Town of Shalimar

Tidbits -- March 2004

 

 

Notes from the Mayor -

My current top five Shalimar issues are the town's garbage service renewal contract, landscaping in Cherokee Park, barking dogs, traffic enforcement on Eglin Parkway and mounting legal fees to prevent off-site billboard advertising at two local gas stations.

For a majority of our residents, the "garbage contract renewal" is probably the topic you are most interested in. The Commission can slightly reduce your monthly rate by going to an automated service with contractor-provided receptacles. The cost to maintain our individual cans will continue to rise because the providers’ costs are higher. Please read the article in this issue and let us know what you think.

Landscaping in Cherokee Park is progressing. We thank the many who have provided landscaping materials. We continue to solicit nautical-themed items and plants. Please visit the park and check out the progress. If you have any items to donate, contact Tom or Tina at Town Hall (651-5723). Also, we ask that if you observe any vandalism in the park to please call the Shalimar Police (651-1115 or 651-7400). We only have one full-time maintenance person, so please take the time to compliment him on his outstanding work.

We continue to receive resident complaints concerning relentless dog barking. I truly hate regulation; however, the Commission may be forced to consider a more restrictive ordinance or fines if the complaints continue.

Another issue is that a few residents think our Police force spends entirely too much time with "traffic control" on Eglin Parkway. Notice I did not say, "speed enforcement". The majority of traffic citations are not speeding-related even though most stops result from failure to observe the speed limit. Our police force does an outstanding job of identifying drunk drivers, serious felons and drug traffickers and approximately 75% of all stops result in only a warning being given.

The Commission meets monthly at 6:00 p.m. You are highly encouraged to attend and we welcome your praise, comments and opinions.

 

Have a great Spring!

Gary Combs, Mayor

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

April 13, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. - Town Commission Meeting

April 28, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. - Planning and Zoning Meeting

 

Notes from the Shalimar Police Department-

I have heard it said by many people that Shalimar is a speed trap. Most of the people I hear it from have recently received a citation for speeding (or one of the many other infractions for which the police department issues uniform traffic citations every year.) This complaint usually does not come from our residents. I would like to clarify what a speed trap actually is as explained to all cadets that go through the Police Academy each year.

A speed trap is when you are driving down a road and suddenly the speed limit lowers. Immediately after the speed limit change, there is a law enforcement officer waiting to measure your speed and issue you a citation. After you get past the area where the officer is waiting, the speed limit goes back up. That is a “speed trap”. The speed limit on Eglin Parkway in Shalimar never changes. It is the same speed limit from Arby’s in Fort Walton Beach, through the county and through Shalimar. The speed limit stays at 40 miles per hour.

I want our residents to know that we have a professional group of law enforcement officers working for the town and they are dedicated to the safety and well-being of everyone. Our officers are enforcing the speed limits and other traffic laws to make the roadways safer for our residents and visitors to our town.

Please also note that there are only about eight weeks of school left for the school year and you will start seeing more children out during the day. Remember to operate vehicles accordingly and watch out for the little ones.

Charles Self, Chief of Police

 

 

** PLEASE REMEMBER **

The Shalimar Town Hall Conference Room and attached kitchen is available for meetings and gatherings at no charge to residents. Call us if you are interested.

 

 

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!

 

 

Garbage Service Contract Renewal -

Our current contract with BFI expires on April 30, and in response to advertising, the town has received proposals for garbage service from BFI and Waste Management, Inc. The Town Commission reviewed the proposals and talked to representatives of both companies at the regular March Commission Meeting. The Commission should award the contract to one of these two companies at their April 13 meeting. The selected company will then be responsible for collection and disposal of residential household garbage, commercial refuse, recycling and yard waste. Both companies desire to “automate” household garbage pickup by providing standardized receptacles (at no charge to residents) that are emptied by an automated truck. This reduces manpower and associated dangers to personnel. Waste Management has also proposed a separate pricing structure if these company-supplied receptacles are used. Examples of these receptacles are available for inspection at Town Hall. Please feel free to contact me with your questions and attend the Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on April 13.

 

Thank You,

Tom Burns, Town Manager

 

 

FEMA FLOOD INSURANCE REMINDERS

 

Residents can stop by the Town Hall and check out the flood maps for specific flood zone determinations

Copies of elevation certificates for structures located in flood zones are on file at Town Hall. Applications and instructions for elevation certification are also available.

 

 

SPRING CLEANUP REGULATIONS

 

April 16, 2004 - April 26, 2004

Two dumpsters will be located in the town; one on the far end of the lot to the right of Town Hall and the other on Shalimar Drive west of the Erwin Fleet/Shalimar Drive intersection. These dumpsters are NOT for Hazardous Materials (HazMat). There will be a receptacle for HazMat somewhere near the dumpster with a sign posting it as the HAZMAT DISPOSAL AREA. Please ONLY PUT HAZMAT IN 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 dumpster or call us and someone will come pick it up. (BFI charges the Town approximately 700% more if HazMat is found in either of the two large dumpsters.)

 

Hazardous Materials include:

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 BFI at 664-5591.