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