Saturday, April 30, 2011

Residents Urged to Conserve Water as Broward Experiences Historic Drought

Broward County reminds all residents to conserve water in response to severe drought conditions and a March 21 Water Shortage Warning issued by the South Florida Water Management District.

During of February, Broward County received just 0.17 inches of rain, and from October through February Florida's Lower East Coast received less than half the average rainfall for this five-month period.

This lack of rainfall has caused surface and groundwater levels to decrease throughout the County, in the Water Conservation Areas and urban Broward County alike, with potential impacts on water supply. Lake Okeechobee, a secondary source of water for southeast Florida, is currently at an elevation of 11.61 feet, more than 2 feet below normal for this time of year.

Consequently, water from Lake Okeechobee is not available for delivery to the water conservation areas under these conditions. No significant rainfall is forecast in the coming weeks and based on La NiƱa conditions the below average rainfall is expected to persist through the dry season.

Residents are reminded that permanent water conservation measures limit landscape irrigation to two days a week. These measures are reinforced with the water shortage warning and Modified Phase II Landscape Irrigation Restrictions. Residences and businesses with an odd-numbered street address may water on Wednesdays and/or Saturdays, only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Residences and businesses with an even-numbered street address may water on Thursdays and/or Sundays, again only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Other water conservation tips include:

• Limit irrigation to just 20 minutes per zone to apply one-half to three-quarters inch of water.

• Use native and drought tolerant plants when considering new landscaping.

• Wash vehicles over grassy areas to allow water to soak into the ground.

• Fix any leaks you may have in your home, including toilets and dripping faucets.

• Replace inefficient water fixtures with low-flow versions.

• Operate dishwashers and clothes washers only when full.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Swim Lessons

SWIM LESSONS REGISTRATION March 21 - 26 April 11 - 16 May 2 - 7 May 23 - 28


REGISTRATION

June 13 - 18 July 4 - 9 July 25 - 30 August 15 - 20 September 5 -10 September 26 - October 1 October 17 - 22

CLASS June 20 - 30 July 11 - 21 August 1 - 11 August 22 - September 1 September 12 -22 October 3 - 13 October 24 - November 3

CLASS March 28 - April 7 April 18 - 28 May 9 - 19 May 31 - June 9


Veterans Park Pool 7600 NW 50 Street Lauderhill, FL 33351 Phone: 954.572.1459


Wolk Park Pool 1080 NW 42nd Way Lauderhill, FL 33313 Phone: 954.321.2465


Cost: $35 Residents/ $150 Non-Residents Class dates are subject to change NO SPRING CLASSES AT WOLK PARK POOL

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Lauderhill Credit Ratings for Bonds Goes Up

Standard and Poors has notified the City of Lauderhill that the city's credit ratings on two bonds has increased.

The City of Lauderhill, Florida, General Obligation Bonds has increased from "A" to "A+"
The City of Lauderhill, Florida, Certificate of Participation (City Hall Project) has increased from "A-" to "A"

Thursday, April 21, 2011

LAUDERHILL SUMMER CAMP 2011

THE PARKS AND LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR SUMMER CAMP 2011!

DATES: Monday, June 13th – Friday, August 19th (no camp on Monday, July 4th) AGES: Children must be going into Kindergarten through 6th grade, ages 5-12 years old. (a birth certificate as proof of age is needed). SORRY – NO PRE-K!!!

SITES: Veterans Park – (max 100 children) and Sadkin Center – (max 50 children) FEES / CAMP HOURS Veterans Park/Sadkin Center 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Residents) $700.00 per child* 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Non-Residents) $900.00 per child*

*Fees include field trips, swimming, arts and crafts, one camp T-shirt, and trip transportation.


Optional Field Trips will be available at an additional cost.

Lunch and snacks will be provided to all campers free of charge through the Florida Summer Food Program.

Additional t-shirts may be purchased at $10 each. **Family Central accepted** – call ASP, Inc. 954-596-9000

PAYMENT/REFUND POLICY: Summer camp tuition will be collected on a bi-weekly basis. Your first payment of $140.00 (residents) or $180.00/non-residents is due at registration.

All payments will be collected in advance on Friday for the upcoming 2 week session.

Fees are non-refundable. Cash will not be accepted and there are no refunds.

If payment is not made by the first day of the new session, a $20.00 late fee will be added to your bi-weekly tuition. Bi-weekly payments ($140.00 for residents/$180.00 for non-residents) will be collected Monday through Thursday of the following weeks: the week of June 27th, the week of July 11th, the week of July 25th and the week of August 8th

GROUP/STAFF/SUPERVISION: Campers will be divided into groups according to the grade they will be entering in August. Campers will be supervised by our experienced and qualified camp directors and counselors. All staff members have been fingerprinted and background screened and meet the educational and medical requirements mandated by law.

The City of Lauderhill’s Summer Camp 2011 program will be operated by After School Programs, Inc “The Child Care Professionals”

LUNCHES: All lunch & snacks will be supplied by After School Programs, Inc. through The Florida Summer Food Program

PROGRAM: Fun weekly themes give campers the opportunity to learn, imagine and create while making new friends. Weekly organized activities may include sports & games, arts & crafts, music, dance, cooking, and swimming.

ALL OF THIS IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE CAMP. REGISTRATION INFORMATION *For additional information please call After School Programs, Inc. 954-596-9000 or Veterans Park 954-572-1459 Sadkin Community Center 954-321-2450

VETERANS PARK 7600 NW 50TH STREET (954) 572-1459 SADKIN COMMUNITY CENTER 1176 NW 42ND WAY (954) 321-2450

THE FOLLOWING MUST BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION 1) Proof of residency (Drivers License, Utility bill, etc.). . 2) A birth certificate as proof of child’s age (5-12). 3) CHECK OR MONEY ORDERS ONLY ONSITE!!!!!! NO CREDIT CARD AND CASH CALL ASP, INC.

Families using Family Central are welcome Any individual who has a disability which requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate fully and effectively in this program should notify the Parks & Leisure Services Department at the time of registration.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Trinis Crowned 2011 Night Cricket Champions!!

Lauderhill - MAQ T20 International Night Cricket Tournament

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For the first time in ten seasons, Trinidad & Tobago defeated Jamaica by 13 runs to raise the Champions Mayor’s Cup of the renowned Lauderhill - MAQ T20 International Night Cricket Tournament. Last Saturday Night’s Championship Match had Jamaica defending its string of titles against Trinidad & Tobago who was competing in the finals for the second time at the Lauderhill Sport’s Park.

After losing the toss and invited to bat by the Jamaicans, Trinidad & Tobago captain and tournament MVP Timothy Surujbally hit a bazooka 66 from 29 balls to the lead the Trinis to 194 for 6 from 20 overs. Surujbally unleased five delightful fours and seven powerful sixes as he entertained the large crowd with delectable stroke play. After his dismissal, Leon Garrick slummed 50 runs from 40 balls including three fours and four sixes, while Joey Pierre scored 21 and Baliram Nayaik 18. Bowling for Jamaica, Herlando Johnson bagged 3 for 33, while Ken Wright grabbed 1 for 11, Andrew Williams 1 for 32 and Eian Thomas 1 for 37.

In reply, the Jamaicans run chase was blunted from the inception when Gaston Walker (4-0-37-1) had captained Ken Wright caught and bowled with the third ball of the innings for a duck. Ravi Samlal added to the Jamaicans early misery when he removed power hitters Steven Taylor for 22 and Mark Johnson for 17. The Jamaican’s batsmen struggled to assert themselves and were unable to construct any meaningful partnerships until Glen Anglin’s robust hitting allow them a chance of victory.

Anglin blasted 81 from 41 balls including six fours and seven sixes and shared a six wicket partnership with Keyonie Gayle who scored 20. The Jamaican’s innings ended on 181 in 18.3 overs as the curtains was brought down on another successful Lauderhill Maq T20 International Night Cricket Tournament with the Trinis leaping to victory after Herlando Johnson was brilliantly run out by Stephen Baboolal.

Through the endorsements of the South Florida Cricket Alliance and Florida Southeast Cricket League, the Night Cricket Tournament has achieved the reputation as cricket’s largest and most-popular night tournament. Underwritten by Cricket Council USA, a sports and entertainment management Company and the City of Lauderhill, this year’s tournament enjoying record-breaking crowds each Saturday night at the Lauderhill Sports Park were fans have been thrilled by the high level of cricket competition.

After the game, Mayor Richard J. Kaplan, City of Lauderhill and CCUSA CEO, Mohammed A. Qureshi award the Mayor’s Cup and winning purse from Cricket Council USA. Mr. Qureshi and Mayor Kaplan hailed the explosive Trinidad & Tobago team members, as they notched their first Championship.

The finals dubbed the “Cricket Night of Champions” were highlighted by an exhibition game by the members of the Worldwide Cricket Academy of Lauderhill, followed by the effervescent sounds of Steel Pan music by Jonathan Baboolal. The spectators were dazzled by special guest appearance by the SunDanz Dance Company cheerleaders and the South Florida Carnival Bandleaders featuring some of the 2011 masquerade bands in costume, with each band’s masqueraders wearing exotic and extravagant costumes.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Notes of the Regular Commission Meeting of April 11

On April 11, the City Commission met is a Regular Commission Meeting. The following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously, unless otherwise indicated):

REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

VII. PRESENTATIONS

A. PRESENTATIONS TO THE TOP FOUR WINNERS OF THE LAUDERHILL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP 2011: KEVIN WHITFILED, EMILY SENDEREY, CIARA BRENEE CLARKE, AND KAMIA TAYLOR.

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

1. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-04-117: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE IV, CITY COMMISSION, SECTION 2-169, PRESIDING OFFICER AND ALTERNATE PRESIDING OFFICER. Passes 4-1 with Mayor Richard J Kaplan voting against.

2. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-04-118: APPROVING THE SIX MONTH REVIEW BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE AMENDMENTS, AND ROLL-FORWARDS FOR FUNDS; REFLECTING ADJUSTMENTS TO VARIOUS REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS; PROVIDING VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS. Passes 4-1 with Mayor Richard J Kaplan voting against due to the cut back in community shuttle buses.

3. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-04-121: REVISING THE DEFINITION OF ANCILLARY SUPPORT USE TO ALLOW BANQUET HALLS AND INDOOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT TO BE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

4. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-03-108: TO REQUIRE CITY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES TO UPDATE THE CITY COMMISSION AS TO THE STATUS OF MATTERS THEY ARE WORKING ON FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION PORTION OF THE COMMISSION MEETING ON A ROTATING BASIS.

5. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-03-109: TO ALLOW CITY COMMISSIONERS TO ATTEND MEETINGS VIA A FORM OF TELECOMMUNICATION IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES; PROVIDING THAT THE MAYOR SHALL ONLY PRESIDE AT A MEETING WHEN PHYSICALLY PRESENT(REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

6. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-03-115: REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 10O-03-114, WHICH ESTABLISHED A ONE YEAR MORATORIUM ON DYNAMIC DISPLAY SIGNS; ADDING SUBSECTION 6.0(w), WHICH PROHIBITS DYNAMIC DISPLAY SIGNS EXCEPT FOR WINDOW SIGNS, A SECTION 15.2a SIGN AND SCOREBOARD SIGNS; AMENDING SUBSECTION 8.0.(B)3.e. TO PROHIBIT DYNAMIC DISPLAY GROUND/DIRECTORY SIGNS IN SHOPPING CENTERS; AMENDING SUBSECTION 8.0.(B)3.f. TO PROHIBIT DYNAMIC DISPLAY GROUND/DIRECTORY SIGNS IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) ZONING DISTRICT; AMENDING SUBSECTION 15.2.A TO ESTABLISH A MAXIMUM SIGN HEIGHT.

RESOLUTIONS

ADMINISTRATION

7. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-04-51: APPROVING THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BROWARD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE LEASE OF THE EAST SIDE LIBRARY THROUGH THE PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2014.

COMMISSION

8. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-04-52: DESIGNATING A DIRECTOR, ALTERNATE AND SECOND ALTERNATE AS MUNICIPAL APPOINTMENTS TO THE BROWARD LEAGUE OF CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE 2011-2012 YEAR.

9. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-04-53: EMPHASIZING OUR COMMITMENT TO MAINTAIN CIVILITY IN THE CONDUCT OF THE PUBLIC’S BUSINESS(REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES).

10. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-04-55: URGING CONGRESS TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION THAT CLEARLY AFFIRMS THE RIGHT OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO EXERCISE LIENS OR ASSESS SPECIAL TAXES, OR OTHER PROPERTY OBLIGATIONS TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE HOUSING STOCK BY DIRECTING FEDERAL REGULATORS TO ENFORCE UNDERWRITING STANDARDS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FOR PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY (PACE); PROVIDING THAT ASSESSED CLEAN ETC. AND DIRECTING FEDERAL REGULATORS TO ENFORCE UNDERWRITING STANDARDS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH PACE GUIDELINES; PROVIDING FOR DISTRIBUTION OF RESOLUTION (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

FIRE

11. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-04-56: RATIFYING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE METRO BROWARD PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 3080 TO AMEND ARTICLE 38 OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT RELATIVE TO THE TWO TIER PENSION PLAN.

HR

12. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-04-57: APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND JEFFREY BINDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,000.00.

PALS

13. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-04-58: APPROVING THE GRANT APPLICATION AND LETTER OF INTENT TO DESIGN, PLAN AND BUILD A KABOOM PLAYGROUND, BENCHES AND LANDSCAPING FOR THE JOHN E. MULLIN PARK; PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS; PROVIDING THAT THE CITY WILL PROVIDE A CASH MATCH IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,500.00 TOWARDS THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS RELATIVE TO THE KABOOM PLAYGROUND PROJECT.

POLICE

14. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-04-59: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUNDS (LETF) IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,502.64 TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL REPLACEMENT CARPETING AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT RESOURCE 4 FLOORS BASED UPON THE FLORIDA STATE CONTRACT (360-240-06-1); PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 120-683-9935.

NEW BUSINESS:

CANCEL THE REGULAR COMMISSION WORKSHOP ON APRIL 18, 2011.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Special Commission Meeting Notes Concerning Waste Contractor Company

On April 11, the City Commission met is a Special Commission Meeting. The following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously, unless otherwise indicated):

SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING:

ITEM #1. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-03-38: APPROVING THE AWARD OF BID TO REPUBLIC SERVICES OF FLORIDA, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP D/B/A ALL SERVICE REFUSE TO PROVIDE SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL PURSUANT TO BID #2010-025; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE SUCH SERVICES; PROVIDING THAT THIS BID AWARD IS CONTINGENT UPON THE PARTIES REACHING MUTUAL AGREEMENT ON THE TERMS OF THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AND UPON THE MUTUAL SETTLEMENT OF THE BID PROTEST.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Import/Export Workshops Offer Assistance in International Trade

The Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development, in partnership with Becker & Poliakoff Law Firm, will present their annual series of three import/ export workshops on April 20, June 22 and September 21. All workshops will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Einstein Room at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

This series was developed to assist established local business owners in conducting business in the global marketplace. Attendees will learn about obtaining letters of credit, freight forwarding, logistics and more. Each workshop will be presented by Peter Quinter, partner, Customs and International Trade Law, Becker & Poliakoff. Workshop topics for 2011 are as follows:

• Session 1: Wednesday, April 20 Importing into the United States for International Trade Professionals

• Session 2: Wednesday, June 22 Exporting Compliance for International Trade Professionals

• Session 3: Wednesday, September 21 Importing Food Products in Compliance with FDA and U.S. Customs Rules

Cost for each workshop is $30. Advance registration is required and includes continental breakfast (served from 8 to 8:30 a.m.). To register online by credit card, visit http://www.becker-poliakoff.com/, and click Seminars under EVENTS & VIDEO. If payment by check is preferred, make payable to "Becker & Poliakoff," indicate the selected session(s) and date(s), and mail to: Becker & Poliakoff, Attn: Peter Quinter, 3111 Stirling Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate must make a request at the time of registration or at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled workshop. For additional information on the "Import/Export" workshop series, contact the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development at 954-357-6400 (voice), 954-357-5664(TTY) or visit www.broward.org/EconDev.

Please note that Lauderhill has a International Trade Incubator Program. Those that are interested can go to, http://www.lauderhillcra.com/.

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Update on Mayor's Projects for 2011

Earlier this year I put together a list of major projects I intend to pursue during 2011. Being that the first quarter of the year has passed, I thought it might be interesting to give an update on how those projects are proceeding:


1) PACE - Complete setting up the program, and arrange financing.

We are still proceeding, through the Green Committee, and we may have found a way to to provide this program through use of private financing, without putting the city at risk. However, there are challenges ahead. Over the next few month we will try to continue to develop this concept. We are also expanding the concept by also creating Performance Contracting that will accomplish the same thing, but not through a government arranged system.


2) Continue developing Sister City Programs.

It is hoped that a visit to Fuiggi, Italy will take place in June, to continue exploring the twinning process.


3) Determine if LEED-ND is appropriate to implement into the city.

After review, LEED-ND would not be appropriate for the city to proceed with. So this is coming off the list.


4) Implement GREENROADS into the MPO Plan.

We hope to meet with those that have put together this program some time this summer.


5) Create a GREEN EXPO in the last quarter of 2011.

We are proceeding ahead with the Broward Green Expo, at the Inverrary Vacation Resort and Conference Center, November 18 & 19. More information will be available in another article, and at http://www.browardgreenexpo.com/.


6) Set up the 2011-2012 Jazz Concert Series.

I have talked with the program sponsor to see if they are interested in sponsoring it again for the upcoming year. Once this is secured, I will proceed to set up the performances.


7) Investigate whether a Federal Procurement Incubator can be created.

We are still trying to set up a meeting with someone who can put this program together.


8) KIDS DAY - July 2.

This program is proceeding forward and more information will be forthcoming.


9) Create a City Blanket.

Just trying to get a camera to take a couple of more shots, and then we have to select the photos to use in the blanket.


10) Arrange funding for the 2012 Unitown Program ($1000) and 2012 Lauderhill Educational College Scholarship ($2000).

Not much activity has occurred on this yet. But I plan to work on this later this year.


Several other items may be added to the list on the next update.

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Lauderhill's 2011 Census is Out

The results are:

Population and density
Population 2000 -> 57,585
Population 2010 -> 66,887
Population Change +9,302
Percent Change 16.15%
Sq Miles 2000 7
Sq Miles 2010 9
Pop per Sq Mile 2000 -> 7,893
Pop per Sq Mile 2010 -> 7,844

Sunday, April 03, 2011

THE EASY CARD IS HERE!

Tri-Rail's new automated fare collection system is here! You can now use your EASY Card to pay your fare. Add up to $150 cash value to your EASY Card to pay your fare or load your card with different fare products including a Monthly Pass, 12-Trip Pass or daily passes.

Tri-Rail's new automated fare collection system is here! You can now use your EASY Card to pay your fare. Add up to $150 cash value to your EASY Card to pay your fare or load your card with different fare products including a Monthly Pass, 12-Trip Pass or daily passes.

The EASY Card, which costs $2, contains an embedded computer chip that automatically deducts your fare when you tap the card on any of the new validators that are clearly marked and located on all station platforms. Tap on prior to board the train then tap off when you exit to complete your trip. It's EASY.

For more information go to: http://www.tri-rail.com/easy/index.html#

Note: This is the first step towards creating a Universal Fare Card. Miami-Dade Transit has teamed up with Tri-Rail. At present, Broward Transit and Palm Tram (Palm Beach Transit) have not joined in.