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CVE REPORTER
OCTOBER 2008
The Mayor’s Message
By Al Capellini - Mayor/City of Deerfield Beach
Editor-in-Chief STEVEN H. FINE Assistant to the Editor Betty Schwartz Editorial Staff Seymour Blum Judy Olmstead Betty Schwartz Activities Editor Sandy Parness Production Norman Bloom Sid Goldstein Christie Voss Photo Journalists Sid Birns Jules Kesselman Al Miller Advertising Consultants Susan Dove Arlene Fine Estelle Sabsels
Office Staff Norman Bloom, Carol Carr, Susan Dove, Arlene Fine, Bea Litner, Sandy Parness, Toni Ponto, Betty Schwartz, Gert Schwartz, Estelle Sabsels, Sandy Schmier Staff Cartoonist Alan G. Rifkin Alvin Sherman 1913-2000
Art Director Christie Voss
Columnists and Regular Contributors Shelly Baskin, Harvey Beaber, Sid Birns, Evelyn Bloom, Norman L. Bloom, Sy Blum, Mayor Al Capellini, Mary Catherine Castro, Herb Charatz, Marion G. Cohen, Richard William Cooke, Senator Ted Deutch, Arlene Fine, Jack Galit, Max Garber, Commissioner Steve Gonot, Gilbert Gordon, Rolf Grayson, Broward Commissioner Kristin Jacobs, Harry L. Katz, Louis Kaufman, Jules Kesselman, Richard Koenig, Rosalind Lerman, Jess Levin, Dory Leviss, Bea Litner, Dr. Norma Locker, Rosalind Mandell, Pauline Mizrach, Judy Olmstead, Nelia Panza, Lori Parrish, Charles Parness, Phyllis Pistolis, Commissioner Marty Popelsky, Eva Rachesky, Gloria Shomer, Rosalyn Spitzer, Helene Wayne, Carl Weitz, Lucille Weitz, Jerry Wolf, Robert Winston, Janice Zamsky. Business Manager Steven H. Fine
Hello everyone! Our City Budget has been approved and we are going to have a small decrease and no increase to the fire assessment fee either. As mentioned before, my major concern is next year’s budget and some expected shortfalls. Please don’t misunderstand, this shortfall will be because revenues will be less than expected due to the current economy. So what are we going to do to make sure this is not a problem for you next year? We are going to be positive and proactive. First, I suggest no new automatic hires or replacement of employees unless the department has been evaluated by the City Manager. I have also directed the City Manager to review the need for all positions and to make sure we are balanced so current employees can be shifted around and equalize the work to the staff. Second, I believe we need to review the money we spend for events. Possibly reduce and eliminate some of the events next year. At
least until the economy gets better. We need to direct that money to more needy causes that help the people. We need to look at both outsourcing tasks and doing other work in-house. We must evaluate the cost savings of each. We cannot add people to do short term work when we can outsource. At the same time some work can be accomplished more efficiently by our own staff. It is a balance. Third, we will be more aggressive in seeking Federal and State funding. That means we don’t play partisan politics. We need money from both sides of the political aisle. In the past we have been very successful in Washington as well as Tallahassee. Fourth, I want to review all enterprise funds such
as garbage and water. As you know water rates were increased several months ago because of shortfalls and new improvements required. We cannot change those rates on a monthly basis because we have bond obligations and coverage requirements to meet. However, we can review the appropriateness of those rates next year and see if the revenue will increase or decrease and if sufficient coverage can be provided which may result in a reduction. This week we were notified that some funding from Florida Community Trust was earmarked for Deerfield Beach. We submitted several grants. One was to purchase the Melrose property along the pier. The other was to purchase the golf course property at Tam O’Shanter at Crystal Lake. Based on the results it appears almost impossible to purchase the golf course and somewhat possible with negotiations to get the Melrose property. The following table illustrates the results:
I want to thank County Commissioner Jacobs for her help with County money. She has always been there and helpful. At the last meeting the commission decided to go forward with the funding ($ 17 million) for the expansion of our water plant. This is a positive move and will secure
our future water supply needs and update our east water plant facility that is 48 years old. I know this a financially difficult time for many and I will do my best to keep cost down. I am looking into some relief to the County bus transportation. I will be working with Management, County,
State and City officials to resolve the issue to the best of my ability. I would like to have a meeting with some key individuals at Century Village. If you are interested please call City Hall 954-480-4263. God Bless you all and I will talk to you soon.
Circulation Proofreaders Outside Pubs., Inc. Sid Goldstein, Bea Litner Barbara Turner Betty Schwartz, Norman L. Bloom Seth Turner
The CENTURY VILLAGE EAST REPORTER is published monthly and distributed,without charge, to the residents of Century Village East, Deerfield Beach, Florida. It is published for the edification of said residents, and contains reports of the monthly meetings of the corporations, Board of Directors and its Committees, as well as news, bus and theater schedules, and contributed articles of current interest to the residents. The Condominium Owners Organization of Century Village East, Inc. aka COOCVE,a not-for-profit corporation, its officers, directors, editors, staff, any committee people are not responsible for typographical errors or misrepresentations in any advertisements or article. They are not responsible and assume no liability for the content of, or any opinions expressed in, any contributed articles which represent the author’s own opinions and not necessarily the opinion of COOCVE. Acceptance of advertising for products or services in no way constitutes an official endorsement of the product. Residents are advised to check with the person they are hiring to be sure he is licensed and insured.
From the President By IRA GROSSMAN, President COOCVE The representatives from COOCVE all wish you and yours a very Happy New Year. We are looking forward to the return of the winter residents, and moving on with the business at hand. A luncheon was held in the Party Room for the Presidents, sponsored by Mark Bogen, Seacrest, and National Group. It was informative and provided options for all the issues that concerned the operation of the buildings. Seacrest will be in charge as of January 1st, 2009. They are presently having meetings with the buildings to discuss how the financial control will be handled. Be sure to read the contract in order to intelligently discuss legal ramifications. All applications can be picked up at the COOCVE Office if any board needs a copy. Applications for COOCVE
B officers 2009 are now available at the reception desk. Applications must be notarized and a biography detailing your experience should be attached. The newly formed Nominating Committee will contact you and arrange an interview date. Please make sure the paperwork is submitted by December 1, 2008. We anticipate many positive changes in the coming year. Get involved. Be a part of the growth and development of our wonderful village.
The Mail Bag
y far the most popular and widely read segment of our publication is the Letter-tothe Editor columns. We encourage letters that enable our readers to “sound off” on any subject. However, we will not print letters from the same person on the same subject in two consecutive issues. Also, letters must be from CVE residents, must be signed and, if possible type-written double-spaced. Please include your phone number. When we receive letters about applicable contracts, please remember the Reporter does not endorse any single company. Residents are free to make their own choices each year.
WE WILL MISS HIM To the Editor: On Tuesday. September 16, 2008, Harry Funt passed away at the age of 94. He enjoyed 33 years of living in the Village and was still going to the Clubhouse the week before his death. He will be missed by those of us who knew him. Harvey and Susan Lebowitz and Mark Scherer, Markham K
THANKS To The Editor: Thanks for online edition. I can now keep informed no matter where I am. Good presentation and easy access. Keep up the good work. I Arron Cambridge E Editor’s Note: We will always strive to improve the Reporter’s accessibility to the residents of Century Village.
IT’S FOR THE BIRDS To The Editor: Last month, Judy Olmstead, of the editorial staff of the Reporter, wrote under News & Views, an article attacking pet owners in our Village. Quoting Section 12.1 of the By-laws governing her Association, under the heading, BY-LAWS RELATION TO USE AND DECORUM RULES AND REGULATIONS…even if the pet is not a walking pet or animal, no See LETTERS, pg 15A