HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-14 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCity of Tamarac
Regular City Commission Meeting - Minutes
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, Virtual City
Commission Meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Vice Mayor Marlon Bolton, Commissioner Debra
Placko and Commissioner Julie Fishman were present. Commissioner Mike Gelin appeared at
7:24 p.m.
Also present were City Manager Michael C. Cernech, Assistant City Attorney Sam Goren and
City Clerk Jennifer Johnson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Placko led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Gomez observed a moment of silence in honor of Ellie Petardi, who served as President
of Fairhaven 11 for more than 20 years.
1. PROCEDURES FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS
City Attorney, Sam Goren, provided details related to the authorization of virtual
meetings, as outlined in the Governor's Executive Order 20-62 and further extended by
Executive Order 20-246. Goren also outlined the public's right to access, and the need
for conducting a roll call vote for all items in the virtual environment.
2. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Gomez read the following proclamations for the record.
a. Proclamation — Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Requested by Mayor Gomez
Mayor Gomez mentioned the importance of women receiving proper screenings, but
also the importance of men receiving proper screening as well.
b. Proclamation — Fire Prevention Month
Requested by Tamarac Fire Marshal Tommy Demopoulos
Mr. Demopoulos thanked the members of the Fire Prevention Team, Cintia Chelles,
Anthony Escobedo, Sheila Doblas, Rebecca Geimer, Van Schoen, Jeff Moral,
Sparky the Fire Dog and Chief Sayles.
c. Proclamation — Florida City Government Week
Requested by Commissioner Fishman
Mr. Garrick, Tamarac Elementary School Principal, thanked the City for the welcome.
He had hoped to visit in person, with the students, but understands why we cannot at
this time. He looks forward to expanding the relationship and support with the school.
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d. Proclamation — National Bullying Prevention Month
Requested by Vice Mayor Bolton
e. Proclamation — National School Lunch Week
Requested by Mayor Gomez
f. Proclamation — Keith Koenig of City Furniture
Requested by Mayor Gomez
Mr. Koenig thanked Mayor Gomez, the City Commission and the City of Tamarac for
the honor. Koenig commended Sam Goren and stated City Furniture loves the City
of Tamarac.
3. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS
a. Vice Mayor Bolton
Vice Mayor Bolton wished everyone a good evening. Bolton then stated he was bullied
as a child, and he knows how important it is to bring awareness to that subject. Bolton
then honored Mayor Gomez for her Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as a survivor
you are a hero in your own right. Also for being a role model to residents here. We
acknowledge, appreciate and honor you having gone through that. For those of you who
are residents, and are listening, my personal number is 954-275-3850 or my office at
954-597-3461. 1 am also on Facebook at facebook.com/commissionermarlonbolton.
b. Commissioner Gelin
Commissioner Gelin stated it is election season and encouraged all residents to get out
there and vote. I am thankful the President does not have COVID-19, because I believe
he will be the first person to go from the White House to the jail house. Gelin stated, this
past Monday was Indigenous People's Day, and the Smithsonian Institute has some
great resources online. So hopefully parents out there will educate their kids on the
original Americans. I think the Census will end today, and the Supreme Court made a
decision today, and it is unfortunate for those that did not get to complete the Census. I
think there is going to be a big impact, and the people of color who have not been
counted. There is an election coming up, and I want to wish my fellow Commissioners,
Fishman and Bolton, the best of luck. I look forward to seeing you guys during the Early
Voting period. That is always an exciting time.
c. Commissioner Fishman
Commissioner Fishman provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
d. Commissioner Placko
Commissioner Placko stated it is hard to believe Election Day is upon us. Early Voting
starts this Monday, through November 1It, at the Tamarac Library. The Library is at 8701
W. Commercial Blvd. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is a very long day for the people out there.
For those that have not cast your ballot, please get out there and vote. Election Day is
Tuesday, November 3rd. Please find out where your precinct is, because some have
changed. I have sent out a list to District 4, of where District 4 precincts are, so if anyone
Page 2 of 11 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Oct. 14, 2020
has questions please give us a call. Please find out where you are supposed to vote, as
it is imperative that everybody vote. Your voice needs to be heard this time.
e. Mayor Gomez
Mayor Gomez reiterated that Early Voting is at the Library, and throughout the County,
the 19ttl through the 1st from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Then on Election Day, you must vote at
your designated precinct. Gomez stated the past couple of weeks have been busy even
though we are virtual. I am very proud of our Colony West project. I know it will be a
great source of pride for our City, and there will be wonderful memories made there for
years to come. Gomez stated she attended the Broward League of Cities, Chamber of
Commerce, and the pleasure of serving on an executive round table for Digital Cities.
We were discussing the technology our City has, what we have been utilizing, and how
we have been working through the COVID pandemic, and where we see ourselves
going. Continuing with Feeding South Florida. Thank you to BSO, Parks & Recreation,
Public Services, and everyone who volunteers at Community Christian Church, United
Korean United Methodist Church, Christian Life Center, for all your hard work with the
food distributions. I know there are other churches, businesses, and temples in our city
that want to help out and their land size is not conducive for hosting one there and it just
won't work. But know there are some little ones taking place, and there are neighbors
helping neighbors. Gomez stated, for people who are still afraid to go out, please make
sure you get outside a little. You have to get some fresh air, try to be social with your
neighbors, even 6-feet apart, it is for your health and mental well-being. I have been into
many of our businesses, while some are allowed to increase their occupancy some are
not opening up much more. They are the markers on the floor, and they are using all of
the recommended guidelines. They want you to come to their businesses and see that
they are clean, and they are keeping you safe and healthy. When we have a confident
consumer, our economy will begin to thrive again, and our people can go back to work
and feel comfortable being at work. Please go utilize all of our Tamarac businesses if
you can.
4. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney, Sam Goren, reviewed the status of virtual quorums and there being no
expectation of extending the option for a virtual quorum after Nov. 1, 2020. Therefore,
the City staff is making arrangements to move back to in -person meetings, while
continuing to offer the public a right to access by phone, email and through Facebook.
Goren also stated Governor DeSantis recently signed into law HB7009. This bill passed
the Legislature, and it is a serious bill. It becomes effective December 31, 2020, and it
reenacts Section 112.317, which provides penalties for violations of the Florida Code of
Ethics Part Ill. You, myself and your professional staff are all prescribed by this. Goren
read language relative to the significant penalties associated with the bill, and offered to
speak about the item at any time. Commissioner Fishman asked for clarification if it
included appointed board members.
5. CITY MANAGER REPORT
The Tamarac Parks and Recreation Department cordially invites everyone to join us for
these fun filled Halloween activities:
Page 3 of 11 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Oct. 14, 2020
The first event is our DRIVE THRU HALLOWEEN HAUNT IN THE PARK. Come out to
the Sports Complex, 9901 NW 77m Street, Friday, October 231 from 6-8 p.m. and drive
through the decorated parking lot to collect your bag of treats and crafts. Please
remember to stay in your vehicle during this event.
Next... Come out and participate in our TRICK OR TREAT STORY WALK. This family
fun event at Waters Edge Park, 7508 NW 61 st Street will be held on Saturday, October
31st from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Stroll through the park and enjoy a free interactive
reading of "Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away". Free book and candy bag while supplies
last. Please be sure to maintain social distancing.
Everyone's favorite 5K, the 40th Annual Tamarac Turkey Trot,
will go virtual this year. While we can't run together on Thanksgiving, this virtual race
allows you to run when you want, where you want! Registration fee is either $15 or $25
depending on shirt selection and shipping option. E-mails will be sent to participants
when shirts and medals are ready. Tracking for this virtual race will be done through the
free RaceJoy mobile app, available for Apple or Android devices. For more information
visit the City's website or you can register at www.RunSignUp.com/TamaracTurkeyTrot
Registration closes on November 25th at 11.30 pm.
The City is still determining what the rest of our holiday events will look like this
year. As the holiday season approaches, please continue to follow the City on
social media for updates on future events as new guidelines emerge.
The Community Development Department Housing Division wants you to know that two
new programs will be implemented to assist Tamarac's residents who continue to
experience hardship due to COVID-19. The new programs are:
1. The Emergency Repair Grant program. This program offers emergency repair
assistance to homeowners experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Funds
can be used for emergency repairs to the roof or any other component that an
inspector deems necessary. Projects are reviewed and awarded on a case -by -case
basis. This program is funded by the CRF funds from Florida Housing Finance
Corporation.
2. The second program is the Connectivity and Technology for Employment Support
program, through a partnership with T-Mobile. This program offers a mobile device
and two years of connectivity technology to residents impacted by COVID-19. This
will help support employment searches and provides stable job communication. This
program will be funded with Treasury funds through Broward County once approved
by the County.
In addition to these new programs, a 4m round of the Residential Assistance Program is
opening for qualified Tamarac residents struggling to pay rent, re -housing, mortgage or
utility bills due to COVID-19. This program is funded with Treasury funds through
Broward County and will be administered by Civitas, LLC, once approved by the County.
Page 4 of 11 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Oct. 14, 2020
The City began accepting applications for all three grant programs October 13cn
Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.
Additionally, a portion of the Treasury funds from Broward County ($154,000) is being
used to help feed all 120 Tamarac seniors that are on the waiting list in partnership with
Meals on Wheels. This extension of our existing program will help feed these seniors
through December 31, 2020.
Kudos to Community Development Housing Division for their continued efforts in
providing quality programs to assist our residents during this challenging time
For the second year in a row, the City of Tamarac has received Cigna's "Outstanding
Culture of Well -Being" Award. The City was recognized (virtually) by Cigna in the under
500 employee class for creating a culture of well-being. This award is a testament to
the hard work and dedication put forth by the Human Resources Department, our
employee Wellness Champion Committee, our Executive Team, and every employee
who supports the City's efforts. We look forward to continuing our shared success as
we endeavor to provide our employees with the resources to choose a healthier
lifestyle. A special thank you to the Human Resources Department Benefits Team for all
of the foundational work that went into receiving this award.
The City of Tamarac Public Services Department will temporarily return to free
chlorination in the drinking water system serving east Tamarac (east of State Road 7/US
441) from Friday, October 16, 2020 through Friday, November 6, 2020. This is a part of
our water distribution preventive maintenance program.
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Gomez opened for public comment, and City Clerk Johnson read the following into
the record.
1. Elvin Villalobos, via Facebook, can you please un-video the driver - it is distracting.
2. Warren Greene, via email, I watched the hearings on setting the budget and millage
rate, and the theater of the absurd displayed on the dais never ceases to amaze me. At
the first meeting, after staff made their well reasoned budget presentation, most of the
Commission asked cogent questions. Marlon Bolton, however, chose instead to lambast
other members of the Commission for what he termed "rubber stamping" budgets over
the years, along with other rantings. Imagine how surprising it was to hear that, with a
mere $25,000 put into a slush fund for ego -driven projects, all was once again right with
the world and Commissioner Bolton could easily endorse staff recommendations. Don't
your fellow elected officials deserve an apology? And, by the way Commissioner Bolton,
bullying has also occurred in Tamarac by you to staff, and it's documented by an outside
counsel. A proclamation won't change that. You, however, can publicly admit your
transgressions and apologize. The people of Tamarac deserve nothing less.
3. Jeffrey Shapiro, via telephone, thanked Mayor Gomez for assistance with getting
Comcast out to the area. Shapiro also mentioned that the Woodlands item is coming
before the Broward County Commission next week, and he signed up to speak, but has
to stay connected to the meeting for a lengthy time.
Page 5 of 11 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Oct. 14, 2020
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of the Sept. 9, 2020 — Virtual City Commission Meeting Minutes
b. Approval of the Sept. 14, 2020 — Virtual City Commission Meeting Minutes
c. Approval of the Sept. 29, 2020 — Virtual City Commission Meeting Minutes
d. TR13507 —Accepting a FRDAP Grant Award for Caporella Park
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, accepting a
grant award in the amount of $50,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection; authorizing the appropriate City official to execute a project agreement
between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the City of
Tamarac for grant funding the amount of $50,000 for the development of Caporella
Park; providing for acceptance of the award and execution of documents; providing
for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
e. TR13508 — Renewal of Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Agreement
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving
Collection and Disposal Services of Household Hazardous Waste; authorizing an
expenditure of funds for an amount not to exceed the approved Annual Budget;
utilizing RFP No. 06-06-18-11 solicited, awarded, and renewed by the City of
Coconut Creek, Florida, as the lead agency for the Southeast Florida Governmental
Purchasing Cooperative Group; effective upon approval through October 23, 2022,
or as extended by the City of Coconut Creek on behalf of the Southeast Florida
Governmental Purchasing Cooperative; authorizing the proper City officials execute
contract renewals; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for
an effective date.
f. TR13510 —Authorize installation of Plasma Air Quality HVAC Systems
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving an
agreement between the City of Tamarac and Carrier Corporation for the purchase
and installation of bipolar ionization ("plasma") equipment in the existing HVAC
equipment for specific City facilities; utilizing the Sourcewell Pre -Negotiated
Cooperative Purchasing Program Contract #030817-CAR at a contract cost not to
exceed $145,315.00, a contingency of $14,532 (10%) will be added for a total project
cost of $159,847.00; authorizing an additional appropriation in the amount not to
exceed the appropriate City officials to execute and administer said contract;
providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
g. TR13511 —Appointment of Financial Services Director— Christine Cajuste
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, appointing
Christine Cajuste as Director of Financial Services, effective October 14, 2020, or at
such date as is mutually agreed upon; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date.
City Manager Cernech stated there were no additions or deletions this afternoon.
Page 6 of 11 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Oct. 14, 2020
Mayor Gomez requested a motion and second.
Commissioner Placko motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner
Fihsman seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and motion to approve the Consent Agenda
carried unanimously 5-0.
Members of the Commission congratulated Ms. Cajuste on her appointment, and Ms.
Cajuste said she was grateful for the opportunity and she looks forward to serving
the City for years to come.
4. REGULAR AGENDA
a. TR13520 — First Amendment to the Commercial Property Ground Lease for
Tamarac Village
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing and
directing, Howard Steinholz as Co -Trustee under the Declaration of Appointment of
Co -Trustee dated April 13, 2016, of the Tamarac Land Trust Agreement dated July
10, 2013, to execute the first amendment to the ground lease agreement for the
commercial parcel, attached hereto as Exhibit "'I", by and between Howard Steinholz
as Co -Trustee and JKM TV C, LLC; for the purpose of extending the commercial
parcel election option for the Tamarac Village property being more particularly
described in Exhibit "1" attached hereto and incorporated herein; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Mayor Gomez requested a motion and second.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to approve. Commissioner Gelin seconded.
City Manager Cernech provided background information related to the item, and the
reasons for it being before the Commission this evening.
Adam Friedman, on behalf of Tamarac Village, provided information related to the
market, number of occupancies, number of remaining units, and future expectations of
construction.
Clerk Johnson confirmed there were no public comments for this item.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to approve carried unanimously
5-0.
5. ORDINANCE(S) FIRST READING
Page 7 of 11 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Oct. 14, 2020
a. T02438 — Amendment to the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances to include
"City Holidays"
An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, amending
Chapter 2, "Administration", Article 1 "In General", of the City of Tamarac Code of
Ordinances by creating Section 2-3, "City Holidays", providing for severability;
providing for codification and providing for an effective date.
Mayor Gomez requested a motion and second.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Director of Human Resources, Lerenzo Calhoun, provided background information
related to the item.
Clerk Johnson confirmed there were no public comments for this item.
Discussion by the Commission ensued, and a request to provide the estimated costs for
Leon County and Deerfield Beach to provide the employee holiday.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to approve carried unanimously
5-0.
b. T02439 — Amendment to the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances to include
"Tamarac Employee Living Wage"
An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, pertaining to
Living Wages; creating provisions for Living Wage for City Employees; amending
Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances, entitled "Finance and Taxation", specifically
amending Article 1, entitled "In General" by creating Section 6-1, to be entitled "Tamarac
Employee Living Wage"; providing for codification; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability' providing for an effective date.
Mayor Gomez requested a motion and second.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned to approve. Commissioner Gelin seconded.
Director of Human Resources, Lerenzo Calhoun, provided background information
related to the item.
Clerk Johnson confirmed there were no public comments for this item.
Discussion by the Commission ensued, and a request to amend Section 6.1, substituting
gender neutral pronouns. (he/she, themselves)
Page 8 of 11 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Oct. 14, 2020
Vice Mayor Bolton moved to amend this motion remove he/she and insert themselves.
Commissioner Gelin seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to approve carried unanimously
5-0.
b. T02440 — Amendment to the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances to include
"Ban the Box"
An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, pertaining to
criminal history screening practices for applicants seeking employment with the City
of Tamarac and its contractors, effectively "Banning the Box;" creating Section 2-245
of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances entitled "Conviction History Prohibition in
City employment and by City contractors"; providing for codification; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; providing for an effective date.
Mayor Gomez requested a motion and second.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Director of Human Resources, Lerenzo Calhoun, provided background information
related to the item.
Clerk Johnson confirmed there were no public comments for this item.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with a request to amend Section 2.e.3., [of the
ordinance] by substituting gender neutral pronouns. (he/she, the Commissioner Gelin
read an excerpt from the Broward Alliance — 6 Pillars Email Newsletter, and recognized
the other entities that have been pushing on the state level to get this passed.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to approve carried unanimously
5-0.
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
a. TR13499 —Colony West Project— Vacation of Easements and Creation of New
Easements
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving a
Vacation of Easement petition in an effort to vacate six (6) easements associated
with drainage, water, sewer and utilities and seven (7) new easements that are
required on the south of McNab Road and east side of NW 881h Avenue/N Pine
Island Road as further described in the legal description attached hereto as Exhibit
1" Easement Vacation exhibits; (Case No. 3-P-20); providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Mayor Gomez requested a motion and second.
Page 9 of 11 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Oct. 14, 2020
Commissioner Placko motioned to approve. Vice Mayor Bolton seconded.
Director of Community Development, Maxine Calloway, stated this item is being brought
forward for cleanup purposes.
Mayor Gomez opened for public hearing.
Clerk Johnson confirmed there were no public comments for this item.
Mayor Gomez closed the public hearing.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to approve carried unanimously
5-0.
7. ORDINANCE(S) SECOND READING - NONE
8. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S) — NONE
9. OTHER
a. Discussion and possible motion to cancel the Nov. 25, 2020 and Dec. 23, 2020
Commissioner meetings.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 9:23 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and submitted by City Clerk Jennifer Johnson.
Jenrifer Johnson, CM
v;
Mic Ile J. Gomez, Mayo
Note to the reader. The above signature is the City Clerk, of the City of Tamarac, Florida.
ff the minutes you have received are not signed, or completed as indicated above, they
Page 10 of 11 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Oct. 14, 2020
are not the official minutes of the Tamarac City Commission Meeting held Wednesday,
Oct. 14, 2020.
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.
Page 11 of 11 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Oct. 14, 2020