HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-10 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesREGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024
7:00 PM
COMMISSION CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 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 Morey Wright Jr., Commissioner Marlon D.
Bolton, Commissioner Kicia Daniel, 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
Commissioner Bolton led the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.
1. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Ottinot had no report.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORT
2.a. 2023 City of Tamarac Firefighter of the Year
Mayor Gomez recognized Driver Engineer Scott Hudanich as Tamarac Firefighter
of the Year. Fire Chief Michael Annese shared brief comments.
2.b. Wayne George Linton Day Proclamation
Mayor Gomez proclaimed January 10, 2024, as Wayne George Linton Day in
recognition of Mr. Linton's contribution to the growth and vibrancy of the City
through this work with the Kiwanis. She noted the proclamation was requested by
Commissioner Villalobos. Mr. Linton shared brief comments.
2.c. Investment Report — November 2023
City Manager Sucuoglu made a presentation of the City Manager's Report which is on file
in the City Clerk's Office.
Commission left the dais at 7:14 pm and returned at 7:16 pm
3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Gomez noted the rules for public comment were posted and opened the floor to
comments from the public.
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January 10, 2024—Regular Commission Meeting
Page 2
1) Kathy Horsford, 25 Spinning Wheel Lane, spoke in response to comments at previous
meetings that Shaker Village Homeowners Association (HOA) owns five (5) units
which could be sold. She explained there are issues which keep the HOA from selling
the units and comments had included misinformation.
2) Gregory Renderer, 56 Spinning Wheel Lane, stated the "us versus them" rhetoric
among Tamarac taxpayers was disheartening, and inaccurate information regarding
Shaker Village continues to be spread online. He asserted he hoped public comments
would be supported and dialogue encouraged without fear of being targeted.
3) Patti Lynn, Mainlands 8, Tamarac, shared that she was glad to see a member of
Tamarac Fire Rescue being recognized. She commented that Fire Rescue and Broward
Sheriff's Office (BSO) had been busy recently, including with a serious accident at
West Commercial and 70t' Avenue two (2) weeks ago. She asked that the County be
addressed regarding the lights at the intersection. She asked if SeeClickFix would have
a phone number to call and leave a message for those unable to use apps. She asserted
the Commission's ethics code needed to be strengthened and asked that the matter
discussed at the Workshop be reconsidered.
City Manager Sucuoglu explained the existing phone numbers will remain in service,
and calls from residents are welcome.
Mayor Gomez stated the light at West Commercial and 70th Avenue is being examined.
4) Dian Brooks, 19 Spinning Wheel Lane, provided details on three (3) of the five (5)
properties owned by Shaker Village HOA and the outstanding expenses associated with
each property.
5) Andrea Bacener, 7605 Black Olive Way, expressed concern with cloud formations and
chemtrails in South Florida, and health issues associated with blocking sun to slow
global warming and other weather manipulation. She sought support for legislation.
6) Gerald Seidel, 4112 Lakeside Drive, asserted that BSO is failing the residents. He
shared a story regarding the attitude of the officer responding to a call related to illegal
dumping on his property. He asked the Commission to investigate, as he was not treated
with respect and professionalism.
Mayor Gomez connected Mr. Seidel with BSO Captain Jemeriah Cooper.
7) Corrine Graham, 69 Ann Lee Lane, shared details of a property owned by Shaker
Village HOA, including a second mortgage with 18 years of accrued interest, with the
statute of limitations was up on the property in February 2026. She advised the property
also has outstanding Code Enforcement liens.
8) Tomas Smith, 41 Ann Lee Lane, stated he appreciated the commitment to not having
personal attacks from the podium and encouraged all to work to abolish hate, both small
and large. He addressed a previous comment from the dais related to the potential for
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January 10, 2024 — Regular Commission Meeting
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eminent domain to be levied against the Shaker Village Clubhouse, and stated he hoped
it was misinformation, as it would be kicking someone when they are down.
9) Jodi Ann Reid, Shaker Village, Tamarac, asserted that Shaker Village residents were
being held to a different standard than other speakers. She stated the residents were
organizing, and she did not understand why that was seen as a bad thing until she heard
comments suggesting the funds for Shaker Village should go into economic
development to bring different people into Tamarac. She commented on the discomfort
surrounding inequality.
10) Darcy Schiller, Kings Point, Tamarac, stated the Tamarac City Commission is very
diverse, and that is wonderful. She noted the City was hosting a celebration of Reverand
Martin Luther King Jr., but nothing said why. She suggested there should have been a
contest for young people to share what he meant to them and read a quote from MLK.
11) Dr. Kate Johnson, Mainlands 4, Tamarac, distributed a packet of information on the
Shaker Village item to the Commission through the City Clerk. She apologized for
previous information incorrectly attributed to a presentation by Assistant City Manager
Maxine Calloway and discussed liens on the Shaker Village property. She thanked
Tamarac Fire Rescue for their expedient handling of a house fire in her community.
12) Carlene Mitchell, Shaker Village, discussed comments at the last Commission meeting
regarding a potential amendment to the allocation of funds for Shaker Village in the
13t` Floor development agreement. She asserted the suggestion seemed contradictory
to previous concerns regarding bailing the HOA out and highlights the political nature
of the issue. She noted this was not a request from Shaker Village.
13) Benjamin Carroll, 33 Ann Lee Lane, stated he was troubled by comments made at a
recent Commission meeting regarding eminent domain. He asserted pursuit of this
would be unfair to the residents. He advised it is important to make transparent
decisions with the best interest of everyone at heart.
14) Barry Schwartz, 11 Canterbury Lane, discussed the Shaker Village land sale. He stated
residents had been accused of teaming up with a Commissioner to push an agenda and
had been called names. He asserted Shaker Village residents were being treated
differently than others, and the issue had revealed prejudice in the community.
15) Stewart Webster, Versailles Gardens, shared that he had recently had the unfortunate
opportunity to witness BSO and the Tamarac Fire Rescue working diligently and
efficiently in the community. He stated he had also seen Mayor Gomez and the BSO
Sheriff doing what they needed to do, and he saw that we are all lucky to be in Tamarac.
16) Jeffrey Shapiro, Woodlands, stated he had listened to the comments regarding Shaker
Village with open ears and an open heart, but felt there were more questions that need
to be answered. He commented that four (4) of the five (5) dwellings owned by the
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January 10, 2024 — Regular Commission Meeting
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HOA were foreclosed on in 2010, and asserted they should have been liquidated
immediately rather than paying carrying costs and allowing losses to accumulate.
17) Roselyn Hanegan, Shaker Village, asserted there was a mortgage crisis and tanked
property values in 2010, and responded to previous comments regarding liens in Shaker
Village. She commented that because the City is only purchasing the clubhouse, not
the entire HOA, there are no liens on the property. She argued the words of some
residents are taken for truth while others are questioned.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
City Manager Sucuoglu stated he had no changes to the agenda.
Moved by Mayor Gomez; seconded by Commissioner Villalobos to approve the
Consent Agenda.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Daniel,
Commissioner Villalobos, and Commissioner Wright. Voting Against: None.
4.a. TR14054 — A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida;
approving amendment #21 to the agreement between the City of Tamarac and
Ronald 1. Book, P.A., for lobbying services, extending the agreement for one year
through January 25, 2025, at a cost not to exceed fifty-nine thousand four hundred
dollars ($59,400.00) per year; authorizing the appropriate city officials to execute
the amendment to the agreement for lobbying services; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
4.b. TR14055 — A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida;
approving amendment #14 to the agreement between the City of Tamarac and
The Ferguson Group, LLC, for federal lobbying services, extending the term of
the agreement for a one-year period effective February 13, 2024 at a cost not to
exceed eighty-five thousand five hundred ($85,500.00) dollars per year;
authorizing the appropriate city officials to execute amendment #14 to the
agreement; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for
an effective date.
4.c. TR14042 — A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida
approving the purchase of Wastewater Lining Services for Wastewater Mainline,
Laterals, and Manholes, not to exceed a cumulative amount of $1,000,000.00 for
said services; and authorize the appropriate City Officials to select, approve, and
award the purchase of said services utilizing competitive procurement methods
including, but not limited to, Vortex Services, LLC utilizing City of Tallahassee
Contract No. 4523 and JEA Contract No. JEA11200; SAK Construction, LLC,
utilizing City of St. Petersburg BPA# 236499; and BLD Services, utilizing City of
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Plantation Bid No. 07-21 in an amount not to exceed a cumulative amount of
$1,000,000.00 for said purpose; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
4.d. TR14047 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
authorizing the appropriate City Officials to approve the purchase of replacement
heavy equipment Vac -Con; utilizing Contract 101221-VAC awarded by
Sourcewell to Vac -Con, Inc.; authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to
exceed $634,628.00; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date.
4.e. TR14044 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
awarding Bid No. 23-12R to and approving an Agreement with Southland
Painting Corporation for the Water Treatment Plant and Offsite Painting and
Coating Project; authorizing an expenditure from the appropriate accounts not
to exceed a contract amount of $573,350.00, a contingency of $57,335.00 will be
added for a project total not to exceed $630,685.00, for said purpose; providing
for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
4.f. TR14072 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida
urging the Florida Legislature to identify available funding sources that could be
used to create a grant program or low interest loan program or both, for
Condominium and Cooperative Associations and economically vulnerable
condominium and cooperative unit owners, to defray the costs of deferred
maintenance and repairs arising out of milestone inspections and structural
integrity reserve studies, urging the Florida Legislature to collaborate with
Lending and Financial Institutions to create programs that would provide funding
relief to Condominium and Cooperative Associations and economically
vulnerable condominium and cooperative unit owners who are specially assessed
for the costs of deferred maintenance and structural repairs arising out of
milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies, urging the Florida
Legislature to further amend the law so that Associations other than those
operating a Multi -Condominium may determine to provide no reserves or less
reserves than required if an alternative funding method has been approved by the
Florida division of Florida Condominiums, timeshares, and mobile homes of the
Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and providing for
distribution and an effective date.
5. REGULAR AGENDA
6. ORDINANCE(S) — FIRST READING
6.a. TO2547 - An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
amending Chapter 10, Article 4 of the City of Tamarac Land Development Code,
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January 10, 2024—Regular Commission Meeting
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entitled "Development and Design Standards" by amending specific development
and design standards for roadways, sidewalks, bicycle paths, drainage, parking,
waste water, storm water, potable water, and irrigation systems, consistent with
updated engineering standards; modifying dimensions of alleys, parking stalls,
and required paved rights of way, to provide for consistency with the City of
Tamarac Engineering Design and Processing manual; updating fire emergency
access requirements for guard houses with security locking mechanisms;
amending the City's right-of-way sign provisions to appropriately identify SR
869/Sawgrass Expressway and clarify the permitted location for the installation
of billboard signs and their distance separation from residential property; and
modifying the height of numerical building addresses on monument signs to
enhance visibility and comply with fire code safety standards; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; providing for codification; and providing for
an effective date.
City Attorney Ottinot read the title for the record.
Moved by Commissioner Bolton; seconded by Commissioner Daniel to approve
Ordinance T02547 on first reading.
There were no presentations and no discussion on the item by the Commission.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Wright, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Daniel, and Commissioner Villalobos. Voting Against: None.
7. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
8. ORDINANCE(S) — SECOND READING
8.a. T02548 - An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
amending Chapter 2, of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances, entitled
Administration, specifically, Article IV, Division 3, entitled, "Human Resources,"
by creating Section 2-252 entitled "Screening of Employees, Appointees,
Contractors, and Vendors" for the purpose of establishing criminal history record
checks for certain employees, appointees, private contractors, employees of
private contractors and vendors in accordance with Section 166.0442, Florida
Statutes; providing for codification; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date.
City Attorney Ottinot read the title for the record.
Moved by Commissioner Bolton; seconded by Vice Mayor Wright to adopt
Ordinance T02548.
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Mayor Gomez opened the floor to comments from the public, however there being
no one to speak, closed public participation.
Commissioner Bolton asked staff when the referenced Statute was last updated.
Lorenzo Calhoun, Director of Human Resources, explained briefly.
Commissioner Bolton inquired as to how other cities were addressing the issue.
Director of Human Resources Calhoun advised that other cities were adopting
similar ordinances.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Wright, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Daniel, and Commissioner Villalobos. Voting Against: None.
9. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S)
9.a. TB083 - Board Order approving/denying a Special Exception application to allow
for a proposed Restaurant, fast food (with drive -through), use, in an MU-G
(Mixed -Use General) zoning district, pursuant to the Table of Allowed Uses,
Section 10-3.2, Code of Ordinances located in the Nouveau Quarter —
Redevelopment Area on the northeast corner of N University Drive and W
Commercial Boulevard at 5600 N University Drive (Raising Cane's).
Mayor Gomez advised that items 9a and 9b would be addressed together.
City Attorney Ottinot read the titles for the record and outlined the City's
procedures regarding Quasi -Judicial proceedings.
Mayor Gomez asked the Commission to advise of any ex-parte disclosures. She
stated she had spoken with the attorney for the applicant.
City Clerk Kimberly Dillon swore in those wishing to provide testimony.
Moved by Commissioner Bolton; seconded by Vice Mayor Wright to approve
TB083.
Attorney Christina Bilenki, Dunay, Miskel, , made a presentation representing the
applicant, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez opened the floor to comments from the public.
Patti Lynn, Mainlands 8, stated she was concerned with the access on 57I' Street.
She noted she was also concerned because the access on University Drive was right
next to the bus stop and may create a hazard.
Mayor Gomez closed public participation.
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January 10, 2024 — Regular Commission Meeting
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Commissioner Villalobos stated this was a great project, but it deviates from what
the City has been asking for in the location. He suggested the applicant come back
with a restaurant idea rather than fast food.
Vice Mayor Wright agreed with Commissioner Villalobos' comments and stated
that Raising Cane's did not fit into the high -end, up-market restaurant that the City
desires on the major thoroughfare. He noted he shared the concerns voiced about
access on 57ffi Street and asked why an entrance was not included on that street.
Attorney Bilenki advised that option had been explored. Kristina Belt, Civil
Engineer, Kimley-Horn, provided additional clarification on safety considerations.
Vice Mayor Wright suggested looking into a plan for overflow parking.
Commissioner Daniel stated she was glad to see someone was renovating the
property so it would not be vacant. She agreed that she does want a restaurant, but
the City needs businesses coming in and she hopes it works out. Discussion
continued regarding the existing and planned access points.
Commissioner Daniel asked how the bus stop would be addressed if it were a
problem. Attorney Bilenki stated the development team could reach out to the
County regarding potential relocation, but it was unlikely due to the proximity to
the intersection. She noted Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) had
determined the access point was safe.
Commissioner Daniel asked for clarification on access through other businesses.
Attorney Bilenki advised that was addressed through the cross -access agreement,
which is a condition of approval on this application.
Commissioner Villalobos commented on traffic issues at other fast-food locations
and asserted the bus stop would be a problem. He reiterated his interest in a different
proposal for the location.
Mayor Gomez asked whether there was a dedicated turn lane or curb cut planned.
Attorney Bilenki stated there was not.
Mayor Gomez stated she also had concerns with traffic, the bus stop, and visibility
due to landscaping. She commented that she understood the desire for up -scale
restaurants and noted proximity to other fast-food restaurants. She asked what could
be done to address the traffic. Attorney Bilenki advised that they had heard the
concerns and would be happy to look at it further and come back with more
information. Discussion continued regarding a potential continuance.
Vice Mayor Wright asked how long the application had been in process. Assistant
City Manager and Community Development Director Maxine Calloway advised it
had been approximately one (1) year.
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January 10, 2024 —Regular Commission Meeting
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Vice Mayor Wright asked if there were alternatives to tabling the item. Assistant
City Manager Calloway explained the conditions briefly and noted additional
conditions could be added to move the project forward.
Vice Mayor Wright inquired as to whether there were other restaurants interested
in the location. Assistant City Manager Calloway stated there were not, and noted
the economic development associated with bringing Raising Canes to the location.
Vice Mayor Wright stated he would support the application with the addition of
conditions on traffic at University Drive and 57ffi Street. Discussion continued.
Mayor Gomez suggested a curb cut be explored further. Stephanie Guerra, Traffic
Engineer, Kimley-Horn, advised that FDOT had indicated a bus bay or turn lane
was not an option because of the 40 feet of right-of-way.
Mayor Gomez stated the applicant and City could try to work with Broward County
to support moving the bus stop. Assistant City Manager Calloway noted that could
be added as a condition. Attorney Bilenki agreed.
Mayor Gomez inquired as to whether there were any restrictions on how close
another Raising Canes could be located. Attorney Bilenki stated she was not aware
of a radius, but there is a current effort to spread out locations.
Motion Approved: 4-1.
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Wright, Commissioner Bolton, and
Commissioner Daniel. Voting Against: Commissioner Villalobos
9.b. TR14064 - A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
granting site plan approval (major) with conditions to allow for the demolition of
an existing one-story four thousand five hundred forty-five (4,575) square -foot
commercial bank building and redevelopment of property for a two thousand nine
hundred seventy-eight (2,978) square foot fast food restaurant building, with five
hundred forty (540) square -foot outdoor covered patio with two-lane drive
through with twenty-five (25) vehicle queuing positions; for the property located
at 5600 N University Drive, Tamarac, Florida, (Case No. 4-SP-23); providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Moved by Commissioner Bolton; seconded by Commissioner Villalobos to
approve TR14064.
Mayor Gomez opened the floor to comments from the public, however there being
no one to speak, closed public participation.
Commissioner Villalobos commented that he was supportive of the demolition.
Motion Approved: 5-0.
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January 10, 2024 — Regular Commission Meeting Page 10
Voting For: Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Wright, Commissioner Bolton,
Commissioner Daniel, and Commissioner Villalobos. Voting Against: None.
10. OTHER
ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 9:16 p.m.
Minutes transcribed by Crysta Parkinson, Prototype, Inc. and submitted by Kimberly Dillon, City
Clerk.
Kimberly Dillon, 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 Regular City Commission Meeting held Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
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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
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