TOWN SURFSIDE GAZETTE OF
DECEMBER 2017
MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN MANAGER
Reflecting During Surfside’s Busy Holiday Season
Ready or not, the annual holiday wave is washing over our Town. From the twinkling lights along Harding Avenue to the decorations on lawns in our close-knit neighborhoods, Surfside is dressed up for the season. Amid gatherings, special events and shopping, we should take time to reflect on 2017. Still fresh in our minds is the impact of Hurricane Irma. On November 1, Surfside held a well attended public meeting to review our actions before, during and after the storm. Overall, the Town received mostly high marks in all categories and no residents or staff were injured during the storm. In the days prior to landfall, extra garbage and trash was collected. This meant less debris had to be collected after the storm, enabling the Town to return to normal sooner than other communities. Surfside police went door-to-door to alert residents of the evacuation. After the storm, they checked on those who chose to stay. The Police also ensured that only Surfsiders could re-enter the Town after the storm, minimizing any crimes. What will we do better? Clear and effective communication with residents, businesses and partners is critical. Hurricanes remain difficult to predict. Everyone must know their role and responsibility when situations quickly change. Preparation remains more important than ever. Plan on getting involved early in the planning and preparation of the 2018 hurricane season. Remember to patronize our variety of high quality shops and restuarants in our business district this season. On behalf of our staff and elected officials, have a wonderful and safe holiday. - Guillermo Olmedillo, Town Manager
Surfside Retirement Plan Recognized Among the Nation’s Best
The future looks bright for Surfside employees who will benefit from the Town’s strong Retirement Plan. The Public Pension Coordinating Council recently presented Surfside with the 2017 Public Pension Standards Award for both Funding and Administration – two of the strict criteria that must be met to receive the award. The Coordinating Council is a coalition of three national associations representing more than 500 pension plans serving 16 million employees. (L-R) Town Attorney Lillian Arango, Commissioner Michael Karukin, Commissioner Tina Paul, Commissioner Daniel Gielchinsky, Pension Board Chair N. Abraham Issa, Vice Mayor Barry Cohen, Mayor Daniel Dietch and Town Manager Guillermo Olmedillo.