April 27, 2007 - In mid-January, former Playa del Sol President Domenic Faro called the Galt Mile Community Association about an organization with which he had recently become involved. Mr. Faro serves as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors of the Cooperative Feeding Program, a small budget charity performing a multimillion dollar service for our community. Since Domenic is also the owner of Fort Lauderdale Real Estate, a realtor located in the Galt Mile Shopping Plaza (Winn-Dixie, etc.), he enjoys the unique perspective of those who both live and work in the Galt Mile neighborhood.

DOMENIC FARO

After describing the mission of the Cooperative Feeding Program as providing counseling and support to help families experiencing economic hardship out of the throes of difficult times, he requested the opportunity to address the February Presidents Council meeting. He was hoping to enlist the participation of our member associations in collecting food, personal hygiene products, baby formula and other basic necessities.

On February 5^th, accompanied by Marc Hamelsky of L�Hermitage, Domenic made a pitch to a full house of association presidents and civic leaders. 16 of GMCA�s 26 member associations agreed to help feed the hungry.

CFP COMMUNITY KITCHEN

In October 2005, The Cooperative Feeding Program celebrated 20 years of service to the hungry and homeless of Broward County. From the humble beginnings of distributing a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the homeless, today they provide 1.2 million meals a year. Currently Broward County�s lead agency in the provision of services to the hungry and homeless, the agency's dramatic development has reflected the growing numbers and needs of the poor in our community. A totally private, federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that operates solely on the funds and gifts generated by socially conscious individuals, businesses and organizations like ours, the Cooperative Feeding Program fed 29,000 families and over 75,000 individuals last year. Rents were paid and move-in costs were provided to help families facing homelessness avoid that tragic disgrace. The organization provided this wide range of services with a remarkably pork-free 7% administrative overhead - audited.

CFP PANTRY

Domenic Faro and food drive co-chairman Marc Hamelsky rolled up their sleeves. Over the next month, volunteers distributed special large and small collection bags to each of the participating associations. The large bags were central collection repositories and the smaller bags were distributed by each association to residents wishing to donate products. From March 15^th through April 15^th, thousands of Galt Mile residents donated thousands of pounds of canned meats and fish, canned fruits, canned vegetables, canned meals, soups (canned and instant), peanut butter & jelly/jam, dried milk, pasta, rice, cereal and paper & plastic grocery bags. Baby food and baby formula (powdered or canned) and diapers of all sizes also filled the repository bags. Galt Milers donated reams of hygiene supplies such as small shampoos, conditioners, soap, toothbrushes, razors, and shaving cream to help those living on the streets and barely making ends meet. Each week, Cooperative Feeding Program volunteers visited our buildings, collecting the full bags and leaving empty replacements.

Following the final pickup, CFP�s Scott Woodburn corresponded with each of the participating associations, summarizing the final results of the Galt Ocean Mile Food Drive. His April 17^th letter was a comparative study of the donations contributed by each of our members that opted to lend a hand. Some of the compiled statistics are quite startling.

The Cooperative Feeding Program is headquartered at NW 33^rd Terrace in Fort Lauderdale (on the N. W. corner of Broward Blvd. and NW 33^rd Terrace). Call them at (954) 792-2328, fax them at (954) 792-9982 or click here to send an email. Office and Emergency Pantry hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM. The Community Kitchen serves from 9 AM through 11 AM, Monday through Saturday and Sundays from 11 AM through 12:30 PM.

June 29, 2007 - One of the irritating mysteries facing Galt Mile residents has been the confusing condition of our sidewalks and landscaping. A few years ago, the City started to rehabilitate the landscaping along Galt Ocean Drive. Despite the obvious improvements acclaimed by residents, the project was halted abruptly. When the Galt Mile Community Association inquired about the aborted progress, City of Fort Lauderdale Urban Forester Gene Dempsey explained at a Presidents Council meeting that a horticulturist was hired to ensure that the flora planned for the area was environmentally appropriate. When asked by suspicious association officials about the City�s historically �intermittent� commitment to maintaining the Galt Mile in a �Disney-Like manner� (as contractually guaranteed) and about the aesthetic adequacy of the new horticulturist�s intentions, Mr. Dempsey made two promises. He said that he would personally oversee the project timetable and ensure its aesthetic objectives.

Hurricane Wilma understandably shifted the City�s commitment � and residents� expectations � to the back burner. When Fort Lauderdale finally dug itself out from the Storm�s disastrous effects, Parks and Recreation Director Phil Thornburg restated the City�s commitment to upgrading the neighborhood�s neglected landscaping. Following the City�s selection of Atria Landscape Development Corporation as the contractor charged with implementing the landscaping upgrades, District 1 Commissioner Christine Teel agreed to keep Association officials posted about the plan�s progress.

BEFORE - GREEN BUTTONWOODS IN FRONT OF SOUTHPOINT CONDOMINIUM

The City Commission authorized the purchase of trees costing $87,276 from the Atria Landscape Development Corporation in Pembroke Pines, the lowest of eight bidders. The contract included the removal of tree trunks and root balls for $28,080, the planting of 80 Myrcianthes Frangrans � Simpson Stoppers (in Sidewalk Cutouts) for $34,276 and 60 Clear Trunk Sabal Palmetto Sabal Palms for $11,400.

On April 17, 2006, Ricardo Lanati of the Atria Landscape Development Corp. notified Urban Forester Gene Dempsey that Atria had �completed the 1^st stage of the Galt Ocean Mile Project, by removing and stump grinding around 300 trees and Palm stumps and trunks.� The 244 Green Buttonwoods (reminiscent of the trees on the Addams Family front lawn) and 50 Coconut Palms had been cut to a height of 4 feet and carefully removed in stages to avoid damaging water and utility lines entangled in their root balls. Lanati explained, �We have capped all of the irrigation lines that were broken, and we are coordinating with Mr. Cliff from the City of Fort Lauderdale for the reinstallation of the irrigation where possible.� The extensive root systems of the trees slated for removal also threatened damage to the sidewalks and the cover grates upon extraction. Lanati said, �There was no damage reported on the sidewalks or tree grates.�

AFTER - STUMPED GREEN BUTTONWOODS - SOUTHPOINT

Lanati also described the 2^nd stage of the project last April. �This week we are going to proceed on the repairs of the irrigation and the electric lines and by the middle of the week will start bringing the trees.� Lanati expected to plant the Myrcianthes Frangrans � Simpson Stoppers � on the east side of the block. Evidently, the number of trees required to adequately line the block was grossly underestimated. If unable to locate additional Simpson Stoppers, Lanati offered to substitute Silver Buttonwoods (Conocarpus erectus sericeus) 6� � 8� standard, at the beginning and end of the block. 80 Silver Buttonwoods were also scheduled for planting on the west side of the street. Lanati said, �The Silvers will blend very well in the area, and with the Washingtonians, and Sabals, around the Publix* [sic* - Winn Dixie] parking field. There is an existing group of Silvers, as well, in the area near L�Hermitage.�

MYRCIANTHES FRANGRANS SIMPSON STOPPERS

Incredibly, the City ran out of trees about halfway down the block. Whoever was responsible for determining the number of Simpson Stoppers required to fulfill the contract had evidently miscounted. Instead of planting the substitute Silver Buttonwoods �at the beginning and end of the block� as intimated in Lanati�s correspondence, they were planted in front of every association north of Galt Ocean Club, where Atria ran out of Simpson Stoppers. As if personally plagued by Murphy, the newly planted six-foot trees started dying all along Galt Ocean Drive. The sidewalk planters were in a permanent state of disarray, housing an assortment of dead fauna and wood chips. The specialty lighting along the block remained unrepaired and the street was lined with a combination of broken sidewalks and sidewalk sections repaired using varying colors of aggregate. The sidewalks that we paid for through a special assessment were being morphed into a disconcerting crazy-quilt.

PARKS DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR PHIL THORNBURG

Following an inquiry by Commissioner Christine Teel last summer, Parks Department Director Phil Thornburg notified the Commissioner on September 13^th that the lighting on the east side had been repaired and the west side would be completed by the end of the following week. He also said that Department personnel were monitoring the recently planted trees, replacing the ones that failed to thrive. He promised that the palms and silver buttonwoods would be pruned and that mulching would continue. Maria, a Parks Department employee whose years of grooming Galt Mile landscaping had endeared her to local residents, had been previously reassigned to other duties. She would be returned to work on the Galt Mile.

Since then, the sidewalk beds have been substantially rehabilitated. The new plantings are miraculously surviving. Returning Maria to her former duties has ostensibly helped produce an expected dividend. The lamps are back to full functionality and the original horticulturist has evidently passed into history. Still on the table are the cracked and uneven sidewalks, the lack of an aggregate color standard and the size and health of the trees planted along the block. To clarify the underlying rationale for these persistent problems, a meeting was arranged on June 20^th between the City and GMCA representatives.

SCRAGGLY TWISTED GREEN BUTTONWOOD

At 8:30 AM, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Terry Rynard and Parks Foreman Tim Southby met with GMCA President Pio Ieraci to tour the block and identify outstanding deficiencies. The �elephant in the matchbox� was clearly the replacement trees. Although Parks and Recreation has swapped out the dead saplings for live saplings, neighborhood residents have long been at a loss to understand why saplings were planted at all. While the �Addams Family� Green Buttonwoods were admittedly poor candidates as keystone tree staples, at least they were medium sized trees, affording a modicum of shade and the promise of a graceful maturity. Why were they being replaced with baby trees suffering from multi-week life spans? Although Galt Mile demographics currently reflect a precipitous drop in the average homeowner�s age, many residents resent a 10-year loss of tree growth in the bargain.

STUMPING MACHINE AND STUMPED COCONUT PALM

Although empathetic with residents� disappointment, Tim Southby sought to clarify the Department�s underlying reasons for deliberately planting undersized trees. �The silver buttonwoods that we have planted on the walkway were chosen for their size for many reasons,� exclaimed Southby. �The openings in the sidewalk are only so big. Many of the old root systems are still in the ground from the old trees and from other trees along the sidewalk. Electrical and irrigation for these trees runs through these openings, causing us to use smaller and not as mature specimens as we would like to have used.� Southby was referring to the same problem discovered by Atria�s Lanati last year, when the contractor�s plan to effortlessly extract the stumped trees like inflamed wisdom teeth was thwarted by root system entanglements. Foreman Southby continued, �For this reason we have had to stake and strap the trees in ways we normally would not like to have to use. We know that it isn�t the most attractive method but it is working.�

NEWLY PLANTED TREES STRAPPED AND STAKED UNTIL GROWTH ADEQUATE FOR SELF-SUPPORT IS STIMULATED

The storm-shocked Green Buttonwoods (and their predecessors along the Galt) were foolishly planted adjacent to electrical lines feeding the street lighting, water lines for irrigation, sewer and drainage components and cable wires. Additionally, Green Buttonwoods are notorious for propagating extensive root systems. When these root systems were exposed during the course of the project, the contractor realized that he was in over his head. Atria discovered that the roots were inseparably entangled with electrical lines, water and gas pipes, telephone cables and other utility lines. As observed by curious residents and association officials casually tracking the project�s progress, the thick profusion of roots had also embedded themselves into the sidewalk panels, adjacent perimeter walls, even the street curbs.

GREEN BUTTONWOODS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE LINED GALT SIDEWALK

The contractor tried cutting while City Parks officials considered poisoning and burning to shrink the offending root systems. Their efforts were futile or rife with dangerous consequences (i.e. poisoning). Since the root balls anchoring the Wilma-shredded green buttonwoods appeared to represent an insurmountable obstacle, the plan to extract them and plant new trees in their place was returned to the drawing board for strategic reconsideration. Despite the inclusion of necessary repairs to damaged utility lines, the revision still lacked an effective methodology to replace the tenacious trees.

ROOT BALLS ENTANGLED IN TREE GRATE & SIDEWALK

City officials had to find a way to plant new trees without first having to remove the stifling remnant root balls. Initially, unsupported trees were planted in whatever space was available amid the overcrowded root remnants. As often as not, they died. If they could somehow sustain the trees following their initial implantation, the replacements� chances for survival would increase substantially. Tim Southby explained steps recently taken by the Parks Department to accomplish this objective, �We are also currently topping off most of the buttonwoods to stop adding more stress to the lower trunk and the root system. This will allow the trunk to thicken up and give it the strength that we need to allow the strapping to come off and make the sidewalk area more appealing.� By initially keeping the tree small, its growth resources will be directed towards bulking up the trunk, affording it earlier support self-sufficiency. Tim contends that this strategy, in combination with concentrating scheduled fertilization, will visibly shorten the period during which the trees appear to be undersized.

While confirming that insufficient planting space due to the intractable residual root systems is primarily responsible for the new trees� poor survival rate, Southby shed light on some contributing factors to their abbreviated life spans, �We have also encountered many trees destroyed by vandalism which has been noted by residents of the Galt and some have been destroyed by contractors working on certain buildings.�

STRAPPED AND STAKED SAPLING

About halfway through the tour that started at Southpoint and headed north up Galt Ocean Drive, Tim Southby and Terry Rynard were asked how long the trees would have to remain strapped to stakes before acquiring adequate strength to support themselves. They assured us that the strapped up condition of these small silver buttonwoods is a temporary irritant. �We hope by June of 2008 the strapping will come off most of the trees except for the ones that we have had to replace in the last few weeks,� predicted Southby. To place the extent of the problem into perspective, he added, �The landscape crew has replaced 35 buttonwoods on the Galt since March of 2007.�

Assistant Parks Director Rynard agreed with Southby�s assessment, exclaiming �You won�t have to wait ten years to see substantial growth. We�re making the best out of a bad situation. We plan to intensively fertilize the new trees. Once they are firmly rooted, we should see some rapid growth.� Southby blamed the old root balls for some of the damage sustained by the aggregate sidewalks originally installed as part of the Galt Mile Improvement Project. He explained �The root systems spread under the entire area. We found them wrapped around the tree cover grates and they dislodged sidewalks.�

DISLODGED AGGREGATE PANEL RISING ABOVE GRADE

When confronted with cracked and upturned sidewalk sections, Rynard said that the City would attempt to level the affected areas. While some of the tripping hazards can be ameliorated by grinding and patching the aggregate, addressing the crazy quilt effect doesn�t lend itself to simple structural corrections. Utilities, contractors and vendors whose contractual maintenance obligations require excavation or demolition of original sidewalk sections are responsible for returning the area to its pre-construction state. Unable to accurately match the pink hues utilized to color the original aggregate, each vendor installs a different color variant, resulting in a discordant concrete patchwork.

ROOT STRESS AGGREGATE CRACKS

Another municipal oversight contributes to the patchwork dilemma. Surprisingly, the city failed to stockpile adequate reserves of the original pink aggregate used for the Galt Mile Improvement Project. The token amounts set aside for repairs were exhausted within several months of the Project�s completion.

BRACED PALMS IN FULL SIDEWALK BEDS

The Improvement Project was financed through a self-levied assessment on the residents of the Galt Mile neighborhood � not the city. In exchange for the community underwriting project costs, the City agreed to maintain the improvements �in a Disney-like manner�, intimating that municipal maintenance would be attentive and utilize high quality materials. During the past decade, GMCA officials have contended that the City has intermittently been in breach of this contractual commitment.

Outside consultants have recommended that the City underwrite a professional attempt to approximate the original aggregate recipe using samples of existing aggregate as a control guide. Upon issuing a permit for the next excavation of Galt Mile sidewalk, the demolished sidewalk aggregate could be collected and submitted for analysis. A formula similar to the original mix could be reconstructed and tested for consistency, product resilience and strength. Mandating that excavations be repaired using the newly redeveloped aggregate formula would eliminate further aesthetic inconsistency.

PALM BEDS CLEANED UP

Some of the convoluted rationale expressed by city officials for previous failures to adequately maintain the landscaping and the sidewalks has served to indiscriminately cloud overall municipal credibility. Nevertheless, the current Parks Department team has recently made palpable improvements to both. Following a shaky start, Director Phil Thornburg and Assistant Director Terry Rynard have assembled a team with the skills and political will to effectuate the long overdue upgrades. Unlike past disappointments wherein supervisory personnel were seemingly arbitrarily �exchanged� as a palliative to expressions of local frustration, current Parks Foreman Tim Southby is not only competent, but is authoritatively familiar with the obstacles he is charged with overcoming.

WELL-KEPT SIDEWALK BEDS

Rynard and Southby have thus far transformed the sidewalk beds from little �boot hill�-style brown yards into flourishing well-manicured islands of environmentally appropriate tropical flora. Before charging in with another round of failed plantings, they took the trouble to diagnose the underlying problems, formulate a plan that should circumvent the root ball dilemma and create a planting and fertilization schedule engineered to expedite growth. Having completed these preparations, they ask only that their newly implemented tree replacement strategy be afforded the opportunity to bear fruit. Notwithstanding a natural proclivity for suspicion in view of recent disappointments, their request for patience is reasonable.

After touring the block with the two Parks officials, GMCA President Pio Ieraci summarized his outlook, �Considering Parks Director Thornburg�s well-deserved reputation for candor and integrity, I am very encouraged by the intensity with which Assistant Director Terry Rynard and Parks Foreman Tim Southby have characterized their mission on the Galt Mile.� Optimistic about their having participated in a walk-through organized to better understand community expectations, Ieraci said, �In contrast with past meetings, I believe that the officials responsible for our neighborhood landscaping and street maintenance are familiar with our concerns and have developed a workable plan. Although the problems are a lot more complicated than we assumed, the Parks Department plan should ultimately result in a beautiful tree-lined thoroughfare. � Ieraci said that he was impressed with Tim Southby�s detailed conversance with the community�s landscaping pitfalls and Terry Rynard�s uncompromising intention to see the Galt Mile upgrades through to completion. �For the first time since the Galt Mile Improvement Project, our local Parks personnel and the Parks Administration are pulling together to fix the problem. Whether or not this is a seed change will become apparent over the next few months.�

Time, as always, will tell...

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�Making Campaign Promises A Reality�

by Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl

COMMISSIONER KEN KEECHL

After 8 months in office, I am absolutely convinced that there have never been so many important issues facing our County. I ran for this office promising you a change from the status quo. You agreed that a change in direction was necessary. As you will read below, we are making progress. I would like to use my summer newsletter to briefly advise you of four important votes recently taken by the County Commission, each which reflects our shared vision of an environmentally sensitive, fiscally conservative, Broward County.

1. By a 6-3 vote, the County Commission has voted to extend the southern runway at Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Intl. Airport.

   • As I discussed extensively in my June newsletter, this was a difficult decision for the County Commission. After much deliberation, and after listening extensively to the proponents and opponents of any extension, I voted in favor of the extension. Based on the FAA�s draft report, I am convinced that the failure to extend the southern runway would lead to unacceptable arrival and departure delays. These inevitable delays would have eroded our quality of life; would have negatively impacted our business community; and would have had negative environmental consequences for all of us.

2. County Commission is lowering your property taxes.

   • In furtherance of my campaign promise to you, since my election I have led the charge on the County Commission to lower property taxes. With the help of the Florida legislature, I have been successful. All of my colleagues and I have approved, in concept, budget cuts of almost $100,000,000.00. It wasn�t easy, and we are not done, but collectively we have instituted a hiring freeze; agreed to eliminate unnecessary expenditures; and re-evaluated the need for each and every program offered by the County. While we have not officially agreed on each cut, we have reached a consensus on the vast majority of the reductions. If I have my way, this is only the beginning. My philosophy is simple. I recognize that this is your money, not ours. With each proposed expenditure, I ask myself the following question: Is this item truly necessary? If not, I have, and will continue, to vote against it.

3. By a 9-0 vote, the County Commission has adopted a Boat Facility Siting Plan with an incorporated Manatee Protection Plan.

   • NUMBER OF BOAT SLIPS IN BROWARD COUNTY

     One of Broward�s most unique attributes is our abundance of waterways. Broward currently has 30,739 legal boat slips. The commercial and residential communities have repeatedly requested more. While these requests are reasonable, there is no doubt that along with an increase in boat usage, comes a corresponding and devastating impact on our manatee population. The County Commission, working closely with all marine and environmental stakeholders, has now adopted a Boat Facility Siting Plan that allows for an additional 4,392 boat slips in Broward, while simultaneously creating a workable plan to ensure that manatee deaths are minimized. Importantly, the manatee protection element will be funded by user fees and not by property taxes. I am also proud that the Plan reserves 513 boat slips for future public use. This successful endeavor clearly shows that when the business community and the environmental community work together, everyone benefits. I am convinced that we can be an environmentally sensitive, pro-business county if we only try.

4. Lastly, by a 9-0 vote, the County Commission has directed staff to amend Broward�s Comprehensive Land Use Plan to strongly discourage golf course conversions and to require environmental contamination inspections.

   • The protection of our dwindling green spaces was a campaign promise I made to each of you. As a result, I have led the charge to protect our few remaining golf courses from residential conversions. I am thrilled to advise that my colleagues agree and we have unanimously voted to forward these important policy mandates to the appropriate entities for comment and eventual approval. When final, it will be the official policy of Broward County to �strongly discourage� the conversion of these few remaining open spaces. Moreover, any applicant who nevertheless decides to seek such a land use change will be required to provide a Phase I and Phase II environmental report showing the absence of environmental contamination, a difficult endeavor due to the traditional use and build up of pesticides and arsenic-laden herbicides on golf courses.

Clearly, in eight months, we have made substantial progress in furthering our shared vision for District 4 and Broward County. Of course, many important issues have yet to be addressed. I look forward to being your advocate. Together, we can, and will, make Broward County a better place for our families.

As usual, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 954 357 7004. Remember, I work for you.

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September 30, 2007 - In April, Commissioner Christine Teel�s Newsletter explained why James D. Camp had a downtown street named in his honor. Her September Newsletter applauds the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) committee for having approved the funds to replace the fountain in Jack Kaye Park on Bayview Drive. Our City Commissioner took the opportunity to edify constituents about the park being officially renamed. Jack Kaye�s late wife Harriet will join her husband as the park�s namesake next year when the park is redesignated Jack and Harriet Kaye Park.

Commissioner Teel explains why this honor is being accorded to Jack�s recently deceased better half. An ardent civic contributor, Harriet served as the Broward County anchor of a national patriotic organization - Freedoms Foundation. In accord with the Foundation�s mission to �teach Americans about America,� an endowment she arranged will educate hundreds of Broward students about the historical legacy upon which our nation was built. READ ON... - editor

From The Desk of
Commissioner Teel

DISTRICT 1 COMMISSIONER CHRISTINE TEEL

I hope everyone had a pleasant summer and that you had some time to relax and enjoy all that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. The City Commission is back to business after the August hiatus. It looks like it will be a busy year and I�m looking forward to working with my constituents on matters of importance to District I and the City of Fort Lauderdale.

FOUNTAIN IN JACK KAYE PARK

I would like to inform and update everyone on the fountain in Jack Kaye Park on Bayview Drive. This jewel in the park was constructed almost 50 years ago, and like many similar structures, has outlived its life expectancy. Many people have inquired about the fountain, wondering why the city has not repaired it. City staff has examined the structure and in addition to contacting local experts, staff has communicated with a company in Boston that is experienced in the restoration of fountains from this period. They, along with city staff, feel that replacement rather than restoration is the solution to the problem.

JACK (& HARRIET) KAYE PARK

This project was presented to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) committee and I�m delighted to inform you that they have approved the funds to replace the fountain. This project is currently scheduled for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Assuming that the funds won�t be needed for any emergency projects that impact the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Fort Lauderdale, we can look forward to seeing this project underway as scheduled.

HARRIET KAYE

The Jack Kaye Park, for those of you not familiar with it, was dedicated to Jack Kaye in 1998. His wife Harriet passed away on March 27, 2007, and the park will be rededicated on January 26, 2008 as the Jack and Harriet Kaye Park, as a memorial for their tireless community service in Coral Ridge, where they resided, and throughout Fort Lauderdale.

Harriet Kaye left her estate to the Freedoms Foundation of Broward County, where she served as president for six terms. Jack and Harriet were actively involved with the Freedoms Foundation for many decades. Located in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, the Foundation hosts four-day conferences and historical tours for students from across the country. All costs are covered by private donations. The Foundation�s mission is to �teach Americans about America.� Harriet Kaye�s generosity will send 100 students to the Valley Forge campus in 2008, and will allow students from Broward County to share this experience for years to come.

Jack and Harriet Kaye Park is adjacent to George English Park on Bayveiw Drive and Sunrise Boulevard. Since the construction is about eighteen months away, Parks & Recreation will be installing a bed of plants and flowers to beautify the fountain in the interim. I hope everyone has an opportunity to visit the park when you�re in the neighborhood and enjoy this quiet respite in our flourishing city.

Please feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns. I can be reached at 954-828-5004 or via e-mail at [email protected]

Christine Teel                

FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE CAPTAIN TODD PENEY

After suffering 45 reported crimes and hundreds of �incidents� in 1999, the Lauderdale Beach Homeowners Association, along with L�Hermitage I and II, hired active Fort Lauderdale Police Officers to man an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) for the beach and a Police Jeep to patrol the street. The success of similar patrols organized by neighborhood civic groups depends primarily upon how they�re administered. When the civic sponsors of any plan decide that they are adequately knowledgeable about operating a security patrol, they quickly learn that they are mistaken. To properly utilize the skills of active police officers, they must be organized under an equally professional chain of command � not a group of concerned, yet inexperienced, homeowners. After exploring their alternatives and interviewing candidates, directors of the Lauderdale Beach Homeowners Association met Fort Lauderdale Police Captain Todd Peney, the recipient of 23 Departmental and 57 Public Commendations. Currently assigned to the Patrol Division in Police District 3, Captain Peney has proven to be the catalyst they needed to develop a successful program. One year after implementing this program, the number of reported crimes dropped precipitously � to two.

ASSISTANT CHIEF MARY NEGREY FORMER DISTRICT 1 MAJOR

While tracking the number of reported crimes or �Part One� crimes is a legitimate method of measuring the success or failure of a security program, it doesn�t accurately illustrate the crime problems faced by the Galt Mile community. At a February 16, 2006 meeting of the Galt Mile Community Association Advisory Board, Major Mary Negrey of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department reported that her District One unit (covering the Galt Mile) was primarily beset by �Quality of Life� crimes.

She explained that police resources are prioritized according to the need exhibited by each neighborhood. In every major municipal police force, manpower and equipment are allocated primarily to neighborhoods victimized by high crime rates and/or significant crimes. Given that the City wasn�t about to take officers from high crime areas to monitor the Galt Mile beach and sidewalks, she explained the Department�s strategy for areas like the Galt Mile. They hand out pamphlets in shopping areas, community centers and similar venues alerting residents to avoid leaving valuables in plain sight of their unattended vehicles. Holding up a flyer she brought to so demonstrate, she read, �Be careful not to leave your keys in the car or your cell phone on the car seat!� Aside from official exhortations to be mindful of our surroundings, she made it clear that we were already receiving the level of protection statistically commensurate with our needs. If we wanted to address the burglars, thieves and muggers committing these �Quality of Life� crimes, we were on our own. Those unfamiliar with Major Negrey have since asked whether she is a credible authority. Suffice to say that she was subsequently promoted to Assistant Chief of Police.

MAYOR JIM NAUGLE GIVES ANNUAL TAX COMPLAINT

To support his contention that taxes are too high, Mayor Jim Naugle�s annual address to the GMCA Advisory Board admonishes that the Galt Mile neighborhood contributes as much in taxes as the downtown business district. Angered by the City�s refusal to break with proven police theory and reallocate resources to neighborhoods according to tax base instead of need, some association representatives endorsed a strategy based on the enigmatic proposition that if we did nothing to protect our residents, the City would have to shift police personnel from high crime areas to the Galt Mile. After three decades of applying political pressure to elicit adequate neighborhood security (screaming, threatening, crying, �negotiating�, posturing, etc.), the truth of Major Negrey�s explanation has become inescapable. Notwithstanding our annual tax contribution, no administration would ignore time-tested police theory and strip protection from high-crime �battlefield� areas to protect wealthy strollers from perpetrators often misidentified as �homeless� persons and absent-minded shoppers from thieves. For decades, civic leaders were constrained to gnashing their teeth while neighborhood residents were subjected to a half dozen incidents every week.

GALT MILE BEACH PATROL AREA

In 2004, the neighborhood association finally decided that angrily refusing to do anything while family, friends and neighbors suffered muggings, robberies and assaults was futile and pointless. They voted to launch another investigation into creating a private security patrol. The final product would have to meet a tough set of criteria. To accommodate representatives upset with the principle of paying for any manner of incremental police protection, the cost would have to be negligible to the average Galt Mile resident. Conversely, hiring a squad comprised of uniformed senior citizens and inexperienced part-time college students might actually invite more crime.

A real cop in a police vehicle or an ATV could cover the beach and/or the street more effectively than 4 rent-a-cops on foot. Hiring off-duty Fort Lauderdale police officers had an added value. Whenever an officer has cause to assert authority, he/she is automatically classified as �on duty�. If and when a suspect is cornered, they don�t have to contact FLPD to make an arrest. They are automatically empowered to detain and arrest alleged perpetrators. They also have unlimited access to FLPD�s substantial support services � at no additional cost.

FORMER ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE STEPHEN ROBITAILLE

When the highly successful plan implemented by the Lauderdale Beach Homeowners Association was initially considered, the high per/unit cost paid by the Lauderdale Beach homeowners weighed against it. However, when two previously overlooked factors were considered, the plan was reevaluated. Since the Lauderdale Beach community is composed primarily of single family homes, their per unit cost is substantial. However, by spreading the expense over the Galt Mile community�s high density demographics, our minimal cost for a reasonable level of protection drops to a meager $20 per unit annually. Secondly, during the 5 years since they initiated the patrol, the Lauderdale Beach Homeowners Association had outfitted their participating professional police officers with substantial resources. They built a headquarters housing a high-tech communications network and purchased a police car to patrol the street and an ATV to patrol the beach. In addition to facilitating access to both the street and the beach, the fully equipped security HQ is conveniently located right down the block.

MAJOR PAUL KILEY

When the GMCA Advisory Board met with assorted city officials during 2005 and 2006, members took the opportunity to elicit input about the neighborhood�s security alternatives. In addition to Major Mary Negrey, association representatives queried then Assistant Chief of Police Stephen Robitaille, City Manager George Gretsas, City Commissioner Christine Teel, Major Paul Kiley (Major Negrey�s replacement upon her promotion to Assistant Chief of Police) and Assistant City Manager Kathleen Gunn. Assistant Chief Robitaille and Major Kiley spoke to the advantages attendant to using professional police. Aside from the training and experience that each officer brings to the patrol, it eliminates a communications bottleneck that diminishes the effectiveness of community policing. The seamless access to Departmental resources uniquely available to active police officers is invaluable and irreplaceable.

CITY MANAGER GEORGE GRETSAS

At a March 16, 2006 Advisory Board meeting, members asked City Manager George Gretsas for guidance about our security dilemma. After learning the details of the neighborhood security plan, he stated that �the plan might be eligible for municipal support.� Gretsas explained that if we implemented the plan and were able to demonstrate a successful outcome, we could apply for municipal resources to underwrite its fiscal future. When asked if the City would consider financing the security patrol immediately, Gretsas responded, �Why should any City Commissioner risk supporting a neighborhood program untested on the Galt Mile? It must have a successful track record to earn eligibility.� He explained that when he evaluates any program or system in city government, he applies a simple rule, �If it works, it stays � if not, it gets replaced.� The City Manager clarified, �If the plan is implemented and after a reasonable period the participating associations agree that it works, the City would have a basis to support the program.� He recommended that we evaluate the program after it has been operating for a full year by asking each association if the patrol satisfied its expectations.

To avoid inflaming local fears and concerns in high-end neighborhoods like the Galt Ocean Mile and Lauderdale Beach, incidents are deliberately handled with discretion by FLPD. Ironically, this policy has deluded some residents into believing that they don�t occur. Similarly, well-intentioned Association Board members and security personnel, seeking to allay security concerns of association building residents, follow FLPD�s example and treat these incidents with extreme discretion, bordering on secrecy. As an unfortunate consequence, the number of officially reported crimes does not accurately reflect the area�s level of criminal activity. For decades, the beachfront area from the Palms Condominium and the Ireland�s Inn north to the Fort Lauderdale City line near the McDonald�s on A1A actually experienced from 6 to 12 �incidents� every week. Despite FLPD�s best efforts, embarrassing information is regularly leaked to the media, creating a skewed impression that the target association is a security risk. Since the patrol officers are active FLPD, participating associations and their residents that are victimized can freely file police reports without risking public embarrassment or exposure to any threatened �retribution� � if they so choose.

Front (L to R): Eric Berkowitz, Pio Ieraci, Rose Guttman, Police Chief Bruce Roberts Leah Glickfield, Kevin Songer, Fern McBride, Major Paul Kiley Rear (L to R): Sgt. Todd Jackson, Officer Steve Kraft, Captain Todd Peney, Captain Jan Jordan

CHIEF OF POLICE BRUCE G ROBERTS

At a June 10^th Advisory Board kickoff event in the Galt Ocean Club, Fort Lauderdale Chief of Police Bruce G. Roberts applauded the Galt Mile Community Association for establishing a neighborhood security patrol. Reinforcing the sentiments previously expressed by FLPD officers Robitaille, Negrey and Kiley, he agreed that staffing the patrol with active FLPD personnel should significantly heighten its effectiveness. The Chief also complimented the participating associations for seeking to proactively protect their residents against the type of neighborhood crimes that ordinarily slip between the cracks.

GMCA DIRECTOR RALPH HAMAKER OF CRT SOUTH

Defining the patrol�s jurisdiction, Captain Todd Peney said, �The total patrol area extends from the lower North Beach hotels and condos, includes the Lauderdale Beach single family residences and penetrates the Galt Mile beachfront Associations north to Galt Towers. Your officers will patrol the beach and the local streets.� Captain Peney added, �We�ve just been supplied with a new police vehicle at no cost to the Galt Mile members.� GMCA director Ralph Hamaker from Coral Ridge Towers South asked the Captain if the patrol could be expanded to include the four Coral Ridge Towers coops and the northernmost GMCA Associations located in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The Captain explained that since the contiguous patrol area would be preserved, extending the patrol north to include the L-B-T-S associations only requires verifying the absence of any jurisdictional obstacles. Two factors impact patrolling the Coral Ridge Towers complex. The Captain said, �Although their separation from the beach area is an obstacle, the four buildings� proximity to one another is a security advantage. If you want, we can explore extending the patrol in the future.� Captain Peney and several of the patrol�s police participants explained that patrol officers would informally visit participating associations through the balance of June.

On Monday, October 1^st, Captain Peney updated the Galt Mile Community Association Presidents Council at Plaza South. He described the progress made by the security patrol as it incorporated the new Galt Mile territory into its jurisdiction. Captain Peney also explained some of the neighborhood�s changing security vulnerabilities and answered questions about the patrol�s organization.

DOTT NICHOLSON-BROWN REGENCY TOWER PRESIDENT

At the outset, when asked by Regency Tower President Dott Nicholson-Brown whether the patrol officers visited the participating associations in June, Captain Peney confirmed that they met mostly with available security employees. Since each association�s security department is charged with contacting the patrol when necessary, the Captain wanted his officers to familiarize themselves with their personnel and the various Association layouts. He said that since this two-way process was designed to help edify both association and patrol personnel, it would continue.

GMCA PRESIDENT PIO IERACI

A member asked how the patrol should be contacted. GMCA President Pio Ieraci explained that each participant was given a contact number that they were supposed to pass on to their security supervisor or manager. Another Association representative asked if the patrol was only for associations. Ieraci responded, �Absolutely not! The patrol is available to every resident of the participating associations.� He continued, �Any resident facing an emergency should call security. If appropriate, security will contact the patrol.� Ieraci clarified, �We recommended that security have the number because they are always available. While it is logical for on duty Security to be charged with contacting the patrol, each association will decide for itself who should make the call.� Ieraci emphasized that the patrol should not be contacted capriciously. He explained, �If the patrol responded to a frivolous call placed by some resident with an irresponsible agenda, it could unnecessarily slow their response time to a real emergency. Since each association�s security is likely to be familiar with their residents, they are better positioned than some 911 operator to ascertain whether the call is warranted. However, if there is any indication of a medical issue, 911 should be called immediately.�

BEACH WITHOUT STREET LIGHTS

Captain Peney explained some of the law enforcement issues currently affecting the Galt Mile�s crime rate. Several years ago, the City of Fort Lauderdale was one of five Broward County jurisdictions that passed a turtle-safe lighting ordinance. When every beachfront Galt Mile Association unexpectedly received a non-compliance violation notice earlier this year, the GMCA negotiated an arrangement that balanced the survival needs of sea turtles with the security needs of residents. In exchange for eliminating the most egregious lighting violations, Galt Mile Associations were permitted to maintain sufficient lighting to guarantee adequate safety and security. Unfortunately, since neither the city nor other beachfront associations followed our lead, the �Ocean Highway� was plunged into darkness a few months ago.

A1A - LIGHTS OUT

Southpoint Director Mike Katz expressed his support for darkening the beach areas to lower the sea turtle disorientation rates responsible for confused hatchlings marching to oblivion. GMCA V.P. Eric Berkowitz explained that the city intends to install special lighting that would illuminate the streets without adversely impacting the sea turtles. He asked, �Since the City knew that darkening the local streets would cripple police efforts, why didn�t they install the alternative lighting before they pulled the plug?�

FDOT's ANN BROADWELL

Captain Peney said, �Responding to a request from Florida Fish and Wildlife, the Florida Department of Transportation decided to turn off the beachside lighting along A1A before new turtle-safe lighting could be installed by the City.� A post-meeting investigation revealed that Ann Broadwell of the Florida Department of Transportation local District 4 office zapped the beachfront street lights. She explained that since FDOT receives huge stipends from Washington, they had to yield to federal pressure to extinguish the coastal lighting. Closer scrutiny revealed that the federal guardians of �The Endangered Species Act� simply implemented precepts from a 2001 paper she authored for the �John Muir Institute for the Environment� that proposed new FDOT Lighting Standards for �Sea Turtle Lighting Zones.� Whether caused by this �catch-22� tautology or poor communication, any responsibility for this questionable decision has been absorbed into a political black hole.

The City�s failure to coordinate decommissioning the street lights with the installation of their turtle-safe replacements precipitated an overwhelming influx of vagrants to Barrier Island beach areas. Not surprisingly, crime skyrocketed. The significant police presence ordinarily assigned to the Las Olas area was barely adequate to protect tourists from the unexpected onslaught. However, beachfront communities north and south of the protected Main Beach area were inundated.

OCEAN SKY BEACH & TIKI BAR

Captain Peney reported that the patrol has succeeded in clearing the Galt Mile Beach and Lauderdale Beach of transients seeking to occupy the darkened beach on a nightly basis. The beaches north and south of this �demilitarized� zone are experiencing understandably heightened incident rates. In contrast, those rates for beach areas policed by the Security Patrol have decreased.

OCEAN MANOR BEACH & TIKI BAR

The Captain said that although incidents were for the most part fairly evenly distributed along the Galt Mile Beach, the areas proximal to the Ocean Manor and Ocean Sky hotels experienced heightened activity. Among the issues regularly confronted by the patrol officers are swimmers in distress, behavioral disturbances by hotel guests or Tiki Bar patrons and �trespassers� masquerading as hotel guests, condo residents or visitors.

MOTELS UNDER SURVEILLANCE

The Captain also expressed concern about local sites identified by FLPD as �hot spots� � areas and/or buildings in which crime proliferates and criminals congregate. Evidence of prostitution, drugs and stolen goods has attracted active monitoring of some motels on the west side of A1A. Captain Peney said, �Perpetrators congregating in those locations to engage in illicit activity don�t necessarily stay there all day. They come out into the neighborhood to shop or get something to eat. If they see an opportunity, they will pounce.�

MOTELS UNDER SURVEILLANCE AT NIGHT

Since the �illicit activities� mentioned by Captain Peney, such as prostitution and drug dealing, are conducted 24/7 � the perpetrators are always an active threat to innocent residents who inadvertently draw their attention. It is not uncommon for some �bad guys� to walk or drive the local streets seeking an easy score. He said that residents should try to be aware of their surroundings and use common sense to adapt their behavior to their environment. It is no coincidence that many of the mugged, robbed and assaulted victims broadcast convincing evidence that they were inebriated or carried exposed valuables in a casual, inattentive manner.

DEAUVILLE HOSTEL & CREWHOUSE

Captain Peney described 3 local incidents (2 strong-arm robberies and one armed robbery) that recently took place within a few days. On September 10^th, a Plaza East woman leaving the Winn Dixie at 10:45 PM was accosted on the way to her vehicle. A shirtless man threw her to the ground and escaped with her purse. On September 13^th, three women who departed the Tiki Bar at 3 A.M. were walking along Galt Ocean Drive when they were approached by 2 men who demanded their purses. In the ensuing struggle, a victim who refused to release her purse tripped and was dragged by one of the perpetrators. They ultimately forced two of the purses loose and escaped. The third incident took place on September 18^th. Police followed a car suspected of involvement in a previous local incident to 29^th Street and A1A when they were flagged down by a pedestrian claiming to have been the victim of an armed robbery. His description of the perpetrators matched some suspects surveilled earlier. After arranging a felony stop, the suspects were identified as the perpetrators, the stolen goods were recovered and the defendants were taken into custody at the Deauville Hostel & Crewhouse (formerly the Deauville Inn) at 2916 N. Ocean Boulevard.

Captain Peney said that he was contacted by several neighbors of the women accosted on Galt Ocean Drive. They evidently sent angry emails mischaracterizing the incident. The emails contended that the police took 15 minutes before arriving at the scene. Captain Peney stated that he was at the patrol headquarters when the call came in. He jumped into his squad car and arrived at the described location about 90 seconds later. He immediately established a perimeter and contacted the detectives and the K-9 patrol � two additional police units. Within ten minutes, the arriving detectives started interviewing the victims and K-9 established the likelihood of an unreported vehicle being used in conjunction with the escape.

SGT. TODD PENEY & GOVERNOR JEB BUSH PROMOTE 2001 POLICE SAFETY BILL

Representatives of the victim�s Association simultaneously sent similar emails to the Galt Mile Community Association repeating their inquiry about the patrol�s response to the emergency call and requesting that GMCA investigate the incident. They also asked why a vacant police vehicle is parked in front of one of the buildings. GMCA officials met with the Association representatives after interviewing the patrol participants and collecting the police reports and the activity records. One association representative surmised that the victims were apparently under the impression that the detectives who took their statements were the first responders. They were, in fact, the second of three units that converged on the scene. Inasmuch, the relatively sizable police response was a direct result of Captain Peney�s request for the additional investigative units while constructing a perimeter. Times documented in the call records are consistent with the police report. After reviewing all the relevant data, the Association representatives acknowledged that the actual police response was worthy of commendation � not criticism. Since the Association officials thought that some of the data uncovered during the investigation might needlessly embarrass the victims, it was determined that the names of the victims and the Association be withheld.

After responding to questions about other local law enforcement issues, Captain Peney emphasized the importance of getting the facts straight before commenting on an incident. He said, �If anyone is concerned about something they saw or heard, they should notify the neighborhood association and request that they look into it. If we discover a deficiency in the patrol, we will correct it. Very often, however, anecdotal evidence is inaccurate and incomplete. The few minutes it takes to verify some story is time well spent and will likely save you some unnecessary future embarrassment.� When confronted with the violation of a friend or neighbor, every member could easily empathize with the initial feelings of helplessness that quickly turn into anger, fomenting the need to lash out. To everyone�s credit, it was unanimously agreed that future incidents would first be thoroughly investigated before critical allegations are leveled.

FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE CAR (used by patrol)

The Captain also explained the mysteriously mobile empty police car. Each of the patrol officers has an assigned fully equipped City police cruiser which is organized by the officer. If available, they prefer using their patrol car instead of the Association vehicle upon reporting for duty. When this occurs, they randomly park the extra patrol car along Galt Ocean Drive, affording the neighborhood association an additional �pro bono� deterrent. Captain Peney exhorted, �Don�t be confused if you see the cruiser in the same location for several days. It is moved during almost every shift. After using the patrol car, an officer may park it in the same spot that he picked it up.� Peney assured members that its value as a deterrent is enormous, �The vast majority of bad guys will move on if they think a police officer is nearby.�

Council Chairman Pio Ieraci told members that participants would receive copies of the daily activity reports depicting the hourly location of patrol officers during the course of each shift. Pio said, �Instead of watching the beach while someone else watches the street, these activity forms will provide a daily confirmation of the patrol schedule.� Since the existing checklist activity forms currently only list locations in the Lauderdale Beach neighborhood, the officers must write in Galt Mile activity. When additional forms are printed, the Galt Mile locations will be added.

FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE CAPTAIN RAUL M. DIAZ

Captain Peney exclaimed that the Fort Lauderdale Police Department is engaged in performing an ongoing study of neighborhood crime rates. Captain Raul M. Diaz is charged with maintaining the relevant crime statistics for each Fort Lauderdale community. Prior to his appearance before the Presidents Council, Captain Peney requested an official crime stats update for the Galt Mile patrol area in Police District 1. Captain Diaz reported that crime on the Galt is down from this same time last year. He indicated that there were 13 crimes during this period in 2006 as compared to 11 this year. Crime stats are also low in the adjacent Lauderdale Beach patrol area. However, the number of crimes afflicting almost every other local neighborhood association � such as Coral Ridge to the west, Imperial Point to the north and the Central Beach Alliance just south of us � is significantly higher than in the Galt Mile community.

Following a promise to update the Council again in future meetings, Captain Peney received an ovation from attending association officials. After thanking the Captain for attending on the heels of an 18-hour day, Council Chair Pio Ieraci explained that any evaluation of the program�s progress must be rooted in facts. GMCA will carefully follow the neighborhood crime statistics, changes in the crime environment and criminal activity rates in surrounding communities to ascertain the effectiveness of the security patrol. He admonished that baseless �pool talk� and unverified anecdotes are virtually worthless for that purpose.

He also stated that GMCA was considering the formation of a security committee composed of neighborhood residents charged with acting as a liaison between the patrol and the neighborhood association. They would recommend relevant improvements, investigate suspicious incidents and consider requests for expanding the patrol�s jurisdiction. Hopefully, this will help the security patrol evolve into its most effective incarnation prior to the expiration of the 12-month evaluation period. When the City assumes responsibility for the project, it will also assume full control, which leaves the Galt Mile community about nine months to tweak the project into its final form.

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Until next month...

Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl

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Floating Gas Station

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