2/18/15 V2I4

Gazette Wilton Manors

Volume 2 • Issue 4 February 18, 2015

Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook

Page 2 East Vs. West

Page 3 City's Water Rates

Page 4 New Local Boot Camp

Page 6 City's Trans Benefits

Page 7 New Parking Office

Valentine's Day "I Do" Ceremony Wilton Manors marries 50 couples at Town Hall Page 5 Photo: J.R. Davis

City Manager Gallegos Retiring Page 4 City Manager Joseph Gallegos (right), pictured with Mayor Resnick (left) and M.E. DePalma. Source:wiltonmanors.govoffice2.com

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Opinion

East Vs. West

Wilton Manors shouldn’t be having this discussion

By Sal Torre

Gazette Wilton Manors

FEBRUARY 18, 2015 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 4 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

PUBLISHER • NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY JASON.PARSLEY@SFGN.COM

Editorial

ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES ARTWORK@SFGN.COM ONLINE PRODUCER • DENNIS JOZEFOWICZ DENNIS.JOZEFOWICZ@SFGN.COM EDITORIAL ASSISTANT • JILLIAN MELERO JILLIANMELERO@GMAIL.COM

Correspondents

MICHAEL D’OLIVEIRA • CHRISTIANA LILLY • DENISE ROYAL • NATALYA JONES • JOHN MCDONALD • JAMES OAKSUN • DAVID REPLOGLE

It is always amazing to hear residents talk about different areas of Wilton Manors like some far-off borough or section of a much larger city. Recent comments include the following: “The whole city has to pay for the upgrading of what is mostly the Westside and Main Street.”

“City funds are going to Wilton Drive while nothing is spent on Andrews Avenue.”

“We have no parks here on the east side, so why should we pay for Mickel Field on the west side.

This thinking is both short-sighted and detrimental.

Wilton Manors is a small city, just over 2 square miles, and everything that takes place inside our boundaries affects all of us. Within what is walking distance in most municipalities exist three neighborhoods that make up the city: Eastside, Central, and Westside. While these neighborhood associations are active and serve a crucial purpose, residents do not live in a bubble within one of these neighborhoods. Development projects on the east side affect everyone. Crime along Wilton Drive and Powerline Road affects everyone. Property values throughout our city definitely affect all of us.

A major priority for the city has been to invest in our parks and recreational facilities. Mickel Field, one of our largest parks, had been left vacant and underutilized for many years. When the city funded the re-purposing of Mickel Field last year, it was not done just for the benefit of those living on the west side, but for the benefit and use of all residents as part of city-wide parks and recreation system.

The tennis, volleyball, basketball courts, gym, playground, and community center at Hagen Park are not just for the central neighborhood surrounding that facility; nor is the boat ramp at Colahatchee Park used only by residents along East 15th Avenue. An overall city-wide parks system that is updated and re-purposed serves every resident throughout our two square miles and affects desirability, quality of life and property values for all residents.

As for “Main Street” the city has invested very little over the last few years. Local businesses have led the way in creating a vibrant commercial thoroughfare though the center of our city. With the recent creation of the Business Improvement District, local businesses along Wilton Drive will assess themselves to make improvements at no cost to the city or its residents. We should all applaud the Business Improvement District and its proactive approach that will create a very strong tax base benefitting both the city and its residents.

Looking past the urban myth that the city’s main focus and funding priority is Wilton Drive, we see a city actively working throughout our entire community on major projects. A zoning study as the first step toward revitalization and redevelopment of Andrews Avenue, anticipated lane reduction and road improvements along Powerline Road, concern over the railroad crossing on 26th Street, traffic issues on 15th Avenue, improvements along Dixie Highway, public safety initiatives, and proper funding of our Police Department demonstrate that the City of Wilton Manors is focused on all areas of our two-square miles, not just “Main Street.”

Together we can make Wilton Manors the best twosquare miles in South Florida! WMG

Staff Photographers

J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES

Sales & Marketing

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING • MIKE TROTTIER MIKE.TROTTIER@SFGN.COM SALES MANAGER • JUSTIN WYSE JUSTIN.WYSE@SFGN.COM ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • EDWIN NEIMANN EDWIN.NEIMANN@SFGN.COM ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • CINDY CURTIS CINDY.CURTIS@SFGN.COM SALES ASSISTANT • JASON GONZALES JASON.GONZALES@SFGN.COM DISTRIBUTION SERVICES • BRIAN SWINFORD ACCOUNTING SERVICES BY CG BOOKKEEPING South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

Associated Press

Copyright © 2014 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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SouthFloridaGayNews February 18, 2015

City Moves Toward More Equitable Water Rates

Business

By Michael d’Oliveira In an effort to be more equitable in how water customers are charged, city officials plan to reduce the monthly base rates for those with 1-inch meters and raise them for those with 5/8-inch meters.

“Since the costs of providing water and sewer services are paid by customers, it is essential to provide a fair and equitable method of apportioning those costs among the various classes of customers,” wrote Finance Director Bob Mays in a memo to commissioners.

The combined rate for sewer and water is $45.43 for 5/8-inch meters and $118.12 for 1-inch meters.

The new rate will be $47.87 for 5/8 meters and $79.78 for 1-inch meters. The rates for all other meter sizes and types, including commercial, will remain the same. “This is strictly residential,” City Manager Joseph Gallegos said.

The reason for the current rate difference is the assumption that customers with smaller size meters will put less of a demand on the system; 5/8inch meters can handle up to 15 gallons of water per minute and 1-inch meters can handle up to 25 gallons per minute.

Commissioners agreed the change was long overdue.

“It’s the amount of water, not how fast you can get it, that should be our main concern,” Commissioner Tom Green said.

“I encountered this item when campaigning,” Commissioner Justin Flippen said.

Green said he got numerous emails from residents.

“I suspect it was a group that has 1-inch meters,” he joked.

According to officials, base rate charges generate about $3.3 million in revenue, or 58 percent of the costs of the water and sewage system. Wilton Manors gets its water from the City of Fort Lauderdale and has to charge residents rates that will self-sustain the service. “When making adjustments to any utility rates, we must be careful to be revenue-neutral,” wrote Mays.

The earliest the commission could bring the issue up for a vote would be its March 24 meeting. City Attorney Kerry Ezrol said water customers would get a notice of the meeting on the back of their bills.

WMG

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Community

Community

Wilton Manors Offer New Boot Camp Classes

By Natalya Jones

Forget about fad diets and the shake weight. Shed off unwanted pounds or simply tone up with Wilton Manor’s new Fitness Boot Camp program.

The classes, which started Feb. 1, are instructed by Lucky Pericles, a Wilton Manors resident who is a certified personal trainer. In fact, Pericles has over 10 years of training experience under his belt.

The classes, which target the entire body, came to life after Pericles asked Scott Holloway, president of operations at Hagen Park, about doing the classes. Needless to say, Holloway approved the idea and the Fitness Boot Camp was born.

“Everyone that wants to be healthier, fitter and stronger should join,” Pericles said. “Everyone that wants to increase their stamina, endurance and self confidence should join. Everyone that wants to lose weight, lower their blood pressure or regulate their sugar levels should also join.”

Goodbye Gallegos Long time city manager to retire

By Michael d’Oliveira

Pericles also said that benefits of boot camp include the improvement of daily lives and becoming mentally stronger as well.

The boot camp classes are for both beginner and intermediate athletes, so no worries if you’re not an expert yet. These classes are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

“I do it because I love the positive changes I see in people,” Pericles added. “Insecurities turn into confidence. People doing things they thought they'd never be able to do. Seeing people beat diabetes and hypertension. Seeing people upgrade themselves is the best feeling.”

Admission for the Fitness Boot Camp is $10 per class or $50 for six classes at Hagen Park in 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors.WMG

Visit WiltonManors.com or call Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department at 954390-2130 for more information.

To contact Lucky Pericles, call 954-931-8711. Before and after pictures can be seen at before and after pictures and reviews at Facebook.com/ Lucksfitness.

It’s been a little over two weeks since City Manager Joseph Gallegos officially announced his intent to retire this coming October, but city commissioners may already have his replacement lined up – Assistant City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson.

Gallegos, who will have served as city manager for 17 years this April, made the announcement in a letter to the commission on Feb. 2 and will officially retire Oct. 1.

“I wanted to give the community as much time as it normally takes [to] advertise for a city manager. It’s been my pleasure and my privilege to be part of the community here. To be part of a wonderful team of city professionals and workers,” Gallegos said.

Gallegos praised the volunteers and organizations that contribute to the city. He highlighted the improvements the city has made, including Highland Estates, which was plagued by crime and drugs, as well as the redevelopment of parts of the commercial areas. In particular, Gallegos said he was proud to implement furloughs and take a personal pay cut during the recession.

“Because of all of our steps, we didn’t have to lay off any employees.”

“I think I was the only one on the dais [who is on here now] when he was hired. He’s done a wonderful job leading our city,” Mayor Gary Resnick said. Vice Mayor Scott Newton called Gallegos one of the city’s “best ambassadors.”

Henderson received strong statements of support from the commission, the majority of whom seemed ready to hire her at the commission meeting on Feb. 10.

“She has the skills and the temperament,” Commissioner Julie Carson said. “Mrs. Henderson has my full support,” said Commissioner Justin Flippen.

Newton said the city should choose

Henderson because she already knows the city and staff members, adding that he’s seen outside hires get the job in other cities and make drastic, disastrous changes.

Resnick said he would start talks with Henderson.

Commissioners could talk exclusively with her or they could advertise the job. Either way, the meeting where a decision is made will have to be announced to the public ahead of time. Resnick said it would not have been “very transparent” to make a decision at the Feb. 10 meeting because it was not advertised and no resident would have had an opportunity to speak out on the matter.

Commissioner Tom Green said, no matter who is chosen, he doesn’t want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a consultant and a big national search “so they can find someone in Oregon.”

Henderson said she appreciates the nod of confidence from the commission.

“I’m definitely considering it . . . my heart is here. This is the best community in South Florida.” WMG

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SouthFloridaGayNews February 18, 2015

The Wilton Manors "I Do!" Ceremony

Community

On Valentine's Day, the City of Wilton Manors and Broward 100 successfully hosted a free marriage ceremony for fifty couples at City Hall

By J.R. Davis

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Community

City May Offer Sexual Reassignment Surgery for Employees

By Michael d’Oliveira

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Cigna to add the procedure into the city’s policy he would recommend the city develop a policy and budget funds to pay for any requests. A decision on budgeting funds for the procedure would be determined by commissioners.

To date, said Sanchez, no employee has asked the city to pay for the procedure.

Sanchez compared the procedure to other city benefits, such as tuition reimbursement. “It would be an added employee benefit.”

He estimates he would have a report for commissioners within a few weeks.

Carson said the request was part of fulfilling a promise she made to the transgender community through Trans Equality at its awards ceremony in November of 2014.

Bishop Makalani-MaHee, a trans activist and transgender man, applauded Carson. “When the commissioner made that commitment at our Trans Equality award ceremony, where she was being honored, it just really drove home to me why she was one of the evening’s honorees. This is the kind of mindset we need in the leadership.”

Makalani-MaHee, 42, born female, said he has known since he was about 10 that he should have been born male.

“But I didn’t make a decision until September of 2011.”

Without the help of community fundraising efforts, Makalani-MaHee said he wouldn’t have been able to pay for SRS, which he estimates cost about $7,500. “I was very committed to having the surgery done as soon as possible.

The reality is that without help I would have had to scrimp and save for years and deal with the dysphoria of not being comfortable in my own body for years.” WMG

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Commissioner Julie Carson has asked the city’s human resources department to look into the possibility of including Sexual Reassignment Surgery [SRS] as of part the city’s employee health insurance plan.

“It’s the right thing to do. Our employees are some of the most valuable assets that we have. Should an employee ask for it, and the surgery is needed to live a healthy and complete life, I can’t imagine that not being addressed,” Carson said. “Often times, the reason people are not able to have gender reassignment surgery is cost or support, and these are two matters that would be addressed in health insurance.

I’m just very, very happy that it may be an option should an employee need it.”

The American Psychiatric Association [APA] has classified Gender Identity Disorder [GID] as a mental health issue. GID occurs when an individual’s gender identity does not conform to their physical gender. GID can cause severe distress, anxiety and depression and the APA recommends that individuals, who have been appropriately evaluated, should receive counseling, hormone therapy and eventually undergo SRS. The APA also “calls upon public and private insurers to cover these medically necessary treatments.”

Dio Sanchez, human resources manager, said he’s working with the city’s insurer, Cigna, to get the procedure added to the city’s policy.

According to the company’s website, Cigna covers SRS when an individual has been diagnosed with GID and is actively participating in a GID treatment program.

Sanchez said that if he can’t get

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Business

ON STANDS NOW!

City Searches for New Parking Office

By Michael d’Oliveira

Check out

The Mirror

Winter 2015

WINTER 2015 • Vol. 3

Issue 4

Winter Arts Guide Editi GUIdE bEGINS ON PAGE 21

on

‘FIRST COMES LOVE’ PHOTO FEATURE SEX POSITIVE CULTURE CHALLENGES ETHICS

HUNGARY FACES A HISTORIC STRUGGLE

themirrormag.com

GUIdE bEGINS ON PAGE 21 In the search for a new city parking office, one possible location has already been scrubbed from the list: the Woman’s Club of Wilton Manors.

In an effort to save $22,460 a year on rent, city staff had recommended the kitchen in the Woman’s Club, 600 NE 21 Court, be remodeled as an office for Lanier, the firm hired by the city to oversee the parking program.

Currently, Lanier occupies an office in Gables Wilton Park. Remodeling the kitchen would have cost about $60,000 but staff stated it would start to save the city money after the third year. It’s estimated that the cost of the Gables lease will increase four percent every year.

But after a plea from resident Constance Ruppender, commissioners directed staff to keep looking.

Ruppender, the founder of Art Gallery 21, located in the Woman’s Club, said the building is “on a path of resurgence” as a part of the city’s cultural landscape.

“It’s a small, unique art-filled space,” Ruppender said. Established in July of 2012, Art Gallery 21 is used to showcase the work of local artists and is open to the public on Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. as well as select Saturdays.

Ruppender added that remodeling the kitchen as an office would reduce the revenue from rentals, interfere with the art gallery and constitute a “crime” against the historic nature of the Woman’s Club, built in 1955.

“Amen,” responded Paul Kuta, Wilton Manors Historical Society treasurer.

The majority of commissioners agreed with Ruppender and directed city staff to keep looking.

“This would be a terrible thing. You can go with anything else, but not that,” said Commissioner Tom Green, who suggested a parking office should be part of a redevelopment of the city hall parking lot. “What we need to do is hurry along our plans to do something with the parking lot. This should be part of a redevelopment of that.”

Previous attempts by the city to form a public/private partnership, to develop the parking lot site, failed because commissioners did not like the plans proposed.

City Manager Joseph Gallegos said an office in city hall was not an option because there is no space available. “We looked at every single space. It does not work.”

The other options suggested are a trailer on the vacant lots behind the Hagen Park tennis courts, a trailer on the city hall parking lot or a permanent building on the city hall parking lot.

Commissioners weren’t satisfied with those options either.

Mayor Gary Resnick and Vice Mayor Scott Newton suggested the possibility of Island City Park Preserve, the cityowned building off Dixie Highway and commercial space along Northeast 26 Street. “In my mind it doesn’t have to be on those side streets adjacent to Wilton Drive,” said Resnick. The current parking office is located off Wilton Drive on Northeast 21 Court.

Gallegos, per the direction of commissioners, said staff would look into a month-to-month lease with Gables to allow more time to find an alternative location. The current lease expires in June.WMG

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Calendar of Events

Compiled from the Wilton Manors website

Brains and Balance Past 60 Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Hagen Park Brains and Balance Past 60 is designed for the unique needs of active older adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and physically stable. Researchers no longer believe that falling or losing your mental capacity are inevitable parts of the aging process and this fascinating class series operates based on the premise that specific exercises will decrease the risk of falling while increasing mental acuity.

Free Tax Assistance Feb. 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library Free face-to-face tax help for those of low to moderate income from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.

Photo: J.R. Davis

Photo: J.R. Davis

Wilton Manors Green Market Feb. 7, 8; 14, 15; 21, 22, and Feb. 28, March 1 — 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park Wilton Manors Green Market every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. in the Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park parking lot. The Market features Organic Produce, Regular Produce, International Baked Goods, specialty items, spices & herbs, soups, cheeses, coffees & tea, bagels, Nuts & dried fruits, baked goods, and various other international and local vendors.

The Market gives residents and visitors to Wilton Manors an exciting shopping alternative and a chance to view, sample and purchase products. For more information on The Market or to become a vendor, visit GreenWilton. com or contact Frank and Ron at 954531-5363.

Community Yard Sale Feb. 14, All Day at Hagen Park

Historical Society Annual Meeting Feb. 19, 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event Feb. 22, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Municipal Compound The City's annual drive-through dropoff event for residents to dispose of household hazardous items.

City Commission Meeting Feb. 10 & 24 at 7 p.m. at City Hall Chambers 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

We Do! February 14, 4:30 PM @ City Hall and Hagen Park On Valentine's Day, the City of Wilton Manors and Broward 100 - Celebrating the Art of Community, in honor of the County's centennial, will hold FREE marriage ceremonies for 100 people (50 couples) at Wilton Manors City Hall.

Roadmap to the Stars Astronomy Program Feb. 25, 5 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library International award-winning astronomer and former NASA consultant Kevin Manning presents “Roadmap to the Stars.” You’re invited to enjoy an educational and entertaining exploration of the universe, as well as a refreshingly large perspective gained by looking up to the stars. If weather permits, we will view the stars through a powerful custom-designed telescope after the presentation. This engaging program for all ages is sponsored by the Friends of the Wilton Manors Library.

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