Fort Lauderdale Commission appoints Greg Chavarria City Manager
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission adopted a resolution appointing Greg Chavarria as City Manager effective July 23, 2022. Mr. Chavarria will work with current City Manager Chris Lagerbloom and staff on a transition plan to support ongoing City operations and critical projects.
Fort Lauderdale Commission approves major items during meeting
From David Volz
The City Commission adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for $500,000 in grant funding through the Cultural Facilities Grant Program administered by the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs. The proposed project will support the development of a multipurpose community center that would allow for a wide range of programming including activities focused on arts and cultural enrichment. If awarded, the grant agreement will be brought back to the City Commission for execution and appropriation.
The City Commission approved a five-year $1.04 million agreement with RSM US LLP for external audit services. In accordance with Florida Statutes, the City is required to complete an annual financial audit by an independent certified public accountant. The agreement includes a general financial audit, federal and state program audits, a CRA audit report, and a large user wastewater audit and will result in a savings of $80,000 when compared with the current contract for these services.
Following a De Novo hearing, the City Commission adopted a resolution denying the issuance of a Site Plan Level III development permit for Lumiere, a seven-unit, multi-family residential development at 500 Hendricks Isle. The applicant was seeking Site Plan Level III approval for a Waterway Use and Yard Modification.
Commissioner Steve Glassman said, “After the Planning and Zoning Board approved this project, I called it up to the commission level for a discussion and a De Novo Hearing was proposed. The Commission agreed to a De Novo Hearing we heard the case. I have long been concerned with the redevelopment of the Las Olas Isles that permit multi-family dwellings. Of particular concern, were the side yard setback modifications that were consistently approved. In my opinion, the lack of space between buildings created to many walls that did not allow enough air, light and water views. This project, although beautifully designed, was simply too large for the site and requested too excessive of a side yard modification,” said Glassman.
The City Commission adopted a resolution supporting the Florida Legislature’s honorary designation of the portion of State Road A1A between the northern terminus and southern terminus of Galt Ocean Drive as “Pio Ieraci Memorial Drive.” Mr. Ieraci was an active civic leader in Broward County who was appointed to the City of Fort Lauderdale Education Advisory Board, served as the Chairman of the South Florida Business Advisors, Inc. and of the Broward Beach Coalition, and was instrumental in beach renourishment efforts. He also served as Chairman of the President’s Council and the Galt Mile Community Association and served as the President of the Galt Ocean Club Condominium Association for over 20 years. State Representative Chip La Marca was present and shared a few words in recognition of Mr. Ieraci’s accomplishments in the community. Following the adoption of this resolution, the Florida Department of Transportation will produce and install designation markers.
Commissioner Steve Glassman said, “Pio contributed so much to our community and it was a pleasure to work with him on many projects over the years. The street renaming is a perfect tribute.”
Fort Lauderdale Commission discusses large projects
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission discussed the Las Olas Mobility Plan.
Last year, the City Commission accepted the Las Olas Mobility Vision Plan that aims to provide mobility, infrastructure, and roadway improvements from Andrews Avenue to State Road A1A. The plan was developed by the Las Olas Working Group, led by Vice Mayor / District IV Commissioner Ben Sorensen and Commissioner Steven Glassman, and was the result of several years of studies and public input.
City staff provided the City Commission with an update on the effort including a recap of the project history, the status of current initiatives, and an overview of potential funding mechanisms. As construction on the new Tunnel Top Park nears completion at the end of this year, the project team is currently analyzing the establishment of a dual left turn from SE 15 Avenue to Las Olas Boulevard while preparing for the upcoming installation of two new crosswalks in the Las Olas Isles area starting in early 2023. The City’s preliminary fiscal year 2023 budget includes $7.1 million over the next three years to be allocated to this project. The Commission provided direction to utilize the initial funding for the design of project segments between Andrews and SE 17 Avenue. In addition to the planned funding, the Commission heard presentations from Transportation and Mobility staff and from Stantec, the City’s financial consultant, on potential funding methods including different types of assessment structures and their associated financial impacts.
The City Commission discussed the comprehensive agreement with Inter Miami as it relates to the new park that will be constructed at Lockhart Park. Next steps include defining a plan and completing a cost analysis.
