HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-10 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES
WORKSHOP
MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023
10:00 AM
CONFERENCE ROOM 105
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Monday, July 10, 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 (virtually), 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 City Clerk Kimberly Dillon.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.
AGENDA
City Manager Levent Sucuoglu
La. Feasibility Study and Advisory Services Proposal for the Future City Hall and
New Government Center Campus
Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager and Director of Community
Development, and Ken Krasnow, Vice Chairman -Institutional Services, Colliers
International Florida, provided a presentation of the Feasibility Study and Advisory
Services Proposal, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez stated she is supportive of the study but has concerns regarding the
community center because the current site gets a lot of use. She stated the study
would give the Commission a chance to make educated decisions.
Commissioner Villalobos asked what was happening with the properties on State
Road 7. City Manager Levent Sucuoglu noted the properties were recently acquired
and one (1) still has tenants. He stated the intent was to control the properties so the
City can properly participate in the future economic development of the area.
Commissioner Villalobos inquired as to what the timeframe for next steps would
be if the proposal were approved and whether apartments were planned. Mr.
Krasnow clarified the potential timeline and stated the study would determine the
mix of uses which was most beneficial to the City.
Commissioner Villalobos asserted that he did not believe the area needed more
apartments but needed commercial and retail that would bring people out.
Commissioner Wright asked whether the study would look at refurbishing the
existing City Hall. Mr. Krasnow stated this study was looking at a new building.
Commissioner Wright suggested with changes in how people work and the rise of
work from home, less space should be required. Mr. Krasnow responded that in
most studies being conducted now, the results show a 25-30 percent reduction in
office space square footage needed.
Commissioner Wright asked about the type of data to be gathered, costs, potential
for going over budget, and involvement of staff in the study. Mr. Krasnow
explained the process.
Commissioner Wright asked whether Colliers had done a project like this before.
Mr. Krasnow stated they had and have a deep understanding of workplace needs.
Discussion continued regarding Colliers.
Vice Mayor Bolton inquired about other projects Mr. Krasnow had been involved
with in Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Mr. Krasnow explained the joint projects
which were proposed and ultimately not constructed. City Manager Sucuoglu
provided additional details regarding the City Hall project in Coral Springs.
Vice Mayor Bolton commented on the planned mix of commercial and residential.
Assistant City Manager Calloway noted that would be determined by the study.
Vice Mayor Bolton asked whether the study could be limited to commercial, with
no residential considered. City Manager Sucuoglu stated if it were the direction of
the Commission to limit the scope, that could be done, but it was the professional
recommendation of staff and Mr. Krasnow to leave the study open.
Vice Mayor Bolton stated if something is not compatible with your community, it
should not be studied. He added that if residents do not want more residential, the
door should not be opened.
Commissioner Villalobos asserted that he had recommended a moratorium on
residential development and had not received any support for the idea.
Commissioner Villalobos asked about the disposition of buildings on Nob Hill,
projected budget, and development partners. City Manager Sucuoglu and Mr.
Krasnow explained.
Commissioner Wright commented on the budget for the City Hall and Public Safety
Complex project in Sunrise and stated the Tamarac Government Center could cost
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July 10, 2023 —Workshop Page 2
more than $100 million. Mr. Krasnow stated that once the study is complete, the
City will know the actual numbers for construction and potential sales.
Commissioner Wright asked whether the plan would be to build the new complex
and then try to sell the old site. City Manager Sucuoglu responded that the sequence
of events was not settled. Mr. Krasnow shared his experience in Sarasota County
and noted the sequence of events which had made funds available for construction.
Commissioner Wright asked whether identifying an existing building would be less
expensive. Mr. Krasnow outlined the limitations on finding a new building.
Commissioner Wright asserted the City has not delivered on Tamarac Village and
asked what would make this project more attractive. Mr. Krasnow stated it was
equally, if not more attractive, and discussed the differences between the sites.
City Manager Sucuoglu provided additional detail regarding past iterations of this
plan prior to the pandemic. He stated the communities around Tamarac are
modernizing, and the purpose of bringing the proposal to the Commission is to
maintain the fabric of the community while also exploring possibilities.
Commissioner Wright stated he was supportive of exploring possibilities but
wanted to look at all options and proceed in a fiscally responsible manner.
Vice Mayor Bolton asked whether residential or commercial was more attractive to
developers. Mr. Krasnow stated the most expensive real estate in the world is office.
Vice Mayor Bolton stated he had a lot of concerns about this project which were
not being addressed. He asserted he was not for a study which would put more
residential on the site.
Mayor Gomez stated Tamarac Village was not a failure, it was a plan which had
changed. She noted the purpose of bringing in an expert was to help the City do
what was in its best interest. She asserted the process had just started, and it was
too early to say what all the residents would say regarding residential and
commercial development. She stated due diligence was owed.
Mayor Gomez commented on costs and stated the City can't be afraid of what it
does not yet know. She added that they have to be willing to listen and learn, and
noted her support is for hearing all of the best uses for the properties.
Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 11:30 a.m.
Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at 11:43 a.m.
Lb. Feasibility Analysis Proposal for the Colony West Glades Golf Course
Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager and Director of Community
Development, and Ken Krasnow, Vice Chairman -Institutional Services, Colliers
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July 10, 2023 —Workshop Page 3
International Florida, provided a presentation of the Feasibility Analysis Proposal
for the Colony West Glades Golf Course, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez stated she had previously mentioned modernizing the golf course
and possibly introducing a driving range and putt -putt. She noted upon review of
the map she no longer believed housing was a fit, and wanted to make clear she
does not support the portion of the proposal that includes residential. Mayor Gomez
stated she believes in the vision when they acquired Colony West, that it is the
City's opportunity to attract golfers from around the world. She noted she would
like to continue to look at how to revitalize the golf course.
Mayor Gomez asked that staff share data related to golf course use. City Manager
Sucuoglu discussed the number of rounds played on the championship course and
the glades course.
Mayor Gomez continued to discuss ideas for use of the site. She noted the experts
would go out and find those ideas for staff and the Commission to sort through.
Commissioner Villalobos discussed issues of maintenance at the Colony West golf
course. He stated he did not want to see any residential developed until all of the
pending projects in the City are built and inhabited.
Commissioner Wright stated he was not in favor of development of the golf course.
He asserted it was the responsibility of the City to keep the promise of protecting
the golf course from future development.
Commissioner Villalobos asserted that this discussion was not about the entire
Colony West, but a portion.
Vice Mayor Bolton stated the Commission must hold itself accountable to history.
He stated residents don't want development but do want preservation of open green
space. He asserted there should not be discussion on this matter. Assistant City
Manager Calloway stated the item was brought forward following discussion at the
budget retreat as an opportunity to explore what is possible in the area, particularly
what entertainment is compatible with the golf course.
Vice Mayor Bolton asserted this was situation where the government was taking
inch by inch and it would result in the residents having nothing left. He reiterated
that he was not in support of the request.
Mayor Gomez stated the current location has two (2) 18-hole golf courses. She
asserted some of what was being said was political sound bites and the reality was
that the City has a golf course that is not being used to the full capacity to which it
could be. She stated she does not see an issue with studying to find out the best and
wisest way to revitalize the space and maintain the course more effectively.
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July 10, 2023 — Workshop Page 4
Mayor Gomez asked that the title of the agenda item be amended prior to the
Regular Meeting to remove the reference to residential development.
Commissioner Wright stated he was not in favor of doing anything.
City Manager Sucuoglu suggested bifurcating the two (2) studies on the Regular
Meeting agenda so that the potential new Government Center and Colony West
could be addressed separately. He noted staff would review whether an agreement
with Colliers was the right step if they were only looking at improvements to the
golf course. Discussion ensued regarding the procedure to remove the agenda item.
Commissioner Villalobos pointed out the feasibility analysis for the Colony West
site was $12,500.
Vice Mayor Bolton asked whether the decision to remove this item would impact
the previous discussion regarding City Hall. Mr. Krasnow clarified it was two (2)
separate and distinct studies.
1.c. TR13981 — A Resolution A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of
Tamarac, Florida, approving a purchase and sale agreement between the city
of Tamarac and Shaker Village Condominium Association, Inc., in the amount
of one million nine hundred forty thousand dollars ($1,940,000.00) in
substantially the same form as exhibit "a" attached hereto; to acquire the old
Shaker Village Clubhouse property located on Canterbury Lane, property id
# 4941 11 01 0170, as more particularly described in the legal description
attached in Exhibit "A", pursuant to section 2-316 of the city of Tamarac code
of ordinances; directing the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate a
shared use agreement subject to the approval of the City Commission with
Shaker Village Condominium Association for the use of a proposed city
community center to replace the old Shaker Village Clubhouse; authorizing
the City Manager and the City Attorney to take all necessary actions to
effectuate the purchase; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager and Director of Community
Development, and Greg Warner, Parks and Recreation Director provided a
presentation of Resolution TR13981, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Vice Mayor Bolton left the dais at 12:38 p.m.
Vice Mayor Bolton returned to the dais at 12:40 p.m.
Mayor Gomez stated it is the City's responsibility to make sure the public policy
related to this private property was handled correctly. She provided additional
background on the site and the condominium documents for Shaker Village. She
asserted the common elements of Shaker Village belong to the residents, including
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July 10, 2023 — Workshop Page 5
the clubhouse in question, and substantial changes require vote by 75 percent of the
owners prior to contracting.
Mayor Gomez commented on issues with the appraisals done on the property, and
stated they could not be relied upon. She stated there had been damage caused to
the facility by a storm and an insurance claim was paid out and a contract made for
rebuilding. She asked whether that contract was confirmed to be voided.
Mayor Gomez noted the contract included waiving of $3 million in liens, and asked
how many of those are on the clubhouse. Assistant City Manager Calloway
responded that the liens are on the common areas, and staff would have to research
to determine which are specific to the clubhouse.
Mayor Gomez stated she had read the spreadsheet, and believed the liens were not
on the clubhouse, but on individual homeowners. City Attorney Ottinot added that
there is no agreement to waive liens on individual properties. Discussion continued.
Mayor Gomez asked whether the 3.2-acre shortfall of park land in District 1 shown
in the presentation accounted for Central Park. Parks and Recreation Director
Warner confirmed that the park was included.
Mayor Gomez asserted that the insurance funds would have left the community
approximately $20,000 short to restore the clubhouse, yet it had not been done. She
asked where the funds had gone, and noted she is hearing concerns from residents.
She stated whatever action is taken should be transparent.
Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 1:00 p.m.
Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at 1:45 p.m.
Commissioner Daniel was not present following the recess.
Mayor Gomez commented on shared use agreements and clubhouses in other
communities in District 1. She noted a previous attempt to program the community
clubhouses and asked how many neighborhoods had participated. Parks and
Recreation Director Warner stated there had been two (2).
Mayor Gomez stated the problem before the City was a community center that is
an eyesore. She referenced the drawing and asked what was included in the space.
Parks and Recreation Director Warner responded that the drawings were very
conceptual, and stated there would be resident input into the amenities.
Mayor Gomez inquired as to the size of other Parks and Recreation buildings,
projected programming costs, clubhouse staffing, and proposed amenities. Parks
and Recreation Director Warner provided additional explanation.
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Mayor Gomez asked how much had been saved toward the clubhouse. Assistant
City Manager Calloway and City Manager Sucuoglu explained the dollars in the
budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Discussion continued.
Mayor Gomez highlighted a contract provision that the City would pay any County
liens. City Attorney Ottinot stated there were not any County liens.
Mayor Gomez asked whether the City had the opportunity to create a grant or
assistance program for larger community projects rather than putting money
directly into a private community. City Manager Sucuoglu stated the motivation for
the project was to follow the East Side Feasibility Study and provide the facilities
and services needed by the east side residents.
Mayor Gomez stated the issue had started in 2017 and the study did not take place
until 2020. She asserted a revised study today would have different answers and
stated that the price tag had grown to an amount that was too hard to justify.
Mayor Gomez stated the contract was rushed and had numerous issues. She asked
counsel whether it would be wise to execute the contract. City Attorney Ottinot
responded in the affirmative. He outlined his due diligence, noting he had requested
a title report to determine ownership, as well as getting an opinion in writing as to
whether the community center could be sold without a vote. He stated he was
confident in his opinion, and in the end the decision was whether the Commission
wanted to purchase the site. Discussion continued regarding the legal opinions of
the attorneys involved, the contract, and associated expenses.
Mayor Gomez asked where the $2 million purchase price would be going. She
stated the documents clearly state the club house property is owned by the residents,
and discussed options for how the dollars could be used to the benefit of the owners.
She discussed the potential for a personal benefit to a member of the Commission
that owns a house in the neighborhood.
City Attorney Ottinot stated that based on the facts that he knows, no member of
the City Commission has a conflict of interest on the matter. He outlined the
requirements for a conflict of interest under the law.
Discussion continued regarding the potential for conflict. Mayor Gomez asserted
that an ethical issue was created by the involvement of a Commissioner who
directly benefited from the sale.
Commissioner Wright left the dais at 2:26 p.m.
Commissioner Wright returned to the dais at 2:29 p.m.
Mayor Gomez reviewed her concerns with the item. She asserted the City should
not be purchasing the property at the value of its highest and best use, that there
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were issues with who should be allowed to sign the contract, and with the public
policy, and stated she was clearly not in support at this time.
Commissioner Villalobos stated he was also concerned with a number of the points
Mayor Gomez had brought up. He noted issues with the appraisal and asserted that
according to a record he had requested, there were 43 open liens, and asked how
that worked. Assistant City Manager Calloway explained the document was likely
a lien release letter and explained the process for partial release and settlement.
Discussion continued regarding the lien process.
Commissioner Villalobos asked what kind of programming would be offered at the
community center. Parks and Recreation Director Warner responded that would
depend on the public input gathered but it might include after -school programming
and yoga classes.
Commissioner Villalobos asked about the terms of the shared use agreement, and
whether residents of Shaker Village would have full access. Assistant City Manager
Calloway stated the Commission would determine the terms and clarified that the
community center would be a City of Tamarac facility.
Commissioner Villalobos asked additional questions regarding hours and staffing.
Parks and Recreation Director Warner explained.
Commissioner Villalobos inquired as to what would happen with the contract if the
Shaker Village HOA Board were recalled. City Attorney Ottinot reiterated that the
agreement was subject to Board approval. Discussion continued regarding the right
to terminate.
Commissioner Villalobos referenced the Shaker Village HOA budget and assets.
He stated the HOA Board owns five (5) properties and asked why they weren't
selling as part of the agreement. He continued to discuss his concerns with the
Shaker Village HOA Board.
Commissioner Villalobos discussed District 1 projects, the projected timeline,
ingress and egress, the size and capacity of the facility, the budget for the purchase
and construction. Assistant City Manager Calloway and Parks and Recreation
Director Warner responded as appropriate.
City Attorney Ottinot left the dais and joined the meeting virtually at 3:01 p.m.
Commissioner Wright asked staff to explain why Shaker Village is important to the
City from a big picture perspective. City Manager Sucuoglu stated it was not Shaker
Village specifically, but it was important to distribute services equally throughout
the City, and it was determined during a recent study that the east side of Tamarac
were not accessing the same level of services as other residents.
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Commissioner Wright stated Shaker Village was the only clubhouse that can be
seen driving into Tamarac on Commercial Boulevard. He asked how Shaker
Village currently makes the City look. City Manager Sucuoglu noted residents see
it every day, and it is not the Tamarac they want to represent. He stated the
investment in services for the residents would also have the effect of beautification.
Commissioner Wright discussed staff s track record of making savvy real estate
investments. He asked about the cons of making the purchase. Assistant City
Manager Calloway discussed the City's history of trying to work with Shaker
Village on making the improvement.
Commissioner Wright asked whether the east side of Tamarac has a lower
disposable income than the west side. City Manager Sucuoglu stated he did not
have a demographic breakdown of each district, but the east side was the older
homes in the community and the study had found the City investment in services
was lower on the east side.
Commissioner Wright asked how the City had gotten involved in the Shaker
Village community center issue and why the purchase had not been made
previously. City Manager Sucuoglu responded briefly.
Commissioner Wright inquired as to why Mayor Gomez's concerns had not been
addressed previously. City Manager Sucuoglu stated staff appreciated the feedback
and noted the importance of consulting counsel and following that advice.
Commissioner Wright attempted to ask a question of City Attorney Ottinot but was
unable to reach him via Teams. Discussion ensued as to whether counsel was
required to be present to continue the meeting.
Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 3:15 p.m.
Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
City Manager Sucuoglu noted the City Attorney was on Microsoft Teams.
Commissioner Villalobos asserted that most of the clubhouses in the City can be
seen from the street, and many are in disrepair. He asked how much it would cost
to add shrubbery or trees to screen the building and make it Shaker Village's
problem. City Manager Sucuoglu responded that he did not know what that would
cost, but the goal was not only to remove the eyesore.
Commissioner Villalobos expressed concern there would be other communities
wanting the City to take over their clubhouses. He stated the purchase dollars
should be placed in escrow, dictating it is spent for infrastructure.
Commissioner Villalobos noted Shaker Village had an issue on the road on the
north side of the community and asked what the disposition of that had been. Public
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Services Director John Doherty stated that in 2015, the City did an infrastructure
project with Shaker Village in response to pipes bursting. He noted with that
project, road patch work was conducted, and paving was planned if existing
drainage issues were fixed by the HOA. He stated the funds set aside for paving in
Shaker Village were ultimately not used because the issue was not corrected.
Commissioner Villalobos asserted that the HOA charged every homeowner $450 a
month, but clearly does not know how to budget. He continued to express concern
with the HOA Board mismanaging funds and the potential they would need bailed
out.
Vice Mayor Bolton stated he was inclined to agree with Commissioner Villalobos
that the money should be earmarked to fix the drainage in Shaker Village. He asked
that, to the extent that it is legal, that condition be included in the agreement.
Continuing, Vice Mayor Bolton asserted the intent was not to fix Shaker Village's
problem, but to take advantage of an opportunity to build an east side community
center for all residents of Tamarac. He stated incidental to that, Shaker Village is
able to take the property off their tax roll.
Vice Mayor Bolton explained the residents of Shaker Village are fully aware of
what is happening and discussed communication efforts. He stated it was exciting
to see that the City was willing to purchase a property for public good, and asserted
this is what government should be doing.
Vice Mayor Bolton stated the City and Shaker Village both have attorneys, so the
Commission should let them do their jobs. He stated this had been pending for years
and it was time, as the residents want it. He added that he hoped all of his colleagues
would support moving the project along.
Mayor Gomez asked whether public money was used for private good when the
City did the infrastructure project in Shaker Village in 2015. Public Services
Director Doherty explained the City owns the water and sewer system, but the
drainage is private. He explained with that project they planned to resurface the
community, but there were a lot of drainage issues.
Mayor Gomez noted the purchase price was still a problem and asserted it should
not be compared to Colony West and Tamarac Village, because those are
businesses that will reinvest in the City. She stated she also did not agree with unit
owners getting their liens reduced and added that it would be normal for
concessions to be made in a purchase. She stated there should have been more
public input on the project with the involvement of the Commission.
Mayor Gomez asked what the impact to the City would be of the clubhouse coming
off the tax rolls. Assistant City Manager Calloway explained because it is a
common area property, the City is not currently receiving taxes from it.
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Mayor Gomez inquired as to whether the value of the clubhouse was divided
between the property owners by the Property Appraiser's office and whether the
appraiser had been asked how it would impact the value of individual properties.
Continuing, she stated when looking at the income levels for the east side of the
community, they needed to take into consideration that the Census data includes
Zip Codes outside of Tamarac.
Mayor Gomez asked who would be part of negotiating the shared use agreement if
the item is approved. City Manager Sucuoglu stated it would be a conversation with
the community by City staff, and once they had something to present, they would
bring it back to the Commission.
Mayor Gomez confirmed that no members of the Commission would be involved,
noting that a single Commissioner should not be part of the negotiations if the
others were not. She asserted there were issues with the propriety of the process.
Mayor Gomez asked the Commission if anyone else had an issue with the purchase
price based on the highest and best use of $1,940,000. Commissioner Villalobos
stated he did, and believed the insurance proceeds should have been used to reduce
the purchase price.
Mayor Gomez noted that the City bought Colony West for $3 million because of
all the money that needed to be put into it.
l.d. TR13959 — A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac,
Florida, approving the projects recommended for inclusion in the Fiscal Year
2023/2024 Annual Action Plan for expenditure of the Community
Development Block Grant Funds estimated to be $497,807 for the twenty
fourth program year, attached hereto as Exhibit "A"; authorizing the
appropriate City Officials to submit said Annual Action Plan and related
documents to the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development; authorizing the Mayor or appropriate City Officials to execute
Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan federal application for funding;
providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager and Director of Community
Development provided a presentation of Resolution TR13959, which is on file in
the City Clerk's Office.
Commissioner Villalobos asked whether Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) would be
involved in deployment of the Ring Camera program. City Manager Sucuoglu
stated that BSO would naturally be involved, but the plan was to utilize the Ring
Camera Neighborhood Safety Program. He noted that BSO has partnerships in
other communities, as well.
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Le. TR13979 — A Resolution of the city commission of the City of Tamarac,
Florida, authorizing the appropriate city officials to award RFP 23-22r and
execute an agreement with Beefree, LLC, dba Freebee for the provision of on -
demand rideshare services for a three (3)-year contract at a fixed amount not
to exceed $1,049,992.30, plus a contingency in the amount of $105,000.00 for a
total three (3) year budget of $1,154,992.30; providing for the extension and
renewal of the agreements or approval of assignments and other amendments
to the agreements by the City Manager or appropriate city officials;
authorizing the appropriation of funds; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing an effective date.
Greg Warner, Parks and Recreation Director, and Jason Spiegel, Managing Partner,
Freebee, provided a presentation of Resolution TR13979, which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Commissioner Villalobos asked whether the Freebee chargers could be shared with
the City in the future. Mr. Spiegel stated they do that in other municipalities.
Commissioner Wright asked for clarification on the hourly rate, staff turnover,
expanding service to Sundays to help residents get to church, options for advertising
revenue, and non-app opportunities for senior citizens. Parks and Recreation
Director Warner and Mr. Spiegel explained.
Mr. Spiegel discussed the economic development side of the Freebee app, including
offering local businesses a free platform to provide promotions to residents.
Mayor Gomez stated she was protective of the City's paratransit, and asked if
ridership was down, what was being done to help residents know about the
program. She asserted the City should be trying to salvage the program instead of
opening it up, and noted that she did not like the lack of protection for the current
drivers in the proposal.
Mayor Gomez commented on the availability of programs funding transportation
for seniors and the overall budget of the paratransit program. She asked who was
responsible for insurance and liability under the Freebee proposal. Mr. Spiegel
explained his company was fully liable and the City is indemnified.
Mayor Gomez asked about the number of vehicles and hours and stated she did not
believe the proposal was well thought out. Parks and Recreation Director Warner
and Mr. Spiegel discussed the ability to be flexible and shift based on demand.
Mayor Gomez inquired as to how emergency situations would be prioritized. She
asserted the City is working toward having night life, but does not fully have it yet.
She stated the times should be studied before contracting with the service, not after.
City Manager Sucuoglu explained. Discussion continued.
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Mayor Gomez asked for additional clarification on costs. Mr. Spiegel provided
additional detail. City Manager Sucuoglu explained $340,000 were spent to service
a total of 140 riders last year, so the per capita cost would reduce under the plan.
Commissioner Wright commented on expansion and scalability. He stated the
paratransit vehicle was larger and could carry more people and asked about wait
times. Mr. Spiegel stated there could be a wait time during some peak hours, but
algorithms are in place to route dynamically and reduce wait times. He noted the
22-passenger paratransit bus was rarely full.
Commissioner Wright asserted Freebee worked best in urban areas with a lot of
first adopters, but senior citizens are not trying things first. He stated the community
of Tamarac was different. Mr. Spiegel stated he understood the concern, but the
service does exist in a number of suburban neighborhoods providing this type of
service, and riders are much happier than with the services offered previously.
Commissioner Wright noted he works in Delray Beach and sees the Freebee
vehicles near the beach but not near Century Village. Mr. Spiegel discussed the
goals of the program in Delray Beach and noted it was funded by their CRA to
drive traffic downtown. He stated in Miami Lakes, Freebee had replaced a
comparable senior service and continues to growth month over month.
Commissioner Wright stated he understands the vision but is not comfortable with
getting rid of the paratransit. He discussed use of the service and stated the
dwindling numbers were not a good metric without looking at other factors.
Mayor Gomez expressed concern with the parameters of the Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT) grant and potential claw backs. City Manager Sucuoglu,
Parks and Recreation Director Warner, and Mr. Spiegel provided additional details
regarding the grant.
Mayor Gomez discussed advertising, the look of the vehicles, and the contract
terms. Mr. Spiegel noted the advertising was offered as an option for subsidizing
the program. He discussed the value provided to communities.
Commissioner Villalobos asked whether the paratransit program could overlap
with the Freebee to help senior citizens make the transition. Parks and Recreation
Director Warner stated it was something staff could look at.
Commissioner Villalobos stated he saw the Freebee as a tool to reduce traffic on
Commercial Boulevard. Discussion continued regarding modernization of
transportation services.
City Manager Sucuoglu noted that Broward County is exploring similar
privatization of transportation services. Mayor Gomez suggested the City wait for
the County to create something more regional.
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July 10, 2023 — Workshop Page 13
Mayor Gomez stated she did not understand the reduction in traffic argument. Mr.
Spiegel explained the concept was shared rides. He discussed the constraints within
the algorithm and customization through policy decisions.
Vice Mayor Bolton stated he was neutral on the program at this time and thought
the proposal needed to be baked more.
ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 5:21 p.m.
Minutes transcribed by Crysta Parkinson, Prototype, Inc. and submitted by Kimberly Dillon, City
Clerk.
Kimberly Dillon, City Clerk
Ala.
Michelle J. Gomez, May
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, July 10, 2023.
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
July 10, 2023 —Workshop Page 14