Minutes – General Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting was adjourned at 8:51pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

1st Vice President Marilyn Mammano Agreed
Harbordale Civic

2nd Vice President Betty Shelley Agreed
Imperial Point

Recording Secretary Betty Hays Agreed
River Run Civic

Corresponding Sec. Donna Mergenhagen Agreed
Harbordale Civic

Treasurer Tom Welch Agreed
Collee Hammock

Chairmen of Gabriel Ocasio Davila Agreed
Committees Poinsettia Heights

District I Drew Pickens Agreed
Imperial Point

District II Mike Vonder Mullen Agreed
Poinsettia Heights

District III Juanita Gray Agreed
Rock Island

District IV David Parker Agreed
Sailboat Bend

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

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

ADJOURNED 9:00 PM

November 10th, 2008
GENERAL MEETING Minutes
8TH FLOOR Commission Chamber

CALL TO ORDER by President, Genia Ellis at 7:30 PM followed by the
PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE.
ROLL CALL BY First VP, Dr. Hayes, and a quorum of 19 members are present. Sign In Sheets
MEETING MINUTES of October 14th, 2008 moved by Dr. Hayes and accepted as submitted unanimously. (Attachment B
TREASURERS REPORT for dated October 31st,2008 was submitted for review by Treasurer, Ron Centamore and it was moved by Dave Marshall and accepted unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
UPDATE:
1. Carlton Moore, District Commissioner for District III, was presented a plaque from the Council recognizing his twenty plus years of service to the Citizens of Fort Lauderdale. The event was celebrated by a cake, also in his honor.
2. Police Captain Luis Alverez presented a new program by the Fort Lauderdale Police that has pulled together several special units to form a Street Crimes Unit that operates 24/7 with three full shifts of personnel. This Special Unit has already been very effective with not only arrest, but in surveillance of future operations of suspected criminal elements. There was a discussion about rumors of Police quotas. The Captain explained there never has been any quotas as there are other ways to judge an officers performance. Arrest records do support a lack of performance, if it below other similar patrols. It is not just the only method of managing the bench marking an officer’s performance.

New Business:
1. Ad Hoc Code reform Committee Report œ Richard Mancuso stated that the Fast Track items will be presented at November 18th, 2008 Commission meeting as a consent Agenda item.
2. The Mobility Chair, Reid Morgan reported no volunteers have come forward to assist on this Goal of the Council. Therefore Reid will review the different articles listed and make recommendations to the Council per conversations with City and County staffs.
3. There was a request by Genia to establish a nominating Committee for new Officers and District delegates to be announced in January and voted in February. The committee will consist of Reid Morgan, Drew Pickens, Dennis Ulmer, Doug Sterner and Donna Mergenhagen.
4. A committee for the Centennial celebration of Ft Lauderdale has been formed obn behalf of the Council with Dr. Elizabeth Hays, Tim Smith and Donna Mergenhagen volunteering to be our representatives.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Ad Hoc Code Reform Committee Report was updated by Richard Mancuso stating that on November 18th 2008 it will be on the City Agenda for FAST TRACK items.
2. Winter contract has been approved.
3. 2007 NCIP item for Trinity Lutheran Church has a problem with the street closure and has been revised to reflect speed humps, signage and the installation of a school Zone notice.

For the Good Of the Community:

1. Christmas Party will be December 9th, 2008 at the City Hall and will start 6 pm. The Council will furnish ham and turkey, drinks and paper goods. Members are to bring a covered dish to share – vegetables, salads, desserts, breads or other special foods. Please invite everyone to come .

Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm

© Copyright

October 14, 2008
GENERAL MEETING
8TH FLOOR Commission Chamber

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

ROLL CALL BY First VP, Dr. Hayes, and a quorum of 22 members are present.

MEETING MINUTES of July 8th, 2008 were moved by Dr. Hayes and accepted as submitted unanimously. There are no minutes for the September 9th, 2008 meeting as it was cancelled due to the hurricane watch/warnings announcements in South Florida.

TREASURERS REPORT for September 30th, 2008 was submitted for review by Treasurer, Ron Centamore and it was moved by Dave Marshall and accepted unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS UPDATE:
1. Bruce Roberts – former Police Chief (6.5 years) was given a plaque by the Council in appreciation of his years of dedicated service (35 years) to the citizens of Fort Lauderdale.
2. Police/Fire Event Committee was introduced and thanked for their dedicated service and for providing their talents and hard work for a very successful  event. They were Betty Shelley and Tim Smith, Co-Chairs of the event, Annette Ross and Danielle Kleinrichert €œ Food Committee, Doug Sterner €œ set-up and clean up, David Forman Fire Liaison, Cindy Smith Police Liaison, Jim Mileto – strategic planning and layout of the event, Coleman Prewitt Entertainment and Genia Ellis Council Sponsor
3. Jonda Joseph, City Clerk & John Herbst, City Auditor were introduced and spoke on the City Charter Change that is on the November 4th  ballot allowing  them to hire staff directly for their departments.  This item was recommended by the City Charter Review Board and adopted by the City Commission for a public vote.
4. Pamela Adams, made a presentation for the latest efforts by the Broward MPO to request a public opinion survey for the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan. The survey was distributed and requested to fill out and send in by December 2008.

New Business:
1. Questions for the Candidates Forum are requested to be submitted no later than the December 1, 2008 to be reviewed and prepared for the upcoming candidate forums.  Each neighborhood should request input from their membership. Christopher Pollock- has agreed to be the Moderator again for these candidates forum
2. The Annual Christmas Party was announced to be on December 09, 2008 on the 8th Floor with Council Members being encouraged to invite their board and association members.  Each member is to bring a covered dish to share.  The Council will provide the paper goods, drinks and ham and turkey.
3. At the November 10, 2008, Council General Meeting, Commission Carlton Moore will be honored with a plaque for his 20 years of service to District III and the City.  All neighborhoods are encouraged to attend and honor this service.

Old Business:
1. Ad Hoc Code reform Committee Report – The purchase order with Winter and Company was signed on October 13, 2008 with a kick off meeting scheduled in the next few weeks.  This is the culmination of 2 years of work and will now start the formal process of making changes recommended by the residents of Fort Lauderdale through the Council Process.  It is anticipated that the Fast Trick items being moved forward by the Planning Department will be presented at October 17th, 2008 Commission meeting as a consent Agenda item.
2.  Election for a replacement of the District Three representative was concluded with Cathy Curry of Lauderdale Manors agreeing to complete the open term.  3. Richard Mancuso reported that the Crime and Parks committees have met. Three minutes were attached to the agenda and are posted on the Council Web Page along with the Crime Committee and the Education Advisory Board minutes.  There has been no report from the Traffic and Development Committees.

For the Good Of the Community:
1. Reminder – Christmas Party will be December 9th, 2008 at the City Hall and will start 6pm. The Council will furnish Ham and turkey, please invite everyone to come and bring a covered dish/ dessert/breads.
2. CVC on October 25th for South Middle River Civic Association clean up for street closures.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm

July 8, 2008
GENERAL MEETING
8TH FLOOR Commission Chamber

CALL TO ORDER by 1st Vice President, Dr. Betty Hays at 7:30 PM followed by the PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE.

ROLL CALL BY Second VP, Tom Welch, and a quorum of 17 members are present.
MEETING MINUTES of June 10th, 2008 approval will be postponed until September meeting.

TREASURERS REPORT for July 8th, 2008 was provided by Treasurer, Ron Centamore and it was moved by Dave Marshall and accepted unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS UPDATE:

1. Scott Strawbridge of Riverwalk Trust presented a new program on Riverwalk for adding trees to replace the ones removed due to hurricane Wilma.  The program is called Tree Harmony and they are looking to relocate trees of special qualities that needed to moved from their present location due to development or some other reason. They have partner with the Parks and Recreation Department to have the trees relocated by the owners and maintained by the City. He did not have any more information other contact Riverwalk Trust, if you know of any such trees. He also reminded everyone that Riverwalk is sponsoring twice weekly walk on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Meet at the Gazebo at 6:30pm.
2. Richard Mancuso shared his frustration with the City Commission not making a decision on the consultant to assist the City staff develop ideas for improved ULDR policies. Richard was asked by the chair to draft a letter to the Commissioners explain the Councils disappointment.
3. The Police & Fire Appreciation event will be at Holiday Park on August 5th 2008 as part of National Night Out Against Crime. Co-Chairs Betty Shelley and Tim Smith said that no Council funds will be used and neighborhood are asked to come out and set up a booth and give away desserts and drinks. There is a need for each neighborhood to nominate their best Police person to receive recognition at this event.

Updates:

1. Ad Hoc Code reform Committee Report- Richard Mancuso- Reported there has not been a consultant chosen and it will decide at next weeks Budget meeting.
2. Goal Setting Committee Update- Crime Committee has met and the minutes are attached. The Park Goals team met and there is a draft of the minutes of their meeting on June 26th, 2008.
3. The Education Advisory Board meeting minutes are attached.

New Business:

1. The Chair of the Candidates Forum, Betty Shelley announced the dates are set for the January 29th, 2009 and February 26th all at 7pm at the City Commission Cambers. Mr. Pollock agreed to moderate as before.
2. It has been decided that Dennis Ulmer has been recalled as his neighborhood representative and will need to step down as the District III representative. Therefore an election will be held at the September meeting. District III Associations are requested to send  us names of qualified candidates willing to serve out Dennis’ term.

For the good of the Community:

1. There is going to be decision on the Dr. Kennedy House for destruction by the Land Use Change on July 16th, 2008.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:56pm

June 10, 2008
GENERAL MEETING Minutes
8TH FLOOR Commission Chamber

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

ROLL CALL BY Second VP, Tom Welch, and a quorum of 21 members are present.
MEETING MINUTES of May 13th, 2008 moved by Dr. Hayes and accepted as submitted unanimously.
TREASURERS REPORT for May 30th, 2008 was provided by Treasurer, Ron Centamore and it was moved by Dave Marshall and accepted unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
UPDATE:

1. Chief Frank Adderley – Responded to written community questions previously submitted to the chief. See attachment (D). The basic overview is that the Police Chief had a positive attitude to making the department work with what assets they do have. There are 510 approved position and only 34 are vacate, which is less than 7 percent of the total.

They are actively recruiting to fill those as quickly as possible. He spent 50 minutes answering in detail the concerns of those questions submitted and those asked from those present.
2. The Council members and their individual associations provided input in to what is believed to be sufficient responses to indicate consensus on items that may be proposed for ULDR changes, NCIP Grant consensus, as well as issues like speed bumps, road closures and the like. A variety of percentages were offered with the ranges from 50% plus 1 to as high as 60%. Recommendations also indicated that the consensus should be of the property owners within the geographic boundary of the proposed change. These numbers and summary will be provided to the Planning Department, at the request of the Commission, to be combined with other historical information gathered to attempt to establish a reasonable and consistent guideline for the review of such items.

Updates:

1. Ad Hoc Code reform Committee Report- Richard Mancuso- Reported there has not been chosen and it will go to the June 17th meeting. Council Members were urged to contact their Commissioners and urge them to select a consultant, in accordance with their own purchasing guidelines, and move the item forward.
2. Goal Setting Committee Update- Only the Crime Committee is moving forward
The sub-committee for the DRC process by consultants and AIA is developed with the assistance of David Bruton and City staff.
New Business:
1. Crime Night Out Planning- Tim Smith presented the idea of a Celebration and appreciation to the City Fire and Police Department at a City Park. Asst City Manager œ David Hebert indicated the City will support the event. Dave Marshall made a motion that the Council support this celebration with notifications and volunteers, but no monetary support, for August 5th, 2008. The motion carried.
Old Business:
1. Committee reports by Richard Mancuso will be delayed until new Chair is selected for the Crime Committee. The other Goals Committee need to report into Richard.
2. The Chair of the Candidates Forum Betty Shelley announced the dates are set for the January 29th, 2009 and February 26th all at 7pm at the City Commission Cambers.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:56pm

May 13, 2008
General Meeting
8th Floor
City Hall
Minutes

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

ROLL CALL BY First VP, Dr. Hayes and a quorum of 22 members are present.

MEETING MINUTES of April 8th, 2008 moved and accepted as submitted unanimously.

TREASURERS REPORT was provided by Treasurer, Ron Centamore and it was moved and accepted unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS UPDATE:

1. State Representatives Jack Seiler and Ellyn Bogdanoff made a presentation on the last session of the Florida Legislature for 2008. The update took about 25 minutes with questions and answers. The summary basically revolved around the reduction of the budget due to the latest economic crisis.  Copies of the Legislative Summary from the Whip will be provided via e-mai through Corresponding Secretary David Marshall.

2.  Ad hoc Committee €œRichard Mancuso gave a brief description of the latest series of meetings since the Planning Director quit. They had meetings with Greg Bruton and the RFPÃs are back from consultants and the results resulted in 4 finalist. The City staff have selected a finalist for presentation to the Commission on May 20th, 2008.

3. Sub Committee Report on the DRC Process and Customer Service improvements     is being assembled and M. Mathias of the AIA is hoping to work successfully with its members and the Building Department.

New Business:

1. The Citywide Yard Sale report was presented by Genia Ellis held on the past May 3, 2008. The net resulted in a gain to the treasury of $1,047.01.

2. Hal Barnes discussed the date for the Florida Neighborhood Conference in Tallahassee on June 26-28, 2008. The City will sponsor 2 members from each neighborhood for the cost of the convention only. There are buses scheduled at a minimal cost. Food and hotel expenses are not covered. The county is providing a bus to Tallahassee will be around $10 round trip. There may be other space available if other Civic Associations choose not to attend.

3. There will be changes for the next General meeting date due to the City Commission changes. The current projection is to move it to June 3rd in lieu of June 10th as planned. The BOD also needs to change due the 26th is a holiday. This will be done by email. Old Business: 1. Committee reports by Richard Mancuso will be delayed until new Chair is selected for the Crime Committee. The other Goals Committee need to report into Richard. 2. The Chair of the Candidates Forum Betty Shelley announced the dates are set for the January 29th, 2009 and February 26th all at 7pm at the City Commission Cambers.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:56pm

Minutes – January 07, 2008 – General Meeting

January 7th, 2008
GENERAL MEETING Minutes
8TH FLOOR Commission Chamber

CALL TO ORDER by President Eugenia Duncan Ellis at 7:30 PM followed by the
PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE.
ROLL CALL BY 2nd VP Tom Welch confirmed a quorum of members were present.
MEETING MINUTES of October 9th, 2007 moved by Dr. Hayes and accepted as submitted . There were no minutes of the November meeting as it was the Neighborhood services night and December meeting was the Annual Christmas Party.
TREASURERS REPORT was provided by Treasurer, Ron Centamore and it was moved by Dave Marshall and accepted. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
1. Robert Wolfe €œ Office of the Property Appraiser €œ Broward county made a presentation on the proposed Property Tax Amendment No.1 to be voted on January 29th, 2008. He handed out copies of the Property Appraisers Newsletter where in it explained the four parts of this amendment. It was further recommended that everyone go online to www.BCPA.net to see the calculator to your properties that would take in the Tax Year 2008/09. In addition, he asked that property owners go on-line and complete the Property Appraisers Questionnaire and verify the floor plan on record and make appropriate changes. He encouraged residents to vote on January 29th.
2. State representative Jack Seiler was recognized and offered his comments of support to the proposed amendment. He went on to stay this may be the only opportunity for change for a while until the Tax Reform Committee meets this summer and with the next election being over two years away. Representative Seiler did say that Rep. Nick Thomas is working on a change that might offer another option during the November 2008 election, should the January 29th Proposed Tax Amendment not be successful.
3. Marilyn Mammano from the Community Appearance Board and the WOW Awards made a short presentation encouraging Civic Associations need to get more active in the nominating of more properties. She said it would help their committee find better selections. They are working hard to develop a better partnership with the neighborhood associations.
Update:
1. Ad hoc Committee €œRichard Mancuso gave a brief description of the latest series of meeting since the Planning Director left the city. The RFP is being drafted to hire a consultant to assist the City in implementing the proposed building and zoning changes as well as including updated guidelines. It is anticipated that the RFP will be released by the end of January and awarded in the next 60 days. It was further reported that the Board of Directors had voted to recognize and honor explained by Richard that Courtney Crush and Gus Carbano at the February 12, 2008 meeting with plaque and a small gift certificate.
2. DRC Sub Committee A short report by Richard indicated that the committee will complete their recommendations during January and present the findings to the Board. The Board will review and report to the membership at the February meeting.

New Business:
1. The next years meeting dates are attached in this months packet and on the web.
2. The February meeting will be our goal setting actions for the upcoming year 2008/09.
3. The first of three Crime Walks will be on January 11, 2008 at the Mizell Center at 1409 Sistrunk. Participation in all three will result in CVC points so be sure to have at least one neighborhood representative sign in at the reception area. It was also reported that Progresso Village and SMRA will be the February and March Crime Walks.
Old Business:
1. Crime Committee new Chair (Ron Centamore) announced the next meeting on January 16th, Wednesday in City Hall Cafeteria at 5:30pm.
2. The Neighborhood Services Night in October was reported to be very successful and it will not be held again until 2009/10.
3. The Annual Christmas Party was fun and fulfilling thanks to the BOD who volunteered to decorated and serve the great food.

For the good of the Community:
The City Hollywood has invited Genia Ellis to come and present on behalf of the City of Fort Lauderdale, information about their Neighborhood Recognition Program and the CVC at their January evening meeting. Ms. Ellis has also been asked to come to the Hollywood Council of Civic Associations on January 21, 2008 to discuss how CFLCA addresses key issues.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:51pm

Next General Meeting is February 12, 2008 at 7pm at the 8th floor City Hall