LAUDERDALE ISLES CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION 

MINUTES 

Special Annexation Meeting 19 April 2001 

LIGM200104 

Trustees present at the meeting, based on sign-up sheet, are indicated by an asterisk (*).

 Total attendance tonight, based on signup sheet: 

1. President Craig Canning called the meeting to order at 7:37PM.

2. BSO Chief Steve Canfield reported that things were pretty quiet here in the Isles, with an occasional problem here and there. He praised the COPS program and passed out literature on the program. He also passed out some literature on water safety. A remark from the floor was directed at one vessel in particular, apparently from Plantation, that speeds up and down the river. The operator of the vessel appears to be oblivious to speeding regulations and rules of the road. Chief Canfield said he would pass this along to the marine patrol so they could hopefully curtail this person's activities.

He then announced a picnic to be held on 28 April 2001 from 2-5PM at Delavel Park. He then introduced Lt. Chris Steele as our new area Lt. Deputy Joe Harris asked all present to please put their property out of sight when not in use to remove the temptation of theft. The Chief asked for comments on the motorcycle madness; the consensus is that it's getting better. He told us to keep calling and complaining, and that Davie would respond unless they were occupied with something more important.

3. President Craig Canning introduced Jason Nunemaker, the interim City Manager for the City of Dania Beach, who addressed the meeting on the attributes of his city. Also present from Dania Beach were Bud Palm, Public Works/Utilities Director; Randy Wilkinson, Director of Parks and Recreation; Laurence Leeds, Director of Growth Management; and Chief Robert Anton, Dania Beach/District 2, BSO. 

Mr. Nunemaker stated that they were here because our area had been identified as a potential area for annexation. He went on to give statistics and other information about Dania Beach and how the annexation of the Riverland Area would impact Dania Beach.

He, and other members of the Dania Beach delegation, then fielded questions from the floor.

Q--Why did Dania Beach submit an annexation bill to annex the Riverland Area without first contacting us?
A--Dania Beach was listed as an option in the Annexation Study Report (completed last year). To make sure that the legislature in Tallahassee would consider Dania Beach as a viable option, and just not rely on the contents of the Annexation Study Report, the city filed the bill.

Q--If we were to be annexed into Dania Beach, would the presence of BSO deputies in our schools continue?
A--Yes.

Q--How would fire services be handled?
A--Fire services would be handled by providing a rescue unit locally, somewhere in the area (yet to be determined), and Dania Beach would contract out through a mutual-aid agreement for fire services. Mr. Nunemaker remarked that the Dania Beach fire chief was working the fatal plane crash this evening and could not attend, and that he would pass along questions regarding fire services to the chief.

Q--Because our area is pretty much built out, where would you locate a rescue unit?
A--That's something we will have to work on and locate. There was a discussion about the potential for a school...maybe purchase a residence. This is something that will have to be worked out.

Q--How would you operate emergency services?
A--If we could locate a rescue unit in the area, then we would contract out with the fire services either in Broward County of Ft. Lauderdale.

Q--What would Dania Beach provide in the way of Marine Services?
A--We would contract with BSO.

Q--Regard waterway enforcement, how would this be handled?
A--We currently contract with BSO for a minimum of 96 hours per month for this. We could look at possible expanding this coverage.

Q--Does Dania Beach have a marine unit?
A--No, we use BSO.

Q--Does Dania Beach have a program of waterway maintenance?
A--Yes. We provide periodic cleanup of the canals in our city. 

Q--Would this include dredging?
A--No. This would be at the resident's expense.

Q--Some residents in this area still are on septic systems. Will Dania Beach upgrade these systems to city sewer?
A--Sewer service in this area is probably provided under franchise by the county, so any upgrading would be done by the county. Dania Beach would, however, work on your behalf to get this done.

Q--Does Dania Beach have money in its budget for the dredging of canals?
A--No.

Q--Who would have to pay for placing of a fire/EMS facility in the Riverland area?
A--The cost would be borne out of the fire assessment and would be spread out through the City of Dania Beach.

Q--Will we be forced to have streetlights?
A--No. But we could install them if the residents request them.

Q--If we did want streetlights, who would pay for them?
A--I believe this would be borne by the City budget as long as the lights were installed on a public street. 

Q--How would Dania Beach assess the needs and desires of the residents in a particular area? Would you send out a questionnaire?
A--We would meet in person with the residents to establish a baseline of needs and desires...in a forum similar to this tonight.

Q--Why were we not notified in advance to the intention of Dania Beach to annex the area?
A--Because I have not been in the position in which I am now, I probably would have done just that--contacted the residents first.

Q--Are there any existing Dania Beach codes that may be in conflict with those of the county that might cause us some problems in our lifestyles here in the Isles if we were annexed into Dania Beach? In particular, the parking of boats and trailers, etc.
A--No. We would carry with us the existing zoning code under which we operate now. Dania Beach would make no attempt to change any code that now applies to this area unless the entire community requested a change.

Q--Would you put that in writing?
A--Yes.

Q--Was there are area or group in the Riverland area that asked Dania Beach to draft an annexation bill?
A--It was my understanding that there were positive and negative comments about coming into Dania Beach. As far as I know, no particular community approached Dania Beach on this issue. However, a series of individuals did approach us.

Q--Will Dania Beach add more personnel in its code department if the Riverland area is annexed? Now it is very easy to do business with Dania Beach, but will you be able to maintain this service?
A--We would have to enlarge the operation in an incremental fashion as needs dictate. Now we are able to resolve about 50% of code disputes with no paperwork. If this area were to become a part of Dania Beach, we would issue no (zoning-infraction) tickets for six months and would work with you to get the infractions resolved. The object of our zoning operation is to achieve compliance and not to be a revenue source. (Referring to a previous question on zoning) I would take your proposal to carry with you the existing zoning code under which you operate now to our city commission and I think, without even talking to them, they would agree to maintain the existing zoning in place. This is based on the fact that we have done this in the past.

Q--Would our taxes be increased when we became a part of Dania Beach?
A--Not because you joined the city. You would, however, be subject to any city-wide tax changes in the future.

Q--How would Dania Beach support us in solving problems with a neighboring city?
A--We would be on your side, and would offer aggressive support. In particular, we are fighting the airport runway expansion project on behalf of our residents, and will continue to do so.

Q--With the new areas you are annexing, will you increase your staff to handle this growth?
A--Yes, in an incremental fashion.

Q--What has been your rack record in handling problems with neighboring cities?
A--We haven't had that many problems in the past. Further, I don't necessarily think that what has happened in the past is indicative of the future.

Q--As a specific example, the City of Hollywood several years ago construction a composting facility on the east side of US441. This was viewed by all residents in this area as a nuisance and a health hazard. Would Dania Beach help us again in a similar situation?
A--We can't answer that question here tonight. But I can get back to you.

Q--Regarding the airport expansion--Dania Beach, by your figures, in fighting to transfer the expansion north to help 80% of its residents, would be negatively impacting 20% of its residents (us). How do feel about this?
A--The expansion process is not complete. It is a conflict, we know it, and we will have to work on it.

Q--Why does Dania Beach want to annex the Riverland area?
A--First, let me say we are not in an aggressive mode here. We are offering the opportunity to become a part of Dania Beach, and if you don't want to join us that is your option.

Q--Would Dania Beach still want us if we did not bring money with us?
A--We have annexed areas in the past that were pretty rough going in. In time, these areas have been turned around and now enjoy being part of the city.

Q--Getting back to the question of your not contacting us before the bill was filed and we received a letter from Dania Beach announcing that you wanted to annex us, how do you explain it?
A--It was not properly in my opinion. However, the reason we are here tonight is to answer any questions you may have and to present Dania Beach in the best light possible.

Q--It is very difficult for Dania Beach to provide concrete answers to many of the questions asked so far, and we understand this. We would be willing to present a series of questions and issue in writing to you, then sit down and arrive at a "pre-annexation agreement," to be signed by both parties. Would Dania Beach agree to this?
A--Could you reiterate your questions to which we have not furnished a satisfactory answer, provide them to me in writing, so that I could take them to the commission as see what their response is. 

At this point, Chief Anton stated that police services in Dania Beach are furnished by contract with BSO for police and marine services. Regarding canal dredging of canals, there will probably be a special assessment for this. There is no specific marine patrol unit for Dania Beach, as we use the facilities provided by BSO under contract.

Q--What is the term of the contract with BSO and is there a guarantee that the city will continue to use BSO?
A--The city is now in year three of a five-year contract. As there have been no issues in the past, we see no reason to not continue with BSO.

Q--With respect to a 911 call, what would the response time be to an incident in the Riverland area?
A--Our contract with BSO is for a three-minute response to a 911 call. Units would be located in this area and would not travel from downtown Dania Beach.

Q--Areas of Lauderdale Isles flood quite often during heavy rains. What would Dania Beach do to alleviate this?
A--The city would have to investigate the infrastructure now in place here and determine the reasons for improper or insufficient drainage. Dania Beach would make increased efforts to clean up debris and branches before a major storm arrives in our area in an attempt to keep the existing drains open. We may have to add drains into a canal, or install French drains. There may be other remedies, such as re-establishing swales, which are an effective method of drainage. 

President Craig Canning remarked that this is an item that could be included as a line item in an agreement with Dania Beach.

Q--Would a tax increase be incorporated in a manner similar to what you have stated for increasing city services?
A--No. If you were annexed you would be taxed at the prevailing rate. There would not be a tax increase just because an area was annexed.


Q--What percentage of your overall tax base do we constitute?
A--This is unknown. I'd have to look into it.

Q--What is the policy in Dania Beach on renting of docks?
A--Broward County does not permit the renting of docks. However, we feel that they have "looked the other way" a vast majority of the time. That's the way it is with Dania Beach. However, if annexed, you could ask for this portion of the zoning code to amended.

Q--How long after we were to submit a list of written items to you should we expect an answer?
A--The list would be taken to the commission at its next regular meeting, or a special meeting if required. Responses should be timely, so that there won't be pressure on you.

Q--Why didn't Dania Beach do a better job at answering the questions presented in the Annexation Study Report? Many of the questions asked here tonight were in that report and went unanswered.
A--I can't answer that question. But as I just said, we will provide answers to your questions through the list to be presented to the city commission.

Q--Were the members of the Dania Beach City Commission invited to this meeting, and what were their responses?
A--I know that mayor had an invitation, but had a prior commitment.

Q--Mr. Nunemaker. You mentioned you have a bachelor's and master's degree and are completing your doctorate. May I ask in what discipline?
A--My Batchelor's is in Political Science and I have a Master's, and am working towards a Doctorate, in Public Administration.

Mr. Nunemaker concluded by saying that the most productive way for both parties involved would be for us to submit our questions and concerns in writing to Dania Beach for answers in writing or at a subsequent meeting like this.

Chief Anton closed his remarks by asking us to look at what has historically transpired in other areas annexed by Dania Beach to assess the city's track record.

President Craig Canning thanked all in attendance for their efforts, and particularly to the representatives from Dania Beach who took time to be here tonight.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15PM.

Respectfully submitted, Terry Simonds, Secretary