County Plans Hurricane Expo
On May 31 in Plantation

Broward County will host the third annual Hurricane Expo on Saturday, May 31, 2008, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Broward County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 201 N.W. 84th Ave., Plantation. The event is free and open to the public.

The expo traditionally features exhibitors, including businesses, governments and other agencies, who will provide valuable hurricane preparedness information. There will be public tours of Broward’s EOC and the Mobile Command Center. In addition to the exhibitors, there will be displays, giveaways and light refreshments. A new feature this year will be scheduled demonstrations every hour throughout the expo.

As part of this year’s educational and outreach efforts, Broward County will again be mailing copies of the County’s official Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Guide to all households in the County. The 12-page, color tabloid features important tips, information, maps, telephone numbers and website addresses.

For more information on the expo, contact Sandy Luongo at the EOC, 954-831-3906 or email sluongo@broward.org.

Hurricane Season 2008:
Vulnerable Population Registry

To help first responders better plan for Broward County’s most vulnerable residents in an emergency, the County, in cooperation with all municipalities, launched a Vulnerable Population Registry last year. Local governments are continuing to compile a list of residents who, because of age, disability and mobility, might encounter difficulty in evacuating during an emergency.

While the registry does not guarantee priority response or services, it will help local governments prepare to assist their most vulnerable residents after a disaster. Each city may use the Vulnerable Population Registry differently, based on the city’s recovery effort. Residents can register online by visiting www.broward.org and clicking on Vulnerable Population Registry, listed under Top Online Services on the right portion of your screen. To register by phone, call the Broward County Call Center, 954-831-4000. Caregivers, relatives, neighbors and friends should suggest this registry to those who might be considered vulnerable during an emergency or storm. All information will be held in strictest confidence, as required by state law.

Prepare for Hurricane Season:
Dispose of Yard Waste

In preparation for the 2008 hurricane season (June 1-November 30), Broward County residents can dispose of residential yard waste at no charge at the County’s three trash transfer stations every Saturday through September 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The free service is available to all Broward County residents (except residents living in Pembroke Pines, Parkland, Pompano Beach and Hallandale Beach, which are not Broward County Resource Recovery partners). Proof of Broward County residency is required. Acceptable materials include tree trimmings, residential yard waste and fencing. Scrap metal items will also be accepted, as long as they are kept separate from other items. Debris brought in on commercial vehicles, by private contractors, or on trailers longer than 8 feet, will not be accepted.

Disposal sites include: 2780 N. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach; 5490 Reese Road, Davie; and, 5601 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd, West Park. For additional information, call 954-765-4999 or visit www.broward.org/waste.

Water Restrictions Eased
For Most of Broward County

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has eased water restrictions in most parts of Broward County. The new, less stringent restrictions became effective April 18.

Under the new restrictions, lawn watering will be permitted on Wednesdays and Saturdays for houses with ODD numbered addresses and on Thursdays and Sundays for houses with EVEN numbered addresses. Watering will be permitted at any time, EXCEPT between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4p.m.

Hand-watering with one hose fitted with an automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed for 10 minutes per day for landscape stress relief and to prevent plant die-off. Additional watering days and times are allocated for the establishment of new lawns and landscapes.

No restrictions apply to other outside water uses, such as for car and boat washing, pressure cleaning of paved surfaces, decorative fountains and water-based recreation (e.g. swimming pools, water slides).

A modified Phase III water shortage declaration for all users within areas serviced by Hallandale Beach and Dania Beach water utilities remains in effect. Customers of these utilities, including homes, businesses and government facilities will remain on once-a-week lawn watering restrictions.

Following public meetings in April, the SFWMD is considering imposing permanent water restrictions throughout the 16 counties comprising the district. An announcement is expected in June.

Charter Review Commission
Approves November Ballot Issues

Broward County’s Charter Review Commission (CRC) held its final public hearing in April on proposed changes to the Broward County Charter, approving 10 proposals to place on the November 4, 2008 general election ballot. The issues include:

• Creation of a Metropolitan Transit Authority: Would create an advisory body to be known as the Metropolitan Transit Authority.
• Non-Interference in County Administration: Would prohibit the County Commission from interfering directly with County employees.
• County Commission Meetings, Rules and Voting (Recusal): Would require Commissioners who recuse themselves from voting because of a financial conflict to leave the Commission chamber and not communicate or participate in any discussion.
• Broward County Housing Council: Would create a Broward County Housing Council to serve as a non-taxing advisory board to facilitate coordination between the County, municipalities, businesses and not-for-profit groups.
• Broward County Regionalism Policy Statement: Would add a policy statement to the Broward County Charter defining Broward County government’s duty to develop and implement programs, policies and budget with a countywide and regional focus, without limiting services on a less than regional basis.
• Broward County Parks Preservation: Would designate County-owned parks as either natural area parks or regional parks, and would prohibit the sale, transfer or change of use of such parks without an affirmative vote of sixty percent (60%) of the electorate.
• Broward County Environmental Policy Statement: Would add an environmental policy statement to the Broward County Charter.
• Broward County Ethics Commission: Would create a Broward County Ethics Commission for the specific purpose of preparing a Code of Ethics.
• Redistricting Process: Would provide for the use of an independent redistricting consultant to develop plans for redistricting of the County Commission’s single-member districts.
• One Year Hiatus between end of Management & Efficiency Study Committee (MESC) and beginning of Charter Review Commission: Would require the MESC to meet in 2009 and every six (6) years thereafter in order to provide for a one (1) year hiatus between meetings of the CRC and MESC.

In addition to the proposed ballot questions, the CRC approved recommendations on the annexation of the County’s remaining unincorporated areas, continued funding for children’s services and a requirement that the County Commission submit an official response to the MESC’s final report within six months after the report is issued.

To review the proposed charter amendments, visit www.broward.org/charter or call 954-357-8890 to request copies.

Swimming Lessons Offered
At Four County Parks

Broward County’s Parks & Recreation Division is offering swimming lessons during the summer for children (age 2 and up) through adult. The “Learn to Swim” programs will meet for a total of eight lessons, Mondays through Thursdays. Classes are 30 minutes long (rained-out classes will be on Fridays). Six different courses are offered. Schedules and courses vary, depending on the park. The first of four sessions start on June 9. Pre-registration is encouraged. Fee: $48/session; cancellations/transfers, $10.

For detailed information on registration, contact one of the four facilities: C.B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines, 954-437-2690; Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 N.W. 11th Pl., Lauderhill, 954-321-1170, ext. 18335; Markham Park, 16001 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise, 954-389-2028; T.Y. Park, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood, 954-985-1980, ext. 252

Online Consumer Newsletter
Alerts Residents to Scams, Schemes

Broward County’s Consumer Affairs Division has released the latest edition of The Educated Consumer, an electronic publication, which contains the latest news on consumer issues and trends in scams and schemes. To view the newsletter, visit www.broward.org/consumer and click on Newsletter. For a free subscription, email consumer@broward.org.

Hazardous Waste Drop-off Events
Slated for Tamarac, Weston

Broward County residents are encouraged to take advantage of two free hazardous waste and electronics drop-off events in May:

• Sunday, May 4, Public Works Complex, 6011 Nob Hill Rd., Tamarac.
• Sunday, May 18, Public Works Complex, 2599 South Post Rd., Weston

Proof of Broward County residency is required. Residents can dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, motor oil, pesticides, household chemicals, lawn and pool chemicals, mercury thermometers, propane tanks and fire extinguishers.  Acceptable used electronics include televisions, computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, fax machines, cell phones and rechargeable batteries.

Subscribe to Free Hurricane
Update eMail System

To subscribe to Broward County’s free Hurricane Update eMail System, visit www.broward.org/hurricane. The system provides residents with important information from the Broward County Emergency Operations Center before, during and after a hurricane. eMail notifications will be sent to subscribers with news about hurricane watches and warnings, evacuation orders, recommended protective actions and related public safety information.

To Receive Community Update
Please Send Email to Us

Community Update, a monthly newsletter from the Board of County Commissioners, is produced by the Office of Public Communications. Address questions concerning articles to 954-357-6990. To receive Community Update electronically, send an email to publicinfo@broward.org. Please include your first and last name and email address. Hearing impaired residents can call the TTY line at 954-831-3940 for additional information.