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Home My Public Portal AboutSeptember 2008Town of Gulf Stream September 2008 Newsletter 2008/2009 Budget As of the first Budget Hearing, the tentative millage rate for the Town is 2.8655 per $1,000. The Town has tried diligently to keep expenses down and we are pleased to advise that the millage rate has dropped each of the last five years. Budget Year 03-04 04-05 05-06 07-08 08-09 Millage 3.6377 3.2651 3.1726 3.1000 2.8655 The final budget hearing is September 18, 2008 at 5:01pm at the Town Hall. Garbage & Recycling Fees The Town has extended its contract with Waste Management for another five years. The monthly collection rate will decrease to $28.00 per non-dumpster residential unit. The fee will be billed bi-monthly at $56.00 (2 months X 28.00). This rate is subject to annual adjustments. Please remember that the contract is for back door pick-up (or just outside the garage). Please do not place garbage or recycling at the roadside. Large vegetative pick-ups can be scheduled by contacting Waste Management at 547-4000. Whitefly We would like to reiterate the concern we have regarding possible whitefly infestation. Whiteflies typically feed on the underside of plant leaves and the damage is quickly elevated as whiteflies congregate in large numbers. The USDA recommends an integrated program that focuses on prevention and relies on cultural and biological control methods when possible. WE have been told by arborists, and have read articles, advising that a newstrain of whitefly has invaded South Florida that attacks and kills Ficus trees and hedges. Many of the homes in Gulf Stream are lined with mature and tall ficus hedges. This hedge helps protect your privacy and adds to the charm of the Town. Therefore, the Town suggests that you immediately contact your arborist, landscaper and/or pest control company to guide you in protecting your ficus trees and hedges. Hurricane Season As you know the 2008 Hurricane Season is upon us. Your Commission has instituted disaster procedures that are regularly updated by staff. We encourage each resident to prepare their homes for such an event with food, water and emergency items. Please keep in touch with the Town's Police Department as to your special individual needs. Shrub & Tree Maintenance Please be vigilant in maintaining and trimming of your trees and shrubs near the road. We have received comments and noted that some foliage is obstructing the view at intersections. School School is in session. Please be careful and obey traffic rules in school zones. September 2008 Newsletter Page 2 Flood Zone Information The Town is required every five years to recertify its classification in the Community Rating System (CRS). The Town completed its cycle visit in July of 2008 and we maintained our rating of "8". This entitles each resident to receive a 10% discount on flood insurance. Please contact your insurance agent to verify that you are receiving this credit. As a public service, the Town also provides additional flood data, such as Special Flood Hazard Area, Flood Insurance Rate Map and some elevation certificates. Contact Call 276-5116 or visit Town Hall during business hours, 9 AM to 4 PM, for further information or assistance. On Behalf of the Town Commission and Staff Mayor William F. Koch, Jr. v COMMUNITY REMINDERS In order to preserve our unique community character, the Town adopted Design Guidelines in 1995 that address exterior aspects of your home. If you are planning changes such as a new paint color or major landscaping work, please contact Town Hall to determine what requirements may apply. All workers hired to perform services at your property (employees and deliveries not included) must be registered to do work in the Town. If you are hiring a contractor (for example, to do lawn work or make improvements to your home) please ask them to register at Town Hall if they are not currently on file. Occupational registration is designed to ensure workers are properly licensed and insured, which enhances the safety of our community. The Town Code prohibits commercial uses of all types, including still photography and filming. Please notify the Town Hall if you are contacted by a firm wishing to use your home for a photo shoot or film location so that the Town may make the firm aware of this restriction. • When walking your dog, please be courteous to other residents and pedestrians by taking resuonsibility for vour doe's waste.