July 09, 2007
GENERAL MEETING Minutes
8TH FLOOR Commission Chamber

CALL TO ORDER by President Genia Ellis at 7:30 PM followed by the
PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE.

ROLL CALL BY 1st Vice President – Dr. Elizabeth Hayes indicating a quorum of members present.  (Attachment A) Sign In Sheet included (Attachment B)

MEETING MINUTES of June 12, 2007 moved and accepted as submitted (Attachment C).

TREASURER’S REPORT was provided and it was moved and accepted.  (Attachment D)

ANNOUNCEMENTS/GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
UPDATE:
1. City Manager Mr. George Gretsas was introduced to present his goals for the up coming new Budget for 07-08.
 He presented an overview of what has happened the last three years during his administration for improving the financial makeup of the fund balance and Bond Ratings. The five goals set by the City Commission will have priority for next year’s budget.
I. Minimize the impact due the property tax cuts by the state.
II. Continue to focus on Quality of Life issues.
III. Develop Plans for the City’s Future 5-10-20 years out.
IV. Improve Neighborhoods- Strengthening neighborhoods is essential to creating livable sustainable communities. Continue to fund the NCIP at it present amount.
V. Improve the City’s infrastructure by continue to support Water Works 2011 and the Fire-Rescue Bond Program.

The proposed budget will be placed on the City Web Site as part of the backup for the July 17 , 2007 Commission Meeting.  Public hearings are set for September 5th and 18th 2007 to approved the final budget.

2. Mr. Bob Wolf, Broward County Appraiser’s Office was introduced and described the changes to the Current Property Taxes.
He explained that all is good and not all Cities had the same impact due to level of increases from 2006 as the roll back date. It is his opinion it was not enough to help the real estate troubles of reduced sales. He does not feel the impending vote for the other tax in January is the answer either.  He went on to invite all Civic associations to contact his office and he will make sure someone comes out and explain the changes before September 1st, when the tax notices are posted.. He will also help with sign ups for Save Our Homes and Senior Citizens discounts

3. State Representative Jack Sieler was present and spoke on the same subjects. He further explained why portability did not pass.  He also explained that this first will not help housing sales. There are also indications that the reduced housing sales is hurting furniture, appliance and home improvement sales. He also said that it will get a lot worst before getting better.
4. Jeri Pryor said the NCIP deadlines are fast approaching. The last day for the Feasibility study is August 31st and the deadline for NCIP is September 21st.
 
UPDATE:
1. Ad Hoc Code Reform Committee Report – Richard Mancuso
Richard Mancuso announced the date is set for Tuesday, July 10 that 1:30 pm for the presentation of the findings and results of the Ad Hoc Committee to the City Commissioner. The presentation will consist of a power point presentation demonstrating some of the problems that exist and proposed recommended changes.  All Council members are asked to come to support this presentation..
 
NEW BUSINESS:
1. The proposed Budget was presented and approved by the Board.
2. The Third Annual Neighborhood Services Night is set for Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 at 6pm to 8pm in City Hall.
3. There was a discussion about A Neighborhood Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 16th.   The City will be reading a proclamation in support of the day. It will be an agenda item for September meeting.
4. Jeri Pryor announced that anyone who was unable to attend the Technical session held on July 09, 2007 can call her office for additional assistance.
OLD BUSINESS:
Committee reports:
1. Dennis Ulmer announced there will be a Crime Committee meeting on July 10th.
2. The Education Advisory does not meeting July.
3. Ray Dettman will be setting up a Traffic Committee meeting in the near future.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY
1. There was an announcement that Water Works 2011 construction will be closing Davie Blvd at 34th Ave until September.
2. Michael O’Brien requested that  the Council support a letter to be sent to the Commission that stated police, fire and parks budgets be protected at all costs with no cuts.   A discussion was held and it was decided that all associations need to discuss whether they are supportive of this statement and come back in September with their position or other priorities.  It will be determined at that meeting if there is sufficient support to generate such a letter.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:10 PM