LAUDERDALE ISLES CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING

DATED FEBRUARY 16, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:39 PM by Pres. Ray Figueroa. The following trustees were present:  Charles Love, Ann Guardino, Harriet Hodgson, Jim Crocket. There were not enough trustees present to meet a quorum therefore no binding votes could be taken. 

MINUTES:  The minutes of the General Meeting of 12/1/2005 were read.  No corrections were made. The minutes were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  As of 1/19/06, we have $16,678 in our account.  A full report was published in the February 2006 newsletter.

POLICE REPORT:  Capt. Todd Peney  (954-828-6649) of the Fort Lauderdale Police Dept. reported that there have been only two crimes in our neighborhood since January.  They have arrested the person(s) allegedly stealing the Ford F250s in our area.  As of 2/12/06, our main assigned police officer is John Caine.  The also have two canine dogs for our area which Police District 3 – West.  The basic borders of our district are Broward Blvd, the South Fork of the New River, I-95, and SR 7.  There are 4 policeman per shift for the District 3-West plus Public Service Aides (PSAs) who handle non-emergency crimes like fraud, vehicle accidents, thefts, etc.

He also advised that the street signs are slowly being replaced by the City of Ft. Lauderdale but they are behind schedule.  The FLPD is also trying to have the “No Thru Trucks” signs replaced on Riverland Road to slow down traffic.  We can ask the traffic dept. to do a study and possibly have a round-about built or speed bumps installed.

OLD BUSINESS:

1)      Airport Expansion- Randy Dunlap reported that Commission Rodstrom is now in favor of a slightly longer new south runway being build a little north of the existing south runway.   However, the FAA may not approve that proposal.  Our Southwest Coalition of Homeowners Associations has proposed a resolution requesting the decommissioning of the diagonal runway 13-31 due to safety issues (takeoffs and landings must be separated by 3500’ for simultaneous operation) and to eliminate overflights in our community.  Of course, the FAA will not close the diagonal runway if the south runway is not built.

 2)      George Counts reminded us that Bud Johnson is our local airport noise abatement representative.  He thinks the south runway will be constructed but due to growth, the north runway may eventually have to be built.

 3)      The City of Fort Lauderdale is talking to FEMA to clean up trees that fell into our canals and the river. 

 4)      People have noticed trash floating in the canals.  We were reminded it is illegal to dump trash and yard waste in the canal.

 5)      NEW ENTRANCE SIGNS:   More discussion was held on the entrance signs, many of which are missing or badly damaged.  We can apply for a grant this year from the Neighborhood Capital Improvement Program but no funds will be available until 2007, even if we are approved.  A committee will have to be formed to study and make recommendations on what to do about the signs.  George Counts reminded us that continuing maintenance is a major problem and to look for signs requiring minimal maintenance.  He suggested that we try to get donations for the replacement signs.  Leyland Easton then magnanimously offered to match those funds in an amount up to $10,000.  He does not, however, want to be on the committee or influence the association in the design or selection of the signs.

 6)      CODE ENFORCEMENT:  A recent survey had 132 responses, with 57 expressing concerns in 28 areas.  A full analysis will be presented at the next general meeting.  The key to code enforcement is calling the city when you see something inappropriate.

 One resident on Sugar Loaf Lane had a 6’ area of his roof burned due to the use of illegal fireworks by neighbors.  He was not home when it occurred and his house could have burned down.  This is a serious reminder not to use aerial fireworks irresponsibly.

 7)      VOLUNTEERS:  We still need volunteers for committees and lane captains.

NEW BUSINESS:  There was no new business presented.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted by:

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Ann Guardino, Acting Secretary