Broward County News Center

http://www.broward.org/news/

In Hollywood, Fla.: Hollywood to offer free outdoor Internet access -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-hollywood-free-internet,0,1288295.story
Cool ... 70% of Hollywood will be covered by wireless starting July 1st. The system cost around $14MM and is primarily intended for use by city services (automated water meters, polic, etc.). A fringe benefit is that public will have access to the system, provided they are outside. The range of the transponders is hindered by concrete, a limitation on any wireless system, including the simple ones many peopl install in their homes. Regardless, people living close to transponders will have access *inside* as well.

This is totally sweet. This is definitely something we, as an HOA, should keep our eyes on. Public wireless is widely touted as a beneficial to commerce and enhances community image. Such systems are not terribly expensive and could be purchased and installed by HOA with community grants.

FLPD - Statistics Gateway

http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/police/stats.html

Ken Keechl: Summarization of the Broward County Courthouse Task Force

I received the following newsletter from Broward Country Commissioner and Vice Mayor Ken Keechl's office this morning.  Keechl summarizes the Broward County Courthouse Task Force's unsurprising findings that the current country courthouse needs to be replaced.  He emphasizes that while the needs are great, he will not vote for any recommendations that require an increase in property taxes.

I'm not too thrilled that the country appears to be prepared to badger the voters, once again, for money to replace the building.  I think we made our voices heard lound and clear when the bond issues was voted down last year.  I'll schedule some time to meet with Keechl and/or his staff to get a more first-hand feel for the issues involved, but 328 million for a new county building just doesn't sit well with me.  Here is what Keechl has to say:

---

In previous articles, I have discussed the continuing problems plaguing our Broward County courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. As a result of bursting pipes, increasing mold, broken elevators, security issues, and a chronic shortage of courtrooms and parking, judges, jurors, litigants, and employees are suffering. In fact, the County has recently been sued by several court employees alleging that the courthouse is dangerous and unfit for occupancy.

Recognizing that the current situation is unacceptable, last December the Broward County Commission established a Broward County Courthouse Task Force (“Task Force”) to make recommendations to the County Commission “regarding alternatives for financing, development, construction, improvement and other matters” relating to the downtown courthouse. The Task Force recently submitted its Report to the County Commission. I would like to devote this month’s article to summarizing its findings regarding the need to build a new Courthouse. And I would like to devote next month’s article to discussing financing issues.

Not surprisingly, the Task Force concluded that the current courthouse is in critical condition. All building systems have exceeded their useful lives and in the event of a Hurricane Category 2 or above, the structure will sustain significant damages, if not total destruction. Moreover, the current layout of the building is not conducive to a modern courthouse; there is not enough space for all judicial and court-related activities; and there is no room for expansion.

In contrast to building an entirely new structure, the Task Force considered a renovation of the current courthouse. The Task Force concluded that renovation would not be cost effective. If the County Commission decided to renovate the downtown courthouse instead of building a new structure, the Task Force and its experts believe that the courthouse would need to be totally gutted and the structure would have to be hurricane hardened. Moreover, renovation would inevitably require that the entire building be brought up to the current building code. Lastly, the County would incur additional costs to lease space for employees displaced during the renovations. Obviously, these costs would not be incurred with new construction.

The Task Force also evaluated the possibility of acquiring and remodeling an existing office building, such as the 110 Tower. The Task Force and its experts concluded that it would be difficult to achieve courtroom height requirements in a standard office building and it would also be very difficult to achieve adequate separation of the public, inmates, and judges.

The Task Force also looked at the feasibility of moving functions off-site and how to maximize the use of our satellite courthouses. The possibility of moving the downtown courthouse to another location in Broward County was also considered. In the end, the Task Force recommended keeping the main courthouse downtown due to the proximity to the Main Jail; the County’s investment in the salvageable East and North Wings of the current downtown courthouse; and the need to continue to provide all judicial services in one location. Moreover, due to land and parking limitations, the West and South satellite courthouses could not be expanded.

In the end, the Task Force recommended that a new scaled-down courthouse should be constructed on the site of the current judicial garage. By building on County-owned land, the overall cost of the project would be lessened. In the past, the County Commission had suggested building a new courthouse at a cost of approximately $510 million; the Task Force’s new scaled down courthouse would cost approximately $328 million. Similarly, previous County Commissions envisioned a new courthouse comprising nearly 900,000 square feet; the Task Force’s new scaled down courthouse would comprise approximately 675,000 square feet. The Task Force also recommended additional parking to meet existing and future courthouse needs.

Lastly, and importantly, the Task Force also recognized that the funding for any new courthouse should avoid an increase in the property tax burden on Broward’s residents.

I have previously acknowledged the need for a new or renovated courthouse. However, I have made it clear that I will not vote to increase the property tax burden on you in the process. Next month’s article will look at the feasibility of building a new courthouse without increasing your property taxes. As always, the devil is in the details.

Until then, my best to you and your families.

Broward County Commissioner and Vice Mayor Ken Keechl

954 357 7004

www.broward.org/kenkeechl

Ask Lori ... Parrish on Appraisal, June Edition

Dear Lori,
I’m a first time home buyer and I can’t seem to get a straight answer on how property taxes work.  The house I’m buying has current taxes due of $8,400.  When I use your online calculator, my purchase price with the Homestead Exemption calculates to $3,951.  How long would I pay taxes of $8,400 and when would the new tax rate start?
Amanda, via email

As a new home buyer you will inherit the seller’s current status for the 2009 tax year.  When buying property, you should look on our website (www.bcpa.net) to determine if the current year’s values have posted.  If they have not posted, you can e-mail me for an estimate of your property taxes.  The Property Appraiser does not levy or collect taxes, we cannot give guidance as to whether the property tax rate in your area will go up or down in the next year until the taxing authorities (Broward County Commission, County School Board, South Florida Water District or City Commission) give us the new rates and special assessment fees around August 5th, 2009.   At your closing, the seller will give you a deduct for the seller’s pro-rata share of the current year’s taxes.  You will be responsible for the entire bill in November 2009.

For estimating purposes, take the taxable assessed value, deduct any current year exemptions and multiply it by 2%.  Then, look at last year’s TRIM Notice and add back on any non-ad valorem fees for drainage, fire, garbage, etc.  The estimation is based upon the average Millage Rate of 20 mills (or 2%).

You may also use our online tax calculator found at www.bcpa.net for new home purchases only.  New home buyers can simply click on the “Home Buyers Tax Estimator” and follow the easy instructions.  Please remember the calculator is only an estimate based upon the mileage rates of 2008 until after August 15th when the 2009 rates will apply.   Also, this estimate does not include any non-ad valorem fees which the city or local taxing districts may charge.  In many areas there are some pricey fees so be sure to check the previous TRIM (proposed tax) notice and add those to the tax estimate.  These fees typically range from $150 - $500 or higher.  Your property taxes for the following year will be based upon your new assessment (approximately 85% of your purchase price) less any exemptions you apply for and are granted, and the new 2010 tax rates plus any non-ad valorem fees.

Should you have any question, please contact our office at (954) 357-6830.

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, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. (June 2009)

Fort Lauderdale Police: Crime is up HUGE in the Point

The Crime Analysis Unit of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department actively maintains crime reports.  The most recent HOA report should always be here.  This is definitely something we should keep our eye on should update here as often as possible.

For the year to date through April,  crime is way, way up in our neighborhood.  Excluding neighborhoods that have gone from zero crimes in 2008 to a handful in 2009, we have the sixth fastest growing rate out of all other HOA areas.  Only Melrose Park (102%), Dillard Park (133%), Riverside Park (135%) andTarpon River (169%) beat us in this less than illustrious category.

Here is the year-to-date breakdown availble from the report:

OFFENSE	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2002-2009 +/-%	2008-2009 +/-%
Robbery	0	1	2	0	2	1	1	3	157%	200%
Burglary Residence	7	8	4	8	10	2	6	18	1900%	33%
Vehicle Burglary	1	8	9	7	7	8	15	20	200%	200%
Business Burglary	1	2	0	0	3	6	1	3	25%	150%
Vehicle Theft	4	4	4	5	2	1	2	5	277%	96%
Imperial Point Total	13	23	19	20	24	18	25	49	277%	96%

Here is what that data looks like plotted year by year:




While it's completely justified to be a  alarmed by these figures, especially considering the astronomical rise in residential burglaries, other communities are much harder hit when comparing absolute numbers.  For example, take Lauderdale Manors; they have three times the number of home break-ins this year which only bumbs their rate of increase 5%.

I've send a missive to the gentleman in charge of collecting this figures in order to get them in a more easily consumable format.  That way we can do community by community comparisons to get a better idea of how serious this is. 

BSO's Fleet as of 25 May 2007

I am sure there is a more up-to-date document available *somewhere*, but this was lifted from the most recent maintenance RLI on their web site.  I'll see if I can find a similar document for Fort Lauderdale, but this might be more pertinent as far as your property taxes are concerned.  Check it out:

DLE Fleet

class	description	count	avg age
01	MiddSize Sedan-Unmarked	835	3.25
04	MidSize Wagon-Unmarked	4	0.81
05	Full Size Sedan	167	3.00
10	Police Patrol Vehicle	1399	3.36
103	Rescue / Ambulance	1	11.85
105	Tanker	2	1.53
111	Tractor / Trailer	3	11.09
19	Police Misc.	26	4.33
20	Military Origin	5	9.43
21	1/2 Ton Truck	48	5.35
22	3/4 Ton Truck	10	2.12
23	1 Ton Truck	35	5.21
26	3 Ton Truck	26	6.13
27	Vans 3/4 Ton & 1/2 Ton	47	4.06
28	Vans 1 Ton & Over	89	5.30
29	Buses & Motor Homes	20	7.54
31	Mini Vans	70	3.22
32	Sport Utility Vehicle 4X2	124	2.84
35	Sport Utility Vehicle 4X4	70	2.84
79	Fuel Trailer	1	0.98
80	Electric Generator Trailer	2	0.48
81	Work Unit Trailer	9	7.33
82	General Purpose Trailer	41	4.85
83	Speed Trailer	36	6.54
84	Sign Trailer	8	2.57
85	Motorcycle Trailer	5	9.98
86	Horse Trailer	12	5.30
87	Marine Trailer	27	6.10
88	Bomb Trailer	2	3.85
89	Military Origin Trailer	12	4.90
90	Marine Vessel	25	7.01
	GRAND TOTALS	3161	3.20

Fire Rescue/EMS Fleet

class	description	count	avg age
01	MidSize Sedan	2	6.01
04	MidSize Wagon	3	9.76
05	Full Size Sedan	9	7.13
101	Attack	1	3.73
103	Rescue / Ambulance	29	6.70
105	Tanker	4	10.31
107	Engine	28	12.58
109	Aerial	7	9.45
111	Tractor / Trailer	5	4.96
113	Crash	3	6.97
21	Truck 1/2 Ton	24	6.21
22	Truck 3/4 Ton	7	5.34
23	Truck 1 Ton	11	4.64
26	Truck 3 Ton and Over	4	3.17
27	Vans 1/2 ton & 3/4 ton	7	6.49
28	Vans 1 ton and Over	6	8.33
29	Bus Motor Homes Special Misc Equipment	4	3.80
31	Mini Van	1	6.93
32	SUV 4x2	14	5.76
35	SUV 4x4	10	3.94
79	Fuel Trailer	4	0.76
82	General Purpose Trailer	16	7.16
87	Marine Trailer	5	2.21
90	Marine Vessel	6	2.30
95	Motorcycle	2	.72
	GRAND TOTALS	212	6.79

BSO has a Smart Car??

I was looking for information on the BSO's web site about their fuel budget and what kind of equipment they use to satisfy that budget (someone saw a BSO tanker truck??), when I came across this gem.  It's not often that you see anyone getting chased down and pulled over by a smart car! [ linkback ].


Story from the BSO's website:

An airport safety officer at Ft. Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport parks a new BSO smart car along the departure level at Terminal 2 on Tuesday. BSO is using the environmentally friendly vehicles to replace full-size sedans that consume six times the fuel. Four smart cars will be used in conjunction with BSO’s other environmentally friendly patrol tools including bicycles and three-wheeled T-3 electric scooters at the airport. The smart cars, with three-cylinder, one-liter engines are much more economical to operate and maintain than their full-sized counterparts.

Photo by Mike Jachles/Broward Sheriff’s Office

Confirmed: Bruggers is moving in to the old Publix

I just received confirmation from my contact at Brugger's PR firm:

We did get confirmation that Bruegger's is planning a bakery at 2320 NE 62nd St at Imperial Point.

Bruegger's is waiting for the landlord to complete work on the building. When that is complete, Bruegger's will start construction on their bakery
unit. They are hopeful that the landlord will complete work in early August.
Given this schedule, the bakery will open in mid-October.

We would love to keep in touch on our progress and work with you on a story sometime closer to the opening.

Sweet!  I for one am looking forward to being able to walk to a coffee/bagel place without having to cross Federal.  From the looks of their official community outreach policy (http://brueggers.com/about-us/community-involvement) and from my communication with their PR team, I think Brugger's will definitely be interested in supporting the association.

Trashed out Foreclosure on 62nd & 20th Terrace

I took these pictures on 19 June 2009 (last Friday night) at the corner of 62nd Street and 20th Terrace. By then, this pile of trash had been in front of the house since Thursday morning.

I definitely wasn't the only one complaining to code enforcement and Betty Shelly. :-) The mess was eventually cleaned up. Apparently the house had been foreclosed on and the company hired by the Sheriff's office to evict the residents just threw all this stuff out on the street.

I'd like to get more details, and as Betty mentioned in an email, we as a community need a plan of action on how to handle events like these. On thing that can definitely help is taking pictures of any flagrant violations and posting them here ASAP. That way everyone can see what is going on and be compelled to take action. This particular case was highly visible because it was on 62nd and as a result created a firestorm.

Fort Lauderdale’s Proposed Light Rail System: “The Wave”. Will it cause a major “Train Wreck” in our future?

http://abetterftlauderdale.com/?p=291
Rynerson strikes again with a well thought out and researched blog about the proposed light rail system for downtown Fort Lauderdale. In a nutsell he argues (cynically) that the proposed system is largely funded using tax payers dollars and ultimately will only serve to improve the property values of downtown residents. In his typical style, he also draws from a number of sources to convincingly impugn the overall costs for the entire system.

I've always been a fan of public transportation (I despise driving), but I think Rynerson does a pretty good job of articulating exactly why light rail isn't exactly the best way to spend tax dollars at this moment. Improving parks and facilities, creating more destinations and improving basic infrastructure are better fundung targets.

Missing dog ... have you seen me?

This note came in over the weekend from an imperial point resident. Please call if you have any information:

I have lost a black and white border collie. Her name is Sadie. We adopted her Friday night. She escaped on Saturday night. She is wearing a blue collar and still has her blue leash attached. She ran away at approximately 7:30 pm Saturday night. She does not yet have a official dog tag. . Sadie is a "rescued" dog from an abusive home and is very shy.

My name is Ron Wright and my phone number is 954 491 1916. I live at 5920 NE 21st Circle.

Any asistance that you could provide via the web site would be appreciated.

LOST DOG

This note came in over the weekend from an imperial point resident. Please call if you have any information:

I have lost a black and white border collie. Her name is Sadie. We adopted her Friday night. She escaped on Saturday night. She is wearing a blue collar and still has her blue leash attached. She ran away at approximately 7:30 pm Saturday night. She does not yet have a official dog tag. . Sadie is a "rescued" dog from an abusive home and is very shy.

My name is Ron Wright and my phone number is 954 491 1916. I live at 5920 NE 21st Circle.

Any asistance that you could provide via the web site would be appreciated.

Bulk Pickup Schedule Map

Bulk pickup takes place once a month for all Fort Lauderdale residents. In Imperial Point, you pickup day is the fourth Thursday of the month of you live south of 62nd; it is the fourth Friday if you are north of 62nd.

See the city's bulk trash information page for details on what is and isn't allowed:

http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/public_services/trash/bulk.htm

City Commissioners Meeting

Start:	Jun 16, '09 1:30p
Location:	8th floor Conference Room, City Hall 100 North Andrews Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

See http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/commission/index.htm for meeting details, locations, video and more. All links to this material are on the right rail.