Plantation tree rules: We are not alone

Over the years, I’ve heard many complaints from Plantation residents about stringent tree rules – such as the “take one down, put up two” doctrine.
Well, those rules are part of county code, Planning and zoning director Danny Holmes explains. Plantation administrates the Broward County Tree Preservation Ordinance (See Section 27-407 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances) on behalf of the county, as do many other cities.
It gets a little insid-y here, but I think it’s worth following.
Holmes said Plantation wants to be “certified” by the county in the tree replacement process. That means we can handle tree replacements ourselves, rather than have to refer people to the county. After all, we’re your more local servants.
We’re close to keeping our certification, Holmes notes, to the point that the county, which has plenty of other issues on its plate, nods and says “close enough.” Many cities aren’t certified, especially smaller ones, such as Town of Lauderdale By The Sea, City of Lighthouse Point, City of Tamarac, City of North Lauderdale, City of Wilton Manors, City of Lauderdale Lakes, Town of Hilboro Beach, City of Pembroke Park, City of Lazy Lake and Village of Sea Ranch Lakes. But you could argue they simply aren’t staffed enough to handle tree issues themselves and just let the county carry the water.
But before you roll your eyes at county rules and trees, I want you to think about the environment. We’re adding concrete all over the place here. The idea of taking action to preserve our trees, while occasionally annoying, might be worth it.
The Broward County Tree Preservation Ordinance was enacted to protect the county’s waning tree canopy and to protect and preserve the quality of air, water, soil, and wildlife habitats. The basic intent of the tree replacement requirement in the ordinance is to forestall what the County has identified as a dwindling countywide tree canopy.
. Some trees that both the city and the county allow to be removed without replacement are Lead, Brazilian Pepper, Australian Pine, and Melaleuca trees.
This is the link to the municipal certification requirement in the Broward County Code.
https://library.municode.com/fl/broward_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH27POCO_ARTXIVTRPRABOR_S27-407MUCE

Budget begins

Our 13 directors gave an initial update on their budget needs for 2019-2020 at a workshop before our May 8 council meeting. Exploring our needs is a step toward figuring out tax rates.
There’s also the revenue side, i.e., how much money we’re going to have to work with. And part of that falls upon Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, who in the coming weeks will have a handle on what property values will be, etc.
Our directors had some interesting initiatives, many of which are not big-budget items. I’ll write a more detailed update in the coming weeks. I also hope that paragraph indentations return next week.

Coming up

A Teen “Dive-in Movie” is set for 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 17 at the Plantation Central Park Pool. Activities include swimming, a live DJ, food, a photo booth, giveways, volleyball and more. The movie? Dodgeball. Cost is $5, and it’s for ages 13-17. A photo ID or driver’s license is necessary. Call 954-452-2507.
Kids to Parks Day is Saturday at Volunteer Park, 12050 W. Sunrise Blvd. There are free basketball clinics for children ages 5-12 at 11 and 11:30 a.m. Wildlife presentations begin at 12:30 p.m.
Honor Flight South Florida presents “An American Celebration,” a patriotic concert featuring Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds, at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at First Baptist Fort Lauderdale, 301 E. Broward Blvd. That’s the large church known for its Christmas Pageant. Doors open at 2 p.m. There is no admission charge; donations are welcome to support Honor Flight.

This newsletter originates on NickSortal.com and is shared via various platforms. The best way to get it is to subscribe to my Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/NickSortalPlantationCityCouncil. Sharing is encouraged. My email is NSortal@Plantation.org and my phone is 954-498-5337.