Cold and Flu Season is Here

It’s that time of year again, and unfortunately, we don’t mean the holiday season. It’s the cold and flu season. While you’re planning party time with your friends and family, there’s a virus out there looking to start its own kind of party in your respiratory system.

Is it the Flu or is it a Cold? Does it matter?

The flu is similar to a cold. They are both caused by respiratory viruses. A cold being misdiagnosed as the flu is not a problem. The worst result of a cold is a bacterial infection of the ear or sinuses, treatable by antibiotics. But the flu can lead to potentially serious complications, like pneumonia. The FDA provides a list of symptoms to help you distinguish between the illnesses:

Common Cold symptoms – stuffy nose; sneezing; sore throat; mild to moderate chest discomfort and cough.
Usual Flu symptoms – Fever and headache; general aches and pains, sometimes severe; fatigue and weakness that can last up to 2-3 weeks; extreme exhaustion; chest discomfort and cough; and sometimes stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat.

The common cold is an expensive disease, striking some people as many as 12 times a year and leading to about 15 million days lost from work annually. The flu affects 20% to 50% of Americans each winter and is highly contagious. The flu virus can linger in the air for as long as 3 hours.

It’s true, we can put a man on the moon but science still has not found a cure for the common cold (or the flu). The only proven remedy is time. There are many over the counter products you can use to help you feel better. The best defense is taking the offense and aggressively avoiding the virus:

1) Washing your hands frequently is the single most effective means of avoiding a virus.
2) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. These are doorways for the virus to enter your system.
3) Drink liquids to help your mucus membranes remain moist and effective.
4) Avoid close exposure to those who are ill.
5) Clean surfaces that are frequently touched, like door handles, phones, keyboards, etc. When possible, avoid touching them with your hands at all. For example, press the elevator button with your elbow.
6) Get a flu vaccine.

If, in spite of your best efforts, a cold or flu virus sets up housekeeping in your body, your mother’s advice is still the best: Drink fluids and get plenty of rest, and remember chicken soup always helps! Contact your physician if your symptoms are severe or if you have any concerns.

For more information or questions about the Broward Health (North Broward Hospital District), please contact Charlotte Mather at 954-355-5180.

Update on Lauderhill

BUILDING:
1) Inverness Plaza - the improperly constructed wall was removed and a new wall will be built with the supervision of the Engineer;
2) Inverrary Gardens Condo 1: At a meeting of the parties it was agreed that the City has expedited and extended permits, cooperated in providing solutions to provide life-safety items in the most simplified and cost effective manner, and will continue to do so in an effort to have the unit owners occupy their units as soon as possible. The entire building's life safety-items must be completed prior to any unit owner taking occupancy. The remaining safety items to be completed are: hot water drain pipe to be installed, electric wiring be adequate to accommodate the hot water unit and current breaker size, kitchen and bathroom circuits be protected with GFI, and smoke detectors be installed in bathrooms and adjacent rooms. The delay in finishing the job was related to money issues;
3) GL Homes have requested CO's for 3 completed homes, which are ready for pickup;

CODE ENFORCEMENT:

128 Notices of Violations were issued in this time period, 6 tickets, 2 civil citations and 5 tows.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY:

Discussion are ongoing as to the feasibility of a wifi camera system on State Road 7.

FIRE DEPARTMENT:

Responded to 5 fire calls, 179 EMS, 1 hazardous condition, 16 service calls, 23 good intent calls, and 8 false calls. Average response time under 5 minutes and 17 seconds.

COMMENDATIONS:

1) to Officer Pendergrass for his assistance regarding a burglary to an individuals residence. Upon the homeowner arriving at his house, he found the officer there with a juvenile suspect in custody.

2) to Officer LaGrasta, regarding an arrest while conducting an area check in a particular high crime area. An individual subject was loitering and when approached, the subject took flight. During the foot chase, the subject turned and faced the officer while attempting to reach into his front pocket. However, the Officer was able to place the subject into custody. It was then discovered that the item the subject was reaching for was a Colt firearm loaded with ammunition with the ability to penetrate protective vests. Also found was 23 grams of cannabis packaged for individual street sales. The subject had 3 previous arrests for narcotic violations.

Bishop Vashti McKenzie …Guest Speaker for Lauderhill’s 8th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration 2008!

The City of Lauderhill and The Lauderhill Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Taskforce are proud to announce Bishop Vashti McKenzie as the guest speaker for the 2008 Martin Luther King Day Programs - Saturday, January 19, 2008.

Bishop McKenzie will be at the Boys and Girls Club of Lauderhill, 5455 NW 19th Street, at 1:00 PM, where all youth in the community are welcome to enjoy an age appropriate program and question and answer period regarding Civil Rights. Admission into the Boys and Girls Club is FREE. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

At 7:00 PM, Bishop McKenzie will speak at the Diamante’s Banquet Center (6501 West Commercial Blvd.). The program includes entertainment, a thought provoking presentation by McKenzie, and a delectable dinner for adults. Tickets are $50 per person and are on sale now.

Bishop McKenzie was elected as the first female bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is also the national chaplain of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the granddaughter of Delta founder Vashti Turley Murphy. Born on the 28th of May 1947, into the well-know Murphy clan of Baltimore, Reverend Dr. Vashti McKenzie is a woman of several firsts. She was the first woman to pastor at Payne Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland, and on July 11th, 2000, the AME Church elected her its first female bishop in its 213-year history.

“This is truly an honor to have someone of this caliber to be our MLK 2008 guest speaker. Bishop McKenzie can bring to our residents, especially our youth and women in this community, a shared sense of accomplishment and pride. She is the ideal role model who can inspire and motivate anyone to be the best they can be, and to show that with hard work and perseverance that anything can be accomplished,” remarked Vice Mayor M. Margaret Bates of the City of Lauderhill and Chairperson for the MLK Taskforce 2008.

Tickets are available at City Hall, 3800 Inverrary Blvd., Lauderhill 33319, Suite #107, for $50 per person (includes dinner - cash bar available). Space is limited, so purchase your tickets soon and remember, evening attire is requested for the night’s event. Lauderhill’s MLK Program always sells out! Get your tickets NOW!

For Sponsorship Opportunities or Ticket Information please call 954/ 730-3000.

Update on Lauderhill

Administration:

Building Department:

1) Stonebridge Section 4 is hoping to start occupancy of the first buildings in mid December.

2) Stonebridge Section 2 has replaced Nicon, with a new general contractor, BNB Construction, Inc.

3) The framing for the wall at Inverness Plaza has be red tagged as unsafe. If not repaired, the city will remove it.

4) The church at 3801 NW 4th Street-Broward Estates was found to be unsafe due to heavy accumulation of mold and stagnant water, and red tagged.


Code Enforcement:

Three new code enforcement officers have been trained and are in the field writing violations.


Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA):

1) Purchase Hani property.

2) Had discussions on the Arts Incubator, at Mission Lakes Plaza, concerning required building repairs and renovations. Lighting and fixed electrical has been replaced, and the Arts Incubator has moved into two additional bays. A CPTED fence is to be installed on the premises.

3) Meetings are ongoing concerning extending Renaissance Park at Tree Gardens.

4) Plans continue regarding redevelopment for the Old City Hall on 55th Ave. Focus is on single family home lots.


PALS:

1) 80 Thanksgiving Baskets were distributed.

2) The city received a $14,000 sponsorship from Phil Smith Chevrolet to support the baseball program.

3) Veterans Park field is currently being renovated

4) The Lauderhill shuttle bus is transporting about 6500 passengers over the Monday thru Friday weekly schedule. This is an increase from 1200 passengers/day to 1300 passengers/day.

The New Community Redevelopment Agency Website

The city has set up a new web site for our Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at: http://www.lauderhillcra.com/. Check it out.

100 Black Men's Annual 100 Bike Drive

The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Inc. (100BMOGFL) has partnered with Wal-Mart for our annual 100 Bike Drive. In this our second year of this program, I am inviting you, your family and friends and/or members of your organization to also participate in this wonderful event.

Annually the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale donates bicycles to students throughout Broward County for their scholastic achievement. Students from elementary to high school will be awarded bicycles on December 22nd at a family fun day event. It will take place at either Mills Pond Park or the new Regional Park located in the City of Lauderhill. We will have food, entertainment, bounce houses and a variety of other youth related activities as the 100 bikes will be brought in on an 18 wheeler truck and delivered in GRAND STYLE to the youth and their families.

Your participation and/or donation will allow us to achieve our goal of awarding 100 bicycles to students who are continuously making scholastic progress. As the holiday season symbolizes the mid-point of the scholastic year, we are using this opportunity to provide bicycles for students that instituted hard work and dedication during the beginning of the school year. Further, the “100 Bike Drive” will serve as motivation to close the second half of the year on a strong note. The awarding of 100 bicycles will demonstrate to our youth and educators that scholastic improvement is not only recognized in the classroom, but also in the community.

I know that your organization has it's own mission and is always reaching out to support various projects and programs. If you would like to partner with us we would welcome your involvement to show the youth that we all care about their progress. It WILL NOT take much of your time as most of all of the logistics has been worked out. We would like your support for that day or a small donation. You and your organization will be a part of the public relations and partnership of this fine program.

The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life and enhance educational opportunities for people of African descent. This is achieved through various programs in the areas of Mentoring, Education, Economic Development, and Health & Wellness. For more information on our organization, visit our web site: http://www.100blackmengfl.org/

You can make your charitable tax deductible contribution directly through PayPal at:
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=100bmogfl%40100blackmengfl%2eorg&currency_code=USD&item_name=2007%20Annual%20Bike%20Drive

or make your checks payable to:

100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale
10097 Cleary Boulevard Suite #302
Plantation, Florida 33324

Thank you in advance for your support as we partner to reward positive scholastic achievement. If you would like to know more about how you can participate, please call me direct on my cell (954) 830-2019 to discuss.

Albert A TuckerVice President
Multicultural Business Development
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

Windemere Community Center Opens

Central Resident Association's President, Berry Collins, Mayor Richard J Kaplan, City Manager Charles Faranda, and other dignitaries, cut the ribbon to the new Windemere Community Center

On November 19, the new Windemere Community Center opened in Central Lauderhill. On hand was the Central Resident Association's President, Berryl Collins, who stated this is one of the steps we are taking to take back our neighborhood.

The center has a children's basketball court, an outdoor play area, a meeting room, kitchen, and a food serving area. The recreation department will develop programs appropriate for the center. It is large enough to be suitable for family events, including weddings. Also the site has an office for a Lauderhill Police Officer which will serve this area.

The center was obtained through a legal process, and formally was the Windemere Condominium Clubhouse, which fell into disrepair. After obtaining ownership of the premises, the city used funds from the 2005 Voter Approved General Obligation Bond to rebuild and refurbish it. Now, instead of a magnet for crime and blight, it is a magnet for the rebirth of the neighborhood and community pride.

Notes of the Commission Meeting and CRA Meeting of 12/10

On December 10th, the Commission held a CRA Meeting and a Regular Commission Meeting. The following are some points of interest:

CRA MEETING:

1) Discussion on a Cultural Planning Grant and New Markets Tax Credits.

2) Discussion on the Old City Hall Redevelopment Plans. The property will be developed into a new single family housing subdivision, known as Lakeside. Adjacent is planned a pool and other active capable facilities.


REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

PRESENTATIONS:

A. Presentation by Encore Performing Arts Center, Inc., who performed.

B. Presentation by Human Resources to Judy Higgins, who is retiring.

C. Presentation by Dozel Spencer concerning the upcoming 2008 elections.

D. Presentation by Mayor Richard J Kaplan, giving a report of the recent US Conference of Mayors meeting in Detroit, and subsequent developments, concerning the national problem of foreclosures and preservation of homes. A copy of this report can be obtained at the following link: http://lauderhill-fl.gov/Mortgage%20Forclosure%20Report.pdf


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

ORDINANCE NO. 07O-12-159: Approved the ordinance to require that any modification of a site plan for city-initiated developments exceeding $30,000.00 shall require major review.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

Approved an Ordinance that amends the fee structure of the Water and Sewer Rates. The first time/one-time fee for new service would be increased to slightly over average for the region. Also, that a CPI index to the rate would allow for automatic adjustments to account for inflation. It would create a situation where budgeting could be easier for large condominium users so that they would know what the upcoming rates would be in advance.


RESOLUTIONS

COMMISSION

1) RESOLUTION NO. 07R-12-303: Approved ranking of the construction manager for construction of the new City Hall. The ranking was Moss/D. Stephenson Joint Venture; Pirtle Construction; then Kaufman Lynn.

2) RESOLUTION NO. 07R-12-304: Approved a Resolution making it the policy of the city to purchase hybrid and/or alternative fuel vehicles for transportation when appropriate and cost effective. Sponsored by Mayor Richard J Kaplan.

3) RESOLUTION NO. 07R-12-305: Approved a Resolution to create a new music and cultural celebration to be known as "Flavorfest of Lauderhill," to take place April 12-13, at the Central Broward Regional Park. This will combine Unite-A-Fest, HispanicFest and Blazzfest into one event to reduce the costs of having 3 events during the year.

4) RESOLUTION NO. 07R-12-306: Approved a resolution of the City Commission of the City of Lauderhill establishing the dates for the inaugural Florida-Caribbean Games to be held from May 16, 2010 through May 22, 2010.

5) RESOLUTION NO. 07R-12-307: Authorized the City Manager to proceed with negotiations to acquire and/or lease property from Royal Oaks Condominium and Stonebridge Gardens Condominium Association, Inc., in order to extend Renaissance Park to Oakland Park Blvd.

6) RESOLUTION NO. 07R-12-312: Approved a Resolution appointing Andrea M. Anderson as City Clerk and approving her Employment Agreement, effective Jan. 2, 2008.

D.E.E.S.

7) RESOLUTION NO. 07R-12-313: The Commission approved a resolution approving the vacation and abandonment of a portion of right-of-way of Inverrary Blvd. between NW 38th Court and NW 33rd Street, between the new wall and the existing property lines, preserving existing utility easements on behalf of the city.


PLANNING AND ZONING

8) RESOLUTION NO. 07R-12-314: The Commission approved a resolution recommending that the Board of County Commissioners grant a plat note amendment request of Sembler Company, to allow the vacation of a 24' road and related road easement, along with a reduction of a northbound right-turn on NW 82nd Avenue from 200' to 160' of storage. The property is located on Commercial Blvd. at the site of the old United Artist Movie Theatre.

POLICE

9) RESOLUTION NO. 07R-12-315: The Commission tabled the agreement between the city and Forest Lake Estates Homeowner's Association for local traffic control and public safety. Several residents spoke against it, and a representative of the Board spoke in favor of it. It was recommended that the Association survey their residents and if they are favorable, they return with the results. Mayor Kaplan abstained on the vote since he lives in the development, and he was advised it could be a conflict of interest.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING:

RESOLUTION NO. 07R-11-298: The Commission approved a Special Exception Use to the New Beginnings Christian Academy, Inc., to allow a day/child care facility at the NW corner of Inverrary Blvd. West and Oakland Park Blvd.


UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

The Commission discussed and decided to name the entrance road to the Central Regional Park to be Lauderhill Avenue of the Arts.


NEW BUSINESS:

The Commission held discussions on the Annual Retreat. It was decided to have it on February 8, beginning at 9 AM, at a location to be decided upon by staff.

School Boundary Lines Forum

Broward County Public Schools will hold the second of two Community Forums to review and discuss proposed school boundary scenarios for school communities in all four geographic areas. School Boundaries staff and community-generated scenarios will be reviewed and discussed on Saturday, December 15. Community Forum II for boundary scenarios affecting north and north central area schools will take place at Monarch High School Auditorium (5050 Wiles Road in Coconut Creek).

Individuals wishing to speak will be able to sign up from 8:30 to 9 a.m. School Boundaries staff will present the boundary process along with staff and community scenarios from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by questions and community input from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Foreign language interpreters will be available.

The proposed boundary recommendations will be discussed and reviewed at the community meetings before going to the School Board for final approval. The public is invited to attend and participate in determining school boundaries for the 2008/09 school year. New and revised staff and community boundary scenarios and additional information about the boundary process can be viewed online at: http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/schoolboundaries).

Proposed boundary lines modifications would affect Lauderhill students attending Banyan Elementary, the new Elementary School at Pine Island Road and Commercial, Village Elementary, Challenger Elementary and Horizon Elementary.

Comments and input can also be provided at this site. For additional information, contact School Boundaries at 754-321-2480.

Mayor Appears on National Nightly Business Report

On December 6, Mayor Kaplan appears on the nationally recognized PBS news show, the Nightly Business Report. The Mayor was interviewed as to the financial concerns with the State Investment Funds that governments have used as an investment vehicle, and generally as to the national problem related to sub-prime mortgages defaults. You can see the interview at: http://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/Kaplan/press_120707.html.

Notes of Commission Meeting of November 26

On November 26, the Commission held its regular commission meeting, and the following matters of interest were discussed and acted upon:

PRESENTATIONS:

The presentation of a check to the City of Lauderhill by the Caribbean National Cultural Association (CNCA), from their activities at Unite-A-Fest and Trinidad/Tobago Multi-Cultural Day.


FIRST READING:

Approved an Ordinance that amends the fee structure of the Water and Sewer Rates. The first time/one-time fee for new service would be increased to slightly over average for the region. Also, that a CPI index to the rate would allow for automatic adjustments to account for inflation. It would create a situation where budgeting could be easier for large condominium users so that they would know what the upcoming rates would be in advance.


SECOND READING:

Approved a new fee schedule for recreation facilities, which have not been adjusted since 2002 and to a smaller extent in 2004.


RESOLUTIONS:

1) Approved the Architectural Services Agreement between the City of Lauderhill and Zeidler Partnership, to provide artchitectural and engineering services required to plan and design the Lauderhill Performing Arts/Cultural Center Complex; providing that funds to plan and design come from the joint funding agreement between Lauderhill and Broward County. Funds for the city come from a portion of the 2005 voter approved General Obligation Bond.

2) Approved an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Lauderhill and the City of Coral Springs to Co-Sponsor the 2008 Unitown Event from February 16 to February 18. Commerce Bank is also a sponsor of the event by its contribution of $1000.

3) Approved accepting the Owner's Representative Services Proposal from Agencie Architects regarding the Lauderhill Performing Arts/Cultural Center.

4) Approved supporting the promotion of greater awareness of negative impacts of violent media on children and encouraging the development of programs that assist families and children in using critical media literacy skills (By Vice-Mayor Margaret Bates).

5) Approved expanding the scope of work to Tropic Fence, Inc., to fabricate and install decorative fencing to include the Windermere Community Center and Mission Lake Plaza for an increase in the amount of $94,500.18.

6) Approved awarding Platinum General Contracting, LLC, the lowest responsive bidder, an exclusive contract to supply and install fences for the city from December 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008.

7) Approved a Resolution indicating the official intent of the city to issue tax-exempt bonds to finance the cost of acquisition, construction, equipping and installation of various improvements to the city's stormwater system, and to use a portion of the proceeds of such bonds to reimburse expenditures paid or incurred prior to the date of issuance thereof.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS:

1) Denied granting to Bengali, Inc., a Special Exception Use Development Order, to allow a convenience store, known as Xpress Convenience, at 9717-8723 NW 50th Street. The vote was 3 to 1, Commission Berger voting in favor.

2) Approved granting to the Circle One Condominium Association, Inc., an amendment that would extend by 3 years the expiration date of the site plan modification development order at the Circle One Condominium, on the west side of 56th Ave. at 25th Street.

3) Denied the Special Exception Use Development Order of lessee, Auto Plus, Inc., to allow a vehicular sales and temporary outdoor storage use (i.e., a used car dealership) at 1231 N.W. 31st. Avenue.


NEW BUSINESS:

1) Cancelled the Commission Meeting scheduled for December 31.

Note: Mayor Kaplan was absent from the meeting to attend the Special Meeting of the US Conference of Mayors concerning Foreclosures. See article below.

Your Donations are Needed

Again this year, the Fire-Rescue Department is supporting the P.A.L.S. effort to help our residents in need. Starting today, we will be collecting food and toys for the holiday season.

If you would like to help, we will be accepting new/unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items until Friday, December 14th, in time for distribution on December 18th.

To donate, you may take items to any of our FOUR fire stations:

Station 57 (Headquarters – 1980 NW 56 Ave.)
Station 30 (1181 NW 41 Terr, - right next to the Sadkin Center)
Station 73 (7801 NW 50 St – In front of Veteran’s Park)
Station 110 (3120 NW 12 Place – Our newest station, on NW 31st Ave & NW 12th Place)

Or, if you would like to donate and cannot make it to one of our stations, please call and we will make arrangements to have things picked up (954-730-2950).

Here's wishing you and yours a safe and healthy holiday season

Mayor's 2007 State of the City Speech

On December 10th at 6:30 PM, the Mayor will be televising his State of the City Speech on Comcast TV. The broadcast will probably be on channel 12 and/or 78. Subsequent to the broadcast, Comcast will be rebroadcasting the speech throughout December. A copy of the speech will be posted on this blog following its broadcast so that it can be read.

Mayor Kaplan's To-Do List

The following is a short partial list of some of the programs and projects the Mayor is presently directly working on:

1) Was one of 7 Mayors to attend a US Conference of Mayors National Forum on Homeownership Preservation and Foreclosures. The purpose was to discuss, analysis, and proposed solutions to the growing foreclosure situation, which is most serious in Florida and California. A presentation is expected to be given on this topic to the City Commission at the December 10th meeting.

2) Working with transportation operators to create a new short distance transportation system to service the State Road 7 CRA.

3) Working on legislation to reduce operational costs and environmental pollution of city assets, through requiring:

a) City Vehicles to be hybrid or use alternate fuels when cost effective and appropriate;
b) Existing Buildings to become more energy efficient through either the Energy Star program and/or LEED.

4) Seeking continuing funding to support and expand transit systems to serve Lauderhill.

5) Creating a county wide dedicated revenue source for matching Federal and State matching transportation projects.

6) Completing the study for alternatives for an interchange of the Turnpike at Oakland Park Blvd.

7) Implementing a new security system throughout Lauderhill.

8) Establishing a new free program for the proper disposal of batteries.

9) Providing some holiday cheer at the upcoming Dec. 10th Commission meeting.

10) Develop a Home Decorator Business Promotion Program for the University Drive corridoor in conjunction with the Chamber.

11) Providing a free Science in the Classroom program for 4th graders through a national grant.

Preliminary Report On Mayors Meeting on Foreclosures in Detroit

On November 27, Mayor Kaplan was invited to participate with a group of other Mayors to work on the growing problem about ever increasing foreclosures that are occurring throughout the US. The meeting was organized by the US Conference of Mayors, and many major lenders were in attendance, along with federal officials and national organizations. Together we made progress on this growing problem, which does have a major impact in Florida.

A more complete report will follow, and the Mayor will be giving a report at the Commission Meeting on December 10, which will be televised on Comcast Cable TV. In the meantime, the Mayor had sent to the Residents of Lauderhill the following e-mail:

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

This is a follow up to my prior e-mail concerning the foreclosure crisis. The Miami Herald has the following link that summarizes the results from the meeting: http://www.miamiherald.com/business/AP/story/322204.html

To say it was not very nice all of the time was a bit of an understatement, which is why it was decided, at the request of the lenders, to have it closed to the public. However, the results, we believe, will be positive for the country, and for Lauderhill.

In about a week, I will post an article on my blog: www.elauderhillnews.com, providing much needed information and details that came from this meeting. For right now, there is a contact number for those with mortgage problems which was set up, it is 888-995-HOPE to talk to a counselor. They will help to avoid foreclosures. No one need be blamed for having difficulties. Good people have problems, and this cuts across all demographic groups. With proper early assistance, we will be able to prevent many foreclosures and deterioration of our community.

Just so you know, Florida will suffer an $80 Billion reduction in state wide property value this year, which will also have a negative impact on property tax revenues. Country wide, it is over $1 Trillion. Also, Florida is only second to California in the number of foreclosures. The peak for this problem, relating to sub prime and adjustment mortgages, causing a spike in payments and foreclosures, is expected in May of 2008.

The Mayors, who took the lead on this issue earlier this year in Los Angeles, of which I was a part of, will be continuing this process and are planning another meeting, tentatively for January in DC, at the US Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting. It is hoped at that meeting we will be able to engage members of Wall Street who are also major players in this problem.

Participating in this meeting, by invitation only, were 7 core Mayors and 3 other Mayors that were able to attend a portion. The President of the Conference, Mayor Palmer from Trenton, the chair of the committee, Mayor Kilpatrick from Detroit, Past President of the Conference, Mayor Abramson of Louisville, KY, the Mayor of Lansing, Michigan, the Mayor of Columbus, Ohio, the Mayor of Bowling Green, KY, and myself were primarily driving this process. Also in attendance with the Mayors, and many of the nations largest lenders, were non-profit organizations working in this area, with Federal and State Officials.

I hope this information will be of assistance to those that are experiencing this problem, and for those that know of others who are, please let them know.

Very Truly Yours,

Richard J. Kaplan
Mayor, City of Lauderhill

To see video clips of TV interviews (from a live Bloomberg TV interview and a local TV news show) on this meeting, you can click the following links:

http://www.clipsyndicate.com/publish/video/455933/mayors_warn_on_mortgage_crisis_part
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=70D400420D6450A404FE41F5B6C716BA?contentId=5055464&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1

The City of Lauderhill and the Lauderhill Chamber Holiday Celebration

The City of Lauderhill and the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce that tax deductible donations are now being accepted for our Holiday Celebration to be held on Saturday, December 8th, 2007, from 6 pm – 11 pm, at the Inverrary Country Club (3840 Inverrary Boulevard).

The entertainment lineup will include the Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, upbeat selections by the Boyd Anderson High School Quartet, an African Dance Troupe called Ballet Brika, & the R & B singing sensation Rick Combs. Lauderhill’s own DJ Jabbow will also be on-hand, so there will never be a dull moment! You will not be disappointed!!

Tax deductible donations of $30 per person will be accepted as entry into the Holiday Celebration. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of 200 Computers for Lauderhill Youth. Donations can be made in person or over the phone at the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, (5557 W. Oakland Park Boulevard, #954-318-6118). This event is for everyone - come and celebrate with us!

Donations include wonderful hors d’oeuvres, a fantastic line up entertainment, an opportunity to participate in a Silent Auction, and a guarantee to have a great time! A cash bar will also be available.

For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 954-318-6118.
Commerce Bank is proud to be a sponsor of this Holiday Celebration!

Free Lauderhill City Map

Through a generous contribution by Florida Medical Center, the City of Lauderhill has produced a new color map of the city. This map includes all streets, transit routes, location of major businesses, parks, public facilities and schools. There is also a hurricane map, city directory information, and photos of many ongoing activities in the city.

You can get your free map at one of the city community centers, at the main fire and police station, City Clerk's office, the Chamber of Commerce and at City Hall(Business Center). Also they will be given out at special events and at homeowner association meetings.

Mayors to Meet About Rising Foreclosures

Mayor Richard J Kaplan will be joining a select group of seven Mayors in Detroit on November 27, to discuss the concerns and solutions in trying to avoid further foreclosures, and to keep foreclosed properties from creating blight within neighborhoods throughout the United States. The rate of foreclosure is increasing nationwide and is especially hitting hard in South Florida. The meeting was organized by the US Conference of Mayors. Joining the Mayors will be federal officials, mortgage experts and lenders.

The Mayor's decision to attend was prompted by his prior work in this area through the US Conference of Mayors at their June 2006 meeting. His involvement can be attributed to him being an attorney practicing real estate and mortgage law with special knowledge in this area, plus the overwhelming concerns that foreclosures are on the rise in our community. The hope is to find solutions that will benefit our residents to allow them to keep their homes, and to avoid neighborhood deterioration.

For more information, please use the following links: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/21/ap/business/main3529541.shtml?source=search_story, http://cbs4.com/local/lauderhill.foreclosure.mayors.2.593124.html, and http://usmayors.org/uscm/news/press_releases/documents/mortgage_111907.pdf

Notes of the Lauderhill Regular Workshop of November 19

On November 19, the City Commission met in a Workshop and the following was discussed:

1. Presentation by Martin Outdoor to put up bus benches and shelters throughout Lauderhill. (Requested by Deputy Vice Mayor Hayward J. Benson, Jr.). Lauderhill would eventually earn a few thousand dollars each year by the company selling ads. Commission consensus was to allow the Administration to continue with the city's plans for bus shelters, review the situation, evaluate other possibilities, seek community input (particularly from Homeowner Associations as to their interest), and report to the Commission.

2. Discussion of Ordinance No. 07O-10-156 which was removed from the Oct. 29 Regular Commission Meeting. This would amend the fee structure of the Water and Sewer Rates.
(Requested by City Manager Charles Faranda). A presentation was made. It showed that the proposed first time/one-time fee for new service would be increased to slightly over average for the region. Also, that a CPI index to the rate would allow for automatic adjustments to account for inflation. It would create a situation where budgeting could be easier for large condominium users so that they would know what the upcoming rates would be in advance.

3. Discussion on naming entrance road to the Regional Park (Requested by the City Commission). A few ideas were given and it was requested for the Public Arts Board and the ACT Board review over and give a recommendation. Public suggestions are welcome and can be submitted.

4. Discussion of an ordinance banning the wearing of "saggy pants" on City of Lauderhill property. (Requested by Commission Howard Berger) . The Mayor and remaining Commissioners decided that it did not support this proposal, though we agreed that we do not like the wearing of "saggy pants." After discussions with the City Attorney which felt that if we did impose it, that we could be expected to be sued in Federal Court, probably lose, and pay for attorney fees for all sides, plus the overall feeling that this is a parental issue, the consensus was not to pursue the concept.

5. Discussion of a business tax fee for Home-Based Family Child Care and the inclusion and the inclusion of large family child care home classification. (Requested by Commission Howard Berger). The City Attorney advised that the city ordinance was already being reviewed and amended so that it comes into compliance with state law.

6. Discussion of City Clerk who is retiring. (Requested by Mayor Richard J. Kaplan). The Commission decided to name the Deputy City Clerk, Andrea Anderson, to be the City Clerk. The item would be added to the December 10 agenda, effective January 2, 2008.

7. Discussion of LDR Amendment that site plan modifications for city-initiated development projects undergo major review. (Requested by Deputy Vice Mayor Hayward J. Benson, Jr.) . With some specific issues to be concerned with, the City Manager will draft some legislation.

Public Announcements and Notices. Mayor Kaplan: there are no regular workshops for December, January and February. Therefore, a special workshop may be called in the first part of January for needed items.

New Central Regional Park Opens

The new Central Regional Park is open. For those that didn't see the Channel 10 report, check this out:

http://www.everyzing.com/viewMedia.jsp?index=11&match=none&expand=true&filter=1&num=16&dedupe=1&start=0&ci=65&col=en-all-public-ep&channel=130&res=0&e=13920309

Thanksgiving Day Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is a day to be with family and friends and reflect on the many things for which we are thankful, including the end of the hurricane season. Unfortunately, many people end up spending time at hospitals, instead of with their loved ones. Here are a few tips to avoid being with us instead of with your family.

Never thaw a frozen turkey on the counter as it greatly increases the risk of bacteria growth which may not be destroyed by cooking. You can thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator or in cold water. In the refrigerator, allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds; in cold water allow 30 minutes per pound and remember to change the water every 30 minutes. Small turkeys can be defrosted in the microwave, but must be cooked immediately after defrosting.

Carve the Turkey, not yourself! Place the turkey on a cutting board or other secure surface, so it does not slide around. Make sure your cutting utensils are clean and sharp. Wash your hands before and after carving.

Burns are one of the most common Thanksgiving mishaps. Be careful when handling hot food. An adult can get a third degree burn with only a 1 second contact with 160°F food or liquid. For a child, it is less than 1 second. Keep children out of the kitchen when cooking and never leave pots on the stove unattended.

Keep food at safe temperature. Between 40°F and 140°F is considered the Danger Zone for food because it isn’t cold enough or hot enough to inhibit bacterial growth. Discard any turkey, stuffing or gravy left out at room temperature for 2 hours or more. Store leftovers in the refrigerator soon after dinner is over.

Don’t forget the four legged members of your family. Alcohol and chocolate can be toxic if consumed by cats or dogs. Small turkey or ham bones can lodge in their throats and poultry skins or fats can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for your furry friends.

If traveling by car on Thanksgiving, allow extra travel time. The biggest travel hours are Thanksgiving Day between 9am and Noon.

If you have last minute questions about cooking your turkey or ham on Thanksgiving, help is available:
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline – 1-800-535-4555
Butterball Turkey Talk Line – 1-800-323-4848
Honeybaked Ham Consumer Hotline – 1-800-641-8290

And to everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving. Go Lions.

Santa Deliveries

LAUDERHILL WORKSHOP AGENDA

THERE WILL BE A WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2007, AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 3800 INVERRARY BOULEVARD (CORPORATE PARK), SUITES 111-112, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

THIS WILL BE A LIMITED AGENDA MEETING. THE ONLY BUSINESS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL BE:

1. PRESENTATION BY MARTIN OUTDOOR MEDIA (BUS BENCHES AND SHELTERS). (REQUESTED BY DEPUTY VICE MAYOR HAYWARD J. BENSON, JR.)

2. DISCUSSION OF ORDINANCE NO. 07O-10-156 WHICH WAS REMOVED FROM THE OCTOBER 29, 2007 REGULAR COMMISSION AGENDA:

ORDINANCE NO. 07O-10-156: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 21, WATER AND SEWER SERVICE ARTICLE IV, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RATES; AMENDING SECTION 21-46, RULES REGULATION, CREATING SUBSECTION (ee), SYSTEM PRICE STRUCTURE TO IMPLEMENT THE U.S. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX AND IMPACT FEE RATE STRUCTURE; AMENDING SECTION 21-47, SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES TO RESTRUCTURE ALL WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICE RATES, AVAILABILITY CHARGES, STORMWATER CHARGES AND CONSUMPTION RATES TO BE ADJUSTED AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT FURTHER ACTION BY THE CITY COMMISSION EACH YEAR IN ACCORDANCE WITH 100% OF THE US. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX AS DETERMINED IN JUNE OF THE CALENDAR YEAR OF THE ADJUSTMENT; ADOPTING A NEW UTILITY IMPACT FEE STRUCTURE; PROVIDING FOR THE NEW RATE STRUCTURE TO COMMENCE DECEMBER 1, 2007 AND TO BE EFFECTIVE ON THE 1ST OF OCTOBER OF EACH YEAR THEREAFTER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER CHARLES FARANDA)

3. DISCUSSION ON NAMING ENTRANCE ROAD TO THE REGIONAL PARK (REQUESTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION)

4. DISCUSSION OF AN ORDINANCE BANNING THE WEARING OF ”SAGGY PANTS” ON CITY OF LAUDERHILL PROPERTY. (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER HOWARD BERGER)

5. DISCUSSION OF A BUSINESS TAX FEE FOR HOME-BASED FAMILY CHILD CARE AND THE INCLUSION OF LARGE FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME CLASSIFICATION. (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER HOWARD BERGER)

6. DISCUSSION OF CITY CLERK WHO IS RETIRING (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN)

7. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NOTICES.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Open The Windemere Recreation Center!

The City of Lauderhill Invites You!

Join The Mayor, City Commission, and Residents of the City of Lauderhill to unveil the newly reconstructed Windemere Recreation Center!
When: Monday, November 19th, 2007
Where: 1818 NW 54 Terrace, Lauderhill, 33313, (954) 714-3074
Time: 10:00 am
Information: (954) 730-3000

What was once a privately owned and abandoned Club House for the Windemere Condominium Association is now a City owned Recreation Center for the public to enjoy!

A complete refurbishment and remodeling of the Recreation Center and Grounds began around four months ago. The upgrades and property acquisition, totaling $618,000 were funded through the $35 million dollar General Obligation Bond. The overhauled Windemere Recreation Center itself is approximately 3,700 square feet and sits on 3/4 of an acre of newly landscaped land.

The purchase and refurbishment of the Windemere Recreation Center was specifically designed to be a meeting place where families in Central Lauderhill can interact. The Center’s amenities include basketball courts, a kid-friendly playground area, a Lauderhill Police Department Sub-station, and community center for recreation programs and gatherings.

Please join your neighbors and Commissioners in celebrating another significant accomplishment in Lauderhill’s Renaissance! The completion of the Windemere Recreation Center is a vital element in the redevelopment of Central Lauderhill. Please be a part of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and be a part of Lauderhill’s history in the making!

District Host Meetings to Discuss Proposed School Boundaries

BROWARD SCHOOL DISTRICT TO HOST MEETINGS TO DISCUSS PROPOSED SCHOOL BOUNDARY CHANGES

Broward County Public Schools will kick off school boundary community meetings to review and discuss proposed district-wide school boundary scenarios. The first meeting, Community Forum I, will take place on Saturday,November 17 at two school locations. For all proposed boundary scenarios affecting north and north central area schools, the meeting will take place at Monarch High School Auditorium (5050 Wiles Road in Coconut Creek). For all proposed boundary scenarios affecting south and south central area schools, the meeting will take place at McArthur High School Auditorium (6501 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood).

Parents and community members will be able to sign up to speak from 8:30 to 9 a.m. District School Boundaries staff will present the boundary process along with staff and community scenarios from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by questions and community input from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Foreign language interpreters will be present at each meeting location.

A second meeting on the proposed school boundaries, Community Forum II ,is scheduled for Saturday, December 15 and will again take place at Monarch and McArthur high schools. The agenda and schedule for the meeting will also be the same. The proposed boundary recommendations will be discussed and reviewed at the community meetings before going to the School Board for final approval. The public is invited to attend and participate in determining school boundaries for the 2008/09 school year. Additional information on the boundary process can be found online at(http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/schoolboundaries/BoundaryProcess.htm).

Parents can review boundary scenarios, frequently asked questions and answers, list of schools participating in the boundary process, meeting dates, and provide comments and input. For additional information, contact School Boundaries at 754-321-2480.

Update on Lauderhill

BUILDING DEPARTMENT:

One of the General Contractors on a phase of Stonebridge Gardens is waiting for the association to select the sub-contractors to proceed. As to Section 2, work is currently ongoing at the buildings 2800 through 2804. Crews completed rough HVAC in 17 units as of 10/6. Work will continue. 95% of the rough plumbing is in. Windows have been ordered for the 2800-02-04 buildings, and is expected in 3 to 4 weeks. Drywall and contact electric will be onsite to complete frame repair, begin fire walls in attics and begin the electric rough-in in these buildings.


CODE ENFORCEMENT:

64 Notices of Violations and 14 parking tickets were written for the week of 9/30 to 10/6.


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY:

Demolition commenced on Mission Lake Plaza west building. Le Bon Berger has moved out of their space and the Arts Incubator is expanding into this space and the space on the other side of its current location.


FIRE DEPARTMENT:

During the week of 9/30 to 10/6, the department responded to 3 fires (average response time of 3:37), 182 EMS calls (average response time of 5:44), 3 hazardous conditions, 28 good intent calls, 12 false calls. There were 23 fire inspections, 23 building plans reviewed, 6 permit inspections, and a fire investigation on NW 28th Street. Public education given at Sadkin Center, Endeavor Primary Learning Center and Paul Turner Elementary. The Retirement Life Center was evacuated for 12 hours due to fire.


PALS:

Planning continued for the MLK Spelling Bee and Brain Bowl. A Youth Sports web site is being worked on. Coordination is being established on quarterly inspections on the shuttle buses. 6,225 were transported on the Lauderhill Shuttle for the week.

Notes of Commission Meeting of 10/29

On October 29, the Commission held its regular commission meeting, and the following matters of interest were discussed and acted upon:


PROCLAMATIONS:

Proclamation declaring November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.


PRESENTATIONS:

A presentation was given as a joint public/private partnership between the City of Lauderhill and Florida Medical Center in the creation of a free City Map. FMC sponsored the cost of the map, which will be distributed to residents, businesses and prospective businesses of the city.


FIRST READING:

Approved a new fee schedule for recreation facilities, which have not been adjusted since 2002 and to a smaller extent in 2004.


SECOND READING:

Approved giving the City Manager the authorization to waive permit fees in cases of emergency or hardships.


RESOLUTIONS:

1) Approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes and the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization, outlining each jurisdiction's participation in the Oakland Park Blvd. interchange study at the turnpike. Lauderhill and Lauderdale Lakes will contribute just over $10,749.38 each, and the Broward MPO will contribute $25,000. Mayor Kaplan, as the MPO Representative for Lauderhill and representing Lauderdale Lakes, helped secure the monies from the MPO and the approval of Lauderdale Lakes.

2) Approved an Interlocal Agreement with Broward County, Plantation and Fort Lauderdale to participate in a Broward Blvd. corridor study.

3) Approved contributing $50,000 to Rebuild Broward Program to be used towards repairing houses in the area of St. George. It is expected to provide significant home improvements of 12-15 homes, with over $200,000 in value via supplies and labor. The 9th Annual Rebuilding Together Day is proposed for April 26, 2008.

4) Approved a Resolution accepting the Agreement between the City of Lauderhill and Sienna Club Homeowner's Association, for local traffic control and public safety within Sienna Club.

5) Approved the expenditure from the Federal Forfeiture Fund for the purchase of the Crime View Crime Analysis Program, a 40 Gun Rack, Emergency Vehicle Lighting Equipment and 3 Chevrolet Impalas.

6) Approved the expenditure from the State Law Enforcement Trust Fund for the purchase of a Chevrolet Impala and Chevrolet HHR, and 40 Rock River Rifles.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS:

1) Approved, with a 4 to 1 vote, the Special Exception Use Development Order to allow JMKE, LLC to re-open Meineke Care Car Center on Commercial Blvd. Mayor Kaplan in opposition due to the impact the business would have on adjoining properties, including residential property adjacent.

2) Approved an appeal and overturned the P & Z Department Director's decision on an Administrative Development Order, concerning a prohibition of a use for painting of vehicles. The Director had requested the approval to overcome a potential error in the prior Development Order from 1998. No complaints or issues were presented to show that the business was creating problems within the area by operating as a car painting facility for the last 10 years.


NEW BUSINESS:

1) Discussion of naming the entrance road to the County Regional Park and Performing Arts Center. Tabled to allow staff to review and report

2) Discussion to set a workshop for the 50th Anniversary Committee to present to the Commission its plans for the celebration. The Workshop was set for 6 PM, December 10.

New Artist Community in Broward

Work Space in Lauderhill, FL
TAO Network Hub is up & running!

The Arts Office has opened studio spaces in Lauderhill, FL.

Spaces are available in various sizes at a cost of $12 per square foot annualized. Choose a size to fit your budget - 24hr access and electricity included.

Join us in building a creative environment that balances a feeling of community with exhibitions and professional development opportunities. Be a part of our international network of artists and organizations. If you are a visual or performing artist interested in a studio space within an artist community in Broward, please contact us.

Interested artists must be juried to become resident artists by submitting a portfolio of representative work samples, an artist statement, resume and cover letter.

Mail packages to:

The Arts Office, Attn: Resident Artist Application, 5450 NW 19th Street, Lauderhill, FL 33313

Or send materials by email to submissions@theartsoffice.net with a website link or jpeg images [PC compatible only]. Artist statement, resume and letter of intent must be Word documents.

The final review consists of an interview with the Executive Director, Tonietta Walters

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

You can then update your profile to choose: WorkSpace

In cooperation with: City of Lauderhill Community Redevelopment Agency

email: info@theartsoffice.net Phone: 954-730-3026; web: http://www.theartsoffice.net/

The City of Lauderhill Celebrates Veterans Day 2007

The Spirit of America!

The City of Lauderhill is proud to announce the celebration of Veterans Day 2007.

Sunday, November 11, at 4:00 PM, Lauderhill’s Veteran’s Park (7600 NW 50 Street) will serve as the venue for this patriotic event. Proud Americans are invited to join together with our Lauderhill Commissioners and Residents to celebrate the Spirit of America by Honoring America’s Heroes.

Veterans Day is a holiday observed annually in the United States in honor of all those living and dead who served with the U.S. armed forces in times of peace, as well as war. This event gives families an opportunity to enjoy paying tribute and honoring America’s Heroes for their courage and bravery. The Ceremony will include honoring our Veterans living in the City and those who are presently serving in the military.

Vice Mayor M. Margaret Bates Veterans Day Committee Chairperson, remarks “This is an opportunity you cannot miss, to join your fellow Americans in celebrating the Spirit of America by honoring our country’s Veterans and educating our youth of our great Nation.”

This is a free event, and we invite all to join us in observing this day; to give thanks and pay tribute to our past and present heroes of the United States of America.

For more information please call 954/730-4218.

Light refreshments will be served.

Kids In Science Club

On Saturday, November 3, the Kids in Science Club, presents an "Odyssey in Science," at the Jim Ward Community Center. The address of the center is 301 NW 46th Ave, Plantation and is free to all. Children between 6 and 14 years are encouraged to submit a project. Project Setup is from 9 to 11 AM. Judging from 11 to noon. Public Displaying & Viewing from 1 to 4 PM.

The awards banquet will be on Nov. 17. Sponsors are welcome. Awards include scholarships, trophies, prizes and awards. For more information contact Eric Hammond, 954-327-7203.

Tropical Storm Noel Update #1

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

An update on Tropical Storm Noel. Noel has already pushed farther west onto Cuba than the computer models projected from 9 PM last night. Also, Noel may, for a time being, strengthen into a Hurricane, but is not expected to stay as a Hurricane. At 9 PM last night, we were in the cone of of potential impact, but not at this time because Noel is expected to take a sharp turm out to the east towards the Bahamas. The projected closest point to our area would now bring it by us Wednesday night, Halloween.

Our concern is that since the storm has already gone farther west than projected, we need to take some minimal steps to make sure we are prepared. Time will be limited if the projected path is not followed. Flying debris and flooding is the greatest concern. Make sure storm drains are clear in your area if you can safely address this. Minimally, we should receive scattered rain and lots of wind, some which you may have noticed this morning.

We hope that Noel will be an inconvenience, but we feel it is better to be prepared even if nothing ultimately happens. Please keep watching reports for further updates.

Very Truly Yours,

Richard J. Kaplan
Mayor, City of Lauderhill

Lauderhill Police Department Community Resource Fair

A Community support event sponsored by the Lauderhill Police Department Crime Prevention Unit, in partnership with the Broward Re-Entry Coalition. Join us on at the Cooperative Feeding Program:

Wednesday, November 7th, 2007
12:00pm-5:00pm
Edward Smith Center
1 Street N.W. 33 Terrace
Lauderhill, Florida 33311

Resources for support for Ex-Offenders, and others in need will be provided in the following areas:

§ Housing
§ Employment
§ Health Services
§ Legal Aid
§ Religious support
§ Social Security
§ Drivers License/ ID
§ HIV/AIDS
§ Transportation
§ Financial Services

For More Information contact Officer Y. Pubien: 954-553-2053

Tropical Storm Noel

Dear Residents of the City of Lauderhill,

I have not activated my Emergency Notification System, but I wanted to send you this message because of a possible weather condition which is a matter of concern. Presently, Tropical Storm Noel is heading in the general direction of Florida, but is not expect to hit the State. Towards the end of Tuesday, beginning of Wednesday, it is expected to veer to northeast, bringing wind and rain to the area. It is always possible that the route could take a change of direction, and either head closer to Florida or away from it. It could also pick up speed, which would result with a greater impact to our area, even if it stays on its presently projected course.

Being that we cannot guarantee the direction of the Storm, it is only prudent to take appropriate actions for safety reasons. Minimally, the precautions should address the concerns of flying debris. Please start looking at your hurricane plans. Address bringing items (items under 50 lbs.) which could take flight, (flower pots, lawn furniture, BBQ's, flags, tools, etc.) from outside, into a secure area. If you have loose branches, please take them by tomorrow night without injuring yourself or touching electric lines.

Right now would be a good time to make sure you have adequate supplies, batteries, flashlights, money, food and water supplies, etc., if power is lost. Also, you may wish to make sure you have sufficient gas for your car(s) and propane for your grill (storing it safely). Consult the guides the supermarkets and TV stations have been putting out for more information.

More announcements will be forthcoming as needed. It would be appreciated if you would notify others since this system does not reach everyone. If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.

Very Truly Yours,

Richard J. Kaplan
Mayor, City of Lauderhill

County Regional Park Recent Photos

Lauderhill Police Report

Recently, two undercover operations were closed with arrests. The identities and located are being withheld with possible informants being developed. The arrest charges do not go away.

While VIN detectives were surveilling the targeted dealer, who had already sold drugs to detectives, the target’s supplier arrived in his new SUV to deliver cannabis. Once the meet was complete both were arrested for felony charges.

2 pounds of cannabis was seized
$ 2,500.00 was seized
2008 Mercedes Benz ML 350 SUV seized

---------------------------

A shoplifter at the Target store became combative after being stopped In his possession was six knives and 60 DVD’s in his pants. Suspect was arrested and taken to county jail.

---------------------------

A Lauderhill Officer responded to a possible domestic dispute at XXXX Inverrary Blvd. He made contact with one of the parties. The resident kept reaching inside his coat. The Officer located an automatic firearm. Resident was arrested.

Local Amateur Radio Operators Simulate Emergency Drill

When Category III Hurricane Dave slammed ashore in Broward County on Saturday, October 6, 2007, with sustained winds of 110 miles per hour and gusts of 115, only a few citizens were aware of this dangerous storm. Those few were the local amateur radio operators conducting a simulated emergency drill from the Lauderhill Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and receiving reports called in by hams from the Red Cross, the Oakland Park EOC, various hurricane shelters and their mobile units.

Dave Wagner, WA2DXQ, Emergency Coordinator for the Broward Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), directed the drill, which was designed to give ham radio operators an opportunity to practice the skills necessary to provide reliable communications during actual disasters. Wagner said he hopes to conduct further drills from the EOCs of other communities in the county, giving each the chance to act in simulation of the Broward County EOC in Plantation.

Also participating in the drill were members of the other ham radio emergency organization, the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). Together, the members of ARES and RACES support one another and the community in their effort to give truth to the motto of hams everywhere, "When all else fails, amateur radio works." Further information on the emergency capabilities of amateur radio can be found at http://www.emergency-radio.org/.

Following the drill, some of the participants visited the Fire-Rescue Station 73 open house at 7801 NW 50th Street, Lauderhill, where they demonstrated the amateur radio equipment installed in their vehicles.

Editor's Note: The Amateur Radio Operators (also known as Ham Radio Operators) have a club in Lauderhill and in Broward County. They are looking for those that have an interest in becoming involved. If so, contact:

Carl Zettelmeyer, WA4CZ
Public Information Officer
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
zettz@bellsouth.net
954-303-8548

Lauderhill Parks New Schedule and Sunday Closings of Recreational Centers

Effective Nov. 1, due to the cut backs in funding by the mandatory 9% reduction in property tax, the city is proposing new hours of operation for its parks:

WESTWIND PARK: M-F 8 AM to 10 PM, Sat. and Sun. 8 AM to 8 PM, Recreation Center Closed Sunday;

WEST KEN LARK PARK and ST. GEORGE PARK: M-F 8 AM to 10 PM, Sat. 10 AM to 10 PM, Sat. 10 AM to 8 PM, Sun. 12 PM to 8 PM, Recreation Center Closed Sunday, no staff;

SADKIN CENTER: M-F 8 AM to 10 PM, Sat. 10 AM to 6 PM, not opened on Sunday;

WOLK PARK: M-F 8 AM to 10 PM, Sat. 10 AM to 6 PM, Sun. 12 PM to 6 PM, Recreation Center Closed Sunday, no staff;

VETERANS PARK: M-F 9 AM to 10 PM, Sat. 9 AM to 6 PM, Sun. 9 AM to 6 PM, Recreation Center Closed Sunday, no staff;

SPORTS PARK: M-F 6 AM to 10 PM, Sat. and Sun 7 AM to 7 PM. Staff available but office building closed.

During "WINTER HOURS"(November 4, 2007 through March 9, 2008), Westwind, West Ken Lark, St. George and Wolk Park will close at 6 PM, irrespective of the above.

MySafeFloridaHome.com Fair

Join the My Safe Florida Home Fair. The fair is free to the public and will include a variety of exhibitors who will provide information on strengthening homes against catastrophic losses.

State representatives from the program will be on hand to help educate eligible homeowners about the services provided through the My Safe Florida Home program, including free wind inspections and grant funds.

Date: Saturday, November 3, 2007
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: Broward County Community College
Omni Auditorium
1000 Coconut Creek Blvd.
Coconut Creek, FL 33066

● Eligible homeowners will be able to sign up for their free wind inspections.

● Homeowners who have received inspections from the program may be eligible for a discount on their wind insurance premiums.


For more information on the program visit http://www.mysafefloridahome.com/ or if you have any questions or suggestions, call 954-321-2900.

Lauderhill Police Report Update

Officer XXXXX observed suspect consuming alcohol in public. 1.5 grams of Cannabis was located on his person at 5590 W. Oakland Park Blvd. He was placed under arrest.

Two back flow diverters were taken from 1621 NW 46 Ave.

Officer XXXX responded to suspect receiving a xanax prescription by using a false name and her grandfather’s credit card. She put six pills in her mouth. The six pills were retrieved, along with the remaining 120 on her person. She was arrested at 7730 W. Commerical Blvd.

Officer XXXXX conducted a traffic stop. The driver had a revoked drivers license. Incident to arrest, 343.6 grams of cannabis was located along with scales and 6.8 grams of cocaine. She was arrested and her motor vehicle seized at 2200 NW 58 Ave.

Officer XXXX arrested suspect for an active warrant for operating a motor vehicle without a DL. She was arrested at 4391 NW 19th St.

Officer XXXX conducted a traffic stop at 6000 W. Oakland Park Blvd. and arrested the suspect for possession of 238.9 grams of cannabis, extasy and a .380 cal handgun. The motor vehicle was seized.

Officer XXXXX conducted a traffic stop and arrested a suspect for possession of 5.3 grams of cannabis and a small amount of cocaine. The motor vehicle was seized at 1200 NW 55 Ave.

Officers responded to a report of a shooting incident at 5518 W. Oakland Park Blvd. No one was found at that location, but a victim was located at the Florida Medical Center with a leg wound from a firearm. The subject was very uncooperative and refused to talk about the incident.

Officer XXXXX conducted a traffic stop at 5400 University Drive and arrested a suspect for 499 pills of MDMA. The motor vehicle was seized.

Update on Lauderhill

BUILDING DEPARTMENT:

1) Brookfield Square Condominiums is currently being processed for the Unsafe Structure Board. This was as a result of an inspection of their guardrail system, which suffered substantial damage due to Hurricane Wilma. Flying debris from the hurricane has severely compromised the structural integrity of the guardrail and is actually a hazard and not a safeguard. It is suggested that the entire system be replaced.

2) The situation at Stonebridge remains unchanged. There appears to still be insurance issues. A special review by staff was made at the end of September. They found that the only work being done was observed in section 4 where new railing was being installed. No activity was taking place in section 1 & 3. The construction company for sections 1 & 3 have advised they have finalized the revised pricing schedule with their estimating team and numerous subcontractors. Matters will be submitted to the association when complete. Subcontractors were on site during the week to provide proposals for additional items, including drywall, windows, plumbing, countertops, painting, flooring, specialities, insulation and cabinets. Insurance and code issues are being worked on between the contractor and Board of Directors. Work will then follow once these issues are agreed upon. As to Section 2, the contractor is waiting for the association to get back with them concerning subcontractors, Electrical and Plumbing. The association has been provided with 3 bids and construction cannot move forward until the association chooses its subcontractors.

3) A unsafe structure in the St. George Area is being scheduled for demolition. The structure is a health/safety matter to the community, and is at the request of the Homeowners Association President to take action to remedy the situation.


CODE ENFORCEMENT:

1) A suspected illegal ALF was reported, and ordered to close.

2) From 8/26 to 9/22, 275 Notice of Violations were issued, 40 parking tickets and 3 water violations.


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA):

1) Multiple cities are discussing a joint Cultural Planning Grant, with support of other organizations.

2) The Arts Incubator at Mission Lake Plaza is completed and opened. Further expansion is being planned.

3) Notice has been received by several Lauderhill banks to develop a Lauderhill small business loan program.

4) At a County Commission meeting a $995,000 RCP grant for the Lauderhill Town Suites project was approved on consent agenda.


DEES:

1) Work is proceeding on the NW 31st Avenue signalization installation.

2) Work is proceeding on the completion date for the Windermere Community Center.


FIRE DEPARTMENT:

From 8/26 to 9/22, the department responded to 19 Fire Calls, 643 Emergency Calls, 11 Hazardous Condition Call, 53 Service Calls, and 72 False Calls. Average Response Time for Fire was from around 4 minutes and 14 seconds to a high of 6 minutes 28 seconds, and from 5 minutes and 16 seconds to 5 minutes and 46 seconds on average for EMS. The standard is under 6 minutes for 90% of the time, which was complied with.


PARKS AND LEISURE SERVICES (PALS):

1) Family Golf Day was held on October 6.

2) Lauderhill Shuttle Bus transported 27,501 people in August.

3) Lauderhill Demand Response Shuttle transported 2003 in August.

4) The Lauderhill Shuttle Bus stop at Stiles was found to be unsafe. After reviewing the situation, it was concluded that a better location would be the stop at NW 64th Ave. and West Oakland Park, at the corner 3 stores aways from Stiles.

5) 80 children participated in swim lessons.

6) 50th Anniversary Committee is preparing to present the Commission a proposal for the city's anniversary.

7) Meetings are being conducted for new playground canopies.

Broward Meals on Wheels - Chocolate Extravaganza

Grand Opening of Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill

It was announced that the Central Broward Regional Park, a 110-acre multipurpose facility located at Sunrise Boulevard and State Road 7 in Lauderhill, is scheduled to host its official opening ceremony on Friday, November 9, 2007, at 4 p.m.

The park will be home to a new 560-foot-diameter multipurpose main event field, which can host special events, concerts, festivals, and local and international sporting activities such as cricket, soccer, and football (meeting International Cricket Council guidelines), and has 5,000 covered seats and additional seating for 15,000 to 25,000 spectators. A 17,000-square-feet main event field building will include a concession area, locker rooms, restrooms, and a press viewing room on the first floor, and a VIP viewing room, a VIP lounge, and a presidential viewing box on the second floor.

Other park amenities include two lighted basketball courts, four lighted multipurpose fields that can be used as either two cricket fields or four soccer/football fields, two lighted netball courts with spectator seating, interactive aquatics playground area and teaching pool, paddleboat rentals, seven picnic shelters, two corporate pavilions, two ADA-accessible playgrounds, 1.5-mile nature trail, and an 80-foot-high clock tower. The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division will manage the facility.

All America Cultural Mall Video Update

For a new video on the All America Cultural Mall, to be built adjacent to Carrishoca, the Central Broward Regional Park and the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL_dt5xSdgA

Recent Photo On The Central County Regional Park Construction

Stonebridge Gardens Cash Distributions from Hurricane Wilma

The City of Lauderhill will distribute $990,000 to Hurricane Wilma victims from Stonebridge Gardens Condominium. The funds are through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Funds received in the amount of $15,000 each to 66 families displaced from Stonebridge Condominiums, who were already approved.

The distribution of funds will take place between the hours of 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM, on Wednesday, October 17, 2007, in the City’s Commission Chambers - 3800 Inverrary Blvd. Suite #111.

Stonebridge residents who have not applied for funds or were previously not approved will have another opportunity to apply for additional available aid. The application process will begin again November 1st – November 30th, at the Business and Neighborhood Enrichment Office at Lauderhill’s City Hall – 3800 Inverrary Blvd., Suite #307.

If you need any additional information please call 954-730-3036.

Volunteers Needed

The city has created numerous volunteer boards to handle many of the issues come up each day in the city. Presently we are in need of volunteers to serve on these boards. Most, but not all boards, require you to be a city resident. Some board members must hold specialized qualifications. However, if you are interested in serving, we can find a board for you to work on.

A few of the boards are: Code Enforcement Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Nuisance Abatement Board, Public Arts Board, Unsafe Structures Board, Recreational Advisory Board, Civil Service Board, several Pension Boards, ACT Board (Arts, Cultural & Tourism), Educational Advisory Board, and some new boards being considered.

If you have interest, contact the City Clerk's office, 954-730-3010, for more information. Typically a resume is required, which can be faxed to 954-730-3062, or e-mailed to the City Clerk: cityclerk@lauderhill-fl.gov.

Joint MPO/County Commission Workshop and Mayor's Transit Summit

On Tuesday, October 16 at Convention Center, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Broward County Commission and the Mayor of Broward County will conduct a Transit Workshop and Summit. Some of the topics to be covered will be, "What will it take to alleviate traffic congestion in our growing region?" and "What can be done now and in the future to improve public transportation?

The Transit Workshop between the MPO and the County Commission will be from 10 to noon. From 1 to 4:30 PM, the Mayor will conduct his Transit Summit. Complementary parking will be provided and public attendance, with public participation at the Summit is encouraged.

Presentations will include information from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Broward County Transit, Miami-Dade Transit, Palm Tran, South Florida Regional Transit Authority (Tri-Rail), and the Regional Planning Councils. Roundtable discussions will provide a forum for attendees to voice their concerns, ideas and recommendations during the Transit Summit in the afternoon. For further information, call 954-357-8355.

Update on Lauderhill FCAT Prep Camp

At the September 17th Workshop, the Commission discussed the Florida Education Fund camp programs to assist students in preparing for FCAT, SAT, etc. The proposal was for a Lauderhill FCAT Prep Camp for 60 students at a cost of $25,150. The Commission consensus was to fund it $10,000, and consider giving $5000 from the upcoming Educational Fund, and an additional $5000 from other sources, which may include from remaining funds from Commissioners Administrative Expenses funds which remain from this fiscal year. The City Manager was instructed to decide how to fund the $10,000 from the city.

The results to fund this $10,000 was $5000 from the Administrative Expense Accounts of Mayor Kaplan, Commissioners Bates, Benson and Holness, with an additional $5000 from the Commission promotion account which was unused in the 2006-7 budget. Commissioner Berger did not contribute to the funding of this program.

Lauderhill Fire Rescue Open House

Road Closure on 55th and 56th Avenue

Due to construction there will be Road Closures in the City of Lauderhill on NW 56 Avenue and NW 55 Avenue - between Sunrise Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard.

Beginning Friday, 10/5/07 at 4:00 pm and until further notice, the City of Lauderhill will CLOSE NW 56th Avenue between Sunrise Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard to all traffic except for local residents.

There will be absolutely NO access to Oakland Park Boulevard from NW 56 Avenue. Local traffic can utilize NW 55th Avenue to access Oakland Park Boulevard.

We apologize for the inconvenience. The City of Lauderhill is working diligently to complete this work as fast as possible.

If you have any questions regarding the construction, please call the City of Lauderhill’s Department of Environmental and Engineering Services Department at 954-730-2960.

Redevelopment Agency is Proud to Announce the Opening of The Arts Office Lauderhill

The Arts Office Lauderhill is an Arts Incubator where several local and regional artists will utilize shared retail space to collaborate, network, develop skills and interact with the community. The Ribbon Cutting is on Friday, the 5th of October at 6 PM, and is Open to the Public.

You can see more evidence of Lauderhill’s much publicized “Renaissance” when you stop by the Arts Office Lauderhill, at 5450 NW 19th Street, Lauderhill, 33313. Both emerging and well established artists will work, exhibit, and teach out of the 2,500 square foot store front in Mission Lake Plaza.

The artists have a lot going on both individually and collectively. For instance, several community projects are already in the works. The Arts Office has assisted local artists in gaining invaluable international exposure and will expand these programs in partnership with Lauderhill Sister Cities International. Tonietta Walters, Executive Director of The Arts Office Lauderhill explains, “Since initial talks in 2005, there has been a continued program of exchange with Suzano, São Paulo, Brazil. In May, several of our artists participated in TAO em Brasil at the Suzano Cultural Center. The ribbon cutting event will also feature a Suzanese artist, Aline Baliberdin, whose painting was the 2nd place winner of our 2006 Brasil, Arte e Espiritualidade competition.” In addition, the professional development of the artists will be a focus, through participation in the programs such as the Artist as Entrepreneur Institute® offered by the Broward Cultural Affairs Division. Finally, the artists – will begin interaction with the community through workshops and classes.

The Arts Office Lauderhill will facilitate several art mediums. The initial resident artists include:
Tonietta Walters – Sculptor & Digital Artist, Vaughn Tucker – Painter, Simone de Bernard Mas – Jeweler & Metalsmith, Terresa Ford – Painter, Maura Casanovas – Digital Artist & Jaime Ferreyra – Photographer.

The Director of Lauderhill’s CRA, Don Giancoli, explains, “As Lauderhill’s Cultural Arts District on 441 and Sunrise develops with the opening of the Central Broward Regional Park and Carishoca, the Arts Office Lauderhill is opening at an ideal time. The development of artists in our community is an economic stimulus within our CRA and Lauderhill. As the artists gain international exposure, so does Lauderhill. Lauderhill’s Cultural Arts Center is currently being designed and should be expected to open in two years.”

If you have any further questions regarding the Arts Office Lauderhill, call (954) 730-3026.

Presidential Candidate Survey: Find Out Who You Agree With

Don't know which Presidential Candidate agrees with your views the most. Don't know who you should support for President. The following website is a presidential survey and will ask you a series of questions based upon the major issues being asked of all presidential candidates at the debates they participate in. You can answer YES, NO or UNSURE. If you "click" on each question for better understanding of the issue you will get complete background and current information on the issue. After you complete the survey click the results tab and you will get the name of the presidential candidate that matches your beliefs and attitude about the issues presented.


http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html

Notes of the Commission Meeting September 24

On September 24, the Commission held multiple meetings, and the following matters of interest were discussed and acted upon:

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA)

Approved on second reading the purchase of vacant land located at the corner of 55th Avenue and 19th Street for $650,000.00.


REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION

SECOND READING - MANDATORY PLACING ON AGENDA PER STATE LAW:

1) Approved adopting the Tentative Property Tax Levy in the amount of $4.7340, and the voter approved debt service millage of $.75. This is a decrease from the present year of $6.02, a $1.286 reduction.

2) Approved the Budget for the upcoming fiscal year in the amount of $106,646,159. Vote was 4 - 1, with Mayor Kaplan against. (See the article on the stated reasons given on the dissenting vote.)


PROCLAMATIONS:

Fire Prevention Week Proclamation - Please plan your escape plan in case of a fire, and clean your space heaters from lint. There will be an Open House at the West Fire Station on October 6, in the afternoon. Free food and fun.


PRESENTATIONS:

1) Winners announced for the Educational Advisory Board's "My Favorite Teacher" Contest. The winning essays will be published in the City's Spotlight Newsletter.

2) Presentation by the Chamber of Commerce on their progress and programs they provide to the business community.


FIRST READING - REMAINING ITEMS:

Approved authorizing the City Manager to waive permit fees in cases of emergency or demonstrated hardship, such as after a natural disaster.


SECOND READING:

Approved the supplemental appropriations of $935,000 to balance the 2007 fiscal year.

RESOLUTIONS:

1) Approved the appointment of Ziedler Partnership, Inc., followed by Zyscovich, Inc, if the first rated company is unable to enter into an acceptable contract with the city, to provide architectural services in the plan and design of the Lauderhill Performing Arts/Cultural Center.

2) Approved a Resolution to enter into a sister city relationship with Suzano, Brazil. We have had already several cultural events with artists from Suzano, and more are being scheduled.

3) Approved of a Resolution opposing the Florida Hometown Democracy's proposed Amendment to the Florida Constitution. More will be brought up on this matter subsequently.

4) Approved, on a 4-1 vote, a Resolution supporting the concept to create a Safe Neighborhood Program for the City of Lauderhill, and to develop a plan on how it could operate. Approval authorized the city to study and submit alternative plans for the Commission to review. It was not to implement any particular program since no details were provided on what the results would be. Commission Berger voted against authorizing staff to create a Safe Neighborhood plan for Commission review, and instead supported just authorizing special tax assessments to fund the police department.

5) Approved a contract with Cubellis/SGR architects to provide professional architectural, and engineering services in the design services for the new city hall.

6) Tabled to a workshop the creation of a city diversity advisory council, to provide more discussion and review of the proposal.

7) Approved the upcoming calendar schedule for meetings through Sept. 30, 2008.

8) Approved the purchase of benches, chairs and other park amenities for Renaissance Park, utilizing GO Bond Funds, of $63,594.15. The Lauderhill Public Arts Committee is contributing to this park, which will have the first public art project instituted by this committee.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS:


NEW BUSINESS:

Notes of Commission Workshop of Sept. 17

On September 17, the Commission met and discussed the following matters of interest:

1) Discussion on 2010 census. The city is beginning the steps necessary to prepare for the census. One of the elements is the formation of a voluntary Community Count Committee. This would be composed of homeowner and condominium association officers and directors, and other volunteers. Their purpose would be to help organize their neighborhoods to expect and respond to the survey when received. The organization of this committee should begin in early 2008.

2) Discussion on school crossing guards, and the creation of a voluntary program of parents to serve to supplement the service. Financial constraints caused the city to examine and evaluate the system. All critical hazardous intersections are covered, with continual evaluations being made to determine additional need. However, additional service can be created by the use of parental volunteers. Commissioners Holness and Benson are conducting a meeting of the schools to go over a variety of school issues, and this will be included.

3) The Northwest Lauderhill survey results were discussed. The vote for a new community center, and lights for the path and ball field, were overwhelmingly supported. Of about 2000 households, 700 voted. This number far exceeds the vote in a typical city election. The vote on the addition of a CPTED fence (like a Veterans Park) was essentially a tie. Upon further discussion, including members of the public who live adjacent to the park, and the recommendation of the Northwest Neighbors Association, the Commission gave consensual approval to proceed with the fence as well.

4) Discussion of Florida Education Fund camp programs to assist students in preparing for FCAT, SAT, etc. The proposal was for a Lauderhill FCAT Prep Camp for 60 students is for $25,150. The Commission consensus was to consider giving $5000 from the upcoming Educational Fund, and an additional $5000 from other sources, which may include from remaining funds from Commissioners Administrative Expenses funds which remain from this fiscal year. The City Manager will seek out where the funds will come from.

5) Discussion on Lauderhill Sports Advancing Kid's Education (S.A.K.E. Awards). Commission consensus is to support the program, but without funding from the city. Commissioner Benson stated that if the Commission will support it, he will find the $25,000 to fund it from outside funds.

6) Discussion on creating a Diversity Committee in the City of Lauderhill. The reason behind the committee is to address those in the city who have had an issue accepting cultural diversity. A presentation was made by Roland Foulkes, a resident of Broward Estates.

7) Discussion on additional revenue sources to assist funding of police department and establishing a safe neighborhood program. The proposal was to create a Safe Neighborhood Improvement District under F.S. Chapter 163.5.

8) Presentation by Mr. Biggs, representing FDOT, on the resurfacing project for University Drive. The project is expected to begin in 2008, and take 12 months to complete.

9) Evaluation of City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk was postponed until September 24 since Commissioner Berger still had not submitted his evaluations for tabulations. (NOTE: This matter was heard at a Special Workshop on September 24, but since Commissioner Bergers evaluations were not submitted until earlier that day, his numbers were not included into the tabluations. All persons received a score in excess of the minimum required score of 3 out of 5.

Free Family Golf Day

Experience Brazil Night!

The City of Lauderhill & the Lauderhill Sister City Organization are Proud to Announce… Experience Brazil Night!

Join officials, business owners, residents, and the Lauderhill Sister City Committee as they welcome dignitaries and special guests from Suzano - São Paulo, Brazil, to the City of Lauderhill.

The Experience Brazil Night will take place at the City of Lauderhill’s Commission Chambers, on Monday, October 1, 2007, at 6 pm. (3800 Inverrary Boulevard #111, Lauderhill, FL 33319.) From 6 pm – 7 pm, enjoy food and refreshments, music by live Brazilian artists, and dancing from Samba to Salsa! The official program will begin at 7 pm.

The City of Lauderhill is commencing a Sister City relationship with Suzano, Sao Paulo - as Brazil is South Florida’s number one trading partner.

Several successful cultural exchanges between the City of Lauderhill and Suzano have already taken place. Artists from South Florida have participated in Art Exhibits abroad and shortly thereafter, 40 Brazilian Artists had their art work flown here for an Exhibit. The highly attended Exhibits have allowed artists to have forums in foreign lands and gain exposure they hadn’t ever dreamed of before. These events will continue on an annual basis.

“With almost a billion dollars of redevelopment taking place in what is now deemed the Cultural Arts Quarter of Lauderhill – Central Broward, relationships with countries like Brazil are essential to stay progressive in the market place,” explains Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness.

We invite you to “Experience Brazil” and learn more about Lauderhill’s plans to enter the global market place. Please call the Arts Office Lauderhill at 954-993-5071, for more information.

Sponsored by: The Lauderhill Sister City Organization, MJ’s Sports Bar & Grill, Captain Shrimp, Nova Southeastern, The Arts Office Lauderhill, and World Arts Now.