Broward School Board approves new superintendent’s contractFrom David Volz
Dr. Peter B. Licata. Dr. Licata will lead the sixth-largest school system in the nation and second-largest system in Florida, following a national search for candidates.
“Today’s School Board decision signifies the end of our formal process for selecting a new transformational leader,” School Board Chair Lori Alhadeff said. “We look forward to working with Dr. Licata to ensure our students receive the world-class education they deserve.”
“I am grateful to the Broward County School Board for the opportunity to serve this District and its students, families, staff and community members,” Superintendent Licata said. “My goal is for Broward County Public Schools to be known as a District that is student-centered, teacher-supported and principal-led, and I’m excited to get started.”
As part of the contract agreement, Dr. Licata immediately begins his tenure as Superintendent.
Fort Lauderdale Commission works to find work space for employees
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission continues to seek work space for city employees who were displaced from the city hall building due to recent major flooding.
The City Commission approved the first amendment to the lease agreement between 1 East Broward Owner, LLC, as successor to One Broward Blvd Holdings, LLC, and the City of Fort Lauderdale 16,178 square feet of office space on two floors of 1 East Broward. The current lease for space on the 16th floor of the building which includes a portion of the City Attorney’s Office is set to expire on July 31, 2023. City staff explored the possibility of expanding the leased space at 1 East Broward, which includes 12,603 square feet of space for staff and members of Charter Offices to transition back into office space.
The amendment intends to allow time to consider the longer-term outcome of City Hall. During the afternoon Conference Meeting, the City Commission was provided an update about the temporary City Hall relocation search efforts and potential solutions. A presentation compared operating costs at the original City Hall prior to the flood, comparable pricing for temporary locations in the downtown area, and options for intermediate office space. The Commissioners discussed the desire to balance fiscal responsibility with a location that includes sufficient square footage that is or nearly is move-in ready with space for Commission Chambers and other meetings and events.
Commissioner Steve Glassman said, “Until such time as a new City Hall is constructed, I strongly favor keeping all city staff together in the downtown area.”
The City Commission adopted a resolution acknowledging receipt of the City Manager’s budget message, estimates, and recommendations together with a proposed budget for fiscal year 2024. The proposed budget sets the proposed millage rate at 4.1193 per $1,000 of taxable value and the debt service rate at 0.2737 per $1,000 of taxable value. The proposed budget also sets the proposed millage rate for the Sunrise Key Neighborhood Improvement District at 1.000 per $1,000 of taxable value. Additionally, the proposed budget authorizes the City Manager to compute the rolled-back rate and execute all appropriate instruments to advise the Broward County Property Appraiser of such millage rates and rolled-back rates. Glassman said, “The City of Fort Lauderdale has maintained the same millage rate for 17 years in a row; unheard of int Broward County. Congratulations to all involved in this process with a big thank you to staff and the Budget Advisory Board.”
The City Commission approved a comprehensive agreement, subject to the City Attorney’s review and approval, with Las Olas Parking Solutions, LLC, for the development, operation, and maintenance of a multi-use structure. The structure, to be located at the southeast corner of SE 2nd Court and SE 8th Avenue, will include a Fire-Rescue/EMS Substation, retail shops, and public parking. The developer will invest no less than $20 million for the entire project which will triple the number of parking spaces, provide a centrally located Fire-Rescue/EMS substation to improve service response times, and streetscape improvements with on-street parking. In addition to these public amenity upgrades, the Comprehensive Agreement defines the rent and profit-sharing formula that the City will receive.
On second reading, the City Commission voted down an ordinance to amend the City’s Unified Land Development Regulations to include an option to designate thematic historic districts. One concern was expressed about the potential financial burden on residents who could be impacted by such a designation. A thematic historic district recognizes a group of properties with a common theme not located within a contiguous area, which means the structures may be scattered throughout a neighborhood, several blocks, or even citywide.
