[{"_1":2,"_119":-5,"_120":-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",[32,76,87,97,109],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6580087,"mediaKeyId","3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a","parentId",3160381,"title","Commission rejects nightclub use for Mickey’s Speakeasy after neighborhood safety concerns","audioSeconds",12000,"startMs",12000000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a&start=12000&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a/thumbnail_12000000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6580087/Florida/Commission-rejects-nightclub-use-for-Mickeys-Speakeasy-after-neighborhood-safety-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580087-d92ccbe6920905f34abaf5c7e308c845/orig.mp4?Expires=1771007776&Signature=lcZcpEoJafMUIAGp8gXEkgAeDDKXMUOKrk020D2Kv16PYvGsnZdcg0hilq8KXlWdZwRWH2OhIXpeWQiPrPJDKpd5C16iOjJmOvOXV6v-KnGIjYolDcfgPW0TABTi1C2pj9DlYAVhlx86nbQgDXnuzg1dtIIJPjCCWhkJlxcYlKCljAlhrmIBGHAEvm88zvZT-HS-4I299hr~U9fqpQF2lI2EXLNYz9PUct0Y3UNYg0f9fpE7216YzY5PyegsPEAGmhKi8da6vUgtJW0AypENXDU82xp0dZxkpzn6KxCboCRGm~fh6tqk5dmpNOybFrRDs08a2RpJPdFBNZWOyU5SUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Lauderdale","date","2025-04-29T17:00:00Z","article","The City Commission on Tuesday rejected multiple special-exception requests from Mickey’s Speakeasy Restaurant and Grill, including a proposal for a nightclub use and related extended late-night hours.

Council action and vote
A motion to allow the nightclub use was defeated. The roll call on the main nightclub item recorded two commissioners in favor (Commissioner Lewis and Commissioner Doctor Martin) and three against (Vice Mayor Louis Ricketts, Commissioner Bustamante and Mayor Samson Borglien), so the request failed.

What the applicant proposed
Mickey’s Speakeasy, located in the Walmart plaza at 7700 West McNabb Road in the former KC Wings space, asked for four elements the city code treats as separate decisions: permission to sell alcoholic beverages, authorization for a freestanding bar, permission to operate as a nightclub (which in the city code permits dancing and late hours), and extended hours of operation tied to the nightclub designation.

Applicant presentation and security plans
Tim Chapman, who identified himself as Mickey’s chief marketing officer, described the venue as high-end, adults-focused live-jazz and dining, and said the business would hire on-site private security and could arrange off-duty sheriff’s deputies when crowd size warrants. In a prepared video shown to the Commission the business said it would “host networking events, chef dinners, charity fundraisers and private celebrations,” and the video concluded, “This isn't just nightlife. It's North Lauderdale, redefined.”

Support and opposition in public comment
Supporters said the business would create local jobs and bring an entertainment option to the city without the late-night behavior associated with other establishments. Vincente Thoreau, who attended with family, urged the Commission to give the venue a chance, saying it would provide an upscale option close to home.

Neighbors and several commissioners raised concerns about noise, fights after patrons leave and the potential strain on public safety resources in the Walmart plaza area. Staff noted the city already has one establishment that operates into the pre-dawn hours as a nonconforming use following annexation, and staff explained that a nightclub classification is necessary to permit dancing and later hours under the current code. The applicant presented a security plan, including ID checks, bag checks, interior and exterior security staffing and complimentary valet, and said it would hire off-duty deputies depending on attendance.

Planning and zoning background
The Planning & Zoning Board recommended a reduced set of hours compared with the applicant’s initial request. Staff’s written conditions attached to the resolution required soundproofing, a security plan, and other measures that would have been conditions of approval had the Commission voted in favor.

Outcome and context
Because the nightclub use was rejected, the related request for extended hours could not take effect and was also not approved. Commission members divided on balancing economic development and neighborhood quality-of-life concerns; the votes reflected that split.

Ending
Owners said they would consider their next steps; staff said applicants may return with additional evidence or revised mitigation measures if they choose to pursue a future application.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","North Lauderdale - Workshop 5:00 pm City Commission 6:00 pm (Copy) - Apr 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City Commission voted down a request to allow Mickey’s Speakeasy at 7700 West McNabb Road to operate as a nightclub, rejecting the related proposal to extend late-night hours after commissioners and residents raised safety and noise concerns.","taxTitle","City of North Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida","taxId",72532,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6580092,"Commission approves separation agreement for mayor’s senior policy adviser amid public objection",0,5400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a&start=5400&end=5400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a/thumbnail_5400000.jpg","/articles/6580092/Florida/Commission-approves-separation-agreement-for-mayors-senior-policy-adviser-amid-public-objection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580092-7acb19ade77e270d595b24eed9914634/orig.mp4?Expires=1771007776&Signature=LjHl0bbJiL05pRkXbzWGM3P8dHu-0gURQ23~va2t-uZhWWTcSyaYZMLum1dkKUS9EpNowsF0IMddvQymqHUMepD90ySBjraws11doHpmxbtdSGFHUpjHMenbFjK1og~ji47v8Rfi4hyK1pmAz-BSGZbebAl4JsURATP-p011~9lOiP3ZJD8bN1SQv3y133~ww-WGwMOXHBszCd8pMWwiSBsLehDRhlOj3~KhTALcksxgA~ki-pG0CxOD6ZyXPa8LrBLr0khTgen8vb6V03rJUs~i8MsRZjLyEmPvqJhr4KmSG-rvVkctqNuA3TFQveXwvrPzbgzWza44pINLu3rYRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on Tuesday approved a separation agreement for senior policy adviser and special assistant to the mayor, Mary Small, authorizing severance pay, accrued leave payout, a short-term consulting retainer and continued health insurance coverage.

The vote was 3–2, with Vice Mayor Louis Ricketts, Commissioner Bustamante and Mayor Samson Borglien voting to approve while Commissioner Lewis and Commissioner Doctor Martin opposed the agreement.

What the agreement includes
- Severance: Staff told commissioners the agreement reflects up to 20 weeks of severance as allowed under state law — the meeting record shows that figure expressed as 800 hours and presented by staff as the equivalent of approximately $40,000.
- Accrued leave payout: Staff cited a payout figure of $9,742.80 for accrued vacation and $68.14 in sick time at the hourly rate used in the calculations.
- Consulting retainer: The agreement includes a separate, short-term consulting payment of $20,000 that the city may call on through June 2025 for assistance in wrapping up projects, “not to perform daily operations,” staff said.
- Health insurance: The agreement also provides continuation of health-insurance coverage through November 2027, unless Ms. Small takes an employer plan, staff said.

Public comment and commissioner concerns
Several members of the public and a pair of commissioners criticized the dollar amounts and the length of extended benefits. Commissioner Doctor Martin, who moved to pull the item for public discussion, said the package “is a large amount of money” for an employee who had been employed a little more than a year and warned that approving such agreements sets a costly precedent.

“This is a heck of a going-away package,” Commissioner Doctor Martin said during public comment. She asked why the original employment contract’s separation terms were not enforced and objected to an open-ended rehire eligibility clause and to the consulting retainer.

City attorney and staff response
City Attorney Pamis told the Commission the separation was negotiated and reduced to writing and that, legally, the contract language staff read to the Commission was proper: the city attorney noted the previously cited contract section that denies severance if an employee is terminated for cause did not apply because the separation was not characterized as a termination for cause. The city attorney said the separation agreement represented a mutual settlement of the parties’ rights.

Outcome and next steps
After public comment and discussion, the Commission approved the separation agreement. The city manager will execute the agreement and staff said the payments and benefits described in the agreement will be processed through finance.

Ending
The vote marked the end of the item, but public speakers and at least two commissioners urged more disclosure of original contracts and more scrutiny of separation arrangements going forward.","The City Commission voted 3–2 to approve a separation agreement for senior policy adviser Mary Small that includes severance pay, accrued leave payout, a short consulting contract and extended health benefits. The package drew public criticism and two commissioners voted against it.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":79,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6580097,"North Lauderdale commissioners review pay, events and aides as budget season begins",1500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a&start=1500&end=1500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a/thumbnail_1500000.jpg","/articles/6580097/Florida/North-Lauderdale-commissioners-review-pay-events-and-aides-as-budget-season-begins","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580097-00e6540135b512bef300f61ef301691e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771007776&Signature=VNzHrG5ngGJzIYl~0C89u~mMtdt7acQuVsJRJuD3~U-y25NVMf4-wSGoxLpBq-Xuxe83jEdtcgPUrVaWVIGkgadOjtJe~0rZbG1r6inmrWVuV4kXkDVVu--2lZnh1DuMo89EahrYVFGPKc4pwbQljra5nGgi7jJthlWt7Zrkb48E8qvvuCC~6G7IQHDsEUMIJk5TIHmv7B4hqL1ew-BSpqMzPseutbXvAgo65C~F6AealdCkEKDhbCkaPQGwf5QxDkV7LoVMDY7-fLjpYJPntqJcKNx1S6U5lHrKNraBtimLzSOdBQhBs69ko04B5crneUuQcOB9eRzESxNd2Ua8jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Sargis asked the City Commission on Tuesday to give initial direction on several gray areas in the upcoming fiscal-year budget for the elected body, including whether commissioners want individual line items for travel and events, whether the mayor or vice mayor should receive higher pay, and whether commission legislative aides should remain contractors.

The request came during a workshop-style discussion about the Commission budget. Staff said the survey of other cities and a November charter referendum that removed a previous cap on salaries mean the commission can now consider changing pay and benefits.

Why it matters: the Commission budget covers not only elected officials’ salaries but also reimbursable travel, promotional activities, a small discretionary fund, legislative-aid contracts and community grants. Changes to how those items are structured affect transparency of publicly funded events, availability of donor-style discretionary dollars, and whether staff positions get benefits.

City Finance staff walked commissioners through each line item on a form distributed at the meeting and asked members to submit their preferences by the first regular May meeting so staff can incorporate any changes into the proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget. “If by the first commission meeting in May, if we could get your responses, it would be very helpful as we move forward to prepare the budget,” City Manager Sargis said.

Key items discussed
- Salaries and benefits: Commissioners received the same 4% pay increase that city employees did effective Oct. 1 of the current fiscal year, staff said. Because the November referendum removed the salary cap, the commission can now decide whether future pay changes will include commissioners, how to differentiate mayor/vice mayor pay, and whether to adopt individual pay levels. No final decision was taken.
- Travel and event line items: The budget currently shows one lump-sum travel and promotion line for commissioners (last year the mayor and four commissioners had $12,000 each budgeted for travel). Staff asked whether the commission prefers a single “events” line in the commission budget or individual event/travel allocations per elected official. Staff said splitting line items by district could make allocations clearer but could require commission approval for use.
- Discretionary funds: Commissioners currently have modest discretionary funds (noted in staff slides as $1,500 per person in past budgets). Staff proposed options for increasing the discretionary pool or creating a separate events fund so commissioners would not rely on Parks and Recreation line items to support district events. Staff noted discretionary dollars come from the city’s waste-management contract revenue unless otherwise specified.
- Legislative aides: The budget lists four legislative aides as contract professional services, paid on 1099-style contracts. Commissioners asked whether those aides should be reclassified as city employees eligible for benefits; staff said reclassification would require direction and possible revision of the resolution that created the aide positions.
- Grants and donations: Staff highlighted grants and aid requests that will require Commission consideration. The Area Agency on Aging requested $21,188 (up slightly from $20,451). The Boys & Girls Club submitted a request that staff said increased from $18,000 annually to $100,000 in a recent letter; staff noted the Club runs additional programming including evening meals and Saturday activities and said the organization had been offered some alternatives (for example, access to the city pool to reduce lifeguard and maintenance costs), but that the Club had requested $100,000. Staff emphasized request amounts and Commission allocations typically differ.

Next steps and context
Staff asked commissioners to complete the budget preference forms they distributed and email them to budget@nlauderdale.org, or to submit them directly to the city manager. Staff and the mayor said departments will continue to submit their budgets and that commission workshops in July will include department presentations.

Staff also warned that the state legislative environment may complicate local finances: the city manager summarized media reporting that the Florida House had impaneled a select committee to study property-tax changes and noted the state must adopt a budget by July 1 or convene special sessions. Commissioners asked for updates if the state budget process alters local revenues.

Ending
No votes were taken at the workshop. Staff will incorporate the commissioners’ emailed choices into the draft budget and return with a proposed pay plan, event/discretionary options and any necessary budget amendments for Commission consideration in the coming weeks.","City officials and staff spent a workshop reviewing line items for the City Commission budget including salaries, travel and discretionary funds, and whether legislative aides should be reclassified as employees. No formal changes were made; staff asked commissioners to return proposals by the first May meeting.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6580078,"North Lauderdale to replace 8,000 water meters and begin canal stabilization project, mayor says",1680,10440000,12120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a&start=10440&end=12120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a/thumbnail_10440000.jpg","/articles/6580078/Florida/North-Lauderdale-to-replace-8000-water-meters-and-begin-canal-stabilization-project-mayor-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580078-76a61877f57ca47a2ffbe6f06940e9fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771007776&Signature=PPYRuVfewT1bCdMZ8yzeY8HkB2Oj2YHw7zg0ruiZuylnsGOu8o6YP-IdiQeiQ0Wwr~pF8uEJ6s2o57Tr4AQb~kwIHl5dZWj2LwiQOQUfKXA4G2-5faHFWZ97L0QFcDIuYUsvyxeHt1HxML45mMiWWKsUNgtXAe20AxBAWwmpHDRvS1qJNH15G05PhRAAxHV7-xWBRdq9IxE~-i2E8gBWg0kBX2k69pfxzdehTTooV9NKjXvtCKLTJGDVcz89Waj-F~87CMlP4aZsg12qfnbNhQ8jtBxSfiLviu00gyYjZinUjo5gNU8gln0~Kevx3v4aYD8LuWqFSV2XUOuAvZWatA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Samson Borglien used the meeting’s public remarks to announce two major infrastructure efforts: an automatic metering infrastructure (AMI) program to replace more than 8,000 water meters across the city, and a federally and state funded canal stabilization project to reinforce eroded canal banks.

Water meter replacement and customer portal
In a prerecorded announcement played at the meeting, the mayor said the city contracted with Core & Main (Core and Main) and its subcontractor Vivo Metering to survey and install new meters and that installation on single-family residential meters will not require residents to make appointments. He said the AMI system will read meters remotely and allow residents to track hourly and daily usage through a customer portal once the entire system is installed and tested.

Staff guidance and operational notes in the mayor’s remarks included:
- Residents will receive postcards and notices in advance of survey and installation work and installers will wear company identification.
- No on-site appointment is required for single-family residential meters and irrigation meters; commercial and multifamily properties will need scheduled access, as will residents with health needs or meters not accessible from the street.
- Installation time was estimated at 30 to 120 minutes per meter and the full project was described as a 17-month program from start of field work through testing and portal activation.

City staff said commercial installations and some multifamily work may require scheduled access and that occasional in-person meter checks will still be necessary.

Canal stabilization project
In a separate prerecorded segment the mayor announced a canal stabilization project, saying federal ARPA and other state and grant funds totaling more than $7 million had been secured and that FG Construction will begin work installing flexible erosion barrier tubing and restoring canal banks to reduce erosion and flood risk. The mayor and a vice mayoral speaker said the tubing would be filled with sediment or brought-in material as needed to restore canal depth and bank stability.

Staff noted the canal stabilization project will be funded using federal and state grant sources and said the work aims to reduce long-term maintenance costs and flood risk to adjacent properties. The mayor emphasized the work would not be billed to local taxpayers.

Ending
City staff said more detailed public notices and scheduling instructions will be released as phases of each project begin; residents will receive additional information from the city and from Core & Main for meter-replacement scheduling where required.","Mayor Samson Borglien announced a citywide project to replace more than 8,000 water meters with automatic metering infrastructure and described a federally funded canal-bank stabilization effort that officials say will not cost local taxpayers.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":79,"_43":112,"_45":112,"_47":113,"_49":114,"_51":115,"_53":116,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":117,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":118,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6580082,"Commission approves ordinance to create standalone information technology department",7500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a&start=7500&end=7500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3160381-8335c46f9ec9b844ed2cd2d7747c052a/thumbnail_7500000.jpg","/articles/6580082/Florida/Commission-approves-ordinance-to-create-standalone-information-technology-department","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580082-5aee954605c7218d2bd6320496be31ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771007776&Signature=jWIi0lLteVmiPMbwPH1ZxRpXDePFivHvkMwnGeLO8uSPobhL4zRD3yFAdZofN7YI2MjAKsRvlwYx5wbuGJgRNFdkEsyIIAd39slkXYTVdgyS5hoDIKuiAuvph4nm5Z-Rb9koGbu6EeTo-nu6M6X2xTJuhcU6tDf5OUmjRtcOtOQSf6kbZYZqfRYjCxgRUhT3MwqjbHvge3qDmgEOUpke36EI7r2kJiVBXouUFEOlS7s1GzmMgkDyXGZWjyYSqzh16ASm5LHGiDU9mWVxkO2uyifOElHChEr8Xc6CMmTKk6INOwFoimxfKSYycS8~3QgbAygp5an85mEw7L~ajEV5Kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission voted unanimously on first reading to amend the city code to create a stand-alone information technology department and to rename it the Department of Innovation and Information Technology Services.

Staff said the ordinance removes IT from the finance department’s oversight, elevates IT decision-making, and changes the department head title to director of innovation and information technology services / chief technology officer. The proposal includes a staff review of job descriptions, reporting lines and budget alignment to match the department’s broader mission, including cybersecurity, service delivery and digital transformation.

Staff said the change would centralize IT governance and help the city better manage security, resources and digital initiatives. The ordinance read on the floor included an effective-date provision and required a subsequent ordinance adoption step before the change is final.

Outcome
The Commission approved the ordinance on the first reading by roll-call vote; staff will return with any final adjustments required for adoption on second reading, job descriptions and an implementation plan.

Ending
Staff noted the department reorganization would be implemented with updated organizational charts, job descriptions and communications to staff.","The Commission voted unanimously on first reading to remove IT from Finance, create a stand-alone Department of Innovation and Information Technology Services, and retitle the department head to chief technology officer.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission rejects nightclub use for Mickey’s Speakeasy after neighborhood safety concerns

Commission approves separation agreement for mayor’s senior policy adviser amid public objection

North Lauderdale commissioners review pay, events and aides as budget season begins

North Lauderdale to replace 8,000 water meters and begin canal stabilization project, mayor says

Commission approves ordinance to create standalone information technology department