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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-24 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES WORKSHOP MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023 10:00 AM CONFERENCE ROOM 105 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Monday, April 24, 2023, City Commission Workshop, being held in Conference Room 105, to order at 10:00 a.m. ROLL CALL Present were Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Vice Mayor Marlon D. Bolton, Commissioner Kicia Daniel, Commissioner Morey Wright Jr., and Commissioner Elvin Villalobos. Also present were City Manager Levent Sucuoglu, Assistant City Manager Maxine Calloway, City Attorney Hans Ottinot, and Assistant City Clerk Monica Barros. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Assistant City Clerk Monica Barros led the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice Mayor Bolton joined the meeting at 10: 02 a.m. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Broward College Lori Funderwhite, Economic Development Manager, introduced Broward College President Gregory Haile, Senior Vice President Dr. Mildred Coyne, and Associate Vice President Dr. Jennifer Saint Louis. She explained the City was looking to renew its existing partnership with Broward College to provide workforce training opportunities in the community. Commissioner Daniel joined the meeting at 10: 05 a.m. The team from Broward College provided a presentation regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), including the programs and partnership opportunities. The presentation is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Commissioner Wright shared his experience obtaining his associate degree from Broward College, as well as how Broward Up impacted his family. Vice Mayor Bolton shared how a young lady received a certificate from the program and how she got a raise because of it. He thanked them for their work and dedication. Commissioner Villalobos asked about programs for 18 to 24-year-olds. Dr. Saint Louis and President Haile outlined opportunities and incentives for young people. Commissioner Villalobos inquired regarding statistical data on the decline in college enrollment and the impacts of the partnership. Dr. Saint Louis reviewed the new partnership impact website and its dashboards. Discussion ensued regarding the data shared. Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Bolton, and Commissioner Daniel each thanked the Broward College leadership for their contribution to the community. 2. Discussion and Direction on Zoning in Progress — Smoke/Vape Shops; Lounges; Bars; and Liquor Stores Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director, and Maher Mansour, Assistant Community Development Director, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Commissioner Villalobos asked whether the proposed distance from schools included pre- schools. Assistant City Manager Calloway confirmed that it did. Vice Mayor Bolton asked for clarification on the separation between businesses in the other communities surveyed. Assistant Community Development Director Mansour and Assistant City Manager Calloway explained. Vice Mayor Bolton asked that staff research the impact of a 500-foot separation versus a 1,000-foot separation. City Attorney Ottinot clarified that as with any Zoning/Code matter, an applicant could request a variance, and existing businesses would be grandfathered in. Commissioner Daniel asked whether businesses that sold liquor secondary to their primary business would be included. Assistant City Manager Calloway discussed options to include language that would clarify the point. Commissioner Wright asked that when looking at the 500-foot versus 1,000-foot separation in other communities, the size of the city and the lot size also be considered. He commented on the balance between the restrictions and being friendly to businesses as a City. Commissioner Villalobos asked for clarification on how the convenience stores Commissioner Daniel referenced were going to be addressed. Assistant City Manager Calloway explained that those are covered under retail, and discussed the difficulty in the extraction of alcohol and vapes from the retail category as part of the zoning discussion. Mayor Gomez stated she is of the opinion that the City has plenty of these types of shops and should ban them rather than taking incremental steps. She noted that if not a ban, she is for a larger separation. She pointed to a complaint she had received regarding a smoke Minutes April 24, 2023 —Workshop Page 2 shop where smoking is impacting neighboring businesses, and stated there should be procedures established to protect existing businesses. Discussion continued. Vice Mayor Bolton asked about safeguards for existing business and if they can be added to the new legislation. Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Maxine Calloway explained that there were no performance standards in the code, but they can be added. Discussion continued regarding overlap with other Zoning in Progress. The Commissioners requested a map to include these types of businesses of neighboring cities. 3. Quality of Life/Special Events Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director, and Maher Mansour, Assistant Community Development Director, provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Gomez asked whether Code Enforcement would have authority under the provisions of the ordinance. Assistant City Manager Calloway stated they would not, as the crowd management authority was under the Fire Prevention Code in State Statute. Mayor Gomez asked questions regarding potential lawsuits between neighbors, and discussion ensued regarding private nuisance lawsuits. Commissioner Villalobos inquired as to whether owners would be held responsible for nuisances at rental properties. City Attorney Ottinot explained the owner is responsible by law for his or her property and would have separate recourse against the renter. City Manager Sucuoglu explained immediate action would be taken against the violator. Discussion continued regarding the enforcement tools provided. Commissioner Daniel expressed concern that the ordinance would be used against residents holding get-togethers. Commissioner Wright asked for clarification on the definition of special events. Assistant City Manager Calloway reviewed the definition and changes. Commissioner Wright noted Commissioner Daniel's concern, and asked what could be done to protect residents from profiling. Mayor Gomez provided additional detail regarding historical events which had led to the need for the ordinance. City Attorney Ottinot addressed the concern regarding profiling, noting that documentation would be required to prove there was a violation. 4. ARPA Discussion Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director, Maher Mansour, Assistant Community Development Director, and Christine Cajuste, Financial Services Director provided a presentation on staff proposals for unencumbered American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Minutes April 24, 2023 —Workshop Page 3 Mayor Gomez stated she believed the funding for the housing stability services could go to help the homeless population in more effective ways. She noted her preference was to pay to give people a place to sleep rather than funding salaries. Discussion ensued regarding the program, the two -people team that would work in the community, and the point -in -time count of the homeless population in Tamarac. Mayor Gomez asked whether the allocation to Women in Distress met the increased amount requested by the organization. Assistant City Manager Calloway reviewed the request, and they were originally offered $15,000. Mayor Gomez suggested the additional might be best used by giving it to Feeding South Florida, as they are still holding food distributions and people are still coming, but if not, she is fine with the $50,000 going to Women in Distress Vice Mayor Bolton referenced the funding for housing stability services and asked for a breakdown of how the funds were spent. Assistant City Manager Calloway explained the funds were to provide salaries for a team to go out together and offer them services that already exist whether it be a shelter, or a bath. Discussion continued regarding program alternatives. Vice Mayor Bolton stated the line item for insurance -related spending should be reconsidered as residents are having a difficult time making Homeowners Association (HOA) and Condo Association fees payments. Assistant City Manager Calloway stated that staff had conducted research on the suggestion and determined AR -PA funds could not be spent for this purpose, however, the City has received six grants from the State of Florida where those funds can be used to pay for any increase in HOA/Condo fees. Vice Mayor Bolton stated that the fund can be used for rental assistance Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager concurred. Commissioner Daniel stated she had previously agreed that the funds to support homeless services should not be used for salary, but in thinking on it, she thought people might be more likely to accept services from someone they saw on the street all the time who also had a measurable end goal. Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager stated that the organization cannot guarantee results. Commissioner Daniel inquired as to the level of need for window and roof repair programs. Assistant City Manager Calloway stated the City has a minor home repair program and is unable to meet the need each year. She noted there are approximately 350 applications filed annually, and funding is available for 15-20. Commissioner Daniel asked for clarification on the Women in Distress funding. Assistant City Manager Calloway provided additional details, including noting that there had been an increase in the number of calls for domestic violence services. City Manager Sucuoglu noted the Commission had recently passed a major rental assistance component to the housing program which also complemented these programs. Minutes April 24, 2023 — Workshop Page 4 Commissioner Villalobos clarified that rents were being increased as owners pass on increasing HOA dues and insurance costs. He stated he was fine with how the funds were allocated. Commissioner Wright explained that after speaking with residents, he saw the importance of the roof and window program. He noted it was his understanding, for the homeless part of it, that the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) already had outreach staff filling the role discussed. He asked about programming for young people. Assistant City Manager Calloway explained the funds have to be spent on housing related items. Commissioner Wright stated he agreed with the mayor's comments that the homelessness funds should be spent on something more directly beneficial. Assistant City Manager Calloway responded that if it were the Commission's desire, staff could explore the Broward Outreach Center partnership. Mayor Gomez noted other programs that could be explored. Discussion continued regarding the proposed allocations. Commissioner Villalobos left the dais at 12:22 p.m. Commissioner Villalobos returned to the dais at 12:24 p.m. Consensus was to place $100,000 from the housing stability services funding line item into rental assistance, with the remaining $52,000 to go to a homeless organization focusing its efforts in Tamarac, and to approve the remaining proposals as listed. Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 12: 43 p.m. Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at 1: 00 p.m. 5. Public Arts Annual Update Maher Mansour, Assistant Community Development Director, and George Gadson, Gadson & Ravitz, provided a presentation of the Public Arts Annual Update, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Assistant City Manager Calloway clarified this was just an annual update as required within the Code, and that the future projects discussed in the presentation would come before the Commission for review individually. Commissioner Villalobos stated there had been a request from residents to display more art on the west side of Tamarac. Assistant City Manager Calloway explained staff had been working with each of the commissioners individually to identify places in their districts, and Vice Mayor Bolton as well. Discussion ensued briefly regarding installation on private developments. Minutes April 24, 2023 —Workshop Page 5 Commissioner Villalobos asked about maintenance for art at the Skate Park. Assistant City Manager Calloway and Mr. Gadson explained. Mayor Gomez asked a series of questions regarding Inspiration Way, the splashpad, and individual pieces of art. Assistant City Manager Calloway and Mr. Gadson responded. Mayor Gomez stated she hoped when the fire monument sculpture was brought to Commission for approval, seating space for contemplation would be included. Mr. Gadson responded that the proposed placement would not allow for seating as there was not a canopy in place. Discussion continued. Commissioner Villalobos suggested improvements to the lighting, noted residents had made comments the pieces along Inspiration Way are relatively small, and asked what plans are for the art piece from the Woodlands. Assistant City Manager Calloway stated the Woodlands piece is in the City's portfolio, and staff has discussed potential sites for its future relocation. Commissioner Villalobos noted there had been positive feedback on the "Be Kind" piece recently placed, and stated he would recommend purchasing it. He suggested the committee consider art in the roundabouts. Mayor Gomez stated she liked the idea of art in the roundabouts if it was not metal, as there may be issues with reflected light. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed pieces for the open pads at Public Services. Consensus was to select Last Dance, Spirited, and Maverick to be placed together, along with Gemini and Combustion. It was noted that if all three (3) pieces can not be placed together, Last Dance should be removed. 6. Discussion on Organizational Development Sessions — May 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon City Manager Levent Sucuoglu explained they have been working with Bob Norton and have developed the roadmap to the three -step organizational improvement program. The sessions that are scheduled for May 15 and 16 are the first steps and the most critical ones since they require the involvement of the commission in the development of the city's vision, mission and guiding principles. City Manager Sucuoglu explained the City had reached the end of its contract with its auditors and discussed the requirements of the selection process briefly. He sought and received consensus to establish the committee and bring the legislation with his recommendation for commission approval. City Attorney Ottinot noted the members of the selection committee are chosen by the City Manager and the City Commission would confirm by vote, including a Commissioner to serve as Chair. Minutes April 24, 2023 —Workshop Page 6 Commissioner Daniel left the dais at 2: 00 p.m. Commissioner Daniel returned to the dais at 2: 03 p.m. Discussion ensued regarding the appointment process for committees, including the auditor selection committee and for the Broward League of Cities, and the job description for the auditor selection committee. Commissioner Villalobos and Commissioner Wright nominated themselves to serve on the auditor selection committee. Vice Mayor Bolton and Commissioner Villalobos nominated themselves to serve on the Broward League of Cities. Discussion continued. Consensus was to nominate Vice Mayor Bolton to the Broward League of Cities, Commissioner Wright to the auditor selection committee, and to change the representative on the Housing Committee from Commissioner Wright to Commissioner Villalobos. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Gomez shared that the City of Tamarac had been awarded Federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant in the amount of $125,590. She congratulated staff on their efforts. There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 2:27 p.m. Minutes transcribed by Crysta Parkinson, Prototype, Inc. and submitted by Monica Barros, Assistant City Clerk. Monica Barros, Assistant City Clerk Michelle 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 Workshop held Monday, April 24, 2023. Minutes April 24, 2023 —Workshop Page 7 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 April 24, 2023 —Workshop Page 8