[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6096906,"mediaKeyId","2830250-c5b5785e2a60a301b9bd1839af8ea86a","parentId",2830250,"title","Commission approves first reading of Ghost Orchid lease at Village Art Plaza; owners pitch restaurant-brewery concept","audioSeconds",3207,"startMs",9997000,"endMs",13204000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2830250-c5b5785e2a60a301b9bd1839af8ea86a&start=9997&end=13204","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2830250-c5b5785e2a60a301b9bd1839af8ea86a/thumbnail_9997000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6096906/Sunrise/Broward-County/Florida/Commission-approves-first-reading-of-Ghost-Orchid-lease-at-Village-Art-Plaza-owners-pitch-restaurant-brewery-concept","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096906-45a5a0d8f6c712513792bcfa1efcd408/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184432&Signature=RFwJFRiKcKZnpZsRH1KzbhYeyJvvVG2eewGjZ2K3fISZiMCOnl-xq~FjdP-n1CfbwzjrfY5x5rfpinXg81NiQTY15x6pQxTt2jgvatRJvlip~tZV~-HFTcTYMESC7O3X2EbI9GOhUvsnBCJ09-cMs2WD91UYm2vpgNRp9CxtxPNRO2ZOFb0sLaODCllLxbTYGgW1upd4w4CbhfTjsRbwq3GeBN2lRpIfqEjU59rlaOIaYvTPp7lc5SUhCbFxip1EU3HJy6lkb4-vISRKQCnHi8zVsUs1iFtx2sxb4qfsmwYxamunXFODLbalylkciMcz6EdgnXY~ZnZjOYFNl7YhTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Sunrise, FL ","date","2025-03-25T00:00:00Z","article","The City Commission gave initial approval on first reading Tuesday to a lease with Ghost Orchid at Sunrise for two city-owned units next to the new Village Art Plaza, clearing the way for a restaurant that will produce craft beverages on-site and host community events on the plaza.

Ghost Orchid co-owner Fernando Plata described the concept as a \"full service restaurant that produces and serves their own craft alcoholic beverages\" as well as craft-brewed sodas. The proposed tenant will build out approximately 2,342 square feet with indoor and outdoor seating, a kitchen and a small area for brewing and distilling. The lease is a five-year term with options for three additional five-year extensions and provides no monthly rent for year one with rising rent in subsequent years; the city will fund construction of permanent improvements and the tenant will supply furniture, equipment and interior finishes.

City staff described event obligations in the lease: Ghost Orchid must organize and host a minimum of four events per month in year one, a minimum of six events per month in year two, and a minimum of eight events per month beginning in year three. Events are to be held on the Village Art Plaza stage when weather permits and include one larger annual event such as a jazz festival and other community building activities.

Capacity, operation and controls

During the meeting owner Fernando Plata said the proposed space would seat about 50 people. He emphasized a curated, family-friendly approach and said alcohol consumption would be controlled: guests would not be permitted to take alcoholic drinks off premises in normal operations; the tenant will comply with liquor licensing rules and the city's landlord responsibilities. \"We will obey by all the municipality rules,\" Plata said.

Commission deliberation and vote

Commissioners asked about parking and impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, including nearby schools and churches. City staff said on-street spots, shared parking near Library Square, and occasional overflow agreements with nearby properties would handle typical demand; staff also noted the city owns the property and can enforce lease conditions and operational obligations more directly than it could across the street at a private site. After discussion the commission approved the measure on first reading by roll call (4–0).

Why it matters

City officials described the Village Art Plaza and the associated lease as an economic-development tool to activate a long-underused main-street corridor and attract complementary businesses and foot traffic. The proposal drew public comment from local residents who voiced concerns about alcohol near a family-focused plaza and an elementary school; the tenant and staff emphasized controls, curated programming and community activation as central to the concept.

Next steps

The lease passed first reading and will return for a second reading and final action. Staff will work with the tenant on final lease documents and monitor event and operational compliance once the tenant is operating.

Speakers cited in this article include Fernando Plata (owner, Ghost Orchid at Sunrise), City Manager (presentation), city economic development staff and several commissioners and residents who commented during public comment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Sunrise Commission Meeting Mar 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved on first reading a lease to bring Ghost Orchid at Sunrise — a full-service restaurant with a small on-site brewing and distilling operation — to two units adjacent to the new Village Art Plaza.","taxTitle","Sunrise, Broward County, Florida","taxId",5800,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6096910,"City manager raises misuse-of-funds concerns at Police Pension Board; retirees push back, call for audit",1427,5941000,7368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2830250-c5b5785e2a60a301b9bd1839af8ea86a&start=5941&end=7368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2830250-c5b5785e2a60a301b9bd1839af8ea86a/thumbnail_5941000.jpg","/articles/6096910/Sunrise/Broward-County/Florida/City-manager-raises-misuse-of-funds-concerns-at-Police-Pension-Board-retirees-push-back-call-for-audit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096910-7a133de4b5a933a9c24b87e9ed45430a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184432&Signature=KlYnSVg11ZUBghIi5qC~9XKhYTel~01XVzkx8D2ZQ5hEryHzT71Y1TDiDQEzziennZLQS9hYzdL~o9VHHSO-VHprjMZ~lEZODTDXyR4epTgei0Mz~TkXF1LAacLAykoWRfDQYEFk01eYlL8IdEzvMTCBLAZBzFyNeTs6x2Oef3wdCpOVk4DhrkVbfCgLncIHxYcYcZLKMv1p3hSEd~KPbAchdbes9IadE04gh4q~S9xPuzKQDlnlBxYtwih1UQL0tK9oaM1lM~5ZBvZZuXRb212hSAVfDwTX-veaTbOOJKLVUyuoUkyQQUPEQHwNqF4E5jCZpI168vSaUccMzEm~gQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City management on Tuesday told the Sunrise City Commission it has serious concerns about the way the Police Pension Board and its plan administrator have used pension trust fund dollars, including payment for an actuarial study related to benefit enhancements and leasing and office expenses the manager described as benefiting a private business.

In a lengthy presentation, the city manager raised multiple issues: an actuarial report the manager said the Police Pension Board funded to analyze proposed pension benefits for active officers; a leased office space paid by the pension fund that the manager said the plan administrator used to run a separate private business; redundant secretarial and data-entry contracts; multiple credit cards tied to plan accounts; and repeated annual 5% cost-of-living increases for plan contractors that the manager said exceeded increases for city retirees.

\"The funding of this study is a misuse of pension trust fund dollars,\" the city manager told the commission. He said the $4,647 actuarial study was paid for by the pension trust fund without public discussion and that the pension board's core fiduciary duty is to administer the trust for the exclusive benefit of participants.

The presentation emphasized two legal points: the statutory composition of police pension boards and limits on \"dual office holding.\" The manager said the board historically selected an active officer as the fifth trustee, which he said runs afoul of dual office-holding prohibitions and attorney-general guidance; staff subsequently worked with outside counsel to revise city code to comply with state statute.

No action required

The item on the agenda was informational; the commission did not vote on pension governance or administration. The city manager said he would make the records he has obtained available on request, but that his office has not yet received all requested records from the plan administrator. He characterized the plan administrator's refusal to provide records as a violation of Florida public records law.

Retiree responses and public comment

Several retired Sunrise police officers and former pension trustees spoke during the public comment portion, calling the presentation a surprise and defending the plan administrator and the long-standing operation of the pension. Retired officers asserted that the plan has performed well and questioned why the city had not intervened earlier if there were problems. One retired sergeant, Neil Ostrander, identified himself as the husband of a long-term board secretary and told the commission his family would not be \"financially destitute\" if the secretary's position changed.

Other commenters urged an independent forensic examination. Former department captain Pete Eckert, who also testified, recommended pursuing a full, outside investigation \"so then this commission ... can make a much better informed decision,\" and several commissioners suggested that a forensic audit or use of the inspector general to collect records would be an appropriate next step.

Commission response

Commissioners noted the seriousness of the allegations and urged prompt transparency and record production. Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch said he supported a forensic audit to protect pension members. Mayor Michael J. Ryan urged the immediate production of any missing records and said that good governance and accountability do not conflict with respecting retirees.

Next steps

Because the pension board is an independent body under state law, the city said it has limited direct authority to change board composition beyond statutory requirements. City staff said they would continue to gather public records, work with legal counsel, and coordinate with the pension board as required. Several commissioners said they expect the board to consider either hiring an independent auditor or allowing the inspector general (or other independent investigator) to examine records and transactions.

Speakers cited in this article include the city manager (item presenter), retiree and former police Captain Pete Eckert, retired sergeant Neil Ostrander, Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch, Mayor Michael J. Ryan, Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo, and other retirees who spoke during the public comment period.","City management told the commission it found potential misuse of Police Pension Trust Fund dollars tied to administrative expenses and an actuarial study. Retired officers and plan stakeholders disputed some claims and urged transparency; commissioners suggested a forensic review or full records disclosure.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6096916,"FBI agents association to fund splash pad at Sunrise park in honor of two fallen agents",950,4924000,5874000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2830250-c5b5785e2a60a301b9bd1839af8ea86a&start=4924&end=5874","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2830250-c5b5785e2a60a301b9bd1839af8ea86a/thumbnail_4924000.jpg","/articles/6096916/Sunrise/Broward-County/Florida/FBI-agents-association-to-fund-splash-pad-at-Sunrise-park-in-honor-of-two-fallen-agents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096916-3d06fb9f0424756c33d3d16cef22a710/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184432&Signature=UJYC2kVt~nVUojAwsPOM7n9CtRfn4V7vVjHGSxa0cZKaEmksTwe2qk~rtx9zgRtlb-ZicY5DSRJ0BvuPD6YqArl7RNJsOC8OpUo~pC8b6u8M3sJe2jt0ZFvMuDlGXuNCXBodEyCCDlD7DqKYoW3CVoXp~MCRI5Tuuw79Aihy2FMpjPFYLhRK3z4XBwb5d0t9ZotyUdsQ2ioFzC6rGdXBTxoLQwkoRIVVb~Vk90bE1Cl8QCYy5OJlKamC~u4X~OfFlBw6TzOpCBbfMglg4fQo5f59~7kNqEbEYv1j-l9h9dp66-tkILz9tst97fv~m91WzkYqZKh-DUdAVmjgnixsvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on Tuesday agreed to work with the FBI Agents Association to develop a splash pad at Oscar Wyn Park in Sunrise to honor two FBI special agents killed while serving a child-exploitation search warrant in February 2021.

The proposal, presented by Special Agent Justin Houston of the FBI Miami Division and Natalie Barratt, president of the FBI Agents Association, would fund construction of a splash pad intended as a place of joy where children and families can gather in memory of Special Agents Daniel (Dan) Alphen and Laura Schwartzenberger. \"This splash pad will hold significant meaning for the city of Sunrise, the families of Dan and Laura, the FBI, and our nation,\" Special Agent Justin Houston told the commission.

City officials and FBI representatives described the gift as a charitable donation and asked staff to prepare a formal donation agreement and bring it back to the commission for action. \"The splash pad will be a symbol of hope and community, a place where families can come together, where laughter can echo, and where their spirit of service can inspire future generations,\" Barratt said during a live phone appearance.

The presenters linked the choice of a splash pad to the agents' community work and to their service on an FBI dive team. Mayor Michael J. Ryan said the project would transform a painful memory into a public place of celebration: \"From this, the phoenix will rise,\" he said, and thanked the FBI Agents Association for the offer.

Motion and vote

Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch moved to work with the FBI Agents Association to honor Special Agents Alphen and Schwartzenberger by advancing the splash pad proposal; Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo seconded. The motion passed unanimously (4–0). The commission did not adopt a final donation agreement at Tuesday's meeting; staff said they will draft a donation agreement for formal consideration and return it to the commission.

What the city said it will do next

City staff said they will work with the FBI Agents Association and the city attorney to prepare a donation agreement that sets responsibilities, timelines and any naming or memorial language. The city manager said such an agreement will be brought back to the commission for formal approval. No construction or expenditure by the city will occur before the donation agreement and any related contracts are approved by the commission.

Why it matters

City officials framed the splash pad as a way to honor two agents who died in the line of duty while emphasizing community healing and public safety. Commissioners and attendees repeatedly stressed that the project should be family-focused and not a site of mourning, and that the city will maintain oversight of the donation and construction process.

Speakers listed as sources for this article include Special Agent Justin Houston (FBI Miami Division and FBI Agents Association Miami chapter representative), Natalie Barratt (president, FBI Agents Association), Mayor Michael J. Ryan, Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch, and Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo.

Ending

The commission's vote authorized staff to pursue a written donation agreement with the FBI Agents Association; that agreement will return to the commission for formal approval before work begins.","The City Commission agreed to work with the FBI Agents Association to advance plans for a splash pad at Oscar Wyn Park to honor Special Agents Daniel Alphen and Laura Schwartzenberger. The donation and design work will proceed under a formal donation agreement to return to the commission for approval.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":46,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6096901,"Votes at a glance: Sunrise City Commission, March 25, 2025",12865,339000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2830250-c5b5785e2a60a301b9bd1839af8ea86a&start=339&end=13204","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2830250-c5b5785e2a60a301b9bd1839af8ea86a/thumbnail_339000.jpg","/articles/6096901/Sunrise/Broward-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Sunrise-City-Commission-March-25-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096901-932290324c7daeaa2c2a1033ab834c93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184432&Signature=GTxOvDhIOEh-Pg~pxa9lxyqPChRXXGQzxnDjjrk7wPjueK3TUZx4ioF2Vq7YKD5ZVaLlWHc7l64rgt7QkaZDqCm3LEPsJOnfqmskDxFmiB9CkbC4OdP2PqYpEAgnBbt5amiyve0a3wG-ehH7b-6g3iwuvCupqhF~tz9tzQHQgTL5AziTxlaK6ECIVMqd1gES2hwwQpeG~hOHRdoU8jS6SBo~4zvJgpFjVPZqL1WVjmmIciFb6W8t3XOCbsnKJ-gbTK96cx0B7DP4BgtOYaxEfRJltaoL36fFlOv1TTrJTqQqybViFtMr5AQoNIg5gK9BL5oZnb5pRFmA9IWJWqSPvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sunrise City Commission took a series of votes on routine and substantive items during its March 25, 2025 meeting. Items below summarize official actions recorded in the meeting; staff will return with agreements or second readings where noted.

Key outcomes

- Consent agenda (items 4A–4Q): Approved by roll call. Motion by Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo; second by Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch. Vote recorded in the meeting: \"Item passes 5 to 0.\" Outcome: approved.

- Quasi‑judicial consent agenda (items 5A and 5B): Approved by roll call. Motion by Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch; second by Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo; outcome recorded as \"Those items pass, 4 0.\" Outcome: approved.

- Lease with Ghost Orchid at Sunrise (first reading, item 12C): The commission approved first reading of a lease for two city-owned units adjacent to the Village Art Plaza (5-year term; tenant build-out of ~2,342 sq ft; year‑one rent forbearance; tenant event obligations). Motion by Commissioner Scudo; second by Deputy Mayor Kirch. Vote: 4–0. Outcome: first reading approved; return for second reading.

- Lease (Debbie Wasserman Schultz congressional office) (second reading, item 12A): Approved on second reading. Outcome: approved.

- Sale/purchase and related lease (item 12B): Approved. Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance amending procurement rules to reinstate an exemption for certain IT commodities/services (second reading, item 12D): Approved (second reading). Outcome: approved.

- Appointment of Susan Nabors and Juliana Castro to the General Employees Retirement Plan Board (item): Approved by motion; outcome recorded 4–0. Outcome: approved.

- Acceptance of Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (CAFR) for year ended 9/30/2024 (item 7B): Motion to accept the audit report; commission vote recorded 4–0. Outcome: accepted.

- Selection of voting director and alternate to the Broward League of Cities: Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch designated voting director; Commissioner Latoya S. Clark designated alternate. Outcome: approved 4–0.

- FBI Agents Association splash pad proposal (item 17A): Commission authorized staff to work with the FBI Agents Association to advance a sponsored splash pad in memory of two fallen FBI agents and directed staff to prepare a donation agreement for later commission approval. Motion by Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch; second by Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo. Vote: unanimous among commissioners present (4–0). Outcome: staff directed to draft donation agreement; no final contract executed at meeting.

Notes and next steps

Several routine and ceremonial items were approved without substantive debate. The Ghost Orchid lease will return for a second reading and final lease execution. The FBI splash pad proposal will proceed to a formal donation agreement drafted by city staff and the city attorney. The police pension update presented by city staff was informational; the commission did not take formal action but several commissioners suggested forensic review and full records disclosure.

Speakers listed as primary references for these votes include Mayor Michael J. Ryan, Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kirch, Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo, Commissioner Latoya S. Clark, city manager (presenter), and city staff.","A compact roundup of the commission's formal votes on March 25, 2025, including consent agenda approvals, quasi‑judicial items, leases, and appointments. Routine items passed with unanimous or near‑unanimous votes; several debated items were set for staff follow‑up.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves first reading of Ghost Orchid lease at Village Art Plaza; owners pitch restaurant-brewery concept

City manager raises misuse-of-funds concerns at Police Pension Board; retirees push back, call for audit

FBI agents association to fund splash pad at Sunrise park in honor of two fallen agents

Votes at a glance: Sunrise City Commission, March 25, 2025