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Do you remember the old North Miami train station just off NE 16 Avenue and 131 Street? It's now home to a storage facility, and once was home to the Florida Drivers' License staff. Did you know that the North Miami station has a cameo role in an episode of 'I Love Lucy?' The episode, "Off to Florida," first aired on November 12, 1956 and featured Elsa Lanchester as a guest star. Click here to watch those rare episodes on YouTube! The train station "cameo" begins at approximately 4:09 in the third clip and the North Miami sign is prominent. Thanks to North Miami High graduate Sharon Higgins for finding these gems and forwarding them to me! For more info about historical happenings in our town, visit www.northmiamihistory.com.
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| North Miami Council Again Approves FPL-related Resolution Great news! The North Miami City Council has unanimously approved a resolution asking the Florida Legislature to provide a more-level playing field to cities in disagreements with utility companies. I proposed the Resolution after the recent election of South Miami Mayor Phillip Stoddard breathed new life into the issue.
For the full text of the Resolution, please click here:
In 2007, Florida Power & Light erected 80-foot-tall Transmission Lines through residential areas in North Miami. They did so to increase electrical capacity in the area, which none of us argued with.
However, the City of North Miami opposed the path chosen by FPL. We opposed it because the route ran through a large section of residential areas. In fact, we suggested an alternative route (along some nearby railroad tracks) that FPL admitted they did not take the time to study.
The biggest reason we were unable to halt FPL is that Florida law does not allow cities like North Miami to challenge them. We could not sue. We could not demand background information as to why this route was chosen. We could not stop them...because the Florida Legislature gives us no recourse.
Although the poles are now up, we still want the Legislature to take action. The Resolution urges them to do the following:
There must be recourse for cities which provides a fair, measured discussion on issues like these. North Miami had some very valid questions and arguments in our situation, yet we were left in the cold when it came to getting answers.
Last year, State Rep. Ron Brise proposed House Bill 1315 that would have accomodated these requests. Unfortunately, that Bill gained no traction and never got out of Committee in Tallahassee.
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As a board member of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, many of you in the past have supported my fundraising efforts in the Florida AIDS Walk, among other things. One of AHF's other campaigns has been an attempt to make mandatory the use of condoms in the filming of adult videos. Obviously, actors who do not use condoms are at greater risk of contracting or spreading the HIV virus. |
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| Galvin Returns Police-Like Badge On January 12th, I was offered by the Interim City Manager a badge that looked exactly like those carried by our North Miami Police Officers. The gold-colored shield was the same size and weight as what a detective might carry, even coming inside a flip-open wallet. I immediately gave back the badge. Even though the badge did read "City Councilman," I do not think it is appropriate for me to carry it. I have the utmost respect for the police officers who daily put themselves at risk to protect our city. The badge they wear is a symbol of their authority and sacrifice. In no way do my efforts as a city councilman deserve to put in the same category as theirs. When I joined the Council in 1999, I was similarly offered such a badge and I returned it then, too. My thoughts remain now as they did over a decade ago. Our police officers earn the privilege of wearing a badge. Only they should do so. |
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| City & CRA Award Funds to Community Groups Using government funds from both the United States government and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the City Council awarded a variety of funds to local non-profit organizations and business doing work within North Miami.
From the CRA was awarded:
From the City:
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| City Manager Contract Finalized The contract to hire Russell Benford as the new North Miami City Manager has been finalized. Mr. Benford's first day in North Miami was Thursday, January 14th. His starting salary will be $203,000 annually. I voted against the salary level, believing that it is excessive for economic times like these. But I am excited for the vigor and knowledge that Mr. Benford will bring to North Miami from Day One. North Miami faces many challenges in the years ahead. Mr. Benford will undoubtedly be an asset to us during that time. I heartily welcome him to town and am looking forward to working with him. |
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| Galvin Returns Police-Like Badge On January 12th, I was offered by the Interim City Manager a badge that looked exactly like those carried by our North Miami Police Officers. The gold-colored shield was the same size and weight as what a detective might carry, even coming inside a flip-open wallet. I immediately gave back the badge. Even though the badge did read "City Councilman," I do not think it is appropriate for me to carry it. I have the utmost respect for the police officers who daily put themselves at risk to protect our city. The badge they wear is a symbol of their authority and sacrifice. In no way do my efforts as a city councilman deserve to put in the same category as theirs. When I joined the Council in 1999, I was similarly offered such a badge and I returned it then, too. My thoughts remain now as they did over a decade ago. Our police officers earn the privilege of wearing a badge. Only they should do so. |
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| City Sending Default Letter to Biscayne Landing Operators The City of North Miami has authorized our attorneys to send a letter of default to the developers of the Biscayne Landing property. The developer of record is still officially Boca Developers. However, since their development loan is in foreclosure, the holder of that loan, Credit Suisse will also get the same notice. The main issue triggering the default letter was that Boca Developers failed to pay by November 2009 the amount of $1 million toward redevelopment of MoCA. Boca Developers also owes the City money for ground lease payments. The hard-line stance reflects the Council's frustration over not receiving payments due under the terms of the Munisport Agreement. Those funds have been counted upon to balance the City's budget. A public workshop will be held during January to further discuss Biscayne Landing-related issues. A date, time, and place has yet to be decided |
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| Galvin Lauds Congresspersons for Pushing to End Gay Blood Ban, Offers to Help Since 1985, gay men have not been able to legally donate blood in the United States. This policy was instituted by our government in the earliest, most fearful days of the AIDS epidemic. When so little was known about the disease, reactionary officials instituted the ban as a way to ensure the nation's blood supply would remain "clean." This is an issue that has always bothered me and earlier this year, I began investigating to learn if any efforts are underway nationally to end the ban. In early December 2009, I found out there are. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois has drafted a letter to the Food and Drug Administration urging the lifetime ban be reexamined. Nine other Members of Congress have also signed the letter, including our own Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who represents parts of North Miami. Click here to read the full text of the letter. I have contacted Reps. Quigley and Wasserman Schultz and offered to help push this issue anyway that I can, including getting more Congressional signatures. I've also contacted the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, which is also very concerned. The group of representatives also agrees with the American Medical Association's proposal to change the lifetime deferral policy to a five-year deferral policy. They also mention that America's Blood Centers, the American Red Cross, and the AABB suggested a deferral period for gay and bisexual men to be 12 months back in March 2006. The signers site the fact that several other countries have changed their policies recently, including Italy Sweden, Argentina, and Japan. "For many individuals this permanent ban is seen as unfair, discriminatory and serving to simply perpetuate the negative stereotype that all men who have sex with men are HIV positive," they wrote. I am thankful that efforts are underway to overturn the ban. I look forward to helping end this outdated and discriminatory policy. |
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| Tennis Court Named in Memory of Clayton Feig Clayton Feig was a resident of North Miami who died suddenly in 1993 of Sudden Epilepsy Death Syndrome. He was only 18 years old.
Since Clayton spent many of his years at the Penny Sugarman Sans Souci Tennis Center, the Mayor and Council have voted to name its clay court in his memory. Since Clayton's death, his family has sponsored the only free USTA tennis tournament at Sans Souci. A sign will be placed at the clay court commemorating the memorial.
Additionally, the Feig family has generously donated $25,000 for upkeep and programming at Sans Souci. A special thanks go not only to the Feig's, but also to North Miami resident James Tate. Mr. Tate was integral in the memorial's process.
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| Tennis Court Named in Memory of Clayton Feig Clayton Feig was a resident of North Miami who died suddenly in 1993 of Sudden Epilepsy Death Syndrome. He was only 18 years old.
Since Clayton spent many of his years at the Penny Sugarman Sans Souci Tennis Center, the Mayor and Council have voted to name its clay court in his memory. Since Clayton's death, his family has sponsored the only free USTA tennis tournament at Sans Souci. A sign will be placed at the clay court commemorating the memorial.
Additionally, the Feig family has generously donated $25,000 for upkeep and programming at Sans Souci. A special thanks go not only to the Feig's, but also to North Miami resident James Tate. Mr. Tate was integral in the memorial's process.
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| Bel-House Agreement to be Terminated November 30th In a 5-0 vote, the North Miami CRA Board has decided to terminate the Bel-House agreement. That agreement was geared toward rehabilitating apartment units at the Bel-House Apartment building on NE 6 Avenue.
The decision was mutually agreed to by the building's owners, Jack and Roberta Yoches. The Yoches' recently won an insurance claim related to Bel-House, but the settlement money awarded was far less than they had hoped. Thus, they weren't going to be able to uphold their financial end of the agreement.
As of November 30th, the City and CRA will no longer be associated with Bel-House and the full property, including its current tenants and their rent, will revert back to the Yoches. The termination also frees-up approximately $650,000 in the CRA.
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| Seventy-Five Applicants for City Manager
With the application deadline passing last week, 75 people have thrown their hat into the ring for consideration to be the next North Miami City Manager. Click here to see an alphabetical listing of all applicants.
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| Kids Can Design Marlins' Greeting Card CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS! Kids are invited to create their very own Florida Marlins Community Foundation Holiday Greeting Card. The winning card will be the Community Foundation’s signature card for the 2009 Holiday Season. All entries will be eligible for the Grand Prize - a VIP tour, 4 infield box seats to a pre-selected 2010 Marlins home game, pre-game on-field recognition and an autographed item from the Marlins. Three honorable mention winners will receive 4 infield box seats to a pre-selected 2010 Marlins home game, pre-game on-field recognition and an autographed player card. Submission deadline is November 6th, 2009. For more details, visit this link:
Good luck,
Scott Galvin
North Miami City Council (and Marlins Foundation Advisory Board Member) |
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| 40th Anniversary of North Miami Library Halloween Tradition This Halloween night, we expect Coxie's Army to again sally forth with an annual tradition at the North Miami Public Library. It will mark the 40th Anniversary of a prank which started in 1969. Forty years ago, a group of Boy Scouts decided to spike a pumpkin through the steeple of the North Miami Public Library. Calling themselves 'Coxie's Army,' the men have now left a pumpkin..and a poem...every Halloween since. No one knows who they are! It started when a group of teenage boys, too old for trick-or-treating, but too young to party, gathered on Halloween. They wanted to pull a prank that would satisfy the rotten kid in all of them. Something which was big enough to garner attention but not mean-spirited or destructive. Thus was born their prank at the North Miami Library. The act itself might not seem so imporessive, despite the 43-foot climb to the steeple. What was really impressive is what was foretold in the accompanying poem to the prank: "The Great Pumpkin shall watch over your library forever." Now 40 years later, undeterred by construction, lifestyle changes, or even weather, the "boys," now in their 50s, still gather to fulfill their promise every Halloween. The original group of perhaps 7 Boy Scouts referred to themselves as 'Coxie's Army.' It was a moniker given to them by their Scout leader who told them they were a mess, looking as bad as Coxey's Army, a group of unemployed workers who led a march on Washington, DC in 1894. They gave themselves codenames such as Lt. Youthful Yak, Lt. Col. Major Minor, Lt. Col. Yeti P. Sasquatch, Staff Sgt. Skeeter, and Colonel Coxie...names which were signed to every poem. Though the Army members have gotten jobs and moved away, they still come back each Halloween. To date, their real identities remain a secret. The North Miami Public Library embraces the prank, leaving their own poems for the gang, as well as establishing an exhibit showcase of poems and photos. "The steeple is now close to 50-feet high. If you fall off, I hope you can fly," read one Library poem. Only in 2005, with Hurricane Wilma leaving treacherous conditions on the Library roof, was Coxie's Army only slightly deterred. Even so, they left a pumpkin at the front door of the building. In 2008, the youngest of the group, Sgt. Skeeter, was the first of the group to pass away. But with 2009 upon us, and renewed enthusiasm over one of North Miami's longest traditions, we know that a pumpkin will again appear on the steeple. Viva la Pumpkin!
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| Arnold's Royal Castle and Burger King Named 'Businesses of Year' At the 2009 North Miami Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon, two stalwart fixtures of NW 7th Avenue were coincidentally named 'Businesses of the Year.'
Arnold's Royal Castle, located at NW 7 Avenue and 125 Street, took home the honor of "Small Business of the Year."
Located blocks away at 12790 NW 7th Avenue, Burger King #17 was named "Large Business of the Year."
Burger King #17 has operated at the same location since 1959 and is the busiest free-standing Burger King restaurant in the entire United States. Juan Cruz, current owner of the store, picked up his award at the luncheon. His family, including father John Cruz, has run the store since 1969. They recently invested $2 million in the renovation of the restaurant and employ over 60 people.
Arnold's Royal Castle has similarly shown a strong commitment to the North Miami community. Fire gutted the restaurant in 2004, but with help from the North Miami CRA, it reopened in January 2009. There were 904 customers on opening day!
Wayne Arnold, owner of the restaurant, began working with the franchise in 1961. Now the owner of the rebuilt facility, he says "everything is new except the floor." He also annonced at the luncheon that frosted mugs for birch beer are now back!
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| City of North Miami Community Based Organization Grant Funding Soon Available The City of North Miami will soon accept applications for our annual Community Based Organization grant funding. This year, we have a total of $80,000 to disperse to groups doing work in North Miami. |
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| North Miami Budget Passes; No Layoffs or Loss of Services Miami-Dade County has gutted services to dozens of programs. The City of Miami is likely to lay off hundreds of workers.
But the City of North Miami will have none of that.
The 2009-2010 North Miami city budget has been finalized. Totalling $49 milllion our new millage rate is 7.33, coming up slightly from 2008-09. But since property values have declined so greatly, most homeowners will see a decrease in their North Miami bills. That also meant the City had $2 million less than last year with which to work.
Here are some highlights:
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| Gov. Crist Awards North Miami "Green-to-Gold;" Recognizing Environmental Leadership The City of North Miami has won Governor Charlie Crist's Green-to-Gold Award, which is earmarked for a Florida company, organization, or institution that, through product, practice and/or process, best exemplifies “green” leadership. This award advocates the sustainable management of resources and the stewardship of the natural environment. Business Expansion Mid Market: DeSoto Memorial Hospital, Inc. ( DeSoto County ) Major Market: RTI Biologies, Inc. ( Alachua County ) Mega Market: Sikorsky Aircraft ( Palm Beach County ) Entrepreneurship Mid Market: SystemOne, LLC ( Martin County ) Major Market: IntegraClick, Inc./Clickbooth.com ( Sarasota County ) Mega Market: 360Ed, Inc. ( Orange County ) Mega Market: Intezyne Technologies ( Hillsborough County ) Export Excellence Mid Market: Waterblasting Technologies, Inc. ( Martin County ) Major Market: MyUS.com ( Manatee County ) Mega Market: Home Diagnostics ( Broward County ) Innovation Mid Market: Seatorque Control Systems, LLC ( Martin County ) Major Market: Sinmat Inc. ( Alachua County ) Mega Market: Financial Information Technologies, Inc. (Fintech) ( Hillsborough County ) Newcomer Mid Market: Ice River Spring Marianna, LLC ( Jackson County ) Major Market: Prism Microwave ( Collier County ) Mega Market: Draper Laboratory (Hillsborough and Pinellas counties) Green-to-Gold Mid Market: Buckeye Technologies, Inc. ( Taylor County ) Mid Market: CSA International, Inc. ( Martin County ) Major Market: Covanta Energy ( Pasco County) Mega Market: City of North Miami ( Miami-Dade County )
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| New CRA Advisory Board Members Join Re-Appointees At our September 15th CRA meeting, the North Miami CRA Board re-appointed several existing members and appointed a couple of new ones. As of now, here are the members of the North Miami CRA Advisory Committee: |
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| Give 11 for 11 ~ Donate and Remember the September 11th Victims September 11, 2009, marks the eighth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. To remember those who lost their lives that day, North Miami City Councilman Scott Galvin is inviting residents to participate in a special charitable effort. He's calling it, "Give 11 for 11." |
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| North Miami Manager Clarance Patterson Resigns Effective November 30, 2009 "This ninety day notice is to allow the Mayor and Council time to recruit an interim or permanent replacement," reads Patterson's letter to the Mayor and City Council. The letter was handed to Councilmembers as we walked into our August 25th meeting. |
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If not, you may begin receiving a warning violation as the City of North Miami ’s red-light safety cameras program is ready to begin. The warning phase is in progress at one location, with others soon coming on-line in the summer. The cameras will begin taking photos of red-light runners as the equipment is installed and tested at designated intersections. Photo-enforcement cameras will capture still images and video of red-light running violations.
Each of the intersections will have a 30-day warning period, during which a warning notice will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner. The warning notice will be sent via mail. There will be no fine for this warning notice. At the completion of the warning period, citations will be issued in the same manner. The fine for a violation is $125. At this time, one intersection is already in a warning phase, with three other locations in process of having equipment installed. The locations of the photo-enforcement cameras in North Miami are planned as follows: Active warning phase through July 21, 2009: · Biscayne Boulevard (US1) and NE 151 Street Installment and Permitting phase: · NW 135 Street and NW 7 Avenue · NE 6 Avenue and NE 135 Street · NE 6 Avenue and NE 125 Street “The warning period will give residents an opportunity to become familiar with the red-light system. We encourage people to slow down and definitely stop on red before the actual citations begin,” said Officer Ray DeJesus of North Miami Police Department’s Traffic Unit. “This is a public safety program, and our goal is to deter red-light runners and prevent collisions resulting from these violations.” Cameras will operate 24-hours a day and capture images of every vehicle running a red-light at the intersection. Warning signs alerting drivers to the red-light cameras will also be installed at the intersections. The red-light enforcement program is administered by American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS) with each violation reviewed and approved by the North Miami Police Department prior to being issued. For more information about North Miami ’s red-light safety program, visit www.northmiamifl.gov or www.northmiamipolice.com. For information about North Miami ’s Stop on Red red-light safety program, contact Major Stephen Johnson at 305-891-0294, or sjohnson@northmiamipolice.com. For information about the red-light camera equipment or American Traffic Solutions, contact: Josh Weiss, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, American Traffic Solutions, 480-596-4613 josh.weiss@atsol.com.
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| Parks and Open Land Near New Schools I hosted a wonderful meeting at City Hall on August 11th with the purpose of discussing potential new parks and open space near Mourning High and FIU. With new students and residents using the area east of Biscayne Boulevard along NE 151 Street, we have to look for ways to give our children more room.
Attendance at the meeting was outstanding! Those present included the new Provost of FIU, the principals of our new schools, and representatives of Oleta River Park, County and City Parks, County Commmisioner Heyman, South Florida Water Management, and the Department of Environmental Resources.
Trimont Real Estate was on-hand to represent the Biscayne Landing project. Even local residents from our Parks Commission and the Keystone Homeowners Association were there.
Our two-hour discussion on Parks and open land was a great step forward in bringing together the many agencies who have interest in the topic. Stay tuned for how this issue progresses!
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| City Receives Federal Stimulus Funds To Support Three Police Officer Positions Federal Grant Will Fund the Positions for Three Years North Miami, FL – July 29, 2009 – The city of North Miami received good news from the federal government yesterday, with the release of the list of award recipients from the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP). The program, which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly referred to as “Economic Stimulus” funds, awarded North Miami approximately $733,509. This amount will cover the hiring and support for three entry level police officers for three years. Under the leadership of U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, and other supporters, South Florida faired very well. North Miami is one of eight municipalities in Miami-Dade county that was awarded funding, which totaled over $17 million among the eight agencies. A total of $1 billion has been distributed to approximately 1,000 agencies in all 50 states. CHRP will provide 100 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years for newly-hired, full-time sworn officer positions or for rehired officers who have been laid off, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date, as a result of local budget cuts. North Miami ’s three positions were vacant (frozen) and would not have been funded in the upcoming fiscal year (FY10), which begins on October 1st. For more information on the COPS CHRP program, log on to http://www.cops.usdoj.gov. To see a list of ARRA projects requested by the city of North Miami, visit www.northmiamifl.gov and click on the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009” Quick Link to the right of the page or visit recovery.gov for a national perspective. |
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| Surplus Equipment From North Miami To Take On A New Life In Delmas, Haiti North Miami Donates Vehicles and Equipment to Its Sister City North Miami, FL – July 22, 2009 – North Miami is meeting the needs of its Sister City – Delmas , Haiti – by providing surplus vehicles and equipment. Instead of auctioning the items, the North Miami City Council voted to donate the items to Delmas, a suburb of Port-au-Prince , where the equipment will take on a new life to aid the City in providing essential services to its residents. “This equipment will be put to immediate use in Delmas,” explained North Miami Councilwoman Marie Erlande Steril, “We want to show the residents of our Sister City in Haiti that there are people that care and that are willing to help.” Although the equipment and vehicles are used, they are not fully depreciated and are in good condition. Here is a summary of the items North Miami is donating to Delmas , Haiti :
Last month, the city of North Miami , also provided a week-long training session on disaster preparedness and response to staff from the City of Delmas in order to better prepare the City to prepare for and respond to damage caused by Hurricanes and other tropical storms. The items will be transported to Haiti via Trans-Haiti Cargo Shipping, on the Ship Danicka, located at 3600 North River Drive , in Miami . Vehicles will be transported from the North Miami Motor Pool, 1855 NE 142 Street, to the ship tomorrow, Thursday, July 23rd starting at 10 a.m. The equipment will depart at various times tomorrow, accompanied by Councilwoman Steril and other City officials. To capture the transportation of the vehicles in action, contact Pam Solomon at 786-255-8839 for details.
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| North Miami High STILL North Miami High Over the last several days, I've received dozens of inquiries regarding a rumor that the name of our beloved North Miami High is being changed.
Pioneers everywhere can rest easy, however....North Miami High is still 'North Miami High' and the name is NOT CHANGING.
What you've been hearing about pertains to a SECOND high school opening this September within City limits. Located next to the North Miami Athletic Stadium on NE 151 Street, east of Biscayne Boulevard, that school was just named on June 17th as "Alonzo and Tracy Mourning High School."
Because Alonzo Mourning formerly played basketball for the Miami Heat, the story was picked up by national media, including NBC, ESPN, and MSN.
This has led to great confusion and rumor that our alma-mater was the school named for Mourning.
There are Now TWO High Schools in North Miami
A Brand New Building for North Miami High - In 2007, the North Miami city council and Miami-Dade County School Board agreed to build new schools in North Miami. The new North Miami High School will house 3,200 students and cost $93 million to build. It will open in September 2009. It sits on land formerly occupied by North Miami Middle School, the Armory, Valentine Center, Gribble Pool, and old fire station.
Click here to read more about the NEW North Miami High. You can even take a virtual tour of the new building!
"Alonzo Mourning High School" - Located near Biscayne Landing, it will also open in September 2009. It cost $43 million and will be home to 1,560 students. Its site is immediately east of the North Miami Athletic Stadium.
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Last year, I gave away over 600 American flags to residents across North Miami. Because it was such a great success, I decided to do it again!
Starting the day before Flag Day (June 13) and ending on Independence Day (July 4), I'm going to give away hundreds of 3' x 5' American flags to North Miami households. Everyone should fly Old Glory, and this is your chance to show your patriotism!
Here's How it Works
Get Your Flag Kit! The kits being given include a pole, bracket, and a 3' x 5' USA flag (made in the US). This promotion is sponsored by Councilman Scott Galvin and Freedom Flag & Banner. Flag Kits will be available at North Miami City Hall, 776 NE 125 Street, at the Second Floor City Council Office. While supplies last, Flag Kits will be given away starting at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 13, 2009, and ending at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 4, 2009.
Eligibility. Only North Miami residents are eligible to participate. When picking up your Flag Kit, a valid ID with home address must be presented (e.g. Driver's License, Utility Bill). Only one flag per household. Residents may not pick up a flag for their neighbors.
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| Jean Marcellus Sworn-In to District 3 Seat On June 23rd, Jean Marcellus was inaugurated as Councilman in the North Miami District 3 seat. Though he won the seat in a June 2nd run-off, the certification of those results was delayed.
Marcellus' residency has been called into question by his opponent in that race, Michelle Garcia. Under North Miami law, a candidate seeking office must have lived in the city for at least one year prior to filing deadlines. That means all 2009 candidates must have been living in North Miami by March 2009.
Marcellus sought office in the City of Miramar in March 2008 and filed related paperwork using a Miramar address as late as June 2008. Garcia has filed a lawsuit challenging whether Marcellus is qualified to serve based on the residency issue.
A Dade Circuit Court Judge, Scott Silverman, is scheduled to hear the case on July 27th. That case will decide whether Marcellus remains in his seat, Garcia is seated, or possible new elections are called for.
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| Fees New Times Newspaper Chooses 2009 "Best Of" Locations in North Miami
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| Fees Reduced For Water Improvement Projects Council Votes to Reduce Capital Improvement Fee for Residential and Commercial Accounts North Miami, FL – March 9, 2009 – In an effort to provide some financial relief to residents and business-owners, the North Miami City Council recently approved a reduction to the existing capital improvement fee for water that is charged on the City’s utility bill. The new capital improvement fee, $7.67 per month, was approved at the February 27th council meeting. The new rate reduces the fee by approximately 85% and 50% for commercial and residential accounts respectively. The city of North Miami implemented this fee in October 2007 in order to begin securing funds to upgrade the City’s aging water treatment facility, Winson Water Plant at Sunkist Grove, and to build a new reverse osmosis treatment facility to increase the capacity to produce more potable water. Currently, the City purchases water from Miami-Dade County in order to service all of our utility customers, which include residents of Biscayne Park and some areas of unincorporated Miami-Dade County. The rate reduction was possible because the City divided the water projects into two phases. The reduced fees will concentrate on funding phase one of the project – the upgrading of the existing treatment facility. The City Council will revisit the rates in two years in order to plan for phase two, the building of the new treatment facility. Utility
customers will see this new rate go into effect in the March billing cycle.
Those units that are billed on a quarterly basis will see the new rate
on their next bill. For additional information, please contact the North
Miami Utility Billing Office at 305-895-9880.
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| Rep. Ron Brise' Files Bill to Protect Communities in FPL Situation! Rep. Ron Brise'
Files Bill to Protect Communities in FPL Situation! |
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| North Miami Neighborhood Beautification Competition
click on the image to view it at full size |
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| Weekend 'Code Hotline' Announced! Weekend 'Code
Hotline' Announced! 305-525-0242 |
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| North Miami Councilman Galvin Addresses Miami Chamber of Commerce on "Inspiring Green Ideas" On February 17, 2009, North Miami City Councilman Scott Galvin joined other local dignitaries to address members of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce on the topic of "Inspiring Green Ideas." The setting was the Chamber's monthly luncheon, held at their offices in Downtown Miami. The discussion focused on what local communities are doing to become more environmentally friendly. Galvin spoke of the City of North Miami's new recycling program, in which residents earn gift certificates redeemable with local merchants. The more they recycle, the more they earn. He also discussed the recent creation of the Arch Creek East Environmental Preserve. "It was quite an honor to address the Chamber," said Galvin. "I learned much about what other Cities are also doing to 'go green.'" Galvin also highlighted the new North Miami website, www.greennorthmiami.com, where environmental news and tips can be learned. Other panelists
at the event were Mayor Paul Vrooman of Cutler Bay; Robert Ruano, the
City of Miami Director of Grants and Sustainable Initiatives; and Devesh
Nirmul, Miami-Dade County Office of Sustainability Program Manager.
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| North Miami 'Not-for-Profit' Organizations Get Federal Funds As we have
done every year for at least a decade, the North Miami City Council has
awarded Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to local
charitable organizations doing work in our city. The total amount awarded
this year is $108,926.00.
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| "The Road" Now Part of ACE Environmental Preserve
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| Galvin Urges Study of Advertising at Certain Park Facilities Lexus Park? Costco Field? Joe
Robbie Stadium?
Ok, so maybe that last one is a reach.
But an initiative taken by Councilman Galvin could pave the way for limited
commercial advertisements at certain City park facilities.
The main one in mind is the North Miami Athletic
Stadium, located on NE 151 Street, east of Biscayne Boulevard.
With budget cuts straining the City pocketbooks,
allowing a commercial industry to pay to name the stadium might provide
much-needed revenue to our Parks Department.
And on a more limited scale, perhaps other
advertisers will want to hang a banner in the outfield at Cagni or Pepper
Parks. Either way, the income stream could certainly help.
Don't worry, any advertising approved
would be limited. This won't become a visual assualt upon park-goers.
Galvin has asked City staff to put together
guidelines on how such advertising might be implemented. It will
be considered by the entire City Council at a future meeting. But
hopefully the idea will result in added exposure for our local businesses...and
added revenue to benefit our parks.
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| North Miami Council Urges Florida to Strengthen Public Service Commission The North Miami City Council has unanimously passed a resolution that urges Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature to support new rules that would strengthen the abilities of the Public Service Commission.
You'll remember North Miami's battle with FPL in 2007 to try to stop transmission lines through our residential neighborhoods. We lost that battle, but hope the Legislature might take action that could better our chances in a future struggle.
The North Miami resolution asks the Legislature to:
Our State Rep. Ron Brise has been helpful to us in the past on such matters. Let's hope we can find new life for this issue on Capitol Hill.
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| 2008 Gay Leadership Conference a Great Event I was in Washington, DC on December 4-6 for the 2008 International Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference. It was a gathering of openly LGBT elected or appointed officers from across the world. Today, there are about 800 of such people worldwide. About 400 were at this conference.
The seminars were very educational and I got the chance to meet many wonderful elected officials, from city councilmembers like me, to State Legislators and Congresspersons. I attended workshops which focused on topics like the 2008 Elections to HIV/AIDS policies in affect today.
After 10 years on the City Council, this was my first time being able to attend the conference. Sponsored by AT&T, Comcast, and others, it was a great experience.
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| Will President Obama Fund North Miami Programs?
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| Are You in Danger of Mortgate Foreclosure? The City of North Miami has established a new Home Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program, with initial funding provided by the North Miami Community Redevlopment Agency.
Eligible homeowners can get up to $5,000 in assistance toward making loan payments. Payments are made directly from the program to your lending institution. The assistance will be given in the form of a 5-year Deferred Payment Loan at 0% interest. Repayment must begin at the end of the fifth year and be fully completed within 36 months.
For more information and to obtain a copy of the program guidelines, call the North Miami Department of Community Planning and Development at (305) 895-9825. |
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| Help Your Library Earn $1,000! Librarian Joyce Pernicone wants you to help your library win cash! 4-Star Services (an Air Conditioning and Plumbing business) is doing a cash - giveaway of $1,000 per month per non-profit. They are taking nominations on their web page; the more people nominate an organization, the better their chance of wining for the month. The details are below:
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| Organic Buying Club of South Florida Finding consistently fresh, certified organic produce at reasonable prices here in South Florida can be challenging to say the least. The O.P.B.C. (Organic Produce Buying Club) of South Florida is your answer. A modern day cooperative type buying club endeavoring to change that, the O.P.B.C. of South Florida has been providing superior quality, certified organic foods to the South Florida area and beyond at savings always below retail to its members.
Check them out on the web at www.organicbuyingclubsofla.com. Call Becky Jones at City Hall if you're interested in participating. She's at (305) 893-6511, ext. 12155.
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| North Miami Announces Amnesty Program for Code Enforcement Fines In total, residents and businesses across North Miami owe the City approximately $20 million in unpaid code enforcement fines. These fines were assessed by our Code Enforcement Board over the last 15 years. Some were for small violations, others for larger ones. All, however, have grown and accrued additional penalties for not being paid on time.
But because many of the fines are on homesteaded residences, there is nothing the City can do to force their payment. Even when the homes are sold, we have to hope there is something leftover after the mortgage holders (banks) are paid.
Thus, in an effort to generate additional revenues, clean-up old liens, and provide and incentive for code compliance, the City is implementing a one-time-only amnesty period for outstanding code liens.
Highlights of the program are as follows:
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| Galvin Initiates "North Miami Cares" Referral List In recent weeks, I have received an increase in phone calls and emails from residents who are having a hard time paying for their basic utilities. I've had calls from people who can't afford necessities like rent and food. Clearly, the nationwide economic recession is hitting people hard. To help address the needs of residents, I have proposed we create a "North Miami Cares" referral system.
There are resources out there for residents who fall upon hard times. There are food bank programs right here in North Miami. There are programs in the County which help people find emergency housing.
Thus, City Staff is compiling a list we're calling "North Miami Cares." It will have contacts for all local programs and services that help residents with their most-basic of needs. Copies of the list will be made available at City facilities and all Staff will have it handy if ever a resident calls on the phone. We'll also post it on our website and TV channel.
A good government is one that is of the people, not just one of laws. North Miami has always been a strong community and anything we can do to help our fellow citizens should be encouraged.
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| Subscribe to "KeepMePosted" - A Neighborhood E-Newsletter Become acquainted with your neighborhood. Subscribe to KeepMePosted an e-newsletter, to find out activities in the area, post ads, sell or buy useful items and trade references. Advertisers can take advantage of introductory rates. Be a part of your community by subscribing at KMP@Keepmeposted.biz to your new updated electronic bulletin board.
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| North Miami Gets $3 Million to Acquire Forclosed Properties The City of North Miami will receive $3 million under HUD’s new Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The program provides emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities.
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program provides grants to every state and certain local communities to purchase foreclosed or abandoned homes and to rehabilitate, resell, or redevelop these homes in order to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of house values of neighboring homes.The program is authorized under Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.
Our office of Community Planning & Development, directed by Maxine Calloway, will oversee the program. Read HUD's news release. Check back here to learn more detail of North Miami's plans.
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| New Boat Speeds Implemented in North Miami Waterways Councilman Galvin proudly sponsored an ordinance which will improve the quality of life for many residents...and protect the environment at the same time!
By a 5-0 vote, the City Council adopted new rules which designate all city canals as "Idle Speed/No Wake" zones, and portions of Biscayne Bay as "Slow Speed/Minimum Wake" zones. This will make our waterways safer and less-noisy. It also will reduce the deterioration of seawalls caused by boat wakes continuously crashing into them. But perhaps most importantly, it will help protect the manatees which frequent our area.
Signs designating the new speed zones will soon be erected. North Miami Police Marine Patrol will have the authority to write citations if necessary. Thanks to Keystone resident Sandy Baker Hoover for her role in bringing this matter forward.
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| North Miami Adopts Fresh New Recycling Program Get ready for some excitement from an area that normally doesn't provide it. Recycling in North Miami is about to become fun...and earn YOU benefits!
Starting in 2009, our city will implement a new recycling program with the help of RecycleBank.
Our Public Works Department has for 20 years operated a curb-side recycling program for our residents. Over that period, the percentage of residents that participate in this program has been minimal.
But with the new RecycleBank program, our new program would go automated in 2009. Residents will each get a new 96-gallon roll out container and a new automated collection vehicle will pick them up.
But here's the fun part!
RecycleBank provides an incentive to residents who recycle by sending them coupons redeemable at local merchants, like IKEA, Coca-Cola, and more. The amount of th ecouplon is dependenton the amount of recycling the resident generates.
And there are savings for us, too!
The more we recycle, the less goes into our garbage dumps. And the less garbage we put out, the less the City pays for disposal of it. North Miami Public Works Department has also entered into a contract with Waste Management to deliver our recyclables to their new Hialeah facility and the city will be compensated for the tonnage delivered. In the past, the City was not financially compensated for the recyclables that we disposed of, but we did not have to pay to dispose of them either. Now we will generate a revenue with the sale of the recycling and reduce our garbage disposal costs.
The new program will start only with single-family residences, not multi-family residences or commercial locations. Pick-up will be changed from once-per-week to twice-per-month.
And where are recyclables used? RecycleBank tells us that products are used in park benches, paper plates, garbage bins, boat docks, and more. They are also working with Coca-Cola to recycle their own cans into new ones.
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It is an icon
in North Miami’s history that had seen better days. Most of the
current students at North Miami Senior High did not even know that it
existed. The Frog Pond -- a meeting place, a hang-out for students of
eras past – had become dilapidated and overgrown with shrubbery.
It was hard to even see the frogs hidden in the greenery. Thanks to the
generosity of Pirtle Construction Company, working with the City of North
Miami, the frog pond is back and better than ever! click on an image to make it larger
For a video tour of the Frog Pond, click here
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| North Miami Water Rates Adjusted; Small Businesses Benefit The North
Miami City Council recently voted to adjust the Capital Improvement Fees
in the Utility Bill in a way that spreads costs in a more-equitable manner.
Those with smaller meters will pay less, while those with larger meters
will pay more.
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| Water and Sewer Rates Raised Slightly to Pay for New Facility The Water treatment plant that provides North Miami with fresh, clean water was built in 1963, when John F. Kennedy was still in the White House. Since then, its pumps have run continuously, making sure that we have the water we need to wash our clothes and nourish our bodies. After four decades, however, the facility is deteriorating. Pipes are rusting, wiring is exposed, and the plant is in danger of ceasing to work. If it were to stop working, we only have the capacity to store up-to-2-hours-worth of water. After that, we'd all be buying our water from the supermarket for up-to-three months while replacement parts were specially made. That's why the city council has voted to raise Water and Sewer rates slightly. We will use some of the money for immediate repairs, while other funds will be used to construct a brand-new facility. The overall increase which was approved is $179.76 annually. Monthly, that breaks down to an increase of $14.98. Quarterly, that equals $44.94. It was also pointed out by staff that the $179.76 amount will also go down if and when the city receives any Federal, State, or County grant to help build the new water plant. It is likely that we will receive such grants, but we were prohibited from applying for any before we had set up our own funding stream to address the issue. Also, the amount will further reduce as new residences are built in the city (for instance, at Biscayne Landing). With new residences in place, the overall cost will be distributed over more water customers. Here's a breakdown of what the funds are needed for:
Here is a summary of the grants applied for to-date. As we receive grants, the amount you and I pay on our utility bills will come down: FEDERAL GRANTS STATE GRANTS SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT GRANTSALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY PROGRAM In May 2007, the city requested a grant in the amount of $736,000 for Phase 1 of the water plant expansion with a total project cost of $1,800,000. The city was awarded $45,400. The application for the next funding cycle will be due June 2, 2008; the city will be applying for a subsequent phase of this project. For additional info, please click here.
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| Criteria Studios is the Soundtrack of Your Life One of North Miami's best-kept secrets is the Criteria Recording Studio, which this year marks its 50th anniversary. Inside Criteria, many legendary songs have been recorded. It was there that James Brown sang "I Feel Good," and where Eric Clapton belted "Layla." Aretha Franklin was "Young, Gifted, and Black." The Bee Gees laid down Saturday Night Fever. "Hotel California?" Yup, Criteria!
Britney Spears even cooed "Oops, I Did it Again" right here in our city. Thanks to the Miami Herald, you can listen to a jukebox of Criteria hits by clicking here.Happy Anniversary, Criteria!
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| Please Slow Your Boats - Manatee Spotted in Keystone Canal As you head out for an afternoon of fun and recreation, please remember to keep your boats at a safe speed. The photo below is of a manatee seen in the Arch Creek Canal on August 11th. These gentle creatures are regular visitors to the North Miami waterways. Please keep them...and yourself...safe by observing speed limits and "no wake" signs. (Photo courtesy of Anne Novell)
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| North Miami's Youth Board Offers Many Opportunities The North Miami Youth Opportunity Board is made up of volunteers and students who are concerned about programming for the children of our community. Every year, they offer several chances for accomplishments to be recognized, with prizes and scholarships to be won. Here are a few of their programs:
BILL CARR YOUTH RECOGNITION PROGRAM The Youth Opportunity Board's Bill Carr Youth Recognition Program recognizes students that reside in North Miami or attend North Miami schools for their good citizenship at all grade levels (K-12). This program provides up to six (6) awards to students who display exemplary character. Presentations of the awards are made three times a year (usually February, May and October) at North Miami City Council meetings. EDUCATOR RECOGINITION PROGRAM The Youth Opportunity Board's Educator Recognition Program was recently established to recognize educators in our community that share the Youth Opportunity Board's vision by providing opportunity, training and encouragement to young people. Presentations of the awards are made three times a year (usually February, May and October) at North Miami City Council meetings. LOU SCHICK SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Lou Schick Scholarship Program provides cash scholarship awards for North Miami students who have maintained at least a 3.0 high school GPA, plan to attend a college or university, and have demonstrated leadership and academic excellence. Applications are distributed in February and are reviewed/awarded in April/May.
SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM Provides summer employment opportunities for up to 22 high school students ages 16 to 18 who are residents of North Miami and interested in public service. Students work in various City departments where they perform tasks to help them learn about the operations of their local government and provide services to departments in accomplishing projects that may not otherwise be performed. VETERANS' DAY ESSAY CONTEST Provides annual cash awards for middle school and high school students (who reside in North Miami or attend North Miami schools) who participate and are selected as winners in essay contest regarding the meaning of Veterans' Day (in November). Essay winners are recognized at the City's Veterans' Day Ceremony and the first place winner in each level is asked to read a portion of his/her winning essay during the program.
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| Galvin
Announces He's Gay; Speaks Out on National Political Climate
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| Seventy-Five Applicants for City Manager With the application deadline passing last week, 75 people have thrown their hat into the ring for consideration to be the next North Miami City Manager. Click here to see an alphabetical listing of all applicants. "Headhunter" firm, Colin Baenziger & Associates (CBA) has been contracted with by the City to oversee the City Manager Search Effort. Their outreach effort included personal contact, email and advertising. Here's a timeline for what happens next:
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| Kids Can Design Marlins' Greeting Card CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS! Kids are invited to create their very own Florida Marlins Community Foundation Holiday Greeting Card. The winning card will be the Community Foundation’s signature card for the 2009 Holiday Season. All entries will be eligible for the Grand Prize - a VIP tour, 4 infield box seats to a pre-selected 2010 Marlins home game, pre-game on-field recognition and an autographed item from the Marlins. Three honorable mention winners will receive 4 infield box seats to a pre-selected 2010 Marlins home game, pre-game on-field recognition and an autographed player card. Submission deadline is November 6th, 2009. For more details, visit this link:
Good luck,
Scott Galvin
North Miami City Council (and Marlins Foundation Advisory Board Member) |
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| 40th Anniversary of North Miami Library Halloween Tradition This Halloween night, we expect Coxie's Army to again sally forth with an annual tradition at the North Miami Public Library. It will mark the 40th Anniversary of a prank which started in 1969. Forty years ago, a group of Boy Scouts decided to spike a pumpkin through the steeple of the North Miami Public Library. Calling themselves 'Coxie's Army,' the men have now left a pumpkin..and a poem...every Halloween since. No one knows who they are! It started when a group of teenage boys, too old for trick-or-treating, but too young to party, gathered on Halloween. They wanted to pull a prank that would satisfy the rotten kid in all of them. Something which was big enough to garner attention but not mean-spirited or destructive. Thus was born their prank at the North Miami Library. The act itself might not seem so imporessive, despite the 43-foot climb to the steeple. What was really impressive is what was foretold in the accompanying poem to the prank: "The Great Pumpkin shall watch over your library forever." Now 40 years later, undeterred by construction, lifestyle changes, or even weather, the "boys," now in their 50s, still gather to fulfill their promise every Halloween. The original group of perhaps 7 Boy Scouts referred to themselves as 'Coxie's Army.' It was a moniker given to them by their Scout leader who told them they were a mess, looking as bad as Coxey's Army, a group of unemployed workers who led a march on Washington, DC in 1894. They gave themselves codenames such as Lt. Youthful Yak, Lt. Col. Major Minor, Lt. Col. Yeti P. Sasquatch, Staff Sgt. Skeeter, and Colonel Coxie...names which were signed to every poem. Though the Army members have gotten jobs and moved away, they still come back each Halloween. To date, their real identities remain a secret. The North Miami Public Library embraces the prank, leaving their own poems for the gang, as well as establishing an exhibit showcase of poems and photos. "The steeple is now close to 50-feet high. If you fall off, I hope you can fly," read one Library poem. Only in 2005, with Hurricane Wilma leaving treacherous conditions on the Library roof, was Coxie's Army only slightly deterred. Even so, they left a pumpkin at the front door of the building. In 2008, the youngest of the group, Sgt. Skeeter, was the first of the group to pass away. But with 2009 upon us, and renewed enthusiasm over one of North Miami's longest traditions, we know that a pumpkin will again appear on the steeple. Viva la Pumpkin!
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| Arnold's Royal Castle and Burger King Named 'Businesses of Year' At the 2009 North Miami Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon, two stalwart fixtures of NW 7th Avenue were coincidentally named 'Businesses of the Year.'
Arnold's Royal Castle, located at NW 7 Avenue and 125 Street, took home the honor of "Small Business of the Year."
Located blocks away at 12790 NW 7th Avenue, Burger King #17 was named "Large Business of the Year."
Burger King #17 has operated at the same location since 1959 and is the busiest free-standing Burger King restaurant in the entire United States. Juan Cruz, current owner of the store, picked up his award at the luncheon. His family, including father John Cruz, has run the store since 1969. They recently invested $2 million in the renovation of the restaurant and employ over 60 people.
Arnold's Royal Castle has similarly shown a strong commitment to the North Miami community. Fire gutted the restaurant in 2004, but with help from the North Miami CRA, it reopened in January 2009. There were 904 customers on opening day!
Wayne Arnold, owner of the restaurant, began working with the franchise in 1961. Now the owner of the rebuilt facility, he says "everything is new except the floor." He also annonced at the luncheon that frosted mugs for birch beer are now back!
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| City of North Miami Community Based Organization Grant Funding Soon Available The City of North Miami will soon accept applications for our annual Community Based Organization grant funding. This year, we have a total of $80,000 to disperse to groups doing work in North Miami. |
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| North Miami Budget Passes; No Layoffs or Loss of Services Miami-Dade County has gutted services to dozens of programs. The City of Miami is likely to lay off hundreds of workers.
But the City of North Miami will have none of that.
The 2009-2010 North Miami city budget has been finalized. Totalling $49 milllion our new millage rate is 7.33, coming up slightly from 2008-09. But since property values have declined so greatly, most homeowners will see a decrease in their North Miami bills. That also meant the City had $2 million less than last year with which to work.
Here are some highlights:
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| Gov. Crist Awards North Miami "Green-to-Gold;" Recognizing Environmental Leadership The City of North Miami has won Governor Charlie Crist's Green-to-Gold Award, which is earmarked for a Florida company, organization, or institution that, through product, practice and/or process, best exemplifies “green” leadership. This award advocates the sustainable management of resources and the stewardship of the natural environment. Business Expansion Mid Market: DeSoto Memorial Hospital, Inc. ( DeSoto County ) Major Market: RTI Biologies, Inc. ( Alachua County ) Mega Market: Sikorsky Aircraft ( Palm Beach County ) Entrepreneurship Mid Market: SystemOne, LLC ( Martin County ) Major Market: IntegraClick, Inc./Clickbooth.com ( Sarasota County ) Mega Market: 360Ed, Inc. ( Orange County ) Mega Market: Intezyne Technologies ( Hillsborough County ) Export Excellence Mid Market: Waterblasting Technologies, Inc. ( Martin County ) Major Market: MyUS.com ( Manatee County ) Mega Market: Home Diagnostics ( Broward County ) Innovation Mid Market: Seatorque Control Systems, LLC ( Martin County ) Major Market: Sinmat Inc. ( Alachua County ) Mega Market: Financial Information Technologies, Inc. (Fintech) ( Hillsborough County ) Newcomer Mid Market: Ice River Spring Marianna, LLC ( Jackson County ) Major Market: Prism Microwave ( Collier County ) Mega Market: Draper Laboratory (Hillsborough and Pinellas counties) Green-to-Gold Mid Market: Buckeye Technologies, Inc. ( Taylor County ) Mid Market: CSA International, Inc. ( Martin County ) Major Market: Covanta Energy ( Pasco County) Mega Market: City of North Miami ( Miami-Dade County )
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| New CRA Advisory Board Members Join Re-Appointees At our September 15th CRA meeting, the North Miami CRA Board re-appointed several existing members and appointed a couple of new ones. As of now, here are the members of the North Miami CRA Advisory Committee: |
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| Give 11 for 11 ~ Donate and Remember the September 11th Victims September 11, 2009, marks the eighth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. To remember those who lost their lives that day, North Miami City Councilman Scott Galvin is inviting residents to participate in a special charitable effort. He's calling it, "Give 11 for 11." |
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| North Miami Manager Clarance Patterson Resigns Effective November 30, 2009 "This ninety day notice is to allow the Mayor and Council time to recruit an interim or permanent replacement," reads Patterson's letter to the Mayor and City Council. The letter was handed to Councilmembers as we walked into our August 25th meeting. |
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If not, you may begin receiving a warning violation as the City of North Miami ’s red-light safety cameras program is ready to begin. The warning phase is in progress at one location, with others soon coming on-line in the summer. The cameras will begin taking photos of red-light runners as the equipment is installed and tested at designated intersections. Photo-enforcement cameras will capture still images and video of red-light running violations.
Each of the intersections will have a 30-day warning period, during which a warning notice will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner. The warning notice will be sent via mail. There will be no fine for this warning notice. At the completion of the warning period, citations will be issued in the same manner. The fine for a violation is $125. At this time, one intersection is already in a warning phase, with three other locations in process of having equipment installed. The locations of the photo-enforcement cameras in North Miami are planned as follows: Active warning phase through July 21, 2009: · Biscayne Boulevard (US1) and NE 151 Street Installment and Permitting phase: · NW 135 Street and NW 7 Avenue · NE 6 Avenue and NE 135 Street · NE 6 Avenue and NE 125 Street “The warning period will give residents an opportunity to become familiar with the red-light system. We encourage people to slow down and definitely stop on red before the actual citations begin,” said Officer Ray DeJesus of North Miami Police Department’s Traffic Unit. “This is a public safety program, and our goal is to deter red-light runners and prevent collisions resulting from these violations.” Cameras will operate 24-hours a day and capture images of every vehicle running a red-light at the intersection. Warning signs alerting drivers to the red-light cameras will also be installed at the intersections. The red-light enforcement program is administered by American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS) with each violation reviewed and approved by the North Miami Police Department prior to being issued. For more information about North Miami ’s red-light safety program, visit www.northmiamifl.gov or www.northmiamipolice.com. For information about North Miami ’s Stop on Red red-light safety program, contact Major Stephen Johnson at 305-891-0294, or sjohnson@northmiamipolice.com. For information about the red-light camera equipment or American Traffic Solutions, contact: Josh Weiss, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, American Traffic Solutions, 480-596-4613 josh.weiss@atsol.com.
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| Parks and Open Land Near New Schools I hosted a wonderful meeting at City Hall on August 11th with the purpose of discussing potential new parks and open space near Mourning High and FIU. With new students and residents using the area east of Biscayne Boulevard along NE 151 Street, we have to look for ways to give our children more room.
Attendance at the meeting was outstanding! Those present included the new Provost of FIU, the principals of our new schools, and representatives of Oleta River Park, County and City Parks, County Commmisioner Heyman, South Florida Water Management, and the Department of Environmental Resources.
Trimont Real Estate was on-hand to represent the Biscayne Landing project. Even local residents from our Parks Commission and the Keystone Homeowners Association were there.
Our two-hour discussion on Parks and open land was a great step forward in bringing together the many agencies who have interest in the topic. Stay tuned for how this issue progresses!
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| City Receives Federal Stimulus Funds To Support Three Police Officer Positions Federal Grant Will Fund the Positions for Three Years North Miami, FL – July 29, 2009 – The city of North Miami received good news from the federal government yesterday, with the release of the list of award recipients from the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP). The program, which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly referred to as “Economic Stimulus” funds, awarded North Miami approximately $733,509. This amount will cover the hiring and support for three entry level police officers for three years. Under the leadership of U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, and other supporters, South Florida faired very well. North Miami is one of eight municipalities in Miami-Dade county that was awarded funding, which totaled over $17 million among the eight agencies. A total of $1 billion has been distributed to approximately 1,000 agencies in all 50 states. CHRP will provide 100 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years for newly-hired, full-time sworn officer positions or for rehired officers who have been laid off, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date, as a result of local budget cuts. North Miami ’s three positions were vacant (frozen) and would not have been funded in the upcoming fiscal year (FY10), which begins on October 1st. For more information on the COPS CHRP program, log on to http://www.cops.usdoj.gov. To see a list of ARRA projects requested by the city of North Miami, visit www.northmiamifl.gov and click on the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009” Quick Link to the right of the page or visit recovery.gov for a national perspective. |
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| Surplus Equipment From North Miami To Take On A New Life In Delmas, Haiti North Miami Donates Vehicles and Equipment to Its Sister City North Miami, FL – July 22, 2009 – North Miami is meeting the needs of its Sister City – Delmas , Haiti – by providing surplus vehicles and equipment. Instead of auctioning the items, the North Miami City Council voted to donate the items to Delmas, a suburb of Port-au-Prince , where the equipment will take on a new life to aid the City in providing essential services to its residents. “This equipment will be put to immediate use in Delmas,” explained North Miami Councilwoman Marie Erlande Steril, “We want to show the residents of our Sister City in Haiti that there are people that care and that are willing to help.” Although the equipment and vehicles are used, they are not fully depreciated and are in good condition. Here is a summary of the items North Miami is donating to Delmas , Haiti :
Last month, the city of North Miami , also provided a week-long training session on disaster preparedness and response to staff from the City of Delmas in order to better prepare the City to prepare for and respond to damage caused by Hurricanes and other tropical storms. The items will be transported to Haiti via Trans-Haiti Cargo Shipping, on the Ship Danicka, located at 3600 North River Drive , in Miami . Vehicles will be transported from the North Miami Motor Pool, 1855 NE 142 Street, to the ship tomorrow, Thursday, July 23rd starting at 10 a.m. The equipment will depart at various times tomorrow, accompanied by Councilwoman Steril and other City officials. To capture the transportation of the vehicles in action, contact Pam Solomon at 786-255-8839 for details.
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| North Miami High STILL North Miami High Over the last several days, I've received dozens of inquiries regarding a rumor that the name of our beloved North Miami High is being changed.
Pioneers everywhere can rest easy, however....North Miami High is still 'North Miami High' and the name is NOT CHANGING.
What you've been hearing about pertains to a SECOND high school opening this September within City limits. Located next to the North Miami Athletic Stadium on NE 151 Street, east of Biscayne Boulevard, that school was just named on June 17th as "Alonzo and Tracy Mourning High School."
Because Alonzo Mourning formerly played basketball for the Miami Heat, the story was picked up by national media, including NBC, ESPN, and MSN.
This has led to great confusion and rumor that our alma-mater was the school named for Mourning.
There are Now TWO High Schools in North Miami
A Brand New Building for North Miami High - In 2007, the North Miami city council and Miami-Dade County School Board agreed to build new schools in North Miami. The new North Miami High School will house 3,200 students and cost $93 million to build. It will open in September 2009. It sits on land formerly occupied by North Miami Middle School, the Armory, Valentine Center, Gribble Pool, and old fire station.
Click here to read more about the NEW North Miami High. You can even take a virtual tour of the new building!
"Alonzo Mourning High School" - Located near Biscayne Landing, it will also open in September 2009. It cost $43 million and will be home to 1,560 students. Its site is immediately east of the North Miami Athletic Stadium.
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Last year, I gave away over 600 American flags to residents across North Miami. Because it was such a great success, I decided to do it again!
Starting the day before Flag Day (June 13) and ending on Independence Day (July 4), I'm going to give away hundreds of 3' x 5' American flags to North Miami households. Everyone should fly Old Glory, and this is your chance to show your patriotism!
Here's How it Works
Get Your Flag Kit! The kits being given include a pole, bracket, and a 3' x 5' USA flag (made in the US). This promotion is sponsored by Councilman Scott Galvin and Freedom Flag & Banner. Flag Kits will be available at North Miami City Hall, 776 NE 125 Street, at the Second Floor City Council Office. While supplies last, Flag Kits will be given away starting at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 13, 2009, and ending at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 4, 2009.
Eligibility. Only North Miami residents are eligible to participate. When picking up your Flag Kit, a valid ID with home address must be presented (e.g. Driver's License, Utility Bill). Only one flag per household. Residents may not pick up a flag for their neighbors.
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| Jean Marcellus Sworn-In to District 3 Seat On June 23rd, Jean Marcellus was inaugurated as Councilman in the North Miami District 3 seat. Though he won the seat in a June 2nd run-off, the certification of those results was delayed.
Marcellus' residency has been called into question by his opponent in that race, Michelle Garcia. Under North Miami law, a candidate seeking office must have lived in the city for at least one year prior to filing deadlines. That means all 2009 candidates must have been living in North Miami by March 2009.
Marcellus sought office in the City of Miramar in March 2008 and filed related paperwork using a Miramar address as late as June 2008. Garcia has filed a lawsuit challenging whether Marcellus is qualified to serve based on the residency issue.
A Dade Circuit Court Judge, Scott Silverman, is scheduled to hear the case on July 27th. That case will decide whether Marcellus remains in his seat, Garcia is seated, or possible new elections are called for.
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| Fees New Times Newspaper Chooses 2009 "Best Of" Locations in North Miami
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| Fees Reduced For Water Improvement Projects Council Votes to Reduce Capital Improvement Fee for Residential and Commercial Accounts North Miami, FL – March 9, 2009 – In an effort to provide some financial relief to residents and business-owners, the North Miami City Council recently approved a reduction to the existing capital improvement fee for water that is charged on the City’s utility bill. The new capital improvement fee, $7.67 per month, was approved at the February 27th council meeting. The new rate reduces the fee by approximately 85% and 50% for commercial and residential accounts respectively. The city of North Miami implemented this fee in October 2007 in order to begin securing funds to upgrade the City’s aging water treatment facility, Winson Water Plant at Sunkist Grove, and to build a new reverse osmosis treatment facility to increase the capacity to produce more potable water. Currently, the City purchases water from Miami-Dade County in order to service all of our utility customers, which include residents of Biscayne Park and some areas of unincorporated Miami-Dade County. The rate reduction was possible because the City divided the water projects into two phases. The reduced fees will concentrate on funding phase one of the project – the upgrading of the existing treatment facility. The City Council will revisit the rates in two years in order to plan for phase two, the building of the new treatment facility. Utility
customers will see this new rate go into effect in the March billing cycle.
Those units that are billed on a quarterly basis will see the new rate
on their next bill. For additional information, please contact the North
Miami Utility Billing Office at 305-895-9880.
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| Rep. Ron Brise' Files Bill to Protect Communities in FPL Situation! Rep. Ron Brise'
Files Bill to Protect Communities in FPL Situation! |
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| North Miami Neighborhood Beautification Competition
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| Weekend 'Code Hotline' Announced! Weekend 'Code
Hotline' Announced! 305-525-0242 |
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| North Miami Councilman Galvin Addresses Miami Chamber of Commerce on "Inspiring Green Ideas" On February 17, 2009, North Miami City Councilman Scott Galvin joined other local dignitaries to address members of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce on the topic of "Inspiring Green Ideas." The setting was the Chamber's monthly luncheon, held at their offices in Downtown Miami. The discussion focused on what local communities are doing to become more environmentally friendly. Galvin spoke of the City of North Miami's new recycling program, in which residents earn gift certificates redeemable with local merchants. The more they recycle, the more they earn. He also discussed the recent creation of the Arch Creek East Environmental Preserve. "It was quite an honor to address the Chamber," said Galvin. "I learned much about what other Cities are also doing to 'go green.'" Galvin also highlighted the new North Miami website, www.greennorthmiami.com, where environmental news and tips can be learned. Other panelists
at the event were Mayor Paul Vrooman of Cutler Bay; Robert Ruano, the
City of Miami Director of Grants and Sustainable Initiatives; and Devesh
Nirmul, Miami-Dade County Office of Sustainability Program Manager.
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| North Miami 'Not-for-Profit' Organizations Get Federal Funds As we have
done every year for at least a decade, the North Miami City Council has
awarded Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to local
charitable organizations doing work in our city. The total amount awarded
this year is $108,926.00.
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| "The Road" Now Part of ACE Environmental Preserve
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| Galvin Urges Study of Advertising at Certain Park Facilities Lexus Park? Costco Field? Joe
Robbie Stadium?
Ok, so maybe that last one is a reach.
But an initiative taken by Councilman Galvin could pave the way for limited
commercial advertisements at certain City park facilities.
The main one in mind is the North Miami Athletic
Stadium, located on NE 151 Street, east of Biscayne Boulevard.
With budget cuts straining the City pocketbooks,
allowing a commercial industry to pay to name the stadium might provide
much-needed revenue to our Parks Department.
And on a more limited scale, perhaps other
advertisers will want to hang a banner in the outfield at Cagni or Pepper
Parks. Either way, the income stream could certainly help.
Don't worry, any advertising approved
would be limited. This won't become a visual assualt upon park-goers.
Galvin has asked City staff to put together
guidelines on how such advertising might be implemented. It will
be considered by the entire City Council at a future meeting. But
hopefully the idea will result in added exposure for our local businesses...and
added revenue to benefit our parks.
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| North Miami Council Urges Florida to Strengthen Public Service Commission The North Miami City Council has unanimously passed a resolution that urges Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature to support new rules that would strengthen the abilities of the Public Service Commission.
You'll remember North Miami's battle with FPL in 2007 to try to stop transmission lines through our residential neighborhoods. We lost that battle, but hope the Legislature might take action that could better our chances in a future struggle.
The North Miami resolution asks the Legislature to:
Our State Rep. Ron Brise has been helpful to us in the past on such matters. Let's hope we can find new life for this issue on Capitol Hill.
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| 2008 Gay Leadership Conference a Great Event I was in Washington, DC on December 4-6 for the 2008 International Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference. It was a gathering of openly LGBT elected or appointed officers from across the world. Today, there are about 800 of such people worldwide. About 400 were at this conference.
The seminars were very educational and I got the chance to meet many wonderful elected officials, from city councilmembers like me, to State Legislators and Congresspersons. I attended workshops which focused on topics like the 2008 Elections to HIV/AIDS policies in affect today.
After 10 years on the City Council, this was my first time being able to attend the conference. Sponsored by AT&T, Comcast, and others, it was a great experience.
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| Will President Obama Fund North Miami Programs?
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| Are You in Danger of Mortgate Foreclosure? The City of North Miami has established a new Home Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program, with initial funding provided by the North Miami Community Redevlopment Agency.
Eligible homeowners can get up to $5,000 in assistance toward making loan payments. Payments are made directly from the program to your lending institution. The assistance will be given in the form of a 5-year Deferred Payment Loan at 0% interest. Repayment must begin at the end of the fifth year and be fully completed within 36 months.
For more information and to obtain a copy of the program guidelines, call the North Miami Department of Community Planning and Development at (305) 895-9825. |
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| Help Your Library Earn $1,000! Librarian Joyce Pernicone wants you to help your library win cash! 4-Star Services (an Air Conditioning and Plumbing business) is doing a cash - giveaway of $1,000 per month per non-profit. They are taking nominations on their web page; the more people nominate an organization, the better their chance of wining for the month. The details are below:
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| Organic Buying Club of South Florida Finding consistently fresh, certified organic produce at reasonable prices here in South Florida can be challenging to say the least. The O.P.B.C. (Organic Produce Buying Club) of South Florida is your answer. A modern day cooperative type buying club endeavoring to change that, the O.P.B.C. of South Florida has been providing superior quality, certified organic foods to the South Florida area and beyond at savings always below retail to its members.
Check them out on the web at www.organicbuyingclubsofla.com. Call Becky Jones at City Hall if you're interested in participating. She's at (305) 893-6511, ext. 12155.
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| North Miami Announces Amnesty Program for Code Enforcement Fines In total, residents and businesses across North Miami owe the City approximately $20 million in unpaid code enforcement fines. These fines were assessed by our Code Enforcement Board over the last 15 years. Some were for small violations, others for larger ones. All, however, have grown and accrued additional penalties for not being paid on time.
But because many of the fines are on homesteaded residences, there is nothing the City can do to force their payment. Even when the homes are sold, we have to hope there is something leftover after the mortgage holders (banks) are paid.
Thus, in an effort to generate additional revenues, clean-up old liens, and provide and incentive for code compliance, the City is implementing a one-time-only amnesty period for outstanding code liens.
Highlights of the program are as follows:
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| Galvin Initiates "North Miami Cares" Referral List In recent weeks, I have received an increase in phone calls and emails from residents who are having a hard time paying for their basic utilities. I've had calls from people who can't afford necessities like rent and food. Clearly, the nationwide economic recession is hitting people hard. To help address the needs of residents, I have proposed we create a "North Miami Cares" referral system.
There are resources out there for residents who fall upon hard times. There are food bank programs right here in North Miami. There are programs in the County which help people find emergency housing.
Thus, City Staff is compiling a list we're calling "North Miami Cares." It will have contacts for all local programs and services that help residents with their most-basic of needs. Copies of the list will be made available at City facilities and all Staff will have it handy if ever a resident calls on the phone. We'll also post it on our website and TV channel.
A good government is one that is of the people, not just one of laws. North Miami has always been a strong community and anything we can do to help our fellow citizens should be encouraged.
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| Subscribe to "KeepMePosted" - A Neighborhood E-Newsletter Become acquainted with your neighborhood. Subscribe to KeepMePosted an e-newsletter, to find out activities in the area, post ads, sell or buy useful items and trade references. Advertisers can take advantage of introductory rates. Be a part of your community by subscribing at KMP@Keepmeposted.biz to your new updated electronic bulletin board.
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| North Miami Gets $3 Million to Acquire Forclosed Properties The City of North Miami will receive $3 million under HUD’s new Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The program provides emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities.
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program provides grants to every state and certain local communities to purchase foreclosed or abandoned homes and to rehabilitate, resell, or redevelop these homes in order to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of house values of neighboring homes.The program is authorized under Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.
Our office of Community Planning & Development, directed by Maxine Calloway, will oversee the program. Read HUD's news release. Check back here to learn more detail of North Miami's plans.
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| New Boat Speeds Implemented in North Miami Waterways Councilman Galvin proudly sponsored an ordinance which will improve the quality of life for many residents...and protect the environment at the same time!
By a 5-0 vote, the City Council adopted new rules which designate all city canals as "Idle Speed/No Wake" zones, and portions of Biscayne Bay as "Slow Speed/Minimum Wake" zones. This will make our waterways safer and less-noisy. It also will reduce the deterioration of seawalls caused by boat wakes continuously crashing into them. But perhaps most importantly, it will help protect the manatees which frequent our area.
Signs designating the new speed zones will soon be erected. North Miami Police Marine Patrol will have the authority to write citations if necessary. Thanks to Keystone resident Sandy Baker Hoover for her role in bringing this matter forward.
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| North Miami Adopts Fresh New Recycling Program Get ready for some excitement from an area that normally doesn't provide it. Recycling in North Miami is about to become fun...and earn YOU benefits!
Starting in 2009, our city will implement a new recycling program with the help of RecycleBank.
Our Public Works Department has for 20 years operated a curb-side recycling program for our residents. Over that period, the percentage of residents that participate in this program has been minimal.
But with the new RecycleBank program, our new program would go automated in 2009. Residents will each get a new 96-gallon roll out container and a new automated collection vehicle will pick them up.
But here's the fun part!
RecycleBank provides an incentive to residents who recycle by sending them coupons redeemable at local merchants, like IKEA, Coca-Cola, and more. The amount of th ecouplon is dependenton the amount of recycling the resident generates.
And there are savings for us, too!
The more we recycle, the less goes into our garbage dumps. And the less garbage we put out, the less the City pays for disposal of it. North Miami Public Works Department has also entered into a contract with Waste Management to deliver our recyclables to their new Hialeah facility and the city will be compensated for the tonnage delivered. In the past, the City was not financially compensated for the recyclables that we disposed of, but we did not have to pay to dispose of them either. Now we will generate a revenue with the sale of the recycling and reduce our garbage disposal costs.
The new program will start only with single-family residences, not multi-family residences or commercial locations. Pick-up will be changed from once-per-week to twice-per-month.
And where are recyclables used? RecycleBank tells us that products are used in park benches, paper plates, garbage bins, boat docks, and more. They are also working with Coca-Cola to recycle their own cans into new ones.
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It is an icon
in North Miami’s history that had seen better days. Most of the
current students at North Miami Senior High did not even know that it
existed. The Frog Pond -- a meeting place, a hang-out for students of
eras past – had become dilapidated and overgrown with shrubbery.
It was hard to even see the frogs hidden in the greenery. Thanks to the
generosity of Pirtle Construction Company, working with the City of North
Miami, the frog pond is back and better than ever! click on an image to make it larger
For a video tour of the Frog Pond, click here
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| North Miami Water Rates Adjusted; Small Businesses Benefit The North
Miami City Council recently voted to adjust the Capital Improvement Fees
in the Utility Bill in a way that spreads costs in a more-equitable manner.
Those with smaller meters will pay less, while those with larger meters
will pay more.
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| Water and Sewer Rates Raised Slightly to Pay for New Facility The Water treatment plant that provides North Miami with fresh, clean water was built in 1963, when John F. Kennedy was still in the White House. Since then, its pumps have run continuously, making sure that we have the water we need to wash our clothes and nourish our bodies. After four decades, however, the facility is deteriorating. Pipes are rusting, wiring is exposed, and the plant is in danger of ceasing to work. If it were to stop working, we only have the capacity to store up-to-2-hours-worth of water. After that, we'd all be buying our water from the supermarket for up-to-three months while replacement parts were specially made. That's why the city council has voted to raise Water and Sewer rates slightly. We will use some of the money for immediate repairs, while other funds will be used to construct a brand-new facility. The overall increase which was approved is $179.76 annually. Monthly, that breaks down to an increase of $14.98. Quarterly, that equals $44.94. It was also pointed out by staff that the $179.76 amount will also go down if and when the city receives any Federal, State, or County grant to help build the new water plant. It is likely that we will receive such grants, but we were prohibited from applying for any before we had set up our own funding stream to address the issue. Also, the amount will further reduce as new residences are built in the city (for instance, at Biscayne Landing). With new residences in place, the overall cost will be distributed over more water customers. Here's a breakdown of what the funds are needed for:
Here is a summary of the grants applied for to-date. As we receive grants, the amount you and I pay on our utility bills will come down: FEDERAL GRANTS STATE GRANTS SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT GRANTSALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY PROGRAM In May 2007, the city requested a grant in the amount of $736,000 for Phase 1 of the water plant expansion with a total project cost of $1,800,000. The city was awarded $45,400. The application for the next funding cycle will be due June 2, 2008; the city will be applying for a subsequent phase of this project. For additional info, please click here.
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| Criteria Studios is the Soundtrack of Your Life One of North Miami's best-kept secrets is the Criteria Recording Studio, which this year marks its 50th anniversary. Inside Criteria, many legendary songs have been recorded. It was there that James Brown sang "I Feel Good," and where Eric Clapton belted "Layla." Aretha Franklin was "Young, Gifted, and Black." The Bee Gees laid down Saturday Night Fever. "Hotel California?" Yup, Criteria!
Britney Spears even cooed "Oops, I Did it Again" right here in our city. Thanks to the Miami Herald, you can listen to a jukebox of Criteria hits by clicking here.Happy Anniversary, Criteria!
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| Please Slow Your Boats - Manatee Spotted in Keystone Canal As you head out for an afternoon of fun and recreation, please remember to keep your boats at a safe speed. The photo below is of a manatee seen in the Arch Creek Canal on August 11th. These gentle creatures are regular visitors to the North Miami waterways. Please keep them...and yourself...safe by observing speed limits and "no wake" signs. (Photo courtesy of Anne Novell)
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| North Miami's Youth Board Offers Many Opportunities The North Miami Youth Opportunity Board is made up of volunteers and students who are concerned about programming for the children of our community. Every year, they offer several chances for accomplishments to be recognized, with prizes and scholarships to be won. Here are a few of their programs:
BILL CARR YOUTH RECOGNITION PROGRAM The Youth Opportunity Board's Bill Carr Youth Recognition Program recognizes students that reside in North Miami or attend North Miami schools for their good citizenship at all grade levels (K-12). This program provides up to six (6) awards to students who display exemplary character. Presentations of the awards are made three times a year (usually February, May and October) at North Miami City Council meetings. EDUCATOR RECOGINITION PROGRAM The Youth Opportunity Board's Educator Recognition Program was recently established to recognize educators in our community that share the Youth Opportunity Board's vision by providing opportunity, training and encouragement to young people. Presentations of the awards are made three times a year (usually February, May and October) at North Miami City Council meetings. LOU SCHICK SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Lou Schick Scholarship Program provides cash scholarship awards for North Miami students who have maintained at least a 3.0 high school GPA, plan to attend a college or university, and have demonstrated leadership and academic excellence. Applications are distributed in February and are reviewed/awarded in April/May.
SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM Provides summer employment opportunities for up to 22 high school students ages 16 to 18 who are residents of North Miami and interested in public service. Students work in various City departments where they perform tasks to help them learn about the operations of their local government and provide services to departments in accomplishing projects that may not otherwise be performed. VETERANS' DAY ESSAY CONTEST Provides annual cash awards for middle school and high school students (who reside in North Miami or attend North Miami schools) who participate and are selected as winners in essay contest regarding the meaning of Veterans' Day (in November). Essay winners are recognized at the City's Veterans' Day Ceremony and the first place winner in each level is asked to read a portion of his/her winning essay during the program.
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| Galvin
Announces He's Gay; Speaks Out on National Political Climate
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