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Home My Public Portal AboutLTC 113-2016 Bal Harbour Village June NewsletterVOLUME 2 • ISSUE 5 JUNE 2016 MESSAGE FROM THE VILLAGE RECENT EVENTS HURRICANE PREPARATION STAFF SPOTLIGHT SCHOOL VISITS ON THE POLICE BEAT UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR P.02 P.03 P.04 P.06 P.06 P.07 P. 07 P. 08 IN THIS ISSUE INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND FORECAST: SANDCASTLES, FUN AND FIREWORKS Bal Harbour Village will celebrate the Independence Day holiday weekend with a number of special events. The renown Guinness world-record artists from the Sand Sculpture Company will be back in Bal Harbour Village to again create a patriotic-themed sand sculpture to be enjoyed by residents and beach-goers over the weekend. On Sunday, July 3, from 4 –7 p.m., a family fun day will take place on the beach near 96th street. It will feature a DJ with music, snow cones and interactive games such as Beach Bucket Brigade; Water Balloon Volley; Splash-n-Dash Relay Races; Soak the Sponge Relay; Tug of War and a Watermelon eating contest. There will also be a sandcastle building contest for children of all ages. Family and friends will work together in teams, as professional facili- tators provide tools, direction and inspiration. Medals and prizes will be given to the best sculptures in a variety of categories. Children can also participate in a beach bucket decorating activity by choosing a bucket and customizing it using a variety of cool shapes and graphics. On Monday, July 4, families and friends are invited to join in a spectacular fireworks display which will take place near the jetty beginning at 9 p.m. Join us on the beach to celebrate Independence Day and enjoy the fireworks which will be accompanied by a patriotic musical medley. 2 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE JUNE 2016 THE VILLAGE OFFICIALS THE VILLAGE COUNCIL PATRICIA COHEN ASSISTANT MAYOR District 3pcohen@balharbourfl.gov GABRIEL GROISMAN COUNCILMAN District 5ggroisman@balharbourfl.gov MARTIN PACKER MAYOR District 2mpacker@balharbourfl.gov SETH E. SALVER COUNCILMANDistrict 1ssalver@balharbourfl.gov JAIME M. SANZ COUNCILMAN District 4jsanz@balharbourfl.gov JORGE M. GONZALEZ VILLAGE MANAGERmanager@balharbourfl.gov DWIGHT S. DANIE VILLAGE CLERKddanie@balharbourfl.gov RICHARD J. WEISS VILLAGE ATTORNEYWeiss Serota Helfman Cole & Biermanrweiss@wsh-law.com MESSAGE FROM THE VILLAGE B H With summer upon us, remember that children are out of school. More youngsters than usual will be playing outside, so please be alert and use caution while driving throughout the summer break months. On Page 6, you will see that Bal Harbour officials have been busy visiting with students in classrooms and at school events in recent months. Parents or teachers are encouraged to request a school visit from a Bal Harbour Village official. For information, call (305) 866-4633. As you can see on the cover of this issue, the Village is planning an exciting Independence Day Weekend for residents and visitors. Bal Harbour is adding its own flavor to our mid-summer holiday classic. On Sunday July 3, Bal Harbour’s beach will come alive from 4-7 p.m. with patri- otic-themed sand sculptures, a sandcastle building contest, beach bucket decorating, water- melon eating contest and a variety of family games and activities. On Monday, July 4 at 9 p.m., a stunning fireworks display will take place by the jetty. We hope to see you at these events! As a reminder, hurricane season began on June 1 and on pages 4 – 5 are tips to help in your preparations. The Bal Harbour Police Department is the first in our area to convert their stan- dard shotguns to a less-than-lethal weapon that fires a small bag filled with granulated metal. These innovative and accurate weapons can temporarily disable a person, but do not cause serious injuries or death (see story on Page 7). If you have not already done so, please install the My Bal Harbour mobile app on your phone by going to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “My Bal Harbour.” You can also sign up on our website or via the mobile app to receive important information about Bal Harbour Village via text and email. If you ever have any questions or need any information, please feel free to visit or call Village Hall at 305-866-4633, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE JUNE 2016 Councilman Gabriel Groisman recently served as a panelist and participant at the Ambas- sadors Against Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) International Summit at the United Nations. Councilman Groisman served on a panel focusing on legal aspects of BDS. In January 2016, Bal Harbour Village became the first municipality in the country to pass a law ensuring open and nondiscriminatory trade with partners, such as the State of Israel. This anti-Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) ordinance was sponsored by Councilman Gro- isman and unanimously passed by the Village Council. “Recently, we have seen the increase in efforts to boycott and otherwise discriminate on the basis of nationality and ethnicity,” said Councilman Groisman, who sponsored the ordinance “The ordinance will send a strong mes- sage to the private sector that Bal Harbour will not do business with companies who practice ethnic, religious, racial or national-origin discrimination.” Councilman Gabriel Groisman (R) with Danny Danon, Israel’s Representative to the UN, at the United Nations on May 31. RECENT EVENTS BAL HARBOUR KICKS OFF SUMMER WITH LUAU-THEMED EVENT Bal Harbour Park had a South Pacific feel on Sunday, June 5 as residents and fam- ilies enjoyed a Launch into Summer Luau to celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer. Those in attendance stayed busy with a variety of activities, including interactive games, an outdoor art studio, glitter tattoos and a giant water slide. A highlight of the event was the Polynesian show with interactive dancing, Those who worked up an appetite enjoyed Kona ice water and kosher pizza. MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES MEETING IN BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE Bal Harbour Village was the host site of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities (MDCLC) meeting on June 2 at the Sea View Hotel. The MDCLC consists of elected representatives from all municipalities in Miami-Dade County and works to promote programs and issues that will ensure a high quality of life for all residents. Participation in MDCLC allows elected officials to share ideas of mutual benefit. Mayor Packer and the Village Council served as hosts, showcasing our Village to more than 100 elected representatives. BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE REPRESENTED AT THE UNITED NATIONS (L-R) Councilman Gabriel Groisman, Mayor Martin Packer and Councilman Seth Salver. 4 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE JUNE 2016 BEFORE A STORM APPROACHES Hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30, and as such, Bal Harbour residents should be prepared. Now is the time to make a plan for you and your family. If you are going to be away during the hurricane season, insure you have arrangements in place to secure your home. Purchasing supplies once a storm is threatening is expensive and strenuous. Planning and shopping now eliminates stress and avoids long lines and empty shelves. For additional hurricane preparedness and information go to www.miamidade.gov/oem. IMPORTANT DETAILS PETS: In addition to food, make sure pets (cats/dogs) have proper identification tags and properly working pet carriers and leashes. SHELTERS: Keep maps and numbers of your nearest shelter listed in case of emergency evacuations (If you have pets call ahead to locate shelters that allow pets). PHOTOS: Take pictures of your property before and after the storm for insurance purposes. LANDSCAPE Pruning trees and shrubs before a hurricane can reduce the debris that may become airborne. Proper pruning also increases the likelihood that a tree can weather a storm. Consult or hire a certified, licensed arborist prior to tree pruning. Landscapers hired to maintain residential and commercial properties must remove all vegetation. Do not begin pruning or cleanup activities or place trash on the curb during a Hurricane Watch/Warning. IF A STORM IS IMMINENT Protect the areas of your home where wind can enter. Secure windows and doors, preferably with permanent County-approved storm shutters or storm panels. Tape does not prevent window damage. Bring in lawn furniture, garbage cans, bins and other items that are not secured and could become airborne. If you own a boat, use double lines at the marina. If it is trailered and cannot be garaged, stake it to the ground with rope and fill the hull with water. Monitor the storm’s progress regularly. Visit www.miamidade.gov or call 311 for updates on services. Depending on conditions, bus, rail, garbage and recycling services, as well as airport and seaport operations could be affected. Fully charge portable items, such as cell phone, tools and hand-held devices. Make sure your car’s gas tank is full and withdraw cash that may be needed after a storm. If an evacuation order is given, you must leave the area and move to a location outside the evacuation zone. Make sure you take your local identification, so you can return after the storm. Turn off your electricity at the main breaker. Unplug appliances. FLOODING Bal Harbour Village is a coastal community. Storm surge and flooding is possible during a hurricane. Do not walk or drive near areas of standing water – there could be dangerous debris and uneven depths that will cause injuries. FoodSet aside several days worth of canned and packaged non-perishable foods as well as items that require minimal preparation Water Store enough water for drinking, bathing, cooking for all family members and pets Health & First Aid Storage Protect important documents in zip locked bags such as: birth certificates, social security cards, insurance documents, etc. Cleaning & Supplies Disposable eating utensils, mosquito repellent, gloves, liquid soap Tools Flashlights, batteries, pliers, hammers, goggles, dust mask, screwdrivers, etc. Generator and fuel Battery Operated Radio/Phone Special Items Spare eye glasses, diapers, wipes 2016 HURRICANE SEASON PREPARATION STOCK UP ON YOUR HURRICANE SUPPLIES NOW, INCLUDING: 5BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE JUNE 2016 BAL HARBOUR CONTACTS Bal Harbour Building Department(305) 865-7525 Bal Harbour Parks and Public Spaces Department(305) 866-4633, Ext. 368 Bal Harbour Police Department(305) 866-5000www.balharbourpolice.org Bal Harbour Security District Guardhouse(305) 861-8488 Bal Harbour Village Hall(305) 866-4633www.balharbour.org Miami-Dade Fire Station #21 (Haulover Park)(305) 513-7921www.miamidade.gov/MDFR Miami-Dade Police Department(305) 595-6263www.miami-dade.gov/MDPD WEATHER National Hurricane Centerwww.nhc.noaa.govSouth Florida Weather Forecast Office(305) 229-4550www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl ELDERLY/SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Miami-Dade County Special Transportation Services (305) 630-5300 / (305) 263-5439 TDDwww.miamidade.gov/transit Alliance for Aging–Helpline(305) 670-4357www.allianceforaging.org American Red Cross(305) 644-1200www.redcross.org Florida Division of Emergency Management(850) 413-9969www.floridadisaster.org Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)(800) 621-3362 / (800) 462-7585 TDDwww.fema.gov Florida Relay Service(800) 955-8770 / (800) 955-8771 TDDwww.ftri.org/floridarelay Miami-Dade Emergency Operations Center(305) 468-5900 / (305) 468-5402 TDDwww.miamidade.gov/oem National Flood Insurance Program(800) 638-6620 / (800) 447-9487 TDDwww.fema.gov/business/nfip For more information, call 311 or visit www.miamidade.gov/oem EMERGENCIES Call 911 only for life-threatening situations. After the danger of the storm is passed, call police or utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines (STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED POWER LINES), broken gas or water mains, overturned gas tanks, etc. Do not drive or walk through standing water. For non-emergency general information, call 3-1-1 for 24-hour information during emergency events such as hurricanes or natural disasters. CALL 9-1-1 only for urgent emergencies like a crime in progress, a burning building or medical emergency. MAKE SPECIAL PLANS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS Individuals within Miami-Dade County who have special needs – and may require additional assistance during evacuations – can register with the County’s People with Special Needs & Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (PSN/EEAP). The PSN/EEAP is registration driven and the locations are not published. Upon qualifying for the program, a letter of confirmation will be mailed to the special needs client that will identify their shelter location. The Special Needs Evacuation Centers (SNECs) are staffed with medical personnel from the Department of Health and/or Jackson Memorial Hospital nursing staff. The needs of infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities must be included in your overall plan to be fully prepared for an emergency. 2016 STORM NAMES ALEX BONNIE COLIN DANIELLE EARL FIONA GASTON HERMINE IAN JULIA KARL LISA MATTHEW NICOLE OTTO PAULA RICHARD SHARY TOBIAS VIRGINIE WALTER CONSUMER RESOURCES Miami-Dade County Consumer Services (305) 375-3677 / (305) 375-4177 TDDwww.miamidade.gov/csd Humane Society(305) 696-0800www.humanesocietymiami.org Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension(305) 248-3311 UTILITIES Florida Power and Light(800) 468-8243 / (800) 251-5325www.fpl.com AT&T(888) 757-6500 / (305) 780-2273www.att.com Comcast(800) 266-2278www.comcast.com TECO/Peoples Gas(877) 832-6747 6 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE JUNE 2016 STAFF SPOTLIGHT When Mayor Martin Packer received letters from second graders who lived in Bal Harbour stating what they liked about the Village, he decided to visit to Scheck Hillel Community School and meet the students and thank them for the letters. Joining him on the visit was Village Manager Jorge Gonzalez and Police Chief Mark Overton. BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE OFFICIALS VISIT SCHOOLS RECEPTIONIST SARINA HIRSCH HAS BEEN THE FACE OF THE VILLAGE FOR OVER 16 YEARS When visiting Village Hall, it is most often Sarina Hirsch whom you first encounter. As the Re- ceptionist for more than 16 years, she welcomes visitors, fields phone calls, accepts deliveries and payments and distributes passes, forms, refunds and sound advice – all while assisting staff and serving as an extension of several Village departments. She is responsible for order- ing supplies, preparing for meetings, sending out-going mail and generally maintaining the lobby and break room. Sarina takes pride in her professional, yet friendly, approach to her important front desk job. She believes her best asset is her work experience and the fact that she has lived in the area since she was a child. Sarina grew up in Miami Beach and graduated from Miami Beach Senior High School and received degrees in Art and Education from the University of Miami. She has been married for 45 years and has two grown children and three grandchildren. “Over the years I have made many friendships with Village staff, elected officials, residents and visitors,” she said. “And I have enjoyed every minute here.” Councilman Seth Salver recently gave a lesson to Mrs. Perla Salver’s Fourth Grade class at the Rabbi Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy in Miami Beach regarding how the government of Florida is struc- tured. The presentation included the process of passing laws, the importance of city and county governments and the roles they play in our daily lives. Parents or teachers are encouraged to request a school visit from a Bal Harbour Village official. For information, call (305) 866-4633. The Bal Harbour Police Department participated in the Relay for Life event to benefit and raise funds for the American Cancer Society which took place on Friday, June 3 at Ruth K. Broad K-8 Center. Surrounded by students at center in the back is Bal Harbour Officer Jeffrey Hatcher. 7BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE JUNE 2016 ON THE POLICE BEAT BAL HARBOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT ADOPTS LESS THAN LETHAL WEAPONS JUNE 23 EXCURSION TO FESTIVAL MALL The Bal Harbour Village Police Department has converted their standard shotguns to a less- than-lethal option weapon that fires a small bag filled with granulated metal called a “sock shot” or bean bag. These sock shots can temporarily disable a person, but do not cause seri- ous injuries or death. Several department supervisors and officers have been trained in the use of the new guns. “These weapons have proved to be very accurate and give our officers another non-lethal option in their arsenal,” said Chief Mark Overton. Bal Harbour Village is the first municipality in the area to have adopted this device. Captain Mike de la Rosa with the less than lethal gun. An excursion to Festival Mall will take place on Thursday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Pompano Beach. The Festival Mall features more than 500 merchants selling a variety of prod- ucts at excellent prices. The market includes restaurants, fragrance outlets, cosmetic and shoe stores, clothing shops, jewelry stores, home furnishing stores and gift boutiques – a true shop- ping emporium. Participants will begin boarding the bus at the Parks & Public Spaces parking lot at 10 a.m. To RSVP. please call (305) 993-7368 or email to publicspaces@balharbourfl.gov. UPCOMING EVENTS CATCH UP ON YOUR SUMMER READING Bal Harbour Village residents who purchase a Miami-Dade Library Card will be reimbursed by the Village for up to two library cards per household. Eligibility is based on an annual basis, effective on the date the library card is issued. Residents must provide a state-issued photo identification, proof of Bal Harbour residency, a receipt of purchase from Miami-Dade County and a completed reimbursement request form (available at Village Hall or on the Village web- site, balharbourfl.gov). For more information, please feel free to contact (305) 866-4633. ST. REGIS OFFERING RESTAURANT DISCOUNTS TO BAL HARBOUR RESIDENTS On Wednesdays until September 28, Village residents will receive 20 percent off their entire restaurant check at the St. Regis BH Burger Bar and the St. Regis Bar and Sushi Lounge. Proof of residency is required for the Village Appreciation discount. It is not valid with other offers or promotions and the service charge will apply to the full amount before the discount. Also enjoy $10 cocktails, $10 lite bites and $10 valet parking at the Bar and Sushi Lounge Mon- day-Thursday, from 4-7 p.m. HAZARDOUS WASTE AND E-WASTE DROP-OFF AT VILLAGE HALL ON JULY 24 A hazardous household waste and electronic items drop-off event will be held in the parking of Village Hall on Sunday July 24, 2016 from 9 a.m. –1 p.m. This will be an opportunity for resi- dents to drop off hazardous waste, batteries and electronics that cannot be put in garbage or recycling receptacles. For more information, please call (305) 993-7368 or email to publicspaces@balharbourfl.gov 8 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE JUNE 2016 Bal Harbour Village Hall 655 96th Street Bal Harbour, Florida 33154 PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 2783 VILLAGE CONTACTSNormal operating hours for Village Hall are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. VILLAGE HALL(305) 866-4633 BUILDING DEPARTMENT(305) 865-7525 POLICE DEPARTMENT(305) 866-5000 PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES(305) 866-4633, Ext. 368 TOURISM MARKETING(305) 866-4633, Ext. 337 FINANCE(305) 866-4633 WEBSITES BALHARBOURFL.GOV (Village)BALHARBOURFLORIDA.COM (Tourism) @BALHARBOURGOV@BALHARBOURPD BALHARBOURGOVBALHARBOURPOLICEDEPT Tuesday, June 14 Village Council Meeting, 7 p.m.Council Chambers Tuesday, June 28 Resort Tax Committee, 6 p.m.Council Chambers Sunday, July 3Family Fun Day, 4-7 p.m.Bal Harbour Beach Monday, July 4Fireworks, 9 p.m.Near jetty on the Beach Tuesday, July 6Architectural Review Board, 10 a.m.Council Chambers Tuesday, July 19Village Council Meeting, 7 p.m.Council Chambers BAL HARBOUR - VILLAGE - UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS