendices which should be deleted. Ms. Mammano moved to adopt the Report without the appendices and facts about park rangers. The motion was seconded and it passed unanimously.

12. For the good of the Community. Announcements were made about various events to take place within a week of the meeting including the Rotary Club’s Power of 1 Hour event in conjunction with Veteran’s Day on November 12 and the renaming of a street for Jerry Cooper.

13. The Council thanked Bermuda Riviera for providing refreshments.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Golub
Recording Secretary