SIB ‘loves’ new Government Center
Grand Opening Celebration Friday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m.
By Bari Auerbach

Better than flowers or candy this Valentine’s Day, Sunny Isles Beach is receiving the most desirable gift: A brand new Government Center – adding yet another cherished reason to love living in the alluring “City of Sun and Sea.”

Complementing the Sunny Isles Beach skyline at 18070 Collins Avenue, the state-of-the-art, lovely four-story Government Center complex spans 57,032 square feet and houses caring city government departments including the devoted Police Department. To satisfy the affinity for convenience, Government Center also has a three-and-a-half story attached garage and will have a U.S. Post office pending a lease agreement. Those with a love for learning will be happy to hear a Miami-Dade public library branch will also be opening soon.

In keeping with heartfelt desires to keep costs in check, the city financed the $16 million Government Center through an attractive bond issue and various impact fees. Revenues from the lease with Romacorp, the owners of rib lover’s favorite Tony Roma’s restaurants, will also significantly offset the operating cost.

‘Love the location’
Moving day from the former site of City Hall in the RK Shopping Center on 170th Street to the new Government Center building was Monday, Jan. 24 – just about two years after construction commenced in October of 2003 with the perfect couple: The architectural firm, Spillis Candela & Partners; and The Weitz Company construction firm.

“ Having permanent headquarters in a modern and efficient facility gives the city the opportunity to jumpstart development on the west side of Collins Avenue as the east side is being completed,” Mayor Norman Edelcup was quoted as saying in a Jan. 23 Miami Herald article.

‘Love the value’
In 2002, per suggestion of the late Mayor David Samson, who dedicated heart and soul to the betterment of Sunny Isles Beach, the city purchased the 2.82 acres on 180th Street where Tony Roma’s restaurant was located to construct Government Center. This occurred after initial plans to build on Sunny Isles Boulevard were altered due to excessive cost.

At a June 21, 2002 City Commission meeting, a resolution was passed approving an agreement for purchase and sale of the 2.82 acres on which the original Tony Roma's restaurant was located in the sweet amount of $2.5 million. Further highlighting the value of the simply irresistible Tony Roma's site, the Tony Roma’s land cost $2.5 million, compared to the $5.5 million price tag for the two acres now home to the much-adored Samson Oceanfront Park.

Passionate about seeing the mission through, the city provided for construction of a new Tony Roma's restaurant located adjacent to Government Center, building an 8,261 square-foot new Tony Roma’s in the southeast corner of the property offering both indoor and outdoor dining.

‘In loving memory’ of Mayor Samson
Exclaiming, “Wow, what a day!” Samson, seated high atop a construction backhoe, ceremoniously launched the groundbreaking event for the love at first sight Government Center during a gala event in 2003. Today, the spirit of his vision and affection for the city is memorialized on a plaque gracing the new Commission Chambers dedicated in his name.

At an October 14, 2004 City Commission meeting, Mayor Norman Edelcup explained, “[We recently] marked the anniversary of the death of our first Mayor David Samson. Our city was really fortunate to have him as our first mayor. His determination to create a new, luxurious community got off to a fast start under his leadership…We are a better community [today] as our own city then we were as an unincorporated area of Miami-Dade…We will have a bronze, three-dimensional plaque mounted at the entrance to the chambers commemorating David’s devotion and service to Sunny Isles Beach.”

‘A labor of love’
Even before the new Government Center was built, its architectural appeal was already gaining notoriety. At the groundbreaking event in 2003, Russo announced, “Following the submission of plans by the architectural firm of Spillis Candela to the Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, I’m happy to report the City of Sunny Isles Beach Government Center was selected as the recipient of a ‘2002 Excellence in Architecture Award.’”

Accomplishing a goal near and dear to the Sunny Isles Beach City Commission’s heart to bring “government closer to the people,” the new Government Center is now complete and on Feb. 25, commencing at 2 p.m. the community is invited to attend a gala grand opening celebration. Tours of the facilities will be conducted – but if you just can’t wait for Feb. 25 – here’s a “virtual tour” of the new Government Center featuring “ a lot to love” when it comes to city government at its finest:

‘Love for public service’ – The City Commission, Offices On-Site
The Sunny Isles Beach Mayor and City Commissioners have offices at Government Center where citizens are welcome to schedule appointments for meetings (phone: 305-947-0606).

Elected Officials: Mayor Norman Edelcup (citywide); Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler (Central Area – Seat 2); Commissioner Danny Iglesias (Southern Area – Seat 3); Commissioner Roslyn Brezin (Citywide – Seat 4); Commissioner Gerry Goodman (Northern Area – Seat 1).

‘Love for balanced budgets’ – Office of City Manager Christopher Russo, 4th Floor
Christopher J. Russo became the City Manager of the city of Sunny Isles Beach in August 2000. As City Manager, Russo is the Chief Administrative Officer and Budget Officer of a city with an estimated market property value of over $3 billion. He is responsible for directing and supervising the administration of all operating departments of the city government; the appointment, supervision and performance of all departmental employees; and routinely, advising and making recommendations to the City Commission regarding policy, economic development, and capital improvements in the city.

Since arriving at Sunny Isles Beach, Russo has totally restructured the budgetary process and operating departments of the city government; developed personnel policies and procedures, including a market-driven compensation plan. He has also planned and initiated a Commission-approved, long-term Capital Improvement Program that is vital to the redevelopment of the City, which includes over $32 million in improvements.

‘Love for details’ - Office of City Clerk Jane Hines, 4th Floor
The Office of the City Clerk is a service department, assisting the Mayor and Commissioners, City staff, and residents with access to public records and general government inquiries. Some of the City Clerk’s responsibilities include: Preparing agendas for City Commission meetings; coordinating compliance with government in the Sunshine, the Public Records Law and conflict of interest reporting; responding to inquiries for information, research and/or copies of public records; providing timely legal notice of all public hearings, requests for proposals and bids; overseeing the codification process making available the code of ordinances online; executing recording and distributing ordinances and resolutions; coordinating with the Florida Commission on Ethics; coordinating annual financial disclosure reports; ensuring compliance the city’s lobbyist registration ordinance; presiding over bid openings and providing summaries of bid responses

‘Love to help!’ – Administrative Services, 4th Floor
Administrative Services, headed by Alyce Hanson, provides support for all departments in Government Center. This department is responsible for ordering forms and stationary, publicizing special events and recreation activities. The department head also coordinates special projects assigned by the City Manager.

The department produces directories, brochures, handouts, and coordinates the City's contribution to magazines, other media outlets, two dozen issues of the Sunny Isles Beach Sun per year, as well as providing up to the minute information on city events for the City's Public Access Cable Channel 20.

The reception area also falls under this department. Reception is responsible for providing accurate information to the residents and visitors, and channeling phone calls to the appropriate department.

‘Love for technology’ – Information Technology Department, 3rd Floor
The Information Technology Department directed by Derrick Arias keeps the City current on data and hardware vital to all our customers and employees. This department monitors all the daily technology activity inside the City Hall, and makes sure that all the systems are up and running.

This department oversees, implements, and maintains –with assistance from technical consultants – our entire network of hardware and software related to data processing, electronic, voice and video communications, website, GIS System, and Cable TV.

‘Love for quality construction’ - Building Department, 3rd Floor
Under the direction of Building Official Clayton Parker, the Sunny Isles Beach Building Department monitors building and life safety standards for all buildings and properties in the city in accordance with the South Florida Building Code and all Florida statutes relating to building.

The Building Official/Administrator, various inspectors and clerical support staff enforce codes, review utility plans, ensure safe construction, and issue permits for all electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural work performed within the city.

‘Love for forward thinking’ - Planning and Zoning, 3rd Floor
The Planning and Zoning Department, under the direction of Jorge Vera, enforces zoning regulations called Land Development Regulations (LDRs).

The purpose of LDRs are to further implement the city’s Comprehensive Plan by establishing regulations, procedures and standards for review and approval of all development and uses of land and water in the city. LDRs were adopted to foster and preserve public health, safety, comfort and welfare, and to aid in the harmonious, orderly, and progressive development and redevelopment of the city.

The department is responsible to review plans, prepare recommendations, advertise zoning public hearings for site plan review, conditional use, variances, zoning changes, and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. A zoning hearing application requires Commission approval.

The department also reviews all legal documents such as Unity of Title, Covenants, and Agreements that may be required with each application. Each application is reviewed under the design standards set forth in the Land Development Regulations. In addition, the department reviews zoning regulations for all building permits submitted to the Building Department. This department also reviews and approves Certificates of Use applications.

‘Tough love’ - Code Enforcement & Licensing, 3rd Floor
The Code Enforcement and Licensing Department, under the direction of Robert Solera, deals with code enforcement activities as well as alarm registrations and false alarm monitoring, lien search requests, and some certificates of use processing in conjunction with all occupational licensing activity. This department also adds a system of additional checks and balances between the operating departments to help protect the interests of the city as well as citizens.

‘Fun loving’ - Cultural and Human Services, 1st Floor
The Cultural and Human Services Department, under the direction of Susan Simpson, was created to enhance the community of Sunny Isles Beach by providing quality and diverse programs, attractive and functional parks and customer service responsive to the needs of the community in an effort to increase social interaction and community pride.

This department plans and organizes special events and monitors trips to cultural events throughout the South Florida area, plans programs for youth and adults, manages the community shuttle bus service, and assists in the grant process when it relates to parks or programming. In addition, this department is the city liaison to Miami-Dade County's Film Office for the purpose of promoting film production in Sunny Isles Beach and facilitating the permit process.

‘For the love of $’ – Finance, 4th Floor
This department, directed by Jean Watson, provides overall financial and support services to the City and its departments following procedures established by the City Manager. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements, preparing independent audit and annual budget reports, assisting the City Manager with annual budget, monitoring budget throughout the fiscal year, monitoring the City's insurance, investments and general accounting.

The department also handles daily tasks including accounts receivable and payable, payroll, enrolling employees and monitoring employee programs, bank reconciliation and bank deposits.

‘People lovers’ - Human Resources, 4th Floor
The Human Resources Department (HRD), directed by Tom Acquaro, is charged with providing personnel and labor-relations services, in compliance with state and federal regulations, to city departments.

The HRD also maintains official personnel files, including medical records. The HRD Director works closely with the Finance Director regarding employee compensation and benefits issues. Finance Department and Administrative Services Department support staff provide necessary administrative support and/or program administration assistance.

‘Love for the law’

SIB Police Department
The award-winning Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Fred Maas, strives to create programs that reduce the need for police response while creating a safer, more secure environment. The Department’s quick response time (less than two minutes) is one of its most effective tools in combating crime, saving lives in emergency medical situations, and capturing perpetrators.

Officers have access to emergency life-saving equipment such as A.E.D.'s (heart defibrillators) and Jet Ski body baskets attached for ocean rescue. Additionally, officers are detached to work with other agencies (Drug Enforcement Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation) to resolve problems and share in asset forfeitures, which in turn creates additional resources to benefit the city.

Officers patrol on motorcycles, jet skis, boats, ATV's, bicycles and in patrol cars. Special programs are offered throughout the year and include Red Ribbon Week, food drives, Toys for Tots, Kid Fest (including fingerprinting and ID program), the Police Officers Assistance Trust 5K Run, career day, and government day. Crime prevention programs are also offered including crime prevention and awareness, identity theft, vandalism, anti-robbery, hurricane preparedness, gun safety locks, vehicle identification, anti-theft "club" giveaways, and fraud and scam education.

To contact the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, phone: 305-947-4440

Office of the City Attorney, 4th Floor

Lynn M. Dannheisser, City Attorney; Hans Ottinot, Deputy City Attorney
Since the City’s founding, City Attorney Lynn Dannheisser has sought to create a unique, economical in-house law firm representing the city in all of its legal affairs. This Charter Office provides legal counsel and representation to the Mayor and the Board of City Commissioners, the City Manager, Department Directors including the Police Department and city employees.

Major efforts have been devoted to the assistance in preparation and codification of laws of the city, providing counsel in drafting and implementing the City’s Comprehensive Plan and newly adopted Land Development Regulations, providing assistance to the City Manager’s office and employees in various capital improvement projects, budget issues, public works, parks and recreation, finance and budgeting. The City Attorney’s office also either handles or reviews any litigation in the area of tort liability, transaction liability, and employment disputes.

‘A love for cleanliness’ - Public Works, off-site
James Watts, the director of this department, and his staff maintain the right-of-ways, parks, and other physical plants of the city. A storm water supervisor also maintains the pump station, all lines, and outfalls relating to water flow. Additionally this supervisor is responsible for street maintenance and sweeping the streets on a regular basis.

The employees of the Public Works Department are dedicated to keeping the city clean. Litter pickup is performed to keep the storm drains clear and promote a neat appearance throughout the city.

Sunny Isles Beach Government Center, located at 18070 Collins Avenue, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5p.m. For more information, phone: 305-947-0606. To contact the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, phone: 305-305-947-4440.

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