Notes of Commission Meeting of November 24

On November 24, the Commission held its Regular Commission Meeting, the first after the election. The following are some notes from that meeting that may be of interest:

ELECTION OF VICE MAYOR:

Commissioner Hawyard Benson was selected to serve as Vice Mayor for the next year.


ORDINANCES - FIRST READING:

1. Approved on a vote of 4 to 1 (Commissioner Holness voting against) ORDINANCE NO. 08O-11-157: ADOPTION OF ZONING DISTRICT MAP BY CHANGING FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) TO COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT (CE) THE ZONING DISTRICT OF TWO PARCELS, MORE COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS THE FORMER PREMPART MOTORS USED CAR LOT.

2, Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-11-158: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, BY ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM ONE-MILE SEPARATION DISTANCE BETWEEN GAME ROOMS AND BINGO HALLS RETROACTIVE TO OCTOBER 28, 2008(REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES).

3. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 080-11-159: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, BY ALLOWING WITHIN THE COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE (CW) ZONING DISTRICT A PRIVATE CLUB, LODGE HALL, AND FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION AS A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE(REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER DALE V.C. HOLNESS).


ORDINANCES - SECOND READING:

4. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-10-156: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND PERTAINING TO CONVENIENCE STORES; AMENDING BY ADDING AND DEFINING CONVENIENCE STORE, GROCERY STORE, SPECIALTY FOOD STORE, AND SUPERMARKET; BY ALLOWING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL AND GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICTS GROCERY STORES AND SPECIALTY FOOD STORES AS A PERMITTED USE; BY ADDING SECTION 5.15.A., CONVENIENCE STORE AND ADDING SUBSECTIONS ADDRESSING MINIMUM SEPARATION, LOCATION, MAXIMUM SIZE, VISIBILITY, EMPLOYEE TRAINING, AND AMUSEMENT DEVICES.


RESOLUTIONS

COMMISSION

5. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-261: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE CERTIFIED RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER 4, 2008 CITY OF LAUDERHILL GENERAL ELECTION FROM THE BROWARD COUNTY CANVASSING BOARD, BROWARD COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICE.

6. Approved on a vote of 4 to 1 (Commissioner Berger voting against) RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-262: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL SUPPORTING AN INCREASE IN FLORIDA’S CIGARETTE TAX; PROVING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES).

7. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-263: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL RELATING TO UNFUNDED STATE MANDATES, UTILIZING ANY MEANS NECESSARY TO REQUIRE THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO ELIMINATE UNFUNDED STATE MANDATES ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, CONSIDERING SPONSORSHIP OF AN INITIATIVE PETITION, TO AMEND ARTICLE VII, SECTION 18 (a) OF THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION TO ELIMINATE THE CLAUSE THAT ALLOWS FOR UNFUNDED MANDATES BY A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY, AND TO POTENTIALLY AMEND OTHER CLAUSES OF SAID SUBSECTION; PROVING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES).

8. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-264: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL SUPPORTING AN AMENDMENT TO FLORIDA’S CONSTITUTION TO REQUIRE THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO OPERATE UNDER THE FLORIDA SUNSHINE LAW; PROVING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES).

9. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-265: A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR UNITOWN 2009; PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

10. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-266: APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) STATE HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION AND LANDSCAPE GRANT FOR SUNRISE BOULEVARD MEDIANS FROM STATE ROAD 7/U.S. 441 THROUGH N.W. 31st AVENUE IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $125,000.00 FOR THE DESIGN, INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION, LANDSCAPING AND LABOR FOR THIS PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF CITY MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,5000.00 FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 450-925-3110; PROVIDING THAT FDOT WILL MATCH THE ADDITIONAL $62,500.00.

11. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-267: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FORECLOSURE FUNDS IN THE PROJECTED NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ONE YEAR ACTION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009; ENABLING THE CITY TO SUBMIT THE PLAN TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) FOR THE USE OF FORECLOSURE FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,293,288.00 TO ACQUIRE, REHABILITATE, RE-DEVELOP AND RE-SELL FORECLOSED/ABANDONED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.

12. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-10-241: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LEASE RENEWAL PROPOSAL FROM FORAM GROUP, INC. REGARDING THE EXTENSION OF THE LEASE FOR THE CURRENT CITY HALL SITE LOCATED AT CORPORATE PARK AT INVERRARY; PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS.


D.E.E.S.

13. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-268: ACCEPTING AND APPROVING A FIFTEEN FOOT (15’) DRAINAGE EASEMENT DEDICATION FROM CECIL MILTON KNOWN AS 2750 N.W. 56th AVENUE.

14. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-269: AWARDING THE BID TO GRACE & NAEEM UDDIN, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $754,119.00 FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE SADKIN SENIOR CENTER.

15. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-270: AWARDING THE BID TO PALM BEACH BUILDING GROUP, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $149,960.00 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING WITH RESTROOMS AT JACKIE GLEASON PARK IN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL.

16. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-271: APPROVING THE FIRST CHANGE ORDER TO THE SUPERIOR LANDSCAPING AND LAWN SERVICE CONTRACT FOR AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $302,496.23 FOR ADDITIONAL WORK ON PROJECT 02.15G DUE TO DESIGN DEFICIENCIES AND/OR AT THE REQUEST OF LAUDERHILL RESIDENTS.

17. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-273: APPROVING THE LIST OF CONSULTING FIRMS FOR THE “MISCELLANEOUS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES” CONTRACT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES (DEES) IN VARIOUS DISCIPLINES/CATEGORIES INCLUDING ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPING, ENVIRONMENTAL, CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION, SURVEYING AND EMERGENCY REPAIRS BASED UPON CITY STAFF’S EVALUATIONS AND RANKINGS; PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF THE VARIOUS CONSULTANTS ON AN “AS NEEDED” BASIS FOR A MINIMUM PERIOD OF TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO NEGOTIATE CONTRACTS WITH ONE OR MORE OF THE FIRMS LISTED FOR SPECIFIC SERVICES IN VARIOUS DISCIPLINES AND/OR SPECIALTIES.


PARKS AND LEISURE SERVICES

18. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-275: APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF EIGHT (8) BUS FARE BOXES, STANCHIONS AND KEYS FOR THE CITY’S COMMUNITY SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE, AND TWO (2) SPARE VAULTS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $8,869.20.


POLICE DEPARTMENT

19. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-276: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,852.35 FOR THE PURCHASE OF TEN (10) X-26 TASERS WITH REQUIRED ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES FROM THE SOLE SOURCE SUPPLIER OF THESE PARTICULAR TASERS, DGG TASER & TACTICAL SUPPLY, INC.; APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR A SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER.

20. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-277: APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $167,852.00 FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF TEN (10) POLICE VEHICLES BASED UPON THE BIDS RECEIVED BY THE FLORIDA SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES BID NO. 08-16-0908.

21. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-278: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,886.30 FOR THE PURCHASE OF SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM TACTICAL BALLISTIC VESTS BASED UPON THE STATE OF FLORIDA PURCHASING CONTRACT #680-850-05-1 WHICH PROVIDES QUOTES FROM GL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.

22. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-279: APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,826.25 FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE GUN RACKS FROM EMERGENCY VEHICLE SUPPLY (EVS) BASED UPON THE CITY OF MIAMI CONTRACT #05-06-035A(10.

23. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-280: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000.00 TO BE UTILIZED TO FUND DEPARTMENT TRAINING COSTS.

24. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-11-281: APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009 VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT (VOCA) GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL; PROVIDING FOR THE CITY TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,945.00 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO PROVIDE IN-KIND MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,486.00.


NEW BUSINESS

A. SET A DATE FOR A WORKSHOP MEETING IN DECEMBER. Set for Monday, December 8 at 3:30 PM.

B. DISCUSSION OF ART SELECTION FOR ILENE LIEBERMAN BOTANICAL GARDENS. Accepted art selection for the Garden.

C. DISCUSSION ABOUT THE LAUDERHILL GARDEN CLUB WHICH HAS FORMED.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner

Photos of the New City Hall Under Construction

ICC Senior Men's Americas Cricket Championship Games

From November 25 through 30, the ICC Senior Men's Americas Championship Games will be played at the Central Regional Park. The games are part of the PEPSI ICC Development Program - Americas. They will be played from 10 AM to 6 PM each day, except on November 28, and are free to the public. The national teams from Bermuda, Cayman, Canada, Argentina, Suriname and the USA are the participants.

Santa Deliveries

1st Jazz Picnic in the Park a Success

Picture by Jody Leshinsky

On November 9, the Jazz Survivors performed at the Lieberman Botanical Gardens. The event was held under perfect weather, and everyone enjoyed the performance. The acoustics of the park are incredible, and many took a day off just to lay on the grass, relax, and listen to great jazz. Cannoli Kitchen even came by and gave out free pizza.

The next performance is January 11, 10 to 2 PM, with the Sounds of Vision performing. For more information:

http://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/jazz.pdf

To listen to the Sounds of Vision:

http://www.scottklarman.com/

Swearing In of New Commission

On November 18, at 12 noon, in the Commission Chambers, Lauderhill City Hall, we will be conducting the Swearing-In Ceremony for Commissioners Holness and Commissioner Berger, who were re-elected on November 4. All are invited to attend.

Free Residential Yard Waste Program Continues Due to Popular Demand

Broward County Waste and Recycling Services and Partner Cities will continue their popular residential trash program through 2009. Yard waste, bulky waste and scrap metals for recycling can be taken to three trash transfer stations at no charge to residents.

Items are accepted on Saturdays only, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at the following trash transfer station locations:

• 2780 N. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach
• 5490 Reese Road, Davie
• 5601 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., West Park

For questions or more information on what items will be accepted, please call the recycling hotline at 954-765-4999 or visit www.broward.org/waste.

Analysis of the Lauderhill Commissioner Races

As everyone knows, Commissioner Berger and Commission Holness won re-election on November 4. But how and where did they win. Each race had unique qualities in how voters decided who to vote for. The results and this analysis show the impact of some of these factors.

Lauderhill Seat #1, pitted Howard Berger, Tyson Jones and Randy Robinson against each other. Since Mr. Berger and Jones have both sat on the Commission, it was commonly seen as a race between the two of them, which it was.

Mr. Berger did his best in all but one precinct north of Oakland Park Blvd., the south half of Central Lauderhill, and the East Side. His best areas were 3L which is part of Inverrary (by 247 votes), and 15L –Environ (by 451 votes). Mr. Jones did best in the north half of Central, and the entire Southeast Area (newly annexed). His best precinct was 29L – part of Broward Estates (by 226 votes).

Randy Robinson was the third candidate, and trailed far behind. However, his entry into this race could have been significant. While the difference between Tyson and Berger was 1154 votes, Mr. Robinson received 1334 votes. Those 1373 votes were spread relatively evenly throughout all precincts.

While it is impossible to say if Mr. Robinson had not run that it would have changed the result. It appears that the results probably would have been a lot closer. If Mr. Robinson had not run, then for Jones to win, it would have required him to take over 84% of Robinson’s vote. Not necessarily that likely because Mr. Robinson’s vote was too spread out around the city, but still possible. Therefore, Mr. Robinson could have played a factor in the result of this race. Also interesting in this race was that Early Voting heavily favored Mr. Jones, but Absentee and Election Day voting went to Mr. Berger.

In Lauderhill Seat #2, the race clearly favored Commissioner Holness against 4 other challengers. He led in all precincts except the three in St. George and Broward Estates, where Jacob Greene won by a good margin. Otherwise, the victory was clear cut.

What was interesting about this race was the difference between 2nd and 3rd place. Throughout the city Ruth Lynch and Jacob Greene were somewhat closer, with only 2 notably concentrated exceptions. Mr. Greene did slightly better (102 votes) in Inverrary, and he did significantly better in the Southeast area of the city (the newly annexed area) where he resides. In those 5 precincts in the Southeast, Mr. Greene received 1020 more votes than Ms. Lynch, and added to his advantage of 392 votes from the remaining 24 precincts.

The other two candidates were Terry Corrado and Paul Shelton, who were not factors in this race.

Jazz Picnic in the Park - 1st in Series, Sunday Nov. 9, 10 AM

How to Deliver Your Absentee Ballot?

I know that this election season has been difficult, particularly in trying to vote. Many have spent hours on line waiting to Early Vote. Others will wait until Nov. 4 to vote. For those that are voting Absentee, you may have questions concerning how to make sure your ballot gets to the Supervisor of Elections on time. It must be at the Supervisors' office by 7 PM on Tuesday, Nov. 4 to be counted (however, see below on specific times for the Lauderhill Mall).

On this you have several choices. First of all you can mail it in. But if it is not on time, it won't count. At this point, to mail it in on Monday, and expect it to be there by Tuesday may not work. This leaves you with two choices:

1) You can take it to your regular precinct on Nov. 4, and turn it in for a regular ballot (which kind of defeated the point in the first place), or

2) You can hand deliver the ballot to the Supervisor of Elections office. This is not the same as the precinct. The nearest SOE office is in the BACK OF THE LAUDERHILL MALL. This is not the place where the Early Voting Precinct is. Drive to the back of the Mall. You make not only bring your own ballot, but that of anyone else you would like. You must deliver it there by 5 PM on Monday. There is also a SOE office in downtown Ft. Lauderdale if that is more convenient to you, and they will accept them up until 7 PM on Tuesday.

For any other information, contact the Supervisor of Elections office directly. Otherwise, thanks for voting.

Lauderhill Receives Land Preservation's Parks for People Grant

Great News!!!!!!! - Our Grants Administrator was successful in obtaining for Lauderhill the full amount of a Parks Grant applied for. We will receive $75,000 for 1st City Hall Park on 47th, and $75,000 for John E. Mullin Park Extension.