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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-26 Regular City Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING DANIA BEACH CITY COMMISSION TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026 - 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Joyce L. Davis Vice-Mayor Marco A. Salvino, Sr. Commissioner Lori Lewellen Commissioner Luis Rimoli Commissioner A. J. Ryan IV City Manager Candido Sosa-Cruz, ICMA-CM City Attorney Eve Boutsis City Clerk Elora Riera, MMC 2. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Davis called for a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag. City Attorney Boutsis read the statement of decorum. 3. PRESENTATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENT APPROVALS 3.1 Recognition and Appreciation — Anthony Ifedi, Deputy Director, Parks & Recreation — Sponsored by Mayor Davis Mayor Davis introduced the item and thanked Anthony for being so responsive and helpful. She commented on how helpful he was in starting her vision for the walking club. Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Anthony Ifedi thanked the Commission and staff for their support. 3.2 Request for Proclamation Approvals: • Juneteenth - June 19, 2026 - Sponsored by Mayor Davis • Men's Health Week - June 15–21, 2026 - Sponsored by Mayor Davis Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. • Code Enforcement Officers' Appreciation Week - June 1-7, 2026 - Community Development • Retroactive Approval - National Maritime Day - May 22, 2026 - Sponsored by Mayor Davis There was consensus to approve the proclamation requests. 3.3 Special Event Application (Parks and Recreation) - Spirit Cellar Fest 2026 Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Franky Lazo introduced the item. There was consensus to approve the special event application. 3.4 Retroactive Approval — Key to the City to Former City Manager Ana M. Garcia — May 12, 2026 — Sponsored by Commissioner Lewellen There was consensus for the retroactive approval of the Key to the City to former City Manager Ana M. Garcia. 3.5 Broward Trust for Historic Preservation Inc. – Sponsored by Commissioner Ryan Commissioner Ryan introduced the item. President of the Broward Trust for Historic Preservation, Michaela Conca introduced her idea and thoughts for the use of the Frost House. She distributed a letter to the Commission. Vice Mayor Salvino commented that he would like to have more information on what this would entail. He would recommend that the Historical Society put something together to bring forward to the City Commission. Commissioner Lewellen liked the idea and inquired about the assistance inside the home. Discussion ensued regarding the logistics of the event. City Attorney Boutsis commented that since this is on city property, background checks will need to be done to ensure the overall safety. There was consensus to move forward with the proposal. 4. PROCLAMATIONS None. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 5.1 City Manager Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. City Manager Sosa-Cruz presented his administrative report and highlighted the achievements and success of the city team. - Recognition and Congratulations to Deputy City Manager Eleanor Norena - Recognition to Chief Financial Officer Yeimy Guzman - Recognition to Community Development Planning Division - Recognition to Human Resources and Risk Management Department - Recognition to Marketing and Communications Division - Recognition to Broward Sheriff’s Office Dania Beach District Chief Jason Tarala 5.2 City Attorney City Attorney Boutsis had nothing to report. 5.3 City Clerk - Reminders City Clerk Riera reminded the Commission of the following upcoming meetings: - June 9, 2026 CRA Board Meeting - 6 p.m. - June 9 City Commission Meeting - 7 p.m. - June 23, 2026 City Commission Meeting - 7 p.m. 6. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS Captain Tarala reported a busy but safe Memorial weekend with no violent incidents at either Dania Pointe or the beach. He reported ongoing narcotics enforcement efforts resulting in multiple arrests, the seizure of illegal drugs, cash, and stolen firearms, and the filing of felony drug and firearm charges near the Happy Family area. Proactive enforcement efforts continue along South Federal Highway and at local motels. He highlighted arrests made at the Deluxe Inn and Chester Bird Park involving narcotics possession and outstanding warrants. He stated they will continue focusing on narcotics enforcement, quality-of-life concerns, and public safety throughout the community. Fire Chief Pellecer was not present tonight. Commissioner Rimoli thanked Broward Sheriff’s Office for their hard work particularly when paramedics were called to his mother’s home. He recognized Lieutenant Stephen Elliot, Firefighter Paramedic Jonathan Barger and Firefighter Paramedic Juan Pardo, noting they were absolutely amazing, professional and fast. 7. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS The following spoke under citizens’ comments: - Rigel Cabli - 2933 Lakeshore Dr. - Robert Kirchgraber - 2725 Treasure Cove Cir. - Shawn De Rosa – 408 SE 5th St. - distributed exhibits to the Commission 8. CONSENT AGENDA Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Lewellen made a motion to approve the consent agenda minus 8.4. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Luis Rimoli which carried unanimously on voice vote. 8.1 Minutes: - April 28, 2026 City Commission Meeting - May 12, 2026 City Commission Meeting Approved under consent agenda. 8.2 Travel Requests: None. 8.3 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE FIRST RENEWAL OF THE “COMMUNITY BUS TRANSPORATION SERVICES” AGREEMENT WITH LIMOUSINES OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC. (LSF); AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FUTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services) Approved under consent agenda. 8.4 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 6 TO THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM (HMGP) AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (FDEM) FOR THE WASTEWATER LIFT STATIONS GENERATOR AND UTILITY MITIGATION PROJECT (LIFT STATIONS 1, 2, AND 3 - PROJECT NO. 4337- 334-R; CONTRACT NO. H0423) IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF NINE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY-FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-FIVE DOLLARS ($9,774,595.00); PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services) City Attorney Boutsis read the title of the resolution. Vice Mayor Salvino inquired about seeing and approving this item previously. Director of Public Services Fernando Rodriguez explained that this is one cohesive project to make the stations completely refurbished and add generators to them. The almost 9.8 million is to refurbish them fully with no match from the city. FEMA has identified additional funding for various projects and one of them is ours. City Manager Sosa-Cruz explained that the applications came before the Commission for these lift stations when the city submitted for the grants. This is additional money that the city will be getting from FEMA. This will be covered 100% by FEMA. Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. Vice Mayor Salvino made a motion to approve the item. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewellen which carried unanimously on voice vote. 8.5 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 6 TO THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM (HMGP) FOR THE CITY HALL/EOC WIND RETROFIT AND GENERATOR PROJECT (PROJECT NO. 4337-203-R; CONTRACT NO. H0327) IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF TWO MILLION FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED THIRTY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS ($2,465,637.50); AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (FDEM) PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services) Approved under consent agenda. 8.6 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE A PIGGYBACK AGREEMENT UTILIZING THE OMNIA PARTNERS SOFTWARE & SAAS SOLUTIONS COOPERATIVE CONTRACT #159596 FOR PAY-BY-PHONE PARKING PAYMENT SERVICES WITH PAYBYPHONE US, INC.; AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES IN EXCESS OF THE CITY’S PURCHASING THRESHOLD OF $50,000.00; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Community Development) Approved under consent agenda. 8.7 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES AGREEMENT AWARDED VIA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (“RFP”) NO. 25- 014, ENTITLED “DESIGN SERVICES FOR CHESTER BYRD PARK IMPROVEMENT” WITH CALVIN, GIORDANO & ASSOCIATES, INC. TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT THROUGH APRIL 30, 2027 AND CLARIFY THE CONTINUATION OF SERVICES, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Parks & Recreation) Approved under consent agenda. 8.8 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025- 2026, RELATING TO MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW BY CITY ADMINISTRATION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. (Finance) Approved under consent agenda. 8.9 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING PURCHASES OF CCTV, VIDEO SURVEILLANCE, ACCESS CONTROL, NETWORKING, AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FROM ER TECH SYSTEMS GROUP INC. (D/B/A BROADCAST SYSTEMS), WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND WITHOUT ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, UTILIZING GSA CONTRACT NO. GS- 07F-173GA; AUTHORIZING PURCHASES EXCEEDING THE CITY’S ANNUAL VENDOR THRESHOLD OF $50,000; AUTHORIZING CONTINUED PURCHASES IN SUBSEQUENT FISCAL YEARS WHILE THE GSA CONTRACT REMAINS VALID; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Information Technology) Approved under consent agenda. 8.10 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES (DMS) UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Information Technology) Approved under consent agenda. 8.11 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH SAM’S LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE, INC. FOR ADDITIONAL TREE TRIMMING SERVICES, INCLUDING HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SERVICES AND UNFORESEEN SERVICES ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE FOURTH AMENDMENT AND ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services) Approved under consent agenda. 9. BIDS AND REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS None. 10. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. 10.1 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-_____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE PORT 1850 LLC SITE PLAN (SP-078-22) SUBMITTED BY THE OWNER, PORT 1850 LLC, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1850 NE 7 AVENUE IN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (Community Development) This item was taken after item 3.5 and was taken with item 10.2. City Attorney Boutsis read the title of the resolution. The applicants are requesting to continue the item. Commissioner Luis Rimoli suggested continuing the item to August 25, 2026. Attorney Edwin J. Stacker on behalf of the applicant has no objection to the continuance to June 23, 2026 but does not understand the rationale for a continuance to August. Mayor Davis responded that she spoke to Ms. Williams and was informed that Attorney Jorgenson is not available for the June 23, 2026 date and as this is quasi-judicial it is important to have all parties with a vested interest present. Attorney John Jorgenson on behalf of Dr. Missy Williams of the Dania Beach Vervet Project confirmed he is unavailable June 18th through June 29th and the last week of July and commented that he appreciates the accommodation of the Commission. Mayor Davis opened the floor for public comments and being none, public comments was closed. Vice Mayor Salvino is not in favor of moving the meeting to August 25, 2026. Mayor Davis stated the EIR report is still outstanding from the County and City Attorney Boutsis clarified that she has contacted the county but has not heard back to determine if the report is ready. Commissioner Ryan questioned City Attorney Boutsis regarding the ESL designation. City Attorney Boutsis responded that a previous request to change the property's land-use map was denied, but the county has since changed its review process. Under the new process, applicants no longer need to complete map amendments and environmental reviews at the same time. The EIR is still required and is reviewed separately by the county's environmental division. She notes that the applicant can move forward without waiting for the EIR decision, but if the environmental review later results in changes that affect the project, the matter would need to return for further review. Commissioner Ryan commented that he is in favor of delaying the meeting for those reasons. Commissioner Luis Rimoli made a motion to continue items 10.1 and 10.2 to the August 25, 2026 City Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Mayor Davis which carried 3- Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. 2 on roll call vote with Commissioner Luis Rimoli, Commissioner Ryan, and Mayor Davis voting yes and Vice Mayor Salvino and Commissioner Lewellen voting no. 10.2 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-_____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE “PORT 1850, LLC PLAT” (PL-029-24) SUBMITTED BY PORT 1850 LLC, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1850 NE 7 AVENUE, IN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Community Development) This item was taken and voted upon with item 10.1. 11. FIRST READING ORDINANCES 11.1 ORDINANCE NO. 2026-_____ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ADVISORY BOARD ATTENDANCE, ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBERS AND ELIGIBILITY BY AMENDING THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF THE CITY CODE: (1) SECTION 811-130, ENTITLED “PUBLIC ART ADVISORY BOARD; (2) SECTIONS 2-120, ENTITLED (MARINE ADVISORY BOARD) “MEMBERS' COMPENSATION; TERM”, AND SECTION 2-121, ENTITLED (MARINE ADVISORY BOARD) “RULES OF PROCEDURE”; (3) SECTION 720-10, ENTITLED (PLANNING & ZONING BOARD) “CREATED; APPOINTMENT”; AND (4) ADVISORY BOARD RESOLUTIONS RELATING TO THE FOLLOWING BOARDS: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD; GREEN ADVISORY BOARD; EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD; AND CHARTER REVIEW BOARD, IN ORDER TO MODIFY THE QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTENDANCE OF ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ADVISORY BOARD ALTERNATE MEMBERS WHEN NOT PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Community Development) City Attorney Boutsis read the title of the ordinance. Planning and Zoning Manager Viviana introduced the item. Mayor Davis agrees with the recommendation of staff but thinks it will be a smoother transition to begin with the new fiscal year to allow everyone to make arrangements that they may need. Vice Mayor Salvino commented that there should be some parameters on what constitutes excused absences. Mayor Davis opened the floor to public comments and the following spoke: - Robert Kirchgraber - 2725 Treasure Cove Cir. - Shawn DeRosa – 408 SE 5th St. Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. City Attorney Boutsis explained that the city cannot hold remote meetings but as long as a quorum is reached at the meeting location, a member may appear telephonically. Commissioner Lewellen commented that physical quorums are a standard requirement and that consistent participation is essential. She stated that members who miss a significant number of meetings are not fulfilling their responsibilities and expressed hope that stricter attendance standards will encourage greater commitment and accountability among appointed board members. Commissioner Luis Rimoli suggested having the advisory boards come to the Commission meetings to report on what they are doing or what they would like to do. Commissioner Lewellen made a motion to approve the item with the amendment that this begins in the new fiscal year. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Salvino which carried unanimously on voice vote. 12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES None. 13. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 13.1 Sponsorship — Dania Elementary, 5th Grade Field Trip Shirts — Sponsored by Commissioner Rimoli Commissioner Rimoli is requesting support of the sponsorship from each commissioner’s personal contingency. There was consensus from the commission. 13.2 Travel Policy Update — Sponsored by Commissioner Lewellen Commissioner Lewellen introduced the item. Mayor Davis feels that this should be discussed during the budget workshop. Commissioner Lewellen noted she is bringing this specific one forward because it is a policy and not just part of the budget. It is smaller and a specific item that could be discussed and voted on now. Vice Mayor Salvino commented that he sees both points but does not think the Commission should have unrestricted ability to attend conferences or events at public expense. He suggested establishing clearer limits and requiring advance selection and approval of trips. Mayor Davis responded that it should be based on engagement and not necessarily how much everyone travels, it allows for flexibility and a shared allocation based on engagement, leadership and participation in these different organizations. Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Luis Rimoli made a motion to pass item 13.2. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Salvino which carried 3-2 with Commissioner Lewellen, Commissioner Luis Rimoli, and Vice Mayor Salvino voting yes and Commissioner Ryan and Mayor Davis voting no. 13.3 SpeakSphere 101 — Language Classes — Sponsored by Commissioner Lewellen Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Anthony Ifedi introduced the item. There were discussions on the potential interest on the program and how the program would work. Commissioner Lewellen and Commissioner Rimoli agreed to split the total amount, and each contributed $1,200.00. There was consensus from the Commission to move forward with the item. 14. APPOINTMENTS - Dania Beach Housing Authority — Mayor Davis Mayor Davis had no appointment. 15. COMMISSION COMMENTS 15.1 Commissioner Lewellen Commissioner Lewellen congratulated City Manager Sosa-Cruz and expressed confidence in his leadership. She reported on discussions at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance midyear meeting regarding the future occupancy of local office properties affected by Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy, noting optimism about future tenants and continued economic activity. She recognized efforts to assist displaced workers, reflected on Memorial Day observances, and thanked veterans for their service. She suggested exploring promotional opportunities for the City’s historic assets, including the Nyberg-Swanson House, to increase public awareness, support tourism, and highlight the value of historic preservation investments. 15.2 Commissioner Rimoli Commissioner Rimoli congratulated Eleanor on her new position as Deputy City Manager and City Manager Sosa-Cruz on his new role and thanked them both for their dedication and hard work. He expressed appreciation to City staff and colleagues for their well wishes regarding his mother, noting she is doing very well. He encouraged fellow Commissioners to share invitations to community events with the entire Commission to ensure all members have the opportunity to attend and participate when possible. 15.3 Commissioner Ryan Commissioner Ryan thanked Broward Sheriff’s Office Police and Fire for coming out and supporting the events at the American Legion for Memorial Day. He welcomed City Manager Sosa-Cruz and congratulated Eleanor on her new position as Deputy City Manager. Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. 15.4 Vice-Mayor Salvino Vice Mayor Salvino congratulated Eleanor on her new position noting she will make the city proud and do a great job. He congratulated City Manager Sosa-Cruz, commending his leadership, dedication, and behind-the-scenes contributions to the City, and noted that residents are fortunate to have him leading the city. 15.5 Mayor Davis Mayor Davis apologized for missing the last meeting. She highlighted several community and educational events, including the Pearl Girls end-of-year celebration, thanking local educators, community partners, and the Historical Society for supporting youth development and civic education. She spoke about attending the Collins Elementary Awards ceremony, helping Dania Elementary with t-shirts, National Maritime Day observances, and Memorial Day activities and commended organizers and participants for their contributions to the community. Mayor Davis congratulated City Manager Sosa-Cruz and Deputy City Manager Norena and expressed confidence in their leadership. She shared photos and a video from the community showing their appreciation for the City’s Arbor Day tree giveaway, noting its positive impact on neighborhood beautification and community engagement. 16. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Davis adjourned the meeting at 9:13 p.m. ATTEST: CITY OF DANIA BEACH ELORA RIERA, MMC MARCO A. SALVINO, SR. CITY CLERK VICE-MAYOR Approved: June 9, 2026