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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-08 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2004 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Monday, November 8, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner Karen L. Roberts. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft, Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Mayor Schreiber led the pledge of allegiance. 1. NOVEMBER 10 2004 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item No. 6(f). BID AWARD AND AGREEMENT — TAMARAC COMMONS PARK FOUNTAIN AND POOL: (TR10575) Awarding Bid No. 04-29B and executing an agreement with Superior Pools, Spas & Waterfalls, Inc., for the fountain and pool for Tamarac Commons Park for a total cost not to exceed $47,838.00; approving funding from the appropriate Parks and Recreation account. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles and Senior Procurement Specialist Nicotra appeared. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber asked if the bid covered everything needed to develop the park and Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned the brick around the fountain. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the bid was for the fountain and aside from the construction of the fountain Public Works would do the rest of the work in-house. Commissioner Roberts asked what the fountain would look like and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles described the pool as 21' around by 16" deep, water spraying inward from the fountain ring with the sculpture on a pedestal in the center of the fountain. Commissioner Portner asked where the money would come from and if anything was included in the $75,000 bid that was not included in the $48,000 bid. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said construction of the fountain was included in the CIP and the sculpture is funded from the public art fund. There was no difference in the bids. Commissioner Roberts added that Superior Pools is a well- known company and they do very good work. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the fact that only two companies bid on the job and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said it is a specialized field. Senior Procurement Specialist Nicotra added eleven solicitations were sent out and these two companies submitted proposals through their commercial divisions; but not all companies have commercial divisions. The specifications were straightforward and there is no guarantee we will get a greater response if we go out to bid again. Commissioner Portner asked about the water flow and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles distributed a photograph of a similar fountain. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if the size of the fountain November 8, 2004 City Commission Workshop 1 determines the cost and whether the fountain is of adequate size for the park and the sculpture. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles replied the number of jets is a cost factor as well as the amount of water that determines the pump size. In discussions for the park among Public Works, Parks and Recreation and the artist, it was determined that the fountain was the optimal size for the park. The park and fountain will be visible to people who traverse the adjoining roads. Mayor Schreiber confirmed there would be a sign designating the park. Commissioner Roberts inquired as to completion of the project and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said it is expected to be finished within 90 calendar days, which will bring us to mid -February. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco suggested inviting the Cultural Council to come to the opening, as we are one of three cities in Broward County with a cultural arts program and whenever we have an art opening the County Board should be included. b. Item No. 6(e). INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR MUTUAL BUILDING INSPECTION PLAN REVIEW BUILDING OFFICIAL OR OTHER SERVICES: (TR10580) Executing the Interlocal Agreement for Mutual Assistance between the City of Tamarac and the City of Margate for Building Inspection, Plan Review, Building Official, or other Services to be performed by the City of Margate Building Department or the City of Tamarac Building Department, services to be performed by either the City of Margate or the City of Tamarac in the event there is a staff shortage at a rate of forty dollars ($40.00) per hour for building code inspector, forty dollars ($40.00) per hour for plans examiner, fifty dollars ($50.00) per hour for temporary building official services, thirty dollars ($30.00) per hour for other building department services staff. Building Official Jones explained this is a follow-up to the item brought before the Mayor and City Commission last month regarding the agreement with Broward County. Discussions with Margate have been concluded and this agreement is similar to the agreement with the County; however, this will be more of an exchange of service. Commissioner Portner asked whether we could dispense with the County agreement and Building Official Jones said he does not recommend eliminating the County agreement; we will use the Margate agreement as our first choice but if they are unable to provide service we will then use the County agreement. At this time we are also investigating interlocal agreements with other cities to establish a network. Commissioner Portner asked how often the county agreement was used last year and Building Official Jones said about 400 hours. C. Item No. 6(b). APPROVING LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR THE 2005 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: (TR10583) Approving the City of Tamarac Legislative Agenda for the 2005 Legislative Session; directing the City Clerk to send a copy of the City of Tamarac Legislative Agenda for the 2005 Legislative Session to the Broward County Legislative Delegation and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners for consideration. Assistant City Manager Phillips and Management Intern Visser appeared. Assistant City Manager Phillips gave a presentation and Mayor Schreiber questioned past experience for legislative items. Assistant City Manager Phillips responded in the past a number of areas for which we advocated were impacted. Parks and Recreation funding was cut and last year due to strong pressure the legislature did return funding to an appropriate level. Commissioner Portner questioned the proposed November 8, 2004 City Commission Workshop 2 hometown democratic amendment and Community Development Director King explained it is an initiative by Central Florida residents to take authority away from local officials regarding land use plan amendments, and to have these questions go to the voters for approval. Commissioner Portner said he does not support fingerprinting of individual coaches, and questioned why background checks were not satisfactory to address these issues. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles explained that last year background screening was implemented for volunteer coaches with TAF, but the City of Tamarac does not fingerprint. There are a lot of problems out there, and some people who are attracted to coaching and working with youth should not hold these positions. The FRPA and NRPA are advocates for fingerprinting, which allows for a more thorough check. If an individual hails from another jurisdiction, fingerprinting affords us a better chance of finding out if there are problems. Mayor Schreiber added that fingerprinting is the most absolute way to determine identity. Vice Mayor Sultanof reminded everyone that not too long ago a predator from Alabama who was not fingerprinted showed up in our state and caused many problems. We must keep our young people safe. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles added we have been very fortunate, in that we have relatively few problems in our programs, and TAF is very proactive. Commissioner Roberts explained that various other programs fingerprint, and in California fingerprinting is mandatory to obtain drivers' licenses, plus our own school board requires fingerprinting. TAF is behind this entirely. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said TAF has to carry a sexual abuse rider on their insurance so it is to their advantage to do this. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like to see language added to the legislative agenda reflecting the City's commitment to art and culture, advocating for additional funding on a state level. Mayor Schreiber requested language be added to the legislative agenda opposing FPL seeking to recover money for the cost of repairs due to the hurricanes and adding this to the user bills for the next five years. 2. DISCUSSION — FEASIBILITY AND POTENTIAL LOCATION FOR A DOG PARK IN THE CITY OF TAMARAC: Public Works Director Strain, Parks and Recreation Director Margoles, and Assistant City Manager Phillips appeared. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said as a result of the discussion in July, and at the request of the Mayor and City Commission, staff has come back with a site plan for the dog park. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned the proximity to Veterans Park and Public Works Director Strain said the parking is approximately 100' from the westernmost entrance to Veterans Park and the dog park is beyond the parking area. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke of sanitation issues at the rest station and traffic concerns. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles explained the park is currently checked by Parks and Recreation staff twice each day, at opening and closing, and when the dog park becomes a reality more visits will have to be added to the maintenance schedule. Research indicates that the dog park will be well used. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he is concerned about owners being responsible to clean up after their dogs and keeping dogs on a leash when they are not within the confines of the dog park. Mayor Schreiber suggested perhaps another location for the dog park might be more apropos, and asked if the Commission actually wants to move forward with a dog park. Commissioner Roberts explained that she learned while in Reno that dog parks are usually between 1- November 8, 2004 City Commission Workshop 3 10 acres and most new developers in the Colorado and northwest areas are required to set aside land for both open space and dog parks. In addition to playgrounds, this is the in thing. There are 'friends groups' for dog parks who raise funds for the dog parks, and the dog owners police their own. The cities provide the basics and this works out better than city officials monitoring the residents. Commissioner Roberts added that 50 parking spaces are more than most cities allot for dog parks, and the buffer between Veterans Park and the dog area is a benefit. Mayor Schreiber questioned using the land on Southgate under the FPL lines for a dog park, and Commissioner Roberts said it would be more costly since restrooms would be needed. Additionally, there may be parking problems, whereas in the currently selected area overflow parking could be handled at Veterans Park. Access across the street from the golf course is also good as it does not affect or interfere with residents. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said there have been several discussions with the Commission regarding whether they want a dog park and if so, where. At this juncture it may be appropriate for an expression of interest as to whether the Mayor and City Commission are interested in having a dog park in Tamarac. Commissioner Portner said this dog park would accommodate people in the western end of the city and suggested using some acreage in Caporella Park for a dog park for those residents on the eastern end of the city. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles spoke of the size of Caporella Park and suggested perhaps we may want to explore allowing dogs in that park, rather than creating a dog park. Commissioner Partner asked staff to look into what can be done in that area and bring back recommendations. Commissioner Roberts suggested an expression of interest to continue with the dog park or not. Commissioner Flansbaum- Talabisco spoke of funding and said she thought this dog park was contingent upon savings from other projects. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles responded this was put into the CIP for 2007 and there was previous discussion about a savings from Phases I and II of the aquatic center and the sports expansion; we have not heard from Broward County and do not at this time have funding for Phase II of the aquatic center or sports expansion. We can add this project to the list of projects for bond funding in 2006. Commissioner Roberts said she is on the Land Conservation Committee and she hopes we can get reimbursed for land purchased for city parks and the area for the aquatic center Phase II as well as the dog park. We are working with the County Commission to put it on their agenda. Commissioner Roberts said she would like to see the Mayor and City Commission move forward and if we get the funding this could then be moved up on the CIP. Mayor Schreiber asked about the cost and Public Works Director Strain said about $155,000. Commissioner Roberts suggested a 'friends group' to raise money by selling bricks for a path, as most cities merely finance the fencing, water and parking lot. Another recommendation is see if local veterinarians and pet stores may wish to donate money to the dog park. Mayor Schreiber questioned the annual maintenance cost and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said $7,000.00, as there is a lot of wear and tear on the landscape and we must bring in water; additionally there is an impact on the restrooms. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked who is responsible to clean the restrooms, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said parks staff. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked if there are other parks nearby and questioned their experience. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said there are dog parks in Coral Springs, North Lauderdale and Plantation; and the responses have been positive. November 8, 2004 City Commission Workshop 4 Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she only received one phone call in the almost two years she has served regarding a dog park and is curious as to who requested the dog park. Commissioner Roberts said she heard from at least 20 people over the past few years. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said while she is a dog lover, she just wants to make sure we are spending this money wisely and that it is a good thing to do for the community. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she spoke to some people in the community who have concerns and do not think it is a good idea. There was discussion about the project being included in the CIP and whether to change the CIP. City Attorney Kraft explained the commission always has the right to revisit the plan and reallocate funds. Commissioner Portner questioned the differentiation between small and large dogs and Public Works Director Strain explained they must be segregated in order to avoid problems. Commissioner Flansbaum- Talabisco asked about the feasibility of using an area across from an apartment complex east of University and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said there is a question as to the ownership of that property. Public Works Director Strain said the choice of the proposed site falls within the purview of economics; if we choose a site where we have to build a restroom it would add $50,000 to the cost of the project. Also the proposed site is located across from the golf course so it will not interfere with residents, and there is a buffer between Veterans Park and the proposed site created by the parking lot. A dog park can be built anywhere the Mayor and City Commission desires, but there will be associated problems. This is a good location and there are existing facilities. All were in agreement to move forward with the dog park at this location as long as there is funding. Mayor Schreiber said there might be concern among the residents about building a dog park but not spending the money to keep the library open on McNab Road. Commissioner Roberts said she disagreed with keeping the library open when she was told the City would have to pay the salaries of the county employees at that location. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke of funding and said if funding does not materialize for this park, then it should be included in the 2006 referendum. Commissioner Roberts spoke of the $250,000 in the CIP for fire department re -facing and since it was decided to paint and re -landscape perhaps some of that money could be used for the dog park. Deputy City Manager Cernech said that could be done but we would then have to come back and change that recommendation. We adopt the five- year CIP because it takes time to ramp up for the projects; if we constantly change the plan it is difficult to keep on track. We can amend the plan at any time but it is recommended if we adopt a plan to stick to it. In the case of the dog park, it is included in the plan and we came forward with a way to do it sooner because that is what the Mayor and City Commission wanted. We are hopeful we will get the money and see a savings; at this time we do not recommend amending the CIP. The reason for the referendum on the park projects is if the referendum fails then it shows us the people do not want these projects; the people will need to decide how to spend the money. 3. DISCUSSION — AMERICAN DREAM MEETING FORMAT: Deputy City Manager Cernech explained as a result of the last workshop a proposed meeting has been scheduled for December 13t" at the Tamarac Community Center. The meeting will be publicized and transportation available as appropriate. There will be three panels: affordable housing, education and job creation. Representative Greenstein has been November 8, 2004 City Commission Workshop 5 invited to participate on the affordable housing panel, as well as a representative from Broward County Community Development, with Community Development Director King moderating. The education panel will consist of School Board Representative Stephanie Kraft, who has tentatively accepted, as well as one or more local school principals and a member of the school district. Deputy City Manager Cernech will moderate. For the job creation panel, City Manager Miller will moderate and Don Fallenbaum of the Chamber of Commerce and Harry Dressler of the Economic Development Advisory Committee will participate, as well as a representative of the Broward Alliance. After each panel discussion we will take comments and questions from the public. The Mayor and City Commission will also have the opportunity to speak. Vice Mayor Sultanof said Representative Greenstein is delighted to participate. Commissioner Roberts added that Ft. Lauderdale recently held a similar session and suggested we contact them for information. Vice Mayor Sultanof and Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said Comcast taped the meeting at the Tamarac Community Center that was held in October and Cindy Stoddard should be contacted for the tapes. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke of adding the Marine Corps League to the Veterans Committee as a member. The Marine Corps League has participated in the Veterans Day parade, and they are always in attendance at meetings and have done a great job. Mayor Schreiber asked if it is not true that the Veterans Affairs Committee is open to any members and Vice Mayor Sultanof said the Marine Corps League is not listed and he would like them to be listed. Commissioner Roberts asked if the Veterans Affairs Committee approved this addition, and Vice Mayor Sultanof said it was not discussed because it was not brought up as he hoped it would have been, but he did not want to have to wait until March to bring this up, since the Veterans Committee only meets quarterly. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest and all were in agreement to add the Marine Corps League to the list of Veterans Affairs Committee members. Commissioner Portner said he would like to revisit term limits for elected officials. Mayor Schreiber said that during the recent special workshop meetings everyone was in agreement they would like to eliminate term limits but later they decided against it. Commissioners Roberts and Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Vice Mayor Sultanof said they were not in agreement to eliminate term limits during the special workshop meeting. Commissioner Portner asked that it be put on the March 2005 ballot, and added that by the time a commissioner learns his or her job their term is up. Mayor Schreiber suggested in addition to eliminating term limits, terms be extended from three to four years. Vice Mayor Sultanof said at the special workshop session there was consensus to address this in 2007. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke of a statement Mayor Schreiber made in 1996 when he was a commissioner, whereby he did not want to extend terms. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he is in favor of keeping the charter as it stands. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she is in favor of term limits but would like to see four-year terms. Additionally, there are only two districts in which the polls will be open for the 2005 election and adding a referendum question would cause the polls to be open citywide. City Clerk Swenson explained the cost of the last election was $75,000.00. If we were to open all the polling places the cost would be the same for the November 8, 2004 City Commission Workshop 6 1 2005 election, as it is not the ballot, but the number of facilities and poll workers that determines the cost of the election. Commissioner Roberts said if the people do not want term limits let them make the decision. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned how the public would be alerted to the referendum and City Manager Miller said it is up to the Mayor and City Commission how to put the campaign together; we can advertise and go to the associations to explain the charter changes, as we did in the past, but it is up to the Mayor and City Commission how active they want staff to be. Commissioner Roberts said if elimination of term limits is placed on the ballot, the question becomes when does it take effect. Commissioner Portner said there should be two questions on the ballot, one for term limits and one for length of terms. City Attorney Kraft confirmed the ballot questions and added they will require two readings, one of which is a public hearing. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the need to get the referendum questions on the 2005 ballot, and said she is in favor of term limits as it is in the city's interest to bring in new blood and encourage people to run for office. Commissioner Portner reminded everyone he had previously suggested the City put up money to enable people to run, which is one way to bring in new blood. Commissioner Portner said he would like the referendum questions to become effective in 2005. Commissioner Roberts asked how she and Mayor Schreiber would be affected if the term limit question did not pass but the length of terms passed. City Attorney Kraft said commissioners are currently elected to serve three years. The four-year term, if passed by the electorate would not change the term of those elected to serve a three- year term. City Attorney Kraft confirmed the wish of the commission is to have language drafted for a referendum question to eliminate term limits effective March 2005 and extend terms for elected officials beginning with those elected March 8, 2005. City Manager Miller said this would be brought back to the Mayor and City Commission at the next workshop meeting. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor Schreiber adjourned the meeting at 11:15 a.m. Marion enson, CMC City Clerk November 8, 2004 City Commission Workshop 7