March 2010

 

NOTES FROM THE MAYOR

 

Happy 2010!  How about a New Year's resolution to get more involved in your local community government? I like to think of the Town as a community home owner's association with a lot of benefits.  In fact, Town taxes are, in many instances, lower than annual home owner association fees in areas of Okaloosa County.   Your voice, whether it be for or against a particular issue, can influence a decision.  A recent example is the denial of a special exception request from Cash's Liquor to open a store in Shalimar.  If you were "pro" on this issue, then your voice was not heard because you did not participate in the process.  I realize we are all busy with raising a family, making a living, higher education, hobbies, sports, faith activities, etc.  If you would at least like more timely information on Shalimar town issues, please send me an email at mayor@shalimarflorida.org.  I promise to create a town resident email listing for which I will personally advise you of issues that the Commission or the Planning & Zoning Board will be considering.  Even if you can't personally participate, an email is often all it takes to help us make the best decisions.  For those of you who do participate, thank you.

Once again, I remind you to maintain your security consciousness. Please do not become a victim to theft (or worse).  If you see anyone just hanging around (like in our parks), please call 225-1272 anytime. In this regard, our maintenance department will check any business or contractor working on a Shalimar home that does not have a valid business license - this is for your protection.  During the week days, you can also report suspicious activity or address questions to Tina or Tom at Town hall at 651-5723. 

Gary Combs, Mayor

 

NOTES FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Recently a resident inquired as to why the police department has more unmarked vehicles than marked. The complaint that the department receives most often from residents is speeding in the neighborhoods and on Eglin Parkway.  By utilizing unmarked vehicles, we are able to apprehend the individual(s) committing a driving offense more often than when our officers’ vehicles are marked.  In others instances, we have stopped other crimes (to include drug activity, trespassing, and thefts) by driving the unmarked cars.  All of our unmarked patrol vehicles consist of multiple blue and red lights, headlight flashers and strobes.  The department believes since the implementation of this, unmarked vehicles have contributed to a decrease in traffic crashes, traffic violations and general crimes. People say that they never see our patrol vehicles but I can assure you that the department is being vigilant and providing safety to all residents.  We drive our neighborhoods consistently, monitoring the traffic violators and other possible threats.

The police department is here to serve the residents of the Town. If you have questions or concerns that you believe will better serve the residents, please call the police department and talk to any officer.  The department is always looking for ways to continue to provide the best possible safety for everyone.

John E. Cash, Chief

 

STORMWATER

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!Shalimar maintains a flood information library at the town hall.  If you have questions about FEMA flood maps or insurance, please come by town hall or call us at 651-5723.  If we don’t have the answer, we’ll get it for you.

 

NOTES FROM THE TOWN MANAGER

CONTRACTORS – Please make sure that all of the contractors you hire have a license from the Town of Shalimar. We keep records of each licensed contractor’s Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurance, along with a copy of the contractor’s Okaloosa County Occupational License. A contractor’s unwillingness to secure a very inexpensive Town license may very well be the first RED FLAG indicating possible unscrupulous business practices. It happens in Shalimar more often than many realize.  Sometimes, contractors are only unaware of Shalimar’s licensing requirements and once informed of this requirement will readily complete the very easy process to help keep those who are not correctly insured or don’t have correct licenses out of Shalimar.  Please feel free to call Town Hall before entering into any contractor agreement and avoid being a victim of illegal contractors.

 
 

***  Visit www.shalimarflorida.org for upcoming meeting agendas ***

 

 

SPRING CLEANUP REGULATIONS

The two Spring cleanup ROLO dumpsters will be in place some time in April (the exact dates have not yet been set).  Two dumpsters will be located in the town for disposal of household items and yard waste - no household garbage please.  One will be placed on the far end of the lot to the right of Town Hall and the other will be on the corner of Shalimar Drive and Erwin Fleet.  These dumpsters are NOT for Hazardous Materials (HazMat).  There will be a pallet for HazMat somewhere near each dumpster designated as the HAZMAT DISPOSAL AREA.  Please ONLY PUT HAZMAT IN/ON POSTED RECEPTACLE.  If it is full, you may lay your item next to the HAZMAT DISPOSAL AREA, drop it off at town hall behind the commercial dumpster or call us and someone will come pick it up.  (WM charges the Town approximately 700% more if HazMat is found in either of the two large dumpsters.)

 

 

Hazardous Materials include (but are not limited to):

smoke alarms

paint thinners

engine degreasers

fluorescent bulbs

pesticides

paint strippers

brake fluid

oil filters

used oil

furniture polish

anti-freeze

gas cylinders

solvents

tar

pool chemicals

explosives

stale gasoline

fire extinguishers

insecticides

flares

paint

batteries

spot removers

shells

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please refer Hazardous Materials questions to Waste Management at 862-7141. 

 

Also, the Town hall dumpster remains available for use by residents but some dumpster activity needs to be addressed.  The dumpster gets emptied on Mondays and Fridays and is only available to residents on a personal “space available” basis.  Please do not pile any trash or yard waste next to the dumpster if it is already full and, also, make sure that any contractors working for you (including yard maintainers) do not plan on using the dumpster as part of their contracting business.