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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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