Friday, June 29, 2012

Notes from the Regular Commission Meeting of June 25

On Monday, June 25, the City Commission met, and the following are notes of interest (all items voted upon were passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):


PRESENTATIONS

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO PARTICIPANTS OF LAUDERHILL/LAUDERDALE LAKES RELAY FOR LIFE 2012 EVENT. (REQUESTED BY COMMISSION M. MARGARET BATES).

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS ----- FIRST READING


1. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-123: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (LDR); AMENDING SCHEDULE A TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF A BANQUET HALL FOR RELIGIOUS WORSHIP AND TO ALLOW A BANQUET HALL AS AN ACCESSORY USE.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:



2. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-117:  AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, CHAPTER 12, BUSINESS REGULATIONS, CREATING ARTICLE XI, MISCELLANEOUS VIOLATIONS; SECTION 12-184, SALE, DISPLAY, DISTRIBUTION, MANUFACTURE, STORAGE OR POSSESSION OF HERBAL INCENSE INCLUDING BATH SALTS; PROHIBITING THE SALE, DISPLAY, DISTRIBUTION, MANUFACTURE, STORAGE OR POSSESSION OF HERBAL INCENSE PRODUCTS (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

3. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-118:  AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER   2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE IV, CITY COMMISSION, SECTION 2-164, EFFECTIVE DATE OF LEGISLATION; PROVIDING THAT RESOLUTIONS SHALL BE EFFECTIVE INDEFINITELY AND SHALL BE CONTINUING IN NATURE UNLESS EXPRESSLY STATED OTHERWISE THEREIN (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

4. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-119:  AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ARTICLE IX, COMMUNITY APPEARANCE COMMITTEE; ADDING RENEWABLE ENERGY READINESS; ADDING PARAGRAPH 3.2.1., SOLAR ENERGY; ADDING PARAGRAPH 3.2.2., ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT, PROVIDING THAT ALL NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOMES SHALL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE SUCH FEATURES DESIGNED INTO THE HOME  (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).  Passed on a 3-2 vote.  Commissioners Benson and Berger voting against.

5. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-120:  APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,000.00 TO ACCOUNT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT YOUTH SUMMER EMPOWERMENT CAMP.

6. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-121:  APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $24,500.00 TO REFLECT ADDITIONAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES TO COMPLETE THE 44TH STREET/ROAD ISLAND LANDSCAPE PROJECT.

7. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-122:  IMPOSING A 90 DAY MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT, LOCATION, OPERATION, LICENSING, PERMITTING, MAINTENANCE OR CONTINUATION OF FOLLOWING LAND USES: "HEALTH CARE CLINIC", "HEALTH CARE CLINIC EXCEPTION" AND "CLINICAL" AS DEFINED BY THE FLORIDA STATUTES, AND "CLINIC" AS DEFINED BY THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, AND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY, COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, FREE CLINIC, RETAIL BASED CLINIC, URGENT CARE CENTERS, WALK-IN CLINICS AND SIMILAR USES.

8. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-124:   AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE III, PART 5.0., SECTION 5.32., BY GIVING DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANTS UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2012 TO INSTALL A TRASH RECEPTACLE BETWEEN THE SERVICE WINDOW AND THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY.

9. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-125:  AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO REQUIRE AN EIGHT FOOT (8’) HIGH WALL WITH A FIVE FOOT (5’) WIDE LANDSCAPED AND IRRIGATED STRIP ON BOTH SIDES OF THE WALL (“THE BUFFER AREA”) BE INSTALLED BY DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND VACATING PREVIOUSLY ISSUED DEVELOPMENT ORDERS REQUIRING INSTALLATION OF THE BUFFER AREA.


RESOLUTIONS


ADMINISTRATION

10. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-132: APPROVING THE SECTION 5316 JOB ACCESS REVERSE COMMUTE (JARC) GRANT FUNDING SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SOUTH FLORIDA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (SFRTA) AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR OPERATING COSTS TO FUND TWO (2) NEW TRANSIT CIRCULATORY ROUTES FOR WEST KEN LARK AND BROWARD ESTATES AND TO EXPAND THE FREQUENCY OF THE CITY’S EXISTING FIVE (5) ROUTES; PROVIDING FOR GRANT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $411,091.00; PROVIDING FOR CITY MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $411,091.00.

11. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-133:   INITIATING CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 164, FLORIDA STATUTES, THE FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION ACT, REGARDING A CONFLICT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA.

12. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-135:   APPROVING THE RECOMMENDED RANKINGS OF THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE FOR RFP 2012-013 WEBSITE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND HOSTING SERVICES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $32,000.00 FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 305-321-6111.

COMMISSION

13. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-137:   APPROVING THE RECOMMENDED RANKINGS OF THE AUDIT EVALUATION COMMITTEE FOR FIRMS TO PROVIDE INDEPENDENT AUDIT SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012 FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT; REQUESTING THE CONTRACT BE NEGOTIATED FOR A FIVE (5) YEAR TERM; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 001-311-03210.  Ranking was #1 Harvey Covington  Thomas at $55,000, #2 Keefe at $69,250, #3 GLSC.

FINANCE

14. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-140:  INDICATING THE OFFICIAL INTENT OF THE CITY TO ISSUE TAX-EXEMPT BONDS IN THE MAXIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $15 MILLION SECURED BY THE CITY'S COVENANT TO BUDGET AND APPROPRIATE FROM LEGALLY AVAILABLE NON-AD VALOREM REVENUES TO FINANCE THE COST OF ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPPING AND INSTALLATION OF VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS DETAILED IN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FROM TIME TO TIME AND TO USE A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH BONDS TO REIMBURSE EXPENDITURES PAID OR INCURRED PRIOR TO THE DATE OF ISSUANCE THEREOF.

15. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-141:  APPROVING THE RECOMMENDED RANKINGS OF THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE FOR RFP 2012-014 UTILITY BILLING SERVICES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBERS 001-135-03110 AND 001-135-04210.  #1 High Cotton.

16. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-142:  APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE LAUDERHILL HOUSING AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE MINIMUM HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30,000.00.

NEW BUSINESS


Due to Florida law requiring that our 2nd reading of the budget must follow the County's 2nd reading of the budget (which was moved to almost the end of September), and that we must have that 2nd reading of the budget before the end of September, it was mandated that Lauderhill's 2nd reading of the budget was changed to Friday, September 28 at 5:01 PM.  There was no other legal business date left in the month to conduct this meeting.



Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Criminal Re-Entry Public Forum


Kenneth S. Tucker, Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections
Invites you to a Re-Entry Partnership Public Forum focusing on

“Partnering for Fewer Crimes, Less Victims, and Safer Communities”

This is an opportunity to hear your thoughts and suggestions on how we can work together in facilitating the positive re-entry of offenders into your community. Re-entry begins on day one of incarceration and continues upon release. Therefore, we must all work together as a team to allow these offenders in your community an opportunity to become successful members of society.

Please join us on June 28th, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Registration and informational booths open at 2:00 p.m.)

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
2650 Sistrunk Boulevard (N.W. 6th Street)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Hearing of the PSC in Plantation over FPL Proposed Rate Increases

The Florida Public Service Commission will conduct a service hearing regarding a proposed base rate increase for customers of Florida Power & Light Company on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. at City of Plantation, City Council Chambers, 400 NW 73rd Avenue, Plantation, FL 33317.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Notes of the Regular Commission Meeting of June 11, 2012


On June 11, the City Commission held its regular commission meeting, and the following are some notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicted):

VI. PROCLAMATIONS:

A. A PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 5, 2012 AS NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER.

VII. PRESENTATIONS

A. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES AND BICYCLES TO STUDENTS FROM SIX LOCAL SCHOOLS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE “KEEP LAUDERHILL BEAUTIFUL” PROJECT.

B. PRESENTATION TO MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN, COMMISSIONER KEN THURSTON AND COMMISSIONER HOWARD BERGER BY JOHN CASBARRO OF LEARNING FOR SUCCESS.

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

1. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-117:  PROHIBITING THE SALE AND DISPLAY OF HERBAL INCENSE PRODUCTS (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

2. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-118:   PROVIDING THAT RESOLUTIONS SHALL BE EFFECTIVE INDEFINITELY AND SHALL BE CONTINUING IN NATURE UNLESS EXPRESSLY STATED OTHERWISE THEREIN (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

3. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-119:   AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS  BY ADDING A TITLE AND CREATING SUBSECTION 3.1., RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION; ADDING SUBSECTION 3.2., RENEWABLE ENERGY READINESS; ADDING PARAGRAPH 3.2.1., SOLAR ENERGY; ADDING PARAGRAPH 3.2.2., ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT;  (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).  This Ordinance was discussed at  Workshop and would require all new single family homes to have designed into them the ability to attach solar panels since the house would be solar ready for electricity, solar water heating and Electric Vehicle (EV) Car Charging Stations.  It would not require the home to have either item, but would avoid the additional cost to a home purchaser to retrofit the home if they wanted these features.  Testimony from staff was that since it would be included as part of the design of the house it would essentially provide no additional cost to the house.  The Ordinance was approved unanimously by the P & Z Board/Local Planning Agency Board.  While the Solar Readiness provisions are in a few cities in the US (mainly in the western US) this would be the first city ordinance in Florida.  As to the EV car charging station, this would be the first in the US (though Vancouver, Canada does has such a law presently).  PASSED 3-2.  COMMISSIONERS BENSON AND BERGER VOTED NO.

4. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-120:   APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,000.00 TO ACCOUNT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT YOUTH SUMMER EMPOWERMENT CAMP.

5. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-121:   APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $24,500.00 TO REFLECT ADDITIONAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES TO COMPLETE THE 44TH STREET/ROAD ISLAND LANDSCAPE PROJECT.

6. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-122:   IMPOSING A 90 DAY MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT, LOCATION, OPERATION, LICENSING, PERMITTING, MAINTENANCE OR CONTINUATION OF FOLLOWING LAND USES: "HEALTH CARE CLINIC", "HEALTH CARE CLINIC EXCEPTION" AND "CLINICAL" AS DEFINED BY THE FLORIDA STATUTES, AND "CLINIC" AS DEFINED BY THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, AND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY, COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, FREE CLINIC, RETAIL BASED CLINIC, URGENT CARE CENTERS, WALK-IN CLINICS AND SIMILAR USES.

7. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-124:   AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE III.,  BY GIVING DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANTS UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2012 TO INSTALL A TRASH RECEPTACLE BETWEEN THE SERVICE WINDOW AND THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY.

8. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-125:  AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ARTICLE III,  CREATING SUBSECTION 6.4.2 TO REQUIRE AN EIGHT FOOT (8’) HIGH WALL WITH A FIVE FOOT (5’) WIDE LANDSCAPED AND IRRIGATED STRIP ON BOTH SIDES OF THE WALL (“THE BUFFER AREA”) BE INSTALLED BY DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND VACATING PREVIOUSLY ISSUED DEVELOPMENT ORDERS REQUIRING INSTALLATION OF THE BUFFER AREA.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING: 

9. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-05-115:   AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CODE OF ORDINANCES, APPENDIX G, FRANCHISES, ARTICLE III, GARBAGE, REFUSE AND TRASH, AMENDING THE RATE SCHEDULE FOR MULTI-FAMILY AND CONDOMINIUM COLLECTION FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 12, 2012 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 DUE TO A REDUCTION IN TIPPING FEES.

10. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-05-116:   APPROVING A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE 44TH STREET/ROAD LANDSCAPE PROJECT.

RESOLUTIONS


COMMISSION

11. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-118:   SUPPORTING THE DIGICEL 2012 CRICKET SERIES MATCHES BEING HELD AT THE CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK BETWEEN THE WEST INDIES AND NEW ZEALAND ON JUNE 30TH AND JULY 1, 2012; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

DEES

12. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-120:   APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; APPROVING THE SOLE SOURCE LETTER FROM WESTECH ENGINEERING, INC. TO ALLOW  THE CITY TO PURCHASE SPECIALIZED PARTS AND COMPONENTS FOR EQUIPMENT INSTALLED AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR SLUDGE HANDLING, DRAYING AND  DISPOSAL; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 401-921-4620 ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS.

13. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-121:   APPROVING THE RECOMMENDED RANKINGS OF THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE FOR RFP 2012-012 SEWER LINE REHABILITATION; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $74,835.00 FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 401-931-6320.
.
14. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-122:   APPROVING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BEJAR CONSTRUCTION, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $410,320.50 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BIKE PATH/TRAIL ALONG 19TH STREET FROM 55TH AVENUE TO 51ST AVENUE; PROVIDING FOR FUNDING FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) LOCAL AGENCY PROGRAM (LAP) GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $255,000.00 TO BE APPLIED TOWARDS THE COST OF THE PROJECT; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 305-351-6350.

FINANCE

15. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-124:   APPROVING THE REQUEST FROM THE LAUDERHILL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO WAIVE THE BUSINESS LICENSE FEE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FEE, FOR COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN THE LAUDERHILL INTERNATIONAL TRADE INCUBATOR AND ARTISTS IN THE LAUDERHILL ARTS CENTER.

PALS

16. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-125:  APPROVING THE FIRST OPTION TO EXTEND THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY FOR THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY BUS SERVICES WHICH IS EFFECTIVE FOR ONE (1) YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2013; PROVIDING THAT ONE OPTION TO EXTEND FOR AN ADDITIONAL ONE YEAR TERM REMAINS AVAILABLE.

PLANNING & ZONING

17. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-126:   AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT MAP SERIES, MAP 2-11, BIKE LANES, GREENWAYS AND PARKS; DESIGNATING N.W. 31ST AVENUE FROM BROWARD BOULEVARD TO N.W. 6TH STREET AS A PROPOSED THREE FOOT UNDERSIZED BIKE LANE; DESIGNATING N.W. 31ST AVENUE FROM N.W. 6TH STREET TO SUNRISE BOULEVARD AS A PROPOSED BIKE LANE; DESIGNATING THE ALLEY NORTH OF BROWARD BOULEVARD FROM N.W. 35TH TO N.W. 36TH AVENUE AS A  PROPOSED BIKE LANE; DESIGNATING N.W. 36TH AVENUE FROM BROWARD BOULEVARD TO THE ALLEY AS A PROPOSED BIKE LANE.

QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS
QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING

18. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-127:  GRANTING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT  ORDER TO WEST BROWARD URGENT CARE, LLC D/B/A 1-HOUR MED, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, TO ALLOW A MEDICAL CLINIC (URGENT CARE CENTER) WITH LABORATORY SERVICES AT MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4992 NORTH UNIVERSITY DRIVE, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

19. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-06-128:   GRANTING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER TO THE OWNER, FLOVAL OIL CORPORATION, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, TO ALLOW THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF AN EXISTING 24-HOUR SERVICE STATION WITH CONVENIENCE STORE  AT 2599 N. STATE ROAD 7, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Swap Shop part of Visit Florida's Campaign for Tourist

Visit Florida has placed on their web site a video about Lauderhill's Swap Shop. It can also be found on the Web Site of Visit Florida. To see the video, click on the title link.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Candidates for Lauderhill Commission Qualify for November 2012 Election

The qualifying period for Lauderhill Commission Seats is now closed for the November 2012 elections.  The following are the candidates to appear on the ballot (in alphabetical order) for 4 year terms:

SEAT 1
Howard Berger
Richard Campbell
Gwen Hudson
Tyson T. Jones

SEAT 3
M. Margaret Bates
Mae Smith

Ken Thurston automatically won unopposed for Seat 2 since he was the only candidate that qualified for Seat 2.  Seat 2 will not appear on November's ballot. 

All eligible voters in the City of Lauderhill may vote in the remaining two Commission Seat races.

Friday, June 08, 2012

Mayor's Goals for 2012 and Update from Mayor's Goals from 2011


I was going through some of my old articles and trying to get myself better organized.   From that I made some lists.  When I make lists it helps me be better organized, and provides benchmarks on how I am progressing.

Last year I did a list, with updates, of goals I was trying to accomplish during the year.  From the last update, reprinted below, I have added the comments on how successful I was, followed by my goals for 2012:

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

While we had some businesses interested, no business to date has come forward to utilize this new tool.  The company that was looking to do it was sold and the new buyers want to go ahead with improvements without using this program.  


We are also still trying to expand the concept of using Performance Contracting for the city, but due to governmental requirements, it has been slow going but hopeful.

2) Continue developing Sister City Programs.

I visited Fuiggi, Italy in June, at my own expense, and though it has not led to a sister city relationship yet, we are still keeping in touch.  Whether it goes forward will depend upon the Lauderhill Sister City organization.  Our Sister City organization is still working with established Sister Cities on different programs.  However, due to issues brought up by the Broward Code of Ethics, it has made it difficult to determine how to handle certain situations in developing business relationships.  One of which caused me to have to cancel on a business trip to Trinidad to meet with governmental and businesses to be promoted in Lauderhill.   Similarly we are trying to work out the same type of problem in conjunction with our Jamaica Sister City.

3) Implement GREENROADS into the MPO Plan.

The MPOAC, which I chair, received a GREENROADS presentation. The program seeks to establish green saving concepts to transportation construction and system. Staff is seeing how we can incorporate the concepts throughout Florida.  At this time we may be able to do the same concept without the expense of the program.

4) Creating a GREEN EXPO in the last quarter of 2011.

This program took place in November and on many levels was very successful.  On attendance, it was hoped to be better, but overall we were satisfied that the event took place.  Initially we were hoping to make it an annual event, but because of the Broward Code of Ethics, we found that the situation became problematic, and that to work with the potential exhibitors and sponsors may cause inadvertent violations of the Code.  So it will not be repeated in 2012.  It is possible for the event to go forward if done by a private organization, without the city's direct involvement.  But I as Mayor could not help run it.

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

We successful held the 2011-2012 Jazz Picnic in the Park series for the 4th season.  The Inverrary Association and the Mental Health Association of South Florida sponsored the event which was a shortened season.  See Goals for 2012 below for an update on the next season.

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

This did not come to be as hoped.  The parties I was trying to work with decided to go another direction.

7) KIDS DAY - July 2.

This program occurred on July 9,and was very successful.

8) Create a City Blanket.

The City Blanket was delivered late last year and are available for promotion of the City.  There are specific criteria on when they may be given out.  One way is to be used for a Fund Raiser by a Lauderhill organization.    If anyone is interested is obtaining one to promote Lauderhill, please let me know.

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

Funding for the 2012 Unitown Program ($750) and Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship ($1000) was secured.  Additionally, funding for 2013 has been secured as well ($500 for Unitown) and $1000 for the Scholarship.  More information is available at www.lhillteencentral.com

10) College/Graduate Student Paid Internship Program.

I have developed a program to have college and graduate student work for me on a part-time basis for a semester. Applications were sent to Universities around the country.  This program is continuing and Aida just completed the Winter Semester and Sara is my Summer Intern.  Sara is presently working on who will be the Fall Intern.  More information can be found at www.lhillteencentral.com

11) Developing a System for All Electric Community Shuttle Bus Systems.

SEFTC, at my urging, is trying to develop a pilot program with other transportation partners, to convert all Community Shuttle Buses to All Electric, Hydrogen Electric or CNG (natural gas), systems. The reason is that as the cost of gasoline rises, so does the cost of operating a gasoline vehicle. It is projected that moving away from gasoline buses it would reduce the cost of operation.


Related to this program is the installation of Car Charging Stations, which also may be used by the public. At this time, I am also working with a company and the City of Lauderhill, to install the first Car Charging Station in the city, probably at City Hall. There is expected to be no cost to the city for this station.


This goal is still be pursued.

12) Other Green Programs.

I was working with the Broward League of Cities to develop an inexpensive green building designation program and a green grant application.  Unfortunately, as of this time, the program, as proposed, has not been accepted, and maybe revised in the future.

13) Creating a New City Map

This New Updated City Map was completed in the last quarter of 2011 with the sponsorship of North Shore Medical Center - FMC Campus.  It is now available for distribution, and can be found in numerous sites around the city, including City Hall and the Lauderhill Regional Chamber.

GOALS FOR 2012:

1) GREEN ISSUES:  PACE - Continue to work with the program and seek businesses that may be interested;  Pursue the use of Performance Contracting in improving Energy Conservation in Lauderhill; Continue to work towards a Universal Fare Card in Southeast Florida and possible throughout Florida; Implement the Broward Blvd. Transit Program and Central East-West Transit Program; Conduct research to try and find more fuel efficient firetrucks (firetrucks get between 2 to 4 MPG.  Any improvement in fuel consumption will have a major positive fiscal impact on the city); Require new single family housing to be built with solar and car charging capabilities.

2) Continue developing Sister City Programs.

3)  Arrange the 2012-2012 Jazz Picnic In the Park Concert Series 5th Season.  Already we have secured enough funding through sponsorship/grants to go forward with a season of 5 concerts.  Sponsorship packages are still being worked out.  The concerts will be on the 2nd Sunday of each month from December, 2012 through April 2013.  More information can be found at www.lauderhilljazz.com.

4)  Setting up the program for the 2013 Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship.  Applications will be posted in the last quarter of 2012.

5)  Continuing the College/Graduate Student Paid Internship Program.

6)  Developing a System for All Electric Community Shuttle Bus Systems.

7)  Create a Social Media Policy for the City.  Actually this one is almost done.  I presented it at a workshop earlier this year to the Commission.  Both this item and the redesign of the city's web site came from several programs I attended at the National League of Cities Conference last year.

8)  Redesign the entire city web site to make it current and more user friendly.  It is to have particular emphasis on economic development, provide current information for residents and businesses, and be interactive.  A PowerPoint presentation was given by me earlier this year to the City Commission, and the city is going forward in the redesign.

9)  Give Seminars to the Public on "How Much Are Your Appliances Costing You?"  The seminar includes information about the city's Interest Free Energy Loans.   Already I have given the seminar 3 times this year and we are considering allowing the Loans to be used for businesses in addition to residents.

10)  Start developing a new "Tell the Mayor Survey."

11)  Work with Lauderhill Middle School and the YMCA "Living Well Lauderhill," to develop a program of safety involving the Overpass on the Turnpike.  Also, to work on an Anti-Bullying Program.

12)  Work on implementing the Bikeways system.

13)  Research trying to create an Accelerator Program for businesses to compliment our Incubator Program.

This is only a partial list containing highlighted items.  As the year goes by, goals will be adjusted as attained, modified or discontinued.




Saturday, June 02, 2012

Broward Blvd. Transit Study

From a $5,000,000 grant from the Federal Government, obtain through cooperation of Broward County Transit, South Florida Regional Transit Authority and the Broward MPO (of which Mayor Kaplan is Lauderhill's Representative), a transit study and development of a mass transit corridor is being created along Broward Blvd.  

The below Alternative 3 was the one recommended to the Broward MPO which was approved.  If everything proceeds as planned, work should be completed in 2016.