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It is my privilege to share the following report with our Sunny Isles Beach residents this month. Nearly one year since I assumed the role of City Manager, I am proud to share the progress that our city has made on five main areas: fiscal responsibility, public safety, transparency, sustainability, and community services.
Throughout the last year, Sunny Isles Beach has remained fiscally responsible in spite of the growing economic challenges the country is facing. We were even able to maintain financial growth as well. The filing of the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget reflects the highest reserves in the City’s history. We reduced the millage rate to 2.0 mils per $1,000 of assessed value, which represents the lowest millage rate in the city’s history.
Focusing on public safety, the Police Department has been increasing enforcement and visibility through staffing, strategy and long-term solutions. On the staffing front, we hired Captain Edward Santiago as Chief, starting a new chapter for the Police Department. The department went on to hire eleven new police officers, four dispatchers, police evidence and crime scene technician, and two dedicated uniform patrol traffic units who focus exclusively on enforcing traffic violations. Improving upon our enforcement strategy was key this year. PD reinstated their community policing efforts placing a greater emphasis on cultivating relationships with residents and a full-time beach patrol. The department increased traffic enforcement and multi-agency details along our major thoroughfares resulting in crucial citations and arrests. PD is utilizing several technological advances to improve safety on the road such as additional speed signs and the implementation of a ghost car providing stealth where it is needed. The creation of the Mobility and Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee (MAPSAC) offered a chance for interested and qualified citizens to work closely with the City on pedestrian and mobility safety issues. In addition to increasing enforcement on the streets, you’ll see more officers patrolling on the beach and in the parks.
When I first assumed the role of City Manager, it was important to me that our city upholds the highest level of transparency, accountability and accuracy. Increasing public involvement through new advisory committees, such as the MAPSAC, the Environment Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC), and
Stan Morris
An Auditor Selection Committee, provided a forum for engaged citizens to discuss key issues our city faces and provide feedback and recommendations for new solutions. The new Senior Roundtable, Residents’ Academy, and Teen Talk roundtable series opened up engaging and safe forums for seniors, teens, and involved residents to learn about the city and discuss issues important to them. It is well known there have been issues and concerns involving the City’s Comprehensive Plan over the last few years, which is why we’ve retained a zoning consultant to perform a complete review of the Plan.
Sustainability is at the forefront of our agenda as we work to support a healthy and resilient community. This past year, the Commission adopted two ordinances prohibiting balloon releases and prohibiting smoking at public beaches and park property. We formalized a partnership with Adopt a Dune to launch a dune restoration program with oceanfront properties and are in the process of developing a citywide dune master plan. Also, along the beach, we reestablished monthly beach cleanups.
Providing community services that enhance your quality of life has always been a top priority. This year we celebrated the City’s 25th Anniversary with a series of events and activities. The Cultural & Community Services department increased programming for tots as well as adults and seniors at Gateway Center. They are also establishing a new teen center, which will result in additional programming for our teen population. We continued to support Ukraine by hosting donation drives and over six events to assist Ukrainian refugees and sponsoring children to attend our summer camp program.
Looking ahead to the next year, we have several major projects on the docket. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is underway and expected to be completed in fall of 2023. We are committed to ensuring our Zoning Code is compliant and representative of our residents’ vision for the future. The Police Department is on the way to becoming accredited to maintain the highest quality and standards of law enforcement. This is an exciting time to be a Sunny Isles Beach resident. I always strive to maintain transparency and honesty when it comes to local governance and invite you to reach out to the City Manager’s Office should you have any concerns or questions.
Contact City Manager Stan Morris at smorris@sibfl.net or 305.792.1701.
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