Minutes – General Meeting

Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations

General Membership Meeting

February 10 2014

There was no meeting on February 10 2014. Instead we

Co-Sponsored   Neighbor Support Night

Respectfully Submitted, Marilyn Mammano

Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations

General Membership Meeting

January 14, 2014

1) Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order by Marilyn Mammano, President at 7:30 PM.

2) Roll Call:  Ron Centamore First VP called attendance and declared a quorum.

3) Review and Acceptance of the Minutes:  Minutes of the November 12 2013 meeting were approved. Minutes of the December meeting were deferred.

4) Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s Report see attached

5) Police/Fire Report: Major Gregory and Chief Lorber gave their reports

6) Guest Introductions:  Ms Molly Mc Kay, Project Manger for Willdan Financial Consultants gave a presentation about the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan. Mr. Al Battle from the City spoke about the process. Members were concerned about the infrastructure limits on economic development. Mr. Battle said they would come back to us with preliminary results.

7) President’s Report: Members of the Public Participation Committee met with Ella Parker and agreed to a direction forward on the ordinance.  Notice will be given prior to the DRC meeting and a required meeting between the developer and the neighborhood will be held prior to Planning and Zoning. The Committee will bring back a recommendation when the final language is submitted.

8) Committee Reports:

Membership Committee: Ron Centamore sent out the membership renewals, which are due back by April 1. Members were reminded to renew their City Recognition applications with Maxine Shing.

Legislative Committee: SB 356 is moving well through the Legislative process in Tallahassee. Senator Sacks is a co sponsor. Progress on companion bill HB307 is less certain. Representative Moraitas is a cosponsor.

Neighbor Support Night: February11 is Neighbor Support night and we want to get the word out to all our members. This will coincide with our regularly scheduled February General membership Meeting.  Hal Barnes spoke about the event. There will be a contest to see which association brings the most people. Prizes will be given. Doug Sterner is our point person on the event.

9) Old Business: Members were asked by Jim Moyer from the Salvation Army to support an ordinance regarding clothing donation boxes similar to that adopted by Miramar. The Board will discuss this and come back with a recommendation.

10) New Business: Molly Huges, President of Sailboat Bend presented information about the Historic District that was the subject of a joint workshop between the Historic Preservation Board and The City Commission. She distributed material about the Civic Association’s position.  Members can get copies by contacting her directly.

11) For the Good of the Community: Climate adaptation and Open House

12) Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM

Respectfully Submitted, Marilyn Mammano

Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations

General Membership Meeting

December 12, 2013

1) Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order by Marilyn Mammano, President 8:30 after an extended Meet and Greet

2) Roll Call:  Ron Centamore First VP called attendance and declared a quorum.

3) Review and Acceptance of the Minutes:  Minutes of the September meeting were approved and minutes of the November meeting were deferred.

There were no guests and the members had a discussion of issues and potential programs for the New Year. Juvenile justice seemed to be the number one issue. Other issues were Sober Houses; transient rentals, code enforcement and homelessness. We will work on a program for Juveniles

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted, Marilyn Mammano for Shannon Hammerling Recording Secretary

Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations

General Membership Meeting

November 12, 2013

1)    Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order by Marilyn Mammano President 7:30 PM.

2)    Roll Call:  Ron Centamore First VP called attendance and declared a quorum.

3)    Review and Acceptance of the Minutes:  Minutes of the September and October meetings were deferred.

4)    Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s Report is attached

5)    Police/Fire Report: Officer Detrict described the changes to the Police Department command structure, which should not impact neighborhood policing

Battalion Chief Lorber distributed information about upcoming CERT classes

6)    Guest Introductions:  Hardeep Annard, Public Works Director gave an overview of the city’s Storm Water management planning and discussed the City’s Swale Program.  Money is available to reclaim and redesign swales to make them an integral part of the system.  Neighborhoods that are interested in participating in this program should contact Hal Barnes.

Hal Barnes distributed save the date cards for the Neighbor Support Night (City Hall Open House) on February.  The Council will co sponsor this event.  Doug Sterner is the contact person for this event.

7)    President’s Report:

8)    Committee Reports:

Legislative Committee is working on connecting with upstate legislators who are interested in restoring home rule on the issue of regulating Short Term Residential Uses.

The Executive Board met with the City Attorney on the issue of Slap suits and public participation in at public hearing and before Boards. The City Attorney is preparing guidelines to be adopted by the City Commission.  Our major concern is giving neighborhood representatives adequate time to present their position at public meetings. We will keep on top of this issue.

9)    Old Business:

10)            New Business:

11)    For the Good of the Community:

Anyone who has suggestions for Citizen of the Year should get in touch with any Board Member.

We will collect food for the Pantry of Broward at the December 10 Meeting/Holiday Party.

Dennis Ulmer distributed a report on the South East Florida Climate Change Compact. Members are encouraged to read the report and discuss it with their neighbors. We will send copies of the report to all members.

12) Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM

Respectfully Submitted, Shannon Hammerling Recording Secretary

CFLCA Minutes 11-2013

Fort Lauderdale Council of Civic Associations
General Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2013

City Hall, 8th Floor Conference Room

1. Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order by President Mammano at 7:34 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
3. Roll Call:  First VP Centamore called attendance and declared a quorum.
4. Review and Acceptance of the Minutes:  Minutes for September 2013 meeting were deferred until the November 2013 General Meeting.
5. 5.     Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s Report Attached
6. Police/Fire Report: Captain Robert Dietrich gave the Police Report and the Batalion Chief Jo-Ann Lorber of the Fire Department gave the Fire Report. Battalion Chief Lorber reminded us all of the upcoming CERT classes to be held October 26 & November 2. Captain Robert Dietrich discussed crime statistics, upcoming traffic announcements, and opened the floor to questions. Regarding statistics, Captain Dietrich explained the necessity to call in anything and everything a resident is concerned with. Each call is logged and assists the Police Department with crime patterns and trends. He recommended two ways to view online crime statistics in the City. First, he suggested residents go to www.flpd.org, hover over Community, and select the Crime Statistics tab. Here is the direct link: http://flpd.org/. The second web site he recommended is Raids Online: http://raidsonline.com/. Captain Dietrich alerted residents to the upcoming traffic changes and increase is traffic volume due to the Las Olas Art Show, the International Boat Show and the upcoming FDOT work to be done to the Sunrise BLVD Bridge. Questions from the floor came in about shootings, and “smart water.” Captain Dietrich offered to discuss questions outside to clear up information on shootings, and he directed us to the Smart Water web site: http://smartwatercsi.com/
7. Special Guests & Topic: Tonight’s Special Guests and Topics came from the City’s own Assistant City Manager Susanne Torriente and staff. You can find out more about Susanne at the following link: http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/ . Susanne offered a power point demonstration on FEMA Flood Zone Maps, Elevation Certificates and Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Flooding and more. This extensive information can be reviewed at the following link: http://www.fortlauderdale.gov . The focus of the presentation was to promote “Adaptation Action Areas” that would take sustainability “Planning to Action.”
8. The City’s Green Your Routine program under the Sustainability Division seeks to teach residents to adapt to a lifestyle of sustainability while we manage to live among 300 miles of coastal waterways and 7 miles of beach. Because we are a city surrounded by water we will experience flooding. The Sustainability Department seeks to build a city for the future; one that has an informed public and enhances the idea that we will be the City you never want to leave. Guest Dr. Nancy Gassman from Broward County also spoke on various Climate Change topics. For in depth research on this topic you can review this web site: https://www.broward.org/Climate/Pages/default.aspx . Both speakers expressed that an informed public that adapts to the climate changes and suggestions offered by experts will sustain their properties, the City’s future and will affect the city’s Community Rating System. This rating system ultimately measures the climate of a city, and consequently property insurance. The membership supported adding the Adaptation Action Areas (AAA) Initiative to the Comprehensive Plan and the development of guidelines to assist communities.
9. For additional related topics, please review:

https://www.broward.org/Climate/Pages/default.aspx (This will take time to load.)

FEMA Flood Insurance Zones: https://gis.fortlauderdale.gov/2020prelimFEMAFloodMaps/

Flood Zone Information Maps: http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/floodzones

Bio Swales: http://www.broward.org/Stormwater/Pages/bioswales.aspx

Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact: http://southeastfloridaclimatecompact.org/

1. 10.  President’s Report: President Mammano plans to draft a letter to the City Attorney regarding slap suits against residents speaking on behalf of the community against a developer. There is great concern over the protections of citizens who are executing their civic duty and the threat from businesses against them personally.
2. Committee Reports: 1) Public Participation Ordinance is still being reviewed and is more a Public Notification Ordinance. This is going to be discussed further at the next General Meeting and this ordinance should also address ongoing public notification, changes in the develop plans, and neighborhood opportunity to response throughout planning at a quasi-hearing before the Commission.  New state law may trump local law. 2) Legislative Committee: Concern over Cluster Housing was brought up for topic to be researched.
3. Old Business: Mr. Don Zimmer requests that the Council formally address the concerns over the way the code is written regarding trailers in neighborhoods.
4. 13.  For the Good of the Community: Youth, William Howell set up the Fort Lauderdale Water Ways Clean Up for October 19, 2013 at George English Park. Residents are encouraged to contact William at [email protected].
5. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 pm.

Respectfully Submitted, Linda Nugent for Shannon Harmeling Recording Secretary

Fort Lauderdale Council of Civic Associations
General Meeting Minutes – DRAFT
September 10, 2013

City Hall, 8th Floor Conference Room

1)    Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order by President Mammano at 7:30 pm.

2)    Pledge: Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America

3)    Roll Call:  First VP Centamore called attendance and declared a quorum.

4)    Review and Acceptance of the Minutes:  Minutes of the August 2013 meeting were approved as presented.

5)    Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s Report Attached

6)    Police/Fire Report: 

Captain Appel gave the Police Report and the Batalion Chief Jo-Ann Lorber of the Fire Department gave the Fire Report. Two main notes of interest was the September 11 Memorial held at the Fire Museum on September 11, and the upcoming CERT classes to be held October 26 & November 2.

7)    Announcements: Tonight’s Special Meeting is the Annual Legislative Round Up for the City of Fort Lauderdale.

8)    Guest Introductions:  Invited Guests are as follows:

Representative George Moralities – District 93: In Attendance. Focus:  Creating Private Jobs at Port Everglades, Constituent Servicing, and expressed interest in the Legislative Committee’s Legislative Priorities. Left meeting early.

Representative Gwendolyn Clark-Reed – District 92: In Attendance. Focus: Sober Housing, Parasailing Safety, Civil Citation against the Youth

Representative Perry E Thurston, JR – District 94: Did not attend though invited.

Senator Maria Sachs – District 34: In Attendance. Focus: Property Insurance, Veteran Homes, Transportation. Left meeting early.

Senator Eleanor Sobel – District 33: Did not attend though invited.

9)    President’s Report:

President Mammano raised concerns with the Legislature Representatives regarding Slap Suits in Florida and the situation with the CBA. Aldo, President Mammano reviewed an email exchange with the mayor regarding the allotted time for neighborhood President’s to speak at a Commission Hearing when a major debate is on the table affecting a neighborhood on a grand scale.

10)    Old Business:

Public Participation and Neighborhood Compatibility continues to be a concern among the neighborhoods, their allowed time to present neighborhood concerns and presentations, and the lack of a District Commissioner ate such hearings. Continued expression of concern was raised concerning the Quiet Zones with the upcoming plans of All Aboard Florida.

11)    Committee Reports:

A) Legislative Committee: Provided a great evening with our legislative representatives and committed to the Council and our representatives continued involvement and engagement between the Legislative Committee and their offices.

B) The Public Participation Committee is diligently reviewing the ideas offered at the Council and by resident s regarding the Public Participation Ordinance. Committee meeting was scheduled for later in the month.

C) Suggestion has been made that a Code Committee be formulated to deal with code enforcement concerns and policies such as the ones brought up by Mr. Don Zimmer. It was expressed some of the code is ambiguous and open to interpretation and unclear. Request was made to get neighborhoods to consider this an item of further importance.

12)    For the Good of the Community:

Amber Van Buren from Broward Meals on Wheels  (BMOW) gave an overview of the BMOW program and explained the need for the elderly to have animal companion ship though at times the elderly will give their own food to the animals. BMOW went home with bags of dog and cat food to assist in this effort. For more information please view the www.bmow.org web site.

13)    Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 pm.

Respectfully Submitted, Shannon Harmeling, Recording Secretary

General Membership Meeting

August 13, 2013

City Hall, 8^th Floor Conference Room

1. Meeting was called to order by President Mammano at 7:30 p.m.
2. 1^st Vice President Ron Centamore called the roll and declared we had a quorum.
3. Minutes from the June General Meeting were adopted as presented.
4. The Treasurer’s Report was read by Treasurer Rochelle Golub.  The ending balance as of July 31, 2013 was $8462.79.
5. Police Report: Presented by Captain Appel – New Captain for District 3 – 954-822-6376 [email protected]. Changes department-wide to attend the CFLCA meetings. Captain Alvarez for District 2 and Captain Dietrich for District 1 will also attend on a rotation. New accomplishments in dealing with transient individuals who live under the bridges and overpasses. The State has now given cities a right to hand our Trespass Affidavits for those under the bridges. FLPD does have a homeless outreach officer and they do try to get them help if they are willing to get it. This was an accomplishment of the NAT Team and the Homeless Outreach Officers.  There are vacancies in the NAT teams due to promotions. In response to some questions, an explanation of the “NAT” teams was given. NAT stands for Neighborhood Action Team. Captain Appel explained that even though there is a change in staff due to the recent promotions, the police department and the NAT Officers are here to serve the neighborhoods and welcome calls and are willing to address any concerns. Residents should expect a response of some sort from NAT Officers. If not, contact the Captains. NAT used to be Community Policing – “touchy, feely.” District 1 NAT Officers commended by more than one neighborhood and noted to be affective. Yearly the Command staff evaluates the necessary staff
6. Guests: Gloria Battle, Gwendolyn Clark Reed’s Office; (State Representatives on September 10)
7. Thanks to Ron Centamore for the food.
8. Guest Speakers: from All Aboard Florida, Ali Soule Public Affairs Manager, and Jose Gonzalez VP FEC Corporate Development, Executive Director Greg Stewart of MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Diana Alarcon from Transportation & Mobility (T&M) discussed the FEC All Aboard Florida plans, how this will affect Fort Lauderdale, and how MPO fits in to the plans. Diana Alacorn from the City explained how these T&M facets work together. Focus on the Quiet Zones and safety at the crossings. Explanation of connecting with the ports and the export/import business of Port Everglades. Florida population 19 million, and with tourist over 55 million travelling from Miami to Orlando and around the state. The trains will be “smart” corridors providing wi-fi, etc. 70% of travelers are leisure travelers. 400 employees to run the system; 1000s of employees to build it, plus additional retail around the stations. Goal is to provide hourly service. 32 additional trains. This is not Tri Rail. Start of operation target for 2015. All Aboard Florida is totally private; no funding from State or Federal government. (40 min)See https://www.gobrightline.com/ for more All Aboard Florida information. Also see http://www.browardmpo.org/ for Broward MPO. Also see https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-i-z/transportation-and-mobility for City T&M information.
9. President’s Report/New Business: 1) On the Commission meeting on the 20^th:  A) Up-zoning for the Downtown RAC and B) Proposing the Anti-concentration Legislation for Social Service Facility. Problem is you can a halfway house that is not licensed and they can whoever they want there and not covered by these regulations. Houses will put ten people in a three bedroom house, etc. and there are all kinds of social problems. To be brought up at the September 10^th meeting with the Legislatures. This proposed legislation is to tighten up the current regulations. Relationships can’t be forced between those living in these houses. The idea of what a “family” is cannot be defined. 2) Explanation of the ANNUAL Neighborhood Recognition Process by the City vs. the paperwork needed to fill out for the CFLCA. Go to City’s web page, and look on the Neighborhood list to see if you are “recognized.” 3) Legislative Roundup is September 10 CFLCA General Meeting. 4) Appointment of Shannon Harmeling as the Chair for the Public Participation Ordinance Committee to focus first on the draft of the Public Participation Ordinance. 5) From the Environmental Division of the City employee Larry Teichs is willing to come out and employee xxx discuss swales, and Climate Change Impact. See http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/public_services/environmental_services/  6) Meals on Wheels by Doug Sauder asking people to bring pet food for these people who have pets. Amber Van Buren will come and talk next month about this issue. 7) Resident, Mr. Don Zimmer [email protected] brought up a code concern from Coral Ridge association about commercial trailors parking in the right of way, and on private property. He met with Greg Bruten head of planning and zoning and said the code has problems and would need the community as a whole to help change the code. He had handouts for everyone. 8) Brucie Cummings of Tarpon River President had a brief discussion of the Marina Lofts project was addressed and the CFLCA has refrained from taking a stand in the matter and leaving it up to individuals and neighbors to do as they wish. It was mentioned that Commissioner Rogers recused himself from the vote on Marina Lofts. Brucie had letters to hand out. Residents are encouraged to email their commissioners.
10. Meeting Adjourned.

General Membership Meeting

June 11, 2013

City Hall, 8^th Floor Conference Room

1. Meeting was called to order by President Mammano at 7:32 p.m.
2. 1^st Vice President Ron Centamore called the roll and declared we had a quorum.
3. Minutes from the April and May General Meeting were adopted as presented.
4. The Treasurer’s Report was read by President Mammano.  The ending balance was $8255.13.
5. John Bertino the representative for Tim Ryan was introduced and Donna Opert from Galt Ocean Mile was welcomed.
6. Police Report was presented by Captain Alvarez.  Overall crime in Fort Lauderdale was down 7%.  He did note that there is usually an uptick at the end of June.  The Police Games begin on June 15^th and continue through the 22^nd.  The complete schedule is available on the City Website.
7. Guest Speakers from the Broward Public Schools included Dr. Desmond Blackburn – Chief School Performance Accountability Officer and Charles Webster – Liason to the Educational Advisory Board of Fort Lauderdale.

Schools are not changing at the same pace as the rest of the world.  There is a gap to overcome.  Change comes with mixed emotions.  Sunland Park Elementary School, Lauderdale Manors and Arthur Ashe Middle School  were three failing schools.  The options that were available were to change them to charter/private schools, close the schools, or turn them into a turnaround school.  Typically the turnaround option is chosen.  The schools facilitated community outreach meetings and internal meeting with educators.  Rigorous programs, technology increases, increase partnership with colleges and universities were all explored.  The focus is to fix these problems early before the third grade, focus on early learning in the community (33311) and enhance quality of life for adults that are the caregivers of these children.  Social / financial/ immigration options to be considered.  Don’t want to be saddled or required to access a particular school, want options close to work and or relatives.  Overall the school district has 30,000 empty seats.

Sunland Park Elementary – will become a preK to 3^rd grade school.

Lauderdale Manors –  will turn into a community service center with social services, clothing bank , referral services.

Arthur Ashe – will become an Adult Career and Technical School starting with day courses and will have child care on site.

Dillard High School is one of the finest schools whose principal is Cassandra Robinson.  The aim is to create a K-12 fine arts – emergent technology magnate school.

There is a capital deficit in the district.  We need to reinvest in the schools and upgrade technology.  Dillard High School will be getting a 1 million dollar upgrade.  Sunland Park and other surrounding schools will get the money for reading, technology, mentor based skype programs.  Dillard’s emphasis will be on entrepreneurial education.  Lauderhill Middle Schooll will become a 6-12 partnership with Broward College and will be a Boutique High School.  In state compliance terms Lauderdale Manors and Arthur Ashe are considered closings. Sunland Park and Lauderhill are considered Hybrid options.

All taxpayers should be concerned with the 30,000 empty seats, there are no new monies coming in and we are paying for more than we generate.  The quality of the entire system is called into question and the taxpayers should be demanding greater efficiency.

Montessori Model is very expensive(Virginia Schuman) and requires parental partnership.

Workforce Education is excellent.

Level of service, eliminating portables, the western part of the county is busting at the seams, they could force parent to send children to different schools however parents are into choice.  Work with municipalities to use portables effectively.  Non performing children can’t/won’t get to high school, we are losing kids by the 2^nd or 3^rd grade.

Charles Webster:  5 schools in Broward County in top 100 in the United States.  Dillard High School is one of them.  Perception vs. Facts  The school district is the largest employer in the County.  We have to work on welcoming people, Disney is serving as a consultant.  Promise Neighborhood Grant was missed by 3 points this year, they will try again next year.  Partnerships, parents and supporting parents will be a key focus.

7. New Business:

Nominations for Recording Secretary duties include taking minutes, keeping all records.  Betty Shelley nominated Shannon Harmeling from Lake Ridge with Ron Centamore seconding the motion.  Nominations were closed by President Mammano and Shannon Harmeling was elected with a unanimous vote.

President’s Report:

All Aboard Florida and FEC RR Partner are two private companies.  There will be an Environmental Impact Statement.  Federal RR Administration was sent letter of concerns also to Broward MPO and commissioners.  Broward County  MPO is going to vote to deal with quiet zones to allow us to spend our own money.  The meeting is on Thursday.  The money is not coming from private companies.  More information will be forthcoming.  There are 24 members on the MPO including Commissioner Romney Rogers and Vice Mayor Bruce Roberts.  AAF trains approximately 50 per week.  Port Everglades Freight trains once Panama Canal Expansion is completed will be doubled additional FEC Commuter Rail adds up to a lot of trains.  Proposals to move trains west.

President Mammano met with City Manager Lee Feldman.  He was not aware that the Neighborhood Development Review Criteria was not moving forward.  He does not have the staff.  Will go back and review.

Input was solicited for the Better Meetings Committee.  Topics that were brought up that were of interest included, By Law Guidance and Standardization, Common Insurance Policies, FAU is available for other topics, How to get people to come to meetings.

President Mammano brought up whether or not to hold the July General Meeting.  Shannon Harmeling made a motion to cancel the July meeting, seconded by Betty Shelley and it was unanimous vote to cancel the meeting.

8. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Nugent, Corresponding Secretary

For Donna Mergenhagen, Recording Secretary

General Meeting Minutes

May 14, 2013

City Hall, 8^th Floor Conference Room

1. Call to order:  President Mammano called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. Roll call:  1^st VP Ron Centamore called attendance (respondents answered by name) and declared a quorum.
3. Treasurer’s Report:  President Mammano read the report provided by Treasurer Golub.
4. POLICE/FIRE REPORT

• Major Michael Gregory from District 2 represented the Police Department
  • Promotions:  Asst. Chief Williams is now in charge of all operations; many other promotions have taken place.
  • Reorganization of Patrols:  This will be taking place in the very near future. (Lt.’s will be moved up to shift captains/commanders)  New assignments will be sent to neighborhoods as soon as they are finalized.
  • Smart Water CSI:  This technology is being tested in South Middle River.  It will take 6 months to a year to determine if this product and program are successful.  You use smart water to mark your possessions and it has an embedded code that stays on your property permanently.   Currently, only the police have the equipment to detect if this product is on recovered stolen property.  The signage that you purchase with the program seems to be a significant deterrent.  Confiscated drug money was used to pay for the test program and equipment.  You can learn more about this product at www.smartwatercsi.com .
  • Captain Jo-Ann Lorber from Fire Emergency Management
    • Jo-Ann reminded everyone that Hurricane Season is only 18 days away.  She encouraged everyone to visit www.ready.gov which is a FEMA website for Hurricane Preparedness with comprehensive information on mitigation.
  • She also reminded everyone that it is National Law Enforcement Week.

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS

• Maria Sachs – State Senator District 34 was introduced.  Ms. Sachs stated that she started as a leader in her community association.  She wants the neighborhoods to invite her into their communities.  She stated she is here to listen even if it is only to complaints.  She is here to listen to your community and bring your concerns to Tallahassee.  She stated that she is not a political idealog.  She wanted the

Neighborhoods to know some of her priorities and the bills she introduced, which include: Educational Appropriations (she worked to increase funding to Broward Community College); Texting While Driving (as a secondary offense, it is a beginning and hopefully the governor will sign the bill); Parasailing Safety; Alarms for Daycare Vans.  She encouraged the neighborhoods to give her ideas.  Laura Croscenco raised the concern of safe routes to and from schools including sidewalks and bike lanes, which is an issue in Middle River Terrace.  Ms. Sachs stated that she wants to take care of our communities and our children. She indicated that she raised five children in South Florida.  President Mammano introduced Richard Johns who is the chairperson of the Council’s Legislative Committee.  Ms. Sachs finished by stating that she did not care if a neighborhood was in her district or not, that she was interested in all concerns.

• Fort Lauderdale School Board Representative Katherine “Katie” Leach from District 3 called to indicate, that the School Board Meeting, which began at 9 a.m., was still ongoing.  President Mammano indicated that we would try to reschedule for the next meeting and would also contact Dr. Rosalin Osgood the District 4 Representative and Robin Bartleman the At Large Representative.  Education continues to be an important issue with the Visioning Report indicating that Fort Lauderdale is not a good place to educate your children.
• Interviews for City Attorney were held May 13^th. Five candidates were interviewed, 2 internal and 3 external from other parts of Florida.  Cynthia A. Everett  from Pinecrest Village was the selected candidate and hopefully will be on board soon.
• Tomorrow, May 15^th is the Transportation Summit, which will last all day.  The FEC Railroad situation will increase train traffic and impact the entire city and its residents.  President Mammano asked that an e-mail blast be sent out to remind everyone of this important event.  She encouraged neighborhoods to urge their Commissioners to get Broward County to establish quiet zones.  President Mammano asked Steve Stahl of Middle River to take the lead in Transportation Issues and indicated she would discuss with him after the meeting.
• Membership:  1^st VP Ron Centamore indicated that we have 34 members as of tonight’s meeting.  If there have been changes or updates in neighborhood contacts i.e. Representation that this information needs to be communicated to the Council and to Maxine Singh who maintains the recognized neighborhood information for the City.
• The Public Participation Ordinance was brought up for discussion.  In plain speak; the revised ordinance requires developers to have a meeting with the community prior to the DRC (Development Review Committee) meeting if the proposed development is a Site Plan 3 or Site Plan 4.  The public meeting must be held 21 days in advance of the meeting and the developer must send a letter or an e-mail to the President of the Civic Association(s) listed on the city website that are effected.  (That means the burden is on the neighborhood to get the word out.)  Prior to the DRC meeting they must present a Report Letter, which indicates yes I had a meeting, yes I notified the President, how many people attended the meeting and the issues raised.  This is then given to the city and made part of the record and then they can proceed to the DRC.  The members raised many concerns.  The feeling seems to be that this at least sets some type of standard (now this is an informal understanding).  Some believe that if this becomes policy the minimum becomes the maximum.  Shelby Smith from Shady Banks indicated that the meeting place needs to be located in proximity to the community and that city staff needs to educate the resident about what is allowed.  Shirley Smith from Central Beach Alliance felt that the requirement should be that the developer attends the association meeting.  Shannon Harneling from Lake Ridge felt that 21 days is not enough time and that the improved draft did not take in our concerns.  The June 4^th City Commission Conference Meeting will hear the revised draft.  The consensus is that opposition from developers will be to keep the process simple.  Shelby Smith from Shady Banks then brought up the concern of the “LETTER”, does the 21 days constitute from the postmark, mail could be held.  There is mistrust on both sides and the ordinance at least formalizes that we must talk to each other…it may not be the best time to push for the maximum, at least try to make sure the communication happens.  If we push to far the developers will feel we want too much.  Dave Parker from Sailboat Bend indicated that we need a more specific ordinance and that the education aspect by city staff is a good idea.  Ron Centamore from Downtown indicated that right now there is no requirement and at least this is a step in the right direction.  The Marina Lofts Developer gave no notification prior to DRC.  There are instances when a developer cannot deliver what they have promised to do.  Shirley Smith from Central Beach stated that there have been several Site Plan 3 and 4 projects that the Neighborhood has said no to and the Commission has voted to build it anyway.  Cal Deal indicated that 21 days prior could be meaningless as sometimes there are changes to the site plans right up to days before the meeting and they are allowed, as they are not considered a “substantial change”.  He indicated that their needs to be a date set for the lock down of documents.  President Mammano indicated that she would be attending the Commission Conference Meeting and would speak to the Council’s concerns.

6. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Nugent, Corresponding Secretary

For Donna Mergenhagen, Recording Secretary

Fort Lauderdale Council of Civic Associations
General Meeting Minutes
April 9, 2013

City Hall, 8th Floor Conference Room

1.  Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order by President Mammano at 7:30 pm.
2.  Roll Call:  VP  Centamore called attendance and declared a quorum.
3. Minutes:  Minutes of the March meeting were approved as presented.
4. Treasurer’s Report:   Former Treasurer Klein read the report provided by Treasurer Golub.
5. POLICE/FIRE REPORT

• Captain Luiz Alvarez reported on upcoming beach events.
• Captain Jo-Ann Lorber reported the Port Everglades emergency drill has been re-scheduled and introduced Broward District Chief Gregory Holness.    He is the new Chief in Port Everglades and reminded members of the option to register for Broward County CyberVision.   Chief Lorber also recommended a Code Red App and distributed flyers on hurricane preparedness.

6.   ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS

• Todd Okolichany and Anthony Fajardo, Dept. of Sustainability, presented two ordinance change proposals.  1) Altering the process to apply for Flex Units from FZ49 and 55 to make them available for use in the Downtown RAC.  2) Change in the ULDR in the RO districts.  A number of concerns were expressed from the audience about the future availability of flex units.  A number of members raised  points from the Council Consensus Report regarding protection of single family neighborhoods, and honoring master plans, and balancing development with preservation.
• Rafael Vazquez, Broward County presented the 211 Service and the addition of the Senior Touchline application.

7.   OLD BUSINESS – REPORTS

• President Mammano announced the Citizen’s Committee of Recognition Event on May 7 at 11:30 am in City Hall.  Both Betty Shelley and Jorg Hruschka will receive awards.
• Victoria Park was thanked for providing the evening refreshments.
• First Vice President Centamore stated that renewals are still being received.

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Cathy Stubbs read the Legislative Committee report prepared by Committee Chair, Richard Johns.  The next meeting has not been scheduled.

9.  FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY

• Susan Howell thanked the neighborhoods who had participated in the “Power of One Hour”/CVC project in Poinciana Park on April 6.
• The Police Memorial Service will be held on April 30 at 2:30 pm at the Police Memorial in Esplanade Park.
• Haitian Flag Day was announced by Reverend Jean Ch. Renelus on May 18 6:30-10:00
• Hal Barnes from Neighborhood Services announced staffing changes.  Stephanie Denham will be relocating out of state.  Jorg Hruschka has accepted the position of Chief Service Officer in Neighborhood Services within the City Manager’s Office.
• Chuck Black announced that Fleet Week has been cancelled.  In its place there will be activities to recognize local service members.
• Barbara Haggerty announced the Shady Banks neighborhood Flea Market on Saturday.

10.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Donna Mergenhagen

Recording Secretary