Fort Lauderdale Commission considers proposed tunnel system
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission is exploring a proposed tunnel system that would create a citywide transit system. The City entered into an interim agreement with The Boring Company to explore the feasibility of connecting downtown to the beach, creating an alternative transit option for residents and visitors. The City Commission noted that the beach is an increasingly popular destination for not only beachgoers, but also as a location for events and access to local businesses and restaurants. The project efforts are currently suspended while the City Commission discusses costs, viability, and benefits, among other topics. The City Commission agreed on next steps that include opening conversations with other cities to better understand their experiences with The Boring Company and requesting a thorough business plan that would outline financial feasibility. According to the interim agreement, costs to the City for this project are not to exceed $375,000; the City is in the process of paying the first invoice of $50,000
Fort Lauderdale Commission approves agreement for waste collection services
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved a seven-year agreement for waste collection services with Waste Management, Inc., of Florida in the amount of $135.5 million, which includes the outsourcing of bulk services. Related approved motions terminated the contract with Coastal Waste & Recycling of Florida, Inc., for curbside recycling services, terminated the contract for Palm Frond Hauling and Collections – Las Olas Isles with Eastern Waste Systems, Inc., and approved the sale of 21 Petersen Lightning Loaders® for $1.875 million to Eastern Waste Systems, Inc. The new agreement is effective March 1, 2023, for bulk services and July 31, 2023, for cart collections.
The City Commission approved a task order for an existing agreement with Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to explore alternatives for passenger rail crossing along the New River in the downtown corridor. This motion outlines the scope of services, timeline, and funding process, at an amount to exceed no more than $500,000.
The City Commission approved the second and final reading of an ordinance to streamline the alarm registration and fee collection process for residential and commercial alarm users by using an outside vendor. Fees relate to the second time an alarm is sounded per year, as a notification is issued for the first instance. The City Commission will discuss how collected fees may be allocated at a future meeting.
The City Manager’s Office of Neighbor Support Recognized members of the 11th Graduating Class of the Neighbor Leadership Academy. The five-week program explores high-level aspects of how the City functions while developing leadership and innovation skills. Since the program started in 2017, 202 community members have graduated from the academy. Applications for the next class of the Neighbor Leadership Academy open in early spring of 2023.
Fort Lauderdale Commission provides update on Water Treatment Plant
From David Volz
Fort Lauderdale city staff and representatives from Hazen & Sawyer and Ridgewood/IDE provided an update on the proposed Prospect Lake Water Treatment Plant, a project that would replace the 70-year[1]old Fiveash Water Treatment Plant. The presentation identified three reasons to replace the current plant: 1). to meet the City’s goal to produce clear water, 2). to address that Fiveash has exceeded its useful life, and 3). the need to implement technology that is effective at removing emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, known as forever chemicals. As currently proposed, the Prospect Lake Water Treatment Plant would be owned and staffed by the City and provide residents safe, clear drinking water. The project is estimated to cost approximately $666 million and take roughly 42 months to complete. Two public virtual town halls have been scheduled for Wednesday, January 18 and January 25, 2023
The Fort Lauderdale Commission reviewed the design of the proposed pickleball facility at Snyder Park and heard input from community members. The project is intended to repurpose a portion of Snyder Park for a public pickleball facility. The proposed use of the area includes 12,470 square feet for pickleball courts, 2,712 square feet for a lake house, and 2,246 square feet for a pavilion, among other amenities. Additionally, the plan would reactivate the beach on the west lake and incorporate lush vegetation.
The Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency Board approved a resolution to increase Development Incentive Program funding in the amount of $1 million for the Thrive Progresso Project. The resolution also authorizes the Executive Director to execute any and all related instruments and delegates authority to the Executive Director to take certain actions that are subject to review by the CRA General Counsel. The project includes renovation of 60,000 square feet of deteriorated buildings on approximately 3.5 acres.
