Update - SFWMD - rough waters signal the start of canal work in Pinecrest. Palmetto Bay continues to work with SFWMD.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has begun its work in Pinecrest.  All is not rosy as reported in the Sunday, 1/29/2017, edition of the Miami Herald (Page 4A): 
Lush landscaping vs. flood control: Village tries to defend its canal turf

Please note one of the landscaping solutions proposed by the SFWMD as stated by John Hixenbaugh, Chief of the district's Right of Way Section, this -

After the Herald inquired, the district contacted the village Friday and assured staff they intend to work with homeowners individually to find a solution. In an interview, the team said they always planned to apply a “common sense” approach, not a wholesale razing.

“There are some folks who planted some really nice landscapes,” said Steve Fairtrace, the district’s field project manager.

Homeowners can relocate trees, although non-native, exotic trees will be removed, they said. Homeowners may be able to work out a deal to save native trees, if they agree to cover the cost of maintenance. Many shrubs will be saved. Sod will be replanted.

“When we work with homeowners to save a tree, then there is an obligation for them to maintain it,” said John Hixenbaugh, who oversees right-of-ways for the district. “So yes, there will be an option for that, for trees that remain.”

The SFWMD is of limited funds - the actions they take are to protect their assets in order to do the task at hand.  I remain committed to working with the SFWMD to identify and obtain the funding to actually complete the much-needed canal bank restoration. This requires the legislative requests, follow up in Tallahassee, personally and through our lobbying team and locally through the SFWMD.

As part of the ongoing efforts, the hard work with the SFWMD to eventually bring complete canal bank restoration to Palmetto Bay, the Palmetto Bay Village Council unanimously supported two items I requested for our 2017 Legislative Agenda:

            F.         Requesting funding for South Florida Water Management District specifically for canal bank restoration to address the critical erosion needs in the Village of Palmetto Bay;  ....

Sept 2015 meeting with SFWMD representatives at Village Hall

Please see my prior post of Friday, 1/13/2017 for additional background: Update on the SFWMD canals – two main meetings that I suggest those interested/impacted by the canal attend - and focus on the ONGOING PROJECT – PINECREST.  The SFWMD has advised us that a bank restoration project will commence in Pinecrest on January17. This restoration is covering C100A – starting in Pinecrest, but because of the nature of the work, a large part of the C100A canal- the part of the canal that crosses over into Palmetto Bay off 136 street (it opens into the lake off 136 street) – extending into Palmetto Bay – will be shut down for all boat traffic.  This shutdown is expected to last several months.  

Palmetto Bay is working to prevent further erosion, to control our canals - recently welcoming the Miami-Dade County Marine Patrol into the C100 canals (photo above right) - a welcomed sight, one that we trust will be a productive and ongoing endeavor.  

(Photos immediately above from the 1/20/17 canal bank erosion Town Hall)

I will continue to keep everyone up to date on events and negotiations as they occur.  The canals are a very sensitive, a very important, issue and I continue to lead a Village Council committed to finding the best solution available. 

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
 

Update on the County SMART Plan - updates including travel time comparisons - significant reductions in commute times

A potential for a huge savings in commute times - getting cars off the roads - going green, saving time.  Getting many cars out of the neighborhoods and saving time travel - time that can be then used for more time with your families - can this finally be coming soon to South Miami-Dade?

I am pleased to provide an update on the County SMART plan, passing on information presented at the 1/27/2017 District 8 meetings of the Mayors.  I met with our County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava along with Mayor Joe Corradino of Pinecrest and Peggy Bell of Cutler Bay.  Frank Guyamier from County Transit department presented updated documents on the County Smart Plan.

The above documents are the Travel Time Comparisons - one is morning commute to Government Center.  Example lower left corner of the left page (Travel Time Comparison) - the commute from Florida City is presently 150 minute - by car - yes, more than 2 hours.  It is 85 minutes via transit (present (bus) Transitway/transfer to metro rail) - reduced to 64 minutes overall under the SMART plan. 

Could this plan reduce your comparable commute from Palmetto Bay/Cutler Bay by half? That is a significant commute time savings. 

Running heavy rail at street level is not a new technology. 

One example is the Dallas Texas Blue Line - (Photo below) 

 

Questions for me?  Please feel free to e-mail me at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov

or call me at (305) 302-3713

 

I am proud to be part of working to improve our future. A potential for a huge savings in commute times 150 minutes reduced to 64 from Florida City to Government Center - getting cars off the roads - going green, saving time. Could our commutes from the Palmetto Bay/Cutler Bay areas be reduced by the same percentage - perhaps cutting our present commute times in half?  Getting many cars out of the neighborhoods and saving time travel - time that can be then used for more time with your families - can this finally be coming soon to South Miami-Dade?

 

I look forward to continuing to participate in bringing real traffic solutions to South Miami-Dade County.  It has been my pleasure to work with the South Dade coalition led through Unified effort through State Rep. Kionne L. McGhee, Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace, Homestead Mayor Jeff Porter, Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell, Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn as well as (then) Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner, now through present mayor Joe Corradino - all working together to support County Mayor Carlos Gimenz and our County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. 

 

Prior Post: Town Hall Meeting - Topic: South Dade Busway : The time is now. Come to Palmetto Bay Village Hall on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 - 7:30 PM to hear important updates on the future of livability of South Miami-Dade County. - to follow additional background on efforts to date. 

 

Update on the 136 improvement meeting held at Howard Drive Elementary & Temporary Traffic Tables coming to Farmers Road during County Pilot Program

I was pleased to have represented Palmetto Bay on Tuesday, 1/24/20q17 at the community meeting to discuss the 136 Street proposed improvements.  It was an important meeting.  Here is part of that report:

First of all, as asked - Temporary traffic tables coming to Farmer’s Road.  I am proud to be part of the team, working through our Village Manager and the Public Services, to place the temporary traffic tables on Farmers Road prior to the commencement of the County’s Pilot Program. 

The County believes that this test project will provide them with valuable information to ease traffic flow in this area. I take my responsibility as Mayor seriously and will always work on behalf of the many residents living in the area surrounding the pilot, to be responsive to their concerns for the closure and the impact on their streets. It was at my  request, that the Village Manager has set to replace the temporary speed humps on Farmer's Road and taking a traffic count of that area in an effort to monitor any adverse impact to our local streets. Rest assured that I, as your mayor, along with all our village council members will continue to monitor the project closely and following up with resident concerns.

As I previously advised (Jan 20, 2017 - Miami-Dade County News Release - Old Cutler Road &SW 136th Street Test Project), the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation & Public Works (DTPW) is set to pilot a traffic flow initiative in District 1 on the borders of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay at 136th street and Old Cutler Road. The up to 90-day project will temporarily restrict northbound left turns at the intersection of Old Cutler Road and SW 136 Street and is scheduled to commence on January 31s.

This project was part of the discussions of the community meeting held on Tuesday, 1/24/20017, hosted by Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava and County Public Works officials.  I represented Palmetto Bay.  Pinecrest was represented by 4 out of 5 of its council members.  Concerns were expressed and Commissioner Cava and I, along with the County officials advised that the pilot data findings will be shared at the conclusion of the pilot.

 

You can read the County Press Release Please continue to contact me to discuss your concerns related to the closure. I can be reached at 305-302-3713 or at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov. Remember, as this is a county project, so please, do not hesitate to contact our County Commissioner, Daniella Levine Cava through her District 8 County Commission offices at district8@miamidade.gov

 

As always, I look forward to working with you to improve Palmetto Bay, making it an even better place to make your home, raise your families; to live, learn, play and work.

Presenting the full text - and transpaency protection - Palmetto Bay's 2017 Legislative Priorities

Palmetto Bay has put together a unified legislative agenda.  Note that this plan passed unanimously - 5-0.  Each and every council member had input and no request as denied (meaning we had clear consensus, not that we simply tacked anything and everything onto our legislative agenda). 

Items make come up during the year, but this is what each and every member of the village council should be lobbying for - no hidden agenda.  I am pleased to work with neighbors/concerned residents to provide clear assurance that there is to be no hidden efforts or secret deals being cut.  

Transparency takes work.  I am pleased to continue to address any issues that arise as they arise.

I am presenting our 2017 Palmetto Bay Legislative agenda - in its full unedited form:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:

 

Section 1.        The Village Council hereby approves its 2017 Legislative Agenda, as further detailed in Sections 2, 3, and 4 below.

 

Section 2:        The Village Council hereby supports and approves the Miami Dade County Public Schools 2017 State Legislative priorities, as follows:

 

A.        Increase the state’s investment in K-12 education with a higher Base Student Allocation (BAS) of five percent annually to allow school districts to enhance teacher salaries;

 

B.         Conduct an impartial third-party study to develop a cost of education index which focuses on cost differences integral to educational institutions’ operations reflecting such costs as average teacher salaries, health insurance for employees, property insurance per FTE, and transportation costs per FTE;

 

C.         Oppose any diversion of the Local Discretionary Capital Levy revenue from traditional public schools to charter schools;

 

D.        Implement and fund strategies to encourage and attract talented students to enter into the field of education, such as teacher fellowships and loan forgiveness programs;

 

E.         Establish a perimeter of safety around schools and increase penalties for the unlawful firing of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school.

 

Section 3:  The Village Council hereby supports and approves the following priorities for funding and takes positions to support certain legislative policies as follows:

 

A.        Urging the Florida Legislature to enact legislation that would make texting while driving a primary offense;

 

B.         Supporting any legislation that would provide funding for traffic calming projects and public transit improvements and extensions, to include Miami Dade County Smart Plan – Southern Corridor within the Village;

 

C.         Supporting any legislation and requesting funding assistance and partnership opportunities that support the age friendly city initiatives and the development of unique opportunities for individuals with special needs;

 

D.        Supporting the legislative funding requesting and the efforts of the Deering Estate Foundation to continue the planning and improvements to the properties within the Deering Estate;

 

E.         Maximizing all available appropriation and funding opportunities to implement storm water and other needed infrastructure projects throughout the Village;

 

            F.         Requesting funding for South Florida Water Management District specifically for canal bank restoration to address the critical erosion needs in the Village of Palmetto Bay;

 

G.        Support any legislation requesting funding assistance and partnership opportunities for projects that enhance mobility and create a network of interconnected lanes in support of bicycle and pedestrian activity within the Village, with opportunities for possible expansion outside Village boundaries;

 

H.        Seeking funding assistance for the Village’s FRDAP projects to address park capital improvements.

 

I.          Seek funding through Amendment 1 for park properties in the Village.

 

Section 4.        Transparency, limitation of solicitation provision:  The Village of Palmetto Bay uses a transparent process for its parks investment and development for its parks master plan process.  All legislative requests go through a public process -- codified through resolution --  and that no person or representative of the Village of Palmetto Bay (including, but not limited to, elected officials, charter officers, directors, staff, consultants, and/or lobbyists) may advocate for, solicit, lobby, represent that s/he has authority to request, or accept, if offered, legislative grants, appropriations or even private donations without prior notification and approval of that money before the Village Council, with requisite notice to its residents/stakeholders. 

Miami-Dade County News Release - Old Cutler Road & SW 136th Street Test Project

Look for this change - and its impact - to begin on Old Cutler at SW 136th Street.  The following information is taken verbatim from the 1/18/2017, Miami-Dade County News Release relating to the Miami-Dade County Transportation test project that will impact Old Cutler Road beginning 1/31/2017, within Palmetto Bay:

The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works has designed a test project to temporarily restrict northbound left turns at the intersection of Old Cutler Road and SW 136 Street.

The scope of work includes the installation of barricades, pavement markings and signage to prevent vehicular traffic from making a left turn onto SW 136 Street when traveling northbound on Old Cutler Road.

The test project is anticipated to commence on January 31, 2017 and will continue for a period of no more than 90 days

if there are no unforeseen conditions. This test project will provide information regarding conditions that can help ease traffic flow in this vicinity.

For more information on the project, please call 305-375-2030. 

POD - Miami-Dade County Marine Patrol - patrolling C100 within Palmetto Bay

Thank you to our Village Manager Ed Silva; who continues to work for solutions and to be responsive.  I want to publically thank manager Silva and Palmetto Bay Village Police Commander Major Serralta for positive action moving forward on the concerns of many residents in regard to police patrols for the C100 canal.

Friday, 1/20/2107 - County Marine Patrol was seen working the C100 canal within Palmetto Bay.  This is good news.  Our village commander has obtained at least some enforcement on our canals.  I see this as excellent progress. 

 

I thank Major Serralta & Manager Silva for working this out.  Here is a photo of our COUNTY Marine Patrol at work within Palmetto Bay municipal boundaries.  Violators beware.  

Feel free to distribute.   

 

Very truly yours,

 

Eugene Flinn, Mayor,

Palmetto Bay

"Human Trafficking & Safety Conference For Tweens, Teens & Adults" workshop held at Southwood Middle

Thank you to Jean Tong, Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, Southwood Administration & Southwood PTSA for the Human Trafficking presentation held on Thursday, January 19, 2017.  This is an important topic.

Southwood's PTSA promoted this "Human Trafficking & Safety Conference For Tweens, Teens & Adults" workshop in order to teach participants how to identify and understand victims of human trafficking while highlighting available resources. A great presentation. 

We need to continue to act like a village, and watching out for all our village children. 

Above: Jean Tong-Noon from Thread of Life International organization,
Tony Sparks, Phantom Rescue, BCC Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava,
Southwood AP Calondria Williams, Mayor Eugene Flinn,
Council Member Larrissa Siegel Lara & Southwood PTSA's Fatima Castillo

Please be sure to participate in at least one of these events when held. Victims of Human Trafficking are stolen from all areas, all economic levels, in many different ways. 

Jean Tong-Noon is available to speak before any groups - please contact her by contacting Thread of Life International via email at Threadoflifeintl@gmail.com.

Tony Sparks, Phantom Rescue was a valued participant.  View more information at https://www.phantomrescue.org/

See prior post: Important forum - "The What, Where, and Why of Human Trafficking" Forum - Wed., 9/14 - Pinecrest Gardens
More photos from this 1/19/2017 event:

 

Sunshine meeting - Flinn / Singer - Tuesday, January 17, 2017 - 5:00 PM

As posted on the official village website - this is additional courtesy notice of a meeting I have set with Council Member David Singer.

SUNSHINE MEETING NOTICE
 

Tuesday, January 17, 2017 - 5:00 PM
Municipal Center, 9705 East Hibiscus Street

The Village of Palmetto Bay hereby provides notice that Mayor Eugene Flinn and Council Member David Singer will be meeting to discuss the following topics:
(I) Thalatta Estate;
(II) special events Ordinance;
 (III) commercial parking and towing regulations;
(IV) goal setting;
(V) police service;
(VI) administration.

The Sunshine Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at Village Hall Municipal Center, 9705 East Hibiscus Street (1st Floor Conference Room), Palmetto Bay, FL 33157. >>>>>> AGENDA.

Palmetto Bay's Transporation Master Plan(s).

The Village of Palmetto Bay has a Transportation Master Plan. 

See the INTRODUCTION page, page 1 (Page 3 of the .PDF) for a description of the process, including the public meetings, data collection and the methods and the meetings that took place in developing this document.  

The 2004 Transportation Master Plan is 95 pages - CLICK HERE to view and/or download this document.  

Traffic changes, technology and available resources change. No document remains relevant and up to date forever.  It is up to each and every council to keep this Transportation Master Plan current. 

I am pleased to continue to lead the continuing updates that are required for Palmetto Bay's Transportation Master Plan.  

Note that Palmetto Bay also went further in its master planning through the creation of the Palmetto Bay Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan.  This master plan was initially completed and published in August of 2009.  

A comprehensive review of these documents would aid in understanding the ongoing process as well as providing a benchmark for determining Village success on project completion.

Update on the SFWMD canals – two main meetings that I suggest those interested/impacted by the canal attend

There is so much information regarding the past and ongoing efforts relating to the canals that run through Palmetto Bay.  I am working to provide it in a manner that I can present it most effectively.  A project is set to commence later this month in Pinecrest.  This will impact some, but far from all boat traffic in Palmetto Bay.  I am also give a very short recitation of some past efforts that continue.  There is more to come.  I want to get some information out in order to get at least some of you to the meeting set for Saturday, 1/14 and continue from there. 

First of all - I invite you to attend two main meetings that will have the biggest impact on issues relating to the canals:

 

1.  This Saturday, January 14, 2017 - 11:00 AM - Legislative VISIONING SESSION WORKSHOP, at the Edward & Arlene Feller Community Room at Ludovici Park, 17641 Old Cutler Road

2.  Village-wide Canal Workshop on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM. at Palmetto Bay Municipal Center, 9705 East Hibiscus Street.

 

Secondly: ONGOING PROJECT – PINECREST.  The SFWMD has advised us that a bank restoration project will commence in Pinecrest on January17. This restoration is covering C100A – starting in Pinecrest, but because of the nature of the work, a large part of the C100A canal- the part of the canal that crosses over into Palmetto Bay off 136 street (it opens into the lake off 136 street) – extending into Palmetto Bay – will be shut down for all boat traffic.  This shutdown is expected to last several months. 

 

Mobilizing, staffing, materials will affect time of the project and resulting shut down will occur.

 

Efforts continue past and present.  We remain committed to work with the SFWMD to continue the restoration South, to ultimately include all of Palmetto Bay.  This is a long process.  I have been committed from my first terms in office.  I sponsored resolution 2008-119 requesting the State to fund and undertake the restoration.  It’s a funding issue with the State. 

 

We have asked the State Of Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to undertake boating safety enforcement within the Canals located within Palmetto Bay (resolution 2009-19).

 

Canal bank restoration is paid for through the taxes paid to the SWFMD – visible on your tax bill (everyone pays into this taxing district).  I joined in with the mayors of Cutler Bay and Pinecrest last year asking that the SFWMD mileage rate not be reduced - specifically in order to allow for funding of canal bank restoration. 

 

We are having a vision session this Saturday on our legislative agenda – this Saturday, January 14, 2017 - 11:00 AM at the Edward & Arlene Feller Community Room at Ludovici Park, 17641 Old Cutler Road - I urge those interested/impacted to attend this meeting and express a desire (which I will sponsor - or any member of the council can sponsor) for Palmetto Bay to ask the Florida Legislature to fund canal bank restoration throughout Palmetto Bay, just as we would stormwater or FRDAP requests – only our State Legislators can make this appropriation and your Mayor & village council is committed to working with them to request this funding.  

 

That is being done – I remain working with the SFWMD to identify and obtain the funding to actually complete the much-needed canal bank restoration. This requires the legislative requests, follow up in Tallahassee, personally and through our lobbying team and locally through the SFWD.

 

Canal ownership.  It is important to note that Palmetto Bay has no jurisdiction or ownership of the canals or the canal banks.  The property connects directly to the private property of the individual homeowners.  The canals and banks are controlled by the SFWMD and enforcement is under the Florida Fish and Wildlife. 

 

Again, I strongly encourage those interested in the Canal restoration issue to attend both meetings listed above.  I continue to gather information and will post updates to my blog.

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eugene Flinn, Mayor

Palmetto Bay

 

Interested in our new website? Here is the link. Take a look. Let us know what you think

We are working on a new web site to better communicate with / serve you.   have attached the link to the new website for your review : 

http://fl-palmettobay.civicplus.com/

Take a look.  Let us know what you think.  Please contact me with your comments at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or info@palmettobay-fl.gov.

I would like every resident or business owner in Palmetto Bay to have the opportunity to review this site and give comment, rather than simply council members, staff or a select 'focus' group.  This is your time to review and comment.  My goal is to avoid a last-minute and expensive re-design.  This new website should be a significant improvement.  

Traffic Calming update - Link to Marlin Engineering presentation

Interested in the progress of the Palmetto Bay traffic calming program?  CLICK HERE to view the 24 page/slide Marlin Engineering presentation (power point .PDF - 2.95 MB).  This remains a work in progress. Your observations and concerns - your voice matters.  Please continue to keep me up to date on your questions and concerns - call me at (305) 302-3713 or e-mail at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov

Mayor's fitness challenge gets off to a running start - there is still time to participate.

Palmetto Bay had to compete with the Dolphins playoff game - but we still had good attendance at our event - many more came out in time for the 5K run, which was after the  Dolphins game (or at least after the outcome was determined) - significant information given out and many registered for the Mayor's Fitness Challenge. 

Thank you to so many, including, but not limited to: Frankie Ruiz, the Old Cutler Run Club, the Pineapple Pacers, Baptist Health South Florida, Race Day Professionals and many others for the 5K (a free event - a timed race).

There is still time to register  for the Get Fit Palmetto Bay Kickoff and participate in the Mayor's Fitness Challenge.  The Mayor's Fitness Challenge is a great way to address the Holiday weight gain.

The Mayor's Fitness Challenge is a 7-week program that requires participants to register by January 14th and follow their progress for the 7-week period.  Program participants will receive an initial health screening administered by Baptist Health, which includes weigh-in and body composition measurements.  Participants will also receive a "goodie bag", a Health Passport to track measurements, two passes to Surf & Turf Zumba-Kayak Workout and discounts and freebies from program partners.

 

Please see the Mayor's Fitness Challenge Rules for more information.

 

CLICK HERE to view additional photos posted my Eugene Flinn, Mayor - Facebook Page

(above - Natures Postings was a sponsor/participant in this family event)

Photos immediately above: With County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava

and reps of Giardino Gourmet Salads, Palmetto Bay

(Photos from registration and with Cathy Parbst-Accurso, In Balance Physical Therapy,

at the Palmetto Bay Get Fit Kick off)

 Immediately above right - Saylin Paez, Events & Programs Coordinator completing the 5K run

 

CLICK HERE to view the Old Cutler Run Club photos posted to Facebook.

 (Note - photo credit for 6 photos immediately above from Old Cutler Run Club)

 

Come on out - join us - have fun and improve your fitness here in the Village of Parks!