Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

A. MOTION TO AFFIRM Board of County Commissioners' intent with respect to Oversight Board categories listed in local option transportation surtax authorizing legislation, Broward County Code of Ordinances Section 31 1/2 (Taxation) - 75; the terminology "professional in the field of" does not limit the Appointing Authority's consideration of retirees, persons who previously practiced in a profession, or persons whose education/degree differs from their practical experience; further, the "resident consumer of public transportation" is the only category requiring Broward County residency and regular use of multimodal public transportation, including, but not limited to: commuter rail service, fixed route transit, paratransit, or community shuttle service, and; finally, a "former city or county manager" is any person who is no longer serving in that capacity within Broward County.  

(Transferred to the Consent Agenda.)

ACTION:  (T-11:20 AM)  Approved.  (Scrivener’s Error – See County Administrator’s Report:  Second Paragraph of the Summary/Explanation Background, insert after “(designee of the Broward Council of Chambers)”, Dr. Colin Polsky (representing Director, FAU Center for Environmental Studies.))

VOTE:  9-0.

B. MOTION TO AFFIRM Board of County Commissioners' (Board's) intent that all nine categorical appointments be filled prior to the Oversight Board conducting business, and; providing that  the full Oversight Board receives orientation (including ethics training and the opportunity to establish its own governance structure), the Oversight Board may determine it can conduct business with a quorum.

(Transferred to the Consent Agenda.)

ACTION:  (T-11:20 AM)  Approved.  (Scrivener’s Error – See County Administrator’s Report:  Second Paragraph of the Summary/Explanation Background, insert after “(designee of the Broward Council of Chambers)”, Dr. Colin Polsky (representing Director, FAU Center for Environmental Studies.))

VOTE:  9-0.

Board discussion is required to seek clarification of legislative intent of County Code of Ordinances, Article V, Section 31 1/2-72-75.

Provides direction and clarification for the Appointing Authority in advance of its January 10, 2019 scheduled meeting where nominations and appointments are expected to occur.

None.

Section 31 1/2-75(a), Code of Ordinances designates an "Oversight Board. . . comprised of the following nine (9) members:  
(1) One professional in the field of accounting;
(2) One professional in the field of finance;
(3) One professional in the field of land use or urban planning;
(4) One professional in the field of engineering or construction management;
(5) One professional in the field of architecture;
(6) One professional in the field of environmental science;
(7) One resident consumer of public transportation;
(8) One former city or county manager"
The ninth is specified as the Broward College Director of the Office of Supplier Diversity (or designee).

On December 17, 2018, the seven-member Appointing Authority, consisting of Sidney Calloway (designee of the Urban League of Broward County), Bertha Henry (representing County Administrator), Randall Vitale (designee of the Broward Workshop), Arnold Nazur (designee of Hispanic Unity), Dan Lindblade (designee of the Broward Council of Chambers), and the Honorable Jack Seiler (designee of the Broward League of Cities) conducted its inaugural meeting. At that time, Appointing Authority members asked County staff and Ms. Henry to place an item on the next Board agenda seeking clarification about legislative intent of the ordinance. Specifically, the Appointing Authority is seeking policy direction on (1) how the professional categories are defined, (2) whether retirees are eligible, (3) if an applicant who is working and has previous experience, but is not currently practicing in a professional category remains eligible.

The Broward College Director of the Office of Supplier Diversity, Ms. Anthea Pennant, attended the Appointing Authority meeting and has indicated her desire to personally serve on the Oversight Board. 

Additionally, Board input was sought about whether a certain percentage or number of Oversight Board members would constitute a quorum authorized to conduct business, or whether it was the Board's intent to have all positions appointed prior to any formal action taking place.

Based on individual Board member discussions and previous direction given from the full Board, staff developed the aforementioned item to address the Appointing Authority's inquiries. This item allows further discussion to affirm staff's understanding of the Board's intent in these areas.

Gretchen M. Cassini, Assistant County Administrator, (954) 357-7579