City Commission Meeting

City of Lauderhill City Hall 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Lauderhill, FL, 33313 www.lauderhill-fl.gov Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, April 27, 2020 7:00 PM Attend via phone: Dial 1-312-626-6799 & Meeting ID: 911-7511-9834 Attend via computer: https://www.colvcm.com City Commission Meeting LAUDERHILL CITY COMMISSION Mayor Ken Thurston Vice Mayor Howard Berger Commissioner M. Margaret Bates Commissioner Richard Campbell Commissioner Denise D. Grant Desorae Giles-Smith, Interim City Manager Andrea M. Anderson, City Clerk Earl Hall, City Attorney City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 27, 2020 I CALL TO ORDER II COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (AND RESPONSES TO THE PUBLIC, IF THE TIME PERMITS DURING THIS PORTION OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION) III ADJOURNMENT (NO LATER THAN 7:30 PM) I CALL TO ORDER OF REGULAR MEETING Mayor Thurston called to order the Regular City Commission Meeting at 7:02 PM. Mayor Thurston explained the present regular City Commission meeting was being conducted in a new and challenging era. The City of Lauderhill, Broward County, the State of Florida, the United States of America and the world were experiencing a new challenge due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Due to those challenges, the City was permitted to hold virtual governmental meetings in accordance with COVID-19 Center of Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and the State of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Executive Order #20-69, allowing virtual meetings to conduct official government business, waiving the requirement for a physically present quorum. He explained the following: • Mayor Thurston was present in City Hall • Vice Mayor Berger, and Commissioners Bates, Campbell and Grant attended the meeting virtually or via conference call • The City Clerk, City Attorney, City Manager, Deputy City Manager and additional staff attended the meeting virtually, by conference call from areas within City Hall using social distancing, from other City facility sites, or their homes • Due to the nature of the meeting and the constraints imposed by appearing virtually, Commissioners who wished to pull an agenda item for discussion were asked to speak up and/or raise their hand if they were appearing virtually, and if they were not attending virtually, they should speak up or text IT Director Doug Downs if they wished to speak • Members of the public who watched or listened to the meeting were reminded each agenda item was open to the public, as usually done with onsite Commission meetings; however, the City’s notice for the present meeting advised members of the public wishing to speak on agenda items should do so live during the Public Comment portion of the meeting, or they should send an email or call the City Clerk’s Office using the designated number to leave a comment that would be read during the meeting, and this should be done at least 24 hours prior to the meeting; anyone wishing their message read during the meeting had to give their name, number and address with the message; they could also complete the public comment submission form online • The City Commission and staff appreciated the public’s patience and cooperation during what was a difficult and ever changing time. II ROLL CALL City of Lauderhill Page 1 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 27, 2020 Present: 5- Commissioner M. Margaret Bates,Vice Mayor Howard Berger,Commissioner Richard Campbell,Commissioner Denise D. Grant, and Mayor Ken Thurston ALSO PRESENT: Desorae Giles-Smith, Interim City Manager Earl Hall, City Attorney Constance Stanley, Police Chief Andrea M. Anderson, City Clerk III PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG FOLLOWED BY GOOD AND WELFARE A. A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR DILLARD HIGH SCHOOL FOOT BALL COACH EDDIE FRASIER (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER DENISE D. GRANT). B. A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR AL TUCKER (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER DENISE D. GRANT). HOUSEKEEPING A motion was made by Vice Mayor Berger, seconded by Commissioner Bates, to ACCEPT the Final-Revised Version of the City Commission Meeting Agenda for April 27, 2020. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner Bates, Vice Mayor Berger, Commissioner Campbell, Commissioner Grant, and Mayor Thurston Abstain: 0 IV CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Bates, seconded by Vice Mayor Berger, that this Consent Agenda was approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner Bates, Vice Mayor Berger, Commissioner Campbell, Commissioner Grant, and Mayor Thurston Abstain: 0 V APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of the Special City Commission Meeting for March 23, 2020. Attachments: March 23, 2020 - Special City Commission Meeting Minutes These Minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) B. Minutes for the City Commission for March 30, 2020. Attachments: March 30, 2020 - City Commission Meeting Minutes These Minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) City of Lauderhill Page 2 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 27, 2020 VI PROCLAMATIONS / COMMENDATIONS VII SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS VIII GENERAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES MAXIMUM) A. A CENSUS 2020 PRESENTATION (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER M. MARGARET BATES). IX ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) 1. ORDINANCE NO. 20O-04-112: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE SIX MONTH BUDGET REVIEW OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE AMENDMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 IN THE TOTAL ADJUSTMENT AMOUNT OF $1,132,626.00; APPROVING AN INTERDEPARTMENT BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $515,534.00, A CAPITAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,885.00 AND A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $609,207.00; REFLECTING APPROPRIATE ADJUSTMENTS TO VARIOUS REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS; PROVIDING VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: ORD-20O-04-112-Budget 6-Months Adjustment & Appropriation FY 2020.pdf AR 20O-04-112 Six Month BA This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda on first reading to the City Commission Meeting, due back on 5/11/2020. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) X ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) XI RESOLUTIONS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) 2. RESOLUTION NO. 20R-04-78: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REMETERING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE SEMBLER FAMILY PARTNERSHIP #41, LTD. TO ALLOW SUBMETERS AT THE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7936 WEST COMMERCIAL BOULEVARD, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE COMMERCIAL BOULEVARD SHOPPES, IN ORDER TO SEPARATELY BILL EACH INDIVIDUAL USER BASED UPON ACTION WATER CONSUMPTION AT THE SAME RATE UTILIZED BY THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED City of Lauderhill Page 3 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 27, 2020 BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-20R-04-78-Agrmt-Rem-Commercial Shoppes.pdf AR 20R-04-78 7936 W. Commerical Blvd Re-metering Request (003).pdf This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) XII QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) XIII QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING XIV QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, SECOND READING XV UNFINISHED BUSINESS XVI OLD BUSINESS XVII NEW BUSINESS XVIII COMMUNICATIONS FROM PUBLIC OFFICIALS AT 9:00 PM, OR IMMEDIATELY BEFORE ADJOURNMENT, WHICHEVER SHALL FIRST OCCUR. IF AN ITEM OF LEGISLATION IS BEING DISCUSSED AT 9:00 PM, THE CHAIR MAY DELAY THESE COMMUNICATIONS UNTIL AFTER THE ITEM OF LEGISLATION HAS BEEN RESOLVED. City Attorney Hall commented on looking forward to better days ahead, urging everyone to stay safe. Vice Mayor Berger encouraged City staff to remain diligent in enforcing Broward County’s and the State of Florida’s executive orders, particularly with regard to wearing a mask when going out in public. He mentioned being at a Chipotle restaurant and, while there, two patrons came in not wearing masks, but the restaurant’s management did not ask them to leave, so he brought the situation to the attention of the employee behind the counter, who then pointed the matter out to the customers not wearing a mask. One of them left, while his companion remained, and though she had a mask, it was around her neck not covering her mouth and nose. He felt it was important for the City to emphasize to the Lauderhill community the need to wear masks when leaving their homes, as it was almost a matter of life or death. It would be beneficial if the City could get residents and businesses to vigilantly enforce everyone wearing masks. Commissioner Campbell commended Interim City Manager Giles-Smith and her staff for their handling of the COVID-19 crisis and associated actions thus far. There was a sense of feeling secure in comparison with other areas in the United States, as the City’s administration kept their eyes on the ball, and it was hoped at the end of the crisis Lauderhill came out looking good in terms of how the City City of Lauderhill Page 4 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 27, 2020 responded to the situation. He could not overemphasize that without City staff and the day-to-day efforts made and continuous work executed on behalf of the Lauderhill community, the City would be in a much worse position than at present. Ms. Giles-Smith and her staff’s tireless work behind the scenes was greatly appreciated. Commissioner Bates thanked Ms. Giles-Smith and her staff for all they were doing, including Fire Chief Celetti and Police Chief Stanley; they were doing an awesome job, which was not an easy feat. She completely appreciated all they did, and she wished there was some way to force some residents to wear masks while out walking in the community; it was as if they thought the virus could not affect them. Wearing a mask when leaving home was very important, and residents and businesses need to fully understand the dangers of contracting COVID-19, as they were something to be feared. Commissioner Grant thanked the entire City of Lauderhill staff led by Ms. Giles-Smith, as they continued to do an awesome job during the COVID-19 crisis, keeping the Commission and the community apprised of all updates on the matter. She knew the County just rolled out the first phase to reopen, and she had discussions with Ms. Giles-Smith to see how the City would go about implementing County guidelines. Additionally, Ms. Giles-Smith and Interim Deputy City Manager Hobbs were thanked for speaking to her earlier in the day, along with a number of City pastors, as the latter had concerns regarding the stimulus plan. Ms. Giles-Smith and Mr. Hobbs were able to give the pastors vital information, and she hoped they could successfully complete the application process. She thanked City staff for their help in coordinating the food distribution event that would begin on April 30, 2020, and she looked forward to staff’s further assistance; they had just over 50 outside volunteers. She urged everyone to remain safe. Interim City Manager Giles-Smith gave a big thank you to her staff for doing an excellent job, as everyone continued to work with patience and a willingness to do whatever was needed. She thought staff sought to ensure the City Commission was being represented properly in the community, and they appreciated all that the members of the Commission were doing to make it as easy as possible for staff to do their jobs. She welcomed to the City new Deputy Police Chief Timothy A. Belcher, Sr., who would bring his resources, time, talent, and extensive knowledge and experience to the City of Lauderhill; Chief Stanley was looking forward to working with him. Police Chief Constance Stanley read into the record a brief bio on new Deputy Police chief Timothy Belcher, Sr., as follows: Mr. Belcher was born in Miami and raised by his grandmother in unincorporated Dade County; he attended West Virginia Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Florida International University. Before becoming a police officer, Mr. Belcher began his outreach to youths as a Miami-Dade County public school teacher for two years. He began his career with the City of North Miami Police Department in 1992, from where he recently retired as a major to join the City of Lauderhill, with over 27 years of experience with law enforcement, and he was very passionate about the youth. Chief Stanley mentioned some of Mr. Belcher’s youth-related accomplishments while a police officer in North Miami: mentoring teens in around the City of North City of Lauderhill Page 5 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 27, 2020 Miami; school resource officer (SRO); member of the City of North Miami’s “Take Stock in Children”, and the “5000 Role Models of Excellence” project initiated by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson; many students he mentored steered their careers toward law enforcement; one of the founders of the North Miami Police Athletic League that gave youths in middle and high school the opportunity to engage in positive sporting events and to interact with police officers. She noted Mr. Belcher’s initiative to engage in the lives of youth had a positive impact, saving numerous lives by preventing them from engaging in violent crimes and dropping out of school. Chief Stanley mentioned some of the organization Mr. Belcher was affiliated with included: Liberty City Church of Christ, as a director of the youth ministry; Omega Psi fraternity; the Lamplighters Program; past president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, covering the South Florida chapter; he was involved in youth programs throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties; Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program; the Miami Dolphins “Football Unites” program; and the Fathers M.I.A. (Missing in Action) program. Mr. Belcher was a proud husband to wife, Barbara, whom he met in Deep Water, West Virginia, and they had three children, Briana, 30 years of age and graduate of University of Florida and Nova Southeastern University, Kayla, who was in her third year of college, and his “masterpiece”, Timothy, Jr., now 11 years of age. Mr. Belcher would be in charge of the patrol division of the police department, and members of the Commission and staff would meet him at some time in the near future. Deputy Police Chief Timothy Belcher thanked Chief Stanley for affording him an opportunity he desired throughout his career in law enforcement. He further thanked Ms. Giles-Smith and Mr. Hobbs for giving him the subject opportunity, along with Human Resources (HR) Director Fennel and her staff, expressing appreciation for his welcome to the City of Lauderhill, including the staff at City Hall and at the Lauderhill Police Department, as he was an outsider coming in. He recognized that, after 27 years of law enforcement, with his coming from another department, his success was dependent on who he had to work with and around. Since coming to Lauderhill, he received a warm welcome by those who showed him around and giving him tours, so his overall experience thus far had been great, and he looked forward to serving the City and meeting each member of the Commission and City staff. He understood the need for virtual meetings but looked forward to when he could meet with everyone face to face. He hoped to facilitate the City’s children getting ahead in life so they could later serve as positive role models, as he felt he was built to be. Deputy Chief Belcher said he looked forward to serving the City of Lauderhill even better than he served the City of North Miami, where he believed he had done a good job. Mayor Thurston thanked Mr. Belcher for his comments, welcoming him to the City of Lauderhill. He noted for the last four weeks, while the City went through its shut down, mayors held conference calls at least once a week with the Broward County Administrator and Mayor, on which they discussed the speed with which they would open back up the County and its cities once the numbers justified such action. He expected the County Administrator to soon issue another executive order, asking Ms. Giles-Smith to go through it with a fine toothed comb and be prepared to make a report on the order at the upcoming Wednesday workshop meeting scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. He reminded the Commission that the City had the option to adhere to the County’s guidelines, or the Commission could impose restrictions City of Lauderhill Page 6 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 27, 2020 that were more stringent than those recommended by the County. XIX ADJOURNMENT - 7:32 PM City of Lauderhill Page 7