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: 

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 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; 

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 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)  

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 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

General Meeting Croissant Park Civic Association June 2014

General Meeting June 24, 2014

Hi  Croissant Park Neighbors,

Happy Summer!  Our June meeting began at 7:10pm with the Pledge of Allegiance and was attended by Board members Pat Rathburn, Michelle DiMaria, Rhonda Kramer, Joe Russell, Beth Falkenhagen, Manny Carrera and  Virginia Russell.

June 1st was the first day of hurricane season so to mark the event we invited the Emergency Management Coordinator Freddie Zelaya to give us a refresher course on hurricane preparedness.  Freddie’s excellent Power Point presentation was  a great reminder of the hazards we face in this season and how to prepare for them.  For us here in South Florida we will experience the highest occurrence of storms from late August through fall. It is recommended that every household prepare an emergency kit that includes 5-7 days of emergency water (1 gallon per day/ per person) and food for each person and pet. In addition to water and food, medications and many other items should be included in your kit.  FEMA’s website www.ready.gov has a complete emergency supply list.  If you plan to evacuate to a shelter it is best to register at that shelter in advance to ensure space.  If you have pets, there are designated shelters you can use.  Again, advance registration is advised.  Now is a good time to trim bushes, trees and loose items that might become dangerous flying objects in a storm.  Early preparation is the key to keeping you and your loved ones protected.  In the event of a hurricane or significant weather event, Ft. Lauderdale City Information Line number is (954) 828-8888, for emergency info and updates of City operations.

We were pleased to honor Suzy Ludlow, the owner of Expresso, our local coffee drive-thru on Andrews Avenue with an award certificate and gift.  Suzy generously supplies coffee for every one of our Croissant Park meetings.  You might have also had the opportunity to take advantage of Suzy’s water aerobics class at our Community Pool and of her exercise class in the Community Center.  Thanks again, Suzy.

FLPD was unable to attend our meeting due to an ongoing incident.  However, Pat read the April/May statistics furnished to her by Ofc. Stevens:   in April we had 2 residential burglaries, 1 business burglary, 2 vehicle robberies and 2 vehicle thefts.  In May there were 3 residential burglaries, 1 vehicle robbery, and 2 vehicle thefts.  So far for the month of June we have had only 1 incident, a huge improvement compared to the two previous months.  No further information is available about the murder that occurred on 4th Avenue near 13th Street.  Neighbors have reported seeing ongoing transactions, possibly drug sales, at the FEC train tracks in Croissant Park.

Michelle informed us of the $46,000 grant we received, which will be spent on pet waste signs and oak trees.  The pet waste signs must be placed on private property and the homeowner must sign an agreement.  Some people are opting to place the sign on their property in the alley, but homeowners may also place them in their front yards.  The oak trees are available to homeowners willing to sign an agreement to thoroughly water the tree and care for it properly.  Contact any Board member if you are interested in placing a sign or planting a tree.

We had talked about partnering up with River Oaks residents to have a party at Gore-Betz Park, and the party committee has decided to wait until the fall when the rainy afternoons are no longer a threat and the weather is more comfortable for outdoor fun and games in the park.

A concerned neighbor asked if the halfway houses in the neighborhood are legal.  The answer is that generally most of them are legal. Many neighbors have complained that the residents cause problems, have many cars that are illegally parked, have overflowing trash cans, and are generally lousy neighbors that threaten our family-oriented neighborhood and our property values.  Our CPCA President Pat Rathburn continues to work on this problem, specifically with an attorney in Delray who is pushing for registration of these homes if a landlord is not living at that residence.  This will require that the cars have stickers.  The Code Enforcement people tell us that we have to call code when we see infractions, and to call 911 if we witness any illegal activities taking place. We are watching what other cities are doing about this issue and we need to “make noise” in Tallahassee and hope that it begins to take hold at the city level.  

The 50/50 raffle prize of a hurricane emergency kit went to Tami McClung.  The 50/50 cash prize was won by Joe Russell.

Our next General meeting will be September 30th...so we’ll see you in September.  Have a great summer!

Minutes by Virginia

Neighborhood Meeting - Tuesday, June 24

Hi neighbors,
 There will be a Neighborhood Meeting this Tuesday, June 24th at 7:00 pm in the Community Center. Our neighborhood Police Officers will be there to present the Crime Report and take questions and comments. Our speaker is Freddie Zelaya, Emergency Management Coordinator for City of Fort Lauderdale. He will be speaking on Hurricane Preparedness. We hope you will be able to make it for this very important information.

Refreshments will be served.
The Community Center is at 245 West Park Drive (south side of school, next to pools)
All neighbors of Croissant Park are invited!

Ask Lori Parrish

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“Estimate of Taxable Value Increases 6.41% for Broward!”

Dear Lori:

I read in the newspaper last week your office just released a report on the 2014 Broward County’s property tax valuation increases. Is this report available to the public?

                                             B.R., Fort Lauderdale, FL (via email)

On May 28, 2014, our office released the 2014 Estimate of Taxable Values.  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 6.41%, and a total taxable value of $139.995 billion.  The 6.41% increase does not apply to every municipality within the county (please keep in mind the 6.41% increase represents the sum total of all taxable value in Broward County).  Some areas, such as Hallandale Beach, Coconut Creek, Cooper City and Davie saw a taxable value increase greater than 6.41%, while Lauderdale Lakes, Pembroke Park, and Dania Beach saw an increase of less than 6.41%.  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 June 1^st Taxable Value Report.”

The numbers released on May 28^th will be virtually identical to the final numbers formally confirmed by the Certification of Tax Roll Value on July 1, 2014.  The only changes, if any, will be to correct any errors discovered over the next 30 days and to extend any exemptions received and approved.  All new 2014 exemptions and Save Our Home portability applications filed to date are already reflected in these numbers.

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.  (June, 2014)

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr. CFE
Community Outreach Specialist II
954.357.6871 – office
954.357.8474 – fax
954.445.5732 – cell

rwolfe@bcpa.net

Follow our office at:  http://www.facebook.com/propertyappraiser and http://twitter.com/loriparrish