State of the City Report 2013

State of the City

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

The City of Coral Springs continues to set itself apart as a vital, viable place to live, work and raise a family.

Entering our 50th Anniversary year, Coral Springs has successfully managed growth by staying focused on what’s most important to the community, and preparing our foundation for an even stronger future.

Honoring the promise of our founders, we have dedicated resources toward improving financial security, encouraging educational expansion, and enhancing community assets that remain among the best in the nation.

This was a year the City re-thought, refurbished and reinvigorated itself.

Coral Springs is proud to celebrate 50 years of excellence.

A Message from Your City Commission and City Manager Fiscal Year 2012, the City of Coral Springs dared to dream.

It’s something we do well; in fact, it’s an integral part of our community DNA. To grow from a bean field to one of the largest cities in Broward County took incredible vision and commitment. And we’re not done yet.

As the City’s 2012 “report card,” this annual report highlights just some of the accomplishments made through the joint efforts of the City Commission, City staff, and local residents and businesses. By themselves, these accomplishments show progress on our priorities, and hold us all accountable.

Woven together, each of these efforts and programs creates the fabric of our vision. They demonstrate how the dreams of a few can become the reality of a community.

As Coral Springs approaches its 50th Anniversary, we see how this vision has us positioned well for the next 50 years. Our City enjoys fiscal stability, a growing business presence, a safe and beautiful environment we can all take pride in, and excellence in leadership and education.

An ‘A’ Year in Education Coral Springs has made huge strides in educational excellence throughout the community. Our students attend more ‘A’ schools than any other city in Broward County. Recently, Coral Springs Charter School, as well as all of our high schools, received an ‘A’ rating. In addition, all of our middle schools and the majority of our elementary schools also achieved an ‘A’ rating. For a detailed list, turn to page 17.

In an effort to sharpen our appearance, we completed the Street Tree Program and trimmed hundreds of street trees and planted over 1,185 more. We cleaned 188 miles of sidewalks, curbs and medians; improved streets; and rehabilitated 43 homes. By adding mobile applications and a fleet of Code Ranger volunteers, we improved code violation reporting and code compliance.

Our efforts as environmental stewards, including the addition of water-saving fixtures and single-stream recycling, helped land us a silver award as a “Florida Green Local Government.”

And through our public art program, supported by growth in the City, we added new bronze sculptures to North Community and Cypress Parks.

Revitalizing our Economy Speaking of stewardship, our financial stability was reflected in the City’s AAA bond rating, positive year-end fund balances and a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.

New public art was installed at North Community Park.

Restoring our Environment This year, the City continued to make strides in enhancing our streets, parks and buildings. Nearly every major community park (and many of our smaller neighborhood parks) received a facelift with new landscaping, signage, playground equipment and facilities updates. Money magazine cited our recreational assets when it once again named Coral Springs 2

among the top 100 “Best Places to Live” in the United States.

We increased business tax receipts 14 percent this year – a solid indication that our City provides a good environment for nurturing commercial opportunities. As for other healthy indicators, the City issued 7,500 building permits, conducted more than 25,000 building inspections, and drew in over $2 million in permit revenue.

Our future business leaders got a boost this year from the establishment of the Broward College Coral Springs Academic Center, which enables citizens to participate in higher education without leaving the City. We also continued a student database outreach program to match employers to local graduating students – and registered 11 businesses and more than 450 residents.

John J. Hearn

City Attorney

Dan Daley

Commissioner

Larry Vignola

Commissioner

Vincent M. Boccard Mayor

Reinvigorating our Community This year, we kept our eyes open wide – and saw a 60 percent decrease in car accidents at key intersections with the Red Light Camera program, and a 29 percent increase in burglary arrests with the Burglary Enforcement & Reduction (BEAR) Task Force. Public safety extended to improved reporting of street light outages, the creation of the Nuisance Abatement Board, and the successful “Make A Call, Make a Difference,” program. One of our neighborhoods, Shadow Wood, even received a third-place award from Neighborhoods USA for its execution of the Crime Watch program.

Claudette Bruck

Commissioner

Tom Powers

Vice Mayor

Erdal Donmez

City Manager

more. We initiated a Holiday Fun Run for families as part of the Holiday Parade – a happy, healthy way to kick off the season.

A Caring Community As a nation, we endured innumerable and unspeakable tragedies in 2012. We saw neighbors pull together and support each other in their need and grief over personal losses. That kind of outreach can’t be legislated, and no City program can accomplish what must come from the heart.

But a community as special as Coral Springs was 50 years in the making.

We have dedicated volunteers and Fire Station 71 opened in August 2012 City staff that spend countless hours and features three bays with We opened Fire Station 71 four in service to our community. Our state-of-the-art bi-fold doors. weeks ahead of schedule – and businesses have made this their were recognized by the state as “Fire Academy of the Year” home as much as their vocation. for the second time for our efforts to train firefighters locally, regionally and internationally.

We look forward to capturing the essence of this spirit in our new branding initiative, which is designed to tell the As a community, we had plenty of fun together, with many world about who we are, and invite new visitors, residents unique and successful City-led events we’ve come to and businesses to share in everything that is good about our appreciate over the years: multi-day celebrations around MLK community.

Day, WorldFest, CommuniTea, annual art and car shows, and

– The City of Coral Springs

To read about the City’s Business Plan initiatives, visit CoralSprings.org/budget.

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Customer-Involved Government 50

Web-based Crime Reporting

Celebrating

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Celebrating

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50 50 50th Anniversary Planning Celebrating

1963 2013

of Excellence

When a crime happens in Coral Springs, residents can now file a report immediately without tying up vital 911 resources. The Online Police Reporting System, accessible from the City’s website, accepts reports of vandalism, harassing phone calls, identity theft, Petit Theft (under $300), lost or damaged property and other non-emergency crimes.

Citizens receive a case number just as if a report had been filed by a police officer and can print a free copy for their records.

Celebrating

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of Excellence

To prepare for the City’s half-century celebration the City designed a special logo, launched the interactive CoralSprings50.org website, and developed a multi-tiered sponsorship package to engage the community.

A volunteer 50th Anniversary committee selected by the City Commission has helped plan a host a year-long festivities celebrating the July 10, 2013 anniversary date.

City Hall Security Improvements

An Urban Areas Security Initiative grant from Homeland Security has enabled better protection for the City Hall complex. A Police Department study identified shortcomings in the 1966-era building that originally served as a real estate sales office. To enhance the safety of employees, volunteers, citizens and visitors, the City has installed secure doors and card access systems, cameras and alarms throughout City Hall North and South.

Closed Captioning City TV

City TV -- one of more than 27 communications vehicles used to inform, educate and interact with citizens – had largely been inaccessible to hearing-impaired residents.

That changed in June, when the City Commission broadcast included new closed captioning technology.

Additional programming will feature this service to better connect the City and the public it serves.

The City Commission meetings now offer closed captioning technology.

Other Accomplishments 22 residents graduated from the annual Government Academy, where they learned about City services in a series of monthly interactive sessions.

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City Marketing Plan

The City launched a marketing effort with branding agency North Star. Following a community survey, the agency presented findings from the 571 responses to staff and the City Commission, and is working with a Creative Committee of staff and volunteers to develop a concept and master marketing plan drawn from citizens’ insights. Why “brand” a city?

The benefits of creating a distinctive, recognizable image are far-reaching, affecting the economic stability of the community. An effective, integrated brand that resonates with stakeholders can attract and retain residents and businesses, contribute to a stronger economic base with higher property values, and draw visitors.

Code Enforcement Rangers

Whether slipping on door hangers, sending out delinquent Business Tax notifications or working on the street tree or street light programs, the City’s 15 volunteer Code Rangers are a busy bunch. Cruising the City in converted former police vehicles, they supported code officers by conducting 6,398 code inspections in 2012, achieving about 53 percent voluntary compliance.

Fiscal Year 2012

Performance Measures

Overall quality rating for City services and programs (Resident Survey) Overall quality rating for City services by business owners (Business Survey) Number of citizen volunteer hours donated to the City of Coral Springs Overall rating of the City in terms of communicating with residents (Resident Survey) Overall rating of the City in terms of communicating with businesses (Business Survey) Customer service rating by residents (Resident Survey) Customer service rating by businesses (Business Survey)

Goal

92% 92% 42,000 88% 88% 90% 90%

Actual 95%* 95% 38,943 93%* 81% 94%* 97%

*Residential Survey was conducted in FY2011 and will be conducted again in FY2013.

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Business Development

The City’s economic recovery hinges on maintaining a solid commercial and industrial tax base. In partnership with the Economic Development Foundation (EDF), the City is increasing visibility of business vacancies through a new database using CoStar and foreclosure websites. Presently, 13 businesses that are part of the Preferred Client Program are receiving assistance, which includes pre-conceptual meetings, pre-submittal meetings and pre-construction meetings, all of which save the customer time in both the planning and zoning and building departments. In 2012, 75 other businesses were assisted with financial advice, workforce development assistance, city processes, business planning and retention and expansion.

City Hall in the Mall

Located in Coral Square Mall, City Hall in the Mall is a one-stop shop for Coral Springs’ residents.

The satellite office offers passport services, registering an alarm system, applying for a fence and wall permits and other convenient services. As a result, City Hall in the Mall brings in half a million in revenues annually.

Commercial Façade Program

With the help of Community Development Block Grant funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City re-established its commercial façade program to help small businesses, particularly along Sample and Wiles Roads, make structural and/or aesthetic changes to their storefronts.

The City has worked with three applicants for this program and architects began designing for enhanced façades, lighting and signage.

Fiscal Year 2012

Performance Measures

Maintain AAA Bond Ratings: Moody Aaa, Fitch AAA, S&P AAA Residents’ value rating for city taxes and fees (Resident Survey) Non-residential value as percent of total taxable value *Residential Survey was conducted in FY2011 and will be conducted again in FY2013.

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Goal AAA 72% 20%

Actual AAA 72%* 27.4%

Financial Health and Economic Development Financial Stability

Welcoming New Businesses

The City’s finances were reviewed by the three major rating agencies and through their suggestions, we were able to maintain our AAA ratings.

The agencies praised us for our overall low debt levels, sound financial operations and for our conservative debt and financial policies. The City’s financial stability was also reflected in the City’s positive year-end fund balances and a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.

Enhanced Code Enforcement Lien Reduction

Business tax receipts increased by 14 percent this year – a solid indication that our City provides a good environment for nurturing commercial opportunities. In a tough economy, the City helped national retailers set up shop in the City – Kohl’s, Marshalls, Sports Authority, ULTA and Aldi Supermarket.

Pension Reform

Through pension reform, the City will save more than $35 million over the next 10 years.

Best Place to Live

Property owners facing liens and restrictions because of code violations had an opportunity to reduce their debts, as the City continued this initiative to stimulate residential improvement. This year, original fine amounts of $9.2 million on 120 properties were reduced to $587,415. Since many of these were foreclosures, the reductions allowed the liens to be lifted, and the houses to be sold and occupied.

Money magazine recognized Coral Springs as one of the 100 Best Places to Live in the nation.

This is the second time the City has garnered this title.

Money especially liked our amazing sports facilities and programs.

Other Accomplishments The City received $3 million in grants for vital public safety and infrastructure projects.

FEMA awarded the City for the purchase of health and safety equipment for the Fire Department.

The City also received two EMS matching grants from the Department of Health for the purchase of video laryngoscopes and chest compression devices. $475,000 in cost reductions were realized through improved procurement methods.

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Excellence in Education Cambridge Advanced Program at Coral Springs Charter School

In its first year, the Cambridge Advanced Program of Studies (CAPS) at Coral Springs Charter School enrolled 383 students from grades 7 through 9. An internationally recognized, pre-university program with a rigorous curriculum, CAPS affords students the opportunity to earn college credit (exam papers are sent to the University of Cambridge in England for marking) and a special diploma designation.

The program currently focuses on language arts and science, but is expected to expand both in subject matter and scope to include 10th through 12th grade in future years.

Fire Academy of the Year

The Coral Springs Fire Academy was named “Fire Academy of the Year” for the second time for our efforts to train firefighters locally, regionally and internationally. In an effort to reach younger students, the Coral Springs Fire Department launched a pilot program at Coral Springs High for students interested in becoming firefighters or paramedics, in hopes it will lead to life-saving careers. With hard work and dedication, students who complete the program should be ready to take the state’s firefighter exam by high school graduation.

What’s better than one

?

Nineteen of them.

The City of Coral Springs congratulates the students, teachers, principals and parents of the nineteen schools who received an “A” rating for the 2012 school year, including all five area high schools for the first time.

Coral Park Elementary Coral Glades High Coral Springs Charter Coral Springs High Coral Springs Middle

Country Hills Elementary Eagle Ridge Elementary Eagle’s Nest Elementary Charter Forest Glen Middle Hunt Elementary

Imagine Charter of Broward J.P. Taravella High Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Park Springs Elementary Riverside Elementary

Thanks also to the School Board of Broward County

The nation’s premier community in which to live, work Learn more about our Community of Excellence

Ramblewood Middle Renaissance Charter Sawgrass Springs Middle Westchester Elementary

for fostering excellence in education.

and raise a family.

by visiting CoralSprings.org.

Congratulations to our A ‘ ’Schools Our students attend more ‘A’ schools than any other city in Broward County. Coral Springs has made huge strides in educational excellence throughout the community. Recently, Coral Springs Charter School, as well as all of our high schools, received an ‘A’ rating.

In addition, all of our middle schools and the majority of our elementary schools also achieved an ‘A’ rating.

Coral Park Elementary Coral Glades High Coral Springs Charter Coral Springs High Coral Springs Middle Country Hills Elementary Eagle Ridge Elementary Eagle’s Nest Elementary Charter Forest Glen Middle Hunt Elementary Imagine Charter of Broward J.P. Taravella High Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Park Springs Elementary Riverside Elementary Ramblewood Middle Renaissance Charter Sawgrass Springs Middle Westchester Elementary

Other Accomplishments In Fiscal Year 2012, the Coral Springs Fire Academy trained 3,200 students in 400 classes from 32 different fire departments.

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Broward College Campus in Coral Springs

The University and College Partnership, established in 2005, realized a key goal in 2012: creating a permanent presence within the City’s Community Redevelopment Area. Broward College leased 19,000 square feet at the northwest corner of Sample Road and University Drive, and began the process of improving the property to retrofit 12 classrooms and administrative offices.

Day and night classes are offered for both degree and non-degree programs, including courses in general education, business and information technology.

This satellite campus is projected to reach at least 5,000 students in the next five years, and is currently registering students.

Career Outreach Project

“Come home!”That’s the message the City and Economic Development Foundation want to send to students who leave the community to attend college.

With a robust student database now in place, the City plans to communicate with participants about the benefits of returning to Coral Springs to live and work. A website for businesses to recruit potential employees was launched, and has registered nearly 500 job seekers and about a dozen companies.

Students can create password-protected individual accounts where they can post resumes, access job postings and be visible to local employers.

Fiscal Year 2012

Performance Measures

Number of students attending courses offered by partnering institutes of higher education

Broward College will service 5,000 students during the next five years at their new Coral Springs Academic Center.

Goal 3,000

Actual 1,995

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Mullins Park is currently being revitalized and will feature three new buildings.

Parks Revitalization

As the City’s oldest and largest park, Mullins has served the community well over 48 years. But its expansion to meet growing needs has often been ad hoc, rather than designed.

An initiative is underway to revitalize its appearance, with extensive facility and landscaping improvements. Three sports facilities have been demolished and are under construction.

Renovations to fields, sand volleyball courts and pathways are completed, and an extensive landscaping and signage program is underway. In addition to sprucing up facilities, painting and pressure cleaning, the City initiated several major landscaping projects, renovated 11 parks and completed the design phase of the Royal Palm Blvd. entryway improvements.

Other neighborhood and community parks saw improvements, including Cypress Park, Dede Gilmore and Sandy Ridge Sanctuary. Pride Promoters Park received more than $50,000 of Capital Funds to install fencing around the playground and newly resurfaced basketball courts, new landscaping and sidewalks to provide a safer, more user-friendly park for neighbors to enjoy. Lastly, 281 signs were replaced throughout our parks to improve the aesthetics.

Fiscal Year 2012

Performance Measures

Percent of Code cases brought into voluntary compliance Number of formal and informal neighborhood partnerships Number of volunteer hours aimed at enhancing the environment City Crime Rate (crimes per 100,000 residents, calendar year) Safety rating in neighborhood (Resident Survey) Number of trees planted within the City *Residential Survey was conducted in FY2011 and will be conducted again in FY2013.

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Goal 75% 15 1,500 2,530 92% 1,750

Actual 80% 15 2,196 2,688.8 95%* 1,185

Neighborhood and Environmental Sustainability Neighborhood Stabilization

The City received Federal funding in the third round of this program to address the problem of abandoned and foreclosed homes in the City. Through the program, 12 low-to-moderate income families purchased homes and five of these have been rehabilitated. Another seven are currently in the home repair process. An additional three low-income families can be assisted though this program helping to revitalize neighborhoods in the community.

Fire Station 71

Fire Station 71, built in 1976, is the second oldest and second busiest station in Coral Springs. Initially, it was intended to service volunteer firefighters and it was not built with the proper training space or equipment needed today.

The new station, which opened four weeks ahead of schedule, now boasts 7,000 square feet in floor area, three bays, and state-of-the-art bi-fold doors.

Going Green

In an effort to be even more environmentally friendly, Public Works installed water saving plumbing fixtures at 12 City facilities. As part of Broward County’s WaterConservationPays.com, 120 residents benefitted from the low flow toilet rebate program in the City’s water district. In addition, the City received $1.7 million in grant funds to implement single stream recycling, which improved recycling participation by 7.5 percent.

Make a Call, Make a Difference In recognition of the outstanding success of this Police program, the Florida Crime Prevention Association named ”Make a Call, Make a Difference” the “Outstanding Crime Prevention Program” for 2012. The heavily promoted campaign asks all residents, business owners and City employees to be on the lookout for and immediately notify the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity by calling 954-344-1800.

Since the program’s inception, the Police Department is now receiving 57 percent more calls for suspicious vehicles, 49 percent more call for suspicious persons and 33 percent for suspicious incidents. Several burglary arrests were made as a direct result of citizen calls. The Police Department also created the Burglary Enforcement and Reduction (BEAR) Unit, which analyzes crime statistics to determine times and locations where burglaries are likely to occur.

By educating residents on crime-prevention tactics and conducting high visibility patrols in targeted neighborhoods, burglaries have decreased significantly.

Police Online Reporting

In 2012, the Police Department started using RAIDS Online, a web browser based crime mapping program.

This program displays all crime incidents in a timely manner, while assisting the Police Department address problem areas and better allocate resources. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.raidsonline.com.

Other Accomplishments The City received $1.7 milion in grant funds to purchase single stream recycling, which will help the City reach its goal of recycling 75% of its solid stream by 2020.

The Coral Springs Police Department’s Communication Center was nationally accredited – making it the first in Florida.

New bronze statues were placed in North Community and Cypress Parks.

Selected by Florida Green Government as Florida Green Local Government Silver Award A Linear Park was added on Coral Springs Drive 11

Youth Development and Family Values Sports Events and Venues Promotion

With first-class facilities, the City is well-positioned to attract regional and national sports events to our popular sports, recreational and hospitality venues like Sportsplex, featuring the Aquatic Complex and Tennis Center, as well as the dog park and Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital.

As part of the City’s branding initiative, a new website will promote existing sports events, such as the nationally televised Kreul Classic, and highlight other community assets, including the Coral Springs Center for the Arts and Museum of Art.

Aquatic Complex Improvements

Since it first opened in 1990, the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex has hosted national meets and competitions, drawing thousands of swimmers and spectators.

In 2012, we expanded the customer service area due to the increased demand for program registration, membership and retail sales. Another 700 square feet were added to the Fitness Center and a juice bar and coffee shop was built as a result of customer feedback.

Lastly, the Swim Shop is doubling in size to meet the increased demand for merchandise.

The Coral Springs Aquatic Complex hosts a variety of national and international meets for swimming, diving and water polo.

Holiday Fun Run

Call it a re-run. The first event, held in December 2011, successfully drew 100 runners and secured its place as a staple of the Holiday Parade and a healthy way to kick off the City’s 50th Anniversary. Runners of all ages and abilities got moving and dashed 1.5 miles before Bugs Bunny of The Looney Tunes and his fellow parade entries floated down Sample Road.

Teen Success Day

Learning what it takes to make it in today’s job market gives teens the confidence to pursue their dreams. At this year’s Teen Success Day, students learned job skills such as preparing for job interviews, self-confidence, volunteerism and leadership. Job applications from local businesses were also available on site.

Other Accomplishments The City received grant funds to help provide Youth Recreation Scholarships to low-to-moderate income families. Activities include dance, performing arts, and sports programs.

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Mentoring Leadership Program To further develop our community’s young leaders, the City invited middle and high school students involved in a summer 2011 Leadership Mentoring Program to step up again. Students volunteered for additional programs, including a holiday card project for soldiers and the Holiday Parade. Thirty-three participated in Teen Success Day, and another 25 in summer 2012 activities.

Teen Political Forum

What’s your question? Teens were invited to meet their elected officials and share their interest in the community.

Held at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, approximately 350 high school students interacted with representatives of local, county and state government in a lively exchange.

The Forum has become a successful annual event.

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Forever Young Senior Newsletter

In this issue: - Senior Spotlight - Driver Safety Class - Senior Health Fair - Get rid of white flies - Spinach and Rice Casserole Recipe - Special Events

to announce many Welcome Young! We are pleased The newsletfirst edition of Forever

in the articles listed.

Welcome to the events and news featured Center, City Hall, City of the upcoming trips, at the Sartory Senior ation, and St. on a quarterly basis ter will be available to Senior Pride Transport your paid membership Hall in the Mall, with Andrew Towers.

-Jacqueline Holloway Parks and Recreation

Senior Newsletter Committee: - Florence Killoran - Nancy Arena - Anna Gattuso - Ken Reinhardt - Patrick Doyle If you have any ideas or comments, please contact us! at Jacqueline Holloway pkjkg@coralsprings.org.

Sartory Senior Center - 10150 N.W 29 St. - 954-345-2203 nior - coralsprings.org/se programs

Coordinator

Senior Spotlight Ken Reinhardt

Coral been a resident of 1. How long have you I’ve Chicago in 1991 and Springs? I moved from Spring for 21 years. been living in Coral I n before you retired?

2. What was your professio management before turing manufac with worked Services. retiring from GE Engine and interests? - I enjoy 3. What are your hobbies volunteer AARP an as painting, traveling, serving banjo band. in a advocate, and playing bucket! list? - Don’t kick the 4. What is on your bucket , NY where I attended up? I grew up in Syracuse 5. Where did you grow y. a U.S. Naval Academ

Fiscal Year 2012

In an effort to reach out to the City’s senior community, staff created a quarterly newsletter highlighting upcoming events, recipes and City news. The newsletters are distributed to St. Andrew Towers and are available at Sartory Senior Center.

Hundreds of students attende d the Teen Political Forum.

Performance Measures

Number of youths involved in City-sponsored leadership opportunities Number of teen volunteer hours donated to the City Number of middle school after-school programs offered annually

Goal

2,000 20,000 15

Actual 1,446 18,473 15

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International Dinner Dance

In the 15 years since its inception, the International Dinner Dance has become more than just a symbol of Coral Springs’ growing diversity. It is one of the City’s most popular events, supported since 2009 with local sponsorships and fundraising. This year, more than 400 tickets were sold. While all backgrounds and ethnicities are celebrated, Jamaica and the islands of Trinidad and Tobago were highlighted, as both are enjoying their 50th Anniversaries of Independence.

MLK, Jr. Celebration

Martin Luther King, Jr. Program Enhancements

The 22nd Annual Martin Luther King (MLK) celebration featured keynote speaker Willie Gary, a trial lawyer and humanitarian from Stuart, Florida. In addition to the business luncheon and evening community celebration, the program included a Leadership/Diversity Day for students. In a nod to the generous spirit of the man himself, the MLK Committee awarded 13 scholarships to deserving high school seniors for their freshman year in college. With the Coral Springs Community Chest as the major donor, the MLK Committee was able to match their contribution, as well as supplement the fund with donations from the community and businesses.

WorldFest

Fiscal Year 2012

Performance Measures

Minority residents who feel that the City is a great place to live (Resident Survey) Citizen rating of City Government for respecting religious and ethnic diversity (Resident Survey) *Residential Survey was conducted in FY2011 and will be conducted again in FY2013.

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Goal 89% 93%

Actual 98%* 98%*

Strength in Diversity Visioning Summit Update

More than 100 participants, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, gathered in April to review how the vision expressed in 2004 for the City’s future had progressed.

They were invited to “Just Dream It!” and develop a fresh look at the City in the coming 10 to 15 years. With 25 City staff members and City Commissioners acting as observers and advisors, and futurist Glen Hiemstra providing a glimpse into how our tomorrows affect us, the meet-up touched on nearly every aspect of Coral Springs life: arts and culture, business, education, environment, government, healthcare, non-profit, public safety, recreation, religious groups and seniors and youth populations. Not surprisingly, their view of the ideal community remains similar and is reflected in the City’s commitment to seven key priorities. The 2012 “dreams” will be used during the 2013 Strategic Planning Update.

Participants representing all facets of the Coral Springs community met to develop a vision for Coral Springs in the next 10 years.

WorldFest

The City’s annual WorldFest, which featured an array of multi-cultural entertainment, cuisine and culture, drew hundreds of spectators to the Sportsplex. This wonderful event highlights Coral Springs’ diverse population.

Leadership Diversity Programs

Many of our programs, including our Martin Luther King, Jr. events and UniTown, offer students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and instill an interest in the importance of volunteering in school and throughout the community.

“Community of Respect”

The Anti-Defamation League designated Coral Springs as a “Community of Respect.” This innovative community-wide anti-bias initiative provides the tools and resources to help organizations fight prejudice, bigotry, discrimination and engender respect and appreciation for diversity.

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Traffic, Mobility and Connectivity Street Lighting Improvements

Red Light and Security Cameras Implementation

When residents in nine out of 30 surveyed areas of the City expressed dissatisfaction with street lighting, the City moved swiftly to get them out of the dark.

Trees were pruned to allow more light to shine through, and almost 750 street lights were replaced due to enhanced outage reporting with more staff patrols.

“Ben Geiger Drive”

In memory of Otis “Ben” Geiger, who served 16 years as Mayor, Vice Mayor and Commissioner, the City Commission approved the name change to one of the City’s most important throughways, NW 29th Street. The street runs alongside the Center for the Arts and Coral Springs Museum of Art, home of the Peace Garden and the site of stunning public art.

Drivers at five of the City’s major intersections are heeding the call to stop when the light turns red. With seven active cameras, accidents have dropped 17 percent year-over-year. Violations and fine revenues have also declined, indicating a change in driver behavior. In an ongoing effort to make roadways safer, the City Manager’s Office and members of the Police Department are exploring expanding the program to include other intersections and looking at technology options that could further improve accuracy.

Westview Turn Lane

Visitors to North Community Park no longer hold up others in the travel lane when attempting to enter on Westview Drive.

A new turn lane allows them to stack up out of the way, enhancing traffic flow and safety.

Other Accomplishments Construction of the Downtown Pathway along Ben Geiger Drive continues and will improve access to local social service agencies, schools, churches and medical facilities, while also enhancing the aesthetic quality of life for residents.

Work to repair, resurface and re-stripe the master parking lots on Sample Road will enhance storefront safety and aesthetics.

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Street Indexing Signs

Motorists looking for commercial businesses have been helped by a total of 59 signs that have been installed along the University Drive, Sample Road and Wiles Road parking corridors.

A Walkable, Bikeable City

To promote a more walkable, bikeable City, staff installed asphalt new concrete sidewalks, improved drainage and resurfaced Northwest 85th Avenue between Sample Road and Forest Hills Boulevard. Also, staff completed the design for new sidewalks and drainage improvements to NW 110th Avenue between Sample and Wiles Roads.

Fiscal Year 2012

Performance Measures

Number of linear feet of improved sidewalks, bike paths and bike lanes Number of riders on intracity bus routes

Goal

2,500 100,000

Actual 6,179 97,060

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Five decades. Fifty years. As cities go, ours is barely a blip on the national register of historic places.

But Coral Springs has had its own unique journey in time. In 2012, City staff and volunteers launched preparations for a semi-centennial anniversary designed to honor our heritage and celebrate our future. We’re planning a year-long party, and you’re invited!

Something for Everyone

We’re a diverse community, so count on a wide range of activities to give everyone a chance to celebrate in the way they most enjoy. From floats to festivals, the calendar is filling up with 50th Anniversary Signature Events.

We kicked off the series with the Holiday Parade and Fun Run in December, followed by the BizArt Festival and State of the City in January. We have planned sure-to-be memorable events through the remainder of the year.

Residents may visit the Anniversary web site, CoralSprings50.org, for regular updates on upcoming activities.

The web site is one of many communications vehicles created by the City to engage residents and businesses in the celebration.

A View to History

If you were not one of Coral Springs’ pioneers – and, given the rustic state of the “city in the country,” that’s probably not an inaccurate description – then you will enjoy the collection of historical photos and fun facts found in the calendar issued by the Historical Advisory Committee and on the City’s web site at CoralSprings.org/history.

Did you know, for example, that our beautiful Coral Springs Center for the Arts began life as a basketball court?

Or that, in the 1960s, no roads led to Coral Springs except Wiles Road, forcing residents to travel a convoluted route for gas and groceries? Or that we might have been named after a fish, if founding planners from Coral Ridge Properties had prevailed?

If you were an early resident, you can share your stories and photos about life in the “last piece of gold on the Gold Coast” on our Anniversary web site.

Also, the official City of Coral Springs Facebook page features an interactive timeline of historical events dating back to 1963.

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The Journey to Excellence

It started with a covered bridge, a symbol of the “old South” master developer Coral Ridge Properties used as a centerpiece to successfully create a 20th century marketing version of the land rush.

But when Westinghouse Electric Company took over in 1966, the image of Coral Springs shifted from old to new.

On the heels of the 1960s animated space-age cartoon, The Jetsons, the company set out to create an urban prototype for the future, including homes with mission-control electric conveniences that “ran” the house.

It was a distinctive positioning that set the City apart from other growing South Florida communities.

The original founders did more than market the town, though. They created a master plan that set aside ample areas for schools and parks before any building was ever constructed.

They laid the foundation for a desirable, aesthetically-pleasing destination for families and businesses.

We still treasure our covered bridge, but this year, the City launched an initiative to create the next incarnation of our “brand.”

Unlike the first versions crafted by developers, we are gathering the input of residents and business alike to capture the unique characteristics that have made – and continue to make – Coral Springs a premier community of excellence.

Visit CoralSprings50.org for more 50th Anniversary upcoming events and to share your Coral Springs stories and photos!

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Getting Involved

The City of Coral Springs welcomes and encourages citizen involvement. In fact, the City relies on input from our residents to develop Business Plan initiatives for this coming year and to continually improve the services we provide. Citizens have a number of opportunities to become involved in their City government. Citizens may choose the larger, ongoing time commitment of serving on an advisory board or committee, or they may wish to occasionally volunteer their time to City departments and events.

Additionally, residents can also get involved by attending their Slice of the Springs Neighborhood Meetings and regular City Commission meetings. Citizens may also easily offer concerns and advice through the online City Help Desk at CoralSprings.org/help.

Special appreciation goes to all our dedicated volunteers and members of our boards, committees and the following community groups: 50th Anniversary Committee Affordable Housing Committee Architectural Review Committee Board of Adjustment Charter School Advisory Board Code Rangers Community Assisted Patrol Community Emergency Response Team Community Garden Community Redevelopment Agency Construction Review Committee Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce Coral Springs Community Chest Council of Executive Officers Crime Scene Volunteer Program Customer-Involved Government Committee

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Economic Development Foundation Enterprise Coral Springs Financial Advisory Board Fire Pension Board Friends of the Museum of Art General Employees Pension Board Historical Advisory Committee Holiday Parade Committee Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee Museum of Art Board of Directors National Day of Prayer and Peace Committee Neighborhood and Environmental Committee Nuisance Abatement Board

Parent Education Advisory Committee Planning and Zoning Board Police Pension Board Police Reserve Officer Corps Principal Advisory Committee ProjectCS Teen Car Club Public Art Committee Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital Senior Advisory Committee Sports Coalition Sports Commission Teen Political Forum Committee Unsafe Structures Board WorldFest Committee Youth and Family Advisory Committee

City Officials and Executive Staff All of these accomplishments could not have been possible without the City’s dedicated staff and department directors.

A special thanks to everyone involved in making these initiatives a reality.

City Commission

Mayor Vincent M. Boccard Vice Mayor Tom Powers Commissioner Claudette Bruck Commissioner Dan Daley Commissioner Larry Vignola

Senior Management Team

Erdal DĂśnmez, City Manager Susan Grant, Deputy City Manager Roberto Hernandez, Deputy City Manager John Hearn, City Attorney Josephine Chavez, City Clerk Mark Curran, Fire Chief Rick Engle, Director of Parks and Recreation Robert Goehrig, Director of Budget, Strategy and Communications Melissa Heller, Director of Finance Susan Hess, Director of Development Services Curlie Matthews, Director of Information Services Mike McGoun, Director of Aquatic Services Tom Messenheimer, Executive Director of Sportsplex Rich Michaud, Director of Public Works Dale Pazdra, Director of Human Resources Tony Pustizzi, Chief of Police

9551 West Sample Road Coral Springs, Florida 33065 CoralSprings.org • 954-344-1000