Thursday, July 30, 2009

What is Going Green?

Over the last two years the Mayor has been working with the City in developing a program to help reduce energy costs, and thereby help save the environment. Though the benefit of helping the environment is important, reducing our operating costs significantly drives the results.

In the Lauderhill Spotlight there was a copy of the Lauderhill Sustainable Green Initiatives Brochure briefly outlining Lauderhill's "Green Program." To help provide more information, a city web site has been created providing more details about the program at www.lauderhill-fl.gov/green. It also outlines how our city is planning to utilize its Federal Energy Block Grant Funds, for which residents will be able to receive direct benefits from.

Please take a look at it and hopefully you will learn something helpful to you, including how you may be able to save in energy costs too.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Notes of the CRA and Regular Commission Meeting of July 13

On July 13, the City Commission met for a CRA meeting and Regular Commission meeting. The following are some notes of interest from those meetings:

CRA MEETING:

1) SIGN ORDINANCE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS - Meetings took place with business to seek input on on modification to the sign ordinance. Many businesses attended. An explanation was given on how technology and interpretation of the present ordinance has created problems with the city's sign ordinance which is quite common with other cities. Instruction was given to see how other jurisdictions have handled the situation and to come up with a proposal for a new ordinance. However, a warning needs to be given out to businesses concerning using a sign that is presently not permitted. They will not be grandfathered in if the code does not ultimately allow what they used. An Ordinance Change in Progress notice will be arranged.

2) ACT BOARD, PUBLIC ART BOARD, ARTS INCUBATOR, CULTURAL TRUST - A discussion was held on the differences between the groups, and where should the Arts Incubator be placed. The resolutions creating the different boards will be subsequently reviewed.

3) DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
A) FALMOUTH DELEGATION VISIT - Visit went well on their local tours.


REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

ORDINANCES ----- FIRST READING:

1. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-07-129: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO CREATE A SECOND TIER FOR NEWLY HIRED POLICE OFFICERS; TO DEFINE THE NEWLY CREATED TIERS AND TO DEFINE EARNABLE COMPENSATION FOR TIER TWO MEMBERS; TO REQUIRE TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE FOR NORMAL RETIREMENT ELIGIBILITY OR THE ATTAINMENT OF AGE 55 AND 10 YEARS OF SERVICE UNDER TIER TWO; TO PROVIDE FOR 3% MULTIPLIER FOR A MAXIMUM BENEFIT OF 75% UNDER TIER TWO, AND ALLOWING TIER TWO MEMBERS TO PURCHASE AN INCREASE IN THEIR MULTIPLIER; ALLOW BUY-BACK FOR MILITARY OR PRIOR POLICE SERVICE; TO PROVIDE FOR A SEVEN YEAR VESTING PERIOD UNDER TIER TWO; TO PROVIDE THAT THE COLA ONLY APPLIES TO TIER ONE.

2. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-07-131: TO ALLOW A CULTURAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, LIBRARY, MUSEUM AND SIMILAR USES AS A PERMITTED USE; AND AMENDING PARAGRAPH D., SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES AND STRUCTURES, TO REPEAL CULTURAL ARTS CENTER AND LIBRARY AS A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE.

3. Approved in a 4 to 1 vote ORDINANCE NO. 09O-07-133: ADDING CORRECTIONAL AND JUDICIAL FACILITIES AS A LAND USE CATEGORY AND BY ADDING AN ASTERISK IN THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL, GENERAL COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITY ZONING DISTRICTS; AMORTIZATION AND ALLOWING EXISTING CORRECTIONAL AND JUDICIAL FACILITY USES IN THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL, GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONING AND COMMUNITY FACILITY DISTRICTS TO CONTINUE AS A LEGAL NONCONFORMING USE UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2015, ADDING LANGUAGE ALLOWING THE CITY TO CANCEL SUCH AUTHORITY EARLIER IF A VIOLATION OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS EXIST.


RESOLUTIONS

ADMINISTRATION


4. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-07-148: APPROVING THE AGREEMENT FOR COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC. OF FLORIDA TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE ORIGINAL TERMS, CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR AN ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2010.


COMMISSION

5. Approving RESOLUTION NO. 09R-07-152: REQUESTING THAT THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, BROWARD COUNTY MASS TRANSIT AND THE BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSION FAST TRACK THEIR REVIEWS OF THE REMOVAL OF THE SUBJECT MID-BLOCK PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL AND THE RELOCATION OF THE SUBJECT BUS BAY TO THE WEST SIDE OF N.W. 55th AVENUE IN CONNECTION TO THE OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD TURNPIKE INTERCHANGE EXCHANGE INVESTIGATION(REQUESTED BY CITY COMMISSION).

6. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-07-153: REQUESTING THAT THE BROWARD COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) PLACE THE OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD TURNPIKE INTERCHANGE ON THE MPO LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (REQUESTED BY CITY COMMISSION).


FINANCE

7. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-07-154: APPROVING THE LIST OF SIX (6) CONTRACTORS FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM (NSP); PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF THE VARIOUS CONTRACTORS PURSUANT TO THE NSP PROGRAM GUIDELINES.

8. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-07-155: APPROVING THE LIST OF THREE (3) PROJECT MANAGERS FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM (NSP); PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF THE VARIOUS PROJECT MANAGERS PURSUANT TO THE NSP PROGRAM GUIDELINES.

9. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-07-156: APPROVING THE LIST OF FIVE (5) REALTORS FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM (NSP); PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF THE VARIOUS REALTORS PURSUANT TO THE NSP PROGRAM GUIDELINES.

10. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-07-160: APPROVING THE GRANT APPLICATION OF THE CITY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUD FOR AVAILABLE FUNDING UNDER THE ARRA NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM 2, IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000,000.


POLICE

11. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-07-157: APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,400.00 FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) TO THE NORTHWEST HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION TO SUPPORT DRUG TREATMENT, DRUG EDUCATION OR DRUG PREVENTION, CRIME PREVENTION, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD, OR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE GUIDELINES.

12. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-07-158: APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,400.00 FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) TO THE ST. GEORGE HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION TO SUPPORT DRUG TREATMENT, DRUG EDUCATION OR DRUG PREVENTION, CRIME PREVENTION, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD, OR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE GUIDELINES.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS:

QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING:


None

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Lauderhill Spotlight Goes Green and Saves Money

Beginning with this quarter's issue of the Lauderhill Spotlight, the city newsletter will be delivered electronically through email. If you have an account to pay your city utilities on line, or sign up to receive the newsletter through the city's home page, http://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/, you will have the newsletter emailed to you.

Additionally, the newsletter is posted on the city web site at http://lauderhill-fl.gov/spotlight.pdf and a link is provided to you under Lauderhill Links, on the right side of this web page. For those without Internet capability, 1000 hard copies of the newsletter will be printed and distributed among city parks and city hall.

The annual savings is $120,000, and this is not only a green initiatives but also saves a large amount of tax dollars.

Editor's Note: The City Commission has decided to fund the Lauderhill Spotlight for the upcoming fiscal year in the amount of $77,000. It will still be on line, but also mailed. To save on costs, the number of issues for the year will be reduced from 4 to 3.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Mayor Kaplan Announces His Re-Election Campaign in Lauderhill


Mayor Richard J. Kaplan has announced that he is seeking re-election as Mayor in the City of Lauderhill. The election is schedule for November, 2010.

Anyone wishing to assist in the campaign can contact Mayor Kaplan at 954-752-1732, 954-742-6967, or email kaplan4mayor@comcast.net.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Richard J. Kaplan, non-partisan, for Mayor of Lauderhill-Seat 5

Lauderhill Resident Asks for Your Vote

Lisa Timmons is a finalist on CBS 4 Phoenix Project Makerover and needs your vote. There are 4 finalist are seeking to receive help in moving their lives forward. Lisa's story is:

"I should be the Phoenix because: I desire to do better. I retired July 2008; my mom had a craniotomy and a mild stroke. I'm building a nonprofit to help at-risk children. It helps me be at home with mom. However, given the economy, I have sought employment as a Director of Development; or anything for three months. Employers are seeking polished, well-kept individuals. I have a skin rash and discoloration over my lower face, scalp, neck, chest and back. I am a single mother, age 45, who weighs 290. I am always tired and desire to be more active with my son who is overweight and wants a pretty mom."

Voting is over July 19, and you can vote by going to: http://cbs4.com/phoenix.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Mayors of Sister Cities Meet


Recently the Mayor of Lauderhill, Richard J. Kaplan, and Mayor Collin Gagner of one of Lauderhill's Sister Cities, Falmouth, Jamaica, met during the City of Lauderhill's 50th Anniversary Celebration. A delegation led by the Mayor visited several businesses and sites in Lauderhill. Discussions occurred that could result in providing some business to local Lauderhill companies, and result in further art and cultural exchanges.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

School Grades Out for 2009

The following is a list of schools serving Lauderhill children, and the grade they received from the FCAT's:

ELEMENTARY:

Banyan Elementary---------------------------------A
Broward Estates Elementary----------------------A
Castle Hill Elementary------------------------------C
Challenger Elementary-----------------------------A
Endeavor Primary Learning Center--------------no rating
Larkdale Elementary--------------------------------C
Lauderhill Paul Turner Elementary--------------C
Martin Luther King Elementary------------------C
Nova Blanch Forman Elementary----------------A
Nova Eisenhower Elementary---------------------A
Park Lakes Elementary-----------------------------B
Royal Palm Elementary----------------------------C
Village Elementary----------------------------------C

MIDDLE SCHOOLS:

Lauderhill Middle-----------------------------------C
Millennium Middle---------------------------------A
Nova Middle------------------------------------------A
Parkway Middle--------------------------------------C
Smart School Charter Middle---------------------A
Westpine Middle-------------------------------------A

HIGH SCHOOLS:

Boyd Anderson High--------------------------------D
Dillard High------------------------------------------D
Nova High---------------------------------------------A
Piper High---------------------------------------------C

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Budget Meetings Scheduled

On Tuesday, July 14, the City Commission will conduct its Annual Budget Workshop Meeting, starting at 10 AM, and working until completed that day. The Workshop will be held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 3800 Inverrary Blvd., Suite 111.

This is a public hearing, and members of the public may be able to speak at permitted times. This is an opportunity for the public to make an impact on the budget, to begin Oct. 1, 2010. The next time the budget will be discussed is upon the First Reading of the Budget Ordinance in September.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Notes of Commission Special Workshop and Regular Commission Meeting of June 29

On June 29, the City Commission held a Special Workshop and Regular Commission Meeting. The following are notes of interest for items covered:

SPECIAL WORKSHOP:

1. UPDATE OF PUBLIC ART BOARD MASTER PLAN. A presentation was made on the work of the Lauderhill Public Art Committee. Location of several pieces of art were presented.

2. DISCUSSION OF OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD TURNPIKE INTERCHANGE INVESTIGATION. A presentation was given on a potential interchange for the Turnpike just north of Oakland Park Blvd., attaching to Rock Island Road. The Commission requested two resolution be presented for a vote. First, to remove the pedestrian light, with changes to Oakland Park Blvd. allowing for a new crossing. Second, to request that the Turnpike Interchange proposal be added to the MPO Long Range Transportation Plan.

3. DISCUSSION ON (NSP) NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM FUNDS. The program is proceeding, and a lottery was conducted last month so property can be purchased from the city. One Hundred Eighteen residents applied and 27 employees. RFQ's for Contractors and Realtors has been received to assist in the program. Twenty-three contractors applied and 13 were qualified, with 4 to be ultimately approved by the Commission. Five Realtors applied, and will be ranked and approved by the Commission for approval. Four applicants has been received on the other program that requires applicants to go out and find properties to purchased. Should be ready to be presented at the next Commission meeting. Properties purchased will be rehabbed and monies will be paid back after closing. There are 1200 homes in Lauderhill in foreclosure. The breakdown between houses and condominium is unknown.

4. DISCUSSION ON HELPING TO STABILIZE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS IN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL. See 3 above. Commission Holness gave a report of his meeting with FannieMae and FreddieMac on the problems of getting financing in a Condominium Association.

5. DISCUSSION ON DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. See 3 and 4 above.

6. DISCUSSION ON BROWARD COUNTY IMPROVEMENTS IN WEST KEN LARK. Commissioner Holness spoke to the City Manager, and will follow it up with him.

7. DISCUSSION OF GARBAGE AND RECYCLING SERVICES. Contract renewal is coming up, and by 2010 the entire city will have come up. Therefore, a discussion on the process was entertained. Issues and recommendations were presented. The result will be by January 1, 2011, we will have one company for the entire city. The administration proposed putting it out to bid for the entire city this year, and then phase the contract in for all areas of the city other than annexed areas by Jan. 1, 2010, and the rest of the city by Jan. 1, 2011. The Commission instead requested that the present contract with Waste Management be extended for a year, and that the entire contract be put out to bid in 2010, beginning Jan. 1, 2011. Discussion of having another roll out for a universal roll out recycling bin is being considered.

8. DESIGN GUIDELINES. Design Guidelines were presented. The Commission directed them to be shown to the Master Plan Committee.


REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND 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. 090-06-125: Approved AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 2-88.7, VESTING AND TERMINATION, PURCHASE OF PRIOR COVERED SERVICE, TO CLARIFY THE AMOUNT OF TIME A MEMBER HAS TO COMPLETE A PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL CREDITED SERVICE.

4. ORDINANCE NO. 090-06-126: Approved AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF TO AUTHORIZE UNSWORN OFFICERS TO PERFORM SPECIAL DUTY; AMENDING SECTION 17-25, RATES, TO UPDATE THE CURRENT RATES FOR SUCH SERVICES.

RESOLUTIONS:

ADMINISTRATION


5. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-133: Approved THE CITY MANAGER APPOINTING Don Giancolli TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL EMPLOYEE PENSION BOARD FOR A TWO (2) YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 2011.


COMMISSION

6. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-134: Approved DESIGNATING Vice Mayor Hayward Benson AS VOTING DELEGATE AND Commission Margaret Bates AS ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE FOR THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES’ 83rd ANNUAL CONFERENCE BEING HELD AUGUST 13-15, 2009 IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA.

7. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-135: Approved THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND WESTLAKE REED LESKOSKY & BARRANCO-GONZALEZ, INC. TO PROVIDE ARCHITECTURAL, STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING ENGINEERING, CIVIL ENGINEERING, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND IRRIGATION DESIGN SERVICES REQUIRED TO PLAN AND DESIGN THE PERFORMING ARTS/CULTURAL CENTER AND LIBRARY; PROVIDING THAT FUNDS TO PLAN AND DESIGN THE PERFORMING ARTS/CULTURAL CENTER AND LIBRARY WILL COME FROM THE JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY AND GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT.


DEES

8. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-136: Approved AWARDING THE BID TO RICK DEVELOPER, INC. THE LOWEST QUALIFIED BIDDER, AS THE CONTRACTOR TO SERVE AS THE SOLE SUPPLIER AND INSTALLER OF FENCES WITHIN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE PERIOD COMMENCING JULY 1, 2009 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2010.


PALS

9. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-138: Approved THE AWARD OF BID #P2009-003 TO VILLAGE YOUTH SERVICES IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $15,000.00 FOR A TEN-MONTH TERM FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-12 YEARS OLD FOR THE COUNTY SCHOOL ACADEMIC CALENDAR YEAR 2009-2010.

10. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-139: Approved THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY FOR THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES THROUGH UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.


POLICE

11. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-141: Approved ACCEPTING THE BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009 IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,211.00; ACKNOWLEDGING THAT NO MATCHING FUNDS ARE REQUIRED; AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF THOSE FUNDS TO INDIVIDUAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS AS REQUESTED.

12. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-142: Approved AND ACCEPTING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) GRANT FOR IMPROVING TRAFFIC RECORDS AND DATA COLLECTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000.00; PROVIDING THAT THERE ARE NO CITY MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED FOR THIS GRANT;.

13. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-143: Approved AND ACCEPTING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) GRANT FOR REDUCING TRAFFIC CRASHES THROUGH AGGRESSIVE ENFORCEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,500.00; PROVIDING THAT THERE ARE NO CITY MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED FOR THIS GRANT.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS:

QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING:


14. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-144: Approved GRANTING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER TO INVERRARY ICE CREAM AND CONVENIENCE STORE, A SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, TO ALLOW A CONVENIENCE STORE IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) ZONING DISTRICT, LOCATED AT 5568A WEST OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

15. RESOLUTION NO. 09R-06-145: Approved GRANTING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER TO F&K PETROLEUM, INC., A SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, TO ALLOW THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF A SERVICE STATION AND CONVENIENCE STORE IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) ZONING DISTRICT LOCATED AT 1601 NORTH STATE ROAD 7, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.


NEW BUSINESS:

A. SCHEDULED SECOND READING OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2009/2010 BUDGET FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2009 AT 6:30 P.M.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Do you love to SING, ACT & DANCE?

ENCORE Auditions - JULY 11th 10am - 3Pm
Veterans Park Community Center
7600 NW 50th Street – Lauderhill

Auditions consist of 3 Phases -- Drama - Vocal - Dance
Children should wear comfortable clothing and sneakers.
Be prepared to act, sing & dance!

For more info call… 954-309-5665 , 954-253-5115 or 754-234-3481
encorepac@gmail.com http://www.encorepac.com/

(Children must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian to register.)

ENCORE is a non-profit organization committed to providing a safe environment and creative outlet for South Florida’s youth.
Encore Performing Arts Center Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a 501 c(3) non-profit corporation. Contributions are tax deductible.

About ENCORE

ENCORE Performing Arts Center Inc.
was founded in 2006 to provide a safe environment and creative outlet
for children ages 6-19 yrs. ENCORE offers a weekly performing arts workshop including lessons in musical theater, drama, dance, voice, improvisation, spoken word and public speaking. Children also perform original productions, several times a year, throughout South Florida.

Unlike other performing arts programs whose services are too expensive for most families, ENCORE is FREE for children ages 6-19yrs, regardless of household income, welcoming all children from Broward, Dade and Palm Beach counties.

Every Saturday (10am-3pm) Children participate in an all-inclusive performing arts workshop at Veterans Park Community Center. (7600 NW 50th Street - Lauderhill)

In addition to drama, dance and vocal instruction children perform, compete and attend LIVE performances, several times a year, throughout S. Florida.

COPS Hiring Recovery Program Grant Announcement - Lauderhill Receives $1,283,085

Vice President Joseph Biden announced $1 billion in grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 under the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP). Grants were made to 1,046 law enforcement agencies in all 50 states to create and preserve jobs. Of this amount, it was announced that Lauderhill has received $1,283,085, which covers the cost of 5 police officers.

CHRP provides funding to address the full-time sworn officer needs of state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies nationwide. CHRP grants go directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire career law enforcement officers in an effort and to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.

CHRP grants will provide 100 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years for newly-hired, full-time sworn officer positions (including filling existing unfunded vacancies) or for rehired officers who have been laid off, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date, as a result of local budget cuts.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Notes From the US Conference of Mayors Meeting

From June 12 through 16, the Mayor attended the Annual US Conference of Mayors Meeting. This meeting of Mayors covers a variety of subjects and sharing of information which can be quite useful.

In particular interest at this meeting were discussions relating to Mortgage Foreclosures, Federal Stimulus Funds Programs, Climate Control/Green Programs, and Transportation. Several new pieces of proposed federal laws were reviewed and commented upon. Additionally, new products and services were presented, some of which are offered for a reduced price or even free. Information about possible grants and technical assistance was made available. Numerous contacts are made which can be very useful.