HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-10 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Workshop of the City Commission to
order at 9:35 a.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018 in Conference Room 105, City Hall, 7525
NW 88t" Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Commissioner Marlon Bolton, Commissioner Mike
Gelin, Commissioner Julie Fishman and Commissioner Debra Placko were in attendance.
Also in attendance were City Manager Michael Cernech, Assistant City Manager Kathleen
Gunn, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren and Assistant City Clerk Lillian Pabon.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Gelin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Gomez made a public announcement regarding her recent cancer diagnostic and
reassured everyone of her commitment to the City as she received a positive prognosis.
1. TR13217 —Federal Legislative Agenda —Item No. 60) on the Consent Agenda. (TR13217)
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving the City of
Tamarac 2019 Federal Legislative Agenda; directing the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the
City of Tamarac 2019 Federal Legislative Agenda to the National League of Cities, The U.S.
Senators from Florida, Florida Congressional Delegation and the Broward County Board of
County Commissioners; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date. - Ferguson Group, LLC - Senior Advisor Val Gelnovatch appeared and gave a
presentation on the Federal Agenda Update and Review, a copy of which is on file in the City
Clerk's Office. Assistant to the City Manager Laura Karpaviciute also appeared. Ms.
Gelnovatch talked about the 2018 Federal Agenda and identified items on City Projects like
the Pine Island Project, the importance of building relationships in Washington, rapid change
in demographics and the need for transportation and Parks Open Space. Commissioner
Fishman had discussion on the importance of communication with Senator Marco Rubio.
Mayor Gomez thanked Ms. Gelnovatch about current opportunities. Ms. Gelnovatch
responded to questions from Commissioner Gelin related to Economic Development and
questions from Commissioner Bolton regarding CDBG changes and who also requested
information on her firm's accomplishments for Tamarac. Ms. Gelnovatch continued presenting
2019 Proposed Federal Legislative Agenda and mentioned Representative Alcee Hastings'
report contained good information. Commissioner Placko requested a copy of the report. Ms.
Gelnovatch presented a breakdown on Economic Development related to infrastructure,
Affordable Housing, Public Safety, FEMA and FEMA Disaster Mitigation Program. Assistant to
the City Manager Karpaviciute talked about the Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) and its use
to improve police operations.
Commissioner Fishman left the meeting at 10:16 a.m. returning at 10:18 a.m.
Ms. Gelnovatch talked about the NFIP and answered to additional questions from the City
Commission then concluded her presentation. Mayor Gomez thanked Ms. Gelnovatch and with
no further discussion moved to the next item.
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2. TR13213 — State Legislative Agenda — Assistant to the City Manager Laura Karpaviciute —
Item No. 6(I) on the Consent Agenda. (TR13213) A Resolution of the City Commission of the
City of Tamarac, Florida approving the City of Tamarac Legislative Agenda for the 2019 State
of Florida Legislative Session; directing the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the City of
Tamarac Legislative Agenda for the 2019 State Legislative Session to the Florida League of
Cities, the Broward League of Cities, the Broward County Legislative Delegation and the
Broward County Board of County Commissioners; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date. Assistant to the City Manager Laura
Karpaviciute appeared and gave a presentation on the 2019 State Legislative Agenda, which
is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Ms. Karpaviciute explained that the intent is for the City
Commission to express a consensus on key issues that might impact the City and to
proactively communicate the City's priorities before the State Legislative Session taking place
from March 5, 2019 to May 3, 2019. The input received will amend the draft agenda. She
talked about the importance to diversify the revenue base that included assessments and
taxes, cost recovery, shared revenues, tax supported debt, and talked about supporting
grants and appropriations for improvements on Quality of Life issues. Ms. Karpaviciute talked
about Economic Development, Home Rule Protection, School Safety and provided initiatives
that help protect the privacy of e-mail addresses, home and cell phone numbers provided
solely for the purpose of signing up for municipal services. Mayor Gomez opened the floor to
the City Commission and discussion ensued related to incentives for small businesses, use of
the Tamagram and the SRO funding. City Manager Cernech talked about the SRO funding
process and distribution. City Commission had discussion and inquiries on how to protect
subscriber's information. City Manager Cernech talked about the Strategic process in January
related to redevelopment of shopping plazas, working with the Tamarac/North Lauderdale
Chamber of Commerce, working with landlords, the permitting process and business
challenges if the property needs improvements. Commissioner Gelin inquired about the City's
position on gun control. City Attorney Goren updated Commissioner Gelin on the current
lawsuits in Tallahassee and offered further assistance in bringing Commissioner Gelin up-to-
date on this issue.
Commissioner Gelin left the meeting at 10:59 a.m. returning at 11:01 a.m.
3.TR13218 — Bid 18-04RB — TSC Field 4 Renovation Project and Site Improvements — Item
6(f) on the Consent Agenda. (TR13218) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of
Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the appropriate City Officials to award Bid #18-04RB, titled
"Rebid Tamarac Sports Complex Field #4 Renovation Project" and execute an Agreement
with XGD Systems, LLC, for the construction of Tamarac Sports Complex Field #4
Renovation Project, in an amount not to exceed $1,145,762.02; a contingency in the amount
of $114,576.20 will be added to the project account for a total project budget of
$1,260,338.22; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective
date. Parks and Recreation Director Greg Warner, Public Services Assistant Director/Capital
Projects Manager John Doherty and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Keith Glatz appeared.
Director Warner gave a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Director Warner
talked about extensive use of the fields requiring renovation of the turf and the difference
between the cost of having regular grass field against the cost of having artificial turf. He
spoke about the benefits of the project and site improvements and the economies of scale
that will bring people to stay at hotels and eat at restaurants; the cost of the bids and
companies bidding for the project. Mayor Gomez opened the floor to City Commission for
questions and discussions. Commissioner Bolton inquired about possible health risks when
artificial turf is used, and the Sports Complex parking problem. City Manager Cernech
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provided feedback related to artificial turf and Mayor Gomez said there have not been any
issues since the use of artificial turf was implemented. Assistant Director Doherty and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz responded to Commissioner Gelin's inquiries related to
the bid selection process. Commissioner Gelin requested a feasibility study be done for
adding a track to the field and Assistant Doherty responded that a track will not fit into this
park and provided other parks as possible options.
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 11:44 a.m. and reconvened at 12:05 p.m. with all
present as before.
Mayor Gomez, at the request of Community Development Director Maxine Calloway, moved
out of the order of the agenda to take up Item 5 (TR13216) and then Item 4 (TR13214).
5. TR13216 - 2nd Amendment to Five Year Consolidated Plan FY 2015/16 Through 2019/20
to Add New Activities and Reallocate Funds - Item No. 9 (b) on Public Hearing(s).
(TR13216) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving a
Second Amendment to the City's previously adopted Five -Year Consolidated Plan covering
Fiscal Years 2015/16 through 2019/20 attached hereto as Exhibit "A" for expenditure of the
U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant; providing for
the incorporation of new public service activities and the re -allocation of funds to cover the
cost associated with the new activities; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date.
4. TR13214 - Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report - Item No. 9 (a) on Public
Hearing(s). (TR13214) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida
approving the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER FY2017-2018)
which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" for the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban
Development (HUD)'s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs for HUD's
Fiscal Year 2017-2018; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
Community Development Director Maxine Calloway and Housing & Neighborhood Programs
Manager Coleen Christie appeared. Community Development Director Calloway gave a
presentation on items TR13216 and TR13214, a copy which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office. Director Calloway and Manager Christie responded to questions from the City
Commission related to workshop programs, possibilities to expand the program, how to
obtain program schedule and funding limitations. Director Calloway responded to additional
inquiries related to working with other organizations like Meals on Wheels ending
presentation for item 5 (TR13216).
Director Calloway and Manager Christie presented (TR13214) Consolidated Annual
Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) and noted the City of Tamarac is an entitlement
jurisdiction and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) which
determines the annual allocation funding amount for each entitlement jurisdiction by a
statutory formula which is based on population data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
State and local governments that receive CDBG funds report all activity occurring through
the last day of the program year in the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation
Report. Director Calloway and Manager Christie responded' to questions from the City
Commission.
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Mayor Gomez returned to the regular order of the agenda.
6. TR13215 - Tamarac Lakes South Watermain Improvements Project Change Order No. 1
- Item No. 6 (e) on the Consent Agenda. (TR13215) A Resolution of the City Commission of
the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving Change Order No. 1 to the Agreement with
Roadway Construction, LLC for the Tamarac Lakes South Watermain Improvements
Project, to change the pipe size from 8 inches to 12 inches along the Northern Pipeline
Route to accommodate a future connection of the Tamarac Utilities East communities to the
City of Tamarac's Water Distribution System at a cost not to exceed $194,520.84;
authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute Change Order No. 1; authorizing an
appropriation of $194,520.84 to fund Change Order No. 1; providing for conflicts; providing
for severability; and providing an effective date. Public Services Director Jack Strain
appeared and gave a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Director Strain
talked about Tamarac split Water Distribution System causing problems in TUE which is
serviced by City of Fort Lauderdale, and said Fort Lauderdale water rates increased in the
past years and since the City is a bulk user of water, he is having cost concerns for the East
side of the City. He noted a feasibility study to connect TUE to TUW is currently in progress.
Director Strain responded to questions from the City Commission related to project
completion and said he will return to report numbers to the City Commission. With no further
discussion, Mayor Gomez moved to the next agenda item.
7. Economic Development Update — A presentation was made by City Manager Michael
Cernech, Assistant City Manager Kathleen Gunn, Assistant to the City Manager Laura
Karpaviciute, and Assistant Building Official Patrick Richardson, a copy which is on file in
the City Clerk's Office. City Manager Cernech provided an update based on the direction
received from the Commission to focus on economic development and community
redevelopment for the last two years. City Manager Cernech talked about projects currently
under construction such as Colony West, Woodmont; Tamarac Village which is getting
ready to go under construction, projects forthcoming in the areas of Bailey Road, Rock
Island and Commercial Boulevard, University Drive, Pine Island and McNab Road. He
talked about the challenges projects under construction still have; the opportunities in the
retail area; working with restaurants, the Medical Mile and redevelopment of plazas in the
communities. Assistant City Manager Kathleen Gunn talked about the strategies worked on
to let people know who we are, what we are about, why they should come here and what is
to be excited about. She talked about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats,
and how to communicate it to people. City of Tamarac is at a great time for economic
development and the New Land Development Regulations increased existing opportunities
and added opportunities for investors, adding flexibility and greater property values and
makes it easier to have projects done quicker. Assistant City Manager Gunn talked about
branding, the strengths like financial resilience, the people, diversity and location as unique
characteristics representing the City and the Economic Development Web page. She said
the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance is a major organization in Broward County for
economic development and are instrumental in bringing new corporations to the area. She
noted that Assistant to the City Manager Karpaviciute was recognized by the Greater Fort
Lauderdale Alliance of Broward County with the Leadership Award for her work on behalf of
the City. Assistant City Manager Gunn talked about the City's sponsored NAIOP Tour.
NAIOP is the commercial real estate development association and is the leading
organization for developers, owners and investors of office, industrial, retail and mixed use
real estate. She talked about other companies like Colliers, Tamarac's Ad in the Florida
Trend Magazine, and the Urban Land Institute. Ms. Gunn said she attended, with
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Commissioner Fishman, a meeting with Stacy Ritter, President of the Greater Fort
Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau to talk about partnership opportunities. Ms.
Gunn continued to talk about the International Council of Shopping Centers and provided
feedback obtained from talking to existing Tamarac Owners. Ms. Karpaviciute talked about
businesses survey results and how to help businesses succeed. Ms. Gunn talked about
bringing more Latin food businesses; simplifying processes and marketing materials.
Assistant Building Official Richardson spoke about the BUS initiative to help businesses
giving them the information, so they can make the right decision and expand on the
initiative's concept. Ms. Gunn explained the process is an attempt to save businesses time
and aggravation. Ms. Gunn talked about the application to the National Endowment for the
Arts (Biz Box Container) grant and explained that the idea is to incubate businesses within
the City utilizing a vacant site on a prominent corner while adding public art in the
community. She credited City Manager Cernech and Community Development Director
Maxine Calloway for working to pull this creative business concept together. Ms. Gunn
noted that research is being done on the Night Foundation which has provided more than
$165 million of funding in Miami and talked about the Technical Assistance Grant received
from the ULI Leadership Project Award. She said we need to continue developing school
relationships, transportation issues that may also help other Cities to include MPO Interlocal
Agreement in which the City can access to work on transportation alone.
Commissioner Gelin left the meeting at 1:27 p.m. returning at 1:29 p.m.
Discussion continued regarding Economic Development Action Plan. Mayor Gomez
recessed the meeting at 1:35 p.m. returning at 1:56 p.m. with all present as before.
A seven minute video was presented. Mayor Gomez thanked the staff for a great job. Staff
responded to additional questions from the City Commission. With no further discussion,
Mayor Gomez moved to the next item on the agenda.
8. TR13212 - Election of a Vice Mayor - Item No. 6 (g) on the Consent Agenda. (TR13212)
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, electing a Vice Mayor
to serve a term beginning December 12, 2018 and ending November 2019, with no
succession; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective
date. Assistant City Clerk Lillian Pabon briefed the City Commission on the item and asked
for an expression of interest or a consensus for the selection of a Vice Mayor.
Commissioner Fishman nominated Commissioner Placko and expressed her reasons why
Commissioner Placko should be the Vice Mayor. Commissioner Gelin asked the City
Attorney about the role of the Vice Mayor. City Attorney Goren explained it is covered under
the Charter. Mayor Gomez asked and Commissioner Placko accepted the nomination.
Commissioner Gelin nominated Commissioner Bolton and expressed his reasons why
Commissioner Bolton should be the next Vice Mayor. Mayor Gomez asked, and
Commissioner Bolton accepted the nomination. Mayor Gomez talked about rotation and
directed Assistant City Clerk Pabon to fill in Commissioner Placko's name on the Resolution
for consideration at Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Regular Commission meeting. City
Attorney noted for the record that based on today's conversation related to item no. 8, item
6(g) on the Wednesday's Regular agenda, and the Mayor's direction to the Assistant City
Clerk, the resolution will have a name on it. That does not forego or does not preclude the
Commission from still taking a vote which you must do on Wednesday regarding the
decision. Today is only a consensus, or an expression of interest based on tradition and
practice and is not a vote.
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9. Other — None
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Gomez
adjourned the meeting at 2:39 p.m.
Lillian Pabon, CIVIC
Assistant City Clerk
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