Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-14 - City Commission Special Workshop Meeting MinutesCity of Tamarac Virtual Special City Commission Meeting - Minutes Monday, December 14, 2020 Call to Order: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Wednesday, December 14, 2020, Virtual Special City Commission Meeting, to order at 9:00 a.m. Mayor Gomez recessed meeting at 9:01 a.m., for technical issues, and reconvened at 9:02 a.m. Roll Call: Commissioner Marlon Bolton, Commissioner Mike Gelin, Commissioner Debra Placko, Vice Mayor Elvin Villalobos, and Mayor Michelle J. Gomez were in attendance. Also, in attendance were, City Manager Michael Cernech, City Attorney Samuel Goren and City Clerk Jennifer Johnson Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Mike Gelin led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. Discussion and possible direction related to hiring an in-house attorney or outside firm for City Attorney Services. Discussion by the City Commission, City Manager Cernech and City Attorney Goren ensued, regarding the hiring of a city attorney. Both the City Attorney and City Manager stated that the city's charter allow for either an in-house or an outside firm for City Attorney services. Due to technical difficulties, Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 9:05 a.m. and reconvened at 9:10 a.m. Further discussion ensued regarding the hiring of a city attorney. Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to have the Commission move forward with hiring an outside firm for attorney services. Commissioner Gelin seconded the motion. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote on the motion to hire an outside firm for City Attorney Services. Motion carried (4-0), with Commissioner Placko being away. 2. Discussion and possible direction related to the procurement process of City Attorney Services. Discussion by the City Commission, City Manager Cernech, City Attorney Goren and Purchasing and Contracts Manager, Keith Glatz ensued regarding the process of hiring an outside agency for city attorney services. Commissioner Placko motioned to hire an Interim City Attorney who would not be eligible to be hired as the full time City Attorney. Commissioner Bolton seconded the motion. Mayor Gomez confirmed with the City Clerk there were no comments from the public regarding this item. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, on the motion to hire an Interim City Attorney who would not be eligible to be hired as the full time City Attorney. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). 3. Discussion and possible direction related to retaining City Attorney Services on an interim basis Discussion ensued regarding the process of retaining City Attorney Services on an interim basis. At the end of discussion, the consensus of the Commission is to: • Hire an Interim City Attorney • Have Letters of Interest submitted to City Procurement by 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020. • Have city staff review the Letters of Interest submitted and provide them to the City Commission, no later than close of business Friday, December 18, 2020. • The top 3 submissions would be submitted back to city staff by the Commission on December 21, 2020. • Have city staff compile and submit the top 3 back to the Commission on December 22, 2020. • Have the Commission conduct individual meetings with top 3 applicants on December 28, 2020. • Have a group meeting for interviews on December 29,2020. • Have an emergency meeting on December 21, 2020, at 9 a.m., in the event no applications were received for the Interim City Attorney position. Mayor Gomez opened public comments. 1) Natasha NB Britton, from Facebook, - How long would the interim attorney remain the interim until a full time City Attorney is agreed upon? As long as the language is transparent and follows city/county/state statute for the RFP, it should minimize some biases. with a grading scale template, etc. RFPs should be open and closed for 72 hours. Staff reviews after it's closed, then interviews, the last week of the year. I don't like a top 3 submission UNLESS they are chosen by a consistent criteria rubric that each Commissioner has. 2) 2) Michelle Jones - How do we know! as residents that this is going to be a not bias'. decision when it comes to hiring a firm, I think it should not be, manipulated buy half of the commission board. And hopefully they're not trying to hire a firm that they can control. And use for their own Vendetta's. Scott Ob - After what amounted to solicitation of a bribe by Mr. Bolton on the 9th, I'm surprised he is still here. 3) Cathy Bivens - Here we go! I was wondering when the personal attacks would start! 4) Patte Atkins -Grad - Loosing Sam Goren is a horrific loss to the city. Mayor Gomez closed public comments. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, on the motion by Commissioner Gelin and seconded by Commissioner Bolton for the process and timeline as outlined by the Commission to hire Interim City Attorney for City Attorney Services. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting Monday, December 14, 2020, at 11 02 a.m. Minutes transcribed and submitted by Assistant City Clerk Kimberly Dillon. OF TA Kimberly Dillon y �txD:ESr _ D . AEL1SFIED : == SEAL O Michelle J. Gomez, ayor C `' 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 Special City Commission Meeting held Wednesday, December 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.