During a recent meeting the City Commission reviewed various maps developed by redistricting consultants from Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Florida Institute of Government in response to the need to reestablish Fort Lauderdale’s Commission district boundaries to ensure population equity based on 2020 U.S. Census data. The City Commission passed an ordinance on first reading adopting Alternative 6 with a revision to the boundary between Districts 1 and 2 along Federal Highway south of NE 14 Court to keep the Lake Ridge neighborhood together within District 2. The selected map maintains all City neighborhoods within a single Commission district. Additionally, only two neighborhoods will be in new districts: Riverland Village moves from District 4 to District 3 and Poinsettia Heights moves from District 2 to District 1. The City Commission will have a second reading at an upcoming meeting of the ordinance before the final map is sent to the Broward County Supervisor of Elections.
“We are mandated to redistrict every ten years following the new census numbers. Each of the four districts must be equal in population. After much discussion and public input, the City Commission chose a map which was the least disruptive and most closely resembled the current district boundaries. I regret that District 2 will lose Poinsettia Heights, but that was the only way that District 1 could increase its numbers in a contiguous fashion,” said Commissioner Steve Glassman.
The City Commission approved an agreement with Engineer Control Systems Corporation in an amount not to exceed $262,800 for the rehabilitation of the SW 11th Avenue Swing Bridge. The historical bridge is at risk as a result of sea level rise. Cyclical high tides in the New River are causing corrosion and electrical short-circuiting of the bridge’s mechanical and electrical components. This project includes removing corrosion from the bridge’s mechanical gears, applying corrosion inhibitors, and relocating the bridge’s electrical box. “The 1925 Snow-Reed Swing Bridge is one of the few remaining swing bridges in the entire state and the oldest operating metal pony truss swing bridge. The bridge connects Sailboat Bend and Riverside Park,” said Glassman.
The City Commission approved a $1,471,590 agreement with Ebsary Foundation Co. for the Hendricks Isle Seawall Replacement Project. This project will replace two seawalls located on the northern end of Hendricks Isle. The existing seawalls are 260 and 60 linear feet for a total of 320 linear feet. The new seawalls will be constructed with new sheet pile and a new concrete cap. Additionally, the project includes new stormwater infrastructure as well as pavement and landscaping restoration. Construction is expected to begin this summer. “This City Commission continues its focus on our infrastructure and our ability to meet the challenges of sea level rise,” said Glassman.
The City Commission approved an agreement with Bermex, Inc. for the initial two-year estimated amount of $1,538,062 for the purchase of water meter reading and related services and authorized the City Manager to approve two one-year renewal options in the estimated annual amount of $769,031 for a potential total contract amount of $3,076,124.
