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N O T   A P P R O V E D   17 FEBRUARY 2001
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LAUDERDALE ISLES CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

MINUTES

GENERAL MEETING 15 FEBRUARY 2001

LIGM200102

TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING
Bimini:         Dirk Lowry
Cat Cay:        Elaine Peterick
Flamingo:       Jay Hinchcliffe
Key Largo:      Joan Sheridan
Nassau:         Ray Figueroa
Okeechobee:     Ann Guardino
Sugarloaf:      Bobbye Atha
Tortugas:       Keith Lindgren
Whale Harbor:   Bud Bracey

1. President Craig Canning called the meeting to order at 7:35pm. Craig introduced himself, new Vice President Jennifer O'Brien, and Keith Lindgren, Treasurer. He also asked that Trustees present introduce themselves.

2. BSO Chief Canfield could not attend the meeting but deputy Joe Harris presented the BSO report. He stated that there have been a few crimes of opportunity in the neighborhood during recent months. A few auto thefts and burglaries. He suggested that residents take the time to remove anything they may have of value in their vehicles and to always lock them. He also mentioned that older Chrysler and GM Models like the Lebaron or Sundance are easy targets because they are easily started by thieves. He also said that Saturns and Camrys can often be started with a pair scissors so he stressed that people driving them should invest in The Club. He also stated that District 5 has enjoyed the highest reduction in crime both within BSO and also in other city districts. Crime is down 34%. He also said it is a pretty quiet area as far as the County goes. Some residents asked about double parking on the lanes during water main replacement and expressed concerns that emergency vehicles would not be able to get through. Joe Harris assured residents that in the event of an emergency they would get by even if it required pushing the vehicles out of the way.

3. Keith Lindgren gave the Treasurer's Report, in which he reported a balance of $12,963.73. It was MOVED and SECONDED that the Treasurer's Report be accepted as read. The motion PASSED. Keith also asked that if residents at the meeting had not already done so, to forward their dues ASAP.

4. President Craig Canning initiated a dialog with residents regarding recent Annexation matters explaining that as of right now we are set to vote in November 2002 for an effective date of September 15, 2003. There will be two choices: the City of Dania Beach and the City of Ft. Lauderdale. He also mentioned that Davie was briefly in the running but bowed out saying that they were not ready. Craig also told residents that remaining unincorporated would not be an option on the ballot. Discussion followed regarding the merits of each city. Craig Canning suggested that the majority of these questions be presented by the residents at both the Special General Meeting on April 19, 2001, (where Dania Beach will make its presentation) and the General Meeting on May 18, 2001, (where Ft. Lauderdale will make its presentation). There was also discussion about why Melrose Park was allowed by the Broward County Annexation Delegation to have their vote in November 2001 with an effective date of September 2002 when our area was denied this option. There was also discussion as to the wording of Section 7 in the Melrose Park Bill regarding zoning and land use. The Bill for our area does not contain the wording that would effectively prevent re-zoning our area. A vote was taken whereby the majority decided they would like to include the wording of Section 7 of the Melrose Park Bill in our own Bill. This would allow for existing land use and zoning under Broward County Code to continue in our area even after annexation into a city. 

5. Randy Dunlop MOVED and SECONDED that Craig Canning as President of the Association write a formal letter to the Delegation stating that residents want to vote in November 2001 with Melrose Park, with an effective date of September, 2002 and that the residents also want to include the wording in Section 7 of the Melrose Park Bill regarding land use and zoning in our own Bill. The motion PASSED.

6. There followed a General Discussion about the Delegation and Representatives and it was decided that the Boards lobbying efforts on the above Resolution would be supported by residents who would themselves contact members of the Delegation in support of the above Resolution. It was agreed that the contact list for Delegation Members would be posted on the website along with a short form letter requesting that the Delegation make these changes to the Bill or amend the Bill to include the items above.

7. The Committee to Annex Fort Lauderdale led by Randy Dunlop was recognized by the President and given five minutes to address the residents. Mr. Dunlop introduced himself and Rick Thompson and gave a short presentation on the Group. He said that because Lauderdale Isles is going to vote with other neighborhoods it is important to spread the word outside of our neighborhood. 38Z, 39Z and 40Z have 3,526 registered voters in all, our neighborhood cannot carry the vote and may be forced to go to the city another neighborhood chooses. He explained that his group was for people who supported going with the City of Ft. Lauderdale and that they would promote this idea through Area Captains, their own newsletter and backyard barbeques. The group welcomes volunteers from Lauderdale Isles as well as all of the other areas expected to vote together.

8. Hank Guardino gave a brief presentation about the street signs in the Isles. The Bimini Sign on the west corner of the Lane has been removed. Hank feels a combination of factors may be at play. Upon close inspection it seems that the screws used to attach the polyurethane signs to the plywood backings are too short and are easily removed. There was some discussion as to the overall condition of the signs and what might be done to make them last longer, look nicer and make them more visible at night. It was suggested that a Sign Refurbishing Committee be formed at some point in the near future to replace the screws with longer ones and remove the rust from sprinklers. Hank got two quotes for replacing the Bimini sign, one from the original contractor for the exact same sign ($500.00) and another from the new contractor for the County ($466.00). He pointed out that though there is little difference in the cost, it would be advantageous to go with the new Contractor because he will make the sign out of a more durable material that would last longer. It was MOVED and SECONDED that funds be approved to have the new contractor replace the Bimini sign. The motion PASSED. Some discussion followed on other more durable materials that would be suitable for the signs and it was agreed that the Sign Committee would explore the various options at a later date.

9. Joan Sheridan was then given time for a report on the recent activities of the Southwest Coalition. Joan explained that the Coalition consists of 13 homeowners associations within the boundaries of I-95 on the East, the Turnpike in the West, Broward Blvd to the North and the New River on the South. The Coalition represents 44,000 people in the area. She said that the Coalition is an information-sharing conduit and with the Annexation issue at the forefront they will continue to share information between the different homeowners associations. Joan mentioned that the City of Ft. Lauderdale gave a short presentation at the last meeting and that Dania Beach is expected to do their presentation at the next meeting.

10. Joan Sheridan is also responsible for organizing the upcoming Water Way Cleanup on March 31, 2001. She has done so for 16 years. Last year there were 210 volunteers and she said that it is really making a difference because the garbage is getting harder and harder to find in the Isles. She asked the residents to volunteer and made a sign up sheet available. Marina Bay has graciously offered to sponsor the Trash Bash at Rick's Patio Bar again, and probably for the last time, this year. She thanked them for their generosity once again.

11. George Counts gave a short presentation on Hacienda Cove in which he pointed out that none of the promised planting had begun even though it was clear that construction was finished or nearly so. He asked for help in locating the signed Deed Restrictions for the project and suggested that someone familiar with the City of Davie might be able to help him get them.

12. Dirk Lowry gave a brief presentation on the Roscioli project. He said that although nothing is there now, the owners have committed to $28,000.00 worth of shrubs and plantings to help camouflage the large structures in the facility. 

13. Ray Figueroa addressed the issue of sidewalks on the South side of Riverland. He said that after making many phone calls he finally reached Ron Bono in the Community Development Department. Mr. Bono said that there were no plans by them to put in a concrete sidewalk, especially since we would soon be part of City. Ray pointed out the liability issues involved in the event someone was hurt in the next two years and Mr. Bono said that he would look into getting the area re-paved. He said he would send an inspector out but that it may not be soon because of the large area the inspector must cover. Mr. Bono said he would call Mr. Figueroa next week.

14. Joan Sheridan mentioned that things were moving forward on the new park, Riverland Woods. She said that DOT is in the final phase of surveying the turnaround for the boat ramp. Also that more money is available from the Park Bonds. Joan said she wants the park finished prior to annexation into a city. There was some general discussion about the pro's and cons of having a boat ramp in the area. Also discussed, an increase in boat traffic likely resulting in more boats speeding past our neighborhood and causing damage to our sea walls and boats. It was MOVED and SECONDED that we ask Sgt. Whitford of the Broward County Marine Patrol to attend our next General Meeting to address these issues. The motion PASSED.

15. There was next some general discussion about two points Craig Canning said that the Board should be monitoring this year. Extension of the airport and I 595. Craig noted that these two events will have a direct impact on Lauderdale Isles in the next 5 to 10 years and the Association should pay close attention to any new proposals or developments.

16. Ray Figueroa indicated that he thought the Trustees should also be confirmed at the meeting. It was MOVED and SECONDED that this will be done at the next Trustee meeting due to the late hour. The motion PASSED.

17. It was MOVED and SECONDED that the reading of the minutes from the November 2000 be dispensed with. The motion PASSED.

18. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm. 

19. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer O'Brien, Vice President.