SHRA General Meeting Minutes - August 25, 2021

The meeting was called to order at 7:36 PM by President Christina Brownlow, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Chris welcomed all and advised that next month’s meeting (September 29) will also be held via Zoom.

Davie Police/Crime Report: Detective Hobales provided an update for July: issued 143 citations, 105 in Sunshine Ranches (vs. June, 112 citations, 53 in Sunshine Ranches), which is an increase of about 80%. We did not have any reported crimes (burglary, thefts, etc.). This was an improvement over previous months, and he encouraged residents to LOCK car doors and turn on the lights at night and reminded all not to leave key fobs in cars! Also, he reminded all of the Davie Vacation Watch service, whereby residents can advise Davie Police of vacation schedules in order for officers to keep a watch over the property. Two board members used this service and were extremely satisfied with the attention provided by the Police Department.

Town Council Member Comments:

Mayor Steve Breitkreuz: We are at the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The Town has scheduled a remembrance event at Town Hall at 8:30 am. This is such a critical day, and we owe so much to so many that sacrificed so much together. He encouraged all to come. The event will be outside and will be brief.

Vice Mayor Bob Hartmann encouraged residents to come to the council meetings, specifically tomorrow’s meeting which will cover planning and agricultural updates.

Councilman Gary Jablonski recognized Bob for the First Responder photo that was in the Southwest Rancher. He gave public work updates: first drainage project, Hancock Rd. guard rails, flashing school beacon on 172 to be replaced, American rescue plan, and Waste Pro service level improvements. 2021-22 schedule for repaving program was approved w/ Broward County for $1.2MM, and this expense was taken off our tax rolls. First budget hearing is Sept. 13. All Advisory Board meetings are in Town Hall. Next meeting is Sept. 20 in Town Hall. Finally, new benefit for residents: we will be putting in a new camera system, and will soon be able to stream Live for meetings.

Chris brought up an item regarding the State of Florida is going through re-districting process and is asking for feedback for SWR. Gary said we are hiring consultants. Census data is available online (Census 2020 Southwest Ranches FL) and is quite interesting. We are required to look at this after every census. This will be done at Council level, then at county and state levels.

A homeowner’s question regarding recycling was addressed by Mayor Steve, who advised that there has been quite a change in the recycling industry over the past few years, which includes an uptick on the cost of recycling. This is on the agenda for review on the next contract negotiation with Waste Pro.

Council member David Kuczenski addressed the car thefts that happened this past weekend, since he was advised directly by one of the car owners. Leaving a car’s key fobs in car is a negligence that car insurance companies may reject on a claim. Sept. 1 is the meeting date for the first charter review committee. Jason is on the committee as well as Mary Ann Allen from SWR. There are important issues regarding our rural life style, and these will go before the voters. David encouraged us to keep our speeding down, and to attend the 9/11 remembrance event.

Jim Allbritton: The Town Council meetings will be in person and mask-mandated. If you attend, please bring your masks. The rural art board has looked at a preliminary rendering of the wall mural, and it is beautiful! It will be done later in the year. Also, please be mindful of speeding!! Davie Police is rotating where they go, and believe it or not, many of the same folks are getting pulled over. Please slow down!

Jason Halberg, HOA VP, provided an update on advertising, which is doing well. Also advised about our entrance signs: we got 3 quotes for painting, and received 1 offer from a company to do the labor gratis. We will be applying for the unification grant for the Town and are excited about all goings on. Finally, we made some updates to our website and also have a digital version of the Waggler online, along with the minutes and the President’s message.

Chris, HOA President, celebrated all of the progress.

Treasurer’s report: Balance of $29,828.45 as of June 30 vs. $20,566.64 as of June 1.

Membership update by Vilma Lopez: We have 306 members! We have had huge interest from the residents. Many residents have inquired about the equestrian signs (“Slow for Horses”) and have interest about these, especially if their homes are in an area that has a lot of horses. Chris asked about providing info about which residents would be willing to have them.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.