Sunday, June 28, 2009

Notes of Special Meeting of Commission of June 22

On June 22nd, the City Commission held a Special Commission Meeting to cover a single item:

RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-132: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT STRATEGY PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO APPLY FOR THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $595,200.00; PROVIDING THAT NO MATCHING FUNDS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS GRANT

This item was required since by June 25 the city must submit to the Federal Government its plan on distribution of the funds. The Resolution passed 5-0. After submitted, it is expected the to take 60 days for the Department of Energy to review and approve, and then our first installment of funds will be distributed to us.

These funds will be used to:

1) $10,000 to purchase 10,000 CFL bulbs to be distributed free to city residents. These bulbs are 13 watt bulbs and are equivalent to the traditional 60 watt bulb normally used. Obviously, a bulb using only approximately 20% of the energy to use will save residents a significant amount in energy costs. It is planned to distribute 2000 bulbs each month in each sector of the city (north, northwest, central, south and southwest), over a 5 month period. First come, first serve.

2) $70,200 to create an Interest Free Revolving Loan for city residents the Lauderhill Housing Authority and Lauderhill CRA, to help them purchase appliances that holds an Energy Star rating or qualifies for the Federal Energy Tax Credit. While details are not complete yet, the amount of the loan will depend upon the item being purchased, probably from $300 to $1200/item. The more expensive the item is, the more that can be applied for. Repayment schedules will be from 1 to 2 years, and are likely to be added to your water bill for monthly repayment. Items to be included are expected to be: refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, air conditioners, solar water heaters and solar panels. These funds can be leveraged with other manufacture/store/installer rebates, tax credits or loans.

3) $440,000 to create a Lauderhill Climate Neutral Public Facility Project. This facility will include installation of a solar PV system to generate electricity, solar thermal heating, energy efficient HVAC system, energy efficient track lighting and all Energy Star products. We hope to leverage these funds for another $5 million grant to build a Fire Station on 31st Avenue that is in our 2009 Capital Improvement Projects Program, though it is not required to go to the Fire Station. The building is expected to be carbon neutral and essentially create its own energy to fully support itself.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Lauderhill Police SWAT Report for the Weekend of June 19

On Friday, June 19, three separate SWAT units consisting of four operators were dispatched to all areas of the City to conduct fugitive sweeps. During the sweeps, the Eastside team approached 3720 NW 17th Street to apprehend a known felon. Upon approach a male fitting the description fled from the operators. While fleeing, the suspect discarded a back pack contain suspect cannabis.

The suspect then fled into the house. Fresh pursuit was in play and units apprehended the suspect inside. While conducting a protective sweep of the interior, more suspect cannabis was observed. VIN Detectives responded and acquired a search warrant from the residence where they recovered more contraband and a start up grow consisting of six maturing plants.

Soon after, the buy bust operation began. The inclement weather hampered officer efforts initially, however the operation pressed on. All areas of the City were targeted and arrests were made in Central and on the East District. The buy bust arrest also yielded informants which led to the successful purchase of illegal narcotics out of a location in the NW. The following are the results of the Operation:

3 arrests for delivery of crack cocaine
1 arrest for possession of cannabis with intent to deliver
1 arrest for an outstanding warrant (Fraud/Grand Theft)
1 arrest for possession of cannabis
1 arrest for felony traffic
26 citations written
1 seized vehicle
1 search warrant service
1 controlled undercover drug purchase from a house in Inverrary home area (Still under investigation)
$1,152.00 seized
3.5 pounds of cannabis seized
6 Maturing Marijuana plants (Grow)
2.5 Grams of crack cocaine seized

From the DUI Checkpoint:

Here are the totals for June 21st DUI checkpoint, as indicated by those officers who turned in a statistics sheet. Below is a breakdown of the TOTALS:

DUI arrests - 4
Felony Arrest - 3
Misdemeanor Arrests - 12
Criminal Citation - 48
Moving Citation - 31
Non-Moving Citation - 108
Seatbelt Citation - 18
Child Restraint - 9

Total number of Officers who responded to the event - 52
Total Arrests - 19
Total Criminal - 48
Total Citations - 214
Total Vehicles Towed - 19
Total number of vehicles processed thru the checkpoint pit area 1,202 in 5 hours.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Lauderhill Lions Football & Cheerleading Registration


From June to August registration for Lauderhill Lions Football and Cheerleading is taking place. Students from 5 to 15 yrs for Football, and 6 to 15 yrs for Cheerleaders, can register at Lauderhill Middle School (Saturdays 11AM - 1 PM) or Wolk Park (June only Monday to Friday 5 PM to 8 PM). Payment of the registration fee ($100/student. If more than 2 than $90 each) is payable by check or money order only. No refunds after July 31.


To register bring parent or guardian, copy of birth certificate, a recent close up picture, proof of insurance and a physical (dated after May 1st). The first day of practice is June 18, from 6 to 8 PM.


For more information call 954-484-4111.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Lauderhill Special Events: June and July

On Saturday, June 20, starting at 4 PM, the city will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary, at the site of Lauderhill’s New City Hall ‐ 5581 W. Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderhill, FL 33319. A tent is being set up and will include a live band and opening of the time capsule. Refreshments will be served.

Our next Jazz Under the Stars Concert is on Saturday, June 27, at the Lieberman Botanical Gardens. Featuring the Mary Washington Brooks Band, the performance will run from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. Bring chairs, blankets and food (no cooking allows).

Finally, due to budget cuts, the city has cancelled its July 4 celebration and fireworks. However, not to be without any celebration, we have arranged a special Jazz Under the Stars concert to be performed that weekend. On Friday, July 3 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at the Lieberman Botanical Gardens, a special performance by Cache' Live will take place. This will kick off the weekend with our own celebration of our country's independence.

All events are FREE. For more information on any of these events contact 954-730-3000.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

SOAR2SUCCESS

Soar2Success offers affordable individual and small group tutorial sessions in-home and various locations in the community. Pre-and post diagnostic assessments are conducted to identify each student's academic abilities, needs and progress. The student is then tutored using the curriculum and/or homework from their class to ensure improvement.

Tutoring is offered in all core subject areas for grades K-12 as well as exam preparation for standardized testing (i.e. FCAT, SAT, ACT and GED). Supplemental Education Services (SES) Free tutoring and remedial help is available to students attending Title I schools that have not made progressive for three consecutive years. Eligible students can receive after school academic sessions targeting the following subjects: reading, language arts and math.

Need Tutoring? Contact Soar2Success today!
Call 954-584-0777 or use the following link: http://www.ulbroward.org/Youth%20and%20Education%20Empowerment/index_html
Louna Pierre Philippe, Director, 954-625.2603

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Citizens Committees Come Together From the Tri-County Area To Learn About Regional Transportation Projects

CONTACT: Lahoma Scarlette, Public Education Coordinator
PHONE: 954-357-7810

Fort Lauderdale, FL --- The citizen advisory committees of the Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are holding their annual meeting to learn about transportation projects that will have a regional impact. The MPOs are the agencies responsible for their respective transportation planning process.

Various transportation agencies in the region will be presenting major projects that cross all three county boundaries giving the committees and the audience a chance to make comments and ask questions about them. Interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate.

Who: Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organizations’ (MPO) Citizen Advisory Committees

What: The MPOs’ Citizen Advisory Committees are inviting residents in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties to a meeting to discuss the current and future transportation plans that transcend the tri-county area.

When: Wednesday, June 17, at 4 p.m.

Where: South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) Administrative Offices – Board Room, 800 N.W. 33rd St., Suite 100, Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Why: To encourage interested parties to become familiar and get involved with the transportation planning process.

If you would like more information regarding the meeting, call the Broward MPO at 954-357-7810.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Notes of the CRA and Regular Commission Meetings of June 8

On June 8th, the City Commission met for a CRA Meeting and Regular Commission Meeting. The following are notes of interest on items covered:

CRA MEETING:

1) MASTER PLAN TASK FORCE UPDATE. An interim report was given by the Task Force. They will be looking to include 2010 Census data into the Comprehensive Plan. Also, additional resident input is being sought to the Strategic Plan Process. A specific plan of 6 components, with broken out objectives were laid out, including potential benchmark measurements for specific areas. Several suggestions were provide for future development. It is possible that the outline may be posted on the city's web page.

2) REDEVELOPMENT CAPITAL FUNDS - $135000 is expected to be reimbursed to the city from the county. The county will be reviewing all community redevelopment funds to the city at a workshop.

3) SISTER CITIES DELEGATIONS - a report on organizing visits by dignitaries of our sister cities in coordination with our 50th Anniversary celebrations.

4) DIRECTOR’S REPORT
A) MICRO LOAN AND FACADE PROGRAMS - expected to be funded through CDBG funds. Facade up to $5000 matching grant, but city dollars must be used for landscaping. Micro Loan is up to $2500 from city funds. We are looking to leverage the Micro Loans through other sources to increase the amount of the loans.
B) NEW BUSINESS - none


REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

PRESENTATION:

A PRESENTATION BY MARK SCHRIEBER ON LAUDERHILL SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES GREEN PROGRAM. (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).


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

1. ORDINANCE NO. 090-06-123: Approved A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET TO FUND ADDITIONAL FISCAL YEAR 2009 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT PURCHASES FOR POLICE OPERATIONS – CAD SOFTWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,473.70.

2. ORDINANCE NO. 090-06-124: Approved A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $219,266.00 TO REALLOCATE FUNDS AS APPROVED BY RESOLUTION NO. 09R-05-109.

3. ORDINANCE NO. 090-06-126: Approved AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, CHAPTER 17, POLICE, ARTICLE III, SPECIAL DUTY, SECTION 17-24, PERSONNEL TO OPERATE ON ACTIVE DUTY BASIS, TO AUTHORIZE UNSWORN OFFICERS TO PERFORM SPECIAL DUTY; AMENDING SECTION 17-25, RATES, TO UPDATE THE CURRENT RATES FOR SUCH SERVICES.

4. ORDINANCE NO. 090-06-127: Approved AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, CHAPTER 12, BUSINESS REGULATIONS, ARTICLE II, CERTIFICATE OF USE AND LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT TO ADJUST CERTAIN FEES, TO CREATE CATEGORIES THAT DO NOT CURRENTLY EXIST, AND TO MODIFY PROVISIONS TO PROVIDE CONSISTENT LANGUAGE RELATIVE TO ISSUANCE OF CITATIONS FOR VIOLATIONS.


RESOLUTIONS:

DEES:

5. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-121: Approved AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MAINTENANCE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FROM SR 838 (SUNRISE BOULEVARD) TO JUST SOUTH OF N.W. 27th STREET TO MAINTAIN NEWLY INSTALLED LANDSCAPING.


5a. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-130: Approved Westlake Reed, followed by Cubellis, and then Michael Graves, ranked in that order, as Architects, to negotiate with for the architectural services for the design of the Performing Arts/Cultural Center and Library.

6. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-123: Approved APPROVING EMERGENCY REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE AND DAILY OPERATION PERFORMED BY U.S. WATER SERVICES CORPORATION FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL WATER TREATMENT PLANT; AUTHORIZING CONTINUED SERVICES TO TEST COST SAVINGS STRATEGY FOR 90 DAYS WITH OPTION TO EXTEND ANOTHER 30 DAYS IF REQUIRED; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $252,214.00 FROM VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS.


POLICE:

7. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-127: Approved APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $10,910.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) REFURBISHED PATROL CAR FROM AMERICAN INTERCEPTORS BASED UPON A PIGGY BACK OF THE LOW QUOTE; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,160.00 FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND BUDGET CODE NUMBER 110-683-9936; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,750.00 FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 305-311-6512.

8. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-128: Approved APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,409.80 FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY VEHICLE LIGHTING AND EQUIPMENT FROM LOCAL SUPPLIER EMERGENCY VEHICLE SUPPLY (EVS) BASED UPON THE MARTIN COUNTY CONTRACT (#AR-2007-2066).


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS:

QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING:


None

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Florida Medical Center Merges with North Shore Medical Center

Effective June 1, 2009, two Tenet Hospitals, Florida Medical Center (FMC) and North Shore Medical Center have merged. Both campus will remain open and continue functioning as normal, with no expected reduction in services. Florida Medical Center will be renamed North Shore Medical Center - FMC Campus.

Merging the two hospitals enables them to capitalize on synergies to provide better, more efficient care to the communities they serve. It would allow a better recruit of specialized physicians, share service line expertise and consolidate back-off operations.

FMC is known for the cardiovascular services through its Heart Institute of Florida and Bariatric surgery, while North Shore Medical Center provides significant Women and Maternity services. North Shore Medical Center is located on 95th Street in Miami. Both are owned by Tenet Hospitals.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

The City of Lauderhill Celebrates its 50th Anniversary!


A year of Anniversary Activities and Programs come to an end with the “Official 50th Anniversary Celebration” to take place on June 20, 2009, 4 PM, at the site of Lauderhill’s New City Hall - 5581 W. Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderhill, FL 33319.


Lauderhill became a City on June 20th, 1959. With one-half a century under our belts, we wish all to join us as we celebrate our many accomplishments over the last 50 years and look to the future for what the next 50 can bring!

Two years ago, the City Commission appointed several members of the public to the “50th Anniversary Volunteer Committee” to work on various programs and events to help celebrate this most auspicious occasion.

Last month, the Anniversary Committee held a Celebrity Throw Back Golf Tournament at the Inverrary Country Club, where Mrs. Gleason, wife of Jackie Gleason, and several NBA and NFL players enjoyed a fabulous day of golf with several Lauderhill residents. For Lauderhill’s middle school students, the Committee wrote and will be distributing historical Lesson Plans for teachers to implement, while elementary students will receive Lauderhill coloring books and crayons. With that, a Lauderhill history/pictorial magazine is currently being produced for those history buffs who want to take Lauderhill’s history home for their coffee tables.

To close out this year of reflection, the Anniversary’s Committee, along with the Mayor and City Commission, will hold an official “50th Anniversary Celebration,” on Saturday, June 20th, 2009, at 4 pm, at the site of Lauderhill’s Future City Hall. Under a big tent, next to the building being constructed, the Anniversary Committee’s Chairperson, Former City Commissioner, Tyson T. Jones, will lead the Celebration that will honor the residents living in Lauderhill the longest, highlight some of our accomplishments, and open the long-time buried Time Capsule! After the ceremony, a live band will play the hits of the last five decades and refreshments will be served. Happy Anniversary Lauderhill!

If you would like to attend the “Official 50th Anniversary Celebration” please let us know by calling 954-730-3000, or by emailing jwhite@lauderhill‐fl.gov.

Also, if you have any historical items or photos you would like us to copy or donate, the Anniversary Committee would love talk to you about it. Please call Sandra Brown at 954-730-2968.

For more information, please call 954-730-3000.

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Record Dry Season Tightens Grip on Region

Residents and businesses are urged to follow landscape irrigation restrictions to protect the public water supply

In an effort to keep the public informed about the dry conditions gripping much of the state, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is issuing the following latest conditions report.

The period from November 2008 through April 2009 ranks as the driest six-month period in South Florida history based on records dating back to 1932. In April, an average of only 0.64 inches of rain was recorded across the 16-county District, increasing the 2008-2009 dry season deficit to 10.64 inches, which is only 30 percent of the historic average. Key areas such as the upper and lower Kissimmee basins, which feed Lake Okeechobee and South Florida, received no rainfall during the seven days ending on May 4.

Water levels continue to drop in the primary regional storage systems — the Water Conservation Areas and Lake Okeechobee — along with regional canals. Residents can expect to see lower canal levels in their residential areas as well.

The high regional evaporation rate (2.15 inches last week) continues to quickly draw down water levels in the conservation areas without any significant rain to counter the loss. Water levels in wells monitored by the District also declined. Dry conditions have left many areas with a high risk for wildfires and have impacted waterway navigation. A majority of the District remains under two-day-a-week landscape watering restrictions. Emergency orders have been issued to create more stringent water use restrictions in specific areas of the District that warrant additional resource protection. For more information on the new rules, see www.sfwmd.gov/watershortage.

A burn ban is currently in place on District-managed public lands to protect lives, property and the environment amid the drought. The ban applies only to District-managed lands and means no fires in grills, fireplaces or fire rings provided by the District or other authorized management agencies until further notice. The use of portable camp stoves and grills, brought in by users for cooking purposes only, is allowed.

The SFWMD is closely monitoring water levels and is urging residents and businesses to conserve water and follow landscape irrigation restrictions to stretch available supplies. More information about irrigation limits by area is available on the District’s water restrictions Web site. For water saving tips, visit http://www.savewaterfl.com/.

Note: In addition to the SFWMD water restrictions, the City of Lauderhill also requires that watering must be between the hours of 6 AM and 10 AM, or 4PM and 8 PM.