York University of Toronto Wins 2010 American College Cricket Championship

LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA - The Finals of the 2010 American College Cricket Spring Break Championship took place Sunday March 21st when York College of New York faced York University of Toronto. Like the Semis the Finals was being webcast by American College Cricket.

The International Cricket Council carried the webcast on their website ICC.org, as did Usaca.org and CricketCanada.org. Other websites like Cricketworld, Nyyouthcricket, and Libertycricket also did.

Both teams had won their Semi finals earlier in the day to earn their spot in the Finals. In the Semi-final games, the University of South Florida and the University of Maryland (Baltimore College) were eliminated. After more than 4 days of cricket, and involving 20 teams, these athletes were giving their all.

York University won the toss and elected to bat, sending in their inform batsmen Jai Patel and Kushroo Wadia. Patel’s scores so far in the Championship included a fifty 53, 48, 44 and 37. Kushroo had already scored 78 and 38. Captain Sourav was taking the offensive early.

His batsmen proved themselves worthy by putting on 76 runs for the opening partnership, the 18 year old Jai Patel playing glorious cover drives to smash 7 fours in making 48. Patel was brilliantly caught by a diving wicketkeeper Akeem Dodson off Hugo D’Oliveira. Kushroo Wadia made a well played 54 (6 fours) before he was run out with the score at 162. Wadia had batted nearly the entire innings. Raza Rahman made 35 before being caught by Dodson off Dhilawar Khan. York College’s Captain Mohammed Suleman bowled outstanding and took 3 wickets for 16 in 3 overs.

York University made a formidable total of 163 for 6.in their 20 overs, with the boundaries set at the full 72 yards.

York College faced a challenge but with Akeem Dodson opening they stood a chance. Dodson had already made two 50’s, 68 and 62 in the Championship so far. However Captain of York University Mahjuj Sourav tore through the York College batting with his medium pace, taking 4 for 19 in his 4 overs. It was a tremendous bowling performance, and together with Hasan Chogtai who took 2 wickets for 5 runs, and Ayaz Choudry 2 for 19 Sourav ensured York stood no chance. Dodson’s 19 runs was the top score

The webcast was watched throughout the world. Malls in Toronto, like Square One, put the game on their Jumbotron.

WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING ON 02/25/10

CRA / Code Enforcement & Building / Planning & Zoning:

• Meet with staff to conduct inspection of International Trade Incubator;meet with Stewart Webster (Trade Incubator Manager) to discuss his plans for the trade incubator.
• Initiated review of Lauderhill Town Center zoning district ordinance and Lauderhill City Center SmartCode changes.
• Submitted SR-7 Collaborative 10 Year Report.
• Moderated the Recovery Zone Bond workshop with guest speaker Bill Kyriakakis with Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development. Members of the LRCC, including banks, accountants and financial planners attended the workshop. There were a total of 48 attendees. Forwarded a copy of the application and guidelines to Konover South to consider for the renovations of the Inverrary Shoppes renovation.
• Met with staff to conduct inspection report for the International Trade Incubator; met with Stewart Webster regarding International Trade Incubator. Mr. Webster will submit a proposal to the City for consulting services to establish the trade incubator.
• Attended the Enterprise Zone Board meeting. The state requested general descriptions of the expansion zones. The majority of the cities submitted information and the Enterprise Zone is waiting on the City of Hollywood. Once all of the descriptions for the EZ expansion are obtained each city has 90 days for a public comment period. Afterwards Broward County will need to provide notice for the EZ expansion with a target date of August 2010.
• Met with Sharon Wong-Hollis and Darren (Barber Shop owner) regarding the renovations of the plaza. The merchants in the plaza would like to renovate the facade but have not received support from the landlord. Victor Haye attended the meeting and will provide design concepts for the facade improvements. I gave a brief overview of the micro-loan and the commercial facade improvement grant that can be used for the renovations. Sharon will need to speak with the landlord to receive the approval to make improvements to the facade of the building.
• Met with Judy Hamilton and Al Huggins regarding the Arts Incubator. Mr. Huggins is an art broker and would like to display the artwork of the artist he represents in the art gallery. In addition, Mr. Huggins has developed an entrepreneurial and etiquette training program for youth and would like to begin the program in Lauderhill. Judy invited him to the next ACT Board meeting and I will present the youth entrepreneurial training program to the LRCC Board of Directors.
• Planning and Zoning Board 2-23: Caribbean Falls and Windermere site plans approved with conditions; CR Zoning District ordinances tabled to next meeting; Golf Course zoning district map amendment removed for failure to post notice; LDR amendments for pre-application conferences and Schedule I approved.
• Pre-Application Conference on Performing Arts Center School. Special exception use and site plan modification application expected shortly.
• Pre-Application Conference on renewal of Living Word SEU for house of religious worship, school and non-profit development. Three new SEU applications expected shortly.
• Provided information to Jazzy Jordon, president of Sony gospel division label, regarding Gospel Complex financing as follow up to meeting at Broward Regional Park during Al Tucker’s presentation
• Completed Master Plan Task Force agenda and draft final report and sent to members
• Initiate SmartCode Ordinance ; initiate draft SmartCode Transect Atlas

New Issues
• Received call about developer wishing to construct on the Inverrary Executive Golf Course a 288,000 square feet commercial recreational building with a water park, a hotel, six rooftop soccer fields, and more than 1,000 parking spaces. Further, discussion next week.

Building Department
Inspections completed this week:
• Building…………..…………... 67
• Electric…………….......…….....23
• Plumbing …….…….…………. 12
• Mechanical ……………………. .8

Code Enforcement:
• NOV for the week………………..20
• Parking tickets for the week….. .03
• Complaints…………………….....11
• Civil Citations …………………... 01
• Water Citations ……………….. ..00
• NTA ………………………….. ….00
• Tow …………………………... …00

FIRE - RESCUE DEPARTMENT:

INCIDENT TYPE INCIDENT COUNT AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME **
FIRE 1 00:06:01
EMERGENCY MEDICAL 185 00:05:05
RUPTURE OR EXPLOSION 0
HAZARDOUS CONDITION 3
SERVICE CALL 15
GOOD INTENT 25
FALSE CALL 15
OTHER 0
TOTAL 244
**Incident Summary data is early raw data.

Fire Prevention Activity
Annual Inspections - 49
Annual Re-inspections - 4
Inspection Requests - 3
Building Permit Inspections - 7
Building Permit Plan Reviews - 4
2/22 - Fire prevention software webinar
2/23 - Site meeting for new construction at Parkway Middle
2/23 - SET Meeting

Lauderhill Grants

One of the ongoing programs Lauderhill continually works at is securing grants. Funds can come from the county, state, federal or other governmental or private organization. Every grant obtained helps the city provide the services demanded, and reduces Lauderhill's costs to operate. In many cases it can provide direct assistance to Lauderhill residents and businesses.

Recently, Lauderhill has received the following grants of note:

1) NSP Neighborhood Stabilization Program $4,293,288
To purchase and repair properties that have gone into foreclosure

2) CBDG Stimulus $219,266
Part of which has gone to create the International Trade Incubator Program to create jobs

3) Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant $595,200
Part has been used to give out 10,000 free CFL bulbs, $70,000 to provide interest free loans for residents to purchase energy efficient appliances (starting in April), and the rest to pay for the energy efficient applications at the new Lauderhill Performing Arts Center and Library (making it into a LEED Gold building).

4) COPS Hiring Grant $1,283,085
To pay for the hiring of 5 new police officers for 3 years.

5) Broward County Enhancement Grant Bus Shelters $502,126
To build new bus shelters throughout Lauderhill. Funds obtained through the Broward MPO.

6) John E. Mullin Park "Green" Enhancement Grant $75,000

7) Old City Hall (47th Ave.) "Green Enhancement Grant $75,000

8) Broward Beautiful $150,000
Sunrise Blvd. Median Improvements.

9) Broward County Bus Stop ADA Compliance $47,016

10) JAG Justice Formula Grant $264,217

11) 11th Place Enhancement $676,935
Broward Regional Park

Grants recently applied for, but no decision has been announced yet:

1) Urban Forestry Stimulus Grant $24,000

2) AFG Fire Fighter Hiring Grant $668,932

Additional Grants to be applied for:

1) National Endowment of the Arts "Mayor's Initiative" $250,000
Only cities who are a member of the US Conference of Mayors, and whose Mayor has attended the USCM Mayor's Institute on City Design, can apply. Lauderhill qualifies. Funds, if obtained, would be applied to the Arts and Entertainment District being created off 441.

2) Water SIP for toilet rebate/voucher Grant Program $50,000
If obtained, residents would be able to get a free new water saving toilet.

3) Transportation Enhancement $750,000
Award through the MPO process.

4) Broadband Technology $15,000,000

Notes of Special CRA, Special Commission Meeting and Special Workshop of March 22

On March 22, the City Commission met the following items were discussed (all items were passed unanimously unless otherwise provided):

CRA MEETING:

1. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-02: APPROVING THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE LAUDERHILL STATE ROAD 7 CORRIDOR INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT AND FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CENTRAL LAUDERHILL INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH BROWARD COUNTY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENTS.


SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING:

1. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-67: APPROVING THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE LAUDERHILL STATE ROAD 7 CORRIDOR INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT AND FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CENTRAL LAUDERHILL INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH BROWARD COUNTY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENTS.

2. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-66: APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF $5,200.00 OF UNUSED FUNDS FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 001-101-4910 OF COMMISSIONER HOLNESS'S UNUSED TRAVEL FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR AS A DONATION TO THE “TO HAITI WITH LOVE” CULTURAL FUNDRAISING CONCERT TO AIDE THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI(REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR DALE V.C. HOLNESS). The item was substituted with the following action: A Substitute Motion by Commissioner Benson to add $5000 from the special promotions account and provide free police and EMS service ($7000 value). The Commission had already authorized the loan of $9300 to the event. Commission Bates requested a amendment to the Substitute Motion to remove the free police and EMS service, which failed (Bates and Kaplan voting yes, Benson, Berger and Holness voting no). The Substitute Motion passed 4-1 with Commissioner Bates voting no. It was reported that at this time the expenses of the event are $48000, and so far only (not including the city whose total value is $26,500) has been $10000. It is expected that 2000 tickets to be sold. The primary purpose of this event is a fund raiser for Haiti, however numerous other social organizations will be present.


SPECIAL WORKSHOP:

1. ELECTRONIC BILLBOARD AT INVERRARY COUNTRY CLUB (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, CHARLES FARANDA). Terms had not been concluded, so the matter was withdrawn from discussion.

2. WEST WIND PARK (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, CHARLES FARANDA). Design plans were deemed acceptable to the Commission. The proposed building will use the same footprint and renovate the present facilities. The conference room will be designed for potential neighborhood meetings. Cost at approximately $300,000.

3. LOCATION OF BARS/RESTAURANTS AND THE REQUIRED SETBACKS AND SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS FROM SCHOOLS (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, CHARLES FARANDA). Discussion on issues relating to state and city laws to resolve conflicts and address potential roadblocks in using designated corridors as intended. Staff will proceed forward to draft proposals.

4. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NOTICES -

a. City Manager provided a memo on a proposed purchase for the Lauderhill Housing Authority. Item was not for discussion, only notification. Any Commissioner having a question is directed to meet with the City Manager as desired.

b. An announcement was given that the city is planning to start the Interest Free Revolving Loans for Energy Appliances on April 5, if matters proceed as planned.

Lauderhill PD Makes Arrest at Swap Shop

The Crime Suppression Unit of Lauderhill Police Department conducted a joint investigation with the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department at the Lauderhill Swap Shop located at 3295 W. Sunrise Blvd., Lauderhill, Florida.

After an extensive eight month joint investigation, eleven vendors were identified as being involved in an ongoing scheme, which involved the purchase and sale of stolen items.

The independent vendors at the Swap Shop would knowingly purchase stolen goods at below wholesale prices and would then sell them at retail prices to consumers, making a huge profit.

Victims of several vehicle and residential burglaries were able to identify some of their stolen items at the Swap Shop. This is what prompted the investigation.

The Organized Retail Crime Unit of several store retailers to include: CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Publix and Target partnered with the Police Department to assist with the investigation. Undercover officers used some of their store items to sell to these vendors. Vendors would occasionally request certain retail items to sell at their booths.

Out of the eleven vendors involved, nine have been physically taken into custody. Two of the vendors have spoken to police and have agreed to turn themselves in.

The types of items involved were: electronics, consumer goods to include health related products.

Three of the vendors are being charged with dealing in stolen property, grand theft and racketeering. The other vendors are being charged with dealing in stolen property and grand theft.

The vendors arrested so far in this scheme are:

James Santos
Ashton Kissoon
Joseph Gearhart
Jalal Sadeghi
Cebonneur Jean
Willy Metayer
Ervez Victor
Samuel Ramos
Ruben Salome, Jr.

The Lauderhill Police Department along with the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department served warrants to the vendors who were at the Swap Shop and took those present into custody. The Broward Sheriff’s Office assisted in locating one of the vendors who lived in Coconut Creek, Florida.

All of the items from the vendors’ booths were seized.

AASHTO Top Ten Transportation Topics for 2010

1) Adopting a long-term transportation funding bill. The current legislation that establishes funding levels and policy priorities for highways and transit expired on September 30, 2009. Since then, there have been four extensions – the most current being a short-term surface transportation authorization that will allow state departments of transportation to continue to use federal funds for highway, transit, and other projects until Feb. 28. Stop-gap extensions create difficulties for state departments of transportation since they cannot make long-term plans and commitments for more ambitious projects. In addition, without action by the Congress by March 1, state DOTs will lose $12 billion in 2010 for their highway programs. State DOTs need program continuity and stability through an extension of at least a year to adequately plan, execute and manage transportation capital programs.

2) Adopting a New Jobs Creation bill. The Senate is expected to begin debate on a jobs creation bill in mid-January. The House bill, Jobs for Main Street Act, contains several important transportation provisions including an extension of surface transportation authorization through Sept. 30, 2010. Funding would include $27.5 billion for highways and $8.4 billion for mass transit; Amtrak would receive $800 million while airports would get $500 million and shipyards $100 million. States have identified more than 9,500 ready-to-go projects that can fund projects quickly and put people to work. A jobs bill will enable states to build on last year's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) projects and keep the momentum going.

3) Deterring Distracted Driving. Nearly 6,000 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes involving some form of driver distraction during 2008. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia prohibit drivers from text messaging while driving; 12 of those laws passed in 2009. Florida and Kentucky have already pre-filed texting ban bills for the 2010 legislative session, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. President Obama has banned texting by federal government employees while on official business or using government property and AASHTO has passed a resolution encouraging employers and state departments of transportation to enact similar bans. The year ahead will offer more public information campaigns and driver education, more sanctions and additional research to determine the extent of the problem, whether hands-free devices are an effective solution, and whether effective enforcement strategies can be developed and/or implemented. See https://webmail.lauderhill-fl.gov/owa/redir.aspx?C=7aa4d67d0478421fab8f6cc04607b855&URL=http%3a%2f%2fsafety.transportation.org for information.

4) Ensuring Safer Roads. In Spring 2010, AASHTO will publish the Highway Safety Manual. This manual will assist highway agencies as they consider improvements to existing roadways or as they are planning, designing, or constructing new roadways. AASHTO is working with the Federal Highway Administration and the Transportation Research Board to develop training, information sessions and other implementation tools that will be made available to states and others in the highway industry. AASHTO's goal: cut today's 38,000 highway fatalities 50 percent in 20 years.

5) Moving on High-Speed Rail Grants. Early in 2010, a new era in U.S. intercity passenger rail service will be launched with the announcement of $8 billion in ARRA grants for state projects to initiate or improve high-speed and intercity passenger rail service. Later in the year an additional $2.5 billion will be awarded through the State Capital Grants Program of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act to carry out President Obama's strategy for passenger rail. http://www.aashtojournal.org/Pages/110609transit.aspx

6) Taking Action to Address Climate Change. With autos and light-duty trucks contributing approximately 17 percent of the greenhouse gases (GHG) in the United States, state and local governments are developing climate change action plans and looking at the best ways to reduce emissions through technology, research, smarter travel, better cars and fuels, and improved efficiency and operation of our roads. In the year ahead, Congress will address this issue in both climate change and transportation authorization legislation. AASHTO's Climate Change Steering Committee is working to provide technical expertise and assistance to state DOTs to reduce GHG emissions. http://realsolutions.transportation.org/Pages/default.aspx

7) Responding to Increased Congestion Due to Capacity Issues. In 2008, high gas prices drove thousands of commuters from their cars and onto buses, subways and other transit options. As gas prices moderated, however, many of these riders went back to their vehicles. In fact, despite the economic downturn, 64 of the 100 most populated cities saw increased congestion in the first six months of 2009. This congestion will only continue to worsen as more people move to metropolitan areas and little is done to increase the capacity of the overall transportation system. In early 2010, AASHTO will issue a new report that outlines a four-point plan to address the urban mobility challenge. Other reports on the transportation needs of rural and underserved areas as well as freight will follow.

8) Adopting Social Media to Provide the Latest Traffic and Travel Information. Eighty percent of state departments of transportation are now using Twitter as well as an array of other "social media" to release information on traffic incidents, road closings, weather emergencies and other transportation-related information. Thousands of travelers have signed up to use this service. In Mississippi, Twitter sites have been set up to guide drivers through hurricane evacuations. Other media being accessed by states to educate their publics include Facebook, weekly news webchannels, podcasts and RSS feeds to spread their message. States are encouraging the use of these media "before they go" to avoid distracted driving.

9) Enhancing Safety through Roadway Improvements. On two-lane rural roads and major highways, rumble strips are now being installed to warn drivers when their vehicles start to leave the travel lane. On divided highways, cable median barriers are being installed to prevent fatal crashes in which vehicles run off the road into the median and cross over into oncoming traffic. With more than half of the highway fatalities occurring on rural roads, highway agencies are focusing on installing these types of lower-cost treatments to reduce these crashes. As additional studies are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of these treatments, they will be installed on more roads across the country.

10) Creating more livable communities. The Administration has made livable communities a key aspect of their agenda. In June of 2009, EPA, HUD and USDOT entered into a Sustainable Communities Partnership to help improve access to affordable housing, provide more transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment in communities nationwide. Efforts by state DOTs in the coming year will include building transportation enhancement projects such as bikeways, pedestrian walkways, historic restoration and beautification projects; improving metropolitan mobility; ensuring more transit services are available in rural areas and to serve aging populations; and adding capacity to our transportation network to reduce congestion and the amount of time commuters, truckers and other drivers are stuck in traffic and so have more time with their families.

AASHTO is the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials. These Officials include the Florida Department of Transportation.

Broward MPO Introduces BiKE Broward: An Innovative Way to Plan Your Trip

BiKE Broward is an innovative Internet-based bicycle route planning tool that allows bicyclists to enter their start and end locations and receive turn-by-turn directions on how to reach their destination.

BiKE Broward includes five types of route selections users can choose from, including short, fast, least interaction with traffic, simple and scenic. When planning your trip you can also include multiple travel points along your designated route.

The concept for BiKE Broward began in March 2008 and is funded by the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (Broward MPO); it is also a joint effort by Florida International University Geographic Information System (GIS) Center, and the University of Florida’s GeoMatics Program at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.

To view the Web site visit http://bike.browardmpo.org.

Notes of the CRA and Commission Meeting of March 8

On March 8, the City Commission met for a CRA and Regular Commission Meeting. The following are matters of interest covered at those meetings (all votes are unanimous unless otherwise stated):

CRA MEETING:

1) RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS AT ARTS CENTER

Cost estimates are $26,800 for 8 priority items. Motion passed to approve expenditure.

2) STATE ROAD 7 SMART CODE ZONING

Form Based Zoning presentation and discussion. The one decided to proceed with is "SmartCode." Before presenting to Commission and CRA, it was tested on 3 properties to see how it would work. Total value of the 3 properties is $10 million. Creates different types of T zones. Shows potential developers how the property can be developed into a variety of options. For now, it is only proposed for State Road 7, however Miami has done it city-wide. It is intended to waive site plan fees during this development phase of the new code.

3) INTERNATIONAL INCUBATOR

Matters are proceeding forward. We have prospective tenants.

4) NEW BUSINESS

a) We are looking at extending the interest free period since matters have not progressed as original plan.

b) After discussion, the consensus was to provide the remaining funds in the Sister City as a loan for the Haitian Relief effort program for March 28. There is something less than $10,000 in the account. This was the original request of Commission Holness, who is Chairing the event.



REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:


PRESENTATION:

Chief Pachnek gave a presentation to the City Commission of an arrest the Lauderhill Police Department was involved in investigating. The person was illegally taking title to property in foreclosure. Plantation Police made the arrest, and the arrested person has been charged with mulitple counts of Grand Theft.


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

1. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-03-111: AMENDING SIGN REQUIREMENTS TO CLARIFY IT APPLIES TO RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY; TO CLARIFY THAT PERMANENT PORTABLE SIGNS ARE PROHIBITED; TO CLARIFY THAT ONLY ONE PERMIT IS ALLOWED PER PERIOD; TO CLARIFY IT APPLIES TO INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED WINDOW SIGNS.

2. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-03-113: IMPOSING A NINE (9) MONTH MORATORIUM ON PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINIC USES WITHIN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL; APPLYING TO THE ISSUANCE OF BUSINESS TAX CERTIFICATES FOR MEDICAL OFFICE PERMITTED USES WHICH WOULD INCLUDE PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINIC USES; APPLYING TO CLINIC SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES WHICH WOULD INCLUDE PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINIC USES.

3. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-02-110: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 8, ELECTIONS, SECTION 8-6, RESIGNING FROM OFFICE TO RUN FOR ANOTHER; VACANCIES ON CITY COMMISSION; CREATING A PROCEDURE FOR FILLING A VACANCY IN CANDIDACY AS REQUIRED BY FLORIDA STATUTES, SECTION 166.031 (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

4. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-03-114: IMPOSING A ONE (1) YEAR MORATORIUM ON DYNAMIC DISPLAY SIGNS; APPLYING TO THE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS AND REQUEST FOR BUILDING PERMITS RELATING TO LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, SCHEDULE I, SIGN REQUIREMENTS, SECTION 15.0, DYNAMIC DISPLAYS AND ALL RELATED PROVISIONS.

4A. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-02-110: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 8, ELECTIONS, SECTION 8-6, RESIGNING FROM OFFICE TO RUN FOR ANOTHER; VACANCIES ON CITY COMMISSION. (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN)


RESOLUTIONS

ADMINISTRATION

5. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-51: APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL OPERATING AND LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A CULTURAL CENTER AND LIBRARY IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK; RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 10R-01-04 APPROVED ON FEBRUARY 8, 2010. Passed 4-0-1, Commissioner Benson abstaining to avoid a potential conflict of interest disclosed.

5A. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-64: OPPOSING THE LOCAL BILL PROPOSING TO CREATE THE BROWARD INDEPENDENT FIRE DISTRICT.


COMMISSION

6. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-53: RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING HENRIETTA ABRAMS FOR HER GENEROSITY IN DONATING AN AMBULANCE TO THE AMERICA FRIENDS OF MAGEN DAVID ADOM TO ASSIST WITH EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE IN ISRAEL.

7. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-57: APPOINTING THREE (3) BOARD MEMBERS AND ONE (1) ALTERNATE (Estella J. Hadley, Barbara E. Robinson, Janet J. Rooks, and vacant (alt)) BY THE CITY COMMISSION AS A WHOLE TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE. Anyone interested in serving on this committee or any other board/committee, please submit your resume to the City Clerk.


FINANCE

8. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-59: 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 $1,109,275.00 PURSUANT TO THE REAL ESTATE PURCHASE CONTRACTS FROM THE GRANT ALLOCATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD).


PLANNING AND REDEVELOPMENT

9. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-60: SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED MODIFIED BOUNDARY CHANGE OF THE BROWARD COUNTY/FORT LAUDERDALE ENTERPRISE ZONE TO BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE, INTER ALIA, ALL OF THE AREAS OF THE STATE ROAD 7 COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY PART OF THE ENTERPRISE ZONE (THE AREA WEST OF STATE ROAD 7.

10. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-61: APPROVING THE PREFERRED LIST OF 15 VENDORS TO PROVIDE LOT CLEARING AND MOWING SERVICES TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS.


DEES

11. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-63: APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ADA ACCESSIBLE BUS STOPS; PROVIDING THAT BROWARD COUNTY WILL REIMBURSE THE CITY UP TO $59,150.38. BROWARD COUNTY FUNDING IS COMING THROUGH THE MPO FROM THE FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDS.


POLICE

12. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-03-62: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000.00 TO BE UTILIZED TO FUND ADDITIONAL POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAINING COSTS DURING FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 110-683-9936.

Broward County Community Action Agency to Provide Electric Bill Payments and Space Heaters

CONTACT: Pat West, Director Family Success Administration
PHONE: 954-357-6367

The Broward County Community Action Agency, which is administered through the Broward County Family Success Administration Division of the Human Services Department, received approval from the State Department of Community Affairs to institute an effort to lessen the impact that this uncharacteristically cold winter season has had on low-income families.

To assist these qualified families, the Community Action Agency is using the flexibility offered by the State to provide additional electric bill payments and also make available space heaters as needed and requested. Eligible participants must meet Federal Income Guidelines, which are 150 percent of the poverty level.

This will allow the client to choose what is best for them, a space heater, a payment on their electric bill, or both, as long as the total cost does not exceed $600. Any household meeting these priority criteria will be seen on a first come, first served basis, as long as the funding remains available. Priority households which have been disconnected will be given an even greater priority to expedite their completed applications to have their power restored within 24 hours.

Residents who have a critical need should call the Community Action Agency at 954-497-1350 or visit www.broward.org/family and click COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY.

American College Cricket Tournament Comes to Lauderhill - 2010

The American College Cricket Spring Break Tournament schedule has been announced for 2010. Teams representing 19 colleges, plus the University of West Indies and the USA under 19 team will be playing the the Central Regional Park in Lauderhill from March 17 through 21. Forty-seven games will be played, and the semi-finals and finals will be broadcasted live on the web.

This is the second year for the tournament, and has greatly increased in the number of participating colleges. The 19 college teams playing are the U of Miami, U of Southern California, U of Minnesota, New York University, Rutgers University, U of Pennsylvania, Boston University, U of South Florida, York College, George Mason University, Auburn University, Ohio State University, U of St. Cloud, U of Maryland - Baltimore, George Washington University, York University, Thunderbird School, and last years winner, Montgomery College.

For more information, including the schedule, go to:
http://www.sflcn.com/story.php?id=8091.

Notes of the Special Workshop and Regular Commission Meeting of February 22

On February 22, the City Commission met for a Special Workshop and Regular Commission Meeting. The following are some notes of interest (all votes are unanimous unless otherwise indicated):

SPECIAL WORKSHOP:

1. AUDIT PRESENTATION - As of 9/30/09, the city had a Unreserved Fund Balance of $6,215,673 (about 12%), and a Total Fund Balance of $7,563,845 (about 15%). City policy is to have a minimum of 10%, so we exceed it. The Fund Balance was a decrease from 2008 to 2009 of 12.3% and 3.5%, respectively, due to settlement of one time union contracts and employee buy outs (which will be beneficial in subsequent years). Additionally, a new Reserve Account for Natural Disaster was created with $500,000 moved from Unreserved Fund Balance. Subsequently $1,000,000 has been assigned to the Lauderhill Housing Authority for start up.



To date we have raised 51.56% of the revenues, and expended 48.10% in the General Fund. However, it is being projected no increase for this year for the Fund Balance. Of the 19 financial indicators for this year shows 8 indicators with an upward trend, 4 downward, with 6 inconclusive. Downward trends were all related to cash balances, and the City knew that would happen. It relates to the spending down of the GO Bond, which was expected. The Overall Rating is Favorable.

2. PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION OF LAUDERHILL HOUSING AUTHORITY - was already discussed at the Retreat.


REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

PROCLAMATION:

A. Black History Month with plaques to members of the MLK Task Force.


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

1. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-02-110: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 8, ELECTIONS, SECTION 8-6, RESIGNING FROM OFFICE TO RUN FOR ANOTHER; VACANCIES ON CITY COMMISSION; CREATING A PROCEDURE FOR FILLING A VACANCY IN CANDIDACY AS REQUIRED BY FLORIDA STATUTES, SECTION 166.031(6); PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN). Not ready to present to Commission at this time. Withdrawn to the next Commission Meeting.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

2. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-02-106: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS; AMENDING SCHEDULE M, MINIMUM HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS, TO PROVIDE REFERENCES FOR SPECIAL MASTER HEARINGS AND TO REVISE ENFORCEMENT AND PRACTICAL PROCEDURES RELATIVE TO VIOLATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS: SECTION 1.1, DEFINITIONS; SECTION 1.7, ENFORCEMENT; SECTION, 1.8, INSPECTIONS; SECTION 1.9 REQUEST FOR HEARING; SECTION 1.10, HEARING ON NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS; SECTION 1.11, UNCONTESTED NOTICE OF VIOLATION; SECTION 1.12, FINAL ORDERS, SECTION 1.13, EMERGENCY ORDERS, AND 1.14, ACTION TAKEN UPON NONCOMPLIANCE WITH FINAL ORDER.

3. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-02-107: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS; REPEALING SCHEDULE P., DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES IN ITS ENTIRETY; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION.

4. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-02-108: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS; CREATING A NEW SCHEDULE P., DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES; CREATING THE FOLLOWING: SECTION 1., INTRODUCTION; SEC. 2., GENERAL DESIGN STANDARDS; SEC. 3., ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS; SEC. 4., STREET LEVEL STANDARDS; SEC. 5., LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION STANDARDS; SEC. 6., SIGNAGE AND GRAPHICS STANDARDS; SEC. 7., SITE FURNISHING STANDARDS; SEC. 8., LIGHTING STANDARDS; SEC. 9., ROAD AND PARKING DESIGN STANDARDS; APPENDIX A, DEFINITIONS; AND APPENDIX B., COLOR PALETTE.

5. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-02-109: AN ORDINANCE 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 --- THIRD READING:

6. ORDINANCE NO. 10O-01-105: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL GRANTING AUTHORITY TO THE CITY MANAGER TO WAIVE ANNUAL BUSINESS TAX FEES ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS IN CASES OF DEMONSTRATING A PERMITTED HARDSHIP TO LAUDERHILL BUSINESSES; PROVIDING THAT THE CITY MANAGER SHALL PROVIDE A WRITTEN REPORT, INCLUDING ANY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS, TO THE CITY COMMISSION WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF GRANTING HARDSHIP RELIEF TO A LAUDERHILL BUSINESS; PROVIDING THAT THE TWO PERMITTED HARDSHIPS ARE: PROLONGED CONSTRUCTION NEAR THE BUSINESS OR A NATURAL DISASTER.


RESOLUTIONS

COMMISSION

7. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-02-46: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ON HIS AWARD OF THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR 2009; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES).

8. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-02-47: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL SUPPORTING THE LIVABILITY GRANT APPLICATION FILED BY THE BROWARD COUNTY TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT FOR GREEN FLEET EXPANSION, TRANSIT ACCESSIBILITY, BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENTS, BUS SHELTER UPGRADES AND LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS TO BROWARD BOULEVARD; PROVING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).


POLICE

9. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-02-48: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND 2500 INVERRARY CLUB APARTMENTS, LLC FOR LOCAL TRAFFIC CONTROL AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE AREA KNOWN AS THE 2500 INVERRARY CLUB APARTMENTS.

10. RESOLUTION NO. 10R-02-49: A RESOLUTION WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF 2009 JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) FUNDS AND CURRENT OPERATING BUDGET FUNDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $70,000.00 TO PURCHASE PRIN TRAK AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AFIS) FROM THE SOLE SOURCE SUPPLIER MORPHO TRAK SAFRAN GROUP.


NEW BUSINESS

A. CANCELLED MARCH 15, 2010 COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING, SINCE THERE WILL NOT BE A QUORUM.

B. CANCELLED MARCH 29, 2010 COMMISSION MEETING, WHICH IS THE FIRST NIGHT OF PASSOVER.