Good evening, everybody, and welcome to the city commission meeting this June 2nd, 2026.

Thank you all for being here.

We have uh quite a bit to discuss tonight, and I see we have a full house, so uh thank you.

Um, but before we begin, uh I'd like to announce that the executive closed door session of the city commission is now terminated, and the public meeting is now reopened.

So um, so for those of you who are here for the first time, welcome and uh thank you for uh taking a little time out of your life to come see how government works.

Uh we begin each meeting with a pledge of allegiance and and then several announcements, but tonight we're gonna have a little bit special situation because we have the um we have the ROTC codets from Dillard High School who are going to uh begin tonight's program with begin tonight's program with a uh uh an honor guard presenting the colors.

So, if I could ask everyone to please stand while they present colors, and Mayor, is that Air Force ROTC?

I believe it is.

So I did Air Force ROTC when I was in college, so congratulations.

Three, please remain standing, and I'd like to uh join with Aliah Smith from the ROTC Corps who's going to lead us in tonight's Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.

Please retire the colors.

Thank you, everybody.

Please be seated.

Thank you.

Next time, can you arrange for bagpipes and drum poor, please?

Yes, Mayor.

Thank you.

At this time, I'd like you all to please join me in a moment of silence.

Great, thank you so much.

At this time, I take the opportunity to announce any long-term retirements.

We have Jacob Snow White, who's been a fire captain with our fire department for 28 years, who will now be retiring.

Thank you, Jacob.

Thank you so much for your commitment to our to our city and for your service those 28 years.

Wow, amazing.

Mr.

Clerk, could you please call the roll?

Commissioner Herbst.

Commissioner Glossman.

Here, Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Vice Mayor Swordson?

Here, Mayor Trentals.

Here.

And we have a couple of agenda announcements.

There will be a walk-on resolution changing the June 16th, 2026 conference meeting, start time to 1 p.m.

Use your time wisely, folks.

Yes, sir.

And there'll be another walk-on ordinance amending all future conference meetings to start at 1 p.m.

There will be an agenda item revision.

This is R 4 exhibit 3 on the May 27, 2026 Parks Recreation Beach Advisory Boards meeting Draft Minutes were added as an additional information.

So with the the agenda as as amended and as well as the uh submission of the minutes, do we have a motion to approve them?

Moved.

Second.

Been moved and seconded.

Please call the roll.

Commissioner.

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen.

Yes.

Commissioner Hurst.

Yes.

Mayor Trentales.

Yes.

And the agenda is amended and the minister now approved.

So also as part of our meeting, before we get started the regular business, we have presentations.

What are presentations?

Presentations are an opportunity for the commission and the community to recognize individuals, events, or something special that's happening in our city.

And today we have three such things.

And the first one, I would like to invite the Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen to present a proclamation regarding men's mental health awareness month here in our city.

And I'd like to invite Dustin Gianelli, founder and CEO of Here's Dustin.com, Maslanovich Joseph, the office manager of the National Alliance on Mental Health Mental Illness here in Broward County.

Please join the Vice Mayor at the podium if you could.

Come on up.

Thank you, Mayor.

Appreciate it.

Dustin, come on up.

Slovench, come on up.

Glad you're here.

Thank you.

You got it.

Great to see you again.

Good to see you again.

Well, thank you both for being here, and I'll share a proclamation and would love for you both or one to share a few words, if that's all right.

So this is in recognition of men's mental health awareness month.

Whereas Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every June, raises awareness about the unique challenges men face and works to break down stigmas that prevent many from seeking vital mental health support.

And whereas, despite growing awareness, many men remain reluctant to seek help due to stigma and societal pressures, often delaying treatment and support in times of need.

Whereas organizations like NAMI work tirelessly to provide education, advocacy resources, and support to individuals and families affected by mental health conditions while helping to create safe spaces where men feel empowered to seek help without judgment.

And whereas local advocates and mental health champions, including Dustin, are actively challenging outdated narratives around masculinity through lived experiences, public education, and community engagement, encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being and seek support where needed.

Whereas the city of Fort Lauderdale is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where individuals are encouraged to prioritize their mental and emotional health, and whereas resources and support are accessible to those in need.

We therefore the city commissioners of the city of Fort Lauderdale proclaim June 2026 as men's mental health awareness month, dated this second day of June by your mayor Dean J.

Trentellis.

One thing, go ahead, voting's yours.

Thank you to the city of Fort Lauderdale, Mayor, Commissioners, for recognizing Men's Mental Health Awareness Month for now, the second year in a row.

Last year I was very new to the city of Fort Lauderdale.

Had moved from Boston.

Anybody else from Boston?

A couple of us?

Well, it's a task of making new friends and connections with the city and our community.

And it didn't take long because this city made me feel so welcome and included.

They gave me that opportunity to share my voice.

It's not my voice that changed anything, it was using it that changed everything.

I encourage all of us here today, whether you're deaf or hard of hearing like myself, have a disability or not, to realize the accommodation that are out there for each and every one of us.

It starts by asking.

Asking what's out there and taking that first step.

I had this vision to create the brand I have today, Here's Dustin.com, where I do keynote speaking and partner with different corporations and government affiliates for a long, long time.

But it took me a long, long time to take that first step.

So, trust me when I tell you, life's a lot better when you take the first step.

Today and going forward, we recognize and celebrate men's mental health awareness month.

Notice the word men's is in it, but we're all accountable.

Men and women, kids, and dogs too.

We all have a say in how we feel and how we react and contribute to our community.

So without further ado, I want to say thank you again for recognizing Men's Mental Health Awareness Month.

Don't want to get too close, but I do want to say on behalf, on behalf of Mami Broward County, I would like to say a sincere thank you to the CEO of Fort Lauderdale and his constituents for recognizing men's mental health awareness month this month of June.

And this proclamation itself helps shine a light on the broader issue that affects countless men, communities at large, and way too often men face mental health challenges and silence.

And this proclamation is raising awareness, encouraging and encouraging conversations, and promoting access to support.

We all can help break down the stigma and remind that people that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, rather, it's a sign of strength.

So to echo what Dustin was saying, it always takes that first steps.

So I do want to say thank you for the partnership.

Thank you for the commitment.

Thank you for raising awareness for mental health.

And grateful for we are honored to accept the proclamation.

Thank you.

Well, thank you for being here tonight.

Um declaring June 2nd, 2026 as Dillard High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Day here in the city of Fort Lauderdale.

I'd like to invite Tiffany TJ Robinson, USAF, senior aerospace science instructor at Dillard High School, to please join the commissioner at the podium.

Good evening, everyone.

Good evening.

Y'all so quiet.

But good evening again.

I have the great honor this afternoon to present a proclamation from the Office of the Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale, proclamation and recognition of Dillard High School, Air Force JROCT Day.

Whereas the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, JROTC program prepares young people to become responsible citizens and leaders through education, service, discipline, character development, and a commitment to excellence, excellence.

And whereas Dillard High School Air Force JROTC, Unit FL 791, established in 1971, is the first and oldest Air Force JROTC program in Brower County and has spent more than four decades developing generations of student leaders dedicated to service, academic achievement, and community engagement.

Whereas the 25, the 2025-2026 academic year, Unit FL 769 achieved one of the most distinguished years in its history, earning the prestigious Distinguished cadets core award, one of the highest honors bestowed upon any Air Force JROTC units for excellence and leadership, academics, military proficiency, and community involvement.

Whereas the unit also received the Silver Star Community Service for Excellence Award, placing them among the top Air Force JROTC programs in the nation for its exceptional commitment for volunteerism and civic service.

And whereas further demonstrating its dedication to leadership, academic excellence, the unit earned placements on the JROTC leadership and academic board all county team, establishing Dillard High School's first Raiders team, earning second place in the Broward County Top Flight Drone Championship, and captured first place in the City of North Lauderdale's holiday parade.

And whereas these accomplishments reflect the dedication of the cadets, the instructors, the school administrators, family, and supporters who work together to cultivate future leaders of character, integrity, and purpose while serving as a source of pride for the city of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County community.

Now, therefore, we, as the city commissioners of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, do hereby proclaim June 2nd, 2026 at Stillard High School, Air Force JROTC Day in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

This is dated the second day of June by our Mayor Dean Trentellis.

Let's give them a hand.

Would you like to say something and then we'll take a photo together?

If it's possible, may I have my cadets from FL 791, please come up and join me really fast.

So these young people, it is such an honor to lead and guide them.

And I think we would all agree that in this generation of young people, for them to be as motivated and dedicated and focused on serving their nation and community.

I believe that they deserve a special round of applause.

Thank you.

In order, in order to receive the Silver Star with Excellence Award, we uh served in our community, our local community and our surrounding communities, over 4900 community service hours this school year.

So they dedicated weekends, after school, you name it, they were there.

So I would also, before I go, just really quick like to thank the my elders who came before me, the instructors who came before me, we have Master Sergeant Pender here.

We are literally standing on the backs of giants.

So this is nothing that we can do alone.

So I thank my village, I thank God, and I thank the city for recognizing us this day and for all you continue to do for us.

Thank you so much.

Congratulations.

Thank you for your service to our country.

Now I'd like to uh ask Commissioner Steve Glassman to present a proclamation uh regarding uh LGBTQ plus Pride Month here in the city of Fort Lauderdale, and I'd like to invite Robert Keston, who's the president and CEO of the Stonewall Museum and Archives to please join him at the podium.

Robert, where are you?

And I believe also Kevin's here as well from Clevenger.

Thank you.

You got dressed up for us tonight.

Come on up, gentlemen.

Oh, the mayor is such a jokester.

Good evening, everyone.

Love to see a packed room.

Uh it's an honor and a privilege and an absolute pleasure to present this proclamation from the Office of the Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale.

This is a proclamation in recognition of LGBTQ plus Pride Month.

Whereas, June is recognized throughout the United States as LGBTQ plus Pride Month, a time to celebrate the contributions, history, resilience, and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, while reaffirming the principles of equality, dignity, and respect for all people.

And whereas Pride Month traces its roots to the events of June 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, which became a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ plus civil rights movement and inspired generations of advocates working toward greater inclusion and equal opportunity.

And whereas South Florida has played an important role in LGBTQ history, including the first pride commemoration in the region in 1977, helping to advance visibility, understanding, and protections for LGBTQ plus individuals.

And whereas Fort Lauderdale is home to a vibrant and diverse LGBTQ community and has earned an international reputation as a welcoming destination where residents and visitors can be themselves, fostering a culture of inclusion, acceptance, and belonging.

And whereas LGBTQ owned and operated businesses, community organizations, and cultural institutions have helped shape Fort Lauderdale's character and economy, while internationally recognized organizations such as the World AIDS Museum, the Stonewall National Museum, Archives and Library, and the Sunshine Cathedral continue to educate, inspire, and serve our community.

And whereas the City of Fort Lauderdale celebrates the many contributions of LGBTQ individuals whose leadership, service, entrepreneurship, creativity, and advocacy strengthen the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our city and remains committed to fostering a community where all people are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Now, therefore, we as city commissioners of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to hereby proclaim June 2026 as LGBTQ plus Pride Month in the city of Fort Lauderdale, and dated this, the second day of June 2026, and signed by our mayor, the Honorable Dean Jay Trentalis.

Gentlemen, please, please welcome to say a few words.

Thank you, Commissioner Glassman.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, other commissioners.

Pride is not about being gay or lesbian or any of those other letters.

Pride is about extending a hand to the entire world, the entire community, and welcoming people in.

It's about being uniters in a world full of dividers.

It is about building community, not tearing people apart.

We have an exhibit in our museum right now, focused on Baron von Stuben.

Baron von Steuben was born in Prussia, raised in Prussia, fought for Frederick the Great in the Seven Year War.

And then was accused of having relationships with men and forced to leave Europe.

So he went to Paris, where he met Benjamin Franklin, who helped him go across the Atlantic Ocean, where he joined and trained George Washington's troops at Valley Forge, and is considered one of the fathers of the American military.

There he wrote the blue book, which is still used today in certain circles of the military to train our armed forces.

Think about what would happen if this guy tried to come to the United States today.

Gay, no money, and didn't speak the language.

Just imagine what would have happened if he had been turned back.

His training of troops saved George Washington his job, which made him the father of our country.

There were many in the Continental Congress who wanted to remove him.

After the training that his troops got from Von Steuben, he became a national hero.

Steuben for the most part has disappeared from the history books.

But he's there.

And in Ohio, New York, and elsewhere, there are counties and schools and streets named after him.

But nobody knows who he really was.

He helped make America what it is today.

So in this 250th anniversary year, go to Pride Celebrations.

Reach out your hands to your neighbors and help bring this country as this county and as this city demonstrate together rather than pull people apart.

Thank you all for this distinct honor.

Thank you.

Hi, every hi everyone.

My name is Kevin.

I'm the director of development for Flockfest events.

This is our 11th year where we put on a beach party on for our community.

We're so happy that the city allows us to keep this going on and not erasing the DEI initiatives that are being passed down.

So thank you so much.

Our beach party is July 11th, and then we also do pool parties.

We'll be a part of the Stonewall celebration, and I invite you to go to the Stonewall Museum.

It's an amazing exhibit.

Thank you.

Spread apart.

Okay, at this point, uh we now come to what's called our consent agenda.

Purpose of the consent agenda is to try to do business on a consent basis.

And there are a number of items on the consent agenda tonight.

But before we do that, uh I would ask, is there any member of the commission who wishes to pull any of the consent agenda items and discuss them and vote on them separately?

So I start with uh Commissioner Herbs.

Are there any consent agenda items you wish to pull?

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Um, CM7.

CM7.

Uh-huh, and C R 10.

Okay, Commissioner Glassman.

None.

And Vice Mayor?

None.

Okay, so except for CM7 and CR 10.

Do I hear a motion to approve the consent agenda items?

Moved.

Second.

Move and seconded.

Please call the roll.

Commissioner Glossman.

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen.

Yes.

Commissioner Herbs.

Yes.

Mayor Trent Halls.

Yes.

And all those consent agenda items are now approved.

So if you came here tonight on behalf of any of those items, um, your item has now been approved.

So thank you.

You're welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting.

Um, so moving on to CM7.

This is regarding a motion authorizing acceptance.

A motion authorizing the acceptance of grant funds from the Florida Department of Health Harm Reduction Overdose Program.

Commissioner.

Yes, thank you, Mayor.

I ask for this to be pulled because this is one of the initiatives that I'm really excited about and have an opportunity to receive additional funding for it.

It's a great opportunity for our city.

Also, I I want to moving forward with this program because this is connected and housed under our fire rescue, and it's connected to the core initiative, and they deal with, of course, the overdose incidents.

Also, they have opportunities where they are meeting with individuals in our communities that are in need of additional services.

They deal with opportunities where we have our neighbors who are that utilizes the emergency room for lack of insurance.

So the emergency room is considered their primary care doctor.

So they identify those individuals, they give them resources, and and also what they do, they do they work with our homeless as well.

So I want to just make highlight to what they do, and I want to make sure that we as a as a city is recognizing how important this particular opportunity is, and then also moving forward, I would like to bring this forward as a conference to really go into deep details with our fire chief to explain to us exactly how successful this is because I believe it's kind of like under the radar and they're doing some amazing things.

Okay, all right.

Well, thank you.

Do you want to move the item?

I do move the item, thank you.

Okay, motion.

Do I hear a second?

Second.

The move and seconded, please call the roll on CM7.

Commissioner Glossman, yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst.

Yep.

Mayor Trent Hollis.

Yes.

And CM7 is now approved.

CR 10, this is a resolution amending.

Resolution 23-123 as amended by resolution number 25-38, providing for an extension of the homeless advisory committee through June 20th, 2027.

Commissioner.

Yes, thank you, Mayor.

I am in agreement for the extension of the committee, but I also would like to have a conversation about moving this into a board.

This initiative to be, I believe that it's not allowing that to occur as a committee.

So I would like to see us move this forward to become a board where they're able to.

Is this a little longer?

Right now they're at a year.

We have to keep coming back to ask them, ask for an extension.

And that year I do not believe allow them to go deep with long opportunity, long studies for information regarding our homeless.

Because we initially tasked them, I believe, to um, well, before I say that, if we could, I can let um the staff explain to us the original proclamation that we um we voted to put this committee into place and we can have a discussion from there.

Okay.

So I know that when we first established the homeless advisory committee, uh there was a mission statement associated with it.

So would you like to talk to us a little bit about that?

And so we can make a decision as to whether or not we should convert this to a board.

Okay, good afternoon, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners.

The purpose of the homeless advisory committee is to advise the city commission on the creation and implementation of a strategic plan to prevent, reduce, and address homelessness, assist in identifying funding for homeless initiatives, review best practices in addressing homelessness, help raise awareness regarding the city's actions in addressing homelessness, and determine any gaps in programs that address homelessness and develop performance indicators.

Okay.

Um so my question is currently this the charge that we have is this allowing um the committee to specifically include um identifying long-term fundings or evaluating the programs and the outcome within a year?

Some of the work that the committee was initially developed to complete has been completed.

The committee is currently working with staff to create working groups to establish a strategic plan to address homelessness.

Staff provided the uh draft of that plan to meet today.

Our intention is to provide it to the committee on June 11th, which is their next committee meeting.

From there, we would need to create working groups.

I believe we could accomplish that plan within the next year.

Okay, um, with that, um, I'm still with the committees having a one-year term.

Um I see that as a opportunity for turnover when we have that um board um environment, they're committed to a longer period of time, and just believing that uh an appointment to a board will allow us to allow them to evaluate more deeply instead of having that institutional turnaround, that turnaround.

What is your view on that?

So, commissioner, I do agree with you.

Um there are several active programs that we're working on right now, such as safe parking, such as a service agreement with rotary connection.

Um, we're looking to identify a different space for the community court program.

We're looking to develop this strategic plan, and so in saying that I do believe that if this committee does become a board, that there is work still to be done by the board or committee as it was as it relates to homelessness.

Okay.

Um right now, does the committee have um the authority under the code to um give any budget recommendations on agendas?

What so that was a part of their initial purpose, and so I do believe that they could make recommendations, um, and to date they have been involved in our communication with in with groups such as LifeNet for potential safe parking program, such as Rotary Connection, and so they are indirectly doing things that will translate to budget request.

Okay, all right.

Um other question.

Um, if we were to elevate them to a board, and um, as they're seated currently, could we be able to maintain um the connection without a lapse?

How would we go about um changing them from a board from a city to a committee to a board?

So the process commissioner would be to adopt for the city commission to adopt an ordinance that train that transitions this committee to a board.

I know that ordinances require two readings, and I would somewhat defer to the city clerk's office in terms of if we could do that.

I know that the board expires on June 30th, so I don't know if there is time before the sunset of this board to do those two ordinance readings.

I don't believe it is.

Certainly.

So why don't we just extend it and during that time period we can consider okay?

That will be that will be that was my next question.

Can we continue with the extension?

Okay, but also um given an opportunity to have that movement to a board if if we're all in agreement, but I believe that would be a better opportunity for us because we've all made um as a commission, we have made homelessness a priority.

So if we're gonna make it a priority, I think we should put a board in place that would also represent our initiative.

Okay, all right.

Could I could I just ask a question to the city attorney?

Explain to me the difference between boards and committees, because we've got 40 plus boards and committees.

What is the practical difference between a board and a committee?

I understand.

I I think the issue here is that this particular one is sunsetting and we have to keep extending it, but do we not have committees that have you know a longer time frame that don't sunset?

Well, actually, committees um by definition are shorter, and I think that's probably the rationale for this.

Is that the issue?

So committees basically have a term and boards don't have a term.

Is that what we're trying to do?

I think that's what they're trying to accomplish.

Okay, thank you.

And just to clarify, the committee would expire on June 20th, if not extended.

So, mayor, if I may, yes, thank you.

Um, so I I I think that we need to have a little bit more of an in-depth discussion of this.

Um, I I do know that um at my pre-agenda meeting with the district, uh, this came up in terms of uh a discussion with Paul Ayukna.

Paula is the chair of this uh advisory committee.

She's my appointment on this committee.

And she did express, and I'm I I she unfortunately could not be here this evening, and I don't know if we have time to still take this up on June 16th, which would still be before they uh before they uh basically sunset.

But I I'd like her to have a part of this conversation because what she did express to me and what she expressed to uh my district uh agenda meeting was that she is feeling a little bit of a uh a sense of frustration in that this committee as it stands now in the time that they have to meet, they really just get they get presentations, they get reports.

They they have not had the opportunity to really meet, dive in and and do the work.

Um so I I would say I I'm very open to what Commissioner Beasley Pittman is saying.

However, I want at least the chair of this of this committee to be involved in that discussion.

Uh do we stay as a committee?

Do we go as a board?

Do we look at some sort of different enabling legislation for this this committee or board?

Uh and I want I want us as a commission to listen to her uh sense of uh I would call it a sense of frustration in accomplishing things that we would all like to see accomplished uh from this commission.

So I'm just throwing that out there as well.

Okay, so why don't so why don't we move ahead with the uh with the resolution and then that gives us time to bring the chair back and also to discuss further options that the that the um that the advisory committee can uh can do either as a committee or as a board.

Happy to move it.

Commissioner Glassman, just so I understand.

Do you see anything different functionally in how they operate between a board and a committee?

Because I've never understood them to operate differently other than as the city attorney just explained, one has a sunset date and one has the other.

So am I am I missing something?

I just want to understand.

It's a question for clarification.

I understand what you're saying.

No, they they all do seem to function in the same way, but I think as a city attorney said it's just a matter of time.

Uh and you know that's really it.

I mean, we've had look at the infrastructure task force.

That was not a board, that was a task force.

And it won't die.

Right.

It lives forever, it lives forever.

Um, and so yeah, I I think I think the point that Commissioner Beasley Pittman is making is that members cannot they don't feel like they can dig in and and take on uh initiatives that they they are afraid by the time that something gets going, they're gonna be sunset and the and the committee doesn't exist anymore.

You know, Mayor, you say you always interpret interpret for me so well, thank you.

I appreciate it.

But yes, but that is my point.

My point is that this gives us an opportunity to allow them to again dive into these areas of discussion and um those initiatives and those points that we want them to look into because as we keep saying homelessness is a priority for this commission, and if we're not allowing um the board the the liberty to go deeper and to be committed, other than a year where we're turning individuals over, the turnover is such where we're losing the institutional part of it, there's no history to keep the momentum going.

So that's what I'm saying.

It's not that they're constrained into what they can look at.

So we haven't we haven't restricted anything that they could look at, they can look at anything they want to.

It's you're saying that in practice they just they run out of time.

And um, yes, and even with my appointee, I have had conversations with my appointee.

It just feels as if though they are not the time isn't there for them to accomplish what this charge has been given for them.

Gotcha.

So to better that and to correct that, I believe that we should give them that opportunity to be a board.

Okay, and with that, I can't wait.

Yes, I am introduced in the resolution with the extension.

Okay, can I have resolution's been introduced?

Second, you don't need a second, we're good with it just the introduction.

I'll second it anyway.

Okay, um I just want to I want to show support to my colleagues.

Okay.

Thank you.

Uh Mr.

Clerk, please call the roll.

You have.

Oh, I just wanted to make one quick suggestion.

I know.

So to achieve what I think you're asking Commissioner Glassman and Commissioner Beasley Pittman, perhaps when you extend the board like you're about to, you could refer to the board.

Committee, I'm sorry.

You can refer to that committee for them to have the conversation about the enabling legislation for them to become a board, and then that way they can have that conversation amongst themselves, which I think achieves what you have been discussing to bring back with that ordinance in the future.

And they can set it as a as a communication to the city commissioner.

I would like that discussion to also include how they can be much more proactive than reactive because that's what I'm hearing as a sense of frustration from the chair.

Yes, and I'd like to see that addressed as well.

Thank you.

Folks, you know what I have in front of me?

A stack.

So let's try to focus our comments and we can move forward quickly tonight.

All about the homeless board.

Please call the roll.

A resolution of city commission of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida amending resolution number 23-123 as amended by resolution 25-38 by extending the term of the homeless advisory committee through June 20th, 2027, providing for an effective date.

Commissioner Glossman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst.

Yes.

Mayor Trentals.

Yes, and that items now approved.

Moving on to motions.

M1, motion approving the final ranking of firms, negotiated fee schedule and agreement for requests for qualifications, architectural continuing services with Wolfburg, Alvarez and partners.

Would someone like to introduce excuse me?

Would someone like to make the motion?

So move.

Second.

Move and seconded.

Any questions or comments?

There being none, please call the roll.

Commissioner Glossman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Swanson?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst.

Yes.

Mayor Trentals.

Yes.

And M1's approved.

M2, motion approving a memorandum of understanding between the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Air Force Council for the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to host the Florida Airports Council 2026 annual conference and exposition.

Someone would like to move the item.

So second.

Excuse me.

Commissioner Glassman.

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen.

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst.

Yes.

Mayor Trentals.

Yes.

And M2 is now approved.

Moving on to M3.

This is a motion to defer consideration of the interim agreement with FTL City Hall Partners, LLC for the city hall project to the July 2nd, 2026 City Commission regular meeting.

So I have a bunch of people who sign up to speak.

Um, some of which are just only for questions.

Does anyone have any comments or questions on this?

I do, Mayor.

Yes, go ahead.

Thank you.

Um so I I understand that the motion is defer uh to defer the consideration.

I will tell you that, and I'm sure that all of my colleagues have had the same conversation.

I'm very encouraged uh by the meeting that I was able to have with the city manager and also the development team that we selected uh for this project.

It's very encouraging.

I think that after our last big discussion at the commission, we all agreed that we needed to really take a look at what that interim agreement would be going forward.

Um the consensus was overwhelming that we needed to cut that cost, we needed to get rid of that equity piece, we need to get rid of that 11% interest.

Uh and based on what I heard in my most recent meeting, and I'm sure you have all heard that, uh, it seems that that's the direction uh that we're headed in.

Um I just have one question before I'm able to vote on this to defer this till July 2nd.

Because actually I I'm I'm ready to move now on this uh because I I really do believe that common sense tells us that that's what we should be doing.

Um but I want to know from City Manager or anyone on staff how much how much money have we spent to date on appraisals of the three older buildings and also uh with uh Jacobs in terms of getting engineering type reports, digging in a little bit.

What is the total to date that we have spent on that?

Was projected.

Thank you, Commissioner.

I'm gonna ask Quentin Pugh, Assistant City Manager to share that information.

Regarding the I'm sorry, good evening.

Quinton Pew, Assistant City Manager, regarding the appraisals, um a hundred thousand dollars uh for those appraisals, and regarding the um the building assessment with Jaco's management, uh we have not received an invoice to date on that project.

The um the amount that was agreed upon was just shy of three hundred and seventy thousand dollars for that assessment work, but we haven't received an invoice to date.

So we've just spent the hundred thousand on the appraisals of the three structures.

That is correct.

Well, we may have spent more, but he doesn't have a number, an accurate number to date.

So what Jacob's engineering is.

No, I understand that.

Uh, but you have been invoiced for the appraisals that we've been invoiced.

Uh good evening, Mayor, Commission Ben Rogers, Assistant City Manager.

Uh, we are in receipt of a draft version of the appraisal, so the work has been completed and performed, and so we will be owing the the amount due of around 100,000 for those six appraisals.

Okay, and we from a letter to the commission that we did receive back in May, uh, it looks like we all committed to maybe three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars for uh the reports on the three buildings, the status of those three buildings.

I'd have to defer to you, but my understanding is that task orders issued somewhere around $370,000 that authorize the work to begin and where they are in that process.

Uh I can't speak to, but some of the funds would be expended to date.

Okay, thank you.

So, Quentin, I have one more question for you based on the what I'm reading in the CAM.

Uh so in the CAM, on the third paragraph down, it says that um the LTC reaffirmed that city staff are targeting the July 2nd, 2026 City Commission conference meeting to present the initial phase one findings.

So I need to have a definition of what those initial phase one findings are that we're expecting on July 2nd.

Again, my concern is July 2nd is our last meeting before our summer break.

Anything can happen, but what do you mean by the initial phase one findings?

So we asked Jacob Management to look at this project as a two-gated process.

Um phase one is a non-um invasive screening process, and this gives the commission the ability to have some very healthy and robust uh discussions regarding the building assessments of the three um properties in question.

Ivy Tower 101, uh one on one um the one east brower, as well as the federal courthouse.

So the phase one again is non-invasive.

It's going to um do a property condition assessment.

They're looking at the roof, the facade, the windows, uh, you know, whether it's hurricane resilience, uh interior conditions, and um also ADA compliance gaps uh amongst those three buildings.

Uh they're also doing a structural analysis uh where they're looking at the framing, the foundation, uh wind and flood resilience, etc.

Also looking at mechanical, um, electrical and plumbing.

Uh each one of these facilities, uh doing an inventory conditions, review, uh remaining useful life on these facilities.

So again, this is just a high level uh summary findings of these particular facilities.

They're not doing deep engineering because maybe the commission may decide on phase one that those sort of details or that sort of deep diving isn't necessary.

That's also a very expensive exploration.

So the first uh phase is just strictly screening and it should provide this commission with um again enough information to have a dialogue and let the staff know whether or not you want to proceed uh to a phase two on one or more of those buildings, or maybe none of them at all.

So you're saying that if we did as a commission decide to go to a phase two um of what would be considered to be an invasive uh look at the three buildings, that that would probably be a lot more than the half a million dollars that we've already committed of taxpayer dollars to look at those three old older buildings as opposed to building a new structure for city hall.

If this commission were to decide to take on all three of those facilities for deep dive, I would imagine it will be a lot more than what we're currently paying now for phase one.

Okay, so that's a decision we'll have to make, I guess, on July 2nd.

Yes, sir.

Okay, so thank you.

Again, um I want to thank City Manager and for the development team.

Uh I'm very encouraged by the direction we're headed in.

Um I think we're gonna be able to get there with an IA on on July 2nd uh for a a new building that our city deserves to have uh and I believe that the price is going to be something that's affordable uh based on the work that I'm seeing the city manager doing.

Uh again, I'm going to, and I this isn't the first time I've said it.

I I was not in favor of spending this half a million dollars on three old buildings.

I'm definitely not in favor of spending what sounds like it's going to be millions to do an invasive look at the three old buildings.

So I I'm just putting that out there.

I'm happy to vote to defer this to July 2nd although I don't know how much information we'll have on July 2nd that we actually don't have now but if that's the will of the commission to keep spending that money that initial half a million dollars so be it I'm just not in favor of that.

So thank you mayor.

Where did Quentin go?

Come back so Quentin thank you for your for your uh response and but let me just dig a little deeper into this.

So what the commissioner is saying is that we're going to be spending about a half a million dollars to do a high level examination of these buildings which I which basically from what you said is to determine what the current structure integrity of the building is go through the various mechanical plumbing electrical systems look at life expectancy and things like that.

Now my understanding from what you just said then is that are they going to come back with a cost analysis if any of those systems need to be upgraded or replaced?

Are they going to come back with a cost analysis of the conversion costs of trying to create commission chambers and offices and the various other aspects of of a city hall that would be necessary that these buildings may or may not uh currently be able to adapt.

Is that analysis going to include any of that?

It is it's going to include a rough order of magnitude it's going to be a range for the select you know disciplines that need to be either upgraded replaced but yes there's going to be an order you know how about the conversion how about the adaptation is you're going to be able to do that too.

Yes so if one of these facilities for example um can incorporate let's say the chambers as an example uh they're looking at that space uh will provide us with high level summary information on what will need to be done to that particular space um as well as the cost impact or the rough order of magnitude uh for that conversion so it would be a range it's not going to be a specific number but it will be a range and um they're basing this information off the existing space programming that we did um between the months of January and April of 2026 so they're looking at they understand that we are looking at a chamber size of roughly 12,500 square feet they're looking at these buildings and seeing if that's um something that can fit within these buildings and then providing us with that rough order of magnitude on that cost.

And will they also when you say this is just a a surface level examination of the structure what would the next level I mean it seems pretty detailed from what you said so what what could they possibly what would be a deeper dive what would they look into?

So a deeper dive will consist of um being more thorough in detail with their pricing on certain aspects of the um of the programming or the improvements um they're they're just going to go into a very deeper dive I mean I actually have Jacobs here that can probably get more into that analysis but um if there's cracks you know what they're looking at you know if they see cracks and things like that they can kind of tell from the direction of the crack right now what's happening but if we want to go a little bit of deeper dive um then they'll do that further exploration but um it's it's intensive um but it would just go further in detail on what we're looking at.

I see okay thank you I appreciate that.

You know I I I again at the end of the day, you know, you know, I I voted to go with a newer building.

I applaud the city manager's office for bringing down the the cost of that building.

It was uh a shock, it was sticker shock when it was first presented to us, and now we see it's far more within the range of what we anticipated we were going to be able to afford.

Um the numbers that I've been told uh informally by the city manager are are consistent with what the previous city managers uh Chris Lagerbloom, Greg Trevoria, even Susan Grant, the availability um payment uh that we would be able to afford continues to be consistent.

Even on June July 2nd, I I mean I I don't know what the what the analysis is going to teach me.

Um I'm very hesitant to to invest millions of dollars into a used product, especially since we don't know what the structural integrity of it is uh from a from a high level point of view.

Um but I guess if the commission wants to move forward in that direction, you know, we'll commit the money and uh we'll just see what happens on July 2nd.

But um, you know, I personally feel that you know it's in the best interest of the city and the taxpayers to build a building that's going to be uh they're gonna have longer life expectancy and it's gonna be consistent with the with the expectations of the community.

Um Quentin, um, you know, we had the we had the interfa infrastructure task force um meet with the community.

I think there were five meetings.

Um there was there were six, was it six requirements or six six or seven basic um uh aspects of a new of a city hall that the community would want to see.

Will this uh will this analysis also tell us whether or not these these uh proposed buildings will be able to accommodate those needs that the uh community has asked for?

It should.

I have asked Jacobs to um take that into consideration.

When they do the comparative matrix, they're not just comparing these three existing buildings amongst each other, like what they have, what they don't have, uh, what can be improved, but they're looking at that report has been uh sent to them, you know, include some of those civic functions that were important to, you know, that were highlighted during um those particular discussions and in that report, as well as the information from the new city hall um project.

So they're looking at those five different things, the three existing buildings, that um UL report, as well as our City Hall, you know, how much we did thus far in putting that on a comparative matrix and presenting that, you know, information to the commission.

Okay, all right, thank you so much.

There are several people who signed up to speak positions.

Mayor, before you um go on.

Oh, sorry, go ahead.

That's okay.

Um I just want to go back to the beginning of our conversation as a a as a commission when we decided that we were going to um look into the opportunity of um a new city hall.

One of the things uh the conversation I kept having was we need a budget, and the majority of us decided to move on without this budget, and we're in this seat right now because we did not establish a budget.

We put out this whole opportunity, inviting um developers to come in and and give us um ideas of what they thought we wanted, and then it came in with your sticker shock, okay.

But what I'm saying to us, we have to be more responsible in how we move forward as to bring opportunities to the city for the building.

So that part moving forward, I hope we would never do this again.

I won't support anything like this because before I said no.

I will so no again if it comes to a point where we are putting out an opportunity to build something to purchase something without knowing what our budget is.

So I thought us for that first.

And the second part, I want to say, you know, we're talking about these monies and how much we're spending right now.

Again, it was me who said let's pull this 200 million dollars away from the debt that was um through the developer's deck when we were talking about this proposal before.

I don't know exactly how we are missing opportunities to be more um responsible financially.

So I'm putting the charge to us.

We need to make sure that this is what we do because we're delaying the process.

We are delaying this process because we started wrong.

I said it that night, I say it to again.

I don't go purchase a car without knowing the price that I can afford.

And that's what we did.

We went out to search and um get appraisals for a building that we could not afford.

But we are doing some due diligence now to get us to that place, and the due diligence also allows our neighbors to be comfortable with what we're doing.

So if that means for me, if that means that we need to get spend that money to get the um the um surveys, the evaluations of these buildings, that's what we need to do.

Because we drop the ball.

If it's gonna take that to make the neighbors comfortable, I believe they're comfortable with that.

I too want to see the new building.

That's the direction I'm going in because I believe that you pay for what you get.

Okay.

So I want to say that we find a way to afford it.

Exactly.

And I believe we are doing that.

Again, we we were able to deduct two million dollars by removing that um the developer from the stack.

So we're moving in a great direction, and then all the other information that was brought in from the developer, the that number is coming down that it's more significantly affordable.

Yeah, okay.

Thank you.

Mayor, if I could city manager, on July 2nd, when we come back, uh, will we have an interim agreement in front of us to look at?

We are working through updates to the interim agreement that was brought before the commission on April 21st.

It will take into account the feedback provided by the commission on that night and the additional uh conversations and negotiations that have occurred since then.

Staff will also be presenting a budget approach for the city hall project, no matter what the commission decides in order to inform as to how we might afford whether a new build or a renovation project.

So that's one of the things that staff will be bringing forward.

Okay, because I think it's really important that between April 21, which is when we had that IA in front of us, uh, till July 2nd, that's about 10 weeks.

I think that we need to have an interim agreement in front of us uh on July 2nd that we can actually work off of and have a discussion as a city commission so that we are are we so we're going to move forward.

So I'm I'm just requesting that we have an interim agreement uh in our backup that we can all talk about, you know, from an educated standpoint.

Thank you.

Okay, so Mayor, if I may.

So please go ahead.

Um, I I think this is money well spent.

Um, I reject the idea that investigating alternatives is somehow wasteful.

I think we have an obligation to the taxpayers to investigate all opportunities to save money.

And as Commissioner Beasley Pittman says, and I agree with her wholeheartedly, uh, I think it was foolhardy on our part not to establish a budget before we began down this path.

I agree with her completely in that respect, and I think that's why we find ourselves where we are today.

Um leaving that aside though, I will point out again for I've lost count of how many times I brought this to the commission's attention.

We need to be considering a general obligation bond.

The session just concluded today, and it confirms what I've been telling everybody for the longest time that the legislature was going to pass tax reform and put it on the ballot for everybody to vote on.

And again, I still love to find the person who's gonna vote against cutting their property taxes to zero because I know it ain't me.

Um that being said, I will vote.

I will vote no.

Well, I'm glad it'll be you and then 18 million other people in the state of Florida that vote the other way.

So thank you.

Commissioner Commissioner, this is a good thing.

Let me finish, please if I may.

Wait, wait, so this is not the first time that the homestead exemption uh effort has uh has been presented to the electorate, and it was presented several years ago and was defeated.

So just keep that in mind.

It is not going to get defeated.

I'm happy to put a hundred dollars on the table if you want to bet me.

So, and anybody else in the audience that wants to take that bet, please.

I got a hundred bucks for anybody in the city commission meeting.

So that that being said, that being said, if you look at the text that I was just reviewing, um, again, if we have voted debt service that's on there, it is protected from what they're going to pass.

So again, I suggest one more time that we put this out as a general obligation bond so that this is not impacted by property tax reform.

It doesn't have to come out of what we have left over after the property tax reform is enacted and our revenues are up.

What are we talking?

Eighty million dollars of ad valorum revenue over time.

So over time it's dropping 80 million dollars.

No, we had a we had a report this afternoon, and the numbers are far less.

17 million the first year in year one or 80 million over time.

We're talking a 30-year payment schedule.

Okay, go ahead.

Tell me something different that I'm not getting into that now, but those were not the numbers.

They're far less than that.

But let's again I recommend that we do a general obligation bond.

We put this project in front of the voters, let everybody have an opportunity to vote on it, and let's talk about the most tax-efficient way of financing this thing.

I know you're not gonna do it, but I'm telling you this is the best way to do it.

It don't say that.

Well, I've I brought this up a dozen times, and nobody else has said let's do it.

Well, let's look at the options.

We'll bring it up in July 2nd, and we'll see what our options are.

Now, several people have signed up to speak on this, but I but since we're deferring it, you still want to speak.

Miguel Aragon and Bobby Henry.

You still want to speak on this?

Yep.

Are you Miguel?

Please step up.

You have two minutes.

You have only one minute.

Good evening, uh, mayor, by mayor, uh, commissioners.

Uh, Miguel Aragon.

I'm uh I'm representing uh construction workers, laborers, uh, and we we want to, you know, to uh for you guys to approve it, you know, to you like second to have the next meeting.

Uh we represent a lot of men workers, construction workers who live here in Port La Dell, okay.

Uh people ready to work in this project.

Okay.

We need uh people are hungry to to get in these big projects to to get uh make a decent money, get benefits.

Uh we've been around here for for hundreds of years, you know, a lot of years uh building uh Fort Laudell, uh South uh Miami, Dave County.

We got a lot of people from Broward, they have to drive to Miami to work.

So we project like this, you know.

Definitely there's gonna be a lot of opportunities for young people, uh, women to get involved and uh and uh make decent money and uh and get uh uh a career in this in this construction business.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Mr.

Henry, okay.

Don't start the clock on me just yet now.

I just let me just do something here.

Uh to those who support this, we've made a this is not this is not let's make a deal.

I'm not trying to make a deal.

You're given two minutes to speak.

Mr.

Henry, please.

Go ahead.

Let's do it.

Okay, go ahead.

Okay, those who agree with me, stand up, please.

Well, I'm gonna have to address this is not a circus.

We go out and you field opinions.

Yes, you have two minutes.

Yes, yes, yes.

Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners, and to Madam City Manager.

My name is Bobby Henry.

I'm the publisher of the West Side Gazette, and I rise today.

Boy, I tell you, in support of moving forward with the new City Hall project and an appreciation of the thoughtful process that brought us to this point.

Several months ago, Commissioner Pam Beasley Pittman made a motion to defer consideration on this project.

At the time, that decision was not about stopping progress, it was about ensuring that we get it right.

That motion to defer gave the city manager and staff the opportunity to go back and negotiate terms, explore alternate deal structures, and identify ways to make the project more financially feasible for the city and its taxpayers.

Because of that decision, and through the hard work of the city manager and the staff, the city was able to secure a proposal that significantly improved the financial outlook of this project and has the potential to save the city approximately two hundred and fifty million dollars over the next 30 years.

The motion to defer also created space for the community concerns to be heard and addressed.

The development team responded by reducing costs while maintaining the overall vision and integrity of the project.

Just as importantly, they demonstrated a willingness to engage residents, seek public input regarding what features and amenities should be included in the new city hall.

Now that's how government should work.

Sometimes taking a little more time allows us to make a better decision.

In this case, the motion to defer resulted in a stronger project, a more affordable financial structure, and greater opportunities for community participation.

This new city hall represents an investment in the future of our city.

It offers an opportunity to create a civic center that is more than welcoming, accessible, and reflective of the people it serves.

A successful city hall should be a place where residents feel connected to their government and confident that their voices matter.

I commend Commissioner Beasy Pittman for recognizing the need to take a second look.

The city manager for responding to that challenge and the development team for working collaboratively to address concerns.

Today, we are in a better position because of that motion to defer.

I encourage the commission to move forward with confidence, knowing that this project has been strengthened through due diligence, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.

And Dean Trentrellis, I thank you for giving me that time.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Does anyone else wish to speak on this item?

Do I hear a motion to mayor?

Yeah, I'd like to just have put the motion on the on the table.

Someone move the item.

Okay.

Any other further discussion?

Yep.

Thanks, Mayor.

Well, just uh want to appreciate the commission supporting evaluating all options.

I think that's the right thing to do as I've been advocating for six months.

So appreciate us looking for the taxpayers' benefit to evaluate how we can save possibly hundreds of millions of dollars.

And not only has that led to more robust communications with the developer, but also exploring the purchase options, which I look forward to evaluating on July 2nd.

And as we as a city regularly uh support and honor and um engage and work in buildings that are not brand new.

Um, I look forward to exploring all options uh to renovate as well as build new.

So I think uh the opportunity look at apples to apples cost analysis with the city manager's uh budget analysis is hugely helpful, and I think is is very positive for the taxpayers before we spend you know significant amounts of money, and as we know, um, just because a building is a few years old, uh, doesn't mean it can't operate well into uh decades and decades and and ahead.

So uh look forward to that conversation.

Thank you, City Manager, for your work on that, um, and look forward to further analysis and evaluation on July 2nd.

Okay, Mayor.

Very good, thank you.

Um you'd like to call the roll.

Commissioner Glossman, yes, Commissioner Beasley Pittman, Vice Mayor Sorensen, yes, Commissioner Herbst, Mayor Trent Charles.

Yes, and M3 is now approved.

The item will be deferred to July 2nd, 2026.

R1 appointment of uh board and committee members, Mr.

Clerk, would you please read the names into the record?

Thank you, Mayor.

For the June 16th resolution, Central City Redevelopment Advisor Board, Nicola Stan, nominated by Commissioner Glossman, and for tonight's resolution, Civil Service board, Felicia Armstrong, that's the mayor's recommendation.

Education Advisor Board, Max Sense Doytier, nominated by Commissioner Glossman, Neil Rye, nominated by Vice Mayor Sorensen, Marina Advisor Board, Brett Robotsky, nominated by Mayor Trentals.

Jason Dunbar, nominated by Mayor Trentals, Jesse Adams, nominated by Commissioner Glossman.

Performing Arts Center Authority, John Millage, nominated by Mayor Trentales.

And yesterday I did send an email with regards to uh one individual that they'd be able to uh participate in the next public art and placement advisory board.

It's a nomination for Yana Kermaz, and that's from uh nominated by Vice Mayor Sorensen.

If we could add that to the Is that complete your the list?

Yes, okay.

Uh would someone please introduce the resolution of um uh approving the names that have been admitted, including the additional modification.

Introduced.

It's been introduced.

Any questions or comments?

There being none, please call the roll.

A resolution of the city commission of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, appointing or nominating if applicable boarding committee members that's uh fourth in the exhibit attached here to made a part here of Commissioner Glassman?

Yes, Commissioner Beasley Pittman, yes, Vice Mayor Sorensen, yes, Commissioner Herbst, Mayor Trentels.

Yes, uh and those uh folks are now been appointed to the boarding committees, and I really appreciate uh your commitment to our community and thank you for your sacrifice of your time on behalf of your community.

R2, a resolution approving economic development incentives for Project Orange Blossom in a total amount not to exceed two hundred ninety thousand dollars, consisting of a strategic job creation incentive of ninety thousand dollars and a direct cash job.

Who keeps turning up my mic?

Is there a conspiracy here?

No.

We gave Bobby Henry over three minutes.

He can give me at least two.

Uh authorizing city manager to negotiate and and execute the economic development incentive agreement.

Um someone like to introduce the resolution, introduced.

Introduced no one is signed up to speak.

Uh any questions?

I want to thank the uh participation of the alliance on making this happen.

Hopefully, we'll be successful at it.

And uh, this would be exciting if we can get this company to come to Fort Lauderdale.

District two.

Well, hopefully.

Um anyway, um, please call the role of Mr.

Clerk.

A resolution of the city commission in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, approving an economic development incentive award in the amount of two hundred and ninety thousand dollars for Project Orange Blossom, inclusive of a strategic job creation incentive in the amount of ninety thousand dollars payable over a four-year period, and a direct cash job growth incentive in the amount of two hundred thousand dollars payable over a six-year period, and authorizing the city manager to negotiate and execute economic development incentive agreement providing for conflicts, providing for several ability, and providing for an effective date.

Commissioner Glassman?

Yes, Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Um, yes, with the commitment that is coming to District Three.

The answer is yes, I have believed.

I'm so sorry, Commissioner.

Will we draw the district?

Uh Vice Mayor Sorensen.

Uh yes, and David, thank you for your work, and thank you, city staff and city manager.

This was some good lifting that we got done, and uh collectively it's uh a great win for the city to bring amazing new employers to the city of Fort Lauderdale to keep the amazing progress we've been making.

So, doesn't happen without work, and thank you for your work.

Mayor, can I can I just address we haven't finished voting yet?

Is that a yes or yes, yes, mayor?

Commissioner Herbst, yes, and Mayor Trentals.

Yes, yes, city manager.

I just wanted to highlight our economic development division and our community services department under the leadership of Director Garcia, uh, working with David Cottington on this.

Uh it was quite the heavy lift, and we haven't done one of these incentive programs in several years.

So I'm just really proud of the team and hopefully we can see more projects like this come to Fort Lauderdale.

So thank you, Mayor.

Thank you.

Great job.

Thank you.

Okay, uh that item has been approved.

Um moving on to R3 resolution good night, David.

Uh R three, this is a resolution providing notice of the decision to proceed with the unsolicited proposal submitted by IKE Smart City of the design, installation, financing, operation, and maintenance of a citywide interactive digital kiosk program and authorizing negotiations of a of a proposed interim and or comprehensive agreement in accordance with section two fifty-five point oh sixty-five of the Florida statutes.

Um would someone like to introduce the resolution?

Introduced.

It's been introduced.

A couple people signed up to speak.

Andrew Stearns and Jabron Shermaus.

Is Jabron here?

Nope.

Is uh Andrew Stearns here?

Oh, Jabron is here.

Don't be shy.

How did I butcher your name your last name?

A lot.

Cher Mohammed close enough.

And it's my penmanship.

Yes, it's your penis.

That's right.

The mayor is always right.

Um we're here available for questions.

Okay, thank you.

You're here on behalf of the applicant.

Okay.

Uh Andrew, the same person.

Okay.

Okay.

All right.

No one else has signed up to speak.

Um the resolution has been introduced.

Um please call the roll.

A resolution city commission to the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, providing notice of its decision to proceed with an acceptance of this unsolicited proposal submitted by IKESMART, City LLC for the design, installation, financing, operation, maintenance of a citywide network of interactive digital kiosks authorizing negotiations for proposed interim agreement, comprehensive agreement, or both in accordance with section two fifty-five point zero six five Florida statutes and providing for effective date.

Commissioner Glassman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbs.

Mayor Trentals.

Yes, and uh R3 is now approved.

Um so make it happen, gentlemen.

Thank you.

All right.

R 4.

This is a resolution authorizing the city manager or designee to proceed with the conceptual site plan for the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park project.

Would someone like to introduce the resolution?

Introduced.

Resolution has been introduced.

We have a number of people who sign up to speak.

Um before we begin.

Um who's here on behalf of the applicant, nobody's here on behalf of the applicant.

No, this is a park spond program.

I'm sorry I sorry I can't hear you.

Sorry.

This is a park spond program.

So staff has the information about the project.

So if if they if we have any questions, they're here to answer questions.

Staff can give a presentation.

We also have a consultant as well.

Is there a presentation involved?

Yes, there is a presentation.

I didn't know that, so kind of, you know, let's move this meeting along.

Um, so Quentin, will you be giving the presentation?

No, no presentation, but we are here to uh answer any questions.

Okay.

I didn't think there was a presentation.

There is an attachment.

That's all.

Okay.

Time's up, time's up.

All right.

Um so uh there's an attachment.

Conceptual design is behind the uh is exhibit one.

Uh a number of people have signed up to speak, so we might as well get started with that and uh let us and if we have any questions, Quentin, thank you for being here for that.

Okay, we start out.

I'm gonna call your name by threes, and so just be prepared to come up to speak, and we'll I'll ask you please to keep your comments to two minutes.

We start out with Barbara Stern, followed by uh Sally Alzhaus, and followed by Ted and Sarah.

Good evening, Mayor Barbara Stern, and just point of clarification.

This did not start off as a parks fund issue.

It became a park spond issue because of the cost that exploded uh for this initiative.

Um I am here tonight because I do want to congratulate the commission on agreeing to keep the basketball courts in place and moving forward with the design.

My concern has been and continues to be how these courts are marketed.

I don't play pickleball, I don't play basketball, I don't have skin in the game, but my concerns are how it is marketed.

Repeatedly, we have seen designs, we've seen advertising from the Beheam R St.

Regis team.

I've sent you videos.

Uh everyone on the commission.

I don't know if you've seen them yet.

Where they have advertised that the rendering is an accurate reflection of the property, and that includes the pickleball courts on the beach.

The messaging that has come out is very misleading, it's confusing, and that is what has contributed to a lot of the this um dissent from the community and the belief that these are somehow going to be private or for the benefit of the behemoth St.

Regis versus the public.

Yes, it'll be on the beach.

Um, yes, we know the beaches are open to the public, not just a walk along the shoreline, but all the amenities on the beach are for the public.

And these will be, and this will be for the public too.

And these will be for the public.

Great, fine.

I understand that.

Not everybody understands that because of the way it is marketed.

Okay.

If the commission goes forward with this, which I believe you will, it needs to be stressed with the developer and the community how this is going to be handled.

Because this is our beach.

This is not an amenity of the Behemoth.

It is not part of their property as they have on the rendering, and it just needs to be clear.

It needs to stop.

We need to be able to move forward, but it needs to be clear that our public beach is our public beach.

It is not an amenity of the St.

Regis behemor.

It may be a nearby amenity of the city, but it is not theirs.

And the I the burden is on the city to make that clear.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Sally.

Followed by Ted and Sarah.

Followed by uh Dr.

Brett Rabotsky.

Good evening.

Good evening, everybody.

Can you hear me?

I'm really having a hard time hearing everybody this evening.

Okay, thank you very much.

Um, the development group, Ron Bahiemar, hosted a public outreach meeting on Tuesday, August 29th, 2017.

2017?

Yes, sir.

Okay.

One reason, and the reason many of us are here tonight, pickleball courts on the beach.

There was once a time where public input was valued.

That time seems to have passed.

I ask again the question I posed at Vice Mayor Sorensen's Zoom call yesterday afternoon.

Why not move the pickleball courts onto the St.

Regis property?

Only to find out there already are pickleball courts on the Behemoth property.

Clearly, there is room for the courts, not on the beach.

Tourists arriving in Fort Lauderdale and booking their stay at the St.

Regis will be sorely surprised to see these courts in the sand instead of places to enjoy the beach.

I would be pretty peeved to see that I paid five-star hotel prices so that I could have the beach at my front door and instead looking at sandy concrete.

My general inclination says that allowing these pickleball courts onto the beach is the first step in privatizing a section of the Fort Lauderdale beach, a dangerous precedent.

Let us not have a repeat of the fiasco that happened with the Pantry Pride supermarket.

Yes, I am that old, where the city asked residents to vote to purchase that property and create a park next to historic Stranahan House.

That did not pan out well, and today we have an eyesore of a building wedged in next to the historic Stranahan House, which is an affront to what little pieces of historic significance have not been eradicated.

I oppose any pickleball courts and at the very least ask this commission to do the right thing and defer any decision tonight until residents are more informed informed.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Said it Sarah.

Good evening, everybody.

My name is Ted and Sarah.

I'm the president of the River Oak Simp Association.

I too remember the Pantry Pride uh grocery store on Los Alles Boulevard.

I was born here in Broward General in 1956.

I mean, thank goodness that uh uh Commissioner Sorensen gave a proclamation for the um men's mental health month because you guys are driving me crazy.

Um, you know, I've heard twice so far, once by Bill Brown in his prejudiced uh Zoom meeting that he had where I I had questions in the chat box, and remarkably all of my questions were passed over for other questions.

And I heard uh and I read where Commissioner Glassman said in the newspaper the change is hard.

These people just change is hard.

Well, you know what?

Change isn't hard, bad change is hard.

Good change is fine, we're fine with that.

We understand that there's gonna be changes, but I recommend that you defer this, and all of you, all of you go down at one time together to the beach and see exactly what you're giving away.

I was down there today.

There's turtle nest squared off 20 yards away from where this stuff is going to be, right on here.

And we're going to line up cement trucks to pour more concrete on here.

You got to see their the size.

And their rendering that they are putting up is incorrect.

It is not anywhere close to what how this is going to be designed.

They say they're going to leave the pine trees.

That's that they said that, not me.

And uh that is impossible.

You look where the pine trees are and how their rendering is placed.

It's not gonna happen.

You need this.

There's 50, I counted them.

Actually, 52 picnic tables and grills down there right now.

This is the part of the public beach.

This is the residence beach.

This always has been.

We give you the tourists and the visitors north of Las Olas in front of the hotels, where they can go.

The visitors can go and drink on the beach, have their own private thing.

But if a resident brings a six-pack of beer down to the beach, that's against the law.

And I don't understand.

This is our beach.

You need to defer this.

You need to make a site visit and see exactly the beauty of this beach that you're going to give away.

Okay, thank you so much.

Uh, Dr.

Ravotsky.

Dr.

Rabotski, followed by Dan Texera, followed by uh Sandra McCartney.

Thank you, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, and staff.

This discussion has become far larger than a debate about a few recreational courts.

Let's begin with the facts.

The environmental impact of this courts are minimal.

They occupy a relatively small footprint in an already developed recreational area.

No beach access is being eliminated.

No private beach club is being created.

Also worth noting is some of the objections have become increasingly speculative.

We've heard concerns ranging from artificial turf supposedly releasing dangerous gases to what would happen if rare antiquities were found during the construction.

Yet many of these same concerns were absent when other improvements were made to the beachfront years ago.

Come on, let's get real.

The reality is this project has become a target for opposition regardless of the actual merits.

When one concern addressed, for example, replacing the basketball courts, another one appears.

Wackamo in a manner of speaking.

When one claim is disproven, a new one emerges.

That's often the sign the debate is no longer about the facts of this project, but rather the opposition to the project itself.

What's next?

Maybe one day we'll be told that these courts can create an unacceptable glare to the International Space Station.

We have to be cognizant.

As commissioners, I simply ask that you evaluate this proposal based on the objective facts, measurable impacts, and demonstrated public benefits, not a hypothetical fears and constantly shifting objections.

At the same time, the potential public benefit is enormous.

Pickleball is now America's fastest growing sport with more than 24 million participants.

Its growth has been extraordinary from young to old.

The social media value alone.

Everyday visitors will post photographs and videos of people playing pickleball next to our beach.

Cities spend millions of dollars trying to create these kind of memorable images that attract visitors.

This project could become one of those images.

That type of exposure cannot be purchased easily.

Visitors will bring in not who just come to play, they'll experience locations, stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants.

It's I also believe it's important to recognize that public media meetings often attract those who are most dissatisfied.

That's the nature of public hearings.

The individuals who take time to attend meetings are not always representative of the thousands of residents and visitors who support the recreational improvements.

But never.

Please conclude your remarks.

Okay.

Whether we so the question is to make room for progress, we say yes to activity, yes to community, yes to tourism, yes to economic opportunity, and yes to recreational amenity that serves thousands.

When the city moves forward, everybody wins.

When a city creates opportunity, everybody wins.

Okay, I respect the commission to stay the course and keep the project.

Okay, thank you.

Dan Texera followed by Sandra McCartney.

He defame me.

Followed by Susan Peterson.

Good evening, Mayor.

Commissioner, city attorney, Dan Texara.

I'm the president of a condominium on Birch Road, Harbor House East.

I own a place at the Four Seasons, and I also have my business in the lobby at the Ritz Carlton.

Oh gosh, maybe 10 years ago someone asked me what pickleball was, and I thought people were throwing pickles around.

I had no idea.

And all I can tell you is, even though we're not the concierge, we get questioned by almost all the hotel guests.

Where can we play pickleball?

And of course, we send them to George English Park or Holiday Park.

But it would be nice to have a pickleball court open to the public on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

This is something, you know, when I was growing up, we didn't have soccer stadiums and fields in our high school.

We had football and basketball.

But now if you go to the high schools and you go to, you know, Holiday Park, you see soccer.

So we have to keep up with the times.

Obviously, people love pickleball.

And when you look at my uh my residents in the building, they all go and play pickleball at the hotel, people come and stay.

And I think this is a great amenity for everyone on the beach.

The beach is a compromise of many different buildings, hotels, gay guest houses, um, little inns.

None of those have amenities, so this is a great amenity.

I asked that you support this.

I think this is great that the CDD is paying for it, and that this is completely open to the public.

The basketball court really needs to be upgraded, which is part of this plan.

And the other part is the exercise equipment reminds me of something from the 50s that needs to be upgraded.

I think the plan is beautiful.

I think EDSA did a great job, and I just want to keep the beach in line with the other parks.

I think you've done a fabulous job with Heizinga Park.

Holiday Park is probably one of the most used parks I've seen in in the entire state.

So I ask that you approve this beautiful plan.

Thank you.

Sandra, Sandra McCartley, uh Susan Peterson, followed by uh Jennifer Long.

Good evening, Commissioners.

Good mayor.

Um I'm gonna read uh what I posted on next door in response to the Sun Sentinel article about this project, and I'm really opposed to it as a person who's been going to this beach since 1962.

It's a place of tranquility.

You can hear the sound of the waves, a turtle nesting area.

So I'm gonna wrote what I posted.

I see this as another attempted land grab by the St.

Regis developers to chase out the locals from our sandy beach.

A beach is a beach is a beach with real sand and open vistas, not paved pickleball courts with artificial turf in between.

Who goes to the beach to sell on artificial turf?

It seems like the city in effect has been trying to avoid advanced public discussion on this deal, and that is what makes it seem shady.

And then another community poster, Martina said, so shady.

Another one said, We no longer have any faith in anyone who runs our city.

A hundred years ago on this site, there was a boat yard that was owned by a man called Jimmy Duquesne, who was a gymnast and a fiddle player and started the first do-it-yourself boat yard.

He would get somebody started.

Then he would go down the beach and do gymnastics on the exercise equipment that was first there that he donated and built.

And uh that's the community spirit.

It's a place where over decades, people go there for holidays to barbecue.

Pickleball, just like a certain speaker who just spoke, is like really uptight and angry.

The beach should be for quite pickleball.

And a turtle nesting area also.

I'm really opposed to this.

So please go to the beach.

Sit there on the sand, enjoy the quiet and the tranquility.

That's what I am asking you to do.

Okay, thank you.

Is Jennifer here?

Um, did she just put these on my desk?

Uh Jennifer Long, followed by uh Lisa Namur.

Is Lisa here?

Come on up.

Erin McNeil.

Good evening.

Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners.

As a hotel year, I work here in Fort Lauderdale, and every day I see firsthand how many of our public spaces matter, not just to residents, but to the overall spirit and experience of our community has to offer, as demonstrated through our last IPW a week and a half ago.

That's why I'm here tonight in support of this park plan.

What really resonates with me is that this proposal is not about something being taken away.

It's about adding more for everyone.

It keeps the basketball courts while creating new opportunities for people of all ages and interests.

Whether that's fitness, wellness, or simply enjoying the beach, time outdoors with your family, and yes, pickleball.

As someone who interacts daily with both residents and visitors, I can tell you that spaces like this shape how people feel about our city.

A well-designed, welcoming and accessible beachfront park sends a powerful message about who we are and what we value, like families, tourism, new businesses, economic development, something for everyone.

I also appreciate that this plan is community focused and city-led, funded through public and community contributions, and ultimately owned and managed by the city for everyone to enjoy equally and elevate the current footprint, something to be very proud of.

I encourage you to support this plan and continue to move our community forward in a positive and equitable way.

Because when we build for everyone, we elevate our whole community, our whole community.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Are you Aaron?

Erin, followed by uh Trudy Drumanovich, followed by Nancy Thomas.

Good evening.

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners, and City Manager.

My name is Erin McNeil, and I'm a Fort Lauderdale resident and a Coral Ridge resident.

I'm here to voice my support for the proposed improvements to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park.

Like many residents, I love our beach.

It's one of the most iconic places in our city, and one of the first things visitors see when they arrive.

Because of that, I believe our public spaces should reflect the quality and beauty of Fort Lauderdale itself.

Over the past several weeks, I've seen numerous posts and comments circulating on Facebook opposing this project and making claims about what is being proposed.

After reviewing the actual plans, I do not see those claims reflected in this design.

What I see is a thoughtful improvement that preserves recreation while creating a more welcoming and attractive public space for the broader community.

Today, this area consists primarily of aging recreational facilities and underutilized space.

While those amenities serve an important purpose, the proposed redesign does not eliminate recreation.

It enhances it and expands it for more people to enjoy.

The plan includes upgraded basketball courts, new pickleball courts, an outdoor fitness area, open green spaces, landscaped walking paths, additional seating, improved beach access, and gathering spaces for residents and visitors alike.

Rather than taking something away, it creates a destination that can be enjoyed by families, athletes, beachgoers, and residents of all ages.

What I appreciate most is that this proposal embraces what makes Fort Lauderdale special.

It enhances the natural beauty of our beachfront while creating a park that feels inviting, vibrant, and worthy of one of the most prominent locations in our city.

Cities either invest in their public spaces or they allow them to stagnate.

This proposal is an investment in Fort Lauderdale's future.

It's an opportunity to transform a dated area into a world-class public space that residents can be proud of and that future generations will enjoy.

No project will satisfy everyone, and a healthy debate is important.

However, I believe discussions should be based on the actual plans and the long-term benefit to our community, not misinformation or assumptions about what the project may become.

When I look at these renderings, I see a park that's more beautiful, more functioning, more welcoming, and more inclusive than what exists today.

I respectfully encourage the commission to support this project and continue investing in public spaces that improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in and visits Fort Lauderdale.

Okay, thank you.

Trudy.

My name is Dr.

Trudy Germanovich, and as usual, I try to bring this time.

I brought Ted and Sarah's picture of the turtle nests that are right here and the pickleball courts that are supposed to go right up above them.

So I want to make sure that everybody looks at those.

And also, I put on the back many of the things that people have talked about, how this is being uh advertised as a private beach.

That's what they're saying.

It's a private beach.

I am opposed to the plan for pickleball courts and surrounding artificial turf area, which is proposed in this item.

I suggest the city sets up a free shuttle and send beachgoers to the pickleball courts, which the city destroyed part of Snyder Park to approve.

This could include that is supposed to be a world-class pickleball.

That's why it was put in there.

So use it.

This was not sufficient time for the zoning board and the public to express their opinions and provide the city commission with information to make the right decision.

As the photograph shows you, the area of the beach is an active nesting site for turtles.

Is that illegal for you to be building so close to this?

I believe this is only one of several reasons why the pickleball courts should not be included in this project.

I also sent you an extensive email which outlined why the city should not be using artificial turf anywhere on beach sand.

Not only does it shed microfibers, none of which is completely biodegradable, and in our South Florida sun, it can reach a temperature of 150 degrees, which can cause injury and off-gassing, which is a real thing.

The plan should include a reasonable walkway to the beach, and there's no need for artificial anything.

Put a wooden walkway so everybody can get to the beach with nice real plants in the sand.

Keep it as it is with no artificial anything.

Thank you.

Nancy Thomas, followed by uh Mary Fertig, followed by Bob Kemble.

Excuse me.

Uh good evening.

Um I'm really disappointed that excuse me, anybody who is against this particular plan is characterized as some kind of grouch because I'm sorry, I have a cold so far.

The public is not against beach improvements, which is why the parks bond was passed seven years ago.

But agreeing to accept a million dollars from a private developer to make their desired changes to a public beach without adequate public input is both wrong and unnecessary.

The rendering funded by the BMR was presented to the commission one month ago.

Virtually all other city park changes in the past have included robust public outreach to citizens for their input and not just within one month.

Other city park changes have languished for years.

While this one is scheduled for a commission vote only one month after the public got to see it.

The parks and rec advisory board only saw the rendering one week ago, at which time they expressed some concerns and recommended more time for public input.

Yesterday, Jimmy Tate uh Behemar wrote an email to the commission stating that they're just being good neighbors by donating a million dollars for beach renovations.

If it's a good faith donation, then why is the million dollars dependent upon the EDSA rendering being approved?

Quote, without alteration, unquote, as per his letter.

Only one month ago, the some of the public got a look at this rendering.

Their concerns about having four pickleball courts beachfront, artificial turf, placement of shaded picnic tables and grills, etc., are fair and should be continued.

The city has the funds from the park fund to make beach improvements that are reviewed and accepted by the public without the million-dollar mandatory EDSA design from Behemara.

We're asking the city to take adequate time to conduct fair and robust public outreach and not be bound to the EDSA rendering in return for a million dollars from a private developer.

Thank you so much.

Good evening, Mary Furtig, on behalf of Lauderdale tomorrow.

This project has taken on a life of its own.

It was two and a half years ago, January 9th, 2024, that some of us spoke in opposition to R4.

I went back to the minutes, and yes, we did speak in opposition, and no, it was not a unanimous vote.

The issue was air rights, and any conversation about a million dollar donation was definitely not the focus of the 141 pages of backup on this item that was distributed the Thursday before the meeting.

But does that really matter tonight?

One takeaway from recent issues before the city is the different ways in which the public is included.

On some park projects, there are community meetings as well as neighborhood association meetings in-person meetings with an option to join virtually.

Same thing for some of the other projects that you're doing that are coming before you, while others are not treated in the same manner.

On some projects, there's an insistence to follow the contract, while in others, such as Lockhart Stadium, years pass with no park.

And just as an aside, I just want to say this.

Okay.

Um, so it came as a shock to many of us that this was not even presented to the parks and rec board until less than a week before the second hearing.

We could not sit, we could sit and argue about this forever, but at some point it's time for everyone to try to meet in the middle so that we can move ahead with something on this most special of beaches.

Um, on behalf of Lauderdale tomorrow, I'm here to support the recommendations of the park and recreation board.

Uh I'll start reading them to you in case you don't see them following discussion.

The board reached consistent consensus to prepare a letter to the commission requesting modifications to the conceptual design, including removal of the artificial turf in favor of natural landscaping materials reducing the number of pickleball courts from four to two, allowing additional time for public input and outreach, and reaffirming that no exclusive access be granted to Behemoths for use of the recreational facilities.

Thank you.

I did um Dean, I just passed that little, I cut that from the minutes that they circulated their draft.

Is it okay?

And I just want to I just want to make one correction.

You say there was no um no consultation with the neighborhood association.

We received an email this morning from uh the president of the uh of the Central Beach Alliance, in which Bill Brown said that the uh you're gonna let me finish talking?

Of course, I want to hear about it.

Uh that they that the Central Beach Alliance is supportive of this project.

Well, I was on a meeting with him last week.

I'm just telling you.

Yeah, I understand that, but I was on a meeting last week, and I'm not saying they didn't present it because we all know that there was a presentation on Thursday, and specifically at the beginning, my understanding was he said that the Central Beach Alliance was not taking a position on it.

I did not hear a vote, but that's okay.

I'm not my point to you is there has been so much controversy over this, and it could continue forever.

But it can continue forever, we're not gonna let it continue forever.

Exactly.

And we need to make the decision tonight.

And I hope and hopefully tonight you defer, but whatever.

I mean, it's it's it's a it's a it's a parks project.

I mean, all right, anyway.

All right, thank you for listening.

Thank you.

Is Bob is Bob Kimball here?

He's sure.

He's in the house.

Okay.

Come on down.

Bob Kimball, I'm a uh 50-year-old uh 50 year resident of Fort Lauderdale.

I've always been enjoying going to that beach in front of Behemoth, the picnic area, enjoying cooking on the beach in those grills, having gatherings with friends.

And we never had the years to go play pickleball.

I was brought up very early enough, that's why.

Excuse me, I'm talking.

Who are you?

So here we are.

Pickleball courts are in the property of Bihomar.

They are there already.

They are not being used.

And you believe that they can play pickleball in the wind.

Oh, nobody thought of that.

Well, the pickleball doesn't weigh that much and it'll go flying and they're gonna lose them.

And it's more plastic on the beach.

Oh, so all the trees, the turtles, and I think you need to redream of plastic grass that doesn't belong in any parks.

And that's what I'm saying.

Okay, thank you.

Michaela Conka, followed by Tina DeMarco, followed by Leo Lorenz.

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners Michaela Kanka.

I'm here as a resident.

Imagine, if you will, our city commissioners deciding to pass this resolution that I'm about to share with you.

Resolution for the protection and public and public use of the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park.

Whereas Fort Lauderdale Beach and Park have served the public since 1893 as a natural open and fully public beach for guests, family, and residents of all ages, and whereas the proposal installation of Fort Pickleball courts and related artificial features would reduce flexible public recreation space and prioritize limited paid use activities.

Whereas the area contains archaeological resources and sea turtle nesting habitat that should be protected from construction and earth-moving procedures.

And whereas the residents of Fort Lauderdale have a strong interest in preserving the natural, historic, and fully public beach park, eliminating artificial turf, concrete pads, increased noise, night lighting, and the reduction of the exit and the and the relocation of the exercise equipment.

Whereas marketing materials referencing an exclusive beach club raise concerns about the undisclosed private use of public beachfront land, whereas the interlocal agreement governing the site expires on December 31st, 2026, and its extension should remain, will be open to further privatization.

Yes, it does.

Thank you very much.

Requesting a deferral.

Good evening, Tina.

Tina DeMarco here again.

Um I'd like to ask that the commissioners and the mayor look at deferring this for at least another month.

There is so much misinformation out there.

There is so much that the public is not aware of, and I believe proper outreach has not been done.

There was one meeting with the Central Beach Alliance, it was last minute, and very few people knew about it.

I know we keep going back and forth on this, and everybody just wants it to be done, but I think we need more time to decide what the right premise for this property is, and I'm asking you to defer it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Leo, Leo Lorenz, followed by Chris Chaikowski.

Good evening, mayor and commissioners.

As one of the daily users out there at the beach, uh we're out there every day, and I could say every single day there's somebody out there on the courts or at the exercise areas use utilizing the spaces.

A lot of the people who seem to like this rendering that the EDSA had done, those people are never out there.

They don't understand what it's like to be out there in this kind of conditions, I'm just saying that I kind of support the drawings and the renderings, but I think it needs to be revised.

Because what you're doing is you're taking away the exercise area from the basketball courts, and all the basketball players use the exercise area.

And we don't want to have to go hiking from one end all the way down to the other end to work out in between games.

So we want to keep all that together.

Also, the picnic tables and the grills right now out there on the court in that area, I think there's probably over 40 to 60 picnic tables and grills.

Under the rendering that Edsa had done, they're showing only 16 tables.

Commissioner Herbst one time had said that he would like to see more tables, more grills.

And I think that we need to put the grills and the tables closer to the basketball court so we can also use them while we're out there, too.

Um, it's just something that they're doing to divide the area.

Taking the exercise area and the tables and moving them way down to the south of the um park is really dividing the people who actually use that every day.

And if most of the people that don't go out there every day and don't understand what it's like out there, they're all looking at the drawing and they're saying, Oh, it looks so beautiful, but what's the real functionality of it after six months after we have storms and the sand blows up into the artificial turf, you can't get it out, and it's a mess.

Great.

Thank you very much.

Appreciate it.

Thanks, Ben.

Thank you.

All right, Chris.

Can I pause one second?

Yep.

I just got to ask a question about that.

So to the city manager.

So we have a rendering, and it has a limited number of picnic tables and so forth.

Is that the number of picnic tables we're going to get, or is this just conceptual?

So I kind of need to understand that because I've heard this from a number of people that we're going to be losing amenities, and I want to get some clarity on that because I I want to make sure that we all understand what we're talking about.

So if I see 16 pickled uh picnic tables on a drawing, does that mean we get 16 picnic tables?

Or is this just conceptual in nature?

Help me understand this.

This is all still very conceptual in nature, and the details are being fine-tuned.

So I would not assume that because they're 16 now that there couldn't be 20 uh in the final uh design for this project.

But I'll defer to assistant city manager Pugh.

Because that's an important issue.

I you know, I think we've been very clear that we don't want to see a diminution in the number of amenities available for families out there.

So it's my understanding that there is no change to the overall number of barbecue and picnic tables and everything else, regardless of what the picture shows, that we're not going to see any reduction.

Can you confirm that for me?

Okay.

Good evening, Quentin Pew, assistant city manager.

Both you and the manager are absolutely correct.

We're just identifying the number of picnic tables and grills that will be affected that's in within that site plan area.

Right now we show uh there are 10 grills and there are 16 picnic tables that would need to either be relocated or replaced based on condition.

So it would be a one-for-one swap, but we're not uh reducing any of those uh site amenities or elements.

Okay, so just so we're all clear, there is no reduction in picnic tables.

Just want everybody to understand that.

That will not happen.

Right.

Ted, stop shaking your head.

That's not gonna happen yet.

Okay, and not going to happen.

Quentin, Quentin, are you able to put up the site?

You got it, you got it.

Absolutely.

On the table.

Mr.

Stachowski, hello, Chris Stahusky, not Stakowski, but thank you for trying.

It's a tough one.

Conceptual nature is uh something that kind of burdens us because in conceptual concepts, we were told at Snyder Park that they would have a concession stand.

That's a full-fledged restaurant with fire pits by the lake now.

So don't uh don't don't curse us for for questioning some of this stuff.

The park.

It's a park issue.

Why is a developer involved in a park issue?

Why is the park and its bathrooms not even a consideration for improvement?

Pickleball courts.

I'm so glad that we get to keep our basketball courts, the two of them, and where it's an agreement that none of us knew about for two pickleball courts.

Pardon me.

It's now four pickleball courts.

Nobody's been able to explain that to us.

It's a money issue.

We've got free money.

Nothing's free.

Never is.

Never will be.

We don't trust you guys so much anymore.

And there's a reason for that.

Because you tell us one thing, and we go along with it.

It's what you're not telling us.

It's what we see down the line.

Yesterday I was on Ben's uh Zoom call.

Thank you.

Yesterday I was on every single person on that zoom call is opposed to this.

They're against it.

You haven't done your due diligence.

There's no reason to rush this through.

Your parks committee bond are totally against this whole setup.

And again, I will stress the fact that fake grass is toxic, bad for the environment, and right now class action lawsuits are everywhere.

When it comes to Jimmy Tate and what he's doing, there should be a cease and desist order on his public private mentions of what is and what isn't.

Thank you.

Um, City Manager, do we do we have someone here from EDSA?

Because later when we get a chance to discuss this, I want to have a conversation about the turf and some of the misinformation that I'm hearing.

So I want to make sure that is there somebody here from EDSA.

Yes, Commissioner, there is.

Okay, thank you.

And that's a that's a good quick point though, because I I really want to point out, I don't know if you all know this, but we've got turf in every single park in the city, right?

Holiday Park, uh Carter Park, uh Mills Mond Park, every park that we play on in the city, where we've got fields is turf.

Artificial turf.

Artificial turf.

Artificial turf.

Artificial turf.

Come to Holiday Park.

Have you ever played soccer in Holiday Park?

Come on up sometime.

It's turf.

Have you ever played at Mills Pond Park?

Have you played a Carter Park?

You know what it is?

It's turf.

You know what we're gonna do at Lockhart Park?

Turf.

Guys, this is not the only place in the city where we have turf.

He wants to let it out.

This is ridiculous.

Okay, okay.

Thank you.

Um, I I reserved my time because I do want to make a couple of points about the turf and the turf of today.

Not the turf of 20 years ago.

Okay, all right.

We have to get rid of it.

All right, let us let us continue with the public.

Um, there's a gentleman named Oz, but I can't your your penmanship is I can't read your last name.

Followed by Sean Hall.

What is your last name, sir?

McCray.

Okay.

M C R A McCray.

Yeah.

Okay.

How are you doing, Mayor?

How you doing, commissioners?

I just want to speak on behalf of the residents and the people that are out there in the parks and seeing the beauty um of the families getting together.

Um, I see the renderings and I see uh a separation, you know.

I'm saying of communities and um I really don't like it.

I see the youth with the family out there barbecuing in the grills, and that structure that I see right there, it looks beautiful, but in actuality it takes what the beauty of the beach really is about.

It's about a community, and it's about the families getting together, the friends, you know what I'm saying?

So, I'm not I'm not for that.

Um, and I guarantee you I speak for a lot of the residents that are out here, so that's all I want to say.

Okay.

Thank you.

Sean Hall.

Hello, how you doing?

I'm Sean.

Uh so I just went at the beach today, uh, and literally it's rainy, so you can't play pickleball at all because I think the ball is light, and with the winds blowing, you really have zero where you're playing.

Can't you play basketball?

You could.

I can't.

Really?

I didn't.

I did today.

Okay.

I catch sarcasm, but it's alright.

Uh second, um, meaning that if you can't play pickleball when it's windy, you need a wall or something a facade to play the game, like in a good way.

Because any pickleball gym, stadium, they're always inland.

They're not on the beach.

And there's no way, no place in the United States where people can play pickleball on the beach because it's windy and the ball is light, it has holes.

It is true because it's late, it's like whipple ball.

Okay.

Anyway, I do think that the rendering of like a little screw right now conceptually, it's okay.

But when you look at like what it is today, it doesn't need like a new like the beach doesn't need to be redone like this.

I think fixing what we have right there, like just changing what's already there, like making things better for what we have today.

I think today we see in the country around Florida, United States, there's like lots of like building with developers and people who live in these areas.

Wildlife are being destroyed, uh new developments, more concrete, and we just don't need that.

I think this would be a travesty if this was to happen.

I think in this area.

My son's here, he's 11.

His first basketball game was at this court, and I think that you know when he was like two years old.

So I think these things are places of memories for people who BRC losing the United States these days given all the construction and development, uh, etc.

Thank you.

So thank you.

And and I I gotta speak to this as well.

So everybody that's saying you can't play pickleball at the beach, apparently you've never heard of Sandy Pickle.

Okay.

Sandy pickle is pickleball at the beach on the sand.

People play pickleball, but on the sand.

So they play pickleball at the beach all around the country.

In Bradenton, we have pickleball at the beach.

In Cocoa Beach, we've got pickleball at the beach.

We've got pickleball in Key West.

They have pickleball.

There is a thing called Sandy Pickle where you literally play on the sandwich.

On the sand.

You play on the sand.

I'm saying is that what we're doing.

Sandy pickle.

That that's not Sandy Pickle.

All right, all right, all right, all right.

Stop, stop, stop.

All right.

What I'm what I'm saying is what I'm saying is the idea that you can't play pickleball on the beach is categorically false.

People play pickleball on the beach.

There is a whole sport called Sandy Pickle.

Are we doing that right here though?

Okay.

This is not a debate.

The commissioner's just making comments.

Uh Robert.

Mayor, what I'm trying to get to here is there's there's a lot of arguments against what's trying to be done, and I fully support them.

There's a lot of valid points against what is being proposed.

And I'm happy to engage with those.

But guys, we gotta be factual here.

And to say you can't play pickleball on the beach when they play it all over the country is factually incorrect.

To say that turf is horrible when we have it in every single park is factually incorrect.

To say that we can't have concrete on the beach.

Do you all know how many miles of beach we have in Fort Lauderdale?

Seven.

We've got 24 miles of beach in Broward County.

We have 1,350 miles of sand in the state of Florida.

So please don't suggest for one minute that we can't build a pickleball court because we can't have any more concrete at the beach.

Let's have some factual arguments here, please.

Yeah, uh and Commissioner Herbs, I just want to add something to that because I hear that argument all of the time.

Uh all of this, all of this area that we're looking at now.

By the way, there's another site plan that actually shows all the identifiable areas, and I'd like to see that later too posted.

The wave wall was built on sand.

So we lost sand for the wave wall.

We lost sand for all of the 400 and plus parking spaces.

We lost sand for the basketball court.

We lost sand for the restrooms.

We lost sand for all of the amenities that you see out there now, right there on this photo.

All of that was just sand.

We lost sand when we built the sidewalk on the west side of the wave wall.

So that again, I want to add to Commissioner Herbst.

That was all sand that we lost when we did these improvements to the beach.

Thanks.

Alright.

Is Robert Healy here?

Is Robert Healy here?

Okay, is there anyone else who wishes to speak on this item?

That you've signed.

Is that anyone who's signed up that I did not call?

Okay.

So let us begin.

Uh I guess the district commissioner, District 2.

Please proceed.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

I appreciate it.

Um, just a couple of points.

Number one, I do want to thank the Central Beach Alliance, and I want to thank all of the residents.

I represent District 2, which is where this is exactly located.

And I will tell you that I have not had one complaint from my district about this site plan.

Just the opposite.

I have heard nothing but support for this site plan, both from the neighborhood association and also individuals.

Uh I will agree with Commissioner Herbs.

A lot of a lot of misinformation about where you can play pickleball, what pickleball is like.

Uh, I've heard tonight angry people play picklear the air with this misinformation.

So I'm going to start by asking EDSA.

You're in the house?

Where's EDSA?

Thank you.

I want to talk about this because at the last commission meeting when we first talked about this, we said that we established that synthetic turf technology has advanced significantly, both in manufacturing methods and also material composition.

So I've done some research.

I want you to correct me if I'm wrong.

Okay.

Or just say yes if I am correct.

First of all, can you please introduce yourself?

I can.

I am with EDSA Incorporated.

Okay, great.

Are you involved in this project?

Yes, I am.

I'm one of the partners at EDSA.

You're a partner at EDSA.

Yes.

We were involved at all in the design of this project.

We're a big collaboration.

We do a lot of work together.

Okay.

All right.

I just want to establish your your connection to this project.

Thank you.

And I appreciate you being here.

Can I get another uh another one of the backup slides that shows actually the site plan of all the identifiable areas?

This is great.

We see the basketball to the north, which is exactly where it is today.

It's all being redone.

Keep going.

Keep going.

Keep going.

Okay, um, keep going.

Stop.

Okay.

So that's the area that we're talking about.

That's the pedestrian bridge going from top to bottom.

To the right, you see the current site of the basketball courts, and then you see everything else in between.

That's that little uh turf area that we've been talking about where people will be able to congregate and do yoga or whatever other activity, uh a little bit of a like a plaza area, then just to the south, you see the four pickleball courts, and then the rest of it's right there.

Just to the south of the pickleball courts, you see all those of the gym that that's the outside gym area again.

Brand new equipment for the gym, uh picnic tables, barbecue area, uh totally refurbishing the basketball courts.

That's the surface, that's the nets, that's the backboards, and then adding that little uh I guess what I would call a community area where people can come and do what they choose, and then the pickleball courts.

So I'm gonna go through this.

I'm just dealing with the turf now because that seems to be an issue with people, and we've heard about the toxins and everything.

By the way, I'm gonna say that I think the turf is better here because if we had real grass, number one, it would be a pain to maintain, uh, wouldn't even be a guarantee that it would live, and we would have to probably fertilize it and use pesticides, right?

That's correct on the grass.

Oh my gosh.

Fertilizer and pesticides is better than the new product that we're talking about now, this turf.

So let me take you through this and you tell me what you think.

Modern plant-based synthetic turf systems are no longer reliant on the traditional petroleum-based plastics commonly associated with earlier generations of artificial turf.

Yes, you're correct.

Thank you.

Today's products incorporate renewable, plant-based materials such as soybean oil, sugar cane, often containing up to 80% renewable content.

These innovations have gained recognition from LEED, that's leadership in energy and environmental design, and the U.S.

Grill Green Building Council for supporting sustainable development practices.

You are correct.

Thank you.

In addition, many eco-friendly turf systems now utilize organic infill materials such as cork, coconut husk, or sand instead of crumb rubber, creating safer and more environmentally responsible playing surfaces.

That is correct.

Thank you.

The following points highlight the environmental and operational benefits of plant-based synthetic turf systems.

One uses renewable plant-based materials that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and petroleum-based plastics.

That is correct.

Two, plant-based synthetic turf systems contain up to 80% renewable content through materials such as soybean oil and sugar cane.

Correct.

Three, USDA certified bio-based turf products support sustainable manufacturing practices.

That is correct.

Four.

Conserve significant amounts of water, saving an estimated 1.8 to 3.7 million liters of water annually per sports field.

That is correct.

Thank you.

Eliminate the need for fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and gas-powered mowing equipment.

Correct.

I've heard some things tonight about oh, the turf's gonna get full of sand.

Help me understand.

Would a leaf blower, which a lot of people don't like, would that probably blow the sand off the turf pretty easily?

Yes, it will.

Okay, thank you.

Six reduces chemical runoff greenhouse gas emissions and long-term maintenance requirements.

That is correct.

And lastly, provides durable year-round and all inclusive usability with really no maintenance costs.

Correct.

Correct.

Sounds great.

I will tell you, in my district, I have what's called the Las Olys Oceanside Park.

A1A in Las Solas.

Uh are you familiar with that park?

We designed that park.

You designed that park.

Right.

Is there any of this turf in that park?

Yes, sir is.

Yes.

And what happens in that area now?

Do you know the activities that are happening there on a daily basis?

Several activities.

It's bringing so much economic development to our community.

Yes.

I will tell you hundreds of people use that park in my district.

They do yoga on that lawn, they hang out on that lawn.

We have events on that lawn, and people have not, I have not heard one complaint, except for maybe when someone gets lazy and their pet does something and they don't clean up after on the lawn.

That's the only thing I've ever heard about in terms of complaints.

Not one complaint have I received.

Thank you very much.

I appreciate your expertise on this.

I just wanted to make that point because I'm hearing and reading so much misinformation about what people are saying about this area with the turf, which you see right there at the foot of the pedestrian bridge.

Thank you.

And thank you for your work on this project.

I think it's great.

Uh, this is a world-renowned company, EDSA.

You guys did a great job.

I really, really appreciate it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Uh City Clerk.

Okay, City Clerk.

I want everyone to take a look at this little area that we're talking about.

It's just a little bit of area to the north and to the south of the pedestrian bridge that connects Bahia Mar to the beach.

Would you please just put some drone shots up that I sent you today that I would like to see people have context?

Context for this little area that we're talking about when I hear, oh my gosh, they're taking over the beach.

They're taking over the beach.

So let's see how we're taking over the beach.

Give me the first slide.

That's not it.

Thank you.

I hope I gave you the right slides.

I'm getting a little nervous now.

Okay.

So we're taking a look.

Uh closest to the bottom of the screen is the north, and we're heading south towards uh Port Everglades to the top of the screen.

Probably one of the widest areas of sand and the beach.

This is most of my district, district two.

Very wide area.

When you come a little bit further north, which would go to the bottom of the screen, it gets a lot narrower.

Okay, you see the little basketball court that you see the pedestrian bridge.

The Bahia Mars on the right by the intracostal, it's got that little mural there.

Then you see a pedestrian bridge over A1A.

By the way, I also want to challenge people that say, oh my god, you're killing the views of the ocean.

And I heard that, and I'm not gonna name any names, but I'm gonna tell you when you drive on A1A, I defy you to tell me that you're seeing the ocean because the elevation is up, the parking lot is there, and then the wave wall is there.

You can't even see people playing the basketball practically when you're driving on A1A.

So I don't know why people think that we're blocking the ocean with those four pickleball courts.

It's ridiculous.

Anyway, so that goes next next slide, please.

Okay.

Here's a here's the look.

Look at okay.

This is what did you go back to the second one?

You skip with the second one?

Second one.

Okay, thank you.

Basketball courts, you see it right there on the lower right side.

We're only talking about that to a little bit past that pedestrian bridge.

Look at all that sand.

Look at all that space that people can use.

Oh my gosh, we are really taking up the whole beach.

Next slide.

Oh my god, look at this.

Oh my god, how can we be taking all of this up?

Look at the little area where the basketball courts are and the pedestrian bridge, but look at all that sand.

That's a lot of sand there.

Uh, that's a lot of place so people can enjoy.

Not excuse me, I didn't interrupt you, Nancy, when you were talking, so you can be quiet.

Thank you.

Okay.

Uh, oh, go ahead.

Let's boo.

Let's boo.

Let's boo.

So again, look at the sand.

Next slide.

Okay, here we go.

Basketball courts staying exactly where they are and being totally improved.

And just a little bit to the left is where this is gonna go.

At the foot of the pedestrian bridge, we're gonna have that little that awful turf area.

Oh my god, with all those plastics.

And then we're gonna have the nice little area of the gym equipment just to the south.

Next one.

Again, another view looking at it from the west.

Basketball courts, and then right at the foot of the pedestrian bridge will be that little plaza where people can do yoga, they can do meditation, they can do whatever they want.

And then the pickleball courts will just go right to the south.

Next one.

And there's another overview of it again, looking at it from above, just so you have context.

This is a very small area of this beach.

It's not anything that's going to really impede on anyone's enjoyment of the sand.

We don't want to do that.

We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy this area.

Is that the last slide?

Thank you for that.

Okay, next.

We're going to lose.

So city manager, uh, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that the conceptual site plan may require the removal of one tree, one regular tree, and 21 palms, and uh, opposite of what we've heard, no pine trees would be removed, correct?

I believe you're correct, Commissioner.

But our assistant city manager will confirm.

Okay.

Can you control the audience, please?

Okay, thank you.

Uh, also, staff has talked to EDSA to reconfirm the anticipated palm impacts within the site plan.

There are 26 palms in the area.

Of those, 21 are proposed to remain and be protected.

Five will be removed.

Is that correct?

That is that is correct, Commissioner.

That is correct.

And then can we talk about the addition of the extra landscaping?

Because it looks like we're really beefing up the landscaping, both as a buffer around the pickleball courts, because we're hearing a lot about wind, by the way.

I have played pickleball at the Marriott Harbor Beach Club on the beach.

Guess what?

The screening, the vegetation, it controls it.

I've actually played in Georgia English Park and Holiday Park when it's windier there than it's on the beach.

I live on the barrier island.

There are more days when it's not windy than it is windy, so you can actually compensate for that.

But and I've actually seen people, believe it or not, play pickleball in the rain.

So I'm just I'm just gonna say that too.

Um, I just want to make sure that we are also talking about do we have any stats or data on how much extra vegetation we're actually adding to the beach to make it a much more lush experience?

Because right now, if you look at those concept, I'm sorry, those drone shots, it's pretty barren in terms of landscaping.

It's very, very barren.

Do we have any idea how much we're adding in terms of landscaping?

Yeah, we have some preliminary ideas.

And what is that?

We have about 65 palms that we'll be adding.

Okay, there'll be another additional 15.

Um hardwood species, but you know, things such as uh pigeon plums and other species, but there'll be about 15 of those.

Um, the one tree that will be removed is actually an Australian pine, okay.

Uh, which is an invasive species uh species, but um that's the one tree that will be removed.

That's the one.

Thank you, David.

Uh I appreciate it.

Thank you, Quentin.

Can we put up the rest of those slides?

You did two from the backup.

You did the pickleball basketball, and you did the uh the other one, which is the site plan itself.

Can we see?

Can we see the other slides?

There's only four or five of them.

Okay, thank you.

So this is where the turf's going.

This is the area you see the pedestrian bridge coming over.

This is the area, the lawn spaces that will be provided for the folks to be able to enjoy and do whatever activity.

Next one.

Okay, again, this is again the space for the gym equipment.

Please.

Shh.

This is the gym equipment on the sand, just to the south of the pickleball courts, correct?

A gentleman before testified and said how upset he was that this wasn't closer to basketball.

Guess what?

We had it closer to basketball.

We had a site plan.

What month was that city manager when you gave us that one A site plan that we originally approved?

What was that?

I believe that was in December.

In December.

We had a site plan where the gym equipment was really close to the basketball courts.

But there was a little bit of a hubbub.

People didn't want us moving the basketball courts south, so we didn't do that, and then we lost that opportunity to keep them closer.

Next slide, please.

Okay, and there's the pickleball.

Notice all of all of that vegetation is added, all of that landscaping is added.

None of that is there now.

Again, it's gonna serve several purposes.

It's gonna first of all beautify that part of the beach, and second, again, add as a buffer for any kind of breeze or wind that might interfere with the pickleball.

Next one.

Okay, again, this is another part of the connections.

This is again uh sand pathways, these are packed sand pathways.

This is connecting uh all of the amenities that you've seen in the original, the original uh site plan.

Thank you.

Is that it?

Was that it for the backup slides?

That's it.

Yes, excellent.

Thank you.

Again, I'm not gonna belabor the point.

People have said that we've rushed this.

They've asked to so rude.

You're really rude.

Rude person.

Uh anyway, uh uh bad upbringing, Ted, really bad upbringing.

Okay, what I'm gonna say to you is people have said people have said that we have taken too long on this.

Well, guess what?

This plan to remove the basketball courts was actually done in January of 2024, and we've had discussions about it since then, uh, since January 2024.

So I don't think that we've actually rushed this because sometimes you just have to make a decision, and and you have to move forward and then go on to the next topic.

I think that we've really hit that point tonight.

I would ask my colleagues to agree with that because I think that we've we've looked at every single aspect of this.

Again, I represent this particular district.

I have had no complaints about this, and trust me, my district is not shy.

Yeah, if they don't like something, they're gonna let me know right away, right away that they don't like something.

Again, the Central Beach Alliance, also in support of this, and others have also written to me in support of this.

Uh people are looking forward to this improvement.

It's for the public, it's not going to be private.

Again, as Commissioner Herb said, we're not going to be lessening the number of picnic tables and the gas grills.

Everything is going to be new.

Everything, the gym equipment, the basketball courts, the pickleball, and that entire area there is going to be new.

We are not.

Maybe a mistake was made by a salesperson or overzealous salesperson.

Some of those marketing materials might have not been correct.

They have all been spoken to.

Those people have been spoken to.

This is an area, correct me, Quentin.

This is an area that's going to be operated and maintained and done by the city, correct?

That is absolutely correct.

Is there any way that we could restrict people's use and enjoyment of this area?

Not to my knowledge.

Not to your knowledge, because it's a public beach.

And these are a public amenities.

Just like we have all of the volleyball further south, correct?

Correct.

And also a little bit to the north by Sunrise Boulevard.

And no one is ever restricted from using these spaces.

Correct?

Correct.

Correct.

So in closing, Mayor, I'm going to say that it's time for us to just move forward.

I think it makes no sense to defer this any longer because you know what?

As one of the speakers said, there'll always be another.

Oh, I don't like this now.

Because you know what?

I foolishly and naively thought that when we kept the basketball courts in place that everyone would be happy.

But again, I foolishly thought that.

Because we did that on purpose.

Once we saw that there was an outcry about removing them.

So I think that we pivoted, and I think we were very cognizant of the wishes of the public.

I want to thank city staff for working on this.

I want to thank the development team for working on this.

I want to thank EDSA for working on this.

Um, I think it's a beautiful project.

I think people will really, really like it, and I think it's going to get a lot of use.

I'm good, Mayor.

Thanks.

Okay.

Uh is anyone else on the commission wish to speak.

No one else on the commission.

Yeah, so I'll go ahead.

The Commissioner Glassman, so it's rare that Commissioner Glassman and ever I on the same side, arguing as passionately for something.

So this is a rare day.

So I would just like to blue moon out tonight.

There must be.

I think hell is freezing over and uh and it's it's a rare day.

But the thing that bothered me with the original deal was the loss of the basketball courts.

And I think that was very important that we were able to salvage those.

And I really think that the plan that we have in front of us of saving those and restoring them and making them even better is a good plan.

Um I have no particular feeling for pickleball one way or the other.

I don't play pickleball.

I don't plan on playing pickleball.

I haven't played basketball since I was 15 and don't plan on starting that with my knees the way they are.

So in either case, I think there is room for both of these at the beach.

There are people that like pickleball.

A lot of folks have said, go play pickleball at the fort.

I don't know if you all realize this, but the fort is not a public amenity.

It is private.

You pay to go play pickleball at the fort.

So if folks want to play pickleball for free, this is where they need to be doing it.

There's a big difference.

So for everybody here that likes playing basketball at the beach, guess what?

There's people that like to play pickleball at the beach.

I don't know if you ever have been down to Hollywood and they've got the paddle ball courts on the broadwalk down there.

Those are packed every weekend.

There are people that spend all day Saturday and all day Sunday.

They show up with a cooler, they show up with chairs, and there's an entire community of people that shows up every weekend in Hollywood at the Broadwalk.

Guess what?

They never go on to the beach.

They never go onto the sand, they never go swimming, but they show up there every single weekend to play paddle ball.

So there's a community for different types of recreational activities.

One should not be at the exclusion of the other.

You know, I think these can coexist.

I don't see that these are somehow not in harmony with each other.

I don't see the antagonism between basketball and pickleball.

I don't see why we can't have a variety of recreational activities that appeal to different people.

And I I I really have to say I I don't get the hostility.

I really don't.

I'm very confused by it.

And as Commissioner Glassman pointed out, I get why people upset when we were taking away the basketball courts.

I 100% agree with that.

The the outrage from the community that was expressed by beach ballers and the petition that they started and everybody else was absolutely justified.

100%.

I agree with you completely.

And I'm glad we're able to keep that.

I think what we're doing is improving it for the benefit of everybody.

And I think the addition of pickleball courts just adds another amenity that other folks are going to want to utilize.

It appeals to a different segment of the community.

Maybe at 70 you want to play pickleball and not basketball anymore.

I don't know because I don't play either one of them.

Regardless, though, I think we should all be focused on trying to create more opportunities for people to come together, get out of your house, get off your phone, get out to the beach, enjoy being outside, enjoy being part of a community, engaging with other people in a social activity, spend time there, enjoy what makes Fort Lauderdale a special place that all of us love and come together.

And I don't see how that's a problem.

With that in mind, again, I will join my my colleague, Commissioner Glassman in supporting this.

Okay.

This may be the last time.

Don't be so pessimistic.

Um it might happen again.

Yes.

Uh anyone else on the commission wish to comment?

Um, yes, Mayor, thank you.

Um, I've with everything we've seen, the can um conceptual site plans before, I believe that this is the best one that's come before us.

Um, again, we have the um basketball port courts um remaining being repaired, upgraded, and then also the option for the pickleballs um courts as well.

So again, um simply say, you know, I'm not really much with a lot of talking.

My colleagues both have said it very well, but I believe that this consensual site plan is the best one that we received, and I'm comfortable with it.

Thank you.

Okay.

Vice Mayor, you want to wrap this up?

Yeah, mayor.

Thanks.

Um, appreciate everyone coming out and speaking.

Uh I'm very proud of the work we've done all together to keep the basketball courts exactly where they are, which I think is the right thing.

I think this plan needs more work.

Thank you, Mayor.

All right.

Um the resolution has been introduced.

Please call the role.

A resolution of the city commission in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, authorizing city manager design need to proceed with the conceptual site plan for the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Construction and improved park fund improvement project and authorize the city manager or designated to execute any and all agreements and documents necessary instead of until there or two, providing for conflicts, providing for several ability, providing for correction of scrivets errors and providing for an effective date.

Commissioner Glassman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen?

No.

Commissioner Herbst?

Yes.

Mayor Turn Tallis.

Yes, and the resolution is approved.

Moving on to OSR 1, second reading, ordinance amending chapter 24, Solid Waste Article 2, Municipal Collection and Disposal Services.

Someone like to introduce the ordinance.

Introduced.

Commissioner Glassman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst?

Yes.

Mayor Trentells.

Yes, excuse me.

Could you please, if you're exiting the room, please do it quietly because we're still conducting the meeting.

Thank you.

Yes.

Okay.

OSR 2, second reading, ordinance amending chapter 11 of the code enforcement, charter of civil penalties to establish civil penalties for improper solid waste container placement.

Would someone like to introduce the ordinance?

Introduce.

Any questions?

No one's signed up to speak.

Please call the roll.

In ordinance of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, amending Chapter 11, Code Enforcement Section 11-25 civil penalties of the code of ordinances of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida to establish civil penalties for improper solid waste container placement as defined in section 24-27B of the Code of Ordinance of the City of Fort Lauderdale, repeal of conflicting ordinance provisions and providing for an effective date.

Commissioner Glassman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst.

Yes.

Mayor Trentals.

Yes.

And uh OSR 2 is now approved.

OSR 3.

This is a second reading, a quasi judicial ordinance approving a rezoning located at 221 Southeast 12th Avenue from residential multifamily low rise medium density district to community business district with allocation of 0.14 acres of commercial flex and approval of an associated site plan level for development permit for waterway use with landscape yard reduction.

Anyone wishing to speak must be sworn in, and the commission will announce any site visits, communications, or expert opinions received and make them a part of the record.

Commissioner Herbst, do you have any additional disclosures?

I've spoken with the applicant subsequent to our last vote.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Okay.

I've had additional communications with the uh applicant and their attorney.

Commissioner Glassman, nothing additional.

Uh Vice Mayor.

Applicant and site visits.

Thank you, Mayor.

All right.

So uh this is the thing.

We've got like 50 people who've signed up to speak.

And I just don't think we need to go through this whole exercise all over again.

I see there are people for, there are people against.

Um I see the applicant is here to answer any questions.

Um I know you're not here to you're not here to make any further presentation, correct?

Uh mayor, vice mayor, uh, commissioner Stephanie Toothacre, Dykes.

We're here.

No, we're we we we are not planning on making a presentation.

We made a full presentation on first reading.

We're happy we've been working with the city attorney's office and our neighbors, and we're happy to discuss that, or we're happy to just answer questions.

Okay.

And I I would ask Mayor, I do think it's important.

I I do have we have so many people here that are here for us.

I'm just gonna ask them very quickly to stand up and I'll ask them not to speak if that's okay.

The ones that support you, you mean the ones that support, I'm gonna ask them to stand up and then we'll ask them not to speak with the comment cards.

Can I ask everybody here on behalf of Weston Jewelers and the Dykes family to stand up?

Oh my god.

Yes, don't speak.

We'll save you lots of time.

Okay.

Thank you.

I love you forever.

Thank you.

Um may I ask those who have come out tonight who who don't support this.

Okay, there we go.

All right, so um so uh for those that have signed up.

I'm just gonna move to closed public hearing.

Someone move to close public hearing.

Do I hear a second?

The move and seconded?

Please call the roll.

Commissioner Glassman, yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman, yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen, yes, Commissioner Herbst, yes.

Mayor Trentals.

Yes, and public hearing is now closed.

Someone would like to introduce the rest of the ordinance.

Mayor, before we get there.

Well, someone introduced the ordinance.

Okay, very good.

Please proceed.

Thanks.

So city attorney, like the kind of debrief where the work that's happened since our last meeting, some of the conditions, if you can give us full update of where we are with all that work.

Thank you, my vice mayor.

We'll do that.

We have met with the applicant's attorney.

And if I'll take you back, and you may recall that there were some proffered conditions made by the applicant, some of which we are were able to codify, which was what you asked.

Some of them are voluntary and not able to really to be enforced.

It wouldn't be appropriate to be part of the site plan.

We did receive and review the proposed, actually, they are now agreements for parking, totaling a hundred and six spaces with a term of two to twenty five years.

And you'll also note that the parking agreements are um they're they're not part of your uh review of what is required for the site plan for the parking reduction, they're supplemental.

Uh and they've provided those in large part to to accommodate employee parking.

So we've reviewed those, we've obtained an affidavit as as was requested, and we've um created the conditions which will be read into the record, uh, made part of the site plan as you requested.

Okay, great.

So that's parking, and just an addition there.

The that that's not only for employee parking, but it's for customer parking as well.

Correct.

Right.

So it's for both those.

Okay.

So that's parking.

So that's a hundred people in your store.

You can be doing very well.

It'd be a one-day sale.

Sorry, I'm sorry.

No, I hope that's so.

Um okay, great.

So that's parking.

So that's that was.

Well, yeah, I want to hear people attorney them all.

Yeah.

I apologize.

What was the question?

That's right.

So what are you all other conditions?

Those are the conditions.

But hold on, were you and the city manager work working on the parking or what?

No, we were just conferring about these uh the conditions.

I I share that I had not seen the conditions.

Uh I don't know if they're going to be read into the record, so I was just curious about that.

Okay.

Mr.

Thaker is prepared to read the conditions into the record.

Okay, but I'd rather hear from you what you've been working on.

So uh the particular conditions include that a restaurant shall not be allowed uh until or unless the property owner submits an application uh through the development permit process, so they could not simply install a uh restaurant, they must go through the process.

We created um a condition that prior to any cer uh certificate of occupancy that the applicant shall ensure that a minimum of two signs are posted saying to uh customers that they shall not park in neighborhood spots.

Um that was related to a discussion about towing.

The city has no ability to um require someone to pull a car off another person's property.

So what we did was we created that.

They would they would have these signs posted, direct their staff and customers not to park the neighborhoods, and we made that as a condition of the certificate of occupancy.

Okay, great.

Um, prior to the certificate of occupancy that they shall install that living seawall.

They made that pledge.

We've made it part of the certificate of occupancy.

And as I mentioned, uh they have provided uh we've reviewed their uh parking agreements and the affidavit supporting them.

Okay, great.

Any other conditions?

Those are the conditions, sir, that we were able to actually attach to the site plan and enforce.

Okay, thank you very much.

Is that accurate in your understanding?

Those are completely accurate, and I just want to add that the conditions that the city attorney's office did not feel were appropriate to go into the ordinance, which were in the letter, the letter signed by Mr.

Dykes to Beverly Heights, those have already been submitted.

Those are voluntary conditions, those are private commitments from Weston Jewelers to Beverly Heights.

We stand by all of those.

We've also added um uh intend to add a condition um Cooley in discussions with Cooley Hammock.

They'd like Mr.

Dykes to purchase some Cooley Hammock signs.

We committed to purchasing two signs for them to install, and uh and we we stand by all of those conditions.

They've all been submitted.

They were all in conjunction with discussions with the city attorney's office, so the city has those and we agree to all of them.

Okay, great.

Um that sounds excellent.

Is that city attorney all that?

Tracking from your side.

Okay, fantastic.

So that's great.

I appreciate the work with the neighborhood to really um you know attach these conditions and make this uh a win-win for everyone, which is what I'm convinced it will be.

So we agree completely.

Really appreciate that work, that time, that effort.

I know it's a lot, but it's it's really worthwhile.

Yeah, we agree.

Thank you for that.

Um Mayor, that's all I have.

Okay.

Anyone else wish to uh question or comment?

I would if I could.

So could you talk a little bit about the parking spaces?

So you said you've got a variety of agreements, some ranging from two years, the other to 25 years.

Can you give me a breakdown between how many parking spaces are attached to how many years do we have we have that?

Um I don't have that uh particular information related to each of them.

Can you ballpark it?

I mean, so do we have a hundred for two years and four for twenty-five years?

Do we have twenty-five for twenty-five years?

What's what's the they're all varying uh, well for example, the twenty-five year contract.

How many spaces are associated with it?

Six six, okay.

And what what are the other ones?

The other ones uh they all have rights to renew, but five years was the maximum.

So there's 40, there are 40 spaces completely off-site, then there are 40 spaces in the moss building, and there are there are uh 40 40 spaces, might I'm sorry, did I say that wrong?

40 spaces in the church parking lot, 40 spaces in the moss building directly across the street, churches uh and and 20 in the moss, I'm sorry, and 40 completely off site, and they're all varying.

That's why we we are our uh the um the general counsel of Western Jewelers brought the agreements to the city attorney's office so they could read them, but we we kept them, we did not want we did not send them out.

What uh give so the the church parking spaces is that a two-year term or five years?

That one was five, I believe.

That's a that's the five year, but it's renewable, but not no no believe me.

We tried for longer, but none of the people that were granting spaces would just give us that amount of time.

They said at the end of five years you can renew.

Okay, so you have definitely forty spaces for five years.

Definitely, and how about the 60?

Actually, because I believe the was the Moss two?

Most of the same.

Moss is also five, okay.

So we got 60.

So we got 60 for at least five years.

Okay, so I guess my next question then is if at the end of five years one of these particular locations chooses not to renew, is there an obligation to replace those lost spaces in another lot?

So are we required to have a hundred and four spaces in total going forward, irrespective of where they are?

I don't care what the lots are.

Do we have to have 104 spaces?

Well, no, Commissioner, we do not have to have it.

That was uh over and above the requirements that allowed for the parking reduction.

This is purely supplemental.

So what are they required to have?

They are required to have in order to obtain the parking reduction, they're required to have uh within uh an area of the building sufficient parking to pursue it to the requirement of the uh of the site plan that the parking was available in the the area immediately adjacent and around the building, and they met that criteria.

This relates to uh off-site parking for employees and customers, which is supplemental to the requirement.

They met the requirement um for the site plan related to the parking reduction.

This is entirely supplemental to that.

So I again I guess my question is helped me understand.

If if these go away in five years, what happens?

Well, they would say if they're not renewed in five years.

Other than that they have pledged that they would maintain these, and each of them has um a term.

They can be renewed or not renewed, and it is not uh a condition of the site plan.

Okay, I'm not comfortable with that.

Uh uh as you know, I think when we talked that this is important for me that we've got an ongoing commitment for parking.

We can't just have this for five years and have it go away.

You know, we're we're making a permanent change to the use of the land that's going to impact this neighborhood in perpetuity.

Um I need something a little bit more than we could have a five-year lease and it doesn't renew, and now the neighborhood is stuck dealing with parking.

So, how do how do we get around that?

What what can you offer me that says that you're gonna renew and maintain at least some level of parking?

Commissioner, we we requested a hundred percent parking reduction, and that's what we were granted by the planning and zoning board, and subsequently at first reading.

I I just fully understand your position, but we can't commit to something that we don't know in the future.

We we just you can't commit to replacing parking if it's lost at one location with another location.

You can't say that you'll use best efforts to replace it.

I can say we will use best efforts, but I can't commit that we will 100% be able to do that.

Well, if you can at least commit to best efforts and put that language in the uh in the uh um the uh the the permit, then I think that's what the commission is looking for.

I mean, the only the only obligation we have here is for six parking spaces for 25 years.

You could literally wind up with a hundred percent parking reduction, just like every other use on Las Olas.

Uh okay, I'm just telling you I would not have supported that in the first place, so all right.

Any other questions or comments?

Commissioner Vice Mayor, we're gonna be voting.

Okay.

Is it Halloween?

Did I miss a date?

And I miss it Halloween.

Did I miss something?

The clerk pays for all those acts.

I think I know.

Okay, so um we've closed public hearing.

The ordinance has been introduced, so please call the roll on OSR 3.

In ordinance amending section 47-1.6.14 acres of commercial flexibility, lot one block 21, Beverly Heights, according to the platform of recording block book one, page 30 of the public records of Brower County, Florida, and the north half of the 10-foot alley vacated by ordinance number 902 data 215 1938, lying between lot one and 16 of block 21 of Beverly Health, according to the plot thereof is recorded in plot book one page 30, public record to Brow County, Florida, and approval of the associated site plan level floor development permit for waterway use with landscape yard reduction, and a parking reduction for the for the development of 20,337 square feet of retail use and 11,816 square feet of office use, all said lands being in the city, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida.

Commissioner Glossman.

Yes, Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes, Commissioner Herbst.

Again, with the understanding that you'll use commercially best commercially reasonable best efforts to ensure that parking remains at the level at which you're at today.

Yes, Mayor Trentals.

Is that wait?

Is that a yes from you?

Yes, we would use best efforts, yes.

That is a yes on the record.

I just confirmed with our city attorney.

Okay, all right.

Uh yes.

Okay, thank you.

And OSR3 is not Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners, and to our neighbors and our supporters.

Thank you all very much.

We are very, very appreciative.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And we appreciate your family.

We appreciate it so much.

And we appreciate your family's investment in our community.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Try to leave quietly if you can.

You're certainly welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting.

We know how enjoyable the meeting has been for you, so we know.

I guess you're leaving.

Okay.

Mayor.

Yes.

Who just said that?

Oh, hello.

Um, Kristen Lafleur, Beverly Heights.

May I ask a question?

Just about um about the issue that we just passed.

Excuse me.

Please, please, please.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

In the back.

Stop talking.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Yes.

Thank you.

Um, I just had one question, as um, first of all, we're really grateful for the team at Weston Jewelers for working with us and helping us address some concerns that our neighbors had in Beverly Heights and the work that you know city staff and the city attorney and the city manager have done on this issue.

We did have one question just regarding the that the changing zoning did not set a precedent.

I know I had a conversation with the city attorney, and if she could just clarify for, you know, the folks at home that how this this issue, how this change in zoning will not be setting a precedent for other similar changes in our neighborhood.

Mayor, I'm happy to answer that if you'd like.

So what um a commission might approve on certain criteria for one site plan uh does not mean that uh the precise thing would happen in another occasion.

So there is not precedence in the way that you are suggesting.

Thank you so much for clarifying that and for our folks.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Mr.

Katz, don't go too far.

You're on you're up on the next one.

You're done?

No, I don't want to know it's okay.

You you signed up for OSR four, that's all.

No, that was that's no.

OSR three was what we just discussed.

Is that okay?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to exclude you.

All right.

Uh OSR 4, second reading quasi judicial ordinance approving or rezoning from heavy commercial light industrial business district to uptown urban village southeast district.

500 Northwest 62nd Street, anyone wishing to speak must be sworn in, and the commission will announce any site visits, communications, or extrovert expert opinions received and make them a part of the record.

Um Commissioner Herbs, do you have any additional disclosures?

No additional disclosures.

Uh commissioner Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

None.

I have none.

Uh Commissioner Glassman.

None.

And Vice Mayor?

None.

Okay.

Um, no one is signed up to speak.

Uh, someone please move to close public hearing.

Moved.

Second.

Move and seconded.

Please call the roll.

Commissioner Glossman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes.

Mr.

Herbs.

Mayor Trentolis.

Yes, a public hearing on OSR four is now uh closed.

Uh would someone like to introduce the ordinance?

Introduced.

The ordinance has been introduced.

Uh any questions or comments?

There being none, please call the roll.

In ordinance mending for uh section 47-1.6 point B of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, unified land development regulations to the revision of the official zoning map for the city of Fort Lauderdale, schedule a revised compilation attached there to and by a reference made a part thereof, so so as to rezone from heavy commercial light industrial business district to urban uptown village southeast district, a portion of parcel A 16.6 properties according to the plot thereof is recorded in plot book one fourteen, page three of the public records of Brower County, Florida, together with a portion of parcel A 1662, according to the plot thereof as recorded in plot book 148, page 47 of the public records of Broward County, Florida, located north of Northwest 59th Court, east of Power Line Road, west of North Andrews Avenue, and south of West Cypress Creek Road, all said lands being the city of Fort Lauderdale, Brower County, Florida, providing for conflicts, providing for several building, providing for defective date.

Commissioner Glossman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst?

Yes.

Mayor Trentals.

Yes, and OSR 4 is now approved on second reading.

OSR 5 on second reading and ordinance amending the charter of the city for Lauderdale, Florida.

Article 3, government of city and form of government, sections 3.03, qualification of members, designation of vice mayor, organizational meeting, etc.

etc.

Um, Mayor, if I may um set this up for you for your review.

Um, these are uh the charter team is back, and we have I uh have prepared for you a book that um has the each proposed resolution and the backup ordinance as it will be written.

Uh you had asked for ten different charter amendment uh questions, and they are uh that's what each of these um uh ordinances uh um are and they're included as I say in your backup um the where are you guys uh so the balance of these the balance of these ordinances relate to charter changes, correct?

Correct, that's that's and that's why I I jumped in, sir, because the remaining ones are all the various charters and they're each discrete um ordinances, and so you see the varying topics, and we have uh Paul and Gabby again to answer questions at your pleasure.

Got it.

We all clear on that.

Yes.

Okay, so would someone like to introduce the ordinance?

So we're introducing OSR five, just five, yeah.

Yes, introduced.

The ordinance is introduced, no one's signed it to speak.

Any questions?

Please call the role.

In ordinance of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, amending the charter of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, conditioned on the approval of a ballot measure by updating the qualifications for the offices of mayor and city commissioner, providing for the assumption of office at the first regular city commission meeting following certification of an election, providing for the designation of vice of a vice mayor at the city commission's first meeting after all elected officials assume office following a regular municipal election and annually thereafter and providing for severability, repeal of conflicting ordinance provisions, correction of scrivener's errors and an effective date.

Commissioner Glassman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman?

Yes, Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst?

Yes.

Mayor Trentals.

Yes.

And that was OSR.

So on to OA that's so that's now approved.

OSR six, um, a second reading, an order an ordinance amending the charter of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Article 3, uh regarding judge of elections and qualification members, known as sign up to speak.

Um, someone like to introduce the ordinance.

Introduced.

The ordinance is introduced.

Any questions?

Please call the roll.

In ordinance of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, amending the charter of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, conditioned on the approval of various ballot measures by specifying the procedure for candidates to submit documentation to the city clerk for review and removing the city commission's authority to receive affidavits and make a finding as to whether a candidate violated charter or is unqualified and providing for several repeal of conflicting ordinance provisions, correction of scriveners errors and an effective date.

Commissioner Glassman?

Yes, Commissioner Beasley Pittman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Swordson?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst, and Mayor Tarantals.

It's not present.

Great.

OSR 7, ordinance amending the charter of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Article 3, Government of City and Form of Government, Section 3.12, special meetings, how called.

Any discussion from the Commission?

None.

Would someone like to introduce introduced?

It's been introduced.

City Clerk, call the roll.

In ordinance of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, amending the charter of the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, condition on the approval of a ballot measure by providing for special meetings of the city commission to be called upon at least 72 hours notice, except that in the event of an emergency where there is the potential for imminent harm or the ability to lessen or avert a catastrophe, a special meeting of the city commission may be called upon such notice as is practical under the circumstances and providing for severability, repeal of conflicting ordinance provisions, correction of scrivener's errors and an effective date.

Commissioner Glossman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst?

Yes.

And Mayor Trentels is not present.

OSR 7 is passed.

OSR 8.

Second reading, ordinance amending the charter of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Article 6, Civil Service Board created a composition.

No one is signed up to speak.

Any discussion or comments from the Commission?

Introduced.

It's been introduced.

City Clerk.

In ordinance of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, amending the Charter of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, conditioned on the approval of a ballot measure by prescribing a method for resolving a tie in nominations to the Civil Service board, nominating committee, modifying the composition of the election board that certifies the results of elections for the classified employees recommendation for appointment to the civil service board.

Removing the civil service board's duty to review, consider, and advise the city manager concerning job class specifications and providing for severability, repeal of conflicting ordinance provisions, correction of scriveners, and an effective date.

Commissioner Glossman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen.

Yes.

Mr.

Herbst.

Yes.

And Mayor Trentals is not present.

Yes.

Nope.

And OSR 8 is approved on to OSR 9.

Wow.

Moving in.

See what happens when he's gone.

Wait till June 16th.

OSR 9, second reading.

Ordinance amending the charter of the city of Fort Lauderdale.

Article 4.

Executive Officers.

No one has signed it to speak.

Any questions regarding this?

Introduced.

Introduce.

Who's called a roll?

And ordinance of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, amending the charter of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, conditioned on the approval of a ballot measure by deleting references to primary elections, removing the requirement of two newspaper publications for public hearings and other types of notice and distinguishing an interim city manager in the event of the city manager's resignation or termination from an acting city manager during temporary absences of the city manager and providing for several ability repeal of conflicting orders provisions, correction of scriveners there's an effective date.

Commissioner Glossman?

Yes.

Commissioner Beasley Pittman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Sorensen?

Yes.

Commissioner Herbst.

Yes.

Mayor Trentells.

Yes.

And OSR 9 is now approved.

OSR 10.

This is a second reading of ordinance amending the charter of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Article 8, public property.

Sale of personal property, sale or lease of city property to public bodies, sale of real property to private parties, leases with government entities or agencies for governmental purposes, and leases for more than one year and not more than 50 years.

Someone like to introduce the ordinance.

Introduced.

Hi, but you owe me six seconds.

Okay.

Um, good evening, Mary Ferdinand, on behalf of Lauderdale Tomorrow.

Over 10 years ago, our grassroots group began meeting over the topic of public lands.

And while since then we have often come before you on other topics such as infrastructure, traffic, and water quality, we have continued our efforts to protect and enhance public lands.

One of our first efforts was a petition initiative which sought to ensure support for the concept that public lands should be used for a public purpose.

It was a great beginning to our long journey here tonight.

Along the way, we learned that the topic of protecting and enhancing public lands was a little more complicated than our initial effort.

And so we began to study section eight of the city charter to advocate for changes throughout.

Last meeting you supported the concept of unanimous votes on park lands that the citizens fought for so diligently in 2004.

You included a definition of public purpose.

You adopted a tiered approach in section 8.09.

There's just one more thing.

Just add a third tier to section 8.09 that reads 3C.

Any agreement including extensions that exceeds 50 years shall be pursuant to a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of the entire commission.

This offers you the flexibility to incorporate extensions while setting a slightly higher threshold for longer leases.

With this last sentence in place, we are ready to work with you to advocate for our public lands.

As I said, it's been a long journey, and as I hand you the letter tonight from Lauderdale tomorrow, I'm pleased to have signatures from those who began our journey together in 2016 as well as those who have joined our mission along the way.

And I'm just going to hand these letters to you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mary.

Meryl Mamano.

Good evening, Commissioners.

I have no prepared uh statement tonight.

I um believe that the letter from uh Lauderdale tomorrow was uh illustrative of our what we're asking you for uh and and self-explanatory actually.

Um and I I want to just say that um I hope that you will put out of your mind the discussion that we had on the park just previous to this.

Commissioner uh Herbst said you were you you could not understand the the angst and the passion on that particular subject.

Um and it's historical angst that goes back a long way, and it's not relevant to what we need to do in the future.

In the future, we need to change, we need to make uh improvements.

And we believe that these charter changes give you the options and the opportunity to make changes and be flexible and to add uh um uh amenities to to our public parks and also to enter into agreements with private parties to do things that in your opinion are appropriate.

Even up to a hundred years if you wanted to do that.

If you wanted to, if you felt that a project was so beneficial to the city of Fort Lauderdale that you will commit the residents to a hundred-year partnership with a private party, that's your decision to make.

And if you want to do that and you think it's important, I think it's important that you would be able to convince five reasonable people that it's such a good deal that you should do it, which is why we're asking you to just raise the threshold of this last piece of the proposal when you're dealing with property uh uh private properties over 50 years, just give it that extra level of concern that it has to be reached by a consensus of five reasonable people.

So my statement tonight is really about your legacy.

This is a legacy moment, ladies and gentlemen, because if you if you approve this final, if you approve this final amendment, this one amendment to up the um requirement to a unanimous vote on uh leases above 50 years, up to 100, 200, I don't care, whatever it is, whatever you think is right.

But if you take this opportunity to make this change, you will be able to say to your constituents and any other constituents you might want to influence, and even to the Lord above, that you did the most you could do to protect parks and public land.

I urge you to make this one last change on second reading, and then I will give it my entire summer to go around and support these charter amendments that get them passed.

Thank you very much.

Well, before you go away, yes, ma'am, sir.

Um, you know, we've had this conversation regarding parks, and I think we're good on that.

We're perfect, right?

The thing with public land, the fact that the city chooses to engage in economic development with some of its public land, um it's a that's that's to ask for unanimous unanimous vote is is really a tall order.

So for example, in the CRA, do we have to have unanimous vote and for if we decide to engage in a in a project with a private developer there?

But but it I can't answer that specifically because I haven't focused.

I can.

Well, I understand.

So is there too?

If that's a problem for you, if you're going to do a CRA project that commits the city to something for over 50 years, up to 100 years or 200 years, yes.

I think you should all agree that it's such a good idea that you will go commit the citizens and future commissions for a hundred years.

Not five years, not three years, not 25 years.

The water treatment plant was 30 years.

The Panthers was 50 years.

No problem.

But if you're going to go out that long, you'll be dead, the private party will be dead, I'll be dead.

We'll all be dead.

But if you think it's such a great deal, then you should be able to do that.

Well, I may think it's a great deal, and Pam may think it's a great deal, but Steve Glassman may be the stickler and say, I don't like it.

I'm not voting for it.

Well done, because I won't be dead.

Because he's an angry one.

He's an angry pickleballer.

I'm an on it.

And now he's gonna hold back the entire city because he doesn't want to do it.

That's right.

And I won't be dead.

Well, you know what?

We believe, we believe that you're all reasonable, intelligent people.

And if the project is so super fantastic, the developer and you all will be able to convince each other that this is the way we should go.

And this is only for these very, very long-term complicated projects.

Not a CRA, not a water treatment plant, not even the Panthers, for goodness sakes.

That's not what we're talking about.

You know what we're talking about.

We're talking about one stop shop.

I'm talking about repurposing of our riverwalk garage.

I'm talking about that's not a hundred years.

Oh, yes, it is.

Oh, yes, it is.

If we're talking about building towers on it, can I talk about can I interrupt here?

I just was read something there.

I shouldn't even get into this, but I was reading an edit an op-ed in the paper today by Keith Polyakoff about what the project in another venue in Hollywood.

And that was a unanimous vote of the commission.

And I'm just gonna point out that you're talking about it.

It was five to two.

What are you talking about?

That's not what his thing said.

It was five to two.

Oh gosh, okay.

It was not unanimous.

I told you I shouldn't have used it.

But what I'm gonna say is I think if you go back to your agendas, and this is what we did, we kind of looked back at some of your projects because you mentioned a concern about extensions and leases.

So we went back and looked at some of the things you've done and said, would this be possible to do?

And quite frankly, if you wanted to make it 55 years or 60, I think the point is you do not want to go above a certain level without making sure that it is that important.

And I think your projects and your CRAs that you're talking about, I think a lot of those projects aren't controversial, and I'm not sure why you're picking those, but maybe I just don't know enough.

You forget some of the some of the situations.

I've been on this commission now for 15 16 years, and that's true.

We remember that.

Yeah, and we were here with you most of that time.

Yeah, but mayor, I I want to just bring up a point that you've mentioned, and I by the way, it used to be just three, and we just made we made it a supermajority, right?

So we increased the number from three to four.

Bravo, bravo.

It is bravo.

And I'll tell you, you said something, and I thought about it for a while because it made me think.

You said at one of the one of these discussions that you didn't think that one person should have veto power on on these kinds of projects, and I think that makes a lot of sense.

I think I think we found the balance by going from just a majority to a supermajority.

I'm thrilled that we did parks unanimous, five votes, yes.

But I'm tending to agree with you on the fact that one person should not be able to have that veto power against the other four.

That's all.

I thought that was such a good point, and on almost everything I support a supermajority, but I think sometimes a project is so important that if it's that important, you ought to be able to convince it.

I'm sorry that uh our person who suggested this is not here, but we had Michael Snyder here, and we were talking in the audience the last time, and he suggested that you might put referendum in actually as a safeguard of that against that.

So if your whole community, if you have a community that wants something, and you have one commissioner who's standing in the way, you have another option on what to do.

It's a unanimous vote or a referendum.

These are things you can work out, but if you don't work this out, if you just say that we're getting away with the limit that we've had in our in our charter forever, and you don't put any for any of a control in there.

Mary, let me ask you this.

Okay, with the option of a referendum to overturn it.

That language would be delightful.

You asked.

Well, the wait, wait, I know it would trigger the record for we already have language in the charter that would that uh see that talks about referenda and and what what allows it to go to what allows it to go to the to a public vote.

So that's already that's already provided for in the channel.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, but that's that that's not it.

That's we could do that all the time.

That's not that's there, okay?

That's there, exactly.

That's there, but that's not what we're talking about.

And and I think I think we shouldn't complicate the thing because we're at second reading, okay.

You can't we can't redo this.

This is your one opportunity to up the game to make sure that we did up the game, we went from three to four.

And to make the game really spectacular, you should be able to say to yourselves, okay.

This is such an important project.

Yeah, but it's we're going out so long on this project, yeah.

That you should be able to convince five reasonably intel uh reasonable and intelligent people that it's a good idea.

That's all we're saying.

Okay.

This is what we're urging you to do.

I understand.

Okay.

Say this didn't work.

Then we've been working for 10 years to get here, then we'll work with you for 10 years to do whatever.

But I I kind of would hope that we're seeing a new trend here where we could maybe all get along and we are getting along.

I expect to come to another Lauderdale tomorrow meeting.

Okay, well, you you better watch out, you're gonna get invited, and we we corrected our errors so that Commissioner Glassman would you notice our letterhead is correct now.

So thank you for pointing that out.

It is nice.

Just yes, Mayor, one day we might even be invited to the Idaho July Fourth parade again.

Oh my gosh.

Can you imagine just one day?

If we do the right thing, Trudy's been talking at the bitch.

Okay, Trudy wants to talk, but please, please, just this one.

Well, one more thing, and you you're gonna strike the band, right?

Yeah, thank you, everyone.

Okay.

Yeah, Trudy Jumanovich wasn't gonna say anything until you decided to.

Trudy called by Barbara Sterner next.

I really think that I'm looking at um this what's happening at the school board because I go to every school board meeting, and I know that that the whole public is not very trustful of people, and unfortunately, that bleeds off into other areas, and I think by saying a unanimous vote, you will get the trust.

Remember, this has to pass to voters.

And I that like I said with the parks thing, I think these are the two items that should be at the top, so people read those and vote yes on them.

Because what happens is a lot of times people don't read everything on the ballot and they just start putting no, no, no.

And I want the referendum to be passed for the the teachers to get money, and I want everything that you want in your charter to be there.

But if you don't really take the advice of people that have spent 20 years, 40 years, I don't know how many years you've been coming to these meetings, but Mary and I have been going to school board for a long time.

So I know that you really need to think about what what the public's like right now, what they're looking at, what what the problems they see, and the problems they're having, and we're worried about people voting no on a lot of things because they're hurting, so you've got to make this spectacular, and I think that would make it sort of my pass.

All right, thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor, Commissioners, Barbara Stern.

Um, I'm here today.

I'm not gonna repeat everything that you've already heard.

Um, I just want to thank Lauderdale tomorrow for all their hard work.

Um, but I do want to echo concerns about ballot fatigue.

So we're here, we've got a lot of issues that are going to be addressed.

Um I believe at the last commission meeting, there was a comment from uh from Ben wanting to know what the placement would be.

He thought it should be placed upon, you know, the order that the ordinance have come forward.

I would encourage this commission to do it on the order of importance.

What is more important, protecting our public lands or cleanup items on when the vice mayor gets designated.

So as you go through this, I would encourage you to put these items at the top of the list.

Think about what truly is important about protecting our Fort Lauderdale, what makes us a good place, what is going to be most important to the voters?

Because I want to try to avoid having voter fatigue on some of our most important issues.

So thank you.

Okay, thank you.

Uh is there anyone else who wishes to speak on this item?

Okay.

Um I don't I don't have to close public hearing.

No.

Okay.

So okay.

Who would like to is the ordinance been introduced?

Yes, okay.

Um any comments or questions?

Mayor.

Yes, sir.

Um City Attorney, can you maybe this is Paul, but uh remind us where we are with including OSR 11, what is proposed and or currently required to have a unanimous vote.

On the you're talking about the property ones, Vice Mayor, specifically?

Yes.

Yes, so um, property and parks to just refresh us.

For the sale of personal property and land that is not park to public bodies, supermajority.

Okay, the sale of real property to uh private entities, supermajority.

The lease agreements to private property, supermajorities.

The sale lease license of parkland unanimous.

Okay.

The park land is unanimous.

Right.

So the park lands the only thing that the only items that unanimous.

And again, as a reminder, the suggestion that they're making is for what type of property.

Just walk us through that again, so everyone's clear.

Well, my understanding is they would have that um any lease for the private um to a private entity that exceeds 50 years would also require uh a unanimous vote.

So currently we have it, sale or lease.

Yes, and currently it is um uh 10 years and beyond, and it would require the supermajority.

Yeah, is so beyond, uh, beyond 50.

50, yeah, right, of city owned land, beyond 50 land, public land, exactly.

Not park, but public land uh is supermajority.

They're wanting it to be right, right?

But the parkland is restricted, parkland is restricted, so it's non-park land, city owned public property, yeah.

Okay, I'm sorry.

Clarity, you said sell lease, license, yeah.

Yes, okay, thank you.

Thanks.

Okay, um other questions or comments?

There being none?

Uh no, mayor.

I I just uh go ahead.

Yeah, I I'd like to indicate I I think it's I think it's probably a good idea if we're gonna be thinking about doing 100-year sale uh not sales.

If we're gonna be thinking about doing a hundred year lease or license, it's effectively equivalent to a sale.

Um I think I'm comfortable with the idea that that needs to be a unanimous decision.

And the reason I say that is I think it gives us a lot more leverage when we're dealing with a developer to say you have to get a hundred percent of the commission on board with this.

Um I think it gives us the ability to strike the best deal possible, knowing that they have to get every single commissioner uh on board with whatever that business proposal is.

Um I think supermajority up to 50 years is more than fine.

Um as an alternative.

I think the idea of putting it out for a referendum also works, but I really do think if we're gonna go for a hundred years, the business case has to be overwhelmingly in favor of the city, and whoever we're dealing with needs to be able to make that case to us, and presumably they will be able to.

Otherwise, I don't think we should be considering it.

Well, Commissioner, let me just say this.

Sometimes the city is the proponent of the project, not the developer, and that the city is looking to create an economic development opportunity, and we are looking we are looking to the private side to be able to participate with us, correct?

So it's not like we should expect them to come up with you know a proposal that's going to uh convince five people up here that that uh we should support their their proposal because it's not their proposal, it's our proposal that they are fulfilling well and so it's like it's our concept.

So let's let's use a let's use an example I just want to finish I want to I I wanted it to be an interactive sort of a conversation, but go ahead.

Go ahead, go ahead.

No, what I was gonna say, so so for example, if we were to take uh city hall, the city hall site right we got a four acre site the the dirt's worth somewhere between seventy five and a hundred million dollars and we said you know what we would like to do a solicited P3 we'd like somebody to come along and do two fifty story towers we put it out there to the developer community and we say bring us your best proposals and they do that but they know if we're gonna do it for a hundred years because they want to build condos that they have to put together an amazingly good deal.

Even though we've solicited it to your point right we put it out there we're the ones who are inviting the developer community to come and and bring us their submittals they still have to put together a an overwhelmingly good business plan to get us to do the hundred years.

And if it's not I don't want a mediocre plan just because we put it out there.

That's what I'm saying.

I still think if we're going for a hundred years it it's effectively a sale of city property and I think the idea of having something that is a compelling business plan makes sense and it should be able to convince all five of us that this is in the best interest of the city and if they can't convince five of us that it's probably not a good plan.

So my thoughts on it thank you.

Okay.

I just want to make one comment um we have these opportunities where um it's brought before us and it's more than 50 years for me that's a very uncomfortable position.

I've um experience in in District three where we've um hundred year land deeds were pulled back.

So my question was this is before I was in this position who thought at a table and projected a hundred years in the future about the property and how it would be beneficial for um a future generation when we haven't even given them opportunity to have a voice about it in the future I believe that it's a disservice to our neighbors I understand what's being presented about um the 50 years we do that but anything beyond that I believe that's I believe it's out of our scope.

Well the thing is there are certain laws that are beyond our control for example a condominium development cannot be built on property unless there's a hundred years.

So you cannot build condominium property.

So if we wanted to go out and solicit a developer to build uh say workforce housing or some kind of housing that that makes sense for the city uh you know giving let's take for example the Bahia Mar uh site you know we get a percentage of all sales and uh so to that extent you know it's a hundred years worth of uh worth of lease time but the point is that we get a return on investment it's not like we gave it away it's not like we sold it we're actually investing in our own community so my concern is always you know one person on this commission should not hold back the city and I'm very concerned about that and and I've seen it happen time and again uh in the years that I've been on here and I think it's been a disservice to the city from time to time when when one person can hold back the whole city.

So um I I do think that the we could add language to allow for a referendum to overturn a for one a four one decision um and uh and and if the people of this community are so um against a project then let their voice be heard that way but I honestly I just I just am afraid that that if we're ever going to be the you know the the kind of forward thinking progressive commission and community that we we have been so far you know I think that I think that we're shooting ourselves in the foot by not um by by not realizing or accepting the reality that uh that one person can hold back a very viable project for whatever reason.

So like I said, I could I could I can see adding a referendum provision to this.

And and maybe maybe and that's the compromise we could achieve.

What do you think about that city attorney?

You're suggesting that that in is included in the language in the ordinance right that um it would remain supermajority, but that it would be subject to it.

An automatic public referendum?

Non-automatic.

How would but we have a referendum process?

We do have a referendum process.

So the referendum process would be available.

It could be triggered if the referendum process is uh is complied with to overturn the 401 decision, right?

But what I'm asking is if we already have that as a process available, how what would we be doing differently by by inserting it?

Oh to oh to oh, to deny.

So we would include that in this language of the ordinance specifically about the denial.

Correct.

I believe we can do that.

Paul, um this will be your crafting.

I and we certainly are able to make an amendment this evening and second reading uh of the ordinance if we can do that.

Um if you would like to do that, we can do that.

Good evening, Paul Bengal, City Attorney's Office.

Um revisions can be made as long as they don't change the proposed ballot question, is my understanding because they have to be submitted to the supervisor.

Um, but in the there is a section on referenda for this purpose in 3.20.

The only thing is that it addresses any intended sale or lease of public property, may be approved or rejected by a majority of the electors.

So what it wouldn't cover is those other types of agreements, license agreements, concession concession agreements, uh facility use agreements, other types of use agreements that's being written written in to these sections now.

So your existing 3.20 for referendum doesn't address those types of agreements.

Right.

So we want to we want to augment uh this particular section to include those other types of agreements.

Right, and we would have to amend 3.20, I guess.

Um, can we add to the current experience?

Or add it uh yeah, as Gabby says, add it to the uh section that we're we can add it to the section, the 8.9 section, and and it wouldn't change the title, that's not a reference.

Okay, as long as it doesn't change the title and presumably the the proposed ballot question because they have to go to that has to go to the SOE.

If it's amended, then tonight, even if the question amended, if we have it rewritten, I can have that translated.

So can we do that?

Yes, we can do that.

Okay, okay, and and so we'll put it in that very section.

Right.

And so we it would remain um affirmative vote of at least four commissioners, um, but then add the other section about uh referendum to the to the end of that.

We're not gonna change it in change.

Okay.

Is that work?

Yep.

Commissioner Herbs, that worked for you?