‘Top 10 Assets’
By Bari Auerbach

In the dictionary, the word asset is defined as “anything of material value or usefulness.” But today, Sunny Isles Beach is bringing much greater meaning to the word as the city’s financial strength is evidenced by millions in monetary assets. And now, beyond material value, a plethora of priceless intangible assets, such as the care and concern of elected officials, are making life in the “City of Sun and Sea” more richly rewarding than ever before.

The perks of having a Sunny Isles Beach address are countless – but the following compilation of “top 10 assets” highlight positive news and the enviable quality of life residents enjoy:

Asset #1: Awesome Audit

At the May 18 City Commission meeting, Jerry Chiocca of the accounting firm of Rachlin, Cohen & Holtz, presented the following report based on an audit of the city’s financial status for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2005.

Chiocca emphasized,” The city is in very good financial shape. Total assets of the city are over $85 million; and liabilities as of September 30 [2005] were $31 million - leaving net assets of over $54.5 million, of which $15 million is invested in capital assets; $24 million is restricted for capital project programs; and $13 millions is ‘unrestricted’ - to be used for whatever lawful purpose [the city] wants.”

Regarding governmental general funds, Chiocca reported, “The city has $12 million in assets and liabilities of only $473,000…Fund balances of $12.1 million ($12 million undesignated). For capital projects, there is $25 million in restricted cash - of which $21 million is for renewal and replacement with the rest designated for capital projects. Again, the city is in fine financial shape.”

Reporting on the statement of revenues and expenditures for the year in the city’s general fund, Chiocca said, “[There are] revenues of $20.1 million and expenditures of $14.6 – the excess of revenues over expenditures and other financing sources of $3.3 million increased the city’s fund balance to a total of $12.1 million.

“In capital projects, the city had a lot of income from impact fees and inter-governmental [revenues] totaling $20.6 million – and a capital outlay of $10.2 million. The city wound up with $10.4 million [in cash] in the fund balance.

“Looking at the statement of net assets for the city’s stormwater proprietary fund, the total assets are $5.9 million – and liabilities total $2.8 million – so net assets are $3.1 million…[Regarding] the statement of revenues and expenses for the proprietary fund, there was a little over $600,000 in revenues; operating expenses of $324,000; and net income of $217,000.”

Explaining the budgetary comparison schedule, Chiocca said, “The city had total revenues budgeted of $17.9 million and actually received $20 million – so there is a favorable variance of $2.1 million. On the expenditure side, $13.9 million was budgeted and $14.6 million was spent - so there is a negative variance of $1.5 million - which still left over for the end of the year a positive variance of $609,000.

Chiocca also noted, “I’m proud to say there were no instances of non-compliance that I need to discuss with you; and no material weaknesses that I have to bring to your attention…There were no inaccuracies or shortages in the financial transactions during the year. The city was not in a state of financial emergency.

“The city has complied with all recommendations that we discussed - and during the course of our audit, nothing came to our attention that caused us to believe the city was in any violation of laws or rules or had illegal transactions or improper or inadequate accounting policies or procedures.”

Reiterating, “The city is in very good financial shape,” Chiocca expressed appreciation to City Manager John Szerlag and members of the city’s finance department including director Jean Watson for their assistance in producing “a good audit.”

Asset #2: Low Taxes

Based on the city’s “healthy and wealthy” financial status reflected in last fiscal year’s audit report, the City Commission unanimously approved lowering taxes to $2.95 per $1,000 of a property’s assessed value from the previous rate of $3.35. It is currently anticipated that the city’s tax rate (one of the lowest in Miami-Dade County) will remain the same for the 2006/2007 fiscal year.

Asset #3: Ongoing Innovations

Ongoing beautification projects, capital improvements and technological advancements re among more enviable assets serving to increase property values and support the upscale image of Sunny Isles Beach.
New enhancements on the horizon include more colorful landscaping on Collins Avenue medians and the Samson Oceanfront Park; the city’s acquisition of land at 192nd to be used for another new public park; and construction of a bridge connecting North Bay Road between Winston Towers 100 on 174th Street and the Porto Bellagio condominium across the canal to the south (to be utilized for foot traffic and emergency vehicles only).

“The bridge would only be for pedestrian traffic and would solely be opened for emergency vehicles,” Mayor Norman S. Edelcup said. “A gate key would be kept by police and fire departments…Only they would have ability to open that road if they deem there is an emergency situation in the city.”

The city is also seeing to provide free wireless Internet service within city limits and is currently working with a consultant to determine the feasibility of incorporating this new “high tech” innovation into next fiscal year’s budget.

Asset #4: Effective Communication

Beyond the Sunny Isles Beach Sun newspaper, in an effort to keep residents and business owners informed of city happenings and important notices, the city established SIB TV cable Channel 77 – and just recently, the City Commission invited residents to submit their suggestions (in written format) for new programming ideas that could serve to attract more viewers.

Taped City Commission meetings are now being broadcast on cable Channel 77 at 5 p.m. the Saturday and Monday following the date of each meeting. SIB TV is on 24 hours a day, seven days a week and also features helpful city information such as: The date of upcoming Commission meetings; videos about summer camp registration; jay walking, traffic safety in Golden Shores, and programs for the Sunny Isles Beach Library. Residents can also learn about cultural events and other special on-going events.

Asset #5: Responsive Representation

While all members of the Sunny Isles Beach City Commission work as a team for the good and welfare of the city, each individual Commission member often champions a proactive cause – proving responsive “open door policy” representation is one of the city’s most appreciated assets.

Mayor Norman S. Edelcup and Commissioners have been especially instrumental in ensuring developers “give back” to the city via public enhancements such as beach access points, parks and art in public places.

Just recently, the Mayor made a point of attending meetings along with leaders from other municipalities to encourage Miami-Dade County to reimburse the total amount of FPL franchise fees owed - but never paid in accordance with agreements entered into when the cities incorporated.

For Commissioner Gerry Goodman, traffic safety has always been a primary focus. Advocating pedestrian safety, Vice Mayor Roslyn Brezin proposed an ordinance adopted by the Commission requiring commercial marina owners and operators within city limits to install and maintain a safety fence or railing lining the perimeter of all docks located adjacent to a walkway.

While sharing in the Commission’s desire for “controlled development,” Commissioner Lewis Thaler has often asked for site plans to include adequate handicap parking spaces. And Commissioner Danny Iglesias, an engineer with the Florida Department of Transpiration, has traditionally helped facilitate greater understanding of road and infrastructure impacts as well as optimal reconfiguration proposals.

Asset #6: ‘We Are Family’

One of the smartest assets Sunny Isles Beach will soon have is a kindergarten through eighth grade public school serving the ever-growing number of families with children moving into the city. The school, slated for 182nd Drive and North Bay Road, will be optimally located adjacent to an active park featuring a little league baseball field.

From a summer camp program – to “Family Fun Day” events, the city’s Cultural and Human Services Department recognizes the younger generation is key to making Sunny Isles Beach a continued sensation and desirable destination for future generations of residents and business owners.

Asset #7: Safety and Security

Other than “prime location, nice neighbors and good schools,” one of the most desirable assets a community can have is “safety and security. The city’s low crime rate is internationally revered thanks to the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department led by Chief Fred Maas.
“As Police Chief, I have always been extraordinarily pleased and many times reminded of the unequivocal devotion given by my command staff at the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department,” Maas said. “I will assure you that you will not find a more dedicated, hard working, caring and loyal support staff than currently in place.”

The city is also proud of the Police Department’s numerous L.E.O. (Law Enforcement Officers) Awards…ten have been presented to various officers since the inception of the recognition event in 2000.

Asset #8: New City Manager

One of the city’s newest assets at Government Center is City Manager A. John Szerlag, who formerly served as City Manager of Troy, Michigan - population 85,000.

In addition to working on the budget for the next fiscal year, Szerlag explained, “I’ve been analyzing the cost efficiency of outsourcing services and the feasibility of blending internal staff operations with consultants. The Commission wants to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent most efficiently. I’m also focusing on city budget goals and objectives as well as the status and progress of capital improvement projects.”

Asset #9: More Green Space

The new Town Center Park at 17200 Collins Avenue is a “beautiful asset” highlighting renaissance development planned to span 172nd to 163rd Street – and now, the City Commission is encouraging the creation of even more parks and open green space.

Mayor Edelcup explained, “The city was able to create the Town Center Park by designating the land on which the park is built as a ‘sender site’ under our TDR (transfer of development rights) ordinance…Therefore, I’ve proposed an amendment to our TDR ordinance in order for us to be able to perhaps acquire more land for parks.

“The ordinance will provide incentives to owners with properties abutting Collins Avenue to convert these properties to parks…We’re basically encouraging property owners [to recognize] the best utilization for that land is to donate it to the city for parks and [in return] receive the TDR provisions included in this proposed ordinance.”

Asset #10: ‘Positive People’

No matter the amount of monetary, material, intangible and generally outstanding assets a city might have, ultimately it’s the “people” who are a community’s most valuable assets...Based on that parameter alone, one could say, ”Sunny Isles Beach is very well off, indeed!”

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