WMG Volume 4 • Issue 18 October 4, 2017
Wilton Manors Gazette
Community
City Says Debris Removal Should be Complete in 60 days Officials criticized and praised over hurricane response By Michael d’Oliveira City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said she hopes to have all the debris created by Hurricane Irma removed within 60 days. “We don’t have as many trucks as we would like to have,” she said, referring to the high demand for trucks from cities across Florida and Texas. “We are working as quickly as we can.” Mayor Gary Resnick praised city staff members on their response to Hurricane Irma, specifically City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson and Emergency Management Director David Archacki. At the Sept. 26 commission meeting, Resnick praised the efforts of employees who worked to get roads and drains cleared, generators installed at sewage lift stations, check-in on elderly and other vulnerable residents, and organize a staging point in the city for out of state power company workers restoring electricity. “This is the time when small town government really shines,” said Resnick. “This is the mark of a great community.” City commissioners tried to reimburse Henderson for the expenses she incurred because of the hurricane, but she declined the offer. “I appreciate the generous offer.” She sent her kids to an area not in Irma’s path and spent the storm camped out at city hall along with other city employees. Henderson said that all the city’s employees “deserve our
thanks and recognition.” Commissioner Tom Green said he was impressed with city employees who stayed at City Hall. But some residents who spoke at the meeting said the city needs to improve its response. Resident Ruthanne Stadnik said the city needs to hire a “geriatric manager” to inspect assisted living facilities and ensure seniors are doing well. She said the state already does inspections but she thinks they are too limited and that the position could help the city better utilize resources after a storm by making sure vulnerable residents are taken care of before a storm. Multiple residents also complained about bulk pick-up not hauling away hurricane debris from their property, even though they pay taxes like other residents. City staff said it was because they live on a private road and a stipulation in FEMA’s debris removal contract prevents debris removal from private property. Paul Rolli, president of the Central Area Neighborhood Association, urged officials to try and find a solution. Resident Joe O'Gorman said the city should prohibit property owners from planting trees under power lines. “I hope we can do something about it next year.” Later in the meeting, Commissioner
Scott Newton said the city already had an ordinance for trees under power lines but he said the city might need to get more strict about its enforcement. He said he doesn’t like the idea of going into people’s backyards. “We don’t want to do that but I don’t want to go through this [losing power for days] anymore.” Green said he agreed with Newton but he warned against the city becoming overzealous and making people trim trees too much.
Business owner Nick Berry said he agreed with the suggested prohibition on planting trees under power lines but said that it’s up to homeowners, not FPL or the government, to trim their trees and prevent branches from damaging lines. “It’s not their job to trim your trees.” Resident Tricia Lee Cline said she’d like to see the city organize the residents to be more responsive after a hurricane. “Let’s get in this together.” WMG
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 •
October 4, 2017
10.4.2017 •
21
Opinion
WMG Greetings from New Jersey By Sal Torre
October 4, 2017 • Volume 4 • Issue 18 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com News Editor • Michael d’Oliveira
Correspondents
John McDonald • James Oaksun
Staff Photographers
After all the stress and hard work of dealing with Hurricane Irma, I escaped South Florida for a few days to visit my father in New Jersey. My first day here was spent enjoying a summer-like day in Cape May, with the refreshing ocean breeze and some great seafood. Back at my dad’s place, the autumn evenings mean great sleeping weather, a real treat after all the heat and humidity of South Florida. Due to my father’s need to get his daily fix from Fox News, I watched the dire news from Puerto Rico which offered a not-sopleasant reminder of the problems and destruction left behind in Florida and throughout the Caribbean. Having made it through Irma with no real damage to life and home, many in Wilton Manors need to be very thankful that a Category 5 hurricane did not make a direct hit on our area. Looking at the catastrophic damage from a direct hit by Hurricane Maria across Puerto Rico, it became even more evident that we here on our little island should be counting our blessings. Many in our city have been complaining about the piles of storm debris and why it has taken so long to get it removed. Complaints about ruined lawns, all the mess, the inconvenience, etc.,. seems a bit frivolous compared to the near total devastation suffered in Puerto Rica and other islands in the Caribbean. How close did we come to having a powerful Category 5 storm hit us during the final approach of Irma to the Florida coast? What kind of devastation would our Island City have suffered? Not something I ever want to find out or endure. That is why we need to keep our relatively minor inconveniences in perspective. We need to sit back and just breathe a sigh of relief instead of bitching on social media sites. Be sure that our city leaders are doing whatever possible to move the storm clean-up and recovery efforts along as quickly as possible. Nobody would choose listening to angry residents complaining rather than doing what can be done to take care of the problems left behind from such a far-reaching storm as Irma. The enormous scope of Irma’s wrath has made the region’s recovery so much harder. However, looking at piles of storm debris ruining my front lawn is a hell of a lot better than seeing piles of my destroyed home along the curbside or piles of molded belongings ruined by flood waters.
As my attention is drawn to the PBS series on Vietnam that my father surprisingly decided to break away from Fox News to watch, I hear John Lennon’s, “Let it Be” playing in the background. Perhaps this is the best advice for us to heed at this time. Just let it be. Rather than complaining, pointing fingers, creating negative hearsay commentary on-line, perhaps it’s best just to let it be. There will be an answer, just let it be. The debris is getting picked up, according to the latest news from the city. Yes, they started on Jenada Isles, not because that is where the Mayor lives, as some have complained; but because it’s the farthest point west and the starting point to begin the move eastward. Everyone should sign up for updates from the city and be sure to separate your storm debris. Vegetation (tree limbs and such) must be piled separately from yard debris fencing, lawn items and such) because it is collected separately by two different contractors. The debris will all be collected at some point, bulk trash will get back on schedule, our lawns will recover, and life will return to normal sooner than later in our little island paradise. Unfortunately that will not be the case for islands such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Let us not forget how lucky we are before we look to bitch and complain. Let us remember the suffering and complete loss that so many are experiencing this Hurricane season. That is not to say that we should just turn a blind eye to faults in the system or problems in our neighborhoods that need attention. If companies that the city has contracted with failed to live up to their contractual agreements, we need to address these concerns. If infrastructure within our city failed or needs attention, then we must make sure our city government is moving to take care of these problems. This type of constructive engagement is what will make our city better prepared for future storms and will benefit residents and our neighborhoods. City management has reached out to neighborhood associations looking to engage with residents to see how the city can do better and where we need to make improvements. First up will be the Westside Association of Wilton Manors, WAWM, meeting on Thursday, Oct. 5th, starting 7 pm at the Hagen Park Community Center. This positive engagement between residents and our city leaders is what makes life just better here… WMG
Life will return to normal sooner than later in our little island paradise.
J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing
Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier mike.trottier@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Sales Assistant • Tim Higgins Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. MEMBER
MEMBER
Associated Press MEMBER
M E M B E Gay R Copyright © 2017 South Florida News.com, Inc.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 22
•
1 0.4.2017
2 •
October 4, 2017
Hope Outlives the Horror
Real Estate Geek
The Federal Flood Insurance program revisited
By James Oaksun Last time, you may remember, I wrote about the Federal Flood Insurance program. I described the program and identified various structural issues with it. Additionally, I hinted at a potential solution that Realtor-leaders, and society generally, ought to be able to get behind. Well, “various things” have occurred since the last column. Two women named Irma and Maria made highly unwelcome visits to our region. Even before Maria’s arrival, combined losses from Harvey and Irma are expected to exceed $200 billion, making them the most costly one-two punch in history – exceeding losses from Katrina. And then Maria decimated Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, leaving millions of our citizens in dire straits. Humanitarian aid and relief must be the top priority. Yet, some people need to be looking for the hope beyond the horror – namely, what can we do to mitigate risk in the future and ideally build a better society in the process? I humbly suggest the following solution to the flood insurance piece of the puzzle. (Now, just to warn you, I’m going to get a little bit geeky here. It is, after all, who I am. Bear with me.) As I said in my last column, people made significant economic decisions (purchase of real estate) based on an implied assumption that subsidized flood insurance would be available beyond their ownership tenure. That, in effect, makes the difference between the market insurance rate and the subsidized rate an asset that can be
calculated actuarially and capitalized into the value of the property. So, then, the solution requires the owner to elect either of these options. 1. Cash Out and Credit. The government offers to pay property owners in at-risk areas an amount, over a period of years, equal to the present value of the capitalized difference between an actuarially-determined market insurance rate, and the current subsidized rate. Upon acceptance of that offer, the government will further offer affected owners a refundable tax credit to purchase an energy efficient and LEED certified property outside an atrisk area. But on acceptance of the offer, flood insurance (if available) for that property would be charged at a market rate. Owners would then have to decide whether to pay that market rate, be “on the risk” (the technical insurance term) personally for any future flood damages, or sell the property. 2. The Next Claim Is Your Last Claim. Any owner of a property in an at-risk area who declined the offer described above could continue to receive flood insurance at a subsidized rate, as determined by the good graces of the US Congress (with substantial input from the national and various state Realtor associations, as discussed previously). A (i.e., one) future claim made against the flood insurance program would be settled to the replacement cost of the loss. However, subsidized insurance would no longer be available
3 •
October 4, 2017
after that one claim, and the “cash out and credit” option would not be available to the property owner. Many friends of mine from the Midwest tell me it is common sense in those parts not to build anything permanent in a flood plain. No, maybe they don’t wear the most stylish clothes. They may even have voted for YouKnow-Who. But on that score, they are correct. You can’t, morally, say to the affected property owners, “Too bad, no more subsidized insurance, you’re on your own.” To my mind, that is a taking by the government without compensation. And I believe the Supreme Court has in related cases found that to be so. We need an equitable solution that could be a win-win for the vast majority, as well as that creates a more-sound real estate market and property environment. But this is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. The storms also revealed other deferred and sometimes hidden challenges associated with life here in southeast Florida. Fortunately, there are solutions to these issues, as well. And that will be the subject of my next column. WMG James Oaksun, Broward's Real Estate Geek(SM), is BrokerOwner of New Realty Concepts in Oakland Park. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).
10.4.2017 •
23
Let’s make music together! Have you ever wanted to play something from your favorite musical, or a cover from Glee, or a Chopin nocturne? Whatever your aspirations, from classical to pop, I can help you. I have worked with hundreds of students at all stages of life. Sign up for a free trial lesson to see if I’m the right teacher for you!
Pianist | Teacher
(617) 444-9926 | pianowithnathan@gmail.com www.pianowithnathan.com MEDIC A RE
ADVANT AGE
Blue your source
for Medicare
Advantage.
When you’re shopping for Medicare coverage, Blue is here to help. We’re your partner in navigating the Medicare landscape, making the most of your health care and feeling confident about your choices.
Call Steve Herbstman Today
BlueMedicare means SM
value more savings more choices more
more.
Contact us today:
Apple Insurance Steve Herbstman www.appleinsurance.com
954-554-7074 (TTY users call 1-800-955-8770), 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. local time, Mon. - Fri. to speak to a licensed agent.
Florida Blue is a PPO, RPPO and Rx(PDP) plan with a Medicare contract. Florida Blue HMO is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Florida Blue or Florida Blue HMO depends on contract renewal. Health coverage is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue. HMO coverage is offered by Health Options, Inc., DBA Florida Blue HMO, an affiliate of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. These companies are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Florida Blue complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüstica. Llame al 1-855-601-9465 (TTY: 1-877-955-8773). ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 1-855-601-9465 (TTY: 1-800-955-8770). Y0011_87324 0917R1 CMS Accepted
24
•
1 0.4.2017
Commission Approves Resolution Denouncing Trump’s Response to Charlottesville By Michael d’Oliveira Photo courtesy of Cville Dog, Wiki.
I’m also available for parties! Halloween, Christmas…and everything in between!
Nathan Johnson
Make
Business
4 •
Resolutions approved by the city commission are usually done so without much debate. But debate was generated at the commission meeting on Sept. 26 with a city resolution “denouncing hatred, intolerance, extremism and discrimination” which was sent to President Donald Trump, the White House, Congress, and others. The resolution stems from the violence that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia in August and Trump’s response. Trump, who condemned hatred “on both sides,” was criticized for painting a false equivocation between Nazis, the KKK, other racist groups, and the counter protesters who opposed them. On the day of the attacks, Aug. 12, which included one man driving a car into anti-white supremacist protesters, killing one person and injuring others, Trump condemned the violence and hatred “on many sides” but did not mention any white supremacist group by name. Two days later, Trump did condemn racism and call out the groups by name. The next day, Aug. 15, Trump reverted back to saying there was “blame on both sides” and “you also had people that were very fine people on both sides.” Commissioner Tom Green said he wished he had listened to Vice Mayor Justin Flippen who originally wanted stronger language in the resolution. “The president continues to make insensitive and divisive comments...
I have trouble believing those were really good people. Perhaps in their own minds,” he said, referring to the racist groups who carried torches and chanted “Jews will not replace us.” Flippen replied that, in the interests of unity, he toned-down the language but still feels the same message is being sent. “This commission, made up of many diverse groups, speaks out for equality, for inclusivity, for diversity, for a stronger America, for a stronger neighborhood, and for a stronger city.” Although the resolution was approved unanimously and no one on the commission said they were against speaking out against racism and bigotry, Mayor Gary Resnick wondered if it was the right move. “This is exactly what he wants us to do,” the mayor said about Trump. Resnick said Trump wants people talking about racism and bigotry because it gets the country’s attention focused away from the real issues he doesn’t want people talking about, such as hurricane relief in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and his use of the presidency to enrich himself financially. “He wants to distract people from real issues.” Flippen responded by saying that he would support any separate resolutions, addressing those other issues Resnick brought up, but that racism and bigotry are “real issues” that need to be addressed.. WMG
• • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • •
October 4, 2017
Community
Commission Moves Forward on Generator Rule
their own private elevator. Those types of elevators, he said, would be exempt from the requirement. Commissioner Scott Newton said he’d like to see the issue on the next agenda. If passed, the ordinance would require the generator be installed onsite and be part of the infrastructure. “What good is the car without the engine in it?” asked Vice Mayor Justin Flippen. WMG
FLORIDA MEDICAL CENTER!“
Insist on the award-winning hospital that’s close to your home.
7
Your community. Your health. Your hospital. JUST 4 MILES WEST OF I-95 ON OAKLAND PARK BLVD. 1
COMMERCIAL BLVD.
AWARDS AND DESIGNATIONS INCLUDE:
▸ Comprehensive Stroke Center designation by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
441
A1A
W. OAKLAND PARK BLVD. I-95
FLORIDA MEDICAL CENTER
E. SUNRISE BLVD.
BROWARD BLVD.
WILTON MANORS POWERLINE ROAD
Per the city commission’s request, the city manager and city attorney will research what regulations other cities have instituted regarding generators and multi-unit residential units with multiple stories. The idea comes from Commissioner Tom Green who said one of his neighbors who is confined to a wheelchair couldn’t use the elevator at their apartment complex, The Metropolitan, because of the lack of power due to Hurricane Irma. “I would like this to be a requirement. Anything where there is an elevator should have an emergency generator . . . Maybe it’s going to be just the new buildings,” said Green. He added he doesn’t think most building owners would do it voluntarily. Green said he knows someone who owns a townhouse and installed
x
TAKE ME TO
FLORIDA TURNPIKE
By Michael d’Oliveira
“
ON ILT VE W DRI
1
1
FORT LAUDERDALE
A1A
LAS OLAS BLVD.
▸ Ranked among the Top 10% in the Nation for Cardiac Health by Healthgrades in 2014 ▸ Accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI, Society of Chest Pain Centers ▸ Surgical Weight Loss Center of Excellence And more...
REMEMBER:
Always ask the EMS to take you to Florida Medical Center.
If your condition is stabilized,
CALL 855.246.7846 FOR A FREE HOT/COLD PACK! In case of an emergency dial 911.
5000 W. OAKLAND PARK BLVD. | LAUDERDALE LAKES | FLORIDAMEDCTR.COM
5 •
October 4, 2017
10.4.2017 •
25
Community Business
Community
Final Approval Given to Budget, Millage Rate By Michael d’Oliveira Commissioners gave final approval to the city’s budget and millage rates at their special commission meeting on Sept. 25. Commissioners approved an operating millage rate of 5.9837 and a debt service millage rate of 0.5017, which includes the parks and city hall bonds. The millage rates will result in a $1.10 increase this year for single family home owners with Save Our Homes [SOH] and a $19.10 for those without SOH. For condo owners with SOH, the increase will be .49 cents and $10.08 without. This year’s $35.05 million budget includes $7.15 million for the police department, $4.3 million for leisure services, and $1.3 million for Community Development Services. The budget also included $295,000
Check out what’s happening
Around Town By Michael d’Oliveira
Sound the Alarm The Red Cross is looking for volunteers to participate in its “Sound the Alarm” campaign, a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events across the country. Red Cross volunteers, along with fire departments and other partners will canvass at-risk neighborhoods, install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms, and provide fire prevention and safety education. Visit redcross.org/ sound-the-alarm for more information. WMG
Find Lost Pets for Goren, Cherof, Doody, & Ezrol, the law firm which represents the city, $32,000 over three years to convert two tennis courts from asphalt to clay, $17,250 for Wayfinding signs to help direct tourists to destinations in the city, and $5,000 if the county transfers Site 92, a small strip of green space, to the city. WMG
The Broward County Animal Care Adoption Center has pets that were lost during Hurricane Irma. Owners looking for their pets can visit broward.org/animal/pages/ default.aspx to see if the pet has been found. Owners who see their pets should call 954-359-1313 to place a hold on pet until they can arrive to pick him up. Owners of lost pets can also email their pet’s information to Animal Care at lostandfound@ broward.org. Include your name, address and phone number, photo of pet or detailed description, rabies registration number, tattoo number, microchip number, and address where pet was lost. WMG
Kiwanis Pumpkin Patch The Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors’ annual Pumpkin Patch is back. Pumpkins, hay, and corn stalks will be sold by Kiwanis at the Five Points intersection in Wilton Manors. Pumpkins will be on sale starting Saturday, Oct. 7 until either Halloween or they are sold out. The Pumpkin Patch will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Mondays to Fridays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The money generated will fund Kiwanis’ programs which focus on helping children in the community. WMG
Environmental Art Contest The Environmental & Sustainability Volunteer Group of Wilton Manors is partnering with Waste Management Inc. for its first Recyclable Materials Art Contest. Those who enter must submit art that is 95 percent made from recyclable materials. The deadline to enter is Nov. 10. Contact Todd DeJesus at 954-390-2105 or tdejesus@ wiltonmanors.com. WMG
• • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • 26
•
1 0.4.2017
64 ••
September September20, 6, 2017 2017