Signs Strike a Sore Spot for Woodlands Residents

By Sharon Aron Baron

If you are out and about in the Woodlands, then you have probably seen a few lawn signs supporting the Woodlands Neighborhood Improvement District’s upcoming vote in May.

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty immune to political signs.  They neither sway me one way or another.   If anything, they make me aware that an upcoming election is around the corner, and if I’m already for a candidate or proposal, then they just reinforce that belief.

It seems as though the signs have struck a sore spot for Patricia Barsorian, President of Section 8, who is a vocal activist against the District.  She is making it clear that she doesn’t want any signs in her section.

Especially these signs.  

She also wants the city not to supersede section rules regarding signs and wants written approval for them.

Just who will give the written approval?   I’m guessing she will.

Here is the communications with the city below.

To section 8 board members.

 Please remove any “Restore The Woodlands” signs. They are not legal signs. Thank You.

 Patricia Barsorian

I am sending this message out to inform the section heads, and the WNID that these signs are in violation of Tamarac City Code 24-804 (10) The only signs permitted are Political, Security, Hazard Warning, and House Identity. These signs failed the test of politics because all political signs have to have a political endorsement or party affiliation which these signs do not comply with. Please have these signs removed from the lawns of this community immediately, or the homeowners will be cited.

 Thank You

Leny Hixon Section 2 Vice-President

All,

This information has been forwarded to me by more than one Board member. My internal conversations have been that these signs would be considered political, and as such- signs in favor or opposing the referendum would be permitted. While I believe this to be consistent with the intent of the code, please allow me an opportunity to pursue this further.

In the meantime, in an effort to avoid confrontations on private property, please refrain from distributing signs for the time being.

-AB

All-

Jennifer and I have consulted regarding this issue, and she has reviewed both State Statute and City Code. Following her review, we have determined this is a legally called election proceeding under the auspices of the Supervisor of Elections. As such, lawn signs are permitted, whether for or against the referendum.

Signs are permitted but should be placed only on private property. Signs in the right of way or in common areas are subject to removal.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

-AB

Please read the email below.  “We have determined this is a legally called election proceeding”….”As such, lawn signs are permitted, whether for or against the referendum.”

I am very well aware of the City Code Overlay District Ordinance, which is beneficial help to all the Woodlands sections in enforcing some of the violations that occur in the community.  I do not question that the City can apply restrictions to political yard signs.

However, cities and counties are creations of government. HOAS are creations of their contracts.  I don’t believe that Jennifer Bramley, a city official, should issue a legal opinion as above when she has not read my HOA’s contract on sign restrictions.

Woodlands Section Eight Homeowner Association, Inc. simply does not permit signs of any nature without written request and approval, which approval may be arbitrarily withheld.  However, if signs were allowed political or otherwise, I would post one to say:  “Vote No- Shove the District and Ordinance 2010-14”.

If this referendum is political, then I question the City of Tamarac as to whether the “Vote Yes–Restore the Woodlands” advertisements of signs, and other mailouts are in violation of the Florida election laws?  The laws appear to require disclosure on most advertising of who or which entity is the financial contributor to the referendum election issue.  F.S.106.143 para. 1.2.3.

All of the citizen-taxpayers of the City of Tamarac are funding the WNID referendum.  However, the WNID advertising fails to disclose that the City of Tamarac is the political entity contributing the funds to the WNID referendum campaign.  Why?

The City of Tamarac has funded the WNID with public funds in the form of a loan/grant of $15,000, of which $7,500 must be repaid if the referendum passes.  But, it was also reported this past weekend in the Sun Sentinel that the City is also paying $5,500 extra in public funds to the county for costs to prepare the referendum.  Is the Sun Sentinel right?

The City of Tamarac funds are also paying for a public community meeting which has been scheduled by the WNID Chair, Larry Torn, to be held at the Woodlands Country Club on May 8, 2012.  Chair, Lawrence Torn, stated at the WNID Board Meeting of April 18, 2012, that political opposition will not be allowed at this May 8^th public meeting.  That’s par for the course.  Is the City in agreement with this proclamation?

I respectfully request the City of Tamarac requires the WNID to remove the illegal political signs from Section Eight land.  Further, I request the City prohibit the WNID Board from proceeding with a scheduled May 2, 2012 advertisement mail out unless a statutory financial disclosure be made by the City of Tamarac and included therein or, please give me a legal explanation as to why or how the election laws are not being violated by nondisclosure.   Thank you.

Patricia Barsorian

I believe Patricia has the right to her opinion about the signs, and she can also purchase signs against the district as well.   However, as President, she should respect the opinions of others in her section.