Tuesday, April 28, 2009

SWINE FLU UPDATE - Department of Homeland Security

Updated 4/27/09 at 17:50 p.m.

On Sunday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency related to the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and the cases reported in the United States.

This is a precautionary tool that the federal government uses often to make sure that we have the resources we need for a developing situation.

This declaration will allow for resources to be provided for federal, state and local agencies to prevent and mitigate this disease as well as the expanded use of medication and diagnostic tests.

We also announced that we have 50 million treatment courses of antiviral drugs (Tamiflu and Relenza) in the Strategic National Stockpile, and that we are releasing 25 percent of those courses, making them available to all states, but prioritizing the affected states.

Seven million treatment courses of Tamiflu have been procured and strategically positioned by the U.S. Department of Defense.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is heavily involved in monitoring and testing to make sure there is no issue with our food supply. So far, no incidents have been reported. Swine flu cannot be contracted by eating pork.

DHS continues its two-fold focus: ensuring the integrity of the border and other ports of entry, and protecting our workforce.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is pre-positioning resources for every duty station and each employee, including Personal Protective Equipment, Meals Ready to Eat, water, on-hand medications and fuel.

CBP has also implemented passive surveillance protocols to screen for ill individuals that may arrive at our borders. All persons entering the United States from a location with reported human infection of swine flu will be processed through all appropriate CBP protocols.

Travelers presenting symptoms, if and when encountered, will be isolated per our established protocols. CBP will provide Personal Protective Equipment for suspected infected travelers.

If and when a situational need develops, all CBP sites can implement procedures for the arrival and deployment of additional personnel to support operations.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has instituted similar protocols at airports, passively looking for those exhibiting flu-like symptoms and taking the appropriate measures.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has pre-positioned millions of masks for its law enforcement and mission-critical personnel throughout the United States. In addition, 15 mobile trailers with emergency supplies have been pre-staged at various ICE field offices.

Currently, ICE has no confirmed cases within the detainee population. All ICE detention facilities have a plan addressing the management of infectious and communicable diseases, which includes coordination with public health authorities.

Individuals should take responsibility for their own health by following these steps to prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you get sick with influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Additional Updates:

The Department of State, at the advice of health officials at the CDC, announced a travel advisory recommending citizens avoid all non-essential travel to Mexico. The travel advisory will remain in effect until public health officials determine the risk from the outbreak has subsided.

The U.S. Government has been actively and aggressively responding to the swine flu outbreak over the past several days. The World Health Organization’s (W.H.O.) recent decision to raise the pandemic alert level is a response to the ongoing outbreak for which we have already been taking action to mitigate.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Dupont Science In the School Day Presents Program at Banyan Elementary


Through a partnership known as CITIES UNITED FOR SCIENCE PROGRESS, between the US Conference of Mayors and Dupont, the City of Lauderhill and Mayor Richard Kaplan have arranged for a free Science in the School Day presentation to be held at Banyan Elementary on May 5.

Local Dupont Engineers will be teaching students about science, and will work side-by-side with students as they construct “puff mobiles” out of everyday materials like drinking straws and lifesavers. Children will then race their “puff mobiles” at the conclusion of the event. The “puff mobile” is a hands-on project that introduces and encourages students to consider careers in science and engineering.

This program is an effort to promote the importance of science education in today’s schoolchildren.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Lauderhill Finalist for US Conference of Mayors City Livability Award

It has just been announced that Lauderhill is again a Finalist for the US Conference of Mayors, City Livability Awards, for its "Jazz Picnic in the Park" and "Jazz Under the Stars" concert series, presented by Florida Medical Center, and sponsored by the Inverrary Vacation Resort Hotel and Inverrary Association.

Fifteen programs from cities throughout the US have been selected as Finalist in the category of "Cities under 100,000 in population." Hundreds of cities apply each year for this prestigious award. Each of the finalist must now complete a second part of the application for further review to select the winners.

On June 13, at the US Conference of Mayors Annual Conference, 10 cities will be selected Winners. The First Place Winner, 4 Outstanding Achievement Awards, and 5 Honorable Mentions. This is Lauderhill's 4th time applying. Previously from its 3 prior applications, it was named as a Finalist, and once in 2006 achieved an Honorable Mention for the "Lauderhill Hurricane Preparation Program."

For more information about our "Jazz Picnic in the Park" and new night time "Jazz Under the Stars" concert series, see: http://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/docs/jazz.pdf

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Lauderhill Summer Programs

Registration is open for both Lauderhill Summer Camp Programs. The first program is the Summer Literacy Camp at St. George Park. The program runs from June 15 to July 31. Children must be going into no earlier than 1st grade or later than 5th grade, or be between the ages of 6 and 10 years old. A birth certificate, parents drivers license, and the child's last report card are required.

Camp is from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, except for July 3. The cost is $190, payable by money order or cashier's check payable to the Oscar Thomas Foundation, and space is limited to 60 campers. No refunds will be given after the first week of camp. Lunch and snacks are not provided. Bag lunches and drinks must be brought by the child.

The camp will consist of academic and recreational staff. Children will receive literacy activities in the multi-disciplinary arts (reading, writing, visual arts, performing arts), life skills, organizational skills, social and personal skills, field trips, intergenerational activities, and special events.

Registration is at St. George Park Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 9:30 PM, and on Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, until capacity has been reached. For more information call 954-791-1039.

The other Summer Camp Program is at Veterans Park. The program also runs from June 15 to July 31. Children must be going into no earlier than Kindergarten or later than 6th grade, or be between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. A birth certificate, and parents drivers license or utility bill.

Registration is at Veterans Park Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 9:30 PM and Weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM. Registration of up to 100 children will continue until capacity has been reached. Residents costs is $490 per child, and non-residents are $690 per child. Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard or a check payable to the City of Lauderhill. No refunds will be given after the first week of camp.

Registration fees include weekly child care, field trips, swimming, arts and crafts, one camp T-shirt and trip transportation. Campers must bring their own bag lunch and drinks each day. The Camp hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

For more information about the Veterans Park Summer Camp call 954-572-1459.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Dolphins Mock 2009 NFL Draft 2.0

In a continuing review of the possible draft picks for the Dolphins, I have updated the list of who I think the Dolphins should select. Also, options are given because as the draft proceeds, selections can become quite fluid. I have also suggested draft pick trade possibilities to consider, and a critical positions list of players. Enjoy:

Each round has the player in order of selection. Unless the name is repeated in a subsequent round, it is not expected the player to go beyond a certain round. As a position is picked, subsequent players of the same position in the next rounds would be eliminated, unless otherwise denoted with a * (not applicable beyond Round 5). My preferred pick - #, second preferred pick @

Round 1 - Aaron Maybin-DE/OLB, Brian Cushing-OLB@, or Clay Matthews-OLB#

Round 2 a - Kenny Britt, Brian Robiskie-WR@ or Ron Brace-DT#, Clint Sintim-OLB

Round 2 b – Brian Robiskie-WR#, Ron Brace, Chris Baker-DT, Juaquin Iglesias-WR@, Clint Sintim-ILB, Victor Harris-FS/CB or Mike Mickens-CB

Round 3 - Victor Harris-FS/CB, Mike Mickens-CB#, Pat White-QB/WR, or William Moore-SS

Round 4 - Sammie Lee Hill-DT(# if Brace is not picked), Captain Munnerly-CB(#if Brace is picked), Nic Harris-SS, Morgan Trent-CB, or Daniel Holtzclaw-ILB@

Round 5 - Morgan Trent*-CB#, Daniel Holtzclaw*, Japer Brinkley-ILB@, Vance Walker* or Terrance Taylor-DT

Round 6 and 7 (a, b and c) and Free Agents– Possibilities in particular positions that can move up if prior selections are already taken:

QB-David Johnson, Drew Willy, Curtis Painter (only if a QB is not selected in an early Round, and Beck is traded)

TE-John Phillips, Jared Bronson, Marquez Branson, Darius Hill, John Nalbone

OL-Ryan Stanchek, Andrew Hartline, Robert Brewster, George Bussey, Jon Cooper

WR-Marko Mitchell, Austin Collie, Jarett Dillard, Brennan Marion, Jamarko Simmons, Jeremy Childs, Johnny Knox, Dudley Guice

ILB-Worrell Williams, Franz Joseph, Joey Hudson, Derek Nicholson, Ronnie Palmer, Pat Maynor
OLB-Lee Robinson, Anthony Heygood, Russell Allen, Steve Davis, Jason Williams

CB-Londen Fryar, Donald Washington, Ryan Mouton, Wopamo Osaisai, Brice McCain, Darren Banks, Don Carey, Greg Toler

DE-Willie VanDeSteeg, Brandon Swain, Victor Butler, Derek Walker, Nick Reed, Darius Davis,

DT-Vaughn Martin

Trades: I could see us trading down in the first round to as low as the 4th pick in the 2nd round from Cleveland. This would happen if none of the projected 1st round players the Dolphins wants are still there. In return, depending upon how far down, they would pick up a mid 3rd to very low 4th round pick. Possible trade partners are Detroit, St. Louis, Eagles, Giants, Colts, Titans, Browns, Arizona and Pittsburgh.

LIST OF PLAYERS FOR CRITICAL POSITIONS TO BE DRAFTED IN THE FIRST FIVE ROUNDS. * is more likely to be selected, $ is reasonably to be selected

NT- Ron Brace*$, Sammie Lee Hill*$, Chris Baker*, Alex Magee, Terrance Taylor*, Terrance Knighton*, Vance Walker* (1 to be selected)

OLB- Aaron Maybin, Brian Cushing*$, Clay Matthews*$, Clint Sintim*$ (1 to be selected)

ILB-Clint Sintim*$, Daniel Holtzclaw*$, Japer Brinkley (1 could be selected)

WR- Kenny Britt, Brian Robiskie*$, Juaquin Iglesias*$ (1 to be selected)

DE-Connor Barwin, Larry English* (1 could be selected)

CB-Darius Butler, Victor Harris*$, Captain Munnerlyn*$, Mike Mickens*$, Morgan Trent* (2 to be selected)

S-William Moore, Patrick Chung, Nic Harris*, Chip Vaughn, Michael Hamlin, Chris Clemons (1 could be selected)

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Transit Community Forums to be Held in Lauderhill, Pembroke Pines and Deerfield Beach

- Meetings to Focus on Public Transportation Challenges Facing Broward County-

Broward County Transit (BCT) is partnering with cities throughout the county to host transit community forums that will allow attendees to voice their concerns, ideas and recommendations for a future public transportation plan.

Transit community forums scheduled in April are:

* Thursday, April 23, 2009 - St. George Community Park 3501 N.W. Eighth St. Lauderhill 6 to 8 p.m. Bus route 81, 18 (short walk)
* Monday, April 27, 2009 - Southwest Focal Point Senior Center 301 N.W. 103rd Ave. Pembroke Pines 2 to 4 p.m. Community Bus Gold Route, Community Bus Green Route and Route 7 (connect to eastbound Gold Route at Pembroke Lakes Mall)
* Thursday, April 30, 2009 - Northeast Focal Point Senior Center 27 N.W. Second St. Deerfield Beach 1 to 3 p.m. Route 48, Community Bus Deerfield Beach 1 and 2

The forums will address the top challenges facing public transportation in our region, and include a presentation, followed by roundtable discussions. Information evolving from the forums will form the basis of a regional public transportation plan for consideration by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.

Two key questions that will be presented to the attendees for their input are:

• What are the three major public transportation issues in our region?
• What should be done now and in the future to improve public transportation?

For more information about the transit community forums, visit
www.broward.org/bct, or call the Broward County Transportation Department at 954-357-7713. Hearing- and speech-impaired individuals should call 954-357-8302 (TTY). Persons unable to attend the forums can submit their comments at www.broward.org/bct, and click on "Voice Your Solutions to Public Transportation."

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Notes to the CRA Meeting and Regular Commission Meeting

On April 13, the City Commission met and the following items of interest were covered:

CRA MEETING:

1) BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM - Involved micro-loans up to $2500, with a match from the business, for working capital, equipment/machinery, furniture and fixtures. Interest free, and could be forgivable. Loan range from 12 months to 36 months. Funding from CRA or CDBG funds. Also, Commercial Facade Rehabilitation Grant up to $5000 for landscaping, facade imrpovements, signage, paint and parking. Requires a match from the business, and the city's contributino to be used for landsacping improvements in public right of way. Funding coming from Lauderhill Tree Preservation Fund.

2) FALMOUTH SISTER CITIES TRIP - 15 people are privately paying to participate in this program. Art will be shipped down as part of this event. There are several other scheduled activities during the trip, including meeting with the Chamber of Commerce.

3) NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM - Program is proceeding. Can only be used for residential properties.

4) GOSPEL COMPLEX - Update given on the facility by Al Tucker. Upcoming Conference May 2-6. They are moving forward in purchasing the property and obtaining further funding to buy and build.

5) DIRECTOR’S REPORT

A) RCP FUNDS - We are working to draw down the rest of the money of just over $5 Million.

B) CIVIC IQ AND RECON EXPO - CRA Board previously approved. The CIVIC IQ program is proceeding, and responses will become available by the end of April. Expo's are in May and August, and the responses from CIVIC IQ will be used for those Expo's.

C) NEW BUSINESS - Examining cultural facilities and provide suggestions for how these areas could go forward. Creating focus groups in areas around Lauderhill is formed. Information will be forwarded to Commissioners. Continuing discussions on private developements on 441 occured. Detailed information on the Cultural Arts/Library were requested, so that we do not violate the city's GO Bond requirements on this project.


REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

PRESENTATION:

Presentation introducing the winners of the 2nd Annual Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship. See prior article on the winners.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS ----- SECOND READING:

1. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-03-118: PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ITS $6,000,000 CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA STORMWATER UTILITY REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2009 AS ADDITIONAL BONDS UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 04O-04-124 ENACTED ON MAY 10, 2004 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF ADDITIONS, EXTENSIONS, RENOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY’S STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY AND PAYING COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2009.

2. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-03-119: CREATING ARTICLE VIII, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS, DIVISION I, GENERALLY; PROVIDING INTENT, PURPOSE, AND AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS GENERALLY WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS; PROVIDING ELIGIBILITY TO REQUEST GRANTS, TO LEVY AD VALOREM TAXES ON REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY OF UP TO 2 MILLS ANNUALLY, AND AUTHORITY TO COLLECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS TO SUPPORT PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING COMMUNITY POLICING INNOVATIONS PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTES, SECTION 197.3635 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500.00 FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR. (At this time this only applies to an area in the central section of the city who requested it by a vote of the owners. See 3 below).

3. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-03-120: CREATING ARTICLE VIII, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS, DIVISION 2, WINDERMERE/TREE GARDENS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT; ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIFIC NAMED DISTRICT, DEFINING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES; PROVIDING ELIGIBILITY TO REQUEST GRANTS, TO LEVY AD VALOREM TAXES ON REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY OF UP TO 2 MILLS ANNUALLY, AND AUTHORITY TO COLLECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS TO SUPPORT PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING COMMUNITY POLICING INNOVATIONS PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTES, SECTION 197.3635 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500.00 FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR; DESIGNATING BOARD OF DIRECTORS; ESTABLISHING ADVISORY COUNCIL.

4. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-04-84: APPOINTING WIN HOFFMAN BY THE COMMISSION AS A WHOLE TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF SOL SIEGLER EXPIRING NOVEMBER 2010.


D.E.E.S.

5. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-04-86: AWARDING THE BID TO TRAN CONSTRUCTION, INC., THE LOWEST QUALIFIED BIDDER, AS THE CONTRACTOR TO SERVE AS THE SOLE SUPPLIER AND INSTALLER OF CONCRETE SIDEWALKS, PADS AND CURBS WITHIN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE PERIOD COMMENCING APRIL 1, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2010; GUARANTEEING PRICES FOR THE ONE-YEAR PERIOD.

6. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-04-87: APPROVING THE AWARD OF BID TO PAVEX CORPORATION D/B/A RANGER CONSTRUCTION SOUTH IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,774,649.60 FOR PLANNED RESURFACING/REBUILDING OF STREETS WITHIN CENTRAL AND EAST LAUDERHILL.


POLICE DEPARTMENT

7. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-04-90: APPROVING THE DONATION IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,100.00 FROM THE FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR DISTRIBUTION BY COMMISSIONER DALE V.C. HOLNESS LAST YEAR TO THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: $1,500.00 TO KIWANIS CLUB OF LAUDERHILL EAGLE, $300.00 TO LAUDERHILL MIDDLE SCHOOL AND $300.00 TO THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 110-683-9936(REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER DALE V.C. HOLNESS).

8. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-04-91: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $22,530.20 FOR THE PURCHASE OF A CHEVROLET SILVERADO EXTENDED CAB PICK-UP TRUCK FROM THE LOW QUOTE, PHIL SMITH CHEVROLET.

9. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-04-92: APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS, RECOVERY ACT EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $264,217.00 AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS; PROVIDING THAT THERE ARE NO MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED TO ACCEPT THESE GRANTS FUNDS.

10. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-04-93: AUTHORIZING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO APPLY FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES (COPS), HIRING RECOVERY ACT GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,283,085.00; PROVIDING THAT FUNDS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UTILIZED TO HIRE FIVE (5) SWORN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO IMPLEMENT THE EAST LAUDERHILL CRIME REDUCTION INITIATIVE; PROVIDING THAT THERE ARE NO MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED FOR THESE GRANTS FUNDS.

11. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-04-94: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,395.00 TO BURKHARD’S TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT, THE LOW QUOTE, TO PURCHASE AN ENCLOSED TRAILER TO HOUSE AND TRANSPORT POLICE ATV VEHICLES.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship Winners Announced

At the April 13th Commission Meeting, the winners of the 2nd Annual Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship was announced. The winners will each receive $500 to go towards their college education. The Lauderhill Educational Advisory Committee selected the winners solely based upon 2 submitted 500 word essays.

The winners, high schools they attended, and colleges they are going to attend are:

Shantaya Dawes, Pompano Beach High, University of South Florida
Shayla Davis, Dillard High, University of Florida
Tiara Robinson, Pompano Beach High, Florida Atlantic University
Dana Warman, Plantation High, Florida Atlantic University

Funding for this program obtained from the Federal Crime Confiscation Fund, which was allocated to Mayor Richard J Kaplan, to use at his discretion on approved programs.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Notes of the Commission Meeting of March 30

On March 30, the City Commission met, and the following are some notes of interest.


PROCLAMATION:

A. A Proclamation declaring March 23, 2009, as a "Day of Remembrance" for Sol Siegler, who passed away.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS ----- FIRST READING:

1. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-03-118: PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ITS $6,000,000 CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA STORMWATER UTILITY REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2009 AS ADDITIONAL BONDS UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 04O-04-124 ENACTED ON MAY 10, 2004 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF ADDITIONS, EXTENSIONS, RENOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY’S STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY AND PAYING COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2009 .

2. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-03-119: CREATING ARTICLE VIII, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS, DIVISION I, GENERALLY; PROVIDING INTENT, PURPOSE, AND AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS GENERALLY WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS; PROVIDING ELIGIBILITY TO REQUEST GRANTS, TO LEVY AD VALOREM TAXES ON REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY OF UP TO 2 MILLS ANNUALLY, AND AUTHORITY TO COLLECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS TO SUPPORT PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING COMMUNITY POLICING INNOVATIONS PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTES, SECTION 197.3635 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500.00 FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR. (At this time this only applies to an area in the central section of the city who requested it by a vote of the owners. See 3 below).

3. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-03-120: CREATING ARTICLE VIII, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS, DIVISION 2, WINDERMERE/TREE GARDENS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT; ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIFIC NAMED DISTRICT, DEFINING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES; PROVIDING ELIGIBILITY TO REQUEST GRANTS, TO LEVY AD VALOREM TAXES ON REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY OF UP TO 2 MILLS ANNUALLY, AND AUTHORITY TO COLLECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS TO SUPPORT PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING COMMUNITY POLICING INNOVATIONS PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTES, SECTION 197.3635 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500.00 FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR; DESIGNATING BOARD OF DIRECTORS; ESTABLISHING ADVISORY COUNCIL.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

4. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-03-114: CHANGING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP FROM NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (CN) TO RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY AT FIVE DWELLING UNITS PER GROSS ACRE (RS-5) ZONING DISTRICT AND ALLOCATING 0.802+ NET ACRES/2.09+ GROSS ACRES OF COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL FLEXIBILITY ACREAGE FOR PROPERTY LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS LOTS 15, 16, 17 AND 18, BLOCK 1, SUNSHINE VILLAS SECOND ADDITION.

5. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-03-115: ADDING THE TERM AND DEFINITION FOR BANQUET HALL; AMENDING SCHEDULE B, PERMITTED AND SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES, TO ALLOW WITHIN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) AND COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE (CW) ZONING DISTRICTS A BANQUET HALL AS A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE.

6. Approved on a 3 to 2 Vote, ORDINANCE NO. 09O-03-116: AMENDING PARAGRAPH C OF SUBSECTION 15.2 TO MODIFY THE FREQUENCY THAT THE DISPLAY ON A DYNAMIC DISPLAY SIGN MAY CHANGE OR MOVE (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR HAYWARD J. BENSON, JR.). Mayor Kaplan and Commissioner Berger voted against the item.

7. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-03-117: BY ADDING “SEPARATION STANDARD OR REQUIREMENT OR DISTANCE REQUIREMENT”; AMENDING ARTICLE III., ZONING DISTRICTS, PART 5.0., SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS, SECTION 5.3., ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, SUBSECTION 5.3.2., SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS, PARAGRAPH A., AND REPEALING HOW THE DISTANCE BETWEEN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE USES IS MEASURED AND MAKING OTHER CHANGES; AMENDING PARAGRAPH B., AND REPEALING HOW THE DISTANCE BETWEEN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE USES AND SCHOOLS IS MEASURED AND MAKING OTHER CHANGES.


RESOLUTIONS
COMMISSION


8. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-65: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE AGREEMENT THROUGH APRIL 29, 2009.

9. Tabled RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-66: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE BROWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHICH WILL SEEK TO ACHIEVE A THIRTY PERCENT OR MORE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE BY 2030.

10. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-67: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL OPPOSING HOUSE BILL (HB) 227 AND SENATE BILL (SB) 580 WHICH REQUIRE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO PROVE ELEMENTS OF IMPACT FEES BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE AND WHICH PROHIBIT COURTS FROM USING DEFERENTIAL STANDARDS IN COURT ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES).

11. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-68: A RESOLUTION REMOVING ANDY H. ANSOLA FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL 50th ANNIVERSARY PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR CAUSE FOR FAILURE TO ATTEND THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF MEETINGS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY COMMISSION).


COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT

12. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-69: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED BOUNDARY CHANGE OF THE BROWARD COUNTY/FORT LAUDERDALE ENTERPRISE ZONE TO BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE AREAS OF THE STATE ROAD 7 COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY PART OF THE ENTERPRISE ZONE (THE AREA WEST OF STATE ROAD 7.

12A. Approved Resolution No. 09R-03-81. Supporting the filing of a Grant for enhancing the Central Lauderhill Community for additional Public Transit Shelters, from Federal Funds made available through the MPO. It may purchase up to 10 additional facilities


D.E.E.S.

13. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-70: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LOCALLY FUNDED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FLORIDA’S TURNPIKE ENTERPRISE IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,650.00 REPRESENTING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S COST FOR THE REMOVAL OF AN ABANDONED 30” CITY MAIN WHICH IS A UTILITY CONFLICT WITHIN THE FLORIDA’S TURNPIKE ENTERPRISE RIGHT-OF-WAY ALONG THE TURNPIKE CROSSING.

13A. Approved Resolution 09R-03-77: Approving the expenditure of $126020 to Cubellis for services in designing the Community Center and Swimming Pool at John Mullins Park.

13B. Approved Resolution 09R-03-78: Approving the expenditure of $72979 to Saltz-Michelson Architects to prepare construction documents for the construction of the new track and field sports complex at West Ken Lark Park.

13C. Approved Resolution 09R-03-79: Approving the expenditure of $44750 to HSQ to design a green park and modifications to parking lot for a new swimming pool at John Mullins Park.

14. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-71: ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE UTILITY EASEMENT DEDICATION FROM COMMUNITY EDUCATION PARTNERS, INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, INSTALLATION AND REBUILDING OF FIRE HYDRANTS AND RELATED WATER FACILITIES ON THE PROPERTY MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4800 NORTH UNIVERSITY DRIVE, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

14A. Approved Resolution No. 09R-03-73: Approving and implementing the City of Lauderhill's neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Funding Guidelines, using a $4,293,288 Federal Grant.


FIRE DEPARTMENT

15. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-72: A RESOLUTION WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; AWARDING THE PURCHASE OF THE LUCAS CHEST COMPRESSION DEVICE (MECHANICAL CPR) IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $81,500.00 FROM PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC., A SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,970.00 FROM EMS MATCHING STATE GRANT FUNDS AND PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $21,530.00 FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 305-321-614.


HUMAN RESOURCES

16. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-73: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC. AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF THE REVISED INVOICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $320,000.00.


POLICE DEPARTMENT

17. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-74: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,644.00 TO ADT TO COMPLETE DOOR UPGRADES IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE AREA OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT; .

18. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-75: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00 TO DONATE TO THE WINNERS OF THE LAUDERHILL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTEST TO BE USED TOWARDS TUITION, ROOM, BOARD AND/OR BOOKS FOR THE 2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR.

19. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-03-76: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,100.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIELD TRAINING MANAGEMENT, EARLY WARNING PERFORMANCE SOFTWARE FROM THE SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER, ON TARGET PERFORMANCE SYSTEMS, LLP.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Cricket Comes to Colleges and Lauderhill is Recognized by the NY Times


Recently, the first collegiate cricket match was held in Lauderhill at the new Central Regional Park. In the process the NY Times covered the event, and Lauderhill was recognized by it. The following is a link to that article, along with the article itself.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/sports/othersports/25cricket.html?_r=1&ref=sports

On Spring Break, Cricket Gets Serious

By JOSHUA ROBINSON
Published: March 24, 2009

LAUDERHILL, Fla. — Sandwiched between a soccer game and a barbecue, the Montgomery College cricket team edged closer and closer to victory. And when at last it came, after four days of wickets, overs and sixes, the players were exultant. Just as cricketers do from Australia to Antigua, they snatched the wooden cricket stumps out of the grass and waved them around their heads in mad celebration.

Sachin Gorsahani of the University of Miami tags for a run against Boston University at the American College Spring Break Cricket Championship in Florida.

The players felt they had claimed more than the three-foot trophy for the first American College Cricket spring break championship. In their minds they had brought their sport one step closer to the American mainstream.

Though cricket counts its fans by the billion worldwide, the sport does not register a pulse in the United States. Of the five teams in attendance at this experimental event last weekend — Montgomery, Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, the University of South Florida and the University of Miami — most exist only as social clubs. None of them has club team status, and the sport is not officially recognized by the N.C.A.A.

“This is an opportunity for us to really show athletic directors at a Division I level that cricket matters, cricket is a big sport and cricket has a marketing capability in this country,” said Sumantro Das, an all-rounder and junior at Boston University, who learned to play as a child in India.

With only a few weeks’ notice, the five teams did what many college students do this time of year: they packed their sunscreen and headed to Florida. Nearly 60 players drove or flew at their own expense to the lush cricket pitches of Central Broward Regional Park. They played Twenty20, a version of cricket in which many stuffy traditions are left behind and matches are completed in about three hours instead of up to five days.The only custom-built cricket stadium in the United States stands in this park, but securing the 5,000-seat facility was far too rich a luxury for the tournament’s shoestring budget. Competing on the park’s manicured fields was already an upgrade over the converted soccer fields and tennis courts the players were used to.

“I wanted them to see the stadium to know what they are playing for,” said Lloyd Jodah, the founder and president of American College Cricket. “That is where we want to be next year.”

The idea for the college tournament came to him last year as he campaigned to have cricket included in the Olympics. Standing on Wall Street with a cricket bat in one hand and petitions in the other, Jodah, 50, an immigrant from Guyana who works selling health club memberships, met Kalpesh Patel, a Jamaican business student from the University of Miami.

Once Jodah heard how difficult it was for college cricketers to find regular games, he began toying with the idea of a nationwide organization for collegiate clubs and founded American College Cricket. He made a group on Facebook as a way to reach out to players.

“We always had the desire to play, but there was no real framework for us to get involved,” Patel said. “So this idea gave us the push to get involved with the most competitive form of the game.”

Jodah and Nino DiLoreto, 62, a former soccer player from Abruzzi, Italy, spent many evenings tracking down college cricket players, and the group swelled to over 500 members

“We could have waited till next year to have the tournament and maybe taken more time to organize it,” Jodah said. “But it was important to actually do something this year, to have something to show for ourselves.”

Invitations went out and T-shirts were printed.

At the Boston University Cricket Club, expenses for the trip became the subject of six- and seven-hour meetings. After much deliberation, and financial help from the university, the roughly dozen members agreed that the opportunity to play for a long weekend was worth $400 each.

“Putting up that kind of money, especially when most of us have none, was a big decision for us,” Das said. “But it was significant because who else is doing anything for cricket in this country?”

Unlike a couple of the teams, which had snazzy uniforms, the University of South Florida contingent did not even have a team until a few weeks ago; they were just a few guys who played a regular pickup game. They settled on sweatpants and green T-shirts from the college bookstore. Not having names on their shirts caused a few awkward moments when a player would run to the borrowed picnic/scorer’s table with no idea of which of his new teammates was batting next.

But the players all knew the finer points of cricket etiquette, lilting cries of “Ball” or “Shot” into the wind after each pretty play — high cricket praise that requires no adjectives. Other cheers followed in at least a half-dozen different languages and dialects, but instructions on the field were usually in English. Miami players adopted an English-only rule after a few plays were botched in translation.

Nearly all of the players were born abroad. And even though the sport had a rich history in the United States until World War II, it is still widely seen here as an obscure game played exclusively by foreigners. Most who play it here are from countries that belonged to the British Commonwealth. The aim of this tournament, Jodah and DiLoreto explained, was to make cricket more accessible by growing its college identity, something that rubbed off on the Miami players as they belted Hurricanes chants

“We’re not playing on Saturdays for the fun of it anymore,” Patel said. “We’re playing for our school.”

After the championship match, in which South Florida couldn’t handle Montgomery’s firepower, the local fans — three Jamaican retirees sitting in the shade — nodded in approval, clapping politely.

Many of the players said the four-day adventure had spurred them to continue growing the sport when they get back to campus. And nine years after moving to Maryland from his native Pakistan, Montgomery’s captain, Adil Bhatti, said he hoped to take it one step further. He wants to try out for the United States national team, which plays in International Cricket Council tournaments.

“We live here and we play cricket here,” Bhatti said. “I would absolutely want to represent the U.S.”

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Appointment Available to the Lauderhill Planning and Zoning Board

Due to the death of Sol Siegler, there is now an appointment open by the City Commission to the Lauderhill Planning and Zoning Board. The board not only reviews over all site plans, but also legislation that is recommended to the City Commission.

If you are interested in serving, submit your resume to the City Clerks Department. It is planned the Commission will discuss and may make the appointment at the next Commission Meeting of April 13.

For more information contact the City Clerk at 954-730-3010.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Join the White Tigers Boxing Club


The Lauderhill Police Athletic League runs the White Tigers Boxing Club for boys and girls 8-17. The cost is $45 and a copy of insurance, or a completion of a city insurance form is required. A birth certificate is also required, and equipment needs to be purchased by the parent. The program runs weekdays from 4:30 PM to 7 PM. An application must be completed which can be found at City Parks.


For more information contact Officer Quinones, 954-553-2600.