Vice President DaNell welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM. Detective Hobales led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Davie Police: Detective Hobales reported that, for the year in SWR, we had 1384 citations. Davie had 2200. In December there were 81 citations in Sunshine Ranches, 24 burglaries of which 90%+ were from unlocked vehicles, 13 felony arrests. We have 13 officers assigned to SWR, plus 1 detective and 1 police service coordinator. Residents are also encouraged to use Neighbors app as a way to express information.
Council updates: Mayor Steve Breitkreuz: Drainage committee has been working on fill issues, and it’s a work in progress. He said that the Council appreciates the community’s feedback over the past months. This month’s Council meeting will cover the dog ordinance, and the Council would like residents’ input. Also, there will be a presentation on the coyotes, and Mayor is open to ideas. Lori Parrish congratulated the Mayor for the designation of the town as a butterfly sanctuary.
President Chris acknowledged Sally Brokken and Judi Parker and their contributions to the Board over all the years of their service.
Vice Mayor Jim Allbritton said that the traffic flashing light speed indicators have promoted awareness on speeding and asked for suggestions for locations for the speed indicator trailers. The Council suggested getting some fixed traffic signs as well. He requested for folks to send email addresses to him to invite to Town meetings.
Councilperson David Kuczenski talked about the vicious dog ordinance. Some tweaks have been made to address this issue. He does not agree with breed-specific, since it can depend on training. David wants to provide the vendors of the Farmers’ Market additional recognition since this is such a great addition to our town.
Gary Jablonski gave his update on the various public works projects that are underway.
Several comments and questions were brought up by board members and residents to the Council and to Lori Parrish, who was in attendance.
Lori Parrish asked for a token of appreciation to be given to Sally Brokken and Judy Parker for their service, and she will be willing to host the reception.
Jason Halberg shared some feedback received about making our meetings more efficient for 2023. We want to keep the meeting on topic and focus on key issues, including providing Council updates that are specific to Sunshine Ranches. He asked Ed Gonzalez to give an update on the drainage board regarding fill. Jason asked if Ed Gonzalez, who currently sits on the SWR’s drainage advisory board, could extend the HOA’s wishes and be our voice on that board by pushing for stiffer penalties for fill violations (such as having to remove the fill upon violations), especially when it involves level 3 fill permits which are typically done by contractors/experts who clearly know our town’s rules.
Carlos Martinez gave an update on the 40-acre parcel of land by the church at Hancock and Griffin. Carlos explained that the Marc Fisher deal fell through due to specific comments made by Council Member Jablonski during the November 30, 2022, SRHA meeting, as well as a lack of agreement on contract pricing and terms. Mr. Martinez further explained that he is still considering developing the property into 2.5-acre residential home sites that would be compatible with the Sunshine Ranches community as he originally presented.
Treasurer’s report: balance as of December 31, 2022, $26,529.98.
We plan to streamline the meetings going forward in 2023 to make them more efficient.
The next meeting will be on February 22 at 7:30 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM.
During March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, “spring ahead” one hour on the 12th, shout, “Erin go bragh!” on the 17th, and welcome the equinox on the 20th. Broward and Dade County schools will observe spring breaks, so do take extra caution when out driving.
Thank you Lori Parrish and Geoff Cohen for opening your home for the February SRHOA meeting and celebration of Sally Brokken and Judi Parker. It was a wonderful evening full of hospitality and friendship.
Current News and Updates:
If you would like to host the DPD flashing traffic sign on your swale, please notify the Town. They will help you coordinate with the department. Also, please review (and keep) the valuable information provided on pages 11 and 14 within this issue.
The Comprehensive Board is discussing the fireworks and dangerous dog language/ordinances. The Drainage Board is discussing fill language/penalties. Please attend these meetings and have your voices heard. All town board meeting dates/locations may be found at southwestranches.org.
The 2023 Election Committee consists of the following residents: Geoff Cohen, Wendi Halberg, and James Starkweather. Elections will take place on March 29th.
To encourage harmony be
tween humans and wildlife, our publication shares information which provides factual, practical, and humane alternatives to conflict. Here is a valuable resource: https://predatorguard.com/ This is a company providing humane alternatives to predator control. As well as protecting farms, gardens and livestock, their products protect native predators, creating a means for people to co-exist with wildlife.
Community events:
Please support SWR by attending Water Matters Day at Tree Tops Park this March 11th. Visit SWR’s live demonstration garden which is an annual hit.
The SWR Farmers’ Market continues to run each Saturday at Green Meadows Sanctuary. Come and support our local vendors and artisans.
Stay Connected:
Support Southwest Ranches’ Certified Community Habitat status by certifying your own backyard through the National Wildlife Federation’s backyard habitat program…it is easy, plus you may purchase and proudly display a certification sign. Go to nwf.org/certifiedwildlifehabitat today to certify.
Mayor Breitkreuz’s “Q & A with Mayor Breitkreuz,” occurs on the second Wednesday of the month. Please join Steve for an info
rmal discussion pertaining to your concerns.
Remember, the Council meets face-to-face at Town Hall on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Occasionally, dates may change. Please check the Southwest Rancher and/or www.southwestranches.org for meeting dates, times, and agendas. Internet viewing is also an option, just go to your YouTube connection and type “Town of Southwest Ranches Official Channel.”
Please stay connected…join our SRHOA Gmail (sunshinerancheshoa@gmail.com), visit our website (www.sunshineranches.org), or view our posts at facebook.com/SunshineRanches.
As always be safe, be happy, and be loved.
Chris
Current News and Updates:
If you would like to host the DPD flashing traffic
sign on your swale, please notify the Town. They will help you coordinate with the department.
Thank you to the Broward Delegation for their continued efforts to curb fireworks displays in our equestrian community.
Thank you to Lori Parrish, Bob Parker, and Hernan Linares for serving as the SRHOA 2023 Nominating Committee. Please note our bylaws: “Any Member desiring to be a candidate for the Board shall give written notice to the Secretary of the Association not less than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled election.” The 2023 slate reflects two new candidates: Nicole Alluin and Jonathan Pirie.
Our sincere thanks to both Judi Parker and Sally Brokken for their unwavering dedication, and many years of service, to the SRHOA.
The 2023 Election Committee consists of the following residents: Geoff Cohen, Wendi Halberg, and James Starkweather. Elections will take place on March 29th.
Thank you to our own Councilman Kuczenski for his monthly articles. We appreciate the work you are doing for the community.
We live in an amazing area with abundant environmental gifts. As a result of development, Florida's wildlife and human populations encounter each other more than ever before, and the circumstances which create conflicts with wildlife are as varied as the environment of Florida itself. As people develop more open space and wildlife habitat is reduced and fragmented, conditions are often created which attract wildlife. Such contacts between people and wildlife often result in conflicts. Understanding wildlife behavior can help you appreciate and coexist while reducing negative impacts. The FWC is here to help. Please visit the following link to learn more. https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/
Community events:
Please attend/support the “Love My Pony Fun Horse Show” on February 11th, 9 AM, at Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park.
The SWR Farmers’ Market continues to run each Saturday at Green Meadows Sanctuary. Come and support our local vendors and artisans.
Stay Connected:
Support Southwest Ranches’ Certified Community Habitat status by certifying your own backyard through the National Wildlife Federation’s backyard habitat program…it is easy, plus you may purchase and proudly display a certification sign. Go to nwf.org/certifiedwildlifehabitat today to certify.
Mayor Breitkreuz’s “Q & A with Mayor Breitkreuz” occurs on the second Wednesday of the month. Please join Steve for an informal discussion pertaining to your concerns.
Remember, the Council meets face-to-face at Town Hall on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Occasionally, dates may change. Please check the Southwest Rancher and/or www.southwestranches.org for meeting dates, times, and agendas. Internet viewing is also an option, just go to your YouTube connection and type “Town of Southwest Ranches Official Channel.”
Please stay connected…join our SRHOA Gmail (sunshinerancheshoa@gmail.com), visit our website (www.sunshineranches.org), or view our posts at facebook.com/SunshineRanches.
As always be safe, be happy, and be loved.
Chris