Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips called the June 9, 2026 City Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 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 

The Invocation was provided by Bishop Maurice Clarke, Sr. from Central Light Grace Chapel.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Legislative presentations were given by State Representative Daryl Campbell, State Representative Mitch Rosenwald and State Representative Lisa Dunkley.

Commissioner Causwell made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 26, 2026 City Commission Workshop and City Commission Meeting

Mayor Edwards Phillips requested a roll call:

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas, Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

Barbara Smith, city resident, spoke of the 2026 budget documentation. She stated the importance of knowing what the city is spending its money on and for the community to come together to strategize a plan for the city.

Rosalind Wilson, city resident, spoke of the well organized Caribbean American Unity Fest and of an encounter she witnessed with one of the city's elected officials and a former state representative. She spoke of the actions that transpired thereafter and how she believes it could have been handled better.

Former Commissioner Levoyd Williams spoke of the City charging the Friends of the Library program for the use of the building. He is asking the City to reconsider  especially since it was a dual venture with the City and the County and these library programs are free to the community.

Aneta Guishard, city resident, spoke of garbage piling up, unkempt properties and loud noises in her neighborhood. She would like Code Enforcement to come out and assess the situation. 

Rose Richardson, city resident, spoke of the issues she too is experiencing relative to cars being parked on front yards and a house that was built in the back of one of the neighboring properties.

This is an ordinance amending Chapter 82 - Taxation and Finance, Article VI, Section 82-195 of the Code of Ordinances providing for contributions to private organizations.

City Attorney Calloway read Ordinance 2026-003 by title:

ORDINANCE 2026-003

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES, BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 82-TAXATION AND FINANCE, ARTICLE VI, SECTION 82-195 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES, PROVIDING FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS; LIMITATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF RECITALS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Causwell made a motion to move Ordinance 2026-003 to the floor for discussion.

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

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. 

Mayor Edwards Phillips opened the floor for a public hearing.

Hearing none, Mayor Edwards Phillips closed the public hearing.

Vice Mayor Thomas made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-003.

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

This is a resolution approving 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, to 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.

City Attorney Calloway read Resolution 2026-062 by title:

RESOLUTION 2026-062

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERDALE LAKES, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE ADDITION OF THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION’S “BRAIN BUS” EVENT TO THE CITY’S SPECIAL EVENT CALENDAR FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 AS AN OFFICIAL INITIATIVE OF VICE MAYOR SHARON THOMAS TO BE HELD IN NOVEMBER 2026; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Harrison made a motion to move Resolution 2026-062 to the floor for discussion.

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

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.

Commissioner Harrison made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-062.

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

This is a resolution supporting the MPO’s Roads for Economic Vitality (REV) program which provides funding for small local transportation projects that will improve the safety and mobility for all transportation users in Broward. This competitive grant program can fund projects such as (but not limited to): complete streets projects, traffic calming and intersection improvements, ADA upgrades, mobility hubs, bike racks and technology advancements such as transit signal priority and traffic control devices. 

City Attorney Calloway read Resolution 2026-063 by title:

RESOLUTION 2026-063

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERDALE LAKES, FLORIDA; SUPPORTING AND AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF A PROJECT APPLICATION FOR THE NW 29 STREET MULTIUSE PATH AND RAISED INTERSECTIONS PROJECT EXTENDING FROM SR-7 (US-441) TO NW 31ST AVENUE, WITH A SECONDARY SEGMENT ON NW 33 AVENUE CONNECTING TO OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD THROUGH THE BROWARD METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION’S ROADS FOR ECONOMIC VITALITY (“REV”) PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Vice Mayor Thomas made a motion to move Resolution 2026-063 to the floor for discussion.

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas, Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

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. 

Vice Mayor Thomas made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-063.

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

This is a resolution authorizing the City of Lauderdale Lakes to enter 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. Participation will include Commissioner Harrison's Grill & Chill Father's Day BBQ, with an anticipated event budget ranging from $6,500 to $12,000.

City Attorney Calloway read Resolution 2026-064 by title:

RESOLUTION 2026-064

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERDALE LAKES, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES’S (“CITY”) PARTICIPATION IN THE BROWARD WELCOMES THE WORLD – 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP MUNICIPAL COORDINATION PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING  WITH THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO HOST ELIGIBLE WORLD CUP-RELATED COMMUNITY EVENTS, INCLUDING COMMISSIONER HARRISON'S GRILL & CHILL FATHER'S DAY COOKOUT AND SOCCER EXPO; PROVIDING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH ALL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, FUNDING CONDITIONS, MATCH REQUIREMENTS, RECORDKEEPING, AND REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURES; A DRAFT COPY OF THE MOU IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT A; A COPY OF THE SUBRECIPIENT INSTRUCTIONS IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT B; A DRAFT COPY OF THE CITY’S LETTER OF INTENT SUBMITTED TO LAUDERHILL IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT C; COPIES OF WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Vice Mayor Thomas made a motion to move Resolution 2026-064 to the floor for discussion.

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

Commissioner Harrison 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.

Commissioner Causwell made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-064.

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

This is a resolution approving the purchase of new Dell servers in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00 from Carahsoft Technology Corp.

City Attorney Calloway read Resolution 2026-065 by title:

RESOLUTION 2026-065

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAUDERDALE LAKES, FLORIDA,  PURSUANT TO SECTION 82-358(D) OF THE CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES PROCUREMENT CODE PROVIDING FOR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF THREE (3) DELL SERVERS FROM CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION UTILIZING OMNIA PARTNERS COOPERATIVE CONTRACT NO. 23-6692-01, FOR TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT SOLUTIONS AND RELATED SERVICES, AWARDED BY COBB COUNTY, GA FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING MAY 1, 2023, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2028; FURTHER AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($150,000.00), A COPY OF THE COBB COUNTY AGREEMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT SOLUTIONS AND RELATED SERVICES WITH CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT A; A COPY OF THE CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES’ QUOTE FROM CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION EXHIBIT B; COPIES OF WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Harrison made a motion to move Resolution 2026-065 to the floor for discussion.

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

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. 

Commissioner Harrison made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-065.

FOR:  Mayor Edwards Phillips, Vice Mayor Thomas Commissioner Causwell, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Maxwell-Williams

Motion passed: 5-0

Mayor Edwards Phillips thanked everyone for attending and watching the meeting. She spoke of the well organized, well attended Caribbean American Unit Fest and the upcoming Juneteenth celebration. She wished all of the dads a Happy Father's Day.

Vice Mayor Thomas thanked everyone for attending the meeting. She thanked the petitions from the public speakers for voicing their opinions. She spoke on the importance of registering to vote. She congratulated all of the Boyd Anderson High School graduates and spoke of the recent graduation at Park Lakes Elementary. She reminded everyone to remain hydrated and the importance of children knowing how to swim. She wished everyone a Happy Father's Day.

Commissioner Causwell thanked everyone for attending and watching the meeting. She encouraged everyone to drive safely as there are children on the street since it is summer time. She encouraged everyone to remain hydrated and for parents to take their children to the library. She thanked the Acting City Manager and staff and BSO for the well attended and organized Caribbean American Unity Fest. She announced Redeemer Lutheran Church is celebrating its 60th Anniversary on June 13th.

Commissioner Harrison thanked everyone for attending and watching the meeting. He thanked the petitions from the public speakers for voicing their opinions and congratulated all of the Boyd Anderson High School graduates. He spoke of the great things taking place at Park Lakes Elementary School.  He thanked the Acting City Manager and staff and BSO for the well attended and organized Caribbean American Unity Fest. He wished everyone a Happy Father's Day.

Commissioner Maxwell-Williams thanked Acting City Manager and staff, especially Melodie Dominique and Santana Hibbert for the well attended and organized Caribbean American Unity Fest.

Acting City Manager Howard spoke of the upcoming events and provided a status on the various projects and programs taking place in the City.

Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) Captain Warnell Phillips stated that in the month of May, BSO responded to 2,841 calls for service throughout the City which resulted in 106 arrests, 1499  citations and 94 field contacts  There were sixteen arrests of juveniles and none were eligible for the Juvenile Citation Program. He spoke of the various events BSO conducted and participated in the community for the month of May.

Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Chief Charles Hackett stated that in the month of May, BSO Fire ran 630 calls total calls for emergency service with 294 of those being transported to local hospitals. They are 87% complete with the fire inspections for the quarter. They participated in Career Day and completed and conducted all of their basic life support and cardiac life support renewals.

City Attorney Calloway spoke of the proposed amendments under the House Joint resolution relative to the property tax. He spoke of a non profit organization called Save Our Voters From Misleading Ballot Language, Inc. which has a free membership for all registered voters who support the goal of ensuring voters receive a neutral and accurate ballot question. They have filed a lawsuit relative to the ballot question. He also spoke of  the constitutional amendment process.

Being that there was no other business to come before the City Commission, the meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.