North Broward News

City of Fort Lauredale issued the following announcement on Mar. 3

In case you missed them, following are highlights from the Fort Lauderdale City Commission meetings on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Video of the Commission meetings and vote summaries will be available this week at bit.ly/2mgrQNl.

CONFERENCE MEETING

Affordable Housing Policy Presentation

The City Commission received an update from the City’s Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) about recommendations to modify the City’s affordable housing policy in order to comply with new State regulations as outlined in House Bill 7103 that was approved by the Governor on June 28, 2019 and restricts municipal regulatory authority on implementing local inclusionary zoning regulations. The new law requires municipalities using inclusionary housing ordinances to provide incentives to fully offset all costs to a developer for affordable housing contributions. Among DSD’s recommendations are a 15% set-aside requirement for rental properties and a 10% set-aside requirement for sale properties, both with 30-year deed restrictions. For more details, visit bit.ly/3crSnNh.

Refunding Opportunity for Pension Obligation Bonds

The City Commission received a presentation from staff and PFM Financial Advisors regarding an opportunity to refund the City’s Series 2012 Pension Obligation Bonds. Preliminary numbers provided by PFM based on current market conditions show net present value savings of $11.4 million, or 7.6%., resulting in cash flow savings of approximately $1 million each year through 2032. For more details, visit bit.ly/39jeeo4.

CRA BOARD MEETING

Public Improvement Projects in Central Beach Moving Forward

Staff provided updates on the following projects in the Central Beach area: the Las Olas Boulevard Corridor Improvement Project, State Road A1A Beach Streetscape Improvement Project, Las Olas Marina Expansion Project, DC Alexander Park Project, and the Aquatics Center Renovation Project. Suntex, the Las Olas Marina Expansion developer, is submitting drawing packages to the City’s building department to acquire building permits and utility permits. Once the permits are acquired, Suntex will begin with utility work and utility relocations. At the Aquatics Center, sheet pile installation has begun around the competition pool and the proposed dive pool and will be followed by dewatering activities. To view progress photos of the Aquatics Center Renovation, visit flac.henselphelps.com. For more details, visit bit.ly/38lzcl5.

REGULAR MEETING

City Commission Approves 2020 City Commission Priorities

The City Commission approved the following top priorities for 2020 that were established at the January 31, 2020 workshop: Homelessness and Housing Opportunities, Infrastructure, Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Master Plan Implementation, Transportation and Traffic, Waterway Quality, and Resiliency. In addition, the following priorities were identified: Streetscape and Tree Enhancements, Uptown Master Plan, Airport Workforce Training Facility, Safety, Smart Growth, and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Build-out. A report summarizing the status and progress of the 2020 City Commission Top Priorities will be provided to the City Commission monthly. For more details, visit bit.ly/2IiairO.

City Commission Approves Donation of Dump Truck to Broward Maritime Institute, Inc.

The City Commission approved the donation of a 2010 Kenworth T800 dump truck to Broward Maritime Institute, Inc., (BMI) to support its training program that will be used to train unskilled and displaced Fort Lauderdale residents. The BMI team will train and educate students in heavy equipment operation skills and will support job placement for graduates, allowing students to enter the construction workforce earning a higher pay wage in the construction industry. For more details, visit bit.ly/2Ij5mmI.

Parks and Recreation Secures Grant for Nutritional Snacks from Florida Department of Health

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department secured a $49,423 grant from the Florida Department of Health to provide free nutritional snacks as part of its After School Snack Program. The program runs now through September 30, 2020. For more details, visit bit.ly/3csOrvA.

Commission Allocates Funds for Rehabilitation of the Flagler Heights Sewer Basin

The City Commission approved $35,724 in funding for the rehabilitation of the Flagler Heights Sewer Basin. Currently, a substantial amount of ground water is infiltrating the sewer basin. The rehabilitation project will eliminate this issue and, upon completion, will help our wastewater system operate more efficiently by reducing the sewage flow to the George T. Lohmeyer Wastewater Treatment Plant. For more details, visit bit.ly/3csOrvA.

Twin Lakes North Annexation Improvement Project Approved

The City Commission approved a contract with FG Construction in the amount of $176,527.89 for the Twin Lakes North Annexation Improvements Project. The scope of work for the project will include clearing and grubbing, installing neighborhood monument signs, construction of a round-a-bout with concrete foundation, colored stamped concrete, asphalt paving, pavement striping, and landscaping. For more details, visit bit.ly/2Il7kTi.

2020 Federal Legislative Priorities and Funding Requests Approved

The City Commission approved federal legislative priorities and funding requests for 2020. Priorities for the City at the federal level include seeking support for legislation that would improve water quality and wastewater management, strengthen infrastructure, enhance public safety, address homelessness, promote economic development, advance transportation initiatives, raise awareness about climate change, and enhance resiliency. For more details, visit bit.ly/2wuD0D2.

City Commission Accepts $1.5 Million FDOT Grant for Pedestrian Lights on A1A

The City Commission adopted a resolution accepting more than $1.5 million in grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the construction of pedestrian lighting on the west side of State Road (SR) A1A from the north end of the South Beach Parking Lot to Sunrise Boulevard. The proposed pedestrian lights will have a dual lighting fixture that will provide white light during turtle non-nesting season and provide amber light during turtle nesting season. For more details, visit bit.ly/2wnq1TZ.

Commission Approves Additional Homestead Tax Exemption for Low-Income Seniors

The City Commission approved the long-term residency low-income senior exemption as an additional homestead tax exemption for seniors ages 65 or older. The item allows for an additional homestead exemption for a person 65 or older who has resided at their household for not less than 25 years and does not exceed specific income requirements (Florida Statute § 196.075). The exemption only applies if the just value of the property on record with the Property Appraiser's Office is less than $250,000 (Florida Statute § 196.075). For more details, visit bit.ly/3cv2wJd.

Commission Expands Boundaries for Unauthorized Camping

The City Commission passed on first reading an amendment to Ordinance 16-31 that would expand the boundaries where unauthorized camping is prohibited. Under the amended ordinance, it would be unlawful for any person to engage in camping on public property at any time within one thousand (1,000) feet of a child care facility or school located anywhere in the City. The amended ordinance is designed to enhance safety around schools and day care centers by deterring undesirable behaviors. Several criteria must be followed prior to issuing a citation, including requesting the person refrain from the alleged violation, and attempting to ascertain whether the person is in need of medical or human services assistance and, if so, offering transportation to a hospital or public shelter. In addition, prior to issuing a citation, the person who needs medical or human services assistance must refuse to be transported to a hospital or public shelter; and/or the person must not be in need of medical or human services assistance. Finally, if no beds are available in any shelter, a citation cannot be issued nor can an arrest be made. For more details, visit bit.ly/2wqPkV0.

Original source can be found here.