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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-28 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCity Commission Minutes Wednesday, April 28, 2021 7 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Wednesday, April 28, 2021, Regular City Commission meeting, being held virtually, to order at 7 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Marlon Bolton, Commissioner Mike Gelin, Commissioner Debra Placko, Vice Mayor Villalobos and Mayor Gomez were in attendance virtually. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. PROCEDURES FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, provided information and procedures for conducting virtual public meetings. 2. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS a. Proclamation — Puroclean Requested by Mayor Gomez b. Proclamation — 2021 ICC Building Safety Month Requested by George Folles, Building Official C. Proclamation — City Clerk's Week 0 Requested by Jennifer Johnson, City Clerk d. Proclamation — Return to Work Week Requested by Commissioner Bolton Commissioner Bolton read the proclamation and introduced Melissa P. Dunn, Commissioner with the City of Lauderhill. Ms. Dunn thanked the Commission for the proclamation, and stated her goal is to ensure all residents have living wage jobs. e. Employee Service Awards City Manager Michael C. Cernech introduced a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office, and honored each of the employees who met service milestones. 5 Years of Service David Collins Christopher Crafton Albert Sherwood Jesse Torres Stanley Boyd 15 Years of Service Vincenzo Licata David Cundiff Bertram Bowe 20 Years of Service • Joseph Meldish Michael Morrison 1 Judith Henry Michael Gresek Marjorie Irizarry Regina McCremmon-Sneed Charles Moss 25 Years of Service Rosemary Fisher 3. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS a. Commissioner Bolton b. Commissioner Gelin C. Vice Mayor Villalobos d. Commissioner Placko e. Mayor Gomez The City Commission requested to forgo providing reports. 4. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, clarified an ordinance would be coming forward at a future meeting modifying the code to reflect the City Commission's request to remove Proclamations and Presentations as well as City Commission reports from the agenda. 5. CITY MANAGER REPORT a. Investment Report — February 2021 b. Investment Report — March 2021 The City Commission requested to forgo having City Manager provide a report. 6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION a. Maddie Swick. Unable to reach by telephone. b. Dr. Darcy Schiller, of Tamarac, discussed details of the April 14, 2021, City Commission meeting related to Commissioner Bolton's commentary about City Manager Cernech. Shiller then referenced Commissioner Bolton's fiscal responsibility and recent reports in the local media related to Bolton's PPP loans. c. Ron Wasserman, of Tamarac, stated he is flabbergasted about what has happened recently. He stated Woodmont residents are tired of being pushed around by Pulte Homes and the City. Wasserman stated it would also happen in the Woodlands. He then complained the City Manager has not answered all of his questions, and continuous inquiries by the Sun Sentinel. d. Elizabeth Walter, of Tamarac, discussed multiple issues in Sunflower/Heathgate neighborhood. Commissioner Placko stated she would contact Ms. Walter to address her concerns. 2 7. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of the March 10, 2021, City Commission Minutes b. Approval of the March 24, 2021, Virtual City Commission Minutes C. TR13591 —Appointing Five (5) Members to the Charter Board A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, appointing five members to the Charter Board, four members appointed by the Commissioner from each district, and one member appointed at -large by the Mayor, to serve for one year, with new appointments to be made in six years, providing for conflicts, providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Commission District(s): Citywide f. TR13598 — Award of Pubic Art Administrator Contract to Gadson & Ravitz LLC A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving the award of Request for Proposal #21-15R, and execution of an agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit "A", to provide Public Art Program Administration services for a contract term of two years to Gadson and Ravitz, LLC in the amount of $100,000, authorizing an appropriation of $100,000 from the public art fund; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Commission District(s): District 3 Mayor Gomez stated TR13599 — Resolution in Support of the formation of an Independent Solid Waste District would be deferred to another meeting, and the Waste Management item would be moving from 13.a. to 8.b. Mayor Gomez asked if the City Manager had any additions or deletions to the agenda. City Manager, Michael Cernech, stated there were no additions or deletions this evening. Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded. No discussion by the Commission. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 8. REGULAR AGENDA a. Discussion and Action Shortlisting the Top -Three City Attorney Proposals Discussion by the Commission ensued. Commissioner Placko made a motion to start the process of having a city attorney process out [requesting applicants/LOI's] again. Mayor Gomez seconded the motion, and passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Villalobos. 3 Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried 3-2. Commissioner Placko, Mayor Gomez and Vice Mayor Villalobos in favor. Commissioner Bolton and Commissioner Gelin opposed. Vice Mayor Villalobos made a motion to hire John Herin and the law firm of Fox Rothschild as the permanent city attorney. Motion died for a lack of a second. Vice Mayor Villalobos made motion to reconsider [the main motion]. Commissioner Bolton seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried 3-2. Commissioner Bolton, Vice Mayor Villalobos and Mayor Gomez in favor. Commissioner Gelin and Commissioner Placko opposed. Vice Mayor Villalobos made a motion to hire John Herin and Fox Rothschild as the permanent city attorney. Commissioner Bolton seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion failed 2-3. Vice Mayor Villalobos and Mayor Gomez were in favor. Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Placko and Commissioner Gelin opposed. Commissioner Gelin motion to hire the Ottinot Law Firm as the permanent city attorney. Motion died for a lack of a second. Commissioner Gelin made a motion to table to six months. Commissioner Bolton seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion failed 2-3. Commissioner Bolton and Commissioner Gelin were in favor. Commissioner Placko, Vice Mayor Villalobos and Mayor Gomez opposed. Vice Mayor Villalobos made a motion to table until the next meeting. [May 12, 2021 ] Mayor Gomez passed the gavel to Commissioner Placko and seconded the motion. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried 3-2. Commissioner Placko, Vice Mayor Villalobos and Mayor Gomez were in favor. Commissioner Bolton and Commissioner Gelin opposed- b. Discussion with Waste Management Mayor Gomez introduced, Jodie Siegel and Tom Ridder, of Waste Management. Ridder stated they have had many challenges in the past year, and wanted to address those issues. Those being bulk trash, headcount issues, hydraulic issues and accountability. Ridder also said the City had a compost program, and would like to support it. The root cause was headcount, and the fix is were gaining headcount and building it back up. 0 4 Justin Warnimont addressed leveraging vendors to help with bulk collection, but they are not as efficient as we are. Ridder addressed the issues of hydraulic leaks and said we would like to prevent them altogether. Siegel mentioned the staff is great, and communicates well with the residents. Discussion by the Commission ensued regarding communications, bulk trash, HOA awareness and citing homeowners, as well as creating new literature for residents regarding acceptable bulk/residential items. c. TR13600 —Recognizing the Athenian Oath A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, recognizing the Athenian Oath as a timeless code of civic responsibility, adopting the oath and agreeing to the take the oath to emphasize the importance of its tenets, requiring the City Manager, Department Directors, Department Assistants, and City Board members take the oath; directing the City Clerk to create a template of the oath, providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record. Commissioner Bolton motioned to approve. isThe item died for lack of a second. d. TR13595 —Approval of an agreement for purchase and sale of real property to acquire 4949 N. State Road 7 A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving an agreement for purchase and sale of real property to acquire 4949 N. State Road 7 for a purchase price of nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000.00) and authorizing the City Manager and City Attorney to take all necessary action to effectuate the purchase; and providing for an effective date. City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record. Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded. Economic Development Manager, Lori Funderwhite, provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Gomez opened for public comments. There being none, Gomez closed public comment. Following discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote. The motion carried unanimously 5-0. • e. TR13596 —Acceptance of LOI and Authorization to Execute Contract for Sale and Purchase with Medalist Restaurant Group, LLC for City Owned Vacant 5 Parcel, located on the north side of Commercial Boulevard, 280 feet west of . NW 82"d Avenue A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, accepting a Letter of Intent (LOI) and authorizing the negotiation of a contract for sale and purchase with Medalist Restaurant Group LLC, to facilitate the sale and commercial development of .67 acres of real property located on the north side of Commercial Boulevard, 280 feet west of NW 8211 Avenue, known as, a portion of Lot 3, Block 7, Lyons Commercial subdivision according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 69, Page 42 of the public records of Broward County, Florida, being more particularly described in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record. Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded. Community Development Director, Maxine Calloway, provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Gomez opened for public comments. There being none, Gomez closed public comment. Discussion regarding receiving additional renderings and the sale of the adjacent property be contingent for the sale. 0 Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote. The motion carried unanimously 5-0. f. TR13590 —Supporting Marcus Garvey Exoneration A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, supporting House Resolution No. 148 of the 1171 United States House of Representatives requesting the exoneration of Marcus Garvey; providing for distribution; providing for conflicts; providing for effective date. City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record. Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to approve. Commissioner Gelin seconded. Mayor Gomez opened for public comments. There being none, Gomez closed public comment. No discussion by the City Commission. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried unanimously 5-0. g. Motion to reconsider— TR13582 Approval of the Agreement with Techgroupone, Inc. for Sunset Point Park Artistic Structure Commissioner Gelin motion to reconsider TR13582. Commissioner Placko seconded. • R Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried 4-1. Commissioner Placko, Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Gelin and Mayor Gomez were in favor. Vice Mayor Villalobos objected. h. TR13582 Approval of the Agreement with Techgroupone, Inc. for Sunset Point Park Artistic Structure A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, awarding RFP No. 20- 11 RP to Techgroupone, Inc., and approving the execution of an agreement between the City of Tamarac and Techgroupone, Inc. attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein, to provide design/build services for Sunset Hammock artistic work project at Sunset Park located at 11000 W. McNab Road, Tamarac, in the amount of $773,342.09; authorizing the inclusion of a city controlled contingency in the project budget in the amount of $77,334.21; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record. Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded. Mayor Gomez opened for public comments. There being none, Gomez closed public comment. Discussion by the Commission ensued regarding where funds are derived (developer fees) from the City budget, and inviting more public comments on art items. • Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried 4-1. Commissioner Placko, Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Gelin and Mayor Gomez were in favor. Vice Mayor Villalobos objected. i. TR13607 —Approval of LETF Expenditures A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing an appropriation of $14,569.00 from the State Law Enforcement Trust Fund for the provision of funding a cycling event and crime prevention initiative; authorizing donation to Tamarac Parks and Recreation Foundation in the amount of $14,569.00 from the appropriate accounts for the purchase of equipment for the cycling event; authorizing an appropriation of $14,569.00; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record. Commissioner Placko motioned to approve. Commissioner Gelin seconded. Mayor Gomez opened for public comments. There being none, Gomez closed public comment. No discussion by the Commission. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried unanimously 5-0. . Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 9 p.m., and reconvened at 9:15 p.m. 7 9. ORDINANCE(S) FIRST READING 0 a. TO2464 —Amending Chapter 10 An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, amending Chapter 10 of the City's Code of Ordinances, entitled "Land Development Code" by designing the City Commission as the final decision maker on land use matters, including special exceptions, major site plans, and variances by amending Article IV "Development and Design Standards," Section 10-4.3 "Off -Street Parking and Loading" and Section 10-4.10 "Sign"; by amending Article V, "Administration," Section 10-5.2 "Summary Table of Development Review Procedures," by amending Table 10-5.3 "Common Review Procedures," by amending Table 10-5.2 "General Notice Requirements," amending Section 10-5.3 "Specific Review Procedures," and amending Section 10-5.4 "Application — Specific Review Procedures"; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; providing for codification; providing for an effective date. City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record. Commissioner Placko motioned to approve. Commissioner Bolton seconded. Mayor Gomez confirmed with Clerk Johnson, there were no comments submitted, and no members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion by the Commission ensued, and Assistant City Attorney, Pamala Ryan, addressed questions from the City Commission. is Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to table the item. Mayor Gomez passed the gavel, and seconded the motion. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to table failed 2-3. Vice Mayor Villalobos and Mayor Gomez were in favor. Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Gelin and Commissioner Placko objected. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to approve carried 4-1. Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Gelin, Commissioner Placko and Vice Mayor Villalobos were in favor. Mayor Gomez objected. b. TO2448 —Amending Ordinance 2020-011 FY2021 Operating and Capital Budget An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, amending ordinance 2020-011, which adopted the City of Tamarac Operating Budget, Revenues and Expenditures, the Capital Budget, and the Financial Policies for the Fiscal Year 2021, by increasing the total revenues and expenditures by a total of $3,937,299 as detailed in Attachment A, attached hereto and summarized in Attachment B; providing for severability; providing for codification and providing for an effective date. City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record. Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to approve. 0 The item died for lack of second. 10. PUBLIC HEARING None. 11. ORDINANCE(S) SECOND READING a. T02450 — Ordinance Amending the Veterans Affairs Committee An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, amending Chapter 2 of the Tamarac City Code, entitled "Administration", Article III, "Boards, Committees, Commissions", Division 8 "Veterans Affairs Committee" by amending Section 2-223 "Creation: Composition" and Section 2-225 "Chairman"; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; providing for codification; and providing for an effective date. City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record. Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded. Mayor Gomez confirmed with Clerk Johnson, there were no comments submitted, and no members of the public signed up to speak. No discussion by the Commission. is Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to approve carried unanimously (5-0). 12. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S) None 13. OTHER a. Discussion and direction regarding the Sister Cities program and Committee roll Assistant to the City Manager, Laura Karpaviciute, provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Discussion by the Commission ensued with regard to the Commissioners each selecting a city, and have the members of the Committee do research and make a recommendation to become a friendship city or Sister City. Commissioner Gelin motioned to pick a city, and assign the member each of you picked, establish a relationship with that city. Vice Mayor Villalobos seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried unanimously b. Vision Zero Update Director of Community Development, Maxine Calloway, provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. • 9 Discussion by the Commission ensued with regard to implementing the program, equity, and next steps. 0 C. Caribbean Heritage Month — Discussion of proposed events and activities Director of Parks & Recreation, Greg Warner, provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Discussion by the Commission ensued related to hosting One Tamarac in any month other than Black History Month, celebrating other heritage months, selling alcohol at events, and the "Sunday's on Saturday" blood donation event for Veterans. The consensus of the Commission is to prohibit selling alcohol at events. One Tamarac will be held in September, which will be in cooperation with Hispanic Heritage Month. d. Mayor and Commission direction to the City Manager or the City Attorney 1) Public Records Discussion Requested by Commissioner Gelin Commissioner Gelin directed that the item be tabled. 2) Discussion on the Budget Amendment Process Requested by Commissioner Gelin Discussion by the Commission ensued related to the release of a memorandum to the Sun Sentinel. Commissioner Gelin motioned to direct the City Attorney, to hire an independent investigator, to investigate who from staff leaked this memo to the news media. Commissioner Bolton seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and motion carried 4-1. Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Gelin, Commissioner Placko and Vice Mayor Villalobos were in favor. Mayor Gomez objected. Commissioner Bolton clarified for the record; the investigation would include members of the City Commission. Commissioner Gelin concurred. Mayor Gomez stated four members on the Commission agree. Mayor Gomez turned over the meeting to Vice Mayor Villalobos. Vice Mayor Villalobos made a motion to withdraw the City of Tamarac's transmittal to Broward County of LUPA 20-2, based upon FDOT's comments showing LOS [level of service], of and level of E and F, which is a complete failure on Commercial Boulevard and Rock Island Road and no program improvements for those segments of roads under the MPOs long range transportation plan that would correct the adverse impacts. • 10 0 The motion failed for a lack of second. There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 11:54 p.m. Minutes transcribed and submitted by City Clerk Jennifer Johnson. Jgnr.if Johns , C Mic elle J. Gomez, ayor Note to the reader: The above signature is the City Clerk, of 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, April 28, 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. 11 • From: City Clerk To: Michelle J. Gomez; Mike Gelin; Elvin Villalobos; Debra Placko: Marion Bolton Cc: Kimberly Dillon Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 11:41:00 PM Good evening. Just FYI. No other comments were received via email this evening. Thanks, Jen -----Original Message ----- From: FUAD Kahook <fuad143gaol.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 10:47 PM To: City Clerk <City.Clerk@tamarac.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email. I see there is all these celebrations black history Hispanic etc Ramadan is a Muslim holiday and as you a]I know there is a Muslim school expanding. Why not have a celebration for that. It probably would be the only city Thanks Sincerely Fuad Villalobos • Sent from my iPhone From: Jennifer Johnson • To: Michelle J. Gomez; Mike Gelin; Elvin Villalobos; Debra Placko; Elvin Villalobos Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] City Commission Regular Meeting - Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. - citizen comments Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 11:38:00 PM Attachments: image001.12no Good evening Mayor and Commission, Please see the comments provided below, and the response on my behalf. Thanks, Jen From: City Clerk Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 11:37 PM To: Ondria LaMorte <ondria@ondria.us> Cc: Kimberly Dillon <Kimberly.Dillon@tamarac_org> Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] City Commission Regular Meeting - Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. - citizen comments Good evening Ms. LaMorte, Please let me apologize that you did not get an opportunity to speak tonight. I will be sure to provide your comments below to the City Commission for them to review. • With that being said, both items you requested to speak on were either tabled or died for a lack of second. Meaning the items were never brought forward for public discussion. Therefore the opportunity to speak subsequently died. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to contact our office directly. Thank you and have a good night. Jen Jennifer Johnson City Clerk I City Clerk's Office (954) 597-3506 1 www.tamarac.org 7525 NW 88th Ave, Tamarac, FL 33321 From: Ondria LaMorte <ondria(@ondria.us> Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 10:11 PM To: City Clerk <Citj .Clerk(@tamarac.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Commission Regular Meeting - Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. - citizen comments Thi;message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution • when opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email. • Dear City Clerk - My name is Ondria LaMorte and I am a resident and homeowner in the City of Tamarac. I understand this email will be forwarded the Mayor and Commissioners. I signed up to speak at tonight's Ct'ty" rt�istioti Rtg ,IarM Ling Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. I attended the entire meeting. There was confusion about the topics that I wanted to discuss. I had two topics that I intended to address, but did not have the chance. The two topics I was prepared to discuss were: 1. Code of Ethics 2. Increase Travel Expenses The second item did not pass, but I included comments below. Topic 1: Code of Ethics • The following is an excerpt the Code of Ordinances - ARTICLE XI. - CODE OF ETHICS — Sec. 2- 401. - Intent and purpose states: The purpose of this article is to strengthen the quality of representative government through ethical principles governing the conduct of the city's elected and appointed officials. It is important to assure that, that the policies and decisions made by public officers are made through established processes of government, that public officers do not utilize public office for private or personal benefit, that public officers avoid action which creates the appearance of impropriety, and that the public have confidence in the integrity of city government and the city's public officers. I understand there was a resolution to recognize the Athenian Oath. That details around this topic were not clear to me in the meeting. Was this Athenian Oath adopted? Most professionals are required to formally sign their respective Code of Ethics. As a professional auditor, I am required to sign a code of ethics at a minimum annually. I don't just give my word and promise to do my best. I am held to standard. All citizens in the City of Tamarac deserve the confirmation that you are all operating under the same rules —the Code of Ethics. Have each one of you signed statement and provided it to the city clerk with your acknowledgment that you received, read, understand, and agree to be bound by the City of Tamarac Code of Ethics for Public Officers? If not, why not and when • will this be done? Topic 2 - Increase in budget — in the same vein public officers SHOULD NOT utilize public office for private or personal benefit, that public officers avoid action which creates the • appearance of impropriety One item in the budget was listed as follows: 0-2021-007 approved 2/24/2021 amending Chapter 2 "Administration" and amending Article X11, entitled "Travel"; specifically amending Section 2-242, entitled "Travel Expenses", to provide for an optional fixed expense account for elected officials upon request. This Budget Amendment increases City Commission personal costs — other allowance local travel expense $37,500 and appropriation from fund balance $37,500 in the General Fund. This amounts to $75,000? Generally, areas that may seem immaterial like $75,000 — wouldn't show up on the radar. However, I am more concerned in the underlying process and ability for this Body to propose increase(s) and approve them without any segregation of duties or checks and balances. Thank you in advance for feedback and resolution for item number on above. Best Regards, Ondria LaMorte • • From: Jennifer Johnson To: Michelle J. Gomez; Milc-QgfilL Elvin Villalobos Debra Placko; Elvin Villalobos Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] City Commission Regular Meeting - Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. - citizen comments Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 11:38:00 PM Attachments: image001.Dno Good evening Mayor and Commission, Please see the comments provided below, and the response on my behalf. Thanks, Jen From: City Clerk Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 11:37 PM To: Ondria LaMorte <ondria@ondria.us> Cc: Kimberly Dillon <Kimberly.Dilion @tamarac.org> Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] City Commission Regular Meeting - Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. - citizen comments Good evening Ms. LaMorte, Please let me apologize that you did not get an opportunity to speak tonight. I will be sure to provide • your comments below to the City Commission for them to review. With that being said, both items you requested to speak on were either tabled or died for a lack of second. Meaning the items were never brought forward for public discussion. Therefore the opportunity to speak subsequently died. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to contact our office directly. Thank you and have a good night. Jen Jennifer Johnson City Clerk I City Clerk's Office (954) 597-3506 1 wwwlamarac.org 7525 NW 88th Ave, Tamarac, FL 33321 From: Ondria LaMorte <ondria ondria.us> Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 10:11 PM To: City Clerk <City.Clerk(@tamarac.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Commission Regular Meeting - Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. - citizen comments • This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email. Dear City Clerk - My name is Ondria LaMorte and I am a resident and homeowner in the City of Tamarac. I understand this email will be forwarded the Mayor and Commissioners. I signed up to speak at tonight's OityCo"ssi€tn Reg iMeeting'- Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. I attended the entire meeting. There was confusion about the topics that I wanted to discuss. I had two topics that I intended to address, but did not have the chance. The two topics I was prepared to discuss were: 1. Code of Ethics 2. Increase Travel Expenses The second item did not pass, but I included comments below. Topic 1: Code of Ethics • The following is an excerpt the Code of Ordinances - ARTICLE XI. - CODE OF ETHICS — Sec. 2- • 401. - Intent and purpose states: The purpose of this article is to strengthen the quality of representative government through ethical principles governing the conduct of the city's elected and appointed officials. It is important to assure that, that the policies and decisions made by public officers are made through established processes of government, that public officers do not utilize public office for private or personal benefit, that public officers avoid action which creates the appearance of impropriety, and that the public have confidence in the integrity of city government and the city's public officers. I understand there was a resolution to recognize the Athenian Oath. That details around this topic were not clear to me in the meeting. Was this Athenian Oath adopted? Most professionals are required to formally sign their respective Code of Ethics. As a professional auditor, I am required to sign a code of ethics at a minimum annually. I don't just give my word and promise to do my best. I am held to standard. All citizens in the City of Tamarac deserve the confirmation that you are all operating under the same rules — the Code of Ethics. Have each one of you signed statement and provided it to the city clerk with your acknowledgment that you received, read, understand, and agree to be bound by the City of Tamarac Code of Ethics for Public Officers? If not, why not and when will this be done? • Topic 2 - Increase in budget — in the same vein public officers SHOULD NOT utilize public . office for private or personal benefit, that public officers avoid action which creates the appearance of impropriety One item in the budget was listed as follows: 0-2021-007 approved 2/24/2021 amending Chapter 2 "Administration" and amending Article XII, entitled "Travel", specifically amending Section 2-242, entitled "Travel Expenses", to provide for an optional fixed expense account for elected officials upon request. This Budget Amendment increases City Commission personal costs — other allowance local travel expense $37,500 and appropriation from fund balance $37,500 in the General Fund. This amounts to $75,000? Generally, areas that may seem immaterial like $75,000 — wouldn't show up on the radar. However, I am more concerned in the underlying process and ability for this Body to propose increase(s) and approve them without any segregation of duties or checks and balances. Thank you in advance for feedback and resolution for item number on above. Best Regards, Ondria LaMorte 0 0