Happy New Year!
There is much to be happy for as we begin 2022:
The celebration of family and community which took place at our Party at the Park December 12th. Residents, council, and community partners joined to share good times, good food, good music, and good friends. Memberships were renewed and 10 new memberships received! All members received the new, one-of-a-kind SRHOA t-shirt. New relationships were forged, and memories made. Please see the special montage of pictures featured in this edition. A very special thank you is extended to Jason Halberg, DaNell D’Alfonso, Patty Wareham, Vilma Lopez, and Sally Brokken for everything they did to make this day special. So, mark your calendars… Party in the Park 2 will be Sunday, April 10th.
A generous donation to the SRHOA by Ms. Heidi Humphries. Heidi... thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Beautiful, revamped entryways which have been maintained by Ms. Cindy Samartino. With her help, paint was donated from the local Benjamin Moore store located
in Cooper City, and pressure cleaning was provided (free of charge) by Steve Irving, owner of Reliable Pressure Cleaning and Paint. The entryways “pop” with fresh color!
Elections of officers to the SRHOA will take place in March. The Nominating Committee will reach out to find interested folks who wish to serve again or serve for the first time. What a great way to give back: service to community.
Another year to meet monthly with our neighbors soon begins. We will have our next SRHOA meeting on January 26th, via Zoom. Please check this issue for details, look at our Facebook page, and/or watch for a Gmail as the date approaches. Please scan the QR code to easily join the meeting.
REMINDERS
Mayor Breitkreuz’s next “Q & A with Mayor Steve Breitkreuz” will be on January 12th. Please join Steve’s Zoom meeting to enjoy a relaxed and collegial discussion concerning events and needs of the Southwest Ranches community.
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.
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
Updated: Mar 5, 2022
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Vice President Jason Halberg, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During his welcome, he introduced Andy Berns as the Town Administrator and how he was seeking input from the community relating to the proposed wall item. Jason further clarified that the HOA would not be taking any position on this item and that if any board member wanted to comment, it would be based on their personal views and not as a board member.
Davie Police/Crime Report: Detective Hobales provided an update for October and continued to emphasize that almost all break-ins, car thefts are due to vehicles being unlocked. Please remove the key fobs from your cars and lock your vehicles!!
Jason introduced George Morris, who works with PHI, for a discussion. Owner wants to put a wall on his property, with a gate, “standard” on 14500 Luray Rd. He would like permission to put the wall 10 feet closer to the canal. Currently, the right of way from center of canal to property is 40 ft. Builder/owner is seeking permission to put wall 30 ft instead of 40, and wants approval. Mr. Morris shared screen shot. Jason said that the HOA doesn’t have a say, however members do. Jason invited Andy Berns, Town Administrator, about the process of the Town to make changes. Andy advised that he was concerned about Central Broward canal access, which is ok, but it could change the aesthetics of the town. MIW request, which is unusual. Other requests could follow, so Andy wanted to put it before the community. Usually gets 6-8 per year, and they are typically landscaping related. Jason opened up for comments. Ed Gonzalez: if other neighbors already have fences, that means that if the road is to be extended, all would have to do it. Marianne Allen lives on Mustang and Appaloosa; she is not in favor and would ride horses on that swale. The current fences have prevented this. This is not the way the town has worked, and she is against giving privileges. She has a 30-foot easement and the horses love running on it. There is a trail on Luray on that side of the canal. James Starkweather: no problem. Saied had questions: how tall is the wall, and did they have a permit for the columns? Wall will be 7 feet. Fred Cox said that this is a variance and that there is no hardship. Should be consistent with current rules not 1960s, ‘70s. This is public property and he is not in favor to give it away. Michele McBride agrees that it is important to have consistency of the rules for everyone else making improvements. Have to be fair and play by the rules. DaNell D’Alonso: if there is erosion on the canal, when does it become more of an issue?
Mr. Parker made a motion to donate $1500 to education fund for SWR. David Kuczenski seconded. Passed.
Item regarding the entrance walls: A company will pressure clean and paint the signs gratis. Jason requested a motion for up to $350 toward the supplies for the project. Ed Gonzalez seconded. Passed unanimously. We have to take a vote on the motions, and we have a quorum for a vote.
Town Council Member Comments:
Mayor Steve Breitkreuz: Over the last few weeks, we have been looking at Waste Pro contract, which ends Sept. 2022. There have been numerous issues with WP services. Findings are that these are issues that are not unique to So FL, FL, and USA. Labor shortage issues, so they are having a tough time meeting their obligations. Looking for best solutions to the town for our service. Plan to build a contract that will be attractive to other vendors to bid for our work. Wants town’s feedback for contract items that are key. Recycling is an issue, do we continue to pay extra, when we know it is not being recycled? Bulk pick-up? Trucks with automatic and standard trucks? Best way to reach the mayor is by email, since emails can be logged and recorded. Otherwise, the Mayor’s phone is 954-296-6018.
Vice Mayor Hartmann talked about pilot from December on license plate readers. It has been successful, and council will look into expanding the program, since it can help crime. Plan to place 27 cameras within the town and this will go into decision at 10/28 meeting. Will put together a policy - only police department will have access. Stolen cars and stolen plates are the main interest, not being like Big Brother. Should be in by early 2022.
David Kuczenski, Councilman: Road servicing and drainage project is up for consideration by the council; 90% Sunshine Ranches roads. Also highlighted the “bale of hay” Halloween contest. There are 3 prizes for winners.
Gary Jablonski had public works update, specifically drainage projects and storm water projects, as well as roadway maintenance contract for potholes, which will be rebid. Town Hall remains open daily until noon, and hours should be expanded soon. Town has contracted Urgent Med to do Covid tests, with results within 24 hours, plus vaccinations and boosters, all free. He urged all to attend the SOFLO Chili Fest on Dec. 4, and the Holiday lights contest, plus the party at the park event on December 12.
Jim Allbritton said that all the signs have been taken away. He wants to ask permission from homeowners in Green Meadows to have the canals cleaned by Broward County. Also wants to get Green Meadows to join in as an HOA.
Jason Halberg reminded all about the Party at the Park. We are hosting this for the community, not just the members. We will have a really brief HOA meeting as well. Announced our December 12 event to be held at Equestrian Park to bring the residents together. It will be from 1-3 pm and will be super fun for the kids and all the residents! We will have T-shirts for all members, food, music, a petting zoo including ponies, and the police and fire departments will be there as well!
Treasurer’s report: Balance of $32,079.98 as of 9/30/21 after all payments in September.
Membership report: We had an additional 5 members this month, total members are 336!
Meeting was adjourned at 8:56 PM.
REFLECTION AND WISHES
As the year draws to a close, and the holidays approach, I find myself thinking about the year…it was tough for many of us, as we said good-bye to beloved family members. Yet, with loss, comes fond memories and years of unconditional love. This can never be taken from us.
With a new council, came wonderful changes and accomplishments reflective of our desire to keep and cherish our wonderful community and rural lifestyle. These men have been a blessing.
As we ring in 2022, think about the goals you wish to achieve as an individual, and those you wish to achieve as a community…perhaps a resolution will be more involvement? What greater gift to give than of your time, and of your heart.
Finally, celebrate with those you love, and enjoy yourselves! Please be safe and responsible…respect your neighbors and their farm animals…obey local laws. Let’s start January 1, 2022, with smiles and hopes for new beginnings.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 4th @ Rolling Oaks Park: Chili Cook-off and Car Show sponsored by The SWR Parks Foundation and benefitting all of our local SWR parks, featuring classic cars, chili competition, music, vendor booths, kids-zone, and so much more.
December 12th @ Equestrian Park: Sunshine Ranches HOA holiday gathering with food, beverages, dj, petting zoo, police & fire demos, and so much more.
REMINDERS
If you would like to become more involved in the SRHOA, we have committees which need volunteers. Feel free to contact the board with your interests.
Do you feel extra traffic or equestrian signage is needed on your street? If so, please reach-out to Michelle McBride and Marianne Allen; the ladies are locating sites. This mapping will wrap-up soon, so do not hesitate.
Our town’s charter is up for review. A committee has been appointed by the council. One of our residents, Marianne Allen, is proudly serving on this committee and wishes to have our/your input. For your convenience, please utilize the following url or QR code to access the charter: tinyurl.com/SWRCharter
Mayor Breitkreuz’s next “Q & A with Mayor Steve Breitkreuz” will be on December 8th. Please join Steve’s Zoom meeting to enjoy a relaxed and collegial discussion concerning events and needs of the Southwest Ranches community.
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.
Please stay connected…join our SRHOA Gmail (sunshinerancheshoa@gmail.com), visit our website (www.sunshineranches.org), or view our posts at facebook.com/SunshineRanches.