Saturday, June 30, 2007

Lauderhill’s 4th of July Celebration. A Great Family Event!



On Wednesday, the 4th of July, The City of Lauderhill will celebrate the Independence of the United States of America – Family Style! An old-fashioned family 4th July celebration will be held at the Lauderhill Sports Park (7500 W. Oakland Park Blvd.), from 6 pm – 9 pm.

Enjoy the sweet sounds of our live band “5th Avenue,” performing many patriotic songs, Blues, Jazz, Golden Oldies, R & B, and the hits of yesterday and today. There will be lots of food for sale, bounce houses, rock climbing wall, kids choo-choo train and of course the best fireworks display in Broward County! Games for children (and adults if you wish) include potato sack races, tug-o-war, hoola-hoop contests and much, much more!

Entry into the PARK is FREE for everyone!

Park & Ride: A Secured Park and Ride Shuttle will be provided from Old Publix and Wal-Mart to the Sports Park. Lauderhill Residents with Valid drivers’ license or ID card ride for free. All others $1 round trip. Shuttles will run continuously to the Sports Park until the last shuttle at 8:30 pm. On Site Parking is $5 per car load.

For more information, please call 954-730-4218, or log on to http://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/.

For your safety, NO pets, grills, personal fireworks, and coolers are allowed in the park.

Bring your lawn chairs and beach blankets, and enjoy a great 4th July day!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Update on Lauderhill



The following is a report of activity of the departments within the city:

BUILDING DEPARTMENT:

1) All structural permits for level III alternation for the Villas have been applied for and received for buildings #1-6. Exterior strengthening, Stucco and Roof has been completed for them as well. Buildings 2-5 are fully completed on the exterior. Building 1 is 60% completed and scheduled to be completed soon. Building 6 has had a portion of the exterior demolished and then strengthened. A fire sprinkler system throughout all buildings will be installed. Electric, mechanical and plumbing will be brought up to the new codes.

2) A preliminary development investigation for the Driftwood Terrace Apartment Complex is being prepared. It is in the beginning stages of planning moderate renovation of their property. The renovations include finish and fixture upgrades within the residential units and exterior finish improvements (painting, installation of storm shutters, etc.).

3) Ongoing meetings are in progress regarding the verification of asbestos removal at Stonebridge Gardens Condominium section 1 and 3.


CODE ENFORCEMENT:

1) A total of 284 notice of violations and 68 tickets were written for the month of May.

2) Based upon residents complaints from West Ken Lark, a total of 109 violations and 28 tickets have been written in 2 days.

3) Code Enforcement will be working in the Broward Estates Community addressing code violations.


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY:

1) A new site plan for 52 Avenue Townhomes (Rainbow Village plat) has been submitted. It is ready to move forward for zoning changes and review. It is proposed for the purchase and demolishment of a triplex on the south side of the property to allow for a gated entrance.


FIRE DEPARTMENT:

1) In one week, the department responded to 263 calls. Three were for fire (average response time was 5:54 minutes). 198 were for EMS (average response time was 5:27 minutes). 24 calls were good intent, and 26 were for false calls.

2) In another week, the department responded to 223 calls. Four for fire ( avg. 5:31 min.), 182 for EMS (avg. 5:17 min.), 8 for good intent, 14 for false calls.


PALS:

1) A Juried Art show sponsored by the ACT Board was well received. The show displayed some impressive work from the Parkway Middle School students.

2) Football registration ongoing.

3) U17 and U13 travel soccer programs are competing in the prestigious United Soccer League in the Super Y League.

4) Preparing for the track team home meet at Piper High School.

5) Total number of passenger trips transported using the Demand Response Program is 607. The number of people transported using the Lauderhill Shuttle is 5,574 in the same week.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Broward County Offers Options

In an effort to help homebuyers achieve home ownership, Broward County's Housing and Community Development Division and Housing Finance Authority are offering residents a number of options through the 2007 Homeownership Program.

The new program offers four financing options, all with a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage at 5.25 percent. Most offer down payment assistance. The first mortgage and note are exempt from documentary stamps and intangible tax, representing significant savings for homebuyers. Options include:

80/20 Mortgage Loan featuring a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage at 5.25 percent and a 30-year, fixed-rate second mortgage up to 20 percent of the sales price of the home with an interest rate of 6.25 percent.

7% Down Payment Assisted Loan featuring a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage at 5.25 percent and a 20-year, amortizing second mortgage at a rate of 7.00 percent for up to 7 percent of the sales price of the home. Second mortgage funds are made available by CitiMortgage, Inc., the primary institution servicing the 2007 program.

Low Rate Mortgage featuring a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage at a rate of 5.25 percent, with no down payment assistance.

Assisted Loan Subsidy Mortgage featuring a 30-year, fixed rate first mortgage at a rate of 5.25 percent and a zero percent, deferred payment second mortgage. The second mortgage may be funded through the federal HOME Program or through the State Housing Initiatives Program (SHIP). Buyers must apply for these funds separately and meet and agree to all program requirements.

The programs are available for purchase of a new or existing single family houses, condominiums or townhouses located in Broward County. You do not have to be a first-time buyer, but you must meet standard credit requirements. Other requirements include:

Household incomes may not exceed $73,680 for one- or two-person households, or $85,960 for households with three or more persons
Purchase price for a home cannot exceed $525,090
$225 bond program fee is due at closing

Interested applicants should contact participating lenders, who are listed at http://www.broward.org/housing, or call the Broward County Call Center, 954-831-4000.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Students Clean Up






On May 11, students from Westpine Middle School held a community clean up day. The program was part of a school project to show how students can have an impact on their community. The students, with the coordination of Lauderhill's Parks and Leisure Services Department, spent the day cleaning up West Wind Park off of 82nd Avenue. We thank them for this volunteer service.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Lifeguard Training

Learn how to save lives by becoming an American Red Cross trained lifeguard.

***Earn money and respect.

***Have fun.

***Meet great people.

***Develop leadership skills.

***Gains valuable work experience.

Classes going on throughout 2007 at Veterans Park. For more information please call: 954-572-1462.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Notes of Commission Workshop Meeting of June 18

On June 18, the City Commission met to discuss several items in a workshop meeting. The following is summary of those items:

1) Discussion of renovations and upgrades to Westwind Park: Twelve people spoke (most who live at or adjacent to the park), about 9 to 3 against a new facility. This directly conflicted with several years of support from the NW area of the city, which was included in the data gathered when the GO Bond was put together for 2005. In that bond issue, which was passed overwhelmingly, it was clearly stated that funds were included for such facility. The reason the funds were set aside were based upon the numerous meetings conducted there showing strong support for the facility, at the direction of those that attended those meetings. Several spoke about the need for more security, which the city concurred with. However, those speaking conflicted with each other on how to develop a way to provide the security. The issues are allowing the park to remain fully open vs. trying to find a way to close it for entry when the park is closed.

These conflicts created confusion on what truly this area wants, and therefore it was decided to send out a survey to provide a clear opinion of the residents on the NW side of the city, as to improvements at Westwind Park. The survey is intended to be sent to every resident in that area, and to be short and concise as to the support for the facility and security. The Commission requests everyone to respond so that the Commission can quickly proceed forward with whatever the residents should desire on these issues.

2) Discussion on modifying ordinances to allow facilities under the Chuck E. Cheese rule. The problem came up concerning the expansion of a facility for adults, providing amusement machines, where prizes or gift cards can be awarded under Florida Statutes. The city attorney provided an answer to how to proceed, which the Commission authorized to proceed with.

3) Discussion of creating a fee for lobbyist registration in the city, similar to the City of Ft. Lauderdale. In Ft. Lauderdale, it presently raises $45,000/year. The Commission supported proceeding with exploring and reviewing such legislation.

4) Presentation on international art exhibit which will tour the US, starting in South Florida. Also, discussion about sister cities, and a report was given concerning the trip to France which was not paid for by the taxpayers. The art exhibit is one of the results of the trip. A request was made to have the Mayor, an alternate, plus coordinating staff to be part of a Board to assist in this exhibit, without any financial contributions from Lauderhill. The Commission agreed to proceed in this request. It appears that the local exhibit will be placed in several locations, including the African American Research Library, with the library's support. As to sister cities, the Commission gave consensus for the City Attorney to review over proposals to create a separate organization for sister cities in Lauderhill. Such local examples of these organizations exist in Ft. Lauderdale and in Sunrise. It was brought up that some did not believe Lauderhill to be much more than a bedroom community, with limited business. However, the contrary side was presented that Lauderhill has become more of a national and international destination. Numerous examples were provided on how this occurred, starting from the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Golf Classic and the Swap Shop (the 2nd largest tourist attraction in Florida). Adding to that will be the Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Complex, Carrishoca, the All America Cultural Mall and the new Central Regional County Park.

5) Discussion of parks needs assessment prepared by Leisure Vision. It showed that in the future, we need to develop more areas providing walking areas, nature areas, picnic areas and shelters. The development of Renaissance Park, the lineal park on Sunrise Blvd., the new passive park and city museum at the site of the original City Hall, and the Ilene Lieberman Park (which proposes a botanical garden), address these needs. Also, the survey showed that improvements on notification of park facilities and events are needed.

Monday, June 18, 2007

The Lauderhill Mall Becomes The Lauderhill City Centre


Over the next 10 to 15 years, the Lauderhill Mall will transform itself into the Lauderhill City Centre. The project is to be built in phases, with the first phase starting within the next year. Eventually, the entire site will be replaced, and will have new shopping areas, a marketplace, parking garages and residential facilities in the rear. Overall, it is expected to cost over $1 Billion.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Notes of Commission Meeting of June 11

On June 11, the Commission met, and the following matters of interest were discussed and acted upon:

PRESENTATIONS:

1) Presentation of $1000 from Jim Gorant, owner of Prestige Car Wash, to the Lauderhill Track and Field.

2) Presentation regarding the Kids and Power Power Program (KAPOW).

3) Presentation regarding Brazil and organizational models for sister cities. It was also announced that the First Annual Lauderhill-Suzano Artist Exhibition International Cultural Exchange will be July 20, from 7 - 11 PM at the Inverrary Hotel. This event will coincide with the 51st Annual Sister City International Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, July 18 through 21.


FIRST READING:

1) Approval of amendment to Ice Cream Vending Vehicles Ordinance.

2) Approved the conveyance of property to Carishoca, commonly known as "Premier Motors", to be developed as a pedestrian promenade and mixed use commercial development.

3) Approved the receipt of a Quit Claim Deed from Broward Estates lot from Broward Estate Civic Association, Inc. to the City of Lauderhill.

4) Approved the issuance for $10,000,000 Water and Sewer Refunding Revenue Bond. It will allow the refinance of a prior outstanding loan, and saves the city of $195,000 in interest, plus frees up $940,000 for capital improvements.

5) Approved the expenditure of $7000 for vacant land in order to extend Renaissance Park.



SECOND READING:

1) Approved changing the name of the Chapter in the Code to "Business Regulations."

2) Approved new FPL Franchise Agreement. Also, from the discussions, FPL has agreed in principal to allow part of their property adjacent to the substation at the corner of 44th Street and Pine Island Road, to be used by the public as a passive park. The city attorney will be working out the details of the agreement.


RESOLUTIONS:

1) Approved the submitting of names from the City of Lauderhill to the State of Florida City of Excellence Award. Commission Dale Holness's name was submitted for Commissioner of the Year.

2) Deferred sending a resolution to the MPO to move the route of the Central Broward East-West Light Rail off of Broward Blvd., from 27th Ave. to 441, to run instead along Sunrise Blvd.

3) Approved the installation of speed humps in Broward Estates at 3561 NW 5th Place, at the request of the petition from residents.

4) Approved the waiving of impact fees, site plan modification and building permit application fees to GL Homes for 26 affordable single family dwelling.

5) Approved the distribution of $9800 from the State Local Law Enforcement Trust Fund to various Homeowner Association to support drug treatment, drug education or drug prevention, crime prevention, safe neighborhood, or school resource officer programs.

6) Approve the expenditure of funds in the amount of $13,891.70 from the federal forfeiture fund to purchase 15 Tasers.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS:

None


OLD BUSINESS:

Discussion on CRA Meetings on when they would meet.


NEW BUSINESS:

Canceled the July 31 and August 13 City Commission Meetings, and July 16 and August 20, for the Summer Recess.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Grant Received




The City of Lauderhill has received from the Department of Transporation, a grant for $91,408.50 for the purchase of a 45 passenger bus. The city is required to provide a match of $10,156.50. The purchase of the bus has already been approved by the Commission

Friday, June 08, 2007

Notes of Special Commission Meetings of May 30

On May 30, the City Commission held 4 meetings special meetings on a variety of areas. Since the regular Commission Meeting of May 28 was cancelled, due to Memorial Day, and to satisfy certain other business requirements, the need for these special meetings were needed because they could not wait until the next regular meeting on June 11. The following is a summary of matters of interest at each meeting:

Meeting #1: Workshop on Allocation of CDBG Funds. Discussion was on whether or not to consider using CDBG Funds to leverage a 108 Loan. The purpose was to purchase property, repair it, and then eventually sell the property. There were concerns that were brought up, including to what extent the monies would be leveraged, what funds will be available, what properties could be purchased, what are the specifics of the business plan, and how monies would be replace, if any, for programs that the city presently use those funds for, since they will no longer be available. Consensus was to pursue leveraging of those funds, but the details would be addressed later.

Meeting #2: Special Commission Meeting to authorize the Mayor to sign letters on behalf of the City and Commission concerning the upcoming special session of the legislature concerning property tax reform. These letters would be sent to local businesses and civic groups explaining the fiscal results that the city would be faced with. The Commission approved the letters subject to incorporating comments of the Commissioners and cleaning up the language on the draft provided.

Meeting #3: Special Commission Meeting to address the following matters:

a) Approved an Emergency Ordinance to provide a quit claim deed to permit the moving forward on the Broward County Regional Park (both first and second readings were held);

b) Granted a Variance to Inverrary Falls LLC to the setback requirement of the 8' high concrete wall;

c) Approved on first reading the Certificates of Participation for the City Hall Project.

Meeting #4: Following the approval of the Certificate of Participation (COP) to proceed with the financing of the new City Hall, the City Commissioners met as the newly formed Lauderhill Finance Corporation and approved:

a) Organizational meeting, ratifying all prior actions, approving the Articles of Incorporation, election of Directors, and adoption of By-laws;

b) Approved the execution of a ground lease, Lease Purchase Agreement, Certificate Purchase Agreement, obtaining a commitment for issuance of a municipal bond insurance policy securing the COP, approving a Preliminary Offering Statement, Final Offering Statement, Continuing Disclosure Certificate and Trust agreement in furtherance of the COP for the City Hall project.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Florida Forecast Summary 2006-2009

This is a compilation of information provided by Hank Fishkind, Ph.D., as given at a Conference recently:

1) 2nd Half of 2006 was a low point of a cycle, with a housing slowdown and high energy prices sap consumer spending;

2) 2007 is expected to be a soft landing/below trend growth. The housing bubble will deflate, and strong consumption with a weak dollar is to prop up the economy;

3) 2008 will start the recovery and strong growth for 2009;

4) The main forecast risk is energy price spikes;

5) Ft. Myers and Miami are the weakest housing market. Single-family market is stabilizing, but condominium market is in serious trouble in many areas. Land market is particularly risky;

6) Between 2000 and 2006 Schools have accounted for 41% of the growth in property taxes, Cities are 19%, and Counties are 32%;

7) Dollar growth in this time period by local government agencies in primarily in Law Enforcement accounting for 44.84% of the growth in the last 6 years;

8) Growth in cost for counties have increased much greater than for the CPI by 26%;

9) Employment growth has remained steady and income is still growing faster than inflation;

10) Recently US housing starts are stabilizing;

11) Michigan and Ohio are in recession;

12) Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are about to go into recession;

13) Florida, NY, PA, MA, CT, MD, DE, AZ, NV, WA and OR are average in terms of economy;

14) Texas, LA, OK, WY, WV, NM, CO, and ND are the only states which are positive in their economy;

15) More Floridians are moving out than in, with North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee leading in recipients;

16) Florida's public school enrollment is falling, proving that high growth is over;

17) Florida's net migration from 2000 to 2005 was 1,585,704. The largest of all states, and almost double the next largest of Texas;

18) Broward County is approaching build out with Western Broward booms along I-75. Infrastructure investments are a challenge with roads and schools. The Airport expansion would be a big plus, along with the renaissance of downtown Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood beach rebuilt and slot machine gambling;

19) The running out of land in Broward is causing land prices to accelerate a tight land market, which inhibits economic growth;

20) Broward County new and existing realty markets have recently stabilized, but below prior rates of past years with higher prices, due to lack of land;

21) It is projected that Broward County's housing market will be balanced through 2009 with little inventory;

22) With few places to build residential and high prices, housing starts will slow down;

23) Broward County non residential will remain steady, but land is limited;

24) Pressure from lack of land is pushing growth into Palm Beach County.

For more information: http://www.fishkind.com/download/fishkind_econ93.pdf and http://www.fishkind.com/

Monday, June 04, 2007

Police Blotter



The following is a partial listing of our Police Department. Names have been removed:

A person was captured on video at the UPS complex taking items. He was arrested for Grand Theft.

A person was arrested at 2029 NW 46 Ave. for an active warrant for Driving While License Suspended.

Officers responded to a Hit and Run vehicle accident at 4350 Rock Island Road. The suspect fled, but was followed by a witness to the Chevron Station on Oakland Park Blvd. Horace Suspect was arrested for a felony: Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident.

A Lauderhill Officer contacted a B/M at 2986 NW 55 Ave. who was urinating. The suspect struck the Officer and was arrested for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.

A suspect was arrested for Aggravated Battery at 5624 NW 14 Court

An Officer came in contact with a juvenile at 1846 NW 55 Ave who had on his possession 36 grams of cannabis. He was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center for booking.

An employee of Target, was arrested for Grand Theft, Shoplifting.

A person was arrested at 5620 NW 27th Court for Child Abuse.

For more information about our Police Department: http://www.lauderhillpolice.org/

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Notes of the Commission Workshop of May 21

On May 21, the City Commission met in workshop to discuss the following items:

1) Presentation of overview of Certificate of Participation financing for new city hall. It will be put on the next agenda on May 30 at a special meeting;

2) Discussion on promoting an alternative of the Central Broward East-West Light Rail along Broward Blvd., moving it to Sunrise Blvd. at 27th Avenue to go north from Broward Blvd. A presentation of the project, including the history of its development was given. Members of the public were invited to provide input, as well as the Commissioners. Only one member of the public spoke in favor of the east west transit route;

3) Discussion vending vehicles, including Ice Cream Vending Vehicles. Revisions were suggested;

4) Discussion on changing the city code to allow parking on paved sidewalks of residential homes. The proposed ordinance violated state and federal ADA laws. Therefore, it cannot be approved;

5) Presentation on City Hall concept, which is expected to include green building concepts. It was well received, and asked by the Commission to move forward;

6) Discussion of burying FPL lines. It was suggested that whenever the lines can be buried when building or redeveloping property, that it be attempted;

7) Discussion of city's Master Plan Development, which was given to the Commission. Essentially, it is a compliation and summation of past prior works created by the city;

8) Discussion of city flags to be given to Lauderhill Schools;

9) Discussion of 50th Year Celebration Committee meeting, hoping it will start meeting. The date of our 50th Anniversary is June 26, 2009;

10) Discussion on rental units at Georgetown;

11) Discussion of summer meeting schedule. It will be put on the next commission agenda to cancel the workshops of July 23 and August 20, and the regular meetings of July 30 and August 13;

12) Discussion on water restrictions & sinking fund commitment It was explained to those Commissioners who were unaware of the debt structure on water, how it works. Specifically as to the water availability fee, and how it impacts satisfying the bond issues. Also, Mayor Kaplan brought up putting forth an ordinance extending water restrictions in Lauderhill after the drought is lifted, as well as looking at a graduated consumption charge for those who are large consumers of water. For the small users, they would pay a smaller rate. As usage increases, so would the cost per gallon;

13) Legislative Update specifically on property tax reform impacting cities. Based upon what is being proposed by the legislature, the City Commission was advised to prepare for a cut in revenue up to, or maybe beyond 30% of its revenue. Therefore, the city will need to start looking at cuts, including employees, cuts in recreation, libraries, and any city services not essentially self funded.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday Begins Today


Beginning June 1, residents throughout Florida will be given an opportunity to purchase hurricane supplies tax-free. The tax-free holiday runs through Tuesday, June 12. Among the items exempted from the sales tax:

Items $10 or less:
reusable ice or items sold as artificial ice

Items $20 or less:
portable self-powered light sources, battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, gas-powered lanterns and candles

Items $25 or less:
gas or diesel fuel containers

Items $30 or less:
batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, 9 volt-excludes auto and boat batteries); coolers and ice chests

Items $40 or less:
any cell phone charger

Items $50 or less:
cell phone batteries and chargers; radios; tarpaulins, flexible waterproof sheeting, ground anchor systems and tie-down kits.

Items $60 or less:
any cell phone batteries

Items $75 or less:
radios (self-powered or battery-operated; any package consisting of two or more of the previously listed qualifying items)

Items $200 or less:
storm shutter devices.

Items $1,000 or less:
portable generators for light, communications, food storage.