Notes of the Commission Workshop of May 21

On May 21, the City Commission met in workshop to discuss the following items:

1) Presentation of overview of Certificate of Participation financing for new city hall. It will be put on the next agenda on May 30 at a special meeting;

2) Discussion on promoting an alternative of the Central Broward East-West Light Rail along Broward Blvd., moving it to Sunrise Blvd. at 27th Avenue to go north from Broward Blvd. A presentation of the project, including the history of its development was given. Members of the public were invited to provide input, as well as the Commissioners. Only one member of the public spoke in favor of the east west transit route;

3) Discussion vending vehicles, including Ice Cream Vending Vehicles. Revisions were suggested;

4) Discussion on changing the city code to allow parking on paved sidewalks of residential homes. The proposed ordinance violated state and federal ADA laws. Therefore, it cannot be approved;

5) Presentation on City Hall concept, which is expected to include green building concepts. It was well received, and asked by the Commission to move forward;

6) Discussion of burying FPL lines. It was suggested that whenever the lines can be buried when building or redeveloping property, that it be attempted;

7) Discussion of city's Master Plan Development, which was given to the Commission. Essentially, it is a compliation and summation of past prior works created by the city;

8) Discussion of city flags to be given to Lauderhill Schools;

9) Discussion of 50th Year Celebration Committee meeting, hoping it will start meeting. The date of our 50th Anniversary is June 26, 2009;

10) Discussion on rental units at Georgetown;

11) Discussion of summer meeting schedule. It will be put on the next commission agenda to cancel the workshops of July 23 and August 20, and the regular meetings of July 30 and August 13;

12) Discussion on water restrictions & sinking fund commitment It was explained to those Commissioners who were unaware of the debt structure on water, how it works. Specifically as to the water availability fee, and how it impacts satisfying the bond issues. Also, Mayor Kaplan brought up putting forth an ordinance extending water restrictions in Lauderhill after the drought is lifted, as well as looking at a graduated consumption charge for those who are large consumers of water. For the small users, they would pay a smaller rate. As usage increases, so would the cost per gallon;

13) Legislative Update specifically on property tax reform impacting cities. Based upon what is being proposed by the legislature, the City Commission was advised to prepare for a cut in revenue up to, or maybe beyond 30% of its revenue. Therefore, the city will need to start looking at cuts, including employees, cuts in recreation, libraries, and any city services not essentially self funded.