COMMISSION MINUTES
ACTION AGENDA
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 7, 2017
(Meeting convened at 10:26 a.m., recessed at 12:32 p.m., reconvened at 1:35 p.m., and adjourned at 3:20 p.m.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Commissioner Mark D. Bogen, District 2.
CALL TO ORDER was led by Mayor Barbara Sharief, District 8.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
In memory of United States Navy Seal Chief Special Warfare Operator William "Ryan" Owens.
In memory of Judge Elijah Williams father, Harry Williams.
In memory of former Mayor and State Representative Perry McGriff, Jr.
In memory of men and women serving our country at home and abroad.
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT ATTENDANCE Mark D. Bogen 2 Present Beam Furr 6 Not Present Steve Geller 5 Present Dale V.C. Holness 9 Present Chip LaMarca 4 Present Nan H. Rich 1 Present Tim Ryan 7 Present Barbara Sharief 8 Present Michael Udine 3 Present
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"BROWARD MEANS BUSINESS" MOMENT
On behalf of the Board, Mayor Sharief recognized the Creation Station located in Broward County Libraries.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Commissioner Holness Sharief, seconded by Commissioner LaMarca and unanimously carried, to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of Items 1 through 21.
At the request of the Mayor, Regular Items 30, 32, 33, 35, 36, and 37 were transferred to the Consent Agenda. Each item voted on the Consent Agenda was passed by unanimous vote of the Commission unless otherwise indicated by record vote.
Public Hearing Item 24 is continued until Tuesday, March 14, 2017.
The following items were pulled by the Board and considered separately: 3 and 7.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
1. MOTION TO APPROVE Board Appointments
A. MOTION TO APPOINT Derek T. Davis to the Historic Preservation Board. (Commissioner Holness)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
B. MOTION TO REAPPOINT Karen Fortman to the Advisory Board for Individuals
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with Disabilities. (Commissioner Geller)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
C. MOTION TO REAPPOINT Michael Rajner to the Broward County Human Rights Board. (Commissioner Ryan)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved with the Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated February 7, 2017, submitted at the request of Commissioner Ryan.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
D. MOTION TO APPOINT Corey Thompson to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. (Commissioner Bogen)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved with the Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated February 7, 2017, submitted at the request of Commissioner Bogen.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
E. MOTION TO APPOINT Brion Blackwelder to the Broward County Planning Council. (Vice Mayor Furr)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved with the Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated February 7, 2017, submitted at the request of Vice Mayor Furr.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
F. MOTION TO REAPPOINT Mark Klein to the Living Wage Advisory Board. (Commissioner Rich)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved with the Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated February 7, 2017, submitted at the request of
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Commissioner Rich.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
G. MOTION TO REAPPOINT Toby Feuer to the Commission on the Status of Women. (Commissioner Rich)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved with the Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated February 7, 2017, submitted at the request of Commissioner Rich.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
H. MOTION TO RE-APPOINT Cynthia Strachan Saunders to the Historic Preservation Board. (Mayor Sharief)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved with the Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated February 7, 2017, submitted at the request of Mayor Sharief.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
REAL PROPERTY SECTION
2. MOTION TO APPROVE Agreement of Sale and Purchase with revised Special Warranty Deed between Broward County (Purchaser) and the School Board of Broward County (Seller) of a parcel measuring approximately 7.29 acres, located on the west side of NW 23rd Avenue at NW 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale ("Property"), at a purchase price of $3,130,000; authorize the Mayor or Vice-Mayor and Clerk to execute the Agreement of Sale and Purchase; and authorize the Real Property Director to execute and process normal and customary title closing documents. (Commission District 9)
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ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
ELDERLY AND VETERANS SERVICES DIVISION
3. A. MOTION TO RETROACTIVELY APPROVE Referral Agreement No. VB116- 15-2017 between Broward County and the Areawide Council on Aging of Broward County, Inc. from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017, for the purpose of providing case management services to veterans within a consumer-directed care initiative to prevent their premature institutionalization and nursing home placement; authorizing the County Administrator to execute amendments to the Agreement, subject to approval of the same by the Office of the County Attorney; authorizing the County Administrator to take all administrative and budgetary actions needed to implement the Agreement; and authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute same.
(Commissioner Rich pulled this item.)
ACTION: (T-10:27 AM) Approved. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 7-0. Commissioner Rich abstained from voting. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
B. MOTION TO ADOPT budget Resolution No. 2017-025 within the State of Florida Grant Fund for the Elderly and Veterans Services Division to appropriate revenue in the amount of $100,800 in Fiscal Year 2016-2017, for the purpose of providing case management to veterans. This amount is the estimated annual reimbursement.
(Commissioner Rich pulled this item.)
ACTION: (T-10:27 AM) Approved. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
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VOTE: 7-0. Commissioner Rich abstained from voting. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
4. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE Office of the County Attorney to enter into a Joint Motion for Agreed Final Order in the case of Broward County v. 5551 NW 9th AVENUE 1-5, LLC, NOV16-0030.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
5. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE Office of the County Attorney to enter into a Joint Motion for Agreed Final Order in the case of Broward County v. Arena Capital, LLC; Arena Shoppes, LLLP; Williams Company - Southeast, NOV16-0036.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
6. MOTION TO APPROVE disaster relief funding agreement between Broward County and the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management for the purpose of providing funds for eligible disaster recovery activities relating to Hurricane Matthew (FEMA-4283-DR-FL); authorize the Mayor to execute the
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Agreement; and authorize the County Administrator to execute contracts, addenda, any amendments or revisions to the approved contracts; and to take the necessary administrative and budgetary actions for the implementation of the grant award; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE DIVISION
7. A. MOTION TO DIRECT Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department to create and maintain a future conditions map series to include average wet season water table elevations and 100-year flood elevations to account for predicted changes in groundwater levels due to sea level rise and ensure the resiliency of current and future infrastructure investments.
(Commissioner LaMarca pulled this item.)
ACTION: (T-10:28 AM) Approved. The Board requested that staff consider adding a financial component as relates to economic feasibility and predictability. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
B. MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending Chapter 27, Article V, Water Resource Management, of the Broward County Code of Ordinances to apply the future conditions average wet season groundwater elevation map in the design criteria for surface water management systems.
(Commissioner LaMarca pulled this item.)
ACTION: (T-10:28 AM) Approved. The Board requested that staff consider adding a financial component as relates to economic feasibility and predictability. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
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VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
ACCOUNTING DIVISION
8. MOTION TO FILE Quarterly Financial Report for the Children’s Services Council of Broward County for the quarter ending December 31, 2016.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
9. MOTION TO FILE annual financial summary for the Park, Open Space and Recreational Trust Fund for the 12 months ending September 30, 2016.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
PURCHASING DIVISION
For Port Everglades Department
10. MOTION TO APPROVE deliberately phased Agreement between Broward County and HDR Engineering, Inc., for Design and Engineering Services - Port Everglades Slip 1 Expansion, Request for Proposals (RFP) No. X1270003P1,
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for the Broward County Port Everglades Department, in the total contract amount of $6,347,506, which includes a maximum not-to-exceed amount of $5,949,404 for basic services and $398,102 for reimbursable expenses, beginning upon the issuance of the Notice to Proceed and terminating upon completion of the services; and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute same.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
For Public Works Department
11. MOTION TO AWARD open-end contract to low bidder, FLG Services, Inc., a certified County Business Enterprise, for Parking Lot Sealing and Striping Services, Bid No. W2112511B1, for the Facilities Management Division and various other County agencies, in the estimated annual amount of $441,743, including an annual allowance in the amount of $28,000, and authorize the Director of Purchasing to renew the contract for two one-year periods, for a three-year potential estimated amount of $1,325,229. The initial contract period begins on the date of award and terminates one year from that date.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
12. MOTION TO APPROVE Agreement between Broward County and Thompson & Associates, Inc., a certified County Business Enterprise, for Request for Proposals (RFP) No. R1372004P1, to provide for deliberately-phased Consultant Engineering Services for Reclaimed Water Transmission System for Water and Wastewater Engineering Division, in the total contract amount of $4,337,583, which includes a maximum not-to-exceed amount of $2,084,267
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for basic services, $2,076,421 for lump-sum compensation, $40,000 for optional additional services and $136,895 for reimbursable expenses, with a time for performance of 455 calendar days for design services; and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute same. (Commission Districts 2, 3 and 4)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
13. MOTION TO AWARD open-end contract to low responsive, responsible bidder, Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation, for Bid No. S2111206B1, Sign Posts and Footers for the Traffic Engineering Division, in the one-year estimated amount of $868,810, and authorize the Director of Purchasing to renew the contract for two one-year renewal periods, for a three-year potential estimated amount of $2,606,430. The initial contract period shall begin on the date of award and terminate one year from that date.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
RISK MANAGEMENT DIVISION
14. MOTION TO APPROVE settlement of Claim 0920103173 and to authorize County Administration and the Office of the County Attorney to prepare applicable settlement documents.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
BROWARD MUNICIPAL SERVICES DISTRICT
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15. A. MOTION TO APPROVE shell agreement between Broward County and County utility customers in the Broward Municipal Services District in accordance with the Broward County Connection Incentive Program. (Commission Districts 2 and 7)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
B. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Administrator or authorized designee to execute the individual shell agreements with County utility customers in the Broward Municipal Services District in accordance with the Broward County Connection Incentive Program. (Commission Districts 2 and 7)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION
16. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Administrator to enter into a license agreement with the United States Department of Defense (“DOD”), for training operations, to be conducted on one or more occasions at one selected site in Broward County identified by DOD in conjunction with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO), such agreement to terminate on March 31, 2018, subject to review by the Office of the County Attorney, provided that the County Administrator be notified of the specific sites and dates no later than two weeks prior to commencement of each training operation.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
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COUNTY COMMISSION
17. MOTION TO APPROVE Broward County’s participation in Broward Days’ 2017 Tallahassee event at a $7,500 sponsorship level. (Mayor Sharief)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
18. MOTION TO APPROVE waiver of bus fares for military personnel riding on Broward County Transit buses during Broward Navy Days Fleet Week 2017 (May 1-May 7, 2017), and providing for an effective date. (Commissioner LaMarca)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
FLEET SERVICES DIVISION
19. MOTION TO INCREASE THRESHOLD of current open-end contract for the purchase of general purpose vehicles, Bid No. V1300203G2, for the Fleet Services Division, in the amount of $1,500,000, from previous not-to-exceed total of $2,500,000, to not-to-exceed total amount of $4,000,000.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
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TRANSIT DIVISION
20. A. MOTION TO APPROVE Revocable License Agreement between Broward County and the Broward Sheriff's Office, to use Broward County Transit’s bus facilities for the purpose of conducting law enforcement functional drills and exercises; and authorize the County Administrator to execute same and to take all necessary administrative actions to implement the agreement. The term of this agreement is effective upon execution for a term of two years, with three one-year optional renewals. (Commission Districts 2 and 7)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
B. MOTION TO APPROVE Standard Form Revocable License Agreement between Broward County and various municipalities or entities, on behalf of their police departments, to use Broward County Transit’s bus facilities for the purpose of conducting law enforcement functional drills and exercises; and authorize the County Administrator to execute same and to take all necessary administrative actions to implement the agreements. The term of the agreements are effective upon execution for a term of two years, with three one-year optional renewals. (Commission Districts 2 and 7)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
21. MOTION TO ADOPT budget Resolution No. 2017-026 transferring within the Fiscal Year 2012 Transit Capital Grant Fund in the total amount of $1,000,000 for the purpose of reallocating funds for the purchase of replacement vehicles previously leased under the county's Pilot Vehicle Leasing Program.
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
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VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
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PUBLIC HEARING
22. MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2017-027 of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, the title of which is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT; AMENDING SECTIONS 2.11, 40.13, AND VARIOUS PROVISIONS IN CHAPTERS 8 AND 27 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ("ADMINISTRATIVE CODE"), TO REFLECT CHANGES IN DIVISION NAMES AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ACTION: (T-10:30 AM) Approved. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
23. MOTION TO CONSIDER adoption of a proposed Resolution No. 2017-028 amending the Administrative Code, the title of which is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO THE REDEVELOPMENT CAPITAL PROGRAM; AMENDING CHAPTER 19 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ("ADMINISTRATIVE CODE"); CREATING SECTION 19.27, PROVIDING FOR EXECUTION OF SATISFACTIONS OF LOANS AND PROMISSORY NOTES; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY,
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INCLUSION IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ACTION: (T-10:31 AM) Approved. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
24. MOTION TO DETERMINE whether population increases in Broward County justify the issuance of new taxicab and new luxury sedan certificates of public convenience and necessity (certificates) and accompanying permits.
ACTION: (T-10:31 AM) (Per the Tuesday Morning Memorandum, the Board continued this item to Tuesday, March 14, 2017.) (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
END PUBLIC HEARING
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DELEGATION
25. DELEGATION: Cherolyn Davis representing Ali Cultural Arts
ACTION: (T-10:33 AM) The Board heard the Delegation Request by Cherolyn Davis wherein Ms. Davis presented a grant award that was received by Ali Cultural Arts. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
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26. DELEGATION: Newton Sanon representing OIC of South Florida
ACTION: (T-10:35 AM) The Board heard the Delegation Request by representatives from OIC of South Florida relative to recent updates. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
27. A. MOTION TO APPROVE creation of new job classifications, title changes and Board-level reclassifications to facilitate organizational and name changes within the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department to create a separate Building Code Services Division with appropriate adjustments to functions and responsibilities, and reorganize the current Environmental Licensing and Building Permitting Division and current Pollution Prevention Division into a new Environmental Engineering and Permitting Division and new Environmental and Consumer Protection Division, with appropriate adjustments to functions and responsibilities.
(Per the Tuesday Morning Memorandum, this item puts the administrative actions in place necessary to effectuate the reorganization of the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department outlined in Public Hearing Item 22.)
ACTION: (T-10:39 AM) Approved. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 7-0. Commissioner Ryan was out of the room during the vote. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
ACTION: (T-10:39 AM) Commissioner Ryan requested being shown voting in the affirmative.
VOTE: 8-0.
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B. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Administrator to take the necessary administrative and budgetary actions to implement the changes in Motion A.
(Per the Tuesday Morning Memorandum, this item puts the administrative actions in place necessary to effectuate the reorganization of the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department outlined in Public Hearing Item 22.)
ACTION: (T-10:39 AM) Approved. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 7-0. Commissioner Ryan was out of the room during the vote. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
ACTION: (T-10:39 AM) Commissioner Ryan requested being shown voting in the affirmative.
VOTE: 8-0.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PURCHASING DIVISION
For Finance and Administrative Services Department
28. A. MOTION TO APPROVE utilization of the State of Florida Department of Management Services, SUNCOM Mobile Communication Services Contract No. DMS-10/11-008 for county-wide wireless voice and data services.
ACTION: (T-10:40 AM) Approved. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
B. MOTION TO APPROVE Participating Addendum, pursuant to the State of Florida Department of Management Services Agreement, between Broward County and Sprint Solutions, Inc., for wireless voice and data services for the
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Enterprise Technology Services Division, in the estimated amount of $535,000 annually; and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute same. The participating Addendum begins upon execution by the Board and shall continue for the duration of the State of Florida Contract No. DMS-10/11-008B (including extensions thereto), unless earlier terminated.
ACTION: (T-10:40 AM) Approved. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
C. MOTION TO APPROVE Participating Addendum, pursuant to the State of Florida Department of Management Services Agreement, between Broward County and Verizon Wireless Personal Communications LP D/B/A Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless of the East LP D/B/A Verizon Wireless by Cellco Partnership, its General Partner, for wireless voice and data services for the Enterprise Technology Services Division, in the estimated amount of $550,000 annually; and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute same. The participating Addendum begins upon execution by the Board and shall continue for the duration of the State of Florida Contract No. DMS-10/11-008C (including extensions thereto), unless earlier terminated.
ACTION: (T-10:40 AM) Approved. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
For Office of Regional Communications & Technology
29. MOTION TO APPROVE final ranking of the qualified firms for Request for Proposals (RFP) No. R1422515P1, Public Safety Radio APCO Project 25 700MHz Communication System; the ranked firms are: 1 - Motorola Solutions, Inc.; 2 - Harris Corporation, and authorize staff to proceed with negotiations. (Deferred from January 24, 2017 - Item No. 35)
ACTION: (T-10:42 AM) Approved. The Board requested that end-users be involved in future procurement. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
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(See Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated February 7, 2017, submitted at the request of the Purchasing Division, County Administration, The Office of the County Attorney, and Finance and Administrative Services Department.)
VOTE: 6-2. Commissioners Bogen and Udine voted no. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
For Transportation Department
30. MOTION TO APPROVE final ranking of the qualified firms for Request for Proposals (RFP) No. V2112712P1, Transit Advertising Program; the ranked firms are 1 - Direct Media, Inc.; 2 - Lamar Transit, LLC, and authorize staff to proceed with negotiations, contingent upon no objections or protests received.
(Transferred to the Consent Agenda.)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
COUNTY COMMISSION
31. MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2017-029 the title of which is as follows: (Commissioner Ryan)
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE BROWARD METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION AND THE CITIES OF DEERFIELD BEACH, FORT LAUDERDALE, OAKLAND PARK, AND POMPANO BEACH IN THEIR EFFORT TO COORDINATE THE CREATION OF A QUIET ZONE ALONG A PORTION OF THE SOUTH FLORIDA RAIL
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CORRIDOR; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ACTION: (T-11:40 AM) Approved. The Board recommended that cities work on a "way-finding signage program," so as to allow persons to learn of Broward County cities to visit. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 7-1. Commissioner Bogen voted no. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
32. MOTION TO APPROVE Travel for Commissioner Chip LaMarca to travel to Tallahassee on February 8th, 2017 and return February 10th, 2017 to advocate for Broward County. (Commissioner LaMarca)
(Transferred to the Consent Agenda.)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
33. MOTION TO NOMINATE Randy Fleischer to the Climate Change Task Force. (Commissioner Geller)
(Transferred to the Consent Agenda.)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
34. MOTION TO DISCUSS compensation package for Interim County Auditor Kathie-Ann Ulett. (Mayor Sharief)
ACTION: (T-11:43 AM) Following discussion, the Board approved the
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compensation package for Interim County Auditor Kathie-Ann Ulett as outlined for Broward County Auditor in the Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated February 7, 2017, submitted by the Office of the County Attorney.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION
35. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Administrator to take the necessary administrative and budgetary actions to hire a Director of Real Estate Development, support staff (Program Project Coordinator) to direct and administer the BB&T Center Development project, and associated operating expenses.
(Transferred to the Consent Agenda.)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
36. MOTION TO DISCUSS request from the Broward County Consolidated Communications Committee (4C) to extend the committee for one additional year.
(Transferred to the Consent Agenda.)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved, as amended, as reflected on the Tuesday Morning Memorandum. (Scrivener’s Error – See County Administrator’s Report: Motion currently reads: MOTION TO DISCUSS request from the Broward County Consolidated Communications Committee (4C)…it should read, MOTION TO APPROVE Extension of the Broward County Consolidated Communications Committee (4C) for no greater than one year.) (See Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated
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February 7, 2017, submitted by County Administration with the Yellow- Sheeted Additional Material, dated February 7, 2017, submitted County Administration.)
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
37. MOTION TO AMEND Broward County Board of County Commissioners' meeting schedule to reflect changes to the February, June and September schedule.
(Transferred to the Consent Agenda.)
ACTION: (T-10:26 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION
38. MOTION TO DISCUSS Board of County Commission direction to enter into negotiations with Worldwide Sports Management Group, LLC based on an unsolicited proposal to provide promotion and management of international cricket events at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium and research if the proposer was a sole source. (Commission District 9)
ACTION: (T-12:00 PM) Following public comment, the Board tabled this item until later in the meeting. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
ACTION: (T-1:36 PM) Following discussion, the Board waived their Procurement Code, and directed staff to continue to negotiate with World Wide Sports Management Group, LLC. (See Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated February 7, 2017, submitted at the request of Commissioner Holness, Mayor Sharief, Parks & Recreation Division, Finance and Administrative Services Department, and the Office of the County Auditor, (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
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VOTE: 6-2. Commissioners Ryan and Udine voted no. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
39. MAYOR'S REPORT
A. CANNABIS LEGISLATION
ACTION: (T-3:09 PM) Mayor Sharief reported that she recently attended a Mayors' Summit with Florida Association of Counties in Orlando to learn how to legislate Cannabis. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
B. CONGRATULATIONS
ACTION: (T-3:10 PM) Mayor Sharief congratulated City of Miramar Assistant City Manager Vernon Hargray on his retirement. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
C. CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
ACTION: (T-3:10 PM) Mayor Sharief reported that she will be speaking at a Charter Review Commission (CRC) Meeting on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, and will be answering some of the (CRC's) questions. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
D. C-51 RESERVOIR
ACTION: (T-3:10 PM) Mayor Sharif noted that Broward County and Commissioner Ryan have been working very hard to ensure funding for the C-51 Reservoir. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
40. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
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A. PORT EVERGLADES
ACTION: (T-3:19 PM) County Administrator Bertha Henry reported that this past year, Broward County has had a 15 percent increase in container business at Port Everglades. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA COUNTY COMMISSION
41. MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2017-030 the title of which is as follows: (Commissioner Rich)
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, DECLARING BROWARD COUNTY AN INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING COUNTY FOR ALL OF ITS RESIDENTS AND VISITORS IRRESPECTIVE OF RACE, RELIGION, ETHNICITY, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.
ACTION: (T-2:03 PM) Approved, as amended, deleting the words, "offers refuge to" and inserting the word, "values" on Exhibit 1, Page 2, Line 2. (Per the Tuesday Morning Memorandum, Commissioner Holness requested being a co-sponsor of this item.) The Board raised concern as to bond ratings, and requested that the County Administrator advise Standard and Poor's that Broward County is not a Sanctuary County. (Scrivener’s Error – See County Administrator’s Report: At the end of the Title it currently reads,…OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, and should read, “OR NATIONAL ORIGIN; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”) (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
VOTE: 7-1. Commissioner LaMarca voted no. Vice Mayor Furr was not present.
NON-AGENDA
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42. CITIZENSHIP DRIVE - COMMISSIONER HOLNESS
ACTION: (T-3:05 PM) Commissioner Holness pointed out that he will be holding a Citizenship Drive at Lauderhill Mall on Saturday, February 11th. Immigration attorneys will be available to assist residents with forms and waivers. Volunteers are needed. For more information call (954) 357- 7794. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
43. GOVERNOR’S VETERANS SERVICE AWARD – COMMISSIONER UDINE
ACTION: (T-3:11 PM) Commissioner Udine noted that he was happy to honor many veterans throughout South Florida at the Governor’s Veterans Service Award. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
44. TRIATHLON – COMMISSIONER BOGEN
ACTION: (T-3:11 PM) Commissioner Bogen encouraged the Board and their staff to participate in the Second Annual “No Sweat Triathlon” on Friday, February 17, 2017. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
45. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – COMMISSIONER RYAN
ACTION: (T-3:13 PM) The Board wished Commissioner Ryan a Happy Birthday. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
46. BEACH RESTORATION – COMMISSIONER LAMARCA
ACTION: (T-3:13 PM) Commissioner LaMarca pointed out that Governor Rick Scott has proposed an $83.5 billion budget that will direct $127 million toward beach restoration, in which $77 million will be used to address beaches damaged by Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
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47. VISIT FLORIDA RESOLUTION – COMMISSIONER LAMARCA
ACTION: (T-3:14 PM) Commissioner LaMarca encouraged the Board to create a Resolution in support of Visit Florida and possibly Enterprise Florida. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
48. TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES AND (TNC) PREEMPTION – COMMISSIONER LAMARCA
ACTION: (T-3:15 PM) Commissioner LaMarca encouraged the Board to keep their eyes on (TNC) preemption issues. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
49. PORT EVERGLADES – COMMISSIONER LAMARCA
ACTION: (T-3:15 PM) Commissioner LaMarca expressed the importance of communication to the State of Florida as to Port Everglades being a landlord-tenant port. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
50. BROWARD SAFE BOATING GUIDE – COMMISSIONER LAMARCA
ACTION: (T-3:15 PM) Commissioner LaMarca recommended picking up a Broward Safe Boating Guide before going out to sea. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
51. “THANK YOU EFFORT” – COMMISSIONER LAMARCA
ACTION: (T-3:15 PM) Commissioner LaMarca pointed out that a “thank you effort” will be held in Pompano Beach on Saturday, March 4, 2017. An aerial photo will be taken of persons on the beach. The photograph will then be sent to Tallahassee as a “thank you.” (Refer to minutes for full discussion)
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52. NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY – COMMISSIONER HOLNESS
ACTION: (T-3:16 PM) Commissioner Holness pointed out that today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Further, Commissioner Holness pointed out resources and solutions around Broward County. (Refer to minute for full discussion.)
53. MINOR HOME REPAIRS – COMMISSIONER HOLNESS
ACTION: (T-3:17 PM) Commissioner Holness noted that on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, Broward County Housing Finance and Community Redevelopment will be accepting applications for minor home repairs and a water/sewer program. For more information call (954) 357-4900. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
54. COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP – COMMISSIONER HOLNESS
ACTION: (T-3:17 PM) Commissioner Holness pointed out that on Saturday, February 11, 2017, the Community of Boulevard Gardens will be having a Community Clean-Up. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
55. TENNIS COURTS AT C.B. SMITH PARK – COMMISSIONER GELLER
ACTION: (T-3:18 PM) Commissioner Geller thanked Broward County Parks Director Dan West for his work relative to the tennis courts at C.B. Smith Park. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
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THE BROWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING OF FEBRUARY 7, 2017 10:00 A.M.
A meeting of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Broward County, Florida, was held in Room 422 of the Government Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2017.
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT ATTENDANCE
Mark Bogen 2 Present Beam Furr 6 Absent Steve Geller 5 Present Dale V.C. Holness 9 Present Chip LaMarca 4 Present Nan H. Rich 1 Present Timothy Ryan 7 Present Barbara Sharief 8 Present Michael Udine 3 Present
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Barbara Sharief called the meeting to order.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Good morning. We are now calling this meeting of February the 7th, 2017 to order.
We would like to start with the pledge led by -- I’m hoping I’m not butchering this -- Benday Breeces and -- I think it’s the --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So who -- the Boys Florida Singing Sons Boys Choir?
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: No.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Can you tell me who I’m leading the pledge with? Would you -- the boys, I was trying to do the boys.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: The boys.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: They’re not here. Oh, okay, okay.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible) choir is here and we’ll recognize (inaudible).
MAYOR SHARIEF: We tried to do something nice for them. Okay.
Well, none other than Commissioner Bogen.
(THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WAS LED BY COMMISSIONER MARK BOGEN, BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 2.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
As is customary, we ask for a moment of silence for maybe members of our community that might have been lost in the last week.
Commissioners, do you have anyone? Commissioner LaMarca.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Mayor, thank you.
You probably read in the newspaper over the weekend that the first casualty of war under the new administration happened in Yemen.
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I’d ask that you keep the family of Navy Seal Ryan Owens in your thoughts and prayers. Ryan was the Navy Seal that was killed in the special operations raid last weekend. His father was a Fort Lauderdale police detective who worked at Fort Lauderdale Police Department and retired and -- and lives in the Town of Lauderdale-by-the- Sea.
And after 12 deployments, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ryan Owens, who spent his entire adult life fighting in America’s longest war, became its first casualty under its third Commander in Chief.
Early Sunday, Owens headed into action yet again with the Seal Team 6. Planning for this pre-dawn mission had begun during the last days during the Obama administration, and final approval had finally come in the first days of the Trump administration.
One of his long -- long-time friends described Owens as always, a great friend, always had your back, always willing to do anything for you, always a good guy.
Another friend said, for me, it’s easy to take for granted that my life, my family, and I get to live every day. Words do not do justice for the gratitude that I have for people like Ryan that sacrifice their lives fighting against evil so that we may live in freedom.
I’d like to thank the President of the United States for flying to Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday to stand with the Owens family as an honor guard carried his flag-draped coffin from a C-17 transport plane for the dignified transfer (inaudible) this country (inaudible) the fallen that protect our freedoms here and abroad.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Holness.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Mr. Williams, the father of Judge Elijah Williams, a great person in our community, a guiding light for Judge Williams and -- and one of his most ardent campaign supporters out on the campaign passed recently.
Condolences to Judge Williams’ family.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Ryan.
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COMMISSIONER RYAN: For those of us who have served up on Tallahassee may remember former Mayor and State Representative Perry McGriff, Jr. He passed away this week. He’s from Gainesville.
He was a very accomplished football and baseball player at the University of Florida, served for several years in the Legislature.
He leaves a spouse and five children.
MAYOR SHARIEF: And with that, we would also like to recognize our men and women serving here and abroad.
(Moment of silence.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you. You may be seated.
For those of you in our audience, we’d like to let you know that the songs that we were -- that were chosen this morning to lead us were performed by the Florida Singing Sons.
Commissioner Geller chose the music today and asked to recognize Daniel Copher, Executive Chair for the group. Commissioner Geller.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Instead of the usual music that we played, I chose to offer some music from the Florida Singing Sons, which is located in Broward County, does receive support from this Commission.
As a matter of fact, my older son is an alumnus of that; my younger son is there. And it’s located in Oakland Park.
I believe that’s in Commissioner Holness’s district. And -- your district? Okay. And I --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
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COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- it’s two blocks north of City Hall.
And I would like to recognize the Executive Director of Florida Singing Sons, Dr. Daniel Copher, for a brief two minutes on the organization.
DR. COPHER: Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Commissioners, for recognizing Florida Singing Sons.
We’re an organization serving third grade through high school boys here in Broward County. And we’ve been here for 42 years, so we have a very long history with Broward County.
And we’ve enjoyed the support that we’ve had, particularly through Broward County Cultural Division, over the years, not only in grants, but also advice and helping us to be a -- a stronger non-profit organization.
Our boys learn higher levels of music education and performance through the -- the classes that we give them, and we tour them throughout Broward County, throughout the State of Florida, nationally, and internationally.
So, we’re known all over the globe, and we’ve toured lots over the years.
This year, we’re going to New York and Boston. We’ll be singing at the Summer Solstice at St. John the Divine, and then on to Boston to sing at Marsh Chapel.
But I just really want to thank you for your support over the years, and trust that you support the arts as we continue on.
Thank you very much.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you, Dr. --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- you.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- Copher. Thank you, Madam Mayor.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Wonderful.
BROWARD MEANS BUSINESS MOMENT
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Before we move into the agenda, I would like to start with the Broward Means Business Moment by recognizing the Creation Station.
I’m asking Laura Connors of the Libraries Division to join me at the podium.
MS. CONNORS: (Inaudible.) She’s been a key person in the Creation Station, so I asked her to join us as well.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Wonderful. Thank you.
And we have joining us as well Lisa Manners, who has been key in creating the Creation Station at the library.
This Proclamation reads:
Whereas Broward County’s Libraries Creation Station, located at the main library in downtown Fort Lauderdale, was launched in January, 2014 as a maker space and gadget lab; and
Whereas its opening marketed a ground-breaking moment in the County’s history as it was the first free community center in Broward equipped with tools and equipment such as state of the art computers and 3D printers; and
Whereas the Creation Station functions as a gathering space for anyone interested in learning how to utilize 21st century technology to become a maker, builder, or creator, and it hosts an average of 1200 visitors each month; and
Whereas Creation Station staff, in conjunction with companies such as Microsoft, Disney, and Magic Leap, offer free classes in virtual reality, as well as workshops on how to use the other high tech Creation Station equipment; and
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Whereas in October of 2016, Creation Stations were opened at two other library locations, the Jan Moran Collier City Library Learning Library in Pompano Beach, which is focused on music with audio recording production equipment and musical instruments available for the community to use free of charge, and a Creation Station at the Northwest Regional Library in Coral Springs, which is equipped for hands-on making with large work tables and specialized tools and instruments; and
Whereas the Creation Station business located on the seventh floor of the main library opened in October of 2016, this now co-working space offers free work and conference areas that can be reserved by the public, as well as common areas where business related workshops, seminars, and other events are held to support small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs;
Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida that the Board hereby designates Tuesday, February two thousand and -- 7th, 2017 as Broward Means Business Broward County Libraries Creation Station Day in Broward County, Florida.
(Applause.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh, you want us to move? She wants us to go --
(Picture taken.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
CONSENT AGENDA
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Can I get a drum roll? Yes.
Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. We are going to start the Commission meeting.
So, for the -- for those of you out there in the audience, we have a few rules.
So please turn off or silence your cell phones.
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Any members of the audience who wishes to address the County Commission on an item on today’s agenda, please come forward and fill out a speaker form that looks like this (indicating) over to my right, as located on the dais, and furnish it to staff.
Once an item is called, no further speaker sign-ups will be allowed, and you will not be permitted to speak.
Individuals who are interested in speaking, please come forward and sign up to be heard if you have not already done so.
Once the item comes before the Board, if you’re not signed up, you will not be permitted to speak.
When you are called upon, you will have two minutes to speak.
Please keep your comments brief and to the subject being discussed.
We ask that you address the Commission in a polite manner, and that you refrain from making impertinent or slanderous remarks or personal attacks.
If you fail to do so, your microphone will be turned off and you will be escorted out by security or law enforcement.
We ask that those of you in the audience respect the views of others that are speaking today.
As such, we do not allow any applause, cheering, booing, or catcalls during or after the speakers’ comments.
If you’d like to wave in support, you can do spirit fingers (indicating), or you can just remain silent.
Okay. Now I’ll read the Tuesday morning memo.
Consent items are items numbered 1 through 21.
Public Hearing items are Items Number 22 through 24.
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Regular items are Items Number 25 through 41.
I request the following withdrawals and scrivener error corrections, and inclusion of additional information.
The withdrawals and deferrals, there are none.
For scrivener’s errors, Item Number 36, motion reads motion to discuss request from the Broward County Consolidated Communications Committee, 4C. It should read motion to approve extension of the Broward County Consolidated Communications Committee, 4C, for no greater than one year.
Item Number 41, at the end of the title it currently reads or national origin. It should read or national origin and providing for severability and an effective date.
I request without objection that Items 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36 as amended, and 37 be moved to Consent.
There’s additional information on the Regular meeting.
Item Number 27, this item puts the administrative actions in place necessary to effectuate the reorganization of the Environmental Protect -- Protection and Growth Management Department outlined in Public Hearing Item Number 22.
Item Number 41, Commissioner Holness would like to be listed as a co- sponsor.
And there’s additional information for the Public Hearing items, and that is Item 24, the Mayor will be requesting that this item be continued to March, two thousand -- March 14th, 2017 to afford the Commission an opportunity to discuss the issue along with other transportation related at the February 21st, 2017 transportation workshop.
There’s additional material for the Regular meeting that needs to be read into the record.
Items 1C through 1H for Board appointments.
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Item Number 29, a memo to the Board submitted by the Purchasing Division.
Item Number 29 paren 2 and Item Number 36 paren 2, letter to the Fire Chiefs’ Association submitted by County administration.
Item Number 29 paren 3, memo to the Board submitted by the County Attorney’s Office.
Item Number 29 paren 4, memo to the Board submitted by Finance and Administrative Services.
Item Number 34, a memo to the Board submitted by the County Auditor’s Office.
Item Number 36, a letter from the Broward League of Cities submitted by the County administration.
Item Number 38 and 32 -- 38 paren 2, memo to the Board submitted by Parks and Recreation Division.
Item Number 38 paren 3, e-mails and letters submitted by Commissioner Holness.
Item Number 38 paren 4, memo to the Board submitted by Finance and Administrative Services.
Item Number 38 paren 5, memo to the Board submitted by the Auditor’s Office.
Item Number 38 paren 6, memo to the Board submitted by the Finance and Administrative Services.
There’s an additional item, Item Number 38 paren 7, that was submitted by Commissioner Dale Holness.
Okay. With that, Commissioners, I am going to start with pulls.
Commissioner Udine?
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COMMISSIONER UDINE: I’m good.
MAYOR SHARIEF: None?
COMMISSIONER UDINE: (Inaudible) get through the 46 additional items that we (inaudible).
MAYOR SHARIEF: You’re good?
COMMISSIONER RICH: Pulls from the Consent Agenda, is that what you --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Pulls from the Consent Agenda.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Yeah, Number 3. I have a -- yeah.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
Commissioner Bogen?
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I’m going to pull everything. No. No -- no pulls. It’s a pull your chain.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh. Well, I don’t have one.
Commissioner Ryan?
COMMISSIONER RYAN: No items.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Vice Mayor Furr is in Tallahassee lobbying on behalf of the County.
Commissioner LaMarca?
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: I’d like to leave Number 7 on for a brief -- a quick comment, and 31.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Every time you do that, you know it turns into a three-hour item.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: I promise Number 7 will be quick.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: You promise?
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: I can’t promise on 31.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. 31, I’m okay. 7.
Commissioner Holness?
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: None.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Geller?
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Nothing.
MAYOR SHARIEF: County Administrator?
MS. HENRY: None.
MAYOR SHARIEF: County Attorney?
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: County Auditor?
MS. ULETT: None.
MAYOR SHARIEF: All righty. And the public has requested to speak on Items 29, 38, and 41. Okay?
With that, can I please have a motion for the --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- Consent Agenda --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Move it.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Second.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: -- minus Items 3, 7, and 31 will stay on Regular. Okay.
Second. Do I have a second?
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. All in favor, signify by saying aye.
All opposed?
Let the record show that the Consent Agenda passed minus those items.
VOTE PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
AGENDA ITEM 3
MAYOR SHARIEF: First item pulled from Consent is Item Number 7, Commissioner LaMarca.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Number 3.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Thank you, Mayor.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Number 3.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Number 3.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: 3, sorry.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh, wait. 3. Sorry.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Yeah.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Rich.
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COMMISSIONER RICH: Yeah.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Sorry.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Yes. Madam Mayor, I serve on the board of the Areawide Council on Aging, which seeks to contract with the County.
Because I do not receive compensation for this service, I do not have an actual conflict of interest.
However, I wish to avoid even the appearance of a conflict, and I am therefore abstaining from voting on this item.
Because I have no actual voting conflict, I will remain on the dais for the item, and will not participate in any discussion.
I ask that the minutes of the meeting reflect that I have abstained on voting from Item Number 3.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Rich, when you -- when you speak, you’re -- you’ve got to pull your mic forward, because we can hardly hear you.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Really?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yeah. That’s okay. We got it. We got it. You’re abstaining and staying on the dais. Okay.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Move the item.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: All right. All in favor of Item Number 3, signify by saying aye.
All opposed?
Let the record show Item 3 passes unanimously with one abstention -- and one absence, actually.
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VOTE PASSES UNANIMOUSLY WITH COMMISSIONER RICH ABSTAINING FROM VOTING.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
AGENDA ITEM 7
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Item Number 7, Commissioner LaMarca.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Thank you, Mayor.
Ms. Henry, if I could ask Dr. Jurado up for just a brief moment.
MS. HENRY: Dr. Jurado.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: And she’s coming up.
I -- I want to first commend the office and Dr. Jurado as its leader in -- in moving forward with -- with a plan and this -- the future conditions map series.
Anybody who’s stood in the King Tide area of Los Olas can see -- clearly see that we have some phenomenon happening, and to say that nothing’s happening would be ignorant. And to -- I would also contend that to say we have all the answers would -- would probably be equally as -- as inconsiderate.
My question is as we look forward with this, can we consider some way to add a financial component with regard to economic feasibility, economic predictability?
I was at a coastal meeting yesterday with a professor from FAU, Colin -- I forget his last name -- but one of the things he said was he talked about our climate issues and not spooking people with -- economically.
And I think that’s one of the biggest things we can do, is try to -- in -- in -- inasmuch as we’re presenting an excellent plan, to show how this would affect the average business owner, resident, that type of thing, and whether it is to
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include the impact of cost of sea -- sea wall height increases, that type of thing.
But everything else is fantastic. If we can look into that.
I want to thank you for your hard work.
And I also want to make mention that one of our south Florida representatives in Washington, D.C. in the majority party, Carlos Curbelo, has joined the Climate Task Force in -- in Washington, or the caucus.
And I think it’s great that we’re going to be talking about these issues and figuring out how we can fix them as a community together.
So, with that, I’m going to move the item, Mayor.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Do I have a second?
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: All in favor of Item Number 7, signify by saying aye.
All opposed?
Let the record show that passes unanimously.
VOTE PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
PUBLIC HEARING
AGENDA ITEM 22
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. The next item that was on is -- we’re going on to the Public Hearing. And that is Item Number 22.
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I do not have any speaker cards from the public, but as it is a Public Hearing, I’m going to open up Item Number 22 to the public for public comment.
Item Number 2 [sic] is a motion to adopt a resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, a title -- the title of which is as follows: a resolution of the Board of County Commissions [sic], Broward County, Florida, pertaining to the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department, amending Sections 2.11 comma 40.13 and various provisions in Chapters 8 and 27 of the Broward County Administrative Code.
Seeing that there is no audience member that wants to speak on this item, the Public Hearing --
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Move it.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- is closed.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: I have a motion and a second.
All in favor of 22, signify by saying aye.
All opposed??
Let the record show that that passes unanimously.
VOTE PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
AGENDA ITEM 23
MAYOR SHARIEF: Item Number 23 is a motion to consider adoption of a proposed resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, pertaining to the Redevelopment Capital Program, amending Chapter 19 of the Broward County Administrative Code, creating Section 19.27, providing for
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execution of satisfactions of loans and promissory notes.
Is there anyone from the audience that wishes to be heard on Item 23?
Seeing none, the audience participation --
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Move it.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- is closed.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. I have a motion and a second on Item 23.
All in favor, signify by saying aye.
All opposed?
Let the record show 23 passes unanimously.
VOTE PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
AGENDA ITEM 24
MAYOR SHARIEF: The next item is Item Number 24. It’s a motion to determine whether population increases in Broward County justify the issuance of new taxicab and new luxury sedan certificates of convenience and necessities [sic] and accompanying permits.
Is there anyone from the audience that wishes to be heard on Item Number --
MS. HENRY: This --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- 24?
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I thought --
MAYOR SHARIEF: I’m sorry?
MS. HENRY: -- this is the item that’s the request for a continuance.
MAYOR SHARIEF: We’re going to continue. Oh, okay. I’m sorry.
Okay. So, we’re going to ask for a continuance on this item.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: So moved.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: So all in favor of continuing this item until --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: March 14th.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- March --
MS. HENRY: 14th.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- 14th, signify by saying aye.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Do you want me to --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: It’s in your script, if you wanted to talk about (inaudible).
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, I’m going to read why we’re continuing the item.
Staff advises that they are prepared to discuss and offer recommendations related to the following, which is the TNC’s performance and challenges to date, availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles, and requests for more taxi certificates by some in the cab community, and paratransit riders’ choice for
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paratransit trips.
So, since we’re continuing the item until March the 14th, I guess we can discuss that in detail at that time.
So, I’ve already had a motion and a second to move it.
All in favor, signify by saying aye.
Okay. All opposed?
Let the record show that Item 24 is continued to March 14th.
VOTE PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
REGULAR AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM 25
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. The next two items on the agenda are delegation requests.
Item Number 25 is for Cherolyn Davis, representing Ali Cultural Arts.
And since these are delegation requests, you are going to have the three minutes to speak.
MS. DAVIS: Okay.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay?
MS. DAVIS: Good morning. I’m Cherolyn Davis, Director for the Ali Cultural Arts Center in Pompano Beach, Florida.
I stand before you today to present to you an award that we received by the
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Knight Art Challenge Foundation in Miami. It was an award for $60,000 for a grant for our Miss Masters Audio Engineering Program.
At Ali, we -- beginning in April, we will offer programming, audio engineering programming, to the northwest district of Pompano Beach for young ladies, young girls ages eight to 18, the opportunity for -- to learn more about audio engineering, DJ-ing, and music production, which is more the male dominant area, male dominant field.
Ali Cultural Arts is a music and performance hub in the northwest district of Pompano Beach that provide music, dance -- dance programs, and visual arts.
So, I just wanted to take this time to acknowledge the award that we recently received. Ali being a just started and just opened recent cultural arts center, November made it a year that we’ve been open. So, we do dance classes, visual aids, visual arts, as well as music performance as well.
So, at this time, I’d just like to present the award. It says Knight Art Challenge 2016 Winner for $60,000 for our audio engineering program.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Well, that’s terrific.
MS. DAVIS: Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Congratulations.
(Applause.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
AGENDA ITEM 26
MAYOR SHARIEF: The next person that has a delegation request is Newton Sanon, representing OIC of South Florida.
MR. LAMEL: Good morning, Madam Mayor and County Commissioners. I am not Newton Sanon.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Right.
MR. LAMEL: I am Jerol Lamel. I’m the Vice President of Operations for OIC South Florida.
MS. CONNELLY: Good morning. Arlene Connelly, Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships of OIC of South Florida.
Thank you for having us.
MR. LAMEL: Absolutely. Absolutely.
You may recall last October OIC South Florida hosted its 15-anniversary summit where, in alignment with Broward County’s Six Pillar Community Strategic Plan and Miami-Dade’s One Community, One Goal, we renewed our dedication to building the middle class in south Florida.
The summit was hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Casino.
One of the many great take aways from that event was when Jim Allen, the Chairman and CEO of Seminole Gaming, offered -- committed to actually hosting a job and vendor fair for OIC.
We are very, very proud to announce to the community that the Seminole Tribe Job and Vendor Fair set for February 25th at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood.
Because the opportunity is so important to so many of us in workforce development, we engaged our partners, many partners across Broward County, including Career Source, Hispanic Unity, the Urban League, and Art Broward, all of been -- who have been extremely helpful in identifying candidates and the -- with the pre-screening process.
For the vendor piece, we engaged Sandy-Michael McDonald in the Broward Office of Economic and Small Business Development, and they have done a tremendous job, not only in lining up businesses for the event, but also in getting non-certified businesses certified with the County.
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My boss, the president and CEO, Newton Sanon, is not here today. He was invited by the Seminole Tribe to lead a delegation to Washington to meet with the Florida Congressional Delegation that includes Marcellus (Inaudible), Jr., the new chair, but he certainly sends his warmest regards, and he appreciates the fact that we sent the invitation to all the Commissioners and you graciously responded.
We are so excited also to have Mayor Sharief to open the event, and we look forward to that, certainly.
We also look forward to this and many more opportunities to serve Broward County and its communities and to let the world know that Broward means business.
So, thank you very much.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
MS. CONNELLY: And on behalf of all the organizations who have been helping to -- oh, our three minutes is up --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Go ahead. Go ahead.
MS. CONNELLY: -- of all the organizations that have been helping us to usher this event, we just want to thank the Commission for their continued support on the efforts to strengthen our community and open access to employment and business opportunities. MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you. We appreciate you coming, and we appreciate what you’re doing for our community.
Okay. That concludes the delegation requests on our agenda today.
AGENDA ITEM 27
(COMMISSIONER RYAN LEFT THE ROOM.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: The next item that is up for consideration is on the Regular
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Agenda. That’s Item Number 27, which is a motion to approve the creation of new job classifications, title changes, and Board-level reclassifications to facilitate organizational and name changes within the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department.
There are no speaker sign-ups.
Do I have a motion from this dais?
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Move it.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Second.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: All those in favor of Item 27, signify by saying aye.
All opposed?
Let the record show that passes unanimously.
VOTE PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
(COMMISSIONER RYAN AND VICE MAYOR FURR WERE NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
(COMMISSIONER RYAN RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Item Number 28 --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- is a –
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Do we need 27B also?
MAYOR SHARIEF: No. It’s Item 27 A and B.
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Commissioner Ryan would like to be shown in the affirmative on Item 27, correct?
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Thank you, Mayor.
AGENDA ITEM 28
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Item Number 28 --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- is a motion to approve utilization of the State of Florida Department of Management Services SUNCOM Mobile Communication Services Contract Number DMS-10/11-008 for countywide wireless voice and data services.
There is a Motion A to approve, Motion B to approve, C to approve. So, do I have --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Madam Mayor --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- any --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- I have -- I have a question.
MAYOR SHARIEF: You have a question? Okay. Wonderful.
I have no audience pulls on that item, so Commissioner Geller.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
With your permission, a question of the County Administrator.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes, County Administrator.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Ms. Henry, as I review this, I see that there are contracts
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with, again, SUNCOM, Verizon, a lot of different Verizon, other companies there.
I notice AT and T is not included in this item. Is there a reason for that? MS. HENRY: Yes, Commissioner. The staff originally submitted AT and T for a similar agreement. I asked that that item be pulled until I have an opportunity to have a discussion with the principals of the local area for AT and T as it relates to services at our courthouse.
As you have read, there have -- there have been companies that have stepped up. Verizon is one of those companies, T-Mobile, as well as Sprint, to make the modifications in our courthouse to make sure that their -- their clients are able to use their cell -- cellular service.
I’d like to have that conversation with AT and T. We’ve looked at over the next ten years we could spend as much as in excess of $90,000,000 with AT and T, and I think that having to step up like the other companies to make sure that their customers can have service is something that I’d like to pursue further with them.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: So you’re sort of trying to send them a message?
MS. HENRY: Tactfully --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: You don’t have to answer that.
MS. HENRY: -- yes.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay.
MS. HENRY: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Do you have a motion on the item?
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Move it.
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Second?
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Second.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: All in favor -- I’m sorry?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Is this -- there’s three.
MS. HENRY: A, B, and C.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Is this a motion to approve all three?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes. So, it’s a motion to -- to approve Item Number 28 A, B, and C.
I had a -- a motion and second.
All in favor, signify by saying aye.
All opposed?
Let the record show that passes unanimously.
VOTE PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
AGENDA ITEM 29
MAYOR SHARIEF: Item Number 29 is a motion to approve the final ranking of the
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qualified firms for Request for Proposals for R14225151P1 [sic], Public Safety Radio APCO Project 25 700 Megahertz Communication System.
I have ten audience speakers on this item. As such, you will all have two minutes to speak.
And I’m going to start with Thomas DiBernardo, followed by Scott Bayne.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Madam Mayor, a question --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- procedurally. If we have a question for any of these people, do you want us to ask them while they’re up, or do you want complete testimony and then let us ask questions?
MAYOR SHARIEF: They’ll complete whatever speaking portion that they want to do, because we’re not taking testimony right now. So, they’ll complete whatever they want to say for their two minutes.
So, they have their two full minutes to speak, and then, at the end, you just take their names down and you can always call them back up when it’s your turn to ask questions.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay? All righty.
Is this Mr. Thomas DiBernardo?
MR. DIBERNARDO: Yes, Mayor.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
MR. DIBERNARDO: Mayor, Commission, County Administrator, thank you for this item and thank you for letting me speak in front of you.
So, radio communications are singly the most important backbone for public safety. It’s our lifeline every single second that we’re out there.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
MR. DIBERNARDO: So this decision has to be made in support of the system that we chose, the system that we want to hold such a large radio system in Broward County.
A year ago, I stood before you, most of you that were here, and I said we have a 30-day delay on the RFP, if you remember. I said we need to have more clarification for public safety. The Police and Fire Chief’s Association needed more details, and the County Administrator did meet with us and answer those questions.
So, throughout the year, we’ve been evaluating systems through technical competencies and through other matters as dictated by your Purchasing.
So, the Fire Chief’s Association is here before you to say that we support our committee’s recommendation.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next speaker is Scott Bayne.
MR. BAYNE: Good morning. Thank you for giving us the time to speak here today.
My name’s Scott Bayne. I’m chairman of the Broward County Council of Professional Firefighters. We represent over 2600 firefighters here throughout Broward County. Our firefighters provide the highest level of fire and EMS services to the residents and visitors of the County.
I’d like to start by saying we appreciate the RFPs committee’s hard work and time to evaluate the respondents.
We also appreciate the respondents for the time they spent during this process.
As of Friday, Motorola met with us, and yesterday they were able to put on a demo for our group. That was very much appreciated, and over -- offered a
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great insight.
The problem does not appear to be with either respondent, but with the process. You and the community rely on the first responders and dispatchers in the worst of times. Those same first responders are in the worst of conditions when they need to be able to rely on and be comfortable with the equipment that they use.
The makeup of the selection committee does not represent that.
In closing, we know this process has been a long time coming and do not wish to hold up the process, as our members are in desperate need of a dependable communication system.
We are very disappointed in the County Administrator’s lack of consideration of your first responders’ and dispatchers’ input into the equipment that they have to utilize every day.
Thank you for your time on behalf of the firefighters throughout Broward County that serve your -- you and your residents.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next speaker is Mr. Jeff Marano, followed by Marshall Wright.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I don’t know.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Hello, Madam Mayor. Thank you. And, County Commissioners, thank you for letting me address you today.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: He’s ahead of you.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Oh, sorry. Excuse me, Jeff.
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MR. MARANO: Good morning, Mayor and Commissioners.
Jeff Marano. I’m president of --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Hold on.
MR. MARANO: -- Broward County PBA.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Let me reset your time. I reset your timer.
MR. MARANO: Thank you.
President of Broward County PBA.
Just to echo the sentiments of the -- of the former speaker --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MR. MARANO: -- the end users, the -- the rank and file police officers on the -- on the street, were not part of this process. Those are the men and women that are -- that are (inaudible) up and that are depending upon the equipment and -- and the radios as their lifeline every day in this dangerous community and -- and environment that we have right now, especially with the attack on police officers.
They were never considered, so we just want to say for the record that, unfortunately, going forward, we certainly would like to have those chronic complainers that complain to us all the time be part of the process going forward if we ever do this again.
But very disappointed in the County administration and their lack of involvement for the rank and file and the men and woman that are out there every day serving.
Thank you.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: The next speaker is Mr. Marshall Wright. Marshall Wright? Yes?
MR. WRIGHT: Yes.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
MR. WRIGHT: Good morning. My name is Marshall Wright. I’m Vice President for Motorola here in the Southeast.
And I had the opportunity to speak first when we met a couple of weeks ago, and I think through the course of all the other dialogs, maybe my message got watered down just a little bit.
(COMMISSIONERS GELLER AND HOLNESS LEFT THE ROOM.)
MR. WRIGHT: So I’d really like to take the opportunity this morning to repeat the message that I said earlier.
I want to compliment and -- and really say that Broward County’s done an outstanding job, through your staff, through this entire RFP process. From the needs assessment to doing site walks, taking a look at the architecture that it -- that it would take to complete this type of a radio system, to the RFP, to the response of the RFP, to the exhaustive effort that we all did in the demonstration process, straight through the oral presentations, through my 25 years as -- as far as being a Motorola vice president, I have never seen a more comprehensive plan to try to make the right value determination to what type of communication system that you want for your first responders going forward.
So, I commend your staff for that.
I commend the consultant that you hired, Mission Critical Partners. They also were very thorough in holding all the vendors accountable to do what -- what was right.
At the end of the day, through all the process and through all the months that it took, and through the competitive nature of this type of a business that -- that we’re all in, you staff, through oral presentations, then ranked and scored. And you scored Motorola first and you scored Harris second.
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(COMMISSIONER GELLER RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
MR. WRIGHT: I’m very fortunate for -- for that, and my -- and my message here this morning at a higher altitude is I would sincerely hope that you would take staff’s recommendation into consideration and that you would vote on that recommendation this morning, and that you would give us the opportunity, on behalf of Motorola, to start the process, to start the negotiating process, and let us get to work.
We’ve formed our team. We’ve got our legal staff and our technical staff ready.
We’re excited. We’re very fortunate to be your incumbent partner now. We’re trying to ask for that, that you renew the relationship going forward.
And we look forward to working with Broward County.
Thank you all very much.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next speaker is Jack Barreto, followed by Anitra Lanczi.
MR. BARRETO: Thank you. Yeah, thank you, Madam Mayor and County Commissioners.
My name is Jack Barreto. I am a Senior Director of Engineering at Motorola Solutions. And I thank you for the opportunity to address you today.
Just starting with the purpose of Motorola, our purpose is to innovate and mobilize and connect folks in the moments that matter. And so, when we have a firefighter heading into a building to rescue someone, we provide that crucial link that gets that firefighter back out and into safety, or a police officer approaches an abandoned car in a warehouse, we provide that vital -- vital link for mission critical public safety.
Today I’m honored to represent the Motorola Solutions Plantation Design Center. The center is located at the corner of University and Sunrise Boulevard. It is a team of 800-plus folks all dedicated to mission critical public safety design.
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The site is also --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MR. BARRETO: -- the regional headquarters for our Latin America representation, serving all of the Latin American region. The 43 countries that compromise that region are served out of Plantation.
This -- the Plantation Design Center was started in 1971. We have 46-plus years running as a site. Our first patent was issued in ‘72. We launched the consumer radios in 2001, and the Mission Critical XTS Public Safety Radio in 2009, and our award-winning Apex most recently.
The team takes pride in designing mission critical public safety radios. We put them through the rigors of testing, drop testing, and it survives.
Working with Motorola’s extremely rewarding. We’ve got people that rotate and help the community with various public safety items. We’ve got the American Red Cross, STEM. We’ve also got various outreaches in the community.
Today I’m proud to represent the community of Motorola, so I would ask the team, composed of software, hardware, Latin America, to please stand and be so recognized.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
MR. BARRETO: Thank you. On behalf of Motorola, thank you for letting me offer the -- and address the community.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Ms. Anitra Lanczi, followed by Richard Brancale.
MS. LANCZI: Good morning, Commissioners. Anitra Lanczi. I’m going to talk about the material litigation issues that have been raised, which really are a red herring, considering this process.
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The question has been whether or not proper disclosure has been made of the material litigation.
Both of these companies -- the litigation here is a question of responsiveness and responsibility. And I think both of these companies are probably responsive and responsible. They’re major providers. They’re the largest providers in the country for this type of equipment.
Your process found them to be responsive and responsible.
The -- the time frames were adhered to. County Attorney and Purchasing Director provided information to the selection committee.
The evaluation committee is the final determiner of that.
Your -- well, your procurement process is designed to get this question of responsive and responsible out of the way early in the process and allow the evaluation committee to then focus in on the merits of the proposals and the various proposers.
It’s designed to ensure an efficient process for selection, and the best interest of the County is served by an expeditious and competitive selection, negotiation, and contracting process. That’s one of the principles stated in your Procurement Code.
(COMMISSIONER HOLNESS RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
MR. LANCZI: Here, the protest is not timely, been properly rejected, and the -- the Procurement Code states the best interest of the County is to follow this process.
However, Motorola did, in fact, disclose all material litigation. You’ve seen the memo from the County Attorney’s Office describing the three cases that were raised by Harris as -- as an objection.
None of those cases go to the question of whether Motorola has the capability in all respects to perform the contract requirements.
These cases relate to an error by an emergency dispatcher who failed to notice
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a warning sign on the equipment, and to a failure of a plastic guard that was on the communication device that firefighters were unfortunately wearing when they went into a burning building that subsequently collapsed.
So, neither of those three cases go to --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
MS. LANCZI: -- that issue.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Can I ask her a question?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Ms. Lanczi? Ms. Lanczi --
MS. LANCZI: Yes.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- Commissioner Bogen has a question.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I’m sorry. Who are you with?
MS. LANCZI: I -- I’m an attorney here in Fort Lauderdale. I work with Llorente and Heckler on this particular matter.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay.
MS. LANCZI: They -- they’re the attorneys.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Your card says are you representing an organization; you checked off no.
MS. LANCZI: Oh, I thought -- I thought that that meant that, you know, was I an organization like a homeowners’ association or something. Perhaps I misunderstood the question.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay. Thank you.
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MS. LANCZI: Sorry.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Okay. My next speaker is Richard Brancale, and you said only for questions. Do you want to talk now?
MR. BRANCALE: If there are any questions, I’m here to answer that. I guess just to follow up --
MAYOR SHARIEF: So you know what I could -- oh, you want to follow up? Okay.
MR. BRANCALE: Well, just -- just because --
MAYOR SHARIEF: All right.
MR. BRANCALE: -- really, I would answer questions to what Ms. Lanczi just spoke about regarding litigation.
I’m senior counsel for Motorola Solutions for 21 years.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
MR. BRANCALE: I’m responsible for the southeast region of the United States.
And -- and, basically, if there are any questions, I’ll be happy to -- to respond to those.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. All right. The next person is Mitchell Newak, and it says questions only, and for Motorola.
So why don’t I do this. For those of you who said you only want to answer questions if they have them, I can put you to the bottom of the pile and then take the other speakers that want to speak first. Is that okay? All right. Cool.
Okay. So, Mr. Brancale, I’ll put you back to the bottom of the pile.
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The next speaker is George Platt, followed by Ron Book.
MR. PLATT: Good morning, Commissioners. George Platt from LSN on behalf of Motorola Solutions. Proud to represent a great local company that’s been doing business here almost 50 years, major employer in our community, and a major corporate citizen in our community.
What you may not know, but I want to assure you, is that Motorola has hundreds of these P-25 systems which have been implemented across the United States of America, many, many more than their competitors.
We are very proud of that track record and proud of the fact that we’ve worked closely through this process. This has been a very, very thorough process, probably one of the most thorough I’ve ever seen, including the technical evaluation committee’s work as well.
I want to make one big point here, okay? It’s absurd to suggest, absurd to suggest that either one of these companies is not a responsible vendor. They bid against each other all over the country. They are the two giants in the industry. They are both responsible companies.
The issue of disclosure of legal cases has no merit here, but it is an issue of responsibility. And in the protest which they filed, which was denied by the County, Harris called this -- they were responsible and responsible. They said that Motorola was not responsive and responsible.
Well, the committee makes that decision early on in the process. And after they make it, your code says they’ve waived any right to raise that again, because the process has to go on. They didn’t raise it then when they had a right of appeal. They raised it in their protest. It was denied.
I would suggest to you that -- that -- that there was no basis for an appeal, and it’s very telling that they didn’t take an appeal from that protest. It says they just wanted to kind of throw it up here and try to politicize it.
And from our perspective, this has been one of the most thorough processes we’ve ever seen, and I urge you to adopt the recommendation of your selection committee and your staff, and to approve the item that’s on the agenda today.
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Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next speaker is Ron Book.
MR. BOOK: Madam Mayor, members of the Commission, Ron Book, 18851 Northeast 29th Avenue, Ventura, Florida on behalf of Motorola.
I was here last time, and I made a number of comments. I stand by all of the comments that I made, including the one about throwing things up against the wall and hoping something sticks.
The fact of the matter is I very rarely take the time to interview a prospective client. Clients generally come in and interview me for a job.
When Motorola called me over a year and a half ago, I felt they were coming into the community I live in, and they were going to apply to supply something that is as important to all of us as taxpayers in this community as anything. And that’s because, as taxpayers, the one thing you want is when you dial 911, you want your system to work. And whether that’s dispatchers or its CAD or it’s the radio, you want it to work.
And so, before I accepted them as a client, I wanted to be able to stand here, if this day got here, and represent to each and every one of you that this was, in fact, the best system for our community.
You’ve heard a lot of things alleged in the protest that was originally filed. You’ve heard things stated about your staff. You’ve heard things said about your evaluation committee.
Let me be clear about one thing. A lot of people can stand up here and say what they want. Your technical evaluation committee was made up of all but one end users. Firefighters and police officers, BSO Fire Chief, Coral Springs Fire Chief, BSO Deputy, Hallandale Police Department, Coconut Creek -- Creek Police Department, and the ORCAT Project Manager.
What you have before you is a process that was thorough. It was complete. And it was a evaluated based on what was best for this community, from an
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operational perspective and a value perspective.
And God only knows what we want is to pay for a system that works, whatever that price is.
Thank you, and I’ll be glad to answer questions.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Okay. So, at this time, I have three speakers that are for questions only. One is Michael Moskowitz, representing Harris. There’s two from Motorola, Richard Brancale and Mitchell Newak.
So, I’m going to come back to the dais. And I know that Commissioner Geller said he had some questions, followed by Commissioner LaMarca, followed by Commissioner Bogen and Udine. Okay. Wonderful.
So, Commissioner Geller, would you like to call someone?
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
I have a series of questions. I -- I will close with some questions to the County Attorney.
I have one question to, I guess, Motorola, whoever wants to speak, and Harris. Then I have some questions specifically of the attorney for Harris, and then I have questions for Ms. Coffey. So, I guess --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Just --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- and I’ll try and keep it brief.
MAYOR SHARIEF: If you could.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay.
MAYOR SHARIEF: And just start calling.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay. First question, if anybody wants to answer --
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actually, let me ask staff first, and then, if necessary, Motorola and Harris.
There were representations made at the prior meeting -- or questions raised at the prior meeting -- and understand I read every single page of every document that has been. So, I’m familiar with this. But there were some questions about whether or not one of the technologies was an older technology.
Staff has responded that all of these are based on the APCO-95 or AP -- some current technology. APCOP-25, I believe it is.
Is -- does -- is it currently the belief of staff that both are using current technology? And if anyone from either Motorola or Harris disagrees with that, I’d like to hear from them.
But, first, staff is that correct, that you feel that both are using the most current technology?
MS. HENRY: Yes. So, from the staff’s perspective, the specifications that were submitted, both companies responded with the equipment and the latest equipment that we are aware of that’s available for both those projects.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay. Does anyone from either Motorola or Harris disagree? So, speak now, or I’m going to move on.
Seeing nobody, I presume that this -- they will agree with staff on that.
Mr. Moskowitz, you’re the attorney for Harris? Will you be the one speaking for them on some technical questions?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Would you like to call Mr. Moskowitz --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Yes -- yes --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- Commissioner Geller?
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- Madam Mayor, if --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes.
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COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- I may.
MR. MOSKOWITZ: Good morning, Mayor, members of the Commission, Commissioner Geller.
I -- I will respond to probably most of the questions. If there are technical questions regarding the equipment, I do have my clients here and they will -- and I will call them up.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay. At the last meeting, I had a number of questions. I submitted some of these in writing. Right now, I’m pretty satisfied with the answers, so -- but I will give you an opportunity to change my mind, but you will have to change my current mind.
The -- one of the questions that I had last time involved I -- and I misunderstood. I believed that the 40 points was based strictly on the -- on the technical advisory committee, which apparently found that they were all qualified on -- in every category.
But in reference to the -- and this is also, I guess, to the police and firefighters, that the police and firefighters, the end users, were on the technical advisory committee, and the technical advisory committee was present when the evaluation committee had the opportunity -- when they were making their evaluation, and were present and had the ability to answer questions.
So, what was your complaint about this? I’m having a problem understanding what your complaint is.
MR. MOSKOWITZ: Very good. First of all, for the record, Michael Moskowitz, Moskowitz, Mandell, Salim, and Simowitz up here this morning representing Harris.
Commissioner Geller, thank you for asking that question.
First of all, it is accurate that the technical advisory committee was comprised almost entirely of first responders. There’s no question about that.
The process that we’ve complained about was what was the technical advisory Commission -- committee allowed to do. They were given a sheet with 160
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categories, and they were allowed to check a box. It was compliant or not compliant. Basically, pass/fail. Both companies passed.
They were not allowed to express opinions at any point in time. So, Commissioner Geller, when you say they were there at the evaluation committee to answer questions, that is correct.
However, let me tell you what the procedure was. And I’m citing from the minutes of November 21, 2016, a meeting of the evaluation committee.
Questions -- and I’m reading on page 5 or 11.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: And I’m going to need fairly brief answers.
MR. MOSKOWITZ: Okay. The answer is the evaluation committee was advised by staff and counsel that the technical advisory committee was not allowed to express any opinions whatsoever.
(COMMISSIONER RYAN LEFT THE ROOM.)
MR. MOSKOWITZ: So let me say this, Commissioner Geller, let me analogize, if I may. You are buying a house, you are filling your entire house with new technology, new equipment, new TVs, new stereos, et cetera. You are given a sheet of 160 items about what all this equipment did, and they’re all compliant. Okay? You’d like to ask questions about the opinions of the people that -- that filled out that sheet, what they thought about the equipment. You’re not allowed to. Okay? Now, how about demonstrations, Commissioner Geller? So, if you can’t ask the opinions of the people who saw the demonstrations, how about the evaluation committee? The evaluation committee was not given a demonstration.
But here is what is important, Commissioner Geller. The RFP specifically provided that the demonstrations were going to be videotaped. I can read you the exact language if you’d like a more thorough answer.
The demonstrations were not videotaped. The RFP was never amended to delete that requirement. Instead, staff determined -- and this is in Ms. Billingsley’s response -- staff determined that it was going to remove the
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videotaping of the demonstrations, and they provided their -- a good explanation as to why they did that.
However, they say that historically videotapes of demonstrations were not done. I don’t know whether that’s accurate or not.
But that’s not what’s important, Commissioner Geller. It’s in the RFP. The evaluation committee should have been allowed to get a videotape of the demonstration.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay. I hate to cut you off, but just a follow up on that question, because the staff report that I’m reading says that members of the technical review team attended the meeting to answer any questions by the evaluation committee.
So, I read this as saying that the technical review team had the -- was there and had the ability to answer questions.
Do you disagree with that?
MR. MOSKOWITZ: Yes, they were there to answer questions on facts only. They were not allowed to give their opinion per specific directions by staff and counsel.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Geller --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay. Yes, Mayor?
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- your line of questioning’s been going on for ten minutes.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay. All right.
MAYOR SHARIEF: If we continue that, we’ll be here --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Yeah.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- for a very long --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: I’m sorry.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: -- time.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: All right. Next quick question --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: But nobody’s asking that.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay. I -- I -- all right. I have two questions in one, because I’m -- then I’m going to ask Ms. Coffey on these.
You’ve raised issues -- well, I’m not even going to ask. I’m just going to say, Mr. Moskowitz, you’ve raised questions on --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- materiality in -- in the affidavit. I have to tell you, with all due respect, I -- I can’t -- I’m not going to accept either your opinion or Motorola’s. I intend to ask the County Attorney on that, and I am going to follow whatever advise she gives.
MR. MOSKOWITZ: You must have spoken to my wife. She doesn’t accept my opinion, either.
(Laughter.)
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay. The last question I guess I had, but you’ll have to give me a very, very brief answer, in the last time that you guys were here, you were complaining that the end users were all in -- were -- all voted for you instead of Motorola, but when I went back and looked at that and met with staff, that is true, but only after price was factored in.
Initially, it looked like six of the seven without price, including the police and fire, ended up with Motorola.
So, what exactly is your complaint?
(COMMISSIONER LAMARCA LEFT THE ROOM.)
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MR. MOSKOWITZ: The -- the complaint was never about the individuals voted in a certain way. I want to make that clear. And certainly, the complaint was never about a -- any particular individual, one of whom I have great respect for, because I know that was pointed out about a particular individual’s scoring. It was never about that.
The issue, Commissioner Geller, was the difference between the two companies was 15 points out of a total of 1200 that was cast. Obviously, very, very close.
The questions then go to the technical advisory issues, which we just discussed, the materiality of litigation. Okay? There’s another issue that I hope someone will ask me, which is about this conflict issue that was --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: I intend to ask the --
MR. MOSKOWITZ: -- that was discovered --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- attorney on that.
MR. MOSKOWITZ: -- which I have some information on that’s very troubling, which I’d like to, at the appropriate time, answer. Okay?
The point is, here’s the question. If all of this information had been before the evaluation committee, would it have impacted the voting in some manner, given how close the scoring was? If the scoring was a hundred points differential, the answer’s clear, no.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: I understand your answer. I need to move on.
Madam Mayor, I, finally, have two questions for the County Attorney.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Please make them brief.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: They will be both very brief.
Ms. Coffey, they -- in reference to the issue of materiality of -- of the issue, that is one of the main issues raised by Harris. Harris raised two issues that appear to be legal, and I’m going to ask you if you have any opinion on these, because,
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candidly, I don’t feel I should be substituting my opinion for the County Attorney.
So, first, in reference to the issues raised by the -- by Harris about the materiality of the litigation --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- that they allege should have been disclosed by Motorola, do you have any opinion on that, and can you tell us what that opinion is?
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: Commissioner, ultimately, the determination of materiality belongs to the evaluation committee and to this Board.
But what I am able to say is, having reviewed the facts that we have, which are limited, both as to Harris and to Motorola, the -- the cases that we have seen, the easier position for us to defend is that none of those cases is material.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay. And, reluctantly, I disagree with you in reference to the fact that it’s solely the purview of the -- of the evaluation committee, because they may not be lawyers. I really think that does need some legal opinion.
But I accept what you’ve just told me about what’s easier to defend.
(COMMISSIONER RYAN RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
COMMISSIONER GELLER: And my last question is there is some issue about a potential conflict where one of the employees -- the project manager was married to a Motorola employee who apparently was not involved with this project.
I know -- I assume you’ve had no chance to prepare on this, but do you have any -- is there anything that that should make me uneasy?
(COMMISSIONER LAMARCA RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Do you believe that this should disqualify them? If not, I’m
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ready to make up my mind.
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: It’s a fact-driven decision, and it would depend on the positions of each person, each spouse, in the relationship, and whether there were communications, and whether either one of them was in a position to impact this procurement in any way. So, it’s --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Have you reviewed the affidavits?
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: I’ve reviewed the affidavits. Based on the affidavits solely --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Right.
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: -- and there may be additional questions, it would certainly be within the purview of this Board to disregard an allegation of -- of conflict.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you, Madam Mayor. I’ve concluded my questions.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, Commissioners, when I call on you, let me tell you what we’ve got coming up. I have ten speakers on Item 39, I got 15 on Item 41, and I’m trying to control the agenda as best I can, time permitting, that you can come back and ask those questions later, or if your questions are not answered to your satisfaction, I can defer this item again.
All right. So please be brief so that we can move the meeting. If we can’t move the meeting to the 12:30 time frame, we’re going to have to break and have those people that are on the later items come back after lunch. I would hate to do that, but that’s what we’re dealing with. So, can you please be brief?
The next person in queue is Commissioner LaMarca.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: I’ll be brief, if nothing else, Mayor. I promise.
MAYOR SHARIEF: You’re always brief, Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Can I ask Mr. Bayne to come up for a moment?
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Mr. Bayne, you -- you’d represented, as did some of the other members of the front line, if you will, that there was a concern that you weren’t -- weren’t part of the conversation.
And I asked this question two weeks ago when we had this meeting, the same meeting, and I was told that the technical questions were answered with your organization and the law enforcement organization, and then carried forward to the representatives of the police chiefs and fire chiefs that were on there.
Are you -- and you’ve stated your concern for the process.
Are you -- you and your men and women that you -- you represent, firefighters and paramedics, not confident that your concerns were moved forward?
MR. BAYNE: Initially, we -- we weren’t brought into that part. The -- as has said, the technical committee portion of it, which was the yes or no whether it was compliant, that was the only portion that we had people that were not necessarily part of our organization, but that were involved in that.
The committee was not -- we weren’t brought into that aspect of it, no.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Okay. Move -- moving forward to where we are right now, and we’ve received letters from members of your organization and law enforcement, from -- representing the chiefs, but are you comfortable -- are you and your members comfortable with what the recommendation is?
MR. BAYNE: We have not seen both sides. We did see Motorola’s yesterday. They -- we had an opportunity for them to do a demonstration for us.
We were comfortable in seeing that. We can’t say which one is better, because we haven’t seen both sides. But we are comfortable with moving the process forward.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Okay. And -- and I would ask -- I appreciate your -- your time.
I would ask -- just ask in the future, from a procurement standpoint, that we include the end -- and I was told that we -- we did, and I don’t -- I’m still not comfortable that we have. So, Ms. Henry, you can maybe give me more
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information.
But I want to make sure that we’re including the end users for any equipment, whether it’s vehicles, capital apparatus, or technology.
MS. HENRY: At this point, I’d like to say that we did involve the -- the first responders in, one, the development of the specifications before they went on the street. Subsequent to that, we gave everybody an opportunity to review those specs. They were -- there -- I personally went to the Police Chiefs’ Association and the Fire Chiefs’ Association to make sure that we got all -- there’s like 20- something or 30-something comments that they made that we responded to them.
So, there’s no way to put something out there all the men and women that -- that are first responders to -- to comment, so we went to the different associations to get that feedback.
So, unfortunately, I’m not sure how you missed that, or your members missed that, but, to your point, Commissioner, we did involve them.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: I understand. I would point something. I learned a valuable lesson back in 2010 when I ran for this seat. There’s a difference between the chiefs and the -- and the --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Indians.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- and the employees. And I would just -- the chiefs and Indians, if you will.
But the reality is we -- we want to include the end users, and there is a Council of Professional Firefighters who serves the cities that BSO represents, as well as all the other independent cities and different locals. And that’s where Mr. Bayne represents, as well as the other members that are here.
I know the same thing exists for -- for law enforcement.
I just -- I would just hope moving forward its advice, its input, and I understand what you’re saying, but I -- I see what I -- what I see is that they’re not -- they’re not comfortable that they had enough input other than yes or no questions at
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that point.
But I appreciate you answering the question.
MR. BAYNE: Thank you very much.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: That’s it.
MAYOR SHARIEF: All right. That was four minutes.
Okay. Let’s see. Commissioner Udine, you’re up.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Thank you. I’ll be brief.
Questions. One of the questions that I asked in writing dealt with this API code issue, and I received a written response back from Purchasing that the County wasn’t able to make the API code available to both presenters.
Then I received something back from Motorola that said the County did have the right to make this available, they just were never asked to make this available.
And my concern on that is on an issue this important, there should have been an even playing field on doing the demonstrations if that code could be made available.
So, I don’t know how that process works in the -- I mean, does somebody ask our Purchasing Department if you can produce this code? And how does that - - how does that get responded to? Because, clearly, when I read the backup, when you go on BidSync, and I went through BidSync, they were asking for that code in some of their questions to perform the evaluations.
So that’s my first question.
MS. HENRY: Mayor?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes.
MS. HENRY: May I have our consultant, Mr. Falgiatore --. Sorry if I butchered your
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name. But if you can respond to that, please.
MR. FALGIATORE: Sure. Good morning. Nick Falgiatore. I’m with Mission Critical Partners, the County’s consultant.
The issue of the API was raised during the question and answer session during this procurement, and, at the time, developing that interface, an API is a way to allow two disparate systems to communicate with each other.
These types of interfaces are developed outside of a procurement, regularly. They are customized, and require both vendors that will develop this interface to work together to write customized code to allow this communication to occur.
At the time the question was raised during the -- during the RFP, there as absolutely no way that the County could facilitate developing an API for this demonstration that would allow these vendors that are competing against each other to work together to develop this interface.
It also would have required the County incurring costs to provide network connectivity to allow this to occur. There were logistical challenges associated with it.
So, the County took the path of allowing Harris to meet the requirement by providing a letter stating their ability to comply. It was -- in the purview of this specific interface, it is a very minimal component of the overall scope of the system. This is not a major component. This is a very minor component of the functionality that we were seeking to determine.
As it was stated, there were 160 items that were to be demonstrated. This represented one of those. And in the scope of this, it was determined at the time that this interface would be best served by allowing the vendor to provide this letter.
The schedule set forth in the timing of this was a period of about two weeks from the time the issue was raised during the -- you know, at the start of the evaluation process before the demonstrations.
It never would have been able to be accomplished within the schedule, and we wouldn’t expect the vendors in this environment to work together in -- in this --
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in the -- during the procurement process.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MS. HENRY: And -- and if you might, if you would just comment on how common -- this isn’t something that is very difficult to achieve in this industry, and the work around that they provided for us was something that you said was pretty common and the committee accepted that.
MR. FALGIATORE: Yes, absolutely. So, Motorola is one of many CAD providers that are out there. They have many fielded CAD systems. There are other vendors that are out there, as well. It’s just -- it happens to be a coincidence that they also provide radio systems and they happen to also be the County’s existing CAD provider.
These interfaces are done in many places. Harris provided a thorough description of their solution through a subcontractor called FATPOT that would write the interface.
From -- our perception was that the evaluation committee was very receptive to this solution. There were no concerns noted during the evaluation committee meeting about the CAD interface to the point that anybody seemed to express concern, at least from what was discussed at the meeting.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Okay. My next question, and -- because I -- I kind of -- I agree with what Mr. Platt said when he was up here. Both of these companies are responsive and both can perform -- I mean, these are the two -- this is Google versus Apple. These are the two companies that can do this.
Why -- on the pricing aspect, Harris is shown to be $4,000,000 cheaper, and when you look at the scoring sheet, it’s clear that just an assignment was made on those numbers. Harris was giving a lower price, Motorola was giving the higher price, and that was carried across in each evaluation report.
But now what I learned in my pre-agenda review, you’re not talking really about the same thing, because there were a different number of towers, so we weren’t really comparing apples to apples.
My question is why is there this pricing fixed number from our Procurement
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Department if they’re different. Like maybe the -- maybe --
MS. HENRY: Okay.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- it should have been --
MS. HENRY: No.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- I see what you did --
MS. HENRY: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Okay.
MS. HENRY: So I can have Ms. Billingsley come to the -- to the podium.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Good question.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Yeah, I -- sometimes I come up with one or two.
(Laughter.)
MS. BILLINGSLEY: Good afternoon.
The difference in the prices as we looked in the price sheets, for Harris, they used existing tower sites, which means that they didn’t have to do any construction. And for Motorola, they -- they indicated that they would be building our new tower sites. So that could have --
COMMISSIONER UDINE: (Inaudible.)
MS. BILLINGSLEY: -- played a very instrumental part in why the difference in the prices.
MS. HENRY: Ms. Billingsley, I think the question is we gave static points based on the submissions --
MS. BILLINGSLEY: That’s correct.
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MS. HENRY: -- when subsequently we determined that we were comparing apples and oranges and not apples and apples.
So, if you can just describe generally what our process is with -- with regard to price.
MS. BILLINGSLEY: Our -- our process for price is that the vendor that submitted the lowest price get the most points for pricing.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Right.
MS. BILLINGSLEY: And there’s a formula that’s used for any other pricing that’s after that.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: So I understand that. But in this case, what you’re saying -- so the -- the vendor could have submitted any price they want. If it really wasn’t the same thing, maybe that difference should have been -- you just make a determination Harris was cheaper there. And maybe they are and maybe they aren’t, but the points are exactly the same all the way through, which leads me to believe you -- that Purchasing said these are the points for this item.
MS. BILLINGSLEY: That is --
COMMISSIONER UDINE: But it’s not the case, because this $4,000,000 number may be a real number, but may not be a real number.
MS. BILLINGSLEY: -- and that is correct. And we use the price that the vendors submit for their business case, how they intent to submit or provide the services that the County is looking for.
But then, through negotiations, we look at what the actual issues are, what do we need as a County. And we do that through negotiations.
But we take on face value what the vendors submit as the price that they’re going to provide the services that we required in our solicitation document.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Okay. I mean, it just seems illogical to do that, because you’re not really comparing the same thing and -- and they could put in kind of whatever they want.
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But my next thing, and -- and this -- this to you, as well, because we have got so many of these things so late.
On the affidavit issue that Commissioner Geller brought up, my question on that is this was on our January 24th agenda. Where did this affidavit issue come from? Did any -- we were supposed to submit written questions from the Board. Where did this come up from that the project manager was married to a Motorola employee?
MS. BILLINGSLEY: It was brought to our attention at a -- at a later date, after the January 24th meeting, so we didn’t have time -- or didn’t have knowledge of it prior to then. It was just a few days after that. I believe it was last Thursday that it was brought to our attention, and, as part of our process, we fully disclose whatever information’s presented to us.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: That -- that you would get after. But when was this brought - - when was this brought forward? I mean, some -- it’s in the affidavit. I think there was a different time frame.
MS. BILLINGSLEY: It -- when was it brought forward to our attention?
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Or --
MS. BILLINGSLEY: -- to the County’s attention?
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- yes.
MS. BILLINGSLEY: I first knew about it last Thursday.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Okay. And last, quickly, neither of these companies receive any kind of vendor preference for being a local business? That’s zero on both of them?
MS. BILLINGSLEY: I believe -- I don’t believe they did, because their headquarters may not be in Broward. I can look at the particular scores for each one.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Right. Well, I saw that neither of them got --
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MS. BILLINGSLEY: Yes.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- any kind of points, but I saw a nice little presentation there of all the local Motorola employees. Maybe it’s something we need to look at in our Procurement Code.
MS. BILLINGSLEY: In our ordinance, in our local preference --
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Yeah --
MS. BILLINGSLEY: -- ordinance.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- because I don’t know the answer to this question. They could be employees from anywhere. But -- I don’t know.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER UDINE: I’ll just leave it at that. Those are my comments.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you. Okay. All right. So that was ten minutes, so you’re tied with Geller.
The next person in queue --
(Laughter.)
COMMISSIONER UDINE: It’s such an important issue, I want to be --
MAYOR SHARIEF: I --
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- thorough.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- I know. You guys are just -- you know, you’re really extending that meeting today.
Okay. Bogen. Commissioner Bogen, you’re next.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
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COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: I’m saying, like if -- if we continue this --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- you guys -- it’s the people out there that you’re going to send to lunch, too. Okay? All right.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I guess my first question will be to the County Administrator. Berth, Daniel Revis, he was -- were any of these people on the evaluation committee? Daniel Revis, Brett Bayag, Rick Carpani, the previous Director? Any of those people on the evaluation committee?
MS. HENRY: Brett Bayag I believe was on the evaluation committee.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay. I would like to see -- is the -- is Jose De Zayas, is he here?
MS. HENRY: Yes.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Can I ask him some questions, please?
MS. HENRY: Mr. De Zayas.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Hi, Mr. De Zayas.
MR. DE ZAYAS: Good afternoon, Commissioner -- or good morning.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I -- my biggest problem right now has to do with this -- with your affidavit. As I said to some people already, this stink. I -- I -- there may have been nothing done wrong, you know, at -- as the end result, but it really looks bad to me, as a Commissioner, when you’re the project manager and your wife works for one of the two people bidding for this.
And you stated in your affidavit that you disclosed this to Brett Bayag. Now, Brett’s on the evaluation committee?
MS. HENRY: Yes.
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COMMISSIONER BOGEN: So somebody on our evaluation committee was informed by you, hey, my wife works for Motorola, correct? MR. DE ZAYAS: Yes, he knew that years ago.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: So he’s known it a long time, before any scoring was going on.
And did any conversation ever come up to you, like, you know, maybe you should talk to the County Attorney, maybe you shouldn’t be on the technical committee, maybe you shouldn’t -- or you shouldn’t be the project manager here? Did anybody ever say anything to you about it, or just, oh, that’s nice to know that your wife works for Motorola?
MR. DE ZAYAS: It was never brought up as a problem.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay. Did you have -- did you have, during the time that you’ve been on -- working on this, did you deal with any other people on the evaluation committee?
MR. DE ZAYAS: No, I didn’t.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: So Brett’s the only one?
MR. DE ZAYAS: Well, he’s my direct supervisor, so yes.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay. And is Brett here?
MS. HENRY: Yes.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I think I saw him this morning.
MS. HENRY: He was here. Mr. Bayag.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Thank you, Jose.
MS. HENRY: Thank you, Jose.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Thank you.
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So, Brett, you -- you -- he said for years you’ve know about his wife being on -- on -- you know, as a Motorola employee, correct? You’ve known this for years?
MR. BAYAG: Yes, I -- I was thinking about that this morning. I became aware of that fact when I started working for the County back in -- first with BSO and then with the County. But starting in 2008 is when I became aware of that fact.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay. I assume you don’t know anybody that works for Harris.
MR. BAYAG: I don’t. I don’t.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay. Are you aware of anybody else on the evaluation committee knowing Jose’s, you know, wife’s relationship with Motorola?
MR. BAYAG: I’m not aware, Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay. I have no more questions. I appreciate your time.
MR. BAYAG: Okay.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: So to -- you know, I just -- so that’s one issue I have. I just feel that -- you know, I just want to make my position known. I think it stinks. I think it smells bad when -- when your -- a project manager’s wife works for one of the vendors bidding for this. It -- it stinks. It’s really -- and -- and then the fact that somebody on our evaluation committee knew about it, you know, adds double to it, to me. And it just -- it really -- it bothers me.
The second thing --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: -- I wanted to talk about has to do with -- if I could ask, Bertha, maybe you could advise me. We had a technical committee, right? With this process, correct?
MS. HENRY: Yes.
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COMMISSIONER BOGEN: And I -- I assume the technical committee’s purpose is to advise on technical issues with the equipment, to the functionality of it, right?
MS. HENRY: Yes.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: So what good is a technical committee if, after they go and look at the equipment, they can’t come back to the evaluation committee and they can’t come, well, you know, we really like this because I like ba-da-da, and I really don’t like this because da-da-da? You know, what good is a technical committee if they can’t provide insight, advice, and opinion to the evaluation committee?
MS. HENRY: Mayor? So, there were two elements of technical activity with respect to this procurement.
There was one where the first responders had an opportunity to see if, in fact, the equipment does what the vendors said that they would do.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Right.
MS. HENRY: They were not the evaluation committee.
Early on in this process, and this probably goes back a couple years, we made a commitment to this County Commission that we would do everything that we could possibly do to make sure that there is a level playing field when this -- when this procurement made its way in front of the County Commission.
And -- and I’m sorry Ms. Billingsley didn’t a -- really an opportunity to open this up, but when you start talking about having those types of -- of comments put into the record when they weren’t really the evaluation committee, we felt that there were concerns about the level playing field at that point --
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Wait.
MS. HENRY: -- and that was very much --
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay.
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MS. HENRY: -- our -- our desire.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: You know, Commissioner LaMarca made a comment, Commissioner Udine made a comment about the end users. So, if -- and I believe Ron Book said -- stood up here and said the end users were involved, and -- and that was our technical committee. They were on the technical committee.
What good is it to have end users involved in the technical committee if they can’t give opinions of what they see -- if the end users can’t give opinions to the evaluation committee, I don’t still get what purpose it’s going to serve except checking something that’s compliant or not compliant. What -- what good is it?
MS. HENRY: Well, they had -- again, we -- we may disagree on who actually participated in writing the specifications, but we -- we used police and fire to get their comments about what should this equipment be able to do.
And if there were other things like should it work -- should we voice our opinion about whether one works better or the other, we did not contemplate that, because that would not allow us to make sure that we had a level playing field.
And there were elements about this -- about this system that were on the -- on the tail end, this is what the user experienced, but there were also a number of elements about the guts of the system that we also needed to make sure worked the way that we needed it to work.
And that’s why we had the consultant to also weigh in on the technical requirements of this -- of the -- of the system.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay. But so far in this hearing, this proceeding, Jeff Marano’s gotten up here and said that his -- his people were not consulted. I think Mr. Bayne got up here, I believe, and said his people were not consulted.
So, you know, I understand that we went out and said what should this equipment have. But once it’s ready to be demonstrated and function, I -- I still want -- I still have problems that our end users, as Commissioner LaMarca would talk about, or Commissioner Udine would talk about, our end users -- and even Commissioner Geller -- never got the chance to give their opinions to our evaluation committee about, hey, this is great equipment, this equipment
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this.
And so, I’ve got to --
MS. HENRY: Ms. --
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: --I’m still sitting here --
MS. HENRY: -- if I could have Ms. Billingsley --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Can I ask a question, please?
MS. HENRY: -- Ms. Billingsley, if you can just please explain what opportunities there were?
MAYOR SHARIEF: But, Ms. Henry --
MS. HENRY: Because I want to make sure I didn’t miss any.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- this is a -- this is a publicly noticed item. It’s a publicly noticed meeting. You’re-- you’re -- you’re actually thinking that these people who use this system didn’t know that they were considering this item, that this was on the street? I mean, Commissioner Bogen --
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I know.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- they -- they comment on everything else. When we have stuff in the news and -- and -- and stuff out there on the street, they have an opportunity to comment on everything else.
We accept opinions–
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Go ahead.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- any day of the week, any time of the week. I’m just not understanding --
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: No, that’s not true. That’s not true.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: -- no, but I’m not understanding --
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- why they’re -- they wouldn’t have --
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Hold -- Mayor --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- offered their opinion.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: -- Mayor, they were not allowed to give their opinions. According to counsel, they were not allowed to give their opinions. It’s in the -- it’s in the materials. They were not allowed. And counsel just said they were only allowed to give fact.
So, they -- when you keep saying that they were giving opinions, I was --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Not opinions, but just they -- they comment in the public about other stuff. If they didn’t like it, they could have put it out there like they --
MS. HENRY: Ms. --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- do other things --
MS. HENRY: -- Ms. Billingsley --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- I’m just saying.
MS. HENRY: -- if you can just please.
MS. BILLINGSLEY: Yes. The purpose of the technical review team was to make sure that what the -- a proposer submitted in their submittals could actually do the work.
The evaluation committee was the only committee that has the ability to vote or to determine which system would move forward.
So, it was just to go through those 160 functional requirements, to make sure that what Motorola said that their equipment could do actually worked, what
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Harris indicated that their system would do would actually work.
So, it was not a matter of their -- their personal opinion. It should be based on the facts as submitted in the document that was provided to each of the committee.
And we believe that we had a very open and fair process with this. We had individuals on the technical review team, we had actually two members on our evaluation team, one from BSO and one from Fire/Rescue. So, they were actually part of the evaluation team itself.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Does that conclude it?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
MS. CEPERO: I wanted to -- as a member of the evaluation committee, because I actually sat on that evaluation committee, I wanted to make a -- a distinction as well.
When we sat as that group and we saw -- we saw volumes and volumes of all of the materials that each of the technical review committee members when out in the field to see those demonstrations.
So, when we looked at those notes, those 160 checkmarks and all of that, some of those included comments that they had handwritten notes. So those technical evaluation committee members had written handwritten notes, and, as an evaluation committee member, we got to ask what those -- clarification on the notes and what they meant, and if we had a question as to the -- what their marks meant and -- and the comments.
So -- so there was some clarification that we got. It wasn’t simply just a yes or no in some instances.
MS. BILLINGSLEY: And we had a separate meeting, a full meeting specifically
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between the technical review team and the evaluation team so that they could ask any questions that they needed to have responded to on their submittals.
MS. HENRY: Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Thank you. Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. And the last person to wrap this item is Commissioner Holness.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Thank you, Mayor.
MAYOR SHARIEF: I tried.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Well, it’s already said that these two companies have the capacity to do what we need to do. That’s clear. There’s -- there’s no doubt, I think, in anyone’s mind that that is the case.
The issue that I would have -- and I haven’t seen the evidence of it -- is whether or not our process was not fair and each party wasn’t treated fairly.
And -- and County Attorney, would you opine on that, please? Was the process -- did it follow our codes; did it follow our processes we need to follow? Was the -- was there fair treatment of the parties?
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: Yes, Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Okay. And -- well, with that in mind, we -- we -- we have a -- a process that we go through. The scoring is there. The allocation for pricing was put in place to ensure that if someone came in much better, it would -- they would get the benefit of it. The scoring reflects that.
And even with the additional points given for lower price, Motorola still came out on top. So, you know, we can debate for as long as we want to, but we have a process that we put in place that -- that has been followed, legally, and, as such, we ought to either change or code or do something different.
MAYOR SHARIEF: So do you have a motion?
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COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: So I would make a motion that we accept the ranking as presented --
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Second the motion.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- by staff.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, there’s a motion on a -- and a -- on the floor, and a second.
All those in favor of Item Number 25, signify by -- 29, signify by saying aye.
All opposed?
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Opposed.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Opposed.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Can you raise your hand so the minutes’ clerk can get you? Okay. So that’s going to pass on a 6 to 2, one absence by Vice Mayor Furr.
VOTE PASSES 6 TO TWO WITH COMMISSIONERS BOGAN AND UDINE VOTING NO.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
AGENDA ITEM 31
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. The next item is Item Number 31. That was pulled -- asked to be kept on Regular by Commissioner LaMarca.
It’s a motion to adopt a resolution of the Board of County Commissioners supporting the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Commissioner LaMarca.
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COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Thank you, Mayor. And I know people are funneling out.
I -- I -- I lied that I would not also be brief on this, because I’m going to be brief on this, as well.
Just had a positive --
COMMISSIONER RYAN: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- I’ll wait until everybody goes.
MAYOR SHARIEF: No, just let them keep going, please. Go ahead. It’s okay. You have to just talk into the mic.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: I -- I’m just trying -- sometimes I get confused. Am I listening to Mayor Ryan or Mayor Sharief?
MAYOR SHARIEF: I don’t know. He’s not running the meeting. Keep going.
(Laughter.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: It’s a good suggestion, though.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Two, three -- no, no, if you’d --
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Item --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- move closer.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- Item 31 deals with quiet zone. And I had --
MAYOR SHARIEF: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- multiple conversations with some residents in some of the cities I represent. If you --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Huh?
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COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- if you look at the geographic layout of my district, which some of the new folks may not know, but it goes from Deerfield Beach down to Fort Lauderdale and includes a great portion of the FEC corridor.
And what I would suggest is along this, and this would be a -- a -- kind of a suggestion to the cities, once we have rail going up that corridor, even if it’s not stopping between -- anywhere else but Fort Lauderdale in the Broward County area, I would recommend the cities, from the County line south to the County line north, work on some type of way finding signs so that when they’re going -- when these trains are going by, whether it’s in the future where we have -- we’ll hopefully have a coastal commuter rail or now, with the All Aboard Florida, people can learn where the other cities are and along the -- along the way.
So, from Hallandale all the way up to Deerfield Beach, along that corridor, possibly a way finding program. Maybe that’s something the MPO would be looking at doing. But it would be an excellent way, when people are here, to consider visiting our cities along the route.
And, with that, I’m going to support the motion as it is.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Second.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: I have a second.
Okay. All those in favor of Item Number 31, signify by saying aye.
All opposed?
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Opposed.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Let the record --
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Opposed.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- let the record show that that passes on a 7 to 1. Okay? Commissioner Bogen is opposed.
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COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Yes.
VOTE PASSES 7 TO 1 WITH COMMISSIONER BOGEN VOTING NO.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: All right. Thank you.
AGENDA ITEM 34
MAYOR SHARIEF: All right. The next item on our agenda is a motion to discuss the compensation package for the Interim County Auditor, Kathie-Ann Ulett.
I put this on because we have got to make a decision because of Evan’s, of course, departure --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- and we just need to make a decision as to what her compensation would be.
Attached in your backup is the comparisons for all of the County -- the -- the County administrative staff, as well as the Auditor.
And I just need --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Are you looking for a motion?
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- yes, I’m looking for a motion --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: So moved.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- and a figure. So, you want to -- you want to -- you want to give
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me the motion and the figure, Commissioner Holness?
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Yeah, I --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- you know, there --
MAYOR SHARIEF: And followed by LaMarca.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- what -- what I would say to this is -- is the fact that we’ve established a pattern that, when we put an interim in place, that --
MAYOR SHARIEF: No.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- interim --
MAYOR SHARIEF: You’ve got --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- salary --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- 15 speakers --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- reflects the --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- and it’s not on the agenda.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- the -- the --
MAYOR SHARIEF: They’re going to have to (inaudible).
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- the salary of the person that was there. And it’s for a short period of time, but I think, you know, we ought to really consider seriously equal pay for equal work.
And -- and, as such, we ought to honor the tradition that we have set previously in -- in doing this.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
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COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: And -- and so I second the motion that --
MAYOR SHARIEF: So what I need is a motion and a figure, like I said before.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: The (inaudible) that figure (inaudible) be the exact same salary that Evan was making --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Correct.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- (inaudible).
MAYOR SHARIEF: As he left.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Yes. Yes.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Got it.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Second that.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Can I -- can I comment?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes, but I had Commissioner LaMarca and then I’ll have you.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Thank you, Mayor.
Kathie-Ann is here on the dais, so that makes it a little -- a little bit difficult to have this conversation, but, you know, I’m just looking at this analytically, and I’d like to -- I’d like to suggest -- number one, I would suggest that we did a -- we did an analysis of the Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County audit positions, and I don’t know for the life of me -- and County Administrator and Assistant County Administrator have said, well, they have a similar function.
Fort Lauderdale should not be considered in this -- in this analysis. If you’re going to take a true average -- and, again, this -- this is not dealing with the motion that’s one the floor. It’s the fact that we have two separate items of
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additional information giving us an average, and the average would be 172509 if you averaged Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County, with the -- with the difference being about $51,000.
My -- my -- I have no concern whatsoever with -- with Kathie-Ann’s abilities.
I would also look at tenure at the County.
Look, if this is a -- if this is a process that the -- the majority of these Commissioners want to move forward, that an interim automatically assumes the -- the pay level of their predecessor no matter -- let’s -- let’s be honest, no matter how long they were here. I think one of the items showed Ms. Henry on her first stint as our Interim County Administrator didn’t have -- didn’t have nearly the -- the -- the length of experience, I guess, as Kathie-Ann does, right?
And so, I -- I guess an arbitrary rule that says, hey, you get whatever the person before you is paid, without an analysis of abilities and -- and tenure and other things like that, I have a bit of a problem with that.
And, again, I don’t -- I don’t think it speaks at all to her abilities and -- and how well she will do at this job, and how long it would be. I mean, I don’t know if -- if she’s in consideration for the -- for the permanent job or what.
But as I look at it, I’m just a little disappointed that -- that we would be giving information that showed the tri-county positions in the three counties here, and then include Fort Lauderdale, because I think it skews it.
The -- what I -- what I would suggest -- and, again, if you are looking at where we are with -- with numbers, I would -- I would suggest that we don’t set a precedent. If you want to set that salary today on this dais with this item, that’s fine. But to say that it’s a future rule that everyone who would take over as an interim position, I think we’re setting ourselves up. I don’t think that is what we see from the other three counties.
So, with that being said, I’m going to support her being the interim, but I have a -- I just have an issue with the way this was -- was done. I don’t know that the thought was put into it as much as -- from a financial analysis as it was from a --
MAYOR SHARIEF: So are you giving me an alternate -- an amendment to the motion?
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COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: You’re just looking for numbers, aren’t you?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yeah.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: I like that about you. 185.
MAYOR SHARIEF: One eighty-five. Got it.
Okay. The next person in -- the first number if -- was 223646. The second number is 185 that’s preferred by Commissioner LaMarca.
And then Commissioner Udine followed by Commissioner Rich.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Thank you. I’ll be --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Madam Mayor, I have a question (inaudible) background.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. I’ll put you in the queue. Uh-huh.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- very brief. I met with the Interim Auditor yesterday. I’m a big fan. I hope she gets the job as permanent Auditor. But that’s not our decision. That’s something that’s done through the Charter that was set up a while ago.
Just as a general policy --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER UDINE: No. No, it’s not.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: We don’t -- we don’t make nominations. We make the decision.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: After we’re -- this whole group that we had to put together last meeting gives us who (inaudible).
MAYOR SHARIEF: They bring one name, yeah.
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COMMISSIONER UDINE: So, okay. Eventually it’s our decision, but we’re basically given that decision of who to make, so.
But from a policy point of view -- and, you know, I understand how the County’s always done it in the past, but really that’s not how this would be done in the private sector.
In the private sector, and you can do it by almost a simple Google search, when you have an interim that comes in, you take what the principle’s salary was, what the person’s salary was, and you add them together and divide it, so it goes right in the middle on the interim basis.
If Ms. Ulett is the permanent Auditor, then we would negotiate the salary however that is.
But if we give her what the previous person is, then that decision’s taken out of our hands, because you’re not going to lower somebody’s salary if they go from interim to permanent.
Now, maybe she deserves more than Mr. Lukic was making. Maybe she deserves less than Mr. Lukic was making. I don’t know.
But the policy that we just automatically in an interim go right to what the salary was of that person without regard to tenure or anything else is just not the appropriate policy. It would never be done in the private sector. It is never done in the private sector.
The way that it’s done in the private sector is principle, person, would add them together and divide it by two, and that’s the salary for the interim basis.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: That’s what that --
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Especially --
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- 185 is.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- is that? Okay. Especially in this case. You’re not even -- you’re probably talking about two months.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Commissioner --
COMMISSIONER UDINE: So whatever that number is.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: If the -- if the math is done, because I didn’t do the math. I --
MAYOR SHARIEF: So he did 185 on that.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: If that’s whatever half of Mr. Lukic versus Ms. Aleut’s salary is. But what I’m saying, exactly what half of the number is, HR or whoever can figure it out, that’s what my motion would be. I didn’t --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, your --
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- do the math.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- number would be less than Commissioner LaMarca’s.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: No, (inaudible).
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: It’s 184 and change, but I -- I would second his motion.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. 184 and change is what you get with -- with his number? You want to stay at 185?
COMMISSIONER UDINE: One eighty-five is fine, if that’s what the number is.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. I’m trying -- I’m just trying to get some idea of what we’re doing here.
Okay. Next person in queue is Commissioner Rich, followed by Commissioner Geller. COMMISSIONER RICH: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Well, I’m just going to say I’m not going to support, personally, anything that’s less for -- for Kathie than -- than Evan Lukic was making.
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I remember him saying how competent she was. She’s coming in and doing the exact job that he did. He was making the higher amount of money. And I -- I just really wonder, if we were talking about a man, if we would be speaking the same way.
Equal pay for equal work. She is doing the same job that he is going to be doing, and that’s why will support --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh. No --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: That’s a wonderful speech.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Excuse me.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: I will -- I will add into my motion --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- that if she is hired --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Can --
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- she gets the exact same pay --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Point of order.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- (inaudible).
MAYOR SHARIEF: Audience --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- participators, you know, we gave you the rules. You can wave your fingers, but be quiet, please.
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COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Mayor, they were just (inaudible).
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So --
COMMISSIONER RICH: Okay. So --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- Commissioner Rich.
COMMISSIONER RICH: -- equal pay for equal work. She’s doing the same job as her predecessor, although it’s only for the 90 days. Whatever happens after that --
MAYOR SHARIEF: I’ve got a queue. I’ll put you --
COMMISSIONER RICH: -- deal with it then.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- on the queue.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: But for this period of time, I support the same salary for Kathie that Evan was receiving.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay, guys. Geller --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: I have a question.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- Commissioner Geller.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you.
Maybe this is to administration, maybe it’s just some of the longer-serving members. Again, I’m new here.
When I read the backup, it said that this Board has had a tradition of giving an interim the same. And that’s the reason I made that motion, because if this Board has -- it may not be a written policy, but if it is a de facto policy, if that’s what we’ve been doing, then I think we should continue it, and that’s why I made the motion.
So, I need to ask, Madam Mayor, either the Administrator or whoever’s the longest serving member of the Commission here, is this, in fact, our tradition as
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the memo from Mr. Lukic says, or is that not our -- if it is our tradition, I see no reason -- reason to deviate, although I must say that I -- Commissioner Udine, Commissioner LaMarca made good arguments.
But I don’t want to deviate from it -- from what we’ve been doing if we already have a de facto policy.
So, I have a question. I don’t know who the longest --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- serving member of the Commission or the Administrator --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- Ms. Henry.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- do we have a de facto policy?
MS. HENRY: So the information that you have from the Auditor is information that is accurate.
As you can imagine, it is not comfortable for me or Ms. Coffey, and we’ve had that conversation, to weigh in on the compensation that you pay for either one of the three of us that you appoint. So, we have -- we’ve stayed away from that.
Commissioner LaMarca, I provided that information because I was requested -- I was asked to do so.
But the -- my position is that I -- I just don’t weight in on that.
But the information that Mr. Lukic gave you with respect to what has been done in the past is accurate.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Are these the -- Madam, follow up?
MAYOR SHARIEF: No.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Listen, can we just go ahead and go -- I have two motions on the floor. I’ve already counted. I think your -- you -- your --
COMMISSIONER UDINE: I want to amend my motion.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: You had my -- you had me in the queue for a quick --
COMMISSIONER UDINE: My motion is as -- when she’s an interim, that should be the policy. You don’t pay an interim the identical thing as the person who’s making the permanent position.
If she doesn’t get this job, then she goes back to her original salary. How do you go to employees and now start taking dollars away from them?
My amended motion would be the interim is the 50 percent, like I said. If she’s picked as the County Auditor, her salary would then go to be the same thing as Mr. Lukic’s was.
I -- this has nothing to do with gender or anything else.
When I’m told that the policy, and that’s how this has always been done, I -- I take -- I take exception with that. This would never be done in the real world like this. That’s not what you do.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Ms. Coffey had a comment, and then I’ll come back.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Ms. Coffey.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: Madam Mayor, whatever your decision is, I would just ask for a clarification on your motion as to whether it includes all the fringe benefits that go with the -- the Auditor’s position.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Right. So, on the backup, can you please refer to Exhibit 2? And it tells you what compensation items are included in that salary. And it -- it says
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that there’s no formal salary range, that there’s an automobile allowance of 600 per month, 7200 annually. And there is some deferred compensation of 100 percent contribution of IRS allowable. And that would be in -- in -- in addition to the 223646-base salary.
So, if you make your -- when -- when you have your motion, because you’ve already -- you -- the first motion was for that, okay?
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Yes, ma’am.
MAYOR SHARIEF: So I had a first and I had a -- a motion for that, and then I has a second on that particular package.
And then I had a second motion introduced as a -- subsequent to that for the 185 plus the additional benefits, right?
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: I would agree, Commissioner Udine, that those benefits would go with it.
Mayor, let me just -- let me just, if I could, I agree with -- with Commissioner Udine’s quick response, and I had the same response.
This is -- this is not about equal pay for anything. This is a temporary position. This is a very large -- and, again, it’s very uncomfortable to have this conversation with Kathie in there, but, look, it’s -- it’s a large increase of tens of thousands of dollars. If she does -- and, again, I hope she is our permanent Auditor as well. If she comes out of this process, then -- then I would agree that she would go to where Evan was.
But we’re also -- again, we’re also talking about -- you know, it’s great to throw sound bites in there. I don’t do sound bites here. But if we want to do that, we can have a lot of fun.
The reality is this is about --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- maybe once in a while. The reality is she’s been here 13, 14 years, and Evan was here --
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: More or less.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- 27 years. You’re going to continue to increase. So, the -- for us to say that, well, this is the set range instead of going out and looking at the -- in the market, Evan was here 26, 23 years?
MS. ULETT: Twenty-nine.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Twenty-nine. Okay. So, he’s -- she’s not helping her case, but thank you.
The reality is he’s been here almost -- he was here almost 30 years. He’s going to automatically continue to go up with -- with tenure.
So that’s my point. Again, I hope she is the permanent, and I -- I side with Commissioner Udine that I would say that whatever benefits he was getting and package would be the same thing if she is.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay, guys, we have to move the agenda, please.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: So can we just -- can we go ahead, if the -- the original motion is going to be voted on second. The substitute motion is the 185. If we can go ahead and dispose of the substitute motion and then vote on the original motion, we can move on.
I still have, and I just got more speaker cards for 38, and I’ve got 16 for Item 41. I’m telling you, we’re going to break and these people are going to have to come back.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Go ahead, Commissioner Bogen.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: You know, I -- with all due respect with my fellow Commissioners, I don’t think the issue is whether it’s interim or not. Is the person performing the same job functions --
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MAYOR SHARIEF: I’m taking it down (inaudible).
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: -- as the previous person? If the person is performing the same job functions as the previous person --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: -- they should get the same pay. That’s it.
If they’re performing less of a role and less functions, then they should get less pay.
And that’s why I think -- I don’t think you should look at it as interim, not interim, full time. If they’re performing the same job functions, we determined what the pay should be for the previous person, I think it should be the same pay.
Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Let’s go.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: You have -- you have multiple cities in this County right now that have interim city managers. Male, female, whatever they are, they’re not getting the same pay as the city managers got.
You do not pay an interim the same thing as you pay the permanent person.
And it -- to put sexism in here is ridiculous, and it’s so underhanded --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- that it makes no sense. I -- I -- I understand that. And I -- I’ll add to my motion if she gets the permanent position, her salary can be the same thing as what Evan’s salary was, it can be more. I -- that’s not my issue.
My issue is if the policy of this Commission is any interim automatically goes up to what that person’s -- that -- that’s what –
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay, guys.
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COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- I’m being told that’s the policy.
MAYOR SHARIEF: I just got four more speaker cards. So, we’re going to keep going until we’re here all night. All right.
So, I have two motions on the floor.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: What’s the first one?
MAYOR SHARIEF: The first motion --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: LaMarca’s motion was the first.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- was -- was -- no. Would you please stop?
The first motion was Commissioner Holness’s motion, which will be taken up second. That’s the original motion to support the full amount that Evan was getting.
The second motion is the 185 plus the other benefits. That will be taken up first. That is considered the substitute motion.
So, all in favor -- I had a motion and a second on the substitute -- I want you to raise your hand and signify by saying aye for the 185 and the additional benefits.
All in favor --
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: And is that --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- signify by saying aye.
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: -- and is that 100 percent of the additional benefits?
MAYOR SHARIEF: It is 100 percent of the additional benefits, plus the 185-base pay.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Okay.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So that motion fails on a 3 to -- 3 to --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Five.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- 5.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible) --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: -- (inaudible).
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: The first --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
VOTE FAILS 3 TO 5 WITH MAYOR SHARIEF, COMMISSIONERS BOGEN, GELLER, HOLNESS AND RICH VOTING NO.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Now -- now I’m going to take up the original motion with the full salary of 223,646 plus 100 percent of the additional benefits.
I had a motion and a second.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye and raise your hand.
There’s one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
Okay.
That passes unanimously.
VOTE PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
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MAYOR SHARIEF: All right. So, we’ve now disposed of -- thank -- congratulations, Kathie, and welcome aboard.
MS. ULETT: I’m looking forward to working with all of you.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible) --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: -- we get our percentage from that.
(Laughter.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: We get a piece of that action, right?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. For those of you in the audience, please bear with us. When we -- when we set the agenda, we set the agenda knowing that we have some contentious items on the agenda that might take some time.
When we add to the agenda, we’re extending the meeting. And so, if you are part of the extension, we apologize.
AGENDA ITEM 38
MAYOR SHARIEF: We have Item Number 38 is a motion to discuss the Board of County Commission’s direction to enter into negotiations with Worldwide Sports Management.
At this time, I have four -- 13 speakers on Item Number 38.
(COMMISSIONER UDINE LEFT THE ROOM.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Oh, my God.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Yeah, that’s what happens when you --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: One minute.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- keep talking.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: One minute.
MAYOR SHARIEF: That’s what happens.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Free speech.
MAYOR SHARIEF: I know it’s free speech, but it’s not free all day.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: I’m going to go to 12:30, and whatever I can get in by 12:30, I’m going to do, and then you guys can break for an hour and we’ll come back here at let’s say 1:30 and continue this.
That’s the best I can do for you today.
(COMMISSIONER LAMARCA LEFT THE ROOM.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: All right. At this time, I’m going to take down the minutes to one so that I can get the 13 in. And if you guys -- if --
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: Mayor --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes.
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: -- there is a -- I would encourage you to --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Stay at two?
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: -- give them two minutes --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh.
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MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: -- even with this number. But you can encourage individual speakers to simply adopt prior speakers’ comments and give their name.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So however -- whichever number of speakers that we can get to by 12:30, we will.
And the first speaker up is going to be Jonathan Lewis from the Cricket Council, followed by Mr. Lawrence Rowe from Worldwide Sports.
(COMMISSIONER LAMARCA RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Those are our first two speakers.
MR. LEWIS: Good morning, Commissioners, Madam Mayor. Thank you for the time this morning.
I want to take a moment first -- I’m Jonathan Lewis, by the way, General Counsel for Cricket Council USA.
I want to take a moment first to acknowledge the hard work of the staff on this item. It’s apparent from the record Mr. Duncan Fitch and Dan West with the Parks Department, as well as Ms. Ulett with the Auditor’s Department.
And what these staff members appear to recognize, and -- and what we appreciate is there are entities such as my client, Cricket Council USA, which have been invested in cricket in south Florida for a long time, since 2008, investing millions of dollars in development of this --
(COMMISSIONER UDINE RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
MR. LEWIS: – of this sport, in the grass roots development at programs in our public schools, and in the staging of tournaments.
And so, my client was quite taken aback that there would be a proposal to grant exclusivity to cricket at the Broward Regional Park to an entity which had not, in its past, committed -- had put on any cricket events in south Florida and had no experience in this.
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Certainly, want to have an opportunity to be heard on that.
And as the County Commission considers exclusivity, you have to consider both whether this is the best person possible for this job, and as think the RFI process has made clear, there are plenty of well-qualified people who want to be heard on this and contribute, and also that you don’t have a net negative effect with exclusivity, which, as the Auditor’s Office notes, and other staff members appear to pick up on, when you make it exclusive, you have the potential for alienating people such as Cricket Council USA, who have put a lot of hard work into this, but also you may create difficulty in the international leagues, such as the CPL and the ICC that don’t necessarily want to have to deal with a middle man and want to be able to -- to deal directly with their -- with their venue.
Thank you, Commissioners.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next person is Lawrence Rowe, followed by Dex Donaldson.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MR. ROWE: Good morning, Madam Mayor --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Good morning.
MR. ROWE: -- Commissioners. I think it was about two months ago I was here, and I did make my feelings known about Worldwide Sports to manage cricket here.
As I mentioned early on that cricket is the number two sport in the world, and I myself, as a former international, played 12 years for the West Indies, and I am here to put my full support behind Worldwide Sport and Mr. Persaud.
In so doing, he has the enthusiasm and wherewithal to get it done. So, I’d like this body to give it serious consideration.
Thanks a lot.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: The next speaker is Dex Donaldson, followed by Leslie Michael.
MR. DONALDSON: Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Dex Donaldson. I (inaudible) support the effort of Mr. Kris Persaud in regards to what he wants to do at the stadium, increasing more local games and international cricket games there.
Now, through the Lawrence Rowe Foundation, I had the privilege of coordinating a few events there at the stadium. And in our motto, one of the thing is keeping the love of cricket alive. And this is the efforts that Mr. Persaud wants to do in bringing more international games here and getting the children involved in what he’s doing here at the stadium.
So, I truly support his efforts.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next person so speak is Mr. Michael Leslie, followed by Chandra Shankar.
MR. LESLIE: Yeah, that’s correct. Greetings and good afternoon.
The last time I was -- I was here, I -- we spoke briefly on the advantages of having cricket in south Florida. We spoke about the weather conditions here in south Florida. It’s almost the best throughout United States. We spoke about the tourism dollars coming in. We spoke about the local vendors.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MR. LESLIE: What we didn’t -- we didn’t decide on was a local --
MAYOR SHARIEF: I’m so sorry. Can you wait?
Whoever is in charge of the mic, can you please turn up the mic so that we can hear it and the audience can hear it as well? Thank you.
MR. LESLIE: Yes, the big -- to begin again, last time I was here, we spoke about the advantages of having the cricket here in south Florida. We spoke about weather, we spoke about the tourism, we spoke about the local vendors.
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What is missing here -- I know most people here are not familiar with the game or the sport -- what’s really missing here is a local body that is managing the sport here in south Florida. That’s the only thing that’s missing here.
(COMMISSIONER RYAN LEFT THE ROOM.)
MR. LESLIE: You -- you guys coming -- this is your guys’ decision now to make -- make a decision for a local body so we can start and get this thing on the way.
This is where I think Worldwide Sport comes in, and I think you should give Kris a -- an -- the opportunity of -- of handling -- of -- of -- of going ahead with managing this -- this cricket coming forward.
So, thank you for the time.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Just so you know that ten of you are speaking in support of Worldwide, so if you want us to hear it before lunch -- Arvind Reddy, followed -- Chandra Shankar, followed by Arvind Reddy.
Chandra --
MR. REDDY: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- okay. So, Mr. Reddy, you’re ready?
MR. REDDY: Yes, yes, I’m ready.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Let’s go.
MR. REDDY: Thank you for that.
Good afternoon, Madam Mayor and respected Commissioners. I’m here to introduce myself as the Chief Financial Officer for Worldwide Sports Management. I bring over 20 years of experience in finance.
Over the last 15 years or so I’ve work with two of the largest audit and
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compliance firms in the world, and I’m here with Worldwide Sports to basically work in the capacity of increasing transparency and -- and bringing --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MR. REDDY: -- forward financial control to the firm.
Part of my experience also includes budgeting and forecasting, audits, compliance, things like that.
So, happy to be here.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Okay. Is Chandra Shankar here still? Okay. We’re going to pass.
Kris Persaud, followed by John Milledge.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MR. PERSAUD: Good morning --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Good morning.
MR. PERSAUD: -- Mayor and Commissioner.
There was a clip that was going to be --
MR. MILLEDGE: There’s a PowerPoint (inaudible).
MR. PERSAUD: -- there’s a PowerPoint and there’s a clip, little video clip.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Do we have a PowerPoint in the back? Do we have a PowerPoint that’s to be played for this speaker? Can you please queue it if you do?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I think she’s saying no.
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Sorry about that.
MR. PERSAUD: Anyhow, I -- I can go ahead and make --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Why don’t you --
MR. PERSAUD: -- make the presentation.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- do you want to give us a second so we can get that queued up?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: There’s a remote, he says.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: It’s this one right here. That button right there.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. I reset your timer.
MR. PERSAUD: Yes. I am -- I created Worldwide Sports Management for the management of -- of cricket at -- in the U.S., and -- and having, you know, Broward County as -- as the -- the lead place and location where it’s -- it’s -- it’s all going to happen.
I don’t know how to operate this, but, anyhow, let me go with my -- my -- my slides here.
What I’m offering is -- or what I’m guaranteeing is three, at minimum, international events per year. Each event could be -- okay. Anyhow, let me go back to this.
My organization has the -- the assemblage of leaders that are known all over the -- the world.
Can -- can you click it?
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And that includes Lawrence Roe, (Inaudible), and Will -- Will Quinn.
The operations have some of the -- the -- the people with exceptional experience. They -- they have -- they have already sign on to come on board when -- when this -- this agreement does -- does happen.
Can you -- next one?
What -- what Worldwide is -- is proposing is a minimum of three international tournaments per year.
(MAYOR SHARIEF LEFT THE ROOM.)
MR. PERSAUD: It could be more than that. It could be five, it could be six, but we are starting with three.
And each one of those tournaments, we’re expecting to be in attendance of anywhere between eight to 12,000 people per day, two- or three-day events.
This is going to put Broward County in the living rooms of households in Sidney, Australia, London, England, Johannesburg, South Africa, Delhi, India. It’s -- it’s -- it’s -- it’s going to be a global push, you know, for -- for cricket and to bring it here.
I’m -- I’m guaranteeing a minimum of the average of the last two years of cricket, the revenue that the -- that the park or the -- the stadium was -- was receiving. The -- there’s -- there is no down side to the County. The -- the average of the last two years is much more than the -- the -- the -- the -- the -- than what it was receiving over the -- the last years, because there -- there has been a huge, you know, up (inaudible).
I -- I’m going to make the -- the best effort or -- or the -- the strong push to bring a CPL team here as -- as -- as an anchor team.
(MAYOR SHARIEF RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
MR. PERSAUD: But -- but this is more than CPL. This is more, you know, a global effort to bring -- to highlight Broward County worldwide.
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I -- I’m aware that there are smaller events that -- that -- that occurs here, and I will make the best effort to -- to accommodate them.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MR. PERSAUD: Now, I want to make it clear that --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Mr. Persaud, you’re past your two minutes, and you’re going to run out of time before lunch, so do you guys --
MR. PERSAUD: I have one more point.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- want to yield your time, then, to Mr. Persaud?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MR. PERSAUD: Yeah, why don’t you come over.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Thanks.
MAYOR SHARIEF: All right. Okay.
MR. MILLEDGE: Thank you --
MAYOR SHARIEF: So we’re going to move on to the next speaker, which is John Milledge, followed by Maria Morrow -- Munroe.
MR. MILLEDGE: Yeah, thank you, Mayor. John Milledge, attorney for Kris Persaud, Worldwide.
One of the main goals for the park when it was built ten years ago was to -- was to attract big time international tournaments to the park.
Four years ago, you commissioned a study, a -- a 2013 business plan that’s in the backup, which told you how to best position the facility.
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And at the top of the list, the plan recommended to target international games and allocate significant marketing and business development resources to maximize its potential.
And, again, that was four years ago.
The bottom line is these types of international events are not going to show up on a consistent basis unless you -- just because you have a facility that’s sitting there available.
The business is about risk, and someone chasing these games and putting their name on the dotted line to guarantee the teams’ fees and expenses, which often exceed over seven figures to get those tournaments.
And Kris Persaud has agreed to do that, and give you a personal guarantee.
As to the responders to the RFI, I believe history has shown you need two criteria. One, a strong local team with strong financial wherewithal to carry that out.
And Kris Persaud has both of -- meets both of those criteria.
None of the other responders meet those criteria. And, further, they have either serious issues or want significant funds from Broward County.
And, again, we’re asking for no dollars from Broward County whatsoever.
As to the Auditor report, what it’s saying is not to do anything and just go get another study, which, again, you did that four years ago in 2013.
The -- the Auditor report says just to sit back and let the events come to you. Recently, we just lost the Pakistan tournament. That’s not coming here now because no one was out there chasing it. So, this strategy just proves that there’s significant loss to the residents of Broward County by just sitting back and not moving forward.
Finally, one thing I would say to clear up some confusion on scheduling, what we’re talking about is 15 days a year. If there’s three events, there’s 15 days a
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year. So, in terms of impacting the other 200 days of the year, it has minimal impact on that schedule. Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next speaker is Maria Munro, followed by Melissa Dunn, and ending with Leslie Johnson.
Hi, Maria.
MS. MUNRO: Hi. Good morning, Mayor, Commissioners, and staff.
I’m here in support of Kris Persaud.
As past president of the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Unique Productions, I have to reemphasize the economic impact that the game of cricket at Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium has in central Broward.
Never before did we have anyone come to the table and put this proposal. Yeah, the -- the stadium has been there for years, but never before.
On the other hand, speaking on behalf of Unique Productions, who provided production services in the last cricket event, our experience was tarnished when the non-local company promoting the event made it a challenge in getting paid. Luckily, I did get paid -- or the company I represent got paid.
So, in Mr. Persaud, we have a commitment, a guarantee of hiring local and promoting the destination.
I support him.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next speaker is Melissa Dunn.
MS. DUNN: Good afternoon, Madam Mayor, Commissioners --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Good afternoon.
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MS. DUNN: -- staff. My name is Melissa Dunn. I’m the president of the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce.
We fully support Worldwide Management. We believe that having a local company will be good not only for Broward County but good also for the City of Lauderhill.
I think it’s important for us to spend money locally and provide opportunities for us to do business with each other.
This promoting the cricket in -- in the regional park I believe will be a good thing for -- for Broward County.
And the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce fully support this effort.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Last speaker is Leslie Johnson.
MS. JOHNSON: Good afternoon -- afternoon, County Administrator, Mayor, Commissioners. Greetings from the cricket capital of the United States of America, and that is the City of Lauderhill.
I proudly am here to represent, I think you have it in your backup, the mayor, Mayor Richard J. Kaplan, who is a Hall of Fame cricketer in the United States of America, who has led a very passionate charge for cricket in this city, in this County. I think you’re well familiar with him.
He and the city manager have both left letters on their behalf, and I’m here just to reiterate that they are in support of worldwide and their efforts to become the professional marketing branch and arm for the County, and behalf of the city and the whole region.
And what an opportunity it is. And we’ve long awaited it. I think -- I echo what Mr. Milledge said, that in order to move forward, and working in effort -- in conjunction with your very capable County Park staff, that it’s time, it’s past time
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to take it up a notch and to take this effort and this leap of faith.
We appreciate your efforts in trying to now bring home what needs to be. Seal the deal, guys. It’s time. We really are happy about it. We look forward to the results today.
And we’re here in support of Worldwide, and we thank you for this opportunity.
Again, thank you from the cricket capital of the United States of America.
MAYOR SHARIEF: All right. Okay. So, with that, that will conclude the audience participation on this item.
Back to this dais. Commissioner Geller.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you. I have a question of the County Attorney, after which I think I will have a motion.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Go ahead.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Udine.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Madam Attorney, the -- having read the backup carefully -- and I read all of this stuff -- the -- it appears that this is not really a sole source item.
Nonetheless, I do feel that we would not be doing anything here were it not for the fact that Worldwide had approached us.
So, again, bearing in fine -- in mind I’m fairly new here, although this is not a sole source, there do appear, according to staff, to be other potential vendors. Can we nonetheless legally --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Waive.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- instruct County to -- to waive this and negotiate with Worldwide --
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MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: Yes, if you --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- to avoid the Procurement Code?
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: -- yes, if you waive the Procurement Code.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay. In that case, Madam Mayor, I have a motion.
MAYOR SHARIEF: You can make your motion -- you can make your motion now, and if you get a second, then we can continue discussion. So, you want to do that?
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Yes, Madam Mayor.
Although I will have some cautions later on this, I -- I would like to move at this point in time to waive the Procurement Code and authorize the continued negotiation of a contract between Broward County and Worldwide.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I’ll second the motion.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, I have a motion on the floor, and a second. And I’m going to go ahead and continue with the discussion, Commissioner Geller.
I do have Commissioner Bogen, LaMarca, and Ryan in queue.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: And I would like to say something before the vote.
MAYOR SHARIEF: You want to say some -- we’re not going to vote now, but we’ll continue --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Right.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- discussion. But --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: I said before the vote.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- do you want to say it now?
COMMISSIONER GELLER: I’ll say -- I’ll say it right now. Okay.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Mr. Milledge, I made this motion because I do think the fact that your client brought -- that we would be nowhere had your client brought this to us.
Having said that, in reviewing the County’s terms, there do appear to still be substantial disagreements between the County and your client.
And just because I’m making this motion to authorize negotiations, which I think is fair, doesn’t mean I’m going to end up voting for the motion unless your client further negotiates with the County.
I particularly, as I said last time, think that having a six-week period during which more than six weeks out no other things can be scheduled effectively deprives the use of the park for too many people of the County.
So, I -- although I’m supporting negotiations, I urge you to urge your client to be more reasonable in their negotiations with the County.
MR. MILLEDGE: Understood.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. You guys heard the queue. Commissioner Bogen, followed by LaMarca, Ryan, then Holness.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I just want to publicly state that I support Worldwide. I think it’s great that somebody can come in here, make guarantees, which this deal with be. In negotiating, there’ll be guarantees made. And put Broward County on the map with cricket.
So, I am in full support.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Commissioner LaMarca.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: You know, a couple weeks ago we -- we took a vote on
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something that, quite honestly, we couldn’t get through the public procurement process with a good product, and we had somebody willing to risk capital of upwards of $27,000,000 to build a facility at Port Everglades.
And it was called a no-bid contract, which I disagree strongly with, because we tried the bid process. It didn’t work.
This is how, as Commissioner Udine, quote, unquote, said the real world works. We can -- had we put out a procurement package and all these wonderful people came from all over the world to say, all right, well, here’s my best -- here’s my best submittal for cricket at Broward County at Central Regional Park, then it would be a, quote, unquote, open and fair process.
But we didn’t have that process. We had somebody willing to come in here and risk capital.
Now, again, as Commissioner Geller mentioned and -- and the other Commissioner’s going to mention --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- we want to see real numbers and we want to see real guarantees.
MAYOR SHARIEF: No --
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: I was told yesterday --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- (inaudible).
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- when meeting with staff that there would be a guarantee of 15 events over five years, two of which we’re already doing, which meant one -- one event.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Clearly, I think I missed -- either I was misinformed or I misunderstood that.
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So, we want to see real numbers and we want to see a real investment in Broward County. And we also want our Parks staff to be able to work with you and -- and also the other way.
I know that that park is -- had a tremendous amount of public money invested when it was built. There were a lot of stories written about the park, but it is -- it’s a transformational facility if -- if used properly.
So, I know we have some work to do as far as agreements.
Parking is going to be an issue. We want to work on some agreements that maybe will have some private investment.
Look, we need to work together. The public side doesn’t have all the answers, nor does the private, and neither has all the money.
So, I’m going to support this, but I want to see some concrete numbers on minimums and guarantees of what we would receive.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Ryan.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: This is to the County Attorney. Can you tell me whether we have any criteria for waiving the Procurement Code? Is there any factual basis, any precedent that we follow when there’s a proposal made to waive the Procurement Code?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Twenty speakers.
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: Commissioner, I’m looking for the exact language, but it’s -- it is not factually specific. It’s basically a best interest of the County.
Here’s -- here’s the provision. It says the Board may waive all or specific provisions of this Procurement Code for good cause prior to the solicitation of offers or may waive specific provisions of the Procurement Code as in the best interest of the County at any point in the procurement process.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: All right. So, I guess there would need to be, then, some statement on the record of how this promotes or fosters the best interest of the County to waive the Procurement Code.
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I remember with -- with Kathie’s predecessor, Evan was always very reluctant to recommend any waiver of the Procurement Code. And you’ve listed to many of these meeting. Could you kind of give us your own thoughts on this, Interim Auditor?
MS. ULETT: Yes. We recommend sticking with the Procurement Code. It’s always about the process.
It’s not a sole source, because they had four other firms that showed interest. And, therefore, with the Purchasing Director’s advice that it’s not a sole source, we recommend going out for bid in the event that they want to go out.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Reduce her salary.
(Laughter.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Is that it, Commissioner --
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Sorry about that --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- Ryan?
COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- Kathie. You’re down to 185 again.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Come on, come on, come on. Keep going, keep going.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: All right. So perhaps, through the County Administrator, could we have the Parks Director, Mr. West, come up?
MS. HENRY: Mr. West.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I think his time’s up, Mayor.
MAYOR SHARIEF: You’ve got three minutes before we break. There you go.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: I don’t think we’re going to finish this item. So --
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MAYOR SHARIEF: I know we’re not.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- Mr. West, is there a position that Parks and Recreation has taken with regard to soliciting other proposed vendors to provide the delivery of -- and marketing of -- of the cricket here in -- at Central Stadium?
MR. WEST: Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioner Ryan, and Commissioners, we in the business plan back in 2012, that was one of the items that was mentioned, was to look at business opportunities with the private sector. Back in 2008, when the stadium first opened, we were at -- at about seven events when we first opened.
2013, we were at two -- 170. This last year, we were at 270 inside the stadium, where we actually booked events inside the stadium.
Part of that problem still exists is getting the private opportunity. But we are at a time where we’re still working on the event schedule.
So, yes, there is a position by the Parks system to continue to keep looking at private enterprise getting involved, but, no, we have not yet -- and yet sought, I guess, a -- any kind of an RLI process.
But, if we did do it, it was always our belief that there were a number of people that would be interested in that kind of an initiative.
So, if you’re asking, at this point, no, we have not sought anything other than what has been brought up by Worldwide Sports.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: All right. And -- and that was brought up earlier by one or more of the Commissioners, that if Worldwide had not come forward with this proposal, Parks Division wouldn’t be doing anything.
So, is -- is there truth to that? I mean, are -- were you in the process of putting out a RLI?
MR. WEST: No. No, and -- and by no means would I -- I -- I say that. What I -- I did say, though, and I’ve said it before to each of the Commissioners I’ve talked to, is that it’s our belief that there’s a number of -- besides the fact that the boards,
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several of the boards, at least one of the boards has expressed an interest, if we do decide to move forward with this proposal with anybody, they would prefer another vendor come forward which submitted in the RFI process, submitted their proposal.
But, at the same point, from our perspective, we’ve always heard from different people in the industry that have stated that they would be -- like to be a part of something on a more long-term basis.
But we’ve never submitted an RLI or RFI at this point.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: All right. Are you familiar or has it been conveyed to you that there would be any prejudice or negative impact on Central Park if we were to go out and spend the time to issue an RLI and see what competition there may be to provide these services?
MR. WEST: Well, you know, and I -- I -- I say this with a great deal of respect for Commissioner Holness, that I know he wants to see something happen with the cricket events at Central Broward. We’re -- we’re the first ones to say that as well.
We were very fortunate to have two events last year, and we’ve already --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MR. WEST: -- been told by the two same parties that they’re going to come back, but then we’ve heard recently, even though they’ve committed money forward on the first event, that they’re having problems with the international visa issue with coming to the United States. So, we’re still not sure what’s going to happen there.
But at the end of the day, we have moved forward with trying to figure out a way to get events into the stadium.
And I guess I -- repeat your question, I guess, in terms of what -- what do you -- I guess you are asking in regards to that particular issue.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: I’m asking whether, you know, based upon the number of cricket matches and the type of matches that have been conducted over at
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Central Park in the past couple of years, I mean, do you anticipate that there would be other companies that would be, you know, responsible and could respond to a -- an RLI and would be able to make bonafide proposals to provide these services?
MR. WEST: Without a doubt. I think there’s other companies within -- in the world that have expressed an interest, even in this very short term RFI process, and, of course Worldwide Sports being one of those, as well.
So yes, there’s at least five companies we are aware of at this point that have expressed an interest.
Are they all qualified? We’re not sure yet.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, at this point in time, Commissioner Ryan, we’re going to go ahead and take our lunch break. It’s already 12:31.
We’re going to break, and we’re going to come back.
At that time, we’ll continue Item Number 38, and we’ll take up the 20 speakers on Item 41. Okay?
Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: What time are we coming back?
MAYOR SHARIEF: 1:30.
(THE MEETING RECESSED AT 12:31 P.M. AND RECONVENED AT 1:35 P.M.)
AGENDA ITEM 38
MAYOR SHARIEF: Good afternoon. We are going to restart this meeting of February the 7th, 2017.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I told you --
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MAYOR SHARIEF: For the --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: -- (inaudible) 20 speakers.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- for the audience, we are on Item Number 38. We have completed the -- the public participation portion of this item.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Move it.
MAYOR SHARIEF: We are on the --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- we have a queue. Commissioner Holness is next, followed by Commissioner Rich on Item 38.
Commissioner Holness.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Well, we -- we’ve -- we embarked on this journey for a cricket stadium some time ago, because we thought it was in the best interest of Broward County to put this item forward.
In fact, I wasn’t even elected to Lauderhill when we started the process before 2004.
I joined the Commission and supported this item because of the economic impact that I believe it could have on the community. The city took quite a bit of its commercial development off the tax roll in order to accomplish this, and still looking to see how we’re able to -- to capitalize on this economically.
Now, are things happening at the park? Yes, there’s some stuff happening there. But it’s -- it’s not to the extent that we envision in -- in moving this forward.
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So, I’ve lived this for more than 15 years. I’ve been engaged at every level, as a community activist that supported this effort, as an elected City Commissioner in Lauderhill, and how as a County Commissioner. I’ve been out promoting, traveled to several locations to entice the West Indies Cricket Board, Pakistan, CPL, and others to come to Broward County so that we will capitalize on this effort.
Fast forward to our meeting in December where Commissioner -- I’m sorry -- Mayor Sharief brought an item forward. And in that item, she asked the motion -- and -- and I’ll just take a couple of excerpts from her motion.
My intent of this motion was to give staff, the County Administrator, and the County Attorney’s Office a framework to start negotiations with Mr. Persaud.
The other intent of my motion is to ask them to bring back, after finding out whether or not it is a sole source, bring back a draft agreement for this Board to consider. Even if it is not sole source, bring back a draft.
We have no draft in front of us. Unfortunately, we don’t even have our position as to what is it that we’re looking for. We don’t.
(COMMISSIONER RYAN RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: I spent some time with our staff yesterday, asking just what is it that we want.
Now, I see in -- in their meeting minutes, the position of -- of -- of -- of the respondent -- the person who came forward, Mr. Persaud and Worldwide, where they stood.
And -- and basically, if you read it, you would think that there was some real bad blood there. I don’t think there is.
I think one of the problems we have is that we haven’t fully stated what is it that we want. And we have to determine what we want.
Now, hopefully, after today, we’ll go out and do that.
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I’m going to read from the Request for Information what we put out to determine whether it was sole -- sole source, and to talk a little bit about the responses that we received.
Again, from the experience that I have had, every one of the major games that have been held there, I’ve been involved with, and so far, in nine years, in nine years we’ve only been able to have four major events.
Now, we have a whole lot of stuff scheduled there. I’m over there all the time, guys. I -- you know, I practically live there. My real estate office is down the street. I’m in and out of there all the time. In fact, oftentimes when people want to do something, they -- they probably call my office first, and then we tell them, no, you’ve got to call the park.
When there’s an issue there, they call me, because they know I’ve very engaged and involved with this.
So, we sent this thing out, which, to be honest with you, was not clear. This Request for Intent [sic]. And -- and I’ll read a -- a portion of it.
The County would not expect to incur costs for cricket matches under the promotion and management relationship. The County will negotiate a fee structure with a promotion and management firm in exchange for international cricket matches at the park.
Nowhere does it say in this Request for Information that we’re asking someone to pay us a fee to be in the park. Nothing is clear there.
Secondly, it doesn’t state that we’re looking for someone who is going to invest capital up front in order to attract the games here, which is what is necessary, because if we don’t have a person willing to invest in producing the events, they’re not going to happen. And it hasn’t happened that way.
Now, throughout the whole of this, you’ll hear staff -- you’ll see where staff says they negotiate bringing cricket here and they’re bringing cricket.
Staff does not bring cricket to the park. And if our staff -- if I’m wrong, I’d ask our staff to correct me. And -- and maybe I ought to bring them up to ask that question.
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We wait for the phone to ring, whether it is Mr. Qureshi and the games that he put, or the West Indies, or CPL. And -- and I can tell you this. I went to St. Lucia 2013 to bring the CPL, to bring the West Indies Cricket Board here, to bring Pakistan here. And we had Pakistan and the West Indies, and we lost that opportunity.
Partly two reasons. One, when we got this together, the Friends of Central Broward, it was agreed on that they would organize this and make it happen.
Our staff says, well, that’s not what the Friends are organized for.
And then the same time, we had USACA, who says, well, we are cricket in the U.S.A. And -- and -- and Pakistan says, well, if you’re going to run this, we want our money up front.
So, we end up losing that opportunity.
We have that opportunity again this year. And maybe it won’t happen. And here’s why it might not happen. It might not happen because someone needs to be willing to take a risk. And there’s actually bid out on for the March games. And staff will tell you we’ve got these games coming. They’re not certain to come. They are not certain to come.
So, there’s a bid for this opportunity to bring Pakistan and the West Indies. And the cost will be about a million dollars. Someone will have to be willing to risk upwards to a million dollars for this to happen, because the West Indies Cricket Board doesn’t have that money to risk. Pakistan’s Cricket Board doesn’t have that money to risk. And most cricket boards, except for probably Australia and India, don’t necessarily have those funds out there to do it. They depend on another party to do it.
So, let me go to the responses that we have I may, because I know you want us to hurry up, Madam Mayor.
The responses that we have -- I gave us four responses. I hear our staff says five. I -- I see four. Oh, when you -- when you count Worldwide it would be four.
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The CPL, the CPL does not manage stadiums. They’re a franchisee for Cricket League. And when you check what they do in the West Indies, in the Caribbean countries, they ask these governments to fund them. And I know for a fact, in St. Lucia, it’s $300,000. In Barbados, I think it was 500,000. I don’t know the details in Trinidad and Jamaica. But they’re asking someone to put the money in.
There’s actually in your backup where they’re requesting. (Inaudible) was here earlier. She’s been very engaged with this cricket process. A letter was sent. They want $3,000,000 in order to come here this year.
Last year when they came, I was in the middle of that. I went to the Convention and Visitors Bureau. I spent a lot of time with them. And they were beating the daylights out of us, and me in particular, to find the funding to help them to come here.
They didn’t get it.
And if you look also, they’re one of the respondents. And there’s a backup item that you have that says that they’re looking to move to North America in expansion. But guess what? And they told me this when they were here last year, directly from -- from -- from -- from -- from one of the vice presidents. Their expansion would be to New York or to Canada. That’s the first and second choices that they have, because the ticket sales that we had here, a large percentage of it came out of New York. And Canada is -- is a big (inaudible). Not Broward County.
Further -- and they would probably be the -- the -- probably the top of the heap, they sent a letter supporting another entity, Pitch. So, do they really want it or do they want Pitch? That means that they really don’t have the interest in putting the money up, guys. They don’t.
Pitch, if you read the backup on Pitch, Pitch is a -- and from their own document -- Pitch International has the best and fastest growing cricket advisory business. Advisory business. They’re a management group. They’ll manage your event. They’re not going to put the money up to bring the event. So, we’ve got that.
We have the owner of the Zouks and -- and -- and in the backup you see some
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copy of some issues that’s there, which is -- which is another one of the -- the -- the respondents, Global Sports Ventures.
And -- and Mr. Qureshi, of all the ones that have responded beyond Worldwide Sports, is the only one who decided that they had enough interest to be here today. He’s here. And he’s been a great cricket fan and supporter. And I’ve been engaged with him over time.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Hey, Commissioner Holness --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: I’m coming. I got a lot to say on this, though.
MAYOR SHARIEF: I know, but --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: But -- but -- so -- so he’s --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- (inaudible).
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- done some stuff. But I can tell you this, that there are times when he struggles to -- to take care of the financial stuff that he needs out there. I’ve been there in the middle of it. We have someone who’s decided to come forward to risk their capital with a strong team. I don’t think he could get into the presentation as to the people that are there. But when you have a Lawrence Rowe, legends of cricket, he’s one of the most legendary cricketers in the world. He’s on the team.
If you look at your backup, you will see the support that he has, the -- from -- from -- from so many entities.
And a huge piece of this, my colleagues, is local. Last year, when we had the largest event -- probably not the largest, second largest -- with the West Indies and India. There was a management team that came from out of California. You’ve heard Ms. Munro talk about the struggle that she had to get payment. She was not alone. There are many others. And I’m not sure everybody got paid yet --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Holness --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- that I got phone calls for. So, we got to make sure we
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keep this local. This is -- and in the best interest of -- of -- of -- of the community.
Commissioner Ryan, if there was another entity that I believe would be able to pull this off, I would be supporting them. But we’ve wait -- we’ve waited for too long for this opportunity to go search for something, to do another study, when we already have. We paid money already to research this and to see what’s the best course of action.
This is the best course of action that we can take in order to move forward.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Commissioner Holness, that was 19 minutes. And we have a lot to get to today, you guys, seriously.
I have a queue right now. I have Commissioner Rich, followed by Commissioner Ryan, followed by Commissioner Udine.
And if we keep up at this pace, you will be here until 5:00 o’clock today.
Commissioner Rich.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Okay. Thank you, Madam Mayor.
I just really have a -- a -- just a -- a kind of a quick question. And I had raised this, and, actually, both sides could comment in the course of conversation coming up now, I would appreciate it.
In the -- some of the backup from Park Director West, there is a -- an area here -- well, it talks about the park, including it’s a multi-purpose facility, so it has aquatic center, picnic pavilions, basketball courts, athletic fields, and the stadium, you know, complex.
And I -- in -- in discussing this with Mr. West, I was concerned about one thing, and that was the bookings for the year, and how many -- how many days those are. 270 last year, and 209 dates in 2017. So, I was concerned -- because I am concerned about the usage of the park for what it was intended. It is a public park. There are lots of people who use it for lots of these different issues.
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I certainly understand the concept of bringing the cricket in, but I’m just wanting to make sure that we are going to be able to protect, you know, the people in our community who use the park for other purposes.
And I know that the issue of, you know, six-weeks’ notice, so if you have all of these days booked, I’m -- I’m a little concerned about that. And, of course, it’s something that can go through in the negotiations.
But I wanted to just bring it out, because I think it’s an important component of what needs to be addressed here so that, you know, the -- the park can -- I think -- actually, I think you mentioned in our meeting that there are -- a certain percentage has to be used as -- as a public park, Madam --
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: The --
COMMISSIONER RICH: -- Madam Attorney.
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: -- the case law on what constitutes a public park and appropriate public park use focuses on a variety of facts in any given situation.
One of the factors that may be significant to a court’s review is the extent to which the rest of the park is utilized for non-cricket purposes, for example, even on event days, and a limitation on the number of days that cricket would -- would take the use of the stadium.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Uh-huh. Okay. So, I just think that that has to be, you know, factored in here. I understand that the cricket days are about 15 days, but with that six-week factor in there, I -- I think it’s -- its, you know, certainly a negotiating subject here to deal with keeping the park, you know, for the purpose for which it -- you know, it was intended. And it was multi-facility, you know, multi-usage.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you, Commissioner Rich. Commissioner Ryan.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: I listened -- I listed to all of the discussion here, and -- and I know the passion that Commissioner Holness has on this issue.
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But -- but there’s been no case made for this urgency that would compel waiving competitive bidding. And, you know, every time in the four years that I have been up here, the Auditor always warned that there should be a compelling case to waive competitive bidding. I have not heard it here. Just that the park has not -- the Parks Department has not moved fast enough to seek a -- a vendor that would -- that would have exclusivity with regard to cricket.
But -- so what you have now is you have these negotiations. And if you read the backup, there’s five major areas of dispute. And, I mean, Commissioner Rich speaks about the -- the booking. I mean, how are you going to book in advance when every booking has to be contingent upon what is going to be scheduled for cricket and you have to make those adjustments?
When you talk about the -- the revenue that’s guaranteed, well, $120,000 is guaranteed. Last year on -- on cricket matches, 160,000 was brought in before you had this exclusivity. And that’s not -- that’s a -- a maximum, 120,000, with a CPI. So, imagine if they are marvelously successful. And, you know, that 120,000 includes the -- the dollar fifty admission into the park.
And, as was recognized by Commissioner Rich, when you have the cricket matches, they have complete control of the park. All other activities shut down.
I -- I want to trust our Parks staff on this. I want to go out, have competitive bidding. If in fact this is the -- the best company, we will make that decision based upon price, based upon terms, and we will, through competitive bidding, be able to negotiate the best deal for the County. And that’s what we’re up here to do.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Udine, followed by Bogen.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: One follow up question to what I continue to hear, and it’s probably more towards the County Attorney. Under our Park bond program, has any investigation been done as to whether we can give away these property rights without violating the terms of the bonds? Because I know that a lot of -- when I met with Park staff, a lot of these public parks, part is intertwined with the parking and the stadium. And wouldn’t we be in violation of some of our bond covenants?
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MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: It’s possible, under certain circumstances, that we’d have to be very careful about the bond covenants. I will say this. The stadium and certain ancillary property is carved out from some of the bond restrictions that we have seen, but Parks is helping us survey so that we’ll understand which part of this park is subject to certain bond restrictions and which part is not.
I believe that the stadium itself if probably not going to end up being subject to the bond restrictions, but some of the parking may be.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: So how does that work? How would we be able -- I mean, has -- has there been a legal survey done to where Parks or the County Attorney’s Office can say that this is even legal constitutionally under our bond provisions to do this? And our Charter.
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: We just started that inquiry. We have not completed the -- the actual land survey. But I -- I know that they’ve been working with staff to determine which portions.
That -- that process is just not complete yet.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: I mean, because I -- I would hate to see the County and the private business spend an incredible amount of money on this only to find out that there can be no parking because if we let them have parking, it violates our bond covenants under these different safe park bonds, and all our bonds are now -- now become due.
Those are questions that really need to be answered on top of waiving the Procurement Code.
I like the concept. We did something similar in Parkland with lacrosse. It was a huge success. And this would probably be a huge success, and this is probably the person that has the ability to do it.
But I think to go down a road where you’re not sure if it’s even legal, what you’re going to do, forgetting about what the County Auditor says, who’s -- makes a valid and credible point, forgetting about what the Parks people say, who make valid and credible points here, I -- I think we open up a major can of
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worms with our bond rating and actual ability to keep these bonds out.
I don’t know the answer to that question. Maybe Nabors, Giblin, and Nickerson does. They seem to know everything about bonds.
So that’s my comment. It’s a -- it’s a -- it’s a major wicket that we’re going to start down. I’d like to figure out if there’s a way that we can fashion in doing it, but by -- that’s an issue that’s got to be looked at.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you, Commissioner Udine. That’s good? Okay. The next one is Commissioner Bogen, followed by Commissioner Geller.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Yeah, I just wanted to respond. Commissioner Ryan’s comments really have to do with one thing, and it has to do with negotiation. And as Commissioner Geller said at the beginning, it’s about negotiating terms that are a win/win for everybody.
And otherwise, you know, this park has been here for, what nine years? How many years has this been here, Bertha?
MAYOR SHARIEF: You sure?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: How many years has this -- has this facility been here?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Nine years.
MS. HENRY: Nine.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Nine years? And we’ve had how many tournaments, international tournaments? Anybody know?
MS. HENRY: Mr. --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MS. HENRY: Four.
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COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Four. Okay. Nine years, four international tournaments. We’ve got somebody that’s willing to guarantee money. We can negotiate what that is, you know, to make it a win/win.
And -- and so I urge my Commissioners to support moving forward.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Geller.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you.
Very briefly, I want to follow up on what Commissioner Bogen said and respond to Commissioner Udine’s very good question, but it’s with the same answer.
Commissioner, I have among the exact same questions that you do. And that’s why I’ve cautioned the people in the audience that there’s a lot of negotiating still to do.
I don’t know that we could ask the County Attorney to give an opinion on terms that we haven’t negotiated yet, but I think her warning is very clear, and I think that we’ve been very clear to the attorneys, the -- the person in the audience, Mr. -- that is planning on doing this, that there’s a lot of negotiating to do. And the legal issues, it’s not just the terms.
I’ve told you what I’m concerned about. Commissioner Udine is completely correct. There are the legal issues that need to be dealt with.
And, John, you’re a good lawyer. I saw there -- there’s another firm involved. You’ve got to bear this in mind as you’re negotiating that whatever we do has to be something that the County Attorney is going to sign off on, because I’m telling you, if you come back with something -- I’ve already told you some of my other concerns -- I will vote against anything that the County Attorney says we can’t do. And I think the majority of the Board will do that as well.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, here’s the deal. Ilene Lieberman taught me on thing on this Board, and that’s when you can count to five, you stop arguing. Okay? I’ve been counting, and I hope you guys been counting, too, because I would like to have a vote on the motion that is on the floor right now.
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Move it.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, I -- I had a motion by Commissioner Holness, which was seconded by Commissioner LaMarca.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: No, that (inaudible).
MAYOR SHARIEF: Or -- or --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: No, no, it was a motion by Commissioner Geller, seconded by Holness.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Either way, you all need to vote.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Okay.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: All right.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Madam Mayor, would you please restate the motion?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, the -- the motion was to continue negotiations with the staff and with Worldwide Sports to try to come --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: To waive the Procurement Code.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Waive the --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: I’m sorry.
MAYOR SHARIEF: You asked me to state the motion, and then you cut me off. So, would you like for me to state the motion?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Sure.
MAYOR SHARIEF: The motion was to continue to negotiate -- have staff negotiate with Worldwide Sports to come up with a way that they could come to an agreement
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that was beneficial for -- for both the County as well as Worldwide Sports.
In addition to that, with that negotiation, waiving the Procurement Code to do that as a sole source. Okay?
So that was the motion that Geller proffered early on, seconded by Commissioner Holness, right?
And at this point in time, if you guys are going to vote yes, you need to raise your hand and say aye.
If you’re going to vote no, you have to raise your hand and say no. Okay?
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: Just as a clarification to the motion, you don’t need to reference sole source. If you’ve waived the code, you don’t -- you don’t need to say sole source.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Waiving the code. Okay.
Ready?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Yes, ma’am.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, all those in favor of the motion as stated, signify by saying aye and raise your hand.
Okay. That’s one, two, three, four, five, six.
All opposed?
Okay. Minutes secretary, you have that? Two.
So, the motion passes on a 6 to 2. Okay?
So, we’re -- that concludes Item Number 38.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Mayor, if -- if I may, though, just quickly, to Commissioner Udine’s point. And I -- and I wanted to address it because you would probably understand and probably change your vote.
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As it is today, when we have an event here, like (inaudible) or any other major event, the park is given to that entity exclusively, all the parking, every -- so it’s being done now with private enterprise going in and having an event --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh, my God.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- where the entire park is being --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- utilized --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Holness --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- just for that.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- we’re moving on to Item 41.
VOTE PASSES 6 TO 2 WITH COMMISSIONERS RYAN AND UDINE VOTING NO.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM 41
MAYOR SHARIEF: Item 41 is a motion to adopt a resolution the title of which is as follows. Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida declaring Broward County an inclusive and welcoming County for all of its residents and visitors, irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin.
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This resolution was placed on the agenda by Commissioner Rich.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Okay.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Rich, would you like to open before the 21 public speakers start?
COMMISSIONER RICH: Yes, I -- just briefly, I would like to just thank the group that came to see me that were concerned about issues relative to, you know, some of the -- the concerns about immigrants and coming into our country, and wanting to ensure that we upheld the -- the American values that we -- that we care about so much.
And so, I -- I do have a -- a statement to make, but I’ll wait until I give them the opportunity.
And I want to say thank you to all of you for spending so much of your day with us. I really appreciate the fact that you waited. It is an important issue. It’s important for our County and for so many people within our County.
So, thank you for bringing this, and I look forward to hearing, and I’m sure my colleagues do, what you have to say.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Thank you.
With that, I’m going to call the first few speakers. It’s going to be Cynthia Busch, followed by Ghazala Salam, followed by Alexander Johnson, followed by Sean Phillippi.
If you guys could please make sure you’re to the front, because, like
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I said, there’s 21 of you.
Thank you.
MS. BUSCH: Good afternoon, everyone. Just to restate, my name’s Cynthia Busch, Chair of the Broward Democratic Party, 940 Renmore Drive, Plantation, 23317.
I’m here today to speak in support of Item Number 41 that Commissioner Rich has brought forward declaring Broward County inclusive and welcoming county.
And I won’t speak very long because there are members of my organization here I think who have more -- maybe more meaningful things to say, but just in general that we care about this issue because our organization is large, it’s inclusive, it’s diverse, and it represents people from all walks of life.
And we just want to make sure that our government supports policies at all levels to allow residents, no matter what their background, to have their voices heard.
And we advocate for everyone to have an opportunity to participate.
So, thank you very much for considering this today.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Ms. Ghazala Salam.
MS. SALAM: Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Mayor --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Good afternoon.
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MS. SALAM: -- Sharief and County Commissioners. Thank you so much for bringing up this very, very relevant issue and presenting this resolution. We’re grateful for that.
My name is Ghazala Salam, and I’m a resident of Broward County for over 35 years. I live in Weston, Florida.
And I’m proud to say that I’m a Muslim, and I’m a proud citizen of this great nation of ours.
You know, I -- I love my country and I treasure my faith, and I would never assume that -- for a moment that my -- you know, my conviction to faith and pledge to country is superior than anyone else’s, but that, sadly, is the hyper reality of our -- our nation right now.
Our community is in fear.
I love living in Broward County. My family came here over 35 years ago as immigrants with green card. And I remember the process when I was ten years old. We had to wait for seven years, you know, from the time we applied until we were approved to receive a green card and come here. So, this was back in the ‘70s.
And I know for a fact now that our process is more rigorous, you know, and they go through an extreme vetting process for refugees, for immigrants in this nation already.
The message that our community is hearing from the highest office in the nation is one of -- is a very divisive, spreading hatred and fear and xenophobia.
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Living in Broward County, we’re a diverse county that represents so many people. And I applaud you for bringing this resolution, because we are in fear and we want to know that our County supports the diversity, you know, the immigrant population, and everybody that lives in Broward County.
So, we want to thank you for presenting this resolution.
I know my time is running out, so I will let others speak.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next speaker is Alexander Johnson, followed by Sean Phillippi.
MR. JOHNSON: Good afternoon, Commissioners. I’m the president of the Broward Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. We’re a non-partisan organization dedicated to the upholding of the United States Constitution.
Therefore, I’ll address the constitutional issues. The reason that we proposed this resolution is because our neighbor to the south, Dade County, has decided to engage in the voluntary detention of immigrants on ICE requests.
And the issue that we face is that --
MAYOR SHARIEF: (Inaudible.)
MR. JOHNSON: -- such actions are illegal and unconstitutional. So that is something that Broward County does not want to be engaged in.
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Federal courts have already ruled that federal immigration detainers are unconstitutional.
An immigration detainer constitutes an arrest and must be supported by a finding of probable cause. Otherwise, the county will have violated the victim’s due process rights and be liable, legally and financially, for the unlawful arrest and detention.
And this has been found by courts around the country where counties have voluntarily agreed to detain an arrestee beyond what have been required under any criminal charges on an ICE detention. So that exposes the county to liability that it wouldn’t have had.
It is not the job or responsibility of the County to enforce federal immigration laws.
Additionally, sanctuary is good for public safety. According to studies by urban policy and policing think tanks, allowing police to focus on criminal activity instead of immigration enforcement means that communities are safer because residents, both Americans and immigrants, are wiling -- more willing to engage in law -- with law enforcement.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Mr. Sean Phillippi, followed by Joseph Kreps. MR. PHILLIPPI: Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you to the Commission.
I would like to thank the six Commissioners on the dais who took
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the time on very short notice to personally meet with us with regards to this issue.
And a very special thank you to Senator Rich for sponsoring this resolution and bringing this very important issue forth before this County Commission.
I think it’s important for everyone to do what they can to stand up for the community. You obviously have no jurisdiction over what the federal government does, or what the highest office in the land does. I understand that.
But you are elected to represent the people of Broward County, just like all the other elected officials, and I think the people of Broward County would feel safer if the local elected officials, the people who are closer to the community, stand up and say that we are with you, with are a welcoming county, we are an inclusive county.
Now, I do know that this was just put out yesterday, so every single word may not have been able to have gone over as much as it would have it you guys would have had more time to go ahead and do this, but I think it’s important not to quibble over a word or two, that we do this, and that we do this unanimously.
The resolution does not have any negative language, and it very, very easily could have. It has very positive and very inclusive language, and -- and I think that everyone in the community -- because you all have thousands upon thousands of immigrants in each and every one of your districts. I mean, everyone on this dais and in this chamber are descendants of immigrants. And a lot of the descendants of some of the people on this dais suffered from incredible discrimination.
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So, I think we need to remember that, and stand with immigrants in our community now and say that we are an inclusive and positive county, and that we will move forward, and that we treasure the immigrants in our country.
So, I hope this motion passes unanimously today.
Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Commissioners.
(Applause.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: No, no. I gave you guys the ground rules. No noise. Wave in support if you like.
Joseph Krebs [sic], followed by Andrea Mercado.
MR. KREPS: Hello, Commissioners. I’m better known as Joe Kreps, and I’m here to speak for the people.
It -- it’s really been a very difficult two weeks that we’ve had to put up with, and everybody’s seen the news, everybody’s heard the news.
MAYOR SHARIEF: (Inaudible.)
MR. KREPS: And I would just like to say that when you discriminate against --
MAYOR SHARIEF: (Inaudible.)
MR. KREPS: -- one, you discriminate against all. And our country was -- was founded on the idea that we don’t discriminate, especially for
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religion.
And as the courts will decide that the President Trump has put this directive out and it is unconstitutional and we the people need to speak up about it. Thankfully, we have the courts, we have checks and balances. And Lord knows we’re going to need them over the next four years.
I would also like to add that this is a Muslin ban. It is not a -- a country ban. If you put a hat on a pig, it is still a pig. And the fact of the matter is he has promised for a Muslim ban, he worked and worked with Mayor Giuliani to make it seem like it wasn’t a Muslim ban. But this is a Muslim ban, and we need to separate religion from state and not get involved in the slippery slope.
So hopefully the courts will find in favor of the people.
And thank you very much for your consideration.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Just as a side note, you do not have to use two minutes. If you are done speaking before the two minutes, you really could stop.
We were going to -- we’re going to try to hear this item as expeditiously as possible. I know you guys have been here a very long time, because it was added to the end of our agenda, and we want to hear you.
So, Andrea Marcado is going to be followed by Jack Shifrel, followed by Daniel Mulleri, okay?
MS. MARCADO: Thank you, Madam Mayor and Commissioners. And thank you to everyone who took the time to be here today.
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I stand before you as the proud daughter of immigrants who made Broward County their home. We’ve been here for over 20 years. And I’m the co-founder of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and lead the nationally recognized We Belong Together campaign, a campaign of women for fair immigration policies.
And three quarters of all immigrants to this country are women and children. Every day, I speak with women like Janette, who came here with her children, fleeing violence and extreme poverty and now has a deportation order and is praying every night that she won’t be separated from her family.
Or women like Ana, who came here today, and takes care of Florida’s children and elders, and won’t be able to take care of her own parents if they fall ill. Right now, children across Broward County are terrified that their parents, their neighbors, their friends may be taken from them and deported. And the impact of immigration policy on them can’t be understated.
(COMMISSIONER RYAN LEFT THE ROOM.)
MS. MARCADO: According to the L.A. Times, the president’s recent executive order has made up to 8,000,000 undocumented immigrants priorities for removal.
And here in south Florida, we know that immigrants and refugees make important contributions to the County, the economy, and our culture. From farm workers harvesting our crops to nannies caring to our children, artists, chefs, small business owners, to leaders of Fortune 500 companies, immigrants are the fabric of our communities.
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And we call on you to be vocal in your support of immigrants and refugees, people of all faiths, and to do everything in your power to protect our communities.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Jack Shifrel, followed by Daniel Mulleri, followed by Stefanie Parchment.
MR. SHIFREL: Good afternoon.
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden shore.
You all know that’s the inscription on the Statue of Liberty.
Passing this will honor the veterans who have served this country, those who have given their lives, and those who are still in the line of fire today, to be sure that that flame continues to burn.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Daniel Mulleri, followed by Stefanie Parchment, followed by Yaquelin Lopez.
MR. MULLERI: Good afternoon, Madam Mayor and Commissioners. My
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name is Danny Mulleri. I am the president of the Broward Hispanic Caucus.
I come to you today in support of this measure, which is for immigration inclusiveness within our County.
Having come here in 1995 with my mom, who is an immigrant from Colombia, I can tell you that we were welcomed, that we felt embraced in Broward County.
And right now, we see many of our folks from the Hispanic community that feel, as things have gone on in Washington, that they’re fearful of what exactly is going to go on tomorrow. You know, will they be deported? Will family members who are looking to come to the United States, specifically from countries like Venezuela who are going through political turmoil, and other nations who are having political difficulties.
I applaud the County Commission for bringing up this measure, and specifically Commissioner Rich for putting this forward.
And hopefully the County Commission can pass this today, as we would like to see that Broward County is an inclusive and welcoming county for people of all backgrounds.
And thank you very much.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Stefanie Parchment, followed by Yaquelin Lopez, followed by Mica Jordan.
MS. PARCHMENT: Good afternoon, Madam Mayor, and to the Broward
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County Board of Commissioners.
My name is attorney Stefanie Parchment. I’m an immigration practitioner in Sunrise, Florida.
I’m the daughter of a refugee, and I have lived in Broward County for 24 years.
I’m here to encourage you this afternoon on -- to be on the right side of history and on the right side of the Constitution.
What’s more important than being a sanctuary county is to be a Fourth Amendment county. And in this case, the Fourth Amendment promises that the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and -- and seizures.
As mentioned by Mr. Johnson, the travel ban is issued by president -- by the president has violated the rights of not only visitors, but also lawful permanent residents and some citizens.
For example, last Wednesday, February 1st, I was at the Fort Lauderdale airport with another attorney friend, sitting on the floor silently with signs letting people know we were volunteer immigration attorneys.
We were approached by a friend of a lawful permanent resident from Trinidad because he had not been released by the Border Patrol custody for nearly two hours.
We asked CBP about his whereabouts, and we were told that this lawful permanent resident did not have right to counsel, which is not true.
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He was subsequently released about 45 minutes afterwards, but then my friend and I, who were sitting on the floor, we were told that we couldn’t protest in the airport, and we were threatened to be arrested by airport employees saying that they were going to call BSO on us if we didn’t put our signs away, the ones indicating we were immigration attorneys, which we had been using for three and a half hours by that point.
We weren’t protesting. We weren’t causing a scene. We were sitting quietly with signs letting people know that they could speak with us.
So not only are the Fourth Amendment rights of people being violated, but also Fifth Amendment rights of due process and First Amendment rights to assemble.
So, you have the opportunity now to be on the right side of history and on the right side of the Constitution.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Yaquelin Lopez, followed by Mica Jordan, followed by Paula Munoz.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Mica Jordan.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: You know Bogen is a sports fanatics.
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MS. LOPEZ: (Speaking Spanish.)
(COMMISSIONER RYAN RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
INTERPRETER: Good -- good afternoon, Commissioners. My name’s Yaquelin Lopez, and I’m a resident of Sunrise.
MS. LOPEZ: (Speaking Spanish.)
INTERPRETER: I came to Broward County 14 years ago with my two daughters from Bolivia, and I was received with open arms.
MS. LOPEZ: (Speaking Spanish.)
(COMMISSIONER LAMARCA LEFT THE ROOM.)
INTERPRETER: This is my home. I feel like Broward County is -- is my extended family. I have raised my daughters here. They’re in university now. I work here, I contribute to my community, and I want to continue feeling that Broward is my home and that this doesn’t become a hateful place.
MS. LOPEZ: (Speaking Spanish.)
INTERPRETER: And I wanted to be here today and show my face, because we’re being villainized, and I wanted you all to -- to meet me and know who I am, and know that I call Broward County my home.
Thank you.
MS. LOPEZ: Thank you.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
(COMMISSIONER LAMARCA RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: The next speaker is Mica Jordan, followed by Paula Munoz, followed by Kathy Bird.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I’m here.
MS. JORDAN: Good afternoon, Madam Mayor and Commissioners. My name is Mica Jordan. I want to thank you guys for taking the opportunity to --
MAYOR SHARIEF: (Inaudible.)
MS. JORDAN: -- meet with us and hear us out. I’m the proud daughter of an immigrant. I understand that that may mean little to some people, but it means a great lot to us.
But I’m here to talk about numbers and what immigrants do for the State of Florida.
There are three -- 3.8 million immigrants in the State of Florida. Half of those reside in both Broward and Miami counties. We make up 43.9 billion in economic power, and 19.5 billion in gross state products. We also produce 262,436 jobs.
Again, half of that is (inaudible) in Miami and Dade.
If you were to take away all the immigrants in the State of Florida -- excuse me -- you would lose 43.9 billion dollars in economic power, 19.5 billion in gross state products, half of that being 10,000 --
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10,000,975 in Broward alone.
We are Florida. We represent Florida. And I ask for you to stand behind us, just as we stand behind the state.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. The next speaker is Paula Munoz, followed by Kathy Bird, followed by Michael Rajner.
If you all could just start coming to the front. That’s why I’m calling your names, so that you can be here so we can try to move it forward.
MS. MUNOZ: Do I start?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes.
MS. MUNOZ: Good afternoon, Madam Mayor and Commissioners. So, my name is Paula Munoz, and I am representing the -- I’m part of the Board of Directors of the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
I’m here as a -- a refugee from Colombia. I came here when I was seven years old, 17 years ago, and I’ve been residing in Broward for those 17 years.
Needless to say, immigration is a huge issue for my family and myself and my loved ones, and with everything that’s been happening, I want to rest assured that Broward County will take a stand with immigrant community, undocumented or -- or documented.
I also want to raise -- point out that the people behind me, if you
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could stand that were here with the issue, like we’re just a few representatives, because they -- many had to leave. And we’re asking that you stand with us right now and with our immigrant communities.
And that’s it. That’s all I have to say, because other people are -- need to speak.
So, thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: No problem. Thank you.
The next speaker is Kathy Bird, followed by Michael Rajner, followed by Olivia Cantu, and Bruno Torqwato.
Kathy Bird.
MS. BIRD: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Kathy Bird (Inaudible), and I’m with the Service Employees International Union, SEIU Florida.
SEIU represents nursing home workers, hospital workers, airport workers, and the workers at Nova Southeastern University, almost all of which are immigrants. Thirty percent of Broward residents are foreign born, and that doesn’t count all the folks that are descendants of immigrants (inaudible).
In addition to all the work that we’ve been doing to protect our union members, we’re also working in the community. We’ve been planning and working with the community to do Know Your Rights presentations, so we’re working pretty regularly with the immigrant community and also offering citizenship clinics.
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And I want to let you know that people are very scared right now. This is a very scary and uncertain time in our country. People need reassurance. Moms are afraid to pick up their kids from school. Folks are afraid to go out and drive their cars. Even people that are legal permanent residents are rushing to become citizens because they’re afraid that something might happen and they may lose their status.
There’s a lot of uncertainty. Our current president, Donald Trump, has threatened to deport up to 8,000,000 people from our country, and also to deny birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship is just by the fact of being born in our country, you’re able to become a citizen. A lot of us have become citizens that way, including myself. My mom was born in Ecuador.
So, people need to feel safe. Broward residents and Broward immigrants need to feel safe. And today’s the day that we can take action to make them feel safer and let them know that they live in a county where our leadership is willing to take a stand to protect these communities.
Thank you very much.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Michael Rajner, followed by Olivia Cantu, followed by Bruno Torqwato, Charles -- by Charles Elsesser.
MR. RAJNER: Good afternoon, Mayor and Commissioners.
First, if I could just thank Commissioner Ryan and the Board for reappointment to the Human Rights Board, which I have the pleasure to serve on. Today, I’m speaking as an individual, though,
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who happens to serve on that board.
You know, the Human Rights Act in Broward County is a great affirmation of the many communities of people and diversity that Broward celebrates, protects, recognizes, and makes sure don’t have to hide in the shadows.
You know, I -- my -- I’m a citizen, and born here, thankfully, you know, because my father immigrated from Warsaw, Poland in 1949 through Ellis Island. His first name is Adolph. At age two, he, in Warsaw, accidentally got mixed up in a -- a group of Jews being marched off to a camp, and my aunt pulled him out of line before he was marched off to the camp.
You know, it’s a frightening time we find ourselves. You know, I’ve helped people, one gentleman in particular, who’s HIV positive and a -- and a gay man, who immigrated from Cuba through Mexico, undocumented, and helped him get political asylum where he escaped what he thought was -- and felt was oppressive and dangerous for him to live in.
And the immigration issue is a very difficult one for many people, because there is no one thought.
But the greatest thing about Broward County is -- is the amazing diversity we have here, and our immigrant community that also makes us up as to who we are.
And I just want to thank the Commission for again validating, you know, that great diversity that we celebrate.
My only concern -- I know that Sean earlier said that, you know, not to make a fuss over things, but I would say on the top of page two of
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the resolution under Section 1, to continue to celebrate Broward’s great diversity and inclusion, perhaps maybe include the protected classes of non-discrimination in that statement, or reference something about the Human Rights Act as another way we celebrate and protect people based on many characteristics.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next speaker, Olivia Cantu, followed by Bruno Torqwato.
MS. CANTU: Thank you, Mayor Sharief and Commissioners. My name is Olivia Cantu, and I am the South Florida Director for EmergeUSA.
I’m here to speak for 33 percent of the Broward residents who are either Latino or Asian or other races, or mixed. That’s 613 residents that we have out of only 1,748,000. So that’s a really big number. We’re looking at about 27,000 foreign residents who could possibly have a chance to legally be able to find a job, have a driver’s license, and cast off the fear of deportation, which is very real.
Broward is at its best a place where we work to support a large immigrant community. And it is not a place that I’ve known to be where we segregate or penalize anybody for their nationality.
I come from a small border town named McAllen. It’s McAllen, Texas. So, we deal with this on a daily basis, because the border’s right there. It’s always a part of our daily life.
It saddens me to know that it’s expanded to the rest of the country right now.
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I come here asking you for your strength and your courage, asking you to not just reach a resolution, but to actually enact an ordinance that will recommit your loyalty to those that are being targeted.
And, please, do not abandon your values of inclusion and opportunity that I’ve know this County to be known for. Help us create a pathway and not just a figurative border within our cities.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Bruno Torqwato, followed by Charles Elsess -- Elser.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Bruno left.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Bruno’s first.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: He left.
MAYOR SHARIEF: He left?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: He had to go to work.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Charles, say your name so I don’t -- I’m -- I know I’ve messed it up.
MR. ELSESSER: Yes, Mayor Sharief, my name is Charles Elsesser. I’m an attorney in -- and a 22-year resident of Broward County.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Elsesser.
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MR. ELSESSER: And I’m -- I’m here to urge that you pass this resolution.
The -- the County -- the County Sheriff has already said that there’s no place for -- that mixing immigration enforcement and police enforcement is bad policy and bad law.
And -- and what we’re here today saying is that it’s absolutely essential for you to speak in the loud voice that you can speak in to reaffirm that policy and to tell the residents of Broward County that - - that -- that there is no danger in speaking -- in calling the police and speaking to the police, whether it’s calling -- calling them for domestic violence, calling them for a neighborhood dispute, or calling them even for mental health issues, as we’ve seen in -- in -- in Dade County. That calling them is not going to implicate immigration or implicate you in any kind of -- or your family or your -- or your neighbors in any kind of immigration dispute.
This -- this resolution supports community policing. It’s essential to continue community policing.
So, I would urge you to -- to pass it and to vote yes.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Our last speaker is Maria Shlackman.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Mara.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Mara.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Mara Schlackman.
MS. SCHLACKMAN: Good afternoon, Mayor and Commissioners. Thank you for this opportunity to speak before you today. Thank you for -- to Commissioner Rich for introducing this resolution which I hope you will all support.
I’m -- I’m here as a resident of over 20 years in Broward County, and the granddaughter of immigrants. And I’m a member of the board of the South Florida Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. I’m an attorney. And -- and the guild, which was founded in the 1930s, provides legal support to progressive movements.
And I don’t want to take too much of your time. I want to echo what my colleague, Mr. Johnson, has previously said about the constitutional issues here with -- with enforcing detainers. I know that’s not exactly the issue in the resolution, but I hope this -- this resolution will be a first step towards further steps to support immigrants in our community.
And thank you for your time.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Okay. Commissioners, that concludes the audience speaking portion of the item.
I’m coming back to the dais now. I have a queue. I have Commissioner Geller, followed by Commissioner Holness, followed by Commissioner LaMarca, then Commissioner Ryan. If anyone else would like to speak, just let me know. You want to go again? Okay. Anybody else?
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Sure. That’s it?
Commissioner Geller.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
I like to begin by commending both the drafters of the resolution and Senator Rich for the wording of the resolution. I think that it accurately describes Broward County as an inclusive and welcoming County.
And it’s just as important -- I strongly support this -- it’s just as important what this is not saying here, which is getting into language. And I saw somebody earlier had a sign, you know, saying we should be making Broward a sanctuary county, whatever that is. And that’s not part of this resolution.
The -- nobody actually knows what a sanctuary county is. Somebody contacted me and said, oh, I see we’re a sanctuary county. And Sheriff says we’re not, and I don’t think anybody really knows that, that I believe, and the Sheriff has put out a memo that says sanctuary counties or -- or cities occur where cities have passed local ordinance directing law enforcement not to cooperate with federal immigration officials. And we haven’t done that.
MAYOR SHARIEF: So --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: And I’m making an important point.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- no, that’s okay. I was just going to let you know that we -- we declare or not declare ourselves that. We have control of
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that on this Board.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: All right. I --
MAYOR SHARIEF: It would not be the Sheriff --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- no --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- that is the authority on that.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- I agree completely --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- Madam Mayor.
MAYOR SHARIEF: All right.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: That -- and that’s why I’m saying that --
MAYOR SHARIEF: No --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- the Board has --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- no problem.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- not --
MAYOR SHARIEF: I just --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: -- don’t that.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- I just wanted to clarify that --
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COMMISSIONER GELLER: Right.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- so nobody would be going to the Sheriff trying to declare us --
COMMISSIONER GELLER: No.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- anything.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: No, ma’am.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Not my intention.
MAYOR SHARIEF: All right. Thank you.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: But there are -- the gentleman from the ACLU and Mr. Elsesser referred to the fact that there are court rulings that say that just because ICE issues an order, that that’s insufficient. That you do -- they do need a warrant.
So, we are following the law by not turning people over just because there is -- ICE executes an order.
The reason I’m saying that this is important is I’ve also received an e-mail, I think all of us have, from Standard and Poors saying that they’re writing a profile on some of the sanctuary cities and counties, they rate nationally, and are planning on including Broward County on this, and then they have a list of questions about how much money this is going to cost us and, you know, what we’re going to lose in federal revenues.
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And I would ask that the County Administrator contact S and P and just advise them that we’re not doing any of these things. We’re not -- as Mayor Sharief has pointed out, we are not a sanctuary county. We are following the law as set forth by courts in terms of not turning people over to ICE just because they have an administrative order.
But, you know, I don’t want our bond ratings implicated by being accused of something that we haven’t done.
We’re passing a resolution saying that we’re a welcoming community. That’s a completely appropriate thing and should not in any way implicate our bonds.
And I’m hoping that you will respond appropriately to Standard and Poor.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you, Commissioner Geller.
Commissioner Holness.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: We are the greatest nation on earth, in great part to the fact that we are the most diversed country in the world. And our founding fathers were -- were -- were cognizant of that fact. Inscribed on the great seal of this nation are Latin words e pluribus unum. Of many, one.
Now, we know that we’re not a perfect union. But over time, we have become a country that values people and ensure that human rights are protected. And Broward County leads the way in that regard. Our diversity’s a great strength.
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We, of any nation in the world, can send a loyal patriotic citizen to any nation who understand the culture, speaks the language, have connections there, and are able to open doors, whether it be for business and commerce, education, health, whatever it is. We’re connected in that way. And it is something that we ought to celebrate even more than we do.
I am an immigrant. Probably the only one that wasn’t born in this country on this dais. I’m proud of that. My children and now my grandchild were born here. And we work hard to ensure that we live and be productive and follow the rules, and contribute in every which way we can.
That is what makes us great, when we all are included, when we’re inclusive, and everyone is contributing to the max that they can to make us a better, stronger nation.
Let me thank Senator Rich for leading the way with this, and to all of you out there who took your day to come here and speak and to support us being an inclusive place for everyone.
Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
The next person in queue is Commissioner LaMarca.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Thank you, Mayor.
Commissioner, our great seal also says in God we trust, but that would be debatable that people would fight to take that off the seal.
You know, the -- the word xenophobia has been thrown around a lot
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by people of -- it was said here, it was said on TV on a regular basis. And the definition of xenophobia is an intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries.
I think there’s a confusion in this country right now. I’m certainly not defending the commander in chief, but as a proud American, being proud of this country doesn’t-- doesn’t make you a xenophobic person. Being proud of this country, you can -- you can be proud of your country and also very proud of other countries, as I am of my wife’s parents’ native country, who came here from another country.
You know, I’m glad that Mr. Rajner spoke, because as I read this, you know, resolution, much like some of the other things we do, is a feel good --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Uh-huh.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- feel good resolution.
(COMMISSIONER UDINE LEFT THE ROOM.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: It doesn’t change the laws. As the Mayor said, only we can change the name -- the -- the name, definition, or -- or -- or classification of laws we have.
But I’m -- I’m glad that Mr. Rajner spoke, because as I read our Broward Human Rights -- Broward County Human Rights Act, discrimination is unlawful. Discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and gender expression or identity are unlawful in --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
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COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- in employment, housing, and public accommodates. It is prohibited by Broward County Human Rights Act, County Code Chapter 16 ½.
The Act also prohibits reprisals that punish you because you have filed charges or spoken out against an unlawfully -- unlawful discriminatory practice, retaliation.
It further goes on to say that political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and age under 40 are specifically prohibited under only the Broward County Human Rights Ordinance.
In a hundred percent agreement with Mr. -- what Mr. Rajner said. I would find it odd that this isn’t included in this -- in this resolution.
To make things -- and I think Mr. -- Mr. Phillippi and a couple other folks that talked about this issue, the bare bones of this issue as it is, which I saw his expression as the second or third speaker came up and started talking about this being a specific religious ban. He was very uncomfortable by that. I could saw by -- saw -- see very easily that he was shaking his head no.
I don’t think that’s the intention of this, but that is what it -- that’s what was said.
And what was also not said is we’re -- that we’re really looking to make everyone feel comfortable and inclusive in this community.
I do. I would tell you that that’s not always the case. And it doesn’t just mean that you’re from another country, you practice a different religion, or that you have different beliefs.
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(COMMISSIONER UDINE RETURNED TO THE ROOM.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: I’d say that 49.4 percent of this community is ignored on a regular basis. That’s almost half. 49.4 percent of this community is ignored on a regular basis.
So, if we’re going to bring something to be inclusive of all people, let’s not forget the 258,378 registered Republicans, the 312,388 registered Independents, and the 19,097 registered people of no -- of no party. Let’s not forget them. Okay?
So we’re -- if we’re really going to be inclusive, let’s include our Broward County Human Rights Ordinance.
And I can see that you’re all amazed that I am being -- supportive of being inclusive, but let’s really be inclusive and not just talk about it.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Thank you.
Commissioner Ryan, followed by Commissioner Rich.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: We don’t need to fool ourselves on what is the -- the -- the genesis of -- of this resolution. It is the immigration policies that have been proposed by President Trump in the last few weeks.
It’s clear to me that this is a discriminatory immigration policy. Its stated goal is to protect the United States. It has the exact opposite effect, because it sends a message to Muslims around the world that they are not welcome in the United States. And what better way to make an enemy than to say you’re not part of us, you cannot
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be part of us, you cannot be part of this community.
So it has the exact opposite effect, and it’s -- it’s an illogical, and I believe the courts will prove it to be an unlawful act.
Now, having said that, we have a duty here to protect this County and to protect the residents. I have a concern, because this was put together rather quickly, and -- and one of the speakers even mentioned that it was put together rather quickly --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Uh-huh.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- that there may be some concern as to what the effect of some of the language is.
I’m going to ask the sponsor of the resolution if she will entertain an amendment. It’s on page 2, Section 1, where it states -- these are -- it’s just lines 1 and 2. It says the Board hereby declares Broward County an inclusive county which welcomes, celebrates, and offers refuge to all residents and visitors, irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin.
If you will delete the words offers refuge to and insert values, and so it will read which welcomes, celebrates, and values all residents and visitors, I believe such an amendment will protect the County from having some type of punitive action taken with respect to our -- our financial ratings and whatever other funding we receive directly from the federal government or through the state.
I don’t want to have that on our shoulders. We’re sending a message.
And to speak about whether it’s Democratic or Republican, to my
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dear colleague, the minority leader, let me quote one great Republican, Abraham Lincoln, who -- who was strong pro- immigration. Lincoln said, I regard our immigrants as one of the principal replenishing streams which are appointed by Providence to repair the ravages of internal war and its waste of national strength and health.
Now, he’s a fine Republican, as is Teddy Roosevelt. Maybe a short list, but there’s some really great Republicans out there.
And I want to support this, and I will, at the appropriate time, make a motion to amend, and I hope that Commissioner Rich will support the amendment to her resolution.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. I’m going to go ahead and speak, then, and I’ll have you close. Okay.
So, one, I -- I want to speak to something that one of the speakers, Mr. Phillippi, said about meeting with people at the last minute. You know, this Board does work outside of this County. And when they contacted my office, I was on my way to Orlando so that we can learn how to legislate marijuana. Okay? So I just want to put that on the record. So that’s why you didn’t get a meeting. And --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Marijuana, Broward County.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Well, they’re not smoking it. It’s medical marijuana, sir.
So we -- we have to learn how to do that, because Amendment 2 passed. And, as the Mayor, I represent this County, and I have to do that. So, so sorry we couldn’t accommodate you.
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Secondly, you know, I’m -- yeah, a lot of you have spoken about being an immigrant and -- and I come from a long line of immigrants, from my great great grandparents coming here in the year 1814 as slaves, unwillingly, but making the best of it.
We have, as a Commission and as a Board, taken a position to welcome all people to Broward County, and through establishment of our Human Rights Ordinance and establishment of the Human Rights Board, we have promoted and protected the rights of all individuals that come to Broward County.
I want it to be very clear to those who are sitting out there, because some of the speakers make it sound like we don’t have anything in place to protect our residents and to provide for inclusion of all people that come to Broward County. We do. And it has been for some time.
I want to also take this opportunity to tell you that the passage of this resolution is not going to protect you if the federal law changes.
We can do lots of things up here that can make you feel good and to -- and -- and to make it sound good out there, but the reality of it is is that we -- we do not have any jurisdiction over federal immigration laws, and this resolution does not change that fact.
I am not sure how safe I’m going to make you feel if we pass this today. I am not sure that any of what’s in here -- and -- and -- and it’s -- this is -- this is Broward’s mantra. We are an inclusive community.
So, I don’t see anything that’s listed in this resolution that’s going to change anything that we’ve been doing so far.
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I would have to concur with my colleague, Commissioner Ryan, in saying that we do not want to send any message that we are establishing ourselves as a so-called sanctuary county.
And let me -- I’m going to tell you right now what the actual proposed definition of sanctuary county is, or sanctuary city, and that is a place where, regardless of your immigrant status, if you have committed a crime, or if you’re come upon and you have been asked for your identification and it’s found that you do not have proper authority to be in the country, that you are detained and you are given over to ICE.
So -- and it is saying that in counties and in cities that do not have that as a policy, that they are considered sanctuary.
We have not stopped enforcing federal immigration laws in terms of illegal immigrants. We have not allowed anyone to commit a crime in Broward County and be let free because they do not have legal status.
And so, a lot of that has to do with -- with that.
That being said, I think that the language under Section 1 on page 2 that says offers refuge, I think that that needs to be changed, because once we start saying stuff like offering refuge, we’re trying - - that -- that pushes us into the establishment column of -- of, you know, that grey area of trying to say that we’re sanctuary.
This Board has never taken that type of position before, and so, Commissioner Ryan, with the wording that you’ve given previous to this, I think I could support that.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
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MAYOR SHARIEF: I also --
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Are you prepared for me to make the -- the motion --
MAYOR SHARIEF: No.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- to amend?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Almost.
I -- on Exhibit --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Are you okay (inaudible)?
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- 1 --
COMMISSIONER RICH: I don’t agree, but I’m not going to (inaudible).
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- it’s going to be on lines --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- 17, 18 --
COMMISSIONER RICH: I know what you’re doing.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- and 19.
COMMISSIONER RICH: But refuge does not mean sanctuary city, no matter what anybody says.
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Okay.
COMMISSIONER RICH: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Do you want me to wait for the sidebar? Are you good? Okay.
Seventeen --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- 17, 18, and 19, whereas the conflation of federal civil immigration law enforcement and local criminal justice system experienced in some communities across the nation has resulted in considerable erosion of public safety and trust --
COMMISSIONER RICH: I’m not going to change it.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- I --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- I’m just concerned why -- when we’re saying that it’s -- who -- who -- by combining those three things, in communities across the nation has results in considerable erosion of public safety and trust. In Broward County, we’ve not violated any of that - -
COMMISSIONER RICH: Correct.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- to --
COMMISSIONER RICH: We’re not (inaudible).
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MAYOR SHARIEF: -- to produce erosion of our public safety and trust.
I’m just concerned with the message that that sends. I just want to make sure that we’re as clear as possible on this, that Broward County has not done any of that.
And we want to make sure that this resolution, if it’s going to support something, that it -- it supports something that we’re actually -- I don’t know. I want to -- I want to do something about confirming or continuing to support federal civil immigration law enforcement, local criminal -- the local criminal justice --
COMMISSIONER RICH: Can I --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- system --
COMMISSIONER RICH: -- may I explain –
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- to avoid eroding public trust -- public safety and trust?
COMMISSIONER RICH: Okay.
MAYOR SHARIEF: I mean, I think --
COMMISSIONER RICH: This is the crux -- this is the crux of it -- of it, and this is what a lot of the people who were here today talked about when they came to talk to me, because, first of all, let me -- let me just start by saying this has nothing to do with sanctuary cities or counties or anything. This is not what this resolution is.
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This is a statement, as was started way back over here about -- with -- with Senator Geller about welcoming, make -- Broward is a welcoming community.
But there are some issues, like the -- the -- the conflagration, as it says here, of taking your -- your law enforcement, your civil immigration law, your federal law, and actually conflating it so that you are having your criminal justice system involved in it.
And one of the things that’s important is to keep it separate. And that’s why this is here. We’re not saying that we have done it.
One of the things that I’d like to -- to do, and I will do after this hopefully passes today, is to go back and look at an ordinance. One of the -- and I -- I certainly did not ignore our Human Rights Ordinance. I agree with you. But that’s not what this was about. This, as Commissioner Ryan said, was a response by all these people to the immigration policies that have been promoted by the administration. And so that’s what this is responding to, not the human rights things.
And this, again, we are fortunate right now. We have a sheriff that agrees with us and agrees with what you’re saying. But we may not always. So that’s why a lot of these people feel that it’s important to follow this with an ordinance that codifies things that we think are good and that maybe we’re already doing, but maybe we wouldn’t if we had somebody else in charge of law enforcement or --
MAYOR SHARIEF: No, I --
COMMISSIONER RICH: -- or some other area.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- (inaudible) that, and that’s where I defer. Our law
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enforcement department works under certain guidelines for the federal and the state law enforcement.
COMMISSIONER RICH: Right.
MAYOR SHARIEF: And we, as a County, employ him to continue to do that. At the -- at such point in time where, you know, when he’s out there on the street and he’s enforcing the federal and the state laws about immigrants, we can’t change it, even if we wanted to. This doesn’t do any of that for you.
And then putting the --
COMMISSIONER RICH: It does.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- three -- you’re not separating the three. This doesn’t separate anything.
What I’m saying is you want to use it to make a statement, you -- you’re--
COMMISSIONER RICH: I --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- fine, you’re making a statement. But I don’t -- I don’t want to infer that this resolution, or anything else that comes after the fact, is going to protect the -- the citizenship status --
COMMISSIONER RICH: Okay.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- when the federal government is changing it and they have control of that. I --
COMMISSIONER RICH: Right.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: -- I’m just trying to put a realistic perspective on it.
Commissioner Rich, I understand what -- what they’re trying to do with this. I understand that it’s a statement to say that, look, Broward County is supportive of our immigrant population and we want to make sure that everyone knows that.
But, at the same time, I do believe that, under Section 1, when you put the Board hereby declares Broward County an inclusive County which welcomes, celebrates, and offers refuge to all residents and visitors, irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin, I think the word refuge will -- it starts us down the wrong path.
COMMISSIONER RICH: And -- and I didn’t address that. I -- I’d like to kind of get to my statement, but I will accept the amendment on the refuge.
I don’t agree with it. The definition of refuge is shelter or protection from danger or distress, a place that provides shelter or protection. And that’s what this country has done since it was created.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Uh-huh.
COMMISSIONER RICH: So -- and --
MAYOR SHARIEF: I agree.
COMMISSIONER RICH: -- even before it officially was created. So that’s what we’re trying to get at, to -- you know, that we are a country of immigrants with a long, proud legacy of providing safe refuge for those seeking freedom and opportunity and democracy.
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And I -- I believe that we -- you know, we embrace the best of this in Broward County. I think we all agree -- we all agree.
But, on the other hand, we need to speak out. And this is part of speaking out. That we need to make sure that -- that our voices are heard and that, you know, our -- our work to uphold the basic values upon which this country was founded goes -- you know, goes forward.
I have to say that, you know, as -- as -- as a Jew, as someone who’s had the honor of serving on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Council, I am particularly sensitive to the -- the moral imperative of welcoming immigrants and refugees to our country, because we have a whole museum in Washington and places all over this world, you know, to let people know what happens when your doors are closed, as they were in the ‘30s and ‘40s, you know, and people die.
So, one of the most important things we can do is to speak out and let people know that we are not happy with what’s going on.
And I have just one -- one -- one quote that I -- it’s always on the United States Holocaust Museum’s website, and it’s by Martin Niemöller. Many of you have heard it. He was a prominent Protestant pastor who -- who emerged as an outspoken public foe of Adolph Hitler, and he spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps.
And this is what he says.
First, they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I
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did not speak out, because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.
And that’s what this is about, is about that we need to speak out wherever we can and wherever we see injustice and wherever we see places where American values are being diminished.
So that’s why I did this, and I hope that everyone will support it with the amendment that -- that --
MAYOR SHARIEF: I think with the amendment, we can. But I do want to make sure that our residents understand that we -- we do, as a result of some of these definitions that people place on simple words like refuge and equate them with other things, we do suffer consequences, and we can suffer -- suffer harm in terms of our funding and -- and things that Broward County needs to continue to operate and to continue to move our county forward.
And so, with that, I have --
COMMISSIONER RICH: I would like to --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- additional --
COMMISSIONER RICH: -- just add one -- one thing, that -- that people need to recognize. That no matter how much that the administration says that they are going to take away funding from counties for being, you know --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Sanctuary.
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COMMISSIONER RICH: -- sanctuary counties, that they cannot do that. And it is a violation of the Tenth Amendment. And the ACLU brought that to me as part of this.
So, they can say they’re going to do it all they want, but the -- the administration, the president doesn’t appropriate funds, and he can’t take away funds.
MAYOR SHARIEF: The problem is is that we have a Republican led --
COMMISSIONER RICH: Well, that (inaudible) --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- Congress, House --
COMMISSIONER RICH: -- have to work on that.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- and Senate, and right now, they have other ways of taking them away besides the ways that you and I normally traditionally think of.
And so, I’m just going to put that out there and say that I am supportive of this with that amendment that Commissioner Ryan proffered, but please don’t be misled. That law -- just because we have --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Right.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- laws against it doesn’t mean that they’re going to follow them.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Can you read the amendment -- as amended?
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Let me --
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MAYOR SHARIEF: Yes, you can read it.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- let me go ahead and introduce the amendment, because the sponsor of the amendment concurs.
On page 2, line 2, you will delete the words offers refuge to and insert values. So, it will read which welcomes, celebrates, and values all residents and visitors.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. You’re going to delete and offers refuge to all and put in celebrates, values --
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Celebrates and values.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- and values.
COMMISSIONER RICH: And values. Leave the and.
MAYOR SHARIEF: And values.
COMMISSIONER RICH: You just remove offers refuge to.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh, offers refuge to is removed, so those are the three words he’s taking out?
COMMISSIONER RICH: Right.
MAYOR SHARIEF: And then --
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Insert one word --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- and insert --
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COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- values.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- one word, which is values to all residents and visitors, irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin.
You got it, minutes secretary? Okay.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: I think (inaudible) has to (inaudible) the word and. And values.
MAYOR SHARIEF: He did.
COMMISSIONER RICH: No, we did.
MAYOR SHARIEF: He kept it in.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Yeah. And --
MAYOR SHARIEF: He only changed three.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- and is not being deleted.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Okay.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Commissioner Holness?
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Just -- just quickly, now that Senator --
COMMISSIONER RICH: It’s all right, Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- Commissioner Rich has agreed to --
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COMMISSIONER RICH: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- to that amendment, I -- I think we’ll get a unanimous vote on this.
But I just want to add one thing, that there are many residents of -- of Broward County who have been here for many, many years that today would qualify to be citizens. And many of them are fearful because they have been green card holder for 20, 30, 40 years. They actually have grandchildren, even great grandchildren here.
And -- and what I’m offering is support to ensure that those who want to become citizens are given that opportunity.
This Saturday -- as I did last year, I continue. This Saturday from 10:00 o’clock until 3:00 o’clock, at the Lauderhill Mall, we have a citizenship drive where we have immigration attorneys and others who know the immigration process that will assist our residents in getting the forms filled out and obtaining waivers where there’s income opportunities for those with lower income to be able to get waivers of the fees.
So, I need volunteers, also. Again, you can call my office at 954- 357-7009 --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Holness --
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- to offer your support.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- can we take that up under Non-Agenda so we can finish the meeting? I mean --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: That was his Non-Agenda.
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MAYOR SHARIEF: -- I know, but I’m just --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: He waived his Non-Agenda.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: He’s done with his Non-Agenda.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- (inaudible).
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Okay. So, we got that.
MAYOR SHARIEF: So we -- we -- good.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: We did.
MAYOR SHARIEF: So we -- we are --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Mayor --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- we’re looking like we’re going to have a unanimous passage --
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Can I get a second --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- of a --
COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- on my --
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- resolution here.
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COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- motion to amend.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Second.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, Commissioner LaMarca to close.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Commissioner LaMarca --
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Because a yes or --
COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- can we vote on the amendment?
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- because a yes or a no or -- or my good friend quoting Abraham Lincoln without -- without quoting Teddy Roosevelt and what he said about immigration would be unfair. Listen --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Enough sound bites.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- my -- my wife wouldn’t have been born in Fort Lauderdale in Holy Cross has it not been her parents coming here from -- from Havana in 1961. So, I don’t need anybody to lecture me about -- about immigration. I don’t need to go back 50 or a hundred years.
And I can tell you that I -- I am the first person, as well as anybody up here, to tell everyone that Broward County is an inclusive county.
This resolution isn’t going to do a damn thing to protect us when someone takes our money away. And if you don’t think they can do
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it -- I’m sorry, Commissioner Rich, with all due respect, I appreciate your position on many things, this included, but I’m not going to -- I’m not going to be in any position to go ask the administration for hundreds of millions of dollars. Okay? And nor -- nor is anybody going to be -- be looking to do the same thing in Tallahassee when we do business with other countries with Port Everglades, which is complete -- we’ll just leave it at that.
But the reality is we do -- we do business here in Broward County and we do have to follow rules. And maybe the rules aren’t always the best rules, and maybe some people didn’t think the rules over the last eight years were the best rules, but the reality is if someone wants to take away your money, they can do it.
So, I can’t support that.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: All right. Well, I certainly hope you’re not canceling your trip to Tallahassee next week.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: No, I’m not.
COMMISSIONER RYAN: Okay. All right.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, I had a motion on the floor --
COMMISSIONER RYAN: And a second.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- and a second.
All those in favor of the resolution as amended, signify by saying aye, and raise your hand.
All opposed?
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Let the record show that that passes 7 to 1 and one absence.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Who voted no?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay? I’m sorry?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Chip.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner LaMarca voted no.
VOTE PASSES 7 TO 1 WITH COMMISSIONER LAMARCA VOTING NO.
(VICE MAYOR FURR WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE VOTE.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, thank you all for your patience and thank you all for staying with us all day. We appreciate it, and we appreciate the sentiments that you expressed here today, as well.
That concludes the items on our Regular Agenda.
REGULAR AGENDA
MAYOR’S REPORT
AGENDA ITEM 39
MAYOR SHARIEF: At this time, we’re going to go to Non-Agenda.
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And since Commissioner Holness already did his, he can’t speak again.
(Laughter.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: So on the Mayor’s Report, last weekend I attended the marijuana summit with my Florida Association of Counties team in Orlando to learn how to legislate the cannabis ordinances since the passage of Amendment 2.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: You get any samples?
MAYOR SHARIEF: No samples.
Many experts spoke about the laws, the regulation, the dispensing, growing, and distribution. It was an excellent program that was put on by the Florida Association of Counties.
For those of you who are interested in the slide presentations or any of the presentations from the conference, that is available online. And if you can’t get it, my office has copies and we’d be more than happy to share that with you.
There are some draft resolutions in there and some draft legislation that -- that might followed also.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: And -- okay. You see? It’s 3:00 o’clock. The attention wanes at 3:00 o’clock. This is why I said what I said. 3:00 o’clock. It’s gone.
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Last Friday, I had a great time honoring --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- Vernon Hargrave, a man who gave so much to Miramar, who retired. He was the Assistant City Manager for many years. He will be missed. And congratulations on his retirement.
Tomorrow, I will be speaking before the Charter Review Commission and answering some of their questions.
And then Broward County and Commissioner Ryan have been working very hard to ensure that we have funding for the C-51 Reservoir, and we’re grateful that the governor has earmarked $20,000,000 in funding for his proposed 2017-2018 state budget for this year.
With that, my -- my report is complete.
NON-AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM 43
MAYOR SHARIEF: I can go on, and I will start off with Commissioner Udine.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: Super quick. I just got to attend the Governor’s Veterans’ Award with the Mayor a couple week --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh, yeah.
COMMISSIONER UDINE: -- about a week ago. Fantastic event.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Uh-huh.
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COMMISSIONER UDINE: Got to honor a lot of veterans in my district and throughout the County, and welcome -- throughout south Florida. So, it was a -- a nice event, and I’m glad I got a chance to participate in it.
That’s it.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Rich?
COMMISSIONER RICH: (Inaudible.)
AGENDA ITEM 44
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Bogen?
COMMISSIONER RICH: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I -- I have a -- I have a -- I have an hour of material.
(Laughter.)
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I have a good hour that I’d like to talk about.
Would you pass this out please?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: No. No.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: I want to announce that Friday, February 17th --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh, God.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: -- that’s a week from Friday? The Second Annual No Sweat Triathalon is going to be held for all the Commissioners and their staff.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
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COMMISSIONER BOGEN: So for those of you that didn’t show last time, you’re a bunch of wimps. But the staffs are invited. It’s -- it’s food, ping pong, bowling, and free -- shooting free throws. And if you don’t show, you’re on the shit list. That’s all I can tell you.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Oh.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh, my God.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: What?
MAYOR SHARIEF: You can’t say that.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: All right. Delete that word. I -- if you don’t show, you’re on the it list.
MAYOR SHARIEF: This is why you cannot get him to work after 3:00 o’clock.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay. So –
MAYOR SHARIEF: Let’s go.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: -- so --
MAYOR SHARIEF: Keep it moving.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: -- so I hope that you’ll attend.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Keep it clean.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: And it’s at the -- it’s at the corner of Commercial.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Told you it deteriorates.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: It’s a huge center. Are you coming?
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MAYOR SHARIEF: No.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: You’re not going. You’re worthless.
MAYOR SHARIEF: No.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Okay.
MAYOR SHARIEF: I don’t want to play ping pong with you.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: Steve, you going to come?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: We’ll see.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Is the car museum there, too? (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: It’s a huge thing there. It’s -- I mean, it’s a --
MAYOR SHARIEF: I don’t know.
COMMISSIONER BOGEN: -- huge thing.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: I’m not messing up my hair.
AGENDA ITEM 45
COMMISSIONER RICH: Oh, wait.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner Ryan.
COMMISSIONER RICH: It’s his birthday.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: It’s no sweat.
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COMMISSIONER RICH: Wait. Listen, it’s his birthday today. Yes, it is.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: What are you, a hundred?
(Laughter.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: You and Abraham Lincoln.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Where is it? I didn’t see --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER RYAN: You know -- you know, I’m -- I’m not able --
(Singing happy birthday song.)
COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- I’m not able to do that without --
(Singing happy birthday song.)
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: You’ve got somebody in the back even waving you on.
(Applause.)
COMMISSIONER RYAN: -- I’m not able to deal with that level of higher mathematics, so we’ll hold off on what the age is.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER RYAN: And I waive my time to speak in favor of Commissioner Holness.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: No, you will not.
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AGENDA ITEM 46
MAYOR SHARIEF: Commissioner LaMarca.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Thank you, Mayor.
Governor Rick Scott on Tuesday proposed an 83.5-billion-dollar budget that will direct $127,000,000 towards beach restoration, of which 77,000,000 will be used to address the damage from the beaches under Hurricane Matthew and Hermione.
But that will get our beach --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- ask number up to $50,000,000, which we’ve been trying to do for the last three or four years aggressively. So hopefully the --
MAYOR SHARIEF: No, don’t (inaudible).
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- Legislature will leave that in.
AGENDA ITEM 47
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Couple things of interest, and, Mayor, I was hoping someone would mention it before this, but I would like to be able to bring in my hand tomorrow a --
MAYOR SHARIEF: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- you guys want to see this economy decimated?
MAYOR SHARIEF: No.
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Then be quiet.
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: We -- we need a resolution -- I’m not saying me. I’m talking about the folks up there listening. We need --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- we need -- we need -- shh.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: We need to have a resolution from this County in support of Visit Florida and possibly Enterprise Florida as well, but certainly Visit Florida. You don’t want to do that?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Yeah, actually --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Visit Florida is being looked at, as well as Enterprise Florida, by the Legislature. It’s something you may want to consider, Mayor. The --
MAYOR SHARIEF: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- League of Cities, FAC, and other organizations have done the same thing.
AGENDA ITEM 48
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Couple other things of interest in Tallahassee we should keep out eyes on.
The preemption of issues dealing with Airbnb and Uber. I think we did a very long and laborious process in TNC -- TNCs here. I certainly wouldn’t want
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anybody else to take away the time and effort we put into it.
AGENDA ITEM 49
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Port Everglades business, I think it’s important that, if we have the opportunity to let the Legislature and let the executive branch of the State of Florida know that our port is a landlord port, landlord/tenant port, we don’t do business with other countries. We do business with tenants. It -- it would be up to them to decide how they’re going to do business.
And two more things.
AGENDA ITEM 50
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Finally, the safe -- Broward Safe Boating Guide is out. 20,000 copies from the Marine -- Marine Advisory Board here at Broward County. I would recommend picking up one before going out to sea.
AGENDA ITEM 51
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: And then, finally, those who care about our beaches, we’re going to do a thank you effort at the Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the- Sea, and Pompano Beach areas on March 4th, which is a Saturday.
We’re going to do an aerial photo of everyone grateful for the sand we put on the beach, and we’re going to send that up to Tallahassee so they get a thank you for once.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Who’s we?
MAYOR SHARIEF: Every -- every year --
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Those interested parties are --
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MAYOR SHARIEF: -- (inaudible).
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: -- people who care about the economy.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: Thank you.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Chip, you want this?
COMMISSIONER LAMARCA: (Inaudible.)
AGENDA ITEM 52
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: While we’re passing things around, today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. People across the world are gathering to share resources and solutions in combating this epidemic.
Locally, our community’s holding gatherings in recognition of this day, including an open mic event at 3:00 p.m. at Megaphone, located at 806 Northwest 13 Terrace, Fort Lauderdale.
Also in recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, this evening at 6:00 p.m., New Mount Olive Baptist Church will host a free put your faith in action concert and march with performances by world renowned singers Yolanda Adams --
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: -- and Eric Campbell. 6:00 p.m.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Thank you.
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: New Mount Olive Baptist Church is located at 400
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Northwest 9th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.
AGENDA ITEM 53
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Beginning tomorrow, Broward County’s Housing Finance and Community Redevelopment will accept application for its minor home repair, exterior paint program, and water/sewer programs.
Funds for this program are limited, and applicants will be served on a first come, first qualified basis.
For more information, you may call -- contact Patrick Grime at 954-357-5900.
AGENDA ITEM 54
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: And on Saturday, February 11th, the community of Boulevard Gardens, located in the Broward Municipal Service District, will have a community -- community cleanup. The cleanup is from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Volunteers are asked to meet at the Boulevard Gardens Community Center, 313 Northwest 28th Terrace.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: All supplies will be provided for volunteers, including refreshments.
And for young people, you can get community service hours through our -- our - - our -- our department, our Community Development Department.
Jesse Scipio, the president of the association’s number is 954-592-8901.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: 8901.
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COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Yes. Good.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Is that it?
COMMISSIONER HOLNESS: Yes.
MAYOR SHARIEF: He took a breath. No, I’m joking.
AGENDA ITEM 55
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. Commissioner Geller.
COMMISSIONER GELLER: Yes, I mentioned some time ago there was a lot of attention given to the tennis courts at C.B. Smith Park, whether they would stay there.
AGENDA ITEM 39
MAYOR SHARIEF: Brief update. I’d like to thank Mr. West from Parks Department. We now have a schedule upon which we will be able to get the information we need to make the final decisions, but it does look like we will be able to come up with a solution that will satisfy everyone.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: We can do a sweat triathlon.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: County Auditor, do you have any comments?
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MS. ULETT: Nothing, thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: County Attorney?
MS. ARMSTRONG COFFEY: Nothing.
REGULAR AGENDA
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
AGENDA ITEM 46
AYOR SHARIEF: County Administrator?
MS. HENRY: No. Yes, Commissioner LaMarca, you mentioned the importance of Port Everglades and the activities that we’re having, and the -- the record and banner year that we’re having at our port.
I just wanted to inform the Board that this past year we had a 15 percent increase in our container business. It is the largest that we have ever had in our 90-year history. So, Port Everglades is very critical to this state, and hopefully the governor recognizes that while he’s recognizing other issues.
Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: That shows that she listened to what you were talking about.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Oh, and she reads someone’s Tweets, too.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh. Okay. So, we’re governing by Tweet again? Okay.
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: It’s working.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Is that it? No. I -- no --
MS. HENRY: That’s it.
MAYOR SHARIEF: -- absolutely not.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Working for her, maybe.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Who?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible.)
MAYOR SHARIEF: Oh. He (inaudible).
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible) Tweets.
MAYOR SHARIEF: Okay. So, with that, this meeting is adjourned.
Thank you all for your patience.
(THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 3:20 P.M.)
(THIS IS NOT A VERBATIM TRANSCRIPTION OF THE MEETING.)
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