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, January 13, 2025 6:00 PM City Commission Chambers City Commission Meeting LAUDERHILL CITY COMMISSION Mayor Denise D. Grant Vice Mayor Sarai "Ray" Martin Commissioner Richard Campbell Commissioner Melissa P. Dunn Commissioner John T. Hodgson Kennie Hobbs, Interim City Manager Andrea M. Anderson, City Clerk Hans Ottinot, Interim City Attorney City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 I CALL TO ORDER Mayor Grant called to order the Regular City Commission Meeting at 6:00 PM. II ROLL CALL Present: 5- Commissioner Richard R. Campbell,Commissioner Melissa P. Dunn,Commissioner John T. Hodgson,Vice Mayor Sarai Martin, and Mayor Denise D. Grant Commissioner R. Campbell arrived at 6:04 PM. ALSO PRESENT: Kennie Hobbs, Jr., Interim City Manager Hans Ottinot, Interim City Attorney Constance Stanley, Police Chief Andrea M. Anderson, City Clerk III COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (AND CITY MANAGER RESPONSES TO THE PUBLIC, IF THE TIME PERMITS DURING THIS PORTION OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION) IV ADJOURNMENT (NO LATER THAN 6:30 PM) I CALL TO ORDER OF REGULAR MEETING II HOUSEKEEPING A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner R. Campbell, to ACCEPT the Revised Version of the City Commission Meeting Agenda for January 13, 2025 and for the following items to be heard in order immediately following Presentations: Item 11, 12, 13. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson, Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant Abstain: 0 III PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG FOLLOWED BY GOOD AND WELFARE IV CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mayor D. Grant, seconded by Commissioner R. Campbell, that this Consent Agenda was approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson, Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant Abstain: 0 City of Lauderhill Page 1 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 V APPROVAL OF MINUTES VI PROCLAMATIONS / COMMENDATIONS (10 MINUTES MAXIMUM) A. A PROCLAMATION HONORING HAITIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY (REQUESTED BY MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT). B. A PROCLAMATION DECLARING JANUARY 2025 AS NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER MELISSA P. DUNN). VII PRESENTATIONS (15 MINUTES MAXIMUM) A. A PRESENTATION OF THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (GFOA) EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING AWARD (REQUESTED BY MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT). Attachments: 1 - Result Letter - Awarded.pdf RESOLUTIONS MOVED TO BE HEARD OUT OF ORDER: 11. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-09: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, HONORING ERNST “ZENONO” JEAN-BAPTISTE FOR HIS EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HAITIAN COMMUNITY AND HIS REPRESENTATION OF HAITI ON THE SOCCER FIELD; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY MAYOR DENISE GRANT). Attachments: Res No. 25R-01-09 LEGISLATION.pdf AR RES. NO 25R-01-09 A motion was made by Commissioner Campbell, seconded by Vice Mayor S. Martin, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson, Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant Abstain: 0 12. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-10: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, FOSTERING CULTURAL COHESION, INCLUSIVITY, AND UNDERSTANDING OF ALL CULTURES AND ETHNICITIES WITHIN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL BY HOSTING AMONG OTHER THINGS, A LECTURE SERIES FEATURING SCHOLARS, ARTISTS, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TO BRING BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF EACH ETHNIC GROUP IN THE CITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY MAYOR DENISE GRANT). City of Lauderhill Page 2 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 Attachments: Res. No. 25R-01-10 LEGISLATION.pdf AR 25R-01-10 Mayor Grant commented that the Commission was being asked to approve the subject resolution, noting it supported cultural diversity in the City of Lauderhill with the understanding that the Commission would soon put some initiatives in place to facilitate understanding and appreciation for all the cultures represented in the City. The City would hold cultural sensitivity trainings, and invite professionals from various industries to come in to train staff, do workshops, and train the elected officials in terms of different protocols, international and otherwise. She said a number of leaders from other cultures would be invited to Lauderhill to hold forums to discuss the needs and concerns of particular communities. Though everyone had basic needs, certain communities had specific needs, so it was important for the City and staff to hear from persons of different cultures living in specific situations. Mayor Grant said the initiatives would be very good for the City moving forward, to adhere to, as well as complement the City’s vision that was already in place. A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner Campbell, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson, Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant Abstain: 0 QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS MOVED TO BE HEARD OUT OF ORDER: All witnesses speaking on item 13 were collectively sworn. 13. RESOLUTION NO. 24R-10-259: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA GRANTING LAUDERHILL MALL INVESTMENTS, LLC. A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, TO ALLOW IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) ZONING DISTRICT A MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT INCLUSIVE OF 233 DWELLING UNITS AND 14,186 SQ. FT. OF COMMERCIAL USES ON A 3.23± ACRE SITE LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS A PORTION OF THE "LAUDERHILL MALL SOUTH OUT PARCELS" PLAT AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 183, PAGE 374, OF THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1267 N.W. 40TH AVENUE, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City of Lauderhill Page 3 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 Attachments: RES 24R-10-259 Special Exception - Lauderhill Mall AR 24R-10-259 Attachment A - SEU Application Attachment B - Applicant Narrative Attachment C - 24-SE-011 - DRR (1267 NW 40 Avenue) Lauderhill Village Attachment D - Public Notice Affidavit Attachment E - SEU Conditions (UNSIGNED) Item 13 - Lauderhill Mall - SEU (As Referenced Within Minutes) Commissioner Dunn asked for input from the applicant. Hope Calhoun, the applicant’s representative, presented the subject resolution, as detailed in the backup, highlighting the following: • The subject site was a primarily vacant, underutilized parking area that sat south of the existing Lauderhill Mall site • The proposed residential development would be situated on the site north of NW 12th Street • The subject application was the first step that would allow for a potential residential use on the property; the City’s zoning code allowed residential development on a commercial parcel through a special exception application • Assuming the application passed, the site plan would be brought before the Commission for consideration at a later time; the applicant was currently working with city staff to finalize the site plan • The conceptual plan anticipated three buildings: building A, approximately 14,000 square feet of commercial, and 56 residential units; building B, an eight-story residential building consisting of 122 multifamily units; building C, a five-story residential building with approximately 55 multifamily units • The applicant responded to all city code criteria, as noted in the staff report in the backup; staff indicated the applicant met the conditions subject to the imposition of certain conditions that were laid out in staff ’s report that would justify the granting of the special exception • After reading the development review, the applicant requested a modification to number one, which she read into the record; the applicant wished condition number one to end at the words: …Lauderhill Mall, LLC, removing the rest of the language in that condition • The applicant believed they satisfied the criteria outlined in the code. Commissioner Dunn knew Ms. Calhoun represented numerous developers in Lauderhill, and, to her knowledge the language the applicant was asking to be removed from condition one was present in other developer agreements. She wished to know what was unique about the subject project that should warrant the Commission approving the request to remove the language, when such requests from previous developers to the City were denied. Ms. Calhoun said she modified the language a little bit, so the language before the Commission was a little different than it used to read, as the language used to be more stringent, not even allowing for the effecting 51 percent. City of Lauderhill Page 4 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 Commissioner Dunn remarked, based on previous conversations, she knew that the language was in the best interest of the City, so if ownership changed, the new owners were required to come before the Commission to get a certificate of occupancy (COU). Her next question was with regard to access, traffic, and road capabilities; she knew that at the last meeting when the subject item was tabled, she asked staff to do research regarding the burden on traffic for 441 with all the development was scheduled for that corridor; she believed the expectation was for over 1,000 units. Interim City Manager Kennie Hobbs responded since the last Commission meeting, staff engaged a traffic engineer; the report had yet to be completed, but staff met with the Planning Director, as well as a third-party traffic engineer to initiate the study; the study would run along the entire 441 corridor and encompass all of the known development in that area. Commissioner Dunn understood the access, traffic, and road capability was part of the consideration when granting the subject use. Ms. Calhoun noted, with regard to the requested language modification to condition one, the way the language read, the COU could not be transferred, so there was no opportunity to come back before the Commission. On the issue of traffic and traffic impact, she reminded the Commission that the subject development would be in the transit-oriented corridor (TOC), so the applicant anticipated the need for a traffic study, which was done and submitted to Planning staff. The latter concluded that with conditions put in place, they were comfortable recommending approval of the subject application at the present time. Mayor Grant opened the discussion to the public. Felicity Swanson, Lauderhill resident, expressed concerns with the proposed development, which she only learned about at a meeting earlier this year. The addition of over 1,000 residential units would make the traffic on the streets in the subject area really terrible, increasing the incidents of accidents that would only escalate car insurance rates. She questioned why the traffic study was not done until now, and she wished to know why, if the residents in the subject area already voiced their opposition to the subject project moving forward, there a rush to proceed with a special exception. Allan Brown, Lauderhill resident, echoed that it seemed things were moving too fast, and the only request from communities impacted by such developments was for developers to meet with area homeowners’ associations (HOA). Residents were not against development, but it was imperative that it be smart development, which came with inclusiveness, and the sharing of information with the public. He stressed the need for developers to show the community respect and attend HOA meetings, at which residents could voice their concerns to developers. The main roadways in eastern Lauderhill were already very congested, and traffic was terrible. Varion Harris, Lauderhill resident, and current president of the United Lauderhill Community Association, stated there were numerous complaints from City of Lauderhill Page 5 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 residents about the traffic on NW 12th Street and the HOA had multiple conversations with the city police regarding the many traffic accidents along that roadway. The building of the proposed development at the subject site would only serve to increase the incidents of accidents on that roadway. In looking at the plans in the backup, his concern was with the ability of the City ’s larger fire trucks to navigate the area with the various apparatus that were on the truck; this was a red flag, and it should be looked at. Madeline Noel, Lauderhill resident, referred to 441 between NW 12 Street and NW 16 Street, mentioning a traffic accident on the latter that resulted in a family tragedy: the death of a mother and the passing of her husband soon after. She echoed the belief that the community welcomed smart development, as there were some isolated areas along 441 that could, and did attract certain unwanted activities. She asked the Commission to take into consideration the traffic congestion, and its resulting in serious traffic accidents that prematurely deprived families of their loved ones. There was a lot of construction, and other development planned between Sunrise Boulevard and NW 21st Street; the Commission was urged to take a hard look at the traffic impacts. Ms. Noel asked if any member of the Commission lived in these areas affected by serious traffic congestion to see the everyday effect on the surrounding communities. Lawrence Martin, Lauderhill resident, stated that while he served on the Commission, he was very pro-development, but in the subject instance, he asked members of the Commission to visit the site of the proposed development. He said along that corridor, there were four businesses that would be immediately affected that totaled over 120 years in the City: Moty’s Auto Repair, Roro Tire, the music guy on the front of that building, and Joy ’s Roti. With the subject development being built almost on their backdoor, and the City’s noise ordinance being what it was, these businesses would likely have to shut down. He understood the subject resolution was part of the preliminary stage to get the process moving, and that there would be other opportunities to address the concerns being voiced, but he wished Ms. Howson and Mr. Keester-O’Mills to verify that the drawings in the presentation showed that the proposed development would abut the building in which the Joy ’s Roti was located, or would there be adequate space between them. He hoped members of the Commission were going out into the subject area to get feedback from area businesses and that the developer was speaking with those businesses to discuss any opportunities to relocate, as this was a quality of life issue. The tire shop alone usually had 30 to 40 cars waiting to be serviced, and Joy’s was a staple in the Lauderhill community. He looked forward to smart development in Lauderhill, echoing residents who previously spoke on their call for community meetings with developers, as they were promised a few years prior by the then commission. Mae Cooper, Lauderhill resident, said she represented the West Ken Lark HOA; she expressed concern that no one attended their HOA meetings to educate residents on the development planned at the Lauderhill Mall site. She found this very disrespectful, as residents refused to be overlooked and the City ’s elected officials had an open invitation to attend HOA meetings; Mr. Keester-O’Mills knew how to contact her. City of Lauderhill Page 6 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 Mayor Grant received no further input from the public. Interim City Manager Hobbs indicated Mr. Keester-O’Mills would respond to the four questions posed by the public, specifically, the traffic study completed, and the one underway, the timing of the projects, the impact to existing businesses, and the public meeting requirements. Planning & Zoning Director Daniel Keester-O’Mills began with addressing the public meeting requirements, stating the Commission adopted regulations requiring certain applicants to meet with HOAs in the areas affected by their development prior to city commission approval. This applied to the approval of applications for site plans, variances, and development agreements; the subject application was for a special exception, so it did not fall under the City ’s public noticing requirements. He said, however, the applicant was well aware that the site plan application required them to present their plans to the public to receive feedback; he believed this to be one of the reasons the Commission established the public meeting requirement, so the community could voice concerns, questions, etc. on the various aspects of the development, such as how the site would be laid out, the logistics of fire truck access to the site, traffic impacts, etc. He said these items had yet to be ironed out at the staff level, hence the applicant not presenting preliminary drawings for the proposed development to the public as yet. The applicant was submitting the subject special exception application to confirm to the Commission that the proposed development was consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and the use was permitted based on the City’s zoning requirements before they proceeded with holding public meetings. Mr. Keester-O’Mills commented on the traffic study, stating in December 2024 meetings, the Commission discussed 441, and whether its existing capacity could accommodate the traffic that would be generated by proposed developments along and near that corridor, and how such concerns could be addressed. His staff and he engaged with a number of traffic engineers to do a study, and they submitted a scope and proposal for their services, and staff was working through that process to get that assessment done; he was unable to provide a timeline at present, but he would have a better idea by the next commission meeting as to when the study would happen. The City Commission requested the traffic study, as the Comprehensive Plan required that new developments meet, and not lessen the level of service for roadways; none of the proposed developments triggered that, as the traffic studies and assessments for each application found that either the existing levels of service would be maintained, or they proposed changes to roadways off State Road 7 to maintain the existing levels of service. Interim City Manager Hobbs added that the City did a traffic study in May 2024 for the subject property; as of the December 2024 commission meeting, the Commission directed staff to do a traffic study for the entire corridor. This was something staff spoke about for a development scheduled for NW 38th Avenue and NW 19th Street however the developer did not move forward. He assured the Commission that a traffic study would be done of the entire 441 corridor, but he wished to dispel any belief that no traffic study had been done for that corridor. City of Lauderhill Page 7 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 Mr. Keester-O’Mills spoke next on the impact of the proposed development on existing businesses, the possibility of their relocating, etc .; this would be up to the current property owner, but if directed by the Commission, he felt sure the City Manager could have the City’s economic development staff work with business owners on relocating to other sites in Lauderhill, if possible. He was unable to comment as to the exact proximity of the proposed development to the nearby businesses, though he thought it was likely to be no less than 100-feet between the two buildings. Interim City Manager Hobbs stated the space was similar to that of the depth of one standard lot size for a home in Lauderhill. He noted, with regard to the noise impact of the businesses mentioned by Mr. Martin, per the City ’s noise ordinance, they would impact the proposed development, as city code required less than 55 decibels for residential. Thus, if Joy’s Roti had outdoor music, or music inside that could be heard outside that was 55 or more decibels, the proposed development would impact the ability of Joy’s Roti to hold such events. Ms. Calhoun remarked that if the subject application was denied by the Commission, there would be no further discussions about the applicant ’s development possibilities for the site. The Lauderhill Fire Department staff was looking at access, as part of the technical review of what the applicant proposed, and the applicant submitted a traffic study for the proposed development, for which comments were received from city staff that resulted in the applicant doing a further study of the proposed development ’s impacts throughout the area; this was underway. She noted, with regard to meeting with the public, if the subject application was approved, the applicant ’s team would be meeting with the public as required. Commissioner Dunn sought clarification on the noise decibel requirement. Interim City Manager Hobbs stated the requirement with regard to residential was affected by the proximity of the residential to commercial uses. If a noise complaint was called into the City, a code or police officer went to the complainant’s location, and did the measurement from there to the location of the noise nuisance; if found to be 55 or more decibels, the entity causing the noise nuisance would be immediately notified. With regard to the proposed development, and its expected proximity to the existing businesses, such as Joy’s Roti, the chances were much greater that there would be verifiable noise complaints. Commissioner Dunn commented that Joy’s Roti was a Lauderhill destination; she was once in transit in Washington, D.C., and when someone saw her Lauderhill name tag, they mentioned going specifically to Lauderhill to enjoy the food at Joy’s Roti. Commissioner Campbell believed the subject project came before the City Commission in 2022. Mr. Keester-O’Mills affirmed they originally filed an application in 2022, but this was the first time the special exception application was brought before the City of Lauderhill Page 8 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 Commission. Interim City Manager Hobbs confirmed the applicant filed in 2022 for text amendments that were approved by the then commission. Mr. Keester-O’Mills added that the text amendments were related to the size of units. Commissioner Campbell thought this conflicted with the notion of moving fast . Additionally, the current City Commission, as with previous commission, was required to ensure the City progressed and there were a number of projects presented to the Commission to ensure they proceeded as planned. It bothered him that there was a notion that the issues being voiced were discussed before, and the concepts being presented were new, but he saw numerous projects proposed for the old Kmart site for over 30 years. He said the plans for one in particular proposed development was very close to completion, but the then commission’s lengthy debate on where palm trees should be placed led the project to eventually fall through; this was the same fate for some ten projects for that site over the years. Rather than rushing, it was more a case of the development along the 441 corridor being overdue, as each time proposed projects were brought to the City, the same concerns were voice, such as traffic impacts that affected all areas of Lauderhill. Commissioner Campbell asked staff to print a map of Lauderhill, so the public had a better understanding of where Lauderhill was situated, and the major roadways that surrounded the City; Lauderhill had less than one percent impact on traffic. Looking at Sunrise Boulevard and 441, the only portion in Lauderhill was from 441 to NW 31st Avenue, the rest of that roadway was not in the City; going south on 441 at Sunrise Boulevard was the City of Plantation, and going west were the Cities of Plantation and Sunrise. The large residential development on the southwest corner of Sunrise Boulevard and 441 was in the City of Plantation, and that had a significant traffic impact; going north on 441 toward Oakland Park Boulevard, north of NW 19th Street on the east side was in the City of Lauderdale Lakes, as was north of NW 29th Street on the west side of 441. Commissioner Campbell remarked that there was a constant thought by residents about Lauderhill preserving those roads, but the City’s neighbors were not a part of that discussion, and while he fully understood residents’ traffic concerns, again, Lauderhill’s residents and businesses had only a one-percent impact on those major roadways. The reality was that even if the City opted not to develop, this would not prevent the increase in traffic along those corridors. City Attorney Ottinot stated the motion and second was to approve the subject resolution as is. However, if the Commission wished to grant the applicant ’s request to remove the language from staff condition one, as stated, a motion and second would be needed to approve the resolution as amended. Commissioner Campbell questioned if the Commission voted to approve the resolution as presented, would the Commission still have the option to amend the resolution later in the process when they had more knowledge on the matter, thereby approving the applicant’s request to remove the language as stated above. City of Lauderhill Page 9 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 City Attorney Ottinot affirmed this was possible. A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner Campbell, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner J. Hodgson, Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant No: 1- Commissioner M. Dunn Abstain: 0 RESOLUTIONS MOVED TO BE HEARD OUT OF ORDER: Mayor Grant stated item nine would be considered next on the agenda. 9. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-07: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL OPPOSING THE BROWARD SCHOOL BOARD’S PROPOSAL TO REPURPOSE/CLOSE BROWARD ESTATES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND SEND ITS STUDENTS TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MONTESSORI ACADEMY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO SEND A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER MELISSA P. DUNN). Attachments: RES 25R-01-07 Resolution Opposing Repurposing Plan for Broward Estates Elementary-1-1-25 AR 25R-01-07 Commissioner Dunn said she was following what was taking place in Broward Estates with regard to Broward Estate Elementary school, and she attended one of the community meetings at Dillard, speaking with school administrators, and concerned parents. Based on what she heard from the community, this was not something they desired or that they felt was in the best interest of their community. She commented that Broward Public Schools had a process that led to the Superintendent recommending the merging of schools that would result in the loss of Broward Estates Elementary. To be responsive to residents of that community, the subject resolution was drafted to urge the School Board to reconsider their decision. Mayor Grant opened the discussion to the public. Mae Smith, Lauderhill resident, expressed appreciation for the resolution, but she felt more action was needed to be really effective, so the community needed the support of the whole City Commission. Each elected official had numerous supporters, and the impact would be greater if their following attended the School Board’s meeting to advocate on behalf of Broward Estates to stop the closing of their elementary school. She stated, additionally, the City had its Education Advisory Board and the Lauderhill Health and Prosperity Partnership (LHPP), and along with the issuance of press releases, this was the kind of impact needed to change the School Board’s decision. She City of Lauderhill Page 10 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 stressed that without real bodies showing up to protest the closure, a resolution from the City would not stop the School Board’s action. A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Commissioner Campbell, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson, Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant Abstain: 0 VIII ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) 1. ORDINANCE NO. 25O-01-100: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 21 ENTITLED “WATER AND SEWER SERVICE,” ARTICLE IV ENTITLED “DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES RULES, REGULATIONS AND RATES,” SECTION 21-47 ENTITLED “SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO DELETE REFERENCES TO IMPACT FEES AND TO ESTABLISH WATER CONNECTION CHARGES FOR NEW MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). Attachments: ORD 25O-01-100 Ordinance impact fees removed 12.30.24 AR 25O-01-100 water connection fees jan 2025 This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda on first reading to the City Commission Meeting, due back on 01/27/2025. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) IX ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) 2. ORDINANCE NO. 24O-12-162: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHLLL AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 15, PARKS AND RECREATION, ARTICLE III, RECREATION FACILITIES FEES, SECTION 15-35, FEES, RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR REGISTRATION, USE AND RENTAL; APPROVING AN ALL-ACCESS MEMBERSHIP FEE FOR SENIORS AGE FIFTY-FIVE AND OVER (55+) FOR THE USE OF CERTAIN CITY FACILITIES/PROGRAMS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). City of Lauderhill Page 11 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 Attachments: ORD-24O-12-162-Code 15-35 -Senior All-access fee.pdf AR 24O-12-162 This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 3. ORDINANCE NO. 24O-12-163: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CAPITAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENT AND A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET TO TRANSFER VARIOUS GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND LINE ITEMS; PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). Attachments: ORD-24O-12-163-Budget-supp approp GO Bond projects.pdf AR 24O-12-163 GO Bond Capital 307 Cash Final.pdf This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) X ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - THIRD READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) 4. ORDINANCE NO. 24O-10-153: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE II, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, DIVISION 3, RETIREMENT, PART 3 POLICE PENSION PLAN AND TRUST FUND, SECTIONS 2-87.1(c) AND 2-87.1(g), DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTION PLAN, (DROP); AMENDING SECTION 2-87.2, COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT; AND AMENDING SECTION 2-87.3, POST RETIREMENT SUPPLEMENT TO ADD A NEW SUBPARAGRAPH (d); TO AMEND THE DROP PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT AND THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND FLORIDA STATE LODGE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE #161; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER, DESORAE GILES-SMITH). Attachments: ORD-24O-10-153-Code 2-87.1 & 2-87.2 & 2-87.3-DROP AR 24O-10-153 LP AIS Rev 7 yr DROP, COLA, and PRS updates.pdf This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) XI RESOLUTIONS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) City of Lauderhill Page 12 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 5. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-03: A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REMETERING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND VERONICA ROBINSON TO ALLOW SUBMETERS AT PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1520-1524 N.W. 52ND AVENUE, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, IN ORDER TO SEPARATELY BILL EACH INDIVIDUAL USER BASED UPON ACTUAL WATER CONSUMPTION AT THE SAME RATE UTILIZED BY THE CITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE(REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). Attachments: RES 25R-01-03 Resolution Remetering Agreement 1520-1524 NW 52nd Avenue AR 25R-01-03 Remetering Agreement- Original_1520-1524 NW 52 AVE.pdf This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 6. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-04: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL ACCEPTING A DRAINAGE EASEMENT DEDICATION FROM ALEXIS ROBINSON AND GEORGE GABB LOCATED AT 1401 N.W. 51ST AVENUE; ACCEPTING A DRAINAGE EASEMENT DEDICATION FROM VANUS LOUIS-JEUNE LOCATED AT 1361 N.W. 51ST AVENUE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A 30-INCH PIPE GOING ALONG THE SHARED PROPERTY LINE OF THE TWO LOTS FROM N.W. 51ST AVENUE TO A PROPOSED CATCH BASIN THAT WILL BE LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL’S RIGHT-OF-WAY NEXT TO THE TURNPIKE WALL; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). Attachments: RES 25R-01-04 Resolution Drainage Easements-Catch Basin AR 25R-01-04 Project Location Map.pdf TurnpikeEastDrainagementsEasements.pdf Lauderhill East Turnpike Plans.pdf Commissioner Dunn knew residents were very concerned about flooding in the City, and she learned from her internal conversations with staff, this would be a project that would help address those concerns. Engineering Director Martin Cala explained the subject resolution pertained to NW 51st Avenue, just east of the Florida Turnpike; before the repeated widening of the latter over the years, there used to be a canal that collected water that flowed off the Turnpike, and from 51st Avenue. Fifteen years ago, the existing buffer wall was installed, and the open canal was replaced with pipes; this led to the City’s drainage ability into the canal being cut off, leaving Lauderhill to take care of any runoff. He said the subject project would cause numerous pipes to City of Lauderhill Page 13 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 be installed, including French drains, that would connect with existing drainage to allow the water collected to go into the groundwater table. Some existing pipes were just blocked by the wall, so at the specific site of the two addresses, where there was no easement, would require the installation of an easement; he said the City wished the intent to be made clear to the property owners that there would be at least a six-foot easement on each side. Mr. Cala noted the subject project would eventually allow the City to handle the flow of water, and reduce flooding; this was one of the main projects the City established in its storm water, and flood prevention initiatives. Commissioner Dunn added that concerns expressed by residents was the flooding particularly along the Turnpike wall, so she wished these residents to understand that the work identified in the subject resolution was directly related to addressing that issue. It was an ongoing process, and the subject work was part of the City’s flood mitigation plan, a large movement to address flooding in all Lauderhill; the City would work with the Turnpike Authority to do some more intense listening around the issue of flooding. Mayor Grant opened the discussion to the public. Ms. Noel wished to know if funding for the subject project was taxpayers ’ dollars, as the buffer wall was installed and maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), or was FDOT providing some type of grant funding to offset the project costs. Interim City Manager Hobbs replied funding would come from the City ’s coffers, as the City was responsible for mitigating flooding in Lauderhill ’s residential communities; the City was in communication with FDOT, and he felt sure there were some steps they could take to help with the City’s flood mitigation efforts. For the flood mitigation work proposed by the subject resolution, city funding was already allocated. A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Vice Mayor S. Martin, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson, Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant Abstain: 0 7. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-05: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE FOURTH AMENDED ANNUAL CALENDAR OF CITY HOSTED SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). Attachments: RES 25R-01-05 Calendar Resolution-2025 AR 25R-01-05 Updated Commissioner Events (Fourth) City of Lauderhill Page 14 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 8. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-06: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS POLICY EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION FOR EVENTS HELD AT CITY-OWNED VENUES OR EVENTS SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL; PROVIDING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE WITH THE AUTHORITY TO DO ALL THINGS TO EFFECTUATE THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). Attachments: RES 25R-01-06 Complimentary Tickets Policy Resolution AR 25R-01-06 Issuance of Complimentary Tickets - Clean Version Issuance of Complimentary Tickets Policy - with edits Mr. Martin sought clarification if the scope stated in subject resolution applied to all elected officials, city employees, city board members, etc. Interim City Manager Hobbs answered no; the resolution was intended for the Mayor and City Commissioners only. Mr. Martin asked the City Attorney to look at the language of the resolution, specifically section 1.2, as the language went so far as to state volunteers, board members, etc.; the language was somewhat ambiguous, so it should be revisited. Interim City Manager Hobbs thought the scope under 1.2 was standard language in all city policies; more specifically under 1.5 when it spoke to the policy, it stated that the City would recognize that complimentary tickets to city-sponsored events could serve as a public service. The second paragraph spoke to public officials, the Mayor and Commission, being granted complimentary tickets to city-sponsored events held at city-owned venues for ceremonial purposes. He said the specifics in 1.2 spoke to the intent. City Attorney Ottinot commented, to avoid any doubt, the scope could be modified to make it clear that the it applied to city elected officials only, as well as modifications to other related language in the policy; the definition of “public officer” included other city board members. It was a policy decision to restrict the scope to elected officials only, or include other city board members. Mayor Grant agreed with the need to modify the language to clarify the intent of the scope. There could still be a vote on the resolution as presented with the understanding that staff would modify the language as directed by the Commission. City Attorney Ottinot confirmed the modification of the language would reflect that the scope applied only to the City’s elected officials. City of Lauderhill Page 15 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 Commissioner Dunn thought using the term “public officers” made the intent more ambiguous if used in the scope and purpose language. Additionally, there was a need to do this under item seven, so it was more than just a simple language revision, as multiple areas of the resolution needed clarity. She recommended tabling the subject resolution to allow staff to revise the language, then place the resolution on the January 27, 2025, meeting agenda. Mayor Grant recommended voting on the item as is with the understanding that staff would modify the language as directed. Mr. Martin mentioned the language related to the $100.00 cap that made it a gift; this opened the matter to another realm of concerns, so the City Attorney needed make sure this area of the subject resolution was super highlighted to prevent putting elected officials at risk. On the matter of giving each elected official five complimentary tickets to city events, this seemed excessive in light of the City’s goal to make the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) self-sufficient; taking take 25 tickets off the payroll, potentially, for every event was not fiscally responsible. Ms. Smith felt five complimentary tickets per elected official was a lot, made even worse if other city board members were included; she favored sticking to complimentary tickets for elected officials only. She agreed with tabling the resolution to the next meeting. Mayor Grant clarified the motion and second would be to approve the resolution with the directive to staff to modify the language for the scope to apply only to the elected officials, and other modifications deemed necessary to be in accord with this change. A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Commissioner J. Hodgson, that this Resolution be tabled to the City Commission Meeting, due back on 1/27/2025. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson, Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant Abstain: 0 10. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-08: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, CREATING AND APPROVING THE NEW JOB DESCRIPTION OF DIRECTOR OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AND GOVERNANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). Attachments: Res. No. 25R-01-08 LEGISLATION.pdf AR 25R-01-08 Job Description: Intergovernmental Affairs & Governance This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) City of Lauderhill Page 16 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 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 SHALL BEGIN IMMEDIATELY BEFORE ADJOURNMENT Interim City Attorney Ottinot expressed appreciation to serve as the City ’s city attorney. Commissioner Hodgson said it was happy to be at the meeting, as he continued to learn a lot from members of the public and his colleagues. He welcomed Mr. Ottinot, noting it was a pleasure working with him and he looked forward to having a good working relationship with him. He thanked all meeting attendees for being a part of the process. Commissioner Dunn mentioned the Haitian Independence event that took place the last weekend was amazing, for which she showed a recap video. She congratulated the Haitian Mobilization Committee on a successful event, thanking Vice Mayor Martin, and Commissioner Hodgson for attending the event. Mr. Hobbs and his staff were thanked for doing a good job organizing the event, particularly Interim Director of Public Relations and Cultural Affairs Julie Boukhari and her team. The cohort ten application for Lauderhill Shines was now open and would be until January 30, 2025; there was an information session scheduled for next week; interested persons could learn more and apply on the City’s website at lauderhill-fl.gov/shines; they could get help with starting or growing a business in the City of Lauderhill. On January 30, 2025, there would be the first Annual Lauderhill Success Summit; during that event, an access to capital product would be unveiled called the Lauderhill Prosperity Project, and, in partnership with the Urban League of Broward County, it would provide, through a Kiva hub, access to capital for entrepreneurs of up to $15,000.00 in zero-interest business loans, as well as support to grow one ’s business. She added that the initiative was working with Chase Bank to do a grant for homebuyers; both funding opportunities would be discussed at the summit, and information was available on the City’s website at lauderhill-fl.gov/successsummit. She said the LHPP meeting would take place the coming Wednesday on Zoom; she invited her colleagues and the public to attend. Vice Mayor Martin invited his colleagues and the community to a fun community City of Lauderhill Page 17 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 13, 2025 barbeque on Saturday, January 18, 2025, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This was in response to the recent murders in the City, and an effort to maintain the City ’s communication with the Lauderhill public. He noted there were a number of shootings off NW 19th Street and this event was a community engagement effort; the event venue would be behind Snappers where much of the activity took place, so he encouraged his colleagues to attend. The Broward County Supervisor of Elections would be there, as well as representatives with Peace365, and aim of the event was to try to reduce the incidents of crimes, and other negative activity taking place. Commissioner Campbell wished everyone a Happy New Year. Interim City Manager Hobbs informed the Commission that staff was hosting three public meetings to discuss two city master plan efforts: a transportation master plan, and a Parks & Recreation master plan. The first meeting took place the previous week; the second was scheduled for January 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Veterans Park; and the third would take place on January 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. He stated the purpose of the meetings was to discuss the process and to get feedback on the needs of the community, so the Lauderhill public was urged to attend and participate. Mayor Grant wished everyone a happy and prosperous 2025. She mentioned the previous Thursday Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Henderson, one of their staffers and she visited all ten city departments, finishing the tour the previous Sunday with the Parks & Recreation Department. The goal was for city employees to see the face of Lauderhill’s new leadership, and to engage with them to alleviate any concerns they had. She found the experience quite enlightening, as they were able to speak to all of the employees and department heads; it was an extremely productive experience, and she believed it to be the first time this was done in the City. The Mayor’s Listening Tour was set to begin, and one of the things imperative to her colleagues and her was to ensure that in being elected to the Commission, they carried out the work of the community rather than their personal agendas. She stressed the importance of engaging with all Lauderhill neighborhoods, to sit with all HOA presidents of the various communities, so there was a united effort in finding solutions for the Lauderhill community; though some things were already in place and working, that scope could always be broadened. Residents were invited to attend the upcoming City Commission Retreat on January 23, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m.; they could attend in person or virtually, so they could learn more from the topics of discussion, and about the ways in which the Commission and staff were working to move the City forward. Mr. Hobbs would be conducting a law enforcement forum to discuss best practices, some of which were already implemented, and look at those that could be implemented to enhance public safety in Lauderhill. All this information was available on the City’s website. She thanked everyone for attending, and participating in the present meeting, thanking Mr. Hobbs and his staff for their guidance on conducting the Commission meetings, etc., as it was something both the Lauderhill public and the elected officials appreciated. XIX ADJOURNMENT - 9:58 PM City of Lauderhill Page 18