Town Manager’s Message
TOWN OF
SURFSIDE
GAZETTE
September is budget month for local government. The Town Commission has held three meetings on the proposed FY 13/14 budget. A primary objective of the new budget is to continue to provide the quality municipal services that you, the resident, have come to expect from the Town. The proposed budget accomplishes this objective and provides enhancements to services. Most notably, a new police officer position has been added and will be assigned as a Neighborhood Resource Officer (NRO). The NRO duties will include providing crime deterrent services and programs to the residents through proactive patrol and outreach initiatives. Also, the NRO will work with residents to minimize concerns and negative perceptions associated with crime through a working partnership between the police and the community. Additional features/enhancements of the proposed budget include: • Purchase of combination backhoe/front end loader for Public Works and utilities which will eliminate the strenuous and time consuming work currently performed by hand; • Vacuum truck contractual services to regularly clean new storm drains and inlets; • Funding to begin the conceptual planning and design of several community improvements including a second floor for the Community Center and renovation of the 96th Street Park. The Commission has also allocated funding for grant writing services to help fund these types of improvements thus reducing the cost to the Town; • Upgrades to Channel 77. Currently, the system is extremely limited in its capability. Improvements will include automated display of real time news/ weather; emergency alerts; Town calendars and announcements; improved text-based labels for Town meetings and events; and provide multiple user access for content creation and updating. (Note: the budget includes funding for live video streaming of Commission meetings on computer/ tablet/smartphone as 41% of our residents do not have access to Channel 77). • Budget retains the existing water and sewer rates for FY 13/14. Of particular interest in any municipal budget is the proposed millage rate. All property owners received a notice of proposed taxes in late August from the Property Appraiser’s Office. The Town’s proposed rate is 5.3 mills which is the Continued on Page 6
Teens Complete Police Summer Camp
Pictured with their counselors and police officials, youths who completed the 2013 Annual Surfside Police Teen Summer Camp show off their certificates. The teens enjoyed field trips, learning how to do mock patrol stops and to process fingerprints. Congratulations!
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Surfside Gazette
• SEPTEMBER 2013
A Whole Lot of Latte!
It Happens
ON HARDING AVE
Starbucks Opens on Harding
Business is perking up on Harding Avenue with a Starbucks now serving its famous coffee and treats. A friends and neighbors party was held on August 11 to celebrate the opening of the completely refurbished facility that can be accessed from Harding or the parking lot. The store has both indoor and outside seating. Surfsiders enjoyed free samples at the sneak preview and the store was open for business At the new Starbucks are (L-R) Vice Mayor Michael Karukin, on August 12. Business Association President and former Mayor Eli Tourgeman, Commissioner Michelle Kligman, store Manager Holly Hegman and Town Manager Michael Crotty.
Closing of Best Western Hotel Marks End of an Era Like an old friend, the Rodney Hotel is going to be missed. Known more recently as the Best Western, the property at the corner of 94th Street and Collins has played an important role in Surfside for more than 60 years. It was the last of an era. Surfside was once famous for its trademark mom and pop hotels that lured a generation of tourists from the northeast U.S. Most returned year after year for extended stays to the affordable, family friendly properties that crowded Surfside. After owning the Hilliard Motel at 9541 Collins, the Edelstien family bought the 33-unit Rodney in 1952. During the next 20 years, the family added 100-foot parcels on the north and south of the Rodney until they had more than 300 feet of oceanfront. They constructed a pool and a three-story addition until they had nearly 100 units. All were either large efficiencies or one bedroom apartments. “Most of our guests came every year and stayed all winter,” said Chuck Edelstein, whose parents bought the original Rodney. Chuck owned and managed the property with his late brother Bernard. “Hotels like ours were like second homes to thousands of tourists.” However, the tourists loved Surfside so much that many began to move permanently to the area once the new condominiums came into fashion. “Many of the current residents of Surfside were introduced to the Town by vacationing in our hotel,” Chuck said. Although the Edelstiens lost a lot of the New York tourists, they were quickly
Surfside Gazette
replaced – first by Europeans and then by South Americans who became dedicated return customers. It was during this period that the hotel joined the Best Western brand. Over the years, the family was often approached by developers wanting to purchase the prime oceanfront property. “We wanted to keep it in the family,” said Chuck, who is now 77 and also owned and managed the Lido Spa on Venetian Island. “But recently my sons decided they no longer wanted to stay in the business. So we decided to sell.” Not surprisingly, luxury condominiums are planned for the site. Chuck, who used to take breaks from work by taking a refreshing afternoon swim in the ocean, said, “We are really going to miss it.” And so will Surfside.
New Restaurant on Harding Avenue Harvest Moon Bistro has arrived in Surfside at the former Bal Harbour Juice, 9427 Harding Avenue. At the helm are Soren Bredahl and Perry Margolis. Soren has previously owned Food Among the Flowers and Two Chefs. Perry has owned Harvest Moon Bistro in Miami Springs. They are serving fresh, light and healthy food, including natural juices and fresh fruit smoothies. Lunch and dinner are served Monday– Saturday and breakfast and extended dinner hours are planned for the winter season. • SEPTEMBER 2013
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Register Now For the 12th Surfside Citizens Police Academy Registration is now in progress for the 12th Surfside Citizens Police Academy. The popular Academy will be held every Tuesday, beginning September 3 through November 19, 2013, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Town Hall. The 12-class Academy will include topics on patrol procedures, fire rescue, aviation patrol, K-9 unity, crime scene investigations, marine patrol, driving range, firearms range, SWAT, homicide investigation, judicial process/Florida court system and the final graduation event. For registration and further information, please contact Dina Goldstein at (305) 861-4862.
JOINT MEETING ON ZONING PLANNED
Zoning Feedback Form Available on Website
We need your input! Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the Surfside Zoning Code. The information provided will be presented and discussed at a special joint meeting of the Town Commission and the Planning and Zoning Board that will be held at a future date. To facilitate an efficient means of collecting residents’ opinions, an easy-to-use Zoning Code Feedback form is available on the Town website (www.townofsurfsidefl. gov). The form includes instructions on how to find the zoning code online and fill out the form. Click on Resident Feedback on Surfside’s Zoning Code under Town News. For those without internet access contact Town Clerk Sandra Novoa (305-861-4863 ext. 226). The date of the joint meeting has not been finalized. Look for information on the website or contact Town Hall at (305) 861-4863.
Residents Sought for Committee Openings
The Town of Surfside is seeking residents interested in serving on the following committees: • Personnel Appeals Board • Parks and Recreation Committee • IT Committee • Charter Review Board Committee Anyone interested in serving, please contact Town Clerk Sandra Novoa at 305-861-4863 ext. 226 or visit the Town’s website for more information at www. townofsurfsidefl.gov. Search under Town Clerk Links then “Town Boards and Committees.”
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TOWN CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2013 Mon 2 Labor Day - Town Offices Closed Tue 3 Endlessly Organic Produce 3 -5 pm, Community Center Tue 3 Citizen’s Police Academy begins, 6 pm, Town Hall Wed 4 Dept. of Motor Vehicles, 9:30 am - 3 pm, Town Hall Mon 9 Meeting on Mast Academy at FIU, 9:30 am, Town Hall Mon 9 Street Sweeping - Keep your curb clear! Mon 9 First Budget Hearing, 7 pm, Town Hall Tue 10 Tourist Board Meeting, 5:30pm, Town Hall Mon 16 Parks & Recreation Meeting, 7 pm Tue 17 Endlessly Organic Produce 3 -5 pm, Community Center Tue 17 Regular Town Commission Meeting, 7 pm Mon 23 Street Sweeping - Keep your curb clear! Thur 26 Second Budget Hearing, 6:15 pm, Town Hall Thur 26 Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting at 7 pm OCTOBER 2013 Tue 1 Endlessly Organic Produce 3 -5 pm, Community Center Mon 7 Tourist Board Meeting, 5:30pm, Town Hall Mon 7 Street Sweeping - Keep your curb clear! Sun 13 Senior Trip to Stage Door Theater, bus leaves 12 noon Tue 15 Endlessly Organic Produce 3 -5 pm, Community Center Tue 15 Regular Town Commission Meeting, 7 pm Wed 16 AARP Driver Safety Class, 11 am - 5 p.m. Mon 21 Street Sweeping - Keep your curb clear! Mon 21 Parks & Recreation Meeting, 7 pm Sat 26 Halloween Spooktacular, 96th St., Park 6-9 pm Mon 28 Downtown Vision Committee, 7 pm, Town Hall Tue 29 Endlessly Organic Produce 3 -5 pm, Community Center
65-Year Resident Dies at 104
In 1948, native New Yorkers Minna and Edward Benson and their two children, Luba and Samuel, moved into their brand new home in the growing community of Surfside. Sixty-five years later, Minna passed away at age 104, still living in the same home. In the intervening years, Minna raised her extended family, worked at various careers and led a full and remarkable life. She worked for Mt. Sinai Hospital, Washington Mutual Bank and for Miami-Dade County Schools – retiring at age 87! Minna enjoyed the arts, particularly opera and symphony concerts. She also stayed involved in current events, following the news on a daily basis. She is survived by her daughter, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She will also be remembered as a Surfside pioneer, her life spanning the history of our Town. • SEPTEMBER 2013
Julia Magnani: Being Involved is a Way of Life From civic engagement to fund raising to heading up the PTA, “getting involved” is in Julia Magnini’s genetic make-up. A 10-year resident of Surfside, Julia has developed a reputation as a dedicated volunteer for a variety of causes and organizations. While living in her native Atlanta, she met her future husband Massimo Magnani, who was working toward his MBA at Emory University. Massimo had previously lived in South Florida and after they were married, they moved to Surfside. While interacting with Town Hall regarding a fence, she decided to start attending Commission meetings, helped to start a civic association and began writing and printing her own newsletter that reviewed Town activities. Former Vice Mayor Marc Imberman encouraged her to take on the task of the annual holiday fund for Town employees. She agreed and continues coordinating the project. It includes sending out thousands of letters to raise money for Town employees. “Every year we raise thousands of dollars so the employees can have a bonus at the end of the year,” Julia said. When her two daughters (Alexa and Sasha) entered Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center, Julia jumped in head
Paws Up Park a Hit!
Please Follow Park Rules
Surfside’s new Paws Up Park has received rave reviews from both residents and their pets. All those visiting the park must remember to follow the posted rules and show respect for the park and other visitors. Users are also asked to mention the park rules to those who are not aware of issues of safety and cleanliness, such as: • Some dog owners not picking up after their dogs. Waste presents a huge problem for dog owners who enjoy walking freely in the park and sitting on the benches. Gently remind dog owners who are unaware or not picking up after their dog. • For safey and courtesy, please follow the limit of two dogs per resident allowed in the park. • Parents of toddlers and young children should be careful when entering the dog park. The space is primarily for dogs and parents must act in the interest of children’s safety. Residents should check the Town website for information on an upcoming seminar on dog park etiquette, safety and training. Thank you for your support and assistance.
Surfside Gazette
SURFSIDE STARS RESIDENTS OF NOTE
first, becoming the President of the influential PTA. “To be honest, there are a lot of wheels that make the PTA move forward,” she said. “I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but have been fortunate to work with some great people. I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime.” The main project Julia and the PTA have taken on is to Julia Magnani volunteers at successfully raise hundreds a neighborhood Halloween of thousands of dollars to event upgrade two playgrounds at the school. The new equipment will be installed in the next 60 days. They are continuing to raise funds for a new field and running track. Much of the donations came from developers in Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands and Bal Harbour. Not surprisingly, she is encouraging all to make a tax-deductible donation to the school. Contact her at juliam25@bellsouth.net or (305) 610-1876. Julia, a graduate of Georgia State University, recently received her real estate license and is working at M. Kotler Realtors in Surfside. “Giving back to my community has been very fulfilling,” she said.
Register Your Dog With Surfside PD
The Surfside Police Department has started a dog registration program to help protect residents’ pets. When a lost dog is found in the neighborhood, the Police Department can check the list of registered dogs to help reunite the pet with its owners. Residents should provide with their contact information, a color photo of their dog and list specific information, such as if the dog has a chip or is tattooed. If a resident has more than one dog, please complete a separate form for each pet. There is no charge for this service and registration forms are available in the Police Communications area of Town Hall. • SEPTEMBER 2013
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Department of Motor Vehicles Coming to Surfside
Register Your Bike With Surfside PD
Surfside residents are encouraged to register their bicycles with the Police Department as part of a program that will aid in the recovery of lost, stolen or recovered bicycles. Registration forms are available on the Town website and in the dispatch center at Town Hall. For further information please contact the Police Department at 305-861-4862.
Surfside to Host Meeting on MAST Academy at FIU
On Monday, September 9th at 9:30 am, Surfside and the Miami-Dade County School District will host an informational meeting at Town Hall regarding the establishment of a permanent MAST Academy in Environmental Sciences at Florida International University (FIU), located at 3000 NE 151 Street in North Miami. The meeting will take place in the Commission Chambers. The MAST Academy at FIU is modeled on the successful MAST Academy located on Virginia Key, a magnet school specializing in maritime studies. The original MAST Academy has has three times been ranked among Newsweek’s Top 100 High Schools in America. The Miami-Dade County School District is now seeking to develop a permanent MAST Academy campus at FIU. Representatives from Miami-Dade County Public Schools and FIU will provide an overview of the new choice program. Additional community meetings will be held in coming months and announced in the Gazette, the Town Website and Channel 77.
Subscribe to Town News We are now at 182 subscribers! Who will be the lucky number 200? Subscribe today for Town Notices. The 200th person will win a $50 gift card. It’s easy. Just go to the home page – www.townofsurfsidefl.gov – and click on “Subscribe to News” on the left-hand side. You will be informed every time new information is added. For more information contact Linda Jain, Web and Special Projects Coordinator at ljain@townofsurfsidefl.gov.
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Surfside Gazette
Community Outreach Specialists from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be setting up a mobile DMV at Town Hall on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 from 9:30 am to 3 pm in the 2nd floor Police Training Room. Below are the fees for services. See the website for indentification documentation that is required. For further information, contact Dina Goldstein at (305) 861-4862 or dgoldstein@townofsurfsidefl.gov.
DRIVER LICENSE FEES Fee Type Fee Original/ Renewal Class E (Includes Learner’s License) $48 Original/ Renewal Commercial Driver’s License $75 Replacement License $25 Identification Cards (Original, Renewal &Replacement) $25 Delinquent Fee $15 Endorsements $7/each D6 Suspension-DHSMV $60 Disqualifications $75 Child Support $60 Administrative fee for alcohol & drug related offenses $130 Revocations (additional fee required if alcohol/drug related) $75 Suspensions(additional fee required if alcohol/drug related) $45 Cash, check, money orders, Mastercard, Discover Card and American Express are accepted. No VISA cards accepted. Credits Cards are subject to a $1.50 surcharge.
Art Talk on the Impressionists at the Shul The Impressionists paintings will be the topic of the Senior’s Life Education monthly lecture series on Monday, September 30 at noon at The Shul of Bal Harbour, 9540 Collins Avenue. The event is sponsored by Jewish Community Services (JCS) Alliance and the Laura Sheridan Raiffe organization’s Co-Chair Laura Sheridan Raiffe will give an Art Talk on The Impressionists: The Light, the Fame and the Hidden Gems. Ms. Raiffe, founder of LASR Art, will discuss the Impressionist movement and iconic artists who defined the period. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The monthly lecture series is sponsored by JCS’s Surf Bal Bay Club, an innovative program approved by Surfside, Bal Harbour and Bay Harbor Islands bringing all the amenities available at the finest retirement communities directly to the home of the retiree. For more information call 305-403-6515 or visit www.sbbclub.org
• SEPTEMBER 2013
Manager’s Message on the 2013-14 Budget same rate as last year. Under Florida law, this millage rate can be reduced at the September budget hearings but cannot be increased unless extensive public notice and mailings to each property occurs. During their review of the Staff’s proposed budget, the Commission reduced or eliminated proposed expenditures in excess of $100,000. The Commission has indicated its intention to explore options to reduce the millage based on the reductions authorized to date. The budget public hearings are scheduled for September 9 at 7 pm and September 26 at 6:15 pm in the Commission Chambers. The proposed budget is listed under Town News on the website: www.townofsurfsidefl.gov Concurrent with preparing the proposed budget, the Town’s 2011 Financial Forecast Plan was updated. The proposed budget provides analysis on the updating of the Town’s 2011 Five Year Financial Forecast. The original 2011 Five Year Financial Forecast presented financial trends through 2016. When this forecast was prepared, the number of development projects, type of projects and financial impacts were not specifically known and this 2011 forecast provided a less than bright financial picture. For example, the 2011 forecast projected that without the benefits associated with quality, balanced infill development (primarily along Collins Avenue), by 2016, the percentage of Town property taxes paid by residential property owners would be 92%, up from about 90% in 2011. Further, if no development/infill occurred and the Town chose not to use reserves to fund services and balance the budget, the Town’s millage rate was forecasted to be 9.0 mills in 2016. It is clear from reviewing Town documents that, following receipt of the 2011 Five Year Financial Forecast, the Commission established the goal of reducing the residential tax burden and having quality development projects for the infill lots along Collins Avenue. Fast forward to 2013, and with quality developments approved, the Town’s financial future is sound. Since 2011, quality development/ infill projects have been approved including the
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Chateau Ocean, Surf Club, Marriott (92nd Street), Grand Beach and 95 on The Ocean. The developments are projected to be completed by FY 16/17. The update of the 2011 Financial Forecast indicates that the goal of reducing the tax burden on residents will be achieved in the next few years. Again, the original 2011 Five year Financial Forecast projected that if the status quo remained, the percentage of property taxes paid by residents could reach 92% by 2016. The updated Five Year Financial Forecast projects that the distribution of property tax paid by residents will decrease to approximately 55% in FY 17/18 with commercial paying 45%. The table below illustrates this point. However, the Town Commission and Staff did not rely solely on the anticipated growth revenue from new/projected development several years down the road as the only avenue to improve the Town’s financial condition. Through sound fiscal policies, significant progress has been achieved. For example, from September 30, 2010 through September 30, 2012, the General Fund’s fund balance (reserves) increased to $5,266,374 from $3,163,038 – an increase of 66% (+2,103,336). At the same time, the millage rate was reduced by the Commission from 5.5 to 5.3 mills. More information on the Five Year Financial Forecast is contained in the budget document including projections on additional revenues to be received in property, utility and resort taxes on the new developments. The Town’s financial future is indeed bright. Hope to see you at the budget hearings and around town! - Michael Crotty
• SEPTEMBER 2013
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Surfside Flood Information
Because Town of Surfisde is a coastal community that lies entirely in a floodplain, the Town is required to have floodplain management ordinances. These ordinances, which were adopted in 1993 and updated in 2009, allow the Town to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Local Flood Hazard It is imperative that you know what to do to minimize flood damage. Storm surge may flood the entire Town. Any storm surges experienced here will most likely be as a result of a hurricane or tropical storm.
Town Flood Services
To assist residents in understanding the National Flood Insurance Program and the effects on construction, remodeling and maintaining buildings, the Town offers: a flood elevation map, consultations on the FEMA 50% rule, site specific elevations for mechanical equipment, elevation certificates, general information and brochures. Additionally, Staff will visit properties upon request to review its flood problem and explain ways to stop flooding or prevent flood damage. You may contact the Town’s Building Department at (305) 861-4863, Ext. 231
Drainage System Maintenance A serious risk to the safety of residents is the blockage of catch basins by debris which prevents proper drainage of storm water. The Town sweeps the streets twice a month and monitors all catch basins after each storm event. As a resident you can help by not placing lawn cuttings or any other debris out by the curbside on the weekend. This is a violation of the Town Code. If you see or know of anyone illegally dumping materials/debris into any catch basins within the Town, please contact Town Hall.
Flood Safety
• Do not walk through flowing water! Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. • Do not drive through a flooded area! More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires! The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Immediately report downed power lines to Florida Power & Light (FPL) or to the Town’s Police Department. • Have your electricity turned off by FPL! Some appliances such, as television sets, keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have been wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.
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• Look out for animals, especially snakes! Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. • Look before you step! After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery. •Be alert for gas leaks! Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames until the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.
Flood Warning System
In cases where flooding might occur during emergency situations, local radio and television stations will provide critical information as part of the Emergency Broadcast System. Emergency information and evacuation routes are available through the MiamiDade County Office of Emergency Management 305-468-5400. In the event of a hurricane, all residents are required to evacuate when ordered by the Mayor of Miami-Dade County. Each resident should make plans well in advance of the emergency. Public emergency shelters should be your last resort. Other sources of information are: DERM: 305-375-3376; FEMA: 404-853-4408; South Florida Water Management: 407-687-6966; State NFIP Coordinator: 904-487-4915. Detailed information concerning flood preparedness and insurance is available at: MiamiDade County Library, Sunny Isles Beach Branch in the Reference Section • 18070 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160, 305682-0726.
Flood Proofing
The term “flood proofing” means physical alterations to your building that improve the ability of property and structures to withstand the damages caused by flooding. Information on this is available at Town Hall, the Miami Dade County Office of Emergency Management and at the local library. You must take action now to minimize losses to your property and possessions. Dry flood proofing includes sealing or waterproofing with special materials and compounds which provide a chemical or physical barrier against water intrusion during times of flooding. Information on this can also be found in the reference section at the local library.
Flood Insurance
Always carry flood insurance! Regular homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood losses, but during the life of an average mortgage, residents have a 26% chance of experiencing a major flood disaster during the life of a 30 year mortgage. Flood insurance through the NFIP is available by contacting a licensed property and casualty insurance broker. Limits to coverage are $250,000 for residential structures and $500,000 for commercial structures. If you are currently covered, double-check that the building coverage is adequate and make sure you have contents insurance. Contents insurance can also be purchased with a separate premium under the same policy. Limits to contents coverage are $100,000 for residential and $500,000 for non-residential. Please note: when purchasing flood insurance, there is a 30-day waiting period before the policy takes effect, so plan ahead!
• SEPTEMBER 2013
Glad You’ve Asked
From time to time, a Glad You’ve Asked article will be featured. Actual questions or requests from residents or businesses which address a topic of general interest will appear with the Town response. In August we received: QUESTION: A neighbor told me that she was informed by police that there have been many break-ins in my part of Surfside. I have not received any recent community advisory or warning. Please assist me and others to receive any necessary information. RESPONSE: In July, Surfside had one house burglary and one auto burglary. The house burglary was targeted by someone who knew the residents and no property was taken. The auto burglary was a car left unlocked, change and sunglasses were taken. Neither crime occurred near your home. The bi-annual Florida Department of Law Enforcement Uniform Crime Reports were recently completed. Surfside had a total of 69 crimes; 64 property and 5 violent crimes from January to June 2013. January to June 2012, Surfside had a total of 82 crimes; 74 property and 8 violent crimes. Most of the property crimes are thefts and the violent crimes are assaults. January to June 2013, Surfside Officers made 89 arrests; January to June 2012, Officers made 76 arrests. Residential burglaries, auto burglaries, and bike thefts decreased from 2012 to 2013 for the same six month period. Overall crime also decreased from 2011 to 2012. The crime statistics are posted on the website each month. When we experience a crime problem, the community is immediately alerted through the Town website, distribution of flyers, email transmittals, electronic sign display, community meetings and a Code Red Alert. Residents are encouraged to contact the Police Department, attend crime prevention meetings, participate in Bike with the Chief and the Citizens Police Academy every September or request a security assessment for your home. This information is also posted on the Town website. I hope this has been helpful. - Chief David Allen, 305-861-4862. QUESTION: Why is there such a long delay for vehicles to turn left onto Collins from 93rd Street, across from the Community Center? RESPONSE: Staff recently met with a Miami-Dade County Engineer to discuss delay concerns associated with the 93rd and Collins traffic signal. The operation of the traffic light prior to the resurfacing of Collins and the operation of the light after the repaving of Collins has changed. Prior to the repaving: The 93rd and Collins signal operated based on a preset cycling schedule. This means that even if there were no vehicles on 93rd desiring to turn left on Collins, the light would cycle on its normal schedule. During this time, there was a sign posted, accompanied by a white stop bar painted on the blacktop on 93rd, just west
Surfside Gazette
of the driveway entrance into the Town’s public pay lot asking drivers to stop before this driveway entrance so that it would not be blocked. Drivers are still observed stopping west of the driveway entrance to wait for the light to turn. After Collins repaving: Following the repaving of Collins, FDOT made this light at 93rd and Collins an “on demand” light by installing a sensor/loop at the stop bar (which is now east of the driveway entrance to the Town’s public pay lot) which is activated by stopping near the stop bar. If a driver does not pull up near the new stop bar, the light will not cycle to allow the driver on 93rd to make a left turn onto Collins. In other words, the light will remain on red for drivers on 93rd until the loop/sensor is activated. The only other way that the light cycles is if someone pushes the pedestrian signal to cross Collins. In our discussions with the Miami-Dade County Engineer, the Town will be seeking authorization to install a sign notifying drivers to pull up to the cross bar. QUESTION: How do I go about getting natural gas service for my residence? RESPONSE: Natural Gas Service is available from TECO Peoples Gas. Here are few steps to get you started. If you’d like to have natural gas service provided to your home or business call TECO Peoples Gas at (877) 8326747. A customer service representative will ask a few basic questions to start the process and you’ll need a list of the appliances that you are going to use. The customer service representative will then send you a worksheet for you fill out. This worksheet helps provide the necessary information to open an account for you. Return the filled out worksheet and once that’s been accomplished, TECO Peoples gas will engineer the required work to provide you with service. This customarily takes about six weeks. They will then apply for a permit to do the work which should be obtained in about a week. The next step is the installation of the gas service which usually takes about three to four days. The final step includes the installation of the gas meter, hook-up to the house line and final inspection of the work. It may seem a little complicated but given the amount of work required and also considering the safety measures that are adhered to keep everyone involved in the process out of harms way, it’s well worth it. One final note of good news is that the first 150 lineal feet of gas service line is free of charge, measured from the main line to the meter. Natural gas is a clean and safe alternative to electricity and the Town of Surfside is happy to partner with TECO Peoples Gas to provide this service. Please feel free to contact TECO Peoples Gas at 1-877-8326747or Ross Prieto, Town of Surfside, 305-861-4863 with any questions about your natural gas service. • SEPTEMBER 2013
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Surfside Resident Finds ‘New Family’ at Surf•Bal•Bay Yafa, age 84, has lived in the same apartment in Surfside for the past 23 years, surrounded by all the comforts of home. As a widow with three children – none of whom live in Florida – she is increasingly in need of help due to health problems that often end in hospital stays. That’s why Yafa attended the introductory meeting for the Surf•Bal•Bay Club when it was held last November at the Surfside Community Center. “Once I found out about all that the Club was offering – including transportation at no cost and a free personal emergency response button – I signed up the same day,” Yafa said. “I couldn’t be happier with their services – it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” A fiercely independent woman, Yafa especially enjoys the responsiveness and personal attention she receives from Marli Lutz, Program Director of the Surf•Bal•Bay Club, who acts as a Services Coordinator to make sure Yafa has everything she needs. “Marli is always there for me. She’s brought me groceries, arranged for me to get home from the hospital when I was ill recently, and calls regularly to make sure I’m all right,” Yafa said. “It’s like I’ve found a new family, just by joining the Club.” Jewish Community Services, a trusted and wellestablished resource for older adults in South Florida
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for over 90 years, created the Surf•Bal•Bay Club to bring all the services available at the finest independent living communities directly to the homes of seniors in Surfside, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach and Aventura. Yafa can take advantage of amenities which include home care assistance, if necessary, and personal aides who can accompany her to appointments or outings, cook meals and run errands; excursions to cultural events, exercise classes, lectures and social get-togethers; and much more. Membership rates start at less than $42 per month when paying annually and monthly payment options are also available. To find out how Yafa’s life has been enhanced by the Surf•Bal•Bay Club and how yours can be too, please call (305) 403-6515 or visit www.sbbclub.org.
• SEPTEMBER 2013
Parks & Recreation FALL 21013 - Session 1 CLASS Gymnastics, age 3-5 Gymnastics, age 3-5 Gymnastics, age 6-12 Tutoring, for 3-4 grades Tots Kidokinetics, age 2-4 Ballet, age 8-10 Teen Scene, age 12-15 Soccer, age 4-5 coed Soccer, age 6-8 coed Soccer, age 9-12 coed Tutoring, for 1-2 grades Tutoring, for 5-6 grades Gymnastics, age 3-5 Gymnastics, age 3-5 Gymnastics, age 6-13 Pre-School ballet, age 3-5 Pre-school ballet, age 5-7 Kidokinetics, age 3-5
CLASS
Surf’s Up in Surfside Swim team, age 6-15 Swim team, age 6-15 Adult Learn to swim Learn to swim, age 3-5 Learn to swim, age 3-5 Learn to swim, age 3-5 Learn to swim, age 3-5 Learn to swim, age 3-5 Learn to swim, age 6-14 Learn to swim, age 6-14 Learn to swim, age 6-14 Learn to swim, age 6-14 Aqua Zumba Aqua Zumba Aqua Kids Water Fitness Aqua Kids Water Fitness
DAY Monday Monday Monday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tues & Thurs Tues & Thurs Tues & Thurs Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday
DAY
Sunday Mon & Wed Tue & Thur Tue & Thur Mon & Wed Sat & Sun Tue & Thur Tue & Thur Sat & Sun Sat & Sun Tue & Thur Tue & Thur Sat & Sun Thursdays Thursdays Monday Wednesday
DATES & TERM 9/9/13-10/21/13 9/9/13-10/21/13 9/9/13-10/21/13 9/9/13-10/21/13 9/3/13-10/22/13 9/3/13-10/22/13 9/3/13-10/22/13 9/24/13-12/12/13 9/24/13-12/12/13 9/24/13-12/12/13 9/11/13-10/23/13 9/11/13-10/23/13 9/11/13-10/23/13 9/11/13-10/23/13 9/11/13-10/23/13 9/12/13-10/24/13 9/12/13-10/24/13 9/12/13-10/24/13
HOURS 4:30-5:25 p.m. 5:30-6:25 p.m. 5:30-6:25 p.m. 4:30 -6 p.m. 9:15 -10 a.m. 5:45-6:40 p.m. 6-7 p.m. 4-5 p.m. 5-6 p.m. 6-7 p.m. 4:30 -5:30 p.m. 5:45 -7:15 p.m. 4 -4:55 p.m. 5 -5:55 p.m. 5 -5:55 p.m. 3:30-4:15 p.m. 4:20-5:05 p.m. 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Fee (per person) $70 residents/$105 non $70 residents/$105 non $70 residents/$105 non $30 residents/$45 non $80 residents/$120 non $70 residents/$105 non FREE $140 residents/$210 non $140 residents/$210 non $140 residents/$210 non $30 residents/$45 non $30 residents/$45 non $70 residents/$105 non $70 residents/$105 non $70 residents/$105 non $70 residents/$105 non $70 residents/$105 non $70 residents/$105 non
Aquatic Programs DATES
8/18/13-9/8/13 9/16/13-11/18/13 9/17/13-11/14/13 9/17/13-10/10/13 9/9/13-10/2/13 9/21/13-10/13/13 9/24/13-10/13/13 10/22/13-11/6/13 10/26/13-11/17/13 9/21/13-10/13/13 9/24/13-10/9/13 10/22/13-11/6/13 9/26/13-11/17/13 8/20/13-10/8/13 8/22/13-10/10/13 9/16/13-11/4/13 9/11/13-10/30/13
HOURS
Fee (per person)
Fee Per Class No class $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non no drop in fee $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non FREE No drop in fee 10/31,11/26,11/28 No drop in fee 10/31,11/26,11/28 No drop in fee 10/31,11/26,11/28 no drop in fee no drop in fee $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non
No class
10-11:30 am $100 res/non $150 5:30-6:30 p.m. $133 Resident/non $199 11/11 5:30-6:30 p.m. $133 Resident/non $199 5:45 -6:15 p.m. $68 Resident/non $118 9:30-10 am Resident $68/Non-Resident $100 9:30-10 am Resident $68/Non-Resident $100 9:30-10 am Resident $68/Non-Resident $100 4-4:30 pm Resident $68/Non-Resident $100 4:20-4:50 pm Resident $68/Non-Resident $100 10:10-10:40 am Resident $68/Non-Resident $100 4:40-5:10 pm Resident $68/Non-Resident $100 4:20-4:50 pm Resident $68/Non-Resident $100 10:10-10:40 am Resident $68/Non-Resident $100 8:45-9:30 a.m. Active adults Res $47/non $90, Senior res $30/non $60 8:45-9:30 a.m. Active adults Res $47/non $90, Senior res $30/non $60 9/5, 9/19 5:30 pm-6:15 pm Resident $68/Non-Resident $100 6:30 pm-7:15 pm Resident $68/Non-Resident $100
Red Cross Classes CLASS
DAY
DATES
CPR/AED for Professionals Saturday 10/19/13 Adult CPR/AED Saturday 10/19/13 Adult First Aid CPR/AED Saturday 10/19/13 Adult/Pediatric First Aid CPR/AED Saturday 10/19/13
HOURS
9 am-11:30 am 2 pm-3:20 pm 2 pm-3:40 pm 2 pm-4 pm
Surfside Gazette
Fee (per person)
$110 per person $70 per person $90 per person $110 per person
• SEPTEMBER 2013
10
Empty Hotel A Site for Police Training The Surfside Police Department took advantage of the soon-to-be-demolished Best Western Hotel on Collins to conduct training exercises that included officers from neighboring cities. Using the empty structure as a classroom, the exercises included room clearing, use of breecher tools, active shooter scenarios and gas mask exercises.
Adult/Junior Tennis Adult doubles Women’s Doubles
Monday Saturday
Junior Tennis & Fitness Tue & Thur
Sept. 2, 9, 23, 30 7:30-10:30 p.m. Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 6-8 p.m.
Intermediate - advanced Beginner - advanced/must reserve
$10 per person includes balls $10 per person includes balls
Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Beginner /must reserve/ages 5-8
$15
Parks & Recreation Adult/seniors Programs CLASS
DAY
DATES
HOURS
Zumba Gold Zumba Yoga Pilates Zumba Senior Social Senior Trip
Fee (per person)
Monday 9/9/13-10/21/13 10-11 a.m. Monday 9/9/13-10/21/13 7:15-8:15 p.m. Wednesday 9/11/13-10/23/13 7-8 p.m. Thursday 9/12/13-10/24/13 7 -8 p.m. Friday 9/6/13-10/25/13 9-10 a.m. Mon & Wed 9/9/13-10/23/13 10 a.m.-12 noon Sunday 10/13/13 12 noon - 6 pm Moon Over Buffalo, Stage Door Theater, Miami Beach Driver’s Class Wednesday 10/16/13 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sr. Trip - Hard Rock Casino Wed 11/13/13 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$70 Resident/non $105 $70 Resident/non $105 $70 Resident/non $105 $70 Resident/non $105 $80 Resident/non $120 FREE $30 Resident/$60 non
Fee Per Class
No class dates
$15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non $15 res, $23 non FREE Bus leaves from Comm. Center
$12 AARP members/$14 non $13 Resident/$20 non Bus leaves from Comm. Center
AQUATIC CENTER HOURS (through September 30, 2013) Main pool open swim: Mon-Thur: 9 am - 6:30 pm; Fri-Sun: 9 am - 7 pm Sand Dollar Key: Mon-Thur: 10 am - 6:30 pm; Fri-Sun: 10 am - 7 pm Water Slide: Mon-Thur: 11 am - 3:30 pm; Fri-Sun: 11 am - 6 pm 11
Surfside Gazette
Lap Swimming: Mon & Wed: 6:30-8:30 a.m. Mon-Fri: 3-5:30 p.m. (limited lanes) Beach Lifeguard Tower: Every day 9 am - 5 pm • SEPTEMBER 2013
New Law Enforces Texting While Driving Every day in the United States, more than nine people are killed and 1,060 people are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. Over 40% of young adults are distracted by talking or texting on the phone. In South Florida, the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers has increased exponentially in the last two years.The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is working to make our roads safer with Put it Down, a campaign to inform drivers in Miami-Dade of the risks of distracted driving. The campaign targets drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 and will run from August through November 2013. FDOT has joined forces with numerous educational institutions and other partner agencies and organizations to promote the Put it Down safety message. A new Florida law banning texting while driving will go into effect on October 1, 2013. It is important that awareness of the law and the importance of driving undistracted is emphasized through public outreach.
TOWN OF SURFSIDE MARKETPLACE
“Your Real Estate Source for Your Real Estate Needs”
R OXANNE F ONTAINE
Please contact me if you are looking to buy, sell or rent
Surfside Gazette
EWM Realty International �����������������������������
• SEPTEMBER 2013
305.610.8840 fontaine.r@ewm.com roxannefontaine.com
12
Enter the Surfside Photo Contest Do you have a great photo of Surfside that you would like to share? The Town is sponsoring a photo contest. Prizes are: First place – $75 gift certificate, second place – $50 gift certificate and third place – $25 gift certificate. All photos will become the property of the Town and the photographer may or may not be credited for the photo. Send us pictures of downtown, the beach, wildlife, landscape and architecture. No photos of people. Limit five photos per person. Photos will be accepted until we reach a total of 100. Digital photos only with a minimum resolution of 1024 x768 (or higher) pixels and horizontal. Formats that are accepted are .jpg and .tif. Send all photos via email to Linda Jain at ljain@townofsurfsidefl. gov.
13
Surfside Gazette
• SEPTEMBER 2013
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 457
9293 Harding Avenue Surfside, Florida 33154
ADVERTISING IN THE GAZETTE Reach the residents and businesses of Surfside by advertising in the monthly Gazette. For rates, deadlines and more information go to the Town website www.townofsurfsidefl.gov or email dhunziker@townofsurfsidefl.gov.
TOWN MEETINGS ON DVD 9293 Harding Avenue Surfside, Florida 33154
A DVD recording of the current monthly Town Commission and Planning & Zoning meetings are available for check out at the Town Hall front desk. For more information, contact the Town Clerk at 305-861-4863 x226.
TOWN COMMISSION Daniel Dietch, Mayor mayor@townofsurfsidefl.gov Michael Karukin, Vice Mayor mkarukin@townofsurfsidefl.gov Joe Graubart, Commissioner jgraubart@townofsurfsidefl.gov Michelle Kligman, Commissioner mkligman@townofsurfsidefl.gov Marta Olchyk, Commissioner molchyk@townofsurfsidefl.gov
TOWN OFFICIALS
BUSINESS NUMBERS
Michael Crotty, Town Manager mcrotty@townofsurfsidefl.gov
Town Hall Parks & Recreation Tennis Courts Tourist Bureau Police Fire Rescue Emergency
Linda Miller, Town Attorney lmiller@townofsurfsidefl.gov David Allen, Police Chief david.allen@townofsurfsidefl.gov Sandra Novoa, CMC, Town Clerk snovoa@townofsurfsidefl.gov
(305) 861-4863 (305) 866-3635 (305) 866-5176 (305) 864-0722 (305) 861-4862 (305) 861-1115 911
TOWN WEBSITE
www.townofsurfsidefl.gov Water/sewer/storm drainage info:
www.utilityupgradeproject.com