Fort Lauderdale Commission approves major projects
By David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved major contracts that are important to the development of the city.
The Commission approved a resolution authorizing a tri-party agreement among the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the City of Fort Lauderdale, and the Metropolitan Transportation Engineering & Construction Cooperative (MTECC) to administer the design and construction of the SE/SW 17th Street Mobility Hub Project.
The project, valued at $6,804,000, will be funded through a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant. Under the agreement, MTECC will oversee project management, including design, permitting, and construction. Fort Lauderdale will contribute $35,000 for administrative costs and advance funds for project phases, reimbursable upon project completion. Design is set to begin in Q2 FY2025, with project completion expected by Q1 FY2029.
The Commission approved a resolution finalizing the transfer of City-owned properties located at 1200 NW 3 Street and 1145 NW 5 Avenue to the Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for affordable housing development. This action follows the Commission’s prior approval on November 7, 2024, through Resolution 24-222, which declared the intent to transfer the properties. The CRA will manage redevelopment in compliance with established plans, covering all associated costs while ensuring occupancy is restricted to families with low-to-moderate incomes, not exceeding 80% of the area median income.
The Commission adopted a resolution accepting a FY 2025 Grant Agreement with the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families (DCF), in the amount of $250,000 for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Housing Program. Funds will be used to engage local service providers offering treatment and support for homeless individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. The program will promote long-term stability and well-being through facility-based treatment and community-focused care.
The Commission approved a resolution extending the termination date of the Fire-Rescue Advisory Committee (FRAC) to December 31, 2026. Originally created on December 20, 2022, for a 24-month term, the committee provides community-driven feedback and advises on future planning, industry standards, and department performance measures.
The Commission adopted a resolution abolishing the previous City Attorney Search Committee and establishing a new City Attorney Search Committee to assist with the selection process for the City Attorney position. The five-member committee will review applications, conduct interviews, and create a shortlist of candidates for the City Commission’s consideration. Each City Commissioner, including the Mayor and Vice Mayor, will nominate one committee member.
The Commission approved agreements with Flotech Environmental, LLC and National Water Main Cleaning Company for annual stormwater cleaning, inspection, and surveying continuing services. The five-year term has an estimated aggregate amount of $15,935,000 ($3,187,000 per year), with two additional two-year renewal options for a potential total contract amount of $28,683,000. The services include cleaning, inspections, condition assessments, and surveying approximately 190 miles of underground stormwater pipes and 14,500 stormwater assets
