Broward Reads to Succeed Early Literacy Conference

Broward County Libraries Division will host a free "Broward Reads to Succeed: Early Literacy Conference" on Thursday, September 17th,  from 8:30AM to 1PM, at Lauderdale Lakes Library/Educational Center, 3580 W Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes. The conference will feature children’s book authors and advocates for early literacy. Teachers, caregivers and anyone who works with children are encouraged to attend this free event. Participants must register by September 14th, by phone at 954-357-7317 or online at Broward.org/Library/Youth.

Sad Announcement of the Passing of Anne Elfers

Anne Elfers, wife of Former Commissioner Wally Elfers passed away on Monday, August 25, 2015. Anne and Wally were in an auto accident in June, and while Wally survived, Anne died of complications from the accident.

Update on TS Erika #2

As of Sunday morning, TS Erika appears to be substantially weakening and moving west. It may be downgraded to a Tropical Wave or Depression.  Projections show it going over Cuba and then maybe heading north into the Gulf where it could strengthen again.  Some projections show it heading WNW from there or North towards Tallahassee.

At this time no State of Emergency has been declared in the City of Lauderhill.  Expectations are mild winds, rain and the potential for flooding.

A discussion occurred between the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and Mayor about proceeding with the Monday City Commission Meeting and holding an Emergency Meeting today to discuss it with the City Commission.  Given the downgrading and direction of the storm, it was felt that no Emergency Meeting is necessary at this time and we can proceed with the meeting on Monday as planned.

However, if the storm should drastically change in the next 24 - 36 hours, then any decisions are subject to change.

Update on Tropical Storm Erika and Lauderhill Meetings

TS Erika has been a bit of an erratic storm and projections over the last 48 hours have her going from a Tropical Storm to as a Class 1 or 2 Hurricane, and as far down as a Tropical Wave.  The direction started towards South Florida, moved east off coast between Florida and the Bahamas, and now moving west, possibly towards the Keyes.

The one thing predictable about this storm is that it is not predictable.  By Sunday a lot more will be known, but that may not leave much time to prepare.  Depending upon the situation, at worse, make sure you have set aside Sunday to complete preparation if you haven't already, including putting up shutters if needed.  Right now the biggest concern is flooding, but that may quickly change.

As to the closing of governmental buildings, schools, cancelling meetings and the like, no decisions have been made.  The City of Lauderhill staff will be discussing tomorrow whether to go forward with the Monday Night City Commission Meeting.  Depending upon the discussion the City Commission may be acting upon it and an announcement will be put out if there are any changes.

Hurricane Preparedness Needed Now - TS Erika

While Tropical Storm Erika is far out to sea, recent projections show that South Florida is presently within the cone but may weaken.  At this time, at its present course and speed, it is possible for our area to start feeling the effects of wind and rain on late Saturday, and come to our shores very late Sunday/early Monday.  It is too soon to know precisely if this storm will develop into a serious concern for us and fortunately the storm has not increased its strength yet.

The City of Lauderhill is beginning its pre-storm plans and is closely monitoring the situation.

Now is a good time, if you haven't already, to take action and be prepared for any storm that may be coming into our area during this Hurricane Season.

The recommendation is in the next day or so it would be wise to make sure that any loose exterior landscaping, or loose objects that could fly, be disposed of/secured. Also, if there are drains in the area, that they be inspected so that they are not clogged. 

You may also wish to look over your emergency plans to make sure that you will be prepared in the event Erika or any other storm this season does approach our area and strengthens, i.e., food, water, batteries, etc. It is easier to plan ahead, then to wait until everyone else is trying to do the same thing at the same time. 

The best course of action is to be prepared. Also, if you are doing any work around your house, you need to be careful about it. Don't hurt yourself, and get help if you need it to avoid injuries. 

We are hoping that the storm stays far away from us and/or disappears, but it is a prudent idea to always be ready.

NEWS RELEASE City of Lauderhill Welcomes Lauderhill PD Veteran Constance Stanley as Acting Police Chief

The City of Lauderhill would like to congratulate Constance Stanley as Lauderhill’s new Acting Police Chief. Chief Stanley has been in law enforcement for over 24 years, serving 21 of those years right here in the City of Lauderhill.

Having come up through the ranks in Lauderhill, Stanley has served in the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, the Professional Standards Unit, Traffic Division, Victim Services Unit, Crisis Intervention Unit, Crime Prevention Unit, Canine Unit, and has been the Public Information Officer for the department. Her most recent promotion was to Major in February 2013. Her impressive resume includes an Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice as well as a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officer’s Development Course, and the Senior Management Institute at the Kennedy School of Government. Stanley is very active in several Professional Organizations to include the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers, the Police Executive Research Forum, the American Society of Public Administrators, and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

Chief Stanley is also a proud Mother of one, and as she will tell you an even prouder Grandmother of two.

The City of Lauderhill would also like to wish outgoing Police Chief Andrew Smalling best wishes on his new endeavors after four years of serving the City of Lauderhill. Smalling will remain with the City of Lauderhill as a consultant in order to assist Chief Stanley’s transition in her new role.  The City of Lauderhill wishes Chief Smalling and his family much success as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Video - L612 Technology Leadership Camp

See the video of what students did this summer at Lauderhill 6-12 School, in a partnership with the Lauderhill Police Department.


https://becon223.eduvision.tv/directplayer.aspx?q=CT1wecDsedB04JjIeYwYZJ9jQS%252fNr2VIazofFFR3Tr0%253d

McDonald's Jazz Combo

A free preformance at the Lauderhill Mall on

Sunday, August 30th at 2 pm

http://themcdonaldsjazzcombo.jimdo.com/

Back To School Event - West Ken Lark Park

Housing Resource Fair

August 29, 2015 at 12 noon at the Lauderhill Mall

 

The Housing Hub and its support partners provide a day of information and resources guiding you down their yellow brick road of assistance to your new home.

ICC Suspends USACA

Recently the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended again the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA), who was the cricket association administering cricket in the US and sanctioned all international and national games.  The suspension was due to the failure of USACA to comply with numerous provisions of the ICC Constitution, among other reasons.

At this time the ICC has assumed the authority to sanction all future games until such time as they determine if USACA or some other organization may be granted this authority.  USACA still manages cricket in the US though this is unclear as to what this means.

In the meantime previous attempts by organizations who were unable to obtain sanctioning authority from  USACA are now working towards this goal from the ICC.

It has already been announced that the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) is planning to hold games in Lauderhill in 2016.  Also efforts to bring international games involving the WICB and other international teams are being sought.

In all of these situations, plans are very early and nothing has been set, sanctioned or confirmed.

2015 Y Back To School Bash - Saturday, August 8th - 10-1pm

The Moving Wall - The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Traveling Half-Size Replica

From October 22 to 26, 2015, the Moving Wall, a Vietname Veterans Memorial, will be coming to the Sportsplex Park in Coral Springs.

To get involved, volunteer, donate or get more information contact Lou Cimaglia at loucimagliajr@aol.com 954-801-2004 or Ernie Kubasek at 954-415-3181.

All donations are tax deductible.  www.vcocs.org.

Change in 2015-2016 Concert Schedule

A change was made in the City of Lauderhill's Tribute Concert Schedule.  Instead of a Tribute to Motown, a Tribute to Fleetwood Mac will be performed instead.

A Tribute to Motown is part of the Jammin' in the Park Fest planned for April.

Drought Conditions Persist, Residents Urged to Conserve Water

Broward is experiencing a drier than normal rainy season this year. Eastern parts of the County are under Stage 3 drought conditions, which is considered an extreme drought. The rest of the County is under Stage 2, considered a severe drought. Drought can be defined as a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall. Broward urges its residents to practice good management of our water resources and demonstrate that "Water Matters".

In Broward County, landscape irrigation is only allowed two days a week, depending on address, and no watering is allowed between 10AM and 4PM. Odd-numbered addresses may water Wednesdays and/or Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses, or those who irrigate addresses within the same zones, may water on Thursdays and/or Sundays. Residences and businesses that use reclaimed water may water any day of the week. Here are some tips to help reduce your water use:

• Use native plants or other plants that require little supplemental irrigation.
• If watering with a hose, make sure it has a shut-off nozzle. Water slowly to reduce runoff and to allow the water to penetrate deep to the plant's roots. Water only things that grow. Adjust sprinklers so they are not spraying water on paved surfaces.
• Install and maintain rain sensors on your irrigation controller if it does not have one built-in.
• Regularly inspect sprinkler heads to make sure they are not damaged or malfunctioning.
• Don't just water because it is your day. Irrigate your lawn when it shows signs of stress from lack of water. Pay attention to signs of stressed grass, such as a bluish-gray color, lingering footprints and leaf blades that are folded in half.
• Find a commercial car wash that uses recycled water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass, use a bucket of soapy water and a hose with a shut-off nozzle.
• Install low-flow faucets or faucet aerators.
• Install low-flow showerheads and time your shower to less than five minutes.
• If your toilet is older than 1993, consider replacing it and participating in the Broward Water Partnership's Conservation Pays Program where you may be eligible for a rebate.
• Scrape your dishes, don't rinse before loading into the dishwasher. And always operate the dishwasher only when you have a full load. Remember to turn off water when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. Every drop counts!

NOTE:  Lauderhill has an Interest Free Energy Loan Program to Residents.  Go to:  http://lauderhill-fl.gov/news-events/interest-free-loans

Parkway Magnet Middle School Student Places First in Florida Piano Competition

Congratulations to Parkway Magnet Middle School student, Quin Nardonne, who competed in the state-wide Florida Piano Competition. He received three first place finishes in Solo, Hymn, and Sight Play and placed second in the concerto, the most difficult category, with the strongest competition. In addition to his trophies, Nardonne received a $600 check.  
 
To prepare for this honor, Nardonne practiced and performed daily. This dedication along with the motivation of his mother and tutor has led to many accomplishments such as his selection by the Chopin Foundation to play in the Chopin Concert. 

Notes of the Commission Meeting of July 13

On July 13, the City Commission held their Regular Commission Meeting, and the following are notes of interest (all items passed unaminously unless otherwise indicated):

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING

ORDINANCE NO. 15O-06-122:   AMENDING THE CITY CHARTER, ARTICLE VI, CITY MANAGER, SECTION 6.02, APPOINTMENT; QUALIFICATIONS; COMPENSATION, TO REQUIRE THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW PROCESS; AMENDING THE CITY CHARTER, ARTICLE VIII, CITY CLERK; CITY ATTORNEY;   TO PROVIDE FOR THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW PROCESS;  (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).  Tabled 4-1, Mayor Kaplan voting no.

RESOLUTIONS
 

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-06-140:  REGARDING THE ANNUAL EVALUATION OF THE CHARTER OFFICERS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING THAT THE ANNUAL EVALUATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER; PROVIDING THAT THE EVALUATION FORMS FOR EACH CHARTER OFFICER IS HEREBY ADOPTED;  (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).  Table 5-0 since it cannot be passed until ORDINANCE NO. 15O-06-122 is passed.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-07-150:  APPROVING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE LAUDERHILL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) TO ALLOW $150,000.00 IN CDBG 2013-2014 REHABILITATION FUNDS TO BE USED BY THE CRA FOR FACADE IMPROVEMENTS AT RENAISSANCE PLAZA AS APPROVED IN THE CDBG ACTION PLAN.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-07-151:  APPROVING THE GRANT CONTRACT BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BROWARD, INC. AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL ACCEPTING THE TERMS OF CONDITION AND ACCEPTING THE ART OF COMMUNITY GRANT AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000.00 TO BE USED TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MOSAIC MURAL IN THE JAMES BRADLEY PARK; PROVIDING FOR THE CITY TO PROVIDE IN-KIND SERVICES IN THE VALUE OF $20,000.00 WITH NO MONETARY MATCH OF FUNDS REQUIRED.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-07-153:  GRANTING TO ANTONIO GRILL MASTER, LLC A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER WITH CONDITIONS TO ALLOW  THE TEMPORARY ON-SITE LOCATION OF A TRAILER TO OPERATE A CARRYOUT ONLY BUSINESS DURING THE RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE ON-SITE BBQ RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 1231 N.W. 31ST AVENUE, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-07-154:  APPROVING THE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00 TO WOMEN IN DISTRESS OF BROWARD COUNTY, INC., REPRESENTING THE CITY'S CONTINUED SUPPORT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-07-167:  APPROVING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY WHICH INCLUDES AN IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO PROVIDE SECURITY FOR INSTALLING AN EMERGENCY TRAFFIC LIGHT ON N.W. 31ST AVENUE WHICH IS REQUIRED FOR FIRESTATION 110.

 

Summer Health Fair at FMC

Join Florida Medical Center for a 

Summer Health Fair 

 

Enjoy a special presentation on Summer Safety 

by Barbara Kalasunas, RN, 

and 

free Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index and Skin screenings

Health Information and Literature from

Florida Medical Center's:
* Senior Care Unit
* VIP Senior Care Program

*Dietary/Nutrition Program
and much more!

 

 Thursday July 16th | 9 AM

Garden Plaza 

4251 Rock Island Road Lauderhill 33319

RSVP by calling 1-866-498-LIFE (5433)

Free Back to School Immunizations

Budget Meeting Workshops

On Tuesday, July 14, starting at 9:30 am at City Hall, the City Commission will be reviewing the proposed 2015-16 City Budget.

At this point numerous public meetings have been held to discuss and recommend items for the budget, and this meeting will allow the Commission and Public to review the proposed budget.  Changes can be made, and once completed the budget will be voted on twice in September.