Vice Mayor Newsletter July: From the Desk of Bruce Roberts

Now that Hurricane Season has started, this is a good time to remind everyone to make sure you are prepared. Though only a few lost power last year, we cannot forget the damage that even a tropical storm can do.The City is ready to respond, but I urge residents to make their own preparations for this hurricane season. Part of this preparation should include creating a disaster plan and assembling a disaster supply kit. The kit should include at least three days worth of water (one gallon, per person, per day) and non-perishable food for each person in your family. Other essential supplies you should have readily available include: a can opener, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, batteries, cash, pet supplies, medications, extra eyeglasses, contact lenses and supplies for people with special needs.

For a complete list of emergency supplies and other preparedness tips, visit the new City hurricane website at http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/hurricane/index.htm.

If you are interested in helping your fellow residents after a hurricane, I encourage you to join the Community Emergency Response Team (or “CERT”). CERT is a highly trained, volunteer group that assists the City after local emergencies. Through Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue, you can receive free training that covers disaster terminology, standard triage, basic first aid, fire suppression, light search and rescue and disaster awareness. After graduation you will be prepared to care for your family and your community and you will be part of a team that may be called upon to assist the City during an emergency. Free beginner and continuing education classes are available. For more information please call 954-828-6832. Remember that after a storm is when we need to help each other! If we get prepared now and work together, the City of Fort Lauderdale will be a more disaster-resilient community where everyone can recover as quickly as possible.

Remember to mark your calendars for the Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department’s Starlight Musicals concert services. Even though they are not in our District it is a very fun community event. These FREE outdoor concerts provide a great way to enjoy the summer with family and friends. They are held in Holiday Park, Friday nights, 7-10p.m., June 19-August 7, 2009. The series will feature an exciting line-up of bands ranging from pop to country, rhythm and blues to tropical rock! Visit http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/events/index.htm to view the schedule and to see what other special things the Parks and Recreation Department is offering.

Since becoming District 1 Commissioner, I have currently been appointed to serve on several Boards. The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization is a federally mandated planning body responsible for transportation planning in the Broward County urbanized area. Established in 1977 by the Florida Legislature, the MPO was created to direct urban transportation planning and direct the expenditure of federal and state funds.  It is the lead agency responsible for developing and administering plans and programs to maintain eligibility and receive federal funds for the transportation systems in Broward County. The 19 members of the MPO include representatives from cities within the county, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), the Broward County School Board, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.  District 2 Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom also represents our City.

The Transportation Management Association coordinates the efforts of government, private employers, developers and property owners in addressing common transportation concerns; improves accessibility and mobility; provides transportation services; and works cooperatively with local and state government for the continued growth and development of downtown Fort Lauderdale while avoiding traffic congestion. The Downtown Fort Lauderdale Transportation Management Association (DFLTMA) was incorporated in 1992 to marshal business resources and expertise and to combine them with government efforts to solve local transportation problems. District 4 Commissioner Romney Rogers also represents our City.

I want to thank the numerous people who came out on June 25 to listen to the plans for building the new Fire Station 35 on East Commercial Boulevard. Some important upcoming dates to keep on your radar include:

• The City Manager’s budget proposal for next fiscal year will be presented at the July 21 commission meeting.
• Public hearings to discuss the consultants study re: water conservation, usage and fees on the two July commission meetings.
• Public hearings on the budget at the two September commission meetings.