Notes of Commission Workshop of 4/21

On April 21, the Commission met for the monthly Regular Workshop. Only two items were on the agenda. First was a review of the Audit results showing Lauderhill improving in its financial conditions from last year. Of the financial trends, Lauderhill has significantly improved in several categories, which now shows the city as Favorable in 12 categories, Inconclusive in 5, and Unfavorable in 1. However, it is expected that future financial conditions will be flat due to revenue restrictions being imposed by the legislature and voters.

The other item was a rousing discussion, particularly from residents, concerning difficulties using facilities at the new Central Broward County Regional Park. Speaker after speaker spoke on how the park was too expensive for use, and that they will instead either use other facilities in the area, or will not conduct their event at all. One speaker stated that the cost of the facility for their large event exceeds Lockhart Stadium and even Dolphin Stadium. It is cost prohibited for many events, including soccer, football, cricket, and special events. The same events the county had targeted for use at the park.

This sentiment has been expressed to the city repeatedly by numerous users of the park. Several have stated they will use the park for one event, because it is already planned, but not in the future if matters do not change. Many of these sports are under development, and cannot afford the fees being charged. Others have said it is too difficult to even work with the county, and it isn't worth trying to deal with them.

The concern by the Commission is that the facility is intended to be an economic engine for the region, and that users of the park should not be charged more for its use than at other county parks. In those events that are struggling to establish themselves, they cannot be charged fees that immediately create a loss for the event. That somehow it is believed that the county does not treat users of the park the same as they do at other county facilities. Additionally, there is demonstrated bias against cities in the region in using the park, which does not exist at other county parks. Finally, that if the county continues to conduct their business there in the manner that it has, that the park will become a 'White Elephant,' and that it will appear that the county has wasted the over $70 million of taxpayers money to build it.

The Commission consensus was to draft a Resolution for the April 28 Commission Meeting, addressing some of these concerns, and to request a public meeting in Lauderhill to discuss them, preferably to be televised, with the County Mayor, and the two County Commissioners representing Lauderhill, plus their staff. The Resolution will include inviting all cities of Broward County to come and express themselves as well on this topic since this is a County Park, and the issues discussed could impact them as well.

Curiously, a person was at the Workshop very carefully videotaping the discussion, including obtaining close ups of particular individuals when they spoke, including specifically, Commissioner Holness. At one point he was asked to move from where he was taping, at Commission's request, because he was blocking the general public from observing the meeting, and creating a disturbance. When asked by others there why he was taping it, it was reported that he said he was taping it for certain individuals to see, including the District 9 County Commissioner.