Fort Lauderdale City Commission Regular Meeting - June 17, 2025

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts – Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom. All five commissioners were present, with Commissioner Ben Sorensen participating virtually via communications technology under a newly amended remote participation policy. The meeting featured four presentations, a consent agenda, several public hearings, and multiple ordinance readings. A walk-on resolution to expand remote participation rules was also adopted.

Presentations

• Juneteenth Proclamation: Commissioner Pam Beasley-Pittman presented a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth. The ceremony included a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by the organization Hewed Songs and recognition of Juneteenth for Joy founder Narissa Street.
• Check Presentation: Broward County FIND Commissioner Richard Waltzer presented a check for $221,641 to District 4 for the Shoreline Stabilization Project at Bill Keith Preserve.
• Flockfest Weekend Proclamation: Commissioner Steven Glassman proclaimed July 11-13, 2025, as Flockfest Weekend, celebrating the LGBTQ+ event’s 10th anniversary and its charitable impact.
• Caribbean American Heritage Month Proclamation: Mayor Dean Trantalis proclaimed June 2025 as Caribbean American Heritage Month, honoring the contributions of Caribbean Americans.

Consent Calendar

• All consent agenda items were approved unanimously (5-0) with the exception of CM-5, which was pulled for separate discussion. Items approved en bloc included:
  • CM-1: Outdoor Event Agreement with Las Olas Capital Arts for Tunnel Vision Pop-Up on June 21, 2025.
  • CM-2: First Amendment and Extension of Service Agreement for Jimmy Evert Tennis Center management (Scott Pukys).
  • CM-3: First Amendment and Change Order No. 1 for Cooley’s Landing Marina Park Administration Building improvements (ENCOP, Inc., $158,694).
  • CM-4: Acceptance of National League of Cities Advancing Economic Mobility Grant ($20,000).
  • CR-1: Resolution authorizing a Sister City relationship with Iloilo, Philippines.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item CM-5 (Community Court Lease Amendment): Philip Dunlop, President of the Flagler Village Civic Association, spoke in support of the amended lease but urged the city to find a permanent location outside the neighborhood. He emphasized that the current site in a growing urban core presents challenges. Commissioner Glassman added that the amended lease allows the city to opt out after two years (rather than the original five-year term with a three-year opt-out) and stressed the importance of maintaining the site.

Discussion Items

• CM-5 – Community Court Lease (18 NW 1st Avenue): The commission discussed the future of the block, which includes a convenience store and a vacant building. Mayor Trantalis advocated for purchasing the property and demolishing the building to redevelop the site as a gateway from the Brightline station. Vice Mayor Herbst cautioned that relocation of community court is essential but difficult due to past legal rulings requiring services near downtown homeless populations. City Manager Rickelle Williams noted ongoing efforts to find a suitable new location. The amended lease (first amendment) was approved 5-0, extending the term to five years but giving the city the option to terminate after two years if a new venue is found.
• Walk-On Resolution (25-0690): The commission adopted a resolution amending Resolution No. 25-25 to allow remote participation for board/committee members on military service and to reduce the minimum notice time for absences. It also deleted a provision that excluded remote participation in quasi-judicial and public hearing matters. Adopted 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• PH-1 (YMCA New Lease at Holiday Park): Approved 5-0 on a unanimous vote required by Charter Section 8.13. The 50-year lease at $1 per year replaces an existing lease.
• PH-2 (Fund Transfer for Public Pool at YMCA): Approved 5-0, transferring $2 million ($1 million from District 1 and $1 million from District 2) from Parks GO Bond funds to assist YMCA pool construction.
• R-1 (Appointments to Boards and Committees): Approved 5-0, appointing Stuart Levy (Beach BID), Susie Bailey (Sustainability Advisory Board), Latasha Gorman (Affordable Housing Advisory Committee), Ed Murphy (Code Enforcement Board), and Kevin Cochran (Education Advisory Board).
• R-2 (Utility Easement Vacation – 1512 NW 19th Street): Approved 5-0 after quasi-judicial hearing.
• R-3 (Non-Exclusive Easement with YMCA): Approved 5-0.
• R-4 (Sublease and Recognition Agreements – YMCA/Broward Health): Approved 5-0, delegating execution to the City Manager.
• R-5 (Grant Agreement – $2 million to YMCA for Pool): Approved 5-0.
• PH-3 (Public Purpose Use for Recreation Facility and Emergency Department at Holiday Park): Passed first reading 5-0 after public hearing.
• PH-4 (Medical Office Building with Design Deviation – Broward Health): Passed first reading 5-0 after quasi-judicial hearing.
• OFR-1 (Dock Waiver Public Notice Procedures): Passed first reading 5-0.
• OFR-2 (Lobbying Restrictions on Board/Committee Members): Passed first reading on a 3-2 vote (Commissioner Beasley-Pittman and Vice Mayor Herbst dissenting). Commissioner Sorensen requested adding the Walk of Fame Committee to the list of exempt bodies before second reading.
• OFR-3 (Noise Control Amendments for Waterways): Passed first reading 5-0.
• OSR-1 (Broward County Convention Center Special Sign District): Adopted on second reading 5-0.