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, February 22, 2021 7:00 PM Attend via phone: Dial 1-312-626-6799 & Meeting ID: 915 9831 0214 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 February 22, 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. City Attorney Hall indicated Commissioner S. Martin contacted City Clerk Anderson and him, stating he wished to attend the meeting telephonically, as he was stuck in an airport because his flight was delayed. Based on a previously rendered opinion he found on the Attorney General’s website issued by former Attorney General Charlie Crist, the City Commission could give their ruling as to whether Commissioner S. Martin would be permitted to attend the meeting remotely, as he was ready to participate in the Commission meeting if allowed. He read into the record the operative condition upon which the Commission should base their present decision, specifically, Attorney General Opinion 2003 41, with the relevant paragraph stating: Accordingly, it is my opinion that where a rule or statute contemplates that a meeting will be held in a public place with the members physically present, the participation of an absent member in the meeting by telephone conference should be permitted only in extraordinary circumstances, and when a quorum of the board members is physically present at the meeting. Whether the absence of a member due to a scheduling conflict constitutes such a circumstance is a determination that must be made in the good judgment of the board. City Attorney Hall pointed out the last sentence granted the City Commission the right to make the decision accordingly. Commissioner L. Martin made a motion to Approve permitting Commissioner S. Martin to participate and vote remotely when required in the City Commission meeting of February 22, 2021, seconded by Commissioner Dunn. The motion carried by the following vote: Commissioner Dunn Yes Vice Mayor Grant Yes Commissioner L. Martin Yes Mayor Thurston Yes 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 City of Lauderhill Page 1 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 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 board members were required to be physically present at public meetings. As a result, with the exception of Commissioner S. Martin, who was attending the meeting remotely, all other members of the City Commission were present in the Commission Chambers at City Hall accessing 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 everyone 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 Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Mayor K. Thurston, to ACCEPT the Revised Version of the City Commission Meeting Agenda for February 22, 2021. 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 IV CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Vice Mayor D. Grant, 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 City of Lauderhill Page 2 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 A. Minutes of the City Commission Meeting for February 8, 2021. Attachments: February 8, 2021 - City Commission Meeting Minutes These Minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) VI PROCLAMATIONS / COMMENDATIONS A. A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE NEWSPAPER ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER LAWRENCE MARTIN). VII SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS VIII GENERAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES MAXIMUM) A. A PRESENTATION ON THE COUNTY-WIDE SAFE AND CLEAN INITIATIVE FROM GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE CONVENTION AND VISITOR'S BUREAU PRESIDENT AND CEO, STACY RITTER (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT). B. A PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING THE BOARD AND RESIDENTS OF EDGEWOOD GREENS (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT). C. A PRESENTATION ON THE LAUDERHILL BOXING PROGRAM (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT). D. REMOVED IX ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) X ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) XI RESOLUTIONS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) 1. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-02-40: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPOINTING WARENCE MAE SMITH BY COMMISSIONER SARAI "RAY" MARTIN TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF JACOB GREENE EXPIRING NOVEMBER 2022; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER SARAI "RAY" MARTIN). Attachments: RES-21R-02-40-Brd-Code - R-Martin-Smith.pdf AR 21R-02-40 Code Enforcement Board List Smith, Mae This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) City of Lauderhill Page 3 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 2. RESOLUTION 21R-02-41: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE RANKING OF QUALIFIED FIRMS PURSUANT TO RFP #2021-003 AND THE CONCEPTUAL PLAN FOR PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES TO START THE PLANNING PHASE FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT ST. GEORGE PARK (PHASE 3) AS RECOMMENDED BY THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM THE APPROPRIATE BUDGET CODE NUMBER(S); PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-02-41-Ranking-St.George Phase 3 Improvements AR 21R-02-41 St. George Park - GO Bond - AS-101 Proposed Site Plan - Master Plan - with note regarding Phase 3 FINAL RANKING RFP 2021-003 ST GEORGE CONSULTANT This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 3. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-02-42: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE TRANSMITTAL OF A REQUEST TO BROWARD COUNTY FOR THE UNITY OF TITLE REGARDING JAMES BRADLEY PARK AS DESCRIBED THEREIN AND APPROVING THE NEW LEGAL DESCRIPTION AS PROVIDED IN EXHIBIT “A”; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-02-42-Unity of Title - James Bradley Park.pdf AR 21R-02-42 Unity of Title-James Bradley-FINAL.pdf Ex. A - Legal Description James Bradley Park Unity of Title_20210204164934.pdf Ex. B.-Survey-Unity of Title-James Bradley.pdf Commissioner Dunn requested clarification on a sentence in the backup referring to single-family residence. City Attorney Hall responded in the unit entitlement document that would be recorded, paragraph two contained a phrase from a prior draft that read: …as long as such properties shall be used as a single-family residence…”, and this wording needed to be removed. The rest of the paragraph’s wording was satisfactory. The motion would approve the resolution, deleting the abovementioned wording from the title. 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: City of Lauderhill Page 4 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 Yes: 5- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, Commissioner S. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Abstain: 0 4. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-02-43: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE MODIFICATIONS TO THE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE ALREADY EXISTING POSITION OF DIVISION FIRE CHIEF FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-02-43-JOB-modification-Division Fire Chief.pdf AR 21R-02-43 Division Fire Chief 2021 This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 5. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-02-44: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021; PROVIDING FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $118,240.00 FOR THE PURCHASE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO QUALIFIED PARTICIPANTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-02-44-Agrmt-HOME Housing Purch Assist FY 20-21doc.pdf AR 21R-02-44 FY 20-21 Lauderhill-HOME DPA Commissioner L. Martin wished staff to give a brief presentation, as when significant dollar amounts were mentioned in a resolution, and he thought some explanation to the public was warranted. City Manager Giles-Smith mentioned Tameka Dorsett did an excellent job as the City’s Assistant Grants Manager, making sure the City’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and HOME Investment Partnership Program funds were spent appropriately, as well as any COVID 19 dollars coming to the City were disbursed to residents and businesses accordingly. Ms. Dorsett would review the HOME program, and the City expected to receive some SHIP funding, though it was unclear how much, and Lauderhill would receive $700,000.00 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program dollars for the current fiscal year. Assistant Grants Manager Tameka Dorsett presented the subject resolution, as detailed in the backup, highlighting the following: City of Lauderhill Page 5 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 • The City had two programs, one for purchase assistance to help with down payments and closing costs, and one for rehab assistance for home improvements • The City would begin advertising the programs in the middle to the end of May, giving at least a 30-day notice before accepting applications. Commissioner L. Martin questioned if the purchase assistance was for first-time homebuyers. Ms. Dorsett clarified they did not need to be first-time homebuyers to receive purchase assistance. Commissioner L. Martin commented this was the type of information the City needed to send out on Connect Lauderhill, as this was information people needed to receive as soon as possible, so they could apply. He urged the public to register on Connect Lauderhill, so they could receive information on City programs as soon as possible. Commissioner Dunn inquired about requirements to apply; she knew one qualification was income based, asking if applicants had to be a Lauderhill resident. Ms. Dorsett replied, for the purchase assistance portion, applicants did not have to be a Lauderhill resident, but the home being purchased must be situated in Lauderhill. For the rehab assistance portion, applicants had to be Lauderhill residents; the property had to qualify, and the resident had to qualify based on income. She explained property qualification meant the owner was current with their city services, property taxes, mortgage payments, if they had a mortgage, and with homeowners’ association (HOA) maintenance payments, if their community had an HOA. She said the homeowner could have no unpermitted situations, and staff worked with applicants on situations that needed to be addressed, in an effort to get as many residents as possible to qualify. Commissioner Dunn asked if the City had flexibility in the rules for the homebuyer portion of the program; that is, could first priority be given to homebuyers who were renting their home in Lauderhill while working to purchase their home in the City. City Manager Giles-Smith said she could have staff look at the wording, as changes to some of the program’s back documents might be needed to make it possible. Ms. Dorsett mentioned preference was shown to first-time homebuyers; a homebuyer renting a home for the last three years was considered a first-time homebuyer. Commissioner Dunn remarked her focus was transitioning existing residents renting a home in Lauderhill to homeownership in Lauderhill. She asked staff to look at existing language to see if wording could be amended to allow applicants to move to the top of the list. City Manager Giles-Smith said her staff and she would look into how this could be done, as the program was currently on a first come/first serve basis; if it were possible and required some language adjustments to documents, it could be done, but it might take a little time to do so. City of Lauderhill Page 6 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 Vice Mayor Grant wished to know if there was a waiting list for the program. Ms. Dorsett answered no; neither program had a waiting list, City Manager Giles-Smith restated the programs were on a first come/first served basis, and once the funds were expended, the programs closed. Staff sought to ensure all the funds were spent expeditiously, as a failure to disburse all the funds could result in the City receiving less funding in the next fiscal year. Vice Mayor Grant asked the highest amount of funding an applicant could receive. Ms. Dorsett responded purchase assistance depended on the income category into which a homebuyer fell; if they were in the low-income bracket, they could receive up to $40,000.00, and if they were in the very low-income bracket, they could receive up to $50,000.00. Commissioner Dunn wondered if applicants often submitted incomplete applications, as staff experienced with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) programs, and did this pose a barrier to them receiving assistance. Ms. Dorsett said the issue of incomplete applications was not as much of a problem as with the CARES programs. There were instances of a document or two being left out. Commissioner Dunn asked Ms. Giles-Smith and her staff to consider, before opening applications for the programs, doing an educational series or an information session, and invite the community to hear a presentation. In this way, applicants could gather the documents they need to apply in advance. She suggested staff go into communities where they knew low-income applicants could be found, such as at Lauderhill Point, where persons might wish to move from renting into homeownership. City Manager Giles-Smith said she would direct her staff accordingly, as the City currently did seminars to help people apply for CARES dollars, and staff could put a seminar on the City’s website, including some of the information Commissioner Dunn provided to get the information out to as many people as possible, targeting persons living in the City’s rental communities, such as Lauderhill Point. Commissioner L. Martin restated his encouragement for everyone to register on Lauderhill Connect, so people could get program information as soon as it was available, since assistance was given on a first come/first served basis. Anyone wishing to sign up on Lauderhill Connect should go to the City’s website and type Lauderhill Connect in the search bar, and they could choose to receive three different types of information when they signed up. Mayor Thurston sought clarification on how City staff determined someone had not owned a home in the last three years. Ms. Dorsett clarified the City’s purchase assistance program was not for first-time City of Lauderhill Page 7 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 homebuyers only; applicants did not necessarily have to be first-time homebuyers, though the City could show preference to first-time homebuyers. To determine if an applicant was a first-time homebuyer, staff looked at their taxes to see if they owned a home within the last three years. Mayor Thurston opened the discussion to the public. Robert Crum, 3601 NW 7th Place, Lauderhill, Vice President of the St. George/Broward Estates HOA, thought the subject program was excellent, and the idea for a workshop to help applicants prior to the acceptance of applications was something the Lauderhill Community Coalition and the St. George HOA were discussing. They were concerned with the rent to own ratio of residents, and they were working on increasing homeownership for residents in their community. He appreciated the City’s efforts to get the information out to residents, as oftentimes they were unaware of assistance programs. The same applied to residents’ knowledge of advisory boards and their function, so this was another area where a workshop would be useful to residents. Vice Mayor Grant read into the record a question from Mae Smith, Lauderhill resident, that noted it was not possible to help many persons with a limit of $40,000.00 to $50,000.00, asking if it was possible to lower the maximum amount to $30,000.00. City Manager Giles-Smith replied the City raised the amount of assistance provided, as the previously lower amounts were of no help to persons falling in the low to very low income brackets to purchase a home. As part of meeting the CDBG requirements, the City had to help persons who fell into these lower income brackets to purchase a home, as many were unable to come up with a sufficient down payment, so the City’s assistance helped fill the gap. Vice Mayor Grant read another comment by Ms. Smith that asked if a homebuyer was buying within their means, would the assistance program help with closing costs. Ms. Dorsett answered yes. Sam Wilkerson, 610 NW 38th Avenue, Lauderhill, asked if the program applied to homebuyers wishing to purchase a home in Lauderhill. Ms. Dorsett affirmed it did. Mayor Thurston received no further input from the public. 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-02-45:A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY City of Lauderhill Page 8 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND BROWARD COUNTY FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021; PROVIDING FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $118,240.00 FOR THE REHABILITATION PROGRAM TO QUALIFIED PARTICIPANTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-02-45-Agrmt-HOME Housing Disbursements - RehabProgram FY 20-21.pdf AR 21R-02-45 FY 20-21 Lauderhill-HOME Rehabilitation Commissioner Dunn requested a brief presentation on the subject program, including who it would serve, what the qualifications were, how much money applicant could receive, and when would the City begin accepting applications. Ms. Dorsett reviewed the subject resolution, as detailed in the backup, highlighting the following: • The advertisement for the subject program would run at the same time as the programs under agenda item five; that is, in mid-May • For rehab assistance, the funds would cover replacement for doors, windows, air conditioners, roofs, plumbing, and electric as deemed health and safety; if ADA compliance was needed for bathrooms or wheelchair ramps, assistance was offered to cover those costs as well • To qualify for the HOME program, applicants had to fall within the very low income categories • Preferences were given to senior applicants and anyone with special needs • Each applicant could receive up to $60,000.00; the City increased the maximum award, as there were applicants whose home inspection revealed they had $80,000.00 to $100,000.00 worth of repairs to bring the house up to code. City Manager Giles-Smith commented, for applicants whose rehab included a roof repair, this was a very major cost, and once there were roof problems, it created issues for other areas of the home, including mold, mildew, electrical, etc. Staff sought to ensure the roof on the homes were sound, and that could cost upwards of $25,000.00, which was the maximum amount previously offered, so roof repair would be the only rehab an applicant could make. To really try to help residents, particularly seniors who owned homes that had not been worked on in years and needed changes made, such as ADA wheelchair ramps or railings in the bathrooms, the City tried to make sure funding assistance was sufficient to address multiple needs. She noted not all applicants received the full amount, but after the home inspection was made, the necessary rehabs were funded. The program was on a first come/first serve basis. Commissioner Dunn sought confirmation when applicant’s dropped off a hard copy of their application at City Hall, it was time stamped and entered into the computer. City of Lauderhill Page 9 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 Ms. Dorsett answered yes. Commissioner L. Martin, again, urged residents to sign up on Connect Lauderhill. He said since the subject funds were targeted to help individuals, he hoped City staff would work on getting more dollars; though he was unsure of the process and knew it was an effort with the County, he questioned how members of the City Commission could urge various sources to increase funding to the City to help more people. Ms. Dorsett mentioned the State representative would be instrumental in finding sources of additional funding. SHIP was the City’s largest funding source, but the COVID 19 pandemic completely eliminated the $800,000.00 the City should have received were it not for the pandemic. She commented the City was supposed to receive SHIP funding in the current fiscal year that could amount to over $1 million, but the parties were still discussing the matter. The funds usually came to the City a little ahead of time, so the City could begin releasing funds at the beginning of the fiscal year, October 1, but due to the pandemic, there were delays at the county level, so SHIP issued the inter local agreements (ILA) a little late this year. Vice Mayor Grant sought to clarify the SHIP funding was removed by Governor Ron DeSantis, taking it out of the City’s control. City Manager Giles-Smith affirmed this to be the case. Vice Mayor Grant wished to confirm the $1 million in SHIP funds was Lauderhill’s allocation only, asking if these were monies the City requested. City Manager Giles-Smith explained SHIP dollars came from the State of Florida, via the Sadowski Trust fund, but the Governor had the power to use the funds elsewhere, as the State government did in 2020; she was unsure how SHIP funds would be distributed in the current fiscal year, but it was up to the Governor and State Legislature. She noted they used a formula to calculate how much each county or city received. Vice Mayor Grant asked if the City needed to send representatives to Tallahassee to advocate the allocation of SHIP funds to Lauderhill. City Manager Giles-Smith answered yes. Vice Mayor Grant questioned if City representatives should write letters to State representatives, since they were unable to go in person due to the pandemic. City Manager Giles-Smith thought they should. Commissioner Dunn added this was a task the City’s lobbyist should be charged with. City Manager Giles-Smith indicated the City’s lobbyist was already working on it. Mayor Thurston opened the discussion to the public. City of Lauderhill Page 10 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 Mr. Crum thought the subject program was great, asking how members of the community could help push the Governor and State representatives to increase funding for the community. In reference to the low income qualifier, was it possible to render assistance to people who were slightly above the low income threshold. City Manager Giles-Smith explained part of the process was for the City to follow federal guidelines, as the City was audited annually to determine if the City followed federal guidelines. If an applicant was even $1.00 over the required income limit, they were denied, or the City would risk losing its funding. She stressed low income guidelines were very strict and available for review on the City’s website under “grants and administration”; income guidelines were based on the number in a household, income earned, etc. Mr. Crum mentioned, oftentimes, applicants were unsure how to fill out applications, particularly older persons with poor reading and writing skills, asking if there was a way to help such persons fill out an application. City Manager Giles-Smith assured the public City staff was available to help those needing assistance go over the application and help fill out the forms. Anyone knowing of someone needing such help should call City staff at 954-730-3000, and the Grants Department staff would assist anyone in need of help. Mayor Thurston stated realtors pushed for the Sadowski Trust Fund, noting the fund was named after a very prominent realtor; the Trust was funded by a surtax on real estate transactions and maintained in Tallahassee. The dollars were to be distributed for affordable housing throughout the State, but previous State administrations raided the Sadowski Trust, using the money to balance the State budget. He said one of the most important factors to consider when electing State representatives was to communicate to them the need for the Sadowski Trust to remain fully funded, so communities in need of affordable housing in Florida received the money as planned. Mayor Thurston received no further input from the public. 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: 4- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Excused: 1- Commissioner S. Martin Abstain: 0 7. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-02-46: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF DONALD GIANCOLI BY THE CITY MANAGER TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE CONFIDENTIAL & MANAGERIAL (SENIOR MANAGEMENT) PENSION BOARD FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF JULIE BROWN THROUGH AUGUST 2023; (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). City of Lauderhill Page 11 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 Attachments: RES-21R-02-46-Brd-Conf & Mgr Pension-City Mgr appt.pdf AR 21R-02-46 Confidential & Managerial Pension Board List.pdf This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 8. RESOLUTION NO. 20R-02-47: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PROPOSAL FROM CK CONTRACTORS & DEVELOPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $89,950.00 FOR SOLE SOURCE REPAIRS TO THE CULVERT LOCATED AT 7573 WEST OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY LUMEN F/K/A CENTURY LINK; WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS DUE TO SOLE SOURCE EXEMPTION; PROVIDING THAT THE FULL COST OF THE REPAIRS SHALL BE PAID BY LUMEN PURSUANT TO THE ATTACHED PROJECT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE BY THE CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-02-47-Sole Source -CK-Culvert Repair by Lumen.pdf AR 21R-02-47 CK Letter to Sole Source 2-17-21.pdf CK Proposal-Oakland Park Blvd Drainage Repair 20-10281 R1.pdf Project Management Agreement- Lumen-Executed.pdf This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 9. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-02-48: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FLORIDA IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL (HB 15) SUPPORTING E-FAIRNESS LEGISLATION IN CONGRESS; PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION OF STATE SALES TAX WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOR ALL BUSINESSES WHETHER ONLINE OR ON MAIN STREET; REDEFINING THE TERM OF RETAIL SALE TO ALLOW FOR THE COLLECTION OF INTERSTATE COMMERCE AS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPREME COURT TO EVEN THE PLAYING FIELD FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER MELISSA P. DUNN). Attachments: RES-21R-02-48-Support HB 15-e-legislation-interstate sales tax.pdf AR 21R-02-48 HB 15 e-fairness legislation Interstate Sales Tax.pdf Remote Sales Tax Collection.pdf Commissioner Dunn wanted to go on the record to state why the subject item was so important. Oftentimes large, out-of-state companies edged out small, local brick and mortar companies, taking away business and not paying sales taxes local City of Lauderhill Page 12 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 companies had to pass on to their customers. In the era of COVID 19 when retailers were hurting, this was an added disadvantage, so she recommended an initiative to urge State legislators to equalize taxation, so everyone doing business across the board paid sales tax, taking away the competitive edge from eCommerce companies. Commissioner L. Martin said he wholeheartedly supported the subject resolution, as many other states had similar policies in place, and he was unsure why Florida lagged behind. This was another area where Lauderhill residents and business owners could play a part by urging their State representatives and legislators in writing to create an even playing field with eCommerce companies. 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: 4- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Excused: 1- Commissioner S. Martin Abstain: 0 10. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-02-49: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, URGING THE IMMEDIATE REPEAL OF SB 7068 (2019) AND DEFUNDING OF THE MULTI-USE CORRIDORS OF REGIONAL AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE (M-CORES) PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER MELISSA P. DUNN). Attachments: RES-21R-02-49-Repeal M-Cores.pdf AR 21R-02-49 Commissioner Dunn mentioned the earlier discussion on the need for additional dollars to help with home ownership and rehab in Lauderhill. Governor DeSantis created the Multi-use Corridor for Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) program, bypassing the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) five-year planning process. She stated in 2020/2021 fiscal year, during the COVID 19 pandemic, $142 million was allotted to the M-CORES toll road without determining its need or feasibility, while affordable housing programs were unfunded. She read the resolutions title into the record, as detailed in the backup. She wished to ask the City to urge Lauderhill’s State representative and Governor DeSantis to put a stop to the situation. Commissioner L. Martin concurred. Mayor Thurston opened the discussion to the public. Mr. Crum appreciated the explanation of the agenda item, as many times residents did not understand what resolutions sought to accomplish, but it was important for them to gain an understanding, so they realized the importance for residents and businesses to come together as a community and be more vocal to their State City of Lauderhill Page 13 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 representatives and other delegates. He asked for their contact information to disseminate to the community, along with some guidance on how best to communicate with them. Commissioner Dunn stated there was a link on the City’s website showing who the City’s State representatives were, along with their contact information. She asked if the City could provide a draft letter as a template the community could use as a guide on how to send requests for action to the State representatives. City Attorney Hall affirmed he would. Mayor Thurston received no further input from the public. 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: 4- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston Excused: 1- Commissioner S. Martin 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 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 Dunn remarked on previous discussions for Lauderhill to celebrate its 62nd birthday, and part of that celebration could be contests, whether for art and photography, music, food, and fashion. She asked her fellow Commissioners on which would they like to take the lead; part of her request at the Commission workshop was for each Commissioner to put some of their initiative dollars toward this program. This would be a citywide initiative. For example, the music could be a songwriting contest. Commissioner L. Martin stated he would take on the music contest. City of Lauderhill Page 14 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 Vice Mayor Grant wished to know how much Commissioners should contribute. Commissioner Dunn thought $500.00 from each Commissioner was satisfactory. The money would go toward the prize. Mayor Thurston indicated he would take on art and photography. Vice Mayor Grant wanted to think more on which initiative she would undertake. Commissioner Dunn said the remaining categories were fashion and food. Since Vice Mayor Grant led the City’s charge on the food initiative, perhaps this was something she could look into. Commissioner L. Martin nominated Commissioner S. Martin, in his absence, to undertake the fashion contest, as he always appeared so dapper. Commissioner L. Martin mentioned, for the past month, he went out on ride alongs with various City departments to get a firsthand look at how they worked; he thanked all staff he interacted with for their professionalism. He said the police department had an officer named Picasso Green, and in his three to four-hour drive around the City with Officer Green, there was an armed kidnapping, an attempted suicide, and a death. The level of compassion and professionalism he witnessed was amazing; it was refreshing to know the City employed such young professionals who did the job right. He rode with Chief Levy of the City’s fire department, and they visited all the fire stations and witnessed the dedication all fire personnel showed daily; at almost every police stop there was a rescue/fire truck present. With the code staff, he rode around the City with Assistant Operations Administrator April Skinner, and he again witnessed the different dynamics of what code enforcement did, knocking on doors, doing unit inspections of apartment complexes, speaking with apartment maintenance staff who accompanied the code officers on the inspections; they literally went through the whole complex. He spoke with code staff on areas in which they could be more automated, as some reports were still handwritten. Commissioner L. Martin rode around the City with Interim Parks & Recreation Director Scott Newton, who was the ultimate professional and very excited about the opportunities coming forward for the City of Lauderhill; the number of park projects taking place or soon to come on board was very impressive. The City Commission supported the City’s park staff in all their work, as did all the HOAs even if they sometimes gave staff a hard time. He had a few more departments to ride around the City with, and he looked forward to meeting them, asking those with whom he already rode with to pass his compliments and appreciation to their staff for doing such a good job. On his website, Lauderhill Coach Keith showed some young soccer players under ten years of age who went up to Vero Beach for a game; they were constantly doing great things, and the City could not applaud them enough. As Vice Mayor Grant said, it was important to keep boosting the achievements of the City’s youth and their coaches, and their excitement in wanting to participate. Commissioner L. Martin gave a brief update on AT&T and Florida Power & Light (FPL), stating they received notification a few days prior that AT&T identified about eight or nine poles in needed of correction by March 10, 2021, at the earliest. They would stay on top of that project to make sure they were completed; a number of residents received knocks on their doors City of Lauderhill Page 15 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 informing them of the upcoming work to address various issues. He urged residents to keep relaying their concerns to the Commission, so the City could work on addressing them on their behalf. Vice Mayor Grant echoed compliments to the youth sports coaches and their young team members, as many coaches, such as Coach Keith with the Lauderhill Lions, were volunteers with the City for many years. The Unity in the Community initiative would take place on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 5:30 p.m.; they would be over by the West Ken Lark community, visiting homes on NW 12th Place to NW 14th Street to NW 31st Avenue to NW 33rd Avenue. She said, as mentioned before, they would do visits with City’s police and code enforcement officers, and she hoped Ms. Giles-Smith and other members of the Commission would participate. The initiative was to show members in the Lauderhill community they were appreciated, and they should voice concerns and ask questions; information about the City was provided to residents during such visits, and there would be a mask distribution, as some 1,400 masks were donated through State Representative Bobby DuBose. Vice Mayor Grant mentioned seeing Deputy Police Chief Timothy Belcher out in the community interacting with the City’s youths, stating they took names and addresses, so they could help families they saw struggling. On February 23, 2021, there was an opportunity to clean another park through the Adopt-A-Park initiative, an effort to keep the City’s parks clean; this was being done through the City’s Parks & Recreation Department and Fresco y Mas, located at the former Winn Dixie in Lauderhill Mall. Fresco y Mas would adopt Wolk Park on NW 12th Street, and they were willing to see what was required to assist on a monetary basis. The Grace Food Truck would be there from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. providing food. She next discussed the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), stating the City was doing exceptionally well under Mr. Hobbs’s leadership of the Economic Development Department. They had a team together, who put a strong infrastructure in place to help Lauderhill businesses get funds to help them stay in business. She noted, from the list of 2,500 Lauderhill businesses, staff called many of them and put them on the list, then paired them with one of some 30 banks that reached out to the City to offer help. Out of this program, the goal was not only to help businesses get PPP, but many banks saw a need in Lauderhill, and the way the City advocated on behalf of local businesses; they saw the potential for good investments in Lauderhill. She was grateful the City Commission and staff were working together to ensure the success of Lauderhill businesses, which was one of the City’s responsibilities. On another note, starting Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to the evening of March 9, 2021, President Biden’s administration put forward only small businesses with 20 and less employees could apply for PPP; staff already posted the information on the City’s website, and this was a great opportunity for small businesses. The Biden administration would give the Country’s smallest employers two weeks of exclusive access to emergency loans in a bid to target aid to minority-owned businesses and other companies that struggled the most to obtain funds during the pandemic. The aid would be given through the massive paycheck plan that offered loans that could be converted into grants if businesses continued to pay their workers. She said it was one of a series of steps the Biden administration announced the past Monday to get more aid to underserved businesses. Anyone knowing of small businesses needing help, but feared they lacked the ability or resources to apply should urge them to contact to City, as there was a strong team ready to assist them. City of Lauderhill Page 16 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 22, 2021 Mayor Thurston mentioned receiving numerous phone calls from residents asking for assistance with services, and occasionally he received a complaint. He wished everyone to know that on February 12, 2021, he received a call from Vernon Dooling with the Broward County Minority Builders, who informed him that while driving on Sunrise Boulevard, he saw a lady stopped in traffic, as her car broke down. One of the City’s police officers, Lieutenant Michael Santiago, got out of his vehicle and pushed the lady’s car out of harm’s way. He was so impressed with Lieutenant Santiago’s actions, he had to inform the Mayor immediately. Accolades were sent to Lieutenant Santiago in appreciation for his commitment to the Lauderhill community. XIX ADJOURNMENT - 8:52 PM City of Lauderhill Page 17