CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE

 

COMMISSION MEETING

 

JANUARY 12, 2010

 

REGULAR MEETING –5:30 p.m.

 

NORTH LAUDERDALE RECREATION FOUNDATION, INC.

(Cancelled)

 

 

MINUTES

 

The North Lauderdale City Commission met on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at the Municipal Complex.  The meeting convened at 5:34 p.m.

 

 

1.                  INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE –   Mayor Brady called for a moment of silence in honor of the passing of Hamilton Forman who was a pioneer in Broward County.  Commissioner Hilton gave the invocation.

 

2.                  ROLL CALL – Clerk called roll; all present.

 

            Mayor Jack Brady

            Vice Mayor John R. Cangemi

            Commissioner Gary Frankel

            Commissioner Rich Moyle

            Commissioner David G. Hilton

            City Manager Ambreen Bhatty

            City Attorney Samuel S. Goren

            City Clerk Patricia Vancheri

 

 

3.                  APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

a.      July 14, 2009 – Commissioner Frankel moved to approve minutes as submitted.  Vice Mayor Cangemi seconded.  All yes.

b.      October 27, 2009 - Commissioner Frankel moved to approve minutes as submitted.  Vice Mayor Cangemi seconded.  All yes.

c.       December 8, 2009 - Commissioner Frankel moved to approve minutes as submitted.  Vice Mayor Cangemi seconded.  All yes.

 

MINUTES APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY


 

4.                  PROCLAMATIONS

 

a.      Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday – Clerk read Proclamation into record.

 

 

5.                  PUBLIC DISCUSSION

 

 

6.                  QUASI-JUDICIAL ITEMS

 

a.      SUBJECT:  SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE:   SEU 09-04

NAME OF APPLICANT:         ALLIED HEALTH ONLINE, INC.

PROJECT NAME:                    ALLIED HEALTH INSTITUTE

PROJECT LOCATION:           1291 S STATE ROAD 7, Cypress Lakes Plaza

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:     Special Exception Use permit to operate a post secondary education facility in a General Business District (B-3) in accordance with Section 106-468 of the City’s Code of Ordinances.

 

All interested parties present to speak on this item were duly sworn in by Attorney Goren.  Attorney Goren read title.

 

Tammy Reed-Holguin, Community Development Director, presented the item based on the backup memorandum.  She indicated that the Planning and Zoning Board met on December 9, 2009 and voted 4-0 to recommend approval, subject to 4 conditions listed in the staff memorandum. Ms. Reed-Holguin commented that should the City Commission concur with the Planning and Zoning Board’s recommendation, a motion would be in order to approve the SEU permit subject to the 4 conditions which include that if any problems should arise as a result of the establishment, such as noise, parking, traffic or other nuisances, the applicant shall make all improvements required to mitigate the nuisances so as not to negatively impact the adjacent commercial or residential areas.  She said they will also be required to obtain a local business tax receipt and any approvals they need from any outside agencies such as the County Health Department, and also they must abide by applicable City and Florida building codes regarding the operation.  Ms. Reed-Holguin stated that, for the record, there was a complaint about potentially work being done without an electrical permit and the electrical permit was still here to be issued and that situation will need to be resolved before a special exception use permit is actually issued, but that the special exception use can still be considered for approval tonight with that condition. 

 

Nadine Thompson, Business Manager for Allied Health Institute; Sondra Gerhoff, Vice President of Allied Health and Gerald Rapola, Supervisor for CBJ Construction approached the Commission.  Mayor Brady asked if the applicants were all willing to abide by the conditions requested by the City.  Ms. Thompson responded yes.  Mayor Brady asked if this was a pain management organization, and Ms. Thompson responded absolutely not.  Attorney Goren reiterated that Ms. Thompson has the authority to bind representation and comply with the City’s conditions, and Ms. Thompson responded yes.

 

Public Hearing opened.  No comments.  Public Hearing closed.

Commissioner Moyle made a motion to approve the proposed Special Exception Use permit.  .  No Commission discussion.  Seconded by Vice Mayor Cangemi.  Clerk polled Commission.  All yes.

 

MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

b.      SUBJECT:  SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE:   SEU 09-05

NAME OF APPLICANT:         VINNIE’S DISTRIBUTORS INC.

PROJECT NAME:                    TOP CHEF RESTAURANT

PROJECT LOCATION:           1401 S STATE ROAD 7, BAYS A1, A2 and A3, Champions Square

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:     Special Exception use request to permit the limited sale of beer, wine and liquor as an accessory use in a restaurant with a freestanding bar in a General Business District (B-3).

 

All interested parties present to speak on this item were duly sworn in by Attorney Goren. Attorney Goren read title.

 

Tammy Reed-Holguin, Community Development Director, presented the item based on the backup memorandum.  She indicated that the Planning and Zoning Board met on December 9, 2009 and the board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the SEU permit to the City Commission with the condition that in the event problems arise as a result of the operation of the establishment, such as noise, parking, traffic and/or other nuisances, the applicant in coordination with the property owner makes all improvements required to mitigate these nuisances so as not to negatively impact adjacent commercial areas.  Ms. Reed-Holguin stated that should the City Commission concur with the applicant’s request and the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board, a motion is in order to approve the proposed SEU permit subject to the 8 conditions that are listed in the backup memorandum, including the one just outlined, and that the approval of the SEU is for the operation of a restaurant with an ancillary sale of beer, wine and liquor with meals at a free standing bar, and in no way constitutes approval of the operation of a private club, social club, hall for hire or nightclub which must meet other stringent criteria.

 

Public Hearing opened.  No comments.  Public Hearing closed.

Commissioner Moyle made a motion to approve the proposed Special Exception Use permit. 

 

Clifford Walker, Business Consultant/Accounting; Steve Mendes, Chef/Owner and Michael Donner, Night Manager, were present to represent applicant.  Attorney Goren asked if the applicants could legally agree for the record to the conditions being asked for by the Commission.  Applicants responded yes.

 

Commissioner Frankel seconded the motion to approve.  Clerk polled Commission.  All yes.

 

MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

 

At this point City Manager Bhatty asked permission to make an announcement before going forward with the agenda.  She announced that she had met with Sheriff Lamberti this afternoon and reported that Chief Lou Cavallo would be leaving North Lauderdale for a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  Chief Cavallo addressed the Commission and reported that due to two retirements of BSO’s top command staff, the Sheriff announced his new command staff.  He said he will be Lieutenant Colonel assigned to all patrol services and will be overseeing all 14 contract cities.  Chief Cavallo said it will be tough for him to leave North Lauderdale after all these years.  He said the interim District Chief will be Major Kim Tierney who is very familiar with North Lauderdale.  Everyone congratulated Chief Cavallo.

 

 

7.                  CONSENT AGENDA

 

No items were pulled from consent.  Commissioner Moyle moved to read.  Seconded by Vice Mayor Cangemi.

Attorney read:

 

 

a.      SUBJECT - North Lauderdale Days 2010

 

                                            i.            RESOLUTION - Establishing North Lauderdale Days 2010 as April 30th thru May 2nd, 2010

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING APRIL 30th THRU MAY 2nd AS NORTH LAUDERDALE DAY (S) FOR THE YEAR 2010 IN THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE; PROVIDING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS, CONDITIONS AND PROVISIONS OF ORDINANCE NO. 81-3-409 WHICH DID CREATE AND ESTABLISH “NORTH LAUDERDALE DAY” AS A DAY TO OCCUR AS A FESTIVE EVENT AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

RESOLUTION NO.   10-01-5520

 

 

                                          ii.            RESOLUTION - Authorizing the City Manager to contract with Style Entertainment in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 for musical entertainment for North Lauderdale Days 2010

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO CONTRACT WITH STYLE ENTERTAINMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.00 FOR MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AS PART OF NORTH LAUDERDALE DAYS 2010; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

RESOLUTION NO.   10-01-5521

 

 

b.      RESOLUTION -  Supporting Senate Bill 376

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING SENATE BILL 376, AMENDING FLORIDA STATUTES TO AUTHORIZE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES TO USE THEIR PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE WEBSITES FOR LEGALLY REQUIRED PUBLIC NOTICES AND ADVERTISEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

RESOLUTION NO.   10-01-5522

 

 

c.       RESOLUTION - VAC 09-02 Vacation of Easement - 6849 Broadmoor

Formal request to vacate 10’ utility easement, as recorded in Plat Book 69, Page 35, of the Public Records of Broward County, Florida (BCR), within a Residential Single Family (R-5) Zoning District.

 

APPLICANT:     Bank of New York

 

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA ABANDONING AND OTHERWISE VACATING THAT CERTAIN 10’ UTILITY EASEMENT DEDICATED BY PLAT BOOK 69, PAGE 35, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA (BCR) DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: THE EAST 40 FEET OF LOT 15 AND ALL OF LOT 14, LESS THE EAST 30 FEET THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK NUMBER 69 AT PAGE 35 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA; BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 14 IN BLOCK 9; THENCE CONTINUE WEST A DISTANCE OF 30 FEET TO THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID 10 FOOT EASEMENT; THENCE CONTINUE WEST A DISTANCE OF 10 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID 10 FOOT EASEMENT; THENCE NORTH FOR 100 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NEW CORNER OF SAID 10 FEET EASEMENT; THENCE CONTINUE EAST A DISTANCE OF 10 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID 10 FOOT EASEMENT; THENCE CONTINUE EAST A DISTANCE OF 10 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID 10 FOOT EASEMENT; THENCE CONTINUE SOUTH A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING CONTAINING 100 SQ FT OR 0.0230 ACRES MORE OR LESS; AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATE CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO EFFECTUATE THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

RESOLUTION NO.   10-01-5523

 

 

d.      RESOLUTION – U.S. Department of Homeland Security Citizen Corps/CERT Program Subgrant

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERALE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS NOT TO EXCEED $9,000 FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, TRAINING AND MAINTENANCE OF A COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CITIZEN CORPS/CERT PROGRAM SUBGRANT, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABLITY AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

RESOLUTION NO.   10-01-5524

 

 

e.       SUBJECT - Lending City Stage to City of Margate

 

MOTION - To approve the waiver of all costs associated with the rental of the North Lauderdale Stage to assist the City of Margate during their Street Festival on Sunday, February 21, 2010.

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

 

CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY


 

8.                  REPORTS

 

a.      Marquee Sign Consensus

 

Mike Shields, Public Work Director, reported that this item relates to the marquee sign located across from the school, which was damaged during Hurricane Wilma.  He said they have checked on getting it repaired, but that the technology is old and costly.  Mr. Shields said that through the Community Development Department, there is a grant of approximately $100,000 to replace the sign.  He said a City staff committee was put together to come up with some options on replacing it.  Mr. Shields presented a power-point presentation on the options. (A copy of which is attached hereto).  Mr. Shields explained the pros and cons based on the presentation.   Mr. Shields commented that staff’s recommendation is to place the marquee outside City Hall, but is looking for the consensus of the Commission.  Also, he stated that a decision must be made as they only have until June 30th to use the funds, and there may be some bureaucratic requirements to follow, from a bid process to preparing specs and all that goes with it, and they need to come up with a location.  Mr. Shields commented that on Option 2, you would be able to see the sign from the north and the south on Rock Island. He said with Option 3, the County is saying that the mast arms are theirs and we believe they are ours, and that federal or state law may preclude us from what can be done with it.  Commissioner Moyle said he preferred the City Hall location because he thought the current location was a distraction and the old sign was too far away from the intersection and not too big.  Commissioner Frankel said he would like to make use of the mast arms if they could.  Vice Mayor Cangemi said that if we can’t go with Option 3, he would go with Option 2. Commissioner Hilton commented that he like Option 2 because it is on City Hall property and it stays with the style of the other tower designs in the City, and City Manager Bhatty commented that it could be hard wired and wireless.  Mayor Brady commented that it would be at the northern end of the City and would like to see it at Kimberly which has a lot of traffic, but there is no place to put it there.  It was discussed that maybe later we could put a sign on the east side of the city.  Tammy Reed-Holquin commented that she didn’t know how much flexibility they have in moving the sign, because the funds were for replacement.  Mr. Shields commented that their hands may be tied on that and City Manager commented that the funds are from a disaster recovery grant.  Mayor Brady said he would go for Option 2.

 

For the record, City Attorney Goren reiterated that the consensus of the Commission was to support Option 2, but that the Commission and City Administration was not conceding ownership of the mast arms to Broward County by not choosing that option, but that in light of other complications associated with signage not controlled by the County, they are not conceding ownership, and the record would reflect that the Commission has not abandoned that claim.

 


 

9.                  COMMISSION COMMENTS - None

 

10.              CITY MANAGER COMMENTS

 

City Manager Bhatty stated that there were two walk on items to be discussed

 

a.      Walk on Item: Request for use of Sports Complex

 

A request was received by the Parks and Recreation Department on Friday, after the agenda was prepared, for the use of the Sports Complex for a football clinic as part of the pre-Super Bowl activities and a request to waive any costs associated with the use of the complex.  Mike Sargis, Parks and Recreation Director, addressed the Commission and said he was approached by an organization called “Esteem U”, and the representative, who resides in North Lauderdale, also represents the “Catch 84 Chris Chambers Foundation”.   He said Chris Chambers used to play for the Miami Dolphins, and plays for Kansas City Chiefs now.  Mr. Sargis said they requested to use the complex on Saturday, January 30, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a youth football clinic that would have about 200 participants.  He said in speaking to them, he outlined that the cost for the field is $100.00 per hour, plus a staff cost to get the fields ready for their clinic, as well as cleanup after.  Mr. Sargis said the cost estimate was about $1,825.00.  He said the applicant asked if we would be able to waive the fees, and advised them that he did not have the authority to do that, and was asked to bring it to the Commission.  Mr. Sargis stated that there would be conditions that the requestor would be asked to follow if the Commission chose to waive the fees.  He said both organizations would be required to pull a permit and would need to provide certificates of insurance naming the City as insured.  Mr. Sargis also stated that no City staff would be available for their clinic.  Further, he stated that if there was inclement weather, they would be on their own to continue in the rain or cancel the activity.  No private vendors would be allowed in the complex.  Mr. Sargis stated that if Commission agreed, and waived fees, they would name the City as one of its sponsors.  Mayor Brady asked if this was for underprivileged children and Mr. Sargis replied yes, but that they are charging $20.00 to register.  Commissioner Moyle asked if the organizations were non-profits and Mr. Sargis replied that one of them was and the other had a pending status as a non-profit.  Commissioner Moyle stated that they want the City to waive fees, yet are charging underprivileged children a fee.  Mayor Brady asked if they were going out for sponsors and Mr. Sargis said he hasn’t had that conversation with them yet.  Commissioner Frankel asked if there was any benefit to the City for this event and why would they ask for waiver of fees and then charge the children. Commission discussed some concerns and issues regarding parking, police issues and unanswered questions about City sponsorship and costs.  Also, they would have liked to have had someone from the organization here to answer questions. 

 

Vice Mayor Cangemi made a motion to approve.  Commissioner Moyle seconded the motion.  Clerk polled Commission.  Vice Mayor Cangemi – No.  Commissioner Moyle – No.  Commissioner Frankel – No.  Commissioner Hilton – No.  Mayor Brady – Yes. 

 

MOTION DISAPPROVED ON A 4-1 VOTE.

 

 

b.      Walk on Item:  Improvements to Water Plant

 

City Manager Bhatty commented that we are in the process of making some improvements to the water plant and one of the projects will be to build a room next to the water plant to house equipment.  She said initially, the plan was to build small structure, but now we have started to look into IT and business continuity issues and have realized that another location would be needed to have a plan “b”.  Mrs. Bhatty said if the structure was expanded, they could also use it for IT equipment.  Also, she said there may be a way for vendors to lease some space to house additional equipment and that we have been approached by interested parties, which could generate revenue. She also mentioned that this additional space could be used for some of our records that are currently housed offsite that we pay for and save money. 

 

Mike Shields, Public Works Director, said they had a meeting with engineers and consultants to try to get the water plant project underway.  He said we are ready to roll on this and has some dates in place for early March.   Mr. Shields mentioned that IT has been having some problems as well with housing equipment and by expanding the concrete shell structure and making it a Category 5 Hurricane shelter type design, it could house water plant equipment, IT equipment, critical records and potentially have space to rent for a revenue source.  Mr. Shields said eventually they could build walls and infrastructure to house tenants.  He said now is the time to make decisions because the contractor is getting ready to order the prefab building and we may have to back off and apply the costs to building a bigger and more secure structure.   Mr. Shields said the location would be in between the two control buildings, and are looking at maybe a 40 x 40 or 50 x 50 structure.  Mayor Brady asked what is the cost and Mr. Shields answered approximately $400,000.  He also commented that this would be for a shell, and if you brought a tenant on, they would foot the bill for improvements, much like we do in leasing space for the cell tower. 

 

Steve Chapman, Finance Director, answered Vice Mayor Cangemi’s question about where the money would come from.  He said what he is asking from the Commission in the form of a motion is to renegotiate the contract that is currently in place, to remove the modular building and hopefully reduce the cost of the contract.  Mr. Chapman said the 2 million dollars is part of the 5 million dollar multiple year deal, and as these little projects come up, they would come to the Commission and take it either out of current revenues or look at additional loans from the general fund.  He said in this particular case, the fund does have enough money in its fund balance, so if the motion tonight were to pass, then Mr. Shields would start with the architectural design and then at the next meeting, they would bring a resolution confirming the motion with a budget amendment, taking the money out of the utility fund balance to pay for the building.  Mr. Chapman commented that for cost efficiency it would be better to build a bigger building now, because the first order of business is to house water plant equipment, the second is to house IT equipment for business continuity, and also the potential for renting space for revenue.  Commissioner Moyle commented that we should build it bigger, because the space will always be needed for something.

 

Commissioner Moyle made a motion to proceed consistent with the discussion by the Public Works Director and the Finance Director which is to renegotiate the contract and come back with a resolution for a budget amendment.  Vice Mayor Cangemi seconded the motion.  Clerk polled Commission.  All in favor.

 

MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

c.       Reminder: City Manager Bhatty reminded the Commission that the Employee Appreciation day has been scheduled for Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sports Complex.

 

d.      Update:  City Manager Bhatty gave an update on the Law Enforcement Assessment Bill.  She said there was a local delegation meeting last Tuesday, which she attended with Mayor Brady, Vice Mayor Cangemi, Finance Director, Steve Chapman and our lobbyist.  The local delegation approved the bill unanimously, no questions asked, and no discussion, which means that our bill is now on the track to Tallahassee.  Mrs. Bhatty commented that she will be doing a presentation to the local City Managers at the next BCCMA meeting and will try to seek their support.  Also, she said we are still looking at both options, the local bill option, as well as the general bill option, and will keep the Commission informed and is looking for all the support the Commission can get from other elected officials.

 

 

 

11.              CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

 

a.      Request for Proposals for Charter School Facility Memo – Attorney Goren referred to his backup memorandum and said there are points of selection that require Commission attention, with regard to the RFP format, and the evaluation and selection process.

Vice Mayor Cangemi inquired as to an auction process.  Attorney Goren replied that it could be considered by the Commission even though it is not an option in the backup memorandum.  Commissioner Hilton asked if there was a time frame and City Attorney answered that it would be brought back timely, and would not be an open-ended time frame.  City Manager said once they receive Commission’s feedback, an RFP would be drafted and it will be presented at the next meeting and will have a time frame from the day it goes out on the street to the day the process closes, and then there will be a review process.

 

Vice Mayor Cangemi made a motion to proceed with the RFP format as outlined in the backup memorandum and to include an auction as the 4th option.  Seconded by Commissioner Frankel.  Clerk polled Commission.  All yes. 

 

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Discussion ensued with regard to the options for evaluation and selection process. 

 

Commissioner Frankel made a motion to approve bullet number 3 outlined in the backup memorandum.  Vice Mayor Cangemi seconded the motion.  Clerk polled Commission.  All yes.

 

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Discussion ensued with regard to the options for the Evaluation Committee.  City Manager said they are proposing three in-house people, including the Finance Director, Public Works Director and Parks and Recreation Director.  In addition to that, she said, they are proposing to bring two out-side sources, perhaps from another city, who can help review or someone with real estate background. 

 

Commissioner Hilton moved to use an Evaluation Committee of five members consisting of three in-house persons and two out-side sources.  Seconded by Vice Mayor Cangemi.  All yes.

 

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

b.      Discussion of Pain Management Clinics – Attorney Goren stated that at the Broward League of Cities Board of Directors meeting this week, attended by Mayor Brady and Commissioner Frankel, there was a resolution adopted by the League’s Board to support the “medicine cabinet” proposal of Sheriff Lamberti with regard to destruction of pain medication, which passed unanimously.  He also commented that discussion ensued with regard to pain clinics.  He said several cities which have pain clinics have either adopted a moratorium or ordinances to regulate them, or are adopting resolutions to support state legislation which has yet to be adopted.  Attorney Goren said there may be a countywide proposal to allow cities to accept a county ordinance that will be uniform in application.  He said Mayor Brady requested discussion of this item this evening, but if the Commission directed to do so, he could bring something back to the next meeting. 

Consensus of Commission was for City Attorney to bring back more information to the next meeting.

 

c.       Update – Attorney Goren commented that at the Board of Directors meeting of the Broward League of Cities, the issue of the Broward Independent Fire District was discussed, which is a bill filed by Representative Ari Porth as the Chair of the Delegation.  He said at the League Board meeting, the Board voted unanimously to oppose the bill to the extent that there are a host of issues about the bill, ranging from fiscal uncertainty to factual unknowns, as well as operational concerns.  Attorney Goren stated that he spoke at the meeting and that the vote count was not supportive of killing the bill; the bill was passed and would be sent to Tallahassee for further consideration.  He said the bill is a serious document and is tilting toward the creation of a District that has unknown authority.  Attorney Goren said some cities are adopting resolutions to reserve their right to object to the bill between now and the time it gets to Tallahassee for review of the entire legislature, so as to make sure there is a bookmark in Tallahassee which says that there are concerns about the bill and want to reserve the right to comment on the bill when the time comes; if you do nothing, the bill might pass, but if you do something and raise an objection you may have a point of entry to have a conversation with legislatures who otherwise would not know what you are thinking.  Attorney Goren stated that at the Commission’s direction, he could prepare a resolution which would reserve our right to object.  He said that City Manager is looking into what the options are and City Manager said the bill is so vague that there are a lot of questions and a lot of items that need clarification, but that they will be following this bill very carefully.

 

Commissioner Moyle made a motion to direct City Attorney to prepare a resolution.  Seconded by Vice Mayor Cangemi.  All in favor.

 

 

 

12.              ADJOURNMENT – There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

 

 

 

NORTH LAUDERDALE RECREATION FOUNDATION, INC. meeting was cancelled. 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Patricia Vancheri

City Clerk