During a recent meeting, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission approved the master plan for LauderTrail that includes the proposed route, branding, cost estimates, conceptual design elements, best practices, and recommendations for funding and implementing a successful trail system. Next steps include working alongside the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization to identify funding opportunities through available infrastructure and transportation bills that can be leveraged together with City funding. Staff will also evaluate and recommend a model trail segment to be constructed and identify a not-for-profit “Friends Group” to assist with fundraising efforts.
The City Commission approved a $1,507,414 agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the design and permitting to rehabilitate and upgrade nine triplex sewage pumping stations throughout the City that were originally constructed in the 1970s. The design work includes the removal and replacement of all mechanical, electrical, and ventilation equipment; the replacement of all pumps, pipes, valves, and other components; and any required structural repairs.
The City Commission approved a $864,992 agreement with Lanzo Companies, Inc. for the Fiveash Water Treatment Plant Valve Replacement Project. The project’s scope includes the removal and replacement of a leaking 30-inch water main valve and the installation of two 30-inch, one 36-inch, and one 42-inch side-mounted butterfly valves outside the plant on water transmission main lines. The work will be completed in phases and will be monitored to ensure that water pressure stays at normal operating conditions throughout construction
The City Commission approved a $40,000 service agreement for artwork on four lifeguard towers along Fort Lauderdale Beach between Sunrise Boulevard and Seabreeze Boulevard. Following a call to artists, the City’s Public Art and Placement Advisory Board selected artist Djerlens Chery whose designs will highlight aquatic life and the experience of visiting the beach.
The City Commission discussed a resolution urging the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to consider the tunnel as the future of commuter rail service in the City of Fort Lauderdale. Mayor Trantalis elaborated on his position favoring the construction of a tunnel as the local preferred alternative. Discussion topics included funding sources and project partners, the City’s role in the project, and the impact on the future joint government center campus project. The City Commission will continue this conversation on January 18, 2022, at a workshop with FDOT
The City Commission adopted a resolution approving a request to relocate the African Rain Tree at 408 SW 4 Avenue which is one of eight protected trees in Fort Lauderdale. In order to accommodate a proposed 784-unit mixed used development called Raintree Residences, the African Rain Tree will be located northwest of its current location to a position near the New River, specifically at the terminus of SW 4th Avenue along the Riverwalk.
The City Commission approved the Parks, Recreation, and Beaches Advisory Board’s recommendation for approval of 16 parks improvement projects throughout the City as part of Phase 2 of the City’s Parks Bond:
1. Ann Herman Park, 2. Benneson Park, 3. Bill Keith Park, 4. Cooley’s Landing Marina, 5. Coontie Hatchee Park, 6. Croissant Park, 7. Esterre Davis Wright Park, 8. Flamingo Park, 9. Floranada Park, 10. Fort Lauderdale Beach, 11. Guthrie-Blake Park, 12. Lauderdale Manors Park, 13. Osswald Park, 14. Riverland Park, 15. Walker Park, and 16. Warbler Wetlands. Following the City Commission’s approval, the projects will be advanced into the design phase.
