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
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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.
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-- There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Bushnell
adjourned the workshop meeting at 10:53 a.m.
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