Notes of Commission Workshop of June 16

On June 16, the City Commission held its Regular Monthly Workshop. The following items of interest appeared:

1. STATE REPRESENTATIVE ARI PORTH GAVE A LEGISLATIVE REPORT ON WHAT PASSED AND WHAT DID NOT.

2. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE BY RUSS KLENET GIVEN BY LAUDERHILL'S STATE LOBBYIST.

3. DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED CULTURAL CENTER (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR M. MARGARET BATES). Based upon the desire to building a performing arts center, the facility is not financially feasible to build. Discussion was to give staff direction on alternatives and ideas. Monies to be used from the city bond are to be used by 2010, unless we receive an adjustment to our plan. Staff was directed to come up with plans based upon comments. One of them was to combine the proposed Library with the Cultural Center/Performing Arts Center (with 500 seats hopefully).

4. DISCUSSION ON SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP WITH PETIONVILLE, HAITI (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER DALE V.C. HOLNESS). Consensus was to proceed.

5. DISCUSSION OF ORDINANCE NO. 080-06-125 TABLED AT THE JUNE 9, 2008 CITY COMMISSION MEETING:

ORDINANCE NO. 080-06-125: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CALLING FOR A REFERENDUM REGARDING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CHARTER, TO CREATE A CITIZENS’ BILL OF RIGHTS, TO APPEAR ON THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION BALLOT NOVEMBER 4, 2008. The Commission discussed this at a prior workshop, but it created significant confusion as to what this proposal would mean. The Commission directed the City Manager and City Attorney to review it against Florida Law and provide a matrix of its provisions. In this process, it was shown that each and every item in this Bill of Rights are already rights granted by Florida Law or by the City Charter, and therefore provides no new rights. Concern was expressed as to whether it would create more confusion than clarity, and truly would the public even understand what the proposal was about. It was expressed by the Mayor that it makes no sense to put a matter out there with a false hope that it gives something it doesn't. Commissioner Benson supported it. Vice-Mayor Bates had no objection to let it go forward. Mayor Kaplan and Commission Berger felt it should not go forward using the explanation above. Commission Holness had no opinion to go forward. Therefore, there was no consensus to put it on the agenda in the Commission's name. This does not prevent a Commissioner from putting it forth in their own name.

6. PRESENTATION ON ENTRANCE WAY SIGNS. Plans and designs were shown on the signs to be placed throughout the city. The signs and money for the signage was approved under the 2005 GO Bond Issue. The designs will subsequently shown to different associations throughout the city. If everything receives approval, installation could be started by November, 2008.