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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-12 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2011 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Talabisco called the regular meeting of the City Commission to order at 7:04 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 in City Commission Chambers, Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321. PRESENT: Mayor Beth Talabisco, Vice Mayor Pamela Bushnell, Commissioner Michelle J. Gomez, Commissioner Diane Glasser and Commissioner Harry Dressler. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Samuel Goren and City Clerk Peter M.J. Richardson. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Bushnell led the pledge of allegiance. 1. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS: a. Presentation of a proclamation by Mayor Beth Talabisco proclaiming January 21, 2011 as "Arbor Day". (Requested by Public Works Director Jack Strain) b. Presentation of a proclamation by Mayor Beth Talabisco proclaiming January 2011 as "Broward County Diversity Communication Month". (Requested by Mayor Beth Talabisco) c. Presentation to the Mayor and Commission of a plaque from the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies for the Parks and Recreation Department Re -Accreditation. (Requested by Parks and Recreation Director Greg Warner) 2. CITY COMMISSIONER REPORTS a. Vice Mayor Bushnell Welcomed back Mayor Talabisco and noted that it had been an honor to serve as Acting Mayor during Mayor Talabisco's recent absence from City Commission meetings in December and she was very happy to have the Mayor back. Noted that she had been busy coordinating with the Interfaith Leadership Council to organize their community event scheduled for March 26th and the Relay for Life event scheduled for April 2" d and 3`d. Stated that it had been a great honor to have attended the Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest held on January 5th at the Tamarac Recreation Center. Extended grateful appreciation and congratulations to all students who had participated in the essay competition. Expressed best wishes for a Healthy New Year to all. Page 1 of 7 City Commission Regular Meeting January 12, 2011 b. Commissioner Gomez Expressed best wishes for a Happy New Year to everyone and said she was looking forward to the new year. Noted that "Playful City USA" designation signs had been installed at various locations throughout the City of Tamarac, to recognize the City's receipt of a "Playful City USA" Award in 2010. Stated that she looked forward to continuing to work with homeowners and City residents throughout the next year. c. Commissioner Glasser: Stated that she had spoken to the City Manager and a School Board member about recent classroom wellness concerns at Tamarac Elementary School. Commissioner Glasser said she was pleased to report that the problems had been fully resolved and students had returned to their original classrooms. Noted that she had spoken to the City Manager recently about concerns relative to the integrity of the levee and dike system located on the City's western boundary with the Everglades Conservation Area. Commissioner Glasser said that the Mayor, City Commission and City staff had received assurances from South Florida Water Management District officials that they were working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other parties to maintain and enhance the levee system. Commended Lee Chaykin, CEO of University Hospital and Medical Center, for his dedicated and successful efforts to refurbish the hospital facility and its services. Mayor Talabisco stated that University Hospital was indeed a very good local hospital and Mr. Chaykin was responsible for greatly enhancing the facility's reputation. Noting that Commissioner Glasser served on the Board of University Hospital and Medical Center, Mayor Talabisco suggested that Commissioner Glasser invite Mr. Chaykin for recognition at a future City Commission meeting. d. Commissioner Dressler Stated that he also had the pleasure of attending the recent MLK essay competition. He said it was very nice to see the students getting up and saying positive things. Noted that he continued to be actively engaged with the activities of the Broward League of Cities By -Laws Committee and the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization. e. Mayor Talabisco Noted that it had been a particularly sad and challenging week for our nation due to the recent fatal shooting incident in Tucson, Arizona which resulted in six 1 1 Page 2 of 7 City Commission Regular Meeting January 12, 2011 fatalities and many other serious injuries, including a fatally wounded federal judge and a critically wounded member of the United States Congress. Mayor Talabisco said that applicable elected and appointed officials throughout the United States, including those representing the City of Tamarac, were taking appropriate steps to ensure the continued safety of the general public. Stated that she was very pleased to be back in her capacity as Mayor of the City of Tamarac following a difficult time due to medically -related matters. Mayor Talabisco said that there were many great doctors serving the residents of Broward County. She expressed grateful support to her City Commission colleagues and City staff for their phone calls, expressions of support, and well wishes during her recent absence from City Hall. Noted that the City of Tamarac was in good fiscal condition due to the diligent efforts of Mr. Miller, her City Commission colleagues and City staff. 3. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT: City Attorney Goren requested, and received, City Commission concurrence to schedule a "shade session" during the month of February 2011 relative to the matters of City of Tamarac v. Ace Waste Services, LLC and City of Tamarac v. Prestige Homes of Tamarac, Inc., et al. At Mayor Talabisco's request, Mr. Goren provided an overview of the nature of a shade session within the context of the Florida Sunshine Law. Mr. Goren also presented a brief update on the forthcoming inaugural meeting of the committee to select an Inspector General for Broward County, Florida. Mr. Goren noted that he agreed to serve as the Broward League of Cities representative on this selection panel, at the request of Broward League of Cities Board President and Coral Springs Mayor Roy Gold. Mayor Talabisco noted that Mayor Gold had the tremendous support of many people throughout Broward County and south Florida as he recovered from a recent major medical procedure. Mr. Goren said it was an honor and privilege to serve on the selection committee. Mr. Goren extended his best wishes to Mayor Gold for a complete and timely recovery. Commissioner Dressler respectfully requested that all persons inclined to do so offer a prayer for the recovery of Mayor Gold. 4. CITY MANAGER REPORT: City Manager Miller noted that the City Clerk's Office was currently soliciting applications for interested persons to serve on advisory boards and committees. He stated that staff anticipated that appointments would take place at one of the City Commission meetings in February 2011. Mr. Miller said he was pleased to report that to date approximately 650 people had used QR codes to access various items relative to City of Tamarac events and information, greatly exceeding staffs original expectations. Mr. Miller said that the new telephonic computer system to handle telephone inquiries for building, parks and utility billing services was in full operation. Page 3 of 7 City Commission Regular Meeting January 12, 2011 He also stated that the computer virtualization had recently been completed seamlessly by the City's Information Technology Department. Mr. Miller also noted that the Parks and Recreation Department had recently coordinated a number of well -received events including Rudolph's Winter Wonderland, attended by over 400 children and their families, and the Martin Luther King Essay competition. Mr. Miller stated that the City of Tamarac would be coordinating with the South Florida Water Management District to educate the public about the vital importance of water conservation during an anticipated drier than normal dry season in south Florida. Mayor Talabisco requested that Public Information staff send out a blast e-mail to persons on the City's e-mail list to educate them about the need to conserve water whenever practicable. Commissioner Dressler suggested that the e-mail include information about the generally less attractive appearance of area canals during the dry season. 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Susan Grimes, Vanguard Village, Section 15, noted that her community was establishing a code compliance committee. Thanked Senior Code Enforcement Officer Joan Bispott for attending a recent meeting of this committee. Commissioner Gomez invited Ms. Grimes to call her with any homeowners association related matters. Ivonne Morales, American Cancer Society, expressed appreciation to Mayor Talabisco for her willingness to serve as Honorary Chairperson of the Tamarac Relay for Life event on April 2 and 3, 2011 at University Hospital and Medical Center. Commissioner Dressler thanked Ms. Morales and all involved with the upcoming Relay for Life events. Sheldon Kulik, 8905 NW 70t" Street, inquired about the possibility of revisiting the broadcasting of City of Tamarac City Commission meetings in the future. 6. CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Dressler moved, seconded by Commissioner Gomez, to approve all of the items on the consent agenda. On roll call Vice Mayor Bushnell "yes", Commissioner Gomez "yes", Commissioner Dressler "yes", Commissioner Glasser "yes" and Mayor Talabisco "yes". The motion was approved unanimously (5-0). a. APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 8, 2010 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES APPROVED b. APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 22, 2010 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES APPROVED c. TR11969 — RELAY FOR LIFE 2011 IN -KIND SUPPORT. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida approving a request on behalf of the American Cancer Society for in -kind support for the Tamarac Relay for Life event benefitting the American Cancer Society to be held at University Page 4 of 7 City Commission Regular Meeting January 12, 2011 Hospital and Medical Center on April 2-3, 2011; providing for permits, proper insurance and execution of hold harmless agreement; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. RESOLUTION R-2011-01 d. TR11967 — GUARDRAIL IMPROVEMENTS. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the appropriate City officials to approve the purchase and installation of guardrail 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; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. RESOLUTION R-2011-02 e. TR11933 —REPLACEMENT OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the purchase of replacement vehicles and equipment utilizing the Florida Sheriff's Association Bid 10-18-0907; declaring certain equipment as surplus and directing that equipment be disposed via trade-in with the vendor or via sale through established internet markets to be selected; placing all proceeds into the appropriate funds from which the assets were originally purchased; authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $293,213.90; approving funding from the appropriate account; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. RESOLUTION R-2011-03 f. TR11977 — EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT — MICHAEL C. CERNECH. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving and authorizing the execution of the employment agreement between the City of Tamarac and Michael C. Cernech, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein; authorizing and directing the appropriate City officials to take any and all action necessary to effectuate the intent of this resolution; providing for conflict; providing for severability; and providing an effective date. RESOLUTION R-2011-04 Mayor Talabisco noted that Mr. Miller had been with the City of Tamarac for sixteen years, including serving as City Manager since September, 1999. Mayor Talabisco stated that the City Commission held a workshop in the late fall of 2010 to discuss succession planning for the position of City Manager. She expressed appreciation to her fellow City Commissioners for having confidence placed in her to meet with Mr. Goren and Deputy City Manager Michael Cernech to formulate and negotiate a contract between the City of Tamarac and Mr. Cernech. Mayor Talabisco said that the proposed contract was sustainable and would provide transparency and stability to the City of Tamarac. Mr. Miller noted that about two years ago he announced his anticipated plans to retire from service as Tamarac City Manager on January Page 5 of 7 City Commission Regular Meeting January 12, 2011 28, 2011. Mr. Miller stated that the City of Tamarac prided itself on its succession planning process. Mr. Goren briefly reviewed the succession planning process between the Mayor and City Commission, Mr. Cernech and himself to culminate in Mr. Cernech's future appointment as City Manager of Tamarac. Mr. Goren stated that Mr. Cernech was a skilled negotiator, a tempered thinker, a measurable doer and mature professional. Mr. Goren said that the process followed in preparing the process agreement was well established, comprehensive and very rationale. Vice Mayor Bushnell said she liked it when a plan gets put in place. She stated that the proposed contract with Mr. Cernech seemed very right for the City of Tamarac and was the right man for the job. Vice Mayor Bushnell said that she looked forward to working with Mr. Cernech and would miss working with Mr. Miller. Commissioner Dressler said in his thirty-five plus years as a senior corporate executive and a board member, he generally looked for things in replacing a corporate executive: (1) a very smooth transition, (2) someone with a very positive working relationship with the board of directors, (3) a good relationship with an executive team, and (4) a CEO having a vision consistent with the organization's strategic plan. Commissioner Dressler stated that the contract itself was fair and took the politics out of the agreement. Commissioner Dressler stated that Mr. Miller was the best City Manager he had ever worked with in his professional career. He noted that Mr. Miller had served two years as President of the Broward City Managers Association. Commissioner Glasser expressed appreciation to Mayor Talabisco, City Attorney Sam Goren and Mr. Cernech for putting together a very good contract. Commissioner Glasser also thanked Mr. Miller for all of his service to the City of Tamarac. Commissioner Glasser said that she looked forward to working with Mr. Cernech in his new capacity as City Manager. Commissioner Gomez said that the proposed contract was a very solid one, with smart planning and business practices on behalf of the City of Tamarac. Commissioner Gomez stated that she had asked a lot of questions to both Mr. Miller and Mr. Cernech about City operations at all times of the day and night and had always received timely and complete responses to her queries. Mayor Talabisco thanked Mr. Cernech for taking a step back during the negotiation process to reconsider some points when necessary to do so. Mayor Talabisco expressed appreciation to Mr. Goren for his patience throughout the process. Mayor Talabisco said a couple of important words relative to the contract were security, stability and transparency for the City of Tamarac and for Mr. Cernech. She stated that the proposed contract spelled out everyone's duties and responsibilities with checks and balances. Mayor Talabisco called the question. The motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion was approved unanimously (5-0). Page 6 of 7 City Commission Regular Meeting January 12, 2011 Deputy City Manager Mike Cernech expressed his thanks to City Manager Jeff Miller for hiring him nine years ago. He also expressed his thanks to Levent, Maria, Ray and Diane for having selected him as Deputy City Manager back in 2001. Mr. Cernech thanked Mr. Goren for his counsel and all he had done for the City of Tamarac. He also thanked the City Department Heads and City staff for making the City of Tamarac successful on a daily basis. In closing, Mr. Cernech expressed his appreciation and thanks for the privilege of being appointed City Manager to Mayor Talabisco and the members of the City Commission. Mayor Talabisco noted that Mr. Cernech and his wife Rosemary had a three and a half year old son and were expecting another child in April. She expressed best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year to all. 7. REGULAR AGENDA: There were no Regular Agenda items scheduled for this City Commission meeting. 8. ORDINANCE(S) —None scheduled for this City Commission meeting. 9. PUBLIC HEARING(S): There were no Public Hearing(s) items scheduled for this City Commission meeting 10. ORDINANCE(S) — SECOND READINGS: There were no Ordinance(s) — Second Reading items scheduled for this City Commission meeting. 11. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S): There were no Quasi -Judicial Hearing(s) items scheduled for this City Commission meeting. 12. OTHER: Mr. Miller said he would be remiss if he did not thank all City staff for all they had done on behalf of the City of Tamarac for the past eleven and a half years. City Attorney Sam Goren served as the officiate for the renewal of wedding vows between Mayor Beth Talabisco and her husband Jack upon the occasion of their twentieth wedding anniversary. There being no other business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor Talabisco adjourned the regular meeting of the City Commission at 8:38 p.m. Beth Talabisco, Mayor Peter Richar on, CRM, CMC City Clerk Page 7 of 7 City Commission Regular Meeting January 12, 2011