February 27th, 2024 Minutes for the Croissant Park Civic Association General Meeting

Minutes of the Croissant Park Civic Association General Meeting

Called to order at 7:02 PM by Pat Rathburn

There were 23 meeting attendees, plus the speakers and police. 

The Board introduced themselves.

 

Pat Rathburn, President 

Michelle DiMaria, Vice President  

Rhonda Kramer, Director 

John Marangio, Secretary 

Carlos Lang, Treasurer 

Virginia Russell, Director 

Jarrod Gaylis, Director

 

January 30, 2024 Minutes - Rhonda made a motion to approve, which was seconded by Jarrod. The motion passed

 

Police Officers presented crime stats and fielded questions for Croissant Park 

Officer Trujillo 

Officer Hagerty

Officer Jackson

 

Crime report:

Stats provided: Zero crimes have been reported in the last 30 days. Report and follow up on a complaint noted at the last meeting regarding a crew house and noise code violations. Code enforcement contacted the home's owner, who was cooperative, and the noise compliance issues were resolved.

Golf carts -what is legal and allowed?

Difference between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle:

A golf cart can go 20 mph, and a low-speed vehicle can go 25 mph. It must have seat belts and lights, go within the speed limit, and be of legal age. A golf cart must abide by the same rules and regs as a vehicle. Require insurance and a license

 

Pat provided examples of people driving golf carts without seatbelts. She highlighted some statistics citing the danger of these vehicles: 13,000 golf cart-related accidents.

Up until last year, they did not require a license. Now, a license or permit is required.

 

Questions and comments were taken from the audience regarding scooters and visually impaired crosswalks -SW 4th Ave, SW 17th St, SW 9th Ave, and SR 84 need audible crosswalks for the visually impaired.

The next Item on the agenda was a presentation by Representatives from Code Enforcement.

Inspector Rafael Santos was accompanied by Compliance Manager Katrina Johnson.

Inspector Santos is on duty in Croissant Park from Wednesday through Sunday. He said he drives past SW 4th Ave, Andrews Ave, and SW 9th Ave daily to assess for common violations,

checking for curb appeal, roofs, overgrowth of landscaping, and alleyway trash. Focus on Alley - these are shared between the two homes- shared 50%.

Violations of bulk trash and debris must be removed within 10 days. If not removed within those 10 days, the city will remove it and send a bill to the property owner. 

Beginning in May 2024, a new project in Croissant Park will beautify the area, house by house, looking and ticketing violations, including cars with flats, on jacks, etc. Cars on swales will also be cited.

Focus on Auto-body shops and collision shops to move vehicles to proper areas. Concerns should be addressed within 24 hours but at most 48 hours. The audience brought up some specific areas that would benefit from a visit. It also has a 24-hour number for reporting after hours.

The audience asked a question regarding the change to reporting where a name and address must be submitted with the report. It was noted that “a” name and address of the caller must be provided when a code violation is reported.

The audience asked about property that may be city-owned and has debris and litter on site. Katrina Johnson spoke about the need to clean up public areas and alleys used as dumps. 

Question from Pat Rathburn: How does code enforcement work with the city when there are clear code violations on construction sites? Do the inspectors address open permits at these sites to identify if construction is not reflected in the permit?

Question from Rhonda Kramer: The Lauderserve app has a feature that allows you to hold your camera in an area that needs to be reported. Ms Katrina Johnson stated that the app can be challenging to use. Ms Johnson stated that the Lauderserve platform will be replaced by a new version, which is more user-friendly and can address all items that need to be fixed or reported. This should be implemented in the next 30 days.

 

Joe Russell asked about the alley behind his home, which is used for refuse and dumping, and

asked what they could do to identify culprits.  There is a detective assigned to this type of illegal dumping. There is also a call center available that will be shared with the civic association. 

 

The suggestion from the audience is to have Croissant Park neighbors report any concerns or violations directly to the inspector. His phone number is 954-838-4771 - and his email is RSantos@fortlauderdale.gov

 

Some properties have ongoing liens and fines of up to $100 per day per violation. If the property is homesteaded, they cannot foreclose on it. There is a list of criteria, and the property can be taken for injunction review before a magistrate. The reality is that the property must have severe violations to be taken down this route.

 

Regarding Bulk Trash- Officer Santos stated he rides through the neighborhood one week before the day of scheduled pick up. 

 

The speakers were applauded and thanked for their time and presentations.

 

Pat asked the audience for future speaker topics to be shared with the board. Pat also

encouraged members and attendees to consider being part of the planning for the Croissant Park 100-year celebration to be held in the Fall of 2024.

 

Commissioner Warren Sturman arrived at the meeting at 8 pm following attendance at the Tree Ordinance meeting. He announced that Speed Bumps are available instead of Speed Humps; bumps are plastic and less expensive and are the option available for the time being.

Improvements along 17th Street will be reviewed at an upcoming meeting on March 13th, 2024, at 630 PM on the second floor of BGMC.

There was a question from the audience about the speed of cars on 15th Street and 9th Ave. Pat noted that this is one of the streets being assessed by the traffic committee. 

Commissioner Warren Sturman was applauded and thanked for attending this meeting and providing local updates.

The Pet Photo Contest votes were counted, and they showed that Cats Rule!!!  Goldie Johnson beat out nine dogs and one other cat to take 1st Place. There was a tie for 2nd Place.

The next general meeting will be May 27, beginning at 630 PM. All meetings going forward will begin at this time.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.  

Minutes by John Marangio

Pictures by Rhonda Kramer

Website http://mycroissantpark.blogspot.com/
Email address is CroissantParkCivic@gmail.com 

 

 

Croissant Park Civic Association General Meeting - Tuesday, Jan 30th 2024

  

Minutes of the Croissant Park Civic Association General Meeting

Tuesday, Jan 30th 2024

Refreshments generously provided by My Market & Deli (229 SW 17th Street Ft Lauderdale) 

The meeting was called to order at 705 PM. 

President Patricia Rathburn welcomed the attendees and requested the board introduce themselves: 

Pat Rathburn, President 

Michelle DiMaria, Vice President 

Jodi Peraudd, Director 

John Marangio, Secretary 

Carlos Lang, Treasurer 

Virginia Russell, Director 

Joe Russell, Director 

Jarrod Gaylis, Director

Review and approval of minutes from the last meeting were moved by Carlos and seconded by John.

Police Officers presented crime stats for Croissant Park:

Officer Trujillo 

Officer Hagerty

Officer Jackson

12 crimes have been reported since the last report, approximately 90 days 

5 vehicle break-in, 4 of which were unlocked 

Auto thefts: 1 Kia Soul, 1 Hyundai, third car had key fob in car

3 larcenies reported - stolen Amazon packages 

1 criminal mischief 

A house in the 500 block at SE 12th Court had complaints of noise, and code enforcement was contacted by police officers.  This is a reminder to inform officers if the address is a Vacation Rental. These need to be handled differently, and code enforcement will need to be involved. It seems to be a crew house rental. If a property is a true Vacation Rental, then law enforcement has more rules to enforce, and they must also be registered with the county.
Noise Enforcement from 10 P to 7 A.

This topic then brought comments and discussion from the participants. One new member brought up concerns of excessive marijuana smoking near his residence, asked for guidance in making proper complaints. Officers responded to the parameters they must work within due to legal restrictions. Officers suggested members reach out to a landlord/tenant legal counsel.

Officers were thanked for their time and departed at 724 PM.

The next presenter was introduced by Pat. Kelly Brown (Property Appraiser Customer Service office) and Maureen Morrison from the office of Marty Kiar. They also introduced colleague Erica Terry, a specialist with the exception team who was available to help interested parties sign up for OWNER ALERT (title/deed fraud) along with business cards and a QR code. Ms. Brown’s contact is 954 357 6035 email is kbrown@bcpa.net

Abatement program review:
Prorated refund program of property tax due to the residence being uninhabitable (i.e., fire/flood, etc.)
Are properties entitled to refunds?  In some cases, yes. If a home was uninhabitable due to a catastrophic event for 30 days or more, then that portion of the property tax can be refunded to the owner in the following tax year.
This is directly related to the living portion of the affected property, and the refund is pro-rated.  File online at the office for the property appraiser. Documents must be submitted, and the application will be reviewed.
Forms for refund applications are available on the website for the County Appraiser.

Reviewed deadlines for filing exemptions, which are also listed on the website and the brochures provided at this meeting

Pat Rathburn provided a scenario to offer clarity to the members of this meeting.
Refunds are sent back to the entity that paid the taxes, either the owner directly or the bank if the mortgage is escrowed.

Jarrod asked how land vs dwelling values are determined - the answer was this is determined by the market.

An audience member inquired if the OWNER ALERT program was successful - this program was created to deter the theft of deeds due to fraud.  If any documents are filed to transfer ownership of the property, the office will alert the homeowner via email or text message.  (240,000 Broward County owners have signed up).
The owner is alerted and can respond if the activity is suspicious of fraud. This would be filed as a criminal act with law enforcement.

Discussed option to pay property taxes in 4 quarterly payments—these payments also have early paying discounts applied to them as well. Information at  Browardrevenue.org

Presentation completed at 743 PM.

At 744 PM, Commissioner Warren Sturman joined our meeting to provide an update and thanked Pat Rathburn for her leadership.
Dr Warren reviewed the following topics: His office started a series of workshops. One example was a Budget workshop to gather info to bring back to city hall.  These workshops provide a venue for citizens to voice their ideas and concerns to be brought back to decision meetings at City Hall.

An example of a recent budget change is sidewalk repair and replacement.

Other examples are biking paths and noise limits/Ordinances.

Water treatment plant updates and overhaul. (Should be up and running in 2-3 years).
Stormwater infrastructure planning.

Speed humps, 2 of the 5 slated for implementation, are cited for Croissant Park.

New contracts were signed with Police and Fire to increase recruitment.

The city has three new fire stations, all located in District 4.

Plans to provide EMS training for Police Officers so that they can initiate medical care when they are the first responders at the scene.

Commissioner Sturman thanked us for our time and departed the meeting at 755 PM.

DOT will re-design 17^th Street from Federal Highway to 9^th Avenue with sidewalks, bike lanes, tree plantings, and safety installations.

Pat provided an overview of the plans to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Croissant Park. She asked for involvement from attendees and members to assist with the planning and execution of this event. For more information and to help, please email CroissantParkCivic@gmail.com.

Pat also provided an overview of Green Your Routine, GYR, with examples of opportunities to raise awareness and funds for the association. Virginia Russel provided more details on GYR, explaining how volunteer work can increase our involvement and bring money to our association.  Examples: weeding in Snyder Park, Cleaning after Jazz Events, and Friday night Star Light clean-ups. Mills Pond Park Recycling Program Dates.
Virginia offered to communicate upcoming needs as new events are made known.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Virginia Russell via CroissantParkCivic@gmail.com.

More information can also be found at Fort Lauderdale.gov, and look for additional GYR opportunities.

Michelle Dimaria reviewed her involvement with the Counsel of Civic Associations for the City and how our membership and presence bring information back to our association.  The example provided was the new sidewalk repair through public works money. Another example is that grant money is now available to install new sidewalks.

Carlos Lange reminded the attendees to share their thoughts and input to help our association continue to improve this neighborhood.

Pat thanked all in attendance, and the meeting adjourned at 8:13 pm.

Minutes by John Marangio, Secretary