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HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 171-2017 Bal Harbour Village September-October NewsletterBAL HARBOUR - VILLAGE - OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER LETTER TO COUNCIL NO. 171-2017 To: Mayor Gabriel Groisman and Members of the Village Council From: Jorge M. Gonzalez, Village Manager Date: October 20, 2017 ?iNc'r Subject: Bal Harbour Village September/October Newsletter The purpose of this Letter to Council (LTC) is to inform you that the September/October 2017 Bal Harbour Village Newsletter was mailed earlier this week and should begin to arrive in mailboxes over the next few days. As always, the newsletter was mailed to all Village residents. Attached is a copy of the Newsletter. Should you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to contact me or, Assistant Village Manager, Ramiro Inguanzo. JMG/RI VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 5 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017 MESSAGE FROM THE VILLAGE CLEANING UP AFTERHURRICANE IRMA 2017-2018 BUDGET REVIEW AROUND THE VILLAGE NEW POLICE CHIEF NAMED P.02 P.03 P.04 P.06 P.07 IN THIS ISSUE BAL HARBOUR STANDS TALL IN THE FACE OF IRMA After more than a decade without a hurricane striking South Florida, the most powerful storm ever to form in the Atlantic Ocean made its landfall in the Florida Keys as a category 4 storm on September 10, 2017. While Bal Habour and most of Miami-Dade County were spared the direct center of Irma, hurricane force winds and surging ocean water left a wide path of damage throughout the Village. Downed trees, branches and signage, flooded and blocked streets, beach erosion and loss of power were the major results facing the Village once the storm passed. As soon as it was safe, Village staff assessed the damage and began the massive clean-up effort. More than 800 tons of debris – enough to fill more than 150 trucks – was collected from throughout the Village and beach. On-going repairs and replacements will continue during – Continued on Page 3 2 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 MESSAGE FROM THE VILLAGE B H VILLAGE COUNCIL DAVID ALBAUM COUNCILMAN District 4dalbaum@balharbourfl.gov PATRICIA COHEN COUNCILWOMAN District 3pcohen@balharbourfl.gov GABRIEL GROISMAN MAYOR District 5mayor@balharbourfl.gov JEFFREY P. FREIMARK COUNCILMAN District 2jfreimark@balharbourfl.gov SETH E. SALVER ASSISTANT MAYORDistrict 1ssalver@balharbourfl.gov JORGE M. GONZALEZ VILLAGE MANAGERmanager@balharbourfl.gov DWIGHT S. DANIE VILLAGE CLERKddanie@balharbourfl.gov SUSAN TREVARTHEN, FAIPC VILLAGE OFFICIALS VILLAGE ATTORNEYWeiss Serota HelfmanCole & Biermanstrevarthen@wsh-law.com October marks the start of the fall season and we are still in the midst of a challenging hurri- cane season for Bal Harbour, our South Florida neighbors, and millions of others from Texas to Puerto Rico. While our Village was bruised by the close call of Irma, the event could have been much worse. Our municipal preparation and emergency planning were tested before, during and after the storm. Overall, Bal Harbour received high grades during Irma thanks to the tireless work of our Mayor and staff, on-going communications with residents and assistance from local businesses. This hurricane season has put a spotlight on the importance of annual hurricane preparation. Remember that hurricane season continues until November 30. This issue of the newsletter includes an overview of our 2017-18 Fiscal Year Budget, including new capital projects to improve the quality of life in Bal Harbour. As in previous years, the Vil- lage will have one of the County’s lowest tax millage rates in the coming year; yet we continue to provide high quality services to our residents and businesses (see page 4-5). We are also very proud to announce that the Village has a new Police Chief – Miguel De La Rosa. He was formerly our second-in-command and served with distinction as our acting chief for more than a year (see page 7). Welcome back to our many seasonal residents. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the many events and activities planned for the coming months in our community (see page 6). 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 sign up on our website or via the mobile app to receive important information about Bal Harbour Village via text and email. You can also sign up for social media platforms such as Facebook@ balharbourgov and Twitter @balharbourgov. If you 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 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 AROUND THE VILLAGE VILLAGE CONTINUES CLEAN-UP AFTER HURRICANE IRMA - Continued from Page 1 the weeks and months to come, but overall the Village was relatively quick to get back on its feet. Within 48 hours all streets were passable if not completely cleared. The Village resumed street sweeping on Collins Avenue and 96th Street within 72 hours and within four days, the Express Shuttle had resumed operations. Within one week post-storm, the Bal Harbour beach, Bal Harbour Park and the Village Hall were open and operating. While nearly two dozen of the iconic date palms on Collins Avenue were uprooted, many were saved and are again standing tall in the median. Gratitude goes out to the dedicated Village staff, particularly the Police Department and Parks and Public Spaces Department, who worked long hours before, during and after the Emer- gency Declaration was declared on September 6 and through the week after the hurricane. Thanks also goes to local businesses for their exceptional efforts and support during and after Irma. The Sea View Hotel and One Bal Harbour provided shelter and food to the Bal Harbour Incident Command Team and the Bal Harbour Shops sheltered up to 1,800 vehicles in their parking garage. The Village also thanks residents who heeded the mandatory evacuation order and sought a safe haven to wait out the storm. Tons of debris was removed from Bal Harbour beach after the storm. Heavy equipment was brought in to remove or raise downed trees. Beach erosion impacted sea turtle nests. Here, Miami-Dade County spe-cialists insure the hatchlings are safe. BAL HARBOUR TEAM AND LOCAL BUSINESSES RECEIVE CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION Mayor Gabriel Groisman, the Village Council and Village Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez present- ed a Certificate of Appreciation to the staff members and department heads who tirelessly went beyond the scope of their duties to keep the Village residents and property safe before, during and after the recent hurricane. The Mayor and Council presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Village staff including members from the Police, Parks & Public Spaces Departments. Three Village businesses received Certificates of Appreciation for their outstanding assistance provided to Bal Harbour. Mayor Gabriel Groisman and Village Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez presented the certificates to (L-R) Raj Singh, representing the Sea View Hotel; Russ Smith and Erik Austin representing One Bal Har- bour and Randy Whitman accepting on behalf of Bal Harbour Shops. VILLAGE-WIDE CHANGE IN WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULES • The Recycling Service for all areas in the Village increases from once weekly to twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. • The Bulk Waste pick-up for all areas in the Village will be consolidated from two times weekly to one time weekly on Thursdays. 4 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 The 2017/18 budget addresses five target goals to improve service while maintaining conservative financial practices: • Enhancing community policing strategies and accountability • Improving and beautifying our public spaces • Investing in the Village’s Information Technology • Enhancing community engage- ment through public events and expanded communication with residents and visitors • Establishing sustainable fiscal policies and planning for future capital investments. FISCAL YEAR 2017/18 BUDGET REVIEW BUDGET FOCUSES ON IMPROVEMENTS AND EFFICIENCY The Bal Harbour Village Council recently adopted the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year (FY) budget with the goal of providing the highest level of quality service for the lowest possible cost to resi- dents. The four Village Funds include many enhancements and special projects to improve the quality of life as well as efficiencies that will provide more effective operations within all Village departments. Below is the allocation adopted for each fund: • General Fund $16,106,600 • Water and Wastewater Fund $6,013,500 • Resort Tax Fund $3,442,900 • Security & Landscape Fund $570,000 The total of all four funds is $26,133,000, slightly less than last year. MILLAGE RATE UNCHANGED, AMONG THE LOWEST IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY The FY 2017-18 Proposed Budget includes a recommended millage rate of 1.9654, a histori- cal low level that is unchanged for the third consecutive year. Since 2004, the Village has had a remarkable cumulative millage rate decrease of 32.27%. Bal Harbour is the only long-estab- lished municipality among the communities with the lowest millage rates in the County. This year, our assessed property values grew substantially as a result of the completion of the Oceana Bal Harbour condominium. Another significant accomplishment affecting the budget is this year’s approval of the Development Agreement between the Village and the Bal Har- bour Shops. This Development Agreement includes various elements of public and financial benefits to the Village which will come on line over the next several years. This Budget also limits growth in the recurring expenses of the Village to standard inflationary costs and/or personnel expenses. 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE MILLAGE RATES, 2006-2018 IMPROVEMENTS TO PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES The FY 2017-18 Proposed Budget continues important investment in our public spaces. The existing Jogging Path along Bal Harbour beach will receive funding for concrete edge re- pairs and re-installation of the material will restore the walking surface to the original design ($100,000). Replacement of trash receptacles and all furniture with new wood and stone mate- rials will reduce future maintenance, while adding four to five seating areas under the existing Sea Grape Canopy ($75,000). The end of the 96th Street entrance to Bal Harbour Beach will soon be a focal point of our community. Funding to design and construct a pedestrian plaza at this location will be matched by our neighbors in Surfside ($100,000). Other projects include restoration of the south jetty at Haulover Inlet ($332,000) and participation in the Regional Skate Park at Haulover Park ($50,000). 5BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 FISCAL YEAR 2017/18 BUDGET REVIEW ENHANCING COMMUNITY POLICING AND ACCOUNTABILITY The Bal Harbour Police Department has continued to move toward a community policing model, centered on increasing police visibility through innovative directed patrol activities, and improved readiness for extreme events. IMPROVING AND BEAUTIFYING OUR PUBLIC SPACES The Parks and Public Spaces Department has consistently improved the appearance of the Village for residents and visitors through increased routine maintenance of our public areas. • The linear park along the beach includes all new directional and informational signage and rotating art installations adding visual appeal for our residents and guests. • Our Village Hall presents a professional appearance with updates to our conference and chamber areas with our new brand while paying homage to Bal Harbour’s past. INVESTING IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Implementation of the Information Technology Master Plan, adopted in September 2014 is now substantially complete. Bal Harbour Village now has advanced system-wide security and backups, new server hardware and has launched new Village and Tourism websites. A number of other improvements were undertaken and include: • Provided project management for the new Smart Gov building and permitting system de- sign, planning and implementation • Upgraded audio-visual technology in Council Chamber to include cameras, mixers, and transmitters • Developed and operationalized a technology-based Emergency Back-up Plan to ensure continuity of information system services during and after an emergency or disaster; and • Implemented various business continuity and redundancy protocols to ensure reliable access to e-mail, internet, VoIP phone system and network resources during unexpected emergencies and outages. ENHANCING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WITH PUBLIC EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS The Village continues to expand communications with residents, businesses and visitors through special events, publications and new technologies. The primary methods of commu- nication with our residents includes the regularly distributed Village newsletter and mailing of custom postcard invitations for upcoming events, such as our Movies on the Beach and the popular Unscripted Bal Harbour Art Access Program. Earlier this year, the Village completed its milestone 70th Anniversary events. From the historical exhibit of the Bal Harbour’s founding and growth to the final reception, concert, and fireworks display on the beach, the series of events reconnected the Village to its rich history while reinforcing the pride we have for Bal Harbour. Our electronic communication efforts includes the My Bal Harbour mobile Application (App) which enables users to make service requests and access Village information anywhere and at any time. The Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), provides a fast and reliable web-based system to send emergency notices as well as provide public interest and aware- ness notifications to the nearly 700 subscribers who are currently enrolled. The Village is also increasing its e-mail list, from which notifications of meetings and events are sent. Bal Harbour has strengthened its brand, improved communications and improved information dissem- ination through a new municipal website and another focused on tourism, positioning Bal Harbour Village as a premier luxury and lifestyle destination worldwide. HIGHLIGHTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Volunteer members of the Bal Harbour Village’s Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) play an important role in the budget process. Though collaboration and recommendations, the BAC provides critical input to the pro- posed annual budget. BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE ASSISTS IN BUDGET PROCESS 6 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 UPCOMING EVENTS POST HASTE ON THE BAL HARBOUR BEACH WALK Bal Harbour residents and visitors enjoyed an afternoon on a beach walk exhibition and a po- etry reception in the Emerald Room of the Sea View Hotel. The event included members of O, Miami’s creative team who created the beach exhibit Post Haste. The unusual exhibit includes four poems each divided into six vibrantly colored panels. The exhibition will be on view until October 31, 2017. Enjoy a private tour of the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park on Sunday, October 29 at 11 am. Art & Collection Manager Kevin Arrow will pro- vide an inside look at the museum’s Curious Vault collection and a curated visit to The Mechan- icals exhibition. The program includes a self-guided visit to the science exhibitions, aquarium and one Frost Planetarium show. Meet outside of the store entrance. PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE UNSCRIPTED BAL HARBOUR ART TOUR AND TALK ON “READING WOMEN” On Sunday, November 19 at the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour at 4 pm, Unscripted Bal Harbour will host at cocktail reception, tour, talk and book signing for “Reading Women,” a series of pho- tographic portraits of women writers, musicians and artists, and details of the books they are reading. Join artist Carrie Schneider and curator Kendra Paitz as they talk about the advocacy of the project. Reading Women is also on view at the Bal Harbour beach walk until Feb. 28, 2018.Kendra Paitz BAL HARBOUR SHOPS COLLECTORS WEEKEND NOVEMBER 2-5 The exciting Bal Harbour Shops Collectors Weekend brings together watch and car enthu- siasts from all over the globe on November 2 – 5. A private viewing of rare and exceptional timepieces will take place in the Shops Center Courtyard on Thursday, Nov, 2 from 6-8 pm. The newest exotic cars, coveted vintage automobiles and the rarest high-performance supercars will be on display November 4 & 5. For more details on The Collectors Weekend, please visit balharbourshops.com/collectors RECENT EVENTS UNSCRIPTED BAL HARBOUR TOURS MAGICAL VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS More than 50 residents and visitors enjoyed a light brunch and private tour of the iconic bay side attraction Vizcaya Museum and Gardens on October 8. Curators presented the Lost Spac- es and Stories of Vizcaya, focusing on the history of lesser known eclectic art pieces inside the century-old Italian Villa and throughout the stunning formal gardens. Carrie Schneider 7BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 POLICE BEAT Miguel De La Rosa has been named Chief of the Bal Harbour Police Department. His swearing in ceremony was held on October 10 at the Sea View Hotel before a room full of fellow Police Chiefs, law enforcement professionals, long-time friends, family and Village staff. Chief De La Rosa had served as Acting Chief since August 2016, when the former Chief Mark Overton fell ill and later passed away. The late Chief Overton had appointed Chief De La Rosa as his sec- ond-in-command. “Chief De La Rosa has demonstrated all the qualities and characteristics of a leader,” said Village Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez. “He has garnered the respect and trust from the community and fostered a high level of cohesiveness within the police department.” Chief De La Rosa has nearly 30 years of distinguished service as a law enforcement professional. He is a native of Miami and earned both a Bachelor’s degree and Graduate degree from Florida International University. He is also a graduate of the University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute, Command Officer Development Course. Before coming to Bal Harbour he worked for the Village of Key Biscayne and the City of Hialeah Police Departments. NEW CHIEF PROMOTES OFFICERS TO RANKS OF CAPTAIN, LIEUTENANT AND SERGEANT Chief De La Rosa has promoted Raleigh Flowers to the second in command rank of Captain. Captain Flowers joined the Bal Harbour Police Department in January 2015 as a member of the command staff managing the daily patrol operations and administrative functions. He is a Miami native and earned a Bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University (Cum Laude) and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Florida International Universi- ty. Captain Flowers is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy and currently serves as President of the Miami-Dade County Association of Police Chiefs. He began his police career with the Hialeah Police Department. Lieutenant Jack Young began his career with the Bal Harbour Police Department in 2003. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2009. In addition to his supervision responsibilities, he has specialized in training, accountability audits and professional compliance. In 2016, Lt. Young was assigned to the FBI as an Anti-Terrorism Officer. He was sworn in as deputy U.S. Marshal as- signed to the Miami division. He is a Miami native and graduate of the University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute Command Officer Development Course and International Association of Chiefs of Police, Leadership in Police Organizations. Chris DeStefano, a native Floridian with a long history in Bal Harbour, has been promoted to Sergeant. As a teenager, his first job was a valet at the Bal Harbour Beach Club. His father has worked for the Bal Harbour Marina for over three decades and Chris often assisted him in the summer time as a young child. He earned a Bachelor degree in International Relations from Florida International University. After working for Broward County Schools, Chris joined the Bal Harbour Police Department in 2006 as a dispatcher and graduated from the police academy in 2008. Chris was promoted to corporal in 2016. With wife Jenine at his side, Police Chief Migual De La Rosa is sworn in by his twin brother Marcos, the Fire Chief for Coral Gables. MIGUEL DE LA ROSA APPOINTED POLICE CHIEF OF BAL HARBOUR Captain Raleigh Flowers with his wife Ramona. Sgt. Christopher DeStefano and wife Donna and daughters. Lieutenant Jack Young and family. (L-R) Sgt. Christopher DeStefano, Lt. Jack Young, Mayor Gabriel Groisman, Captain Raleigh Flowers, Chief Miguel De La Rosa and Village Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez. 8 BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 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 Tuesday, October 24 Council Meeting Village Hall 7 p.m. Saturday, October 28 Shred-A-Thon & Drug Drop Off Haulover Park Marina, 10 am-2 pm Sunday, October 29 Unscripted Tour Frost Science Museum, 11 am Sunday, November 19 Unscripted Reception & Talk Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 21 Council Meeting Village Hall 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 13 Council Meeting Village Hall 7:30 p.m. BAL HARBOUR - VILLAGE - UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS