>> One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
>> Please remain standing. Please remain standing is customary every observed a
moment of silence and honor of notable persons from our community who have recently
passed. I am going to go around the dais to ask commissioners if they want to
recognize anybody. >> I don't remember how to use
this thing because I have been gone so long. That is good. Welcome back everyone and to
those in the audience watching us online. The first would like to acknowledge Steve
Geller because he reminded me of my mom this morning. I was trying to be strong. Thank you
everyone for your kindness and just thanking you. I don't want to talk about it. But a
special tribute that was made by the Geller family to plant a tree in honor is greatly
appreciated. Thank you very much. Let's go back to the people of my district. Ofc.
Mack Williams city of sunrise. We are deeply saddened by the passing of officer McNeil a
beloved member of sunrise Police Department since 2019. And our heartfelt thoughts are
with her, family and children and of course make her dedicated legacy bring comfort
to all who knew her. Mr. Archie's city of dear legs, we extend our deepest condolences
to the family and friend of Mr. Archie and Hon. Veteran and dear friend and longtime
supporter. Participation involved in the Eastgate homeowners Association be
profoundly and gratefully to thank him for his service. And we will deeply miss him
Eastgate and may his soul rest in peace. Thank you for listening.
>> I want to first recognize Dottie Mancini. Dottie Mancini was a huge force in the health
ministry. She actually worked her way up from being a nurse all the way to being the point
of CEO. Two they named it that Dottie parked behind the hospital. A true warrior for
our county. She was the secretary of the golf Association an active member at
the tower. She actually worked for Broward County schools system when she retired. She
will be truly missed. And Marion Macauley was another fixture at the Palm Beach
Chamber of Commerce. She worked for 16 years and suddenly passed away so our
prayers are with her and her family. And Larry Davis a prominent attorney here in Fort
Lauderdale and a lot of you knew and he is dear. Another surprise at the end of the day
that Larry passed so we keep everybody in our prayers.
>> We had a couple of giants passed away in southeast Broward in the last couple
weeks. One was Steve and many people knew him. He was a good man in so many ways to so many
people for so many reasons and he found ways to help people all over this county. He was
our I think he was the department head and I'm not sure what it was for homeless
in the county while he was here. This was a number of years ago. Everybody will go
see him for best practices. He was the go to person in this county. He was one of the
kindest people. And our prayers go out to Kathy his wife. And also to Larry Davis
who was also just a giant in this county. In terms of helping just people all over.
But in terms of elections and trying to preserve democracy in this county nobody worked
harder around that. Nobody. He was a go to person on election monitoring and making
sure that our government and democracy and both will be incredibly missed.
>> I will also like to recognize the loss of Larry Davis. Larry was just a giant
in this community. He really cared about people, vulnerable people. I had the privilege of
working with him for many years on the health coalition. He was a founding member of BB
HSC. They were dear friends. I just think the people with mental illness, he was always
concerned, he cared a great deal. My thoughts and prayers go out to Janet his wife and
his family. He will be sorely missed in this community believes an incredible legacy.
Which would be great if everyone could follow.
>> I also want to extend my condolences to Larry Davis family. He told me I was his
favorite County Commissioner. I really liked Larry and I enjoyed working with him.
Larry, I will miss him just a great guy. I also we lost Dave Eric's Candace's father. I
like to call him uncle Dave because he used to give me a lot of good advice over the
years. Candace is great and Dave was an interesting fun guy. He is in my prayers and
my thoughts for his family and I think there is a celebration of life on Monday. He deserves
it and I look forward to celebrating his life.
>> Let us all honor all of the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in
our armed forces both here and abroad and thank them for their service. I asked that we pause
a moment of silence. Thank you, please have a seat.
>> Maryland real quick I wanted to recognize someone who has always been our security
here. Officers Davis is going to be the last day. Serving in this capacity so officer Davis
I want to thank you for all you have done for us. God bless you. [APPLAUSE]
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I was also wrong by saying the attorneys last day. This is your last
commission meeting but you're still going to come to our 25th budget meeting so it is not
your last day. >> I made plans for tomorrow
or next week, Mayor. [LAUGHTER]
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Today's breakfast music was provided by Vice Mayor McKinzie. It must
be the music by secret weapon. And have to give it up by Marvin Gaye. I think vice
mayor is he on the line now? >> He is.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Okay, great. >> VICE-MAYOR McKINZIE: Yes I
am, good morning. >> MAYOR BOGEN: We have an
11:30 a.m. special set time for number 85. Today, we are going to start with two proclamation.
The first proclamation before we get down to it many of us who have been here have been
here 12 years and a lot of us we used to get annual every year people would come here
talking about our animal care and how well the animals were treated and not good. We
finally got a director of the animal care division who is doing a super great job. We
want to honor him Doug Brightwell if you want to come on down? [APPLAUSE]
Okay, where is Broward County a leader who brings more than 20 years of comprehensive animal
welfare experience for Broward County animal care. The second largest county operated animal
welfare agency in Florida. And whereas Mr. Brightwell's leadership Broward County
animal care and celebrating a record setting year of lifesaving impact achieving
remarkable gains in fiscal year 2025 including 3894 pet adoptions. Over 160 more than
the previous year. 565 reunification's with families representing a 31% increase.
733 rescue transferred nearly 200 more than the year prior. What a great job. Where as Mr.
Brightwell's directions has led to faster pathways to safety for animals reducing the
average stay for dogs by nearly 11 days. And for cats it has been more than two days
contributing to higher quality care and quicker matches with loving families. And where as
the agencies live release rate close to it 82% continue progress in saving lives and
reflecting Mr. Brightwell's commitment to ensuring that every pet receives
compassionate care in the best possible outcome. And whereas since assuming the role of
director Mr. Brightwell has strengthen community partnerships, elevated public
visibility, decrease long-term dog populations by 9% and increased short statements to
all outcomes by 8% within the first seven months of leadership. And lastly where
is Broward County animal care has flourished under his leadership earning three
national awards for excellence including the procedures judges award for its shelter capacity
crisis campaign, expanding adoption programs for long stay dogs, increasing cat and kitten
adoptions to retail partnerships and enhancing public outreach through
expanded vaccination clinics, sterilization programs and humane code enforcement. Now
it be proclaimed by the County Board of County commissioners that the Board hereby owners
William Douglas Brightwell for his exceptional leadership, steadfast dedication to animal
welfare and inspiring service to residents and animals. [APPLAUSE]
Do you want to say anything? >> Thank you Mayor, vice
mayor, commissioners and administration. I want to say it has been a huge privilege
for me to be here in Broward counties and the support of this commission and
administration. It has enabled us to the great work that we're doing. Our team from the
kennel staff, animal control officers, and ministration, customer service folks they all
worked very hard and care a great deal about the work that we do. I want to thank them
because they are the reason we are successful in doing the things that we are doing.
Thank you all very much. [APPLAUSE]
>> Mayor, can I say something real quick? I really appreciate the fact that you
are shining a light on those employees and the departments that are doing so much. Given
the tax amendment that is coming up, it is good for people to know all the
different things that the County does. Emily -- animal control is one of those things.
It is good to know. >> MAYOR BOGEN: I'm sorry, our
next proclamation is for developmental resources, education workforce. And the
reason there is nobody down here from the developmental resources educational workforce
is because there is no such organization. [LAUGHTER] Can you believe that? I think
this is the first time we wanted to do a proclamation and the Association is not
existing. I think I misspelled it. If we take out this word here and we take out this word
here and then we take out this word here and we take out this word here and we leave four
letters. [LAUGHTER] So really I might as well give it to Drew. [LAUGHTER]
[LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE] Sorry Drew I have a bad sense of humor. Normally a
proclamation talks about a person's schooling and their background and it is kind of
boring. What I wanted to do is a proclamation where his clients actually are a part of
the proclamation. They can say how they feel about him. We are his clients, we are the
Board of County commissioners. You are our attorney so this proclamation each one of us has
something to say and we are going to start with district one, Senator Rich. Senator
Rich, why don't you go first? And then you give it to Drew.
>> SENATOR RICH: I am happy to. Whereas Drew has had a long and distinguished career with
Broward County and has been a very special part of my experience as a Broward County
Commissioner. He is compassionate, considerate, caring and always ready to
help. Drew is always making sure that he keeps us out of trouble while trying to find a
way to help us achieve our goals that we wish to accomplish.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Where as when looking for the definition of the word honesty, integrity,
class, intelligence and ethical you do not need to go any further than looking at Andrew
Meyers. What an outstanding individual that will be greatly missed. Thank you for your
friendship, advice, and always being there.
>> COMMISSIONER UDINE: Whereas you managed to nearly and politics -- impossible for
years keeping them opinionated type a personalities in line legally, you did it with great
wisdom wit and humor. Enjoy your well-deserved next chapter.
>> Whereas for the past eight years Drew Meyers.[LAUGHTER] Whereas for the past eight
years Drew Meyers has been an inspirational part of my life and a mentor to me
professionally and personally. I have never met such an outstanding individual
displaying class and dignity and always placing others before himself. A true public
servant. His expertise, knowledge and government law is parallel to none and will be
irreplaceable for many years to come. I asked for God's blessings upon him and Dawn and
now able to get their fruits of labor.
>> Where as I dealt with many government attorneys and Andrew Meyers is undoubtably one of
the best. A great lawyer, a great leader, a great friend and he will certainly be
missed. We will still be seeing each other. [LAUGHTER]
>> Where as we are thankful for your subtle way of watching our back by slowly standing up
and giving us the dad look when we are side barring too close for comfort. Thank you.
>> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: Whereas drew has served of our counties attorney's office well and as a
fellow Sagittarius, I can relate to his no-nonsense style, tenacity as well as his
sincerity. I wish you an adventurous and fun filled retirement.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Vice Mayor McKinzie I will read yours unless you want to read yours?
>> VICE-MAYOR McKINZIE: Whereas four years we have been together it will be forever
etched into our walls. >> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: I see
the respect from your team and the trust. Best wishes for the future. Enjoy.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Now proclaimed by the Board of County commissioners that the Board
hereby designate Thursday, August 20, 2026 as Andrew Drew Meyers day in Broward County,
Florida. [APPLAUSE] >> MR. MEYERS: I will come down
for a picture. Thank you. I am going to grab it from over there and I promise you it is
short. Thank you everybody. I got emotional for a second but I rallied. [LAUGHTER]
Thank you to Melissa for bringing me a tissue just in case. Dawn is here, it always
makes me emotional. I was expecting to look at you guys when I was doing this. I will
do it this way. [LAUGHTER] Thank you for your very kind comments and I would like to
briefly recognize some people. First, the board and vice Mary you are up there somewhere. --
Vice Mayor. Everything was flawless today. Thank you for trusting me to be County
attorney and for your consistent support for the office. I think most of you
know or at least five of you know, I had planned to be County Attorney for five years
and I wind it up doing it for almost 9 and that is a direct result of the respect and
appreciation I have for the board. Five members of the board that appointed me are
still on the dais. I want to recognize them. Senator Rich among your great qualities is
your tireless passion for speaking for those in need. The times I have seen you most
upset and I haven't seen you upset a lot but the times I have seen you most upset were
when things were not moving quickly enough and negatively impacting County services. I
can imagine there is anyone in the state was focused more on the issue of housing
affordability. Mayor Bogen on top of your many strengths and success as a public official,
lawyer and businessperson, you have consistently championed matters that protect people.
Your heart project is a great example but only one example. You are also perhaps and I
think we all know the most generous person that I know. Commissioner Udine I greatly
admire your practicality, directness and business acumen. You call it how you see it and
you have a great crystal ball. You really do you should be in Vegas more. [LAUGHTER]
And your will willing to take stand on things when you know doing so will be swimming
against the current. Senator Geller, I've watched you which are tremendous experience as a
lawyer and legal skills. You have worked mediations with me and I want to maneuver and I
see how quickly people come to trust you. That is a rare talent. Commissioner Furr, not
too far behind me. I litigated the term limits case and I am happy to go part of it is we
got to have all of you because the term limits and the bad part is sometimes we lose one
of you. We have worked together on a number of matters and regardless of what the
matter is your knowledge and collegiality combined to move the needle even in settings and
the county is seen as an outsider. Four of our commissioners took off after I
was appointed. Commissioner Fisher, I was upset when Commissioner Lamarck the left.
Imagine how blessed I felt with somebody who has tremendous experience, high character,
skill and dedication to Dead Sea. It is truly a blessing. What great welcome to get Vice
Mayor McKinzie and Commissioner Rogers area vice --. Vice Mayor, you are shrewd and
direct. You will be a fine Mayor. Commissioner Rogers we are your skills, your kindness
and graciousness are very much appreciated. The most recent leave was Commissioner Ryan. I
learned a lot from him over the years watching him and I miss working with him. As we know
commissioners Ryan spot was taken by Commissioner Davis. We probably have too much and
comment for our own good. But that is okay. I wish you every success moving forward and best
of luck. To our County auditor, Bob I appreciate you Kathy and everything your team
do. I want to recognize the counties amazing staff let it -- led by Monica. Monica you
put together an amazing team. I will not mention a bunch of names because I do not want to
take too long and I will risk leaving some folks out. I want to recognize Kevin. I worked
with Kevin and he is multitasking even right now. He has -- adds value to
everything and he touches a lot of things. The last group I want to mention is the legal
team. I could say a lot of them are here now. I could say great things about every last
one of them. And I can write about some of them for hours. You guys know sometimes I do.
We have the deep bench, broad expertise and total dedication. We know we need to be
responsive, creative, efficient, and right. It has been a joy to watch so many
grow into incredible lawyers and am proud to call them my colleagues. Our Deputy County
Attorney's a critical part of the success we achieve. The lawyers have been with office
longer than I have. Have a total command of the practice areas which enable me to become
conversant in those areas rather than fluent which has been a tremendous help. We
recently celebrated my taste 35th year with office. Mike is leaving later this year after
38 years with the office. Those are big shoes to fill. Then we have by comparison the
new guard Danielle, Adam and Nathaniel. There are excellent lawyers and leaders that will
continue to elevate the office. You'll notice that is not Renate. [LAUGHTER]
RenC)e is in Northern Californi balancing work, hiking and squeezing a few more weeks at
summer. RenC)e leads by example, is a quick learner, all will end do work. And an
expert in so many things. So today and became County attorney, she has been an
essential part of building the office. The last lawyer I will mention is my successor.
Annika is brilliant, accomplished, dedicated and independent. She is ready to
lead the office. I'm confident Annika will consistently provide a timely and wise
counsel I have always tried my best to provide. I want to thank Melissa for keeping the
ministry staff moving smoothly. And finally my wife Dawn is here today. She knows how I
feel about her so I will not get into that. [LAUGHTER] I do want to thank her for all
of the sacrifices that she has made and all the things she has done to enable me to do the
best job that I could. Has been an honor to be County attorney. Thank you.
[APPLAUSE] >> MAYOR BOGEN: Before I get to
my other items, first of all, where's Dennis Walker? Dennis where are you? Did he leave
already? Dennis? Vice Mayor McKenzie have one of his staff people. Dennis? We have had a
heart program where people get scanned. We have scanned over thousands of people. He went
for scanning he had 98% blockage and got a stent. It is great to have you back.
[APPLAUSE] Also, we also have something real quickly on our agenda
about spirits. Commissioner Udine was spot on. All the buildings sold for $92 million.
Multifamily which would bring it down even less. You were spot on and thanks. What I
want to do right now because we get some people in the audience waiting. I am going to skip
all the way to agenda item number 62. Before I get to that, when an athlete does
great and an athlete has a profession and a degrading their support generally
speaking they are honored when they leave by being put in the Hall of Fame. Judges and
lawyers do not a -- have a hall of fame. The best way to honor up person in the legal
profession is by naming a courtroom. For number 62 I'm asking if someone would move 60
2A which waives the requirements. I have a motion and a second all in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Show that
passing 8/0. The question is on 62 B. It is in our courtroom and so well deserved for this
person of legal profession is outstanding and that is Andrew Meyers. [APPLAUSE]
I would like to know if I can get someone to move 62 I would like to know if I can get
someone to move 62 B? Let's take a vote. All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: We will do a
ribbon cutting and that will be the Andrew Drew Meyers courtroom. Congratulations.
[APPLAUSE] Now you can tell RenC)e what we are going to be doing.
[LAUGHTER] We are going to go also jump right now into item number 77
Lamar Fisher do you want to take that away real quickly?
>> COMMISSIONER FISHER: Thank you so much. Our chief judge --
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I'm sorry. Is that a public hearing? I'm sorry I am going to open a
public hearing and we are going to go to item number 77. Public hearing is open item 77
Commissioner Fisher take it away.
>> COMMISSIONER FISHER: I am going to read the record first?
>> The public item on 77 is now open. It is a motion to adopt resolution renaming
courtroom at the Broward County judicial complex judge Susan F green Hawk courtroom. One
member of the public has signed up to seek -- speak on the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Chief Judge is not here. The chief judge is a trial and could not make it.
>> COMMISSIONER FISHER: Chief judge brought to our attention the incredible accomplishments
of what she meant to the family division over the past 20+ years at our court system.
After retirement she never stepped away from service. Time and again she returned to
help when needed generously sharing her health and experience in the division she
cared so deeply about. So many judges and attorneys said she was a trusted mentor, a
colleague and a friend. She meant toward every judge who had presided in the family
division for the past 20+ years beginning with the former chief judge Jack tutor. And of
course our current chief judge herself continued up until two weeks ago. Her strong fearless
and pragmatic to her approach is candid with colleagues, litigants and of course
attorneys. And it was just fitting that when the chief judge asked the mayor to name
courtroom 11174, I felt it was necessary to bring it here and make it happened. I know it has
altered the process as far as the certification so we do not need to waive anything. With
further ado I would like to move the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: As a motion in a second the item number 77.
>> SENATOR GELLER: I think this courtroom naming shows that the new process actually is working
the way it is designed for naming courtrooms where the chief judge makes
recommendations that we seek input. This is a perfect example of the process our new
process is actually working. I --
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Have a motion in the second. Any opposed? Show it passing 8/0. I'm going
to go to the public hearing item number 88?
>> Public hearing item number 88 is now open. Item 80 and is a motion to approve or approve
the modifications to County planning councils land use plan formal interpretation related
1-01 S. Ocean doctor city of Hollywood. One member of the public has signed up to speed
on the item. >> I am going to make a motion
two for -- a motion to deferred us. It wasn't notice properly and it is all supplemental as
opposed to the regular agenda. So we need to do that. In addition there's a lot of
litigation going on on this and it needs to be a few things need to be taken care of before
we go into that. The only thing I do want to say is there was an environmental I asked at
the last meeting for an environmental review to look at. I want people to know it
was a cursory review. It was not the kind of full review that will be required if they
were going through this entire process. Some people wondered why it was so short and only
looking at a few things. With that I would like to make a motion to defer this area and I
am not doing a planned date on this.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I have a motion and a second to defer item number 88. All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Show that
passing 8/0. Thursday morning memo? Take that away please?
>> Broward County commission. The follower are considered for your consideration. One Ã
67-56 and 62. Public hearing items are 68 Ã78+88. Regular items are 79 Ã90. Request a
final -- following changes to the agenda. Withdrawal 1F item 59, item 82 and 84 are
withdrawn. Other modifications item 11 signature pages have been received. Item 12 boards
consideration of the item is based upon the item. As amended including amended
motions a Ãthe additional material submitted by the governmental affairs. Item 13
the boards consideration is based upon the item as amended by additional material 13 a
submitted by the intergovernmental affairs and grant section. Items 33, 35
and 36 boards consideration to each item is based on the items as modified by the additional
material submitted. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Did you say
item 33 or 34? >> Item 34, 35 and 36. The
boards consideration of each item is based on the item as modified by the additional
material submitted by the consumer protection division replacing Exhibit 1 to reflect
the correct public hearing date of September 10, 2026. Item 42 the boards consideration is
based on the item as modified by additional material 40 2A submitted by the consumer
protection division. Item 44 the boards consideration is based on the item supplemental
by additional material 40 -- 44 44 letter a substitute motion submitted by County
administration. Item fortified the board consideration based on the item with amendment
including additional motion B. Item 6 is the -- [INDISCERNIBLE]. The board
consideration of these items are based upon the item with the correction shown on the
attached page attachment a of errors. Move the consent item 90 be moved to consent. Items
56 and 62 be moved to regular. Times served time served for 11:00 a.m. with item 85 B.
Additional material items 1B appointments items 12 1B appointments items 12 letter a
memo to the board submitted by governmental affairs item 13 item 13 letter a memo to the
board submitted by governmental affairs and grant section. Item 34 Ã36 letter a letter a
Exhibit 1 submitted by water wastewater division. Proposed amended submitted by
Commissioner Rogers. Proposed amendment submitted by consumer protection division. I'm 44
letter a public work environment and services department. 44 environment and
services department. 44 B by administration and 45 by administration and 45 letter a
by you -- Commissioner Udine. [INDISCERNIBLE]. Item 82 Item 82 letter a submitted by
Senator Rich. 85 Senator Rich. 85 letter a submitted by Commissioner Fisher.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Thank you. Counselor, we can go around. Commissioner Rogers do you want
to pull anything? No? >> 43 and 66.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: 43 and 66 okay?
>> 45 and 63. >> MAYOR BOGEN: 45 and 63.
>> None. >> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: 67 there
is a public speaker? There is a public speaker. It make it automatically pulled. If not I
want to pull it. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Okay. Any
pools from the County administration?
>> Item 45 and 67 from the public.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: 45 and 67 okay. Anything else? Going once? Counselor would you frame that
motion for us? >> MR. MEYERS: So the consent
agenda today consists of items one Ã67. Minus the following items. Item 1F was withdrawn.
Item 6 for an extension, item 44 is pulled, item 45 is pulled, item 56 was moved to
regular. Item 59 was withdrawn. Item 62 was moved to regular. Item 63 was
pulled. Item 66 was pulled. Item 67 was pulled. And added to the consent agenda is item
9A. -- 90. I'm sorry I think I circled the wrong one. I apologize. 44 was pulled, 43
remains on consent. Let me try one more time. [LAUGHTER]
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Hold on one second. Senator Rich needs to put one thing.
>> SENATOR RICH: I need to pull item 6 for an extension.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: You are pulling number 24? Okay.
>> MR. MEYERS: May I ask did anybody pull number 44? The consent agenda Annika and I
will be on the same page here is one ÃAnnika and I will be on the same page here is one Ã
67 minus 1F, six, 44, 43, 45, 56, 59, 62, 63, 66, and 67. Nobody else pulled any other
items. And added to the consent agenda is item 90.
>> I move approval of the consent agenda by the county attorney.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I have a motion and a second? All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
Show that passing 8/0. Before 24 was it one?
>> MR. MEYERS: It is sick -- 64 Senator Rich. -- It is six -- It is six four senator Rich.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: We will start with Senator Rich.
>> Item 6 has two motions. A motion to adopt resolution appropriation disbursement of
fiscal year 2026 Ã2027 fund specifies service providers for the provision of support
services in Broward County area motion B for conflict of Broward County advisory board.
Contractual relationship with an energy receiving funds for the performance of services
under this agenda item. One member of the -- excuse me no members are signed up to speed
on the item. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Back to the
dais. Any comments? >> SENATOR RICH: I served on
the board of kids in distress which would be financially impacted if item 6 is approved.
I did not receive compensation for serving on this board and I therefore have no actual
statutory voting conflict. However to avoid the appearance of a conflict I am abstaining
item 6 and asked that it be reflected in the minutes.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I have a motion and a second on number six. All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
Show that passing 7/0. I'm sorry it would be 7/0 with one exclusion.
>> Motion approve -- [INDISCERNIBLE]. For qualified vendors list for certified
public accounting services. One member has signed up to speed on the item. Roger
Carvey? >> MAYOR BOGEN: If you do not
mind Commissioner Rogers we will take a public speaker and come to you? Mr. Harvey?
Please come on up. >> I have been a CPA for over
30 years. I own and operate my own CPA firm based in Hollywood. I am here today on
agenda item 25 15572 ask you to protect local small business equity by approving the CPA
pool exclusively for CPA firms. Over 10 years ago the commission created the CBE
qualified vendor list concept to give local firms a fair shot at County work. It is designed
to be a sheltered market so local CPA firms are not crowded out by larger noncertified
entities. I do before you today allows two non-CPA -- CPA firms into this pool. It is
about face of the true historical intent of the program. It directly threatens
our local market share and revenue to local CPA farmers who have invested decades of
service and tax dollars back into this community. It shows our local community is ready
and fully capable. Out of the firms that submitted interest three local CBE firms were
found qualified and able to perform work. Our county ordinance is clear we only need
two CBE firms to keep the pool exclusive. We have three. There's absolutely no
operational deficiency or legal reason to dilute this pool with three or with two non-CBE
firms. I asked the commissions to stand by that we have done everything right to qualify for
this program. I urge you to approve item 25 Ã1159 without the two CBE firms and allow the
three CBE firms to create the pool. If you agree, I asked that the $2.5 million that will
be allocated to the two non-CBE firms be non-allocated to the three CBE firms. Thank you so
much. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Thank you.
Commissioner Rogers? >> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: Thank
you Mr. Mayor. I need some clarification. I am going to say help me understand if the
CBE reserve why are we adding non-CBE to the pool? I think your purchasing director can
explain Monica through you Mr. Mayor?
>> In the situation according to the code ordinance you are allowed to have whenever you do
the CBE reserves, it is non-CBE's are allowed to also respond to that. In this case
that is what we did since it is acute VL when you go out for the work order services then if
the lowest bid of that surface is within 10% the CBE within 10% would be getting the work.
>> MS. MONICA CEPERO: I do want to add something else I understand it on the audience
so long as the non-CBE firms commit and have letters of intent for use of 25% with the
CBE firm that will be allowable.
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: Her face look like my brain now.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: We are here to help local businesses. What is stopping that? I do not
understand how this gentleman can compete?
>> He would be on the acute VL with the other CBE's and then to -- two CBE's. They would
put out for a work authorization in each one of the five could bid for that.
As long as whoever has the lowest price or if it is a CBE and their 10% within the lowest
price they would be awarded the work.
>> I think it is important that we ask the county attorney if we can do with a gentleman
asked. I believe we can't. County attorney can you please comment as to what is legal?
>> MR. MEYERS: Commissioner Rogers?
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: What he explained to me and what I am here from staff why do we need
a reserve if we are going to throw anyone in at any given time? I thought CBE was set up
to attract and encourage local businesses all the time? Go ahead.
>> MR. MEYERS: Everything that has been says -- said has been accurate. Let me weave it but
I may fail in doing so. To answer your direct question, we can always waive the
procurement code and direct award to anyone we want to. There is always a possibility
to do things. If it is consistent with state law. It could be done but it would
require waiver of the code and finding that it is in the best interest of the county. That
can be discussed and it is not something we normally recommend doing. What Kevin said is
correct. We modified our code a while ago to say non-CBE scan bid in CBE reserve
opportunities. The strange part here the CBE reserve normally applies when you are
letting a single contract for one project. Here you're doing what we call it qualified
vendor list which is a library of vendors. What you're doing is saying CBE's and non-CBE's
if you are responsive are not responsive and I think they put everybody on the list who are
responsible then you can be on this library of vendors. The question becomes, how is work
allocated when specific projects come up under the scope of work. What Kevin said
make sense. The code doesn't directly say it but there is flexibility under the code to
apply it. Basically it CBE's and this is normally in the context of an award of a single
contract. If CBE's are within 10% pricewise of non-CBE's then they would automatically get
the contract. Here what Kevin is saying the staff can interpret that to say for each
particular work authorization each scope of work that comes up over multiple years under
this contract as long as the CBE is within 10% they are going to get that work. I
think that is a legitimate interpretation although the code doesn't expressly say
that. Staff have the possibility to do that given the express language of this.
>> SENATOR GELLER: My understanding based upon what you have said and what Kevin
said is that although it says it is a CBE reserve, it is not actually a reserve it is a
preference. If because we do not want a CBE to be bidding 200,000 non-CBE bidding 50,000
and paying three or four times the price. What the CBE reserve is doing is saying if
you are a CBE and you are with no more than 10% higher, they will pick you even though you
are not the lowest bid. It is a preference not a reserve. Is that a fair statement?
>> MR. MEYERS: Yes. It is not a distinction but made clear that section of the code
normally applies when you are awarding a single contract for single scope of work. It is
being interpretative we will apply it for every interpretation or every project
to give over the years of the contract I think that is a fair interpretation. I think it is
legitimate for you to approve item 24 and I think staff has the flexibility given the
language of to apply it as Kevin mentioned.
>> The 10% is all contracts that are valued at 3 million or below and 3 million or above 5%
is the threshold. And we're talking about the business opportunity ordinance. So it
is not the procurement hold that it is waived, it is the ordinance for the CBE reserve.
>> MR. MEYERS: The board has the ability to waive anything dealing with CBE.
>> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: The board could wave in this particular price to have the
non-CBE's mix with the CBE's? >> MR. MEYERS: You do not have
to waive it. I don't believe here and I don't know if the procurement director is here?
I know Sandy and Steve is here. I think without waiving it the non-CBE's can compete with
CBE's. It is just that if a non-CBE and standing there Sandy and Steve is nodding
their head. If they have to have a 25% CBE goal for their scope of work.
>> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: My concern it was mentioned three CBE's that they can choose
from. I do believe there is some flexibility. Nobody is going to bid above $200,000 for
a job that is $50,000. So that is not normal. My thought process if this was carved out
for CBE's and you got three not just one, you got three different firms. Between the
three you should be able to find one to do the work. At a reasonable price. So I would
like the non-CBE's not be included.
>> MR. MEYERS: In light of Kevin's clarification, I am concerned with doing that. The
solicitation I think Sandy was written directly to allow that competition. It might be seen
as a material modification to the solicitation. What I would recommend and Commissioner
Davis that is a fair point you are making. What can happen here is the reason our code was
changed years ago to put in the 5% and 10% bumpers that Kevin mentioned is to avoid exactly
what you mentioned the $50,000 versus $200,000 amounts. What I would suggest here and it is
up to the board this could be tabled and we can work it out later. Or the board could
award these contracts consistent with item number 24 staff applies it is they are
saying with a 10% preference or the 5% reference then it is consistent without the CBE
ordinance structure to allow non-CBE's to participate also. If they don't do that then
these contracts can be terminated for convenience as well. If there is any problem.
>> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: I do not believe that with support for us to move on to this. I don't
know of anything we have done or said on this dais would give staff --
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: The other party to change something this important with us only
seeing it for the first time. This is where I'm having my challenges. Who authorizes and
who wanted this to happen? Why change now? CBE we needed only two. Now we have three to
choose from why do we need that extra two that are not CBE?
>> Doesn't it provide more competition?
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: There is always competition in the process and we have done it
before when we allow for and encouraging our businesses to do business with Broward County
creating an opportunity for businesses. We have done this so why change now? It is my
concern? >> SENATOR GELLER: I want to
remind members of what we previously did and why we ended up this way. There was a
lengthy debate on this and the question was we hear on the dais have two possibly
conflicting issues and goals. Number one is we want to making sure we are promoting local
Broward County small businesses. The second goal is we also wanted to protect the
taxpayers of Broward County by giving them the most efficient and least expensive source.
After lengthy debate on this dais, we reached a compromise and said on the contracts under
$3 million we will give the local companies a 10% bonus basically. Even with Acme is
building 1,080,000, we're still going to go with a local company even though that would
be a percent higher. But if the national company is bidding $500,000 in these three are
$1,000,001 that is over 50% or over double that it will go to the national company. That is
what we decided as a balance to our two goals of one protecting local businesses but also
protecting the taxpayer money because they are the one paying by saying it is only the 10%.
I think we should stay with that compromise that we spent so much time debating.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Can I recognize I can counsel please?
>> MR. MEYERS: Just to build on that and give Commissioner Rogers comfort. We would not
change the solicitation. It contains language that says that the UBL can be modified as
required during the term. So for staff to apply it with the five or 10% differential that
senator Geller just replied it is not changing the rule. The ruling in the solicitation is
non-CBE to participate in the reserve is also the current rule under our procurement code
for the reason Senator Geller mentioned.
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: One final question of Mr. Harvey?
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Mr. Harvey Wanda, for a second?
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: We were just recently told and I wasn't here but I understand the
process. >> Thank you for that
Commissioner Rogers. I am unsatisfied because there is language that says that if a
CBE is not available, if a CBE is not deemed to be performing correctly that the non-CBE's
the larger firms can do the work. The goal of 25% is admirable. But at the time it
appears to me that there is a potential for erosion of work and revenue from us the CBE
firms. In this case you have three firms actually three known firms around the county
that do work currently. And so I would like to see it would make me happy as a longtime
three generation resident of Broward County to have those non-CBE's firm to find a way to
legally to waive whatever needs to be done so that we can compete in a pool that is more
competitive and spot on for us. I would ask that you all to reconsider to be flexible to
allow us who live here who have our children hear who go to Broward County schools here to
compete among us for an amount up to $1.25 million which is not to me $20 million. I asked
I hope I pray that you will find a way to let us three CBE's perform this work in the
circle. Thank you. >> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: It is
an important tool to create economic opportunities for local businesses and ensuring
our procurement dollars reached a diverse range of qualified firms. And that is how I close
Mr. Mayor. Thank you. >> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: Can I
finish as well? You have the larger firms in the larger firms clearly they can lower
their prices so much more than the small business firms. But at the same time I'm sure
there's a flexibility in the procurement code where clearly we are not going to as you say
give a $50,000 job and charge $200,000. There is that flexibility also. And you
already have three CBE's that you can choose from. So I can understand if it was one CBE.
Or even two. And then you need a non-CBE just in case. But you have three. So if we are
really trying to ensure that small businesses can move up and get into the realm of a
non-CBE this is a way to help them. So I am not sure why there is flexibility in one way
and not flexibility when it comes to pricing and who you would choose from the three
CBE's? So if we are truly looking out for our CBE program in this instance is one of the
few instances I would say that you got three opportunities to do so. Three people who
qualify not just one and not even two and you can say just in case let's make sure we have
a non-CBE. So I believe that this is one of the cases and not every case but we should
look at it case by case. This is one of those where we can certainly focus on just the
three CBE's. >> COMMISSIONER UDINE: So this
is a library that we set up with five responsive participants when the different
agencies go to choose which participant they want to use for this contract that is not
another bid, it is a negotiated thing with those specific buyers?
>> MR. MEYERS: Yes. You ask you put something out and you see who responds with the best
firms right? >> It is an internal process
like a code system they will put out the scope of work that is needed for that particular
work authorization. >> COMMISSIONER UDINE: If a
non-CBE was given an opportunity to come within 10% of the price doesn't that solve
the issue? >> That was the intent of how
we were going to handle this. We would be applying the current code.
>> MR. MEYERS: The current code in the library the QVL which is a reasonable interpretation.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I have a motion do I have a second? I have a motion and a second all in
favor? >> Aye.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed? We can bring back a discussion item on this.
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: Table it would be my request to the next meeting. I'm sorry. It
is not clear and I do not want to rush this. I want to make sure it is clear what staff can
do and cannot do as it relates to the CBE program. I like it. Why are we adding --
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Commissioner is a motion to table this? I would --
>> SENATOR GELLER: Can we wait until the next meeting or is this an emergency?
>> We can wait. It is not an emergency.
>> SENATOR GELLER: And move that we reconsider so the questions that have been raised
by Commissioner Davis and Commissioner Rogers can be answered.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: So we have a second on this motion? All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
Show that passing 8/0. Now let's do Commissioner Rogers let's do your motion to table.
Drew, you would have to be here for the next meeting. Do I have a second? I have a motion
and the second to table this to the next meeting September 10 all in favor? Show that
passing 9/0. We have an 11:30 a.m. and it is 1127 special set. How many people have
signed up to speak at 11:30 a.m.? How many people have signed up to speak? Those who
are here for 11:30 a.m.? 17? We are going to go to lunch while they are speaking? I
just want to make sure we got that down. Let's open it up. This is number 85.
>> -- >> VICE-MAYOR McKINZIE: The
previous voting items, I support it. I know you recorded 8/0.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I changed it to 9/0.
>> VICE-MAYOR McKINZIE: On that one but the other ones you did not. If I say no that is the
only time I will go on the record against the consensus.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: You are a yes. The county attorney said we have to say you there -- we
have to hear you say yes. Let the record reflect we had 9/0 on the past several folks. You
are in approval with everything we voted on. On 8/0 you voted yes as 9/0?
>> VICE-MAYOR McKINZIE: Yes except for that will have to come back on the next meeting.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Thank you. Number 85 do you want to open it up Commissioner Davis?
>> To implement changes to the Lauderdale's logo and branding to include a specific reference
to Broward County while retaining the visit Lauderdale brand and take actions
necessary to agreement this motion is mentioned there is 17 members of the public that
signed up to speed on the item. The first one is from travel holes.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Before we have public speakers I want to make sure that Commissioner Davis
want to open it up? >> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: Yes. I
pulled this item because the reference of Broward County is nowhere on the visit Lauderdale
logo. The visit Lauderdale logo is just fine. What I am asking for is that below the
logo it references that Broward County is where visit Lauderdale resides pretty much.
So of all the other agencies we have in the county to include that airport and that is the
logo. Below that logo it says Broward County. If you go over to Port Everglades somebody
said where is that? Below the actual logo it designates our county. And every other agency
even the planning Council has Broward County. I don't think it is much to ask just to
ensure that Broward County is seen on the current visit Lauderdale logo. And let me
continue. This is not about replacing Fort Lauderdale or Lauderdale with Broward County.
It is about making sure the public understands that the destination being targeted is
larger than Fort Lauderdale. Visit Lauderdale itself has previously acknowledged the
issue. When the brand launched visit Lauderdale said Fort Lauderdale is only one of 31
municipalities in Broward County. When Lauderdale was selected, it was the most
recognizable name to visitors. And therefore helped to put the entire Broward County area on
the map. We can use the recognition of Lauderdale to bring people in and use Broward
County to tell them where they are and how much more there is to the experience. This to me
is the next evolution of the same strategy. The brand is funded by County tourism
resources and its mandate is countywide. There is a legitimate policy question
about whether the counties name should have a more visible presence in the brand
architecture. In markets 31 municipalities including destinations and experiences
outside the city of Fort Lauderdale. The current visit Lauderdale materials themselves
describe the destination as income passing 31 Mr. Balotelli's and everything from
waterways, Everglades to cultural. Fort Lauderdale remains the strongest name of
the brand. I'm simply asking the brand also build equity and Broward County the larger
destinations and governmental entity behind it. If visitors come because they recognize
Fort Lauderdale that is good. But when they leave knowing Broward County as a destination
the county has created a brand asset that can benefit every month as the Palestinian
business not just those physically located in Fort Lauderdale. Broward County
should not be treated as a competitor to Fort Lauderdale. Broward County, greater Fort
Lauderdale and other municipalities. The county names give geographic breadth,
Fort Lauderdale gives you consumer recognition. And visit Lauderdale gives you a
call to action. The question is, how do we build a stronger and more inclusive destination
brand that provides the enormous equity in the Lauderdale name while
increasing recognition of Broward County? I am not asking us to abandon visit
Lauderdale. I am asking us to leverage the equity we have already built in visit
Lauderdale to build equity in the name Broward County. Because visit Lauderdale
represents 31 municipalities and not just one. That is my statement.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Okay, before we go to the public speakers, I want you to hear this Steve.
Commissioner Davis, and I say this with all due respect, I believe anytime you want to do
something you should have behind you data. Focus groups, marketing research that will
justify whether we call it visit Lauderdale, visit Broward or whatever you want to do
there should be data supporting it. I have not seen anything in the backup of data. County
administrator have you done any research whatsoever to determine whether this would be
an advantage to our county? Making it a better destination and more recognizable and more
people remember it or whatever that might be?
>> MS. MONICA CEPERO: There has been no analysis.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I believe the email that talks about the cost in changing, we are talking
potentially millions of dollars in cost based on our inventory cost. I host a breakfast with
our business community. So when you want to change something, who is it to
benefit? Is it Mr. Smith or Ms. Jones down the street? Is it to benefit the people coming
here for our business community? I believe the action we take regarding this
marketing this should be the benefits of our business community not for somebody who
lives on 23rd St. somewhere and it doesn't matter. Our business community that I met
with that are here and numbers are totally opposed to this. And so --
>> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: Can I respond to you? We have 31 business -- municipalities. We
have thousands and thousands of businesses. Maybe the idea is and maybe we could, how about
talking to the thousands and thousands of business owners not just a select few who are
mainly based here in Fort Lauderdale? Now in terms of the brand itself, it is the
same brand. We are not changing the brand except adding Broward County. I don't
think there see how that will cost millions and millions of dollars. And again that is why
I would like to see it be looked at. What is the cost to just add Broward County? And
how could that hurt business? We are Broward County and you're telling me adding
Broward County is going to have a significant impact on business? I just mentioned to
you, I don't see how that could happen. It would broaden it. Visit Lauderdale, Broward
County because now you're actually more inclusive. But if you want to do a study, I
welcome it. Common sense dictates you already have visit Lauderdale. And adding Broward
County which is the broader area could not harm but help.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Hold on one second. We will go around. You said we talk to thousands
of business owners, this is not my item. I expect you are County and ministration to come
back and say we have talked to thousands of business owners. This is why we should be doing
it. I don't think I should be saying, I think it is incumbent upon the person who wants to
change it to show why it is an advantage. I have a lot of reasons why Broward like we did
the Pasadena slow and I think it was a waste. People in California saw Broward County
flows. Nobody remembers Broward and no one knows Broward and no one know where
Broward is. We have data on that. So Broward County, go outside Broward and you will
want to attract tourists, businesses, come to Broward. Where is Broward? But when you
say visit Lauderdale, at least they have an idea of where that is in South Florida. The most
important thing I think is data. What is the data showing why we should do this? I think
it is a great questions of millions of dollars. Why does it cost millions of dollars and
I think I need to be explained. Stacy or somebody can explain the cost in changing it?
>> MS. MONICA CEPERO: I did want to note that when visit Lauderdale did begin with the
branding of visit Lauderdale there was a significant amount of market research done. It is
just not local businesses but outside of our destination to see what resonated with
travelers. So that is how we really came to visit Lauderdale Brandt to begin with. There
was an extensive amount of analysis and market research to get there to begin with. Stacy
can certainly elaborate on that more.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Hold on. Do you guys want to talk now or wait for public speakers? No,
have somebody else before you. I'm asking Commissioner Rogers also. Do you want to let the
public speakers go and then we will go? I am going to let the public speakers come up and
then we will talk. >> SENATOR GELLER: My office
has been inundated with emails from the business community. I'm pretty sure I've got a good
idea of where this commission is going to vote. I would love to hear all 17 of my friends
here. But if there can be a test vote or something up there, I'm pretty sure I know.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: This is not violating sunshine. Where do you stand on this? Yes or no?
>> We want to hear from those folks who as well. These folks are against it and this is our
business community I would love to hear from you. I think it shows the support.
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: I will speak. There is 31 municipalities and I have been
around for 30 years. I can tell you when there was a Broward alliance, we felt like
we were a part of Broward County. So when it came alliance alone, I did not feel
like we were reflected in the numbers.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I am looking for a yes
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I am looking for a yes or no?
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: I am looking for further discussion. We don't have to make a
decision. This is a motion to director. I do believe we should be directing staff right
now until we have some more information. Like you requested.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: I think the logo need to stay very simple. I am a no.
>> COMMISSIONER UDINE: I am going to be a no on this. They did the marketing study. I
remember -- visit Lauderdale is crisp and clean. I think the goal of visit Lauderdale, we
are up 6% in tourism dollars that are coming to Broward County. Even if we put Broward
in the name that doesn't do anything for coral spring. The city of Hollywood sent a letter
that they are in support of visit Lauderdale. These things have to be crisp and clean. I
think visit Lauderdale logo is the proper logo for the County. I think businesses are
shortening their logos to get people to do this. I would never vote for this anyway, it
is a motion to direct County administration to do that. I don't think County
administration have the expertise, marketing a logo. This is much different in my
mind. I can give you 10 examples of brands that have changed their logo that have
significantly backfired. I don't think any nine of us were County admin have anywhere near
the expertise to discuss this and to vote on this and to try and do what we are doing. I'm
supportive of keeping visit Lauderdale. I do not want to study it anymore. I know it
have been studied a million times by the alliance, by port Everglades studied. I think
Lauderdale should be the County name.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: We will take that as a no. [APPLAUSE] Please, please. I have been
informed by counsel, you have the right to speak. You have the right to speak if you want
to speak. I think you see the sentiment of how we are going to vote and I can call for a
vote if someone wants to, it is Commissioner Davis if somebody wants to move it, second it and
then we will call for a vote. >> MR. MEYERS: If anyone wants
to speak if they can just raise their hand. If they don't raise their hand it will be
deemed waived. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Please state
your name? >> I represent a lot of
people. >> MAYOR BOGEN: I'm going to
interrupt you. We have ordered from your restaurant. It better be tasteful.
>> I appreciate it. Thank you Mayor commissioners. I am the chair of the committee for
visit Lauderdale. I am a member of the TDC. I am the cochair of the Broward Taurus
and coalition and the chair of the Broward workshop. So I just referenced that because I
represent a lot of voices in the room here and also across the county. This is not a
county issue. We market outside of the county. People who don't know who we are or
where we are. There has been a lot of work and research that has gone into the visit
Lauderdale brand and the success is undeniable. You can get the data since the change
it has been a rocketship. The CDB has done extensive research on this. Surveys, marketing
studies, workshops, focus groups. All the data says that Broward putting Broward County
name confuses the public and reduces engagement. Again, I am the chair of all of those
organizations and they represent tourism across the county both West activities
West everything. All of those committees are unanimously opposed to this. Not one
committee member said this is a good idea and we should support this. Again, we have a
brand-new billion dollar convention center with their leadership that finally came to
light. That convention center is guaranteed by TDC dollars, those dollars are by visit
Lauderdale. We need to be focused on driving business and stabilizing the convention
center. That is a game changer for everywhere in the county. While we we change the brand
now? There's a reason that Pepsi is not on the Gatorade logo. There is no confusion on
what Gatorade is. I think we should take the same approach and keep the logo clean and
keep going in the direction we are going. I strongly urge you not to make this change. Thank
you. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Does anybody
else want to speak? >> COMMISSIONER UDINE: I would
like to hear from hand Barry. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Can you please
state your name? >> Finally multiple boards and
vice chair of the advisory committee. One thing that is critically important this is a
destination marketing organization folks. I think you all know what that means.
There is no DMO across the country that we are aware of and certainly no major markets
that include the name of the county. It is visit Orlando not orange county tightend to
the bottom. I can say the same thing over and over again. Because that is the respected
practice of bringing people into a destination. And that is why we are here. Everything
else Tim said I echo. By the way who in this room is not from Fort Lauderdale? We have
the general manager of the diplomat, general manager of Margaritaville. We have major
attractions like Sawgrass Mills. The people on the advisory committee and
different boards are the experts. In this room are literally hundreds and hundreds
and hundreds of years worth of expertise in tourism and not one of them wants the name
change. Thank you very much for the consideration and for everything you have discussed
area I was there at the beginning and I have been on a map for 29 years. During that
timeframe we had a major outage and I believe it was due major research and focus groups
internationally, domestically. Lauderdale was number one in Broward County was at the very
bottom of the list. That was a part of the research folks. It wasn't us, it was people who
made a decision of where they are going to bring the tour operators, guests and people
they are recommending to travel. This is a billion-dollar industry, please
do not mess with it. Thank you for your consideration.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Everybody has to get their say. Come on in.
>> Thank you Mr. Mayor and members of the County commission.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Just state your name.
>> My name is George and although I have been a resident of Fort Lauderdale the Broward
County for most of 40 years, I do not speak as a resident perspective. I am speaking as
the former president and CEO of the states largest private not-for-profit research
university and Broward County largest private employer of over 7000 people that live
throughout this county. 23,000 students in over 200,000 loans come from nova Southeastern
University all over the globe. When the founding fathers created nova University to
study right there as a storefront in 1964. Those founding fathers were not just
from Fort Lauderdale. They were from all over Broward County and Hollywood. As a
matter fact the major contributors and philanthropist came from Western Broward
County, from Hamilton, doctor Charles Foreman and from Hollywood. Mother is Bill or
mailman, at Novus campus over in the town of Davie, it is a mailman Hollywood building.
But those founding fathers knew one thing. They started out wanting to be the MIT of the
South. They wanted only to attract students from all over the world to be graduate
students. And to this day nova Southeastern University is 80% graduate professional students
and contrary to Miami only 20% undergrads. We would have never attracted the founding
fathers said students to come to the count of Davie or to Broward County. The same thing
you hear from Tim about destination brand and it being clean and crisp, people who are
searching for where they want to go, they lean towards a place brand. A place brand.
Hamilton Foreman and mailman and Bill all from Hollywood or the town of Davie knew they had
to have the place brand of Fort Lauderdale. We would have never attracted all of the top
researchers or faculty members or students with just the town of Davie. I encourage you
don't compromise the brand or dilute it.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Can I ask County administrator, can I asked Stacy why it would cost,
let's pretend it was the greatest idea. Stacy, do you have that? I know how much you
wanted to speak today, Stacy. [LAUGHTER]
>> Thank you. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Why would it
cost more money? >> That is a complicated
question. I want to try to make it as simple as possible and as quick as possible.
There are different tiers to rebranding. There are simple tears as simple as putting a
word on a business card that would cost a few thousand dollars to doing full brand
launch that includes video, media buys production companies, talent, wardrobe
which can cost a couple million dollars. When we rebranded in 2021, it cost us $2 million.
And when we refresh the brand earlier this year, it cost us another $2 million. It depends
on how much you want to do. You won't know what your tear is unless you do the research
to determine what moves the needle. Because I think we can probably all with certainty
suggests that sticking a couple of words on a business card does not do anything. How much
more do you have to do in order to move the needle? You won't really know that until you do
the research. What you do know is that if you don't do a full brand launch on every brand
nobody will see it. How much will it cost for people around the world to see your
rebranded? It cost us $2 million each time we do it.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Thank you. >> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: I am
just want to say two things and then clearly because it seems folks have changed their mind.
This was brought to us before but not as an agenda item. However, I will destroy the
items since I do not have consensus here. Firstly that was mentioned about other
markets Miami-Dade, they have their own Miami and the beaches. They are not a part
of Miami-Dade County government. They are a separate entity. They have
their own board. And many of the other agencies do the same thing. Around Florida, they
are not tied to a governmental entity. And so the name of that entity is not on there.
However, in addition to that when I'm sure when this was looked at visit Lauderdale,
Broward County was not one of the options. Was that studied? Was it just Broward County,
visit Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale? Was the combination study? Probably
not. Again because I am seeing my colleagues saying no to the idea even though the cost to me
that was mentioned would not be prohibitive with just adding that. I will at this time
withdraw the item because it is not getting any traction but stick by what my points were.
And maybe at some later time when I do have consensus, I will bring it up again. Thank
you. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Counsel if she
is withdrawing the item do we need a motion?
>> MR. MEYERS: No, I think it is fine.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Thank you for coming in and speaking. It is 11:56 AM. I want to address
one thing before we grab food. Food is in the kitchen for all of us so we can do a working
lunch. >> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: We do
have speakers from 67. If you don't mind?
>> MAYOR BOGEN: No I don't mind. I want to touch on Commissioner Davis one thing
you just said. You said this was brought up before. When was this brought up before?
>> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: And non-agenda.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Okay. I think we need a policy. Hold on. I want to get a policy that
agenda is -- we are half-asleep and it has been a long day. I don't think non-agenda should
be used at all. I want to bring up something and if you don't object, I am talking
about something. They must agree to it. I just want to make sure counsel you tell me
whether we need a vote on this or policy? Anything brought up in the agenda when we are not
voting has no consequence of any policy or any direction unless we all agree. The
majority agrees? >> MR. MEYERS: The only
exception would be for basically to direct for an ordinance or administrative
code resolution. Because there's no final action that is being taken so you can raise
that under your current rules non-agenda. If there are not sips -- six objections you're
not taking any action on non-agenda.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Explained that again? If I bring up something that has to do with changing
administrative code or an ordinance I can do that without putting anything on the agenda
and I don't have to have it written anywhere and I can talk about how I want to change an
ordinance and direct Monica to come forward and another meeting or direct your office
to come forward and another meeting with something. Even though my commissioners haven't
voted on it? >> MR. MEYERS: Technically, if
it was a very long day you only had six people on the dais and you said, I direct the county
attorney's office, would like to see the county attorney's office doing ordinance on this.
There won't be six objectors because you are in favor and there are only six total
people. We would draft it. But again that comes back before the board twice. Set
for public hearing and then public hearing.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: So matter what happened on non-agenda has to come before the board before
admin or anybody takes action? >> MR. MEYERS: We can prepare
something. We can't implement something, Mayor. We can't and Monica can't implement
something. This item 85 instead of it being this way which was proper, it was just
brought up non-agenda and nobody said anything opposed to it Monica would not have
direction or authority to do it. She can draft a policy to bring back to you for your
consideration. >> SENATOR GELLER: Do we need a
motion? If so I can second it.
>> MR. MEYERS: It is both. You act by voting, we take direction by voting except when
we are preparing something from nonfinal action by us that you will subsequently --
>> MAYOR BOGEN: The only thing in non-agenda is directing you to come back to the board or
Monica can come back to the board for us to vote on it?
>> MR. MEYERS: Yeah. Sometimes you would have non-agenda and we need to send a letter of
support to somebody and things of that nature will generally let it go. But for his staff
to implement something -- >> MAYOR BOGEN: If I forget to
put something on, I can put it there bring it up in that agenda and I would really like
you to put together something for the next meeting even though there's nothing on the
agenda that is legal? >> MR. MEYERS: Under your
current rules, yes. >> MAYOR BOGEN: We have number
67? Let's do number 67 because we have people waiting and we are going to bring food back to
the dais to continue this meeting.
>> Motion to adopt resolution United States Congress to take immediate legislations action
from awful permanent resident status. If otherwise eligible the United States citizenship
affected by the termination of temporary protective static urging executive branch of the
United States and in congressional action to redesignate provide other
lawful temporary protection from removal recognizing the humanitarian economic workforce
and determination on Broward County. Three members of the public has signed up to speed
on the item. The first is Michael followed by Michelle Pierre.
>> Can I make a statement first? Haitian immigration resolution the resolution
response to the termination of Haiti's temporary protected status resulting removal loss
of employment authorization, family separation, and workforce destruction. The
resolution requests congressional legislation providing eligible Haitian
nationals protection from removal and an opportunity to apply for lawful permanent
resident status. An opportunity to pursue United States citizenship only after
satisfaction of the applicable statutory naturalization requirements and temporary
executive protection pending congressional action. This is the basis of the resolution
which you can read yourselves. One of the things I wanted to ensure is that at a minimum,
the resolution is formally indicating the board's policy position to Congress, the
president, DHS, US CIS, ice and other appropriate federal officials. Thank you.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I assume your opposing this. Why don't you take it away?
>> Mayor, commissioners good morning. Michael Raynor chair of the human rights board. We
are very pleased to see this resolution on here. Haitians in South Florida are not
statistics. They are our neighbors, our coworkers, our caregivers, our small business
owners, our parents, our friends, their safety and dignity matter to our entire
community. We just had this room full of our tourism industry here in Florida and I
can only imagine how many Haitians that are in TPS just got fired within the last two
weeks when a loss that protective status. I know that a friend of mine who owns a
bakery in Miramar, I called her to see how things were going. She started to cry on the
phone. Because she was writing her last paycheck to several of her employees and she is
beginning to expand another location of her Haitian bakery. She was touring Ã-- torn. I
believe one of the proper in addition to this items passage would probably be an additional
motion to direct to have this added to the federal legislative packet which is
standard of resolutions of the sort. Human rights board, we did discuss this and submitted
the memorandum which is attached and it references the August 10 article which
unfortunately was not attached. That is the Sun Sentinel article that you can see. We
are entering such a horrible time in this nation. I am first generation on my father's
side. My father came from Poland in the 40s. But there's something much different when
you are white and an immigrant. I have to say that as somebody who has the blessing to be here
and to be born as a citizen. It tears me up when I see on Facebook videos that are being
posted that churches in South Florida that are being rated right now for Haitians. You
see Haitians being taken off of their bicycles in front of people steps when you look on
social media. And how people are trying to make sure the billing longings that are left
behind by ice on the sidewalk and get back to those families. The inhumane time we are in
where Broward animal care is far more humane and how it picks up animals off the street
to make sure that they are cared for. We are at a time where government lacks any
Christian principles in a nation that is supposedly Christian. I don't know this
country anymore. And many of us struggle. I just want to say thank you, I know you're
going to support this and I asked there be another motion to add it to the legislative
packet. If I may Mayor, if I can thank Drew for his years of answering the phone when I call
you at 7:00 in the morning for you to help me through something. And to help me in
my advocacy and also as chair of the counties human rights board to ensure that we always
maintain our moral compass and help us through the legal issues. I just want to thank
you for that time that you have been here. Thank you. >> MAYOR BOGEN: He wanted to
tell you how upset he was for calling at 7:00 in the morning. [LAUGHTER]
A good response. Who is next? >> The next member signed up
to speak is Michelle Pierre followed by Helen O'Brien.
>> Hello everybody. Michelle had to go to work. My name is Helen O'Brien I lead SEI you
the union of airport workers, janitors and security officers. I wanted thank Commissioner
Davis for introducing today's resolution. For years Haitian immigrations have been the
fabric of Florida. They help our airports run, clean officers and do essential jobs.
At the Fort Lauderdale airport around 60 of our members had TPS and lost their jobs after
more than a decade. They were terminal cleaners who kept the airport spotless, wheelchair
agents to help seniors get their flights and cabin cleaners who sanitize planes
for passengers. There were also security officers guarding and protecting County
buildings, janitors and landscapers at nova Southeastern University. I was
just 32 members there were thousands of other TPS holders in healthcare and other
industries. One of our members was a janitor who clean the airport terminal for almost 20
years. He had never been late and rarely missed work. He took pride in keeping those
floors spotless. He is terrified to return to Haiti. His son was a police officer
there and watched his own partner be killed. Gangs has taken over his home in Haiti
and he has nowhere to go back to. He also has no income. Another is a mother who is
15-year-old son is a U.S. citizen. She lost her job and can't afford to feed her child.
She now has to choose whether she lives here in the shadows with her child or goal back to
Haiti without him. These are people who have worked, pays taxes raise families and
contributed to borrow candy for years and should not be treated as disposable. I know we all
agree there's nothing we can do other than lift our voices and count on this county doing
that. Thank you so much. I appreciate your help.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Now that the speakers are done, do you want to move it?
>> SENATOR GELLER: I will vote for this because I feel strongly on the topic. But in
general, I keep saying that we should not really be taking positions on state and federal.
Whenever we send a resolution in support of something to the state, it just means that they
are more opposed because they did not like Broward. We really should be taking
positions on federal and state issues. I will vote for this because I feel strongly on the
topic. I want to caution us on that.
>> What goes around comes around and we know what that means. I'm here to support
this resolution because even being in Tallahassee when we knew that the legislatures
cannot do anything about federal issues, we sent resolution in support. We are
one of six or seven counties, we need to do Broward County so I am in support.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Number 67 does someone want to move it? Do I have a second? I have a motion
on 67 moved and second all in favor? Any opposed? Show passing 9/0. We are going to
do something a little different. We have food here instead of room for 30 let's
bring our food quickly back here so we can can continue the meeting. Within a few minutes.
We have a long day and folks we will be right back probably within 10 minutes. For most of
us five minutes. okay, can ever seat? We are going to start. Monica, we would like you to
grab a seat. This is recording. Lamar, what number is yours? Okay, we're going to
get real quickly to number 83. With Commissioner Fisher taking it away.
>> The process necessary for control of Broward County no member of the public has signed
up to speed on the item. >> COMMISSIONER FISHER: As
everyone knows back in 2003 Broward County did grant to the Broward Sheriff's office
control of the fire rescue through an interlocal agreement with automatic renewals every
five years. Since our board's action we took in April the administration have been
diligently working on this particular matter it sells. I do want to thank Mr. Reyes for
his dedication. Michael, I want to thank you for all you have been doing. Dealing with
the stakeholders, I know that you have been in charge and talking to the IAF FF 4321
league of cities, the Broward County city managers Association and the fire Chiefs
Association. So I want to thank you for getting the ball rolling and I think you have
met with all seven cities that Broward Sheriff's contract with fire. But this particular item
here today concerns the agreement between Broward County and the Broward
Sheriff's office for the delivery of fire rescue services. Under that agreement
articles 11 and 12 the current five-year term expires on September 30for the delivery of
fire rescue services. Under that agreement articles 11 and 12 the current five-year term
expires on September 30, 2028. The next five-year term would automatically renew beginning
October October 1, 2028. But unless either party provides at least one years written notice
for the intent not to renew. So the agreement does offer other cancellation
opportunities but I feel this particular time is now the right time to make a decision
to discuss the agreement effective September 30, 2020. The timeline for this would
ensure a smooth transition for this critical service. We all know public safety is our
number one focus as elected officials. So the purpose of today's discussion is not to
make a final decision as I do plan to bring an item back before us at our at our
September 22 board meeting so there is ample time for all parties and the public to study
the issue. The process can be relatively smooth transition. It is moving all 907 employees
under Broward County. We are ready -- already on the equipment. The contracts that
Michael has been working with the municipalities on that. The nine communications will be
smooth and seamless etc. Administrative will position themselves and human resources
department obviously will need inventory training and locations will pursue and
purchase minimal equipment and take over all the air rescue helicopters at the Pompano
Beach Airpark. Here's what the important part of it is in my opinion. Broward County now
has the opportunity to control its own fire department and its cost. Commissioners who sit on
this dais, Commissioner Davis, Commissioner Rogers, Commissioner Furr and
Commissioner Udine. These individuals have served at the local and city level as myself.
You understand the importance of having your own fire department. The advantages
including the commitment to all of our communities. So Mayor, I welcome discussion here today
and comments for my colleagues and of course at the conclusion of discussion, I'm going to ask
that you recognize me for a specific motion or directions for the 22nd meeting. I
appreciate you, thank you. >> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: Can we
give an opportunity to someone from the public who had been here from this morning to speak
first? >> MAYOR BOGEN: Absolutely.
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: Would anyone like to speak from the public?
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Please come on down. If you don't mind just please state your name? Hold
on. Say it again. >> My name is Denise Howard
and I'm the acting assistant city manager for the city of Lauderdale Lakes. Thank you
for the opportunity and good afternoon Mr. Mayor and commissioners. I just want to
briefly express our administration support for moving this discussion forward
and explain the process necessary to bring Broward County for -- fire rescue under
the control of Broward County. For Lauderdale Lakes this is particularly important because
the cost of our current fire rescue contract has increased significantly and continue to
place increasing pressures on our financial resources. As we looking forward to the
potential end there impact of Mrs. Pelletier's must face we believe it is important to
explore opportunities that can help ensure the long-term sustainability of essential
public safety services. From the city administration's perspective having Broward
County assume operational control is an option that deserves serious consideration.
If this can provide greater efficiencies, more predictable cost and long-term financial
sustainability while continuing to provide quality fire rescue services to our residents, we
are certainly supported of exploring the opportunity. We appreciate the County
commission's initiating this discussion considering the impact these increasing costs
are having on the municipalities such as Lauderdale Lakes. Thank you.
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: I will be reaching out to the cities represent to hear from them. I
am here to participate in this discussion. I am glad it is a discussion and we want to make
sure everybody knows that it is a discussion we are having this afternoon. Thank you very
much. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Anybody on this
side? >> SENATOR GELLER: I am
certainly underside it -- undecided. I am looking forward to the motion and
discussion. >> COMMISSIONER FURR: --
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Vice Mayor can you mute your phone?
>> VICE-MAYOR McKINZIE: I was getting ready to speak.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I will call on you in one second. Commissioner Furr is done so we
call on you now Vice Mayor McKinzie. > VICE-MAYOR McKINZIE: I
also served locally. I do believe firmly in and what Commissioner Fisher stated
about local relationship with the department. I look forward to the item coming back to move
forward. >> SENATOR RICH: I am
interested to hear the discussion. I hear from many of the municipalities that this
is the direction they would like to go. We should investigate it.
>> COMMISSIONER UDINE: I look forward to the conversation discussion. I think right now
we are seeing affordability is the number one issue right now with all of our constituents.
If there's a way that we can provide the same or better level of public service at a
more affordable rate, I think we should look at that with everyone of our departments. I
thank Commissioner Fisher for bringing this up and I would support looking at it.
>> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: Thank you. I would certainly like some more data I'm sure in the
discussion we will get data historically why was given over to be in the first place since
we had previously. And other County agencies across the state and may be across the
country want their fire departments under their sheriff's office or not. And
also if there's any areas of concern not just financial of course we can't guarantee we
are going to be less. I don't want municipalities to think if we take it over there going to
get a cost savings. They may not. But what other issues are arising with them having
control of the fire department? I know we talked a lot about the police department and the
issues of communication and so on. So I would like to see were there any other areas of
improvement that was needed and that was never addressed, and certainly look forward to
seeing what that would entail for us to take back the fire department as opposed to
leaving it with BSO. Thank you for bringing the item.
>> COMMISSIONER FISHER: I would like to move to direct County administrator to place an item
on the September 22, 2026 board agenda for the board to consider whether Broward County
should not renew the five-year term for the local agreement of the fire rescue area is so
direct County administrator with the counties attorney's office to provide written
notice of that decision to BSO so we can discuss it on September -- on the 22nd.
> MAYOR BOGEN: I hear a motion can have a second? I have a motion in the second to
direct County attorney's office or administration to bring back what he was looking to get
back. Have a motion and a second all in favor? Any opposed? Show that passing
9/0. We will go to number 45 real quickly.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: I think is somebody from the public as well.
>> Motion to thisdirect further evaluation of the public-private proposal
submitted by liability company for construction and operation of composting facility on
County owned property and incorporate Broward County to publish notice of the
unsolicited proposal for the same project. Motion to direct County administrator for the
visibility of county owned and operated composting facility on county owned property located
at 7101 southwest. 25th avenue unincorporated Broward County. Two members of the public has
signed up to speak on item. The first one is Dustin and the second is Nick.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Good afternoon, state your name.
>> Dustin with filthy organics. Thank you for seeing me today. I thought I was
going to be saying the morning but that is at the door. Believe it or not I have been
working on it composting since the 2020 efforts. I met with Commissioner Fisher to talk
about some land opportunities at the time. There was no appetite for it. Which is fine
but we have data from the last six years with the hope of getting to the point we are at
today. With their encouragement, I have been working with the commission
staff to develop the project for more than a year now. I truly appreciate your help so
far. I'm encouraged to see the county and its municipalities eagerness to utilize composting
for recycling it is such a valuable resource. I hope this can move for today in a most
expeditious means possible. I am a little confused by the request to issues excuse me the
request to have staff explored doing this on their own. About a year and and a half ago
engineering issue their studies in the master plan that did review all of this already.
That is why I am here today. I'm seeking a partnership with the county. Please vote to
move forward with the filthy organics so we can provide a sustainable waste solution
together. Thank you. >> SENATOR GELLER: I want to
verify the type of composting you're doing will be yard waste only and not food waste is that
accurate? >> That is correct.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Number 45 County administrator to proceed with further evaluation. It
should be with further filthy evaluation. Make sure you put in the right words. Proceed
with filthy evaluation okay? >> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: I was
not sure what this meant. Honestly, don't do jokes. It is not very clear. You have
heard me over the years talk about defecation. Or whatever it is, I know that Michael
wanted to know where the site is located. I keep hearing unincorporated Broward County.
But who are the people that would be living closer? Just because I don't know and I know
district 1 so I wanted to hear from how close are you to human beings?
>> Our last speaker is Nick Matthews.
>> Good afternoon Nick Matthews on behalf of filthy organics. Thank you for the
opportunity mayor and members of the commission. Real quick I wanted to remind the
commission, it has been literally over year since we first met with your staff and
filthy organics. Explore a partnership between filthy organics the county and
exploring land opportunities we have been before you previously and there was consensus that
the previous site may not be a great option. It was your vision in your direction that
sent us back to staff to do our homework. We have to come to a site that I think is really a
great option for this. The memo issued by your staff essentially recommends moving
forward with the process and raises some general issues that we feel largely contractual in
nature. Everything raised in a memo are things that we can sit down and hammer out and
negotiation session with her staff. Absolute confidence we can handle that. The one thing
and this is where I'm hoping attorney Mr. Andrew Meyers the way it recommends that staff
move with the competitive solicitation part about the unsolicited proposal process.
Florida law now allows for unsolicited proposal processes to move forward as long as you
bring an item to a publicly noticed agenda twice. You have an agenda two times and you
don't have to go to the market and look for a bunch of people from out of the area, from
across the country to throw in proposals. I would suggest we have been here two or three
times and has been a year in the making. The only person knocking at your door kicking
down your door to partner with you is Dustin with filthy organics. He is Broward base,
he is a CBE and committed to Broward. He has been working with the county over year in
good faith. What we would, what I would respectfully request is to amend your motion
to take advantage of this new process under Florida law where you can expedite things. We
can move things quicker and bring an item to agenda items and move ahead and get to the
negotiation table. Your staff Monica, Kevin who have a great and very accessible throughout
this process, I'm confident we're going to get to the table bring back something you guys
can be proud of and Dustin will start turning this yard waste into a quality product. I'm
looking forward to getting started. Thank you.
>> In case my fellow commissioners did know that the solid waste Authority is now a
done deal. It passed on last Friday. All the cities but two state with it. Deerfield Beach
and Miramar decided not to. It is 26 cities and the county. What that essentially does, the
solid waste Authority now has the ability to have full control. They can direct where
waste goes. Obviously this is one of the best opportunities to be able to send yard waste
our own landfill. And Senator Geller your question was a good one. All the surrounding
cities said as long as it is not food waste bring it on. And let me just for say I
really appreciate filthy organics model and what they are doing. Dustin, you have
been at every meeting with solid waste Authority since it started almost. You are very
good person to be working with. Here is what when I look at your proposal here is what did
concern me with it. You're starting with 25,000 tons up to 100,000 ton capacity. My
concern is this. The estimate of yard waste and Broward County is going to be out there
about 300,000 yard waste. The solid waste need to hammer this out and figure out is it all
going to go there? Are we going to divide the county into quadrants? We also have to see
where all this yard waste is currently going? We kind of have an idea already. We have
to talk and cities are going to have to be willing to source separate. This is not what
they are doing right now. You get yard waste picked up at your house and a lot of times
it is both yard waste and all kind of junk on certain days. We are going to need if it is
going to go it has to be source separated or needs to be. There's a lot of questions that
are here. What I put here is an additional motion. To evaluate the feasibility and I
honestly do not know which one would be better. Of the county owning and operating a yard
waste there. One of the reasons I saw in the proposals from filthy organics and from
admin this would be risk-free by having filthy organics do this. I do not see a big risk.
Because you've got flow control, we've got the acreage in all of the stuff. 30 years
ago the County commission decided not to own waste energy plants. The reason was they
said because we don't know what the risk is. We don't know, it was new technology, we don't
know of these things are going to blow up. We don't know what is going to happen. They did
not own it, they delegated that authority to waste management. Consequently, while Palm Beach
is building a brand-new one, we had ours torn down. At a cost, we let waste management do
that, I think Miami-Dade got an estimate the other day and it was almost $3 billion. That
kind of ask, we can't let those assets go. One of the things solid waste Authority has been
looking at is, what and where can we control our own destiny? I do think Dustin would be a
fantastic somebody to work with. But I think the solid waste Authority does need to
decide whether or not we need to own the facility or not? That is an open question. And
I want to bring that to the solid waste Authority with this motion. I want to pass both of
these motions and let them both be evaluated. The first one is looking at the proposal by
filthy organics. And I am putting this forward to your company. You want to think of
how can you have a larger capacity? I know I've spoken with Kevin on this and do we
want to do a small or start off small? I don't think we need to do that. I don't think we
need to start off small. We know we have full control. We know there's 300,000 tons of
yard waste in his county that needs to go somewhere. A year from now, we have to come back
all of the cities with all of the prices of what all the yard waste is going to be. What the
disposal is, what recycling and all of these costs. At the time they have the option of
saying, we want to go further or not. I think we need to come back with a real price, a
true price and a full-blown idea of how to deal with yard waste in this county by that
time. And so we need to know that we can handle all of that capacity or where that capacity
can be split up? I am asking both of these motions be looked at. First the motion for
further evaluation for the unsolicited public-private partnership with filthy
organics but also an additional motion that directs County administrator to evaluate the
feasibility of a county owned and operated yard waste composting facility on county
owned property. I guess I need to ask county attorney if I need to do this one at a time
or both at the same time? >> MR. MEYERS: I think you
could do both at the same time. I want to make sure we understand your motion to make
sure are you moving motion a motion B on the material? Mr. Matthews asked for something
different. I would just want to make sure. Perfect, thank you.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: I want further evaluation on part a for County admin to be looking
at for their proposal how would then how could they make this bigger? We know every
household has 0.85 yard waste per year. That is what we need to be taken into consideration.
All of these logistics are now going to be looked at over the next, we will have RFPs out by
December. There's a lot of logistics now that this FWA is finally established. The FWA
need to be looking at these things. So I am asking for both of these proposals to be
accepted and I make a motion to that effect.
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: Just thinking out loud because I recall residential communities
were residential communities. This is a lived experience. We have nursing homes, assisted
living, group homes, we have a bunch of different homes. I know the hospital, I know they
are sending all that other smelly stuff. I don't know when my garbageman picks up if
he knows whether or not he is doing yard stuff or yard stuff mixed with other stuff? You
understand where I'm coming from? No one speaks to that. Tomorrow it might be a
three-story building at that location. So we can't say it is going to be houses X amount
because things are ever changing. We have no control over it but you can control
that you want to be able to control the flow of the waste. You have to know what the waste
is. How do we know if it is from dogs or from people?
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: We know the percentage of waste in this county. Second, what you're
talking about our non-disposal. The county deals with disposal. In the agreements every city
and the commercial side has a holler agreement that takes a both garbage and some of them
may pick up yard waste as well. It is distinguished within the agreement. Those agreements
have to be looked at totally different right now. Because right now every city has agreed
that their stuff is going here, here or here. Now they're going to be saying, we want it
to go there, there and there. And the reason is for the county, you're not going to
stand up an entire mulching facility if you don't know 300,000 tons is coming. You
will not be buying equipment for that unless you know it is going. Now you know it is
going there. Now you know how much is going there, where it's going and this is to benefit
each one of those cities that are involved. Okay? Does that help?
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: Someone needs to know. I need to understand where the
dog.[Bleep] Is going. You control the hospitals in larger facilities but the
single-family homes that are doing all of the other stuff and I know I need to get out of
here at 3:00 PM. So I am going to be quiet after this.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: All of that needs to be earmarked. Recycling is already that way
and your garbage disposal. The yard waste is separate from those two things. This is only
dealing with yard waste and that is it and nothing else. Just yard waste. Leaves and
trees. >> We have seen this item
before. When we saw the item before that he brought for the location itself he spent a lot
of time, effort and money securing looking at one location that we had. We said
to them, go back and work with the county to find another location. Again, the spent
time, money and effort working with the county and administration to do so and
they have so they came back with this motion at this particular 25th avenue I
appreciate my colleagues comments but again this is a small business and we asked him
to start small and grow. We asked him to come back and they spent monies in cost to do the
proposal now. So I would not want to convolute it because of item B is at the same location
7105 because of item B is at the same location 7105 southwest. 25th avenue for you
to look at. I personally want to support item A like it is but also looking at the letter
that filthy organics sent to us with additional material. They talked about another process
that we could utilize in the Florida law. I want to look at Mr. Meyers team, is that
possible? Have you looked at that? It talked about proceeding with the unsolicited
proposal for the qualifying project without triggering the public process. But it also
provides two public hearings of the process. So the public as the opportunity to speak on it
twice. Is that my understanding?
>> MR. MEYERS: Yes. It is possible to use the noncompetitive process.
>> COMMISSIONER FISHER: That is what Mr. Matthews was talking about earlier. Commissioner
Furr did a motion, I would like to do a substitute motion or an amendment to that motion to
approve A with the change that somebody is going to tell me. Am I too confusing or not?
>> MR. MEYERS: You would want to move A, a process that Mr. Matthews is referring to and
you are referring to is being utilized in item 44 that already passed on consent. So
we have the language that we can use if that is the board's preference. And you do not
want to move B? >> COMMISSIONER FISHER: That
would be my motion. What that achieve the goal Mr. Matthews? These folks have been working
diligently with a last year and we want to do the right thing. That is my motion. I don't
know if I'm going to get a second or not but that is my motion.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I have a motion in the second on the substitute motion. Hold on.
>> COMMISSIONER FISHER: We are going to change the process.
>> SENATOR GELLER: I am the ultimate on the solid waste. I am going to give great
difference to Commissioner Furr he knows more about the solid waste than the other eight of
us combined. What I would like to ask Commissioner Furr before we vote on this is if you have
an opinion on his motion versus yours and if so can you elaborate a little? Because I
agree with everything you said about filthy organics. They have done a lot of work and I
would like to work with them. But if you're saying they are concerns with this because of
the county needed to control it ourselves, I would like to hear your comments before we vote.
>> MR. MEYERS: When Commissioner -- Commissioner Furr response which option
printed with the competitive process or the one with the noncompetitive process what we
can give you the language Commissioner Fisher. Motion B is helpful because it tells
staff what you would like for them to do. Even if motion B did not pass the solicited
proposal expert to my office tell me that staff can still go through all of that analysis
because staff doesn't have to ultimately accept the proposal and can use the property as it
determines the most beneficial. It is helpful for direction unnecessary in terms of
actually doing that. I just pointed out for whatever it is worth.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: That is a good distinction. If we were to decide this is a company we
wanted to go with, I would agree with you. They have been good partners and done
everything here. The one I think that needs to be a part of this conversation, we are
asking they have just gone through this crazy process for 10 years now. This is one of
the best options in saving money for all of the residents in this county. Filthy
organics may want to take another look at their proposal. Recognizing what the capacity
is now. Because they didn't know when they did this, they didn't know how many cities it
was going to be. They didn't know how much yard waste it was going to be. And so, the
proposal only deals with a fraction of what is needed. My feeling is that to your point
if were going to pick a company, they are definitely the right company. But we need
to analyze whether or not this is something with that County can set this up themselves or
should they? I don't know. Eye on -- I honestly don't know. Before we go forward
with the unsolicited proposal that is kind of where I feel. If we were not doing the
proposal with filthy organics find something where we can. It might be able to work. It
is one of the things and I hadn't seen the unsolicited proposal until just a few days
ago. I own my own thought was that this was going to be a proposal and we would be able
to handle all of the yard waste and that was going to be sent there are 300,000 tons. And it
doesn't mean that you can't come back and maybe a part of the recognition of the
evaluation of the proposal says you know what this proposal needs to enlarge itself a
little bit. And that is possible.
>> First Commissioner Furr, we all respect your knowledge like Senator Geller said certainly.
I think the beauty of the process it is a dynamic process. It is a faster way to
get to the negotiating table almost. One of the things just there Dustin just told me if
there is an appetite for the county more space available, we can build up the capacity that
is needed. The one thing we would want to do is pivot back to the solid waste Authority
and work through that process. The need for composting is identified in your master plan.
It is well documented and we have someone who is here answering the bell ready to
address that now. We will work with your staff to bring a solution that is scalable to
accommodate some or all of the need based on what your staff thinks is most appropriate on
that site. I think the need is there and we can do it and we are excited to do it.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I need to move down here. I have other commissioners that want to
speak. So let's recognize Senator Rich and then Commissioner Udine.
>> SENATOR RICH: The need is now. If we go back and do this and go through this process
with the solid waste Authority, it would take us another four years. The need is now. I
have been looking at this and reading it. I have a question about the yard waste because so
much of the yard waste comes from not what is picked up at the curbside, it is picked up
by Gardner's by people that are taking it there. So do we have any idea what the tonnage is
that is available from all of the commercial entities that hire people to clean up yard
waste from homes and everything? I know for instance in Weston they do not
pick up yard waste. We have two cans. Recyclable in the regular garbage. We don't have
the yard waste. Maybe we are one city that doesn't. I am just saying, I think right now
we know we have enough to get started here. It is just frustrating to me to sit and
listen and think that we may go back to square one almost after these people have been working
on this for a year. This is in my district where the facility is. You can see there is
currently yard waste piles and then there is a proposed 8 acre site. I can see if there were
a need for greater it could be enhanced and expanded. The other thing is there is no
change of property here. It is our property. We are not selling our property to them.
It is under a ground lease within the existing area of the Broward County landfill. I
just think we need to move ahead in my opinion. And I go backwards by having to go
through a whole other process again now.
>> COMMISSIONER UDINE: The changes that Commissioner Fisher made I think we could do
that. I would like to see the start of the process to prove concept and if it needs to be
expanded on with the solid waste Authority wants to come in and do more there's no
reason not to. I think if we don't start, we will be behind the eight ball further than we
are. As a community not as a county but as a community we have not done the best job with
our waste. We are seeing that over and over we look at landfills sizes and whatnot. I
want at least start something. I support what Commissioner Fisher made a substitute
motion. I do agree with Commissioner Furr. You have to go to the solid waste Authority
at some point to get buy-in from them because we have a solid waste Authority with
everybody. I want to prove concept but I'm going to --
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I have a motion in the second we haven't voted on it.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: It has to go out by November or December.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: How long is it going to take before comes back?
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: We are expect to have the prices by April of next year. That is a
quick turnaround. All of them have to be decided on next year. Here's the part I'm
worried about. If the yard waste number is not considerably lower than what it
is right now then it gives the cities, the cities have the option of bailing on this. It
has to be at a better price a much better price than when -- what it is now. There is one
place where the price of the cities had better prices than on everything else. Our global
agreement, we are ready. Yard waste is one place where if we don't have a better price they
are going to say Fort Lauderdale is going to say, I'm out. Holloway Ãthat Hollywood
is going to say I'm out. I think you guys know that and it is upfront. And the reason
why, it has taken 10 years to get here so give me a second. The one thing if the county was
running it then you run it like a utility and you run it like whatever the user service,
whatever the cost is is what the cost is to the consumer. And that is a different price.
If you can get it down to, do you like that? That is where you need to be that I know need
to make a profit. We need to figure something out.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I am also going to support Lamar as well.
>> MR. MEYERS: It is not motion B which can still be done by staff. Motion letter a is most
certain to direct County administrator to do further public private submitted by
filthy organics limited liability company for construction and operation of a
composting facility on county owned property located at 7101 southwest. 205 in
unincorporated Broward County. This is the part that is changing. To initiate the
process 255 Ã065 Florida statute rather than directing publication and acceptance of
competing proposal pursuant to section rather than directing publication and acceptance of
competing proposal pursuant to section 255.065 3B Florida statute and to return the
proposal to the board for the duly noticed public meeting required by section 245.065.3 C
Florida statute. >> MAYOR BOGEN: I have a motion
in a second. All in favor? Any opposed?
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: I am not ready to do that.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: It passes 6/2. You are excused from the meeting now senator.[LAUGHTER]
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: We will figure it out.
>> SENATOR GELLER: The member of the solid waste or the altar?
>> MAYOR BOGEN: We have one more. We have a lot more. Hold on.
>> Did we get a response on motion B?
>> MR. MEYERS: The motion was Commissioner Fisher, substitute motion. It is only part letter
a and revised. Anybody have a different understanding please let me know?
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: The county can still do the evaluation on the feasibility
of doing it ourselves? >> MR. MEYERS: Yes.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: Our administrators looking puzzled on this.
>> MS. MONICA CEPERO: Fully clarify motion letter a that passed and Commissioner Furr
what Drew said earlier we will still be able to do the analysis.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: Part A is to proceed with further evaluation.
>> MR. MEYERS: Until you sign a contract you have very broad discretion including analyzing
alternates. You're not going out for competitive solicitation to seek further
proposals. >> There is direction and
motion B. Do we not need direction?
>> MR. MEYERS: You could do that with or without motion B. You can determine if that is a
better use of the property. >> MAYOR BOGEN: We are moving
on. We are going to take number 78. It is a motion to enact ordinance Board of County
Commissioner to Broward County participation fund ordinance amending article 5 Chapter 16
of the Broward River County code updating proposed Center for Medicare and Medicaid
services. Authorizing the use of the policies for additional Medicaid supplemental payment
program in providing inclusion in the code an effective date. I did that faster than you did.
Public hearing is now open on number 78. We have one speaker? Come on down.
>> Good afternoon. I'm Brian Stewart the CFO at Florida University Hospital in Davie.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. I want to thank the board in the county
staff for your continued partnership and leadership in supporting a LPF effort. We
appreciate the board's help in improving this ordinance amendment which is an important
step in preserving access to critical Medicaid funding for hospitals and the patients we
serve. This commitment helps align the counties LPF ordinance with the evolving
federal waiver framework. Against the county and state the flex ability needed to
continue participating in Medicaid supplemental payment programs while complying with
federal requirements. For us this is more than a technical ordinance update. It directly
supports our ability to care for Medicaid patients uninsured patients and vulnerable
residents in our community. These funds help sustain them agency services, specialty
care, workforce needs, and other essential hospital aspiration that benefits across
the county. The LPF structure allows hospital federal share to drawdown federal Medicaid
funds imported this is a accomplished without the grading new burden on county
taxpayers or households. The timing is important because hospitals the county in the
state need ordinance framework in place before the resolution. On behalf of the hospitals and
patients and families we serve thank you for helping improve this amendment in your
continued support of the L PPF program. Actions help access to care and strengthens the
safety net in this community. Take you again.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: So you want us to pass this. I thought you didn't want us to pass this? I
am joking. Senator Rich go ahead.
>> SENATOR RICH: I want to thank the team for waiting. We have done this before and now
we are doing it again for additional money that is available for us to drawdown
for the hospitals actually. It doesn't cost us anything but it allows us to serve more. It
obviously so important right now given what is happening with Medicaid services that we
take advantage of everything that we can bring in to our county in the form of waivers.
Yes, I move it. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Have a motion
in the second for number 78. All in favor? Any opposed? Show it passing 8/0. Since
this is Drew Meyers date, we now have some dessert for drew Meyers. We have a combination
of his favorite dessert which is strawberry shortcake, I cannot stand it. It is
strawberry shortcake, do you want us to cut the cake up or do you want to do it yourself?
Why don't we cut it up for him? We are going to take three full minutes. Drew, you need to sit
down. Sit down please. This is a drew Meyers ice cream where it says congratulations,
Drew. We have different flavors. This is another chocolate cake ice cream with
brownie bites. Hold on I have a lot of different flavors. This is sweet cream, this is
cookies and cream. We got to eat the stuff. This is strawberry shortcake for him.
He likes that garbage. Does anybody like vanilla? Come on guys pretend you like it. We
have cookies and cream. They only had five flavors. This is sea salt caramel ice cream with
brownie bites. This is cookies and cream. Chocolate cake ice cream with brownie bites.
Picky people. Cookies and cream and that is it. Are you ready? A little change in pace
here. >> I think we can also
celebrate. Mayor? I think we can incorporate this cake and ice cream to the mayor's
birthday last Saturday. We have a dual purpose here mayor.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Nice try. [LAUGHTER] This is for drew. Are you
ready? We have other stuff here. I am good with food and that is about it. Come on.
Counselor, which one do you want? Chocolate cake with brownie bites? We have cookies
and cream. Picky picky years we have here. Would anybody down there like anything? No?
I can't eat it. I am diabetic, I can't eat it. The next one we are going to go to his
number 43. -- Is number 43. >> Easement agreement motion B
motion to authorize County administrator to prepare US Army Corps. Beach project
better tropical storm Nicole flood control coastal emergency project. Motion C director of
public works to research evaluate legal options for the property located within
segments two and three who declined to fail or grant the county the required easement
and to report the findings and recommendations to the commission. Motion D is for
environmental service department in consultation with the office to research and
evaluate existing storm damage easement agreements. The county for real property
located within segments two Ã three to determine whether the existing is there easement
requirement preserve eligibility for full federal funding for future beach
nourishment projects. Zero members of the public signed up to speak.
>> I put in for the simple reason I just wanted staff through Ms. Monica Cepero to
explain this. When you talk about withdrawing from segment two beach nourishment people
got nervous. I got nervous because most of my district is on the coastal line. There's a
specific reason for it and more importantly my understanding is Ms. Monica Cepero, my
understanding somebody was to speak on this because there could be some changes to it so
we might not have to do a withdrawal. Five minutes for him or her to explain it
quickly and where we are at. Thank you.
>> MS. MONICA CEPERO: He is ready to give a brief overview and thank you for that intro.
>> COMMISSIONER FISHER: Thank you.
>> Just really quickly to your point, we are not withdrawing from beach reinforcement. This
is about a project that we completed a couple years ago and there was a warranty repair
that the court was going to do. As part of the warranty repair it is normally all covered by
them. When we did a project a few years ago all of the easements we had were
sufficient for the project and there were no issues with it. However when he came back to do
the reinforcement for the warranty repair, the core had adopted some new policies which
mated that some of our easements at first it was six and then it was 30 and then it
may have been 90 something. It is just completely changed the whole picture of the project
and had significant financial implications for other beach projects. And it has come to
our knowledge that other jurisdictions have gotten exceptions and workarounds.
And so we were looking at trying to see if there was a policy or legislative change
that can be made so that we would be able to preserve the real beach green nourishment
projects the future ones from having to be in the way they be implemented. There has been
some fruitful conversations with assistant secretary of the Army's office as of yesterday.
They may be able to give us some policy exception so we will work on that. In the
meantime this would give us the flexibility to continue to be able to address it with them
and hopefully get some sort of meaningful reinterpretation before we actually do a real
beach green nourishment project.
>> COMMISSIONER FISHER: This gives the option to do so and I am going to move the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Have a motion in a second on 43 all in favor? Any opposed? Show that passing
8/0. I assume again that Vice Mayor is not on the phone correct? Let's go to number
56. >> I do have to six motion
letter a board of County commission selection committee for the selection of an
independent certified accounting firm for the audit of the county and
constitutional officers. Motion B constitutional officer clerk of court property
appraiser, supervisor of elections and tax collector. Motion C to approve County
auditor Bob as financial advisor to the committee create no members are signed up to
speed on the item. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Thank you.
Motion letter a motion to appoint to the auditors selection committee. This
would be in addition to the five constitutional officers that will also sit on the
selection committee. I understand from speaking to the county attorney that there is
no limit on the number of County commissioners who can serve on the committee. I
would like to open it up to each Commissioner if they would like to serve on the auditors
selection committee? Commissioners please raise your hands if you like to serve on
the selection committee? I like Commissioner Udine's idea that we nominate all
commissioners to the selection committee. Whoever shows, shows and whoever doesn't
doesn't. >> MR. MEYERS: For timing
purposes Commissioner Furr. >> COMMISSIONER UDINE: I
nominate everyone except for Commissioner Furr.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: He took Senator Geller's spot in talking so long. [LAUGHTER]
I have a motion in the second to appoint all county commissioners except
Commissioner Furr to this committee. All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
Show that passing 7/0. Did you want to say something Bob?
>> No. I would like to introduce the item if need be. It sounds like everyone is
familiar with the issues. We are following the processes prescribed by state law.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I don't think I need to say anymore here do I? Now turning to motion B and C
which would take up and vote upon together may I have a motion on B and C? I'm a
motion to move B or C approval. I'm a motion in a second volunteer?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Show that
passing 7/0. We are going to number 59. 59 was withdrawn. On to number 62.
>> MR. MEYERS: 62 you're ready covered.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I am just testing you counselor.
>> MR. MEYERS: Give me a chance to redeem myself.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Number 63? >> A motion to adopt
resolution approving July 2026 Broward County resilience plan. No members of the public has
signed up to speed on the item. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Commissioner
Furr? >> COMMISSIONER FURR: I didn't
want this to go unnoticed and this is like a capstone. When this county put together and
helped put together the southeast Florida climate change compact back in 2009
this is almost like the capstone to that 17 years later. This resilience plan
the amount of coalition building that this took not by commissioners but a lot my
staff. A lot of staff went into the business community and talked with the community. The
business community challenged us. They challenged us to come up with a plan and the question
they were asking first of all, they understood the sea levels were rising. What are you
going to do about it? How much is going to cost? Is it worth it? Those are the questions
that have to be asked and or answered in this resilience plan. I will tell you having a
chance to go to many climate change conferences, the places throughout the world look at
this model. They're looking at our model and how good it is. They are saying this is the way
to do it. We should be proud of this plan. Gives us a blueprint through 2070. It is
not going to be easy to do. It is a big challenge. I want to thank Commissioner Bogan for
putting the resilience plan and it got us a kickstart. It has brought a lot of buy-in from a
lot of cities. I also want to thank Nathaniel with the county attorney's office. I forgot to
list. There's a bunch of people that helped in rewriting this so that it is palatable on
many levels. But thank you Nathaniel and your whole group. I'm sorry I don't have the
list. You can tell me who they are real quick? Thank you. They deserve a huge amount, you
guys worked on this night and day to get this for months to get it through everywhere.
They have done an incredible job to build the coalitions. Unless you go out there into
the community and talk with the business community and find out what they are doing and to the
cities everywhere this is a huge step. I think we should be incredibly proud of what we
have got here. And with that I would like to make a motion to approve?
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I have a motion and a second on number 63?
>> SENATOR GELLER: I want to point out this is not requiring us to spend billions. It is a
guideline. I would like to thank Commissioner Furr and doctor Geraldo for the
tremendous amount of work they both did on this.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: A motion in a second all in favor? Any opposed? Sure that passing
8/0. Going to number 66? >> COMMISSIONER FURR: You were
a huge part of this as well. She has been a part of the climate change compact since
2016? And all of this went through the climate change task force. You have been a part of
that from the get go. I thought you might speak to it?
>> SENATOR GELLER: I apologize for omitting her.
>> SENATOR RICH: I wanted to say thank you. It has been an unbelievable working with my
colleague. Commissioner Furr are working with the climate change issues. You will be
incredibly missed. >> MAYOR BOGEN: We are going to
go to the public hearing. I'm sorry, 66. Next item 66 is a motion to adopt resolution
supporting the honorary designations of the Phil Smith Memorial Hwy., Terry Boulevard
and the Memorial Highway. Recognizing Florida Department of Transportation is the agency
responsible for the honorary designation markers. No members of the public has
signed up to speed on the item.
>> I know this was on consent but I didn't want to go unrecognized. There was a
Senate bill 628 that was passed to name certain portions of the state highway for three
individuals. Those individuals are listed in district 4 by the way. To begin with Phil Smith
Phil was each one of these individuals their generosity of the community was unbelievable.
Phil Smith has car dealership but his heart was filled with generosity and giving not only
Broward County but throughout the state. Then you have carry -- Terry styles. What they did
downtown is what it is today. Their footprints and his footprints and handprints are
all over it. Rick and Pompano Beach created a 77 home community for habitat of
humanity. They continue to provide their generosity to our community. To have them have
markers on our state roads really is an accomplishment. I want to thank the legislative
body that made this. This is a item that has to come before us to make it complete. I just
want to recognize these three individuals and thank their families as they continue what
they do for a community. This is really a proposal. Thank you, Mayor.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Have a motion in the second on 66 all in favor? Show a passing 8/0.
Can we get another vote on that? All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
We are now going into the public hearings. Even though we have done a couple of them
already. Do you want to open it up? Thank you.
>> Public hearing on item 68 is now open. The first of two required public hearings. No
action on the motion will be taken out of today's meeting. The second public hearing will
be held on September 10, 2026. Item 68 is a motion to approve Marine lease Broward County HC
Inc. for Marine terminal in the Mayport area of Port Everglades. With the term
commencing July 1, 2026 for 10 years with one five-year renewal option term. No
members of the public has signed up to speed on the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: We are moving on to number 69.
>> Public hearing on item 69 is now open. Item 69 motion to adopt resolution regarding
vacation petitioner number 2026 ÃV Ã02. Vacating and annulling 25 foot wide
thoroughfare, 20 foot drainage easement and a 12 foot wide utility easement with track D
of pleasant acres plat. No members of the public have signed up to speed on the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Have a motion in the second. All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
Show a passing 8/0. >> Public hearing on item 70
is now open. Item 7 is a motion to adopt resolution regarding vacation petitioner
number 2025 ÃV Ã09 vacating and annulling 15 foot wide utility easement within the
Paradise properties plat. No members of the public has signed up to speed on item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Have a motion in the second on number 70. All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
Sure passing 8/0. >> Item 71 is a motion to
adopt resolution regarding vacation petitioner number 2026 ÃV Ã03. Vacating and
annulling a 10 foot wide utility easement and parcel B of the bin asked plat and
drainage easements with parcel letter a financial center plat. No members of the public has
signed up to speed on the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I'm a motion in the second on number 71. All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
Show a passing 8/0. >> Public hearing item 72 is
now open. Item 7 into motion to enact ordinance adopting amendment to the conference of
plan related to the climate change recreation and open space and transportation
element. No members of the public has signed up to speed on the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Do have a second? We have a motion and a second but Senator Rich wants
to speak. > SENATOR RICH: I'm going to be saying the same thing for
number 73. I just find these changes to our comprehensive plan very distasteful.
Especially regarding this prohibition to diversity, equity and inclusion. And
while it is distasteful to remove the language from I understand that it is
unfortunately the law right now. I found that it really must say how I feel about it.
Even though I am going to be voting for it do to it being a part of the state law. I am
and hope that we make changes in our land use wording that would hopefully not
disproportionately impact the most vulnerable residents. And that we will somehow maintain a
common sense practice that we have pursued for a long time in our community. Thank you.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Have a motion in the second on number 72. All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
Should a passing 8/0. Let's go to number 73.
>> 73 is now open. Item 73 is a motion to enact ordinance adopting County conferences
text amended PCT 26 Ãthree. Related to policies 2.36.1 and 2.36.2 regarding land use
policy and public infrastructure and services decisions. No members of the
public has signed up to speak on the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I have a motion to move it. A second? Have a motion in the second on number
73. Senator Rich wants to speak again.
>> SENATOR RICH: I just wanted to say what I said on 72 is applicable to 73. Thank you.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: All in favor? >> Aye.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed? Show 73 passing 8/0. 74?
>> Public hearing on item 74 is now open. Item 74 is a motion to enact ordinance
adopting County land use amendment PC 26 Ãfour located in the city of Margate. No
members of the public has signed up to speed on the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Do I have a motion? I have a motion in a second. All in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
It doesn't look like it. Show approved 8/0. Look like some indigestion but it is not
opposition to the motion. Number 75?
>> Public hearing on item 75 is now open. Item 75 is a motion to adopt resolution
pertaining to employee retention amending section 26.44 of the County
administrative code to comply with section 218.077 Florida statute area no member of the
public has signed up to speak on the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Do I have a motion? Do I have a second? I have a motion in the second and
Senator Rich would like to speak again. This is recording.
>> SENATOR RICH: That is okay. [LAUGHTER] I hope it is. Actually 75 and
76 are worse than the previous two. These are changes that the state legislature and
governor have imposed upon us to remove the sections of our procurement code that ensure
employee retention in recognition of domestic partnerships and our entire
living wage. Employee retention has been one of the basic protections that ensure
that whatever we as a county find a vendor that can provide the same service at less
expensive tax pair does not result in employees losing their jobs. Additionally,
domestic partner benefits has allowed couples and households were registered as domestic
partners but not Mary for whatever reason to extend their basic insurance benefits to the
partner. Most importantly living wage ordinance and Broward County currently $18.53
per hour for security service officers with qualifying health benefits and $16.19 per hour
for all other covered employees receiving health benefits. This will now fall to the
Florida minimum wage of $14 per hour. For standard employees and $10.98 per hour for tipped
employees. To the firms who receive every employee is losing anywhere from $2.19 per
hour Ã$4.53. I have to say this is just appalling considering everybody is
talking about affordability and the fact that people can't afford healthcare, they can
afford food, they can afford gas. And now with this is doing is reducing and lowering
their wages. It is really difficult but again I understand that it is part of
state law. I am only hoping that after the next election maybe will have people will
understand that we need to take better care of everyone in the state of Florida to make sure
that everyone can make a living wage.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Senator Rich, we want to talk about who is responsible. The governor and
the legislature. The Republican state legislator and the governor is responsible for
it. Have a motion in the second on number 75 all in favor?
>> Aye. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed?
we are not going to recognize you in November. Let's go to number 76.
>> The public hearing item 76 is now open. Item 76 is a motion to enact ordinance
pertaining to the domestic partnership ordinance. The prevailing wage ordinance and
living wage ordinance amending section 16 and a half to 157, 26 Ãfive living wage
ordinance. Amending section 16 and a half Ã157, 26 Ãfive and a 26 Ã102 Ã26 Ã104 of the
County code of ordinances to comply with section 2 18.077 Florida statute and repealing
to the living wage advisory board section 26 Ã105. The members of the public has
signed up to speak on the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I have a motion and a second. Did you want to speak Senator Rich? Let's get
a little more fired up. >> SENATOR RICH: I want to
reiterate it. What goes for 75 goes for 76 so that it is on the record.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: That is it? >> SENATOR RICH: Yes, thank
you. >> MAYOR BOGEN: All in favor?
Any opposed? Show that passing 7/1. I think we are done now. That concludes a public
hearing. -- Our public hearing. I guess we are on 79. We have a delegation on Florida
youth sports coaching eligibility reform. Are you here? Are you here or not?
Forget 79. Number 80 delegation. Homelessness, are you here? Great, come on up.
If you don't mind state your name and whoever you are with.
>> I am Ariel Walker and I am by myself. Hello everyone. I -- a year ago senator Polsky
stood in front the board in the Residence and encourage each one of us to share with you
guys are ideas and what we have. This is why I'm here today. In In December 2025
Broward County launched the safe program safe parking program which provides people
experiences there experiencing homelessness -- [INDISCERNIBLE]. Broward
County currently has five county owned campgrounds that are controlled by the County
and their existing infrastructure is designed to support overnight stays. My
request before this board is to explore whether we can designate three Ãfive camping
sites per campground for those people that are homeless. I recognize and understand that
Broward County current campground rules prohibit sleeping and passenger
vehicles. But I am not proposing that we disregard those rooms at all. I am
proposing that -- I am not -- [INDISCERNIBLE]. I'm asking to create more space for the
program to work. Part of the request is looking at the data. How often are the campsites
actually occupied throughout the year? How many sites are available during different
times of the year? This could be a coordinated effort between screen through the appropriate
system and campground becomes a temporary structure place of stability while they are
working towards permanent housing. So Broward would not be the first County to actually
explore it campground facilities as a response to homelessness. In 2012
Wisconsin formally designated three campsites campground for how homeless people. What I
find interesting is that Dane County revisited the issue in 2021 recognizing the
campgrounds was one of the few lawful alternatives available to people without permanent
housing. As of now and 2026 Dane counties budget includes $2 million towards creating a
lawful sleeping accommodations for homeless people including a campground or similar
arrangement. To me this is something important that this idea deserves to be evaluated
rather than dismissed. We already have the land, we already have the
infrastructure, we already have the park systems. So before we invest in creating something
entirely new, I am asking us to look at what we already have. Look at the data, look at the
challenges and look at the safeguards. This is not about creating a place for people to
remain homeless, it is about creating a safe temporary place where someone can park tonight
while Broward County helps them work towards a permanent place to live. So I did bring some
data from online. Should I pass it or what?
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Sure. I don't know how nice he is but give the gentleman here and he will
pass it around. >> It is the resolution that
the board and she passed and it is also information approving in 2026.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Thank you so much. Have a great day. Are you going to pass that around
there Mike? Thank you. Mike in the back, I would like to skip over real quickly while he
is doing that to number 89. Did Mark leave him fall asleep? He is here. [LAUGHTER]
Mark, I'm sorry you had to wait all of this time. I feel so bad for Mark.
>> SENATOR RICH: Maybe you can skip 88.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: We have the best airport director in the country. We don't realize how
lucky we are. >> Item 89 is a motion to
discuss allegiant air. >> MAYOR BOGEN: I got it, it is
mine. What I wanted to do and I am going to as counsel after this. I am at the airport
twice a month. I am telling you this is serious. I want you to put the pictures up
please. Look up at the screen here. No other airline that I ever seen have hundreds of
people waiting and they only have two people working the county. -- Counter. They
can't treat our visitors and residents? The only have two people. Mark Gale was at the
airport when I was there. I was waiting in line in the fast line 40 minutes. It took 40
minutes and I was in the express line. Everybody was mumbling and upset. I asked
Drew, why would we want to give these people more gates if they're going to treat our
customers and our residents this way? After I complained all of a sudden four people
magically more appear to help these people. I have been told Spencer who works for me
travels allegiant once a year and said it is always like this. They do not put staff up
in these people have to wait an hour Ãan hour and half in line. Look at this picture.
Can you do the next one? They are way down the hallway in front of another airline
because allegiant does not want to give customer service. It is just a joke. We have such
good airlines that want to expand JetBlue, American, United, Delta and Southwest. I
think we need so my whole point is, I don't think we should allow expansion of another
airline if they are not willing to treat our visitors and our customers better. Drew, if you
know mine I asked you you went somewhere overseas and you were waiting an hour in a lines.
Her first thought was, that is what people think of our airport. It is like a joke.
Anyway, that is where I'm at. >> SENATOR GELLER: I have
account -- I have a question for County administration. Every time he does he brings a
complaint to us. Did we not pass that resolution all we only talked about it?
>> MS. MONICA CEPERO: We only spoke about it.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: If you think I am off-base that is fine. I just think and I only bring
complements to what a great airport we have run by Mark Gale. Mark has no involvement
with how allegiance staff up their stuff. I'm going to ask County attorney, can we limit
if they do not want to provide proper staffing, can we limit their ability to expand?
>> MR. MEYERS: We are working on a signatory of agreement that will be brought soon. You
could tell me if I mistake this. There is discussion. The signatory airline agreement
talks about how gates are allocated. But the airport director does have some
discretion. We also have code authority that could potentially be in acted. Yes,
these things can be relevant and it is important obviously for the airport to be
well-functioning. >> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: Thank
you Mr. Mayor. I know we have a solution to your problem. I am going to ask you to engage
for everyone that was in this room earlier this morning. Tell them to help us to solve
that problem. We need help. Mark alone cannot do it. You need the business community to
talk to their businesses which is everyone that uses our airport and the airlines.
Engage them in this conversation as to the look that you don't like area.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: It is not a look. It is allegiant not providing staff to service our
visitors and business community that has no involvement with allegiant. Allegiant is
deciding not -- >> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: They
can support changes in the airport. Engage them.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: I fly allegiant. It is the of prices are very good. It is probably
because they don't have 10 people there. So when I go to allegiant, unlike I'm glad I
can go to Nashville for $50. I'm glad I can do that and it is the only plane going there
almost. So there are some good sites. Nobody needs to be waiting. But obviously for a
budget airline for people that want to fly on budget, honestly I am okay with waiting a while.
If I am saving some money. There's another side to it.
>> SENATOR GELLER: As part of the resolution, we also agreed to pay your UBER fees to Palm
Beach to get you to fly out. >> MAYOR BOGEN: If I have to be
the only one publicly to say allegiant provided horrible service. I will say it all the
time on this dais if I have to. Commissioner Udine?
>> COMMISSIONER UDINE: I flew allegiant in the past few months and I didn't have to
wait in line because a lot of things you do online. I know you're not good with the online
stuff. You don't have to wait if you do it online. That is the story for another day. The
only thing I am going to say, I don't think you are making a bad point. What I would say is
I used to feel the same way and I would never fly out of terminal four out of FL L. I
knew the lines were so long coming in with the airlines that used to have most of the
space at terminal four. When that airline went out of business, I read an article in
the sun sentinel and it was what Commissioner Furr was saying. There were so many
people that complained of one of the budget low-cost carriers. They complained
about the service levels and they complained about everything. But when they were
gone there was a huge void in the market of people that wanted to fly at a much less
expensive rate. I agree with your frustration. I am happy to tutor your on doing this
stuff online. If you want to meet with me we can do it in the sunshine and we can go from
there. [LAUGHTER] >> MAYOR BOGEN: You can make
fun of me and that is fine. [LAUGHTER]
>> COMMISSIONER UDINE: I could've taken pictures of you.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Mark does not need to say anything. I always like to hear from Mark. One of
them and he is. >> I want to thank
Commissioner Udine for wanting to tutor you.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I will take him up on that.
>> We value your business partners and we want great customer service across the
board. Where those airlines fail, we are going to try to encourage them to obviously do
better. We will be working with the county attorney's office to see if we can do that
to the lease agreements article. One way or another we want to make sure we always
provide customer service regardless. That is going to be my mission and my mission of
the team. >> MAYOR BOGEN: I will be the
loan tickets are in front of that airline you will see. [LAUGHTER]
>> We want to make sure from a public safety standpoint if lines need to be managed better
of the pictures that you took that is one of the things we spoke about with allegiant
before. We will continue to talk to them. Hopefully we are not casting everybody into a
bucket here. There are a lot of airlines that do great things. Where they fail we
want to make sure we address that.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I have not she -- seeing JetBlue, United, Southwest Delta and they don't
have lines like this. Anyway, thank you. We will move on. I'm glad you had your joke at
my expense. Let's move on. That was Air Canada by the way. That was Air Canada that
decided not to distribute luggage at 1:00 in the morning. I know people to bring luggage
out. The plane got in late and they had no body to bring the luggage out. [LAUGHTER]
What is next? 81? Motion toward. Let's go with number 81 purchasing division.
>> 81 is a motion to award opening contract to crown USA Inc. for runway for traffic.
No members of the public is signed up to speak on the item.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Have a motion do I have a second you might have a motion in the second all
in favor? >> Aye.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: Any opposed? Show a passing 8/0. What is next? Are we done? Now let's
do reports. We are going to have one out of the two. Thank you. Commissioner Rogers thank
you for your comments. Are you done? Thank you.
>> Juliet we thank you for all you have done for Broward County for all of us --
municipalities create I want to say happy birthday to Mayor Bogen last Saturday.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: I want to congratulate Carol who will be my successor. She will be a
fantastic addition to this board. She is brilliant. She gets along with everybody
really well. And is already on the lot of the same boards so she knows her way so she will
hit the ground running. Second, as I've already mentioned solid waste Authority
is now a done deal. I do want to thank Nathaniel and Matt particularly for an enormous
amount of legal work that went into it to make it happened. Nathaniel, thank you.
[APPLAUSE] Wherever Matt is, it is amazing how much work they had to do
over the last four Ãfive years to get that done. It will not have been able to happen
without you guys so thank you. Over the summer another big milestone took place. And that
was back in 2018 we had passed from this office we pushed forward the Kristin Jacobson
former County Commissioner the coral reef preservation area. Now it is called the Kristin
Jacobs aquatic preserve. During this time over the summer for the last eight years
they have been working on a management plan. It was a turf kind of war between the fish
and wildlife commission and the Department of Environmental Protection. Obviously, it goes
from Martin County down to Biscayne Bay. They finally put together an entire managed plan
and it is there and it is solid. It is signed and have public input. But again it is
one of those things that this commission was the tip of the spear on that. It is something
to be proud of. When we are now looking at applying for grants FIU has a Ãthat's
applied and they got $1 million. It is one of the things how do we use that for
future policy. Anyway, congratulations our department has been constantly giving
input to it and have done a huge job. Thank you to the entire resilience department.
Lastly, have two requests from the school board for something I think could be kind of
interesting. They're wondering if it is possible to use our Broward County transit system
for high school students? The interesting part on that is you are creating future users of
that system. There are There are -100 bus drivers right now. They do not have drivers. They
are asking is there a way to use our system and incorporate that may be combining some
synergies there. I think it is something I'm throwing and looking at Monaco. It is
something for us to look at. [LAUGHTER] And second, they are asking if
there's a way of using County district partnership to secure the bank arena for Broward high
school graduations. I will talk to you later about it. Right now it has been there all
over the place and it is costing them extra money that they don't have.
Unfortunately, the school board is getting starved. It is as to getting start because so
many students are being given scholarship to all of the private schools. It is really
hard on the school system. That is our school system and it is horrible. I think it is
one of those things will -- of how can we help out? This is something for both for the
transit this -- division. >> MAYOR BOGEN: If they are
short maybe they should cut the libraries out? I'm joking.
>> COMMISSIONER FURR: Because they have been starved, 100 schools do not have libraries
in this county. Out of 250 schools.
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: To see whether or not we can have a conversation with the school
board about their vacant properties and what we can do with them?
>> SENATOR GELLER: You would have to do it in public.
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: Now that you're talking -- please.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: I need to read the script you guys. We need to identify are canvassing
represented for the general election cycle. The county attorney informed me that the
mayor is a county commissions represented on the canvassing board unless the mayor is
unable to serve. I am unable to serve. Under the administrative code the role
passes automatically to the vice mayor if he is able to serve. Vice Mayor can you
serve? I heard he can serve. Vice Mayor McKinzie concert. I should get one alternate member
Commissioner Fisher and Commissioner Udine your alternates in the August
election. Are you going to serve as alternates for November? Okay, great. Did I
wait long enough? Thank you. Commissioner Fisher and Commissioner Udine knew they
were going to say yes isn't that amazing? And that is my and that the only last thing
is, I am not done. I was going to say Drew, you will sorely be missed here. I don't know who
is going to keep us out of trouble? I don't know if Annika could keep us out of
trouble? Hopefully she will be able to.
>> SENATOR RICH: She will keep us out of trouble. I want to follow up on what Commissioner
Furr said. I had a long conversation with school board member Hickson. We are going
to connect them with Cory about the thing with the transportation issues. It is
actually a very good idea if we can work it all out. As far as, I pushed her in different
direction and given her a few names. It is sad because they pay over $1 million a year to
pay for graduations at places. It is ridiculous. We are using nova because they are very
inexpensive. It is difficult because obviously they would use the facility. We will see
what happens here. I also just wanted to say, I want to thank the staff and Patrice and her
staff area it is important for everybody to know how difficult this has been this year dealing
with the notification of funding for homeless because it is through HUD. HUD keeps
changing the dates. Everything about the applications and each time the judge thank goodness
the judge says no you can't do that to go back and fix it. They come back but it has been
delayed and delayed and it is a very difficult situation. I do want to thank her also because
we did quickly it together and a proposal for a youth homelessness program that had
funding available from HUD. In less than a 10 day period we had to get it all together. We
had a rating committee and they worked with them to send the RFPs. We accomplished that and
I'm hoping we get funding for the huge -- use program from HUD. Right now we are kind of
on hold for 2026 and we are almost finished with 2076. So it is a problem. I want to
give them credit. The work that they have had to do on such short notice to turn
things around and get applications and so we don't lose any funding is really
important. I just wanted to mention that and thank them. Lastly, I have been going out
and I know everybody else is talking about educating about the tax amendment. It is
amazing to me how many people really do not know where their property tax goes. So we have
a really big job in front of us. A lot of people are out there the coordinating Council,
human service Council, they are all doing it. Everybody's out there. It is just amazing
giving -- given the amount of money we bring in property tax that people don't know the
incredible services. This morning when you mentioned Commissioner Furr to the animal
care director that is just an example and people just don't know. I have been highlighting
seniors and other issues and public safety because it is not included and I have been twice
out to Century Village that is out in my district. They get it now. Paratransit and all
kinds of things so you tailor it. I think it is so important for us to be out there and I
want to mention Monica, think there's one thing that was suggested and I agree. Our new
brochure is excellent. It is updated and it is excellent for for certain group of people.
But other people need a circle that shows where it goes. So you can give it to them and it
is not quite as complicated as the other one. I think we need to put something out there that
we can hand out when we go out to these places to give them the information. I am very
hopeful. I have to tell you because I had a woman at Century Village after I got
finished talking all about senior issues and public safety. She raised her hand
and she said, what is going to happen to the homeless? I thought okay, you get it. So
it is not just about you and your specific population. What is going to happen to the
homeless? We just have to keep an eye feeling that we can do this. Thank you.
>> COMMISSIONER UDINE: I also want to congratulate city -- [INDISCERNIBLE]. It is not
easy. It is a difficult thing to do. You put your friends, yourself and your family
through a lot of ups and downs. But we appreciate people that run for office and are willing
to serve. I am seeing the same thing as far as what amendment three when that comes out. I
think the people, we talk about the different pie charts and all the stuff that we send
them. People think that they are paying too much for the services or too much in
property taxes not understanding with the services are that is provided.
Regardless of how the vote turns out in November for this, I think there is going to need
to be a concerted effort between the legislature and local governments to do
something so people have more affordability. There has to be some changes with some of this
because people are getting priced out of living in this area. Be it with property
taxes, insurance, with whatever it may be affordability is going to be the key issue going
forward I think over the next few cycles. You know when spirit left the airport, people
would call me and I know they would call Mark and the business community. Everybody
says what is going to go on what is going to happen? You have lost a carrier and my
thoughts still to this day that our area is really a very demand driven area. People
want to be here and airlines want to be here. I think that other airlines I think our
passenger seats will quickly climb back to where they were. Other airlines want to be here
and what they want to make the investment in this area. I think I airport is doing a good
job as far as being very intentional about how the increase aligned slots to the
different airlines in the different carriers that will come. I know we want to make
sure that we do this in a way that the front of the house doesn't have too much burden
until we can connect back of the house so that people have a better experience in the
airport. I have flown quite a bit this summer. I was on allegiant and I had a fabulous
flight on allegiant. There were no lines and I walked white -- right through. I will
see you at the workshop. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Have you ever
been a -- called a pastor at a meeting? [LAUGHTER]
>> COMMISSIONER DAVIS: I wanted to congratulate all of the folks who want their
perspective elections including Carol and others. It was all hard for battle. Commission
District 20 and 24, we trust that those who are voted in who do the work that bring the
communities together. Both of those congressional districts. The other thing I would like to
say is also, I don't know what it will take for folks to come out and vote. I know Scott was
doing his best to encourage people. What I noticed there were very few folks who
actually requested their vote by mail ballots. That is something we would certainly
have to push so hard that more folks can participate in the election process. As Senator
Rich mentioned about some of these laws that was passed by Tallahassee, elections have
consequences. When you don't vote in these things happen DE I and all these other things is
because we don't exercise our right to vote. I would hope that as November rolls around
each of us will do our part because we know what voting does to educate our
constituents. About being part of the process and request their vote by mail for every
election cycle. I just wanted to talk a little bit about that and make sure our residents
know to check their voter status and be prepared to vote hopefully in November.
>> MAYOR BOGEN: You set a great example. People will not take example. I don't get it
either. >> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: I am
going to be brief. Thank you I am resending, sorry. I am going to be brief. State roads
and FDOT what they did on election day and I don't know if you are aware so I am going
public on it. They came out and they were picking up signs on election day because they
were within 3 feet of the roadway. Now if you're going to do this, I think you should
be notified every candidate that filled out an application to run for office should be
notified. Because how would they know? They register to vote and they bought their yard
sign or whatever signage. On election day you are being told you have to move the sign.
They came down a state road in my district and were removing signs on election day. There
needs to be something within law or whatever and I don't know if there is but I just
know it seems unfair that our government is spending money to remove signs instead of
spending money to notify us that we cannot do this because this is illegal. That is one
thing I wanted to. >> MAYOR BOGEN: There is a way
around it. You give them the sign, they drive away and you put up a second sign. That is
it. You just solved the problem.
>> COMMISSIONER ROGERS: I think they need to not waste our tax dollars and tell me there's not
enough dollars per housing, for schools and education for children. That is where Matt.
Of course I'm glad we are going to give the direction to moniker and her team that we
need to schedule a meeting with the school board members that can attend just like we do with
the legislators to talk about things that are common to both of us. I will leave the rest
to the next meeting. >> SENATOR RICH: I did not
speak the first time because we were all waving. This is a follow-up to what Senator Rich
was saying. I have asked over the past 20 years at least a thousand people where they
think local community tax goes? And divide the budget into five categories roads and bridges,
Parks and Recreation, administration overhead, first responders and everything else
that they have to equal 100%. The average voter think we are spending between the third and
40% on overhead and administration. The real number is 8%. They think we
are spending between one fourth and a third on first responders and the real average is between
50 Ã65%. As we heard, I think from both Commissioner Udine and from Senator Rich our
voters simply don't know where their tax dollars are going number one. Number two I want
to remind all of you my emails that I sent that I know all of you had, Broward is spending
too much money he made up his facts. Because he did not use the number that everybody else
uses for population growth which is the University of Florida Bureau of economic
research. He did use for inflation the Bureau of labor so to, division of economic
statistics for the area of Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. He compared our budget book
number two hour ACF R number five years later. ACF R is always 5% higher than budget.
If you compare the accurate numbers we met his criteria. The last thing I wanted to say
about that and Commissioner Udine the public knows we are over taxed and they are wrong.
If you look at any of the national rankings Florida comes out somewhere between 45 Ã49
is the lowest tax state in combined state and local taxes in the nation. Any under
objective standard we are not overtaxed. But also by all rankings are number one in
insurance rates and typically around 50% higher than number two regardless of what rankings
you are looking at. That is what our problem is. They could fix that at the state
level. They could fix it at the congressional level our insurance rates. Doing that
would take on the insurance industry which gives incredible amounts of campaign
contributions. So they don't do that and if you look at where the state dollars are
going one of the reasons local governments are increasingly strapped among executives
Florida Association of Counties, we are creating right now examples over the last five
Ã10 years of how much the state used to pay for but been pushing down unfunded mandates
to local governments. Not just mandating we do things but taking state responsibilities
away and giving them to local governments. Making us pay for them. We are not in overtaxed
state, we are over insurance state cost and it will not do anything about it. Spee --
>> MS. MONICA CEPERO: Congratulations Drew. It has been a pleasure working with
you and we appreciate your guidance and your friendship. We will have more time to
privately share some words. I just wanted to say thank you for all of your guidance to our
county. Congratulations on your retirement. As for the graduation discussion just for
the benefit of everyone, I have been speaking with the superintendent on the
graduation issue. I have directed them to speak with the folks about it. The issue
there is the cost associated with opening the building, utility security and everything
else. My initial feedback on that from both Panther folks and speaking with the
superintendent, he understands that it actually cost more if they went then their current
structure per graduation. They are going to be speaking I just wanted to address it so
everybody had the benefit of hearing that. And lastly I will see you in a few minutes
in room 430. Thanks. >> Drew, I wanted to thank you
for many years of service. It has been a pleasure working with you. May God continue to
bless you. >> MAYOR BOGEN: Drew, anything.
>> MR. MEYERS: Thank you to everyone for making it a nice day for me. It is bittersweet.
I will have a chance to visit with you in a couple of workshop. Thank you very much,
I really appreciate being your county attorney and getting to know all of you so well over
the years. >> MAYOR BOGEN: We will be
calling you on your ship, I promise you. [LAUGHTER] This meeting is adjourned. We
are only doing one because we're going to be out of here by 4:00 PM.