Notes from the Mayor

Budget Season for FY09 is upon us. The current gasoline prices are creating havoc with the Town’s current and future budgets. Right now, we plan to maintain all services. This year, you will hopefully see a decrease in your property taxes as a result of the state’s mandated second $25,000 exemption for homesteaded properties. The Town Manager and I have reviewed a draft FY09 Town budget and hope to maintain the Town’s low property tax millage rate.

Construction of a permanent maintenance building on the Town Hall property is well under way. Long overdue, the maintenance department will soon have an adequate workspace. Now, they can move their office out of the conference room, clean up the area around Town Hall and improve the parking area.

On-street parking continues to be an area of concern for residents and the Town’s Police Department. This is also a neighborhood safety concern. In many instances, the Town staff can assist you with short-term parking requirements, so please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance or advice at 651-5723.

We continue to work with the School Board on the trade of public property on Richbourg Avenue. This trade benefits both the School Board and the Town. The obstacle is the lack of legal documentation to make the transfer. Three of the nine property owners who received a registered letter from the Town concerning this trade did not respond and have blocked a low cost transfer of this property. The Commission has authorized the Town’s attorney to pursue civil action to secure the required documentation.

Remember, we can only afford to maintain one on-duty policeman during most of the week. Neighborhood security and safety is our primary concern. If you notice something out of the ordinary (street lights out, neighbor’s window broken, trash blocking the street or sidewalk, unattended animals, etc.), please call the Shalimar Police Department at 225-1272. For emergencies, please continue to use 9-1-1. For any non-emergency communication, please call 225-1272 or 651-1115 or, during the day, you can call Town Hall at 651-5723.

In addition to the budget season, hurricane season is here. We’ve been fortunate for the past few years, let’s pray our luck continues. I wish and pray for everyone’s good health.

Gary Combs

Mayor

Notes from the Police Department

Summer is here and the kids are out of school. As a reminder, please abide by the traffic laws and Town Ordinances during the summer months as more kids will be playing on neighborhood streets.

In an attempt to help keep the Town’s fuel bill down, you may not see our vehicles patrolling as much during the next few months. The officers will conduct foot patrols and utilize the Town’s golf cart to patrol the neighborhoods. We will continue to provide the most efficient protection to keep our residents safe.

We have seen an increase in the aggression of coyotes, most recently in the neighborhoods of Clifford and Sara Drives, and historically throughout the Town. If you live in these areas and have pets, they may be vulnerable if left out at night. If you see a coyote, please call 25-1272 or 651-7400. The Town has a licensed nuisance wildlife trapper on staff but coyotes can be very difficult to trap. Permanent eradication may be necessary if an animal is determined to be dangerous.

John Cash

Police Chief

Summer Yard of the Quarter

What a treat to drive the streets of Shalimar this time of year. Many of our residents have put so much work into preparing their yards, it is hard to pick a "best". Kudos to the commercial district with their manicured lawns and coiffed bushes that offer a welcome to visitors. On Clifford drive look at #7, and The Fairfield Inn has a wonderful landscaper. The neighborhoods of Sara Drive, Sunset Bay Court and Garnier’s Cay showcase the power of neighbors that work together to form one continuous beautiful landscape. The simple elegance of the 900 Sara Drive yard and the small but gorgeous display at 2563 Palm Shores Drive is a pleasure to view. Another compact pleasure is the yard of 2561 Dana Court. Take time to look at the yards of 911 Sara Drive, and 911 and 909 Sunset Bay Court as well.

As you meander down Mande Drive check out 850. On Gardner Drive 123, 125, and 129 are pure eye candy.

If you ask me, though, I really appreciate the old school charm of the vintage yards at 42 and 46 Shalimar Drive, with the window box flowers and small pleasant flower garden. That brings be to my selection of yard of the quarter...38 Shalimar Drive. From the majestic flowering crepe myrtle to the lush green lawn, edged with a changing tapestry of color and texture dotted with bright happy yellows the owner has created a wonderful landscape that offers many delights with each season.

Kent Beck

Maintenance Supervisor

With the passage of Shalimar Ordinance 2008-04 at the June Commission Meeting, our Town has joined a small but growing list of communities allowing golf carts to be used on certain municipal streets. All the streets in Shalimar will soon be marked as allowing golf carts. State Hwy 85 (Eglin Pkwy) is a Florida DOT highway and is NOT APPROVED for operation of golf carts. Here are the Shalimar golf cart rules:

- A golf cart is defined by FL Statute section 320.01.

- Golf carts operating on Shalimar streets in daylight (official sunrise to official sunset) must have:

efficient brakes

reliable steering

safe tires

rear view mirror

reflectorized warning devices in front and rear

- Additional equipment required for nighttime operation include:

headlights and taillights

brake lights

turn signals

windshield

- Daylight operation of a golf cart on Shalimar streets is restricted to persons 16 years of age or older. Nighttime operation is restricted to licensed drivers only.

- Golf cart operators must be able to produce current proof of golf cart liability insurance covering liability for personal injury and property damage (required minimum insurance coverage amounts are the same as for other motor vehicles registered in FL). Homeowner policies may provide this coverage in some instances; otherwise, specific golf cart policies are available. Keep proof of insurance with the golf cart.

- Golf carts may only be operated on streets or other areas designated for motor vehicle operation/parking. Operation is specifically prohibited on sidewalks, bike paths or other areas not designated for motor vehicle use.

- Golf carts are subject to all Florida “Uniform Traffic Control” vehicle laws and may be ticketed for failure to observe these laws.

If you have questions on the new ordinance or golf cart operations please contact the Shalimar Police Department (at 225-1272 or 651-1115) or Town Hall (at 651-5723). Please use your golf cart safely and,

Flood and Hurricane Info

Davidson Middle School; 6261 Old Bethel Road; Crestview, FL (special needs)

Baker School; 1369 14th Street; Baker, FL

Antioch Elementary; 4700 Whitehurst Lane; Crestview, FL

Kenwood Elementary; 15 Eagle Street; Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 (as needed)