Page 1 - The Shores of Jupiter - February '20

Our Village Voice

VOL. 31 NO. 2 www.seabreezepublications.com FEBRUARY 2020

Commissioner’s Update Bill’s Box

Palm Beach County’s 2020 improvements, funding to help residents convert from septic By Bill Thompson
to sewer systems, and legislation to enhance the development
Legislative Agenda of alternate water supply sources. Annual Meeting
• Hurricane Response And Preparedness Once a year—only once—
By Commissioner Palm Beach County supports a public records exemption an open meeting for all
Hal Valeche that protects residents from vendors seeking their information Shores homeowners is held
Palm Beach County, along in the aftermath of a storm. as required by law. It is a time
with the School District, • Transportation/Glades Regional Initiatives that homeowners get firsthand
the League of Cities, and We support funding to provide much needed improvements information on the business
the Economic Council has in the Glades, including road resurfacing, workforce and financial activities for the
developed a joint legislative and career training, water facilities, rail transportation, previous calendar year. Attendees become informed residents
agenda for this year’s ecotourism, and development of an inland port – all of which who do not have to rely on hearsay and misinformation. The
State legislative session in contribute to the economic growth of the region. HOA Board of Directors is elected in person or by proxy. If
Tallahassee. These entities, • Criminal Justice changes to our guiding documents, such as the Declarations
supported by our lobbying We support diversion programs, re-entry efforts, and are indicated, any required vote by the members will be made.
teams, work to protect the alternatives to detention for juvenile offenders. This requires It is seldom that our guiding documents are changed, then
interests of our local communities. upgrades to juvenile detention centers and Department of only when it will positively affect the rules of keeping The
Of paramount importance is defending home rule Children and Families facilities. Shores the upscale community intended by the developers
authority. This is to ensure that preemptions are not passed • PreK-12 Education and as governed by the elected board of directors.
that can prevent local governments from responding to We support an increase in the base student allocation Jupiter’s Finest
constituents needs. We seek to support sound legislation to provide meaningful salary increases to all PreK-12 In one of many ways the Jupiter Police Department has
while blocking shortsighted bills that can result in unfunded teachers and support staff; expansion of Voluntary Pre- successfully established and maintained effective connections
mandates to city and county governments. This is essential to Kindergarten programs; enhancement of career and technical with the Town was the creation of CAG (Citizen’s Advisory
being able to maintain current levels of service to the public. education programs; creation of a dedicated revenue stream Group). The group meets monthly to receive and discuss
Here is a summary of the issues and initiatives we have for safety and mental health reforms mandated by the reports from the department’s outstanding high command.
identified as priorities for the 2020 session: Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act; and, the requirement for That includes District Commanders of each of three
• Affordable Housing/Homelessness accountability and standards for all schools, including school geographic districts in Jupiter. The Shores is in District 1.
Homeless programs require a dedicated revenue stream. hardening, safety and security. Capt. Shane Lunsford is our Commander. Meetings are
The Sadowski Housing Trust Fund should be restricted • Palm Beach State College And Florida Atlantic presided over by Police Chief Daniel Kerr. An estimated
to appropriations for affordable and workforce-housing University 50 representatives of CAG attend meetings. Everyone is
projects, as was the intent of the fund. Increase operational funding and capital outlays to permitted to join discussions. They are Town citizens who
• Substance Abuse/Sober Homes/Mental Health complete medical and life science facilities. are active and interested in law enforcement. Two members
Based on the recommendations of the Sober Homes Task • Economic Development of our board of directors attend these monthly meeting, Steve
Force, we urge the legislature to support programs for life Fund incentive programs that support economic growth, Jackson and I, along with my friend and Shores resident Ken
saving interventions, medically assisted detox, and diversions workforce housing and financial stability for regional Rothman who seldom, if ever, misses a meeting.
from the criminal justice system for those suffering from businesses.
opioid addiction. Additionally, we are requesting the • Short-Term Vacation Rentals Bill’s Box on page 4
legislature to provide additional beds for mental health We strongly support legislation to repeal the state
treatment, with a focus on youth services. preemption of the regulation of short-term/vacation rental
• Water And Natural Resources properties to allow local governments to regulate these
The federally funded Comprehensive Everglades properties to protect the health and welfare of residents,
Restoration Plan is the most critical, long-term environmental visitors and businesses. Unfortunately, a bill (SB 1128)
project in Florida, and there are significant projects in our has been proposed which could unravel any form of local
county affecting our water resources and ecosystems that vacation rental oversight and regulation. This bill, if passed,
tie into those efforts. We are asking for the legislature’s would have the effect of preempting inspection, licensing and
continued support and funding for projects to restore and occupancy limits to the state. This is particularly concerning,
maintain Lake Okeechobee, the Loxahatchee River, and the as it pertains to commercial uses in residential neighborhoods.
Lake Worth Lagoon. Additionally, we are seeking policy Several constituents in District 1 have complained to me
changes and a recurring $50M appropriation benefiting about the operation of short-term rentals in their communities
beach management, funding for Glades Region infrastructure that have created nuisances, including excessive traffic,
parking concerns, noise, and
possible criminal activity.
Call Jupiter Police Department immediately Some short-term rental Monday, Feb. 17
to report suspicious activity. operators are suspected of
(561) 799-4445 illegally converting single-
family homes into multi-
The sooner called the sooner they can help. 911 is for emergencies only. family units. We think local
Keep cars and house locked.
Commissioner’s Update
on page 3

Announcement

The Shores HOA Annual Meeting

March 12, 2020

Jupiter Community Center, 201 Military Trail