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President’s Message

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

'm delighted to be back serving as President of RVCA after taking a temporary
leave-of-absence due to the election. I am thankful for the excellent job Nancy
IBrand and Christina Currie did in my absence.
Thanks to everyone who voted March 16. Rio Vista's precinct had, by far, the most
voters this city election. Congratulations to Ben Sorensen who was elected our new
City Commissioner. Ben and I have already forged a solid working relationship,
coming together to tackle such issues as traffic, infrastructure, and development. The
other candidate for commission also lives in Rio Vista, former Dania Beach Mayor
Walter Duke. Walter and his wife Lisa have offered to help RVCA, volunteering for
the Fort Lauderdale Council. Thank you both. Congratulations also to Fort
Lauderdale's new Mayor, Dean Trantalis, Commissioners Heather Moraitis (District 1),
Warren Sturman, MD Steven Glassman (District 2) and Robert McKinzie (District 3).
President, RVCA The 17th Street Mobility Advisory has made significant progress. Traffic proposals
include an additional entrance ramp from southbound US1 onto I-595, a bypass
OFFICERS road(s) from Federal Highway directly to the Port/Convention Center and changing
President timing of the traffic signal at US1/SR84 (significantly lengthening north/south green
Warren Sturman, MD cycle). These changes should have a significant positive effect on SE 17th Street traffic
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as well as relieving the southbound gridlock exiting downtown every afternoon.
Vice President/Secretary Chuck Tatelbaum represents us on the city's Fire Bond Committee. We are still without
Christina Currie
TFDSFUBSZ!SJPWJTUBPOMJOF DPN our fire station. Plans call for it to be located on SE 17 Street just west of Broward
General Hospital. While the committee recommends Station 8 be built closer to us,
Treasurer the city has invested too many resources to change the site now. As a compromise,
Mark Snead the city plans to build a smaller "rescue only" station just south of the tunnel and has
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committed $3 million for land acquisition.

BOARD MEMBERS Fred Stresau represents us on the city's Infrastructure Task Force. Total needs for water
Bill BodPr and sewer repair is estimated to be more than one billion dollars over a 20 year
builderbil@aol.com span. The more pressing need concerns the state's consent order for immediate sewer
/BODZ .FTTJOH #SBOE repairs. To comply with this order Fort Lauderdale authorized a $200 million bond
OSNFTTJOH!BPM DPN and work has already begun. The task force will continue to address other
infrastructure issues such as stormwater, flooding and sidewalks.
4BN ,PTUFS
DLTL !BPM DPN Because the Wave Streetcar initial proposals came in over budget it was sent out for
re-bidding. If the bids remain more than 25% over budget Fort Lauderdale would
Tom Maus
tom@mausandhoffman.com have the option to cancel. A majority of the new City Commission has expressed
opposition to the Wave. A workshop is scheduled for April with a commission vote
Michael Orlando set for the first meeting in May. Also in May (May 15), the City Commission will vote
mjopa@aol.com
on the Alexan project (on the site of the Edgewater condo).
Eladio Perez Hurricane season is one month away. Now is the time to trim back your trees,
peladio2@yahoo.com
removing dead branches (do NOT attempt to trim anywhere near a power line - leave
Fred Stresau that to a professional). We still have several cycles of bulk trash pickup before
Ttresau@bellsouth.net Hurricane season begins to get rid of outdoor debris and other potential projectiles.
Make sure your generator is working (NEVER RUN A GENERATOR INSIDE, NOT
COUNSEL TO THE BOARD
EVEN IN YOUR GARAGE). Drain out leftover fuel - old gas can ruin your generator.
Charles Tatelbaum Take time to review (or create!) your family's disaster plan.
cmt@trippscott.com

6 6 rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com