September 2022 Newsletter | |
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Dear Neighbor,
The City of Fort Lauderdale is hosting City Commission meetings in-person at City Hall located at 100 N Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. If any person wishes to address the City Commission, the person shall sign up in the City Hall lobby using the City Clerk’s iPad. The public can listen to and view City Commission meetings on FLTV, YouTube, Comcast Channel 78, and AT&T U-verse Channel 99. To learn more about City Commission meetings, visit fortlauderdale.gov/citycommissionmeetings.
In case you missed them, following are highlights from the Fort Lauderdale City Commission meetings on Thursday, September 22, 2022. The video is available at youtube.com/cityoffortlauderdale and the vote summary will be available later this week at fortlauderdale.legistar.com/calendar.
CITY COMMISSION CONFERENCE MEETING
City Commission Receives Update Regarding Federal Funding Opportunities
Transportation and Mobility staff, along with the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization, provided an update on federal funding opportunities. City staff noted that many of these federal funding opportunities would be routed through the Broward MPO. Broward MPO and Broward County submitted the joint application for the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant on September 14, 2022, and award announcements are expected as soon as February 2023. The Broward MPO is working with local municipalities on submitting an application for the Rail Crossing Elimination Grant Program, a $24 million funding opportunity that would create safety improvements such as quadrant gates that prevent motorists from driving around closed gates at rail crossings. Separate from the federal funding discussion, the City Commission noted concerns about the County’s Transportation Surtax program and that the City contributes more than 30% to the associated surtax program and has not been approved for funding on an equitable scale. I will continue to raise these equity concerns as it is very frustrating to read the list of FY2023-2027 projects throughout the county, noting that we have simply ONE approved project! For details, visit ftlcity.info/3qWTlcO.
Fort Lauderdale Police Headquarters Project Update
City Staff provided a status update for the proposed Fort Lauderdale Police Headquarters project and discussed additional funding options to make up for an anticipated shortfall. The initial $100 million bond was approved by voters almost 4 years ago, but the current total cost to build the new police headquarters is now an estimated $142 million. The $42 million in excess is due to the escalating costs of tangible and intangible goods associated with construction expenses i.e., material, equipment, furniture, and design. Assistant City Manager Susan Grant presented options to acquire additional funding. Options include a 30-year or 27-year (preferred) special obligation bond that aligns with the timeline of the initial bonds’ maturity date or general obligation bonds that require a referendum and associated costs. A third option would be to develop land adjacent to the police station to help pay off the loan. Additionally, the police headquarters could potentially qualify for Transit Oriented Development Federal grants. For details, visit ftlcity.info/3LAZpRK.
City Commission Makes Decision on City Auditor Recruitment
On August 8, 2022, the City of Fort Lauderdale launched an external recruitment for the City Auditor position with the outside vendor, Strategic Government Resources (SGR). The recruitment closed on Sunday, September 11, 2022, and resulted in 16 candidates, eight of whom were selected to advance based on qualifications. The City Manager requested guidance from the City Commission on the next steps in the appointment process. The full City Commission recommended for the current acting City Auditor to be appointed. The City Attorney’s office will work with the Commission to appoint the City Auditor via resolution at a future meeting. For details, visit ftlcity.info/3DLZhgp.
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) BOARD MEETING
CRA Board Approves Loan for the Robert Bethel American Legion Post 220
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners waived the maximum funding amount and percentage of funding eligible for project costs under the Property and Business Improvement Program and approved an additional loan in the amount of $416,900 to assist with the renovation and expansion of the Robert Bethel American Legion Post 220. The existing 960 square foot building that resides at 1455 Sistrunk Boulevard on a 3,114 square foot lot will increase in size to 2,544 square feet. The Robert Bethel American Legion Post 220, established in 1947, has been an integral part of our community and continues to give back through volunteer efforts, gifting scholarships, sponsorships, providing fellowship among veterans and more. For details, visit ftlcity.info/3LCxcKf.
CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
City Commission Approves Agreement for Noise Consultant
The City Commission approved an agreement with Siebein Associates, Inc. in the amount of $128,013 to conduct a soundscape study. The consultant will analyze the noise in two entertainment districts and four regional activity centers and will propose strategies toward adopting standards for measuring sound and how to detect and enforce violations of permissible sound limits. I look forward to the consultant working hand in hand with our Noise Task Force. For details, visit ftlcity.info/3S8hoS8.
City Commission Approves Agreement for Himmarshee Canal Dredging
The City Commission approved an agreement with Arbor Tree and Land, Inc., for the Himmarshee Canal Dredging Project in the amount of $710,250. The project includes maintenance dredging of approximately 875 linear feet of the Himmarshee Canal. The dredging is scheduled to take place along the canal between SE 8th Avenue and SE 10th Terrace. There will be a current fiscal year impact to the City in the amount of $710,250 for this agreement, and $100,000 for estimated disposal fees for a total amount of $810,250. Funds for this agreement, in the amount of $810,250, have been requested to be reserved in the FY 2022 Operating Budget. For details, visit ftlcity.info/3UuJZ5D.
City Commission Approves Agreement for a Full-Service Movie Studio Complex
The City Commission unanimously approved a comprehensive agreement with Fort Lauderdale Studio Initiative, LLC, for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of a full-service movie studio complex at 1400 NW 31st Avenue. The City Commission determined that the proposed project would serve a public purpose as an educational and cultural facility. The project will include full-service movie, television, and streaming production studios including, but not limited to, multiple large sound stages and outdoor film sets. In addition to the production facility, the project will include an educational component to train participants in trades that are involved in motion picture production. This is an exciting project for our city and I will closely monitor the strength of the school to ensure that it is fully accredited; In addition, we must also make sure that our local vendors have opportunities on this site. For details, visit ftlcity.info/3R6dfww.
City Commission Approves Ordinance to Ban Smoking and Vaping in Public Parks, Public Beaches
The City Commission approved, upon first reading, an ordinance that prohibits smoking or vaping in public parks and on public beaches, in conjunction with the Florida Clean Air Act. The ordinance does not include the smoking of unfiltered cigars. The ordinance addresses the pollution issue associated with discarded cigarette butts and toxic chemicals that adversely affect the environment. The City Commission asked that City staff launch an educational campaign that would bring awareness to the City ordinance. For details, visit ftlcity.info/3Sp076L.
Agenda Item OFR-4
(Approved 5-0)
First Reading - Creating an Ordinance in the City of Fort Lauderdale Code of Ordinances, Section 19-7, Smoking or Vaping in Public Parks or on Public Beach is Prohibited.
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City Commission Adopts Resolution for 530 North Birch Road
The City Commission agreed to adopt a resolution amending a development project that adds residential units and amends certain developmental requirements (e.g., height and minimum building tower setback) to 530 North Birch Road. The proposed development includes a 14-story, multi-family residential building. This amendment allows for an additional 24 feet in height to the building, which creates 11 additional units. The new plan meets but does not exceed the maximum allowed structure height of 144 feet. For details, visit ftlcity.info/3LCQjnN.
The City Commission Adopts Ordinance Amending Workforce Housing Initiative
The City Commission adopted a city-wide incentive-based workforce housing policy, amending and adopting new regulations focused on providing housing opportunities to households with incomes less than or equal to 50% to 120% of the Broward County metropolitan statistical area median family income. The policy focused on strategic locations with access to transportation services and areas of high walkability, which included the Downtown Regional Activity Center (D-RAC), Northwest Regional Activity Center (NW-RAC), South Regional Activity Center (S-RAC), Uptown Urban Village (Uptown), the primary transit corridors of Broward Blvd, Sunrise Blvd, Federal Hwy, State Road 84, Andrews Avenue, NE 4th Avenue, Davie Blvd, State Road 7, SE 17th Street, NE 13th Avenue, East Oakland Park Blvd, East Commercial Blvd and NW 62nd Street. Incentives include expedited review, height bonuses, density bonuses, and an optional payment in lieu of affordable housing set-aside requirements. For details, visit ftlcity.info/3S5kNB2.
More Information
For more information on the September 22, 2022, Commission meetings, visit fortlauderdale.legistar.com/calendar.
Upcoming City Commission Meetings
The next regularly scheduled City Commission meetings will take place on Monday, October 3, 2022.
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Agenda Item R-2
(Approved 5-0)
Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance and Execution of Amendment Number One of Joint Participation Agreement Financial Management (FM) Number 424027-2-58-01 with Florida Department of Transportation for State Road A1A Pedestrian Light Installation.
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I will soon be meeting with local beach leaders and members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to address the persistent issue of turtle lighting on A1A. | |
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Here is the latest track from what is now Tropical Storm Ian. The City of Fort Lauderdale is closely monitoring this storm and its potential impact on South Florida.
Stay tuned to fortlauderdale.gov/stormupdates throughout the weekend for more information.
Read the latest update on Tropical Storm Ian from the Sun Sentinel:
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Preparing for the Storm
Our Emergency Management staff is urging members of the community to prepare for the upcoming storm. Now is the time to monitor weather updates, make a storm plan and prepare your home.
-Stay informed
-Have a Plan
-Make an Emergency Preparedness Kit
For more on how to prepare, you can read our Emergency Preparedness Quick Tips Guide.
City Services
At this moment, all services remain under normal scheduled operations. Please be advised that the storm may impact bulk and regular trash pickup. Additional details will be provided as more information becomes available.
Sand Bag Distribution
To aid in preparation for the upcoming storm, the City will be distributing sand bags at Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave) beginning Sunday, September 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bags will be limited to six per car (while supplies last). Proof of City of Fort Lauderdale residency is required. Please bring your own shovel.
AlertFTL
Please sign up for AlertFTL to be notified of important information in an emergency. Alert FTL delivers notifications by phone, email, and/or text.
24/7 Support
You can reach the City’s Customer Service Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by call (954-828-8000), text (954-280-7676), email ([email protected]) or the LauderServ app.
Updates
Updated information will be posted to fortlauderdale.gov/stormupdates as the situation progresses. You can also stay informed by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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Exciting Things Happening in District 2! | |
We have been asked by many residents what the screening is all about on A1A just south of Bahia Mar. Here's the update to the first phase of improvements at Bahia Mar: The Marina Village area will be a luxurious outdoor waterfront food and beverage venue which overlooks the Bahia Mar Marina to the west and the gorgeous Fort Lauderdale beach to the east. The atmosphere will be fun, warm and inviting for the residents and tourist of Fort Lauderdale. The Kobi Karp designed Kiosks will house some of the best restaurants in south Florida with well known brands and a vast array of food products where even the most scrutinizing pallets will be proud to call the Bahia Mar Marina Village area their new go to spot for a great meal within a fabulous waterfront setting. The commencement of the development on the Marina Village area within the Bahia Mar is a very exciting time for all of us. | |
NE 4th Avenue Streetscape Project | |
The intent of the NE 4th Avenue Streetscape Project is to widen the sidewalks from the existing curb to the right of way line to go from 5’ existing sidewalks to 9.5’ wide sidewalks by eliminating the existing landscape/utility strip. The project will also implement street trees, an irrigation system, decorative pavement treatments, a district sign, and infrastructure for future lighting. 100% designs have been completed, and the solicitation for construction is scheduled to be active by December 2022. Transportation and Mobility Department (TAM) is currently finalizing the extension of the grant as well. | |
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On September 6, 2022, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners approved CRA funding in the amount of $285,000 to Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc. for streetscape improvements for the Seven on Seventh mixed use affordable housing project located at 920 NW 7th Avenue.
Seven on Seventh is a mixed use affordable housing development that is currently under construction in the City of Fort Lauderdale, specifically targeted for low-income and formerly homeless individuals and families. The development, which is over 50 percent complete, will consist of an eight-story residential tower with seventy-two (72) rental units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, case management and workforce program offices, ground floor commercial space and a parking garage.
The building will also include amenities for its residents such as: a community room, fitness center, game room, a computer lab/business center, terrace and interactive library. Each studio / apartment will also be equipped with energy efficient appliances and secured key fob access.
This affordable housing residential apartment community is targeted for tenants that make between 28 to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Projected rents are $377 to$877 per month for a studio apartment, $398 to $933 per month for a one bedroom/one bath unit, and $398 to $1,119 per month for a two bedroom/two bath unit.
Seven on Seventh is being jointly developed by Green Mills Holding, LLC and Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc. The City of Fort Lauderdale’s contribution will help bridge the funding gap of this $28 million project and aide in addressing the affordable housing shortages in Broward County. For more information about Seven on Seventh, visit www.bphi.org/seven-o-seventh/.
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Important General Election Dates and Deadlines
Last day to register to vote for the upcoming November 8th General Election: October 11, 2022
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Deadline to request that a Vote-by-Mail ballot be mailed to you: 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Any VBM requests received after 5:00 p.m. on October 29th will NOT be accepted or processed for this election. You may vote in person early or on Election Day. Voter-Information/Vote-By-Mail-Voting
In order for your vote to count, your Vote-by-Mail ballot must be received by the Supervisor of Elections by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. If you are planning to vote-by-mail, please mail it far in advance of the November 8 General Election or deliver it to an early voting location or at a ballot drop-off location.
Dates and times for Ballot Drop-off Locations for the November 8, General Election are listed below:
Early Voting Locations
10/24/2022 – 11/06/2022 (Daily)
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Click here for Early Voting Locations
Broward County Governmental Center
115 S. Andrews Ave. Room #102
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
10/24/2022 – 11/08/2022
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
SOE Office at the Lauderhill Mall
1501 NW 40th Avenue
Lauderhill, FL, 33313
(Entrance In the back of the Lauderhill Mall)
10/24/2022 – 11/08/2022
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
General Election: November 8, 2022 - Prencints will be open from 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m.
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Sea turtles are marine reptiles that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, more than 110 million years ago. Today, there are seven species of sea turtles worldwide. The five species found in Florida are protected by federal law and the Florida Marine Turtle Protection Act. Fort Lauderdale protects sea turtles by supporting efforts to conserve their nesting and in-water habitats. | |
Build a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat
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The City of Fort Lauderdale strives to protect our wildlife by taking steps such as preserving greenspace, adjusting nighttime lighting, establishing waterway guidelines, advancing enhanced tree canopy projects, and promoting the targeted development of habitat. We are proud participants of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF)'s Community Wildlife Habitat™ program, which provides a fun way for residents, businesses, students, and local organizations to get involved in protecting our wild neighbors. | |
City aims to improve safety on public streets | |
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In an effort to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety, the City Commission passed an ordinance that addresses individuals who obstruct public rights-of-way, including streets, sidewalks, driveways, and swale areas.
The ordinance specifically addresses those who unlawfully sit or stand in or on an unpaved median, occupy a travel lane while traffic is moving, alter or impede traffic flow, or jaywalk. Additionally, it is unlawful for an individual to physically touch another person or any part of an occupied vehicle without consent.
This marks a critical step taken by the Commission to cut down on the aggressive and often dangerous actions that occur on some of the City’s busy roadways and intersections. The ordinance goes into effect immediately, and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will soon begin awareness and enforcement measures.
To report violations of this ordinance, please contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department by calling 954-764-HELP (4357) for non-emergencies and 911 for emergency situations.
There are exemptions to this ordinance, including for those who are involved in a car accident or whose vehicle becomes disabled. For details about the ordinance, visit ftlcity.info/3D3IGEp.
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Police Headquarters Project Update | |
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Seasonal high tides known as King Tides are predicted to occur:
- September 27-30
- October 6-12
- October 24-30
- November 6-9
- November 23-27
These tides have historically affected low-lying areas that are prone to roadway flooding. Read a message from Mayor Dean Trantalis to learn what the City is doing & how you can prepare. More info: ftlcity.info/kingtides2022.
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2022 DowntownFTL Annual Report Available Now
The 2022 DowntownFTL annual report is now available! From new restaurants and companies to upcoming enhancements to downtown public spaces, check out the latest trends, topics, and data shaping the evolution of Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Please click the image below to view the report.
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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, History Fort Lauderdale presents “Viva Fort Lauderdale" Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture”. This art exhibit celebrates the contributions of our multicultural Latin community & features work from local artists.
Sun, Sept 18 - Sun, Oct 2
231 SW 2nd Ave
Entry to the exhibit is included w/ general admission fee
More info: ftlcity.info/3f4VwbL
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The Pulse on DowntownFTL Release October 4 | |
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Coming soon! We're excited to be bringing you our 2022 “Working in DowntownFTL” Report in October. In the meantime, we're sharing some sneak peeks of The Pulse on DowntownFTL series, where DDA's Jenni Morejon is joined by Colliers South Florida's Ken Krasnow, to provide a recap of the report's findings. Aside from market data, special guests Very Big Things’ Chris Stegner and Locality Bank's Drew Saito dive into their personal perspectives on what it's been like to build innovative businesses here in DowntownFTL.
In today’s post-pandemic lifestyle, the lines between business and leisure have blurred. Companies are beginning to feel the need to attract talent as if they were tourists – through the use of increased amenities and offerings, beyond the standard.
Stay tuned for more teasers from our special guests coming next week! We'll be releasing the full video on social on October 4th and sending it out in our October 7th newsletter!
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When I read in the newspaper about these teams’ accomplishments, I knew they deserved special recognition!
At the Commission Meeting this past Thursday evening, I presented a proclamation declaring September 22, 2022, as Little League Day in the City of Fort Lauderdale! The 11U All-Star Team became the first in Florida to win back-to-back championships & the 13U All-Star Team won the State Championship in the Intermediate 50/70 Division.
Congratulations to all for a job well done!
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What a wonderful visit we had yesterday at City Hall from Chabad Lubavitch of Fort Lauderdale Rabbi Mendel Fayershteyn! He spent time explaining the meaning of Rosh Hashanah and the High Holy Days and demonstrated his talent and expertise with the Shofar! L’Shanah Tova! | |
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We have the following Board Vacancies below. Please email Erica Franceschi [email protected] if you are interested in serving on a Fort Lauderdale City Board.
Board of Adjustment
Cemetery System Board of Trustees
Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board
Code Enforcement Board
Community Appearance Board
Community Services Board
Education Advisory Board
Insurance Advisory Board
Nuisance Abatement Board
Sustainability Advisory Board
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The greatness of our community starts with passionate citizens like you.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Outreach Coordinator, Ashley Cacicedo, with any questions, comments or thoughtful suggestions [email protected] or 954-828-5923.
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Steve Glassman
Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner, District 2
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