HOLIDAY EDITION 2019 | VOL. 16 DAVIETHE TOWN OF DAVIE’S UPDATEOFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE TOWN INFORMATION WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES EVENTS, ACTIVITIES AND MORE! DAVIE UPDATE IN THIS ISSUE 5 Message from the Mayor 12 Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts 6 Thoughts and Comments 15 Davie Aquatics & Fitness From the Davie Town Council 17 Events 7 Season of Giving 20 Police Updates 8 Together We Can Make a Difference 21 Fire Updates and HHW & Electronics Recycling 22 Out and About 10 Town Information 23 Employee Spotlight TOWN COUNCIL Pictured on the right 1 Mayor Judy Paul 2 Vice Mayor Caryl Hattan (District 2) 3 Councilmember Bryan Caletka (District 1) 4 Councilmember Susan Starkey (District 3) 5 Councilmember Marlon Luis (District 4) 1 2 3 3 THE DAVIE UPDATE The Davie Update is the official publication of the Town of Davie. The magazine is published three times per year and is mailed to residents within the Town under the direction of the Administration Department. The Davie Update also can be viewed on the web at 4 5 www.davie-fl.gov PAGE 2 PAGE The Town of Davie strives to be the ON THE Picture of Sunny Lake Bird Sanctuary located at preeminent community in South Florida COVER 5300 Griffin Road, Davie, FL to live, work, learn, and play while treasuring its preserved natural setting. ISSUE 3 | FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL @TOWNOFDAVIE TOWN ADMINISTRATION Town Administrator Richard J. Lemack Deputy Town Administrator Macciano K. Lewis Assistant Town Administrator Phillip R. Holste ___________ EDITORS Managing Editor Intergovernmental Affairs Manager 2019-2020 UPCOMING Leona Henry TOWN COUNCIL AND CRA MEETINGS 954-797-1035 [email protected] CRA November 6, 2019 6:00 p.m. Design Editor Public Relations Assistant Council November 6, 2019 6:30 p.m. Sussette Rodriguez CRA December 4, 2019 6:00 p.m. 954-797-1102 [email protected] Council December 4, 2019 6:30 p.m. CRA January 15, 2020 6:00 p.m. TOWN HALL Council January 15, 2020 6:30 p.m. ISSUE 3 | HOLIDAY HOURS November 11 - Closed November 28-29 - Closed December 24-25 Closed December 31 - 8:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. PAGE 3 January 1 - Closed *Dates and times subject to change* January 20 - Closed Please visit www.davie-fl.gov for the latest meeting information. February 17 - Closed SKIP PAGE ISSUE 3 | PAGE 4 Picture of Oakhill Equestrian Park locatedat of OakhillEquestrian Park Picture 3100 SW 130th Avenue in Davie. Avenue in Davie. 130th 3100 SW This year, the Town embarked on a different route for the Annual MESSAGE Independence Day Fireworks and Family Fun Day. The Town collaborated with Broward County for a Red, White and FROM THE View event at Vista View Park. However, while this event was different from prior years, our residents voiced their concerns about MAYOR the canceled fireworks show, a staple in Davie. After having several council discussions and dialogues with our residents, I am happy to announce that for July 4, 2020, the fireworks show will return to the Bamford Sports Complex. Students from Summit-Questa Montessori School Recently, the Town Council passed the Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Budget. I am pleased to announce that this budget was accomplished without raising taxes or the The Annual Davie Florida City Government Week is October fire assessment while reducing the voted-on debt service 21-27, 2019. This is an opportunity for elementary students millage rate by 26%. The budget reflects our continued to participate in our local Town government activities with fiscal stability, strong reserves, excellent credit ratings, public safety demonstrations, presentations, and a one-on- transformative redevelopment, and our ability to embrace one session with the students. The highlight for me is always the technology movement. the one-on-one interactions with the children. They enjoy quizzing me on policies, procedures, and on how we carry out The budget also demonstrates our commitment to public Town business. If your school is interested in participating in safety. The Town is moving forward with the completion of this year’s activities, please contact our Parks, Recreation and a public safety master plan. Some key principles that will be Cultural Arts Department at 954-797-1146. examined are staffing, public safety facility needs, response to emergency situations, equipment, and communications. I am also very happy to announce that enrollment for this The Town is committed to being proactive in our approach to year’s Mayor’s Public Affairs Academy class is now open. Any provide optimal public safety services not only for the current Davie resident currently enrolled as a junior or senior at any needs but also for the future growth and development of our high school and wants to learn about the important role local Town. government plays in everyday life can contact the Town’s Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, Leona Henry, at lhenry@ As part of the budget, the Town also approved the 2020 davie-fl.gov or call 954-797-1035 to participate. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) which includes 55 projects totaling $13.1 million. Road resurfacing and Get ready as the Annual Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo is safety continues to be a priority; therefore, $710,000 was coming to Town. The event is scheduled for November 7-9, allocated toward resurfacing projects, including Shotgun 2019 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rodeo Grounds, 4271 Davie Road. Road from S.W. 14th Street to S.W. 40th Street, and guardrail If you are a rodeo fan like me, I am inviting you to come out installation throughout the Town. The CRA will be allocating to see your favorite rodeo performers. Steer wrestling, team $2.2 million toward the Downtown Davie Road Corridor roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and other fun activities await improvements, which included a landscaping median, you. For more information, visit davieprorodeo.com wider sidewalks, new lighting and entryway features as you enter Downtown. The Town has committed $500,000 Finally, I want to recognize John Rayson, Town Attorney, as toward improvements identified in the Stormwater Master he retires after 12 years of service to the Town of Davie. Mr. Plan. Finally, the Town will continue our investments in Rayson began practicing law over 40 years ago upon his our facilities and parks. Facility upgrades include the graduation from the Case Western Reserve University School construction of stables for the Davie Police Mounted Patrol at of Law. Subsequently, he served as a Florida State Legislator Robbins Park; renovations to the Ivanhoe Community Center for 10 years (1990-2000) and Mayor of Pompano Beach for 3 kitchen and Pine Island Multipurpose Center bathrooms; and years (2004-2007). In August 2007, the Davie Town Council the replacement of the Pine Island Multipurpose Gymnasium appointed Mr. Rayson as the Town’s legal counsel. John’s floor. Park upgrades include Peaceful Ridge Dog Park where legal guidance and strong background in government service, separate small and large dog areas will be delineated as well mediation, trial experience, public speaking, and legal writings as new playgrounds at Oakhill and Berman Parks. have been invaluable. I wish him the best as he sails off into ISSUE 3 | retirement. Census 2020 is on the horizon. The census is used as a tool to ensure that our local and state governments make the As the holidays approach, I want to wish everyone a happy and necessary plans for our schools, public safety, businesses, safe holiday. If you ever need to contact me, do not hesitate to neighborhood improvements, redistricting, and job do so at 954-797-1030. creations. In addition, federal funding for the success of the census is dependent on everyone’s participation. We PAGE 5 are imploring our residents to participate in the census to ensure that our community has the appropriate funding and that resources are distributed as needed for our residents. Remember, Your Data is Confidential. Judy Paul Councilmember Bryan Caletka, Vice Mayor Caryl Hattan, District 1| [email protected] [email protected]|District 2 I have had the honor of serving as the Town’s representative on Year-round, the Town celebrates our veteran community and their the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the past contribution to protecting our great nation. On Monday, November 11, 15 years. The MPO works with the public, planning organizations, 2019, the Town of Davie is hosting its annual Veterans Day Ceremony. government agencies, elected officials, and community groups to The event will take place at Veterans Park, 5750 S.W. 39th Street. It is develop transportation plans. I have served in numerous capacities, always such a wonderful event where several veterans will recount their representative, vice chair, and now I have been elected to serve as the experiences while serving in a wide cross-section of the U.S. Armed chair. I am elated to begin and to take on this new challenge. Forces. If you have never attended, please take the opportunity to attend as it is a moving tribute to all of our veterans. The Town has several advisory boards and committees that provide recommendations to the Town Council regarding special program areas. Also, the monthly Veterans Breakfast at the Pine Island Multipurpose As your Town Council, we recommend individuals to assume these roles. Center resumed in September. The breakfast begins with the Davie As such, we have some members who have not taken this role lightly Police Department retiring a donated U.S. flag and then leads into and who proudly represent the Town. One such individual is Ernie tributes by our veterans and breakfast. If you are interested in donating Siegrist who has served as a Broward County Airport Noise Abatement a flag to be properly retired, please drop it off at the Pine Island Committee Member since May 2005.