Commission directs staff to pursue multiuse field at North Lauderdale Elementary, notes owl relocation concerns

The City of North Lauderdale Commission on July 29 directed the city manager to consult with the Broward County School Board about developing a year-round multiuse field with a surrounding track at North Lauderdale Elementary School.

The resolution asks the city manager to pursue either a joint-use agreement with the school board or, if feasible, full city control of the facility. The city also asked staff to ensure the project is developed in an environmentally sensitive way and to include protections or relocation measures for burrowing owls reported at the site.

City Manager Mike Sargis told commissioners the city has already reached out to school-board staff about whether the district would accept a donation of the property or negotiate a long-term agreement that protects any future city investment. Sargis said the city would seek a contractual guarantee — for example a prorated payback arrangement — if the school board were to later repurpose the site. Parks and recreation staff will also prepare site feasibility studies and concept sketches so the city can show the board what a redevelopment would require.

Commissioners and staff emphasized the need to coordinate with the school board on owl habitat. Sargis said the burrowing mounds are on district-owned land and the school board historically has managed the owls; the city’s work would include discussing relocation options with the school board and wildlife authorities as needed.

The commission asked staff to report back within roughly 90 days with the results of school-board discussions and a feasibility assessment.

Ending The resolution directs staff to pursue a formal conversation and feasibility work; the project will return to the commission after preliminary talks with the school board and the parks consultant’s findings are complete.