Fort Lauderdale City Commission Conference Meeting - April 1, 2025
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Fort Lauderdale City Commission Conference Meeting - April 1, 2025
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission held a conference meeting on April 1, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The agenda included updates on the 2025 state legislative session, a discussion on state immigration legislation from Special Session C, a review of parliamentary procedures, and a detailed debate on the New River Crossing project. Commissioners also gave reports on community events and upcoming activities. The meeting concluded with a brief Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board meeting.
Discussion Items
CF-1: Update on the 2025 State Legislative Session
- Public Affairs Manager Daphne Sainville provided a mid-session update. The state budget is in flux: Senate at $117.4 billion, House at $112.9 billion. Of the city's 11 appropriations requests, 7 are in play in at least one chamber. Key projects include:
- Galt Mile Improvement Project: requested $2M, $1M in House.
- Roadway resurfacing: requested $750K, $750K in Senate.
- Sidewalk repair safety: requested $750K, $750K in Senate.
- Las Olas Safety Improvement (Mobility Project): $500K in House, $1M in Senate.
- Homeless transitional housing (co-sponsored with United Way): requested $1M, $500K in House.
- Not in play: Bayview Bridge replacement, education enrichment, Sunrise Lane, and a 13th Street bridge project (has $500K in play).
- Growth Opportunities for education: requested $500K, $400K in House; later received $500K in Senate.
- Policy bills discussed:
- House Bill 11 (municipal water/sewer rates): does not affect Fort Lauderdale.
- My Safe Florida Condominium pilot program: enhancement.
- Public records exemptions for municipal clerks and administrators.
- Broward County bill (HB 601) regarding special alcoholic beverage licenses in Holiday Park.
- Bills on structural integrity reserve studies: buildings 6+ stories require studies every 10 years; 5 stories or fewer exempt but may reduce reserves via majority vote. Bills have not yet been heard in committee.
- Bills giving heartburn: House Bill 301 (sovereign immunity), raising liability caps from $200K/$300K to $1M/$3M; city opposes if no amendment passes.
- Construction regulations (HB 683, SB 712): 30-day deadline to approve/deny price quotes, prohibits local regulation of synthetic turf on single-family lots under 1 acre, and requires ancillary documentation for building permits. City opposes.
- Live Local Act expansion (HB 943): would preempt local zoning, parking, and height restrictions for affordable housing, mandate ADUs, and require administrative approval. City monitoring.
- Impact fee bill (SB 482): limits cities' ability to increase impact fees; was voted down but reconsideration scheduled for 4 PM that day.
- CRA termination bill: would require all CRAs to terminate by earliest charter expiration date or September 30, 2045; prohibits new projects or debt after October 1, 2025. City working on amendments.
- Building permits for single-family dwellings (SB 1250): requires 2-day approval for applications signed by licensed architects/engineers, deems them compliant with building code without further review. City opposes.
- Recovery residences: would require cities to allow recovery residences in all multifamily zones without additional requirements.
- Local option taxes: would require voter approval for renewal by June 30, 2025.
- DEI bill (SB 420): prohibits local governments from funding or taking official actions related to DEI; Senate version heard at 4 PM, House version stalled.
- Display of flags bill: not moving.
- Commissioner Herbst asked about a bill denying Citizens insurance to condominium associations not complying with reserve laws; staff will check.
- Commissioner Sorensen asked about vacation rental bills; none this session.
- Mayor Trantalis asked about a proposed $1,000 property tax credit; staff will monitor.
CF-2: Discussion about the State Special Session C - Immigration Legislation
- Daphne Sainville and Interim City Attorney D'Wayne Spence presented on the new state immigration laws (SB 2C and SB 4C, signed February 2025).
- Key provisions: mandatory participation in ICE's 287(g) program for law enforcement agencies with custody of persons subject to immigration detainers; creation of state-level crimes for undocumented status; increased penalties for crimes committed by undocumented individuals; allocation of nearly $300 million for law enforcement implementation (grant program).
- The law expands the definition of "sanctuary policy" to include actions that prevent local law enforcement from participating in 287(g) agreements. While the statute explicitly requires sheriffs and county detention facilities to enter into MOUs, it does not expressly require municipalities. However, the Attorney General has taken a position that refusal to enter into a 287(g) agreement constitutes a sanctuary policy. The City of South Miami has filed a declaratory judgment action seeking clarity.
- Potential impacts: increased workload, risk of bias-based profiling, legal liability, fear among undocumented residents to seek emergency services, diversion of resources, erosion of community trust. Staff noted that the city has no detention facility (only booking facility), but a homeless detention facility is being considered.
- Commissioner Glassman advocated for a proactive approach: "I would just make the recommendation that we enter into the agreement and we fully support the governor and the president's actions."
- Mayor Trantalis expressed caution: "I think it's still a very fluid situation... I don't want to start violating people's rights." He noted that ICE has been making arrests later deemed illegal by courts.
- Commissioners agreed the issue is premature; no action taken. Staff will continue monitoring and provide updates as legal clarity develops.
BUS-1: Discussion Regarding Rules of Parliamentary Procedure
- Interim City Attorney D'Wayne Spence presented a survey of four models: customized rules, adoption of Robert's Rules, no codification (current situation), and a hybrid model. He recommended a hybrid approach tailored to the city's needs.
- Commissioner Sorensen supported the hybrid model: "I think it'd be helpful for greater clarity and structure."
- Mayor Trantalis questioned the need for change: "I don't know anyone who's complained about it or found it to be either confining or too liberal." He suggested that the city attorney provide a comparison of where current practices deviate from Robert's Rules.
- Commissioner Beasley-Pittman noted that the city already has a "Better Meetings Manual" and provides training, which functions as a de facto hybrid.
- Consensus: The city attorney will gather specific recommendations from commissioners, then present a comparison of current practices versus Robert's Rules for the commission to decide on modifications.
BUS-2: New River Crossing Discussion
- Ben Rogers, Acting Assistant City Manager, presented a draft resolution regarding the New River Crossing. The county has requested the city adopt a resolution to demonstrate collaboration, especially for federal funding eligibility.
- Commissioner Sorensen relayed that Mayor Beam Furr asked the city to include language acknowledging that if a viable tunnel alternative cannot be provided, the county may elect to include a bridge crossing. Sorensen supported adding such language.
- Mayor Trantalis strongly opposed: "I have been dealing with the county now for eight years on this, and they have continued to come up with reasons to try to defeat our effort... I do not feel that that language... will be interpreted by the federal government as our acquiescing to a bridge alternative." He cited the March 3, 2025 letter from Mayor Furr listing unattainable requirements (e.g., 24-month tunnel construction, 99% availability, 30-year maintenance experience).
- Vice Mayor Glassman noted that the city cannot stop the county from applying for a bridge; the federal government requires joint collaboration for funding.
- Commissioner Herbst asked about funding: 50% federal, 25% state, 25% county surtax; no city contribution expected.
- After extensive debate, the commission agreed to amend the proposed resolution (Exhibit 2) as follows:
- Remove all references to Mayor Furr's March 3, 2025 letter.
- In Section 2, direct the city manager to collaborate with the county on the tunnel concept and provide an update to both boards by October 1, 2025, on progress and next steps.
- In Section 3, add the word "only" after "tunnel concept."
- In Section 4, remove the deadline for engaging Brightline and FEC, leaving it open-ended.
- Add a new Section 6: The city commission agrees to collaborate with the Broward County Board of County Commissioners on a viable tunnel alternative and shall report back to respective boards on progress.
- The amended resolution was to be prepared as a walk-on for the evening meeting.
Key Outcomes
- Legislative Update: No action required; staff will continue monitoring and lobbying on key bills, particularly the CRA termination bill, sovereign immunity, and Live Local expansion.
- Immigration Legislation: No action taken; city will await legal clarity from the South Miami lawsuit and further guidance.
- Parliamentary Procedures: City Attorney directed to compile commissioner input and present a comparison of current practices versus Robert's Rules for potential adoption of a hybrid model.
- New River Crossing: Commission directed staff to prepare an amended resolution (as described above) for consideration at the evening meeting of April 1, 2025. The resolution drops all references to the March 3rd letter and bridge acquiescence, focusing on collaboration for a tunnel alternative.
- One-Stop Shop Site: Mayor Trantalis requested placing the site's status on a future conference agenda due to lack of progress. Vice Mayor Glassman noted the developer may close on financing on April 1 (or earlier) and requested a letter to the commission.
- Lockhart Park / Inter Miami: Mayor Trantalis reported progress in negotiations, potentially saving the city millions; an update will be provided at a future conference meeting.
City Manager's Report
- Acting City Manager Susan Grant announced two walk-ons for the evening meeting: the New River Crossing resolution (as amended) and a reformat of CR7 from March 18 regarding FIND grant requirements. She thanked the commission and staff, noting this was her last meeting in the acting role, and expressed confidence in incoming City Manager Raquel Williams.
Commissioner Reports
- Commissioners shared updates on community events, including proclamations, school visits, police academy graduations (14 new officers), water quality testing, mangrove planting initiatives, and upcoming festivals (Tortuga Music Festival, Passover, Fleet Week).
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board Meeting
- Approved minutes of March 18, 2025 meeting.
- Approved Resolution R1 providing a $1 million forgivable loan to Wright Consulting LLC for the Nexus Live Work Mixed Use Development at 2219 Sistrunk Boulevard. Vote: 5-0.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to the City Commission meeting, conference meeting this uh April 1st. Yes, this is real, not an April Fool's joke. And uh we are moving forward with uh uh an interesting agenda this afternoon and uh thank you all for being here. We all seated oh not yet, okay. All right. So um hold on, let me get to the right agenda. Okay. So we have a number of presentations this afternoon, and the first is gonna be with regard to getting a legislative update of what's going on at the uh legislature, which is currently in session in Tallahassee. And Daphne, you want to give us a heads up? Not really. Yes, you do. Uh good afternoon. A lot of things are in flux, though, right? Lots of things are in flux, but a lot of things are moving along. Okay. So this is our our mid-session update. There seems to be. All right, good afternoon, Mayor, uh, Vice Mayor, Commissioners, um, the Daphne Sainville, public affairs manager. Wanted to give you a mid-session update on what's going on in Tallahassee. Before I get into the policy bills, I want to talk money first because we like talking about money. Um, the state budget has been released, the preliminaries uh with the base budget from the House and the Senate. The Senate budget is looking at 117.4 billion dollars. The House budget is looking at 112.9 billion dollars. So there's about a $4 billion, $4.4 billion difference between the two that they're gonna have to reconcile near the end of April during budget conference. Part of that um budget release was our appropriations projects that we put in. We put in approximately 11 projects. We are in play for seven out of the eleven. So the ones that got into one house, one well, one chamber or the other, are as follows. The Galt Mile Improvement Project, we requested two million. We have 500, oh no, we have a million in the house. Um in the Senate, we didn't get into their budget, but we're working on that this week, next week, and for the remainder of session. Um, we're looking to see if we can bump up to that full ask. Uh the roadway resurfacing project, we requested 750, and in the Senate, we are in the budget for 750, so that's a good sign because the Senate does control the budget this year, so being in play on their side makes it much easier for the House to come up to that full amount. The sidewalk repair safety project, we requested 750,000, and in the Senate, we are in there for 750,000, so we are in play there, looking very good. The Las Olas Safety Improvement and 88 upgrades, which is the Las Olas Mobility Project. We are in the Senate for 500,000. Uh uh no, the House for 500,000 and in the Senate for 1 million. So there's a disconnect there, and we're gonna look to bring the House up to the million dollar mark. What was that money intended for? Is that for the design that you know off the top of your head? That is for I believe construction design, Miloch. Good afternoon, Milo Smash, retracting director for cities transportation and mobility department. So the funding was actually for construction, a portion of construction funding for Los Alas Mobility and specifically for shops segment. We're currently working on design, and uh these funding would help with contraction. Well, isn't the budget for construction like in the tens of millions? So, what is this gonna go for? ETE's so I believe the Trump segment only is probably around over 10 million dollars. So ultimately we're seeking any funding opportunity that we can secure in order to advance certain aspects of the project. Okay. Thank you.
openpublica.com