Interpreting Labels

Many DTVs and digital television equipment will have labels or markings on them that may contain the words “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” or “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee),” or “HDTV” (Note: HDTV - High Definition television - is one of several digital TV formats). They require no additional equipment to view over-the-air digital programming in digital format.

If your television set is labeled as a “Digital Monitor” or “HDTV Monitor,” or as “Digital Ready” or “HDTV Ready,” it will require a set-top box with a digital tuner to view over-the-air digital programming in digital format.

If your television set is labeled as “analog” or “NTSC,” and is NOT labeled as containing a digital tuner, it contains an analog tuner only and will require a digital-to-analog converter box to view over-the-air digital programming in analog format.

There are many quality levels of digital television programming. The most common are:

• Standard Definition TV (SDTV) – SDTV is the basic level of quality display and resolution for both analog and digital. Transmission of SDTV may be in either the traditional (4:3) or widescreen (16:9) format.

• Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV) – EDTV is a step up from Analog Television. EDTV comes in 480p widescreen (16:9) or traditional (4:3) format and provides better picture quality than SDTV, but not as high as HDTV.

• High Definition TV (HDTV) – HDTV in widescreen format (16:9) provides the highest resolution and picture quality of all digital broadcast formats. Combined with digitally enhanced sound technology, HDTV sets new standards for sound and picture quality in television. (Note: HDTV and digital TV are not the same thing — HDTV is one format of digital TV.)

Digital television sets are “backward compatible,” meaning existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc.) will work on digital TV sets. However, their video will only be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each analog product. Manufacturers are producing a number of different connectors to hook equipment together and improve picture and sound quality when DTVs are used with existing analog equipment. Check with your retailer to determine the types of connectors that will work with your equipment.

You will need one digital-to-analog converter box for each TV set or other device (such as a VCR) that only has an analog tuner. The digital-to-analog converter box basically replaces the analog tuner in one piece of equipment. Watching one program on an analog TV while recording another on an analog VCR will require two digital-to-analog converter boxes.

A VCR equipped with a digital tuner will obviate the need for a digital-to-analog converter box if an analog TV is wired to use the VCR’s digital tuner. However, when the analog TV’s second tuner is required to simultaneously play and record different channels, a converter box will be necessary.

Although portable, battery-powered digital televisions are coming onto the market, battery-powered analog televisions will not receive over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009 unless they are connected to a digital-to-analog converter box. Since battery powered digital-to-analog converter boxes are not currently available, an external power source (an external battery power station or an emergency power generator) would be required to power the converter box.

The Public Spectrum Disappearing Act of 2005

Is this exemplary of an enlightened Congress spreading the fruits of technological innovation throughout the land? Not even close. In the 1990s, telephone companies and communications conglomerates were drooling over broadband signal space. Inefficient analog transmissions plow through wide bands of this severely limited commodity.

In 2006, lobbyists funded by The 700 MHz Advancement Coalition, the High Tech DTV Coalition and other communications industry trade groups unabashedly showered Congressional Republicans with truckloads of money to use their majority power for mashing the “hard date” (February 17, 2009) into the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 [Public Law No: 109-171]. The High Tech DTV Coalition is a resource repository fueled by Alcatel, Aloha Partners (bought out in February 2008 by AT&T), Dell, Cisco Systems, Intel, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), The Rural Telecommunications Group and The Business Software Alliance. The analog cutoff, signed into law by President Bush in February of 2006, was codified as “The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005”.

By forcing TV stations from their analog channels at a specific deadline (the hard date), the DTV law cleared the way for the FCC to auction off what would become surplus analog spectrum for only $10 billion, paid by communications companies that wanted to grab the channels for wireless broadband services. Watchdog groups statistically supported by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) went crazy as Congress bartered away $28 billion of the publicly owned signal spectrum for pennies on the dollar. To soften the outcry over the giveaway of public property and justify spinning the hijacking as a “Public Safety Act”, a few channels went for free to fire, police and emergency organizations hungry for new frequencies.

The legislation didn’t leave the DTV transition solely in the hands of the free market. Without the proper equipment to convert the digital output back into wave-like analog signals when the hard date hit, 73 million analog TVs dispersed among 109 million U.S. TV households, including cable and satellite TV homes, were expected to go dark. If millions of consumers suddenly couldn’t watch TV because of this government fiasco, lawmakers anticipated that the resulting anger and confusion could precipitate unwanted scrutiny. As such, they included up to $1.5 billion to subsidize digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Unfortunately, the coupon program appears to be underfunded. Of the $1.5 billion allocated to fund the coupon program, $160 million is dedicated to administrative costs, leaving a balance of $1.34 billion for coupon subsidies. The U.S. has about 20 million homes that rely exclusively on free, over-the-air broadcasting, according to officials in the Government Accountability Office and industry executives. These homes have 45 million analog TV sets. A $40 coupon for each TV set would cost $1.8 billion. Providing coupons for the 28 million analog sets in pay TV homes which rely on a rabbit-ears antenna would raise the price tag to nearly $3 billion – twice the amount allocated. Additionally, since the boxes are predominantly priced between $60 and $70, coupon bearers will be forced to cough up another $20 to $30 per set. Unless Congress decides to fund the difference, owners of analog televisions will have to pay an extra $1.46 billion to $2.19 billion to watch “free” broadcast TV.

We recommend a two part strategy for viewers with analog TV sets. First, get your coupons ASAP. Since the vast majority of Galt Mile residents are serviced by cable, satellite or some alternate pay television medium already enabled to receive the digital signal, the local demand for these coupons is anticipated to be minimal (As of June 22^nd, only 128 coupons were applied for in zip code 33308). However, if any of your analog sets aren’t connected, GET THE COUPON NOW - almost 18 million have already been spoken for! Then send your congressperson an email expressing your gratitude for his or her vigilance in safeguarding your interests as well as the public trust.

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COOPERATIVE FEEDING PROGRAM
Galt Ocean Mile

Food 2008 Drive

March 29, 2008 - Last year, Fort Lauderdale Real Estate proprietor and Galt Mile resident Domenic Faro approached the Galt Mile Community Association with a plan to feed hungry Broward families down on their luck. Explaining that, “I’ve received so much from our neighborhood; I decided to share some of my blessings with some of my less fortunate neighbors.” To that end, Domenic serves on the Board of Directors of the Cooperative Feeding Program (CFP), a small local charity that performs a desperately needed service for Broward County.

DOMENIC FARO

As expressed in their mission statement, “When families fall into economic hardship, The Cooperative Feeding Program provides counseling and support to help them out of the throes of difficult times. Our diverse family center offers them hope, contact with community-wide services, and emotional support.” From the humble beginnings of distributing a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the homeless, today they provide 1.2 million meals a year. Currently Broward County’s lead agency in the provision of services to the hungry and homeless, the agency’s dramatic development reflects the burgeoning numbers and needs of the poor in our community.

Intimately involved with education and advocacy issues, the Cooperative Feeding Program staff focuses on enhancing the quality of life for children, the ill, and the elderly. They work with the homeless and the families living at the edge of homelessness. By holding down administrative costs to a negligible 8% (audited), this federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency succeeds in channeling a greater percentage of collected resources to its beneficiaries than most of its more celebrated nationally recognized peers. The disabled, the elderly, and persons plagued by mental illness are also recipients of their largesse.

CFP COMMUNITY KITCHEN

Domenic recruited a dozen of our twenty-six member associations to participate in a first-time competitive collection drive. As a community, we proudly donated about 2.6 tons of food to hungry Broward families. Each association was represented by a “team leader” whose responsibilities included coordinating the weekly pick-ups and encouraging neighbors to “soften up and dig deep.” CFP’s Scott Woodburn served as statistician, tracking each participating association’s contributions. In 2007, Plaza South and Edgewater Arms took the top honors for the two recognized categories – the “total pounds of food and sundries collected” and the “pounds per unit collected.” The second category celebrates the generosity of an association’s individual unit owners and serves as a leveler, facilitating equitable comparisons between large and small associations.

CFP PANTRY

This year, 21 member associations agreed to participate, driving collection expectations past 10,000 pounds of food and sundries, about twice last year’s benchmarks. Given the painful economic climate, the doubled donation targets were initially considered somewhat ambitious. However, proceeds from the “Walk against Hunger” helped bolster this year’s totals. Another innovative tweak to this year’s competition was the acceptance of cash and check donations. Each dollar contributed would be credited as one pound of food and/or sundries.

EDGEWATER ARMS - ANNEMARIE ADAMS - GRAND CHAMPION

As in last year’s effort, residents were asked to rifle through their kitchens, bagging canned meats and fish, canned fruits, canned vegetables, canned meals, soups (canned and instant), peanut butter & jelly/jam, dried milk, pasta, rice, cereal and paper & plastic grocery bags. Baby food and baby formula (powdered or canned) and diapers of all sizes also filled the repository bags. Galt Milers donated reams of hygiene supplies such as small shampoos, conditioners, soap, toothbrushes, razors, and shaving cream to help those living on the edge.

Incredibly, lightning struck twice. The block’s smallest association, Edgewater Arms, won both competition categories. Led by Annemarie Adams, Edgewater Arms was credited with having donated 713.5 lbs. of food and sundries and $1775, amounting to 2488.5 in total lbs. collected. Coral Ridge Towers South under David Jenkins’ leadership clinched second place, with 649.5 lbs. of food and sundries and $576 for a sum of 1225.5 in total lbs. collected. Plaza East with David Beswick collected 493.5 lbs. of food and sundries and $200, giving them 693.5 total lbs. collected and third place.

CRT SOUTH - DAVID JENKINS - 2nd PLACE

Rounding out the “total lbs collected” group was Coral Ridge Towers ”Original” (665 lbs), Plaza South (580 lbs), Coral Ridge Towers East (495.5 lbs), The Galleon (494 lbs), The Regency Tower (439 lbs), Fountainhead (415 lbs), Playa del Mar (367 lbs), Playa Del Sol (343 lbs), Royal Ambassador (325.5 lbs), Commodore (255 lbs), Galt Towers (208.5 lbs), Ocean Summit (191.5 lbs), The Ocean Riviera (127.5 lbs), Coral Ridge Towers North (122.5 lbs), Caribé (117.5 lbs), Regency South (95.5 lbs), Southpoint (81.5 lbs) and Ocean Club with (55.5 lbs).

DAVID BESWICK'S PLAZA EAST - 3rd TOTAL LBS

To statistically level the playing field, the lbs. per unit trophy negates the size of the association, reflecting instead the generosity of an association’s average individual donor. Annemarie Adams and Edgewater Arms ran away with first place, averaging 29.3 lbs. donated per unit owner. Coral Ridge Towers South and David Jenkins notched second place, with 3.6 lbs. donated per unit owner. Having donated 3.29 lbs. per unit owner, Fountainhead guided by Jennifer Donnelly took third place honors.

FOUNTAINHEAD - 3rd PLACE - LBS PER UNIT LED BY JENNIFER DONNELLY

They were followed by Plaza East (2.6), The Galleon (2.29), The Regency Tower (2.16), Coral Ridge Towers ”Original” (1.96), Plaza South (1.7), Royal Ambassador & Coral Ridge Towers East tied, both with (1.5) , Commodore (1.3), Playa del Mar (.99), Playa Del Sol (.93), Ocean Summit (.83), Galt Towers (.80), Caribé (.79), The Ocean Riviera (.63), Regency South (.47), Coral Ridge Towers North (.36), Ocean Club (.27) and Southpoint (.2).

GALLEON'S PAUL SWAN AND DARLENE SEACHRIST

As a correlative adjunct to the Galt Mile Food Drive, the February 10^th "Walk Against Hunger" helped promote the cooperative competition, encouraging the community’s associations to redouble their efforts. Aspiring to focus the neighborhood’s attention and resources on the 10-day old collection drive, the 72 hearty Galt Mile residents that met early Sunday morning both started and finished their challenging 5 Kilometer walk at the Winn Dixie supermarket in the Galt Ocean Mile Marketplace. Despite the enigmatic juxtaposing of a "Walk Against Hunger" with a "Winn Dixie", the shared sense of accomplishment successfully prompted participants to surpass projected collection goals while raising an additional $1,593.

The real winners were the Galt Mile residents who opened their hearts, wallets and pantries to help feed their neighbors. Also, the Galt Mile Community deserves the pride it earned by sponsoring this wonderful effort. The neighborhood total for collected food and sundries was 6,405.5 lbs and $3.381 for a total of 9,786.5. When added to the $1,593 collected during the “Walk Against Hunger”, the community grand total is 11,379.5 - doubling last year’s effort! Congratulations and Thank You, Galt Ocean Mile!

Following are some pictures of the Galt Mile participants in the "5K Walk Agaunst Hunger":

GALT MILE RESIDENTS MEET AT THE WINN DIXIE	CORAL RIDGE TOWERS BONNIE LEAVITT COOLS DOWN
WALKERS CLOSING IN ON FINISH LINE	PROUD AND TIRED FINISHERS REFRESH THEMSELVES
ONLY A FEW STEPS MORE TO WINN DIXIE	DOMENIC FARO GREETS GALT WALKERS AT FINISH LINE

CRT ORIGINAL - BONNIE LEAVITT

Scott Woodburn, the Cooperative Feeding Program sparkplug that pulled together the Galt Mile food drive during the past two years, sent regular updates to participants, thus sharpening competitive instincts and stimulating collections. Following the final round of pickups, he notified Galt Mile team leaders that the totals would soon be forthcoming and the winners finally recognized for the month-long food drive. Two days after a party thrown to exclaim the local victory in a never-ending war against hunger, Scott sent a March 21^st correspondence to participants. Along with the final collection statistics, he announced the competition winners, recognized the commercial sponsors of the February 10^th “Walk Against Hunger”, expressed his avid appreciation for the Galt Mile community’s generosity and shared his personal motivation – a burning aspiration to “get a handle on all this craziness.” His letter follows below.

“Thank You for Being There”

2008 FINAL RESULTS!

Dear Galt Ocean Mile Residents,

The final results of the 2008 Galt Ocean Mile have been registered and placed in the book of records for another year. Our big winner – the EDGEWATER ARMS under the leadership of Annemarie Adams. As it turns out, the Edgewater Arms is our smallest Association who stood mightily above the rest through their compassion, caring and generosity – by donating over 2,500 total LBS – which is over 29 lbs per unit.

PLAZA SOUTH - CHARLIE BALDWIN

The Edgewater Arms efforts brought special attention and honors as they were singled out in the Proclamation read to us by Commissioner Teel and presented to them at the “Food Drive Thank You Party” last evening. The Edgewater Arms effort was also recognized by receiving the Galt Ocean Mile Food Drive highest honor, the “GRAND CHAMPION” trophy for their marvelous effort.

REGENCY TOWER CANDACE BROWN

Of special note, I would also mention that Coral Ridge Towers South, under the leadership of David Jenkins, donated an outstanding first year effort of 1,225.5 lbs – good enough for second place. Plaza East, led by David Beswick, another first year association with an effort of 693.5 lbs was followed by Bonnie Leavitt’s Coral Ridge Towers Original with 665 lbs. Rounding out the top 5 associations was our 2007 Champion, Charles Baldwin’s Plaza South with 580 total lbs.

CRT EAST - JIM RAINEY

The Cooperative Feeding Program congratulates all 21 Galt Ocean Mile Condo & Cooperative Associations for making the 2008 food drive a record-setting effort and what has become a county-wide role model for community involvement.

ROYAL AMBASSADOR MARTY WEINSTEIN

We also thank our food drive sponsors for allowing us to conduct a 5K Walk and helping to make this year’s food drive effort so successful. Please continue to support our presenting sponsors: Fort Lauderdale Real Estate, Winn Dixie, First Data and our local business partners: the Loan Office, Dunkin Donuts, East Side Bagel & Deli, Jade Ocean Cleaners, Charisma Hair Salon and the St. Lawrence Gallery (Kevin and Randy) who also hosted and sponsored our outstanding “Thank You Party” last evening.

PLAYA DEL MAR - ROSIE BOWERS

Because of your efforts each day we save some, reduce some of the pain, lift some of the burden, dry some of the tears and put a smile on some faces. Each day we do a little to help what is a major and ever growing problem. What would we have done if you hadn’t been here to help? Together, we can try to get a handle on all this craziness.

Thank you for being there to support us.

Scott A. Woodburn
CFP Development

Collection Results
(21 Participating Associations)

Total Weight		Weight per Unit
Association	Total lbs	Association	Lbs/Unit
Edgewater Arms	2488.5 pounds	Edgewater Arms	29.30 lbs/unit
CRT South	1225.5 pounds	CRT South	3.60 lbs/unit
Plaza East	693.5 pounds	Fountainhead	3.29 lbs/unit
CRT ”Original”	665.0 pounds	Plaza East	2.60 lbs/unit
Plaza South	580.0 pounds	The Galleon	2.29 lbs/unit
CRT East	495.5 pounds	Regency Tower	2.16 lbs/unit
The Galleon	494.0 pounds	CRT ”Original”	1.96 lbs/unit
Regency Tower	439.0 pounds	Plaza South	1.70 lbs/unit
Fountainhead	415.0 pounds	Royal Ambassador	1.50 lbs/unit
Playa del Mar	367.0 pounds	CRT East	1.50 lbs/unit
Playa del Sol	343.0 pounds	Commodore	1.30 lbs/unit
Royal Ambassador	325.5 pounds	Playa Del Mar	0.99 lbs/unit
Commodore	255.0 pounds	Playa del Sol	0.93 lbs/unit
Galt Towers	208.5 pounds	Ocean Summit	0.83 lbs/unit
Ocean Summit	191.5 pounds	Galt Towers	0.80 lbs/unit
Ocean Riviera	127.5 pounds	Caribé	0.79 lbs/unit
CRT North	122.5 pounds	Ocean Riviera	0.63 lbs/unit
Caribé	117.5 pounds	Regency South	0.47 lbs/unit
Regency South	95.5 pounds	CRT North	0.36 lbs/unit
Southpoint	81.5 pounds	Ocean Club	0.27 lbs/unit
Ocean Club	55.5 pounds	Southpoint	0.20 lbs/unit
Subtotal	9786.5 pounds
5K Walk / Hunger	1593.0 pounds
Total Lbs Collected	11,379.5 pounds

GRAND CHAMPION

COMMISSIONER TEEL & DOMENIC FARO AWARD CHAMPION TROPHY TO ANNEMARIE ADAMS & EDGEWATER ARMS TEAM *** CLICK ON PICTURE FOR LARGER VIEW ***

That’s right! Our community contributed nearly 6 tons of food and sundries to local families that are suffering through a tough time. Your anonymous contributions will be exemplified to other Broward neighborhoods, hopefully engendering an epidemic of generosity. Well… perhaps a small epidemic… we’ve earned the right to dream!

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GALT OCEAN MILE READING CENTER

March 17, 2008 - The Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center has arguably been the most popular local resource on Galt Ocean Drive. It has provided residents with a convenient location to research almost anything, meet with friends or simply log in some quiet time. The 5 staffers helped residents locate “New York Times” best-sellers, DVDs of foreign films, health-related audio books or search Google for exotic recipes. Whether enrolled in a Senior Self Defense class or Introduction to Computers, Galt Milers that perceived the mini-library as a community center would spontaneously keep the planter in front of the Reading Room filled with fresh flora. Visiting authors reviewed their works, local poets recited their creations and culture groups celebrated their unique ethnicities.

Despite its modest designation as a “Reading Room”, since the library was networked into the overall Broward library system, it was a doorway to a voluminous compendium of information. Why “was”? Primarily because the doors have been closed for a long time. Although most people on the street pass by the Reading Room without noticing its status, a group of concerned residents have taken it upon themselves to ensure its continued survival. The Galt Ocean Mile Friends of the Library, a local 12-member chapter of the umbrella Friends of Broward County Libraries, have kept abreast of the issues facing the storefront facility.

BROWARD COMMISSIONER KEN KEECHL

Galt Mile President Pio Ieraci was notified by one of the library’s supporters that it was closed to effect renovations. When told that the community resource has long been unavailable to local residents, Ieraci contacted Broward Commissioner Ken Keechl to ask that he investigate the circumstances surrounding the extended closure.

Appealing to Keechl’s oft stated aversion to wasteful spending, Ieraci emailed, “Apparently more than $78,000 has been spent on an existing lease for a non functional property. This space is crucial to the ongoing operation of this Library. The space ‘build out’ should be completed immediately in order for the Library to commence using the space ASAP.” Keechl responded, “I will get a briefing and then have the appropriate high level individual contact you directly and immediately. FYI, I heard something last month about an environmental hazard related to the adjoining space. Again, let me get more information to you immediately.” Keechl heard right!

A week later, Director Bob Cannon of the Broward County Libraries Division corresponded with the Galt Mile Community Association, sending a history of the Library, an explanation of its current status and the reason it remains closed. The content of that correspondence is as follows.

Director Cannon opens with a summarized history of the Center:

Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center
(3403 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale)

Expansion Project Status Report Revised for February 2008

Proposal for Expansion
(Adding 2,000 Sq. Ft. Next Door)

FORMER BROWARD COMMISSIONER JIM SCOTT

In mid-2005 the Friends went to then Commissioner Scott and wanted to add an empty store front space adjacent to the library.

Commissioner Scott supported the request. Money for the expansion was approved by the Board when the budget was adopted in September: $370,000 for renovation of the new space, $66,000 for furniture and equipment and $35,200 for the rent.

The lease for the new space (2,000 sq. ft.) was approved by the Board March 21, 2006. The term is from April 20, 2006 to June 30, 2009. The lease cost: $3,500 a month with annual increases.

Construction Management went through the process and hired an architectural firm (Brown and Brown) to design and draw the renovation of the space. The firm found many problems with the building, reporting them to Construction Management in October 2006. Construction Management and the landlord had extensive meetings and disputes over the problems with the space. The landlord insisted we accepted the building “as is” and we should fix any problems, especially since we wanted to make the renovations of the space. However, she allowed additional inspections.

READING CENTER 2nd (SAFE) CEILING

The firm of Advanced Industrial Hygiene Services was hired by the County and asbestos was found in the floor tiles and textured ceiling materials. Again, the landlord didn’t think she should deal with this problem since the County wanted to alter the flooring and ceiling.

In May 2007, due to delays due to the many disputes, the escalating and now truly unknown costs of the renovation, the discovery of asbestos, and other problems, I indicated to Property Management, Construction Management and County Attorney staff that I thought we should get out of the lease if it was possible.

More meetings were held in the summer between all parties about what to do with the renovation, the many problems of the space and the landlord.

At a meeting in September 2007 with Property Management, Libraries, County Attorney and Construction Management, the staff present decided jointly to use the expanded leased space for library office and storage space only and not renovate the space, especially since the lease would terminate June 30, 2009 and also because it appeared that the cost of the renovation would be extremely high.

A Work Order from Construction Management was issued to Facilities Management in October 2007 to make the space acceptable for library offices and storage only.

The services of the architect, Brown and Brown, were also terminated by Construction Management in October 2007.

The Library Division Director will inform the Galt Ocean Mile Friends of the Library of the status of the expansion at a meeting of the Friends Tuesday, December 11^th.

New: update since December

GALT MILE READING CENTER

The Friends approached me in January with a request to use the expansion space just for programs and/or some offices. Al Loeb met with me and then we met at Galt Ocean Mile with the Friends. The goal was to not disturb the floor tiles or (high) ceiling where asbestos was found (it is dangerous only if disturbed).

Library staff (Cecil Beach) and Facilities Management staff came up with a plan, whereby minor renovations would be made by our Facilities Management Division to open up the space so that it could be used by the Friends and staff (programs, meetings). New carpet, partition removal, paint and replacement of ceiling tiles (the lower ceiling) would be the only major needs.

As of February 6, Facilities Management is costing out the renovation plans and will provide a cost estimate to the library. Depending on the cost, the library will make a decision for the renovation level of the expansion space.

What Happened?

BROWARD LIBRARY DIRECTOR BOB CANNON

Cannon lent perspective to the project’s prolonged suspension, explaining, “The basic problem is that the expansion space has had many issues, some that have been worked out and some, the biggest, that asbestos was discovered after testing to be a component of the floor tile and the (high) ceiling (there’s a lower ceiling that is OK). Spending the huge amounts of money to renovate the space as we had originally planned (involving going into the high ceiling and the floor tile and dealing with/removing the tile and high ceiling materials) is not recommended for such a short term lease. So, last month, the Friends of the Library asked us to re-group and see what renovation we could do without getting into serious renovation problems and costs.

ASBESTOS CLEANUP

That is what we are doing today. We have a plan to renovate the space, which will make it usable we hope and plan for programs and perhaps some office space, and we have asked our Facilities Management Division to give us a cost estimate of that renovation, since we would like them to do the work.

As soon as I get the estimate and the library makes a decision about what is feasible, I will contact the Friends, as promised, Al Loeb who has met with me a couple of times, and yourself. Hopefully we will have the cost estimate next week.”

GALT READING CENTER COMPUTERS

During the next five weeks, quick stops by the Reading Room revealed no ostensible progress. On March 14^th, Libraries Division Director Bob Cannon touched base with GMCA President Pio Ieraci, emailing, “Following up on our phone conversation awhile back, I want you to know I have been working with various County staff to try to figure out a way to use the expansion space for the Friends or staff or public, without disturbing the asbestos in the ceiling and floor. We have worked through several renovation/use options, putting in a good deal of time and effort, and some of the ideas and plans appeared at first to be feasible -- but we always end up dealing with the asbestos in one capacity or another. Once asbestos is known, people are afraid of the short or long term consequences and are fearful of dealing with the problem, or working around the problem, without removing the problem. The fear is that any renovation could risk the release of asbestos fibers into the air.”

Cannon contended that despite his “thinking” and “figuring”, the outlook for a successful resolution remained bleak. His deflating assertion that the asbestos was shaping up as an insurmountable obstacle led Ieraci to interpret this generic contact as little more than a courtesy call. Wrapping up his email on a positive note, Cannon continued, “I haven’t given up. I have a meeting with the landlord next week to bring her up to date on all of this and we will see what she has to say about the issues. I will keep you fully informed about this issue, as we are surely coming to a conclusion very soon.”

Two weeks passed. Disappointed with Cannon’s lack of progress, Ieraci reached out to County Commissioner Ken Keechl, exclaiming, “In reference to the message from Bob Cannon, it seems to me that enough time and money has been wasted. I understand that the mitigation of the asbestos would cost between $15,000 and $25,000. This remediation should have been done long ago, considering the county already knew of the asbestos issue from the build out of the existing space.”

Apparently, Pio’s message hit home. Proclaiming that he was equally frustrated, Commissioner Keechl scheduled a meeting with Cannon, Interim County Administrator Bertha Henry and “everyone involved in this fiasco.” Clarifying the regulatory constraints imposed on County Commissioners, he told Ieraci, “As you undoubtedly know, the Charter contains a ‘non-interference’ provision which basically means that I cannot give direction to staff. It doesn’t, however, stop me from screaming, yelling, threatening and the like. This has gone on far too long. I, too, want some closure.”

KATHY SINGER

Keechl is passionately committed to his Commission responsibilities. Ordinarily low-key, when the Commissioner encounters repeated mishandling of District 4 business by County officials, he aggressively seeks to correct the failure. In mid-April, he updated Ieraci, “I have now spoken (twice) with the interim County Administrator regarding the Galt Ocean library. This remediation is going to be done immediately and at County expense. Also, the requested ‘walkthrough’ between the two ‘bays’ will be done. (It is my understanding that the ‘friends of the library’ have been advised of this as well.)” Underscoring the importance of pressing for a resolution, he further explained, “I have given my aide, Kathy Singer, directions to get a briefing from administration as to the progress of same once a week until this is accomplished.”

Focusing on factors that may impact the Library’s future viability, Keechl gave Ieraci a “heads-up”, notifying him that, “There are five or six “leased” libraries. With the severe budget cuts that we will be experiencing, I expect that staff will soon suggest eliminating these leases as a cost savings measure. I doubt this will come up this year, but probably next year. I will watch this issue very carefully as well and advise if I hear anything of the sort.”

Bob Cannon

Well ladies and gentlemen, that’s why the Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center has been in a state of suspended animation. While Cannon’s stated intention to investigate the renovation impact prior to proceeding is reasonable and responsible, why this wasn’t done in the year since the lease was signed is a riddle. Several other issues are equally cloudy. By following a fairly standard investigative process prior to implementing the construction plans, Brown & Brown (subsequently absorbed by the CSA Group) noticed enough red flags to call in Advanced Industrial Hygiene Services and discover the asbestos. In view of their original renovation of the space in 1992, it’s difficult to understand why the county engineer responsible for that scope of work was oblivious to the toxic material’s existence.

Of greater concern is the County’s failure to notify in a timely manner our district commissioner and/or the neighborhood association that the discovery of asbestos derailed the original plan. Were it not for the Friends of the Library soliciting the Galt Mile Community Association’s assistance with re-opening the facility, it might have quietly remained an unavailable enigma through the end of its lease in 2009.

The work-around renovation described by Cannon is a modest project that could be completed in short order. If authorized by the Library Division, community residents could plan on taking Senior Self-Defense classes this summer. If the new fiscal environment described by Keechl repudiates any leasing plan, its time to redirect resources to purchasing adequate space ASAP. Until a decision is made, neither alternative stands to be actualized. Absent some undisclosed factor responsible for discouraging officials from working around the asbestos or moving all the marbles to another site, there is no excuse for continued delays.

It is reasonable to assume that if the Division had any intention of using the leased space, they already would have. Future failure to make one of two possible decisions will confirm official negligence as underscoring the unconscionable waste of time and tax dollars. As such, the next report will either feature a clear decision by the Libraries Division, some much needed perspective for the inexplicable official foot-dragging or a scathing exposure of County waste and bureaucratic incompetence. If relocation is in the cards, it would behoove the county to begin researching alternative structures; preferably without toxic booby traps.

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY

February 14, 2008 - On Monday, February 4^th, the Galt Mile Community Association Presidents Council convened a meeting at Regency Tower. Recent events dictated the addition of a late agenda issue. In mid-January, widespread media focus was heaped on several critical property insurance issues. The state’s Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) received requests from several major insurance carriers for permission to slingshot rates into the ionosphere. Shocked silly by the unexpected bad news, Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty formally requested their underlying rationale for such substantial premium hikes.

COMMISSIONER CHRISTINE TEEL HELPS MERCHANTS

Also addressed at the meeting was the City’s reversal of a September ruling that adjusted the cutoff time for local parking meters from 6 PM to midnight. Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Christine Teel announced that the City’s initial decision to increase rates from 25 to 50 cents and extend the meters’ operational functionality through midnight threatened the viability of many Galt Mile businesses struggling to survive post-Hurricane Wilma repair closings and subsequently revive local patronage. The negligible meter collections realized between 6 PM and midnight were dwarfed by the financial losses experienced by local restaurants and shops due to customers enraged by unexpected and expensive parking tickets. Longtime patrons that frequented stores and eateries parked in the same areas for years without having to feed the meter after 6 PM. Unaware of the meter changes, many of these snowbirds would park in these familiar spots upon coming to town, eat dinner and find a $25 ticket on their windshield. Although clearly no fault of the merchant, these customers would affirm their intentions to eat and shop elsewhere in the future.

Petitioned for relief by the Galt Mile Community Association as well as hundreds of local residents and merchants, Commissioner Teel fought to roll the meters’ shut down time back to 6 PM. The increased 50 cent rate, however, remained intact since the meters’ timing, not the required extra quarter, precipitated the problem. With the assistance of City Manager George Gretsas, our City Commissioner was able to elicit the timing adjustment needed to defuse this impediment to the neighborhood’s commercial revival. When Presidents Council Chair Pio Ieraci thanked Commissioner Teel for her help with settling this dilemma, he was joined by the entire membership. After the applause abated, the membership returned their focus to considering a possible resolution to onerous property insurance premiums.

Included in last year’s special session property insurance reform package was a provision that opened the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund to carriers complaining about unreasonably high reinsurance costs. Industry spokespersons and company executives blamed reinsurers for “running scared.” New “worst case” hurricane risk models were commissioned by reinsurers to justify rates adequate to finance rebuilding entire counties from the ground up. To start with, they extrapolated the damage costs of the previous two multi-event seasons, salting in prognostications for ten to fifteen consecutive years of worsening storm damage. Secondly, they insisted that their fiduciary responsibility to stockholders mandated additional layers of fiscal insulation incremental to those supported by radically skewed meteorological risk models.

To demonstrate that they were just “ordinary folks” trying to make the best of a bad situation, insurance representatives bemoaned the exorbitant cost of reinsurance they were “forced to pass through” to policy holders, promising that 25% of the reactionary premium pricing would melt away if they could only buy reinsurance at reasonable rates. Like Santa, lawmakers broke the budget piñata and pumped $12 billion into fulfilling their wish with the proviso that savings inure to ratepayers, not the company’s bottom line. Heeding the proverbial admonition to be careful what you wish for, Industry pundits inserted a protective caveat: The carriers needed a few years without back-breaking hurricanes to convince elements of the reinsurance market that they were overreacting. With access to cheap money and no new claims for a few years, Commissioner McCarty scrutinized rate submissions to ensure compliance with the one-year old statute.

When some carriers submitted new rate schedules that clearly didn’t reflect the new cost savings, he sent them back to “try harder”. Generally they returned with rate cuts more in line with their promises and the Commissioner’s expectations. However, about a third of the carriers thumbed their nose at the State, comfortable that the state’s need for them exceeded their need for access to the Florida market. Emboldened by what they took as the State’s capitulation during the special session on insurance, major carriers like Allstate requested rate hikes from 28% to 43%. The submissions were accompanied by mostly anecdotal support, blaming costly reinsurance, hurricane risk models that read like episodes from the Twilight Zone and slavish deference to insurance ratings organizations. McCarty subpoenaed documentary proof of Allstate’s claims.

When Allstate produced half the requested documentation and a 51-page objection to the rest on mostly spurious grounds, McCarty pulled their license to sell insurance in Florida. An Appeals Court stayed the action, sending the parties into a dilatory legal two-step. Since McCarty enjoys the Governor’s support, Allstate will eventually have to cough up documentation that demonstrates their ties to the expensive reinsurance carrier they selected despite the availability of cheap FHCF funds, their relationship to the modeling company that ignored the absence of hurricanes for two years and the rating agencies to which they are ostensibly catering.

SENATOR JEFFREY ATWATER

Simultaneously, a Senate Committee appointed to ensure that the State receive the rate cuts promised by the industry scheduled hearings to enforce compliance. The Galt Mile’s voice in the Senate, Jeff Atwater, co-chairs the Senate Select Committee on Insurance Accountability with Hollywood Senator Steven Geller. The success of either the Insurance Office hearings or the Senate hearings is predicated on the extent to which the carriers are concerned about retribution by either jurisdiction.

COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR SENATOR STEVE GELLER

Although infuriated by the nonchalant demeanor with which Allstate executives and those of other carriers imparted to State officials that Florida Insurance Statutes have little impact on how they conduct business, McCarty, Atwater and Geller remain undeterred in their quest for clarification of suspicious corporate inconsistencies. While interrogating insurance executives during the February 5^th hearing about how computer risk models are used in rate filings, 3 out of 5 companies admitted ignoring State insurance regulations. After using an approved computer model to help forecast potential storm damage losses, they modified the results with data from a controversial new model that isn’t approved by the state. Allstate Floridian’s chief executive Joseph Richardson told the Senate panel that while the state statute says insurers must use the approved model, it doesn’t preclude using data from an unapproved one. A flustered Senator Geller remarked, “Only an insurance industry lawyer could read the statute like that. I thought the intent of the statute was clear: Insurers could only use the models approved by the Florida Hurricane Loss Prevention Methodology Commission.”

Senator Atwater was stonewalled as he repeatedly questioned the actuarial acrobatics performed by Allstate in purchasing additional reinsurance adequate to justify a 43% rate increase despite dropping the 300,000 highest risk properties from its 500,000 property portfolio over the last few years. When asked whether the company’s auto policies were profitable in Florida, Richardson turned away and shrugged his shoulders. Incredulous committee member Senator Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) exhorted, “You don't know whether you're making a profit?” Adhering to a strategy conjoining redundant requests for rate increases with an almost mechanical non-responsiveness, Richardson proclaimed, “I don't want to comment,” followed by, “Inadequate rates have caused an operating loss that continues to grow. Allstate [Floridian] faces the very real risk of being wiped out in the event of a bad hurricane season.” Absent a major policy shift, the prospect of these carriers fulfilling their commitment to reduce rates is – at best – dubious.

At about the same time, a group of 58 condominiums and cooperative associations in Palm Beach County became one of the first condominium self-insurance trusts to issue windstorm policies in Florida. The Palm Beach Windstorm Self Insurance Trust is the first independent risk pool authorized under last year’s statute that was formed for the sole purpose of providing inexpensive coverage for its sponsoring associations. Other recent candidates were formed as business entities primarily concerned with soliciting association participation in exchange for management contracts and other commercial concessions.

Continental Management, the State’s largest association management company and a subsidiary of the Toronto-based First Services conglomerate, utilized the self-insurance license it was granted on October 31, 2007 as an enticement for their management services. In contrast, the Palm Beach group’s sole mission is to provide insurance at cost, about 40% less than Citizens charges. Given the huge windstorm component charged to associations for coverage, the savings is ordinarily measured in the $100s of thousands. When the Palm Beach group was granted a license following the most exigent review ever performed by the Office of Insurance Regulation, Senator Jeff Atwater approved, stating, “Today marks a historic moment for the insurance industry in Florida. By using the self insurance option, these property associations are utilizing the cost saving insurance measures created by the legislature.”

Following the approval, several media releases reported insurance industry claims that self insured groups were dangerous; contending that they were not admitted carriers and therefore unacceptable for mortgage purposes. Some reporters stated that they also suffered from inadequate funding and were therefore incapable of paying legitimate claims. In fact, the Office of Insurance Regulation confirmed that they are fully admitted carriers in the State of Florida and carry deeper coverage levels than most carriers. Another eerie complaint published by industry sources condemned the right of self-insured groups to assess members. Actually, Citizens survives by assessments. Every nickel currently spent by Citizens to pay Hurricane damage claims is billed to property insurance policyholders throughout the State. Serendipitously, participation in the self-directed windstorm trust will relieve Galt Mile associations from their obligation to pay Citizens’ unrelenting assessments.

Few carriers address sizable claims with their own funds. Instead, they purchase reinsurance protection. By duplicating this standard business model without the layers of corporate pork and the healthy profit, the Palm Beach group will receive benefits identical to those offered by Citizens at roughly 60% of the cost.

Richard Duer, the insurance pundit who engineered the concept and steered the Palm Beach group through their licensing trials, has addressed many Galt Mile associations during the past few years. Although he started working with both groups simultaneously, the Palm Beach group agreed to sponsor his efforts, financing the extensive licensing research and documentation required by the State. As such, the Galt Mile group deferred to our neighbors to the north. By agreement, we would wait until his pioneering efforts bore fruit, at which time Mr. Duer would duplicate the path he blazed for the Palm Beach group, absent the need for the financing that was required to develop an initial structure that complied with the State Insurance Department regulations

About a dozen Galt Mile associations have expressed their intention to take advantage of the savings when afforded the opportunity. That savings is expected to range from $200,000 for some of the smaller associations to a half million dollars for more expensive structures. As expected, insurance carrier spokespersons are naturally opposed to any competition capable of undermining the need for their services. Agents are also predisposed to advise against self insurance groups. While the trusts are mandated to use their services, agents naturally prefer the greater return guaranteed by selling a substantially more expensive product.

Keeping their promise, Duer and associate Tim Renfro contacted GMCA shortly after formation of the Palm Beach group was announced. At the February 4^th Presidents Council meeting, they informed attendees about the relevant tenets of the new Palm Beach entity and how the benefits compare to the only alternative available to the vast majority of associations across the State; sky-high coverage through Citizens or the companies recently enfranchised to depopulate its client list. Several members complained bitterly that by cutting into their association budget, their current burdensome windstorm coverage is forcing longtime association neighbors on fixed incomes to consider relocating. They asked Duer how quickly Galt Mile Associations would be provided with a reasonable alternative.

PowerPoint GALT MILE SELF-INSURANCE DEMO

Duer distributed handouts to inform members about the licensing process and assess the advantages of creating a viable alternative to Citizens. They also presented a PowerPoint demonstration to help interested members measure the risks attendant to participation in the private self-insurance windstorm product as compared to remaining dependent on Citizens. Duer said that interested associations should call Tim Renfro at 954-593-0325 to schedule a meeting wherein they would discuss the plan in depth and render a quote specific to the association.

Responding to multiple requests for copies of the presentation, Presidents Council Chair Pio Ieraci asked Duer if he would send it to the Galt Mile Community Association for posting on the GMCA web site.

If you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer, either as an individual application or as part of a Microsoft Office suite, you can download and install a FREE 2007 PowerPoint Viewer - directly from Microsoft. Click Here to access the 2007 PowerPoint Viewer download page. The 2007 PowerPoint Viewer is capable of viewing full-featured presentations created in earlier versions of PowerPoint including PowerPoint 97, PowerPoint 2000, PowerPoint 2002, PowerPoint 2003 and - of course - PowerPoint 2007. IT IS FREE!

For additional information about the Palm Beach Windstorm Self-Insurance Trust, Click Here.

GMCA
Team Members

• Coral Ridge Tower Original: Bonnie Leavitt, Captain
• Coral Ridge Tower North: Leigh Strasser, Captain
• Coral Ridge Tower South: Dave Jenkins, Captain
• Coral Ridge Tower East: James Rainey, Captain
• Fountainhead, Jennifer Donnelly, Captain
• Galt Towers: Cyndi Songer, Captain
• L’Hermitage: Domenic Faro, Captain
• Ocean Summit: Lee Lowenthal, Captain
• Playa del Sol: Richard Pohan, Captain
• Regency South: Merie Mangan, Captain
• Regency Tower: Candace Brown, Captain
• Ocean Riviera: Ellen O'Neil Captain
• Southpoint: Suzanne Gold, Captain
• Playa del Mar: Rosie Bowers, Captain
• Ocean Club: Herb Santiago, Captain
• The Galleon: Paul Swan, Captain
• Caribe: Dr. Bob Drews, Captain
• The Commodore: Ted Rogers, Captain
• Plaza East: David Beswick, Captain
• Royal Ambassador: Marty Weinstein, Captain

22 Condo Associations out of 25 - not too shabby! There is still time to have others join... if anyone knows of another entity that wants to join the team (business or association) please have them get in touch with Scott Woodburn (954-629-73