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Utility wraps, water rates, weekend plans and more.
Utility wraps next week!
Our first foray into utility box decorations is on the way. Vinyl wraps will be attached to 10 boxes along Pine Island Road next week.
The images are being installed by the Public Works employees, but eventually our Parks and Recreation Department will be responsible as part of an overall attempt to increase the display of art in our city. By having the art in parks combined with our utility boxes, we can create a GIS map to show residents where every site is.
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Explaining water rates
You may have noticed a rate increase on your recent water and sewer bill. We don’t do these things randomly.
We carefully explored what the rates should be. Our 2022 rate study, the first in nearly a decade, was conducted by an independent consultant. They identified adjustments needed to continue to maintain and enhance our water and sewer services for years to come. The City Council vets the study and approves or adjusts the rates recommended by the consultant. The rates were adopted in September 2022 after two public hearings. Gradual increases were chosen over a one-time steep rate hike to keep services affordable to our residents.
Allowing our aging water and sewer infrastructure to go unrepaired can generate disastrous consequences, such as we've seen in other places.
Additionally, state laws dictate that all money gleaned from utility fees be allocated back to that service. For example, the city cannot use the revenue to buy police cars or raise salaries, etc.
Recycling video
Council President Louis Reinstein recently toured the Pembroke Pines Waste Management’s recycling plant and produced a video explaining the process.
Here is the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RmmHlBhEHs
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Lights for tennis
The City Council approved $270,260 for Musco Lighting to install lighting at six Plantation Community Center tennis courts. A Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant provides $50,000 toward the cost.
The lights are on order, then construction begins. They will be in place about five months from now.
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A step toward culvert bridge repair
We made some progress toward fixing four bridges on Central Park Drive. The City Council approved $238,715 on Wednesday for Carnahan, Proctor and Cross, Inc. for design and permitting of four culvert bridges along Central Park Drive.
I want to caution this is just one step. When the contractor’s work is done, the city will request proposals for the construction portion of the project, adhering to the bid process.
Music events this weekend
It’s a big week for music in Plantation with back-to-back events.
On Saturday, it’s Rock the Park at 7 p.m. at Pine Island Park. The band is the Reaxtion Band, featuring funk, disco and Motown. The concert is preceded by the city’s first multicultural fair, from 5-9 p.m.
Sunday is the second annual Reggae Genealogy 2025: The Origins, Evolution and Influence of Jamaican Music, on the northeast side of Broward Mall, 8000 W. Broward Blvd. The event is 4-9 p.m. and includes music, videos and food. Show time is at 6 p.m. Go to ReggaeGenealogy.org.
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First-time homebuyer and minor home repair workshops
Are you thinking about buying your first home or need assistance with minor home repairs? Attend one of our upcoming workshops to learn about grants, the application process, income requirements, and more.
Workshops will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fire Administration (550 NW 65 Avenue) and Thursday, February 13, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Central Park (9151 NW 2 Street).
Register at www.plantation.org/fthb. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the information you need!
Sign up for Mayor's Minute
I've learned that Monday is often planning day for our residents. So I distribute a Mayor's Minute video, highlighting upcoming events and city meetings.
We share it via social media, but if you want it in your inbox, you can subscribe at Plantation.org/SignMeUp.
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Events
February 1: Household Hazardous Waste collection event from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Public Works compound. This event is open to residents of Plantation and Sunrise, proof of residency required. Visit plantation.org/hhw for more information and a list of accepted materials.
February 1: Multicultural Celebration and Rock the Park at Pine Island Park. Kick off the festivities at 5 p.m. with live performances, kid's activities, unique vendors and stay for the food trucks and free concert at 7 p.m. featuring Reaxtion Band (funk, disco, Motown).
February 2: Second annual Reggae Genealogy music festival from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Broward Mall (northeast side). Presented by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, Reggae Genealogy explores the origins, evolution and influence of Jamaican music. Get your tickets at reggaegenealogy.org.
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Meetings
February 3: Educational Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
February 4: Planning & Zoning Board at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
February 6: Affordable Housing Advisory Committee at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
February 12: City Council at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
View all 2025 meetings and events by visiting Plantation.org/Calendar.
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