New Home Buyer Tax Credit

When President Bush signed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 into law on July 30, a world of opportunities became available to first-time home buyers, home owners struggling to pay their mortgages and renters alike.

In addition to giving local governments the assistance they need to support and expand local programs and initiatives through a one-time allocation of nearly $4 billion in additional Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) neighborhood stabilization funds to help ease the burden of vacant housing caused by foreclosure, the legislation brings additional relief to homeowners in response to the mortgage foreclosure crisis and is intended to strengthen the economy by restoring confidence in the housing and credit markets.

“This landmark bill contains several provisions to help home buyers, stop the slide in home prices, provide a lifeline to borrowers facing foreclosure, improve mortgage liquidity and expand the supply of affordable rental housing,” said National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) President Sandy Dunn.

NLC President Cynthia McCollum, council member, Madison, Ala., recently praised the act, saying, “The legislation will help thousands of Americans stay in their homes, provide cities with the funding they need to stop the downward spiral of home vacancies and neighborhood deterioration, and stabilize the home financing system.”

A centerpiece of the act is a temporary, $7,500 first-time home buyer tax credit for the purchase of any home. The tax credit can be used for homes purchased between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009. It is expected to provide a significant financial incentive for qualified home buyers who may not have been able to afford to buy during the past few years.

According to Dunn, the tax credit “will increase housing demand, get home buyers back into the marketplace and fight falling home prices, which threaten the economy as a whole.”

NAHB has set up a website, http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/, to help educate consumers about how the tax credit works and how they can put it to their advantage. The site has attracted enormous interest — since July 30, more than 100,000 people have visited.

Combined with near-record low interest rates, a large selection of homes on the market to choose from, and competitive prices, the tax credit is one more reason that now is an ideal time to buy a home.

Details: For more information on the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit and resources available from NAHB, visit http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/.

Notes of Commission Workshop of October 20

On October 20, the City Commission held a Regular Workshop Meeting. The following are notes of interest from that meeting:

1. 2009 STATE LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW - State has another budget shortfall, and it is expected to continue. Special session may be necessary just to get through to the next legislative session. They used non-recurring dollars to cover recurring costs, and it didn't get them through. Now those funds are not available to use again. Money will be very tight. However, money from the federal government will be more available than the State, and a federal component is important. Energy and water will be big issues in the legislature.

2. PRESENTATION BY INTEREST COMMITTEE FOR FLORIDA CARIBBEAN GAMES - Explanation of the development of the games. Also, a presentation to add to the Central Regional Park a track & field and football/soccer field on the 2 east fields of the park. Cost estimates run from $3 million with 1000 seats, to almost $5.4 million with 5000 seats. During special events, temporary seats could occur to bring seating up to 10,000. The project is expected to be phased in. The expected date of the Florida Caribbean Games is May 2010. It was requested for the City to support this development and make it a priority. By Consensus, the Commission all agreed to support to the next level. It was noted that Community support is crucial to this process to pursue this further.

3. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER ON NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM GRANTS (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN). The City Manager advised on the law, and the time constraints. It requires the funds to be obligated within 18 months, and expended within 4 years. The deadline for applying for the funds by the city is December 1 through a consolidated plan amendment. Eligible projects are purchasing and redeveloped foreclosed property, establishing land banks, demolishing blighted abandoned structures and redevelop, purchase property through short sales discounts and resale, and others. It can not be used for foreclosure prevention. Staff will put together a plan quickly so that we can approve a timely application by the end of November.

Listen to the Lauderhill Commissioner Candidates Speak

The Inverrary Association hosted a Candidates Night to allow each of the 7 Candidates that attended to address the audience, and answer questions on a variety of subjects. This event was recorded, and is available to be heard on Lauderhill's web' site, using the following link: http://lauderhill-fl.net/102208.html.

Eight Years Later

eLauderhill News Recommends

On November 4, eLauderhill News Recommends the following items on the ballot:

PRESIDENT/VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Barack Obama/Joseph Bidden-Dem. eLauderhill News ENDORSES
John McCain/Sarah Palin-Rep.
Bob Barr/Wayne A. Root-LBT
Alan Keyes/Brian Rohrbough-AIP
Ralph Nader/Matt Gonzalez-ECO

20th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-DEM eLauderhill News ENDORSES
Margaret Hostetter-NPA

23rd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Marion D. Thorpe, Jr.-REP
Alcee L. Hastings-DEM eLauderhill News ENDORSES

29th STATE SENATE

Christopher "Chris" Smith-DEM eLauderhill News ENDORSES

93rd STATE HOUSE

Perry E. Thurston, Jr.-DEM eLauderhill News ENDORSES

SHERIFF

Scott Israel-Dem. Qualified
Albert Lamberti-Rep. eLauderhill News ENDORSES

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Howard C. Forman-DEM eLauderhill News ENDORSES
Beverly B. Kennedy-NPA

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

Brenda C. Snipes-DEM eLauderhill News ENDORSES
Ellen H. Brodsky-NPA

LAUDERHILL SEAT #1

Howard Berger
Tyson T. Jones
Randy Robinson
NO RECOMMENDATION

LAUDERHILL SEAT #2

Terry Corrado
Jacob Greene
Dale V. C. Holness eLauderhill News ENDORSES
Ruth Roman Lynch
Paul R. Shelton

CITY OF LAUDERHILL 2008 REFERENDUM BALLOT QUESTIONS

1) Referendum Amending City Charter, Section 3.06, to Eliminate the Position of Deputy Vice Mayor.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS AGAINST, since it is a needed position and has no additional cost to the city

2) Referendum Amending the City Charter, Section 3.03, to Provide City Commission Term Limits of 12 consecutive years.

eLauderhill News GIVES NO RECOMMENDATION

3) Referendum Amending City Charter to Create Section 1.04, listing in the Charter a Citizens’ Bill of Rights that are already provided by law.

eLauderhill News GIVES NO RECOMMENDATION, though it needs to be known that it creates no new rights, and therefore is misleading, plus it clutters the Charter

4) Referendum Amending the City Charter, Section 3.08, Regarding Procedures for a Public Reprimand to Elected Officials who violates the Lauderhill Charter by "Interfering with the Administration."

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR

5) Referendum Amending the City Charter, Section 3.04, Regarding the First Meeting for New City Commission, to be set 2 weeks after the election to provide time for certification of the election.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR to resolve a technical problem

ALL SUPREME COURT AND COURT OF APPEAL JUSTICES

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS ENDORSES

CIRCUIT JUDGE, 17TH CIRCUIT

GROUP 3

Bernard Isaac "Bernie" Bober
Pedro E. Dijols which is a vote for Marty Levy

Considering what has happened in this court involved dispute, NO RECOMMENDATION IS GIVEN

GROUP 21

Merrilee Ehrlich
Paul D. Eichner eLauderhill News ENDORSES

GROUP 27

Steven Brian Feren eLauderhill News ENDORSES
Mark W. Rickard

BROWARD COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENTS

Creation of a Metropolitan Transit Authority: Would create an advisory body to be known as the Metropolitan Transit Authority, governed by an appointed Board of Trustees, which will have the responsibility to recommend improvements to the County's public transit plan, programs, operations, and to assist with the coordination of a comprehensive, regional public transit system.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS AGAINST since it is duplicative of other funded boards and therefore waste taxpayers dollars

· Non-Interference in County Administration: Would prohibit the County Commission or individual County Commissioners from interfering directly with County employees and provide that all recommendations to County Administration be made through the County Administrator, except for the purposes of formal inquiries and investigations.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR

· County Commission Meetings, Rules and Voting (Recusal): Would require Commissioners who recuse themselves due to a voting conflict resulting from a financial interest in the matter to leave the Commission chamber and not communicate or participate in any discussion.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR

· Broward County Housing Council: Would provide for a Broward County Housing Council to serve in a non-taxing advisory capacity to facilitate coordination between the County, municipalities, businesses and not-for-profit groups to address such issues as affordable and workforce housing and homelessness, and to make annual recommendations regarding streamlining governmental regulations and enhancing housing stability.

eLauderhill News GIVES NO RECOMMENDATION since there is insufficient information to make a decision

· Broward County Regionalism Policy Statements: Would add a policy statement to the Broward County Charter defining Broward County government’s duty to develop and implement programs, policies and budget with a countywide and regional focus, without being precluded from delivering services on a less than regional basis.

eLauderhill News GIVES NO RECOMMENDATION since there is insufficient information to make a decision, and being that Broward County is not a region, but a sub-region.

· Broward County Parks Preservation: Would designate County-owned parks as either natural area parks or regional parks, and would prohibit the sale, transfer or change of use of such parks without an affirmative vote of sixty percent (60%) of the electorate.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR though there is little information

· Broward County Environmental Policy Statement: Would add an environmental policy statement to the Broward County Charter clarifying Broward County government’s duty to enact ordinances which protect its citizens’ right to a sustainable environment, including clean air and clean water, while encouraging the stewardship of natural resources.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS AGAINST since there is insufficient information to make a decision, and too many concerns remain

· Broward County Ethics Commission: Would create a Broward County Ethics Commission for the specific purpose of preparing a Code of Ethics regulating the behavior of Broward County Commissioners, to be considered by the County Commission and/or the electors of Broward County.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR

· Redistricting Process: Would provide for the use of an independent redistricting consultant to develop plans for redistricting of the County Commission’s single-member districts.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR

· One Year Hiatus between End of Management & Efficiency Study Committee (MESC) and Beginning of Charter Review Commission: Would require the MESC to meet in 2009 and every six (6) years thereafter in order to provide for a one (1) year hiatus between the meeting of the Charter Review Commission and MESC.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR

FLORIDA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

No. 1
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE I, SECTION 2
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
Ballot Summary:
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to delete provisions authorizing the Legislature to regulate or prohibit the ownership, inheritance, disposition, and possession of real property by aliens ineligible for citizenship.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR

No. 2
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE I, NEW SECTION
FLORIDA MARRIAGE PROTECTION AMENDMENT
Ballot Summary:
This amendment protects marriage as the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife and provides that no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS AGAINST

No. 3
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE VII, SECTIONS 3 AND 4 ARTICLE XII, NEW SECTION
CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS NOT AFFECTING THE ASSESSED VALUE OF RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY
Ballot Summary:
Authorizes the Legislature, by general law, to prohibit consideration of changes or improvements to residential real property which increase resistance to wind damage and installation of renewable energy source devices as factors in assessing the property’s value for ad valorem taxation purposes. Effective upon adoption, repeals the existing renewable energy source device exemption no longer in effect.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS AGAINST

No. 4
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE VII, SECTIONS 3 AND 4 ARTICLE XII, SECTION 28
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION OF PERPETUALLY CONSERVED LAND; CLASSIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF LAND USED FOR CONSERVATION
Ballot Summary:
Requires Legislature to provide a property tax exemption for real property encumbered by perpetual conservation easements or other perpetual conservation protections, defined by general law. Requires Legislature to provide for classification and assessment of land used for conservation purposes, and not perpetually encumbered, solely on the basis of character or use. Subjects assessment benefit to conditions, limitations, and reasonable definitions established by general law. Applies to property taxes beginning in 2010.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS AGAINST due to a lack of information of the impact of this amendment

No. 6
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE VII, SECTION 4 ARTICLE XII, NEW SECTION
ASSESSMENT OF WORKING WATERFRONT PROPERTY BASED UPON CURRENT USE
Ballot Summary:
Provides for assessment based upon use of land used predominantly for commercial fishing purposes; land used for vessel launches into waters that are navigable and accessible to the public; marinas and drystacks that are open to the public; and water-dependent marine manufacturing facilities, commercial fishing facilities, and marine vessel construction and repair facilities and their support activities, subject to conditions, limitations, and reasonable definitions specified by general law.

eLauderhill News GIVES NO RECOMMENDATION due to a lack of information

No. 8
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE VII, SECTION 9
LOCAL OPTION COMMUNITY COLLEGE FUNDING.
Ballot Summary:
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to require that the Legislature authorize counties to levy a local option sales tax to supplement community college funding; requiring voter approval to levy the tax; providing that approved taxes will sunset after 5 years and may be reauthorized by the voters.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR

Early Voting Starts October 20

While it has been nearly impossible to ignore that there is an upcoming election, I can’t express to you more the importance of voting. Early voting begins Oct. 20. In the area of Lauderhill, the closest places are the Lauderhill Mall and Tamarac Library on Commercial Blvd. Considering how many may vote, Early Voting may be very desirable. For more information: http://www.browardsoe.org/content.aspx?id=152.

If you wish to absentee vote, you must do so ASAP. I do not know when the cut off is. To get information and to request an absentee ballot: http://www.browardsoe.org/items.aspx?id=28.

The City of Lauderhill has an Official Web Site on voting issues (without recommendations), which also contains the full text of the Charter Amendments: http://lauderhill-fl.gov/voting.html

Remember, the most important thing is to vote. Be prepared for a very long ballot, front and back, 8 to 10 pages long. The city elections and referendums will be at the end.

Also, please be aware that there will be a Candidates Night (sponsored by the Inverrary Association) on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 7 PM at the Environ Cultural Center. All are invited, and bring questions to ask. Signs are on Inverrary Blvd., advertising it. We are planning to tape this debate and try to broadcast it later on the city's radio station 1650 AM.

Castle Gardens is having their debate on the 21st at 7 PM. There may be other groups hosting such nights, but I have not been advised of them.

eLauderhill News Recommendations will be published on October 20.

New City Hall Under Construction 10/14/08

Special to the Jewish Week by Rabbi Arnold Jacob Wolf

Not everyone can claim to be the neighbor of a Presidential candidate - I can, though, because I am. Barack Obama's Chicago home is across the street from KAM Isaiah Israel, the Hyde Park synagogue at which I've served for 27 years. He spoke to our congregation as an Illinois state senator; more recently, his Secret Service agents have made use of our, shall we say, facilities. But it's not neighborly instinct that's led me to support the Obama candidacy: I support Barack Obama because he stands for what I believe, what our tradition demands. We sometimes forget, but an integral part of that tradition is dialogue and a willingness to disagree. Certainly many who call me their rabbi have taken political positions far from mine - just as Barack Obama's opinions have differed from those of his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

On March 18, the candidate gave a speech that made abundantly clear that he and Wright often disagree. Obama condemned Wright's 'incendiary language,' and 'views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation.' Of course, race is only one issue on which Wright has stepped beyond the bounds of civil discourse. He's frequently made statements regarding Israel and the Jewish community that I find troubling. But to limit our understanding of Obama to the ill-conceived comments of the man who once led his church is dishonest and self-defeating.

Obama's strong positions on poverty and the climate, his early and consistent opposition to the Iraq War, his commitment to ending the Darfur genocide - all these speak directly to Jewish concerns. If we're sidetracked by Wright's words, we'll be working against these interests. After all, a preacher speaks to a congregation, not for the congregation.

Many people remain concerned that Obama isn't committed to Israel . Some want him to fall in line behind the intransigent, conservative thinking that has silenced Jewish debate on Israeli policy and enabled the Bush Administration's criminal neglect of the diplomatic process. Clearly, though, anyone who thinks Obama waffles on Israel hasn't been paying attention.

In 2007, he spoke to AIPAC about 'a clear and strong commitment to the security of Israel .' Today, his website states clearly that America 's 'first and incontrovertible commitment in the Middle East must be to the security of Israel .' For my part, I've sometimes found Obama too cautious on Israel . He, like all our polits, knows he mustn't stray too far from the conventional line, and that can be disappointing. But unlike anyone else on the stump, Obama has also made it clear that he'll broaden the dialogue. He knows what peace entails. Speaking recently before a Jewish audience in Cleveland , Obama did the unthinkable - he challenged the room. He talked about the need to ask 'difficult questions' on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: 'I sat down with the head of Israeli security forces,' he said 'and his view of the Palestinians was incredibly nuanced.. There's good and there's bad, and he was willing to say sometimes we make mistakes. and if we're just pressing down on these folks constantly, without giving them some prospects for hope, that's not good for our security.'

Yet, in spite of all of Obama's strengths, we've been loathe to admit a difficult truth: Among some American Jews, race plays a key role in the hesitation to support the Obama candidacy. We've forgotten that Black and Jewish America once shared a common vision. In the civil rights era, I and many in our community stood shoulder to shoulder with the giants of our generation, demanding freedom for all Americans.

Obama himself doesn't share our amnesia, however. 'I would not be sitting here,' he said in Cleveland , 'if it were not for a whole host of Jewish Americans.' That was literal truth, but not everyone remembers it.

I've worked with Obama for more than a decade, as has my son, a lawyer who represents children and people with disabilities. He has admired Obama's dedication and skill as he worked on issues affecting our most vulnerable citizens. Obama is no anti-Semite. He is not anti-Israel. He is one of our own, the one figure on the political scene who remembers our past, and has a real vision for repairing our present. Barack Obama is brilliant and open-hearted; he is wiser and more thoughtful than his former minister. He offers what America , Israel , and the Jewish community need: a US President willing to ask hard questions, and grapple with difficult answers. I am very proud to be his neighbor. I hope someday to visit him in the White House.

Rabbi Arnold Jacob Wolf is rabbi emeritus at Chicago 's KAM Isaiah Israel, Illinois' oldest Jewish congregation

Lauderhill to Receive $4.293 Million to Help Foreclosures

It was announced that more than $541 million in federal foreclosure aid is coming to Florida. The money will be distributed through the state to cities and counties throughout Florida for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes. The funding is provided through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program under The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The CDBG program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lauderhill's portion is $4.293 Million.

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act appropriated nearly $4 billion for assistance to state and local governments for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes. State and local governments may use the funds to purchase and redevelop foreclosed and abandoned homes and property. The funds can also be used to offer downpayment and closing cost assistance to low- to moderate-income homebuyers. State and local governments will also have the ability to create “land banks” to assemble, temporarily manage, and dispose of vacant land to encourage re-use or development of property.

At this time no specific discussion has taken place on how this money will be spent. It is anticipated that staff may be advising the Commission at the October 20th Commission Workshop about these available funds, and how they could be utilized. However, it will take more time to properly make the determination on how best this could help Lauderhill and its residents.

Lauderhill Charter Amendments

In addition to all the other items on the November ballot, the City of Lauderhill will have two groups of items to vote on. The first is the election for Commissioners in Seat 1 and 2. The other is the 5 Charter Amendments being presented to the residents.

Each of the Amendments went through the Charter Review Board. They presented to us several items, of which 5 were approved to vote on. Each of these items which the Board reviewed were at the request of one of the elected officials. They took the position of trying to present to the Commission what Commissioners requested to be submitted for a vote. Not all of the amendments were supported by Commissioners. Discussion on these Amendments can be seen on the June 13th posting on the "Notes of the Commission Meeting of June 9."

At the end of each item you will find eLauderhill News' recommendations.

The 5 items are:

CITY OF LAUDERHILL 2008 REFERENDUM BALLOT QUESTIONS

1) Referendum Amending City Charter, Section 3.06, to Eliminate the Position of Deputy Vice Mayor.

Shall the City of Lauderhill amend its Charter, Section 3.06, to eliminate the position of deputy vice mayor, as more particularly described in Ordinance 08O-06-123.

_____ YES.
_____ NO.


Mayor Kaplan voted against this because of his belief that if the Mayor and Vice-Mayor was absent, the laws of the city do not provide who would run meetings and assume the responsibilities of the position. This in fact has happened several times in the past, and that is why the position was created.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS AGAINST.

2) Referendum Amending the City Charter, Section 3.03, to Provide City Commission Term Limits.

Shall the City of Lauderhill amend its Charter, Section 3.03, to provide terms limits for City Commissioners to serve no more than three (3) consecutive four-year terms, as more particularly described in Ordinance 08O-06-124.

_____ YES.
_____ NO.

While several Commissioners expressed that they do not support this, only Commissioner Berger voted against it. Those that did not support, but voted to place it on the ballot, felt that at a minimum the public should have a right to vote on this topic.

eLauderhill News GIVES NO RECOMMENDATION

3) Referendum Amending City Charter to Create Section 1.04, Citizens’ Bill of Rights.

Shall the City of Lauderhill amend its Charter to create Section 1.04, the Citizens’ Bill of Rights as more particularly described in Ordinance 08O-06-125.

_____ YES.
_____ NO.

This item originally failed until an amendment to the item was approved on a 3-2 vote. The amendment required the Charter Amendment to show where each "Right" originates from. So that the public knows, just like Broward's Bill of Rights, THIS AMENDMENT CREATES NO NEW RIGHTS IN LAUDERHILL, but seeks now to only restate them in a manner that is more condensed. Unlike the US Bill of Rights that does create new rights not found anywhere else. These "Rights" originate from the Florida Constitution, Florida Law, or Lauderhill Charter already, and is listed in the full text of the Amendment.

The original objection was that by not showing where the rights originates from, it was misleading the public into thinking that new rights were being created. If this items fails, the Rights of Residents will remain exactly the same as they already exist.

eLauderhill News GIVES NO RECOMMENDATION

4) Referendum Amending the City Charter, Section 3.08, Regarding Procedures for a Public Reprimand.

Shall the City amend its Charter, Section 3.08, to provide that a public reprimand be pursuant to ordinance(s), requiring a unanimous vote of the remaining members to approve, or as otherwise prescribed by State law, as more particularly described in Ordinance 08O-06-126.

_____ YES.
_____ NO.

The language in the ballot item is incorrectly stated, in that it left out that the Public Reprimand is only for Lauderhill Elected Officials. This was to address the loophole in the City Charter that prohibits Elected Officials from "Interfering with the Administration." Present law provides no penalty if they do. Originally, the language proposed was to create an option to remove the Elected Official that interferes. However, the consensus was to only provide for a Public Reprimand process. Commission Berger voted against this and did not support any penalties on first reading.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR

5) Referendum Amending the City Charter, Section 3.04, Regarding the First Meeting for New City Commission.

Shall the City of Lauderhill amend its Charter, Section 3.04, to provide a procedure to determine the first meeting date for the new city commission, as more particularly described in Ordinance 08O-06-127.

______ YES.
______ NO.

Presently the Charter requires swearing in of newly elected officials to occur 3 days after the election, or upon certification of the election results, whichever occurs first. In the past, the results use to come in within a day or two. The city was informed that election results will no longer be available within the 3 days. In 2006, the results in a much smaller election took 7 days, and therefore caused a delay in the swearing in. It is expected that in the November election it could take even longer, up to 2 weeks possible.

To avoid the problem of when elected officials will be sworn in, the Amendment proposes to delay the swearing in for 2 weeks, which hopefully should be enough time for the Supervisor of Election to complete their certification process.

eLauderhill News RECOMMENDS FOR

Lauderhill Candidates Debate

On Tuesday, October 14 at 7:15 PM, the NW Lauderhill Neighbors Association will conduct a Candidates night at Veterans Park. Also, on Wednesday, October 22 at 7 PM, the Inverrary Association will conduct a Candidates Debate at the Environ Cultural Center. Candidates for Lauderhill Commission Seat 1 and 2 will speak, along with information given about the Lauderhill Charter Referendums.

A Women's View

Editor's Note: The following was a request from a group of women that asked that this message be posted as a Letter to the Editor.

Friends, compatriots, fellow-lamenters,

We are writing to you because of the fury and dread we have felt since the announcement of Sarah Palin as the Vice-Presidential candidate for the Republican Party. We believe that this terrible decision has surpassed mere partisanship, and that it is a dangerous farce on the part of a pandering and rudderless Presidential candidate that has a real possibility of becoming fact.

Perhaps like us, as American women, you share the fear of what Ms. Palin and her professed beliefs and proven record could lead to for ourselves and for our present or future daughters. To date, she is against sex education, birth control, the pro-choice platform, environmental protection, alternative energy development, freedom of speech (as mayor she wanted to ban books and attempted to fire the librarian who stood against her), gun control, the separation of church and state, and polar bears. To say nothing of her complete lack of real preparation to become the second-most-powerful person on the planet.

We want to clarify that we are not against Sarah Palin as a woman, a mother, or, for that matter, a parent of a pregnant teenager, but solely as a rash, incompetent, and all together devastating choice for Vice President. Ms. Palin's political views are in every way a slap in the face to the accomplishments that our mothers and grandmothers and great-grandmothers so fiercely fought for, and that we've so demonstrably benefited from.

First and foremost, Ms. Palin does not represent us. She does not demonstrate or uphold our interests as American women. It is presumed that the inclusion of a woman on the Republican ticket could win over women voters. We want to disagree, publicly.Therefore, we invite you to reply here: womensaynopalin@gmail.com, with a short, succinct message about why you, as a woman living in this country, do not support this candidate as second-in-command for our nation.

Please include your name (last initial is fine), age, and place of residence.We will post your responses on a blog called "Women Against Sarah Palin," which we intend to publicize as widely as possible. Please send us your reply at your earliest convenience the greater the volume of responses we receive, the stronger our message will be. Thank you for your time and action.VIVA!

Sincerely,
Quinn Latimer and Lyra Kilston
New York , NY
womensaynopalin@gmail.com

TIS, Large Cities Council Focus on Regional Transportation Planning by Julia Pulidindi

The Transportation Infrastructure and Services (TIS) Steering Committee and Large Cities Council (LCC), met jointly in Laramie, Wyo., from September 4-6 to discuss some of the key issues surrounding transportation.

With the upcoming expiration of Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users( SAFETEA-LU), the revenue shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund, increased cost of gas and overall state of the economy and the environment, both the TIS steering committee and LCC faced the meeting with a full agenda on what’s going on with transportation at the federal, state, and local levels.

The LCC, formerly known as the Central Cities Council, met on its own to review results of a survey sent out in July. The survey was developed to gauge the biggest issues for large cities in a variety of policy areas. The survey will help guide the LCC’s work for the next few years.

The LCC also heard from Dr. Marc Weiss at Global Urban Development on his work on the Climate Prosperity Project. This project is in its initial phase and it is geared to educate the public on the idea that climate prosperity is vital to economic development. Their message is that rather than climate action being costly and harmful to the economy, climate protection saves everyone money by spending less on energy through increased conservation and efficiency. The Climate Prosperity Project plans to release its first-ever guidebook in October. The guidebook will provide information on how to design and implement climate change policies and programs most effectively and creatively.

Committee and council members heard from Joshua Schanck, director of transportation research, Bipartisan Policy Center, and Paul Schmid, legislative assistant, Rep. Ellen Tauscher’s (D-Calif.) office about the state of transportation funding and what the outlook was like on the upcoming expiration of SAFETEA-LU.

This was followed by a panel of speakers on regional transportation planning. Christy McFarland, NLC research manager, presented an overview of regional transportation planning and how it relates to local land use decisions.

Council Member Susan Burgess, board representative to the TIS steering committee, talked about her city, Charlotte, N.C., and the regional collaboration that has taken place there. She highlighted the fact that regional transportation strategies and local land use strategies go hand in hand and the value of a regional organization, such as a metropolitan planning organization (MPO), to manage this.

Steven Rudy, director of transportation planning and operations at the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), talked about the success of DRCOG, the regional MPO, in the Denver area’s FasTrack project and transit-oriented development.

“The speakers were informative and caused the group to join in with lots of good dialogue on land use as related to transit oriented development,” said Council Member Kathryn Wilemon, Arlington, Texas. “We always leave these TIS meetings with new thoughts on addressing the transportation challenges in our own cities and regions as well as updates on the legislation affecting the needs of the country.”

The TIS committee reviewed the U.S. DOT’s proposal on surface transportation funding. The committee had concerns with several components of the proposal, especially the replacement of MPOs with a new body, the Metropolitan Transportation Board (MTBs).

Several other members at the meeting shared their experiences of the value of an MPO. The proposal ignores the already established and functioning MPOs that have made significant strides in coordinating regional transportation planning and have helped influence land use practices. To abolish one entity in favor of a new one, which would require significant changes in state, local and regional policies, is counterproductive.

The committee also voiced its concerns with the other components of the proposal, such as the emphasis on direct road and congestion pricing, instituting benefit-cost analysis, and cost comparisons between public-private partnerships and federal funding for projects of more than $250 million. Several members volunteered to send local examples of various problems they have seen with some of the components, such as benefit-cost analysis, that staff will keep to further strengthen NLC’s position on this proposal.

The TIS committee concluded its meeting with a review of policy amendments and resolutions for 2009.

(Note: Mayor Kaplan is a member of the TIS Steering Committee, and was in attendance during this meeting)

City Fiscal Conditions Take a Turn for the Worse, by Chris Hoene and Amanda M. Straub

Today, NLC released the City Fiscal Conditions in 2008 report, which finds a troubling combination of developments that will likely affect the financial health of cities over the next several years.

Just as American families are facing economic stress from rising costs, increasing health care premiums, and a collapse in home prices, American cities seem to be facing the same fiscal burdens.

“Cities are getting hit with an alarming wake up call about city budgets,” said NLC President Cynthia McCollum, council member, Madison, Ala. “Because of these declining financial factors, cities are going to have difficulties meeting budget requirements with their normal revenue streams this year. Cities, however, have prepared responsibly and many have historically high rainy day funds to get them through these tough economic times.”

The report found that the decline in property tax revenues (3.6 percent from the prior year, in inflation-adjusted terms) is having an impact on the fiscal health of local governments. Unlike the previous economic downturn in 2001, when property tax revenues were able to buffer the effects of declining income and sales tax receipts, the weak housing market is likely to affect city budgets until 2010.

Moreover, the report found that other sources of revenue are headed downward as well, with sales tax receipts declining by 4.2 percent and income tax revenues expected to decline by 3.3 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars in 2008 compared to 2007.

As a result, 64 percent of city finance officers surveyed expect cities to have a harder time meeting fiscal needs in 2008, and 79 percent forecast even bigger problems ahead in 2009.

“Even if economic conditions improved immediately, the nation’s cities are likely to be realizing the effects of the current downturn through 2010,” said Michael A. Pagano, co-author of the report and dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “The sharp decline in property tax receipts erodes a critical buffer that has helped cities through economic downturns for the last three decades.”

On the spending side, increases of 3.0 percent in 2007 were met with flat or declining revenues, according to the report. Taken together, city finance officers project a budget gap of 2.8 percent in 2008, with revenues declining by 4.3 percent and spending declining by 1.5 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars over 2007.

The areas affecting city budgets most heavily include prices and inflation (including energy prices), which were identified by 98 percent of respondents. Increases in infrastructure (85 percent) and public safety spending (83 percent), and employee-related costs for wages (95 percent), health care (86 percent), and pensions (79 percent) were also cited as budget-busters.

To meet budget shortfalls, half of the cities responding (49 percent) have increased fees, while 28 percent have increased the number or types of fees and 23 percent increased the level of impact and development fees.

Regionally, cities in the West are being hit hardest, with 74 percent of finance officers stating that their cities are worse off in 2008, followed by cities in the Midwest (67 percent), Northeast (61 percent) and the South (53 percent).

The situation also varies depending upon local tax authority. Finance officers in cities reliant upon the property tax were most likely to say their cities are worse off (75 percent), compared to cities that utilize a mix of sales and property taxes (60 percent), or cities that use a mix that includes a local income tax (52 percent).

The pessimistic assessment is registered regardless of city size. Sixty-nine percent of the nation’s largest cities reported a lessening ability to meet needs, 68 percent for cities with populations 100,000-299,999, 65 percent for cities 50,000-99,999, and 61 percent for cities with populations under 50,000.

“Cities have implemented creative solutions for making do with less, while managing their budgets responsibly in the face of legal requirements that they be balanced annually,” said NLC Executive Director Donald J. Borut. “There is, however, only so much cities can do when faced with the macro-economics of a housing market in crisis, flat revenues and soaring health care and energy costs. It’s time we recognize that we must support strong cities if we are to expect to benefit from a healthy, growing economy. Federal and state policies need to support local economies if we want to improve the national outlook.”

The City Fiscal Conditions Survey is a national mail survey of finance officers in U.S. cities. Surveys were mailed to a sample of 1,055 cities, including all cities with populations greater than 50,000 and, using established sampling techniques, to a randomly generated sample of cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000. The survey was conducted between April and June 2008. The 2008 survey data are drawn from 319 responding city finance officers, for a response rate of 30.2 percent. The responses received enable NLC to generalize about all cities with populations of 10,000 or more.

Accomplishments and Goals

In the annual evaluation of Charter Officers, the Commission was provided with a list of city Accomplishments for the past year and Proposed Goals for the next year. The following is a partial list showing the direction of Lauderhill:

CITY WIDE
1) Obtained a settlement of approximately $1,000,000 for the city's Hurricane Wilma claim;
2) Created a comprehensive minority mentorship program in the Fire Department;
3) Expanded access and information to residents through the city radio station, e-mail, TV notices, E-government via internet to pay bills and licenses;
4) Receive $7,852,144 in grants;
5) Police Department received re-accreditation status;
6) Violent Crime Reduced;
7) Revitalizing the Sister Cities Program, and working on cultural and business exchanges with Chaguanas, Falmouth and Suzano;
8) Construction of Storm Water Pump Station- Basin B;
9) Replace fire hydrants throughout city;
10) Created a ‘Ten Year Water Supply Plan’;
11) Acquired 2 FDOT grants for $190,000 to purchase two 50 passenger buses;
12) Implemented Youth Sports after school tutoring program, and received $10,000 in reimbursement from Family Central for Kids Corner after school program;
13) Installed security cameras in all Lauderhill shuttle buses;
14) Received an excellent review from State EMS Inspector on surprise inspection;
15) Balanced Budget;
16) Successfully managed several major events at the Central Regional Park

SOUTHEAST AREA
1) Generally
a) Purchased land for a temporary fire station serving the southeast area of Lauderhill for $250,000 less than the appraised value;
b) Passed local bills to complete annexation of miscellaneous property through the legislature to clean up boundary lines of the city;
c) Award $30,000 Cultural Planning Grant, in first ever partnership with Lauderdale Lakes and Broward Center for Performing Arts to coordinate cultural assets and activities and to assisting in planning for the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center;
d) Drew down $380,000 from Redevelopment Capital Program with an expectation to draw down an additional $150,000 for city projects, and conversion of loan to grant for $3,000,000 for Prempart property;
2) Broward Estates
a) Purchased property in Broward Estates that will be developed into a park;
3) West Ken Lark
a) Completed a new neighborhood park in West Ken Lark;
b) Obtained new land on NW 31 Avenue for City park, at no cost;
c) Obtained West Ken Lark Traffic Signal (14th Street & NW 31st Avenue);
d) Replaced Tennis Court Light Poles;
e) Installed Decorative Fencing;
f) Resurfaced Tennis Court, Basketball Court;
4) St. George
a) Obtained a lease with St. George Catholic Church for additional land to expand St. George Park;
b) Resurfaced Tennis court and Basketball court at park;
c) Refurbished Playground and canopy;
d) Planted Shade Trees;
e) Installed Decorative Fencing;
f) Football/Soccer field extension;
g) Overflow Parking Lot Installation
h) Summer Literacy/Intergenerational Camp at Park, serving 60 youth and 30 seniors

EAST SIDE
1) Nearly completed the purchase of land in the east area of the city to develop a new park;
2) Improvements made to 47th Avenue Roadway and ADA walkway;
3) Making State Road 7 Intersection Improvements;
4) Implemented county-wide high school basketball league at Sadkin Center;

CENTRAL AREA
1) Completed a large section of Renaissance Park on 56th Ave.;
2) Removed 3 commercial activities from Renaissance Plaza, opened Arts Incubator, and expect to have 2 additional cultural organizations in place shortly;
3) Entered into an agreement with Tree Gardens Condo Association for perpetual use, at no cost, the front park area to expand Renaissance Park. City investment in the property is approximately of $150,000;
4) Roadway improvements being completed on 56th Avenue;
5) City Hall Park turf renovation
6) City Hall Park Basketball and Tennis Court resurfaced

INVERRARY AND INVERRARY HOMES
1) Initiated improvements to Meditation Park;
2) Started construction of the New City Hall;

WEST SIDE
1) Veterans Park Turf Renovation;
2) Wastewater Conveyance Capacity Analysis for NW Region completed;

UPCOMING GOALS
1) Create ‘Smart Code’ transect zones for State Road 7;
2) Develop and implement 3 quality new programs at Windermere Recreation Center;
3) Coordinate and implement the student athlete awards program, Sports Advancing Kids Education (S.A.K.E.);
4) Coordinate the 50th Anniversary celebration;
5) Implement the new ‘Minority Mentorship Program’ in the Fire Department;
6) Westwind Park Turf Renovations;
7) Construction of Westwind Community Center;
8) Install and Deploy GPS tracking for city vehicles;
9) Obtain additional funding through: New Markets Tax Credits; revised TIF, newly funded RCP and other sources;
10) Expand the Enterprise Zone to include west of 441;
11) Complete renovations of Renaissance Plaza and redevelopment of old City Hall and Hani Sites;
12) Complete new City Hall;

Elementary School A Is Under Construction

Mayor Kaplan joins other dignitaries in the offical groundbreaking ceremony

Groundbreaking for Elementary School "A" took place the other day. Already the foundation is being poured. The school is planned to be opened next August in time for the 2009-2010 school year. The school was originally proposed and promoted by former School Board Member Marty Rubenstein.

Lauderhill students are expected to make up more than half the student population. All Lauderhill students from Challenger Elementary, and some from Banyan Elementary will be transferred to this school. The school will be the first to have all the new technology now being installed into school.

Notes of the Commission Meeting of September 22

On September 22, the City Commission held a Regular Meeting (though reschedule due to Rosh Hashanah). The following were some items of interest that were discussed:

PROCLAMATION:

A PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER 5 – OCTOBER 11, 2008, AS “FIRE PREVENTION WEEK” IN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL. AND IN CONJUNCTION - RECOGNIZING THE HEROIC EFFORTS OF FIREFIGHTERS ANTHONY BUSK, SANTO AGOSTA, AND JACOB MARCHESE DURING A RESIDENTIAL FIRE WHERE A TEN-MONTH OLD BABY GIRL WAS RESCUED AND RESUSCITATED.

B. PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 22, 2008 AS BRANDON McGEE DAY.

PRESENTATIONS:

A. A PRESENTATION BY LAUDERDALE LAKES/LAUDERHILL EVENT ORGANIZERS TO THANK THE SPONSORS OF THE INAUGURAL JR. SOUL BOWL BETWEEN THE LAUDERHILL LIONS AND THE LAUDERDALE LAKES VIKINGS.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

1. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-09-149: APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO THE SCHEDULE OF RATES, FEES AND CHARGES PURSUANT TO THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

2. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-09-150: TO INCREASE WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICE RATES BASED UPON A FEE STUDY PERFORMED BY BLACK & VEATCH, A THIRD PARTY CONSULTING FIRM, WITH SAID INCREASE NECESSARY TO COVER THE COSTS OF PROVIDING SAID SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH FINANCIAL FORECASTS AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.

3. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-09-151: TO CODIFY THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT TO STORMWATER CHARGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH 100% OF THE U.S. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX AS DETERMINED IN JUNE OF THE CALENDAR YEAR OF THE ADJUSTMENT.

RESOLUTIONS

COMMISSION

4. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-209: APPROVING THE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BROWARD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE LEASE OF THE EAST SIDE LIBRARY THROUGH THE PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2011; ELIMINATING THE CITY'S CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS STAFFING AND OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT.

5. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-210: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL RELATING TO THE CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIBRARY TO BE LOCATED AT THE CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK.

6. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-211: APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) STATE HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION AND LANDSCAPE GRANT FOR SUNRISE BOULEVARD MEDIANS FROM STATE ROAD 7/U.S. 441 THROUGH N.W. 31st AVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000.00 FOR THE DESIGN, INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION, LANDSCAPING AND LABOR FOR THIS PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF CITY MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000.00 ; PROVIDING THAT FDOT WILL MATCH THE ADDITIONAL $25,000.00.

POLICE

7. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-216: APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00 FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) TO “A CHILD IS MISSING."

8. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-217: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $30,012.00 FROM THE FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) FOUR-WHEEL UTILITY VEHICLES AND AN ENCLOSED TRAILER FROM THE LOWEST QUOTE, FLORIDA COAST EQUIPMENT, FOR USE BY THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL POLICE DEPARTMENT.

9. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-218: APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,600.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF A COMPUTER SOFTWARE PROGRAM “ON DUTY POLICE SCHEDULING SOFTWARE AND EXTRA DUTY EMPLOYMENT SOFTWARE” FROM THE SOLE SOURCE SUPPLIER, JAVASOFT CORPORATION.

10. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-220: APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2009 FOR PROVIDING COMMUNITY SHUTTLE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.

Ft. Lauderdale Water Problems and Does it Affect Lauderhill?

We were just notified by the City of Ft. Lauderdale, that as of this afternoon the Water Advisory has been fully lifted. Therefore, the below comments don't apply anymore.

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

You may have read or heard about the problem with Ft. Lauderdale water recently. Please be aware that we do not use Ft. Lauderdale water, and that none of the water in the city is affected or contaminated as found in Ft. Lauderdale, including the the newly annexed Southeast area of the city (However, see the additional message below).

Mayor Kaplan

Update on the above message:

Dear Residents of Broward Estate,

As you may know, the City of Ft. Lauderdale had a water contamination problem, asking people served by them not to drink or use their water in specific areas. When they put out this information of those areas they did not include Lauderhill.

Just so you know, the City of Ft. Lauderdale does serve a small portion of the SE area of Broward Estates. Therefore, as a precaution, I recommend that if you obtain water from the City of Ft. Lauderdale, you cease its usage until we can find out more about the situation, and confirm that it is safe, or that their entire system is declared safe.

Remember, you were not in the group that was advised that there is a problem, but safety dictates that until we receive more information, it may be best not to use Ft. Lauderdale water anywhere in their system (even though there are parts that are unaffected).

This notice does not affect those areas receiving water from the City of Lauderhill or from Broward County, which is over 90% of the city.

Very Truly Yours,

Richard J. Kaplan
Mayor, City of Lauderhill

Transit Editorial by Mayor Richard J. Kaplan

Recently, I was driving to work and I realized something peculiar. My normal 23 minute, 6 mile commute to work, was now 15 minutes, and most trips throughout Broward are now quicker with fewer vehicles. Also, I am aware of drastic ridership increases in mass transit. BCT, Tri-Rail, and Community Shuttle Buses are setting new records. Calls to Call Centers helping people use mass transit, are up 40%.

With gas prices soaring people are giving up their love for the car. The fiscal cost is becoming too great a burden for the average family to afford. The result is, like in Europe, people are turning to mass transit. The problem is that we have an inadequate system, and due to budget constraints, facing further cuts.

For a long time groups have tried to plan new transit, without the power to build it. This is reserved to our Legislature and County Commissions, who have taxing authority. For years, those supporting expanded transit have sought a dedicated revenue source required for matching State and Federal funds. Each attempt failed due to a lack of agreement and political leadership from elected state and county leaders. They have failed to provide affordable transportation.

Strangely, while the need is to add service, the Legislature is moving in the opposite direction by raiding the State Transportation Capital Trust Fund to cover its own budget operational shortfalls. This short term answer purposely avoids having to address real funding problems. It simply delays and compounds it because the capital for transportation solutions will be gone, while the general budget shortfall will remain.

The potential cuts in mass transit, will not only hurt our residents, but have a significant negative impact on our economy because Transportation is an Economic Engine that drives our economy. It may not pay for itself at the fare box, but it does in the economic activity it creates. If you cannot afford to travel and make a decent wage, why would you live here?

I believe any solution will require a change in our government. We need the public to not ask, but demand our State and County Officials to take action. If they won’t, then we need someone else who will. That could mean that we consider creating a regionally elected body with taxing authority to oversee all transit and transportation. With a dedicated single minded group, we will see the change we require.

Note: Mayor Kaplan is writing this on his own behalf, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the groups he represents. He presently holds the positions as Mayor of the City of Lauderhill, Chair of SEFTC (Southeast Florida Transportation Council), Chair MPOAC (Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council for the State of Florida), and is a Member of and Past Chair of the Broward MPO.

Notes of the Regular Commission Workshop of September 15

1. 2009 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Presentation by Alcalde & Fay, the city's federal lobbyist. In the last year we obtained:

a. $677,000 Appropriation for improvements to US 441/State Road 7 and Sunrise Blvd.
b. Obtained a PHA Number from USHUD to permit the Lauderhill Housing Agency to administer Section 8 Housing Vouchers within the city.
c. Secured $5000 sponsorship for MLK Day from Cruise Line Foundation for 2008.

Working on (partial list):

a. Support HR.2164/S.1310 the Medicare Ambulance Payment Extension Act to provide for a 5% increase in 2008 and 2009 to ambulance service providers, which is pending in congress.
b. Working on the HUD Federal Mortgage Assistance Program to homeowners, under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

2. DISCUSSION OF RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS REGARDING 56TH AVENUE RENOVATION. Comments were received concerning issues related to the construction and completion of the road. Numerous questions were asked, and the City Manager and staff responded to these questions and comments. Issues included: completion date/status, sprinkler problems, no U-Turn signs, inability to back out of property, trees/foliage, bus routes, water pressure, bicycle lanes, drainage/flooding. Staff will meet with the residents to specifically address issues raised. Additionally, since the road is expected to be done in November, the Commission will place on the December Regular Workshop a follow up so that any unresolved issues can be addressed.

(Note: Following the meeting the city staff appears to have come up with a plan to allow U-Turns on 56th Avenue. The designs are still be worked on, and if approved can be implemented before the completion of the road expected in November.)

3. Withdrew DISCUSSION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT OF 56TH AVENUE.

4. WITHDREW FROM THE AGENDA THE DISCUSSION OF ORDINANCE NO. 080-08-139 TABLED AT THE AUGUST 25, 2008 CITY COMMISSION MEETING. It required additional review before presenting to the Commission for review.

ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-139: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS creating Light standards and requirements to add conservation, residential and nonresidential to address light emission; create light conservation and adding requirements on materials, landscaping, reflectivity, review, and shielding (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

5. DISCUSSION OF ORDINANCE NO. 080-08-140 TABLED AT THE AUGUST 25, 2008 CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-140: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ADDING REQUIRING AN INTERACTIVE VOICE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM (IVCS) UNIT BE DISPLAYED ON THE SITE PLAN (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN). Based upon discussions, some modifications would suggested to the ordinance. Some Commissioners expressed concerned over it in light of the Camera Laws being discussed by the County. It was decided to place this on the November Workshop for further discussion and to see what action the County takes on its own Camera law.

6. DISCUSSION OF ORDINANCE NO. 080-08-141 TABLED AT THE AUGUST 25, 2008 CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-141: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO REQUIRE WITHIN NEW DEVELOPMENTS AN IVCS UNIT IN ALL COMMERCIAL OFFICE (CO), COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC), GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG), COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (IL) ZONING DISTRICTS AND IN THE TRANSIT ORIENTED CORRIDOR FUTURE LAND USE MAP SERIES DESIGNATION, TO REQUIRE EXISTING AND TO ADD NUISANCE REQUIREMENTS (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN). See #5 above.

7. DISCUSSION OF PLACING ORDINANCES ON CITY COMMISSION AGENDA (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR M. MARGARET BATES). Because of the cost of publication, an explanation of how to avoid such costs. It was recommended that an item be put to a Workshop for discussion before the Commission Meeting, which does happen. Also, another suggestion was not to publish for second reading until the item passes on first reading. Other viewpoints were considered which included not wanting to always have to follow this procedure which may delay the implementation.

8. DISCUSSION OF NEW LETTERHEAD DESIGN (REQUESTED BY DEPUTY VICE MAYOR HAYWARD J. BENSON, JR.). Examples were provided showing all elected officials on the same letterhead, with Charter Officers. Since the city can create a template to avoid waste of pre-printed stationary that will not have to be thrown out when a change occurs, 4 out of 5 Commissioners decided to proceed. When a letter is generated, the template will print the information on each page. Commissioner Berger did not want the other elected officials and charter officers on his stationary. However, the consensus was to proceed for a new design.

9. DISCUSSION OF THE CANNON POINT AREA (REQUESTED BY DEPUTY VICE MAYOR HAYWARD J. BENSON, JR.). A report was given by the police on the situation. 956 calls were placed in the past year. Majority of calls are related to missing persons and Mental Issues/Baker Act persons.

10. DISCUSSION OF REQUIRED GENERAL FUND BALANCE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER CHARLES FARANDA). Projected balance is 10.25%. Commission directed to create a Resolution to establish a policy of 10% minimum as fund balance.

11. EVALUATION OF CITY MANAGER - Overall rating of 4.39 out of 5

12. EVALUATION OF CITY ATTORNEY - Overall rating of 4.38 out of 5

13. EVALUATION OF CITY CLERK - Overall rating 4.43 out of 5

Broward County Opens Collection Sites to Provide Aid for Hurricane Victims

Broward County will begin collecting donations to provide aid for hurricane victims in Haiti, Cuba, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas and other Caribbean islands affected by the storms. Broward County residents are encouraged to donate:

• Canned goods (no items within six months from expiration)
• Bottled water
• Men's, women's, children's and infants' clothing in good wearable condition
• Baby items, such as: bottles, formula, diapers, wipes, etc.
• First Aid and personal hygiene items
• Gently-used, clean bedding
• Flashlights, radios, batteries, etc.

Beginning on Thursday, September 18, 2008 collection boxes will be set up at the following locations:

Broward County Governmental Center Lobby 115 S. Andrews Avenue Fort Lauderdale
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. Fort Lauderdale
Northwest Regional Library 3151 University Drive Coral Springs
Southwest Regional Library16835 Sheridan St. Pembroke Pines
West Regional Library8601 W. Broward Blvd.Plantation

In addition, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners is encouraging Broward County employees to conveniently make cash donations through a disaster relief payroll deduction program. The money collected will go to the American Red Cross for both the Caribbean and Gulf Coast victims.

Port Everglades is also waiving tariff charges for ocean-going shipping companies sending storm relief supplies, and urging all shipping lines and terminal operators at Port Everglades to participate.

The Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) and many other community organizations are also collecting hurricane relief donations at locations throughout Broward County and the South Florida Region. For a listing of BSO collection sites, visit www.sheriff.org. For a listing of community organizations collecting donations, please go to www.broward.org.

Lauderhill City Commissioner Elections and eLauderhill News Recommends

Besides the Lauderhill Charter Amendments, the city had 3 Commissioner seats up for elections in November. Seat #3 was won by Commissioner Margaret Bates since no one filed to challenge her. In October, eLauderhill News will publish an article together discussing each of the Charter Amendments and the Commission Seats, along with endorsements. The following are the remaining seats up for election (in alphabetical order as it will be shown on the ballot):

SEAT #1

Howard Berger
4550 NW 67 Terrace
Lauderhill, Florida 33319

Tyson T. Jones
4870 NW 65 Avenue
Lauderhill, Florida 33319

Randy Robinson
551 NW 33 Avenues
Lauderhill, Florida 33311

eLauderhill News GIVES NO RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT


SEAT #2

Terry Corrado
5231 NW 87 Avenue
Lauderhill, Florida 33351

Jacob Greene
621 NW 39th Avenue
Lauderhill, Florida 33311

Dale V. C. Holness ......................eLauderhill News ENDORSES
5307 NW 27 Street
Lauderhill, Florida 33313

Ruth Roman Lynch
2060 NW 48th Terrace, #207
Lauderhill, Florida 33313

Paul R. Shelton
4420 NW 25 Place
Lauderhill, Florida 33313

New Federal Legislation

$8 Billion for Highway Trust Fund Awaiting President’s Approval

Earlier this week, the House and Senate voted to transfer $8 billion into the federal Highway Trust Fund, financed by federal fuel tax receipts and distributed to states, after U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Mary Peters warned the trust fund will run out of money by the end of September. The House adopted a fix for the trust fund shortfall before leaving for the August recess, but a Presidential veto threat had prevented adoption of the legislation.

The legislation adopted this week now awaits the President’s signature. State transportation officials and DOT warned of dire consequences for highway projects if Congress did not enact this fix. Since a 1998 budget agreement shifted $8 billion from the trust fund to the Treasury general fund, proponents said this transfer simply returned those funds to an account to be used for their intended purpose.

Plans for a New Federal Transportation Program Underway

On September 4, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, held a field hearing to outline the next steps in developing a new federal transportation program, which she called MAP-21, “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century.” The current transportation law, SAFETEA-LU, expires on September 30, 2009.

At the hearing, Sen. Boxer identified goals for MAP-21, which include ensuring a federal role in maintaining and enhancing the current system; consolidating the current myriad programs to help refocus and set a national vision; reducing congestion and its impacts; efficient movement of people and goods; safety; sustainable funding; and performance criteria. Both House and Senate committees responsible for developing a new federal transportation program have held preliminary hearings to listen to views on a new bill.

House Preparing to Consider Second Economic Stimulus Package

Next week, in response to the sluggish economy and continuing job losses, the House is expected to take up consideration of a second economic stimulus package that would include funding for infrastructure projects, low-income heating assistance, Medicaid, unemployment insurance extension, and food stamps. The total value of the package is expected to be at least $50 billion. President Bush has not indicated whether he would support a second measure.

New City Hall Under Construction

If you would like to see new city hall under construction, go to the following link: http://lauderhilldees.net/capitalprojects-nch.shtml

Senate Republicans Block Effort to Clear $8 Billion Transfer to Highway Fund By Colby Itkowitz, CQ Staff

Despite a plea from the administration, Senate Republicans on Monday blocked efforts to clear House-passed legislation that would transfer $8 billion from the general fund into the nearly depleted Highway Trust Fund.

Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, acting for himself and fellow Republican Jim DeMint of South Carolina, objected to a move by Majority Leader Harry Reid, D‑Nev., to pass the bill (HR 6532) and send it to the White House.

Gregg said he does not want to see funds from the general Treasury used to replenish the Highway Trust Fund, which is normally financed by federal gasoline tax revenues. He called the idea “a really terrible precedent.”

When the House passed the bill July 23, the White House issued a veto threat, calling it a “gimmick and a dangerous precedent that shifts costs from users to taxpayers at large.” The administration suggested instead borrowing $3.2 billion from the trust fund’s mass transit account, a step Gregg said was preferable.

But in the weeks since then, gasoline tax revenues, which support the trust fund, have declined sharply as motorists cut back on their driving in the face of soaring prices at the pump.

In a surprise announcement Sept. 5, Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters said that the trust fund would be broke by Oct. 1. She called on Congress to pass the bill that the White House had earlier opposed.

Reid said Monday that he had spoken with Peters over the weekend and that Senate Democrats were prepared to act swiftly on her request.

“We’re willing to pass it today,” Reid said. “I would hope that we could get our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to get unanimous consent to do that.”

But DeMint, like Gregg, said he wanted to offer amendments to the bill — a move that could slow the measure’s progress.

Reid said he would try again Tuesday to get the bill cleared.

Notes of Commission Meetings and CRA Meeting of September 8

On September 8, the City Commission conducted several meetings, including a CRA Meeting and the Regular Commission Meeting. The following are some notes of interest on the items discussed.:


CRA MEETING

1) CENTRAL LAUDERHILL HOUSING AND PARK PROJECTS
Discussion concerning Lakeside (the location of the old City Hall). The proposed new pool center needs to be placed on the east side of 55th Ave. to qualify for grant funds. Then the Villas were discussed as to what the property owner was doing with the property. As a property in the CRA District, we would look at what we can do on redeveloping it. An issue came up with the possibility of purchasing the property, which Board Member expressed different views on. The staff will develop different proposals/options to see what we can do, and bring it back the Board.

2) ARTS INCUBATOR AND RENAISSANCE PLAZA

3) ULI MIAMI BOOTH AND MOBILE WORKSHOP
Lauderhill will conduct a Mobile Workshop of the 441 area. The Mayor and staff will be giving the presentation at the Central Regional Park.

4) DIRECTOR’S REPORT
A. MASTER PLAN AND SISTER CITIES UPDATE - Master Plan Committee will be meeting Thursday.
B. ICSC FLORIDA UPDATE - Lauderhill is working to create cultural exchange programs with our Sister Cities.


SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING AT 5 AND 5:30 PM:

1) Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-192: RE-IMPOSING THE UNIFORM METHOD FOR COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE COSTS AND FEES OF PROVIDING GARBAGE, REFUSE AND RECYCLING SERVICES ONLY TO ST. GEORGE, WEST KEN LARK, BROWARD ESTATES, AND THE SWAP SHOP.

2) Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08R-09-154: COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE COSTS AND FEES OF PROVIDING GARBAGE, REFUSE AND RECYCLING SERVICES ONLY TO ST. GEORGE, WEST KEN LARK, BROWARD ESTATES, AND THE SWAP SHOP.

3) Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-193: DECLARING THE FIRE RESCUE ASSESSED RATE STRUCTURE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2009, FOR THE COST OF PROVIDING FIRE RESCUE SERVICES; INCREASING THE RATE STRUCTURE TO COVER THE COST OF PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES. In the past the city absorb 25% of the cost for this from normal property taxes. With the advent of the voter mandated reduction in property taxes, it become necessary for the city to no longer absorb the 25% cost, but to levy 100% of the cost through this method. This increase is mainly to pay for the 25% additional amount of the service for fire. It does not cover EMS or Fire Inspections, which is separate paid through normal property taxes.

4) Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-09-153: DECLARING THE FIRE RESCUE ASSESSED RATE STRUCTURE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2009, FOR THE COST OF PROVIDING FIRE RESCUE SERVICES; STATING A NEED FOR AN INCREASE IN THE LEVY TO COVER THE COSTS OF SUCH SERVICES; INCREASING THE RATE STRUCTURE.


REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

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

1. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-194: ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AT THE PROPOSED OPERATING MILLAGE RATE OF $5.0646 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR ($1,000) ASSESSMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009; ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE VOTED DEBT SERVICE MILLAGE AT A RATE OF $.87 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR ($1,000) ASSESSMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.

2. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-195: ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009, BASED ON THE BUDGET ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES THAT EQUAL $93,575,355.00; APPROVING THE TENTATIVE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.

3. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-09-147: SETTING AND ADOPTING THE 2008-2009 PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AT THE OPERATING MILLAGE RATE OF $5.0646 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000); SETTING AND ADOPTING THE 2008-2009 VOTED DEBT SERVICE MILLAGE AT A RATE OF $.87 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000).

4. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-09-148: MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009, BASED ON THE BUDGET ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES THAT EQUAL $93,575,355.00; ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.


PRESENTATION:

A. A PRESENTATION BY PALS DIRECTOR, IRVIN KIFFIN HONORING THE YOUTH, PARENTS, AND COACHES OF THE LAUDERHILL CHEETAHS TRACK CLUB FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS .


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

5. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-09-149: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO THE SCHEDULE OF RATES, FEES AND CHARGES PURSUANT TO THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC FOR GARBAGE.

6. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-09-150: AN ORDINANCE TO INCREASE WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICE RATES BASED UPON A FEE STUDY PERFORMED BY BLACK & VEATCH, A THIRD PARTY CONSULTING FIRM, WITH SAID INCREASE NECESSARY TO COVER THE COSTS OF PROVIDING SAID SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH FINANCIAL FORECASTS AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.

7. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-09-151: AN ORDINANCE TO CODIFY THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT TO STORMWATER CHARGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH 100% OF THE U.S. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX AS DETERMINED IN JUNE OF THE CALENDAR YEAR OF THE ADJUSTMENT .

8. Tabled to a Workshop ORDINANCE NO. 08O-09-152: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ABANDONED REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

9. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-135: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR SEPARATION BETWEEN SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES, FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES, AND LARGE FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES, AND DESCRIBING HOW THE SEPARATION DISTANCE IS TO BE CALCULATED.

10. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-138: AN ORDINANCE amending SCHEDULE J. LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION, IRRIGATION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS, BY ADDING REFERENCE TO THE “FLORIDA GREEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT DESIGNATION LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE” MANUAL, PROVIDING IRRIGATION TIMES, TO PROVIDE STANDARDS FOR IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, TO PROVIDE FOR GROUPING OF PLANTS BY IRRIGATION DEMANDS, PROVIDING MULCH STANDARDS, CREATING PARAGRAPH I REGARDING WINDBREAKS TO REDUCE WATER LOSS, CREATING PARAGRAPH J REGARDING USING ARTIFICIAL TURF; REGARDING PERMITTED VARIETIES OF GRASS; USE OF NATURAL LANDSCAPING. This provision will adopt Green Standards for Water Conservation as it relates to Landscaping, Irrigation and Maintenance. (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

11. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-142: AN ORDINANCE SIGN REQUIREMENTS ALLOWING DYNAMIC DISPLAYS, WHICH ALLOW INVERRARY COUNTRY CLUB TO PUT UP A LIGHTED SIGN ON ROCK ISLAND ROAD. (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER HAYWARD BENSON).

12. Approved ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-143: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING PROCEDURES FOR A PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT BOARD CREATION AND COMPOSITION, COSTS, APPEALS, RIGHTS PRESERVED.


RESOLUTIONS

COMMISSION

13. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-196: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD TO ALLOCATE EDUCATIONAL FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00 TO THE LEARNING FOR SUCCESS, INC. “KIDS AND THE POWER OF WORK” (“KAPOW”) PROGRAM.


FIRE DEPARTMENT

14. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-199 : A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT INCLUDING ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND ASSURANCES CONTAINED THEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE CITY TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,716.00 TO COMPLETE THE WIND RETROFIT PROJECT AT FIRE STATION #30.


HUMAN RESOURCES

15. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-200: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF THE GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN WITH HUMANA INSURANCE COMPANY TO INCLUDE A POS AND A HMO FOR A ONE YEAR TERM BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.

16. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-201: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF THE CIGNA INSURANCE PPO (INDEMNITY) AND THE HMO DENTAL INSURANCE PLAN AT NO RATE INCREASE FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.

17. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-202: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF THE UNUM'S SHORT-TERM DISABILITY, LONG-TERM DISABILITY, TERM LIFE AND WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.

18. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-203: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH AFLAC TO PROVIDE PLAN ADMINISTRATION OF THE SECTION 125 VOLUNTARY BENEFIT PROGRAM FOR A ONE YEAR TERM BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.

19. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-204: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH HUMANA COMPBENEFITS TO SERVE AS THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S VISION CARE PROVIDER FOR A TWO YEAR TERM BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2010.

20. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-205: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF THE CONTRACT WITH AMERIFLEX TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S MEDICAL FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT AND DEPENDENT CARE SPENDING ACCOUNT UNDER THE SECTION 125 FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PROGRAM FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES AT “NO CHARGE” FOR A ONE YEAR TERM BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.

21. Approved RESOLUTION NO. 08R-09-206: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF THE CONTRACT WITH FORT DEARBORN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY TO PROVIDE GROUP LIFE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE FOR A ONE YEAR TERM BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.

Update #2 on Hurricane Ike

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

At this time it appears that Hurricane Ike will not be coming to our area. Between Monday and Wednesday, the storm should pass well to our south. However, hurricanes can change direction, and we must stay aware of the situation. We can expect to have wind and rain, and therefore outside loose items should be secure. Other than that, there have been no special orders, nor the canceling of any normal city services at this time. You may wish to consider not putting out recycling materials out this week, due to the debris that could fly in the wind. If anything should change, notice will be sent out.

The following is a statement which was recently sent out by Broward County, to provide more information.

Mayor Kaplan

Broward County Emergency Operations Center continues to closely monitor Hurricane Ike even though Broward County is not in the storm's projected track or cone of error. As of Sunday morning, September 7, Broward emergency officials do not expect sustained tropical force winds to impact Broward County.

Deteriorating weather conditions are expected to begin Monday afternoon with the outer rain bands of Hurricane Ike producing 20 -25 mph winds with gusts to 30 - 40 mph. Monday evening, it is expected that the rain bands will continue to spread over our area with winds slightly increasing. One to three inches of rain are expected through Wednesday morning with tornadoes possible within the outer rain bands.

The Broward County Emergency Operations Center does not plan to activate response teams at this time; however, officials will closely monitor Hurricane Ike and are prepared to quickly respond if there are any changes. All County government agencies plan to open tomorrow for normal business operations. There have been no evacuations (mandatory or voluntary) ordered in Broward County. The 3-1-1 hotline will be open on Monday, September 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to respond to questions from residents.

There have been no announcements to close schools on Monday. Broward County residents are asked to continue to closely monitor television and radio for information on Hurricane Ike. This is a very dangerous storm and the situation could change as the storm continues its track. All residents should be prepared and have their personal hurricane plan ready to implement.

The Facts About South Florida Housing Trends

By FIU Metropolitan Center Director Dr. Dario Moreno

The Metropolitan Center is at the heart of identifying the issues and trends surrounding South Florida’s housing crisis. We recently conducted a study for The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and will be conducting a regional housing study on foreclosures for the Regional Business Alliance this Fall.

Clearly, South Florida’s housing crisis has been exacerbated by a surplus of unaffordable condominiums and single family homes in the Tri-County area of Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. The crisis has also affected rental markets where condo conversions and a decrease in construction have pushed rents beyond what most residents are able to pay. Here are a few key facts about how we got to where we are today:

• The number of housing permits in the three counties decreased by 80%, 50%, and 70%, respectively from 2005 to 2007. While the number of multi-family units decreased by a higher percentage than those issued for single-family units in each county except in Broward.

• The sales of single-family homes increased in all three counties; growing by 35% in Broward and 60% in Palm Beach, from 1997 to 2004, this despite a doubling of the median sales price. From 2005 to 2007 single-family units decreased by about 50% in all three counties despite relatively low or negative price increases.

• In Miami-Dade County, new condominium sales prices increased by as much as 30% even as the overall sales plummeted in the last quarter of 2007. In Broward County, sales declined by 60% in the last quarter of 2007 and prices decreased by 5%. In Palm Beach County, the price of new condos increased despite a 60% decline in sales in 2007.

Based on this data, it is evident that the market is not in equilibrium. If market prices do not drop to the point where the supply for these units equals the demand, then the number of housing permits issued in South Florida will continue to decline.

Important Information About Hurricane Ike

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

We are now starring down the possibility that Hurricane Ike may be heading to our area. The following is a link ( https://my.sfwmd.gov/sfwmd/common/images/weather/plots/storm_09.gif) to a computer model of where it might go, and it would be in our area around Wednesday. It is still too soon to know for sure, and there has been comparisons to Hurricane Andrew.

At best, if it does stay to our south, we will still be on the dirty side of the storm and can receive winds and rain. At a Category 3 Hurricane, it is still quite strong, and could strength. The following is some information that has been provided to me:

"Hurricane Ike has the potential to bring a strong, and dangerous Category 4 storm to South Florida. The hurricane center, while still uncertain as to the five day forecast, has urged all of us in South Florida to begin preparations for that eventuality early next week.

"A storm of that intensity would also require evacuation from the barrier island (beach) and would also include some areas east of US 1. The County would open hurricane shelters for those who cannot be accommodated elsewhere; however, please keep in mind that these shelters do not provide bedding or food for those who use them."

If you are vulnerable, you may wish to register with the County:

Vulnerable Population Registry
If you are disabled, frail or have health issues that may make you vulnerable in the event of an emergency.www.broward.org/registry/

If you are concerned about a special needs shelter, the following is being provided:

Special Medical Needs Shelters(Info. from Broward Co. Web Site)

"If you have a medical condition that requires a greater level of care than that provided at a Mass Care shelter, but you do not require hospitalization or a medical institution, a Special Medical Needs Shelter may be appropriate for you. These shelters offer basic medical assistance and monitoring. They are staffed by qualified medical personnel and have back-up electricity for limited lighting and essential medical equipment. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to accompany residents with special medical needs. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Pre-registration for the Special Medical Needs Shelter is open throughout the year, and while not required, is strongly encouraged to ensure that the shelter will be adequately prepared to meet your needs."

For questions or to register for placement in a Special Medical Needs Shelter, call Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services Division at954-537-2888 (TTY 954-537-2882).

It is extremely important for residents to coordinate now before a storm what happens after a storm regarding dialysis, any special treatment, and oxygen replacement with their private vendors, centers and doctors. All have plans addressing those needs of their patients and customers.

Further updates will be provided as they develop. You should be seriously reviewing and implementing your plans, with particular emphasis over this weekend while time is available.

Mayor Kaplan

Florida Medical Center Presents Jazz Picnic in the Park

Through a generous sponsorship from Florida Medical Center to cover the cost of the event, Mayor Richard Kaplan has arranged for a new Jazz Concert Series to be held at the Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens on Inverrary Blvd. (next to the Inverrary Hotel). The Series, to be called Jazz Picnic in the Park, will be on the second Sunday of November, January and March from 10 am to 2 pm.

The scheduled performer and their web sites are:

November 9th – Jazz Survivors, http://www.jazzsurvivors.com/

January 11th – Sound of Vision, http://www.scottklarman.com/

March 8th - Bob Folse, http://www.bobfolse.com/

Bring your blankets, chairs, and food. No BBQ or cooking is allowed. The Inverrary Hotel is expecting to sell food in the park to those that do not bring their own, and several of the artists will sell their CD’s. Parking will be at the Park, Inverrary Hotel, or you can park at the Corporate Park of Inverrary (across the street).

Update on Hurricane Hanna

Though computer models still do not show now "Hurriance Hanna" to be coming into Broward County, it does show it coming closer to our shores. At a minimum we should receive some wind and rain. Beyond that it is still too early to project. Therefore, please prepare as needed, with an expected maximum impact to be Thursday early morning.

Broward County Office of Economic Development Launches Second International Emerging Leadership Certificate Program

Contact: Deborah Wilkinson, Office of Economic Development
Phone: 954-357-6155

The Broward County Office of Economic Development (OEO) and Broward College's Institute for Economic Development are proud to announce the beginning of the second International Emerging Leadership Certificate Program, which offers small business access to formal training on international trade and investments, followed by an opportunity to participate in an optional trade mission.

Broward College has been a partner in the economic development of Broward County and is well-known for its workforce and industry-based training opportunities. The certificate program evolved from a series of international business development workshops conducted by OED over the past four years. The new Broward College program will replace the workshop series, "institutionalizing" a key initiative of the Board of County Commissioners' international business program.

The first 12-week certificate program will begin September 17, 2008. The semester will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30p.m. on Wednesdays at the Broward College Willis Holcombe Center Campus in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Course topics include:

Basics of Shipping

• Methods of Payment and Financing
• Terms of Sales, Quotes and Pricing
• Legal
• Vendor Compliance
• Logistics Planning and Supply Chain Basics
• Security Issues and Compliance
• Marketing Products Internationally
• Trade Policy and Agreements Barriers
• Protocol and Mission Planning

Registration for the full program is currently underway. To register online, visit http://www.ce.broward.edu/, click "Sign up for CE Classes" and select International Trade. For more information, call 954-201-2204.