Jazz Picnic in the Park Again A Success

On January 11, the second in a series of Jazz Picnics in the Park was held at the Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens. The event presented by Florida Medical Center, and also sponsored by the Inverrary Association, featured the Sound of Vision, with a surprise singing performance by Joan Carter.

About 400 people attended the event, and the weather was perfect. It was so much fun that no one wanted to leave.


The last of the series is scheduled for March 8, 2009 from 10 AM to 2 PM. The performer is Bob Folse, who features the sound of a Latin Jazz Guitarist. To hear a demo: http://www.bobfolse.com/html/music.html.


If you attend, there is some seating in the amphitheatre. However, you may wish to bring your chairs, blankets, picnic baskets (particularly something to drink), and maybe a shade umbrella. Beverages are available for purchase, and food can be ordered and delivered to the park. No cooking or grills allowed.

Census Jobs Available

The United States Census Bureau has announced that they are hiring for the 2010 census. By February 2009, it is expected that 150,000 persons will be hired. Within the next 1 1/2 years, 1.2 million will be hired. It is especially needed for those that represent minorities to apply.

The jobs include Census Takers, Crew Leaders, Crew Leader Assistants, Recruting Assistants, and Census Clerks. For more information, or to schedule an appointment call 1-866-861-2010. You can also get information from: www.2010censusjobs.gov.

Digital Television is Coming

By law, on February 17, 2009, televisions stations will no longer be transmitting an analog signal. What that means is that if you have an older analog TV, it will not work after February, 17 if it uses its own antennae. However, if it is connected to cable or satellite, or you obtain a digital-to-analog converter box, it can still operate. Of course, newer digital TV's will work fine.

Each household is entitled to receive two $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of two digital-to-analog converter boxes. To obtain a converter box visit http://www.dtv2009.gov/, or call 888-388-2009.

Lauderhill Students Attend Panther Game

On December 29, students from Lauderhill Middle Schools and from the Windermere Community Kids Program, attended the Florida Panthers vs. Montreal Canadians Hockey Game. Students were selected by their school: Lauderhill Middle, Smart School Charter Middle and Parkway Middle; or by the Recreation Program of Lauderhill. The skybox tickets were donated by ADT, which included Parking and Food.

The students had a great time, and for many it was the first experience with Hockey or seeing the BankAtlantic Center. Thanks to ADT.

Notes of the Regular Commission Meeting on January 12

On January 12, the City Commission met at our Regular Commission Meeting, and the following are notes of interest from the meetings:

REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

PRESENTATIONS:

A. A PRESENTATION BY ALLAN OWENS, CPA, OF THE (GFOA) GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION TO PRESENT THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FINANCE DEPARTMENT; CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2007

B. A PRESENTATION BY MR. LEONARD A. DUNCANSON, GUIDANCE COUNSELOR, LAUDERHILL MIDDLE SCHOOL REGARDING THE “BOYS TO MEN” MENTORSHIP PROGRAM, ALONG WITH A PLAQUE PRESENTATION


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

1. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-01-100: CREATING SUBSECTION 1.15, AMORTIZATION PERIOD FOR NON-CONFORMING USES LOCATED IN THE CANNON POINT AREA; TO PROVIDE AN AMORTIZATION PERIOD FOR SPECIFIED SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL FACILITY AND SIMILAR NON-CONFORMING USES IN THE CANNON POINT AREA THROUGH JANUARY 30, 2016.

2. Tabled ORDINANCE NO. 09O-01-101: AMENDING SICK LEAVE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH WORKERS’ COMPENSATION.

3. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 09O-01-102: CREATING ARTICLE III, PROCEDURE WITH SPECIAL MASTER; ESTABLISHING AND PROVIDING PROCEDURES FOR USE OF SPECIAL MASTER ON A NON-EXCLUSIVE BASIS.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

NONE


RESOLUTIONS

COMMISSION

4. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-01: RECOGNIZING THE “BUILDING CITIZENSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY: BACK TO BASICS” INITIATIVE OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC., AND PLEDGING SUPPORT FOR THIS STATEWIDE EFFORT(REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN)

ADMINISTRATION

5. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-02: ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE BILL OF SALE AND UTILITY EASEMENT DEDICATION FOR UTILITIES FROM FTMI REAL ESTATE, LLC FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6700 W. COMMERCIAL BOULEVARD, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS MADISON HOUSE AND IVY COURT AT FOREST TRACE ALF.

PLANNING & ZONING

6. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-03: REQUESTING THE BROWARD COUNTY PLANNING COUNCIL TO RECERTIFY THE LAUDERHILL CYCLE 2008-AR1 FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT (FLUE) AMENDMENT.

7. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-04: AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT SUPPORT DOCUMENT BIKE LANES, GREENWAYS AND PARKS MAP.

D.E.E.S

8. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-05: ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL FROM BARRANCO-GONZALEZ, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $59,680.00 FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE NECESSARY CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS, TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED PERMITS AND APPROVALS AND TO SUPPORT THE BID PROCESS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW WESTWIND PARK COMMUNITY CENTER; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM GENERAL OBLIGATION (GO) BOND FUNDS BUDGET CODE NUMBER 305-361-6532.

9. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-06: ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL FROM BARRANCO-GONZALEZ, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $87,560.00 FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE NECESSARY CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS, TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED PERMITS AND APPROVALS AND TO SUPPORT THE BID PROCESS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CULTURAL MUSEUM LOCATED AT “THE OLD CITY HALL” AT 1080 N.W. 47th AVENUE; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM GENERAL OBLIGATION (GO) BOND FUNDS AND GRANT MONIES FROM THE LAND STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM “PARKS FOR PEOPLE.

10. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-07: APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES (ADA) ACCESSIBLE BUS STOPS; PROVIDING FOR REIMBURSEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,015.74 TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIFTEEN (15) ADA COMPLIANT BUS STOP IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY.

POLICE

11. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-08: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $29,481.20 FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIFTEEN (15) DELL LATITUDE D630 LAPTOP COMPUTERS AND FIVE (5) DELL VOSTRO 1710 LAPTOP COMPUTERS FROM DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION BASED UPON THE STATE OF FLORIDA PURCHASING CONTRACT #250-000-03-1.

12. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-09: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $8,508.63 FOR THE PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY VEHICLE LIGHTING AND EQUIPMENT FROM LOCAL SUPPLIER EMERGENCY VEHICLE SUPPLY (EVS) BASED UPON THE MARTIN COUNTY CONTRACT #AR-2007-2066.

13. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-10: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $10,320.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF 120 STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 TACTICAL MOUNTED GUN LIGHTS FROM THE LOW QUOTE, LOU’S POLICE & SECURITY EQUIPMENT, INC.

14. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 09R-01-11: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $8,376.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF 120 SAFARILAND ALS HOLSTERS FROM THE LOW QUOTE, LOU’S POLICE & SECURITY EQUIPMENT, INC.

Sadkin Center to Temporarily Close

Due to damage from Hurricane Wilma, and the need to make other significant renovations and repairs, Sadkin Community Center has been temporarily closed. The present time schedule for completion of these repairs is by September, 2009. Everything will be done to try and re-open Sadkin Center earlier if possible.

Some of the money for these repairs are coming from the Great Neighborhood Capital Improvement Bond passed by voters in 2005. The cost of this project is estimated at $900,000.

In the meantime, activities that would normally take place at Sadkin Center will be moved as followed:

*Senior Center program – St. George Community Center, 954-791-1042
*KCC afterschool care and youth programs – West Ken Lark Community Center, 954-791-1035
*Meetings, most will be relocated to the Golf Course, call Wolk Park staff for details 954-321-2465
*African Dance classes, Windermere Community Center, 954-714-3238

What Should I Do In 2010?

By Mayor Richard J. Kaplan

One of the most often asked questions I have been asked recently is, whether or not I am running for re-election as Mayor in 2010? The answer I have been giving, and this is honestly the answer, “I don’t know?” I have had some leanings, but sometimes I lean back the other way. However, I have said that I would make a decision in 2009.

Well 2009 is here, and soon I will make this decision. When I do, I will let everyone know. But, in the meantime, I do want to relate what I have told others my options are, what I have been thinking, and what others have been urging me to do.

First, there is always the possibility that I chose not to run at all, but to retire. I have served for over 20 years, and that is a long time. Compound that with the overwhelming vote of the people for term limits, and it is clear that residents do not want elected officials to serve forever. The problem has been is this option has not met with almost any support nor enthusiasm, even when faced with their recent vote(which many didn’t want to apply to the Mayor). In fact, many have become upset at the mere mention of it, and have encouraged me not to make it a consideration. I appreciate this vote of confidence.

Next, I could run for County Judge in 2010. This has received some support, and it was pointed out that if I am unsuccessful in the Primary, then I could always decide to run again for Mayor. However, running for judge is both a difficult, expensive and challenging decision. It would also require me to give up many of the interests that I have in public policy. Transportation, green initiatives, redevelopment, and others areas would no longer be in the domain of a judge to create. But then new doors of interest would open.

Lastly, I could run for Mayor again, which has received the strongest support. Still there are future options to that prospect that I have been urged to consider. If I am the Mayor (or not, though it is more likely it would be while being the Mayor), in 2012, two seats for other offices will open that many would consider me qualified for, State Representative and County Commission.

Both are subject to reapportionment, and there is no guarantee what district I would be written into, nor what areas of Lauderhill would be included in those districts. Either prospect would require me to resign before the end of my term. So there is something at risk.

If I ran for one of those seats, I would want as much of my city to be included. I have enjoyed representing Lauderhill, and would like to continue that along with whatever other cities that would comprise the district. What is nice about this prospect is that a decision on 2012 would not have to be made immediately, but can be in the back of my mind.

State Representative would still allow me to be involved in areas I have interest in, but at a different level. Already, long before 2012, I have become involved in drafting and supporting state legislation. This legislation session I wrote HB 119 on creating a State-wide Mortgage Foreclosure Registry. The difficulty of serving on a state level is the distance from my home, family and work. This is a common issue among many that have considered this option.

Being a County Commissioner is a different story. It is local, involves many of the same issues as what we see in the cities, and is something I am much more versed in. Particularly as it relates to transportation, environment and financial matters. This position is one that many have told me that would make sense for me to do. One where I feel that I could make a difference in how the county relates to our daily lives, working cooperatively with cities.

But don’t jump to conclusions since I still have time to think this through. Time will tell what I do, and input from those that I have worked with and for is important too. I have provided a survey to find out what you think. So let me know. And when I know the answer, I’ll let you know.

FMC Presents Jazz Picnic In The Park - January 11, 10 AM to 2 PM, at the Lieberman Botanical Gardens

Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship - 2009

Mayor Richard J Kaplan announces that for the second year, the City of Lauderhill will sponsor the Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship Program. This year $2000 is available, to be divided into four $500 scholarships. The funding for the scholarship came from the Crime Confiscation Fund.

Any High School Senior, residing in Lauderhill, who has been accepted to a 2 or 4 year College or Vocation School is eligible. To apply, the applicant must submit two 500 word essays on the topics provided in the application form. The application form is available at: http://lauderhill-fl.gov/Lauderhill%20College%20Scholarship%202009.pdf.

The deadline to apply is February 27, 2009, and all applications must be hand delivered by that day to the City Clerks Office, 3800 Inverrary Blvd., #301, Lauderhill. No applications by mail will be accepted.

Broward County Offers Assistance to Avoid Foreclosure

The Broward County Housing Finance and Community Development Division has partnered with the Broward County Housing Authority to provide financial assistance of up to $9,000 for defaulted mortgages. This program targets resident homeowners who are 30 days delinquent by providing financial assistance to reinstate mortgage loans.

The property must be owner occupied and the home must meet program qualifications and guidelines. Also, extensive counseling is provided as it relates to preserving homeownership. For more information, contact: Broward County Housing Authority, 4780 North State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319 or call Phyllis Brown at 954-739-1114, ext. 1114. View Details on Foreclosure Prevention Program