OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Fort Lauderdale City Commission Meeting - July 2, 2026: City Hall Decision & GVI Program Discussion

City Commission — Thursday, July 2, 2026
BodyFort Lauderdale, Florida
SessionCity Commission
DateThursday, July 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:26:42
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Okay.

0:00

Good afternoon everybody.

0:02

Welcome to the city commission meeting this uh June 6th.

0:06

Excuse me.

0:10

July 2nd.

0:14

Right.

0:16

I'm dyslexic.

0:17

Okay, July 2nd, 2026.

0:20

Thank you all for being here today.

0:22

We have uh just a few items on the afternoon agenda, but it's going to be uh um uh filled with a lot of information, so really looking forward to moving ahead and getting this forward.

0:33

I want to thank the vice mayor for taking over the chair uh at the last meeting.

0:37

Thank you so much for uh conducting the meeting.

0:40

I appreciate it.

0:40

Welcome, Mayor, thank you.

0:42

And uh so let's move ahead.

0:44

We have a communication uh to the city commission from the central city redevelopment advisory board.

0:50

Um is uh city manager thank you, Mayor.

0:57

Guess we have reviewed that communication and we do feel that we're able to address those concerns.

1:03

Uh is there anyone here from the central city rede?

1:07

You want to speak?

1:12

How are you?

1:14

Yes, please, yeah.

1:16

I can't see, I can't see yet.

1:21

I couldn't see whether I can't see the podium, so oh yeah, but Mr.

1:26

Mayor, yes, commissioners, uh city manager, city staff.

1:29

My name is Nicola Stan.

1:31

I am uh have been a member of the advisory board for three years now, and uh uh uh sign up for another three years.

1:40

Um I live in the CRA boundaries.

1:45

I am um on the fifth terrace uh 1125 Northeast Street.

1:51

Um I wanted to talk about this communication.

1:55

Um the communication is a recommendation to accept proceeding with the land use amendment um pro uh program as it's um uh as it's uh presented to you with the reduction in scope to only the rezoned areas, which is what was approved at the board meeting.

2:21

Uh what was discussed over the previous years uh when uh rezoning was discussed.

2:26

There was a lot of meetings and back and forth um consensus has been established on the rezoned on the areas that were proposed for rezoning, not for the entire CRA area.

2:41

So that's one thing, and the second thing.

2:43

Before you go on, so this is an issue that's been um bounced around since I was a commissioner.

2:51

So is our CRA manager here?

2:54

Can we talk about what the timetable is about implementing those changes and when it's going to come before the commission?

3:02

Good afternoon, Vanessa Martin, CRA manager.

3:05

So we are at a stage where we're actually trying to bring forth the land use plan amendment consultant on board.

3:13

We have that coming before you in August 18th, as far as the rezoning is concerned.

3:18

That was of course on a whole through September October of this year through this the Senate Bill 180.

3:25

So we're working through all of those um parameters to make sure that that everything is addressed in a timely manner.

3:32

Once we can bring that consultant, we're going through the negotiation contracting periods right now for the land use plan amendment, and once we can get that sorted out, we will bring that to you on August 18th.

3:43

But our but we do understand the urgency and we are working with city departments to address those concerns.

3:50

So when you say um you're you're putting out to bid for the consultant, what consultants have we been using up to now and why aren't they part of this process already?

3:59

So we that part of it has been done already.

4:02

Um procurement has already gone through through the CCNA, and they have identified a firm, and that firm right now is actually we're actually in the negotiating contracting process.

4:14

We're also working with legal to come up with other um ramific decisions in order for us to before we can draw a conclusion to the contract.

4:25

So when you say um it's coming to the commission in August, what exactly would be coming to the commission in August then?

4:33

The the land use plan amendment consultant hiring that firm to come to um to help the central city CRA.

4:41

So we don't have the firm on board yet.

4:43

No, we're actually going through the negotiations.

4:45

Procurement did select a firm, but we're currently going through the negotiation part of that process right now.

4:54

And so that that is this is not something that we are actually discussing today, because we're still in the process of that.

5:01

We were actually discussing the master plan consultant, and so that's what we're bringing before you today.

4:59

Okay.

5:10

Uh district commissioner, do you have any questions?

5:12

I not so much much of a question, but just as a concern also, I do because I do echo what I'm reading in terms of the communication.

5:18

There is always uh that message that I get that things are just moving slowly, that that when when questions are asked about why are things moving slowly, it's always in the hands of another city department or someone else is working on it, or CRA is working for something to come back, waiting for something to come back.

5:36

So, are we cognizant of that issue as a concern so that we can see these projects move a lot quicker?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████████████████████████████46%
Economic Development████████████████16%
Public Safety█████████9%
Fiscal Sustainability████████8%
Community Engagement██████6%
Procurement█████5%
Personnel Matters████4%
Procedural██2%
Environmental Protection██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Fort Lauderdale City Commission Meeting - July 2, 2026

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission met on July 2, 2026, to discuss the Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board's communication, a Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program initiative, a city hall update, and various commissioner reports. The meeting ran from 6:15 PM to approximately 8:30 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Nicola Stan, member of the Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board, expressed frustration with slow project progress and recommended limiting the land use plan amendment (LUPA) to only areas proposed for rezoning, not the entire CRA. She noted the board's 6-3 vote on this recommendation, citing disagreement from newer members unfamiliar with the scope.
  • Troy (CRA board member) reiterated frustrations with delays, lack of transparency, and engagement from city staff. He stated that no project started since 2019 has been completed (e.g., Fourth Avenue sidewalks, dead-end street lights). He noted that the board met with the city manager in August 2025 about urgency, transparency, and engagement, but follow-through has been poor.
  • Kimber White, chair of the CRA advisory board, called for better communication from staff, noting that the zoning delay due to Senate Bill 180 was only communicated after repeated inquiries. She raised concerns about the LUPA scope and historical lack of progress in Central City redevelopment.

Discussion Items

Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board Communication

  • City Manager acknowledged the board's concerns and outlined steps: hiring a LUPA consultant via procurement (expected before commission August 18th), working with legal to add time frames in contracts. Deputy City Manager Chris Cooper explained that LUPA typically only applies to rezoned areas, calming confusion.
  • Vice Mayor asked about Senate Bill 180's impact; staff provided a summary of affected projects.
  • Commissioners expressed frustration with delays and urged faster implementation, with the city manager noting efforts to include performance deadlines in contracts.

Group Violence Intervention (GVI) Program - Commissioner Beasley Pittman's Call for Unity

  • Commissioner Beasley Pittman delivered an impassioned plea for the entire commission to own the GVI program citywide, not just in District 3. She requested: (1) consistent commissioner attendance at GVI events, (2) permanent funding in the FY27 budget, (3) a resolution making GVI permanent city policy integrated into FP D's violence reduction strategy, and (4) quarterly public reports on data and outcomes.
  • Chief of Police Bill Schultz detailed program accomplishments: launch of impact patrol team, expanded investigative tech, six community engagement events, training of 100+ personnel, and a 65+ member coalition. Phase two began July 2, focusing direct outreach to high-risk individuals.
  • Mayor and other commissioners expressed general support but requested more detailed performance metrics and a formal agenda item for future discussion. Commissioner Glassman emphasized process concerns, urging that such initiatives be placed on a future agenda with proper backup.
  • Vice Mayor pledged support, citing national success of similar programs.

City Hall Update - Options and Decision

  • Staff presented a comprehensive analysis of three options: building new (215,000 sq ft, ~$200 million target cost) or purchasing/renovating existing buildings (Tower 101, One East Broward, Federal Courthouse). Appraisals: Tower 101 ~$69.5M, One East Broward ~$80.5M, Federal Courthouse ~$28.3M. Renovation costs estimated at $157.9M for Tower 101, $208M for One East Broward (based on bringing buildings to like-new condition with commission chambers). New build annual impact (including operations & maintenance) was $15.8M, compared to $17.1M for Tower 101 and $22.1M for One East Broward (with full renovations).
  • Jacobs project management presented condition assessments, noting significant structural and system upgrades needed for existing buildings, particularly flood elevation compliance and envelope replacements. Commissioner Herbst challenged the assumption that all windows needed replacement, arguing that deferred maintenance is not an issue if systems are maintained. Commissioner Glassman and Beasley Pittman expressed concerns about unknown costs and lifespan of older buildings.
  • Representatives from Tower 101 and One East Broward advocated for purchase, arguing renovation estimates were overstated and that buildings are well-maintained. Commissioner Herbst and Vice Mayor supported further exploration of purchase options to save taxpayer money, especially given looming property tax reform.
  • Mayor, Commissioner Beasley Pittman, and Commissioner Glassman voiced support for new construction, citing better long-term value, adherence to guiding principles, and budgetary feasibility. The commission split 3-2 in favor of new construction (Mayor, Beasley Pittman, Glassman vs. Herbst, Vice Mayor).
  • Staff presented a revised interim agreement (IA) with the developer, reducing project delivery costs from $724M (April) to $474M over 30 years, achieved by eliminating developer equity and fees, and lowering design costs. The IA includes milestone payments and a 100-day scope finalization period.
  • Outcome: The commission directed staff to proceed with negotiating and executing the interim agreement for new city hall construction.

Commissioner Reports - Additional Items

  • Commissioner John Hurst: Congratulated police explorer program; requested more data on GVI outcomes.
  • Commissioner Glassman: Inquired about delays in procurement for employee 401/457 plans (procurement began July 2024, still in contract review). Staff stated a final agreement may come before commission in August. Also requested update on mural at Peter Feldman Park; staff confirmed artist is on site doing prep work, completion expected in 4-6 weeks.
  • Vice Mayor: Raised Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals; staff reported one employee separated due to expired work authorization, two others affected. Commission agreed to explore a resolution supporting TPS extension, to be drafted for August meeting. Also introduced concept of bird-safe glass for city buildings; staff will consider for new city hall design.
  • Mayor: Recognized state legislative successes, resolution of FDOT dispute, fire department deployment to Venezuela earthquake relief, and promoted upcoming National Night Out (July 28) and July 4th events.

Key Outcomes

  • City Hall: Directed staff to proceed with interim agreement for new construction (3-2 majority). Staff to return with executed IA and progress on comprehensive agreement within 16-18 months.
  • GVI Program: No formal vote; consensus to schedule a future conference meeting with detailed backup, including performance metrics and funding plan.
  • TPS Resolution: Staff to draft a resolution supporting extended TPS for Haitian nationals for commission consideration in August.
  • Bird-Safe Glass: Staff to consider incorporating bird-safe standards in new city hall design.
  • Procurement: Staff to expedite the 401/457 plans contract, aiming for commission approval in August.
  • CRA Projects: Continued emphasis on improving communication and timelines; staff instructed to provide regular updates.

Meeting Transcript

Okay. Good afternoon everybody. Welcome to the city commission meeting this uh June 6th. Excuse me. July 2nd. Right. I'm dyslexic. Okay, July 2nd, 2026. Thank you all for being here today. We have uh just a few items on the afternoon agenda, but it's going to be uh um uh filled with a lot of information, so really looking forward to moving ahead and getting this forward. I want to thank the vice mayor for taking over the chair uh at the last meeting. Thank you so much for uh conducting the meeting. I appreciate it. Welcome, Mayor, thank you. And uh so let's move ahead. We have a communication uh to the city commission from the central city redevelopment advisory board. Um is uh city manager thank you, Mayor. Guess we have reviewed that communication and we do feel that we're able to address those concerns. Uh is there anyone here from the central city rede? You want to speak? How are you? Yes, please, yeah. I can't see, I can't see yet. I couldn't see whether I can't see the podium, so oh yeah, but Mr. Mayor, yes, commissioners, uh city manager, city staff. My name is Nicola Stan. I am uh have been a member of the advisory board for three years now, and uh uh uh sign up for another three years. Um I live in the CRA boundaries. I am um on the fifth terrace uh 1125 Northeast Street. Um I wanted to talk about this communication. Um the communication is a recommendation to accept proceeding with the land use amendment um pro uh program as it's um uh as it's uh presented to you with the reduction in scope to only the rezoned areas, which is what was approved at the board meeting. Uh what was discussed over the previous years uh when uh rezoning was discussed. There was a lot of meetings and back and forth um consensus has been established on the rezoned on the areas that were proposed for rezoning, not for the entire CRA area. So that's one thing, and the second thing. Before you go on, so this is an issue that's been um bounced around since I was a commissioner. So is our CRA manager here? Can we talk about what the timetable is about implementing those changes and when it's going to come before the commission? Good afternoon, Vanessa Martin, CRA manager. So we are at a stage where we're actually trying to bring forth the land use plan amendment consultant on board. We have that coming before you in August 18th, as far as the rezoning is concerned. That was of course on a whole through September October of this year through this the Senate Bill 180. So we're working through all of those um parameters to make sure that that everything is addressed in a timely manner. Once we can bring that consultant, we're going through the negotiation contracting periods right now for the land use plan amendment, and once we can get that sorted out, we will bring that to you on August 18th. But our but we do understand the urgency and we are working with city departments to address those concerns. So when you say um you're you're putting out to bid for the consultant, what consultants have we been using up to now and why aren't they part of this process already? So we that part of it has been done already. Um procurement has already gone through through the CCNA, and they have identified a firm, and that firm right now is actually we're actually in the negotiating contracting process. We're also working with legal to come up with other um ramific decisions in order for us to before we can draw a conclusion to the contract. So when you say um it's coming to the commission in August, what exactly would be coming to the commission in August then? The the land use plan amendment consultant hiring that firm to come to um to help the central city CRA.

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