The Commission Meeting Agenda

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December 21, 2011

comm_gatto — Commissioner Jeanette Gatto

Please join us on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in the Commission Chamber for this month’s Commission Meeting. The meeting will open with the announcement of the winners of the Sunny Isles Beach Photo Contest for the City’s 2012 calendar. Also, a proclamation is to be presented by Mayor Norman S. Edelcup to Sunny Isles Beach Police Officer Gordon Director upon his retirement. Additionally, there will be a presentation by 4M Investors, LLC concerning Gateway Park.

THERE WILL BE FIRST READINGS OF TWO ORDINANCES:
• Staff is recommending that the City Commission approve a FY2011/2012 budget amendment for proposed capital projects.
• Staff is recommending that the City Commission approve an ordinance for the general fund for FY 2011/2012 to ensure budgetary compliance.

THERE ARE 15 RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA:
• Requesting approval of appointments to the City Advisory Committee for 2012. It is being proposed that the number of committee members be increased from 9 to 10.
• Requesting approval of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Drug-Free Workplace Program Policy.
• Requesting approval of continuance of Brown and Brown Insurance as the City’s medical insurance broker for the March 2012 plan year.
• Request approval to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Bettoli Vending for the placement of vending machines in various City parks.
• Request approval to acquire submerged land between NE 172nd Street- 174th St/No. Bay Road to construct an emergency vehicle bridge. Evidence of ownership is necessary in order to obtain a Class I permit from Miami Dade. Ownership to be obtained either through sale or eminent domain.
• Request approval to entering into an agreement with Calvin Giordano & Associations for consulting and permitting services for the emergency bridge project.
• Request approval to move forward to contract with Kimley-Horn & Associates to improve traffic conditions at Collins Ave. & 183rd St.
• Request approval to move forward to contract with Craig A. Smith & Associates for storm sewer improvements on 174th Street.
• Request approval to enter into a oneyear agreement with Protection One for maintenance and monitoring of the security system at the Government Center and Pelican Community Park. • Request approval to purchase one 2011 Ford F550 Bucket Truck to replace a damaged truck.
• Request of approval of the Miami Dade County Water and Sewer conveyance documents for sewer improvements installed for Gwen Margolis Park.
• Request approval of a lobbyist contract to retain the services of Ron L. Book, Esq.
• Request approval of a lease agreement amendment with FDOT for property under the Sunny Isles Blvd. Causeway.
• Request approval for an agreement between the Miami Dade School District and Sunny Isles Beach to establish an Address Verification Program for the Norman S. Edelcup Sunny Isles Beach K- 8 school. This program is designed to verify that all students attending the school are legal residents of the geographic area served by the school.
• Request approval to add 12 new classrooms to the Norman S. Edelcup Sunny Isles Beach k-8 school to alleviate overcrowding and allow for the re-opening of the art and music rooms. This agreement reflects a cost-sharing arrangement in which the City will commit to $2 million of the $4 million estimated cost.

Sunny Isles Beach adds to Prestigious Training for Officers

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Chief Fred Maas

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December 21, 2011

Recently, Police Officer Alan Saladrigas of your Sunny Isles Beach Police Department was the 3rd of our officers to graduate from the prestigious and extremely difficult Rapid Deployment Force (R.D.F.) School.

Previously, Officer Javier Estevez and Detective Luke Plesa were graduates. Now, Alan joins their team. This elite group is trained in critical incident response, dignitary protection, homeland security issues and high tactical situations. The 2 week course is physically grueling (not just demanding) and mentally challenging.

In Officer Saladrigas class, only 10 of 42 candidates passed and received certification. It is an arduous but worthwhile training course. In the end we now have “3” members of this elite county wide team that ultimately will benefit our city and residents in years to come.

Meanwhile, Lt. Mike Mulvey who heads up our Criminal Investigations Unit, recently graduated from Advanced Training Course at the Unites States Secret Service Academy in Washington, D.C.

This elite training is only offered to a select few from around the country. The courses deal with Dignitary Protection, Homeland Security and Critical Incident issues. Lt. Mulvey will supervise those events and our officers who are assigned to them, such as our R.D.F. trained officers.

Sgt. Blake Royal recently graduated from a Senior Leadership Development Course hosted by Broward Sheriff’s Office and in conjunction with F.D.L.E the State of Florida Law Enforcement Agency. This was a great opportunity to develop our current supervisors into senior management leaders and the future of this department and city.

Motorcycle and Traffic Unit Officer Javier Estevez travelled all the way to Tallahassee, Florida to become a trainer for our current and future motorcycle officers. This will enable our traffic and motor squad to train in house and locally, embellish their skills under the supervision of certified instructor (Estevez) and produce new riders to the unit for the future of this agency. This is a rigorous and physical training and instruction course. We are fortunate to have talented and safe motorcycle officers and now under the watchful eye of Officer Estevez, they will become only better and safer riders while doing their job.

Finally, on December 16, 2011, Captain Dwight Snyder will graduate from the prestigious National Academy of the F.B.I. in Quantico, VA. This is probably the most difficult and demanding training of all as it requires a commitment of (11) eleven weeks of full time training, separated from family and loved ones while attending the Academy. This exclusive opportunity is extremely difficult to get accepted for and the number of positions are few and far between. But our agency has a great working relationship with the local F.B.I. and we are grateful to them and Special Agent in Charge Mr. John Gilles for presenting this opportunity to our department and Captain Snyder. He has represented the City of Sunny Isles Beach and our police department with pride, professionalism and respect. He has made a great sacrifice, so has his family while he has been gone. But his accomplishments will serve him, our department and the city in high regard for many years to come.

As Police Chief, I am proud of my officers and their commitment to this city and our community of residents. This training and others like it, helps to develop our Officers and Command Staff to serve you even better for the future.

Garcia seeking legal review of stadium garage tax issue

By

Richard Yager

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December 21, 2011

Pedro Garcia - Property Appraiser — Pedro Garcia, Property Appraiser

Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia will have a county attorney and the state attorney general’s office review a controversial agreement requiring the City of Miami to pay county taxes on four garages where 5,700 parking spaces have been leased to the Miami Marlins baseball team.

A compromise plan that could offset the tax bill by raising leasing revenue to the city was rejected by the Marlins baseball organization, he disclosed to a West Kendall audience on Nov. 30.

According to Garcia, the subject “pretty much exploded just three days before Thanksgiving” when Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado asked for the county appraiser’s view of the tax obligation.

Regalado said the city would be liable to pay projected annual county taxes estimated at $1.5 to $1.6 million yearly on the four garages adjacent to the new Marlins Stadium.

Garcia said he knew nothing about the taxing issue “until stopping at the Versailles Restaurant [Nov. 22] when suddenly a Channel 41 news team and a gang of reporters surrounded me, asking me all kinds of questions, as if I was the president at a news conference!”

On Nov. 23, The Miami Herald published a Page One headline: “Garage tax tab could cost the city millions,” reporting that the city leased all 5,700 parking spaces to the Marlins at $10 per space in four garages,” a disclosure “flabbergasting” Mayor Regalado who initially opposed building the stadium with public funds.

The agreement applies to all 81 home baseball games and any other event the Marlins might hold or sublease — from car sales to a rock concert — because taxes would only be exempt if a public use was served, Garcia said.

“To receive a tax exemption, any municipal property must only be used for public purposes and clearly, permitting the Marlins to charge for garage parking is a commercial use, as applied to a potential exemption,” Garcia explained.

“The Marlins or its designate can charge whatever they want for parking: $15 or more, and pocket the difference between $10 and whatever is charged,” said Garcia who disclosed a compromise he suggested to Marlins president David Samson in a preliminary discussion about the tax.

“Basically, I recommended increasing the rental charge from $10 to $12.75, additionally raising approximately $1.5 to $1.6 million that would come very close to offsetting the projected taxes for the city,” he explained.

“Applied to 81 games at 5,700 spaces, the leasing fees of $12.75 would offset a $1.5 million tax — although with the Marlins retaining 250 spaces for their own use, the amount is only an estimated return. Nevertheless, I thought that would give the Marlins an opportunity to benefit publicly through a willingness to compromise.

“But when asked if the Marlins might consider that suggestion, I was told ‘no.’”

Having the public pay taxes on garage space leased to the baseball club for profit has created a new uproar among many already opposed to stadium funding, Garcia acknowledged.

“Everywhere I go, I get asked the same question,” he said. “What are you going to do? Well, I’ll tell you that I intend to move very slowly on this issue,” he declared.

“I have six months until next June before approving the 2012-13 tax roll. For that reason, I am going to turn the assessment issue over to my attorney and the state attorney general to review the legality of the agreement before making any further decisions.”

His free-ranging comments preceded a barrage of questions from the Citizens Advisory Council, including whether a potential civil action would exist if the tax payments would contravene interpretation of existing statutes disallowing such an arrangement.

“If so, I will abide by whatever the court decides. You must follow what the law says and, if it says I must add those taxes to the county tax roll, they will be added,” he said, noting the taxing issue was never raised with him during the two-year negotiations between the City of Miami and Marlins to build the stadium.

The Marlins’ unwillingness to change the provision remains the latest “thorny issue” for county and city, Garcia noted. The stadium contract has been criticized ever since allocating $487 million of public money for the $642 million privately owned facility.

Holiday Spirit

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Community Newspapers

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December 21, 2011

If you want to get into the holiday spirit, just look at all the festive decorations around town subliminally putting you in the mood to buy gifts. But if that doesn’t get your credit card swiping, then try some of these “’tis the season tips:”

• This year, do all your holiday shopping at Target or Marshalls. Then after you fill your cart with the most affordable gifts, head over to a designer store and buy yourself something really expensive so at least you can go into debt with a smile!

• Instead of getting an expensive fine fragrance at a department store, bring your laptop to one of the parks in Sunny Isles Beach where you can get free WiFi. Then shop on eBay and find the same fragrance for half the price – just make sure you’re not buying a bottle that’s half the size!

• Go to Publix and buy a gift certificate for your neighbor. Then start dropping hints that you haven’t been invited anywhere for a holiday dinner so they’ll do all the cooking and cleaning while you just enjoy the feast!

• If you want to drop a subtle hint to your significant other that they need to lose a few pounds – put some passes for a complimentary visit to Crunch Gym in their holiday stocking – but then don’t be surprised if the lock has been changed next time you try to open the front door!

• Get stuck in traffic long enough to start daydreaming about where you’d rather be…Then call your travel agent from your cell phone and don’t be surprised when she tells you to stay in Sunny Isles Beach – where life is like a year-round vacation.

• Hire personal shoppers to get all your holiday gifts for you…Then hire them again to return all the gifts you receive that are too small, too big or too ostentatious. After all, if you’re lucky enough to live in Sunny Isles Beach, it’s pretty hard to know what to get someone who already has everything!

Who says it doesn’t snow in South Florida?

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Community Newspapers

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December 21, 2011

On Saturday, December 3rd, 2011, the City of Isles Beach transferred Samson Oceanfront Park into a Winter Wonderland Haven where snowflakes were falling from the sky! ! During its Annual “Winter Fest 2011”, a record-breaking number of guests were greeted by what appeared to be a painted mural of over 70,000 vivid lights and festive holiday decorations! This free event drew families and residents throughout all areas of South Florida.

At 5:45 PM, Mayor Norman S. Edelcup and the City Commission joined the participating audience members in counting down the final moments to the official Park Lighting. Finally, the Mayor flipped the magical switch and showcased the breathtaking display of lights as they lit up the entire park. Children had a chance to slide down a slippery slope filled with snow mounted on hay, enjoy free carnival-style rides, explore their inner Picasso at the Arts and Crafts Stations and have their faces painted by an artist. If that wasn’t enough excitement, the children’s faces beamed when Santa Claus himself, having traveled all the way from the North Pole, appeared! He was personally delivered through the streets of Collins Avenue by the City’s Ocean Rescue Team in their Red Rescue Truck, overflowing with lights! Santa took over 200 complimentary photos with smiling faces in his spectacular tent of holiday cheer with the help of his friendly elves, made up of the Cultural & Human Services Staff. In addition, a group of Holiday Carolers traveled throughout the park, singing sweet melodies of familiar holiday favorites as the guests watched.

Other activities at the event, included the awards presentation for the youth sports program participants (cheerleading, baseball, basketball, and soccer), as well as a performance by the ever popular Sunny Isles Beach Dolphin Cheerleaders. Samson Oceanfront Park will remain lit all throughout December 2011!

For information on upcoming events or other services offered by the Cultural & Human Services Department, please call 305.792.1706.

Spanish Monastery to become Irish monastery for Christmas

By

Erin Ashley

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December 21, 2011

The South Florida Emerald Society will celebrate Christmas in Ireland on Thursday, Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m., in the Ancient Spanish Monastery, 16711 W. Dixie Hwy. in North Miami Beach.

The evening will include a sumptuous buffet dinner and entertainment by The Three Jacks and the Irish Fiddlers. The Three Jacks, a high energy Irish/Celtic/Rock band, is one of Miami’s best loved bands and they are award-winning, internationally known recording artists. They are famous for their interpretations of Whiskey in the Jar, work of the Weavers and Matty Groves.

The Irish Fiddlers are a group of young musicians comprising students from the third grade through high school. They specialize in traditional Irish fiddle music.

Tickets for the raffle are available. The prizes include cash prizes of $1,000 and $500 and a weekend getaway at the Conrad Hotel on Brickell. Raffle tickets are $5 each. The event is open to all and tickets are only $75 each.

For tickets and reservations, call Mary Ann Kerr at 305-302-2301.

The South Florida Emerald Society is an organization for ladies and gentlemen of Irish extraction founded in 1954.

2nd annual AT&T YOUNG STARS SHOWCASE wows audience

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Community Newspapers

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December 21, 2011

Over 300 people filled the beautiful Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on a balmy Sunday afternoon—eager to hear the young singers about to take the stage for the 2nd annual AT&T YOUNG STARS SHOWCASE. This would be the second year that the Aventura Marketing Council created this special family event that drew rave reviews and standing ovations last year.

Creative Director Ran Oz, CooLAM Dance Studio Productions, had spent months rehearsing with the ‘young stars,’ ranging in age from 8 – 15 years old—and now—the curtain was about to open.

Noted pianist Kiki Sanchez entertained the audience prior to the show, and as the theatre went dark, the theme from Rocky filled the room. Aventura Marketing Council Chairman Cliff Schulman of Weiss Serota Helfman, and Event Chairman, and the stunningly gorgeous model Jessica Rafalowski by his side, entered from the back of the theatre as the spotlight followed their path to the stage.

The first act was a surprise treat for the audience, as singer/songwriter Chloe Dolandis, sang her original “New Suit” from her CD, accompanied by singers from the 2010 Showcase. Dolandis and Rafalowski then took over as Emcees for the rest of the evening, with a special tribute to their friend, Doris Porter, who passed away recently and was such an important part of their careers, as well as last year’s showcase.

As each young singer took the stage, the audience response grew more and more enthusiastic. From opera to salsa, the stage was filled with song and dance, provided by choreographer Sonic from CooLAM Dance Studios, and dancers from Artistic Explosion and even some of the 2010 showcase singers, proving their multi-talents.

Surprising the audience was Ran Oz, a former Israeli Idol contestant, with some of his 2010 singers in “I’ll Be There”….their message of support and friendship for the 2011 young singers.

Dr. Wilbert “Tee” Holloway, Area Director for Corporate and External Affairs with AT&T, said, “Performers have connected us all with the artists in our souls, and AT&T is honored to be the title sponsor once again of the YOUNG STARS SHOWCASE.” He added a special message to the young singers, “Bravo….your dreams make our lives better.”

Thirteen people became “Friends of the Young Stars,” helping to assure the success of the event, while Aventura Vice Mayor Billy Joel was recognized for his unwavering support of this annual event, benefiting the Aventura Marketing Council Education Fund at The Miami Foundation.

Herb and Gloria Barker of Barker Animation Art Gallery gifted each of the 2011 singers with a trophy and a $350 certificate to select a piece of Disney artwork from their gallery. Pascal Cohen, known internationally for creating the “chocolate caviar,” had his Savarin Restaurant located in the Bal Harbour Shops provide an exquisite VIP Reception complete with gourmet appetizers and desserts, drawing “oohs” and “ahhs” from the guests who recognized the top-calibre ingredients and amazingly delicious creations.

The Grand Finale featured the 2011 and 2010 young stars, joined by the Emcees, dancers and sponsors in an enthusiastic rendition of “What A Feeling.” The energy, the laughter, the camaraderie that permeated the entire theatre was palpable….another great success for the AT&T YOUNG STARS SHOWCASE!

The 2011 AT&T YOUNG STARS SHOWCASE was drawing to a close, but within 24 hours, plans were already underway for the 2012 show scheduled for Sunday, December 2nd at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.

For more information on the AT&T YOUNG STARS SHOWCASE, call the Aventura Marketing Council (305) 932.5334 or visit aventuramarketingcouncil.com.

Cauley Square staying open for Christmas, New Year’s

By

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

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December 21, 2011

Cauley Square 1026 — Frances Varela bought Cauley Square a decade ago and has worked hard to keep the historic village a happening place.

To celebrate 10 years as owner of Cauley Square Historic Railroad Village, located at 22400 Old Dixie Hwy., Frances Varela is keeping it open on Christmas and New Year’s.
“This year is going to be special,” she said.

Normally, Cauley Square would be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s so employees can celebrate with their families. However, many of Cauley Square’s regular customers urged Varela to keep the historic enclave open for the holidays.

“Because it’s Saturdays and Sundays,” she said. “And Cauley Square is 10 years with me. For 10 years I’ve spent a lot of time improving this place. This is something my customers asked me. We’re going to have two bands and a deejay.”

Tables will be set up outdoors as well as in the Tea Room and Village Chalet. There also will be a special menu for New Year’s Eve.

Regular customers are familiar with the featured bands. In fact, the Viva Classic Rock and Roll Band plays every Friday night while Kim Bankston performs jazz every Saturday night.

When Varela bought Cauley Square a decade ago, it was still struggling to come back from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Andrew, which walloped South Miami-Dade County in 1992. Today the 27 historic cottages are well kept and the grounds are lush. The cottages house lovely shops — including three antique stores, a toy shop, an aquarium store and a florist. There also is the Aviary, a store dedicated to exotic birds; O Sew Crafty, which sells handmade craft made by local artists; and a women’s dress shop.

Varela added paved garden paths to the landscape, creating courtyards and open space for outdoor events. She created special menus for the Village Chalet restaurant and the famous Cauley Square Tea Room.

The original cottages were built in 1903 by employees of Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railroad. It is one of the few remaining railroad villages in the U.S. and the only one left in Florida.

Before purchasing the historic railroad village, Varela had been in the construction industry, building homes. She looked to diversify because of the housing bubble.
“I saw the place and I liked it,” she said. “I never thought I’d work so hard. I really enjoy it.”

Initially the work included a lot of painting and cleaning. She then added the fountains, walkways and courtyards to the grounds.

After revitalizing the grounds, Varela has worked to make the village a destination point. Cauley Square hosts numerous events on site, including special events for Christmas and an Easter Egg Hunt, Corvette Car shows, and several arts and crafts festivals. They also cater bridal showers, weddings and baby showers.

Organizations such as the Red Hat Society have High Tea in the Tea Room. The Tea Room is well known for its cuisine and its delicious spice tea.

Cauley Square is located off S. Dixie Highway (US1) at SW 224th Street in Goulds. For more information, call 305-878-1410 or 305-258-8900, or visit online at www.cauleysquare.com.

Junior stars set to compete in JOB Tennis Championship

By

Alex Markel

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December 21, 2011

The world’s best 14 and under and 12 and under tennis players are coming to Coral Gables for the 50th annual Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship.

This year’s tournament has received a record 1,325 entrants from 75 countries and 40 U.S. states. The qualifying matches will take place Dec. 14-16 with the main draw taking place on Dec. 17-23.

Former professional tennis player and two-time Junior Orange Bowl Tennis Champion Mary Joe Fernandez will serve as the honorary chair of this year’s event. A new venue has been added to this year’s tournament as the Girls 14 and under matches will be at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.

There will be four divisions of the Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship: boys 14 and under, girls 14 and under, boys 12 and under, and girls 12 and under. Each division will take place at a different location. Boys 14 and under will take place at the University of Miami Tennis Center; girls 14 and under will be at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park; Boys 12 and under will be at the Salvadore Park Tennis Center, and the Girls 12 and under will be at The Biltmore Tennis Center.

Twenty out of the 25 top-ranked U.S. 14 and under boys have entered the tournament, including No. 1 Cameron E. Klinger from San Jose, CA, and No. 2 Stefan Kozlov from Pembroke Pines, who was the 12 and under Junior Orange Bowl runnerup in 2009.

Sixteen of the top 20 American 14 and under girls are participating including local players, No. 1 ranked Katerina Stewart from Miami, No. 3 Julia O’Loughlin and No. 7 Mia Horvit. Second ranked Kaitlyn Harris McCarty from Cary, NC also will be competing.

Also attending are several of the top- ranked boys in the 12 and under division, including local favorite, U.S. No. 1 Alexander del Corral of Doral and No. 2 Patrick Kpyson from Greenville, NC. Top-ranked girls 12 and under participants include No. 1 Catherine Cartan Bellis of Atherton, CA, and No. 6 U.S. player Anna Bight from Boca Raton.

The Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship has a rich history of attracting the world’s most promising young tennis players to Coral Gables. Past participants of the Junior Orange Bowl Tennis Championship include 2002 U14 winner and 2009 U.S. Open winner Juan Martin Del Potro. Other professional players who have played are Andy Roddick, Caroline Wozniacki, Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters, Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, Chris Evert, and Jim Courier.

This year’s finals for the boys 14 and under, girls 14 and under, and girls 12 and under will all take place at the University of Miami Tennis Center on Dec. 23, starting at 9 a.m. The finals for the boys 12 and under will be at Salvadore Park at 9 a.m. on Dec. 22.

For more information on the Junior Orange Bowl Committee (JOBC) call 305-662-1210 or visit online at www.jrorangebowl.org>

Thank You Barbara

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Michael Miller, Editor

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December 21, 2011

DSCF3001 — Mayor Stoddard and Commissioner Palmer present Barbara Acker (and two year old grandson Camron) with a commendation for her years of service to the community

For all her years of service choreographing The Santa’s Parade of the Elves for South Miamians young and old, Barbara Acker received recognition from the city at the last commission meeting. “I was very pleasantly surprised and flattered the city would do this. It was very thoughtful,” said Barbara. Thank you again to Barbara for the many years invested in the community to organize the floats, march the elves, brief the police, and rally the board of commissioners. I understand that herding cats is much easier. Hopefully Acker will be back on board next year for the 2012 Parade.

Candidate Forums
South Miami Neighbors (SMN; formerly the South Miami Homeowners Association), a group of residents and friends of the community interested in creating fresh dialogue to improve the quality of life for all, recently sponsored a candidate forum at city hall. In attendance were mayoral candidate Julio Robaina, sitting mayor (who apparently has decided to run for re-election) Philip Stoddard, and running commissioners Josh Liebman and Sally Philips. President of SMN Mari Chael, said they had over 50 people in attendance in the two hour forum. It was designed as an informal conversation to find out more about why the candidates are running for office, positions they hold on certain pertinent issues as well as a chance to take general questions from the audience. More forums sponsored by area groups in the near future. Call Mari Chael at 305-803-7331for more information.

Murmurings and Innuendo
With elections in our fair city just over two months away, those catty claws of the corpulent feline status quos are ready to scratch your eyes out should you express an opposing view to the present commission and administration. According to sources, just last week Commissioner Brian Beasley was telling folks at the Senior Center that they are being investigated by the city police department to see if “they” were directing votes during the last election. Wha—at?? That election was a few years ago but kudos to Brainy Brian for finding a sure-fire intimidation method to keep “them” from supporting anyone during this election.

Try to get your hands on the CAVEMEN (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) emails going back and forth. These primordial hieroglyphic messages are fascinating expositions in the pursuit of denying anyone any authority to do anything. You will surely be delighted in the Neanderthal reminiscences of Bob Welch, Beth Schwartz and Eda Harris. Commissioner Palmer was cc’ed on many of them so try and ask her if she will share with you if you get the silent treatment from the clerk’s office. You will be amazed at how brilliantly they can pontificate.

Bicycling Bob
Persistent rumors remain that Bob Welch may be at it again. That’s right folks he may once again run for mayor. You remember last time when he ran then withdrew a few weeks before election day to throw his undying support behind former rival Horace Feliu who subsequently went on to become mayor. Affectionately known around these parts as Bicycle Bob, he has biked around town in the past going door to door to pass out flyers to the unsuspecting residents of the City of Pleasant Living. This rather simple and primitive method of influencing voters has been effective in the past. It either helped win some elections or sped up the return of candidates to private life; we cannot confirm which. Rest assured that BB and his merry band of busy beavers will be burrowing for the status quo, working hard to keep any opposition away from city hall so they can keep themselves comfortably buried in the past.

Seen and Heard in SoMi
In addition to death and taxes Ben Franklin might have added “change” as another inevitability of life. Alas we must say good bye to Origin Asian Bistro on Sunset Drive which closed recently as well as our dear friends at Gardner’s Market. For years we counted on the fresh produce and gourmet market options Gardner’s kept handy as well as a pleasant neighborhood wine tasting once a month. Thanks for the memories friends, you will be missed. There is another new eatery in the works for the area and the very popular Bougainvillea’s may be looking for a new home.

Enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Khoury’s the other evening and we let Maroun, the top chef and owner, do all the ordering for us. He customized our meal, matching entrees to our unique taste, a delightful gastronomical experience! We are always pleased with the platter perfection he has mastered. Many thanks to Maroun and his impressive team for another pleasurable night out at his family owned and operated restaurant.

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
– Ben Franklin

Pesky Critters’ Todd Hardwick is area’s own crocodile hunter

By

Nancy Eagleton

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December 20, 2011

PeskyCritterGator — This crocodile is being released in a remote area in southern Miami-Dade County.

On any given day Todd Hardwick may drive 150-200 miles, crisscrossing the county to remove a snake from a kitchen in Pinecrest, an opossum from a garage in Palmetto Bay and an alligator from a waterway in Doral.

Hardwick is the owner of Pesky Critters Wildlife Control and is on duty 24/7 rescuing people from critters — or as he says: “rescuing animals from people.”

“I’m an ambassador for these animals,” Hardwick said. “We have to remember that we have invaded the habitats of these animals and they are just trying to adapt. Every encounter is an opportunity to teach people about the animal so they have more understanding and less fear.”

Alligators and crocodiles always are unwanted guests in a neighborhood and, with more than 1.3 million alligators roaming the state of Florida, Hardwick fields hundreds of calls each year from residents and federal, state and local officials asking to remove the reptiles. Florida laws mandate that all crocodiles and all alligators that are less than four feet captured by licensed trappers like Hardwick are released into designated sites in the Everglades.

Through careful observation, Hardwick has learned how to handle alligators, crocodiles, snakes and skunks, and has developed techniques to catch them unharmed. After all, the suburban crocodile hunter has been doing this for more than 30 years.

“I’ve learned to size up the animal and the surroundings and read the animal’s posturing,” Hardwick said. “I’m not fearful, but remain respectful of the animal’s capabilities. Understanding all of this allows me to operate safely.”

Born and raised in Miami, Hardwick started trapping animals to observe and release them when he was in high school at Miami Palmetto Senior High. Word of his skills got around and he began helping neighbors remove unwanted animal guests in exchange for pizza and movie tickets. What started as part-time income quickly turned into a full-time career. Hardwick started Pesky Critters in 1985.

“At that time, the private sector had no one to call to remove these wild animals,” Hardwick said. “I started an industry that didn’t really exist.”

Since those humble beginnings, Hardwick has become a nationally known nuisance animal control expert and has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, Early Show, Dateline and programs on Animal Planet and PBS.

Hardwick’s most memorable television appearance came in 1989 after he wrestled and captured the mother of all snakes — a 22-foot, 250-pound Burmese python. The snake had made its home under a house in Fort Lauderdale and was gorging itself on small animals. The capture went something like this: Hardwick goes headfirst down a hole that he and his assistants had dug directly above the snake. He snares the snake as it lunges for his face and then yells for his assistants to pull him up from the lair by his ankles. Once out of the hole, the team wrestles the snake and stuffs it into a sleeping bag.

News of this epic catch, the largest python ever captured in North America, went “viral.” Then came the call — Johnny Carson invited Hardwick and the snake — to appear on the Tonight Show.

“To sit on that set and talk to Johnny Carson was a highlight in my career. It was a wild adventure,” Hardwick recalled. “I was thinking, ‘What am I doing here?’”

Hardwick does consulting for many production companies that create wildlife programs, but said it is his day job full of emergencies and adrenaline that he loves most.

“I have the best job in the whole world,” he said. “Every day I’m in a new location, under the palm trees of beautiful South Florida; I meet new people and am faced with new and challenging wildlife encounters.”

When confronted with a challenge that requires more than his two skilled hands, Hardwick may call upon one of his trusted and trained assistants — his wife of 11 years, Jill. The two animal lovers even have a wildlife sanctuary in their backyard for captured critters that had nowhere to go, including a donkey, an emu, a giant tortoise and parrots.

If an uninvited animal guest has moved into your attic or an unwanted visitor has appeared in your neighborhood, call Pesky Critters at 305-255-7295. For more information, visit online at www.peskycritters.com.

Ready, Set, Go make application for college scholarship assistance

By

Chief Fred Maas

-

December 20, 2011

By Chief Fred Maas….

That’s Right! It is that time again when high school seniors who reside in Sunny Isles Beach and are planning their College careers are eligible to apply for scholarship assistance.

Back by popular demand the 2nd Annual College Scholarship Program for the City of Sunny Isles Beach and sponsored by the City and its Police Department, will begin its open application period on January 3, 2012 and close on March 16, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. No entries or applications will be accepted after the closing date and time.

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
It’s about the Awarding of (4) four major scholarships to college bound seniors who meet the criteria established by the scholarship committee and City Officials of Sunny Isles Beach. There will be several minor scholarships awarded as well.

WHERE DO I GET AN APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIP?
You can appear in person beginning Tuesday, January 3, 2012 and pick one up from the 1st floor lobby of the Government Center front desk. You can pick one up from Pelican Community Park Center at the 1st floor service desk. You can print out an application on line at www.sibfl.net

CRITERIA:
You must be a resident of the City of Sunny Isles Beach for at least one full year prior to January 1, 2012.
You must be accepted into an accredited college or university.
You must have satisfied your high school community service hours with certification as well as a minimum of 60 hours specifically performed for the City of Sunny Isles Beach.
You must complete a 200 – 300 word essay which addresses all 3 of the following topics: 1. What makes you most proud to be a Sunny Isles Beach resident, 2. What impact did your community service hours have on the recipient, the community and you, 3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
The Scholarship Application will detail additional requirements and optional service/activities.
Applications must be returned no later than Friday, March 16, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. All Applications must be returned to:

Sunny Isles Beach Police Department
2nd Floor Government Center
18070 Collins Avenue
Att: Scholarship Program

Applicants must complete and perform the requirements stated in the application process for eligible consideration. Finalists will be notified personally by April 3, 2012. The 2nd annual award gala will be held on Wednesday, 4/18/12.

On behalf of the Scholarship Committee and the City Commission, we wish you good luck.

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Ready, Set, Go make application for college scholarship assistance

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