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.
As always be safe, be happy, and be loved.
President Christine Brownlow called the meeting to order at 7:36 PM. She welcomed Anna Caldis, who sits on our Town Comp. Board as a volunteer and is serving as interim president for the revamping of the Deans Ranches Civic Association. Jim Starkweather led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Chris welcomed all residents, partners, Council, board members, and guests Carlos Martinez and Robert Lewin.
Davie Police: Detective Hobales said that there were not a lot of crime-related calls, although last Thursday, there was some activity with a couple of young men with hoodies who jumped a fence and were targeting a Mercedes Benz SUV and a Land Rover. Remember to lock your cars and remove your FOBs from your cars!! Mail theft is still happening. Do not leave your flags up on your mailbox with mail. If you see something, please use the app https://www.saferwatchapp.com/davie to report anything; it goes straight to dispatch. 911 non-emergency is still being worked on for staffing. Best number to call is 954-693-8200 which goes to BSO after hours.
Council comments: Mayor Steve mentioned Sandy Luongo’s passing. She had been with our town for almost 10 years and was such a great resource for us. We will miss her greatly. 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. Chris also asked him about Airbnb, since some of our homes are being used for these, and some of this ongoing activity is protected by the Florida legislature. Residents, please call the police if you see illegal activity or hear loud parties in your area.
Vice Mayor Jablonski gave Public Works update.
As Chris introduced Councilman Bob Hartmann, she said that he is up for re-election this year and has an opponent. As a resident, she gave praise to Bob Hartmann’s contributions to the town and asked for residents’ support. This was not a comment from her role as President. Bob talked about some of the important items that would be covered in the July 28 meeting, including the RR+ ordinance, Waste Management (WM). We will continue with recycling and WM will provide more education regarding their services.
Councilman Jim Allbritton is looking forward to the Green Meadows Association revamp and revitalization. It’s a group with community interest at heart. He also recognized Ms. Anna Caldis in her new role as interim president.
Councilmember David Kuczenski congratulated Anna and encouraged her, also thanked Vilma who was his first Vice President when he was SRHOA president. David spoke to the waste company change and other of the Council’s meeting items for tomorrow’s meetings including budget items. Regarding signs, they are illegal, and need to be removed, including realtors’ signs on the swales. As a resident, David made a motion that Sunshine Ranches HOA make a contribution of $500 to the Green Meadows Civic Association to get things rolling. James Starkweather seconded. There was discussion, and Councilman Allbritton advised that there is still nothing set up yet, so if passed, it would have to be put in reserve. The motion passed unanimously.
President Chris proceeded to the next item of business, the 40-acre lot on Hancock and Griffin, and introduced Carlos Martinez, owner and developer, who was joined by Mr. Duran, his equity partner, and Robert Lewin and Courtney Crush. Chris prefaced this discussion by saying that if any resident had any conversation with any Council member where an opinion was expressed for anything coming up before a vote, please keep that opinion to yourself. Florida has a law called the Sunshine Law against this. For instance, Jason Halberg provided as an example: if Carlos Martinez had a conversation with a Council member, and an opinion was shared, he is not to provide that in this meeting.
Prior to speaking about the 40-acre lot, Carlos Martinez thanked Chris and Jason for their help in being a sounding board for what our community would like to see with this property. He summarized the last vote that was brought before the HOA some 5 months ago and was approved. Since then, there have been opinions on the zoning which restricted the project, so he put the property up for sale 2 months ago. He recently received interest from 2 separate parties interested in putting a home each on the property, one for 32.5 acres and the other for 7.5 acres; and if all approvals are met, he would proceed. Mark Fisher would like to buy 32.5 acres and had his attorney Ms. Courtney Crush representing him at the meeting, and Robert Lewin, a SR resident, is interested in 7.5 acres. Carlos assured us that he would stay on board as the owner/developer to get everything approved for the plats on both properties with the town. Each would have an entrance from Hancock. The 32.5-acre lot would have a future sub-division, in case the owner sells in the future, so it would be 3 lots in total.
Ms. Crush gave a brief overview of Mr. Fisher’s plan for his lot: a single-family home for his family, plus a private recreation building which would house a tennis court, which would be used for personal family use only, e.g., not for tennis tournaments. Several residents asked questions of Mr. Fisher’s intentions, and the board and residents asked questions and made known our interest in maintaining our rural lifestyle, with horse trails, low lighting, and lush landscaping. Mr. Fisher then joined the meeting and made clear his intentions to relocate from Bal Harbour in Miami to rural Broward. He talked about his family, children, and his intentions. Additionally, Mr. Lewin also provided his vision for the 7.5 acres: he is a long-time resident of Sunshine Ranches, and he wants to use the land to build a smaller residence than what he currently owns.
Chris asked for a motion to support going forward with Carlos and the intentions presented by the 2 potential new residents/owners. David Kuczenski went on record to state that because he is on the Council, he would abstain from the vote. Jim Starkweather made the motion to support the development of these properties. Vilma Lopez seconded. Ed Gonzalez asked for more drawings and information. Carlos said that if this doesn’t go through, he would continue with his plans to develop 2.5 acre lots and expressed his dissatisfaction with Council’s restrictions on his original plans. He would still need the HOA’s support. The motion was passed unanimously.
Next meeting will be held at Wunderbar on August 31 at 7:30 pm.
Meeting was adjourned.