Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips called the June 8, 2026 City Commission Workshop to order at 5:00 p.m.

PRESENT

Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips

Vice Mayor Sharon Thomas

Commissioner Tycie Causwell

Commissioner Easton Harrison

Commissioner Karlene Maxwell-Williams

ALSO PRESENT

Acting City Manager Venice Howard

City Attorney Sidney Calloway

Deputy City Clerk Pav Benasrie-Watson 

City Staff 

CONSIDERATION ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING

Item 8.A. ORDINANCE 2026-003 AMENDING SECTION 82-195 OF THE CITY'S CODE RELATIVE TO DONATIONS

City Attorney Calloway stated that the current city code referencing aids to organizations only spells out three requirements for organizations to meet in requesting a donation. The code does not provide any criteria for evaluation, scoring and award of donation. The City Commission desires to amend Section 82-195 to provide a more user-friendly and streamlined process for organizations seeking contributions from the City, while continuing to require compliance with applicable provisions of Chapter 496, Florida Statutes and finds that requiring a sworn declaration of compliance with applicable state registration or exemption requirements will promote administrative efficiency while ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. 

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS ON REGULAR AGENDA

Item 10.A. RESOLUTION 2026-062  APPROVING THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION'S "BRAIN BUS" WHICH PROVIDES EDUCATION, SCREENING RESOURCES, AND OUTREACH FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY ALZHEIMER'S AND RELATED DEMENTIAS AS A COMMISSIONER INITIATIVE FOR FY 2027 

Vice Mayor Thomas stated that the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Brain Bus” event, taking place in early November 2026, with the time to be determined, in the City of Lauderdale Lakes, will raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias while connecting individuals and families to critical resources and support services, including Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers at the Alzheimer’s Care Center in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.

Item 10.B. RESOLUTION 2026-063  SUPPORTING NW 29 STREET MULTIUSE PATH AND RAISED INTERSECTIONS PROJECT EXTENDING FROM SR-7 (US-441) TO NW 31 AVE, WITH A SECONDARY SEGMENT ON NW 33 AVE CONNECTING TO OAKLAND PARK BLVD. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROADS FOR ECONOMIC VITALITY (“REV”) BY THE BROWARD COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (“MPO”)

Maqsood Nasir, City Engineer, stated that the Roads for Economic Vitality (REV) program is a competitive grant initiative by the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that funds small-scale transportation projects, such as safety improvements and roadway enhancements, with total costs ranging between $2 million and $5 million. Open to one application per project sponsor per biennial cycle, the program requires projects to be within existing rights-of-way, accessible 24/7, and managed by a qualified full-time staff member. Applications are evaluated based on economic vitality, safety, access, and mobility, with bonus points awarded for alignment with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and point deductions applied for past project scope changes or removals from the Transportation Improvement Program. 

Item 10.C. RESOLUTION 2026-064  AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) FOR THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE BROWARD WELCOMES THE WORLD INITIATIVE (SPONSORED BY COMMISSIONER HARRISON)

Acting City Manager Howard stated that the City of Lauderdale Lakes is entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Lauderhill for participation in the Broward Welcomes the World – 2026 FIFA World Cup Municipal Coordination Program. The MOU allows the City to host eligible World Cup-related community events and seek reimbursement for approved expenditures through Broward County funding, subject to program requirements, including a 1:1 matching contribution.

Mayor Edwards Phillips asked if the funds from Commissioner Harrison's initiative will be reimbursed back to him or would it go back to the general fund.

Discussion ensued amongst the Commission regarding the cost of the event and how much will be reimbursed back to the City since it was over the amount allotted to the Mayor and Commissioner.

Item 10.D. RESOLUTION 2026-065 APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF THREE (3) NEW DELL SERVERS TO CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION FOR THE CITY, UTILIZING THE OMNIA COOPERATIVE CONTRACT# 23-6692-01 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($150,000.00)

Kurt Brown, IT Manager, stated that stated that the Dell servers currently operating the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Munis environment has surpassed their expected life cycle. They were released by Dell in September 2014, making them approximately 12 years old. Tyler Technologies, our ERP system provider has also alerted the city that our Munis environment requires an urgent upgrade. This infrastructure is critical to the city’s daily operations and holds vital information which is essential to the services provided by the city. Due to unprecedented demand, particularly for AI infrastructure and server components, the city’s research has found that Dell quotes across the industry are now only valid for 14 days, and prices are subject to increase gradually. Dell withholds the right to change pricing at any time, even post-sale before shipment. City staff is recommending award to Carahsoft Technology Corp for the purchase and implementation of the three Dell servers of which the price of the servers will be consistent with the Omnia awarded contract # 23- 6692-01. City staff is requesting to utilize the OMNIA Partners-Cobb County, GA contract # 23-6692-01 awarded to  Carahsoft Technology Corporation, with approval from the Mayor and the City Commission in accordance with the City’s Procurement Code, Section 82-358(f), which allows for purchases of goods or services from contracts awarded by other governmental or not-for-profit entities by a formal competitive selection process. 

Barney McCoy of Broward County Transit stated that PREMO defines a vision for a world-class premium transit network in Broward County. To achieve this vision, PREMO strategically identifies a program of projects that sequences the implementation of premium transit services —connecting local Broward County Transit (BCT) routes to regional services. PREMO is transformational effort and will redefine service delivery, mobility and connectivity throughout Broward County. PREMO includes: Over 200 miles of new premium service to include: Commuter Rail,  Light Rail, Bus CoRapid Transit, and  High Frequency Bus. Connections between the major activity centers and communities in Broward County and enhanced economic development potential.  He spoke of the Comprehensive Operational Analysis process and stated that there are over 8000 community touchpoints. Existing BCT services are local bus, express bus, community shuttle, paratransit, late shift connect program and the BCT app. The future proposed BCT services are high  frequency buses, bus rapid transit, light rail transit, commuter rail, microtransit and enhanced amenities. The rollout will be done in phases through 2040. These improvements are anticipated to cost $1.4 billion and 68% ridership growth. 

Vice Mayor Thomas inquired as to where the funding will come from.

Mr. McCoy stated that there has not yet been any discussion  regarding the funding, however, it is not anticipated that cities will be asked to contribute to the project. 

Mayor Edwards Phillips asked if one would have to submit an application or call in for the late shift connect program

Mr. McCoy stated that there is an application process that one would need to submit for that program. 

Tanja McCoy, Development Services Director, stated that the City of Lauderdale Lakes recently completed amendments to its Comprehensive Plan which were subsequently reviewed and approved by the State of Florida. The approved amendments included allowable residential density within designated future land use categories to a maximum of fifty (50) dwelling units per acre. Pursuant to Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, local governments are required to maintain consistency between their Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations. At present, certain provisions within the City’s zoning code and Land Development Regulations contain residential density standards at twenty-five (25) dwelling units per acre which are lower than those authorized under the Comprehensive Plan. As a result, amendments to the LDRs are necessary to eliminate inconsistencies and ensure the City’s regulatory framework accurately reflects the adopted policy direction of the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendment supports the City’s ongoing efforts to encourage redevelopment, promote mixed use and residential investment opportunities, increase housing availability, and provide clear and consistent development standards for property owners, developers, residents, and staff.  

Ron Desbrunes, Public Works Director, stated that the Lauderdale Lakes Vincent Torres Park is a prime property located in the heart of the City and is the main hub for a plethora of activities and events hosted by the City utilized by residents and the public. The Vincent Torres wall near the basketball area collapsed some time ago which remains a severe safety hazard, while the remaining wall around the building is also in a deplorable condition and poses a safety issue to patrons and staff, therefore now demanding much needed renovations to bring the facility up to standards that the city holds high. The current facility is a very high traffic area and has been in need of much needed upgrades and renovations. The City issued a solicitation on our OpenGov Platform, ITB 26-6210-26B Vincent Torres Wall Repair Project, so as to secure a vendor to provide the removal, repair, resurfacing, and finishing of exterior wall infrastructure, including replacement of doors and site restoration. The project includes demolition, removal, and replacement of existing fluted concrete panels and associated anchors from the exterior walls. Exterior Wall Preparation and Stucco, Painting, Door Replacements and Configuration, submit product approvals, impact certifications, and manufacturer cut sheets prior to installation, Landscaping and Shrub Remediation. 

Mr. Desbrunes stated that the Lauderdale Lakes fuel bay overhead canopy is an integral and necessary utility located at the entrance to the Public Works Department. As the city aims to continue upgrading and enhancing city facilities, this fuel bay is no exemption. It has stood the test of time for around 30 years, exposed to many elements. Constant rust, and damage to its integrity over time has deemed this task necessary. The City issued a solicitation on the OpenGov Platform, ITB26-6310-25B Fuel Bay Overhead Canopy Replacement, to secure a vendor to complete this task, which include but is not limited to, the structural demolition, removal, disposal, provide new concrete toppers, general painting, and finishes. The vendor must provide all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision to complete the project in its entirety, including repiping the existing vent pipe. The project includes the erection of a new overhead canopy system with supporting columns, beams, and a 6-inch insulated roofing panel system designed for durability and weather resistance. All new concrete footings must be located and constructed to avoid conflicts with existing underground infrastructure, such as utilities, fuel systems, and previously installed foundations. All work must comply with the 2023 Florida Building Code (FBC), 8th Edition. Upon completion, all applicable warranties, including equipment, fixtures, and a minimum 10-year roofing warranty, must be submitted to the Owner. City staff has reviewed the proposal from the single vendor and deemed the vendor responsive and responsible and is further requesting the award of ITB26-6310-25B, to Remanton Designs LLC, for the Fuel Bay Overhead Canopy Replacement in accordance with the City’s Procurement Code, Section 82-356(a)(1), which allows Competitive sealed bidding (Invitation to Bid). 

Mr. Desbrunes stated that under the United States Clean Water Act of 1987, all local governments and public entities are required to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). Compliance is met by continuously manage, monitor, and renew existing stormwater pollution programs. An MS4 is a public system of conveyances, such as storm drains, pipes, ditches, and catch basins used to collect rainwater runoff and discharge it untreated into local waterways. Every cycle, a new permit is issued by FDEP which is the entity delegated to by UEPA to implement the NPDES permitting program. We are currently operating under Cycle 4 which was executed in July 2017 and extended into Year 9. To obtain the permit, Broward County act as “Lead Permittee” and all 31 Municipalities act as “Copermittees”. Broward County as the lead permittee, is responsible to conduct all required technical activities throughout the County to ensure compliance in accordance with the terms of the permit. All municipalities agree to share the cost and responsibility of complying with the federal requirements with the County through an interlocal agreement (ILA) executed every five years. The City of Lauderdale Lakes has been in Compliance with the NPDES and MS4 permit. The total share of the City of Lauderdale Lakes for the five-year term of the NPDES MS4 permit is in the amount of $55,509. Funds in the amount of $10,579 are included in the FY2027 proposed budget to cover the costs of Year 1. Additional funds will be incorporated yearly into the budgets for the future years.

Mr. Nasir stated that at the time of approval of Resolution 2025-132 where RFQ 25-3110-02Q Professional Surveying and Geotechnical Services was awarded to Craven Thompson and Associates, the funding source identified was the Resilient Florida Grant Funded Program funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). As a result of limited funding from the grant and the proposals awarded, the funding source proved to be insufficient. City staff is recommending that the Mayor and City commission grant approval for the vendor’s outstanding invoice for services rendered pursuant to Resolution 2025-132 and contract #25-3110-02Q, be paid via a budget transfer from City's Stormwater Fund Balance/Retained Earnings, expense code Stormwater4011302-3110 – Professional Services, for an amount not to exceed $172,525.00.

Ms. Ericka Lockett, Parks and Human Services Director, stated that the City of Lauderdale Lakes has several facilities that are rented out to customers on an ongoing basis. In certain circumstances, it is appropriate for the city to recover operational costs through user fees. These fees have been updated periodically since their establishment and are adjusted based on the operational costs necessary to maintain, oversee, and support facility usage and related activities. In an effort to ensure consistency, accountability, and effective management of City-owned facilities, the City has also developed a Facility Usage Policy to provide clear guidelines and procedures for facility rentals and use. The City Commission is being provided with an overview of the Facility Fee Structure and the proposed Facility Usage Policy. Staff has surveyed rental facilities in surrounding municipalities and received recommended modifications from the Parks Advisory Board regarding the Facility Fee Structure. As part of the discussion, the City Commission may recommend additional changes to the fees and policy provisions, and adjustments will be made accordingly. A resolution will subsequently be brought forth to approve the recommended changes as deemed appropriate by the City Commission. 

Former Commissioner Beverly Williams stated that a letter was received from the City to the library stating that the library will now be charged for the use of the building, specifically the Friends of the Library program. She stated that the library and the Educational and Cultural Center building was created in 2010 from funds from a 1999 Broward County bond. She does not understand why the city is charging the library for programs that are free to the community. 

Tara Williams, Human Resources Director, stated that 102 resumes were received for the City Manager position. The lead recruiter reviewed all of the resumes and has narrowed it down to 11 top candidates. The recruiter suggested that the City Commission form an evaluation committee where each member of the City Commission would provide one resident to review the 11 candidates and make recommendations. Mayor Edwards Phillips stated she chose Meredith McCleary, Vice Mayor Thomas chose Patrick Green, Commissioner Causwell chose Jennifer Chambers Conde, Commissioner Harrison chose Paul Martin and Commissioner Maxwell-Williams chose Anika Omphroy.

Heidi Brocks, Budget Officer, stated that the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program was established by Congress in 2000 and is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program is designed to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters by providing direct financial assistance to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations. Funding is commonly used for personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), communications equipment, training, wellness and fitness programs, and apparatus. The AFG Program is one of FEMA’s primary funding sources for helping fire departments address critical operational and safety needs. 

Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Chief Charles Hackett stated that there are two items that they  are looking to apply for, one being a power stretcher that costs between $38,000 to $40,000. It can lift up to 700 pounds and reduces the number of injuries to firefighters back injuries. The second item is a rescue truck that costs between $650,000 to $700,000. The city currently has 2 rescue trucks and the city has a high frequency of transports. He explained that at the end of the grant there is a cost share. For year 1 the cost share is 25%, for year 2, the cost share in 25% and for year 3 the cost share is 65%. The grants will address both sides of public safety by ensuring that help arrives quicky when emergencies occur and preventing emergencies before they happen. In 2024, they responded to 8,260 calls and this will increase each year. 

All members of the City Commission stated they were in favor of applying for the grants. 

Being that there was no other business to come before the City Commission, the workshop adjourned at  7:10 p.m.