HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-25 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY JANUARY 25, 2010
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Talabisco called the workshop meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in
Room 105, Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL.
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, Deputy City
Manager Michael C. Cernech and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance.
1. Discussion/Presentation re MPO. Vice Mayor Harry Dressler, Greg Stuart, Executive
Director MPO, James Cromar, Principal Planner MPO, and Community Development Director
Bramley appeared. Mr. Stuart gave a presentation on the 2035 long range transportation
plan. Mayor Talabisco said our bus system is sorely lacking. Commissioner Bushnell
questioned funding for the State Road 7 Collaborative and Mr. Stuart explained funding for
the State Road 7 collaborative was through the MPO. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she
would like to see the transportation plan in place prior to 2035. Commissioner Glasser
expressed concern for people getting from residential areas to the transportation stops. Mr.
Cromar spoke of various methods people use to get to transportation sites and also spoke of
the Tamarac transportation system tying into the main system. Vice -Mayor Dressler
addressed a cultural change in the MPO as well as regionalization. Vice -Mayor Dressler
asked Mr. Stuart to return in one year and brief the Mayor and City Commission on the status
of the plan.
2. Legislative Update. Ronald L. Book and Kelly Mallette, Legislative Aide, appeared. Mr.
Book gave a legislative update and spoke of the continued downturn to the Florida budget and
economy, stimulus money, roll backs on fees increased last spring, unemployment, and the
need to be more creative in finding funding sources. Mr. Book expressed his concerns about
K-12 education and the continuing needs of social services. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said
she is the Vice -Chair of the Mental Health Association in Broward County in public policy, and
they are having many issues with their budget. Vice -Mayor Dressler spoke of efforts to provide
community based services and said in order. .to focus. on the neediest in the community we
must have our voices heard. Mr. Book agreed; -0- said people need to rise up to make an
economic investment in our communities.' Mayor Talabisco questioned any Bills in
Tallahassee regarding texting while drivfng:'-Mrl-]E�ook=said--.he is tracking such legislation but
the Mayor and City Commission need to -pint it an-1heir I-iSlative agenda as a top priority as
well as write letters to the legislators. 1ft_or Tala sco, spice of the Bill regarding vacancy in
candidacy and asked Mr. Book to try to move.that Bi.114orward and track it for the Mayor and
City Commission. Commissioner Atkins -Grad -Op of a website that blocks texting.
Mayor Talabisco called for a recess at 10:45 a.m. and reconvened the workshop meeting at
10:55 a.m. with all present as before.
Page 1 of 2 Commission Workshop January 25, 2010
3. CIP Update/Waters Edge Park. Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty,
Director of Parks and Recreation Warner, and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared.
Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave a presentation on the history of Waters Edge
Park, the amenities and cost, including grant funding. Deputy City Manager Cernech spoke of
the $66,400 that would be saved by eliminating the fishing pier. Director of Parks and
Recreation Warner added we are investigating the incorporation of public art into the park via
the playground, benches or picnic areas. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner explained
the FRDAP grant stipulated the park had to be developed by April 2011, and the Parks and
People Grant stipulated completion by November 2010 or the monies would be forfeited. Staff
recommended moving the Skate Board Park to the Sports Complex by converting the
underused Hockey Rink, which would save $560,000 dollars; that money could be used toward
the Waters Edge Park. There was discussion regarding ranking and negotiating with the
contractors. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz explained F.S. 287.055 (CCNA) and the
design build process as well as the criteria used to select a contractor with whom to negotiate.
There was discussion regarding the concept for the park both pre and post Hurricane Wilma.
City Attorney Goren spoke of transparency and the Mayor and City Commission's role relative
to what is being presented today. City Manager Miller explained staff needs the Mayor and
City Commission's direction for the project budget and what the Mayor and City Commission
want included in the project. The contract will then be brought back to the Mayor and City
Commission at the next workshop meeting. Commissioner Glasser confirmed the project
would be completed prior to the time limit for spending before the grant money runs out. All
agreed to look to the Public Art Committee to incorporate art elements into the park project.
There was an expression of interest on the part of the Mayor and City Commission to add the
money to the project that would be saved by moving the Skate Board Park, incorporating the
fishing pier, as well as looking to the Public Art Committee for functional public art paid for out
of the Public Art Funds. All were in agreement.
City Manager Miller said the City of Tamarac was not recognized at the Area on Aging dinner
last week; however, we have paid our fair share.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 12:15 p.m.
Marion Swenson, CIVIC
City Clerk
Page 2 of 2 Commission Workshop January 25, 2010
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