Fort Lauderdale City Commission Regular Meeting – July 2, 2026

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission held its regular meeting on Thursday, July 2, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This was the final meeting before the summer break. The commission addressed a wide range of items, including the unexpected mutual separation of City Manager Rickelle Williams and the appointment of an acting city manager, approvals for major capital projects, budget resolutions for Fiscal Year 2027, and an appeal concerning a public safety radio system procurement. Numerous members of the public provided testimony, particularly on the city manager’s departure, the Holiday Park parking project, the new City Hall project, and the radio system appeal.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes for April 21, 2026 meetings.
• Approved Consent Motions CM-1 through CM-8, including an outdoor event agreement with Rock Nation Inc., a facility use agreement with Indiana Diving Academy, a sponsorship with Bank of America for the Starlight Musical series ($20,000), a second amendment for employee health center administration with Marathon Health LLC ($279,891 annualized), a settlement of an auto liability claim ($195,000), a revocable license for right-of-way closures for the Era Residential Development, a third amendment to a lease agreement (annual rent $115,203), and an amendment to an interlocal agreement with Bahia Mar Community Development District.
• Approved Consent Resolutions CR-1 through CR-3, including a consolidated budget amendment for FY2026, an agreement with FDOT for a median refuge island on Riverland Road, and a consent to assignment of a lease at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.
• Approved Consent Purchases CP-1 through CP-4, including purchase of boat engines ($225,055.52), proprietary software from N. Harris Computer Corporation ($249,200), a job classification and compensation study ($149,500), and a capital improvement master plan for the Central City CRA ($200,000).

Presentations

• PRES-1 (26-0688): The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented the U.S. Department of Defense’s Seven Seals Award to the City of Fort Lauderdale, recognizing the city’s support for service members and military families. The presentation was made by incoming Florida Chair and retired Sergeant Major Ken Judy.
• PRES-2 (26-0645): Vice Mayor Sorensen presented a Proclamation declaring July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month in the City of Fort Lauderdale. Parks and Recreation Director Carl Williams highlighted departmental achievements including serving over 53,000 snacks and 61,000 meals through summer programs, enrolling 478 children in after-school programs, and maintaining over 960 acres of beach and parkland.

Walk-On Resolutions

• 26-0699 – Mutual Separation Agreement with City Manager: The Commission considered a mutual separation agreement with City Manager Rickelle Williams, who expressed her desire to conclude her work with the city. The agreement includes a 60-day notice period, 20 weeks of severance (the maximum allowed under Florida law), and unpaid administrative leave from September through December 2026 with availability for transition assistance. Mayor Trantalis introduced the item early. Several residents spoke in strong support of the city manager, praising her professionalism and integrity. Commissioner Beasley-Pittman delivered a detailed statement highlighting achievements including labor contract negotiations, a 20% reduction in public safety overtime ($1.2 million), the largest fire rescue class since 1999 (35 firefighters), provision of 4,400 pre-filled sandbags last hurricane season, and a reduction in personnel budget growth from 8.1% to 7.5%. Vice Mayor Sorensen voted no, while others expressed appreciation. Vote: 4-1 (Sorensen dissenting).
• 26-0700 – Appointment of Acting City Manager: The Commission appointed Deputy City Manager Christopher "Chris" Cooper as Acting City Manager effective July 3, 2026. Cooper thanked Williams for her support. Vote: 5-0 (unanimous).

Discussion Items

• M-1 (26-0559): Approved Change Order No. 3 for the Joseph C. Carter Park Improvement Project with AECOM Technical Services, including a 1,100-day time extension and $1,233,555. Vote: 5-0.
• M-2 (26-0554): Approved final ranking and agreements for Transportation and Public Spaces Planning & Engineering Continuing Services (RFQ No. 502) with five firms—Kimley-Horn, Marlin Engineering, Alfred Benesch, The Street Plans Collaborative, and Stantec—for an estimated aggregate initial 3-year total of $5,000,000. Vote: 5-0.
• M-3 (26-0510): Approved Change Order No. 35 for Construction Management at Risk Services for the New Police Headquarters with Moss & Associates ($1,191,064.34). Discussion included concerns about design errors and omissions. Commissioner Herbst voted no, citing ongoing issues. Vote: 4-1 (Herbst dissenting).
• M-4 (26-0608): Approved final ranking and agreements for Structural Engineering Continuing Services (RFQ No. 449) with BCC Engineering, HBC Engineering, R.J. Behar, and Stantec for an estimated aggregate 2-year total of $2,165,000. Vote: 5-0.
• M-5 (26-0611): Approved final ranking and agreement for Construction Engineering and Inspection Services for Fire Station No. 13 and EMS Station No. 88 with Artaic Group LLC ($1,275,865). Vote: 5-0.
• M-6 (26-0594): Approved acceptance of $4,307,742 in Federal Aviation Administration grant funds for the Runway 27 Bypass Taxiways Project at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Vote: 5-0.
• M-7 (26-0552): Approved final ranking and agreements for Design of Sidewalk Improvements Citywide (RFQ No. 320) with Craven, Thompson & Associates and HBC Engineering for an estimated aggregate of $360,000. Vote: 5-0.
• M-8 (26-0660): Approved an Interim Agreement with Holiday Park Parking Partners LLC for the Holiday Park Parking Project. The project includes a 300-space surface parking lot (phase one) and a multi-level parking garage (phase two). Supporters noted the need for parking and extensive landscaping (approx. 60 canopy trees, 46 flowering trees). Opponents argued the surface lot would pave over green space. Commissioner Herbst opposed, stating the original intent was to return the area to passive recreation. Commissioners Glassman and Trantalis supported the compromise. Vote: 4-1 (Herbst dissenting).
• M-9 (26-0494): Approved an Interim Agreement with FTL City Hall Partners, LLC for the new City Hall project. The revised proposal reduces project delivery costs, eliminates developer fees, and lowers the city’s projected annual financial impact. Multiple speakers supported the project, citing community benefits and local job creation. Opponents raised fiscal concerns and suggested deferring until after the November property tax vote. Commissioner Herbst voted no, citing the lack of a specific design choice. Vote: 3-2 (Sorensen and Herbst dissenting).
• M-10 (26-0574): Appeal of the Chief Procurement Officer’s denial of a protest by Communications International, Inc. regarding the award of RFP No. 549 for the P25 Radio Communication System Refresh/Replacement to Motorola Solutions. Extensive testimony was heard from both CI and Motorola. The City Manager had previously recommended rejecting all bids. The Commission voted to affirm the Chief Procurement Officer’s decision and deny the appeal. Vote: 4-1 (Herbst dissenting).

Resolutions

• R-1 (26-0652): Approved appointments to various boards and committees as amended, including the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Aviation Advisory Board, Beach Business Improvement District Advisory Board, Parks Recreation and Beaches Board, Sustainability Advisory Board, and Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board. Vote: 5-0.
• R-2 (26-0417): Adopted resolution approving a Landscape Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement with FDOT for State Road 845 (Powerline Road) and an assumption of liability agreement with Gala Home LLC. Vote: 5-0.
• R-3 (26-0614): Adopted resolution approving the 22nd Amendment to the Landscape Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement for State Road A1A with FDOT and an assumption of liability agreement with Broward County. Vote: 5-0.
• R-4 (26-0440): Adopted resolution authorizing the issuance of Stormwater Utility System Special Assessment Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, in an amount not to exceed $333,000,000 for stormwater improvement projects. The bond proceeds will fund completion of Phase 1 of Fortify (construction of several projects) and design of Phase 2 projects. Vote: 5-0.
• R-5 (26-0609): Adopted resolution approving the First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement between the City and the Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency to add the Capital Improvement Master Plan Project for the Central City CRA (funding not to exceed $200,000). Vote: 5-0.
• R-6 (26-0663): Adopted resolution appointing special bond counsel and special disclosure counsel for the issuance of Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2026. Vote: 5-0.
• R-7 (26-0664): Adopted resolution approving the First Amendment (Facilities Amendment) to the Interlocal Agreement for the Solid Waste Disposal and Recyclable Materials Processing Authority of Broward County. The approval was conditioned on the unanimous adoption of the Second Amendment (R-8) by all participating cities. This item allows the city to join the Solid Waste Authority (SWA) with an opt-out provision after pricing is received in 2027 and again in 2048. Vote: 5-0.
• R-8 (26-0665): Adopted resolution approving the Second Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for the Solid Waste Authority, providing the opt-out provisions. Vote: 5-0.
• R-9 (26-0621): Adopted resolution approving a Local Government Area of Opportunity Loan Commitment of $640,000 for McDowell Housing Partners LLC for the Ekos Melrose Manor Affordable Housing Development, contingent on an award of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Vote: 5-0.

Public Hearings

• PH-1 (26-0484): Approved an amendment to the HUD 2021-2022 HOME Investment Partnership-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Allocation Plan. Vote: 5-0.

Ordinances First Reading

• OFR-1 (26-0595): Passed first reading of an ordinance amending the Classification Table of the Pay Plan by establishing one new classification. Vote: 5-0.

Ordinances Second Reading

• OSR-1 (26-0591): Adopted on second reading an ordinance amending ULDR Section 47-16 (Historic Preservation District) and Section 47-24.11, including updates to the list of historic districts, dimensional requirements (height increase), sign regulations, and an administrative certificate of appropriateness process. Vote: 5-0.
• OSR-2 (26-0607): Adopted on second reading an ordinance amending Chapter 15 (Business Tax Receipts) to establish a Certificate of Use Pilot Program. Vote: 5-0.
• OSR-3 (26-0592): Adopted on second reading a quasi-judicial ordinance approving a rezoning from Residential Multifamily Mid-Rise/Medium-High Density (RMM-25) to Northwest Regional Activity Center-Mixed-Use West (NWRAC-MUw) for 538 NW 8 Avenue and 537 NW 7 Terrace. Vote: 5-0.

Budget Items

• BGT-1 (26-0497): Adopted resolution setting the FY2027 proposed millage rate and debt service rate for the city, the millage rate for the Sunrise Key Neighborhood Improvement District, and acknowledging receipt of the city manager’s budget message. Vote: 5-0.
• BGT-2 (26-0498): Approved motion setting the public hearing dates for the FY2027 millage rate and budget (September 14, 2026). Vote: 5-0.
• BGT-3 (26-0499): Approved motion setting the proposed FY2027 non-ad valorem assessment rate and public hearing date for the Lauderdale Isles Water Management District tentative budget. Vote: 5-0.
• BGT-4 (26-0501): Adopted preliminary rate resolution for the Fire Assessment, establishing the estimated FY2027 non-ad valorem assessment rate and authorizing a public hearing on September 14, 2026. Vote: 5-0.
• BGT-5 (26-0502): Adopted preliminary rate resolution for the Beach Business Improvement Assessment, establishing the estimated FY2027 rate and authorizing a public hearing on September 14, 2026. Vote: 5-0.
• BGT-6 (26-0503): Adopted preliminary rate resolution for the FY2027 non-ad valorem assessment for Utility Undergrounding in Los Olas Isles neighborhood and authorizing a public hearing on September 14, 2026. Vote: 5-0.
• BGT-7 (26-0618): Adopted preliminary annual assessment resolution for the Stormwater Assessment, initiating the FY2027 process and authorizing a public hearing on September 14, 2026. Vote: 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• City Manager Transition: The Commission approved a mutual separation agreement with City Manager Rickelle Williams (4-1) and appointed Acting City Manager Christopher Cooper (5-0). The separation includes 20 weeks severance and unpaid leave through December 2026.
• Holiday Park Parking (M-8): Approved interim agreement for parking improvements (4-1).
• New City Hall (M-9): Approved interim agreement for the City Hall project (3-2).
• Radio System Appeal (M-10): Affirmed the Chief Procurement Officer’s denial of the protest, allowing the award to Motorola Solutions to proceed (4-1).
• Solid Waste Authority Membership (R-7 & R-8): Adopted both amendments conditionally (5-0), joining the SWA with opt-out provisions.
• Stormwater Bonds (R-4): Authorized issuance of up to $333,000,000 in bonds for stormwater improvements (5-0).
• Budget Calendar: Set the proposed FY2027 millage rate and scheduled public hearings for September 14, 2026.
• Meeting Schedule: The Commission’s August meeting was moved to September 2, 2026 (1:00 PM conference, 6:00 PM regular) to accommodate a USTA award ceremony on August 31. A joint workshop with the Budget Advisory Board is scheduled for August 18, 2026 at 11:30 AM, preceded by a ribbon-cutting at the new Police Headquarters at 10:00 AM.