HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-13 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCity of Tamarac
Virtual City Commission Meeting - Minutes
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Wednesday, January 13, 2021, City
Commission Meeting, being held virtually, to order at 7:00 p.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 T07 p.m.
Following roll call, Mayor Gomez asked for a moment of silence in honor of National Holocaust
Remembrance Day.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. PROCEDURE FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, outlined the process and procedures for conducting a virtual
public meeting.
2. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation — Honoring Samuel S. Goren for his years of service to the City
Requested by Commissioner Bolton
Mayor Gomez read the proclamation for the record.
b. Proclamation — Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Requested by Commissioner Bolton
Mayor Gomez read the proclamation for the record.
3. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS
a. Commissioner Bolton
Commissioner Bolton stated he did not have a report. He wished everyone a happy
Martin Luther King Day, and to remember his life and legacy and to continue to
honor him through service, our words and our actions. Commissioner Bolton
provided his contact information if anyone wished to reach out to him.
b. Commissioner Gelin
Commissioner Gelin provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
c. Vice Mayor Villalobos
Vice Mayor Villalobos stated he did not have a report, but asked for an update on the
permanent City Attorney position. Villalobos also provided his phone number.
City Manager Cernech stated staff was working on the draft RFP/RFQ and there
should be an update at the next City Commission meeting (1/27/21).
d. Commissioner Placko
Commissioner Placko stated that she keeps in touch with her residents, and recently
received an email from a woman she has known for years, and was asked to share.
The email thanked the City, and Commission for all the wonderful programs the City
has to help its citizens. Commissioner Placko stated we have done some good work,
and it is nice to get something like this.
e. Mayor Gomez
Mayor Gomez commended the Commission, and stated we are stronger as a team
than individually. Gomez stated the bottom line is what we care about most is our
City. We work hard to keep our City as excellent as it is, and improve where we can.
We do have some financial challenges with COVID, but we're going to get through
and we're going to have a great strategic planning to continue to do what is best for
our City.
4. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, stated he wanted the Commission to be aware that
the developer for the site plan application [Woodmont] is pending before the appellate
division of the trial court in Broward County, and he will keep the Commission aware of
the status as we proceed.
5. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Investment Report — November 2020 Investment Report
City Manager Michael Cemech stated, as part of our ongoing efforts to support our
independent small business Tamarac restaurants, especially during this time of COVID
that has impacted our restaurants especially hard, the City's Economic Development
Office is pleased to announce the launch of a new online TAMARAC RESTAURANT
GUIDE. The Guide features an interactive map highlighting restaurant menus, takeout
and delivery options. Also being offered within this new online guide are COUPONS and
SPECIALS from each restaurant.
As part of our "Tamarac Together. Support Local Business" efforts, we encourage our
Tamarac community to help support our small business restaurants and check out the
Restaurant Guide and great deals at www.Tamaracflavormap.com.
From Parks & Recreation, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Parks and
Recreation Department invites everyone to join us for a virtual presentation by speaker
Judge George Odom Jr. who will discuss "Keeping Your Eyes on the Prize". This virtual
presentation will take place on Monday, January 18th, 2021 at 10 a.m.
To participate in this free virtual presentation please sign-up at: https://city-of-tamarac-
mlk-day-event.eventbrite.com or visit www.tamarac.org for more information.
The Feeding South Florida drive-thru food distributions continue, with the next
distribution taking place on:
Monday, January 25, 2021, 9:00 — 11:00 a.m. @ Community Christian Church
Congratulations to our Public Services Department — we have been notified that they
have been awarded the 2020 Outstanding Water Distribution System Division 3 — first
place award by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Florida Section. This
was a great Team effort by the Water Treatment and Distribution staff members — thank
you everyone for your continued hard work and dedication.
In accordance with Section 2-31(b) of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances, City
Manager Cernech announced that the Chair of the Planning Board was deemed to have
forfeited her appointment to the City's Planning Board.
If, over a period of seventy-five (75) consecutive days excluding the month of July, a
committee or board member should be absent from all the regular meetings of the
committee or board to which they have been appointed by city commission, the member
shall be deemed to have forfeited their appointment and it is then to be announced at the
Regular Commission meeting following the absence.
Being that the member has been absent from all regular meetings for more than the 75
days, the Chair is deemed to have forfeited their appointment.
The City Clerk will proceed in accordance with the code to advertise for the Chair's
replacement.
Cernech stated the appointee was Mrs. Michaelson.
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Gomez read the rules for public comments during a virtual meeting, and Clerk
Johnson read the following for the record.
Clerk Johnson stated there are two public comments. One being submitted via email,
and one by phone. Mr. Shapiro was unable to connect by telephone, and submitted his
comments via email. The following comments were read into the record.
1) Ron Coles, via email, Sirs; Kindly have a Motion made by any City Commissioner
that the abandoned golf courses of the Woodlands be zoned as "recreational" asap.
Thanks. Ronald R. Coles, a full time resident of Tamarac and also at
rrclegal(a)yahoo.com.
2) Warren Greene, via email, Mayor and Commission, If the events of the past
week have underscored anything, it's that words have consequences - especially when
they're spoken by elected officials. Which is why the ongoing divisive rhetoric from
Commissioner Marlon Bolton must stop. Ersatz proclamations and fake "clutch your
pearls" attempts at rewriting history are far from what we should expect from our elected
officials. To accuse Sam Goren of being untrustworthy and calling the outside attorney
brought in because of your abusive behavior an "ambulance chaser" is reprehensible.
The public should be reminded that this highly respected attorney was brought in by
professional staff because, as explained more than once, Commissioner Bolton's
behavior was totally out of line. Had Commissioner Bolton's actions been made by a City
employee, that employee would have been fired long ago. But elected officials are held
to a different standard (theoretically a higher standard). Name calling and rewriting
history are below the standards to which we ought to hold our Commission. Enough
already Mr. Bolton. It's time to treat others, including those on the dais, with the same
respect you believe you deserve.
3) Jeffrey Shapiro, via email and at 6104 Orchard Tree Lane, Tamarac, this was a
very bad car accident very just west of the Woodlands entrance very early this past
Saturday morning on Commercial Blvd, and parts of the car broke off and went flying
hitting the west side of the entrance wall at the entrance to the community. Will the City
of Tamarac concern putting in camera's along Commercial Blvd by Woodlands Blvd. sc
that when accidents such as this occur some could go back and view what had
happened?
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to the public comments submitted.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of the November 16, 2020 — Special City Commission Meeting Minutes
b. Approval of the December 29, 2020 — Virtual Special City Commission Meeting
Minutes
Mayor Gomez asked the City Manager if there were any additions or deletions to agenda.
City Manager, Michael Cernech, stated there were no additions or deletions.
Commissioner Placko motioned to approve, and Commissioner Bolton seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to approve carried unanimously (5-
0).
8. REGULAR AGENDA
a. TR13545 — Ronald. L Book Amendment #18 to Agreement
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 City Officials to execute the Amendment to the Agreement
for lobbying services; providing for conflicts; providing for severability, and providing for
an effective date.
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record.
Mr. Book provided information about legislative activity in Tallahassee since the onset of
COVID-19, and expectations for the upcoming session.
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 8:15 p.m. and reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call, and verified each of the elected officials were in attendance
virtually.
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 8:47 p.m. and reconvened at 9:00 p.m.
Clerk Johnson verified each of the elected officials were in attendance.
Discussion by the Commission ensued, with a request that the City Manager coordinate
individual meetings with Commissioners as requested.
Commissioner Bolton motioned to table the item until the Jan. 27, 2021, meeting.
Commissioner Gelin seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to table carried unanimously (5-
0).
b. TR13546 —District 4 Planning Board Appointment
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, appointing David
Mountford to the Planning Board to serve a term concurrent with the appointing
Commission member, or until such time as new appointments are made; 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, and Commissioner Gelin seconded.
Mayor Gomez confirmed with Clerk Johnson, there were no public comments for this
item.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with regard to advertising and the appointment
process.
Following discussion Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and to the motion to
approve carried 4-1, with Mayor Gomez dissenting.
9. ORDINANCE(S) — FIRST READING
a. TO2445 — Creation and Codification of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory
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; providing for
codification, and providing for an effective date.
Interim City Attorney, Hans Ottinot, read the title for the record.
Commissioner Bolton motioned to approve, and Commissioner Placko seconded.
Greg Warner, Parks & Recreation Director, provided a presentation, which is on file in
the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez confirmed with Clerk Johnson there were no comments submitted
regarding this item.
Discussion by the Commission ensued.
Following discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to
approve carried unanimously (5-0).
10. PUBLIC HEARING(S) - None
11. ORDINANCE(S) — SECOND READING - None
12. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S) - None
13. OTHER
a. Discussion and possible direction to amend the Mayor & Commission
responsibilities as outlined by the Charter, Code of Ordinances, Resolutions and
customs and practices
Requested by Commissioner Bolton
Discussion by the Commission ensued.
Commissioner Bolton motioned to empower the City Manager to speak with the City
Attorney and staff and survey the Commission and bring it back as a policy at the next
meeting; survey the Commission and empower the City Manager to make an
administrative decision based on parking spaces, office spaces, seating on the dais, and
survey the Commission for changes, within 15 days and once there is a majority of the
City Commission that would like to make a change the change should be done with 15
days of tonight; revisit all of the ordinances that may be old and either repeal, replace or
modify them; visit the Planning Board as they are out of touch with the vision and the
concerns of the residents; see if the Commission considers the Planning Board and
possibly restrict matters that come before the Planning Board and have the City Attorney
look at that, within 15 days; extending the time to review the ordinances for two regular
meetings.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried unanimously (5-0).
b. Discussion regarding Waste Management and cleaning up fluid spills
Requested by Vice Mayor Villalobos
Mayor Gomez verified this item had been removed. Vice Mayor Villalobos stated the
matter with Waste Management had been resolved, and he thanked the representatives
[Tom] for being responsive, and that customer issues will continue to be addressed in a
timely manner.
c. Discussion related to One Tamarac
Greg Warner, Parks and Recreation Director, provided an update on the One Tamarac
celebration and adjustments due to COVID-19.
Other considerations for the event include having a professional team broadcast virtually
if unable to host in person, to have the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board participate in
planning the event for future years, incorporate better event advertising, consider selling
alcohol at the event this year, and to bring back an update on the event in March.
The consensus of the Commission is to have the event May 8, 2021, and have the event
held in May in future years.
d. Discussion and possible direction regarding Cities for Citizenship (C4C)
Requested by Commissioner Gelin
Assistant to the City Manager, Laura Karpaviciute, provided remarks regarding the
program.
Discussion by the Commission ensued.
Vice Mayor Villalobos motion to approve joining the Cities for Citizenship (C4C) initiative.
Commissioner Bolton seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried unanimously (5-0).
e. Discussion and possible direction regarding a Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Commission on the Status of Women
Requested by Commissioner Bolton
Assistant City Manager Kathleen Gunn provided a presentation, which on file in the
Clerk's Office.
There was no discussion, and the Commission directed the Interim City Attorney to draft
an ordinance creating the Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg Commission on the Status of
Women.
Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to extend the meeting for 10 minutes. Commissioner Gelin
seconded the motion.
Discussion and possible direction regarding the actions of President Donald J.
Trump
Requested by Commissioner Gelin
Discussion by the Commission ensued.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve the resolution as drafted by the previous City
Attorney, condemning the actions and encouraging government to impeach the President
to resign, or for the Vice President to invoke the 251 Amendment based on the actions of
the current President having his followers attack the capitol.
Commissioner Bolton made a substitute motion to approve with amended language
reading, any individual that would insight violence on one another, to include any
members of an elected body and to include any president of the United States.
Commissioner Gelin's motion failed for a lack of a second.
Vice Mayor Villalobos seconded the substitute motion
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried 4-1, with Commissioner
Gelin voting no.
Commissioner Bolton motioned to approve with amended language reading, condemn
any actions of any individual that would insight violence on one another, to include any
members of an elected body and to include any president of the United States. Vice
Mayor Villalobos seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to approve with amended
language, carried 4-1, with Commissioner Gelin dissenting.
Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 11:37 p.m.
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Minutes transcribed and submitted by City Clerk JeQ0et:-oRAW,9
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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, Jan. 13, 2021.
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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
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based.
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