Thursday, November 29, 2007

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:

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

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!

Monday, November 26, 2007

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.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

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

Saturday, November 24, 2007

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.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

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.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

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.

Friday, November 16, 2007

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!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

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.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

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.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

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.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

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/

Friday, November 02, 2007

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.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

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.