CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP

City of Lauderdale Lakes Office of the City Clerk 4300 Northwest 36 Street - Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 33319-5599 (954) 535-2705 - Fax (954) 535-0573 CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES City Commission Chambers May 26, 2026 5:00 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips called the May 26, 2026 City Commission Workshop to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL PRESENT Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips Vice Mayor Sharon Thomas Commissioner Tycie Causwell Commissioner Easton Harrison Commissioner Karlene Maxwell-Williams ALSO PRESENT Acting City Manager Venice Howard City Attorney Sidney Calloway Deputy City Clerk Pav Benasrie-Watson City Staff 3. DISCUSSION VIDEO REVIEW OF THE MAY 26, 2026 CITY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS ON CONSENT AGENDA Item 9.A. RESOLUTION 2026-052 AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO THE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM (RTP) THROUGH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (FDEP) FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO CYPRESS PRESERVE PARK Heidi Brocks, Budget Officer, stated that the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federally funded competitive matching-grant program administered by the Federal Highway Administration and locally administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The RTP program provides funding for the renovation, development, and maintenance of recreational motorized, non-motorized, and mixed-use trails and associated trail facilities. The Cypress Preserve Park serves as a critical ecological sanctuary and “green lung” (a large natural area, usually a forest, park, wetland, or urban green space) that helps clean the air and support environmental health) for the City of Lauderdale Lakes, providing important environmental, recreational, and community benefits. The existing trails are badly damaged by tree roots and weathering. These conditions have resulted in safety hazards, structural failure of walkway surfaces, and reduced accessibility for users, including individuals with mobility limitations. This project focuses on immediate infrastructure rehabilitation to address these critical conditions and restore safe public access while establishing a foundation for future phased improvements. The project involves significant infrastructure and amenity upgrades at Cypress Preserve, located at 2525 NW 49 Ave, Lauderdale Lakes, FL. The primary focus is the replacement and expansion of the existing walkway system into a multiuse trail, alongside the installation of a new structural amenity. if the grant is awarded, acceptance will require subsequent City Commission approval and budget appropriation. The RTP program provides funding up to a maximum award of $450,000 for eligible projects. The estimated project cost is approximately $785,000. This amount is based on conceptual planning-level estimates and is subject to refinement through final design, engineering, and cost validation. Commissioner Harrison suggested a butterfly garden and other amenities should be considered to add to the park. Ms. Brocks stated that this is phase one of the project and eventually other amenities can be added. Vice Mayor Thomas inquired about safety. Ms. Brocks stated that security cameras will eventually be added. Item 9.B. RESOLUTION 2026-053 SUPPORTING THE HELPER ACT OF 2025, HOUSE RESOLUTION 2094 AND SENATE BILL 978 WHICH ESTABLISHES A HOME LOAN PROGRAM TO MAKE HOME OWNERSHIP MORE AFFORDABLE TO FIRST RESPONDERS AND TEACHERS Mayor Edwards Phillips stated that the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act of 2025, H.R. 2094 and S. 978, would establish a Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance program to assist eligible first-time homebuyers employed as teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians. Item 9.C. RESOLUTION 2026-054 AWARDING A CONTRACT TO MTI CONSTRUCTION GROUP FOR THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX RENOVATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED AND FORTY FOUR THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FOUR DOLLARS AND EIGHTY FOUR CENTS ($544,374.84) Ron Desbrunes, Public Works Director, stated that the Lakes Swimming Pool Complex is a highly visible and highly utilized facility that is a key service provided to residents, schools and members of the wider public. The current facility was inaugurated in the early 2000’s and has been in need of much needed upgrades and renovations and is part of the City’s major facilities upgrade budget. The City issued a solicitation on our OpenGov platform, ITB 26-6210-32B Swimming Pool Complex Renovation so as to secure a vendor to provide full-service painting, upgrades to the flooring , wall tiles, doors, windows, fixtures, furnishings, signage, and related improvements as specified in the solicitation. Commissioner Causwell stated that she is thankful that this project is taking place to update the amenities. Item 9.D. RESOLUTION 2026-055 AWARDING A CONTRACT TO KHAN BUILDERS, INC. FOR THE RESTROOM RENOVATION PROJECT (VINCENT TORRES PARK) IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIFTY EIGHT THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY EIGHT DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($58,248.00) Ron Desbrunes, Public Works Director, stated that the Lauderdale Lakes Vincent Torres Park is a prime property located in the heart of the City and is the main hub for a plethora of activities and events hosted by the City utilized by residents and the public. The restroom facilities at this location remain in deplorable conditions and now demands much needed renovations to bring the facility up to standards that the city holds high. The current facility is a very high traffic area and has been in need of much needed upgrades and renovations. The City issued a solicitation on our OpenGov Platform, ITB 26-6210-31B Restroom Renovation Project (Vincent Torres Park) so as to secure a vendor to provide full-service complete restroom renovation at Vincent Torres Park, including the of Men and Women’s Restrooms. The project includes demolition, removal, and replacement of existing plumbing fixtures, accessories, lighting, ventilation, partitions, and related components, and installation of new fixtures as specified in the solicitation. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, permits, coordination, testing, inspections, and cleanup required to deliver a complete, fully operational, and code-compliant installation. City staff is requesting the award of ITB 26-6210-31B, to Khan Builders, Inc., for the Restroom Renovation Project (Vincent Torres Park) in accordance with the City’s Procurement Code, Section 82-356(a)(1), which allows Competitive sealed bidding (Invitation to Bid). Vice Mayor Thomas inquired as to how the parks will be maintained when it comes to safety. Mr. Desbrunes stated that the City will be working with Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) to make sure that the facilities are not vandalized. BSO Captain Warnell Phillips stated that there is an ordinance that states that if there is an unlawful behavior taking place in the parks, BSO can make arrests and prosecute accordingly. Discussion ensued amongst the City Commission regarding the vandalizing of the parks, persons who are sleeping in the parks and publicly camping. Vincent Mullen, Assistant Director of Parks and Human Services, stated that there are three city park rangers and they communicate to the Parks department and BSO during their checks. Item 9.E. RESOLUTION 2026-056 AWARDING A CONTRACT TO KHAN BUILDERS, INC. FOR THE RESTROOM RENOVATION PROJECT (CYPRESS PRESERVE PARK) IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SIXTY TWO THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED AND TEN DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($62,110.00) This item was discussed during Item 9.D. Item 9.F. RESOLUTION 2026-057 AWARDING A CONTRACT TO KHAN BUILDERS, INC. FOR THE RESTROOM RENOVATION PROJECT (OTIS GRAY PARK) IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($120,220.00) This item was discussed during Item 9.D. Item 9.G. RESOLUTION 2026-058 AWARDING A CONTRACT TO KHAN BUILDERS, INC. FOR THE RESTROOM RENOVATION PROJECT (NORTHGATE PARK) IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SIXTY THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND THIRTY DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($60,530.00) This item was discussed during Item 9.D. Item 9.H. RESOLUTION 2026-059 REGARDING A COOPERATIVE CONTRACT AWARD WITH WATERFIELD FLORIDA STAFFING LLC. D/B/A STAFFING CONNECTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN APPROVED CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE CITY OF PLANTATION FOR SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD SERVICES Mr. Piprawala stated that t he City of Plantation awarded Agreement No. 038-23 to Waterfield Florida Staffing, LLC d/b/a Staffing Connections for School Crossing Guard services through a competitive procurement process. The Director of Financial Services has made a determination that time, expense and marketplace factors make it financially advantageous for the city to utilize the City of Plantation’s competitively procured contract for the period commencing August 1, 2026 through September 19, 2027, which coincides with the first of two (2) available two-year extensions to the original agreement commenced on September 20, 2023. City staff recommends approval of the piggyback contract with Waterfield Florida Staffing, LLC d/b/a Staffing Connections pursuant to the City of Plantation Agreement No. 038-23 in an amount not to exceed Three Hundred Twenty-Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars and Seventy Cents ($329,783.70). Item 9.I. RESOLUTION 2026-060 APPROVING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH CULINARY AFFAIRS, INC. TO PROVIDE NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR THE 2026 SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM AT WILLIE WEBB SR. PARK FUNDED THROUGH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES, SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($29,000.00) Mr. Mullen stated that the City of Lauderdale Lakes has facilitated the sponsorship of various meals for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for several years. This program utilizes the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services approved vendors to provide healthy nutritious breakfast and lunch to children at no cost to the sponsor. SFSP also provides funding for operational and personnel costs. The City issued a formal solicitation on our OpenGov Platform, RFP26-3410-35R Summer Camp Food Services so as to secure a vendor to provide full-service provide nutritionally balanced, pre-packaged meals for its 2026 Summer Camp Program. The program will serve approximately 120 campers daily, ages 6–12, over the duration of the summer camp period (dates to be confirmed). The City aims to ensure consistent access to safe, nutritious, and high-quality meals that support the health and well-being of participating youth. The vendor will ensure daily access to nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks while delivering safe, compliant, and high-quality meals, allowing the city to achieve value for money while maintaining quality standards and ensure reliable, on-time meal delivery and service continuity. The meals provided will support community health outcomes and child nutrition standards. The selected vendor shall provide full-service meal provision, including Breakfast (Hot and/or Cold Options), Lunch (Hot and/or Cold Options) and Snacks (AM and/or PM) as required. The City Issued a formal solicitation, using the Florida Department of Agriculture And Consumer Services authorized vendor pool. A total of 45 vendors from the list are from the tri-state area and were directly invited via this solicitation. Of the 45 Vendors, only one is Local to Lauderdale Lakes. The total value of the award to the vendor is not to exceed $29,000.00 for the breakfast and lunch service only. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS ON REGULAR AGENDA Item 10.A. RESOLUTION 2026-061 RATIFYING THE FINANCIAL REPORT AS OF MARCH 31, 2026 Sharon Haynes, Financial Services Director, stated that the Year to Date Financial Report for the City of Lauderdale Lakes as of March 31, 2026 reflects a strong overall financial position in the General Fund, with revenues outpacing expenditures and resulting in a favorable positive change in fund balance. Across other major, proprietary, and special revenue funds, performance varies by fund purpose and timing of revenue recognition, which is typical at this point in the fiscal year. 4. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE(S) 5. ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP ITEMS VIDEO A. PRESENTATION - SOLID WASTE RATE STUDY FOR THE SOLID WASTE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FUNDS (5:30 P.M. TIME CERTAIN) Mr. Desbrunes stated that in September 2025, City Commission approved a contract with Stantec Consulting Services Inc., in the amount of $30,400 to conduct a solid waste rate study for the city's solid waste special assessment funds. The current solid waste assessment fee has been in place since fiscal year 2018-2019. In the meantime, costs for waste processing have been on the rise. Jeff Rackley from Stantec Inc. provided a powerpoint presentation which covered the legal requirements for non-ad valorem assessments, the solid waste services that are provided, the cost of the services for FY 27-31, property data, solid waste assessment results and the implementation time. Discussion ensued amongst the City Commission regarding reducing the number of times that trash is picked up per week to keep costs low for residents. Currently, the resident pays $272 per household with the costs being increased to $600. Mr. Desbrunes stated that he will look into the cost of reducing the garbage pickup to once per week. VIDEO B. PRESENTATION - BROWARD COUNTY ANIMAL CARE REGARDING PET REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS (6:00 P.M. TIME CERTAIN) Zachary Rinkins, Public Information Officer from Broward County Animal Care spoke of pet registrations in Broward County. He stated that dogs and cats in the county are to be registered and the cost is $25 per year and if there is a microchip the cost is $65 for three years. VIDEO C. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE HIRING OF THE NEW CITY MANAGER (SPONSORED BY MAYOR EDWARDS PHILLIPS) (6:30 P.M. TIME CERTAIN) James Dinneen of MGT Impact Solution, LLC stated that there are currently 92 resumes that have been received for the City Manager position and about 10 of those resumes will be in the top in terms of qualifications to be interviewed by him. He explained that the next step is to choose 5 out of the 10 applicants to present to the City Commission for an interview. He presented some feasible dates for the interviews to take place. VIDEO D. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION'S "BRAIN BUS," WHICH PROVIDES EDUCATION, SCREENING, RESOURCES AND OUTREACH FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY ALZHEIMER'S AND RELATED DEMENTIAS AS A COMMISSIONER INITIATIVE FOR FY 2027 (SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR THOMAS) Vice Mayor Thomas stated that the Alzheimer's Brain Bus is a free mobile community outreach initiative dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias while connecting individuals and families to critical resources and support, including Alzheimer's patients and caregivers at the Alzheimer's Care Center. The proposed date for the event is in November 2026. VIDEO E. DISCUSSION REGARDING SUPPORTING A RESOLUTION FOR NW 29 STREET MULTIUSE PATH AND RAISED INTERSECTIONS PROJECT EXTENDING FROM SR-7 TO NW 31 AVE, WITH A SECONDARY SEGMENT ON NW 33 AVE CONNECTING TO OAKLAND PARK BLVD. IN ACCORDANCE WITH BROWARD COUNTY MPO ROADS FOR ECONOMIC VITALITY (REV) REQUIREMENTS Maqsood Nasir, City Engineer, stated that the Roads for Economic Vitality (REV) program is a competitive grant initiative by the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that funds small-scale transportation projects, such as safety improvements and roadway enhancements, with total costs ranging between $2 million and $5 million. Open to one application per project sponsor per biennial cycle, the program requires projects to be within existing rights-of-way, accessible 24/7, and managed by a qualified full-time staff member. Applications are evaluated based on economic vitality, safety, access, and mobility, with bonus points awarded for alignment with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and point deductions applied for past project scope changes or removals from the Transportation Improvement Program. Mr. Nasir stated that the NW 29th Street Multi-Use Path Project will aim to modernize pedestrian and cyclist facilities and also intersections to improve safety and connectivity within the community. The project area encompasses several high-traffic corridors and essential community landmarks. The project proposes the installation of raised intersections (both 3-way and 4-way configurations). These will be constructed with stamped concrete and are specifically designed to house crosswalks to prioritize pedestrian safety. Flexi-Pave Walkway: the multi-use path will consist of a 9-foot wide Flexi-Pave surface, utilizing slip-resistant composite materials for enhanced durability and user safety. VIDEO F. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CONTINUOUS USE OF THE CITY FACILITY FOR THE FREE COMMUNITY CITIZENSHIP DRIVE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FLORIDA IMMIGRANT COALITION (SPONSORED BY COMMISSIONER MAXWELL-WILLIAMS) Commissioner Maxwell-Williams stated that she is requesting continuous use of the City facility for the free Community Citizenship Drive in partnership with Florida Immigrant Coalition, to assist legal permanent residents applying for US Citizenship at no cost to the City or residents. She stated that she provides this service in many other cities and she is not charged for the use of the city facilities in any of the cities. She stated that she does work for the Florida Immigrant Coalition, however, she does not receive any personal benefits from the drives. She stated that she will move the drive to another location if a rental request is received. Commissioner Harrison stated that he believes that it is a great initiative and asked if FLIC is requesting to use the facility for free. Commissioner Maxwell-Williams stated that it is a free service that is being provided to the community and there are many volunteers so donate their time to the drive. Commissioner Harrison stated that he is in support of the program, however, he is not in favor of the space being used for free. Commissioner Causwell stated that she also supports the program, however, FLIC, is a non-profit organization and if they are given free use of the facility, then other non-profits would make the same request. Mayor Edwards Phillips stated that it is an excellent program and if the city is asking non-profits to pay to use the facility then it needs to be across the board. Vice Mayor Thomas stated that it is a wonderful program, however, she does agree with her colleagues. G. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO ESTABLISH CONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS REGARDING MAXIMUM RESIDENTIAL DENSITY; PROVIDING FOR A MAXIMUM DENSITY OF FIFTY (50) DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE IN APPLICABLE ZONING DISTRICTS This item was moved to the June 8, 2026 City Commission Workshop. 6. REPORTS 7. ADJOURNMENT Being that there was no other business to come before the City Commission, the workshop adjourned at 7:10 p.m. ____________________________________ VERONICA EDWARDS PHILLIPS, MAYOR ATTEST: ______________________________________ VENICE HOWARD, MMC, CITY CLERK

City of Lauderdale Lakes Office of the City Clerk 4300 Northwest 36 Street - Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 33319-5599 (954) 535-2705 - Fax (954) 535-0573 CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP AGENDA City Commission Chambers May 26, 2026 5:00 PM Please join the meeting via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/ 8 4551251879 Please join the meeting via telephone: 1 305 224 1968 or 1 309 205 3325 Meeting ID: 845 5125 1879 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. DISCUSSION VIDEO REVIEW OF THE MAY 26, 2026 CITY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA 4. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE(S) 5. ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP ITEMS VIDEO A. PRESENTATION - SOLID WASTE RATE STUDY FOR THE SOLID WASTE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FUNDS (5:30 P.M. TIME CERTAIN) This is a presentation regarding the results of the rate study conducted by Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for the Solid Waste Special Assessment fund. VIDEO B. PRESENTATION - BROWARD COUNTY ANIMAL CARE REGARDING PET REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS (6:00 P.M. TIME CERTAIN) This is a presentation from Zachary Rinkins, Public Information Officer from Broward County Animal Care regarding pet registration requirements. VIDEO C. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE HIRING OF THE NEW CITY MANAGER (SPONSORED BY MAYOR EDWARDS PHILLIPS) (6:30 P.M. TIME CERTAIN) This is a continued discussion regarding the hiring of the new city manager. VIDEO D. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION'S "BRAIN BUS," WHICH PROVIDES EDUCATION, SCREENING, RESOURCES AND OUTREACH FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY ALZHEIMER'S AND RELATED DEMENTIAS AS A COMMISSIONER INITIATIVE FOR FY 2027 (SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR THOMAS) This is a discussion regarding the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Brain Bus,” which provides education, screening resources, and outreach for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias as a Commissioner Initiative for FY 2027. This item is sponsored by Vice Mayor Thomas. VIDEO E. DISCUSSION REGARDING SUPPORTING A RESOLUTION FOR NW 29 STREET MULTIUSE PATH AND RAISED INTERSECTIONS PROJECT EXTENDING FROM SR-7 TO NW 31 AVE, WITH A SECONDARY SEGMENT ON NW 33 AVE CONNECTING TO OAKLAND PARK BLVD. IN ACCORDANCE WITH BROWARD COUNTY MPO ROADS FOR ECONOMIC VITALITY (REV) REQUIREMENTS This is a discussion regarding the MPO’s Roads for Economic Vitality (REV) program which provides funding for small local transportation projects that will improve the safety and mobility for all transportation users in Broward. This competitive grant program can fund projects such as (but not limited to), complete streets projects, traffic calming and intersection improvements, ADA upgrades, mobility hubs, bike racks and technology advancements such as transit signal priority and traffic control devices. VIDEO F. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CONTINUOUS USE OF THE CITY FACILITY FOR THE FREE COMMUNITY CITIZENSHIP DRIVE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FLORIDA IMMIGRANT COALITION (SPONSORED BY COMMISSIONER MAXWELL-WILLIAMS) This is a discussion regarding the continuous use of the City facility for the free Community Citizenship Drive in partnership with Florida Immigrant Coalition, to assist legal permanent residents applying for US Citizenship at no cost to the City or residents. G. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO ESTABLISH CONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS REGARDING MAXIMUM RESIDENTIAL DENSITY; PROVIDING FOR A MAXIMUM DENSITY OF FIFTY (50) DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE IN APPLICABLE ZONING DISTRICTS This is a discussion regarding a proposed ordinance amending the City of Lauderdale Lakes Land Development Regulations (“LDRs”) to ensure consistency with the recently approved Comprehensive Plan amendments adopted by the City and approved by the State of Florida. Specifically, the amendment establishes a maximum residential density of fifty (50) dwelling units per acre within applicable zoning districts consistent with the Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan. 6. REPORTS FUTURE MEETINGS: The next scheduled City Commission Workshop will take place June 8, 2026 at 5 p.m. The next scheduled City Commission Meeting will take place on June 9, 2026 at 7 p.m. PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES DURING THE MEETING If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board, Agency, or Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. (FS 286.0105) Any person requiring auxiliary aids and services at this meeting may contact the City Clerk's Office at (954) 535-2705 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by using the following numbers: 1-800-955-8770 or 1-800-955-8771. Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips - Vice Mayor Sharon Thomas Commissioner Tycie Causwell - Commissioner Easton Harrison - Commissioner Karlene Maxwell-Williams

City of Lauderdale Lakes

Office of the City Clerk

4300 Northwest 36 Street - Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 33319-5599

(954) 535-2705 - Fax (954) 535-0573

CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES

City Commission Chambers

May 26, 2026

5:00 PM

1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips called the May 26, 2026 City Commission Workshop to order at 5:00 p.m.

2.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT

Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips

Vice Mayor Sharon Thomas

Commissioner Tycie Causwell

Commissioner Easton Harrison

Commissioner Karlene Maxwell-Williams

ALSO PRESENT

Acting City Manager Venice Howard

City Attorney Sidney Calloway

Deputy City Clerk Pav Benasrie-Watson

City Staff

3.

DISCUSSION

VIDEO

REVIEW OF THE MAY 26, 2026 CITY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS ON CONSENT AGENDA

Item 9.A. RESOLUTION 2026-052 AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO THE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM (RTP) THROUGH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (FDEP) FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO CYPRESS PRESERVE PARK

Heidi Brocks, Budget Officer, stated that the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federally funded competitive matching-grant program administered by the Federal Highway Administration and locally administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The RTP program provides funding for the renovation, development, and maintenance of recreational motorized, non-motorized, and mixed-use trails and associated trail facilities. The Cypress Preserve Park serves as a critical ecological sanctuary and “green lung” (a large natural area, usually a forest, park, wetland, or urban green space) that helps clean the air and support environmental health) for the City of Lauderdale Lakes, providing important environmental, recreational, and community benefits. The existing trails are badly damaged by tree roots and weathering. These conditions have resulted in safety hazards, structural failure of walkway surfaces, and reduced accessibility for users, including individuals with mobility limitations. This project focuses on immediate infrastructure rehabilitation to address these critical conditions and restore safe public access while establishing a foundation for future phased improvements. The project involves significant infrastructure and amenity upgrades at Cypress Preserve, located at 2525 NW 49 Ave, Lauderdale Lakes, FL. The primary focus is the replacement and expansion of the existing walkway system into a multiuse trail, alongside the installation of a new structural amenity. if the grant is awarded, acceptance will require subsequent City Commission approval and budget appropriation. The RTP program provides funding up to a maximum award of $450,000 for eligible projects. The estimated project cost is approximately $785,000. This amount is based on conceptual planning-level estimates and is subject to refinement through final design, engineering, and cost validation.

Commissioner Harrison suggested a butterfly garden and other amenities should be considered to add to the park.

Ms. Brocks stated that this is phase one of the project and eventually other amenities can be added.

Vice Mayor Thomas inquired about safety.

Ms. Brocks stated that security cameras will eventually be added.

Item 9.B. RESOLUTION 2026-053 SUPPORTING THE HELPER ACT OF 2025, HOUSE RESOLUTION 2094 AND SENATE BILL 978 WHICH ESTABLISHES A HOME LOAN PROGRAM TO MAKE HOME OWNERSHIP MORE AFFORDABLE TO FIRST RESPONDERS AND TEACHERS

Mayor Edwards Phillips stated that the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act of 2025, H.R. 2094 and S. 978, would establish a Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance program to assist eligible first-time homebuyers employed as teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians.

Item 9.C. RESOLUTION 2026-054 AWARDING A CONTRACT TO MTI CONSTRUCTION GROUP FOR THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX RENOVATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED AND FORTY FOUR THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FOUR DOLLARS AND EIGHTY FOUR CENTS ($544,374.84)

Ron Desbrunes, Public Works Director, stated that the Lakes Swimming Pool Complex is a highly visible and highly utilized facility that is a key service provided to residents, schools and members of the wider public. The current facility was inaugurated in the early 2000’s and has been in need of much needed upgrades and renovations and is part of the City’s major facilities upgrade budget. The City issued a solicitation on our OpenGov platform, ITB 26-6210-32B Swimming Pool Complex Renovation so as to secure a vendor to provide full-service painting, upgrades to the flooring , wall tiles, doors, windows, fixtures, furnishings, signage, and related improvements as specified in the solicitation.

Commissioner Causwell stated that she is thankful that this project is taking place to update the amenities.