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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-10 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Harry Dressler called the Commission Meeting of the City of Tamarac to order at 7:11 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, in City Commission Chambers, Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321. ROLL CALL: Mayor Harry Dressler, Vice Mayor Diane Glasser, Commissioner Pamela Bushnell, Commissioner Michelle J. Gomez and Commissioner Debra Placko were in attendance. Also in attendance were: City Manager Michael C. Cernech, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren and City Clerk Patricia A. Teufel. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Placko led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS: a. State of the City Address by Mayor Harry Dressler: Mayor Dressler introduced Vice Mayor Glasser and Commissioners Bushnell, Gomez and Placko. Mayor Dressler gave the State of the City Address, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein. The meeting was recessed at 7:27 p.m. and reconvened at 7:38 p.m. with all present as before. 2. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS: a. Commissioner Bushnell: Commissioner Bushnell talked about HB4031 which deletes provisions prohibiting concealed carry licensees from openly carrying a handgun or carrying a concealed weapon or firearm into specified public meetings or into career centers. Commissioner Bushnell said everyone does have the right to bear arms but there are exceptions. Commissioner Bushnell said she received a letter from Sheriff Scott Israel in which he indicated 350 mass shootings occurred last year. The bill introduced by Representative Steube would allow people to bring a gun into meetings such as the one we are having tonight. Commissioner Bushnell said there are hundreds of proposed bills before the legislature and encouraged people to raise their voices if there is something you do not like. b. Commissioner Gomez: Commissioner Gomez said she attended the Broward County Task Force Meeting; Ethics Seminar given by Goren, Cherof, Doody and Ezrol and the Florida Institute for Suicide Prevention Gala. Commissioner Gomez said she was in Tallahassee last week and met with Senators Ring, Clemens and Sobel. She also met with Representatives Moskowitz, Jenne, Moraitis, Jones, Stack, Dubose and Pritchett. Commissioner Gomez said she did not have the opportunity to meet with Representatives Rodgers and Clarke -Reed. Commissioner Gomez said some of the topics that were discussed were Open Gun Carry, Open Gun Carry on Campus, Medical Marijuana, Public Records Requests, Municipal Elections, Relocation of Utilities and Vacation Rentals. Commissioner Gomez said the session ends March 11th and now is the time to make your voices heard. Page 1 of 6 COMMISSION MEETING February 10, 2016 c. Vice Mayor Glasser: Vice Mayor Glasser said elected officials in Broward County have ethics rules they must follow and each year they have to attend ethics seminars. Vice Mayor Glasser said that on January 29th she attended the Ethics Seminar given by the law firm of Goren, Cherof, Doody and Ezrol which was exceptional and thanked City Attorney Goren and his staff for a job well done. d. Commissioner Placko: Commissioner Placko thanked the COPS volunteers who spend so much time making a difference in Tamarac's communities. Commissioner Placko encouraged people to join the COPS program and make a difference in their communities. Commissioner Placko spoke about Broward County's Yellow Dot Program which assists residents and emergency responders in the event of an emergency by improving communication at a time when accident victims may be unable to communicate for themselves. Commissioner Placko said the Yellow Dot decal is displayed on a car's rear window and alerts emergency responders to look for the Yellow Dot pamphlet in the vehicle's glove compartment. Commissioner Placko said people can get more information and sign up at www.broward.org/yellowdot. Commissioner Placko noted that her mother lives in Century Village and they have a program whereby people have their vital medical information in a vial in their freezers. e. Mayor Dressler: Mayor Dressler said he lives in Woodmont and he frequently see the COPS cars in his neighborhood which makes him feel safer. Mayor Dressler said he attended the Broward League of Cities Board of Directors meeting where they discussed the proposed 1 % sales tax to help finance transportation and infrastructure. Mayor Dressler said he and City Manager Cernech and City Attorney Goren recently had breakfast with Edith Lederberg the Executive Director of the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Broward County (ADRC). Mayor Dressler said the ADRC provides services to needy people in Tamarac. Mayor Dressler said he attended the Northwest Council of Elected Officials Luncheon where people from Broward County made a presentation on the E911 system and talked about some of the issues they are having with the system. Mayor Dressler said last Saturday he attended the Health and Wellness Expo at the Community Center and noted that it was extremely well attended. 3. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT: City Attorney Goren talked about the report his office generates regarding bills in Tallahassee that affect cities in Florida and noted the list changes on a weekly basis. City Attorney Goren spoke briefly about some of the bills they are keeping track of including, but not limited to, public records, elections and open gun carry. City Attorney Goren noted that the legislature is halfway through the session. City Attorney Goren advised the Commission to call his office with any questions on the pending legislation and thanked the Commission for taking the time to review the list. City Attorney Goren said the Charter Review Commission for Broward County met earlier today and they have scheduled a workshop/retreat for March 12th to create sub -committees to look at different sections of the Charter. Sunrise Mayor Ryan was there and asked the Commission to look at his recommendations regarding the E911 system and have them placed on the November 2016 ballot. This matter is still open and is being reviewed by other agencies in the County. City Attorney Goren said the Charter Commission has a significant role to play in regards to the County Charter. City Attorney Goren said some counties do not Page 2 of 6 COMMISSION MEETING February 10, 2016 have Charters but Broward County does. He talked about the County Commission approving plats and land use plan amendments which may not be the case in other counties. City Attorney Goren said there is a County Cannabis Ordinance and County Commission staff make will be making a presentation to this Commission in the future. The application of this Ordinance under the County Charter would make it applicable county -wide because we are a Charter County. The Charter Commission will be having a retreat workshop, which is a public meeting, outside the County Governmental Center at some facility owned by the County. City Attorney Goren spoke about the two year term of the Charter Commission. City Attorney Goren said he will keep the Commission informed as to what is going on with the Charter Commission. 4. CITY MANAGER REPORT: City Manager Cernech said he traveled to Lakeland last week to attend the Florida City County Management Association winter meeting. About 75 or 80 City Managers attended the meeting and talked about a number of issues they have in common. City Manager Cernech said he had the good fortune to listen to three well respected economists and interestingly they all had the same economic outlook. While things are good now they had some major concerns to look at in 2017 and 2018. City Manager Cernech said he attended a good two hour presentation by AARP and they are making sure that cities really focus on being livable communities and not just for seniors or children and addressing issues on a multi -generational basis. City Manager Cernech commented that he always leaves these meetings feeling good because he finds out that other cities have issues that are worse than ours as staff addresses issues in Tamarac very well. City Manager Cernech thanked the COPS volunteers and thinks the Commission and the City's commitment to the program is outstanding, but not as outstanding as the COPS volunteers. Because of their efforts and assistance crime is down and that has been reflected in our crime rates. City Manager Cernech said Vice Mayor Glasser talked about ethics training earlier and noted that City Attorney Goren's firm will also be offering similar training for City Managers in order for them to complete the mandatory 4 hours of training. City Manager Cernech reported that Tamarac was named one of the Healthiest Weight Community Champions in Florida by the Florida Department of Health. This program is to help adults and children make informed, consistent choices about healthy eating and active living. Champions are chosen based upon facilities like walking and biking paths and programs on health -related topics. Fitness Center Promotions: Renew your fitness center membership for 12 months and get one additional month free. The renewal must take place between January 1st and June 30, 2016. Members can obtain a one week pass for friends and family to try out the fitness center and members will receive three months free if their friends or family join for six months. This offer is valid January 1st to April 30, 2016. Upcoming Event: The Concert in the Park at Mainlands Park will take place on Friday, February 26th and will feature the local band "Happy Daz" with music from the 50's and 60's. Public Services reports that the NW 77th Street Multi -purpose trail that will run on the North side of 77th Street between NW 96th Ave. and the entrance to the Tamarac Sports Complex is estimated to start in May 2016 and completed in September 2016. Page 3 of 6 COMMISSION MEETING February 10, 2016 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Mayor Dressler opened Public Participation and the following individuals spoke: Eliot Meiseles, 11040 Palm Ridge Lane, thanked the Commission for the construction of the new field at the Sports Complex and their continued support of the Cougars; Ronald B. Barish, 7555 NW 99th Ave., talked about putting signs up about cleaning up after dogs, tax rates, gas prices and encouraged people to vote; Eileen Simmons, 10810 NW 35th Place, Sunrise, said she is the 2016 Chair for the Chamber of Commerce and thanked the City for their continued partnership of the Chamber and is looking forward the Arts & Craft Festival in April; Stewart Webster, 7900 Colony Drive So., said he felt the City did not honor the memory of former Mayor Joe Schreiber appropriately when he passed away last year; Jules Koutcher, 8173 Royal Palm Ct., spoke about construction of sound walls and bike paths, expressed his disappointment that the City does not accept the Silver Sneakers Program and thought the Veteran's Tribute Wall was a good idea; Mel Dubin, 7413 Fairfax Dr., said he opposed the Open Gun Carry and Medical Marijuana legislation; Maria Salazar, 8610 Banyan Ct., talked about meeting Mayor Dressler when she first moved into Tamarac. 6. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Dressler asked if there were any changes/additions to the Consent Agenda and City Manager Cernech responded that there were no changes/additions to the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Gomez seconded by Commissioner Placko moved approval of the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously (5-0). a. Approval of the January 27, 2016 Regular Commission Meeting Minutes - APPROVED b. TR12747 - Accepting Donation of Swimming Scoreboard from Parks & Recreation Foundation: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac authorizing the appropriate City Officials to accept the donation of a six -line outdoor electronic wireless swimming scoreboard from the Tamarac Parks and Recreation Foundation in an estimated amount of $18,154.00 to be installed at the Caporella Aquatic Complex Pool; directing that the final actual cost will be recorded in the City's fixed asset inventory; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing an effective date. RESOLUTION R-2016-19 7. REGULAR AGENDA: There were no Regular Agenda items scheduled for this meeting. 8. ORDINANCE(S) - FIRST READING: a. T02337 - Redistricting Ordinance: An Ordinance of the City of Tamarac, Florida, providing for the re-creation and re-establishment of the geographic boundaries for four (4) Election Districts in the City of Tamarac in accordance with Section 6.03 of the City Charter; providing for the implementation of revised Election Districts to be effective for the elections to be held in the City of Tamarac, Florida, commencing at the General Municipal Election in November, 2016, and thereafter; providing a form of request to the Supervisor of Elections of Broward County, Florida, to implement the revised plan established pursuant to this Re -districting Ordinance and to create functional districts consistent with the identification of geographic boundaries for Election Districts; providing for the attachment of Election District Maps, Charts and street address descriptions, which are attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference; providing for authorization and direction to the City Manager to implement the terms, conditions and provisions of this Ordinance to be effective Page 4 of 6 COMMISSION MEETING February 10, 2016 for the next ensuing General Municipal Election of November 2016; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. TABLED FROM THE JANUARY 27, 2016 MEETING City Attorney Goren read TO2337 by title into the record. Commissioner Gomez seconded by Vice Mayor Glasser moved approval of TO2337 on first reading. City Attorney Goren said Professor Stamm is here from FAU to offer assistance on any of the Options. City Attorney Goren said the Ordinance is drafted and requires the Commission to make a decision on an Option. Mayor Dressler asked for a motion and a second to accept one of the Options. Commissioner Bushnell seconded by Vice Mayor Glasser moved to accept Option B. Motion passed unanimously (5-0). PASSED ON FIRST READING FEBRUARY 10, 2016 9. PUBLIC HEARING(S): There were no Public Hearing(s) items scheduled for this meeting. 10. ORDINANCE(S) - SECOND READING: a. TO2336 - Fire Pension Plan Amendment: An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida; amending Chapter 16, Pensions and Retirement, Article VI, Pension Plan; amending Section 16-493 Optional Benefits, providing for modification of DROP eligibility; amending Section 16-515 Retirement Subsidy, providing for modification of retirement subsidy; amending Section 16-516 Supplemental Pension Benefit, providing for modification of supplemental pension; providing for a savings clause; providing for severability; providing for codification and providing for an effective date. City Attorney Goren read TO2336 by title into the record. Commissioner Bushnell seconded by Commissioner Placko moved approval of TO2336 on second reading. Mayor Dressler opened the Public Hearing and with no one wishing to speak closed the public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously (5-0). PASSED ON FIRST READING JANUARY 27, 2016 PASSED ON SECOND READING FEBRUARY 10, 2016 ORDINANCE NO. 0-2016-02 b. TO2335 - Ordinance Creating a Planned Development (PD) District: An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida amending Chapter 24, entitled "Zoning", Article III entitled "District Regulations" of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances, specifically creating Division 27 entitled "PD Planned Development District', providing for a new zoning designation to allow for flexibility in development standards on Master Planned Developments within the City to include the following Sections: 24-542 "Purpose, Applicability and Creation of Commissioner Placko District', 24-543 "Rezoning to the PD District', 24-544 "General Standards for Planned Development District", and 24-545 "Minor Deviations and Amendments to Approved PD Plan/Agreement'; providing for codification; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. City Attorney Goren read TO2335 by title into the record. Commissioner Placko seconded by Commissioner Gomez moved approval of TO2335 on second reading. Mayor Dressler opened the Public Hearing and with no one wishing to speak, closed the public hearing. Motion passed unanimously (5-0). PASSED ON FIRST READING JANUARY 27, 2016 PASSED ON SECOND READING FEBRUARY 10, 2016 ORDINANCE NO. 0-2016-03. Page 5 of 6 COMMISSION MEETING February 10, 2016 11. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S): There were no Quasi -Judicial Hearing(s) items scheduled for this meeting. 12. OTHER: There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Dressler adjourned the meeting at 8.48 p.m. Harry Dressler, Mayor Patricia Teufel, Gly, City Clerk l Page 6 of 6 COMMISSION MEETING February 10, 2016 State of the City 2016 Mayor Harry Dressler Good evening Vice Mayor Glasser, Commissioners Bushnell, Gomez and Placko, City Attorney Goren, City Manager Cernech, staff, and those joining us in chambers or via the internet. In my third appearance before you as Mayor, I'm pleased to report that Tamarac is strong and getting stronger: - Our finances are sound and recognized nationally as such. - Property values continue to rise, with new homes selling almost as quickly as they come on the market. - Significant new businesses are choosing to call Tamarac home. And that influx will have a positive ripple effect throughout our community. To paraphrase "Old Blue Eyes", Frank Sinatra: for our City, it's been a very good year. - After much planning, preparation and patience Tamarac Village is becoming a reality. o It will be the biggest new development that Tamarac has seen in the last forty years. o The stores, restaurants and apartments will form a new center of activity for the City. o And, it will have an estimated $100-million-dollar impact on Tamarac, creating jobs in multiple areas as well as contributing an additional $729-thousand-dollars in tax revenues each year. - As significant as Tamarac Village is, that's not the only major project moving forward. The outparcel of land just north of Colony West Golf Club that the City bought specifically for economic development is going to be used for just that purpose: 1 State of the City 2016 Mayor Harry Dressler o The property has been sold and plans are moving forward for one of the Marriott hotel brands to open there within a few years. o We're also moving forward with a plan to revitalize Colony West. ■ We're going to make it a resource for people who travel to Tamarac for business or pleasure, as well as maintain it as an excellent facility for golfers. ■ As the .increasing number of cars in their parking lot indicates, Colony West is, once again, a very popular destination. - This past year, we opened temporary quarters for a permanent fire station on University Drive. o This additional station will help us maintain our excellent response rate in every part of the City. - Last year we welcomed a number of significant new businesses, including: o The international headquarters for Unipharma Pharmaceuticals. They've built a 160-thousand square foot manufacturing facility. It's capable of producing over one -point -four Billion doses of medicine annually. o We also welcomed Kapco Global, which provides maintenance, repair and operations supplies to airlines all over the world. ■ It's one of the region's most comprehensive distributors of aircraft components. ■ They chose to consolidate their operations in Miami and Wellington, and move them to Tamarac. - Our City, its management, and services continue to be recognized for performance excellence: o Tamarac was the gUl city of its size in the nation to be honored with a Strategic Leadership and Governance Award from the International Association of County and City Managers (or I-C-M-A). K State of the City 2016 Mayor Harry Dressler ■ Additionally, for the second year in a row, we were one of only a handful of cities nationwide to receive ICMA's Certificate of Excellence in Performance Management; their highest recognition. o We've reaffirmed our commitment to excellence in our parks and recreation programs. The City has again achieved national accreditation; a distinction held by only 2-hundred agencies in the entire country. - The national magazine Forbes has once again ranked our City as one of the Top 25 suburbs in which to retire, based on affordable home prices and a lower cost of living. o These same attributes have also made Tamarac attractive to a wider demographic, which is why our median age is now 47. o These qualities are also why new homes in Tamarac are selling so quickly and revitalizing the eastern portion of our City. ■ To ensure the growing needs of this area will continue to be met, demolition has begun so that we can move forward on building a state-of-the-art fire station by Commercial and the Turnpike. • Not only will this station have the latest technology, it will also become a focal point in the City. The front of the building will have a truly impressive piece of artwork on it, which pays tribute to the history of firefighting. - Culture and the arts are taking on a greater focus in Tamarac: o This past year saw the installation of two major art projects in the City, as part of Broward County's centennial celebration. o The process is moving forward for a significant piece of art on Commercial Boulevard near Rock Island Road. o On Memorial Day, we'll be unveiling a Wall of Honor in Veterans' Park. It's a series of lighted glass panels, etched with the names of the City's veterans. 3 State of the City 2016 Mayor Harry Dressler o And, in just a few weeks, we'll be hosting the very first Tamarac Arts and Crafts Festival. It's a 2-day event and yet another way to help bring our community together. All in all, it was a very good year. But I believe the best is yet to come. - In the coming months, we'll begin to see evidence of years of planning as we begin the construction of buffer walls in key sections of the City. Believe me, you have no idea of the preparation and inter -agency coordination that has to happen before the first shovel goes into the ground. - This year we'll see the first installations of the comprehensive signage program that will reflect Tamarac's distinctive look. - You'll also continue to see new bus shelters around the City. - Parks and recreation, so critical to our outstanding quality of life, will be getting significant attention: o In the very near future we'll celebrate the renovations at Sunset Point Park. The shade structures, fitness stations and playground have all been replaced, and we've added a new innovation: a parent/toddler swing. o Plans are in the works for renovations at the Caporella Aquatic Center, including a new scoreboard for the swimming pool. That's being graciously donated by the Parks and Recreation Foundation. o Another artificial turf field is being installed at the Sports Complex. ■ The existing turf field has served us well: with all of the recent rain, we've been able to continue using it more than any of the grass fields. o And, because we're always looking for ways to provide additional parks and recreation opportunities, we're in the planning stages for Waters' Edge Park, along University Drive and NW 61s' Street. 4 State of the City 2016 Mayor Harry Dressler - To ensure we're functioning as efficiently as possible, we've undertaken a formal review of the City's charter. o Part of that involves an examination of our Commission districts, to be certain that, even with population shifts, districts remain equitable. That's a topic that the full Commission will be discussing later this evening. - One of the initiatives we'll be focusing more attention on this year involves our veterans: o In addition to the Wall of Honor at Veterans' Park, we've undertaken projects to thank and honor Viet Nam veterans, as well as those brave souls who have received the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat. Rest assured, we will never forget you. - In the coming year, we'll continue to focus on programs and services that help strengthen our City. o Part of building a strong future includes the ongoing safety and security of our community. We have an outstanding BSO Tamarac district, supported by the eyes and ears of a growing corps of volunteers in our Citizens on Patrol (or COPS) program. And, we're grateful for the service you provide. ■ That's why I'm pleased to announce tonight that the City of Tamarac will be donating TWO cars from our fleet, specifically for use on COPS patrol. • Those cars will give you additional flexibility and enable you to be even more responsive. All in all, it's an exciting time to be in Tamarac. Your City's leaders have a clear vision for the future. A vision in which every age and demographic can find something to love about Tamarac, whether it's: o The parks and programs, o The affordable communities, or o The opportunities to develop and build a business. 5 State of the City 2016 Mayor Harry Dressler In closing, I'd like to express my gratitude for the unwavering support of: - My family and my dear wife Faith, - My colleagues on the Commission, - The professional staff who put their hearts and minds to work for our City each and every day, - And to you, our residents and businesses, who have chosen Tamarac to build your future and contribute to our vibrancy and diversity. I look forward to continuing to work together to meet our challenges, come to common ground and ensure a bright future for the City of Tamarac. Thank you all.