The Jewish High Holy Days conclude on the 5th. We hope you have enjoyed time with family and friends during this time. Halloween falls on a Monday this year, so please be careful and watch for our little ghouls and goblins as they trick-or-treat.
NEWS FOR THIS MONTH
By now, you should have received your new bin from WM and are receiving services. This note comes from the town’s administrator: We are continuing to update the solid waste FAQs as questions arise from the community. The latest draft is currently being updated. As we get closer to the October 1 implementation date, we will continue to promote this on our website. We will also make use of Constant Contact for email blasts, as well as our Facebook and Twitter accounts (which will include an imbedded link to bring people to our page). If you go to our website, you will see a “Quick Link” section entitled “Garbage and Recycling” that will always have the latest info. We will also include larger, easier to read maps and other graphics. Page link: https://www.southwestranches.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/220831-WM-FAQ-1.pdf
Remember to 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. Our monthly HOA meetings are your venue for updates.
Sincerest thanks are extended to Cindy Samartino for her continual care and maintenance of the Sunshine Ranches entryways at both the Stirling/Flamingo and Hancock/Griffin main drives into our community.
Thank you, SRHOA members, for the gracious donation to the SWR Arts Board for further painting of the wall at Poliakoff Park (just behind the CVS). Our very own Laura Warren will continue her wonderful work on the panels.
We hope you enjoy this issue’s heartfelt tribute and collage dedicated to Vince Falletta, resident, pioneer, veteran, and founding member of the SRHOA.
As we approach the year’s end, we will plan another end-of-year meeting/holiday party at Equestrian Park. A soon as we decide on a date and time, we will let you all know.
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.
Mayor Breitkreuz’s next “Q & A with Mayor Breitkreuz,” will be on Wednesday, October 12th. The SWR Farmers’ Market is also running each Saturday at Green Meadows Sanctuary.
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.
As always be safe, be happy, and be loved.
Chris
Vice President DaNell D’Alfonso welcomed everyone in President Christine Brownlow’s absence and called the meeting to order at 7:39 PM. Councilman David Kuczenski led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. This was our first in-person meeting since the Covid pandemic. It was held at Wunderbar Restaurant and was extremely well-attended. Food and beverages were provided.
We had special guests from the Central Broward Water Control District: Water Commissioner David Donzella and District Engineer Adolfo Gonzalez. They gave a thorough history and update of our drainage and showed maps which compared the water levels of the canals in 1979 and now. There is a great concern that most of our areas are underwater, esp. properties with homes built prior to 1980. Our average is 4.3 ft. and, as reference, Cooper City is at 9 ft. Each property is responsible for maintaining its own water. Berms are critical for this water retention, yet there are property owners who maintain them illegally or remove the berms. A resident asked why there are new homes that do not have berms (e.g., NE corner of Stirling and Holatee), and the Commissioner responded that the property will need action and clean up the canal. Our annual budget is $2.3MM, and we need 4 pumps priced at $28M.
Davie Police report: Officer Elliott advised that 6 homes had vehicle burglaries. 12 vehicles were unlocked, and in one case, the burglars took a garage opener from a vehicle and opened the garage. Remember to lock your cars and remove your FOBs from your cars!! Also, he encouraged all to do a “9 PM routine” by going outside and double-checking cars and locks.
Council comments: Mayor Steve acknowledged the passing of Vinny Falletta. He was a pioneer of Southwest Ranches and a beloved neighbor, and was instrumental in establishing the drainage for our area. The first Farmers’ Market will be September 24. Also, the Mayor’s call will start again starting Wednesday, September 14. President Chris encouraged residents to attend this very valuable meeting.
Councilman Bob Hartmann advised that he is up for re-election this year and asked for everyone’s vote. Bob highlighted some important items including the switch to a new solid waste contractor, Waste Management (WM), starting October 1. Their service is expected to be far superior to the current provider’s. We will continue with recycling and WM will provide more education regarding their services. Every property will receive a 96-gallon pail, which must be used solely for waste. Residents may contact WM directly if they want to buy additional pails. Incidentally, WM will be at our next HOA meeting.
Councilman David Kuczenski provided a brief update. The Green Meadows new association expressed thanks for the $500 which our association voted last month to give them as a help to start up our neighbors’ new civic association. GM will be filing papers soon in Tallahassee.
State Representative Robin Bartleman thanked the Mayor, Town Council and Board for the invitation to be at our meeting. She highlighted some accomplishments during her first term; she has been working with Broward County on a plan to upgrade the canal control gates and secured $2MM for a study that will evaluate and update the drainage and flood protection for the Ranches and Broward Co. She is also working to pass legislation regarding fireworks to protect our horses. Her office number is 954-424-6828.
Finally, Jason Halberg thanked DaNell D’Alfonso’s great coordination in putting together the meeting at Wunderbar. He asked for a motion to use up to $1000 from the budget for the next in-person meetings and events. The motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously. He also highlighted the Arts Board mural project at the CVS on Flamingo and Griffin and asked for a contribution toward this from our budget. A motion was made and seconded for a $1200 budget and passed unanimously.
DaNell conducted a raffle and prizes were given away.
Next meeting will be held at Wunderbar on September 28 at 7:30 pm.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:07.
I love September…it is full of amazing, historic dates! Please consider visiting the following site and share it with your kids: https://www.historyplace.com/specials/calendar/september.htm
The Jewish high holy days will also commence beginning September 26th. Blessings to all who celebrate. We wish you a joyous time with family.
NEWS FOR THIS MONTH
OCTOBER BEGINS WASTE SERVICE WITH OUR NEW PROVIDER: WM. THE TOWN WILL SEND INFORMATION TO ALL, SO PLEASE STAY ALERT FOR ALL PERTINENT INFORMATION REGARDING CHANGES AND PRICING. WE ARE EXPECTING YOU WILL BE MUCH HAPPIER GOING FORWARD.
It is important we continue to 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. Also, if you are having issues with loose animals, report this as well. Loose animals are a hazard to our/your pets. Roaming the streets is hardly the way for an animal to remain happy and healthy.
Remember to 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. Our monthly HOA meetings are your venue for updates.
Finally, join us for our September 28th HOA meeting at Wunderbar (7:30PM). As in August, your appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be covered. We had a great time August 31st and look to repeat the fun!
Two notes of thanks:
One goes to the wonderful men and women of the Davie Police Department…we, the residents, truly appreciate you!
The second is extended to the SRHOA Officers and Board, and is from me…I cannot thank you enough for all you do!
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.
Mayor Breitkreuz’s next “Q & A with Mayor Breitkreuz,” will resume Wednesday, September 14th at 7PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk with Steve in a relaxed, collegial environment. The SWR Farmers’ Market will also resume in September. We ask you stay connected for updates.
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/
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.
OUR SINCEREST CONDOLENCES ARE EXTENDED TO THE HOLLINGSWORTH FAMILY OF COUNTRY ESTATES ON THE UNEXPECTED LOSS OF THEIR ONLY CHILD, PETER. PLEASE KEEP THEM IN YOUR HEARTS.
WE WISH FOR HEALTH AND HEALING TO OUR NEIGHBOR ON THOROUGHBRED LANE, VERN NIX. VERN, WE ARE SENDING YOU LOTS OF LOVE.