Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-07-13 - City Commission Special Meeting MinutesSPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2010 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Talabisco called the Special City Commission meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, in Room 105, Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321. PRESENT: Mayor Beth Talabisco, Vice -Mayor Harry Dressler, Commissioner Pamela Bushnell, and Commissioner Diane Glasser. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren, Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Mayor Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance. City Attorney Goren reviewed the application process and said at the end of tomorrow's interviews and discussions, the Mayor and City Commission would short list the applicants and set a specific time certain for next week to rank and decide on the applicant to fill the vacant position. The City will perform a background check on the shortlisted applicants. City Attorney Goren said this is a public meeting open to all and the applicants are free to sit in on the interviews. All agreed to meet on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. to select one of the applicants on the shortlist and to hold the swearing -in ceremony at that time. Michael Jula, 5307 Seagrape Circle, Tamarac, FL 33319. City Attorney Goren reviewed the rules of the road and outlined the procedures. Mayor Talabisco asked Mr. Jula why he is interested in serving on the Commission and Mr. Jula said he has spent 32 years in City government and feels he has a lot to offer to the Commission. Commissioner Bushnell questioned Mr. Jula's ability to attend meetings and participate in committees. Mr. Jula said he can set his own schedule, and does not consider this to be a part time position. Commissioner Glasser confirmed Mr. Jula is a registered voter, asked if he is familiar with the City's strategic plan and questioned his vision for the City. Mr. Jula spoke of his involvement with the City and said he would hope to hold the line on programs and not have to lay off any employees. Vice -Mayor Dressler questioned Mr. Jula's opinion on development and redevelopment as well as golf course redevelopment and what choice Mr. Jula would make between raising taxes or cutting services which would result in layoffs. Mr. Jula said at this time we cannot expect a lot of development as there is not much funding available or Page 1 of 8 Special City Commission Meeting July 13, 2010 developers willing to take a chance; it will be about one-two years before opportunities open for development. Mr. Jula said he is not in favor of golf course redevelopment; he would like to see the golf courses remain. Mr. Jula said if services were to be cut eventually we may have to raise taxes. He would try to cut services first, but that may only affect a certain segment of the population. Mayor Talabisco asked if Mr. Jula had studied the budget and he said he has looked at it minimally. Commissioner Bushnell asked if Mr. Jula thought the golf course owners have the right to do with their property what they choose, and if he is familiar with District 2 aside from the Woodlands. Mr. Jula said it would affect the people who bought the property surrounding the golf courses. He would have to listen to both sides and weigh the issues. He would have to make his decision based on a balance of what is best for the residents and the City. He knows a little about the other areas in District 2. Commissioner Glasser questioned Mr. Jula's previous government experience and he discussed his work with the City of Hialeah, Center Director in charge of the high school football stadium as well as baseball fields and coaching. Mr. Jula spoke of his role as Tennis Center administrator and his induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame. He also owned his own business putting photos on baseball cards, and photos in sports magazines. He served as the photo manager for the Olympics in Atlanta, and said he has a drive to succeed. Vice -Mayor Dressler questioned Mr. Jula's political relationships to government officials, lobbyists or their spouses. Mr. Jula said there are no such relationships. Commissioner Bushnell questioned Mr. Jula's involvement in Tamarac Boards and committees and Mr. Jula spoke of moving here in 2004 and volunteering for the Turkey Trot, Holiday Lighting and working as Special Events Coordinator for a short time; he serves on the Parks and Recreation Board and his HOA. Vice -Mayor Dressler confirmed Mr. Jula would be available to constituents 24/7. Mayor Talabisco confirmed Mr. Jula has his family's support to apply for this position. Mayor Talabisco called for a recess at 10:00 a.m. and reconvened the Special Meeting at 10:10 a.m. with all present as before (Vice -Mayor Dressler returned at 10:13 a.m.) Steve M. Buck, 4508 King Palm Drive, Tamarac, FL 33319 City Attorney Goren reviewed the rules of the road and outlined the procedures. Commissioner Bushnell questioned Mr. Buck's flexibility to attend meetings and participate in committees and asked if he is familiar with Tamarac University. Mr. Buck said while he realizes it is not a 9-5 position, he would have to discuss that with his current boss; he is not familiar with Tamarac University. 1 Page 2 of 8 Special City Commission Meeting July 13, 2010 Mayor Talabisco disclosed the relationship between Mr. Buck and her husband, Jack Talabisco, who is president of the Board of Directors of the Country Club. Commissioner Glasser confirmed Mr. Buck is a registered voter, asked if he is involved with other organizations, and questioned his knowledge of the needs of residents in District 2. Mr. Buck said he is involved in the Broward County Licensing Board for Mechanical Contractors, and spoke of the change in the mean age over the past 10 years, and said he would do what is best for the residents and for the City. Vice -Mayor Dressler questioned Mr. Buck's opinions on development/redevelopment strategies and any conflicts he may have as an employee of the Country Club with regard to development. Vice -Mayor Dressler also questioned Mr. Buck's political relationships with elected officials or lobbyists. Mr. Buck said he feels the City is moving in the right direction with the Main Street Village concept, park elements, biking trails, the dog park and recreational and fitness facilities. Mr. Buck said there would be no conflict at this time, and there are no political relationships. Commissioner Bushnell questioned Mr. Buck's background in Risk Management and his residency in Tamarac. Mr. Buck said he worked as an adjustor and holds a real estate license. He moved to Tamarac because he liked the City the Country Club and the restaurants in Tamarac. Mr. Buck informed the Mayor and City Commission that after today's interview he will discuss the position with his boss at the Country Club and if there is a conflict he will pull out of the mix. Mayor Talabisco asked Mr. Buck if he has reviewed the budget and if his family supports his decision. Mr. Buck said he reviewed the budget on line and his family is supportive of this decision. The Mayor and City Commission discussed the possible length of time the selected applicant may end up serving as Commissioner for District 2, depending upon the outcome of Patricia Atkins-Grad's situation, reinstatement by the Governor, or her resignation. All scenarios were discussed. Patricia A. Lynn, 6411 NW 58 Street, Tamarac, FL 33321. City Attorney Goren reviewed the rules of the road and outlined the procedures. Commissioner Bushnell asked Ms. Lynn where she felt she fit in with the Commission, what she will bring to the table for the residents of District 2, and her knowledge of Tamarac University. Ms. Lynn said she is interested in representing the people in District 2 as well as helping people in other Districts; she is more open minded than she is perceived to be. Ms. Lynn said this District is the most economically diverse in Tamarac, and what matters to those in District 2 is what matters to Tamarac. Ms. Lynn Page 3 of 8 Special City Commission Meeting July 13, 2010 said Tamarac University is a good way for people to get to know each department; however, due to prior commitments at her HOA, she was unable to attend. Commissioner Glasser questioned Ms. Lynn on the needs of those in District 2 and Ms. Lynn said safe neighborhoods are important and 57th Street needs to be addressed. Vice -Mayor Dressler questioned Ms. Lynn's opinion regarding development and/or redevelopment and asked if Ms. Lynn opposes or agrees with the Tamarac Village Project as part of the City's long term strategic plan for mixed use. Ms. Lynn said redevelopment is a great thing, especially looking at the shopping center at State Road 441 and Commercial Boulevard, which is prime for redevelopment. Ms. Lynn said she is not in favor of zoning changes to eliminate open space, and businesses along Commercial Boulevard and University Drive east to the Turnpike need assistance. Additionally, 57th street needs to see a change and there are many shopping centers standing empty. She liked the original downtown design with apartments above the shopping areas. Additionally, she is aware the City is planning to purchase three additional properties, which is of concern to her in this economy. Ms. Lynn discussed downtown areas in other cities. Vice -Mayor Dressler asked Ms. Lynn which choice she would make between raising taxes or cutting services. Ms. Lynn said she would not like to see employees laid off but does not want to see taxes raised, either. Vice -Mayor Dressler questioned political relationships with other levels of government and if she considers herself an activist. Ms. Lynn said she does not have those types of relationships, and others describe her as an activist; people call her with problems; if she believes in something she will support it. Vice -Mayor Dressler asked Ms. Lynn what positive comments she has made about this commission and/or the City. Ms. Lynn said we have the best staff in the world. As far as the Commissioners, she was against changing to November elections because she was not happy with the way the budget was going. Ms. Lynn said she heard things attributed to her that she never said. This commission is struggling to do a good job in very tough economic times. Ms. Lynn spoke of her disappointment in the golf course vote. Commissioner Bushnell encouraged Ms. Lynn to institute the COPs program in her community. There was discussion regarding Ms. Lynn's perception of votes taken with regard to the golf courses. Vice -Mayor Dressler questioned Ms. Lynn on what solutions she may have with regard to the golf courses and Ms. Lynn said if possible the City and County could jointly purchase the land and leave it as open space. If a developer purchased the Sabal Palm property, perhaps they could be encouraged to scale back the density. Mayor Talabisco called for a recess at 11:40 a.m. and reconvened the Special Meeting at 11:55 a.m. with all present as before. E Page 4 of 8 Special City Commission Meeting July 13, 2010 Carol Courtney, 8205 NW 61 Street, B101, Tamarac, FL 33321 City Attorney Goren reviewed the rules of the road and outlined the procedures. Mayor Talabisco asked Ms. Courtney why she is interested in serving on the Commission and Ms. Courtney said she likes the direction in which the Commission is moving and would like to keep the status quo. Commissioner Bushnell confirmed Ms. Courtney's flexibility with regard to the position. Commissioner Bushnell questioned Ms. Courtney on how she felt about the vote on the golf course and Ms. Courtney said she understands the Mayor and City Commission's position; she lives on a golf course and would hate to see it built upon, but the City needs the income. She has no rancor towards anybody. Commissioner Bushnell questioned Ms. Courtney's knowledge of Tamarac University and Ms. Courtney said she has not attended the University, but plans on attending in the future. Commissioner Glasser confirmed Ms. Courtney is a registered voter and asked if she has experience in any government agency, and questioned Ms. Courtney's vision for Tamarac. Ms. Courtney said she has only attended meetings. She likes the Main Street concept which will improve Tamarac immensely and improve property values. She envisions the City growing and becoming a destination. Commissioner Glasser asked Ms. Courtney if she is aware of the needs of the residents in District 2 and Ms. Courtney said she is not, but a priority for her is crime control, and water issues are also important. Vice -Mayor Dressler asked Ms. Courtney if she has reviewed the City's budget and questioned which choice Ms. Courtney would make between raising taxes and cutting services/layoffs. Ms. Courtney said she has not reviewed the budget, and said she would choose raising taxes. Vice -Mayor Dressler questioned family connections with government officials, lobbyists or their spouses and questioned Ms. Courtney's opinion of development and/or redevelopment and if she thinks it is feasible for the City to move forward with the purchase of land. Ms. Courtney said there are no such relationships; she would like to see Tamarac Village move forward and she is in agreement with the purchase of land. Commissioner Bushnell asked Ms. Courtney if the crime issue is a City or community matter to deal with and if she participates in the COPs program. Ms. Courtney said it is both a City and community issue and she does not have the COPs program in her community. Mayor Talabisco asked if Ms. Courtney understood the job and how she would get involved in the community if appointed. Ms. Courtney said the Mayor and City Commission get a lot of help from a staff and they are guided in their decision making; if appointed, she would go out to the HOA's and Condo Associations and introduce herself and listen to their concerns at their meetings. Commissioner Bushnell asked Ms. Courtney if she has reviewed the budget and Ms. Courtney said she has not. Page 5 of 8 Special City Commission Meeting July 13, 2010 Mayor Talabisco called for a recess at 12:20 and reconvened the Special Meeting at 1:20 p.m. with all present as before. Lawrence Torn, 4500 King Palm Drive, Tamarac, FL 33319. City Attorney Goren reviewed the rules of the road and outlined the procedures. Mayor Talabisco disclosed the Torns and the Talabiscos are friends. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked Mr. Torn why he is interested in serving on the Commission and he said he is involved in civic affairs, has served on the City's Planning Board and County Construction Licensing Board. He was President of the Woodmont Country Club and HOA. Commissioner Bushnell confirmed Mr. Torn would be flexible to handle the demands of the position and asked if he is familiar with Tamarac University. Mr. Torn said he is familiar with Tamarac University and he thought about applying to go last year. Commissioner Glasser spoke about commitment to the City as a whole and asked Mr. Torn about redevelopment in District 2. Mr. Torn said he has been exposed to problems in the City through his service on the Planning Board. Commissioner Dressler asked if Mr. Torn had reviewed the budget and Strategic Plan, and given the choice between raising taxes or cutting services which Mr. Torn would choose; additionally Commissioner Dressier asked Mr. Torn's opinion regarding development/redevelopment and the City's purchasing land to facilitate the Tamarac Village project, and golf course development/redevelopment. Mr. Torn said he has not reviewed the budget but. he is familiar with the Strategic Plan. He does not have the necessary specifics to address the situation regarding taxes/cutting services; in general he would prefer to maintain services, but the situation may be such that it is not possible. Before serving on the Planning Board, Mr. Torn served on the Public Art Committee and he is a proponent of more streetscape. He does not have enough details at this time to discuss redevelopment. With regard to purchasing land, the City's financial situation is such that no major purchases can be undertaken at this time. Over the long term, the City needs to acquire a personality and the Commission has decided the way to achieve that is through a Main Street Center. Golf courses are in financial straits. Tamarac should have golf course facilities because they are elements of recreation; there are no public golf courses in Tamarac. Good tennis and golf facilities are needed for the average Tamarac resident. Mr. Torn spoke of the Sabal Palm and Monterrey Golf Courses. Michael David Stamm, Jr., 6006 Red Plum Court, Tamarac, FL 33321 City Attorney Goren reviewed the rules of the road and outlined the procedures. City Attorney Goren disclosed he knows Mr. Stamm from Pembroke Pines, as his firm provides attorney services to Pembroke Pines. Page 6 of 8 Special City Commission Meeting July 13, 2010 Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked why Mr. Stamm wished to serve as the District 2 Commissioner, and Mr. Stamm said he considered running for office last November and it is his passion to serve the community. Mr. Stamm said he is very customer service oriented. Commissioner Bushnell questioned Mr. Stamm's ability to be at commission meetings and other obligations that go with the position. Mr. Stamm said he would make sure to arrange his schedule in order to give his all to the position. Commissioner Glasser confirmed Mr. Stamm is a registered voter, spoke of balance and asked Mr. Stamm about his vision for District 2 as well as the future of Tamarac. Mr. Stamm said District 2 is changing and Tamarac is not a retirement community any more. He has government experience and brings a different mentality to the community in terms of his age. Because of his planning background he would like to see some mixed use projects and more density; the golf course issues cannot be avoided. Tamarac provides good services to residents of all ages. Mr. Stamm spoke of creating a wetlands bank in one of the golf courses; there needs to be a balance between political needs and the needs of the citizens. Commissioner Dressler asked Mr. Stamm if he had reviewed the budget and the strategic plan, and if he would choose raising taxes or cutting services. Vice Mayor Dressler questioned Mr. Stamm's opinion regarding the purchase of land to make projects more feasible. Mr. Stamm said he started reviewing the budget and has reviewed the strategic plan. Mr. Stamm said the termination of employees is a sensitive subject and he is not sure he can make a choice now between raising taxes or cutting services. Downtown areas are a plus when facilitating planning as a whole. The area selected for Tamarac Village is a good location for mass transit, and mass transit is necessary to make these concepts work. Mayor Talabisco confirmed Mr. Stamm's family is supportive of his decision. Mr. Stamm provided an opinion from the City Attorney of Pembroke Pines with regard to any prohibitions for him to accept a position of Commissioner (a copy of the opinion Memorandum No. 2010-204 is attached and made part of these minutes.) Mayor Talabisco said this commission has been constructed mostly of folks who are not working full time or are retired. The City is changing and might have to make accommodations to get different types of people to serve. Looking forward is important and we need to consider the big picture. Mayor Talabisco called for a recess at 3:05 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 3:20 p.m. with all present as bgfore. Joel Davidson, 4608 Norfolk Island Pine Drive, Tamarac, FL 33319. City Attorney Goren reviewed the rules of the road and outlined the procedures. Mayor Talabisco disclosed she is friends with Mr. Davidson in the Woodlands Community and Page 7 of 8 Special City Commission Meeting July 13, 2010 he is president of the Kiwanis Club and served on other boards and committees as a volunteer. Vice Mayor Dressler disclosed a relationship with Mr. Davidson through the Kiwanis Club. Mayor Talabisco asked Mr. Davidson why he is interested in serving on the Commission and Mr. Davidson said it is an unexpected and uneventful normal progression. Last November he considered running for office. He attends the workshop and commission meetings, as well as the Special Magistrate meetings. Commissioner Bushnell discussed the commitment to the position and spoke of Mr. Davidson's attendance at Tamarac University. Mr. Davidson said his term as president of the Kiwanis Club will expire in September and he will have the time to devote to the position. Commissioner Glasser questioned Mr. Davidson's vision for the City of Tamarac and Mr. Davidson said he would like to see a Kiwanis Park in Tamarac. He has watched the progression of the downtown area and likes the most current idea for the project. Vice Mayor Dressler questioned Mr. Davidson's views on development/redevelopment and the golf courses in Tamarac. Vice Mayor Dressler asked Mr. Davidson how he would vote on an unpopular item when he felt the right thing to do would not be consistent with what the residents want, whether Mr. Davidson had reviewed the budget and how he would vote if the choice were to raise taxes or cut services. Mr. Davidson said the original plan for Colony West Golf Course is not acceptable but he would like to see something done there. Mr. Davidson said with regard to voting on items that come before the Mayor and City Commission, he would have to do the right thing and vote his conscience. He has not reviewed the budget and if he had to make a choice he would cut services. If it came to raising taxes and there was no other way to balance the budget, that would have to be his choice. Vice Mayor Dressler questioned any political relationships Mr. Davidson may have with other elected officials or lobbyists and Mr. Davidson said he has none. Mayor Talabisco confirmed Mr. Davidson's family is supportive of his decision. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission Mayor Talabisco adjourned the Special Meeting at 3:55 p.m. 141116.401101 Beth .• • Mayor Marion Swenson, CMC City Clerk . Page 8 of 8 Special City Commission Meeting July 13, 2010 1 1 PEMBROKE PINES E _. Cityof Pembroke Pines '_ 1ON UAND PROGRESS WITH n 2004 Frank C. Ortis, Mayor Angelo Castillo, Commissioner Jack McCluskey, Vice -Mayor Carl Shechter, Commissioner Charles F. Dodge, City Manager Iris A. Siple, Commissioner CITY OF PEMBROKE PINES INTER -OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE MEMORANDUM NO.2010-204 TO: Mayor Frank Ortis Members of the City Commission CC: Charles F. Dodge, City Manager Michael Stamm, Assistant Planner Judith A. Neugent, City Clerk FROM: Samuel S. Goren, City Attorney SSry Jacob G. Horowitz, Assistant City Attorney p5P DATE: July 6, 2010 RE: City of Pembroke Pines ("City") / City Employee Holding Public Office The City Attorney's Office has been asked whether a City employee is permitted under Florida law and the City's employment policies to hold a public office in another municipality. Specifically, the City's Assistant Planner, Michael Stamm, has expressed an interest in seeking a position on the City of Tamarac City Commission. After reviewing the applicable provisions of the Florida Election Code and Chapter 112, F.S., as well as the City's employment policies, Code of Ordinances and City Charter, the City Attorney's Office has concluded that there is no prohibition to a City employee holding a public office in another municipality. Note, however, that the employee would still be obligated to satisfy all requirements of their employment with the City. Any duties or responsibilities of public office which might require the employee to take time away from the City would need to be coordinated with the City's Human Resources Department, as appropriate. Please be advised that this analysis is specific to the expression of interest raised by Mr. Stamm. Since different City employees may have different obligations under Chapter 112, F.S., issues such as this must be considered on a case -by -case basis. Please contact our office if there is any additional information that we can provide. SSG/JGH H:\760185.PP\MEMO 2010\2010-204 (Employee as Public Officer).doc 10100 Pines Boulevard • Pembroke Pines, Florida 33026 • 954-435-6501