HomeMy Public PortalAboutSeptember 1997WILLIAM F. KOCH, JR., Mayor
JOAN K ORTHWEIN, Voce Mayor
JAMES E. CROSS
ROBERT W. HOPKINS II
WILLIAM A. LYNCH
September 1997
Dear Gulf Stream Resident:
TOWN OF GULF STREAM
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA
Telephone
(561) 276.5116
Fax
(551) 737-0186
Tarn Manager
KRISTIN KERN GARRISON
Town Clerk
RITA L. TAYLOR
We are pleased to inform you of the following important events that have taken place in
the past few months:
New Town Manager
In Late July, the Town Commission appointed Kristin Kern Garrison as the new Town
Manager. Mrs. Garrison has a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Studies, a Master's Degree in
Urban Planning, and twelve years of local government experience. Her resume includes
two years as Zoning Director followed by five years as Executive Director of Palm Beach
County's Planning, Zoning and Building Department, a 320 employee operation. Kris
officially joined us on August 21, 1997.
Former Town Manager E. Scott Harrington left Gulf Stream to accept a position as
Community Development Director in Grand Junction, Colorado. Mr. Harrington, a
professional planner by training, contributed a great deal to the Town during his six year
tenure. We all wish him continued success as he pursues his career in Colorado.
1997/1998 Budget
The typical homeowner in Gulf Stream will pay the same total taxes to the Town as last
year, as a result of the budget adopted by the Town Commission on September 26. This
was accomplished by combining the millage rate previously allocated to debt service with
the operations millage, to derive a single Ad Valorem property tax rate.
The portion of tax revenues that previously were used to retire a General Obligation bond
(for road re -paving, Town Hall construction, and canal improvements) will now be used
to build-up a reserve fund. The reserve will make funds available for emergency events
such as a natural disaster and other long-term needs of the Town, including road
resurfacing. The Commission believes that the reserve funds will enable the Town to
avoid any tax increases for four more years, and likewise minimize the need for future
bond issues.
AIA Landscaping Update
The program to enhance existing landscaping along AlA within the Town limits is
officially underway. Earlier this month the Town's consulting landscape architect began
her analysis of the road right-of-way, utility line locations and other physical elements of
100 SEA ROAD, GULF STREAM, FLORIDA 33483
the roadway which will affect the final design. Next, she will begin work on the actual
landscape plans. As the project progresses, the Historic Highway Committee and Town
Commission will be holding public meetings to seek residents' input.
Gulf Stream's Design Manual
In June, the Town Commission approved several updates to the Town's Design Manual.
The changes resulted from experience in using the manual for two years and include
guidelines for mailboxes and standards to ensure new homes are in keeping with the
character of the existing neighborhood. Please feel free to stop by Town Hall to review
the revised manual.
Architectural Review and Planning Board
Hewlett Kent and Marjorie McGraw have been appointed as Members, and Muriel (Mert)
Anderson has been appointed as an Alternate Member, for this important board. The
"ARPB" is responsible for reviewing the design aspects of new residences and proposed
additions within the Town limits. The Town is fortunate to have qualified residents
willing to serve on our boards and committees.
Town Commission
At the June Commission meeting, William Lynch, a ten-year Architectural Review and
Planning Board Member, was elected by unanimous vote of the Town Commission to fill
the vacancy created by the retirement of Alan I. Armour. Commissioner Armour
provided distinguished service to the Town for 16 years, ten of those as Vice Mayor.
At its August meeting, the Town Commission unanimously elected Commissioner Joan K.
Orthwein as Vice Mayor. Mrs. Orthwein brings a strong background to this position.
She has been a member of the Commission since 1995 and previously served on the
Architectural Review and Planning Board for seven years.
These are just a sampling of many actions and programs designed to maintain a
financially secure future for Gulf Stream along with the Town's unique character and
quality of life. Members of the Commission hope that residents will share their thoughts
and ideas with us, or with the new Town Manager.
Sincerely,
THE TOWN F ULF STREAM CO SION
1 m och, Jr., ayor