Winter 2010

NOTES FROM THE MAYOR

I need to make everyone aware that TIDBIT articles are for guidance and information only and thus information is subject to change.  Deadlines result in the Town publishing this issue in October for a December delivery.   There is usually at least one commission meeting between me writing this article and you reading it.  So, information in this issue may not be relevant in December.  I realize this now, and I will attempt to keep this in mind when I compose my future inputs.   Therefore, if you have any questions about current ordinances or policy, please email me or check with Tom or Sheila at Town Hall.

We are planning to have a full commission present for the November 9 meeting and several key issues will be discussed.  The future of the Town’s offering free or low rate item storage on various Town owned parcels will be a topic.  If you are interested in the outcome of this topic, I recommend you attend this meeting.  We now plan to deliver a personal reminder just prior to the meeting to all Shalimar households if a full commission is available.  Another interesting topic will be a potential Town Charter change to cap tax millage rate at 2.0 mills.  Code enforcement seems to be a topic for every meeting, so I’m sure this topic might be interesting.  By the way, our legal efforts to get owners to clean up the old Giuseppe’s and Starbuck’s properties were successful.  The landscaping work is ongoing as I compose this article.

During the past couple commission meetings, we did agree on some limited guidance for use of Town property for storage of personal items.   Please check minutes of these meetings or call Town Hall for a recap of policy.  Bottom-line, only trailers or RVs are presently allowed.   As always, I remind you to maintain your security and safety consciousness.  Speeding and illegal parking continues to be a safety issue.  You or your visitors may receive a Parking Ticket for parking on Town right of way.  During week days, you can report illegal parking, suspicious activity or address questions to Sheila or Tom at Town Hall, 651-5723. 

NOTES FROM THE TOWN MANAGER

HAZMAT REMINDER

We still offer convenient drop off of all your hazardous wastes at Town Hall on Cherokee Rd.  In tidying up the appearance of our maintenance area, we have moved the drop off area (pallets) behind the fence, right behind the Town Hall dumpster.  Just open the gate and deposit as before.

The Shalimar Christmas Parade and Party will be on Tuesday, December 14. The parade will start on the south side of Eglin Pkwy at 5:00 and will end at approximately 6:00. The Commission will meet briefly at 6, then the party will begin.  Food, drinks, and holiday cheer will be potluck. Contact Sheila at the Town Hall with what you would like to bring and she will coordinate the dishes so we don’t get too much of one thing. Please come by and meet your Shalimar neighbors.

NOTES FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

How time moves so quick. The winter holidays are upon us and many residents will be traveling out of town to visit family. Some will have family visiting our wonderful town. A few tips for those traveling. Make sure you contact the police department, town hall, or visit our website to complete a house watch form. This will ensure that your property will be checked by an officer during routine patrol. A few tips for those coming to visit our wonderful town. You will probably have more vehicles than you have room for in your driveway.  Call the police department, town hall, or email us via our website.  Inform us that you may require overflow parking. We will provide parking guidance for those who call. If the officer locates a vehicle that is not on our list of those who called, they will face a warning, then a fine for $25.00.

I would like to attend home owners’ association meetings.  During the meeting I would like to speak about the services the police department provides and some town services. Also, this would be a good time to hear from residents on ways the police department can improve services. Resident’s thoughts and concerns are very important to me and I would like to have suggestions to improve the way the department provides those services. I am sure there are things residents are not aware of that we provide. Also, I am sure that there are concerns that residents have that I have not heard.   If the HOA decides they would like me to speak at one of the meetings, please contact the Police Department or Town of Shalimar.

I hope everyone has a safe and blessed Holiday Season.

Reminder: Shalimar ordinances state that no person shall throw or place any debris in any drainage ditches, drainage easements, catch basins, or any part of the storm water management system.  It is also illegal to dispose of any pollutants that may end up in any of these areas.  These include yard trash, earthen fill, and all trash/litter.  Please notify Town Hall if you observe any illegal dumping in our storm water drainage systems – let’s stay high and dry and help keep coastal waters clean!