President Bob Schulbaum opened the meeting at 9:30 am. He introduced Captain Sandt of the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office. Captain Sandt advised the delegates and guests that crime statistics for the area are down. However, there have bee 52 stolen vehicles since January, and more than 30 had the keys or fobs left in the cars. Additionally, there have been 115 car burglaries in Delray Beach, with 81 of those cars having been left unlocked. Captain Sandt strongly recommended locking vehicles and removing the keys.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Representative Tony Keeler reported that hurricane preparation in the area was good. He did caution that a number of fires have been caused by faulty heating blankets and lack of surge protectors in electrical outlets.
Executive Vice President Lori Vinikoor informed the group of the success that the Alliance had in maintaining twice weekly trash pickup in West Delray Beach. She noted that phone calls are being made to residents to determine the size trash containers to be provided. Since different households would require different sizes the Alliance will pursue a solution to a one-size-fits-all dilemma.
She then introduced Todd Bonlarron, Assistant County Administrator, to explain the pros and cons of each of the proposed Florida Constitution amendments that must be voted on. He noted that in order to be approved, the 12 proposals (number 8 has been removed from the ballot) need a supermajority, that is, a 60% + 1 vote in favor for inclusion in the Constitution. He then answered questions that had been submitted by the delegates.
Karen Brill and Erica Whitfield, both members of the Palm Beach County Board of Education, were introduced and encouraged a ‘yes’ vote on the referendum to levy a one mill tax in order to provide additional school safety, counsellors, and to continue to fund physical education, art, music, and career choice programs as well as to improve teachers’ salaries. It was shown that this did not add a significant increase in the taxes that are assessed at the present time.
The next meeting of the Alliance will be held on November 7, 2018. The timeline for the expansion of Atlantic Avenue will be the topic. Transportation Planning Agency Director Nick Uhren and Palm Beach County Director of Engineering David Ricks will be the speakers.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45.
Carol Klausner, Director