Lauderhill Receives Coverdell Forensic Science Grant

The Coverdell Forensic Science Grant is a federal grant that incorporates the new technology of DNA collection and identification. The Lauderhill Police Department has been approved for this grant in the amount of $118,785.00. The funds must be expended within the year period for the following:

Training for Crime Scene personnel
--Crime Scene Processing
--Crime Mapping
--Fingerprint Comparison
--CrimeScope Training

Equipment Purchases
--Forensic light source
--UV light source
--Laser mapping system
--Electronic evidence collection device

Supplies
--Digital camera system
--Digital lenses
--UV camera system
--Metal detectors
--Laser trajectory kit

DNA lab Services (private/local)
--FBI certified

This grant will greatly reduce the backlog of DNA testing and having our own department do the collection. In the past this testing was done through BSO.

Lauderhill Arts Center Reception

BROWARD SCHOOL BOARD SELECTS NEW SUPERINTENDENT

The School Board of Broward County has selected Robert Runcie as superintendent of the sixth largest school district in the country. Following final interviews this morning of the two finalists, Runcie and Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr., Superintendent, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Board members held a final discussion and cast their votes. A motion to make the vote for Runcie unanimous was then approved.

Runcie currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Board of Education, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, Illinois, the third largest school district in the nation, with 410,000 students. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard College and Master of Management degree from Northwestern University. He is also a Broad Fellow, having completed an education executive training program presented by the prestigious Broad Superintendents Academy.

In addition to serving the Chicago Public Schools as Chief of Staff, Runcie has also served as Chief Instructional Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer. Prior to joining Chicago Public Schools, he served as a senior consultant for a computer science corporation.

From an applicant pool of 47, the Board selected six semi-finalists to be interviewed. That field was then narrowed to Runcie and Taylor. Prior to their final interviews, the finalists took part in one-on-one interviews with Board members, participated in a “Meet the Press” news conference, a “Meet and Greet” with community members and a Community Forum.

The School Board has authorized contract negotiations with Robert Runcie. His start date as Broward’s new superintendent has yet to be determined.

Notes from the Special Meeting of Sept. 12, CRA Meeting and Regular Meeting of Sept. 14

On September 12 and 14, the Commission conducted several meetings. The following are notes of interest from those meetings (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated, and not all items heard by the Commission are listed):

SPECIAL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 12:

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS ----- SECOND READING:

1. 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, 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; 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 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. PURSUANT TO A NEGOTIATED SALE.

2. 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; 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.

RESOLUTIONS

3. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-161: APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE 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; PROVIDING FOR THE CITY TO RECEIVE INTEREST IN THE AMOUNT OF $397,287.52.

4. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-162: APPROVING THE AGREEMENT TO

REINSTATE AND EXTEND FOR PAYMENT, THE 2005 COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (“CDBG”) DRI SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT

FUNDS RELATING TO SA #10 MULTI-FAMILY REHAB/HARDENING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,015,331.31.

5. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-163: APPROVING THE AGREEMENT TO REINSTATE AND EXTEND FOR PAYMENT, THE 2005 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (“CDBG”) DRI SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT FUNDS RELATING TO SA #9 SINGLE-FAMILY REHAB/REHARDENING IN THE AMOUNT OF $338,443.00.

CRA MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14:

1. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-08: ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012 IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $241,697.00 FOR THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) WHICH SHALL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012.

2. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-09: APPROVING A PROMISSORY NOTE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,528,575.49 BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (“CRA”) AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL WATER AND SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND FOR THE AMOUNT FINANCED THROUGH THE BANK OF AMERICA REFINANCED LINE OF CREDIT.

3) RCP LOAN APPLICATION FOR NW 55 AVENUE - We are looking at 7 acres, plus some other land. Placed an offer which was counteroffered. Unfortunately, it exceeded the appraisal and we will not pursue unless they want to accept our original offer. We have an offer on another property and are waiting to hear.

4) CODE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS IN CRA AREAS - Collection of code liens were going up from prior years, but now they are starting to go down since the easy liens were taken care of. The more difficult ones are being addressed.

5) INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS INCUBATOR RELOCATION - Relocation completed, and new tenants coming in. Costs are less at new location so we have sufficient funds, and have a few microloans applications available. Expo coming up on Oct. 6.

6) NEW BUSINESS - none

REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING WHICH WAS MOVED TO SEPTEMBER 14:

PUBLIC HEARINGS ----- FIRST READING:

1. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-09-166: SETTING AND ADOPTING THE 2011-2012 PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AT THE OPERATING MILLAGE RATE OF $6.8198 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000); SETTING AND ADOPTING THE 2011-2012 VOTED DEBT SERVICE MILLAGE AT A RATE OF $1.2751 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000).

2. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-09-167: MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2011 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, BASED ON THE BUDGET ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES THAT EQUAL $11,981,384.00; ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2012.

3. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-173: ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE WINDERMERE/TREE GARDENS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AT THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE OF 2.0 MILLS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2011 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2012; ADOPTING THE PROPOSED NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00 PER PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR FOR THE WINDERMERE/TREE GARDENS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2011 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2012.

4. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-175: ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE ISLES OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AT THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE OF 2.0 MILLS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2011 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2012; ADOPTING THE PROPOSED NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00 PER PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR FOR THE ISLES OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2011 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2012.

5. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-177: ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE MANORS OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AT THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE OF 0.0 MILLS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2011 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2012; ADOPTING THE PROPOSED NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $123.18 FOR THE MASTER ASSOCIATION PLUS$280 FOR CONDO I ONLY PER PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR FOR THE MANORS OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2011 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2012.

6. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-179: ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE HABITAT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ADOPTING THE PROPOSED NON- AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $250.00 PER PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR FOR THE HABITAT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2011 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2012.

7. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-181: ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012 FOR THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) WHICH SHALL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012.

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

8. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-09-169: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 21, WATER AND SEWER SERVICE, STORM WATER MINIMUM CHARGE/AVAILABILITY CHARGE TO APPROVE A 15 % INCREASE IN STORM WATER RATES; 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 TO ENSURE APPROPRIATE DEBT COVENANT COVERAGE AND TO GIVE THE CITY FLEXIBILITY TO UTILIZE OPERATING CAPITAL TO PAY FOR CANAL IMPROVEMENTS RATHER THAN TO BE REQUIRED TO INCUR ADDITIONAL DEBT; PROVIDING FOR THE NEW RATE STRUCTURE TO COMMENCE OCTOBER 1, 2011.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

9. 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).

10. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-08-156: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 21, WATER AND SEWER SERVICE, 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.

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

12. 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.

RESOLUTIONS

ADMINISTRATION

13. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-182: APPROVING THE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO OPTION AND LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CROWN CASTLE SOUTH, L.L.C., ON BEHALF OF NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC., AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CURRENT GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT FOR ITS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SITE LOCATED AT 2000 CITY HALL DRIVE (BU# 812072) FOR FOUR (4) ADDITIONAL FIVE (5) YEAR RENEWALS.

COMMISSION

14. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-183: REQUESTING THAT THE STATE LEGISLATURE AMEND OR REPEAL FLORIDA STATUTE, SECTION 790.33; PROVIDING THAT FLORIDA STATUTE, SECTION 790.33 PREEMPTS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY TO REGULATE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION; PROVIDING THAT THE STATUTE SHOULD BE AMENDED TO ALLOW EACH COUNTY THE OPTION TO HAVE A REFERENDUM VOTE OF THE ELECTORATE TO DETERMINE WHETHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT CAN ADOPT FIREARMS REGULATIONS (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER HAYWARD J. BENSON, JR.).

FINANCE

15. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-184: APPROVING THE RANKING OF #1 S. DAVIS & ASSOCIATES, #2 GLSC & COMPANY, #3 HARVEY COVINGTON, TO PROVIDE THE ANNUAL AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011; PROVIDING THAT ASSOCIATED COSTS SHALL NOT EXCEED $85,000.00; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 001-131-03210.

16. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-185: APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE AMENDMENT TO THE 2011-2013 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN (LHAP) FOR THE STATE HOUSING INITIATIVE PROGRAM (SHIP) TO OFFER DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITIES TO A LARGER NUMBER OF RESIDENTS.

17. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-186: APPROVING A PROMISSORY NOTE IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,258,805.74 BETWEEN THE LAUDERHILL HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL WATER AND SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND FOR THE AMOUNT FINANCED THROUGH THE BANK OF AMERICA REFINANCED LINE OF CREDIT.

18. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-187: APPROVING A PROMISSORY NOTE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,528,575.49 BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (“CRA”) AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL WATER AND SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND FOR THE AMOUNT FINANCED THROUGH THE BANK OF AMERICA REFINANCED LINE OF CREDIT.

FIRE

19. RESOLUTION NO. 11R-09-192: RESCINDING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION NUMBER 11R-08-149; AWARDING THE BID TO ROSSMAN ENTERPRISES, INC. D/B/A CLEAN AIR CONCEPTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,406.00 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 $13,081.20; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS.

The City of Lauderhill Proudly Announces Andrew Smalling as the City's New Police Chief

A Swearing-In Ceremony & Reception will take place in City Hall's Commission Chambers on Thursday, 09/15 at 10:00 am. Chief Smalling takes over as Police Chief from Kenneth Pachnek who served this role for almost (11) years.

While Chief Smalling has been transitioning into this role in the City of Lauderhill for the past few months, it is not unfamiliar territory for him. Chief Smalling has served the last 19 1/2 years with the Broward Sheriff's Office in several different agency positions.

He was a School Resource Officer, a Narcotics Detective, and the K-9 Unit Commander at one point. His career with the Sheriff's Office culminated in his appointment as the Police Chief at Lauderdale Lakes for the past (11) years. This vast leadership role as well as his Marine Corps success as an Intelligence Officer will surely be an asset to the Lauderhill Police Department. Chief Smalling is very familiar with the City of Lauderhill having served our neighboring community for the past decade.

Join us this Thursday, September 15th at 10 am as the City of Lauderhill welcomes our new Police Chief Andrew Smalling.

For more information regarding the Ceremony, please call 954.730.3000.

Supervisor of Elections to Begin Required Voter Rolls Clean Up

As required by Florida Statute, the Supervisor of Election must protect the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring the voter registration records are accurate and current. Consequently, in odd numbered years a removal of voters who have not voted in the last two Federal elections is performed. The affected voters have been sent three mailings requesting confirmation of the information as to their current residential address, however, no response was returned or the mailing was retuned undelivered by the Post Office. The 2011 maintenance will occur in September and affect approximately 150,000 voters currently in an inactive status.

Voters may contact the Supervisor of Elections office by phone at (954)357-7050 or at one the SOE sites listed below if they believe they are in the affected group.

Main Office

115 S. Andrews Ave., Rm. 102, Fort Lauderdale; (954)357-7050; M-F 8:30-5:00

Voting Equipment Center

1501 NW 40 Avenue, Lauderhill; (954)712-1903; M-F 8:30-5:00

E. Pat Larkins Center

1520 NW 3 Street, Pompano Beach; (954)357-7050; Tues. and Thurs. 1:00-6:00

Changes are Announced to Lauderhill's Lien Searches

In response to several inquiries received from real estate companies and title firms for expedited lien searches, the Finance Department has conducted an analysis of the City’s lien search program in relation to other cities with regards to cost and turnaround time.

In April 2011, staff evaluated 11 neighboring municipalities to compare the City’s fee structure and found that the average lien search fee is $47 and the average turnaround time for lien searches is 7.818 business days or 1 ½ weeks. Additionally, four cities are offering an expedited lien search with fees ranging from $50 to $125.

Currently, the City of Lauderhill charges $30 for lien requests and the average turnaround time is 14 calendar days. The following areas are researched for outstanding balances when completing the lien search: SHIP, CDBG, HOME, NSP, Recorded Liens in Broward County (including Association liens), Code Enforcement Violations and Liens, Certificate of Use, Miscellaneous Billing (Board Up, Sidewalk, Pool Services, Fence Services, Lot Clearing, Fire Inspections, Alarm Billing) and Utilities.

In order to accommodate a faster response time there will be a restructuring to the City’s current program which would incorporate the following:

1) Increase the regular lien search fee from $30 to $50 (Complete within 7 business days)

2) Include an express lien search fee of $100 (Complete within 24-48 hours)

3) Implement an online lien request form

4) Create an escrow account program for title companies

The City of Lauderhill strives to offer exemplary customer service to its citizens and all companies that do business here. As such, the proposal to reduce the turnaround time on lien requests includes the implementation of the online lien request form and the creation of an escrow account program. The former will allow individuals and companies to complete a one-time online lien request form that will be processed by staff within the required time frame, and the latter will enable companies that do a large volume of lien requests to have escrow accounts created by the City for their convenience.

These companies will provide a deposit by check to the City for the escrowed funds and receive a monthly statement which details all lien search charges deducted from their account. The MIS Division will assist the Finance Department in establishing the online lien request and escrow account program, and there is no additional staffing cost associated with developing or maintaining the program.

Broward County to Launch New Appliance Rebate Program

Residents and Businesses Encouraged to Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances.

Broward County is offering the ENERGY SENSE Appliance Rebate Program to County residents and small to medium-sized businesses to encourage replacement of an old appliance with a new more energy efficient appliance. Up to $400,000 is available in rebates to eligible participants. The County expects 1,200 to 2,000 rebates to be issued to residents and 100 to 450 rebates to businesses.

The program is part of a $1.24 million Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant awarded by the State and funded through the United States Department of Energy to help residents and businesses make the transition to more efficient appliances that will reduce overall energy consumption in the County while stimulating the economy and saving participants money on their utility bills.

Eligible ENERGY STAR appliances for residents include:

Residential Refrigerators - Receive $150 for refrigerators under 20 cubic feet but at least 7.75 cubic feet in volume or $250 for refrigerators 20 cubic feet or greater in volume. (ENERGY STAR freezers and compact refrigerators are excluded.)

Residential Clothes Washer- Receive $150 for all sizes of washing machines.
Eligible

ENERGY STAR appliances for businesses include:

Commercial Grade Refrigerator- Receive 20% of equipment cost up to a maximum of $1,000.

Commercial Grade Freezer- Receive 20% of equipment cost up to a maximum of $1,000.
Interested applicants must pre-register to reserve funds.

Pre-registration will open from September 7 to 28 for businesses and from September 26 to October 10 for residents or until all funds are reserved. Rebates will be available on a first come, first served basis. All application packets must be mailed and postmarked by November 4, 2011.

The County anticipates funds will be reserved quickly due to a large interest in energy conserving appliances. Interested businesses should begin exploring ENERGY STAR options and vendors as soon as possible and gather the required information before pre-registration begins. Residents should review program guidelines and consider their Energy Star options.

Because the rebate program is directed toward replacement appliances, old appliances will need to be recycled or disposed of according to federal, state and local laws and regulations. Proper removal and disposal of appliances will alleviate emissions and ozone depleting substances and greenhouse gases from refrigerants.

The Broward County Energy and Sustainability Program will hold numerous information sessions throughout the County in preparation for the launch of the programs. For more information on the ENERGY SENSE Appliance Rebate Program or other rebates, visit www.broward.org/gogreen and click REBATE PROGRAMS or call 954-357-REB8 (7328) or email ENERGYSENSE@broward.org.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Lauderhill has an up to $2000 interest free energy loan for residential purchase of energy star appliances for Lauderhill Residents. The grant for Residents above may qualify for the loan. For more information go to the Lauderhill Green Web Site.

9/11 10th Anniversary Recognized

In the City of Lauderhill, there will be several 9/11 events that the public is invited to:

At the main fire station on 56th Avenue, at 8:30 am, join us as we pay tribute to First Responders, as well as local and national heroes on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Be a part of this patriotic day with inspiring words from our guest speaker and a moment of silence for fallen victims and heroes.

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, please call 954-730-2950.

Then from 2 to 4 pm at Martin Luther King Elementary, 591 NW 31st Ave., another tribute to First Responders, active duty military and veterans will take place. Part of the program will include service projects and family-fun activities.

For more information contact Sander Schrantz, sander@volbrow.org, or 954-233-1300.

Finally, Lauderhill will be part of a national effort that at 1:00 pm our First Responders will be ringing bells and sounding their sirens for one full minute in recognition of the day.