Notes of the Regular Commission Meeting of August 29

On August 29, the City Commission held its Regular Commission Meeting, and the following are items of interest that were discussed (all items voted upon were unanimous unless otherwise indicated):

PUBLIC HEARINGS AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL ON THE 6TH OF AUG., 2011.

1. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-134: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA DIRECTING CITY ADMINISTRATION TO RESEARCH AND BRING BACK RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COMMISSION ON RECURRING NON-PROPERTY TAX FUNDED SOLUTIONS SPECIFICALLY FOR PUBLIC COMMUNITY SHUTTLE SERVICES AND IN GENERAL FOR ANY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT OR SERVICE (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

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

2. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-147: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 8½, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, SECTION 8½-4, EMERGENCY POWERS, TO MODIFY PROVISIONS REGARDING THE POSSESSION OR DISPLAY OF FIREARMS OR WEAPONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUTES (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

3. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-150: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS schedule m, minimum housing quality standards; creating section 1.13, conformance with federal standards.

4. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-151: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS and pertaining to public school concurrency; creating Land Development Regulations Article Iv, development review requirements, Part 7.0., concurrency determination, section 7.4, adequacy of school sites and facilities.

5. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-152: AUTHORIZING A TAXABLE LOAN IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT EXCEEDING $6,100,000 TO BE APPLIED, TOGETHER WITH OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS OF THE CITY, FOR THE PURPOSES OF FINANCING A LUMP SUM PAYMENT TO BE MADE TO CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES FOR ACCRUED VACATION PAY, FINANCING THE COST OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING, EQUIPPING AND IMPROVING VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE WINDERMERE/TREE GARDENS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, FINANCING THE COST OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING AND IMPROVING A PORTION OF THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AS SET FORTH IN THE CITY’S FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, AS ADOPTED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND PAYING COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE TAXABLE LOAN; APPROVING A FORM, AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, OF A LOAN AGREEMENT WITH BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. AND THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A PROMISSORY NOTE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; PLEDGING THE REVENUES RECEIVED BY THE CITY FROM THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF THE CITY’S COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE TAX TO PAYMENT OF THE AMOUNTS DUE UNDER THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND PROMISSORY NOTE, ON A PARITY WITH CERTAIN OTHER OBLIGATIONS AS SET FORTH HEREIN; AWARDING THE LOAN TO BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. PURSUANT TO A NEGOTIATED SALE.

6. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-153: AUTHORIZING A TAX-EXEMPT LOAN IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT EXCEEDING $5,095,000 TO BE APPLIED, TOGETHER WITH OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS OF THE CITY, FOR THE PURPOSES OF FINANCING THE COST OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING AND IMPROVING A PORTION OF VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AS SET FORTH IN THE CITY’S FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, AS ADOPTED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND PAYING COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE TAX-EXEMPT LOAN; APPROVING A FORM, AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, OF A LOAN AGREEMENT WITH JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.; PLEDGING THE REVENUES RECEIVED BY THE CITY FROM THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF THE CITY’S COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE TAX TO PAYMENT OF THE AMOUNTS DUE UNDER THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND PROMISSORY NOTE, AWARDING THE LOAN TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. PURSUANT TO A NEGOTIATED SALE.

7. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-154: AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE II, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, DIVISION 4, NUISANCE ABATEMENT; AMENDING SECTION 2-88.52, PROCEDURES; AMENDING SECTION 2-88.53, PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT, RELATIVE TO PROCEDURES AND THE HEARING PROCESS.

8. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-155: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, CHAPTER 12, BUSINESS REGULATIONS, ARTICLE I, IN GENERAL, SECTION 12-3, CERTIFICATE OF USE AND LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT REQUIRED; PENALTY FOR VIOLATION; ENFORCEMENT TO ADD A PROHIBTION FOR UNAUTHORIZED AND ILLEGAL BUSINESSES.

9. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-156: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 21, WATER AND SEWER SERVICE, ARTICLE IV, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RATES; AMENDING SECTION 21-47, SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES, TO APPROVE AN INCREASE OF 3.6% IN WATER AND SEWER RATES BASED UPON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR INFLATION; PROVIDING THAT SAID RATES AND CHARGES ARE NECESSARY TO COVER THE COSTS OF PROVIDING SAID SERVICES AND ARE IMPLEMENTED TO PROCEED WITH A 5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN TO UTILIZE A PAY AS YOU GO METHODOLOGY FOR REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT; PROVIDING FOR THE NEW RATE STRUCTURE TO COMMENCE OCTOBER 1, 2011.

10. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-157: APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO UPDATE THE CITY’S CURRENT INVESTMENT POLICY.

11. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-158: APPROVING A BUDGET TRANSFER IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,263,540.00 TO BALANCE THE GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 BUDGET; PROVIDING VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

12. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-144: AUTHORIZING A TAX-EXEMPT LOAN IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT EXCEEDING $4,905,000 AND A TAXABLE LOAN IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT EXCEEDING $4,905,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REFINANCING THE CITY’S EXISTING LINES OF CREDIT WITH BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., THE PROCEEDS OF WHICH WERE USED TO ACQUIRE, CONSTRUCT, IMPROVE, EQUIP, REPAIR AND RENOVATE VARIOUS PUBLIC FACILITIES; PURSUANT TO A NEGOTIATED SALE.

13. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-145: PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ITS $2,595,000 HALF-CENT SALES TAX REFUNDING REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2011A AND ITS $3,700,000 HALF-CENT SALES TAX REFUNDING REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2011B, IN EACH CASE, AS REFUNDING BONDS UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 96-110 ENACTED ON APRIL 29, 1996; AUTHORIZING THE PROCEEDS OF THE SERIES 2011A BONDS TO BE APPLIED, TOGETHER WITH OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS OF THE CITY, TO REFUND, ON A CURRENT BASIS, THE CITY’S OUTSTANDING HALF-CENT SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 1998 MATURING AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2011; AUTHORIZING THE PROCEEDS OF THE SERIES 2011B BONDS TO BE APPLIED, TOGETHER WITH OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS OF THE CITY, TO REFUND, ON A CURRENT BASIS, THE CITY’S OUTSTANDING HALF-CENT SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2001 MATURING AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2011; AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION OF AMOUNTS ON DEPOSIT IN THE RESERVE SUBACCOUNTS ESTABLISHED FOR THE OUTSTANDING HALF-CENT SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 1998 AND HALF-CENT SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2001 TO PAY COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2011A BONDS AND SERIES 2011B BONDS AND COSTS OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE CITY’S FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AS ADOPTED FROM TIME TO TIME; PROVIDING FOR THE TERMS OF SUCH SERIES 2011 BONDS; AWARDING THE SALE OF THE SERIES 2011 BONDS TO BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY PURSUANT TO A NEGOTIATED SALE; APPOINTING THE CITY AS PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR FOR THE SERIES 2011 BONDS.

14. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-146: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, CHAPTER 12, BUSINESS REGULATIONS, ARTICLE II, CERTIFICATE OF USE AND LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT, SECTION 12-33, DUE DATES; PENALTIES FOR DELINQUENT PAYMENT TO PROVIDE FOR MONTHLY DELINQUENCY PENALTIES AND 150 DAYS TIMEFRAME TO BE SUBJECT TO CIVIL CITATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUTES; AMENDING SECTION 12-57, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FEE, TO INCREASE THE FEE.

RESOLUTIONS

ADMINISTRATION

15. 15. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-137: APPROVING THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE WINDERMERE/TREE GARDENS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT REGARDING THE IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED WITHIN THE DISTRICT AREA; PROVIDING TERMS, CONDITIONS AND FEES; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF SAID AGREEMENT.

16. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-138: APPROVING THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LAUDERHILL HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO LET CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED WITHIN THE WINDERMERE/TREE GARDENS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AREA THAT ARE OWNED BY THE LAUDERHILL HOUSING AUTHORITY TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS ON SAID PROPERTY.

FINANCE

17. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-142: RANKING THE SELECTION OF AUDIT SERVICES FIRMS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2011, 2012 AND 2013; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SELECTED TOP 3 FIRMS AS FOLLOWS: ________________, _____________, _________________IN DESCENDING ORDER AS NECESSARY UNTIL AN AGREEMENT IS REACHED. Withdrawn.

18. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-143: APPROVING THE FORM, AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, OF AN INTEREST RATE LOCK AGREEMENT WITH JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. IN CONNECTION WITH THE CITY’S REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FROM A QUALIFIED FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TO PROVIDE A TAX-EXEMPT LOAN TO FINANCE, TOGETHER WITH OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS OF THE CITY, A PORTION OF THE COST OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING AND IMPROVING VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AS SET FORTH IN THE CITY’S FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, AS ADOPTED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND PAYING COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE TAX-EXEMPT LOAN.

19. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-144: APPROVING A policy to authorize the release of liens and waiver of oustanding balances for grant funding awarded under the ”nsp”, “ship”, “CDBG”, and “HOME” funding programs. Withdrawn.

20. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-147: APPROVING THE EXTENSION OF THE AGREEMENT WITH STAFFING CONNECTION/ACTION LABOR TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD SERVICES FOR NINETY (90) DAYS OR UNTIL THE CITY AWARDS A NEW CONTRACT FOR SERVICES, WHICHEVER SHALL OCCUR FIRST

.FIRE

21. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-149: AWARDING THE BID TO _________________ IN THE AMOUNT OF $_________________ TO PERFORM THE INSTALLATION OF DIESEL EXHAUST REMOVAL SYSTEMS AT EACH OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S THREE PERMANENT FIRE STATIONS; PROVIDING FOR FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING FROM THE ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT #EMW-2009-FO-04824 IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,000.00; PROVIDING FOR CITY MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,500.00.

HR

22. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-155: APPROVING A MEMOrandum OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE LOCAL UNION 2942, COUNCIL 79 AMERICAN FEDERATION OF THE STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO, TO MODIFY SECTION 6 OF ARTICLE 19 OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SELF-IMPROVEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN CONTAINED THEREIN.

P&Z

23. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-156: ReTroactively extending the date of site plan approval from august 16, 2008 TO AUGUST 16, 2014 for the georgetown townhouse development, a 32± ACRE SITE in the residential transitional at 16 dwelling units per gross acre (RT-16) zoning district Legally described as georgetown.

24. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-160: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR, AND EXECUTION OF, A JOB ACCESS REVERSE COMMUTE (JARC) GRANT APPLICATION UNDER THE SOUTH FLORIDA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY’S GENERAL AUTHORITY TO MAKE SUCH GRANTS (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

POLICE

25. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-08-157: APPROVING A MEMOrandum OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE FLORIDA STATE LODGE, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, LODGE #161 (the “union”), AMENDING ARTICLE 16 “holidays” OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE UNION; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.

Lauderhill Arrests

Lauderhill narcotics unit, along with the County task force, arrested two males at XXXX NW 16 Street for intending to distribute 13 pounds of cannabis. Names are being withheld for federal charges.

Following that arrest, a deal was made to purchase 1,600 pounds of cannabis in the northwest part of Lauderhill. Two were arrested on federal charges.

A Notice Sent to the Mayor About the South Florida Water Management District

"As you are aware, the South Florida Water Management District (District) is reducing its ad valorem property tax collections by 32%, which will result in a $128 million reduction to our Fiscal Year 2012 budget. In developing an austere budget aligned with these tax-reduction objectives, the District is taking steps across the agency to streamline operations and refocus on core functions of flood control, water supply and ecosystem restoration.

"To save more than $2 million in lease expenses and streamline staffing, the District is closing Service Center facilities in Monroe, Broward, Miami-Dade and Martin Counties. Service Centers will remain open in Ft. Myers, Orlando and Okeechobee. District staff will continue to provide community and local government support, attend meetings in your area and brief you and your communities on District activities. We are confident that District staff will continue to meet the needs of the local governments and stakeholders throughout our 16-county region."

Ed. Note: Thought this might be of interest in the cutbacks Florida is going through. Many do not agree with these cutbacks as being detrimental. Time may tell who was right, but these taxes will go down as well as your service from the District.

Broward Schools Starts Tomorrow

Be careful on the roads because a new school year starts tomorrow, Monday, August 22. School buses and children will be everywhere, and we have to be reminded to be on the look out.

For information about what is new in school, you can go to Lauderhill Teen Central Web Site. There you will find information about the schools and lunch menus too under the 'Public School' tab.

9/11 Anniversary Recognized

Patriot Day – 9/11 Ten Year Anniversary

Fire Station #57 - 1980 NW 56 Avenue

Sunday, September 11 (9 am – 11:30 am)

954-730-3000

Second Update on Mayor's Projects for 2011

Earlier this year I put together a list of some of the major projects I intend to pursue during 2011, and I have been updating this occasionally. Being that we are into the third quarter of the year, I thought it might be interesting to give an update on how those projects are proceeding:

1) PACE - Complete setting up the program, and arrange financing.

We are working with a company that we believe we can set up the program through the use of private financing, without putting the city at risk. We also have a commercial property owner interested in pursuing a PACE Loan. At this point, all parties are working on the legal and mechanical side of how to proceed forward.

We are also expanding the concept by also examining Performance Contracting that will accomplish the same thing, but not through a government repayment through the tax rolls. The first application may be for the City of Lauderhill itself. Discussions and research are ongoing.

2) Continue developing Sister City Programs.

I visited Fuiggi, Italy in June. There is interest in business exchanges and twining, and at this time we are waiting on Fuiggi to advise if they want to move forward. The travel was not paid for by city funds.

3) Implement GREENROADS into the MPO Plan.

The MPOAC, which I chair, had their quarterly meeting last month and we received a GREENROADS presentation. The program seeks to establish green saving concepts to transportation construction and system. Staff is seeing how we can incorporate the concepts throughout Florida.

4) Creating a GREEN EXPO in the last quarter of 2011.

We are proceeding ahead with the Broward Green Expo, at the Inverrary Vacation Resort and Conference Center, November 18 & 19. SWS (Southern Waste Systems) is our Platinum Sponsor. We have committed sponsors for more half the money required for the budget. Only a few of the larger sponsorship packages are still available. More information will be available in another article, and at http://www.browardgreenexpo.com.

5) Set up the 2011-2012 Jazz Concert Series.

At this time we do not have a sponsor for the Jazz Picnic in the Park or the Jazz Under the Stars Concerts. I am talking with a few possible sponsors, and if successful, I can put the program together quickly. Information on the upcoming season, if a sponsor is secured, will be posted on this site and at www.lauderhilljazz.com.

6) Investigate whether a Federal Procurement Incubator can be created.

We are still trying to set up a meeting with someone who can put this program together.

7) KIDS DAY - July 2.

This program occurred on July 9,and was very successful.

8) Create a City Blanket.

We have the pictures and we are working out the layout before sending it to the company who makes the blankets. I expect the blankets to be done by September.

9) Arrange funding for the 2012 Unitown Program ($1000) and 2012 Lauderhill Educational College Scholarship ($2000).

We have $1000 for the Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship, but I do not have any information about Unitown yet. The Scholarship application will be sent out to BRACE Advisers and listed on the Lauderhill Teen Central Web Site, www.lhillteencentral.com, in November. Essay questions are being developed now.

10) College/Graduate Student Paid Internship Program.

I have developed a program to have college and graduate student work for me on a part-time basis for a semester. Applications were sent to Universities around the country. I hired an Intern for the summer, and about to hire another Intern for the Fall semester. The next semester will be in the Winter.

11) Developing a System for All Electric Community Shuttle Bus Systems.

SEFTC, of which I am Chair and at my urging, is trying to develop a pilot program with other transportation partners, to convert all Community Shuttle Buses to All Electric, Hydrogen Electric or CNG (natural gas), systems. The reason is that as the cost of gasoline rises, so does the cost of operating a gasoline vehicle. It is projected that moving away from gasoline buses it would reduce the cost of operation.

Related to this program is the installation of Car Charging Stations, which also may be used by the public. At this time, I am also working with a company and the City of Lauderhill, to install the first Car Charging Station in the city, probably at City Hall. There is expected to be no cost to the city for this station.

12) Other Green Programs.

I am planning on working with the Broward League of Cities to develop an inexpensive green building designation program and a green grant application.

13) Creating a New City Map

North Shore Medical Center - FMC Campus, has agreed to sponsor the creation of an updated version of our City Map. The last time it was produced was August 2007 and there are only a few left. We are working on it, and expect it to be out in October/November.


Several other items may be added to the list on the next update.

Back to School Sales Tax Holiday and Medical Examinations/Immunizations

August is back-to-school month…do you have everything your kids need to head back to school?

Clothes ......................Shoes
Pencils & Paper ..........Backpack
School Physical

Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday begins this Friday and lasts through Sunday. Items exempted from taxes include clothes, footwear and some accessories, as long as each item or pair of shoes costs $75 or less. The tax exemption covers all clothing (not just children's) and school supplies that sell for $15 or less also are exempt. Many stores will have their own deals on top of the tax incentive.

And, don’t forget the most important thing: ensuring your kids are in good health.

Making sure your child is healthy is an important step in preparing for the new school year. Make Seventh Avenue Family Health Center and Pompano Pediatric Primary Care Center your headquarters for back-to-school physicals and immunizations.

For your convenience, both Centers allow walk-ins and accept Medicaid and major insurance and credit cards. Call for an appointment or walk-ins are welcome:

7th Avenue Family Health Center
200 NW 7th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale
954-759-6600

Pompano Pediatric Primary Care Center
601 West Atlantic Boulevard
Pompano Beach
954-783-5413

Broward Health ensures that those who need healthcare receive it, regardless of ability to pay. As the healthcare safety net for the northern two-thirds of Broward County, Broward Health is anchored by four strategically located and fully accredited medical centers including a network of neighborhood-based healthcare centers, specialized diagnostic and treatment facilities, home-health providers, physician practices, and extensive community services, all specifically designed to meet the needs of Broward County’s very diverse population. For more information, visit www.BrowardHealth.org.

How to Report a Violation of Water Restrictions in Lauderhill

If you observe someone who is violating water restrictions in Lauderhill, you can call 954-730-3070.

In many cases it is because the property owner does not know the specifics of the restrictions, and they may receive a warning. However, repeat violators will be cited.

For more information on water restrictions, please go to: http://www.lauderhillgreen.com/.

The Inverrary Association Proudly Announces Their 2011 Senior Essay Contest

The largest Association in the City of Lauderhill is encouraging graduating high school seniors to learn about the unique, exciting history of Inverrary by sponsoring an essay contest.

Eligibility & Rules for the Inverrary Association
Essay Contest Include:
• Candidates must be a 2011 graduating senior from a Broward County High School.
• Candidates must be a legal resident of the State of Florida and reside in an Inverrary Community.
• Candidates must write an original essay with the theme:
“What Makes Inverrary a GREAT Place to Live?”
• Essays must include a cover page stating: writer's name, address, phone number, essay title, anddate.
• Each page must have the name of the candidate.
• Essay must contain a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 500 words.
• Essays must be double spaced with left and right margins of 1.5 inches.
• Limit of one essay entry per person.
• Entries must be received no later than midnight August 1, 2011.
• Essays should be emailed (management@inverrary.us) or mailed (Inverrary Association 4373 Rock Island Road, Lauderhill, FL 33313) with a completed entry form.

Essays that meet all above criteria will be judged by a panel of highly respected Inverrary residents.
Winning selections will have received the most points in the following areas: 1 - Power of the message of the essay, 2 - Clarity of thought, 3 - Spelling, punctuation and grammar.

An awards luncheon will take place on Friday, August 19th, 2011 where the judges will announce the winning entries. The awards breakdown will include:
• (1) 1st Place Winner, $2500 check payable to a college/university of choice
• (1) 2nd Place Winner,$1500 check payable to a college/university of choice
• (1) 3rd Place Winner, $1000 check payable to a college/university of choice
• (2) Honorable Mentions, $500.00 check payable to a college/university of choice

Please contact Anita Villalon at (954) 739-1600 or management@inverrary.us with any questions.

Update on Tropical Storm Emily.

Broward Emergency Management officials continue to monitor Tropical Storm Emily. TS Emily is southwest of Hispaniola with sustained winds near 50 MPH.

There is a 20% to 30% probability of tropical storm force winds affecting Broward County, with the center of Emily forecast to be at its closest point to South Florida on Saturday.

Now is the time to review your hurricane plan and assess the readiness of your hurricane supply kit. Broward officials advise residents to prepare for the possibility of tropical storm force winds from Emily, including securing loose outdoor objects that can become projectiles in a storm.

You can use your smart phone or other mobile device to report home damage immediately after a storm. To participate, bookmark Broward's app http://gis.broward.org/mda/ NOW, so that you have access to it after the storm, or call the Broward County Call Center at 3-1-1 to report your damage after the storm.

Time to Prepare for Hurricane Season is NOW!!

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

At this point we are following the movement of Tropical Storm Emily. Presently projectories show that it could come into our area sometime Saturday. However, this is always subject to change. For now it does not project to be a hurricane, but a strong storm. Therefore, it does look like that at a minimum we will receive some wind and rain, but that also could change.

The recommendation is that this is a good time to make sure that any loose exterior landscaping, or loose objects that could fly, be disposed of/secured. Also, if there are drains in the area, that they be inspected so that they are not clogged.

You may also wish to look over your emergency plans to make sure that you will be prepared in the event Emily does approach our area, i.e., food, water, propane, batteries, etc. It is easier to plan ahead, then to wait until everyone else is trying to do the same thing at the same time.

The best course of action is to be prepared. Also, if you are doing any work around your house, you need to be careful about it. Don't hurt yourself, and get help if you need it to avoid injuries.

As matters develop, I will send out further advisories as warranted on this web site. To have notices sent directly to your email through Constant Contact, please register your email address on the city web site, www.lauderhill-fl.gov . You will not only get quicker updates as posted, but also other important information on events affecting Lauderhill approximately once a month.

Very Truly Yours,

Richard J. Kaplan
Mayor, City of Lauderhill