GAZETTE JANUARY 2020
January Message from the Town Manager
As we embark on a new year, one of the significant challenges we face is rising sea levels and climate change. In the next 40 years, seas are expected to rise 17 to 31 inches or more, according to updated scientific projections recently adopted by a coalition of South Florida communities, including Surfside and many of our neighbors (see Miami Herald article New projections show that South Florida is in for even more sea level rise by Alex Harris, published December 4, 2019). While the statistics are alarming, our Elected Officials and Town Administration remain upbeat and have been working collaboratively with key stakeholders, government agencies and committees to develop adaptive measures to address the impacts felt today and for future generations. This past December, the Town Commission declared a Climate Crisis to reinforce our commitment to tackling this issue and further urge the U.S. Congress and Florida Legislature to take immediate action. The declaration coincided with the release of Surfside’s Climate Crisis Report and Action Plan (see page 3). Additionally, the Town has begun to develop a Stormwater Master Plan to better understand which areas are most vulnerable to flooding and what steps can be taken to adapt to rising seas. There are various actions we all can take to reduce our carbon footprint and our effects on the environment and the ocean. That includes eliminating and/or limiting our use of single-use plastics including plastic shopping bags, utensils and bottles. Starting this month, we invite residents and local businesses to take a voluntary online pledge to Ditch the Plastic, Protect the Environment. To learn more and to participate, see page 3 and visit the Town website. We hope you will join us at two upcoming events. The 12th edition of the Surfside Third Thursdays block party series starts on January 16 and the annual Family Fun Day celebration takes place on Sunday, January 26. Both are great ways to spend quality time with your family and neighbors. Check the Town website for more information on these events! - Guillermo Olmedillo, Town Manager
Surfside Retirement System Awarded
For the third year in a row, Surfside has received the prestigious 2019 Public Pension Coordinating Standards Award for meeting professional standards in plan funding and administration. It recognizes a high level of plan funding, member communications and administrative practices. Surfside’s retirement system met strict requirements in all five areas: Comprehensive Benefit Program, Actuarial, Audit, Investments and Communications. The award is presented by the Public Pension Coordinating Council.
(L-R) Commissioner Michael Karukin, Pension Attorney Adam Levinson, Finance Director Jason Greene, Pension Administrator Mayte Gamiotea, Pension Trustee HR Director Yamileth Slate-McCloud, Pension Trustee Police Sergeant Julio Torres, Commissioner Tina Paul, Commissioner Barry Cohen, Mayor Daniel Dietch, Town Manager Guillermo Olmedillo and Vice Mayor Daniel Gielchinsky.