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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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