Public Meetings - Broward County, Florida

The Broward County Housing Council convened on August 23, 2024, at 11:07 AM after establishing a quorum. The meeting covered updates from the recent Broward Next conference, a condominium safety and affordability memorandum, a proposed meeting date change, planning for the upcoming workshop, and a detailed discussion on the November ballot amendment regarding the Housing Council's charter provisions. Public comments included presentations from a local nonprofit and a pro-amendment advocate. The council voted to approve the June 20, 2024 meeting minutes and to move the October 25 regular meeting to November 15, 2024. Future agenda items were also discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - Denise Brown, Interim CEO of LifeNet for Families (Lauderhill): Introduced her organization, which focuses on eradicating poverty and homelessness through various programs. She expressed interest in partnering to create affordable housing opportunities for clients, moving beyond temporary housing. Funders include CSC, Bank of America, and United Way. - Susan Sprague, Member of Racial Equity Task Force, Vice Chair of Fort Lauderdale's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, League of Women Voters of Broward: Announced that the League of Women Voters voted to promote a "yes" vote for the charter amendment on the November ballot, expressing support for the change. - Parnell Joyce, Broward County Housing Authority: Commended county staff for their leadership in steering the funding of 75 units of senior housing in Davie for extremely low-income seniors, stating the project is about a week from closing. Discussion Items - Broward Next Conference Recap: Chair Barry Smith and others praised the recent Broward Next meeting, highlighting progress and a focus on affordable housing during the second portion. The presentation is now available online. - Condominium Safety and Affordability Memorandum: A memo from Senator Kathleen Passidomo was included in the packet. Joe Cesodia noted misinformation about new condominium laws and provided clarifying links. - Miami-Dade Condominium Assistance Program: Staff reported on a meeting with Miami-Dade County about their program funded by document stamp revenue. The program received 950 applications, denied only 82 (non-structural or investment properties). $18 million has been deployed, with $16 million closed. Homeowners must earn ≤140% of Area Median Income (AMI). Most applicants are seniors on fixed incomes. Maximum loan: $50,000; typical range: $10,000–$35,000. Payments go directly to homeowners associations. Broward County lacks such a funding source. - Meeting Date Change: Staff proposed moving the October 25 regular meeting because it falls too close to the October 30 workshop. After discussion, the council agreed to change to November 15, 2024, noting the week of November 8 includes Election Day. The change was later voted on. - Workshop Planning (October 30, 2024): Chair Barry Smith reviewed the draft agenda. Panel assignments: Tanisha Taylor moderating Panel A, Michelle Coley participating; Chris Kresman moderating Panel B, Beth Daly participating. Mayor Rich will give welcome remarks; Commissioner Rogers will introduce Senator Jason Pizzo (SD 37). Topics include the Florida hardening program (My Safe Florida Home), property manager perspective (Ms. McClennan), legal aspects (Ms. Berger), and Fannie Mae lending requirements (presented by Michelle). The council chose round-table seating over theater style to encourage networking; no vote needed. City National Bank is sponsoring refreshments. - Ballot Amendment Discussion (Charter Change): Anika Ashton, Deputy County Attorney, explained that the county commission approved a ballot initiative to remove specific category requirements from the charter, allowing the commission to set categories by resolution (to avoid costly charter amendments for simple changes, e.g., a defunct FAU position). She detailed legal restrictions on official advocacy: the housing council cannot take official action or use county resources to advocate; staff can only provide factual information (e.g., what the amendment does, when it takes effect). Individual members may advocate in their personal capacity but must avoid using official titles or county resources. The council can respond to direct questions. The county can post basic information and links to the commission agenda item but cannot actively distribute. A handout will be available at the workshop. Members asked about social media and newsletters; guidance: avoid using "we" or official channels for advocacy. - Future Agenda Items: - Members requested staff extract recommendations from Broward Next and the Affordable Housing Master Plan for council adoption, timed to Broward Next's outreach schedule (by February). - Commissioner Rogers requested a presentation on HB 1365 (policy banning unsheltered residents from sleeping in public spaces), noting it takes effect in October as an unfunded mandate. Staff agreed to invite a speaker from Human Services. - Members also requested quarterly updates on homelessness trends, foreclosure rates, and related data to understand the housing crisis's impact. Key Outcomes - Approval of June 20, 2024 Meeting Minutes: Motion by Marcia Barry Smith, seconded. Unanimously approved (voice vote). - Approval of Meeting Date Change: Motion to move the October 25 regular meeting to November 15, 2024. Motion made, seconded, unanimously approved (voice vote). - Workshop Planning: Round-table format confirmed; agenda set; panelists and speakers approved. - Future Actions: Staff will coordinate presentations on HB 1365 and explore providing quarterly statistical updates on homelessness and housing trends. Recommendations from Broward Next and the master plan will be prepared for council consideration.

The Broward County Commission held a budget workshop on August 22, 2024, to review the recommended Fiscal Year 2025 budgets for Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The workshop featured presentations from new Port Director Joe Morris and Airport Director Mark Gale, covering operational performance, revenue forecasts, capital improvement plans, and industry challenges. No votes were taken, but commissioners provided direction on several key issues. Port Everglades Discussion Items - Port Director Joe Morris presented the FY25 budget, highlighting strong performance across the port's three main revenue sectors: cruise, cargo, and energy. These sectors comprise 75% of operating revenues ($182 million in FY23). - Cruise: Port Everglades remains the third-largest homeport worldwide. Multi-day passengers increased approximately 80% versus FY22. FY25 forecast is a record 4.4 million guests (18% growth over FY24). New cruise lines include Princess (Sun Princess, Oct 2024), Crystal Cruises, Silver Seas, and Ritz-Carlton (Ilma, Dec 2024). Disney will homeport a second ship beginning November 2025. - Cargo: The port is Florida's leading perishables port, with container throughput exceeding 1 million TEUs in FY23. Global container port efficiency ranking climbed from 89th to 65th (top 16% worldwide). CMA CGM added two new services connecting to Latin America. - Energy: The port supports one-third of Florida's fuel needs. Record 130 million barrels in FY23 (over 600 ship calls). Shore power implementation is progressing with a request for information closing next week, $850,000 state grant, $2.5 million from Diesel Emission Reduction Act, and a pending $127 million EPA Clean Ports grant. - Financials: FY25 operating revenue forecast $226 million (12% growth over FY24). The five-year capital improvement plan (CIP) totals $820 million, with $83.7 million in secured grants. Key projects include bulkhead replacements, terminal renovations (29 and 21), shore power, and a permanent facility for Balearia's Bahamas ferry service. - Master Plan: The port is directed to update its master vision plan every two to three years. Vice Mayor Lamont and Commissioner Geller questioned the frequency, noting industry standard is five years with updates. County Administrator Cepero indicated this may be revisited. - Challenges: The Queen Conch issue is affecting the sand bypass project and the long-term deepening project, causing delays. The Corps of Engineers submitted a biological assessment in May 2024; additional information requests are pending. Airport (FLL) Discussion Items - Airport Director Mark Gale presented the FY25 budget, noting significant headwinds for low-cost carriers (Spirit, JetBlue, Southwest) which make up over 60% of FLL's market share. Issues include failed merger, Pratt & Whitney engine problems, Boeing delays, and liquidity challenges. - Passenger Traffic: FY24 forecast 17.85 million enplanements (1.5% below budget). FY25 budget projects 17.59 million (2.9% decrease from FY24 budget). FLL ranks 17th busiest in the U.S. and 12th for international traffic. - Financial Performance: Total operating revenue budgeted to decrease 3.9% vs FY24 budget; operating expenses increase 4.6%. Net revenue budgeted to decrease 25.3% due to use of $40 million in remaining ARPA funds to stabilize airline rates. Cost per enplanement drops to $8.84 (from $9.99). Landing fees decrease 8% to $1.83 per 1,000 lbs. - Parking: Proposed 20% increase in parking rates (currently $15/day, compared to Miami's $25). Rates have not been adjusted in 17 years. - Capital Plan: FY25 CIP is $134.6 million. Five-year total exceeds $3.2 billion, with $2.7 billion in bonds. Major projects: Intermodal Center (IMC) and Automated People Mover (APM). Environmental assessment comment period closed August 22, 2024; public workshop August 27, 2024. IMC estimated cost $835 million (escalating), APM $855 million. Completion targeted 2029-2030. - Signatory Agreement: The current residual-based agreement with airlines expires in 2026. Vice Mayor Lamont expressed concern that the agreement gives airlines too much control over capital decisions, slowing progress. He asked that the commission be involved in the decision to renew or move to a different model (e.g., compensatory). Airport Director Gale noted that options include a rates-by-regulation model (used by Tampa and Orlando) which removes airline approval for capital projects but places financial risk on the county. County Administrator Cepero agreed to bring an analysis to the commission. Key Outcomes - Directives: - Commissioner Bogan requested regular updates on ACDBE (Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) goals for Terminal 5 concessions. - Commissioner Fisher asked for continued progress updates on the I-595 bypass road (a public works project) and emphasized the importance of timely communication on issues. - Commissioner Geller and County Administrator Cepero discussed exploring a separate law enforcement agency for the airport and seaport, potentially as a combined port authority police force. A consultant may be hired to analyze options; commissioners will be kept informed. - Vice Mayor Lamont asked for updates on the IMC and APM timelines, and for the commission to be engaged on the airline agreement renewal decision. - No formal votes were taken. The workshop was informational, with final budget adoption scheduled for a later commission meeting (September 5, 2024, mentioned for port tariff increases). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the workshop.

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners met on August 22, 2024, from 10:15 AM to 12:05 PM for its first meeting following summer recess. The agenda included a consent agenda (items 1-76), public hearings (items 77-79), regular agenda items (80-85), and commissioner non-agenda items. Commissioner Tim Ryan was absent. The meeting was highlighted by updates on animal shelter improvement, a critical audit of the Sheriff's Training Center project, and a discussion on the future of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda consisting of Items 1 through 76 as read, with Items 53 (withdrawn), 82 (deferred), and 77 and 78 (continued). Regular Item 83 was transferred to consent. Items 18 and 23 were pulled for abstention by Mayor Rich (voted 7-0). Item 68 was pulled for discussion. - Routine approvals included: board appointments (Item 1A-1L), aviation grant agreements, public works agreements, highway maintenance MOUs, utility easements, budget resolutions, purchasing contracts, and filing of financial reports and audits. Public Comments & Testimony - One member of the public, Neil Schiller, signed up to speak on the PACE items (77 and 78), but the items were continued before public comment was taken. Discussion Items - Animal Care Division Update (Proclamation/Presentation): New Animal Care Director Douglas Brightwell reported on progress since May 2024, noting a three-fold increase in adoptions during a recent Bissell event (from 90 to 237 animals) and a reduction in dogs housed over 100 days from 56 to 30. He outlined plans for improved field services, software upgrades, and pop-up adoption sites. Commissioners expressed strong support and noted a marked decrease in complaints. - BSO Training Center Audit (Item 68): County Auditor John Melton presented Audit Report No. 24-23 on the Broward Sheriff's Office Training Center project. The total cost rose from an original $34 million to $73.7 million. The audit identified issues including work done without county authorization, a misalignment of interests due to the delegation of authority agreement, and reallocation of $4.8 million from salary funds to the project. Commissioners criticized the delegation and resolved to never use such agreements again, and noted that state law changes had expanded the sheriff's ability to shift funds. The audit was received and filed (8-0). - PACE Program Ordinance and Administrative Code Amendments (Items 77 and 78): Following discussion, the Board continued these items to October 8, 2024, to allow further consultation with stakeholders, including the County Auditor. Commissioner McKinzie raised concerns about consumer abuse and the association of private PACE loans with property taxes. Commissioner Rogers emphasized affordability protections. The motion was approved (8-0). - Local Provider Participation Fund Ordinance (Item 79): The Board enacted an ordinance imposing a non-ad valorem special assessment on private hospitals to fund supplemental payments for uncompensated charity care. Approved (8-0). - Airport Solid Waste Contract Increase (Item 81): The Board approved a threshold increase for the solid waste contract at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, raising the three-year amount from $943,440 to $2,830,320, due to an input error. Commissioner Udine suggested expanding recycling efforts. Approved (8-0). - Library Naming (Item 80): Approved the naming of the Stirling Road Branch Library as "The Marta-Beth Friedman Library – Stirling Road Library" after a friendly amendment to retain the geographical name. Approved (8-0). - County Administrator's Report: Monica Cepero welcomed commissioners back and highlighted the county receiving 29 Awards of Excellence from NACIO and 33 Achievement Awards from NACo. - Non-Agenda Items: Commissioners congratulated primary election winners, recognized Black Business Month, noted Port Everglades bond rating upgrade, reported on a housing forum and increasing foreclosures, and celebrated Broward's redesignation as a wildlife-friendly community. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda (including 76 items) with modifications. - Received and filed the BSO Training Center audit (Item 68) without dissent, with a promise to avoid future delegation agreements. - Continued PACE items 77 and 78 to October 8, 2024, for further stakeholder discussions. - Enacted the hospital special assessment ordinance (Item 79) as Ordinance No. 2024-23. - Approved the contract threshold increase for airport waste services (Item 81). - Approved the library naming resolution (Item 80) as Resolution No. 2024-366. - Deferred the PACE interlocal agreement template (Item 82) to the October 8 meeting. - Mayor Rich announced she will step down from the Canvassing Board ahead of the general election; a replacement will be nominated at the September 5 meeting.

The Broward County Planning Council hosted a kickoff meeting on August 15, 2024, for the 2024 comprehensive update of the Broward County Land Use Plan (Broward Next). The meeting also included presentations on affordable housing and population growth. Over 100 attendees participated both in-person and virtually. The event featured opening remarks by Executive Director Barbara Blake-Boy, an affordable housing overview by Ralph Stone, and a population forecasting model presentation by Joe Silger. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Roger Newkark (community outreach worker) expressed concerns about in-lieu fees ($10,000 per unit opt-out) discouraging actual affordable housing production, and that new affordable units often go to people outside the community rather than long-term residents. He urged better outreach to inner-city residents and questioned how the county ensures local residents benefit. - Julian Bobilev (Green Spoon Larder) asked about strengthening accessory dwelling unit policies and allowing more density by right in single-family neighborhoods to encourage incremental development. - Karen Friedman (Broward MPO) noted the MPO is developing a housing coordination plan and suggested considering separated shared-use paths for park/open space credit, and density bonuses near bus rapid transit corridors in addition to rail stations. - Jay Spock (affordable housing property manager) asked about funding for conversions of underutilized hotels, motels, and office buildings into affordable housing. Ralph Stone confirmed that gap financing can be used for acquisition/rehab projects. - Marcia Barry Smith (Broward Housing Council) urged inclusion of the employed homeless population in housing plans, noting that moving from shelters to permanent housing remains difficult. - Sherry Brown Grover (Community Foundation of Broward) questioned whether redevelopment can keep pace with population growth and asked how philanthropy can engage. Ralph Stone acknowledged the challenge and mentioned that the United Way had provided a $10 million grant. Discussion Items - Historical Context & 2017 Broward Next Update: Barbara Blake-Boy reviewed the evolution of county land use planning since the first plan in 1977. The 2014–2017 comprehensive update modernized policies on climate resilience, redevelopment, affordable housing, multimodal transportation, and intergovernmental coordination. Key tools created included: bonus density formulas (6–19 bonus units per affordable unit), residential by right on qualifying arterials (Policy 2.16.4), residential by right near passenger rail stations, unified flex zones, redevelopment unit tool, and exemptions from platting. - Current Challenges & Opportunities: Two-thirds of Broward County is conservation land; the urban area is largely built out with only 12 square miles of vacant land. Future growth (650,000 new residents by 2050) must occur through redevelopment of commercial corridors, transit station areas, and brownfield sites. Affordable housing is the top regional issue, with 74,000 units of rental deficiency and 50% of workers earning 60% or less of area median income. - Proposed Policy Changes for 2024 Update: Staff presented the framework for the new update, including: - Revisiting affordable housing in-lieu fees (currently $1/sq.ft.) to align with Policy 2.16.4. - Examining maximum density of 50 dwelling units per acre, especially near transit. - Expanding residential by right to more land use designations (e.g., medium/high residential within 0.5 miles of passenger rail). - Adding affordable housing opportunities on recreation/open space lands (up to 5 acres, similar to community facilities). - Updating park and open space counting rules (e.g., counting public beaches, lowering private recreational space threshold to 0.25 acre). - Strengthening climate resiliency policies using new vulnerability studies. - Addressing multimodal level of service challenges. - Refining definitions, permitted uses, and map series for natural resources. - Affordable Housing Master Plan Implementation: Ralph Stone highlighted the board’s commitment of $20–25 million annually for gap financing, which can be leveraged with $100 million in HFA bond allocation. He urged cities to contribute their own funds, noting that Fort Lauderdale’s $5 million contribution earned 25 points in the scoring process. The plan recommends densification along commercial corridors and rail lines. - Population Forecasting Allocation Model (PFAM): Joe Silger presented the model projecting 218,000 new housing units needed by 2050 to accommodate population growth. Vacant land can only supply about 30,000 units, so redevelopment must fill the gap. The model allocates growth to activity centers and commerce zones, consistent with existing land use plan. The final publication will be released next month with dashboards for each city. Key Outcomes - The Planning Council will conduct extensive public outreach through September 2024, including educational sessions on affordable housing, transportation, and redevelopment. - A steering committee (the Planning Council’s executive committee) will hold policy discussions and direct staff on drafting amendments. - First Planning Council public hearing on draft amendments expected by summer 2025; adoption anticipated by March 2026. - Affordable housing gap financing RFP to be released in November 2024, with $20–25 million available. - The board reaffirmed its commitment to funding affordable housing and encouraged cities to adopt similar policies and dedicate local funding. - The population allocation model data will be published publicly in September 2024.