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By Bari Auerbach
As we look forward to 2009, it's time to take a look back at some of 2008's most memorable Sunny Isles Beach events. A toast goes out to residents, business and community leaders celebrating life in the city where ongoing progress always creates a Happy New Year!
January 2008: “Onward and Upward’
The first City Commission meeting of 2008 highlighted a myriad of initiatives devised to create an even higher quality of life in Sunny Isles Beach. From forging ahead with landscaping, drainage and roadway improvements - to restoring the historic Newport pier, enhancing parks, public safety and information technology, the city continued to prosper as progress kept moving “onward and upward.”
In Jan. 2008, the Commission also endorsed moving ahead with devising strategies for the creation of more green, open space development as well as retaining transportation and engineering services to address challenges such as the need for more parking space.
Other proactive initiatives in keeping with the city’s “onward and upward” philosophy included undergrounding utilities; acquiring uniform street signs; drainage improvements throughout the city; Sunny Isles Boulevard revitalization; updating the city’s emergency disaster plan; and enhancing communications with businesses in construction zones.
On Jan. 17, 2008 when Sunny Isles Beach Mayor Norman S. Edelcup delivered the State of the City Address, he emphasized, “The state of the city’s financial condition is very secure and strong…We have been able to maintain our funding on scheduled capital improvements, and at the same time maintain a healthy general fund reserve balance.”
Even more proof the city was experiencing unprecedented prosperity was evidenced by the municipal audit report prepared by the independent certified accounting firm Rachlin, LLP. According to the audit, presented at a Commission meeting in Feb., 2008, Sunny Isles Beach assets exceeded its liabilities at the close of the ’07 fiscal year by $93,166,401 net assets…The city’s total net assets increased by $14,931,394 - primarily attributed to the acquisition of property and other capital improvements. And the city’s governmental funds reported combined ending fund balances of $43,311,358 - an increase of $4,652,063 in comparison with the prior year.
February 2008: ‘New Website to See’
Moving ahead with advancements in technology, on Feb. 4, 2008, the City of Sunny Isles Beach launched the new and improved website www.sibfl.net The city’s website now has a new updated design enabling users to more quickly and easily access information online.
“The www.sibfl.net website is yet another example of the commitment being made by the City of Sunny Isles Beach to come up with the most cost effective ways to utilize ‘modern technology’ to create better systems across the board,” said Alyce Hanson, director of administrative services.
“We’re also now offering a subscription service to city information…Sign up on the home page of www.sibfl.net by clicking on eSIBi (electronic Sunny Isles Beach information). Then the city will send you information by e-mail. The available list of categories include Adult and Senior Activities, Youth Activities, Traffic Alerts, City Events and Concerts.”
March/April 2008: ‘Exciting Exposure’
Sunny Isles Beach earned the distinction of being named the “No. 1 emerging travel destination for 2008 in the United States” by Trip Advisor - the largest online travel community…Then in March 2008, millions of viewers saw the city’s beautiful beaches televised on MTV spring break specials…But just about every week, Sunny Isles Beach was making newspaper headlines highlighting proactive Commission initiatives perpetuating the city’s renaissance.
From distributing novel USB flash drives featuring a Sunny Isles Beach promotional video – to extensive travels spreading the news about the city’s most desirable attractions, Ibis Romero, executive director of the Sunny Isles Beach Resort Association, helped the city “go global.” After returning from trips including stops in Cannes and Barcelona, Romero was quoted in a Herald article creating more exciting exposure for the city’s surge in tourism. She noted, “We were all over the place…New York, Germany, Mexico and Brazil.”
Just recently, the City of Sunny Isles Beach produced a new promotional film entitled “From Sandbar to Sophistication” based on the book with the same name by Seth Bramson chronicling the city’s remarkable renaissance. The film, created with assistance from city leaders including historian Richard C. Schulman and members of the historic preservation committee can be viewed on the city’s information station SIB TV, Cable Channel 77.
May 2008:
‘Bone Zone Opens’
On May 16, 2008, Sunny Isles Beach opened the city’s first dog park christened “The Bone Zone” at the northeast end of Senator Gwen Margolis Park at 178 Drive and North Bay Road.
Susan Simpson, director of Cultural and Human Services explained, “Dogs will be able to run free in a sanctioned unsupervised setting, and engage in friendly play. Dog parks help socialize and exercise dogs in a safe environment; promote responsible pet ownership; provide elderly and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companions; and promote public health and safety.”
‘Going Green’
Beyond creating more green, open space, Sunny Isles Beach smart “Going Green” initiatives received recognition in May 2008 when the Florida League of Cities announced the publication of its 2008 City Innovations Showcase. The Showcase included “Government Center Goes Green” - a detailed description of the recycling at the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center.
According to the city’s Public Works Department, the maintenance staff in the Government Center is doing its part to save money and energy by continuing with a new larger scale recycling policy. New recycle bins are just the start of the City’s conscious effort to help preserve the environment. The city is also recycling dry-cell batteries and inkjet cartridges and has implemented a computerized system to control the lights and air conditioning usage throughout the entire Government Center.
In keeping with the smart trend to “go green – and save green” the City Commission also authorized the purchase of two GEM Model EL electric pickup trucks for the Public Works Department, representing a savings of approximately $10,000 when compared to the purchase of gasoline vehicles and the elimination of expenses for gasoline and oil. The goal is to ultimately replace other city vehicles with similar more cost-efficient models.
June 2008:
‘Happy Anniversary’
On June 22, 2008, Sunny Isles Beach celebrated the city’s 11th anniversary with a festive event at Samson Oceanfront Park. The event also featured “powerhouse fun” with the exciting Offshore Powerboat Challenge Weekend June 20-22 garnering international notoriety.
‘Public Safety’
In June 2008, public safety was another important city priority. The City Commission passed an ordinance creating the “City of Sunny Isles Beach Dangerous Intersection Safety Act” serving to help enforce red light infractions with cameras posted at designated traffic lights. In June 2008, a resolution was also passed to facilitate the design of a pedestrian/emergency vehicle bridge on North Bay Road.
July 2008: ‘Parks go WiFi’
In July 2008, Edel Fonseca, Information Technology department director, was pleased to announce residents and visitors would be able to connect to the Internet at Sunny Isles Beach city parks – becoming “WiFi hotspots.”
The city’s Wireless Island Project incorporates city parks where internet connectivity will is free. The city’s official ‘go-live’ date for the WiFi network was Monday, July 14, 2008 at parks including Bella Vista Bay Park, Pier Park, Samson Oceanfront Park, Town Center Park, Senator Gwen Margolis Park, Golden Shores Community Park, Pelican Community Park and Heritage Park.
“The free WiFi is just another step in the transformation that Sunny Isles Beach is
undergoing,” said Mayor Norman Edelcup. “The free WiFi will give both locals and visitors a chance to still catch up on work, while getting out and enjoying the fresh air.”
July/August 2008:
‘New School and Park Open’
One of the biggest events taking place in Sunny Isles Beach during 2008 was the opening of the Sunny Isles Beach Community School at Northeast 183rd Street and Atlantic Boulevard in August - helping to alleviate the area’s overcrowded classrooms.
Yet another big Sunny Isles Beach event in 2008 was the grand opening of Pelican Community Park, located adjacent to the school. After more than six years of planning and construction, Pelican Community Park is a two-acre, $9.7 million facility on North Bay Road featuring an outdoor tot-lot playground, indoor basketball gymnasium and a Little League baseball field, among other amenities.
The two-story community center includes multipurpose classrooms, an arts and crafts room, computer training room, exercise room, and a ballroom. The 10,000-square-foot basketball gym is named for developer Raanan Katz and his wife, who pledged $525,000 toward the complex.
‘Smart Thinking Ahead’
To help protect the future of development in Sunny Isles Beach in light of current real estate market conditions, in July 2008, the City Commission passed an ordinance to permit a voluntary program for the extension of time for unexpired development approvals and transfer of development rights (TDR’s).
Mayor Norman Edelcup said, “We’re being responsive…An [extension of time to build is] justified to solve a problem that may not be short term…Developers will start projects when the economic climate produces a positive impact for them.”
Making a smart decision to ensure Sunny Isles Beach police officers are being fairly compensated for keeping citizens safe, the City Commission also passed a resolution in July 2008 approving an increased pay plan. According to City Manager John Szerlag, the pay plan is now comparable to the pay plans of other police departments in neighboring municipalities including Aventura, Hallandale Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside.
“To maintain a first-class Police Department serving and protecting residents, visitors and businesses and to maintain a culture of professionalism, we need to offer competitive pay and benefits compared to surrounding communities,” City Manager John Szerlag said.
It’s an honor to be the Mayor of a city that has such a great police force,” added Mayor Edelcup. “Thanks goes out to Police Chief Fred Maas who has worked diligently to build this Police Department…I’m happy to see this [compensation issue] has been resolved and we’ll be [periodically] reviewing this [pay plan].”
Sept./Oct 2008
‘West Side Success Story’
With the goal to promote optimal development on the west side of Collins Avenue, the City Commission approved a resolution in Sept. 2008 ratifying a non-binding letter of intent between the city and Dezer Development Company to form a public/private partnership to construct a mixed use project consisting of a conference center, medical offices and a car museum on the property located next door to Government Center (18080 Collins Avenue).
According to City Manager John Szerlag, the development will include the following public amenities if approved by the appropriate government agencies:
• A 17,000 square foot Conference Center to accommodate a minimum of 500
people for a sit down meal
• A 35,000 square foot Medical Facility Offices to be operated by Mount Sinai
Medical Center
• A 39,000 square foot Car Museum
• A 10,000 square foot restaurant to complement the museum
• A skywalk over Collins Avenue to permit public access to Trump International
and the beach
• At least 100,000 square feet of commercial office space
“Based on the Letter of Intent, Dezer Development will contribute or finance significant funds currently estimated between $22.35 million to construct the project,” Szerlag reported. “Additionally, Dezer Development has agreed to pay the city annual lease payments of $350,000 upon completion of the project. The lease payments will be subject to annual increases in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.
“Simply put, the city will have a consistent source of revenue from this project since the lease payments are required to be made for 99 years. A consistent source of revenue is vital for the city’s fiscal welfare in light of expected revenue shortfalls from decreased ad valorem tax revenue. Further, the city will have the right to use the conference center nine days per year at no charge for the benefit of the public.
“It is important to note that this public/private partnership is to create public facilities to serve a growing residential and tourist population ...The City of Sunny Isles Beach was recognized as one of the top tourist destinations in North America. Additionally, I certainly believe that the proposed mixed used project on the Alamo site should spur the redevelopment of commercial properties on the west side of Collins Avenue to provide additional amenities to our residents and tourists and as such will be a public benefit.”
‘All That Jazz’
Oct. 17-19, 2008, Sunny Isles Beach in partnership with the Resort Association hosted the city’s inaugural Jazz Fest attracting local audiences and tourists from around the world.
The Jazz Fest, benefiting the Best Buddies Organization, was headlined by world renowned, Grammy award-winning saxophone player David Sanborn and featured notable jazz entertainers, illustrious music groups and the sounds of local Miami Latin jazz artists. .Event corporate sponsors included Le Meridien Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina Resort & Spa, Trump International Beach Resort, St. Tropez Condominiums, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Adrienne Arsht Center For The Performing Arts, PACT, SocialMiami.com, Around Town Magazine, Epicure Marketplace, Key Transportation, and Lukes Landscaping.
“The 1st Annual Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest was a perfect addition to the City’s initiatives to motivate tourism and offer exciting cultural events,” said Ibis Romero, executive director of the Sunny Isles Beach Resort Association. “We anticipate it will develop into one of the premier events annually held in Sunny Isles Beach.”
‘Budget Message’
In Oct., 2008, City Manager John Szerlag drafted a budget message informing the community about the following list of capital projects that will be completed or substantially completed during Fiscal Year 2008/09:
FY 2008/09 – Capital Project Total $ Amount
FPL Undergrounding Phase I and Phase II $750,000
Collins Avenue Median Closure $188,000
Additional Bus Shelters $80,000
Pedestrian North Bay Bridge Design $540,000
Government Center Modifications $300,000
Central Island Drainage $8,200,000*
Heritage Park and Garage Design $1,000,000
172nd Street Improvements $1,200,000*
Sunny Isles Boulevard Improvements $3,500,000
Atlantic Isle Improvements $3,130,000*
Citywide Signage II $120,000
Collins Avenue Streetscape $1,900,000*
Collins Avenue Median Fencing $425,000
Sunny Isles Boulevard Retention Ponds $175,000
Oceania Park Improvements $65,000
Pelican Community Park Restrooms $488,000
Gwen Margolis Park Restrooms $200,000
Traffic Signal on 182nd Street and Collins Avenue $300,000
Wireless Island Enhanced $120,000
Newport Fishing Pier Design $393,303*
*These amounts represent the total project cost before any grants, donations or special assessments have been applied
“Our continuing and most important objective for the coming fiscal year is to enrich and improve the lives of residents of all ages,” Szerlag reported. “This, in turn, will provide a great benefit to our island community as a whole.”
Nov. 2008: ‘Fair Representation’
Since charter amendments were passed by Sunny Isles Beach voters in the Nov. 4, 2008 election, the city’s three voting districts will be redrawn into four districts (195th Street to 178th Street; 178th Street to 172nd Street; 172nd to 167th Street; and 167th Street to Bayview Drive). In addition, the current At Large Commission seat will be converted to a Residential Area Seat.
The population boom in Sunny Isles Beach prompted the initiative to redraw the city’s voting districts along with the goal to avoid having more than two future elected officials residing within one area of the city.
Going forward, Commission candidates will have to live in each of the four respective districts – but the Mayor will still be able to reside in any district. Every resident will also continue to have the right to cast their vote for all four Commission candidates and the Mayor.
On Nov. 4, 2008, residents also approved an amendment to the city’s charter relating to consolidating municipal and county elections - thus enabling Sunny Isles Beach to substantially lower election costs and experience a rise in voter turnout.
The charter amendment passed will serve to change the date of the city’s general election from the second Tuesday following the first Monday in November in odd numbered years to even numbered years in conjunction with county-wide elections.
City Attorney Hans Ottitnot reported, “Term limits have always been the law of the city - and is still the law. In order to [consolidate elections] in a legally sufficient way, we have to extend [current Commission member’s] terms by one year [for one time only]. “
The terms of Mayor Norman Edelcup and Commissioners Gerry Goodman and Roslyn Brezin will now expire in November 2010; Commissioner George “Bud” Scholl's and Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler's terms will expire in 2012.
“Consolidating the city’s elections with county-wide elections has several major benefits including cost savings and increased voter participation.” Ottinot said.
According to city figures, while a stand-alone election costs $48,236, the cost of an election held in conjunction with the county is $5,115.
Dec. 2008: ‘Happy Holidays!’
From Winter Fest at Samson Oceanfront Park – to a Holiday Ball with dinner and dancing at Pelican Community Park, Dec. 2008 marked yet another month of special activities and events for all residents to enjoy. Now, the city’s Cultural and Human Services Department has planned an exciting new calendar for 2009 featuring concerts, cultural excursions, athletic and recreational programs at Pelican Community Park plus much more. For further information, visit the city’s website: www.sibfl.net.
More ‘Year in Review’ Highlights
During 2008, Sunny Isles Beach celebrated many other special achievements and awards. Here are just some of the “honors and accolades” bestowed:
*City wins “Distinguished Budget Award”
For pioneering efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and providing an excellent example for other governments throughout North America, the City of Sunny Isles Beach received a “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award”- the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting bestowed by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
*Members of the Sunny Isles Beach Public Works Department receive certificates recognizing them for efficient use of city funds and supplies.
*City Attorney Hans Ottinot selected as one of Florida’s top government attorneys
*SIB officer won Rookie of the Year Award for all of Miami-Dade
“More than 650 people attended the 15th annual PBA Awards Gala on May 17, 2008 at the Wyndham Hotel,” said Police Chief Fred Maas. “Officer Luke Plesa of our Sunny Isles Beach Police Department was named winner of the Rookie of the Year! Luke was involved in a number of incidents and good arrests in his first year on the Department with us...We are proud of all our officers who show great promise working in this city, for you.”
*Police LEO awards
Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief Fred Maas recently wrote a column informing the community about the Police Department’s prestigious law enforcement awards.
“[The number] 13 proved to be lucky for Sgt. Tom Hopkins of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department,” Maas wrote. “That is the total number of Sunny Isles Beach Police Department police personnel who have won the prestigious LEO award for our agency since the inception of the Awards program in 2000. Sgt. Hopkins was nominated for his 33 year law enforcement career of dedicated service in the Safety Category, specifically for his efforts on the anti-jaywalking campaign and the Homeless Assistance project he spearheaded.
“In addition to Hopkins, K-9 Officer Rob Ostrov was a runner up in his category for specialized services. Ostrov is a well known expert handler in his field and is noted for his training and helpful attitude towards other agencies who elicit his help.”
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