HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-21 - City Commission Special Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES
STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024
PUROCLEAN
6001 HIATUS ROAD, STE. 13
TAMARAC, FL 33321
9:30 AM
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Michelle J. Gomez called the Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Strategic Planning
Workshop, being held at PuroClean, to order at 9:34 a.m. She noted Commissioner Villalobos
would be late, as he was representing the City on the Broward County Solid Waste Authority
meeting.
ROLL CALL
Present were Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Commissioner Marlon D. Bolton, Vice Mayor Morey
Wright Jr Commissioner Kicia Daniel, and Commissioner Elvin Villalobos (at 9:40 a.m.).
Also present were City Manager Levent Sucuoglu, Assistant City Manager and Community
Development Director Maxine Calloway, Human Resources Director Lerenzo Calhoun, Parks and
Recreation Director Rudolph Galindo, Financial Services Director Christine Cajuste, Economic
Development Manager Lori Funderwhite, Fire Chief Mike Annese, BSO Captain Jemeriah
Cooper, Acting Building Official Tony Palacios, Public Services John Doherty, Assistant Director
of Utilities Earl Henry, , , Assistant to the City Manager Neysa Herrera, Chief Information Officer
James Twigger, City Attorney Hans Ottinot, and City Clerk Kimberly Dillon.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Michelle J. Gomez led the moment of silence in recognition of Public Services employee
Ron Klein.
PART ONE
1. Opening Remarks by the City Manager
City Manager Levent Sucuoglu opened the meeting by introducing Steve White,
PuroClean, who welcomed everyone to the facility. City Manager Sucuoglu provided a
brief introduction to the Strategic Planning session, advising that the City had chosen to
forego hiring a consultant for the 2024 session, so he would be acting as Moderator.
2. Expectations of the 2024 Strategic Planning Retreat
City Manager Sucuoglu discussed principles of engagement, working to get the
Commission and staff aligned, and the goal of having a unified vision. Discussion ensued
regarding a willingness to change, communication, representation of the desires and needs
of the residents, collective vision, and politics.
City Manager Sucuoglu called for a recess at 10: 40 a.m.
City Manager Sucuoglu called the meeting to order at 10: 46 a.m.
3. 2024 Strategic Planning Presentation
a. 2023 Commission Priorities Recap
City Manager Sucuoglu provided a presentation reviewing the 2023 Commission priorities
and initiatives and updating on progress which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
b. Environmental Scan
City Manager Sucuoglu provided a presentation of the environmental scan conducted by
staff which is on file in the City Clerk's office. He discussed the feedback received during
the five (5) public strategic planning sessions the City had hosted.
c. Visioning Exercise
Mayor Gomez commented on the following, and related discussion ensued:
• Fishing enforcement and the need for expansion of Code Enforcement
• Solicitation of ring cameras should include documents on paper, not just electronic
• Supportive of license plate reader programs
• Have received compliments on the wrapped BSO cars (would like to see a Veteran-
themed car)
• Nice to see progress with SeeClickFix
• Compliments to the landscaping crews, residents are happy with what they see
• Continue to pursue zip code for Tamarac
• Businesses promoting themselves as being in Tamarac
• Questioned data on median income
• Suggested marketing Tamarac in and out of the State
• Likes idea of passports and bringing back real time traffic center
• No door hangers for communication from the City
• Like digital signs, but prioritize way finding signage as previously approved
Commissioner Bolton commented on the following, and related discussion ensued:
• City needs to define "who we are" more, invest or partner in building a destination
• Created directory or website of restaurants/shop local
• Small business incubator
• Discussed the need to pool resources to afford high end apartments
• Seeking execution strategy versus continued talk
Discussion continued regarding the issues highlighted, including incentive programs for
businesses, timelines for various initiatives, and opportunities for development.
Vice Mayor Wright commented on the following, and related discussion ensued:
• Businesses in Tamarac need more support, marketing
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• Think outside the box on Tamarac Village
• Create a destination that highlights what makes Tamarac unique
• Sell them where we are going, not where we are
Commissioner Daniel commented on the following, and related discussion ensued:
• Have a vision for where Tamarac is going
• Promote Colony West better/differently
• Choices on where to eat if high -end dining is not an option due to incomes
• Update and modernize medical facilities
Discussion continued regarding telling Tamarac's story, concentrating growth, building places,
and changing demographics.
Commissioner Villalobos commented on the following, and related discussion ensued:
• Parking concerns at Tamarac Village require height
• Lack of control over businesses and plazas that are privately owned
City Manager Sucuoglu called for a recess at 12:32 p.m.
City Manager Sucuoglu called the meeting to order at 1: 30 p. m.
Commissioner Bolton returned to the dais at 1: 37 p. m.
PART TWO
d. Department Priorities
City Manager Sucuoglu continued his presentation. Discussion ensued regarding a
proposed update of development and redevelopment districts in the Comprehensive Plan.
Assistant City Manager Calloway provided clarification and answered questions as needed.
Consensus was to add Nob Hill Overlay District to the proposed map.
e. Commissioner Priorities
City Manager Sucuoglu led a visioning exercise, asking the Commission to assist in
identifying five (5) priorities or action items for each identified goal. Each Commissioner
reviewed the list of priorities they had provided prior to the meeting. Staff provided
additional details on items identified, and discussion ensued on each item as to whether
there was consensus, as follows:
Commissioner Daniel:
• Wall on 81' Street (Consensus)
• More police presence (Consensus)
o Commissioner Bolton: BSO substation on the City property on US 44.1
(Consensus)
Discussion continued regarding public safety concerns.
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Commissioner Villalobos commented that in his opinion, the City is doing a phenomenal
job and he has no goals to identify. He suggested the addition of nine (9) BSO deputies and
asked for improved communication from staff.
Commissioner Villalobos left at 2: 50 p.m.
Commissioner Daniel continued:
• Wall on 81 st Street (Consensus)
• Street lights on 70th Street
• More business in District 4
Discussion continued regarding the City's plazas, attracting businesses, the potential to
attend expos to market the City's industrial parks, economic development, and options for
a business incubator.
• Beautification of District 4, including plaza improvements
o Additional Code Enforcement (Consensus)
Discussion continued regarding maintenance in various areas, beautification of medians,
Code Enforcement concerns, problem properties, and whether to hire additional Code
Enforcement officers or a Code Enforcement company. Staff will bring ordinance forward
related to new businesses in plazas
Commissioner Villalobos returned at 3:10 p.m.
• Parks and Recreation
o More good, diverse entertainment and increased programming (Consensus)
o Build track and create track and field program
o Additional youth programs
o Mayor Gomez: Partnership with HOAs to reactivate
o Mayor Gomez: American Sign Language (ASL) class
o Mayor Gomez: Additional Park Rangers
o Mayor Gomez: Occupy Caporella Annex Park in response to security
o Commissioner Bolton: Caribbean Heritage Event in June
Discussion continued regarding expansion of placemaking events, Parks and Recreation
budget, initiative funds, the food pantry at the Community Center, and better
communication.
Commissioner Bolton:
• Replace and modernize signs throughout City
• Prioritize the City signage sign at entryways
• Sound barrier wall at Bailey Road
o Bailey Road at Lakes of Carriage Hills and separate Banyan Lakes from
Bermuda Club (Consensus for discussion)
City Manager Sucuoglu advised that staff planned to bring the list of proposed walls to the
Commission at its March 21, 2024, meeting for discussion. Commissioner Villalobos asked
whether the City was deviating from the plan to place walls in main corridors. Discussion
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continued, and consensus was to add the Bailey Road wall to the discussion list, along with
the previously discussed 81 st Street wall.
Commissioner Villalobos asked that walls at Pine Island, 81 st Street, and Nob Hill be added
to this list.
Commissioner Villalobos left at 4:21 p.m.
Commissioner Bolton continued:
• Reestablish a district office in east Tamarac
• Evaluation of salary increases and/or hour increases for Community Engagement
Liaisons during the budget process (No consensus)
Discussion ensued regarding the Community Engagement Liaison positions, including
hours, salary, benefits, skills, and other considerations. Human Resources Director
Lorenzo Calhoun provided direction regarding labor standards. He agreed to research
options and bring forward cost estimates for discussion at the March meeting.
City Manager Sucuoglu asked whether the Commission wanted to continue the discussion
at the March 11 or March 21 Workshop. Discussion continued. Consensus was to continue
the topic on March 21, following the financial update.
Commissioner Bolton sought and did not receive consensus to increase to 32 hours per
Commissioner for Community Engagement Liaisons, divided among three (3) people.
Mayor Gomez and Vice Mayor Wright were opposed, and Commissioner Villalobos was
not present.
Commissioner Bolton asked for a status update on the project to move the east side water
distribution system. City Manager Sucuoglu explained getting an easement from the church
had not worked out. Assistant Director of Utilities Earl Henry provided an update on the
distribution line and the four (4) phases. He advised that the estimated completion date
would be the end of 2026.
Commissioner Bolton asserted residents on the Fort Lauderdale water system are paying
25 percent more, and asked how the City could subsidize the cost through 2026. He asked
for a signed memo from counsel to advise on the legality of the request. City Attorney
Ottinot responded briefly regarding the potential for a grant.
Discussion continued regarding affordable housing funds, rent assistance, Adopt -a -Street,
Commissioner Bolton continued:
• Increase charitable contribution allowance for each Commissioner from $3,000 to
an amount to be agreed upon (No consensus)
4. Closing Comments
Vice Mayor Wright shared brief closing comments, noting he was optimistic about the
support for small businesses and expansion of events in the community.
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Commissioner Bolton stated he had been through seven (7) strategic planning sessions, and
nothing had really happened, despite strong asks. He commented on the One Tamarac event
and expressed appreciation for staff and all they do.
Commissioner Daniel commented on wins and positives, such as bringing back millions
from a trip to Washington D.C., changes with Parks and Recreation to include more
academic activities and the Commission getting along better. She stated staff is doing a
good job and noted she likes what staff is doing to improve its presentations, the work on
Woodmont, and beautification in parts of the City.
Mayor Gomez stated she thought the Commission had not done well on strategic planning
year over year but had improved in its ability to communicate with one another. She
advised that she would like to see the Commission fund its priorities during budget season
and continue to build on the strength of staff.
City Manager Sucuoglu provided brief closing remarks, expressing appreciation for the
candid conversation, as it helps staff help the Commission. He stated he looks forward to
continuing the conversation on March 21.
ADJOURNMENT
There being nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Minutes transcribed by Crysta Parkinson, Prototype, Inc. and submitted by Kimberly Dillon, City
Clerk.
Kimberly Dillon, City Clerk
Michelle J. Gomez, Mayor
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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 Strategic Planning Workshop held Monday, February 21, 2024.
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