HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-10 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
WEDNESDAY MARCH 10, 2010
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Talabisco called the regular meeting of the City Commission to
order on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in Chambers, at Tamarac City Hall, 7525
NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321.
PRESENT: Mayor Beth Talabisco, Vice -Mayor Harry Dressler, Commissioner Pamela
Bushnell, Commissioner Patricia Atkins -Grad, and Commissioner Diane Glasser.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren, and City
Clerk Marion Swenson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice Mayor Dressler led the pledge of allegiance. Mayor
Talabisco called for a moment of silence for the world, in general.
1. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS:
a. Vicki Reid, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce introduced Mayor
Talabisco. Mayor Talabisco delivered the State of the City Address (a copy of which is
attached hereto and incorporated herein as part of these minutes.)
b. Presentation of a proclamation by Mayor Talabisco proclaiming March 15 - 21, 2010
as "Fix A Leak Week". (Requested by Laboratory Manager Fran Oney)
c. Presentation of a proclamation by Mayor Talabisco proclaiming February 27, 2010
as "Golden Knights Day". (Requested by Mayor Beth Talabisco)
REPORTS
2. City Commission:
a. Commissioner Bushnell expressed pride in her colleagues and said Mayor Talabisco is
intuitive of people and things that need to be done.
b. Commissioner Atkins Grad spoke of two events she attended in celebration of Black History
month: the yearly celebration held at the Tamarac Community Center and the special
reception at Citibank, honoring local artist George Gadsden. Commissioner Atkins -Grad
reported on the opening of baseball season in Tamarac last Saturday, at which Vice -Mayor
Dressler threw out the first ball. Sunday morning she attended a baseball game where
children with disabilities played, and it was very heartwarming to watch them. Many in the
stands commented positively with regard to the protective covers.
c. Commissioner Glasser said she is on the Broward League of Cities Scholarship Board and
she will attend a meeting on Thursday where they will have the first round of eliminations. The
essays she has gone through are representative of very intelligent and mature young people.
Commissioner Glasser said she will continue to follow the Transfer Station matter.
d. Vice Mayor Dressler thanked Mayor Talabisco for the State of the City message. The
Mayor and City Commission and staff went to the City of Sunrise as a group along with
residents; all were courteous and we prevailed in our mission. Each commissioner is very
different and this brings a huge richness to the Board when we interact with each other and set
Page 1 of 6 Commission Meeting March 10, 2010
policy for the benefit of the City and the Taxpayers. Tamarac will remain fiscally strong and
diverse and provide the best services possible to its residents.
e. Mayor Talabisco spoke about the Commission's trip to the City of Sunrise with regard to
their opposition to a Transfer Station being considered for the City of Sunrise. Mayor
Talabisco reported on her trip to Washington, D.C. with Assistant City Manager Phillips. The
mood on the Hill is not as positive as it has been in the past, but because we are persistent,
monies have been earmarked for various projects. Mayor Talabisco reported she will go to
Memphis, TN to meet with Congressman Steve Cohen, to discuss additional funding. Mayor
Talabisco acknowledged three legislative aides who were present in the audience: Floyd Bass
(Commissioner Bushnell), Vice Mayor Sultanof (Vice -Mayor Dressler), and Hubert Klombers
(Mayor Talabisco).
3. City Attorney Goren spoke of TR11779 regarding the Mayor and City Commission's
opposition to the TABOR Bill, which will be added to this evening's consent agenda. City
Attorney Goren discussed Amendment 4 (Hometown Democracy), which is scheduled to be on
the November ballot, and said the title of the Bill is a misnomer because in actuality it takes
away Home Rule. City Attorney Goren spoke of a pending Bill written by Purchasing/Contracts
Manager Glatz, which changes the way local government does business via RFP's. HB745
and SB1142 are currently circulating in the legislature. City Attorney Goren said the
Annexation Bill for Prospect Bend is moving forward. Vice -Mayor Dressler added his thoughts
in opposition to TABOR, and said the public must be educated as to the impact this would
have on Cities and quality of service. Commissioner Bushnell said she was astonished by
reports coming out of Colorado with regard to TABOR and the problems caused by the Bill.
Mayor Talabisco asked the representatives of the various communities to seek out information,
which is available from the Mayor and City Commission, so they can educate their residents on
TABOR and Amendment 4. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said Amendment 4 will cripple this
City and offered to speak at any association meeting to explain the matter to the residents.
Mayor Talabisco spoke of the decrease in property values and how that affects the City of
Tamarac, and added the services we provide are affected by these downturns. We all need to
pay close attention to what is going on in Tallahassee.
4. City Manager Miller commended Mayor Talabisco on the State of the City speech and for
her exceptional leadership over the past year. BSO sponsored Operation Medicine Cabinet to
bring about awareness of how prescription drugs can fall into the hands of youngsters and on
February 20th people were able to bring expired prescription drugs for destruction in exchange
for a $5.00 Walgreens gift card. Fire Station 15 will host Census Training for 25-35
Enumerators on April 12-16 and April 27-30. Tamarac is gearing up again for Hurricane
Season; NIMS Training with FEMA and Broward County has begun. Hurricane drills
throughout Florida will be held May 10-13. Parks and Recreation reports a new stop has been
added to our bus system — the VA Clinic in Sunrise. The concert previously scheduled for
February 12 in the Tamarac @ Twilight Series has been rescheduled to April 30. There will be
a concert this Friday at the Sports Complex at 7:00 p.m. The Wet & Wild children's egg hunt
for ages 2-5 will be held at the Aquatic Center on March 27; Spring Fest will be held at the
Sports Complex for children 10 and under on April 3. Mayor Talabisco added Commissioner
Bushnell represents Tamarac on the Census Committee in the County and if anyone has any
questions regarding the Census they should call Commissioner Bushnell. With regard to the
Page 2 of 6 Commission Meeting March 10, 2010
interoperability system, Mayor Talabisco said Tamarac received $300,000 from federal funds
to update the 14 year old system.
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: John Lawson, Lawson Sanitation, 9120 NW 96 Street, Medley,
Florida, spoke about competition for commercial solid waste contracts and questioned the
'cone of silence'. City Attorney Goren explained the meaning of 'cone of silence' as part of the
RFP which limits conversations between any proposer and the Mayor and City Commission.
Any questions at this time must go through the Purchasing/Contracts Manager.
Luciano Esla, Esq., 1800 W 49 Street #316, Hialeah, FL spoke about competition for
commercial solid waste contracts and his interpretation of the 'cone of silence' and asked the
Mayor and City Commission to reconsider addendum 2 to the RFP.
Richard Gross, Esq., 6447 Miami Lakes Drive East, Suite 101, Miami Lakes, FL spoke of F.S.
Chapter 403, displacement of solid waste companies.
Former Mayor Joe Schreiber, 10504 E Clairmont Circle, Tamarac, spoke about reserves and
investments.
Rose Grove, 5907 NW 69 Avenue, Tamarac asked if the site that was slated for Waters Edge
Park will be cleaned up and spoke about a problem she was having with blocked emails.
City Manager Miller said the site is currently being used as a staging area for the sidewalk
project, and when that is completed the site will be cleaned up.
Commissioner Atkins -Grad seconded by Commissioner Glasser moved the addition of
TR11779 to the Consent Agenda as Item 60). City Attorney Goren read TR11779 by title. A
Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida; opposing any taxpayer bill
of rights (TABOR) proposal or any tax reform legislation by the State Legislature that would
impose artificial or one -size -fits -all caps on revenues or expenditures of local governments;
providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. On roll call
Commissioner Bushnell voted "yes", Vice -Mayor Dressler "yes", Commissioner Atkins -Grad
"yes", Commissioner Glasser "yes", and Mayor Talabisco "yes". Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
6. Vice -Mayor Dressler seconded by Commissioner Atkins -Grad moved approval of all items
on the consent agenda. On roll call Vice -Mayor Dressler voted "yes", Commissioner Atkins -
Grad "yes", Commissioner Glasser "yes", Commissioner Bushnell "yes", and Mayor Talabisco
"yes". Motion carried.
a. Approval of the February 24, 2010 Commission Meeting Minutes
APPROVED
b. TR11771-FY 07/08 HOME PROGRAM EXTENSION: Approving the first amendment to
Interlocal Agreement between the City of Tamarac and Broward County to provide for the City
of Tamarac to be designated as a subrecipient for the HOME Consortium and disbursement of
HOME funds for fiscal year 2007-2008; providing for an extension of the term of the agreement
for an additional year.
RESOLUTION NO. R2010-23
c. TR11772 - FY 08/09 HOME PROGRAM EXTENSION: Approving the first amendment to
Interlocal Agreement between the City of Tamarac and Broward County to provide for the City
of Tamarac to be designated as a subrecipient for the HOME Consortium and disbursement of
HOME funds for fiscal year 2008-2009; providing for an extension of the term of the agreement
for an additional year.
RESOLUTION NO. R2010-24
Page 3 of 6 Commission Meeting March 10, 2010
d. TR11775 - APPROVING PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF GUARDRAILS:
Approving the purchase and installation of guardrails from Southeast Attenuators, Inc., at a
cost not to exceed $50,000.00, utilizing the City of Miami Gardens Bid Number 08-09-001;
approving funding from the appropriate capital improvement account; authorizing budget
amendments for proper accounting purposes.
RESOLUTION NO. R2010-25
e. TR11766-PALMS MEDICAL CAMPUS SITE PLAN EXTENSION: Granting a time extension
of one (1) year for final Site Plan approval for the Palms Medical Campus project, requested by
Virtual Design Group (Eric Mills, Applicant), Designated Agent for the property owner
Courtyard Properties (Joseph Vitolo) (Case No. 2-SP-10) providing for conditions of approval.
RESOLUTION NO. R2010-26
f. TR11767 - MERRILL GARDENS II SITE PLAN EXTENSION: Granting a time extension of
one (1) year for final Site Plan approval for the Merrill Gardens II project, requested by Craven
Thompson and Associates, Inc., (Edward P. Ploski), Designated Agent for the property owner,
Merrill Gardens, LLC. (Case No. 1-SP-10); providing for conditions of approval.
RESOLUTION NO. R2010-27
g. TR11773 - INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT EXTENSION:
Authorizing the appropriate City officials to extend the existing agreement between the City of
Tamarac and Davidson Fixed Income Management, (formerly Kirkpatrick Pettis Capital
Management), for Investment Advisory Services for a two-year period effective April 15,
2010, through April 14, 2012, with up to two (2) additional one year renewal options.
RESOLUTION NO. R2010-28
h. TR11774 - BROWARD COUNTY MULTI -JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL MITIGATION
STRATEGY: Adopting the Broward County December 2009 Revised Multi -Jurisdictional Local
Mitigation Strategy.
RESOLUTION NO. R2010-29
i. TR11777-GRANT APPLICATION TO RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM:
Authorizing the appropriate City officials to submit an application to the US Department of
Transportation through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection — Office of
Greenways and Trails for Recreational Trails Program grant funds for the Mainlands Park
project in the amount of $250,000 providing for a 1-to-1 match of $250,000 in local funds in the
event of approval of the application, providing for acceptance of the award and execution of
documents upon approval.
RESOLUTION NO. R2010-30
j. TR11779 — OPPOSITION TO TABOR: Opposing any taxpayer bill of rights (TABOR)
proposal or any tax reform legislation by the State Legislature that would impose artificial or
one -size -fits -all caps on revenues or expenditures of local governments.
RESOLUTION NO. R2010-31
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
REGULAR AGENDA
ORDINANCE(S) — FIRST READING
There were no ordinances scheduled for first reading.
PUBLIC HEARING(S) 7:00 PM OR THEREAFTER
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
Page 4 of 6 Commission Meeting March 10, 2010
ORDINANCE(S)- SECOND READINGS
7. TO 2187 - PUBLIC BIDDING: Motion to adopt an Ordinance of the City of Tamarac,
Florida, on second reading submitting to referendum an amendment to the Charter of the City
of Tamarac at Article VII, entitled "Financial Procedures," and in particular amending Section
7.11 entitled "Requirements for Public Bidding"; providing that the City Commission shall
establish by Ordinance a competitive solicitation financial threshold for procurement; providing
that the City Commission shall establish by Ordinance the advertising requirements for the
solicitation of competitive bids, in accordance with the requirements of the Florida Statutes;
providing for a notice of an advertisement of the referendum election to be published in
accordance with the Code of Ordinances and the Charter of the City of Tamarac, Florida, as
well as the State of Florida Election Code; providing that this Ordinance, when adopted, shall
be submitted to the qualified electors of the City of Tamarac, on the November 2010 General
Election Ballot and it shall become effective as provided by law; providing for the place and
places where said election is to be held; providing for conflicts; providing for severability;
providing for inclusion in the code; and providing for an effective date. Vice -Mayor Dressler
seconded by Commissioner Atkins -Grad moved adoption of TO2187 on second reading. City
Attorney Goren read TO2187 on second reading by title. Mayor Talabisco opened the public
hearing and with no one wishing to speak, closed the public hearing. On roll call Vice -Mayor
Dressler voted "yes", Commissioner Bushnell "yes", Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes",
Commissioner Glasser "yes", and Mayor Talabisco "yes". Motion carried.
ADOPTED ON FIRST READING FEBRUARY 24, 2010
ADOPTED ON SECOND READING MARCH 10, 2010
ORDINANCE NO.0-2010-3
8. TO2188 - ADVISORY BOARDS: Motion to adopt an Ordinance of the City of Tamarac,
Florida on second reading submitting to referendum an amendment to the Charter of the City
of Tamarac at Article IV, entitled "Legislative," and in particular eliminating Section 4.09
through Section 4.13, pertaining to certain City Advisory Boards; providing for the elimination
of redundancy in the City Charter; providing for a notice of an advertisement of the referendum
election to be published in accordance with the Code of Ordinances and the Charter of the City
of Tamarac, Florida, as well as the State of Florida Election Code; providing that this
Ordinance, when adopted, shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the City ofTamarac,
on the November 2010 General Election Ballot and it shall become effective as provided by
law; providing for the place and places where said election is to be held; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; providing for inclusion in the code; and providing for an effective
date. Commissioner Glasser seconded by Commissioner Atkins -Grad moved adoption. City
Attorney Goren read TO2188 on second reading by title. Mayor Talabisco opened the public
hearing and with no one wishing to speak, closed the public hearing. City Attorney Goren
explained the wording in the question was amended from eliminate to transition. On roll call
Commissioner Atkins -Grad voted "yes", Vice -Mayor Dressler "yes", Commissioner Bushnell
"yes", Commissioner Glasser "yes", and Mayor Talabisco "yes". Motion carried.
ADOPTED ON FIRST READING FEBRUARY 24, 2010
ADOPTED ON SECOND READING MARCH 10, 2010
ORDINANCE NO. 0-2010-4
9. TO2189 - MINIMUM RESERVE FUNDS: Motion to adopt an Ordinance of the City of
Tamarac, Florida, on second reading submitting to referendum an amendment to the Charter
of the City of Tamarac at Article VII, entitled "Financial Procedures," and in particular amending
Section 7.03 entitled "Form and Content of Budget and Limitation on Unappropriated Surplus";
Page 5 of 6 Commission Meeting March 10, 2010
removing the limit on the Unappropriated Surplus Funds that the City is able to maintain in its
reserves; providing for a notice of an advertisement of the referendum election to be published
in accordance with the Code of Ordinances and the Charter of the City of Tamarac, Florida, as
well as the State of Florida Election Code; providing that this Ordinance, when adopted, shall
be submitted to the qualified electors of the City of Tamarac, on the November 2010 General
Election Ballot and it shall become effective as provided by law; providing for the place and
places where said election is to be held; providing for conflicts; providing for severability;
providing for inclusion in the code; and providing for an effective date. Commissioner Atkins -
Grad seconded by Commissioner Glasser moved adoption. City Attorney Goren read T02189
on second reading by title. Mayor Talabisco opened the public hearing. Former Mayor
Schreiber, 10504 East Clairmont Circle, Tamarac, suggested the Mayor and City Commission
give an explanation of the three ordinances for the public. Mayor Talabisco and Vice -Mayor
Dressier responded the items were discussed at length in workshop setting prior to first
reading. City Attorney Goren said the ordinances were vetted by the Charter Board over the
past year and public hearings were conducted. There being no one else wishing to speak,
Mayor Talabisco closed the public hearing. On roll call Commissioner Glasser voted "yes',
Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", Vice -Mayor Dressler "yes", Commissioner Bushnell "yes",
and Mayor Talabisco "yes". Motion carried.
ADOPTED ON FIRST READING FEBRUARY 24, 2010
ADOPTED ON SECOND READING MARCH 10, 2010
ORDINANCE NO. 0-2010-5
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Talabisco adjourned the regular meeting of the City Commission at 8:47 p.m.
CCy�
Beth Talabisco, Mayor
Marion Swensron, WC
City Clerk
Page 6 of 6 Commission Meeting March 10, 2010
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TAMARAC STATE OF THE CITY: 2070
Presented by Mayor Beth Talabisco on March 10, 2010
Good evening and welcome. I'd like to thank so many of my friends, colleagues, and
neighbors for joining us this evening. Four extraordinary individuals, who fall into each
of these categories, and play a vital role in the work of the City, also share the dais with
me: Commissioners Bushnell, Atkins -Grad, Glasser, and Vice Mayor Dressler.
I've been privileged to work for the people of Tamarac since 2003 when I was first
elected as a Commissioner in District 2. 1 can honestly say that the group who currently
share the legislative branch of our government with me are the kindest, most respectful,
and productive Commission I have had the honor to serve with. My sincere gratitude to
each of you for what you do for our City and your unique talents and observations on
the issues we face.
I'd also like to acknowledge the incredible staff we have in the City, led by City Manager
Jeffrey L. Miller. Jeff and his management team have the formidable task of breaking
down complex issues so that five different personalities, with five different perspectives,
can understand those issues, ask appropriate questions, and make informed decisions.
Sometimes staff is asked to go back to the drawing board, by no fault of their own, and
all the while they do it with humility, grace, and professionalism.
Thank you to our City Attorney Samuel S. Goren and his staff for their invaluable
guidance as well; keeping all of us in line and up to date on the latest developments at
the County and State levels.
And of course my incredible husband Jack. Each year that passes becomes better and
more interesting than the one before. You're my rock — and at the end of last year when
so much was going on with the election, you always reached out a steady hand for me
to hold, leant an ear to confide in, and were my best advisor, as always.
The theme of Tamarac's 2009 Annual Report, which was mailed out to the community
in the January 2010 issue of the Tam -A -Gram, is Smart Growth and planning for the
future; that's what I'd like to speak to you about this evening.
Like the imagery on the cover of the Annual Report, Tamarac has grown over the past
forty-seven years from a seedling into a mature sapling. Even as we approach our
fiftieth anniversary in 2013 and what would appear to be the complete build -out, below
the surface, beyond what may be readily apparent to the general public, work has been
done on our foundation — it is that work has helped us to strengthen our roots, and it is
that work which has prepared us so well for the challenges we face today.
2
It's no secret we're in tough times. This is not a new message. The real estate and
financial markets remain volatile. Some of our neighbors are losing their jobs, and many
are even losing their homes. A recent report in the Sun -Sentinel stated that 4 out of 10
homeowners' in South Florida owe more on their homes than what they are worth. And,
within the last couple of weeks the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office
informed the City that they are predicting a 25% decline in our property tax revenues for
fiscal year 2011 — that's approximately 5% more than what they had previously told us.
This is the message I must deliver this evening. Less revenue will mean a tighter budget
and of course a tighter budget means that we in the City must become even leaner,
work even smarter and even harder to fulfill our vision of "Leading the nation in quality
of life through safe neighborhoods, a vibrant economy, exceptional customer service,
and recognized excellence."
This scenario is not unique to Tamarac. Our fellow municipalities throughout Broward
County, and the entire Country in fact, are dealing with similar circumstances. Having to
do more with less is not new to our neighbors in homes down the street, to the
restaurant on the corner, or the business across town.
Tough economic times are our reality. Dealing with the ramifications; making the tough
decisions; and explaining to our constituents why one program may need to be scaled
back while another is expanded, is our job.
An example of one of those recent tough decisions my colleagues and I recently made
was the decision to postpone indefinitely the project that was to be known as Water's
Edge Park on 61st Avenue east of University Drive. A worthy project, but the timing is
just not right.
I've been doing this long enough to know that there is no way to please everyone. Some
decisions and actions will make sense to one group, yet possibly anger another. Some
people may feel elated, others slighted. Believe me, I know... and I agonize over some
of those decisions.
In the coming months Tamarac's budget will need to be cut — just as it has been cut for
the past 2 years in a row.
I recently attended the United States Conference of Mayors with over 220 other mayors
from around the Country. I'd like to share with you some starling statistics:
a 4 in 5 cities expect budget shortfalls
• 81 % are postponing projects
• 75% are eliminating positions
73% are reducing purchasing and procurement
4
In order to balance budgets, "Cities of all sizes and in all parts of the nation have been
forced to institute layoffs, furloughs, service reductions, and fee increases." (*The
United States Conference of Mayors, The 2010 Metro Agenda for America)
I'd also like to share with you that, like many of my fellow mayors across the country, I
believe that some good work has been done through the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act that was signed into law last February, but its greatest shortcoming is
that funding was not directed toward municipalities, and one of my greatest focuses in
the coming months will be to lobby and advocate for more funding on the local level, to
fund local projects, and to grow our local economy.
As I've stated in the past, everything is on the table — all, or none, of these options may
work for Tamarac as we move forward. Over the past 2 years the City's budget has
been trimmed by over $11 million by eliminating some of our open positions, putting on
hold large expenditures and projects, implementing a hiring freeze, consolidating
divisions within City Departments, closing Satellite City Hall, and other similar actions.
We have already begun the budget process for fiscal year 2011. My colleagues and I,
along with Jeff and his staff, have our shovels out and are digging deep looking for
additional areas for potential reductions.
There is a lot of information that we must assimilate, scenarios to consider,
consequences to think through on each issue presented to us — at times I meet people
who question a particular way I voted on an item and I have to assure them that
although I understand their concerns and individual wants, there are other factors that
come into play such as grant funding limitations, future land use restrictions, other
constituent's needs, local and State ordinance limitations, and more.
My point is, we debate and we agree to disagree with the utmost respect for each other
and our residents.
These are trying times, but the resolve we have to work through them will allow us to
persevere, and to move smartly into the future.
The message I deliver to you this evening is one of cautious optimism. Yes, we still
have some challenges ahead of us, but our City continues to make great strides as well.
• Our vision and reputation as a business- friendly community helped to bring KSM
Electronics' new headquarters to Tamarac last year — along with over 150 jobs.
• Our commitment to working with new businesses also brought the new Hampton
Inn on Commercial Boulevard, adjacent to the Sawgrass Expressway.
• Other successes include the new commercial center, also located on
Commercial Boulevard, just West of Nob Hill Road, with new businesses such as
Subway, Rotelli, Dunkin Donuts, and Solantic Medical Center, bringing over 100
more jobs to the City of Tamarac.
M
Despite our challenges, the state of our City remains strong.
As part of the preparation and building of our solid foundation, we maintain our
outstanding credit rating. Our 2010 budget is balanced and we continue to win
accolades for our financial acumen.
In addition, our recent resident and business surveys show that we continue to perform
above the national average when it comes to customer satisfaction. In fact, as other
Cities' scores have decreased over the past year, which is typical in a down economy,
Tamarac's scores have increased or stayed the same.
One area where our scores increased is in regards to public safety. When asked about
their satisfaction with the visibility of police in their neighborhoods, Tamarac's residents
scored us over 5% higher than in our 2007 survey results — we experienced an
incredible increase while the Florida average decreased by 8%, and the national
average decreased by 5%.
Last year in my State of the City address I announced the formation of the Interfaith
Leadership Council — this group of religious leaders from our community meets regularly
and can count as one of its accomplishments the success of the Community Food Bank
which benefits Family Central.
7
Also this past year, our City saw the formation of its official Historical Society — many of
the members of this dedicated group are in attendance this evening, and their first
exhibit is on display in the atrium, with their second exhibit to come in May.
In June 2009 we graduated the third class of our popular citizen academy, Tamarac
University and we are about to begin our fourth class on April 13t". With over 70
graduates of TU, these alumni have become some of our most visible ambassadors in
the community and many of them are here this evening, one of which sits on the dais.
I spoke of the housing crisis earlier, and the effect it is having on our City — well we've
never been the type of City to sit back and accept fate as it is dealt to us. We've taken
action against rising foreclosures in the form of our Neighborhood Stabilization
Program. Armed with over $4.7 million in federal grant money we've already helped
over 30 families realize the dream of homeownership, while at the same time helping to
stabilize property values.
Stabilizing property values goes beyond helping to get homeowners into foreclosed
homes. This past year we joined the Broward County Adopt -A -Road program; you may
have noticed signs up throughout the City — the program is so successful that we will be
adding new stretches of road to be up for adoption soon.
F�
In addition, our Neighborhood Partnership Program, which offers matching grant dollars
to Homeowner and Condo Associations to assist in beautifying the common elements of
communities, continues to be a great success and build partnerships.
A few other accomplishments from this past year include: the opening of our great new
facility, the Tamarac Recreation Center; the addition of three new sculptures to our
public art collection, Dawn and Dusk by Jane DeDecker, and Under the Shadow of a
Big Tree by Ilan Averbuch. (I do have to take a moment to point out, as we always do,
that Tamarac's public art IS NOT paid for by tax dollars — these fabulous pieces which
will last for generations to come are paid for by the Public Art Fund set up by the Public
Art Ordinance. The Ordinance requires that 1% of the construction value of new
projects or improvements be set aside for public art.)
This year, I will be working with our community partners and our local schools to help
further the "Let's Move" campaign championed by First Lady Michelle Obama. Tamarac
is an active City with many parks and activities for people of all ages to take part in. The
"Let's Move" campaign will be a great compliment to our efforts as it is designed to get
kids active and reduce childhood obesity rates. Look for more information on this
important project in the months ahead.
In closing this evening, let me assure you that Tamarac is on solid footing and moving in
the right direction. We may sway a bit in these unsteady winds, but just as in the past,
nothing will break us. I have a great deal of pride in this City — I know the work my
colleagues; Vice Mayor Dressler as well as Commissioners Bushnell, Atkins -Grad, and
Glasser, and I do, day -in and day -out, is purposeful and will have a lasting effect on the
fabric of our City as we continue to move smartly into the future.
Good night, and thank you.