From Lewis Thaler’s Desk
By Commissioner Lewis J. Thaler

Controversy circled the City for weeks because of the window situation caused by Wilma. In case your windows were not broken, the problem was compounded by Miami-Dade County passing a new code for windows and sliding doors that stated that the glass and frames had to meet certain wind resistance strengths. Many of the broken windows were in place before the code was written. In order to bring the older windows up to the new code, not only would the windows have to be changed but because of the new widths of the glass, new frames would also have to be ordered. Because of the cost and the time involved in getting new frames and windows, residents asked that the code be set aside so that they could have new glass put into their current frames. They were tired of living in the dark caused by the plywood on their windows. On February 16th Miami-Dade County agreed that residents could replace their broken window with similar glass. A march that had been planned to make their plight know was called off and we hope we can now get back to normal and all the glass will be replaced.

The prestigious L.E.O. (Law Enforcement Officers) awards were held on February 18th and our wonderful Police Department walked off with two of the three categories. Sunny Isles Beach Police won for the best Motorcycle and Traffic Unit. Winners were Team Leader Ken Hackett along with the entire team of officers which included: Steve Hamedl, Steve Brenton, Thao Doan, Javier Estevez, and Yohans Martinez. Also winning for Investigative Agent of the Year was Police Detective Steve Diaz for extensive undercover work for DEA. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was our own Police Chief, Fred Maas, who did an outstanding job. Congratulations all!

Sunny Isles Beach has joined with Aventura to form a Chamber of Commerce for both our cities. It will be called “The Aventura - Sunny Isles Beach Chamber of Commerce”. We hope that all merchants, professionals, builders, etc. will join and come to their meetings. For more information, please call Melissa Frantz at 305.479.7263.

A new sign ordinance was voted in by the Commission. In the next eighteen months you will see a more uniformed look in the signs along Collins Avenue. Also passed by the Commission is an ordinance that requires all gas stations in Sunny Isles Beach to have generators before the next hurricane season. Not only will they then be able to provide gas to our cars, but their shops will be able to supply the needed water, etc. when we are without power.

In case you are unable to attend the Commission meetings, you can see what took place. On Saturday and Monday following each meeting, channel 77 will be broadcasting the entire meeting. (The next Commission meeting is scheduled for March 16th).

At this time, I want to welcome the new City Manager, John Szerlag who begins his duties on March 13th. The entire Commission joins me in wishing him and his wife, Debbie, the best.

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