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HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 184-2016 Bal Harbour Village October NewsletterVOLUME 2 • ISSUE 9 OCTOBER 2016 MESSAGE FROM THE VILLAGE ELECTION INFORMATION 2016-17 BUDGET REVIEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS CALENDAR P.02 P.03 P.04 P.06 P. 08 IN THIS ISSUE JOIN THE VILLAGE FOR 70TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS Join Bal Harbour Village as we celebrate our 70th Anniversary. The Village was incorporated on August 16, 1946 and in the past seven decades has rapidly grown into a prestigious, world-renown community that offers an impressive array of luxury residences, hotels, restaurants and stores — all on a one-square-mile of sand and palm trees between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay! To com- memorate this milestone, please plan to join us at the following events: Sunday, November 6 – a historical 70th anniversary exhibition and tour led by Dr. Paul George, a renowned South Florida historian and Claire Breukel, head curator of the Unscripted Bal Harbour Art Program. The two-part exhibition of historical and contemporary images recounts key moments in Bal Harbour’s history. Part one will be in the Sea View Hotel’s Florida Room and part two will be on Bal Harbour’s beautiful beach path. This exhibit will be the first of an ongoing series of outdoor public photography exhibitions on Bal Harbour’s beach path. This event will begin with an opening reception at 4 p.m. at the Sea View Hotel. Immediately after the tour of the outdoor exhibit, there will be a closing reception at the new Atlantikos Restaurant at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Saturday, November 19 – a family friendly event for children of all ages on the beach beginning at 6:30 p.m. The evening will consist of interactive games, activities and a movie on the beach – the blockbuster hit, Finding Dory. Beach-side seating, popcorn and refresh- ments will be provided. Feel free to bring your own seating, blankets and food to enjoy the movie. Saturday, December 10 – a spectacular evening concert on the beach is being planned to include a performance by a well-known symphony and other incredible talent. Details are being finalized and will be announced once confirmed. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Be sure to engage social media while enjoying our anniversary events. Mention #BalHarbour70 when ‘tweeting’ or updating Facebook. 2 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE OCTOBER 2016 MESSAGE FROM THE VILLAGE B H 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 FALL USHERS IN BAL HARBOUR’S 70TH BIRTHDAY EVENTS AND NEW VILLAGE BUDGET October may not bring us the drama of changing leaves, but there is plenty happening in the Village this fall: the celebration of the Village’s 70th year, art events and exciting excursions, the start of a new Fiscal Year and an election. As we welcome back our seasonal visitors to our community, we have a full calendar of events and activities planned. On page 1 you will see the details of our 70th Anniversary events, which include a two-part exhibit and tour led by a local historian, a family-friendly movie on the beach and a finale event featuring a spectacular evening concert. We are already underway with new initiatives and projects that are part of our new budget for the 2016/17 Fiscal Year. An overview of the budget can found on pages 4-5. There is also an outline of the recent achievements and the enhancements that will result in an even more beautiful community, that is safer, more efficient and more effective in its daily operations. On page 6 there is a calendar of Unscripted art events and remarkable excursions that residents are encouraged to participate in. These programs provide the opportunity to experience the finest art exhibits and museums in South Florida. Safety and security remains a priority in Bal Harbour. Even though summer has ended, residents and visitors should review the information on preventing the spread of mosquito viruses and storm preparation on page 7. If you have not already done so, install the My Bal Harbour mobile app on your phone by going to the App Store or Google Play Store and searching 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. We also encourage you to follow us on Facebook@balhar- bourgov and Twitter@balharbourgov. 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 OCTOBER 2016 NOVEMBER 8, 2016 ELECTION NOTICE ELECTION NOTICE On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, in addition to the federal and state elections, an election will take place in Bal Harbour Village to elect one Councilmember for Council District 2 and one Councilmember for Council District 4. All registered Bal Harbour Village voters may vote for one candidate in each of the Council Districts – so for the November 8, 2016 election, voters may vote for one candidate each for Council District 2 and Council District 4, respectively. The voting precinct will be at the Bal Harbour Parks and Recreation Center, 18 Bal Bay Drive. In Bal Harbour, votes may be cast between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 8. Early Voting shall be held as provided for the countywide election, and absen- tee ballots shall be available as provided by law. The Council Induction Meeting is currently scheduled for Monday, November 21, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Bal Harbour Village Hall. At this meeting, the Village Council will meet and select the Mayor and Assistant Mayor for a two- year term. VOTER INFORMATION VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES Voters must be registered at least 29 days prior to the election (October 11, 2016) to vote in the November 8, 2016 Election. DEADLINE TO REGISTER BY MAILApplications must be postmarked at least 29 days before the election (October 11, 2016), to vote in that election. DEADLINE TO REGISTER AT COUNTY REGISTRATION SITESAt certain locations, applications will be kept and delivered to the Elec-tions Department. Applications must be turned in at the registration site at least 29 days before the election (October 11, 2016), in order to meet the book closing deadline. TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN FLORIDA, you must be:• a U.S. citizen,• a Florida resident,• at least 18 years old,• not have been convicted of a felony If you do not meet any ONE of these requirements, you are not eligible to register. An application to vote is available at www.dos.myflorida.com. Questions? Contact the Supervisor of Elections in Miami-Dade County, by visiting www.miamidade.gov/elections. DEADLINE TO REGISTER AT THE COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENTApplications which are delivered to the Elections Department at least 29 days in advance of the election (October 11, 2016), satisfy the book closing deadline. VOTE BY MAIL (ABSENTEE BALLOTS)All vote-by-mail ballot requests must be signed by the voter and received by the Elections Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 6th calendar day prior to the election, Novem-ber 2, 2016. Voters can request an absentee ballot:•Online at: http://www.miamidade.gov/elections/voter-information.asp•Email to ABUnit@miamidade.gov•Call 305-499-8444 District 2 – Shown in RED (Seat currently held by Mayor Martin Packer) Ocean Front Section – Lots 12 through 16 Tiffany–10175 Collins Avenue, Plaza–10185 Collins Avenue, Kenilworth–10205 Collins Avenue, Bellini–10225 Collins Avenue, Carlton Terrace–10245 Collins Avenue, Ocean Front Section – Tract A – Oceana 10201 Collins Avenue District 4 - Shown in PINK (Seat currently held by Councilman Jaime Sanz) Ocean Front Section – Tract B, SunTrust Bank-9600 Collins Avenue, Business Section- Areas 1 through 5, Bal Harbour Shops–9700 Collins Avenue, Village Hall–655 – 96th Street, Residential Section - Block 1– Lots 1 through 4, 16 Bal Bay Drive-Public Works, 18 Bal Bay Drive-Park & Recreation Building,22-24-26-28 Bal Bay Drive, Shaker Villas-34 Bal Bay Drive Residential Section – Block 2 – Lots 2 through 4,20 Park Drive - Whitehall, 30 Park Drive - Whitehall, 32 Camden Drive, The election for the Council Representatives for Districts 1, 3 and 5 shall be held in November 2018. BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE COUNCIL DISTRICTS 4 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE OCTOBER 2016 FISCAL YEAR 2016/17 BUDGET REVIEW BUDGET FOCUSES ON IMPROVEMENTS AND EFFICIENCY The Bal Harbour Village Council recently adopted the new Fiscal Year (FY) budget (October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017) with the goal of providing the highest level of quality service for the lowest possible cost to residents. The three Village Funds – General Fund (GF), Resort Tax Fund (RTF), and Water & Wastewater Utility Fund (WWUF) – include many enhancements and special projects to improve the quality of life as well as efficiencies that will allow the Village to operate more effectively. The total budget for the three Village funds is $26,880,300 (including a Capital Improvement Program allocation of $4,000,000). Earlier this year, the Village Council agreed to extend the Residential Gated Community Assessment for three additional years. Those expenses ($602,900) are not included in the above total, but are part of our overall activity. MILLAGE RATE IS THIRD LOWEST IN MIAMI-DADE The FY 2016-17 Proposed Budget includes a recommended millage rate of 1.9654, which is a 4.64% reduction from 2014, and the same rate as last year. Since 2004, the Village has had a remarkable cumulative millage rate decrease of 32.27%. With the third lowest millage rate in Miami-Dade County, Bal Harbour is the only long-established municipality among the commu- nities with the lowest millage rates in the County. The 2016/17 budget specifically addressed target goals to improve service delivery while maintaining conservative financial practices. The goals include: • Enhancing community policing strategies and accountability • Improving and beautifying our public spaces • Investing in information technology • Expanding communication with residents and visitors • Establishing sustainable fiscal policies for future capital investments. In addition to the continued advancement of the Utility Infrastructure Master Plan Capital Improvement Project, a few enhancements are proposed to improve Village Hall and Utility operational compliance. The overall budget was developed to improve operational effective- ness and efficiency for the Village, and was developed in collaboration with the Budget Advi- sory Committee (BAC). The BAC has made recommendations for the Proposed Budget. The enhancements proposed total $967,300, of which $563,000 are for Village Hall improvements which shall be reimbursed by Miami-Dade County General Obligation Bond Funds (GOB) secured by the Village, a net increase of $20,600, funded by the Utility Fund for necessary compliance activities. In addition, a Capital Projects Reserve allocation of $383,700 is provided for seawall repairs at the Village’s park and $332,000 is provided for an improved deck installa- tion at the Jetty. 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE MILLAGE RATES, 2005-2017 IMPROVEMENTS TO VILLAGE HALL AND UTILITIES 5BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE OCTOBER 2016 FISCAL YEAR 2016/17 BUDGET REVIEW ENHANCING COMMUNITY POLICING AND ACCOUNTABILITY Last year, the Bal Harbour Police Department (BHPD) refocused its mission toward a commu- nity policing model, centered on increasing police visibility through innovative directed patrol activities, and improved its readiness for extreme events. As part of this effort, the BHPD initiat- ed and will continue to focus on the following activities: • Establishing pedestrian safety programs • Expanding high visibility patrol through bicycle and golf carts • Improving active shooter response capabilities with specialized training and equipment. IMPROVING AND BEAUTIFYING OUR PUBLIC SPACES The Parks and Public Spaces Department has enhanced service through increased mainte- nance, cleaning and restoration, improving the overall aesthetic of our facilities, as well as: • Increasing service levels of street sweeping by 60%, and increased beach sand raking to daily, year round • Improving the beach access path with 520 tons of new coquina, and installed 34 Medjool palms; Improvements at the Cut-walk/Jetty included painting the seawall, redesigning the area under and along the bridge near the Jetty • Bollard lighting Village-wide was improved, 40 new dog waste stations installed, trash receptacle and bike rack installed at the beach • Infrastructure improvements as part of the Utility Master Plan included the addition of a Village utility meter and the upgrade of the pump station • Purchasing and launching the new Bal Harbour Shuttle. INVESTING IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY The Information Technology (IT) Master Plan, including the deployment of the Village’s new branding and the first phase of the website redesign project. The new site is expected to go live early in the new Fiscal Year and will offer residents the ability to pay their utility bill online. The IT Master Plan includes future enhancements to the Village’s e-government capabilities to provide more effective communication and facilitate online transactions. As part of the plan, the Village has completed full transition to voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) telecommunica- tions system, upgrades to the audio-visual technology in Council Chamber, the launch of the My Bal Harbour Mobile App and the Bal Harbour Express Bus Tracker. EXPANDING COMMUNICATIONS WITH RESIDENTS AND VISITORS The Village continues to expand communications with residents, businesses and visitors. The new brand identity has unified communication products and messaging and includes the new Village logo, which is now used in all communication at local, national and international levels. The primary methods of communication with our residents includes the new and expanded monthly newsletter, mailing of postcards for special upcoming events, the My Bal Harbour Mobile Application (App), the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), emails and our social media outlets (Facebook and Twitter). NEW FISCAL POLICIES AND PLANNING FOR FUTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS The upgrade of the Village financial management and utility billing system has improved system functionality and staff efficiency in analyzing data, enabling staff to generate functional reports at both the account and meter device level. The upgrade has reduced human error by increasing radio meter read capabilities to 89% of devices in the system from 60% and decreasing meter reading field time from ten days per month down to two. HIGHLIGHTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS 6 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE OCTOBER 2016 UNSCRIPTED ART EVENT ON BUYING AND SELLING ART Bal Harbour Councilman Gabriel Groisman recently served as a panelist at a session on the Future of Latin and Jewish Relations which was moderated by former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros and also featured the Counsel General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico Lior Haiat. ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS COUNCILMAN GROISMAN SPEAKS AT FIDF EVENT • Thursday, October 20 Excursion to the de la Cruz Collection in the Miami Design District. • Thursday, November 17 Excursion to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE FALL EXCURSIONS The Bal Harbour Parks & Public Spaces Department has planned an exciting fall schedule of Excursions. All entrance fees are complimentary to residents with the Unscripted Access Card. Shuttle service to and from Bal Harbour will be provided. Attendees are responsible for their meals. Please make reservations by calling 305-993-7363 or by email at parks@balharbourfl.gov. Bal Harbour Village partnered with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to reintroduce native orchids in South Florida’s urban environments. On August 31, volunteers and Village officials participated in a ceremonial planting of rare native orchids in the vegetation area along the Village beach path. The planting was coordinated by the Parks and Public Spaces Department. BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE PLANTS NATIVE ORCHIDS OCTOBER • Sunday, October 23,12 p.m. Art AC- CESS tour: NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale exhibition. NOVEMBER • Sunday, November 6, 4 p.m. Art ACCESS EXHIBITION - Bal Harbour 70th Anniversary exhibition (see page 1). UPCOMING UNSCRIPTED ART EVENTS The Unscripted Art Program connects culture seekers with South Florida’s finest and most dynamic art museums and events. For information on any of the events or to receive your free Unscripted Art Access Card, go to balharbourflorida.com/access. • Monday, November 28, 6:30 p.m. ART ACCESS TOUR: The Odermatt and Kowal collection. Private tour at the Kenilworth in Bal Harbour. DECEMBER • December 1-4 Art ACCESS: Art Basel Miami Beach free unlimited access to several top fairs. • Sunday, December 4, 11 a.m. ART ACCESS TOUR: Art Basel Miami Beach Art Tours. Councilman Gabriel Groisman recently participated in a Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) IMPACT Scholarship fund-raising event. FIDF is dedicated to the men and women serving in the Israel Defense Forces and IMPACT! Scholarship support former sol- diers from disadvantaged back- grounds. COUNCILMAN GROISMAN SERVES ON PANEL Mayor Martin Packer, Assistant Mayor Patricia Cohen, Village staff and specialists from Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden at the Orchid planting event on August 31. Residents and visitors recent- ly gathered at the St. Regis Bal Harbour for a Unscripted event focused on buying and selling art at auction. Art experts Maria Bonta de la Pesuela and Vivian Pfeiffer led the conversation and took questions from the audience. KIDS HIT THE COURT FOR AFTER-SCHOOL BASKETBALL Bal Harbour youths are enjoying an after-school basketball program at the Village Park. For more infor- mation, call (305) 993-7363. 7BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE OCTOBER 2016 BAL HARBOUR’S FLORIDA PARADISE 5K RUN AND WALK Bal Harbour’s Florida Paradise 5K Run and Walk is set for Sunday, October 16. The race, to benefit the Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center, will start at Village Hall. To register, go to the Active website http://5ksignup.balhar- bourfl.gov/ ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS A newly designed and dedicated Bal Harbour Flag is now proudly flying over the Village. Unveiled at a moving public ceremony at Founders Circle on August 31, 2016, the flag encompasses the new Bal Harbour logo, colors and brand. The Bal Harbour Police De- partment Color Guard presented the flag to residents and Village officials before it was hoisted up the flag pole. DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF MOSQUITO VIRUSES Bites from infected mosquitoes can spread different types of diseases. Protect yourself, your family and your community from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. Here are some tips: • Mosquitoes breed by laying eggs in standing water. As little as a teaspoon or bottle cap of water standing for more than one week is enough for mosquitoes to breed and multiply. • At least once a week, empty, turn over or cover anything that could hold water. • Bromeliads (ornamental plants) can hold water between their leaves. If you have bromeliads at home, make sure to flush the water out of your plants, or coat the water with a little bit of food grade oil, or treat the water in your bromeliads with a safe larvaecide. • Use and repair screens on doors, windows, porches and patios to keep mosquitoes outside. • Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk; if you must be out during this time, cover your skin with clothing and apply mosquito repellent. • If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeve shirts. • Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR-33535 are effective. Use netting to protect infants younger than two months of age. Florida Department of Health, 1-855-622-6735. Miami-Dade County, 3-1-1. IT MAY BE OCTOBER, BUT HURRICANE THREATS REMAIN Hurricane season continues until November 30 and Bal Harbour residents should continue their preparations for a possible storm or evacuation if necessary. Review your plan to keep you and your family safe. Insure that any arrangements you made back in June to secure your home are still valid. 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. ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS NEW VILLAGE FLAG UNVEILED AT FOUNDERS CIRCLE 8 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE OCTOBER 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 DEPARTMENT(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 Thursday, October 20Excursion to de la Cruz Collection Sunday, October 23Art Access Tour, 12 p.m.NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale Monday, October 31Council Meeting, 8 p.m. Council Chamber (Special meeting date) Sunday, November 6Bal Harbour 70th Anniversary ExhibitionSea View Hotel, 4 p.m. (see P. 1) Thursday, November 17Excursion to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens Saturday, November 19 Movie on the Beach, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 28 Art Access Tour at the Kenilworth, 6:30 p.m. The Odermatt and Kowel Collection BAL HARBOUR - VILLAGE - UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS