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Parkland City Commission: Michael Udine, Mayor; David Rosenof, Vice Mayor; Christine Hunschofsky, Deputy Vice Mayor; Mark Weissman, Commissioner; Stacy Kagan, Commissioner. City Manager: Caryn Gardner-Young

City News

Parkland Expands Its Building Ombudsman Program
In August 2008 the City of Parkland implemented a Building Ombudsman program to assist contractors and/or residents with any problems they may be experiencing with the building permit process. The Ombudsman acted as a conduit between the Building Department and the development community. Since its inception, the program has been extremely successful. However, the City is ready to expand this program. Scott Davidoff has been designated as the Business Ombudsman for the City. His role is not only to assist businesses in navigating the permitting process but to work with any business in regards to business or economic development. This program is “business friendly” and we encourage all who need assistance to utilize this program. Please contact the Ombudsman, Scott Davidoff, at (954) 757-4126 or sdavidoff@cityofparkland.org with any questions, concerns or problems.

Parkland Proposes Lower Millage Tax Rate for 2013-2014 Fiscal Year
In a unanimous decision, the City of Parkland City Commission proposed to set the proposed millage rate for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 at 3.99 mills, compared to the FY 2012-2013 millage rate of 3.9999 mills. Its approval does not set the millage in stone but provides a cap as to how high the millage rate can be raised. Commissioners can come back to lower the millage should they choose to make more cuts or spend more reserves instead. "In an environment where people are struggling to make ends meet, any help that the City can provide is important," said Mayor Michael Udine.

If approved, the new rate means that for FY 2012-2013, City of Parkland property owners will be taxed $3.99’ for every $1,000 of assessed property value. The fire assessment is not proposed to increase, According to Vice Mayor Mark Weissman, “The proposed millage rate is possible as a result of restructured operations, reduced operating costs, growth through annexations and a higher than expected receipt of revenues.” Even with the reduction in millage rate, the City will operate with the same or better level of service, continue with proposed capital projects and maintain a twenty percent reserve for emergencies.

Parkland Budget Workshop and Public Hearings
Any and all residents who are interested in the City's budget proposal are invited to attend one of the many workshops and public hearings on the City's Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Proposed Budget. A preliminary review of the budget with the City Commission will take place at the Commission Workshop on August 14th at 6:00pm. As we did last year, Staff will conduct two similar Budget Workshops seeking resident’s input. Staff will provide information and answer any questions that may arise from the preliminary review of the budget on August 7, 2013 at 6:00pm and August 8, 2013 at 9:00am in the City Hall Chambers. A second Commission Budget Workshop has been scheduled for September 11th, if necessary. The public hearings on the budget are scheduled for September 11th at 6:00pm and September 18th at 7:00pm in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact City Hall at 954 753-5040

Parkland receives $250,000 Grant
At its July 10th City Commission meeting, the City of Parkland approved an agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to install energy efficient lighting in our Parks. The monies will be spent to install Musco Sports Lighting at the Baseball Fields in Terramar Park. The monies will be enough to complete three (3) of the four (4) fields. The City was not required to match any funds. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Archer at 954 757-4153 or barcher@cityofparkland.org.

Parkland City Commission on Recess Until August
The Parkland City Commission is currently on their annual summer recess. They will return the third week of August for a budget workshop on August 14, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. and then their regularly scheduled public meeting at 7:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 954 753-5040.

Parkland Library Events

Film Viewing and Discussion: Company
Saturday, July 20th 1:00pm
Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking 1970 musical Company took New York City by storm in the spring of 2011 with this legendary production starring Neil Patrick Harris, Pattti Lupone, Jon Cryer and more. This Company surges with the humor and insight that is at the heart of American theatre. Accompanying the musical is the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Register here or call (954)757-4207.

Card Craft for Adults
Monday, July 22nd 10:30am
Create your own beautiful greeting card featuring glittered butterflies or birds in mix and match sparkling colors.Register here or call (954)757-4207.

Meet Florida’s Underground Animals (Ages 5 and up)
Tuesday, July 23rd 3:30pm
Learn about creatures that dig and live underground in Florida when Sawgrass Nature Center brings their burrowing buddies to the Parkland Library. Parkland Library card required to register. Sponsored by Evolution Martial Arts. Register here or call (954)757-4207.

Parks and Recreation Events

Senior Trip Outing To University of Miami and Alamo Historical Hospital
Thursday, July 18, 2013
8:00AM – 4:00PM
Bus departs from Parkland Amphitheater, 10561 Trails End
Advance registration required
All those aged 50 and above are welcome to join us for a wonderful trip down to Miami! The day includes docent led tours of both the University of Miami campus as well as the Alamo Historical Hospital, transportation on a comfortable air conditioned coach and snacks. Please bring money for lunch which will be at the university food court. The cost of this fun filled day is only $15 and registrations will be accepted through this Wednesday, July 17th. Please stop by the Parks and Recreation department in the amphitheater located at 10561 Trails End in Pine Trails Park to sign up. For more information please contact Tammy Lustig, Program Specialist at tlustig@cityofparkland.org or 954-757-4142.

Summer Fishing Derby
Saturday, July 20, 2013
8:00AM – 10:00AM
Pine Trails Park – 10555 Trails End
The City of Parkland, North Broward Preparatory School and Marrecau & Rodriguez Orthodontics are inviting all Parkland Families out to the Kid’s Fishing Derby at Pine Trails Park Fishing Pier on July 20th, 2013 from 8:00-10:00am. Remember to bring your fishing poles, buckets, and bait! Each fish caught will be weighed and prizes will be awarded. This is a FREE event! For more information contact Caitlin Crossin, Program Specialist at 954-757-4113 or ccrossin@cityofparkland.org.

Pet Care Day
Saturday, July 20, 2013
10:00am – 2:00pm
“Barkland” Dog Park – 9245 Ranch Road
The City of Parkland is teaming up with the VCA and Broward County Animal Care and will be offering discounted rabies shots, pet licensing and chipping. Rabies shots are $15 and chipping is $20, cash only. For more information, contact Caitlin Crossin at 954-757-4113 or ccrossin@cityofparkland.org.

Wildlife Show
Sunday, July 28, 2013
10:00AM-11:00AM
Pint Trails Park Amphitheater – 10555 Trails End
Join the City of Parkland, Marrecau & Rodriguez Orthodontics and North Broward Preparatory School as we learn about Florida’s native and other exotic animals at the Pine Trails Park Amphitheater on July 28th, 2013 from 10-11am. Wild Animal World of Miami will present this educational program. This event is FREE for Parkland Residents. Be sure to bring your camera for great photo opportunities. For more information please contact Caitlin Crossin, Program Specialist at 954-757-4113 or ccrossin@cityofparkland.org.

Family Bingo Night
Friday, August 2, 2013
7:00PM - 8:00PM
YMCA Family Center, 10559 Trails End
Registration is on Going
Are you ready to jump up and shout BINGO? This is your chance to enjoy the game of Bingo with your entire family, friends and neighbors! Snacks and refreshments will be provided. There is no cost and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Pre-registration is required and space is limited to 75 participants. For more information please contact Melissa Soto, Program Specialist at 954-757-4120 or msoto@cityofparkland.org.

Dinner and a Show
Saturday, August 17, 2013
6:00PM - 9:00PM
YMCA Gymnasium, 10559 Trails End
Cost: $35 per person, $60 per couple, $225 per table of 8
Adults 21 and older, join us for dinner a fun filled evening of entertainment including comedic genius Carl Guerra, the music styling’s of Michael Matone and his 3-piece band and comedic magician Gary Goodman. The evening is generously sponsored by Baker, Zimmerman and Perez. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Parkland Amphitheater located at 10561 Trails End. Tickets, dinner choice and seating arrangements are available on the day of ticket purchase. Space is limited! For more information please contact Melissa Soto Program Specialist at 954-757-4120 or msoto@cityofparkland.org.

Parkland Kids Camp
Summer Recreation Registration
Parkland Amphitheater, 10561 Trails End
Parkland Kids Camp is a summer recreation program for children ages 5-11 (kindergarten through grade 6). Children must be five years of age by June 17, 2013 to enroll in the program. The City of Parkland is currently accepting walk-in summer recreation applications. All sessions of camp are located at Heron Heights Elementary School and the hours of operation are 8:30AM-4:00PM with extended hours available in the morning from 8:00-8:30AM and in the afternoon from 4:00-5:30PM. The program consists of sports, arts & crafts, games, special on-site activities and field trips. Field trips are taken aboard air-conditioned motor coach buses two to three days per week to facilities located in the tri-county area such as movies, bowling, water parks, arcades, skating, museums, etc. For further information, contact GerriAnn Dougherty at gdougherty@cityofparkland.org or go to the City website at www.cityofparkland.org.

Parkland Teen Camp
Summer Recreation Registration
Parkland Amphitheater, 10561 Trails End
Don’t get left out of the fun with your friends this summer! The City of Parkland is currently accepting walk-in registration for Parkland Teen Camp, a summer recreation program for children ages 12-14 (grades 7-9). Children must have completed the sixth grade to be eligible for the program. All sessions of teen camp will take place at Westglades Middle School and the hours of operation are 9:00AM-3:30PM with extended hours available in the morning from 8:30-9:00AM and in the afternoon from 3:30-5:00PM. Teen Camp is a travel program. Field trips are taken aboard air-conditioned motor coach buses four to five days per week to facilities located in the tri-county area such as movies, bowling, water parks, arcades, skating, amusement parks, etc. For further details, contact GerriAnn Dougherty at gdougherty@cityofparkland.org or go to the City website at www.cityofparkland.org.

Parkland Summer Camp Individual Week Registration
On-going
Parkland Amphitheater, 10561 Trails End
The City of Parkland is now accepting registrations for individual weeks for both the Parkland Teen Camp and Parkland Kids Camp. Registration can be done at the Parkland Amphitheater from 8:00AM-5:00PM. Spaces are limited in both camp programs. Individual weeks for residents are $175 and for non-residents, $200.