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.
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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
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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
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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