Wilton Manors Gazette July 19, 2018 by The Gazette

WMG Volume 4 • Issue 13 July 19, 2017

Wilton Manors Gazette

Community

Wilton Drive Gallery Owners Want Artsier Wilton Manors By Michael d’Oliveira For a city that’s known as a gay people might know. “It doesn’t seem like it but there are a destination, Tom Rossetti said there should lot of people interested in art. I think the be much more public art. “It’s a gay community. It should be more neighborhood has the potential to have an artsy . . . Anything to make it look more art walk every month,” said da Fonseca. cultural.” Rossetti, owner of the Rossetti “We’re trying to make Wilton Drive an Fine Art gallery on Wilton Drive, said he’d art-related environment . . . to become like to see city officials do more to bring community where one gallery can help more public art here “to make it feel more another gallery. I could easily introduce [customers] to other galleries artsy.” if I don’t have something that In an effort to create fits their taste.” more public art and He added that the Expo is encourage tourism, Wilton good for the galleries as well Manors is working on a as the bars and restaurants photo spot at Jaycee Park. because it has the potential to The goal is to create a bring more people to Wilton space that people will want Drive. to take photos in front of “That is something that and share on social media. would benefit everybody. But Rossetti and other We’re all here to make some Wilton Drive gallery money . . . but also I think it’s owners aren’t waiting for important to introduce new the city to do something. venues to people, have them Last week, a meeting of meet artists that are local. gallery owners and others - Aster da Fonseca There are so many here.” was held to discuss the More galleries is also possibility of extending the Wilton Manors Arts & Entertainment Expo something that the current gallery owners season, currently held January to March, to would like to see. “The more galleries, the better,” said something held every month. The Expo is an event where restaurants and businesses Rossetti. More art and art galleries, is something along Wilton Drive and Dixie Highway host local artists who showcase their work. It Doug Blevins also favors. “I think it’s a very, very important part was originally known as the Art Walk. Aster da Fonseca, owner of the da of the future development of Wilton Drive. Fonseca Contemporanea gallery, said Right now, they’re overshadowed by the there’s more interest in art here than some bars and restaurants,” said Blevins, chair of

“I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO INTRODUCE NEW VENUES TO PEOPLE, HAVE THEM MEET ARTISTS THAT ARE LOCAL.”

the Wilton Drive Improvement District. He added that art is on an upswing in Wilton Manors. He pointed to the recent relocation of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, from Downtown Fort Lauderdale to Wilton Drive, as an example of how the city is becoming more artistic and cultural. Gerard Delaney, executive director of the Broward Art Guild, said the city’s art scene has developed greatly since it was reborn as a community with a large LGBT population. “There’s a lot more galleries. There’s a sense of community and community support. I think Wilton Manors is coming into its own from that standpoint.” And

as more residential development occurs in and around the city, Delaney said it will increase the demand for art and possibly lead to more galleries. “I always say that new homes have naked walls that need art.” The newest gallery, Claudia Castillo Art Gallery, held its grand opening July 8. The owner, Claudia Castillo, said she chose Wilton Manors because she likes the diversity of the community. Maciel Cantelmo, co-owner of Gallery XO, said the city needs more than just an increase in the number of art galleries. It needs an art gallery that draws a lot of interest. “Something with more oomph.” WMG

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Opinion

Missed Connections M4M

WMG JULY 19 2017 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 12

By Sal Torre

2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

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Looking for the handsome gentleman playing darts at GYM Bar… Well, I guess it might be best to leave it at that, cause our new city motto going forward will be, “Whatever happens on The Drive, stays on The Drive!” Looking back as I write this article, the unusual encounter should have been no surprise. All week I was struggling with a mood of unease, a type of restlessness that happens when some kind of major change is on the horizon. It’s the type of change that is selfinduced, a necessary change to alter the present course, something is no longer working, no longer offering a sense of fulfillment or purpose. It’s usually not just one item, but rather a whole slew of things coming to a combustible state swirling inside my head. Employment, volunteer positions, education, current affairs, home life, friends, finances, getting older, and so many other facets of my daily life fall out of sync and are in need of a major jolt to bring them all back into alignment. How big of a jolt or how life altering it may be is the big unknown in this equation. Adding to this combustible mix was an upcoming week of dental work and city budget meetings. Wow, I made it through in pretty good shape, avoiding the train wreck that could have derailed with such dreadful items as a root canal, taxes, milage rates, and throbbing pain. After such a week, I should have been found numbing it all away with a gin-induced state of inebriation. Luckily, it ended with a wonderful encounter, a new interest in darts, and perhaps just a bit light headiness brought on by some very large shots of Herradura. Amazingly, the dreaded dental work was completed without the slightest pain, except for the bill, and the annual budget review process was equally painless. Members of the Wilton Manors Budget Review Committee gather for a week in July for what seems like round-the-clock meetings to review the city’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and then delivers a report to the Mayor and City Commissioners. Having had the pleasure of serving on this committee for the past five years, my apprehension for the usual battles over staffing, wages, funding, expenditures, and capital expenses was high. To my delight and relief they did not materialize this year, just like the anticipated grief over my dental work. Perhaps the swirling spiritual powers that are kicking up dust this week are not only affecting me,

but are part of a much larger picture, altering the usual processes and expected norms. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson, Finance Director Bob Mays, and their staffs presented a proposed budget for FY 17-18 that represents a sound fiscal instrument guiding our municipal government forward. In years past, many of the various department heads’ wish lists, usually with hefty price tags, where included within the proposed budget, only to be trimmed out through the review process, sometimes with much drama and effort. This year, our elected officials made a strong statement early in the budget process, during the Goals and Objectives Workshops, that there should be no growth in city staffing, that benefits needed to be curtailed, and that leaner times are on the horizon. City management listened and delivered a proposed budget to our committee that does just that with no additional full-time staffing, modest wage increases for our dedicated city staff, and very little work for our committee. There will be some discussion and changes made by our City Commission as the process moves forward, but I would be very surprised if much gets changed this time around. Our Police Department heads the list as the department with the largest slice of the pie, followed by Leisure Services. Public safety comes at a high price for all cities, especially lately with the need for additional safety measures, extensive training, and more administrative costs. Wilton Manors can take pride in the great work done by our Police Department. We can also take pride in our wonderful parks, recreational facilities, and programs that Leisure Services delivers for all residents to enjoy. Our city has made a firm commitment to making sure that public safety and quality of life are top priorities here in Wilton Manors. Budgets offer road maps moving forward for the next fiscal year. Covering our expenses today, planning for the future, and stashing away a rainy day fund for those unknown bumps in the road, such as unexpected dental bills, are all part of the process. Balancing those factors along with interests of city staff, its residents, and elected officials is not an easy task. Nobody knows exactly what lies ahead, but our city government is making some pretty darn good choices to steer us in the right direction. Those wise choices, along with unexpected encounters, are what makes life just better here … WMG

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City Will Revisit Medical Marijuana Zoning By Michael d’Oliveira Last year, the Wilton Manors them the same as pharmacies. At the July 11 meeting, commissioners Commission approved zoning restrictions for medical marijuana dispensaries in did not talk much about how they wanted anticipation of their legalization. No to respond to the new development by the legislature. But, in dispensaries are currently the past, commissioners located in the city but, if have expressed a desire and when they do open, officials want to ensure “THESE ARE COMING to have dispensaries in the city in order to they are limited to certain AND YOU NEED give residents access to businesses districts. TO ZONE THEM medical marijuana and “These are coming and you need to zone them BEFORE YOU CAN’T the benefits that come along with it, which before you can’t control CONTROL WHERE includes the treatment of where they’re located,” said Mayor Gary Resnick THEY’RE LOCATED.” glaucoma, restoring the appetite of patients on last year. - Gary Resnick chemotherapy, and the As part of the city’s MAYOR OF WILTON MANORS reduction of seizures in regulations, no dispensary some individuals. can be within 1,000 feet of City Attorney Kerry a school, day care center, house of worship, licensed rehabilitation Ezrol asked commissioners for more time facility, or another dispensary. But the to come up with an advisory opinion as law passed by the state legislature dictates to how they should proceed. “I’ve been that if local governments don’t ban struggling with this issue. I’d rather wait dispensaries they must zone and regulate to figure out a legal opinion,” Ezrol said.

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Business The dispensary issue is the latest in the city’s recent move to adopt a more accepting policy towards marijuana. At the end of 2015, the commission adopted a policy of decriminalizing marijuana use by creating a civil citation program. Instead of being arrested, individuals found with less than 20 grams of marijuana are given citations. The first offense results in a $100 fine. Second-time offenders are given a fine of $250 and $500 for a third. In addition to the fine, a third offense results in the offender going through a mandatory substance abuse assessment. At the time the citation program was

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approved, Resnick said it was partly done to ensure individuals don’t have their lives ruined by being caught in possession of a minor amount of marijuana. “Something very, very minor ruins lives,” he said. Commissioner Julie Carson said the citation program would allow police to spend less time arresting offenders and focus on more serious issues. And although no dispensary has opened yet, Green Health – Marijuana Doctors, located 1749 NE 26 St., opened in March. No marijuana is provided on premises but doctors there do prescribe medical marijuana. WMG

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Community

Wilton Manors to Party with Police for National Night Out By Michael d’Oliveira When police officers show up to a party, it’s usually not something the host had in mind. But on National Night Out, police attendance is the whole purpose. On Tuesday, Aug. 1, multiple homeowners throughout the city will host National Night Out parties. It’s an event organized to bring residents and police officers together with the hope that the two groups will communicate more and work more closely together to help prevent crime and improve neighborhood safety. Nationally, it’s the 34th Annual National Night Out Crime and Drug Prevention. WMPD Chief Paul O’Connell said the “gatherings are all in the name of taking care of each other like a village.” National Night returns as the WMPD recently-announced a 3 percent drop in crime from 2015 to 2016. It’s a drop O’Connell credited to his department and its relationship with the community.

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“In 2015 our crime rate reached a 20year low. This year we are pleased to report another decrease, which is undeniably due to the brave work of the Wilton Manors Police Department in partnership with our community of residents, visitors and business owners who remain committed to keeping the city as safe as possible for all to enjoy.” So far, the Wilton Manors Police Department [WMPD] has announced three National Night Out parties on its website – wiltonmanors.com/305/national-nightout. One of the parties will be hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors from 6 to 8 p.m. at its clubhouse, 2749 NE 14 Ave. Kiwanis members will be serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and refreshments to guests, and invite anyone who comes to bring a dish if they choose. “Well, we’ve done it for a few years now,” said Joe Gallegos, president-elect of Kiwanis and

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Courtesy WMPD.

former Wilton Manors city manager. Gallegos said that Kiwanis already supports the police department by providing a plaque and gift card to the officer of the quarter and officer of the year. “We’re a community-based organization that focuses on children and neighborhood safety. It’s a natural for us [to host] because we do have a clubhouse.” He added that there will be plenty of tables and chairs at Kiwanis for police officers and residents to sit next to each other and interact. “Which is really one of the key elements of National Night Out.” But Kiwanis and the other party sites listed on the WMPD website don’t have to be the end of the list. Other residents are encouraged to host a National Night Out

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party. To sign up, email jbickhardt@wmpd. org or call 954-390-2150. Resident Betty Winslow is one of the organizers and biggest advocate of National Night Out. “After volunteering 14 years with the Wilton Manors Police Department, one of my favorite things to do is helping with National Night Out. I have met so many wonderful people who are committed to their community by hosting a NNO block party. If there is one in your neighborhood, stop by, bring your lawn chair, a dish to share, meet new people and meet the member of the WMPD. Let the bad guys know we do not want them in our neighborhood. I look forward to meeting you on Aug. 1. WMG

Business

To Neon Or Not?

Commissioners continue to debate sign regulations By Michael d’Oliveira

Confusion over proposed neon sign regulations caused commissioners to delay the vote to implement them. At their July 11 meeting, commissioners discussed the neon sign regulations. Currently, neon signs are prohibited by the city’s code but officials and business owners agree they should be allowed. It’s an issue the commission has been discussing since at least June of 2016. Commissioners postponed a vote in December. Mayor Gary Resnick even joked about how long it’s taken the city. Despite the current ban, business owners already use neon signs as advertising but city officials have not enforced the regulations. In the past, commissioners have cited wanting to be business-friendly as a reason for not strictly enforcing city regulations. Business owner Nick Berry told commissioners last year that neon signs were necessary to having a successful business. At the July 11 meeting, Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said he wants changes to the sign code to be “least burdensome on business but still restrictive.” Under the proposed regulations, owners would be limited to 1 illuminated sign every 10 feet of “frontage.” Each sign would be limited to a maximum size of 4 square feet, with a maximum of 4 signs per businesses.

The confusion came over whether frontage included windows. “It’s not clear enough. I’m not sure if it should be contiguous or not. My understanding was [the ordinance meant] linear feet of window,” said Commissioner Julie Carson. “It should just be frontage,” said Commissioner Scott Newton. “It sounds to me like there is some lack of clarity,” said City Attorney Kerry Ezrol. After discussing, commissioners decided to give city staff members more time to tweak the language. “The one thing we got out of this back and forth is we don’t understand what each other mean,” Resnick said. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said city staff would provide commissioners with pictures of various storefronts to help them decide how to regulate neon signs. “The businesses in our city, there is such a wide differentiation [of storefront designs],” she said. Commissioners will vote on the neon sign regulations but they will also vote separately on an overhaul of other sections of the sign code in October. Ezrol said the sign code was being looked at for consistency. “We don’t need to repeal everything.” Flippen said he would rather vote on changes to the entire sign code all at once. “I don’t like piecemealing sections of the code.” WMG

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Community

Check out what’s happening

Around Town

Wilton Drive Shuttle To Continue But does it end too early?

By Michael d’Oliveira

Michael d’Oliveira

Meeting Tonight to Discuss Block Grant Program A special meeting will be held at 6 p.m. tonight, July 19, in the Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive, to discuss how the city should spend $65,000 in Community Development Block Grant Program money. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide ideas. The money can be spent on capital projects to improve the Highland Estates and the west side of Andrews Avenue south of the Middle River. WMG

Commission Meeting Cancelled The Aug. 8 Wilton Manors Commission meeting has been cancelled. Commissioners will meet on Aug. 22. WMG

Mickel now has free WiFi

Wilton Drive

Shuttle Map

Park & Shuttle From These Stops 1

City Hall - Commission Chambers

Bus Stop @ Shoppes of Wilton Manors

2216 NE 11th Avenue Back Entrance to 2309 Dixie Hwy

9th Avenue & Wilton Drive 2400 Wilton Drive/2400 NE 9th Avenue

NE 8th Terrace Parking Lot 2524 NE 8th Terrace

7th Avenue & Wilton Drive 2295 Wilton Drive/2403 NE 7th Avenue

NE 22nd St & Wilton Drive - Zig Zag Bldg 2201 Wilton Drive/575 NE 22nd Street

Richardson Park 1970 Wilton Drive

2020 Wilton Drive

2276 Wilton Drive

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Shuttle Stop

Mickel Park is the first public park in Wilton Manors to have free outdoor WiFi access. City officials plan to add free WiFi to all the city’s parks. The next park scheduled to get WiFi is Island City Park Preserve. “Our plan is to continue to upgrade one park each year,” wrote City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson in an email. WMG

Buddha Bash Summer Concert Series Tonight, July 19, Slow Coast, a Miami-based Blues, Jazz and Rock n’ Roll band, will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. at Funky Buddha Brewery, 1201 NE 38th St., Oakland Park. The Takers and Leavers, a Fort Lauderdale-based alternative rock and indie band, will perform on July 26. Both performances are free and part of the Buddha Bash Summer Concert Series.. WMG

Andrews Avenue Bridge Resurfacing The resurfacing of the bridge on the south end of Andrews Avenue, between Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale, is expected to be completed by Aug. 18. All major roadway work will be completed during non-peak hours. WMG

Wilton Manors’ free Wilton Drive shuttle service will be expanded and made permanent. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson announced the expansion at the July 11 commission meeting and said that the hours for Friday and Saturday nights would be expanded. Originally launched in March, the shuttle, which travels up and down Wilton Drive, was operated as part of a 90-day pilot program to test public response and see if there was enough ridership potential to make it a permanent program. It was initiated as a way to help alleviate some of the parking problems along Wilton Drive. Those who can’t find parking spaces at the city parking lots at the south end of Wilton Drive can park at the north end of the street and take the shuttle to where they want to go. Henderson said ridership has grown and city officials decided to keep the shuttle in operation. Currently, the shuttle operates from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays. On social media, some commentators

Parking Lot

said the hours were insufficient. “Doesn’t stay out late enough,” wrote Graham Brunk. The shuttle is funded by the city but officials are looking to the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization [MPO] to get grants to help pay for it. Henderson said those grant requests would be addressed with the MPO at an upcoming meeting. Other changes could be to the shuttle itself. Commissioner Scott Newton said he talked to some residents about the shuttle who said that some seniors had trouble getting into the vehicle. “Older people have a difficult time.” He suggested that the city should possibly get another type of shuttle. The shuttle has eight stops – City Hall/ Hagen Park parking lot, the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, behind the 2309 N. Dixie Hwy. parking lot at 2216 NE 11 Ave., Northeast 9 Avenue and Wilton Drive, the Northeast 8 Terrace parking lot, Northeast 7 Avenue and Wilton Drive, Northeast 22 Street and Wilton Drive, and Richardson Park. WMG

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