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
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 17th Street from Federal Highway to 9th 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
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