Fort Lauderdale City Commission Conference Meeting - March 18, 2025

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission held a conference meeting on March 18, 2025, at 1:30 PM in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Commissioner John Herbst was absent, and Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman arrived late. The meeting covered outdoor event fees, city event sponsorships, homelessness initiatives, Fire Station 13, and the New River crossing. A brief CRA Board meeting followed.

Communications to City Commission

• The Commission received a communication from the Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board (CCRAB) recommending a new policy that board officer elections be held annually. The motion (by Mr. Liggett, seconded by Mr. Catalano) was discussed and approved without objection.

Outdoor Special Events (BUS-1)

• Carl Williams, Parks and Recreation Director, presented a proposal to revise outdoor event fees using an impact matrix. The matrix scores events based on variables like road closures, alcohol, amplified music, season, and turtle season. Proposed fees range from $500 (low impact, park) to $10,000 (major impact, beach). A $500 non-refundable application fee applies if submitted 90+ days in advance, with late fees for shorter timelines. The city currently administers about 350 events annually, with roughly 45 on the beach.
• Vice Mayor Glassman suggested exploring a percentage charge on ticket sales for large events, noting beach residents feel the city should get more revenue from profitable events. Commissioner Sorensen requested adding parking impact to the matrix. Commissioner Sorensen also expressed support for limiting the number of events on the Barrier Island and downtown, citing too many small events like marathons. Mayor Trantalis agreed and asked staff to bring the matter to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for recommendations on event limits and the ticket assessment.
• Staff received direction to return to the advisory board and bring back proposals.

City Event Sponsorships (BUS-2)

• Carl Williams presented a plan to outsource sponsorship acquisition for city-produced events. The city produces about 60 events annually (signature and community). Staff recommended using a third-party via RFP to secure multi-year sponsorships. A proposal to streamline approval (allowing the city manager to approve sponsorships under $50,000) was discussed. Hospitality areas at signature events (July 4, New Year's Eve, Summer Jams) were considered; Commissioner Glassman favored budgeting for hospitality areas to ensure consistent quality.
• The Commission reached consensus to move forward with an RFP for a sponsorship agency and to have the Parks Board identify which events should have hospitality areas.
• Public Comment: Joseph Carter (son of Joseph C. Carter, namesake of Carter Park) questioned the $1.6 million allocated per park from the bond and why unused funds from Lockhart Park could not fill the funding gap at Carter Park. Vice Mayor Glassman noted the issue would be addressed in an upcoming April presentation on signature parks.

Homeless Initiatives Update (BUS-3)

• Chris Cooper, Acting Assistant City Manager, presented the monthly update. Key statistics from February: 234 homeless-related service requests (149 for public camping), a 22% decrease from January. 109 individuals were not present when the outreach team arrived; 54 were informed and voluntarily relocated. Three notices to appear were issued (not via Fix It FTL). Since October 1, the Homeless Outreach Team encountered 1,700 individuals, reunited 14 with family, placed 38 into the Caring Place shelter, and issued 41 notices to appear. Community Court saw 366 walk-in visitors in February, primarily seeking housing services.
• New grants: $250,000 from DCF for mental health (10 beds, Homes United) and substance abuse treatment (Fellowship Recovery Community Organization), and $850,000 from HUD for hotspot enforcement, overtime, cleaning, and signage. The city is a finalist for a Bloomberg-Harvard City Hall Fellow. Safe parking proposals from two entities were received; one proposal is specific to District 3.
• Commissioner Sorensen reported progress on engaging service providers and developers for affordable/supportive housing. He also asked for improved two-way communication via the Fix It FTL app.
• Public Comment: Ted Ansara, President of the River Oaks Civic Association, expressed frustration with the lack of enforcement against public camping and the criminal element, citing issues on 17th Street. He asked for cooperation with the Broward County Sheriff. He also requested recognition for the four-time state champion Stranahan High School basketball team. Mayor Trantalis acknowledged the issue is being worked on and the team will be honored. Chris Nelson (75 days clean and sober) praised the Broward Addiction Recovery Center (BARK) for its services and urged continued state funding.

Fire Station 13 Update (BUS-4)

• Fire Chief Stephen Golan reported that Fire Station 13 (2871 E Sunrise Blvd) is the last station to be built under the 2004 fire bond. The station was at 90% completion with CHI Associates, but that firm dissolved. In February 2025, a design-build contract was awarded to H2M, with DCP completion expected by July 25, 2025. Construction is hoped to begin by end of 2025. Available budget: ~$10 million; projected cost: ~$14 million. Chief Golan attributed the gap to rising construction costs (5% increase in the last year). No questions from the Commission.

New River Crossing Discussion (BUS-5)

• Mayor Trantalis presented a draft response to Broward County Mayor Beam Furr's March 3 letter regarding the New River crossing. The county's letter offered a seven-month window for the city to provide a viable tunnel alternative, with the bridge as a default if not met. The mayor's letter countered each point, questioning the county's assumptions about bridge costs, impacts on marine traffic and neighborhoods, and the feasibility of 24-month construction. He argued the tunnel has no neighborhood or marine industry impact and longer lifespan. Mayor Trantalis expressed frustration that the county sets unattainable deadlines and demands proof while not similarly analyzing the bridge. He proposed pausing to gather more data.
• Commissioner Sorensen reported positive conversations: meeting with Port of Miami Tunnel operator Chris Hodgkins, who said international tunnel builders have renewed interest; meeting with FECR (Bob Ledou) who is open to a letter of support for the tunnel; and feedback from the Taft Group that proposals could be received within six months. He shared that the county indicated flexibility on the seven-month timeline if the city shows progress. He urged a more collaborative approach rather than a confrontational letter, suggesting a simple acknowledgment of the county's terms.
• Interim City Attorney Dwayne Spence noted that the county attorney's office is preparing a joint resolution based on the letter. The Commission discussed key terms: 24-month construction is a non-starter; the requirement for a P3 (unsolicited proposal) is acceptable; FECR commitments are progressing. The default language (bridge if not meeting terms) was unanimously rejected. Staff was directed to work with the county on a draft resolution reflecting the Commission's position, to be brought back on April 1.
• Public Comment: Melinda (Downtown Fort Lauderdale Civic Association) expressed concerns about the county's deadlines and lack of similar studies for the bridge, noting the association voted again in favor of the tunnel only. Chris Nelson suggested engaging federal officials and noted the county's surtax revenue dependence on Fort Lauderdale.

City Commissioners' Reports

• Commissioner Beasley-Pittman: Attended State of the County, Broward League of Cities board, and National League of Cities Congressional Conference (heard Vice President Vance). Participated in St. Patrick's Day events, Trailblazers of Broward County event, and a proclamation for Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church's 100th anniversary. She was appointed to the Broward County Water Advisory Board and will raise flooding issues in the Edgewood area per Mayor Trantalis's request.
• Vice Mayor Glassman: Attended Stonewall Library Gala, State of the County, International Swimming Hall of Fame, History Fort Lauderdale women trailblazers event, grand opening of Pier 66, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Chamber real estate panel, Las Olas magazine relaunch, HRC South Florida dinner, Hendricks Isle/Isle of Venice meeting. Announced upcoming landscaping of medians at Sunrise and Federal Highway. He also questioned City Auditor Pat Reilly about a report comparing Lockhart Park to Miami's Freedom Park, noting 25 hours were spent on it and asking for clarification of purpose.
• Commissioner Sorensen: Met with Coast Guard on 17th Street Bridge efficiencies. Las Olas paving is underway. Discussed piloting living seawalls with the city and is looking into a 40% permit fee rebate (as done in North Bay Village). Staff will evaluate the cost impact.
• Mayor Trantalis: Thanked staff for Pier 66 grand opening. Recognized Employee Appreciation Day (March 7). Hosted a delegation from sister city Duisburg, Germany. Attended police promotions, NSU Art Museum charity lunch, AIDS Walk, and HRC dinner. Announced upcoming Fleet Week reception (March 25), Brazilian business group (March 26), and employee family fun day (March 29).

City Manager's Report

• City Manager Susan Grant reported on pending state legislation regarding CRAs: a bill would prevent new CRAs after July 1 and set a 2045 end date for all. The city is working with the League of Cities to oppose it and is expediting an updated interlocal agreement with the county to renew the Northwest CRA before summer.

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board Meeting

• M1: Approved minutes of February 18, 2025. Unanimous.
• M2: Approved a $225,000 property and business improvement forgivable loan, a $125,000 non-residential facade improvement loan, and a $54,562 streetscape loan to Call of Africa Realty for 920 NE 13th St. Unanimous.
• M3: Accepted the CRA's annual report and authorized transmittal. Unanimous.
• R1: Approved a resolution extending the Beach CRA interlocal agreement for two years (non-TIF) to complete existing projects. Unanimous.
• R2: Approved a 10% increase in the sales price of single-family homes built by CRA infill housing developers (Oasis of Hope, Lemon City, Commodore CDC, WWA Development) and authorized the executive director to amend agreements. Unanimous.