President Christine Brownlow called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. We said the Pledge of Allegiance and Chris welcomed all residents, partners, Council, board members. Treasurer Jason Halberg advised that we had a quorum for the meeting, so he requested permission to make a motion. With the pandemic, we have been having Zoom calls, but we want to get together at a restaurant for some upcoming meetings. We would like to hold the August and September meetings at Wunderbar. Jason made a motion to approve up to and no more than $1000 for both meetings for appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. David Kuczenski seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously. Jason thanked DaNell D’Alfonso, VP, for all her help in coordinating.
Davie Police: Chris advised Detective Hobales that one of our residents will be donating used horse tack to the Davie Police Department to use in case of large animal emergencies, i.e., if they need to pull a horse or livestock. This was in response to a notice we placed in the Waggler last month. Crime report: There was a large party on Stirling Road reported, a repeat offender. There was a suspicious incident on Holatee Road: some subjects were checking front doors for opened doors. BSO was in the area and dealt with the offenders. There were no other crimes reported. Crime usually spikes during the summer. Illegal fishing was witnessed by some residents; a concern is that adults are illegally fishing with cast nests and are taking turtles and other fish. Residents can report to Davie Police, non-emergency at 954-693-8200 and press “1” or use the mobile app https://www.saferwatchapp.com/davie/ but please do not put yourselves in harm’s way. Also, there is an app called At Risk Resident which can be used by the elderly population and people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions. This is a voluntary program. Last month, there were 164 Vacation Watch checks in the Sunshine Ranches area.
Sally Brokken asked about a reported incident on 136 Ave. of a truck and four-wheel drive that recklessly drove on the swale and messed up the grassy area in the swale, requiring Town to provide fill to fix it. Det. Hobales said that most of that swale is owned by Cooper City, not SWR, so it is not Davie’s jurisdiction. Chris asked Mayor Steve if he was aware of this, which he was not; Mayor will contact Andy Berns. There was a discussion about the bulk trash that gets put on that town swale, some of which is put out by residents on our small side streets that are too narrow for the bulk trash trucks. Jason pulled up the BCPA site which showed the parts of the swale owned by SWR and Cooper City.
Det. Hobales addressed USPS mail theft. Most of it occurs in the middle of the night and when residents put up the red flag on the mailbox. Mayor Steve encouraged residents to hold the mail if you go on vacation. They will deliver the day you return.
Finally, another resident spoke about a new Airbnb that opened up next to her property. Her concern and question were specific to fireworks, esp. the types that are loud and booms, and the danger that it causes for livestock and asked for help from the Davie Police. It was clarified that there are only 3 specific dates that people can use fireworks legally, which includes July 4. Our mayor is still pushing to get legislation passed in the future, but state laws prevail. A rich discussion ensued. Davie Police advised to call the non-emergency number, but the illegal activity needs to be going on while the police is present. If one does a video, it can be documented as an incident but would not be an arrest or warning. Regarding Airbnb, Jason credited David Kuczenski with a FB post about Airbnb’s global ban against parties greater than 6 people. Airbnb has a policy for neighbors to contact Airbnb about parties being held in violation of the rentals. No one can advertise a house for the purpose of a party; if there is a violation, there is a pathway for neighbors to file a complaint. More to come on these important concerns to our equestrian community.
Town Council Member Comments: Councilmember David Kuczenski spoke about the Council’s meetings in Tallahassee last year regarding fireworks and will continue to fight for legislation to help our town. Regarding Waste Pro missing trash pick-ups, David is happy to help pass info. Remember, residents get 1 bulk pick-up pile only; you can’t separate it into 2 piles! If you have excess bulk trash, you can either pay Waste Pro extra, wait till the next pick up, or take it yourself. Our Waste Pro contract ends Sept. 30, and Waste Management will take over Oct. 1.
In Councilmember Gary Jablonski’s absence, David also highlighted some public works reports. Regarding the Farmers’ Market, we learned that Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was able to make a request for drainage and bathrooms to be provided for the area and obtained approval for $600,000 to be provided from Federal funds. Also, David gave TSDOR transportation roadway program, as well as the guardrail program, among others.
Councilmember Jim Allbritton addressed the resident’s concern about parties in Airbnb homes and asked for her to call Davie Police when there are violations. If enough complaints are issued and documented, the property owners of said Airbnb will need to meet with Code enforcement. Finally, the Traffic board compiled a list of 5 important items requiring $60,000 to implement. The funding is available; the first item will be to increase traffic monitoring and crime prevention via tag readers and increased police patrol.
Mayor Steve Breitkreuz said that we have some items on hiatus until September, specifically the mayor’s calls and the Farmers’ Market.
VP DaNell’s report: Working with Communications person Adrian on various programs, esp. with social media. If you have any ideas, please reach out to her.
Treasurer’s report: Balance $37,448.44 as of May 31, 2022. The largest portion of our budget is the production of the Waggler.
Finally, a resident asked for an update on the 40-acre property on Hancock and Griffin. The mayor stated that it is still owned by Carlos Martinez, who has listed it for sale and mayor believes that Carlos has a potential buyer, however it is not confirmed by mayor, who has been out on vacation; once this occurs, the mayor would want the SRHOA input. President Chris asked for the Council’s support in listening to our board. Jason reiterated the need to have encouragement by the Town to have buyers or developers reach out to the HOA, and asked the mayor’s support to ask Andy in the Town to promote communication to the HOA as a courtesy. Mayor stressed that this is a financial transaction between 2 individuals, not related to the Town.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.
Happy summer to all! Soon, it will be time for back-to-school shopping, bus stops, and speed zones.
On August 31st, please join us at Wunderbar for the monthly SRHOA meeting…it promises to be a great evening of food, fun, and friendship. Guests from South Florida Water Management will join us.
Details will be provided during the month, so please check the SRHOA email and Facebook accounts.
NEWS FOR THIS MONTH
Senator Wasserman Schultz has secured $600,000 for the Town which will go towards improvements at the Green Meadows Sanctuary (pavilion, rest room amenities, etc.).
Thank you to all who have supported the town’s scholarship fund. Through our collective efforts, 19 students received $2,500 each towards the upcoming college year. Your generosity speaks volumes.
It is important we document complaints concerning Airbnb violations, loud party infractions, scam concerns, etc. DPD can use this information, along with the town, to put a stop to the problems. It is important we are diligent and persistent.
John Wegmann, son of our very own Marnette Wegmann, has qualified for the US Senior Amateur Golf Championship on July 14 at Eagle Creek G.C. with a 71. He can now go to the National Championship representing Florida. He was Co-Medalist in the event. Congratulations, John!
DPD would like to encourage us to download the Saferwatch app. This is a great phone application for promoting community and individual safety. For more information, please visit https://www.saferwatchapp.com/davie/
Finally, please keep informed with developments regarding the 40-acre property at the corner of Hancock and Griffin. Your SRHOA board remains diligent in providing you, our residents, the latest and most accurate information regarding future plans and construction.
REMINDERS
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.
Plant of the month: Cassia
This yellow beauty provides nectar to a variety of pollinator species. The subsequent seed pods produced are beneficial to many varieties of birds.
Mayor Breitkreuz’s next “Q & A with Mayor Breitkreuz,” along with the SWR Farmers’ Market, will resume in September. We ask you stay connected for updates.
Remember, the Council meets face-to-face at Town Hall on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays 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.
We regrettably announce the passing of town employee Sandy Luongo. Knowing Sandy was definitely one of life’s many joys…she will be dearly missed.
As always be safe, be happy, and be loved.
Chris
Updated: Jul 24, 2022
July 4th – also known as Independence Day – is a time to celebrate America. The holiday marks the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, signaling the official separation of the 13 original colonies from Great Britain amid the Revolutionary War.
NEWS FOR THIS MONTH
Hello dear neighbors. By the time you read this, summer will have officially begun. I hope you all enjoy a relaxing couple of months with family. If you are traveling, be safe and have a wonderful time! Below, you will find items I wish to share for the month of July (in no order).
Happy Birthday Southwest Ranches! We are celebrating 22 years as a town…our “Copper Jubilee”!
If you are traveling, please utilize the Davie Police Department’s Vacation Watch Program…it will give you an amazing piece of mind. Go to https://www.frontlinepss.com/daviepd (vacation watch) to complete the form.
Storm season is upon us…emergencies happen…for our elderly, at-risk, or vulnerable population, we are here for you. Here are a few items I would like to bring to your attention (if you need anything, do not hesitate to reach-out to your SRHOA board):
You may register with the Vulnerable Population Registry online at Broward.org/atrisk. If you do not have access to a computer, you may call Town Hall at 954.434.0008, the Broward County Call Center at 311, or 954.831.4000.
The following link will take you to the Directory of Resources for Broward County Senior Citizens (an extensive guide of senior services and help agencies) https://www.adrcbroward.org/sites/default/files/documents/20192020adrcresourcedirectory.pdf
The Davie Police Department provides services as well through their At-Risk Resident application. Please visit https://www.frontlinepss.com/daviepd to apply.
If you believe you are witnessing illegal fishing or hunting of our local wildlife, please call the Davie Police Department immediately at 954.693.8200. Try to gather visual information (vehicle color, plate, descriptions of persons involved, etc.) but do not get physically involved or put yourself in harm’s way.
The Waggler welcomes articles from the SRHOA and its town council members. Thank you to our neighbor Nadine Elkoury, Councilman Bob Hartmann, and Vice-president DaNell D’Alfonso for this month’s submissions (DaNell is spearheading the “Officer of the Month” series).
Although the 4th of July celebration is approaching, not all members of the community welcome the loud noises which take place. By this, I am referring to our pets and livestock. I would like to share the following, as taken from the Town of Davie:
Chapter 791 of the Florida Statutes provides that the illegal use of fireworks is a first-degree misdemeanor, which means those convicted could face up to a year in prison, a $1,000 fine, and court costs. Section 7-3 of the Town Code also prohibits exploding of any fireworks within 1,000 feet of any livestock enclosure, stable or kennel. The general public can legally purchase and use sparklers and similar novelty items that do not explode or launch into the air, while large public fireworks shows may be conducted only by way of a Town-issued license.
Phantom Fireworks has some animal-friendly products you may wish to explore (https://fireworks.com/blog/noiseless-fireworks)
Mail theft is still an issue. Do not become a victim. The USPS provides a service called “informed Delivery” that might minimize people becoming victims. Anyone in a household can sign up on this link: https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pa... and follow the instructions on the page. This service is a daily email of any scannable pieces of mail and notifies the person of any packages coming as well as that day with the package tracking number. Though nothing is 100% guaranteed, it’s something people can use in case of package interception or stolen re-routed credit card pickups.
The property appraiser’s office has vital information on protecting yourself from fraud, keeping your deed safe from thieves, and new exemptions on the horizon. Please visit Marty Kiar’s property appraiser site at http://bcpa.net/
The David Police Department needs used horse tack (halters and lead ropes). We are hoping to equip all their cars with at least one set in case of any large animal emergencies.
Should you be in need of mosquito spraying, go to https://browardcountyfl.qscend.com/311/request/add to complete the application. You will be sent an email and/or text verification for your request.
The future Saving Sage Animal Shelter & Clinic is located on Commercial Blvd in Sunrise, FL and offers 5,000 square feet of interior space plus a large outdoor lot. It has the potential to be a dream, state-of-the-art animal rescue facility. The clinic will be one of few low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine facilities in South Florida, which helps to reduce the overabundance of homeless animals on our streets. To support this amazing organizing, please visit https://givebutter.com/savingsage
The Traffic and Safety Board has submitted their traffic calming/safety requests to the town. The expenditures, which will be covered by forfeiture funds, were unanimously approved at the June 9th Council meeting. Items will include laser radar guns, signage, flashing speed mounts, and added patrols. Thank you to our SRHOA neighbor, Ed Gonzalez, for his work on this important board.
REMINDERS
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. Plant of the month: Firebush. A great pollinator, bird, and mammal friendly plant, this showy native will be a welcome addition to any South Florida yard. Plant it, sit back, and enjoy the show!
Mayor Breitkreuz’s next “Q & A with Mayor Breitkreuz,” along with the SWR Farmers’ Market, will resume in September. We ask you stay connected for updates.
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