HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-26 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2018
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Harry Dressler called the Workshop of the City Commission
to order at 9:40 a.m. on Monday, February 26, 2018 in Conference Room 105, City Hall,
7525 NW 88t" Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Harry Dressler, Vice Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Commissioner
Marlon Bolton, Commissioner Julie Fishman and Commissioner Debra Placko were in
attendance.
Also in attendance were City Manager Michael Cernech, Assistant City Attorney Jacob
Horowitz and City Clerk Patricia Teufel.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Bolton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. New Website Presentation - Information Technology Director Levent Sucuoglu and
Public Information & Media Specialist Elise Boston
Mayor Dressler introduced Information Technology Director Sucuoglo and Public
Information & Media Specialist Elise Boston. City Manager Cernech made a request to
the Mayor to move Item 1 to a later time in the meeting.
First Item presented — Agenda Item 2. Discussion Regarding Approval Process of
Water and Sewer Developer's Agreements — City Manager Michael Cernech, Public
Services Director Jack Strain and Assistant Director/Capital Project Manager John
Doherty
City Manager Cernech introduced Public Services Director Jack Strain and Assistant
Director/Capital Project Manager John Doherty and led the discussion regarding Water
and Sewer Developer's Agreement process.
City Manager Cernech said there are three (3) Water and Sewer Developer's
Agreements on the consent agenda for Wednesday's regular Commission meeting. He
said the reason for bringing this item for discussion is because more often than not new
development or new businesses are held -off while waiting for the City to prepare an
agenda item for Commission approval. City Manager Cernech explained that the Water
and Sewer Developer's Agreement process is similar to the Building Permits process in
which a check -off list is provided that has 5 or 6 boxes to be checked -off, and if all
boxes are checked the applicant will meet the requirements for the Water and Sewer
Developer's Agreement to be approved. City Manager Cernech said if the City
Commission decided not to approve the agreement then the applicant could exercise an
appeal process. He also said that the City has worked diligently and efficiently on the
Water and Sewer Developer's Agreement process earning awards and certifications.
City Manager Cernech discussed water capacity requirements for new development
and businesses. City Manager Cernech said he tries to present the City Commission
with items for approval, and not items that the City Commission has to approve, and
denying a Water and Sewer Developer's Agreement would put the City in an awkward
position. City Manager Cernech stressed the importance of treating a Water and Sewer
Developer's Agreement process in the same manner Building Permits are treated, and
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provided an example of the impact on a restaurant business renting space from the
property owner who owns the Water and Sewer Developer's Agreement, and to whom
the business pays rent from day one, delaying the time the restaurant is opened to the
public.
Public Services Director Jack Strain said the use of a check list is efficient for process
approval. Director Strain made a reference to the times when City Commission
meetings are not held during the year which can also put on hold approval of the Water
and Sewer Developer's Agreement, putting the City in an awkward position. Assistant
Director/Capital Project Manager John Doherty said a Water and Sewer Developer's
Agreement approval is a requirement prior to the issuance of an engineering permit.
Mayor Dressler asked what is the frequency and Director Strain responded it depends
on how robust the business is, adding that a developer can sue the City.
Mayor Dressler opened the floor to the City Commission for questions and discussion
on the item presented. Commissioner Bolton had no questions. Commissioner Placko
said she is comfortable with the item and has no reasons not to approve. Vice Mayor
Gomez agreed saying it made sense. Commissioner Fishman had not comments.
Mayor Dressler called for a consensus by the City Commission and there was a
unanimous consensus in agreement. City Manager Cernech said a
legislation will be drafted in the near future for City Commission approval.
Mayor Dressler moved to entertain Item 3 on the agenda.
Second Item presented: Agenda Item 3. Woodmont Cure Plan Update - Attorney Scott
Backman.
Attorney Scott Backman residing at 14 SE 4t' Street, Boca Raton, FL made an
introduction of the item for discussion, and handed a copy of the Woodmont Cure Plan
in draft form which is available and on file at the City Clerk's Office, for City
Commission's review and discussion. Attorney Backman referenced discussions that
took place at the January 24, 2018 City Commission meeting regarding review of the
Woodmont Amended and Restated Development Agreement. Attorney Backman said
that at the conclusion of the meeting, the City Commission required Woodmont to work
with staff to develop a cure plan based on the statements included within the
memorandum prepared by Community Development Director Maxine Calloway, dated
January 2, 2018. Attorney Backman referred to the main issues as outlined in the
memorandum starting with No. 1-Golf Course improvements and requirements for
substantial completion and No. 2-Commercial Parcel Temporary improvements.
Attorney Backman discussed the status and completion timeline as presented in the
cure plan, but said all times for completion set forth in the cure plan are estimates only,
and Woodmont has the full timeframe allotted under the Development Agreement to
complete all required improvements.
Attorney Backman explained in detail each component on the cure plan presented.
Mayor Dressler recessed the meeting at 10:13 a.m. entertaining a request by
Commissioner Placko to recess so she could review the handout received from Attorney
Backman.
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Mayor Dressler reconvened the meeting at 10A0 a.m. and opened the floor to
Commissioner Placko.
Commissioner Placko started by thanking her colleagues for allowing her a few minutes,
and asked what has been physically done to the property since the last meeting.
Attorney Backman responded other than work on the clubhouse, no physical work has
been done. Attorney Backman continued to explain since work being done is on
logistics and site plan approval, no physical work has been done. Commissioner Placko
asked if there was no activity at all, and Attorney Backman responded he does not have
a definite answer. Commissioner Placko referenced previous conversations where
requests were made for dates of completion and not estimates. Attorney Backman said
that time for completion says estimates only, and he will be clear with City Commission
on a timeframe, but advise his client not to waive the timeframe on the agreement.
Commissioner Placko said the maintenance facility has been addressed for a year, and
it is being submitted now. Attorney Backman responded there are plans that are in for
review, and stated maintenance facility plans are all but final with the exception of
comments for landscaping or conditions for approval. Attorney Backman continued to
explain that several months after the maintenance facility and the golf course were
ready to be approved Pulte came back, and made some changes with regards to the
model homes and the location of the model homes. Attorney Backman continued to
explain that part of that agreement was an enhanced landscape buffer that is part of the
plan for the golf course and the maintenance facility requiring some changes and
additional time. Attorney Backman said he understands all is addressed with the
exception of the landscaping comments. Commissioner Placko said landscape
maintenance of the golf course is vague and needs more definition. Commissioner
Placko addressed timeframe related to Pod B which says completion 2018/2019, and
—' Attorney Backman responded it leaves a window open, but it will be done over the
course of this summer instead of next. Commissioner Placko inquired about the
timeframe for the commercial parcel, a plan put in place over a year ago, that now has a
timeframe of April 2. Commissioner Placko said this request is not acceptable.
Commissioner Placko led discussion regarding the soil relocation which had a
preliminary view of February 2 that is now anticipated for March. Attorney Backman said
the soil root is being revised and relocated. Attorney Backman said Pulte is reviewing,
and he does not know what the timeframe is going to be at this time in the process.
Commissioner Placko said she specifically requested that area be treated as a
residential pod because it does back up to a residential area, meaning that soil needs to
be mixed with clean soil before they build the buffer wall on that community, and asked
for direction on who to contact regarding the issue. Attorney Backman said he recalls
the conversation, but not the details, and will ensure he will communicate her concerns
back and bring her feedback at a later time. Commissioner Placko said she has many
issues to address with City Staff in order to be very clear about her thoughts to then
come forward and formally ask at a later time.
Mayor Dressler asked for clarification on the use of language such as anticipated or
substantially completed, related to the timeframe and provisions presented to the
_. Commission. City Manager Cernech said many things are running simultaneously such
as occurrence of events and applications made that will have to be evaluated as they
happen. City Manager Cernech said if Pulte is working on building a wall it does not
Page 3 of 6 COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING February 26, 2018
necessarily mean it will slow down the project. He added that everyone understands the
project needs to move forward. Mayor Dressler said he understands and wants to see
what the City agreed to then continued discussion on the delays of the Southgate
Boulevard wall, spoke about his interpretation of performance and directed Attorney
Backman to pass his comments to the parties involved. Vice Mayor Gomez talked about
her interpretation of promises, parameters, steps involved and making an agreement
without having the specifics. Commissioner Fishman had no comments at the time, but
asked to reserve the right to ask questions at a later time. Commissioner Bolton had no
comments. Commissioner Placko spoke about good faith and said perception is key,
and the perception is nothing is happening. Commissioner Placko said she wanted to
know what has been completed and will meet with staff to put together comments for
Attorney Backman with expected dates. Attorney Backman commented to have a good
relationship with the City Commission and in representing his clients, and it is not their
intention to surprise anyone. Attorney Backman said the rights are not been waived on
this agreement and he understands it is perceived vague, but for the record it is still
within the timeframe as agreed. Attorney Backman reported that as of last week
Building department inspections passed, Engineering department is actively reviewing
different permits on the project, and within the course of the next 2nd or 3rd quarters
changes will be seen. Mayor Dressler referenced an e-mail received on February 2,
2018 from Broward County Administrative Specialist and Records Coordinator Albert
Cummings in response to Broward County Land Development Code regarding dates
and expectations about timing, and will forward a copy to the City Clerk for the record.
Attorney Backman said he is sure to be consistent with Broward County Land
Development Code. Mayor Dressler said the language has long timeframes, and he is
trying to reconcile all records. Mayor Dressler asked Attorney Horowitz for an opinion
and Attorney Horowitz requested a copy is send for his review. Mayor Dressler asked
how to reconcile all records and Attorney Horowitz responded the document may be put _
out by the County during the plat approval process. Attorney Horowitz stated the City
has a heavily negotiated vetted and approved Development Agreement between the
City and Woodmont. Attorney Horowitz continued explaining the document will control
as it relates to the timeframes the parties agreed, and it has certain benchmarks and
timeframes for construction, completion and all the steps along the way. Attorney
Horowitz said the Cure Plan presented by Council today is an attempt to bring the
property, (the development) into compliance with the agreement which has not ran afoul
of the timeframe in the agreement per say, but there are certain deficiencies today as it
relates to complying with various components of that developer's agreement. He
continued to say as Council indicated, timeframes set out in the agreement are still in
play, they are still operative, they still matter and there is no violation of the timeframes
thus far, and the expectation is that the development, as contemplated by that
agreement, is still on track to meet those deadlines and timeframes. Attorney Horowitz
said the underlined components of that compliance, as outlined in this cure plan, will
hopefully bring the project into compliance with that document, and clarified that the
deadlines on this development's agreement are still the deadlines that all parties are
currently working towards. Mayor Dressler led discussion regarding how close is the
start of the clubhouse, and City Manager Cernech said work started on the clubhouse
by Woodmont. Mayor Dressler said he is relying on the City Manager and the City
Attorney to keep the City Commission informed of the timeframe on the Developer's
Agreement, and clarified nothing discussed at the meeting today is a reflection on
Attorney Backman in any fashion.
Page 4 of 6 COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING February 26, 2018
Third Item presented at 11:30 a.m.: Agenda Item 1. New Website Presentation -
Information Technology Director Levent Sucuoglu and Public Information & Media
Specialist Elise Boston.
Public Information & Media Specialist Elise Boston opened discussion on process
improvements done over the years, and said because technology has provided new and
better tools to serve our residents it is time for a new Website. She thanked Enterprise
Application Specialist II Luanne Christiano and Public Information Coordinator Sue
Siebert for their contributions behind the scenes with detailed oriented work to the
project. IT Director Levent Sucuoglu said the City's Website has been in place for some
time, and he learned from statistics that technology has changed as 80% of access to
the Website is through a mobile device or a tablet. Director Sucuoglu said responsive
pages on the Website will fit the device used. He explained that the delayed in the
presentation was due to having the new website on a test environment using a host.
Director Sucuoglu proceeded to present the City's new Website look and properties,
and explained that pictures or videos may change or rotate, it will keep the same titles
and usual government information and services, will have a specific place for
businesses, the location of icons will be at the bottom of the page. Director Sucuoglu
added that the website will place more attention on emergency services. He continued
presenting the addition of a section for Public Art to promote public art pieces with
information on the artist, and a link to the artist's website. Director Sucuoglu said it is
expected for the website to go live on March 1, 2018. Mayor Dressler said the new
website looks cleaner, and insisted on having a picture with a video of the art piece, and
audio on the artist with Vice Mayor Gomez agreeing if it is not too large where it would
stop a person accessing the site due to owning just a basic system. Director Sucuoglu
said that as part of the deployment his team is currently working on a mobile application
with similar functions, issue reporting functionality, integrated with the internal
management system and will know what it needs to report.
Commissioner Bolton inquired about the difference between the old and the new
Website, and Director Sucuoglu responded the difference is mostly aesthetics and
mobile friendly technology. Commissioner Bolton said he noticed the City Logo was not
on the new website and asked if the change is part of re -branding efforts intentionally,
and Public Information and Media Specialist Elise Boston responded that it is intentional
and part of what the viewer is looking for, and provided additional information regarding
the colors, position of the logo and branding. Director Sucuoglu continued
demonstrating the City's mobile application, and Ms. Boston said the website will be
updated before it is released.
Discussion ensued by the City Commission with recommendations related to the
website as follows: add buttons for community feedback; greater recognition; and for
each Commission District to have an icon for the Commissioner to welcome the viewer.
Public Information & Media Specialist Elise Boston reported that a new position in the
department has been filled, and the staff member is scheduled to start in two (2) weeks.
Director Sucuoglu said it is a challenge keeping website contents and Mayor Dressler
said he trusts the staffs decision. Ms. Boston said the City is in the business of
providing service and part of the plan is to populate "Why Tamarac?" with a more robust
website. Additional questions and suggestions were received by Mayor Dressler and
Commissioner Fishman.
Page 5 of 6 COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING February 26, 2018
Mayor Dressler thanked everyone for their presentation.
4. Other
Mayor Dressler inquired about Quasi -Judicial items in general.
There being no further business to come before the City Commission for consideration,
Mayor Dressler adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m.
Lillian Pabon, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
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Page 6 of 6 COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING February 26, 2018