|
By Bari Auerbach
In case you missed the last few Sunny Isles Beach City Commission meetings, this “summer summary” can help you catch up on decisions affecting future development and quality of life issues as well as recent news, upcoming meetings and special events.
Special Summer Events
Happy Anniversary! The City of Sunny Isles Beach will be celebrating its 11th anniversary with a festive event on June 22 from noon to 4 p.m. at Samson Oceanfront Park, 17425 Collins Avenue.
Powerhouse Fun! Don’t miss the Offshore Powerboat Challenge Weekend in Sunny Isles Beach - June 20-22, Friday, June 20 (HORBA - Don Aronow Memorial Ocean Race - Saturday, June 21; Thunderboat Rally and OSS Testing Sunday, June 22; Offshore Super Series Powerboat Race – (Haulover Park and Sunny Isles Beach). For more information, contact the Cultural & Human Services Department: 305-792-1706
Summer Camp Programs
During summer vacation, the city offers several camp options for children ranging in age from 3 to 16.at Pelican Community Park (18115 North Bay Road). Registration is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cultural & Human Services Department or download registration forms online at www.sibfl.net
Camp Tot Tot-Lot (ages 3-4)
Dates: Tuesday, June 10 – Thursday, August 7; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon
Fees: $40/week (residents); $55/week (non-residents); $25 one-time registration fee
$45 one-time registration fee (non-residents)
Camp SIB (ages 5-10)
Dates: Monday, June 9-Friday, August 8; Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fees: $90/week; $120/week (non-residents); $25 one-time registration fee
$45 one-time registration fee (non-residents)
Camp Adventure (Ages 11-15)
Dates: Monday, June 9– Friday, August 8th; Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Before or after Care available for an additional cost)
Fees: $100/week; $130/week (non-residents); $25 one-time registration fee
$45 one-time registration fee (non-residents)
Junior Lifeguard Camp
Dates: Monday, July 7-Friday, July 11 (Ages 6 -10)
Monday, July 21- Friday, July 25th or Monday, July 28th-Friday, August 1 (Ages 11-16)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Fees: $90 (residents); $125/week (non-residents); $25 one-time registration fee
$45 one-time registration fee (non-residents)
Basketball Camp
Dates: Monday, June 9-Friday, June 13 (Ages 5 – 7); Monday, June 16- Friday, June 20 (Ages 8 – 11); Monday, June 23-Friday, June 27 (Ages 12-15); Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Before or after Care available for an additional cost)
Fees: $90 (residents); $120/week (non-residents); $25 one-time registration fee
$45 one-time registration fee (non-residents)
Soccer Camp
Dates: Monday, June 9-Friday, June 13 (Ages 8 – 11); Monday, June 16t – Friday, June 20 (Ages 12 – 15); Monday, June 23– Friday, June 27 (Ages 5-7); Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fees: $90 (residents); $120/week (non-residents); $25 one-time registration fee
$45 one-time registration fee (non-residents)
Volleyball Camp
Dates: Monday, July 7– Friday, July 11 (Ages 5 – 9); Monday, July 14– Friday, July 18 (Ages 10 – 13); Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fees: $90 (residents); $120/week (non-residents); $25 one-time registration fee
$45 one-time registration fee (non-residents)
Baseball Camp (Ages 5 – 10)
Dates: Monday, July 7– Friday, July 11 (Hitting/Fielding); Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 18 (Pitching/Catching); Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fees: $90 (residents); $120/week (non-residents); $25 one-time registration fee
$45 one-time registration fee (non-residents)
*Camps offer before or aftercare available for an additional cost
School News
After summer break, the new Sunny Isles Beach Community School will open for its inaugural school term adjacent to Pelican Community Park (between 182nd Drive and 183rd Street at Atlantic Boulevard).
Opening with classes for kindergarten through sixth grade, the school will add a seventh grade level in the fall of 2009 and then an eighth grade level the following year. A free pre-K program will start this August, offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (or until 2:30 p.m. for a fee).
Registration started in April – and students who live within the designated zone, currently attending Highland Oaks, Bay Harbor or Ojus Elementary, will be automatically transferred. The school will also be welcoming students from Golden Beach and Eastern Shores – plus transfers will be available from other areas until maximum capacity is reached (about 1,600 students).
Principal Dr. Annette Weissman (formerly of Ojus Elementary) recently wrote a column entitled “Sunny Isles Beach Community School Becoming a Reality” educating parents and students about the exciting grand opening:
“Have you checked the skyline on the west side of Collins Avenue recently? If so, you’ve seen a new building emerging in the northwest section of Sunny Isles Beach. These new windows to the world promise to become the center of educational excellence when the Sunny Isles Beach Community School opens in August of 2008.
“This new chapter in the city’s history began in 2004 when the Sunny Isles Beach City Commission responded to the needs of the 1,500 school-aged children residing in the community. The Sunny Isles Beach Commission adopted a resolution approving the concept to build a K-8 public school in the area. This action acknowledged that SIB had transformed its self from a retirement community to one that serves all of its residents.
“In August 2005, the site of the new K-8 school facility was approved and a unique partnership was established between Sunny Isles Beach and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The arrangement was historic because no city in Miami-Dade County has ever contributed municipal funds to the school system for the purpose of building a public school. Two months later, Dr. Martin Karp, School Board Member, and Enid Weisman the Region Superintendent-Region Center II, officially recognized the City of Sunny Isles Beach for its monetary contribution and its commitment to the children.
“In February 2006, Mayor Norman S. Edelcup explained that the goal to build a school within city limits was a top priority and that having a first class school would be priceless. A month later, almost two years after the City of Sunny Isles Beach entered into an informal partnership with the Miami-Dade School Board, the site was acquired. The groundbreaking ceremony took place May 8, 2007.
“[The school features] a four-story classroom building, a two-story administration wing, a media center, a cafeteria/auditorium and three-level raised parking building. The city and school system crafted a “joint use” agreement allowing the school to use the community center during the day and the community to have use of the school’s facilities during the evening.”
Parental Involvement
“The community will always be welcomed and encouraged to share their ideas,” Weissman wrote. “My administrative team and I will be available to parents and community leaders. However, there are two main vehicles for parent involvement – the PTA and the Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC).
“[Recently], the local leaders of the Miami-Dade PTA [met] with interested parents to create a SIBCS PTA unit. This group will spearhead the formation of our PTA and begin holding meetings to develop a tentative calendar of events for the school year, to create committees, and to encourage membership. There will be a meeting on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, Sunny Isles Beach Government Center. Check the SIBCS school website at www.sib.dadeschools.net for additional meetings.
“Another avenue for community involvement is through the EESAC. Every school is required to have an EESAC which is composed of business and community leaders, teachers, staff members, and parents. The EESAC has very specific mandates from the state legislature and operates under the Sunshine Laws. When school opens in August, this group will be established and will hold monthly meetings open to the public.
“A strong partnership between the home, school, and community is dependent upon excellent communication. SIBCS will reach out to its stakeholders through newsletters, websites, phone contacts, emails and local newspapers. We invite you to stay in touch by whatever is most convenient for you. In just a couple of weeks we will be able to invite you to visit us at our new school. For now, feel free to email us with your questions and concerns. Make a commitment to yourself and your family to join the SIBCS team as we soar to success!”
Pelican Community Park
The City of Sunny Isles Beach community center is opening soon at Pelican Community Park (18115 North Bay Road) featuring a little league baseball field, playground areas for younger children, picnic tables and an indoor gymnasium for basketball and volleyball.
The new community center at Pelican Community Park is located across the street from the new Sunny Isles Beach Community School opening this fall. City programs and classes will be gradually moved to the new community center with notification to all participants of any changes. Watch for any new programming in the fall after the completion of summer camp.
For more information about the community center opening, activities, programs and events offered by the city’s Cultural and Human Services Department, phone: 305-792-1706, look for updates on SIB TV Cable Channel 77, the city’s website www.sibfl.net or the Sunny Isles Beach Sun newspaper.
‘Bone Zone’ Dog Park Opens
“Dog days of summer” have gotten off to a great start at the new dog park now open to residents of Sunny Isles Beach. “The Bone Zone” is free to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at the Senator Gwen Margolis Park - 17815 North Bay Road. The enclosed off-leash area is located at the northeast end of the park. Parking is available for free along 178th Drive.
Parking Break
Following requests by owners of commercial vehicles for parking solutions, the City Commission has made parking spaces available for residents to park their larger commercial vehicles and recreational equipment with no more than two-axels. Parking spots are located under the William Lehman Causeway in the rear of the parking lot adjacent to the public works compound. Application fee/renewal fee - $75 annually; per vehicle fee - $2.50 per foot length of vehicle; transfer fee – $25 per permit.
Required city decals for commercial vehicle/recreational equipment parking can be purchased at the Community Development Department, Sunny Isles Beach Government Center – 3rd floor, 18070 Collins Avenue, available for larger commercial vehicles such as vans, campers and trucks - and for recreational equipment such as boats and RV’s.
Water Conservation
As of April 18, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) issued a Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage Order applicable to Sunny Isles Beach homeowners. Residents with odd-numbered addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. and/or 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Residents with even-numbered addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on Thursdays and Sundays from 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. and/or 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Hand-watering with one hose fitted with an automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed for 10 minutes per day for landscape stress relief and to prevent plant die-off. Low-volume irrigation, including the use of drip and microjet systems that apply water directly to plant root zones, is not restricted but should be voluntarily reduced. Additional watering days and times are allocated for the establishment of new lawns and landscapes. No restrictions apply to other outside water uses, such as for car and boat washing, pressure cleaning of paved surfaces, decorative fountains and water-based recreation (e.g. swimming pools, water slides).
For more information, phone the SFWMD's Miami-Dade Service Center: 305-377-7274, the SFWMD's toll-free Water Conservation Hotline: 800-662-8876 or the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department Water-Use Efficiency number: 786-552-8974.
Development Update
The City of Sunny Isles Beach is committed to implementing innovative plans and programs designed to generate additional revenue and create “win-win” situations. For example, to help protect the future of development in Sunny Isles Beach in light of current real estate market conditions, the City Commission passed an ordinance to permit a voluntary program for the extension of time for unexpired development approvals and transfer of development rights (TDR’s).
Developers voluntarily participating in the extension program are required to comply with a monetary compensation plan outlined in the ordinance. Mayor Norman S. Edelcup said, “We’re being responsive…An [extension of time to build is] justified to solve a problem that may not be short term…Developers will start projects when the economic climate produces a positive impact for them.”
Police Just Rewards
Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief Fred Maas recently wrote a column informing the community about the Police Department’s prestigious law enforcement awards.
“[The number] 13 proved to be lucky for Sgt. Tom Hopkins of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department,” Maas wrote. “That is the total number of Sunny Isles Beach Police Department police personnel who have won the prestigious LEO award for our agency since the inception of the Awards program in 2000. Sgt. Hopkins was nominated for his 33 year law enforcement career of dedicated service in the Safety Category, specifically for his efforts on the anti-jaywalking campaign and the Homeless Assistance project he spearheaded.
“In addition to Hopkins, K-9 Officer Rob Ostrov was a runner up in his category for specialized services. Ostrov is a well known expert handler in his field and is noted for his training and helpful attitude towards other agencies who elicit his help.
More than 900 people attended this year’s gala which was held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The event has grown dramatically since the year 2000 and recognizes the best of the best in specific categories and life saving events that occur in Miami-Dade County. Proceeds from the event go to the Police Officer Assistance Trust (POAT), the charity that helps officers and their families in time of emergencies or catastrophe.”
Competitive Police Pay
To ensure Sunny Isles Beach police officers are being fairly compensated for keeping citizens safe, the City Commission passed a resolution approving an increased pay plan.
According to City Manager John Szerlag, the pay plan is now comparable to the pay plans of other police departments in neighboring municipalities including Aventura, Hallandale Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside.
“To maintain a first-class Police Department serving and protecting residents, visitors and businesses and to maintain a culture of professionalism, we need to offer competitive pay and benefits compared to surrounding communities,” Szerlag said.
Mayor Norman Edelcup noted, “It’s an honor to be the Mayor of a city that has such a great police force. Thanks goes out to Police Chief Fred Maas who has worked diligently to build this Police Department…I’m happy to see this [compensation issue] has been resolved and we’ll be [periodically] reviewing this [pay plan].”
Police Chief Fred Maas emphasized, “We’ve made a commitment to find the very best officers…Sunny Isles Beach has thrived as a result of the safety of the community and reputation of safety the city offers…[This pay plan will help] guarantee our officers will be here for a long time.”
Hurricane Ready
Forecasters are predicting an active 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, with 15 named storms and eight hurricanes, of which four could become major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher. But thanks to the proactive efforts of the Sunny Isles Beach Commission, staff members and the Police Department - the city is “hurricane ready.”
According to City Manager John Szerlag, “Our city staff has developed a brochure regarding hurricane preparations and evacuation procedures…It also features links to other city resources such as our website and cable TV channel that help impart vital information to residents and business owners. A hurricane supply checklist [and preparedness tips have] also been published in the Sunny Isles Beach Sun newspaper, compiled by Alyce Hanson, Director of Administrative Services Department.
In a hurricane preparedness column, Hanson explained, “HECs refer to the Hurricane Evacuation Centers opened when a storm is approaching for residents that have been ordered to leave their homes. They’re opened for a storm event and normally fill up on a first come first serve basis. Some centers require pre-registration. In the case of Special Transportation Services required by citizens, pre-registration is required and can be arranged by calling 305-630-5300.
“Another special program, the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP), provides special services at the designated HECs for persons with special needs. Required pre-registration is available by phoning the Answer Center at 311 (305-468-5900). The Answer Center also accepts pre-registration for pet friendly hurricane evacuation centers which allow residents to bring their pets when they evacuate.
“Hurricane information along with lists of HECs can be found on the Miami-Dade County website link http://www.miamidade.gov/oem/hurricanes.asp. Dial the Answer Center at 311 (305-468-5900) to schedule special services or to find the hurricane evacuation center (HEC) nearest to your home. The Answer Center operates from 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday - Friday and 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. If you are calling to the Answer Center from outside of Miami-Dade County, call (888) 311-DADE.
”To help you know what to gather for hurricane supplies, we have put together shopping lists that can be found on cable access SIB Television, Channel 77 and the Sunny Isles Beach Sun newspaper. The cumulative list is on the city’s official website www.sibfl.net.
Emergency Preparedness
“When [a hurricane is approaching] we go to every [construction] job and make sure they tie down all the debris and loose two-by-fours,” explained Sunny Isles Beach Building Official Clay Parker. “We plan on meeting with developers and contractors to ensure they make the extra effort. We also visit every home that has a [construction] permit to ensure the roof tiles are tied up and strapped down.”
In the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster, Sunny Isles Beach can be eligible for funds from FEMA thanks to a resolution recently passed by the City Commission retaining experts to help ensure the city can receive available FEMA funds. “The city should know exactly what we’re going to do in the event of an emergency,” said City Manager John Szerlag. “[The FEMA philosophy is] if you’ve got a plan and you stick to it – then you’re covered if something happens.”
During a recent City Commission meeting, building official Clay Parker also outlined a plan conceived with assistance from Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler to create an incentive plan encouraging the installation of generators in key retail establishments throughout the city (gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores). The plan calls for business owners and the city to split the cost of installation for the necessary equipment. Parker also noted that police forfeiture funds could help fund the city’s investment.
Flood Prevention
To help keep Sunny Isles Beach roads “high and dry,” the City Commission has approved plans for a major central island stormwater project as well as an aesthetically enhanced streetscape system that will solve drainage problems and beautify a large portion of the community.
“Our goal is to do the job quickly and smoothly with a minimum amount of complications,” City Manager John Szerlag said. Focusing on the importance of keeping citizens informed during construction phases, Mayor Norman Edelcup noted, “It’s important we communicate with the community about [anticipated] time frames and what alternative [routes] will be suggested to help them navigate to and from where they live…We will be inconvenienced – but everyone will enjoy the end result.”
‘Fair Representation’
With the intent to ensure that future municipal elections ensure citizens of Sunny Isles Beach are fairly represented, the City Commission has endorsed the concept of redrawing voting districts. If a charter amendment is passed in the November election, the city’s three voting districts would be redrawn into four districts (195th Street to 178th Street; 178th Street to 172nd Street; 172nd to 167th Street; and 167th Street to Bayview Drive).
The population boom in Sunny Isles Beach prompted the initiative to redraw the city’s voting districts along with the goal to avoid having a majority of future elected officials residing within one area of the city. If the charter amendment passes, the “at-large” commission seat would be turned into a district seat. Commission candidates would have to live in each of the four respective districts – but the Mayor would still be able to reside in any district. Every resident would also continue to have the right to cast their vote for all four Commission candidates and the Mayor.
Building Bridges
In light of very active hurricane seasons as well as emergencies on Collins Avenue that created traffic gridlock, the Sunny Isles Beach City Commission has made it a priority to consider alternative traffic routes to address public safety issues.
The May 15 Sunny Isles Beach City Commission meeting provided a forum for a large turnout of residents to ask questions and express opinions “for and against” construction of a bridge proposed to connect North Bay Road between 172nd and 174th Streets.
During the meeting, a major debate revolved around the issue of whether the bridge (estimated to cost $3.5 million) should be open to pedestrians and emergency vehicles only – or if it should be a “permanent vehicular/ pedestrian bridge designed to enhance local mobility.”
Ultimately, the City Commission decided to increase the budget for funding further impact studies; and to discuss the bridge issue again at another meeting open to the public scheduled for August 21, 5:30 p.m. at Government Center.
Better Budgets
For pioneering efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and providing an excellent example for other governments throughout North America, the City of Sunny Isles Beach recently received a “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award”- the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting bestowed by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
In order to receive the budget award for fiscal year 2007/2008,, the city had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. According to the GFOA, “The award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.”
“Sunny Isles Beach is the ‘youngest’ city to win the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award,” said City Manager John Szerlag. “I’d like to thank the City Commission for allowing me to modify our budget document from its previous format to one that enabled us to meet GFOA standards.”
Mayor Norman S. Edelcup noted, “[This budget award] proves everything we try to do here in Sunny Isles Beach is ‘first class’ – and we strive to be ‘number one.’ We’re proud to have achieved this goal in the area of finance and look forward to more opportunities to show our staff’s outstanding achievements.”
Beautiful Blocks
To help maintain aesthetics and public safety while construction is underway, the City Commission approved an ordinance requiring daily job site maintenance. Arrangements are also being made for developers to be responsible for cleaning or repairing cars damaged by construction debris. Motorists seeking to report claims can contact the city’s Building Department to help identify which constructions sites may be liable.
The City Commission also approved an ordinance to encourage owners of vacant lots in the city to maintain properties in a “park-like setting” with landscaping and fencing.
Registration of vacant properties will be required along with an annual registration fee if the property is not maintained in a park-like setting. The ordinance also provides for submission of a redevelopment plan for the property and an annual report submitted to the City Commission regarding the status of vacant properties.
According to Assistant City Manager Jorge Vera, “If vacant properties owners are not able to comply with the requirements, they will be subject to fines up to $1,000 per day or any other penalties that are within the purview of the city. While fines are necessary to seek compliance, the purpose of this ordinance is to encourage the development of vacant properties and maintenance of such properties.”
‘What Else is New’
From the restoration of the historic Newport fishing pier – to new street signs on Collins Avenue, new bus shelters, creating wireless Internet connections in city parks and the continued revitalization of Sunny Isles Boulevard – all the new and exciting things happening in Sunny Isles Beach are summarized on the city’s new and improved website www.sibfl.net
The updated website now has a new design enabling users to more quickly and easily access information online. New website links provide information about beach conditions, emergency alerts, online building permit requests plus enable residents, visitors and business owners to communicate more effectively with the city. Just some of the information on-line links are as follows:
Government Center information including department descriptions and profiles of the Mayor and City Commissioners; city services; news bulletins; calendar of meetings and cultural events; things to do; transportation; code compliance, alarm registration, on-line inspection, permitting and licensing information; important phone numbers and addresses; hurricane guidelines; job information; and links to other government agency websites. There is also a “quick find” search engine to help users locate their specific area of interest.
‘The www.sibfl.net website is yet another example of the commitment being made by the City of Sunny Isles Beach to come up with the most cost effective ways to utilize ‘modern technology’ to create better systems across the board,” said director of administrative services Alyce Hanson. “Ultimately, it’s everyone who lives and works in Sunny Isles Beach who will reap the benefits of our 21st century city.”
|
