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By Bari Auerbach
These “on the record” quotes highlight proactive initiatives and current events happening in Sunny Isles Beach:
Mayor Norman S. Edelcup
“It is my pleasure and privilege as Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach to report to you, the citizens of this wonderful city, that 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 this past year; and at the same time maintain a healthy general fund reserve balance of 17 million dollars.”
Despite the state of the economy, Sunny Isles Beach is perpetuating a “history of prosperity.” At a City Commission meeting on Feb. 19, 2009, Jerry Chiocca of the accounting firm Rachlin, LLP, presented a report based on an audit of the city’s financial status for fiscal year 2007/2008 (ending Sept. 30, 2008).
Chiocca emphasized, “There are healthy balances throughout all balance sheets…Positive numbers in all categories show the mark of an excellent city…this is a very healthy position to be in…[The city] has used money wisely…this is a balanced budget with no material weaknesses…a very ‘clean audit.’”
Police Chief Fred Maas
“Remember, property can be replaced and vehicles can be fixed but NO ONE, NO ONE, can replace a lost life… Call the police and be a GOOD WITNESS!!”
Dating back to when the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department became operational shortly after the city incorporated, crime statistics have remained low thanks in part to community policing outreach initiatives. According to Chief Fred Maas, “I assure you that you will not find a more dedicated, hard working, caring and loyal support staff than currently in place.”
The following excerpt is from a “letter of commendation” for Police Chief Fred Maas that appeared in the Herald Neighbors section. The letter was written by a proud parent whose child attends the Sunny Isles Beach Community School:
Greg Camburn, Sunny Isles Beach Resident
“This morning when I dropped off my 6-year-old son at Sunny Isles Beach Elementary school, I witnessed something noteworthy: Instead of the usual police officer who typically supervises the drop-off of elementary school children at the school, there was a different police officer. In fact, it was Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief Fred Maas.
How many police chiefs in Miami-Dade County (or in the state of Florida for that matter) get up in the morning to go make sure the children at the local elementary school are safely unloaded from their parents' cars and make it safely inside the school?... In a world where the stereotype of a cop in a doughnut shop or sleeping in his squad car behind a billboard is too often accurate, we need to recognize a man like Fred Maas who truly gives honor to the uniform.”
Robert C. Solera, Community Development Director
“Code Enforcement informs and educates the public in many different areas to assure the protection and well-being of the community, seeking compliance more than penalties. Prior to issuing civil violations, Code Enforcement issues warnings and disseminates information regarding new regulations adopted by the City Commission through local newspaper articles and via mass letters.”
Proactive code enforcement procedures were recently put into action following the City Commission’s approval of an ordinance requiring commercial/retail establishments, apartments and condominiums with 20 or more off-street surface parking spaces to provide security lighting.
City Attorney Hans Ottinot reported, “The ordinance imposes compliance dates and penalties for noncompliance Specifically, commercial/retail establishments, apartments and condominiums with 20 or more off street surface parking spaces are required to comply within 120 days of enactment and failure to comply will result in a fine of $500 per violation.”
It was noted the city’s Code Enforcement department will be sending out notices to affected properties including details about the ordinance and compliance procedures.
Ron Polli, ‘08 Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association president
“This race site was originally made famous back in the ‘70s by racers such as Don Aronow and we are thrilled that the City of Sunny Isles Beach and the Miami-Dade County Parks Department have entrusted OSS to rejuvenate this great race site. We hope to return for many years to come and make this a bigger and better event every year.”
Now, for the second year, Sunny Isles Beach will be the exciting site of offshore powerboat races attracting teams and fans from all over the world June 11-14.
According to Offshore Super Series leaders, “The overwhelming success of last year’s event sets the stage for this year to be bigger and better than the inaugural event.”
The three day event will start on Friday morning when at least 50 boats are expected to make this year’s Bimini Ocean race. The Bimini Memorial Ocean Race allows for a great variety of boats to race “Old School” to Bimini and back.
“Gino Gargiulo and Larry Goldman will return with his Mercedes MTI Catamaran to defend the record time covering the 106 statue mile course in one hour and 44 seconds. Saturday brings a full day of activity to Haulover Park where the boats will stage from. The “ThunderBoat” Poker run will leave from Haulover Park at noon while the Offshore Super Series boats run Practice laps in the Atlantic Ocean.
New for this year, Pro/Am Racing will be part of the ’09 Offshore Challenge. Pro/Am racing allows local boats that can meet the OSS rules to race in a safe and controlled environment. On Sunday the action starts at noon with Offshore Super Series racing in all classes. Viewing is excellent anywhere along Sunny Isles Beach to the north end of the Haulover Inlet.
Offshore Events will host the entire Offshore Challenge Weekend with support from Offshore Super Series, The City of Sunny Isles Beach and Miami Dade County. The event will benefit the Take Stock in Children Foundation.
For more information about racing in the event, being a volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, go to www.SIBOffshore.com and www.Offshoresuperseries.com
Alyce Hanson, Director of Administrative Services
“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.”
In keeping with the city’s goal to keep bringing city government “closer to the people,” a subscription service is now available to obtain city information. To sign up, visit the home page of www.sibfl.net and click on eSIBi (electronic Sunny Isles Beach information). Then the city will send you information via e-mail. The available list of categories includes Adult and Senior Activities, Youth Activities, Traffic Alerts, City Events and Concerts.
Dr. Annette Weissman, Principal Sunny Isles Beach Community School
“The key to educational success is communication – knowing what is happening at your child’s school, knowing what your child is studying, and knowing how your child is progressing. SIBCS is committed to providing parents with information in all of these areas. Let’s all resolve to make our students shine in 2009!”
Even before the Sunny Isles Beach Community School opened in August of ’08, principal Dr. Annette Weissman begin writing columns for the city’s newspaper and website to educate the community about curriculum and learning innovations.
Providing a “first class” testament to the success of the new school, In October of last year, a presentation was made at a City Commission by the Sunny Isles Beach Community School Parents, Teachers and Students Association (PTSA).
On behalf of the PTSA, Marianna Talalaevsky said, “It has been a pleasure to work with you to bring this school to our beautiful children.”
Mayor Norman S. Edelcup noted, “We know that with the strong leadership of Dr. Annette Weissman we’re going to have a very successful school we can all be proud of…The two most important dates for Sunny Isles Beach are the day we incorporated and the day we opened our school.
“The school confirms the fact and proves to surrounding areas that we are really a city and community of our own. A lot of hard work went into creating the school and we know it will be a tremendous legacy for those involved to know they were part of the beginnings of this wonderful opportunity for children to get a tremendous education in Sunny Isles Beach.
“Every year as the city gets older - it gets younger with more children coming in…All the great things happening in the city are in front of us today because [the children] will be our future leaders and we welcome them to the school.”
Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler added, “It’s a thrill knowing we had over 1,000 children on day one [enrolled in the school] and less than 300 children in the city when we incorporated in 1997].”
Commissioner Roslyn Brezin noted, “There isn’t anything that has touched me so deeply as to see these beautiful children…Thanks goes out to our wonderful principal, PTSA leaders and all the parents…Of all the things I have to be proud of as far as our achievements are concerned – this is the top!”
Commissioner Gerry Goodman emphasized, “I’ve been living in Sunny Isles Beach for 21 years and served on a school board for 15 years where I came from…What makes us a great city is bringing a school here.”
Commissioner George “Bud” Scholl also expressed appreciation to former Education Committee chair Bob Welsh and committee members. “This group is to be commended for doing a great job…it took a lot of fortitude to work with the School Board and a lot of issues had to be bridged…the response has been tremendous.”
Jack Luft, Professional Urban Planner
“[Plans for the Town Center district were conceived] in conjunction with citizen workshops in order to advance our common public area and park objectives.” – But perhaps Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler put it best when he said, “The more open space we have in the city the better!”
In keeping with the City Commission’s goal to enhance quality of life, parks have been continually opening since the city incorporated – and now, the list includes: 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 – coming soon to the north end of the city.
Beyond providing Internet connectivity at city parks that have become “WiFi hotspots,” enhancements including playground equipment, a basketball gymnasium, little league baseball field, community center, cultural and athletic programs for all ages, restrooms and expanded parking facilities are making it more “fun” than ever to call Sunny Isles Beach home.
Commissioner George “Bud” Scholl
“This [election consolidation charter amendment] will be a very good thing for enhancing voter turnout… I can assure you that term limits are not being touched.”
In a time when cost efficiency is paramount, the City Commission endorsed the concept of consolidating municipal elections with county elections. 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.
Former City Manager John Szerlag
``We have accomplished much and for that I am very proud. My only regret is that I will not be here to see the many projects that we have started come to fruition.''
Following the resignation of former City Manager John Szerlag Public Works Director Rick Conner was appointed to serve as interim City Manager .For the next few months, Szerlag will serve as a consultant to the city, available to provide assistance with capital projects.
Carmine Priore, Florida League of Cities President
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to salute such outstanding cities in this celebration of dedication, innovation and public service known as Florida Cities of Excellence!”
Sunny Isles Beach recently had the distinction of being selected as one of six finalists for the Florida City of Excellence Award. Mayor Norman S. Edelcup was also selected as a finalist in the “Mayor of the Year” category.
“This awards program [heightens awareness] about what a wonderful city we have and how fortunate we are to have Norman Edelcup as our mayor,” said Commissioner Roslyn Brezin. “It’s true we’re nominated as finalists - but as far as we’re concerned, we are winners!’”
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