City Commission Meeting

City of Lauderhill City Commission Chambers at City Hall 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Lauderhill, FL, 33313 www.lauderhill-fl.gov Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, May 10, 2021 7:00 PM Attend via phone: Dial 1-312-626-6799 & Meeting ID: 961 9905 9481 Attend via Computer: https://www.colvcm.com 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 May 10, 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, though Governor DeSantis suspended certain restrictions, the City remained under a state of emergency due to the COVID 19 virus pandemic, and due to the challenges the pandemic posed, the City of Lauderhill would continue to hold hybrid, virtual governmental meetings to allow the public to continue participating virtually. The City Commission would have a quorum physically present at its meetings at City Hall, along with staff, and they would continue following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines regarding facial coverings and social distancing for public gatherings. Anyone experiencing issues viewing and/or participating in Commission meetings should contact IT Director Douglas Downs. The City Commission and staff appreciated the public’s 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 May 10, 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 City of Lauderhill Page 1 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Commissioner M. Dunn, 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 April 26, 2021. Attachments: April 26, 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 FOR GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS WEEK (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER MELISSA P. DUNN). B. A PROCLAMATION FOR BRAIN CANCER AND BRAIN TUMOR AWARENESS MONTH (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER LAWRENCE MARTIN). C. A PROCLAMATION FOR DR. HERMAN ALLEN (REQUESTED BY MAYOR KEN THURSTON). D. A PROCLAMATION DECLARING HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT). E. A PROCLAMATION FOR THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT). VII SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS VIII GENERAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES MAXIMUM) A. A PRESENTATION FROM MR. & MRS. TED RICH OF WEST BROWARD OPTIMIST CLUB (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER LAWRENCE MARTIN). B. A PRESENTATION FROM MIKE HALL OF ABBA FIGURES, INC. (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER LAWRENCE MARTIN). C. A LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP PRESENTATION FROM YOLANDA CASH JACKSON (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER DESORAE GILES-SMITH). D. A PRESENTATION FROM THE LAUDERHILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER DESORAE GILES-SMITH). E. AN UPDATE FROM THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER DESORAE GILES-SMITH). F. A PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT). City of Lauderhill Page 2 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 IX ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) 1. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-05-115: AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE REQUEST FROM G.I. OF COMMERCIAL, LLC., SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, FOR RELIEF FROM THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, ARTICLE IV, PART 3.0, SUBSECTION 3.1.3, MINIMUM DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS, TO ALLOW A VARIANCE FROM THE MINIMUM 200 FOOT SEPARATION DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR MENU BOARDS FROM ANY RESIDENTIALLY ZONED PROPERTIES ON AN APPROXIMATE ± 1.33 ACRE SITE IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) ZONING DISTRICT LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS LOTS 10 AND 11, COMMERCIAL BOULEVARD SHOPPES NO.2, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 107, PAGE 43, OF THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 7040-7050 WEST COMMERCIAL BOULEVARD, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Attachments: ORD-21O-05-115-VARIANCE-Popeyes.pdf AR 21O-05-115 DRR Variance Popeyes Menu Board Attachment A BCPA Report - 7040 W Commercial Blvd BCPA Report - 7050 W Commercial Blvd Deed - 7040 W Commercial Blvd Deed - 7050 W Commercial Blvd Variance Application Form Variance Application Justification Authorization Letter Attachment C Popeye's Combined Plan Set_4-21-2021 Vice Mayor Grant mentioned having an in depth conversation with Mr. Hall, in which she received a full explanation of what was taking place, and she thought it imperative for staff to advise the listening audience about the moving of the Popeye’s restaurant to the property next door, and the purpose of the move. City Planner Chris Torres explained the existing Popeye’s restaurant would be moving to the property next door where a new Popeye’s would be built, roughly, 300 square feet larger than the existing restaurant. The proposed variance was to allow the installation of a dual-sided menu board to facilitate internal circulation of drive through patrons at the site, alleviating the traffic congestion currently experienced. He noted when the new Popeye’s opened, any new use on the site of the existing Popeye’s would not be allowed to operate a drive through, as the City was placing a City of Lauderhill Page 3 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 deed restriction on that site to be consistent with the City’s 1,000-foot distance requirement for drive through uses. The applicant proffered a deed restriction in order to conform with City code. A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Vice Mayor D. Grant, that this Ordinance be approved on first reading to the City Commission Meeting, due back on 6/14/2021. 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 1A. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-05-116: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN APPROPRIATION OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FUNDS FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE ACT IN FISCAL YEAR 2021; APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $3,903,851.00; APPROVING A CAPITAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $5,575,654.00; REFLECTING APPROPRIATE ADJUSTMENTS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $9,479,505.00 TO VARIOUS REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS; PROVIDING VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH) Attachments: ORD-21O-05-116-Budget Adjustment-American Rescue Act.pdf AR 21O-05-116 ARP Supplemental.pdf Vice Mayor Grant remarked on speaking at length with Finance Department staff, as the federal government’s American Rescue Act (Rescue Act) had been discussed for some time; she wished to review some important aspects for the viewing public’s benefit that she thought could be valuable. She sought confirmation the City Commission was approving $9.4 million of the almost $19 million the City would receive under the Rescue Act, the first payment of which would arrive in May 2021, and the second payment in May 2022. Deputy City Manager/Finance Director Kennie Hobbs affirmed this was the case, adding the second payment would come to the City no sooner than May 2022. Vice Mayor Grant commented the funds would cover infrastructure and increased expenditures resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic. One concern was the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC); funds going to the LPAC would cover a new roof and air conditioner, and money would be moved to handle other issues in the City. Mr. Hobbs answered yes. Vice Mayor Grant said assistance programs for both businesses and residents would increase by $300,000.00, bringing the City’s initial allocation of $1.7 million for such programs to $2 million. She wondered if the City could set aside funds to help the City’s vulnerable population, such as seniors and low-income residents, who City of Lauderhill Page 4 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 were served with a citation for code violations; the money could be used to help cover code fees. Mr. Hobbs stated staff was currently working with Deputy City Attorney Rosenberg to ensure programs the City developed to use Rescue Act dollars did not run afoul of the requirements for spending those monies. He said City staff would bring finalized programs before the Commission in June 2021 for approval; staff took into consideration all the Commission’s suggestions and recommendations. Vice Mayor Grant mentioned her discussion with Mr. Hobbs about local businesses that did not receive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) dollars, and she hoped some Rescue Act funds could be utilized to assist them. Mr. Hobbs indicated that was an allowable use for the federal funds. Commissioner Dunn knew, in speaking with Mr. Hobbs, it was the City’s intention to make some of its Rescue Act monies go directly into the hands of Lauderhill’s small business owners, and residents who were both homeowners and renters. She asked Mr. Hobbs to give some clarity as to what the assistance would look like. Mr. Hobbs stated, of the roughly $19 million in funds the City would receive, $2 million would be set aside: $1 million to assist residents, and $1 million to assist businesses. The various programs for businesses would provide direct assistance to business owners, an allowable activity set forth by Congress, but as to exactly how that would look, how the program would be structured, was yet to be fully determined; the same applied to assistance programs for residents, and the City had to expend these funds by December 31, 2024. He said it was unknown if any of the funds could be applied to assist residents owing fees due to code violations, for down payment assistance, etc., reiterating staff was working to formalize the City’s assistance programs to ensure compliance with all guidelines set by Congress. Commissioner Dunn knew some money would be allocated for park improvements, asking for clarification for the community’s benefit, whether it included upkeep of the City’s sports fields. Mr. Hobbs reminded the Commission, when the City went through its 2021 budget process in 2020, one of the matters discussed was bringing field maintenance back in house, and as the federal dollars allowed for revenue replacement, it enabled the City to replace revenue shortfalls due to the pandemic. This would allow for an increase in staffing by hiring about 18 full and part-time persons, as well as the purchase of additional equipment, so the City could perform field maintenance in house at all City parks, sports fields, and medians throughout the City. Assuming everything was approved at the present meeting, the City would post those positions, advertise, and go through the hiring process, and administration would begin working with various City departments to identify programs, for which the City had to go out to bid. Mr. Hobbs said the City was informed Lauderhill would receive the first round of funds by May 11, 2021, and as soon as those dollars were received, they would move forward with purchasing the equipment; they would begin the matter with the expectation of receiving the funds by June 1, 2021. City of Lauderhill Page 5 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Commissioner L. Martin thought, for Lauderhill businesses and homeowners, this was an excellent opportunity to sign up on Connect Lauderhill, so when assistance programs opened, they would be immediately alerted and could submit their applications. For those yet to connect, they should go to the City’s website, type connect in the search engine, and get connected to all that was happening in Lauderhill. Mr. Hobbs concurred Connect Lauderhill was the first place and most efficient way to disseminate such information to the local community. Commissioner L. Martin commented, along with an increase in staff at City parks, residents should know additional staff would be hired in other departments, as detailed in the backup; the list of additional staff to be hired encompassed the next three years. Mr. Hobbs affirmed over 70 new positions would be funded as a result of the passing of the subject ordinance. Additionally, the City would purchase over 100 vehicles, with 76 going to public safety, specifically police and fire. Commissioner L. Martin urged residents to update their resumes, as there would be a variety of City jobs available, and City administration aimed always to take care of the City and its residents. He looked forward to receiving more information from staff. Commissioner S. Martin, with regard to assistance to residents, thanked Finance staff for balancing the budget, and making sure residents would receive more assistance. Previous Commission discussions spoke about seniors and disabled residents having code violations and being unable to pay them. Mr. Hobbs responded one matter City staff was looking at, aside from programs that would be funded by Rescue Act dollars was, in the past, the City provided funding from its General Fund to assist its vulnerable population when they incurred such expenses, and the intent was to resume providing that assistance. He reiterated, City Attorney Rosenberg was in the process of determining which activities were allowable expenses, including the use of the funds to assist vulnerable residents cover fees due to code violations. Rescue Act funds were to address expenses that arose due to the pandemic, and it was easier to identify that need for businesses, as they went through the process of getting paperwork ready for their applications for PPP and CARES Act dollars. He said, for residents, a connection had to be established between their current situation and the pandemic for them to qualify for any assistance the City devised. Currently, the City had a mitigation process, whereby, if a resident was unable to pay an assessed fee, they could submit for mitigation, which was reviewed in house by the chief code officer, with final approval by the City Manager. Mr. Hobbs indicated, many years prior, the City funded a specific program to help residents address code violations. City Attorney Hall stated on May 10, 2021, at 6:45 p.m., a phone conversation with the United States Treasury took place that City staff could not join due to the present Commission meeting taking place; they could access the conversation later. City of Lauderhill Page 6 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Mr. Hobbs affirmed he received the email of the upcoming conversation. He reminded the Commission all assistance programs drafted by staff had to be approved by them. City Manager Giles-Smith reminded the Commission the Rescue Act funds coming to the City were federal dollars, and compliance was vital with the way the federal government defined appropriate spending, to which the City had to adhere to prevent having to pay back any of those monies. Commissioner S. Martin mentioned not seeing the list of the programs and activities of the City’s first responders. Mr. Hobbs confirmed Police Chief Stanley did submit the list and it would be a part of the fiscal year (FY) 2022 proposed budget. The Commission would see lists in their entirety, with adjustments represented as strike throughs, so the Commission could see everything each department presented, and what the City Manager and her Finance staff proposed funding in FY 2022. Commissioner S. Martin observed all the first responder programs were not fully funded due to the ravaging effects of COVID 19. Mr. Hobbs concurred; he believed no municipality’s budget was fully funded for FY 2021, with many, like Lauderhill, making significant funding reductions in programming. City Manager Giles-Smith added benefits, salaries, etc. for all first responders remained unchanged, and the City continued to hire police officers throughout that time. Commissioner S. Martin understood the first responder’s budget was adversely affected, asking if this would be considered due to the pandemic; for example, the training facility was not built, due to the City’s inability to fund it at that time. The requested amount was for $3 million and, of that, $1.3 million was allocated for cars, leaving a deficit of close to $1.8 million. Mr. Hobbs explained the training unit was a part of the general obligation (GO) bond projects, so the City was working through that process, aside from the Rescue Act funds coming. The City Manager gave staff the authorization to move forward on the training unit, and though the size and scope had varied; the initial training unit discussed was what the City was moving forward with. The other items Commissioner S. Martin referred to would be included as part of either the FY 2022 operating budget, or part of the five-year capital budget. He said, even for the vehicles, staff proposed purchases take place over a three-year period, with 31 bought this year, and 20 each bought over the next two years. Understanding the City was more than half way through its current fiscal year, with a six to eight-month window, it was likely the City would move to purchase 51 vehicles immediately, understanding that when the City received them it would be close to the end of the fiscal year. Mr. Hobbs commented some of the proposed items on Chief Stanley’s list were operational, while others were capital. Commissioner S. Martin observed the police department (PD) previously had City of Lauderhill Page 7 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 vehicles and had vehicles now; since the last meeting, with Chief Stanley’s list, he asked what changed above the requested $1.8 million above existing vehicles; he wished to know if the City funded anything or nothing to date. Mr. Hobbs clarified the City increased its public safety spending, but this did not mean any of the Rescue Act dollars could be used to cover any of those expenditures. The focus of the subject ordinance was on funds from the Rescue Act only. Outside that source, City staff was exploring, based on discussions with the City Commission, prioritizing any spending that would be a part of the FY 2022 budget year. He reminded the Commission the six-month budget presented to the Commission was still $2 million less than staff anticipated, and the budget was already cut as of October 1, 2020; as of March, that figure was $2 million less. Staff was doing the best they could with the funds the City currently had, and other items would be addressed as the process moved into the FY 2022 budget. Commissioner S. Martin commented it appeared none of the items listed could be considered justified expenditures using Rescue Act dollars. Mr. Hobbs said this was not the case, so he would send the Commission a list of specific items allowed, mostly related to capital projects and infrastructure expenses; many operational items could not be funded with the federal dollars, and these were the items staff sought to fund. Commissioner S. Martin questioned how much of the $2.5 million that would go to the GO bond would be allocated to first responders. Mr. Hobbs explained funding for first responder items would go toward the training facility and the fire station, as both were considered public safety. City Manager Giles-Smith added one was a GO bond project, while the other was not. Mr. Hobbs indicated, roughly, $438,000.00 would go to the completion of Fire Station 30, and about $600,000.00 would be allocated to the new public safety training unit. Commissioner S. Martin knew it was an upcoming agenda item, but sought confirmation the City already had fire department vehicles on order. City Manager Giles-Smith said the four new fire vehicles should arrive in the City by the end of May, first week of June 2021; the delay was due to COVID, but they were being built at present. Commissioner S. Martin assumed the City’s fire rescue vehicles were more heavily used with increased runs due to for COVID 19 calls, asking if some of that depreciation could be offset with federal dollars. Mr. Hobbs stated the City was being reimbursed for expenditures directly related to COVID 19, so City staff captured employee and equipment costs related to that end. Fire vehicles had a different funding source, as how the City purchased them was a little different because of their useful life. City of Lauderhill Page 8 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Commissioner S. Martin asked if the same applied to medical rescue vehicles. Mr. Hobbs answered yes. Vice Mayor Grant noted when she read the American Rescue Act, in addition to the monies being directly allocated to cities, there was much more grant funding included, so she wished to know if the City would tap into the additional dollars. City Manager Giles-Smith affirmed the City could tap into additional grant funding detailed in the Rescue Act, and staff planned to do that. Hence her staff and she were looking at the City’s Storm Water Master Plan, making sure to apply for any dollars that could subsidize those costs, as well as other capital expenditures that could be covered by federal dollars, along with other infrastructure plans, cultural plans, etc. Any funding the City was eligible to apply for, staff would do so. Vice Mayor Grant questioned if it was possible to have a Commission workshop to discuss the matter further, so the Commission could be better engaged and have a better understanding of the whole process. City Manager Giles-Smith answered yes, adding that if there were specific projects for which the Commission wished the City to apply for funding, staff would willingly do so. Mr. Hobbs stated the Rescue Act grant dollars Vice Mayor Grant and Ms. Giles-Smith referred to had to be applied for, while the allocation noted in the proposed ordinance would be sent directly to Lauderhill. The City would apply for all the dollars it could. Vice Mayor Grant requested the list provided by Chief Stanley to be emailed to the Commission members, so they had an idea of what the PD’s full needs were. City Manager Giles-Smith said a copy of the list would be emailed to the Commission. Vice Mayor Grant asked if a gun range was included in the new police training facility. Mr. Hobbs answered no; it was not a part of the approved plan. City Manager Giles-Smith explained City staff was focused on what the City needed, especially with regard to public safety, and when considering what was uppermost in those needs, staff felt the most important part to get operational was the training facility, and the Property & Evidence Room properly supplied in that area, so the City was in compliance with State Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, areas in which the City was currently having some issues. She noted the way the City’s facility was built in the past, the room that she felt needed to be up to standard was the City’s Property & Evidence Room to make sure employees were safe, and there were no contamination issues with evidence, etc. Staff could explore a gun range as a possibility, but the major focus was employee safety. City of Lauderhill Page 9 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Vice Mayor Grant wished to know how the City’s law enforcement officers (LEO) felt about having a gun range, as she thought they would prefer to have their own gun range in Lauderhill, asking where they currently went. Mr. Hobbs believed they went to the Coral Springs PD’s gun range, adding it was not the norm for most PDs to have their own gun range. Commissioner S. Martin understood it was not the norm for PDs to have a gun range, but as the City was in the process of building a new training facility, this was an opportunity for Lauderhill PD to become a leading PD, as well as using the range to generate revenue; the City had little opportunity to build facilities that generated much revenue. He wondered when a meeting could be scheduled to go over such matters with Chief Stanley. Mr. Hobbs felt it was important for the Commission to understand, when the City went through this process many years ago, meeting with the public, police staff, and the previous city manager, a gun range was never a part of the GO bond item, rather, it came up after the matter went to the public and when the then Commission voted. He understood the points being made by the Commission, but there was already a $600,000.00 delta between getting the new facility built, and that had expanded; the initial building was a single-floor building with a training room, and the current design was a two-story building, with an evidence room and a training room. Had a gun range been a part of the original plan, it would be included in the GO bond request. Thus, he was sure there could be conversation, but at some point, the economics came into play, and the Lauderhill PD still had a laundry list of items they wished funded, so City staff had to prioritize on their side to make sure the PD received all they needed, and some of the things they wanted. City Manager Giles-Smith asked Commissioner S. Martin if she could get back to the Commission with a date and time for a meeting to discuss such matters. Commissioner S. Martin answered yes. Commissioner L. Martin knew the PD was aware of all the external expenses that went with having a gun range; there was a reason most PDs did not maintain their own gun range. If a municipality was in a financial position to fund a gun range, then that was good, but there were many other things that came with the responsibility of having a gun range, including liability issues that were not onetime payments. He had some experience in the budgetary process and the need to balance spending, and if the PD felt they needed a gun range, it might be possible to build one with the funds available, but the cost to maintain it over the next three, five or 17 years should be considered, rather than just looking at the cost to build a gun range. It was one of those long-term maintenance, liability requirement responsibility uses he was unsure the City was ready to undertake, as the bulk of the money to cover those recurring costs would have to come from taxpayers. A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Commissioner M. Dunn, that this Ordinance be approved on first reading to the City Commission Meeting, due back on 6/14/2021. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Commissioner M. Dunn, Vice Mayor D. Grant, Commissioner L. Martin, and Mayor K. Thurston City of Lauderhill Page 10 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 No: 1- Commissioner S. Martin Abstain: 0 1B. ORDINANCE NO. 21R-05-117: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL REQUIRING ALL PERSONS ON CITY OF LAUDERHILL PREMISES TO COMPLY WITH THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) GUIDELINES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT AND AS MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, AS DEEMED NECESSARY AND ESSENTIAL TO PROTECT THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF EMPLOYEES AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHILE THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL REMAINS UNDER A DECLARED STATE OF EMERGENCY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: ORD-21O-05-117-Proprietary-Mask CDC Requirements 5-6-21.pdf AR 21O-05-117 Ex. 1a-governor suspends eo.pdf Ex. 1b- Some Broward businesses will keep masks in place after DeSantis order.pdf Ex. 2a-Broward County-Admin Policy Requiring Facial Coverings and Social Distancing on County Property 5-4-21.pdf Ex. 2b-Palm Beach County To DeSantis We Make The Rules Not You.pdf Ex. 3 - CDC-Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.pdf EO_21-102.pdf Commissioner Dunn sought clarification on the proposed ordinance for the benefit of the public. City Attorney Hall explained last week Governor DeSantis issued two executive orders that made null and void the City Manager’s executive orders in effect in Lauderhill. However, in the Governor’s executive order, he indicated a city could enact ordinances that addressed the health, safety and welfare of its residents. He said, before the Commission was the first reading of an ordinance requiring individuals to abide by the COVID 19 CDC guidelines when on City properties. Since the Governor issued his orders, many large, private companies continued to operate by CDC guidelines, such as Home Depot, Publix, Disney, etc., all requiring patrons wear masks and practice social distancing. He noted the City was using the same authority as those large businesses for all persons on City properties. The City Manager, in the interim of the second reading, would issue an order to require everyone using City facilities to adhere to CDC guidelines for COVID 19, so they understood these requirements continued; staff would post signs around the City, and on the City’s website and social media platforms,. Vice Mayor Grant said Mr. Hall’s explanation satisfied her reasons for pulling the item, as residents and visitors needed to understand the need to follow CDC City of Lauderhill Page 11 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 guidelines when on City properties until further notice. Mayor Thurston opened the discussion to the public. Karen Gray, 6100 NW 44th Street, resident of the Greens of Inverrary, supported the proposed ordinance, wondering about enforcement, specifically if the authorities were called when people failed to adhere to the guidelines, as people tended to be sensitive; it was important to keep everyone safe, residents and visitors. City Attorney Hall stressed the importance of keeping City of Lauderhill staff safe, so if someone came on City property and refused to wear a mask, they would be taken into a separate room for their business to be dealt with by staff in full protective gear, rather than allowing their refusal to put other members of staff and the public at risk. A motion was made by Vice Mayor D. Grant, seconded by Commissioner M. Dunn, that this Ordinance be approved on first reading to the City Commission Meeting, due back on 6/14/2021. 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 X ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) 2. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-03-108: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (LDR) AND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES PERTAINING TO MOBILE VENDORS, MOBILE FOOD VENDORS, AND HOME BASED BUSINESS REGULATIONS TO COMPLY WITH FLORIDA STATUTES, SECTION 477.0263; ADDING EXCEPTIONS PERTAINING TO COSMETOLOGY SERVICES; AMENDING LDR SCEHDULE A TO ADD DEFINITIONS FOR MOBILE VENDORS AND MOBILE FOOD VENDOR; AMENDING LDR SCHEDULE B, ALLOWABLE USES, TO ADD PROVISIONS REGARDING MOBILE VENDOR AND MOBILE FOOD VENDOR USES IN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICTS; AMENDING LDR ARTICLE III TO ADD SECTION 5.56 SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS FOR MOBILE VENDOR AND MOBILE FOOD VENDOR USES; AMENDING CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 12, SECTION 12-5 TO ADD PROVISIONS FOR MOBILE VENDOR AND MOBILE FOOD VENDOR USES; SECTION 12-9 TO ADD PROVISIONS REGARDING HOME BASED BUSINESS REGULATIONS; AMENDING CITY CODE OF ORDINANCE CHAPTER 14, SECTION 14-38 VENDING VEHICLES (A) TO ADD DEFINITIONS OF MOBILE VENDOR AND MOBILE FOOD VENDOR AND (B) TO ADD THAT SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS OF (B) ARE SPECIFIC TO ICE CREAM VENDING VEHICLES; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS; City of Lauderhill Page 12 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: ORD-21O-03-108-Mobile Vendors Food.pdf AR 21O-03-108 Final DRR Mobile Vendors and Mobile Food Vendors.pdf Attachment A. FS 477.0263 This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 3. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-04-113: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE SIX MONTH BUDGET REVIEW OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE AMENDMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 IN THE TOTAL ADJUSTMENT AMOUNT OF $3,394,791.00 APPROVING AN INTERDEPARTMENT BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,650,106.00, A CAPITAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $480,511.00 AND A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,264,174.00; REFLECTING APPROPRIATE ADJUSTMENTS TO VARIOUS REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS AS SPECIFICALLY INDICATED IN THE BREAKDOWN; PROVIDING VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: ORD-21O-04-113-Budget 6-Months Adjustment & Appropriation FY 2021.pdf AR 21O-04-113 Supplemental 6 month 2021 Final.pdf Commissioner L. Martin reiterated the subject ordinance was to balance the City’s current budget for the rest of the fiscal year, reallocating funds collected by the City via a variety of sources, putting the dollars in proper places, while making adjustments based on spending during the prior six months of FY 2021. Thus, this was not new money, just making adjustments within the current budget. Mr. Hobbs affirmed this to be the case. A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Vice Mayor D. Grant, that this Ordinance be approved on second reading. 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 4. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-04-114: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 8, ELECTIONS, SECTION 8-10, CODE OF ETHICS FOR CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE; PROVIDING City of Lauderhill Page 13 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER MELISSA P. DUNN). Attachments: ORD-21O-04-114-Code of Ethics 8-10.pdf AR 21O-04-114 This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) XI ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - THIRD READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) 5. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-04-111: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE IV, CITY COMMISSION, SECTION 2-151, REGULAR MEETINGS TO PROVIDE THAT CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS SHALL START AT 6:00 P.M.; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY MAYOR KEN THURSTON). Attachments: ORD-21O-04-111-Code-2_151-6pm Commission Meeting Start Time AR 21O-04-111 This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 6. ORDINANCE NO. 21O-04-112: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE IV, CITY COMMISSION, SECTION 2-159, ORDER OF BUSINESS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER SARAI “RAY” MARTIN). Attachments: ORD-21O-04-112-Code-2_159.___Order_of_business AR 21O-04-112 This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) XII RESOLUTIONS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) 7. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-05-92: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2021 AMENDMENT TO THE "ADDITIONAL" LOCAL OPTION GAS TAX INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR MOTOR FUEL PROVIDING FOR DIVISION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE BROWARD COUNTY ADDITIONAL LOCAL OPTION OF THREE CENTS OF GAS TAX ON MOTOR FUEL ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). City of Lauderhill Page 14 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Attachments: RES-21R-05-92-INTERLOCAL-GAS 3 CENTAL ADDITIONAL TAX RESO 2021.pdf AR 21R-05-92 GASTAX 3_2021 Amendment ex 1 FINAL.pdf Gas Tax Memo to Cities_2021.pdf Population Chart_2021.pdf This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 8. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-05-93: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2021 AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE DIVISION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE BROWARD COUNTY FIFTH CENT ADDITIONAL LOCAL OPTION GAS TAX ON MOTOR FUEL FOR TRANSIT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-05-93-INTERLOC-GAS-5th Cent tax for transit Reso 2021.pdf AR 21R-05-93 GASTAX 5_2021 Amendment ex 2 FINAL.pdf Gas Tax Memo to Cities_2021.pdf Population Chart_2021.pdf This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 9. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-05-94: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PLANTATION AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FIRE DEPARTMENT TO TEMPORARY USE THE SPECIFIED FIRE VEHICLES ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS AT NO COST TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL; PROVIDING FOR INDEMNIFICATION TO THE CITY OF PLANTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-05-94-Agrmt-Plantation License Agreement Fire Vehicles.pdf AR 21R-05-94 Plantation License - Fire Rescue Equipment.pdf Commissioner S. Martin asked for an explanation, as he noticed it was for a two-month lease, in light of the City Manager’s explanation that new vehicles would arrive at the end of May, first week of June. He wished to know where the City was in its fleet, etc. City of Lauderhill Page 15 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Fire Chief Marc Celetti responded they currently housed one transport ambulance at every fire station; this was their base model, and the vehicles ranged from 2019 to 2004, and the 2004 vehicle was currently in service, with the City being responsible for maintaining them. The department had in place a replacement plan in their budget for at least the last ten years, and as they looked through their budget each year, some things were prioritized over others, looking at maintenance and the useful life of their vehicles. He remarked in the FY 2019 budget, his department was approved to replace the entire frontline fleet, and they were ordered at the end of 2019; then the COVID 19 pandemic hit, and the department lost track for about a year. They typically took nine months to build, and they were almost two years into that process; they were scheduled to be delivered by the first week in June 2021; this had been Deputy Fire Chief Torres’s task all along, so he would be going up to make the final inspection of the new vehicles. He said this would leave the department with three reliable spares, as for every three trucks, they preferred to have a spare, as they were a very busy department, running between 35 to 40 calls a day, with 80 percent of those being ambulance calls and most transported to the hospital. The department transported 9,000 patients in 2020, so the trucks were well used. Chief Celetti commented, over the course of time when they had a replacement plan in place, some things being prioritized backwards, but it was the first time they were replacing four vehicles at once at a cost of $1.2 million using a different financing model that allowed the City to stretch out the payments on a lease/purchase option. For the entire rescue fleet, the department had 25 vehicles, with 15 on the frontline comprised of engines, ladders, and rescue trucks, with the latter averaging about a seven-year lifespan, with three years in reserve, and fire trucks with engines and ladders lasting about 15 years. He thought, at the end of the current cycle, the department would be back on track to continue its replacement plan going forward. Commissioner S. Martin sought clarification the rescue trucks were on a seven-year replacement plan. Fire Chief Celetti explained the National Fire Protection Association set a recognized industry standard for fire services; thus, they were not mandates, but recommendations to fire departments on the useful life for trucks. He acknowledged there were differences in fire departments, as Lauderhill ran much fewer calls than New York City; with the City’s rescue vehicles, the department got an average of about ten years useful life, and more than 50 percent of the current vehicles exceeded the ten-year life span. All of them continued to run but two, and one of the two was having a motor replaced that would restart its clock. Commissioner S. Martin wondered how the department got to the point where all of its vehicles well exceeded their ten-year useful life in 2021, asking if there was no replacement plan in place. Fire Chief Celetti affirmed there was always a replacement plan in place, but it was based on funding and availability; that is, economics and steps, over time, such as replacing a motor, restarted the life of the vehicle. There were some anomalies that made the years of useful life of a vehicle less relevant; for example, in 2012 they repurposed some older units by taking the patient compartment off and putting them on a 2012 chassis, but they used Ford, and they did not prove to be good vehicles for them due to the level of use. He reiterated they preferred to stagger the City of Lauderhill Page 16 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 replacement of vehicles rather than purchasing four at once, but due to the condition and age of the fleet, this was the decision made. Commissioner S. Martin questioned how the vehicle replacement would be handled going forward. Fire Chief Celetti said they would take the two vehicles in reserve and space them out five years, so they would not go into the rotation, and the trucks with the least amount of time left would go into reserve. In essence, every five to seven years, two trucks or medical transports would be replaced. Regarding fire engines, the department had a 2011 and 2012 on the line, and they replaced a $900,000.00 ladder truck two years ago that was at Fire Station 110. The engine at Fire Station at 73 was at 15 years, so a discussion about its replacement in the FY 2022 budget was scheduled. Commissioner S. Martin wished to know how many the engines in service were past their useful life. Fire Chief Celetti replied two engines were not; none of the suppression units, with the exception of the ladder truck at Station 73, would reach its 15 years in 2021. Commissioner S. Martin asked if it was on schedule to be replaced. Fire Chief Celetti stated the replacement cost would be $1 million, and they would include it in the department’s proposed FY 2022 budget, looking at the funding mechanism of stretching out payments over time, as interest rates were low. Ultimately, it would be a function of the budget. Commissioner S. Martin inquired if the lease with the City of Plantation Fire Department was beneficial for the City. Fire Chief Celetti explained it was a reciprocal agreement, as all fire departments were in the same boat with rescues; the department tried to purchase a truck during COVID 19, and the cost was at a premium, as many local governments used stimulus dollars to quickly purchase rescue trucks, so they, too had several on order. The City’s department used to have a similar reciprocal agreement with the Tamarac Fire Department years prior, but they were now in the same boat as Lauderhill. The 60 to 90-day agreement was being put in place in the event there was an issue with the anticipated delivery. He said they were just assured the delivery would still be on time, but the fact was sometimes the trucks could be recalled for a warranty issue, so planning for such an occurrence was part of the strategy they put in place. Though their base model was four rescues, it was possible to operate with three, but not with two, hence the move to establish a short-term agreement with Plantation. Commissioner S. Martin understood the City’s budget constrained the replacement of the fire department vehicles in the past, thanking Chief Celetti and his staff for putting together a contingency plan to ensure the City had adequate fire rescue service. He was an advocate for the City’s first responders, so he would continue to fight to make sure the departments were properly funded. City of Lauderhill Page 17 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Fire Chief Celetti expressed his appreciation. Commissioner L. Martin thanked Chief Celetti for his presentation. 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 10. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-05-95: A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING A DIRECTOR, AN ALTERNATE AND A SECOND ALTERNATE AS MUNICIPAL APPOINTMENTS TO THE BROWARD LEAGUE OF CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE 2021-2022 YEAR; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-05-95-BLC- Board of Director 2020-21.pdf AR 21R-05-95 Board Request Appointment Mayor Thurston noted three members of the Commission’s names were listed as possible appointees, adding all members of the Commission were members of the Broward League of Cities, but each city had to appoint one representative to serve on the League’s Board of Directors, along with two alternates. Vice Mayor Grant indicated she was currently the City’s representative on the League’s Board of Directors, a position she was assigned five months ago, so she desired the support of her colleagues for her to continue to serve as the City’s representative. Commissioner S. Martin supported Vice Mayor Grant remaining as the City’s representative, and he wished to serve as the City’s first alternate. Commissioner L. Martin nominated Mayor Thurston as the second alternate. Mayor Thurston accepted the nomination as second alternate, as he tried always to attend the League’s Board of Director meetings. He observed appointments for the three positions were made. 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 11. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-05-96: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE City of Lauderhill Page 18 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 ADDENDUM TO THE RECYCLING COLLECTION AGREEMENT WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT INC. OF FLORIDA WASTE MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE EXCLUSIVE RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING SERVICES CITYWIDE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 IN ORDER TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH THE SOLID WASTE SERVICES AGREEMENT; PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: RES-21R-05-96-Agrmt-Waste Mgmt Addendum Recycling.pdf AR 21R-05-96 Addendum-Waste Mgmt-Recycling FINAL.pdf Waste Mgmt Recycling terms letter.pdf City Attorney Hall explained in the agreement, specifically paragraph C under the rate structures, there was a commencement date of August 1 that needed to be changed to October 1. Secondly, the residential rate reflected in the agreement was for single-family homes; Waste Management intended to include in the agreement a rate for multifamily home recycling, which would be $1.90. Commissioner L. Martin made a motion to Amend Resolution #21R 05 96 as detailed above, seconded by Commissioner S. Martin. The vote was as follows: Commissioner M. Dunn Yes Vice Mayor D. Grant Yes Commissioner L. Martin Yes Commissioner S. Martin Yes Mayor K. Thurston Yes A motion was made by Commissioner L. Martin, seconded by Commissioner S. Martin, that this Resolution be approved as amended. 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 11A. RESOLUTION NO. 21R-05-97: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE ELECTION OF WINNIEFORD NISBETH TO SERVE AS THE EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE MEMBER OF THE GENERAL EMPLOYEE PENSION BOARD FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM EXPIRING JANUARY 2023; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). City of Lauderhill Page 19 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Attachments: RES-21R-05-97-Brd-GE Pension election employee member Nisbeth.pdf AR 21R-05-97 General Employees Pension Board List Election Correspondence - General Employee Pension Board Winnie Nisbeth – General Employee Pension Board Nomination This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) XIII QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) 12. REMOVED 13. REMOVED 14. REMOVED XIV QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING XV QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, SECOND READING XVI UNFINISHED BUSINESS XVII OLD BUSINESS XVIII NEW BUSINESS XIX 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 played a video on the upcoming Return2Work Job Fair, stating the event was now up to 59 employers ready to hire, so residents just needed to apply by going to the website: return2work.us to register. The Virtual Fair Week was taking place from Monday, May 10, 2021 to Friday, May 14, 2021, beginning with a series of workshops, and on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, they would host a Town Hall conversation hosted by Constance Jones with NBC 6. On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, there would be another series of workshops, and the actual job fair, where job-seeking persons could meet face-to-face with employers virtually would be on Thursday, May 13, 2021, and on Friday, May 14, 2021, there would be an education fair at which ten education providers attending. All this information could be found on the website. Commissioner S. Martin stated on May 11, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, he would City of Lauderhill Page 20 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 host an Inverrary Steering Committee; community members were invited to attend if they wished to shape the future direction of the development of Inverrary; they could sign up on the City’s website to attend the virtual meeting or attend in person at City Hall. He wished to recognize Haitian American Heritage Month, and on Monday, May 17, 2021, prior to the Commission workshop at 3:00 p.m., the Commission would recognize Haitian Flag Day, formally celebrated on May 18. The event would include a presentation, food, and artwork on display, so everyone was invited to attend and celebrate Haitian Flag Day. Commissioner L. Martin remarked at Vice Mayor Grant’s last Unity in the Community Walk in the St. George/Broward Estates area, a significant number of the City’s first responders were in attendance. A number of the first responders had to step away to help a gentleman going through a mental health crisis and other serious medical issues. He was privy to witnessing the City’s fine rescue staff doing their job the way it should be done, led by Deputy Fire Chief Robert Torres; the gentleman in crisis checked himself out of the hospital, only to discover upon arrival at his home that his family had moved, and all remaining contents of the house were piled onto the side of the road; the gentleman was still in his hospital gown with medical apparatus still connected to him. He watched as Chief Torres knelt by the man, showing him compassion, so he wished to commend Chief Torres and his staff for their exemplary service, as the situation ended the right way after about an hour and a half, with everybody showing compassion and patience, talking the man down, including Police Chief Stanley and her officers, and code enforcement staff present. It was truly a team effort, and he was glad to have Chief Torres on the City of Lauderhill’s side. Deputy Fire Chief Torres thanked Commissioner L. Martin for his supportive words, stating it was not just him, but the City’s team of emergency responders and code enforcement officers, as well as the actions of the elected officials present. The reality was they were all just public servants seeking to serve the public well, and this entailed getting down to the level of their people to let them know that everyone was just the same; the gentleman in question needed a little more help than others, and his team and he, along with many others were fortunate to be present to provide the help needed. He said this was the reality of providing emergency service, something emergency staff did on a daily basis, providing help to the public when needed. Commissioner Dunn remarked on knowing from personal experience how amazing Chief Torres and his entire team was, as she was taken by Lauderhill fire rescue to the hospital, and she felt so proud of Lauderhill’s fire and police services; the teams were truly amazing. She echoed Commissioner L. Martin’s commendations to the City’s first responders and support staff. Commissioner L. Martin mentioned on the previous Saturday, the City put on a tennis expo, and it was a phenomenal event. He showed a picture of Akasha Urhobo, a 14-year-old tennis player; it was said her level of play was ahead of where the Williams sisters were at the same age. Ms. Urhobo and her father/coach, TJ Urhobo, both Lauderhill residents, worked with the City to host the event at Westwind Park, as her father was intent on showcasing his daughter’s talent, while both gave back to the community, giving tennis instructions to some 50 children. Ms. Urhobo was fresh off winning a tournament in North Florida, and City of Lauderhill Page 21 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 everyone who attended enjoyed the event. There were a number of sponsors present, and the City was able to show off Westwind Park’s recently improved tennis courts; it spoke volumes on where the City of Lauderhill’s tennis program was ready to go, so anyone with a passion for playing and/or coaching tennis should contact the City’s Parks & Recreation Department. He said the City was actively seeking tennis coaches for the City’s program; the bidding for the services closed at the end of the month, as the aim was to promote tennis as a youth sport in the City in the very near future, and the tennis courts at the Sadkin Center would soon be upgraded. He noted the age of the players at the event ranged from three or four years old to 17 years of age. He commended Parks & Recreation staff and others who worked to put on such a great event in a short, two-week period. Commissioner L. Martin mentioned the sign stating the City of Lauderhill had the highest taxes in Broward County, and second highest in the State of Florida resurfaced on social media and, unfortunately, with such misinformation or not being apprised of current information, he thought it necessary to update individuals unsure or unaware of how the City stood. The sign currently stood on private property on University Drive, and despite the misinformation it displayed, it could stay there under the Constitution’s First Amendment Rights. He wished to exercise his First Amendment Rights to give factual information in reference to the sign via a slide presentation. In reference to Lauderhill having the highest millage rate, the City was actually number four in Broward County, and number 23 in the State of Florida, and this information was effective for fiscal year 2020; this information was formally documented and could be found by anyone interested in verifying its truth. He showed single family home values, which showed how low Lauderhill’s assessed values were for homes when compared to other Broward municipalities, and the same low values applied to condominiums. As an example, Commissioner L. Martin explained if a homeowner received a $50,000.00 Homestead Exemption on their property that had a taxable value of $45,000.00, that property owner paid no property taxes. For those individuals with concerns about City taxes, in April 2021, the City held a tax forum with Broward County tax experts that included persons from the County, the School Board, the South Florida Water Management District, the Hospital District, etc. It was important for Lauderhill property owner to understand what the true information was, and stop wasting energy giving attention to misinformation. He said Lauderhill’s elected officials and City administration worked hard every day to ensure the Lauderhill community received the most accurate and current, well rounded information, and for anyone who wished to learn the truth themselves, rather than guessing, they should join Connect Lauderhill. Had they been connected to Lauderhill, they would have known about the tax forum, property tax information, and where the City stood in relation to other cities in the County and the State. He encouraged everyone to stay abreast of what was happening in Lauderhill in order to move the City forward to help it get stronger and better; tune into Commission meetings regularly, and get involved with their homeowners’ associations (HOA). The City intended to host another tax forum before the end of the year to furnish the Lauderhill community with more information on single-family home and condominium values, so the tax information, etc. made more sense. Vice Mayor Grant mentioned May was Small Business Month, and the City already held two amazing events, the first being the launch of events, at which there was great representation from the County and State, and Mayor Thurston and other individuals with a vested interest in Lauderhill. City representatives showed off City of Lauderhill Page 22 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Lauderhill, detailing various programs the City had for its businesses, such as successful PPP activities, Lauderhill Shines, and Return2Work, all of which were being implemented to assist Lauderhill business owners. The second event was the Food Truck Roll Extravaganza; the event was well organized and successful, and the food truck cuisines was very diverse, and though inclement weather shortened the event, for the next event, staff and she would go back to the drawing board to come up with possible solutions. She believed attendees were excited, and there were amazing DJs, including a female DJ who rocked the place. It was all about community, and she thanked her fellow Commissioners who came out to support the event. The next event was on Wednesday, May 12th, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., moving toward the state of Lauderhill’s small businesses; the theme was Lauderhill Doing Business, with discussions on access to capital and facilitating growth for Lauderhill Businesses. The event would be attended by Mayor Thurston, City Manager Giles-Smith, City Attorney Earl Hall. The City’s Chaplain would be present, as she mentioned at the launch that everything being done, moving forward, would have a wellness component, and she thought this was essential, as it was not possible to move forward and do anything with great excellence if one’s mind was not in a good place. Many of the City’s business owners had been dealing with a prolonged, high level of stress due to the pandemic, not always knowing how to manage its effects, so she believed attending to participants’ wellness was an important component. The Chaplain would say a few words and be a presence to render such help as required to business owner participants. Vice Mayor Grant said she would attend the event from the Commission Chambers, along with some of her colleagues and others. She looked forward to the community’s engagement. Commissioner L. Martin wished to encourage everyone to attend the storm water meetings that had been excellent to date, supplying wonderful information that had attendees walking away with a different and true understanding of what was happening, as City staff sought to address flooding, etc. around Lauderhill. Anyone registered on Connect Lauderhill would receive meeting dates and times, and it was not too late to sign up to have all this information sent immediately to one’s phone. The next storm water meeting would take place on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Commissioner S. Martin sent kudos to City staff who helped set up the event for the Food Truck Roll; staff was out there, whether or not it was raining, working like soldiers, enduring whatever the weather brought. Mayor Thurston mentioned opportunities to schedule a Meeting with the Mayor were still available; the 15-minute time slots filled quickly, so interested persons could call his aide at 954-777-2040 to schedule a meeting to discuss any issue(s) and their solutions. XX ADJOURNMENT - 9:52 PM City of Lauderhill Page 23