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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-11 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES WORKSHOP MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024 10:00 AM CONFERENCE ROOM 105 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Monday, March 11, 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 Bolton (at 10:03 a.m.), 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 City Clerk Kimberly Dillon led the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence. AGENDA La. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Board — Business Initiative Presentation Rudolph Galindo, Parks and Recreation Director, along with Sammie Monroe, Site Supervisor, Parks and Recreation, and Vice Chair Judy Hunter and Board member Stewart Webster of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Board provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Commissioner Bolton joined the meeting at 10:03 a.m. Mayor Gomez commented that she believed the program would get better buy -in if they allowed businesses to come to them. She noted she liked the design on page six (6) of the presentation and commented on other imagery. Commissioner Villalobos commented on the logo used on the window cling and asked who would be putting them up. He expressed concern regarding the overall number of stickers being placed. Parks and Recreation Director Galindo outlined the process, beginning with application by an organization. Commissioner Daniel stated she thought the proposal flowed well with what had been done in the past and the graphics were more mature in their representation. Vice Mayor Wright asserted the program was a brilliant idea, highlighting that DEI programs are under attack and the City can be a leader in embracing and demonstrating its diversity. He asked whether businesses would be impacted by participating or not participating. Ms. Hunter advised that diversity is a fact, inclusion is a choice. She stated the program will be offered, and every business will make its own choices. Discussion continued. Mayor Gomez stated there was consensus to move forward. She suggested the Board consider presentations at the businesses rather than before the Commission. Item 1.b. was heard following item 1.c. Lb. Glades Golf Course Improvement Options Discussion Rudolph Galindo, Parks and Recreation Director, and Dan Zimmer, Vice President of Operations, Troon, provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Commissioner Daniel stated she was more interested in concept two (2), because it has more things to do and opens the golf course to be enjoyed by more people. She asked about restaurant plans. Mr. Zimmer shared that the restaurant would be a small area to service the driving range and provide refreshments for golfers. He pointed out there had been a shift in the industry, and in 2022, there were more people playing golf off -course than on -course. Vice Mayor Wright asserted the residents of Plum Harbor and Plum Bay had been candid in their passion for not having activities other than a golf course in their community. He suggested a shift to east of Pine Island and asked for a more creative concept to move activity away from the residential community, noting the Popstroke in Delray Beach as an example. Mr. Zimmer advised that the location had been selected due to available space. He stated other concepts would require a remodel of the Championship Course to make space for amenities. Vice Mayor Wright stated they needed to balance the fact that residents do not want this experience behind their home with having entertainment available for families and the increased revenues associated with that. He asserted they should go back to the drawing board on concepts, because residents paid for a view of Augusta, not a Top Golf experience. Commissioner Villalobos commented that the idea goes toward a more family experience. He stated traffic would be low, and it would open the course to more people. Mr. Zimmer responded to questions regarding size, number of people served, and parking. He confirmed the Toptracer facility would be a single story. Commissioner Villalobos stated spending $5 million to improve the golf course without doing something to increase revenue and improve the livelihood of the Minutes March 11, 2024 —Workshop Page 2 community did not make sense. He asserted the course is terrible and many of the holes are literally in people's backyards. He suggested going back to the community with the updated concepts and highlighted the potential benefit to home values. Commissioner Villalobos asked about hours of operation and lighting. Mr. Zimmer stated at this time, no lighting was contemplated, so the concept would be daylight hours only. City Manager Sucuoglu pointed out this was a completely conceptual conversation and none of the details had been worked out. Commissioner Villalobos asked staff to address the landscaping near the teaching tee and asserted any change to the Championship Course would hurt business. Mayor Gomez stated she was supportive of something like option two (2). She commented that this was part of the vision when purchasing Colony West, to bring the Championship Course back to its former glory and bring people in. She argued the City has always said they would protect the site for golf, and everything being presented was golf. She noted she would like to see the food option expanded into something more fun and commented on the rate of return. Mayor Gomez asked about the walking section of the proposed course and noted that she had requested a par three (3). She added that she did not find concept one (1) exciting, and also did not support a plan that would require destruction of the Championship Course. Commissioner Daniel commented that she supports Vice Mayor Wright in whatever he thinks his residents' needs are. She stated she had also spoken with residents, and her understanding was that they want greenery, and were open to anything that will maintain the greenery and still bring in revenue. Commissioner Daniel asked what kind of revenue the golf course brings in to offset the expenses. Mr. Zimmer stated that in its current condition, the Glades accounts for about 38 percent of rounds played at Colony West on an annual basis, and about 27 percent of green and cart fee revenue, totaling approximately $675,000. He noted it is popular and there are leagues that play the course daily. Commissioner Daniel referenced the comment regarding moving the project east to Pine Island, and asked what makes those residents different from the residents being affected at Plum Harbor and Plum Bay. Vice Mayor Wright advised that he was not suggesting this concept be moved to the east, but that another family -friendly entertainment concept could go there. He noted he understood there would not be space for a driving range in that area, but Top Golf would have a 100-foot fence. Discussion continued. Minutes March 11, 2024 — Workshop Page 3 Vice Mayor Wright asked how tall the fence would be. Mr. Zimmer advised that it would be a net similar to what might be at a baseball field, not a fence, and the height and angle would be determined based on study of the site configuration. Commissioner Daniel asked for clarification on areas of the concept and potential changes based on the available space. Mr. Zimmer responded as was appropriate. He discussed alternate options which had been considered and factors that had led to the proposed layout. Discussion continued. Vice Mayor Wright inquired as to whether the proposal would be three (3) stories. Mr. Zimmer explained the concept was for a single -story driving range with Toptracer technology, not an actual Top Golf. Vice Mayor Wright suggested a driving range without the structure, including the fence and building. He asserted it would be far less activity and noise. Mr. Zimmer stated if the Commission does not want to do this concept, it would still be worth investigating a driving range in the same location. He noted the nets would be needed either way. City Manager Sucuoglu advised staff was looking for a consensus as to whether Commission wanted just the greens restored or some other amenities. He noted a lesser option that makes necessary repairs is also an option. Vice Mayor Wright asked for clarification on the projected revenues for the course and what additional revenue would be added by a Toptracer location. Mr. Zimmer stated the projection for additional revenue from the entire concept was $750,000 to $1.2 million, including green and cart fees, standard driving range use, rental of the Toptracer bays, instructional programming, loyalty programs, food and beverage, and merchandise. Vice Mayor Wright reiterated that the fence and construction on the site was not something the residents want. He asserted there are ways to achieve the goals of getting more revenue and adding family -oriented activities without this concept. Commissioner Villalobos asked how tall the Toptracer building would be and whether the ends could be covered due to noise conserns. Mr. Zimmer advised they are typically about 12 feet high to allow for an unimpeded swing and protection from the sun and rain and stated he would explore options to dissipate noise. Commissioner Villalobos stated a parking lot would also be needed for just a driving range, and it would include trees, hedges, and beautification to reduce the visual impacts on the neighboring communities. Discussion continued. Commissioner Villalobos asserted that option two (2) is family -oriented and adds value, and he does not believe most residents will be against it. Minutes March 11, 2024 —Workshop Page 4 Commissioner Bolton asked whether these proposals were compatible with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Parks and Recreation Director Galindo advised that the specific design was not in the Master Plan, but it is a priority in the community engagement portion to determine what is needed. Commissioner Bolton asked Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Maxine Calloway if the proposals were compatible with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Assistant City Manager Calloway stated it is a consistent with both the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Parks and Recreation/Open Space Element in the City's Comprehensive Plan, as the plans speak to recreation and recreational needs as elements for the community. She noted a huge element in both plans is community development and participation, so the idea would be go out to the community if that were the consensus of the Commission. Commissioner Bolton stated it would make more sense to bring the options to the residents rather than having the Commission arbitrarily select. He asserted the Commission conversation was premature. Mayor Gomez stated there was consensus for moving forward with community meetings and blending of ideas and advised that input should be sought City-wide. Mayor Gomez noted she was happy to hear about how much money was being made at the Glades, but it was also important to consider how many complaints have been received regarding the course and its maintenance. She pointed out that with the opening of the hotel, the course is busier, and more parking is needed. Commissioner Villalobos asked that the Top Golf image be removed from the presentation to avoid confusion. City Manager Sucuoglu advised that going out to the community for feedback without direction from the Commission puts staff in a difficult position. He asked what proposal should be brought forward. Mayor Gomez stated the residents know that the City has for some time wanted to do something to revitalize the Glades course. She noted the residents have asked for things in the Comprehensive Plan process such as restaurants, entertainment, activities, and vibrancy. She stated the question is now whether these concepts are something the residents would support. She noted this was the start of the conversations. Vice Mayor Wright argued that residents had been promised that the City would fix the golf course, not necessarily that there would be golf activity and structures erected on the site, and that there would be restrictive covenants in place. He stated he wants option one (1), to keep the golf course as -is and make improvements. City Manager Sucuoglu advised that the restrictive covenants were on the agenda for Minutes March 11, 2024 —Workshop Page 5 March 13, and would restrict development in any of the golf courses to golf -related recreational activities. Mayor Gomez stated she wants the conversation started with the residents, but she was leaning toward option two (2) with changes based on community input. City Manager Sucuoglu commented that the idea could be brought forward during the District Engagement meetings. Mr. Zimmer summarized the feedback provided. Commissioner Bolton stated the conversation should have started with the residents, and noted he leans toward option one (1) to make minor improvements to make sure the residents' quality of life is not diminished in any way. 1.c. City of Tamarac License Plate Readers (LPR) Program Discussion Executive Lieutenant Christopher Palamara and Captain Jemeriah Cooper, Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), and James Twigger, Chief Information Officer, provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Commissioner Villalobos asked whether the license plate readers (LPR) would catch speeders. Captain Cooper advised that alerting drivers they are in excess of the speed limit was among the functions of the mobile trailers. Commissioner Villalobos asked for clarification on the response in the video example shown during the presentation. Captain Cooper outlined the BSO policy related to pursuing vehicles. Commissioner Villalobos inquired as to the timeline for deployment. Lieutenant Palamara explained that approval by the City Commission and County Commission was required, but the goal would be to deploy as quickly as possible. Commissioner Daniel asked whether there were complaints about the LPR system in other cities or issues with privacy concerns. Captain Cooper asserted there had been a lot of successes and BSO had not received any complaints at all. Commissioner Daniel asked how long data would be kept. Lieutenant Palamara advised that with the Vigilant proposal, the data would be owned by BSO in perpetuity and stored remotely at a Miami host, while with Flock Safety, data is only stored for 30 days and BSO has access during that time. Commissioner Daniel asked for clarification on what data was stored, and Lieutenant Palamara stated it would be for all tags read. Discussion continued regarding use of data. Commissioner Daniel noted the presentation showed two-thirds of those arrested in Tamarac were from outside the City, and asked whether it would not make more sense for the County to put the program in place instead of the cities paying the bill. Captain Cooper stated the program would allow for Tamarac to be more equitable in crime fighting. Minutes March 11, 2024 —Workshop Page 6 Commissioner Daniel asked about costs. Chief Information Officer Twigger and Captain Cooper explained the proposals and associated costs, as well as the funding sources contemplated. Discussion continued as to the proposed layout and selection of locations. Mayor Gomez highlighted security concerns and asked whether the proposed layouts should be discussed during a shade session. City Attorney Ottinot advised that he did not believe the subject met the criteria for a shade session. He highlighted disclosure of locations with respect to privacy concerns. City Manager Sucuoglu noted publication of the locations would also act as a deterrent. Discussion continued. Commissioner Bolton asked for clarification on the BSO position as to vendor selection. Captain Cooper advised that BSO was recommending Vigilant based on experience and continuity with the majority of other BSO jurisdictions. He noted Flock cameras are leased, and Vigilant cameras would be purchased. Chief Information Officer Twigger advised the proposal was for BSO to utilize Vigilant and the City to use Flock to conduct a pilot program in City Parks. Discussion continued as to strengths and weaknesses of each of the systems. Commissioner Bolton provided an example scenario of a vehicle traveling from city to city and asked whether all the cameras would communicate with each other, regardless of who the vendor is. Lieutenant Palamara stated they do not and advised that is where the Real Time Crime Center would come into play, accessing each of the databases. Commissioner Bolton asked whether the cameras would have their own infrastructure or be mounted on something existing. Chief Information Officer Twigger explained it will vary with location. Commissioner Bolton asked about LPR at the entrances to private communities. Captain Cooper stated those cameras are not networking with the Real Time Crime Center, and noted he is not sure if they have capabilities. Lieutenant Palamara pointed out the difference between LPR and license plate cameras take a picture of each tag. City Manager Sucuoglu added that the agreement with Woodlands requires integration of their cameras with BSO. Commissioner Bolton inquired as to whether there had been instances of the cameras being damaged in other cities. Lieutenant Palamara stated he had not heard of any damage but could follow up. Chief Information Officer Twigger noted the height made the cameras difficult to access. Vice Mayor Wright commended BSO for wanting to improve the safety of the community, and Chief Information Officer Twigger for being a good steward of Minutes March 11, 2024 —Workshop Page 7 taxpayer funds in his proposal. He noted a lawsuit in Coral Gables regarding how long the data is being stored with the Vigilant system and asked what can be done to protect residents from having their information sold. Lieutenant Palamara reiterated that the data would be owned by BSO, not Vigilant, and shared for law enforcement purposes only with a certification requirement. Vice Mayor Wright stated he understands the law enforcement and security benefits but has concerns regarding how the data would be used by the tech companies collecting the information. Lieutenant Palamara commented that the system only lets law enforcement know the tag was in the location, not whether it was affixed to the correct vehicle, who was operating the vehicle, or where the operator was going. Discussion continued regarding data storage and hacking concerns. Vice Mayor Wright inquired as to whether information is shared with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), noting the importance of trust from the immigrant community. Captain Cooper stated the purpose and intent was to address criminal activity and locate missing persons. Vice Mayor Wright advised that it was a tough balance, but at this time he is in favor due to the security benefits. Commissioner Villalobos asked whether the cameras had 360-degree views. Chief Information Officer Twigger stated they were not, but a combination of cameras is used to complete the view. Commissioner Villalobos asked whether information would be shared in response to a complaint about activity in the park. Captain Cooper stated there are already cameras at the park, and this system would add license plate information. Commissioner Villalobos stated the cameras will be visible to residents, so he did not have concerns with publicly sharing the locations. He highlighted a route on the map that he could take and avoid the LPR. Lieutenant Palamara advised that the first phase was focused on major thoroughfares. Commissioner Bolton left the dais at 11:31 a.m. Commissioner Bolton returned to the dais at 11:39 a.m. Commissioner Daniel shared that there are articles online stating counties having issues with privacy breeches of the Flock system. She asked that staff investigate. Discussion continued regarding data storage and safety. Mayor Gomez commented on tracking via cell phone and the lack of privacy that already exists. She noted Oakland Park and Sunrise were not using LPR yet, so people could use that information to plan where to go, and asserted there are concerns with damage being done to the cameras. Minutes March 11, 2024 —Workshop Page 8 Mayor Gomez asked who would be handling maintenance. Lieutenant Palamara stated BSO would maintain the Vigilant equipment, and noted the intent was to assign duties to a single person to review the system visually and digitally. He advised that Flock maintains its own equipment. Mayor Gomez stated she was supportive of the LPR program and could see how the narrow scope was beneficial. She noted she hoped there was sufficient air support for BSO and asked about the timeline for the phasing. Captain Cooper stated the second phase would be brought forward once, funding is available. Discussion continued. Mayor Gomez sought and received consensus to move forward with phases one (1) and two (2) without further review by the Commission. Mayor Gomez called for a recess at 11:53 a.m. Mayor Gomez called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m. Commissioner Bolton returned at 12:13 p.m. l.d. Fire Department Recertification Strategic Planning Process Update Fire Chief Mike Annese and Deputy Fire Chief Jon Frasher provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Commissioner Bolton left the dais at 1:50 p.m. Commissioner Bolton returned to the dais at 1:55 p.m. Commissioner Daniel stated this was something that only makes the City better, and wished the Fire Department good luck on the accreditation process. She stated she was sure their excellence would shine. Commissioner Bolton commented that he believes the Fire Department is working extremely hard at maintaining dignity and quality in Tamarac and to protect residents' lives and property. He expressed his appreciation and advised that he would be happy to lend his expertise to the process in any way helpful. Vice Mayor Wright agreed the Fire Department had been doing a tremendous job in terms of awards as well as working tirelessly to increase diversity. He stated he was no longer in favor of the City joining BSO Fire, and commented that the Fire Department is a great feature, sharing a personal experience. Mayor Gomez stated the Fire Department knows she thinks their entire team is fantastic. She sought and received consensus to stop the exploration of a move to BSO Fire. Mayor Gomez asked that a City-wide communication be distributed to announce that City's recommitment to Tamarac Fire Department. Minutes March 11, 2024 — Workshop Page 9 ADJOURNMENT There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 2:10 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 City Commission Workshop held Monday, March 11, 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 March 11, 2024 — Workshop Page 10