Mayor’s Column – March, 2016, Wellington Celebrates 20 Years!
Mayor’s Column – March, 2016
By Mayor Bob Margolis
Hello spring! With spring break and longer days just around the corner, please take full advantage of all our great hometown has to offer.
Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 13th, so don’t forget to “spring forward” and set your clocks one hour ahead. This is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It is a simple safety practice that may save a life.
Next, we have “Super Tuesday” with the Presidential Primary and Municipal Elections. Palm Beach County started early voting on Saturday, March 5, 2016 and it continues through Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
The Early Voting Site in Wellington is at the Wellington Branch Library; however, registered voters can vote at any of the Early Voting locations around the County. Other Early Voting sites can be found by accessing the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections website at: CLICK HERE
Registered voters should bring a current photo and signature ID. To learn more important dates and information, head to our Election Information Page: CLICK HERE
We are in high gear for the fiscal year 2016-2017 Budget. Wellington’s long-term financial plan is in progress and includes financial condition analyses and forecasts for the next five years. The budget kicks off this month, with all departments preparing their budget requests, and the capital plan will be put together in April. The budget staff looks forward to presenting a balanced and fiscally sound FY 2016-2017 budget that continues to make Wellington a great hometown.
To celebrate Leap Year 2016 and as part of our 20th Anniversary events, Council held a special “Topping Off” Ceremony for the new Wellington Community Center on Monday, February 29th. Residents and area officials joined Village Council in previewing the progress being made on the facility’s construction. The new center is located on the site of the former community center at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard. We anticipate a grand opening in early summer as we welcome our newest addition. Click here to watch a video recap of the ceremony: CLICK HERE
Wellington has been awarded a 2016 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant in the amount of $200,000 for the new community center complex waterfront observation boardwalk and pier, multi-purpose trail, boat facility, and picnic facility. The U. S. Department of the Interior provides funds, administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), for the development of recreational facilities through the LWCF grant program. The expanded and improved community center will showcase beautiful Lake Wellington, and the observation boardwalk and pier will offer new amenities, further enhancing the municipal complex and the amphitheater.
The Village would like your feedback on golf cart usage in the community. The purpose of this survey is to gain a better understanding of how often residents use golf carts, and in what capacity. Information will be used for recommendations regarding potential improvements to accommodate low speed vehicle usage. Please click the link to take the survey: CLICK HERE
Wellington is ready to get moving against childhood obesity. The Village kicked off the “Let’s Move: Commit to Change” campaign with a party on Saturday, March 5th at Ultima Fitness (12799 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL). This local initiative supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s national initiative to reverse childhood obesity. For more information please call 561-833-6333.
St. Patrick’s Day is on Thursday, March 17th. We want you to have fun, but please be responsible. And don’t forget to wear green!
Speaking of green, Wellington’s Green Market continues each Saturday this month. Food Truck Invasion happens every Thursday evening at the Amphitheater. We also have free ongoing entertainment at the Amphitheater, with great food, movies, and outstanding music. Find the complete schedule of events taking place this month by clicking here: CLICK HERE
Spring Break runs from March 21st through the 25th and we all know how much our kids look forward to that. Fortunately, Wellington has a wide variety of outdoor activities this month for everyone to enjoy. The Village offers several camps during Spring Break including basketball, soccer, sand volleyball, and TumbleKids. With summer rapidly approaching, now is the time to start thinking about activities for when the kids get out of school. Summer Camp registration officially opened March 7th. Last year, camps filled up fast and we are expecting the same this year. Don’t hesitate and register online today! Wellington’s Summer Recreation Program Guide comes out this month, so make sure to head to our website www.wellingtonfl.gov to learn more.
Lastly, get your baskets ready for Wellington’s annual Egg Hunt! The Egg Hunt returns to the Village Park softball fields, located at 11700 Pierson Road, on Saturday, March 26th. The event begins promptly at 10:00 a.m., and will be divided into four age groups: ages 2 and under; ages 3 to 4; ages 5 to 7; and ages 8 to 10. At each egg hunt, two eggs will have a pink bunny ticket inside, indicating a special prize. Families are encouraged to arrive early as traffic congestion may occur.
As the saying goes “spring is a time of new beginnings.” This year, that saying holds true for us here at Village Council. As I look toward the future, I am excited to work with my fellow council members to ensure that Wellington remains a Great Hometown.