Monday, April 28, 2014

BCPS Castle Hill Elementary All-Girls Team Nationally Ranked No. 2 in Chess

A three-girl chess team representing Broward County Public Schools Castle Hill Elementary School in Lauderhill, placed second nationally at the 11th Annual Kasparov Chess Foundation All-Girls National Championship in Chicago last week.

The Lauderhill school trio of McKhaila McKenzie, Erykah Shaw and Shyan Braswell brought home a national second-place ranking for teams under 12 after defeating fierce competitors from public and private schools across the country. Many of the other girls competing were supported by well-funded chess programs and had either master-level chess coaches for personal or frequent group lessons.

Castle Hill girls’ secret weapon was their dedicated teacher and coach, Robert McKenzie, who taught them the game. McKenzie is a veteran teacher who has served at Castle Hill Elementary for 18 years.

“This was one of the most astounding performances of rising to an occasion of intense pressure I ever witnessed,” McKenzie said. “Their second-place finish at a national tournament is a testament to the hope that our children can accomplish anything they desire if they listen humbly, work hard and do their best.”

“Research shows that chess increases analytical thinking,” said Dr. Mark Strauss, director of School Performance and Accountability, who has been working on a plan to bring chess to District elementary schools. “We are thrilled that the Castle Hill all-girls team represented us nationally and showcased the phenomenal outcomes that chess produces.”

“I applaud the accomplishment of the students at Castle Hill Elementary,” said city of Lauderhill Commissioner Kenneth Thurston. “The teaching of chess expands the mind and increases the capacity to learn.”  


The Kasparov National Championship is the most prestigious chess event for female players under the age of 18. 

Friday, April 25, 2014

Pay Online Lauderhill Utility Bills for Free

SIGN UP FOR PAPERLESS BILLING & AUTOPAY!
1) Arrange prescheduled payment options:
• Set up auto payments on your due date with your VISA, Mastercard or debit card.
• Schedule automatic ACH monthly withdrawals from
your checking or savings account
2) Receive email payment reminders and confirmations
3) Pay by phone option (for an additional fee)

Visit www.LauderhillBillPay.com or call 954-739-0100.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Andrew Smalling - Lauderhill's Police Chief

ANDREW SMALLING, the Jamaica-born police chief of Lauderhill, Florida, is now in his third year in office has been enjoying a downward trend in crime.  In the first two years,  Lauderhill has seen a 14 percent drop in crime, noticeably in violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault involving use of weapons, and violent crimes went down by 24 percent.

With a police force of 140 Smalling gives credit to an emphasis on intelligence-driven operations and insistence on accountability of the command staff for crimes in their area of responsibility.

Each area of the city has been divided into districts with its own crime profile.  This way problems and solutions in the district can be specifically addressed.  It also allows the police force to be proactive in preventing some crimes known to a particular district by using a Predictive Policing Program  purchased by the city.  The program looks a crime trends over the last few years and predicts where crime is likely to occur in the future.

Often criminals are creatures of habit so these programs help uncover these habits.  In the process it makes the police force more visible, and deters crime if criminals are seeing this police presence where they were going to commit a crime.  

Other programs being utilized in the city is community policing, having officers attend homeowner meetings to hear directly from residents, using an anonymous tip line using text messaging through TIP 411 so that information is given anonymously, placing more School Resource Officers who participate with students in their projects, and sponsoring a Citizens Academy and a voluntary Citizens on Patrol (which is part of the Neighborhood Watch Program).

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Annual Pre-Budget Workshop for the Upcoming Fiscal Year 2014-2015

THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA WILL CONDUCT A COMMUNITY PRE-BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING ON MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2014, AT 6:00 PM IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS, SUITES 141 – 142, AT CITY HALL, 5581 WEST OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

THIS WILL BE A LIMITED AGENDA MEETING. THE ONLY BUSINESS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL BE THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BUDGET FOR THE 2014 – 2015 FISCAL YEAR.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

3rd Annual Jammin’ in the Park and Art Fest in conjunction with the 6th Annual Throw Back Celebrity Golf Weekend

The City of Lauderhill will host the 3rd Annual Jammin’ in the Park and Art Fest on Saturday April 26, 2014, in conjunction with 6th Annual Throw Back Celebrity Golf Weekend at Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens Park, 3801 Inverrary Blvd., Lauderhill, FL.

Event Organizer and Vice Mayor of the City of Lauderhill, M. Margaret Bates explains, “I believe our City’s greatest asset is our cultural diversity. Jammin’ in the Park and Art Fest is a fun way for the entire family to celebrate who we are through the arts, music, and food. The Performing Arts Center will become a major component of this celebration when it is complete. The best part of the event is affordability…FREE!”

This year’s featured performer, Grammy Award winner and R&B Diva, Evelyn “Champagne” King will headline the free festival that will be hosted by WHQT/Hot 105 Tom Joyner Morning Show Personality, Rodney Baltimore and comedian Dean Gaines. The festival will start at 2:00 PM with performances by R&B female trio, Ladies of Soul, Blade Martin, saxophonist, Randy Corinthian, Latin American sensation, Raul Sandoval, and The Old Skool Gang.

Festivalgoers will have an opportunity to sample food from various vendors, view art designs and exhibits from dozens of local and national creative artists, all while enjoying a day of music and fun. The festival and parking is free to the public.

For more information about the 3rd Annual Jammin’ in the Park and Art Fest, contact the City of Lauderhill at (954) 730-3000.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Jazz Picnic in the Park for April 13, 2014 has been cancelled

Due to rain, the concert for today has been cancelled.  We will be adding Meryl Tanenger to next year's schedule.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Jazz Picnic in the Park - April 13

Mayor Richard Kaplan with the City of Lauderhill invites everyone to the last concert of the 2013-2014 season of Jazz Picnic in the Park On Sunday, April 13, 2014. This free Jazz Concert will be performed this month by Meryl Tanenger.  Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets, no cooking is allowed in the park.
The concert will be held from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, at the Amphitheater in the Lieberman Botanical Gardens, 3801 Inverrary Blvd., Lauderhill.
Stay tune to next season's concert schedule, including two Tribute Concerts at www.lauderhilljazz.com.

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Lease Lauderhill Bus Tour

Commissioner Ken Thurston Presents 

Thursday 
April 10, 2014 
12:00PM – 4:00PM 

GAIN valuable knowledge of  Lauderhill’s Redevelopment Plans 
and Small Business Initiatives for FREE. 

LEARN common mistakes people make in finding the right location 
for their businesses. 
  
GET insight on things you can do  to improve your business structure 
for redevelopment and target industries (i.e., CRA, Enterprise 
Zone, Arts District, international trade and Lauderhill Industrial Park.) 

Bus Tour will depart from: 

Lauderhill City Hall 
5581 West Oakland Park Blvd 
Lauderhill, FL 33313 
  
To RSVP Please Contact: 
 Brittany Hubbard 954-777-2040 
or bhubbard@lauderhill-fl.gov 

FREE PARKING AVAILABLE 

 Gain a better understanding of how you can streamline the business license and building permit 
process that will have your business open within 30 days or less. 
 Co-operative Marketing Program offered for retailers and restaurants to increase consumer traffic and sales. 
  Economic development staff will serve as a liaison between the various city departments/divisions to 
facilitate a quick response for business expansions and relocations. 
  Staff will work with Broward County, the State of  Florida and the Federal Government to facilitate 
business assistance and incentives for eligible companies. 
 Don’t forget Networking opportunities & the chance to get some of your questions answered. 

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Notes of the Commission Meeting of March 31

On March 31, the City Commission met and the following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated).  Commissioner Bates had an excused absence since she was in Tallahassee on behalf of the League of Cities:

A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE PASSING OF:

A. Mr. Joy Sawh Ramsaroop, owner of Joy's Roti Delight at the Lauderhill Mall.
B. Mr. James Bradley, President of the West Ken Lark Homeowners Association.
C. Mariann Kiar, mother of County Commissioner Marty Kiar

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

RECOGNITION OF STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL UNITOWN 2014 TEEN DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP CAMP.

ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-03-110:   AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES,   TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO ELECT TO OFFER A PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM TO ADULT OFFENDERS WHO HAVE COMMITTED A QUALIFYING NON-VIOLENT MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW OR THIS CODE;  (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER HAYWARD J. BENSON, JR.).

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-03-112:  APPROVING THE SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO PURCHASE FOUR (4) VACANT PARCELS OF LAND THAT BROWARD COUNTY HAS DECLARED TO BE SURPLUS WITHIN THE CANNON POINT AREA LOCATED AT 5801, 5811, 5821 AND 5831 N.W. 27th COURT, LAUDERHILL SUBJECT TO DEED RESTRICTIONS FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE OF $24,600.00 PER VACANT PARCEL.

ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS - FOURTH READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-02-105:  CREATING SUBSECTION 3.1.15., RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE-FAMILY AT 40 DWELLING UNITS PER GROSS ACRE (RM-40) ZONING DISTRICT;  CREATING PARAGRAPH 3.1.15.D., SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES AND STRUCTURES AMENDING SCHEDULE B., ALLOWABLE USES, SECTION 1., USES ALLOWED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, BY ADDING THE PERMITTED, ACCESSORY, AND SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES AND STRUCTURES ALLOWED HEREIN IN ORDER TO ENSURE INTERNAL CONSISTENCY; AMENDING SCHEDULE P., DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES, SECTION 2., GENERAL DESIGN STANDARDS, TO ADD ANY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE RM-40 ZONING DISTRICT.

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-03-55:   AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF OBSOLETE, DAMAGED AND SURPLUS COMPUTER EQUIPMENT IN THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE MANNER.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-03-56:   APPROVING THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA REGARDING THE ASSIGNMENTS AT THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS; PROVIDING FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF TWO (2) SROS AT THE TWO (2) PARTICIPATING MIDDLE SCHOOLS FOR TEN (10) MONTHS; PROVIDING FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF TWO (2) ADDITIONAL SROS AT THE PARTICIPATING ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS FOR A PERIOD OF SEVEN (7) MONTHS.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-03-57:  WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; APPROVING THE PURCHASE FROM HALL MARK FIRE APPARATUS 3431 NW 27 AVENUE, OCALA, FLORIDA IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $92,489.97 FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) 2014 FORD F-350 CUSTOM BUILT COMMAND VEHICLE BASED UPON THE CONTRACT ENTERED INTO WITH THE FLORIDA SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION (#11-10-1202); PROVIDING THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BE FOR USE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,489.97 FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 305-351-6420.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-03-61:   APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT, PLAYGROUND SURFACING, AND SHADE STRUCTURE FROM APPROVED VENDORS BASED UPON BIDS SOLICITED BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $235,000.00.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-03-63:  APPROVING THE SIXTH 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, 2015.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-03-64:   AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF OBSOLETE, DAMAGED AND SURPLUS POLICE DEPARTMENT INVENTORY IN THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE MANNER.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-03-67:   APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $44,020.80 TO PURCHASE THIRTY-TWO (32) DELL LATITUDE E6440 CTO (210-AAXJ) LAPTOP COMPUTERS FROM DELL MARKETING, L.P. FOR USE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 110-683-9936.

QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-03-113:   GRANTING TO DARA INVESTMENTS, LLC A VARIANCE  TO ALLOW WITHIN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) ZONING DISTRICT THE REQUIRED  NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES TO BE REDUCED FROM 8 TO 6 IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE A TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT  AT 1501 - 1509 N.W. 47th AVENUE, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.  Withdrawn by Applicant since there were only the Mayor and 3 Commissioners requiring a unanimous vote to pass, and the Mayor announced he was voting against the Variance.  Applicant will bring it back when there is a full Commission, which they would possibly allow it to be passed with 4 of 5 votes depending upon how Commissioner Bates (who was absent) would vote.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-03-68:   GRANTING THE  SALSI PUEDES RESTAURANT BAR & WINE INC. A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER WITH CONDITIONS TO ALLOW RESTAURANT BAR WITH INDOOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT  AT BON-VALE PLAZA, 7529-7531 WEST OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

NEW BUSINESS:

A.  APRIL 14, 2014 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING IS CANCELLED IN OBSERVANCE OF PASSOVER.