Broward County Commission Meeting - October 22, 2024

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners met on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 10:09 AM to 12:26 PM in Room 422 of the Governmental Center East. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nan Rich and included approval of a consent agenda, multiple public hearings, regular agenda items, and non-agenda announcements. Key topics included landfill expansion proposals, a flood resiliency study, housing finance, election transit fares, and a potential courthouse relocation.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1 through 48 were approved as part of the Consent Agenda, with a motion by Commissioner Geller and second by Commissioner Udine. Several items were pulled for separate consideration: Items 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24, and 26. Regular Items 56 and 58 were transferred to the Consent Agenda at the Mayor's request, and Consent Item 3 was transferred to the Regular Agenda. Item 57 was withdrawn for further staff review.
• Highlights from the Consent Agenda include:
  • Approval of appointments and reappointments to various boards (Items 1A, 1B).
  • Aviation leases with Compania Panamena De Aviacion, S.A. and Porter Airlines (Items 2, 4).
  • Third Amendment with Fuel Facility Management, LLC for airport fuel facility (Item 3).
  • Threshold increase for equipment rental services with Trane US, Inc. (Item 5).
  • Third Amendment for trash pick-up services with A.J. Panzarella, LLC, retroactive to October 1, 2024 (Item 6).
  • Revocable License Agreement with University Station I, LLC and City of Hollywood (Item 7).
  • Adoption of Resolution 2024-470 accepting a utility easement (Item 8).
  • Authorization for Cybersecurity Grant Round 2 (Item 9).
  • Multiple agreements for child advocacy services and grants (Items 10-13).
  • First Amendment to cruise terminal agreement with Baleària Caribbean Ltd. (Item 14).
  • Grant for Strengthening the Medical Examiner - Coroner System Program (Item 15).
  • Direction to draft ordinance on landlord registration and rental inspections (Item 23).
  • Approval of Enterprise Time and Attendance System contract with UKG Kronos Systems, LLC (Item 25).
  • Collective bargaining agreements with multiple unions (Items 27-34).
  • Transit Advertising Program agreement with Vector Holding Corp. d/b/a Vector Media (Item 35).
  • Cancellation of stale/voided warrants (Item 36).
  • Approval of six plats (Items 37-42).
  • Direction to draft ordinance on Fair Campaign Practices Committee (Item 43).
  • Authorization to file lawsuit against pharmaceutical manufacturers related to insulin (Item 44).
  • Amendment to meeting calendar (Item 45).
  • Fiscal Year 2025 General Operating Support Grants to Museum of Discovery and Science and Nova Southeastern University (Item 46).
  • Appointments to Racial Equity Task Force and conflict waivers (Item 47).
  • State Aid to Libraries Grant Agreement (Item 48).
• Supplemental Agenda Items 61 and 62 were transferred to the Consent Agenda and approved: Accepting a quitclaim deed from Collier City/Pompano Beach Community Development Inc. (Resolution 2024-489) and leasing real property to Kappa Foundation of Pompano Beach Incorporated (Resolution 2024-490).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joshua Rydell, a commissioner from the City of Coconut Creek, spoke on Item 19 (height limitations for landfills). He requested the board delay the public hearing until after the Solid Waste Authority completes its study, arguing that the proposed ordinance conflicts with Coconut Creek's settlement agreement with Waste Management and that the city has not been adequately involved in the process. He stated that the city opposes the items and asked the board to ask the applicant if they would accept a later set-for date.

Discussion Items

• Items 16, 17, 18, and 19 – Monarch Hill Landfill Expansion & Waste Ordinances (Commission District 2): These four items were pulled by Commissioner Bogen and considered concurrently. Items 16 and 17 propose small-scale amendments to the Broward County Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Plan map for a landfill expansion (Monarch Hill). Item 18 would prohibit operators of solid waste facilities from landfilling certain specified waste. Item 19 would establish height limitations for landfills within the A-6 district. Commissioner Bogen expressed concerns about process and conflict with Coconut Creek's agreement, but ultimately voted no. Commissioner Geller stated he would vote for setting the public hearing but has concerns about changing the land use that could increase pressure to build a waste-to-energy burner in Southwest Broward. Vice-Mayor Furr emphasized the importance of the Solid Waste Authority's study and that the board retains disposal responsibility. Waste Management representative Bill Lastrom argued for moving forward, noting the need for landfill space. The board approved resolutions setting public hearings for November 12, 2024, by a vote of 8-1 (Commissioner Bogen dissenting on all four).
• Item 22 – Interlocal Agreement for Flood Resiliency Study (Commission District 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9): Pulled by Commissioners Geller, Ryan, and Vice-Mayor Furr. The agreement with the South Florida Water Management District shares the cost of the Section 203 Central and Southern Florida Flood Resiliency Study for the Broward and Hillsboro Basins, at an estimated county cost of $5,000,000. Commissioner Geller highlighted the urgency of addressing flooding due to climate change and sea level rise, noting that the study is a critical step toward securing federal funding. Vice-Mayor Furr thanked administration and Dr. Herado for persistence. County Administrator Monica Cepero noted the official kickoff on Thursday, October 24. The motion passed 8-0 (Commissioner McKinzie not present).
• Item 24 – Housing Finance Authority Revenue Note for Woodsdale Oaks (Commission District 9): Pulled by Commissioner Rogers for comment. The resolution authorizes up to $22,000,000 in multifamily housing revenue notes for the acquisition, rehabilitation, and equipping of Woodsdale Oaks. Commissioner Rogers expressed concern about the condition of the roadway in front of the property and urged the new owners to address it. The resolution was approved 8-0 (Commissioner McKinzie not present). Commissioner McKinzie later requested to be shown voting in the affirmative, making the final vote 9-0.
• Item 26 – Tenth Amendment to Allstate Insurance Agreement: Pulled by Commissioner Udine for abstention. The amendment extends the term for voluntary employee-paid insurance products on a month-to-month basis for 12 months beginning January 1, 2025, with no changes in plan designs or rates. Commissioner Udine abstained due to a conflict (Allstate is a subsidiary of a client of his law firm). Approved 8-0.
• Item 63 – Waiving Bus and Paratransit Fares for Voters (Second Supplemental Agenda): Sponsored by Commissioner Fisher, with Vice-Mayor Furr as cosponsor. The resolution waives fares on November 2, 3, and 5, 2024, for the 2024 General Election. Commissioner Fisher emphasized the importance of removing transportation barriers to voting. Approved 9-0.
• Item 64 – Discussion on South Regional Courthouse Location: Commissioner Ryan initiated a discussion about a proposed land swap with the City of Hollywood for a new South Regional Courthouse. The county's current site is outdated, and the city's proposed site (former police station and driving range) is about 8.5 acres but has contamination issues (arsenic, petroleum). County staff stated the city's offer of 6 acres is insufficient and the county needs the full parcel free of contamination with indemnification. The city's representative expressed willingness to discuss parcel size and other issues. No vote was taken; the matter will continue.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously for all items except those pulled and voted separately (9-0 or 8-0).
• Items 16-19 (Landfill and Waste Ordinances): Resolutions adopted to set public hearings for November 12, 2024 (8-1, Commissioner Bogen dissenting).
• Item 22 (Flood Resiliency Study): Interlocal agreement approved (8-0).
• Item 24 (Woodsdale Oaks Housing Revenue Note): Resolution 2024-481 adopted (8-0 initially, then 9-0).
• Item 26 (Allstate Insurance Amendment): Approved (8-0, Commissioner Udine abstained).
• Item 63 (Free Transit for Voters): Resolution 2024-492 adopted (9-0).
• Item 64 (Courthouse Discussion): No action taken; discussion continues.
• Supplemental Items 61, 62: Resolutions 2024-489 and 2024-490 adopted (9-0).
• Proclamations: November 2024 designated as National Homelessness Awareness Month; October 21-27, 2024 designated as Friends of Broward County Library Week; United Against Hate Week proclaimed.
• Non-Agenda: Commissioners announced upcoming events: Ninth Annual Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (Oct 23-24), cannabis webinar (Oct 24), affordable housing workshop (Oct 30), Anne Frank exhibit opening (Nov 10), Silver Tsunami conference (Nov 15), and early voting encouragement.
• Meeting Adjourned at 12:26 PM, followed by a Homelessness Workshop.