City of Lauderdale Lakes

Office of the City Clerk
4300 Northwest 36 Street - Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 33319-5599
(954) 535-2705 - Fax (954) 535-0573

CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES
City Commission Chambers
June 22, 2026
5:00 PM

1.CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips called the June 22, 2026 City Commission Workshop to order at 5:00 p.m.

2.ROLL CALL

PRESENT

Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips

Vice Mayor Sharon Thomas

Commissioner Tycie Causwell

Commissioner Easton Harrison

 

ABSENT

Commissioner Karlene Maxwell-Williams (virtually present)

 

 

ALSO PRESENT

Acting City Manager Venice Howard

City Attorney Sidney Calloway

Deputy City Clerk Pav Benasrie-Watson 

City Staff 

3.DISCUSSION
VIDEOREVIEW OF THE JUNE 23, 2026 CITY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA

CONSIDERATION ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING

 

Item 7.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 CONSENT AGENDA

 

Item 9.A. RESOLUTION 2026-066  AUTHORIZING THE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO APPLY TO THE FY 2025 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTER GRANT (AFG) PROGRAM THROUGH THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) 

 

Heidi Brocks, Budget Officer, stated that at the direction of the City Commission during the June 8, 2026 workshop, the City submitted an application under the FY 2025 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The application was submitted in conjunction with the FY 2025 SAFER Hiring Activity Grant application to support coordinated improvements in staffing and operational capacity. The AFG application seeks funding for two capital items: a new rescue power stretcher and a potential additional rescue truck. These resources are intended to support increased service demand, improve emergency response capabilities, and ensure adequate apparatus availability should SAFER-funded staffing be awarded. The Fire Department currently operates two rescue trucks. Continued population growth, increased call volume, and a rise in simultaneous incidents have placed additional strain on existing apparatus. Routine maintenance and equipment rotation further reduce unit availability, which can impact response times and overall operational readiness. If awarded SAFER funding, the addition of firefighter staffing would increase the need for sufficient apparatus capacity. A third rescue truck would help ensure effective deployment of personnel and maintain reliable service delivery. Key benefits include: Supporting deployment of SAFER-funded personnel, if awarded Improving emergency response coverage throughout the City Providing redundancy during peak demand and maintenance cycles Addressing service demands associated with continued growth and development Supporting the City’s ability to maintain or improve ISO rating.

 

Item 9.B. RESOLUTION 2026-067  AUTHORIZING THE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO APPLY TO THE FY 2025 FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY (FP&S) GRANT PROGRAM THROUGH THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) 

 

Ms. Brocks stated that at the direction of the City Commission during the June 8, 2026 workshop, the City submitted an application under the FY 2025 FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program. The application was submitted in conjunction with the FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Hiring Activity Grant and the FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to support coordinated improvements in staffing, prevention, and operational capacity. The City’s application to the FY 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant seeks funding to support a Life Safety Officer position. This role would focus on community risk reduction, fire prevention education, code support, and data-driven analysis of fire and EMS trends. As the City continues to experience population growth, increased development, and rising emergency call volume, the Fire Department has identified a need to expand its fire prevention and life safety capabilities. Strengthening these efforts is intended to reduce preventable incidents, improve public safety outcomes, and support long-term service demand management. The Life Safety Officer would be responsible for developing and managing fire prevention and community risk reduction initiatives. Duties would include public education programs, fire safety outreach, coordination of prevention activities, support for code-related initiatives, and analysis of fire and EMS data to identify trends and reduce community risk. The position would also support firefighter safety initiatives and assist in implementing strategies to reduce line-of-duty risk. If awarded, the FP&S grant would fund salary and benefits for the Life Safety Officer for the duration of the grant performance period. The grant is highly competitive and subject to federal evaluation criteria. While FP&S grants typically do not require a local match, the City may be responsible for sustaining the position after the grant period concludes unless alternative funding sources are identified. The FP&S program is part of FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant portfolio and is designed to reduce fire risk through community education, prevention programming, and safety-related initiatives for fire service personnel. Potential eligible uses of FP&S funding may include fire prevention education materials, community risk reduction programs, public outreach initiatives, and firefighter safety or behavioral health projects, depending on final application development and program guidelines. 

 

Item 9.C. RESOLUTION 2026-068  AUTHORIZING THE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO APPLY TO THE FY 2025 STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (SAFER) GRANT PROGRAM THROUGH THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

 

Ms. Brocks stated that at the direction of the City Commission, at the June 8, 2026 workshop, the City submitted an application under the FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program seeking funding to hire additional firefighter positions. The application was submitted with the understanding that, if awarded, the additional personnel would require the acquisition of a third rescue truck to ensure effective deployment and maintain operational readiness. Approval of the SAFER grant application supports the City's public safety objectives by enhancing emergency response capabilities, maintaining adequate staffing levels, and improving service delivery to residents and visitors. The Fire Department currently operates two rescue trucks. As the City's population and development continue to grow, emergency call volume has increased significantly. The Department is experiencing more frequent simultaneous incidents, which can create coverage gaps and increase response times. In addition, routine equipment wear and periodic maintenance requirements can reduce apparatus availability, affecting overall operational readiness. Acquisition of a third rescue truck would provide the necessary apparatus capacity to effectively utilize any SAFER-funded personnel and support the Department's growing service demands. Benefits include: Ensuring proper deployment of additional firefighter staffing if SAFER funding is awarded. Improving emergency response coverage throughout the City. Providing operational redundancy during peak call periods and scheduled maintenance. Supporting service demands associated with future growth and development. Helping maintain or improve the City's Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating.

 

Commissioner Harrison inquired as to the need of the fire truck with the extra ladder.

 

Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Chief Charles Hackett stated that  it is a rescue truck because there are dual certified firefighters and paramedics on it which can transport to the hospitals.

 

Item 9.D. RESOLUTION 2026-069 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH VPR CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED FIFTY SEVEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($257,600.00) TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THE VINCENT TORRES WALL REPAIR PROJECT

 

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. City staff is requesting the award of ITB 26-6210-26B, to VPR Construction Corporation, for the Vincent Torres Wall Repair Project in accordance with the City’s Procurement Code, Section 82-356(a)(1), which allows Competitive sealed bidding (Invitation to Bid).

 

Item 9.E. RESOLUTION 2026-070 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH REMANTON DESIGNS LLC, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED SIXTY THOUSAND FIFTY TWO DOLLARS AND SEVENTY NINE CENTS ($260,052.79) TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THE FUEL BAY OVERHEAD CANOPY REPLACEMENT PROJECT 

 

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).

 

Item 9.F. RESOLUTION 2026-071 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH BROWARD COUNTY FOR SHARING RESOURCE BURDENS OF THE SYSTEM-WIDE NPDES MS4 PERMIT AND AUTHORIZING BROWARD COUNTY TO CONDUCT TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRED BY THE NPDES MS4 PERMIT

 

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 USEPA 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. 

 

Item 9.G. RESOLUTION 2026-072 AMENDING RESOLUTION 2025-132 TO MODIFY THE FUNDING SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING AND GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES AWARDED TO CRAVEN THOMPSON AND ASSOCIATES, INC. 

 

Maqsood Nasir, City Engineer, stated that when Resolution 2025-132 was approved awarding contract RFQ 25-3110-02Q for Professional Surveying and Geotechnical Services to Craven Thompson and Associates—the designated funding source was the Resilient Florida Grant Program, administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). However, due to limited grant allocations and the scope of the awarded proposals, the original grant funding has proven insufficient to cover the total project costs. City staff recommends that the Mayor and City Commission authorize payment for the vendor’s outstanding invoice for services rendered under Resolution 2025-132. 

 

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS ON CONSENT AGENDA

 

Item 10.A. RESOLUTION 2026-073 ACCEPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 AUDIT RESULTS

 

There was no discussion on this item.

 

Item 10.B. RESOLUTION 2026-074 RATIFYING THE CITY'S FINANCIAL REPORT AS OF APRIL 30, 2026 

 

Sharon Haynes, Financial Services Director, provided the City's financial report for the month ending April 30, 2026 (Period 7) of the fiscal year. 

4.DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE(S)
5.ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP ITEMS
VIDEOA.PRESENTATION BY FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) ON THE CENTER TURN OVERPASS AT OAKLAND PARK BLVD. AND SR-7 (FM 453154-1), AS LISTED IN THE COMMITMENT 2045 METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN (MTP), TO ADVANCE THE PROJECT INTO THE FEASIBILITY STUDY PHASE (5:30 P.M. TIME CERTAIN)

Mr. Nasir stated that this item was supported by the City Commission per Resolution 2019-085 and was listed in the Commitment 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The CTO concept was identified as a potential strategy to enhance traffic safety and mobility.

 

Christopher Restrepo of the Broward MPO stated that they and the FDOT are working to come up with a project that could within the right of way of the intersection to deal with congestion and safety.

 

Martin Marquez of the FDOT stated that the proposed concept provides various options for left-turn movements—including at-grade configurations—while providing a pedestrian refuge in the center island and allowing buses to stop curbside at the intersection. Left turns will be elevated and/or at-grade, with narrow ramps placed within the median. Both the elevated and at-grade intersection options will be controlled by a simple two-phase signal. A more comprehensive study may eventually supersede this concept during the project development and environmental review phase. The intersection of Oakland Park Blvd. and SR-7 in the City of Lauderdale Lakes is considered highly dangerous for public safety. Consequently, the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has identified funding to begin studying a larger-scale solution for safety improvements at this location. The Broward MPO approved the draft Commitment 2045 MTP Cost Feasible Plan on May 9, 2019, following the approval of Resolution 2019-085 by the Lauderdale Lakes City Commission, which stated official support for the project's inclusion in the final 2045 MTP. The project is currently transitioning into the feasibility study phase led by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District IV. FDOT will present the findings from the initial planning phase to the Lauderdale Lakes City Commission to seek a formal resolution of support, which will officially advance the project into the feasibility study phase. There is a currently a lack of funding for the project that was presented previously.

 

Mayor Edwards Phillips asked if there was any funding being requested from the City.

 

Mr. Restrepo stated that there is no funding being requested from the city for any of the proposed projects. 

 

Vice Mayor Thomas stated that she is a bit disappointed as she believes more thought should have been given when proposing the previous project.

VIDEOB.DISCUSSION REGARDING THE HIRING OF THE NEW CITY MANAGER (SPONSORED BY MAYOR EDWARDS PHILLIPS) (6:00 P.M. TIME CERTAIN)

Mayor Edwards Phillips thanked the evaluation committee for their dedication in choosing the applicant pool to proceed with. 

 

Tara Williams, Human Resources Director, stated that each member of the commission received ten applications and recommended six applicants. 

 

Acting City Manager Venice Howard stated that she is very thankful to have served in the Acting City Manager capacity over the last year and a half, however, she is withdrawing her application for the position at this time.

 

Jim Dinneen of MGT explained the selection process and stated that five were selected to proceed. The interviews will take place at a special meeting and be conducted throughout the day. He further explained the interview process and how it will be conducted. The City Manager will be selected at the end of the meeting by the City Commission.

 

Former Commissioner Beverly Williams stated that she was pleased that the City is moving forward with selecting a City Manager and  that is very important that the City's Charter be followed.

 

Mayor Edwards Phillips stated that she did not feel that one of the candidates chosen fit the requirements of the job.

 

Anika Omphroy stated that she was on the evaluation committee stated she thought the candidate should be given the chance to interview. 

 

Meredith McClary stated that she was on the evaluation committee and that the committee qualified the candidates based upon the written qualifications that they were given.

 

Discussion ensued amongst the City Commission regarding the proposed special meeting date of July 1st. Consensus was made to proceed with interviewing all of the candidates at the special meeting to be held on July 8th.

VIDEOC.PRESENTATION - FISCAL YEAR 2025 FINANCIAL AUDIT (6:30 P.M. TIME CERTAIN)

Mr. Roderick Harvey from HCT Certified Public Accountants and Consultants, LLC presented the City's Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Audit. He stated that all of the required audit reports were completed and issued the City a clean audit opinion as of June 12, 2026. He provided a powerpoint presentation reviewing all of the areas of the report. 

 

The City Commission thanked Mr. Harvey for being thorough with the report and sharing his findings. 

VIDEOD.DISCUSSION REGARDING PLANNING OF THE NEW FIRE STATION

Mr. Desbrunes stated that in December 2024, City Commission awarded a contract in an amount not to exceed $67,745 to CPZ Architects, Inc. to provide planning services for the new fire station project. This project is partially funded by the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Florida Resilient grant program. The total grant amount is in the amount of $3,000,000 which requires a city matching fund of $3,000,000. Planning of the new fire station was centered around the following parameters: Long term emergency response needs Firefighters future needs Functional requirements Long term operational efficiency Zoning and compatibility As a result, the consultant provided 3 options for consideration. Staff also investigated the possibility of utilizing the CRA owned property located on NW 36th Street as an alternative site. Upon completion of this phase, CPZ Architects, Inc. will provide a full-service proposal to complete the design, permitting, and construction engineering services. This project is partially funded by the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Florida Resilient grant program. The total grant amount is in the amount of $3,000,000 which requires a city matching fund of $3,000,000.

 

Mr. Desbrunes reviewed the three different options of designs.

 

Ms. Haynes reviewed the ways that the city can pay for their share of the fire station.  She spoke of the different options which included a one time capital assessment to be used towards the fire station.

VIDEOE.DISCUSSION REGARDING AMENDING RESOLUTION 2025-107 WHERE THE CITY RECEIVES AN ANNUAL DONATION FROM WESTWAY TOWING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000.00) DIRECTING THAT THE FUNDS BE RESERVED SPECIFICALLY FOR CITY SPONSORED EVENTS

Aazam Piprawala, Procurement Manager, stated that Resolution 2025-107 formally accepted an annual donation from Westway Towing, Inc., The vendor was awarded a contract by the city and would like to be part of the city’s ongoing development. The vendor is local to the City of Lauderdale Lakes and has always supported the city events in the past. The vendor has committed to contribute a minimum of $10,000.00 per fiscal year as a contribution to ongoing city events. The vendor has provided so far, a $10,000.00 donation to the city for the recently held Caribbean-American festival held on June 26, 2025. The city previously recommended that $5,000.00 be donated to the City’s Veterans Day event as well as $5,000.00 towards the City’s Breast Cancer event. The amount of funds per event were to be allocated at the direction of the City Manager where multiple events occur for Veterans Day and Breast Cancer. The vendor has sought to clarify the intent of their donation. The donation should be specifically used for the enhancement of City sponsored events. The City will provide sufficient coverage promoting the vendor. Moving forward, it is recommended that $10,000.00 be distributed at the direction of the city manager for City Sponsored events, with immediate effect.

VIDEOF.DISCUSSION REGARDING RENEWING THE CONTRACT TERM FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LIBRARY CONSULTANTS WHICH CURRENTLY COMPRISES 11 DISCIPLINES SPREAD AROUND 22 VENDORS

Mr. Piprawala stated that in accordance with the Florida Statute 287.055, Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), the City of Lauderdale Lakes and the Community Redevelopment Agency issued a solicitation for qualified, experienced, and licensed firm (s) to provide a variety of professional services The City of Lauderdale Lakes, in compliance with Florida Statute 287.055, Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), sought proposals from qualified and experienced engineering firms to perform continuing professional engineering and management services for City’s Professional Services Library. All work awarded under this contract will be for projects in which the estimated construction cost of each individual project under the contract does not exceed $4 million, for study activity if the fee for professional services for each individual study under the contract does not exceed $500,000. All work will be performed in accordance with high industry standards and comply with applicable laws, and regulations. A total of 24 vendors were awarded various disciplines. Of the 24 vendors, two (2) were removed from the library. The original term runs through April 1 2023- March 31 2027. The renewal period allowed via the resolution and the contract runs from April 1 2027- March 31 2031, for a total of eight (8) years, with renewal options being exercised on a year-to-year basis.

 

Consensus was made to not renew the vendors at the end of the contract and begin the new solicitation process to award at that time. 

VIDEOG.DISCUSSION REGARDING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES FOR DETAIL SERVICES FOR YOUTH ATHLETICS AND CITY SPONSORED SPECIAL EVENTS

Vincent Mullen Jr. Assistant Director of Parks and Human Services, stated that the City of Lauderdale Lakes has historically hired BSO detail officers to provide security and traffic control services for football practices and games and city sponsored special events. Because the City must rely on the BSO Detail Office to secure officers for these assignments, staffing has not always been guaranteed. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will streamline the process by establishing a formal agreement that allows the City to request supplemental deputies directly through BSO. BSO currently provides law enforcement services to the City pursuant to the existing Police Services Agreement, and this agreement will help ensure the availability of deputies to support City-sponsored athletic and community events.

 

Vice Mayor Thomas stated that there were no compensation amounts mentioned in the backup.

 

Mr. Mullen stated that BSO will invoice the City according to the hours of work at the events.

 

BSO Captain Warnell Phillips stated that the overtime rate is dependent on the position of the officer that is working the detail.

VIDEOH.DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING THE NAMING OF THE GREENWAY TRAIL ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (SFWMD) C-13 CANAL, EXTENDING FROM SR-7 TO NW 31 AVENUE AS VETERANS PARK OR VETERANS WALKWAY TRAIL

Mr. Desbrunes stated that the walkway trail located along the north side of the SFWMD C-13 Canal, extending from SR-7 to NW 31 Avenue within the City of Lauderdale Lakes, currently does not have an official name. If the City Commission elects to designate the trail as Veterans Park or Veterans Walkway Trail, a minimum of two identification signs would be required. One sign would be installed near SR-7 at the western end of the trail, and a second sign would be installed near NW 31 Avenue at the eastern end of the trail. Because the trail is located adjacent to SFWMD property, any required permits for sign installation would be obtained from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) following City Commission approval of the proposed name.

 

Commissioner Causwell asked who will be responsible for maintaining the trail.

 

Mr. Desbrunes stated that the City maintains it currently, so they will continue.

 

Mayor Edwards Phillips asked if the proposed trail will be visible enough to the community.

 

Mr. Desbrunes explained the visibility of the trail from the different views and stated that it will be more visible if signage is placed.

 

Commissioner Maxwell-Williams stated that she does not agree with the trail and asked about renaming the Northgate Park as it is more visible.

 

Mayor Edwards Phillips stated that she agrees with the Commissioner Maxwell-Williams, however, the renaming of Northgate Park would require input by the residents.

 

Commissioner Harrison stated that he agrees with the trail being used.

 

Vice Mayor Thomas stated that she agrees with the trail being used.

 

Commissioner Causwell stated that she agrees with the trail being used.

 

Consensus was made to bring back the item as a resolution.

VIDEOI.DISCUSSION REGARDING THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT FOR THE SOLID WASTE FEE

Ms. Haynes stated that the City hired Stantec Consulting do a fire assessment and a solid waste assessment fee earlier this year. The recommendation to have a hundred percent coverage was that was needed to assess $573 per homeowner to fund 100% of solid waste operations. If the City does that, then no funds will be contributed from the general fund. Currently, homeowners are paying $272 annually. Should the City choose to do 90%, then each homeowner would pay $515 annually and the City would need to provide $306,385 from the general fund. If the City pays 80% then the assessment to homeowners would be $458 annually. The general fund would need to subsidize the solid waste fund a little more than $600,000.

and at 70% the annual charge would be $401.

 

Discussion ensued amongst the City Commission regarding reducing the number of times trash is picked up during the week to keep costs low. 

 

Mr. Desbrunes stated that he would have to review the solid waste contract, however, if trash was only picked up one day per week then there may be higher chances of cross contamination which would cost the city a lot more in the long run as people will tend to use their recycle bin as a garbage bin.

 

Vice Mayor Thomas suggested the City pay 70% and the residents will pay the balance.

 

Commissioner Causwell suggested the City pay 70% as well.

VIDEOJ.DISCUSSION REGARDING THE NON AD-VALOREM ASSESSMENT FOR THE FIRE RATE

Ms. Haynes stated that similarly for the fire assessment, there was a study done by Stantec Inc. in 2025 and the recommended residential rate per homeowner there was $344.96  which is a slight increase over what residents are currently paying at $330.84. Those rates are per 100 square feet.

VIDEOK.DISCUSSION REGARDING A REQUEST FROM BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSIONER HAZELLE ROGERS FOR USE OF THE CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS FOR MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS FOR A DAY EVENT (SPONSORED BY COMMISSIONER HARRISON)

Commissioner Harrison stated that  this is a request from Broward County Commissioner Hazelle Rogers for the use of the City Commission Chambers for Mayor and Commissioners for a Day event scheduled to take place on June 29, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

 

Discussion ensued amongst the City Commission regarding the type of setup that is being requested and any associated costs relative to overtime pay.

 

Commissioner Harrison stated that he will get all of the details and follow up with the City Commission accordingly.

6.REPORTS
VIDEOA.PETITIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

a. Former Commissioner Beverly Williams – charging the Friends of the Library to use the ECC at the Lauderdale Lakes Library

b. Former Commissioner Levoyd Williams – asking the City to reconsider charging the Friends of the Library to use the ECC at the Lauderdale Lakes Library

c. Aneta Guishard – issues relative to garbage, unkept properties and loud noises in her Oriole Estates neighborhood 

d. Rose Richardson - issues relative to cars being parked on front yards and a house that was built in the back of one of the neighboring properties in her Oriole Estates neighborhood 

7.ADJOURNMENT

Being that there was no other business to come before the City Commission, the workshop adjourned at 8:21 p.m.





____________________________________ 

VERONICA EDWARDS PHILLIPS, MAYOR
 



ATTEST:

 



______________________________________ 

VENICE HOWARD, MMC, CITY CLERK