City Council - Regular Meeting

Yeah.

Yeah.

That's Guzman.

Who's got their... Guzman.

Yeah.

All right. I'm going to call to order the City Commission on March 10th, 2026. If you would, call the roll, please.

Mayor Ryan. Present. Deputy Mayor Guzman. Here. Assistant Deputy Mayor Clark. Here. Commissioner Kirch. Here. Commissioner Scuddo. Present. City Manager Mark Lebowski. Present. City Attorney Thomas Moss. Present. Administrative Services Manager Lourdes Lawrence. Present. City Clerk Felicia Proficker.

All right. Good afternoon, everyone. This meeting has been noticed both as an in-person meeting and a virtual meeting. The public may attend in person or participate in the meeting by calling 954-395-2401 and entering the code Procedures for public participation and comments will be explained in a moment. Information for each item on the agenda has been and is currently available at City Hall and online 24 hours a day at www.sunrisefl.gov. And anyone interested is also invited to call 954-746-3430 for additional information. The city has provided various options for members of the public to address the commission. Prior to the start of the meeting, we asked if anyone wished to speak on any matters before us. We've maintained that list, and I'll call upon speakers at an appropriate time. I'll also open up items for public comment at an appropriate time and ask if anyone attending in person or by phone wishes to speak. For those participating by phone, you may press five star on your phone to request to be heard. I'll attempt to take the comments in the order that were requested by the five star feature, but please be assured all comments will be included as part of the public record for this meeting and will be considered prior to action taken. When addressing us, please state your name, address, and what you're here to speak about. I'd ask that everybody on the call please mute your phones until you wish to speak. Also, please do not place this call on hold as it could cause an unintended interruption to the meeting due to background music. If you're experiencing technical difficulties, you may call 954-578-4792 at any time, and our staff will be available to assist you. Before each meeting, we take the opportunity for a moment of silence. It's an opportunity for us individually and collectively to stand before the Pledge of Allegiance. For some, it's an opportunity to reflect perhaps on the joy of being here or the celebration of something that will happen tonight, perhaps to reflect upon those in our lives who are going through challenges and how we think about them and they can't join us. And as this commission does at every meeting, we take a moment to make sure that we remember, and especially now as we see how the world is convulsing in conflict and war, that as we are here tonight to celebrate some incredible things and to get city business done, there are so many that are serving directly in harm's way and many more in ready support. And that line of demarcation for harm's way has changed. And we've seen that over the last week, the death of seven of our service personnel who've given their lives for our country. And when we reflect upon those that are in harm's way and in ready support, ready for that call, we also reflect on the fact that there are families out there who are worried, who are scared, who are proud, but it's still an empty space at home, hoping that they will return home safe and in one piece as they serve our country. So we shouldn't forget for a moment, prior to the pledge, that there are those that are protecting us and protecting our country and each other. Anyone that we need to remember since the last time we were together? So what I'd ask you to do is stand for a moment of silence before the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commission, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay, before we get into some great celebrations tonight, we have the consent agenda 4A through 4H. Do I have a motion? Motion by Commissioner Skudow, seconded by Commissioner Kirch. Any polls from my colleagues? Any polls from staff?

No pulls, Mayor.

Anybody in the public wish to have any items on the consent agenda removed from the consent agenda and handled as a full public hearing? If so, please raise your hand or press 5-star on your phone. I see no hands raised and no hands raised on line. Can you confirm?

I confirm.

All right. Go ahead and call the question on 4A through 4H.

Commissioner Kirch?

Yes.

Commissioner Scudo?

Yes.

Assistant Deputy Mayor Clark? Yes. Deputy Mayor Guzman? Yes. Mayor Ryan? Yes.

Yes, those items pass 5 to 0. All right. Is Commissioner Rogers in the house yet? All right. Well, let's go ahead and we'll start with 6B.

I'll do it. I'll go. Presentation B. Presentation of the Teacher of the Month Award for March 2026 to Carolyn Gutierrez, Sandpiper Elementary School, Kevin Picard, Director of Legislative Services.

So this is an opportunity for us as a commission and a community to celebrate teachers in our schools. Sunrise is the only city in the state of Florida that every month recognizes a teacher of the month. We have nothing to do with anything in the schools and curriculum, cafeteria, car loops, any of that. But we know how important it is as a city to have teachers who are inspired and who are inspiring. And so it's an opportunity for us to celebrate that calling that a great teacher answered, the mission that they serve in trying to change the trajectory of young lives, and what a difference they make to a strong community. So this month is no different. And so we're here to celebrate a great teacher. And when you hear about her, you'll understand why we're celebrating her.

Thank you, Mayor. Kevin Picard, Director of Leisure Services. Maria Little, Deputy Director of Leisure Services. It's simply my honor tonight to read to you the amazing comments submitted by Sandpiper Elementary School on behalf of our Teacher of the Month, Ms. Carol M. Gutierrez. sandpiper elementary is proud to nominate carolyn gutierrez autism spectrum disorder teacher for the march twenty twenty sixth teacher of the month recognition miss gutierrez journey as an educator began in guatemala guatemala city where at eighteen years old she stood before her first classroom at valley of the angels a school whose primary purpose was to serve orphans. Although many of her students faced unimaginable challenges, they carried them with hope. During her time there, she realized how education can change someone's life. Although academics are a big part of education, it is more about giving children a safe environment where they can dream and feel they belong. Miss Gutierrez carried that dream with her when she moved to the United States. Although starting over was not easy, she began to work as an after-school counselor, later as a supervisor, and now serves as an autism cluster teacher. In her own words, Miss Gutierrez shares that what inspires her are the milestones, whether big or small, which are part of the classroom every day. It is the non-verbal student discovering their voice, the child who once avoided social interaction now initiating play with a peer, or when a student realizes that he can complete a task independently for the first time. Looking back, she says that her journey from Guatemala to the United States has made her realize her commitment to creating a safe environment where every student grows academically, socially, and emotionally. Congratulations.

And I just wanted to say we are so grateful and thank you for always serving our kids. As the principal at Sandpiper Elementary, she has been a wonderful addition to our school and the community. Our parents love her. They look at her as a resource. She's even recruited her own sister to be part of our staff. And we're working on making sure that she grows as well. And we just want to say thank you on behalf of Sandpiper, the staff, that we enjoy your pleasant demeanor and your love for our kids. Thank you so much.

First of all, thank you for serving our community. And so often when we hear the stories about inspired teachers and we know that there's a flame inside, It's hard for us to fully appreciate the journey, and the story is much more complex and detailed and important than what we were able to hear tonight. But your journey really helps to define how you treat each of our students here. You have an incredible gift to see, at least amongst us, perhaps those that have given up, Perhaps those who don't feel either because of barriers that are perceived or real, that they have a chance at a great, dignified life and be able to follow their dreams and to be able to be the best of themselves in whatever version they want. And your whole journey to Sunrise has been about that. And when you brought that here and to bring it to our city and to work with these students who for them, just a simple success that we may take for granted can be altering in how they perceive the world around them. And your successes are defined differently with these students, but they're no less important. And we're really blessed and grateful that you're a part of this. And as I do for all the teachers, I have to explain as a lawyer, there's some technical small handwriting. There's writing down here that says, now that you've accepted this, you can't leave the city of Sunrise. We have a photo, and there's going to be evidence of it. You've accepted that. But we are very, very happy. Sandpiper's a great family to be with, and you're a part of a bigger Sunrise family. And so we're really, really proud of you and grateful. Let's give her a really big round of applause. Mom and sister, you have to come down. Where are you? Oh, no, they're not here? They don't want to come down? No, they're not here. Oh, okay, okay, okay. Because we want to celebrate them, too, because they are part of that journey. So will you tell them that we're grateful as well, especially to your mom? She should be very, very proud. Okay. Step forward. You're the star of the show right now. One more time, big round of applause.

Go back to one? Okay. Proclamation A, Proclamation proclaiming March 10th, 2026 as Azel Rogers Day in the City of Sunrise. Mayor Michael J. Ryan, Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guskin, Assistant Deputy Mayor Latoya S. Clark, Commissioner Neal C. Kirch, and Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo.

So today we're going to celebrate. Well, I'm going to let her go around and give her hugs and We're celebrating someone who's been in our community a very long time and most importantly has served our community now going 30 years. We're really very fortunate in the City of Sunrise that our county commissioners are all incredible public servants. We're represented by three different county commissioners. Steve Geller, who's been serving our community for 38 years. Nan Rich, who's been serving our community for 26 years. And, of course, I always call her mayor because that's how we spent so much time together, especially during COVID, trying to deal with all the issues. But this is an opportunity for us tonight to celebrate a journey together. a gifted representative for our community, and someone who's committed herself to public service and is always responsive to the needs of our community. And so on behalf of the commission, and they're going to have lots to say, we're really proud tonight to be able to recognize you. So I'm going to just pass it down the line before we do the ceremony.

Thank you, Mayor. So it's so good to have you in the room with us today. Right in the middle. Well, congratulations, and there aren't enough words to say thank you on behalf of the entire community for all of the service and dedication that you've put into Broward County. But me personally, I want to thank you for being such a light and so graceful as a woman, elected, and just always being a phone call away to motivate me and encourage me. It's not easy what we do, but we do it, right? Excuse me. So I really appreciate you more than words can say. And thank you so much. It's just a little appreciation for you.

Commissioner Rogers, there's just so many words to describe who you are. Genuine is one of those words. Integrity is one of those words. Classy is one of those words. And a no-nonsense person is another one of those words. And so I thank you for your dedication, your leadership, your guidance, and your 30 years of committed service to Broward County and for all the other women that came after you and all the other leaders that will come after you have gone. And so I am so proud to stand here today and to just celebrate you and to just witness you in this moment of time.

Geez, 30 years and I'm at 29 years. That was when I got elected, I was 29. I met you as a young man. So it's been truly, I mean, when you first started out, you weren't me, you were a councilwoman just like us. We sat on many boards, the MPO, the South Florida Regional Planning Council, and so forth, you have dedicated your life to all your constituents, Lauderdale Lakes, moving up to Mayor, then going to Tallahassee, and then to going to county, always representing Sunrise. I've helped your kids. I've donated tens of hundreds of pizzas to every event that you held at your city and our city and everywhere else. But truly, you always had your heart in everything that you did. We could look around the county of everything, airports expanding, the seaports expanding, all the cranes expanding. the light rail that's coming, some of the bus stuff. I'm saying so a lot of the people that around town don't really actually know what it is that you have done truly and having a partnership, not just with Sunrise, Just like MPO, you represent the county, I represent the city, but we represent the 31 city. When we sit on the South Florida Regional Planning Council, that's Dade County, that's Monroe County, and Broward County. So truly you have made your mark, not just here in your city, but in the county, and in the tri-county, and then in the state. So on behalf of the residents of Sunrise, 100 strong, We love everything that you did and we appreciate everything that you did. And together we could change this county to what it really needs to be. And as your one vote, I can't talk because we're on the same MPO, but you know what it is that we want as far as buses and light rail and so forth for the residents of all the area in the Oakland Park corridor. Exactly. Thank you. We love you.

Thank you.

Councilwoman, Mayor, House of Representatives, Commissioner, those are all tremendous titles and they've been well-earned. You represent our constituency, fantastic. You're at National League of Cities, or I'm sorry, National Broward League of Cities, Northwest Council elected officials, you're at every meeting I go to. And for the services that you provide to our residents, it can't be measured. But for me, my favorite part about you is those moments where we get to have that human connection. And we talk about mom or your friend or your family. You're a wonderful person. I've enjoyed serving with you on many platforms that we represent our constituents and to see the human side of you when we share moments about mom and our family and what's going on in my life. That means the most to me. So thank you for everything you've done.

Thank you. So let me say, I mean... In order to be an effective county commissioner, we've always felt, and we've shared the same local office, is that you have to understand the neighborhoods. And because of your, not just representation Tallahassee for people, but really feeling the neighborhoods in your own city, you understand how important it is to represent a city, to represent a neighborhood, to represent block by block. And you haven't lost that in the county commission. In fact, it's critically important that our commissioners really understand that. And that's what makes it, easy for us to call you because you know what we have to address what we have to deal with on a daily basis because you've lived it and you know sometimes folks can feel like their government in Tallahassee is a long way away but you've never been that person sometimes you can feel like the county commission doesn't fully understand but you haven't been that person and when we have to come together to work together you know that the cities are a partner There's been times in the past, and we've lived through them, where the County Commission maybe didn't see it as a partnership, but rather a parental-child relationship sometimes. But as we see even here today on our agenda, there's so many great things that we're collaborating on. that begin with that sense that we're all in this together. And that comes from basically a flame that's inside of you, that connection, as Commissioner Kirch was saying, that we're all connected. And we're very, very grateful for the work that we're doing with the county, the years of rough elbows before you were there. This is a great period of time for us to solve huge problems together. And we do, right? And you've been an incredible voice for affordability, for homelessness, for what it means in a city to struggle, for families that are struggling. You've been good. and moving garbage and biosolids, things that just aren't even that interesting to a lot of people, but you know, the important of it. And so this is an opportunity for us tonight as a commission and as a community to celebrate 30 years. And it's just the start of service, right? You're not going anywhere and to celebrate what it means to have a great partner in our, in our local community. So before I take the honor on behalf of my colleagues of declaring the Hazel Rogers Day in the City of Sunrise. I would love everyone to really give her a big round of applause. And if you could stand for me for a second and give her a big round of applause. And so it is my honor on behalf, if you could stand here in the center of the well, please, because you are the star. to declare Hazel P. Rogers Day here in the City of Sunrise. Whereas Hazel P. Rogers, County Commissioner for District 9, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and immigrated to the US in 1969 to reunite with her mother in New York, later relocating to Florida in 1982, where she built a distinguished legacy of public service and community leadership. Whereas Commissioner Rogers began her historic political journey in 1996 when she was elected to the office in the city of Lauderdale Lakes, becoming the first individual from an English-speaking Caribbean American community elected to public office in the southeastern United States. Not just Florida, southeastern United States. And faithfully served for 12 years, including as president of the Broward League of Cities in 2004. Whereas in 2008, she was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, becoming the first Jamaican and only the second person from an English speaking Caribbean to serve in that body where she served proudly as Democratic Deputy Whip, Democratic ranking member on the House Transportation Economic Development and the Appropriations Subcommittee. Whereas throughout her legislative tenure, Commissioner Rogers successfully championed impactful legislation, including reforms to streamline private motor vehicle title transfers, things that affect everybody's daily life, improvements to substance abuse and mental health service delivery, protections for our school districts, donating surplus food to charities, and advocacy for in-state tuition opportunities for undocumented students. Whereas her exemplary leadership and service has been recognized through countless honors and awards, including induction into the Broward County Women's Hall of Fame, the Florida League of Cities Legislative Appreciation Award, the Florida Association of Counties Champion Award, the Jamaican American Bar Association Legislative Award, and the prestigious Order of Distinction Commander Rank from the Government of Jamaica. We're last in line on that list, but we're proud to be now something you can add. Whereas in November 2016, she served as mayor until her election in November of 2022 when she was sworn in as our Broward County Commissioner for District 9. Whereas Commissioner Rogers is an advocate for economic development, small business growth, international trade, and educational advancement while actively supporting community organizations, scholarship initiatives, and charitable causes. Now, therefore, it be resolved that I, Michael J. Ryan, Mayor of the City of Sunrise, together with my colleagues on the Commission, do hereby proclaim March 10th, 2026 as Hazel P. Rogers Day in the City of Sunrise, and I encourage everyone to celebrate her extraordinary leadership and dedication to public service. Thank you so much, Commissioner.

Thank you.

Thank you. Good evening, everyone. It's good to be here. Sometimes it's hard to You can't breathe because you're so honored, not something you worked for to be 30 years. Who would think an immigrant lady, came here when I was 16, didn't know anything, would be a commissioner, then a mayor, then representing in the... Oh, that was never part of the dream or the plan. That was not a part of the plan. You come to go to school and get a job and just take care of your family. Anybody else came over here based on that? That's the rules, right? So you better stay focused. Because mom remember those days. She'll use that stick on you. But it was good. I could not have done this by myself. And I start by saying, thank God. But then I had friends, people who became friends, my colleagues who I can just take money out of their pockets. I just see the kids and I say, you know, there's something going on over here. Would you join me in supporting? And I can always find something near and dear to the heart of your elected officials. And I'll go to the fire department, too. It doesn't matter because it's all of our community. But I'm humbled. I am. Can't believe it, that it's that long, because that means you're aging me, and I don't like to be aged. All right? Thank you, dear. All right? I love most of all that we have children here this evening, and that you guys will understand the sky's the limit. There's nothing you can't achieve, even in tough times, because we know others that we stand on their backs and their shoulders. They went through tough times, too. So why should yours be different? you just do what you have to do stay in school get your education knowledge is power no one can take that from you everybody believe that that's what it is to live in this world so i thank you all for being here whatever why you're here you're being recognized i want to join in that recognition too okay because we love you and we expect a lot from you I have a young lady that I cannot. She's been part of my 30 years. Okay, you took her from Lauderdale. I couldn't afford her any longer, Emily. But thank you because you served us well. And I know that because you worked very closely together. And, of course, Commissioner, how are you? Thank you for letting your colleagues join with you in this recognition. And I thank you for it. But you have people who are following you. We are going out. Joe, you want to say, go ahead and say, we are going out. We have prepared the ground. And it's now your turn to take the baton.

Wouldn't you agree?

That's all you young folks, it's your young folks. So that's what it is. My staff is here, Dwight, one of four, because I want to make sure we are representing the city. Then we have Janet Young. And she works on the committee representing all of us because we need volunteers. Our cultural department, honey, she make it happen. Okay? So she's part of my team, of course. So I thank you all for being here. Have a good night. And boy. I'm humbled by this recognition, and it keeps growing because I thought it was over. The city had named the building in my honor, so I thought it was done. Then I got called. I said, I have to always dress now because I don't know.

You never know what's going to happen. Exactly.

That's what that is. So I thank you. But March 12th, 1996 was when I won my election. March 12th, 1996. So it's March 12th on Thursday. So that's when we're going to have a hangout. Thank you.

She mentioned March 12th. I'm just going to go ahead and share what you're doing on the 12th. She's actually doing a tour in her district to several different restaurants, and she's asking those individuals that are in that community to come out and see her and patronize the restaurant. She's doing two in Sunrise. One is at Bell Gordon's, and the other one is at the Colombian restaurant on University next to Skudo's, actually. So we're looking forward to having you there, and I'll be seeing you on Thursday.

Big round of applause.

Oh, look at you. No wonder why there's ants up here.

One more time, big round of applause. I'm going to go off script a little bit. We have representatives from Piper High School here, and they are decked out, and I know there's something to celebrate. So even though you're not on the agenda in the presentations, I'm going to call up Piper High School right now. Coach, come on up. Everybody come on up. Let's talk about what we're here to celebrate. Give a big round of applause to Piper High School.

There's a lot of hardware there. Jingling when they walk.

I'm going to hand the microphone over to you so you can help us. Look at it. You have so much hardware, it's just falling off you. Holy cow. Does that hurt your back when you put all that on?

So I'm sorry to interrupt you, Mayor. So we are actually recognizing for Women's History Month our wrestling. Well, it's our wrestling women. And then we also invited the wrestling boys as well because they, too, had some championship. But it is on the agenda for Women's History.

So let's call that up now. We'll celebrate that now. Let's do it. Go ahead and read that. And see, like in hockey, right, the women's hockey got all that great attention for winning yet again gold, and the guys show up to celebrate too, right? All right, can somebody call that up?

H, proclamation. Proclamation proclaiming the month of March 2026 as Women's History Month in the City of Sunrise. Mayor Michael J. Ryan, Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guzman, Assistant Deputy Mayor Latoya S. Clark, Commissioner Neal C. Kirch, and Commissioner Joey A. Scudo.

All right, make some noise. Come on. So we have some pretty famous people in the room with us here, and I'm going to hand it over to Coach to explain about the journey towards another championship I hear is coming. So which one of you all are going to talk a little bit about this? All right. A.D., come on up. Talk to us.

All right. Good evening, everybody. First, I want to thank Mayor Ryan, Deputy Mayor Guzman, for taking time out of the agenda to recognize not only our student athletes, but one of our female wrestlers, London Yelder. So I don't want to miss any of her accomplishments, but London is a three-time district champion, two-time state finalist, qualifier, excuse me, in the state wrestling tournament. She recently just got back from Orlando, where she represented Piper at the FHSA State Wrestling Championship. Okay, so... So Piper hasn't had a wrestling program in over a decade, and so this year we were able to bring it back with the help of Coach Reed, Coach Jackson, who's not present, but London also played an integral part in helping recruiting and kind of generating the interest and getting everybody excited about wrestling at Piper due to some of her accolades from... previous seasons. So I want to congratulate her and thank her personally and her teammates and coaches for everything that they've been able to accomplish in such a short time period of time. And we're very proud of all the progress that you guys made and the things you accomplished this season.

And I see that there's some swag here. It's called Team London, right? I see, there we go. I gave you a shameless plug there. And we're just so incredibly proud of you and how you represent not only Piper, but our community, our city. And women in general, young women who can prove there isn't anything you can't do and that you, you know, you stand there with all that hardware, but there's so many hours of sweat and grit and pain and overcoming and, you know, injury prone and trying to fight through it and showing up and the uncertainty of every, every competition. it requires you to be not only tough physically but mentally. And that's really what we're here to celebrate, right? In women's history, we're talking about women who've made a difference to the universe, right, in their grit, in their determination, in their power, their smarts, their talents. And you embody that. And so it's so important to be able to celebrate. I mean, I know there's some guys here and they've got some other stuff going on. But we're here to celebrate you guys. Maybe we'll give them a little opportunity to talk about why they're here at some point. They're here to support you and support the team. And sometimes I think people forget, you know, while wrestling is an individual competition, it's a team competition. You all work together. You live together. You know the difficulties that you all face together. And so this is a great opportunity. We're so proud that you're here tonight with us. And we get to say, you know, we knew you when, when you go on to do something else, they will be like, no, you didn't know her. And like, yeah, we all got pictures with her. We got pictures with her. We can prove it. So this is an opportunity and I'm glad you're here tonight to accept this proclamation for women's history month. And I hope this will be something memorable for you too. It's not hardware. but it's memorable for us, okay? So on behalf of my colleagues, I'm proud to be able to declare Women's History Month here in the City of Sunrise. Whereas every March, Women's History Month provides an opportunity to honor the generations of trailblazing women and girls who built our nation, shaped our progress, and strengthened our character as people. Whereas throughout our history, despite hardship and exclusion and discrimination, women have strived and sacrificed for equity and equality in communities all across the country. American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and the strength of our nation in countless recorded and so many other unrecorded ways. Whereas women have played and continue to play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere of the life of the nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of our home and making a difference in our communities. Whereas women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our nation. Whereas women of every race, class and ethnic background have served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement. Whereas women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but in the abolitionist movement, in the emancipation movement, in the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement and other movements, especially the peace movement, which creates a more fair and just society for all. Whereas let us recognize that fundamental freedoms are interconnected. When opportunities for women are withheld, we all suffer. And when women's lives are improved, we all gain. Let us strive to create a community where every woman knows that her possibilities know no bounds in America. Whereas the 2026 theme for Women's History Month is Leading the Change, Women Shaping a Sustainable Future. This theme honors women who are reimagining and rebuilding systems for long-term sustainability across environmental, economic, educational, and social sectors. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael J. Ryan, Mayor of the City of Sunrise, along with my colleagues on the Commission, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2026 as Women's History Month in the City of Sunrise and call upon our entire community to celebrate the young women who are going to help change this world for the better. Congratulations, London. Do you want to say a few words?

wrestling is a sport I tried out my freshman year and it was really one of the best decisions that I made in my life because it's a sport that I really fell in love with and it's a sport that not much not many people know about and um It showed me a lot of hardships, like every practice that we have, every tournament that we have, and just the teamwork. And then also going out on the mat alone, it showed me a lot that I needed to know about life and about myself. And really, every practice and every tournament is just sweat. It's hard, and it's physically draining and mentally draining. But It teaches me every single practice that we have five days out of the week to help me, and it's brought me to the woman and wrestler that I've become today.

Wow. Come step forward.

We'll let your teammates fill in behind you. Mom, come on in.

All right, so before you go, all right, we celebrated that.

We got to give the guys a little shout out, right? Give them a little song. All right, AD, you want to talk a little bit about the boys who are here? Not a footnote, but just...

Yeah, again, just to kind of reiterate what I said before, we're super proud of you guys, what you were all able to accomplish in such a short time period. Some of you getting on the mat for the first time ever and, you know, what you were able to learn from your coaches and just watching you guys come together as a team was truly amazing. So thank you all. We look forward to, you know, the season to come and what's next for Piper Wrestling. So thank you all.

I have to congratulate each of you. 40 years ago, I wrestled in high school. 126 pounds, believe it or not. So it's not about, I mean, learning the technique, the training, doing everything, but then there's the mental side. You got to make weight. Rolling up in the mat with the trash bag, running around, salad with Lemon juice. I've been there, done it. That commitment is one of the hardest things you'll ever do in your life. But I'm so happy for you all. Wrestling is a great sport. Lots of great colleges out there. And I look forward to seeing you guys progress in your career. So good job, guys. And madam lady.

Definitely a superstar here.

So wrestling is such a male dominated sports to see a woman excel in it and having such medals. I am totally impressed. I'm so happy to hear that you have fell in love with this sports. I'm so happy for the men who have been dedicating them time and their effort. I like watching sports and I love watching wrestling. That's one of my little off things that I like. But I am so proud of you for being able to be committed to such a sport. Any sport actually is being committed is great. But one of this is such a physical labor intensive that you're dedicating your time and your effort. And so I'm truly happy and honored that this Women's Month you get this award. Dedication of your mom to being able to witness this is also phenomenal. And have a great season.

Well, congratulations. I mean, we get to see this over and over, not just in wrestling, but when we do baseball and softball, there are so many young women that are playing in baseball, that are playing in football, that are playing in the flag football, just because they want to play a sport. So it truly is remarkable that you can play in a sport with these young men. And I didn't know about this with Commissioner Kirsch, but I wrestled for St. Thomas. And like I said, I know I used to have to wear a black garbage bag and run around trying to make weight. So believe me, I know what it was like back then. Nowadays, you can't do a lot of those things. They don't allow you to do certain things like that. We had to wear garbage bags and sit there and run around. We weren't allowed to go to class until we lost one pound. And actually, it's disgusting, but we'd had to spit in a cup like we were chewing tobacco constantly to try to make weight. So look, you guys got the newer generation how to do it. Back then, we didn't know how to eat salad.

I don't know where he ate salad. They didn't even make us eat salad.

Yeah. So truly, you know, we thank you for doing what you're doing for the next generation of women that want to compete in different sports that men only usually competed in. So congratulations, good luck, and like they say, sky's the limit. Get with your school and find out what's available. We don't pick, they're picking.

I have a question for you. Does anyone ever say that London, London is not falling down? Is that a thing? Congratulations. I'm so glad you're here. Woman to woman, as Latoya was saying, this is truly an honor to have you as a role model for your peers. Piper High School is just here almost every commission meeting for all of the things you guys are doing. So it's so, so great to have you guys here. And I will give a shout out to the parents because I know how it is with kids and sports. Mm-hmm. It's a lot of dedication, not just for you as a child or a young woman, but the dedication, the time, even if you're working, it's a lot of sweat and tears and late nights and practicing and maybe meal skipping and all that stuff. So it's a lot of work. And I look forward to seeing what your future brings. Maybe the Olympics. Who knows what's next? But congratulations. I look forward to hearing what you have. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. All right, one more time, big round of applause for all these young people.

5C, Presentation of Youth Athlete of the Month Award for March 26th to Genesee Fernandez and Lucas Quiroga. From the Travel Soccer Program, Kevin Picard, Director of Leisure Services.

All right. Come on, make some noise for some great young student athletes. So, you know, we just celebrated some amazing young people. And every month we take an opportunity as a commission, as a community to celebrate some great athletes in our community, but not just great athletes, great people. We know that there's so much talent out there, whether it's on the diamond or the pitch or the mat on the court. But it's more than just talent. It's not just scoring. It's about who these young people are as individuals and as leaders, as folks connected to the community who give back. And so each month, the Leisure Services Board goes through so many comments and nominations to find the best of the best, to find the young people who really represent what we want as a community, But more importantly, who inspire us even as adults to do a little bit better. And so tonight you're going to hear about two young people that are amazing and a great, great soccer program here in the city of Sunrise that has not only produced great athletes and great students, but champions. Those have gone on to Division one, two, three college. Those have gone on to whatever their dream was coming out of this program because. It's always been about much more than just trophies or tournaments. It's been about creating young people who know the trajectory of their life is really defined by what their dreams are. So I'm going to turn it over to Kevin to tell you a little bit about our winners this month.

Thank you, Mayor. So, again, it's my honor to simply provide some comments submitted by Coach Gigi and the Sunrise Surf Program. So we're going to start with, you know, I guess it's only fitting for Women's History Month. We're going to start with the ladies first. Genesee, is that how you pronounce it? Okay, perfect. But you guys do have to come front and center because we are here to celebrate you both tonight. Okay, Genesee Fernandez is a 14-year-old student at Pembroke Pines Charter School and a participant in the Sunrise Girls Travel Soccer Program. A few comments from her coach. Genesee Fernandez has shown incredible growth and heart for the game. She faces every challenge with determination and refuses to let obstacles stand in the way of her goals. Through her hard work and dedication, Genesee has elevated her skills and consistently stepped up when the team needed her most. Her positive attitude never wavers. She brings energy, encouragement, and resilience to every practice and game. As a true team player, Genesee supports her teammates, puts the team's success first, and leads by example both on and off the field. Congratulations. Lucas Garoga is a 13-year-old student at Everest Charter School and a participant in the Sunrise Boys Travel Soccer Program. A few comments from his coach. Lucas embodies the true spirit of soccer, combining raw talent with a leadership style that elevates everyone around him. What sets him apart is his relentless pursuit of self-improvement. He is never satisfied with the status quo, often organizing extra practices on off days and encouraging his teammates to join him in honing their craft. His positive outlook is infectious. Whether the team is up by three or trailing in the final minutes, Lucas remains a source of motivation, carrying the squad with grit and unwavering determination. Beyond his skills on the pitch, Lucas demonstrates a level of maturity and respect that is rare for his age. He has a deep-rooted love for the game and a profound appreciation for his teammates and coaching staff. Even in the face of defeat, he gives 100%, proving that his character is just as strong as his athleticism. He doesn't just play the game, he leads it. Congratulations, Lucas. Coach, a couple words?

So Bruce Connors, which is our president, unfortunately could not be here. But as the technical director, the first thing I want to say is thanks to the City of Sunrise, the board, for the support, the fields, et cetera. To the parents, as someone said earlier, it's a lot of work. They have siblings. They have to take them. They travel, food, everything else. So I applaud them. To these two, kudos to them on and off the field because it's more than being an athlete. It's a role model. It's learning. It's being mature. Responsibility is just not showing up and playing the sport. So very proud of these two. Well done. Well done, guys.

So I know mom and dad are here for both. Come on or mom and everybody come up, family come up. You can't hide in the back. You get to celebrate. You will get somebody else to film and take pictures. Don't worry. We have plenty of, let's give them a round of applause. So first of all, to, to both of you, um, I want you to understand that I know you're taking photos of you, but just give a sec. There's going to be plenty of time for you to be posing throughout your life. I really do, on behalf of the community, want to thank you. Both of you represent what we wanted from this award process. There was nothing said about winning. It wasn't about goal scored or who you all beat or where you went or what trophy you were chasing or some amazing game that you played. There was nothing said about that. For both of you, the discussion was about who you are as people. what it means to be part of a team, how to inspire your teammates, how to how to be there when times are really hard, when it doesn't seem like it's possible to win and not giving up. That's really what this is about. There are plenty of people scoring. By the way, defense always wins game anyway. Right. Right back. You know that. Right. Defense wins games. But it's a team effort. And this is what we wanted to celebrate. Young people who understand that it's much more than what you can do on the pitch. It's who you are as a person. To parents, you should be so incredibly proud. Not only because of the selection and all that, but who they are. Regardless of these things, you already knew that. And as Coach was saying... It's hard, right? It's hard to make sure you got all the gear and the kits all put together and you can make it and there's other responsibilities and did you eat and did you sleep in and all the things that you all have to deal with is because you see the importance that this has in their lives and who they're going to become. Wherever you go, it's not going to be defined by soccer. It's going to be defined by who you are as people. And we're really proud to be part of that journey. So as you go forward in your journey, we're here as a commission to help support that, whether it's recommendations or saying, you know, a good word where you need it, because you really represent that which we want in ourselves to recognize that connection to those around us and that we're really nothing alone. Everything's a team effort. So let's give them a huge round of applause. Congratulations. All right. One more time, big round of applause. Congratulations.

All right. You want to take a picture? Go ahead. D presentation, presentation of the outstanding performance award for March, 2026 to Ray Raj Kumar, administrative assistant three, Rodrigo did Castro director of utilities.

GOOD EVENING, MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS. I'M THE DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES. AND HERE WITH ME I HAVE THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR AS WELL. YEAH, RIGHT IN FRONT. I'M SO PROUD TO BE HERE AND RECOGNIZE RAY. SO RAY WORKED VERY CLOSE WITH SANGITA AND MYSELF AS THE ADMIN ASSISTANT THREE FOR THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT. The utility department is very large, so we're close to 300 staff members, and she deals with every single one of them, and she always have this smile on her face. So Ray joined us back in 2023, but it feels that she's been here on a lifetime. So last year, we lost a few staff members due to retirement, and Ray just stepped in. So as an admin tree, she had her functions, but We didn't have a payroll specialist. We didn't have an admin officer, too. And she stepped in without being asked. She learned how to do payroll for 300 employees. So everyone got their time, got paid, and sent the information to finance. So she's someone that you don't need to ask. She's going to be proactive. She's going to come up, and she's going to do it. So a lot of the fun that we have with our signs now, she came up with the idea. So she works so many different ways. She does so much for the department, and I couldn't be proud to be here to recognize Ray for all her efforts.

You guys get to come up with your signs. You can come up behind. Come on up. We've got the teammates here. Let's give a round of applause to staff. Come on. So, wow, yeah, that's pretty. So, first of all, you know, we just spent all this time we've been talking about leadership and teammates, about commitment to organization and each other, to be willing to do the job that's necessary even when you're not asked. And we've been celebrating that all night so far. And it's really fitting that you're part of that narrative tonight because you represent that. Less than three years, and you've made such a difference already, not only just in your personality and your smile, but I think people, we all take for granted that when we go to the faucet, it turns on. When we go to the bathroom, it's taken care of. When we have to worry about something in our neighborhood, there's somebody there for it. And we are able to go about our lives because we don't worry and think about these things. But the people you work with, all 300, never lose focus 24-7. And, you know, it's not often that it's hug your admin two or admin three or admin one day, but that's what it feels like to the folks that work with you when you step in the breach to make a difference, not just about paychecks and all that, but to keep the organization and being there for them and making sure we can work seamlessly for the residents. congratulations on this it's fantastic it's an amazing honor in such a short period of time to be recognized but it says an amazing amount about who you are as a person and how you see our organization and we're blessed to have you let's give her a big round of applause All right, one more time.

So I, well, first of all, happy Women's History Month to me. I am excited to receive this. I do want to also give Sangeeta and Rodrigo, you know, their kudos as well. They are amazing leaders to work for. And I count it an honor, a privilege, and a pleasure to work with you, for you, serve the department, and just continue to value there's a lot to say about what you say yes to in your life and I'm really glad that I said yes just on rise so thank you all right you go celebrate with her guys come on take her out raise raise raise she was smart she took the mic

PRESENTATION RECOGNITION OF SERVICE TIME AND DEDICATION FOR EMPLOYEES FOR RETIRING FOR THE CITY OF SUNRISE, REGREGUS CASTRO POLICE OFFICER, POLICE DEPARTMENT, RICHARD, DRIVER OPERATOR, FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT, SENIOR UTILITY BILLING SPECIALIST, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE DEPARTMENT.

Good evening, everybody. Dan Ransone, chief of police. I'm here to I have the honor to congratulate Rodrigo Castro, not to be confused. There he is on his retirement after 26 years with the Sunrise Police Department. So the mayor mentioned leadership and teamwork, and this is Rod's story as well. We had a a small ceremony last week, and we essentially passed the mic around the room, and the conversation or the accolades were gratitude, leadership, mentorship for the 26 years that you've been here with the Sunrise Police Department. We got hired months apart, and we took completely different routes You 26 years on the road and arguably had more interaction, um, and more guidance with those that we've hired along the way. Um, when Rod got the opportunity to speak at that ceremony, he mentioned relationships, family, um, and a sense of pride and thankfulness to the city of sunrise and what the city of sunrise has had to offer him and his family. Rod, I got a story, and going through your bio, I know it's a first for the city of Sunrise. No, it's good. It's good. He was the recipient of the Officer of the Month five times over his career. Yeah? Okay. And as it relates to the first of the Sunrise Police Department, there was a robbery that occurred at the Sawgrass Mills Mall. Rod was in a plainclothes capacity, and the suspects fled. And in fleeing, Rod was away from his vehicle and decided that he was going to commandeer a mall security vehicle. And I'm not going to say pursue, right, but followed. And both subjects were apprehended without incident. That is a first for the city of Sunrise and an amazing read, sir. So on behalf of the city, your colleagues, congratulations on 26 amazing years. Wish you well in retirement. You deserve it.

Come on, Lechmi. Let me introduce you to Lechmi Supan. Lechmi started working for the city's public service department in 2004, so 22 years ago. She started as a public service specialist, helping customers open and close their accounts, answering questions regarding their bills. Subsequently, in 2011, was promoted to the senior utility billing specialist where she's been since then. She is really our guru, our expert at all things utility billing for over 60,000 accounts. She's our go-to person. She spends a lot of time working with community development to make sure all of the documents are in place there. She's just been a hardworking, dedicated employee all of these years, and you are truly going to be missed. You always have a smile on your face whenever I see you. And I know you look forward to retirement, spending time with your husband, who is right here in front, and your children and your grandchildren. So we wish you all the best, and thank you for your 22 years of service here at the city. Thank you.

You've got to step forward, though, Lachmi. Come on, you can't sit. First of all, thank you for your service. Nobody wants to pay a bill. Right. It takes somebody who's going to listen, who's going to be there. Sometimes it's not the best day of closing or opening an account or feeling frustrated. And you've seen the city grow over that over those 22 years and you've been part of that. Your ability to not only understand the system, but also understand our residents and our customers and to keep that customer service. We don't always do everything perfectly, but being able to listen and be part of that and to teach the next generation. A very complex system, but one that needs to be understood by our side, but also to help. the resident and the customer understand. As we said, we serve over 63,000 separate accounts, not just in Sunrise. And so people who are interested in somebody knowing what's going on with their bill and being there to to answer the questions is so important. You've earned it. Not every call has got to be the easiest call. Not every day is the easiest. But the ability to keep that positive attitude, to encourage folks to understand the system, and create that legacy for the next generation is so important. You've earned your retirement. And we're so very, very grateful. Let's give her a big round of applause. And you have seen the city change. I can only imagine 26 years ago coming through the academy what you may have thought your career would be like. But to be with this family the whole time, never leaving it, always being there, and choosing to want to be part of the road of the next generation of mentoring, of making a difference, of being literally on the front line every day and every night. You know, we talked a little bit earlier about, you know, we take for granted that water comes out of the tap. We take for granted our safety. And we don't take the time to realize that there's somebody who's given their life and their career to making sure not only that the residents are safe, but that there's sometimes a shoulder for them to cry on. You know, it's most often the worst day of somebody's life when they encounter you either as a victim or otherwise. and your ability to have navigated over the last 26 years of growth of this city, to do it with such professionalism, to be recognized over and over. And then for the room, for the folks around you to recognize not just what you accomplished on a collar or something, it's about who you are, a mentor, wanting to be part of the road, wanting to be part of this journey. This doesn't even come close to the gratitude that we need to show you for what you've given us. And it takes officers like you. And as we see the next generation, we struggle to encourage the next generation to believe in the mission of policing, that it is the honorable profession, that it makes a difference in the community. It's people like you that help inspire that. And we're going to miss you and you've earned it. So let's give them a big round of applause.

I just wanna say that I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to have served the citizens of the city of Sunrise. It's been a great journey, great flight, but it's time to land the plane. So thank you very much. Thanks to everybody up here. It takes a family, okay? You're out there by yourself, but knowing that you have your family support behind you makes the job a little easier. Yes, so thank you very much.

Watch me. You just want to get on to retirement, right?

It's been an honor working here and serving everybody. My pleasure.

All right. Come on down. And husband, you get to come. You can't just film all night. You got to be part of this. Let's give family a big round of applause. I bet you're happy. Listen, for both of you, right, family gives up a lot. For Lachme, it's that the family is hearing about she's having to pitch in on something else different. She's being torn away. There's some shortage at work that need the help. For Rod, the family every night. every day, every shift change, it's a moment that there's always a pause. And when something happens somewhere in our country, not just our community, somewhere in our country, there's a ripple effect through the house. And so to the families, we really are grateful and know that we also have your six and we always will have the six of the family.

So give them a big round of applause as well.

All right, one more time, big round of applause.

It goes back to that side.

Proclamation proclaiming the month of March 2026 is Florida Bicycle Month in the City of Sunrise. Mayor Michael J. Ryan, Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guzman, Assistant Deputy Mayor Latoya S. Clark, Commissioner Neal C. Kirch, and the Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo.

All right, come on. We're going to declare Florida Bicycle Month here. Come on, the Bicycle Advisory Board, come on up. Kevin, you want to come on down? Get somebody from staff. There you go. There we go. So we're very fortunate in the city of Sunrise to have a bike and pedestrian advisory board. And this was an idea that grew out of the commission probably about 15 years ago, 14 years ago, when we realized that we needed to do a better job in our community on mobility, on providing safe passage for cyclists and pedestrians. And this commission funded round one, and we're now headed to round two on a master plan to see how we can build a system that encourages mobility. And I'll tell you, on NPR, I heard today in the car ride over about the experience and it was in Columbia actually where they committed in a particular city to improve cycling and pedestrian pathways where they closed roads and they had very clear data about the positive health impacts over time. The impact on the community and connectivity the safety that was encouraged by making these pathways safe. And we know that as a community, we continue to build these, but it doesn't, it's not self-executing. These are costly efforts and improvements. They take community input and community support. We're very fortunate that we have some of the members of our bike and pedestrian advisory board here who really volunteer to help the city stay true to the master plan, to work with us on ideas and to work together. So I'm going to turn it over to one of the members to talk about why it's important. Whoever wants to speak on that, I'll let you guys vote on it. But to talk about the importance of community engagement and why creating these safe paths for both bikes and pedestrians so that we can cohabitate safely in the roads makes such a difference. Not just we know about lives saved, but what it means for a community. So who wants to?

Good evening, everybody. Chad Dashnaw, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. We've had a lot of support from the mayor, from the commission all along since the beginning of the bicycle board. We all give our time because we know how much it matters for people of the city, for everyone to have the safe means to get around. It's good for health. It's good for the community. It's good for visibility. It's good for everything. And we couldn't do what we do without the support of our commission, without the support of the mayor. From day one, the mayor has been a strong advocate for everything that we do. Commissioner Scudo, Commissioner Kirch, they've both been on the MPO and working towards bettering things for the City of Sunrise on a county level. So we're just very pleased to work in concert with them. We've always had amazing conversations liaisons from the city. We believe that we're the pathway for advancement in the city of Sunrise. All the liaisons rise up in the city, so you're welcome. But we just want to say thank you very much for the honor. Appreciate it.

Let's give them a round of applause. And over the last 15 years, it's been a team effort, right, of all the commissioners who served in the past and are current, the deputy mayor, assistant deputy mayor, everybody has committed to this process. And it's rare that you get such unanimity in not only commission, but also city staff and the business community and the residents in understanding. There may be some times where it's a question of where you put something, but it's not a question of whether we should put something. And that's a great environment to work in. And we continue to expand. We see that going forward and we should be really excited. So it's my honor to declare Florida Bicycle Month along with the great volunteers from our pedestrian and advisory board. Some of them are here, but so many others who also serve alongside. Whereas the state of Florida recognizes the month of March as Florida Bicycle Month, promoting bicycling as a safe, healthy and sustainable mode of transportation and recreation. Whereas the City of Sunrise is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by supporting initiatives that encourage active lifestyles, environmental stewardship, and alternative transportation options. And whereas for more than a century, the bike has been an important part of the lives of many Americans. Whereas during Florida Bicycle Month, millions of Floridians will experience the joys of bicycling through educational programs, races, commuting events, trail work days, helmet promotions, and charity events, or just getting out and going for a ride. Whereas a recognition of Florida Bicycle Month will raise awareness of bicycling and ultimately promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles by elevating cycling activities. as a more widely accepted choice of transportation, whether it's two wheels, three wheels, or even I saw a four-wheeler the other day out on the pathway, out on the Greenway. Whereas creating a bicycle-friendly community has been shown to improve your health, well-being, quality of life, improving traffic safety, supporting student learning outcomes, and reducing pollution, congestion, and the wear and tear on our streets. Where the city has developed and expanded miles of on-street bike lanes along key corridors, including along Northwest 44th Street, Sunset Strip, Northwest 64th Ave, and Western Road, improving connectivity between neighborhoods and parks and schools and our commercial areas. Whereas Sunrise adopted the Bike and Pedestrian Greenways and Trail Master Plan to guide the long-term development of safe, continuous sidewalks, greenways, and cycling facilities throughout the community. Whereas through the Complete Streets Initiative and roadway improvements, the city has incorporated dedicated bike lanes, buffered lanes, enhanced crossings, and multimodal design elements to increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael J. Ryan, Mayor of the City of Sunrise, along with my colleagues on the Commission, do hereby proclaim the month of 2026 as Florida Cycling Month or Florida Bicycle Month in the City of Sunrise. And I call upon the entire community to support the Commission's efforts, as we continue to expand safe and healthy pathways throughout. So let's give them a round of applause. All right, one more time, big round of applause.

Proclamation H, if we can have Angela Basilico come up for this proclamation. Proclamation proclaiming the month of March 2026 as Women's History Month. I'm sorry, G. As International Woman's Day in the City of Sunrise, Mayor Michael J. Ryan, Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Guzman, Assistant Deputy Mayor Latoya Clark, Commissioner Neal Kirch, Commissioner Escudo. Thank you.

She's amazing. Yes, I know. And she clinks when she walks. Do you hear that? It's all that hardware.

That's okay. She just reminded me of something that happened to me back in my high school days.

And that was? Do you want to share?

Yeah, I'd like to. It's a little bit of a long story. Well, I can make it short.

We only have a couple hours, so let me know.

I can make it short.

Okay. So we're here to celebrate International Women's Day. Go ahead and introduce yourself to the millions of people watching at home.

Okay.

Hi, my name is Angela Pasilico, and I am the CEO for the Miss International World Organization and the Miss Latina International World Organization. And I want to thank everyone here today, especially Commissioner Jaclyn, to be here and to represent women from not only the United States, but from around the world. And three years ago, because I do empower women, I was given the Lifetime Presidential Achievement Award for honoring women from around the world. And I want to thank Jacqueline because I just did a fashion show with her. And... By you encouraging me to go back to my cardiologist, I did have the heart catheterization, and they found out that it was just my old stents. They don't need to be repaired, and here I am. So God bless you. And what I'd like to say to this young lady, keep going, because when I was in high school, I had to make a decision. I was doing a concert that night. And my father was in a coma, and Hackensack Hospital was right next to Hackensack High School. I made the decision to perform. But that Sunday, my father came out of his coma, and he said to my mother, he said, did she sing? And my mother said, yes, she did. And that was his road to recovery. And because I did that, I got a four-year scholarship to the Juilliard Academy of Music. So congratulations to you.

Awesome.

That's really great. And you've accomplished so much in your life. I mean, just going to Juilliard is an amazing accomplishment. Your love of the arts, of empowerment, of what women can do, and also the sense that we're talking about international here. We're talking about the connectivity across the world where arbitrary lines between countries fall away when we start talking about the arts and culture and the important things that matter, including equity and all the issues that are important you've been fighting for.

So congratulations on that and thank you.

Let's give her another round of applause.

Excuse me. So thank you for being here. I got to meet her not too long ago. And just the first instinct, like just that first connection with you, I was like, wow, this is a powerful woman. Your energy, your positivity, what you've been through medically, and then even just what you do for your women, for the ladies that you mentor. I'm not sure if it's up there, but not only does she have a podcast, which is Make Our World Your Runway, but she's also the founder of Miss International World, where for years she has been, you know, having women from all over the world being honored as pageants. So I've had an opportunity to go to your actual show, and it was amazing to see that, and just highlighting the talented women women that they are. I mean, you think it's just a crown and getting makeup and all dolled up. No, these are women that have professions, degrees, talent. And so thank you for what you do in empowering women.

And London, we've had you come up here because you also get to celebrate tonight. We're celebrating you. We're going to keep celebrating you. But you hear the words of somebody who's seen so much and has worked so hard to inspire the women and she's feeling inspired by you. So that says a lot about what you've already accomplished and where you're headed. And so we're celebrating you again. And your teammates have stuck it out and they've stayed here to do this, too. And they're all smiling for you. So it's my honor on behalf of the commission to declare International Women's Day here in the city of Sunrise. Whereas International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the progress made by women over generations and across the entire world, while looking forward towards all that women have yet to achieve. Whereas during International Women's Day, we celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who played extraordinary roles in our history. Women have played vital roles worldwide, socially, economically, culturally, and politically. Whereas the 2026 theme for International Women's Day is rights, justice, and action. for all women and girls. This focuses on dismantling structural barriers and discriminatory laws and weak legal protections all over the world. Whereas we stand in solidarity with women here in Sunrise and all around the globe who face discrimination based on their gender, especially when compounded by additional systemic barriers of racism, xenophobia, disability, or sexual orientation. And whereas International Women's Day is a day to celebrate the collective power of women, spotlight the achievements of women worldwide, recognize challenges women face, focus greater attention on women's rights and gender equality, and encourage and mobilize all people to do their part to bring about positive change. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Michael J. Ryan, Mayor of the City of Sunrise, together with my colleagues on the Commission, do hereby proclaim March 8, 2026 as International Women's Day in the City of Sunrise. And I encourage all to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of women in our community and to support efforts that advance equality, opportunity, and empowerment for all women and all girls. Congratulations, and thank you both for being here with us. And I think it's going to be great for both of you to stand up here together.

Mayor Ryan, I just want to add, I wanted to bring this up for the international is we have a Sunrise business in Sunrise that trains MMA fighters. They just went international. They just have an Argentinian girl who they promoted who just won the UFC. She just became the champion. So she's a Sunrise resident. Her name is Ilian Perez. So I just want to recognize her tonight. Raj is going to bring her by so that we can introduce us to her. But she just won nationally the UFC championship fight. Perfect.

Thank you. All right, city items. Appointment of resolution of the city of Sunrise, Florida, appointing a member to the Sustainability Advisory Board and acknowledging the resignation of a member of the board, providing effective day city manager Mark Lebelski, Felicia M. Bravo, city clerk. Motion by Commissioner Escudo, seconded by Commissioner Kirch. The application we have is from Lawrence Zalega. Do we have a motion? Motion by Commissioner Kirch, seconded by Commissioner Escudo. Any discussion on that nomination? Go ahead and call the question.

Deputy Mayor Guzman? Yes. Commissioner Kirch?

Yes.

Commissioner Skudo?

Yes.

Assistant Deputy Mayor Clark? Yes. Mayor Ryan?

Yes. All right. Congratulations to him, and thank you for his service. And then we had some of the Sustainability Board folks here earlier. 12A, Commission discussion on our action. Our first reading of an ordinance of the City of Sunrise, Florida, amending fiscal year 2025-2026, budget ordinance number 720, amending the General Fund 001, the Springtree Golf Fund 420, the Water and Wastewater Fund 401, and the Water and Wastewater System Reserve Fund 464, providing for conflict, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. City Manager Mark Lebelski, Susan Nabors, Director of Finance and Administrative Services. Do I have a motion?

Move it.

Motion by Commissioner Escudo, seconded by Commissioner Kirch. This is a public hearing. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter, please come forward or press 5-star on your phone. I see no one come forward. Can you confirm no hands raised? I confirm no hands are raised. All right. I'll close public discussion. Discussion from my colleagues. Call the question.

Assistant deputy mayor Clark deputy mayor Guzman. Yes, Commissioner Kirch. Yes, Commissioner Skudo. Yes here Ryan.

Yes, I didn't pass this five to zero kind of a motion to move up 17 a through C motion by Commissioner Kurtz seconded by second deputy mayor all in favor say aye All right, 17 a presentation by city staff regarding utility regulatory updates city manager Marco Belsky Rodrigo de Castro director of utilities mr. Belsky

Thank you, Mayor. Mark Lebowski, City Manager. There have been several recent and ongoing unfunded regulatory mandates that are impacting the city's utility system. And when you say unfunded, just take some time to explain what you mean by that. That a lot of these regulatory impacts are required by either state or federal government and not have provided any funding sources for those who requires the city and our utility system to come up with funds to comply with those unfunded mandates. So our utility director, Rodrigo Dicascio, is going to provide a brief overview of those mandates and then a path forward that we plan to move forward.

Rodrigo, the floor is yours. First of all, I want to thank you for the PowerPoint that was provided as part of the backup for the public. And I think this is an important update for the public to hear as well as the commission.

So the floor is yours. Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Mark. Good evening, everyone. Rodrigo DiCastro. I'm the director of utilities here in Sunrise. And like the city manager mentioned, I'll provide a quick update to the city commission, to the residents, regarding regulatory updates that the utilities across the state and across the country are facing right now. Part of my presentation, I'll provide a background on the utility system for the City of Sunrise, new and evolving regulatory changes, and at the end, I'll provide a summary in our action plan. So as a background and briefly discussed during the presentations earlier, the city of Sunrise owns and operates a utility system with over 63,000 meter accounts. We serve the city of Sunrise, the city of Westland, portions of Southwest Ranches, and portions of the town of Davie as well. So our utility department is currently and actively implementing capital improvement projects in line with our water and wastewater master plan that we completed back in 2020. So the current utility rate that was adopted in 2021 followed this master plan that was completed in 2020. At that time, we adopted a rate structure that included conservation rate and it was revenue neutral. Since the adoption of the master plan, several recently approved unfunded regulatory mandates were adopted that impacted local and nationwide utility systems. So based on all those regulations, it's expected that more than $200 million in investment on both capital improvements and operational costs will be necessary to comply with all those unfunded mandates. And those are expected within the next five years. So the first unfunded mandate and is a mouthful. So perfluorococcal substances, also known as PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. I think everyone probably heard about PFAS on the last few years. It is on the forefront with a lot of discussions throughout the country. So what are PFAS? PFAS are a series of man-made compounds that persist in the environment for long periods of time. They are commonly known as forever chemicals because they don't go away. The EPA issued a... the drinker standard in 2024 and initially with the compliance by 2028 and it was revised to 2031 because 2028 it was it was an unreasonable time at that time when the epa issued the drinker standard the maximum contaminant levels which are known as mcls were established for six compounds We normally focus on two compounds, PFOA and PFOS, with a MCL of four parts per trillion. So it's a very small number. And like I mentioned before, the compliance date is 2031. Just stay on PFAS. So as part of analyzing PFAS, we have tested our water, raw water well fields, and we have detected PFAS at the sawgrass, the spring tree, and the southwest raw water well fields. That's where we bring our water from the Biscayne aquifer. So at the sawgrass water treatment plant, we have nanofiltration as our treatment process, and that fully removed PFAS. At the Springtree and Southwest water treatment plants, we have lime softening, and that does not remove PFAS, fully remove PFAS. So to tackle PFAS, we have engaged a consultant to analyze what alternatives we have to handle PFAS and come into compliance by the deadline of 2031. At the spring tree plant, like I mentioned at the sawgrass plant, no improvements are required because we already have the treatment process in place that remove PFAS. At the spring tree plant, you require upgrades by 2031 to come into compliance. In order to do those upgrades, we divided that in three phases. So phase one is currently under construction. That is a conversion of our former reverse osmosis plant into a nanofiltration. And that was an investment from the city of about $4.7 million. We are close to construction. We expect that project to be done within the next 60 days. The next phase is phase two, which is currently under design. The design is almost done, and we expect to go out to bid this year. It's on our adopted CIP, and we expect that project to cost approximately $7 million, which is included on the CDC IP. The third phase is an expansion of the nanofiltration, and that project is also on the adopted CIP for FY25-26. We designed funds this year, and we expect construction to start over in probably 2028 to come into compliance. That project is a very large project and expected a cost of close to $100 million. The Southwest plant, it's a smaller plant that we have, and we are considering a nanofiltration conversion, but we're still in the very early stages of evaluation. It's important to mention that the city is part of a nationwide settlement for PFAS with several of the manufacturers that produces PFAS. And based on our allocation that we withdraw from the Biscayne Aquaphor, we are entitled to approximately $14 million in settlement funds. The next item, the next unfunded mandate that we have to comply, it's biosolids processing and disposal. So biosolids, also known as wastewater sludge, is the byproduct after we finish the wastewater treatment process. So what we currently do, that is regulated by the state, by Florida statute, and there were changes back in 2021 and 2022 that made stricter rules for nutrient compliance. And currently, Senate Bill 290, that is currently on this section and is expected to sign by the governor, will require all biosolids to be what is called a Class AA. Biosolids are classified as Class B, Class A, and Class AA. And the Class AA removes primarily all the heavy metals and most of the pathogens and creates a... a fertilized grade product that can be applied. So because of all those regulations, it had a major effect in the utilities and on the disposal sites. I think this picture paints a good picture of what happened with the disposal sites. Back in 2021, there were 130 sites permitted in the state of Florida for land application for class B biosolids. In 2025, that was reduced to approximately 40, and we expect that to go even lower because of the new regulations. Because of the reduction on the disposal sites, it had created a major impact to utilities. Price increases, we have experienced a major price increase due to the amount of sites that are out there. Between 2020 to now, we have seen a whole 115% increase in cost. And with projected costs right now reaching $132 per wet ton, we used to pay approximately $63 per wet ton back in 2020. So biosolids have become the most volatile cost in the utility operations. Used to be chemicals, which is still very volatile, but biosolids, it's right up there right now. So this is affecting not just the city of Sunrise, but all our neighboring utilities as well. So to tackle this, we have evaluated, previously evaluated a standalone facility and is a very high capital cost with high operating costs. So all the utilities in Broad County that have wastewater treatment plants, have joined together on a working group. And back in late 2023, the city commission approved an ILA to allow all the utilities to hire a consultant and evaluate alternatives. So all the utilities across Borough County have been meeting since then. So since the ILA options were evaluated, we input from all the different utilities, the recommendation is a $500 million regional thermal drying facility at the county facility over Powerline Road that can produce class AA biosolids and that will be compliant with all the state statutes. So the city's volume based on how much we treat wastewater, it's approximately 10% of that facility. So based on the estimated cost of $500 million, we have a $5 million design share and a $45 million share of construction. If approved, the design is expected to be awarded later this year and construction is expected to start in 2028, 2029. So let me ask you,

Who's going to own the facility? Because this is like the garbage.

So the facility, currently the ILA is only for the design. The facility will be owned by the county with each utility having a share of the volume that we can come in and a share of the operating costs. But the county will be owning and operating the facility. but we have an allocation of 10% of capacity that we can bring our sludge in and that will be treated.

So how much tons do we do in a month and how many do we do in a year?

So the facility will be sized for 270,000 wet tons per year. Sunrise produces approximately, and we projected 20 years out. So we are proposing 27,000 wet tons per year based on our use and based on the growth of population that we have. So currently we're over 20, but we are projecting based on our population growth to have enough capacity on the facility for the next 20 years.

So right now we're hauling how far?

We have a proposed vendor coming for consideration tonight, but with the current vendor, it goes to a facility in Central Florida.

So we're paying the full cost of the whole, or we're just paying one price for the whole?

We currently pay on the current contract that is now being renewed, $84 per wet ton. With the new price, we're going to $132 per wet ton.

So I'm just getting at, if we're paying 80 something but we're not we're just paying her time. So we're not I'm just getting at if we're going to go to power line road. Why is the tonnage going more. Then then less.

I'm just saying if someone I don't think maybe what we produce right now all of that gets all all of that gets halt rowdy.

Know what I'm saying is right now we're hauling to central Florida. But in the new price, we're only going to be hauling to Palo Verde? No, no, no. It's not built yet.

Let me just clarify that. The $132 is for a new hauler to bring to another facility upstate. Oh, still? Yes, still. So once that contract, and hopefully to keep that in place for two years, and it will be later on for your consideration, is just to continue hauling as we are. As the facility gets built, we will not be hauling out anymore. That's what I'm saying. Yes, that is correct.

So that it's a really good point. Because right now, everything is the whole right when we're talking about hauling, it's just hauling disposal, disposal, disposal, it's not just the driving, it's hauling. No, no, it's not just the only so many sites. And all those sites are upping. So it's not that the haulings become more expensive, the disposals become more, but we pay it through the hauling price.

We pay into the hauling and disposal price, but unfortunately, like the sites, there are very few sites out there, and the price is increasing.

It's like the yard waste. They all are now limited because the cities don't want it. Let me just, at the end, the dryer, once they dry, whatever's left. Is that a commodity for you guys at that point?

Are you going to be able to sell it? There will be a commodity for you to be able to sell.

Are we going to share in the commodity or just the county is going to get?

So right now it has not all been negotiated because that will be negotiated on the next ILA.

Okay, well, I want to make sure. If we're donating to this facility and we're paying for this facility, at the end, if there's a commodity to be sold for this facility, we want to present. But I'm saying this seems like the old garbage where, at the end, we're building the facility. I'm just saying, Mike, that the county's going to own the facility. They're going to sell the bio at the end, and we're not going to get any. I just want to make sure, Rodrigo. When that point comes, I mean, I guess we're going to have to take a vote of five people up here. With your input, the city manager's input, but my input would be if there's a commodity at the end, I want to be part of it. I mean, the city. I mean, as the city, we want to be part of that.

That's all I'm bringing up. In my discussion so far, what I've heard is that First, let me thank staff. I mean, we're going off a little bit. I know you have some more to present, but I want to thank staff. And this has been a collaboration with the county that has not been political. This has been really at the staff level. It's been triggered by this. It's not really a county problem. They have a small utility, but they're not really. But they were seen as this is the only way to do this has to be a regional response. So that's number one. Number two, the county has put forward a lot of money in the study of this, knowing that we're all in on this, and it has not been fraught with the usual politics that we see at some of these county meetings.

That's number two.

Number three, this is an intolerable situation. It's only going to get worse as less sites can accept, and there's no functional use for it. It's just being disposed. Number four, in my discussion, what I've heard, is that the expectation is that we're going to be participating on the back end as well. That is, we're going to be able to utilize that, which can be produced, because it is ground cover, it's ground fill, it's an opportunity to do that, and that we should be participating. I think that's a non-starter with the county if we're not participating. I think everybody's in agreement, and once that becomes political, then that's going to be really clear.

No, I just say, because I know people that are in that, the county was taking a lot of stuff at one point. They were taking oils, they were taking a lot. then they backed out of that whole business, but they have the infrastructure where they are, right? They're adding to where infrastructure they have, or this is totally a totally new site?

This is a new thermal dryer facility. They currently do not have a dryer in there.

Right, I know that, but it's by a facility that the county already has.

is within the county wastewater treatment plant.

That's what I'm getting at.

And just adding to it, this has been done. All the utilities, all the 11 utilities that treat wastewater in Burrard County have been participating. Some of them have more challenges. Just for note, the City of Plantation, the City of Margate, the City of Miramar, and Coral Springs Improvement District have already executed their ILAs to their specific commissions. We are bringing for your discussion as well. And the other ones are evaluating as well. So we expect a large participation that as a regional facility, it makes sense for a regulatory standpoint for economic of scale uh... with someone going on their own and is a very large uh... initial capital improvement call what what is hollywood in fort lauderdale so where are they at in this so hollywood in fort lauderdale uh... the uh... Fort Lauderdale is currently having a study similar to what we've done in Sunrise. We actually have communicating with them. Hollywood is in a different, they have a different process over there. They might have more challenges, but they've been participating in our discussions.

But do they want to join or not want to join?

From a staff level, I think everyone wants to join. Hollywood might be in a different position because of the investment that they had made on a different process there.

If they back out at any point, does the price of our $45 million and $5 million jump because the two biggest back out?

probably not because there is such a demand for the biosolids that the county would probably build the full facility anyway because they apparently have already been approached by some utilities outside of the county of interest if if that is if that opportunity rises now fort lauderdale and ruby can correct me if i'm wrong i wanted to clarify is the reason they have not joined at this point is they have to evaluate their biosolids because it may require additional treatment before it's even accepted by the county facility so i think this has been a missing point yeah it's not a situation where everybody can just send it there

For some communities, they have to have some pre-treatment and changes to their processes, which are going to require heavy investment to even participate.

Right, right. I understand that, but this is the first time. So these are important things for us to know. You may know it. No, no, I agree. But this is the first time it's being brought up, and I want to make sure, because just like in the garbage, If everybody doesn't join and a few of the big guys back out, then it falls apart. I want to make sure that this will still go forward, but I want to make sure if those big guys fall out, does it jump our amount of money? Because now we become a big guy in the mix. If Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood are out and there's 11, then we become one of those big guys because we have a lot of customers. I wanna make sure we're not gonna get burned in this.

No, and you see on the interlocal agreement that will be brought in front of you, it's based on the volume. So independent if others are participating or not, it's based on the volume that we bring it in. So this was a point of discussion, all the different utilities that if utility A is not participating, the cost of utility B is not increasing. So it's not just based on that, it's based on the volume that we are taking on the facility. and how much volume I would bring it in.

And who outside the county wants to come in? Is it Dade or is it West Palm?

There are discussions from – West Palm has a facility, so there are discussions. Miami-Dade County has a very large demand.

Large demand to bring to us?

They have a large – they are a very large utility, and they do not have that process in place. They don't have – that's what I'm saying. They might have an interest in that.

Okay. Well, I'm saying that could be a good thing for the volume, but if they see money to be made in it, then they may be doing what we're doing.

No, I'm just trying to feel it out for myself. I think the point is absolutely well taken. Right.

This is a huge thing for you, Rodrigo. I agree. I just want to make sure in this process we're not going to get burned some way. That's all I'm saying. And I know you're on it. I'm not saying you're not. But this is the first time that I'm hearing this. And I know about the hauling and all that and how people start using, how they just jack the price from 80 to 132. But when we go to power line, that becomes like nothing.

Commissioner Kirchner.

Yeah. So they're asking five million for design, 45 for construction. Is there gonna be an annual cost allocation for operation that we have to contribute?

Yes, so to operate the facility, we're at 10% of that based on the estimate on the study. Based on our volume, we probably have an operating cost, which include us hauling from here to that facility somewhere between 1.3 to $1.5 million per year.

Coming right out of utility, not at a general fund, right?

No, our standard operating costs.

So part of the analysis as we go through this is going to be taking in all the costs, right, as was operating our contribution, understanding our participation on the backside, that is what is available as a commodity stream, and then comparing it to what the current, then current situation will be with the ever dwindling disposal sites and the costs that are associated. Or for some communities, they may have no choice but to suck it up every year and continue to just pay way too much because they cannot handle the capital investment that's going to be necessary to pre-treat to even utilize this technology. Am I understanding that right?

You are correct.

Okay. So I want to thank you because some of the work that you've done in nano and other things have made our opportunity better, even though we didn't necessarily see it coming. The processes, the advanced processes you all came to the Commission and recommended that staff worked on that brought us here, we see the difference when we look at maybe the Southwest plant, which doesn't have any of that, or Springtree that needs that upgrade. There are some, if I understand correct, there are just some utilities that haven't even gotten to nanofiltration, and therefore they may not even be able to, they're going to have to have enormous capital investment just to participate in the ILA.

That is correct. And we evaluated, we always be evaluated even before my time as utilities director. I think everyone across the county considers Sunrise one of the leaders. We have been very fortunate with our investment on our infrastructure. Some of those mandates, they are major and that's why we have those effects. But the sunrise utility is in a good position, both on the water and the wastewater side. So we have made investments based on guidance from the past that put us on a good position today.

All right. And then finally, I think that Commissioner Scudo's point And Mr. Lebowski understands this as well, as the commission does, is we're going to need to understand what it looks like in the operating side of this, where we're protected, we don't get banged by ever-increasing costs, where we are in the commodity stream, and also if for some reason the technology changes, how we're called upon, either through wind down or otherwise. We're going through the same thing in garbage. The unique issue here is we are truly facing a financial crisis if we don't, if the communities as a whole in South Florida don't figure out a way to deal with it. because there's just less and less disposal sites.

And it could be more than just the financial process. It could be the regulatory side too. So based on only being able to spread AA for land application, that could be a major regulatory issue for utilities. And there are not a lot of those facilities out there. So that could be very problematic. That is not just the cost, but also how can you meet that requirement?

So let me just ask one other thing.

I think as part of that process, then, we're going to want to know how the county intends to price this for us, but also where they're pricing it for folks outside the ILA. We're either, I mean, we should have most favored nation for sure, but we want to make sure that if they find that there is capacity that's unused by ILA members, that we understand what that is financially to the system right and where those offsets where we're participating in that right because we're building it we got a percentage of it we're on we should be on that board of directors so to speak so that if there's capacity that needs to be up can be up taken by outside ILA members and they're charging them more for it that we're at least either participating by way of reduction in operating expenses or making sure our contributions over time and reserves or otherwise are properly managed. It's going to require a lot of work. And before the ILA comes back to us, we're going to have to have some really detailed understanding. I mean, everyone up here has history with the county on these issues. And again, I think it's a model of collaboration. This has been done without any political. It's been, they've got a lot more done because it's been at the staff level and they understand the urgency. But that being said, The technical legal side of this, Mr. Lebelski and Mr. Moss, is going to have to be really closely examined so that when we're 20 years out, we don't regret that we did this in this fashion. Is that fair? Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

I'll get with city staff after this.

All right, I'm good. All right, next unfunded regulatory mandate for us.

Yes, so the next item, it's SCADA, which stands for Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition. So that's pretty much the brain of the utility, per se. There are regulations that the state created related to cybersecurity. As you know, water utilities are target-rich for this type of bad actors. You might remember a few years back when a city on the West Coast was targeted. And fortunately, they didn't have any problems. So our current infrastructure and which we invest every year requires modernization to meet those new standards. So we have a multi-year strategy to address SCADA. So includes our collection systems, our plant operations, our water distribution systems. So those are different types of systems that we use on our processes. So with technology, things get, there are challenges, there are additional equipment, and we might need adjustments to staff to support this more advanced technology. So we currently have a project within our approved CIP. We have started already implementing our SCADA upgrades. You might have seen some of the project agreements coming in front of you. And that is a 10-year deployment. We are doing that in phases because it's a major. We still need to operate as a utility. So we are doing that in phases. But it's important to bring that up to the commission's attention as well.

This is the thing that wakes up a lot of utility directors because it's not your staff and a pipe breaking that worries you. You can handle that. It's the intrusion into the environment by outside bad actors. I know over the years you've come to the Commission, and the Commission has invested heavily in this. I think this is one area the Commission has made very, very clear that whatever the costs are, you know, rationally, that need to be, we need to protect because of the potential for very bad negative consequences. Irrespective of the regulatory environment, this is what we have to do, right? So in terms of that plan coming forward, over this phasing over 10 years, what does that look like for us as a commission?

So the step one is that separation of the standard network to the SCADA network. So just creating those barriers, I think that will be the first step.

I'm actually, you know what, I think I'll save my questions for you because I think that some of this is a rather sensitive topic to discuss. So I'll, as I'm sure the commission will as well, we'll get with you separately.

Okay.

Okay.

So in summary, the combined impacts of PFAS, biosolids, and cybersecurity requirements represent an anticipated regulatory challenge. While these initiatives require substantial capital investment, they are essential to protect the public health, maintaining compliance with permits, meeting regulatory and legislative requirements, and secure critical infrastructure. The 2021 rate study was based on the best available information at that time. These new mandates have created a materially different financial reality, necessitating a new rate study.

And to be clear on this, once again, this is for not just Sunrise, not just in Broward County, frankly, not just in Florida or some of these regulatory changes. It's nationwide.

It's nationwide, and it's not by choice. So those were mandates that we have to comply, and Sunrise has always been in compliance with those. We are not alone on this. All the utilities or our neighbors are going through the same things, some of them much worse than ours.

So the rate study will take how long to get back to us?

So we have as an action item, we have a few items in front of you. So the first one is our revenue sufficiency analysis to get our rate consultant to analyze our rates. That process usually takes like six to nine months to do all their analysis based on their schedules. So that's what we're expecting like probably later this year, beginning of next year to have that completed once we give them the notice to proceed.

and obviously it's not gonna be a rate decrease.

We'll have to analyze numbers, but we have capital costs that needs to be funded.

I agree with Mr. DiCascio. It's going to take us some time to go through this. Obviously, we have some dollars coming in also from the settlements. There's also, we'll continue to look for some grants and opportunities for that to help offset some of these costs. But as Rodrigo mentioned earlier, we're looking at a $200 million investment over the next five years. So we will have to make sure that we have sufficient rates to fund these unfunded mandates from the state and the federal.

There must be utilities that are, I mean, we're obviously, you know, feeling the pain of what's coming, but there's got to be some that are in full-on panic as to what this is going to mean in terms of cost.

There are utilities that require improvements on both the water and the wastewater side, which much larger capital investment than us.

Are we seeing anything out of the legislature in Tallahassee to assist utilities statewide

No, just the opposite, even to make it even harder for us.

So if Davey was so far behind when we were just going to buy their system, are they now going to come back and want us to buy them again because they're so far behind? Oh, I'm saying, I mean.

A lot of these, and it's going to be really hard to justify investments now in that, but there's going to have to be some state relief. I'm not saying in terms of what the legislative mandates are because these are obviously based on safety and security health and safety and security but there's going to be some some rural utility you know plants that are just going to the number of customers across the base that can these costs can be spread it's going to be very minimal and it's going to be very very high cost increases if there's not some relief that's not for us to worry about today but it would be Something to think about with our lobbyists and talking to the other utilities and getting together and going to Tallahassee, saying, look, we're not looking to change these health safety regulations, but we need help.

The rural areas are going to stay as well in septic because they're not going to be able to want to pay for the money to go back to a system. I'm just saying. So instead of them bringing them ahead, they're going to stay the way they are.

So have the utilities been working together? I'll just finish with this. I know you have your action plan, but do you know if they've been working together to talk about this and what state assistance we can potentially get or federal assistance for that matter?

Yeah, I can take on that. We are members of seven different associations. We have a very good working relationship with our neighbors and other utilities across the state. We have, throughout different organizations, lobbying for different things and looking for funds. The state used to have the state revolving fund for utilities that had a very healthy balance on those. We have not seen that as of lately. But Sunrise Utilities have been very fortunate with our grant application. You all might remember that we received $16.5 million for our sawgrass wastewater treatment plant. We received some funds from our Southwest wastewater treatment plant. So we'll continue to look for those type of grants and other funding opportunities out there. We're very active. Our team is always looking for things, the grants division financing, like they're always looking for those things as well.

It's a it it's a it's very fluid But we're very active on the different associations with our neighbors as well and just to chime in In addition to the city has a general state and federal lobbyists We recently last year hired a utilities only lobbyist just because of these type of issues All right, so the action plan are the items that are on the agenda tonight and

Yes, we have three items, the budget amendment, the word of the bar solids, hauling and disposal, and agreement for the rate, the revenue sufficiency update, and if approved by commission, we'll bring forward additional items at the 24th meeting for a second reading of the budget amendment, as well as the interlocal agreement for design only. Just a point of clarification, for construction and operating costs, there'll be a separate ILA that will come forward to the commission at a later date. And from one of our capital improvement projects, which is included on our CIP and has funds for design, we expect that to bring forward to the commission later this year.

All right. That's all I had. Thanks for the uplifting news, Ariel. Anything else, Coach, to make us happy? No, thank you for this. Again, it's a credit to staff and those that came before you on committing to a lot of these technologies that unknowingly put us in the best position possible. So going forward, obviously, as we educate the community on what we're facing, it's going to be important to also measure us relative to what other utilities are experiencing in terms of their capital costs and how we're in a better position. I think Commissioner Skrull raised a really good point about, you know, Potential acquisitions of other utilities is an entirely different analysis today based on this.

So better to be lucky than good sometimes. All right.

Thank you, Rodrigo. Any further questions for Mr. Lebowski on this? All right. The only thing I would end with, whatever these ILAs are, we really need to have a more detailed discussion, both with individuals and then as part of our public discussion to make sure these are fully protected for the city. All right, 17B, a resolution of the City of Sunrise, Florida, approving an agreement to perform a 2026 revenue sufficiency update between the City of Sunrise and Raftelis Financial Consultancy and providing effective data to City Manager Mark Lebelski, Rodrigo DeCastro, Director of Utilities. Motion by Commissioner Skudo, seconded by Commissioner Kirch. This is a public hearing. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter, please come forward or press 5-star on your phone. I see no hands raised. Can you confirm no hands raised?

I confirm no hands raised.

All right, I'll close public discussion. Any discussion from my colleagues? Call the question.

Assistant deputy mayor Clark deputy mayor Guzman. Yes, Commissioner Kurtz. Yes, Commissioner Scudo.

Yes, we're Ryan Yes, item passes five to zero see a resolution the city of sunrise, Florida to award bid number 26 dash 34-0 1-b age for sludge cake hauling and disposal to H&H liquid sludge disposal Inc and provide an effective date city manager Mark Lebowski Rodriguez de Castro director of utilities got a motion move it much like a shirt scudo seconded by kirch this is a public hearing anyone wishing to be heard this matter please come forward or press five star on your phone i see no one come forward any hands raised online no hands raised all right i'll close public discussion discussion for my colleagues i just want to say what a great name sludge cake for the hauling company great name it's yeah it's probably the best euphemism you could ask for right um all right follow the question on sludge cakes

Commissioners kiddo. Yes assistant deputy mayor Clark deputy mayor Guzman. Yes Commissioner Kirch.

Yes, mayor Ryan. Yes item passes All right, mr. Moss.

I know you have a report tonight that you wanted to raise Thank you mayor I do have a request to make and that is I'm requesting a commission authorization to hire the Weiss Sirota health McCollum Beerman law firm as appellate and litigation counsel for various traffic court matters and to execute a retainer agreement with that firm.

Okay. Any discussion on that? What direction do you need other than consensus, Commissioner Kirch?

The vendor needs to pay.

Understood.

And why Sarota?

Why Sarota has experienced appellate counsel that has helped in these matters for many years, and I have been in contact with them, that attorney in particular, and he is very competent, very experienced, and he's the right person for the job.

Okay, and what is this other thing that we got in the mail for the cameras from DeLuca, Judge DeLuca? I know what I'm saying. So this is how this is all starting again, where in the beginning it was the ticket clinic that started this, where we had to lay out hundreds of thousands of dollars for everybody. At least this time, are we doing this again by ourselves for everybody?

So the order that you're referring to from Judge DeLuca was a statement

was a sunrise case right so that's what i'm saying so here we go again where the ones that are going to put this bill to why sir rhoda and again everybody else is going to get the benefit this is where i i'm bringing this because we had a commissioner that came to this podium from another city about puppy mills and end up costing us hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight this And it wasn't our fight. We didn't even have a puppy mill in the city.

This one's our fight.

Now, this is our fight because – but the other one was the one from the ticket clinic.

This is just our fight.

No, I know. But what I'm saying is the one with the ticket clinic, was that our fight too that we fought for everybody?

My understanding – did we get reimbursed on that? Do you have any assistance from the vendor?

Previously, we have. That was back in 2015. There was a case.

There was a case. Did we get reimbursed? Did we get any money back?

We did get reimbursed from the vendor in that case.

Okay. And now – That's what he's asked before. I agree because I don't want to be footing this bill again because now this case is going to make national again or state, whatever.

It has a big effect on other things going on.

So the other component of this is the attorney general needs to be engaged in this. And I want to thank Mr. Moss. I know that your team have reached out. Whether they took this motion seriously at the outset, now that the order has been entered, it's important that the attorney general defend this for the entire state. At risk is not just the red light camera. It's the entire safety program, including the school's own cameras and everything else. So it's all predicated on this issue. So Attorney General needs to step in as well, as was requested. And I think you understand the vendor needs to step up and provide the defense on this.

Completely understood. Or vendors. Understood.

But see how this is crazy that how many years has it been now, and now all of a sudden, I mean, it's the same thing. Either you're driving the car, and then if you're not, you said you're not driving it, you push the burden to the person who is, then they're obligated. So I just don't see how no one else in this time frame, no, has brought this up like this where it's got to go again.

It's been brought up, just judges have been hesitant to rule.

Well, this is what I'm saying. This is not the first time DeLuca has done a red light camera. Why did DeLuca at this point write this up? I'm just saying.

Seventy-five.

I hear you well. I'm saying.

What I would note is that in reading the briefs here, I have no doubt the city's right. This is not a criminal infraction. It's a non-criminal. I think the judge is completely wrong on this. The cases that he cited out of state that dealt with the issue of whether this is a burden shift were also either quasi-criminal or criminal cases or code cases. So it's just wrong. And so it may have come up before, and judges realize it's not correct. This is not a criminal infraction.

So we're saying it's civil? I'm saying when I read the whole thing, it was very hard to understand because they kept on throwing so many different cases of so many different things. And then it was like, like you said, quasi criminal. Then it said civil, but then it said it switched the burden. I didn't want to stop reading it because I wanted to see what he said at the end. But at the end, it was only like a two-line thing, and that changes the difference of what his opinion is.

What I would say is that the brief that Rob generated, I've read that brief. I think it was spot on. He differentiated all of the cases, which were all criminal cases or quasi-criminal. This is not even quasi-criminal. This is a non-criminal traffic infraction. It is clear in the statute. It's defined as non-criminal. There's nothing about it, and that burden shifting has never been seen as a problem because it's non-criminal. Therefore, the constitutional review is not what Judge DeLuca – not the appropriate judicial review. And as a result, I think we will prevail. The attorney general needs to step in the breach on this as well. They should have stepped in the breach before, but probably they didn't because no one was taking this seriously. It's a non-criminal trafficking fraction, and so the burden has never been shifted. So whatever the case may be, at this point, the entire program statewide is at risk, and therefore, as has been noted, both the Attorney General and the vendors need to step in and provide assistance. There's no way to get the other municipalities across the state to participate, but we need to defend this program because it's just a – the order's wrong, in my opinion, and I can say it for the days.

I think you might get some other municipalities to participate because – If it isn't turned over, then that goes to the next thing, which is recovering the money that's been paid and received by other municipalities over the years. So it might have some leverage.

Yeah. Well, it'll be voluntary, if anything, and maybe other cities will want to pop in. They certainly should be popping in on the very least as amicus or amici on this and participating. But I want to thank you. I want to thank Rob for the briefing on it. I thought it was excellent. I thought it was persuasive, and there was nothing about the order that I find persuasive. This is just, yet again, this particular court seems to, and I'll say it, I can say it from the days because I'm protected, I think this judge is out for the red light camera program, has had the opportunity to do it, and I think the case law cited by Rob and differentiated as well as the out-of-state cases just are not applicable to this. So I appreciate the work by staff. Any further discussion on that? Do you need any further guidance?

No, sir, just a motion.

All right, can I have a motion? Motion by Commissioner Kerr, second by Commissioner Scudow. Any discussion on that? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? All right. Do you have the guidance you need?

Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you.

All right. 16A, Commission Budget. Commission Discussion and Interaction Regarding Commission Budget. Mayor Michael J. Ryan. All right. So the only additional, I know, I think we're in line on the travel. We know where we are in terms of the rest of the year. I don't think there's any issues. Mr. Lebowski and I thank Finance for also Assisting so we have that understand the only other issue had been the question that's provided as part of the backup the issue of allowances And whether or not receipts should be required for that Whether it's for car allowance or the monthly appreciate staff did a survey you can see it's all over the place here and so I just push it out there to decide if the Commission wants to make any adjustments on this obviously As we go into this next cycle with property tax and everything else, it's good to reexamine these issues and make sure. As you can see, compared to some other cities, it's pretty modest what Sunrise has done for a very long time. There's some really large allowances in other cities, and I'll leave it to those cities and their constituents to figure that out. But the city here has been pretty modest over the years in that across the board. Any interest on anybody having a discussion further on that? Okay. Right. And I think the only other question is whether or not there should be – the car allowance is just like impossible, I think, to ever get to a point where you're submitting – I traveled 1.2 miles, and let's get to federal. It's just the burden of the work of it, and we know that everybody goes to all these things. So I certainly have no reason, and I think it's modest compared to what we see in some of the other allowances. The only other question would be the monthly allowance, whether or not receipts should be required. Generally speaking, it looks like from the survey, most cities do not require, and some do, although they have different structures. So it's up to the Will of the Commission. I thank staff for doing the survey. I have certainly no objection to seats if that's what the Commission wants to do. Any further discussion on it? Okay. Mr. Lebowski, any report? City Mayor's report?

No report, Mayor.

City Clerk?

No report, sir.

Okay. Deputy Mayor?

Okay, I've got two important things on my end, so please be patient with me because I've been waiving my reports for some time, so today I'm not going to. The first one for me is the safety concerns regarding the e-scooters or e-bikes that's been happening in the community. There's been quite a few more cases coming up, And we're seeing the e-scooters more and more. And if I can just read to you just some really important information. The rise of e-scooters, e-bikes, and other micro mobility devices has led to more injuries and accidents on sidewalks and roads, especially near schools and residential areas. Late last year, a student was hit in front of Piper High School. Highlighting the real risk in our community. Yesterday, Florida passed the Senate Bill 382, establishing speed limits and operational rules for e-bikes to protect riders and the public. This focuses on safety and especially important during bicycle and pedestrian month, reminding us our shared responsibility to keep streets and sidewalks safe for everyone. So I just wanted to know if anyone else is hearing from the community about this concern. I've seen it. I see it at the schools. I see about three schools in the morning and in the afternoon and even regular university in Oakland and some major streets where the standing up scooters are just everywhere and people are getting hit and run over and there's been quite a few accidents. So I just wanted to bring that up to you guys.

Okay, so I've been in discussion with a couple of the police officers i know that they just made a whole presentation to the police department uh... regarding the e scooters i brought this up uh... i want to say like two years ago that dominoes was delivering with electrical bicycles and driving them on the sidewalks uh... and then now two three years later it's it's blown up so now they have the e-scooters, they have e-motorcycles, and there's different variations. If they're under, and I wish I would have some of the police officers here that know this to a T, if it's under 40 miles an hour, if it's under 775 whatever megahertz or whatever you call it, If they go over 40 miles an hour, they're supposed to have a license plate. They're supposed to have insurance, just like anything else. So, you know, it's just some of the new cities' sidewalks are wide enough for golf carts and wide enough for joint bicycle, electric vehicle, and whatnot. Most of the cities in Broward are older indeed, and a lot of the cities around the state have smaller sidewalks. So now when you have these e-bikes and e-motorcycles where all these kids love to pull wheelies, it's like they can't even see who's in front of them other than what they're guiding. So if the chief can come forward, let us know what presentations you guys have had and where – like Coral Springs just passed – a whole bunch of things with ordinances. I'm not saying I'm in favor of going for ordinances or I'm not. But I think we should lay out what can be and what cannot be, whether the bicycle pedestrian board looks at this. But I mean, the police have already done theirs. Some of the cities have already enacted stuff. I think something should be brought back to us and figure out like we understand families want to have golf carts in the neighborhoods and they want to drive them around. But then there's no seatbelts. They have a lot of underage kids. They don't have child protected seats or whatever it is. It's not like we're trying to go against families, but we did get calls and I've gotten calls and talked to the chief and That in our neighborhood at 115th, families trying to go to Wellaby Park and SAC, cars that roll through the stop sign and hit the whatever you want to call, golf carts or almost hit golf carts. So it's becoming an issue. And like Coral Springs obviously seen this issue and they jumped on it because they have where you go to see... The sunset and a lot of people were using a lot of these vehicles to go to that because the traffic, what caused was so much and there wasn't availability for all the cars that we did with the MPO, making it bigger, making the road longer, adding more spaces. But it's just at any point in time, you could go to that site. It's just so overwhelmed with vehicles. And these now are becoming a major part of that, too. So this might have been a very big issue for them. And that's why I did these ordinances. So if you could just tell us.

Before the Senate bill, have we seen it? Have you seen what the policy or law you have? Okay. I did send it to Felicia. I don't know if you can pull it up. But I think it's important information to kind of go off, I guess, whatever you're going to say.

Sure. So we have seen an increase in not just the motorized scooters, but the e-bikes and the e-motorcycles. They're becoming more affordable and more attractive for families.

That's not the one. It's a Senate bill.

Chair Merrilees, families throughout the county right to include sunrise, I am not aware of specific ordinances for other jurisdictions, there are currently traffic laws on the books that regulate the use of these devices. continuing to monitor again our partners who are having and some would say a little bit more trouble with these devices and their operation we have seen an increase in traffic crashes associated with primarily the scooters um and we are currently working on uh information primarily to put out through social media and our education to the community, like other agencies have done, stressing the legal nature of some of these devices and the dangers associated with them.

Certainly around, I mean, I've traveled around, I've seen in some areas, not in Sunrise, in some areas where cities have obviously passed some ordinances or are using information to remind restrictions on pedestrian pathways. for motorized. It's going to be part of not only what the Senate bill was, but local enforcement. And there are some areas that are having a bigger struggle with this, you know, for instance, Fort Lauderdale and some others that have a very, very high volume of those that, in part because they're rented and part of the tourism process, there's been a lot of new, right, cars and scooters. So I guess the question is, from your perspective, what Do you have any recommendations or should we watch to see if the Senate bill gets signed into law and then figure out whether there's a stop gap for us? And then it's going to be next step will be your evaluation of what enforcement efforts are necessary.

That's correct, sir.

Okay, I'm just saying, I know yesterday was the most recent information that was passed, so I just wanted to make sure we all were aware of what's coming down the pipeline.

Yes, ma'am. Thank you. If it's enrolled, the governor will sign it, and we'll know probably by Friday, right? So once that happens, then you're going to need to do a full evaluation and a summary for the commission as to what the enforcement efforts will be and any gaps that you see in the Senate bill. Fortunately, it's not going to be us picking on folks. This is going to be what's mandated by the state.

And if you could just see what Coral Springs, what they have, I know they just did it not too long ago.

Last month was theirs.

And the town of Davion. BSO is having some issues as well. So we'll continue to monitor. Okay. Thank you, Chief. Thank you. Laura, still yours.

Second thing. So just recently I saw on the news, and this may not be important to others, but as a woman and a mom, this is something important to me and a few others, I believe, in the community. But recently there was a college student who had given birth to a child in the toilet and left the baby there in a duffel bag in the closet. and then went to school, went about their day, went to theater, and did whatever a college student does, and came back home, and then decided to bury her child in the backyard. She spoke to a friend, the friend notified the police, and within 24 hours they found all the evidence and recently charged her for aggravated criminal, I guess murder, however you want to call that. I've already been seeing some things coming. It's called Safe Box. You ever heard of the Safe Box for babies? There's none here in Broward. There's a few in Florida, but I thought it was something that we could maybe take a look at. It's not common to where babies are being abandoned, if you will, but there have been a total of 50 cases in Broward County. Since 2000, this just happened in Palm Coast, the case I was just talking to you about. So it's not too far, but I just thought maybe it's something we can talk about. And I don't know how the fire department feels about it because there is a safe haven law. And I didn't know if that's something we can maybe look into the future for our community and even Broward County being the first.

Yeah, so. Leaving aside the predicate that might be not important to others because they're not a mom or a woman, this is incredibly important to the community. I grew up in a family of adopted sisters, so the issue of abandonment and what it means is hugely important to me as anyone with a heart. If our department can or you can provide the commission some information on this, I know the commission will certainly take a look at it.

If it's possible, I don't mean to interrupt you, but I have something on the screen. If we can just take a second to look at it.

Okay, well, that would be good. And then provide additional information as to how this operates. It obviously is going to require county engagement and maybe even state engagement. So look forward to that material.

Alicia, can you scroll down slightly to the video? I think it's like maybe 20 seconds long. And if there's a way to play that and enlarge it. It's okay, there's no volume. It's just, she's a founder. I guess we can share this link with everyone and then I guess, however, Chief Mack, more discussions. I didn't want to talk more about it with him because I know we usually talk about if there's something we'd like to move forward, let's talk about it on the commission first before putting it on the agenda. So that's something I would like to do in the future.

Okay, look forward to seeing the materials. All right, thank you.

Thank you.

Further? No? Assistant Deputy Mayor. I just wanted to comment that for creating that video.

I think it was a great job in the city and .

Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike. Sorry. We all heard that. OK.

Okay, I would just wanted to commend the marketing department and everybody involved in creating the video that was showcasing our city It's a nice touch and it looked really well for individuals to see what our city has to offer Mr. Kerch

Yeah, on Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend the Broward League of City Board of Directors meeting, and there was a presentation on the school resource officer proposal for reimbursement from the school board. I asked Lourdes to share that presentation with you all. I know there's discussions with the chief and the city manager's office. I asked y'all to take a look at that. It looks like we might have to do some advocating for a little more than their proposals that they're wanting to do. So just to put that on everyone's radar. On the 19th will be the Broward League of Cities Member Associate Night. That will be held at Fort Lauderdale Marriott North, 6650 North Andrews Avenue. I will be out of the country, so I can't attend. Usually I attend those, but if any of my colleagues would like to attend or procurement or... the league would appreciate someone showing up because the associate members, that's how they get their access and want to learn how to do business with various cities. So if anyone would like to show up, I'd throw that out there to you all. And that's my report.

All right. Commissioner Skudo. No report. All right. Just real quick, I want to update the commission. This commission was informed about the crypto kiosk or Bitcoin. ATMs in our community, and I want to thank the Chief for compiling, Police Chief for compiling the information on the frauds, not only here but in collaborating with other communities. I want to thank Mr. Moss and his team for doing a tremendous amount of research into what was going on around the country in a regulatory fashion. That material was provided to the legislative delegation, particularly State Rep. Dan Daly, who had been working on this last year when it would not pass. It looks like through the advocacy of this commission, the work with other communities, other mayors and commissioners, and the city attorneys and police chiefs, it looks like we're going to see some increased regulation and protection for victims of fraud that are facilitated by these machines. We'll find out this week whether it gets signed by the governor, but it looked like it had really unanimous support on the House and Senate side. So we should begin to see those. The next step, once that is passed and becomes law, is going to be enforcement. We're going to have to work very hard and we'll have to educate our police department or victims unit on these issues and what the opportunities are to get immediate justice for some of it is actually Forcing the kiosk to return fraudulent stolen funds Within a time frame so it's it's a huge advancement for protection may not change the ability to utilize these machines for facilitating other crimes money laundering or otherwise, but certainly will and hopefully provide a better level of protection in line with what nine other states have passed. It may very well be that the Florida law may be one of the strictest when this comes through. So we'll have an update hopefully at the next meeting on that. Do I think the marketing department, as was said about the video, was fantastic and then accumulating it into rather than individual clips. Thank you. And we should continue to push that out. I sent it to some folks and who are not as familiar with Sunrise and they were they said, wow. So really, really great job. Lastly, on the SRO. To put a finer point on Commissioner Kirch, I'm going to send to the board a missive, to the school board, a missive on this. One of the features of this proposal is an undefined, vague statement that they're going to cut 27 full-time SROs. They don't have any, so what that suggests to me is that if you do out the math, it may be that what they're saying is they're going to try to reduce one position per city that has a school, because you cut out West Park and Lazy Lake and Lighthouse Point. Everybody else has got a school. So that may very well be the other way they're trying to gut this program. And so I thank Commissioner Kirch for bringing that forward to the board. And there is no doubt Sunrise will be on the forefront with its residents standing up to any effort to cut this program or to defund it.

There's no reimbursement supervisor.

Right. They're going to eliminate that as well, which is a problem. So we'll need to continually look at that. It may require that, you know, come April before all the parents go home that we make sure we get the word out so they can do what they do best, which is show up and make sure we're heard. So that's all the report I have. Commissioner Guzman, your light's on again.

I just had a question for Legion Services. It's off that topic, but can you give us an update on how the bridal event went? I couldn't go, but I thought it was pretty cool our first year doing it. Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor, Commissioners, Kevin Picard, Director of Leisure Services. This past weekend, we had our first bridal XO at the Signature Sunrise. We had a few hundred patrons, over 30 vendors, excellent fashion show, lots of smiles, and we heard great feedback.

Awesome. I'm assuming these are people from all over the county that came that were interested, or just did we target just our community?

We had a focus on Sunrise businesses but we didn't simply just have Sunrise vendors.

Only because I'm just curious to see how we're doing booking with Signature Sunrise and I know a lot of people are interested in doing events here so you know not just Sunrise residents I would love to see more outside people booking the venue so it's great.

Yeah no I think I can work with the city manager's office and provide an update on the facility in the near future.

Thank you.

Right before we go, open discussion. Anybody who wishes to speak on any matters of city business, either press five star on your phone or come forward. Anyone come forward? Can you confirm no hands raised?

No hands are raised.

Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike. Hi.

Oh, my gosh. Is there any way for us to regulate how many of these machines that we have in our city? I didn't realize that there were so many, but yesterday I was Googling something, and it just popped up, all these. ATMs all over and I was like wait, I didn't even realize there was that many of them And so is there any way as a city that we can regulate that?

Yeah, that's a great question if the first of all, the answer is yes in my opinion and the it had the legislature not come forward and hopefully get signed in some protections, I would have come to the Commission to suggest we ban them in our community because for a couple of reasons. One, they're being used to defraud seniors. We have examples right here. Two, they really have no legitimate use, in my opinion. In fact, as part of the new legislation, there's no limits on the transaction costs that can be charged. So to put that in some context, let's just say you want to buy $100 worth of Bitcoin for some reason, and you don't have the ability to do that online for some reason, and you want to do it at an ATM for some reason, at a convenience store, at a gas station for some reason, you can be charged 20% or 30% as a transaction cost, there's no way that that's a legitimate investment. You cannot start off in an investment where you're already down 20 or 30 percent. There's no legitimate strategy for that. So the only purpose for it is either to move money, transfer money, That could be legitimate, but you're paying something for that, or to facilitate crimes, money laundering, purchase of illegal activities or goods, or fraud. The proliferation of these has been extraordinary. And just to give a little footnote on that, we know from the police reports and from the public reporting that when folks were being defrauded, particularly seniors, of course they would have no idea where a Bitcoin ATM is. And I say Bitcoin, it's a crypto kiosk would be located. the fraudsters would be able to tell them where it is in location to their home, so it would be very convenient, and then they would send them a QR code to be able to do it. So the idea that these are popping up in convenience stores and otherwise, it is possible, but I think what we should probably do first before we go to that next step is evaluate the legislation because we still have to establish some good reason, cause for it. It was much easier, I think, without the Florida legislation, but I think it's certainly something to consider. And I know if you wanted to talk to Mr. Moss and his team, they've looked at this very closely. And I'll just finish with this. It wasn't just us prepared to try to ban this. There had already been discussions with some other cities and the other city attorneys who said, look, let's watch what's happening. If Florida doesn't do something to protect our community, then I know that some cities were already in line ready to ban these. Mr. Moss, is that fairly accurate?

Yes, that's true, yes.

But I think it's a great question, and the point raised, I think we shouldn't just assume because the legislature passed this that these are still legitimate tools in our community for proper investment as opposed to facilitating crimes. So I think it's a great question. Okay, any further business? All right, can we have a motion to adjourn? Motion by Commissioner Kerr, seconded by Commissioner Scudo. All in favor say aye. Aye. Fair adjourned. Thank you.