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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 Minutes 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. Minutes January 31, 2024 — Workshop Page 3 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. Minutes January 31, 2024 — Workshop Page 4