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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-16 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 10:00 AM TAMARAC COMMUNITY CENTER BALLROOM CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Thursday, June 16, 2022, City Commission Workshop, being held in Tamarac Community Center ballroom, to order at 10:32 a.m. ROLL CALL Present were Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Vice Mayor Mike Gelin, Commissioner Marlon B. Bolton, Commissioner Debra Placko, and Commissioner Elvin Villalobos. Vice Mayor Gelin was in attendance via Microsoft Teams. Also present were: City Manager Kathleen Gunn, Interim Assistant City Manager Levent Sucuoglu, City Attorney John Herin, and City Clerk Kimberly Dillon. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Jeff Streder, Budget Manager, led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1 City Manager's Opening Remarks • City Manager Kathleen Gunn made the opening remarks. She spoke about a variety of topics, including: Employees overcoming challenges and going above and beyond • Focus on employee wellness, both mental and physical — mindfulness training • Charter Review Board • Record number of Public Records requests • Simultaneous negotiation of Fire and Federation of Public Employee contracts • Results of census showed City has grown and diversified, and resulted in redistricting • Continued financial uncertainties due to outside economic factors • Business and residential Police Department surveys completed • Areas of success and those showing room for improvement • Employee taskforce • Increased availability of jobs in the community — recognized nationally as a leader in retail • Incentives to bring in change -making projects • Focus on community appearance, including landscaping • Funding for various initiatives brought forward by residents and the Commission • Smart investment in technology, enhancing social media work and improvements to fiber • Capital projects and park improvements • Requesting surtax funds for transportation projects • Tamarac turning 60 years old • Maintain Millage Rate following reduction in Fiscal Year 2022 • No change in assessment fees, including Fire, Solid Waste, Water and Sewer • Increase to Stormwater fee per ordinance 2 Presentation of FY 2023 Proposed Budget 2.a.Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed Budget Presentation by Christine Cajuste, Financial Services Director Christine Cajuste, Financial Services Director, and Jeff Streder, Budget Manager, provided a presentation of the FY2023 budget, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Vice Mayor Gelin joined the dais at 11:39 a.m. Commissioner Bolton asked questions regarding the Colony West Enterprise Fund and Shaker Village. Mayor Gomez asked that he hold the questions for the specific department head presentations. Building Department George Folles, Building Department Director, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $3,880,880 budget for FY2023. Commissioner Villalobos asked whether there was anything the Building Department needs in order to function better. Building Department Director Folles noted he have five (5) positions to fill and stated he was working on succession planning; as well as waiting for decisions from the State regarding 30-year inspections. Broward Sheriffs Office Captain Jeff Cirminiello and Lieutenant Jeremiah Cooper provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He stated the department was seeing an Minutes June 16, 2022 —Workshop Page 2 increase in calls for service each year, with a current average of 116 calls per day, representing an increase of 29 percent. Vice Mayor Gelin left the meeting at 11:57 a.m. Commissioner Bolton left the meeting at 11:57 a.m. City Attorney Herin left the meeting at 11: 58 a.m. City Attorney Herin returned to the meeting at 11: 58 a.m. Vice Mayor Gelin returned to the meeting at 12: 00 p.m. Commissioner Bolton returned to the meeting at 12: 00 p. m. Captain Cirminiello stated traffic and visibility of officers to deter traffic issues is the number one (1) concern of the BSO. He an anti -aggressive driving initiative, potential roadway improvements, and other efforts to improve the way people drive and educate the community on dangerous driving. Lieutenant Cooper discussed outreach programs in community, including the BSO Cadet program and initiatives against vehicle break-ins. Commissioner Villalobos inquired regarding drone programs. Captain Cirminiello stated there are two (2) drones available for use in Tamarac, but the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is very strict regarding their use. He noted the program is effective but continues to navigate privacy laws. Mayor Gomez asked that Captain Cirminiello come to the City with requests throughout the year if he sees a need to take action regarding increased service calls so the Commission may be proactive rather than reactive. City Clerk's Office Kimberly Dillon, Acting City Clerk, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $742,866 budget for FY2023. City Manager's Office Neysa Herrera, Assistant to the City Manager, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $3,880,880 budget for FY2023. Economic Development Lori Funderwhite, Economic Development Manager, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $471,536 budget. Economic Development Manager Funderwhite discussed a focus on fostering commercial revitalization and shared programs and partnerships designed to support local residents and their new and existing businesses. She shared success Minutes June 16, 2022 —Workshop Page 3 stories from the year and outlined a request for a new Economic Development Coordinator. Commissioner Placko acknowledged the department was doing a fabulous job and making an impact in the City. She asked what was planned to reach commercial investors and developers. Economic Development Manager Funderwhite explained efforts focused on commercial development and mixed -use development. Commissioner Placko stated she would like to see additional revitalization projects, to include landscaping and fagade improvements. Economic Development Manager Funderwhite discussed the City's grant program for that purpose and stated there are 11 applications for projects currently in the pipeline. Mayor Gomez commented on economic development tours and thanked the department for their effort toward progress for Tamarac. Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 12: 45 p.m. Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at I:10 p. m. Mayor Gomez, Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos returned to the meeting. Public Information Office Eunicia Baker, Senior Strategic Communications Officer, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $1,091,573 budget. Senior Strategic Communications Officer Baker explained her department was proposing the addition of a Webmaster to their team with a budget impact of $109,000. Commissioner Bolton rejoined the meeting via Teams at 1:19 p.m. Commissioner Villalobos asked about digital options to cut costs on the printed newsletter. Senior Strategic Communications Officer Baker explained there is a virtual version of the Tam -A -Gram and social media posts to push the information to a wider audience. Mayor Gomez commented on the value of the Tam -A -Gram and discussed a change to the number of pages as a cost cutting measure. Community Development Maxine Calloway, Director of Community Development, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $2,497,932 budget. Commissioner Villalobos asked for additional explanation of the 2040 Vision Comprehensive Plan update. Continuing, he asked about programs for residents Minutes June 16, 2022 —Workshop Page 4 installing solar panels on their homes and driving electric vehicles. Director of Community Development Calloway provided further detail. She noted a consultant would be brought on board to conduct the 2040 Vision steps. Mayor Gomez stated she would like to see increases to evening Code Enforcement included in the budget to support quality of life for Tamarac residents. She suggested removal of the $25,000 for the Initiative Program and cutting down on pages in the Tam -A -Gram to reduce costs. Vice Mayor Gelin returned to the meeting at 1:35 p.m. Commissioner Bolton returned to the meeting at 1:35 p.m. Commissioner Placko applauded the work of Code Compliance Manager Scott Krajewski and stated he was incredible to work with despite having a difficult job. Fire Rescue Department Fire Chief Mike Annese provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $28,783,988 budget for FY2023. Fire Chief Annese reviewed the recently restructured organization chart for his department and stated they were requesting addition of a Fire Plans Examiner due to an increase in the number of calls for the service. He reviewed Capital requests, noting the request followed the replacement cycles of the items. Human Resources and Risk Management Lerenzo Calhoun, Human Resources Director, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $1,752,445 budget for Human Resources and a $3,676,383 budget for Risk Management in FY2023. Information Technology James Twigger, Information Technology Interim Director, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $4,242,937 budget for FY2023. He reviewed Capital requests, including phase two (2) of the Security Master Plan, security gate replacements, parks emergency phone installations, and burglar alarm system replacements. Commissioner Bolton left the meeting at 1: 55 p.m. Commissioner Bolton returned to themeeting at 2: 03 p.m. Commissioner Villalobos inquired regarding potential for license plate cameras or other cameras in high -traffic areas. Information Technology Interim Director responded briefly, noting a recent decision by Broward County which provides more options. Captain Jeff Cirminiello, BSO, added comments on implementing a master plan related to license plate readers County -wide. Minutes June 16, 2022 —Workshop Page 5 Vice Mayor Gelin left the meeting at 2: OS p.m. Vice Mayor Gelin returned to the meeting at 2: 06 p.m. Commissioner Bolton left the meeting at 2: 06 p.m. Commissioner Bolton returned to the meeting at 2: 07 p. m. Parks and Recreation Greg Warner, Parks and Recreation Director, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $6,870,364, budget for FY2023. He explained the budget requests included reclassifying one (1) of two (2) part-time Park Rangers to full-time at a cost of $19,200 and a change in pricing to the Aquatics Contractual Services line item. He noted the aquatics service had held its pricing flat for the past 10 years and was implementing an increase due to additional splash pads and increasing chemical costs. Parks and Recreation Director Warner discussed parks -related Capital projects, including Sabal Palm Park and Shaker Village. He stated $2,203,720 was budgeted for Sabal Palm Park in FY23 for design services, with development scheduled for FY24. The FY23 proposed budget includes $900,000 for the acquisition of property for Shaker Village, with development scheduled for FY24. Continuing, Parks and Recreation Director Warner explained $682,260 was budgeted for expansion of the Caporella Park parking lot; $394,527 was budgeted to replace the existing equipment and shelter at the Aquatic Center Spray Ground due to its age and continual need for repairs; and $291,001 was proposed to replace playground equipment at the smaller Sports Complex playground with a 10-piece fitness zone with a shade structure. Commissioner Bolton left the meeting at 2:13 p.m. Commissioner Bolton returned to the meeting at 2:16 p. m. Vice Mayor Gelin left the meeting at 2: 26 p. m. Vice Mayor Gelin returned to the meeting at 2: 28 p.m. Mayor Gomez asked for clarification on plans for the Tamarac anniversary celebration. Parks and Recreation Director Warner provided additional detail. Mayor Gomez suggested recreation prices may need to be reviewed for potential to give discounts to Tamarac residents. Continuing, she noted the turf baseball fields are sometimes not draining well when it rains. Parks and Recreation Director Warner responded, discussing costs and plans for renovation. Mayor Gomez noted a previous discussion regarding a kiosk for the Veterans' Wall. Parks and Recreation Director Warner explained the kiosk was included in the proj ect. Minutes June 16, 2022 —Workshop Page 6 Commissioner Villalobos inquired as to potential completion dates for Shaker Village and Sabal Palm. Parks and Recreation Director Warner stated they were looking at a probable completion date in the spring of 2026 for completion of Sabal Palm. Commissioner Villalobos commented on the green space in the northeast section of the Sports Complex. He stated he had heard requests from residents to install more trees and benches, and added that there are always cones, in addition to the road needing to be repaired. Parks and Recreation Director Warner explained curbing was planned to cure the stormwater issue in the area. Public Services Troy Gies, Public Services Acting Assistant Director, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The presentation contemplated a $10,446,002, budget for FY2023. He noted challenges in securing temporary employees as was typical. He reviewed modifications to the maintenance program and Capital projects planned, including those funded by grant and through stormwater funds. Commissioner Villalobos asked whether the Water Treatment Plan project would be further screened upon completion. Public Services Acting Assistant Director Gies stated there would be improved buffer and landscaping. He noted they could look at additional landscaping along the east fence. Commissioner Villalobos inquired as to whether Shaker Village would be participating in cost -sharing. Public Services Acting Assistant Director Gies explained the partnership. Commissioner Placko asked if there were any plans for repaving or restriping any roads within the communities. Public Services Acting Assistant Director Gies stated an overall analysis was being completed, which would result in a priority list of streets over the course of the next year. Commissioner Bolton asked about work on Prospect Road. Public Services Acting Assistant Director Gies stated the project was currently out to bid and discussed the timeline for review of the bids. Commissioner Bolton noted recent increases in materials costs and asked how costs for the project would be managed. Public Services Acting Assistant Director Gies responded that he believes the budgeted funds will be adequate. Financial Services Director Cajuste provided additional detail. Discussion continued regarding the project costs. Minutes June 16, 2022 —Workshop Page 7 Commissioner Bolton asked about sales of property on Rock Island Commercial and how the proceeds would be utilized. Discussion ensued. Financial Services Director Cajuste stated staff would report back with more detail. Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 2: 56 p.m. Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at 3:11 p.m. Mayor Gomez, Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos returned to the meeting. 3 Colony West Construction Loan 3.a.Colony West Revenue Presentation Presentation by Christine Cajuste, Financial Services Director Financial Services Director Cajuste provided a presentation of the impending Colony West Capital Improvement, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Vice Mayor Gelin returned to the meeting at 3:14 p.m. Commissioner Bolton returned to the dais at 3:15 p. m. Financial Services Director Cajuste reviewed the revenue loan options and noted the Federal Reserve had raised interest rates on June 14, so rates were not firm at this time. She explained staff recommended a bond, mainly due to the lower annual debt service payments. Mayor Gomez commented on changing interest rates and asked the staff expectation regarding the impact of the Federal Reserve interest change. Financial Services Director Cajuste explained the expectation and next steps. Mayor Gomez sought and received a consensus to recommend a Revenue Bond for the Colony West project. Consensus: 3-1. Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, and Commissioner Placko. Voting Against: Commissioner Villalobos. Commissioner Bolton did not vote. Commissioner Villalobos stated he would prefer to go with a bank loan. Discussion and questions from the Commissioner regarding factors surrounding the financing for Colony West continued. Financial Services Director Cajuste and City Manager Gunn provided explanation. ADJOURNMENT There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 3:45 p.m. Minutes June 16, 2022 —Workshop Page 8 Minutes transcribed by Crysta Parkinson, Prototype, Inc. and submitted by Kimberly Dillon, City Clerk. Kimberly Dill n, CMC Mic elle J. Gomez, Mayor 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 City Commission Budget Workshop held Thursday, June 16, 2022. 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 by dialing 7-1-1. Minutes June 16, 2022 —Workshop Page 9