Town of Shalimar

Tidbits -- December 2005

 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MAYOR

 

Storm water management update - we now have a contract with Polyengineering of Florida, to assist us with our engineering related issues. Their first task is to determine root causes and potential solutions to storm water flooding in the Town. On a related issue, Okaloosa County Commissioners plan to sponsor a one-cent sales tax initiative scheduled to be a 2006 ballot issue. If it passes, The Town of Shalimar would receive a share of this tax to be devoted only to storm water-related issues. Trust me; we have plenty of these issues to address. What does this mean to you? Hopefully, the Town Commission will be able to continue our trend of lowering property taxes.

I hope you enjoyed our traditional “to your door” Christmas parade. I’m not sure we can get much larger, but this year’s entry of our new ‘55 Chevy police vehicle, golf cart, and the Ocean City Wright Fire Truck were great. Please accept our invitation to stop by Town Hall and check out the new Old police cruiser.

I continue to remind folks that we are a small town, and as such, we are able to offer amenities not available to many in Okaloosa County. Did you know our police officers will provide special security emphasis for your home whenever you need this service? Please visit our web site (www.shalimarflorida.org) or stop by town hall and fill out a house watch form. Please be sure to fill in your emergency contact information on the form. Providing this information to the town hall staff can also help solve any out-of-the-ordinary event that may occur when no one is home.

Christmas is past, so I wish each of you a Happy New Year! Let’s pray and hope that this year we have a less eventful Hurricane season. In 2006, you’ll see us encourage you to be more community conscious. We have a great neighborhood community. I encourage you to get out and meet your neighbors; you never know when you might need a helping hand.

Gary Combs

Mayor

 

NOTES FROM THE DEPUTY CLERK

 

Happy Holidays to you all. With New Year’s Eve rapidly approaching, it’s time to make those resolutions. This year, instead of making a resolution you know you can’t keep, why not resolve to learn something new? How about something like knitting or crocheting?

 

I recently received one of my monthly newsletters from Lion Brand yarn. In the newsletter was an article entitled “Blankets for Biloxi”. There wasn’t a lot of information in the article but, from what I gathered, people are making afghans and donating them to Katrina victims in Biloxi.

 

I immediately thought of a similar campaign called “Warm up America” started by the Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA) in 1992. For “Warm up America” you aren’t required to crochet/knit an entire afghan, just 7” X 9” blocks. The “Warm up America” afghans are distributed by national organizations such as the American Red Cross, though we could distribute them however we want. “Warm up America” encourages local communities to donate completed afghans within their own community.

 

Please google “warm up America” (with the quotes) for more information, patterns, etc. There are some great guidelines and hints at their official web site. I’d ask that you make blocks as close to 7” X 9” as possible and mark all wool blocks (because they require more care when washing). Drop your blocks off at Shalimar Town Hall.

 

Now grab a crochet hook or knitting needles and some scrap yarn and start crocheting/knitting. Call me (651-5723) or e-mail me (shalimarflorida@earthlink.net) with questions, comments, patterns, etc.

 

Tina Smith

 

NOTES FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

On December 13, The Shalimar Police Department debuted the “new” 1955 Chevy Retro Police vehicle during the Shalimar Christmas Parade. The Town purchased this vehicle for a number of reasons: The officers in the department thought it would be a great tool for an outreach program and The Commission saw it as an opportunity to save money because they had already budgeted money for a brand new police car. Anyone interested in participating in our ride along program please do not hesitate to call the Police Department (651-1115) for details. The Shalimar Police Department would like to wish everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday season.

 

Chief John Cash

 

NOTES FROM TOWN HALL

 

- Please remember that if you place your recycle bin too close to your green garbage can, the automatic pickup arm on the garbage truck may upset your recycle bin before it is emptied. Also, other obstructions such as a vehicle may cause your pickup to be aborted altogether.

 

- Okaloosa County Water and Sewer is now installing a new 16-inch water main down Old Ferry Road, from Gardner Drive to Cherokee Road, and then up Cherokee Road and down Clifford Drive to near the lift station on Clifford Drive. The installation will normally leave one lane open but your driveway may be temporarily inaccessible. All disturbed roadways will be completely resurfaced and re-striped. The driveways along Old Ferry will be cut and re-poured. Please give Town Hall a call if you have concerns about the execution of the work.

 

- Gulf Power is doing routine tree trimming along power lines. Those residing where trimming is to be done should be notified prior to the work being done.

 

- Expect possible delays sometime in January at the intersection of Richbourg and Eglin Pkwy. during the lengthening of the right-turn lane onto Eglin Pkwy. This work will be done in conjunction with the paving of the hotel parking lot.

 

NOTES FROM THE SPECIAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER

 

The Christmas Holidays are over, but the memories of beautiful lights and a visit by Santa still linger. Who could forget the little caravan (9) of Santa’s boat, the fire truck and police cruisers with their sirens. Santa brought little goodies for the children and he also brought an award for best Christmas lights.

 

The Yard of the Quarter was presented by Santa, the town clerk and one commissioner and the whole parade to the family at 2551 Palm Shores Drive. The yard was a must see for children and adults! Other yards that were in competition for the honor included 900 Sara Drive, 902 and 913 Sunset Bay Court and 171 Richbourg Avenue. Thanks to all these residents for their efforts. It was a pleasure to see these beautifully lighted yards and homes.

We wish you all a happy, healthy New Year in the hope that the storms will leave us alone.

 

Ursel Behnken, Special Services Commissioner

 

PLEASE REMEMBER 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.

 

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!