[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6354813,"mediaKeyId","2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1","parentId",2219560,"title","Fort Lauderdale staff recommend rejecting single AECOM bid for water-plant odor system and rebidding","audioSeconds",359,"startMs",3261000,"endMs",3620000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1&start=3261&end=3620","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1/thumbnail_3261000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6354813/Fort-Lauderdale/Broward-County/Florida/Fort-Lauderdale-staff-recommend-rejecting-single-AECOM-bid-for-water-plant-odor-system-and-rebidding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354813-7468fc9b71a3e07bad26083246d50332/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192007&Signature=g~MoNtPuSxTQm3XIGZjUOa~tD8g7BwMEW4VDOaWwQVPjTTFkpTeT7t3qHpl0r2G-QA7uGZ-FmP7wGSpi2j0kO4Tp0nXPRS35WkQ1gO2dmlIlyNuqev35dXv~jW7HuE15XRtl2ynnrS-mgwNsbiWPVFrIFrUR7krsOmlKCefe1~SySH2UHYiESnhJtBvJFqaYgcm1vqfir8k-MpbVp4Iz0z5S2rOWJ5vMG79UjMyDtRz3BIqUOVnsI7Q8IMYZvA8~gk7apfHPXaO3S1rgAlUlIyyeiQyfVp3yEZ8OZ4IWMQOKbzVeT-EZTJ1On~bFRnx9idrU-Hs~G8UFSngAlCixbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Fort Lauderdale, FL","date","2025-01-30T19:13:45Z","article","City procurement and public-works officials told the Fort Lauderdale City Commission on Feb. 4 they received a single proposal for an odor-control project at the George Lohmeier water treatment plant and recommended rejecting that proposal and rebidding the work.

Procurement chief Glenn Markel said the only responsive proposal came from AECOM and was approximately $20 million. Markel and others told commissioners they have concerns about AECOM’s performance record on other city projects and that the single-bid result and a high price counsel in favor of rejecting the bid and reissuing the solicitation with clearer scope and more outreach.

Why it matters: The odor-control work addresses neighborhood impacts and operational performance at a major treatment facility. The choice to rebid could delay project delivery and, depending on market conditions, raise costs further, but commissioners noted that awarding a large contract to a single bidder with a spotty performance record also carries risks.

What officials said: Interim public-works director Abi Korom said design-build procurement with only a 20% design package can limit competition and that converting to a more detailed scope can increase vendor participation. Commissioners asked whether the $20 million figure was within the city’s expected range and how much further inflation or delay could increase costs; staff said prices are rising and acknowledged uncertainty but did not provide a precise escalation estimate at the meeting.

Next steps and scheduling: Procurement staff recommended rejecting the single proposal and rebidding with improved specifications and outreach; staff planned to bring a fuller recommendation to a subsequent commission meeting (Feb. 18). Commissioners asked staff to provide a briefing with project history, current cost expectations and a list of active AECOM task orders with the city before the next vote.

Quotes: “We did receive a single bid. That bid is from AECOM technical services. ... We are recommending to reject and start all over again,” Glenn Markel said. Interim Public Works Director Abi Korom described steps to revise the procurement approach to attract competition.

Background: The RFP had drawn four addenda during the procurement window; procurement staff said multiple addenda can sometimes discourage bidders if scope or specifications remain unclear. City staff said they will conduct further market outreach and consider converting the package to a more detailed design to increase competition.

Ending: Staff will return with a fuller report and recommendations, including market research and cost context, at a future commission meeting; commissioners asked to receive answers to specific questions in advance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Regular Meeting 02.04.25","oneSentenceSummary","City procurement staff said a single $20 million proposal from AECOM for an odor-control project at the George Lohmeier water plant prompted a recommendation to reject that bid and rebid to seek competition and clarity in scope.","taxTitle","Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida","taxId",4849,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6354818,"Fort Lauderdale to brief Broward County on New River Crossing next week; mayor pushes tunnel as LPA",754,7376000,8130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1&start=7376&end=8130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1/thumbnail_7376000.jpg","/articles/6354818/Fort-Lauderdale/Broward-County/Florida/Fort-Lauderdale-to-brief-Broward-County-on-New-River-Crossing-next-week-mayor-pushes-tunnel-as-LPA","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354818-454921aa80abe01af8ba89d230b33220/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192007&Signature=hKjCbvKv3dKRRxNcuKFyfCfDDp499lyJFbgDj7dqKzdf-rpPeAr15AJ03dykwbztzidtW8L7tSuOfWGFnCwkwksxAMhkbSRDebCmNM91k9pkIXEplyTgugIs42cFxTtv52gOqLetnamwdPyDvzTo82Cd~eGLZ5Szd4cYBob8556-hDcFC4vIHqQzHGuzC3FFkkKeAE5mts2Zq0f9ZwZuWSQrjVqVKy~QXuu5L2~MMe2A6B8QbqMuY~DFbm0FL~30AZmSMlKt0Yg9fxyVRFNchiJDwMwlBIwwkXdh8mk~5PX5e2XpQjDcKB6bFu-D6zDsQ4xeGVIrqgQHEW778dQb2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fort Lauderdale leaders said they will meet with Broward County commissioners next week to discuss the New River Crossing, continuing a months-long debate over whether a bridge or tunnel should carry proposed commuter rail across the New River.

Mayor Dean Trantelis said the city seeks local alignment with the county and urged support for a tunnel as the locally preferred alternative (LPA). The meeting is scheduled for Feb. 11 at 11:30 a.m. in the county chambers and will include short staff presentations, updates on what has transpired since the last joint meeting and time for elected officials to discuss next steps.

Why it matters: The New River Crossing affects regional transportation planning, freight operations, downtown land use, and potential federal funding. The structure choice (bridge or tunnel) influences construction impacts, property and traffic disruptions and the total program cost.

Commission and staff comments: Mayor Trantelis said he wants “a unanimous decision that we go forward with the tunnel,” arguing the county’s earlier bridge cost estimates undercounted related expenses—such as additional bridges, a Broward Boulevard underpass and new station construction—and that much of the county surtax fund derives from Fort Lauderdale residents. Commissioners and staff reported recent positive conversations with Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). FECR officials told city staff they would support the tunnel because it would reduce conflicts with freight operations; FDOT indicated willingness to be a partner but stressed the importance of city-county alignment before pursuing federal funding.

Funding and logistics: Commissioners discussed the county’s previously cited $250 million contribution for a bridge concept and questioned whether that sum reflects realistic total costs, given additional infrastructure needs county staff had not included in public figures. Mayor Trantelis asked the county to consider the city’s contribution to the county surtax (roughly 45 percent of the surtax receipts come from Fort Lauderdale) when discussing regional funding shares.

Next steps: The Feb. 11 joint meeting will open discussion with county officials and staff presentations; the city will aim to present BDO’s analysis and identify commonalities between bridge and tunnel options (financing, environmental review, traffic impacts) rather than only technical minutiae. Commissioners encouraged one-on-one outreach to county commissioners ahead of the workshop to ensure a productive session and to work toward a locally preferred alternative.

Quotes: “If we build these tunnels, when we build these tunnels, we can build them to a diameter that will accommodate underground freight,” Mayor Trantelis said, noting BDO and staff analyses and ongoing discussions with federal and state partners. “We need to get to that point before we can even think about federal funding.”

Background: The city has studied bridge and tunnel concepts for commuter-rail crossing, citing tradeoffs in cost, construction disruption and long-term freight compatibility. The county has previously advanced bridge options; the commission’s position pushing a tunnel aims to limit surface impacts to downtown and freight operations.

Ending: The commission asked staff and legal teams to continue outreach to FECR, FDOT and county officials and to finalize a short presentation for the joint meeting next week. Commissioners said achieving alignment will be essential to move toward federal grant applications and a final project scope.","Fort Lauderdale will meet with Broward County on Feb. 11 to discuss the New River Crossing; Mayor Dean Trantelis urged the county to support a tunnel as the locally preferred alternative.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6354822,"Fort Lauderdale pulls proposal to create dependent special district amid questions about referendum requirement",297,3600000,3897000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1&start=3600&end=3897","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6354822/Fort-Lauderdale/Broward-County/Florida/Fort-Lauderdale-pulls-proposal-to-create-dependent-special-district-amid-questions-about-referendum-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354822-d5097ce5982d6c15a3ce3075656124c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192007&Signature=cRRdY-XblmDGK1Yf1HRCUbzfrAqxHk5Ji23rhxIgCDSGu6cJZVFnOjhT06LUEa8GcPLIEGFj-0Oov1Bz0eciK~ZEtM23JtN9zClylKIqm6ffi4cr~48MeSvyt~6TbZotlv-ap21H2nQlWOyJc0tz8auzGN0C28qaEauLNqJ9DlaOeuJ2baSbR7QK5LY7FyCj7y4H8QHmMWOTSf75ZYnVyvKDZT2TcU75N8jRu1S1c~jH2A5sx4D-BSK1UmYRNyrdx~idK3bS5J0AgxwrCf147~JqLUt1IVkGvkIrNedGpYS9mtaxJu~nR2ugwGyVnmt3KlTVVG4q~p-DQzAyHT4zBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Lauderdale City Commission removed from its Feb. 4 agenda a first-reading ordinance that would have created a dependent special district to fund additional fire-rescue staffing and facilities, after staff and legal review raised questions about whether levying ad valorem taxes for such a district would require a public referendum under the state constitution.

City Attorney’s office staff told the commission that many county-created districts have been established under county statutes and processes that differ from municipal approaches, and that constitutional provisions could require a vote of the district’s freeholders to set millage. Because of those legal nuances, staff recommended pulling the item to do more research and to ensure the process is correct.

Why it matters: Creating a taxing district would affect property tax bills and the city’s long-term fiscal planning. Commissioners said the public response to early media coverage showed significant misunderstanding about the proposal’s purpose and timing, underscoring the need for broader public education and consideration of a referendum if the measure moves forward.

What commissioners said: Commissioner John C. Herbst and others said residents called with concerns that the district would add a large, immediate tax increase. Herbst recommended a referendum and emphasized educating residents about offsets and timing. Mayor Dean Trantelis and Vice Mayor Steve Glassman said the city should improve legal review and public outreach; Dwayne Spence of the city attorney’s office said staff would research statutory nuances and report back.

Outcome and next steps: The item was taken off the agenda to allow legal research and additional public engagement. Commissioners and staff said they are not advancing any tax levy at this time for the 2026 budget year and that a referendum remains an option if the commission chooses to proceed in the future.

Quotes: “I think we have a huge gap in terms of educating the public about what this is,” Commissioner Herbst said. “If we're gonna do something this dramatic, I think a referendum ... is the way to go.” City staff told the commission the state constitution’s language suggests that special districts may require approval by the district’s freeholders if ad valorem taxes are to be levied.

Background: The draft ordinance would have created a dependent special district to provide a funding mechanism for fire-rescue staffing and station construction the city discussed in recent budget planning. Public reaction to early reporting and outreach prompted multiple commissioners to ask for slower, clearer public engagement and for staff to confirm legal requirements before returning the proposal.

Ending: The commission left open the option of returning the idea—possibly as a referendum measure—after staff provides a legal analysis and the commission decides on a public-education plan.","City staff removed a first-reading ordinance to create a dependent special district after review showed the state constitution may require a public referendum to levy ad valorem taxes; commissioners urged extensive public education before proceeding.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6354828,"Fort Lauderdale selects Raquel Williams as city manager finalist; mayor authorized to negotiate contract",379,2661000,3040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1&start=2661&end=3040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1/thumbnail_2661000.jpg","/articles/6354828/Fort-Lauderdale/Broward-County/Florida/Fort-Lauderdale-selects-Raquel-Williams-as-city-manager-finalist-mayor-authorized-to-negotiate-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354828-efa3a82b5f5284616fdabb8fbfb6318d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192007&Signature=kfs4~pmlei3aq1hTn38MuMepXBhyD25wnS6VADb0j2b9G0zMy10m-GeD5kD3013q5q29md4WDJZooQibR1q7kEQkRrwJnxoIPnHXszvElVjCo6YL-0zJqTfiTdRh5gGnU-75Ed1ofrEM1E0LXEJrEGvUBHFqzdcml9~Y-ZYvlGY6ddk6TLTUG7WFgSnW-eiuaTEYIll6VhOc5~kVYWE~d4H1Yh22S0beG8T329R76jI3BvqIgqrpVbbLA3xn1cN9biDVv~QD-EjDi9HechMmPWDGvMvk6O-XYKTlC31~EwHF8lWytpkgkbkSIEo9pnoSx~wnL9bC44eGCoKT~oN-bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Lauderdale City Commission on Feb. 4 voted unanimously to select Raquel Williams as the finalist for the city manager position and named Mayor Dean Trantelis to conduct contract discussions and present proposed terms back to the commission.

Commissioners voted to select Williams from the candidate pool and then to authorize the mayor to negotiate an employment agreement and bring a draft contract to the commission for approval. The motions passed on voice/roll-call votes with Commissioner Pamela Beasley Pittman, Commissioner Ben Sorensen, Commissioner John C. Herbst, Vice Mayor Steve Glassman and Mayor Dean Trantelis all voting yes.

Why it matters: The commission’s selection sets the process for negotiating terms with an incoming city manager. Commissioners discussed timing for a start date, salary benchmarks, and a schedule for returning a proposed contract so the commission can vote on formal employment terms.

What the commission said and did: Commissioners moved and seconded the motion to select Williams, then moved and seconded a separate motion naming a city official to lead contract discussions. The commission identified Mayor Dean Trantelis as the official to conduct those discussions. During the same segment, Williams addressed the commission to thank members for the unanimous vote and said she intends to lead “with integrity and authenticity and fairness” and looks forward to meeting staff and the community.

Timing and next steps: Williams said in the meeting she anticipates giving notice at her current job once she has an approved contract and that she could meet with staff in advance of starting. She said she would prefer an early start date and discussed a potential March 30/April 1 start, and the commission discussed aiming to return a proposed contract for commission consideration at a March 4 meeting. Commissioners also asked staff for a comparative analysis of city manager pay across Broward County to inform negotiations.

Quotes: “I just wanna say thank you so much for the unanimous vote of support and the trust that you have placed in me to manage the city of Fort Lauderdale,” Raquel Williams said after the vote. Mayor Dean Trantelis and commissioners emphasized a transparent negotiation process and asked staff to provide pay benchmarks to inform the contract.

Background: The commission conducted an interview and selection process for the city manager position earlier in the hiring timeline. This action creates the formal step of negotiating an employment contract with the chosen finalist before the commission takes a final vote to hire.

What’s next: The mayor will meet with Williams to draft contract terms and return a proposed contract to the commission for approval. Commissioners requested a county pay-comparison analysis to be prepared and shared with the mayor and commission prior to final action.

Ending: The commission’s motions set a clear path for concluding negotiations and presenting a contract to the full commission. The schedule discussed at the meeting targeted a contract return in the next several weeks so the new manager could begin as soon as practical.","The Fort Lauderdale City Commission on Feb. 4 selected Raquel Williams as the city manager finalist and unanimously authorized Mayor Dean Trantelis to conduct contract discussions and present terms to the commission. Commissioners asked for salary benchmarks and agreed on a target calendar for returning a proposed contract.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6354808,"Votes at a glance: Key actions from Fort Lauderdale City Commission, Feb. 4, 2025",2051,2537000,4588000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1&start=2537&end=4588","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2219560-a98ef10974243ad0604a3000f9c1ceb1/thumbnail_2537000.jpg","/articles/6354808/Fort-Lauderdale/Broward-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Key-actions-from-Fort-Lauderdale-City-Commission-Feb-4-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354808-58ac69167464adf9cce450e93fbc965e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192007&Signature=KyHPJFqGtDtLtM8wQyy7OeL04VpunXp3mfd41vsRoHuDWKRGAl2Da1TKvp135gOPo4YrwFlKy0ud5WfEXxdB-wnq1o3Jlyu7BD7Lgpyqga16Lp9EwCgDuYFaPzme-oCHhuRnpM-1bxE9kPGq7TyvOUu-otBEdF8trBJASDeDyU0pJPK8Ol10Gcg3twJJAtzNaq~xVymDeAHs8OcuNzTwNXTfbyJrODbfbnX4dJvLzmc6i1SqCK~Nscr-RgtISeBu2zck~cKcLVYbdT1AoYwC4dhAff6U8ez9PP2EDqwPiHVd85jb1tuesKg6mnmoadm1BY4AXy7TdF-G0VYWdexxOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Lauderdale City Commission on Feb. 4 approved multiple consent and regular-agenda items. The following is a concise list of the motions, ordinances and resolutions recorded in the meeting transcript and their outcomes.

- Consent agenda (various items): Approved by roll call. Commissioners Beasley Pittman, Sorensen, Herbst, Vice Mayor Glassman and Mayor Dean Trantelis voted yes. (All consent items approved except CM6.)

- CM6 — License agreement for sales/service/consumption of food and alcoholic beverages on public beach for Bahia Mar Resort (Bahia Mar): Approved; Commissioner Herbst announced an abstention under the code of ethics; roll call shows votes as Yes (Beasley Pittman), Yes (Sorensen), Abstain (Herbst), Yes (Glassman), Yes (Trantelis). Item approved.

- M1 — Agreement for Progressive Village stormwater improvements: Approved (unanimous roll-call yes).

- M2 — Select city manager finalist (Raquel Williams) and name an official to conduct contract discussions: Two motions approved. Vote records show unanimous yes on selection and unanimous yes naming the mayor to lead negotiations.

- M3 — Agreement for design services for Fire Rescue Station No. 13 and emergency medical substation No. 88: Approved (unanimous yes roll call).

- M4 — Change order No. 4 to task order No. 6 for consultant services, new police headquarters: Approved. Commissioner Herbst recorded a No on that roll call; others voted yes (motion carried). (Transcript indicates one 'No' by Commissioner Herbst.)

- Walk-on motion: Outdoor event agreement and request for music exemption with 1134 LLC for Smitty’s Super Bowl Sunday watch party: Approved by roll call (unanimous yes recorded in transcript). Enjoy the party was the mayor’s closing remark.

- R1 — Appointments to boards and committees (several nominees across multiple boards): Approved (roll-call yes votes recorded for all named appointees as read into the record).

- R2 — Quasi-judicial resolution approving vacation of utility easements at 2750 NW 19th Street: Public hearing closed by motion and roll-call approval recorded as yes by all commissioners present; resolution approved.

- OFR1 — First reading ordinance to create a dependent special district (discussion and research on legal requirements): Pulled from the agenda for further legal review and public education; no vote to adopt was taken.

- OFR2 — First reading ordinance amending code section 26-161 (parking rates/mitigation fee for on-street removal): Introduced on first reading; roll-call votes recorded as yes for first reading.

- OSR1 — Second-reading ordinance amending Chapter 28 (water, wastewater and stormwater, adding cease-and-desist order provisions): Approved on second reading by roll-call votes recorded as yes by all commissioners.

- OSR2 — Second-reading ordinance amending classification table/pay plan (create one classification/change pay grade): Approved on second reading (roll-call yes votes).

- OSR3 — Second-reading quasi-judicial ordinance approving rezoning at 200 W. Cypress Creek Road to Uptown Urban Village Southeast District: Public hearing closed; ordinance introduced and approved on second reading by roll-call yes votes.

Where to find details: This synopsis is based on roll-call votes and public-record reading of each item in the Feb. 4 meeting transcript. For the full text of ordinances, item exhibits and vote tallies, see the official meeting packet and minutes.

Ending: The commission concluded the regular agenda and moved into commission reports and subsequent business; no further formal votes were recorded at the close of the meeting.","The Fort Lauderdale City Commission approved a series of consent and regular-agenda items on Feb. 4. This roundup lists motions, ordinances and appointments with outcomes and vote tallies recorded in the meeting transcript.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fort Lauderdale staff recommend rejecting single AECOM bid for water-plant odor system and rebidding

Fort Lauderdale to brief Broward County on New River Crossing next week; mayor pushes tunnel as LPA

Fort Lauderdale pulls proposal to create dependent special district amid questions about referendum requirement

Fort Lauderdale selects Raquel Williams as city manager finalist; mayor authorized to negotiate contract

Votes at a glance: Key actions from Fort Lauderdale City Commission, Feb. 4, 2025