Commission approves city-center planning contracts, water-tank repairs and surplus of an old bus; tables federal lobbying renewal

North Lauderdale, Fla. — At its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11, the City Commission approved several professional services agreements and procurement actions and adopted a final ordinance variance for a community facility awning. The panel also approved a contract to repair two city water storage tanks and declared one Parks & Recreation bus surplus; the commission tabled a proposed renewal of the city’s federal lobbying agreement for further review.

The approvals move forward several projects the commission has discussed in recent months, including a strategic and master-planning contract for a proposed city center and a separate study of a city-owned parcel near the Wawa plaza to evaluate affordable-housing options.

Key votes

- Ziskovich Architects — city-center master plan: Commission approved a professional services proposal not to exceed $299,250 to prepare strategic planning and master-plan options for a roughly 20‑acre downtown study area. Vote: 5–0 (Lewis; Dr. Martin; Vice Mayor Lewis Ricketts; Bustamante; Mayor Samsa Borgesen — recorded “Yes”).

- Ziskovich Architects — Wawa site affordable-housing study: Approved a separate proposal not to exceed $104,500 to evaluate up to three development options for the city‑owned parcel behind the Wawa plaza. Vote: 5–0.

- Water storage tanks: Approved issuing a purchase order to Crom Coatings & Restoration for $212,513.05, with a $15,000 contingency set aside, to rehabilitate and repair two pre‑stressed concrete water storage tanks after a five‑year inspection identified corroded piping and circulation issues. Vote: 5–0.

- Surplus of Bus No. 222: Declared Parks & Recreation bus 222 (24 years old) surplus and authorized staff to pursue a donation path, including coordination with Sister Cities International and a possible donation to Durango, Mexico; staff will return with the donation agreement by the March 11 meeting. Vote: 5–0.

- Ordinance (second reading) — teen center awning variance: Adopted final reading to grant a variance from North Lauderdale Code (section 106‑183(d)) to allow a 22‑foot awning overhang at a community facility site (4 feet permitted by code). Vote: 5–0.

- Assistance to Firefighters Grant MOU (consent): Authorized execution of a memorandum of understanding with participating agencies for the FY2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Vote: 5–0.

- Federal lobbying contract (Becker & Polyakov PA): Tabled to the March 11 meeting. Commissioners asked staff for a monthly activity report and cost details before approving a two‑year extension. Vote to table: 5–0.

Why it matters

Together the planning contracts are intended to produce a vision and technical analysis that city leaders hope will attract private investment and create a defined downtown. The tank repairs address drinking‑water infrastructure identified in an inspection; staff warned the work is time‑sensitive because the city is temporarily operating with reduced tank capacity during repairs. The surplus bus action begins a multi‑step process to donate older rolling stock while minimizing the city’s long‑term liability.

What the commission asked for next

Commissioners asked staff to return with additional detail on the federal‑lobbyist work (monthly activity reports and total costs) before approving a multi‑year contract, to present a draft donation agreement for the surplus bus at the March 11 meeting, and to provide the detailed Crom inspection report and invoices at the Feb. 25 meeting so the public can see what the tank inspection found and what the repairs will address.

Speakers quoted in the meeting included City Manager Sargent, Community Development Director Hernandez, Public Works Director Sam Mayer and Assistant Public Works Director Hung (AMI update), and Patrick Kan, Parks and Recreation director, among others.

Ending

Most votes were unanimous; commissioners emphasized they wanted clearer, written monthly reporting for items such as outside consultants and federal‑advocacy work before signing multi‑year extensions. Staff said they would bring the requested supporting documents back at the next meetings as directed.