[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6560564,"mediaKeyId","3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3","parentId",3327363,"title","Commission approves consent items; ratifies Fire Department PO increase for Metheny","audioSeconds",954,"startMs",1008000,"endMs",1962000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3&start=1008&end=1962","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3/thumbnail_1008000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6560564/Florida/Commission-approves-consent-items-ratifies-Fire-Department-PO-increase-for-Metheny","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560564-ef7b1ac04652ad9771a85738a2648e76/orig.mp4?Expires=1770996774&Signature=KTeSxpzeOhnEB-rOhAgXky9D07rleJaH0XLo57ObHqq3GhLhTftC6OPc-IzLtE2cskUeeg8Vq1B5TYH2Dmy3t7pXIFhqXtO4pW3hMBhZR4dNLSF0I9bJ6HiQsK6iStfXe7GzEKrAb8NDabezsA6NSNKRfTgUP~UPFFSeyULHtN3qRVVNJ1~wGX0kmxdfpH2ap~oBZyOVMmLbAZysBOCox1PqeCdhUqS0JjQk5ITsE2r9xMlBmJQDCuGWC-6gE5SU52uU7WERuZnmITgvMwwkEeeWKyPzwQkDbyoTjYjdxqs8oCrbLAadJ7LTqQY4vIhgBafOmL8nxhNot1bncnBBbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Lauderdale","date","2025-05-13T18:04:00Z","article","The City Commission approved its consent agenda and ratified a procurement adjustment for fire apparatus maintenance during the May meeting.

Consent agenda: the commission approved four consent resolutions that staff had placed on the consent calendar: a partnership with Senator Rosalyn Osgood and FarmShare for a pre‑hurricane food drive on June 7 at the Pompano Park Fire Training Center roadway; a city resolution declaring parks and recreation equipment surplus under city code section 2‑36; the appointment of Celeste McGill to the North Lauderdale Planning and Zoning Board; and an authorization to modify the fiscal year 2025 comprehensive pay and classification plan to add an additional position. The consent agenda passed on a roll call vote with all commissioners recorded as voting yes.

Ratification of PO increase for Metheny: The commission ratified moving a blanket purchase order ceiling for apparatus maintenance from $24,999 to $44,999 for Metheny Fire Apparatus under a sole‑source exemption consistent with the city procurement code (cited in the meeting as section 3‑4BC). Fire Chief David Sweet explained the request: due to heavy use and limited in‑house capability, the department increasingly relies on Metheny for repairs and the move reallocates funds previously set for Tamarack Fleet Services to Metheny; Chief Sweet said the net city budget will not increase because funds are being shifted within the fire account. The ratification passed on roll call.

Tabling of one event sponsorship: Separately, a request on the agenda for a $4,200 cash donation plus an in‑kind sponsorship (fee waiver) for a domestic‑violence awareness event called “Breaking the Silence” was presented and then tabled to a time uncertain after commissioners cited a previously adopted internal cap on in‑kind sponsorships (about $1,500) and concerns about consistency and fairness.

Speakers included Fire Chief David Sweet, City Manager Michael Sorgeous and the city’s Parks & Recreation director.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","North Lauderdale - City Commission Workshop 4:30 pm canceled Regular Meeting 6:00 pm - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved the consent agenda including a food‑drive partnership, surplus declaration, a planning board appointment and a pay‑plan modification, and ratified a blanket purchase order increase for Metheny Fire Apparatus.","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":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6560568,"Commission splits on use of promotional funds; donation to literacy program approved, backpack funding denied and community academy tabled",256,4862000,5118000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3&start=4862&end=5118","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3/thumbnail_4862000.jpg","/articles/6560568/Florida/Commission-splits-on-use-of-promotional-funds-donation-to-literacy-program-approved-backpack-funding-denied-and-community-academy-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560568-e62d35d82adc6629ca02568c56200d07/orig.mp4?Expires=1770996774&Signature=jElFqMAtCZ0pOBQa4myLP2O0iz3Ds3gKPyVbpgy6~coWtACn0H8qcDdSGb6OHiqxNd3LyUC2gAWQztDicUOWitftIzOClq3OExXc89kUgIufXKpQ2cCG5F4TXHjtRJBqeoG0J931UIBQ0Xo5yIW8VhiTdnVJyAsQNQ2szJzsm-zvU6g9NFhl2exi7xMStW9C4QO0vkj3jpkLCERoZ3RfNzBsPXi1kWZ3B~UrnhUF4gaZYNzZrNs56ozu~jzW91jfRcFFOHSfaIOWTImLnM2-BFMjLutqy142RjO74MkRJvjv65LcOwmZC-v7pygqfEtZSet99nJaq1IDEVwoZUroUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission debated several items tied to discretionary and promotional funds, producing three distinct outcomes: a joint donation to a literacy program was approved, a request for $1,000 from the commission’s promotional activities budget for a district backpack giveaway failed, and a proposal to create a North Lauderdale Community Academy was tabled to a time uncertain.

Donation to literacy program: Vice Mayor Louis Ricketts asked to use discretionary funds to donate to a literacy program operated by Aiding Aids Inc. On the floor commissioners amended the contribution by combining individual discretionary contributions: Ricketts’ initial amount plus additional contributions from Commissioner Lewis and Commissioner Bustamante. The amended package — presented on the record as a combined donation of $600 drawn from commissioners’ discretionary funds — passed on roll call. Commissioners confirmed the donation would be delivered as a single check from the commission and be identified as a commission gift.

Backpack giveaway request denied: Commissioner Lewis sought a $1,000 allocation from the commission’s promotional activities budget for an annual backpack giveaway (scheduled for July 19). City staff explained the promotional line is a single $8,000 lump sum in the fiscal year and not pre‑divided by district; staff also recited a separate city donation policy that had previously capped a single in‑kind sponsorship at $1,500. Commissioners debated precedent, equity, procurement oversight and whether the money should be used for bounce houses and food. After discussion a motion to approve the $1,000 allocation failed (the motion did not pass the commission vote).

North Lauderdale Community Academy tabled: Commissioner Lewis proposed a five‑week community academy to educate residents about city operations and civic engagement. The resolution initially requested $500 from the promotional activities budget for refreshments; commissioners amended to remove the funding request and to direct the city manager to develop a citizens academy program. Following additional commissioner questions about staffing, past academy attempts and program oversight, the commission voted to table the item to a time uncertain so staff could develop a detailed plan and return with more information.

Why it matters: Commissioners voiced concern about setting fiscal precedents, equitable access, procurement oversight, and appropriate use of taxpayers’ money. Staff advised that the promotional line sits inside the commission’s overall budget and that changes to allocation format would require budgetary amendment.

Speakers included Commissioner Luke Lewis, Vice Mayor Louis Ricketts, Commissioner Bustamante, Commissioner Doctor Martin and City Manager Michael Sorgeous.","After debate about policy limits and fairness, commissioners approved a combined donation to a literacy program, rejected a $1,000 request from the promotional activities budget for a backpack giveaway, and tabled a proposed North Lauderdale Community Academy.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6560573,"North Lauderdale staff brief commission as state law would bar adding fluoride to drinking water starting July 1",165,3411000,3576000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3&start=3411&end=3576","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3/thumbnail_3411000.jpg","/articles/6560573/Florida/North-Lauderdale-staff-brief-commission-as-state-law-would-bar-adding-fluoride-to-drinking-water-starting-July-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560573-618a6aed7fedbdff2f1a5b914e3b8863/orig.mp4?Expires=1770996774&Signature=YRvNAn9MyfC3iAe2I8VkKeXjWlVI7mVvXJNWAxLEQxH4EI8sJ-OoOqr2yZGFaKfOHRyv~FeZ2-w0Mc4z~bQBwfHaVyffIGl63W7LZ2wJM5GtU~9-yiMrURd7HzYJa0cmcNWTE-oP09OWRRUpwB8oOZczbK-augfNzhKaUh316TTkj0034vvgM76BXhm7I-YjGf2~PFSLOWMYwTEYmLv~LyOhCUPJ8bVnUQF4-AyQHXJyIOfXi1xMcPFWz3IXDFQDY0dCY54vH6W2JEUZRED-Qy7JWyAYCbc3c-43cAYuJL3IYZTpw1-JdhaRVxcHhi1wpvredcbrCK5cXK4U~LC-~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The city’s utilities staff briefed the commission on fluoride in the municipal water supply and a pending state law that will prohibit adding fluoride to public drinking water after July 1, 2025.

Assistant Public Works Utilities Director Hongwu explained that North Lauderdale currently follows Florida Department of Environmental Protection guidance with a fluoride dosing range of 0.7–1.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and that the city doses at about 0.7 mg/L. Staff said the city’s water treatment process uses a lime‑softening system and that fluoride historically was added to reduce tooth decay.

Staff reported the Legislature passed Senate Bill 700, which includes a prohibition on adding fluoride to drinking water; the bill will take effect when signed into law and, as presented in the meeting, is scheduled to be effective July 1, 2025. Utilities staff said they will use remaining chemical storage, will stop ordering new fluoride chemical supplies, and are awaiting operational guidance and reporting instructions from FDEP/DEP so the city can comply with the new law.

Public outreach: staff said they will monitor other jurisdictions’ public‑education plans (for example, Miami‑Dade’s program) and work with the commission on public messaging so residents — especially parents — understand the change and any recommended dental health steps.

Speakers on the record included Assistant Public Works Utilities Director Hongwu and City Manager Michael Sorgeous.","Public Works said the city currently doses fluoride at about 0.7 mg/L under FDEP guidance and is awaiting Department of Environmental Protection direction after Florida Senate Bill 700 would prohibit fluoridation effective July 1, 2025.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6560576,"North Lauderdale outlines multi‑million dollar lift‑station upgrades, SCADA rollout",566,2593000,3159000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3&start=2593&end=3159","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3/thumbnail_2593000.jpg","/articles/6560576/Florida/North-Lauderdale-outlines-multimillion-dollar-liftstation-upgrades-SCADA-rollout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560576-0d96dd9a9295f9e780fed75b2f5404a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770996774&Signature=BIJmEDQKLAo84wjT3SYGyE717OGAWKf5rzFnMAU3A5-MvaLC2HfWoVGJ005IzrNJhbD6bTlM8hwuRQ~51BaLiJ~O62RUtfOiaPPIJkWsFc~JZTUj7TjOLQf1m4MRgML7qPN0Gnos1OuDIn~E~WPSxf-PBenSW~VTqf2VaLbzcxeLmXGch3Wyx47uRojedtGVWPsr55gzf5luJVU5RxbTTYAYFyjiwZBhA85j8NhEWCBgxJEGrF4uE2j3-2HKOyv21vZp1Zkv-p32Fk34OaNVhbZMWpBUBbg-ncY87qWrSkKvi50JMaKBOPrZrA6zaTwCV8Bzj84PB87F74dYV5wSng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works staff presented a multi‑year report on the city’s sanitary sewer lift‑station upgrades and associated capital work, including new pumps, SCADA telemetry installations and wet‑well rehabilitation.

Public Works Utilities Director Sam May and Assistant Director Neil Buckridge said the city operates 30 sewage lift stations and has been converting older stations to submersible pump designs to reduce maintenance risk and service interruptions. Staff reported procurement of 44 submersible pumps (two per station) and installations completed in 18 stations so far; several stations require additional modifications before pumps can be installed.

Staff described investments to replace corroded piping and valves, rehabilitate wet wells with epoxy coatings, and replace older electrical panels and an aging SCADA system that will remotely notify staff of failures. The presentation listed the following fiscal details as reported in the meeting record:

- Purchase of 44 submersible pumps: reported cost $1,300,000 (all pumps purchased; installations ongoing).
- Wet well rehabilitation budget for fiscal 2025: $1,000,000.
- Conversion work completed to date (two stations): reported spending about $2,300,000.
- Budgeted work for suction‑lift conversions this fiscal year: $1,600,000.
- Engineering and conversion for two additional stations budgeted at $2,900,000.
- Staff reported $4,900,000 already spent on lift‑station infrastructure and additional budgeted spending of $5,900,000 for the current/next fiscal periods; the presentation cited a $10,400,000 total across related projects.

Public Works said the SCADA telemetry will reduce overtime and contractor patrol costs by sending remote alerts for electrical loss, high pump run time, and other failure conditions. Staff also said most stations date from 40 to 50 years ago and that the upgrades are intended to extend useful life and reduce emergency response costs.

Speakers on the record included Sam May and Neil Buckridge (Public Works/Utilities). The commission thanked staff and acknowledged the long‑term benefits of the telemetry and pump conversions.","Public works presented an update on a multi‑year lift‑station program including submersible pump purchases, SCADA upgrades and wet‑well rehabilitation budgets totaling millions.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6560581,"North Lauderdale commission directs manager to recruit deputy city manager within 90 days",87,1828000,1915000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3&start=1828&end=1915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327363-52f0f395ab04e8d1658b7630ae5085c3/thumbnail_1828000.jpg","/articles/6560581/Florida/North-Lauderdale-commission-directs-manager-to-recruit-deputy-city-manager-within-90-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560581-075e02ba64c30eb646d94b31f35c2a3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770996774&Signature=JZApQu7Lfn8yStPg~qEXWVh2RvkDDSVT2Y6ul~gsFirGtZTaksBTdtb4k7Dq~klkwhME0L06txRmtPsiRvJAYzhiVmZaQ3788MX52F4vezOuiIGVVBDOyFfYGJMWIFJL2WaWxYvCaVKzHGmjZrxu~6X-SBReLB7vM3j9fTbeLMKOwqKWuO4aMUJFs0GLNlJgm3bHRplnFAZSegsNFTM99Br09I4xEIBjLIQ07kbF-PBNhF31IaLMJF3GDSoFdipglCHXx1jZt6Xc-w9s4hcKBR-E~mOLxnMkiGn3easAYxQ4ym0Dl9PyWbRsai7L-W-DsGivL~Yh07qB5M0kJt7-Ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission of North Lauderdale unanimously approved a resolution directing the city manager to recruit and appoint a proven deputy or assistant city manager within 90 days.

The resolution (agenda item 12e) tasks the city manager with setting qualification standards, providing contingency guidance and moving forward to fill the role to support strategic projects, budget priorities and technology-driven solutions. The measure passed on a roll call with all five commissioners voting in favor.

The item was placed on the agenda as a resolution that included an effective-date clause and standard severability and conflicts provisions. No additional budget appropriation or position title change was included in the text that appeared on the meeting record.

Why it matters: commissioners and staff framed the hire as an executive-capacity decision aimed at giving the administration more capacity to manage projects and to implement technology and budget priorities. The commission gave the city manager direction rather than asking staff to return with a detailed candidate list at the same meeting.

What happened next: after passage, the commission did not specify a hiring firm or candidate pool; the resolution directs the manager to begin recruitment and appointment steps within the 90-day window.

Speakers on the record included City Manager Michael Sorgeous and the five commissioners, who voted on the measure.","The City Commission unanimously approved a resolution directing the city manager to recruit and appoint a proven deputy or assistant city manager within 90 days to strengthen executive leadership and advance strategic projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves consent items; ratifies Fire Department PO increase for Metheny

Commission splits on use of promotional funds; donation to literacy program approved, backpack funding denied and community academy tabled

North Lauderdale staff brief commission as state law would bar adding fluoride to drinking water starting July 1

North Lauderdale outlines multi‑million dollar lift‑station upgrades, SCADA rollout

North Lauderdale commission directs manager to recruit deputy city manager within 90 days