Notes of the Annual City Commission Retreat of February 18

On February 18, the City Commission met to discuss a variety of matters during its Annual Retreat at City Hall. The following is a summary of notes of interest:

1) The city has been advised that property tax revenues are expected to drop by $3.1 million based upon the city's tax rate. At the same time, services are being demanded, and must be maintained. Staff is working to try and keep the city tax revenue neutral. The reduction of crime is outlined by an earlier article below.

2) Discussion on Federal Funds the city has to purchase foreclosed property. All monies must be spent by August 2010. City is proposing some changes to the program to make it easier to use the money timely. Some discussion was on using the funds exclusively for purchase and sale, or assigning some funds for repairs. Consensus was to include some funds for repairs as needed.

3) SB 1166 - concerning exempting group homes for people with disabilities within PUD's. As proposed, it would apply to new PUD's only, and would be of limited application to Lauderhill. However, the bill could be changed which may create problems. We need to monitor and make sure this doesn't apply to Lauderhill.

4) Florida Caribbean Games - Commission Benson wanted to know if the Commission still supports the concept. Consensus was given, however there remains issues that remain that could prevent us from holding the games in Lauderhill. Particularly from the county. Commission Benson will continue to pursue it, and with a change in the County Commission there may be hope.

5) Transfer of Fire Station in Broward Estate, Transfer of Water Sewer Lines and Transfer of Regional Park Administrative Duties - A rehashing of the situation of why Lauderhill did not get what it was supposed to get when it annexed the southeast area of the city. The fire station in Broward Estates was not deemed to be a county asset to be transferred to Lauderhill. They claimed it was not a county asset, but a Sheriff's asset. Additional questions on the station will arise when the anticipated unincorporated area is annexed into Ft. Lauderdale. Then the station will have no area to provide service to. We are still working to resolve these issues.

6) Vice Mayor Holness requested a discussion on merger of Lauderhill with Lauderdale Lakes and other cities, to reduce governmental costs. The discussion went into how we could share items to reduce costs, not necessarily going to merger. Merger was not received well. Sharing or merging of services were more of a possibility. The City Manager will consider the possibilities and report as appropriate.

7) Import/Export Incubator - The building we are interested in leasing at 1711 38th Avenue has roof issues, and is now in pre-foreclosure. The owner will fix the roof at its own expense. These issues are being addressed. The property is in an Enterprise Zone. It is possible of putting it into a Tax Free Zone in the future. Lauderhill has applied for a $400,000 grant from the federal government for this project.

8) Carishoca/Lauderhill Mall/Gospel Complex - How can we help them during difficult times to try to move their projects forward? There are some meetings on possible prospects. The main problem is a funding issue since the lenders have backed out. If there is equity there is some governmental funding available.

9) The former St. George Church - The Church is closed, and the city has interest. However, the city does not have funds available to purchase the property. We need to take a look as to what the property can be used for since it is up for sale.

10) Property behind City Hall - The city is interested in purchasing it, but the purchase price far exceeds its appraised value. The city cannot fund it at that price.

11) Broward Estate Park - Contracts going out in a few months with original City Hall Park. It will be a passive park. We are working with KaBoom to try to get a tot lot through them with a sponsor.

12) Westwind Community Center - The city is looking at how we can reconfigure the present structure to reduce the cost, and satisfy resident requests as to size. Bids expected to go out in March.

13) Original City Hall Park - Bidding documents are done and being reviewed. Going out to bid with Broward Estate Park project.

14) Potential Refinancing of Bonds - Doesn't make sense right now. Our present bond rates are lower than new bond rates.

14) Lauderhill Housing Authority - We are being prevented from receiving the vouchers to operate our housing authority, as required by Florida Statute. In a meeting with the Broward Housing Authority Director, in front of witnesses and their legal counsel, admitted that it was all about the money they would lose if the vouchers were transferred to the LHA. Housing authorities are advising residents that they cannot move to Lauderhill with a voucher. That is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. Also when requested from the housing authorities for information on the vouchers in the city, Hollywood responded with none, Pompano Beach responded with 60. The remaining housing authority have refused to supply any information under a Public Records request. Litigation is a distinct possibility as a last resort if matters do resolve themselves, and HUD has been notified of this.

15) Traffic Light Arms - They not only have paint peeling, they are started to rust. FDOT will be notified about the situation. It is part of the litigation undertaken by FDOT. The Arms are not owned, nor maintained by the City.

16) Report on Grants - Will be provided in a separate article.

Lauderhill's Crime Rate Drops Again

The unofficial Lauderhill crime statistics from 2008 to 2009 is a 7.8% drop in crime. From 2007 to 2008 the official drop in crime was 8%.

Reductions were in homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, larceny and auto theft. The following is a summary of the decreases in each category over the last 4 years:

Homicide -27%
Robbery -13.79%
Aggravated assault -16%
Larceny -8.33%
Violent crime -14.86%
Auto theft -19.08%

Lauderhill/Tamarac are Successful at Sunrise Commission Meeting on Waste Transfer Station

On February 23, the City Commission of Sunrise held a public meeting to discuss the possibility of a Waste Transfer Station near the border of Tamarac, and not far from Lauderhill. Numerous Sunrise residents, about 2 dozen City of Tamarac residents and officials, along with the Mayor of Lauderhill were present, mostly in opposition of the consideration.

The cities of Tamarac and Lauderhill both sent Resolutions, unanimously passed by their Commissioners opposing the project. Mayor Beth Talabisco and Mayor Kaplan each urged the Sunrise Commission to not support the project. With over 400 people present, many had to watch from the Sunrise Civic Center, or the Sunrise Web Site. While a few supporters were present, they appeared not to be Sunrise residents.

Concerns about odor, water leakage, traffic and road maintenance, and safety of children/students were highlighted as the major reasons for objection. The staff of Sunrise stated that such use was not presently permitted in Sunrise, though the applicant's attorney for the Waste Transfer Station believed otherwise. This meeting was treated as a pre-approval test for a possible later approval of a quasi-judicial hearing for a special exception (among other possible required approvals). While a quasi-judicial hearing is conducted under oath, this proceeding was not.

Mayor Rodger Wishner and Commission Don Rosen indicated support for the changes to allow. Commissioners Scuotto and Alu were firmly against it. After several hours of discussion, and public input, Commissioner Sofield, the deciding vote that would be needed to move this forward, finally advised his opposition to the project. Without the necessary support of a majority of 3 members of the Commission, the matter was concluded and appears that it is dead for now.

Overlying the meeting was the concern that Commission Rosen may have a conflict of interest to vote on the matter, for which the Ethics Commission staff initially did not support. However, such initial advise was not binding on the Commission, nor did it prevent, if a vote occurred, a complaint to be filed against the Commissioner. Since no vote took place, no valid complaint can be filed.

Also several members of the Commission are up for re-election this year, and the public clearly indicated they would remember them for their actions this night. Mayor Wishner's election is in August with the Florida State Primary, and Commission Sofield's is in November.

Vote on Sun-Sentinel BOB (Best of Blogs) Awards

The nominations are in, and the voting has begun for the Sun-Sentinel BOB (Best of Blogs) Awards. You can vote in a variety of catagories: Art/DIY, Business & Technology, Defies Categorization, Family, Foodies, Humor, Music & Nightlife, Neighborhood, News, Personal, Politics, Photography, Pop Culture, Sports and Travel/Tourism.

As an Editorial Note, several excellent entries have been nominated in the catagory of Politics, though maybe there should have been a difference of BLOGS that are part of a for profit newspaper, and those that are not. Keeping in mind the statement that "All Politics is Local" eLauderhill News believes the best nominations are Broward Beat, and jaablog. And eLauderhillNews' top vote is for Broward Beat.

To vote for the BOB Award, go to: www.sun-sentinel.com/bob. Voting ends March 1 at 10 AM. Though there is a small prize, its not the prize that is important. It is prestige of being considered and the honor.

NOTE: eLauderhill News has been nominated in the catagories of News and Neighborhood. Not sure what is meant by Neighborhood, but I guess it means really local. To be considered in these groups is a honor in itself.

CASA’s Super League Soccer Tournament Begins

Each Saturday night at the Lauderhill Sports Park, 7500 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in Lauderhill, the Caribbean American Soccer Association will be holding its Super League Soccer Tournament. This is a free event, and presents some of the finest soccer talent in Florida.

Lauderhill MAQ T20 International Night Cricket Tournament

Starting January 23, at the Lauderhill Sports Park, the 9th Annual Lauderhill MAQ T20 International Night Cricket Tournament begins. Each Saturday night 12 teams will be competing over the next several months. The Park is located at 7500 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill.

Notes of the CRA and Commission Meeting of Februrary 8

On February 8, the City Commission met. The following are notes of interest, and all votes are unanimous unless otherwise indicated:

CRA MEETING:

1) RENAISSANCE PLAZA BUDGET - The revenues are $102,000/year, and expenses of $91,000. Expenses include $55000 in capital improvements (which has partially been used to fix the roof). Commission is looking for a long term solution to maintaining the facility.

2) ACT BOARD AND ARTS CENTER - the Director has been meeting with the ACT Board for the last 3 months as to the future of programing and rental situations at Renaissance Plaza.

3) INTERNATIONAL INCUBATOR - Haven't signed the lease cause the roof hasn't been repaired yet. Hope to be soon.

4) NEW BUSINESS
a) Joan Cartwright Mini-Grant to Arts Council. She has requested a letter of support from the Commission to apply.
b) Charlie Cuyler and Broward County Transit presented a bus stop design to be used in Lauderhill, starting in the central area. Funding comes from stimulus funds through the MPO. The bus stops will run with solar power and using NextBus technology. Construction to start soon after approval by the County Commission. It is going to them at the beginning of March. Motion to approve the design passed.


REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

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

1. Ordinance No. 10O-02-106: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS to provide references for special master hearings and to revise enforcement and practical procedures relative to violations.

2. Ordinance No. 10O-02-107: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS; REPEALING Schedule p., design standards and guidelines IN ITS ENTIRETY.

3. Ordinance No. 10O-02-108: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS; CREATING A NEW SCHEDULE P., DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES; CREATING GENERAL DESIGN STANDARDS, ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS, STREET LEVEL STANDARDS, LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION STANDARDS, SIGNAGE AND GRAPHICS STANDARDS, SITE FURNISHING STANDARDS, LIGHTING STANDARDS, ROAD AND PARKING DESIGN STANDARDS; AND APPENDIX B., COLOR PALETTE.

4. Ordinance No. 10O-02-109: AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S CURRENT INVESTMENT POLICY TO EXPAND ITS ABILITY TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE FROM $60,000.00 TO $4,000,000.00.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

5. Ordinance No. 10O-01-105: Granting authority to the city manager to waive annual business tax fees on an as needed basis in cases of demonstrated hardship to Lauderhill businesses; Providing that the city manager shall provide a written report to the City Commission within ten (10) days of granting hardship relief to a Lauderhill business; PROVIDING THAT THE CITY SHALL CREATE A FORM THAT STATES OBJECTIVE CRITERIA THAT CAN BE PRESENTED TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR HARDSHIP CONSIDERATION; Providing that examples of hardships can include prolonged construction near the business or natural disaster. Amendment passed to limit it to only hardships of prolonged construction or natural disaster. It is now required to have a third reading.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- THIRD READING:

6. Ordinance No. 10O-01-101: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, SCHEDULE B, PERMITTED AND SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES BY ALLOWING WITHIN THE COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE ZONING DISTRICT AS A PERMITTED USE AUTOMOBILE, TRUCK, TRAILER, MOTORCYCLE, BOAT, RECREATION VEHICLE (INDOOR) SALES, DISPLAY, STORAGE, OR MAINTENANCE, EXCLUDING REPAIR GARAGES AND CAR WASH; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS; PROVING THAT THE PERMITTED INDOOR USE IN THE CW DISTRICT APPROVED BY THIS ORDINANCE SHALL SUNSET AND EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2019.


RESOLUTIONS

COMMISSION

7. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-02-35: APPROVING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD TO DISBURSE FUNDS TO MATTODD & ASSOCIATES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500.00 TO THE "FAMILY LITERACY AND LIFE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM.


FINANCE

8. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-02-37: APPROVING A PROMISSORY NOTE TO GUARANTEE THE REPAYMENT OF FUNDS BORROWED BY THE LAUDERHILL HOUSING FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL POLICE, FIRE AND MANAGERIAL PENSION FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE MILLION DOLLARS.

9. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-02-38: APPROVING NUMEROUS REAL ESTATE PURCHASE CONTRACTS FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM (NSP); AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $251,450.00 PURSUANT TO THE REAL ESTATE PURCHASE CONTRACTS FROM THE GRANT ALLOCATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.

10. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-02-39: APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE AMENDMENT TO THE 2007-2010 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN (LHAP) FOR THE STATE HOUSING INITIATIVE PROGRAM (SHIP) RELATIVE TO THE ADDITION OF AN EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR STRATEGY, THE AMENDMENT OF THE REHABILITATION/REPAIR PROGRAM, AND THE INCLUSION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT VIOLATION PROGRAM.


POLICE

11. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-02-41: APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; APPROVING THE PIGGYBACK PURCHASE FROM MAROONE DODGE OF PEMBROKE PINES BASED UPON THE FLORIDA STATE SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION BID; APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,375.00 TO PURCHASE TWO (2) DODGE CHARGER VEHICLES FOR USE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

12. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-02-42: APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; APPROVING THE PIGGYBACK OF THE MARTIN COUNTY CONTRACT (AR2007-2066); APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,474.08 TO PURCHASE EMERGENCY VEHICLE LIGHTING AND EQUIPMENT FROM THE LOCAL SUPPLIER EMERGENCY VEHICLE SUPPLY (EVS) FOR TWO (2) DODGE CHARGER VEHICLES.

ITEMS ADDED TO THE COMMISSION MEETING:

13. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-01-04: Approving the interlocal operating and lease agreement between Broward County and the City of Lauderhill for lease of real property for design, development, construction, operation and maintenance of a cultural center and library immediately adjacent to Central Broward Regional Park.

14. RESOLUTION. NO. 10R-02-43: Opposing the development of a waste transfer station in the City of Sunrise, and in support of the City of Tamarac's position; providing that a waste transfer station will have a negative impact on the residents of adjoining areas, including odors, increase truck traffic, reduction in property values and a public nuisance (Requested by Mayor Richard J. Kaplan).


NEW BUSINESS

SET COMMISSION/STAFF RETREAT for Thursday, February 18, starting at 8:30 AM at Lauderhill City Hall.

It’s the “All-In-One” System Known as “Single-Stream” Recycling

As of October 1, 2009, Lauderhill changed over to an “All-in-One” recycling system (known as single-stream recycling) where recyclable items no longer have to be sorted. Instead of placing items into two separate containers, the following can all be placed in the same container (whether it is a recycling bin, two bins, or a recycling cart):

Place these items in your single-stream cart or bin(s):
• Newspapers, inserts, catalogs, magazines, junk mail, office paper, soft-covered books, file folders, soda cartons and crushed boxes from items such as cereal, tissues, rice and pasta
• Plastic containers (narrow necks only) such as bottles (without caps or lids) and milk, water, detergent and shampoo containers (without caps or lids)
• Glass food and beverage containers, milk/juice cartons and drink boxes
• Aluminum and steel food and beverage containers
• Cardboard from non-food items such as shipping boxes

DO NOT place these items in your single-stream cart or bin(s):
• Rechargeable batteries
• Plastic bags
• Certain glass products including window or autoglass, light bulbs, mirrors, glass cookware or bake ware and ceramics
• Paint and pesticides
• Electronic waste and accessories
• Medical waste and pharmaceuticals
• Household garbage and other waste such as gas cylinders, tanks, rocks, dirt, building debris, flammables, small appliances
• Pizza boxes
• Misc. plastics (toys, cups, etc.)

Watering Restrictions Now Permanent in Broward County

A permanent twice-a-week landscape watering schedule is now in place in Broward County in an effort to conserve and protect local water resources. Broward County Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance on Tuesday, January 12, that makes two-day per week, year-round landscape watering restrictions mandatory for County, city and private water customers.

Even-numbered addresses are permitted to water on Thursday and/or Sunday and odd-numbered addresses can water on Wednesday and/or Saturday.

For more information on Green Initiatives see: www.lauderhill-fl.gov/green.

Lauderhill To Build LEED Gold Performing Arts Center and Library

On January 25, the City Commission of Lauderhill voted on approving the design and construction of the 1200 seat Lauderhill Performing Arts Center and Library. The site located at the Central Regional Park, is a joint project between the City of Lauderhill and Broward County.


The County is paying for the construction of the Library and its operation. The connected Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) will be operated by the City, and each entity is contribution $5.7 million to its construction. Additionally, Lauderhill is assigning up to $440,000 from its Federal Energy Block Grant to qualify the building to be built to LEED Gold standards.

LEED is a nationally recognized standard for energy and environmental construction. Performing Arts Centers typically consume a large amount of energy due to its size and needs. By building to the LEED Gold Standard, the costs of operation will be significantly less, estimated at least 30% less then a non LEED Building. The LPAC will include solar panels to generate its own electricity and a solar powered water heater system. This building is the first LEED Gold Performing Arts Center in the Southeast United States, and the first city or county LEED Gold Building in Broward County.

The approximately $13.5 million dollar building is expected to start construction this year, and be open by Nov. 14, 2011.

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