The meeting was called to order at 11:10 a.m. by President Pio Ieraci.
Board Members present: Ieraci, Berkowitz, Glickfield, Guttman, Hamaker, Songer, McBride, Abruzzino, Casier, Chisholm, Comis, Creal, Drews, Freismuth, Gilligan, Glazer, Gonzalez, Katz, M. Leeds, Nesbitt, Rubino, Rainey, Solewin and Vanek.
Approval of Minutes - The minutes of January 15, 2009 were approved.
Update � Old and New Business
The President introduced Fort Lauderdale District I City Commissioner Christine Teel.
Commissioner Teel shared the following:
She thanked the group for their efforts to defeat the Calypso Project, which resulted in victory when Governor Crist announced during the February 18th Town Hall Meeting at the Beach Community Center that the project was not an option, it had been �put to bed.�
Commissioner Teel said there had been a significantly low voter turnout for the February 10 election. The run-off election will take place on March 10. She requested that we encourage our neighbors to get out and vote.
Commissioner Teel was thanked for initiating the Galt Mile Traffic and Noise Project, curbing abuse along A1A and Galt Ocean Drive. Capt. Todd Peney was involved in addressing this problem.
A proposal to eliminate parking meters at the Community Center, as had been done in Holiday Park, was declined; largely because the zoning is different in the Community Center area.
Calypso Project � Pio Ieraci
Pio thanked and acknowledged the Stop Calypso committee for their key contribution toward defeating this project.
Beach Renourishment � Pio Ieraci
The permit that needs to be issued by the Army Corps of engineers for Segment II has not been applied for as of this date. Pio said we must immediately put forth a concerted effort; devise a strategic plan to put pressure on the staff (Steve Higgins) and all county commissioners to move this vital project forward. Without local pressure, Tallahassee will not move. Eric indicated that we first must confirm the cause of the delay.
Community Center
Pio stated that there are an impressive variety of functions and activities available at the center and asked what other programs we might want there. A suggestion was made to use the Galt Mile News to bring this to the attention of local residents. Pio will call Susan of the Community Center.
Galt Mile Security Patrol - Pio Ieraci
This project is very successful. Invoices have been delivered to three of the buildings who have not paid.
Galt Mile Web Site � Newsletter � Eric Berkowitz -
Report overlooked. There were over 1 million hits in January.
Galt Merchants Association
Gwen Rubino of Bank United reported that the Galt Merchants Association has established a new Board of Directors with Larry Blacke as the President. They have a welcoming committee. Improvement plans were brought to them by City Engineer Hal Barnes. The project is up for bidding and the Association appears reinvigorated. Monthly meetings are planned.
Marilyn Leeds passed out a flyer for T-Shirt City at 3301 N. Ocean Blvd. She also passed out cards for the new doctor at the Galt Mile Medical Center, Dr. Sturman.
Other Business
Terry representing the Water Taxi gave a presentation. They are cooperating with Il Lugano to make the hotel stop operational.
Kevin Songer made a motion to send a letter supporting the establishment of the water taxi stop at Il Lugano, seconded by Ralph Hamaker, motion passed.
A letter supporting variances for the new restaurant on 33rd Street will be sent by the Galt Mile Community Association.
Leah Glickfield and Kathy Freismith have been our appointed representatives to the Broward Coalition for some time. Pio and Eric will meet with Charlotte Greenbarg of the Coalition to ascertain whether a closer alliance would be mutually beneficial. The discussion would include addressing the fire sprinkler issue.
Since this project would be particularly devastating in today�s economy, this project must be addressed legislatively.
Pio brought to everyone�s attention the new federal laws calling for specific drain covers in our pools. Non-compliant pools are currently being closed.
Discussed the foreclosure situation. A bill has been filed to increase bank responsibility for maintenance expenses; hopefully it will be passed during this legislative session.
Ireland�s Inn is working on financing.
Kathy Freismith spoke about the Ponzi scheme incidents, but said we should also be aware of positive actions taken by certain individuals.
Treasurer�s Report - Leah Glickfield
The Treasurer reported $12,836.58 in our Treasury.
Next Advisory Board Meeting - The next regular Advisory Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Nick�s Italian Restaurant.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:55 p.m.
Fern McBride
Fern McBride, Secretary
FEBRUARY 19, 2009
