HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-12 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES
WORKSHOP
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024
10:00 AM
CONFERENCE ROOM 105
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Monday, February 12, 2024, 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 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 Assistant City Clerk Monica Barros.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Villalobos led the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.
AGENDA
La. 2024 Federal Legislative Agenda Presentation by The Ferguson Group
Valerie Levine Massolo, Senior Advisor, The Ferguson Group, provided a
presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez asked if any directive was needed to change the City's position to
receive housing and transportation grant funds from a sub -recipient to a direct
recipient of the funds. Mrs. Massolo advised that these items are included in the
Federal agenda, and if the items are approved, The Ferguson Group would work
with staff to clarify the criteria and direction to pursue.
Mayor Gomez emphasized the need to have a Tamarac postal code that better
represents Tamarac's population and helps determine future funding. She sought
and received consensus for The Ferguson Group to bring an update on this project.
Commissioner Daniel thanked The Ferguson Group for their efforts to bring federal
dollars to the City. She stated she would like to pursue options for updating parks,
including the baseball and the basketball fields, and possibly add a track and field
in the area. She noted the plazas in District 4 need updates and asked that this be a
focus.
I.b. TR14078 - A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac,
Florida, awarding RFP 23-37R to EU International LLC; and approving an
Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Real Property to EU International LLC to
sell f3.47-acres of Tamarac Village city owned -vacant land located at
Commercial Boulevard and NW 91st Avenue for $5.2 Million to construct a
mixed -use restaurant, retail, and multi -family project with structured
parking; and authorizing the City Manager and City Attorney to take all
necessary action to effectuate the disposition; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director,
and Lori Funderwhite, Economic Development Manager, provided a presentation,
which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Commissioner Bolton commented on the square footage and asked for a visual
example of the size contemplated. Assistant City Manager Calloway and Economic
Development Manager Funderwhite clarified. He also stated that the initial
proposal was for all commercial, and residents say more residential is not needed.
He stated that he would not support it. Discussion ensued.
Vice Mayor Wright asked why this proposal was selected over others. He stated
another proposal in the package seemed to better fit the original vision for Tamarac
Village. Assistant City Manager Calloway explained this proposal was selected as
the highest and best use of the property and had a purchase price that more closely
matched the appraisal. Discussion ensued.
Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 11:23 a.m.
Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at 11:35 a.m.
Commissioner Daniel asked how much the other offer received had been. Assistant
City Manager Calloway explained the offer was for $1 million paid to the City over
a 13-year period through a revenue share model. She provided additional details
regarding the original land purchase, values, and the 99-year lease schedule. City
Manager Sucuoglu further explained the lease. Discussion continued.
Mayor Gomez advised that it had taken nearly 20 years, but the primary goal of the
project was to revitalize and activate the City. She stated the project offers more
than the City had ever anticipated. She discussed the need to activate the plazas,
building height, and growth as a City. She asserted the project would increase the
tax rolls, which is what residents want. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner Villalobos referenced the 11-acre property for sale on the southwest
corner of Knob Hill and Commercial Boulevard and stated they are entertaining
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February 12, 2024 —Workshop Page 2
offers, so this and other developments may be things to take note of. Assistant City
Manager Calloway noted the 11 acres are in Sunrise.
Commissioner Villalobos stated he loved the idea of redeveloping Tamarac
Village. He asked if it was possible to do something different, such as three (3) or
four (4) floors, and still sell the parcel for $5 million. City Manager Sucuoglu
commented on changing demographics and discussed the City's budget needs and
the impacts of commercial development. He stated staff are proud to have received
this kind of proposal for the project. Discussion ensued.
Vice Mayor Wright asserted they do not just want a restaurant, but a nice restaurant.
He stated he understands the vision, and some things are about the next generation,
not the next election. City Manager Sucuoglu discussed the RFP process and the
limitations of the remaining property available.
Vice Mayor Wright stated he would not support commercial development in
residential neighborhoods but would support this project and others along
Commercial Boulevard.
Commissioner Daniel commented that the shopping centers already in Tamarac
haven't been taken care of, so those should be brought up to that level instead of
building new shopping centers. She stated the City needs to think of the future and
stop being behind the trend.
Commissioner Villalobos asked how the multimodal transportation program tied
into the project and noted Florida's Turnpike expansion plans would also take
congestion off Commercial Boulevard.
Commissioner Villalobos referenced Commissioner Daniel's comments regarding
shopping centers and asked what the City is doing about its plazas. Economic
Development Manager Funderwhite advised that a revised developer incentive
program geared toward plaza owners would be brought to the Commission soon.
She commented on trends in plazas, including the addition of mixed components.
Assistant City Manager Calloway responded to concerns related to promises for
Tamarac Village. She stated they are giving the community exactly the commercial
development that was promised, with a different design to ensure the viability and
success of the project. City Manager Sucuoglu further expanded on the
commitment to bring high -end retail and restaurants to the community.
Mayor Gomez discussed the proposed project and agreed with the comments that
the City needs to have a vision and not be ruled by fear. She stated it was time to
move the City forward, and this project would help the entire area. Mayor Gomez
clarified the number of units in phase three (3) of Tamarac Village was 302-334
and encouraged others not to skew the facts. She disagreed with previous comments
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February 12, 2024 —Workshop Page 3
regarding restaurants not being willing to come. She asked whether the City was
able to negotiate based on the bid. City Manager Sucuoglu explained that the
contract was drafted and would be before the Commission in its complete form.
Mayor Gomez asked if it was possible to discuss the comments from the Workshop
prior to the Regular Meeting. City Attorney Ottinot advised that staff had received
the comments and would discuss them with the developer. He noted the
Commission also has the authority at the Regular Meeting to direct staff to go back
and discuss the proposal further.
Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 12:47 p.m.
Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at 1:25 p.m.
Item Le. was heard prior to item 1. c.
Le. TR14080 — A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac,
Florida, awarding and approving an agreement between the City of Tamarac
and TD Bank, N.A. as the City's depository and provider of banking and
Treasury Management Services to the City of Tamarac effective upon award
and execution of the Agreement through December 31, 2028 with the option to
renew the agreement for up to one (1) additional five (5) year term and
expenditure of appropriated funds by the City Manager or appropriate City
Officials; providing for conflicts; providing for scrivener errors, providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date.
Director of Financial Services Christine Cajuste and Procurement and Contracts
Manager Keith Glatz provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
Commissioner Daniel asked for clarification on the pricing in the proposed
agreement. Director of Financial Services Cajuste explained briefly.
Vice Mayor Wright highlighted the difference in interest rates between two (2)
accounts. Discussion ensued regarding account balances and interest rates. The
Director of Financial Services Cajuste provided additional information. She
advised the interest rate changes frequently, so it was not considered as a criterion.
She noted the priority was the security of deposits.
Vice Mayor Wright commented on the strength and stability of TD Bank.
Mayor Gomez stated that TD Bank has customer service that is second to none. She
added that she supports the team that vetted the proposals.
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l.c. Spending Plan for ARPA Funds Discussion
Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director,
provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Commissioner Villalobos asked for clarification on how the City was assisting
residents with HOA fees. Assistant City Manager Calloway advised that there were
no programs at the time, but staff had been directed to investigate whether
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could be used for this purpose, and the
response is yes, the funds can be used for HOA and assessment fees.
Commissioner Daniel asked about the applications they already have and if they
were approved. Assistant City Manager Calloway briefly explained the guidelines.
Commissioner Daniel asked that applicants be notified of where they are in the
process. Assistant City Manager Calloway responded that a letter was sent by the
system. Discussion continued.
Commissioner Bolton stated he would like the funds to be made more flexible and
include unemployed individuals who have had no rental increase. Assistant City
Manager Calloway discussed the intent of the funds for stabilization and noted that
someone unemployed would not be able to pay the following month. She stated she
would have to verify whether ARPA funds could be used in that way.
Commissioner Villalobos left the dais at 2:25 p.m. and joined the meeting on Teams.
Mayor Gomez asked how the programs had previously been advertised. Assistant
City Manager Calloway stated there had been some advertising, and there was no
shortage of applicants. She stated that the 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI)
HUD guideline, which the City cannot change, is restricting who is qualified.
Mayor Gomez stated if people knew the funds were available, there would not be
requests to the Commissioners. She added that she thought the requirement to use
the online application was not inclusive of all residents. City Manager Sucuoglu
commented that staff has always been able to help anyone looking for assistance
with the online application.
Mayor Gomez asked whether ARPA required that applicants be employed.
Assistant City Manager Calloway stated staff would have to verify. Mayor Gomez
stated she did not have an issue with flexibility subject to the rules.
Commissioner Bolton advised that his request was to help people not just with a
gap program, but if they are behind on their mortgage, rent, or fees regardless of
whether the payment has increased by five (5) percent and whether they are
employed or unemployed. Assistant City Manager Calloway explained the details
of the rental gap program and advised that what Commissioner Bolton was
requesting would be an addition.
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Mayor Gomez asserted that the Commission had already agreed to include
mortgages as well as HOA and Condominium Owners Association (COA) fees
within the $200,000 allotment, so the questions were the changes to the eligibility
and expanding the program beyond that fund. Discussion continued.
Mayor Gomez stated there was a consensus to combine the funds. She asked that
staff include their advertising strategy in the presentation at the Regular Meeting.
Ld. Street Parking Discussion
Maxine Calloway, Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director
provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Commissioner Bolton stated he had not supported the changes to street parking
when Mayor Gomez previously brought it up, but he had since been inundated with
phone calls and thought it was important to take a second look. He advised that he
had met with residents of the Mainlands and the overwhelming majority of people
said they want enforcement from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. He suggested an overlay district
be designated with a sunset date.
Mayor Gomez stated she did not see the purpose of an overlay, but she supports
enforcement of the rule in place and an expansion of the times. She commented that
if it is legally defensible, she would support the creation of a fund to assist with
expanding driveways. She added that she would prefer a review rather than a sunset.
Commissioner Daniel advised that she is fine with the Code as it stands, but it needs
to be enforced City-wide, not just in particular neighborhoods.
Commissioner Bolton stated he had recommended 11 p.m. because residents
expressed reluctance to move their cars at 2 a.m. He noted that it would also
encourage people to end parties by 11 p.m.
Vice Mayor Wright commented that he agreed with Commissioner Daniel, and he
stood by his previous vote. He stated he understands the concerns of the residents,
but also feels the City is getting younger, so 11 p.m. is too early.
Mayor Gomez outlined the consensus, stating there was consensus for enforcement
of the existing ordinance, for the change to allow Code Enforcement, and for the
creation of a fund to assist residents in driveway expansions, but there was no
consensus on the time the enforcement would start.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Bolton asked that an agenda item be added to the next Workshop to discuss the
division of the funds from the Woodlands project.
There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 2:59 p.m.
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February 12, 2024 —Workshop Page 6
Minutes transcribed by Crysta Parkinson, Prototype, Inc., and submitted by Monica Barros.
Assistant City Clerk.
All
/oni/ca Barros, Assistant City Clerk
1
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 on Monday, February 12, 2024.
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