Wilton Manors Commissioners approved a consulting services agreement with the law firm of former Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler.
The deal, approved unanimously at Tuesday night’s meeting, is for one year with a $9,000 compensation. Seiler, who served as mayor of Wilton Manors from 1998 to 2000, is a principal attorney of Seiler, Sautter, Zaden, Rimes & Wahlbrink. He retired as mayor of Fort Lauderdale in 2018 after serving three terms and currently serves as president and chair of the Capital One Orange Bowl Committee.
City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said the firm’s assignment will be lobbying on behalf of Wilton Manors to Broward County and beyond.
“We anticipate their efforts will help bring us a commuter rail station,” Henderson told the Gazette.
Before the meeting adjourned, Commissioner Gary Resnick demanded the agreement produce a comprehensive report on commuter rail service.
“Where’s it going to go? What’s the cost? What are our obligations and benefits?” Resnick asked. “To go forward on this we all need to be on the same page.”
Added Mayor Scott Newton, “Getting it is one thing, supporting it is another.”
Elsewhere, the only commission meeting of July lasted one hour and 22 minutes, a far cry from the five-hour and 37-minute session in the aftermath of the Stonewall Pride tragedy.
Some of the highlights:
Resnick, attending remotely, tried to revive the debate over density, stating he was against 60 units per square acre, but was voted down by Commissioners Mike Bracchi, Chris Caputo and Vice Mayor Paul Rolli.
Finance Director Pennie Zuercher gave a presentation on the American Rescue Plan. Zuercher said the city is expected to receive $5,360,355 over two years from President Joe Biden’s direct relief plan.
Anthony Logrande, chair of the Wilton Drive Improvement District, reported on the board’s efforts to improve safety, beautification and marketing in the district. Logrande asked the commission to eliminate temporary signage in the city.
Commissioners tabled the feather flag sign and temporary banner discussion for a future meeting.
Community Development Services Director Roberta Moore provided information on the county’s Building Safety Inspection program. Structural and electrical inspections on buildings 40 years old or older are required every 10 years. Moore said the city is preparing 16 inspection notification letters with the bulk going to Manor Grove associations.
A proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month was issued. Mayor Newton mentioned repairs are needed to the children’s playground at Hagen Park. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board member Lisa Theisen asked for funding for the expansion of Colohatchee Park, the Kiwanis Club proposal and Site 92.
Resident Michael Rajner asked the city to change its elections format to ranked voting, referencing the recent New York City elections as an example. Rajner said no Wilton Manors candidate for city commissioner received more than 38% of the vote during the last election cycle.
“When you run for office you should get a majority of the vote to win and ranked voting helps accomplish that,” Rajner said.
The Gazette launched a Wilton Manors focused newsletter. Sign up today! You can also visit Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette to join the Gazette’s community Facebook page.
RELATED
Wilton Manors Tables Train Talk; New River Crossing Remains a Problem
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler Votes No on New Development in Wilton Manors
