Tidbits for June 2005

Highlights from the Mayor

Shalimar – some say the name means “By the Beautiful Water”! Over the past couple of months, water (especially rainfall) has been anything but beautiful for many town residents. As a result of a record setting rainfall, we’ve identified three areas in the town where stormwater runoff is not running off. Residents in the Barron Court, Shalimar Common’s and Shalimar Pond area have been regulars at the monthly Town Hall meetings. Several homes were flooded (or almost flooded), and the Staff/Town Commission has been tasked to do “something”. The first “something” is to determine what the cause is and figure out possible solutions. There are engineering firms which can provide these answers, and we are working (with the encumbrances of government financial regulations) feverishly to award an engineering stormwater assessment study. From personal observations, we know the Eglin Blvd. and commercial development along this highway contributes significantly to the Shalimar Commons and Shalimar Pond stormwater runoff problems. We’ve notified both the DOT and Okaloosa County that the drainage near the McDonalds is a safety hazard and impedance to traffic for hurricane evacuation. Our police have noted than even minor rainstorms create flooding in this area. Water seeks the lowest level and the most direct route to the bay from this problem area is through Shalimar Commons to the Shalimar Pond area. The Barron court area flooding is not so easy. The County Annex’s stormwater holding pond may be a contributor as well as resident modifications to their own natural drainage systems. We are requesting the County recertify the design of their stormwater system and we’ll continue to investigate other solutions while we wait for the engineering study results. Both the Commission and Town Staff welcome any resident input on solutions to our flooding problems. If you had flooding issues during the past couple of months, please ensure that Town Hall is aware. Addressing stormwater runoff issues will be the top priority for the Town of Shalimar.

The commission just recently completed two workshops for FY05 Budget. I’m pleased to report that we anticipate lowering our millage rate from 2.7 to 2.4 mils. This is slightly below the property tax rollback rate. Nevertheless, our overall expenditures may appear to be higher since we are bringing forward money budgeted this year for stormwater engineering and repaving Richbourg . The repaving project is tied to road repairs near the new Fairfield Inn.

Please help our Police Chief, John Cash, and his staff ensure that we have a safe and secure summer. If you see anything suspect in the neighborhood, call the Police Department (651-1115) and let our guys check it out. Also, we recommend you lock your vehicles even while they are in your driveway. In the past, we have experienced a surge in vehicle intruders during the summer months.

We have received numerous complaints from residents regarding pet deposits being left in their yards from their neighbor’s pets. If your pet leaves a solid deposit on any property other than your own, YOU are responsible for removing it.

If you’d like more information on the above topics, please stop by Town Hall (or call 651-5723) and talk to Tom or Tina.

I pray for good (medium wet) weather and I hope everyone has a fun, safe and secure summer!

Gary Combs

Mayor

Notes from the Police Department

On May 1^st, 2005, the speed limits on Old Ferry Road, Gardner Drive, and Cherokee Road were all reduced by 5 MPH. This was done for safety considerations and to try and emphasize the need for everyone to slow down on our neighborhood streets. Please remember that the kids will be out of school for another six weeks and they will be playing and riding their bikes even more than during the school year.

I would also remind everyone that parking on Shalimar streets (or on the right-of-way) is against town ordinances. This practice not only reduces a driver’s ability to monitor the road for darting children, but can also restrict a neighbor’s ability to safely enter and exit their driveways. We will enforce the rules against parking on the street. If you have a temporary need for overflow parking for a special event, please coordinate this requirement with the police department or town hall staff.

Drive safely, obey the speed limit, and remember to contact our police department for any complaints you have. We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If we are on patrol and not in the department (651-1115), you can reach us through the Sheriff’s dispatch at 651-7400.

Have a Safe Summer

John Cash

Police Chief

Flood and Hurricane Info

Handicapped and elderly persons seeking shelters and who are need of transportation should call Okaloosa Coordinated Transport at 833-9168 as soon as it has been announced that shelters have opened. Please remember to take your medications with you.

Listen to your local radio for the latest information. The Official Emergency Alert Stations in our area are 1260 AM, 99.5 FM, 96.5 FM and 105.5 FM.

If you have Internet access, you can track the storm by visiting the Okaloosa County web site (www.co.okaloosa.fl.us) and then click on “Learn More” under “Public Safety”.

FIVE EMERGENCY SHELTERS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF OKALOOSA COUNTY!! County Emergency Management directors have secured more shelter space that meets the new storm damage construction criteria. If you have any questions, the Citizen’s Information Line is 651-7560. The approved shelters are:

— Davidson Middle School in Crestview — Kenwood Elementary in FWB

— Baker School in Baker — Choctaw High School in FWB

— Antioch Elementary in Crestview

PLEASE BE SURE TO PLAN ACCORDINGLY.