Vice Mayor and District Commissioner Romney Rogers newsletter

 

A Waterpark in Our Future! On July 10, the City Commission approved the waterpark lease 

proposed by the Schlitterbahn company, touted as America’s First Family of Waterparks 

(http://www.schlitterbahn.com). Schlitterbahn will invest about $100 million into improving a 

64-acre parcel within the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The attraction, expected to open 

in 2017, will also include a parking lot, soccer fields, and improvements to Lockhart Stadium. 

Telephone Town Hall – My Telephone Town Hall Meeting was held on July 10. There were 

13,056 neighbors who joined the call, with 1,500 people on the call at the same time during 

peak participation. Fifteen people asked questions or made comments on such topics as traffic 

calming measures, the budget, road maintenance, current and future development, and flooding. Audio recordings 

of the City Commission’s Telephone Town Hall Meetings are at http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/tth/index.htm.  

FY 2015 Commission Annual Action Plan – The City Manager presented this proposed plan to the Commission 

for approval on July 1. This action plan includes the City’s highest priority strategic initiatives for FY 2015. The steps 

and foundation used to develop this plan include: 

 

 Fast Forward Fort Lauderdale: Our City, Our Vision 2035; 

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 Press Play Fort Lauderdale: Our City, Our Strategic Plan 2018, which incorporates 42% of the Vision Plan ideas; 

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 The citywide, statistically valid Neighbor Survey conducted in November and December of 2013; 

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 Department Performance Analysis and Outlook, developed by staff from each City department, highlighting the 

current and upcoming strategic initiatives, successes, challenges, an environmental scan, and a three- to five- 

year outlook; 

 

 A meeting with the Directors and Assistant Directors of the Community Building Leadership Team; and 

 

 Two prioritization workshops with the Commission: April 17 and June 5. 

Project plans, including scopes and milestones, are being developed by key staff in an interdepartmental approach, 

with preliminary funding allocated through the proposed budget. These initiatives will be integrated as the main 

priorities of each Cylinder of Excellence team’s annual work plan. (Teams: Business Development, Infrastructure, 

Neighborhood Enhancement, Public Places, Public Safety)  

 

 Top Priority on Policy Agenda: 17th Street Mobility Plan; Stormwater Management Plan; Comprehensive 

Homeless Strategy; Beach Renourishment  

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 High Priority on Policy Agenda: Traffic Flow and Signal Synchronization Analysis: Moving Cars and People; 

Comprehensive Canal Dredging Master Plan; Riverwalk District Plan; Las Olas Marina; Tunnel Pedestrian Plaza 

and Intersection Improvements 

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 Top Priority on Management Agenda*: All Aboard Florida Passenger Rail and Station Area Plan; Soccer and 

Lacrosse Athletic Fields; Public-Private Boathouse for Crew; Central Beach Master Plan; Marine Industry 

Strategy 

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 High Priority on Management Agenda*: Wastewater Infiltration and Inflow; Shared Use of School Facilities; 

Code Compliance Improvements; Comprehensive Plan Amendments; Emergency Preparedness  

* These items are in progress and must be completed. Progress reports are sent to the Commission quarterly. 

FY 2015 Proposed Budget – The City Manager’s proposed budget was submitted to the City Commission on July 

1; public hearings are set for September 3rd and 10th at 6 PM in the City Hall Commission Chambers. The City’s 

property valuation came in 6.9% higher than last year, marking the 3rd consecutive year that our property values 

have climbed – another indication that our economy is back on track! For the 8th consecutive fiscal year, we’re 

keeping the operating millage rate at 4.1193 per $1,000 of taxable value. (You would have to go back 28 years – to 

1986 – to find a time when Fort Lauderdale had a lower property tax rate than 4.1193.) We have kept the Fire Fee 

at $225 per residential dwelling. The proposed General Fund Budget of $293,765,001, while 2% higher than the 

current FY budget, exceeds policy with total fund balances of $65.7 million or 23.7%. I believe the Proposed Budget 

moves us closer to achieving our citywide Vision of creating a diverse, active, livable, and sustainable community.  

Household Hazardous Waste – The City has partnered with neighboring communities for disposal of household 

hazardous waste and electronics (proof of residency required with driver’s license or utility bill). The schedule is: 

 August 2: City of Fort Lauderdale/Mills Pond Park (9 AM ‐ 2 PM) 2201 NW 9th Avenue 

 September 13: City of Coconut Creek (9 AM ‐ 2 PM) 4800 W. Copans Road 

 November 8: City of Pompano Beach (9 AM ‐ 2 PM) 1660 NE 10th Street (Community Park) 

 December 6: City of Tamarac (9 AM ‐ 2 PM) 6011 Nob Hill Road 

Hurricane Season – See http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/hurricane/index.htm for useful hurricane information. 

 

 During the City Commission’s 2014 Summer Recess (through August 17), my City Hall Office Hours for appointments 

are on Tuesdays from 4 - 6 PM. Please contact MJ Matthews at 954-828-5028 or mmatthews@fortlauderdale.gov to schedule. 

Independence Day Trivia

What day did most signers of the Declaration of Independence actually sign the document? Aug. 2, 1776.

How many people signed the Declaration of Independence on July Fourth? Two.

What other countries celebrate the Fourth of July? Denmark, England, Norway, Portugal and Sweden. Denmark Danes and Norwegians celebrate American Independence Day because thousands emigrated to the U.S. in the early 1900s. Other European countries, like England, Portugal and Sweden, hold celebrations near American military bases and or spots frequented by American tourists to boost travel during early July.

How did the Nathan's Fourth of July Hot Dog Contest begin? It apparently started after a disagreement among four immigrants over who was the most patriotic.

Is there something written on the back of the Declaration of Independence? Yes. It might not be a treasure map as Nicholas Cage's character claims in “National Treasure,” but there is apparently a message written upside down at the bottom of the signed document: “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.” It's not known who wrote it or when. Since parchment was usually rolled up during the Revolutionary War years, it's thought this memo served as a label.

One member of Congress who did not sign the Declaration was John Dickinson. What was his reason? He hoped for a reconciliation with Britain. The "last of the moderates", Dickinson was reluctant to cut the proverbial apron strings with Mother England. Fortunately, he was in the minority.

There are 24 known copies of the version of the Declaration known as the "Dunlap Broadside", named after John Dunlap. Who was he? A printer. John Dunlap was the official printer to the Congress. He produced the first copies of the Declaration, which, on July 5, were distributed by members of Congress to assemblies, conventions, and commanders of the troops.

Of all the colonies, which state had the most signatories?Pennsylvania. There were nine delegates from Pennsylvania: George Clymer, Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, James Smith, George Taylor, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Ross, and James Wilson.

Why was Thomas Jefferson chosen for the actual formulating of the draft of the Declaration of Independence? He was from Virginia. Although Jefferson was obviously a very gifted man and talented writer, the main reason he was chosen to draft the Declaration was his status as a Virginian. The New England colonies had already been branded as rebellious and unpopular, and it was thought that something written by a Southerner might be taken more seriously. Adams was not chosen because he was from Massachusetts; Franklin because his son was a staunch loyalist; Livingston because he did not like the idea of a declaration; and Sherman simply could not write.

Who were the youngest and oldest signers of the Declaration at that point in time? Edward Rutledge & Ben Franklin. Edward Rutledge was 26, Ben Franklin was 70, John Adams was 41, Thomas Jefferson was 33, and Steven Hopkins was 69.

From which English philosopher did the Declaration committee get ideas for the Declaration? John Locke. John Locke written of the 'natural right of man, which included 'life, liberty and property'. They changed this to 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' The committee also wrote that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving their just power from the consent of the governed, and that whenever any form of government becomes destructive on these ends it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it. These were all John Locke's ideas.

Which signer of the Declaration of Independence was charged with committing treason because of the role he played in leading the Boston Tea Party? Samuel Adams. Adams was vocal in his opposition of the taxes trying to be levied on the colonists by the British Parliament. He actively fought against the Stamp Act and Sugar Act. In 1773 Britain decided to tax tea that was being sold in the America. Even with the tax, the price of tea was cheaper in America than in Britain, but Adams led a revolt to stop the tax because he did not want England to set a precedent allowing Parliament the right to impose taxes on Americans. This compelled Adams and the "Sons of Liberty" to board three British ships that were anchored in Boston Harbor, and disguised as Native Americans; dump the British tea into the sea. The "Boston Tea Party" led to Adams being charged with treason and the order was given to arrest him with force if necessary. He was never caught and Adams continued to be a leader in the fight for American independence.

With which signer did Robert E. Lee share a common blood ancestor? Benjamin Harrison, through Robert Carter I.

Which signer was present at the coronation of King George III? John Hancock was in England in 1760 and attended the coronation of George III. Sixteen years later he was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence with its list of grievances against George III.

Which signer died in a duel? Button Gwinnett of Georgia. He had a longstanding political rivalry with another Georgia politician named Lachlan McIntosh, and when McIntosh publically challenged his honor, Gwinnett offered a duel. Both men were injured; McIntosh survived, but Gwinnet died of his wounds on May 19, 1777.

Sources:

http://www.ibtimes.com/fourth-july-2014-9-trivia-facts-about-independence-day-1616992

http://www.bangormuseum.org/founding-father-trivia.html

http://www.funtrivia.com/en/history/declaration-of-independence-18045.html

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“Good News Taxable Value Increases 7.24% for Broward!”

Dear Lori:

I read in the Sun-Sentinel your office just released a better than expected taxable value increase? What does this mean for Broward County residents?

              J.F., Wilton Manors, FL (via email)

On June 24, 2014, our office released the July 2014 Taxable Value Report.  This is the third consecutive year property tax values have risen in Broward after four years of declines during the historic real estate collapse. These numbers resulted in a total countywide taxable value increase of 7.24%, and a total taxable value of $141 billion.  The 7.24% increase does not apply to every municipality within the county (please keep in mind the 7.24% increase represents the sum total of all taxable value in Broward County).  Some areas, such as Coconut Creek, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Lazy Lakes, North Lauderdale, Tamarac, and Wilton Manors, saw a taxable value increase greater than 7.24%, while Lauderdale Lakes, Pembroke Park, Dania Beach, and Sea Ranch Lakes saw an increase of less than 7.24%.  To see a breakdown by taxing authority (County, Municipal, District, etc.), go to our website, www.bcpa.net, click on “Site Index” on the left side of the homepage, then click “2014 Tax Roll Information,” and finally “2014 July 1^st Taxable Value Report.”

The numbers released on June 24^th are the final numbers which will be submitted to the Florida Department of Revenue for certification. We endeavor to produce the most accurate tax roll possible through the use of random audits and appraisal reviews.

You can review your property’s 2014 market and assessed values on our webpage at www.bcpa.net.  In August, all Broward property owners will receive their 2014 “TRIM” Notices, or proposed property tax notice, notifying them of their 2014 property tax assessment information, exemptions, proposed tax amounts and proposed tax rates.  These notices also inform property owners of their rights to both challenge their property assessment and to speak out at various taxing authority hearings

Please keep in mind the 2014 property assessments reflect the values as of January 1, 2014.  Florida law requires our property assessments be based a year in arrears, meaning the 2014 property assessments are based upon the qualified sales from January 2, 2013 thru January 1, 2014.  Any sales which occur in the 2014 calendar year will be reflected in the 2015 property assessments.

Sincerely,

Lori Parrish, CFA 

If you have a question for Lori, please email her at lori@bcpa.net or write to her at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111, and Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.  (July 2014)

Hurricane Evacuation maps

In keeping with Hurricane Preparedness, the Emergency Management Coordinator has provided us with the links for evacuation route maps in the event of a major storm in our area:

http://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/HurricaneEvacuationMap.aspx or http://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/EvacuationRoutes.aspx