Signature City Magazine Summer 2017

Dog Days of Summer LOOKING AHEAD AT THE BUDGET

Movie Nights!

Kids and parents alike will be transported back in time with our summer movie series!

At Gardens Movie Nights & Food Truck Bites, start off the evening by grabbing a bite to eat at one of the food vendors, followed by a complimentary movie on the plaza.

Food Trucks open at 6:30 p.m.

Complimentary Movie: 8:15 p.m.

Back to the Future

The Goonies

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

A high-schooler is accidentally transported in a time machine back to the 1950s, where he inadvertently interferes with his future parents’ budding romance.

Now, the boy must figure out how to set things right, or risk changing the future.

Kids find a treasure map and go searching for pirate’s booty in a subterranean cavern, but they run into a band of outlaws and their ringleader, whose soft-hearted son comes to the kids’ rescue.

Rating: PG Runtime: 116 minutes

Rating: PG Runtime: 111 minutes

V ET E RA N S P L A Z A A M P H I T H E AT E R AT C I T Y H A L L / 1 0500 N . M I L I TA RY T RA I L / PA L M B E AC H G A R D E N S , F L 3 3 4 1 0 In the case of inclement weather, this event will be relocated indoors to 4404 Burns Road

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Public Media Relations Division CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Candice Temple Sha’Ron James Dr. Mike Berkenlit CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dogs Life Photography Chrissy Brahney Photography CONTACT US

signaturecity@pbgfl.com 561.799.4152 Signature City magazine is a free publication produced quarterly by the City of Palm Beach Gardens Public Media Relations Division.

Signature City is mailed to every household in Palm Beach Gardens, as well as distributed at city facilities.

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Get Social! Follow us on your favorite social media sites

@CityofPalmBeachGardensCityHall @PalmBeachGardensPoliceDepartment @CityofPalmBeachGardensRecreation

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@SandhillCraneGolfCourse

@CityofPBG @CityPBG S U M M E R

@PBGardensFire

ON THE COVER: Rex the

French bulldog enjoys some time in the shade at Lilac Dog Park. The City’s dog park is located at 4175 Lilac Street and features areas for small and large dogs. Tropical shirt optional. Photo by Dogs Life Photography.

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Movie Nights & Food Truck Bites

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From the Desk of the City Manager

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City Briefs

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Calendar of Events: Pull Out Poster!

15 Insurance Consumer Advocate 16

Building Strong Communities with CDBG

F E A T U R E S

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Budget Blueprint

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Dog Days of Summer: Doggy Play Date Dog Friendly Dining Doggies and Disasters Hot Car- Hot Dog Safety

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Featured Art

SUMMER 2017

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F R O M T H E D E S K O F T H E C I T Y M A N AG E R

We are excited about the future of the City, and believe the fiscal year 2018 budget lays the financial foundation upon which to prepare for the next five years and beyond.

I

am pleased to present this overview of the proposed operating and capital improvement budget for fiscal year 2018. As the City’s financial and spending plan for the year, the adoption of the budget is undoubtedly the single most important action taken by the Council each year.

It authorizes the resources and establishes a plan and direction for our programs and services for the coming year and during our five-year capital improvement program.

The budget is balanced, continues high-quality services to the residents of the City of Palm Beach Gardens, and maintains a strong General Fund Unassigned Reserve balance of $23.1 million, which is 27% of General Fund operating expenditures.

The proposed total millage rate next year is 5.6678, down from the current total rate of 5.6781. The operating rate is 5.55, the same as the current rate, and the debt service rate is .1178, which is down from the current rate of .1281.

The budget has been prepared as a part of our five-year financial projection, which is done each year and helps guide decisions

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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

to chart a course toward a stable financial future. When formulating the current fiveyear projection, our strategy was to strike a balance between: Preparing for current and future growth The likely potential of an increased homestead exemption of $25,000 (which will be decided by the voters in November 2018) Trying to keep the overall tax burden as low as possible

As new growth continues in developments such as Alton, and will begin in the Avenir development in the western part of the City, demand will increase for public safety, parks and recreation facilities. To meet these needs, the proposed budget increases resources for public safety and for parks maintenance. The increase in parks maintenance is necessary for the new facilities that are being constructed using the recently enacted one-cent infrastructure sales tax.

Being mindful of the potential impacts of the increased property tax exemption, we must realize that short-term actions have long-term consequences. Considering these factors, our five-year projection holds the operating rate flat at 5.55 mills, and

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allocates approximately $1,000,000 from budget stabilization over the five-year period to balance our budgets. By maintaining the operating rate flat and leveraging our stabilization fund, the City is able to prepare a forecast that avoids an increase in the operating tax rate should the increased homestead exemption be approved. At the same time, the City’s debt millage will be reduced to -0- in fiscal year 2020 as our general obligation debt will be paid off, which will allow for a reduction in the total tax rate from 5.6678 in fiscal year 2018 to 5.55 by fiscal year 2020.

In summary, we are excited about the future of the City, and believe the fiscal year 2018 budget lays the financial foundation upon which to prepare for the next five years and beyond. It is our commitment to you to provide the highest possible levels of service expected from a Signature City such as ours in the most efficient and cost-effective manner; we believe the proposed fiscal year 2018 budget does just this, and look forward to answering any questions you may have regarding this proposal.

Ron Ferris City Manager

CITY BRIEFS

Spill the water!

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here has been a lot of rain lately! Maybe you have also noticed an increase in mosquitoes during the day and night. Adults, and even kids, can do a lot around the house to help eliminate mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water and eggs can hatch within a week. It only takes a small amount of water; even just a bottle cap full. Don’t forget to drain standing water around your property at least once a week from items that can hold water such as toys, tires, buckets, birdbaths, car or boat covers, gutters, trash containers, etc.

OTHER WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF… Keep Mosquitoes Outside: Keep doors and windows closed Use EPA-Approved Repellents: Protect your skin with bug spray when outdoors

Prevent Vehicle Burglaries

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ehicle burglaries are the number one victim assisted crime in Palm Beach Gardens. Be Car Smart! Don’t help thieves take your vehi-

cle or belongings! Vehicle auto thefts are a priority of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department year round. South Florida and our City are plagued by these crimes.

PBG VEHICLE STATS 6/1/16 to 5/31/17

559 61

Burglaries To Vehicles Vehicle Thefts

• Lock your vehicle doors every timeeven for quick stops or at home • Never leave items of any kind inside your vehicle.

Hiding items doesn’t work!

• At a minimum, if you must leave items place them in your trunk • Cell phones, iPads, power cords, GPS holders, and other electronics act as neon signs.

• Park in well-lit areas, stay alert, and call in any suspicious activity to the Police Department non-emergency number: 799-4445.

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WHAT DOES THE PROPOSED TAX RATE MEAN TO ME? The effect of the combined millage rate of 5.6678 on three (3) typical homesteaded properties with assessed values of $250,000, $350,000 and $450,000 is illustrated in the table at right:

TAXABLE VALUE (AFTER $50K EXEMPTION) $200,000 $300,000 $400,000

CURRENT CITY TAXES 5.6781%

PROPOSED CITY TAXES 5.6678%

$1,137.42 $1,706.13 $2,274.83

$1,163.32 $1,742.00 $2,320.68

ANNUAL INCREASE

MONTHLY INCREASE

$25.90 $2.16 $35.87 $2.99 $45.85 $3.82

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

+$25.90/yr +2.16/mo

+$35.87/yr +2.99/mo

+$45.85/yr +3.82/mo

HOW MUCH OF MY TOTAL TAX PAID GOES TO THE CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS?

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CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS

OTHER TAXING AUTHORITIES

$.28

$.72

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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AS REPRESENTED in this graphic, approximately 28 cents of every dollar paid in total taxes by the residents goes to the City of Palm Beach Gardens. The remaining 72 cents is collected by other taxing authorities such as Palm Beach County, the School District of Palm Beach County, Health Care District, and other special taxing districts.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM? ALL FUNDS TOTAL REVENUE/SOURCES SUMMARY OF ALL FUNDS TOTAL REVENUES/SOURCES $150,600,000

AS ILLUSTRATED IN THIS CHART, revenues and non-revenue sources for all funds of the City total $150,600,000. Ad Valorem Taxes total $59,100,000, which is an increase of $4,000,000, or 7%, from last year's total of $55,100,000.

Ad Valorem taxes are the largest single source of revenues for all funds, comprising over 39% of all revenues/ sources of the City's budget. The total estimated available beginning balance of all funds combined is $40,700,000, and accounts for 27% of total sources of funds.

OTHER TAXES 2.9%

AD VALOREM 39.3%

CARRYOVER 27.0%

IMPACT FEES 1.1% TRANSFERS 1.0% OTHER 1.5%

USER FEES 14.8%

LICENSES AND PERMITS

2.7% INTERGOVERNMENTAL 6.1 %

FRANCHISE FEES 3.5% FINES & FORFEITURES 0.1%

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

PERSONNEL 46.5%

ALL FUNDS EXPENDITURES/USES

OPERATING 16.9%

RESERVES 26.7% CAPITAL 3.4% DEBT 5.5%

TRANSFERS 1.0%

SUMMARY OF ALL FUNDS TOTAL EXPENDITURES/USES $150,600,000

AS ILLUSTRATED IN THIS CHART, the total expenditures and reserves for all funds is $150,600,000, which is an increase of $11,200,000, or 8%, from last year's total all funds budget of $139,400,000. The total includes $70,000,000 in personnel, $25,400,000 in operating, $5,200,000 in capital outlay, $1,400,000 in operating transfers, and $8,400,000 in debt service.

Reserves total $40,200,000, which includes $23,100,000 in Unassigned Reserves, $2,300,000 for Economic Development and $1,900,000 for Budget Stabilization.

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WHAT IS THE TOTAL GENERAL FUND BUDGET NEXT YEAR? $600,000

Transfer from Budget Stabilization

$85,600,000

$86,200,000

A transfer from budget stabilization of $600,000 to balance the General Fund budget is proposed to avoid a tax increase next fiscal year.

HOW MUCH ADDITIONAL GENERAL FUND REVENUE IS GENERATED NEXT YEAR, AND WHERE IS IT GOING? This table illustrates how the additional General Fund revenue generated next fiscal year will be allocated for additional expenditures:

Additional Revenues and Sources

Ad Valorem Revenue $4,000,000 Other Revenues 400,000 New Police Officer Positions Increase in Fire Pension Cost Cost of Police and Fire Contracts Increase in Health Costs Increase in Other Personnel Costs Increase in Other Costs Total

Additional Expenditures and Uses

$700,000 900,000 1,000,000 500,000 400,000 900,000

$4,400,000 $4,400,000

The City's overall property tax rate has gone down since 2011, and is projected to continue to decline as the City's general obligation debt is paid off. A ten-year history and projection of the total tax rate is illustrated in the table below: Fiscal Year

Operating Millage

Debt Service Millage

Total Millage

5.7404

.1854

5.9258

2012

5.7404

.1821

5.9225

2013

5.7404

.1790

5.9194

2014

5.7404

.1733

5.9137

2015

5.6700

.1615

5.8315

2016

5.5500

.1371

5.6871

2017

5.5500

.1281

5.6781

2018*

5.5500

.1178

5.6678

2019*

5.5500

.0502

5.6002

2020*

5.5500

.0000

5.5500

10 Year Historical and Projected Property Tax Rates

2011

*Projected millage (debt service millage will be eliminated in FY 2020) 8

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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Other Budget Highlights IN KEEPING WITH the residents' preference

for paying for services from Ad Valorem taxes rather than user-based fees, the City continues to not assess or charge

many taxes and fees that are commonly charged by most other local governments in Palm Beach County and the State of Florida. These include:

TRASH COLLECTION The City does not charge for residential curbside garbage or trash collection. The only fee paid by the residents for these services is to the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority for disposal, via non-ad valorem assessments on their tax bills. The City pays the contractual fees for collection and recycling services from ad valorem revenues.

OTHER FEES AND TAXES In addition, as has been City Council's policy, there are no utility service taxes, storm water assessments or fire assessment fees or charges levied by the City of Palm Beach Gardens.

What's Next?

Below is a schedule of the critical dates regarding the adoption of the fiscal year 2018 budget, including the two required public hearing dates which will be held at the City of Palm Beach Gardens City Council Chambers.

Maximum operating millage set on 7/13/2017 at 5.55

Proposed Line-item Budget issued on 7/17/2017

We encourage you to review the detailed budget online, and to attend one or both of these meetings to express your opinions regarding next year's proposed operating and capital improvement budget.

First Public Hearing on 9/7/2017 at 7 PM

Second Hearing and adoption on 9/25/2017 at 7 PM

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Calendar of Events JULY 27 Budget Oversight Review Board Meeting 8:30 a.m.- 10 a.m.

City Hall

JULY 30 Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

AUGUST Gardens Splash & Dash September 24

THRU AUGUST 24

Movie Night & Food Truck Bites The Goonies 6:30 p.m.–10 p.m. at Veterans Plaza Amphitheater

AUGUST 8

JULY 21

Parks and Recreation Month

Makos Swim Meet 6 p.m. at Aquatic Complex

JULY 13

JULY 23

City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall

Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall

Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

GardensArt Exhibition: Tykie Ganz “Wildlife” Acrylic Paintings Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Palm Beach Gardens City Hall Lobby

JULY 16

AUGUST 18

AUGUST 6

JULY

JULY 1-31

AUGUST 3

JULY 25 Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. City Hall

Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

City Hall

AUGUST 10 Budget Oversight Review Board 8:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.

City Hall

AUGUST 20 Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

AUGUST 21 Dance Open House 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Burns Road Recreation Center

AUGUST 22 Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. City Hall

AUGUST 12-14 USTA Junior Tournament Level 6 B/G 14-12-Under FMLC and 10-Under Green Dot Round Robin 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. at Tennis Center

AUGUST 13

Sunday Morning League 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sandhill Crane Golf Club Every Sunday through Dec. 31

Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

JULY 18

AUGUST 14

Meet & Greet Reception with the State of Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate C. Sha’Ron James 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at City Hall Free to the Public

Golf Course Closed for Maintenance 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

JULY 21 Movie Night & Food Truck Bites Back to the Future 6:30 p.m.–10 p.m. at Veterans Plaza Amphitheater 10

SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

AUGUST 28- OCTOBER 5 GardensArt Exhibition: Raymond Olivero “Ebb and Flow” Digital Photography & Oil Paintings

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JULY

AUGUST

S M T W T F S

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SEPTEMBER S M T W T F S

OCTOBER

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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20 21 22 23 24 25 26

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27 28 29 30 31

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SEPTEMBER

AUGUST 24 Budget Oversight Review Board Meeting 8:30 a.m.- 10 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 3 Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

City Council Workshop Florida Department of Transportation: I-95 Improvements 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 4 Labor Day Splash 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Burns Road Aquatic Complex

AUGUST 27 Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

SEPTEMBER 7 City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall

AUGUST 28 Resident Photo Contest ENTRY DEADLINE! Submit online at: www.pbgfl.com/PhotoContest

SEPTEMBER 9-11 USTA Junior Tournament Level 6 B/G 18-16-Under Singles (FMLC) And Doubles (SE) 8:30 a.m.- 7 p.m. at Tennis Center

AUGUST 28- OCTOBER 5 GardensArt Exhibition: Raymond Olivero “Ebb and Flow” Digital Photography & Oil Paintings

SEPTEMBER 10

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Palm Beach Gardens City Hall Lobby

Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

SEPTEMBER 12 Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall

SEPTEMBER 15 “Gardens Cup” Women’s Team Challenge and Season Kick-off Party 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tennis Center

SEPTEMBER 17 Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

SEPTEMBER 23 Gardens Indoor Yard Sale 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Burns Road Recreation Center

SEPTEMBER 24 Gardens Splash & Dash 8 a.m. at BRRC Pool & Running Trail Register by Sept. 19; Fee R/NR: $22/$28 Register at www.pbgrec.com/login Gardens Summer GreenMarket 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at STORE Self Storage & Wine Storage

SEPTEMBER 25

OCTOBER 12 City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall

OCTOBER 10

City Council Meeting 7 p.m. at City Hall

Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board Meeting

SEPTEMBER 26

6 p.m. at City Hall

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. City Hall

OCTOBER OCTOBER 1

OCTOBER 24 Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m.

City Hall

The Gardens GreenMarket Season Opening!

8 a.m.-1 p.m. @ City Hall

I M P O RTA N T A D D R E S S E S :

AUGUST 12-14 & SEPTEMBER 9-11 USTA Junior Tournament Level 6

City Hall: 10500 N. Military Trail Burns Road Recreation Center: 4404 Burns Road Tennis Center: 5110 117th Court North Gardens Park: 4301 Burns Road Veterans Plaza Amphitheater: 10500 N. Military Trail Sandhill Crane Golf Club: 11401 Northlake Blvd.

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TOP DOG: Rex and Charlie are on top of the world at Lilac Dog Park!

The park features a fun A-frame ramp for running and jumping.

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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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D

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P

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A

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Go Off Leash!

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b y C a n d i c e Te m p l e

P h otos by D ogs L i fe P h otog ra p hy Dog Handler: Kelly at Love on a Leash

During the Dog Days of Summer everyone is on the lookout for fun as life slows down and we have more time on our hands.

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he coolest spot for your dog to play around town is at the City owned Lilac Dog Park. Featuring separated areas for small dogs and big dogs, Lilac Dog Park has benches, tables and shade structures for the humans and plenty of built-in play options for the canines. Bring the ball or the disc along! There is plenty of space for your pal to run full speed.

Is socialization your goal? The park is always busy with dogs and owners. Some make it a regular part of their routine, like Eric Gitler and his boxer Caesar.

“Every morning the same group plays at the dog park,” says Eric. “I bring him here all the time. Everyone knows Caesar.

It’s good for socialization and it wears him out.”

DOGGY DINING After you wear the pooches out at the dog park, take them along while you grab a bite. Through the City’s Dog-Friendly Dining Program, restaurants can apply for a special permit that allows patrons to safely bring their pets along to an outdoor lunch or dinner.

Requirements: Waterless hand sanitizer & pet clean up kits must be provided Dogs must be leashed Pets are not allowed on chairs, tables or furnishing Dogs cannot travel through indoor portions of the public food establishment

PLACES YOUR DOG CAN COME ALONG WHILE YOU DINE Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza BurgerBar Cafe Chardonnay Ebisu Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

NOTE: The dog park will be closed for

annual maintenance July 5-26. This will allow both enclosures undergo repairs and servicing. (continues)

Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar Spotos Oyster Bar The Cooper *currently permitted restaurants for Dog-Friendly Dining in PBG

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DOGGIES AND DISASTERS

(And we’re not talking about your designer rug) Pets are just as effected by disasters as their people.

Are you prepared for hurricane season?

PET EMERGENCY CHECKLIST Provided by Peggy Adams, Animal Rescue League • Have several forms of ID on their collar and micro-chip (Micro-chips can malfunction, so make sure you have your pet’s scanned at their annual checkup) • 3-day supply of food and water stored in airtight, waterproof containers • Bowls and can opener • Sturdy carrier large enough for the pet to sleep in for a few days • Leash and harness for all dogs • Bedding • Towels • Current photos and descriptions (with owner if possible) • Medications for 2 weeks • Vaccination records • First-aid supplies • One week supply of litter and litter box (for cats) • Cool packs • Pet wipes

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very year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. We've heard the excuses: “Oh, it will just be a few minutes while I go into the store,”or “But I cracked the windows ...” Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Beating the heat is extra tough for dogs because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.

The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes. In 20 minutes, it can rise almost 30º F … and the longer you wait, the higher it goes. Even on a 70-degree day, that’s 110 degrees inside your vehicle!

Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness and even death, even on a day that doesn't seem hot to you. This is definitely a situation where “love ’em

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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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and leave ’em” is a good thing. Please leave your pets at home when you can ... they'll be safe and happily waiting for you to come home. – by Dr. Mike Berkenblit, Village Animal Clinic

FLORIDA CONSUMER’S VOICE ON INSURANCE MATTERS

W

hen unexpected disasters strike, Floridians look to their insurance company for help.

Insurance is a promise that contributes to the security and wellbeing of all Florida families. The purpose and mission of the guardians of that promise, including regulators, stakeholders, and advocates alike, is to ensure a healthy relationship between the consumer and insurance company so that help is provided when consumers need it most. Recognizing the importance of that role, the Florida Legislature created the Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate in 1992 to serve Floridians by engaging with stakeholders to find consumer-focused solutions to the challenges policyholders face. Over the past 25 years, the Office has initiated, supported or advanced many legislative programs aimed at homeowners, automobile, health and workers’ compensation insurance to promote and facilitate trust and balance in the industry. The work of the Office has compelled companies to treat consumers more

fairly and make good on their promise to help when needed.

In my role as Insurance Consumer Advocate, I have been most vocal on issues where trust has been eroded, where consumers are left without recourse and need innovative solutions to protect them when peril strikes.

From healthcare to homeowners, automobile, life and worker’s compensation insurance, consumers need a voice to re-energize and re-focus policy efforts to better their experience in all lines of insurance.

During the 2017 legislative session, my office monitored over 50 insurance-related pieces of legislation across all lines of insurance, such as automobile, worker’s compensation, flood, and homeowner’s insurance. My office supported the Florida Department of Financial Services’ successful passage of bills regarding anti-fraud efforts, insolvency procedures and department administrative enhancements to better serve the public. I also participated in several committee and stakeholder-led discussions to advance legislation dealing with current

insurance concerns, and played an active role in advocating for consumer-focused measures to promote a balanced solution to these issues.

In addition to promoting the consumer voice this past legislative session, I convened an Emergency Medical Transportation Working Group to gather information and assess the impact of emergency medical transportation costs to Floridians with private health insurance. The Working Group’s purpose is to bring industry stakeholders together to gain a balanced perspective on the air and ground ambulance industry and help provide solutions to protect consumers from financial distress after suffering from a medical emergency.

I am proud of our proactive, innovative, and resourceful approach to addressing consumer’s insurance issues, and am delighted to partner with the City of Palm Beach Gardens at City Hall on July 18, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm as we continue to work for you and to discuss the insurance issues that impact you and your family. I hope to see you then!

@YourVoice4FLA / http://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/ICA/

SUMMER 2017

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BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES

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- One House at a Time -

REAT NEWS! The City of Palm Beach Gardens currently has federal funding under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Gardens’ Owner-Occupied Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program will provide home repair assistance in the form of a 0%-interest

AFTER (New Roof and Windows)

“I am very happy with the way my home looks now; it is day and night from what it was before. I am very grateful for what the City

MAXIMUM INCOME LIMITS* ADJUSTED FOR HOUSEHOLD SIZE

did for me.” – Palm Beach Gardens Homeowner

deferred-payment loan of up to $30,000 for for exterior home hardening, such as repair or replacement of roofs, replacement of exterior windows & doors, and exterior accessibility modifications. The program is available to low- to moderate-income single-family homeowners, per HUD guidelines, on a “first-eligible, first-served” basis.

See income limits table at right:

Household

Size

Maximum Income Limit

1................................. $40,250 2................................. $46,000

BEFORE

3................................. $51,750 4................................. $57,500 5................................. $62,100 6................................. $66,700 7................................. $71,300 8................................. $75,900 (Source: U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. These income figures are for 2016/2017 and subject to change annually) *80% of area median income, effective 04/14/2017; subject to change

LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON THE CITY’S WEBSITE AT www.pbgfl.com/CommunityDevelopmentBlockGrant Applications are available online and in person at City Hall: 10500 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410, between the regular working hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm.

Questions?

Contact the City’s Planning and Zoning Department at (561)799-4243. ¿Habla español y quiere saber mas sobre este programa? Nosotros te podemos ayudar. Por favor llaménos al 561-799-4243. Gracias.

Garden Gate

by C a n d i c e Te m p l e A r t i s t : G a r t h Ed w a rd s

W

hen school is out, the library is in! If libraries have a season, it’s definitely the summer time. That’s when children of all ages and families can be seen taking advantage of the extra time to catch up on reading afforded by summer vacation. The North County Regional Library is buzzing with activity this summer and intermingled with books, computers and copy machines is an eclectic Art in Public Places project that sets the stage for the “garden city experience.”

Throughout the entire library, brightly colored floral motifs and cheery organic leaf shapes guide patrons from one area to the next. Designed by artist Garth Edwards in 2008, Garden Gate is the name of the body of work inside the Gardens Branch Library. In homage to the City’s original vision of streets lined with flowers and trees, the archways connecting interior sections of the library and checkout desks are adorned with bold metalwork elements with acrylic paint coating. What could be more enticing than enjoying a book in the midst of a quiet garden?

s rden

Blvd

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Photos: Jerry Rabinowitz

SUMMER 2017

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ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY CHRISSY BRAHNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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SUMMER 2017

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City of Palm Beach Gardens 10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

We Just Click!

LAST YEAR’S RESIDENT PHOTO CONTEST BLEW US AWAY! Nearly 100 entries showcased the talent of our City’s residents and students from their unique point of view.

Let’s do it again!

WINNING PHOTOS

will be published in a future issue of Signature City magazine.

In recognition of Florida City Government Week, the City of Palm Beach Gardens will host a Resident Photo Contest.

Enter online at www.pbgfl.com/PhotoContest.

Categories: 1

iGARDENS: No need for fancy gear! Send us your best phone snaps from around the city.

2

BEAUTY ABOUNDS: In a “garden city” full of lush landscape, this one’s easy. Enter your best nature or landscape photograph.

3

DIGITAL MANIPULATION: Time to get crafty! This category is for photographs with added artistic flair. Use Photoshop, Lightroom … anything goes.

4

PBG AT WORK & PLAY: People connecting with other people or their environment.

It’s a beautiful thing! Send us your best unposed, candid scenes of people interacting with physical environments throughout the city.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS AUGUST 28, 2017

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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens

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