Commission ratifies $15,880 emergency repairs at city-owned school; staff to seek public adjuster after insurance denial

The City of North Lauderdale Commission on March 13 ratified an emergency expenditure of $15,880 to repair roof parapet and downspout leaks at a city-owned school property and to support ongoing mold remediation and classroom repairs.

Public Works Director told commissioners the city first observed water intrusion in June 2024 and engaged contractors for mold remediation. After additional leaks were found in window openings and roof parapet areas, the city authorized emergency repairs so further interior work would not be undone by new water infiltration. The contractor completed the work and the city completed an emergency payment; the commission's ratification formalizes that expense.

Commissioner Bustamante had volunteered his company to complete some interior drywall repairs pro bono; the commission acknowledged and thanked him for that offer.

Staff reported the city submitted a claim to the city's insurer but the insurer declined coverage. Commissioners asked staff to seek a public adjuster to review the denial. City Manager agreed to find a public adjuster, share the insurer's denial correspondence with the commission by the next business day, and return with an update on any potential recovery.

A roll-call vote ratifying the $15,880 expenditure recorded unanimous yes votes from Commissioner Lewis, Commissioner Regina Martin, Commissioner Bustamante, Vice Mayor Louis Ricketts and Mayor Samson Bordelon.

Staff said additional window-replacement quotes were pending for four leaking windows; the city must obtain three quotes for items over $5,000 per procurement rules and will proceed with repairs and final remediation steps once quotes are received.