The Agenda for the August 02, 2006 Davie Town Council Meeting is online.

The Davie Town Council Meets at Davie Town Hall for our regular meeting on August 02, 2006. The Agenda is online.

Note the following items, in which there may be general public interest*:

1. Contract Extension with SwimAmerica.. (Agenda Item 4.4).
   
2. Wetlands Mitigation Agreement for Westridge Park. (Agenda Item 4.7).
   
3. Resolution Adopting Five Year Capital Budget (Fiscal Years 2007-2001). (Agenda Item 6.2).
   
4. Fiscal Year 2006/07 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ACTION PL. (Agenda Item 6.3).
   
5. Town Administrator Search - Councilmember Caletka (Agenda Item 8.4)
   
6. Broadview Park Interlocal Agreement (Agenda Item 9.1) ***IMPORTANT: see blOg entries for last week--July 27th and 28th--regarding this item!***

*Items on the agenda may be tabled. Links to agenda items are PDF files and require a PDF Reader. This blOg does not constitute an official notice of any sort from the Town of Davie. The Agenda items listed above are a partial list of the Agenda. That is, not every item on the Town Council Agenda is listed. If you want information about any particular agenda item, you should consult the official documents provided by the Town Clerk's office.

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(Part 2 of 2) Broadview Park Annexation Workshop on Monday, July 31, 2

LINKS
Broadview Park Civic Association
Statistics from City-Data.COM

Photo: This view is slightly wider than yesterday, to show the relationship of Broadview Park to other locations in Davie. Note the large size of Broadview Park. Also, note how isolated it is from the rest of Davie. Broadview Park is really any enclave of Plantation. The aerial photo has a light blue line showing the edge of Davie's nearest population centers (I did not include a Mobile Home Park, which is physically closer, but further to drive). [*click* photo to enlarge]

First, let me repeat an important point from yesterday's blOg entry: "Broadview Park has a lot of nice residents and an interesting history." So, if Davie--against logic and geography--does annex Broadview Park, we will make the best it. If Broadview Park becomes part of Davie, I will represent them as Mayor to the best of my ability, as I do every neighborhood in Town. There ARE, however, a number of reasons why such an annexation is greatly adverse to the interests of Davie's current resents.

The Addendum to Broadview Park Annexation Impact Study contains some surprisingly frank observations from Town Staff which are grounds for great concern. This Addendum shows that the predictions in the dire economic forecasts contained in the 2004 Study may just be hitting the tip of the iceberg. For example:

1. Assumptions about taxable value and population are inconsistent and apparently understated. Meaning less tax revenue than claimed, and more expenses for the Town to pay (see "Finding" section, page 4 of Addendum)
   
2. The Police Chief estimates an additional 13 officers will need to be hired to staff Broadview Park. It's no secret that adding Police officers to our Department is extremely expensive. The level of staffing has been an issue recently with the police union. Frankly, I believe adding only 13 officers is too optimistic. Davie residents should expect higher taxes and worse police service if Davie spreads itself even thinner to cover this additional area. (see "John George/Police Department" section, page 5 of Addendum)
   
3. The Director of the Development Services Department, Mark Kutney, says, "I believe it is clear that the annexation of Broadview Park into the Town of Davie will place an added strain on the Town's ability to provide services. There will he many concerns to address..." He projects needing an additional Building Official, two additional inspectors and one additional clerk. (see "Mark Kutney/Development Services" section, page 5 of Addendum)
   
4. The Code Compliance Department summary consumes a big section of the Addendum. Derelict property (autos, buildings, etc.) is mentioned often. So are illegal/unpermitted structures, trash and poor maintenance. Additionally, in commercial areas, enforcement of occupational licenses, signs, parking, and dumpsters may be "significant" problems. (see "Danny Stallone/Code Compliance" section, pages 6 through 8 of Addendum)
   
5. Planning and Zoning anticipates needing an additional 2 inspectors. The Town Engineer reports, among other problems, "Many of the streets do not have sufficient right-of-way to meet the Town of Davie standards. There is a specific concern for drainage, swales, and sidewalks. Some of the streets do not have sufficient turning radius for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks. There are streets that end without a cul-de-sac or turn-around required for emergency or solid waste collection... Driveways have been constructed without consideration of drainage or public right-of-way. Some Apartment Complexes are using the public right-of-way for parking, therefore, backing out into the street." (see pages 8 of Addendum)
   
6. The Acting Utilities Director notes an number of significant problem areas and concludes, "The utilities are not connected to the Town's utility system and are not in close proximity to the Town ‘s utilities. If the County would turn over the Utility system to the Town, maintenance would be problematic due to it being separated by 1-595 and the North New River Canal. The Broadview utility system could not be integrated into the Town's utility system. Also, the County is not willing to sell the utility system to the Town so utilities in the Broadview Park area would continue to be controlled by the County, even after annexation. Due to these constraints, we do not feel that annexation of Broadview Park is in the best financial interest of the Town's Utility Department" (see pages 10 of Addendum)
   
7. One of the most troubling sections of the Addendum is in consideration of the area of Housing and Community Developments. According to the Head of that Department, Shirley Taylor-Prakelt: "Based on my observations, coupled with the demographic data provided, annexation of this community will place significant demands on the services provided by the Housing and Community Development Department, which could not be met without additional staffing. At a minimum, this would require the creation and funding of at least three (3) new full-time positions i.e., a Housing Specialist, a Neighborhood Resource Specialist, and a Clerical/Support position. Additionally, if it is determined that an 'at-risk youth' program is needed for that area, three (3) full-time staff would be needed to administer that program."
   
   Ms. Taylor-Prakelt's report details the significant problems Davie will encounter in assisting Broadview Park, which has a high poverty rate, low education rate, and "poor residential zoning mix." She also says, "I noted numerous 'For-Sale' signs throughout the area. This is traditionally indicative of a declining, transitional, area that results in 'under-investment', 'under-appreciated property', and a higher than normal crime rate. The Housing and Community Development Department would need the assistance of trained, proactive, Community Police Officers, to collaborate on various programs for this area... I must surmise that the majority of those living in the area are low-moderate income individuals and families. This will require that our Department provide a much higher level of social/public services e.g. emergency financial, homeless assistance, health care, food, back-to-school fairs and health fairs, etc. This would also require that the Town increase its funding of our not-for-profit partners..." (see "Shirley Taylor-Prakelt/Housing and Community Development" section, pages 10 through 13 of Addendum)
   
8. Parks and Recreation Director, Dennis Andresky says, "In the event the Town annexes in the Broadview area, it is recommended that the operation of the park areas, facilities and recreational programs currently existing remain the responsibility of Broward County. The Towns Parks & Recreation budget is not sufficient to accommodate the operation of the existing park areas/facilities and programs in the Broadview area." (see pages 13 of Addendum)
   
   Although Mr. Andresky does not discuss the amounts at stake, the Town knows that if Davie is forced to maintain and staff the County's current park in Broadview Park, the annual cost will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
   

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Correction (posted 8-2-2006)

Rather than re-write a blOg article already posted, let me offer this correction: Davie does include a small section of business (not residental) property on US 441, North of I-595.

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(Part 1 of 2) Broadview Park Annexation Workshop on Monday, July 31, 2006 at 6:30 P.M.

On Monday July 31, 2006 the Davie Town Council will conduct a workshop at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall to discuss annexation of Broadview Park. This is an important meeting in the process, since the Town Council must discuss whether or not we will take some key steps necessary to finalize the annexation. Davie residents: GET READY FOR HIGHER TAXES AND/OR FEWER SERVICES IF THIS ILL CONCEIVED IDEA GOES THROUGH!

My take on the annexation: Davie needs to slam the brakes on the whole process--the sooner the better.

Frankly, Davie never should should have been in the running for this annexation. Davie was only considered, because some Town leaders expressed interest. From there, the process took off, without any official word from the Town that we would do anything other than study the idea. If those Davie officials had not expressed interest, we would not have been considered, since annexation makes little sense for anyone--not Davie, not Broadview Park, not the Cities of Plantation or Ft. Lauderdale, which are geographically connected to Broadview Park. Davie can be said to touch Broadview Park, only if you jump across the New River Canal and a maze of highways at I-595, US 441 and the Florida Turnpike.

I have to admit, Broadview Park has a lot of nice residents and an interesting history. I did not object to looking at the idea while we were getting all the facts. Now we have as much information as we are likely to get. And it's no secret the facts relating to a potential annexation by Davie, make the concept a terrible idea...

1. According to a 2004 financial impact study by the Town of Davie, the annexation would cost existing Davie Taxpayers millions of dollars in the coming years. The study projects the annexation would cost Davie $400,000.00 more in expenses than revenues in the first year. The situation gets worse as time goes on, costing Davie Residents more than $1.4 million per year by the year 2023. Actually, I think the net losses to the Town of Davie will be much, much worse. Tomorrow I'll post the Town's Addendum to the study, which shows the concerns about the annexation are greater than originally indicated in 2004.
   
2. Broadview Park will create a huge drain on services in a number of areas (see the Addendum in tomorrow's blog), which will result in either a dillution of services (i.e. decrease in services to existing residents) or higher taxes--or both. The third alternative--simply providing substandard services to a newly annexed Broadview Park--is not even an option for me.
   
3. Even if the Town of Davie ultimately agrees to annex Broadview Park, now is not the time to do so. We have been negotiating an "Interlocal Agreement" with Broward County for a potential assumption of government services in Broadview Park. If we are going to accept such a drain on Davie revenues and resources, then we should spend another year in negotiating with the County for the best possible deal. Also, we will save hundreds of thousands of dollars for each year we delay the negative fiscal impact of an annexation.

MORE Tomorrow in Part 2 of this Blog comment.

Photo: Overhead view of Broadview Park, with major streets indicated. Note the red arrow pointing to the spaghetti bowl of interstate highways which separate Broadview Park from Davie. The red cirle shows Broadview Park. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Meeting Set by Florida Department of Transportation to Discuss a Possible Interchange at Stirling Road

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida's Turnpike Enterprise will conduct a Public Information meeting relating to a possible new interchange on August 8, 2006 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Broward County Public Library--Stirling Road Branch, located atStirling Road, in Hollywood, Florida.

According to the official notice, "this meeting will be held to inform interested persons and provide the opportunity to express their views concerning the preliminary design and any social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed new Turnpike interchange at Stirling Road."

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Lakeside Jewelry Exchange Opens in Davie

This afternoon I joined the Davie-Cooper City Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Lakeside Jewelry Exchange in Davie. The Jewelry store is a full service, first class location. The owner has been in the jewelry business for years. In addition to a large inventory, they make custom jewelry pieces and do repairs.

The Lakeside Jewelry Exchange is located on South University Drive, between Griffin Road and Stirling Road, next to Target.

Lakeside Jewelry Exchange -- WELCOME TO DAVIE!

Photo: Mayor Tom Truex (far left) and Chamber of Commerce President Robert Menconi (far right) at the ribbon cutting with the owners of the Lakeside Jewelry Exchange in Davie. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Town of Davie Receives Favorable Bond Rating

Recently I spoke to Davie's Finance Director, Bill Underwood, regarding Davie's bond rating. He followed up with a memo...

It is with great pleasure that I present you with a bond rating for the Town’s two general obligation bonds that exceeds the minimum investment grade for securities of this type. Fitch Rating has analyzed and is providing the issues a rating of “ A ” .

This rating assists the Town in obtaining favorable terms with our bonds, which saves our taxpayers considerable money.

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July 20th is Colombian Independence Day

This evening I joined Weston Mayor Eric Hersh, County Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin, Fabio Andrades, president of The Americas Community Center, and other dignitaries from the US and Colombia in celebrating Colombian Independence Day.

I enjoy events like this, which help me learn more about the culture and history of the people who live in our community...

"The struggle for independence was, as in all Spanish-American possessions, precipitated by the Napoleonic invasion of Spain. The revolution was, however, foreshadowed by the rising of the comuneros. Prominent among the first revolutionary leaders was Antonio Nariño, who took part in the uprising at Bogotá on July 20, 1810. The revolution was to last nine years before the victory of Simón Bolívar at Boyacá (1819) secured the independence of Greater Colombia" (Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/colombia)

Photo: (from left) Fabio Andrade, president of The Americas Community Center (Link to GOOGLE translation) and Mayor Tom Truex at the Colombian Independence Day celebration in Weston. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Search for New Davie Town Administrator Proceeding

The time for applications for the job of Davie Town Administrator has closed. Based on what I have seen, it appears we have a diverse pool of well qualified applicants. The next step is to narrow the field, conduct background checks and prepare for interviews. I anticipate the process to move quickly at this point, although no exact timetable has been set yet.

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Broward County Presents "Efficiency Study"

Last month the Broward County Management and Efficiency Study Committee (MESC) presented its Final Report to the Broward County Commission. I haven't seen a lot of publicity on the report, but I was leaving for vacation as the County Commission was getting the report.

As I would expect from the cast of characters on the MESC (listed in the report linked below), the report looks to be a mixed bag. Although "efficiency" implies conservation of resources, the report includes its share of proposed new taxes! Examples: (1) shifting taxes from other government entities (where will THEY turn for funding?), and new taxes to fund affordable housing; and (2) new taxes to fund mass transit. Constantly going to the taxpayers' cookie jar is not an efficient way to run government--and a tactic I would rarely support.

Some of the other proposals involve fundamental changes in the process of county government approvals of development applications. Apparently designed to streamline the process for developers--I'm not convinced the development process needs streamlining. The days when developer could throw up hundreds of homes at a time on open space are over. With infill projects and redevelopment the new frontier--developers are always looking for shortcuts to reap windfalls by squeezing more development onto the land than our area's ecosystem can support.

I'm sure there are a lot of good ideas packed in the MESC Final Report. If the good ideas can be implemented without taxing us to death or hastening the overcrowding the the County, then I'll say the County Commission may be on to something. A chart summarizing the Final Report is linked as a PDF document. The entire report is a public record, and copies should be available from the Broward County Commission, but I couldn't find a copy on the Broward County web site.

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The Agenda for the July 19, 2006 Davie Town Council Meeting is online.

The Davie Town Council Meets at Davie Town Hall for our regular meeting on July 19, 2006. The Agenda is online.

Note the following items, in which there may be general public interest*:

1. Resolution Relating to Airport Noise in US 441 Corridor. (Agenda Item 3.9).
   
2. Bond Issuance. Relating to 2003 Fire-Rescue Bond (Agenda Item 3.14).
   
3. Bond Issuance. Relating to 2005 Open Space Bond (Agenda Item 3.15).
   
4. Annual Fire Assessment. (Agenda Item 3.17).
   
5. Master Site Plan, Walmart. Located at the Corner of Orange Drive and University Drive. (Agenda Item 4.23).
   
6. Mayor's Appointments. Airport/Transportaion Advisory Board, Agricultural Advisory Board, Parks and Recreational Advisory Board, and Senior Citizen Advisory Board. (Agenda Item 6.1).

*Items on the agenda may be tabled. Links to agenda items are PDF files and require a PDF Reader. This blOg does not constitute an official notice of any sort from the Town of Davie. The Agenda items listed above are a partial list of the Agenda. That is, not every item on the Town Council Agenda is listed. If you want information about any particular agenda item, you should consult the official documents provided by the Town Clerk's office.

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One Day ONLY -- Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling in Davie: Sunday July 16th

There is a one day only hazardous waste and electronics collection in Davie this weekend:


TOWN OF DAVIE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING COLLECTION
(For Broward County Residents — proof of residency requiredj

Pine Island Park, 3801 South Pine Island Road, Davie
Sunday, July 16, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (one day only at this location)

DROP OFF: Paint, Solvents, Pesticides, Household Cleaners, Lawn & Pool Chemicals, Mercury Thermometers, Motor Oil / Auto Bafteries, Rechargeable Battenes, Cell Phones, Propane Tanks, Fire Extinguishers, Televisions, Computers, Monitors, Keyboards, Printers and Fax Machines

DO NOT BRING: Explosives, Biohazardous Waste and Business-Generated Waste.

FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY
1. Keep products in original containers
2. Label products if not in original containers
3. Tightly seal lids
4. Leaking products need to be placed in large plastic containers

Permanent drop-off locations open every Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
2780 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach
5601 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. Hollywood.
5490 Resse Rd. Davie (Limited items accepted. Does not accept electronics.)

For more information, call (954) 765-4999 or (954) 797-1042

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Gambling Problems Increase With New Opportunities To Gamble

Recently I received a newsletter from the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling entitled, SENIOR FOCUS: Concerning Seniors With Gambling Problems. This newsletter reports that the top three problems reported by seniors involve slot machines, cards and lottery games. Having been an attorney practicing in the area of bankruptcy law for more than 20 years, I've witnessed first hand the destruction that a gambling addiction can cause to a family. The cases I've witnessed sometimes involved people you'd never guess would fall victim to such an addiction.

Florida has a larger proportion of residents over the age of 50 and a higher percentage of persons who are widowed, in comparison to other states. Further, according to an [Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling] statewide gambling prevalence study among older adults, more than 650,000 older adults in Florida report having a problem due to gambling. In fact, a growing percentage of Florida's older adult and retired community are developing serious gambling problems. And they are doing so at a time in their lives when recouping financial losses can be very difficult, if not impossible. Presently, the opportunities for older adults to gamble are virtually endless and those who aren't able to go out to gamble still have access via a computer and the Internet. (Source: Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling).

My Prediction: easily available new slot machines will create a trail of misery for many of Broward County's Senior Citizens. The cost of such addictions will far outpace any monetary benefit to the community.

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Davie Celebrates July 4th With Our Annual Party at Pine Island Park.

Last week, Councilwoman Susan Starkey and Councilman Brian Caletka joined me at the Independence Day Celebration at Pine Island Park in Davie. We welcomed the crowd and cut "America's Birthday Cake"--a Davie Tradition.

Photo: Mayor Tom Truex Greeting Residents at Davie's Fourth of July Celebration. [*click* photo to enlarge]

Video Clip: Davie Celebrates July 4th at Pine Island Park. Mayor Tom Truex Demonstrates That It's Possible to Cut Your Cake and Eat It Too. [*click* camcorder icon at left for a 57 second video clip ( 1.54 MB in WMV format). Broadband connection is hightly recommended. A media player such as the Windows Media Player or WINAMP is also required.]

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Teen Challenge Has Community Outreach and Independence Day Celebration in Potter Park.

This morning I greeted the volunteers and residents at the beginning of the Teen Challenge community outreach and Independence Day celebration at Potter Park in Davie. Teen Challenge and several supporting churches provided free food and drinks, a bounce house and games for the kids. They also had a number of skits and music at the location.

Happy Birthday America!

Photo: Mayor Tom Truex (left) and Pastor Ricky Fernandez, of Davie's Teen Challenge. (right). The Mayor's Wife, Janet, and daughter between them. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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The Agenda for the July 05, 2006 Davie Town Council Meeting is online.

The Davie Town Council Meets at Davie Town Hall for our regular meeting on July 05, 2006. The Agenda is online.

Note the following items, in which there may be general public interest*:

1. Downtown Master Plan. (Agenda Item 4.9).
   
2. Resolution: Approval of Capital Budget for Fiscal Years 2007-2011. (Agenda Item 6.2).
   
3. Mayor's Appointments to Town Boards. I have the following appointments open. If you are interested in serving on any of these Town Boards, please contact me at 954-797-1030: Airport Transportation Advisory Board, Agricultural Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and Senior Citizen Advisory Committee. (Agenda Item 7.1).

*Items on the agenda may be tabled. Links to agenda items are PDF files and require a PDF Reader. This blOg does not constitute an official notice of any sort from the Town of Davie. The Agenda items listed above are a partial list of the Agenda. That is, not every item on the Town Council Agenda is listed. If you want information about any particular agenda item, you should consult the official documents provided by the Town Clerk's office.

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