From David Volz
Fort Lauderdale residents will soon have a new swimming pool at Holiday Park.
During a recent meeting the Fort Lauderdale Commission approved the transfer of $1 million each from Commission Districts 1 and 2 Parks Bond land acquisition funds, totaling $2 million, to support construction of a public pool at the YMCA facility planned for Holiday Park. The funding will close a financial gap in the $3.35 million project, which includes a 25-yard, six-lane pool, a teaching pool, and accessible community amenities. The YMCA will offer free weekend access to Fort Lauderdale residents, discounted memberships, lifeguard training, and swim safety programs as part of its community partnership.
The Commission held a first reading of a proposed ordinance that would prohibit lobbyists from serving on City advisory boards and committees and prevent current members from engaging in lobbying activities while serving. The ordinance includes exemptions for state-created entities and the Citizens’ Committee of Recognition, which has a unique membership structure. The Walk of Fame Committee will be added to the exemption before adoption. Design professionals like architects and engineers are also exempt. The ordinance also allows the Commission to remove members who violate the policy.
The Commission held first reading of a proposed ordinance to limit loud music and other noise coming from boats on Fort Lauderdale’s public waterways. While the current code addresses engine noise, it does not cover amplified sound like music. This update would create similar rules to those already in place for loud music from cars on city streets.
The Commission adopted a walk-on resolution to amend its remote participation policy, allowing City Commission and advisory board members to participate virtually in quasi-judicial proceedings and public hearings. The change removes a previous restriction that barred remote participation in those types of meetings. This amendment updates the City’s policy to reflect evolving legal views that communication technology can satisfy public access and transparency standards in these meetings.
The Commission approved a $1,000,000 increase to the contract capacity for Annual Sewer Repairs and Replacement Agreements with Southern Underground Industries, Inc. and David Mancini & Sons, Inc., raising the initial two-year total from $3 million to $4 million and increasing the annual renewal options from $1.5 million to $2 million each. The adjustment brings the total potential four-year contract amount to $8 million and will allow staff to address a backlog of 28 additional projects across the City.
