JOINT WORKSHOP WITH BUDGET ADVISORY BOARD
Review of FY 2021 Proposed Budget
The City Commission participated in a Joint Workshop with the Budget Advisory Board. The Board provided the Commission with its input on the Proposed Budget for the upcoming 2021 Fiscal Year. Recommendations from the Budget Advisory Board included supporting the elimination of cost of living adjustments, advancing plans to transition to the Florida Retirement System, increasing the frequency of waterway testing, establishing specific criteria to guide funding decisions for non-profit organizations, and continuing to move forward with projects to upgrade and strengthen infrastructure. The City Auditor provided the Commission with a review of the Proposed Budget and noted that certain revenue and expense items have changed since the budget was initially submitted to the Commission in July. To that end, the City Auditor’s Office will continue to work closely with the City’s Office and Management and Budget, Finance Department, and City Manager’s Office to evaluate the proposed budget before the first public hearing in September. For details, visit bit.ly/2Q16q2i.
CITY COMMISSION CONFERENCE MEETING
Las Olas Marina Update
Staff from Transportation and Mobility and Public Works provided the City Commission with an update on the Las Olas Marina, a $70 million project that will be built, paid for, and operated by Suntex Marinas through a public/private partnership with the City. Suntex has reached an agreement with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, with finalized terms being routed for execution. The project is expected to be reviewed by the State of Florida Cabinet on September 22. Suntex will be replacing a portion of sewer pipe impacted by the development, relocating a water pipe, relocating and rehabilitating a pump station, and making turn lane modifications. For details, visit bit.ly/3haD4uq.
Information Technology Security Baseline Review
The City Auditor’s Office (CAO) performed an Information Technology General Controls (ITGC) baseline review focusing on Information Technology (IT) security. The review noted several areas for improvement to enhance security and strengthen the integrity of the data and processes that the IT systems support. The Information Technology Services (ITS) Department, under new leadership, has already taken steps to address several of the findings in the review including creating an Information Technology Security Services Division and hiring an Information Technology Security Services Division Manager. The responsibilities of the new position include managing the City's cybersecurity activities and leading the development and implementation of a more robust cybersecurity program to address any gaps in policies, procedures and related security controls. For details, visitbit.ly/34bolvu.
CRA BOARD MEETING
CRA Board Defers Item on Forgivable Loan to Junny Investment Group
The City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners, deferred consideration of an item regarding awarding a $290,000 forgivable loan to Junny Investment Group, LLC for the Donna’s Caribbean Restaurant project, located at 2012 NW 5 Street, and delegating authority to the executive director to increase the award to the full allocation of $325,000, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. Deferring the item will provide the developer with additional time to address concerns about local traffic flow with the Historic Dorsey-Riverbend Civic Association. The item is expected to be placed on the CRA Board meeting agenda on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. For details, visit bit.ly/2CBzESe.
CRA Board Extends Contract for Aquatic Center Renovation Project Auditor
The City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners approved a $54,000 one-year contract extension with Carr Riggs and Ingram LLC (CRI) to continue to provide construction contract audit services for the Aquatic Center renovation project. For details, visit bit.ly/31abkR8.
CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Coronavirus Relief Funding to Provide Rental and Mortgage Assistance
The City Commission approved a motion accepting $727,500 in funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) and approved an award to the Housing Foundation of America, Inc. to administer a rental/utilities and mortgage/utilities assistance program. For details, visit bit.ly/317qW7F.
Temporary Easement Granted for Shore Protection Project
The City Commission granted a temporary work area easement to Broward County for the Rehabilitation Project of Segment II of the Broward County Shore Protection Project. The proposed work is the extension of the previous 2016 Segment II Broward County Shore Protection Project that is designed to restore losses of sand and shoreline incurred during Hurricane Irma in 2017. There is no cost to the City for this project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) will manage the overall construction of the project. It is estimated that approximately 125,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed along the City of Fort Lauderdale stretch of the project, which is located on the north portion of the beach. Currently, the Corps plans to go to construction no earlier than December 2020. For details, visit bit.ly/2Q1D6ZE.
Bike Lanes to be Installed along Prospect Road
The City Commission approved a Revocable License Agreement with Broward County to install green bike lanes on the north side of Prospect Road between NW 15 Avenue and NW 10 Avenue as part of the Prospect Road Bike Lane project being completed in partnership with the cities of Oakland Park and Tamarac. This complete streets project is being installed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) through a Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) funded project. The initiative also includes median adjustments, additional pedestrian crossings, and upgrades Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. For details, visit bit.ly/2YdJaT7.
Agreements Approved for Public Realm Improvements on Andrews Avenue
The City Commission authorized the execution of two agreements for the installation and maintenance of public realm improvements on North Andrews Avenue, in association with the “Progresso Commons” project located at 947 North Andrews Avenue that will include a grocery store, multi-purpose convenience store with fuel islands, and a sit-down restaurant. As a condition of their site plan approval, the developer is required to construct and maintain decorative pavers, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, planters and other ancillary improvements within the North Andrews Avenue right-of-way. For details, visitbit.ly/2DWuIIA.
Agreements Approved for Public Realm Improvements on SE 3 Avenue
The City Commission authorized the execution of two agreements for the installation and maintenance of public realm improvements on SE 3 Avenue, in association with the 201 East Las Olas project located at 201 East Las Olas Boulevard, which is a development project that consists of a 24-story commercial office building with structured parking and ground floor retail. As a condition of their site plan approval, the developer is required to construct and maintain decorative pavers, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, planters and other ancillary improvements within the SE 3 Avenue right-of-way. For details, visitbit.ly/2Ydmlza.
Commission Appropriates $700,000 for River Oaks Preserve Project
The City Commission approved a budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2020 to appropriate $700,000 from the Park Impact Fee Fund and the Commemorative Tree Canopy Trust Fund for the River Oaks Preserve, which consists of 9.1 acres of land that the City acquired with the intention of constructing a stormwater preserve park for the public. The stormwater park will feature wetlands, an elevated boardwalk, and a historic bascule bridge donated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that will be converted into a pedestrian boardwalk. Funding will be used for the construction of approximately 600 feet of elevated boardwalk along the northern side of the project site along with the purchase and installation of new trees. The preserve will serve as an educational showcase and provide a recreational green space for residents. For details, visitbit.ly/34eBzI6.
Commission Appropriates $69,691 for Traffic Calming in Lake Ridge
The City Commission approved a budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2020 appropriating $69,691 to the Lake Ridge Plan Implementation Project. The Transportation and Mobility Department will use these funds to implement traffic calming improvements within the Lake Ridge Neighborhood identified in their Neighborhood Mobility Master Plan and prioritized by the Civic Association. For details, visit bit.ly/3aGxM7A.
Agreement Approved with FDOT for Cordova Road Streetscape Improvements
The City Commission approved an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to maintain the improvements that will be constructed on Cordova Road. The $1.6 million Cordova Road Complete Streets project will add two crosswalks between SE 17th Street and SE 15th Street, pedestrian lighting, a raised intersection at Cordova Road and SE 15th Street, landscaped median islands, a bike lane between SE 15th Street and SE 16th Street, the elimination of one northbound lane, and the addition of a southbound right turn lane. Once the project is completed, the City will be responsible for maintenance of the new features. For details, visit bit.ly/3hdJ6um.
Change Order Approved for River Oaks Stormwater Park Project
The City Commission approved a change order in the amount of $68,896.18 to Continental Construction USA, LLC for additional work related to the River Oaks Stormwater Park Project. The funding will address regulatory requirements required as part of the grant agreement the City has with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on this project, which requires the addition of a stormwater pollution prevention plan for projects larger than one acre in size. The additional work will also include clearing and restoration of an existing drainage culvert, removal of an existing drainage pipe, a change to the proposed entry gates, and a floor kit for the gazebo, which the Florida Department of Transportation is providing. For details, visit bit.ly/3g8q1bt.
Construction Manager at Risk Selected for Breakers Avenue Streetscape Improvements
The City Commission approved the final ranking of firms, negotiated fee schedule, and execution of a contract agreement with Burkhardt Construction, Inc. for the Construction Management at Risk services during the design phase of the Breakers Avenue Streetscape Improvement project at a not-to-exceed amount of $76,790. The scope of the services includes, but is not limited to, working along with the engineer of record to assist with the planning and design of the project and working with the designer to provide alternatives and design solutions that are cost effective, add value, and provide risk mitigation during construction. For details, visit bit.ly/3kXzplX.
Agreement Approved for Curbside Recycling Collection Services
The City Commission approved a three-year contract agreement with Coastal Waste & Recycling of Florida, Inc. (CWR) in the amount of $5,748,837 for the provision of curbside recycling collection services. Four bids were received in response to the competitive solicitation. The bid submitted by CWR met all the specifications of the solicitation and was deemed the lowest cost, responsive, and responsible bidder. For details, visitbit.ly/3l81fvY.
AECOM Selected to Provide Consultant Services for New Police Headquarters
The City Commission approved the ranking of firms, negotiated fee schedule, and contract agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) for consultant services for the new Police headquarters at a not-to-exceed amount of $6 million. As a part of this contract, AECOM will provide the following services: predesign services, schematic design, design development, construction documents, permitting, construction administration, and post occupancy. For details, visit bit.ly/2Fx7xVn.
Commission Approves Plat at 3001 North Ocean Boulevard
The City Commission adopted a resolution by a vote of 4-1 approving the plat known as “Gummakonda,” located at 3001 N. Ocean Boulevard on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The applicant proposes to plat 18,110 square feet (approximately 0.41 acres) of land located on the north side of NE 30 Street and the west side of North Ocean Boulevard that is currently the site of a vacant 2,190 square-foot automotive service station. The applicant is re-platting the site to allow for the future development of a 106-room hotel. For details, visit bit.ly/319G7xp.
Commission Approves Annual HUD Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2020-2021
The City Commission approved the 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). Each year, the City is required to submit an action plan associated with the consolidated plan. The consolidated plan provides a comprehensive strategy of how the City will use entitlement funding to address housing, economic, and community development needs, that support the HUD national objective for: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. For details, visit bit.ly/3aALAjI.
City Commission Approves Amendment to Agreement with TMA for Sun Trolley Service
The City Commission approved an amendment to the agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Transportation Management Association (TMA), which provides the Sun Trolley community bus services on behalf of the City. The amendment extends the agreement on a month-to-month basis, to no later than June 30, 2021, in order to ensure that transit services will continue while the City procures a transit provider and obtains new vehicles. The amendment also calls for the elimination of fares for the Beach Link and Las Olas Link routes, removal of advertising on Sun Trolley vehicles, and designation of specific stop locations effective Wednesday, August 19. For details, visit bit.ly/3293KFq.
City Commission Approves Rezoning for Towers Retirement Home
The City Commission approved an ordinance rezoning .73 acres of land at 824 NE 2nd Street in the Beverly Heights neighborhood from Residential Multifamily Mid Rise/Medium High Density District (RMM-25) to Planned Development District (PDD) and approved a site plan for 39 multifamily residential units. The applicant, Towers Retirement Home, Inc. is proposing to redevelop the existing Towers Retirement Home into a residential multifamily project. On November 17, 2015, the City Commission designated the property as a Historic Landmark. The current request was presented to the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) on February 3, 2020. The HPB approved three Certificates of Appropriateness, which included the complete demolition of the two-story accessory structure on the site, major alteration to rehabilitate the historic landmark, and the new construction of a four-story multifamily residential structure in the southwest corner of the parcel in the same location as the existing two story accessory structure. For details, visitbit.ly/2YckgDs.
City Commission Approves New Engineering Permit Fees
The City Commission approved an ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fort Lauderdale by creating Section 9-54 to be entitled “Engineering Permit Fees” to establish new fees for the review and inspection of building construction permits and other support services provided by the Engineering Division in the Department of Sustainable Development. Based on an analysis by Matrix Consulting Group, the Department was able to determine the costs associated with these services and update the costs for building construction permit fees to allow for 100% cost recovery and to more closely align with fees from comparable agencies. Upon Commission approval on second reading, the new fees will be effective October 1, 2020. For details, visit bit.ly/2Q4tAoH.
City Commission Approves Amendment to Fire Protection Ordinance
The City Commission approved an ordinance on second reading amending Section 13-58 of the City’s Code of Ordinances by adding third-party reporting requirements for all fire protection systems. Presently, the City’s Fire Inspectors are required to verify fire suppression and alarm detection third-party contractor inspection reports that are performed on a monthly, quarterly, and/or yearly frequency depending on the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) schedule required by the State of Florida. A third-party reporting system will allow Fire Prevention Bureau staff to verify compliance within the third-party software. In addition, it will facilitate documenting the inspections of fire suppression systems for the Insurance Service’s Office (ISO) compliance reviews, which require copies of ITM reports in order to credit the City’s insurance rating. For details, visitbit.ly/3gbHNdM.
Next Virtual City Commission Meeting on September 1
The next virtual meetings of the City Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1 at 6 p.m. The public can listen to and view the virtual meetings on FLTV, YouTube, Zoom, Comcast Channel 78, and AT&T U-verse Channel 99. To learn more about virtual City Commission meetings, including how to view agendas and sign up to speak, visitfortlauderdale.gov/vcmeetings.
For More Information
Neighbors are encouraged to stay up to date by visiting the City’s website atwww.fortlauderdale.gov or following the City on social media at:
Neighbors may also call the City’s 24-hour Neighbor Call Center at 954-828-8000.
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