Minutes of Croissant Park Civic Association Neighborhood Meeting

September 2011

Meeting began at 7:10, presided by Steve Cook, who lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present were Steve, Rhonda Kramer, Virginia Russell.

Capt. London from the Ft. Lauderdale Police Dept. reported that residential and vehicle theft crimes are down from July and August figures. He attributes this possibly to school being back in session. There have been 19 arrests made, though he is not able to be specific about details of those arrests. There is a big effort underway to patrol the cemetery and surrounding areas for vehicle thefts. Criminals are stealing credit cards and ID’s, possibly for ID theft. He indicated that FLPD is making a direct impact on these types of theft. Remember to lock your vehicle and never leave valuables inside the car. The website www.raidsonline.com is the best way to access crime statistics, trends, and hotspots.

Our second speaker was Bob Meagher, one of our neighbors, who gave us an overview of the group messaging system GroupMe, and how it works on his block. It is a method that allows us to send a text message to our neighbors who have signed up, and those neighbors instantly receive the message. This is a great tool to alert all to suspicious activity in the area, for example, and to be vigilant. Bob mentioned that a huge benefit of this system is that it afforded him an opportunity to get to know his neighbors. As a result of his presentation at the meeting, three residents volunteered to assist him in setting this system up for a wider area.

A question was raised regarding any up-to-date news about opening the port to through traffic. Steve reported that there is nothing new on that matter.

Another question was asked about donating greeting cards to send to our troops overseas. We would ask that everyone bring them to the next meeting in October so they can be sent to the troops in time for the holidays.

A new resident asked how to lodge a complaint about untended, overgown properties. Steve directed her to email the City of Fort Lauderdale Office of Neighborhood Support at www.fortlauderdale.gov.

Smartwise is an energy conservation group that will supply us with goody bags at our October 25th meeting at 6:30.

Nominating committee has been chosen for elections for the 2012 CPCA Board of Directors.

Halloween Party will be on October 29th. Donations of candy or money for the event will appreciated, as well as volunteers. The city will present Croissant Park with a Centennial Plaque on the same day as the Halloween Party.

The 50/50 drawing was one by Chief and Gail Alailima. Two CP t-shirts were also won in the raffle.

Submitted by Virginia Russell--Secretary