Fort Lauderdale City Commission Regular Meeting – February 17, 2026

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission held its regular meeting on February 17, 2026, beginning at approximately 11:30 AM. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Skylar Fullerton of Gateway Christian Academy, a moment of silence, and recognition of retiring employees. Special presentations were made by Congresswoman Sheila Sheriff Less McCormick (federal legislative update) and Broward County Commissioner Rich Waltzer ($1,032,636 check for Riverwalk North infrastructure). The Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Department unveiled its Core FTL naloxone program, funded by a $350,000 grant. The consent agenda was approved unanimously, and the commission took action on several motions, ordinances, appointments, and a public hearing. Commission reports covered a wide range of topics including water bills, e‑bikes, park design disputes, and upcoming events.

Presentations

• Pledge of Allegiance – Skylar Fullerton, fourth‑grade student at Gateway Christian Academy, led the pledge.
• Retiree Recognition – Recognized Michelle Heise (police records clerk, 30 years), Daniel Medina (paramedic/firefighter, 26 years), Kevin Sumner (fire inspector, 28 years), and Susan Grant (interim city manager, 6 years of service; prior 27 years in Coral Springs). Susan Grant was presented with a plaque and thanked the commission.
• Congressional Update – Congresswoman Sheila Sheriff Less McCormick discussed the political state of play in Washington, D.C., the partial government shutdown (TSA and Homeland Security not being paid), the fight for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians (approximately 150,000 in South Florida), and introduced bills such as the “Respect Our Workers Act” and the “American Jobs and Economic Mobility Act.” She also highlighted the dangers of fentanyl in online prescription drugs (over 75% containing fentanyl) and promoted Narcan availability.
• County Infrastructure Funding – Broward County Commissioner Rich Waltzer presented a check for $1,032,636 for Riverwalk North replacement infrastructure, bringing total county funding to Fort Lauderdale this year to $6.5 million.
• Fire Rescue Naloxone Program – Chief Steve Golem, Assistant Chief Kevin Green, Lt. Danielle Turpin, and Lt. Stephanie Silk presented the Core FTL (Coordinated Opioid Recovery and Education) program. In 2025, FLFR responded to over 500 overdose calls, 400 requiring naloxone. The $350,000 grant will fund medication‑assisted treatment and naloxone distribution boxes in high‑overdose areas.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (vote: 5‑0).

Discussion Items

• M1 – FY2027 City Commission Priorities – Approved 5‑0 after minor adjustments to incentivize infill businesses citywide and include a museum as a federal courthouse option.
• M2 – Microtransit Agreement with Circuit Transit – Approved 5‑0. The agreement transitions services from a piggyback agreement to a city‑specific contract for downtown and Galt Mile areas.
• R1 – City Clerk Annual Performance Review – Approved 5‑0 granting a 3% merit salary increase to City Clerk David Solomon, effective January 23, 2026.
• OSR1 – Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Second reading approved 5‑0, incorporating the Ten‑Year Water Supply Facility Work Plan 2026 into the Fort Lauderdale Comprehensive Plan.
• OSR2 – Infrastructure Advisory Board – Second reading approved 5‑0, establishing a permanent Infrastructure Advisory Board.
• Appointments – Approved 5‑0 a resolution appointing numerous board and committee members (Beach Business Improvement District, Central City Redevelopment, Community Service, Infrastructure, Insurance, etc.).

Public Hearing (PH1) – Quasi‑Judicial Variance Appeal

• Case: 2436 Cat K Lane – Applicant (Tashers) sought four variances for a pre‑existing shed (10×20 instead of permitted 10×10) and an enclosed carport. The Board of Adjustment had denied the variances twice (July and November 2024) because a supermajority was required at the time.
• Representation: Alan Bogdanoff for the applicant; Hudson Gill represented the Board of Adjustment.
• Arguments: The applicant argued the shed was installed by a prior owner in 2013 with a permit that was closed by the city despite the size discrepancy; the hardship was not self‑created. The Board of Adjustment’s counsel noted the burden was on the applicant to show a unique hardship attributable to the land.
• Commission Decision: The commission voted 5‑0 to approve all four variances, reversing the Board of Adjustment’s decision. On the accompanying fines ($87,900 accumulated), the commission referred the matter to the special magistrate with a recommendation to reduce the fines, except for hard costs incurred by the city.

Commission Reports

• Vice Mayor Herbst (District 1) – Requested a community workshop on water bills to rebuild trust. Raised concerns about lack of updates on Lockhart Park design and expressed frustration that Mayor Trentals was handling design without the district commissioner’s input. The Mayor and City Manager clarified that design work is part of settlement implementation with Inter Miami. Vice Mayor Herbst also raised e‑bike issues in parks.
• Commissioner Beasley Pittman (District 3) – Reported on a Black History Month event at Riverland Park, the group violence intervention program (pilot in District 3), a tour of the Prospect Lake water treatment plant, and the Neighborhood Support Night. Acknowledged Rock Island Elementary Principal Karmick Priester as Broward County Principal of the Year. Requested communications to counter a change.org petition claiming no progress on Carter Park.
• Commissioner Glassman (District 2) – Reported on HOA meetings, lifeguard tower dedication (four new towers by artist Timothy Roberts Smith), and upcoming events. Questioned FDOT about the March 23 start of the Las Olas Bridge project during spring break; transportation staff said they will request postponement if travel lanes are affected.
• Commissioner Sorensen (District 4) – Discussed e‑bike safety hazards in Holiday Park (tearing up turf fields, near misses), requesting stricter enforcement and an ordinance. Supported banning e‑bikes from parks. Also raised the 17th Street Bridge lighting project (update expected in April) and requested status of state bill SB 948 on local government land development regulations.
• Mayor Trentals – Thanked staff for Neighborhood Support Night. Announced upcoming events: Bass Park groundbreaking (Feb 19), Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, Safe Streets Summit (Feb 26), and the Cis Trunk Parade (Feb 28). Suggested reducing Walk of Fame honorees from four to two per year to save sidewalk space. Welcomed spring break visitors and emphasized safety.
• City Manager – Thanked staff for handling a major water main break on February 13. Announced submission of response to Broward County on the New River Crossing Tunnel Initiative. Recognized Susan Leon (retiring chief education officer). Reported on spring break operational plans (press conference Feb 21) and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee feedback. Provided update on new police headquarters: partial certificate of occupancy, demolition 35% complete, community room expected ready around June 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent agenda items, motions M1, M2, R1, ordinances OSR1 and OSR2, and appointments were approved 5‑0.
• Variance Approval (PH1): Four variances granted 5‑0; fines referred to special magistrate with recommendation to reduce (except hard costs).
• E‑bikes: Commission discussed possibility of banning e‑bikes from city parks; city attorney noted state statute limits local restrictions. Police chief to enhance education and enforcement. No formal vote.
• Lockhart Park: Commission agreed that Mayor will continue implementation of settlement with Inter Miami, and district commissioner can engage on design. Conceptual plan expected at a March 2026 commission meeting.