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 27, 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 27, 2025 I CALL TO ORDER Mayor D. 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 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 M. Dunn, to ACCEPT the Revised Version of the City Commission Meeting Agenda for January 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 III PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG FOLLOWED BY GOOD AND WELFARE IV CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Vice Mayor S. Martin, 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 V APPROVAL OF MINUTES VI PROCLAMATIONS / COMMENDATIONS (10 MINUTES MAXIMUM) VII PRESENTATIONS (15 MINUTES MAXIMUM) A. A PRESENTATION FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY (REQUESTED BY MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT). City of Lauderhill Page 1 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 XI QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) All persons wishing to speak on item eight were collectively sworn in. 8. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-16: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERHILL, FL GRANTING "4 AM LOUNGE BAR AND GRILL" A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER, WITH CONDITIONS, TO ALLOW AN EXISTING RESTAURANT BAR WITH ACCESSORY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AN ADDITIONAL ACCESSORY USE "HOOKAH LOUNGE" IN A COMMERCIAL SPACE APPROXIMATELY 4,200 SQUARE FEET WITHIN THE COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE (CW) ZONING DISTRICT AND WITHIN THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT (A&E) OVERLAY DISTRICT ON A 2.62 ACRE SITE LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS A PORTION OF INDUSTRIAL 100 UNIT 1 TRACTS A & B FULLY DESCRIBED IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FL PLAT BOOK 85 PAGE 3, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 3974 NW 19 STREET, LAUDERHILL, FL; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Attachments: RES 25R-01-16 Resolution special exception use hookah lounge.docx AR 25R-01-16 Attachment A - Application Attachment B - Development Review Report Attachment C - Public Notice Affidavit Attachment D - Conditions of Approval (SIGNED) Attachment E - Public Comments Commissioner Dunn asked what time the applicant usually closed for business. Vernon Burroughs, the applicant, replied 2:00 a.m. Commissioner Dunn noticed in the backup there was a complaint from a resident, potentially, about noise, asking staff to elaborate on the complaint, what the rules were with regard to closing time, and the City’s noise ordinance. Senior Planner Molly Howson explained, per the City’s notification process, every property owner within 500 feet of the subject site was notified of the present meeting, and application for consideration by the City Commission . One property owner responded, and, based on the information they submitted, staff was unsure if they were a business or residential property owner; they stated they did not support the subject application based on the area already being surrounding by an excess of noise day and night, and they felt a hookah lounge would exacerbate the existing situation. She said, based on reading the complaint, she was unsure if the complainant was aware this was an existing bar/lounge seeking to extend their uses to include hookah. Commissioner Dunn asked staff to explain the conditions for approval in the City of Lauderhill Page 2 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 backup. Ms. Howson indicated the conditions city staff recommended were mostly standard conditions for approval that were reiterated with applicants that had more noise-oriented businesses. The conditions applied to the applicant agreeing, if approved, to: operate Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.; close on Monday; open Tuesday through Saturday 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. She stated if the applicant failed to comply with any of these conditions, the subject special exception could be brought back to the Commission. There were mechanical permitting requirements that had to be installed for the hookah lounge use, as with any type of indoor smoking use to ensure a proper filtration system. Commissioner Dunn noted a preexisting violation in relation to the hours of operation, asking if this was resolved. Ms. Howson responded that the City received no further complaints about the hours of operation being exceeded since the complaint. Commissioner Dunn asked the applicant about complying with the City ’s condition for approval requiring the installation of upgraded mechanical installations to improve air filtration, along with the condition to close at 2:00 a.m. rather than 4:00 a.m. Mr. Burroughs replied that he had no problem with changing the closing time, though the reason for the name of his business was they opened until 4:00 a.m., but this was a discussion for another day, as he was willing to comply with the closing time condition for approval. Commissioner Hodgson expressed health concerns, and whether there was sufficient space for the added use, asking if hookah users would occupy the space currently used by patrons. Mr. Burroughs affirmed it was definitely a restaurant and lounge, but they had different hours for various services; for example, they served breakfast, they did happy hour, and served lunch, all at different hours. At around 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m., that was when the space was turned into a lounge, at which time patrons could use the hookah, and the food served would be bar type foods, such as wings, fries, etc. Commissioner Hodgson remarked on the health hazards of smoking, and patrons who sought only to drink and eat could be adversely affected by having to interact with patrons choosing to smoke. Ms. Howson added City staff found that the proposed additional use in the subject application was in line with the minimum State requirements with regard to the Florida Clean Air Act that provided that smoking could not happen in restaurants, but it was allowed in standalone bars. Commissioner Campbell hoped to tour Mr. Burroughs’s business soon, stating this was the City’s designated entertainment district; in future years a variety of entertainment businesses would be brought to the Commission for approval . City of Lauderhill Page 3 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 He tended not to judge what others chose to do, and though he was not a smoker, if the City sought to encourage businesses to come to the subject area, then it was important not to erect too many obstacles to them conducting business, particularly if their operations were within the confines of the law . This would serve as a positive message to other businesses wishing to come to Lauderhill. He supported businesses, and their efforts to thrive, and provide a variety of services for patrons to choose from. Mayor Grant asked how many hookah lounges there were in Lauderhill at present, and how far apart were they, asking if the City had a distance requirement for the use. Ms. Howson responded the applicant’s hookah lounge would make three in Lauderhill; one legal hookah lounge was on University Drive, Rotana Hookah Café established prior to there being any state, county, or city laws regulating the use; they had no alcoholic beverage sales associated with them. The second hookah lounge in the City was Liquid Paradise; they were situated in the same plaza as 4AM Lounge, and they had yet to complete their permitting process for the mechanical upgrades; as soon as that was completed, they could officially add hookah to their certificate of use. Staff suggested the City institute a distance requirement outside of the arts and entertainment overlay district; the use was being treated similar to that of alcoholic beverage establishments, allowing no distance separation for such uses within the arts and entertainment corridor. Mayor Grant wished to know how the City could begin the process of establishing distance separation for hookah uses outside the entertainment district. Ms. Howson replied the Commission need only direct Planning & Zoning Director Daniel Keester-O’Mills and her to begin the process. Mayor Grant questioned the safeguards in place to ensure the addition of a hookah lounge did not impact the health and safety of the surrounding community, and how such impacts would be monitored by the City. She assumed staff’s due diligence led them to already considered health and safety aspects, so such uses created no real health crisis, or presented the creation of a hazardous health environment. Ms. Howson replied the City would do a few things: only persons 21 and over were allowed in the applicant’s business; having a use granted by special exception on the City’s books increased staff’s ability to act on anticipated adverse conditions, as it allowed staff to bring the use back to the Commission, should any issues arise; and staff stayed in tune to state statutes as they developed, to ensure the City remained on the cutting edge, as the subject use was comparable to cigarette/cigar smoking. Mayor Grant recalled a previous issue related to vaping, and hookah appeared to be trendy, so she assumed this was the reason the applicant sought to add this use. City of Lauderhill Page 4 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 Ms. Howson mentioned staff heard from local businesses that hookah was a use they wished to have the option of adding, so they could provide similar offerings as those of their competitors. Mayor Grant assumed the smoking would take place inside the applicant ’s business, but she recalled seeing patrons of another hookah establishment on University Drive smoking outside the business. Ms. Howson affirmed the business on University Drive did have chairs outside; she would look into whether they were allowed to smoke outside the business; the 4AM Lounge had no outdoor seating. Commissioner Dunn recalled when the Commission approved an earlier text amendment, the Commission understood it would be a pilot in the subject zone, after which the Commission and staff would reevaluate as it pertained to some of the Mayor’s points. She asked if, at that time, there was any agreement on a time period for the pilot to run before evaluation, and discussion with the Commission, particularly as to whether the use would be permitted elsewhere in Lauderhill. Ms. Howson responded, short of reviewing the previous meeting ’s minutes, she could not recall if there was a time-certain, but the she knew the aim was to see how the use played out in the subject district. She doubted sufficient time had passed, but staff could research how such uses were handled in other Broward cities. Commissioner Dunn wondered what, in Ms. Howson’s opinion, was a reasonable timeframe for the pilot to run to allow staff to evaluate, and make a determination on whether the subject use was fulfilling the intent of its approval; that is, to allow local businesses to add another revenue stream to their business without creating additional public health hazards. Ms. Howson thought a year was appropriate to make such an assessment; other parts of the discussion could include what were appropriate uses to which the subject use should be allowed as an accessory use. Commissioner Dunn added part of the determination was whether to restrict the use to the arts and entertainment district, or allow it elsewhere in the City. A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner M. Dunn, 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-01-102: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, AMENDING City of Lauderhill Page 5 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 CHAPTER 2 ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION,” ARTICLE II ENTITLED “OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES,” BY DELETING SECTION 2-21 ENTITLED “COMMISSION TO APPROVE JOB DESCRIPTIONS PRIOR TO FILLING POSITIONS AND CHANGES IN JOB DESCRIPTIONS”; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). Attachments: ORD 25O-01-102 Ordinance removing job description approval AR 25O-01-102 Memo to City Commission from City Manager - Job Descriptions.pdf Interim City Manager Hobbs explained city staff was currently reviewing all city policies, and he identified the subject policy as one that could improve operational efficiencies. Currently, the City Commission approved the overall budget, including the funding of positions. In 1982 when the City had a strong mayor, the Commission was required to approve all modifications to job descriptions, but in staff’s survey of other Broward cities, with the exception of Plantation that had a strong mayor form of government, this was not a normal practice. This led to his present request to remove the necessity to come before the Commission to make changes to job descriptions in line with the city manager being the chief operating officer within the City. There was no request to make any changes with regard to the budget authority of the Commission, so the Commission would continue to approve positions funded within the budget; the change would help enhance city operations related to job descriptions. Mayor Grant wished to know what measures were in place, or would be put in place to ensure that the delegation of the authority of for job descriptions to the city manager would not compromise transparency, and accountability within the hiring process. Interim City Manager Hobbs responded nothing would change in the hiring process, as regardless of a job description, all applicants still had to go through the City’s formal hiring process. The only change to that process would be a reduction in the amount time to advertise and hire for a position. Mayor Grant said if the subject item were approved, she wished staff to provide the Commission with an organizational chart, including any assistant director positions; and, going forward, that the Commission would be alerted to any hiring or salary increases that impacted the City’s budget by five percent or more. She said the same applied to advising the Commission of any consideration to create a new department/division, as this meant a new budget item. Commissioner Dunn commented, while she understood the need for efficiency, she intended to vote no on the subject item, as she wished to see a permanent city manager appointed first before making such a change. Commissioner Campbell sought clarification that Mayor Grant’s requests had no impact on the subject item the Commission was being asked to vote on. City of Lauderhill Page 6 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 Interim City Attorney Ottinot affirmed this was the case. A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner Campbell, that this Ordinance be approved on first reading to the City Commission Meeting, due back on 2/10/2025. 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 2. ORDINANCE NO. 25O-01-103: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $933,852 AND A CAPITAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,746,014 AND A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $128,339 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025; REFLECTING APROPRIATE ADJUSTMENTS TO VARIOUS REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS AS SPECIFICALLY INDICATED IN THE BREAKDOWN IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,808,205; PROVIDING VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR). Attachments: ORD 25O-01-103 Ordinance budget adjustment AR 25O-01-103 1-27 Budget Adjustment.pdf This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda on first reading to the City Commission Meeting, due back on 02/10/2025. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) IX ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING (NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL) 3. 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 City of Lauderhill Page 7 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 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. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) X RESOLUTIONS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA) 4. 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 Commissioner Dunn wished to put on the record a small change to the language she previously discussed with Mr. Ottinot, noting she thought all the changes discussed at the last Commission meeting were handled well . Specifically, under Scope, section 1.2 that currently read in the last sentence: The members of the City Commission of Lauderhill, when attending city-sponsored events, or events held in city-owned venues or while conducting business on behalf of the City … She recommended the words …or while… be replaced with …when.. A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner J. Hodgson, 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 5. RESOLUTION 25R-01-13: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING A QUOTE FROM UTILITIES ASSOCIATES, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $915,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF BODY WORN CAMERA, STORAGE EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND SERVICES FOR POLICE, FIRE AND CODE ENFORCEMENT IN-CAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS UNDER THE City of Lauderhill Page 8 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 EXISTING AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FROM THE APPROPRIATE BUDGET CODE NUMBERS OVER A THREE YEAR PERIOD; AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER AND OTHER OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER KENNIE HOBBS). Attachments: RES 25R-01-13 Resolution Body Worn Camera Quote AR 25R-01-13 Lauderhill -UAI SOLE SOURCE 12.4.2024 Q#134011 - Lauderhill PD Updated Renewal UPDATE 12.4.2024 Lauderhill FL Utility CSA_Executed 012125 Mayor Grant asked staff to give a presentation on the subject item for the benefit of the Lauderhill public. Police Chief Constance Stanley spoke about the body-worn cameras, with which all police officers were equipped when responding to calls for service; it was a three-year agreement, and there were city policies that stipulated all officers should activate their body-worn cameras while on calls for service. Interim City Manager Hobbs added the City had a replacement plan with a three-year cycle, so the City was renewing its existing contract for another three years, whereby about 140 body-worn cameras would be replaced. Commissioner Campbell noticed the resolution’s language said code enforcement, asking if this meant code officers were wearing body -worn cameras. Chief Stanley answered no. Mr. Hobbs explained that within the agreement, it allowed for the utilization of communication devices by police officers, city rangers, and code officers. He said this portion of the agreement affected those devices; only police officers wore body-worn cameras. Mayor Grant opened the discussion to the public. Hubert Shaw, Lauderhill resident, sought clarification as to whether the body-worn cameras had to be updated every three years. Major David Hennessy commented the City’s contract with Utility Associates was that they refresh the hardware very frequently. In the specific case of the body-worn cameras, the contract was for the next three years, and they would immediately provide the City with 280 cameras, as each police officer would be issued two cameras to ensure there were no battery issues, particularly if an officer worked overtime or a 12-hour shift. He explained, along with being body-worn, the cameras were utilized to take pictures on crime scenes, as well as take statements during criminal investigations, so the battery life of the cameras was very important. He pointed out the majority of the in -car City of Lauderhill Page 9 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 communication for all the City’s police cars, along with frontline fire rescue, and code enforcement were being refreshed as well. Thus, any camera equipment installed in the vehicles in the last year or two would be replaced; the equipment, essentially, made the vehicles a Wi-Fi hotspot for authorized hardware. Major Hennessy mentioned, about 18 months into the current agreement, the vendor would provide the City with the next generation body cameras, so police officers would receive two new body-worn cameras in the next three-year agreement. A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Commissioner J. Hodgson, 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 6. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-14: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CREATING THE NEW JOB DESCRIPTION OF DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). Attachments: RES 25R-01-14 Resolution creating job description director development services AR 25R-01-14 Director of Development Services.pdf Commissioner Dunn asked staff to explain the reasoning behind creating the subject new position. Interim City Manager Hobbs explained city administration sought to create a new department, Development Services; the new department would encompass a number of existing divisions, and departments, the goal being to increase efficiencies and improve customer service to both residents and businesses. Under Development Services would be the Planning & Zoning Department, currently a standalone department, and the Building Division, currently under the Finance Department. Code enforcement would be split in two, with one portion moving to Development Services that focused on enforcing the City’s building and planning codes; the other portion related to revenue generation would remain under Financial Services; the latter included the issuance of certificates of use, inspections, etc. Development Services would have a single director to which the three divisions would report; the intent was to fill the position internally with minimal budgetary impact that would be due to some standard salary adjustment. Commissioner Dunn noted in her meeting with Mr. Hobbs she asked him to provide a work chart for Development Services to make it clear for the record what this entailed. Mayor Grant opened the discussion to the public. City of Lauderhill Page 10 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 Catherine Collette, Lauderhill resident, asked if appointing a new director for the new department meant any directors were losing their position. Interim City Manager Hobbs answered no. A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Commissioner J. Hodgson, 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-01-15: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH EUGENE M. STEINFELD, ATTORNEY AT LAW, P.A., TO SERVE AS A SPECIAL MASTER FOR THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE RETENTION OF TAMAR N. HAMILTON, P.A. TO SERVE AS A SPECIAL MASTER UNDER THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS; AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE EACH AGREEMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.). Attachments: RES 25R-01-15 Resolution approving special master agreement AR 25R-01-15 Professional Consultant Agreement - Special Master-Eugene Steinfeld-2025 Resume Tamar Hamilton - Professional Resume Eugene M Steinfeld Interim City Attorney Ottinot noted for the record that Ms. Hamilton submitted her bid for an executed contract to the City Manager via the City Attorney earlier today. Commissioner Dunn desired an explanation of the role of a special master. Interim City Attorney Ottinot stated, under the city code, the special master acted as a judge, presiding over hearings of citations issued by code enforcement staff for violations; the special master made determinations of guilt or innocence of property owners. Mr. Hobbs indicated the City needed to have two special masters in the event one was unavailable for a hearing. Commissioner Dunn wished to know the estimated value of the contract. Interim City Attorney Ottinot responded, based on the contract terms, each special master would receive $400.00 per hearing. Commissioner Dunn asked if the City always used special masters, or if this was something new. City of Lauderhill Page 11 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 Interim City Manager Hobbs replied that the use of a special master was not something the City always did, but it was something the City began using in more recent years; in past years, the business portion of the certificate of use (COU), minimum housing inspections, etc. were actually heard before the Code Enforcement Board. Due to the issues and concerns city administration had once the City began actively enforcing the COU process, and closing businesses down, one of the matters that arose was that before the City could actually close down a business, owners had to first go before a special master, so their case could be heard; thus, rather than the decision being made at Code Enforcement Department level, it was determined that such decisions would be made at the special master level. Mr. Hobbs indicated there was a need for the special master to be at both of the twice monthly Code Enforcement Board meetings when citations were heard. Because city staff was working through the City’s code enforcement process, doing inspections, and enforcing city code, the process went from one to two meetings per month; the second meeting was important, as, in the past, there were instances when the special master was not available for the second meeting, so they had to be cancelled . He said hiring a second special master would reduce the need to cancel the second meeting, as in some instances, businesses were closed temporarily while awaiting their case to be heard, so they could reopen. Commissioner Dunn questioned how the City arrived at hiring the specific two individuals as special masters. Interim City Manager Hobbs responded that the current special master was hired via an agreement with Eugene Steinfeld about a year ago. Commissioner Dunn knew Mr. Steinfeld had an excellent reputation; he worked with the City of Margate for over 20 years. Interim City Manager Hobbs said the City worked through a process with him some time prior, and actually had a contract to move forward, but the item failed to move forward, so staff sought to do so now, as his services were already engaged. The proposed agreement was to hire Ms. Hamilton as the second special master. Commissioner Dunn asked if the City went out to bid for the second special master, or was her hiring just based on Mr. Ottinot’s recommendation. Interim City Manager Hobbs stated the decision was not based only on Mr . Ottinot’s recommendation, but on staff’s review of qualified individuals; the City did not go out to bid to contract a second special master, as the city code did not require it, as it fell under the threshold requiring the contract go out to bid. Commissioner Dunn remarked, for the record, she did her due diligence for Mr . Steinfeld, and she heard great things; she was familiar with Ms. Hamilton, as she graduated from the Lauderhill Shines program. She was always in favor of doing business with Lauderhill business, which Ms. Hamilton’s was. Mayor Grant wished to know what processes were in place to ensure that the rulings of the special masters were aligned with the City’s legal, and policy City of Lauderhill Page 12 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 priorities, and how would the impact of their rulings be evaluated over time. Interim City Attorney Ottinot replied that a city attorney sat as the attorney for the special master at the Code Enforcement Board meetings; this provided an opportunity for the city attorney to evaluate the special master ’s performance. Usually any complaints would come from either city staff or residents if they felt they were not being treated appropriately by a special master, or if they felt the city code was not being enforced as required. He said should such a situation arise, the City Manager and he would review the evidence and make a determination. Mayor Grant asked if complaints about the special master would come before the Commission, or whether that was a purely administrative process. Interim City Manager Hobbs commented that the determination of the contract would be done at the city management level, but if this resulted in the need to hire a replacement special master, that matter would come before the Commission. 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 7A. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-17: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE FIFTH 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-01-17 Fifth Amended Calendar of Events FY 25 AR 25R-01-17 Updated Commissioner Events (Fifth) This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of Consent Agenda for vote tally.) 7B. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-18: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF VARIOUS MEMBERS OT THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD BY VARIOUS INDIVIDUAL CITY COMMISSIONERS AS INDICATED FOR THE TERMS INDICATED; APPOINTING _____________ BY THE CITY COMMISSION AS A WHOLE TO SERVE FOR THE REMAINDER OF A TWO (2) YEAR TERM THAT SHALL EXPIRE NOVEMBER 2026; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City of Lauderhill Page 13 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 Attachments: RES 25R-01-18 P&Z Appts AR 25R-01-18 Planning and Zoning Board List Shender, Aryeh - P&Z Application Schankweiler, Bob - P&Z Application Mohammed, Troy - P&Z Application Mayor Grant said she previously appointed Aryeh Shender while sitting as a city commissioner; she wished him to remain as her appointee by the Mayor. City Clerk Anderson noted Commissioner Campbell already appointed Troy Mohammed to serve until 2028; the City Commission, as a whole, needed to make an appointment, a seat currently filled by Bob Schankweiler, who said he was interest in continuing to serve. Other positions on the board could be filled by individual commissioners. Commissioner Campbell sought clarification as to the number of members on the Planning & Zoning Board. City Clerk Anderson stated each member of the Commission made an appointment, and then two appointments were made by the Commission as a whole, so seven in all. 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 7C. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-19: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF ____________ BY THE CITY COMMISSION AS A WHOLE TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL EMPLOYEE PENSION BOARD FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM EXPIRING JUNE 2026; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Attachments: RES 25R-01-19 General Pension Board Appt AR 25R-01-19 General Employee Pension Board List Scurry, Kelly - General Employee Pension Board Application 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 City of Lauderhill Page 14 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 Abstain: 0 7D. RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-20: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPOINTING ___________ BY THE CITY COMMISSION AS A WHOLE TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE FIREFIGHTERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE REMAINDER OF A TWO (2) YEAR TERM EXPIRING NOVEMBER 2026; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Attachments: RES 25R-01-20 Fire Pension Board Appt AR 25R-01-20 Firefighters Pension Board List Interim City Manager Hobbs stated Ryan Gabner currently served on the subject board; he worked with the City’s Fire Department; the request was for the him to remain on the board. Commissioner Dunn asked if Mr. Gabner was a board member in good standing. Interim Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Sean Henderson affirmed Mr. Gabner was a board member in good standing; he frequently attended meetings, and had great insight as it related to the union, etc. 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 XII QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING XIII QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, SECOND READING XIV UNFINISHED BUSINESS XV OLD BUSINESS XVI NEW BUSINESS XVII COMMUNICATIONS FROM PUBLIC OFFICIALS SHALL BEGIN IMMEDIATELY BEFORE ADJOURNMENT Interim City Manager Hobbs announced there would be an MLK concert event scheduled for February 8, 2025, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC); tickets were currently on sale, and Jeffery Osborne was the headliner. City of Lauderhill Page 15 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 Commissioner Campbell remarked in 2026 the FIFA World Cup would take place; it was considered the world’s largest sporting event, and it was held every four years. He said the U.S., Mexico, and Canada would share this event, and South Florida venues would host seven of the games, of which the Miami Stadium, which was the Hard Rock Stadium, would be renamed due to promotional rights for the event. He mentioned being recently asked about promoting the event in Broward County, as FIFA estimated the event would generate about $1.3 billion in South Florida, so the City needed to position itself to benefit from the activities. The last time the event came to the U .S was in 1994. He would give updates at future commission meetings. Vice Mayor Martin commended the City’s Police Department (PD) for the call to action; the past Sunday his car was broken into in his driveway at about 2:00 a.m., and he noticed that cars parked at the Cricket Club were broken into the same evening. Two of the four suspects were apprehended due to the quick response of the Lauderhill PD to an anonymous call of prowlers in the area, with the police cordoning off the area to create a box, and two individuals were found hiding; car keys were found in the pocket of one of the suspects. Officer Cuervo, in driving around the area, passed Vice Mayor Martin ’s house and noticed the light on in his vehicle, so she retrieved the keys, went back to his house, and she found that the key fob opened the vehicle. She knocked on his door, questioned him and discovered he did not know the keys were stolen; it was likely that the plan was to come back at a later time to steal the car. Her actions went above and beyond, and when she asked him if he wished to press charges, his immediate thought was to protect the community, and say no, the likely response of many in the community. However, he told her yes, and he encouraged others in the community to press charges, as it was very disheartening for police officers to be so vigilant, as in the subject situation the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) helicopter, and a K-9 Unit were brought in; after taking all these steps to keep the community safe, and find the suspect (s), it would have been disappointing to have a victim refuse to press charges. The latter only hurt the community, allowing such individuals to go back out, and commit more crimes, sometimes even more heinous, while residents complained there was too much crime in Lauderhill. He said for the City ’s crime stats to decrease, every member of the community needed to trust that the police would arrest guilty individuals, as today the community was more educated, and police officers were much more professional. His call to action to the community was: keep key fobs inside one’s house; lock your doors; continue to lookout; and press charges when officers apprehended individuals committing crimes. Interim City Attorney Ottinot noted for the record that President Trump issued broad executive orders regarding immigration, enforcement, diversity inclusion programs, and proposed pauses on federal funding that would impact the City of Lauderhill’s local governance. Mayor Grant directed Mr. Hobbs and he to discuss these relevant executive orders at a future workshop. Commissioner Dunn, too, asked Mr. Hobbs and he to discuss the executive order on immigration at a future workshop. Commissioner Hodgson thanked Vice Mayor Martin for his comments, noting he City of Lauderhill Page 16 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 supported his advice to the Lauderhill public, as it was necessary to work with the City’s police officers, supporting them in every way possible. It was important to be more neighborly during such times, working to prevent crimes. Commissioner Dunn announced that on January 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. there would be a public meeting in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall to discuss the City’s Transportation Master Plan, as well as the Parks Master Plan. The public was invited to attend, and share their thoughts as the City decided on the future of Lauderhill’s transportation and parks. She noted on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., the City would hold its first Lauderhill Success Summit; discussions would include opportunities for nonprofits to gain resources to continue their work, as well as access to capital for small businesses, unveiling and rolling out the prosperity project, where small business could access up to a $15,000.00 zero interest loans. They would also roll out the Keys to Lauderhill initiative that included a first -time homebuyer grant from Chase. Interested persons could go to lauderhill -fl.gov/successsummit to register. Commissioner Dunn stated the Lauderhill Shines applications were still open; they would close on January 30, 2025, with interviews commencing in the next week; the program would begin cohort ten in February. She said the program would offer 14 weeks of support to help persons scale their business, or start a business in the City of Lauderhill. The Safe Street Summit would take place in Palm Beach County on February 6 and 7, 2025; she would share the event information with Lauderhill residents, and her fellow commissioners interested in transportation. She would be representing the City of Lauderhill as the City’s Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) representative. Commissioner Dunn mentioned the legislative session began, and Governor DeSantis called a special session, where discussions would center on immigration, and insurance. She urged residents to pay attention to the Legislature’s discussions in Tallahassee, and the City would work to make sure the Lauderhill community stayed informed on what was happening. It was also important to support and pray for the City’s state representatives; she saw numerous bills coming out on education, and many could impact Broward County schools. She received numerous calls from residents expressing concerns about the impact of immigration activities; there was a hotline they could call or text to report any challenges being faced: 1-888-600-5762. The hotline was for anyone needing help with deportation defense, legal connections, TPS and citizenship service, labor issues, and wage theft, or support for immigrant survivors of violence. She would share this information, which was also available in Creole, English, and Spanish with the City Manager, so it could be posted on the various City media. The service was provided by the Florida Immigrant Coalition. Mayor Grant mentioned the Mayor’s Listening Tour would begin on February 13, 2025, and it was about listening to the community; she would begin with Lauderhill’s clergy members, including pastors, rabbis, and imams to hear their concerns. Oftentimes, because they had congregations who voiced many concerns, etc.; they would also go to the City’s HOAs to ensure the whole Lauderhill community was being served effectively. She noted the Lauderhill Public Safety Forum would take place in March 2025; the exact date would be posted on the City’s website; they would discuss the public safety of the community, taking a comprehensive approach. A variety of guests would be City of Lauderhill Page 17 City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final January 27, 2025 invited to sit at the table to discuss best practices, as it was essential to hear from other law enforcement professionals from other cities with similar demographics, and experiences to those of Lauderhill, and the steps they took to effectively address various issues. She commented on February 10, 2025, the City would be celebrating Black History Month and Reggae Month; all cultures in Lauderhill would be celebrated, and some strong individuals who impacted the Lauderhill community would be honored, including some from the national stage. She, too, held conversations with Mr. Hobbs and Zach Davis-Walker to follow all of the executive orders being proposed at the federal and state levels, so the Commission could get a full understanding of what needed to be done, and could be done do, so City staff and the Commission could better educate the Lauderhill community. She received numerous calls from pastors concerned about the immigration component, what their congregants’ and their rights were. Mayor Grant said she would try to lead a charge with the clergy members to help them access resources, and provide them information they could take back to their parishioners. XVIII ADJOURNMENT - 7:48 PM City of Lauderhill Page 18