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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-07-21 - City Commission Special Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2010 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Talabisco called the special meeting of the City Commission to order at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 21, 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, and wished Commissioner Bushnell happy birthday. City Attorney Goren laid out the rules and process. Mayor Talabisco asked Ms. Lynn what she sees as a positive impact to the City of Tamarac from the Strategic Plan and the budget. Ms. Lynn said the Strategic Plan is far reaching and a good plan over the long haul. Ms. Lynn said she does not know how much the City will be able to accomplish in the short term over the next few years because of declining property values and the business environment; we will not have the money we would have had five -six years ago. The City should aim for the best and accomplish what is financially feasible with the people that are in place. Ms. Lynn said she would like to see more living facilities included in the MXD use plan. The Commercial Boulevard area has financially impacted the City with businesses moving out and that needs to be addressed. Commissioner Bushnell questioned the name Russo on Ms. Lynn's background check and Ms. Lynn said that was her maiden name. Commissioner Bushnell asked Ms. Lynn how the City can prevent or change business closings on the Commercial Boulevard corridor, and Ms. Lynn said she did not know that it could be prevented due to the financial condition of the entire country, nor did she know if incentives could be offered to businesses. Viable businesses need to be in place; perhaps this is not the environment for a lot of restaurants as people may not be eating out as much in this area. Commissioner Bushnell questioned a remark Ms. Lynn may have made, per se the Commission was corrupt, and if Ms. Lynn feels that way why would she want to work with this Board? Ms. Lynn replied she did not say that. What happened in the past is the past. The golf course situation will not change, and she spoke out loud and often with regard to that matter. Ms. Lynn said she cares about the people in Tamarac and believes the Commission does too. Ms. Lynn said her mind can be changed and she believes she can work with the Commission. City Attorney Goren laid out the rules and process. Mayor Talabisco asked Ms. Gomez what she sees as a positive impact to the City of Tamarac from the Strategic Plan and the budget. Ms. Gomez said keeping vital services funded in this economy, there are issues regarding bringing in businesses and keeping neighborhoods safe, making constituents understand we can get through this together; we need to tighten our belts and try not to take away needed services but also Page 1 of 4 not to make it harder for constituents to pay for the services. Commissioner Bushnell questioned the name Eckard on the background check and Ms. Gomez said it was her married name; she reverted to her maiden name, Gomez. Commissioner Bushnell questioned any changes undergoing Ms. Gomez's law firm, in which she has worked for 10 years. Ms. Gomez explained the Senior Partner passed away and she is the sole proprietor of the firm. There have been discussions with another attorney to come into the firm and she has staff and associates to handle things on a case by case basis. Those whose names appear as partners of the firm are either deceased or retired, but Ms. Gomez has no plans on changing the name of the firm. Commissioner Bushnell questioned Ms. Gomez's commitment, if chosen. Ms. Gomez said her commitment will be full time; she would not have put her hat in the ring if she could not fully commit; but she would not be putting her clients in jeopardy. She has good time management skills and a good office support system; she has no family restraints. Commissioner Glasser asked how Ms. Gomez would relate to the varied businesses and residential areas in District 2 and Ms. Gomez said she would find out who the contact person at the various faith based organizations are and attend some services or meet with the heads of the organizations; she would meet with the different HOA's and HOA presidents and get out to the public. Commissioner Glasser confirmed Ms. Gomez would be available to attend the regular as well as special meetings scheduled for the Mayor and City Commission. Vice Mayor Dressler asked if Ms. Gomez had attended Tamarac University, and she said she had. Vice Mayor Dressler asked Ms. Gomez if she thought the analytical skills acquired as part of her JD education would be a value in this job and Ms. Gomez said she would be able to look at things in a logical manner and pull things apart and ask questions. She would be able to think logically and rationally and remove emotions from the process. Vice Mayor Dressler asked if these skills would provide Ms. Gomez with a faster learning curve and Ms. Gomez said she tends to learn quickly. Vice Mayor Dressler questioned Ms. Gomez's previous jobs with the NFL_ and in dispute resolution and mediation. Ms. Gomez said her previous work would definitely help her in making the best decisions on behalf of the constituents. Vice Mayor Dressler asked what motivated Ms. Gomez to get involved with the Dan Marino Foundation, and Ms. Gomez spoke of her affinity for fund raising. Vice Mayor Dressler said he noticed nothing political in Ms. Gomez's application and resume' which he feels is a plus as this is a non -partisan position. Ms. Gomez said the Commission is here to represent somebody else's voice, not our own voices. Commissioner Bushnell said she liked Ms. Gomez's affiliations in the sporting world. Commissioner Bushnell asked what Ms. Gomez expects to get out of this experience and her aspirations above and beyond being a Commissioner. Ms. Gomez said she expects to be able to give the community her knowledge and justly represent them. The future is not certain; perhaps one day she will be a judge or perhaps remain on the commission. City Attorney Goren reviewed the possibilities of the time frame for serving in this position. Mayor Talabisco asked how Ms. Gomez's background in her law firm and with foreclosures will help her as a Commissioner and potentially help people in District 2, as well as the Mayor and City Commission. Ms. Gomez said when dealing with foreclosures we are dealing with a very difficult situation; homeowners are having difficulties making payments and the banks want the monies they have lent out. Ms. Gomez's office talks to homeowners and finds out what can be changed to keep them in their homes or make the transition less painful. This will help with budgetary issues Page 2of4 here, working with limited funds to determine what cuts can be made or how the money can be spread out. Mayor Talabisco asked Ms. Gomez with regard to her background and experiences, which she finds most enjoyable and which would help Ms. Gomez if chosen as a Commissioner. Ms. Gomez said all her experiences co -mingle. Mayor Talabisco spoke of the position and the hours many commissioners spend on the job, plus the fact that many elected officials in other cities work. City Attorney Goren laid out the rules and process. Mayor Talabisco asked Mr. Stamm what he sees as a positive impact to the City of Tamarac from the Strategic Plan and the budget. Mr. Stamm spoke of inclusive community, diversity and the economy. Mr. Stamm said working in Pembroke Pines, he looks at new ways to bring business into the City and sees opportunities for growth. Tamarac is a City in change; and a place where there is still affordable housing. The budget is a dynamic document and some things, such as raises and layoffs are hard to deal with. Mr. Stamm discussed failing property values and the contract with BSO and said Tamarac needs to examine the contract thoroughly, as other cities are doing. Mr. Stamm spoke of a bonus system instituted at FAU, rather than raises. Commissioner Bushnell expressed concern regarding time management and -how Mr. Stamm would find time for this job, and asked what Mr. Stamm would bring to the table. Mr. Stamm said he is a great multi-tasker and finds time for everything. He currently works three jobs but if he is chosen, that will change. His responsibility would be to the constituents and the City and he will make every effort to be available. Commissioner Bushnell asked Mr. Stamm about family responsibilities and he spoke of his closeness with his son and said his son and his wife are most important to him. Commissioner Bushnell asked Mr. Stamm how he has served the community and Mr. Stamm discussed the situation with Colony West land use/zoning change and his involvement with the HOA. He also volunteered for Students with Disabilities and this is another opportunity for him to serve the community. Commissioner Glasser expressed concern that Mr. Stamm was not as involved with the HOA as he indicated. Mr. Stamm responded there were differences of opinion and he did attend several meetings. Commissioner Glasser said District 2 is a diverse district and asked how he would be able to interact with the businesses and residents when he has so much on his plate to begin with. Mr. Stamm said perhaps the Mayor and City Commission may need to start to think about how somebody working full time could be active in government; he believes it can be done. Mr. Stamm said he would hold office hours every Friday and if needed would go door to door on weekends. A lot of constituents in District 2 work and may not be able to interact during the day. Vice Mayor Dressler congratulated Mr. Stamm for his ROTC Commitment. Vice Mayor Dressler asked Mr. Stamm about other experiences besides planning focused work and education. Mr. Stamm said his undergraduate work was in public management; originally he wanted to be a Cop. He works in a restaurant, and has for 15 years and during his time there he has done every job necessary, including teaching. He also worked with the Chamber of Commerce and he is dedicated whatever he does; he has a variety of skill sets. Mayor Talabisco asked Mr. Stamm what his favorite `hat' is and Mr. Stamm said being a Dad. His long term passion is teaching. Mayor Talabisco called for a recess at 4:50 p.m. and resumed the special meeting at 5:02 p.m. with all present as before. Page 3of4 Commissioner Glasser seconded by Commissioner Bushnell moved the appointment of Michelle J. Gomez as the Commissioner for District 2. On roll call Commissioner Bushnell voted "yes", Vice Mayor Dressler "yes", Commissioner Glasser "yes", and Mayor Talabisco "yes". Motion carried. City Manager Miller administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Gomez. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission. Mayor Talabisco adjourned the Special Meeting of the City Commission at 5:15 p.m. Marion Swepson, CMC City Clerk CJ Beth Talabisco, Mayor 1 1 Page 4 of 4