Friday, January 27, 2012

Senior Expo 2012

On Monday, February 13, 2012, from 10 am to 4 pm, 3rd Annual Senior Expo will be held at the Inverrary Country Club, 3840 Inverrary Blvd., Lauderhill.

Exhibitors, health screenings, refreshments, entertainment, prizes and other activities will be available. The event is open to the public and is free.

For more information call 754-246-2874 or go to www.retirement-times.com.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Notes of the Commission Meeting on January 9

The City Commission met on January 9, and the following are notes of interest (all items passed unimously, unless otherwise indicated). Commissioner Bates was absent due to illness:


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

1. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-01-100: ADDING PROVISIONS TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPOSITION AND LEVY OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS ON THE ANNUAL TAX BILL FOR THE COSTS OF REMEDYING VIOLATIONS OF CHAPTER 10 RELATIVE TO UNSANITARY AND/OR UNSIGHTLY CONDITIONS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY INCLUDING RELATED ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS AND/OR RECORDING FEES, IF APPLICABLE; PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS; (SPONSORED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

2. ORDINANCE NO. 12O-01-101: CONCERNING THE FAILURE TO PAY BUSINESS TAX AND/OR OTHER APPLICABLE FEES; AMENDING PROVISIONS REGARDING RECORDING OF LIENS AND COLLECTION COMPANY FEES. Removed from Agenda.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

3. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-12-177: APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES TO BALANCE THE FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET.

4. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-12-179: AMENDING SECTION 6-42, POWERS AND DUTIES TO AUTHORIZE BUILDING OFFICIAL TO ISSUE UNIFORM CODE CITATIONS FOR FLORIDA BUILDING CODE VIOLATIONS AND SETTING FORTH SCHEDULE OF PENALTIES; AMENDING SECTIONS 6-46, 6-51 AND 6-56 ALL TO REFERENCE RENUMBERED SECTION 115 OF FLORIDA BUILDING CODE.

5. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-12-180: TO AUTHORIZE BUILDING OFFICIALS TO ISSUE UNIFORM CODE CITATIONS FOR BUILDING VIOLATIONS.

6. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-12-181: CREATING SECTION 12-12, EXPEDITED PROCESS, PROVIDING TERMS APPLICABLE TO QUALIFIED NEW, EXPANDING OR RELOCATING BUSINESSES APPLYING FOR BUILDING PERMITS, CERTIFICATE OF USE AND LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT.

7. ORDINANCE NO. 11O-12-182: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 4, ANIMALS AND FOWL, ARTICLE, II, DOGS AND CATS, SECTION 4-20, RUNNING AT LARGE PROHIBITED; IMPOUNDMENT; REDEMPTION TO PROVIDE FOR RECOVERY OF ANIMAL PICKUP FEE.


RESOLUTIONS
ADMINISTRATION


8. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-01-01: APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; APPROVING THE AGREEMENT WITH MUNICIPAL CODE CORPORATION (MCCI) TO PIGGYBACK THE INTERLOCAL COOPERATION CONTRACT FOR INFORMATION RESOURCES TECHNOLOGIES WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES (DIR) TO ENABLE THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO PURCHASE LASERFICHE DOCUMENT IMAGING AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE AND SERVICES THROUGH THESE CONTRACT ARRANGEMENTS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $20,253.00.


COMMISSION

9. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-01-02: SUPPORTING HOUSE BILL (HB) 779 RELATING TO ELECTRIC ENERGY PRODUCTION TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF “PUBLIC UTILITY” TO EXCLUDE CERTAIN ENTITIES THAT PRODUCE RENEWABLE SOLAR ENERGY; ENABLING PRODUCTION FACILITIES OTHER THAN FULLY REGULATED UTILITIES TO SELL RENEWABLE SOLAR ENERGY DIRECTLY TO CUSTOMERS (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

10. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-01-03: SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF STUDENTS WORKING AGAINST TOBACCO (SWAT), THE TOBACCO-FREE PARTNERSHIP OF BROWARD COUNTY, AND THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY TO RESTRICT THE SALE OF FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES).

11. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-01-04: APPOINTING KENNY DAVIS BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN AS A MEMBER OF THE LAUDERHILL HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTES, CHAPTER 421; PROVIDING FOR A FOUR (4) YEAR TERM.


FINANCE

12. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-01-05: APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF THE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES TAX AGREEMENT FOR ACCESS TO CONFIDENTIAL STATE TAX INFORMATION BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION BY THE CITY MANAGER.

13. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-01-06: APPROVING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL'S FIFTH PROGRAM YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER).


FIRE

14. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-01-07: APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) AND DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) FY 2011 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS OPERATION AND SAFETY PROGRAM GRANT (EMW-2011-FO-05505) IN THE AMOUNT OF $280,000.00; PROVIDING FOR CITY MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,000.00.

15. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-01-08: ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF TWO (2) DEFIBRILLATORS TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FROM THE NORTH SHORE FLORIDA MEDICAL CENTER CAMPUS MEDICAL STAFF; PROVIDING FOR A RETROACTIVE ACCEPTANCE DATE OF DECEMBER 21, 2011 (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J KAPLAN).


POLICE

16. RESOLUTION NO. 12R-01-09: APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500.00 FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) TO THE POLICE HONOR GUARD SOCIETY OF BROWARD COUNTY AND THE BROWARD POLICE MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION MULTI-AGENCY ORGANIZATION TO SUPPORT THE BUILDING OF A MEMORIAL TO HONOR FALLEN OFFICERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE GUIDELINES; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 120-683-9935.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Unitown Slots Available for High School Students

The City of Lauderhill still has a few open unclaimed Unitown spots.

UNITOWN is a weekend retreat for high school students where they receive training and enlightment on issues involving diversity, community values and leadership. It brings together a group of diverse high school students from many racial, religious and cultural backgrounds in a controlled setting to interact with each other with a carefully selected, skilled and equally diverse adult/student volunteer staff. Students who attend will be sharing experiences of their own culture, gaining a better understanding of other groups and preparing themselves for leadership roles in their schools and in our community. It runs from Saturday February 18 through Monday February 20th.

UNITOWN will train youth for effective leadership in a pluralistic democracy without bigotry or discrimination and without compromise of distinctive faiths or identities.

The objectives are:

To learn about prejudice and discrimination and the effect they have on others within our society;

To achieve greater understanding and respect for one's self through interaction with persons of different ethnic origins;

To develop skills needed to help solve individual and group problems in human relations;

To help students understand and respect cultures different from their own; and To give direction to young people's convictions and ideas regarding society

There is a nominal $30 non-refundable deposit; all trip costs (including food and lodging) are sponsored by the City of Lauderhill.

This is one of those priceless (sometimes life changing) opportunities for teens--and adult volunteers--if you are interested, just let me know. It also looks great on a college application.

Call Daphne, Joy or Ruth at City of Lauderhill (954) 321-2450 if you have any questions and to turn in your applications.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Lauderhill’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Aquatic Complex at John Mullin Park

The City of Lauderhill Mayor and Elected Officials are proud to open the doors to the newly constructed Aquatic Complex at John Mullin Park (2000 NW 55 Avenue) on Thursday, January 19th at 10 am.

The new Aquatic Complex was built on the former City Hall site which was damaged beyond repair after Hurricane Wilma in 2005. The Old Florida Tropical style 4,000 square foot facility is surrounded by lush landscaping and is beautifully adorned with two public art projects using artistic flooring surfaces. One of which is made from recyclable materials. You must see this!

The Complex paid for in part by $75,000 grant dollars includes multi-purpose meeting/class rooms, bath/locker rooms, and a concession area. All the lighting and cooling fixtures are energy efficient while the plumbing fittings are low flow for water conservation. The facility meets the LEED Silver standards and is cheerfully painted and decorated with a wavy water theme!

The new 25 meter swimming pool includes eight lanes for competition and is both heated and cooled. The pool deck is large and can host swim meets. The “Funbrella” splash feature completes the pool deck to appeal and attract residents of all ages, and the entire area overlooks a fantastic lake.

“The Lauderhill Central Residents’ Association will finally have a neighborhood facility to host monthly meetings and social gatherings. Having a recreation center and swimming pool in our community is essential for happy and healthy families,” states Beryl Collins, Lauderhill Central Residents’ Association President.

The Aquatic Complex is located at John Mullin Park which includes tennis courts, a multi-purpose field, basketball and racquetball courts, pavilions, a walking path and parking. The Boys and Girls Club is also located in this Park.

Join us in opening the doors to this new fantastic facility. We will have a brief program on Thursday, January 19th at 10 am….pool side followed by refreshments.

For more information or to RSVP contact Katia at klolagne@lauderhill-fl.gov or 954-730-3000.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

YMCA 2012 College Tour

Dates: March 12 -16, 2012


Goals:


  • Introduce students to campus/college life while deepening their knowledge of college admissions procedures

  • Strengthen students’ understanding of Black Colleges/Universities’ rich history

  • Assist students with planning and decision making related to their educational future

  • Motivate student achievement

Who Should Attend?


  • Youth grades 8-11 who have a desire to attend and complete college

  • Youth seeking to broaden their knowledge of college acceptance standards and how it relates to their current and future academic expectations

What to Expect?


  • Opportunities to explore nine collegiate campuses

  • Admissions presentations provided by collegiate staff and professional tour guides

  • A great time with volunteers and staff passionate about youth and their positive development

  • Exploration of various cities, cultural visits to local attractions, and shopping at the historic Atlanta Underground Mall

  • Opportunities to connect with collegiate staff

  • New, positive peer friendships

Cost:


Total $225


Deposit:


  • Early bird: non-refundable $50 deposit due by Dec 18th.

  • Late: non-refundable $100 deposit due by Jan 15th.

  • Final balance due: February 15th.

  • Cost includes: transportation, room/board, t-shirt, journal and one activity.

Y Tour Schedule


  • University of Central Florida

  • University of North Florida

  • FAMU

  • Spellman College

  • Morehouse College

  • Clark Atlanta University

  • Morris Brown

  • University of Florida

  • Florida State University

For more information contact: 754.322.3608

Thursday, January 12, 2012

New Live Well Lauderhill Web Site by YMCA

Please take a look at the site http://livewelllauderhill.wordpress.com/ and see all that is happening with the Live Well Lauderhill initiative.

Mark your calendars for January 19th to attend the opening of the youth leader’s art exhibit at the Lauderhill Art Center.


Andi Crawford

Director of Community Initiatives

YMCA of Broward County

Monday, January 09, 2012

College Scholarships Available

The links are the applications and criteria for both the 2012 ASPA South Florida Chapter and Natacha Seijas 'Women in Public Service' scholarships. The deadline for these two awards is March 1, 2012.


The scholarship applications are also available via the links above or on the website, www.aspaonline.org/southfla/.


If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Agatha Caraballo at acara009@fiu.edu or 786-222-1512, or alternatively Roslyn Alic-Batson, Communications Secretary, at 305-375-5658 or aspasouthfla@yahoo.com.

Friday, January 06, 2012

How to Request a Mayoral Proclamation

It has often been requested by many to obtain a Mayoral Proclamation. To assist the public and city staff, a procedure and form was created to use.

Anyone interested in a Proclamation should go to this link.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Mayor Kaplan Announces his Withdrawal from Running for County Commissioner

Due to unforeseen circumstances, which occurred a few weeks ago regarding a personal business matter, I regretfully am announcing my withdrawal from the race for the Broward County Commission District 1. However, this issue will not prevent me from running for re-election as Mayor of Lauderhill in 2014, which I intend to do.

I can state that the reason is not due to: 1) any type of investigation, lawsuit or illegal activity; 2) concern over my opponents or being able to raise funds for the campaign; 3) anything my opponents or their supporters have done; or 4) for health reasons. The exact reason, when I announced, could not have been anticipated. All upcoming planned fund raisers in this effort are being cancelled.

I want to thank everyone who encouraged and supported me in my efforts to serve as their County Commissioner. I believe you would have seen some significant changes in the county if I were able to serve. On the bright side, to those Lauderhill residents and businesses that were concerned about my stepping down as Mayor, I am not going anywhere and I will continue to serve you to the best of my ability.

Richard J Kaplan

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

David I. Muir to launch 2012 “Pieces of Jamaica” fine arts exhibition at the City of Sunrise Art Gallery

The true beauty and rich culture of Jamaica will be on display at the City of Sunrise, Civic Center Art Gallery through visual and performing arts at the “Pieces of Jamaica” Fine Arts Exhibition slated to run during the months of January and February, 2012.

The event will showcase Jamaica as seen through the lens of photographer David I. Muir. The exhibition will feature events with the Grand Opening set for Friday, January 6, 2012 at 6:30 pm and the “Dub Vibe” performing arts event to be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 6:00 pm. The exhibition will once again move beyond the visual and showcase various cultural aspects of the island through music, poetry, culinary and other artistic expressions, as it explores the complexity of Jamaica’s culture and people.

David I. Muir is a Jamaican fine art photographer living in South Florida, USA. Besides his family, photography is Muir’s greatest passion and he has a special love for candid portraiture and lifestyle photography – signature components of his exhibits.

David I. Muir’s photography business, DAVIDIPHOTO, Inc. operates in Lauderhill, FL as a participant of the Lauderhill International Trade Incubator. According to Muir, “I’m excited to highlight Jamaica’s beauty and culture with my photography. It will be a great opportunity for lovers of art to come out and see different aspects of Jamaica and experience the culture that will be on display throughout the exhibition.”

For more information please contact David I Muir at 954-200-5110 or e-mail info@davidiphoto.com.