Green Series – “Local Benefits of a Community Garden”

Hosted by Vice Mayor Ken Thurston

Thursday, November 7 (6 pm – 7:30 pm)

City Hall Multi Purpose Rooms

Veterans Day Program

Hosted by Commissioner M. Margaret Bates

Thursday, November 7 (4 pm)

Veterans Park 

Successful County Toilet Rebate Program Begins its Third Consecutive Year

Over the past two years, the Broward Water Partnership, a collaboration of local governments, has provided more than $344,000 in rebates for replacing more than 3,700 outdated, water- guzzling toilets. Now, beginning its third year, many Broward County residents will once again have the opportunity to save money by replacing their old inefficient toilets with new high-efficiency models.

If your home was built prior to 1994, your toilet may be the original, making you eligible to participate and receive up to $100 in rebates per toilet for the purchase and installation of up to two new water-saving models. The goal is to replace toilets that use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush with a new, WaterSense® certified, high-efficiency model that uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less.

Broward County and 18 cities and water utilities, including Lauderhill, have partnered to help residents obtain rebates and conserve water when they purchase a new, high-efficiency toilet. The Broward Water Partnership is offering rebates to qualified homeowners through its Conservation Pay$ program.

Some residents will also be eligible to receive free low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads. The older the original fixture, the greater the potential water savings, as much as 70 – 90 percent, depending on the device.

The thousands of residents who have replaced their old toilets and installed other water saving devices have helped our community save more than 165 million gallons of water annually over the life of the program!

Commercial and multifamily properties, along with nonprofit organizations, are also eligible, with the total number of allowable rebates determined on a case-by-case basis. High efficiency prerinse spray valves are available for commercial kitchens. Each replacement can save up to 400,000 gallons per year, the equivalent of 27 residential swimming pools. All participants must be pre-approved and other restrictions apply.

To see if your community is participating, visit ConservationPay$.com or call 1-800-270-9794 for more information.

Green Series – “Fertilizers: Organic or Chemical?”

Hosted by Vice Mayor Ken Thurston

Thursday, October 24 (6 pm – 7:30 pm)

City Hall Multi Purpose Rooms

Two Lauderhill Elementary Schools Get Funding for Magnet Programs

The School Board of Broward County has received a $11.9 million federal grant to create and expand on magnet programs.  Two of the programs under this grant will be at Royal Palm Elementary and Broward Estates Elementary.

Royal Palm Elementary will use these funds to create a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, and Broward Estates Elementary will add Engineering studies to its existing program.  

Both of these schools feed into Lauderhill 6-12 Lab which is a STEM magnet which is a requirement to get the grant.

Since the schools are underenrolled, other students outside the boundary lines of these schools can apply in December.  However, those within the boundary lines will automatically be eligible to attend. 

Greater Fort Lauderdale National College Fair – October 23

Students can register online at Browardschools.com/collegefair

        College-bound students and their families will be able to meet representatives from over 200 colleges and universities from around the country at the Greater Fort Lauderdale National College Fair, which takes place at the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5 – 8:30 p.m.  Sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and hosted by the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) and Broward County Public Schools, the college fair. The Convention Center requires visitors to the College Fair to present ID. Parking fee is $5.

        As the process of applying to and selecting a college becomes more and more competitive and complex, students and parents need all the help and information they can get. Attending a college fair is the best way to gather information about colleges and universities. The National College Fair program provides valuable resources for students and parents attempting to navigate the college-admission process.

        The college fair allows students and parents to meet one-on-one with admission representatives from a wide range of national and international, public and private, two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Participants will learn about admission requirements, financial aid, course offerings, and campus environment, as well as other information pertinent to the college-selection process. At the fair’s counseling center, students and parents can discuss their individual needs with college experts. Students with special needs will be able to learn about programs and services at colleges and universities for students with disabilities.

        Evening workshops will cover such topics as Financial Aid and the Bright Future Scholarship Program, Highly Competitive Colleges, Hot Jobs and Majors in the 21st Century and Preparing Your NCAA Athlete. Translators will also be available.

“The resources and opportunities that the National College Fair provides for students and their families are invaluable,” said Greg Ferguson, NACAC Director of National College Fairs Programs and Services.

        

        For registration, information and a schedule of evening information workshops, visit (browardschools.com/collegefair). Students are encouraged to register prior to attending the event. By pre-registering, students can print a barcode or use a QR code if they have a smart phone. With this code, students will be able to place themselves on the mailing lists for specific schools. They will also be able to inform these schools of their personal interests and intended majors.

        If you have questions about the Greater Fort Lauderdale National College Fair, contact College Fair Chair Ralph Aiello at 754-321-2119.

City of Lauderhill Commission and Broward County Commission Meet to Discuss Resolving Dispute over Annexation

On October 3, at the Central Regional Park, both Commissions of the City of Lauderhill and Broward County, met to discuss the possibility of how to resolve an ongoing dispute concerning the Annexation of St. George, Swap Shop and West Ken Lark in 2005.

At the time of Annexation, Agreements and other discussions had taken place to provide for the transfer of county assets to the City of Lauderhill.  A dispute developed as to the transfer of the water and sewer system.  To date, though the residents in these areas are in Lauderhill, their water and sewer is controlled by Broward County.  

The City of Lauderhill authorized the implementation of legal action to settle these disputes.  Under Chapter 164, before proceeding in Court, Florida Law requires the Staffs meeting to discuss settlement, followed by the Elected Bodies of each government to meet to discuss settlement.  If no agreement is met, then the parties must enter in Mediation.  Following Mediation, if no settlement is obtain, then Lauderhill may then proceed in Court.

On October 3 the two Commissions met and several proposals were given by both sides, but neither side could agree to a settlement.  It was decided that the respective Staff's would continue to discuss resolution for an additional 60 days (ending approximately December 3).  If still unsuccessful, then it is declared no agreement could be obtain and they would continue onto Mediation.

Ultimately the City Commission has already advised that they will proceed to litigation if the settlement discussions do not result in a agreeable solution.

BROWARD COUNTY TRANSIT BUS OPERATOR OPENINGS

Broward County Transit is currently seeking qualified applicants for bus operator positions. Required and
preferred skills along with employment benefits are:

BENEFITS
• Paid Training
• Annual Vacation and Sick Leave
• Medical Coverage and Retirement

SALARY
• $14.41 - $23.54 hourly
• $29,972.80 - $48,963.20 annually
(excluding overtime)

REQUIREMENTS
• Must enjoy working with people
• High School Diploma, GED, or previous transit operator experience
• Minimum 3 years driving experience
• Meet Driving Record Criteria and able to perform essential functions
• Willingness to work varied work schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must successfully complete job related tests and relevant training
• Knowledge of Florida and local motor vehicle regulations
• Good communication skills
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity
• CDL class “B” with airbrake and “P” endorsement or Learner Permit
• Able to pass drug and alcohol test and criminal background check

HOW TO APPLY:
• Apply online at the County’s web site www.Broward.org/Careers
• Select “Job Titles” category
• Enter “bus operator” in the job title box (be sure to include quotes) and click “Search”
• Click on “Bus Operator”
• Job details will appear
• Click on “Apply” at the bottom of page
• Click “Register” to create a user name and password
• Follow application instructions and “Submit”

You may also visit the Broward County testing center at the Governmental Center located at:
115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 509, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Libraries Host Free Affordable Care Act Information Sessions

Public invited to how-to workshops on health-care program basics and enrollment. 

Need information on your healthcare insurance options for 2014? Broward County Libraries will host a series of free Affordable Care Act workshops, presented by the League of Women voters and AARP.

The workshops will run from October 2 through November 16 at Broward County Library locations throughout the county. Each includes a PowerPoint presentation, informational hand-outs and a Q&A session. All workshops are free and open to the public.

Affordable Care Act 101 – Workshop Dates and Locations In the Lauderhill Area:
October 5 -11 a.m. to 12 noon, Lauderhill Towne Centre Library, 6399 W. Oakland Park Blvd.,Lauderhill, FL 33313, 954-357-6406
October 9 - 6 to 7 p.m., African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, 954-357-6282
October 17 -11 a.m. to 12 noon, Lauderdale Lakes Library, 3580 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, 33311, 954-357-8650
October 24 - 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Lauderhill Mall Library, 4257 N.W. 12 St., Lauderhill, FL 33313, 954-357-7833
October 28 -11 a.m. to 12 noon, Tamarac Library, 8701 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac, FL 33351, 954-765-1500

Stakeholders Meetings at Broward Estates Elementary and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Elementary

In preparation for the submission of State Options plans for Priority Schools, there will be several community meetings in conjunction with the school's SAC meeting.  District personnel will be involved with presenting information regarding the option plans that the school will choose for the 2014/15 school year.  

Schools have been asked to vigorously reach out to their stakeholders for their involvement and presence at these meetings.   The schools, dates, and time are listed below:

Broward Estates Elementary - 6:00pm - October 3 (Thursday)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary - 6:00pm - October 21 (Monday)

Lauderhill Lowers Property Tax Rate

For the 2013-2014 tax year, the City of Lauderhill has lowered its property tax rate from $7.4198   to $7.3698.  The Fire Rescue Fee stayed the same at $388.00 for residential property, 100% funds the cost of this service.  Also, the Voter Approved GO Bond assessment remained at $1.2804.

Lauderhill Has A Very Successful Community Shuttle Bus Program

Statistics have been released showing the success of the Lauderhill Community Shuttle Bus Program.  Every route far exceeds the minimum 7.1 passengers/revenue hour.  As an example, the following are typical numbers from August:

Route 1 - East Side clockwise:  24.5 passengers/revenue hour
Route 2 - Central:  31.6 passengers/revenue hour
Route 3 - Inverrary:  30.7 passengers/revenue hour
Route 4 - West Side:  24.9 passengers/revenue hour
Route 5 - East Side counter-clockwise:  27 passengers/revenue hour
Route 6 - West Ken Lark:  21.1 passengers/revenue hour
Route 7 - St. George/Broward Estate:  18.9 passengers/revenue hour

Lauderhill Mayor Wins USGBC Most Outstanding Green Elected Official for 2013

On September 21 at the US Green Building Councils Gala Verde Awards Dinner, Lauderhill Mayor Richard J Kaplan won the prestigious Most Outstanding Green Elected Official for 2013.  It is the first time a city official has won the award.

The 17 awards in a variety of areas are given to recognize and honor those outstanding projects, inspiration businesses, dedicated individuals, and instrumental Chapter members who are LEEDing the way to a more sustainable built environment in our South Florida community.

Notes of the Commission Meetings of September 12

On September 12, the City Commission met in a variety of meetings.  Before the Regular Commission Meeting, which was rescheduled to the 12th, numerous meetings were held relating to assessments for Safe Neighborhood District, Fire Rescue Fee, Nuisance Abatement, Stormwater, Garbage, and CRA.  The following are notes of interest from the Regular Commission Meeting (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):

PUBLIC HEARINGS----FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 13O-09-138:  SETTING AND ADOPTING THE 2013-2014 PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AT THE OPERATING MILLAGE RATE OF 7.3698 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000); SETTING AND ADOPTING THE 2013-2014 VOTED DEBT SERVICE MILLAGE AT A RATE OF 1.2804 PER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000).

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-171:  APPROVING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE WINDERMERE/TREE GARDENS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AT THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE OF 2.0 MILLS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2013 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2014; ADOPTING THE PROPOSED NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00 PER PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-173:   APPROVING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE ISLES OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AT THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE OF 2.0 MILLS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2013 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2014; ADOPTING THE PROPOSED NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00 PER PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-175:   APPROVING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE MANORS OF INVERRARY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AT THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE OF 2.0 MILLS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2013 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2014; ADOPTING THE PROPOSED NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00 PER PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-177:  APPROVING THE TENTATIVE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR THE HABITAT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AT THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE OF 2.0 MILLS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2013 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2014; ADOPTING THE PROPOSED NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $250.00 PER PARCEL OF LAND PER YEAR.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO: 13O-08-129:   AMENDING SECTION 2-159, TO AMEND THE ORDER OF BUSINESS ACCORDINGLY (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

ORDINANCE NO: 13O-08-130:   AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, SECTION 2-163, DEBATE AND DECORUM, PROVIDING TIME LIMITS ON GENERAL PRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING SECTION REGARDING OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD  (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER HOWARD BERGER).

ORDINANCE NO. 13O-08-136:   SECTION 2-2.5 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES - COMPOSITION AND APPOINTMENTS GENERALLY;  CREATING SUBSECTION (I), PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION OF MEETINGS; CREATING SUBSECTION (J), DESIGNATION OF CHAIRMAN, VICE-CHAIRMAN, AND ACTING CHAIRS  (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN.).

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 13O-08-135:  AMENDING SECTION 21-47, SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES, TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THE WATER AND SEWER AVAILABILITY RATES BASED UPON THE JUNE 2013 CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR INFLATION.

ORDINANCE NO. 13O-08-137:  GARBAGE, REFUSE AND TRASH; 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.

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-180:   SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE AND ILLEGAL FIREARMS TRAFFICKING THROUGH MORE RESPONSIBLE GUN SALES AND MARKETING PRACTICES, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO COORDINATE WITH THE POLICE CHIEF TO PARTNER WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES TO CREATE A COALITION IN SUPPORT OF THIS INITIATIVE AND TO WORK WITH GUN AND AMMUNITION SUPPLIERS TO ENCOURAGE THE CONSIDERATION OF SALES AND MARKETING SAFEGUARDS, AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO SEND A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO ALL SOUTH FLORIDA MUNICIPALITIES, THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC., ALL MEMBERS OF FLORIDA’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION, AND TO THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES).

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-181:   APPROVING THE DONATIONS OF FUNDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $8,780.00 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD TO THE LIST OF DESIGNATED ENTITIES; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 001-101-8126.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-182:  APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S 5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2014 THROUGH 2018, WHICH MAY BE UPDATED PERIODICALLY.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-186:  APPROVING THE BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO TRANSFER FUNDS WITHIN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TO CONSTRUCTION CONTINGENCY TO COVER FUTURE EXPENDITURES FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-187:   APPROVING THE REQUEST FROM THE LAUDERHILL HOUSING AUTHORITY TO WAIVE BUILDING AND ENGINEERING PERMIT FEES FOR THE FIFTEEN SINGLE FAMILY HOMES TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN CENTRAL LAUDERHILL.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-191:   EXERCISING THE LAST OPTION TO EXTEND THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN LIMOUSINES OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC. AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE FOR A ONE (1) YEAR TERM WITH THE PRICING FOR ROUTES 1 THROUGH 5 AT $34.25/PER HOUR AND ROUTES 6 AND 7 AT $55.00/PER HOUR EFFECTIVE AUGUST 11, 2013 THROUGH AUGUST 10, 2014.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-192:  APPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND T'ESSENCE/TERRY STONOM DANCE ACADEMY, INC. TO PROVIDE DANCE CLASSES AT THE SPORTS PARK AND VETERAN'S PARK.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-193:  APPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND AMERICAN ARTS, INC. TO PROVIDE TAE KWON DO CLASSES AT VETERAN'S PARK.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-194:  APPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND NATIONAL SPORT JUDO AND NATIONAL JUDO TRAINING CENTER, INC. TO PROVIDE JUDO AND KENDO CLASSES AT VETERAN'S PARK.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-195:  APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; APPROVING THE PIGGYBACK PURCHASE OF MARKED POLICE VEHICLES INCLUDING TEN (10) V-6 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDANS AND FOUR (4) V-6 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR SUVS AT A TOTAL COST NOT TO EXCEED $373,140.00 FROM DUVAL FORD BASED UPON BIDS SOLICITED BY THE FLORIDA SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-196:   APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; APPROVING THE PIGGYBACK PURCHASE OF FIVE (5) 2014 FORD FUSION-S SEDANS UNMARKED POLICE VEHICLES AT A TOTAL COST NOT TO EXCEED $92,285.00 FROM DON REID FORD BASED UPON BIDS SOLICITED BY THE FLORIDA SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-197:   APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; APPROVING THE PIGGYBACK PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT TO OUTFIT MARKED POLICE VEHICLES INCLUDING TEN (10) V-6 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDANS AND FOUR (4) V-6 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR SUVS AT A TOTAL COST NOT TO EXCEED $64,293.00 FROM AMERICAN INTERCEPTORS BASED UPON BIDS SOLICITED BY THE FLORIDA SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION.

QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING:

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-09-198:  GRANTING TO TOBOLSKI, LLC A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER, WITH CONDITIONS, TO ALLOW IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT A RESTAURANT BAR WITH INDOOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT 1451 NW 31ST AVENUE.

Broward County Transit to Hold Community Meetings on Proposed Changes to Routes 18 and 441 Breeze

Broward County Transit (BCT) has scheduled community meetings to provide the public with information on the proposed service changes to Route 18 and 441 Breeze, in advance of a public hearing to be scheduled by the Broward County Commission for October 2013.

The community meetings will allow bus passengers to review and comment on the proposed service changes which would be effective in early-January 2014, as follows:

• Tuesday, September 17, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Central Broward Regional Park, Field House
3700 Northwest 11 Place, Lauderhill
(Northeast corner of 441 and Sunrise Boulevard)
Bus Routes 18, 36, 40, 81, walk from Lauderhill Transfer Facility

Customers will have new options for travel along State Road 7/441 with these proposed service changes. This includes more weekend service, extended early morning/late night service, and extended limited-stop service. These service changes will provide more consistent timing between buses, improve service reliability, and address overcrowding conditions. 

Following is a brief description of the proposed changes for routes 18 and 441 Breeze:

Route 18 – The current route will be modified to provide local bus service along State Road 7/441 between Lauderhill Mall and the Golden Glades Park and Ride in Miami Gardens. Customers travelling northbound from Golden Glades Park and Ride to Lauderhill Mall would not be affected during the week. On the weekends, these customers would have more frequent service. Customers travelling to Sandalfoot Cove Boulevard/Sample Road/Turtle Creek Drive or any location north of Lauderhill Mall would have to transfer at Lauderhill Mall.

Route 19 – The “new” route will provide local bus service along State Road 7/441 between Lauderhill Mall and Sandalfoot Cove Boulevard in west Boca Raton. Customers travelling southbound from Sandalfoot Cove Boulevard/Sample Road /Turtle Creek Drive to Lauderhill Mall would not be affected during the week. On the weekends, these customers would have more frequent service. Customers travelling to Golden Glades Park and Ride or any location south of Lauderhill Mall would have to transfer at Lauderhill Mall.

Route 441 “Breeze” Limited-Stop – Expanded mid-day weekday service will provide limited-stop service along State Road 7/441 between the Golden Glades Park and Ride in Miami Gardens and Turtle Creek Boulevard in Coral Springs. This includes more frequent service and the addition of five (5) new bus stops at Johnson Street in Hollywood; Northwest 19 Street in Lauderhill; NW 26 Street in Lauderhill; Northwest 41 Street in Lauderdale Lakes, and Southgate Boulevard in Margate.

Persons unable to attend the community meetings should send comments to: Broward County Transit, 1 North University Drive, Room 2401B, Plantation, FL 33324, or to bctsurvey@broward.org. 

U.S. Green Building Council South Florida Chapter Announces Finalist Nominees for GalaVerde Awards

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) South Florida Chapter has announced the Finalist Nominees for the nonprofit organization's upcoming GalaVerde: The 2013 LEEDership and Green Awards Program.  The awards ceremony will be held September 21, 2013.

With the Weston-based The Spinnaker Group as Presenting Sponsor, the fourth annual GalaVerde will recognize and honor those outstanding projects, inspirational businesses, dedicated individuals, and instrumental Chapter members who are leading the way to a more sustainably built environment in our South Florida community.

GalaVerde Awards Finalists for the Most Outstanding Green Elected Official are:

• Michael Gongora -- City of Miami Beach Commissioner
• Richard Kaplan -- City of Lauderhill Mayor
• Mark Sarnoff -- City of Miami Commissioner
• Philip Stoddard -- City of South Miami Mayor

LAUDERHILL FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN

Most of the City of Lauderhill’s improvements were in the area of canal bank stabilization and restricting of the swales and canal embankments.  The City has also been maintaining the existing drainage system by continual cleaning of culverts, catch basins, and retention areas.  Upcoming projects include paving and restructuring of the swales and canal embankment in various canals as well as a culvert replacement.  However, projects that were reported in last year's progress report are shown below with updated information:

1.            Continue with the drainage system maintenance including catch basins, pipes, and culvert cleaning – on-going

2.            Hired a contractor to assist with culvert and catch basin cleaning to include inventory updates – in progress

3.          Roadway improvements including installation of catch basins and swale reconfiguration NW 55 Avenue – in progress

4.     Continue monitoring and stabilization at hot spot areas including Westwind Lake, Canals 20, NW 33 Street – in progress

5.            Canal 25 and 26 bank stabilization/repair – completed

6.            Embankment stabilization canal 29 – completed

7.           NW 47 Avenue roadway including culvert replacement and installation of catch basins and french drains – complete

8.            Culvert Replacement at NW 50 St. and NW 82 Ave. – in progress

9.            Roadway and Swale improvements on Inverrary Blvd. – planned for 2014

10.         NW 19^th Street roadway and culvert improvement – County project planned for 2014

One of the most exciting accomplishments this year was the CRS Class upgrade.  From the beginning of the CRS membership year in 1978, the City has been a Class 9 which allowed for a 5% discount on flood insurance premiums.  With the new Class 7 designation, our residents and business owners located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) are now eligible for a 15% discount.

New FEMA flood maps were released and we are waiting for the final letter of determination announcing the acceptance.  Once that letter has been received, there will be a six month waiting period at which time Broward County will adopt the new maps.  Once that has taken place, the City will also adopt the new.  There is currently no time limit for the letter of determination issuance.

Lauderhill Purchases New Fire Truck

On August 26, the City of Lauderhill put its newest Fire Truck into service.  The pumper truck is assigned to Fire Station 110 on 31st Ave.

Oakland Park Blvd Transit Public Workshop

On Tuesday, September 10 from 4 to 7 PM, at the Lauderhill City Hall, a Public Workshop will be held concerning the Oakland Park Blvd., Transit Alternatives Analysis Study.

This study, and the proposed improvements, will run on Oakland Park Blvd. from the Sawgrass Expressway to A1A.

For more information go to www.oaklandparkboulevardtransit study.com or contact the FDOT Project Manager, Ms. Khalilah Ffrench, PE at 954-677-7898.

Notes of the Commission Meeting of August 26

On August 26, the City Commission met and the following are notes of interest from the meeting (all items below passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):

PROCLAMATIONS

A. A PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING AUGUST 26, 2013 AS LOOBY INNIS DAY IN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FOR HIS SERVICE AND DESIRE TO SEE OUR LAUDERHILL RESIDENTS HEALTHY THROUGH HIS EXERCISE PROGRAMS AT THE LAUDERHILL SPORTS PARK.

B. A PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 2013 AS NATIONAL CHILDHOOD OBESITY AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL.

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING

ORDINANCE NO. 13O-08-135:  AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 21, WATER AND SEWER SERVICE, SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES, TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THE WATER AND SEWER AVAILABILITY RATES BASED UPON THE JUNE 2013 CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR INFLATION; PROVIDING THAT SAID RATES AND CHARGES ARE NECESSARY TO COVER THE COSTS OF PROVIDING SAID SERVICES AND ARE IMPLEMENTED TO ENABLE THE CITY TO PROCEED WITH ITS 5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN; PROVIDING FOR THE NEW RATE STRUCTURE TO COMMENCE ON OCTOBER 1, 2013.

RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-08-154:   APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500.00 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD TO ENDEAVOUR PRIMARY LEARNING CENTER TO SUPPORT THE LITERACY/ART PROGRAM.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-08-158:  APPROVING THE REGIONAL INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD
COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL PROVIDING FOR COOPERATIVE PARTICIPATION IN A REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY INTRANET DISPATCH SYSTEM TO BE OPERATED AND WHOLLY FUNDED BY BROWARD COUNTY.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-08-162:   URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO PASS LEGISLATION TO REPEAL CERTAIN SECTIONS OF FLORIDA STATUTES THAT PREVENT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FROM REGULATING AND/OR PROHIBITING OUTDOOR SMOKING IN PUBLIC OWNED PARKS AND FACILITIES; ENCOURAGING PROTECTION FROM SECOND-HAND TOBACCO SMOKING.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-08-163:   ENCOURAGING  PERSONS NOT TO SMOKE IN PUBLIC PARKS AND FACILITIES TO HELP REDUCE THE IMPACT AND EFFECTS OF SECOND HAND SMOKE.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-08-164:  APPROVING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BFOURSPORTS, LLC D/B/A I-9 SPORTS TO OPERATE THE I-9 YOUTH SPORTS ACTIVITIES ON SATURDAY MORNINGS ON THE DESIGNATED DATES AT WEST WIND PARK.

RESOLUTION NO. 13R-08-165:   APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00 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.