It Takes a Village: The First CommUnity Family Field Day and Resource Fair Was a Huge Success

We also had many other groups that generously gave their time. The HB Police Explorer Volunteers, PAL Cheerleaders and their parents and coaches that cooked and served food, the 40 plus vendors that gave of their time to help our residents, Hallandale Beach CRA and Director Cathy Schanz and her Parks and Recreation Staff that worked on setting up.

As they say, it takes a village and I am certainly proud of our One Hallandale Team. Special gratitude goes out to Memorial and their ‘One City At A Time Initiative’ who was the presenting Sponsor and our other Sponsors: The YMCA of South Florida, Walgreens, and Atlantic Village.

Our PAL under Jonathan’s leadership and his Board of Directors are always busy. In addition to running 5 sports at this time of year that include: Flag Football, Cheerleading, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball they also have ongoing activities. These sporting events and activities would not be possible if it were not for their fundraising. While the City helps to support PAL with a small budget stipend they depend on contributions and fundraisers.

This weekend they will be hosting the Annual Comedy Show at the Sport of Kings Ballroom. Gulfstream Park graciously provides their beautiful venue. The evening includes a dinner buffet with a free drink ticket, silent auction, and entertainment with top national comedians. Tickets are only $50 Per Person. Sport of Kings is located at 901 Federal Highway in Gulfstream Park on the second floor, doors open at 6:00 p.m. The show will start at 8:00 p.m. starring Richard Shubert with appearances by Rodney Laney, Steve Caouette and MC Mr. Bruce Smirnoff. For more information, visit: Facebook - PAL of Hallandale Beach.

Over the past few years, our City has been in re-organization mode with our advisory boards. We did a full evaluation of every board, their goals and objectives and now we are rebuilding membership on the new boards.

Volunteer Boards in cities are a way for city leaders to collaborate with residents on issues and ideas to make their cities better. There are also boards that are required by State Law. Typically, boards require that individuals be a resident of the City. Some require a level of expertise to serve. At one time we had over 18 different boards and committees.

We had boards that were created for specific issues. These boards were intended to serve a purpose but had a very narrow focus and this limited their work. Each board or committee has a Staff Liaison. Staff time is valuable and taking staff from their daily duties on a monthly basis without a rational nexus to the goals and objectives of our City is not smart utilization of taxpayer dollars. It is also inconsiderate to volunteers that show up, donate their available time and find no quorum to address issues and move ideas forward.

After evaluating the 18 boards we combined many of the single task boards into three boards with a combined mission and focus. The other statutory boards remained, as they are required by State Law and include: Police and Fire Pension Board, Civil Service Board, Unsafe Structure Board and Charter Review Board. These boards have specific membership requirements and expertise.

We have two advisory boards that are required as part of our Safe Neighborhoods. These SND Boards are set up with members that must live in the districts located at Three Islands and the Golden Isles Area, South of Egret Drive. They are appointed by a vote of the Board of Directors which is the Commission.

The Planning and Zoning Board is composed of 5 members and appointments at large. This board has one vacancy which is mine to recommend. This board makes recommendations on development within the City and changes to our Zoning, Land Use and Codes.

The Parks and Recreation Board has been redefined to address not just our Parks but Historical Preservation, Beaches and Beautification. This board has 10 members and currently has 6 vacancies. This board also has a non-voting member that is defined to be filled by someone that will work with ADA Compliance and Accessibility and has personal experience with Accessible Utilization.

The Public Transportation, Traffic and Parking Advisory Board also was one of the combined boards. This board is also a 5-member board and has vacancies.

Sustainability, Beach Preservation and Flood Mitigation Advisory Board was also established by combining tasks. While we have always had a Sustainability Board many of these issues are intertwined when making decisions.

We need volunteers for these boards. If you want to work making improvements to our community and share your interests and skills, please apply through our City’s Website. The application and further information can be found at: www.cohb.org

As always feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place. I can be reached on my Emails: jcooper@cohb.org. Or: joycooper@aol.com. You can visit and like my Facebook at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Or: Friends of Mayor Joy Cooper. For a quicker response, please do not hesitate to call me anytime at my Office: (954) 457-1318. Or on my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700.

Working for you! Always Have! Always Will!