HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-14 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesREGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
7:00 PM
COMMISSION CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Wednesday, September 14, 2022, City Commission meeting,
being held in Commission Chambers, to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present were Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Vice Mayor Mike Gelin, Commissioner Marlon B.
Bolton, Commissioner Debra Placko, and Commissioner Elvin Villalobos.
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
Mayor Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.
1. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney John Herin had no report.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORT
2a Presentation by Lucdwin Luck, Southeast Florida Regional Manager with Florida
Department of Financial Service.
Lucdwin Luck, Southeast Florida Regional Manager with Florida Department of
Financial Service provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
21. 2022 — First Semi -Annual Neighborhood Beautification Awards
Mayor Gomez presented the Neighborhood Beautification Awards, as follows:
Commercial Properties
HRI Tamarac LLC (HarborChase of Tamarac) — 6855 NW 70 Avenue
Residential Properties
District 1 - 2609 NW 55 Street, Janseen Meredith
District 2 - 6203 Royal Poinciana Ln, James Lee McDaniel & Walter H Siwierka
District 3 - 7148 NW 100 Terrace, Edward & Sandra Hernandez
District 4 - 8721 NW 83 Street, Ross Berube & Lois Mason
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2.c. RSM Statement of Work — Colony West Project Internal Audit & Contract
Compliance
City Manager Kathleen Gunn reviewed the statement of work received from RSM
regarding a potential forensic audit and City Attorney Herin provided additional detail.
Vice Mayor Gelin asserted a Request for Proposals (RFP) be created for the audit.
Discussion continued regarding next steps, the definition of a forensic audit, reasons
for an examination of records, probable cause, potential criminal or civil causes of
action, scope of work, and costs.
Moved by Vice Mayor Gelin; seconded by Commissioner Bolton to direct staff to issue
letters of interest to the accounting firms that conduct forensic audits to conduct a
forensic audit of the Colony West and Rock Island Storage projects.
Commissioner Placko and Mayor Gomez inquired as to whether the addition of Rock
Island Storage would represent a conflict with any litigation or settlement. City
Attorney Gelin stated he did not see an issue of liability, but he would suggest
beginning with a forensic audit of the Colony West project as a first step. Discussion
continued.
Motion Failed 2-3.
Voting For: Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton. Voting Against: Mayor Gomez,
Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos.
City Manager Gunn provided a presentation of her report, which is on file in the City
Clerk's Office.
3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
City Attorney Herin provided rules and procedures for providing public comment. Mayor
Gomez opened the floor to comments from the public.
1) Russell Cormican, counsel for Members Only Management, LLC, spoke regarding
item 6a. He stated his client was in ongoing argument with the City over whether or
not they fit the definition of Adult Entertainment, and asserted changing the definition
appeared to be directed at his client. He stated they are a longstanding business in
Tamarac and have always been a safe and responsible business that was not a nuisance
to the City. He requested the Commissioners vote no on the first reading of 6a.
2) William Gofernet, 5106 Mayberry Lane, Tamarac, directed comments toward Mayor
Gomez regarding management of the Commission and outside interests. He asked that
the Commissioners share their definition of conflict of interest.
Commissioner Villalobos sought consensus to remove the speaker.
Commissioner Villalobos sought consensus to remove Commissioner Bolton from the
meeting.
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September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting
Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 8:21 p.m.
Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at 8:32 P.M.
Page 3
Discussion continued regarding Commissioner Villalobos' request for consensus to
remove public speaker Mr. Gofernet and Commissioner Bolton from the meeting.
City Attorney clarified the request to remove the member of the public and shared the
rules of the Commission.
Mayor Gomez polled the Commission regarding the question of removing Mr.
Gofernet from the meeting due to a failure to comply with the rules applicable to public
speakers. Votes were qualified with explanation on the voters position.
Voting Against: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton, and
Commissioner Placko.
3) William Gofernet, 5106 Mayberry Lane, Tamarac, continued to speak regarding
conflicts of interest and asked the Commissioners not get involved in other races during
the election season.
Moved by Commissioner Villalobos to remove Commissioner Bolton from the dais.
Motion failed for lack of a second.
Discussion ensued regarding rules of procedure and City Attorney Herin suggested a
workshop to further discuss.
4) Eugene Eckley, 5980 NW 64t` Avenue, Tamarac, spoke regarding 10a. He discussed
housing projects and distributed a copy of a related article from the Miami Dade Herald,
then shared his personal experience with rent increases.
5) Ron Wasserman, 8577 Jade Drive, spoke in homage to former resident Stanley
Panaman regarding service and kindness and asked that members of the community get
tested for cancer.
6) Mel Yoder, Kings Point, Tamarac, stated it is obvious two (2) Commissioners refuse
to participate in conducting the City's business other than to grandstand and create
soundbites. He asserted the residents are tired of the behavior and ask that they resign.
He shared action items and pictures to argue his case.
7) Dr. Darcy Schiller, Kings Point, Tamarac, shared her feedback regarding the City
budget workshop held earlier in the week. She pointed to items which would reduce
the City's budget without taking away from the streets and other services. Continuing,
she asserted the City Commission should not be handling the issue of the forensic audit
and addressed concerns an audit would potentially point to Commission wrongdoings.
8) Stewart Webster, Versailles Garden, addressed candidates for the Commission and
stated only one (1) had the roots and skills to qualify. He asserted there was collusion
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September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting
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and people pulling the strings before and after the election, and that candidates were
relying on the voters being stupid, apathetic, and disillusioned.
Commissioner Villalobos left the dais at 9:07 p.m.
Commissioner Villalobos returned to the dais at 9:09 p.m.
Additional public comment was received via email and is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Vice Mayor Gelin pulled items 4f and 4p from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
Commissioner Bolton pulled item 4n.
Moved by Commissioner Bolton; seconded by Vice Mayor Gelin to approve the Consent
Agenda items 4a through 4e, 4g through 4m, and 4o.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner
Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos. Voting Against: None
4a Approval of the June 22, 2022, Meeting Minutes
4.b. Approval of the July 13, 2022, Meeting Minutes
4.c. Approval of the August 24, 2022, Executive Session Minutes
4.d. Approval of the August 29, 2022, Executive Session Minutes
4.e. TR13824 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
approving the Interlocal Agreement between Broward County and The City of
Tamarac for Surtax -Funded Municipal Transportation Project: Fire Station 15
Emergency Vehicle Preemption Signal/TAMA014 (ILA), attached hereto as
Exhibit "1"; authorizing the appropriate City officials to take any and all actions
necessary to effectuate the intent of this resolution; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Item 4p was addressed prior to Item 4f.
41 TR13830 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
approving the interlocal agreement between Broward County and the City of
Tamarac for surtax -funded municipal transportation project: Milling, Paving,
and Resurfacing of Public Roads/BC-TAM-FY2020- 00001, attached hereto as
Exhibit "1"; authorizing the appropriate City officials to take any and all actions
necessary to effectuate the intent of this resolution; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
City Attorney Herin read the title for the record.
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September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting
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Moved by Vice Mayor Gelin; seconded by Commissioner Villalobos to approve
the resolution as presented.
Vice Mayor Gelin asked for clarification on how much of the cost of street paving
was coming from the surtax and how much was coming from the City. City
Manager Gunn stated she would follow up with the information requested.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos. Voting Against: None.
4.g. TR13819 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the city of Tamarac, Florida,
authorizing the renewal of General Liability, Automobile Liability, Automobile
Physical Damage, Workers' Compensation, and Property Lines of coverage
including any endorsements with The Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT)
for a one (1) year period beginning October 1, 2022 at a cost of $1,124,804 and
payment of any increase resulting from the annual premium audit; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
4.h. TR13843 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the city of Tamarac, Florida,
approving Change Order No. 1 to Task Authorization no. 19-17D, approved by
City Commission of the City of Tamarac via Resolution Number R-2019-45 on
June 12, 2019 and authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute Change
Order #1 with Eckler Engineering, Inc., to provide Professional Engineering
Services for additional Construction Administration on the Tract 27 Booster
Station Upgrade Project in the amount of $7,580.00, in accordance with the City's
Consulting Engineering Agreement as authorized by Resolution No. R-2016-80,
for an amount not to exceed $7,580.00; authorizing the appropriate City Officials
to administer the Contract; authorizing any necessary budget transfer or
appropriation for said purpose to be included in a future Budget Amendment
pursuant to F.S. 166.241(2) for the purpose of receiving a credit in the amount of
$7,580.00 from C&I Construction and Design and applying it to the cost for
additional Professional Engineering Services to be provided by Eckler
Engineering, Inc.; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date.
4.i. TR13824 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the city of Tamarac, Florida,
approving the purchase of two hundred (200) Lenovo computers, including
docking stations and components, from Lenovo, at a total cost of $284,603.10;
authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute all necessary documents to
effectuate the intent of this resolution; authorizing appropriations in the amount
not to exceed $150,923.10 to be included in a future budget amendment pursuant
to F.S. 166.241(2); authorizing expenditures from the appropriate accounts;
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September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting
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providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective
date.
4 j. TR13832 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the city of Tamarac, Florida,
authorizing the appropriate City Officials to approve and adopt the City of
Tamarac Transit 2022 Title VI Program Plan; providing for conflicts; providing
for severability; and providing for an effective date.
4.k. TR13837 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the city of Tamarac, Florida,
approving a Broward Sheriffs Office Permit Application for Special Details and
authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute the Permit Application for
Police Services to be used by the Parks and Recreation Department in anamount
not to exceed $107,000 in FY23, October 1, 2022-September 30, 2023; approving
funding from the appropriate Parks and Recreation accounts; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
4.1 TR13841 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the city of Tamarac, Florida,
authorizing the appropriate city officials to apply for a Florida Recreation
Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant via an application through the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in an amount not to
exceed $200,000 for the Caporella Park enhancement project; providing for a one-
to-one match not to exceed $200,000 in local funds in the event of approval of the
application; providing for acceptance of the award and execution of necessary
documents following legal review; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date.
4mL TR13842 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the city of Tamarac, Florida,
authorizing the appropriate City Officials to apply for a Florida Recreation
Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant via an application through the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in an amount not to
exceed $200,000 for the Caporella Aquatic Center Sprayground project;
providing for a one-to-one match not to exceed $200,000 in local funds in the event
of approval of the application; providing for acceptance of the award and
execution of necessary documents following legal review; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date
4.n. TR13793 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the city of Tamarac, Florida,
authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute an agreement with
Clairmont Neighborhood Association, Inc. for the City through Broward County
Sheriffs Office to exercise jurisdictional authority for traffic control and
enforcement within the property of the Clairmont Neighborhood Association,
Inc.; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
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City Attorney Herin read the title for the record.
Moved by Mayor Gomez; seconded by Commissioner Bolton to approve the
resolution as presented.
Commissioner Bolton asked about City jurisdiction over private roads inTamarac.
Neysa Herrera, Assistant to the City Manager, shared information regarding similar
agreements with other privately -owned communities and City Attorney Herin
provided additional detail regarding the parameters of traffic enforcement.
Vice Mayor Gelin asked whether the Broward Sheriffs Office (BSO) would be
able to take on the contract, as the most recent report stated they were understaffed.
Lieutenant Mark Cooper, BSO, explained there were no costs associated with the
agreement and described efforts to correct the staff shortage.
Commissioner Bolton asserted he had an issue with sending BSO into a 55+
community to issue traffic citations, but younger people speeding through the
neighborhood should be cited.
Commissioner Villalobos asked for clarification that the Homeowners Association
had requested the agreement itself. Assistant to the City Manager Herrera
confirmed this was correct.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos. Voting Against: None.
4.o. TR13840 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the city of Tamarac, Florida,
authorizing the appropriate City Officials to submit a grant application for the
Broward Boating Improvement program through the Broward County Marine
Advisory committee for the construction of the Caporella Park non -motorized
boat launch and dock for grant funding in the amount of $55,000; providing for a
match in local funds in an amount not to exceed $13,750 in the event of approval
of the grant application; providing for acceptance of the award and execution of
necessary documents pending legal review; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability, and providing for an effective date.
Item 4p was addressed out of order.
4.p. TR13844 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
urging the Biden Administration to extend temporary protected status ("TPS")
designation for Hondurans and to declare a new initial TPS designation date for
Hondurans; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providingfor
an effective date.
City Attorney Herin read the title for the record.
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September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting
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Moved by Vice Mayor Gelin; seconded by Commissioner Bolton to approve the
resolution as presented.
Vice Mayor Gelin shared comments regarding the importance of the resolution and
read from related letters.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos. Voting Against: None.
5. REGULAR AGENDA
Items 8b, 8a, 9a, and 10b were addressed prior to Item 6a.
6. ORDINANCE(S) — FIRST READING
6.a. T02514 - An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida
amending Chapter 10 of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances, entitled "Land
Development Code" by amending Article 6 entitled "Rules of Construction and
Definitions, "by specifically amending Section 10-6.2, entitled "Use Categories and
Use Types Defined", and Section 10-6.3, entitled "Other Terms Defined", to
provide definitions for certain "Adult Entertainment Uses" identified in the city's
land development code; providing for codification; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
City Attorney Herin read the title for the record.
Moved by Commissioner Villalobos; seconded by Commissioner Placko to
approve the Ordinance on first reading.
Community Development Director Maxine Calloway provided a presentation,
which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Commissioner Bolton inquired regarding the potential impact on Members Only
Management, LLC. Discussion continued.
Vice Mayor Gelin asked about inclusion of massage parlors in the adult
entertainment definitions. Community Development Director Calloway outlined
the requirements under the business tax receipt and special exception use.
Vice Mayor Gelin expressed concern with the timing of the update to definitions
and potential impact on an existing business. Discussion continued regarding
changes to Code.
Motion Approved: 4-1.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Placko, and
Commissioner Villalobos. Voting Against: Vice Mayor Gelin.
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September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting Page 9
7. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 10:13 p.m.
Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at 10:26 p.m.
8. ORDINANCE(S) — SECOND READING
&a. T02786 - An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
adopting amendments to the comprehensive plan, with changes, amending, the
future land use element, infrastructure element, conservation element,
intergovernmental coordination element, and capital improvements element of
the city of Tamarac's comprehensive plan, attached hereto as Exhibit "A"
consistent with the south Florida Water Management District Water Supply
Facilities Work Plan for the City of Tamarac; adopting with changes, and
authorizing transmittal of the 2021 Ten Year Water Supply Facilities Work Plan
attached hereto as Exhibit 111311 and comprehensive plan amendments to the
Department of Economic Opportunity and other agencies as required by Florida
Statutes 163.3184(3) providing for inclusion in the comprehensive plan; providing
for conflict; providing for severability; and, providing for an effective date.
City Attorney Herin read the title for the record.
Moved by Mayor Gomez; seconded by Commissioner Villalobos to adopt the
Ordinance on second reading.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos. Voting Against: None.
Item 8b was addressed out of order.
8.b. T02507 - An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
amending Chapter 10, Article 3, of the City of Tamarac Land Development Code,
entitled Use Regulations, amending Section 10-3.2, entitled Table of Allowed Uses,
lifting zoning in progress on medical marijuana dispensary facilities and
pharmacies by specifically amending Table 10-3.1, entitled Allowed Uses to permit
medical marijuana dispensaries and pharmacies in the MU-N (Mixed Use
Neighborhood) and NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning districts, subject to
special exception approval; providing for codification; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
City Attorney Herin read the title for the record.
Moved by Commissioner Villalobos; seconded by Vice Mayor Gomez to adopt the
Ordinance on second reading.
Minutes
September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting
Mayor Gomez opened the public hearing.
Page 10
Logan Opsahl, Orlando, spoke on behalf of his client, Sunnyside, a Medical
Marijuana Treatment Center with 50 locations across the State. He stated the
business had relied on a zoning verification letter which confirmed medical
marijuana as a use by permit which was provided by the City in February, prior to
the Zoning in Progress. He reviewed the timeline of the company's process to lease
a location in Tamarac and asked that the Commission consider the business exempt
from the Ordinance due to its previously submitted building permit.
Mayor Gomez closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Villalobos expressed concern regarding becoming a city of
dispensaries. Discussion continued regarding pending applications, the process for
granting an exemption, and due diligence.
Community Development Director Calloway and City Attorney Herin clarified that
upon passage, the Ordinance would require a special exception process for the
application referenced.
Vice Mayor Gelin asked questions of Attorney Opsahl regarding the process in
other communities and the timeline in Tamarac. Attorney Opsahl and Community
Development Director Calloway explained responded as appropriate.
Discussion continued regarding the Code in relation to exemptions, special
exceptions, and grandfather clauses to Ordinances. City Attorney Herin asserted
the application could not be grandfathered as the use does not currently exist.
Commissioner Bolton commented on the original placement of the Zoning in
Progress and asserted it was unfair to Sunnyside.
Motion Approved: 3-2.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, and Commissioner Placko. Voting
Against: Commissioner Bolton and Commissioner Villalobos.
Item 9a was addressed out of order.
9. OUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S)
9.a. TB058 — Board Order Approving/Denying Variance for Sonny's The Carwash
Factory - 5870 N. Hiatus Road, Tamarac, Florida 33321. Jennifer Ronneburger,
designated agent for the property owner, Westpoint Business Center, LLC filed
an application with the City of Tamarac, Department of Community Development
seeking approval of Sign Variances.
City Attorney Herin read the title for the record.
Moved by Mayor Gomez; seconded by Commissioner Villalobos to hear the item.
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September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting
Page 11
City Attorney Herin outlined the City's procedures regarding Quasi -Judicial
proceedings. He confirmed the public notice items were met for item 9a and City
Clerk Kimberly Dillon swore in those wishing to provide testimony.
City Attorney Herin asked for any ex-parte disclosures. Commissioner Bolton
stated he may have had a conversation with someone related to Sonny's Car Wash.
Jennifer Ronneburger, designated agent for Westpoint Business Center, LLC,
provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez opened the public hearing, however seeing none, closed the public
hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Bolton; seconded by Commissioner Placko to approve
the Board Order with the condition as recommended by staff.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos.
Moved by Vice Mayor Gelin; seconded by Commissioner Bolton that item 1 Ob be
heard next and that a representative of Ride FreeBee be allowed to give a
presentation during that discussion.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos.
Moved by Mayor Gomez•, seconded by Vice Mayor Gelin to that all items on the
agenda be heard.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos.
10. OTHER
10a Tools to Address Affordable Housing Crisis:
1. Amend Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) to include rental strategy to
address Affordable Housing Crisis.
2. Create a program to use funds to assist those households whose rental increase
exceeds five (5) percent from the start of COVID-19.
3. Affirm or add, if necessary, the ability to use funds provided by City to pay
for Condo Association assessments and fees as necessary.
Requested by Mayor Michelle I Gomez
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September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting
Page 12
Mayor Gomez provided a brief overview of the item. She discussed her work on
the Affordable Housing Coalition of Broward County and asked the Commission
to consider directing staff to move forward with a list of potential options to assist
residents and address the affordable housing crisis.
Discussion ensued on the best tools to support local renters and potential
implementation of programs.
Commissioner Placko stated that she supported the changes, and noted that in the
meantime, when Commissioners and staff come across residents experiencing these
issues, they are being directed to existing County support services.
Commissioner Bolton stated that was his desire to transfer the seat on the
Affordable Housing Committee from himself to Mayor Gomez. He asked that a
Resolution be brought forward at the next meeting.
Vice Mayor Gelin asserted he had been told the need in the City was for market
rate housing, as enough affordable housing exists. Community Development
Director Calloway discussed the current housing crisis and rapid changes in
housing over the past two (2) years.
City Attorney Herin provided additional information regarding potential
preemption on the State level, including inclusionary zoning and concessions to
developers.
Consensus was given to direct staff to take a comprehensive look at tools to address
the affordable housing crisis in Tamarac.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos.
10.b. Approval to start a pilot program with Ride FreeBee to enhance transportation
services, public safety, green initiatives and promote local small businesses in the
City of Tamarac.
Requested by Vice Mayor Mike Gelin
Vice Mayor Gelin provided a brief overview of the item.
Claudia Miro, FreeBee, provided a presentation on the service, which is on file in
the City Clerk's Office.
Commissioner Bolton asked about competition for ridership between transportation
options. Ms. Miro stated FreeBee would analyze the routes available and present a
plan on how best to enhance what is existing with additional options, rather than
competing with other modes of transportation.
Discussion continued regarding existing FreeBee communities, the proposed pilot
program, customization options,
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September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting
Page 13
Mayor Gomez stated she liked the impact of the program on getting people off the
roadways, and asked questions regarding research conducted on the City and cost.
She asserted the community's varied population should be considered when
creating a proposal.
City Attorney Herin explained there may be a requirement to seek competitive bids,
and stated staff would need to do additional leg work before outlining a potential
path forward.
Commissioner Placko stated she could see programs like this implemented in the
future, but also that she did not want to risk issues with the existing bus service
residents are used to or conflicts with existing funding.
Discussion continued regarding potential timelines, procurement, budget
implications, and piggy -back contract options of a last -mile transportation program
such as FreeBee.
City Manager Gunn stated she believed there was clear consensus to direct staff to
begin investigating the FreeBee pilot program and report back as soon as possible.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Gelin, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Placko, and Commissioner Villalobos.
ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 12:35 a.m.
Minutes transcribed by Crysta Parkinson, Prototype, Inc. and submitted by Kimberly Dillon, City
Clerk.
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Kimberly Dillon, CMC
Michelle J. Gomez, Mayor
Minutes
September 14, 2022 — Regular Commission Meeting Page 14
Note to the reader: The above signature is the City Clerk, of the City of Tamarac, Florida. If the
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minutes of the Regular City Commission Meeting held Wednesday, September 14, 2022.
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