LAUDERDALE ISLES CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC.
MINUTES
General Meeting, 22 May 1997
LIGM199705.MIN
Trustees present at the meeting (based on sign-in sheet) are
indicated by an asterisk (*):
*Randy Dunlap (RD)/Andros *George Counts (GC)/Nassau
*Neil Leibowitz (NL)/Bimini Ann Guardino(AG)/Okeechobee
Marion Dunn (MD)/Cat Cay Tony Torti (TT)/Sugarloaf
*Tony Spalding (TSp)/34th Ave. Geri Connelly (Geri)/Tort
Jay Hinchcliffe (JH)/Flamingo Harriet Hodgsen (HH)/WH
*Terry Simonds (TS)/Gulfstream *Betty-Ann Campbell(BAC)/RS
*Joan Sheridan (JS)/Key Largo Jim Whetsel (JW)/RN
*Audrey Edwards (AE)/Marathon
1. The meeting was called to order by Vice President
Sheridan at 7:35 PM. PresidentStarkweather was out of town
on business.
2. It was MOVED and SECONDED that reading of the minutes of
the April 1997 Trustee's Meeting be dispensed with, as copies
are available to those interested. The motion PASSED.
3. JS introduced BSO Deputy Glen Thomas (GT). He mentioned
cases of boat-motor theft in the Isles, describing the boat
used by the perpetrators as a small camouflaged boxy canoe
or john boat. He asked all residents to pay particular
attention to canal traffic, especially after dark. He
reported that speeding tickets are still being written
on Riverland Road and BSO will continue to stop and ticket
all speeders. On the matter of through-truck traffic, GT
mentioned that BSO is aggressively enforcing the "No Through
Trucks" ordinance on Riverland. With regards to graffiti, he
said he had yet to observe graffiti in progress. BSO has a
group of deputies that specializes in gang-related
incidents. He went on to say that the problem with gangs in
Broward County is that their leadership is not centralized,
which makes it very difficult for BSO to control gang
activities. The fact that up to three deputies are regularly
at the New River Middle School to react to gang-related
problems when school lets out is an indication of the extent
of the gang problem. He requested that anyone seeing
school-age individuals walking or biking during normal
school hours call the BSO non-emergency number (765-4321)
and report the incident. JS asked about the BSO gang unit;
GT said perhaps someone from the unit could present a
program at the next general meeting.
4. JS introduced Mr. Joe Burello (JB), DOT project
manager of the US441 expansion project, and Betsy Gomez, DOT
design engineer. JB described the project as widening the
stretch of US441 from Riverland Rd. to Peters Rd. to three
lanes in each direction with a landscaped median, new
traffic signals, new lighting, and turning lanes as
required. The flyover off-ramp from I595 to US441 will be
modified where it meets US441 to permit a smoother flow of
traffic from the flyover to US441 and the Riverland Road
turnoff. JB stated that there will always be two lanes in
each direction available on US441 during construction and
that travel north and south will not be significantly
impeded during construction. He further stated that the
drainage-retention ponds now on Riverland may be
redesigned to be shallower to allow water to run off faster.
This may permit the removal of the safety-related chain-link
fence surrounding each pond. From the loor, an issue of
safety was raised regarding short-cut U-turns being made
across the median between I595 and Riverland. JB remarked
that new median construc-tion along the project should
reduce this practice, but that there is really "...no way to
protect a fool from himself." JB closed by saying that a
project office will be constructed on site and for those
concerned to bring complaints to that office first. A
telephone will be installed and the number will be made
available as soon as possible.
5. Treasurer BAC presented her report which shows a balance of $6630.67 in the checking account. Recent expenditures included annual report submission, entry signs, improvements, legal fees incurred in the land-use matter with the Town of Davie, newsletter printing, and telephone charges for the LICIA BBS. It was MOVED and SECONDED that the treasurer's report be accepted as presented. The motion PASSED.
6. In response to a question from the floor concerning the new entryway signs, JS said that signs should be installed starting in about two weeks. The signs will be istalled in order determined by the amount of donation received from each lane. 7. Pete Sheridan (PS) presented a summary of the document the Annexation Committee plans to submit to the City of Ft. Lauderdale (FTL). He stated that the document details concerns of the residents of Lauderdale Isles regarding services, the costs of services, and the quality of life to be expected if LI becomes a part of FTL. "The aim of the document and efforts to follow is to get the best possible deal we can," he said. After discussion and a few minor changes in language of the document, it was MOVED and SECONDED that the document be sent to the city. The motion PASSED unanimously. 8. JS reported that the SW Coalition is concerned with civic issues, in particular the eyesore Pantry Pride project. She said that some are ashamed to ask visitors to enter the area via Riverland off US441. Some 13 Civic Associations in the SW Coalition are affected by this property's condition. She went on to say that attorneys for the proposed U-Store facility have asked, and have received, an abatement of the fines and liens on the Pantry pride property from about $274,000 to about $30,000. The attorneys argued that abatement was necessary in light of the high cleanup costs that would be incurred. JS said that documents containing complaints and historical data have been faxed to all City and County Commissioners. She further stated that the Coalition will support any greenway project over commercial development in the area. She remarked that one of the problems observed over the years is that the County and the City do not effectively communicate in matters of this sort. It was noted from the floor that the U-Store project is definitely underway and that further discussion of a park in the Pantry Pride property may be academic. JS stated, "...it ain't over til the fat lady sings." 9. JS reported that Bennett David's land-swap deal with the County is underway. We should have more information sometime in June after appraisals have been made and discussed. 10. A comment was made from the floor admonishing all present to beware of DOT plans and promises. He stated that DOT is infamous for breaking promises and revising or straying from plans during construction, and to "...watch every move they make." 11. It was MOVED and SECONDED that the meeting be adjourned. There being no further business, the motion PASSED and the meeting was adjourned at 10:07PM. Respectfully submitted, Terry Simonds, Secretary.