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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-09 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2012 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Bushnell called the workshop meeting to order at 9:32 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2012 in Room 105, Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL. ROLL CALL: Mayor Pamela Bushnell, Commissioner Marion Swenson, Commissioner Michelle J. Gomez, Vice Mayor Diane Glasser and Commissioner Harry Dressler were in attendance. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Michael Cernech, Assistant City Manager Diane Phillips, City Attorney Sam Goren and City Clerk Peter M. J. Richardson. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Bushnell led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Ron Book and Kelly Mallette. Mr. Book and Ms. Mallette joined the proceedings via telephonic webcast and expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to provide an update on forthcoming session of the Florida Legislature. Mr. Book noted that the three major items to be considered by the legislature this session were: legislative redistricting, the State of Florida's budget and related matters, and the "destination casino" proposal. Mr. Book noted that it was very unlikely that the casino matter would be taken up by the House during the current legislative session. Mr. Book said it remained to be seen whether or not the matter of internet sales taxes would be discussed in the current session. Mr. Book and Ms. Mallette said other major issues garnering some degree of attention included pension reform, occupational license taxes and "pill mill' legislation. Commissioner Dressler inquired whether there would be any proposed discussion of property insurance matters. Mr. Book said although there might be some minor changes relative to fraud and bad faith matters, there would be no broad reforms relative to property insurance concerns. Mr. Book reported that efforts were underway to develop a broader partnership between water management districts and FEMA relative to stormwater mitigation. Commissioner Dressler inquired about the potential availability of funding for local transportation needs through MPOs and FDOT. Mr. Book said it was a little too early to know specifics, but there was a general desire to spend more money on transportation matters this year. Commissioner Dressler inquired whether there would be any funding for wastewater projects. Mr. Book said the primary availability of funds would be for stormwater-related projects. Mayor Bushnell inquired about proposed legislation relative to occupational license taxes. Ms. Mallette stated that there were some efforts to repeal occupational license taxes. Ms. Mallette noted that strong efforts would be made to ensure that such legislation would not be adopted during this session, in support of the Florida League's position on this matter. Ms. Phillips asked whether Page 1 of 3 City Commission Workshop January 9, 2012 there was any update relative to the status of telecommunications taxes. Ms. Mallette said there had been efforts in recent legislation sessions to dramatically reduce local government's share of telecommunications taxes. Mr. Book said no such bills had been introduced during for the upcoming legislative session. Mayor Bushnell said she was hopeful that the legislature would pass applicable legislation so that local governments could enjoy some proceeds from on-line sales taxes. Mr. Book said it was quite likely that the legislature would be considering this matter, along with sales taxes from on-line travel. Mr. Book stated that Ms. Mallette and he would be pleased to provide updates to the Mayor and City Commissioners via telephonic webcasts throughout the upcoming legislative session. 2. Item No. 6 (g) on the Consent Agenda. SUPPORTING SB740 AND HB 4031 (TR 12146) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, urging all members of the Florida Legislature to support Senate Bill (SB) No. 740 and to Support House Bill (HB) No. 4031; directing the City Clerk to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Broward League of Cities, tje Legislative Delegation, and any other interested parties; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. — Assistant City Manager Diane Phillips Ms. Phillips briefly reviewed the proposed HB 4031 relative to the timing of cost responded to questions from the Mayor Dressler encouraged his City Commission to contact their legislative representatives and senate bills. resolution requesting support of SB740 and recovery for nuclear power facilities and and City Commissioners. Commissioner colleagues and any other interested parties to express support for the proposed house 3. Item No. 6 (h) on the Consent Agenda. CITY COMMISSION SUPPORT FOR FLC 2012 PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AGENDA (TR12147): A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac expressing support for the Florida League of Cities 2012 Legislative Agenda, directing the City Clerk to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Broward League of Cities, the Florida League of Cities, the Broward County Legislative Delegation and any other interested parties; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. - Assistant City Manager Diane Phillips Ms. Phillips briefly reviewed the legislative agenda being proposed by the Florida League of Cities. She noted that the City expressed qualified support relative to pension reform, since there were many different types of pension plans throughout municipalities in the State of Florida. Mr. Cernech and Ms. Phillips responded to questions from the Mayor and City Commissioners regarding elements of the proposed legislative agenda including home rule, unfunded mandates and other potential threats to local governments. Page 2 of 3 City Commission Workshop January 9, 2012 -- There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Bushnell adjourned the workshop meeting at 10:53 a.m. TA c i 'ESTABLISHED. Q :Y 1963 %0 SEAL r Q r .•i• 1 City Clerk Page 3 of 3 City Commission Workshop January 9, 2012