Elementary School "A" Students Will Stay Where They Are

After discussion with several parties, including the parents of students and school board staff, a decision was announced at Piper High School on March 19, that students slated to attend Elementary School "A" will remain in their present schools until construction of the new school is complete. Previously, it was announced and approved by the School Board, on first reading, that Elementary School "A" children would be moving to the Castle Hill Annex, located on the premises on Lauderhill Paul Turner Elementary. This school is several miles from the area where the children reside, and all students would have to be bused.

The change, agreed to by everyone, will result in those students not moving into the old Lauderhill Paul Turner Elementary School for the 2008-09 school year. These 3-5 graders will stay in their regular schools until the new Elementary School "A" is completed at Pine Island Road and Commercial Boulevard in the City of Sunrise. Expected completion date is before the beginning of the school year in August 2009.

The School Board has already voted on second reading to make this change, which will now require a third subsequent identical reading to complete this process.

Free Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

Pre-Budget Workshops

The City of Lauderhill will conduct its Annual Pre-Budget Workshops both starting at 7 PM. The April 15th workshop will be conducted at Sadkin Center, and it will primarily address the East Side, and Southeast Area (West Ken Lark, St. George and Broward Estates). The April 16th workshop will be held at City Hall, and will concentrate on the Central Area, and all areas north of Oakland Park Blvd. (Inverrary, Homes of Inverrary and the Northwest Section).

Anyone Lauderhill resident may attend either meeting and talk about their budget issue, irrespective of where they reside. The purpose of the meetings is to help form the budget for the upcoming 2008-2009 year. In prior years we used to hold 5 such meetings, but due to financial cutbacks and to avoid overtime, this has been scaled back to 2 meetings.

Broward County Commission to Hold Public Hearing To Eliminate Four BCT Routes

The Broward County Commission will hold a public hearing at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at the Broward County Governmental Center, Room 422, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, to receive public comments on the proposed elimination of Broward County Transit (BCT) routes 15, 17, 23 and 57 (view maps at www.broward.org/bct). Route 57 runs along Lauderhill's northern border of Commercial Blvd.

These routes are scheduled for elimination effective May 4, 2008, due to budget reductions that need to be identified in all Broward County services due to the passage of Amendment One approved by the voters on January 29, 2008. The four routes are among the transit system’s lowest performing routes identified in an effort to minimize the impact on system wide ridership. A final decision will be made at the April 8 public hearing.

Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations to participate in the public hearing should call 954-357-8355 or 954-357-8302 (TTY) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

For persons unable to attend the meeting, comments should be mailed to Broward County Transit Marketing, 3201 W. Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33069.

For more information about the public hearing and bus routes, call BCT Customer Service at 954-357-8400, or go to www.broward.org/bct.

Unite-A-Fest/Hispanic-Fest/Blazz-Fest/FlavaFest Cancelled

After 10 consecutive years of sponsoring Unite-A-Fest, and after several years of holding Hispanic-Fest and Blazzfest, the City of Lauderhill had previously announced the merging of these major signature events into FlavaFest, which was to be held in April 2008. The move was to reduce the operational costs of the city mandated by legislature.

Due to a variety of conditions, including issues related to the Broward County, use of the Central Regional Park, sponsor issues, and a further reduction in revenues, as mandated by the voters, FlavaFest has now altogether been cancelled for 2008. The event has been re-scheduled for April 25 & 26, 2009, if conditions improve.

At this time, the city only has had 3 city-wide special events scheduled for 2008, that being MLK Day, July 4th and Veterans Day in November. The city does provide some support for other events such as the Netball, Night Cricket Tournament and CASA Soccer Tournament, which is being played each Saturday night at the Sports Park. However, these events are in conjunction with other organizations who sanction the event with their own additional funding.

For more information as to Flavafest for 2009: http://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/FLAV/press%20release%20flava%20in%202009.pdf

Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship 2008

Due to an ability to secure funds from a grant, the City of Lauderhill has announced the Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship. There will be four $1000 scholarships available to graduating Lauderhill High School Seniors going onto a 2 or 4 year college, or vocational school, anywhere in the US. For more information as contained on the Application, use the following link: http://lauderhill-fl.gov/LAUDERHILL%20SCHOLARSHIP.pdf

Notes of CRA Meeting, Special Meeting and Regular Workshop of March 17

On March 17, the City Commission met several times, and the following are some notes of interest:

CRA MEETING:

1. Discussion on REQUIREMENTS FOR CAMERA SYSTEMS ON COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN CRA DISTRICTS. Consensus was to continue developing such a system, and to involve businesses in the program. Also, to create standards for camera systems so that they function properly.

2. Discussion on ARTS FAIR. The ACT Board requested the creation of the fair. At this time it is being looked into as a part of another event. Historical information about the old Inverrary Arts Fair was provided, and that also could be considered to be reinstated.

3. Discussion on CITY HALL SITE PLAN. Plans are going forward.

4. Discussion on GRANT APPLICATIONS – NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS (NMTC) AND CULTURAL PLANNING (Note: Mayor Kaplan will be speaking to the Commercial Industrial Real Estate Board Association Breakfast on development within the city and available city incentives). The city is supporting the application of the credits applied for by Carrishoca, the All American Cultural Mall, Lauderhill City Centre and the Gospel Complex, for $100,000,000. Federal credits available are $3.5 billion, but total requests for the credits total $22 billion.

SPECIAL MEETING:

RESOLUTION NO. 08R-02-67: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE PRECONSTRUCTION SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND MOSS AND D. STEPHENSON JOINT VENTURE. This would provide for a pre-construction contract of $90,000 to help develop the City Hall plan, pending the architects completion of the design. Approved 5-0

REGULAR WORKSHOP:

Note: Commissioner Holness was not present, so some items described below could be reconsidered at a future time due to the closeness of consensus on particular items.

1. LAUDERHILL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP - Funds have been obtained to provide four $1000 college scholarships to high schools seniors of Lauderhill Residents. Any high school senior going on to any 2 or 4 year college or vocation school can apply. An application must be completed, and two 500 word essays are required. The essays will be scored by the Lauderhill Educational Advisory Board. Applications will be distributed through the high schools, and are due by April 24, 2008. They must be personally delivered to the City Clerks office and not mailed. All winners will be introduced at the May 12th Commission Meeting. Shortly an accompanied posting on eLauderhill News will follow with more information. (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN)

2. PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL RECOMMENDED BY THE CHARTER REVIEW BOARD.

A. CREATE SECTION 1.04, CITIZENS’ BILL OF RIGHTS -referred to City Attorney and City Manager to analyze and determine how this would impact the city, if at all, and/or conflict with federal and state law.
B. AMEND SECTION 3.01 CHANGING THE METHOD OF SELECTION OF TERM OF MAYOR - Strong consensus to not proceed. Commissioner Benson was the only supporter.
C. AMEND SECTION 3.01 INCREASING THE SIZE OF THE CITY COMMISSION TO SEVEN MEMBERS - Consensus was to not move this forward due to several issues, including the additional cost to the city, what purpose would it really serve, would districting better accomplish the intended purpose. Any individual Commission, if they wish, may continue to develop the concept and may bring it back at a future time.
D. AMEND SECTION 3.03, TO PROVIDE CITY COMMISSION TERM LIMITS - Consensus was not to move this forward at this time.
E. AMEND SECTION 3.06, TO ELIMINATE THE POSITION OF DEPUTY VICE MAYOR - Consensus was to move this forward to a vote. Mayor Kaplan does not support, and feels the need for the position.

3. PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN)

A. AMEND SECTION 3.04 REGARDING THE FIRST MEETING FOR NEW CITY COMMISSION. This was requested since the Supervisor of Elections can no longer certify the results within the 3 day period presently required by the City Charter. Under the present Charter, the swearing in of newly elected officials would have to be delayed until certification occurs. The amendment is to provide more than enough time for certification to occur, and give a fix time that can be planned for the swearing in. Since the Charter Review Board had not reviewed this matter, though it was sent to them for review but they said they never saw it, the Commission decided to allow them to review it first.
B. AMEND SECTION 3.08(b) REGARDING THE FORFEITURE OF OFFICE. This was requested because under the City Charter, it is prohibited for City Elected Officials from interfering with Administration. However, unlike other prohibitions of City Elected Officials, there is no penalty presently for interfering. This would allow the creation of such penalty. Since the Charter Review Board had not reviewed this matter, though it was sent to them for review but they said they never saw it, the Commission decided to allow them to review it first. Discussion was to consider also lesser penalties as an alternative.

4. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AMENDING THE LAUDERHILL CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE II, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, DIVISION 1, GENERALLY, SECTION 2-24, LOBBYING ACTIVITIES, PROHIBITING LOBBYING ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BY ELECTED OFFICIALS EXCEPT IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY OR ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES; (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN). The purpose is to establish that there is a conflict between an elected official who represents Broward County and/or Lauderhill, and yet is a lobbyist representing someone other than their elected body. If such a conflict occurs, the elected official would be prohibited from acting as a lobbyist. This not only has happened in Lauderhill previously, it has also happened in many other cities in Broward. Consensus was to put it on the agenda to vote on.

5. YOUTH SPORTS HOMEWORK/TUTORING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (REQUESTED BY DEPUTY VICE MAYOR HAYWARD BENSON) - Consensus was to support the program, with a couple of notes to look into. The program is run by Deputy Vice Mayor Benson's son, Stephen Benson.

6. DISCUSSION OF FORECLOSURE STRATEGY (REQUESTED BY DEPUTY VICE MAYOR HAYWARD J. BENSON, JR.) - It was noted that the Mayor has worked out the creation of a Workshop for residents on this matter for April 19, but the city should do everything it can to help the situation. Discussion ensued on what steps the city and the Mayor have already taken and what we are working on.

Federal Update

Mandatory Collective Bargaining Bill Still on Senate's Agenda

Senate supporters of mandatory collective bargaining legislation remain committed to bringing the bill, S. 2123, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, up for a vote in the near future. This bill would force states, counties, cities and towns to enter into collective bargaining with their public safety officers regardless of state and local laws. As soon as we learn more about Senate plans to take action on the legislation, we'll let you know, so you can join us in urging your Senators to oppose the legislation. (Note: Lauderhill's public safety officers are already unionized)

Senate Majority Leader Reid Pushes Bill to Address Housing Crisis

On February 28, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) failed to get the votes needed to advance legislation that would address the housing crisis, a top NLC legislative priority. The Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008, S. 2636, would (1) help families avoid foreclosure, (2) help communities hardest hit by foreclosure, and (3) help homebuyers avoid risky mortgages that could result in foreclosure in the future.

To help families keep their homes, the bill would increase funds to support pre-foreclosure counseling by $200 million, would allow State Housing Finance Agencies to issue bonds to refinance subprime loans, and would allow bankruptcy judges to modify mortgage terms on principal residences. To help communities, the bill would distribute an addition $4 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to localities hardest hit by foreclosure for the purpose of purchasing foreclosed properties to rehabilitate, rent, or resell on the market. To help homebuyers, the bill simplifies and strengthens loan disclosure requirements under the Truth In Lending Act.

The lending industry and the Administration oppose the legislation. The Administration issued a veto threat over the bankruptcy provision, stating that "amending the bankruptcy code in this manner would undermine existing contracts, leading to contraction in mortgage credit availability and affordability." The White House also opposes the increase in CDBG funding. According to Senate staff, negotiations are ongoing, and the bill could be reconsidered as early as next week.

Senate Committee Urges Congress to Restore Byrne JAG Funds

In the continuing effort to restore funding to the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program (Byrne JAG), an NLC legislative priority, the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs, chaired by Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE), held a hearing this week and called for the restoration of funding for this program through an amendment to any supplemental appropriations this year. Byrne JAG funds are used to support a wide array of public safety programs, ranging from after school programs for at-risk youth to multi-jurisdictional drug task forces. In FY 2007, the program was funded at $520 million; for FY 2008, Congress appropriated only $170.4 million for the program.

House Approves Renewable Energy Tax Package

On Wednesday, February 27, the House passed the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 (H.R. 5351) by a vote of 236-182. The bill would provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation. The roughly $18 billion plan to extend and create new alternative energy tax breaks and to offset the costs by repealing tax incentives for major oil companies is similar to measures the House approved last year as part of the comprehensive energy reform bill. Last year the Senate failed to obtain the necessary 60 votes to end debate on the provisions, and they were subsequently removed from the energy bill that was signed by President Bush in December 2007. The Senate may reconsider the renewable energy tax measures this session as part of its budget process. The White House has threatened to veto the House passed bill.

Update on City Activities

A few miscellaneous notes of activities going on in the City of Lauderhill:

1) As of recently, 47% of all projects under the 2005 $35 Million Great Neighborhood Bond issue that the voters passed is now complete. All projects are to be completed by 2010. Thirty-four percent of the funds have been expended. Some of the projects in construction: West Wind Park Walkway Lighting, West Ken Lark Turf Replacement, State Road 7 Intersection Improvements, St. George Park Decorative Fencing, Lauderhill Middle Sports Field renovation, Ilene Lieberman Park, and 56th Avenue. In design: the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (see below) and West Ken Lark Traffic Signal (14st Street & 31st Ave.). In Bid: the St. George Park Basketball Court Cover and St. George Park Restrooms. In Schematic Process: Broward Estates Entryway Signs, Broward Estates Passive Park (property has been purchased), City Hall Park Community Building and Pool, Original City Hall Restoration, Gateway & Neighborhood ID, Jackie Gleason Park Restrooms, Pine Island Road Wall (see below), St. George Deco Street Lights, West Ken Lark Park Athletic Track, and West Wind Community Center.

2) The Commission was advised that to build a 1000 seat Performing Arts Center would cost $27 Million. The City has $11 Million, which is sufficient to build only a 350 seat facility, which would be insufficient for the city's needs. Other size facilities were shown at different levels of costs. The city will be looking into alternative ways to raise funds to build a sufficient facility. Fund raisers may play a part of it. Until funds are secured, the Center will not be proceeding.

3) Pine Island Road Wall: Though not complete, there has been movement to resolve disputes between the county and the city. Many issues have been agreed upon, and only 1 or 2 remain. It is hoped that shortly the county will respond to the present discussions, and an agreement can be reached soon, as the public has requested.

4) To save money, the city will offer specific employees the ability to retire from the city. Eighty five qualify and 77 will be offered. The expected savings is hoped to be about $1.4 Million. Positions made vacant shall either be replaced with a lower cost employee, re-classified into another lower paying position, or eliminated.

5) After years of inactivity, the city has decided to take action on the unsafe bridge located across the city property, connecting the Lauderhill Mall to Park South. No one has taken ownership of the bridge, which is closed. The Commission decided to offer the bridge to the Mall, and if no one wants it, to tear it down. Because the bridge is unsafe, even if it is wanted to be used, it would have to be totally rebuilt.

6) The city is studying the possibility to provide its own garbage service to residents. Businesses would still continue to be served by a private contractor. Both garbage contracts expire in 2010, which gives an opportunity to the city to implement this project if it wishes.

7) With the cuts required by the Constitutional Amendment, and the decrease in incoming revenues from almost every category, the city stands to receive $3 Million to $4 Million less than the prior year. The city has already reduced its property tax revenues last year, as mandated, 9%, equating to about $3 Million. It is anticipated that the State and/or voters, may require even further reductions. The city is looking at multiple ways of reducing its expenses, including creating or increasing fees charged for certain services to reflect its true cost.

Oral Rabies Vaccine Program To Resume March 11

Beginning March 11, Broward County, in cooperation with local, state and federal agencies, will begin the fourth year of a five-year program to eradicate rabies in the County. The goal of the Oral Rabies Vaccine Program is to reduce the incidence of rabies among raccoons and reduce the threat of rabies to pets, humans and other wildlife.

More than 200,000 pouches containing the rabies vaccine and fishmeal will be distributed in areas dense with wildlife—from the ocean to the conservation areas and from the Palm Beach County line to the Miami-Dade County line. Most of the bait will be distributed by hand. Later this month, Broward Sheriff’s helicopters will drop the bait in remote areas of the County, including parks. The bait is harmless to pets, humans and livestock. Since July 2000, there have been 37 confirmed rabies cases in Broward County, with the latest occurring in November 2007.

Notes of the Commission Meeting of February 25

On February 25, the Commission held its regular commission meeting, and the following matters of interest were discussed and acted upon:

SECOND READING:

1) Passed permitting family day care home in all residential zoning districts. State law mandated these changes. However, the city made 3 modifications which legal counsel advised would be sustainable: #1 Clarify this does not override Deed Restricted Association that prohibit it; #2 Grandfathered in those day care facilities that were presently operating legally under the existing city ordinances; and #3 Included a distance requirements of 1000' between such facilities.

RESOLUTIONS:

1) Approved A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL REQUESTING BROWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE A CAMPUS IN CENTRAL BROWARD COUNTY IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE MAJOR BUS TERMINAL LOCATED AT S.R. 7 AND N.W. 12TH STREET.

2) Approved A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PLAN FOR EXISTING STAFF THAT ARE OR WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO RETIRE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2008. The result will hopefully create a savings to the city of over $1 million.

3) Approved A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL ACCEPTING THE BID OF SUPERIOR LANDSCAPING AND LAWN SERVICES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,749,851.55 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION/INSTALLATION OF LANDSCAPING, IRRIGATION AND DECORATIVE LIGHTING ALONG N.W. 56TH AVENUE BETWEEN OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD AND SUNRISE BOULEVARD WITHIN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL.

4) Approved A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO PARTICIPATE IN A PRELIMINARY AUDIT TO INVESTIGATE ENERGY AND WATER SAVING PERFORMANCE IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS.

5) Modified and passed a RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL RANKING REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS FOR COMMUNITY SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE BUSES 1-5, RANKING #1 LIMOUSINES OF SOUTH FLORIDA , #2 QUALITY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AND #3 TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIERS. BIFURCATING BUS #6 DUE TO OUTSTANDING ISSUES TO BE DECIDED BY THE COUNTY.

NEW BUSINESS:

The Commission tabled, with guidance to Staff, to set a schedule the Community Budget Workshops, relating to the 2008-9 fiscal year. It is expected to be in April.

NOTE: There is no Regular Commission Meeting for March 10. There is a Regular Commission Workshop for March 17.

Free Art Show At Inverrary Country Club

NGA/Hooters Tour Opens 2008 U.S. Swing at Inverrary

N. Myrtle Beach, SC…The National Golf Association’s Hooters Professional Golf Tour, presented by Hooters of America and Naturally Fresh Foods, returns to Inverrary Country Club’s East Course for the first time since 2001 to begin the United States swing of the 2008 season March 24-30, 2008.

Inverrary Country Club is the former host of the PGA TOUR’s Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic, The Tournament Players Championship, The Honda Classic as well the LPGA’s Phar-Mor Classic. All told, Inverrary Country Club has hosted fifteen PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour events with winners such as Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, Hale Irwin, Tom Kite and Beth Daniel.

"We are excited to bring the Hooters Tour to a course that has hosted the history and pageantry that Inverrary has," said NGA/Hooters Tour President Robin L. Waters. "This golf course will test all the aspects of our players’ games and I am looking forward to great start to our 2008 season."

Inverrary Country Club hosted the Hooters Tour during the 2001 season. During that tournament, former Hooters Tour member Jean-Paul Hebert broke Jack Nicklaus’ course record with a ten-under par 62, 2003 British Open Champion Ben Curtis finished runner-up to Kevin Blanton and 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson finished T-27.

The total purse for this event will be $200,000, with $33,566 going to the winner. During tournament week, there will be a Qualifier on Monday for ten spots into the event, a junior clinic hosted by pros of the Hooters Tour on Tuesday afternoon of, as well as a Pro-Am on Wednesday that gives amateurs a chance to play with the future stars of the PGA TOUR.

The NGA/Hooters Tour is the 3rd largest men’s 72-hole professional golf tour in the country behind the PGA and Nationwide Tours, and boasts alumni like 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson, 2003 PGA Champion Shaun Micheel, 2003 British Open winner Ben Curtis, 2003 US Open winner Jim Furyk, two time U.S. Open winner Lee Janzen, British Open and PGA Champion John Daly, as well as British Open winner Tom Lehman, PGA Champion David Toms, 2003 Tour Championship Winner Chad Campbell, 2004 & 2005 Reno Tahoe Open winner Vaughn Taylor and TPC winner Craig Perks to name just a few.

All told, the NGA/Hooters Tour’s alumni have an incredible 10 "Majors" to their credit. The NGA/Hooters Tour has helped more than 100 professionals acquire their PGA, Senior PGA, and Nationwide Tour cards. In fact, 50% of the players that earned their 2007 PGA Tour card, and 47% of the players that earned full exempt status on the Nationwide Tour started their careers on the NGA/Hooters Tour.

For more information about the NGA/Hooters Tour, please visit our web site, http://www.hooterstour.com/. If you have any questions about sponsorship opportunities or interview requests before or during tournament week please contact Regional Tournament Director Ryan Waters at 843-348-3045 or the NGA/Hooters Tour office at 843-281-TOUR (8687) or by email at ryanwaters@hooterstour.com.