The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m. by President Pio Ieraci.
Board Members present: Ieraci, Berkowitz, Gill, Glickfield, Guttman, Hamaker, McBride, Alfano, Mayer, Bindler, Chisholm, Comis, Freismith, Gonzalez, Lecht, M. Leeds, Miller and Vanek
Approval of Minutes - The minutes of November 15, 2007 were approved.
Old & New Business
The President welcomed Andy and Kathy Mitchell, Kathy�s father Jack, and attorneys and representatives of Ireland�s Inn. They gave an extensive update on the progress of the site.
The President welcomed Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl, who discussed:
Segment 3 Beach Renourishment: 1) audit; 2) search for sand; 3) structure (Fall 2009); 4) funding
Budget
Financial impact of portability
New sheriff � Al Lamberti
Charter review
Pio asked Ken about Calypso project. He confirmed that Broward County has been excluded from any relevant discussions or asked for approval. However, he will talk to Christine Teel. Details of the proposed project are on the GMCA web site and will be in the next newsletter. Our community needs to be made aware of Calypso; information should be shared with each building.
Galt Mile Memorial Walk - A vote will be taken at the January meeting. �LHermitage has concerns. Everyone will review and vote. Note will be sent to all buildings regarding Memorial so that everyone is informed.
Regarding funding, Pio explained that the $100,000 from L�Ambiance developer is generating matching funds and grants. $50,000 has been approved with matching funds for the Galt Merchants Association to develop the Galt Ocean Village Shoppes area. The Merchants Association wants another $25,000. We need to agree to this if it is to be done. The remaining $25,000 (plus grant) is for the Memorial Walkway.
Il Lugano � Ralph Hamaker - Removal of �bump� in the road (sidewalk insert) is joint venture between City and Il Lugano. City may withhold final CO until this is done. They have a temporary CO and some people are moving in.
A question was raised about whether Il Lugano will be eligible for membership in the Galt Mile Community Association. It was agreed that they should receive a letter extending an invitation to participate in the Galt Mile Association.
Galt Mile Roving Security Patrol - There have been many problems at the Ireland�s Inn site, especially at night.
Galt Mile Web Site � Newsletter � Eric Berkowitz -
- November Hits: : 758,374 hits; 11,154 unique site visits (first timers)
The past month�s articles:
November 17, 2007 - Ellyn Bogdanoff�s Tallahassee Update - Having redefined the function of �Majority Whip� in the Florida Statehouse, Representative Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff�s November Newsletter reviews the legislature�s accomplishments, comparing her early session expectations for insurance relief and tax reform to the bills ultimately enacted in 2007. While pleased with the legislative facilitation of association risk pooling that has recently borne fruit and the anti-fraud provisions that revived Florida�s No-Fault protection, she expresses understandable disappointment with the final version of critical tax reform. In particular, she is perplexed by the Senate�s refusal to even consider a progressive house plan that would have delivered on the Legislature�s - and the Governor�s - earlier promises. So are we.
November 24, 2007 - Commissioner Keechl Reviews 2007 - Having survived his first full year of County employment, Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl reviews �the most fulfilling and exciting time of my life!� In his November/December Newsletter, he describes his contribution to resolving Broward�s challenges during 2007. Our District 4 representative catalyzed the Commission's use of spending cuts to mollify a threatened $54 million budget deficit and the newly enacted State-mandated tax reduction targets. Faithful to his campaign commitment to preserve Broward's dwindling green space, Keechl supported the toughening of land use regulations to deter the developer-driven conversion of County golf courses into �McMansions�. He voted to relieve airport congestion and the shortage of County boat slips while enhancing the County's regulatory business climate. The Commissioner integrated each of his policy objectives with strong fiscal and environmental protections. Not too shabby for a rookie!
November 30, 2007 - P. Rossi Passes in Hawaii - Former GMCA Director Charles P. Rossi passed away on November 6, 2007 at 87 years of age. A longtime resident of Coral Ridge Towers North, Charles moved to Hawaii several years ago. Charles was the sole representative to the Board of Directors of a Cooperative during his tenure. He ensured that the Coral Ridge Towers Complex cooperatives were never neglected while designing community objectives � serving as their unofficial spokesperson. His proclivity for history and humor was demonstrated in his Newsletter contributions, including a prosaic timeline History of the Galt Ocean Mile neighborhood.
December 9, 2007 - Death Traps, Trip Hazards and Calypso? - On December 3, 2007, City Commissioner Christine Teel addressed a meeting of the GMCA Presidents Council at L�Hermitage I. Dozens of attending association officials were briefed about several previously expressed concerns relevant to the neighborhood�s well-being. Among the issues undertaken by our District 1 City Commissioner were repairs to sidewalks along Galt Ocean Drive, properties long-frozen in a state of disrepair and the city�s consideration of Calypso � a mysterious project designed to enhance and diversify natural gas delivery capabilities while protecting energy access during catastrophic weather events. However, do we really want an offshore gas station with an ignitable energy equivalent of 55 Hiroshima style bombs directly across from the Galt Mile Beach? To equip residents with the tools necessary to answer that question, the history, scope, advantages and dangers of the project are scrutinized.
December 17, 2007 - Rep. Bogdanoff Addresses Tribal Gaming Glitch - On November 14, 2007, Governor Crist signed an agreement with the Seminole Tribal Council allowing the installation of Las Vegas style slot machines in their gambling venues. In her December Newsletter, District 91 Statehouse Representative Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff focuses concern on an unintended consequence of the Governor�s effort to conclude this long-delayed negotiation � a threat to the State�s separation of powers. By negotiating the details of the state�s deal with the Seminoles, Governor Crist usurped the Legislature�s constitutionally mandated policy-making responsibilities. Our Statehouse Representative simplifies for constituents why House Speaker Rubio petitioned the Supreme Court to enforce constitutional checks and balances by requiring the agreement to be legislatively ratified. On January 30th, the Court will hear opening arguments, raising the curtain on what promises to be engaging entertainment.
Treasurer�s Report - Leah Glickfield reported $17,415.14 in our Treasury. Leah thanked Franci Bindler and Lorraine Alfano for making telephone calls.
Other Business - Pio shared a memo from Ron Klein offering to meet during January 7 � 10. It was decided we would meet with him at another time.
Next Advisory Board Meeting - The next regular Advisory Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at Nick�s Italian Restaurant.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
Fern McBride, Secretary
DECEMBER 20, 2007
