BROWARD COUNTY JUDICIAL COMPLEX

June 23, 2009 - * Commissioner Ken Keechl’s January Newsletter addressed the quandary posed by Broward's deteriorating Courthouse. Characterizing the mold-ridden structure as “antiquated and in a serious state of disrepair,” Keechl advocated a cost efficient renovation instead of funding new construction. His words echoed recommendations made to the Galt Mile Community Association Advisory Board at their December 18, 2008 meeting.

Intimately familiar with courthouse functionality, our fiscally conservative District 4 Commissioner acknowledged the need to thoroughly investigate the issues surrounding this important and expensive undertaking. As such, he supported Mayor Stacy Ritter’s December 8, 2008, resolution creating the “Courthouse Task Force Advisory Committee.” True to his policy of documenting our tax dollars’ planned itinerary, Commissioner Keechl’s June Newsletter sheds light on the Task Force’s findings to date.

Chaired by Broward Commissioner Ilene Lieberman, the committee officially became the “Broward County Courthouse Task Force” and included Broward County Public Defender Howard Finkelstein, Clerk of Courts Howard Forman, Lauderhill Commissioner (and former Broward League of Cities President) Margaret Bates, Chief Assistant State Attorney Chuck Morton, Broward County Court Administrator Carol Lee Ortman, 17^th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Vic Tobin, Circuit Court Judge Peter Weinstein and other representatives from the legal and business communities. During their January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009 operational term, the task force met on January 23^rd, February 27^th, April 3^rd and concluded business on June 19^th.

JUDICIAL COMPLEX GARAGE IS NEW COUTHOUSE SITE

In “Part 1” of his Courthouse Recommendations update, Commissioner Keechl enumerates the alternatives considered by the Task Force, including a renovation of the existing structures, adapting some reasonably proximal commercial space and decentralizing functionality to satellite courthouses. Ultimately, they recommended building a new scaled-down courthouse for approximately $328 million. After narrowing potential locations to a site on the New River and the site currently occupied by the judicial garage, they opted for the garage site, citing its superior accessibility and connectivity. The new structure will accommodate expansion and the West and Central Wings of the existing complex will be demolished. New technology and innovative courtroom design will diminish space and parking requirements.

The Task Force developed some extremely creative financing options that doubtless appeal to our “Blue Dog” Commissioner. Inasmuch, Commissioner Keechl wraps up his Newsletter with a tickler, advising us to tune in next month (for Part II) to learn how the Courthouse can be built without increasing property taxes (... you’re going to love this!) Squelch that “glass eye” expression... Keechl has a habit of delivering on his promises. - [editor]*

COMMISSIONER KEN KEECHL

In previous articles, I have discussed the continuing problems plaguing our Broward County courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. As a result of bursting pipes, increasing mold, broken elevators, security issues, and a chronic shortage of courtrooms and parking, judges, jurors, litigants, and employees are suffering. In fact, the County has recently been sued by several court employees alleging that the courthouse is dangerous and unfit for occupancy.

Recognizing that the current situation is unacceptable, last December the Broward County Commission established a Broward County Courthouse Task Force (“Task Force”) to make recommendations to the County Commission “regarding alternatives for financing, development, construction, improvement and other matters” relating to the downtown courthouse. The Task Force recently submitted its Report to the County Commission. I would like to devote this month’s article to summarizing its findings regarding the need to build a new Courthouse. And I would like to devote next month’s article to discussing financing issues.

WILMA BLOWS OUT COURTHOUSE WINDOWS

Not surprisingly, the Task Force concluded that the current courthouse is in critical condition. All building systems have exceeded their useful lives and in the event of a Hurricane Category 2 or above, the structure will sustain significant damages, if not total destruction. Moreover, the current layout of the building is not conducive to a modern courthouse; there is not enough space for all judicial and court-related activities; and there is no room for expansion.

In contrast to building an entirely new structure, the Task Force considered a renovation of the current courthouse. The Task Force concluded that renovation would not be cost effective. If the County Commission decided to renovate the downtown courthouse instead of building a new structure, the Task Force and its experts believe that the courthouse would need to be totally gutted and the structure would have to be hurricane hardened. Moreover, renovation would inevitably require that the entire building be brought up to the current building code. Lastly, the County would incur additional costs to lease space for employees displaced during the renovations. Obviously, these costs would not be incurred with new construction.

110 TOWER

The Task Force also evaluated the possibility of acquiring and remodeling an existing office building, such as the 110 Tower. The Task Force and its experts concluded that it would be difficult to achieve courtroom height requirements in a standard office building and it would also be very difficult to achieve adequate separation of the public, inmates, and judges.

BROWARD COUNTY MAIN JAIL

The Task Force also looked at the feasibility of moving functions off-site and how to maximize the use of our satellite courthouses. The possibility of moving the downtown courthouse to another location in Broward County was also considered. In the end, the Task Force recommended keeping the main courthouse downtown due to the proximity to the Main Jail; the County’s investment in the salvageable East and North Wings of the current downtown courthouse; and the need to continue to provide all judicial services in one location. Moreover, due to land and parking limitations, the West and South satellite courthouses could not be expanded.

In the end, the Task Force recommended that a new scaled-down courthouse should be constructed on the site of the current judicial garage. By building on County-owned land, the overall cost of the project would be lessened. In the past, the County Commission had suggested building a new courthouse at a cost of approximately $510 million; the Task Force’s new scaled down courthouse would cost approximately $328 million. Similarly, previous County Commissions envisioned a new courthouse comprising nearly 900,000 square feet; the Task Force’s new scaled down courthouse would comprise approximately 675,000 square feet. The Task Force also recommended additional parking to meet existing and future courthouse needs.

Lastly, and importantly, the Task Force also recognized that the funding for any new courthouse should avoid an increase in the property tax burden on Broward’s residents.

I have previously acknowledged the need for a new or renovated courthouse. However, I have made it clear that I will not vote to increase the property tax burden on you in the process. Next month’s article will look at the feasibility of building a new courthouse without increasing your property taxes. As always, the devil is in the details.

Until then, my best to you and your families.

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GALT OCEAN MILE READING CENTER

June 2, 2009 - The Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center serves as a portal to the world for literally thousands of local residents. Broward County’s Herculean budget deficit has placed the tiny storefront branch of the huge Broward County Library System on the chopping block. In a frenetic marathon to offset the Property Appraiser’s projected 15% drop in the County’s tax base, County Commissioners are gouging away at libraries, parks, animal shelters and other “non-critical” services loosely characterized as “quality of life” expenses. County budget director Kayla Olsen projected the shortfall between $135 million and $160 million.

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY ALVIN SHERMAN LIBRARY

Along with the Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center in Fort Lauderdale, libraries scheduled for execution are the Beach Branch in Pompano Beach, the Hollywood Beach Library, the Riverland Library in Fort Lauderdale, the Pembroke Pines Library, the Century Plaza Library in Deerfield Beach and the Lauderhill Mall Library. The branch library on Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale (not the ArtServe Section) is also on deck for last rites. Operations at the County’s 11 largest libraries that were cut from 70 to 58 hours a week last year will be further reduced to 48 hours a week this year. Special programs organized for all libraries are mere months away from the big sleep. The county plans to incrementally save $5.7 million by breaking its decade-old 40-year contract with Nova Southeastern University to build and operate its Alvin Sherman Library.

Fueled by highly competitive commission districts perpetually pressing for parity, Broward’s Library Division mirrors the county’s big government spending environment. Its 37 libraries occupy 1.5 million square feet of space and cost the county $64 million last year. It’s the nation’s largest library system and number 84 in terms of volumes held.

Budget Bites Broward

BROWARD COMMISSIONER KEN KEECHL

In April, District 4 Commissioner Ken Keechl extolled the Broward Commission for trimming $90 million from the 2008 budget and $87 million from the 2009 budget, shrinking the County’s annual intake by $177 million. He also complained that his colleagues were considering an adjustment to the Millage rate that would produce the same revenue as last year - characterized as the “rolled-back” rate. Given the smaller tax base, the millage would have to be increased to yield the same intake. While he acknowledged that the strategy would cut another $45 million from the Budget and increase the cumulative 3-year recurring tax savings to $222 million, he expressed a preference for matching last year’s millage rate, thereby dropping the County into a $135 million black hole. The cumulative 3-year recurring tax savings would jump to $312 million.

The problem is this. Cuts made over the past two years targeted many questionable projects and irresponsible spending strategies, the absence of which often went predictably unnoticed. Programs that were underutilized, ineffective or otherwise unjustifiable were expunged. Programs created to address issues that were no longer relevant were gratefully terminated. Projects that owed their survival to an inherent automatic annual refunding process withered when finally scrutinized. Simultaneously, the County Administration consolidated overlapping services and streamlined delivery to enhance fiscal efficiency. As such, many of the cuts were absorbed in stride.

In his Budget newsletter, Keechl summarized how the County underwrote the Budget cuts, stating, “We instituted a hiring freeze, which reduced operating expenses drastically. We reduced capital projects by prioritizing and funding ‘needs’ while postponing or eliminating ‘wants’. We paid off certain debt (to lower yearly interest costs) and we minimally raised certain fees (which hadn’t been reviewed or raised in more than 13 years!)”

With the pork mostly eviscerated during the previous reductions, cuts are starting to hit bone. When that happens, Commissioners must meticulously negotiate and then carefully explain lost services to their constituents, remitting assurances that the pain is being equitably shared. Since there is no reasonable standard for comparing resources received by a district’s inhabitants versus their contributions, determining whether their losses compare favorably with those of residents in other districts is tantamount to catching smoke.

Galt Mile Reading Room Becomes Target

Loss of the Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center would represent a gross injustice. In exchange for making huge annual contributions to the County tax coffers, Galt Mile residents receive almost nothing in return. Half the County budget funds the Broward Sheriff’s Office. While we are very grateful for Sheriff Al Lamberti’s vocal opposition to the threat posed by Calypso, virtually no BSO resources protect the Galt Mile neighborhood. Since we pay the City of Fort Lauderdale for providing our Police and Fire Protection, our county tax contributions actually subsidize neighboring jurisdictions that use BSO services. We enjoy no local county parks or recreational resources and even fund our own beach maintenance and security. Other than four or five annual Property Appraiser outreach opportunities at the Beach Community Center, the County spends almost nothing for our slice of the Barrier Island.

Of course, we are awaiting the long-delayed Broward Beach Renourishment. This significant neighborhood improvement will directly benefit every Galt Mile resident. Notwithstanding, since the beach is one of the County’s primary financial engines, it will also benefit every Broward resident. There is one County enterprise, however, that was organized uniquely to enrich life in our community - the tiny Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center.

RESIDENTS ENJOY READING CENTER

While the beach is the heart of our neighborhood, this mini-library is certainly its soul. Arguably the most popular local resource on Galt Ocean Drive, it has provided battalions of mostly elderly residents with a convenient location to research almost anything, meet with friends or simply log in some quiet time. Most of the locals are on a first name basis with every staffer, including temporaries and substitutes. Five regular staffers help the 2,390 residents that visit the Center each week locate “New York Times” best-sellers, DVDs of foreign films, health-related audio books or search Google for exotic recipes. Often unable to finish enjoying their selected resource by closing time, library clientele check out 1,695 items each week.

GALT READING CENTER COMPUTERS

Whether enrolled in a Senior Self Defense class or Introduction to Computers, Galt Milers that perceive the mini-library as their community center keep the sidewalk planter in front of the Reading Room filled with fresh flora. Visiting authors review their works, local poets recite their creations and culture groups celebrate their unique ethnicities. Despite its modest designation as a “Reading Room”, since the library is networked into the massive Broward library system, it is a doorway to the planet.

The thousands of previously technophobic local residents who were first introduced to the internet in Reading Room classes keep the six free online computers busy through lockup. Facilitated by the “Galt Ocean Mile Friends of the Library,” a local 12-member chapter of the umbrella “Friends of Broward County Libraries,” integration of the Reading Center into community life was swift and spontaneous. Many of the individual condos and co-ops along the Galt Mile post library events and information on their bulletin boards and newsletters, functionally treating the resource as an association amenity. Almost every Galt Mile family holds one of the 5,338 library cards registered by the Galt Ocean Mile branch. Given the influx of younger families into the neighborhood over the past decade as well as visiting grandchildren, the 126 cards registered to kids unlock a well-rounded children’s section.

The Reading Center provides a unique example of government serendipitously “getting it right”. The facility’s sterling utilization statistics clearly confirm its status as an unqualified success. Ironically, its overwhelming popularity blossomed despite a series of County bloopers that might have ordinarily undermined any other institution. By 2005, the explosive demand on the Reading Center prompted the County to authorize an expansion. In the years that followed, the popular improvement project was repeatedly victimized by ineptitude and administrative blunders. When Broward County leasing specialists rented space adjacent to the Reading Room to accommodate the expansion, they forgot to check the premises. The floor and one of the two ceilings were loaded with asbestos! If disturbed, the toxic cocktail would precipitate a virtual mesothelioma epidemic among Reading Center fans.

BROWARD LIBRARY DIRECTOR BOB CANNON

From 2006 through last year, Broward Library Director Bob Cannon intermittently promised a patchwork of remedies to the quandary when pressed by the Galt Mile Friends group. Other than occasionally closing the doors for assorted toxicity tests and engineering options, little was accomplished. An angry Commissioner Ken Keechl agreed to help expedite a reasonable resolution to the dilemma. When he announced last year that the Reading Room might fall prey to ambitious County budget cuts, he promised to help insure its survival. Although enraged and discouraged by three years of county double-talk, local Friends President Herman Gardner frantically sought to keep the parties communicating. On October 30, 2008, Cannon wrote to Gardner, outlining the division’s most recent progress, apologizing for the indefensible delays and thanking him for his patience and support.

GMCA PRESIDENT PIO IERACI

After reading recent media releases confirming that the tiny Reading Room was part of a multi-branch burnt offering to county bean counters, Gardner received hundreds of phone calls from angry residents offering to wage war on virtually anyone threatening to close their library. He contacted District 4 County Commissioner Ken Keechl and Galt Mile Community Association President Pio Ieraci, seeking to verify the reports. The Commissioner admitted that county staff recommended closing library branches, targeting primarily those housed in locations leased by the county. To help assuage Gardner and a rapidly growing constituency that expected Keechl to keep the doors open, the Commissioner explained that the reports were describing preliminary events considered at Budget Workshops. He said that the final verdict wouldn’t be cast until the September Budget Meetings.

Galt Mile Prepares Defense

GALT OCEAN MILE READING CENTER

Gardner, a Galleon resident, decided that it was time to act. After enlisting the assistance of GMCA President Pio Ieraci to help organize neighborhood support for the Reading Room, he convened a May 2^nd Saturday meeting at the Library. Having learned about the meeting by word of mouth, some fifty mostly elderly attendees squeezed into the little meeting room intermittently used for Election Day polling purposes. Expressing sentiments ranging from indignant anger to glum futility, each described how the library anchored their lives.

BROWARD MAYOR STACY RITTER

Southpoint octogenarian Sally Sober (AKA Sara) announced that she communicated with Broward Mayor Stacy Ritter’s office to inform her about the meeting. Convinced that Ritter would soon arrive, Sober rehearsed her defense of the Library. “The truth is it keeps me alive. It is a part of my life that can’t be replaced. It is as important as food and water. ” When it became evident that Ritter wouldn’t show, the feisty Sober admonished, “We have to let Ms. Ritter and Mr. Keechl know that if we lose our Library, they will lose their jobs.” Following a round of applause, several residents that participated in defeating the Calypso Gasworks months earlier offered to help organize opposition using similar strategies. Tasks assigned to various volunteers included distributing petitions to every association, creating fact sheets summarizing the issues and more effectively alerting local residents to the impending threat.

Scores of residents attended a second organizational meeting two weeks later – too many for the modest meeting room. Dozens of worried elderly patrons testified about the Center’s stabilizing impact on their lives. In addition to detailing their participation in various events, the renderings shared a common theme – the library patrons were able to come and go “under their own steam.” A Royal Ambassador resident clarified, “Each year, my world gets smaller – but I can still get across the street on my own. I don’t need to ask anyone for a lift and I don’t have to cut into my food budget. The Library helps me feel self-sufficient and independent. I can still enjoy life’s gifts without asking for permission or help.” Looking around the room, he added, “We all feel that way.” Instead of the usual nods and expressions of passive assent, the room burst into applause. His statement touched a nerve. As his increasing infirmities narrowed access to long-held interests and activities, his appreciation for the Library’s offerings grew exponentially. The Center’s convenient access empowers elderly and disabled patrons with a degree of control lost to them in other areas of their lives.

Friends President Herman Gardner was invited to attend the May 21^st GMCA Advisory Board meeting. After apprising association representatives about the Reading Center’s prospective demise, the board voted unanimously to vest Gardner with the authority to represent the neighborhood with respect to saving the Library. Several Advisory Board members volunteered to take a direct part in any rescue strategy. Although Commissioner Keechl is the community’s voice on the County Commission, Ieraci agreed to help elicit active participation by other local public officials.

TERRY CLAIRE

Engineered by Plaza South resident Terry Claire, within a month, thousands of petition signatures were collected at 26 participating associations. A “resolution of support” template was created and distributed to the member associations for approval by their respective Boards and a letter writing campaign was initiated. The third organizational meeting was held on May 30^th.

At that meeting, Bob Evans from Galt Towers lamented that the county didn’t understand the neighborhood’s relationship with the Library. He explained, “There is more here than just books. Thousands of us come here to share cultural experiences and attend classes. This little storefront connects us to the world. Walking across the street opens the door to theater, poetry and literature. Losing this center would be a disaster for hundreds of my friends and neighbors.” Almost one third of the average 2,390 patrons hosted by the center each week attend classes, poetry recitals, book and theatre reviews, and various cultural events co-tailored over years by residents and staff. “Sending us off to the Imperial Point branch to take out a book resolves nothing.”

In the Same Boat

CENTURY PLAZA BRANCH LIBRARY

Since 7 small branch libraries are threatened with closure, members weighed the pros and cons of coordinating survival campaigns with some or all of them. Some closely mirror our reasons for requesting special dispensation from the County Commission. The Beach Branch in Pompano and the Century Plaza Branch in Deerfield Beach are frequented by large numbers of elderly residents who also view their facilities as lifelines to the world. Like the Galt Mile Reading Center, they provide social opportunity, emotional sustenance and intellectual stimulation – “Quality of Life” necessities often lost to relocated retirees. While the Galt Mile Center and Beach branch in Pompano pull double duty as local polling places, the Century Plaza branch does not.

DEERFIELD COMMISSIONER MARTY POPELSKY - OOPs

Neighborhoods surrounding some of the 6 other leased libraries are equally adamant about saving their branches as the Galt Mile. A recent newspaper article reported that Deerfield Beach Commissioner Marty Popelsky, seeking to align support for the endangered Century Plaza Branch, said at a City Commission meeting, “Please contact the County Commission; fax your county commissioners. There are 12,000 people per week using it versus 3,000 people at Percy White (Library).” In fact, they are both only frequented by roughly the same number of weekly patrons as the Galt Mile branch – about 2500. However, Popelsky’s misstated exuberance was matched by County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs, who vowed to “fight to the death” to keep the Century Plaza library afloat.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER KRISTIN JACOBS

One group, Friends of the Broward County Library, has taken up the gauntlet for every threatened branch. On May 11^th, they sponsored a writing campaign to County Commissioners using pre-printed post cards distributed to all 37 Broward branch libraries. When questioned about the campaign’s efficacy, Broward Friends President Evelyn Grooms reinforced the importance of pressuring the County Commissioners.

BEACH BRANCH IN POMPANO BEACH

After considering potential alignments, the Galt Mile residents focused on rationales unique to their neighborhood. While these neighboring facilities share similarly impressive utilization statistics, their clientele represents about a third to a half of the surrounding neighborhood. The Galt Mile Branch is regularly used by about 80 percent of the surrounding community. The residents finally agreed to adopt a hybrid approach. Although community activists would limit their struggle to rescuing the Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center, they would encourage Commissioner Keechl to work with Commissioners representing other districts with branches leased by the County. In addition to Kristin Jacobs, Keechl might approach Sue Gunzburger, whose Hollywood Beach Library is at risk, and Josephus Eggelletion, the Commissioner representing the endangered Lauderhill Mall branch.

IMPERIAL POINT BRANCH LIBRARY

Another understanding arose from the May 30^th strategy meeting. The residents agreed that they needed to demonstrate a balance between the County’s prospective savings versus damage done to the community. If the Galt Mile branch is closed, county staffers expect its nearly 6000 cardholding registrants and thousands of cardless patrons (family members and visitors) to find their way to the Imperial Point Library on Federal Highway. Instead of pushing a walker across the street, disabled residents without access to a vehicle will have to plan their daily visits around public transportation and pay their way to and from a facility that is miles away on the mainland. To the library’s disproportionately large complement of fixed income patrons plagued with mobility issues, the Imperial Point branch may as well be on the moon.

A County Dog and Pony Show?

How will the County benefit from the closing the library? The facility’s stated operating budget is $378,381 ($233,213 in salaries and $145,168 in operational costs). Of the $145,168 in operational costs, $114,000 was earmarked for rent and $31,168 paid utilities, custodial expenses, equipment, books, supplies, etc. However, since the rent included $44,000 for the unused adjacent toxic space wherein the lease recently expired, the net rent is actually $70,000. That reduces the annual operational expenses to $334,381.

Galt Mile Librarian Marlene Barnes explained that the terms of their union contract (Local 1591 of the Amalgamated Transit Union) will dictate the fate of the unit’s 5 staffers (and their $233,213 in salaries). Barnes said, “Director Cannon told us that some of the 750 library employees may or may not be at risk. Since the contract requires the county to rotate employees to other county positions based on seniority, we should all be transferred to other county jobs if the Center closes.” Since the Reading Center staff will continue to draw their salaries, albeit from other Broward branches or agencies, the net savings drops to $101,168. Since the county’s net cost to service the Center’s 124,280 annual resident visits and 88,140 items checked out each year costs less than 82¢ (82 cents) per visitor, no other county service remotely approaches the inherent cost benefit. If scrutiny supports that the other 6 ill-fated branches yield the negligible prospective savings realized by closing the Galt Mile branch, it would recast the staff recommendation to close the facility as a dog and pony show. Not surprisingly, several residents noted that “By canning one big shot, we can pay for the library for the next two or three years.” The question is... which big shot?

What Can I Do?

The final decision about whether the libraries become extinct will be made by the Broward County Commission at the September Budget Meetings. Prior to making decisions about budget issues, the County convenes a series of Budget Workshops. They are held at the Broward County Government Center (Room 422) at 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, 33301. The remaining meetings are scheduled from 1 PM to 5 PM on Thursday, June 4^th, Tuesday, June 16^th and Tuesday, August 18^th. We understand that the Library cutbacks will be considered at the June 16^th Budget Workshop. The two Budget Meetings are scheduled for September 10^th and September 22^nd at 5:01 PM. We understand that the final verdict regarding the Libraries will be considered at the September 22^nd Budget Meeting.

Therefore, residents that oppose closing the Galt Mile Reading Center can do so at the June 16^th Budget Workshop and the September 22^nd Budget Meeting. For additional Information, please call County Administration at (954) 357-7350. You can also contact District 4 County Commissioner Ken Keechl at (954) 357-7004. To address the Commission at any of these events, call County Administration to learn about any required preliminary procedures. In the interim, Please contact the County Commissioners to ask that they rescue the Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center.

Address correspondences to the individual Commissioner at the Broward County Government Center, 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33301. Insert their respective room numbers as indicated below. Click on the Commissioner's name to view his/her Broward County web page. Click on their email links to send emails. DO IT TODAY!

1. District 1 Commissioner Ilene Lieberman: Room # 417, (954) 357-7001, email: ilieberman@broward.org

2. District 2 Commissioner Kristin Jacobs: Room # 421, (954) 357-7002, email: kjacobs@broward.org

3. District 3 Commissioner and Mayor Stacy Ritter: Room # 413, (954) 357-7003, email: sritter@broward.org

4. District 4 Commissioner and Vice Mayor Ken Keechl: Room # 412, (954) 357-7004, email: kkeechl@broward.org

5. District 5 Commissioner Lois Wexler: Room # 414, (954) 357-7005, email: lwexler@broward.org

6. District 6 Commissioner Sue Gunzburger: Room # 421, (954) 357-7006, email: sgunzburger@broward.org

7. District 7 Commissioner John E. Rodstrom Jr.: Room # 416, (954) 357-7007, email: jrodstrom@broward.org

8. District 8 Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin: Room # 410, (954) 357-7008, email: dwassermanrubin@broward.org

9. District 9 Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion, Jr.: Room # 413, (954) 357-7009, email: jeggelletion@broward.org

To send one email to all nine County Commissioners, Click Here

April 18, 2009 - * In his latest newsletter, Broward Commissioner Ken Keechl confronts an issue often neglected by many of his peers... Ethics. Given the relative ease with which many elected officials break faith with commitments, “Government Ethics” is widely considered little more than a cynical oxymoron hovering between “Commercial Art” and “Military Intelligence”. To Commissioner Keechl, however, Ethics is serious business. It is also meaningful to the 57% of Broward voters who last November supported the creation of a “Broward County Ethics Commission” to formulate a Code of Ethics against which actions of Broward Commissioners can be measured.

Keechl also reminds us that he characterizes himself as a Moderate Democrat. He further explains something that anyone who has worked with the commissioner already knows - that his conscience, not his political affiliations, anchors his moral compass. Since he uncompromisingly makes decisions based on what is best for the County and its residents, he has been remarkably successful at achieving consensus among a politically diverse constituency comprised of Democrats, Republicans, Independents and others.

2009 BROWARD BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Currently, Broward County Commissioners are governed primarily by state law which requires that commissioners abstain from voting on issues from which they, their families or their businesses could profit. They also must file annual financial disclosure statements and reject gifts offered in exchange for their votes or to promulgate nepotism. Skeptics point to the conflict inherent in the Broward Commission selecting 9 of the 11 appointees.

UM LAW PROFESSOR ANTHONY V. ALFIERI

University of Miami Law Professor Anthony V. Alfieri disparaged the Commission’s lack of a continuing enforcement mechanism. Director of the Law School’s Center for Ethics & Public Service, Alfieri noted that no resources were allocated to investigate violations. The Broward Commission has repeatedly suffered humiliating ethics breaches. In 2005, Josephus Eggelletion was fined $2500 for voting to award a trash-hauling contract to a company he had lobbied for in Miramar in 2001. Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin was fined $15,000 last year for voting to approve grant applications for Southwest Ranches that were written by her husband. And the hits just keep on coming!

BOB WOLFE

Since the Broward Commission’s 9 Democrats are charged with choosing the majority of the Ethics Commission, Commissioner Keechl sought ideological balance by reaching across party lines and appointing Bob Wolfe, the Republican Media & Government Relations Director for the Broward County Property Appraiser’s office. Bob has personally helped thousands of Galt Mile residents contend with exemption dilemmas, valuation disagreements and petitions of every stripe. The well-known and widely respected Wolfe wheels from one venue to another, attending neighborhood advisory board meetings and conducting outreach clinics that help homeowners wade through mounds of exemption and portability paperwork. Keechl closes with a request. He would appreciate our input relevant to the new body, hopefully before he addresses the Ethics Commission on June 10, 2009. - [editor]*

VICE MAYOR KEN KEECHL

Everywhere you go, you hear it: another elected official has been accused of unethical behavior. It’s really a shame. As Henry Kissinger once said, “90% of the politicians give the other 10 % a bad reputation.” He may have been exaggerating, but not by much.

Fortunately, the people have had enough. In November 2008, the residents of Broward County voted overwhelmingly to establish a “Broward County Ethics Commission” whose “sole purpose shall be to establish a Code of Ethics for the Broward County Commission.” I supported the establishment of an Ethics Commission then, and I support it now.

The Broward County Ethics Commission will be made up of 11 members: each of the nine County Commissioners will appoint one member from his or her district, and the remaining two members will be appointed by the Broward League of Cities. The Ethics Commission will propose a Code of Ethics to the entire Broward County Commission by March 2010. If the Commission fails to adopt it within 6 months, the proposed Code of Ethics will be presented to the voters for acceptance or rejection on the November 2010 ballot.

I am often asked to characterize my political philosophy. I respond by labeling myself as a moderate Democrat—one who is simultaneously environmentally sensitive, business friendly, and fiscally conservative. But, more importantly, I have always said that, as your County Commissioner, I represent everyone in District Four—Democrat, Republican, Independent or otherwise.

My voting record and my numerous appointments to various County Boards over the last two ½ years demonstrate my philosophy, including my recent appointment to the Broward County Ethics Commission. After much reflection, I selected Robert Wolfe, a well known, active, and widely respected Republican, as my appointee. I did so because I believe that Bob will bring a different (and important) perspective to the Ethics Commission. Bob and I have discussed (and will continue to discuss) how together we can strengthen Broward’s ethical standards.

In the meantime, I welcome your input. I will speak before the Broward County Ethics Commission in June. If you have any ideas about ethics reform in Broward, I would like to hear them. Feel free to email me at KKeechl@Broward.org.

My best to you and your families.

Broward County Vice Mayor Ken Keechl

Click Here to access Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl’s official web site, call his office at (954) 357-7004 and/or Click Here to send him an email.

April 2, 2009 - * "Who is this guy?" As a rule, Broward residents occasionally notice whether their elected representatives are faithful to campaign promises. If they percieve a fifty to sixty percent batting average, they are more than satisfied. District 4 Commissioner Ken Keechl has built his Commission career on disappointing political cynics. He is the exception that proves the rule. Keechl refuses to compromise on his promises to constituents.

KEECHL ADDRESSES BUDGET ISSUES

When he spouted the typical campaign drivel about lowering taxes without eviscerating services, safeguarding the County's natural resources and shrinking County government, constituents gave him high marks for playing the right music. With the possible exception of friends and colleagues, few realized that Keechl is fanatically committed to every representation he makes - before, during and after the campaign. He also promised to keep his constituents abreast of County affairs, fiscal issues and impending problems. Like clockwork, Keechl grinds out a monthly Newsletter targeting that commitment.

With the new County budget on the table, Commissioner Keechl's April Newsletter opens with a review of his contributions to the County Commission's successful budget-cutting efforts in 2007 and 2008. Tracking the dollars saved as if they were frequent flyer miles, Keechl reminds us that $90 million was cut from the 2007 budget and another $87 million was clipped from last year's product. With the two-year running total up to $177 million, he then fast-forwards to the current budget.

Given the economic downturn, Keechl explains that the accompanying drop in property values has prompted some commissioners to limit budget surgery to a millage rate increase that will yield the same amount of taxes collected last year. The millage rate required to match the previous year's collections is known as the "rolled-back" rate. While this would cut the equivalent of a respectable $45 million from the FY 2010 budget, our budget hawk isn't happy. Characterizing the millage rate hike as a tax increase, Keechl is lobbying his Commission peers to retain last year's millage rate.

JIM SCOTT

He admonishes that if "we keep the County millage rate at last year’s rate of 4.888, the County’s FY 2010 budget would shrink by an additional $135 million dollars." He is quick to point out that this would result in "a combined three year cumulative and recurring budget decrease of $312 million dollars." Straight up, when Keechl promised to squeeze the bloated County budget, did anyone realize that we elected the most effective tax-cutter in District 4 history? Keep in mind that Keechl predecessor Jim Scott had a state-wide reputation for fiscal conservatism. Sorry Jim, its time for you to move over! - [editor]*

COMMISSIONER KEN KEECHL

When I campaigned to be your Broward County Commissioner, I promised that I would never vote to increase your property taxes. I have kept that promise for the last two years. I intend to keep it for the next two years as well.

For Fiscal Year 2008, I voted to lower property taxes and shrink the County’s budget by approximately $90 million dollars per year. My colleagues agreed by a 9-0 vote.

For Fiscal Year 2009, I voted to lower property taxes and shrink the budget by approximately $87 million dollars per year. My colleagues agreed by a 7-2 vote.

Since these are recurring, yearly savings, the result of these two votes was to shrink the Broward County budget by almost $177 million dollars per year.

How did we do this? We instituted a hiring freeze, which reduced operating expenses drastically. We reduced capital projects by prioritizing and funding “needs” while postponing or eliminating “wants”. We paid off certain debt (to lower yearly interest costs) and we minimally raised certain fees (which hadn’t been reviewed or raised in more than 13 years!)

On February 17, 2009, the County Commission had its first Fiscal Year 2010 budget workshop. The good news: the majority of my colleagues agreed to lower property taxes for a third consecutive year. The bad news: we couldn’t agree on how much to cut from the FY 2010 budget.

Due to the decrease in property values county-wide, some of my colleagues want to raise the property tax (millage) rate applied to all taxable real property in Broward to a certain rate known as the “rolled-back” rate. Technically, this is not considered a “tax increase” because it will bring in the same amount of property taxes as last year. If 5 or more of my colleagues agree, the FY 2010 budget would decrease by approximately $45 million dollars (for a combined three year cumulative and recurring budget decrease of $222 million dollars.) Not bad.

Nevertheless, while I believe the County Commission has made real progress over the last two years, and while I believe that $45 million dollars is a real reduction, I don’t believe it is good enough.

In order to keep my promise to you and your families, I believe I cannot, in good faith, vote to raise the County’s millage rate on the assessed value of any real property you own in Broward County. To me, an increase in the millage rate equates to a tax increase. If 4 or more of my colleagues agree with me and we keep the County millage rate at last year’s rate of 4.888, the County’s FY 2010 budget would shrink by an additional $135 million dollars (for a combined three year cumulative and recurring budget decrease of $312 million dollars.)

2009 BROWARD BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

My colleagues and I will continue to discuss the FY 2010 budget for the next several months. I will, of course, continue to fight to lower your property taxes as much as possible. And based on the first budget workshop, I am confident that the majority of the Broward County Commission will eventually vote to once again lower your property tax burden by decreasing the size of Broward’s budget by at least $45 million, and possibly by as much as $135 million. I will keep you apprized of our discussions.

My best to you and your families.

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March 2, 2009 - * The Broward County Beach Renourishment Project has been underway for almost a decade. Countless studies were performed from 1998 through 2002 to save Broward's 21 miles of critically eroded beaches. When the project encountered political opposition in 2002, hundreds of Galt Mile residents boarded buses to the Hollywood Beach Community Center in support of the Army Corps of Engineers renourishment plan. In April of 2005, the one year renourishment of south county beaches (Segment III) commenced, initiating rehabilitation of the devastated coast from the Broward/Dade County line north to John U. Lloyd State Park. As agreed in the permit approved by the Florida Cabinet on May 13, 2003, the Segment III renourishment would be followed by an 18-month "monitoring period" to review any impacts to the hardbottom environment and use the data to refine permit requirements for the Segment II renourishment. Compiling their observations from March of 2006 to September, 2007, the monitors from Nova Southeast University Oceanographic Center and a coalition of marine engineering firms submitted their evaluation to the County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

STEVE HIGGINS

Broward Beach Administrator Stephen Higgins determined that the issues uncovered by the monitors were eminently addressable. He estimated that the Fort Lauderdale beaches (Segment II) would begin to see new sand by fall of 2008. Lamenting a dearth of available sand for the project, last year Higgins revised the projected start date to the fall of 2009. When asked to investigate the suspicious delays, Commissioner Ken Keechl met with Higgins and a representative from the County Administrator's office. Commissioner Keechl's March newsletter confirms that the new start date is estimated for 2010. Following the February 19, 2009 Advisory Board meeting wherein the membership expressed dissatisfaction with the reasons given for the delays, a decision was made to extend the investigation to Tallahassee. More to come... - [editor]*

VICE MAYOR KEN KEECHL

As many of you know, my Broward County Commission district includes most of Broward County’s coastline. In fact, it stretches from North Deerfield Beach and goes south to Dania Beach. As your County Commissioner, I remain extremely concerned about our precious coastline’s constant erosion.

FORT LAUDERDALE'S RAPIDLY SHRINKING RIBBON OF BEACH

Broward County has been working on a continuous “Beach Nourishment Project” for years. Broward County has already completed the first segment of the Project south of Dania Beach.

Segment II, which stretches from the Hillsboro Inlet south to Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, is next. When Segment II is completed, the rest of our district (from the north County line south to the Hillsboro Inlet) will follow shortly thereafter.

Unfortunately, Segment II was put on hold by federal and state regulatory agencies until they could conclude a period of monitoring Segments II’s effects on our marine environment. Fortunately, the required monitoring is now completed. As a result, and at my constant urging, Broward County is once again aggressively pursuing the nourishment of our county district’s coastline.

BROWARD COUNTY SHORE PROTECTION PROJECT SEGMENTS II & III BEACH FILL LIMITS

I will continue to follow this project closely and I have been assured by staff that permit applications for Segment II will be submitted this year, likely summer or early fall. However, even with a smooth and uneventful state and federal permit review process--and with no challenges to the permit--Broward County does not anticipate permit issuance before the fall of 2010. Once permits are received, commencement of actual construction can begin one to three months thereafter.

One additional fact of interest; The original Segment II Project proposed to widen Fort Lauderdale’s beaches approximately from the pier at Commercial Boulevard to a point just south of the Bonnet House. Given the length of time that has passed since design of the original Segment II project in 2001, staff will reevaluate the coastline in this area, and, if warranted, expand the area slated to receive sand.

Lastly, staff is currently conducting an analysis of potential sand sources that could be used in the nourishment of our district’s coastline. Upon completion of this sand search in spring of this year, engineering work and permitting activities for the project will resume.

Again, it is important for you to know that the Beach Nourishment Project is a high priority of mine. I am actively working with your elected officials in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. to keep the grant funding coming to Broward for this Project.

And, of course, as this Project continues, I will keep you up to date.

My best to you and your families.

Broward County Vice Mayor Ken Keechl

Click Here to access Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl’s official web site, call his office at (954) 357-7004 and/or Click Here to send him an email.

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS DR. BRENDA SNIPES

February 2, 2009 - On January 23^rd, Broward Supervisor of Elections Dr. Brenda C. Snipes issued a press release alerting Broward voters to a rapidly approaching critical deadline. The statement opens with “On Tuesday, February 10, 2009, there will be two cities holding Municipal Primary Elections and one city will hold a Special Election. All voters living in Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors, who were registered (within the state of Florida) on or before Tuesday, January 12, 2009, may vote in the scheduled Election on February 10.”

FORT LAUDERDALE MAYORAL CANDIDATES

She clarifies that while Wilton Manors is preparing for a Special Election to fill the Commission seat vacated by Gary Resnick when elected Wilton Manors Mayor last November, Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach will hold Primary Elections. The elections most impactive to Galt Mile residents are the contest to determine who will represent District 1 on the City Commission and the Mayoral race. Currently held by incumbent Christine Teel, the District 1 Commission seat is also being sought by former Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bruce Roberts and Attorney Inger Garcia. A covey of candidates hope to replace departing Mayor Jim Naugle. The heated four-way race includes former Statehouse icon Jack Seiler, former City Commissioner Dean Trantalis, local businessman Earl Rynerson and Attorney Steve Rossi, whose citywide bus bench advertisements were painfully folded into a campaign slogan – “Sit on my Face.”

DISTRICT 1 COMMISSION CANDIDATES

The special significance that Municipal Primaries hold for nervous aspiring candidates is reminiscent of a reaction often associated with “Groundhog Day”. On February 2^nd, if the Groundhog perceives a shadow upon exiting the home burrow, it portends six more weeks of winter. Similarly, if a candidate wins less than 50% (+ 1 vote) of the February 10^th Primary vote, it portends four more weeks of campaign anxiety. However, if any of these seven local political aspirants knocks one out of the park by cornering half the votes (plus 1) in the February 10^th Primary, they win the seat and send the competition packing. There would be no need to endure an increasingly malicious endgame en route to the March 10^th Municipal Elections. Probability Theory presumes that the three-candidate Commission race is statistically more apt to generate a Primary knockout than the four-way split facing the Mayoral hopefuls.

MARCH MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN BROWARD COUNTY

After affirming that 11 Broward cities will hold Municipal Elections on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, Dr. Snipes explained that “The voter registration books will close at midnight Monday, February 9 for these upcoming elections. Anyone turning in an application to register to vote the first time in Florida after Monday, February 9 will not be eligible to vote on March 10 and will not receive a voter information card until after the election.” Of course, Fort Lauderdale is listed among the 11 Broward cities facing Municipal elections on Tuesday, March 10, 2009. SOE (Supervisor of Elections) Snipes also dropped a caveat, stating “Please note that Florida law does not permit the SOE to process party changes after the books are closed.”

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

Although application requests will still be accepted after the books are closed on February 9^th, they will not be processed until after the March 10^th Election, leaving tardy applicants without a voter identification card and ineligible to participate. While first time Florida voting registrants and residents seeking to change their party affiliation must do so before February 9^th to participate in the March 10^th contests, requests for address changes (within the county), name changes, replacement cards, etc. will continue to be processed even after the books close. Given the gravity of current bone-crushing fiscal pressures, filling the Commission and mayoral seats with the best available prospects assumes heightened importance. The results of this election could determine whether the City survives this uncharted economic environment or slowly unravels, carrying us down with it.

Elections presuppose that people are conversant with their best interests and will use their vote to insure that those interests are served. When enfeebled by voter apathy, they bear out George Bernard Shaw’s contention that “Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” If you enjoy a functional survival instinct, please vote - for all our sakes.

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BROWARD COUNTY JUDICIAL COMPLEX

January 26, 2009 - * At the December Galt Mile Community Association Advisory Board meeting, Broward County Vice Mayor and District 4 Commissioner Ken Keechl reviewed several county issues that impact local residents. Immediately following a discussion about frustrating beach renourishment delays, our newly named Vice Mayor segued to a description of the County Courthouse. “The 50 year-old structure is falling apart. Pipes are bursting on a regular basis, the elevators continuously break down and the building is rife with mold.” Fresh in his mind was the most recent implosion.

CLERK OF COURTS DAMAGED FILES

On Sunday night, November 30^th, a 2-inch break in a water main sent gallons of pressurized water shooting into the Clerk of Courts Howard Forman's office, flooding the first and second floors of the Broward County Judicial Complex in downtown Fort Lauderdale and forcing the cancellation of all proceedings except for emergency bond hearings and filing restraining order petitions. In addition to damaging computers and the phone system, reports and files in the traffic misdemeanor division, administration division and human resources division as well as confidential pleadings were soaked by the flood. Forman said that since none of the files were scanned into the system, unrestorable documents would have to be pieced together from information in other copies or requested from various attorneys. Vice Mayor Keechl told Advisory Board members that the County Commission faces a dilemma. They must decide whether to replace or rehabilitate the deteriorating structure.

JUDICIAL COMPLEX CLOSED AFTER FLOODING

Last February, the courthouse closed when a sewer pipe backed up on the third floor, costing the county about $1.2 million. The courthouse also was shuttered for about two weeks when Hurricane Wilma tore through in 2005, shattering about 175 windows and bursting water pipes as rain inundated judges’ chambers, court offices and the jury pool room. The newer north wing was covered by an inch of water. Recently, former state Senator Skip Campbell, has written county commissioners threatening to sue for negligence and violations of state building standards on behalf of judicial aides Patti Buchholtz and Sue Rentel, who claim mold-related symptomatic suffering from breathing impairment and frequent colds.

WILMA BLOWS OUT COURTHOUSE WINDOWS

In 2006, voters overwhelmingly rejected a $450 million courthouse bond issue allocating $339 million for a new courthouse and the balance to build 10 more courtrooms and make other improvements - both downtown and in the county’s satellite courthouses. Assistant County Administrator Pete Corwin estimated that a 700,000-square-foot courthouse would cost about $280 million today, with another $25 million needed to add a 1,000-car parking garage. He said, “$60 million has already been already set aside for courthouse construction projects and the garage cost would be offset by increased parking revenues.”

Commissioner Keechl detailed the problems he has with replacing the courthouse. “Broward voters have already told us that they don't want it - and neither do I.” Keechl explained “In 2006, residents ridiculed the notion of spending money to make criminals and lawyers more comfortable. Make no mistake, that is not the issue. We need a courthouse and this one is falling apart. Although replacing it may make sense financially, doing so while so many people can't make their mortgage payments or feed their families is inappropriate.” Resorting to an analogy, Keechl said that if any of us couldn’t afford to replace a badly leaking roof, we would fix it until our fiscal situation improved. “That is what I think we should do,” said Keechl, “make the necessary repairs and when the economy recovers, build a new one.”

The Vice Mayor’s January Newsletter summarizes the controversy and reviews the County Commission’s current intentions. Amid arguments to place another $350 million Courthouse bond issue on the March ballot (despite the economic environment’s considerable erosion since the failed 2006 attempt), on December 8^th, the Commission passed Mayor Stacy Ritter’s Resolution No. 2008, creating the “Courthouse Task Force Advisory Committee” to review the alternatives. Chaired by Commissioner Ilene Lieberman, the committee serves from January 1^st through June 30^th and will include one or more 17^th Judicial Circuit Court judges, representatives of the State Attorney, the Public Defender, the County Clerk, the Office of Court Administration, one or more local attorneys, a resident from the business community and a municipal official.

While the resolution functionally dispensed with proposals by Commissioners Josephus Eggletion and John Rodstrom to place the bond issue on the March ballot, the controversy will be revisited this summer, when the Committee’s report illuminates the comparative costs of repairing or replacing the Court facilities. Given the current fiscal dynamic, the recommendations will likely envision scaled back versions of the ambitious construction projects previously considered. Since new tax dollars will likely be required to fund virtually any of the alternatives, Commissioner Keechl is polishing up his magnifying glass, stocking extra batteries for his calculator and ordering reserves of fingerprint powder to deter excessive access to the County coffers. - [editor]*

COMMISSIONER KEN KEECHL

Two years ago I decided I wanted to be your County Commissioner. Why? First and foremost, I felt that the residents of Broward County were being overtaxed. Additionally, I felt that the Broward County Commission needed a new focus. More accurately, I felt that the Commission needed to actually have a focus. In my opinion, too many important issues weren’t being adequately addressed.

I have previously written about a few of these issues: the need to expand the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; the need to reorganize and downsize Broward County’s governmental bureaucracy; and the need for an amendment to Broward’s land use regulations to promote the protection of our dwindling green spaces.

2009 BROWARD BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

In the past two years since Mayor Ritter and I were elected, the Broward County Commission has finally addressed each of these issues. Many additional issues have yet to be addressed, but will be over the next two years. For example, we are finally addressing another pressing issue that has been ignored for far too long: our outdated courthouse in downtown Ft. Lauderdale.

Each of the nine Broward County Commissioners agrees that our downtown courthouse is antiquated and in a serious state of disrepair. We have a mold problem. We have bursting water pipes. We have elevators that constantly break down. We have a parking problem. We all agree that action is necessary. However, we don’t all agree on the same course of action.

BROWARD COUNTY JUDICIAL COMPLEX

A few of my colleagues believe we should build a new downtown courthouse and ask the voters to pay for it by allowing the County to increase their tax bill. I strongly disagree. I believe we should renovate the existing downtown courthouse, and pay for it with existing funds. In fact, I successfully argued against placing a courthouse bond issue on your March 2009 ballot. I was absolutely convinced that asking Broward’s residents to increase their tax bills was a mistake. And to add insult to injury, it would have cost us $3,500,000.00 in property tax dollars to put it on the ballot.

Fortunately, sane minds prevailed and the bond issue will not appear on your ballot anytime soon.

COMMITTEE CHAIR ILENE LIEBERMAN

Instead, we all agreed to support Mayor Ritter’s proposal to form a Courthouse Task Force. This Task Force will be given wide latitude to investigate and consider every possibility to remedy our downtown courthouse problem. This Task Force will be headed by Broward County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman and will be comprised of those stakeholders who are involved in the judicial system, along with representatives from within Broward’s business community. The Task Force must present its finding and recommendations to the Broward County Commission within 6 months.

I have said it before and I will say it again: I will never vote to increase your taxes. In these trying economic times, we must learn to do more with less. My philosophy has prevailed on the Broward County Commission for the last two years. And I will keep advocating my philosophy for the remaining two years of my first term.

My best to you and your families,

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