Transportation Surtax Oversight Board Regular Meeting Summary - February 28, 2025

The Transportation Surtax Oversight Board met on February 28, 2025, at 9:42 AM at the Broward County Governmental Center in Plantation, FL. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present (Chairman Douglas Coleman, Vice Chair Alan Hooper, Raymond McGovern, Shea Smith (absent), Ron Frazier (absent), and others). The board approved minutes from previous meetings, heard presentations on CBE goal attainment, low-stress multimodal network planning, near-miss traffic identification, major projects at Port Everglades/FLL Airport, and received a status update on the proposed Third Amendment to the Transportation System Surtax Interlocal Agreement. The meeting adjourned at 2:27 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 9, 2024, October 25, 2024, and December 11, 2024, meetings without objections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak.

Discussion Items

I. Office of Economic & Small Business MAP Broward CBE Goal Attainment Quarterly Update

• Sandy-Michael McDonald presented data on County and Municipal CBE (Community Business Enterprise) performance. As of September 2024, total CBE projected amount for reviewed projects was $415 million. For awarded projects, 52 county projects and 50 municipal projects have total dollar values. If all projects reach completion, county projects would achieve ~35% and municipal projects ~41% CBE attainment (above the 30% goal). McDonald highlighted that 78.9% of all project commitments exceed the 30% goal. Board member Alan Hooper noted that county spending ($451 million) largely occurs within cities, emphasizing economic impact. McDonald also outlined a marketing plan for workforce development and announced the May 9th Broward Business Conference.

II. Low Stress Multimodal Mobility Network Master Plan Update

• Josette Severyn presented the Low Stress Multimodal Mobility Master Plan (formerly Greenways Master Plan). The project aims to create a network of safe, comfortable facilities for all ages and abilities. Severyn summarized extensive public engagement: focus groups, crowdsource map, and a statistically significant survey (95% confidence, 5% margin of error) with 33 questions. Key findings: over half of respondents walk in their immediate neighborhood, but safety concerns increase beyond it; 75% are interested in biking, many deterred by safety; 60% strongly agreed to replace driving trips if safe facilities existed. The plan will produce a Low Stress Design Manual and a placemaking toolkit for municipalities. The project concludes in June 2025 and will go to county commission for adoption. Board members expressed strong support for implementation, stressing connectivity, maintenance, and the need for more ambitious projects (e.g., bicycle/pedestrian bridges).

III. Near-Miss Traffic Incident Identification System Study Update

• Dr. Sanjay Ranka (University of Florida) presented the Near-Miss Pilot Study, funded by surtax and matching SS4A grants. AI-based video analysis at six complex intersections tracked vehicle and pedestrian trajectories. At two intersections (Sterling & 66th Ave, and another), before-and-after studies showed that adding warning signage reduced pedestrian-vehicle conflicts (P2V) by a factor of 3 to 4. Vehicle-to-vehicle conflicts also decreased. The cost of a GPU for processing (approx. $3,000) can support up to four intersections. The study runs through June 2025; a second phase using mobile units will expand the sample. Board members discussed the potential for scaling and correlation with crash reduction, and requested a final update at the next meeting.

IV. Major Surtax Funded Projects in Port Everglades & Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Region

• FLL Intermodal Center & Automated People Mover (APM): Mark Gale (Aviation Director) reported that the NEPA environmental assessment was completed in December 2024 with a finding of no significant impact. The APM project has a surtax value of $213.75 million. The Intermodal Center (4.6 million sq ft, 7,000 parking spaces) is being designed to include future mobility options like eVTOL. A Design-Build-Operate-Maintain procurement is anticipated in 2025, with a target completion date of 2030. Funding includes FDOT contributions ($163 million), airport revenue bonds, and potential federal grants. Board member Phil Allen stressed need for coordinated reporting among projects; Assistant County Administrator Kevin Kelleher confirmed ongoing coordination.
• Light Rail Transit (LRT) for Airport/Seaport/Convention Center Corridor: Corey Lonergan (Transit Director) provided an update on the PRIMO program. The first 3.5-mile elevated LRT segment is in the project development/NEPA stage. Cost estimate: ~$1.2 billion (excluding maintenance facility). The project is 50% federally funded, 25% state, 25% local in its financial model. A DBOM contract is planned. The consultant procurement is in final negotiations; county commission vote expected in April 2025. Board members discussed alignment with the Intermodal Center, the need for bicycle access, and the importance of considering elevated vs. at-grade options. Raymond McGovern also inquired about the Comprehensive Operational Analysis and mobile payment improvements; staff noted a regional interoperability app is being tested with a summer 2025 target.
• Port By-Pass Road: Richard Torneby (Highway Construction Engineering Director) presented a video update. The Port Bypass Road project started May 2024, with the bypass road opening scheduled for October 2025 and full completion by early 2026. The project includes bridges, service roads, ITS, and landscaping. Board member Alan Hooper praised the project's impact on traffic relief and economic benefits.

V. Broward County City Manager’s Association and County Administrator’s Proposals for a 3rd Amendment to the Transportation System Surtax Interlocal Agreement – Status Update

• Nathaniel (General Counsel) presented key elements of the proposed Third Amendment. Objectives: streamline and broaden city access to surtax funds. Major changes include:
  • Formula-Based Funding for Rehabilitation and Maintenance: Cities will receive annual allocations based on centerline miles and modified factors (e.g., median income, prior surtax received) for road and sidewalk maintenance, microtransit, or a mix.
  • Grant Match Program: Cities can apply for a portion of the annual minimum guarantee to match state/federal grants for municipal capital projects, requiring city “skin in the game” (at least 20% local match, waiver available for financial hardship).
  • Microtransit: Expressly allowed, with requirements for insurance, indemnification, and compliance with Title VI and vehicle regulations.
  • Decorative/Functional Art: Eliminated prohibition; surtax can pay for basic costs; city may supplement.
  • Parking Structures: Cities can charge market rates, with excess revenue dedicated to transportation improvements.
  • Project Termination: County can terminate cycle 1 projects not under agreement within 90 days of effective date; cities may appeal to the Oversight Board for a one-time 90-day extension.
• The amendment is still being drafted; a term sheet was provided to the board. The county expects city feedback and intends to present to county commission for approval in the coming months. Board members asked for a copy of the actual amendment when drafted and expressed willingness to review.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Unanimously approved minutes from August 9, October 25, and December 11, 2024.
• Near-Miss Study: Staff will bring a final update at the April 2025 meeting.
• Third Amendment: The oversight board will receive the draft amendment for review before county commission consideration. The board supports the direction and looks forward to further details.
• Future Agenda: The April 25, 2025 meeting will include mandatory ethics training, external financial audit, internal audit scope, FDOT TSMO update, state/federal legislative update, Third Amendment status, and a recurring BCT update per board request.