Minutes – General Meeting

Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations
P. O. Box 30106
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33303

Minutes
General Meeting
January 12, 2010

1. Call to Order 7:30 PM

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3.Roll Call by the 1st Vice President – (Marilyn Mammano)- 16 of 33 members present (Quorum present). Guests: Yvonne Britt , US Census Bureau;  Jill Quigley, Central Broward Transit Project;  Hal Barnes and Sheri Roberts,  City Of Fort Lauderdale.

Meeting minutes were reviewed and amended by motion from Betty Shelley, seconded by Gabriel Ocasio. By unanimous vote, the amended minutes were accepted.  Amended minutes are attached.

Treasurer’s Report. – Tom Welch submitted the attached Treasurer’s Report. There were no new members and expenses were $78.92.  Dave Parker moved to accept the report and Ron seconded .The report was approved unanimously.

Doug Sterner announced that starting next meeting there would be a regular Police Report.

Yvonne Britt, Manager, of the Local Census Office explained the process to become a censuses taker and the advantages thereof.  She passed out literature, which is attached. Anyone interested in becoming a census taker can call 1 866 861 2010 to arrange to take the test.

Jill Quigley, from the Central Broward Transit gave out a questionnaire asking members to choose their preference for the Central Broward Transit Project. Discussion followed about the apparent disconnect between this project and the Wave and the Light Rail Proposals.  Information about the project can be found at www.centralbrowardtransit.com.

Hal Barnes discussed the Florida Neighborhood Conference 2010, which currently has no host. He distributed literature for the May 26-29 2010 Neighborhood USA Conference in Arkansas.

Vicki Eckels discussed the Citizen Sustainability Green Committee and distributed a list of sub committees that members can join.  The list will be posted on the CFLCA site.

Old Business

Centennial Committee discussed the proposed Council Centennial project. Elaborate project is not working.  Suggested was perhaps a bumper sticker or t-shirt?   Doug Sterner will put the issue on the next Executive Board Meeting.

Ad Hoc Committee
Richard Mancuso expressed frustration (yet again) with the City’s unresponsiveness to our concerns.  This will also be on the Executive Board agenda.

Marilyn Mammano said that the Membership Renewal Letter and Application would be mailed out in January.  She will also prepare a blast email for the Secretary to send out.

No report from the Education Advisory Committee.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:00.

Submitted by Marilyn Mammano, 1st Vice President for David Marshall, Recording Secretary

Minutes as Amended at January 11, 2010 Meeting and approved

November 10, 2009 Tuesday
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
8TH FLOOR
Commission Chamber

1. CALL TO ORDER 7:30 PM
2. PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL by 1st Vice President œ (Marilyn Mammano) œ 15 of 33 members present (quorum present).
Guest:  City Manager  George Gretsas
4. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE MEETING MINUTES of October 13, 2009* — Motion by Genia Ellis and second by Betty Shelley to approve minutes; motion passed. 5. TREASURERS REPORT œ Tom Welch reported that there is $8162.60 in Council accounts, with one new membership since last report. Motion by Genia Ellis and second by Betty Shelley to approve Treasurers report; motion passed. 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS a. Charlotte Mather spoke regarding Broward Health.  See hard copy of presentation.
7. OLD BUSINESS
a. Centennial Committee Report œ Donna Mergenhagen reported that the Committee will report to the City Commission in January and invited members to make any last-minute suggestions they might have.
b. Ad Hoc Code Reform œ Richard Mancuso reported that consultants Winter & Co. held several meetings on Thu. (Nov. 05) to solicit input for the Neighborhood Development Criteria, including meetings open to the public at 3PM and 6PM. c. Membership œ District Representatives (No update.) 8. NEW BUSINESS
9. FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY
a. Pantry of Broward Food Drive
b. Middle River Terrace – Tim Smith of MRTNA expressed concern over the number of SSRFs (Social Service Residential Facilities) in MRT.  They will continue to work with the city on enforcement of existing ordinances.
c. Council members also expressed concerns regarding short-term rental of residential properties.
10. ADJOURN   at 8:55PM.

October 13, 2009
Tuesday
GENERAL MEETING
8TH FLOOR Commission Chamber
MINUTES

1. CALL TO ORDER at 7:30 PM.
2. PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL (quorum present).
4. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE: MEETING MINUTES of September 8, 2009 Moved by Genia Ellis and seconded by Betty Shelley. Motion passed.
5. TREASURERS REPORT by Tom Welch€œ Motion to approve by Dave Marshall and second by Ron Centamore. Motion passed.
6. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
a. Pres. Sterner introduced Heidi Davis, board member of the Pantry of Broward County, who spoke about their program. Each neighborhood was asked to conduct a food drive in their neighborhood during the next month.
7. OLD BUSINESS
a. Centennial Committee Report €œ Donna Mergenhagen updated those present re. the City Centennial plans and invited input. It was noted that the committee had selected a logo that would be presented at an upcoming Commission meeting.
b. Ad Hoc Code Reform Richard Mancuso reported that the summary of the May Neighborhood Development Criteria meetings will be released shortly, and that the Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public workshop regarding the criteria at their next scheduled meeting (Oct. 21).
c. Membership€œ District Representatives (no update)
d. Education Advisory Board report – Betty Shelley continues to act as the liaison for the Council and reports regularly to this board.
e. Parks Goals Committee report (no update).
8. NEW BUSINESS
(No update)
9. FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY
South Middle River Home & Garden Tour was announced and flyers provided
PAWS for Cause was announced and flyers provided
Tarpon River CVC Project was announced and flyers provided
Children Diagnostics & Treatment Center “One by One Toys for Christmas was announced and flyers provided.
350.org Climate Action Day was announced and a flyer provided
Upcoming CVC Project for March 13, 2010 St. Patricks Day Parade was announced and provided.

ADJOURNED at 8:55 PM

Sept. 8, 2009
Tuesday
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
City Hall €œ 8th Floor Commission Chamber

1. CALL TO ORDER at 7:35 PM

2. PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL BY 1st Vice President (Marilyn Mammano) 17 of 33 members present (quorum present).
4. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE: MEETING MINUTES of July 14, 2009* – Motion by Genia Ellis and second by Ron Centamore to approve minutes; motion passed.
5. TREASURERS REPORT – Tom Welch* – Motion by Genia Ellis and second by David Marshall to approve Treasurers report; motion passed.
6. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
a. Robert Wolfe of the Broward County Property Appraiser’s office spoke about property price trends and reminded members that TRIM exemption requests must be filed by Sept. 18.
b. Election District II Representative Marilyn Mammano nominated Shirley Smith with a second by Marilyn Markus; Ron Centamore moved and David Marshall seconded that nominations be closed; motion passed. Shirley Smith was duly elected.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Committee Chair – Recruiting Members to serve Gabriel Ocasio-Davila listed proposed committee chairs for Public Safety, Code/Zoning, and several other position (names to be supplied separately).
b. Florida Neighborhood Conference – Doug Sterner and Ron Centamore reported briefly on what they found most interesting re. this years conference. Hal Barnes noted that the 2010 Fla. Neighborhood Conf. location has not yet been decided, that National Neighborhood Day is Sept. 20, and that NCIP applications are due before 4:30PM on Sept. 25.
c. Budget Questions and Input – No report.

8. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Centennial Committee Report €œ Donna Mergenhagen requested that members send suggestions to the Centennial Committee as soon as possible.
b. Ad Hoc Code Reform – Richard Mancuso reported that findings from consultant are still due out and advised, “Stay tuned.
c. Membership no update.

9. FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY
a. Wayfinding letter – Supported by Dave Parker/Betty Shelley.
b. Jorge Hruschka of the Rotary Club offered to assist Council/CVC projects with volunteer labor and up to $500 in material assistance; he can be reached at 954-709-3197 or [email protected].
c. Parks Goals Report €œNo update.
d. A CVC event was announced for Fri. Sept. 25 (Crime Walk).
e. Vickie Eckels noted that the FPL franchise agreement is due for renewal with the City before the end of October and noted that the Utility Advisory Committee recommended that the City study whether a buy-out of the electricity grid should be pursued.

10. ADJOURNED at 9:20 with a motion by Richard Mancuso.

*Indicates voting items or may be a voting item
Board Meeting 5:30 pm, 8th Floor Conference Room, Monday, September, 28, 2009 General Meeting Oct. 13, 2009 at 7:30PM on 8th Floor in City Hall

July 14, 2009
Tuesday
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
City Hall 8th Floor Commission Chamber

1. CALL TO ORDER at 7:32 PM
2. PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL BY 1st Vice President (Marilyn Mammano) 18 of 33 members present (quorum present).
4. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE: MEETING MINUTES of June 9, 2009* – Motion by Genia Ellis and second by Betty Shelley to approve minutes; motion passed.
5. TREASURERS REPORT Tom Welch* – Motion by David Marshall and second by Betty Shelley to approve Treasurers report; motion passed.
6. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
a. Valerie Bohlander, Michael Maloney, Deborah Hernandez, and Chris Augustin of the Fort Lauderdale Building Department led a discussion of code enforcement priorities and AT&T utility boxes. The department can use a new nuisance ordinance to address hazards and nuisances more quickly than before.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Committee Chair Recruiting Members to serve Gabriel Ocasio-Davila (No update)
b. Neighborhood Updates Hal Barnes and Sheri Roberts noted that NCIP applications are due by Sept. 25.
c. City Budget Questions and Concerns Genia Ellis noted that the City zero-based budgeting differed from the conventional practice of zero-based budgeting.
d. Vacancy €œ District II Representative €œ The vacancy was announced for a vote at a future meeting.

8. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Centennial Committee Report €œ Donna Mergenhagen requested responses to the Centennial Survey no later than Sept. 7.
b. Ad Hoc Code Reform €œ Richard Mancuso reported that findings from consultant are due out this week (the week of July 13).
c. Membership no update.

9. FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY
a. AT&T Box Proliferation€œ Brief discussion of AT&T plans to install additional utility boxes in public right of way; a copy of the “AT&T Cabinet Checklist and related information was provided to the Recording Secretary.
b. Parks Goals Report No update.
c. CVC events were announced for Sat. July 25, Sat. Aug. 15, and Fri. Sept. 25 (Crime Walk).

10. ADJOURNED at 9:15.

*Indicates voting items or may be a voting item
Board Meeting 5:30 pm, 8th Floor Conference Room, Monday, August, 24, 2009
General Meeting – Sept. 8, 2009 PM 8th Floor City Hall

June 09, 2009
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
City Hall €œ 8th Floor Commission Chamber

CALL TO ORDER at 7:30 PM

1. PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE
2. ROLL CALL BY 1st Vice President Marilyn Mammano – 17 of 33 members present (quorum present).
3. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE: MEETING MINUTES of May 12, 2009* – Motion by Genia Ellis and second by Betty Shelley to approve minutes; motion passed.
4. TREASURERS REPORT Tom Welch* – Motion by David Marshall and second by Ron Centamore to approve Treasurers report; motion passed.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
a. Historical Preservation €œ Alysa Plummer, VP Sailboat Bend & Diane Smart, Broward Trust for Historical Preservation€œ Spoke about historic preservation in Fort Lauderdale
b. County Vice Mayor Ken Keechl €œ County Update “ 8:00 PM (Time Certain) Spoke about County issues, including the County budget and the ongoing budget discussion with Sheriff Lamberti; answered member questions.

6. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Committee Chair Recruiting Members to serve €œ Gabriel Ocasio-Davila (No update)
b. Florida Neighborhood Conference (NUSA) €œ Council Reports St. Petersburg, Fl. Hal Barnes and Sheri Roberts noted additional details are available at StPete.org.
c. City Budget Questions and Concerns (no update)

7. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Centennial Committee Report Donna Mergenhagen noted that the City Commission has added a Council seat to the City Cent„ennial Committee.
b. Ad Hoc Code Reform €œ Richard Mancuso reported that the minutes from the Planning Workshop are not yet posted; he will update the Council when they are.
c. Membership €œ Has increased from 28 to 33 in the last month.

8. FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY
a. AT&T Box Proliferation €œ Brief discussion of AT&T plans to install additional utility boxes in public right of way.
b. Library Openings €œ Support to retain €œ Members are encouraged to raise the issue with their county Commissioners in light of current budget issues.
c. BARC Facility Expansion Report €œ Doug Sterner updated the membership re. the issue raised by Edgewater Civic Association and the letter he sent to the Mayor regarding the issue.
d. Parks Goals Report €œ July discussion and vote
e. Andy Ziffer €œ spoke regarding construction site code enforcement concerns.

9. ADJOURNED at 9:20.

*Indicates voting items or may be a voting item
Board Meeting 5:30 pm, 8th Floor Conference Room, Monday, June, 22, 2009
General Meeting – July 14, 2009 PM 8th Floor City Hall

Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
GENERAL MEETING

City Hall, 8TH Floor Commission Chamber

1. CALL TO ORDER        at 7:30 PM

2. PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE

3. ROLL CALL BY 1st Vice President (Marilyn Mammano) –19 members plus 1 late arrival present; quorum met.  (See Attachment B.)

4. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE:
a. MEETING MINUTES of April 14, 2009* – Motion to approve by Genia Ellis and seconded by Ron Centamore.  Motion passed.  (See Attachment D,)
b. TREASURER’S REPORT –
i. April 2009 Report –  Motion to approve (with amended date) by Genia Ellis,seconded by Betty Shelley.  Motion passed. (See Attachment E)
ii. Annual (Apr. 2008-Mar. 2009) Final Audited Report – Audit committee reported that the year-end treasurer’s report passed their review. (See Attachment F)

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS (None)

6. Hal Barnes/Sheri Roberts – NUSA – Florida Conference – Mr. Barnes announced the Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) conference to be held in Spokane, WA May 20-23 and the Florida Neighborhoods Conference to be held in St. Petersburg FL July 9-11. (See Attachment I.)  A motion by Genia Ellis, seconded by Betty Shelley, for the Council to sponsor all registration fees for 5 members to the Florida Neighborhoods Conference passed unanimously.

7. Downtown Development Authority – Chris Wren & Elizabeth van Sant – Mr. Wren and Ms. van Sant made a presentation to the membership regarding the activities of the DDA, and invited members to attend their May 27 event at the Performing Arts Center.

8. Historical Preservation – Alysa Plummer, VP Sailboat Bend & Diane Smart, Broward Trust for Historical Preservation  ** This item was rescheduled for the June 09, 2009 meeting.

9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Membership – District Representatives will send out 2nd notices to those civic associations which have not renewed their memberships.  The Council currently has 31 members, out of 63 city-recognized and 23 non-recognized associations city-wide.
b. Refreshment Assignment & Sign Up – Refreshments are assigned through December 2009.
c. Committees for the Upcoming year – Standing & Ad Hoc – A list of Regular/Standing, Ad Hoc, and Goals committees was circulated.  (See Attachment G.)  A motion by Marilyn Mammano, seconded by Genia Ellis, to sunset all Goals Committees, passed. A second motion,by Betty Shelley, seconded by Bijon Fayyaz, to keep the following (9 + 4) standing and ad hoc committees, carried.

Regular/ Standing Committees
Arbitration
Audit
Bylaws
Membership
Nominating
Social
Code/Zoning
Crime/Public Safety/Emergency Preparedness
Parks

Ad hoc Committees:
Centennial
Code Reform
Process Reform
Vision

10. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Centennial Committee – The committee passed out a draft form (see Attachment H) and requested feedback regarding the form, and also asked members to respond with information by September.
b. Ad Hoc Code Reform Committee Report – Richard Mancuso noted that the City’s monthly Civic Packet indicates that the City will be holding Neighborhood Development Criteria Community Workshops from May 11 – 14 (Mon. – Thu.), at 6:00 p.m. in locations to be announced.  Also, with respect to the “Process” Ad Hoc Code Reform committee, committee member Courtney Crush and Planning Director Greg Brewton are leading an effort to streamline administrative procedures for development projects.
c. Centennial Committee Report – The Council’s committee meets the 1st Tues. of each month and members are invited to join.  The committee is looking for suggestions re.possible take-aways.
d. EAB Report – Available on the Council website.

11. FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY
a. The Community Appearance Board will give its awards May 27.
b. The City is holding neighborhood development workshops May 11-14.  (See Attachment J.)
c. Margaret Haney-Birch and JoAnne Simmonds  of  Lake Aire Civic Association were recognized.

12. ADJOURN – Marilyn Mammano moved to adjourn; Richard Mancuso seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9PM.

*Indicates voting items
Next Board Meeting 5:30 pm, 8th Floor Conference Room, Thursday, May 28, 2009
June General Meeting – June 9, 2009 PM 8th Floor City Hall

Attachment A – Agenda, May 12, 2009
Attachment B – Attendance Record, May 12, 2009
Attachment C – Sign-in Sheet, May 12, 2009
Attachment D – Minutes of General Meeting, April 14, 2009.
Attachment E – Treasurer’s Report for April 2009
Attachment F – Treasurer’s Report for April 2008-March 2009
Attachment G – List of Committees
Attachment H – Centennial Committee Form
Attachment I – Florida Neighborhoods Conference flyer
Attachment J – Neighborhood Development Workshop schedule flyer.

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