HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-31 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES
JOINT WORKSHOP WITH PLANNING BOARD
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024
3:00 PM
COLONY WEST BALLROOM
6850 NW 88TH AVE
TAMARAC, FL 33321
CALL TO ORDER:
City Manager Levent Sucuoglu called the Wednesday, January 31, 2024, City Commission and
Planning Board Joint Workshop to order at 3:00 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.
Present for the Planning Board were Alexandra Alvarez, Sajeen Bell -Clark, Nikole Cleare, Eric
Gnage, David Levin, Jacques R. Moise, and Viola Watson.
Also present were City Manager Levent Sucuoglu, Assistant City Manager Maxine Calloway, City
Attorney Hans Ottinot, and City Clerk Kimberly Dillon.
AGENDA
La. This will be a joint City Commission Workshop with the Planning Board and
staff. The Urban Land Institute (ULI) "Understanding Density"
Workshop/Panel Discussion will relate to upcoming development challenges
and opportunities in Tamarac. The panel of South Florida industry experts
will discuss the risks and rewards around density and development followed
by a discussion, a great opportunity to foster this conversation as we
contemplate the future vision for Tamarac.
Julie Medley, Executive Director, The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southeast
Florida / Caribbean, introduced panel moderator Walter Duke, President, Walter
Duke and Partners.
Mr. Duke introduced the rest of the panel, including Juan Mullerat, Principal,
P1usUrbia Design; Anthony Graziano, CEO, Integra Realty Resources; Anthony
DeYurre, Partner, Blizin Sumbert; and Barron Channer, CEO, Woodwater
Investments. He provided a brief overview of the topics to be discussed and each
member of the panel made a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez stated that the City had been paying attention and had been doing
many of the things discussed in the presentations. She shared that she is a ULI
Leadership graduate and encouraged other members of the Commission to consider
the program. She commented on restrictions on growth and asked that a reference
to parking be clarified. Mayor Gomez added that she did not agree regarding
reducing parking, because vehicles are getting bigger, and people living in Florida
are never going to get out of their cars due the heat. She asked for clarification on
how to provide a Code that fits the market when the market is always changing.
Mr. Graziano discussed density considerations and parking requirements for
medical or retail versus multi -family. He noted the prescribed parking minimums
in the Code do not have to match the market at all times, there just need to be
guidelines to work under. Mr. DeYurre added comments on how technology,
COVID-19, and other factors have led change.
Mr. Mullerat highlighted the work of the Parking Reform Network, which is a
national movement to get rid of outdated parking mandates. He discussed the
benefits of shared parking arrangements and transportation for seniors.
Vice Mayor Wright stated he does not necessarily see Tamarac as a walking
community. He advised that when he walks in the community, people stop to offer
him a ride because it is not normal here. He commented that feedback from single-
family homeowners is that bringing in renters is bad, and that they are transient,
and asked how elected officials can articulate the vision for a changing rental
market to residents.
Mr. Channer discussed revitalization of strip malls and fortification of hubs and
major corridors in the City, as well as messaging related to mixed use development
and the impact on the tax base.
Mr. Mullerat commented on the working with other agencies to retrofit to new uses
and advised that strengthening the corridors would result in increased walkability.
Mr. Duke advised that in Broward County, only six (6) percent of people can afford
to purchase a new market rate home. He discussed affordable and workforce
communities, buying power, and remote work.
Mr. DeYurre suggested meetings discussing goals for the community to aid in
circumventing the bullies and identifying supporters.
Commissioner Villalobos thanked the panel for sharing their expertise.
Mr. Duke encouraged the Commission to get on the same page as to where the
economic center of the City is. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner Daniel stated the presentation was inspiring and noted she
appreciated the emphasis on the voices not typically heard. She asked what the
timeframe would be for seeing change. Mr. Duke commented on the time required
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January 31, 2024 — Workshop Page 2
to build consensus. (blue jacket) shared his experience and advised that change
could be seen in three (3) to five (5) years.
Ms. Medley highlighted the work already done and the exciting opportunities
before the Commission.
Commissioner Bolton asserted that he had not wanted to attend the workshop
because he was concerned with indoctrination. He commented on his previous
experience in a walking community and the need to have a car in Tamarac, and
stated they need to start building a City that caters to those moving in.
Commissioner Bolton noted the amount of time and effort that goes into bringing
a development idea to the City Commission, only to risk the Commission saying
no. Mr. Duke advised that is a reason developers want predictability.
Commissioner Bolton stated it takes a brave Commissioner to have a vision for the
future when the residents don't want development. He discussed his change in
viewpoint over time.
(woman from Planning Board sitting beside the Vice Mayor) commented on
walkability communities and asked how she can make informed decisions about
bringing more development in without having a look that is undesirable.
Mr. Mullerat reiterated the importance of building consensus and creation of a
vision plan that looks years ahead and provides a guide for decisions in the future,
it will lay out exactly what those places need to look like. He noted a mix and
variety makes cities interesting and valuable. Discussion continued on attracting
and retaining young people, and economic flexibility for families.
Mr. DeYurre encouraged attendees to visit the town center in other communities
such as Delray Beach to see what is working. He discussed small-scale
programming opportunities.
ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
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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 City Commission Workshop held Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
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.
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