Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-24 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Harry Dressler called the Workshop of the City Commission to order at 9:34 a.m. on Monday, September 24, 2018 in Conference Room 105, City Hall, 7525 NW 88th 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 Assistant City Manager Kathleen Gunn, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr and City Clerk Patricia Teufel. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Fishman led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. TR13180 - Transportation Surtax ILA: Item No 6 0) on the Consent Agenda. (TR13180) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, pertaining to the subject of Taxation; approving and authorizing the proper City Officials of the City of Tamarac, Florida to approve a draft of an Interlocal Agreement with Broward County, other municipalities that may also join, and the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization relating to the County 1 % Transportation Surtax Levy which is on the November 6, 2018 ballot, in form attached to this Resolution; making the findings required by the Interlocal Agreement as a condition precedent to the City's execution as well as other findings; directing the Mayor or City Manager to execute the Interlocal Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit "1" and take the steps required to have the City become a party to the Interlocal Agreement by September 30, 2018; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing an effective date. Broward County Assistant County Administrator Gretchen M. Cassini, Assistant City Manager Kathleen Gunn and Financial Services Director Mark Mason appeared. Mrs. Gretchen Cassini, 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 addressed the Commission members and noted a presentation is available on the County's Website. Mayor Dressler read the title of the Resolution on the record. Mayor Dressler said this is a 1 % transportation surtax levy that will increase the sales tax from 6% to 7% and asked Mrs. Cassini how much money will it raise and over how many years. Ms. Cassini said it will raise a total of $15.6 billion dollars over a period of 30 years of which approximately $14 billion would be available. This is because the State requires a 3% holdback a year, which they keep and because of State Statute that requires 5% of that for budgetary purposes. Mayor Dressler said that 8% of 1 % will benefit transportation. Mrs. Cassini said the money will be spent on eligible transportation projects. She said the County, the Cities and the MPO are all struggling with a failing, if not underfunded transportation system. 53 out of 57 counties had already levied a local option sales tax. Broward County is one of four in the last two years, that have not raised taxes during the economic downturn, keeping taxes low, resulting in having more transportation related projects. She said this sales tax allows for approximately 30% of the revenues coming in over 30 years and will be from Non-Broward County residents, not to mention the amount of funding leverage at the local and federal government level. Mayor Dressler asked if there are any assurances in reducing the time to travel using public transportation. Ms. Cassini said the probability is good as the level of service in the transit system will double. She said public Page 1 of 5 COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING September 24, 2018 transportation will be in a place with comfortable bus shelters, amenities, and will give people a better quality of life. Commissioner Fishman asked questions related to the State Holdback, why is it required and if it freezes the rated for a while and fare increase. Ms. Cassini said by Statute, is subject to a 3% annually, 1 % comes back automatically and is not population based. Commissioner Fishman requested Ms. Cassini get back to her on why it is required. Ms. Cassini said the goal is to keep fares as low as possible so that they are reasonably close to the bus fare and in line with the neighboring counties. If fares are raised it will reduce the ridership. All factors are built into the Surtax ILA. Commissioner Placko said transportation is an issue that is going to get worse. She talked about discussions that took place at the MPO meeting and said County Commissioner Sharieff and County Commissioner Holness were very vocal in stating they are willing to make any adjustments that need to be made in order to accommodate and inquired if the Resolution has changed in any way. Ms. Cassini said that what they offered was to bring it to the Board. The concern, once the changes are made, is the logistic of municipalities that have already signed on, and how will these be effectuated without coming on the agenda again. The final plan will be considered at the October 9, 2018 meeting and if there are specific issues that can be addressed by ordinance, will be the preference, rather than amending the Interlocal Agreement for ratification again. Commissioner Placko had questions related to the City paying the MPO for services and opportunities to change projects and rankings. Ms. Cassini said the County wants to include all projects, and understands there are things that cannot be anticipated. She talked about how to submit projects. Ms. Cassini said rankings and prioritization falls under the purview of the MPO and noted more discussions will take place at the workshop at the October MPO meeting. Commissioner Placko continued discussion regarding MPO and the Oversight Committee. Commissioner Bolton asked questions regarding how the amounts will be distributed to cities and how to educate people. Ms. Cassini said direct distribution is based on projects submitted and project specific and talked about the composition of the Oversight Committee. She said the Oversight Committee is intended to be evaluating objectively and evaluate the efficiency of the projects. Vice Mayor Gomez talked about projects to be bonded. Ms. Cassini said, per the County Attorney's Opinion, projects previously bonded will not be eligible after 2019 and not available for paying them back. She talked about requirements for County, City and State, and when MPO takes over the process. Vice Mayor Gomez inquired about County Commission Members on the MPO and Ms. Cassini said she will find out and provide the information. Vice Mayor Gomez asked about Fiberoptic funding utilization and assurances for City to say or control what happens or how it happens. Ms. Cassini said cable can be shared but only for transportation. Mayor Dressler thanked Ms. Cassini for her appearance and with no further discussion moved to the next item. 2. Update on the City's Education Initiative - Parks & Recreation Director Greg Warner and Human Resources Director Lerenzo Calhoun appeared. Director Warner made a presentation which is on file at the City Clerk's Office. Director Warner reported on school grades compared to previous years. Commissioner Fishman asked about the cause for school grade improvement at Pinewood Elementary and Director Warner said the use of instructional coaches helped improve student performance. He reminded the Mayor and City Commission to attend the meeting at Tamarac Elementary scheduled on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 8:15 a.m. Director Warner talked about the importance of parent engagement and the importance to support having principals attend the meeting and meet as a group. He talked about a meeting by the School Board of Page 2 of 5 COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING September 24, 2018 Broward County this afternoon related to Head Start/Early Education with discussion in bringing VPK back to Tamarac Schools. Director Warner and Director Calhoun talked about the Equity Liaisons meeting and Tamarac is the first City to hold such a meeting with Equity Liaisons, setting a model and raising the bar throughout Broward County. Assistant City Manager Gunn talked about another issue brought up at that meeting as the Principal of Challenger Elementary shared the story of having Venezuelan students and families that are in need of food, clothing and shelter. The school outfitted the children and the school has a program every Friday where children are provided a bag of food to take home to eat over the weekend. She said that 89% of the children in school are in the free and reduced lunch program. It is a community issue and the school see it firsthand. She said this dialog has been beneficial. Assistant City Manager Gunn said there is a positive relationship with the School Board. Director Warner said a representative from the Children Services Council is working with Challenger school. Director Calhoun said the Broward School Board meeting was well attended having both representatives present and the Director of Family Communications who was also in attendance. Mayor Dressler addressed the situation in Venezuela and other countries. Commissioner Fishman spoke about a discussion she had with the Hispanic Unity of Florida related to the President looking to change policies regarding temporary residence. Director Warner spoke about HandsOn Broward project working with children services council to create two (2) murals; 1 mural at the cafeteria and 1 mural at the main entrance; he talked about the Community Day of Service to enhance school campus; and City educational programs. He also talked about meeting schedules, Family Central Partnership, the back pack and supplies give away event and about healthy eating. Mayor Dressler left the meeting at 10:56 a.m. returning at 11:01 a.m. -Director Calhoun responded to questions by Commissioner Placko related to Equity Liaison, vendors contributions, reading program and making children feel special. and made a reference to the Reading Across Broward program. Commissioner Placko led discussion regarding the impact of having Commission members attend the meetings would have on the process and Director Calhoun said it will help. Commissioner Fishman talked about sharing what is done in Tamarac with other Schools outside the City and commented it would be easier for an A or B school when parents help provide supplies. She said teaching parents and communities to help our schools will give parents the tools on how to help the students. Commissioner Fishman said as grades are important, benchmarks get higher and higher. Assistant City Manager Kathleen Gunn talked about discussions at the Broward County City Managers Association meeting she attended. Vice Mayor Gomez talked about Principals' meetings and Commissioners attendance to the meetings will let people know why they are there. Vice Mayor Gomez also said that Jet Blue is a good organization to reach out to; and talk about reminding students how to walk safely after school, parking and waiting on line. Commissioner Placko added the Kiwanis Club and 7Eleven are organizations like Jet Blue. Commissioner Fishman talked about the Florida League of Cities event the week of October 22 thru October 28, 2018. Mayor Dressler recessed the meeting at 11:11 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 11:19 a.m. 3. TR13169 - Addendum to BSO Agreement for the P-25 Radios Acquisition: Item No. 6 (g) on the Consent Agenda. (TR13169). A Resolution by the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida Approving the Addendum to the Law Enforcement Service Agreement between the City of Tamarac and the Sheriff of Broward County; Authorizing Page 3 of 5 COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING September 24, 2018 the Appropriate City Officials to Execute the Addendum to the Agreement for Law Enforcement Services; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing for an Effective Date. - Financial Services Director Mark Mason appeared and gave a presentation, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Also appearing Broward Sheriff's Office Captain Neal Glassman. Director Mason said this is an addendum to the existing BSO Agreement which expires at the end of 2020. Mayor Dressler opened the floor for questions from the City Commission. Commissioner Placko commented that safety is first. Commissioner Fishman inquired about the existing radios value and Director Mason responded there is none. Having no further discussion on the item Mayor Dressler thanked and dismissed the presenters. 4. TR13185 — Amendment 1, Homestead Exemption: Item No. 6 (1) on the Consent Agenda. (TR13185) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, concerning Amendment 1 to the Florida Constitution, urging the voters to consider potential adverse consequences of Amendment 1; directing the City Clerk to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Florida League of Cities; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. - Financial Services Director Mark Mason, Assistant to the City Manager Laura Karpaviciute and Commissioner Julie Fishman appeared. Assistant to the City Manager Laura Karpaviciute gave a presentation, a copy which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Dressler opened the floor to the City Commission for questions. Assistant to the City Manager Laura Karpaviciute and Financial Services Director Mark Mason responded to questions related to measures in millage rate and first and second exemptions. Commissioner Fishman said it was approved by the Legislature via a Resolution and it is a tax shift. Mayor Dressler said it is not a requirement of the City to raise taxes. Vice Mayor Gomez said no tax increase signifies less services to residents. Additional discussion was held regarding impact to home owners and renters. Having no further discussion on the item, Mayor Dressler thanked and dismissed the presenters. 5. TR13183 — Support for Closure of Schools Serving as Polling Places on Election Days: Item No. 6 (k) on the Consent Agenda. (TR13183) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, supporting the closure of Broward County Public Schools on election day or the relocation of voting precincts from Broward County Public Schools; directing the City Clerk to transmit the copy of this resolution to the appropriate officials; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Assistant to the City Manager Laura Karpaviciute appeared and gave a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Assistant to the City Manager Laura Karpaviciute responded to questions by the City Commission related to days of school closure; people coming in to schools while children are in; and the use of other locations. Having no further discussion on the item, Mayor Dressler closed the item and thanked Mrs. Karpaviciute. 6. Discussion Regarding Cancellation of the November 26, 2018 Commission Workshop, the November 28, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting, the December 24, 2018 Commission Workshop and the December 26, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting City Clerk Patricia Teufel appeared and said the City Commission usually consents to the cancellation of the above meetings due to close proximity of the holidays and asked for a consensus to cancel the November 26th Workshop, November 28th Meeting, December Page 4 of 5 COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING September 24, 2018 24th Workshop and December 26th Meeting. All Commission Members were in agreement to cancel said meetings. 7. Other There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Dressler adjourned the meeting at 12.03 p.m. Lillian Pabon, CIVIC Assistant City Clerk Page 5 of 5 COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING September 24, 2018 No Text