City Commission Meeting

City of Lauderhill Attend via Computer: https://www.colvcm.com City Commission Chambers at City Hall 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Lauderhill, FL, 33313 www.lauderhill-fl.gov Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, January 25, 2021 7:00 PM Attend via phone: Dial 1-312-626-6799 & Meeting ID: 926 9270 2849 City Commission Meeting LAUDERHILL CITY COMMISSION Mayor Ken Thurston Vice Mayor Denise D. Grant Commissioner Melissa P. Dunn Commissioner Lawrence Martin Commissioner Sarai Martin Desorae Giles-Smith, City Manager Andrea M. Anderson, City Clerk Earl Hall, City Attorney City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 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 7:00 PM. Mayor Thurston explained the present meeting was being conducted in a new and challenging era, as the City of Lauderhill, Broward County, the State of Florida, the United States of America and the world were experiencing new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the challenges of the virus, the City would continue to hold hybrid, virtual governmental meetings in accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID 19 guidelines, the State of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Executive Order 20-52, City Code Chapter 8.5, and Florida statutes. The waiver of the physical presence requirement expired, and all elected officials were required to be physically present at public meetings. As a result, all members of the City Commission were present in the Commission Chambers at City Hall assessing the virtual meeting from their laptops. Due to the nature of the meeting and the constraints of holding a virtual hybrid meeting, he asked for everyone’s patience. Anyone wishing to speak should let him know by asking to do so. The microphones of all members of the Commission would be live during the entire meeting, while City staff and members of the public attending the meeting remotely would be muted. He said anyone having issues should text IT Director Doug Downs, thanking them for their patience and cooperation during such difficult and ever changing times. II ROLL CALL Present: 5- Commissioner Melissa P. Dunn,Vice Mayor Denise D. Grant,Commissioner Lawrence Martin,Commissioner Sarai Martin, and Mayor Ken Thurston ALSO PRESENT: Desorae Giles-Smith, 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 HOUSEKEEPING A motion was made by Vice Mayor D. Grant, seconded by Commissioner L. Martin, to ACCEPT the Revised Version of the City Commission Meeting Agenda for January 25, 2021. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Lauderhill Page 1 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 Yes: 5- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Abstain: 0 IV CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Commissioner S. Martin, that this Consent Agenda was approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Abstain: 0 V APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of the City Commission Meeting for January 11, 2021. Attachments: January 11, 2021 - City Commission Meeting Minutes These Minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) VI PROCLAMATIONS / COMMENDATIONS VII SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS VIII GENERAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES MAXIMUM) A. REMOVED B. A PRESENTATION OF THE MAGNIFICENT MILESTONES INITIATIVE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER LAWRENCE MARTIN). C. AN UPDATE FROM FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT AND AT&T (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER DESORSE GILES-SMITH). D. A PRESENTATION FROM THE INVERRARY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT). IX ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) 1. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-01-103: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CODE OF ORDINANCES, VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CODE AND LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE DEPARTMENT FROM “PARKS AND LEISURE SERVICES” TO “PARKS AND RECREATION”; AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE II, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, DIVISION 5, YOUTH COUNCIL SECTION 2-89.3; AMENDING CHAPTER 2, City of Lauderhill Page 2 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE III, DIVISION 3, DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT; AMENDING THE TITLE TO CHAPTER 15, PARKS AND LEISURE SERVICES; AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (LDR) ARTICLE II, ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, SECTION 2.1.3(b); PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: ORD-21O-01-103-Code-PALS to Parks and Recreation Dept.pdf AR 21O-01-103 This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda on first reading to the City Commission Meeting, due back on 02/08/2021. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) X ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) 2. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-01-100: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA FOR A TEXT AMENDMENT INITIATED BY THREE AMIGOS LAUDERHILL, LLC TO AMEND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO LIVE-WORK UNITS WITHIN THE RESIDENTIAL MULTIFAMILY (RM-40) ZONING DISTRICT; AMENDING ARTICLE III, ZONING DISTRICTS, BY ADDING SECTION 3.1.15.B.6; AMENDING ARTICLE III, ZONING DISTRICTS, BY ADDING SECTION 5.56 LIVE-WORK UNITS; AMENDING SCHEDULE A, LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS, BY ADDING LIVE-WORK UNIT; AMENDING SCHEDULE B, ALLOWABLE USES, BY ADDING LIVE-WORK UNIT; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: ORD-21O-01-100-Three Amigos Text Amendment-Live Work Units.pdf AR 21O-01-100 DRR Live-Work Units.pdf Narrative-Live Work Units v.pdf Proposed Text Amendment.pdf This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 3. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-01-101: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA FOR A TEXT AMENDMENT INITIATED BY THREE AMIGOS LAUDERHILL, LLC TO AMEND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO MINIMUM EFFICIENCY SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE RESIDENTIAL MULTIFAMILY (RM-40) ZONING DISTRICT; City of Lauderhill Page 3 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 AMENDING ARTICLE III, ZONING DISTRICTS, SECTION 3.1.15.F.B.1; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: ORD-21O-01-101-Three Amigos Text Amendment -UNIT SIZE.pdf AR 21O-01-101 DRR Units Size RM-40.pdf Narrative-Unit Sizes.pdf Min. Unit Size City Comparision.pdf Proposed Text Amendment.docx UNIT SIZE.pdf This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 4. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-01-102: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO IRRIGATION REGULATIONS, INCORPORATING PERMANENT YEAR-ROUND IRRIGATION RESTRICTIONS TO GAIN CONSISTENCY WITH FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 40E-21, (FAC) AND THE REGULATIONS OF THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (DISTRICT); AMENDING LDR SCH J, PLANT INSTALLATION, IRRIGATION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS SECTION 1.2.1.B.6; AMENDING SCHEDULE J, LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION, IRRIGATION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS TO ADD SECTION 1.4.5, PERMANENT YEAR-ROUND IRRIGATION RESTRICTIONS; AMENDING CODE OF ORDINANCE CHAPTER 21 TO ADD ARTICLE VI, MANDATORY YEAR-ROUND IRRIGATION RESTRICTIONS FOR PERMANENT YEAR-ROUND IRRIGATION RESTRICTIONS; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: ORD-21O-01-102-Annual Irrigation Ordinance.pdf AR 21O-01-102 DRR, Irrigation Irrigation Proposed Text Amendment Proposed Text Amendment This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) XI RESOLUTIONS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) 5. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-14: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY City of Lauderhill Page 4 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FLORIDA APPROVING THE PROPOSAL OF BCC ENGINEERING IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $250,000.00 FOR A STORM WATER MANAGEMENT AND FLOOD PROTECTION MASTER PLAN STUDY; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM THE APPROPRIATE BUDGE CODE NUMBER; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-01-14-Proposal-BCC Engineering Stormwater Study.pdf AR 21R-01-14 BCC Engineering Proposal - SWMP Update_2021_R3.pdf City Manager Giles-Smith stated the City had many issues with flooding over the past few years, and her staff and she met to discuss how to address this issue. It appeared the best way was to develop a comprehensive plan to address flooding and drainage issues throughout Lauderhill, looking at areas known to be more flood prone, such as the City’s northwest communities west of Inverrary. She said it would take an analysis of the entire City, and Public Works Director/City Engineer Martin Cala would be working with a company to devise this plan. Public Works Director/City Engineer Martin Cala discussed the subject item using a PowerPoint presentation, and as detailed in the backup, highlighting the following: • Since the last flood events in the City, the City Manager, staff and he updated the Commission on how the effect of those events were being dealt with • The Commission was being asked to consider for approval the creation of a City master plan to facilitate improvements to the City’s drainage system, as well as steps to enable staff to manage and maintain that system • If approved, Alex Vazquez with BCC Engineering would propose a master plan that would include a series of objectives and tasks • City staff continuously cleaned the catch basins, canals and pipes; they were finalizing the construction of culverts; maintenance actions included pump exercising, as the pumps were huge and needed to be kept ready for the next hurricane season • They were nearing completion of the construction of a culvert, a pipe between two canals, that did not exist previously; they anticipated its being opened by the end of February • At present, the canal behind the Miami Subs on N University and Inverrary Boulevard was very susceptible to flooding even with a small rainfall; when rainwater collected in the canal behind the old Target site and flowed west, it flowed back east toward the abovementioned canal; the new connection would reroute the water to allow faster drainage • Staff continuously cleared and cleaned drainage structures; there was a severe flood area on NW 39th Avenue and NW 4th Court, in the Broward Estates area; staff was puzzled as to why it kept flooding; using a small submarine camera, they finally determined the flooding was being caused by a concrete blockage in the drain that was installed some 10 to 15 years ago. City Manager Giles-Smith remarked the drainage in the subject area and many of City of Lauderhill Page 5 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 its improvements were completed by Broward County, but for some reason this one area, unlike any other on Parkway, would flood. The submarine cameral revealed the presence of a concrete like stopper placed in the pipe for no known reason, but it only allowed water to trickle out; once it was removed, water would drain away as it did in the rest of the area where there were no drainage issues. Mr. Cala continued his presentation as follows: • Photographs illustrated the issue and its being resolved, so staff and he expected there to be no flooding at the next rain event • The drainage pipes in other areas in the City were similarly explored, and the drainage appeared to be in good order; flooding in other places were found to result from reasons such as: tree branches blocking a pipe • The storm water master plan was important, as it would provide the City with capital improvement projects; facilitate updating the City’s permit with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD); in December, the SFWMD asked why the City pumped water from certain areas, and staff informed them it was to mitigate flooding; the master plan would increase the City’s ability to get funding from grants and other sources, and allow an evaluation of the City’s assets. Alex Vazquez, Water Resources Director, BCC Engineering, and project manager for the proposed project, reviewed the steps they wished to take, and the end goal of the subject initiative, explaining a storm water master plan added value to the City, as it provided a road map to implementing critical, high priority projects in a systematic way, so money was spent where the City would get the most benefit and value for the funds spent. Without a master plan laying out the City’s needs, it would not be possible to get grants associated with storm water improvement projects. He highlighted the following: • The City’s master plan would have several tasks to be implemented; it would be a comprehensive plan that included collecting all the necessary data to support the master plan’s development • One of the key elements of the master plan was to look at the pump stations; he worked on the City’s original storm master plan and developed the storm water management permits for the City’s two pump stations; it was possible to improve the operations based on the new Broward County ground water elevation maps, as they believed they could start those pumps earlier; part of devising the master plan was holding discussions with the SFWMD to determine if the permits could be modified to see if the City could get better operations out of the pumps • Another key element of the master plan was to look at culverts; the culverts were the artery system of the City, being the main choke points for all canals; many of the City’s culverts were 50 to 60 years old, and it was unknown if and when they might collapse, but it was likely they already reached their service life; an element of the master plan was to dive every critical culvert, which was most of them, as they were very large, to look for any blockages, the level of service left in them, then identify a plan to rehabilitate the culverts in need of improvements • The examination of the culverts would enable the identification of any choke points, address them, and determine the best size a culvert should be to mitigate the problem found • As part of the master plan, they would look systematically at the entire city to develop a detailed storm water model to determine the current level of service City of Lauderhill Page 6 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 provided by the City’s existing infrastructure; that is, was it meeting the level of service for roadways, major roadways, evacuation routes, buildings, etc.; for elements not meeting the needed level of service, they would identify projects to address deficiencies; projects could be local or regional • The costs for the various projects would be identified, the benefits of the projects defined and provided, then a cost/benefit analysis would be conducted to prioritize the projects, and develop a prioritized list to focus the dollars available on storm water management, and fund projects that most benefited the City • They would develop a capital improvement plan that would be the roadmap for short-term, midterm, and long-term; that is, over the next five, ten and 15 years; it would be a costly venture; he was the engineer of record for several storm water master plans in cities such as: Lauderdale Lakes, Delray Beach, and Doral; this was his area of expertise • The City would determine whether to seek bond dollars to fund any of the projects that were seen as critical • The development of a storm water management master plan would encompass all the information mentioned above to allow the City and Mr. Cala to help manage the system going forward. City Manager Giles-Smith added her staff and she would hold two or three community meetings, so the public could give input on the issues and problems they faced that staff might not be aware of even with the system tests conducted. Mr. Vazquez affirmed public involvement was an important part of devising the master plan, stating they would hold several meetings within each of the basins, bringing the community in at the beginning for their input. They lived with in their area daily and knew where flooding occurred when it rained and by how much, and how long it took for water to drain, and that information would be incorporated into their assessment. He noted once the various improvement projects were identified, they would hold further community meetings to inform the residents of the projects and the expected benefits and costs, and the implementation schedule, so people living in affected areas were aware of how the program would be deployed once the master plan was completed. Vice Mayor Grant thanked Ms. Giles-Smith, Mr. Cala, and Mr. Vazquez for an excellent presentation; it was extremely informative, and she was glad some residents were present to hear it, as they lived in areas highly affected by flooding, so they knew the City was looking for solutions. She thanked them for explanations about the City’s aging infrastructure, as many residents did not realize most of Lauderhill’s underground utilities infrastructure was 50 to 60 years old. On the issue of cost, she asked if there was any sense of what it would cost to replace the culverts. Mr. Vazquez explained cost would be determined by the size and length of the culvert being replaced; each one was different, so some had multiple, while others were single. Mr. Cala commented the culvert improvement behind Miami Subs in northwest Lauderhill cost about $400,000.00; it was a twin-pipe culvert and 120 feet long. Mr. Vazquez added, in some areas in which they worked with the Florida City of Lauderhill Page 7 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 Department of Transportation (FDOT), they were able to avoid the full replacement of the culvert by Slip Lining, whereby, a culvert was put within a culvert. Though this would reduce the pipe size, the existing culverts were old and had corrugation or a rough surface internally, so there was considerab hydraulic head loss; a smaller pipe with a smooth interior wall could maintain the same level of service without having to tear up the road. He said this was one of the things divers would evaluate in their inspection of each culvert to determine their current condition, and where it was possible to utilize Slip Lining versus full replacement, this would change the cost from $400,000.00 or $500,000.00 to probably $50,000.00 to $70,000.00, along with fewer traffic impacts, etc. Vice Mayor Grant mentioned the City’s many catch basins, which Mr. Cala said were cleaned at least annually, asking if a decision was made as to the number of times per year they would be cleaned. The City’s population increased, as had traffic and debris. Mr. Cala affirmed they increased the number of times catch basins would be cleaned annually in November 2020 when the Commission approved a contract with Johnson Environmental to do the cleanings. They might not be visible, but they were constantly sweeping the whole city. Vice Mayor Grant informed residents, in 2020, Mayor Thurston and she went to Tallahassee, due to their concerns about making storm water improvements, and they requested $500,000.00 that was subsequently approved, only to be vetoed later due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Thus, the City continuously worked on getting monies to help finance such projects. She assumed City staff planned to go back to Tallahassee to request funding again. City Manager Giles-Smith affirmed they would. Vice Mayor Grant realized $500,000.00 was but a small amount of the funds needed to execute the storm water improvements, but it was a start. Commissioner Dunn wished to know more about the timeline for doing the assessment and drafting a storm water master plan. Mr. Cala replied they estimated ten months, as it would be a very comprehensive assessment. Commissioner Dunn said built environments was one of the social determinants of health the CDC wished municipalities to consider in their efforts to create a healthier and more prosperous community. As the City began the subject assessment, it was important to make sure there was synergy, as the proposed activities were aligned with what was already being done in Lauderhill. City Manager Giles-Smith assured her City staff would take the needed steps. Commissioner L. Martin questioned the interaction or how Mr. Vazquez’s report combined with connecting cities, as Lauderhill was bordered by about seven other cities, so when water was drained from Lauderhill, it went somewhere else. He wanted to know if the analysis would generate a report that could be taken to the City of Lauderhill Page 8 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 management of SFWMD and neighboring cities. Mr. Vazquez answered yes, as watersheds did not follow political boundaries; the City fell within two or three significant watersheds. Broward County was one of the leaders in the State in developing a countywide model that accounted for all watersheds within Broward. He said they would leverage the information from that model, though they would focus on Lauderhill’s system only; the County’s model would show how much water was coming in, how much was going out, from which direction, referred to as boundary conditions, and from this they could tell if a lot of water was coming into Lauderhill from neighboring cities. The SFWMD was one culprit possibly allowing too much water into cities, as they kept the gates closed, which impacted Lauderhill, and the analysis would show in the recent flooding whether the SFWMD opened the gates or not, and develop a dialog with them, and work on an operational criteria, hopefully, in line with the pump station permit modifications. Mayor Thurston opened the discussion to the public Sam Wilkerson, Lauderhill resident and president of the Broward Estates/St. George Homeowners’ Association (HOA), mentioned he lived near one of the problem areas, but he heard nothing in the presentation about Fort Lauderdale pumping water out of their area into Lauderhill. He asked what was being done to address this problem. City Manager Giles-Smith replied staff spoke to Fort Lauderdale about pumping water into Lauderhill, and Fort Lauderdale’s Utilities Department director apologized for the action, stating it should never have been done; he was unsure why Johnson Controls brought the water into Lauderhill, surmising they thought it was part of Fort Lauderdale’s drainage system, so she did not foresee it happening again. She said staff was on the watch for a repeat of those actions after the last rain event when there was flooding at Melrose Park, but there was no repeat of the actions. Another issue in that area was the blockage mentioned earlier that created some of the water issues, so now that the cement plug was removed, there should be no further flooding issues in that area. Mr. Wilkerson thanked the City Commission and Ms. Giles-Smith for looking out for the residents in the Parkway area regarding the light pole, as everything that could be done on the residents’ end with Florida Power & Light (FPL), Comcast, and other agencies was done, to no avail. A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Commissioner L. Martin, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Abstain: 0 6. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-15: A RESOLUTION APPROVING A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $205,000.00 TO APPROPRIATE PARTIAL FUNDING FOR THE CITY STORM WATER City of Lauderhill Page 9 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 MANAGEMENT AND FLOOD PROTECTION MASTER PLAN STUDY; PROVIDING FOR TRANSFERS AND PAYMENT FROM VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-01-15-Budget Adjustment -stormwater study.pdf AR 21R-01-15 Budget ADJ SMFPMP.pdf This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 7. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-16: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; APPROVING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO VITAL RECORDS CONTROL (VRC) TO PROVIDE OFF-SITE RECORD STORAGE ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS BASED UPON THE BIDS SOLICITED BY THE CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE (RFP#12257-095); PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 001-112-3110; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-01-16-PIGGY-Ft.Laud-Records Storage.pdf AR 21R-01-16 20210106082345 Commissioner Dunn stated she pulled all the items requesting a waiver of competitive bidding, as she sought assurance there was no local company that might wish to bid to provide the services being sought by the City, thereby, negating the need for an open request for proposal (RFP) process. She understood it was easier to piggyback on another city’s solicitation, as it saved time and money. Mr. Hobbs informed the Commission his staff and he always reached out to local vendors to see if they were interested in bidding to provide a service before piggybacking on another city’s contract. On some of the larger contracts, the City did not put the contract out for local, as some of the major factors were time and cost, so if an RFP was already sent out by another municipality or the State, the assumption was they went through the process of contacting local vendors, though they might not have reached local vendors in Lauderhill. He said what staff could do, and it was discussed earlier, before moving such contracts forward, they could investigate to see if there were any known local vendors that could perform the services being sought before bringing it to the Commission. Commissioner Dunn remarked on wishing to know if there was a local vendor with a certificate of use (COU) on record for Lauderhill that could potentially provide the subject services, and if the answer was no, then things could proceed. If the answer was yes, they should be given the opportunity. Mr. Hobbs explained if the answer was yes, then the City had to go through its formal solicitation process. City of Lauderhill Page 10 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 Commissioner Dunn said she was fine with that. If residents were being encouraged to shop local, then the City should do the same for its goods and services. Commissioner L. Martin asked if City staff considered the age of a contract when seeking to piggyback on another city’s contract. Mr. Hobbs answered yes and no. For example, there was no set timeframe, such as only looking at bids done in the last six months. However, staff did consider bids that were three years old or expiring soon, piggybacking on them while still going out to bid, as there were instances when the City needed some services or certain products sooner rather than later; thus, piggybacking allowed the City, for the short term, access to a list of vendors while still going out to bid. Commissioner L. Martin commented the cost, time, and other resources devoted to putting out a bid was considerable in many cases, and if the City sought to piggyback on the contract of another city some three miles away, it was safe to assume any viable company in the general vicinity would have bid on their contract. Though he understood Commissioner Dunn’s concerns, it seemed a waste to spend, for example, $100,000.00 in time, money and resources to go out to bid versus piggybacking on a nearby city’s contract for the same service. He suggested the City have a cap on how long a contract was in place when the City considered whether or not to piggyback on it; the preference would be to piggyback on more recent contracts. City Manager Giles-Smith added for most of the goods and services the City purchased bids were sent out. Mr. Hobbs concurred, stating the City piggybacked on less than five percent of its bids. The bids before the Commission were some of the larger acquisitions by the City, and the City Manager had a purchase limit that allowed many solicitations to be done in house, including seeking out local vendors to provide desired goods and services. City Attorney Hall said one area the Commission would see the City piggybacking on another government entity’s contract was for the purchase of vehicles. The State of Florida Sheriff’s Association did a complete spec for the entire State, so every city, county, etc., could use the same specs to purchase fire trucks and engines, etc., and this was a bid the State did every year, so it was always current. Vice Mayor Grant desired an explanation of the bidding process if a local vendor with a Lauderhill COU was able to provide the City with needed goods or service. Mr. Hobbs responded, depending on the size of the acquisition, for example one that was more than $60,000.00, City staff would send out an RFP to known vendors, as well as posting the bid on the purchasing site where most businesses were registered throughout the County, other cities’ vendors lists, and posting the RFP publicly. If the quote fell within the City Manager’s signing authority, respondents were vetted, their references checked, and a panel of City staff reviewed the vendor/candidates and made a selection that was approved after the City Manager reviewed the vendors and signed off on the selection. If the contract City of Lauderhill Page 11 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 for services exceeded the City Manager’s signing authority, the contract came before the Commission for approval. Mr. Hobbs said the process was basically the same, whether it came before the Commission or not, and it was based on the dollar threshold. Vice Mayor Grant asked if the selection panel and rating system were used only for larger contracts. Mr. Hobbs answered no, both were used for contracts of all sizes, except for a purchase below $1,000.00 that the City Manager could review and award, but contracts of $20,000.00, $30,000.00 and up had an RFP that included a grading scale that was published with the RFP, so everyone wishing to bid knew exactly what the City was looking for and how points were awarded. Vice Mayor Grant sought confirmation City staff kept the process fair and balanced, such as the grading system. Mr. Hobbs affirmed they did. Vice Mayor Grant said, depending on the grade of the proposing vendor, this was how the rating was established for the particular bid. Mr. Hobbs answered yes, staff considered vendors that were the most responsive bidder. The City had a local preference in its bidding process, so local businesses received additional points, even if their proposed pricing came in a little higher, but remained within a certain range. Commissioner S. Martin asked if all bids were done in the same manner. Mr. Hobbs replied sometimes the City sent out bids, RFPs, while other times a request for qualification (RFQ) was sent out, but there was a solicitation process, depending on the service/goods being sought. If they were looking for professional services, for example, the City might issue an RFQ, after which they would go out to seek pricing. He noted, for example, if staff was looking for widgets, and they all cost the same, then the City would do a bid, as the only goal was to find the best price. Thus, bids sought the lowest price, while RFPs sought the most responsive, responsible bidder that took price, references, etc. into consideration. Commissioner Dunn asked staff to do some due diligence to ensure there were no local vendors that could, potentially, benefit from the subject contracts. It there were none, she fully supported piggybacking and making less work for staff. Mr. Hobbs indicated he would follow up with Ms. Giles-Smith and Mr. Hall to ensure the City would not run afoul of any laws doing so. A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Commissioner S. Martin, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston No: 1- Commissioner M. Dunn City of Lauderhill Page 12 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 Abstain: 0 8. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-17: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; APPROVING THE PURCHASE FROM DUVAL FORD OF ONE (1) 2021 F-250 SUPER DUTY CREW CAB TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,118.00 AND ONE (1) 2021 F-250 4X4 REGULAR CAB TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,010.00, BOTH BASED UPON THE BIDS SOLICITED BY THE FLORIDA SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION VEHICLE CONTRACT (FSA20-VEL 18.0 AND 28.0); PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $64,128.00 FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBERS 401-933-06420; AND 401-931-6420 PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-01-17-PIGGY-TRUCKS-Duval Ford.pdf AR 21R-01-17 DUVAL FORD UTILITIES QUOTE Commissioner Dunn remarked, given the City Attorney’s explanation regarding the process the State went through with the purchase of vehicles, she was satisfied. A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Commissioner M. Dunn, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Abstain: 0 9. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-18: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AWARDING THE BID TO ISLAND SYNDICATE HOLDING, LLC IN ACCORDANCE WITH RFP 2021-001 TO PROVIDE PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES OF THE LAUDERHILL SPOTLIGHT NEWSLETTER ON A QUARTERLY BASIS; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 001-115-04710; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-01-18-bid-Spotlight Newletter Printing.pdf AR 21R-01-18 ISLAND SYNDICATE HOLDINGS Newsletter Printing Services 9-30-20 FINAL RANKING RFP 2021-001 newsletter This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 10. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-19: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE PROPOSAL FROM CALVIN, City of Lauderhill Page 13 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 GIORDANO & ASSOCIATES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $78,720.00 TO PREPARE A COMPREHENSIVE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MASTER PLAN; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 401-917-06308; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-01-19-Proposal-Calvin Giordano - water mgmt plan.pdf AR 21R-01-19 20-3875 Lauderhill Water Master Plan 12.14.20 (Signed CG) Fee Schedule_Engineering Services_20201214 Commissioner L. Martin referred to page eight of ten, the Schedule of Fees for the subject project, seeking clarification on whether the hourly rate was set or was the price included. He had no wish for the City to get to a point of having to hold meetings and paying an extraordinary amount for an hourly price. Mr. Hobbs replied the City went through a solicitation for the professional services, so hourly rates were already set that were vetted, and they were on file. City Manager Giles-Smith offered to pull the item and bring the hourly rates to the next Commission meeting. Commissioner L. Martin said this was not necessary, as he trusted City staff, but for future meetings, he wished that information included in the Commission’s backup. Mr. Hobbs assured him the information would be included henceforth. A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Vice Mayor D. Grant, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Abstain: 0 11. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-20: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA REAFFIRMING THE CITY’S COMMITMENT TO FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS; REAFFIRMING THAT THE FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTS AND GUARANTEES THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF ALL AMERICANS TO PEACEFULLY PROTEST AND REQUESTING THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT TREAT ALL PROTESTORS THE SAME REGARDLESS OF RACE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OR NATIONALITY; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER LAWRENCE MARTIN). City of Lauderhill Page 14 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 Attachments: RES-21R-01-20-Protect First Amendment Rights FINAL.pdf AR 21R-01-20 Commissioner L. Martin submitted the subject resolution in light of the unrest seen throughout the country in the past several months, and how law enforcement appeared to respond to certain groups in certain ways. He thought it prudent for the City of Lauderhill to be on record to make it clear First Amendment rights allowed everyone to protest peacefully with an expectation of doing so without a problem. However, as seen, particularly in cases in Washington, D.C., certain groups last year were harassed or aggressively addressed while peacefully protesting, while others a few weeks prior seemed to be allowed, more or less, to run amuck. He said the subject resolution was a statement acknowledging all protesters should expect to be treated in the same manner by law enforcement, and they should be allowed to peacefully express their first amendment rights without any expectation of violence. Vice Mayor Grant concurred, and she favored the operative word “peacefully” protest. A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Commissioner M. Dunn, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Abstain: 0 12. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-21: A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA AMEND EMERGENCY ORDER (EO 20-315) TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PHASE TIER SYSTEM RECOMMENDED BY THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES FOR ALLOCATION OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE; FURTHER REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR DECLARE TEACHERS TO BE DEEMED TO BE ESSENTIAL WORKERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINATION SCHEDULE PHASE 1C ALLOCATION; PROVIDING FOR DISTRIBUTION OF THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER SARAI “RAY” MARTIN). Attachments: RES-21R-01-21-Teachers-Essential Workers - COVID vaccine FINAL.pdf AR 21R-01-21 Ex. A-Advisory on Immunization Report.pdf Gov. EO 20-315.pdf florida-jurisdiction-executive-summary vaccinations.pdf Commissioner S. Martin remarked a number of Lauderhill teachers reached out to him, expressing concerns about going back into classrooms before being vaccinated or other precautionary procedures were in place. He observed organizations such as the Broward Teachers Union and other school districts City of Lauderhill Page 15 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 across South Florida were displeased with the way the vaccination program was being rolled out. Governor DeSantis was not following the CDC recommended guidelines and there were grey areas with regard to essential workers. He requested the City stand firm and send a message to the Governor to follow the CDC guidelines and declare teachers as essential workers to allow them to receive the COVID 19 vaccine if they were forced to go back to in-person teaching at schools. Mayor Thurston opened the discussion to the public. Robert Crum, resident of 3601 NW 7th Place, Lauderhill, stated he was excited to see the subject resolution being put forth, as it was important to the City’s teachers and support staff. This was something both the City and the State needed to put in place to ensure all school staff was covered. He appreciated the resolution and thanked the Commission for approving it. A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Commissioner S. Martin, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Abstain: 0 13. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-22: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL ACCEPTING THE GRANT OF NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENT FOR UTILITY INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A WATER MAIN AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FROM POMPANO/LINCOLN INDUSTRIAL LTD.; PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-01-22-Easement-grant-utility temporary Construction Pompano-Lincoln.pdf AR 21R-01-22 Temp. Construction Easement FINAL.pdf UTILITY EASEMENT FINAL.pdf EX. A&B-Pompano-LincolnUtilityEasementSketchDescription.pdf This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 14. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-23: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO AND RESTATEMENT OF THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM SURTAX INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) AND THE VARIOUS PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITIES; PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE City of Lauderhill Page 16 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-01-23-ILA-Agrmt-MPO 2nd Amendment.pdf AR 21R-01-23 2nd Amendment to ILA - (01.08.21) Final with exhibits.pdf Commissioner Dunn wished Mr. Hall to state on the record for the benefit of the public what the subject resolution sought to accomplish. City Attorney Hall replied, in 2018, the voters of Broward County voted to approve a transportation surtax, a tax now being placed on everyone’s tax bills. This meant all cities would submit their transportation projects to the County to be funded. He said there was an original agreement the City signed in 2018 to allow monetary allocations for Broward cities to spend on transit projects. He explained the subject resolution was an amendment to the original 2018 agreement to further restate the process used to award monies to the cities. Thus, the surtax was already approved in 2018, so this was not a new tax, but the amendment was just to restate the original agreement, and further define how monetary awards would be made to cities. Mayor Thurston pointed out the City’s representative on the County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) was Commissioner L. Martin. A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Commissioner M. Dunn, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Abstain: 0 15. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPOINTING ROBERT CRUM BY COMMISSIONER SARAI “RAY” MARTIN TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE REMAINDER OF A TERM THAT SHALL EXPIRE WITH THE COMMISSIONER SEAT OR NOVEMBER 2024; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Attachments: RES-21R-01-24-Brd-Educational Advisory-Ray Martin.pdf AR 21R-01-24 Educational Advisory Board List Crum, Robert This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 16. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL RENAMING A PORTION OF N.W. 17TH COURT WITH THE SECONDARY STREET NAME OF "JANIE BURGESS MCCUTCHEON CT." FROM 35TH AVENUE TO N.W. City of Lauderhill Page 17 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 33TH AVENUE IN HONOR OF HER MEMORY FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS AND SERVICES TO THE LAUDERHILL COMMUNITY; PROVIDING THAT THE PRIMARY STREET NAME SHALL REMAIN N.W. 17th COURT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-01-25-Street Renaming Secondary Name-McCutcheon-NW 17Ct.pdf AR 21R-01-25 Petition-backup-Rename 17 Court Documents Vice Mayor Grant thought this was a great way to honor someone who did exceptional work in the City, or who was connected with an individual in Lauderhill. She wished Mr. Hall or Ms. Giles-Smith to give an explanation of the process of renaming a street or landmarks, as she received many such requests; she knew it could be done via by petition, or advanced by a member of the Commission. City Attorney Hall said this was correct. Residents could complete a petition of area residents and submit it to the Commission for consideration, or any member of the Commission could advance such a request. Vice Mayor Grant questioned if the recipient of the dedication had to be deceased. City Attorney Hall answered no. City Manager Giles-Smith indicated the procedure was recently amended to require the recipient to be deceased, though the guideline did stipulate this, the final decision was the Commission’s, so it could be modified or adjusted. A motion was made by Vice Mayor D. Grant, seconded by Commissioner L. Martin, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Abstain: 0 17. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-01-26: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; APPROVING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ORANGE LIEN DATA, LLC. TO PROVIDE LIEN SEARCH SERVICES ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS BASED UPON THE BIDS SOLICITED BY THE CITY OF DELRAY (2019-016); PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM THE APPROPRIATE BUDGET CODE NUMBERS ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-01-26-PIGGY-Orange Lien Data.pdf AR 21R-01-26 FILE_3117 City of Lauderhill Page 18 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 Commissioner Dunn restated her need to ensure local vendors were given a chance to bid on the subject contract before approving a waiver for competitive bidding. A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Vice Mayor D. Grant, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston No: 1- Commissioner M. Dunn Abstain: 0 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 A. A DISCUSSION OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON 441 AND NORTH WEST 16 STREET (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER LAWRENCE MARTIN). Commissioner L. Martin remarked at the intersection of 441 and NW 16th Street, the northeast corner of the Lauderhill Mall property, over the past five months some severe accidents took place, with at least two resulting in fatalities. In speaking with the City’s law enforcement staff, and wondering why that particular corner was so dangerous, every time there was a traffic fatality at the subject intersection, it was in the news. He felt the optics of seeing the news repeatedly reporting on fatalities or persons being severely hurt in Lauderhill was concerning, so he sought an explanation as to what information City staff had on the matter, what was being done to address the situation, and what solutions were possible to prevent or reduce such occurrences. City Manager Giles-Smith replied the subject issue was discussed with Police Chief Stanley and her staff, as Chief Stanley did bring it to City Administration’s attention that there were a number of traffic fatalities, and City Engineer Cala looked at the matter and had some results he was forwarding to Broward County. She explained the County ran all traffic engineering, so any signalization at intersections were all placed by the County. The City could make requests for changes, whether it was to add or remove traffic lights, but the County made the ultimate decision on what happened with traffic engineering in Broward. Mr. Cala commented, though the right of way was owned by FDOT, Broward City of Lauderhill Page 19 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 County synchronized traffic signals and managed traffic. At the abovementioned intersection where there were a number of accidents in which there was a fatality. His staff and he contacted the County and FDOT to find out if they had any concerns, and the response from FDOT was they were in contact with the County, and they were taking action; that is, in six weeks they would install new traffic lighting, giving a brief explanation on the proposed changes that would be made to make the intersection safer. Commissioner L. Martin concurred; he understood the existing problem was at the turning lanes north and southbound on 441, after the arrow went off, or stayed green, so people still tried to turn left or right turn with cars coming toward them from the north and south at high rates of speed. Unfortunately, when people saw the yellow light, they tended to speed up rather than slow down. He understood the intention was to make the turn arrow go red, so as to leave no room for subjective interpretation, so drivers would remain at the intersection until the arrow light turned green again. Mr. Cala affirmed the turn arrow would turn red. Commissioner L. Martin mentioned being present at one of the accidents at the subject intersection, and there was a husband and wife in a minivan, and a young driver came speeding through in a BMW, side swiped the minivan and flipped it over. He got out of his car with many others to flip the van over, and the lady in the minivan was deceased at the scene. It was something to witness, but to hear it was happening repeatedly was very concerning; he was at the Lauderhill Golf Course just two weeks ago and, while in conversation, heard a loud bang, and it was another accident at the same intersection. He prayed the changes were made to prevent any more fatalities. Commissioner Dunn noted, in addition to the risk of loss of life and property, another challenge was with the industrial business district and the difficulty customers had accessing the area to do business. She spoke to a number of business owners in the area, and every time a traffic accident caused road congestion, they lost money, so there was a great sense of urgency. In addition to quality of life challenges traffic accidents brought to those involved, FDOT and the County need to understand the economic impacts to area businesses. 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. Commissioner S. Martin acknowledged the presence of former Commissioner Hayward Benson; he was happy to see him out and well, thanking him for coming out to the meeting. Commissioner L. Martin urged anyone who knew senior citizens aged 80 and older, or persons married 25 years or more to fill out the Magnificent Milestones form, so they could be acknowledged and celebrated. City of Lauderhill Page 20 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 25, 2021 Vice Mayor Grant mentioned the Unity in the Community program was an important initiative celebrating the oneness of Lauderhill, one voice, one Lauderhill. The City Commission and staff were going into the Lauderhill community to let them know they cared and were there for them. The City Commission, along with the City’s police department and code enforcement officers, Ms. Giles-Smith and other staff, went out to areas in the City in need of a little more love, providing them with hand sanitizers, masks, and information from the police department. She noted the Lauderhill Police Department was currently hiring and she felt sure there Lauderhill residents who could be great candidates. HOA presidents were putting information about their Zoom meetings in those areas. Vice Mayor Grant said the program was a good way to connect with the community, though social distancing was a must, and they were being very cautious. The first time they launched the program, they visited the St. George area, and there was a house causing residents concern, and she found that out soon after City representatives walked the community and interacted with the residents, the persons occupying that house moved out. She guessed they realized the police, elected officials, and City staff were out and would be there to help the community. They would be going out again on Tuesday, January 26 at 4:00 p.m., focusing on NW 34th Avenue and NW 4th Street, and City representatives were invited to come out and walk the community together. She said, regarding the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP), information was sent out frequently, and the City partnered with Alex Sanchez, the president of the Florida Banking Association, when the City’s small and medium-sized businesses were unable to get any help from larger banks, even those with whom they did their normal banking. With Mr. Sanchez’s help, staff paired businesses with eight banks; banks were calling the City for direction to businesses needing help as a result of Mr. Sanchez’s help. This was a successful initiative, but more help was needed, and there were over 5,000 businesses in Lauderhill, so this time around they sought to help 2,500 to 3,000 businesses. She said they received calls from CEOs with 28 banks who stated they had the infrastructure in place, and people assigned solely to help Lauderhill businesses, so staff and she would be pairing Lauderhill businesses and nonprofit organizations with the banks to apply for PPP and get other needed banking services. The City was working with the Small Business Association (SBA), and the district manager would partner with the City of Lauderhill to provide more resources to help the City. She said any local business owner in need of PPP information should call the City’s Economic Department at (954) 730-3041, so staff could help where possible, as some business would qualify, while others would not, but if they provided staff with the necessary information, they could at least inform businesses of what was possible. City Manager Giles-Smith congratulated Commissioner Dunn for her recent appointment to serve on the National League of Cities 2021 Community & Economic Development Federal Advocacy Committee. The committee would help develop policy issues affecting cities all over the country regarding housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation, and international competitiveness. XIX ADJOURNMENT - 8:49 PM City of Lauderhill Page 21