HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-27 - City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes• City of Tamarac
Virtual City Commission Meeting - Minutes
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Wednesday, January 27, 2021, City
Commission Meeting, being held virtually, to order at 9:30 a.m.
ROLL CALL: Commissioner Marlon Bolton, Commissioner Debra Placko, Vice Mayor Villalobos
and Mayor Michelle J. Gomez were present virtually. Commissioner Mike Gelin arrived virtually
at 9:01 a.m.
Following roll call, Mayor Gomez asked for a moment of silence in honor of National Holocaust
Remembrance Day.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Placko led the Pledge of Allegiance
1. PROCEDURE FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, explained the process for conducting a virtual public meeting
in accordance with Governor DeSantis's Executive Order 20-52, and further extended by
Executive Order 20-316 and the City's emergency ordinance 2020-20.
2. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation — Black History Month
Mayor Gomez read the proclamation for the record.
b. Proclamation — Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Mayor Gomez read the proclamation for the record, and Julie Fishman accepted.
Fishman stated she was thankful to the City for bringing awareness to the issue, and
added it is our community kids that are targeted.
c. Proclamation — Broward County Non -Profit Hidden Hero Xenia McFarling
Mayor Gomez read the proclamation for the record, and Xenia McFarling accepted.
McFarling thanked the City for the honor, and stated her passion for the job comes from
the heart.
d. Proclamation — Broward County Non -Profit Hidden Hero Alex Nesar
Mayor Gomez read the proclamation for the record, and Alex Nesar accepted. Nesar
stated he is proud to be a resident of Tamarac, for almost 10 years now, and he will
share this honor with his team.
3. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS
a. Commissioner Bolton
Commissioner Bolton said he did not have a report, but stated everyone could see
what he has been doing on his Facebook page. He offered his office phone, cell
phone, email and Facebook page for those who would like to contact him. Bolton
• wished everyone a happy Black History Month.
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b. Commissioner Gelin
Commissioner Gelin stated he had great conversations with our Federal lobbyists
and Ron Book and would be bringing back some topics at the next meeting.
c. Vice Mayor Villalobos
Vice Mayor Villalobos thanked everyone on the Commission, and staff, for the hard
work and coordination of Monday's meeting.
d. Commissioner Placko
Commissioner Placko stated she had a great conversation with Val [Gelnovatch of
the Ferguson Group].
e. Mayor Gomez
Mayor Gomez thanked the City's state and Federal lobbyists for their time. Gomez
thanked the Commission and staff for their hard work for a lengthy meeting on
Monday.
4. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, provided an update on the Woodmont lawsuit.
5. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Michael C. Cernech stated from Economic Development we want to let our small business
owners know that the new federal stimulus programs have reopened once again
offering both PPP and EIDL (pronounced "idle") funding to help small businesses
struggling from the impacts of COVID. There is a free webinar TOMORROW Thursday
Jan 28th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. to learn more about changes that have been made to the
programs and how to apply. To register for the webinar, visit the Broward County Office
of Economic and Small Business Development events page at
www. Broward.org/EconDev.
From Parks & Recreations, they have a MOVIE IN THE PARK coming up. Please join
Tamarac Parks and Recreation for a free big screen `movie in the park' on Friday,
February 5tn where we will be showing the movie "Black Panther". The movie starts at
7:00 pm at the Tamarac Sports Complex 9901 NW 77 Street.
Limited tickets available! Pre -registration required to reserve your space. The cost is $5
per space with up to 6 family members allowed per space. Concessions will not be
available. A free bag of goodies will be given for each space reserved ($5 value).
Please register at hftps://tamarac-movie-in-the-park.eventbrite.com
Please come out and participate in our Story Walk event. This family fun event will be
held at Waters Edge Park, 7508 NW 61 st Street on Saturday, February 13th from 10
a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Stroll through the park and enjoy a free interactive reading of "We all
belong". Participants will receive a free book while supplies last. We ask that everyone
who participates maintain social distancing. 0
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The Parks and Recreation Department cordially invites you to celebrate Black History
Month at the Tamarac Sports Complex, 9901 NW 77 Street on Friday February 26th
from 6:00 -&30 p.m.
Dr. Mark Lamont -Hill, American Academic, author, activist, and television personality
will give a live virtual presentation that will be displayed on the large movie screen at the
Tamarac Sports Complex. The evening will include an art display, poetry, dance,
recognition of area black community leaders and the presentation by Dr. Hill.
The Feeding South Florida drive-thru food distributions continue. The next distribution
events will take place on:
Wed., Feb. 10 9:00 — 11:00 Christian Life Center Church
Wed., Feb. 17 9:00 — 11.00 Christian Life Center Church
Mon., Feb. 22 9.00 — 11.00 Community Christian Church
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Gomez read the rules for public comments during a virtual meeting, and Clerk Johnson
read the following for the record.
1) Warren Greene, via email, Mayor and Commission, Thank you for live -streaming the
strategic planning workshop. Good to see that some members of the Commission are
focusing on bigger picture items than how to allocate office space and parking
assignments. I took the opportunity to review the presentation that was provided in the
backup and was pleased to see that so many of the points were addressed during the
meeting. However one item - which I believe to be important to Tamarac's ongoing
health - was not. There was no mention of the Commission civility policy to support a
positive work environment. (Goal #6 - Dynamic Workplace). I believe this was an
outgrowth of the investigation into Commissioner Bolton's actions creating a hostile work
environment for employees and the finding that he had violated City codes. Given the
rather bizarre interrogation on Monday of the City Manager regarding the price of milk
and his job evaluation, it would appear that further discussion of Commission civility is
most certainly needed, and soon. I hope this will be discussed at a public meeting in the
very near future. In closing, please know that I have no intention of getting into a "tit for
tat" with anyone on the Commission, but I do want to make it abundantly clear that my
words and actions are mine and mine alone. I've been involved in Tamarac since before
the current district one commissioner came on the scene. The increasing negativity
created over the past 4 years is taking our City in the wrong direction. It's for this reason
that I will continue to speak up when needed.
2) Phyllis A Strull Redler, from Facebook, thank you do much for getting KPIT the vaccine.
The process was wonderful. Sincerely appreciate. Got our boosters yesterday so far so
good. Thank you all.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of the Jan. 11, 2021 — Virtual Workshop Meeting Minutes
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b. TR13543 — Revocable License Agreement for City Entrance Signs
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the
appropriate City Officials to execute Revocable License Agreements as attached as Exhibits
1" and Exhibit "2" with Broward County, Florida, pending approval and execution by
Broward County for the entry signs that will be located in a Broward County right-of-way on
Rock Island Road, approximately 610 feet north of the centerline of NW 44th Street and on
West Prospect Road, approximately 230 feet west of NW 17th Avenue within the
jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Tamarac, authorizing the appropriate city officials to
execute the Revocable License Agreements and to take all actions necessary to implement
the said agreements; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
c. TR13548 — Resolution of Support for Broward Surtax Projects
A Resolution of the City of Tamarac, Florida, providing a Resolution of Support for Cycle 1 of
the Broward County 30-year one -percent for transportation projects, including the City of
Tamarac Cycle 1 projects recommended by the Broward County Surtax Oversight Board
and approved by the Broward County Commission at the June 19, 2020, Special County
Commission meeting for Cycle 1 (FY2020) Municipal Surtax Capital Projects, providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
d. TR13550 — "HOME" Program — Approval of Interlocal Agreement — FY20/21
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, accepting the 2020-
2021 Fiscal Year HOME Investment Partnership ("HOME") funds in the amount of $118,750 •
for a term retroactively commencing October 1, 2020 with an end date of September 30,
2022; authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute an Interlocal Agreement between
Broward County and the City of Tamarac for the designation of subrecipient and providing
for disbursement of HOME program funds for the Owner -Occupied Minor Home Repair
program, fiscal year 2020-2021, attached hereto as Exhibit "A", and incorporated herein;
providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
e. TR13556 — Panasonic Toughbook Laptop Lease
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the
appropriate City officials to execute a new schedule to our existing master state and local
government lease agreement with Lenovo Financial Services to lease twelve (12)
Panasonic Toughbook Laptops for three (3) years at an annual cost of $10,374.34 for a total
cost of $31,123.02 at the end of three years.
TR13557 — Resolution of Endorsement of City of Sunrise CSLIP NW 941h Ave Bike
Lane Project
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, in support of the City of
Sunrise's Complete Streets Tamarac Collaborative Project — NW 9411 Avenue to add bike
lanes, sidewalks, curbs and gutters along 94' Avenue with the City of Sunrise's right-of-way
and the City of Tamarac right-of-way, between Commercial Boulevard and NW 5711 Street;
providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
g. TR13545 —Ronald L. Book Amendment #18 to Agreement
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A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving Amendment
#18 to the agreement between the City of Tamarac and Ronald L. Book, P.A., for lobbying
services, extending the agreement for one year through January 25, 2022, at a cost not to
exceed fifty-nine thousand four hundred dollars ($59,400) per year, authorizing the
appropriate services; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
Mayor Gomez asked the City Manager if there were any additions or deletions. City Manager,
Michael C. Cemech, stated there were none.
Commissioner Placko motioned to approved. Vice Mayor Villalobos seconded.
Mayor Gomez confirmed with the City Clerk, there were no comments submitted from the
public.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to approve carried unanimously 4-0.
Commissioner Gelin was away.
8. REGULAR AGENDA
a. TR13553 — Tamarac 2021 Federal Legislative Update and Agenda
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving the City
is of
Tamarac 2021 Federal Legislative Agenda; directing the City Clerk to transmit a copy
of the City of Tamarac 2021 Federal Legislative Agenda to the National League of Cities,
the U.S. Senators from Florida, Florida Congressional Delegation and the Broward
County Board of County Commissioners; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date.
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record.
Commissioner Placko motioned to approve. Vice Mayor Villalobos seconded.
Val Gelnovatch, of the Ferguson Group, provided the attached presentation, which is on
file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez confirmed with the City Clerk, there were no comments submitted from
the public.
Discussion by the Commission ensued.
Following discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to
approve carried unanimously 4-0. Commissioner Gelin was away.
b. TR13549 —Ferguson Group LLC Amendment #12 to Agreement
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving
Amendment #12 to the agreement between the City of Tamarac and the Ferguson
Group, LLC, for Federal lobbying services, extending the term of the agreement for a
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one-year period effective February 13, 2021, at a cost not to exceed eighty-five •
thousand five hundred ($85,500) dollars per year; authorizing the appropriate City
officials to execute Amendment #12 to the agreement; providing for conflicts; providing
for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record.
Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Mayor Gomez confirmed with the City Clerk, there were no comments submitted from
the public.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to approve carried unanimously
5-0.
c. TR13551 — Broward County Bus Transit Maintenance Agreement
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving a first
amendment to agreement between Broward County and the City of Tamarac, attached
hereto as Exhibit "1" to provide for bus stop improvements at an additional seventy-nine
(79) locations throughout the city; authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute the
first amendment to agreement attached hereto as Exhibit "1" and incorporated herein;
providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record.
Commissioner Bolton motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Maxine Calloway, Community Development Director, provided a presentation, which is
on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez confirmed with the City Clerk, there were no comments submitted from
the public.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with a request to place additional shelters in
areas where the local [Red Route] route is, have members of the Commission provide
Community Development with a list of other possible locations throughout the City, have
Community Development provide a list with the bus shelter locations and their cross -
streets (based on district), getting the Commission an updated list on ridership from the
County, communicate with the County to let them know the City would like to see full
amenities at every stop, determine if the County would be amenable to having vibrant
bus shelters such as purple, and to see if we will need shelters along the C-14 Canal
bike path.
Following discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to
approve carried unanimously 5-0.
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0 Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 11:08 a.m. and reconvened at 11:30 a.m.
d. TR13544 — Sister Cities Committee Appointments
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, appointing seven
(7) members to the Sister Cities Committee; six (6) to serve a term concurrent with their
appointing Commission member, or until such time as new appointments are made, and
one (1) member to be selected by a majority of the Commission, to serve a term expiring
Nov. 8, 2022, or until such time new appointments are made; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; providing for an effective date.
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to the selection of the seventh member,
changing the Commission responsibilities to select the Sister City, and to change to
having five (5) members instead of seven (7). [One appointment for each of the District
Commissioners and one appointment for the Mayor]
Commissioner Bolton motioned to table to the next meeting. Commissioner Gelin
seconded.
Following discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to table
carried unanimously 5-0.
9. Ordinance(s) — First Reading
a. TO2449 — Amending Section 15-43 "Membership" for the Parks Board
An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, amending
Chapter 15 of the Tamarac Code, entitled "Parks and Recreation", Article II,
"Administration", Division 2, Parks and Recreation Board", Section 15-43, to have
appointed members of the board serve terms concurrent with their appointing
Commissioner and the Chairman shall be selected by the majority of the members of
the board to serve a term of two years; providing for codification; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to having the chairman only be appointed
for one year, appointing a vice-chairman and deputy vice chairman in succession,
making sure that all the members will have an opportunity to serve before being
selecting to serve as chairman again, and no chairman can succeed themselves.
Commissioner Bolton motioned to approve as amended. Commissioner Placko
seconded.
Following discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to table
I* carried unanimously 5-0.
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10. Public Hearing(s) - None 0
11. Ordinance(s) — Second Reading
a. TO2445 — Creation and Codification of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board
An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, amending Chapter
2, "Administration," Article III, "Boards, Committees, Commissions," of the City of
Tamarac Code of Ordinances, by creating Division 4, "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Advisory Board"; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve. Commissioner Bolton seconded.
Mayor Gomez confirmed with the City Clerk, there were no comments submitted from
the public.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to table carried unanimously 5-0.
12. Quasi -Judicial Hearing(s)
13. Other
a. Fire Station #36 — "Dalmatian" Sculpture
Maxine Calloway, Community Development Director, introduced George Gadson and
Beth Ravitz who provided a short presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with an emphasis on having the Commission
and community more involved with the Public Art program as it moves forward,
conducting RFQ's [Request for Qualifications] for local artists, and having a contest
for residents to name the dog sculpture, the piece being the wrong spot, etc.
Commissioner Placko motioned to move the project forward. Commissioner Bolton
seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 12:53 p.m. and reconvened at 1:10 p.m.
b. Discussion related to an RFQ/RFP process for Permanent City Attorney
Services
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Discussion by the Commission ensued, and to have the item come back on a
Workshop agenda within 30 days.
Commissioner Bolton asked for a meeting with the Interim City Attorney, City
Manager, and Purchasing and Contracts Manager to discuss the RFP document.
Commissioner Gelin requested more memos from the City Attorney's Office, and for
the City Attorney to provide an analysis of the Colony West project.
c. Motion to reconsider Resolution Condemning the Violence at US Capitol
Mayor Gomez stated she would remove the item from the agenda, as the process
would be addressed during the Customs and Practices discussion.
d. Discussion regarding City's Customs and Practices
Discussion by the Commission ensued on the following topics related to Customs and
Practices.
1) Continue the practice of sharing information/ answers to questions with the entire
commission, if it can come before the commission.
2) Leave the Mayor and Commission office selection as an administrative function.
• 3) Each member of the City Commission can place an item on the agenda without
requiring prior discussion. (ie: resolution/ordinance)
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4) Each member of the City Commission can give direction to staff, through the City
Manager. (ie: research on a topic, attend meetings in their district)
Mayor Gomez recessed at 3:00 p.m. and reconvened at 3:15 p.m.
5) Time Permit for Public Comments
Commissioner Gelin made a motion to accept as written, the City Commission as
a body would have the authority to limit the time for public discussion to remove
anyone who fails to follow the rules. Seconded by Commission Bolton. The motion
carried unanimously (5-0).
6) Selection of the board members
Change the provision in the Code to allow for advertising in local papers such as
the Westside Gazette, Jewish Journal, etc. instead of a paper of general
circulation [Sun Sentinel], and increase advertising through social media, text,
etc. Eliminate that appointees must be a resident of the district of the District
Commissioner. Notwithstanding the advertising, the Commissioner has the
discretion to select his/her own appointee.
Commissioner Bolton asked if term limits could be added after the motion.
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7) Proclamations & Agenda Items •
Proclamations would not be considered in the agenda item count, and each
Commissioner would be limited to four (4) agenda items on an agenda.
Other considerations:
a) Sponsor has the discretion to read his/her own proclamations
b) Proclamations don't have to be read if there is no one in attendance to
accept
c) The whole Commission does not have to be in the picture with the
recipient
d) Language should say on behalf of the City Commission
e) Let the City Clerk know if someone will be in attendance to accept
f) Let the Mayor know if a Commissioner drafted, and don't edit one another
8) Complaints when multiple commissioners are contacted
Have respect for one another. If it is in your district, you will respond. If it is not, then you
can respond that the District Commissioner will be in contact. Interim City Attorney
stated, from a legal standpoint, there is no enforceability of this rule.
9) Mailers
This item will come back during the discussion related to Commission initiatives
10) Public Records Requests
Commissioners will not be charged for a request 40
11) Reading emails and Facebook posts into the record
City Attorney will research and respond
12) Commission meeting times
Commissioner Gelin motioned to change the Commission meeting times to 6:30 p.m.
Vice Mayor Villalobos seconded. Motion was amended to read - Delete the provision in
the code expressing the time for meetings, draft a resolution that will `sunset' at the end
of year with both meetings beginning at 7 p.m. Motion carried 3-2 with Commissioner
Placko and Mayor Gomez dissenting.
Mayor Gomez recess at 5:26 p.m. and reconvened at 5:36 p.m.
13) Time Permit for Public Comments
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve as written. Commissioner Bolton seconded.
The City Commission as a body would have the authority to limit the time for public
discussion or remove anyone who fails to follow the rules.
14) Legislative Aides
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve as written. Seconded by Commissioner
Bolton. "Any City Commissioner may have three (3) paid legislative aides, which may
include college interns. Preference for hiring of residents should be provided." Motion
carried 4-1, with Mayor Gomez dissenting. 0
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• 15) Rules of conduct of members of the City Commission during meetings
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve as written, remove the authority of the Mayor
to remove a member of the City Commission and to eliminate the provision subjecting a
member of the City Commission to arrest. Commissioner Bolton seconded. The motion
carried unanimously (5-0).
16) Keys to the City
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve the development of a "Keys to the City"
program with guidelines. Commissioner Bolton seconded. Motion carried unanimously
(5-0).
17) Running at -large
Direction is to have the City Attorney provide the City Commission with a memo on how
to bring items of interest to the Charter Board. Specifically, changing the provision of
running by district to running at large.
18) Nextdoor
Have the PIO provide a list of city-wide events or initiatives they plan to promote.
Possibly include Commission photos. (ie: Food drives, Black History Month, etc.)
Commissioner Gelin motioned to direct the City Manager to provide everyone full access
to Nextdoor, and the PIO to develop guidelines upon her arrival. Seconded by Vice
Mayor Villalobos. Further added by Commissioner Bolton to have the City Attorney
provide a memo of Do's and Don'ts. Motion carried unanimously (5-0).
19) Tam -A -Gram
Vice Mayor ViIlalobos motions to have one (1) page from the Commission [each elected
official], in the Tam -A -Gram, with direction from city staff. Seconded by Commissioner
Bolton. Passed unanimously (5-0).
In the discussion, have the PIO suggest ideas to write or share about their respective
districts. Commissioners would write their own columns.
The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and submitted by City Clerk Jennifer Johnson.
ifer Jo o , C O
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Micelle J. Gomez '1Gayor
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i the City Clerk of •
Note to the reader: The above signature s ty the City of Tamarac,
Florida. If the minutes you have received are not signed, or completed as
indicated above, they are not the official minutes of the Tamarac City
Commission Meeting held Wednesday, Jan. 27. 2021.
Pursuant to Chapter 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any
decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such
meeting or hearing, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is
made which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is
based.
The City of Tamarac complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you are a disabled person requiring any accommodations or assistance, please notify
the City Clerk's Office at (954) 597-3505 of such need at least 48 hours (2 days) in
advance. Additionally, if you are hearing or speech impaired and need assistance, you
may contact the Florida Relay Service at either of the following numbers: 1-800-955-
8770 or 1-800-955-8771.
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