I CALL TO ORDER

Mayor D. Grant called to order the Regular City Commission Meeting at 6:00

PM.

II ROLL CALL

5 -

Present:

Commissioner Richard R. Campbell,Commissioner Melissa P. Dunn,Commissioner

John T. Hodgson,Vice Mayor Sarai Martin, and Mayor Denise D. Grant

III

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (AND CITY MANAGER RESPONSES TO

THE PUBLIC, IF THE TIME PERMITS DURING THIS PORTION OF THE MEETING OF

THE CITY COMMISSION)

IV ADJOURNMENT (NO LATER THAN 6:30 PM)

I CALL TO ORDER OF REGULAR MEETING

II HOUSEKEEPING

A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner M.

Dunn, to ACCEPT the Revised Version of the City Commission Meeting Agenda

for January 27, 2025. The motion carried by the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson,

Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant

Abstain:

III PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG FOLLOWED BY GOOD AND WELFARE

IV CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA

A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Vice Mayor S.

Martin, that this Consent Agenda was approved. The motion carried by the

following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson,

Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant

Abstain:

V APPROVAL OF MINUTES

VI PROCLAMATIONS / COMMENDATIONS (10 MINUTES MAXIMUM)

VII PRESENTATIONS (15 MINUTES MAXIMUM)

A. A PRESENTATION FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY (REQUESTED BY MAYOR DENISE D. GRANT).

XI QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA)

All persons wishing to speak on item eight were collectively sworn in.

RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-16: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

COMMISSION OF LAUDERHILL, FL GRANTING "4 AM LOUNGE BAR

AND GRILL" A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER,

WITH CONDITIONS, TO ALLOW AN EXISTING RESTAURANT BAR

WITH

ACCESSORY

LIVE

ENTERTAINMENT

ADDITIONAL

ACCESSORY USE "HOOKAH LOUNGE" IN A COMMERCIAL SPACE

APPROXIMATELY 4,200 SQUARE FEET WITHIN THE COMMERCIAL

WAREHOUSE (CW) ZONING DISTRICT AND WITHIN THE ARTS AND

ENTERTAINMENT (A&E) OVERLAY DISTRICT ON A 2.62 ACRE SITE

LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS A PORTION OF INDUSTRIAL 100 UNIT 1

TRACTS A & B FULLY DESCRIBED IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF

BROWARD COUNTY, FL PLAT BOOK 85 PAGE 3, MORE COMMONLY

KNOWN AS: 3974 NW 19 STREET, LAUDERHILL, FL; PROVIDING FOR

CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Attachments: RES 25R-01-16 Resolution special exception use hookah lounge.docx

AR 25R-01-16

Attachment A - Application

Attachment B - Development Review Report

Attachment C - Public Notice Affidavit

Attachment D - Conditions of Approval (SIGNED)

Attachment E - Public Comments

Commissioner Dunn asked what time the applicant usually closed for business.

Vernon Burroughs, the applicant, replied 2:00 a.m.

Commissioner Dunn noticed in the backup there was a complaint from a

resident, potentially, about noise, asking staff to elaborate on the complaint,

what the rules were with regard to closing time, and the City’s noise ordinance.

Senior Planner Molly Howson explained, per the City’s notification process,

every property owner within 500 feet of the subject site was notified of the

present meeting, and application for consideration by the City Commission.

One property owner responded, and, based on the information they submitted,

staff was unsure if they were a business or residential property owner; they

stated they did not support the subject application based on the area already

being surrounding by an excess of noise day and night, and they felt a hookah

lounge would exacerbate the existing situation. She said, based on reading the

complaint, she was unsure if the complainant was aware this was an existing

bar/lounge seeking to extend their uses to include hookah.

Commissioner Dunn asked staff to explain the conditions for approval in the

backup.

Ms. Howson indicated the conditions city staff recommended were mostly

standard conditions for approval that were reiterated with applicants that had

more noise-oriented businesses.

The conditions applied to the applicant

agreeing, if approved, to: operate Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.; close on

Monday; open Tuesday through Saturday 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. She stated if

the applicant failed to comply with any of these conditions, the subject special

exception could be brought back to the Commission. There were mechanical

permitting requirements that had to be installed for the hookah lounge use, as

with any type of indoor smoking use to ensure a proper filtration system.

Commissioner Dunn noted a preexisting violation in relation to the hours of

operation, asking if this was resolved.

Ms. Howson responded that the City received no further complaints about the

hours of operation being exceeded since the complaint.

Commissioner Dunn asked the applicant about complying with the City’s

condition for approval requiring the installation of upgraded mechanical

installations to improve air filtration, along with the condition to close at 2:00

a.m. rather than 4:00 a.m.

Mr. Burroughs replied that he had no problem with changing the closing time,

though the reason for the name of his business was they opened until 4:00

a.m., but this was a discussion for another day, as he was willing to comply

with the closing time condition for approval.

Commissioner Hodgson expressed health concerns, and whether there was

sufficient space for the added use, asking if hookah users would occupy the

space currently used by patrons.

Mr. Burroughs affirmed it was definitely a restaurant and lounge, but they had

different hours for various services; for example, they served breakfast, they did

happy hour, and served lunch, all at different hours. At around 10:00 p.m. or

11:00 p.m., that was when the space was turned into a lounge, at which time

patrons could use the hookah, and the food served would be bar type foods,

such as wings, fries, etc.

Commissioner Hodgson remarked on the health hazards of smoking, and

patrons who sought only to drink and eat could be adversely affected by having

to interact with patrons choosing to smoke.

Ms. Howson added City staff found that the proposed additional use in the

subject application was in line with the minimum State requirements with regard

to the Florida Clean Air Act that provided that smoking could not happen in

restaurants, but it was allowed in standalone bars.

Commissioner Campbell hoped to tour Mr. Burroughs’s business soon, stating

this was the City’s designated entertainment district; in future years a variety of

entertainment businesses would be brought to the Commission for approval.

He tended not to judge what others chose to do, and though he was not a

smoker, if the City sought to encourage businesses to come to the subject

area, then it was important not to erect too many obstacles to them conducting

business, particularly if their operations were within the confines of the law.

This would serve as a positive message to other businesses wishing to come

to Lauderhill. He supported businesses, and their efforts to thrive, and provide a

variety of services for patrons to choose from.

Mayor Grant asked how many hookah lounges there were in Lauderhill at

present, and how far apart were they, asking if the City had a distance

requirement for the use.

Ms. Howson responded the applicant’s hookah lounge would make three in

Lauderhill; one legal hookah lounge was on University Drive, Rotana Hookah

Café established prior to there being any state, county, or city laws regulating

the use; they had no alcoholic beverage sales associated with them.

The

second hookah lounge in the City was Liquid Paradise; they were situated in the

same plaza as 4AM Lounge, and they had yet to complete their permitting

process for the mechanical upgrades; as soon as that was completed, they

could officially add hookah to their certificate of use. Staff suggested the City

institute a distance requirement outside of the arts and entertainment overlay

district; the use was being treated similar to that of alcoholic beverage

establishments, allowing no distance separation for such uses within the arts

and entertainment corridor.

Mayor Grant wished to know how the City could begin the process of

establishing distance separation for hookah uses outside the entertainment

district.

Ms. Howson replied the Commission need only direct Planning

Director Daniel Keester-O’Mills and her to begin the process.

& Zoning

Mayor Grant questioned the safeguards in place to ensure the addition of a

hookah lounge did not impact the health and safety of the surrounding

community, and how such impacts would be monitored by the City.

She

assumed staff’s due diligence led them to already considered health and safety

aspects, so such uses created no real health crisis, or presented the creation

of a hazardous health environment.

Ms. Howson replied the City would do a few things: only persons 21 and over

were allowed in the applicant’s business; having a use granted by special

exception on the City’s books increased staff’s ability to act on anticipated

adverse conditions, as it allowed staff to bring the use back to the Commission,

should any issues arise; and staff stayed in tune to state statutes as they

developed, to ensure the City remained on the cutting edge, as the subject use

was comparable to cigarette/cigar smoking.

Mayor Grant recalled a previous issue related to vaping, and hookah appeared

to be trendy, so she assumed this was the reason the applicant sought to add

this use.

Ms. Howson mentioned staff heard from local businesses that hookah was a

use they wished to have the option of adding, so they could provide similar

offerings as those of their competitors.

Mayor Grant assumed the smoking would take place inside the applicant’s

business, but she recalled seeing patrons of another hookah establishment on

University Drive smoking outside the business.

Ms. Howson affirmed the business on University Drive did have chairs outside;

she would look into whether they were allowed to smoke outside the business;

the 4AM Lounge had no outdoor seating.

Commissioner Dunn recalled when the Commission approved an earlier text

amendment, the Commission understood it would be a pilot in the subject zone,

after which the Commission and staff would reevaluate as it pertained to some

of the Mayor’s points. She asked if, at that time, there was any agreement on a

time period for the pilot to run before evaluation, and discussion with the

Commission, particularly as to whether the use would be permitted elsewhere

in Lauderhill.

Ms. Howson responded, short of reviewing the previous meeting’s minutes, she

could not recall if there was a time-certain, but the she knew the aim was to see

how the use played out in the subject district. She doubted sufficient time had

passed, but staff could research how such uses were handled in other Broward

cities.

Commissioner Dunn wondered what, in Ms. Howson’s opinion, was

reasonable timeframe for the pilot to run to allow staff to evaluate, and make a

determination on whether the subject use was fulfilling the intent of its approval;

that is, to allow local businesses to add another revenue stream to their

business without creating additional public health hazards.

Ms. Howson thought a year was appropriate to make such an assessment;

other parts of the discussion could include what were appropriate uses to which

the subject use should be allowed as an accessory use.

Commissioner Dunn added part of the determination was whether to restrict the

use to the arts and entertainment district, or allow it elsewhere in the City.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner M.

Dunn, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson,

Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant

Abstain:

VIII

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING (NOT ON CONSENT

AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL)

ORDINANCE NO. 25O-01-102: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY

COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, AMENDING

CHAPTER 2 ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION,” ARTICLE II ENTITLED

“OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES,” BY DELETING SECTION 2-21

ENTITLED “COMMISSION TO APPROVE JOB DESCRIPTIONS PRIOR

TO FILLING POSITIONS AND CHANGES IN JOB DESCRIPTIONS”;

PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND CODIFICATION;

AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY

INTERIM CITY MANAGER KENNIE HOBBS, JR.).

Attachments: ORD 25O-01-102 Ordinance removing job description approval

AR 25O-01-102

Memo to City Commission from City Manager - Job Descriptions.pdf

Interim City Manager Hobbs explained city staff was currently reviewing all city

policies, and he identified the subject policy as one that could improve

operational efficiencies.

Currently, the City Commission approved the overall

budget, including the funding of positions. In 1982 when the City had a strong

mayor, the Commission was required to approve all modifications to job

descriptions, but in staff’s survey of other Broward cities, with the exception of

Plantation that had a strong mayor form of government, this was not a normal

practice.

This led to his present request to remove the necessity to come

before the Commission to make changes to job descriptions in line with the city

manager being the chief operating officer within the City. There was no request

to make any changes with regard to the budget authority of the Commission, so

the Commission would continue to approve positions funded within the budget;

the change would help enhance city operations related to job descriptions.

Mayor Grant wished to know what measures were in place, or would be put in

place to ensure that the delegation of the authority of for job descriptions to the

city manager would not compromise transparency, and accountability within the

hiring process.

Interim City Manager Hobbs responded nothing would change in the hiring

process, as regardless of a job description, all applicants still had to go through

the City’s formal hiring process. The only change to that process would be a

reduction in the amount time to advertise and hire for a position.

Mayor Grant said if the subject item were approved, she wished staff to provide

the Commission with an organizational chart, including any assistant director

positions; and, going forward, that the Commission would be alerted to any

hiring or salary increases that impacted the City’s budget by five percent or

more.

She said the same applied to advising the Commission of any

consideration to create a new department/division, as this meant a new budget

item.

Commissioner Dunn commented, while she understood the need for efficiency,

she intended to vote no on the subject item, as she wished to see a permanent

city manager appointed first before making such a change.

Commissioner Campbell sought clarification that Mayor Grant’s requests had

no impact on the subject item the Commission was being asked to vote on.

Interim City Attorney Ottinot affirmed this was the case.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner

Campbell, that this Ordinance be approved on first reading to the City

Commission Meeting, due back on 2/10/2025. The motion carried by the following

vote:

4 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner J. Hodgson, Vice Mayor S. Martin, and

Mayor D. Grant

1 - Commissioner M. Dunn

No:

Abstain:

ORDINANCE NO. 25O-01-103: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY

COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, APPROVING

AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT

OF $933,852 AND

CAPITAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE

AMOUNT OF $1,746,014 AND A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN

THE AMOUNT OF $128,339 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025; REFLECTING

APROPRIATE

ADJUSTMENTS

VARIOUS

REVENUE

AND

EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS AS SPECIFICALLY INDICATED IN THE

BREAKDOWN IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,808,205; PROVIDING

VARIOUS BUDGET CODE NUMBERS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN

EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER,

KENNIE HOBBS, JR).

Attachments: ORD 25O-01-103 Ordinance budget adjustment

AR 25O-01-103

1-27 Budget Adjustment.pdf

This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda on first reading to the City

Commission Meeting, due back on 02/10/2025. (See Consideration of Consent

Agenda for vote tally.)

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING (NOT ON CONSENT

AGENDA) (AS ADVERTISED IN THE SUN-SENTINEL)

ORDINANCE NO. 25O-01-100: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY

COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, AMENDING

CHAPTER 21 ENTITLED “WATER AND SEWER SERVICE,” ARTICLE IV

ENTITLED “DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING

SERVICES RULES, REGULATIONS AND RATES,” SECTION 21-47

ENTITLED “SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES” OF THE CODE

OF ORDINANCES TO DELETE REFERENCES TO IMPACT FEES AND

ESTABLISH

WATER

HOUSING

CONNECTION

DEVELOPMENTS;

CHARGES

FOR

NEW

FOR

MULTI-FAMILY

PROVIDING

CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING

FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER

KENNIE HOBBS, JR.).

Attachments: ORD 25O-01-100 Ordinance impact fees removed 12.30.24

AR 25O-01-100

water connection fees jan 2025

This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of

Consent Agenda for vote tally.)

X RESOLUTIONS (IF NOT ON CONSENT AGENDA)

RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-06:

COMMISSION OF THE CITY

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS POLICY EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEMBERS

OF THE CITY COMMISSION FOR EVENTS HELD AT CITY-OWNED

VENUES OR EVENTS SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL;

PROVIDING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE WITH THE

AUTHORITY TO DO ALL THINGS TO EFFECTUATE THIS RESOLUTION;

AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY

INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.).

Attachments: RES 25R-01-06 Complimentary Tickets Policy Resolution

AR 25R-01-06

Issuance of Complimentary Tickets - Clean Version

Issuance of Complimentary Tickets Policy - with edits

Commissioner Dunn wished to put on the record a small change to the

language she previously discussed with Mr. Ottinot, noting she thought all the

changes discussed at the last Commission meeting were handled well.

Specifically, under Scope, section 1.2 that currently read in the last sentence:

The members of the City Commission of Lauderhill, when attending

city-sponsored events, or events held in city-owned venues or while conducting

business on behalf of the City … She recommended the words …or while… be

replaced with …when..

A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner J.

Hodgson, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson,

Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant

Abstain:

RESOLUTION 25R-01-13: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION

OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING A QUOTE FROM UTILITIES

ASSOCIATES, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $915,000 FOR THE

PURCHASE OF BODY WORN CAMERA, STORAGE EQUIPMENT,

SOFTWARE AND SERVICES FOR POLICE, FIRE AND CODE

ENFORCEMENT IN-CAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS UNDER THE

EXISTING

AGREEMENT;

AUTHORIZING

PAYMENT

FROM

THE

APPROPRIATE BUDGET CODE NUMBERS OVER

THREE YEAR

PERIOD; AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER AND OTHER

OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN

EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER KENNIE

HOBBS).

Attachments: RES 25R-01-13 Resolution Body Worn Camera Quote

AR 25R-01-13

Lauderhill -UAI SOLE SOURCE 12.4.2024

Q#134011 - Lauderhill PD Updated Renewal UPDATE 12.4.2024

Lauderhill FL Utility CSA_Executed 012125

Mayor Grant asked staff to give a presentation on the subject item for the benefit

of the Lauderhill public.

Police Chief Constance Stanley spoke about the body-worn cameras, with

which all police officers were equipped when responding to calls for service; it

was a three-year agreement, and there were city policies that stipulated all

officers should activate their body-worn cameras while on calls for service.

Interim City Manager Hobbs added the City had a replacement plan with a

three-year cycle, so the City was renewing its existing contract for another three

years, whereby about 140 body-worn cameras would be replaced.

Commissioner

Campbell

noticed

the

resolution’s

language

said

code

enforcement, asking if this meant code officers were wearing body-worn

cameras.

Chief Stanley answered no.

Mr. Hobbs explained that within the agreement, it allowed for the utilization of

communication devices by police officers, city rangers, and code officers.

said this portion of the agreement affected those devices; only police officers

wore body-worn cameras.

Mayor Grant opened the discussion to the public.

Hubert Shaw, Lauderhill resident, sought clarification as to whether the

body-worn cameras had to be updated every three years.

Major David Hennessy commented the City’s contract with Utility Associates

was that they refresh the hardware very frequently. In the specific case of the

body-worn cameras, the contract was for the next three years, and they would

immediately provide the City with 280 cameras, as each police officer would be

issued two cameras to ensure there were no battery issues, particularly if an

officer worked overtime or a 12-hour shift.

He explained, along with being

body-worn, the cameras were utilized to take pictures on crime scenes, as well

as take statements during criminal investigations, so the battery life of the

cameras was very important.

He pointed out the majority of the in-car

communication for all the City’s police cars, along with frontline fire rescue, and

code enforcement were being refreshed as well. Thus, any camera equipment

installed in the vehicles in the last year or two would be replaced; the

equipment, essentially, made the vehicles

Wi-Fi hotspot for authorized

hardware. Major Hennessy mentioned, about 18 months into the current

agreement, the vendor would provide the City with the next generation body

cameras, so police officers would receive two new body-worn cameras in the

next three-year agreement.

A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Commissioner J.

Hodgson, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson,

Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant

Abstain:

RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-14:

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CREATING THE NEW

JOB DESCRIPTION OF DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES;

PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM

CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.).

Attachments:

RES 25R-01-14 Resolution creating job description director

development services

AR 25R-01-14

Director of Development Services.pdf

Commissioner Dunn asked staff to explain the reasoning behind creating the

subject new position.

Interim City Manager Hobbs explained city administration sought to create a

new

department,

Development

Services;

the

new

department

would

encompass a number of existing divisions, and departments, the goal being to

increase efficiencies and improve customer service to both residents and

businesses.

Department, currently

Under Development Services would be the Planning & Zoning

standalone department, and the Building Division,

currently under the Finance Department. Code enforcement would be split in

two, with one portion moving to Development Services that focused on

enforcing the City’s building and planning codes; the other portion related to

revenue generation would remain under Financial Services; the latter included

the issuance of certificates of use, inspections, etc.

Development Services

would have a single director to which the three divisions would report; the intent

was to fill the position internally with minimal budgetary impact that would be

due to some standard salary adjustment.

Commissioner Dunn noted in her meeting with Mr. Hobbs she asked him to

provide a work chart for Development Services to make it clear for the record

what this entailed.

Mayor Grant opened the discussion to the public.

Catherine Collette, Lauderhill resident, asked if appointing a new director for the

new department meant any directors were losing their position.

Interim City Manager Hobbs answered no.

A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Commissioner J.

Hodgson, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson,

Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant

Abstain:

RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-15:

COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH EUGENE M.

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

STEINFELD, ATTORNEY AT LAW, P.A., TO SERVE AS A SPECIAL

MASTER FOR THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE RETENTION OF

TAMAR N. HAMILTON, P.A. TO SERVE AS

SPECIAL MASTER

UNDER THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS; AUTHORIZING THE

INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE EACH AGREEMENT; AND

PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY INTERIM

CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.).

Attachments: RES 25R-01-15 Resolution approving special master agreement

AR 25R-01-15

Professional Consultant Agreement - Special Master-Eugene

Steinfeld-2025

Resume Tamar Hamilton - Professional

Resume Eugene M Steinfeld

Interim City Attorney Ottinot noted for the record that Ms. Hamilton submitted

her bid for an executed contract to the City Manager via the City Attorney earlier

today.

Commissioner Dunn desired an explanation of the role of a special master.

Interim City Attorney Ottinot stated, under the city code, the special master

acted as

judge, presiding over hearings of citations issued by code

enforcement staff for violations; the special master made determinations of guilt

or innocence of property owners. Mr. Hobbs indicated the City needed to have

two special masters in the event one was unavailable for a hearing.

Commissioner Dunn wished to know the estimated value of the contract.

Interim City Attorney Ottinot responded, based on the contract terms, each

special master would receive $400.00 per hearing.

Commissioner Dunn asked if the City always used special masters, or if this

was something new.

Interim City Manager Hobbs replied that the use of a special master was not

something the City always did, but it was something the City began using in

more recent years; in past years, the business portion of the certificate of use

(COU), minimum housing inspections, etc. were actually heard before the Code

Enforcement Board.

Due to the issues and concerns city administration had

once the City began actively enforcing the COU process, and closing

businesses down, one of the matters that arose was that before the City could

actually close down a business, owners had to first go before a special master,

so their case could be heard; thus, rather than the decision being made at Code

Enforcement Department level, it was determined that such decisions would be

made at the special master level. Mr. Hobbs indicated there was a need for the

special master to be at both of the twice monthly Code Enforcement Board

meetings when citations were heard. Because city staff was working through

the City’s code enforcement process, doing inspections, and enforcing city

code, the process went from one to two meetings per month; the second

meeting was important, as, in the past, there were instances when the special

master was not available for the second meeting, so they had to be cancelled.

He said hiring a second special master would reduce the need to cancel the

second meeting, as in some instances, businesses were closed temporarily

while awaiting their case to be heard, so they could reopen.

Commissioner Dunn questioned how the City arrived at hiring the specific two

individuals as special masters.

Interim City Manager Hobbs responded that the current special master was

hired via an agreement with Eugene Steinfeld about a year ago.

Commissioner Dunn knew Mr. Steinfeld had an excellent reputation; he worked

with the City of Margate for over 20 years.

Interim City Manager Hobbs said the City worked through a process with him

some time prior, and actually had a contract to move forward, but the item failed

to move forward, so staff sought to do so now, as his services were already

engaged. The proposed agreement was to hire Ms. Hamilton as the second

special master.

Commissioner Dunn asked if the City went out to bid for the second special

master, or was her hiring just based on Mr. Ottinot’s recommendation.

Interim City Manager Hobbs stated the decision was not based only on Mr.

Ottinot’s recommendation, but on staff’s review of qualified individuals; the City

did not go out to bid to contract a second special master, as the city code did

not require it, as it fell under the threshold requiring the contract go out to bid.

Commissioner Dunn remarked, for the record, she did her due diligence for Mr.

Steinfeld, and she heard great things; she was familiar with Ms. Hamilton, as

she graduated from the Lauderhill Shines program. She was always in favor of

doing business with Lauderhill business, which Ms. Hamilton’s was.

Mayor Grant wished to know what processes were in place to ensure that the

rulings of the special masters were aligned with the City’s legal, and policy

priorities, and how would the impact of their rulings be evaluated over time.

Interim City Attorney Ottinot replied that a city attorney sat as the attorney for the

special master at the Code Enforcement Board meetings; this provided an

opportunity for the city attorney to evaluate the special master’s performance.

Usually any complaints would come from either city staff or residents if they felt

they were not being treated appropriately by a special master, or if they felt the

city code was not being enforced as required. He said should such a situation

arise, the City Manager and he would review the evidence and make a

determination.

Mayor Grant asked if complaints about the special master would come before

the Commission, or whether that was a purely administrative process.

Interim City Manager Hobbs commented that the determination of the contract

would be done at the city management level, but if this resulted in the need to

hire

replacement special master, that matter would come before the

Commission.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner

Campbell, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson,

Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant

Abstain:

7A.

RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-17:

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE FIFTH

AMENDED ANNUAL CALENDAR OF CITY HOSTED SPECIAL EVENTS

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE

(REQUESTED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER, KENNIE HOBBS, JR.).

Attachments: RES 25R-01-17 Fifth Amended Calendar of Events FY 25

AR 25R-01-17

Updated Commissioner Events (Fifth)

This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. (See Consideration of

Consent Agenda for vote tally.)

7B.

RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-18:

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE

APPOINTMENT OF VARIOUS MEMBERS OT THE PLANNING AND

ZONING BOARD BY VARIOUS INDIVIDUAL CITY COMMISSIONERS AS

INDICATED

FOR

THE

TERMS

INDICATED;

APPOINTING

_____________ BY THE CITY COMMISSION AS A WHOLE TO SERVE

FOR THE REMAINDER OF A TWO (2) YEAR TERM THAT SHALL

EXPIRE NOVEMBER 2026; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Attachments: RES 25R-01-18 P&Z Appts

AR 25R-01-18

Planning and Zoning Board List

Shender, Aryeh - P&Z Application

Schankweiler, Bob - P&Z Application

Mohammed, Troy - P&Z Application

Mayor Grant said she previously appointed Aryeh Shender while sitting as a city

commissioner; she wished him to remain as her appointee by the Mayor.

City Clerk Anderson noted Commissioner Campbell already appointed Troy

Mohammed to serve until 2028; the City Commission, as a whole, needed to

make an appointment, a seat currently filled by Bob Schankweiler, who said he

was interest in continuing to serve. Other positions on the board could be filled

by individual commissioners.

Commissioner Campbell sought clarification as to the number of members on

the Planning & Zoning Board.

City Clerk Anderson stated each member of the Commission made an

appointment, and then two appointments were made by the Commission as a

whole, so seven in all.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor S. Martin, seconded by Commissioner

Campbell, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson,

Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant

Abstain:

7C.

RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-19:

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL APPROVING THE

APPOINTMENT OF ____________ BY THE CITY COMMISSION AS A

WHOLE TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL EMPLOYEE

PENSION BOARD FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM EXPIRING

JUNE 2026; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Attachments: RES 25R-01-19 General Pension Board Appt

AR 25R-01-19

General Employee Pension Board List

Scurry, Kelly - General Employee Pension Board Application

A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Vice Mayor S.

Martin, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson,

Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant

Abstain:

7D.

RESOLUTION NO. 25R-01-20:

COMMISSION OF THE CITY

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY

OF LAUDERHILL APPOINTING

___________ BY THE CITY COMMISSION AS A WHOLE TO SERVE AS

A MEMBER OF THE FIREFIGHTERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM BOARD

OF TRUSTEES FOR THE REMAINDER OF A TWO (2) YEAR TERM

EXPIRING NOVEMBER 2026; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Attachments: RES 25R-01-20 Fire Pension Board Appt

AR 25R-01-20

Firefighters Pension Board List

Interim City Manager Hobbs stated Ryan Gabner currently served on the subject

board; he worked with the City’s Fire Department; the request was for the him

to remain on the board.

Commissioner Dunn asked if Mr. Gabner was

standing.

a board member in good

Interim Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Sean Henderson affirmed Mr.

Gabner was board member in good standing; he frequently attended

meetings, and had great insight as it related to the union, etc.

A motion was made by Commissioner M. Dunn, seconded by Vice Mayor S.

Martin, that this Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner R. Campbell, Commissioner M. Dunn, Commissioner J. Hodgson,

Vice Mayor S. Martin, and Mayor D. Grant

Abstain:

XII QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING

XIII QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, SECOND READING

XIV UNFINISHED BUSINESS

XV OLD BUSINESS

XVI NEW BUSINESS

XVII

COMMUNICATIONS FROM PUBLIC OFFICIALS SHALL BEGIN IMMEDIATELY

BEFORE ADJOURNMENT

Interim City Manager Hobbs announced there would be an MLK concert event

scheduled for February 8, 2025, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center

(LPAC); tickets were currently on sale, and Jeffery Osborne was the headliner.

Commissioner Campbell remarked in 2026 the FIFA World Cup would take

place; it was considered the world’s largest sporting event, and it was held

every four years. He said the U.S., Mexico, and Canada would share this event,

and South Florida venues would host seven of the games, of which the Miami

Stadium, which was the Hard Rock Stadium, would be renamed due to

promotional rights for the event.

He mentioned being recently asked about

promoting the event in Broward County, as FIFA estimated the event would

generate about $1.3 billion in South Florida, so the City needed to position itself

to benefit from the activities. The last time the event came to the U.S was in

1994. He would give updates at future commission meetings.

Vice Mayor Martin commended the City’s Police Department (PD) for the call to

action; the past Sunday his car was broken into in his driveway at about 2:00

a.m., and he noticed that cars parked at the Cricket Club were broken into the

same evening. Two of the four suspects were apprehended due to the quick

response of the Lauderhill PD to an anonymous call of prowlers in the area, with

the police cordoning off the area to create a box, and two individuals were found

hiding; car keys were found in the pocket of one of the suspects.

Officer

Cuervo, in driving around the area, passed Vice Mayor Martin’s house and

noticed the light on in his vehicle, so she retrieved the keys, went back to his

house, and she found that the key fob opened the vehicle. She knocked on his

door, questioned him and discovered he did not know the keys were stolen; it

was likely that the plan was to come back at a later time to steal the car. Her

actions went above and beyond, and when she asked him if he wished to press

charges, his immediate thought was to protect the community, and say no, the

likely response of many in the community. However, he told her yes, and he

encouraged others in the community to press charges, as it was very

disheartening for police officers to be so vigilant, as in the subject situation the

Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) helicopter, and a K-9 Unit were brought in; after

taking all these steps to keep the community safe, and find the suspect(s), it

would have been disappointing to have a victim refuse to press charges. The

latter only hurt the community, allowing such individuals to go back out, and

commit more crimes, sometimes even more heinous, while residents

complained there was too much crime in Lauderhill.

He said for the City’s

crime stats to decrease, every member of the community needed to trust that

the police would arrest guilty individuals, as today the community was more

educated, and police officers were much more professional. His call to action

to the community was: keep key fobs inside one’s house; lock your doors;

continue to lookout; and press charges when officers apprehended individuals

committing crimes.

Interim City Attorney Ottinot noted for the record that President Trump issued

broad executive orders regarding immigration, enforcement, diversity inclusion

programs, and proposed pauses on federal funding that would impact the City

of Lauderhill’s local governance. Mayor Grant directed Mr. Hobbs and he to

discuss these relevant executive orders at a future workshop.

Commissioner

Dunn, too, asked Mr. Hobbs and he to discuss the executive order on

immigration at a future workshop.

Commissioner Hodgson thanked Vice Mayor Martin for his comments, noting he

supported his advice to the Lauderhill public, as it was necessary to work with

the City’s police officers, supporting them in every way possible.

important to be more neighborly during such times, working to prevent crimes.

It was

Commissioner Dunn announced that on January 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. there

would be a public meeting in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall to

discuss the City’s Transportation Master Plan, as well as the Parks Master

Plan. The public was invited to attend, and share their thoughts as the City

decided on the future of Lauderhill’s transportation and parks. She noted on

Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., the City would hold its first Lauderhill

Success Summit; discussions would include opportunities for nonprofits to gain

resources to continue their work, as well as access to capital for small

businesses, unveiling and rolling out the prosperity project, where small

business could access up to a $15,000.00 zero interest loans. They would also

roll out the Keys to Lauderhill initiative that included a first-time homebuyer grant

from Chase.

Interested persons could go to lauderhill-fl.gov/successsummit to

still open; they would close on January 30, 2025, with interviews commencing in

the next week; the program would begin cohort ten in February. She said the

program would offer 14 weeks of support to help persons scale their business,

or start a business in the City of Lauderhill. The Safe Street Summit would take

place in Palm Beach County on February 6 and 7, 2025; she would share the

event information with Lauderhill residents, and her fellow commissioners

interested in transportation. She would be representing the City of Lauderhill as

the City’s Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) representative.

Commissioner Dunn mentioned the legislative session began, and Governor

DeSantis called

immigration, and insurance.

special session, where discussions would center on

She urged residents to pay attention to the

Legislature’s discussions in Tallahassee, and the City would work to make sure

the Lauderhill community stayed informed on what was happening. It was also

important to support and pray for the City’s state representatives; she saw

numerous bills coming out on education, and many could impact Broward

County schools.

She received numerous calls from residents expressing

concerns about the impact of immigration activities; there was a hotline they

could call or text to report any challenges being faced: 1-888-600-5762. The

hotline was for anyone needing help with deportation defense, legal

connections, TPS and citizenship service, labor issues, and wage theft, or

support for immigrant survivors of violence. She would share this information,

which was also available in Creole, English, and Spanish with the City Manager,

so it could be posted on the various City media. The service was provided by

the Florida Immigrant Coalition.

Mayor Grant mentioned the Mayor’s Listening Tour would begin on February 13,

2025, and it was about listening to the community; she would begin with

Lauderhill’s clergy members, including pastors, rabbis, and imams to hear their

concerns.

concerns, etc.; they would also go to the City’s HOAs to ensure the whole

Lauderhill community was being served effectively. She noted the Lauderhill

Oftentimes, because they had congregations who voiced many

Public Safety Forum would take place in March 2025; the exact date would be

posted on the City’s website; they would discuss the public safety of the

community, taking a comprehensive approach.

A variety of guests would be

invited to sit at the table to discuss best practices, as it was essential to hear

from other law enforcement professionals from other cities with similar

demographics, and experiences to those of Lauderhill, and the steps they took

to effectively address various issues. She commented on February 10, 2025,

the City would be celebrating Black History Month and Reggae Month; all

cultures in Lauderhill would be celebrated, and some strong individuals who

impacted the Lauderhill community would be honored, including some from the

national stage.

She, too, held conversations with Mr. Hobbs and Zach

Davis-Walker to follow all of the executive orders being proposed at the federal

and state levels, so the Commission could get a full understanding of what

needed to be done, and could be done do, so City staff and the Commission

could better educate the Lauderhill community.

She received numerous calls

from pastors concerned about the immigration component, what their

congregants’ and their rights were. Mayor Grant said she would try to lead a

charge with the clergy members to help them access resources, and provide

them information they could take back to their parishioners.

XVIII ADJOURNMENT - 7:48 PM