Notes of the Regular Commission Meeting of December 10

On December 10, the City Commission met in Regular Session, the first after the elections.  The following are some notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

1. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-11-155:  AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 14,  PROCEDURES AND FEES FOR POLICE AND/OR FIRE RESPONSES TO FALSE ALARMS AND DELETING SECTION 14-76, ALARM PERMIT REQUIRED, TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF FALSE ALARMS ALLOWED BEFORE A FEE IS IMPOSED, INCREASE FALSE ALARM FEES, ELIMINATE THE PERMIT REQUIREMENT AND IMPOSE THE FEE FOR RESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS ON THE ACTUAL PROPERTY OWNER.


RESOLUTIONS

2. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-12-269: AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR, AND EXECUTION  OF, A JOB ACCESS REVERSE COMMUTE (JARC) GRANT UNDER THE SOUTH FLORIDA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY'S GENERAL AUTHORITY FOR USE RELATED TO SHUTTLE BUSES; PROVIDING THAT THE GRANT WILL FUND 80% OF THE TOTAL COST; AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO MATCH 20% OF THE TOTAL COST.


3. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-12-271:  APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR DESIGNATION OF SUBRECIPIENT AND DISBURSEMENT “HOME” PROGRAM HOUSING NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012/13; PROVIDING FOR FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $171,416.00 FOR THE “HOME” PROGRAM.


4. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-12-272:   APPROVING THE REQUEST BY THE DEVELOPER KONOVER TO WAIVE THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BUILDING PERMIT FEES RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW OUT PARCEL BUILDING AT THE SHOPPES OF INVERRARY.


5. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-12-277:   APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR THE FLORIDA JUNIOR GOLF COUNCIL GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000.00 TO PROVIDE A SUMMER GOLF CAMP AT FOUR CITY PARK LOCATIONS; PROVIDING THAT THE CITY IS NOT REQUIRED TO PAY ANY MATCHING FUNDS.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING

6. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-12-279:   GRANTING TO THE NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, INC. A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER WITH CONDITIONS TO ALLOW WITHIN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) ZONING DISTRICT A DAY CHILD CARE, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IV, 3421   WEST BROWARD BLVD, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA;

Lauderhill Lions Youth Soccer Registration

Registration is ongoing for the Lauderhill Lions Youth Soccer Program.  Players from 5 to 13 can register at the Lauderhill Sports Park or Veterans Park.

For more information call 954-572-1478.

Lauderhill College Essay Scholarship Applications are Available

This Scholarship, provided by the City of Lauderhill, is open to all High School Seniors, who reside in Lauderhill during their senior year of high school, and will be attending a 2 or 4 year college or vocational school in the U.S. 

First place will receive a $500 scholarship, second place $300, and third place $200, based upon submitting two essays, which will be reviewed by the Lauderhill Educational Advisory Committee. Scholarships are to be used for tuition, room, board and/or books, which will be payable to the winner, or to the vendor supplying the educational service, for the 2013-2014 school year. 

All entries must be hand delivered to the City Clerk’s office at 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd., 4th Floor, Lauderhill, no later than February 21, 2013 at 5:00 PM, and must be complete to be qualified. Winners will present their entries at a Commission Meeting after they are selected.

For More Information and the application go to www.lhillteencentral.com.

13th Annual Lauderhill MLK Celebration

The City of Lauderhill Martin Luther King program and its chair Commissioner M. Margaret Bates invite you the 13th Annual Celebration featuring Shirley Sherrod. This cultural event will be held on January 19, 2013 at 7:00 pm at Screen Post Productions (3500 NW 15th Street, Lauderhill).  Tickets are available at Lauderhill City Hall at the cost of $50.

Shirley Sherrod is a former Georgia State Director of Rural Development for the United States Department of Agriculture. She became the subject of a controversy when edited remarks were used to force her to resign. However, upon review of the complete unedited video in full context, the NAACP, White House officials, and Tom Vilsack, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, apologized for the firing and Sherrod was offered a new position.
For more information call 954-730-3000.

Lauderhill Lions Youth Basketball Registration

Registration is now ongoing for the Lauderhill Lions Youth Basketball Program.  Practice and Registration is at Sadkin Community Center and is open to players 7-16 years of age.

For more information call 954-321-2450.

Your City Commissioners at Swearing In

City of Lauderhill Food and Toy Drive to Assist Residents in Need

The Lauderhill Fire-Rescue, Police, and Parks and Leisure Services Departments have joined together to help our residents in need during the Holiday Season.  We are currently collecting food and toys if you would like to help your neighbors.    

We are accepting new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items as well as cash donations until Tuesday, December 18, 2012.

You may bring these donations to any of the following four locations:

Fire Station #57 FD Headquarters: 1980 NW 56 Avenue

Fire Station #30: 1181 NW 41 Terrace (next to the Sadkin Center)

Fire Station #73: 7801 NW 50 Street (next to Veterans Park)

Fire Station #110: 3120 NW 12 Place (corner of NW 31st Avenue & NW 12th Place)

If you would like to donate to the cause, checks can be made payable to the "Lauderhill We Care Fund." 

Please call the Fire-Rescue Department Headquarters at (954) 730-2950 if you cannot make it to one of our drop off locations and would like to have your donation picked up.   

From all of us at the City of Lauderhill, we wish all of you a safe and healthy holiday season. 

Notes from Commission Meeting of November 26

On November 26, the City Commission met in Regular Session, the first after the elections.  The following are some notes of interest (all items passed unaminously unless otherwise indicated):

ELECTION:

A. ELECTION OF VICE MAYOR -  Kenneth Thurston to serve until the end of November 2013.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING:  

1. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-11-155: AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 14,  PROCEDURES AND FEES FOR POLICE AND/OR FIRE RESPONSES TO FALSE ALARMS AND DELETING SECTION 14-76, ALARM PERMIT REQUIRED, TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF FALSE ALARMS ALLOWED BEFORE A FEE IS IMPOSED, INCREASE FALSE ALARM FEES, ELIMINATE THE PERMIT REQUIREMENT AND IMPOSE THE FEE FOR RESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS ON THE ACTUAL PROPERTY OWNER.  

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:  

2. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-10-151: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, APPENDIX G - FRANCHISES, ARTICLE III, GARBAGE, REFUSE AND TRASH; APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO THE SCHEDULE OF RATES, FEES AND CHARGES PURSUANT TO THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES OF FLORIDA, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP D/B/A ALL SERVICE REFUSE AND INCORPORATING THEM INTO THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES.  

3. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-10-153: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 21, WATER AND SEWER SERVICE,  AMENDING SECTION 21-47, SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES, TO APPROVE AMENDENTS TO THE WATER AND SEWER AVAILABILITY RATES BASED UPON THE JUNE 2012 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 ENABLE THE CITY TO PROCEED WITH ITS 5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN; PROVIDING FOR THE NEW RATE STRUCTURE TO COMMENCE ON OCTOBER 1, 2012. 

RESOLUTIONS:

4. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-11-248: APPROVING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE BROWARD CULTURAL COUNCIL FOR THE TOURISM PROGRAM GRANT IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $21,500.00; AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO PAY MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,750.00.   NOTE:  Funding will go the Jazz Picnic in the Park and Jammin' in the Park Fest.  Other monies to fund from the City's portion came from sponsors.

5. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-11-249: APPROVING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS REGARDING THE UNITOWN PROGRAM.  Most of the funding came from a private donation obtain by the Mayor and funds left over from another event the Mayor organized.

6. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-11-260: AWARDING THE BID TO MICRIM LAB, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $583,960.00 TO PROVIDE LICENSED CONTRACT OPERATORS A, B AND C AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT INCLUDING SUPPORT STAFFING AND MECHANICS FOR THE DAILY OPERATION, SLUDGE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL, CONTRACT PERSONNEL SUPERVISION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED IN BID NUMBER P2012-025; PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 401-921-3150.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. SET THE DATE FOR COMMISSION RETREAT -  Thursday, January 31 starting at 9 am at Lauderhill City Hall.

5th Seasons of Jazz Picnic in the Park Starts Sunday, December 9

On Sunday, December 9, the first concert of the 5th Season of JAZZ PICNIC IN THE PARK will begin.  

This concert, sponsored by FMC, brings back a very popular band, Jazz Survivors.

Like the other jazz concerts, they are free to the public and run from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm in the Amphitheatre and Lieberman Botanical Gardens, 3801 Inverrary Blvd.

For more information on this and other concerts in Lauderhill, go to www.lauderhilljazz.com. 

They Say it is a Part Time Job, But Is It?

We are often reminded that our jobs as mayors and commissioners are "part time," usually during comments on something critical about the elected official. Yes it is true that most of our charters do say it is a "part time" job, but what exactly does that mean?

For most people with a "part time" job that means no more than 30 hours per week, and that they are paid per hour on a regularly set schedule, not by salary. But when applied to elected officials, these limitations do not apply.

Many mayors and commissioners work a lot of hours per week and are more than happy to put them in. But, they come during the night, on weekends and during the middle of the day — when we are supposed to be working our full-time jobs, dealing with family matters or resting. It is often not time-specific and can come anytime, including at 1:30 a.m.

Then there are those who, though it is a "part time" job, put in way over 30 hours per week even though they have another full-time job. Why? Because the job requires it, and the public demands it. Typically, these dedicated individuals sacrifice their time and cut back their full-time job (with loss of income) and time for their families. Still, they have bills and personal matters like everyone else, and are expected to be there at any time.

The concept of "part time" simply doesn't apply.

The point of this is to state that while holding office is legally a "part time" job, in many cases it truly isn't. And it should be recognized as a job for which the concept of "part time" does not apply. After all, the last thing you want is to try to contact your mayor or commissioner to ask them something very important to you, and either you can't reach them, or they tell you that it's only a "part time" job and can't help you right now.

Repaving of Inverrary Blvd.

A lot of complaints have been received about the deterioration of Inverrary Blvd. and NW 70th Ave.  Even though the roads were repaved about 10 years ago.

The problem with the roads have been a result of the excess rains we have received and the extremely high traffic volume on these roads.

Funding has been obtained and the roads are in design.  Since Inverrary Blvd. is a county road, the county must be a part of the process and approve the plans and design.  This time the work on the roads will be more extensive to strengthen the roads so they last longer.

The work, once approved is schedule to begin in 2013.  More information will be posted when available.

LAC Gallery at Lauderhill Arts Center - First International Exhibition of Contemporary Miniprint

Swearing In for New Lauderhill City Commission

On Tuesday, November 20 at 12 noon, three City Commissioners will be sworn in.  Ken Thurston (unopposed), Margaret Bates and Howard Berger will be taking their Oath of Office, all for 4 years terms to expire in 2016.

All are invited to attend.

Groundbreaking of 19th Street Improvements Leading to Lauderhill Middle

Lauderhill Lions Basketball Youth Registration 2012-2013

The Secret for Getting Your Kid into a Top Rated Broward County School

By Sharon Arron Baron of Tamarac Talk  (www.tamaractalk.com) 

My son goes to one of the highest ranked High Schools in Broward County and we don’t even live near the school.

How did we do this? You’re probably thinking that I got special favors from important people I know downtown at the KC Wright building, don’t you?

The truth is, I do know important people, but that didn’t help me one bit.

I got my son in the old fashioned way… by working with the school district.

You see, it’s no secret that parents can reassign their children to another school, but what most parents don’t realize is that you don’t need any special circumstances to do so. In fact, you don’t even need to write an explanation on the application when it asks for a reason. Take it from the parents of our community to find this out for ourselves.

Back in 2010, many of us in our community in Tamarac wanted to get our boundaries changed. The middle and high school were not meeting Annual Yearly Progress (or AYP) and parents were enrolling their children in charter, magnet, private or religious schools. Many just gave up on the public schools.

We believed that having the boundaries changed would give us better performing schools.

Unfortunately, we soon found out that moving boundaries around was not something that would ever be approved by the school board due to fact that it would under-enroll many of our assigned schools.

When representatives with Broward Schools visited our community to speak to us about the boundary issues, they brought up the idea of reassignments. They said that as long as the Broward County school that we applied for had space, and as long as we provided transportation, our reassignment request could be granted.

This was certainly an eyeopener for many of us.

I met with the Demographics & Student Assignments Department at the KC Wright building and discussed this further and found out exactly how reassignments work. Every May 1 through June 15, the reassignment application window opens to allow parents to apply. This is not done on a first come-first serve basis. In fact, it doesn’t matter if your application is sent on May 1 or on midnight June 15. If there are more applicants than spaces, then the applicants are chosen by lottery.

Two years ago, this understanding of how the reassignment process worked allowed us to enroll our daughter into a Tamarac Elementary School that was performing better than our assigned North Lauderdale Elementary School.

Fast forward to this year when our son would be making a transition from private to public school. Our assigned school, Boyd Anderson, was ranked 399 out of 404 High Schools in Florida and rated a D.  Initially we applied for Pompano Beach High School, a magnet school, which ranks 13 in state of Florida and number one in Broward County.

Pompano Beach High School is not a very well-kept secret because over 900 students applied for 300 slots during magnet school enrollment last December. Unfortunately he was not one of the students that won a slot, so we researched other top performing high schools near us and Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, which ranks 20th in the state, would be our next choice.

Last April, Assistant Principal Denise Reed, informed us that Stoneman Douglas would have a decline in their enrollment based on projections from the two feeder middle schools. Hearing this gave us confidence that we might have a shot if we chose it on the reassignment application.

We crossed our fingers and waited.

In July we received the good news that our son’s reassignment to Stoneman Douglas was successful. Yes, it’s an 18 mile trip each way, but thankfully, another child in our community had her reassignment approved and now our families carpool each day.

So remember that anyone can reassign, and you aren’t getting special treatment by changing from your assigned school to a better performing school.  Parents must be proactive and research school rankings, test scores, and overall atmosphere to make sure their child and the school are a good fit.

To find out more about the school, I suggest you take a tour or visit the school like we did. If the school you are interested in does not want to give you a tour, don’t give up. The first time we visited Stoneman Douglas, a receptionist found out that we didn’t live within the boundaries and told both my husband and I that they do not give tours. We were treated like we were an inconvenience and went home.  Fortunately, I was able to get the name of the assistant principal, so that later I was able to get an appointment. If I hadn’t have met with the assistant principal, I wouldn’t have learned more about the school, its curriculum,  and with it, information on the fall enrollment.

Interested in reassigning to another Broward school? If you are willing to do a little research, and more importantly, willing to drive your child to and from that school, here is how the application process works:

• The student reassignment application window will open on May 1 and close on June 15th at midnight. Applications received after June 15 will be considered late and will not be processed.
• Each applicant must have a Broward County Public Schools student identification number in order to apply for a reassignment. If your child is not currently enrolled in a Broward County Public School, please go to your child’s home boundary school to secure a student identification number. This must be done prior to completing a reassignment application.
• Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have the option to submit either an on-line application or send an application to the Demographics & Student Assignments office in hard copy.
• Only one application per student will be accepted. Duplicate applications will not be processed. No faxed applications will be processed.
• Students applying to kindergarten must be 5 years old by September 1st.
• You will find a list of schools with reassignment seats available when completing the application.
• Schools with available seats will be identified for reassignments based upon capacity at the school to align with Florida legislation regarding Class Size and School Concurrency within the District. Reassignment seats are identified at schools based upon the Permanent Capacity at the site. A reassignment will not be granted if it increases the school’s enrollment beyond the Permanent FISH (Florida Inventory of School Houses) Capacity (Policy 5004.1).
• Please be sure to fill out all sections of the application.

For more information on School Choice:
http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/dsa/school-choice.shtml

For more information on School Reassignments

http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/dsa/reassignments.shtml

Reprinted with permission of Sharon Aron Baron, with our thanks.

Memories in Art: Island Exuberance

Notes of the Commission Meeting of October 29, 2012

On October 29, the Lauderhill City Commission met and the following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously on a 4-0 vote below, unless otherwise indicated)  NOTE:  Mayor Kaplan was absent due to medical reasons which are not expected to continue:


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

1. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-10-149: AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND ADDRESSING AMUSEMENT OR GAME ROOMS; AMENDING GAME ROOM AS PRIMARY USE, PARAGRAPH C BY EXCEPTING IN THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC) AND COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT (CE) ZONING DISTRICTS GAME ROOMS FROM THE SEPARATION STANDARDS BETWEEN SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES BUT NOT OTHER GAME ROOMS AND BINGO PARLORS.

2. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-10-150:   ADDRESSING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE USES AND GROCERY STORES;  TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF GROCERY STORE;  BY ADDING GROCERY STORE TO THE LIST OF USES THAT ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE SEPARATION STANDARDS.

3. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-10-151:   APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO THE SCHEDULE OF RATES, FEES AND CHARGES PURSUANT TO THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES OF FLORIDA.

4. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-10-152:   TO INCREASE THE RECYCLING RATES BASED UPON THE CONTRACT WITH ALL SERVICE, INC. TO ADJUST THE COLLECTION COMPONENT OF RECYCLING BY 80% OF THE JUNE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) TO ENSURE THAT APPROPRIATE FEES ARE BILLED AND COLLECTED AS REQUIRED BY AGREEMENT.

5. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-10-153:  TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THE WATER AND SEWER AVAILABILITY RATES BASED UPON THE JUNE 2012 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 ENABLE THE CITY TO PROCEED WITH ITS 5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.

RESOLUTIONS:

6.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-227:  REQUESTING A RESOLUTION BE PASSED IN SUPPORT OF THE E911 COMMUNICATION FUNDING TO BE PROVIDED SOLELY AND FULLY BY THE  COUNTY ONLY AS AN AD VALOREM TAX LEVY (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

7.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-228:  OPPOSING AMENDMENT 4 TO THE FLORIDA STATE CONSTITUTION WHICH, IF ADOPTED, WOULD CREATE ADDITIONAL INEQUITIES IN FLORIDA'S TAX SYSTEM BY GRANTING CERTAIN TAX BREAKS TO SOME TAXPAYERS AT  THE EXPENSE OF OTHER TAXPAYERS (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES).

8.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-229:   OPPOSING AMENDMENT 3 TO THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION, WHICH REPLACES THE EXISTING STATE REVENUE LIMITS WITH A NEW LIMITATION BASED ON INFLATION AND POPULATION CHANGES AND IS ON THE BALLOT OF THE 2012 GENERAL ELECTION (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M.  MARGARET BATES).


DEES:

9. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-230:   ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL FROM KIMLEY-HORN & ASSOCIATES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,400.00 TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE "INVERRARY BOULEVARD RESURFACING PROJECT; PROVIDING OR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 305-351-6525.

10.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-231:   APPROVING THE FINAL BROWARD COUNTY INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE NATIONAL POLLUTION DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) MS4 PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR A CITY MATCH IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,612.00 FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 450-925-3110.

11.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-232:  APPROVING THE AWARD OF BID TO PIONEER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $84,269.78 FOR THE PERMANENT RESTRIPING OF N.W. 56TH AVENUE FROM OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD TO N.W. 11TH STREET; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 450-925-6525.

12.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-233: APPROVING AMENDMENT NUMBER 2 TO THE EXIGENCY PROJECT AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS); PROVIDING FOR FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS IN THE REQUESTED AMOUNT OF $55,000.00 IN RELATION TO EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION MEASURES TO RESTORE DAMAGES SUSTAINED IN THE CITY DUE TO TROPICAL STORM ISAAC; PROVIDING FOR NRCS TO FUND $41,250.00 AND PROVIDING FOR CITY MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,750.00; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 450-925-6445.

13.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-234:   APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH WEEKLEY ASPHALT PAVING, INC., THE CITY'S APPROVED BIDDER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $836,321.12 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROMENADE ALONG STATE ROAD 7/U.S. 441 AT 11TH PLACE TO INCLUDE MINOR ROAD, LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF FEDERAL EARMARK APPROPRIATION FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $678,40.00; PROVIDING THAT THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL HAS ALLOCATED $157,814.82 TOWARD THE PROJECT.

FIRE:

15. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-238:   APPROVING THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE METRO BROWARD PROFFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 3080 EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2012 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2015.

16.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-239:   WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; APPROVING THE PURCHASE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $43,958.00 FOR TWO (2) 2013 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLES FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BASED UPON THE CONTRACT ENTERED INTO WITH THE FLORIDA SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION STATE BID (#11-19-09-07); PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 001-305-351.


POLICE:

17. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-241:   ACCEPTING THE 2012 EDWARD BYRNE JUSTICE ASSISTANCE (JAG) LOCAL SOLICITATION GRANT IN THE NET AMOUNT OF $35,333.00; PROVIDING THAT NO MATCHING FUNDS ARE REQUIRED.

18.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-242:   APPROVING THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA REGARDING THE ASSIGNMENTS AT LAUDERHILL MIDDLE AND PARKWAY MIDDLE; PROVIDING TERMS, CONDITIONS AND FEES.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS
QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING:

19. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-243:   GRANTING TO CASABLANCA GAMEROOM, INC., A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER WITH CONDITIONS TO ALLOW THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF A GAME ROOM FOR ADULTS  AT 7301 A. WEST OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

20.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-244:   GRANTING TO THE OWNER, VERO UNLIMITED LLC D/B/A USA AUTO CARE CENTER, A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER WITH CONDITIONS TO ALLOW AT 7030 WEST COMMERCIAL BOULEVARD, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

21.  RESOLUTION NO. 12R-10-245:   GRANTING TO OKSCOMMERCIAL & U LLC A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER WITH CONDITIONS TO ALLOW IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT A DRIVE-THROUGH LANE AND OUTDOOR SEATING ON A 2.89+ NET ACRE SITE LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS LOTS 25, 26, 28, 29 AND 30, COMMERCIAL BOULEVARD SHOPPES NO. 1.

The Beatles are Coming

Through a generous sponsorship of Countyline Chiropractic Medical and Rehab Centers, the City of Lauderhill is pleased to announce that on February 16, 2013, at the Lieberman Botanical Gardens' Amphitheater, a Tribute to the Beatles is coming.

The concert, performed by THE BEATLEMANIAX, will be from 7 pm to 9:15 pm, and like our other concerts IS FREE.

Broward County Early Voting Begins October 27th

The Broward County Supervisor of Elections’ Office is prepared to be of service to voters at the 17 Early Voting Sites open for the 2012 General Election. Instead of voting at their polling place, or voting by mail using an absentee ballot, voters may take advantage of Early Voting which will take place from:

Saturday, October 27 - Saturday, November 3, 2012
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Voting Sites-A list of the 17 Sites and hours is available on our website at www.browardsoe.org.  A list of the sites is also attached to this email. Broward County voters may go to any of the Early Voting Sites to cast a vote. 

Lauderhill Halloween Event Postponed to Tuesday Oct. 30

Due to Hurricane Sandy, the Lauderhill Halloween Event has be Postponed to Tuesday, October 30, 2012.

Hurricane Sandy Preparation

For those that have been caught up in the Presidential elections coming up, you may not have noticed that there is Hurricane Sandy projected to head from the Caribbean north into the Bahamas.  It's closest point to us should be early AM on Friday the 26th.

At this point no Declaration of Emergency has been given, but we could expect high winds and rain.  A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued.   No closures have been announced, and it is possible none may not be forthcoming unless the storm turns towards us.  However, heightened awareness is in order.

Broward County Schools have cancelled all outside activities for Thursday and Friday.

While a list of what you should be doing could be given here, by this point most people, with the storms we have had, should be fully versed on how to get ready if needed.  So it won't be repeated except for one matter.

Rain has been the biggest problem from these storms, particularly in the NW area of the city.   The ground is still wet, and flooding is a concern. City employees are taking proper steps so as to be prepared, and hopefully the SFWMD will be ready too.

The City would like everyone be advised that water accumulation in the roadways and swales with  percolation over a 12-24 hour period is normal during any heavy rain events.

The one item that may help is whether your drains near your homes are open or clogged.  If they are clogged, and you can easily remove and dispose of the debris, then you may want to do so.  That way water will flow unimpeded.  However, if there is any chance that you could put yourself in risk to clear the drain, DON'T DO IT.  Please notify the city of the location so that crews can deal with it.  You may email me if you like at mayor@lauderhill-fl.gov.

If anyone has any questions, please let me know.  I want to insure you that the city is aware of the storm, and have already started to addressing it.

5th Season of Jazz Picnic in the Park and Special Concerts- Tentative Schedule

Later this year the City of Lauderhill will begin its 5th Season of JAZZ PICNIC IN THE PARK, in the Lieberman Botanical Gardens, on Inverrary Blvd.  Like previous years, the concert will run on Sundays from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, and is free.

At this time the tentative schedule and Sponsor is:

December 9 - Jazz Survivors (sponsored by North Shore Medical Center -FMC Campus)

January 13 - Sound of Vision (sponsored by the Inverrary Association)

February 10 - Oop Bop Sh'Bam (sponsored by the Inverrary Association)

March 10 - Meryl Tanenger 

April 14 - Hook

Also on Saturday, April 20 as Special JAMMIN' IN THE PARK FEST will take place at the Botanical Gardens from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm.  This concert is sponsored by Broward County Cultural Council and Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.  While the acts for this event are not completely set the following opening act is:

10:30 am to 2: 30 pm, April 20 - Mary Washington Brooks Band 

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email me at mayor@lauderhill-fl.gov.

ALSO STAY TUNE TO A VERY SPECIAL ONE TIME CONCERT EVENT TO BE HELD ON THE EVENING OF SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2013 SPONSORED BY COUNTYLINE CHIROPRACTIC AND REHAB CENTER.

Lauderhill Bronco Cheerleaders Compete in Nationals

Over Thanksgiving Weekend, four Lauderhill Bronco Cheerleading Squads will be competing in the 2012 SE Region Pop Warner Cheer/Dance Competition.

The event starts on November 22 at Rosen Shingle Creek and Silver Spur Arena in Orlando.

If you are in the area, please stop by and support your local hometown teams.

eLauderhill News Recommends

The upcoming elections have a very long ballot.  In the past eLauderhill News has given out numerous endorsements.  This election year, those recommendations will be limited to the Constitutional Amendments (for which recommendations are already out and there is limited information on them) and a few races that are not as well covered but are important to Lauderhill.

Therefore,  eLauderhill News now Recommends the following candidates:

Lauderhill City Commission - Seat #3

M. Margaret Bates

School Board Member At Large Seat #9

Robin Bartleman

Vote to Retain All Appellate and Supreme Court Judges

Fitness Classes

Classes are scheduled on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each week from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Sadkin Community Center, 1176 NW 42nd Way, Lauderhill.  Classes are only $20/month and all fitness levels are welcomed.  Call 954-321-2450 for more information.

Also available:
Fridays is Yoga ($5, 6:30 pm to 7 pm) and African Dance (7 pm to 8:30 pm). 

Saturdays, Martial Art Classes ages 6-12 yrs old from 10 am to noon, and at Wolk Park (across the street) is Cardio Tennis ($) at 8:30 am.

Fitness class members only - free child care available, ages 5 to 12 yrs old.

Lauderhill’s Green Series About to Kick Off…..

For the last year Commissioner Thurston’s Office has held several well attended and highly educational Green Seminars.   The Green Series will continue monthly (excluding December) until March 28, 2013.

Classes include:

October 25, 2012 – Xeriscape and Edible Landscaping

November 8, 2012 – Rain Barrel Irrigation

January 31, 2013 – Starting Your First Garden

February 28, 2013 – What Can be Grown at a Condo

March 28, 2013 – Fast Growing Fruits and Vegetables

The Green Series Classes will be at Lauderhill’s City Hall located at 5581 W. Oakland Park Boulevard in the Multi Purpose Rooms on the first floor and start at 6 pm.

“There is no cost to attendees of the Green Series, and sometimes we have giveaways. The classes in the Green Series are not only educational but often quite fun! Residents have made lasting improvements to their homes through gardening and have enjoyed their new found green thumb,” explains event organizer Commissioner Ken Thurston.

If you would like to attend one of the Green Series classes, please call Brittany at 954-777-2040 or email her at bhubbard@lauderhill-fl.gov.  

Florida Constitutional Amendments

On the November election ballot, besides voting for your elected leaders will be 12 Constitutional Amendments to be voted on.  The following is a summation of each one, and eLauderhill News' recommendations:

AMENDMENT #1

Proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit laws from compelling any Floridian/employer to purchase, obtain or provide health care coverage. This would allow a person/employer to purchase services directly from a health care provider and allow a health care provider to accept direct payment for services if a patient chooses to pay out of pocket.

INTENT:  To opt out of Federally Mandated Health Care

RECOMMENDATION:  NO.  Most likely is unconstitutional.  Even Republicans concede the federal Supremacy Clause prevents Florida from really doing anything to override a federal law.  "It will either sit there in our Constitution and not have any effect, or if someone saw some legal conflict, perhaps they could use this to challenge it," said Rep. Scott Plakon, a Longwood Republican who sponsored the amendment in the House and saw the first draft tossed off the 2010 ballot by the state Supreme Court.

AMENDMENT #2

The proposed measure would allow for property tax discounts for disabled veterans. This bill explicitly extends the rights to ad valorem tax discounts, made available in 2010 to all veterans who were residents of Florida prior to their service, to all combat-disabled veterans currently living in Florida whether they were residents prior to their service or not.

RECOMMENDATION:  NO because it would provide benefits to non-Floridians before their service.  However if it was solely for Florida Residents prior to their service, it could have been recommended.

AMENDMENT #3

The measure proposes replacing existing revenue limits with a new limitation based on inflation and population change. Any funds that exceed the revenue limits would be placed in the state's "rainy day fund." Once the fund reaches 10% of the prior year's total budget the Florida State Legislature would be required to vote to either provide tax relief or reduce property taxes. The Florida version is Constitutional Amendment 3 on the November ballot. This would replace the current cap on allowed state revenue increases with a new cap.

INTENT:  To create a similar system to Colorado's TABOR restrictions to limit state and local governments revenue growth.  Interestingly, Colorado voters eventually rejected extension to TABOR in 2005 and it expired in 2010.  It has failed passage in 20 other states.

RECOMMENDATION:  NO.  Colorado voters decided that TABOR did not work and changed their mind after seeing what negative impacts it was creating in their state.  AARP and the League of Women Voters oppose it.  The proposed revenue cap could prevent government services from keeping up with demand.  Florida Business Watch opposes TABOR because of trickle-down effects to local governments. We oppose setting a new baseline at a point of diminished revenues and oppose setting budgets based on an arbitrary formula.  It is clear that wide group of diverse interest groups, both public and private are in opposition.  This is someone what rare to find such diverse groups in agreement.

AMENDMENT #4

This proposal does three things: 1) provides an additional homestead exemption for first time homebuyers up to the full value of their home phased out over five years, 2) reduces the assessment cap on non-homesteaded property from 10% to 5% and delays the expiration of that cap to 2023, and 3) removes the recapture provision of all assessment caps.

The proposed amendment would prohibit increases in the assessed value of  homestead property if the fair market value of the property decreases; reduces the limitation on annual assessment increases to non-homestead property; and provides an additional homestead exemption.

Specifically, non-homestead or commercial property would have their assessment increases capped at 3 percent per year. The property tax rate would also be lowered to 10 percent for rental and 5 percent for commercial properties. According to reports, this will put non-homestead or commercial property owners in line with the benefit received by homestead owners.

Additionally, the measure would implement an additional homestead exemption for first-time buyers equal to 50 percent of the median home price in the county. The additional exemption, however, would be gradually reduced until it expires within 5 years.

INTENT:  To create and increase additional Homestead Exemptions.

RECOMMENDATION:  NO.  Florida Business Watch stated that Amendment 4, a cap on the assessed value of all non-homesteaded property, in on the November ballot and will adversely affect local government budgets. If passed, Amendment 4 is expected to cost Florida's cities and counties more than $157 million in the first year. Because of the compounding nature of this tax change, the effect on city and county budgets will be well over $1 billion dollars in the first 4 years alone.

Ultimately the continuous limitations placed on local government has a cumulative effect whereby not only cities be unable to provide required services, but inequities between property owners will continue to be created.

Also, there was a time that the homestead exemption was created to benefit Florida residents.  With the advent of so many additional homestead exemption, the benefit to Floridians has essentially been eliminated, only causing tax rates to rise to account for lost revenues.

AMENDMENT #5

This proposed constitutional revision eliminates the requirement that a general law repealing a court rule pass by a two-thirds vote of each house, thereby providing that the Legislature may repeal a rule of court by a general law approved by a majority vote of each house of the Legislature that expresses the policy behind the repeal.

The proposed bill proposes that three justices be added to the seven-member court. Additionally, two divisions - civil and criminal - would be created within the high court with five justices each. The governor would be in charge of appointing the chief justices for each division and two would alternate as chief justice of the entire court. Appointees would have to be confirmed by the Senate. The proposed legislation also grants the House access to investigative files of the Judicial Qualifications Commission and sets aside at least 2.25 percent of the state's general revenue to fund the judicial branch.

RECOMMENDATION:  NO.  The proposal has garnered opposition from judges across the state and The Florida Bar, the legal group that represents the state's 90,000 lawyers.  This is nothing more than an attack on a independent Judiciary by another branch of government.

AMENDMENT #6

Proposes an amendment to prohibit public dollars from funding abortions. This would prohibit the State Constitution from being interpreted to create broader rights than those contained in the U.S. Constitution. Exempts federal law requirements, physician-certified physical danger to the mother and instances of rape or incest.

RECOMMENDATION:  NONE.  This is nothing more than whether or not you are Pro-Choice or Pro-Life.  Depending upon what you believe will decide how you will vote.  Pro-Choice will vote NO,  Pro-Life will vote YES.  Therefore, no recommendation is necessary.

AMENDMENT #8

Proposes an amendment to remove a prohibition on revenues from public treasury being used to aid any church, sect or religious denomination in aid of a sectarian institution. This would insure that no individual/entity can be denied any government benefit, funding or support based on religious identity or belief.

RECOMMENDATION:   NONE.  Again, this is another attempt to break down the Separation of State and Church.  If you believe there should be Separation you would vote NO.  If you believe there shouldn't be Separation between the two you would vote YES.  Therefore, no recommendation is necessary.

AMENDMENT #9

If enacted this amendment would authorize the legislature to totally or partially exempt surviving spouses of military veterans or first responders who died in the line of duty from paying property taxes.

It creates a new homestead exemption for surviving spouses of the military and first responders killed in the line of duty. Exemption can be granted for the full value of the home. Expected revenue loss to local governments is $0.6 million starting in 13-14.

RECOMMENDATION:  YES.  However, it is hoped that if it passes, the legislature will limit the exemption so long as the surviving spouse is single to help them through a difficult time and for a limited period of time.

AMENDMENT #10

If enacted this amendment would provide an exemption from ad valorem taxes levied by local governments on tangible personal property that's value is greater than $25,000 but less than $50,000.

It doubles the current exemption on tangible personal property taxes to $50,000. This could impact your business if you have tangible personal property like machinery of between $25,000 and $50,000. Expected revenue loss to local governments is $20.1 million beginning in 13-14.

RECOMMENDATION:  NO.  Each granted increase in exemption to taxes makes it that much harder for local government to pay for required services, and requires those remaining categories that they can tax to pay more than their fair share.  No economic basis is provided to justify this tax exemption other than to increasingly provide a series of exemption until available taxing sources will be highly limited and highly taxed.  It will increase inequities among entities.

AMENDMENT #11

If enacted this amendment would enable the state legislature to authorize counties and municipalities to offer additional tax exemptions on the homes of low-income seniors.

It will also provide an additional exemption to low-income seniors if counties and municipalities choose to offer it. There are a number of eligibility requirements and 100% of taxes owed can be exempted. Expected revenue loss to local governments is $9.1 million in 14-15.

RECOMMENDATION:  NO.  Already with existing homestead exemptions for senior, many properties pay no property taxes nor pay for any the services they use.  Therefore, the pool of properties that can be taxed will be decreased causing those properties to pay more.

AMENDMENT #12

If enacted this amendment would replace the president of the Florida Student Association with the chair of the council of state university student body presidents as the student member of the Board of Governors of the State University System. The amendment also requires that the Board of Governors create a council of state university student body presidents.

RECOMMENDATION:  NONE

What You Need To Know About Identification for the General Election

Broward County, Florida (October 3, 2012) –Tuesday, October 9, 2012 is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming General Election.  We would like to inform Broward County voters that in order to accommodate the potential voter, our offices will remain open Monday, October 8 and Tuesday, October 9, 2012 until 7:00 p.m. Main Broward Supervisor of Elections Office Governmental Center 115 S. Andrews Ave. Room #102 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Voting Equipment Center at the Lauderhill Mall 3:00 pm-5:00pm 1501 NW 40th Avenue Lauderhill, FL 33313 PLEASE NOTE:  New voter applications must be in our office by 7:00 p.m. next Tuesday, October 9, 2012 or must bear a postmark of October 9. ·         Once you are registered to vote, please remember that you will receive your voter information card in two to three weeks.  While you wait for your voter information card, you can find pertinent information regarding your polling place on our website by clicking on Precinct Finder . You do not need your voter information card in order to vote as it is not a form of ID.  The voter information card is an informational piece. Florida law requires voters to present a picture ID with signature.  Acceptable forms of ID are: Florida Driver’s License (quickest to process), Florida ID Card (quickest to process), US Passport, Military or Student ID, Public Assistance ID, Neighborhood association identification and Debit/Credit Card. If the voter’s picture ID does not contain a signature, an additional document with signature may be used. By law, your voter ID must be current and valid. You will be asked for ID, if you do not have ID, by law you MUST vote a Provisional Ballot.  I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity, not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.

Notes of the Commission Meeting of September 24

On September 24, the City Commission held its Regular Commission Meeting.  The following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

1. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-09-134:    PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $5,000,000 CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA WATER AND SEWER REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2012, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING, TOGETHER WITH OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS, CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY’S WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM, FUNDING THE BOND RESERVE ACCOUNT IN CONNECTION WITH THE 2012 BONDS AND PAYING COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE 2012 BONDS; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THE 2012 BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE NEGOTIATED SALE OF THE 2012 BONDS TO BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY.


2. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-08-131:  ESTABLISHING A LOCAL HIRING PROCESS FOR CITY RESIDENTS (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR HAYWARD J. BENSON, JR.).  Passed 4-1 with Mayor Kaplan voting against.  It was noted that the City already has it as a policy under Civil Service Rules and this Ordinance not only modified those policies without going through the normal process, but expanded to all employees though the method applied presently does not exist (and would be difficult to apply).


3. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-09-147:  REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 12O-06-122, WHICH ESTABLISHED A MORATORIUM ON CLINICS; AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (LDR) AND ADDRESSING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PROVIDERS;  ADDING THE DEFINITION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE;  ADDING USES AND DEFINITIONS FOR DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY TESTING FACILITY, MEDICAL OFFICES WITH NON-CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRACTITIONER, MEDICAL OFFICES WITH CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRACTITIONERS, AND AFTER HOUR MEDICAL OFFICES; AMENDING  USES ALLOWED IN NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, BY REPEALING THE BIRTHING CENTER AND CLINICS LAND USE CATEGORIES, BY AMENDING THE DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY TESTING FACILITY, HEALTH CLINIC, HOSPITAL AND PHYSICAL REHABILITATION CENTER LAND USE CATEGORY AND ALLOWING IT AS A PERMITTED USE IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL AND COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE ZONING DISTRICTS, BY ADDING AS A PERMITTED USE IN THE COMMERCIAL OFFICE (CO), COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC), GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG), COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE (CW) AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (CN) ZONING DISTRICTS MEDICAL OFFICES WITH NON-CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRACTITIONER, BY ADDING AS A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE IN THE COMMERCIAL OFFICE (CO), COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC), GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG), COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE (CW) AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (CN) ZONING DISTRICTS MEDICAL OFFICES WITH CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRACTITIONER AND AFTER HOUR MEDICAL OFFICES; ADDING SECTION 5.28., OFFICES; ADDING SUBSECTION 5.28.1., MEDICAL AND ADDING THREE PARAGRAPHS ADDRESSING MEDICAL OFFICES WITH A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRACTITIONER.


RESOLUTIONS
DEES

4. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-214:  ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF KIMLEY-HORN & ASSOCIATES, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $38,400.00 TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE “INVERRARY BOULEVARD RESURFACING PROJECT” TO INCLUDE DESIGN SERVICES, PERMITTING, PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 305-351-6525.


PALS

5. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-218:   APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY FOR COMMUNITY BUS SERVICES WHICH REMAINS EFFECTIVE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2013; PROVIDING THAT ONE OPTION TO EXTEND FOR AN ADDITIONAL ONE YEAR TERM REMAINS AVAILABLE; PROVIDING FOR MODIFICATIONS TO ROUTES 1 THROUGH 5, INCREASING THE HOURS TO A 60-HOUR WEEK, CHANGING TO A “NO CHARGE” FARE, ESTABLISHING ROUTES 6 & 7.


OLD BUSINESS

A. EXPANSION OF THE INTEREST FREE ENERGY LOANS TO ALL PROPERTIES IN LAUDERHILL, INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF LOAN ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TO $2500 AND COMMERCIALLY ZONED PROPERTY UP TO $4000, AND PAYBACK PERIOD ON COMMERCIAL LOANS TO 36 MONTHS (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).  Tabled to a Workshop for additional information requested by Commission.

The 9th Annual International Business EXPO, “Expanding Beyond Our Borders,”

Free Business Education Seminar

SEMINAR SERIES KICKOFF AND SMALL BUSINESS EXPO

SPECIAL GUESTS: GOOGLE AND CONSTANT CONTACT

OCTOBER 3, 2012 • 4:00 - 8:00 PM

WAR MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

800 NE 8TH STREET | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

SEMINAR SERIES TOPICS TO BE COVERED INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Grant Writing and Grant Opportunities
• Doing Business With Broward County
• How to Start a Business, including Franchising Opportunities
• State of Florida Small Business Incentives and Credit Initiatives
• Business Accounting • Business Financing: traditional and non-traditional lending
• Choose Your Business Structure to include tax and legal requirements
• Marketing Strategies for Growing Your Business
• Website Design
• Google+ and Intuit
• Social Media Marketing
• Get More Sales, Win New Customers: compelling more customers to buy from you

Space is limited. Please reserve your attendance by calling 954.828.4752 or email businesseducation@fortlauderdale.gov

Other Upcoming Seminars:

OCTOBER 24, 2012: HOW TO START A BUSINESS AND FRANCHISING OPPORTUNITIES
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
SPEAKER:  RUSSELL THOMPSON, SCORE

NOVEMBER 28, 2012: DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESSES/SHARING RESOURCES AND HIRING/BUYING LOCAL
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
SPEAKERS:  SERGE ATHERWOOD, URBAN REVITALIZATION SOLUTIONS & AMANDA SPANGLER BARTLE, BHP COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

National Take-Back Drugs Initiative & Shed-A-Thon

Updated on Pine Island Road Construction

The City recently received a letter from Commissioner Ilene Lieberman, whose district includes Pine Island Road, giving an update on the construction.  The letter reads as follows:

August 28, 2012

Dear Mayor Kaplan (Richard),

I would like to update you on the progress of construction on Pine Island Road.  County engineering staff has informed me that the majority of the construction is complete and all lanes are open to traffic.

Unfortunately, during final inspection significant inadequacies in the drainage system were discovered through the county drainage pipe video testing.  The contractor is going to repair these defects, which will not require cutting and patching the recently placed asphalt road surface or concrete sidewalks.  However, it will necessitate closing individual traffic lanes at various times.  The repair work will start in a few weeks.

The repairs will be done on both sides of the road and county staff will notify all affected businesses and residents of the remaining work that has to be done.  Once the drainage lines are repaired, the contractor will proceed with installing the final pavement markings, signs, and remaining landscaping to completely finish all elements of the project.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed no later than the beginning of the year.  I hope this information was useful to you.  Please let me know if you need anything further.

Sincerely,
/s/
Ilene Lieberman
Commissioner, District 1

Note:  At this point it is not known if those issues with drainage on Pine Island Road had some effect on the flooding that occurred in the NW area of the city from Isaac.

Notes of the Commission Meeting of September 12, 2012

On September 12, the City Commission held its Regular Commission Meeting.  Normally the meeting would have been on Monday, but had to be moved to accommodate the state requirements on when public hearings on the budget could be heard. The following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):


PUBLIC HEARINGS ----- FIRST READING:

1. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-09-142: SETTING AND ADOPTING THE 2012-2013 PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AT THE OPERATING MILLAGE RATE OF $7.4198 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000); SETTING AND ADOPTING THE 2012-2013 VOTED DEBT SERVICE MILLAGE AT A RATE OF $1.2804 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000).

2. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-09-144:   APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES TO BALANCE THE FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET; PROVIDING VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS.

3. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-200:  APPROVING 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, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013; 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, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013.

4. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-201:   APPROVING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET AS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 FOR THE WINDERMERE/TREE GARDENS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT WHICH SHALL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013.

5. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-202:   APPROVING 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, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013; 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, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013.

6. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-203:   APPROVING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET AS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 FOR THE ISLES OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT WHICH SHALL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013.

7. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-204:   APPROVING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE MANORS OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AT THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE OF ZERO MILLS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013; ADOPTING THE PROPOSED NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $31.00 TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE MASTER ASSOCIATION PLUS AN ADDITIONAL NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT OF $30.96 FOR THE CONDO I CATEGORY RESULTING IN A TOTAL NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT TO THE CONDO I CATEGORY OF $61.96 PER PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR FOR THE MANORS OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013.

8. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-205:   APPROVING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET AS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 FOR THE MANORS OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT WHICH SHALL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013.

9. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-206:   APPROVING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE HABITAT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AT THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE OF 2.0 MILLS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013; 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, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013.

10. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-207:   APPROVING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET AS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 FOR THE HABITAT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT WHICH SHALL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013.

11. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-208:  APPROVING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 FOR THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) WHICH SHALL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013.


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

12. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-09-146:  PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $5,000,000 CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA WATER AND SEWER REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2012 AS ADDITIONAL PARITY BONDS UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 89-193 ADOPTED ON OCTOBER 30, 1989,   FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING, TOGETHER WITH OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS, CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY’S WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM, FUNDING THE BOND RESERVE ACCOUNT IN CONNECTION WITH THE 2012 BONDS AND PAYING COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE 2012 BONDS; FIXING CERTAIN TERMS AND DETAILS OF THE 2012 BONDS; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THE 2012 BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE NEGOTIATED SALE OF THE 2012 BONDS TO BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING: 

13. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-07-130:  CREATING SECTION 2-171, EXPENSE ACCOUNTS, TO CLARIFY APPROPRIATE USES OF THE FUNDS FROM THE CITY COMMISSIONER’S ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE ACCOUNTS (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

14. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-08-132:   MODIFYING SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR ALL PARKS AND RECREATION USES TO ADJUST DISPARITY BETWEEN RESIDENT AND NON-RESIDENT FEES.

15. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-08-133:   APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET FOR A TOTAL ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $570,291.00; PROVIDING VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS.

RESOLUTIONS
COMMISSION

16. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-209:  APPROVING THE CITY COMMISSION’S DECISION TO FOREGO THEIR AUTOMATIC RAISE IN SALARY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2013  (REQUESTED  BY CITY COMMISSION).

17. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-210:  RECOGNIZING “TOGETHER WE SERVE WEEK,” OCTOBER 21-27, 2012, AND ENCOURAGING ALL CITIZENS TO SUPPORT AND TAKE PART IN INCREASING VOLUNTEER EFFORTS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY  (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER KEN THURSTON).

18. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-211:   APPROVING THE DONATIONS OF FUNDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $14,350.00 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD TO THE LIST OF DESIGNATED ENTITIES; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 001-101-8126.

FINANCE

19. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-212:   APPROVING THE RECOMMENDED RANKINGS OF THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE FOR RFP 2012-011 TO ENGAGE THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR TO CONSTRUCT THE LAUDERHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AND LIBRARY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT.  Due to issues with disqualification of 2 bidders by Broward County, and that the matter was to discussed as to their disqualifications the day after this vote, the Resolution was made contingent upon  the results of the meeting with Broward County officials.  1st Rank was James A. Cummings, Inc.

20. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-09-213:   APPROVING THE BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO TRANSFER FUNDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $60,874.25 BETWEEN LINE ITEMS WITHIN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TO COVER CONSTRUCTION CONTINGENCIES FOR NUMEROUS PROJECTS AND THE APPROPRIATION OF RECENTLY APPROVED PROJECTS; PROVIDING BUDGET CODE NUMBERS.