Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Steve Geller
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
title
MAYOR'S REPORT
A. FILM INDUSTRY IN BROWARD COUNTY
ACTION: (T-2:42 PM) Following an update as to efforts being made to promote Broward County as a location for film, television and other video productions, Mayor Geller directed the County Attorney’s Office to prepare an ordinance creating the office of Film Commissioner. In addition, Mayor Geller directed the County Attorney’s Office to prepare administrative code provisions creating a film incentive program that will provide financial assistance to film, television and other video productions that use South Florida as the location for filming and hiring local individuals as employees of those productions. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Mayor Geller, Commissioner Sharief expressed approval in regard to the Film Commission position being posted and noted the potential for being another economic driver for Broward County. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Mayor Geller, Commissioner Holness mentioned discussions in regard to setting up an incubator and inquired as to provisions to ensure nurturing, encouraging and supporting locals. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Commissioner Holness, Mayor Geller advised that 70 percent of the employees must reside in Dade or Broward County in order to be eligible for incentives. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Mayor Geller, Commissioner Holness inquired as to provisions to foster development of local talent to break into the movie making business. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Commissioner Holness, County Administrator Bertha Henry confirmed that the Film Board will be housed with the Office of Economic and Small Business Development, expressing the importance of nurturing small business of any kind. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Commissioner Holness, Mayor Geller replied that the intention is to accomplish both objectives, as well as serve as an incubator for smaller companies. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
B. COVID-19
ACTION: (T-3:09 PM) Mayor Geller implored unvaccinated individuals to become vaccinated in an effort to protect themselves, family, friends, community, country and especially children too young to be vaccinated. In additional, Mayor Geller reported that members of his Jewish temple decided to meet virtually in relation to Yom Kippur and Days of Awe. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
C. COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY MEETING
ACTION: (T-3:11 PM) Mayor Geller reported that he will chair the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy meeting organized by the South Florida Regional Planning Council consisting of participants from Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties. Mayor Geller also noted that a plan is created every ten years, which is sent to the federal government for funding. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
D. BROWARD COUNTY WATER ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
ACTION: (T-3:12 PM) Mayor Geller informed that he will be chairing the Broward County Water Advisory Board meeting September 10, 2021. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
E. COVID-19 WEBINAR
ACTION: (T-3:13 PM) Mayor Geller noted hosting a webinar with Mayor Levine Cava for local government officials in regard to what counties were doing in response to COVID-19. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
F. CONDOMINIUM STRUCTURAL COMMISSION
ACTION: (T-3:13 PM) Mayor Geller discussed attending three Broward County Condominium Structural Commission meetings. Mayor Geller also thanked Maite Azcoitia for doing a wonderful job in acting as drafting minutes secretary. In addition, Mayor Geller invited all to attend and provide input at the final meeting, which is being held a week from Friday in the chambers, resulting in the adoption of recommendations. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
G. TUNNEL/BRIDGE PLANNING
ACTION: (T-3:14 PM) Mayor Geller commented on a Sun Sentinel article revealing Mayor Trantalis’ strong support for a tunnel and strong opposition to any type of bridge. Mayor Geller also discussed potential bridge costs. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Mayor Geller, County Administrator Bertha Henry relayed meeting with Mayor Trantalis, along with Deputy County Administrator Monica Cepero on this topic, advising that both sides concur as to a lack of information at this point. Ms. Henry confirmed Mayor Trantalis’ support for a tunnel and suggested dialogue be conducted between engineers to solicit accurate information in planning with regard to resilience and sustainability. In addition, Ms. Henry advised additional dialogue is necessary. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to County Administrator Bertha Henry, Mayor Geller stated that he agrees with Mayor Trantalis that a bridge is not ideal, as it serves as a barrier by dividing groups; however, that if the current numbers are accurate, that it is unrealistic to afford a tunnel. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Mayor Geller, Commissioner Ryan highlighted the distinction between a tunnel and a tube, pointing out that the costs being presented by the Florida Department of Transportation are far more accurate than the cost estimates brought forward without any engineering analysis. Commissioner Ryan suggested hiring a consulting firm with a level of independence to develop a report, pointing out that the opportunity for federal dollars to pay the capital cost for commuter rail on the east side may be lost. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Commissioner Ryan, County Administrator Bertha Henry clarified that a traditional tunnel is being considered now, the technology having improved substantially in the opinions of engineers, suggesting that it can be accomplished for significantly less than the current numbers. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to County Administrator Bertha Henry, Commissioner Furr inquired if FDOT will be weighing in upon completion of the PD&E study. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Commissioner Furr, County Administrator Bertha Henry confirmed that the PD&E study provides alternatives to look at in determining the locally preferred alternative and cost benefit of a project. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to County Administrator Bertha Henry, Commissioner Furr expressed hope for FDOT to respond with solid recommendations. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
In response to Commissioner Furr, Vice-Mayor Udine discussed differences between various types of tunnel options. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)