Notes of the Commission Meeting of September 15, 2014

On September 15, the City Commission held its Regular Commission Meeting and in addition it was the first reading of all Budget Matters for the fiscal year 2014-15.  The following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):

PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING :

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-09-147: SETTING AND ADOPTING THE 2014-2015 PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AT THE OPERATING MILLAGE RATE OF $7.3698 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000); SETTING AND ADOPTING THE 2014-2015 VOTED DEBT SERVICE MILLAGE AT A RATE OF 1.2804 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000).

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-09-148:  MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015, BASED ON THE BUDGET ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES THAT EQUAL $103,181,965.00; ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-203:  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, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 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, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-204:  APPROVING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET AS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 FOR THE HABITAT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT WHICH SHALL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-205:  APPROVING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE MANORS OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AT THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE OF ZERO (0.0) MILLS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015; ADOPTING THE NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT OF $300.00 FOR ALL MASTER ASSOCIATION PARCELS PER YEAR PLUS AN ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF $200.00 ONLY TO THE CONDO 1 CATEGORY PARCELS, FOR A TOTAL ASSESSMENT OF $500.00 ONLY TO THE CONDO I CATEGORY PARCELS FOR THE MANORS OF INVERRARYSAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-207: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL 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, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015; 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, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-209:   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, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015; 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, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015.

ORDINANCE NO: 14O-09-149:   AMENDING SECTION 2-134, DEFINITIONS; RENUMBERING SECTION 2-137.1, COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIRED; CREATING SECTION 2-137.2 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (COMPEITITVE SEALED PROPOSALS);

RENUMBERING 2-138.1, PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT; CREATING 2-138.2, DESIGN-BUILD PROJECTS; AMENDING SECTION 2-139, FORMAL CONTRACT PROCEDURE; ADDING MINIMUM COMPENSATION PROVISION; AMENDING SECTION 2-140, OPEN MARKET PROCEDURE; AMENDED SECTION 2-141, EXCEPTION TO BID REQUIREMENTS; AMENDING SECTION 2-143, SURPLUS STOCK; AMENDING SECTION 2-144, COOPERATIVE PURCHASING; AMENDING SECTION 2-145, WAIVER OF FORMAL BIDDING/PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE; AMENDING SECTION 2-146 CHANGE ORDERS.  The Ordinance now introduces a Minimum Wage Requirement of $10.10/hour for all employees of Contractors and Sub-Contractors.  Passed 4 to 1, with Commissioner Berger voting against since he is against a Minimum Wage.

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-09-153:  GARBAGE, REFUSE AND TRASH, AMENDING THE RATE SCHEDULE EFFECTICE OCTOBER 1, 2014.

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-09-154:  AMENDING WATER AND SEWER SERVICE, ARTICLE IV, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RATES; AMENDING SECTION 21-47, SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES, TABLE 7, STORMWATER MINIMUM CHARGES/AVAILABILITY RATES TO INCREASE THE RATES BASED UPON THE JUNE 2014 CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR INFLATION; PROVIDING THAT THE NEW RATE STRUCTURE SHALL BE EFFECTIVE COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2014.

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-09-155:  AMENDING THE   WATER AND SEWER SERVICE, SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES, TO APPROVE AMENDENTS TO THE WATER AND SEWER AVAILABILITY RATES BASED UPON THE JUNE 2014 CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR INFLATION; PROVIDING THAT SAID RATES AND CHARGES ARE NECESSARY TO COVER THE COSTS OF PROVIDING SAID SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR THE NEW RATE STRUCTURE TO COMMENCE ON OCTOBER 1, 2014.

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-09-156:  AMENDING  SECTION 2-23, PUBLIC RECORDS TO MODIFY LIEN SEARCH FEES.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING: 

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-08-137:   PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $2,075,000 CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA TAX-EXEMPT STORMWATER UTILITY REVENUE BOND, SERIES 2014 AS ADDITIONAL BONDS UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 04O-04-124, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING, TOGETHER WITH OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS OF THE CITY, THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF ADDITIONS, EXTENSIONS, RENOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY’S STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY AND PAYING COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2014 BOND; DIRECTING THE APPLICATION OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE SERIES 2014 BOND.

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-08-138:  PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $2,075,000 CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REVENUE BOND, SERIES 2014 AS ADDITIONAL BONDS UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 13O-05-121 ENACTED ON JUNE 10, 2003, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING, TOGETHER WITH OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS OF THE CITY, THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY’S CURRENT ADOPTED FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND PAYING COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2014 BOND;  DIRECTING THE APPLICATION OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE SERIES 2014 BOND; APPOINTING THE CITY AS THE INITIAL PAYING AGENT AND BOND REGISTRAR FOR THE SERIES 2014 BOND.


RESOLUTIONS: 

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-212:  PROVIDING THAT THE ACCESS ROAD BEHIND CITY HALL SHALL BE NAMED “CITY HALL PLACE” SO THAT THE ROAD HAS A NAME FOR IDENTIFICATION AND TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-213:  APPROVING THE DEFINITION OF MAJOR AND MINOR OBJECT ACCOUNTS FOR FINANCE AND BUDGET PURPOSES.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-215:  APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH PREFERRED GOVERNMENTAL INSURANCE TRUST IN THE AMOUNT OF $896,886.00 TO PROVIDE THROUGH AN INSURANCE BROKER, PUBLIC RISK INSURANCE AGENCY, PROTECTED SELF-INSURANCE BLANKET COVERAGE ABOVE THE CITY’S SELF-INSURED RETENTION TO PROTECT THE CITY IN THE PURSUIT OF FIRST AND THIRD PARTY CLAIMS REGARDING: GENERAL LIABILITY, PROPERTY, AUTO LIABILITY AND PHYSICAL DAMAGE, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION, BOILER AND MACHINERY, ERRORS & OMISSIONS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, INLAND MARINE, EMPLOYERS LIABILITY AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE COVERAGE PERIOD BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-218:  APPROVING THE AWARD OF BID TO SPORT SURFACES LLC. IN RESPONSE TO BID P2014-043 TO SUPPLY AND INSTALL WINDSCREENS AT VARIOUS CITY FACILITES;  PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $37,563.00 FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 305-351-6353.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-219:  SUPPORTING THE 2015 JCC MACCABI GAMES & ARTSFEST WHICH SHALL BE HOSTED BY THE DAVID POSNACK JCC AND WILL TAKE PLACE AUGUST 9-14, 2015 AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT BROWARD COUNTY;   (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-225:  APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY TRANSIT AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY BUS SHUTTLE SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE LEASE OF VEHICLES AND FUNDING FOR ROUTES #1 THROUGH #5; PROVIDING FOR A TERM COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 WITH TWO (2) OPTIONS TO RENEW FOR A ONE (1) YEAR TERM.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-09-226: APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY TRANSIT AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR COMMUNITY BUS SHUTTLE SERVICES TO PROVIDE THE LEASE OF TWO (2) VEHICLES TO ASSIST WITH ROUTES #6 AND #7; PROVIDING FOR A TERM COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2014 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 WITH TWO (2) OPTIONS TO RENEW FOR A ONE (1) YEAR TERM

Speak Up Broward to Host Televised eTownHall Meetings

The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (Broward MPO) outreach initiative, Speak Up Broward, will host four televised eTownHall meetings to continue the dialogue regarding Broward’s transportation future and encourage participation in its online survey. These Let’s Talk Transportation eTownHall events will be held on  Thursday, October 2; Thursday, October 9; and Wednesday, October 15 from 7-8pm.

The Broward MPO will host this eTownHall series via BECON TV (WBEC Channel 19 for Comcast users and Channel 63 for AT&T, dish Network and Direct TV users) and it will be streamed at www.SpeakUpBroward.org where you can participate in our online chat room. Jade Alexander, iconic South Florida radio and TV host, will moderate the live meetings, which will feature a panel of transportation leaders and government officials. 

During the live events participants can call 1-877-353-4701 to join the discussion or via Twitter by using the hashtag “#SpeakUpBroward”. The Broward MPO will provide an opportunity to view and participate in these events from its offices, but there is limited capacity. For more details, call (954) 641- 8141.

Broward residents are also encouraged to take Speak Up Broward’s online survey to provide their opinions on the future of Broward’s transportation system. The online survey will be available beginning September 12. For more information, visit www.SpeakUpBroward.org.

Notes of the Commission Meeting of August 25

On August 25, the City Commission met in Regular Session and the following are notes of interest (all items passed unaminously unless otherwise indicated):

PROCLAMATIONS:

A PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING AUGUST 25, 2014 AS TIKKITRESS LATRELL DEARY JOHNSON DAY IN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-08-135: TO AMEND THE RATE SCHEDULE OF FEES CHARGED BY REPUBLIC SERVICES OF FLORIDA, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP D/B/A ALL SERVICE REFUSE FOR DISPOSAL SERVICE CHARGES FOR THE TERM COMMENCING JULY 3, 2014.

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-08-166: APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,750.02 FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) TO SPONSOR SIX (6) CHILDREN TO ATTEND A ONE WEEK DRUG EDUCATION FOR YOUTH (DEFY) OVERNIGHT SUMMER CAMP HOSTED BY THE COALITION FOR A SAFE AND DRUG FREE COMMUNITY, WHICH SUPPORTS CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE GUIDELINES; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 120-683-9935.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-08-167: APPROVING PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00 TO WOMEN IN DISTRESS OF BROWARD COUNTY, INC., REPRESENTING THE CITY'S CONTINUED SUPPORT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE 001-101-8111.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-08-168: APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF TWENTY-THREE (23) FORD ESP WARRANTIES THAT WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON NEW POLICE VEHICLES TO 72-MONTHS OR 125,000 MILES AT A TOTAL COST OF $79,165.00; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGE CODE NUMBER 305-311-6512.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-08-179: APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR DESIGNATION OF SUB-RECIPIENT AND DISBURSEMENT “HOME” PROGRAM MINOR HOME REPAIR/WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014; PROVIDING FOR FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,449.00 FOR THE “HOME” PROGRAM.

RESOLUTION 14R-08-181: APPROVING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE LAUDERHILL HOUSING AUTHORITY (LHA); PROVIDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND STIPULATIONS.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-08-182: APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF GARY L. BROWN, ESQ. AT THE LAW FIRM OF ARNSTEIN & LEHR LLP TO BE RETAINED AS CONSTRUCTION COUNSEL IN CONNECTION WITH THE LAUDERHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PAC)/LIBRARY PROJECT.

RESOLUTION NO. 14R-08-186: APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $750.00 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE LAUDERHILL EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD TO LAUDERHILL PAUL TURNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO SUPPORT AN UNFUNDED PROGRAM TO REPLACE AND ADD INSTRUMENTS FOR THE AFTERSCHOOL ORCHESTRAL PROGRAM.

Public Hearing to be Held September 23rd on Proposed Bus Service Adjustments and Increases to Bus Fares and Passes

The Broward County Commission will hold a public meeting at 2PM on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at the Broward County Governmental Center, Room 422, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, to receive public comments on Broward County Transit (BCT) proposed bus service adjustments and bus fares and pass increases.

If approved, the proposed increase to bus fares and passes would become effective over two, fiscal year periods: October 1, 2014 and October 1, 2015. The proposed bus service adjustments will become effective October 13, 2014 for the 595 Express Bus Service, and in January 2015 for the US 1 Breeze Limited-Stop service.

Following is a description of the proposed fare and pass increases:

The regular, one-way cash fare will increase from $1.75 to $2 and the reduced, one-way cash fare will increase from $.85 to $1 in October 2015. The regular, All-Day pass will increase from $4 to $5 and the reduced, All-Day pass will increase from $3 to $4 in October 2015.

The 7-Day and 10-Ride passes will increase from $16 to $18 in October 2014 and to $20 in October 2015. The 31-Day Adult pass will increase from $58 to $65 in October 2014 and to $70 in October 2015. The 31-Day Reduced pass will increase from $29 to $35 in October 2014 and to $40 in October 2015. The 31-Day Reduced College Student pass will increase from $40 to $50 in October 2014.

The Premium Express one-way cash fare will increase from $2.35 to $2.65 in October 2014 and the Premium Express reduced one-way cash fare will increase from $1.15 to $1.30. The Premium Express 31-Day bus pass will increase from $85 to $95 in October 2014. The Premium Express 10-Ride bus pass will increase from $23.50 to $26.50 in October 2014. There are no proposed increases to the Premium Express cash and bus passes in October 2015.

All current bus passes will continue to work through their expiration date. BCT’s transfer fee structures to and from Miami-Dade, Palm Tran and Tri-Rail transit systems will remain the same.

Below is a brief description of the proposed service adjustments, effective October 13, 2014:

595 Express Sunrise (BB&T Center) to downtown Miami/Brickell
• Service improved from 30 to every 15 minutes at select travel times due to ridership demand
• Route will deviate to downtown Miami/Brickell; morning buses will access the Brickell

Metrorail Station via Southwest 2nd Avenue.
• Service along South Miami Avenue will be provided during afternoon and evening hours only
• Sawgrass Mills Mall bus stop will be discontinued

595 Express –Sunrise (BB&T Center) to Fort Lauderdale
• Trips during morning peak travel hours reduced from 6 to 3 trips
• Trips during afternoon peak travel hours reduced from 7 to 3 trips
• Westbound reverse trips will be discontinued
• Fort Lauderdale Tri-Rail Station and Sawgrass Mills Mall bus stops will be discontinued

595 Express – Westgate Square to Miami Civic Center
• Service improved from 30 to every 15 minutes at select travel times due to ridership demand
• Griffin Road Tri-Rail Station bus stop will be discontinued
• New, Davie Park-and-Ride location added at State Road 84 and Davie Road Extension; 108 commuter parking spaces will be available
• Civic Center/Health District afternoon routing revised to same as the morning peak hour routing

Below is a brief description of the proposed service adjustment, effective in January 2015:

US 1 “Breeze” Limited-Stop
• Service will be discontinued north of Broward Boulevard due to low ridership
• Service will be improved south of Broward Boulevard all-day from 30 to every 20 minutes

Community meetings will be held to allow bus passengers to review and comment on the proposed service changes on Wednesday, September 10, 6PM, Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, Pompano Beach; Saturday, September 13, 2PM, Imperial Point Branch Library, Fort Lauderdale; Monday, September 15 , 6:30PM, Hallandale Beach Branch Library, Hallandale; Wednesday, September 17, 6PM, Main Library, Fort Lauderdale and Thursday, September 18, 6PM, Lauderhill Mall, Lauderhill.

Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations to participate in the public hearing or community meetings should call 954-357-8355 or 954-357-8302 (TTY) at least 48 hours prior to the meetings.

For more information, including details on the proposed bus fare and service changes, call the BCT Customer Service Center at 954-357-8400 or visit Broward.org/BCT.

"Let's Talk Transit" Community Meetings Continue

Broward County Transit (BCT) continues to update the community on recent transit improvements and to gather public input on current and future service improvements at its ‘Let’s Talk Transit’ community meeting series.

Since June 2014, meetings have been held throughout the county at various locations, including county libraries, community centers, residential locations and business/civic clubs. A PowerPoint presentation of updates on service improvements accomplished over the last few years is presented at each meeting followed with a question-and-answer segment for audience feedback.

The  meeting in Lauderhill is: 
• Thursday, September 18th
Lauderhill Mall – Inside, South Entrance
1267 North State Road 7, Lauderhill, 6 to 7:30PM
Bus Routes 18, 19, 36, 40, 81, 441 Breeze

The Let’s Talk Transit meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, call 954-357-6786 or visit Broward.org/BCT and click on ‘Let’s Talk Transit’.

Mayors' Chess Challenge