Page 10 - Boca Club News - July '24

Page 10, Boca Club News
Council Corner: Re-Introducing

New/Old Council Member Andy Thomson

By Andy Thomson I resolve business disputes for a living. Like my parents, (5), Charley (6) and Joey (3). Our kids play football (NFL
I am overjoyed to return to the my wife Joanna and I met in school–the University of Flag), baseball (Boca Raton Little League), basketball
Boca Raton City Council. I met Miami law school in our case. I’ve practiced law in Boca (Boca Hoops and Upward), volleyball (COBRA), soccer
many of you during my prior time Raton since 2011, including the last eight years with (SABR) and softball (Boca Girls Fast Pitch) and several
on the Council or during this past Baritz & Colman LLP. Before that I studied engineering also swim (Boca Mantas and St. Andrew’s). I’ve coached
election season, but for those I have at Georgia Tech (those four good but cold years in Atlanta) them in football, baseball, basketball, and soccer. The
not yet met, allow me to introduce and worked at a South Florida engineering firm that did leagues and facilities in our city are tremendous.
myself here. civil and traffic engineering. I’m also an adjunct professor We couldn’t have picked a better place than Boca
My roots in Boca Raton run at FAU, where I teach local and state government. Raton to raise our family. Between the excellent schools,
deep. My mom and dad met here in 1967 at what was I served on the City Council from 2018-2022. In that parks, beaches and activities, we in Boca Raton enjoy an
then the new Florida Atlantic University. They met in the time I worked to keep our neighborhoods safe, manage exceptional quality of life. We must never lose sight of
library, fell in love, got married, and my brother and I are growth responsibly, address traffic concerns, manage our how good we have it here.
the result, which I suppose makes me a product of Boca budget without raising taxes and fight for new jobs and If you have any ideas for, or concerns about, our
Raton. I’ve lived in South Florida my entire life (with the investment. city please call me at (561) 221-4675 or email me
exception of four years in college spent in Atlanta which, Joanna and I live in the Millpond neighborhood. We at athomson@myboca.us. Thank you again for the
by my standards, were far too cold). have five young children: Allie (12), Maddie (10), Henry opportunity to represent you!
City of Boca’s Office of Management & Budget

Honored with Distinguished Budget Award

For the 41st consecutive year the City’s Office of The Office of Management & Budget’s preparations for the
Management & Budget has received the prestigious upcoming fiscal year begin each January. Staff members with
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the the Office play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting all city
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its departments in their annual budget planning, ensuring funds
2023-2024 budget. This accolade is a testament to the City’s are allocated and utilized efficiently to benefit the community.
commitment to excellence in governmental budgeting and Creating a comprehensive budget involves a multitude
transparent financial planning. In addition, the 2023-2024 of tasks, including system management, detailed analysis,
budget also received special recognition for its Strategic research, forecasting and more. Key principles guiding the
Goals & Strategies, with the highest possible score from budget process include:
reviewers. - Incorporating a long-term perspective;
Residents and businesses can gain valuable insights - Establishing connections to broaden organizational goals;
from the city’s budget, which serves as a communication - Focusing budget decisions on results and outcomes;
tool between city management, policy makers and the - Promoting effective communication with stakeholders.
community. It outlines both long-term and short-term plans, “This award underscores the city’s dedication to
with details on necessary expenses and revenues required sound financial practices and transparent governance. We
to provide top-quality services in the city. It also highlights congratulate our Office of Management and Budget team
new and ongoing projects, as well as strategic plans for Left to right: Ryan Alt, Sharon McGuire, Tameka Blake, for their exceptional work and continued commitment to
sustainable growth aligned with Boca Raton’s mission, Michael Middleman, City of Boca Raton’s Office of excellence for the entire community,” commented James
vision and values. Management & Budget Zervis, the City’s Financial Services Director.
Memo from County Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon:

Garden Days are Golden Days

By Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional for the things that bring you joy. Find your “sanctuary” and 20th at our Westlake Service Center, I accepted an award
Tax Collector serving Palm Beach activities that you love to unplug and disconnect and most from the Wellington Garden Club in conjunction with the
County. You can reach her office importantly, make time and schedule it. Always pay attention Florida Federation of Garden Clubs District X. The Westlake
by Email: ClientAdvocate@ to your physical needs during your “me-time” by nourishing Service Center was the winner of an “Unsolicited Landscape
taxcollectorpbc.com. Phone: (561) your body with healthy foods, exercise, staying hydrated with Design Award” in the Public Facility category. As an avid
355-4271. beverages, and getting plenty of sleep. gardener myself I am proud that our service center received
Most of you already know two Remember that “me-time” is not selfish; it’s an essential this recognition. A beautiful facility and outdoor landscaping
of my passions: my cats, Biden and aspect of self-care that allows you to recharge and show up are part of the experience we want to create for our clients.
Bader, and my garden. Those two as your best self in other areas of your life. By prioritizing I am equally proud that on May 2nd, Florida Weekly
things help me unwind and disconnect from the day’s events. relaxation and unwinding, you are investing in your health, (https://palmbeach.floridaweekly.com/articles/best-waiting-
Whether it’s watching the crazy things my cats get into, happiness and resilience. room/) recognized our new North County Service Center in
or spending time tending to my beautiful garden, creating Mural, Mural on the Wall! “Step into a world of energy Palm Beach Gardens, which opened in March, as having
“me-time” to relax and unwind is crucial for maintaining and radiant hues.” These may not be the first words that come the “Best Waiting Room” in the county, as part of its Best of
overall well-being. It is important to carve out some time to mind when visiting the tax collector’s office. However, 2024 Flamingo Awards.
this is what you can expect to experience the next time you We are honored to be recognized for this award, as we
Vicky Marie, cNa/HHa visit our North County Service Center, with the addition worked diligently to create a comfortable, welcoming space
for our clients when visiting our service centers.
of a new vibrant outdoor mural, entitled, “Piece by Piece”
Certified Nurses Assistant / Home Health Aid displayed on the south side of the service center. The mural Mounts Over the Summer. If you’re planning a day out
was skillfully crafted by Connecticut-born artist Benjamin to soak up some sun this summer, now is the time to visit
• Caring Heller. Benjamin has created several murals throughout South Mounts Botanical Garden. This 20-acre tropical oasis is
• Compassionate Florida. His style of art uses colors and shapes masterfully offering discounted admission rates of $15 for adults; $12 for
• Loyal to create captivating imagery that brings life to an otherwise seniors, college students and military with ID’s; $7 for ages
• Trustworthy ordinary space. When asked about the mural, he had this 6 – 17; and free for children under 6. Palm Beach County
• At Your Service 24 Hours
to say: “The use of this imagery and various colors reflect Residents receive free admission the first Wednesday of every
More than a job, it’s a commitment both the ‘Gardens’ and positively interact with the existing month (proof of residency required) as part of Palm Beach
landscaping at that location, both under natural sunlight and County Residents Days.
Tel 954-860-6145 Email Vickyzsecrets15@gmail.com artificial lighting at night.” Dogs’ Days in the Garden will continue this summer,
So, when visiting our North County Service Center, snap giving your four-legged friend an opportunity to visit Mounts
a selfie with our new mural in the background and tag us too! On the second Sunday of each month (except during
on social media (@taxpbc on Instagram and @pbctax on events and plant sales) dogs are free for members and $5 for
Facebook)! nonmembers. Mounts’ summer hours are Tuesday through
Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing And the Award Goes to…I’m proud to share that our Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with last entry at 2 p.m. For
Palm Beach County and is a privately agency has recently been honored with two awards. On May more information visit www.mounts.org.
owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing
dependable, reliable and professional Advertise, Send Articles. Check out our website!
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle: www.seabreezepublications.com or call 746-3244
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com