Fort Lauderdale City Commission Meeting – May 19, 2026

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission held a lengthy meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:45 p.m. The agenda included a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, presentations from the Sustainability Advisory Board and the Solid Waste Authority (SWA), a performance audit of the procurement P-Card program, an update on the Parks Bond program, and a proposal to amend the city charter to make the police and fire chiefs charter officers. Several items were deferred or scheduled for future meetings.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the May 5, 2026 CRA board meeting (M1).
• Approved a third lease agreement with FPA2 LLC extending the CRA office space lease to September 30, 2026 (M2).
• Approved an office space lease for the CRA at 501 Northwest Seventh Avenue (M3).
• Approved Resolution R1 appropriating up to $200,000 for capital improvement master planning services with ALTA Planning and Design and amending the interlocal agreement with the city for the Central City Community Redevelopment Area.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sustainability Advisory Board: Aida Nassimi presented nine recommendations to reduce single-use plastics on city property, including six code amendments and three operational strategies. The board emphasized all recommendations are within the city's authority and phased implementation is planned. Commissioners expressed concerns about practicality, alternative materials, and potential exemptions for small businesses. After discussion, staff was directed to refine the proposals.
• Solid Waste Authority (SWA): Several members of the public spoke in favor of Fort Lauderdale joining the SWA. Stephanie Joffey argued for the educational benefits and cost control through collective action. Dr. Julie Long highlighted the need for coordinated waste management to protect resources. Linda (League of Women Voters) urged cooperation to address an impending waste crisis. Grant Smith (Waste Connections) opposed the SWA plan, citing the 40-year lock-in and lack of opt-out options, and warned of compounding CPI increases leading to high costs.
• Parks Bond Program: Residents Edward Catalano, Olga Zamora, Ted and Sarah, and Barbara Stern spoke about specific parks (Warfield, Gore Betts, Carter Park) requesting expedited improvements, better access, and accountability. They criticized delays and urged prioritization of neighborhood parks.

Discussion Items

• City Hall Project & Property Evaluation: Commissioner Glassman questioned the wisdom of spending $500,000 (including $100,000 appraisals) on non-invasive engineering studies for three older buildings, noting that the commission had previously declined to spend any money. He expressed concern about the non-invasive nature of the studies and the lack of detailed structural plans. Assistant City Manager Quintus Pew explained the studies would provide high-level summary findings and rough order of magnitude costs to inform future decisions. The revised interim agreement is deferred to July 2, 2026.
• Charter Amendment – Police & Fire Chiefs as Charter Officers: Mayor Trentals proposed making the police and fire chiefs charter officers, citing the need for objectivity and direct accountability to the commission. Commissioner Herbst supported the idea, noting it would protect future governance. Vice Mayor Sorensen urged referral to the charter revision board for public input but was overruled. The commission voted 3-2 (with Sorensen and Beasley Pittman dissenting) to direct the city attorney to prepare an ordinance for first reading at the next meeting. The ordinance will be discussed further.
• Disabled Parking in City Lots: Commissioner Herbst raised an issue about charging disabled drivers in city parking lots, noting state law provides free on-street parking for disabled permit holders. He requested parity. Staff will research and bring back a memo on financial impact and options.
• Transportation Mobility Property: Mayor Trentals expressed frustration that staff had been communicating with interested parties about the property without immediate disclosure during a prior meeting. City Manager Williams acknowledged the communication gap and noted staff is developing a standard operating procedure for handling unsolicited proposals. No action taken.
• Water Quality Monitoring: Vice Mayor Sorensen requested exploring real-time monitoring of temperature, salinity, and turbidity in waterways. Deputy Public Works Director Todd Hycu confirmed that Miami Waterkeeper already collects such data and can begin reporting it. Also, microbial source tracking data is being collected at five sites monthly.

Key Outcomes

• Sustainability Advisory Board Recommendations: Received by the commission. Staff was directed to refine the proposals, with a focus on practicality and cost implications, and to report back on implementation timelines.
• City Hall Evaluation: The $500,000 non-invasive study and appraisal work will proceed. A comprehensive report is expected by July 2, 2026, including appraisal information and preliminary budget analysis. The revised interim agreement for the new build option is also deferred to July 2.
• Charter Amendment (Police & Fire Chiefs): City attorney directed to draft an ordinance for first reading at the next meeting (June 2, 2026). The proposal would place the question on the ballot for the upcoming election.
• Solid Waste Authority: No decision made. Staff was directed to bring back a recommendation by July 2, 2026. Vice Mayor Sorensen was appointed as the city’s representative to the SWA (with a resolution to be prepared for that evening). Two preconditions for joining were stated: a guaranteed seat on the SWA Executive Committee for Fort Lauderdale and a secondary opt-out point during the 40-year agreement. Discussion will continue.
• P-Card Audit: The city auditor’s report identified four findings: weak property controls, administrative lapses, lacking record keeping, and prohibited/questionable purchases. Management concurred with the findings but disputed a characterization of fraud. The city plans to implement AI-based expense monitoring, digital workflows, and enhanced training. The commission directed more frequent audits (annual) of the P-Card program.
• Parks Bond Program: An updated project sequencing and timeline was presented. Several projects are under construction or nearing construction. Land acquisition funds remain in Districts 1 and 2. Staff will explore additional funding sources (grants, impact fees) to address shortfalls. The commission urged expediting projects from FY29 into FY28 to preserve purchasing power.