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.
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2 comments:
Mayor Kaplan: I want to set the record straight as related in item #14. Only some of what I said to your city manager was apparently reported to you. I did say money was an issue since it is obviously needed to operate our 34 year old, award-winning Housing Choice Voucher program. Perhaps the manager will share the rest of what I said. The BCHA has never advised residents not to move to Lauderhill with a voucher. It's their choice and we are well-versed in Fair Housing laws. The BCHA has never refused to provide Lauderhill or any other person or entity with information to which they are entitled under the law.
What you have to realize, is that the law of Florida is the law. Therefore, Lauderhill has exclusive jurisdiction on vouchers in its city and BHCA needs to recognize this. Eventually, this will happen, and further delay will only hurt people.
As to the BCHA and vouchers, it was a reference to the Ft. Lauderdale Housing Authority, not BCHA. Though there may be others as well. I have been contacted about this by a property owner, and there may be something in their public minutes reflecting their action on this. That is a problem for them.
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