Roberto Conde

The Program for Public Information (PPI) for the Town of Surfside, Florida, is designed to raise awareness among residents and stakeholders regarding flood hazards and flood insurance. It aims to mitigate flood-related damage, educate the community on floodplain management, and maximize credits in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (CRS) to reduce flood insurance rates. Key focus areas include understanding flood hazards, promoting flood insurance, protecting people and property, building responsibly, maintaining natural floodplain functions and storm drains, and preparing for sea level rise, storm surge, and hurricanes. The program also emphasizes increasing flood insurance participation and providing technical assistance.

The Design Review Board conducted an after-the-fact approval for a garage conversion at 8945 Dickens Avenue, subject to the installation of a planter. Key discussion points for the Design Review Board included receiving an update on the corridor analysis, where input was sought regarding development potential between 94th-88th Street, massing models, consideration of breezeways, walkways, and parking. The Planning and Zoning Board discussed resident requests to increase lot coverage, focusing on allowing first-floor expansion up to 50% lot coverage on smaller lots (5,600 sq ft or less) with potential restrictions on second-floor additions, directing staff to prepare illustrations. Additionally, the board addressed the modification of uses in the business district, providing direction to staff in favor of implementing distance requirements, such as limiting one type of business per block on the first floor, to encourage retail and restaurant usage over service uses. Future agenda items included reviewing signage policies, revisiting the Harding/Collins corridor analysis, and setting future meeting dates.

The special pension board meeting covered several key topics. The board reviewed and recommended approval of the financial statements for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, after addressing a deficiency related to delays in the Town's contribution to the plan due to Covid-19. The board also discussed cyber security and agreed to add it to the next agenda. Additionally, the board reviewed and recommended approval of the October 1, 2020 Actuarial Valuation, which included the minimum payment for the Plan year ending September 30, 2022.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics, such as the financial performance of the plan, including an overview of the quarter ending June 30, 2021, and investment reviews. The board also discussed board composition, cyber security measures, and the Ronald Browning case. Additionally, there was a presentation of invoices for approval and a discussion regarding the trustee handbook. The meeting also addressed a request for a refund of contributions for Elizabeth Hopkins.

The meeting addressed various topics, including a liaison report with positive feedback on town events, and discussions on extending Third Thursdays and Surfside Under the Stars events for another month. The board discussed resort tax collections, vacancies, and additional funding for food and drinks at events, including the possibility of moving events to 96th Street. They also covered the Surfside Letters display location, an update on the Events Manager search, Surfside T-shirt retail follow-up, highlighting new town businesses, a beach safety flyer for hotels, and the South Florida Concierge Association (SFCA) membership. Additionally, the potential relocation of the Farmer's Market to 96th Street was discussed.