Lauderhill City Hall Wins Emerald Award Trophy

The City of Lauderhill has been selected to receive an Emerald Award Trophy for the design and construction of its LEED Silver City Hall on Oakland Park Blvd.  The award category is Green Products and Practices/Innovation.

The presentation ceremony is on March 9, 9 am at Tree Tops Park.

Earlier this year a presentation was given by the Mayor, members of the Lauderhill Staff, and the Architect on many of the Lauderhill City Hall unique innovations, including a tilt up design construction.  The building uses 19% less electricity and over 50% less water then a typical building of its kind.

Looking for a Lauderhill City Job

Lauderhill posts on its web site at, http://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/hr_oppo.asp, and on the Board on the first floor of City Hall, all job openings in the city.  If you are interested in a position, please check one of these sites for more information.

Appointments to City Boards are Available

The City of Lauderhill could not operate without the dedications of volunteers who serve on our many city boards.  While a small stipend is paid per meeting, it is the time and effort put into these boards that makes a difference in our lives.  Often when an issue by a resident comes up, the responsibility or resolution is handled by one of these boards.

To keep these boards operating, the City is in need of additional volunteers to serve.  Most boards have vacancies and if you wish to show your community involvement in making that difference, please contact our City Clerks Department for a list of positions.  Their phone number is 954-730-3010.  Also positing on positions are on the city's web site, www.lauderhill-fl.gov.

If you are interested in serving (and some boards to have specific requirements), please submit a letter of interest and your resume.

Some of the City Boards
Planning and Zoning (Local Planning Agency) who also reviews changes to City Code
Code Enforcement Board
Recreational Advisory Committee
Arts, Cultural and Tourism (ACT) Board
Public Arts Board
Pension Boards for several departments
Civil Service Board
Lauderhill Housing Authority
Educational Advisory Board
Local Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Nuisance Abate Board
Unsafe Structures Board

Notes of Commission Meeting of February 25

On February 25, the City Commission held a regular Commission Meeting, and the following are notes of interest (all items below passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):


VII. PRESENTATIONS

A. PRESENTATION BY DISTRICT 95 REPRESENTATIVE HAZELLE P. ROGERS.


RESOLUTIONS

ADMINISTRATION

1. RESOLUTION NO. 13R-02-50:   APPROVING THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND JAMES A. CUMMINGS, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES RELATIVE   TO THE PERFORMING ARTS/CULTURAL CENTER AND THE LAUDERHILL MALL LIBRARY; PROVIDING FOR A GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE (GMP) IN THE AMOUNT THAT WAS ADJUSTED AT THE MEETING OF APPROXIMATELY $13,266,000.  Construction to be completed within 14 months after construction begins.  Reasonable expectation at this time would therefore be opening at the end of 2014.


DEES

2. RESOLUTION NO. 13R-02-55:   APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH LAKDAS/YOHALEM ENGINEERING, INC., A CITY'S APPROVED CONSULTANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,428.00 FOR THE INSPECTION SERVICES DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROMENADE ALONG STATE ROAD 7/U.S. 441 AT NW 11TH PLACE; PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF FEDERAL EARMARK APPROPRIATION FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $678,40.00.

3. RESOLUTION NO. 13R-02-56:   APPROVING THE BROWARD COUNTY LAND STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENT AWARDING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000.00 FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO WEST KEN LARK PARK LOCATED ON THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF N.W. 16TH STREET AND 31ST AVENUE INCLUDING TREES, PLANTS, LED LIGHTING AND PATHWAYS; PROVIDING FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS; PROVIDING FOR MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE CITY TO BE PAID FROM CDBG FUNDS.


POLICE

4. RESOLUTION NO. 13R-02-57:   APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00 FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) TO SPORTS ADVANCING KIDS EDUCATION (S.A.K.E.) TO SUPPORT DRUG TREATMENT, DRUG EDUCATION OR DRUG PREVENTION, CRIME PREVENTION, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD, OR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE GUIDELINES; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 120-683- 9935.


NEW BUSINESS

A. DISCUSSION ON CANCELLING MARCH 25, 2013 COMMISSION MEETING, ON ACCOUNT OF PASSOVER. Commission Meeting was cancelled.

The 11th Annual City Of Lauderhill - Bedessee Night Cricket Tournament

February 16 – April 27, 2013

Every Saturday night, from 5 pm to 11 pm, at the Lauderhill Sports Park, 7500 Oakland Park Blvd.

Free.  For More Information:  http://s330067385.onlinehome.us/jw/lc/index.html

Notes of the City Commission Meeting of February 11

On February 11, the City Commission met and the following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):

RESOLUTIONS

1.  RESOLUTION NO. 13R-02-40:   UPHOLDING THE DENIAL BY THE CITY MANAGER OF THE BID PROTEST FILED BY U.S. WATER SERVICES CORPORATION (U.S. WATER”) REGARDING THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP #2012-025) TO OPERATE THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S LIME SOFTENING WATER TREATMENT PLANT FACILITIES AND THE AWARD OF BID TO PATIENT CARE LABORATORIES, INC. D/B/A MICRIM LABS, INC.

2.  RESOLUTION NO. 13R-02-41:   PETITIONING THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY TO IMPLEMENT AN INTERLIBRARY LOAN SERVICE SYSTEM, KNOWN AS “LIMITLESS LIBRARIES,” BETWEEN THE BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND THE BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL LIBRARIES THROUGHOUT BROWARD COUNTY  (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

3.  RESOLUTION NO. 13R-02-42:   APPROVING THE THIRD PROPOSED SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL'S 2012 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN TO REALLOCATE $301,477.00 IN NSP3 FUNDS FROM FINANCING MECHANISMS TO ACQUISITION REHABILITATION.

4.  RESOLUTION NO. 13R-02-44:  APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES GRANTING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL THE AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE HOUSING INSPECTION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES.

ANNUAL RETREAT COVERS MANY TOPICS OF INTEREST

On January 31, the City Commission held its Annual Retreat, and the following is a quick summary of many of the topics covered: 

1)  Discussion on waiving the requirement of the City Commission and County Commission to mediate an upcoming lawsuit concerning the Annexed Areas and the failure of the County to turn over the County Assets due to the annexation.  Specifically the fire station and the water & sewer system.  The Commission waived the requirement if the County Commission will as well.  If so, then the city will file a lawsuit over the matter against the county.

2)  Safe Neighborhood Districts.  The City is working with its lobbyist in Tallahassee to advance a bill through the legislature to allow Safe Neighborhood Districts to finance improvements by issuing a bond.  So far the bill is being looked at favorably, but a lot of work is still needed.

3)  Staff will be working with residents in re-establishing a travelling soccer program, and to make improvements to the existing soccer program.

4)  Staff will be reviewing and making a recommendation on whether the city should join into the Go Solar Challenge which 14 cities have already agreed to be a part of.  The intent is to streamline the process of permitting and inspection in the installation of Solar Systems on roofs, plus the county will pay permitting fees.

5)  The Commission agreed to expand the Interest Free Energy Loans by increasing the amount of the loans to residents up to $2500, extending the loans to Commercial Properties up to $4000 (allowing a loan over $3000 to be paid back over 3 years), and including programmable thermostats for A/C's and water heaters.

6)  Staff reported that they had received 2 bids on the Car Charging Request for Proposals sent out.  The intent is to provide electric car charging stations on public property at no cost to the city.  Staff has not reviewed the bids yet and will report back on recommendations.

7)  Commissioners agreed to create Community Gardens and have asked staff to find available land and grants to fund the project.

8)  The Police Chief gave a report on crime in the city, specifically burglary.  In 2012 we have actually had a decrease in crime throughout the city, however certain hot spots have occurred that are being addressed.  The Chief has created special details to deal with the situation which are starting to have positive results.  Also, that it is being planned to have police chiefs, elected officials and city attorneys to meeting with our judges to discuss the issues involving juveniles who are doing much of these crime.

9.  It was requested to have the Police Chief to see if retired certified police officers could be SRO's in elementary schools without expense to the city.  Funding may come from the School Board, and it will place SRO's in schools that would otherwise have no officers.

10.  The City is looking into creating a Gun Buy Back Program.

11.  The Commission considered the creation of Single Member Commission Districts.  The conclusion was to leave it to the upcoming Charter Review Board process which begins in a few years.

12.  A request to fund in the next budget year the city's share of the State Road 7 Collaborative, which was agreed to.

13.  The City will look into the creation of a Youth Advisory Council.

14.  The City Staff advised the City Commission that the lawsuit between the Lauderhill Housing Authority and HUD has been settled.  The next step is for the LHA to obtain a voucher and then deal with other Housing Authorities to retrieve voucher they may hold for property in Lauderhill.

15.  Staff advised that we are waiting for the hearing this month to have a judge decide if we can consider a bidder on the project that was rejected by the county.  The bidder filed a protest and the court must decide if the county was correct in rejecting the bidder.

16.  A discussion was held on the Regional Fire Rescue Service 911 System.   A report was issued to Broward County recommending its creation and the county to fund it pursuant to the 2002 Charter Referendum vote.

17.  A report was given on the expenditure of NSP funds and housing development by the Lauderhill Housing Authority.

THE BEATLES ARE COMING

February 16 from 7 to 9:15 pm

At the request of many residents, on Saturday, February 16, 2013, Countyline Chiropractic Medical and Rehab Center Presents THE BEATLEMANIX.  This free concert will run from 7 PM to 9:15 PM, at the Lieberman Botanical Garden's Amphitheatre on Inverrary Blvd.  

 

Bring your blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets, and enjoy the evening.

This concert is produced without using any Lauderhill funds, and instead paid for entirely by sponsors.  Please thank our sponsors for their support.  For more information on any of these concerts go to www.lauderhilljazz.com.  

BCPS Accepting Applications for Magnet School Programs and Nova Schools

Application Deadline, February 13, 2013

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is currently accepting applications for its magnet school programs and Nova schools for the 2013-14 school year. Applications must be received or postmarked by February 13, 2013.

Magnet programs provide in-depth, innovative, learning opportunities for students while meeting rigorous curriculum standards. The Nova schools are charged with researching, identifying, and implementing best practices in teaching literacy that promotes maximum student achievement.

Students applying to kindergarten must be five-years-old by September 1, 2013.  Applicants to middle and high school magnet programs must submit a copy of their recent report card and standardized test scores (FCAT or other achievement test). Applications are available online or a paper application may be delivered or submitted by mail.  

More information about magnet programs, Nova schools and other school options, visit (http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/dsa/school-choice.shtml) or contact the Demographics and Student Assignments Office at 754-321-2480.

JAZZ PICNIC IN THE PARK IN ITS 5TH SEASON

Next Concert, February 10  - FREE

Information on www.lauderhilljazz.com

The next performance of JAZZ PICNIC IN THE PARK, is Sunday, February 10, 10:30 am until 2:30 pm, in the Lieberman Botanical Garden's Amphitheatre on Inverrary Blvd.

The concert is sponsored by the Inverrary Association and Oop Bop Sh'Bam is performing.  They are a swing jazz band, and there should be a lot of dancing.  

Other upcoming performances are: 

• March 10 - Meryl Tanenger
•  
• April 14 - Hook - Broward County Cultural Council and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau Sponsor  

Also, on April 20 will be Jammin' in the Park, from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm, with the Mary Washington Brooks Band, the Old Skool Gang and Betty Wright.

Additional sponsorship's are still available.  

Notes of the Regular Commission Meeting of January 28

On January 28, the Lauderhill City Commission held a regular meeting and the following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):


RESOLUTIONS

1. RESOLUTION NO. 13R-01-18: AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR, AND EXECUTION OF, A JOB ACCESS REVERSE COMMUTE (JARC) GRANT UNDER THE SOUTH FLORIDA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY'S GENERAL AUTHORITY REQUESTING FUNDS FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S 60-HOUR WEEKLY SERVICE WITH “NO CHARGE” FARES FOR ONE (1) ADDITIONAL YEAR; AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO PROVIDE MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $182,313.12 WHICH IS 50% OF THE TOTAL COST.  To apply for a grant to extend by one year the funding for the Community Shuttle Bus System.

2.  RESOLUTION NO. 13R-01-19:  AUTHORIZING THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE MAYORS' CLIMATE ACTION PLEDGE, AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE SOUTHEAST FLORIDA REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT, AGREEING TO CONSIDER IMPLEMENTING THE REGIONAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN IN WHOLE OR IN PART AS APPROPRIATE, AND URGING ALL MAYORS OF BROWARD COUNTY TO SUPPORT THE MAYORS' CLIMATE ACTION PLEDGE;  (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).  Passed 4 to 1, Commissioner Berger voting against and stating that he doesn't believe that science has proved that global warming and climate change is caused by people.

3.  RESOLUTION NO. 13R-01-24:  APPROVING THE AWARD OF BID TO STANFORD AND SON D/B/A STANFORD CONSTRUCTION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $606,627.81 FOR THE MILLING AND RESURFACING OF N.W. 55TH AVENUE BETWEEN 11TH STREET AND OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD WITHIN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 450-925-09910.

4.  RESOLUTION NO. 13R-01-26:   WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; APPROVING THE PURCHASE FROM HALLMARK FIRE APPARATUS OF OCALA, FLORIDA IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $424,537.00 FOR A 2013 E-ONE RESCUE PUMPER ON A TYPHOON CHASIS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BASED UPON THE CONTRACT ENTERED INTO WITH HILLSBOURGH COUNTY (P-0005- 08(DV)); PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 001-305-351.

Design Team Members Needed To Develop Educational Opportunities for Sunland Park Elementary School , Lauderdale Manors Elementary School, Arthur Ashe Middle School, Lauderhill Middle School and Dillard High School

Bowling With a Purpose

Public Hearing - Oakland Park Blvd. Transportation Alternatives Analysis

On Thursday, Jan. 31, from 4 to 7 pm, a Public Hearing on the Oakland Park Blvd. Transportation Alternatives will be conducted at the Lauderdale Lakes Branch Library on Oakland Park Blvd. (just east of 441).

It is proposed to create Premium or Express Bus service along Oakland Park Blvd., and the meeting is to reach out to the Public to get their comments on the proposals and discuss potential solutions.

Notes of the Commission Meeting of January 14

The following are notes of interest from the City Commission Meeting of January 14 (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):


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

ORDINANCE NO. 13O-01-100:  AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CODE OF ORDINANCES  TO INCREASE THE RECYCLING RATES BASED UPON THE CONTRACT WITH ALL SERVICE, INC. TO ADJUST THE COLLECTION COMPONENT OF RECYCLING BY 80% OF THE JUNE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) TO AMEND THE RATES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT; AMENDING AND UPDATING THE PROVISIONS RELATIVE TO THE PROCEDURE FOR INCREASES/DECREASES IN RECYCLING RATES.

ORDINANCE NO. 13O-01-101:  AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES,   APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO THE SCHEDULE OF RATES, FEES AND CHARGES PURSUANT TO THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES OF FLORIDA, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP D/B/A ALL SERVICE REFUSE AND INCORPORATING THEM INTO THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES SPECIFICALLY REGARDING THE RATE FOR 96-GALLON COMMERCIAL BACKDOOR SERVICE OF $145.12; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF OCTOBER 1, 2012.

ORDINANCE NO. 13O-01-102:   IMPOSING A 120 DAY MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT, LOCATION, LICENSING, PERMITTING, MAINTENANCE OR CONTINUATION OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ENGAGED AS “DEFERRED PRESENTMENT      PROVIDERS,” "MONEY SERVICES BUSINESSES,” “CHECK CASHING STORES,” “PETTY LOANS,” AND “PAYDAY LENDING” AS DEFINED BY THE FLORIDA STATUTES, AND SIMILAR USES.


RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-01-01:   URGING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA AND TO HELP PREVENT FUTURE MASS SHOOTINGS BY PASSING   THE FIX GUN CHECKS ACT, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE A BACKGROUND CHECK FOR EVERY GUN SALE AND WOULD ENSURE THAT ALL CRIMINALS AND OTHER DANGEROUS PEOPLE WHO ARE PROHIBITED FROM BUYING A GUN ARE LISTED IN THE NATIONAL INSTANT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM; SUPPORTING LEGISLATION THAT WOULD KEEP MILITARY-STYLE WEAPONS AND HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINES OFF OUR STREETS  (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).  Passed 4-1 with Commissioner Berger voting No.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-01-02:   SUPPORTING AN INITIATIVE TO DEMAND THE BOARD OF RULES AND APPEALS FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA (BORA) CEASE AND DESIST THE UNAUTHORIZED AND ILLEGAL CERTIFICATION OF MUNICIPAL BUILDING DEPARTMENTS AND BUILDING OFFICIALS AND INSPECTORS  (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).  Tabled to review BORA's attorney response which was received just before the meeting.  Discussion among the parties was suggested by Mayor Kaplan, and there is an interest to try to resolve the issue.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-01-09:  ACCEPTING THE FUNDING FROM THE MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS FOUNDATION GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,500.00 ON BEHALF OF THE POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE OF LAUDERHILL TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE LAUDERHILL POLICE DEPARTMENT’S POLICE EXPLORER PROGRAM; PROVIDING THAT NO MATCHING FUNDS ARE REQUIRED.

Members of the Lauderhill Garden Club Showing Off Some of their Work

BCPS Magnet Schools to Host Open Houses and Live Web Chats

Thinking about a magnet program, but not sure which one to choose? During the month of January, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) will hold its annual magnet schools open houses and live web chats to offer interested students and parents an opportunity to learn more about the program themes, specialized curriculum and activities available at magnet schools.

During the open houses, parents and students will be able to tour the magnet school facilities and talk with magnet coordinators and teachers. In addition, some magnet schools are reaching out to students and parents through virtual live web chats. Web chats provide a convenient way to gain insight about a magnet school by logging on from a desktop or laptop.  Once connected, a magnet coordinator will present the program through a webinar and chat remotely with parents and students.

For more information about the unique academic options offered in magnet schools, the schedule of open houses, and to log on to the live web chats, visit the Innovative Programs website at (www.browardschoolsinnovativeprograms.com). Applications are also available online. The deadline to apply to a magnet school is February 13, 2013.

Following is the Magnet Schools Open Houses and Web Chats Schedule – January 2013:

Elementary School Open Houses

January 22

•     Sanders Park 6 p.m.  

January 23

•     Riverland 5 p.m.                               

•     North Fork 6:30 p.m.

January 24

•     Broward Estates 7 p.m.   

•     Markham 5 p.m.                                                                            

•     Palmview 7 p.m.                                        

•     Wilton Manors 7 p.m.

                                                                                        

January 25                  

•     Thurgood Marshall 7 p.m.

January 29           

•     Virginia Shuman Young 5:30 p.m.      

•     Beachside Montessori 6 p.m.   

January 30  

•     Bethune 7 p.m.

•     Deerfield Park 7 p.m.                                          

•     North Andrews Gardens 7 p.m.                

•     Walker 6 p.m.

January 31

•     Charles Drew 6:30 p.m.                   

•     Colbert 7 p.m.                                          

Middle School Open Houses

January 9

•     Driftwood 6:30 p.m.

•     Lauderdale Lakes 7 p.m.

•     Lauderhill 7 p.m.

January 10

•     Apollo 6 p.m.                                    

•     Arthur Ashe 6 p.m.                                                        

•     Sunrise 6 p.m.                                 

•     Crystal Lake 7 p.m.

January 15

•     Attucks 6:30 p.m.                      

•     McNicol 6:30 p.m.                         

•     Deerfield Beach 7 p.m.                           

•     New River 7 p.m.

January 16

•     Parkway 6:30 p.m.                           

•     Silver Lakes 7 p.m.

January 17

•     Margate 7 p.m.                                     

•     Pompano Beach 7 p.m.             

•     William Dandy 7 p.m.

High School Open Houses

January 9

•     Deerfield Beach 7 p.m.

        

Page 2 of 4

January 15

•     Northeast 7 p.m.      

January 16

•     Hollywood Hills 6 p.m.

•     Atlantic Technical 6 p.m.                           

January 22

•     Pompano Beach 6 p.m.                

•     Stranahan 7 p.m.     

January 23

•     Boyd Anderson 7 p.m.                                             

•     Miramar 7 p.m.

•     South Plantation 7 p.m.

January 24

•     Blanche Ely 6 p.m.                            

•     Dillard 6 p.m.                          

•     Fort Lauderdale 6 p.m.                                

•     McFatter Technical 6:30 p.m.                      

•     Hallandale 7 p.m.

January 29

•     South Broward 5:30 p.m.

Following is the Magnet Web Chats Schedule – January 2013:

January 9

•     Hollywood Hills High 6:30 – 7 p.m.

January 10  

•     Parkway Middle 6 – 7 p.m.

January 14

•     Arthur Ashe Middle 6 – 7 p.m.

•     Atlantic Tech High 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

January 15

•     Attucks Middle 6:45 – 7:45 p.m.

January 17

•     Northeast High 5 – 7 p.m.

January 18

•     Crystal Lake Middle 11 a.m. – Noon

January 22

•     Deerfield Beach Middle 9 – 10 a.m.

January 23

•     Miramar High 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

•     Riverland Elementary 5 – 6 p.m.

•     New River Middle 5 – 6 p.m.

•     Silver Lakes Middle 6 – 7 p.m.

January 24

•     Blanche Ely High 5 – 6 p.m.

•     Coral Springs Zone 6 – 7 p.m.

•     Margate Middle 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

•     Palmview Elementary 5 – 6 p.m.

•     South Broward High 5 – 6 p.m.

•     Stranahan High 5 – 6 p.m.

•     Colbert Elementary 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

•     North Fork Elementary 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

•     Margate Middle 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

January 25

•     Thurgood Marshall Elementary 5 – 6 p.m.

January 28

•     Pompano Beach High 10 – 11 a.m.

January 29

•     Beachside Montessori Village 10:30 – 11 a.m.

•     Hallandale High 1 – 2 p.m.

•     Virginia Shuman Young Elementary 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

•     Dillard High 6 – 7 p.m.

January 30

•     McFatter Technical High 2 – 3 p.m.

•     Boyd Anderson High 3 – 4 p.m.

•     Walker Elementary 4 – 5 p.m.

•     North Andrews Gardens Elementary 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

•     Deerfield Park Elementary 7 – 8 p.m.

January 31

•     Charles Drew Elementary 6 – 7 p.m.

•     Bethune Elementary 6 – 7 p.m.

Hanukkah Celebration 2012

Lauderhill Breakdown of Capital Improvements $$$

Because of inquiries concerning where capital improvements were being constructed in Lauderhill and whether the funds (mostly from the GO Bond) were fairly distributed throughout the city, a report was generated documents the improvements.

The following is a summary of those expenditures from 2005 to date and the area of the city it occurred:

CENTRAL AREA (west of the Turnpike and south of Oakland Park Blvd.)  $6.77 Million
INVERRARY & INVERRARY HOMES $4.80 Million
NORTHWEST AREA (west of University Dr.) $4.47 Million
EAST AREA (between 441 and the Turnpike) $5.55 Million
SOUTHEAST AREA (St. George/Broward Estates/West Ken Lark) $8.38 Million
MAJOR CITY ROADS (441, Oakland Park Blvd and 56th Ave.) $17.09 Million
CITY WIDE PROJECTS (PAC and City Hall) $11.34 Million

Okey Dokey Grocery Market Grand Opening in Lauderhill

Okey-Dokey, the small-format grocery chain founded by Russian retail magnates, is having its Grand Opening of its new Lauderhill store this Saturday, January 12 from 10 to 3 pm.  The store is located at 4450 N. University Drive and is its 5th store.

The grocery chain is planning to open 400 neighborhood grocery markets between Homestead and Jupiter over the next 4-5 years.  National expansion is next.  The stores will be community hubs with fresh groceries, real nutritional offerings, and prices on the level of big-box chains in the size of a 5,000-7,000 square foot market.  Each store will employ 15-20 people and allow local businesses to set up kiosks within.